your Hollywood beauty {& horror} connection

Jamie L Hess is a Make-Up Artist who wears quite a few hats. For the past 5 years, she’s been the Project Coordinator for the special make up FX lab, W.M. Creations, Inc., that creates the make up FX for various TV shows such as CSI: Vegas and NCIS. They also work on major motion pictures such as “Albert Nobbs” and “The Butler” to be released Oct. 2013. In addition to various freelance projects, Jamie’s work can be found  on shows like “So You Think You Can Dance”, “Secret Celebrity” on E! Entertainment, and most recently the newest Justin Bieber film “Believe”.

the 411
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Southern Football Allegiance: Auburn
Loves: God, Mom, Dad, Smokey Barbecue…& Eyes

1.) What’s been your most unforgettable experience working in Los Angeles?

Working with Jon M. Chu, the mastermind behind the Justin Bieber movie, “Believe”, has been amazing. I was the Make-Up Artist on a web series he directed, called “The LXD: Legion of Extraordinary Dancers”, and a project called “DS2DIO”, which is the dance lifestyle channel on YouTube. Jon is a true visionary in his ability to tell a story by capturing movement.  He always trusted me and my vision to help bring characters to life on screen. I had pretty long days trying to keep sweaty dancers looking great on film, but they were wonderful days on set! The LXD and DS2DIO are two of the projects I am most proud to have been a part of.

Jamie’s Top Three Drugstore Picks
{follow the links to learn why she recommends them}

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara

Sally Hanson Salon Pro Gel Kit
{My newest obsession!  I LOVE this product!}

Sunscreen

2.) What’s the most buzz-worthy Southern food in Hollywood?

Bar-B-Que. People would invite me over to “bar-b-que”, but I quickly learned they actually meant grilling-out, because no bar-b-que was ever served. In terms of the actual cut it’s often more of a Texas style brisket. I don’t know anywhere that has pulled pork and I can’t even venture into the dry rub vs the wet sauce discussion, because almost no one knows what I’m talking about.

3.) What is an unexpected tip most women wouldn’t think of when it comes to feeling beautiful everyday?

Know thyself – Socrates. Figure out who you are and what you stand for and be confident in that. That confidence will radiate through brighter than any lipstick you could ever wear.

learn more about Jamie & her tips on
How to Create Beautiful Smoky Eyes
she’s the bee’s knees

{music to her ears}
download it
“Feeling Good” Micheal Buble

{watch the video on YouTube… uploaded by MichaelBubleTV}

social butterfly
website: Jamie Hess
facebook: Jamie L. Hess
twitter: Jamie Hess@JLHess
instagram: Jamie Hess@JLHess

Be sweet.

how to make deviled eggs

{what to do w/ 4 lonely hard cooked eggs}

mash yolks w/ a fork
stir in a few dollops of mayonnaise, a little coarse grain mustard, a few dashes of hot sauce
{beat it like crazy to break up the lumps}
add a smidgen of kosher salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
pipe into egg white shells & sprinkle w/ sliced green onions

{we’ll revisit  for potlucks sake & amounts but you should know how easy they are to make}

download it
“You Can Do Magic” America

{watch the video on YouTube… uploaded by nalinkhanna}

World Market
the water hyacinth placemat is fab
why i love it

it adds a layer of texture & a natural element to these colorful pieces
i use them as trivets when entertaining… for warm casserole dishes of baked beans & whatnot

Be sweet.

real life {home} style

plant a spring garden mix… snip {daybreak is best} & arrange

* hosta * salvia * fern * iris *
{make for good returns on your investment}

download it
“Daybreak” Barry Manilow

{watch the video on YouTube… uploaded by atlanticflier}

Be sweet.

Sparkling Strawberry-Lemonade Sangria

2 (16-oz) packages fresh strawberries, hulled and divided
1/4 cup sugar
1 (89-oz) container chilled lemonade
1 (750-ml) bottle Prosecco, chilled
2 lemons thinly sliced
4 cups ice, divided

Pulse half of the strawberries with the sugar in a food processor until smooth. Slice remaining strawberries & set aside. Stir together lemonade, Prosecco & pureed strawberries in an 18-cup capacity pitcher {it will be very close to the top}. Divide lemon slices, ice, strawberry slices & lemonade mixture between 2 serving pitchers, stirring until combined.
{makes 16 cups}

World Market
i shared this recipe with guests recently at the Grand Opening Celebration in Charlotte
* pretty *delicious * fun * easy * refreshing *

get the look
Green Paisley Antigua Platter
why i love it
{tray chic}

arrange a beautiful mixed grill, salad or charcuterie platter
organize cocktail essentials

Acapulco Glass Pitcher
why i love it
{effortless style}

perfect for any occasion… especially for a Monday afternoon sweet tea fix

additional options
cool beverage dispensers
{this recipe can be mixed & served in them}

Stemless Red Wine Glassware
why i love it
{double play}

i’m a rule breaker… use these for any beverage you see fit

Green Crochet Flower Napkin
why i love it
{it has a Nana quality without feeling so… Nana}

it’ll keep the biscuits warm too

download it
“Southern Nights” Glen Campbell

{watch the video on YouTube… uploaded by jwgjr}

Be sweet.

dressed with style

1.) Elum Designs Mums Stationery Set 2.) Weber Grill {mixed veg grilling} 3.) Kate Spade Picnic Floral Delacorte Watch 4.) Shoshanna Francesca Sheath 5.) Serena & Lily Butterfly Chair 6.) Oscar de la Renta Floral Necklace 7.) Pink Flamingos {perk a pot of posies} 8.) Melamine Tray 9.) OXO Herb Scissors

download it
“Garden Party” Ricky Nelson

{watch the video on YouTube… uploaded by Rollerbabe Kris}

Be sweet.

think showers & such… it’s that time

the basics
the recipe

Wedding Cookies
Makes 5 dozen
Total time: 1 hr or so

{pantry staples make these slightly more dangerous than 5-ingredient trouble}

1 cup softened butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups ap flour
1/2 cup finely ground toasted pecans
1/4 tsp table salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
powdered sugar

Beat the butter & the powdered sugar with an electric mixer until creamy. Add the flour, pecans, salt, & vanilla, mixing until well blended. Roll dough into 3/4-inch portions & place onto parchment-lined half sheet pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 13 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottoms. Cool completely & roll in powdered sugar…double dip if you dare.

good to know

• i know how much you like warm-from-the-oven cookies, honestly i do… but you should allow these to cool completely b/c shortbread doesn’t translate… they come off doughy & gummy instead
• have a ramekin close by w/ extra powdered sugar to dunk them in, sort of like the beignet method {& when no one’s looking of course}
• toasting pecan halves & whatnot: 6 to 8 minutes @350 degrees or until they smell, you know…toasty. Cool about 20 minutes or so & pulse in the food processor until finely ground. Just know that it will take a 1/2 of a cup of pecan halves plus a little baby handful to equal a 1/2 cup finely chopped. It sounds sort of funny but it works…& i tried to measure it for you & suddenly it became real fraction-y w/ some left over
• the dough portions will look small-ish but spread in the oven so don’t over think the instructions. i don’t actually pull a ruler out for this task {although i do love one…more than you know} instead i use the little baby part of my thumb as a guide… it’s about an inch from the first joint to the nail tip

make it yours

• almonds or any other nut you love can be substituted
• Add a 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough

{tune in later this week for my hubs fave variation}

download it
“White Wedding” Billy Idol

{watch the video on YouTube… uploaded by bwdbb52}

Be sweet.

i couldn’t very well share a recipe for super-moist cornbread
w/out offering full access to an expert in cast iron care

it’s my pleasure to introduce you to… Hannah B Slaughter

I’ll bring the sparkle.

Hannah B is a graphic designer for HGTV & DIY of Scripps Networks Interactive who loves taking something old & making it new… specifically by adding sparkle. Weekend activities include thrifting with her handsome husband, writing for her blog Secrets of a Belle and experimenting in the kitchen… usually with champagne in hand. Her passion for iron cookware stems from early childhood memories & regular use in her everyday cooking. She’s here to share how to keep those well loved skillets in tip-top glory.

The 411
{in her own words}

Hometown: Alcoa, Tennessee
Southern Football Allegiance: Go Vols!
Loves: my gorgeous husband, old-school music & bourbon

Known for…

Husband and I like to think  that anyone can live a beautiful life by making simple choices everyday… like coming home to cocktails on the porch or dancing in the kitchen. We love to get dressed up and throw parties for our friends whether it’s to celebrate a holiday or a just a Thursday afternoon! {amen from the BL peanut gallery}

Fave southern foods…

My earliest memory is learning to dredge chicken for frying standing on a chair in diapers with my Nanny. I blame my obsession with my iron skillet on this very experience. Fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, peach cobbler… all my favorite southern foods come from my iron skillets.

it should be noted
Hannah B never travels w/out pearls nor leaves the house w/out red lipstick
she embodies the modern southern woman & owns the phrase
vintage style done right

Secrets of a Belle
{get to know her a little better… she’s a fun one}

the basics
the recipe

Simple Southern Cornbread
Makes 8 servings
Total time: 35 min

1/4 cup butter
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole buttermilk
2 large eggs
11/2 cups self-rising white cornmeal mix

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Melt butter in an 8-inch cast iron skillet in oven 6 to 7 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together sour cream, buttermilk, and eggs until well blended; whisk in cornmeal mix, then whisk in melted butter. Pour batter into hot skillet. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 27 minutes or until done. Immediately tump onto a cutting board & serve w/ more butter.

good to know

• southern cornbread isn’t sweet… period.
• it will take 1 (8-oz) container of sour cream plus a dollop or so to measure 1 cup
• i’m not a fan of substituting light products in certain Southern classics & this is one of them…fried chix & biscuits fall into that category too

How To Care For Cast Iron
Learn Hannah B Slaughter’s Tips

make it yours

• stir in a minced jalapeno & 1 cup shredded cheddar
• pour into greased hot muffin or corn stick tins… check out the selection by Lodge
• i’m a purist & prefer the mouth feel of butter but if bacon grease or duck fat are your kind of thing, by all means go for it
• make a layered cornbread salad {potluck fave} for supper: cubed cornbread, lettuce, tomato, ham, red onion, shredded cheddar & your favorite dressing
• b/c this recipe is so base line, it’s perfect to use for thanksgiving dressing cornbread crumbs
• i have this uncanny urge to try this as a corn dog batter. we’ll see how that shakes out for football season… I know M will really dig it

{music to Hannah’s ears}

download it
“Night Time Is The Right Time” Ray Charles

{watch the video on YouTube… uploaded by guldanden}

social butterfly
blog no. 1: Secrets of a Belle
blog no. 2: DIY made + remade
instagram: hb_belle
facebook: Secrets of a Belle
twitter: HB_Belle

Be sweet.

real life {home} style

best talk show
{peony pom-poms & your Nana’s stemware… this star fades fast so pick now}

download it
“I Will Always Love You” Whitney Houston

{watch the video on YouTube… uploaded by GermanGirly013}

Be sweet.

I’m excited to partner with World Market and Southern Living Magazine for the grand opening of World Market’s new store in Charlotte, NC! During the store’s Grand Opening Celebration weekend, I will be doing a live cooking demo featuring World Market’s impressive selection of international foods and beverages for Summer entertaining. I’ll also share some of my favorite pieces from their current entertaining collection… must have’s for your outdoor soirées this season!

Please Join Me
Saturday, May 4th from 12pm-3pm
Belgate Shopping Center
World Market on 8150 Ikea Blvd, Charlotte, NC

* quick recipes * easy entertaining tips * tasty samples *
Hope to see you there!

{completely *love* the Paisley Antigua Platter…come & see how I style it}

Be sweet.

the basics
the recipe

Homemade Salsa
Makes… a lot
Total time: 10 min

a handful of cilantro leaves
1 large garlic clove, quartered
1/4 medium yellow onion, quartered
1/2 jalapeno, quartered
4 lbs plum tomatoes, quartered
1 Tbsp kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
the juice from 11/2 limes

Pulse first 4 ingredients in a food processor. Add tomatoes & process until well blended. Pour into a large bowl. Stir in salt, pepper, & lime juice. Taste & adjust seasonings… consider the salt level of the tortilla chips.

good to know

• my hand twitches if the volume on the radio or tv isn’t set on even numbers so if you’re a scientist or something & need an exact measurement on the cilantro, a 1/4 cup will do it… i have small-ish hands
• if your food processor isn’t mammoth like mine {remember, i like the Hamilton Beach Big Mouth} process in batches, but keep the order of the ingredients the same so the vegetables are finely chopped…you don’t want big hunks of jalapeno in your salsa
• use any tomatoes you may have on hand…don’t feel locked in
• don’t be alarmed by the amt of salt, remember you’re seasoning a ton of vegetables & you’re not going to hurt my feelings if you want to start w/ a tsp & build from there as I’m a doubting Thomas @ times, too… & P.S. they’re your taste buds not mine. But remember, if you substitute table salt, you’ll want to use less as there are more grains per tsp

most of the heat from jalapenos come from the seeds & membrane
{let’s table this}
mild
seeds & membrane removed
moderate
1/2 of the seeds & add the membrane
medium
all of the seeds & add the membrane
hot
add the entire jalapeno

who makes it possible

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt

The flaky, imperfect grains stick to food well & allow you to control the level in the dish & I prefer this particular brand b/c you can pinch the grains @ a moments notice, just as things are getting hot & heavy in the kitchen… adding the right amt of seasoning needs to be a no brainer when you’re juggling several pots & pans over rings of fire

Henckels Utility Knife

Wanna know how to get under someone’s skin real good? Do it with this little baby kitchen fave which makes coring & slicing tomatoes effortless

{music to your ears}
“Smooth” Carlos Santana & Rob Thomas

{watch the video on YouTube … uploaded by turbo6shooter}

Be sweet.