Welcome to the world of Red Hot Mama

What began as a silly thought, has totally evolved.....this story began at jpitts.tumblr.com. This is a place to capture sights, sounds and moments that impacted me....I hope you enjoy!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Inspiration on June 28th, 2010

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”


― Maya Angelou

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Goodbye to the weekend :(

This past week was total chaos and I couldn't figure out why it was such a strange week but the combination of 100 degree days and the full moon can probably explain it.  I sure do hope this week is better.  I will be dreaming of these magical places.....

Think I could hang out in this hut for a few weeks?

Peaceful

Breathtaking

Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

There are times when I say to myself, "I should have done that."  And this is one of those days....so next year, my plan is to make a trip to NYC for this fabulous event, who's with me?

Prince Harry and Nacho Figueras

Today, the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic returned to Governors Island for one of the most highly-anticipated events of the season, attracting a fashionable crowd from around the globe, and featuring the glamour and excitement of polo, “the sport of kings.”


Picnic area

The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic benefits the American Friends of Sentebale, a charitable organization founded by HRH Prince Henry of Wales and HRH Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who are committed to transforming the lives of the orphans and at-risk children in Lesotho, Africa, many of whom are living with HIV/AIDS. Nearly one third of Lesotho’s population is infected with HIV/AIDS, and through Sentebale’s thoughtful and effective work, the organization is striving to affect positive change in the country.


You may remember my post last month about Nacho and his home in Elle Decor.....and if the other men on his team look anything like him, then I am totally there!




Red velvet cupcakes

Next week is the 4th of July and what better way to celebrate than making Red Velvet Cupcakes (my favorite!!!)  I found this recipe on the Dean and Deluca website, enjoy!



















Red Velvet Cupcakes

Makes 24

2 lbs cake flour
1.5 cups buttermilk
1 qt canola oil
1 TB baking soda
1 TB vanilla extract
2 lbs sugar
.25 oz cocoa
1 TB salt
6 extra large eggs
1 fl oz red food coloring
1 TB white vinegar

Cream Cheese Frosting
1.5 lb Philadelphia cream cheese
10 oz unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners sugar

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) cupcake pans with paper cupcake liners. In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, sugar, cocoa, and salt. In a medium mixing bowl, gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with an electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Do not overbeat. Use a 3 oz scoop to portion the batter into the cupcake tins. Bake at 325 for 20-25 mins, rotating trays halfway through baking.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting
Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together in a large bowl on low speed until smooth. Add the sugar and continue to beat on low speed until incorporated. Then, increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy. Cool cupcakes completely before icing.

Salad Sunday: Salmon and Potato salad

Salmon and potato salad with lemon yoghurt dressing

serves 4

4 large slices fresh salmon
salt
pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
14 small potatoes, boiled
1 head of lettuce, shredded
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoon dill, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 cups plain yoghurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
salt
pepper


Place the salmon on a baking tray and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake at 350F for 8 minutes.
Remove, cool and cut into pieces.
Slice the potatoes and mix with lettuce, capers, dill, lemon zest and salmon.
Mix yoghurt and lemon juice in a bowl and taste with salt and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and serve.

Enjoy!

-Photography Studio Dreyer Hensley

Dreaming of Fall Fashion

It's 630pm and it is 100 degrees in Richmond, and it's been like this for weeks with no apparant end in sight, and we still have July and August to suffer through, oh my! I thought these fall fashions from Pink Tartan might cool you off a bit!


Love the coat and bag

That snow looks so inviting right now!

Red gloves are fabulous

Channeling Chanel

 
Great camel bubble skirt

Certainly don't need this scarf today...

My favorite outfit!

Maniac Pumps

Shoes are probably my favorite thing in life and this pair by Brian Atwood is on my must-have list! 
The fact that he calls them Maniac pumps makes me laugh, does that mean I'm a maniac to want to drop $575 on these pumps?  Wouldn't it be lovely to have a large budget just for shoes?

Things to never say to a FABULOUS single person...

I am one of those very rare individuals who is actually quite happy being single.  Now, some of you probably don't believe me but it is very, very true.  I can tell you that I have heard everything under the sun but the one that always gets me "Why is a nice girl like you still single?"  It's totally ridiculous and I usually hear it at a wedding or engagement party or on a first date which is truly the very worst thing you can say on a date. 

I am still single because I have chosen to wait for my partner, a relationship that will last....I know many people who are in their second marriage or are unhappy in their relationship.  I, on the other hand, will not have to suffer through a "starter marriage" or a lot of growing pains that people who get married too young have to endure.  When I find Mr. Right, he will be my partner and my best friend not just someone who will take care of me.  Because quite frankly, I can take very good care of myself without some man doing that for me!

So, another fabulous single friend sent me this article from Glamour magazine and I wanted to share it with you.  PLEASE take note and know that most people who are single could very easily go out and find a relationship.  But those people who choose to be single are happy and will not settle with something that doesn't feel right.  Those are the people who say "I'd rather be single and happy than unhappy in a relationship" and really mean it.  And yes, I AM talking about me :)  This does not mean, I am not looking or open to finding Mr. Right, it just means, I am not losing sleep over the fact that I am still single and about to celebrate ANOTHER birthday.  So, if you have someone in mind, please let me know!!!

19 Things You Should Never Say to a Single Person


A Glamour dating blogger collected of 19 of the most-hated, tired and depressing clichés about being single. Read them, and swear never to use them on any of your single friends. Ever.

By Erin Meanley

"Since we could all use a good laugh, I asked some friends and Twitter followers to send in their most hated adages. I know you've heard them all before (obviously), but I just couldn't believe how many there were! Here's a tiny compilation. Enjoy — today, they're not directed at you!

1. It happens when you're not looking.
"This is just bull. Some people find people when they're looking; some don't. You're not doing anything wrong by going out and meeting people." —Beth

2. There are plenty of fish in the sea.
"I dated a guy whose last name was Fish. People just had a BLAST with that one." —Kelly

3. So, why are you single?
"I generally dislike this question. I mean honestly, if I knew why, I don't think I would be single right now, now would I?!" —Erica

4. You're too picky.
"This may be true, but it feels like I'm getting criticized for my taste, vision, and close-mindedness — when I'm already down." —Sarah

5. You'll find the right person for you.
—Kelly

6. He's out there.
—Kelly

7. It was just bad timing.
"Like it's so easy to dismiss a guy on such an emotionless and objective reason." —Taryn

8. Just have fun with it!
"Um, don't tell me how to date in my thirties when you got married at 24." —Maya

9. Have you tried online dating?
"Duh!" —Elisa

10. He just wasn't the right guy for you.
"I know! That's what I'm complaining about!" —Elisa

11. Well, when my boyfriend and I first got together…
"Wait, I still want to talk about me." —Elisa

12. When the time is right, you will meet someone.
—Betsy

13. Wow, I wish I were single and in your shoes!
"Really?! I'm pretty sure you CAN be single if you actually want to be. That there is an attainable dream, so if you aren't messing with me right now out of pity (which I suspect you are), please go for it!" —Kim

14. Your turn next [at weddings].
—Natlondon, via Twitter

15. It will happen when you least expect it.
—dlegas05, via Twitter

16. Some guy is going to come along and ruin your career/life plans.
"I am 32 and no one has ruined the last 10 years of plans." —frolicblog, via Twitter

17. But you're so pretty! Why don't you have a boyfriend?
"There's just no graceful way to answer that." —earnesteats, via Twitter

18. It just wasn't meant to be.
"Any of these platitudes are exponentially more annoying when coming from the mouths of smug marrieds." —Reberoodle, via Twitter

19. Sure, my guy rescues kids from abusive homes, donated my sister a kidney, and picks up fresh flowers for me daily on his way home from work, but will he QUIT IT with the sports on TV already?
"Single people just hate to be complained to about petty relationship stuff. If you do this, I'm not going to want to hang out with you. (In fact, maybe I'll call your boyfriend and ask him if he wants to grab a beer and watch the Yankees game?)" —Kim

Bottom line, if you're in a relationship or married and you don't have any specific, original advice or wisdom for your single friend—and you must use an established saying — we would prefer to hear neutral ones like, "This too shall pass" or "Take it one day at a time." They are so much more helpful and comforting — you have no idea!

Also of note: not one person I polled mentioned they were tired of hearing, "He's just not that into you." I think that's because it's not condescending. And apparently, it's not overused. So that one is still okay to say. For now."

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Glamping

Depending on how well you know me, you may or may not know my story of camping....so let me tell you my story!

Growing up my parents always joked that their idea of camping was a "Holiday Inn with a black and white tv!"  So I grew up thinking the exact same thing.  But when my parents starting sending me to spend summers in Texas with my family, my grandparents, aunts and uncles thought they would be adventurous and test my ability to withstand a night in a tent in Colorado or New Mexico....usually my cousins (all boys) would put some rubber snake in my sleeping bag and I would run to the pop-up where my grandparents were sleeping! 

Needless to say, I got all the way to college saying "Camping is not my idea of a fun time."  Then I started dating a wonderful guy named Justin who loved to camp.  He desperately wanted to take me on a trip and see if he could change my mind and I finally agreed....he had planned two nights in a very nice state park in North Carolina where I had a bathroom and a "cold" shower.  We had such a great time that we stayed for two extra nights.....and so there it is, my story of how I evolved into a camper....now, telling you that story doesn't mean I am into "roughing" it.  I am a tried and true GLAMPER!!!!!  Anyone who has gone with me to Bonnaroo, knows I come prepared!  Well, not to this degree but wow, wouldn't it be nice?





Photos courtesy of Kelley Moore

Disco anyone?

I have always dreamed of having a disco ball in my house...guess it's the party girl in me.  Do you think I could pull off these shoes?  They can at least keep me satisfied until I can build my party room!!!


Disco Ball shoes

Recipe of the Day

When it is this hot outside, turning on the oven is one of the last things people want to do....

Here is a great recipe from Bitchin Camero

Mediterranean Tuna & Chickpea Salad



1/2 lb. whole wheat orzo (or your favorite pasta shape)
2 6 oz. cans tuna in olive oil
1 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups cooked chickpeas)
1 cup roasted piquillo peppers, diced (or roasted red peppers)
3 tbsp. capers
2 tbsp. sherry vinegar
1 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup chopped Italian (Flat Leaf) Parsley
Salt to taste

Cook your orzo or pasta until al dente, the drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the pasta cooking. Place the pasta in a large bowl.

Add the tuna with the olive oil to the bowl, then add the rest of the ingredients and toss until well-combined. Taste and add salt if needed.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Makes 6 servings.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Inspiration for the day

Your most precious, valued possessions and your greatest powers are invisible and intangible. No one can take them. You, and you alone, can give them.


-W. Clement Stone

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Chanel Bocce set....

I would be totally lying if I said that I didn't want this.....Chanel is offering a vintage-inspired bocce ball set in a braided wicker and leather case. The set, priced at about at about $2,800, includes eight stainless steel bocce balls engraved with the Chanel logos and a wooden "jack" or target ball. The case is finished in two-tone brown and natural woven wicker with Chanel's trademark interlocking C's done in braided rope on top, and brown saddle leather straps and handle. The set resembles a vintage picnic case and is no doubt meant to be used on the lawn of a gracious country house. Given that Chanel is a French fashion house I think this should be called a Pétanque set!!!

With my birthday coming along next month, if anyone wins the lottery between now and then, this would make a seriously FAB gift!!!  :)

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Happy Father's Day!

I am so lucky that I get to spend all of Father's Day weekend with my totally amazing dad!  We started today with the World Cup, went to Colonial Downs to watch and bet on some ponies and now we are enjoying the US Open.....I have gained so many valuable things from my father, one of the best things in my opinion, is my love of sports!  And to be able to share them with him today is just so fabulous!  I hope all of you celebrate an amazing father on this day....I know I'm going to :)  Love you Daddy!!! xo

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Yum: Zucchini Blossom & Mozzarella Baked Eggs

There is a really fun blog called Bitchin Camaro and it is surprisingly a blog about food....she posted this yummy recipe and I just had to share...

Zucchini Blossom & Mozzarella Baked Eggs



If you can’t find zucchini blossoms or they are out of season, just add some more zucchini or omit altogether.
6 large eggs
1 zucchini, cut into matchsticks (about 2 cups)
6 zucchini blossoms, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup, plus 2 tbsp. cream
6 oz. fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
1/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1/4 cup garlic chives, minced
1 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated
Bread for toast

Preheat the oven to 375° and grease 6 ramekins. If you don’t have ramekins, just make little piles in a greased 9 x 13 baking dish. If you use this method, your eggs probably won’t cook evenly, so some will have softer yolks and some will have firmer yolks. You may also have to cook them a little longer until the whites are set.

Fill each ramekin with equal amounts of zucchini, zucchini blossom, cream and mozzarella. Carefully crack an egg over each one, making sure the yolk remains intact. (It’s not the end of the world if it doesn’t – it will still taste great!) Sprinkle the top of each egg with breadcrumbs, chives and Parmesan cheese.

Carefully transfer to the oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until the whites are just set. Remove and serve with toast for dipping!

Makes 6 servings.

Elle Decor: Daniel Boulud's Cool Recipes for Hot Weather

Elle Decor is always fashionable and I love that they even share summer fare that looks fashionable, I'm sure it is also super tasty!!!


Party Recipes at PointClickHome.com – Daniel Boulud's Cool Recipes for Hot Weather

World Cup Soccer

I have to admit a little secret, I LOVE the World Cup!!!  Now, if you know me well, you know soccer was never a sport that I played nor followed much...but let's be honest, this is why I LOVE the World Cup:


Cristiano Ronaldo (or just call him Studmuffin)  :)

One Very Cool Space: Former Church for Sale - $7.49 Million

One can dream about a 7 million dollar home....but even in my dreams, I would not think of turning a church into this kind of space. Amazing!!!

One Very Cool Space: Former Church for Sale - $7.49 Million

Fashion from SATC

It's safe to say the 2nd installment of SATC didn't excite eveeryone as much as the tv series or even the 1st movie, but the fashion was incredible!  At times, it was certainly over the top and I know most of us could never wear those outfits in our daily life but I was so intrigued that I bought the SATC2 book which details all of the fashion.  It is so fabulous, that my Mom bought the book for her and her girlfriends too!!!

I was thrilled that some of the fashions are at Neimans but sad that I can't afford to out and buy them all....who doesn't love YSL and Halston fashions?


The Tony Awards 2010

While I was in Miami, the Tony Awards were going on in NYC....now, the fashion didn't quite measure up
this year in my opinion.  BUT, I did love Lucy Liu's dress...

On the other hand, Katie looks super boring in gray and what on earth was Naomi thinking about those should pads, YIKES!!!!

I'm in Miami B*tch!



I just returned from a fabulous trip to Miami to visit my Meredith big sis and I wanted to share some pics of us girls!!!
Hollywood Beach, enjoying the sun!


 
Later in the evening, Ocean Drive, Versace Mansion


Bleau Bar at the Fontainebleau Hotel

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Nice thought for the day

“We do not remember days, we remember moments. The richness of life lies in memories we have forgotten.”


― Cesare Pavese

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

So sorry to be M.I.A.

As most of you know I have been living it up in South Beach for a few days and will be back soon with some pics and great stories....

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Inspiration for the day....

Sometimes you find a saying that hits you at exactly the right point in your life.....these two did that for me....

Are you happy with yourself?
Are you doing what you like?
Gather courage and live the life you please.
Life belongs to those who dare to live.
-Author Unknown

Look closely at the present you are constructing:
it should look like the future you are dreaming.
-Alice Walker

Monday, June 7, 2010

Quotes about our furbabies....

It has been nearly a week since we lost our wonderful furbaby, Moxley, and I am still so sad.  I found some really wonderful quotes about the relationships between animals and their owners and I want to share them...

If there is a heaven, it's certain our animals are to be there. Their lives become so interwoven with our own, it would take more than an archangel to detangle them. -Pam Brown

Not the least hard thing to bear when they go from us, these quiet friends, is that they carry away with them so many years of our own lives. -John Galsworthy

I guess you don't really own a dog, you rent them, and you have to be thankful that you had a long lease.
-Joe Garagiola

If you have a dog, you will most likely outlive it; to get a dog is to open yourself to profound joy and, prospectively, to equally profound sadness. -Marjorie Garber

To call him a dog hardly seems to do him justice, though inasmuch as he had four legs, a tail, and barked, I admit he was, to all outward appearances. But to those who knew him well, he was a perfect gentleman.
-Hermione Gingold

The one best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of his master. -Ben Hur Lampman

I'm not sure which one is my favorite but they all fit the feelings I've had for the past week....

Thought for the day....

Just for today I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle all my problems at once.


Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."

Just for today I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires, I will take my "luck" as it comes, and fit myself to it.

Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.


Just for today I won't find fault with anything, nor try to improve or regulate anybody but myself.

Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself, and relax.

Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.


-Author Unknown

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

SATC2 Decor!!!!

While I know that most people have mixed reviews about the latest SATC flick, I must say that the fashion and decor was enough to keep me interested even if the story and plot were lacking a bit...

Elle Decor has a great story which gives you the background on some of the decor.  I went to the movie with my Mom over the Memorial Day weekend and we both let out a huge "awwww" at the sight of her closet, every girl's greatest dream. 



But the old closet is still my favorite....



And the lighting?  OMG...it truly took my breath away, I love a good chandelier!!!



And this one is amazing too....



The first movie offered this apartment and the most breathtaking hue of blue since the Tiffany box came out with its' shade.....

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Wonderful quote for the day...

"Be secure in the knowledge that you can deal with anything that happens to you. Have the courage to bet on your ideas. Take some calculated risks and act on your dreams. There is no permanent security on this earth, there is only opportunity."   -Author Unknown

Laura Day's Summer edition is out!

Laura Day has great taste and her latest edition is out....there are some very fun and chic things on here...check it out!

Loving Gnomes...


I have to admit, I have an obsession with gnomes.  I'm not sure what it is about them but I just can't get enough of them.  Despite my love for them, I'm not sure about dropping this kind of cash on them, they are $374 each and they are plastic!

Hive Modern, Design Philippe Starck, 2000.


"This year gold and red, the colors that symbolize Christmas, enliven two of Kartell's cult products: Philippe Starck's Gnomes and Anna Castelli Ferrieri's Componibili modular units. Offered here are Philippe Starck's Gnomes. These playful Gnomes, Attila and Napoleon, are available for the first time, in a gilded version emphasising their irreverence and cuteness.

These very special characters are striking on account of their originality and non-conformism. They were conceived to furnish any environment with an eye towards practicality. An exciting addition to the Kartell collection. These limited edition Gnomes have been cast in gold plastic and are available for a limited time."

Pretty in Pink Prada...

I am a huge of fan of anything pink, Prada and of course, Gwyneth....what a smashing combo! 
Not to mention, those SHOES!!!

Rainbow Bridge

A wonderful friend sent me this poem today and it is a tearjerker but it is just what I needed to hear today….


“Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge…

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them; who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.”

Thank you Niki, for sharing this with me…..

Moving day....

I am in the process of moving my blog from Tumblr (where no one can comment) to here.....please bear with me as I pack it all up and start moving! Keep checking for when the move is finished!!