The good life in Tennessee

This weekend was hot! Just moving from California, it was a bit harsh being out in the heat on the beautiful deck at Arrington Vineyards just south of where we live in Nolensville. Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn, Winemaker Kip Summers and Fred Mindermann partnered together to bring to the Southeast this breathtaking and award winning winery. It was very hot & humid, but the music was nice, and the chardonnay was chilled, and we munched on our picnic lunch with lots of happy people.


My fave place to eat right now is Mad Donna's in East Nashville. Yummmmy garlic green beans, sweet potato enchiladas, and extreme chocolate desserts there are just amazing.

Michele Muska, Susan Faherty and I hung out there with friends after work and I had the BEST martini I've EVER had in my whole life at Mad Donna's. If you go there, ask for the stuffed olives with blue cheese in your martini...OMG they make them individually for each drink! Oh, my gosh!

We also went to Leiper's Fork on Sunday afternoon to browse through the galleries and hang with the locals. Scott and I went nuts over these unbelievable cement garden sculptures.

This one had metal bottle tops pressed into it. I am dying to learn how to make these. Do any of you know how? My mom and dad who live in Oklahoma, make the ones that look like leaves, but I don't know how these are done.

This guy cracked me up! He's about 2 feet tall and is adorable. I'm thinking about going back to snatch him up and put him in my front flower bed.

And if I figure it out, I must do one for herb gardening. They were so natural and I believe they would become more beautiful after sitting in the elements through a few seasons in Tennessee.

The bluegrass music at the Franklin Farmers Market was so sweet. We sat in lawn chairs, sipped iced tea, and did a little toe tappin'. We brought home a planter filled with basil, sage, and rosemary plants. Pizza is going to be much better now with pinches of basil, fresh tomatoes and garlic.

I'm such a lucky girl...Scott always has a nice cold drink and a snack ready for me every day when I get home from work. Ahhh, life is good in Tennessee.

We're LIVE on LifetimeTV.com!

We are LIVE on LifetimeTV.com today!

Just like I promised, there are BRAND NEW webisodes with holiday crafts that you will love to watch, and love to make!

My first holiday craft is Fourth of July Napkin Rings. There are so simple, but I have a special little technique that you might not have done before.

I know how everyone loves to play with beads, so I thought you would love to make beaded napkin rings that can either be gathered up after the party for next year, or you can give away as party favors.

Not only can you watch ME creating crafts like crazy, but you can also catch several MORE crafty experts!

They include Vickie Howell from "Stylelicious", the Crafty Chica, Leah Fung, Jennifer and Kitty O'Neil, and Leah Fung. If you go to the Home & Crafts Page on mylifetime.com, you will see all of us!

So, spread the word and tell your friends that they can watch crafting 24/7 on LifetimeTV.com right now!

Father's Day Craft

I did a search for Father's Day crafts, and lo and behold, Martha had a great idea on her site. This is so clever for the kids to do for Dad, and simple, too. The thing I like best about it, is that Dad will actual like this! Better than another tie, a pair of socks, or another gift card. Way to go, Martha!

Gotta make it!

I'm looking for an old globe so I can make this. Isn't it CRAzy? Love, love, love it. I've been redecorating my office, and I'm thinking this will really turn heads...get it? (giggle) But can I really bring myself to spray paint a lovely globe, I mean, would it feel like I'm obliterating the whole world with black chalkboard paint? Okay, over-thinking... I couldn't find a trunk to make-over. So, it's back to the thrift stores this weekend, if I don't go to Atlanta for the ICE craft show.