Some Announcements For The Class

29 November 2010 by

– Over the last couple of weeks I’ve gotten a several emails asking about this year’s Christmas Tour of Homes. Nester is hosting the tour again this year, and she even has a sassy blog button you can use:

Mark your calendars for December 13th!

– Normally I’m reluctant to try new recipes for Thanksgiving. There are certain dishes that the people in our family expect to eat, and it’s best not to deviate from the norm. Tradition usually prevails.

But this year I tried a new squash casserole recipe that you actually make in the crockpot, and OH MY WORD MY LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. Because it is divine.

Here’s the recipe if you’d like to try it.

– Looking for a beautifully written Advent resource?

Well, I have two to share.

TWO!

First, Ann Voskamp – who, for the record, puts words together like no other – has written an absolutely wonderful (and free!) Jesse Tree Advent Devotional Book. Nancy Rodden contributed gorgeous illustrations. Click here for download instructions.

Second, sweet Angela Cottrell has written a series of Advent devotions for her church. The devotions are rich and wise and perfect for all ages. You can find them here.

– A Very Merry Neighborly Christmas Concert with Dave Barnes and Drew Holcomb? Why, yes. I believe I will. And if they’re playing in your neck of the woods, you can, too.

– Our friend Shaun sings and speaks all over the world on behalf of Compassion International. He doesn’t sing and speak because he wants to be famous. He sings and speaks so that hopefully the people who listen to him will decide to release a child from poverty in Jesus’ name.

Shaun’s an incredibly gifted songwriter, and he’s currently raising money to record a new album. Here’s why.

And if you’re interested in helping Shaun make his new record, here’s how.

Filed Under: Daily Awesome

Hail, Dear Old State (And TJ Maxx, Too)

28 November 2010 by

As some of you may remember, I nearly died last week during the Mississippi State / Arkansas game.

Oh, not dead dead. Just sorta kinda dead.

No need for alarm, of course. I bounced back beautifully.

Anyway, since the game against Arkansas was a bit of a heartbreaker, I was apprehensive at best about our game against Ole Miss. The Bulldogs really needed to win if we wanted to stay in the running for the Chick-fil-a bowl in Atlanta, and I’ve got enough years as a Bulldogs fan under my belt to know that things tend to get tricky for us when there’s some sort of pressure attached to a game.

And then there was the fact that the last time we played in Oxford, the Rebels beat us something like 104-2. Or maybe it was 45-0. Regardless, IT WAS SOMEWHAT EMBARRASSING.

I tried not to think about the game too much Saturday morning, and it helped that Sister and I spent a chunk of the day running errands. I had to get fabric for a couple of the little man’s school projects, and OH SWEET MERCY I may just lose my mind with the crafts. Put me in just about any situation that involves cutting fabric, and odds are that I eventually will find a small, private corner where I can assume the fetal position and weep at will. Thank goodness that Sister was here to stand in the crafty gap for me. I can’t imagine what my pre-game mental state would have been without her help.

Anyway, Sister and I were on our way home from the errands when we decided to make a quick stop at TJ Maxx. I don’t have a huge fondness for the TJ Maxx in our neck of the woods because I never seem to find anything there. I mean, I’ll occasionally find a deal, but they seem few and far between when you consider that I could walk into the TJ Maxx by Sister’s house in Nashville and find six red-hot deals within five minutes of entering the store. Maybe my TJ Maxx just gets picked over more quickly? Or maybe it’s part of a different distribution center? Or maybe I’m overthinking the nuances of TJ Maxx shopping and need to get back to the point of this post already?

Yes. That last thing.

Well.

We wandered back to the home stuff, mainly just to kill a little time before we headed back to my house before the State game. And when I turned down the third or fourth aisle, this little fella caught my eye:

Our mascot? Walking upright in a sea of red? At a TJ Maxx in Birmingham, Alabama that never has one bit of Mississippi State stuff since it is always FILLED TO THE BRIM with Alabama and Auburn merchandise?

YOU CAN’T TELL ME THAT IT WASN’T A SIGN.

In all seriousness, though, Sister and I did our best not to assign more meaning to that little Bulldog than what he deserved, and once the surprise of the initial Bulldog sighting wore off, I really didn’t think much more of it. After we looked around about 15 more minutes, we figured we probably should wrap up our Maxx-ing, so we started making our way to the front of the store.

But then this stopped me dead in my tracks.

YES MA’AM.

As you might imagine, I gasped.

It was, as best I could tell, the only one in the store. And while I was standing there trying to figure out what it might mean, WHAT COULD IT ALL MEAN, Sister tapped my shoulder and pointed at something across the aisle.

Clearly the Lord had decided to speak to us through t-shirts. I mean, it was like an Egg Bowl showdown right there in the middle of the casual knitwear.

We stood there for a few seconds, looking from the State shirt to the Ole Miss shirt to the State shirt to the Ole Miss shirt (I guess we thought that at some point the shirts were going to have words? Or a football from sporting goods was going to jump in the mix and the two shirts could battle it out in the parking lot?), and eventually my eye settled on a red tag on the Ole Miss shirt. About that time Sister said, “LOOK!” while she held up the very same tag.

The Ole Miss shirt was on sale. The State shirt wasn’t. WHAT COULD IT ALL MEAN?

And that’s not all. Because if you look even more closely at the tag, you can see two telltale words:

“PAST SEASON.”

Let that settle in for a few seconds, my friends.

“PAST SEASON.”

What happened this past season? Well, the Bulldogs beat the Rebels 41-27 in the Egg Bowl. THAT’S what happened this past season.

Let me guess: cold chills just ran down your spine.

I mean, HAVE YOU EVER?

Sister and I laughed about the whole thing while we stood in the checkout line, but we were definitely still nervous about the game. Once we got back to my house and cooked supper, everybody settled in for the Egg Bowl (Sister and I may or may not have watched from separate rooms, but I’ll save that tale of our collective crazy for another day). We cheered and hollered and clapped for three hours, and do you know what happened?

The Bulldogs won. 31-23.

The Egg Bowl trophy stays in Starkville.

photo by Keith Warren

AND THE TJ MAXX KNEW IT ALL ALONG.

Go ‘Dogs.

Filed Under: Beloved Bulldogs, Family Fun

Five.

26 November 2010 by

Yesterday was the fifth birthday of this here little blog. So I celebrated by making a stuffed pork roast, dressing, homemade gravy, squash casserole and strawberry pretzel salad.

Okay. So maybe that stuff was technically for Thanksgiving. And maybe nobody else at the table had the foggiest idea that the blog was having a birthday. But still. It was the best pretend birthday party that a blog could ever hope to have.

Mama’s pecan pie didn’t hurt.

Anyway, before Sister and I set out in search of some new Christmas ribbon for me and some new shoes for her, I just wanted to stop and make sure y’all know how deeply grateful I am for each one of you. Thank you so much for reading and commenting and emailing and putting up with my crazy. I’ve had big fun with you people for the last five years, and oh, I am thankful.

(insert powerful-yet-tender ballad here)

(preferably a duet with Phil Collins and the incomparable Marilyn Martin)

(preferably with a music video where someone rests his or her head against a wall while he or she sings with great emotion)

Here’s to five more, sweet internet. Or at least one more. Because five more years seems like sort of a lot right now, and long-term goals stress me out a little bit.

By the way, here’s what the little man looked like five years ago.

I think I just died.

I love y’all,
Me

Filed Under: Bloggity Fun

Twenty Teen-Friendly Favorites Under Twenty Dollars

24 November 2010 by

Every single week I get to hang out with a great group of teenage girls who make my heart smile. I love them to pieces. They keep me young and make me laugh and encourage me with their humility and transparency. They are, as the French would say, LE AWESOME.

Okay. So maybe the French wouldn’t say it exactly like that. But still.

A few days ago the girls and I were talking about Christmas and how I sometimes struggle with buying gifts for people in their age group. Granted, I don’t do a ton of shopping for teenagers, but our niece will be thirteen in a couple of months, and I dread the day when she’ll open up a gift from us and secretly wonder if we’re stuck in 1995. I know that it’s the thought that counts, but by the same token I think we all hope that people will enjoy the gifts that we give them.

I guess what I’m saying is that I don’t want to be That Relative whose gifts are dictated by whatever’s in the biggest bin at Costco. Sometimes you have to face facts and realize that Jean Nate’ After-Bath Splash isn’t at the top of the kids’ wish list this year.

And hasn’t been since about 1983, for that matter.

And by the way, I’m not advocating that we all buy a bunch of stuff just to buy a bunch of stuff. I’m a fan of thoughtful giving, and after two years of struggling with how that might look in our family’s life, I’m trying to find my way back to a wee bit of balance. Because in 2008 and 2009, I pretty much wanted everybody to wake up on Christmas morning and sit around in a circle and talk about materialism. Good times.

So now that I’ve overshared, how about some gift ideas? These are mostly for girls, but some would definitely work for guys, too. Big thanks to Lucy, Abbey and Mary E. for their help with this!

Chunky Double Bead Necklace – I think the olive/green color combo is great-looking and super-versatile. Also: sweet mercy at the inexpensive. Take a gander around the F21 website, and I’ll bet you find some earrings that can keep this necklace company.

Square Jacquard Flower Scarf – It would look great with a t-shirt and jeans, and it would also be fab with a sweater tunic, leggings and boots.

Bugle Bead Elastic Headband – Adorable, feminine and fun.

Voluspa Japonica Candle Tin in Baltic Amber – Candle scents are mighty personal, I know, but this one is sort of universally divine. Love the colors of the candle tin, too.

Wide Leaf Bracelet – There’s so much to like about this bracelet – the cuff style, the little bitty leaves, the bright colors. It would go with just about anything.

Women’s Terrific Tights in Ruby – The whole colored tights trend was a little lost on me at first. But now? I think they’re ADORABLE. Such a fun way to add a little spark of personality to an outfit.

Natural Life Everyday Wristlet – I see girls carrying wristlets all the time, and it sort of boggles my mind because I personally prefer a purse that can hold a 12-pack of diet Coke if necessary. But this wristlet from Francesca’s is so cute, so practical – and it really can hold all the essentials.

iTunes Gift Card – You can never, ever go wrong with this one. The kids enjoy them some music. And some apps. And when I say “apps,” I’m not talking about buffalo wings from the TGIFridays. Amen.

Yankee Candle Clean Cotton Car Vent Sticks – These are so affordable that you can buy three in whatever scents you like and still be under the $20 ceiling. The teenagers enjoy taking care of their cars, you know.

Scout Lil Slim Laptop Sleeve in Petallica Green – This is the perfect way to protect a laptop (or as I like to call it: THE BABY) before slipping it into a tote bag or backpack. Laptop sleeves come in all sorts of sizes, though, so make sure you know what size you need before you order.

Women’s Printed Flannel Lounge Pants – Let’s see. These are affordable, comfy pajama pants in an assortment of fun patterns. WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE?

and – Both of these colors are “new neutrals” – perfect for any time of year and current enough that they pack a little bit of a trendy punch. Delightful.

Bath & Body Works Body Lotion in Warm Vanilla Sugar – This lotion is a perennial favorite in all age groups. And right now you can buy 2 and get 1 free or buy 3 and get 2 free. I’d call that a deal, my friends.

Customized Starbucks Card – When I was a teenager, I pretty much just drank Coke. But kids these days – they order a grande PSL extra shot extra hot no whip like total pros. For that reason, a Starbucks card is sure to get lots of use, and a customized version adds an extra element of fun.

Women’s Knit Mukluk Slippers – Hello, warm and cozy. It’s so nice to see you again. And at such a reasonable price!

Solid Color Knit Infinity Circle Scarf – I have an almost unnatural affinity for the circle scarf. This one comes in fantastic colors, and the price is oh-so-right.

Owl Key Covers – Do you remember how exciting it was to have your first set of keys? Well, imagine your first set of keys with these little owls attached. OVER THE MOON. You’d be OVER THE MOON.

Fleece Lined Leggings – Comfort, thy name is fleece lined leggings. What a treasure you are.

Table Top Jewelry Stand Earring Holder – I’m thinking of ordering one of these for myself, mainly because I have absolutely no system for keeping up with my earrings. Unless tossing my earrings on top of the dresser can be considered a system. In which case I’m golden.

Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Remember back in the day? When we’d all stand in line and drink after each other at the water fountain? That’s not really how things work these days. These water bottles are perfect for school or for a hike, and there’s a huge selection of colors, to boot.

Well, that’s it, I reckon. All that food in our refrigerator isn’t going to cook itself, so I’d better get busy.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!
________________________________________________________

Don’t forget the new Laughing Cow giveaway – there’s a $150 Visa gift card up for grabs!

Filed Under: Lovin' On People

Fifteen Favorites Under Fifteen Dollars

22 November 2010 by

We’re not much for extravagance around our house at Christmas – unless you count the sheer volume of Land-o-Lakes butter that we consume, of course – but we’re definitely fans of giving. In order to keep the giving from breaking the bank, I typically put a ten or fifteen dollar price limit on gifts for friends (we call smaller gifts “happies” in Mississippi and Alabama; people in south Louisiana call them “surcies,” and OH MY WORD I adore regional quirks). I think it’s so fun to find something that fits a friend or family member’s personality, and I love practical things that have a little kick of funky to them.

Since I’m always on the look-out for unique, affordable gifts, I thought some of y’all might be, too – so I decided to make a list. And get this: every single item is under fifteen dollars. I KNOW! In the South we’re big on hostess gifts (I’m guessing other parts of the country are, too), and anything on this list would be a wonderful way to thank your host or hostess for his or her holiday hospitality. Granted, there’s nothing wrong with the standard poinsettia, but these gifts will keep giving long after the party – and the season – is over.

And if you’re wondering where all the Etsy goodness is, let me explain. I initially had a few Etsy items on this list, but now I think I’m going to do a second list that’s Etsy-only. Because I’m a wee bit obsessive. And also fascinated by the crafty people.

All righty. Here are my fifteen-and-under favorites. And yes, I know we still have a couple of days until Thanksgiving, but I figured I’d go ahead and post this for those of you who like to plan ahead and create spreadsheets and wrap all your presents by December 1st.

Very Merry Christmas – Dave Barnes – I am a huge fan of Harry Connick, Jr.’s Christmas CD because of its laid-back, bluesy feel. But you know what? Dave’s Christmas CD is even better. YEAH. I SAID IT. It’s infectious joy all the way around.

Tapestry Hand Towel – This little towel packs a punch with great, bold colors. Tie it up with a gold ribbon and make your hostess’ day.

Surprised By Worship – Travis Cottrell – That Travis. I tell you what. He composes incredible music, sings like a dream, and now he’s gone and written an absolutely beautiful, heartfelt book about worship. What I love the most about this book is that it’s who he is inside and out – reverent and funny and wise and tenderhearted. Anyone who reads it will be challenged and encouraged.

French Bull Pocket Notepads – I feel like I’m always digging in my purse for a piece of paper. Or rummaging around the kitchen for a piece of paper. Or looking in my car for a piece of paper. This little notepad set would solve all my paper-related problems. Stash one wherever you might need it – and then swoon when you see the cute cover designs.

Glass Bird Ornament – The thought of Christmas lights illuminating this little beauty makes me sigh with nostalgia. Lovely.

Hummingbird Farms Lavender Body Wash – Melanie introduced me to the Hummingbird Lavender products a few years ago. They’re THE BEST. This body wash smells fantastic and is the bath-product equivalent of instant relaxation.

Chop & Scoop Cutting Board – This gift errs on the side of practical, but good grief at the handy. Anyone who likes to cook would get tons of use out of it, I imagine.

Trudeau Colorful Melamine Mixing Bowls – You know what would make somebody smile when they’re making their 46th batch of cookies this Christmas? These mixing bowls. Adorable.

French Bull Tapestry Salad Servers – A few years ago I saw these salad servers in a local store, and I’m pretty sure that my heart stopped as a result of all the cuteness. They’re colorful and funky and functional – my favorite combination.

Caspari Decorative Matchboxes – These matchboxes are so much prettier than keeping a big grill lighter-stick-thing-y on your coffee table. The matches are longer than normal, so they’re perfect for lighting candles and fires, and the boxes are a great decorative touch.

Paisleys Spoon Rest – I adore a good spoon rest. And while yes, that might be the lamest sentence I have ever written, it’s the truth. I use a spoon rest every day of my life, and I’d prefer for said spoon rest to have a solid cute factor, by diggity. This one delivers.

Aveda Refreshing Bath Bar – One day I’m going to write an ode to Aveda products. Or maybe I’ll just move in an Aveda store so that I can smell all the divine scent combinations every single day for the rest of my life. This soap bar is for men or women, and it’s moisturizing without leaving an annoying soapy residue. It also lasts for a sweet forever.

Snowflake Pajama Pants – I’m sure there are people who don’t live for the post-supper moment when they put on their pajamas, but I don’t know any of them. And if I did know them, I probably couldn’t be friends with them. Because comfy pajama bottoms? NOTHING BETTER. If someone gave me these as a hostess gift, I’d be tempted to change clothes and wear them to the party. I’M JUST SAYIN’.

Lightweight Ruched Scarf – Scarves are timeless, and this one is light enough that it can be worn year ’round. Can’t beat it.

Little Peepers Shakers – Salt and pepper shakers are something that I never think to buy for myself. One Christmas a sweet friend gave me a set as a gift, and I was TICKLED. These would be pure happiness on a breakfast table any day of the year, and the price is fab, too.

Happy Merry, y’all!

Filed Under: Lovin' On People, The South

The Texting Made The Not Winning Easier

21 November 2010 by

I was by myself for part of this past weekend because D and Alex went on a little father/son camping trip. I could pretend to be sad that I didn’t get to camp, too, but I think we all know that that would be a lie. I prefer to sleep indoors, thankyouverymuch, but I was just as tickled as I could be to see my fellas load all their gear into D’s truck and head off for an adventure in All The Nature. Personally I most enjoy the nature when there is some sort of glass partition separating me from the bugs and also the heat, but I knew Alex would have a blast. And he did. TOTAL FAN of the camping, he is.

Sister and I had talked about driving over to Starkville for the game against Arkansas since I was going to be footloose and fancy-free, but Friday morning I knew as soon as I got out of bed that I was way too tired for a road trip. It was a crazy, busy, sleep-deficient week, and a Saturday with nowhere to go sounded like heaven on earth to me. Turned out that Sister was feeling the same way. So she stayed in Nashville, I stayed in Birmingham, and I made sure my phone was fully charged so that we could text away during the game.

The game started with State jumping out to a 7-0 lead, and since I was all alone, I felt free to HOLLER LIKE A MADWOMAN. I was as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs, so about mid-way through the first quarter I started cleaning our den. There was a point in the second quarter where we hit a little lull and Arkansas was winning 14-7, so I sent Sister a text that said, “Can we fake a punt or something?”

AND Y’ALL – SECONDS LATER – WE TOTALLY FAKED THE PUNT.

It was like I called it into being.

Look!

After that I was ON FI-IRE with the cleaning. Pulled out the vacuum, dusted the furniture, Windexed the glass tabletops, used the Swiffer Wet stuff on the floors. OUT OF CONTROL. By the half the ‘Dogs were up 21-17, and I moved to the kitchen in search of new surfaces to scour.

I AM NOT AT ALL NORMAL.

The Razorbacks went up 31-21 in the second half, but we scored with about four minutes left in the game to cut their lead to three. We kicked off to them, and I sent Sister a VERY DRAMATIC text: “WE NEED A FUMBLE.”

Two plays later Arkansas fumbled and we recovered.

I can’t explain it. It’s a gift, much like being able to recognize the subtle differences in Popeye’s and Bojangle’s fried chicken. And for the record, I have never in my life screamed like I did when we recovered that football. I kept alternating between wishing my people were home so that we could celebrate together and being so, so grateful that they were camping and therefore spared the spectacle of my crazy.

The next minute and a half was insane. State had no time-outs left, but we kept moving down the field. Finally, with 14 seconds on the clock, our field goal kicker nailed a 25-yarder that sent the game into overtime. And my phone went cuckoo in the best possible way.

The recurring theme in all of these texts, of course (besides the fact that my friends are awesome), is my certainty of imminent death. I really wondered if my heart could take it. I thought about turning off the TV, waiting 30 or so minutes and then checking the internet for the final score. It was too much. It was all too much.

In the end I decided that not even the threat of some sort of cardiac malfunction could keep me away from the television. In the first overtime we fumbled and Arkansas missed a field goal. Which led to a second overtime. And in the end, Arkansas prevailed and won 38-31. If I hadn’t been such a wreck during our last possession, I would have sent Sister a text that said, “WE’RE GOING TO SCORE A TOUCHDOWN AND MAKE THE TWO-POINT CONVERSION.”

Clearly that would have solved everything.

But the ending being what it was, Sister and I wrapped up our texting for the night.

A few minutes later, I heard my phone beep or ding or chime or whatever it does when I have a new message. Here’s what was waiting on me from our friend Dave:

It summed up my feelings PERFECTLY. And it made me laugh a whole bunch, too.

Even though I would’ve loved to have seen our boys get the win, I couldn’t feel too disappointed. They played their hearts out, and it really was a whale of a game.

But I learned some valuable lessons, oh yes I did. In fact, I just sent Sister a text about this week’s Egg Bowl, when the Bulldogs will head to The School Up North and take on the Rebel Black Bears.

Oh, I know it won’t make a lick of difference in the outcome.

But I figure it can’t hurt to go ahead and put it out there. Worked for the fake punt and the fumble, after all.

:-)

Go ‘Dogs.

Filed Under: Beloved Bulldogs
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