Reflections of a Southern Belle

Grandaddy

2012-04-25T08:54:00.001-04:00

In loving honor of the sweetest man I was ever blessed to know…

Etched coffee mug “WKE” stained from God’s boxed nectar,

Warm summer days of kickball in the yard,

cool nights of roasting marshmallows by the pool.

Ripened tomatoes – tested and cleaned in the chlorinated fun,

Blue lighted water to swim in by night,

Ooo – dah- lahlly in the sky.

Imaginary towns made from cardboard & matchbox cars,

Shot behind the back – the best pool game teacher ever,

Drafters desk & electric eraser.

A garden of love with grandchildren’s’ names etched permanently,

Yard work in a bathing suit, tennis shoes & “Take this job & Shove It” hat,

Grow Dammnit!

Chinese food & spaghetti with carrots,

Smoked ham & grilled burgers,

Watch it… SPORT.

Worshiper of Christ and lover of family,

Giving heart rests peacefully now,

Best Grandaddy ever…

Preggo Dreams Gone Wild

2012-03-01T11:44:00.001-05:00

I've noticed lately that I'm having some of the STRANGEST dreams I've ever had. A few weeks ago I dreamed about this guy I know telling me he lived at Dunkin Donuts. It was odd and I'll never reveal his name because it'll be weird... Ha!

Last night was equally strange. I dreamed that I was out on the town with Franki Valli - you know "Big Girls Don't Cry" and "Grease". We were at a theater seeing a play, then went to dinner and back to what apparently was his apartment but it was located in a Savannah-esque place. In my dream I texted my mom saying "you'll never guess who is showing me the city tonight" (she's a huge fan). The dream didn't really have an end it just faded away...

Any other preggos have really weird dreams or am I just that odd??

Caprese Inspired Salad

2012-02-15T08:34:00.001-05:00

The unmatched taste of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fresh basil is one of my favorites. Wanting to enjoy this delicious combination on a larger scale, I decided to add a twist to this classic salad. It's a party hit, a family favorite... Enjoy!

Ingredients:
Tomatoes
Fresh Basil
Mozzarella
Iceberg Lettuce
Arugula
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar

Instructions:
1. Chop tomatoes, mozzarella (I use the pearls that are already separated) and Basil.
2. In a large bowl layer iceberg and arugula. Alternate until bowl is full.
3. On top sprinkle tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.
4. Drizzle olive oil.
5. When served, drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

It's pretty & tasty!

The Hun's House Hunt: The Offer Process

2012-02-09T10:44:00.002-05:00

Well, here we sit with deadline approaching. Our paperwork turned in nearly 24 hours early it's just a waiting game now. Here is what happened...

On Sunday, we met with our realtor to complete the offer paperwork. Our info was submitted and we skipped out of her office with excitement. Monday we got the call - other offers are on the table and they may decide not to even review ours. Not losing hope, we began praying. If this was to be our house, let them add us to this mix! On Tuesday we got the notification that our offer had been added to the mix and that we would be going into a "highest & best" situation. Wednesday we received the paperwork needed and promptly signed and returned them so our realtor could submit our final offer - the same as before in our case. The deadline for submitting the forms is today at 1pm. Until then, no decisions will be made as all parties have to go "all in" if they want this house. I'm anxious but at ease during this process. Part of me feels like we will get the house and the other part that is unsure has given it to God. If this is the house we will call home then we will get it. If not, God will lead us to our home. :)

So now, we wait. And although I'm relying on God, I'm still impatient! :)

More news to follow... Whenever we hear!

Baking Soda & Solo Cups

2012-02-08T16:10:00.001-05:00

Has anyone ever heard of the Baking Soda gender test? Ok, me neither (& if you said yes then whoopty freakin do). My gal pal from my days at the U of A told me about it. You see, she is due 8 days before me so she was giving it a go for herself. I looked up instructions and decided that I wouldn't wait to do it in the comfort of my own bathrooms. No! I'll try it at work!!

I scoured the kitchen for my supplies - a disposable cup (because you can't ever wash out pee smell... Ewww) and some Baking Soda. Lucky for me, we have a test friendly facility here!

I sprinkled around a teaspoon of Baking Soda into the cup and then snuck into the bathroom to add my personalized ingredient. (You pee in the cup for those of us who have no clue). The test is supposed to fizz up if you're having a boy because your pee is more acidic. If its a girl, it just mixes together with no bubbly action.

Well, here is the results... It fizzed around the edge but not in the middle and no where near as much as other photos I found online. (Yes, people post pictures of their frothy/non-frothy pee. I was disturbed so I'm sparing a photo). I'm leaning towards girl BUT who knows!! We have our next ultrasound in 6 weeks where we should find out a more definite answer.

Much love,
Steph & Peanut

The Hunt's House Hunt: House Visits Round #2

2012-02-04T19:40:00.003-05:00

After mulling over the two homes for a few days we decided to enlist the assistance and eyes of our family and friends to check out the two homes. We asked for them to point out all the flaws of each place just in case we missed something on our first visits. Starting at House #2 everyone immediately started singing the praises of the yard and the 1 1/2 story layout. However, when we arrived at House #1 the ooooos and ahhhs began flowing with the impressive entry, the spacious living space and 4 bedrooms. It was as if our concerns were quieted and all fears of "is this the right decision" went out the window.

After looking at House #1 we were greeted by the neighbors wondering when we were moving in. A 15 minute conversation answered more questions making our final decision quite simple. Tomorrow morning we will be submitting an offer!! Prayers that it is promptly accepted and that the inspection goes well.

Here is an action picture of the family inspection of House #1:

The Hunt's House Hunt: The Findings

2012-02-01T15:09:00.001-05:00

So many have asked for photos of the homes. Here are the photos that are available through the listings as I am a bad home buyer and forgot my camera yesterday. I know, shame on me. However, we will be visiting on Friday and I plan to snap lots of pictures of each.

House #1:

Front View

Foyer

Living Room

Kitchen

Dining Room

Master Bedroom

Master Bath 1

Master Bath 2

Extra Bedroom 1

Extra Bedroom 2 - Same as Bedroom 3

So.... WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS on House #1?!? On to the next!

House #2:

Front View

Living Room

Kitchen

Dining Room

Master on Main

Master Bath 1

Master Bath 2

Extra Bedroom 1

Extra Bedroom 2

THE BACKYARD!!

And your thoughts on House 2?!? NOW do you see why we are having so much trouble picking which one is perfect for us? They are both ready for us to move in, both REALLY cute and both in our price range. Oh what is a home buyer to do?

The Hunt's House Hunt: The Search

2012-02-01T13:04:00.002-05:00

One night in January, the weather unseasonably warm, the Hunt's set out on another round of walk-throughs with their realtor. Visiting house after house they narrowed their search to two... Two of the most beautiful homes they'd ever seen. Now the hard part was to come, which to choose?

Do they pick the 2 story with 4 bedrooms and a pathetic back yard or the 1 1/2 story with 3 bedrooms and a backyard only seen in their dreams? The pros and cons flying, the comparisons made. But which will they pick??

4 beds, 2 1/2 bath - crappy yard with no fence

3 beds, 2 1/2 bath - GREAT YARD with fence

My Absence Explained

2012-01-31T13:42:00.002-05:00

So yeah... Remember how I've sucked at blogging and I said last week there was an explanation? Well it's because I'm exhausted. I'm sick all day... IT'S BECAUSE I'M PREGNANT!! Do you know how incredibly hard it's been to keep my little secret?? Sheesh! Well at least now you know :)

I'm 12 weeks as of yesterday with hopes of my first trimester ailments (extreme morning/day/night sickness and lackadaisicalness) will be leaving my daily routine soon. Pray y'all. Pray that I can stop losing my lunch (and dinner) everyday! I'm also wishing for some more energy in order to let my creative juices flow again. Thus far I've spent my pregnancy working, sleeping, and trying to eat if I feel well.

Here I am with Peanut!

Dear Blog, Forgive Self

2012-01-26T15:36:00.001-05:00

I have to start by saying I'm über impressed with the dedicated blogsters who hit their keyboards without miss. Their regularly scheduled programs make lackadaisical bloggers such as myself look lame. So kudos for rocking at blogging and kiss it for making me look lame.

You see, I feel like I have no rhyme or reason around these parts. Am I a craft blogger? A foodie wannabe writer? A lifestyle lady who posts my feeling on daily topics? I just don't know!

So fellow bloggers, how do you find your writing purpose? What makes you post your next blog? I think 2012 should be a year of finding my inner blogess in hopes of rocking the writing world with a precise topic.

Now... Where to start...

Feed The 5,000

2011-12-20T08:32:00.002-05:00

This Saturday I was blessed by spending the day celebrating Christmas at Coolray Field and handing out food to more than 3,000 families. Humbling. Honored. Emotional.

For the second year, our church decided our Christmas initiative would be to feed 5,000 families, which turned into 6,000 this year as the cars spilled off Buford Drive into the Gwinnett Braves parking lot.

Tears flowed all day from those grateful for the food and those grateful for the ability to serve. Meeting so many wonderful people who have fallen on hard times opens my eyes to the undeserved blessings the Lord has graced us with this year. From the restoration of health, to financial stability, from jobs to our future house hunt, none of what we have is possible without the Lord's blessing poured upon us.

This Christmas, I have learned to make a list of all that I have and be thankful for that instead of making a list of things I don't have... God is good - all the time!

So this is Christmas...

2011-12-13T15:43:00.001-05:00

Can you believe that that we are 12 days out!? Sheesh... My failed attempt to have all my shopping/wrapping/crowd fighting complete by now. I'm sure you've guessed it since I'm writing this post that my Christmas list hasn't crossed off everyone's names. You'd be correct.

My husband and I have mapped out a strategic route to complete our shopping. One evening to hit 4 stores, grab the items we have thought of, scan the coupons we have gathered and out the door we will race. It's exciting, it's overwhelming, and it's got to be done.

Pray for the safety of all involved. I have a tendency to get heated in crowds and I'll throw an elbow or two of the situation arises ;).

Off to the races.... Go!

Christmas Pretzel Treats

2011-12-09T15:27:00.001-05:00

These are the easiest goodies ever and super delish to match.

Ingredients:
Pretzels
Candy Cane Flavored Kisses

1. On a parchment paper covered cookie sheet lay a single layer of pretzels.
2. Unwrap and place kisses on each pretzel.
3. Place in a preheated, 200 degree oven for a few minutes... Just long enough for the kisses to melt.
4. Remove from oven and place another pretzel on top of the melted kiss making a yummy pretzel sandwich.
5. Place treats in the oven to cool...

Simple as that! You can use other candy as well - I'm thinking Rolos would be really good too.

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Cards 2011

2011-12-05T19:56:00.002-05:00

Our family Christmas cards have arrived! Woo!! Love showing off my precious family...

"Thankful" Doesn’t Cover it.

2011-11-23T13:02:00.000-05:00

This entire month I’ve watched as people post daily items for which they are thankful. They all make me smile as I Facebook stalk people (everyone does it… so I can be open about my habits). I didn’t want to jump in to the mix this year because thankful doesn’t cover the way I feel about my life.

Let’s rewind a year – I was deathly ill with a never-ending case of Salmonella that my doctors couldn’t cure. The Salmonella caused severe dehydration that sent my body reeling against itself which eventually lead to me developing an allergy to gluten and altering my immune system enough to trigger psoriatic arthritis. However, a year ago, I had no answers and no end in sight. I had been extremely sick since September and had no idea the worst was still to come.

I won’t go back through all the details – check earlier blog posts for those. The thought of reflecting on how the past year has changed my life forever makes a knot catch in my throat. My health is nearly restored and my faith in God is abundant. How blessed am I?

My top 3 “I’m SO much more than Thankful for” list is:

1. The Healing Power of Prayer & those of you who have prayer for my health and well-being this past year. Because of YOU I’m recovering very nicely.

2. The Gift of Baptism which I was blessed to receive on August 28, 2011.

3. My amazingly supportive husband who has been tested tremendously in our first year of marriage. Our first year put our vows of “for worse…” and “in sickness” to the test.

My wish for each and every one of you is that you receive as many blessings as I have within the past year; that you get to spend this wonderful holiday with your family; and that you always remember the true reason for the Christmas season.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Athens in the Fall

2011-11-13T21:04:00.001-05:00

How Bout Them Dawgs!!!

Mountain Weekend

2011-11-08T21:45:00.001-05:00

Though I'm a few weeks late, I have to share that our weekend to the mountains was the best... Ever! Spending time with family, learning to "junk", Brandon went on a hike, a visit to the apple farm and a trip to Blue Ridge. A perfect weekend to say the least.

Here is my favorite picture from the weekend:

I LOVE VistaPrint

2011-10-21T10:50:00.002-04:00

I just ordered my Holiday Postcards from VistaPrint... LOVE their services :)

Save up to 80% on custom printed products at Vistaprint. Order today!

Wishing For a Weekend

2011-10-18T15:48:00.001-04:00

So I'm just a little excited for this weekend to arrive...

Well, I thought you'd never ask! You see, we are going on our second annual trip to the mountain house to spend the weekend with some super people. Picture it... Beautiful North Georgia mountains dawning the seductive colors of harvest, apple stands and pumpkin patches and most importantly:

COOLER WEATHER!! I'm busting out the boots and cute sweaters this weekend y'all.

One of the best things about this trip is the drive up. Just an hour in the car with my sweetie. Being giddy with excitement about the weekend, stopping at random joints for boiled peanuts and a diet coke - you know, the things that make the world go round.

Here is to a FAST week followed by a wonderful weekend reminiscing on why I love my state.

Much Love,
Steph

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Fight for it... Pray for it...

2011-10-16T16:39:00.001-04:00

Church seriously rocked my world this morning. Abundant thanks for the hour or so spent listening to a wake up call that I SO needed to hear. It was almost a gut check to me, making me stop and ask myself "what am I praying for".

As I kick off the new week with newfound fight and more focused prayer I'm extending it to you... What are YOU praying for?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Special Thank You!

2011-09-16T09:20:00.000-04:00

Words cannot begin to express how thankful I am to have such an amazing group of women who I can call my customers. Yesterday we came together and raised funds for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, we pushed towards business goals and purchased more mascaras than ever before.

For those of you who participated, I will draw our lucky Satin Hands winner this weekend! Orders will be shipped early next week - my inventory ran out of mascaras and more had to be ordered. (What a wonderful problem to have!)

Such a joy to work with each of you.

Happy Friday & Much Love,

Giveaway #2: Satin Hands All Around!

2011-09-15T14:11:00.000-04:00

Today, I'm stretching more than I ever have with my Mary Kay business. Today, I'm selling 100 mascaras. Yes, 100!

These mascara sales will help me reach my quarterly business goals as well as raise money for the Walk to End Alzheimer's. On October 1st, I'm walking in the Duluth event in loving memory of my grandmother who we lost in 2008. I want to make a difference by selling 100 mascaras in her honor!

ANYONE who purchases from my website today will be entered to win a FREE Satin Hands set. For those of you who don't know about Satin Hands... you're missing out. Think of a manicure at your sink. Fab-U-Los.

I've selected my two favorite mascaras to include links here... check them out!

If you're looking for va-voom volume, try the Ultimate mascara. Think bigger, bolder, longer-looking lashes with extreme volume. Check it out HERE.

Want to try the new Lash Love for extreme definition? This mascara defines, defends and delivers four times the volume without looking overdone. Check it out HERE.

Looking for a little more? Check out the NEW Lash Love Mascara Bundle that includes the Lash Love mascara and our top selling Oil-free Eye Makeup Remover (free gift included!). Check it out HERE.

Much appreciation to all of my wonderful customers who have helped me thus far. As of 2:00 pm, we have 57 to go!!

Mascara Love to all,

Switching into a Legacy

2011-09-14T11:40:00.000-04:00

Today I was blessed to spend some time chatting with the amazing Connie Kittson. Those of you who are not in the “Pink Bubble” do not know how amazing her achievements are – just take it from me, I was honored for the time.

We spoke about my current place. Not necessarily where I am physically, but mentally & emotionally; how these places are changing my business; how these places are helping my family – hurting my family. She said several things that I scratched onto a piece of paper that will be carefully folded and stuck into my purse for future pick ups. Some I have to share here.

“Switch it off”

One of the troubles I’ve had is balancing the hats I wear – I’m a wife, a marketing professional, a Mary Kay beauty consultant, and a friend/family member/stranger/etc. Each part of my life should receive equal parts and right now, I’m not doing the best at switching from one part of life to the next. Connie described it as this:

Men are able to focus on the task at hand. When they are at work, they work. When they are playing golf, they golf. They do not think about the negative environment here or the deadline approaching there. Women, on the other hand, scatter from one corner of life to the next always blurring the “hats” by crossing negativity or positive thoughts from one place to the next. It’s time to think like a man. (chuckle here)

The box shows the 4 portions of my life at this time. As life changes, my boxes will have to tweak to accommodate. As you see, I’ve split everything equally to show that every part of life has its time, its place and its importance. Of course, I’ll always be a wife, but now I’ve got time set aside for that and only that. “Be present in the present”.

“What legacy do you want to leave?”

I want to be known for so much more than just the marketing coordinator of an art gallery. Life should be about making strides in the lives of others; it should be about using the talents that God blessed each of us with. When Connie asked me that question I didn’t have an answer – never before have I thought about what I want to leave behind. Living each day for the day, I’ve missed on thinking about the longevity that will last long after I am gone. What DO I want to leave when I’m called home?

It is time to start living for my legacy. I shall “step into [my] greatness” and “allow the talents God gifted [me] to shine”.

Much love, BIG dreams & blessings,

Baptism Photos

2011-09-09T09:02:00.000-04:00

Lookie what came in the mail from 12Stone this week:

If you missed my previous posts about my baptism on August 28, 2011, check them out here and here.

Winner! Winner! Winner!!

2011-09-08T16:27:00.000-04:00

Whew... it's been busy around here with life, redesign and much more. So much so that I ~~almost~~ forgot about selecting our winner for the FiberOne Package.

The winning comment was:
"TLK said...

Hello! Yogurt was my hate food anytime but you want to set a good example for the young kids around you. So, I add Fiber One Cereal to it and WOW!WOW!WOW! It is perfect to have a container of cereal in the frig with the yogurt on top as a grab any go to eat on the morning train/bus ride. Once I got a sample of the bar from a friend and keep in it my purse. A week later, I need it and was surprise how nice it held up. Growing up, we ate BIG breakfasts, and light meals/snacks over the day. Big dinners were for holidays and served at 3pm. When I got away from that I gained over 100 pounds. Going back to that style of eating I'm back to a comfortable weight without sugar problems. Breakfast does more than what anyone knows."

Please send your mailing info to steph.w.hunt@gmail.com so I can get your prize on the way!

Perhaps we'll do it again someday...