AN AMAZING ARTIST AND A GREAT FRIEND

Erin and Brian Crenshaw are an AMAZING couple here in Memphis, TN.!  He is our YOUTH PASTOR at FELLOWSHIP MEMPHIS AND a very TALENTED artist.  He painted two FANTASTIC works for our son, Bo's, nursery two years ago. Today, I received these AWESOME pictures of some of his newest pieces.  

Please let me know if you are interested in purchasing an AWESOME piece of art, by BRIAN CRENSHAW  Here is the BEST part:  The Crenshaws are currently on a waiting list for adopting a child from Ethiopia. With your purchase of one of these GORGEOUS paintings, your dollars are helping them finance their adoption.  How SPECIAL is that?  

One of these paintings would make an INCREDIBLE focal point over a fireplace or, over a sofa.  Brian's paintings have great texture and vibrant colors.  An original piece of art is always a great conversation starter as you entertain and, as you enjoy living in your space. 

Hanging in Bo's room 

Hanging in Bo's room 

FLAIR FASHION PICKS- SPRING 2011

A NEW season is upon us and, I am excited about new fashion trends for SPRING 2011.  You can easily update your wardrobe with a few chic and stylish items.  


From Old Navy, and, on sale for $34.50.  I have already worn mine twice and, I just received it four days ago.  Very comfortable! 

ADORABLE tote purse!  This is a GREAT looking bag for spring!

Zappos

Bright nail polish is a MUST for spring.  Check out "Calendar Girl" by OPI.
Beauty Encounter

Medallion necklaces are a fun trend for spring.  Layer one with a chunky statement necklace for a very updated look.  This necklace by YOCHI NY is sold for $56.00.  *FLAIR TIP: You can also look for these necklaces at vintage clothing stores or pawn shops. 

I love the comfortable polo style shirts by VINEYARD VINES. A very comfortable shirt and, great quality.  $65.00 each. 

Great looking aviator sunglasses with rose gold colored detail.  
These are AWESOME shades by FOSSIL . $55.00 per pair.

CUTE!!!  Check out these darling flip flops from Victoria's Secret.

The flower detail is SO CUTE!!! 

I bought this large face watch over two years ago and, I wear it almost every day.  A great looking watch and, an AMAZING price!  For awhile, it was SOLD OUT because it was featured in IN STYLE magazine.  Thankfully, you can find it today at: AMAZON.  A GREAT deal: $52.00.

CUTE bangle bracelets!  Less than $6.00!!  Buy a set for yourself AND a friend...
FOREVER 21

ADORABLE long Maxi dress!  This dress is available at SHOPBOP: By James Perse. 

You can find less expensive styles at TARGET.

ENJOY!   Shopping for a new season is fun and inspiring!  FLAIR TIP:  Buy a few new updated wardrobe items and, you will feel so 'of-the-moment'.

A WEEKEND MEAL- COMFORT FOOD

I have been making these enchiladas for years.  They are very easy to prepare for a crowd or, you may prepare one half of the recipe for your family.

CREAM CHEESE CHICKEN ENCHILADAS       

1 T. butter

1 medium onion, chopped

1 small can chopped green chilis

1 package cream cheese, cut up and softened

1/2 cup sour cream 

4 chicken breasts, chopped and cooked

1 t. salt

1 t. garlic powder

8 flour tortillas

2 packages Monterey Jack cheese, grated

2 cups whipping cream 

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add onion, and saute' 5 minutes. Add green chiles and saute' one minute.  Stir in cream cheese, sour cream, chicken, salt and garlic powder.  Spoon 3 tablespoons chicken mixture down center of each tortilla. Roll up tortillas, and place, seam side down, in a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with Monterey Jack Cheese and pour the whipping cream over the top.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. 

*FLAIR TIP:  I often serve these cut in half because a whole one is a very large serving.  These can be made the night before and, add whipping cream right before baking. 

I am blessed to be in a family with FANTASTIC cooks!  This salad recipe was shared with me by my sister, Patti Weaver, in 2002. Truly wonderful!  

MILLION DOLLAR SALAD

1 bunch red tip lettuce

1 bunch mixed greens

1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

1/2 bag of Craisins

1 container feta cheese, crumbled

TOP WITH:

 2 handfuls toasted chopped pecans

1 large Granny Smith apple, chopped

DRESSING:
Brianna's Blush Wine Dressing 
Toss and serve. 

QUICK PEACH COBBLER
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
2 cups sliced fresh peaches  * You may also use sliced/canned peaches

• Directions: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Melt butter in a 9 x 9 inch baking dish.  Blend together flour, baking powder, sugar, and milk.

• Pour batter in baking dish over the butter. Sprinkle fruit on top of the batter, do not stir. Bake for 1 hour or until golden brown.

FLAIR TIP: Serve warm with Buttered Pecan ice cream and, drizzle warm caramel syrup (in a jar) over the top, with a dollop of whipping cream and toffee pieces (found on the baking aisle, near chocolate chips).  This could be served for a casual dinner or an elegant dinner party.  DELICIOUS! 

BEAUTIFUL ROOMS

The pictures of the rooms featured in this entry are amazing!  I LOVE a calm and well organized room.

Wall Paint:  Pratt & Lambert- COOS BAY; Elle Decor

The aqua glass lamps are such a great focal point!  The large scale wallpaper is AMAZING! Check House Beautiful 

Wall paint ("Smokey Taupe" #983): Benjamin Moore; Traditional Home

This aqua blue light fixture adds an AMAZING 'WOW' factor!  Notice: the very chic geometric pattern fabric on the chairs;  the white painted legs of the chairs and table AND, the pale blue/white painted floor.  ELLE DECOR

May you feel inspired to create organized and clean spaces in your home, with a pop of a warm paint color and, unique accessories.  * FLAIR TIP:  I saw some GREAT home accessories today at Target.  Great looking accent pillows and modern vases- GREAT price points and, truly designer-look items.

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A FAVORITE & EXCEPTIONAL STORE

Today was cloudy and rainy in Memphis, TN and, in order to brighten up my day, I visited one of my favorite "Happy Places".   Garden District  is one of my top picks in order to 'feed' my creative side and soak up the FABULOUS floral designs in this GORGEOUS store.  Thank you, Joseph, for allowing me to photograph in the store today.  Your talents AMAZE me!


Their VERY friendly staff are always ready to assist with a warm smile. I often will take my own containers in to their store and, they will fill them with awesome creative floral arrangements, elaborate or simple, depending on the style I request.

Their store is very SEASONAL and, I often 'kick off' a new season in my home AFTER I walk in to this store and, get an 'injection' of spring, summer, fall or my MOST favorite....CHRISTMAS!

Garden District of Memphis, TN.  Truly one of the MOST amazing floral and home stores I have ever visited!    

ELEGANT LIVING ROOMS AND SPACES

I truly believe that paint colors are "Grown-Up" Crayons.  Paint and paint colors are a practical way to totally change a room or a piece of furniture.   Over the years, paint has been one of the most economical methods by which I have been able to add a pop of color to a room or, add a sense of calm. 


Currently, my favorite paint color obsession is Navajo White by Benjamin Moore.  www.benjaminmoore.com.

Navajo White by Benjamin Moore 

Two months ago, our living room and dining room was a warm apple green color.  We inherited this color when we moved in to our home 4 years ago.  I was ready for a change and, ready to make it more of my own space. 


I loved the new color on the walls so much that, I had 4 pieces of furniture painted as well.  Contrast in a room is very important, in order to add interest and the important 'WOW' effect.  I asked my painter to have the furniture paint mixed two shades darker than the Navajo White.  


I have added a few elegant rooms that are really AWESOME and, lighter and brighter.  These spaces are very chic and, calming. 

I would like to credit the following for the wonderful pictures:   www.coastalliving.com; www.elegantwoman.org;




www.elledecor.com.






Do you need a new look and design?  Paint your walls cream and INDULGE yourself and your guests.  






Take a look at the most current issue of ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST......it is YUMMY! 




www.architecturaldigest.com.

A LIFE CHANGING BOOKLET

Keeping the home is a big task and, I truly believe praying over your home and your family, FIRST thing in the morning CHANGES the atmosphere of the entire day.  


A dear friend recently gave me this little booklet and, I wish I could send each of you one!  Truly, this prayer booklet has been ROCKING my world and, I am urging you to order yourself a copy TODAY!  Thank you Sylvia Gunter for writing this amazing book!  I read a page of it each morning and, when I am to the end, I start over. AWESOME!! 


For the Family    To Order:  www.thefathersbusiness.com   (click on 'Store') 
                                                  *LIFE CHANGER!  

ONE MORE FLAIR TIP: SAVE TIME AND KEEP THE HOME

MAGAZINES!!

Magazines are inspiring and I DELIGHT in getting inspiration from these publications, each month! One problem, they can STACK UP in a hurry and, this turns into clutter.  FLAIR SOLUTION:  The FIRST time you sit down to look at it, (yes, to a NEW magazine!)- tear or cut out that great looking recipe, decorating idea, etc. File the page right then. Place a check mark in the top right corner cover. When the next issue arrives, throw out the one from the previous month- you can EASILY 'toss it' because you know that you already extracted your favorite ideas AND filed them.

I LOVE keeping pretty magazines in a stack beside a cozy chair in our family room. In the event  that a guest would like to browse through one, I know they are always current.

'FLAIR' IDEAS TO SAVE TIME AND KEEP THE HOME

Keeping our home is one of my favorite things to do.  TIME spent in the home is a huge key and, also, time saving tricks.  Here are a few habits I have implemented over the years and, these add minutes to my day, as well as keep clutter to a minimum.  Spring is on our heels....why not start now with cleaning out, and, gaining more time each day? 

 Oh!  That mail.....arrives daily and stacks up easily.  Sure can create clutter in a hurry!  What to do?  Use my "touch it ONE time" rule:  The minute you take it from the mailbox, sort it into piles of 1) Bills 2) Trash *3) Respond.  Should you receive a party invite for yourself or a child, take time and RSVP the SAME day or send an email. *This makes the sender feel GREAT and, then,  place a check mark in the top right corner of the invite, letting you know you already responded.  Gift needed?  Order the gift online or a store within 48 hours of receiving the invite and, place a check mark in the top left hand corner of the invitation----DONE!  When the party or wedding date arrives, you are ready to head out the door, gift in hand!   #2) TRASH that junk mail the second you receive it!  #1) Place bills in the place you store them- open right when you receive it and write on outside of envelope the date it is due and, the amount.  This way....on bill paying day, you can pay them quicker. One more thing, don't have time to get the mail and sort it?  No problem!  Make it a point to GET the mail when you know you can spend 5 minutes sorting!  Only 5 minutes!  I promise!!  

I have been getting a great weight lifting session in while my children are taking a bath each night!!   

They LOVE listening to music during their bath and, I play upbeat music that I can do my 'routine' to.  They laugh at me as I work my biceps, triceps....etc. and, I can check for proper form in the bathroom mirror.  15 minutes does the 'trick' and, I feel great while they are soaking/playing!  






 Clean out those drawers!   Thinking about doing all of mine at once, is overwhelming to me!  Take one-two drawers any time you get an opportunity and, your home will feel SO tidy!  The one pictured is in my daughter, Brooke's bathroom.  This morning, it was FULL of clutter- hair ties, safety pins, tubes of lotion---a MESS!  I emptied the entire drawer (this is KEY), sorted and threw things away and, now.....LOOK.....a neat drawer!  Makes me HAPPY!!! 

This is a GREAT time saver!  I learned this from my dear
 Mom-in-Law, Pat Bryson.  Unwrap bars of soap and keep them in a bin in your bathroom.
On those early mornings, all you need to do is grab a fresh bar!  

Buying frequently used items in bulk saves SO MUCH TIME!  I love COSTCO or SAM's for this 'trick', but, the grocery store works too!  I love making sure my sweetheart  always has everything he needs.  I call these items my bathroom "pantry".  Major time saver!!!






From the book Life Management for Busy Women, by Elizabeth George: 
         Think again about the place where you live, the place you call home. You and I have little control over most of the events of our lives. But we do have a measure of control over the atmosphere and the order and the smooth running of our home. You see, what's inside our doors and under our roof is our sphere. It's our place.  By and large, it's a sphere and a place we build, watch over, manage, and love.  So why shouldn't we dive in and do it with great passion and purpose?  
Wishing each one of you happiness and contentment as you keep your home. Do not forget to love on your home with 'FLAIR'.
            Love From My Home, Beth 

FLAIR FAVORITE COOKBOOKS -

Where to begin? Collecting cookbooks, reading them, marking them for favorites (I draw a star beside a MUST do over recipe!), and testing recipes is one of my MOST favorite hobbies.  The last time I counted, I had over 120 cookbooks and....this was AFTER a big clean out session!  My cookbooks are reminders of places John and I have travelled, special towns that I love and, ALWAYS a reminder that I want to sit down, read one and PLAN a party of any kind!  


I went through my collection and picked some of my ALL TIME favorites for you.  * Check www.amazon.com for used copies (a great way to add to your cookbooks).  Do not be afraid to 'tweak' a recipe and, be sure and make notes out to the side of what you did, for the next time.


My mother is a wonderful cookbook collector and, a FABULOUS cook....I attribute my love for them to her. 

      A totally wonderful cookbook by The Junior League of Houston- awesome! 

 I used to LOVE to eat at The Peach Tree Tea Room in Fredericksburg, TX. This cookbook is wonderful!  Every single recipe in it is amazing!  I use cheesecake recipes from it. 

     This cookbook by The Junior League of Denver is truly FANTASTIC!  Gorgeous pictures too!  

 Helen Corbitt!  An American treasured cook.  This cookbook is one of my very FAVORITES!  Helen Corbitt became famous when she ran the tea room at Neiman Marcus in Dallas, TX, starting in 1955. Many of her recipes are still on their tea room menu, including her very famous, poppy seed dressing.  I especially love her warm peanut butter sauce, served over ice cream. YUM!!

I LOVE my hometown, Memphis, TN, but, all biases aside, this Junior League of Memphis cookbook is a MUST-BUY....in fact, get it NOW!!!  EVERY single recipe in it is a crowd THRILLER.  One of the most favorite recipes around here is the HOT ONION SOUFFLE', p. 31---cream cheese, onions, Parmesan cheese....served hot....need I say more?? 

I absolutely love and am SO INSPIRED by Ina Garten, aka, The Barefoot Contessa!  I first learned about her, many years ago, from my dear friend, Nan Lawrence.  I DVR her tv show on the Food Network every Saturday and, I own practically every cookbook she has ever published.  *This Back To Basics is great!!!  She is very famous, but, in case you have not followed her show...jump to it!  Her recipes are elegant, but, QUICK....truly incredible!!  


Here's to cookbook collecting and, most of all, preparing wonderful dishes for your guests.


Feel inspired? Please post your favorite cookbook on the comments sections.  We would love to know the title!