I have seen this quote popping up all over social media over the past week. And I have to tell you that I keep reading it over and over. I love it. I love everything that this quote represents for so many of us...I am especially talking to myself here. What happens if all those self doubts and insecurities and "what if's" get pushed aside and you jump? What happens if you fly?

I love blogging, I don't know if you know this yet or have figured it out, but I do, I love it so much more than I ever thought that I would. I love sharing recipes with you, I love talking to you about what's in my head and heart, I love hearing from you when you made something for the first time, or that maybe what I wrote touched your heart. That makes it worth it.

I will tell you that there are times though, when blogging sometimes feels like I am running up an endless set of stairs and can't quite get to where I am headed.

It would be so easy for me to give up and say maybe I shouldn't do this anymore, because maybe it's only my close friends and family that are reading and maybe they don't really care what it is I have to say...

What if I fall?

PostedJune 3, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesLife

Tagslife, risks, dreams, blogging, encouragement

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It's Monday, and you deserve a cocktail just for getting out of bed this morning. Let's face it, sometimes Mondays are just the worst. Your weekend high turns into a weekend somber on Sunday night and then it's back to the grind the next morning. Or at least that is how it all plays out in our house. That's why you deserve to come home from work today and whip up this tasty tea spiked with a little somethin' somethin' to wind down. These ginger, lemon, and honey infused iced tea cocktails are mine and Canean's new favorite go to summer cocktail, perfect for front porch sittin' when it's nice and steamy outside.

Is there anything more southern than sweet tea really? There might be a couple of close contenders, but really sweet tea is just in so many of my memories of summer growing up. That's why I decided I wanted to make an iced tea cocktail with a few flavor enhancers that would be perfect for quenching your thirst all summer long!

Let's face it, in Louisiana we need all the help we can get staying cool. And if a cocktail can help achieve my optimum body temperature, then who am I to mess with that? It's basically a necessity...yes, definitely a necessity.

PostedJune 2, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesCocktails

Tagsiced tea, sweet tea, ginger, honey, lemon, cocktails, summer

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Let me introduce you to Kym Hilsher, creator of Sundara, an Indian inspired clothing and accessory line featuring unique finds and designs from India. Not only is Kym the founder of Sundara, but she also happens to be my mom and is one amazing lady!

Sundara was founded after several trips to India that my mom made with her previous job. She would bring back amazing hand sewn clothing and jewelry for her friends and family and realized there was a need for such unique pieces in the market. Starting with my great-grandmother, the women in our family have always had a knack for fashion (I clearly get it honestly). So this business came very naturally. Her love of fashion and her passion for the artistry in India and what they were creating, led her to start Sundara. Sundar is Hindi for beautiful and by adding a at the end, it became the feminine version of beautiful.

Four years later, my mom is striving to do just that, make women feel beautiful by offering pieces that are special! I can tell you first hand, that the pieces she offers are unique and stunning. The attention to detail that India offers in their clothing and accessories blows me away every time.

Recently Kym went back to India on one of her regular buying trips where there she works with her manufacturer and exporter to create pieces for her line as well as purchasing from other markets and artisans around the country. Her passion for the country and the people translate through her love of the fashion and traditions that she brings back to offer us.

Here are some behind the scenes shots at what her trip looks like when she goes!

PostedMay 29, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesArtist Feature

Tagsfashion, Sundara, Style, India, Ethnic, Boho

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I am originally from Tennessee, East Tennessee to be exact, and don't get to visit as often as I would like. It is usually a big event that brings me back home, and this weekend was no different.

This past weekend we traveled to Tennessee to celebrate my friend Katie and her new husband Jeff on their big day! It was a perfect weekend filled with roller coasters (literally), amazing food, people I love dearly, and beautiful surroundings! Not to mention Canean and I got to celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary while being surrounded by those we love so much!

We started the festivities off with a trip to Dollywood, for those of you who do not know it is an amusement park themed around the one and only Dolly Parton! Yes, it's as amazing as it sounds. We road roller coasters all day, which was not something I usually partake in, but I did it and had a blast...even though my face in every picture looked like my life was in danger. See image below...

PostedMay 27, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesTravel

Tagsweddings, Tennessee, friends, life, marriage, travel

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To the love of my life,

It's just you and I...

The two of us...

Six years ago today, I married a boy who was selfish, not used to putting someone else first, and someone who hadn't quite figured out what it really meant to love. But I also married a boy and saw into his soul and knew his tough exterior was just an act. I married a boy who I knew loved me the way Christ intended for a husband to love a wife.

Six years ago today, you married a girl who was just as selfish, not used to NOT getting her way, and had a problem listening (okay maybe she still does). She was determined to show you what she saw in you as a person, husband, and friend and loved you deeply since before she knew it to be true.

PostedMay 23, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesLove

Tagsanniversary, love, marriage, love letter

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I crave wings like most grown men crave wings and I like to blame that on my husband because I didn't really find a true love for the food until we were together. Wings happen to be one of his favorite go to "splurge" meals and I usually join in on the festivities. You aren't surprised are you? And because I love them so much I decided that I needed to make them at home and that way I could make them a little healthier. So I started making grilled buffalo chicken wings and wedge salads for a side.

I have told you before, but just in case you didn't know, we have an awesome farmer's market where I live and one of the chicken farmers sells skinless wings! They are so delicious and with the skin gone it cuts down on fat immediately. I get them almost every week because I love them so much. If you can't find skinless, don't worry you are still going to healthier with this recipe! Instead of frying the wings, I grill them and then instead of French fries or some other unhealthy side we usually end up getting, I make a salad inspired by the blue cheese dressing and celery served with traditional wings.

It's the perfect light summer meal and it satisfies that wing craving that I get so much and I don't have to feel bad about it at all. If you are a little skeptic, it's ok just give them a try and see for yourself!

PostedMay 20, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesGrilled

Tagsbuffalo chicken wings, grilling, summer meals, healthy cooking, wedge salads

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