I Wish I Was in Dixie

I'm Moving!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 05:23:00 +0000

That's right folks!

I Wish I Was in Dixie (blogger) is packing up and moving to wordpress. It's been a harrowing transition and not all of the kinks have been worked, but we are close!

Stop by my new digs, take a look, click around, comment on a few posts, and be sure you are following me on Google Friend Connect located on the bottom of my homepage.

As always, VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME!!

Change your links to
(drumroll please...)

www.iwishiwasindixie.com

Recipe Box: Pumpkin Mac & Cheese

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:59:00 +0000

I like pumpkin. The flavor by itself is not great, but it can be added to so many things that make it delicious. Try this recipe instead of your old faithful. Don't tell a soul and see what they say. I think you will have a winner on your hands! The combination of flavors also makes this classic recipe more grown-up. Confidently serve this to your in-laws this holiday season. You can thank me later. ;)

Pumpkin Mac ‘n Cheese
Adapted from this recipe
Makes approximately 5-6 servings

2 cups pumpkin puree
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup, plus 2 Tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 tsp. butter, melted
1 cup cheddar cheese
1/2 c. grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp. ground mustard
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. crushed red pepper (Optional: adds a hint of kick)
salt and pepper, to taste
10 oz. your favorite small pasta (approximately 4 c. uncooked pasta-make this really healthy by using whole wheat pasta)
1/3 c. bread crumbs (you can use panko instead)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente.
3. Heat pumpkin puree in medium saucepan over medium to high heat. Add milk and thoroughly combine.

4. Reduce heat to low. Add 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, and the mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted into pumpkin mixture.

5. Add mustard, nutmeg, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.

6. Mix pumpkin sauce with drained pasta until thoroughly combined. Mix in rest of cheddar cheese.

7. Place pasta mixture in 9×9-inch casserole dish, or separate into ramekins for individual servings.

8. Mix breadcrumbs with 2 Tbsp. grated parmesan cheese. Add melted butter and mix well. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture on top of pasta and place in oven.

9. Bake for 10 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown.

**Order one of these and you will look like a pro at your next dinner party or family function. Heck, bake your Pumpkin Mac & Cheese in it. How festive!

Making General Conference Fun For Preschoolers

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 03:57:00 +0000

I love watching General Conference. The spirit fills my home and I find myself wanting to be a better, wife, mother, friend, daughter and sister. It helps me keep things in proper perspective rather than flying off the handle to easily. Adding kids into the mix changed everything. When Mattie was younger, I could more easily keep her entertained. Conveniently, conference also landed during nap time. Those days are over. This will be my first General Conference with two 4 year olds. Because I need the guidance that comes from church leaders, I am creating a series of things for my girls to do while watching General Conference. Of course, I have a packet full of coloring pages, letters and words to trace and helpful activities. I found a darling pumpkin coloring page with topics for the kids to color. I also plan on making a special snack for the family to enjoy.

What are you favorite General Conference foods and snacks?

Do you have any special traditions you would like to share?

Below are the links to some of my favorite activities for kids. I am looking forward to a successful and memorable General Conference weekend.

Activity Book by Scriptures for Kids (Junior Primary Packet)

Pumpkin/Gospel Topic coloring page

Temple Tracing Card and President Monson coloring page

General Conference notebook, coloring page, and Conference Squares (game)

Making General Conference Memorable (this is a blog post I have referred to for a couple of years)

As far as food goes, I plan on giving each girl a little treat basket. They can eat what they want, when they want, but there is no refills for the day. They will have to ration (or not ration) on their own. I have done this with Mattie in past years and it worked great. Zoe has never seen General Conference before, or even seen the prophet before, so this will be a great learning weekend!

**Stay tuned for a delicious Mac and Cheese recipe. You could make it for General Conference weekend and be the star of the show. The leftovers are as awesome as eating it the first time around!

MMB

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:21:00 +0000

Enjoy my yummy and healthy muffin recipe over at Mormon Mommy Blogs!

Recipe Box: Pumpkin Puree

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:14:00 +0000

Pumpkin Puree
Use this recipe to create many delicious dishes.

1 Sugar Pumpkin

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cut the pumpkin in half and scrape out all seeds and stringy fibers with a metal spoon.
3. Place the two halves in a roasting pan with 1 cup of water.
4. Bake the pumpkin until meltingly tender, about 90 minutes (depending on pumpkin size).
5. Scoop the flesh out of each pumpkin half.
6. Puree in a food processor.
7. Use in various recipes as needed. Be creative! Freezes well.

Tip: Pour the puree in a plastic wrap lined ice cube tray. Once frozen, place the cubes in a freezer safe, airtight bag or container. You can add this puree to so many of your favorite recipes, one cube at a time.

**You will want one of these. Trust me on this.

Discipline, Boundaries and Consistency

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 20:59:00 +0000

There have been other incidences since "I'm a dude". One day the girls were chewing on the small rubber princess dresses. Not only is that gross, but nobody is teething around here. Another day they colored with black dry erase markers all over themselves, their clothes and my mom's nice little table (used to be my grandpa's) that has been in the girls room (It was given back after "I'm a dude". Now it's gone for a long time.) A couple days ago they smeared something unidentifiable on my parents huge screen TV. Each time, I had nicely asked the girls to change their behavior and explained the appropriate behavior, in kid friendly terms, of course. By the 3rd, 4th or 5th warning, no more chances. Some days I respond well to the disobedience. Some days I feel like a crazy woman out of control.

Two weeks ago, the St. George temple president's wife spoke in stake conference about how The Book of Mormon can teach you how to be a parent. She also talked about how reading the scriptures can strengthen a family. I took her counsel to heart. The next day we had a family home evening lesson about the Bible and The Book of Mormon. We talked about the origins of each and then bore our testimonies of both books. It was a spiritual experience. For our activity/treat we made Scripture Cookies. With scripture cookies you have to look-up and read certain scriptures to find the ingredients for the cookies. It was so fun and the girls had a great time reading with us from the scriptures and hunting for the ingredients. By the way, the cookies were awesome! (recipe will be posted soon)

The following week our family home evening was about having a stronger family. First, I showed a rope and we noticed that it's made of interwoven strands. If any of the strands were cut, broken or frayed the rope would unravel and not be strong. We likened that to our family. That we are each a strand to our family rope. I told the story of when Nephi's bow broke and talked about Lehi's family. Afterward, we talked about all the things we need to do to make our family strong every day. Things like reading the scriptures, saying family prayer, being nice and sharing were mentioned. The girls also talked about something involving play-doh, but I didn't understand. They thought it was hilarious and laughed about it all night.

Yesterday morning, after taking the girls to preschool, I headed to the temple. I needed help beyond the every day. All that I am comfortable with and accustomed to has changed and I was looking for Divine inspiration. It came. I left feeling lighter then I have since August 11th, the day Zoe arrived. I drove to Target and bought two "Responsibility Charts", thank you Circo and Target. I then bought some cute little dollar prizes and one $5 prize (for each girl). I am not above bribery.

When I got home we talked about behavior and boundaries, then set-up their charts. I explained how the prizes would work and they were thrilled. I think we are on a good path. I know that God wants us to succeed. I also know He has heard my desperate pleading for help with these two sweet, curious, energetic, tireless, independent, helpful, creative girls. My desire is to accentuate their strengths and individuality, not to make them feel small or not good enough.

The next step is to work on my consistency and method. Like it says in the scriptures, "Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;" (D&C 1221:43) Discipline, love, discipline, love, discipline, love, etc. This is how the Lord works with us, His children. It is the pattern I should follow with children on loan to me. Now to find the patience to accompany it...

What's A Mom To Do?

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 22:09:00 +0000

I quietly opened the bedroom door of my "napping" girls.

Me: What are you doing?! Why are you standing on the table?

Zoe: I don't know.

Me: You don't know? You just magically flew up there?

Zoe: silence.

Me: Climb down. Zoe get on your bed please. Mattie go lay on Uncle Sam's bed.

Zoe: still silent

(I promptly removed said table and its chairs from the room)

Me: Mattie, why was Zoe standing on the table? What were you guys doing?

Mattie: We were playing a "I'm a dude".

Me: "I'm a dude"? What exactly is that?

Mattie: It's when you climb on the table and JUMP to your bed and say "I'm a dude!"

Me: Where did you get this idea?

Mattie: Me. From in my head.

Me: So, you jumped on your bed?

Mattie: silent nod yes.

(I promptly remove brand new bedspreads. Previously promised punishment for jumping on the bed one more time.)

Where do kids come up with this stuff? What are appropriate consequences for 4 year old children? My well is dry.

(top photo courtesy of stock.xchng)

Check me out!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 03:33:00 +0000

You can also find me at Today's Mama.
I'm talking about banishing the negative thoughts
and our ability, as women, to do hard things.

Head on over and check it out!

P.S. I think you need this necklace by the r house couture to remind you that you can do hard things.

Get on Board and Believe

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:04:00 +0000

"What a week!"

That's what I said on Monday night as I prepared to lay my stress-filled head on my pillow. Before finally putting myself to bed, my hubby and I prayed together. We needed Divine help in a way we never had before. Along with guidance and peace we asked for a way to have 2 twin beds in time. We didn't know exactly when Zoe would arrive, but we knew our time was short. How would we make it all work? Man, was I stressed out!

At 9:00am the next morning, Zoe's caseworker called. I had just started my breakfast and Mattie was in her room getting dressed. "Amy, can we bring Zoe today? Probably later this afternoon. I will call you with an exact time after I meet with Ann." (Zoe's maternal grandmother) I was stunned. I could hardly speak. What about the beds? Am I making a mistake? Will Mattie be ok? Is it too late to back out? These are the thoughts that raced through my mind before I was able to squeak out a "Sure. If that's what you need. She can come today." After I hung-up the phone I stood in silence. What should I do first? My body wouldn't move. The reality of what we had chosen was washing over me in great waves and I felt like I would drown. What should I do first? In that instant I couldn't eat one more bite. I had to act. There was so much to do! What should I do first?

Well, the first thing I did was call Matt. He was the calm, logical one and he would know what to do. With reassurance in his voice he said everything would be ok. Just start with getting the room ready for another little girl. Then he hung-up. Before I could even walk down the stairs, Matt called back. His parents had 2 twin beds for us, bedding and all. They were preparing, AT THAT MOMENT, to drive everything to us from Richfield. After that phone call I started to cry.

I was living one of the stories you hear in Sunday School. You know the one. A family has an immediate, even desperate need. After a faith filled and heartfelt prayer, an answer comes. Miraculously. Without explanation except to say it was a gift from God. It was then that I was able to really see all the small miracles we had received over the past few weeks. Miracles that were hard to see at first. Immediately, I went to my bedroom, walked into the closet, closed the door, got down on my knees and poured my heart out. And cried some more. This wasn't the first (or last) time I would do this. My closet is the best place for such a moment. If I keep the light off, nobody knows I'm there (including children).

Eventually my caseworker called back and said they would bring Zoe first thing the next morning. Phew! Just enough time to get the bedroom ready, clean the house and FRY my nerves. Actually, as was the set standard, everything went smoothly. It was clear that God had his hand in every part of this process. He has a plan and we just need to get on board and believe.

A Repost: Where Were You?

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 01:36:00 +0000

Post Edit: This is a repost from

September 11th, 2009. Please enjoy.

Where were you on September 11th, 2001 when the Twin Tours, the Pentagon and Flight 93 were struck by terrorists?

I was in my driveway trying to get my car to start so I could go to work. I was late. Again.

When I ran back into my house to ask my dad (yes, I was in mid-twenties living with my parents) to drive me to work, I noticed the T.V. was on, but no one was watching. Then I saw it. My jaw hung in disbelief. I called out, "Dad! Have you seen this?". At the time, my dad spent a lot of his time working in NYC. In that building even. He could have been there, but wasn't. Many of his friends and colleagues were killed that day.

My dad no longer works for that company, however, today he dressed in a suit. Put his special remembrance pin on his lapel and left for work with tears in his eyes.

It doesn't matter that it happened 8 years ago. The tragedy of it is still fresh.

I will never forget.

I will always honor those who are daily putting their life on the line to protect me and my family. There aren't words to express how I feel in my heart. There isn't enough gratitude.

24 Hours

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 05:53:00 +0000

One day I checked my email, not expecting anything in particular. I found a note from my grandma. My cousin's (you read about her and the plane crash in my previous post) daughter, Zoe, was in trouble and she was asking the family to keep her in our prayers. I immediately got up from my computer, went down the hall to Mattie's room and told her we needed to say a prayer for Zoe. Mattie was concerned and asked a lot of questions. I answered them as well as I could. When we were done praying, Mattie put her arm on my shoulder and told me not to worry, "Zoe's mommy will take care of her". What a sweet, intuitive child. Of course Cecilee would take care of Zoe. Nobody could do it better.

A couple days later we went up to my aunt's house, where Zoe was staying, and we had a delightful afternoon. Mattie and Zoe played all day, the family visited, and we had incredible food. At the end of the night we said out good-byes and I love yous. Matt and I went out of our way to love on Zoe for a moment. We wanted her to know she wasn't alone. After wrapping our arms around her and making a "Zoe sandwich", we drove off, unsure of what the future held for that sweet child.

About 24 hours later, after many tears and prayers, we unexpectedly expressed our desire to have Zoe. This was not in our plans. Although we had thought about it off and on for 2 years (since the plane crash), we never thought an opportunity would present itself. I struggled with how unfair it was that I would raise this little girl and not the mother who gave birth to her. I also struggled with if I would be able to love her as much as I loved and adored my Mattie. Those 24 hours were agonizing. My faithful and peaceful husband knew everything would be ok, but he patiently waited for me to come around. When I finally did, I couldn't stop thinking about Zoe. All at once I wanted her and couldn't bear the thought of her going anywhere else.

7 days later Zoe arrived.

By The Way, you can also find me at Today's Mama today. Skip on over and take a look at my article called School is in Session.

Looking Back to Look Forward

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:30:00 +0000

In order to tell my story, we will have to look back. Two years ago. In some ways, it's been a short two years. In other ways, it's been a lifetime. The lifetime of a child.

Two years ago I wrote about a horrific plane crash that changed my family forever. For you to understand and appreciate how we have become "four" you will need to read a handful of posts from 2008. On August 19th I wrote about Perspective. Little did I know how close to home this post would hit. On August 25th I was too heartbroken to say much. On August 30th I was Ready to talk about it. Finally, on September 16th, I shared what happened and my realization that Life Goes On (some of the links/images no longer work-sorry).

In the aftermath of such tragedy, the fact that life does go on almost feels inappropriate. How can life continue moving forward when there is so much lost? However, comfort, peace, and healing only come when you let go and give in to moving forward. It's a difficult dichotomy, but very true.

Something new is coming

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:24:00 +0000

I have a new series coming called "And Then There Were Four". This series will talk about the latest addition to our family, the miracles we have seen, our struggles, and how our life changed over night.

Stay tuned. I'm sure it will be worth the read!

The Daily Grind: small miracles edition

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:49:00 +0000

"We do not know the future, but our Father in Heaven does, and He will
lead and guide us if we let Him. When we are in tune with the Spirit, we
will see many small miracles happen in our lives. I have found that having
the ability to see and recognize these small miracles is based upon my
spiritual worthiness, my willingness to be obedient, and my desire to not
allow myself to become complacent and caught up in worldly and personal
pursuits."

-- Ronald T. Halverson

This quote sums up my life right now. I don't know the future, but I know my Father in Heaven does. This past week has been overflowing with small miracles. For example, on Tuesday I discovered I needed 2 twin beds almost a full week before I thought I did. By the end of the day, I had two twin beds with bedding all set-up. On Wednesday, the children both living and visiting in my home got along without hardly a disagreement. It was an important day and each one rose to the occasion. Today was no different. These five kids have played well and welcomed our latest addition.

Sometime before this day is over we will be driving to Salt Lake in anticipation of a fun family day at Lagoon tomorrow (unexpected car trouble is holding up our departure-lovely!).
Wish me luck!
I hope I can rent a stroller...

A Sunday Devotional

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 01:35:00 +0000

Christ did not just speak about love; He showed it each day of His life.
He did not remove Himself from the crowd. Being amidst the people, Jesus
reached out to the one. He rescued the lost. He didn’t just teach a class
about reaching out in love and then delegate the actual work to others. He
not only taught but also showed us how to “succor the weak, lift up the
hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees."

-- Dieter F. Uchtdorf,"You Are My Hands"

Sex Slavery and Human Trafficking (a repost from I Never Grew-Up)

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:24:00 +0000

(This is copied from my friend Vanessa Brown's blog, I Never Grew-up. Please show your support!)

Sex Slavery and Human Trafficking.
In North America, the United States and Canada.
Of beautiful children. Beautiful children that deserve a life of happiness, safety and love. Which is being ripped away from them and putting them in situation that I won’t even pretend that I could understand or explain in the slightest.
300,000 American children are at risk of sexual exploitation.

I wish everyone involved in this has a slow painful death followed by a long forever in hell.

We need to help end this now so these beautiful children can have a second chance. So that future beautiful children, sweet pure spirits are not exposed to this absolute FILTH.
Child Rescue has as goal of “90 by 2020” meaning that by 2020 they will reduce child sex slavery by 90% in the US and Canada.

What are YOU going to do to help?

Learn what you can do at Child Rescue, keep yourself updated on everything they are doing and how you can help.

On August 21^st there is a Festival at Thanksgiving Point in Utah that YOU can be a part of. Donate to the cause and learn more about what you can do in the future to help.

The Candlelight Serenade Acoustic Festival
Who will be performing?
Chris Carrabba (you know from Dashboard Confessional)
Nick Hexum (you know from 311)
Third Eye Blind
Relient K

I will be out of the country and it hurts, I want to be there. Will all of you go for me and show your support along with mine?

Buy Tickets here: http://www.candlelightserenade.com/Buy%20Tickets.html
Can’t go then HELP SPREAD THE WORD by emailing people you know, twittering, facebooking or blogging about it.
Thank you.
P.S. Fan them on Facebook
P.P.S. Follow them on Twitter

Oh Snap!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:47:00 +0000

photograph by Kiwi_Steph

There I was. Walking from room to room. Bending to gather stray socks as I headed to put in a load of laundry. It was then that I heard it. "SNAP!"

I thought, "that was a funny little sound, I wonder what it was?" After looking around for a moment, I was unable to identify the source of the noise and went on with the sock gathering (in hopes of pairing them back up later).

In it all went, socks, underwear, lingerie bag with my sports bra and my last, good, every day bra. I poured in the detergent, set the water temperature and went on my merry way for the next 35 minutes or so. When the load was done washing, I dutifully moved it to the drier with the exception of my bras. They got hung on hangers to dry on the door frame of my closet (classy, I know).

The next day I discovered the source of that mysterious little "SNAP!".

The underwire of my last, good, every day bra broke! Oh the tragedy of it all! Boo! Hiss! For most women this isn't the end of the world. You can trot on down to your local Vicky Seek and find a replacement. However, for us "well-endowed" women, no such luck. My size does not exist off the rack. It is something I have to purchase off the internets. Why did I allow myself to get down to my last, good, every day bra you ask? Because the good ones are so goshdarnfreakin EXPENSIVE. Seriously. I can hardly stomach LOOKING at a bra at that price, let alone BUY it! (cue feeling really sorry for me)

But alas, don't cry for me Argentina. I am embarking on a journey in a couple of weeks that will hopefully improve my bra situation. Fingers and toes are crossed. In the mean time, I am going to limp along with my broken underwire bra.

P.S. my journey does not include a doctor drawing on my naked chest or anesthetic.

Full to Overflowing

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:49:00 +0000

That is my heart. Full to overflowing.

I walked down the hall, heading to the bathroom, when I had the most overwhelming urge to scoop up my daughter and cradle her in my arms. After a quick visit to the bathroom, I walked into my daughter's dark, sleepy bedroom and felt my way to where she was sleeping deeply. I love to here her even breathing while she dreams.

First, I fixed her blankets. Then I kissed her head and stood up to leave.

It wasn't enough.

I bent back down and kissed her little head a few more times. Then her cheeks. Then that little soft spot just below her chin. I have loved to kiss that spot since the moment she was put in my arms.

Still not enough.

I gently held her hand. The involuntary clenching of her hand in mine made me smile. I remember when she would wrap her long, newborn fingers around my fingers. Then I counted each long finger, caressed them in my hand and kissed each one.

It had to be enough. I didn't want to wake her.

As I walked down the hall to my room, I tearfully thought of another sweet little daughter (not mine), whom I love. May the spirit of her sweet mother comfort and keep her as the days of decision and change lay ahead. May all that is good and right be hers.

It's still not enough, but my overflowing heart will have to wait until tomorrow.

Step-By-Step Guide For Bottling Your Own Tomatoes

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:19:00 +0000

Bottling is not one of my favorite past times. However, when it is as easy as this, who can complain!

Step 1: Pick ripe tomatoes from your garden. If you don't have a garden, grab a bunch at your local farmer's market. Fresh is best for this! (I went out in the over 100 degree afternoon to get these fresh off the vine.)

Step 2: Wash and score the bottom of each tomato (as seen in the picture).

Step 3: Place clean tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds. The skins will slide right off!

Step 4: Drop skinless tomatoes into canning jars. Squish them in there really good. This part might get a bit messy. Make sure to clean the outside of the jars when you're done.

Step 5: Place HOT canning lids (I boil mine in a bit of water in a small shallow pan) on cleaned jars and twist the ring on.

Step 6: Arrange filled and sealed bottles in a stovetop steam canner. The one shown above is perfect and a fantastic price. There are many other things you will be able to bottle using this canner (peaches will be on soon! or even salsa!).

Step 7: Let steam for 90 minutes. After the time is up, turn off the heat and let the bottles cool completely in the steamer (overnight is great-don't peak!).

Voila!

Your own bottled tomatoes for all those wonderful sauces you make come fall and winter.

I have an amazing marinara sauce recipe that I will share tomorrow.

P.S. This little set would come in handy.

My Top 10 Women of Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:09:00 +0000

Photo by Hilde Vanstraelen

I have come across some pretty remarkable women in the blogging world. Some like to cook, some like to read. Some like to run, some are trying to like to run. Some have major life-changing events happening, some are blissfully strolling along. Some of them are in the throes of motherhood while others are emptynesters. All of them are amazing, thoughtful, well versed and visited almost daily by me. The list I have compiled are 10 of my personal favorites. They are in no particular order and I hope you will visit them all and leave some comment love. We all love comments. Even the famous blogging ladies.

10. Bloom: This blog is actually authored by two women, Anne and Emily. Their love for family above all else is what draws me to them. I also love the way I feel when I visit. It's breath of fresh air (and ideas) each time.

9. Hairyshoefairy: I have been following this gem since my early days in blogging. When we met in-real-life at the Casual Bloggers Conference, she was just as charming in person as she is on her blog. Her sewing skills are enviable and I love her taste in shoes.

8. CJane Enjoy It: Back in 2007, I was first introduced to CJane. I was oblivious to her fame and just visited for her funny stories and honest look at infertility. She inspired me to enter thrift shops and to wear vintage jewelry. Today, with her fame worldwide, I am still drawn to her honesty and funny stories. It''s good to know some things never change.

7. Healthy Tipping Point: My relationship with this blog is love hate. Caitlin is a talented, exercise loving, healthy eating woman. Her posts remind me daily of what I could be doing to improve. That is where the love and hate comes in. I love and hate her for the same reason. The recipes are fantastic as is her personality that shines through. You could also love hate her for her photography.

6. Blue and Shoe: First, my summer 2010 thanks her for introducing me to "rabbit poop ice". Oh, you don't know what that is? Go visit and she will tell you. When we met at the Casual Bloggers Conference I fell in love. I have read her blog faithfully ever since. Daily I nearly fall off my chair from laughing and I love her taste in shoes also. Who doesn't love a beautiful blue shoe?

5. I Never Grew-Up: I was a silent stalker of this blog for quite some time. The primary message that comes through loud and clear is that Vanessa is first and foremost a wonderful mother to her two beautiful daughters. After that, take your pick! She has her hand in so many pots it's hard to keep up. Not only that, Vanessa is good at everything she touches. Go on over and try not to be envious.

4. NieNie Dialogues: Well, if you are reading this post and you don't know who Stephanie Nielson is, climb out from under your rock and go visit. I will wait here... From her stylish taste in clothing and home furnishings to her talent in the vegetarian kitchen to her love for her God, husband and children, you can't help but leave her blog humbled and inspired. I want to be a better person after spending a few minutes with NieNie. Daily she is honest about her life now and how she does or does not get through it. This blog is a must read. (and her header turns me green seasonally.)

3. Veronica Reeve Photography: Oh how I love to pa-rouse this blog. Not only is it pretty to look at, but her talent as a photographer makes me jealous. Veronica's cup of tea is children and their families. The eyes in her photographs sparkle and the colors are vibrant. This one is a must-see! And leave an "ooh la la" while you are there.

2. The Bingham Diaries: For me, this blog is mommy snark at its finest. Daily she tells of her adventures with her 4 shortlings, and I am left either picking up my jaw off my desk or wiping the tears from laughter. Maybe even both. At the same time. Mombabe tells it how it is and I love her for that!

1. Crazyland: Tales From The Motherboard: This woman has amazing taste in music! I also love reading her "Random Radomness". Both her talent and her personality shine through as she tells of her children and her life as a woman and a mother. Crazyland is a must-see.

I hope you are as inspired, uplifted, humored and humbled as I am by these women. AND, please share some of your favorites in my comments. I can always use another excuse to avoid the laundry and dishes.

P.S. This is my attempt at Day 2 of 31DBBB. Is it successful?

The internet made wedding planning easy!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:01:00 +0000

Guest post by Jewel Cole

When you're planning a wedding, you want to do it right. You don't want to leave anything to chance. There are so many things to consider and it seems like there is so little time to make all the decisions. With satellite internet, all your options are laid out, easy to see and easy to choose from. I used the satellite internet Montana connection to plan my wedding and because of it, I had the best wedding I could ever dream of having.

I used the internet to pick my dress, to reserve the groom's tuxedo, to reserve hotel rooms for guests from out of town, to match the color of my shoes to my tiara, to order wedding favors and have them delivered right to the reception site. I booked the reception hall, which turned out marvelously and arranged the menu online from a set variety of options. Doing all this on the internet made the whole process convenient and speedy. I can't imagine what it would be like to visit all the places I dealt with in person!
My mother helped me. We sat at the computer and used satellite internet to get online. It was so quick and easy that we were finished much quicker than my mother expected. She wished she would have been able to do the same when she got married.

Day 1: An elevator pitch?

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:39:00 +0000

4 days.

That is how long I have worked on my elevator pitch.

Do you want to know why I have taken so long? Because I am afraid of commitment. Writing this felt so serious and permanent.

I know I can shorten it, add to it, change it completely, or even delete it.

The truth is that this "elevator pitch" has made me deal with an even more basic issue I have had for a long time. What is my niche? Am I an expert on anything? Who is my audience? Do I have a blogging voice?

Niche.
Expert.
Audience.
Voice.

These words bounce around my head as I try to come up with an answer.
Here's my elevator pitch:

I Wish I Was in Dixie is a blog for women by a woman. It is welcoming, and a place you can come to be uplifted. Whether you need a delicious recipe, a good book recommendation, or an honest and refreshing voice, you will find it here. Come on down to Dixie! Visitors always welcome.

Please give me feedback. I'll try not to be sensitive.

Win an iPad.

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:50:00 +0000

Wait!

Keep reading before you click away.

Fitness Coffee is hosting an iPad giveaway. It's easy to enter! Follow (and retweet) on twitter, become a fan on facebook, and blog about our post in your blog. Each for a chance at an iPad from Fitness Coffee. Here is some information:

We live a fast paced life full of constant change, stress and uncertainty. This leads to sleep deprivation, poor nutrition and a body that is begging for help. Fitness Coffee is an all natural product designed to replenish the body without changing your passion for coffee. With over 16 of the healthiest and most beneficial ingredients, Fitness Coffee is designed to replenish your body with powerful antioxidants and nutrients. With 3.5 times the amount of antioxidants found in green tea, you do not have to give up your daily cup of delicious coffee to give your body what it needs.

Learn more at http://www.fitnesscoffeeusa.com. Thanks for reading folks!

If you win... don't tell me. :)

It's Safe To Say

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:32:00 +0000

I live in a small town in the southwestern most corner of Utah where the summer temps rise above 100 daily. Now that we are skipping our way through July, it is safe to say we have hit the dog days of summer. Thankfully, I have Neutrogena UltraSheer Liquid Daily Sunblock to keep me free of sunburn. I can't think of anything more miserable on a hot, sunny day then to have a heat radiating sunburn. YUCK!

Neutrogena UltraSheer Liquid Daily Sunblock has provided me with fantastic coverage with no heavy lotion build-up or greasy streaks. I am able to wear my own moisturize and make-up seamlessly.
I look forward to continuing to use this product as I travel on many sun-filled vacations in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned!

Would you like to review UltraSheer®, too? Then go to http://www.giantwavepool.com/ultrasheer!

Or get $2 off your UltraSheer® purchase at http://www.neutrogena.com/suncoupon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Tidal Labs. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Have You Ever...

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 06:41:00 +0000

... had something really funny happen to you and then you think "that would make a great t-shirt"?
... had a fun event that customized shirts would be perfect for (movie preview party)?
... wanted to have a t-shirt customized with your favorite local sports team on it?
... needed a great custom poster?

Well, I have the answer!

Cafepress.com is a great website for your customization needs. After clicking through the site, I was really impressed with they have to offer. For example, I have a group of girlfriends I have known and loved for 20 YEARS. Lately, I have been looking for something that would make a fun gift. Take a look at what I found at Cafepress.com! I can customize tote bags! What a cute idea. I think me and my girls would also look great in a t-shirt customized just for us.

On my own, I designed a shirt. The process is very easy and fun. There are several available fonts and images. You can also upload your own images or art work to have put on the shirt.

The options are endless and Cafepress.com rocks! Take a look friends. Tell them I sent you when you order!

In other news, where do you like to go to get reviews on movies? After clicking around, I've decided I like Rotten Tomatoes. Have you ever been to the Rotten Tomatoes website? Today was my first time in a long time. I decided to read more about the movie Inception. Since my little bro said the movie made his brain poop its pants, I decided I better become more educated before I see it.

I found the website to be very user friendly. It's also fun and informative. Rotten Tomatoes seems to be thorough and offers others reviews along with their own. Head on over and find-out what movies are your next must see!

*brought to your by your friends at Cafepress.com