Bessie&Co. on LTK

Another day, another Emily Lex watercolor 🎨✨ I’m working my way through the Christmas workbook and it’s the most calming little hobby. My plan is to frame these and create a holiday gallery wall in my kitchen (can’t wait to share! 🎄). Beginner-friendly, relaxing, and such a great gift idea — from preteens to grandmas like me. Linked the workbook, paints, and brushes so you can grab everything you need. 🤍 Follow @bessieandcompany for more little everyday moments from our Georgia garden, plus Southern recipes, cozy home, and holiday inspo. 🤍 watercolorworkbook watercolorbeginner christmaswatercolor christmasactivity creativehobbies easyholidaycrafts christmasgiftideas giftideasforher giftideasforteens artsandcraftsprojects simplecraftideas holidayhomeideas kitchenwallart diywallart holidaydecor2025 cozywinterideas winteractivitiesathome relaxingathome mindfulmoments southernlifestyle bessieandcompany carnationnation southernrootsmodernplates livingthedash LTKHoliday LTKGiftGuide LTKSeasonal

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christmas watercolor workbook | Emily Lex Studio

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flowers watercolor workbook | Emily Lex Studio

garden watercolor workbook | Emily Lex Studio

autumn watercolor workbook | Emily Lex Studio

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Goodwill find → full spring table reset 🤍

This vintage china stopped me in my tracks… and I built this entire tablescape around it.

Linking everything I used (and similar pieces) to recreate the look ✨

#LTKhome #springdecor #tablescape #vintagechina #blueandwhite

#LTKHome #LTKstorytime #LTKOver40

Spring is calling for something pretty in a glass 🤍

I’ve been working on a few new bourbon cocktails this week—fresh lemon, a little sweetness, maybe some garden herbs… inspired by springtime in the South.

And can we talk about this bottle for a second? I had this one personalized for Bessie & Co. and I’m obsessed. It would make the sweetest gift or something special to bring out for your own gatherings this season.

You can create your own personalized bottle here:
https://makersmarkpersonalize.com/

I’ve linked my tried and true barware along with a few fun spring cocktail glasses I’m loving right now—perfect for porch sitting, brunches, and easy entertaining this time of year.
✨ Stay tuned… I’ll be sharing the cocktail recipes soon

#springcocktails
#southernentertaining
#cocktailglasses
#barware
#gardenparty

#LTKSeasonal #LTKfoodie #LTKHome

If you make one thing for Easter… make this cake 🤍🐣

🧁 Cake Ingredients
   •   1 stick butter, softened
   •   1 cup Crisco
   •   3 cups sugar
   •   6 eggs, room temperature
   •   3 cups White Lily all-purpose flour
   •   ½ cup cocoa powder
   •   ½ tsp salt
   •   ½ tsp baking powder
   •   1 cup Mayfield whole milk
   •   2 tsp vanilla

Easter Addition:
   •   1 (9 oz) bag Cadbury mini chocolate eggs
      •   Half left whole
      •   Half roughly chopped

⸻

🥣 Cake Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a tube pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and Crisco until smooth.
3. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder.
6. Add dry ingredients to the batter, alternating with the milk and vanilla. Mix until fully combined.
7. Gently fold in the Cadbury eggs (half whole, half chopped).
8. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes, or until set.
10. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

⸻

🍫 Fudgy Frosting (with Carnation Evaporated Milk)
   •   1 stick butter
   •   ¼ cup cocoa
   •   2 cups sugar
   •   ½ cup Carnation evaporated milk
   •   ¼ tsp salt
   •   2 tsp vanilla

⸻

🥄 Frosting Instructions
1. In a saucepan, combine butter, cocoa, sugar, evaporated milk, and salt.
2. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and continue stirring until slightly thickened and glossy.
4. Stir in vanilla.
5. Pour warm frosting over cooled cake.

⸻

✨ Finishing Touch

While the frosting is still warm, sprinkle the top with extra chopped Cadbury mini eggs for that perfect Easter crunch and color.

⸻

💗 Lori’s Note

If you love a thick, rich frosting (like we do), go ahead and double it… no one will complain 🤭

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome #LTKfoodie

My mama’s old-fashioned chocolate pound cake… with a little Easter twist 🐣🤍

This is one of those recipes that’s been in our family for years—rich, chocolatey, perfectly dense, and topped with the most dreamy fudgy frosting. This year I added a little fun with Cadbury mini eggs (half whole, half chopped) folded right into the batter and sprinkled on top while the frosting is still warm… and y’all… it is SO good. That little crunch with the soft cake is everything.

If you’re looking for an easy Easter dessert that feels nostalgic but a little elevated, this is it 🤍

I’m sharing the full recipe in the comments below so you can save it for your Easter table!

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal #LTKfoodie

A little coffee station reset for spring 🤍

This little corner of my kitchen gets cleaned up and restyled every so often—and it’s one of my favorite “little everyday moments.”

It holds all the essentials… sugar, coffee filters, tea bags… but I love mixing in a few pretty pieces too.

I added my thrifted Lenox Butterfly Meadow sugar + creamer set, a vintage pink Pyrex (yes… still had the $3.09 Goodwill tag on it 🥹), and my favorite Harney & Sons tea tins—they are just too pretty not to display.

Finished it off with a few vintage silver spoons and a simple milk glass vase with tulips from the yard 🌷

Everything linked here 🤍

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKHome #LTKfoodie

This bridal brunch table might be one of my favorite setups I’ve ever done 🤍🌸

Almost everything here was thrifted over time and layered in with a few easy-to-find pieces to bring it all together. That’s always my approach—mixing old + new to create a table that feels collected, not overdone.

Soft florals, vintage-inspired plates, simple linens, and just enough detail to make it feel special ✨

I linked everything I could find (or very similar pieces!) so you can recreate this look for your own spring brunches, showers, or garden gatherings 🤍

#carnationnation #southernrootsmodernplates #livingthedash
#springtablescape #bridalbrunch #thriftedhome #gardenparty #hostessideas #vintagestyle #eleganthome

#LTKHome #LTKWedding #LTKfoodie

Bridal brunch table setting 🦋

#LTKHome #LTKWedding #LTKSeasonal

I still can’t believe this find… 🤍

I spotted this vintage sideboard at my local Goodwill for $20 and immediately knew she was something special. After a little research, I learned she started her life as a 1930s radio cabinet—complete with that beautiful inlay detail sourced from an old New Orleans art shop.

This past weekend she made her debut at a bridal brunch in the garden… styled with hydrangeas, champagne, and a few of my favorite serving pieces 🥂💐

Now she’s headed to her forever home in my foyer—and I truly think this may be the best thing I’ve ever thrifted.

#thriftedhome #vintagefinds #antiquefurniture #cozyhome #southernhome #thrifting #bridalbrunch #entertainingathome #gardenparty #liketkit

#LTKSeasonal #LTKstorytime #LTKHome

Easter at the front door 🐰🌸

This little setup is one of my favorite ways to welcome spring—it’s simple, classic, and easy to switch up each season.

That boxwood wreath has been with me for years (she’s a keeper 😉). I just swap out the ribbon and add a little something seasonal—this wooden bunny was the perfect touch for Easter.

The rug is a Walmart find (so good and budget-friendly), and these hydrangeas… y’all… they are REAL and absolutely stunning. I was influenced by Carmen Johnston on these and I’m so glad I was—they’ll be going in the ground after this and should come back year after year 🤍

And the striped bunnies… I mean 🥹 the cutest finishing touch. They’re on sale right now and come in a few color options!

Everything linked for you here 🤍

#carnationnation #southernrootsmodernplates #livingthedash
#springporch #easterdecor #frontporchstyle #walmartfinds #hydrangealove #southernhome @carmenjohnstongardens

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal #LTKOver40

Sick days at our house always mean one thing… homemade chicken noodle soup 🤍

My daughter and grandson aren’t feeling their best, so I went straight to the kitchen and made the one recipe I always come back to. It’s creamy, rich, full of tender chicken, soft noodles, garlic, and just a little kick from crushed red pepper—everything you need in a cozy bowl.

This is one of those recipes that feels like a hug. The kind you make without thinking when your people need a little extra love.

I’m linking a few of my everyday kitchen favorites I used here—from my go-to pot to the simple tools that make this so easy to throw together.

✨ Bessie & Co.’s Chicken Noodle Soup

One whole chicken
4 whole carrots, peeled
1 large onion, peeled + quartered
2 celery stalks
2–3 garlic cloves, smashed
1–2 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt + pepper
1 quart heavy cream
½–1 bag wide egg noodles

Boil chicken, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for 2 hours.
Turn off heat and let everything cool together on the stovetop for 2–4 hours.

Drain—saving the broth—and return broth to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Chop carrots + shred chicken and add both back in. Bring to a simmer, then add heavy cream and bring just to a boil.

Add egg noodles and simmer for 10 minutes. Cover and let sit for 20–30 minutes.

Cures whatever ails you 😉

Save this one for the next sick day 🤍

⸻

#carnationnation #southernrootsmodernplates #livingthedash
#comfortfood #cozykitchen #homemade #easyrecipes #southerncooking #chickensoup

#LTKHome #LTKfoodie #LTKOver40

Grazing Board Hosting 🤍

I helped host a “sprinkle” this past weekend and pulled together the prettiest grazing table 🤍✨

This is truly my favorite way to entertain—simple, beautiful, and everyone can just gather, graze, and enjoy.

I used a mix of my go-to grazing board pieces—wood boards, little bowls, serving utensils, and all the pretty extras that make it feel special without being fussy.

Sharing all my favorite hosting pieces here—from boards to serving tools to those little details that pull it all together 🤍

Everything is linked here for you if you’re building your own grazing table or hosting this season ✨

#carnationnation #southernrootsmodernplates #livingthedash
#springentertaining #grazingboard #partyhosting #ltkhome

#LTKfoodie #LTKHome #LTKmomlife

Everything I’m using in my garden right now—all in one place 🌿

From raised beds and soil to my go-to tools, gloves, boots, and even the little things that just make it easier… these are the pieces I reach for every single day out here.

If you’re planting this season or just getting started, this is a really good place to begin 🤍

Shop the full collection here ⬇️

#gardeningessentials #raisedbedgarden #southerngarden #gardeninspo #outdoorliving

#LTKHome #LTKActive #LTKfoodie

There is just something about old brass, copper, and silver that gets me every single time 🤍

I’ve been thrifting and collecting these pieces little by little, and today I’m giving them all a good clean and polish to get them ready for two events I’m hosting this weekend.

Wait until you see the glow-up… ✨

From tarnished and tucked away on a thrift store shelf → to the prettiest little details on a Southern table. That’s the magic right there.

I’m linking all of my go-to cleaning and polishing products here—these are what I always reach for to bring these vintage pieces back to life without losing their character.

Because a little shine is nice… but we’re keeping that story and patina 🤍

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKHome #LTKfoodie

My go-to gardening outfit 🤍🌿

These Tractor Supply overalls have been on repeat for garden days, chicken chores, and yard work—so comfortable and easy to throw on. I layer with a Columbia long sleeve when it’s cool, add a wide brim hat for sun protection, and my favorite garden boots.

Easy, practical, and made for everyday life outside 🤍

Everything is linked!

#gardenstyle #gardeningoutfit #farmstyle #southernliving #casualoutfits
#springoutfits #everydaywear #workwearstyle #outdoorliving #homesteadlife

#LTKActive #LTKOver40 #LTKHome

Our first raised bed garden is officially planted 🤍🌿

I showed Tony a photo of what I wanted and he built it exactly—maybe even better. Now getting to plant it with my granddaughter makes it even sweeter.

We planted 150 onions + fresh herbs to start the season here in Georgia. Linking a few of my garden favorites 🤍

#LTKOver40 #LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

My go-to “work clothes” 🤍🌿

If you’ve been around here for a minute, you already know… I’m outside a lot — garden, chickens, yard work, you name it. And these overalls from Tractor Supply have become my everyday uniform for getting it all done.

They’re lightweight, comfortable, and easy to throw on over whatever I’m wearing. I keep them hanging right by the door so I can just step into them and head outside—no thinking required.

Today was a little chilly here in Georgia, so I layered with a long sleeve Columbia shirt and topped it off with my favorite big floppy sun hat… because every proper Southern lady needs a good gardening hat 😉🌿

Linking my exact overalls, similar layers, and a few of my favorite garden-ready pieces below!

#gardeningoutfit #workwearstyle #farmstyle #southernliving #gardenlife

#LTKSeasonal #LTKOver40 #LTKHome

Eggs 101: how I make perfect jammy eggs every single time 🤍

This little egg cooker has been such a game changer in my kitchen—no boiling water, no watching the stove. Just add the water (soft, medium, or hard), press start, and it does the rest.

A quick ice bath and the shells slide right off… every time.

Paired with one of my favorite simple, real food breakfasts:
toasted sourdough + smashed avocado + cottage cheese + olive oil + lemon + flaky salt + fresh herbs… and those jammy eggs with a little chili crunch on the side ✨

Approximate nutrition:
~470–500 calories | ~25g protein

Easy, nourishing, and something I truly never get tired of.

Everything I used here is linked 🤍
(egg cooker, chili crunch, flaky salt, and a few of my everyday kitchen favorites)

#carnationnation #southernrootsmodernplates #livingthedash
#healthybreakfast #highprotein #realfood #ltkhome #kitchenfavorites

#LTKHome #LTKfoodie #LTKmorningroutine

Chick season is officially here at Bessie & Co. 🤍🐥

We just brought home 30 babies (Ameraucana + Australorp) and got them all set up with our go-to starter essentials — everything from feeders to heat lamps to bedding.

Linking everything we’re using to get them off to the best start 🥚✨

If you’re thinking about starting your own little flock this spring, this is exactly what we’re using!

#carnationnation #southernrootsmodernplates #livingthedash
#backyardchickens #chickstarterkit #farmstandlife #homesteadliving #ltkhome #ltkfarm

#LTKHome #LTKOver40 #LTKdayinmylife

Little signs of spring are starting to show around here 🌷

Sharing a few of my favorite pieces that help me bring that soft, cozy, lived-in feel inside—vases, teacups, and simple home details I reach for again and again 💛

Everything is linked here for you!
#LTKhome #LTKspring #cozyhome #thriftedstyle #cottagecorehome

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

Loving the new Colette collection from Julie Vos 🩵

#LTKootd #LTKgrwm #LTKOver40

My thrift store find today 💙

#LTKfoodie #LTKdayinmylife #LTKHome

These are the jeans I keep reaching for 🤍
Loose, lightweight, and SO comfortable with that easy elastic waist… but still look put together.

I’ve worn them all winter with cozy sweaters + boots, and now they’re perfect with a simple white tee and sandals for spring.

Easy, everyday style you don’t have to think about 👏🏼

Shop these comfy wide leg jeans + my outfit details in LTK ✨

#carnationnation #southernrootsmodernplates #livingthedash
#widelegjeans #springstyle #casualoutfit #everydaystyle #comfortstyle #over50style #ltkstyle #ltkfinds

#LTKOver40 #LTKootd #LTKPetite

Love these bunny appetizer / dessert plates 🤍

#LTKHome #LTKfoodie #LTKSeasonal

How adorable is this bunny candy dish?

#LTKHome #LTKfoodie #LTKSeasonal

Love this blue hydrangea Easter collection 🩵

#LTKHome #LTKfoodie #LTKSeasonal

Easter themed Icon glasses from Walmart 🐣. Which is your favorite?

#LTKSeasonal #LTKfoodie #LTKHome

Chocolate croissant sourdough might be my favorite loaf yet 🤎
Flaky, buttery layers with melty chocolate in every bite… and yes—it’s as good as it looks.

Linking my everyday kitchen favorites + my go-to sourdough tools 🥖✨

Recipe:

Rich, buttery sourdough with delicate, flaky layers and ribbons of melted chocolate
Makes 2 loaves
⸻
Starter Feed
   •   125 g warm water
   •   125 g flour

Mix and let rise until doubled and bubbly.
⸻
Dough
   •   200 g active starter
   •   650 g warm water
   •   50 g olive oil
   •   1000 g bread flour
   •   4 tsp salt
⸻
Chocolate Layer
   •   1–1½ cups chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
(semi-sweet or dark works beautifully)
⸻
Instructions
1. Activate Starter
Feed starter and let rise until doubled and bubbly.
2. Mix Dough
In a large bowl, combine active starter, warm water, and olive oil.
Stir well, then add flour and mix until combined.
3. Rest
Cover with a tea towel and let rest in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Add Salt
Sprinkle in salt and mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
5. Second Rest
Cover and let rest another 45 minutes.
6. Stretch & Folds
Perform 4 sets of stretch and folds, 30 minutes apart.
⸻
Create Croissant-Style Layers
7. Gently stretch dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
8. Sprinkle chocolate evenly across the dough.
9. Fold dough over itself (like laminating), layering chocolate between folds.
10. Shape into loaves.
⸻
Final Rise
Cover and let rise until puffy and airy.
⸻
Bake
   •   Preheat Dutch oven to 475°F
   •   Score dough
   •   Bake 25 minutes covered
   •   Lower oven temp to 450 , Remove lid, bake additional 20 minutes until golden brown

👉 Place a cookie sheet on the bottom rack to prevent over-browning on the bottom
⸻
Finish
Cool completely before slicing (if you can wait 😉)
Notes

Expect a tender, buttery crumb with light layering—reminiscent of a croissant with a rich chocolate twist.

Bessie & Co.
Southern Roots • Modern Plates
🦋

#sourdoughbread #homemadebread #kitchenfavorites #southerncooking #ltkhome #ltkfood

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKfoodie #LTKHome

Cream makeup for mature skin that actually simplifies your routine 🙌

This Seint palette replaced multiple products in my everyday makeup—foundation, contour, blush, highlight… all in ONE compact. Perfect for travel (I took this on vacation last week and packed ONE item instead of six 👏)

Even better—my friend can color match you online, so you don’t have to guess your shades 🤍

Shop my current makeup routine + favorites here!

#ltkbeauty #creammakeup #matureskinmakeup #simplifiedbeauty #travelbeauty #over50beauty
@suzannabeavers

#LTKOver40 #LTKmorningroutine #LTKgrwm

These gingham bowls from Walmart are even cuter in person 🤍🌸
Perfect for spring tables, Easter brunch, or everyday in the kitchen.

Linked here if you want them!

#LTKfoodie #LTKHome #LTKSeasonal

Baking sourdough is something I have grown to love the last few years! You can do so much with it besides just a loaf of plain bread. Ready to start your sourdough journey? Message me and I’ll help get you started 🫶🏻

#LTKfoodie #LTKOver40 #LTKHome

Another great Disney OOTD 💗. A pink Mickey and Minnie sweatshirt, vintage denim shorts with Mickey patches glued on, a Mickey ball cap and your ready for a day in the park 💗

#LTKootd #LTKgrwm #LTKTravel

Dates and pecans getting all cozy in my cast iron. Added these to a yogurt breakfast bowl and wow!

#LTKOver40 #LTKfoodie #LTKHome

Well the latest Stanley is nice too 😉

#LTKOver40 #LTKdayinmylife #LTKHome

Easter Decor Finds from Walmart 🐰🌸
Everybody and their mama has posted the viral bunny topiaries this year… and don’t get me wrong — they’re cute 🤍

But Walmart has so much more in the way of Easter decor, and these are the pieces I’m loving this season 🐰🌸

From the sweetest bunny dishes to hydrangea everything (you know I couldn’t resist 💙), these are the finds that feel fresh, cozy, and a little bit different this year.

I’ve linked all of my favorites here for easy shopping!

Which one are you adding to your cart? 👀

#carnationnation #southernrootsmodernplates #livingthedash
#easterdecor #walmarthome #springdecor #eastertable #cozyhome #farmhousestyle #hydrangeadecor

#LTKOver40 #LTKHome #LTKSeasonal

Spring on our little piece of Georgia 🤍🌱
Right now it’s all planning, prepping, and a whole lot of hard work (mostly by Tony 😉)

We’re getting the garden ready, adding a wildflower border, building raised beds, and dreaming up our farmstand opening early April 🧺✨

Linking a few of my garden & everyday favorites here 🌿

#gardenplanning #springgarden #farmstand #southernliving #gardenlife #homesteadstyle #ltkhome #carnationnation #southernrootsmodernplates #livingthedash

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome #LTKdayinmylife