Thank You

On this day of thankfulness, I just have a couple of things I want to express: thank you, gorgeous readers, for taking an interest in my blog (or for being a supportive friend - or both!). I get so excited to see that someone has left a comment, or get a sweet text on the day's post.
Second, I want to thank all of the Southern Belles who inspire me, and in doing so have inspired this blog. I am so appreciative of how I was raised by them and how I view the world because of them.
Y'all enjoy this day of family and friends!

Happy Thanksgiving!


(On another note, we set up our tree today...I do not recommend using kittens as Christmas Tree Ornaments.)

Sassy Seasonal Snack

Hey y'all!
My friend Kristi recently shared this recipe with me, and it is PERFECT for the Belle on a Budget!  This is quick to whip up and will please even the most finicky of tastes.  My recipe is an amalgamation of a few different recipes that I have found, and I did NOT cave to the sugar free versions (If I'm going to eat dessert, I'm not going to feel guilty about it - period!).  In my search for a picture to go with it, I stumbled across i heart food blogs who I highly recommend.  Anyway, without further ado:  Pumpkin Cheesecake Fluff!

1 (16 oz) can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie mix)

1 (1 1/2 oz) box instant pudding mix, cheesecake flavor

1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip

pumpkin pie spice to taste

Combine all ingredients in order.  Chill for two hours.  Serve.

Isn't that simple?  Serve it up in whatever containers you wish - I would go ahead and separate the mix into 4 servings before refrigerating.  teacups, martini glasses, ramekins - use your imagination!  You can make a lower-cal version if you want, simply use light cool whip and sugar-free instant pudding.

What kind of snacks do you serve hungry guests?



Making your House a Home

I don't know about you, but I don't have the opportunity to show overnight houseguests a huge amount of privacy. My husband and I fold out the couch in our office, make up the bed, and stay out of there for as long as they're visiting - we like to make sure our friends know we respect their space. If we have someone overnight in our living room, we try to stay out of it after we've all retired to bed, and not make noise when they're asleep.
A good rule of thumb when accommodating out of towners is to provide the comforts of home. Whether it is a spacious guest suite or a folded out couch, leaving a personal touch that says "We are so glad you're here" is so important. I like to put a little note with a bottle of water and bag of trail mix on the bed.
I also make sure to have anything a guest might need in the bathroom - here's my "Guest Basket:"




The basket was $5.99 at wal mart, and the little bottles are samples and travel bottles. I keep shampoo, conditioner and body wash as well as little disposable toothbrushes in eyesight of people staying with us. That way, they don't even have to ask where things are.

What are some tips you use to make guests feel at home?

Welcome, y'all!

Admittedly, some guests are harder to please than others.

I have been struggling with many emotions since I got married a little over a year ago. I want to be hip, I want to be trendy and fun; but I want to be the gracious hostess and Southern woman I know I was raised to be. It occurred to me recently that those things aren't mutually exclusive! Lightbulb Moment! I can be trendy and fun while making the people around me comfortable and happy, too! After all, isn't the true meaning of class not a display of your means, but an emphasis on making those around you comfortable?
So many of us (myself included) are working on incredibly tight budgets these days. It seems like there's no way to have a gorgeous home, greet weekend guests, and work full time on such a small budget. I know I would personally benefit from a live-in maid, but I am very aware that is not going to happen anytime soon! I look forward to exploring what makes a belle a Belle, and prying that inner southern gal out of all of us - whether you're in New York, Hong Kong, or the mountains of North Georgia.
I'd love to hear a situation or a conundrum you need help with! We can figure these out together!

Have a great week, y'all!

Charity Caroline