Boot Rescue

Check out my new boots! Not... Haha

So I know I have said this before and I will probably say it again: DON'T throw away boots... Like ever! 

The Lord only knows how old these vintage Tony Lama boots are. I wish I had taken a shot of these babies a few months ago. Yikes! 

Vintage boots are the best. I know someone who has a great pair and guess where they got them? The trash can outside their sister's house... NEVER throw boots away! 

Take them to a shoe repair place. Ask around and find a good one though. You want to find someone who knows how to work with cowboy boots or you could end up with some sort of weird heel on them. But they will polish then up and re-sole them and you really won't believe your eyes when you see them :)

In or Out?

"In or out" is a question most people ask when they are trying to decide whether or not to tuck their shirt in... Not me. 

Most of the time I tuck my jeans into my boots. I don't know why; when I was little I didn't tuck my jeans in but maybe I was just following what my mom did. Anyway, something switched over in me and now I usually tuck my jeans in. 

However, today I left my jeans out and I noticed a pattern. I leave them out when I'm working or I just want to be comfortable. 

Leaving your jeans out completely changes the look of your boots. It makes them not so flashy in a world where you may be the only one wearing boots. It's just an all around more causal look. But of course wearing boots gives your casual outfit a little something extra. 

Reusable Bags

So my friend saw this at Barnes and Noble and picked it up for me. I love it! I first used it when I went to help set up for a party because it was big enough to hold everything I needed and it was pretty distinct and I knew it wouldn't get lost in the chaos. Ever since that day I have been taking it everywhere. 

I thought about the sad day when it would get a hole in it so I went out and bought five more. They are $1.99 and they have all different books but of course this is my favorite :) 

Peanuts and Coke

For all y'all living in a Southern Belle State of Mind somewhere out in no-man's land like I am let me share with you a wonderful southern treat :) 

I had a longggggg hard day and when I got home I decided to treat myself to this coke. Look closely it has peanuts in it! Salty an sweet and so good :) 

It sounds weird to a lot if people I know. They all look at me funny but they are really missing out! You have to try this :)

Pistol Annies

The Pistol Annies episode of Say Yes to the Dress is on and it's got me wondering why I didn't post about them already. 

The Pistol Annies is my favorite band! They have an amazing sound I just can't help but love. And dare I say that their second album may be even better than their first? 

Wait it gets better its just three girls three guitars and three chords! Pretty much every song they write is just three chords and so easy to play! I love playing their music. 

Seriously check then out of you haven't already. I always say I love country music because the boys sing about love and the girls sing about kickin ass. These girls haven't let me down yet. They tell it like it is and I love them for it :) 

While you're at it check out Hippie Annie's solo album called Like a Rose! It's amazing and you might even recognize a song she wrote that was featured on the tv show Nashville! 

Fix Boots That are too Tight around Your Leg

Wow I can't take credit for this brilliant idea or the picture. I got it out of Glamping with Mary Jane by Mary Jane Butters. 

When your boots get too tight around your leg DON'T throw them out!!! The trash is no place for any pair of boots

Split the back with a razor knife and punch holes on each side and lace then up with a cute ribbon 🎀

Too cute! 

Saddle Soap

When I traveled to Boston I got stuck in a blizzard. Wait it gets worse. My trusty Justin boots got salt from the streets on them. I rushed into a restroom and tried to wash it off. The leather looked dried out and my heart sank. When I got home my mom showed me this saddle soap and it is amazing. It fixed my boots and I didn't even put it in right away it was after I got home about a week after the disaster. Gotta love this stuff :)

Glamping with Mary Jane

It finally came! 

When I was growing up my grandparents had a trailer. It was amazing! Anyone who has ever spent any time in a trailer knows that it's a great way of life. 

After they sold the trailer I went years and years without even seeing the camp site we used to be at. 

I just went to see it and my Grandpop has rented cabins at the campground we used to stay at. I am beyond excited and used this as an excuse to order this book I have been wanting online. 

It is better than I expected! 

I really don't want to spoil it for y'all so just trust me its worth every penny it's got everything from picking a trailer to a full blown airstream restoration to how to what tools you'll need for any little bump in the road to recipes and crafts :)

Floral and Pearls

I have been in a pearly kinda mood I guess :) 

Today I dug out my white, lavender and peach pearls. I'm wearing them with a floral graphic t shirt. The light floral background tones down the harsh block letters on the shirt and compliments the pearls. 

I wouldn't have worn pearls with this shirt if it didn't the delicate background but the floral makes the block letters and pearls work :) 

It's perfect for what I'm doing today: setting up for a party. Yay! 

Sperry's

Today I'm wearing my new Sperry's. Sperry's are so comfortable that I wear them a lot and my old ones have suffered from creek water and splashes of fried chicken oil. I got these fancier ones for when I want to get a little more dressed up but still be comfortable. I wore them to a family reunion picnic and they were great. I love them. 

I was telling my friend to invest on Sperry's because she only wears little flat shoes and complains the fall apart too easily. Sperry's are worth the money they hold up if you take care of them. :)

Gingham and Pearls

Today I am in the mood to wear some gingham and vintage mint colored pearls. I am just running to a few stores and then I'm back to the house so I don't want anything too fancy (explains the cut offs) 

Only a Southern Belle knows how to wear pearls and cut offs ;) 

Chocolate Pretzel Fudge

This was my first time making fudge. My aunt makes amazing fudge so I usually leave it to her. However, when I found this recipe it sounded so good I had to try it. 

It is so easy too! I never knew how to even go about making fudge and now that I know it's so simple I am going to e making it all the time. Forget popcorn and a movie. Ill be making fudge from now on.

Grab a bowl and put in 

a can of condensed milk 

And 

3 cups of chocolate chips 

Melt it in the microwave (30seconds at a time) 

Then add a cup of crushed pretzels and mix it together

Put in a 9in square pan, top with more crushed pretzels and let it firm up in the fridge

YUM SO GOOD :) 

Beaded Belts

When I'm going casual I like to be simple and comfortable. I wear a lot of denim and a lot of plain grey and white shirts. Because my outfit is very subtle I love statement pieces. Usually when I think about statement pieces I automatically go to big sparkly necklaces or bracelets (something that grabs people's attention) but what if I am doing that first call for all that jewelry? Well that's when I put on a fancy tooled or beaded belt. It breaks up my casual outfit and it looks pretty! I love changing up the buckles too :) 

Bayou Brownies

My Beau grew up on the Bayou and he loves anything with cream cheese in it so when I found this recipe I had to try it. The first time I made these Bayou Brownies I followed the recipe and included pecans; I thought it was to die for but my Beau doesn't like nuts. This time I left them out and he loved them.

For the crust together mix 

1 cup chopped pecans 

1 egg 

1/2 cup melted butter 

Pat the mixture into a 9x13 greased pan 

Then mix together 

1lb powdered sugar

8oz softened cream cheese 

2 eggs 

Beat until smooth and pour of the crust 

Bake for 40 minutes (or until firm) in 325 degree oven.

These are so good and so easy :D

Step-By-Step Cooking

This cookbook is the best! Each recipe is broken down and Pioneer Woman shows pictures of each step to make it even easier. You can't mess these recipes up! And they taste amazing too. 

When I need to make something for someone other than myself I always go to this book because I know it will be good. 

I have tons of cookbooks but this is the only one I use. I just pre-ordered her holiday cookbook that is coming out at the end of October; I can't wait! 

Check this book out it is totally worth it! 

Overalls

I love overalls! I wear them all the time. You don't have to be working to wear them. 

I like to pair overalls with pretty white shirts to dress them up for when I'm going out. That way they are comfy and pretty too :)

Moon Pies

If you think you love Moon Pies just wait until you try this one. These crunchy peanut butter Moon Pies are almost heaven. Around here they are hard to come by so when I see them I stock up. They too good to describe you really have to try one for yourself. 

I haven't been able to find them in any market. I have only seen them in some stores in Nashville and at Cracker Barrel.

They also sell them online :) 

SO YUMMY! 

Visiting Lancaster, PA

So today I am in Lancaster,PA and I saw this cute little guy. I just had to put him on here. 

Okay let's get to the travel part of this post.

I go to the Shady Maple Market and stock up on mostly meat they have awesome fresh meats. I love these apple flavored breakfast sausage they have. If you dont have a cooler or safe way of getting meat home still check it out when youre in the area because what everyone really wants is their cream donuts. Get there early in the morning because they run out (I was too late today) :( 

But I did get some whoopie pies :)

Shady Maple also has a smorgasbord. It is huge and the food is delicious. If you can make sure you go on rib night ;)

Across from Shady Maple is a store called Goods. I love it! It is just like a Walmart type of store with outdoor goodies and kitchen appliances. But they also have some great Ariat Boots for men at good prices and they have a ton of Carhartt clothes. (I'm saving up for a nice warm jacket and a pair of turquoise Justin Boots.) 

Anyway Goods also has a great fabric section. Gotta love it. 

I love Lancaster for its shopping. Check it out if you're in the area! You won't regret going to Shady Maple for those donuts :) 

Let it Rain Let it Pour

It's a rainy day in my town and I'm wearing my "Wellies" to go shopping for a party I am planning. 

I had always wanted Hunter Boots but it wasn't until I went to college in a flood zone that I actually got a pair. 

I know they are expensive but your feet will thank you. They are so comfy and if it was a cold day I'd be wearing my Hunter Boot liners. They are super cute fleece and knit liners that fold down over the top of your boots. 

*The boots run big to fit the liners 

These are good boots and I always say it better to spend a little more money and buy it once rather than spend a little Nd have to keep buying it because it didn't hold up :)