Tunesday With George: Shovels & Rope

Shovels And Rope -- O' Be Joyful

Shovels And Rope, the Charleston-based husband/wife duo of Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent, have been touring relentlessly and making records both under their names and together as S&R for years now...releasing the albums on their own record label, Shrimp Records. It appears that their well-deserved moment is arriving, as they released O' Be Joyful on Dualtone Records last week, and all indications are that it is going to do quite well. In my honest opinion, the songs aren't quite as strong as the most recent Cary Ann Hearst album or the last Shovels And Rope release...BUT, still a very solid record with a handful of gems, including this one:

Walking Down The Aisle - A Year Later

I completely forgot to share the spread of our wedding in The Knot! It came out in the Fall 2012 issue.

Our wedding was everything I could have hoped for. We celebrated with so many special friends and family. Despite the little day-of hiccups (no transportation, a ripped dress, rain as we arrived...) that I can laugh at now - and laughed at after a glass (or 6) of champagne - it was a perfect day. We worked with the most amazing vendors. If you are planning a wedding, I would love to pass along all the fabulous people who helped us. 

 I can't thank my parents enough for indulging my every wish for the day. xoxo 

The full slideshow can be seen HERE

Happy Birthday, Sapphire

Mr. Fonty are I are up at his parents' place in Sapphire, NC this weekend - AKA my favorite place in the whole world. It is the 100th anniversary of the property, and we are celebrating with all his aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, distant cousins, you name it. I have a feeling it will be a rowdy few days, but it sure feels great to get out of the Georgia heat!

Sapphire is a little slice of heaven. It is only 2 hours from Athens, so we are able to pop up all the time. Every time I go, I am convinced it is the best time to be there - "Spring is definitely the best time, because of all the blossoms", "Summer is the best time, because we are missing the heat wave". "Fall is the best, because of the leaves changing", "No, winter is the best, because it snows and we can have a fire." Really, every time we go there, it is perfect. I already have so many wonderful memories here, and I am excited to make many, many more. 

Happy Birthday, Sapphire!

Sapphire by the Seasons:

Winter

 

 Spring

My first fish ever

 Baby Ryman exploring

Summer

 The Gentlemen Fonty

 Fall

 

 

It is going to be a great weekend!

Ankle Boot Round Up

The Ankle Bootie (it pains me to say that word) trend looks like it is here to stay - for at least one more season. This batch of boots is well suited for every event from a late summer music festival with a flowy dress to a chilly fall evening with skinny jeans and an over-sized scarf. Get Booted.
Please Note: The 4 boots at the bottom that look nearly identical but range in price from $50-$550. You can be trendy at any price range.

Isabel Marant mid heels
lagarconne.com

Rag & bone suede heels
otteny.com

Madison Harding high heel
endless.com

Ash suede booties
my-wardrobe.com

Dolce Vita round toe boots
amrag.com

ALDO platform bootie
aldoshoes.com

High heel
nordstrom.com

Zara boots
zara.com

Bootie boots
kohls.com

In The Kitchen: Sesame Kale

Kale is one of my favorite greens. Whenever I pick some up, I will find ways to eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 
This recipe is an easy twist on traditional sauteed kale, and the best part is the longer it sits, the better it gets, so you can dish up a snack all week long. 
Sesame Kale goes great with any meats on the grill or as a side for Asian salmon dishes or chicken. 

Picture from Health-Bent

Sesame Kale
1 bunch kale, torn into pieces
1 clove garlic, minced
3 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (or Tahini)
1 Tbsp Red or Vidalia Onion, Minced
1 Carrot, Shredded
Sesame Seeds
Salt & Pepper
Parmesan (or cheese of your choice)

Blanch the kale just so it turns bright green. Dry in paper towels or a salad spinner. 
In a large bowl, mix the wet ingredients with the onion and carrots. (Optional: Let sit for 10 minutes. I think this helps take the bite out of the onion and garlic)
Add the kale and coat well (it is easiest to use your hands). Toss with sesame seeds, and season with salt & pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and top with Parmesan. 


Yum! Healthy and delicious.