A Sip of Summer

The Mint Julip

One of the ladies at my church volunteer meeting the other day offhandedly made the comment, "Mint Julip season starts this weekend." Ahh. And I had to smile.

What makes this comment even better was that it was from a very proper, older Southern woman (80s???). While my life has certainly passed too quickly as it is, I must admit I look forward to my retirement days when I can sit on my porch in my rocking chair sipping Mint Julips.

So, in the spirit of Mint Julips and Southern Summer Porches, here are some pictures of great potential sipping spots- of course, with a recipe courtesy of Pittypat's Porch via Girly Drinks.

Tonic Home

Southern Accents

Southern Accents

Southern Accents

Southern Accents

Southern Accents

3 oz. of Bourbon Whiskey
1/2 oz. of Mint Juilip Mixture (simple syrup-melt sugar 1 cup sugar in 1/2 cup of water
Crush mint and mix with sugar mixture )

Serve over crushed ice

Pictures of You

Like many new brides (I think??) I am captivated by the idea of creating a picture wall. However, at this stage of the game, I'm not satisfied with the super-cheap frame job or over-the-top matchy-matchy. There are numerous designers that pull together collections of frames (some photographs, some not) and they look quite simply divine. I also love how Picture Walls can exist in a traditional home, modern/contemporary, rustic, etc.

My biggest design challenge is which look to go for- I love the symmetry of one-size, one color frames. However, I adore the put-together look of Eric Cohler's assorted style and size frames in his stairway.

Ken Fulk

Kenneth Brown

Riverside Location via www.beachstudios.co.uk

Eric Cohler

Phoebe Howard

Sarah Kaye Represents

Westbrook Interiors via Southern Accents

Coming Clean

Super quick post- and slightly advertorial. I discovered Charlie's Soap on The Nest and had to try some. I found a small bottle of the liquid version at my local Whole Foods and I am IN LOVE. Seriously, my whites are whiter, the red clay dirt that the dogs bring in (and put on the bed) has come out. And, it seems gentle, is environmentally friendly, and generally animal friendly (as in, they haven't tested on animals, haven't paid for animal testing, but can't attest to the history of all of their raw materials. So not as Method "clean" but pretty good). They also seem to be a nice little family company out of North Carolina. Check out their website for locations from which to buy as well as their cool "cleanability" chart.

Happy Laundry!

Ode to Cville

Friends, I'm heading to C-ville this weekend (Charlottesville, VA, the home of THE University). It's our 5-year reunion from graduate school. While I could be lamenting that I have not truly accomplished jack since graduating, I'm focused instead on how excited I am to be back in Charlottesville and to catch up with my girlfriends.

If you know anyone who went to UVA, you also know that we have a cult-like reverence for the little town of C-ville. Not to mention, it's Foxfield this weekend. I generally DO NOT condone horse racing (or animal racing of any kind) but I admit that Steeplechase races get to me and I love dressing up in my sundress with the guys in seersucker suits.

And of course, this will be the 5-year anniversary of Mr. Southern Aspirations and my first kiss.

Some photo love:

Tie needs to go, but... J.Press

Ben Silver

Lilly

Vineyard Vines

J Crew

Various Designers (Tibi, Shoshanna, ABS, Betsey Johnson, Nanette Lepore) from Bluefly, the source of many of my dresses during my graduate school years.

Etsy- A Fab Source for A Little Inspiration

Not to sound sappy, but every once in a while, I think we all need a bit of healthy inspiration or affirmation (though saying affirmation reminds me of SNL's Stuart Smalley and his "I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!" Love you, AL Franken, just not as a Senator from Minnesota. Sorry for the political aside.) Anyway, here are a few prints, etc. I found on Etsy and adore.

Barkingbirdart

Of course, we must start with an elephant. How cute is this?

StefanieFizer

Love the blooms in this one.

LaVieIllustree

Simple, but cute.

PrintSpot

(print available by myriad sellers in multiple colors)

TheLobsterPot

I just love this (of course, this may also have to do with my love of martinis).

breedingfancy

A nice reminder to get creative...or focus on the beauty of the things you make.

kellyrae

Very cool mixed media art.

wordsoflife

Though I think it's important to make the most of each day, this pretty reminder makes us think of things bigger than ourselves.

studiopetite

This is just fun!

EverythingLovely

I adore Eleanor Roosevelt quotes and while simple, I love how this is presented.

annechovie

Two great messages very nicely displayed.

valentinadesign

Fun and funky! Love the orange in this one.

dazeychic

Super cute words and graphics. And how powerful is this message!?