Lisa Carter's Blog, page 39
August 14, 2013
The Weathersby Fashion Ball—Carolina Reckoning
Dinner and Dancing, anyone?
Couture by Claire.
Not every man could carry off this look.
As my grandfather used to say, “Too little at the top and bottom.”
Vintage World War II.
Guess who?
A roll call of debutante and military history.
History of America According to Winnie.
Trivia quiz—Whose white coat did Alison wear after the incident at the Ball?
Who dressed as a flower child at the Ball?
Who wore the Art Deco-inspired couture by Claire gown?
Who went all Great Gatsby/Al Capone at the Ball?
Who wore the farthingale?
For more photos of the world in Carolina Reckoning, go to http://pinterest.com/lisacoxcarter/carolina-reckoning/.
August 12, 2013
What in the world is a cloche hat?
A fitted, bell-shaped hat for women, the cloche hat became especially popular during the 1920s. Cloche is the French word for “bell” and is pronounced klosh with a long o. This style remained popular until 1933.
The hats were made of felt to conform to the head. Women wore the hats low on the forehead with the eyes slightly below the brim. Summer versions were also made from sisal and straw. The hats were accessorized with beads or lace and considered appropriate fashion accompaniments to evening or cocktail wear, for dancing and even bridal wear.
During the height of the Great Gatsby years with its Art Deco style, the cloche became ornamented with appliques, embroidery, jewels, scarves, fans and feather. At the end of the cloche era, it became fashionable to turn the brim upwards.
Ribbons attached to the wearer’s cloche sent secret messages. An arrowlike ribbon indicated a girl was single but had given her heart to another. A knot signaled marriage. A flamboyant bow shouted availability.
The cloche made a fashion comeback in the 1960s and again in the late 1980s. Anyone want to help Carolina Reckoning initiate a new fashion trend in the 21st century?
Trivia quiz—What color was the cloche hat in Carolina Reckoning?
Do you have a favorite hat? Send me a photo. I’d love to share your hats with blog readers.
August 9, 2013
Party Tips from Claire and the Famous Cowgirl Cake
Every party created by Claire—fictional character in Carolina Reckoning—is an occasion. Here are her tips to make your next gathering an occasion to remember, too.
Cardinal Party Planning Rules
1. Keep it personal. Be as unique and creative as possible.
2. Keep it simple. Contrary to current thought, less done well is always more.
3. Keep it inexpensive. Plan only as much as budget allows.
4. Keep it comfortable. Wear styling but comfortable shoes as the hostess.
5. Keep it interesting. Consider how you’ll appeal to all five senses.
6. Keep it moving. Be flexible but keep the party buzz going.
7. Keep it special. Be memorable but not weird.
8. Keep it safe. Consider age appropriate activities and venues.
Hostess-saving tip Claire will share today free of charge—This tip may save your life/sanity. Best piece of advice you’ll ever receive about being the Hostess with the Mostest.
Always give yourself 1 minute before the party, sometime during the party and before tackling the clean up—to refresh, refocus, pray and reapply lipstick.
The Cowgirl Party
Menu
Cowgirl Boot Cake
“Pork” and Jelly Beans
Licorice Jerky
Invites
Boot or Cactus
Decorations
•Bandanas, rope napkins rings, burlap tablecloth, cowboy hats
•Boot centerpiece filled and overflowing with fresh flowers
•Goody bags—plastic horses, sheriff badges, bandanas, cowboy party hat
Activities
•Give every child (or grown-up) a Cowboy name—Lasso Lily, Rodeo Rick,
Saddle Sally, Carly Cactus, Dusty Donovan.
•Pony rides—portrait of each child and include in thank you note
•Pin the Badge on the Sheriff
•Lasso Contest—hula hoop around rocking horse
•Giddy Up Stick Horse Relay
•Tumbleweed Race—plastic grocery bags filled with more grocery bags.
Sweep to finish line.
•Horse Shoe Toss
Yee-haw! Have a rip-roaring, bronc-busting time or give Claire a call and let her plan your next party Occasion by Claire.
What was one of the most fun/creative kid parties you ever attended or hosted?
What tips would you add to Claire’s?
Share your memories and photos with blog readers.
August 8, 2013
Behind-the-Scenes Photos from Carolina Reckoning
Raleigh—the setting of Carolina Reckoning
Historic Oakwood Cemetery—the saddest day of Claire and Justin’s lives.
An actual historic home in Raleigh—inspiration for Weathersby. I worked as a staff docent here long ago.
What happened beside the magnolia at the Ball?
An example of a Southern sleeping porch.
The magical night of the Ball.
Cinderella dances under the light of a Carolina moon.
More behind-the-scenes photos of Carolina Reckoning can be found at http://pinterest.com/lisacoxcarter/carolina-reckoning/.
What’s your favorite scene in Carolina Reckoning? Why?
August 7, 2013
Welcome to North Carolina—the home of Krispy Kreme.
What is Krispy Kreme, you ask?
Please, let me enlighten you.
Only the best doughnut, I’m talking the original glazed, yeast-raised, in the world.
Vernon Rudolph opened the first Krispy Kreme in 1937 in what’s known as historic Old Salem in Winston-Salem, NC. Today, Krispy Kreme is sold internationally in supermarkets, retail shops and convenience stores.
The Original Glazed is their best-selling product. But Krispy Kreme has a variety of yeast-raised and cake doughnuts for every palate and sweet tooth.
Ivy, in Carolina Reckoning, probably bought the Krispy Kreme box for the staff at Weathersby Historic Park at the flagship store in Raleigh on Person Street.
Every Raleigh resident, whether seven or seventy, knows the best Krispy Kreme doughnuts are to be had when the Hot Sign is On. And at the Raleigh store, you can watch through the glass-fronted window as they roll off the conveyor belt into a box just for you.
http://www.krispykreme.com/home
Get ‘em while they’re Hot Hours
• 6-11 AM and 6-11 PM (or closing)
549 N. Person Street
Raleigh, NC
And what do Raleigh citizens do for fun in February?
Raleigh residents take it a step further with the annual Krispy Kreme Challenge. Although not affiliated with the Krispy Kreme company, the charity race event raises money for the NC Children’s Hospital. Begun in 2004, runners eat one dozen doughnuts (let me break it down for you—that’s 2400 calories and 144 grams of fat). The one hour race originates at the North Carolina State University Belltower and concludes through scenic downtown Raleigh at the Person Street Krispy Kreme store.
Yeah, and you can imagine the results. Only the die-hard enroll. The rest of us just enjoy watching our fellow citizens puke during the five mile course. Eight thousand participated in 2013. Almost $200,000 was raised.
What’s your favorite kind of donut?
August 6, 2013
Why I Wrote Carolina Reckoning
My parents divorced when I was nine year’s old. In many ways, I am Claire and Justin, and back then I was angry at everyone, most of all God, when my world fell apart.
I wrestled with feelings of anger, abandonment, forgiveness, and faith. Like Alison, I longed to find Someone upon which I could rely. And at the foot of the Cross, I discovered a Father God who is always faithful and true. He is enough for every need, past, present and future.
Like Alison’s ultimate choice, as a teenager I came to a crossroads—to carry an anger that in the end harmed me more than anyone else or to choose to forgive, to forgive someone who’d never asked for my forgiveness nor deserved it. But to forgive anyway, like God had forgiven me. Because unforgiveness brings its own reckoning. It isn’t how God wants us to live. And God’s way is always the best way.
Have you ever wrestled to forgive someone or yourself? Which was harder?
August 5, 2013
The Cola Wars—A Survey
In a recent interview, Ace Collins, writer-extraordinaire, asked me how a nice Southern girl like myself could justify her character, Alison, favoring Pepsi-Cola. Which got me to thinking about a little known conflict outside the borders of North Carolina.
Interesting dilemma in which we North Carolinians find ourselves.
You see, sure Coca-Cola headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia. Cola history began in 1886 when a pharmacist in Atlanta, Dr. John S. Pemberton, created a soft drink that could be sold at soda shops. This flavored syrup was mixed with carbonated water and met with resounding reviews.
But what you may not know?
Pepsi was invented in New Bern, NORTH CAROLINA. Yeah, you read that right. Created in 1893 by Caleb Bradham at his drugstore and sold at his soda fountain. His syrup featured the digestive enzyme pepsin and kola nuts. His goal was to create a drink that was delicious, an aid to digestion, and boosted energy.
And for North Carolinians, it’s been a war of Braveheart proportions. Our loyalties tugged in both directions. Families—a bitter re-eaactment of the War of Northern Aggression—divided ever since. Fueled feuds along the lines of the Hatfields and McCoys. Resulted in tragedies reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet.
There are rumors tobacco farmers who supplied Moon Pies, Nab and cola to farm workers during a mid-afternoon break would hire and fire according to contrary cola opinions.
It can get ugly, people.
Old barns dot the countryside, sporting Coca-cola or Pepsi advertising logos. Once in a while, you’ll see dear, middle child types who try to walk the middle of the road, appease both sides and display Coke and Pepsi billboards on the same storefront or tobacco barn.
Well, let me just say, that’s wins no friends and influences nobody. Can’t respect a person who can’t make up their mind and stick to their convictions. After all, are we the Tar Heel State or not?
And you know, what happens to creatures who inhabit the middle of the road? That’s right. Roadkill.
This inner struggle reached new lows on the homefront during World War II. It got nasty. Patriotism was called into question.
Oh, yeah. They so went there. Took it to a whole new level. 
Santa has weighed on the issue, too. And by weighed in, I mean weighed in. Small North Carolina children have been threatened, I won’t say who, with their names crossed off the “Nice” list at any breach in family loyalty. This has figured prominently in generation-gap, menopausal/adolescent hormone-riddled conflicts.
So yes, Alison Monaghan drinks Pepsi.
But as for Claire? What do you think?
So if you come for a visit to NC and stop at a roadside stand, country store or restaurant, take a good look at the menu before you ask for a soft drink beverage. Be very careful. Or be prepared for the self-respecting waitress to wrinkle her nose and curl her lip. Shotguns may emerge from behind cash registers. Remember, people have been tarred and feathered for less.
This is a public service announcement brought to you by Carolina Reckoning.
Survey—Which cola do you drink?
Entries such as Dr. Pepper (shudder) or Mountain Dew (ick) will be disqualified due to lack of good taste.
August 2, 2013
Carolina Reckoning Recipe—Ice Cream Cake
Makes 12 servings
Coffee ice cream—maybe with Alison’s favorite Kona—with a chocolate-cookie crust and chocolate-covered coffee beans. Make 1-2 days before serving.
Ingredients
26 chocolate wafer cookies (about 6 ounces), broken into pieces
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 quarts coffee ice cream, slightly softened
1/3 cup chocolate-covered coffee beans
2 1/4 cups chilled whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Milk chocolate shavings
Preparation
1. Blend cookies in processor. Add melted butter and process till crumbs are moist. Press mix into bottom of 9-inch springform pan with 2¾ inch sides.
2. Freeze till firm. About 10 minutes.
3. Put ice cream in large bowl. Chop coffee beans in processor. Add beans to ice cream. Stir till well-blended.
4. Place ice cream mix into crust-lined pan. Smooth top. Cover with wrap. Freeze overnight.
5. Blend whipping cream and vanilla. Sift in powdered sugar and cocoa. With mixer, beat till soft peaks form.
6. Spread mixture over top of cake. Freeze till cream sets—1 hour. Keep cake covered and frozen in freezer.
7. Decorate with chocolate curls. Use knife on sides to loosen cake from pan. Smooth cake sides with metal spatula.
8. Let cake stand at room temperature 10 minutes before serving.
Do you have a favorite ice cream cake recipe? Please share.
August 1, 2013
The Inspiration behind Carolina Reckoning
Alison wrestles with issues of forgiveness and faith in a world where everyone she’s ever loved has abandoned or betrayed her. Like many, she longs to find Someone, anyone, she can rely upon.
Carolina Reckoning is a novel for those who’ve felt alone and faced an unknown future. For those who’ve felt abandoned and betrayed by a friend, spouse or family member.
But in the midst of pain and disillusionment, there is a Savior and Father God who is always faithful and true. Enough for every need.
I am excited about proclaiming that message to readers.
It is the story, in a small way, of my life. My own journey, like Alison, toward faith.
Carolina Reckoning is ultimately a novel about hope and that true hope, forgiveness and love will be found in Jesus Christ.
I hope you enjoy Carolina Reckoning—a little sweet tea and a whole lot of southern magnolia.
July 31, 2013
Sweet Tea—A Southerner’s Perspective
Forget the powdered stuff. Unless you enjoy watching Southerners of every race and creed gag.
About to share a regional secret with ya’ll. Pay attention. My Mama and I brew ours through a Mr. Coffee. My Aunt Grace boils her water on the stovetop and lets the tea bags steep. But the key?
The key is putting the sugar in while the liquid is still hot.
Tracing the Southern Tea Tradition
The first tea plantations in the United States originated in 1795, just a decade after the American Revolution and were located in South Carolina. A few are still available for tour. Bigelow’s is outside Charleston.
The first published sweet tea recipe is found in Housekeeping in Old Virginia by Marion Cabell Tyree in 1879. Green tea was the beverage of choice for iced tea until World War II cut off imports from Asia and Americans made the switch to black tea imported from India—still a British colony at the time.
Southerners take sweet tea very seriously. In 2003 as an April Fool’s joke—or not—the Georgia legislature introduced a bill that would have made it a misdemeanor for restaurants not to offer sweet tea.
And any guesses why Southerners drink iced tea versus the hot tea the rest of Americans enjoy? This is not a trick question.
In the movie, Steel Magnolias, any one remember which character declared sweet tea to be the “house wine of the South”?
Not all tea is created equal.
We have our family favorites. Some choose Luzianne because it’s made specifically for iced tea. Others prefer Tetley or Lipton. But remember, buy quality tea. Sweet tea whether you be a southern belle, hillbilly or swamp rat is serious business. In terms of bag size and quantities, it’s really a matter of personal preference.
As for loose tea? I’ve heard tell some may have tried it. Some people try a lot of things, like diet soda and chocolate-covered grasshoppers. But can’t say that I’d recommend it.
Do not—I repeat—do not boil the tea bags unless you’re filtering them through a coffeemaker. Boil the water. Turn off the stove and allow the bags to steep. Boiling tea bags results in singed, bitter tea and a big mess if the tea bags burst. Steep no longer than 15 minutes—you may have to experiment with this to get the right strength according to your personal preference. The longer they sit, the more bitter your brew will be.
The Nectar—Southern Ambrosia
Pour 1-2 cups of sugar in the bottom of your gallon pitcher. Again, this is according to preference. I’ve seen spoons standing fully upright in the stuff.
The Final Mix
Stir the tea until the sugar dissolves. Then add enough tap water to make a full gallon. Serve cold with ice.
Kick back on the porch, sip, and enjoy the firefly show.
Sweet Tea Recipe
Makes one gallon.
3 family-size tea bags – Luzianne or Lipton, preferably “Iced Tea Blend”, can go decaf
2 cups cold water
1 cup sugar
Bring the water to a boil, and add to a gallon pitcher containing the tea bags. Let the teabags steep about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags (squeeze the remaining tea out of them into the pitcher), stir in sugar while tea is still hot and top off the pitcher with cold water. Stir again and refrigerate. Serve with lemon or mint.
Anyone know what Southerners call a half-tea/half lemonade beverage?
Answer: an Arnold Palmer or Swamp Water
What’s your favorite twist on sweet tea?
