Juice of a Few Flowers

In my opinion, Ina Garten - better known as the Barefoot Contessa, always gets it right.  I often find myself drooling while watching her show and I own several of her cookbooks.  That's why this particularly gloomy night, I decided to brighten up my winter with one of my favorite summer cocktails 'Juice of a Few Flowers.'  I mainly make this cocktail in the summer due to the amount of citrus fruit involved, lemon, grapefruit, and oranges oh my!  I will warn you to be cautious while sipping pretty on this dainty drink.. It is a lot stronger than meets the eye!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (2 oranges)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice (1 grapefruit)
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 lemon)
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (2 limes)
• 1 cup good vodka (recommended: Grey Goose or Finlandia), optional
• Extra lemon juice
• Granulated sugar
• Fresh mint sprigs

Directions

After juicing all of the fruit, Combine the orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, lime juice, and vodka, in a pitcher. Dip the rim of 6 martini glasses first in a dish with lemon juice and then a dish with sugar. Set aside to dry.

When ready to serve, place ice cubes in a cocktail shaker, add the cocktail mixture to fill the shaker 3/4 full, and shake for about 30 seconds. It's important to shake for a full 30 seconds to get the drink very cold and dilute it slightly with the ice. Pour into the sugared martini glasses and if you wish, garnish with a sprig of mint. Continue filling the shaker with ice and cocktail mixture until all the drinks are poured. Serve ice cold.

Enjoy!

Love,

Savannah

Teddy

Some really sad news came this Christmas season.  My 12 year old Bichon Frise Teddy, had to be put down recently due to Liver Disease.  It has been really hard for me and my family, especially my mom, due to the fact that Teddy was like her third child.  It's hard for me to express how sad I am to loose him, but knowing that he is not in pain anymore is somewhat comforting.  Pets add such joy to our lives, that's why I'm trying to remember the happy times spent with Ted.  I will truly miss my most loyal and faithful  friend.    

Teddy and I on Lake Lanier

Love,

Savannah

Brown Butter Cinnamon Roll Krispie Treats

I have to admit, I am pretty delighted about my first recipe post on my little blog here.  These tasty treats actually began as a happy accident.  While looking through many of my pinned Pinterest recipes I've been dying to try, I came across these  Browned Butter Pumpkin Spice Krispie Treats from cookies and cups.com.  Instantly my mouth began to water at what could be the perfect holiday treat!  One problem.. what is "pumpkin pie spice"?  A simple google search and trip to the grocery store could easily solve this problem, but why do that when I have Cinnabon's Cinnamon Roll Sprinkle Spice.  One small substitute of the special spice and I was off to cinnamon heaven.  Give these a try and I know you will have no choice but to enjoy!

My little brother getting in on some Brown Butter Krispie Treat Action

Ingredients:

1/4 cup salted butter

1 (10.5) oz bag mini marshmallows

6 cups Rice Krispie cereal

1 teaspoon Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Sprinkle Spice

Spray 9×9 pan with non-stick spray

Steps: 

Over med-low heat melt your butter.  Once your butter is melted, continue to cook until butter starts to brown.  The butter will turn a golden brown color and develop a nutty aroma.  Be careful not to burn.  Once the butter begins to brown it can burn quickly.  Stir up any brown bits.  Add the marshmallows and Cinnamon Roll Sprinkle Spice.  Stir until marshmallows are melted.  Remove from heat and stir in the rice krispies.  When mixed spread the krispie mixture in your prepared pan.  Spray a sheet of wax paper or parchment with non-stick spray and gently press the krispies down evenly.  Let cool for 30 minutes and then cut into squares.

I hope you enjoy!

Love,

Savannah

Angels

Deeper subject matter today.  I have to be honest with you all, I don't want to be that blog that glosses over the most important parts of life with a lust list, an exciting new trend, or a great new recipe.  No, today I want to recognize an incident that has hit me deeply.  I want to say my condolences and deep sorrow to the families and loved ones of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting.  I keep randomly finding myself in tears over this tragic incident.  Yes, I could get in a very large ramble about social issues and the like.. But I would much rather glorify the names and hearts of the victims.  They are the ones who need to be remembered and talked about right now.  I have a big heart for children and this news really hit me hard.  Say a prayer for these families that God provides comfort and faith in this horrible time.  These children were  kids that we all once knew in ourselves.  Bright eyed, eager, and excited about life.  May angels lead them in.

Hug those babies tonight,

Savannah

If Money Were No Object

I stumbled upon this video while looking at various art blogs across the web.  It really struck home with me due to the relevance it has to my life at the moment.  I have to be honest, I am not one hundred percent positive of what it is exactly that I would like to be doing for the rest of my life.  I plan on doing some serious soul searching this Christmas break in regards to a future job and what I would like to see my self doing.  Don't get me wrong, I don't plan on having any sudden insight regarding what exactly the right job is.  I just want to find the right first step for my journey in life and this video sure did inspire.

I hope this may inspire you like it has for me!

Love,

Savannah

Ornamental

Look at this cute little guy.. Would he not look so adorable sitting pretty on your tree? Random? Maybe so.. But swooooon, I want him!

Cute little critter plus sparkles? Count me in!

Random Happy of the day!

Love,

Savannah



(image via Paper Source)

Laugh out Loud

Oh goodness, some days I just have to show y'all things that literally make me laugh out loud.  This week it is this Hunger Games, Mean Girls reference.

Wow, it really is the small things with me..

xx, Savannah

Nothing Book

Ever since I was an eight year old mini me, I've spent my summers at Camp Glen Arden for girls tucked away in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.  Every May I would anxiously begin my countdown to the days where I would be swimming in the lake, staying up late telling scary stories with my friends, hiking through the woods, and absorbed in a care free world where I could simply be myself.  From appreciating the beauty of a sunset you hiked to see, to watching the fireflies flutter across the sky, Camp taught me the joy of finding beauty in the simple things.  One of my favorite lessons I have taken away from camp is the 'Nothing Book'. May sound pretty insignificant.. a book filled with nothing.  Trust me it is much more than that.  A Nothing Book is a place for me to hold all of my favorite quotes or warm fuzzies as I like to call them (yes, I am aware that I am a cheese ball) in one place.  If ever I have a tough day in which nothing seems to be right, I'll pull out my Nothing Book and be reminded of how I have so much in this world to smile about :)

Hope you are feeling inspired.

xx, Savannah

The Walking Dead

I am so proud of our Zeta Tau Alpha freshman.  They competed this weekend in the Alabama Homecoming Dance Competition and killed it, receiving the title "Most Creative!"  They really did put in so much hard work from their late night practices to their creepy costumes.
 p.s. their makeup was to die for mwhaha!

Marina, practicing the makeup technique

Final Product

They are creepy and I love it!

Hope you enjoy!

xx, Savannah

Welcome Back

Wow, it been a long time since I've updated my sweet little blog.. Sorry for the time apart but life has been crazy to say the least this past month. I always find it hard (as well as fun) to transition back into college life. As soon as I arrived back to my second home, Tuscaloosa, AL, I instantly jumped into a week of rush workshop followed by a week of sorority recruitment. Rush is time consuming to say the least!! Bid Day could not have come soon enough and we now have a beautiful pledge class of 98 new Zeta Babies! Classes have been in session for  a few weeks now and I am finally beginning to feel back into the swing of things! Here are a few pictures from this years recruitment!

So excited running in with our new Zeta Babies!

Loving the faces ladies!

The best 4 years of my life!

More posts to come!!

xx, Savannah

Summer Nail Essentials

Summer is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and try a daring new pop of polish. I've put together six of my favorite summer colors, and it may come as no surprise that Essie is my favorite brand!

1. Set in Stone - Best described as mirror disco ball chaos! Apply this luxeffect top coat to any color and prepare to be wowed. I like to add it to my ring finger for a unique twist on my manicure.  

2. Cascade Cool - I recently applied this pink Cascade Cool to my toes and couldn't help but smile every time I looked down at them.

3. Playdate - Every since I was a little kid I've had a special place in my heart for purple shades. This purple makes the cut for me, as well as my inner six year old.

4. Mint Candy Apple - Mint Candy Apple stands in my top five nail polish colors for any season. You can find me summer or fall, rockin this polish, plus mint is a huge color this season.

5. Fear or Desire - I have a bright orange crush on this polish! I'll often paint only my pinky finger with it, while the rest of my fingers are painted a hot pink!

6. Go Overboard - This blue polish is a constant reminder of the ocean, no wonder it makes me so happy!

xx, Savannah

Garden of Your Mind

A few weeks ago I came across this video, 'Garden of Your Mind' a remixed video from the show 'Mr. Rogers Neighborhood'. Being a huge Mr. Rogers fan back in the day, this video instantly brought me back to my childhood and continues to make me happy every time I watch it.  I hope you enjoy!

What are some of your favorite remixes?

xx, Savannah

Flashy

Today's blog post is all about statement pieces.  Oh what I would give to have some of these pieces sitting pretty on my vanity...

"Not that I give a hoot about jewelry. Diamonds, yes. But it's tacky to wear diamonds 

before you're forty" Breakfast at Tiffany's

These Geo Rrings from A Merry Mishap's Etsy shop are an eclectic find

I have a soft spot for turquoise jewelry, and these earrings are definitely helping!

This necklace is not only a show stopper, but also available at an amazing price!

Swoon time. One part childhood, one part glam and you've got one rockin set of bracelets 

Reminiscent of the beach, these Lilly Pulitzer earrings could really make an all white outfit pop

What are some of your favorite statement pieces?

xx, Savannah

Pick a Pearl

Among-st my Epcot drink around the world tour (which I will most certainly blog about) I stumbled across the "Pick a Pearl" station in Japan's Mitsukoshi store.  There is a tank set up at the stand filled with little clams for you to choose one of your liking.  Inside your clam will await your very own pearl, they are all different sizes and some clams even hold two!  Once you choose your clam (mine was a hairy little guy) the man behind the counter performs a ceremony before he opens the clam revealing your pearl.  I ended up picking a 7 and 1/4 size pearl with a green and pink tint.  Needless to say I was very pleased and the pearl I chose will stay near and dear to my heart.  Maybe I will have it made into a necklace! 


  

xx, Savannah

Wine Walk

I had quite the Saturday this week spent in New Smyrna beach participating in the monthly 'Wine Walk'. Wow did I have a great time tasting and testing different wines while hopping in and out the local bars.  Although the tour is technically a "wine" walk, I must say that two of my favorite drink included a frozen fresh peach bellini and an almond flavored champagne.

A picture of me walking into Daytona Beach

What did you do this weekend?

xx, Savannah

  

Orlandooo

Sorry for the slim pickins worth of blog posts this week.  Currently I am in Orlando playing in the pool, visiting theme parks, and getting some well deserved r&r.  I have to say, I really have forgotten how much fun a vacation can be.  I'll tell ya, my inner seven year old at the moment is fidgeting in my seat with excitment because I am about to head to Epcot, while my inner adult is pretty psyched too about some drinking around the world I have planned!

Have you been on any exciting vacations this summer?

xx, Savannah

Prickly Pear

Last night I enjoyed a festive Mexican dinner at 'Pure Taqueria' near downtown Alpharetta, Ga with one of my best friends.  The fish tacos are my go to item on the menu, but when it comes to drinks at Pure, I am in a whole new ball game.  With ten different kinds of margaritas to try, the 'Prickly Pear' Margarita is not only the most beautiful drink I have ever seen, but also the most uniquely delicious margarita I have ever tasted!  I'm thinking this weekend I may try cracking the recipe and create my own.  Who knows, if it turns out good maybe I'll share the recipe on my blog!

Prickly Pear Margaritas at Pure Taqueria

What are you guys up to this weekend?

xx, Savannah    

Time to Party

One of the most daunting tasks of my summer is officially over, the GRE! Thank goodness too, I constantly felt the need to be studying and preparing vs. enjoying my relaxing summer.  It is a great feeling to know that I have taken the next step necessary to reaching my dream!

Time to Celebrate!

Have you checked off a daunting summer to-do? 

xx, Savannah 

My Next Place

I may be getting a tad bit ahead of myself here, but in a year from now I will be transitioning from life in my college town of Tuscaloosa, Al to the big  and flashy city of Atlanta.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to hurry along my college career, I am in love with my school, but I do truly look forward to my next chapter in life!  Collecting ideas and inspiration for my future home is only one piece of the puzzle, but come on, what girl doesn't get excited about that!  I recently created a pin board on one of my favorite sites Pinterest, dedicated to my next place.  Here are some of my favorites!

I really love the juxtaposition of this comfy cozy throw and the glam sequined pillow 

This mirror creates an elegant vibe

The idea of a bar cart in my room captivates me

Reupholstered furniture like the chair above shows off a fun vintage vibe

I feel that this picture needs no explanation.. Time to swoon!

And last but not least a Kitty Soft Paws for my room mate and  I!

Check out my pin board to see more inspiration for "my next place"

xx, Savannah

Summer Essentials

The summertime often calls for a few extras when it comes to my beauty routine.  With the sweltering heat and humid air, it takes an extra effort to keep looking your best.  I've compiled a list of some of my absolute favorite products I use during the summers.

1. Coral Reef by Essie - This bright coral is the perfect pop of color for my pedicure. 

2. Tan Towels - These are amazing!  Whenever I'm in a rush out the door I can use one of these towelettes in a hurry.  Plus they save your skin from the sun!

3. Moroccan Oil - I've been using Moroccan Oil for years and I'm a fan.  I always run the oil through the tips of my hair before blow drying and it gives my hair a shine with a soft touch to boot.

4. Marc Jacobs Woman - This is the perfect light weight fragrance for summer.  It has a light gardenia scent that is the perfect accent to my July.

5. Eos Honeysuckle Honeydew Lip Balm - If you know me, you know I'm a sucker for packaging.  This Eos lip balm's sphere shape is too cute to pass up.

6. The Body Shop's Pink Grapefruit Body Butter - Pink Grapefruit tops the list of my favorite summertime fruit, so imagine my surprise when I find this body butter.  It has the fresh light scent of grapefruit yet a creamy buttery texture.  It's like my own personal heaven in a jar!

What are your summertime essentials?

xx, Savannah    

Tennis Anyone?

I spent my weekend in the city which is always fun and exciting for me.  Last night I attended the US Open Player’s party hosted by Jezebel Magazine.  The venue was set up right outside of Atlantic Station’s Millennium Gate in an air conditioned tent, lit up with twinkling lights and fun tennis ball décor!  Jezebel’s Top 100 Best Restaurants showcased a number of restaurants that topped the list with edible works of art.  My personal favorite had to be ‘Little Alley Steak’s’ Kobe Beef Carpaccio topped with horseradish crema, argula, and crispy capers.  Top off the evening with a few glasses of champagne and a cook off between US Open players Mardy Fish and Ryan Harrison, and I’m a happy girl! Great night with great friends, I really do have too much fun in this City!

I was lucky enough to have a friend snap a pic of the decor before the event!

Tennis Chic

Callie and I with matching poses!

Great View of Atlantic Station!

Are any of ya ‘ll keeping up with the US Open? I know I am!


xx, Savannah

Slump

I have to admit I'm feeling very much in a Thursday Slump today.. For inspiration I turn to Isca Greenfield-Sanders to brighten my out look

Anybody else ever feel in a slump?

Time to cheer up!

xx, Savannah

Heat Wave

If you’re livin in the South this summer like me (or anywhere else in this great nation) then your probably feeling the heat like I am.  Today I felt like I was constantly fanning myself off.  I found this print by Jing Wei and it reminded me of the perfect way to spend my time this summer.. in the pool!  Nothing is better than taking a refreshing dip at the local neighborhood pool.

For now.. you know where you can find me!

Xx, Savannah

Sabo Skirt

Currently Craving…                                        

SABO SKIRT    (SWOOOOON)

.     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     .     

 

                                   

I’m currently obsessed with SaboSkirt.com. I find myself sitting in class mulling over their pages and pages of clothes.  All of the looks they have put together remind me of watercolor paintings.  Whimsical yet modern, they really are on point with the looks they are creating.  Minus the inconvenience of paying for the shipping from Australia.. Every article of clothing they create could hang in my closet and I would have not a complaint in the world.  Make sure to check out their website.  WWW.SABOSKIRT.COM and see for yourself!

xx, savannah