black

black by midnightmacaroons featuring leather handbags

Black hat

Black hat by midnightmacaroons featuring metal jewelry

Summer afternoon

Summer afternoon by midnightmacaroons featuring slim fit shirts

City

City by midnightmacaroons featuring black tuxedo pants

Key Lime Pie

I love to go to Whole Foods or specialty grocery stores and browse through the aisles. You'd be amazed at all the wonderful goodies and treats I've come across over the years. I've also come across some very unique items like chocolate covered bacon. I'm never shocked at what is out there. I've seen things that look mouth watering fantastic and those that make you want to run for the door. However, I'm always eager to find new foods or ingredients to try.

I suppose you'd describe me as a foodie. I'm always buying recipe books and magazines. I've always got my ear to the ground for the latest best restaurant/chef. When my husband and I are dining at a restaurant I try to observe the dish to take notes. I look more like I'm dissecting my course rather then eating it. Preparing dishes is just something I love to do. I truly enjoy entertaining and preparing meals for my loved ones. I find a sense of joy and satisfaction as I see them savor the dishes I create.

This past week I went to our local supermarket. It's one of those trendy new grocery stores that is used as a test market for our area. Thankfully it's just down the street from the house. As I was browsing through the aisles I came across Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime Juice. Instantly I began reminincing of Key West. If you've never been to the Florida Keys I highly recommend booking a trip. It's so lovely, beautiful, and a lot of fun. Well, with the gloomy winter rain outside I just had to pick up this fun bottle of lime juice that made me yearn for summer days.

On the back of the bottle they have their infamous Key West Key Lime Pie recipe. I made it this weekend and it's delicious. My husband loved it and it was so easy to make. I believe this is one of the best Key Lime juices I've ever tasted. I went back to the store and purchased 3 more bottles.

Nellie & Joe's Recipes from the Keys

Key Lime Pie 3 egg yolks (whites not required) 8 ounces of softened cream cheese 4-5 ounces Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime Juice (more for tangier pie) 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk 9" graham cracker pie crust Pour condensed milk into blender. Add cream cheese gradually, in small portions and mix until smooth. Add egg yolks and blend well. Pour in Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime Juice and continue blending until mixture is smooth. Pour the mixture into the graham cracker pie crust and bake at 350° for 10 minutes. After baking, let stand for 10 minutes before refrigerating. For a zestier taste, always prepare the pie a day before you need it. Top with freshly whipped cream and garnish with fresh lime zest.

Downton Abbey

I have a new favorite show that I'm absolutely crazy about. It's called Downton Abbey. A neighbor had told me about it and I've been hooked ever since. I downloaded the first season and watched the entire season while I was on bed rest. I couldn't turn it off. It was as if I was reading a good mystery novel and just had to find out who and what and why?

Downton Abbey is a British program that surprised everyone on how popular it has become. You can find it on PBS on Sunday evenings.

The story takes place in a fictional English country estate called, Downton Abbey. The plot follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants during the reign of King George V. During the first season there are a lot of historical events like the sinking of the Titanic and WWI. It's very exciting and if you love history, like myself, you'll love it. There's also a lot of twists and turns with romance, affairs, family feuds, etc.. The scenery, antiques, and costumes are gorgeous too. Again, this is my favorite show at the moment. I love Downton Abbey and hope they continue to film for many years to come.

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!!

I'm in a New Orleans State Of Mind....

With Mardi Gras season in progress my mind keeps floating down to the Mississippi to the infamous Crescent City. I just love New Orleans and I miss it so much. I believe you have two kind of people in this world, those who love Nawlins and those who don't. I'm a lover and fell head over heels for the unique charm it offers. I'm just saddened that the city doesn't have more funding to keep this vastly historical jewel clean. Many only see it as Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street. However, the city is dripping of historical homes filled with gorgeous antiques and lush decor. How I'd love to have a weekend getaway smack in the Garden District or French Quarter.

Coming Home

I'm literally counting down the days until this book is released. It comes out on March 6th. I'm obsessed with Southern architecture and have piles of books on plantations, hotels, and homes. I can curl up on the sofa and flip through the same book a million times. I never get bored looking over houses. They don't even have to be old homes but just Southern style homes. If I could grow up to become anything I wanted I'd be a wealthy Southern Belle with a big Southern mansion.

Here's another fantastic book by Ken Tate. Ken Tate is a very talented architect here in Mississippi. He has done a lot of work in Louisiana as well. He is truly a genius and I would do anything to meet him. I told my hubby one day I'd love to have Mr. Tate build us a dream home. His work is magnificent.

Just the way I'm rolling these days

Last Friday morning I took a nasty spill while climbing out of bed. Yes, I fell out of bed (turning red in the face). I'm almost too embarrassed to say anything. We have a large King size bed and I have a stepping stool with two steps that helps me in and out of bed. Unfortunately as I stepped on the stool and began to swing my leg around it got caught up in the blanket and I lost my balance. I fell face first  and hit my head on a side table and ended up spraining my foot/leg. Thankfully nothing broke and it was all one leg. I've been housebound ever since.

The first few days were awful. I had to keep my leg elevated so I've been trapped in my husband's recliner. If I never have to sit in this leather recliner again I'll be happy. I'm also a multi-tasker so just sitting around thinking of all the things that need to be done is killing me. I've managed to read a few books and magazines but I'm itching to get back to my daily routine. Have you ever watched television during an afternoon? Blah! Nothing is ever on.

I've been lifting my hand weights from my chair and also started doing yoga with my good side. I've even lifted my bed leg and I'm trying to do strengthening exercises for my foot. Today, after nearly a week, I was able to stand without applying a lot of pressure on that side. It's a huge accomplishment.

My husband and I are the youngest by far who live in this neighborhood. All of my neighbors are elderly so when they found out that I had fallen they all began calling trying to push their walkers on me. At first, I declined. However, as they began popping over with casseroles (remember, we do live in the South and dropping off a casserole is like a religion down here) one of my neighbors brought over a walker. I absolutely refused to use it because I was using my little chair on wheels to get around. However, finally I broke down and you know what......I LOVE THIS THING!!! I can really move around the house without help and I can carry all my goodies in that basket. I guess I live in the perfect neighborhood after all. :)

Southern Dreaming

I love Southern architecture