Ever feel like being creative even without having a creative bone in your body? Sometimes it’s just difficult to know where to begin…

a. head to your local home decorating store and get the already-mixed ‘OOPS’ paint (pint size), paint brushes, palette knives, etc.
b. pick up a piece of wood [seek an asymmetrical piece for a different look] from a neighborhood with new construction
c. create a pattern on your own… make it abstract!

[Paintings by Chelsea Moore]

…By ‘Chunky’ we don’t mean chocolate chips (although we love those too). The shoe we covet for summer/fall fashion is the chunky wooden clog. Grab a pair now to start the trend where you live!

What girl doesn’t need a sexy, yet comfy look?? Off the shoulder tops are the in-style item for the perfect touch of comfort and girly.

Migi’s Boutique Fave

In the South, we have the dreaded ‘h’ word… HUMIDITY! Yes, we know, our hair turns flat or frizzy, our skin often sticky, and our days often rainy. Staying in style is easy in this environment, though. A cute way to turn your humid day fun:

Stylish Rainboots!

Have you ever caught yourself having a “Blonde Moment?” Well this southern gal knows ALL about those… and more. Debbie Thornton writes blonde, A.D.D. cookbooks. They’re not just for Blondes though, check out AnotherBlondeMoment.com.

Blondicated to blondes, brunettes, redheads & gray heads

Layers real live recipes in A.D.D. form (step by step) MIX. COMBINE. SPRINKLE

Organizes few ingredients 6 to 9

Need Big, Bold over 45 print? YOU’VE GOT IT!

Describes each recipe with fun blondeyness names (Poppy Seed Bread is “Make His Eyes Pop!”)

Each recipe is filled with humor, faithand is blondelicious!

The Motto: Whether you were born blonde, bottle blonde, or just act like a blonde, WE ALL SHARE THE SAME ROOTS!

Great as gifts for parties and brides!

Celebrate your day off curled up on a window seat with a juicy book in hand, might I suggest any book by Emily Giffin.

Or… grab some friends for Game Day!! Can’t think of any games to play? If you’re going to the store, the go-to game to purchase is Balderdash…well, and Catchphrase.

But, if you prefer the frugal game day, pull out some cards for crazy eights.

Traveling this summer?? Cinda B. bags are a vibrant way to carry the clutter!

Great for travel, camera cases, baby bags, and laptops!

You don’t have to leave the house to have an authentic Mexican Salsa! This is the easiest recipe– and the BEST!

• 1 large can crushed tomatoes
• 1 can Mexican rotel
• 1 small can tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp cilantro
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 bunch of chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Tony’s Creole Seasoning as needed for spice

Pour all ingredients in blender and blend on high. Serve with Tortilla chips.

In the current issue of Southern Flourish Magazine, we showcased some beautiful handmade plates uniquely designed by Asya, an etsy creator and seller.

Asya’s designs are inspired by her upbringing.

“Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, I spent my early childhood summers at my family dacha, a Russian country house. A gathering place for friends and family and surrounded by my grandmother’s carefully tended gardens and apple trees, the dacha is a source of endless inspiration for my organic porcelain shapes,” Asya states.

She describes herself as being “quirky,” and her pottery as “imperfect.”  This beautifully structured and painted organic bowl is her favorite piece she creates.

All of her pieces are dishwasher safe and appropriate for everyday use.

Visit her shop and view her pieces at http://gleena.com/index.php   

Thank you, Asya!

Chances are, if you lived where summers were pretty warm, you probably owned one of these… a WATERMELON dress!!  And the truth is– they never go out of style. Little girls today are still wearing them. It’s the perfect time of year for watermelons (the food…and fashion).

I think we all had one.