Decorating – Blue & White

I consider myself very “traditional” when it comes to decorating. I get it from my Mom. She has exquisite style and taste when it comes to dressing and decorating; therefore, like Mother, like daughter, I inherited her style. And, thank goodness I did.

As for decorating our house, she taught me the art of symmetry and balance. I always buy décor in “pairs.”

When we registered for our everyday china pattern, my husband and I both fell in love with the “Mandarin Blue” collection by Lauren Ralph Lauren.

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Since, then I’ve been able to find several discontinued pieces of our pattern like vases, cookie jars, and candlesticks at HomeGoods. My Mom always calls me and says “I found more…” and I tell her “grab them, please!”   Now, I’ll be the first to admit, other than our everyday pattern, I don’t like a lot of blue and white décor, but I do like it sprinkled in ” here and there” around the house. Too much of a good thing is not good, in my opinion.  If you’re lucky, you can find some really great buys on blue and white ginger jars, bowls, vases and more at HomeGoods. That’s the place to hunt for them. When you see one, grab it, because they go fast. I recently found a blue and white bowl for $24.99. It now resides on our sideboard in our foyer. It’s a piece we’ll love for years. The “hunt” for these pieces is half of the fun!

Do you like decorating with blue and white? If so, where do you shop for your pieces?

Below are some images inspiring my “blue & white” style.

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Images via

~KSSBelle

Happy Weekend!

Happy Weekend, Everyone!

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We are entertaining company this weekend, and celebrating my husband’s birthday (We had a fun celebration last night with my family already!), so we’ll be pretty busy this weekend. I have to sign-off and go clean like a crazy woman now. Why do I always wait until the last minute? My house isn’t dirty by any means, but I need to do little things here and there that just take time. I love entertaining, but since I was raised Southern, and to be a wonderful hostess, that means in my book, everything must be “perfect’ for my guests. I was raised to have high standards for myself in everything I do in life, and I like it that way. At my core, that’s just who I am. Even though it can be exhausting, it’s worth it. It makes me happy to try and make my guests always feel welcome and at home when they visit. But I’m not going to lie, sometimes I feel as though I need a vacation after entertaining. Does anyone else feel this way? Oh well. I’ll just have an extra cup of joe to get me through the day!

Do you have fun plans ahead? I sure hope so! Enjoy!

~KSSBelle

The Best “Apple Crisp” Recipe

This is hands down the best apple crisp I’ve ever had in my life. Before I share this recipe with you, I first need to give full credit to my best friend of 27 years. This recipe has been passed down in her family for years. I asked her for her recipe shortly after I got married, and she gave it to me (thankfully). Since then, I have made this for several house warming gifts, dinner parties and just because…it’s that good.

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It’s so easy to make with such simple ingredients – that’s my kind of recipe.

6 Large granny smith apples
2 Cups sugar
2 Cups all purpose flour
2 Sticks unsalted butter, melted
2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
4 Tablespoons water

 Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Start by grabbing your 9 x13 baking dish. Wash and slice the apples into very thin half moon slices. Slice the half moon slices in half. Layer the apple slices in the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle your 4 tablespoons of water over the apples evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the apples.

Next, get a large mixing bowl ready for the “good stuff” otherwise known as the “crisp” part. Add your 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of sugar, then your 2 sticks of melted butter. Stir these 3 ingredients together well with a spoon.

Pour the crisp ingredients onto the apples in your baking dish evenly. Place your apple crisp in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy – and don’t worry, you can thank me later!

 I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Draper James

Have you seen Reese Witherspoon’s new line Draper James? It is gorgeous, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from Reese herself. She’s a star that is always perfectly put together, even if she’s going to the gym. I am not surprised at all that she’s gone into designing fashion. I’m so glad. I love the fact that Reese is from the South, values family like I do, and has a beautiful family of her own. Did I mention she has great style? I love her style.

If you haven’t checked out her new line, add it to your to-do list. Below are some of my favorites! Happy Shopping!

Horseshoe Objet

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 I love horseshoes. I have loved horses since I was a little girl. I actually had a real horseshoe hanging on my bedroom door growing up. This reminds me of my parent’s home and my childhood, and those are two things that are priceless to me. I might have to add this to my desk.

Derby Bag in Nashville Navy

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This bag is lovely. The navy and gold combo is classic and my favorite pairing.

Belle Meade Dress

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This dress is so cute. The v-front is flattering, and who can turn down a dress with pockets?

Bristol Short

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The magnolia print is really pretty, and again, I’m sold on the navy color!

 Magnolia Link Bracelet

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This bracelet is classic and feminine. Love it.

What do you love from Reese Witherspoon’s new line, Draper James?