Since I've Been Gone...

Here's some of the outfits I wore while I was in Georgia visiting with Mama.

This is a black Ralph Lauren vest I wore with jeans and an ivory turtleneck.  The black tote is Ralph Lauren as is the orange tote scarf.  Adding more 'bit' to the outfit, I wore the gold Ralph Lauren bracelet along with my my monogrammed earrings and my Rolex.

I wore this outfit on a prissy day with Mama.  The pocketbook, shoes, and headband are all Ferragamo.  The blouse and cardi are J Crew.  The skirt is very old...I think Talbot's?

This is the reverse side of the Ralph Lauren vest from the first outfit, which I wore with a black turtleneck, camel jeans, and black tote...all by Ralph Lauren.  Comfy monogrammed clogs!  Look for this Ralph Lauren vest to be offered in my "Closet Sale" next Monday!

Another prissy day with Mama...The blouse and cardi are J Crew and I'm not sure where this skirt is from.  The pocketbook and pumps are by Ferragamo.  The earrings are Givenchy, the gold watch is by Rolex, and I wore a monogrammed ring and my Cartier wedding band.

Last Sunday, I wore a red turtleneck and black houndstooth jacket, from Belk's.

I wore a red wool tee, jeans, and a Princess Dianna tartan scarf.  The pocketbook is by Brighton, the ballet flats and 2 silver rings are all Chanel, the wedding band is Cartier, and the bracelet is by Tiffany.

I love this little skirt by Lilly which I wore with a black turtleneck and black Cochni ballet flats.  I carried my black 2.55 Chanel bag and wore silver monogrammed earrings, ring, and necklace, along with my Cartier wedding band and Rolex.  Look for this skirt to be offered in my "Closet Sale" next Monday.

Gucci tote and ballet flats, with a green turtleneck and jeans and a cute monogrammed scarf by Marley Lilly. I wore Tory Burch earrings and my Cartier wedding band.

Double-breasted blazer with the gold monogrammed buttons and a Burberry scarf and tote.

Yesterday I wore red gingham and pearls!  The pearls and cardi are both J Crew.  The ballet flats are by Cochni, the red skinny belt is from Target, the jeans are Ralph Lauren, and the cute little red gingham blouse is from eBay!

I am so blessed to have been able to spend time with my Mama up in Georgia.  Thanks to all y'all who have asked about her.  She is doing fine and we are so grateful to God that we still have her!

I'm spending the day today unpacking and answering e-mails.  I came home with much more loot that I left with and really need to spend the weekend weeding out my closet.  On Monday, I will have a "Closet Sale"...see y'all then!  

Lunch, Dessert, and Shopping in Savannah

On my way out of Savannah after my visit with my friend Joy, we decided to enjoy lunch downtown and of course, a little shopping.  You might not find B. Matthews restaurant when you google the top 10 spots for dining in Savannah, but it's a favorite among the locals. 

 

"HERE'S WHAT I WORE"  Trying to remain somewhat comfortable after consuming tons of Southern comfort food while in Savannah, I wore my "fat jeans" with a yellow Ralph Lauren oxford button down and an aqua Ralph Lauren crewneck, and aqua Lilly ballet flats.

Lord have mercy, I had shrimp and grits along with a Caesar salad.  If you are ever in Savannah...go to B. Matthews and order the shrimp and grits!

B. Matthews bistro, located at 325 East Bay Street, in the historic district of Savannah, serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.  I must confess that I really wanted to try their Black-Eyed Pea Cake Sandwich...next time!


We decided to visit a spot for dessert that IS on the top 10 list of Savannah eateries--Back in the Day Bakery.  While cupcakes are their big draw, Back in the Day also serves a wide variety of sandwiches.

Back in the Day Bakery is a favorite of Paula Deen and after seeing several tweets about the the place from Paula's assistant Brandon Branch, I just knew I had to try it!  Of course, they have a cookbook available!

Back in the Day, located at 2403 Bull Street, serves breakfast and lunch.  It's decorated like an old-fashioned bakery from the 50's with a retail section full of vintage goodies.  The waitresses wear cute vintage aprons and the bakery is decorated in pastel tones.

 

Pretty antique chandeliers illuminate the bakery.

My cupcake was purse bliss...the cupcake was very moist and the icing was...just perfect!

We also stopped in to shop at Seaside Sisters.  I've shopped at this cute shop on Tybee Island before and love it.  I found some cute coastal serveware pieces.

Right around the corner from Back in the Day Bakery at 2819 Bull Street is the fabulous vintage furniture shop--Two Women and a Warehouse.  This shop is full of painted furniture and lively and colorful home furnishings.  I want to go back!!!! 

So now I'm visiting with my Mama.  I feel so blessed that I'm able to spend time with Mama.  Yesterday, we were having lunch at The Cracker Barrel and three sweet ladies stopped at our table to tell Mama how beautiful she looked.  They were so kind and will never know how special they made my Mama feel.  God bless them!  Their kind act reminded me of how much I miss the sweetness of Southern women and how they respect their elders!

Uncle Bubba's in Savannah

Hey Y'all!  You know Paula Deen's brother Bubba has his own restaurant.  Well, last week on my way to Mama's house, I stopped off in Savannah to visit my BF Miss Joy and we were in the mood for some oysters...Southern Style.  We've dined here before and love Uncle Bubba's!!!

Bubba Deen...

Of course, there's a gift shop full of souveniers to take home.

We order the chargrilled oysters and they were devine!!!

"HERE'S WHAT I WORE"  The poppy ruffled blouse is J Crew and the retro jade slacks and cardi are J Crewlet!  I wore rhinetone earrings and a rhinestone necklace and poppy ballet flats with more bling...all from Target.

Miss Joy and I did not plan to wear matching outfits...I promise!  She wore J Crew as well.

Her bedroom is just too cute!

Joy didn't have to ask me twice if I wanted this fabulous Lilly Jubilee canvas.  I can't wait to find the perfect spot to hang it!  

Of course Joy has the Alice and Olivia colorful bike from the Target and Neiman Marcus Holiday collection for her beach rides!

Shakespeare's Fine English Tearoom

I love to visit tearooms when I'm traveling.  Monday, I started my drive North to visit with my Mama and while driving I-95 through Florida, I found a wonderful tea spot in Palm Coast.  Shakespeare's Fine English Tearoom is owned and operated by an English couple who moved to Florida from Somerset.  They do not have a website, but you can find them at TeaMap.  

It's located inside the European Village at 101 Palm Harbor Parkway in Palm Coast.

Shakespeare's is styled as a "Country Manor House Hotel."

Shakespeare's offers afternoon tea, light lunches, and early dinners.  I decided to try the traditional afternoon tea fare of dainty tea sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats.

I loved the food, the tea, the service, and the ambience and I am giving Shakespeare's Fine English Tearoom my "Five Silver Teaspoons" award.  Thanks to the owners and staff for offering such an authentic English tearoom experience!

"Here's What I Wore"  Pink Cashmere cardi set with black slacks and pink and black ballet flats.  My favorite Chanel brooch with pearls and my Chanel pocketbook.


If you are ever traveling on or near I-95 in Florida, you must visit this tearoom.  For reservations or other information, call:  386.446.6323.

American Idol is Back!

Tonight is the Season 12 premiere of American Idol.  I've watched this show every season since the beginning and can't stop now.  Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest are returning and this year we have Keith Urban, Diva Mariah Carey--with her bodyguards to save her from Nicki Minaj.  Drama. Drama. Drama!

While I do enjoy watching the auditions, I'm not a fan of the television coverage of those who are horrible singers or those who act crazy when rejected by the judges.  I would much rather the talented individuals get the coverage they deserve.  Bring on the talented singers.

Gracie Beth Will Help You Find It!

Shop.  Shop. Shop.  I love to shop and while I do agree that the thrill of the hunt is the best part of shopping, sometimes I just don't know where to look!

Well now there's someone on Facebook who will hunt down those hard-to-find items and bargains for you.  Gracie Beth writes the blog Preppy Southern Princess and is an Engineer by day and a shopaholic by night. Gracie Beth has started her own page "Let Gracie Beth help you find it!"

The other day on Twitter I was reading Gracie Beth's tweets and she mentioned she could find any clothing item.  Well I immediately tweeted her the description of a Lilly Pulitzer skirt I have been searching for...and boom!  She found it.  I was entering the wrong words on my searches...thought the pattern was 'Midnight toile,' instead it is 'Late night toile.'  I got my cute Lilly "Late Night Toile" skirt 3 days later.  

Up next on the "hunt" are these adorable Burberry pants worn by the beautiful Anne Lake.  I love her whole outfit, but the pants are definitely on my list. {I need a size 8 or 10}

{oops...property of Anne Lake}

I desperately need these 'Vara' Ferragamos in ivory--size 7 1/2 medium...been searching for this color forever!

I must have this Ferragamo pocketbook in ivory.  I simply must!

So if you are looking an item and have exhausted all your normal sites, stop by FB and "like" Gracie Beth's page.  Good luck on your search!