NaNoWriMo!

So I was just visiting a fellow blogger's blog (maybe a little redundant..) and came across her most recent post, something about a nanowrimo? And no, it's actually not some strange manga drawing competition. I googled this strange thing and NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month (November). I have found it to be an interactive website where you can write a book in the month of November, and the site automatically counts the collective number of words written. It seems that NNWM allows you to:

• Write a novel in a month!
• Track your progress!
• Get pep talks and support.
• Meet fellow writers online and in person

Seems interesting enough, something I will definitely look into. I think this is something I may participate in and I highly recommend that y'all join in! It seems like a friendly environment where you can write and express yourself in your own unique way! I think all you have to do is sign up and write! I really hope y'all see this and decide to join the NaNoWriMo movement!

Check it out at nanowrimo.org
Check out Kyla Denae's blog at http://teenagemusings7.blogspot.com/

Thanks y'all!
XOXO 

Post-Halloween Triumphs

Candy. Tons of Candy ranging from gooey, melted Butterfingers to the greatly frowned upon Dots that taste like erasers. Sprawled all over my floor. Nothing is better than getting tons of ridiculously priced treats that little kids have drooled over, squeamishly awaiting for it to be in their hands. I must admit, I felt somewhat guilty. I mean I am a teenager, I probably shouldn't be out practically stealing candy from babies. But what else am I going to do? Sit at home? Not me, I'm going to dress up and get some candy. Several people said, "You aren't really going to dress up and go trick-or-treating, are you?" I did, and it was wonderful. You can sit at home, bored and candy-less, but as for me, I refuse. I was a giraffe/leopard/cheetah. I was a Wild Thang. My costume consisted of several random things I threw together:  A giraffe mask that I stole from a church (I know, I'm going to Hell), a gray leopard print shirt, cheetah print boxers that were my dad's in the 70's (GAG), black leggings, and gray Ugg boots. I personally think I was the best giraleotah the world has ever seen. I went with my three closest friends, they were 1. Pumpkin, 2. Hipster (she's already a hipster though) 3. Nothing, she was just herself because she didn't feel like dressing up anymore. Can you say "Party pooper!"? Anyways, I want to know what you were and what you did for Halloween! You can comment on this page or email me at thesouthsfinest24@gmail.com because I really want to hear about how your Halloween was!
Have a great day and happy November!
XOXO

Jimmy Tatro.. A Legacy in Disguise...

Never heard of Jimmy Tatro (TAY-tro)? Then you are seriously missing out. He is a total frat, in fact, he IS Total Frat Move (I'm pretty sure). And he's hot. Like.. SO hot. He makes the funniest Youtube videos, and he puts new ones out every Monday. His account name is LifeAccordingToJimmy and that is def someone you should be watching weekly. Here's a link to his newest video.. Overcooked Swag - Jimmy Tatro try not to laugh too hard. Make sure to subscribe to him so you don't miss out on anything! Thanks! Love y'all tons!
XOXO

New Instagram!

Today I made an Instagram account for all of you lovely people! My Insta name is- thesouthsfinest and I would love it if you followed me! My pictures range from #foodporn to cute Lilly patterns! Thank you all and I appreciate y'all so much!
XOXO - Your Favorite Southern Belle

Halloween Witch Hat Cookies!

My mom wanted to do something fun and festive for her coworkers this Halloween. In attempt to avoid the overly cliche passing out of candy ranging from Twizzlers to Starbursts, she figured she would make some cute cookies. She googled the idea and found these super easy, fun, and inexpensive treats! I'll list the steps below along with ingredients and pictures. Sorry for the picture quality and that one sideways picture! Thanks y'all! Much love! XOXO

Ingredients
1. Fudge Striped Cookies (and yes, of course off-brand is fine!)
2. Orange Icing
3. Package of Hershey's Kisses

Directions
1. Place cookies all over a flat surface like a plate or pan
2. Put a swirl of icing (penny size) in the center of each cookie
3. Take the kiss and squish it down on the icing so it comes out around the kiss
4. And there you have it! Share, eat, enjoy!

Coolest Bed/Couch/Chair/Futon Ever!

I have no idea what this thing is or where to find one, but why don't I have one? Its so cool and convenient! You can use it for yourself, to have a social gathering, or even for a sleepover. Ahhh I can't get over how adorable this is! If any of your figure out where I can get one, tell me because I bet that is the coolest furniture store in the world! Thanks y'all
XOXO

Frat Collection T-Shirts!

http://thefratcollection.com/

These shirts are freaking awesome. Long sleeve? Got it. Short sleeve? Got it. Sweat shirt? Got it. Tank top? Got it. Whats so cool about these shirts is that they're customizable! First you choose your pocket style and then you can pick any type of shirt (long sleeve, short sleeve, etc.) and what color you want it in! Cool, right? On top of all that, there is an adorable bow tie stitched onto the pocket. AWW! I'm officially obsessed and will be ordering one for myself VERY soon.

My absolute favorite is the Cindy pocket with either a salmon or ocean breeze shirt. Having trouble deciding, they're both too cute! They could be really cute for school clubs or teams also!

This picture is not mine, but a good example of FC shirts.

Halloween Pumpkin 2012!

This year I wanted to do something different and switch things up. I decided to paint my pumpkin in addition to carving it. A new obsession of mine are monograms, so I figured I'd attempt a monogram on my pumpkin. If you want to know how I did it, the steps are listed below. I am very proud of my pumpkin this year even thought it is a little messy. I hope y'all like it! Much love and best wishes!

Until  next time, XOXO

1. Draw design onto the pumpkin
2. Cut a circular shape around the stem and remove the "cap"
3. Grab all of the goop out of the pumpkin
4. Scrape out the insides (The meat is used for pumpkin pies! TIP: The more you scrape out, the more your pumpkin will glow!)
5. Rinse out your pumpkin and dry the outside off
6. Carve out your design
7. Paint it with any color you choose
8. Add any decorations, glitter, details
9. Let it dry
10. If you wish, you could cover your pumpkin with some type of sealer or maybe even modge podge. I didn't, so I leave mine inside in case it rains.

Thanks so much, y'all!

Southwestern Egg Rolls with Avocado Ranch

Southwestern Egg Rolls with Avocado Ranch (makes 48 mini rolls, or 24 regular rolls)
 
Ingredients:
For the egg rolls:
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
1-15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1-9 oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry with paper towel
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
1-7oz can diced green chiles, drained
4 green onions, finely chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 package of egg roll or wonton wrappers

Preheat oven to 425F. Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.
In a large bowl mix together corn, beans, spinach, cheese, chiles, onions, cumin, chili powder, salt and cayenne pepper. Using a small spoon, scoop a small amount of filling onto the wrapper. Starting at a corner, carefully start to roll the wrapper. When it’s slightly rolled, tuck in the two side and continue rolling to the last point. Wet your finger with water and dab a bit on the corner to seal the egg roll. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling, placing them slightly apart on the baking sheet.
Lightly spray the tops of the egg rolls with cooking spray and bake for 15 minutes, flipping them at least once during baking.

For avocado ranch:
3/8 cup mayonnaise
3/8 cup sour cream
3 Tbs buttermilk
1/2 Tbs olive oil
1/2 Tbs lemon juice
1/2 green onion, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1 avocado, peeled and pitted
Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth. Use immediately.

Thanks to Cake&Allie for the recipe!

Cauliflower Breadsticks

 

 

4 servings (two slices per serving) 95 calories; 6 g carbs; 5 g protein; 4 g fat (WW points 2) 

1/2 head of cauliflower, grated 

1 whole egg, plus one egg white, lightly beaten

1/4 cup 2% shredded mozzarella cheese

Dried basil, oregano, and parsley

1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients together (except oil) in a large bowl until evenly distributed.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and use olive oil to grease the parchment paper.

Spread and flatten the cauliflower mixture on the parchment paper evenly - about 1 inch thick. Square off the edges so it looks like a rectangle or square.

Bake for 40 minutes until slightly dried out, browning, and firm to the touch.

Remove from oven and using a spatula, carefully peel away from parchment paper. Flip over and return to oven for 10 more minutes. Serve with dipping sauce, I served some marinara sauce on the side.

 

Thanks to Mama Gubbs Grub for the recipe!