• Home
  • Download
    • Premium Version
    • Free Version
    • Downloadable
    • Link Url
      • Example Menu
      • Example Menu 1
  • Social
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Googleplus
  • Features
    • Lifestyle
    • Sports Group
      • Category 1
      • Category 2
      • Category 3
      • Category 4
      • Category 5
    • Sub Menu 3
    • Sub Menu 4
  • Entertainment
  • Travel
  • Contact Us

Home of a Magnolia

We continue celebrating the holiday season at our house with family get togethers, work parties, church gatherings and a very special birthday.  Earlier in the month I shared information about my little girl's birthday party, but the actual birthday was this week.  We had the party really early to separate it from Christmas. 


Six years ago we welcomed "the little girl with the big bow".  This is how most people in our small town know our little sweetie.  We've heard more than once that people would not recognize her without it.  She doesn't go anywhere without it.  I even joke she was born with a bow. 

Sometime before I became pregnant with my second child, my mother-in-law showed me a photograph of her mother and her mother's sisters.   A photographer coming to town during this the early 1900s was very special so the little girls were decked out in their finest.  My husband's grandmother is one of the two adorned with enormous hair bows.  When I saw this picture I commented if I ever had a little girl I wanted her to wear hairbows just like these.  My mother-in-law and I laughed since she had three boys and the chance of me having a little girl seemed very slim.  Little did we know in a few short months we would find out a little girl was on the way.  My mother-in-law still had a very hard time of believing it once the sonogram was read, but she got started on the bows.  

This special little girl was named after her grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and several others in the family.  Her double name is actually a tribute to my grandmother too.  Such a blessing to honor such great ladies by naming such a lively little girl after them all.  I know she will continue to bless our family as she grows up even though I would love to keep her little forever.
Happy Birthday!

P.S.- Hosting GNO tonight so I'll post recipes tomorrow.
Wrote by Home of a Magnolia
We are still hustling and bustling as we celebrate the Christmas season.  On Saturday, our small town celebrated the season with the annual Christmas parade.  Last year we took our daughter to the Nutcracker and missed the parade.  She has little memories of parades of past.  Her most recent memory of a parade is the Macy Thanksgiving parade she saw on television just a few weeks ago.  As we were prepping for the parade on Saturday morning she asked "Are the floats gonna be like the floats in the Macy's parade?"  I couldn't break her heart so I said "the floats are similar, just smaller".  Sorry for the tall tale!  Even though we did not have the giant balloons and spectacular floats we had great fun and it was very entertaining.  The kiddos rode on the church float with the other members of the children's choir.  Hubby (the councilman) rode in the firetruck with the mayor- YES, WE LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN.  Every firetruck in the county was in town for the parade- I just hope we did not have any fires in the area.  I enjoyed tailgating with my friends.  We've decided to make it an annual event- only to get more elaborate next year.  Merry Christmas!
Hubby waving from the pretty new firetruck.
Parade Tailgate-  Hot Cider
Kiddos on the float
Practicing the Miss America wave

Wrote by Home of a Magnolia
Finally, I have a minute to update the blog.  Last weekend we celebrated Miss Priss's birthday with a cheerleading themed bash.  Thanks to our good friend Cat for helping me with all of the baking, icing, decorating, etc.  My sweetie enjoyed the day dancing and playing with her friends.  The kiddos performed in the church Christmas musical on Sunday afternoon, the church Christmas dinner on Monday, at PTO on Tuesday and tomorrow evening downtown.  Not to mention a performance this coming Saturday.  WOW!!!  I'm tired just thinking about all we have done.  I'll be back soon- once I relax a little.

Wrote by Home of a Magnolia
In my last post I encouraged some blogger friends to participate in a version of  "My Favorite Things".  We will not be doing any fancy giveaways like Oprah, but highlighting the things we love to buy for ourselves, friends and family.  This could also include things you might like to receive.  This post is the result of thoughts I had after seeing an interview on Fox News about the power of mom bloggers.  So many businesses are targeting mom bloggers to do reviews by sending them free products.  I think most of these reviews are a little biased considering the idea is to get more free stuff and advertising as a result of the reviews.  This list of favorite things is just stuff I buy or would purchase for family, friends or myself.  If you were not tagged, but want to participate just comment and I will add you to the list of links.  This is a great way to network and share ideas.  I took pics of the things I already own just to let you know I really like these things.  A few other "wish lists" items were added for good measure.  Some of the stuff is used so remember they come to you looking new if purchased.

Tagged Bloggers:

It's a Golden Day

The Dowdy's Doings

Mom of Redheads

Twist of Lime

Southern Living

Come Give Me Sugar

Semi Slacker Mom

Life of a Southern Belle

Pagoda Press




My Favorite Things:

American Girl Cheerleading Dress
I actually made this for my daughter.  After it turned out okay I started giving for birthday gifts to her little friends.  These are personalized for their respective schools.  Handmade items are a great gift.  Share your talents!
Recipes
Love to give and love to receive in any form- book, box or just a card

Art by Annechovie
I love the prints and art work by Anne Harwell.  I've purchased her notecards for gifts for several people.  I also have framed a set of chair notecards and a chair print to hang in my foyer.


Personalized Tub
I have two of these tubs.  This one decorated in Georgia decor and one with our local high school colors.   Both of these tubs have been used multiple times for many different purposes.  My friend Hope has a Cricut and makes these for all ages.  She makes them for kids birthday parties, shower gifts, etc.  I'm sure the local vinyl letter shop in your town could decorate one to your specifications.  Target and JoAnne's usually carry the metal tubs.  The unfinished metal tubs can be found at a local hardware store.

Market Tote
Most local gift shops carry a line of these totes.  I received this last year from my sister for my birthday.  I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed it.  It goes to tailgating events, family picnics, work, etc.

Georgia Plates
If you are a Georgia bride, these plates are likely on your registry.    These plates are the office historical plates for the state of Georgia.  Their are 12 plates in the series. 
Laurie's Lagniappes
Bought these lunchboxes two years ago.  The kiddos love them.  This company has tons of personalized stuff.   Laurie packages everything beautifully.  Great for your kids or for gifts.

 Cookbooks
Two of my favorites to give, but the Texas one is now out of print.  You can find Second Round as well as Tea Time and Par 3 at the Junior League of Augusta website.
The Pearl Girls
 My hubby and the kiddos gave me this bracelet for Mother's Day this past year- love it.  The Pearl Girls have a variety of one of a kind pieces for adults, children and babies.
Antique Button Jewelry
This jewelry is gorgeous and each piece one of a kind.
I found it at Twisted Sisters- very reasonably priced.  This is a unique gift, art and antique shop.    These bracelets look great mixed w/Yurman jewelry.

Cinnamon Coffee by Gevalia
This is the best coffee I have every tasted.  A few years ago a co-worker gave me some for Christmas.  Perfect for coffee drinkers.
Cinnamon
Cheecans from the Orchards
The yummiest cheese wafers I've ever tasted.  I've purchased and given these many times as a hostess gift.  Our friends at the Orchards have the best gifts.



Pecan Pralines
Another great treat from the Orchards.  Love these to eat alone or even on a salad.  Another great hostess gift or the perfect gift to ship.   Great gift for men.
Praline Pecans

Melissa and Doug Puzzles
One of my favorite gifts to purchase for children.  All wooden puzzles in beautiful colors.  I buy Melissa and Doug products at a downtown bookstore. 
Puzzles

A Touch of Whimsy Stationary Products
Great stationary products (stickers, calling cards, notecards, invitations and tons of other stuff)- I've ordered for gifts, my children and myself.  Always great service and quality work. 
Pink Mixer Gift Sticker

Alligator Girl Gift Sticker (your choice)

Camo Boy Gift Sticker

Colorful Family Calling Card
Wrote by Home of a Magnolia
This morning I was listening to Fox News as the host of the morning show interviewed the creator  Squinkies, some new hot toy.  As a mom I see these things as the new enemy of the vacuum.  The toys are inexpensive, tiny and supposedly collectable- just like everything else made in China- Ha! Ha!  Sorry if you bought them, but they look like a mom's worst nightmare not to mention a major choking hazard.  The host asked the inventor about how he used current technology, social networking and blogs to get the word out about this toy.  He commented "the mom bloggers" were instrumental in spreading the word about this product.  Evidently he sent free samples to mom bloggers and encouraged them to blog about the toy.  This interview made me think about the power we have as moms and bloggers.

Some of the blogs I read sponsor contest and giveaways as a way to introduce people to a new site, blog and sometimes a product (usually created by  a self-employed mom).  I love this way of networking.   I do realize there are blogs out there featuring tons of advertising and one review after another on products.  Personally, I have made a decision not to read or follow those blogs.  I feel I would get a very slanted view of the product due to someone's desire to get more free stuff and advertising.  For me blogging is a great way to meet new people, share great ideas and journal. 

Later today I will post a blog about My Favorite Things- these are things I buy, love and give as gifts.  These are not business or products I have been given to promote.  As the daughter of former small business owners, I think it important to support these businesses  (the backbone of our country).  My promise is to post about products I LOVE and use or purchase for family, friends or myself.  I also must say NONE of these small business owners have given me anything to post- I'm doing this as sort of my list of  "Favorite Things" (sorry no giveaways like Oprah).

I'm encouraging a few bloggers to join me in posting their "Favorite Things".  If you would like to participate, but I did not link you- please let me know by leaving a comment and I will add you to my list of links. 

It's a Golden Day
The Dowdy's Doings
Mom of Redheads
Twist of Lime
Southern Living
Come Give Me Sugar
Semi Slacker Mom
 Life of a Southern Belle
Pagoda Press

After the Fact:
It has been a whirlwind few days for my family. We started celebrating on Tuesday with my monthly GNO. Wednesday we all enjoyed an Oyster Roast with friends. Our family spent Thursday with my hubby's family before traveling to spend a few days with my family. Friday I visited a few stores and found very few great deals, but I did not get up early or stay up late to hit the stores.



Here are a few pics:

Great friends- enjoying great time at Oyster Roast
More great friends- Oyster Roast 2010
  My kiddos- Thanksgiving at the Pond
My daughter and niece
 My son and hubby 
My nephew- Go Dawgs!!!  Beat Tech! (and we did)
 Hubby- Thanksgiving at my parents
My kiddos
My kiddos- Another Oyster Roast Pic
Wrote by Home of a Magnolia
Great day spent with great friends!  For the last couple of months some of my besties have been training for their first 5K.  I really admire their dedication.  Today was their big day.  We woke early and traveled to a nearby town for their first race.  It was so much fun to cheer them on.  As most always we met interesting characters along the way.  Can't wait to spend two evenings with these girls this week.  We are long overdue for Girls Night Out!

This week many celebrated American Education Week.   The members of our household got to participate in a variety of ways.  My hubby participated in the Readers are Leaders event at the kiddos' school.  He got to read to our son's 5th grade class.  My mother-in-law read to my daughter's kindergarten class.  The school sponsored the annual Thanksgiving lunch on Thursday and it is tradition for 5th grade to dress up for the special occasion.  My son was one handsome boy- so glad he gets excited about these school activities.  Thursday evening I baked and prepared for the teacher appreciation event PTO sponsored on Friday while the kids prepared their costumes.  On Friday all of the children dressed as their favorite book character for a parade- son was Greg from Diary of a Wimpy Kid and daughter was Eloise.  It was a fun week, but I'm exhausted.  So glad for the upcoming holidays.

Shhhh!  Don't tell we have already put up our Christmas trees.  I can't believe it, but the trees have been up for almost a week, but I haven't dared open the drapes and let the neighbors see.  The hubby and I had the time last weekend and really wanted the opportunity to relax in the coming week so we broke all the rules and put up the trees before Thanksgiving.  I still want to bring in fresh greenery for the chandelier and mantel, but the hubby is trying to talk me out of it.  I am severely allergic- last Christmas I stayed sick due to my decorations.  Sometimes you just have to sacrifice for beauty.

Wrote by Home of a Magnolia
My friend Bevy at It's A Golden Day tagged me in a post about my favorite authors- fifteen to be exact.  I have compiled a list of books I read for fun, read with my kids, read to get me geared up for work, and read in the kitchen.   My favorite go to book is the Bible.  I did not list it here, but wanted to point it out as THE BOOK!  Thanks to technology I love reading blogs.  I have my favorites posted under "My Blog List".  Here is a list of my favorite books:

1.  Frances Hodgson Burnett- The Secret Garden
  • Love this book and can't wait to read it with my daughter.
2. Jeannette Walls  The Glass Castle
  • One of my favorite books- EVER.
3.  Jane O'connor  The Fancy Nancy Books
  • I adore these books.  My daughter has the best time learning new "fancy"words from these books.
4.  Karen Kingsbury
  • Christian fiction- can't read one without crying my heart out.
5.  Celia Rivenbark - Bless Your Heart Tramp, Stop Dressing Your Six Year Old Like a Skank as well as several others.
  • Hilarious essays by a good ole southern girl.  I always pick up one of these books when I need a good laugh.
6.  Gayden Metcalfe - Being Dead is No Excuse
  • Funny w/lots of great recipes
7.  Mary Kay Andrews
  • Just for fun southern fiction.
8.   Matthew F Christopher
  • Awesome for the young reader that loves sports.  My read all of his books in 3rd grade.
9.  Rebecca Lang- Southern Entertaining for a New Generation
  • Rebecca has written two cookbooks, but this was her first.  She details grocery lists, wine pairings and gives a preparation timeline.  Rebecca is from my hometown.


10.  Nicholas Sparks
  • Just for fun, but these will also make you cry.  Two of his books were made into movies- Message in a Bottle and The Last Song.
11.  Matthew B. Crawford- Shop Class as a Soul Craft
  • Some might find this a strange one for my list, but as an educator I really value his writing on the importance of working with your hands.   This book has really changed the value some place on blue collar jobs.
12.  Rafe Esquith- Teach Like Your Hair Is On Fire
  • Great read if you are gearing up to go back to school.  This teacher has given his life to his students.  Very inspiring.
13.  Erin Gruwell- The Freedome Writers
  • Another great "back to school" author. 
14.  Christie Mellor- The Three Martini Playdate
  • Must need parenting book- hilarious.
15.  Laura Ingalls Wilder- The Little House Series
  • My favorite childhood books


I'm tagging the following bloggers for their list of favorite authors:


The Dowdy's Doings
Mom of Redheads
Pagoda Press
High Heels and Hairbows
The Cowgirl Lawyer
Wrote by Home of a Magnolia
Newer Posts Older Posts Home

LATEST POSTS

  • Wow! I Love Your Blog!
    I’ve been awarded the “I love your blog” award by Bevy at It’s A Golden Day . Some of you might have read my post about meeting Bevy recentl...
  • Produce and Dancing- Typical Small Town Day
    Tuesday is my dear daughter's dance and gymnastics day.  Every Tuesday we head to the local beauty salon to take dance.  Strange I know?...
  • Red Boots Go With Everything
    In case you didn't know red boots go with everything or at least my daughter thinks so. Somehow she convinced her daddy she needed a pa...
  • More Spring Break Fun and Meeting Bevy
    Today, we made the trip to Camden, South Carolina to visit a family friend at Cool Springs Plantation for lunch. Our friend Gaffney lives in...
  • What a Week!
    Our friends' wedding was beautiful.  The entire family had a great time.  My sweet daughter danced every song from beginning to end.  We...
  • Honest Scrap
    Thanks so much to The Bray Bunch for the Honest Scrap Award.  I hope I always live up to this expectation.  As the receipent of the award I...
  • My Favorite Things
    In my last post I encouraged some blogger friends to participate in a version of  "My Favorite Things".  We will not be doing any ...
  • Trip to See the Grandparents
    During the first few days of spring break the kiddos and I made a trip to visit my parents. My son and my dad went bowling-my son won! I spe...
  • Turkey Panini
    Thank goodness my family only eats turkey once as we make our way from house to house during the Thanksgiving holidays, but some eat it ov...
  • Where's the Romance
    We are taking part in a family friend's wedding this weekend.  The festivities began last night as we attend the rehearsal dinner.  Food...

Categories

  • Dance 2
  • First sewing project 1
  • Jewelry 1
  • recipes 29

Advertisement


Visit Southern Mommas
Powered by Blogger.

About Me

My photo
Home of a Magnolia
Native of small southern town and still living in a small southern town. Happily married to my college sweetheart and raising two busy children. I love my work as an educator, but in my spare time I love to COOK!
View my complete profile

Subscribe To

Posts
Atom
Posts
All Comments
Atom
All Comments

Followers

Blog Archive

  • ▼  2017 (2)
    • ▼  January (2)
      • This week...
      • 2017
  • ►  2016 (2)
    • ►  December (2)
  • ►  2013 (13)
    • ►  July (1)
    • ►  April (1)
    • ►  March (5)
    • ►  February (2)
    • ►  January (4)
  • ►  2012 (21)
    • ►  December (7)
    • ►  November (6)
    • ►  October (2)
    • ►  August (1)
    • ►  July (1)
    • ►  June (4)
  • ►  2011 (58)
    • ►  December (12)
    • ►  November (10)
    • ►  August (1)
    • ►  July (4)
    • ►  June (3)
    • ►  May (5)
    • ►  April (6)
    • ►  March (5)
    • ►  February (5)
    • ►  January (7)
  • ►  2010 (74)
    • ►  December (6)
    • ►  November (7)
    • ►  October (6)
    • ►  September (5)
    • ►  August (4)
    • ►  July (4)
    • ►  June (8)
    • ►  May (6)
    • ►  April (11)
    • ►  March (3)
    • ►  February (8)
    • ►  January (6)
  • ►  2009 (28)
    • ►  December (2)
    • ►  November (3)
    • ►  October (5)
    • ►  September (1)
    • ►  August (7)
    • ►  July (10)

My Favorite Blogs

  • Mix and Match Mama
    Sweater Weather FALL HAUL {2026 Edition} - Happy TUESDAY, friends! I hope you had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend! Today, I have MEAL PLANNING TUESDAY + it’s my annual… Yup. Every. Single. September...
    2 days ago
  • Pinterest Told Me To
    SALES! SALES! SALES! - Okay, y’all. There are A LOT of Labor Day sales happening right now, and I know it can be totally overwhelming trying to figure out what’s actually worth...
    3 days ago
  • Tobi Fairley
    My Favorite Holiday Things: Décor, Gifts, and Traditions I Adore - The holidays are here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re juggling a million things while trying to channel your inner Martha Stewart—minus the priso...
    1 year ago
  • The Dowdy's Doings ~
    More of Jackson’s Trip - Long time coming, but here are a few more pictures from our trip! The food was SO incredible! Jackson loves to try things, so we tried it ALL! Now that ...
    1 year ago
  • COTE DE TEXAS
    PLEASE UPDATE THE RSS FEED - The RSS feed URL you're currently using https://follow.it/cotedetexas will stop working shortly. Please add /rss at the and of the URL, so that the URL w...
    2 years ago
  • Miss Janice
    What Happens When the Queen Dies? - [image: See the source image] *Update: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died today. It is a day that I have dreaded for so long. Today begins the 12 days of...
    4 years ago
  • Kelly's Korner
    Park City Utah - When we first had babies, one of my dreams was that when they each turned 13 - I wanted to take them on a special trip - just them and Scott and I. I wa...
    4 years ago
  • Savvy Southern Style
    Spring Tour in the Sun Room - The sun room has gone through a couple of changes again with a new jute rug and a colorful textured ottoman that I just love. Oh, and some color has retur...
    6 years ago
  • Rebecca Lang Cooks
    16 Tips for Grocery Store Etiquette - I believe the two groups that frequent the grocery store the most are those that work in food and women with children. That leaves me in both groups and n...
    7 years ago
  • Kitchen Belleicious
    Classic Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce - Most everyone has had a crab cake at some point in their life. Crab cakes are easy to make and easy to eat. They are perfect all by themselves and even bet...
    8 years ago
  • *Mom*of*Redheads
    The Way I Remember It... - Every Christmas night since forever, I’ve always been blessed enough to sit around somebody’s fireplace. After the whirlwind of gifts are opened and I’ve ...
    8 years ago
  • Home of a Magnolia
    2017 -
    9 years ago
  • Mix and Match Family
    Norway & Netherlands 2016: Days 8-10 - All week I've been recapping our family's summer vacation to the Netherlands and Norway...and today is my last post on days 8 through 10 (whew!). It's ...
    10 years ago
  • One Fabulous Mom
    How Long Does It Take To Make a Tech Break STICK? - *It takes 3 days. Just 3 days.* *Day 1, They're still asking, begging for TV and electronics.* *Day 2, Negotiation, lawyering, asking for screen time.* *D...
    10 years ago
  • Reggie Darling
    Reggie's Return - Hello Dear Reader. After a one year and one month absence, I am pleased to return to the Blogosphere, and to pick up with you where I left off. It has be...
    11 years ago
  • Pagoda Press
    Gift Wrapping - Anyone who knows me knows I love to wrap gifts. Just scored this leopard wrapping paper for $1.50 and these adorable Timree cards (6/$1.50) at Michaels. I ...
    11 years ago
  • Town and Country Mom
    Gone to the Dogs - Who doesn't love a handsome coffee table book? Especially this time of year, when there seems to be a little more time to page through the extravagant tom...
    11 years ago
  • the entertaining house
    Our new website - Click on the image to take you to the new site! Don't forget to add us to your daily reading and blogroll! Our new website address is www.jessicagordonrya...
    11 years ago
  • Alabama Southern Living
    - [image: Click to play this Smilebox greeting] [image: Create your own greeting - Powered by Smilebox] Create a digital greeting card
    14 years ago
  • Lagniappes Latest
    Summer Break & Back to school - Good afternoon friends [image: Smile] We will be closed from July 22nd through August 5th for summer break. I realize this cuts it close for back to sc...
    15 years ago
  • Kyndall In The Kitchen
    -
  • Angel Pie Designs
    -
  • Our life in the Bluegrass...
    -
  • Annechovie
    -
  • create the life you love
    -

Popular Posts

  • Wow! I Love Your Blog!
    I’ve been awarded the “I love your blog” award by Bevy at It’s A Golden Day . Some of you might have read my post about meeting Bevy recentl...
  • Produce and Dancing- Typical Small Town Day
    Tuesday is my dear daughter's dance and gymnastics day.  Every Tuesday we head to the local beauty salon to take dance.  Strange I know?...
  • Red Boots Go With Everything
    In case you didn't know red boots go with everything or at least my daughter thinks so. Somehow she convinced her daddy she needed a pa...
  • More Spring Break Fun and Meeting Bevy
    Today, we made the trip to Camden, South Carolina to visit a family friend at Cool Springs Plantation for lunch. Our friend Gaffney lives in...
  • What a Week!
    Our friends' wedding was beautiful.  The entire family had a great time.  My sweet daughter danced every song from beginning to end.  We...
  • Honest Scrap
    Thanks so much to The Bray Bunch for the Honest Scrap Award.  I hope I always live up to this expectation.  As the receipent of the award I...
  • My Favorite Things
    In my last post I encouraged some blogger friends to participate in a version of  "My Favorite Things".  We will not be doing any ...
  • Trip to See the Grandparents
    During the first few days of spring break the kiddos and I made a trip to visit my parents. My son and my dad went bowling-my son won! I spe...
  • Turkey Panini
    Thank goodness my family only eats turkey once as we make our way from house to house during the Thanksgiving holidays, but some eat it ov...
  • Where's the Romance
    We are taking part in a family friend's wedding this weekend.  The festivities began last night as we attend the rehearsal dinner.  Food...

recent posts

Flickr Images

FOLLOW US @ INSTAGRAM

Copyright © 2016 Home of a Magnolia. Designed by OddThemes & Blogger Templates