Phoenix to San Diego

Good morning everyone!

As you know I have begun my journey out west.  Up at 4am and ready to drive to Atlanta to catch our flight.  We stopped only to grab a bite to eat and I took a moment to take a photo of some of the things I'm wearing. 

This bracelet was a gift that I gave my baby girl.  Anytime I have been traveling or she and I have
been so far apart. I always have something that carries a prayer on it for her and with her.  I normally carry a blue sandstone in my pocket and have for years as a reminder of her.  It glitters like all the stars in the universe against the blue space. So, kinda symbolic to my heart that no matter where we are in the universe we are always connected spiritually.  (she doesn't know I took her bracelet but I'm sure she won't mind!)  this bracelet has the inscription, "I love you to the moon and back"

Here I am at the airport so finally happy to be here in Phoenix.  The flight took a minute more than I thought it should.  I sat isle seat with Dre in the middle and a stranger by the window. (Dre booked the flight) obviously next time this won't happen.

Need I say more? 

If anyone asked me if Phoenix is hot the answer is YES!  To get to the rental car you take a shuttle to this huge building that holds ALL the rental companies.  You sign your contract then you go to the parking garage to pick up your car.  They do not do signs here in Phoenix.  So you just have to meander until you find your way to your right car company.  By the time we got to our car, yes it was hot! Lol. 

Hello Arizona! As we leave with the car, you can see the landscape and everything Phoenix is about.  Naturally we drove around a bit as it was still to early to check into our hotel.  We drove to Scottsdale to see Old Town.  What I found there was exactly what I hoped I wouldn't.  Tourism everywhere!  I might as well have been in Gatlinburg, TN. (No offense). 

It took us all of about two hours of being in Phoenix to decide that we really are not Phoenix people and hello CALIFORNIA here we come! 

We drove down through Yuma, Arizona and the drive was breathtaking!  So much sunshine and diversity as we entered California.  THE WEST IS THE BEST!

We stopped to fill up at a gas station and it was part casino.  Dres little eyes lit up like the fourth and we took some time for him to play a little.  He won a whopping $10. Great fun! Lol 

Here are a few pics of our drive. 

Now, as you can probably guess we were going to drive into San Diego, get a hotel and then sight see tomorrow.  Change of plans.  Seems anytime you come to San Diego, you should book ahead!  It's one of the most visited cities in the world.  Not to mention it was a 3 day holiday weekend and even the Motel 6 was $500 a night.  Absolutely nothing was available.  A nice fellow helped us out by giving us the first available area to find a room.  All the way to Los Angeles!  Finally, at 1am we are waking up this morning in LA.  Didn't get to see much of San Diego but I will Definately go back as it was incredibly beautiful!  So stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we spend the day here in LA.  Love y'all! 

DIY - Cookies for the Kids

I made sure to see my grown children before I left to go outwest.  Call me superstitious but I have to hug them.

It took me all evening the day before to cook all these cookies.  I had this container already and put some ribbons around it. I hot glued he and his wife's last name initial and made it look nice.  So here's to you Justin and Tracey, mama loves you! 

What I'm wearing sneak peek

I have one more day until I leave for my trip to the southwest.  We decided that this trip may be divided into two.  One to the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona area and the other half in my home away from home of Northern California.  I mean how could I get that close and not lend my hello's to the Pacific?  I will posting the whole trip so stay tuned for that.  Here is a a sneak peek at what I'll be wearing.  Be sure to check back for photo's and happenings as I journey west.  One more day to go!!!!!

Nights get cool in the dessert from what I hear and Northern Cali never touches 80 degrees.  The closer to the coast the more chilly.  This should do nicely.  Stay tuned for Accessories....

 

This is one of my favorite outfits.  Unfortunately I haven't been able to wear the skirt this summer due to the high humidity here in Tennessee.  In Phoenix there is little humidity so maybe it's a go.   Wondering what accessories to go with?  Stay tuned....

 

Gluten-Free Grilled Stone Fruit Trifle

I've been dying to try this recipe before the fall and last night I did.  It was a huge hit with everyone and I will definately be using it again. It really is delicious!

2 TB honey

3 lbs mixed stone fruit, halved and pitted.  

1 (12-oz) gluten free angel food cake

2 TB fresh thyme leaves, chopped

2 Cups (16 oz) organic lowfat vanilla yogurt

Prepare a grill for medium- heat cooking. In a bowl, whisk together honey with 1 tablespoon very hot water.  Brush cut side of fruit with honey mixture and grill 8 to 10 minutes or until tender and lightly chared.  Turn over half way through grilling and brushing again with honey mixture.  Grill cake slices 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly chared on both sides.  Coarsely chop grilled fruit.  Toss fruite with thyme and any remaining honey mixture until evenly combined.  Cut grilled cake into bite size pieces (I chose to do a whole slice plate and a chopped dish).  Layer half of the cake pieces in a glass or dish.  Top with half fruit and half yogurt.  Repeat with remaining ingredients.  Keep refrigerated and serve within 1 day.

You may find this recipe as well, on the Whole Foods website under recipes.  It was yummy and so fun to make! 

Unknown facts about Teresa Ann

I save all perfume samples from mags to clip and insert into my journals. I'm a smell whore I guess.

I appreciate a pair of good hands more than any other feature on a person.  You can tell a lot about a person by their hands! 

When I was little I wanted to live in Paris, France and be named Tiffany. 

Also, my barbies never had a house in the country.  They always lived in a huge condo in some fancy city near my sister and all drama whores got thrown out of the 82nd floor window.

I believe kids turn out according to their pre-birth plan, destiny, not necessarily their environment. :P)

I have a handbag addiction and I'm not afraid to admit it!  It started I think with rummaging through my moms purse of many pockets looking for bubble gum. 

I have no favorite music, only favorite moods. 

Loud noises disturb my very soul.

My favorite element is "wind". 

My health suffers the most when my heart hurts. 

My favorite place on all the earth is Big Sur, California. 

I do not chase money, prestige or a big fancy house.  I chase joy. Sometimes it hides, sometimes it runs... And sometimes we sit together and have coffee.  I can see it the most when my children are laughing or I'm traveling. 

When my body dies, I hope it's like in the movie Casper and my babies get to see me touch the light and yes, I hope I'm 10. 

Top three things on my bucket list are:

Retire in Northern California

Write my autobiography

Be the sage.

At the end of everyday I ask myself these things:

Did I make something pretty?

Have I helped another?

And did I eat ok? 

All followed by: "I love you Jesus", and  nite nite babies mama loves you. 

Headed to the desert.

Good evening everyone.
Today was very long and I really felt my Saturn/Mars conjunction as I am on pins and needles waiting to leave for my Arizona vacation.  So, in the name of fun and impatience I thought I would share some desert related topics to keep the momentum going.

My husbands favorite band is the Doors.  Though I am a fan of one or two songs, I'm not dedicated enough to buy a plane ticket just to see where Jim Morrison was laid to rest.  I do however share the same love he had for the desert.  I ran across this blog that was just perfect for any Jim Morrison fan.

Looks like I am not the only person who thinks the desert is a cool vibe.  Here's a list of desert festivals across the world, who knew...

Of course I had to put a fashion piece on the list for "fashions in the desert".

I have been looking for a playlist to take with in case we end up driving on over to Cali.  I actually liked a lot of songs on this play list but what...no doors?!?!

I guess we have evolved and conquered the desert as entertainment.  Check out these fun things people are doing in the desert.

The "Burning Man" is near and dear to my heart given my brother -in-laws love it so much.  I have never been and I don't think this Tennessee girl would fit in anyway.  Check out this list though, guess they take this event pretty seriously!

20 things you didn't know about the desert.  I dig it...

I always like to check out the art of an area or subject.  Maybe a little as homage to my artist brother or maybe just so I can see something differently than ever before.  Here is a list of desert artist.

I have 4 more days until I hop on that big bird in the sky landing me in Phoenix, AZ.  Stay tuned as I blog about my trip and hopefully uncover the meaning of 3 back to back dreams I had about the desert area.  Until then, I leave you with this.... the master desert dweller....The Doors!  

Free Thinking

Well, It was a busy week last week and a packed weekend.  I literally am here like, "where did the time go?"  I haven't made my week in review or even this weeks wish list, which I will do tonight I promise!

Today I am posting more scribbled down thoughts and bits of wisdom that have crossed my mind last week.  Do with it as you will but don't hate the messenger! :)

"Sister don't hate me because I have to work in a mans world. Babies gotta eat!"

"I'm really not a feminist as the world defines it.  I love it when a man gets my door.  The world just shouldn't make a difference in pay or opportunity based on Vagina Verses Penis!"

"I firmly believe fame and fortune are based on networking skills , that's it really."

"Coming from Queen in a prior lifetime, no, I won't bow down to you Wal-mart!"

"If I have to work with a bunch of women; I only want to work with passionate, creative, eyes on the design type women, over achievers, world changers. Women that don't run to men to solve their problems but stand and make those needed changes."

"I don't want to do meetings and phone calls today.  I want to do prada and  plane tickets!"

"A man just told me that men are stupid and women are crazy.  That women are crazy because men are stupid.  Finally a smart guy! Lol."

"A week to go for vakay, I'll be lady like but there will be no ass kissing until then." 

Until the next moment my thoughts weigh more than my southern manners. 

Xoxo. -T

Teresa Ann, The Blog!

     I started school a year early because my birthday fell at just the right time.  First grade was one of the best experiences that I can remember since push up pops.  It paled only in comparison to head-start.   I remember the first few weeks of school.  Everything was magical and playing all day took on a new vibration of organized, creative art.  I just loved it.   I had the best first grade teacher ever.  She was funny and smart and so pretty.  When she smiled her whole face lit up and she always, always had the best ideas.  We made gifts for our parents, we had a piñata in her class, we made mask and so many other things.   I loved getting my hands dirty and I got to use glue and who doesn’t like to use glue?  It was then that I first decided that purple was my favorite color.  The paint and the way it went on that easel paper, so bright and bold…I knew this was good thing.  

     As time moved on and we learned to write our names, my teacher seemed a little disturbed.  I was writing “Tess”, on all my art.   I will never forget the day she walked up to me and said, “why are you putting this “Tess” on all your papers.  "That is not your name."   I looked up at her with huge eyes like she had just killed me.  She gave me my first disapproving look of my entire educational experience.  I was devastated.  Not only because she was upset with me, but because I had no idea “Tess” wasn’t my name.   So she had asked me a question and I had to answer.  My response was, “Tess is my name,"  as I stomped my foot!  She told me my name was Teresa.  I continued to write Tess on all my art and coloring pages.  She continued to mark through Tess and put Teresa.  Finally, my stubbornness outweighed her patience and she called my mother in for conference.  In those days, there was no after-school, non embarrassing scheduled meetings.  If your parents got called, they just came on down.  No kids were taken outside to discuss anything privately, no, my mother was escorted over to my little table and shown that I had written “Tess” on my art, yet again.  The teacher began to explain her displeasure of me to my mother.  My mother tried to explain to her that my nick name was Tess, and that was all my family had ever called me.  That I really didn’t know my name was Teresa.  But from that point on, I was forced to write my full name.  “Teresa Ann Manning”.  Now, that might not seem long to you, but at five years old, it was truly punishment.  

     By the next year I was well known as Teresa Manning and I was writing it on all my assignments.  So outside of school, I felt betrayed.  Like I was pretending to be someone I wasn’t.  So, I refused to go by Teresa at home.  My family continued to call me Tess, with the exception of when my mothers patience wore thin and it was time for discipline.  Then as time went on I heard “Teresa Ann”, more and more.  It’s funny how a small child can associate disapproval to a name.  When I first heard someone call me Teresa, it was in a disapproving tone.  The only time after that I heard “Teresa Ann” was when my mother was very unhappy with me.  So somewhere deep inside I reasoned that the name “Teresa Ann” was bad, it wasn’t me.  It was only people being mad at me.  I was Tess and I was always gonna be Tess.  

     The day came when I had to battle cancer and then my mother did and somehow all the dynamics of our life and relationship changed and it was like I was living life in reverse.  Somehow, she surrendered and embraced her brazen, rebellious child.  I began to look at her differently.  I watched her sparkly blue eyes grow tired and her energy quiet, no longer boisterous or disapproving.  Everything had been sifted in my heart and the only thing left was love.  So this blog is my homage to my mother.  My surrender of “Tess”, and my acceptance of my  namesake “Teresa Ann…”  It is time I lay that little girl down and be the woman my mother expects me to be.  It is for her that I choose this name, no other.  Childhood is gone and I now dance in content submission for I truly am my mothers daughter, “Teresa Ann”.   I love you mama.  

InStyle September 2014 Review

Hello everyone!
I had a different topic to post today but that will have to wait.  On my way to work this morning, I picked up the September issue of InStyle magazine.  I usually read most anything that has Julia Roberts on the cover.  Not only is she one of my fav actresses but I love that she's from the south and can laugh at most anything.  So this is my review of this mag and what I found to my liking.  So go get your copy and check it out!

First and foremost, the reason I bought the mag!

Loved this piece on JR picks..

Fall is almost here and this looks so cozy!

At our next place, I am definitely having a bar cart!

Gotta have this Michael Kors Shirt!

Is it just me, or do you guys love the neutrals for fall?

I absolutely adore simple, classic black and white.  Kate Moss is iconic.

Over the years I stopped wearing heels because of my job or I spent more time outside.  So I've been looking for something sexy to wear with my skinny jeans.  These will do!

I just posted recently my need for animal print, and wah lah!  Although I was thinking something a bit more intimate.... *wink*

I don't normally go for Vera Bradley bags but this one fits!

 Looks like the 70's have hit the runway and this fall will be full of higher waist jeans and flare jeans and trousers.  Just my thing!!!  

Can someone please send me an invite so I may wear these new Kate Spade Jewel pumps?!?!?

I had the best time checking out this magazine and will definately check back in with them for October issues and beyond.  It's Friday finally so everyone have the best weekend ever!

xoxo - TeresaAnn

Egg Peppers

I tried a new recipe to break up the same old breakfast day in and out.  This dish is super fun to make.

Ingredients 

1 large Green Bell Pepper

1 large Red Bell Pepper

Eggs

Black Pepper

Anything else you would like to add. Be Creative!

You slice the peppers so that when you break the egg it holds it all in.  Then you just sprinkle with pepper or other seasoning and bake for about 20 minutes or until desires results. Yummy and you can make ahead of time and heat them up. 

#WCW - Courtney Tess

I really like to honor the ladies in the world and in my life that inspire me.  Woman Crush Wednesday is a small thing but the least I can do.  So this week I'm listing my daughter Courtney Tess as my #WCW.  

Courtney is an amazing young woman despite being my daughter.  She dances to the beat of her own drum, in fashion, in relationships and most everything in her life.  Deep within her heart lies an intuitive knowing and love for the Lord that guides her with no compromise.  She's funny and she inspires me to be a better person no matter what the world thinks.  She's a leader in her quietness and consciousness.  Love, love, love this woman. 

Random

     I got to my office yesterday morning and sometime between coffee and email, a steady stream of random thoughts nearly drowned me.  I found myself sitting there refusing to move a muscle until every last drop of my coffee was gone or until Jesus comes back, preferably the latter.  I would like to think it's the weather or hum drum routine of tedious details that have no meaning to me whatsoever these days.  All in all, some of my thoughts I jotted down in mindless, unthinkable robotic order.  With a million swirlies and hearts of course!   I thought you guys would like a view into my thoughts.  After reading it back this evening, makes more sense by the second.  I totally get it...  

"I need to experiment with animal prints - leopard - cheetah, ha ha.  Maybe start of with lingerie or a hand bag.  I somehow fashioned animal prints to the unspeakable slutty side of females but it's OK to embrace our inner slut in intimate moments.  I somehow feel cheated out of this part of myself." 

I look around, "when did I stop burning candles and filling my environment with beauty?  Jesus, Teresa Ann!!!

"This lifetime is definitely a harder one.  More exciting but heck, where is that masseuse when I need one?"

"Some people notice punctuation or if something is off center.  Me..I'm just over here like, "is it shiny?"

"My word, if only my thoughts right now could somehow penetrate the surrounding energy and push it so far away you would need a space shuttle to reach me." 

I will always be proud of coming from the south but damn, don't let me die here!

Three minutes left, hey, I had two pink pens in my holder, now there's just one!  What evil bastard took my pink pen?  

Then, just at the last drop of coffee, I snapped out of it, told the Good Lord I love him and please forgive that unattended moment of mercury overload, now lets get to work!   

My Wish List

My Wish List by teresa-ann-lifestyleblog featuring a tea mug

Good Times.

Happy Sunday Everyone.
It's a good weekend with a lot of getting things done and hanging out with friends and family.  Thank you Michael Mitchell  for helping my husband  re-grout our kitchen floor.

Today I got to see my first born and his new place.  I am so proud of him.  So actually, I had Justin, Courtney and Juliet all together and only one little one missing.  JC wherever you are love, we miss you everyday!  Here are a few pics of a few people that live in my heart.

In Review

This week held many things here on my end from finding about the untimely death of Robin Williams to the next best thing in design and fashion.  So sit back and enjoy the review.  xoxo

First and foremost I would like to thank Robin Williams for being in my life and always offering that steady flow of humor and realism in one.  Who else is gonna make me feel that comfortable with the truth?  You will be missed! 

I've been on a search for fall booties.  Luckily I found a really cool pair reasonably priced at Target. 

One of my favorite designers is Kate Spade.  The brand has begun a new 'cat' theme.  I'm not sure how I feel about it.  How about you? 

Some good info on 2014 fresh fall designs.  Should come in handy as I begin the search for new dwelling spaces. Sooo excited! 

As the 2014 summer comes to an end, these celebrity relationships are just heating up.  Who do you think will go the distance? 

I saw the movie "The Giver", and I must say it is one of the most beautiful stories/movies I've seen all year.  Plus I love that it showcases my favorite song of the week with "Ordinary Human, by OneRepublic. 

New Blog Crush this week.  Something with a different vibe but definitely worth checking out.  Sending your secrets by postcard!

I'll be heading to Sedona, AZ at the end of this month.  Looking for some desert fashion tips on what on earth to wear!  Loved these fashion ideas and I'll definitely be taking some with me. 

Wrapping up this week in review I thought I would mention a few things that are coming about  in my local area soon.  It seems the gods have smiled on us here in Chattanooga and we about to receive JCrew and Anthropology downtown.  Who else is excited besides me? 

Until next week!

DIY Time.

     Who doesn't love pinterest?  I happen to have a twelve year old in my home and pinterest is a life-savor for fun projects to pass the time or just to bond.  Sometimes it's the best way to get my pre-teen to just feel open and talk about everything under the sun.  We sit around the table like two old lost friends and laugh and talk.

     Tonight we worked on a project using burnt match sticks.  (Of course there is a safety factor so be very careful if you do this on your end).  Juliet and I have been working on patterns in art.  I'm trying to get her to think about the world and how you see patterns in everything and to show me in an abstract way, what she sees in her mind where patterns are concerned.  I have posted the pics of our art below.  Enjoy!

#WCW - SOPHIA AMORUSO #GIRLBOSS

I picked up my copy of the trending book called  #GIRLBOSS and immediately developed a woman crush for Sophia Amoruso.  Within the first few pages I was completely engrossed in her language, her vibe.  It was like we were soul sisters.  I just couldn't put it down.  I love it when a woman is fearless and that fearlessness leads her to such great success.  This book is very inspiring and her spirit is all over the pages.  I laughed, it made me think and it made me feel just as fearless.  This is a must read for any girl with a ounce of ambition and well deserved spot on my #WCW.