#supporting local

Stockist Love

So glad to have finally made it out to the new MIXT shop in Devonport!

I am so excited to introduce you all to a small business that started right here in North Carolina…Piedmont Pennies! Rebecca Jordan (Becca), the founder of Piedmont Pennies went to high school with my daughter Rebecca and was (and still is) one of my favorite girls! To this day, she has a smile that lights up a room and is the sweetest!

Becca learned to make Southern cheese straws from her grandmother years ago and during the pandemic, she put that knowledge to work because she wanted the world to “stay cheesin”! Piedmont Pennies was her MBA class project and what a project it was! Today, Piedmont Pennies are made in Charlotte, North Carolina, but they ship all over the world! These little cheese straws are so delicious and absolutely addictive! I love to serve them on a charcuterie board, or just eat them as a snack!

Becca is a smart cookie because, she came up with the idea of creating a Piedmont Pennies Panko and since I love to use panko on everything from my delicious Caesar Salad to pasta, I think it’s just genius!

Today, I’m sharing a ridiculously easy holiday recipe that you’ll want to make all season long and beyond…Boursin Cheese with Panko and Cranberry Preserves! This hors d’oeuvre is mouthwatering, gorgeous and when I say easy I mean easy! If you need something quick to serve for unexpected guests, this is just the thing and it’s also so good as part of a holiday buffet!

This recipe is truly so easy that I’m not even going to make a recipe card…no real proportions are necessary!

In three separate bowls, place about 1/2 cup flour, 1 beaten egg, and about 1/2 - 3/4 cup Piedmont Pennies Panko (any panko will do)! First, coat your Boursin Cheese (cold) with the flour to coat, then coat with the egg, and finally, coat with the panko. Place in an ovenproof dish and bake for about 15 - 20 minutes, or until the panko is brown and crispy. Top with chopped fresh rosemary and a spoonful of your favorite preserves (I used cranberry). Serve warm with toasted baguette slices. I think this would be absolutely divine with a drizzle of hot honey in addition to the preserves!

Be sure to check out my Instagram video of this easy-to-make hors d’oeuvre but whatever you do, be sure to try it! This is one to make all year long, just switch out the preserves for the season!

I have updated my Amazon Shop to include all kinds of last minute gifts and stocking stuffers that will come before Christmas because if you’re anything like me, you still have some shopping to do! I’m also including a small boutique of favorite things for the holidays below! All of the items are things that I have purchased or things I would like to purchase (I have a list haha!). Enjoy!

This month is going by so quickly it’s almost hard to believe! I hope you’re enjoying my posts and I would love to know what you want to see for the coming year! I’m working on a little survey that I'll hopefully have ready to post next week and I would love to have your input!

I had the great pleasure of spending a day at Marta’s of Raleigh last week! I follow Marta’s on Instagram and since the boutique is close by in Raleigh (about an hour), I decided to go and see it in person and I’m so glad I did!

Marta’s has so many fabulous pieces that I had a hard time deciding what to try on first! I ended up with a dressing room full and actually didn’t have time to try on everything! Oh well, that just means I’ll have to go back very soon! I was able to meet Marta, the owner, who is so lovely and passionate about her beautiful store! Everyone was so helpful and gave me honest opinions about the things I tried on! Marta’s carries brands that I know and love and some new ones that I discovered! All in all it was a wonderful day! Keep scrolling to see some of my favorite outfits!

I went nuts over this Oliveve Zoe Suede Tote! It’s the perfect combination of boho and practical and is made from Italian Suede.

If you’ve read this blog at all, you know that I’m a jeans girl through and through! Marta’s carries DL1961 jeans and I’ve been wanting to try them…needless to say, I love the fit and my favorite pair came home with me! I wore them to dinner last night and Baldy loved them! He’s not a fan of ripped jeans and he was happy to see me in a pair of dark wash jeans with no distressing! The cute Cashmere Crochet Cardigan sweater from Repeat is perfect for spring and would go with so many outfits. I’m wearing a Michael Stars tank underneath. The Gabor sneakers may be the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever had on my feet and the bow detail is adorable! The icing on the cake is the necklace by Frence Kande!

Maarta’s has a huge selection of denim jackets (DM or call if you want info on these)! They are made with vintage, one-of-a-kind scarves (see below for the back of this one!) I wanted every one of them because they are such amazing statement pieces! AND…I found THE perfect pair of joggers…Raffaello Rossi Candy Sweat Pant! No kidding…I love them! I can’t say enough about the fit, the fabric and the look of these joggers! I want a pair in every color and I may just get them! I’m wearing a Splendid Short Sleeve Tee underneath, Gabor sneakers and a vintage Chanel Bag! This outfit is comfortable, cute and will definitely stand out in a crowd! I love it!

The white DL1961 jeans are just as cute as the dark wash and I love the cropped style! I paired these jeans with a Tart Collection Blouse that is 100% organic cotton! The adorable white REMI REID Departure Tote is the perfect accessory along with the Moss Green Gabor Sneaker! See below for a close up of the Asha By Ashley McCormick Clover Lariat necklace I paired with this outfit!

Another cute denim jacket is paired with cream color DL1961 straight leg jeans. These jeans utilizes the Instasculpt technology to smooth, sculpt, and conform  to your body for the perfect fit and you’ll love them! I paired them with a black tee from Splendid and the cutest orange bag (sold out but there are so many cute ones!). The necklace is French Kande and really adds pizazz to an already fabulous look!

Casual chic in a MeiMeiJ Pleat Ruffle Sleeve Top with DL1961 jeans, Gabor sneakers and a cute denim jacket tied around my waist. The adorable Remi Reid Daryl Bow Tie Crossbody bag completes the look!

Another cute way to style the amazing joggers…with heels to dress them up! This time, the joggers are paired with a Michael Stars tank, and the most butter soft leather jacket ever (this one came home with me!) The cute necklace isn’t on the website, but definitely call or DM if you’re interested! The bag is a Rafe Sofia Clutch.

This last look features a dress from Ba&sh Paris (same brand and very similar here)…one of my favorite brands! It’s so cute paired with the Gabor sneakers and a white tote for a casual look, but a pair of sandals would definitely be fabulous as well!

Marta’s was established as a shopping destination for ladies clothing in Raleigh. We set the standard for exceptional customer service and one-of-a-kind selection of designer brands. Our carefully curated catalog of designers will flatter women of all body types and ages.

As market shares fall in the face of Corvid-19 and companies close to accommodate growing safety concerns over the virus, most businesses face the challenge or maintaining brand relevancy and  staying afloat financially.

While this harsh reality continues to spiral downward in the background, brands are careful not to make this their headline during the throes of this world wide pandemic. Instead…