This fall, I want to be bedecked and bejewled with all of the most lovely of feminine drippings. Give me some shiny chain woven with dainty strands of pearls and diamonds. And a glitzy bangle? Bring. it. on.

This southern gal is a natural. That is, she uses all natural materials and media to create her life-giving, life-celebrating, life-loving masterpieces.

Christy Henderson has her pieces in several galleries in Mississippi, as well as some other Southern states. She has a passion for art and enjoys using her creative mind to construct some of the most beautiful, colorful art.

ChendersonArt.com

I’m feeling the itch coming on for a creative project. What’s inspiring me these days? The basics. We’re talking pulling out the middle school craft box and see what goodness we can create.

(a little inspiration)

Can’t go wrong with some colorful tape and ribbon.

There was always something so intriguing about those lacy paper treats. Bringing ‘em back.

Buttons. So much you can do with them.

Pom poms are a must.

Alright, go. Got any ideas? What can we create?

Fall wardrobe picks up close and personal:

The perfect black dress

The day outfit

The dreamer (sometimes you must merely wish you owned this piece)

{visit JCrew.com }

There’s something exhilarating about making a fresh antique find. Hard to describe, but it’s almost comparable to the satisfaction of pulling a good weed out of the yard. A sense of accomplishment for sure. And these days, we’re loving anything that adds a nice pop of color…

Cool down with a little robin’s egg blue.

A pretty pink flamingo.

I bet these make your food taste better.

Hello, sunshine.

You won’t miss this lovely at baggage claim.

Do tell us, friends:  what are some of your favorite antiquing habits?

Silver mint julep cups are classic and simple accents that can give any home a little more Southern charm. According to Kentucky’s Derby Museum, the mint julep became Churchill Downs’ signature drink in 1938 when they started serving juleps in souvenir glasses for 75 cents apiece. Seventy years later julep cups will cost you anywhere from $6 to $30, to even hundreds of dollars for unique or antique silver varieties. You can pick them up for a number of places including online vendors like Save on Crafts or bigger box retailers such as Pottery Barn. If you’re like me and prefer to buy yours from a truly Southern shop, try the Historic Charleston Foundation where all profits go towards historic preservation of the Holy City.

Photo: Pottery Barn

Whether you need a beautiful vase for the dinner table, a small arrangement to welcome overnight guests, or something a little classier for your candle or even your toothbrush – julep cups will exceed your design expectations.

Photo: A Country Farm House

And if these photos only make you thirsty, you can always stick with the intended purpose. Enjoy!

Classic Mint Julep:

• Boil equal parts of water and sugar in a small saucepan for 3-4 minutes until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add a dozen fresh mint leaves. Let cool completely, storing in the refrigerator overnight.
• Place a couple more fresh mint leaves and a tablespoon of mint syrup in each chilled julep cup. Gently press the leaves to open up flavors, but do not fully muddle.
• Fill cup with crushed ice and pour an ounce of bourbon over the ice.
• Add a straw and serve COLD.

Photo: The Seattle Times

Guest Blogger: Amy writes an adorable and funny blog with her husband called Triangle Honeymoon. You can read her blog here: www.trianglehoneymoon.com

Interested in guest blogging on Southern Flourish? Click here to learn more!

Football season is here!!

We may be the females of the family, but we can still have interest in good, Southern tradition. We cook and men eat.

Southern tradition calls for a tailgate: Finger foods, fried chicken, and chip and dip.

What are you preparing in your kitchen for next Saturday??

I need a drum roll to introduce this Southern princess:

Chocolate Butterbean, started and run by a Georgia girl, is home to custom invitations and my new favorite wedding tradition, wooden wedding signs. How cute is that?

The invitations, which include all things sweet from “save the dates” to honorary celebrations, are sure to make you squeal with delight.

And those wedding signs…oh, the wedding signs! They’re bound to make you want to get hitched on the spot. I would love to see my name painted across one of these…

But do hurry! The lovely lady of Chocolate Butterbean is about to have a baby girl! (Congratulations!) Order those wedding invitations before August 27!

I don’t know what it is about them, but I am immediately drawn to stripes. I’m talking striped anything – clothing, shoes, curtains, candles and more! Stripes make me quite happy and, lucky for me, they’ve been in abundance this past season. Whether you want to go all out in stripes or just a hint here and there, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of my favorite stripey picks for right now.

1. Madewell’s Sea Stripes Tee 2. Amsterdam Stripes Top 3. Frieda Tortoise Sunglasses 4. Aztec Embroidery Scarf 5. Keds Champion Fall Stripes Shoe 6. Jute Floor Cushion

Guest Blogger: Elise Yetton writes the popular and chic Pennyweight blog, as well as runs her own Etsy store, Troubadour Vintage. You can read her blog here: www.pennyweightonline.com

Interested in guest blogging on Southern Flourish? Click here to learn more!

Occasionally I get tired of the same ol’ same ol’ foods and desire something different. Mexican, American, home-cooked, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Italian, German…. GREEK! Some of the most flavorful dishes are found in Greek cuisine. Where is your Greek restaurant near you?? I just want a great GYRO (pronounced: YEER-o)!