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!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Salad Sunday is more like Soup Sunday

It is the end of March and it actually snowed this morning!  So instead of a salad, today is more of a soup day!!!  Real Simple always has some of the best recipes, this one looks delish!!!


Winter Lentil Soup

Ingredients


1 tablespoon olive oil

4 leeks (white and light green parts), cut into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons

1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 bunch kale, thick stems removed and leaves cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips

1/2 cup brown lentils

1 tablespoon fresh thyme

Kosher salt and black pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan (1 ounce; optional)

Directions



1.Heat the oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook, breaking them up with a spoon, for 5 minutes.

2.Add 6 cups water and bring to a boil. Stir in the sweet potatoes, kale, lentils, thyme, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Simmer until the lentils are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

3.Spoon into bowls and top with the Parmesan, if using.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Elizabeth Taylor, you will be missed

Gorgeous beauty


Cleopatra
Elizabeth Taylor died this week at 79, she was a beautiful woman with grace and elegance.  I know most people will always remember her as the woman addicted to marriage (or divorce) or as the woman who befriended Michael Jackson.  I will remember her this way....goodbye Elizabeth, rest in fabulous peace....

Keep calm and have a cupcake!

About a year ago, I bought a bookmark that said "Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake."  I keep it in my dayplanner as a constant reminder to myself.  Lately my life has been incredibly stressful and when I stumbled upon this great blogpost from one of my favorite Bloggers, the adventures of tartanscot, I just had to do my own take on it.  His design inspiration is always so fun and English, please check him out. I'm sure I would love meeting this guy!!!

Music, it makes any day brighter!


Shopping definitely soothes my soul!


Christmas is my favorite holiday and always cheers me up!

Best part about spring arriving is the beautiful sound of lovebirds.

Curious George, who doesn't smile when they see this little guy?



Doesn't everything sound better with a British Accent?



Rum?  Yum-Yum!!


Such a handsome hero!



A nice Blue Moon always livens my spirit!


Had a Blueberry Cosmo at the Four Seasons the other day, it was dellish!


The one that started it all for me....

Jules did it again!

I am a HUGE fan of Jules Reid, her style is very organic, a bit hippie all while being feminine and Southern....

These are some great pieces from her Spring/Summer line:

Pretty in Pink



LOVE this hippie chic look




How comfy does this dress look?




So Martha's Vineyard...


Perfect for a backyard fete!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Love this!

May today there be peace within.

May you trust that you are exactly where
you are meant to be.
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

-St. Thérèse de Lisieux, 1873-1897

Desperately searching for strength...

Life is full of surprises, there are challenges and rocky roads that you expect to hit along the way and then there are those that you don't see coming and you struggle with how to deal with them....

Over the past week, I have gotten some quotes that just seemed to have the perfect timing and I thought I would share....

"When I'm having trouble with someone, it's a sure sign that person is exactly the gift I am needing in my life. Sometimes it takes me years to write the thank you note, though." -Author Unknown


"What we accomplish in a day depends upon the way we approach our tasks. When we accept tough jobs as a challenge... and wade into them with joy and enthusiasm, miracles can happen. When we do our work with a dynamic conquering spirit, we get things done". -Arland Gilbert

"In the end, the most important thing is to be true to yourself and those you love and work hard. Work like there's no tomorrow. Train. Strive. Really train and cultivate your talent to the highest degree. Be the best at what you do. Get to know more about your field than anybody alive. That's what I've always tried to remember". -Michael Jackson, 1958-2009

Enjoy!!!!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Then and now....

Staying with my royalty obsession...

I think Princess Di would have approved....

The silver fox is my new man....

Many of you call him the "Silver Fox," but whatever his nicknames may be, there are few as humble, inspiring and adorable as Anderson Cooper.  He recently came to town and I was lucky enough to go to a VIP pre-event dinner and post-event meet and greet.....LOVE LOVE LOVE him!!!

Don't we make a cute couple?

Lovin' the English

The English have a unique style all their own and I'm currently obsessed with the Fascinator.....not many rock it as well as Kate Middleton....can't wait until you see mine, just a few weeks from now!!!









Luck of the Irish!

Ireland was my favorite locale yet and who doesn't feel inspired by these gorgeous hues of green?
Multistrand Clover necklace
Tory Burch
$195
Can't you just feel the luck of the Irish?
Robinson slim card case
Tory Burch
$85
How bright and cheery!
Assymetric Satin Dress, Lanvin
$2240
Sexy and sassy.....




DVF Julian Wrap dress
$325
Perfect!
Redux Charles Chang-Lima Ruffled Peplum dress
$1830
Feels like an Oscar moment....






Inspired by springing forward

We are springing forward today and if I'm going to lose an hour of sleep, I better feel inspired by the arrival of spring!  Here are some of my must-have's for spring!!!
Eddie ballet flat
Tory Burch
$178
These shoes come in a rainbow of colors and look so fun!!