Sips of the South...Belles and Beaus

I'm a little late on Friday's Sips of the South post, but better late than never right? This week's topic was to post about your little Belles and Beaus...and I am so blessed to have one of each! I'm also going to take a big step today...from the get go I've referred to my son as my Monkey and my daughter as the Bug. However, I feel that I can not let this post go by and not tell you the Bug's name because it is so fitting with her being a belle and all.

So here it goes...the Monkey's real name is Colson and the Bug's real name is Lilly-Belle. Lilly-Belle is named after my grandmothers...my paternal g-mother's name is Lillian (which is her full first name) and my maternal g-mother's middle name was Belle. People ask all the time if we really call her Lilly-Belle, and the answer is yes! She is called Lilly-Belle, Lilly Bug, Bug, Buggy Boo, and she is my little Southern Belle in the making! Colson's name has a special meaning to us as well, and his middle name is a family name on my husband's side. So the cat's out of the bag, but I'll still be returning to calling them by their nicknames...I just couldn't resist sharing.

Here's a few pics of my little Beau:

and a few of my Belle:

Yes I had to use the proofs...boo photo copyrights! Hope you guys enjoyed seeing my little Beau and Belle!

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.

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.**

Sips Of The South...Steel Magnolias

"The biggest myth about Southern women is that we are frail types--fainting on our sofas...nobody where I grew up ever acted like that. We were about as fragile as coal trucks." --Lee Smith

I think this quote sums up the strength of Southern women perfectly!

This week's topic over at Sweet Tea & Biscuits Sips of the South is to share who are the true steel magnolias in our lives. I'd have to say that the two women who have been steel magnolias in my life are my Mama and my Mamaw.

My Mama was a single mother to my brother and I and she is the best mother I could ever ask for. She sacrificed for us, provided for us, and instilled values in me that I will forever be thankful for. She has been there for me whenever I've needed her and supported every decision I've ever made. I remember her trying to get me to watch her cook when I was maybe middle school age and I couldn't have been less interested, but now I find myself asking her how she makes everything. I'm going to remind my daughter of this and sit her on the counter to watch and learn from her Nana.

I've written on my Mamaw before...most recently about her passing at 95 years old. She was one of those coal truck women referred to in the quote above. My grandfather passed away when my mother was 12, and she had two other children that she raised on her own. She was a woman who could make something out of nothing, had the cleanest house you would ever step into, and could cook a meal that would put 10 pounds on you. I have so many fond memories of living with my Mamaw and my Mama and I know that having these two strong women raise me is what made me who I am today.

My Mama and Mamaw have encouraged me to put down roots, stand tall, and blossom just like the Magnolia tree, and I thank them.

Good Eats!

Over at Sweet Tea & Biscuits this week, we are sharing our favorite Southern Eats! I wish I had some pictures of my own to share, but sadly I'm not one of those photographers who can ever remember to take a pic before I dig in, so here are some borrowed pics of my favorite Southern Eats!

For the sake of being brief, I'll stick to three.

Chicken and Dumplings

A personal favorite of mine. I like the dumplings rolled paper thin and only white meat chicken for this girl!

Turnip GreensServed with LOTS of vinegar please.

And last but not least, cornbread!Best when made in an iron skillet, and is great with many southern foods (especially pintos and greens), but is delicious by itself or if you're REALLY southern (like me!) you've had your cornbread in a bowl with a bit of milk poured on it. Mmmm! Hope these get you geared up for some good southern eats!

Mamaw's Pound Cake

I'm participating in Sweet Tea & Biscuits' Sips of the South Posts, so head on over this week to check out some great recipes submitted by Belles all over!