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FFF-My Birthday, You Get A Gift!

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

As I sit here in my office at my tiny desk, on my birthday Friday (actual birthday on Sunday), I can’t help but be so grateful for everything in my life. My incredible husband, Eric, my amazing besties, my good friends, and all of you out there in tv land. Or blog land, I don’t judge.

Happy Birthday To Me!

But since I love you so much, I thought I should give you a gift. CSN has so graciously offered a $65 gift card to their massive online store. Last time we did a giveaway with them, my bestie Clint won and couldn’t say enough great things about the wine glasses and linens he received. Clint said everything was packaged in the most pristine way and both items were gorgeous. And they have virtually everything you could want. You could buy me an offset spatula! Or, holy Toledo, they have Le Creuset, too! Check out this set of bright yellow cookware – wouldn’t this make you smile everyday?

Just like sunshine!

So, my little darlings…comment away. I would love to hear your idea for my perfect birthday celebration. The winner will be announced on Wednesday by a random drawing.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Marvin Gaye – Got to Give It Up, Part I (because it’s my birthday and this is my favorite song, of all time..)

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Fun Find Friday-Baby Got Beka

Friday, February 11th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

You know when I get together with my buddy Barry, it’s time for fun. Yesterday was no different. We put together a teaser video for my friends at Beka Cookware. The Beka cookware is fast becoming my favorite go-to. With pots and pans that literally wipe clean, they are saving me tons of time in the kitchen. I can’t wait to show you how to throw a party with their chic fondue set or the gorgeous tajine. Both perfect gift ideas, by the way. But in the meantime, here’s a little Valentine’s Love Letter from Barry and I, to our friends at Beka. Which can be purchased on Amazon. Go for it!

Wait til they see the video with the dancers. Oh boy.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Beka – you make everyday special for me! And special thanks to Olivia, my neighbor, who got locked out of her house yesterday and ended up filming for us. You know how Barry and I love our guest stars!

oxox, Patti

Today blogging to – what else? Baby Got Beka!

Posted in cooking, dinner, dinner parties, entertaining, Fun Find Friday, Gifts, Luxury, party | 6 Responses »
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Fun Find Friday-Mixer Mate!

Friday, January 28th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

The nice folks from Beater Blade sent me this fab new bowl to try for mixing.

They sent me the sassy red model – to match the ribbons on my kitchen curtains. Red makes everything feel happier!

So, how does it work? Its curved sides keep batter (or icing, or meringue – you get the idea) from flying all over your just-cleaned kitchen.  Remember Uncle Matt making birthday cupcakes for Eric’s birthday in the mountains? This could have been avoided if he had the Mixer Mate. Although we did get a great laugh out of the chocolate covered kitchen.

It takes just a smidge of getting used to. I had to find the right configuration for my mixer. But that could just because I am left-handed and everything seems a little backwards to me. But once you get the hang of it, you will be hooked. It even has grippy material underneath the handles for easy gripping and sides with spouts for simple pouring. Oh, I just love it.

And I have been giving it a workout lately. I made a cake yesterday for sweet Shane’s birthday last night and another cake today for dear friend Kerry’s birthday – lemon curd layer cake with a fluffy 7 minute frosting. Mmmmm. I will post photos and details from both parties next week. Today I am grappling with a bit of a head cold. And it’s Friday? Why not get a cold on Monday so I could be better for the weekend? Ah, it’s okay. I needed to slow down, lay on the couch, read and cuddle the dogs anyway.

Enjoy the weekend my darlings!
xoxo, Patti


Today blogging to Bob Marley – Stir It Up

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A Very Happy Hollyday

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

Sunday night was a double whammy – the Golden Globes and our beloved Holly’s birthday! A dual reason to celebrate.

Now, you might remember me trying to make Holly a “healthy” cake from black beans, as documented in this video. That didn’t go so well. So, I tried again Sunday morning to make a “real” cake. Not so great, either. Note to self – it is extremely difficult to soften butter at room temperature when it is snowing outside.

Oh, geez, what to do now? Cake Hag to the rescue!! If you remember, they were the star of our dinner with Eddie + Jaithan this past summer, with their luscious red velvet cake. I called Maggie & Katie and even though they had been closed due to the snow/ice storm, they had one perfect cake, just for me. I have never been more relieved. Four layers of rich, dark chocolate cake layered with scrumptious chocolate buttercream. Thanks, Ladies!!
Click here to see how it all turned out

Posted in Appetizers, atlanta, baking, cocktails, cooking, Dessert, entertaining, Gifts, Hospitalityaholic, party, Recipes | 5 Responses »
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Last Minute Gifts

Friday, December 24th, 2010

Good Morning Darlings!

Oops! One more day til Santa comes. Are you ready? How about a few tips?

Here’s a little stocking stuffer from my sweet friend Char Thian at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. A little giggle inducing, but wow – what a gift!

o Behind the Velvet Rope: Velvet Massage, Behind the Velvet Rope Shopping Experience at New Orleans’ oldest men’s clothier and Club Level Accommodations. $549 USD


o Crescent City Comeback: Voluntourism Activity or Donation, Spa Day and Club Level Accommodations. $1,100 USD


o Lundi Gras Ride of a Lifetime: Unforgettable ride of a lifetime for two couples in Harry Connick, Jr.’s annual Krewe of Orpheus parade the day before Mardi Gras. $59,500 USD


o Sportsman’s Paradise: Two guests will enjoy a limo ride to a helicopter and then enjoy a charter fishing excursion in the Gulf of Mexico. Chef Murphy will prepare your catch of the day (Louisiana seafood) at the Chef’s Table in the kitchen of M bistro. $21,000 USD

Okay, that might be a bit much, so how about a gift certificate to Lunacy Black Market, where Chef Paul Luna is treating everyone to $10 Pasta Sunday?

Chef Paul Luna has been hankering to offer risotto and/or pasta in an all-you-care-to-eat environment. The catch? It’s totally at his pace and his pleasure, and you lend yourselves to being our guests for the afternoon/evening. With Risotto and/or Pasta priced under $10 and select menu items at their “criminally low” levels you can leave Lunacy feeling like a stuffed goose without busting the bank!

For the foodies on your list – I would suggest a gift certificate from Cook’s Warehouse. They have everything, including classes.

And my favorite of the year – a subscription to Book Swim. I’m telling you, this will get you some serious love.

If you are just reading this and all done with your shopping, well, goodie for you. You have some time to read this hilarious article from Gawker.com

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to James Taylor – Mexico

Posted in atlanta, Christmas, Gifts, Guest, Luxury | 1 Response »
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The Chic Boutique Tour

Thursday, December 23rd, 2010

Good Morning Darlings!

Like most women, I love to shop. But I tend to go to the same places again and again and then say I can’t find anything.

Have I got just the thing for you! The Chic Boutique Tour is the brainchild of the adorable and fashionable Rosalynn Wilson, who invited me to come along this past weekend as we toured a bevy of boutiques. In style. As in a luxury coach where we were served nibbles and libations as we moved from shop to shop with ease. It is something I could get very used to.

The way to travel...

We met up at The Pampered Nail Spa in Castleberry where we all got a chance to visit before we boarded the coach. And like all good students, I sat in front where I was rewarded with being seated next to the tour’s stylist, Kaira Akita, CEO of A Clothes Encounter (don’t you just love that name?) Kaira and I started talking and realize we had a few friends in common. A natural occurrence in Atlanta. This happens everywhere I go.

Beautiful Rosalynn outlines the day for us.

More stylish fun inside!

Posted in atlanta, Events, Gifts, Shopping | 5 Responses »
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We Have A Winner…And Chips!

Monday, December 20th, 2010

Good Morning Darlings!

The winner of our CSN $65.00 gift card is Clint! Hooray for Clint! I will email you the code so you can get to shopping.  I would love to hear what you picked out.

Whoo Hoo! Merry Christmas!
More Merriment inside!

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Fun Find Friday-CSN – Cool, Super, New!

Friday, December 17th, 2010

Good Morning Darlings!

Well, I’m not sure what CSN stands for, but they have everything! From leather messenger bags to large appliances and everything in between. And, they have been so kind to offer one of my adorable readers a $65 gift card to use as you wish. Merry Christmas!! Just leave a comment and I will pick a winner on Monday, so you don’t have too wait long.

Lets take a look at some of the goodies (one for you, one for me! and maybe one as a gift…or not, your choice).

I know it’s cold outside, but how about pretending it’s spring inside with this gorgeous robin egg’s blue pasta bowl by iitala Teema?

iittala TT016255 - Teema 8.25

iitala's Teema Pasta Bowl - $17.00

And to feel uber chic while sipping soup, hot chocolate or a late afternoon latte, how about this fabulous set of 6 Venice Soup Cups by Ten Strawberry Street?

Ten Strawberry Street Venice Soup Cup - V-17

Pretend you are Sophia Loren and look super glam. Set of 6, $38.94

Oh, I know you will love this next one. Again, from Ten Strawberry Street, these black and white striped cereal bowls will have you clamoring to eat the most important meal of the day. Love love love!

Ten Strawberry Street Ring Black 6" Cereal Bowl - RING-7BLK

Set of 6, $38.74. Um, Santa, are you listening?

And for those of you throwing a little ‘do at the homestead for New Year’s Eve, how about an electric fondue set? You don’t have to worry about the little candle going out and gooping up all your cheese. Or chocolate. I don’t judge. This one is from Cuisinart, so you know it’s going to be swell.

Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot - CFO-3SS

Cuisinart Electric Fondue Set $54.95

Did you know that tradition dictates that if you drop something into the fondue you must kiss every guest of the opposite sex at the party or buy them the next round of drinks? Isn’t that a fun fact?

Okay, my sweeties, comment away. I can’t believe I’m giving this away and not keeping it for myself, but that’s how much I love you.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Mariah Carey – Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Posted in atlanta, Christmas, cooking, entertaining, Fun Find Friday, Gifts, Giveaway | 11 Responses »
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Fantasy Gift Guide

Monday, November 29th, 2010

Good Morning Darlings!

Christmas is all about wishes. Sometimes fantastic wishes. So today, I thought I would bring you some fantasy items and offset them with similar, but less outrageous, alternatives.

For Him:
Luxury

Not quite sure what justifies this price tag....

Is the man in your life a shutterbug? How about the Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Leica M9 Camera for a mere $17,500.00? Neiman Marcus lets us press our nose to the glass to wish for these luxury gifts via their luxe website, but those with the Black Amex are able to have this piece of history delivered personally by a Leica photography expert with private instruction. But you must hurry – only 50 have been crafted.

Budget

You have got to see the last item inside…

Posted in Christmas, Gifts | 5 Responses »
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