Remember on Wednesday, when I nabbed that cozy chair at Victor’s house and said it would be the perfect place to curl up with a good book? I found the book.

Actually, I found a boodle of them at Book Swim, a new service that’s like Netflix, but instead of movies, you receive books. Isn’t that cool? Here’s the press release from lovely Marita Burke:

The happiest time of the year is also the busiest and most expensive time of the year! Make your holiday hosting plans a little easier (and affordable!) this year with the help from BookSwim. Rent books to teach you everything from how to create spectacular decorations to making the best Eggnog. It’s the perfect way to come up ideas for those picky in-laws. Plus, when the holidays are through, you can send each book back, cutting down on clutter (a New Year’s resolution?) and allowing you, also, to rent all new and updated books the following year!
 
You and your guests can even gather on the couch and enjoy a Christmas classic like The Night Before Christmas!

Here are the pricing tiers:

Unlimited Plans
3 books at-a-time: $23.95/month
5 books at-a-time: $29.95/month
7 books at-a-time: $35.95/month
11 books at-a-time: $59.95/month

Limited Plans
1 book per month: $9.95/month, $3.99 outgoing shipping

I love the unlimited plan. This way I can read three cookbooks at one time and enjoy them at my leisure. They go back in a pre-paid envelope when I am finished.

Loving all the holiday titles right now. I can’t help myself! And lookie, here’s a book from Ree, The Pioneer Woman – one of the web’s first food bloggers.

One of our own!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to The Reading Rainbow Theme Song

I bet you are getting ready for Labor Day. Me, too. Eric and I are hosting around 70 of our nearest and dearest for paella in the backyard. Someone asked me the other day how I do it. My response was that it is just as easy to cook for 70 as 10 friends. You just add extra chicken. lol

Remember last year’s paella soiree? We learned a lot from last year’s bash.

First, we will build a big wood fire this year. No wimpy propane for us. And we will start the fire early. Eric plans on having the fire up and roaring by 9 a.m. so we can eat at a decent hour. Last year it took 3 hours for that paella to cook and everyone was half in the bag by dinner. Now everyone will only be 1/4 in the bag by dinner, so that’s an improvement.

Secondly, we are asking our darlings to bring wine, beer and booze. That stuff skyrockets a party budget. Everyone is in a bit of an economic crunch these days, so our buddies are happy to contribute.

Thirdly, this year we will buy cleaned and deveined shrimp. Holly and I spent a billion hours peeling and deveining the four pounds of shrimp last year. Not this time.

Dessert will be paletas, or in english, popsicles. As I write this, the strawberries are bubbling on the stovetop with sugar and strawberry nectar. They will go into our popsicle molds and I will start all over again tomorrow with a new flavor. Maybe Mexican chocolate would be good. And easy. Pretty much just chocolate milk with cinnamon. That would be good. When you are making 70 popsicles, easy is key.

Here’s a link to the recipe we’re using. It says it will feed 25-30, but don’t you believe it. It will easily feed 60. With leftovers. Seriously. Maybe 25-30 linebackers.

Some of my favorite shots from last year.

Rick, Teague and Eric discuss the browning of the chicken

I love the look on Eric's face as he stirs this monster...

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Toni Braxton – Spanish Guitar

Have you ever met folks and just knew you all would be great friends? My new friend Victor is one of those folks. Victor is an image consultant and just the loveliest person. Our mutual friend Elizabeth introduced us and on Sunday we all met at Victor’s house for brunch. His house is one of those wonderful places you immediately feel at ease and could stay for hours.

And the food was delish, too!

Victor and me

I loved how Victor arranged the brunch. To start, there was coffee and a tray of luscious fruit set out on an ottoman in the living room so everyone could help themselves. So smart!

Coffee...and daisies!

Everything looked so pretty. We all grabbed a cup of java and hung about and visited.

Eric and Elizabeth share a laugh

And I scoped out this cozy corner of the room.

Couldn't you see yourself snuggling in with a good book?

All the furnishings have been reimagined by Victor. His home is filled with mid century antiques that he has had recovered in the most beautiful ways. His eye for a find is impeccable. My best friend as a child, Parri, had the same type of house. It was shabby chic, before anyone branded the name shabby chic. All the seating was impossibly comfy and old trunks were used as coffee tables. It was as close to a fairy tale house as I could picture as a child.

Victor’s house is a fairy tale house, too.

Welcome to Victor's fairy tale porch.

The food was just as glamorous. Salmon croquettes, fresh griddled corn cakes, spinach salad with strawberries & pecans and the yummiest peppered bacon were laid out before us along with mimosas. It was just glorious.

Love this tablecloth!

Our group - Allison, Joel, Elizabeth, Victor & Eric

And we ate. And ate. And ate some more. It was all so scrumptious and the conversation so scintillating. Victor is participating a fantastic event on October 3, called Get it Out of The Closet, which will benefit men who are trying to re-enter the workforce. There will be a fashion show and you can gain entrance by donating a suit (still in style, please) for a man or a woman. You can find all the details here. I will definitely be there, so come out and party with me!

After brunch, we couldn’t bring ourselves to leave. So we didn’t. And good thing, because Victor made dessert! Brownies topped with raspberries and raspberry sorbet. So tasty.

Can I make room for dessert? Maybe just a little one...

We all scarfed down the brownies as if we had not just eaten enough for a football team. But then we sat.

I claimed that fab chair in the corner...

and Elizabeth?

she took a nap on the Ostrich chaise....

Victor, you are the perfect host and we had the most divine time. Thank you!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Spin Doctors – Two Princes

Last month, when Eric and I were in New Orleans, fabulous Chef Matt Murphy hosted us at the Chef’s Table at The Ritz-Carlton’s M Bistro. Oh, it was divine.

I can’t spill all the details yet, because the story is being picked up by a national online magazine, but I can tell you about one dish he spoiled us with. And how we tried to replicate it at home.

You know how it goes – you have something that drives you wild at a restaurant and you are sure you can make it at home. But it never quite seems the same, does it? That’s because they are trained chefs. They went to school for years to drive you wild at the restaurant.

But you can come close.

Come see what we did with this.

What the what?

That was our home version. Chef Matt starts out with a very shallow bowl and puts a bit diced tomatoes, pesto, basil oil and some magic in his.

Oh, and a scoop of mango sorbet. What? Mango sorbet? In soup? That’s crazy talk.

Um, no. No, it’s not (you have to say that like Heath Ledger as the Joker and it sounds cooler).

Our version:

Our version

Chef’s version

Wait, is that bacon sticking into the sorbet? That's what I forgot.

Not too hard to tell which is the professional dish, huh?

Oh, and Chef’s soup was nice and spicy. Mine, not so much. Gah, how could I have forgotten that part? Geez.

My soup with sorbet

Mine has no bacon and looks like an egg is floating in it. Plus, no spice.

Chef Matt's masterpiece. It was incredible.

Plus, Chef Murphy is handsome and has a cool Irish accent. Me, not so much.

So, head over to M Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans and hope to heavens this is on the menu. It is a work of art.

But, I’m going to keep trying here at home!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Katy Perry – Hot and Cold

You all know how much I adore living in Atlanta. It’s a town filled with surprises. We are genteel, we are foodies, we love a parade, we love a spectacle. Sometimes we like  it rough.

Saturday night was one of those rough nights. Besties Crystal, Teague, Denise, Rick, Eric and I all packed up the food and tailgated before the Atlanta Rollergirls bout at the Shriners Temple. This was my first time seeing the Rollergirls in action, and what a treat it was. But first, we must eat.

Hanging With Denise and Crystal Pre-Game

Crystal prepared the yummiest homemade pimento cheese sandwiches (and I thought I didn’t care for pimento – I had just never had homemade). She also stopped by Popeyes Chicken for some crunchy chicken fingers. I made pound cake soaked in limoncello and Denise whipped up a gorgeous salad. There were chips, pretzels and salami, too. And of course, the cooler was filled with beer. A coconut rum with pineapple & orange juice cocktail completed the bar.

Pimento cheese sammies

Bless the Rollergirls, they allow you to bring your own coolers into the venue, so you are never without libations. I can appreciate that. So after getting pleasantly full on tailgating fare, we loaded up the cooler and made our way to the auditorium.

The Dirty South Atlanta Rollergirls

You have to appreciate all the contradictions of the evening. Here are a boodle of women all out for blood, circling a track in a room adorned with castle walls and chandeliers. It’s like the Princess Death Match. The crowd is also immensely diverse. Old, young, big, little, hip, nerdy – all converging for an evening of fun. And you might think in a room with so many tattoos that tempers would flare. Au contraire. While waiting in line for the ladies room, one of the referees very politely asked if she could cut in line so she could get back to calling the game. Everyone quietly stepped aside and let her pass. I can’t recall a more genteel group in recent memory. But that’s our Atlanta, full of surprises.

Some more fun shots of our evening out.

Crystal and Teague enjoy the game.

Our Atlanta Rollergirls beat the ladies from North Carolina soundly. We even saw a nosebleed. But the most fun for me were the names of the players. There were Celia Fate, Demi Gore, Wheeling Jennings and Nora Gretz. Aren’t they creative? I bet they throw one heckuva party.

And between bouts, there is live music, The King of Pops popsicles, and fun shopping. Something for everyone. I nabbed a Mexican Chocolate popsicle from the King of Pops and was very happy. Drippy, but happy.

Live music between bouts in the courtyard

All walks of life enjoyed the evening

Signing autographs for the fans

And then it was over. We only had tickets to the first bout so off we went. The last bout is September 25, so if you want to enjoy a fun, unusual night out, get your tickets NOW…..they sell out like crazy.

My love, Eric, as we pack up to leave

Everybody has a little freak in them....

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Elton John – Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting

Recently, I have been getting so much advice on monetizing the blog that sometimes I just want to scream. I  don’t want sell stuff just for the sake of making a few pennies here and there. Plus, I am so woefully bad at it.

But, I am always online looking for cool new stuff for my parties! This Labor Day we will be hosting a paella party for a passel of friends. Maybe 40, maybe 70, who knows? What I do know is that it will be a ball. And that I have got to get cracking on finding the freshest ingredients for our humongous paella pan.

Last year we had a devil of a time locating spanish chorizo. The kind that does not dissolve when cooked.

Guess what?? I found it online this week! The folks at La Tienda offer about a gazillion types of tantalizing spanish chorizo, just perfect for our paella soiree. Yay!

And I almost fainted when I spied the Extra Large Paella Burner. Who knew? Okay, I don’t know if we will be picking this up with its hefty $285 price tag, but golly, it would sure make things easier. We will probably still cook the paella the old school way, over a blazing fire (please, Mother Nature, make it cool this Labor Day).

But all our chorizo will come from La Tienda, for sure. Ole, y’all!

Eric and Teague man the paella station last year. Action shot!

Monetize, smonetize. Lets have fun!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Aretha Franklin – Spanish Harlem

This has been quite the week. Starting with a fab dinner with Mr. Kerry Howard on Sunday night, followed by rising at 4 a.m. the next morning to appear on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta, the podcast that afternoon and finishing up with speaking at the Crave event on Tuesday. It has been a true whirlwind!

I am just now getting some rest, but wanted to share all the fun with you.

Monday morning found our group (the ever-adorable Laura Scholz of Scholz Communication – our camp counselor for these two days and her gorgeous assistant, Brittany, the amazingly glamorous Meridith Ford Goldman, Former Atlanta Journal-Constitution dining critic and food writer and now editorial director of the Atlanta-based marketing and public relations firm, The Reynolds Group, and my sweet friend Christy Annis, CEO of Peas for Prosperity), bleary eyed and in need of coffee at 4:45 a.m. at the CBS studios to talk about “When Life Hands You Lemons, Start A Lemonade Stand” with Tracye Hutchins. We were met by Amanda Harley, segment producer, who made us all feel very at home. And we gabbed. There’s a lot of hanging around when you appear on tv.

Christy, Brittany and I wait for Laura and Meridith

On the set, snapping tons of photos. Amazed I didn't get booted out.

Laura and Meridith looking so fab! Did I say it was early? It was early, y'all.

It's Meridith and me! I needed some coffee at this point.

Lookie! It's Meridith & Christy, being interviewed by Tracye. I took this shot while waiting for my turn on camera.

Group Hug!

After television, we all parted ways to nap and regroup for the afternoon podcast with Laura. Oh my goodness, this was the most fun part of the day. The podcast, not the nap. Although the nap was pretty good, too. This was just the four of us sitting around, gabbing about life. I could have done this all day. It was a blast. Laura is the perfect hostess.

Getting ready for the radio show.

I just love this happy girl! Is Meridith digging for Tic Tacs, the flavor of the day?

Lee, who recorded us and Miss Christy. There was chocolate on the table!

Group Hug #2

Tuesday night we reconvened at Relish in historic downtown Roswell. There were fried pimento cheese balls and Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding. Oh my goodness. It was a southern grandma’s dream dinner. Mini crab cakes were on the buffet, alongside fried black eyed peas (for our Christy!) The food was incredible and the cucumber lemonade was staggeringly delicious. The last stop on our little tour was at Relish to speak at the Crave event. I was so sad it was almost over. I was also terrified because I was expected to speak for 10 minutes. Do you know how long that is? It’s ten minutes! A lifetime when you have to speak. But, speak I did. In front of about 50 lovely women who were so supportive it was almost hard to feel nervous. It was fantastic.

Fried Pimento Cheese Balls. Seriously addictive.

Fried Black Eyed Peas

Scrumptious mini crab cakes

How is it that I never sampled the Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding? I have to go back to Relish!

Katie and Melissa, Laura's newest staff members!

Laura introduces the panel

Head Lemonade Chef, Meridith

Sharing one laugh of many that night.

Smiling, but so sad the tour is almost over....

There were tons of surprises Tuesday night. I had a chance to spend time with my friend Becky, who writes From Our Front Porch, my darling friend Bobbi attended, there were special lemon cookies made by the ultra-adorable Deb from Whimsical Originals, I met new friends Stacy, Val and Sharon (who gifted me with the sweetest card holder. email me girls, I have misplaced your card!), there was Tamara from Jem of the South, Robin of Songbird and Twig, who makes the darlingest church ornaments – by hand,  the lovely Jen Kardian, PR for Relish and next week’s lunch date, the fab Jen Shields of Posh Tot Events (we need to get together and talk parties, Jen!), there was Meridith’s fantastic friend Mel of Babycees Name Art, Tish from Elegant Event Sitters, Fiona, Laura and all the other remarkable women I met. Thanks to all of you.

Most of all, thanks to the ever-energetic Laura Scholz for bringing us all together. You are a true doll. Big hugs to you!!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Sweet – Ballroom Blitz

As any fan of design shows would know, Top Design is the ultimate contest. You all know Eddie Ross, and of course you know Kerry Howard. Remember our fun dinner party here?

Well, this time, we were the lucky ones to be hosted by our dear Kerry. I swear, if you met him, you would just want to eat him up with a spoon. He is that sweet.

And there were new friends to meet! You know how I love that.

First off, I know you are dying to hear all about Kerry’s place – fab. fab.fab. Everything is gorgeous – from the old church-inspired mirrors to the original art on the walls. It truly is a showplace. And of course, that fine design aesthetic made its way to the dinner table. I loved the cushioned bench that off-set the dining chairs.

But most of all, I loved the company.

Meet Maria.

Glowing Maria

Maria makes those adorable headbands – aren’t they the cutest? And jewelry, she makes jewelry, too! Our buddy Christy Annis from Peas for Prosperity joined us for dinner so the two of them had scads to discuss. I just loved Maria. Fun. Fun. Fun.

And then there was Bullett. And no, that is not a nickname, it’s a family name. Isn’t that cool? I love it! He is as sweet as can be, which is why he is Kerry’s special someone. Love them!

Maria and Bullett

There is also new friend, Slean, owner of the swanky salon, Crimpers, who I need to visit, and soon (how did I go so long between styles?)

Slean, Patti, Maria

You know, of course, that my darling Eric was there, too (always so wonderful to take all the photos!)

Dinner was scrumptious. Before dinner, Kerry set out caprese salad and italian bread with a wonderful dipping oil. So tasty! Then it was on to stuffed shells and roasted asparagus, accompanied by a lovely fresh salad. The table held my favorite design detail of the evening.

Let's get ready to eat!

One luscious plate of stuffed shells and roasted asparagus. Nom nom nom.

And now for that special designer’s touch. Check out the decanters for the salad dressing.

Tiny dairy bottles!

Oh how I loved these tiny bottles. Kerry told us that he had been visiting this farm in Dublin, Georgia, when he spotted these in the barn. The owner had no use for them and encouraged Kerry to take what he wanted. Kerry, ever the southern gentleman, only took five. I would have loaded the trunk up.

That, my darlings, is what is called an “eye”.

As I had to be up at 4 a.m. the next morning to appear on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta (more on that tomorrow), it was all too soon time for dessert. Hummingbird cake! Time for some food porn!

Homemade by the multi-talented Mr. Howard.

Oh, how I hated for the evening to end. I can’t wait to do it again. Kerry Howard, you are the epitome of everything that is good and pure about living in the South. Love you!!

My sweet friend Kerry and me.

I would love to join you at Gupper when you have an extra spot!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Jermaine Jackson – Daddy’s Home

Miss Elizabeth and I recently met for lunch at West Egg Cafe on the Westside. I have no idea why it has taken me so long to get here, as my buddies Laura Scholz and Shameeka Shy Ayers have been singing the praises of Chef Patric Bell forever.

But now that I’ve visited, I will not be a stranger.

The cafe has an open, airy feel to it, making you feel welcome immediately. The menu looks like a secret assignment from CIA, only your assignment is “Burgers and Draft Beer, $10″.  Much better than the CIA, if you ask me. Unless your version of the CIA is the Culinary Institute of America.

The very photogenic Miss Elizabeth

First, we must choose a dish. This proves to be a difficult task, as everything sounds terrific. Take a look.

Your assignment, if you choose to accept it....

Yes, I can read this, as a matter of fact.

Redneck reuben. I like that.

And breakfast all day! Mmmmmm, waffles.

Deciding is so difficult that darling Elizabeth suggests that we each choose something and share. I like this girl.

And so, I choose the chicken salad, because I can never pass up a yummy chicken salad. This was the Country Captain Chicken Salad, stuffed with curried chicken salad, raisins, field greens and luscious fresh tomatoes on challah bread – Challah!

Chicken Salad with Fries!

Miss Elizabeth ordered the Cuban Sandwich, overflowing with roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, house pickles (oh so yummy!), yellow mustard, herbed mayo on a cuban roll, with a side salad.

Cubany sandwichy goodness.

And then, joy of joys – we each shared a half of sandwich. It really is the best way to do lunch.

And laughed – we laughed and laughed and shared ideas. Elizabeth will be contributing to Design Is on a regular basis (I promise, the debut is very soon) and you all are going to fall in love with her. She is a comedic genius.

So get on over to West Egg – you are going to love it!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Anita Ward – Ring My Bell

I didn’t want you to think I had abandoned you, but I was up at 4 a.m. to appear on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta.  Here’s a link to the page. The video is called “Start A Lemonade Stand, Part II”.

Patti’s On TV, Y’all!

For some reason, I can’t get the video to load, but it could be my mac. Not sure.

But I have to be at a podcast at 1:30pm, so I think I need a nap.

I love you all and there are a ton of fun things to report this week. If you will just allow me this one hooky day….

xoxo, Patti