Styling, Yall {Artist Indulgences}

Southern styles in black, yellow, and gold. Tom McCarthy has been known to speak and teach throughout the South. So many of his pieces would be a treat to own, as would a custom gown by Project Runway winner, Ozcar G.

1. Sway Thai Restaurant, Foda Studio Photo Credit: Jody Horton fodastudio.com (menu for prices) 2. Ozcar G. Couture, Custom Evening Gowns ozcarg.com
3. Tom McCarthy Jewelry, Dots Pendant II tommccarthyjewelry.com

Mmm, Yall {Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese}

Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese is a new pleasure of mine. Available online, these artisan cheeses are made with obvious attention to detail and unique flavor.

The vibrant colored rinds and possibilities for geometric presentation in circles, squares, and triangles are appealing. Wouldn't these make for a striking cheese tray? I can vouch that the quality and taste match the aesthetic beauty. Kenny's Coffee Cheddar is sold out, but I'm hoping to sample that flavor very soon.

1. Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese, Aged Cheddar kennysfarmhousecheese.com ($11.98 for 1lb.) 2. Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese, Kentucky Bleu kennysfarmhousecheese.com ($14.98 for 1lb.)

Culture, Yall {Southern Still Life in Black and White}

I am admiring this original painting by Tali. I am impressed by the moment in time it captures, so real and valid to what it was like growing up in the South. Being raised by a nanny while mama goes off to work is not uncommon. Some of us were raised by women not our own race.

This experience created loving bonds for the Southerner that opened our hearts to love what is grey instead of only black and white. Seeing the harmonious, bold impact of what it means to stand side-by-side. Being made aware of the differences and similarities and being better people because of this. This sculptural still life by Southern artist Linda Bowman Potter is a beautiful picture of that for me.

Were you raised by someone who opened your eyes to something new? Who made you a better person just by sharing who they are and what they care about in life?

1. tushtush, Whitewashed House etsy.com ($120 USD) 2. Linda Bowman Potter, Still Life #2 lindabowmanpotter.com (retailer for price)

Mmm, Yall {Low Country Produce}

Cold showers taken here lately…that's saying something for a woman who turns on her space heater under her desk at work in July. Cold soups eaten here lately also. On the menu this week is Low Country Produce's Spicy Peach Gazpacho. Gazpacho is soup meant to be eaten cold, and is a welcome change of pace this time of year. Also on my summer soup list is Honest Fare's Watermelon and Avocado Gazpacho. Looks delicious!

Cajun cuisine is of great interest to me because of the use of spice and cream-based sauces. I have immersed myself into a world of etouffees and jumbos. Not to mention Zatarain's seasonings or Old Bay.

What new types of food have you been discovering lately? Any food products that you love?

1. Low Country Produce, Various lowcountryproduce.com (various pricing)

Styling, Yall {Porch Ferns}

Summer. The time of year for lightening bugs (fireflies) and swimming pools. One of the things I miss about my mama's front porch is the hanging ferns she keeps around its perimeter. Six on each side. Always hung above the hand railing and below the awning, perfectly visible from the road. The bright green against the stark white painted porch is welcome contrast. Very southern.

This collection represents both the geometry and the graceful curves of the fern plant. No. 4 earrings mimic the actual natural pattern of ferns. Jill Morzillo's earrings capture the fern in a different way: a curly fiddle head fern shape with the perfect color green gem.

What plants do you keep on your front porch or planters this time of year?

1. Jill Morzillo, earrings louisvilleartisans.org (retailer for prices) 2. Virginia Kraljevic, A Fan of A Fan (pen and ink) etsy.com ($30 USD) 3. Chloe, Sunray Stripes Dress chloe.com (retailer for prices) 4. Nervous System, Dichotomous earrings etsy.com ($25 USD)

Mmm, Yall {Wild Ophelia Chocolate}

May I introduce you to a new Southern treat that I've found? Wild Ophelia takes Southern favorites – peaches, pecans, chilis – and mixes them with chocolate to make magic.

I've tried the New Orleans Chili, Southern Hibiscus Peach, and the Sweet Cherry Pecan so far. The New Orleans Chili is my favorite. There are dark and milk chocolates in the collection, something for everyone!

1. Wild Ophelia Chocolate, various flavors wildophelia.com

Party, Yall {Kentucky Oaks}

This weekend is the official kick-off party for the 2012 Kentucky Oaks and Derby. Louisville is buzzing with excitement, planning, and shopping.

The Kentucky Oaks is a day of racing preceding the Kentucky Derby. It is called Louisville's Derby by some locals. It's a day the ladies take center stage. All fillies (female horses) run, and breast cancer awareness is supported by the annual Pink Out, which means pink is the predominate color worn to the day's races. The event even has it's own official drink, which I've included for you here.

Amazing accessories, namely hats, are a must at the races and going over the top is permissible. This fascinator by Cressida is just enough and looks both sculptural and painterly. Kluster earrings are made locally and the color combinations are extensive. Robert Joyner was responsible for the Oaks and Derby posters created this year. I love his use of color, and think that using an impressionistic technique was a great choice is capturing the movement of a racing horse. 

1. Oaks Lily® in official glass kentuckyderbyparty.com ($6) 2. Hats By Cressida, Pale Pink and Black Fascinator etsy.com ($80) 3. Nadia & Co., Kenetic Splash cookies nadiaandco.com (contact for pricing) 5. Robert Joyner, Original Equine Painting rjoynerartworks.com ($28.50) 5. Kluster, pink, rose, and pale green earring etsy.com ($28.50)