just a southern girl in a northern city

Thoughts on Motherhood

2010-02-03T18:00:00.000-06:00

Recently, a lot of bloggers have announced the birth of their children or their pregnancy. This baby boom has got me thinking about our future children.

I LOVE children. As a matter of fact, I have 12 nieces and nephews -- 6 nieces and 6 nephews. Being the youngest of 7, I sort of have to love kids. I was an aunt from the time that I was 15. With that being said, I love most kids -- my nieces and nephews and the two cute little boys I call my nephews -- my best friends' children.

Back to my point - the recent baby boom has got me thinking about being a parent myself? I have a few questions for all of the recent moms out there:

How did you know you were ready to start your family?
How long did you try to conceive before you were successful?
How bad was the labor process?
Did you feel you were prepared for labor and being a parent?
Is there any advice that you wished you had know before your little one arrived?

I ask because I think maybe I am ready to try my hand at this parenting thing but since I can't return the kids if it doesn't work out, I am trying to prepare myself.

Feel free to share any websites, blogs or books that you found helpful

Happy Birthday...

2010-02-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband, JP. Wishing you a great day to another great year.

I love you -

Introducing..

2010-02-01T19:00:00.000-06:00

Sweet Southern Monograms...

Thanks to Natalie over at Team Imhoff for helping me come up with the cute, creative name to call my little embroidery business. (Natalie: Let's chat about what kind of things you would love to have embroidered with your monogram and I will get that too you soon!)

I will be showcasing new items as soon as I can get them completed, photographed and posted.

If you are interested in having me embroider something for you, leave me a comment or send me an email and we get talk about creating one of a kind, unique items.

Now, I hope to convince my husband to make a website/blog to keep separate from the personal one.... JP -- I know you are reading this...

Don't Forget..

2010-01-28T08:57:00.004-06:00

Leave me a comment on this post to be entered for a one of a kind gift made by me. Just leave a comment with a creative name for all things embroidered by me.

Comments will be reviewed and decided upon on Saturday, January 30 by 12pm.

Toodles!

Help me be creative

2010-01-25T08:19:00.002-06:00

I need YOUR help! I need you to help me come up with a creative name for my embroidery business.

Even though I have yet to share any of my cute creations using my new embroidery machine, I have had a LOT of people ask me to make or monogram things for them. While I love being able to do so, I want to create a name for my business.

I am too busy down in my little sweatshop (otherwise known as my basement) to come up with any cute, creative ideas. So, this is where you come in!

I need you to help me come up with something catchy and cute. Here are a few things you should know about what I do:

I can embroider-- most of which are monograms.
I can applique.
I create a lot of baby things and then embroider or applique.

To sweeten the deal for you, whoever comes up with the most creative name for the shop, will win a great prize. Of course it will be monogrammed for you or a cute little something for your little one. We can discuss what you want after you send me your ideas!

I leave tomorrow for a big girl, real job business trip. So, leave me a comment by Saturday at 12pm noon! That's when I will be checking the comments for the first time. JP and I will read over the list and agree on a name for this fun hobby I have.

Life Lessons..

2010-01-13T10:07:00.003-06:00

This week is a bit surreal for me. I am reliving part of my college days but seem to be having an out of body experience. Never in my life did I expect to be the old one. Last night, I realized that I was just that -- the old, mature one of the group that has to be responsible. I didn't like it. one. bit.

I have shared before that I volunteer with my sorority at a local university. Well, RUSH {er.. recruitment} is happening this week...

I finally realized, last night, why a lot of people have such strong feelings about sororities and the greek system, in general. Taking a step back, I realized that women can be very catty and down right mean, to other women. It made me think back to my college days and I am positive that the same types of attitudes and behaviors were present then. While I was active, I assumed it was normal -- the way women were treated and talked about the others, even within a certain circle.

Don't get me wrong, I had a great time during my sorority days. I have met some of my best friends and had experience that I will always remember and treasure. I firmly believe that the greek system is a positive experience for some women but not for everyone. I believe that being greek is a personal choice.

It makes me sad to think that women treat each other the way they do. Recruitment is a very competitive process and women shouldn't feel so insecure about themselves or the women they associate with. But even after college, I think we as women, should be proud of who we are and what we do -- at any age.

I have learned a great lesson from these college women. No matter the situation, women should be more respectful and thoughtful of one another. In a society where reality shows and celebrity gossip are popular, women lose sight of what is really important -- the relationships we have with one another.

Winter Weather 2010...

2010-01-06T16:17:00.000-06:00

Seriously, this weather forecast needs to be 100% wrong.

From the latest forecast I heard, 6-8 inches of snow are headed our way in just a few short hours. I couldn't be more over it.

I am scheduled to have my first embroidery machine lesson and if the weather does what it supposed to, then the class will be pushed back. I have already had this little dandy for a while and not even tried to figure out how to use it...

Please snow gods... keep your snow...

psst...

2010-01-06T14:14:00.003-06:00

I need to give myself some props...
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I haven't had a cigarette since November. This quitting business is hard but so worth it. I finally believe that I can quit for reals!

Just a little something for myself

2010-01-05T08:27:00.004-06:00

I am still in the holiday spirit and I love to give gifts. Since my husband doesn't think it is appropriate to keep giving gifts to everyone, I bought myself a gift...

Yesterday, I treated myself to a little something that I have been eyeing lately...

That would be Photoshop Elements 8. SO excited to LEARN something new and to start using my camera more to take/make wonderful photos!

Can anyone recommend a great site for tutorials of elements? I need to do a bit of research before my present arrives!

Spoiled Rotten..

2010-01-04T18:08:00.000-06:00

That is one way you could describe me. I was so spoiled this year at Christmas to receive a gift I am excited about. For a while now, I have been wanting an embroidery machine. Well, I got it!

Here she is!

With the machine, I received free one on one classes. I have my first class on Wednesday night and am so excited to learn how to use it.

I can see it now... my monogram on EVERYTHING!!!

Stay tuned for an update...

twenty-ten...

2010-01-04T14:32:00.003-06:00

It is so hard to believe that Thanksgiving, Christmas and 2009 have all passed. I regret not posting more but even more, I regret not documenting my year in 2009. It was a roller coaster of a year with family, friends and life in general and looking back, it will be hard to remember all the little moments that made 2009 a good year.

Looking forward to 2010, I have a few goals -not resolutions because everyone knows that resolutions go out the window as soon as the newness wears off -- that I want to share.

Document more. A LOT MORE. I want to use my camera and really capture the times that I don't want to forget in the year ahead. Blog more to share these memories and experiences.

Be a better wife/sister/daughter and friend. In 2009, I had a hard time find a balance with being a wife but also caring for my Mom. I feel that sometimes, my husband took the back seat. He is such a great husband that he simply says he understands the situation and accepts it for what it is. It was hard for me to stay connected to my friends too. In the few emails, phone calls and the very rare times when I actually saw my friends, I realized what I was missing from those relationships. My sister and I grew closer in 2009 because of our Mom. I love that we are closer now but I want us to be closer on every level and not just because of our Mom. In 2010, I want to find the balance. I want to put my husband first, find time for my friends and grow closer to my sister all while being the best daughter I can.

Learn more. I have a few areas where I want to gain more knowledge -- photography/photoshop and sewing/embroidery. I want to learn to use these machines and become quite skilled at the same time.

Do more. More volunteering, specifically. I feel so fortunate to have the life and blessing that I have. Sometimes I take these things for granted. I want to find an organization where I can help others. I volunteered a lot when I was in college and I miss having a sense of fulfillment of helping others.

Take time for myself. I know, it sounds silly but over the past few years, I have not been as good to myself as I should be. I want to be healthy and happy. I want to start exercising and eat better. I want to do something that I enjoy and not feel guilty for it.

My hope for 2010 is to be the best me possible. {Cheesy, right!}

Greetings.. from New Orleans...

2009-11-22T10:07:00.002-06:00

Good Sunday Morning.

As you read, I am currently looking out the window to a beautiful morning in New Orleans. I have a wonderful view of the city!

I am in New Orleans for work and unlike most work trips, I have some down time to do whatever my little heart desires. I have taken a stroll down Canal Street and plan to head down Royal this afternoon to do a bit of shopping!

Let me tell you .. the FOOD!! It is delish! I am enjoy every meal I have!

I brought my camera, but forgot the damned cord -- so I can't share the view I have of the city. Stay tuned, I will have these photos to share when I return.

Enjoy your weekend !

It is already Thanksgiving?!?

2009-11-18T14:11:00.004-06:00

Where in the world has the time gone?! I think last time I posted was way back in the middle of October.

My apologies! Live has been busy - work, travel, Smooches and family. Nothing new has happened and I don't have the exciting news that I wanted to share! Sometimes life just doesn't work out the way we want it to. I just have to remember that God does have a plan for me.

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

Over the next week, I will be sharing some of the recipes I will be making for my family. I don't have photos, just really good recipes. Let me know if you make any of these for your family this year. I would love to have your thoughts.

I have the privilege of making Thanksgiving dinner for 20 of my family members! In some strange way, I am SO excited about. My sister keeps calling me Martha and I am getting used to it!

Stay tuned for those recipes!

Keeping Warm..

2009-10-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

With all of the changes to the weather lately, I find myself needing a light jacket. It is too early to break out the winter coat and I don't like to wear my fleece to the office.

Here are a few that I like:

{forever 21}

{New York & Company}

Where is your favorite place to shop for a new jacket?

Why Do They Do This To Me?

2009-10-18T19:25:00.003-05:00

Why do the Missouri Tigers let me down? I don't know how much more I can take? Really, a loss to Nebraska and Oklahoma State? I didn't expect a perfect season but a few conference wins would be nice.

Dear Mr. Pinkel -- Where did you learn to coach football? I am starting to question your calls..

Dear Blaine Gabbert -- Can you please not suck so bad?

Dear Football Gods-- Please let things turn around for us Mizzou fans...

My husband and I would LOVE it if you could please play a bit better. Our neighbors don't like it when we yell at our television all night...

September Goals revisited

2009-10-15T12:00:00.000-05:00

It is mid way through October and I failed {miserably, I might add} to keep up with tracking my goals. No excuses-- I simply failed! Not only did I fail about recapping my goals, I didn't even complete a majority of my goals.

Lets review:

1. Use my new treadmill three days of the week.

-- Not even once - maybe in November!

2. Make three new recipes.

-- Only one. Three cheese artichoke dip! YUM!

3. Share my recipes and reviews on the blog.

-- No photos, I didn't share the recipe, yet, but I will soon.

4. Read a new book this month.

-- I didn't even think about a book to read.. my brain was preoccupied...

5. Organize our office.

-- Oooh! I did get this done! Check! I organized the closet, bookshelves and the desk. I put up a few new prints and decor too. Again, no photos... :(

6. Get ready for Recruitment with my advisee.

-- I did get a good start on this, too. I have met with my advisee three times, decided on the voting process and feel so good about where we are now. Hopefully, we can keep things moving and continuing making process.

7. Sew some more cute stuff for *Smooches*.

-- I haven't even turned on my sewing machine since this post was posted. Oops! I have found some new patterns and fabrics that I can't wait to use. Stay tuned and I promise that I will have some items soon!

8. Set up my Flickr account.

-- Nope.

9. Plant tulips in the back yard.

-- HAHA. Didn't even think about it! And hopefully, we won't be in our current home much longer. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

10. Plant mums at my parents house

-- Scratched idea. When the weather changed so quickly, the mums would have died by now. Good thing I didn't waste my time.

11. Monogram my galvanized buckets before fall really gets here so I can show off my pretty mums!

-- My buckets are monogrammed but I don't have anything planted in them... sad :(

12. Take Maggie for a walk once a week.

-- Complete fail, again. Poor little Maggie only got a walk 5 times this month. And I didn't give her a single one. Her grandpa loves to take her for walks and since I was home so much recently, he took her for her well deserved walks!

Since October is half way over, I will wait until November to post goals. Hopefully, by that time, I will be settled done and in a better place to actually achieve my goals!

Does anyone else feel like a complete failure when you don't accomplish your goals? Help me feel better!

Fall TV

2009-10-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

A lot of TV shows are now well into full swing. The husband and I are BIG tv fans! Here are a few of our favorites:

{One Tree Hill}

{Modern Family}

{The Good Wife}

{Cougar Town}

{Flash Forward}

{Glee}

{The Middle}

What are your favorite new or returning shows? Let me know what I need to start watching!

Giveaway time...

2009-10-13T19:00:00.000-05:00

A good friend of mine, Natalie, is hosting a giveaway this week.

Head over to her blog and sign up. While you are there, tell her I sent you!

Celebrating...

2009-10-13T18:57:00.004-05:00

It is my birthday week! Yes -- I said birthday WEEK.

I won't try to hide the fact that I have been struggling because I will be 25. A lot of people have been giving me a hard time because in reality, 25 in really not that old. I guess its a big birthday because I am no longer in my early twenties but now moving towards my late twenties. I am loosing my youth and it FREAKS me out.

Here is to a great week of celebrating with family and friends!

Where have I been..

2009-10-13T17:52:00.002-05:00

Oh my goodness..

So I just realized that it has been about 6 weeks since I have updated my blog.... I am sure you have been wondering what I have been up to!

Well here is a very brief recap:

My Mom has been in the hospital three times in the last six weeks. That alone has caused me to not have time to update the blog!
Lots of trips down south to visit with Mom to make sure she is doing well because of the hospital stays.
Lots of updates on the personal front-- and before anyone asks -- NO, I am not pregnant. (Even though, I SO want to be!!!) Once everything clears over, I promise I will give a detailed post about all of this business.
House Hunting has begun again. This goes along with the personal life stuff, that I can't get into right now.

I have had zero time to do any updating to my blog. I apologize and will try to do better!

Now that I have an evening to sit down at my computer, I will be scheduling a few posts just to make sure that another six weeks don't pass before I post again!

Project Runway, Week 2

2009-09-01T17:00:00.000-05:00

We all know that Project Runway is back. I told you about it here.

Have ya'll tuned in? I am still hoping that Lifetime doesn't ruin the show but we will see.

Week 2 was a lot of fun -- all about Motherhood! Rebecca Romijn was the 'special judge' and Monique Lhuillier was filling in for Michael Kors.

The concept was for the designers was to come up with a maternity outfit-- casual, business or evening-- designers choice.

I wasn't really excited about the outcome of most of the pieces. Especially these two hot messes:

I mean, what were they thinking, I think that the concept was good, but it just didn't come together. And that second outfit, is that really what a pregnant lady looks like? I do not think so!

Now. Malvin's look.. what .. was.. going.. on?! Very strange. I highly doubt that an expecting mother wants to be referred to a a hen!

I am so glad that Malvin is out. I think that the show will start to get better once all the crazies are out. Have you been watching? Do you have a favorite?

Speaking of the designers, did you know you can head over here to purchase something from their design shops? I have been browsing and have found some cute stuff!

Until next week..

September Goals

2009-09-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

One thing I love about Kim's blog is her monthly goals at the beginning of the month and a goal review at the end. It is such a great way to keep you on track for your goals. It also forces you to be honest with yourself as well!

From now on, I am going to try to do the same thing. I plan to list my goals for the month by the first day of the month and review my previous month by that month's end.

Here are my September goals:

1. Use my new treadmill three days of the week.

-- I hope to start the coach to 5k program. Earlier this summer, my mother-in-law gave us a treadmill and I need to start using it! Even if its 10 minutes a day, I want to get into the habit of using this new machine.

2. Make three new recipes.

-- I don't have any new recipes in mind but I have acquired a few of my Mom's recipes books lately.

3. Share my recipes and reviews on the blog.

4. Read a new book this month.

-- I am thinking I will pick one of the many books that I have bought recently and have never read. Maybe 'Always the Bridesmaid', 'The Smart One and The Pretty One', 'Bright Lights, Big Ass', or 'Such a Pretty Fat'. Just one book and I will be satisfied. I need to get back in the habit of reading instead of just watching TV.

5. Organize our office.

-- The space is in need of some major overhaul. I need to tackle the closets, bookshelves and desk drawers.

6. Get ready for Recruitment with my advisee.

-- I recently volunteered to be the recruitment advisor for my sorority-- Go Kappa! Anyway, recruitment is in January and I want to be as organized as possible. I want to get started right away with the planning.

7. Sew some more cute stuff for *Smooches*.

-- I have some great stuff that I need to finish up and get posted. I have a few projects that I want to work on. Tutus, taggies and blankets -- you know you want this stuff for your little ones!

8. Set up my Flickr account.

9. Plant tulips in the back yard.

10. Plant mums at my parents house

11. Monogram my galvanized buckets before fall really gets here so I can show off my pretty mums!

12. Take Maggie for a walk once a week.

-- I know that sounds terrible, but the pooch is awfully lazy. I think if I can get her out once a week for about 45 minutes, she would be a little more behaved.

I will update ya'll at the end of the month to let you know how I do!

Well Deserved Time Off

2009-08-31T17:25:00.002-05:00

I hate Mondays.

Really, hate Mondays.

So, today, I look the day off to spend with Momma. She was having some oral surgery today and I wanted to be there with her.

I head home on Saturday morning and spent some time with my Mom and Dad, aunts, uncles and cousins. I am so thankful that I have such a large, caring family. Its days like today that I regret being so far from my family.

My poor Momma was in such pain and was so swollen. Bless her heart, she just wanted to sleep it off. I hated that I had to come back to the city and leave her to recover, on her own. Luckily, she will get better care in the nursing home than I could give her. I just hate that she was there alone.

Please pray that she recovers fully and rather soon. I just can't imagine my Mom having some complications from having some teeth pulled. I don't know how she (and we) would manage.

I guess that tomorrow reality will set in. Back to work and the real world...

Why the economy really sucks

2009-08-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

I think everyone has heard the news that we are in a recession. If not, let me help you out of the rock you are under. If you haven't realized how bad things really are, let me explain how this economy is making my life difficult.

Lets call it my own pity party. It goes like this.

I have a job in the hospitality and travel industry. I work for a company that does housing, registration, sourcing and meeting planning for large associations and corporations all of the country. When I took this job, when I graduated college, I was really excited about the amount of travel I would be able to do, the fun places I would get to see and all of the experiences that come with a 'glamorous' event planning position. {I am very sarcastic when I say glamorous. It is far from it. It is hard work, stressful and not rewarding.}

I set out to climb the corporate ladder but quickly realized that the ladder would only go so high. I also learned that the successful event planners don't have a family, a good work/life balance and they surely don't have children. I started to wonder if I made a terrible life decision to pursue a career that was fun, I enjoyed doing and I was good at, but at the same time, would limit my personal life in the long run.

I have held my current position for over two years without a promotion. Yes, that is correct. I am great at what I do but this economy has affected all of our clients. Most of which have had to cancel their events because their attendees can not afford to come to these elaborate events held all over the country. Because of those cancellations, my company has not been promoting their employees. I completely understand it.

I guess I should be thankful I have a job. ...{If I hear that from one more person, I think I may have to poke my eyes out with a fork. I am over that saying and the people that say it all the time. Let me remind all of you people that I do work hard and I earn my paycheck. Maybe, you should be happy I am doing my job.}.. stepping off of soap box...

So, I have decided that maybe its time to start looking for other opportunities. I have found a few positions that align with my skills and applied. I have had quite a few interviews only to be informed that I am either under-qualified or over-qualified. Where is the happy medium? Where are the positions for experienced professionals but don't have the 10 to 15 years of experience. I have even looked into new industries -- fundraising, development, education facilities, public relations and communications. I figure that if I am ever going to make a change in the industry, now is as good of time as any. I have had zero luck.

I have even thought about going back to school to teach. I looked into and learned that in three years, I could teach. Umm, I don't think I can manage my current job, go to school full-time and in three years, still have enough sanity to teach. I know, I should have the patience, but at this moment, I don't.

What's a girl to do? At what point do I throw in the towel? It is so stressful and overwhelming to explore new opportunities. And it is even harder to be rejected again and again.

I suppose I need to stop feeling sorry for myself, quit whining and put on my big girl panties. Maybe I can do that tomorrow. Today, my pity party will continue.

Motherhood and Me

2009-08-27T15:36:00.002-05:00

Lately, I have been thinking about parenthood, raising babies and being a Mom. I have always known that I want to be a Mom someday. But lately, with what seems like everyone I know announcing their pregnancy, how do you know when you are really ready?

My husband and I already know we want either 2 or 3 children. We just cant decide when all this will take place. Some days, I think I am ready now and other days, I know I am not. My husband will tell you that he is not ready. Not being ready now is fine with me. Considering we are in our mid-twenties and want to travel a bit more and save up before we become parents. We have been married for almost two years and we are already getting the question.. "when are you going to start having babies?".. But that is essentially my question.

Is anyone really ready to be a parent? I don't think anyone really understands what a parent really does until you go through it. Most people either know they want to be a parent or they know they don't. But if you do want to have children, when do you really know? What is that signal that you are really ready for the responsibility?

Obviously, its not an age thing. If it were, then teenagers wouldn't be having babies. By the way, what is a good age to have children? When your younger, thirties or what about your forties? I can't imagine having children now but don't want to wait until I am in my 40's to do so either. What is the norm? What is acceptable and what is the best from a doctor's standpoint?

Like I said, my husband and I want to save up before the babies come. Why-- because babies are expensive. Hell, I am expensive and sometimes I wonder if I will be a good Mom because I would be selfish and treat myself to a shopping spree. I wonder if I would be able to make sacrifices for my children and not regret it? Some people can do it and some people can't. I hope that I could be the parent that I want to be, but I guess I will have to wait to find out.

A good friend of mine recently said that parents should be required to pass a test before having children. This test would eliminate a lot of people who shouldn't have kids from having them in the first place. We laughed and joked about it but in reality, there should be some guidelines for parenting. According to LeAnna, if you think it is appropriate to sexually abuse children, you would lose your reproductive privileges. And, if you were okay with physically abusing your children, you lost your limbs. In the end, the children are just as human as their parents. It is NOT the child's fault that his or her parents were not ready to be a responsible parent.

Again, it comes back to when are you really ready for parenthood?

If you have children, or are expecting, how did you know you were ready to be a parent? Please explain the process to me, from your standpoint. I am really struggling with the when part.

The countdown is on

2009-08-26T09:34:00.003-05:00

I will admit that I love college football. Something about the wonderful fall weather and the atmosphere that revolves around a college football stadium. Thousands of cheering fans. Tailgating. I love everything about football season!

I always have. My dad played college football at the University of Arkansas in the 1950's. Most people are quite surprised that I like football, let alone, understand what is going on.

It has been a tradition to watch football on Saturdays, no matter which team is playing. There is always a good game on, even if your team isn't playing. There is always a good rivalry to watch or even to watch and hope your biggest competition doesn't do too well!

I graduated from the University of Missouri in 2007. Over the past few years, our football program got better and better. We are still not the caliber of team like USC, LSU or Florida, but one day, we might be!

Thanks to my sister, I have tickets to the season opener coming up in September at the Edward Jones Dome, in St. Louis. This is a big game. Our one of our rivalry games against Illinois. She has all the connections and passes things my way all the time. Thank goodness for her and those connections! My husband and I will be there, wearing our matching black and gold attire and cheering for the Tigers!

I hope to keep you updated throughout the season. I hope you love college football as much as I do because I know this season is going to be a great one! Get your tickets for the MU-Illinois game now, and meet me at the stadium!

Homemade Bread

2009-08-24T20:00:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

2 (.25) ounce packages active dry yeast

3 tablespoons white sugar

2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees)

3 tablespoons lard, softened

1 tablespoon salt
6 1/2 cups bread flour

Directions:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Stir in lard, salt and two cups of the flour. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and form into loaves. Place the loaves into two lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Bake at 425 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Notes from my kitchen to yours:

I used butter instead of lard. Just make sure it is softened.
The recipe says to knead the mixture for 8 minutes. I ended up kneading the mixture for about 15. Just make sure that the mixture is elastic.
After you remove the baked bread from the oven, take a brush and spread some melted butter over the top of the loaf.

Enjoy, Ya'll!

The sweet pooch

2009-08-24T12:00:00.001-05:00

Just a few pictures of my sweet baby girl from the last few weeks. She is such a ham...

I can't believe that Maggie is already two..

DirecTV has terrible customer service

2009-08-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

I have been a customer of DirecTV for a little over a year now. For the most part, the husband and I have been satisfied with the service we have received over the past year.

When we joined with DirecTV, we knew we had to signed a 2-year agreement with the company. I called the company and spoke with a customer service representative and was told that once my 'new customer' promotion was over, I could call back and the company would honor my promotional rate, as long as I was in good standing with them.

A few months ago, we bought a HD television. My husband was interested in upgrading to the HD receiver. I called DirecTV and was offered a rate of $169.99 plus shipping (19.99) with free installation. Normally, the upgrade would be 199.99 plus shipping with a installation fee. I kindly declined, as we couldn't justify spending that must on television service.

A few days ago, my promotional period was over and I called the cable service provider company to lock in my rate for the next year and to see about upgrading to the HD receiver and DVR again, for my husband, before football season starts. That didn't turn out to well.

I was connected to another customer service representative who was frankly, very rude. She told me that there was nothing that she could to help me with the rate and that the fee for the receiver upgrade would be $199.99 plus shipping plus installation. This was about $50.00 more than when I called a few months ago. I asked to speak with a manger.

The manager was not helpful either. He was not able to offer me a better rate on my monthly package and would not offer me a deal on the receiver either. Since we agreed to a 2 year deal with DirecTV, I asked what it would cost me to get out of my agreement. Get this: It would cost me $220.00 to get out of the deal completely -- less than the DVR upgrade.

Can someone explain to me why a company would choose to lose a good customer because they aren't willing to offer me a better rate on my monthly statement or even a deal on the receiver. Let's be clear-- I am NOT asking for both for free, just one of the two at a discount. Come on, we are in a recession. The manager refused to work with me.

Tomorrow, I will be calling AT&T U-Verse and setting up a new account.

Please beware of the terrible customer service with DirecTV. Consider yourself warned.

Problem solved

2009-08-23T18:30:00.002-05:00

I was afraid that when I chose to go with this template for a blog layout, that I might have some issues.

Well, I was right. You weren't able to leave me a comment for a while.

I somehow managed to fix it and now you can leave me a comment! So please do! I would love to know who ya'll are -- if there is anyone, out there reading.

Now, if I can only add the tabs to my blog... any suggestions?

Introducing Smooches..

2009-08-23T18:04:00.004-05:00

Ya'll, I am so excited. I have something that I want to share with everyone.

Not to long ago, I bought this little beauty:

It is a Brother CE-5000 Project Runway sewing machine.

I had little experience with a sewing machine -- let alone, a needle and thread! But I have been practicing and guess what--- I can sew!! And I am pretty good at it.

Back to the announcement. I have decided to sell a few of my creations. I will be doing a lot of blankets, taggies, burb towels, changing pads and a few little girl tutus at first. Why? Because I love babies and there are so many option with these items!

My line will be called *smooches* and soon, I will have an Etsy shop open. If you have any questions, want to see some of my things, please email me at southerngirlnortherncity@gmail.com and I will be happy to send you some information. We can even work together to come up with a creation you like!

Over the next few weeks, I will be showcasing some of the things I am working on. Keep an eye out and let me know what ya'll think of my things!

It's finally back

2009-08-23T17:28:00.004-05:00

In case you weren't aware, Project Runway has finally returned. And I couldn't be happier. I love, love, LOVE Project Runway!

My good friend Natalie turned me onto Project Runway a few years back and I haven't missed an episode yet. Since then, PR moved from Bravo to Lifetime. I have been a bit concerned that Lifetime would completely change the show -- you know, make it all dramatic and show everyone's past and how everyone will have better life because of the show. Let's face it, that is not a reality for most people.

After last Thursday's premier, I was definitely concerned. Only 20 minutes into the show, I already learned that one of the contestants had overcome a drug problem. I don't want to sound like I couldn't care less, but its Project Runway, not Invention. Come on, Tim Gunn is not supposed to be a therapist.

I am excited that they show is having a guest judge this season. It will be interesting to see what everyone's input will be.

I can tell that I am already starting to have my favorites, but I am going to wait to see a little bit more before I really decide.

What do you think? Did you tune in? Share your PR thoughts with me.

Puttin' on my big girl panties

2009-08-13T15:12:00.006-05:00

My Mom has always told me, since I was a little girl, that there come times in your life when you have to put on the girl panties and deal with things. Well, I have had a week from hell and there is only what thing for me to do. My Mom doesn't even need to tell me what to do -- I already know.

About a year ago, my Mom suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). She is still alive and recovery is a long, slow road for her and our family. It is exhausting, frustrating and such an emotional roller coaster that words can not describe. Other than the physical handicaps of her being unable to walk because her brain does not remember to be safe and her lack of a memory bank, you might think my Mom was fully healthy.

Most days, I think and know that my Mom has come such a long way from where she started. Such a distance from the five sleepless weeks we spent in the ICU of a brain injury floor of a hospital immediately following the TBI. Most days. This week has been a week that I realize that my Mom is such a long way from a full recovery. It is a week like this past one, when a girl needs to talk to her mother to determine what she is supposed to do with her live and what difference she is supposed to make.

This week was a week so terrible that only a manicure and pedicure, with my Mom could solve. Maybe even a to the grocery store to get the ingredients to make one big, yummy cake that we would have with a glass of sweet tea. Those are the things my Mom and I would do together to help me solve the world's problem. Only now, I find myself having to do them alone-- without Mom and more importantly, without my Mom's advice and guidance.

As I sit here and reflect on how my life has changed over the past year since my Mom's injury, I find myself jealous and bitter to those whose parents are fully healthy. I wonder 'why me' and 'why my mom' everyday. I still don't understand God's plan for my Mom and our family. And it frustrates me.

On days like today, I have to take a good friends advice and realize that I am only one person and I can only do so much. I need to start taking one day at a time and stop worrying about all of the what-ifs and life and take it one day at a time.

I have to put my big girl panties on and deal with it.

meet this southern girl

2009-08-11T19:16:00.002-05:00

I have decided to start a blog about my life with my husband and our adorable pooch. I love reading other people's blogs about their lives and the day to day things that happen so I want to share all about mine too!

All about this southern girl-

I was born and raised in a tiny town. I moved when I was 12 to another small, southern town. Now, before we get to far into this, I do not claim to be from Mississippi, Georgia or Alabama. Actually, most people might say that I am from the Mid-west! -- You say to-mat-to and and I say tom-at-o!

I have one amazing husband who spoils me rotten. He treats me well and laughs at most of my jokes. He prefers sweat pants any day and lets me shop whenever I want. Sounds like the perfect husband to me. More than that, I have had three terrible times in my life when I wanted the world to go away and curl up in a ball, on my couch and stay there forever. He was there and helped me become a better woman through the three most difficult times in my life. For that, I am forever grateful.

We have one adorable pooch, who is a mess. She is cute as can be but doesn't listen to save her life and will lick you all day! I suppose that is her way to show her affection. She thinks she can run with the big dogs but they could eat her in one bite.

The husband, pup and I live in, what I call, a northern city. It is far from where we can home but are living our lives here while starting our new lives. Our life is not perfect-- it is messy and complicated and hard at times, but we wouldn't change a thing.

This blog will be a journal of our lives. I love all things baking, cooking, home decorating, photography, sewing and shopping. This is just the start of a wonderful blog.