Stocking Stuffers

wooden matching memory game by lemon tree studio

cupcake soap gift set by sunbasilgarden soaps

clip zip id by vera bradley

organic maple syrup by ledgenear farm

Here's 2 You

photo courtesy of auburntigers.com

I Love Flash Mobs!

Yes We Cam Did

Gift Idea: Tween Girl

If you've shopped for a tween girl lately, you know how maddening it can be.

Waistbands too low, shirts too tight, necklines low cut. Barbies outgrown, dolls packed away, no makeup yet....couldn't we just go on forever? When I came across this Etsy shop, drawn in by

a Santa ornament, I hit the I found the perfect gift jackpot.

What chic chick wouldn't want these earrings?

And how cute is this necklace?

The cool thing is they are made from recycled soda cans. So you'll score extra points if you give one of the items to a tree hugger tweenager. And there are many can types and jewelry designs to choose from.

If you're a groovy gal that gets one of these from me, pretend you didn't read all about it here. Thanks for helping me out like that.

War &*#% Eagle

If you are anywhere in the state of Alabama today, you know that even bigger than the Black Friday deals is the Iron Bowl. And there ain't no stinkin' deal good enough to make me miss this one. So, fellow super shoppers, you can have my leftovers beginning around noon today when I'll order up a plate of wings, wash it down with some sort of libation, and scream at the top of my lungs for my Tigers... 'cause I got a feeling. War Eagle!

Happy Thanksgiving

Cooking with Martha

Sirius is offering another Martha Stewart cookbook for download -- it's free and Thanksgiving themed. Enjoy!

Bo Knows

Bo knows that even though he's been topped, we still love #34.

I mean, how could you not love someone in those shoulder pads, right?

Power of Positive Thinking

It takes but one positive thought when given a

chance to survive and thrive to

overpower an entire army of negative thoughts.

Robert H Schuller

Postcards

Many of you have been asking where you could see a performance of Alabama Christian Academy's marching band (High Royal Highness thanks you for the interest!). Well, look no more. Journey with the band to Russia, France and Israel during their 2010 award-winning show called Postcards.

Here's a virtual scavenger hunt for you:

1. Find the hammer and sickle.
2. Find the Eiffel Tower.
3. There's an onfield color guard costume change -- see if you can spot it.
4. Hig Royal Highness makes an appearance in a trio. Keep your eyes peeled (psssttt...he's on the right.)
5. Watch for a traditional Jewish dance straight out of Fiddler on the Roof (minus the bottles).

His Royal Highness Rules

His Royal Highness rules the field. He rules the trombone. He rules the baritone. He rules the hand-on-the-hips stance at the end of the opener. He rules as section leader. And he rules his mama's heart. (Well, half of it anyway 'cuz Miss Priss is reading over my shoulder as I type and help us all if she doesn't feel some love, too.)

And the Winner Is....

Random Integer Generator @ random.org
Here is your random number:
3

congratulations to tellad, the winner of our holiday scents giveaway.

a one in five chance isn't too bad, huh?

It's Beginning to Smell Alot Like...

Christmas....yes, Christmas. No, I haven't forgotten about Thanksgiving. But I wanted to share with you two of my favorite holiday scents before they fly off the shelves.

My first favorite is Frosted Cranberry, available at Bath & Body Works for the holiday season only. However, this scent is appropriate year round if you ask me. It is available in many mediums (plug-in, candle, etc). Don't pay full price - Bath & Body Works is notorious for having some sort of sale and some sort of coupon floating around. Leave some for me, though!




I also love, love, love Fresh Balsam, and it's in my house only at Christmas -- not something I would use all the time. It is by far the most realistic smelling, non-overpowering tree scent on the market. Don't go buying one if you're allergic to trees and all, but it is a nice background scent, especially if you have an artificial tree.

If I am lucky, Febreze will produce their Cranberries & Frost scent again this year. It is divine and I prefer their Air Effects version of it. I bought several cans of it at the end of last year (when they put it on clearance at the Target and all) and it has lasted well. Hope to see it on the shelf again soon.

And now, because I love these scents, and I love you, and the holidays are just around the corner, leave me a comment about what scent reminds you of the hollidays (any holiday will do) and you could win a Frosted Cranberry wallflower unit and a Fresh Balsam candle. Shout out before noon Thursday and I'll let random.org choose the winner and announce it on Friday.

Ready, set, go.....

*I am not being paid to promote these products. I love them and you should too and that is my only connection to Bath & Body Works and their stuff.

Don't Stop Now

CAM you believe it? Newton's a semi-finalist for the
Davey O'Brien Quarterback Award.
Don't stop voting now - you have until November 21
to help vote him one of the three finalists.

Tunnel Vision

Coach of the Year

You're already voting for Cam (you are, aren't you?) so let's share the love with Coach Chizik. Vote for him as Coach of the Year, presented by Liberty Mutual.

Disclaimer: I do not work for Liberty Mutual, nobody asked me to say their name, and Coach Chizik wouldn't know me from the water boy. Vote anyway.

Chi Chi Chi Le Le Le

Back in 2008 I got up at some ridiculous morning hour -- like 2AM or something -- to watch the much anticipated Federer vs. Nadal Wimbledon final. On September 11, 2001, as I made my way into work thinking the day would be significant because of the birth of a nephew, I watched horrific events unfold on the television screen. I remember as an eighth grader in 1986 helping assemble a bulletin board in the hallway of my junior high school just before watching the Challenger liftoff and soon after explode in mid air.

So it was really no surprise that on October 12, just around midnight local time, I sat glued to the television screen and watched as the first of the Chilean trapped miners emerged from the escape tunnel in the Phenix rescue chamber. And I stuck around to see the second, third and fourth miners ascend to safety as well. When I woke up the next morning, miner #11 was on his was up. I saw the final miner emerge, followed by the rescue workers, and cried.

The world watched as families of the trapped miners put their lives on hold and waited for this day, this moment of victory and answered prayers. I cannot imagine doing anything differently should I have the misfortune to be in their shoes. I don't know a single one of them, or their families, nor could I tell you the name of the Chilean president who was on hand to greet each miner as he stepped out of the rescue chamber. But if I close my eyes I can instantly recall the look on the face of the first miner's child. I can hear the cries of thanksgiving from the crowd and the sound of the alarm alerting doctors that the miner was moments away from the top of the shaft. I rejoiced with them -- albeit from afar -- for the sparing of lives, the second chances.

I waved an imaginary Chilean flag many times that day and chanted Chi Chi Chi Le Le Le with the natives...and I'd stay up late to watch it all over again.

Strike Up the Band

Vote 4 the Best Cam QB in College Football

AU family: be counted when it counts. Click the banner above to vote for Cam Newton for the 2010 O'Brien Quarterback Award. All 120 FBS quarterbacks are on the ballot and so far Cam is in second place for the fan's portion of the vote. We can do better than that - show him some love.

Beautiful Reusables

Since I never found the brightly colored, reusable shopping bags from Whole Foods, I gave up on the idea of my bags standing out from the crowd in the checkout lane. But my neighborhood Publix came through for me. A couple weeks ago, I picked up these reusable shopping bags at only $1.99 each. They are very roomy and made of a recycled material. Check them out next time you're at the store.

Miss Priss Goes to the Bluegrass Festival

Miss Priss went -- willingly -- to the annual Titus Bluegrass Festival recently. I don't think I could imagine a more pull my arm hairs out one at a time kind of day if I tried. But apparently the bluegrass gene was so strong that my genes couldn't stage a mutiny and throw it out of the pool and Miss Priss actually enjoys bluegrass.

(Badda bing bing bing bing bing bing bing. Awful.)

The festival is a real community event complete with...

hundreds of locals (with nothing better to do)...

vendors with really cute dresses (that she is too old to wear)...

local politicians (hard at work on the campaign trail)...

boiled peanuts ('cuz what bonafide event in the South doesn't have 'em)...

oh yeah, and bluegrass music (yikes!)

She can't wait for next year's festival. She can have my ticket.

Chicken in the Kitchen

My niece raises chickens. I haven't been able to convince her to eat one of the egg-laying hens. Frankly, I don't even know if they taste good. I guess if times were really tough, you could make 'em taste good, but then there's the whole eating your family pet thing to consider, so probably not.

In the meantime, we are having Rachel Ray's Pulled Chicken Sandwiches this week. They are a staple at our house. Tasty, quick and easy. Try 'em out -- and for my niece's peace of mind, get your chicken from the store.

My Dad Is Asian

So....reality television is back in full swing. (Someone should stage an intervention now before my children have odd memories of their childhoods.) We've watched every season of The Amazing Race except the first one. This season, we'd already watched the internet interviews and chosen our favorites before the premiere.

Oh my - what can you say about the Wu fellas? Kevin (not my Kevin) is a young thang, internet savvy and forward thinking. He realized that his dad, an immigrant to this country, was a gem and started making videos to post on YouTube -- he has more than a million followers. Meet the guys below.

Miss Priss Goes to Middle School

Miss Priss loves middle school. Sick, right? But true. Here are the top ten reasons we have declared it an addiction:

1. She wears a skirt -- and likes it.
2. She has not pulled her hair back in a ponytail once -- it gets washed and dried every morning at 5:45 AM. (For the record, and I know you will find this extremely difficult to believe, I am not even out of bed at that hour.)
3. The minute she steps out of the car in the morning, people flock to her. She likes flocking.
4. PE -- and dressing out -- is fun to her. Who actually enjoys sweating and doing push ups?
5. Her locker is as much a prized possession as her Wii.
6. She can talk in the hallway. Duh - she would have anyway.
7. Dances - even when white girls can't dance.
8. Band - oh mercy, another band nerd is born. She is maniacal about practicing.
9. Purse. She carries one now. What's in it I haven't a clue. Perhaps I should check it out.
10. Did I mention the skirt?

Brotherly Love

It takes some brotherly love to get the job done each week.

War Eagle and all.

PUNy You Should Ask...

The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

Miscellaneous Monday

Just because I know you will certainly die if you don't know what I have been/am up to, here you go on the Miscellaneous Monday post:

1. We travelled 386 miles in two days to watch two football games: one team won, the other was robbed.

2. Last week we had to purchase a cap and gown for His Royal Highness's upcoming commencement service. Wait -- it's only September and who really wants to keep some cheap, crappy graduation gown? It's not like you're best friend will want you to wear that as his best man.

3. Miss Priss had a poster project due today. I hope we get a good grade.

4. You can learn alot of interesting stuff sitting by the school's administration during a football game. Just pretend like you aren't paying any attention. I so RULE at that.

5. Today I must walk 1/2 mile in 10 minutes. Miss Priss has assigned herself as my personal trainer. You'd be scared, too, trust me.

6. When people get on my nerves, I use big words and watch as they try to figure out what I just said. If you feel like you need a dictionary the next time you talk to me, guess what?

7. Once upon a time, I was questioned by the FBI.

8. Once upon a time, my grandmother got a ride home from a mafia member's driver.

9. Numbers 7 and 8 are in no way connected.

10. There was a dead bird in our bathroom poop fan. Can't you finish your day now knowing that, hmmm?

I'm So Blue

How many songs can you name with the word blue in the title?

Blue Suede Shoes

Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain

Blue Bayou

Devil with a Blue Dress On

Blue on Black (my honey will be proud of me for knowing that one)

Give me a shout out with others.

And while we're talking blue, all you die hard Auburn fans remember today is

TRUE BLUE

at Jordan Hare. Be there. Or be square. (Flashback.)

Auburn: All In

Hey, Auburn fans, are you all in?

You Might Be a Redneck If...

...your high school band is raffling off a shotgun for three bucks a shot and one of your major sponsorships come from the rooster slangin' folks. Wow.

Kindle Love

My long-awaited, much anticipated Kindle arrived a few weeks ago and I am hear to testify today -- it is a really cool device. And I'm not one to buy really cool devices often. For instance, my cell phone makes calls and sends messages only...it has a basic numeric keypad and flips open. I still have a telephone that is not portable. On and on I could go but it embarrasses my techno-generation children.

Back to the testifying -- which reminds me that I haven't been called for jury duty but once. And then the only case I sat on was for a dude with crack in his crack. I was struck from the jury pool on the capital murder case because I told the defense attorney during my interview that not only did I believe in the death penalty but I could actually pull the switch on the chair. I don't think he felt I could help his client in any way.

Really, back to the Kindle testifying -- I contemplated this purchase for months and months and perhaps for longer than a year. The price dropped enough for me and I finally ordered one, mostly because I love to read, but also because I really don't have space to keep books lying around the house after I've read them and shared them and they make their way back to me.

I must confess as I testify. I have already bought three books because I can do so at the touch of a button. Literally. One-click ordering on Amazon is like crack - highly addictive. The built-in free 3G only makes matters worse. I can order anywhere, anytime and have my book in under 60 seconds. I must pace myself or submit to some sort of intervention before I spend all the money in my personal entertainment envelope. Help!

How Do You Say.....?

Recently I overheard a conversation (surely they were talking too loudly, right? I hope you believe I wasn't eavesdropping, most definitely I was not.) about how people from different states/countries are referred to.

(Wow, to be the person in the world who has nothing better to do than think on such things -- and most especially I'd like to be the one who really has nothing better to do than overhear a conversation on such and then actually contemplate the issue.)

If you are from America, you are an American. Just add an N at the end. So why aren't people from China called Chinan instead of Chinese?

If you are from Japan, you are Japanese...Taiwan, Taiwanese. Just add ESE after the N. I'm okay with that. It makes sense.

California -- Californian. Georgia - Georgian. Add an N to the end. Ok.

Oklahoma -- Oklahoman. Alaska -- Alaskan. Add an N to the end.

So how come people from Alabama aren't called Alabamans? Or people from Florida called Floridans? Is it the whole vowel-consonant-vowel vs. consonant-consonant-vowel crap we learned in school?

It's bugging me, really. Can you help?

PUNy You should Ask...

When you get a transfusion in a Taiwanese hospital, you get Taipei blood.

Back to School

Every year we buy supplies, new shoes, socks, and underwear, go to orientations and get ready for the start of a new school year. But this year is different. This year brought many new things for our budding geniuses. It is the first year of middle school for Miss Priss and the last year of high school for His Royal Highness. (Those shall become their permanent blog names, I think, because I just declared it so.)

Where. Has. The. Time. Gone?

We also take a first day of school picture. Wanna see?

Miss Priss loves middle school. She loves the lockers, changing classes, standing out front with her friends waiting for the bell to ring, and all that jazz.

His Royal Highness loves his senior three days. He loves senior parking spots, lunch in the coffee shop, and the idea of a senior trip to NYC. Oh, and the extended curfew is a good thing, too, he says.

So Miss Priss says she only has to endure the first day of school photo six more times. His Royal Highness is SO HAPPY it is over. Wonder how odd I'd look following him around campus with a camera strapped to my neck as he made his way to his first college class...(shhhh - don't tell him my plans).

PUNy You Should Ask...

If a grenade were thrown into a kitchen in France, it would result in Linoleum Blownapart.

Relieve Before You Leave

On a trip home from Atlanta with friends (a.k.a. other band nerds), my oldest -- who wishes to be referred to as a senior these days (while I could think of a lot of other things I'd like to call him at times) -- and his friends stopped at a gas station/convenience store because one friend needed to relieve himself (I would have said he had to pee, but my mom reads this thing, you know). The store is one of those that has a door but it is locked and you must conduct business with the worker through a glass and the slide drawer.

Normally that tells me that nothing good really ever happens around those parts, but I wasn't there and these were high school and college age kids who don't really think about those things. Except that this was the third place they tried to stop at and the first at which they felt safe enough to get out of the car (wonder what the other two were like...).

So, the worker (who was of Middle Eastern descent) sees the caravan of kids approaching the door ('cause they didn't know it was locked) and figured they wouldn't cause much trouble and unlocked the door and motioned for them to come in. Then he locks the door back behind them as quickly as he can.

The reason he locks the door back so fast is because coming around the corner (a very dark corner that leads to an even darker back side of the store) is a young man who apparently appears unsavory to the worker, with his wife-beater t-shirt on and those awful pants-on-the-ground style shorts.

"Yo, man, why you won't open the do' fo' me, cuz?" (This guy was not of Middle Eastern descent.)

"I am sorry. You must go now. I cannot open the door for you. Shoo."

"Wazzup wit' dat, man? You scared, cuz? I got sumpn' fo' you."

At which point the kids realize what a sheltered life they lead, realize there are two carloads of non-Indian descent males emerging from the shadows of a dark parking lot next door and descending on the store, and think to themselves...hmmmm, perhaps we should get our stuff and go.

That is precisely what they did -- relieved themselves, paid, unlocked the door, walked through the crew of homeys, got in their vehicles and left the premises, unscathed but perhaps a little more street wise and with a better understanding of why all mothers make you relieve yourself before you leave home -- or wherever.

PUNy You Should Ask...

She was but a whiskey maker, yet he loved her still.

{eight}{two}{two thousand ten}

daybook

{eight}{two}{two thousand ten}

i am thankful... that a mother cardinal brought her offspring to our feeder today. And that the squirrles hadn't taken all the food yet.

i am thinking... that it's nice my children can express their opinions in a respectful way. We've always tried to teach them that they can disagree with us, but they must be respectful in doing so. I don't think I was always agreeable when I disagreed with my parents.

i am reading... nothing 'cause I'm waiting for my Kindle to come in. I've been eyeing them for months and finally saved the funds to buy one. I'm not much of a techno geek (I have a regular cell phone that pretty much just allows me to talk; there is no latest version of anything in my house; and I still own a record player). But when I was cleaning out some things I realized how many books I have stuck all over the place. I've shared them with everyone and now I have no place to store them. So, I thought I'd just get an electronic reader and see how it works for me. It's a big step, I tell you, it is. I still love the ink on my fingers from a printed copy of the newspaper and I really love when the postman brings my magazines. We'll see how it is.

in the kitchen... kosher salt. Yes, salt. Phooey on those who would limit my intake. Even my he who shakes the salt from fast food fries husband has come to appreciate what salt brings to the table (hahahaha...I crack myself up). He even eats peppers and onions on fajitas and philly cheesteaks 'cause the kosher salt fairy makes 'em taste just right.

around the house... the tile is off the master bathroom walls. Ask me in a few weeks about the progress. If I'm lucky I won't say to you -- the tile is off the master bathroom walls.

outside my window... new adirondack chairs -- in aurora red -- on the back porch. I've waited years -- yes, years -- to find just the right chairs for a small corner of the back porch. Best thing is that they were on sale for half off at World Market.

worth sharing...

PUNny You Should Ask...

A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.

Hot as All Get Out

It is a mystery to me -- of a magnitude that rivals the whole 'exactly when dinosaurs inhabited the earth' kind of mystery -- how children do not grasp the please tell me when you are going to be on television concept. Casually mentioning it as you walk out the door does not qualify as telling us to watch the news to see if you are on it.

For those of who are not in the area, or may have missed it because we didn't call because we didn't know to call because we had no concrete time or channel because someone didn't really have a clue......you can watch it here.

And you can view some photos here. Isn't that fella in #12 and #31 just precious?

(Hot as all get out? Watch the video, you'll get it.)

PUNny You Should Ask...

A small boy swallowed some change. When his grandmother called the hospital to ask about his condition the nurse told her, "no change yet."

PUNny You Should Ask...

A sign on the lawn of a drug rehab center said: "Keep Off the Grass."

{seven}{twelve}{two thousand ten}

daybook {seven}{twelve}{two thousand ten}


i am thankful... for a grandmother who I may not have always agreed with but who I always loved. We buried her a few years ago this week and I miss her sometimes.


i am thinking... time is gone before we know it. It's not really worth being caught up in the small things that won't matter, but it is worth paying attention to small details that make a difference.


i am hoping... that I won't shed too many tears as we come into the senior year our little buddy (who isn't so little any more, but will always be my buddy).


i am reading... Brad Thor's newest novel, Foreign Influence. My little buddy got me hooked on his books -- political and military thrillers. The plots are so current you expect to turn on the evening news and see it acted out on the screen.


in the kitchen... Pappardelle's Spring Medley Trio pasta that someone brought me from Windmill Market. To. Die. For.


outside my window... two thriving clump river birch trees we planted in the spring. I copied my neighbors up the street. They're flattered, I'm sure.


worth sharing...

(sometimes, small things have a big impact)

Tequila Two Ways

It would have been three ways but I can't remember the last one -- perhaps I should lay off the tequila, eh? Really, though, if you have some spare Jose or Pepe (or whatever brand you prefer) in the cupboard, try these recipes. They're both good, and my clothes haven't fallen off yet (aren't you glad of that?).

Simple Margaritas
3/4 cup tequila
1/4 cup (maybe a little less) orange liqueur
1/2 container frozen limeade (no need to thaw)

Place all ingredients in a blender and give it a whir. I prefer to use a snow cone machine at this point to chop up the ice, put the ice in glasses and pour the liquid over the top. However, should you not have one, you can put 4 cups of ice in the blender with the other ingredients. The second option usually yields chunkier chunks of ice.


Margarita Ice Cream
1/2 cup lime juice (bottled lime juice works fine unless you just want to squeeze fresh juice)
2 tablespoons tequila
3 tablespoons orange liqueur
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
2 cups heavy cream

Pour the lime juice, tequila and orange liqueur into a bowl and stir in the sugar to dissolve. Add the cream and then softly whip until thick and smooth but not stiff. Spoon into an airtight container to freeze overnight. This ice cream does not need ripening (softening before serving), as it will not freeze too hard and melts speedily and voluptuously.

For a lovely serving presentation, rub the rim of the margarita glass or wine glass with a lime and dip in a mixture of ½ cup sugar and ½ tsp salt mixed. Spoon a couple of small scoops of ice cream in and top with fresh grated lime zest.

Happy 4th!

Mortimer Mouse

With an annual company income of over $36 billion dollars, who would have thought that it all began with a $500 loan from a relative? In the beginning, Walt Disney was selling his films for a flat fee to a distributor, who in turn rented the films to movie houses. Oswald the Rabbit was making good money but Disney was reaping none of the benefits.

Disney wised up, vowed to never sell his creations again, and Mortimer Mouse was born. Only he was very shortlived (like less than a minute) because Walt's wife thought Mickey sounded better than Mortimer. Disney brought him to life as the voice of Mickey. In three short years, the company was worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and Mickey was a very famous mouse.

You Want Fries With That?

Of the following two options, which burger sounds better to you?

(1) Hamburger with cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce and onion

(2) Hamburger with cheddar cheese, onion, mushrooms and jalapenos

If you chose number one, you'd eat the same burger as Barack Obama.

Option two more your speed? You're better off dining with Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.

They shared fries. Wow.

Then and Now

Then (Disney World, 2006)....

...and now (Disney World, 2010).

{six}{seven}{two thousand ten}

daybook {six}{seven}{two thousand ten}

i am thankful... to be married to the most loyal, thoughtful, kind and gentle man in the world. I love you, sweetie!


i am thinking... late thirties isn't as old as it used to seem to me.


i am hoping... to hear something soon from Layla over at The Lettered Cottage. My sister played in the high school marching band with her brother-in-law, and I worked with her mother-in-law. Her husband is in the band Puddle of Mud and her father-in-law used to be the political cartoonist for the local paper. She is an interior designer -- one who hopefully will be taking my living room on as a project. I think she's gotten to be quite popular lately and I must wait my turn on her list. No, she won't be parading around my domicile -- her concept is an internet based approach that is very reasonably priced, I think. She will design your room, send you the details, and then you re-do the room at your own pace and based on funds available. Pretty neat, huh?


i am creating... lists, lists and more lists. I am a list maker, yes it is so. I love to cross things off as I complete them. Lists this week include what to pack for Disney, what to make sure gets done before we leave, and what fun things to do with the kids for the rest of the summer. We love the road trip list!


in the kitchen... margarita ice cream. OH. MY. STARS! If the nice lady who gave it to me will share the recipe, I'll share it with you. OH. MY. STARS! But I said thay already, right? It is delish!


outside my window... the pink dianthus are blooming and very fragrant; the calla lilies continue to flower; and the caladiums are three times as dense as when I planted them earlier this year. They keep growin' and growin'.


worth sharing...



(A calla lily bloom from my yard. Color your day bright!)

Doughnuts on the House

In observance of National Donut Day, Krispy Kreme is giving away one donut per customer today, totally for free. Just go in, ask for your favorite and take a bite for me. If you don't live near a Krispy Kreme, well....move.

{five}{twenty-four}{two thousand ten}

daybook {five}{twenty-four}{two thousand ten}

i am thankful... for a summer that brings vacations, cookouts, and the end of the carpool line for three months.

i am thinking... how soon the carpool line will be in full swing again.

i am reading... magazines. Do they really count? I will be reading South of Broad by Pat Conroy later this week.

i am hoping... folks aren't scared off from visiting the Gulf Coast this summer because of the oil spill. There are many unaffected areas with businesses who would welcome visitors.

in the kitchen... parmesan crisps and sharp cheddar crisps. Divine.

around the house... espresso or toffee crunch for the wall color?

outside my window... very healthy caladiums and lilies. If I could just get my gardenias to bloom.

worth sharing...

Middle Sister Wines

When it comes to wine, I know nothing about bouquet or oak flavors. My corkscrew is cheap and my wine bottles lay on their sides on the floor of my pantry. I don't swirl or sniff before I sip. I don't care about the year or varietal. I just drink the stuff. I am civilized enough to pour it into a wineglass first, but that is the extent of my wine high-and-mightiness.

I do know a great label when I see one, though. The cutest around have to be the ones on bottles of Middle Sister Wines, an affordable by design collection of wines from California. With names like Drama Queen and Surfer Chick, and a different middle sister character on each, the labels are as cute to look at as the wines are a delight to drink.

I was thrilled to see the newest addition to their line -- a Sauvignon Blanc. Meet her here and visit the website to find out more info on gals and where you can find them hangin' out in your neck of the woods.

Free Food - Sort Of

Head on over to XM Radio and download a free summer cookbook from Martha Stewart.

Giveaway Tuesday: With Love (& Chocolate) from Vermont Winner

Congratulations to #12 Margaret McGuire! She said:

"I love a good ole reese's cup. I like all types of chocolate; but I must be in a mood to eat chocolate."

Be on the lookout for your shipment of brownies, Margaret, and enjoy!

Thanks to all who participated. It's fun reading your comments. And remember, I use random.org to choose the winner of each giveaway, so it's just that -- totally random. You can read all about how it all works on their website.

Giveaway Tuesday: With Love (& Chocolate) from Vermont

You guys are so lucky that I watch a lot of Food Network programming. My hips, maybe not so much. But in the end, who cares what my hips think anyway? I'll just concentrate on lovin' the heck out of you guys, my faithful followers, and share the latest Food Network nugget of gold I came across recently.

Once upon a time these two gals were thinking about their new year's resolutions. Over pizza, they dreamt of having their own business. Neither was particular about what kind -- they just wanted to take a chance on something that could be fun and successful while helping the community. In their own words, "it was hard to come up with something more fun than brownies." Who am I to argue with that logic?

And so, the Vermont Brownie Company was born -- in a bagel shop. A friend owned the shop that closed early in the afternoon (I guess no one eats bagels in the afternoon in Vermont) and let the gals use the kitchen at night. They use local ingredients and have been so successful that Bobby Flay challenged them to a throwdown and they won.

So, because I have never met a brownie that I didn't like, and because the much anticipated family vacation is only four weeks away, and because I am all about following your dreams and helping the community, but mostly because the sheep on their logo is so darn cute, I am sending one lucky person a sampler box of brownies.

To enter, just leave a comment and tell your favorite type of chocolate. Do you like it dark? Or milky? Or even white? You can enter through midnight Thursday and the winner will be announced Friday.

Ready, set, go!

{five}{seventeen}{two thousand ten}

daybook {five}{seventeen}{two thousand ten}

i am thankful for... two really different children. Both bring different things to the family.

i am thinking... about all the field trips my daughter has been on this year. For the record, she has two more this week. Exactly when do they study?

i am going... to the last elementary school play of our parenting days. My, oh my, how time flies.

i am creating... digital photo albums. You cannot even begin to imagine how many pictures I have taken over the last 17 years. Really, you can't even. Really, I can't even.

one of my favorite things... big, fluffy bath towels.

around the house...it is okay to go through all the artwork your children have ever done in school and get rid of some of it? I'm just wondering...

in the kitchen... another CrockPot meal. I got a new cookbook for Mother's Day -- the gal cooked in her slow cooker every day for a year. I am not that ambitious, but our family thought it would be neat to do it for a week. So far, we've had a nice potato soup and some cheesy, bacony chicken. Both were hits. Tonight it's parmesan tilapia. Mmmmm!

outside my window... pesky squirrels stealing all the birdseed in my feeders.

worth sharing...

(Chase a few butterflies today. We found this one in Key West a few years ago.)

How Does Your Garden Know?

Sage or basil? Cilantro or parsely? However does your garden know what to grow? It's only dirt, you know. Maybe some manure if you can stand the smell and don't mind it under your nails and all. Compost? Only if you're super committed to saving the planet and world peace.

But really...make it easy on the garden plot (and yourelf if you tend to confuse the sage leaves and basil leaves) and hook it up with these vintage garden markers:

Alison over at Monkeys Always Look was walking her dog on the beach and came across an old spoon, tarnished by who knows how long in the sand and elements. She wondered, "Self -- what can I make with this tarnished, long forgotten spoon?"

"A garden marker, I say," answered Self. And that is how they came to be. Now your garden doesn't have to wonder what to grow. It can set about the task at hand and grow, grow, grow right on through the summer.

Aren't they just bee-u-tee-ful? You can custom order for whatever herbs you are growing on your porch. I wouldn't ask for 'wacky weed' or anything, but that's just me.

Daybook

I have become acquainted with this thing called The Simple Woman's Daybook -- a diary of sorts that encourages you to slow down, enjoy the moment and record your thoughts. The lady that started it all used to do it as a sidebar on her blog, and then moved it to a regular Monday post, giving readers a glimpse into what other women were doing/facing/enjoying. (We women enjoy knowing that there are others out there in the same boat, huh?)

So, because it will make me slow down and 'smell the roses', I will participate and let you look inside my diary on Mondays. The only thing is that I won't be linking my blog posts to the 'master' page on her site (who else outside my circle cares what I'm reading right now -- really?). Maybe later.

Shout out to me about your day, too. Let's enjoy life together.

daybook {five}{ten}{two thousand ten}
i am thankful for... the cup of coffee my youngest brought me this morning -- bedside service at its best!

i am thinking... about how soon my firstborn will begin a new chapter in his life.

i am creating... a Christmas stocking for my daughter.

i am going... to a school banquet tonight.

i am reading... Redefining the Strong Willed Woman by Cynthia Tobias.

i am hoping... there is enough chocolate syrup left in the bottle for a sundae.

around the house... why is it so hard to commit to a shade of brown paint?

from the kitchen... the cupboards are bare -- the kids protesteth much.

outside my window... a deep hole in my pot of rosemary -- the neighbor's cat thought it to be catnip.

worth sharing...

Play That Funky Music, White Boy

We've been culturally enlightened in our family as of late. Whether it was the U.S, premiere of Catcerto by the ACA Wind Ensemble (Cody on euphonium -- you rock, son) or the Montgomery Youth Symphony's annual Mother's Day Concert (Cody on trombone -- you still rock, son), we have heard some amazing music this past week.

Support the arts, people.

Petals from the Past

Most of the time when I read through a magazine, there will be several things that catch my eye - a recipe, a new place to vacation, decorating tips, or a neat place to shop. I have this beat-up, red folder that holds all those things I tear out and promise to do/visit/taste sometime soon.

Not long ago, I put a page in that red folder for a little nursery up the road from home - Petals from the Past. The magazine pages made it look like such an inviting place, but I was a bit skeptical. You see, there's really not much in Jemison. Well, except for this...

Look. I hate to be the one to tell you this, but tractors cross the road here. And you must stop. You really must. The sign says so right there, smack dab on the side of the road. I wonder how often tractors stop traffic here. Probably not often, really I say, because Jemison isn't overly populated.

But Jemison does have a super duper nursery. Look.

Doesn't the sign just invite you in with its creeping, crawling vines? Once you round the bend, there are vines bearing muscasines or scuppernongs (the makings of a good homemade wine if you ask me). But I was on a mission to find something to fill a hole in the planting bed next to the side entrance at my house and some herbs to grow in containers. I found both.

(The herbs are of the legal sort, thank you very much.)

These asparagus ferns reminded me of my late grandmother so I bought two. She'd be so proud. I'll probably kill them.

Mist them daily, she'd always say, and they'll make it.

Not. For me at least.

My little helper -- who was here because I told her we were going on a field trip to watch the bees pollinate the flowers...and she bought it, bless her heart -- tugged the fluggy (flower + buggy, don't you see) through the rows and to the cashier. We bought our stuff -- plants cost alot in case you were wondering -- and made our way back home via some really winding, rural roads, with not a tractor in sight.

10 Years Ago Today

Ten years ago to the day the US government announced they would shut off selective availability of GPS systems -- instantly upgrading thousands of civilian GPS units by ten times. On May 3, 2000, the first GPS stash (geocache) was placed and geocaching became an instant hit. Today there are 3-4 million geocachers worldwide with over 1 million active caches.

What's all this geo stuff, you ask?

We take our GPS unit with us when we go on vacation for some extra fun. As Forrest says -- we never know what we're gonna get.

Head outside for an adventure today!

Bubba Land

(Okay, so I'm humming Beulah Land as I type. How appropriate.)

I read a comment recently on a blog I follow, and I was very dismayed at the commentor's apparent dislike for our regioin of the country.

I wish to move back to the beautiful Pacific Northwest and out of bubba land, she said.

As much as I wanted to say my wish was for her wish to be granted, I really wanted the green mixer that was being given away so I wished for something like world peace or whatever.

So what's keeping y'all here in bubba land, I wanted to ask. I know times are tough and you go where the work is and all, but really, we probably want you here less than you want to be here, so fly, fly away.

Then I felt bad for not extending that Southern hospitality we're known for around these parts (only for a little while, though because even though I am proud of that Southern hospitality, when you go calling my people bubbas, I get turned off real quick like.)

Look, can't we all just get along? I mean, what I love about my heritage might not be your cup of (sweet) tea, and I certainly don't agree with all your left coast ideas, but we can coexist without calling each other names like kindergartners on the playground, right?

So, DJ, if you're ever in my neck of the woods, come sit a spell. We'll get along or we won't, but it won't really matter because as much as I love my bubbas, grits, collards, mint juleps, azaleas, college football Saturdays, white sand beaches (come on, face it -- what's not to love about the South?) I'm looking to a land to which I've never been before, where time won't matter. And I'm even hoping you'll be there, too.

(You're humming it too, now, I know. Don't forget that small church choir twang, y'all.)

Boys vs. Girls - Prom Edition

Do you remember your prom? It took two sets of hot rollers (what are those, mom?) to do my hair, more hairspray than you care to know and several hours of my afternoon.

Things are different when you're a boy. You can literally shower in the morning, go about your day like it was any other, play video games with your friends, text your girlfriend asking what she's doing (having the hair done three hours beforehand, as it turns out), put on your tux about 30 minutes before you have to leave and still turn out as handsome as this...

or this...

with time left to act goofy...

or try to be cool...

while wondering if Mom will ever stop taking pictures...

and still being able to leave on time to pick up your date.

It just doesn't seem fair being a girl does it?

Happy Birthday, Cody!

Diet Coke and IVs

I am happy to report that the partial meniscectomy on my right knee is over and all should be well in 4-6 weeks. For the record, though, the day was, while the absolute best experience I've ever had with any healthcare facility, not without incident.

• I couldn't pee in the cup. I just couldn't. I didn't have to go. And so I held up the surgery rotation until I could do it.


• I have been carbonated beverage free since April 1, 2009. Yes, by choice. Until Friday. My blood pressure and blood sugar dropped so low following surgery that they made me drink a Diet Coke. I cried. I'm back on the wagon.


• I don't like IVs. The needles bother me. And someone could put whatever they want in it and make me really whack out. That's scary. So I put my foot down and said I sould not let them put an IV in me anywhere but near my elbow...you know, the normal place and all. Only my blood vessels didn't get the message and , well, see for yourself...

Remember those big tubes connected to the back of the people's heads in The Matrix? Ugh. That's what it looks like to me all plunged into the flesh and all. Gross.

Don't Be Shy

This is Baxter.

He's my new best friend. It's very sad, I must say. My late grandmother would be so proud and that's why it's so sad. I sit on the back porch watching the birds...like an old lady. And taking it a step further and naming them is even worse. I must get out more.

Baxter seemed to be camera shy one summerlike day last week. I don't know what it was 'cause he usually struts his stuff all around the yard. He flys from tree to tree, shakin' his tail feather, and perches on whatever limb gives him the most screen time. Or maybe he was just refusing to smile until summer comes. I'm with him.

Come, come summertime...don't, don't don't be shy. (by some cat named Schwayze)

Mmmm, Mmmm Good

Not long ago -- back before Thanksgiving -- I was watching a lady bug crawl around on the skylight (how do they always get inside, year after year?) and pondering one of those really important type questions...how do you make deviled eggs? Really, because my sister was so tired of bringing them to every family function. I mean, she's the logical one, don't you think, what with the chickens in her backyard and all. But nooooooo, she gave the task to me and that meant at age 37, I finally had to learn to make deviled eggs.

How do you devil an egg? I wondered.

I could have phoned a friend but that would mean I'd have to hear about calling myself Southern without knowing how to make deviled eggs. So I did what I knew best: consulted a cookbook. But not just any cookbook, this cookbook:

Oh my, it's become my go to for those dishes that everyone's mama and grandmama just know how to make, but the rest of us haven't bothered to master yet. Like Chicken Fried Steak, Squash Casserole, Chicken Noodle Soup, Pimento Cheese, buttermilk cornbread, greens, macaroni & cheese, and yes, deviled eggs. This should be required reading for all new Southern brides. Honestly, I figure all of us in my generation really should learn how to cook these things (disregard the fat if you really must) before those who have cooked it for us for so long are no longer around to give us pointers.