Hot in Socks

As soon as I made my first pair of socks, Southern Hubby insisted I make him some.

Brat.

Here are his socks. He's hot in socks. Literally. The day I finished these, it was 104 degrees outside. Thankfully, God in all his mercy laid off Texas a bit. It was a high of 90 here yesterday and today should top out at 93. It feels like fall to us. No, I'm serious.

I'll be updating on the house progress and a Year in Pictures post asap. Happy pre-Fall!

A Do-Over

Well, I think I'm going to have a do-over post for yesterday. I've decided that I seriously don't have to time to worry about prying snoopers, jealousy, pettiness and the like. I'm not going to worry about it anymore. I've seriously tried really hard to rise above this, but sometimes negative people will drag you back down into their messes.

I've gleaned so much from blogging and have met some awesome girls, so I don't want to leave this just yet. I love sharing but I think I may just have to hold back some...at least until I don't see certain people visiting me anymore. (Isn't it great being able to see who visits you?)

As for tonight, this is what I have planned...

We've been so busy with house stuff, I haven't even had time to read my magazines. Lordy, that is so not like me! So, I've got dinner in the oven, Ghost Hunter re-runs on the TV and some delicious sangria waiting for me. I hope you all have as lovely a night as I plan to have. :)

xoxo

Spilling the Beans

I've decided about whether or not to mention this on my blog just because we weren't 100% sure but I think we're getting there.

Southern Hubby and I are moving.

This may not be earth-shattering to you but it is to me. I hate moving. Like loathe it. Packing my clothes, wrapping each individual plate and wine glass, moving our beds. Ugh. It's just too much.

But right now, with the lower interest rates and such, Southern Hubby thinks it is a most opportune time to add square footage and some little house 'treats' we don't really need, but would like. You see, this house will be the one we keep for a long time. We're thinking 15 years or so. (Did you know the average American family moves every five years? And did you know that in August it will be five years since we built and moved in our house? We're so typical, huh?)


So, I told him that it has to have certain things for me to be happy. I'm not going to move just because. We then proceeded to make a list of things we'd both like in our house...things that are non-negotiable.



Mine were...

1. Exposed wood beams

2. a kitchen island

3. custom built ins/architectural niches

 4. hand scraped wood floors

Then we made a list of things I'd love to have but are not required... but I'll get to those in the next post. Let me show you the one thing Southern Hubby needed/wanted/had to have. Period.

Men... hmmph!

xoxo

How I feel today...

Amen to this cute looking gal with pigtails.It's supposedly going to snow again today and tomorrow here in north Texas.
Time for more thick and cozy socks.

Time for my flannel pj's and flannel bed sheets.

Here's what my part of town looked like the last time it snowed. This happened right before Valentine's Day. It was unreal for Texas.

And we got to make real snowmen, too! Not the ugly, dirt filled, black snowmen we're used to making, either! Southern Hubby thought it was hilarious. Since he's a Yankee, he's been there-done that. He thought making a fort was much cooler, but in the end I won.

Stay warm out there, ya'll!!

xoxo

Time for snuggling with my three boys.

Today...

... I will be completing my second day of training of the Couch to 5K program. My first day's training kicked my butt. Thank God, I had my Polar F7. It really did help keep me going and I was able to see how many calories I'd burned afterwards. 804 kcals, baby! Worth every cent I paid for it!

... My throat is hurting a bit but I'm more focused on Southern Hubby who is really a sicky-poo right now.

... I finished my J.Crew wanna be ruffle shirt. It cost me $7. Much less than the one I was going to get from J. Crew. I got the shirt at Joanns and used some old knit shirts that I found in my Goodwill pile. It was pretty easy to make. If anyone would like a tutorial for it, let me know and I'll see if I can get one up! 

... I got a surprising email from a national cable TV station with an interesting opportunity. Hmmmm...

 ... I'm wishing I had a couple leftover Superbowl cookies I made last weekend. But not enough to have to re-clean up the mess they made during the last round.

.... I plan on doing the same thing I did last night. Have a cup of tea, read, and work on some knitting. Yes, I'm a gal in my late 20's. No, I do not spend my nights in bars anymore. And I like it that way, thankyouverymuch! ;)

... I dreaming of another ruffle project to do. So many possibilities!

Today will be a good day. :)

xoxo

Here's to new beginnings..

Would you believe this was taken at almost 10pm at night? The moon was beautiful last night so I had SH drive me to a field so I could shoot it. It was breathtaking. Here are the pic details for you photography freaks out there: focal length- 22mm; shutter speed- 1/32; f/stop 11; ISO 1600\

2010. A new dawn. A new day. A new decade. I cannot believe that I've been at this blog for a year. Where did 2009 go? My blogiversary passed at the end of December...maybe I'll have a fun giveaway to celebrate. (If you're a vendor or home based business, contact me for details on sponsoring a giveaway!) I heard a ton of people saying how horrible 2009 was for them. These people weren't homeless or dealing with major problems like unemployment, disease, drugs. I didn't get it.

This year was wonderful for me. I had a roof, faith, food, friends, family, health. I didn't land in jail, or make any major news headlines. Southern Hubby and I went on plenty of dates, smooched some, and we brought Matty in our family. I'd say that was a pretty good year. ;) No, we didn't win the lotto, and I didn't spend 4 weeks in Aruba, but I had what really matters.

Anyway, in the spirit of new beginnings, I wanted to touch a little more on my word of the year- create. I loved everyone's words- ya'll are some creative and  inspiring gals!

:: create a hospitable and welcoming home :: I often feel that people do not think my home is 'comfortable'. I've gotten many compliments on how warm and inviting it is, but I want people to feel at ease. I want to create an atmosphere of  comfort and joy. I don't want people asking me if they can use a certain throw I have draped over my couch, or if they can use cloth napkin. I want to de-museum my house and make it so that people feel comfortable plopping down on my couch with a glass of sweet tea. But keep your feet off my coffee table. A girl has to have her limits!

:: create a deeper relationship with God :: This one is pretty constant in my life. Southern Hubby and I finally found a church we can call home. And I'm going to renew my committment to my bible studies. I had a lapse when the holidays started and I do find myself losing that connection with Him. I can't expect us to have a solid relationship if I do not pray and confide in Him. It's a simple as that.

:: create peace throughout my home :: I firmly believe that an organized home is a happy and peaceful home. I've re-designed my daily schedule sheets, and created a grocery shopping list. I'll be sharing those with ya'll in the days to come. I love it and think that it really makes me a more efficient housewife.

:: create more opportunities for adventure and fun :: I thrive on consistency and routine. I'm not big on change. But I know those kind of lifestyles can turn into major ruts. And there is a big difference between routines and ruts. In 2010, I want to create more drama in my life. No, I don't mean crazy soap opera drama, either. I want to be more spontaneous. I want to live life. I want to remember that just because I'm heading towards the big 3-0 *gulp* that doesn't mean I've got one foot in the grave.

:: create and cultivate a new friendships :: I've never been a super shy girl. I don't mind striking up conversations with anyone anywhere. (I think we keep to ourselves too much these days. There's nothing wrong with saying hello to a stranger.) But somewhere down the line, I closed myself up to any new friendships. Guess it has to do with that routine rut I created where we only hung out with the same people. We weren't trying to be snobby, we just didn't have time to cultivate new friendships. New friendships took time. And time was something we had little of. But no more. We need to create time for our friends and family, not for pursing things that only bring superficial happiness.

What does your word mean to you? What are you looking forward to in 2010?

xoxo

I can feel the winds of change coming...

And what perfect timing- the new year. Another chance to get things right. Does anyone else love this time of year because of all the possibilites it brings? I feel my slate wiped clean. I feel renewed and ready to get back into my routines after a month of holiday cheer.

My mind has been full of all kinds of ideas...swirling and fluttering around. So much so, that I needed to take to paper to get them all in order. {{I'm a 'list-making' kind of a girl, thanks to my daddy, so I feel much better once I get things written out and orderly.}} The main ones have to do with ever growing my relationship with God, getting my house to feel more welcoming, volunteering options, and getting more organized in my shop.

One thing I wanted to try this year was to give myself a word- a word that would symbolize me and the life I choose to lead in 2010. I wanted this word to influence any decisions I'd encounter or to inspire my way of living. I want to focus on, mediate on, and reflect upon this word as I go about my daily life... a sort of simple motto for the year.

And the word I chose was: create.

Not only does it serve to give me a reminder of the things I need to be doing daily...create a loving home for my family, create healthy and wholesome meals, create new designs for my jewelery, ect. but it also seemed to encompass the main goals I had for the year as well...

:: create a hospitable and welcoming home ::

:: create a deeper relationship with God ::

:: create peace throughout my home ::

:: create more opportunities for adventure and fun ::

:: create and cultivate a new friendships ::

:: create organization in my home ::

:: create

I'll touch on these more individually in the next post. But for now, why don't you grab a cup of coffee or tea, sit in a quiet area and think of word, too. Remember that this is your word. You don't have to fit it around any one else's life but yours.

I'd love to know if you decide to take on this challenge. Let me know what word you choose... or simply hold it close to your heart.

xoxo

Detoxing

*photo credit: Sara Janssen

Just wanted to say hola. I have just a few minutes to post. My mother in law is in town, and last night my own mother spent the night so she could hang out with us. They get along swimmingly-it's such a blessing.

Southern Hubby had a work dinner with some Japan clients so it was a girl's night out for us. We enjoyed a good shopping trip capped off with a dinner from the Cheesecake Factory. That place is so yummy but my poor stomach.... I was up all night with a sore tummy.

Which got me thinking about Sara's raw food journey. I know I've mentioned Sara before. She is an awesome and unique woman...living the good life, following God, and doing it all while maintaining her own morals and ethics. She is an awesome steward of the Earth...she even made a deal with herself when she could NOT purchase something brand new for a whole year. And she did it! Can you imagine? Her reasons are awfully compelling...I just don't know if I could do it.

Anyone out there living as a vegetarian, vegan, or loving a raw food diet? I'm seriously thinking about at least starting to drink a green smoothie every day. She had a challenge this past summer but I missed it. I'm looking for another green smoothie partner....just in case my courage fails and I need some motivation.

If anyone thinks they can go through sugar detox with me, let me know! Sounds scary, but after the way I felt last night, I'm starting to think it's a smart cookie thing to do.

Happy Friday!!! And Happy Halloween, y'all!
xoxo

Moving on...to pizza

Morning gals! After praying on it a bit, I've decided to move on. I'm going to be a bit more a cautious of what I write and the pictures I show from now on though.

Anyway, (just in time for lunch!)I wanted to share a fun recipe with y'all. The other evening, I had the biggest craving for pizza. I loooooove cheese pizza. Love. I'd never made pizza dough from scratch, but I figured it was a good day to learn. I ended up using Paula Deen's dough recipe and it was fabulous! It's very easy and hard to mess up. :)

I had to use my Lucy pizza making skills when tossing the dough. As you can see, it didn't turn out in a perfect circle. But that doesn't affect the taste one bit, thankfully!

And it was really a fun time in the kitchen with Southern Hubby! I'm always on the lookout for bonding opportunities with my husband and this was a great one! We tried to see who got the best circle, had fun with the flour, and ended up with some funny memories. :)

Do this one tonight, gals. :) Promise you won't regret it!

Happy cheesy pizza!

xoxo

Last Year's Fall Interior Decor

I LOVE the fall season! It's my fave! And I know people say it all the time, but it seriously is for me. In fact, summer is on the bottom of my season favorites so I'm extra excited when fall comes around because it means my most hated season is ending!

And of course, when it comes to decorating for fall, I like to do it right! Here are some pictures of my fall decor from last year. I plan on taking all e autumn decorations out tomorrow to get started put things up.

I loved my fall house last year, but after seeing all the farmhouse chic goodies at Super Pie Farm House, Aunt Ruthie has inspired me to put a little of these whimsical touches here and there. So I got a some new farmhouse/country feel goodies to put up this year.

Of course when it is all finished, I'll take pictures and post theme here. Do you have a harvest 'theme' you plan on doing?

Churchill UPDATE:

Yesterday, I spoke with the Animal Services in San Antonio. I asked how fundraising was going and I asked how Churchill was doing. Want to good or bad news first? I always take the bad news first to get it over with so we'll do that. Well, the bad news is that sweet Churchill has tested positive for heart worms. If you're a dog lover, you know what sort of horrible treatment this is for a canine to undergo. After all the treatments, he has to be confined to an area for one month straight-alone. Pretty much like solitary confinement for something they couldn't do themselves. :( Spread the word on responsible pet ownership!!

But, the good news is that Her Southern Charm readers have raised over $300!!! I am so overwhelmed and blessed to have such awesome and generous readers. And this includes those who were unable to donate monetarily but did so by emailing friends and family, blogging about Churchill and spreading the word. :)

I would like to ask that anyone who still needs to donate do so by choosing to send the money as a gift instead of a donation. Paypal seems to be taking their cut out the donations but the two who sent them as gifts are not getting anything taken out of it and are able to be donating their full amount. Let's give this money all to Churchill, not to paypal's outrageous fees. Please me sure you send it as a gift!

Also, I've got another swag bundle to put out. This one may be mismatched as it's got some super cute home decor stuff as well as preppy stuff. :) I'll get it fixed up soon so everyone can see. That's 4 chances to win goodies! Yeah!!!

Happy two days till the weekend! ;)

xoxo Y

An Outdoorsy Prep?

Is there such a thing?

Click on here for details on a couple of things I'd pack on a camping trip or just to hang out and play tennis or golf.

As I twittered a couple days back, I'm struggling between my love for camping, kayaking, hiking, and grosgrain, monograms and Lilly! What is a girl to do?!

Am I the only one stuck in between the great outdoors and the great J.Crew, and Ralph Lauren? What do you think?

Happy camper ready for the next adventure!
xoxo Y

PS- I'll have a Churchill update tomorrow. I spoke with the great people at the San Antonio Animal Services and got some good news and bad news. :( Please continuing keeping our sweet boy in your prayers.

Today's Tasks

Yesterday, we finally brough the trailer home! We're so excited! Unfortunately, the weather has been like this for the past couple weeks... dark and dreary.


And Southern Hubby gave me explicit instructions to not leave the house. We forgot to purchase a lock on the trailer hitch to keep it secure, so I can't move the truck. Which means I'm stuck at home all day... which means I get to work on this all day.

Fun, but oh, so intimidating. My very first attempt at a quilt!

Happy crafting!

xoxo Y

Southern Southern Southern!

Y'all know I'm all about all things Southern! I live and breathe my roots! So, it should come as no surprise that I have an addiction to Southern magazines. I love them all!

Love, love love SL!

Yeah, yeah, so I'm already married. So what? What if Southern Hubby proposes again (cause I told him he should!) and I need to plan another Southern Wedding!?

Heard that this beauiful magazine has been cancelled. :( Wonder what will happen to my subscription?? Hmmm..

And now, thanks to Miss Janice, I've got yet another magazine obsession! Southern Lady magazine was on it's way to my door about 15 minutes after reading Miss Janice's blog post!

Head on over there asap to read more about my new find and to enter her awesome giveaway, too. All you have to do is mention what you think Celebrating the South is. To me, celebrating the South, our South, is about tradition- keeping tradition alive, talking about tradition, and living them everyday. We don't need a special reason to celebrate down here- being Southern is enough! :)

Happy weekend, y'all!

xoxo Y

View from the couch

I suffer from migraines and tension headaches. I had a bad one today. Feel sorry for me.

So, I stayed on the couch most of the afternoon. The darn thing is still here. Here is what I got to look at for a couple hours.

Beautiful flowers Southern Hubby surprised me with last night. And a yummy smelling candle- the finest in Texas (way better than Yankees.)

Jackson holding guard over the front door. In his mind, he's a pit bull. Not a 7lbs Yorkie.

And sadly, I was also staring at this. You may remember this scarf from several (ok, half a year) months back. Yeah- I'm that pathetic.

Happy Thursday!

xoxo Y