Grammy Nomination Concert Live!

                                                           Photo from unknown source  
 Did someone say red carpet? If there is one thing that the Cali has perfected it would be hosting the annual award season. Nominations for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards will be announced this evening during a live televised concert event,' Grammys Nomination Concert', and my sweetheart and I just happen to have two hot tickets for tonight.
   A handful of the nominations are scheduled to be revealed during this countdown to music's biggest night, scheduled to air live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on CBS at 10 p.m. ET. Lady Gaga is slated to open and close the show, and LL Cool J will host. The Band Perry and Jason Aldean are just a few of my country favorites that are also on the  preformers list for one of the hottest nights in Hollywood.
  So turn that radio up today on your Wednesday lunch break and remember, music is a true gateway to the soul.
  Time to get trade in those boots for the stilettos, get gussied up, and show them how to work a red carpet Slatwater style!  xo

Double D Ranch

Photos courtesy of   Double D Ranch

  With the winter social events just around the corner, it is time to start planning that perfect "wow factor," outfit. Look no further my dear friends, this is a brand that is guaranteed to knock 'em right out of those Tony Lamas and might even land you a spot under that mistletoe.
  Double D Ranch is a mother and daughter based company focused on keeping every country diva sexy during this holiday season. This line offers everything from the classic studded old school leather biker-style jacket to that savvy suede skirt that just happens to be a perfect match for those Old Gringos that you have been eyeing for months. This brand can be found at  Back at the Ranch in Santa Ynez along with a few other boutiques along the Central Coast.  So this line may be a bit on the pricey side, we are worth it ladies and I have a feeling that Santa would definitely agree.
  This is by far my country chic brand of choice for fall/ winter 2011!

I need a vacation after my vacation...



Photos from unknown source





Oh my dear Monday .... I believe you came to soon. After a wonderful and eventful family holiday

weekend, too much to eat, one too many turkey day cocktails, and a long 10hr workday day to kick off the week.. RELAXATION is on the mind tonight. I think a nice bubble bath, cozy fire in the fire place, and some hot tea with honey would do the trick right about now. :) Snuggle up tonight..kick off them boots.......take some time.. be good to yourself. Love you all .................. xoxoox





Good Work(s) Make a Difference

                                                    Photos courtesy of  Good Work(s)

  Good morning everyone. I wanted to help boost your Monday morning with a bit of positivity. This weekend in the middle of all the black Friday madness,  I was introduced to a wonderful humanitarian jewelry line that I just had to stop by and share with you today.

   Good Work(s) is a truly an inspiring line that offers more then just a fantastic fashionable accent to your daily wardrobe.  They are a company created as a dynamic lifestyle by expressing essential virtues and wisdom through fashion and showing random acts of kindness to spread humanitarianism. This company is committed to donating 25% of net profits to good causes to inspire, empower and give hope to one individual, one family, and one community at a time. The serenity bracelet, pictured above, is one of my favorites from this line and a prayer I hold dear to my heart.

   This leather wrap around bracelet will be sure to add a bit of edge to your cowgirl flare. P.S. This is a great stocking stuffer for your favorites this year!

Happy Thanksgiving

                                                          Photos from unknown source

       Today is the day we sit down with loved ones and take a moment to focus on all that we are thankful for. Enjoy your happy hearts and full bellies on this beautiful holiday. God bless you all xox

Wonder-Fall Colors

                                           Photograps courtesy of  Chuck Place Photography

     There is just something about this season and the abundence of fall colors that put my mind at ease and place a song in my heart. My favorite colors are those that absorb natures true beauty, especially during the harvest season where the Santa Ynez Valley becomes a truly magical place.

      I also believe that this season calls for a home decore make-over. Try to stay away from the basic color palette this season and spruse up your dear casa with a few colors that will be sure to make this season come to life for you and your family. So spoil your home with a bit of avocodo green, burnt orange, saffron yellow, chili red, and tan. Also, if you are feeling a bit frisky try adding a few accent colors such as a bright teal or country copper. Enjoy... home is where the heart is. xo

Urban Cowgirl

                                                    Photo courtesy of Urban Cowgirl

      Are you looking for the perfect make- up and skin girl line for the girl on the go? Urban Cowgirl is one of my new favorite California based beauty lines that I just had to share with all of you. I personally like to have a set of the basic cosmetics, separate from my evening weekend cosmetic line, that I can use to replenish my skin and add a bit of glamor during the long work weeks.

      These cowgirl  products are not only chic but are also organic and mineral based. Along with their everyday classic make-up and skin products, they also have fantastic bath products and life accessories as well. The Mango Tango Salt Souffle and the Green Tea Facial Cleanser are just two of the must haves from the Urban Cowgirl line. Whether you are enjoying a rodeo or strutting down Rodeo Drive, this is truly a great cosmetic & beauty line for the  active, savvy, and sexy country girl on the go.

    I think this year Chloe-Clause might even be wrapping her Christmas beauty products and gifts in Urban Cowgirl gym bags to help inspire all of her favorite cowgirls! he he xo

Motivated Monday Recipe



                                                      Photo Courtesy of Taste of Home

  Good morning everyone! As I take the first sip of my non fat pumpkin pie latte this morning, I start to become motivated about the short holiday work week ahead. With Thanksgiving being just a few days away, it is time to start thinking about that new savory addition to add to your traditional family feast. As I had mentioned in my previous blog, I strongly feel that the classics are not to be messed with so I decided to explore my options for a unique mouth watering appetizer. To me, with age comes with the expectation of being able to bring to the table a delectable treat that far surpasses the average cheese plate.

  These spinach & cheese cornbread bites are not only a great way to add a little bit of home style country to the holiday, but also have great potential to become a new yummy fall favorite with the family.

Spinach & Cheese Cornbread Bites

(Diabetic friendly)

* 48 servings

* Prep: 25 min. Bake 15 min./batch

Ingredients

• 1 package (8-1/2 ounces) corn bread/muffin mix
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup blue cheese salad dressing
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

Thanksgiving Table Art

                                                    Photos courtesy of Willow Be Inspired

  Thanksgiving is by far one of my favorite holidays, and with it being just around the corner I decided that it was time to post my first holiday special blog. I feel that the traditional and delicious turkey day recipes are not to be messed with, so I was inspired to consider the fashionable table landscape for the season.
  This year be inspired to focus on harvest and natures raw beauty. Don't be afraid to mix china patterns and colors with this as well to add a little funk and flair to your family table. I have also included a table setting cheat sheet for your host/ hostess viewing pleasure. TGIF everyone!!

Relax at the Alisal

Photo courtesy of willow bee inspired

  Oh the weekend, so close yet one long Thursday away. As I sip my non fat vanilla latte this morning, I cant help but day dream about the perfect weekend/ day off. For this saltwater cowgirl that consists of two things, riding and relaxation. One of my favorite local places to experience both of these leisure activities is at the beautiful Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort. I would start the day off with their trademark Breakfast Ride, complete with western breakfast classics, mimosas, and a one hour beautiful trail ride through the property. Then I would head over to the resort spa for a little princess TLC. Two of my favorite spa treatments at the Alisal are their signature Happy Hour Full Body Scrub, (margarita scented), and the Nojoqui Mud Wrap & Sage Bliss Massage.
  Take time this weekend to relax, replenish, and pamper yourself by keeping it classy in the country. xo

Bridlewood On the Mind

                                                    Photo courtesy of Bridlewood Winery

       On what used to be a renowned horse racing track many years ago, now stands one of the Santa Ynez Valley's true wine gems. Bridlewood Winery, which is just 30mins north of Santa Barbara, sits on approximately 105 acres complete with a spanish-style estate tasting room, barrel room, and a breathtaking veranda overlooking the beautiful vineyards. Bridlewood currently offers two tasting flights,(a classic and reserve tasting), which include both red and white wine varietals. There are also rumors of new wine tour additions to Bridlewood such as a ATV tour and a horse and carriage tour. To me, this would be an ideal activity to enjoy with visiting friends and family this holiday season!
       This vino vaquera personally recommends there luscious pinot noir which is perfect to sip in the bubble bath after a long Wednesday workday.

Island Cowgirl

 

                                                        Photo courtesy of Island Cowgirl

   

      This morning while enjoying a cup of delicious pumpkin spice coffee, I came across this fantastic jewelry line that I couldn't wait to share with all of you. Island Cowgirl jewelry is truly a perfect brand for your everyday sterling silver ware. Each piece is handcrafted in Huntington Beach by designer and fellow cowgirl Heather Kraty. They are all carved with poetic and romantic etchings that I find to be quite simple yet inspirational. Enjoy xo

A Simple Saltwater Welcome

Photo Courtesy of  in the moment

   Hello My Dear Friends-

I would like to start off by thanking everyone who took the time to experience my first

blog post. It is here that I hope to inspire and update my fellow country queens with latest in

cowgirl chic fashion, life & style, local events, and food & vino of  the central coast. After all,

country is not just a place or a brand but a blisful lifestyle. 

   As a salterwater cowgirl, we are truly able to capture the peace of the sea and the

adventure of the mountains all in a days work. We live by the grace of god, for the moments that

take our breath away, and live for the thrill of dirting up that new Nocona blinged out belt.

   Now raise your favorite glass of vino with me this evening as we toast to a bit of sugar, a

dab of salt, and a sprikle of sophisticated southern influenced style. Until we meet again...:)

 Live..Laugh..Love..

 C. Leigh xo