Oh, be still my boot lovin' heart....

So, mom and I were out shopping around today (with zero intentions of purchasing $350 cowboy boots, mind you) and I came across this little number, a beautiful pair of real cowboy boots made by Lucchese.







It was love at first sight. My mom was encouraging me, saying things like "you will regret this when you get home if you do not buy them, I know you," and "if you come back to get them, they will be gone." And just like that, within 10 minutes, they were mine. Purchased on a whim. Impulse buy. However, I have been looking for a good ole pair of "shit-kickers" (as Turner calls them) for quite a while now. I will no doubt wear these boots forever, and have every intention of having to have them re-soled a few times in my lifetime. I had no buyers remorse.

And I finally got the purse I have been dreaming about. (Remember that little thing called the Exhibitor?) It had been back-ordered for a while. And yes, I love it just as much as I knew I would. I need to stop shopping, however, it seems to be all I ever want to do on my days off...bad news. But if your interested in saving a little moola, check out J. Crew from 12AM Friday night to 12AM Sunday night and they have a Factory Store section on their website. I have always loved J. Crew factory, but they have never had it available on their website. It's like the exact same clothes at cheaper prices. The selection is not as big, but there is still some good stuff. Also, I always thought Lands End was very plain and for like older people, but then I discovered Lands End Canvas Shop. I really like some of their stuff, and they have alot of sales.

And completely random, but I had the best breakfast this morning. I love oatmeal, I eat it a lot. But this morning, I jazzed it up a bit. I did my usual instant Brown Sugar oatmeal packet that I add about 1 tsp of cinnamon to and 3/4 cup water, but after it had cooked, I added half and half and some light Maple Butter syrup and it was sooo good! So if your an oatmeal lover like myself, I recommend this little treat.

XOXO, MO

Tailgate Food is the BEST

Everyone knows it's football season, and in the South, everyone knows that the best part of gameday is the TAILGATE. I love the weather, the food, the sea of orange and blue tents, the beer, hanging out with friends and everything else that Saturday afternoons have to offer in the SEC. Here are a few yummy recipes that are perfect for tailgate food (or anytime really) that I thought I'd share with ya'll. ANDD they are all super duper easy! ENJOY!

Sausage and Cheese Balls
1 (8 oz) pkg sharp cheddar cheese
1 (1 lb) pkg fresh Jimmy Dean sausage (the hot kind is really tasty)
3 cups Bisquick

Mix all the ingredients together. Mix well with your hands (dip hands in water often to keep from being so dry). Can add a few tablespoons of water if needed. Roll into marble size balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 450 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes. (I did 8 minutes.)

Black Bean, Corn and Feta Dip
1 can black beans
1 can shoepeg corn
6 scallions, sliced
1/4 cup light olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup Splenda or sugar
6 oz feta cheese

Mix together first 3 ingredients. Mix olive oil, apple cider vin, sugar together and mix with first 3 ingredients. Refrigerate and add feta just before serving. Serve with Tostitos or Fritos.

Green Chile Squares
1 (4 oz) can green chiles
1 (8 oz) package sharp cheddar cheese
5 eggs beaten

Use 9x9 pan. Place green chiles on bottom. Spread shredded cheese over chiles. Beat eggs and pour over the top. Bake at 275 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. Slice in squares.

Brown Sugar Cake (SOO easy and SOO good!)
1 box yellow cake mix
1 small box vanilla pudding
4 eggs
1 cup water
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup oil

Combine all ingredients. Spray bundt pan with butter spray and dust with granulated sugar. Pour mix in pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Also, ya'll need to check out this blog I just found (it's right on up there with Pioneer Woman, in my opinion). It's called Southern Plate and the lady who does it is from Huntsville. Click on it on my side bar.

XOXO, MO