Weekend Inspiration: 1 Peter 4:16

"However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."

1 Peter 4:16

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Weekend Inspiration: Romans 8:18

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

Romans 8:18

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Thirsty Thursday: Happy St. Patty's Day!

Cheers to a nice, big glass of GUINNESS today!  Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I hope no one was left with big bruises on their arms, and everyone has a fun, safe night!  Erin Go Braugh!

"When you walk into a bar in Ireland you could shout across at the barman and ask for a pint of plain, the good stuff, your best or Irish Mother’s milk.

You could even just walk up to the bar and hold your forefinger in the air, any barman worth his salt would know that you were asking for a pint of Guinness.

Officially the most internationally recognized symbol of Ireland, Guinness is the most popular alcoholic drink in Ireland and in many other countries besides."

~Kate Hickey

Top Ten Most Interesting Facts about Guinness

1. Pouring a glass or pint of Guinness is a skill. A “perfect pour” should take 199.50 seconds. This is the result of pour at an angle of 45 degrees followed by a rest. This is crucial. Most Irish people would cringe if they saw anyone pour it any other way.
After a pause, long enough so what’s in the glass is a perfect black, the rest of the glass is filled, again at a 45 degree angle. What is handed across the bar should have a creamy head and should be served at exactly 42.8F.

2. It is a known fact that the Irish love to travel around the world but did you know that Guinness is brewed in more than 150 countries. These include Nigeria and Indonesia.

3. Though the Irish obviously love a pint of plain 40 percent of all Guinness is sold in Africa. Who would have thought that in such a hot climate it would go down so well!

4. Over 10 million glasses are sold every day. Are you doing your part? That’s quite a high quota to fill.

5. Guinness is the perfect diet drink. A pint of the good stuff contains only 198 calories. That’s less than most light beers, wine, orange juice or even low fat milk.

6. Guinness does not contain oatmeal, contrary to a popular myth. This wonderful stuff is made of roasted malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. Also it’s not black. It actually a very nice dark ruby red.

7. The famous advertisement slogan “Guinness is Good For You” is still used around the world. Though Guinness has now officially on the record as denying this claim some research does support that Guinness is good for your heart.
It was not so long ago in Ireland that pregnant women were told to drink a glass of Guinness every day to fortify themselves and their baby.

8. St. James’ Gate Brewery, in Dublin City was leased for 9000 years at an annual fee of about $65.
In 1759 when Arthur Guinness was just starting out in the brewing business he had such confidence in his product that he knew his brewery would still be running in 9000 years time. Well that’s 251 years over with. I’m pretty sure Guinness will make it the next 8,750.

9. The Guinness breweries in Counties Louth and Kilkenny will be shutdown in 2013. There was also talk of closing down the Dublin brewery and moving back it to Leixlip, in Kildare, where Arthur’s career in stout making began. A national outcry ensued. Guinness will be staying put on the banks of the River Liffey and multi-billion renovations will begin soon.

10. On September 24, 2009 at 5.50 (or 17.59 in the 24 hour clock) Ireland and the world celebrated 250 years of Guinness with “Arthur’s Day”.
The time 17.59 was cleverly chosen as 1759 was the year that Arthur signed his lease on St. James’ Gate. It also gave most people enough time to finish up work and meet their friends at their favorite pub.
It may have been nothing more than massive marketing ploy but it was also one of the largest united parties every held in the world. In almost every country across the globe merry makers raised their glasses and cheered “To Arthur”."

By: Kate Hickey

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Tuesday Trends: Bracketology

Many of you may not be into college basketball and March Madness, so I apologize ahead of time for this post.  Since I went to Carolina, I kind of happen to be a lover of this time of the year!  Have you finished your bracket yet?  I have Kansas winning it all.  Carolina will be playing in my hometown this weekend, as well as Georgia (my hubs' parents' alma mater).  We're hoping my husband's cousin (the Associate Athletic Director at Georgia) can hook us up with some tickets for the games.  Either way, I'll be watching it!  Clemson (my mom's alma mater) also plays in one of the play-in games, so we'll be excited to watch that game too!  Who do y'all cheer for?  I hope they win, unless you went to Long Island University, because Carolina will dominate that game.  GO HEELS!
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On another note, did you watch The Bachelor last night?  I'm so glad Brad chose Emily, but I think her wanting to hold off on the wedding was smart.  He must have some kind of a temper.  I think she's got a great family too, because they talked her out of the whole "let's get married in Anguilla, before even knowing the real guy" idea.  Smart family and smart girl.  My only question is that if she's so smart and level-headed, why the heck did she go on the show in the first place?!  Just my thoughts.  Also, in case you hadn't heard, Ashley, the dentist, will be the next Bachelorette.  I haven't decided yet if I'll be watching that one...(airing begins at the end of May).  Will you plan on watching it?
P.S. I loved the fact that she said that she would have been viewed differently, like as the "fun" girl, if she had had the chance to go diving with sharks and on the zipline too.  I couldn't have agreed more!  It wasn't her fault she had to go on picnics every single date, and how much fun is ANOTHER helicopter ride.  The whole, "c'mon, ring a bell in my ear already" comment was hilarious!

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Sunday Funday: Goodbyn

If you're a mom, here's your chance to grab up a great deal on Goodbyn's 'IT' Lunchboxes.  These are the best lunchboxes, and so durable.  They're dishwasher-safe, and have ears on the cover, so children can take the lids off easily.  I love the little compartments, that won't mix up all of your child's food.  They're featured on Gilt.com until 9pm.  Don't miss your chance to grab one up, at a great deal.  Normally, they're $25, but on Gilt.com, they're on sale for $15.  Click here for your free invitation to Gilt.com.  Go to the 'Children' tab, and find 'Goodbyn.'  Happy Shopping!  Trust me, you won't be disappointed.  They also come with stickers, so your child can personalize his/her own lunchbox, or you can leave it plain.

Goodbyn 'IT' Lunchbox

Weekend Inspiration: Luke 15:7

"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents

than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

Luke 15:7

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Fashion Friday: Lilly's Latest

I hope y'all are having a wonderful Friday!  E is sick with a cold and ear infection, so I've been tending to her, as of late.  I'm hoping W doesn't get it!  Thankfully, she's napping now, so I'm running around trying to do some laundry and clean up, because once 12:00 hits, there's not much more to do, than watch the ACC tournament.  Carolina plays Miami at noon.  Can't wait!  W is busy making me a pretend breakfast in her play kitchen.  I had planned on running to Barnes and Noble with her, to let her pick out a new book, but we'll most likely have to do that after their afternoon naps now, since E is sleeping.  Also, Boozer chewed up W's Silly Bandz, so we'll have to renew them, while we're out too.  P.S. If anyone purchased the $20 BN Groupon a little while back, it must be used by April 11th!

As for Wednesday night, thanks for all the hopeful comments.  We did manage to make it to our Ash Wednesday service, amidst the pouring rain.  And of course, it was totally worth it.  Even better, they had child care that night, for the girls.

I realized I hadn't posted much about Lilly Pulitzer lately, and their cheerful, spring line.  Here are a couple of items that have found their way to me, most recently.  I absolutely love the bangles, and hope to use the tote and cover-up this summer.  I'll hopefully be posting more, in the next couple of weeks, as my Lilly wardrobe expands, and the weather hopefully warms up, so that I can wear my spring Lilly more!

Wear one at a time, or mix and match. So versatile!

Lilly Pulitzer Ric Rac Bangles Set

Lilly Pulitzer Penelope Tunic Short in Bright Navy Bloomers

Great, as a cover-up!

Lilly Pulitzer Original Tote in Lilly's Pink Big Squeeze

Fun for the beach!

Hope y'all have a great weekend!

GO HEELS!

Wednesday Whereabouts

I hope to be here tonight!  This is the first time for tennis that I'm actually praying it will rain tonight.  I'm scheduled to play, but I REALLY want to go to my Lent service at church.  I know, my priorities should be at church anyway, but I forgot it was Ash Wednesday today, and had to tell my captain ahead of time if I would miss a week, and I didn't tell her I'd have to miss this match.  So prayers for rain!  It IS supposed to rain all day, according to the weather report.  I sure hope they're right!

I've decided to exercise, both physically and mentally, everyday of the forty days for Lent.  My body needs this, and so does my spirit.  What have y'all decided to do for Lent this year?

Tuesday Trends: Happy FAT Tuesday!

Although I did manage to make it a true Mardi Gras so far, with Bojangles' for breakfast and my first Peeps of the season, for a snack, I thought I'd post a great family recipe, that's a healthy one.  I made this a couple of weeks ago, and it almost tasted as good as the one my mom used to make.  I hope everyone enjoys their king cakes and cajun cuisines.  The hubs, girls and I are headed to a pancake dinner party tonight, with live jazz music.  Gras Heureux Mardi!  I'd love to know what y'all are giving up or adding for Lent.  Mine maybe exercising everyday, still haven't committed to anything yet.  We'll see...  I still have a day to decide!

Vegetable Pizza

Ingredients:

• 2 cans reduced fat crescent rolls
• 8 oz. reduced fat cream cheese
• ½ cup light mayonnaise
• 1 pkg. Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix (small pack)
• 1½ cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1½ cups cauliflower florets, chopped
• 1/2 cup 2% cheddar cheese, grated

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Press rolls into a 10x15” baking sheet or pan. Seal edges. Bake for 15 minutes; set aside while it cools.

Soften cream cheese; add mayo and ranch dressing mix. Spread onto baked dough.

Sprinkle with broccoli, cauliflower, and cheese. Enjoy at any temperature!  This veggie pizza is great for leftovers, too, as it can be eaten cold or warmed in the microwave.

Yield: 5 servings

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On another note, our gas here may be $4 soon!  It's insane!  The hubs used to drive an hour and a half to work and then back everyday, with his old job, a couple of years ago.  Thankfully, he now works close to home.  I can't even imagine the cost of his travel for work, if he were still with the old one!

Monday Manners: Southern Women...

I hope y'all had a wonderful weekend!   It rained here, but we needed it.  It rained so hard yesterday, W even wore her rain boots to church.  We're headed to Monkey Joe's this morning, to let out some of the girls' much needed energy, that was kept indoors all weekend.  I did manage to make the weekend productive, I stored away our winter clothes, and got out the spring and summer wardrobe!  Hopefully, it will make the warm weather come faster, and STAY!  Oh, and the best part of the weekend, the HEELS won, against DUKE!!
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A Southern Belle (according to urbandictionary.com):

Southern women appreciate their natural assets:
Clean skin. A winning smile.
That unforgettable Southern drawl.

Southern women know their manners:
"Yes, ma'am."
"Yes, sir."
"Why, no, Billy!"

Southern women have a distinct way with fond expressions:
"Y'all come back!"
"Well, bless your heart."
"Drop by when you can."
"How's your Momma?"

Southern women know their summer weather report:
Humidity
Humidity
Humidity

Southern women know their vacation spots:
The beach
The beach
The beach

Southern women know the joys of June, July, and August:
Summer tans
Colorful hi-heel sandals
Strapless sun dresses
Southern women know everybody's first name:
Honey
Darlin'
Shugah

Southern women know the movies that speak to their hearts:
Fried Green Tomatoes
Driving Miss Daisy
Steel Magnolias
Gone With The Wind

Southern women know their religions:
Baptist
Methodist
Football

Southern women know their country breakfasts:
Red-eye gravy
Grits
Country ham
Mouth-watering homemade biscuits with momma's homemade jelly

Southern women know their cities dripping with Southern charm:
Charleston (Chawl'stn)
Savannah (S'vanah)
New Orleans (N'awlins)
Atlanta (Addlanna)

Charlotte (Shahlit) - okay, I added that one. :)

Southern women know their elegant gentlemen:
Men in uniform.
Men in tuxedos
Rhett Butler, of course!

Southern women know their prime real estate:
The Mall
The Country Club
The Beauty Salon

Southern women know the four deadly sins:
Having bad hair and nails
Having bad manners
Cooking bad food
Wearing too much makeup in the summer

Southern women know men may come and go, but friends are forever!

Southern belles are a true God-given gift to the world, and if you're a northern transplant, well just bless your heart, fake it! We all know that you got here as fast as you could!

 

A few perfect southern belles:

Scarlett O'Harah
Melanie Hampton
All the ladies from Steel Magnolias

Weekend Inspiration: Romans 10:17

"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ."

Romans 10:17

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Fashion Friday: Best and Worst Academy Awards Dress

My favorite gown of the night was Michelle Williams in Chanel.  Simple, yet stunning!  Plus, it was a total 180 from her Golden Globes dress.  She, or her stylist, definitely took the hint.

I love Reese Witherspoon, and normally love what she wears on the red carpet, as well.  Nina Ricci is usually her go-to designer.  This time, the gown didn't go so well for me.  Did it not remind anyone else of Bridget Jones when she arrived to the party in The Bridget Jones' Diary?  Or either a really boring prom dress...  Even if she had worn a big bauble necklace in bright pink or something, it would have added so much to the blah of this gown.

As far as the awards show went, I loved the first movie reference to Gone with the Wind!  Also, I NEED to see The King's Speech.  Tom Hooper who won for best director, also directed the HBO mini-series John Adams a few years back, and it was sooo good.  Speaking of Bridget Jones, I've loved Colin Firth ever since he was in that movie, and then in Love Actually.  As far as the monologues between the presenters went, my favorite by far was between Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.  So real and great!  And my favorite speech was by David Seidler, who won for best original screenplay for The King's Speech.  He said he wrote the script because he himself stuttered, and always listened to King George VI on the radio, knowing that he had overcome a speech impediment.  "This is to all the stutterers.  We have a voice and we have been heard, thanks to the academy."
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Thanks to everyone for wishing me luck on Wednesday night.  I won my first tennis match this season 6-2, 6-0!  Felt so great!  Singles is definitely a work-out, but so worth it!  I also played a girl who was six years younger than me, so that felt great too.
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I've been forgetting to post W's quotes lately, so here are a couple from this past week.

W has been listening to me talk to people about getting her potty trained so much lately, which has proved to be a little difficult in her case.  Not much interest in it quite yet, so we're taking a break.  But the other day, my mom and I were in the car, and W said, "I want to go on the POTTY TRAIN!"  Sweetheart, I do too, I do too.  Just wish it were that easy...
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During a thunderstorm the other evening, W explained to us, "It lightnings first, then it rumbles."
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After we play a little while after having dinner, most nights W's Daddy reads, then I go up and rock and sing to her.  Her daddy said he swears he didn't prompt her, but she said, as they were about to go upstairs, "I can't WAIT to see you, Mama."  Melts my heart.
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Here are some photos from this past week.

Our friend E slept over last Thursday night, while her parents were out of town.

They had such a fun time together!

My mom and I visited her parents, my grandparents.

W cried when we had to leave.

Waiting for Ray-Ray to open up the basement door for her.

She does this every time we visit.

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!  A huge limb fell in our yard last week, during a thunderstorm.  Thankfully we didn't lose power, but we'll be cutting it up this weekend.  It barely missed our slide, but may have damaged our fence.  We needed a new fence anyway, so it was definitely a blessing in disguise!

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3

Wednesday Whereabouts

Here's where I'll be tonight!  Our team's season starts, and I CANNOT wait to hit the courts again!