Holiday Blessings

Minus all the roommate D.R.A.M.A., this holiday has seemed extra magical. I'm not sure I can pinpoint the reason, but I'm so thankful to enjoy another Christmas with those I love so dearly.

This year I decided not to host my annual Christmas cocktail. While I miss that party like WHOA, I have gotten to enjoy new opportunities. For starters, I have attended every party I've been invited to minus one because I was unable to safely travel due to poor party-hopping planning (sorry Merdeezy Hollaaas!). Also, I've been able to be more spontaneous this year. In years past, my month was planned out to the minute just to get everything done. With the huge weight of the party planning gone, I have found time. I've baked; I've enjoyed quality time with all my friends; I've felt less rushed; I've felt more at peace than I have in a long time.

Last week, was my busy week for holiday gathers. These get-to-togethers typically are small pockets of friends getting together to celebrate each other's company.

Monday- Random dinner with Kat then lots of holiday baking.

Tuesday- Christmas Bunco...yaya me for loser's prize!

Wednesday- New Year's Eve movie with my kt from This Old House, and several other friends. We added a little flare to the evening with some wine roadies and I brought a baggie of baked goodies for everyone.

Thursday- Dinner with my BAGEL gals and more baked goodies from my kitchen.

Friday- Christmas shopping tradition with, a former co-worker, now dear friend who came from 2 hours away to shopping, hang out, continue a tradition.

Saturday- old roommate, Les, made a surprise trip to town and we spent the whole day together. I must really love her because I drove her to the mall in holiday traffic!! Then a lovely evening of Christmas partying, including donating to Toys-for-Tots!

Sunday- Mom and dad came to treat me to brunch and then I started prepping for tomorrow night's Supper Club.

Monday- Hosted Christmas Supper Club

Seriously there is no way my week could have been any better. No night was double-booked, everyone was in a festive mood, and I'm so blessed for all the amazing people in my life.

Tomorrow I'll share pictures from Supper Club. I put one of my friends in charge of taking pictures but she only took 3 :( Oh well, I can showoff my first roast!

Jingle Bells,

Southern Gal

Tonight

Tonight is Supper Club!! I cannot tell y'all how nervous/excited I am!! I'm hosting this year and I'm also cooking my first cut of meat. You see, I don't do red meat. I'm not against eating it; I'm against having to cook it myself. I'll happily eat it if someone else cooks it. The thought of having blood on my hands gives me the heebie jeebies.

My neighbor-man came over last night to help me prep this piece of meat since I wasn't sure what to do with the 4 pounds of roast I had just purchased. Fortunately, he had red wine handy and is a sweetheart! We seasoned it, tenderized it, and left it to sit in red wine over night. Neighbor-man is even going to pop it into the oven at the correct time since I'll still be at work! How did I get so lucky to live next to a good guy?!

Gah I hope this dinner works out tonight! I have 10 ladies counting on me to have the main dish. I'm doing a better job about taking pictures because I remembered to take a picture while we were prepping the meat last night. Tonight I plan to take several photos of the table and meal to share with y'all tomorrow!

Happy Cooking!

Speaking of Southern

A Steel Magnolia Monday Morning

Photo Credit

As I previously mentioned my roommate is planning to move out. All I ask is that the situation is handled fairly. Am I asking too much? Apparently for that Yankee, I am.

She initially came to me on Thursday evening, we revisited the conversation on Friday evening and concluded that she had till Sunday to make her final decision. I did not hear from her until Monday morning. She blew right past the established deadline. I really don't appreciate lack of communication. Also, I'm a tad neurotic so EVERYTHING snowballs in my head.

Let's be clear here. I did not create this situation. I'm not asking her to break her rent agreement; yet, somehow she feels its my job to fix this for her so she can waltz away without paying for her own actions. Bless her heart because that poor girl has another thing comin'. I don't take kindly to arrogant individuals.

This morning we had another conversation about this situation. I may or may not have left the house with her crying in her room this morning. The jury is out but I'm guessing she has shed a few tears now.  However, I have not been rude. If tears have been shed on her end, its out of her own guilt for knowing she is trying to do wrong.

Let me tell ya'll, I have never in this world been more proud of myself as I was on Friday evening and this morning for how I've handle the situation. I truly believe that she thought I was some dumb, southern girl that wouldn't put up a fight. Clearly, she hasn't been in the South long enough to know the definition of a true Steel Magnolia. We'll will be sweet as pie until crossed. Once you've crossed me, I can be Hell on Heels; however, this morning I was wearing boots!

mwah,

Speaking of Southern

Holy Moly 24 Hours!

WOW....that is the only word to describe the past 24 hours!

Let's start from the beginning. Last night I skipped out on Jingle Ball, a city cocktail party to benefit Toys-for-Tots, to get some Christmas shopping done. I got all the mall stuff taken care of and I headed back home last night feeling like I got everything under control....famous last words.

I got home, sorted through my shopping bags, added them to the other Christmas presents, and curled up on the couch to veg for about 45 minutes before bed. Just as I settled in, my roommate popped out of her room and came into the living room and started chatting away. I knew instantly something was up but hoped that maybe she was just bored. My first instinct was correct- she is moving in with her boyfriend. Great! Congrats! (Good luck?) I can't help but wonder if I'm cursed or charmed. This is the 3rd roommate to move out of this house and in with their boyfriend!

Ready for the kicker in this little story of mine?! Even though we have 2 months left on our 3 month agreement, she wants to move out on December 22nd. Again, December 22nd. Two weeks notice! Uhhh can you say SHOCKED! Honestly it didn't all sink in until this morning. I woke up just plain mad. Wouldn't you be angry??

I went to work this morning and spent some time talking to my parents for advice. I decided that roomie and I would revisit the discussion asap so I took the time to put my thoughts in order.

In the mean time, my doctor's office called with the results of my blood test, testing allergy/environmental. Apparently, I have elevated levels to dust mites, cat/dog dander, pecan trees, and wheat. OMG!!

Here is the humor in that list-

• I have a HUGE pecan tree in my yard. Remember? Seriously. How many people do you know with a pecan tree in their yard??? I bet a big fat ZERO, unless you count me!
• Cat/dog dander. All I can do is laugh! I've had cats my entire life! Also, this was going to be a separate post but I'm happy to introduce you to my sweet babe, Bella! She is spoiled rotten! But we'll have a proper introduction to come.

• Wheat?! Uggggg, goodbye bread, beer, pasta, etc. It's a sad, sad day. Bright side, I should be dropping some pounds in the near future! 

My doctor has decided that not only do I have a wheat allergy, but I have to go see a gastroenterologist to ensure I don't have celiac disease. Hello gluten free life! sigh...Does anyone have good recipes to share? This is all new to me.

Is anyone else tired at this point?! I am. My day was exhausting with all the drama thrown at me left and right! Never a dull moment.

Even thought I was worn out, I still had to revisit the moving convo with roomie when I got home from work. Basically I laid it ALL out. I have nothing to lose (ie- mutual friendships being impacted). I gave her 2 options, stood my ground, expressed my disappointment and frustration. I certainly do not appreciated the lack of notice nor the expectation that its okay to bail on an agreement. I feel like I was backed against a wall during the initial conversation and overall taken advantage of and that is not okay.

I am very proud of myself for facing this issue head-on. I rarely do such a bold move. My hands were shaking the whole time! I was honest so we'll see what happens. I gave her until Sunday to let me know how she would like to proceed. I gently reminded her that its only natural to need time to process big news and since I wasn't given that same respect I took the opportunity to have a teaching moment. I'll let you know how things turn out!

Considering the eventful 24 hours, I should have gone to bed HOURS ago!

Beyond Bedtime,

S.O.S.

Hart of Dixie

Photo Credit & Plot Summary

Does anyone else watch CW's Hart of Dixie?? It airs Monday nights at 9pm following Gossip Girl. I'm a proud viewer and I might be the only one on the planet that LOVES this show!

Last night I was watching Monday's episode and the ending scene had a great song playing in the background. I paused the DVR and googled it and found the song with surprising ease! It is rapidly becoming my "on repeat" song.  It s a short, simple song with a sweet message.

The Lumineers sing "Ho Hey".....GO. LISTEN. NOW.

You will thank me!!

Happy Friday Eve,

S.O.S.

Christmas Decorations + Mantle = LoveHate

I'm going to be very honest here......I struggle with my mantle all year round!

UGH it drives me crazy. I always feel like something is "off." I have no idea why but some days there is "too much silver" or "too much glass" or "too much height" or "not enough height" and recently I've decided to blame the wall color. Seriously. The wall color is to blame here. I use to be happy with my mantle decorations until one day I had plaster work done and the walls had to be painted once the plaster was repaired. I told the contractor to pick the same paint color because I LOVE it. I still love the color but it is no longer the color of my living room. I came home from work, he was done/gone, and my walls are a weird beige/white color. Needless to say, I was not pleased. Okay this is not a story about my shady contractor so I'm going to move on.

So my mantle issues have carried over to my Christmas decorations. For the past 3 years I've used gold glittery trees (that have lost some glitter), candles, and other stuff I can't remember. This year I decided to waste my time try something new.

Let's start at the very beginning with my everyday mantle.

Boring, I know. Normally there are fresh cut flowers where you see the dried hydrangeas to add more color and balance the height. However, I didn't buy fresh flowers last week because I was gone for Thanksgiving and I knew Christmas decorations were next!

So I got to work from an idea I had in my head. Here are my sticks!

Working away at my idea in my head. Will it work????

Time for the big reveal!......

BAM....Christmas Mantle FAIL!

The sticks just blend right into my "beige" walls.I could even envision the lights and greenery I had planned to add. I was so disappointed in the outcome. However, after a solid night of bar hopping and a morning of sleeping late, I felt refreshed and ready to face my mantle again.

May I present 2011 Christmas Mantle....Drum roll please!

Ta-Da!!!

Gold trees again, red tree, fresh candles, TONS of lights (200 just on the mantle!), and greenery from my front yard. I'm very pleased with my mantle this year even though I used most of the same stuff. Somehow it looks different. 

Did anyone else struggle finding normal, traditional lights this year?? I went to FOUR stores looking for white lights on green wire. Yes, that's right, I said FOUR....Target, Walmart, Lowes, and finally Rite Aid. The last place I looked is behind my house. Yeah, I could have walked up there instead of driving all over creation. I knew I shouldn't have left ITB (Inside The Beltline) to go looking for them!

So I guess you're wondering what I did with the sticks. I left them sitting on the dining room table for a day or two deciding what to do- reuse or toss. I decided to give them one more chance before kicking them to the curb.

Lookie, lookie!!

I'm super excited about my centerpiece for the dining room table. I'm pretty proud that I was able to salvage part of my vision!

I hope you're having just as much fun getting into the holiday spirit as I am!

Sweet Dreams,

Southern Girl

ps- If you have any ideas for my everyday mantle, please help a gal out!!

All photos are personal.

My Christmas Wish List

Have you started your Christmas Wish List?

Amidst Thanksgiving, holiday decorating, Christmas shopping, and every day life, I managed to find a little time to write my wish list for any little elf who is inclinded to surprise me. Since I'm on Santa's "Good List," I have big dreams this holiday season!

Here is a taste of what I hope to find under the tree on Christmas morning.

photo credit

Gift Cards- Target, Gas, Groceries, Ann Taylor Loft, Lowes Hardware (DIY supplies, duh!), Starbucks

Photo Credit

Hoover Stick Vac because I'm tired of sweeping and this baby has some powerful suction!

Photo Credit

Springform pan is really one of those things that I occasionally need but not reguarly enough to buy it for myself. Do you have one? How often do you use it?

Photo Credit

Infinity Scarf- I. LOVE. SCARVES. Seriously, who doesn't love the pop of color, pattern, or texture that a scarf offers?! This infinity scarf is from my friends over at Poppies336 on Etsy. 

(PS- Shop Poppies336 on etsy. Do it. All the cool kids are.)

Photo Credit

Cloche Hat. I wish we could return to the days when ladies wore hats.

Photo Credit

Classes. So if I were super rich, this would be my only gym membership. I'm starting to enjoy pure barre eventhough every muscle in my body hurts right now from last night! Classes are kinda pricey so it is a treat to workout there. Maybe Santa will bring me a package of classes!

Photo Credit

Burberry perfume. Simple, Classic, Me.

Photo Credit

Only in my dreams will I own a Nikon d5100 AND know how to use every aspect of this gorgeous piece of photography heaven. I hope I'll find this beauty, a few lenses, and a private tutor under the tree with my name on it!

I have a few items on my list that I can't google to share with you. Particularly, a photo of my great grandmother and her 4 sisters. The photo is fondly referred to as "the 5 sisters." I am named after my great grandmother and even though I never met her, I have always felt this strong connection with her. When my grandma passed away, my aunt got the original photo and frame. What I would give for the original (and my grandma's wedding band, but that's a whole other story). I hope this year Santa will bring me an elegantly framed reproduction for my own living room.

Also, I need a little help from magic elves to make this wish happen. In the tiny town my Grandma lived in, there is a deli that has a photo of the town's movie theater in its heyday that I would kill for. I tried and tried to reach the owner of the deli last winter to secure my own copy but it was a fruitless battle. Wish me luck as I tried to reach him again this holiday season. I sure do hope that holiday cheer will be in his heart when I call.

What's on your Christmas list???

Okay dear friends, it is beyond my bedtime!

Until Next Time,

Southern Girl

It's a Pure Barre Kinda Night

I'm going back to Pure Barre tonight! Ekk! I'm scared and excited at the same time. Last time, was a complete workout and I'm hoping for the same tonight. I'm positive that Pure Barre will not disappoint.

Photo Credit

Cheers to being able to walk tomorrow!

In holiday news- I'm hoping that tomorrow evening will be a good night to get started on a holiday project. I really need all this rain to pass through and go drizzle on someone else for awhile. I've got some painting to do along with shopping for a few more odds and ends to update my Christmas decor. I can't wait to share pictures! Gah, Christmas is my favorite time of year. I wish we could have Christmas lights year round. The soft glow of white lights is so peaceful.

Make it a great day!

S.O.S.

Working on that DIY List

I promised myself that I would learn more about Blogger and look what I've done! I just figured out how to post pictures side-by-side AND centered! YAY me....I know, its the little things in life that you need to remember to celebrate. I think this is the first time that my HTML class from college finally helped me!....Obviously it didn't work! What am I doing wrong? Can anyone help a gal out?!

Personal Photos

So the adorable little one in the pictures above is my nephew. He is a hot mess that I love to pieces! He is so much fun and is ready to take on the world. We picked up some Christmas trees on Friday morning and he was ready to haul them back home for us with his Daddy. Needless to say he was not a happy camper when we took him out of the truck and strapped him into his car seat in Mommy's car.

I can't believe Thanksgiving is over for another year. This year I collected pecans from my yard (yay for pecan trees!), shelled them and made chocolate pecan pie. Its amazing how much money I saved as well as how much better the pie was with fresh pecans. The pie wasn't even around long enough for me to snap a photo! My sister-in-law and my mom have requested this pie for Christmas!

I've got a couple more DIY projects coming for the holidays! Today I collected sticks for my next project.....you'll have to stick around to see why!

Sweet Dreams,

Southern Gal

Hello & Goodbye Monday

Monday has come and gone yet again. The weekend flew by in the blink of an eye. I'm still surprised that I made it to every event and still had time to wander around town with the old roomie.

Quick outline of the weekend-

1. Former roommate in town for the weekend
2. Friend from high school in town for the weekend
3. 3rd Annual Chili Cookoff
4. Skanksgiving (aka Slutty-Thankgiving)
5. Dewey's 3rd birthday (Dewey is not a person...)
6. New roommate moved in

Whew, I'm tired again from just typing about the weekend. I'm a horrible blogger, and didn't take a single picture!! I'm going to lightly stalk facebook in hopes of being able to steal some pictures. Finger crossed that I'll be back tomorrow with a photo or two to go with the great stories I have to share!! However, now its time for Gossip Girl.

Until Next Time,

Southern Gal

Thank You

Thank you to all past and current military members. Thank you for allowing freedom to remain strong. Thank you to your families for long separations, sacrifices, sleepless nights, and endless worry.

Photo Credit

Oyster Roast vs. Christmas Cocktail

Decisions, decisions, decisions this holiday season!

Every year since graduating college I have hosted a Christmas Cocktail so its become an annual event for me and my friends. This year, my cute (cough cough single)  neighbor man asked me what I thought about us hosting an Oyster Roast together this holiday season. Well knock my socks off, I love hosting parties!!

So now, I have a decision to make- host a Christmas Cocktail OR a Christmas Oyster Roast???

Photo credits: here, here, and here

Most of my friends don't seem to mind either way. Several have expressed a desire to continue the Christmas Cocktail. I wish I could do both. I value tradition and it breaks my heart at the thought of not having a cocktail this season. However, I'm really excited about the possibility of challenging myself and trying a new type of party.

I've already started receiving Christmas party invitations and I feel behind on my whole planning process. I guess I need to buckle down this weekend and make some decisions.

Whats your vote? Christmas Cocktail or Oyster Roast??

Until Next Time,

S.O.S

Goodbye 2011 Wedding Season

Welcome back folks! I hope you're making yourself at home here at the new blog. I know I'm working on making it comfortable and cozy. Let me know if you have any suggestions.

This past Saturday was my last wedding for the 2011 wedding season. Its bittersweet to bid farewell to 2011 weddings. This wedding season was filled with signature cocktail hunting, hot tamale pinatas, catching bouquets, scenic wine tours, adventures in Disney (FYI- the Magic Kingdom does not serve adult beverages, but Epcot does), Elvis, growing wine glass collection, Hollywood marquee, the cupid shuffle, and fairytale settings. Also, lots of mental notes of both dos and don'ts for whenever my prince finds me.

Whitney and Richie were the last to tie the knot this year. They exchanged vows and rings at the Sutherland in Wake Forest. We had a wonderful night dancing under the fall moon and starry night.

Photo Credits

The ceremony was held outside on the Terrance and the reception was in a heated (thank goodness!) tent. The Remedy provided tunes while we tore up the dance floor! The bride and I went to a small, southern college together and it was so much fun to see some many alums in one place. We brought out some college songs and cheers with true EVEN and ODD rivalry. It was a wonderful evening for everyone! Cheers to the newlyweds, Mr. & Mrs. C!! Have fun in Jamaica.

In case you were wondering, I did not find my prince charming across the dance floor on Saturday. I'll let you know when I do!

xoxo,

Southern Girl

(I'll be trying out different signatures over the next few posts. Gotta find "the one.")

Southern Rules

Rule No. 214

“Don’t be afraid to fall in love. It’s the only thing that matters in life. You just fall in love with as many things as possible.” -Country Strong

Courtesy of The Rules

We've Moved!

Hey Ya'll!

Big announcement here- we've moved!! I decided to start fresh with a new blog. Please visit Speaking of Southern to continue to follow the thrilling adventures of this 20 something year-old gal in search of love, fun, and all things southern.

Hope to see ya'll around the new blog!!

Transitioning

Hello Blog World!

I hope everyone is staying warm and dry on this chilly, damp November evening. So this is a new blog for me. I'm transitioning from an old blog so I can start fresh. I feel that a fresh start, look, and title, will empower me to make a true commitment to blogging.

If you clicked back to my old blog, you'll see that I've got a BIG list of DIY and goals. I have been working on several projects but it's too soon to share pictures. The weather has not been cooperating and I'm on the verge of taping off my kitchen and doing some projects inside. I keep hoping we'll have an Indian summer so I can get a little bit more work done outside before the chill sets in for the winter.

In other news, I spent yesterday evening and this evening at Junior League's A Shopping SPREE!

Sir Walter Raleigh is dressed for the occasion!

personal photo

If you don't know anything about SPREE! then let me take a moment to share the wonders of this once a year shopping event. So the Junior League hosts this big holiday market at the convention center for 4 days. Its overwhelming, with all its glitter, music, fun product, and interesting finds. There must be 200 vendor selling their wares. You can find everything from shoes, food, furniture, art, holiday decorations, beauty products, clothes, everything, and I mean everything there.

SPREE! has become a tradition for me and my old roommate. We always go Thursday and Friday evenings after work. Last year my mom started showing interest in going so she comes to town for the day over the weekend to enjoy my company (obviously!) and the capital city. This year she'll be here on Sunday since I have a wedding on Saturday to attend.

Speaking of weddings, I should head to bed for some beauty rest. Maybe I'll meet my future husband tomorrow night across the reception dance floor, and bags under my eyes would be devastating! A girl can dream....

xoxo,

S.O.S.

A Little of This, A Little of That

I bet you're wondering if I was able to walk on Thursday following my Pure Barre work out. Well Thursday I woke up feeling pretty good. I was much better than I expected until I was going to bed on Thursday night. Finally, I felt some major ab soreness creep in. I had a hard time sitting back up to turn the light off after reading. At least its the good kinda soreness! I still need to research an adult ballet classes. I promise I will do that this weekend!

Alright, so I have a couple things to add to my DIY wish list!

• Glitter lanterns- I'm gonna use blue glitter instead and have them as part of the decor for a baby shower that I'm co-hosting in a few months. I cannot wait to try this project!! It will be a few months before I can do it, don't want the glitter to dull before the shower, but nonetheless I'm really excited about it!

Adorable blog photo credit

• Make more time to bake/cook. I have tons of recipes that I want to try. I get Southern Living magazine and Our State magazine and both give me such inspiration each month to cook or bake but guess what?! I never make the time to try all these recipes. Also, I have a co-worker who brings the most delicious leftovers everyday and she is sweet enough to share all her recipes and tips with me. In 3 1/2 years I have never made one of her recipes. But have no fear!! I'm making her mac and cheese on Thanksgiving this year! My SIL and I already planned out Turkey Day menu and mac and cheese is on my list.

Who wants to be my taste testers?!

From Southern Living- cake, grits

• Figure out blogspot. I do not like that fact that I don't know how to put photos side-by-side. Sometimes a blog calls for that instead of this vertical layout. How do I change it? I like visual interest and I like knowing how to make things happen. Right now I am not pleased on either front.
• And finally, I can't decided if I want to tie-dye onesies or if I want varying shades of onesies to hang on the clothesline decoration. Below is my inspiration. I like how its simple, clean, sophisicated. But I'm not sure how to replicate it. On the other hand, blue and white tie-dyed onesies would be fun, energy, and 100% rough and tumble boy. If you haven't put 2 and 2 together, the babyshower is for a baby boy. What are your thoughts on these onesies?

Stay tuned...

Lift....Tone...Burn

I tried a ballet class tonight!! And, wow Pure Barre kicked my tail. We started immediately with push-ups, leg lifts, and planking. Balls, hand weights and bands were all involved, along with tucking hips and working muscles against each other. It was a major core workout and I was sweating like a pig on a stick within minutes of the class starting. The whole ordeal was 55 minutes long. Oddly, the 55 minutes flew by, thank you baby jesus; but the 30 second intervals were slooooow AND painful. Cheers to being able to walk tomorrow!!

Photo Credit

I do want to go again but it wasn't ballet enough for me. It was lots of muscle toning which I do need; however, I was hoping for a few more battements, jetes, or piques. Secretly I was hoping we would do some barre exercises, then maybe a combination across the floor, add in a few arabesques, a port de bras here and there then call it a day. (Sorry, I don't know how to do the accent mark.)

I ended up choosing this class thanks to trusty old, facebook. But it was like I was meant to take this class tonight since I had just blogged about it. While I was Elkin for the wedding, I saw on fb that a friend wanted to try the class and was looking for some friends to join her. I jumped on the opportunity to have some moral support while returning to the ballet barre after 10 years! I think we're going back next week. Thanks ERob!

Look at me! Blogging AND ballet in one night. I wonder what else the week has in store. Maybe a date?!?! Probably not, but this forever-bridesmaid still has hope.

I'll be back later to blog about the state fair and other DIY projects that I've decided to add to my list.

Back so soon?!

Well lookie here, I'm back to blog! I'm actively working to make time for my projects. I know its only Sunday but I'm thinking that next weekend will be a painting weekend (depending on the weather). I have two nightstands that need a face lift along with my kitchen table and chairs. I think I'll pick just one project per weekend. Which project should I tackle first? Decisions, decisions.

This past weekend was perfect. I took Friday off and left town Thursday afternoon. I got to spend some serious quality time my nephew. I need to make that a priority as well. I do see him at least one a month but usually its never just he and I. He is growing up so quickly!

Once I dropped off my nephew at daycare, I headed toward the foothills to enjoy a wedding weekend for some dear friends. I met friends for wine tasting on Friday afternoon, then we all checked into the hotel to get ready for a Friday evening party to kick off the wedding celebrations!

First Winery of the Weekend! (personal photo)

We went to several more through out the weekend. I got wine glasses at 3 of the 5 wineries. I'm sad that one was not selling glasses and I simply forgot to buy a glass at the final winery of the weekend, which also happened to be the wedding venue. Failure!

View during the wedding ceremony. (personal photo)

I also tried to get pictures of the sign/gate for each winery but I failed at that too....guess I was enjoying all the tastings! I wish I could have more weekends like this all the time!

RagApple Lassie (personal photo)

I enjoyed RagAppleLassie and Raffaldini Vineyards the most. I would like to go back to the area and continue tasting other wineries.

This coming week I will continue my challenge of working on my priorities. Bunco is Tuesday (yippie!) and I think Wednesday I'm going to take a ballet barre class. I'm sure a barre workout is going to kick my tail!

What are you goals? How are you planning to accomplishing them?

Note- I have more photos to share from the weekend but they won't upload at the moment. I will work to fix the problem.

Making This a Priority

Wow, I'm a bad blogger.  I always get too busy with life and fail to focus on areas that require me to make time. My calendar fills up in a blink of an eye and after a wonderful conversation with a co-worker yesterday, I'm just going to make it happen.

So thank you for being patient while I learn to work on my wish list. As the Avett Brothers say, "decide what to be and go be it."

Without further ado, here is my to do list!

• Take a cake decorating class
• Learn to knit
• Make more time to paint
• Find an adult ballet class and GO regularly
• Audit grad classes until I find the masters program for me
• Stop over extending myself
• Blog more
• Slow down and not be on-the-go
• Explore my city more
• Master tie-dying to make custom onesies for a baby shower
• Learn to quilt
• Visit out of state friends "just because." Colorado is at the top of the list, followed closely by New Mexico.
• Better balance my personal priorities and my friends
• Go skydiving

I don't really have a deadline for everything on the list (except the baby shower bullet). I'm glad that I've written everything down and its no longer a mental note.

I'll be back to keep you updated! Wish me luck :)

Alot to be Thankful For

After a massive storm system blew through the state yesterday, I have so much to be thankful for. I spent my afternoon in my basement with 2 cats. I've never been so thankful for my creepy basement as I was yesterday.

Some reports say that as many as 62 tornadoes touched down yesterday and about two dozen lives were lost in the state. We were lucky to have no damage but a few sticks in the yard and a shutter that needs to be rehung on the front of the house. Sadly, my neighbors to the south of downtown weren't so lucky. I've also hear the tornado that ripped through my downtown was as much as a mile wide. Along with many others in the area and communities east of us, they have to rebuild their homes and lives. I cannot imagine.

Please keep everyone struck by this disaster in your thoughts and prayers. If you feel so, I did see on FB the opportunity to volunteer to help storm victums through the Red Cross- To volunteer, please call 919-723-6311 or email Margaret Powell at dshr@triangleredcross.org ASAP. 

Rules for the Southern Lady

Rule #144:
Never take for granted the opportunity to sit on a porch swing and enjoy the sweet summer rain. Grab you a good book and a glass of sweet tea and spend an afternoon listening to the rain fall. I believe, with every fiber of my being, that sound can heal the soul.

Courtesy of http://rulesforthesouthernlady.tumblr.com/

I'm a bad blogger.

I'm sorry that it has been months since my last post. I have no real reason or excuse. I got out of habit and wasn't sure how to pick it back up. I guess I'll just jump right in again.

Quick recap and things I've learned over the past 4 months...
-I have lived out of a suitecase. Travels include Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Charlotte, Greensboro, Myrtle Beach again, and DC.
-I've been in two weddings, two more friends got engaged, and several people have announced babies.
-I have been a bad Junior Leaguer- opps!
-Cherry blossoms are beautiful!
-The Eastern Market might be my new favorite place. Wish I could go every weekend.
-I'm another year older.
-The Magic Kingdom does not serve adult beverages; however, Epcot does.
-Don't go to Malibu's on a Thursday night....you'll feel RULL old!
-I have really good friends. Turns out that its a blessing that I can't hide anything from them.
-A Kate Spade is the best bridesmaid gift I've EVER gotten.
-I watched a couple get married recently and I feel like I now know true love thanks to the happily newlyweds. The bride's excitement of getting to spend forever with her new hubby was indescribable. It was truly something to aim for on my search for my Groom.
-Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero sing my new favorite song- Home. Go listen to it! Thank you to the newest Mrs. H for playing it throughout your wedding weekend!

I'm sure a thousand more things have happened but I'm clueless at the moment.

Happy Friday!