Lemon Bars from Southern Living

It is difficult to imagine life without Southern Living magazine.  It is the staple publication; a guide to living not only in the South, but all over the country and beyond.  I wait for each edition with great anticipation. 
I hope that all of you are fortunate enough to have discoved this gem of a magazine, and if not -- there is no time like the present.

I made these lemon bars that were in the recipe section of the March 2010 issue, and they are to die for.  I have included the recipe for you to enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Other Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Yield: Makes about 2 dozen

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup butter, cubed

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup uncooked quick-cooking oats

• 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

• 2 (10-oz.) jars lemon curd

Preparation

1. Line bottom and sides of a 13- x 9-inch pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil or parchment paper, allowing 2 to 3 inches to extend over sides; lightly grease foil.

2. Preheat oven to 350°. Beat flour, butter, granulated sugar, oats, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until crumbly and mixture resembles wet sand. Reserve 1 1/4 cups mixture. Press remaining mixture onto bottom of prepared pan.

3. Bake at 350º for 20 to 22 minutes until light golden brown.

4. Meanwhile, microwave both jars of lemon curd at the same time at HIGH 1 minute or until pourable. Spread lemon curd over hot baked crust, and sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.

5. Bake at 350º for 30 minutes or until bubbly and brown. Let cool in pan on a wire rack 30 minutes. Lift from pan, using foil sides as handles. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 30 minutes). Remove foil, and cut into squares.

Southern Living, MARCH 2010

Thank you Southern Living!

Now on to etiquette...

Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition (Thumb Indexed)

Embracing Etiquette with Teresa continued... see introduction post (1-29-10.)

ROAD RAGE

In the 1980’s, the mounting pressures of daily life gave rise to road rage, which at times has escalated to violence causing injury or death. Aggressive driving, and it counterpart, defensive driving, are par for the course these days, but road rage is considered a criminal offense.

NEVER

• Tailgate another automobile
• Have eye contact with an aggressive driver
• Make an obscene gesture towards another driver
• Lay on the horn and not let up
• Block the passing lane for more than a reasonable period of time

No matter what has happened during your day, DO NOT let it lower your focus or reasoning. It can develop into a dangerous situation.

Tomorrow we will cover how to Stay Courteous.

See you soon,
Teresa
xoxo

Color Splash

Interior Designer Jamie Drake has exibited extreme talent in this colorful New York home in the current issue of Traditional Home. This is certainly an issue that you don't want to miss. It is a keeper, filled with so much more than I am able to share with you here.

No doubt upon entry into this beautiful home that this artsy couple loves color and mix.

This painting by Andy Warhol blends beautifully among tradtional furnishings and accessories.

The eye is simultaneously drawn to an array of pieces in this colorful room.  I think that the use of a mirror to reflect the Warhol painting is brilliant.

This sitting area is traditional and peaceful.

Such a coolness and elegance in design is exibited in this dining room.

A lavender grasscloth covers the wall in this bright purple sitting area ...

and lavender bedroom.

This area has a mix of several influences.

I really like how Drake combined a mirrored piece, the gold legs on the bathroom sink, the black and white tile, and the traditional wallpaper.

I can't find a thing I would change in this light, airy kitchen.

I hope that you enjoyed this post. I now have a decorating bug.  See you tomorrow for a treat from Southern Living Magazine!

Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition (Thumb Indexed)

Embracing Etiquette with Teresa continued... see introduction post (1-29-10.)

THE CAR ~ Good Manners = Safety

There are two important subjects to mention before. You are to always buckle your seatbelt and make certain that your guest have their belt fastened. Refrain from drinking while driving. This is prohibited in all states.

Handling an automobile is a great responsibility, and you should never put on makeup, eat, or talk on your cell phone. DO NOT TEXT WHILE DRIVING! Always pay attention to the road. It is your responsibility. Pull over to the side of the road if you need to take care of anything else.

Go the speed limit, use your blinker, and do not tailgate. These considerations are mannerly.

Tomorrow we cover Road Rage.

See you soon,
Teresa
xoxo

Martha Reeves ~ Interior Design

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Martha Reeves was the designer for this home in Traditional Home this month.  I love the calm sophistication Reeves applies in each room of this Atlanta home.  Enjoy! 

I hope that you have enjoyed visiting these beautiful rooms. In tomorrow's post, I have some beautifully designed rooms to share. The colors will wow you.

Srr you soon,
Teresa
xoxo

Embracing Etiquette with Teresa continued... see introduction post (1-29-10.)

COMMUTER TRAINS

Unlike airline passengers, railway passengers can use a phone. Even on train lines that limit cell phone use, using phones can be an issue.

There is always the person that spreads out papers and work, tapping away on the computer or talking endlessly and loudly on their cell phone. There are many valid reasons to use a phone, but attempt to keep your voice down. Many passengers use this time to read and rest.

When talking with your seatmate, keep your voice low to help others have a pleasurable trip.

Do not put your feet in an empty seat, and don’t leave anything behind. Make sure that you pick up your newspaper, snack bag, and coffee cups, leaving the place neat for the next passenger.

Tomorrow we will cover The Car ~ Good manners = Safety.

Teresa,
xoxo

Pearls ~ A Girl's Best Friend

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Pearls are always in Vogue.

Audrey Hepburn knew where to find pearls.

In the South, there are several things that are a given; Pearls, Pearls, Pearls.  Sure we love the little black dress, gloves, hats, and the occasional mint julep, but we are not dressed until we have adorned ourselves with that perfect strand or two, and we wear them with everything, from our favorite frock to our t-shirt and jeans.  Did I mention that we sometimes sleep in them?

Jackie Kennedy

Of course we are not the only ladies that love this beautiful gift from the sea.  There are millions of women who choose to finish there attire with a lovely strand of pearls.  Ask around. You will be hard pressed to find a well dressed lady that doesn't love their pearls.

So, for those of you that missed my posts on "The Little Black Dress" and "Gloves", I have provided the links below. But don't y'all leave yet, because we have a lot to learn and see with regards to "The Pearl."

http://splendidsass.blogspot.com/search/label/Little%20Black%20Dress

http://splendidsass.blogspot.com/search/label/gloves

Note to readers: Formats may be off due to new template. I am working to reformat past posts.

These  tahition pearls ....

and these beautiful white pearls are from
Mikimoto and can be found at
Brombergs Jewelers.

A strand of these over-the-top gorgeous white pearls with diamonds...

and these chocolate tahitian pearls are from Tiffany.

Blue Nile is an online source for pearls.

This information and chart from Mikimoto provides information that proves to be helpful in choosing the right pearls for you.

Luster

Luster is the amount of light reflected from the pearl's surface. Luster is the surface glow, as well as the deep mirror-like reflection of the light, or “inner light”. Nacre quality in cultured pearls will improve the overall luster. Many even layers of nacre are required to create a highly defined spectrum of color. Only the highest quality pearls with the best luster carry the MIKIMOTO name.

Surface Perfection

As a product of nature, tiny marks found on pearls are part of their natural texture and are proof of the genuineness of a cultured pearl. These blemishes are produced by outside sea particles and objects that find their way into the oyster and brush against the pearl. A pearl is considered more valuable when the surface imperfections are minimal.

Color

There is a wide spectrum of colors that can be found in pearls. Basic colors include cream, gray, green, blue and pink. The most popular colors are white and pink rosé because these shades flatter the widest range of skin tones. Color is based on preference, but it is always important to find a color that is rich and evenly distributed on the pearl.

Shape

Although many shapes are available, perfectly round pearls are the rarest and most valuable. Button pearls are round on one side and flat on the opposite end. Other shapes like tear drop and baroque are also favored because of their uniqueness. They are formed when an outside entity attaches itself onto the forming pearl and it is covered by nacre layers.

Size

Generally, the size of the pearl affects the price. Large pearls are more difficult to cultivate because of the large size of the implanted nucleus. There is an increased likelihood that the oyster will reject the nucleus. Pearls are measured in diameter increments of millimeters (mm). The classic Akoya pearl generally ranges from 3.5mm to 10mm in size. South Sea (White, Golden, or Black) pearl sizes begin at 8mm and can be as large as 18mm.

 

I hope that you have enjoyed this post on pearls, and that this information will help you choose a strand of pearls that you will enjoy for a lifetime.

 

See you soon,

Teresa

xoxo

There are two etiquette posts in this post.

Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition (Thumb Indexed)

Embracing Etiquette with Teresa continued... see introduction post (1-29-10.)

RIDING THE BUS

When three people or more are waiting to board a bus, form a line, then wait your turn, no matter how crowded the bus is. Have your change or fare ready so that you will not hold up everyone else while you look for it. If there are plenty of seats available, leave those at the front for passengers who are elderly or disabled, even if not designated as such.

Bus riders are subject to more cell phone conversations than underground transit. The average person DOES NOT want to listen to you blab away about issues that mean nothing to them. Too much noise is unnerving.

Monday we will cover Subways and Other City Trains.

Embracing Etiquette with Teresa continued... see introduction post (1-29-10.)

ON THE SUBWAYS AND OTHER CITY TRAINS

When a city train (subway or above ground) pulls into the station, step aside to let passengers get off of the train. Not doing so is very discourteous. Door-blockers also block inside train doors and this is considered not only rude, but aggressive. When people are attempting to get off of the train, step off until they get off. You will then be able to get back on before the train departs.

If the riders are packed in tight, wait for the next train. Shouldering people aside is one of the most obnoxious offense.

DO NOT hold the door someone trying to get to the door, nor should you pry open the door or block it with a briefcase. You may lose your briefcase (you deserve to.)

Tomorrow we will cover Commuter Trains.

See you soon,
Teresa
xoxo

Jay Strongwater's Easter Egg

Note to readers: Formats may be off due to new template. I am working to reformat past posts.

Beautiful...

http://www.jaystrongwater.com/

Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition (Thumb Indexed)

Embracing Etiquette with Teresa continued... see introduction post (1-29-10.)

ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Whether you live in a big city with a rapid-transit system that is usually packed, or a small toen bus, there are things you must remember to do and not to do.
If you are sitting on a bus, and the bus is filling up, do not leave a bag, backpack, or other objects in the seat next to you. A polite rider offers their seat to someone that needs it more – a pregnant woman, parent with young children, an elderly person, a mother holding a baby, a person with an armload of packages, or someone who looks frail or tired.

When standing, move to the middle of the bus or train, making room for passengers at the next stop. Make sure that you have maneuvered your way to the door by the time you reach your stop.

Backpacks are a source of frustration and a person should take the pack off of their back and carry it around the waist.

Keep your conversations quiet and try not to yell over the noise on the bus. DO NOT use profanity or talk intimately on the bus or train.

On rainy days, do not put your wet umbrella on a seat or the overhead rack. Keep the umbrella on the floor in front of you at your feet, making certain not to let it stick into the aisle.

If eating is allowed on the public transportation, try to keep it to a minimum, such as a candy bar. Try not to smell up the train or bus with something like French fries.

Tomorrow we will cover specifically Riding the Bus.

See you soon,
Teresa
xoxo

Pristine Surroundings ~ Kay O'Toole

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Kay O'Toole uses statues and other forms of handmade eloquent heirlooms to make these clean rooms feel comfortable.

ENJOY!

These images can be found in the April 2010 issue of Veranda Magazine.

Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition (Thumb Indexed)

Embracing Etiquette with Teresa continued... see introduction post (1-29-10.)

WALKING THE DOG

If you are walking your dog on an urban street, make sure that the leash doesn’t block traffic or trip a pedestrian. Retractable leashes are dangerous in this setting, and they become virtually invisible to some walkers, cyclists, and joggers.
I am not sure where these people live, but if you tie your dog to a parking meter or lamp post while you shop or eat, make sure they don’t bark. This bothers the passerby and establishment patrons. (I was tempted to leave this out, but it may be important for someone living in Mayberry, which is not a bad thing.)

YOU MUST REMOVE YOUR DOGS POOP WITH A POOPER-SCOOPER OR A BAG. This sends me. It is hard for me to believe that there are actually people irrational and pathetic enough to let their dog poopie on someone’s property and have the audacity to leave it there. You know who you are, and I don’t want to know you. Ok, back to the book. It doesn’t matter how big of a hurry you are in and where you are. CLEAN UP!

Before letting your dog socialize with another dog, make sure it is alright with the owner of the dog. Double that for children. Ask the child’s parent if it is alright. Now if you have a ten pound monster like I do, it wouldn’t be wise. Make certain that your dog doesn’t jump on, nuzzle of bounce off of the child.

Tell adults and children alike about your dogs personality and habit, even if your visit will be short. No surprises please.

Tomorrow we will cover Public Transportation.

See you soon,
Teresa
xoxo

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Part II

These are the remaining photographs taken by Angela at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham.

Beautiful photographs, Angela!

Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition

Embracing Etiquette with Teresa continued... see introduction post (1-29-10.)

JOGGERS, SKATERS, AND BIKERS

Jogging or skating on a neighborhood sidewalk is fine if there is little or no traffic. There are those that decide that playing dodge the pedestrian is fun.

Bicycles are to be ridden on the street, not the sidewalk. An early morning ride down an empty suburban footpath may be acceptable, but riding on a busy city street upsets drivers, and has proven dangerous for the cyclist.

Tomorrow we will cover Walking the Dog.

See you soon,
Teresa
xoxo