Happy New Year!

I hope that this post finds everyone well! Things have been hectic in my house lately with work and travel. I'm hoping that 2012 will bring me a little more time away from my job to spend doing all the things I love - cooking, traveling and spending time with friends and family. I also hope to have more time to update my blog.

I hope that 2012 brings you everything your heart desires!

Blog Sale!

I am in the process of cleaning out my closet and have a few things that need a new home. These are all brand new with tags. Shipping is $5 via USPS and payments will be accepted via paypal.

Lilly Pulitzer Olette Top

Turquoise Fresh Catch Toile

Size Small

SOLD

This top is brand new with tags. The original price was $74. It has a band around the top to help hold secure it and there is shirring at the bustline. I think this would look really cute with white jeans or a white skirt.

Lilly Pulitzer Flirty Dress

Multi Ribbon Stripe

Size 4

SOLD

I love this dress but it doesn't fit me. It was really hard to find at the time. This dress has never been worn and still has the original tags.

Banana Republic 100 Silk Cocktail Dress

Size 4

$35

This dress is 100% silk and fully lined. It has a tie belt and sequined trim around the neckline. Unfortunately there are a few picks in the silk, but they are not very noticeable.

Please email me at southernnewlywed@aol.com with any questions or to purchase. Happy Sunday!

Don't Forget!

I hope you have a great Monday! Don't forget that the Joss & Main preppy monogrammed plate sale starts at 11:00 AM sharp! Click here for instant access!

Preppy Monogrammed Plates @ Joss and Main

I just got an email yesterday about a fun company that is hosting a monogrammed plate sale on Monday at 11:00 AM. I have had these plates on my wish list for quite some time. I think they will be perfect for picnics. Joss & Main is owned by CSN stores and has recently offered sales for Le Creuset (where the heck was I?, I love Le Creuset!), Trina Turk, Missoni Home, Sweet Shop USA chocolates, Natural Fitness Yoga Mats, ModGreenPod organic textiles, Bob’s Your Uncle, Paderno cookware, and Henckels knives. Sign up instantly by clicking here and avoid the wait. The sale starts on Monday at 11:00 am and these items are sure to be a sellout. I am also really excited about the upcoming Lilly Pulitzer Accessories and Home Event on Monday April 18. Also, if you like Joss & Main on facebook you have the chance of winning a $1,000 gift certificate! I hope you all have a great weekend!

Checking in...

Hi, ladies! I hope you all are doing well! Things is my life are going well. My job is still going well although I have been really busy. I have to say, I can't complain though. I work with a great group of people and enjoy what I do.

I don't have anything new and exciting to report. I'm counting down the days until spring and summer. We don't have anything planned yet, but I am ready for some sunshine and warm weather.

We are in the process of thinking about moving to a new house. We love our condo, but we are ready for a little bit more room, and we would like to move to another part of Charlotte. Right now, we are thinking about our options and I am mulling over how I want things to look (the fun part!).

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Menu Monday

This week I am in town all week again - yay! Below are the recipes that we will be trying out this week.

Sunday: Sausage and cheese calzones

Monday: Pot roast with mashed potatoes and roasted carrots. For the roasted carrots, I cut carrots and place them on a sheet pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper. I usually roast them on 425 for about 15 - 20 minutes depending upon how thick the slices are.

Tuesday: Chicken cutlets with pecan sauce and steamed broccoli

Wednesday: Pastitsio I have made this recipe over and over. If you like lamb, this is a great dish. The flavor combinations are a bit different, but we love it.

Thursday: Slow cooker turkey chili

I hope you all have a nice week!

Happy Birthday, A!

photo from MarthaStewart.com

Today is my sister's birthday! A, I hope that you have a great day filled with all of your favorite things! I love you!

New Year's Eve Dinner

This year for NYE we decided to have a low key night and just invite some friends over and enjoy being at home. Neither Thomas or I are really into going out, so we were just as happy to stay at home. I made dinner and then we played wii and hung out with our friends. We toasted 2011 and then we all called it a night. The perfect way to ring in 2011 if you ask me!

I made mainly Pioneer Woman recipes and dinner was great. Really easy and everyone loved it. In fact, my friends duplicated the menu a few weeks later.

First Course: French Onion Soup

This was so, so good! Since NYE I have made this several times. It's easy and tastes really good. Be sure that you get very crusty French bread and definitely spring for gruyere. I think that Swiss would pass in a rush, but gruyere is just so delicious!

Main Course: Filet au poivre, mushrooms, and green beans with shallot butter sauce.

The filet au poivre was delicious. I cannot think of any changes that should be made to this recipe. It was decadent and the flavors were wonderful. The mushrooms I have made several times before and I love them. For the green beans, I used haricot verts, steamed them and then mixed them with sauteed shallots and butter. It was quick and easy.

This entire meal is something that I would absolutely make again for a special occasion. It was relatively easy and our friends loved it.

I hope you all have a great Sunday!