Oh,  how I love the warm weather! I'm already inviting friends over to my back patio to enjoy cocktails poolside. And of course, they aren't traditional mixes. I'm using inspiration from my recent Caribbean travels. These concoctions refresh and relax in just one sip. Here are two fantastic recipes that I'm serving right now that are super easy for anyone to whip up on a moment's notice:

THYME LEMONDADE

The juice of 1/2 lemon
1 oz vodka (Grey Goose)
3 oz club soda
Sprig of Thyme
Sugar

Take a highball glass and rub a bit of lemon wedge across the rim, dip into a loosely ground sugar (I like Sugar in the Raw). Toss used lemon wedges into glass and top with ice. Take a bunch of thyme, pull off a branch and rub the leaves together as you pour a bit of vodka over it. Top with soda, stir with the branch of thyme and then use it as a garnish.


MOJITO, REVISITED

1 oz white rum (I use Bacardi)
1/ 2 lime
1/4 orange
mint leaves
4 oz sparkling water

Squeeze the juice from the lime and orange segments and firmly mix with 6-8 mint leaves. Top with ice. Pour in rum and sparkling water. Stir well and let sit for 5-10 minutes for flavors to develop (when glass is completely chilled). This mojito is more refreshing and far less caloric than the traditional, but just as delicious! 

What is you favorite warm weather drink? Please do share, and keep following the Southern Sophisticate!  read more

As Mother's Day approaches, I keep seeing all of these crazy commercials popping up on every site  I visit... touting jewelry, clothing and other items for the holiday. Just like every other celebrated occasion, it has become over-commercialized. I'm not saying that every mom doesn't deserve a great gift (and not just on Mother's Day), but am stopping to think about what really matters. For me, since I won't actually be with my sweet mom on the actual date, it's about reflection and appreciating what she's done for me and who she is as a person. I think she knows this already, but I still feel the need to write it down.

One of my favorite shots, of my mom and all of her girls

My mom isn't pretentious and has never been particularly career-minded or concerned with personal goals, but instead has been satisfied with a simple life for us that now involves her grandchildren. She's not what most would call driven, and that's what I like about her most; she's been a constant instead of trying to plan for the next big thing on her own behalf. Because of this, I can always count on her love, affection and support no matter what is happening in my life. As for lessons, those that she taught me as a little girl have served me well. Even in a small Tennessee town, I was required to have impeccable manners, perfect grammar and to speak to adults with respect: (I can also clean a house like nobody's business) Those basic skills have served me well. Without her discipline and guidance, I would have never had the opportunities I have today. Above all, she gave me love, and still does. She doesn't hold back in telling me, my sister or my nieces whenever we speak. We are all lucky to have that unconditional caring in our lives. 

With my mom and my sister celebrating my marriage Oct 2011

One of my favorite quotes is from Eleanor Roosevelt: "The giving of love is an education in itself."  I think it pretty much sums up my mother's life's work and who she is. Happy Mothers Day to her, and to all of you who give without question to your children. It truly is the sweetest thing.











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I have been traveling to Destin for too many years to count. From childhood trips to jaunts to our condo at Sterling Shores, everything is completely familiar. One thing I've always found lacking is a truly fantastic (non-chain) restaurant. Don't get me wrong... I love the old school Gulf Coast haunts like The Back Porch and Habor Docks for the fried shrimp and oysters. There really is nothing more fun than visiting these casual places that welcome sand and flip-flops from their patrons, and the food is usually surprisingly good.

 I've sampled what other 'upscale' places have tried to pass on as fine dining in the area (which is usually fish and two sides on a white tablecloth), and have been unimpressed, preferring to go back to my fave t-shirt selling, fish frying establishments. Until now...

The lovely Henderson Park Inn has been on my radar for awhile and we've touted it in the magazine on multiple occasions. Primarly as the best place to stay (which it definitely is). But, until last night, I hadn't personally dined in the charming restaurant. To say I was missing out is an understatement. With their onsite, chef-driven Beach Walk Cafe, they get everything right; from an impressive wine list to the chef sending out a bit of tasting prior to the meal this is Destin's 'feather in the cap' for foodies.

We enjoyed expertly seared tuna and perfectly sautéed spinach in a ginger soy sauce, amazing lamb chops (chef's special), and signature dishes: eggplant and crab appetizers and prosciutto wrapped caesar salad with house made croutons and dressing. The presentation was perfect, the service measured up and despite a somewhat dated interior compared with metropolitan restaurants, the experience was completely divine. I came without expectations and left saying WOW! 

If you haven't been to this hidden treasure, I suggest you snag a reservation before they get completely booked. If these photos are any indication, the food draws purveyors of taste...and the reputation is building. The view of the ocean from your table will be just as amazing as the food, as the property is surrounded by gardens and sand dunes. Would love to hear your thoughts on where you love to dine along the Emerald Coast? And, look forward to more posts as we try out the best in the area this week!  read more

Sometimes it is in the most unexpected places where you find something truly extraordinary. I had this experience yesterday as I was lucky enough to attend the wedding of one of my dearest friends who married a man who has also come to be one of our favorites. I was looking forward to the occasion no matter where it was. But, having been invited to many weddings near/on the beach, I was prepared for something a bit different. Sea and sand or a 'beachy' vibe environment were no where to be found, and it was so much better and more original.

'Unperfect' on purpose is always so enticing. This is rustic elegance at it's best

 It was the perfect venue, completely encompassing the inland charm of the couple's beloved 30A and Grayton Beach, but worlds away from the typical Seaside area wedding. Just being there was transforming. The feeling was secret garden, and very fairy-tale in a completely casually elegant way.

The back porch of Grayt Coffee House was ideal for private conversations during the reception

From the entrance of the Grayt Coffee House indoors to the inviting gardens behind the historic venue, everything was naturally gorgeous. Lush foilage was complimented by white lights in the trees and along the trunks. Fresh flowers were everywhere. Grayt Grounds had me at hello and then kept me lingering to get inspiration for my own backyard long after the vows were complete and the deal was sealed. It was truly magical.

Like the space. the food was served on rustic, natural materials and not at all fussy, adding to the theme

Food was displayed to compliment the setting. Tables were covered in a neutral burlap with loosely arranged hydrangeas as centerpieces. It completely reflected the gurus behind the planning,  Lynn Nesmith and Paige Schnell (who owns my favorite shop, Tracery Interiors in Rosemary Beach). People have fallen so in love with her store that she is designing interiors for homes all over, including Nashville! Lynn is the talent behind the uber-popular book, 30A Style, so the combination of their talents was a delight to experience. I immediately wanted to share.

The gazebo looks like something from an ancient Italian estate.
More gorgeous when flanked with potted flowers and plants.

I cannot wait to revisit the coffee house to sample some of their homemade pastries and to enjoy a morning on their porch. But, primarily, I'm scoping for ways to capture the set up to entertain my own friends at home. 

Rebecca and Murray, a perfect couple tying the knot in an intimate hideaway

At most weddings it's have a little cake, congratulate the couple and head home, but I left this one moved by the love between our friends and inspired by where they chose to share it with us. I hope that it inspires you as well! 

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I always come back from trips filled with ideas, from ways to decorate at home to finding new ways to sport fashions I find find along the way. But, I'm especially interested in presentation-- and that definitely applies to cocktails. As we approach summer, more of us will be entertaining outdoors and quenching our own thirsts (as well as our guests') with creative concoctions. Instead of the (oh so tired) margarita machine on your next back porch soiree, mix it up -- use the best of the season's produce and a bit of creativity to liven up your libations.

Lovely use of color and produce make any cocktail a special treat. 

I'm a huge fan of St Germain, but it isn't just for topping off Champagne. In St Barths, I met a wonderfully talented bartender, Edouard Godard at On the Rocks/ Eden Rock, St Barths who showed me inventive ways to utilize fresh cucumber and basil along with a watermelon stick to bring out the essence of the liqueur in a cocktail that literally looks good enough to eat.

The ice ball makes all the difference. Get your own molds online at The Whiskey Ball.

He did the same thing with a flower-infused round ice 'cube' with a bit of gin and hibiscus liqueur topped with sparkling water. So easy. The recipe could include gin or vodka-- but the key is to use what you have on hand and make it gorgeous. In the French West Indies, I even discovered that Mint Juleps were quite popular. The difference? Edouard added a bit of pineapple and bitters to flavor our Southern race-day classic.

Mint Juleps, St Barths style..

But, one of the most interesting drinks wasn't exactly the most beautiful. I instantly saw this as one to make by the pitcher for friends by the pool this summer. A bit of heat, a lot of ice and a punch of color. The Chili-Chili Bang Bang was a hit with us... and I cannot wait to share it with others. Here's the recipe:

Chili-Chili Bang Bang

Jalepeno infused tequila (they used Cuervo)
Passion Fruit Puree
Lime Juice

Mix equal parts of each ingredient into a shaker for a glass, or stirred into a pitcher for a group. Serve over ice and garnish with a lime slice.

What is your favorite cocktail inspired by a vacation? Do share, and keep following the Southern Sophisticate for more St Barths' influenced food, drink and decor to come soon! read more

I travel so often, I actually have a dedicated section in my dressing room reserved for my 'trip' toiletries and cosmetics. I collect everything from mini toothpaste tubes at Target to samples from the hair salon to keep in my stash. But, until now I've never really found a way to streamline a daily skincare routine with products that are good to my skin without overloading my carry-on.

Reading about frequent traveler, Julie Macklowe via magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar immediately drew me to her concept. Streamlined, sleek packaging that's lightweight with sensational ingredients fueled by science and sized for security ease. I cannot express how elated I was to learn that the super-star founder was not only selecting Nashville as one of her "It' cities, but that she visited in person to share a bit of insight on the product. In addition to selling at select NYC retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, she's chosen Private Edition as one of her key locales. 

Julie's TSA friendly sized 'It Kit' is a travelers dream come true

I love her story of how Vbeaute came about, and how she's taken the line so far in such a short time. The next natural progression was to lip gloss (seriously amazing). Just like her skincare, they are gluten free and vegan. This 'it' girl has it together and knows her stuff, which is why she is getting such kudos from top beauty editors.  She certainly has my vote. I am off to St Barths with her 'It Kit' and a stash of fab lip gloss, and know that having Julie's products in my bag will make a great trip event better!

What's your favorite travel-size beauty essential? Please do share.. and check out my other 'glam' posts on Southern Sophisticate for other inventive products.

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Typically, Wednesdays are just that-- typical (work days). Events are rare mid week and as for fun, usually not-so-much. But, today was completely inspiring on so many levels for not only me, but my team at Nashville Lifestyles.

A

A bit of my stash from today's visit to Nashville's Private Edition 

My day started with an interview with the inventive, energetic founder of Vbeaute, Julie Macklowe at Private Edition (more on that topic in my next blog). This just happened to fall on 'Gift Bag Day' at Private Edition to celebrate their 32nd anniversary. Wow! What a story, what a legacy and what a store. I brought home so many goodies -- from purchases to the freebies that I am super-pumped to try. Some are tried and true favorites like Oribe and Creed-- but lots of new brands were included, and I know from experience that the store carries only the best, so my beauty routine is about to get much better. They are celebrating all month-- so don't miss the chance to experience multiple in-store events (you can see the impressive schedule on their website).

A few of the Wagner Family of Wines in our tasting experience

From there, it was onto the gorgeous Hermitage Hotel where I met the rest of my team for a tasting of Wagner Family Wines to prepare us for this weekend's Savor Nashville events. A fantastic presentation by Joseph Wagner included Caymus, Conundrum, Meiomi and other yummy vino faves. It was the ideal opportunity for us to bond as a group, learn a bit more about wine making and to get to know our event sponsor.

Tina Adams using NL's Taylor Middleton as a model for this season's best bets

To keep the momentum going, I invited the amazing Tina Adams to conduct a tutorial on dressing well for our entire team back at our offices. She brought some essential wardrobe basics courtesy of Nordstrom, and shared tips and insight on always looking polished, professional and on-trend without blowing your budget. Appearance is such an important topic for our business, and I cannot wait for a total closet overhaul with her help (watch for it on a future entry). Tina's connections to great retail savings combined with her positive outlook are why over 500 women are already taking advantage of her savvy services. 

Overall, it was a very productive day -- and one that included fun combined with networking and learning. We also all dressed up for the special day, which added to the 'upbeat' vibe. What's your favorite way to perk up mid-week? Do share here, and keep following for more ways to make life a little sweeter... and sophisticated!  read more