Autumn Apple Oatmeal

Fall is already here and, love it or hate it, so are Uggs, pumpkin spice everything, and your neighbors’ Halloween decorations rearing their scary heads.  One thing I love any time of the year is the classic combo of fresh apples and spicy cinnamon, and this oatmeal definitely reminds me of the kind I had as a kid from the paper packets but with a much needed twist!

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

-1/2 c. oatmeal

-1 c. water or milk of your choice

-1/4 of an apple finely chopped

-dash of salt

-dash of cinnamon

-1 teaspoon brown sugar

Add all of the ingredients to a microwave safe bowl and cook for about two minutes.  I like to top mine with toasted walnuts or pecans.  Of course, both the apples and the oatmeal can be made on the stove top, and sometimes I like to cook them separately and then spoon the apples over the top to make everything look a little nicer.  But on those busy mornings when the presentation of your breakfast is the last thing on your mind, this recipe can also be easily converted into the perfect overnight oats.  Enjoy!

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Four Faves of the Week

1.  Moroccan Throws

I’m obsessed with these beautiful blankets right now because they’re incredibly colorful, come in lots of different price points, and look perfect draped over a neutral bed or sofa.

2.  Silver Rings by Jack&Hugo

Jack&Hugo’s chunky silver rings make a statement without being too in your face, like so many of their other gorgeous pieces as well.

3. Leon Bridges

We’re loving this smooth soul singer with a solid 60s vibe.  Check out his popular track “Coming Home” or one of my favorites “Lisa Sawyer.”

4. Maybeline Lash Sensational Mascara

What can I say–the perfect drugstore mascara!  It adds lots of length and volume with no flaking and the price is perfect. Thanks to our hometown friend and beauty aficionado @pooker for recommending!!

Music City Food and Wine 2015

Last weekend in Nashville was one for the books. If you are at all interested in amazing food tasting, celebrities as well as celebrity chefs, great music, unlimited amounts of wine and spirits then you should go ahead and plan to attend next year. It was really just perfect.  There were cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend and music was always playing.

    

   

One of my very favorite parts of the weekend was Harvest Night, which took place on Saturday night at A night of more tastings by many chefs you know and respect from either the Food Network or restaurants that you have read about for years, combined with live music curated by the Kings of Leon who helped put on the entire weekend with the help of the gang at C3 Presents. You may not know of C3 but you know of the shows they put on: Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, Big Apple Barbecue and our own Music City Food and Wine just to name a few. Basically we’re in great company.

Many different artists performed during Harvest Night, all classic songs. It was amazing to listen then to watch the collaboration not only on stage but throughout the weekend.

  

Robert Randolph

  

Music City Food and Wine; Harvest Night

     

 

Soul Men : Sam Moore and Michael McDonald

 

After all of the fun on Saturday day and night, the Ole Miss football game and the after party at Pinewood Social we unfortunately got to Bicential Park too late on Sunday, missing the Gospel Brunch. But no fear, we made it in time for the Tito’s Bloody Mary Bar and Hattie B’s hot chicken sliders.

We ended the weekend Sunday evening with a celebratory dance party and one last after party at the new, most perfect transplant to Nashville, Cochon Butcher in Germantown.

Long story short, incredible weekend in Nashville, on every level. Thank you to everyone who put in the effort to make it happen, and I am currently detoxing.

Hattie B’s

 
 

Kim Crawford Wine

        

Easy Artichoke Dip

Well, guys, it’s football season again, and while I might not watch many of the games, I definitely don’t pass on the snacks!  This artichoke dip is easy to whip up and just one of the best things you’ll ever have.

I was introduced to it by one of my husband’s aunts who always brings it to family gatherings.  I hear that technically this is a Junior League recipe, but Aunt Ann will always have the credit in my book!

Easy Artichoke Dip 

-2 cans of artichoke hearts, finely chopped

-1/2 c. mayonnaise

-1 Tbsp onion, finely chopped

-juice of 1/2 a lemon

-3-4 pieces of bacon, cooked and crumbled

-salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, leaving a little extra bacon to garnish the top.  Serve with your favorite chips or crackers.

Wow!  Does it get any easier than that?  Enjoy!

Four Faves of the Week

1. St. Vincent

Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, is the queen of the electropop scene these days.  If you haven’t jumped on this bandwagon yet, try out Digital Witness or her more mellow album, Marry Me.

2.  Moscow Mule Mugs

One very thoughtful husband bought a set of these for my birthday last month, and I’ve been loving them!  I sense a new recipe coming up…

3. Music City Food + Wine Festival

This weekend I am thrilled to get to attend Music City Food + Wine Festival in Nashville. Amazing Chefs + Tastings + Music  + Dear Friends… I could not dream up a better weekend.

4. Beautycounter – Sienna Lipgloss

Hands down, the perfect fall lipgloss. Looks slightly scary in the tube, but for anyone who has ever loved or missed Clinique Black Honey this is the sheer, “grown up” version and I am obsessed.