Friday, February 26, 2010
Sips of the South...Southern Hospitality
Sweet Tea and Biscuits has another lesson in the making for us this week with the topic of Southern Hospitality. Southern hospitality goes far beyond welcoming someone into your home, it is making them feel "at home." I also include the role of guest in the this category because I think hospitality is a two way street. Here are my top three tips for being a Southern Hostess:
#1. Offer anyone who comes into you home something to drink. For this purpose, I think you should always have a pitcher of sweet tea, a coke, or lemonade in the fridge. But even if you don't, water is just fine. It's the offer that's important. Likewise, it is polite to accept a drink at someones house. It puts both people at ease and gives the impression that you are not there just on a "cordial" visit...and it makes grandmothers infinitely happy!
#2. Pay attention to your guests. I have, on more than one occasion, been stuck in the kitchen working on dinner while my guests are in the living room. It's awkward. Try to have as much prepared beforehand as possible, and invite your guest into your kitchen to help if need be. As a guest, I can say I'd much rather be helping than sitting there twiddling my thumbs while my hostess works her fanny off. Feeling included, not ignored, goes a long way.
#3. Make an entrance. Nothing says, "Come on in," like a welcoming entrance. I am one of those unfortunate souls that does not have a proper porch, but I do try and make my home look welcoming. A wreath on the door, a nice welcome mat, and flowers on the steps gives your guests the impression that you care. The flip side to this is that it is always nice to compliment your hostess if she has taken measures to spruce up the entrance. Just tell her how cute that flowerpot is and she'll deeply appreciate it.
Such small things. Things that I probably would have never thought to pinpoint if I wasn't thinking of "hospitality" specifically, but I asked myself, "What do I do when I have guests coming?" and the answer was, "Pick up some drinks, flowers, and easy hors d'oeuvres or dinner." Time spent with our friends is special and good hospitality is a form of friendship and respect.
Top Five Friday...My Buggy Boo
My little girl is growing so quickly that she's literally changing before my eyes! I really enjoy the "baby" stage, but I also get excited when they learn new things as they approach the "toddler" stage. Bug is making her way to being a toddler as fast as she can, so I thought I'd share the Top 5 things that are "new" with Bug.
#5. She's getting her first teeth! My babies don't get their teeth early...Monkey was 11 months, but Bug started to get her first tooth when she turned 9 months. About a week after the first one broke through, the next one started coming in. Two little bottom teeth, and she has the most precious toothy grin!
#4. I posted a while back that she had begun pulling up so we had to lower her crib, but just a couple weeks ago she began cruising. She'll walk along the tub or the couch and has even occasionally turned and let go, but once she realizes this she promptly sits down on her biscuit.
Cruising around the laundry basket.(This one is just to show you how we watch tv in our house...standing on the laundry basket about 10 inches from the screen. Hmmm...)
#3. She is into EVERYTHING! This is something that I did not experience with Monkey; he was very happy to sit and play with the toys I gave him and he would follow me around the house, but the Bug has a very different game plan. Her strategy is to get into every drawer, cabinet, and box in the house and then find the smallest choking hazard she can and eat it upon sight. I think this is also more of an issue because we have Monkey's toys throughout the house. I'm constantly fish-hooking her mouth just to be sure she doesn't have anything in it.
#2. She's talking...most of it is babble, but we do get a few of the same words over and over (so in my mind that means she knows them). She will say "Da-Da" (of course, no Ma-Ma), "Ba-Ba" and "Hey There" (which sounds like "hey da", but she waves while saying it so that makes it real).
#1. She is kissing me! She is definitely a Mama's Girl and I love how she'll reach her arms out to me, hug my neck tight, and then plant a big open mouthed sloppy kiss on me. Sometimes they land on my cheek, nose or even chin, but I love every one of them!My baby girl is growing up so fast! I love every new thing she learns, but I know that each one brings us one step towards toddlerhood and one step away from babyhood, so I'm cherishing each minute!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
A Pasta Trio...
I get on kicks. I will take something I like and cook it to death! I have tried my hand at biscuits and I'm not going to even bother sharing the pic of my second attempt. Just know, they looked like they might be edible, but again...no. Oddly, the bottom of the biscuit was quite delicious, but the middle was heavy and doughy. I still have one more recipe to try that was sent to me by a blogger friend when I cried out for help, but I've taken a brief intermission from biscuit making. I'm now on a new kick, pasta (because I'm ADD like that).
I'll pass this on to a few ladies who make me smile!
I tried three recipes from The Pioneer Woman's recipe index. My mama questioned my reasoning in making so many pastas, and all I can say is that I have been in desperate need of carbs since giving up sugar last week. Here's what I tried:
Baked Lemon Pasta: Sounded like it would be good. I love lemon and garlic and sour cream. But it wasn't. The hubby and I ate a little, but it just wasn't hitting on much. I'm not even sure if I know exactly what it was that I didn't like, but I will not be making it again.
Now that we have that one out of the way, I'll share the other two (which I LOVED).
Sesame noodles:
This one requires a few ingredients that I had to get at Whole Foods because our small town doesn't carry things like chili oil or sesame oil. It was super easy to make, simple flavor, but very tasty warm or cold...I've enjoyed it for lunch this week.
And the Mac Daddy of all!!!
Fancy Macaroni! You need to make this right now. Oh my goodness; could you think of anything tastier than yummy mac and cheese with bacon and onions! I ate 3 servings Sunday night, and then had it again for lunch the next day. I didn't have the cheeses she used, so I substituted mild cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella and it was divine. I am planning to make it again for our covered dish dinner at church on Sunday night (because I need to eat it again and I want to share the love too).
(all pasta pics courtesy of The Pioneer Woman website: linked above)
I feel like every other post has something to do with food lately...I'll try to think of something other to write about for a while.
I also want to thank Brittany over at Living in the Moment for this award; she makes me smile too!
Sara @ A Note On The Screen Door
Neely @ Chronicles of Neely
Enjoy!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Top Two Tuesday...TV Shows
This week's Top Two topic over at Jimmy Choos & A Baby Too is our favorite TV shows. Um, I have to admit that I can be a bit excessive when it comes to TV. I easily attach to shows, and all I can say is thank goodness for DVR or I'd probably be a bit neurotic trying to schedule my life around the tv guide schedule (messed up, right?). All the more reason to unplug! Enough rambling...here are my picks:
And because I can't follow the rules, I want to give an honorable mention to the following shows: Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, Fringe, Grey's Anatomy, Gossip Girl, Hung, Entourage, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Modern Family, and FlashForward. See, I told you I had a problem.
#1. Law and Order: I love any of the series (SVU or Criminal Intent) and I can usually be found watching a rerun as I go to sleep every night! I think that Special Victim's Unit is probably my favorite because I think that Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay are just the best!
#2. House: I love medical shows, the mystery element, and House's wonderful sarcasm and humor! While I'm alone on Law and Order, House is a show that the hubby and I watch every week together.
And because I can't follow the rules, I want to give an honorable mention to the following shows: Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters, Fringe, Grey's Anatomy, Gossip Girl, Hung, Entourage, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Modern Family, and FlashForward. See, I told you I had a problem.
Drumroll Please...
Pamella from The Treat Girl! Congratulations on winning my first giveaway! I honestly didn't expect to have more than 5 or so people enter, and it really made me wish I could have everyone win something! Maybe one day I'll be like Oprah and can say, "Everyone gets a car!" Highly unlikely, but just maybe. I'll definitely be hosting another giveaway, but I feel like I received the biggest gift...meeting new bloggers and getting to visit your blogs. Thanks again to everyone that entered!
...Treat Girl, please email your shipping info to misssouthernbellemama@yahoo.com and I'll put it in the mail asap.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Unplugged
I feel like my life is filling up, stress is creeping in and I need it to go away. I really never knew how much I'd have going on being a stay at home mom. I tried to plan a play date for this week, and it was about impossible...Monkey will be skipping a nap on Wednesday to play. We have Preschool, swim lessons, Bible Study, house showings, tutoring, church, housework, naptimes, and so on. A lot of it is "good" busy or "necessary" busy, but I know that I need to eliminate the "wasteful" busy that is in my life. The perusing the internet busy, the tv busy, the walmart busy (I seriously am at that place every other day).
In order to respect the priorities in my life (the Lord, my home, my family) I've decided to "unplug" on Sundays and Wednesdays. This blogging thing is easily addictive, and although it's very fun, it shouldn't keep me from those things that I've put first in my life.
On a lighter note, we show our house for the first time tomorrow. We're keeping our fingers crossed! ...and this has also helped me keep my New Year's Resolution to keep my home organized.
In giveaway news, you can still enter my giveaway until this evening and I'm posting a button link to another giveaway that I'm sure you'll love!
In order to respect the priorities in my life (the Lord, my home, my family) I've decided to "unplug" on Sundays and Wednesdays. This blogging thing is easily addictive, and although it's very fun, it shouldn't keep me from those things that I've put first in my life.
On a lighter note, we show our house for the first time tomorrow. We're keeping our fingers crossed! ...and this has also helped me keep my New Year's Resolution to keep my home organized.
In giveaway news, you can still enter my giveaway until this evening and I'm posting a button link to another giveaway that I'm sure you'll love!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sips Of The South...Southern Etiquette
This week's topic for Sweet Tea & Biscuits' series "Sips Of The South" is Southern Etiquette. I think that etiquette is important for everyone (especially Men), and although some may call it "old-fashioned" I would have to disagree wholeheartedly. Etiquette is a combination of using your manners, showing respect, and exhibiting social graces. Here are a few things that come to mind when I think about proper etiquette:
#1. Your etiquette should never serve to make others feel out of place or inadequate. This means never, Never, correcting someone concerning a social misstep (unless it's your children or your husband...you do want them to learn don't ya'). The true test of Southern etiquette and grace is to make anyone feel comfortable in any social situation.
#2. Ladies cross their legs at the ankle.
#3. Always pass the salt and pepper shakers together. They should stay married.
#4. Always send a thank you note. And if you forget, my motto is better late than never.
#5. Never talk about how much you paid for something. It's fine to respond if someone asks, but never offer it up as a conversation starter.
This is a topic that could go on and on, but I like things in groups of 5, so there's my 5 etiquette tips. And I'll leave you with a quote from my favorite book, The GRITS Guide To Life:
"Never do anything you wouldn't want published in your local newspaper."
**And if you haven't entered my giveaway, you have thru Monday.**
#1. Your etiquette should never serve to make others feel out of place or inadequate. This means never, Never, correcting someone concerning a social misstep (unless it's your children or your husband...you do want them to learn don't ya'). The true test of Southern etiquette and grace is to make anyone feel comfortable in any social situation.
#2. Ladies cross their legs at the ankle.
#3. Always pass the salt and pepper shakers together. They should stay married.
#4. Always send a thank you note. And if you forget, my motto is better late than never.
#5. Never talk about how much you paid for something. It's fine to respond if someone asks, but never offer it up as a conversation starter.
This is a topic that could go on and on, but I like things in groups of 5, so there's my 5 etiquette tips. And I'll leave you with a quote from my favorite book, The GRITS Guide To Life:
"Never do anything you wouldn't want published in your local newspaper."
**And if you haven't entered my giveaway, you have thru Monday.**
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Top Five Friday...My First Giveaway!
This week's Top Five Friday is devoted to you guys! It's my first giveaway, and I'm very excited! One giveaway, five things, some new, some lovingly used. Let's play!
<--google image
#5. One of my most favorite books, The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc. I have had this book for a number of years, and I read it every summer. I've finally decided that I've read it enough, and I'm ready to pass it on to someone else to enjoy.
<--google image
<--google image
#4. This cute little number! I bought this pink and green apron from Williams-Sonoma maybe 2 or 3 years ago and I think it is just precious. However, after buying many many aprons I've decided that the best fit for me is the half/skirt apron. So this one's going to one of you!
#3. A $5 gift card to one of my most favorite establishments...Starbucks! My favorite drink is a tall caramel latte with whipped cream, but you can get whatever you please. Mmmm!
<--google image#2. A Vera Bradley brag book. Everyone has someone to brag about; precious children, a spoiled pet, a cute hubby, or wonderful friends, and this is the perfect way to keep pictures of your loved ones with you!
#1. A box of Organic Chocolate Truffles from Whole Foods. I discovered these this past Christmas and I can say I was addicted after my first one! They just melt in your mouth and you can easily eat ten or more without realizing it.
<--google image
Okay...there's the loot. Here's how to enter:
*Be a follower. Leave a comment and let me know if you're a follower, new or old. 1 entry.
*These are 5 things I love. Tell me 5 things you love in your comment and you'll get 2 more entries.
*Blog about the giveaway. Let me know you've let your readers know about it and you'll get 2 more entries.
I will run the giveaway through Monday@ 5pm ET and I'll post a winner Tuesday morning.
Now go enter! :)
Now go enter! :)
Cohesion via List
I go through phases where I can't write on one topic so the only way to write a semi cohesive post is to put it in list form...oh how I love my lists! So here it goes:
*We closed on our construction loan this morning! They are beginning to clear the lot this afternoon. Very exciting time for us!
*Day 1 no sugar went okay. Mid-afternoon I felt like a crack addict in need of a fix, but I ate some triscuits and cheese and felt a lot better. Now on Day 2.
*My Monkey put the biggest smile on my face the other day when he said, "Mommy, I love you in my heart." ...then two minutes later he proclaimed, "Mommy, it looks like there's another baby in your belly." Little punk. (Even if he may just be being brutally honest. And no, there isn't another baby in there.)
*The Bug is getting her first tooth. It started coming in about a week ago. She is also cruising along the furniture and enjoys spending her free time trying to catch someone leaving the toilet seat up so she can have a water party. (Now, all doors must be shut after leaving the room.)
*I'll be doing my first giveaway tomorrow, so come by and check out the goodies!
*We closed on our construction loan this morning! They are beginning to clear the lot this afternoon. Very exciting time for us!
*Day 1 no sugar went okay. Mid-afternoon I felt like a crack addict in need of a fix, but I ate some triscuits and cheese and felt a lot better. Now on Day 2.
*My Monkey put the biggest smile on my face the other day when he said, "Mommy, I love you in my heart." ...then two minutes later he proclaimed, "Mommy, it looks like there's another baby in your belly." Little punk. (Even if he may just be being brutally honest. And no, there isn't another baby in there.)
*The Bug is getting her first tooth. It started coming in about a week ago. She is also cruising along the furniture and enjoys spending her free time trying to catch someone leaving the toilet seat up so she can have a water party. (Now, all doors must be shut after leaving the room.)
*I'll be doing my first giveaway tomorrow, so come by and check out the goodies!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
No Sugah For Lent
This Lenten season, the RedHead and I are giving up sugar. Yes, sugar.
I was like, "How about sugar in my coffee and sweet tea and cokes (because I had already picked sweet tea as my own)??"
He frowned at me.
So we're giving up refined sugar in everything. Now we're not going to be super picky if there's some sugar in certain breads or foods, and fruit sugars are okay, but we've given up the basics: desserts, sugar drinks, candy, sugary breakfast foods (you get the idea).
This is going to be hard. And really, I guess it should be. It's a sacrifice. I did go out with a bang though. After agreeing to expand to all sugar versus just my sweet tea (which would have still been big for me) I drove myself to a deli in our town that has the best Hot Fudge Cake and indulged my sweet tooth. It was definitely Fat Tuesday!
It's just Day One and I am realizing that I rely on sugar in my diet more than I really knew. No cinnamon toast for breakfast, must replace that sugar in my coffee, no cookies for a snack. I think I can do it though; especially with the RedHead as my partner. After all, it's just the smallest of sacrifices compared to what was sacrificed for us.
*Also, if you want to win a pair of Snazzy Onion Goggles (gotta' love it), then go on over and visit Laura at Cowboy Boots & Baby Booties.*
**Random note: Just turned on the Olympics...curling, really??**
I was like, "How about sugar in my coffee and sweet tea and cokes (because I had already picked sweet tea as my own)??"
He frowned at me.
So we're giving up refined sugar in everything. Now we're not going to be super picky if there's some sugar in certain breads or foods, and fruit sugars are okay, but we've given up the basics: desserts, sugar drinks, candy, sugary breakfast foods (you get the idea).
This is going to be hard. And really, I guess it should be. It's a sacrifice. I did go out with a bang though. After agreeing to expand to all sugar versus just my sweet tea (which would have still been big for me) I drove myself to a deli in our town that has the best Hot Fudge Cake and indulged my sweet tooth. It was definitely Fat Tuesday!
It's just Day One and I am realizing that I rely on sugar in my diet more than I really knew. No cinnamon toast for breakfast, must replace that sugar in my coffee, no cookies for a snack. I think I can do it though; especially with the RedHead as my partner. After all, it's just the smallest of sacrifices compared to what was sacrificed for us.
*Also, if you want to win a pair of Snazzy Onion Goggles (gotta' love it), then go on over and visit Laura at Cowboy Boots & Baby Booties.*
**Random note: Just turned on the Olympics...curling, really??**
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Top Two Tuesday...Dream Vacation
I'm guessing that Taylor is not referring to the vacation I dream of daily where I get to eat three peaceful meals and sleep a full eight hours even if it takes place in my home. Nah...I bet she's going for the more traditional type of vacation where you pack bags and head off to some foreign destination (hey, with two little ones sometimes it's hard to think big). Well, if I were to choose two dream vacation spots, I would pick:
This post has me wanting to pack a bag and jet set off to somewhere exotic...guess I'll settle for packing the pool bag and jet setting off to Monkey's swim lessons! :) Hey it's warm and there's water, right?
**Remember to check back in for this week's Top Five Friday where I'll be doing my first giveaway!**
#1. China: I'd love to visit the country, experience the customs of the people, and learn about their culture. I have been fascinated with China for quite some time, and I'd love to have about 2 weeks to visit there. Of course I also have another motive for wanting to visit China...it would be my ultimate dream to bring home a little baby. The RedHead and I have entertained the idea of adopting since we started thinking about having children, so maybe one day we can take our vacation to China when we go to get our baby!
#2. Turks and Caicos: Why? Because everyone needs to go somewhere warm and sunny where the water is clear, the drinks are cold, and you can totally relax. I actually just kind of picked this one randomly, but I do hear it's nice.
{images courtesy of google images}
This post has me wanting to pack a bag and jet set off to somewhere exotic...guess I'll settle for packing the pool bag and jet setting off to Monkey's swim lessons! :) Hey it's warm and there's water, right?
**Remember to check back in for this week's Top Five Friday where I'll be doing my first giveaway!**
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Let Me Count The Ways
Valentine's Day is a time to reflect on the love you've given and received. I have multiple Valentines in my life...my husband, Monkey, Bug, my Mama, the Lord, and many others. I know that many call it a "Hallmark Holiday" and boycott anything that could be seen as traditional celebration, but I don't necessarily agree with that. I think it is important to take time out to devote to showing love to those who mean so much to you, and while it doesn't have to be said with flowers or chocolates or stuffed animals or cards, it does deserve acknowledgement. (It's my guess that those who vehemently oppose Valentine's Day aren't the ones showing their love the other 364 days of the year either.)
I want to let the RedHead know how much I love him...
I love:
the way you call me Tinkerbell.
the way you are a strong husband who I can count on to protect and provide for our family.
the way you still treat me like you did when we first started dating...12 years ago.
the way you are teaching our son how to be a man.
the way you rub my shoulders, every night.
the way you lovingly look at our daughter.
I love:
your red hair!
your sarcastic sense of humor.
your broad shoulders.
your twinkling eyes.
your freckles.
your freckles.
I love how you love me every day of the year, through the good and the bad...and I want you to know that I love you the same. You are my partner and I couldn't have found a better one in life.
With Love,
Your Tinker
**Also, thanks a TON for the new coffee pot...just another thing I love about you. You truly know the way to my heart! (wink, wink) **
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