Her Southern Charm

are you a feminist?

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

The response I got to being a kept woman seemed to be that I wasn't the only one that left the 'man chores' to the man or grew up with a father that did all of the hard work regarding finances. So this made me wonder if women, in general were ok with this or if it was something that should be remedied immediately.

If we were ok with this notion (and some even attain to this status) does that make us anti-feminists?

I ask because I think I have a little bit of both in me. Yes, I know it's not cool and hip to be an anti-feminist but I can't help how I feel intrinsically.

I *love* that Southern Hubby still races to open doors for me and has me walk on the inside of the curb. I love that he takes care of the 'man chores' around the house. Do I really want to take the trash out? Absolutely not. I love being at home, taking care of my family, despite what some professional women might deem as an absolute waste of my degree. (Speaking of that degree, I worked hard to graduate with the highest honors and I'm damn proud of my achievements. It hangs, beautifully framed, in our office and when I go to dust it, I remember how strong of a person I am.)

Heaven forbid something happen that causes heartache and upheaval in our lives, I always have my degree to fall back on. I cherish the years I spent in college, learning and becoming more aware, worldly and otherwise.

I feel stuck between the era my mother grew up in, where women burned their bras and were told to go back to the workforce to feel better about themselves, and the era my grandmother grew up in, where women seemed content in their homes and the world saw the absolute value in a women's femininity and never questioned her family as her priority.

If I'm being quite blunt and honest, I don't mind being a kept woman. Although it makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one out there, I'm grateful that Southern Hubby feels like he needs to take care of me (I believe that is something God instills in men.) While I know I'm quite capable of taking care of myself, I don't feel that I have to while being married to him. He's my rock, my strong provider, and he prides himself on taking care of me. {Subconsciously I was probably looking for that same quality possessed by my father while dating in my twenties.}And I adore that. I feel cherished all the more because of it.

As a woman, I love being fussed over by him. I love that he is still attracted to my feminine wiles, my delicious smelling hair, my painted nails and soft skin. I don't curse (only in Dallas traffic, really!) in front of Southern Hubby, or burp. I use the bathroom with the door tightly shut. I chew with my mouth closed and am saccharine sweet to his friends. I don't spit or scratch at myself. I shave my legs quite regularly. And I know he appreciates all of this. What man wants to be married to someone manly?

While I'm very passionate about human/civil/equal marriage rights in America, I'm also very passionate about myself as a woman. I'm not a man, nor will I ever be one. I'm not androgynous. I'm a girl, with girl feelings and girl emotions and girl mannerisms. My soft edges are God-given and I don't want to have to feel I have to hide them in order to get ahead in the world.

In college I took a Women's History course where the obvious man-hating professor (cliche much?) required us to read The Feminine Mystique which was one of the main triggers that started the feminist movement in the 1960's. I read it. I did the work. I got the A. But all I really wanted to do have lunch with my sorority sisters and talk about the guys we had crushes on and whom was taking whom to the Carnation Ball. Was that so bad? Did that make me less of a woman because I didn't subscribe to all the feminist mumbo jumbo? Did it make an airhead or ditz because this one class didn't fascinate me the way my professor wanted me to? I don't believe so. I'm a very smart girl.

I'm forever grateful and in debt to the women pioneers that raised their voices to fight unfair and unequal treatment- without them, I don't think I would have that degree to dust off. :) But can I still be against violence against women, genital mutilation and for equal pay and equal status without actually calling myself a feminist? Do I have to have a label? Can I be thankful I have the right to vote and the right to find my own path without being viewed as some fem-nazi with combat boots?

Cause in all reality I'd much rather be who I am. Without any labels. Without any guilt for liking dresses and frilly things and for preferring to be at home with my family. Do I need to call myself anything but me-Jennifer, a girly girl that loves to go camping....as long as I can take a shower and plug in my blow dryer, that is.

********

Where do you stand on this issue? (Please be nice and respectful to others while stating your opinions!)

Do you project yourself with generally 'manly' qualities because you feel you have to do so in order to get ahead in life or because you think it is what's expected of you? Are you 100% comfortable in your innate femininity as a women? Or are you somewhere in between like me?

fixing my 'kept woman' tendencies

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:57:00 +0000

Confession #1: I don't take care of the bills.

I know that typically falls under the "housewife duty" and knowing my Type A tendencies, one would think I would be all over this one. But I'm afraid I'm not.

As a daddy's girl, I really never learned how to do things for myself. I'll admit that. He always filed my taxes when I began working at the Limited and then Abercrombie (I was 16 and this was the heyday of the early 2000's. Cut me some slack!) He paid my car insurance, cell phone bill, etc literally up until my wedding day when my husband took over them. Now Southern Hubby takes care of those things.

To say I was a 'kept' daddy's girl would be an understatement. While I'm grateful for my sweet father and all of his provisions, I'm afraid I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I was left to my own devices.

Confession #2: Please don't gasp when I say this: I have no idea how to get into our bank account. I don't know the password or even the account number.

Sad I know, but I'm trying to remedy that. In an effort to become more aware of when the bills are due, I made this handy monthly chart.

{{ Thanks to Mr. Dave Ramsey, we no longer have any debt (beside our mortgage) so the new truck, our trailer and my student loans will be paid off in full within the coming month. I'm just leaving them up there until we get the payments out. }}

Yes, I know this is very basic but it's helping me become a bit more self-sufficient. I'm taking baby steps. After living this way for so many years, taking it ALL head-on sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

I want to know what comes in and goes out and when it goes out. On the bonus side, I feel like if I see these sorts of things, I will become more thrifty. Sort of like the notion that using cash instead of credit cards helps you spend less because it hurts to see the cash leaving your hands. (Totally works.)

Southern Hubby is very patiently handing over the reigns on the bill paying. It's very scary to say the least, but the more I can take off his plate, the better.

I know I can't be the only 'kept lady' out there. Share your ideas and tips for how you became more a more "self-sufficient lady!" :)

what's in my purse?

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

These are fun! I love reading them but I've never done one so I figured I'd give it a shot.

I'm a big ol' purse girl from way back. I think it started when I used to watch Newlyweds with Jessica Simpson and she would always carry around a giganto purse. (Sue me, but I still love her blonde ditzy self.)

Kate Spade cross body purse: I'm a KS devotee and have been for many, many years. I don't get any that have any glaring insignia on them (I only wear my own initials/monogram, thankyouverymuch.) and Kate is good at providing ample selection with her very discreet Kate Spade logo, which is often only embossed. Score. :)

Kate Spade Wallet: I love this wallet. Like love, love, love. Not just because everything I need fits into it, but because the inside color is pink! :) And because it has a Lilly gift card that is itching to be used!

Clinique Pressed Powder: I've been a Clinique lover since my mother gifted me my first 3 Step Skin Care System when I turned Sweet 16. I tend to have problem skin when I stress or the weather changes (which it does often in this state!) and I've found that the Clinique powder works best for touch ups. I've tried others and couldn't find any that didn't make me look like a two-tinted powdery ghost! So, I'll stick with what I know.

Pink Braces Holder: I'm currently enduring an Invisalign treatment. I must take them out to eat and when I'm out and about I put them in here to keep them clean.

Graphic Image Planner: {in gold; personalized with name} I love this date book! It seems they've sold out of the gold though. Any planner you can personalize is alright with me!

Bath & Body Works Anti-bacterial Lotion: I never go anywhere without some sort of sanitizer. If our trip to India or being a teacher has shown me anything, it's that you don't always have soap and water readily available. In emergencies, you must use this generously!

Blackberry Bold 9900/9930: I know I'm in the minority here, but I *love* Blackberry. Aside from most of 2011, I've been a Blackberry user since one of the first models. I've never been an iPhone fan and have always insisted on a keyboard. I don't know what made me switch to an Android last year, but thankfully Southern Hubby remedied that this past Christmas. And I'm more in love then ever.

Clinique Butter Shine Lipstick: {in Delovely} This is my go-to lip color. It's creamy but doesn't make me feel like I have a layer of gunk on my mouth. I also tend to carry a wide variety of lip glosses, chap stick and balms. I kept the majority of them out of the picture, lest you think I'm gloss/chapstick/balm obsessed weirdo. Ahem. Moving on...

Handmade Coffee Cozy: I always get kudos when I mention to the Starbucks baristas that I have my own reuseable coffee cozy and I have no need to waste one of theirs. I think for my birthday I may ask for a monogrammed one.

Purple Liquid Expresso Pen: {in medium point tip} Hands down my favorite pen. Ever.

Goody Ponytail Holder: {in black} Pretty much a necessity in every girl's purse. Carry an extra for absentminded girlfriend. Be warned, you will never see it again.

There you have it folks! Nothing too crazy. I'm just a normal braces wearing, BBMing, chapstick lovin' gal.

introducing my fake british accent

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Oh yes. I've done it.

Jumped on the Downton Abby bandwagon. (Currently, I'm insisting that Southern Hubby call me m'lady. And I like to go around insisting I don't know what 'weekends' are.)

And I'm smitten! The gorgeous sets, the luscious and over-indulgent gowns, the dapper and well-heeled men... it's too much! And I can't get enough. ;)

Southern Hubby and I don't often get obsessed with TV shows. But over the break I got hooked on both Parenthood and Downton Abbey (thanks Hopsy!) It took all the strength I had to walk away from my Kindle Fire to do some dishes and laundry the other day.

But I am officially caught up...bring on this Sunday! :)

french country hutch and craigslist

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:07:00 +0000

I love quiet mornings when the sun shines through my windows...when the dogs are still asleep and Southern Hubby is still warm in bed. Before all the busyness of life starts. So peaceful.

For the past year I've been scouring home design and furniture places for an antique looking french country styled hutch/buffet for my kitchen eat-in area. The area is rather large so we had to purchase a full sized dining room set when we first moved in. While I loved the set, I wasn't too fond of the matching piece that came with it. I'm not a fan of rooms that have furniture that are from a complete set. It's too matchy-matchy for me.

Originally I wanted something that was a different color than my dining set, which is black with some dark pinewood on the tabletop. Ideally it would have been antiqued white to tie in with my large kitchen island, but I really didn't care either way.

After a good several months had passed where all the stores disappointed me, I decided to give Craigslist a whirl. I was so glad I checked that day, at that time.

An interior designer had just listed her hutch and it was exactly what I was looking for, at price that was a steal! I immediately called her up and told her I wanted it! The hutch was in great condition and smelled awesome- she had used the bottom storage to hold many yummy smelling candles. ;)

Yay for ample cookbook storage!

While I'm generally leery of Craigslist, it sometimes can be such a great tool for unique pieces. Since I'm always working on being more economical, this was a wonderful experience. What could be better than a bargain and recycling?!

The hutch has been a wonderful addition to an otherwise empty looking breakfast area. My next steps for my kitchen are framed prints I ordered using my new favorite site, Graphics Fairy, a jute rug for underneath the table, and a custom made cushion and cornice for the window seat area. Can't wait to show you the finished product!

Happy Monday, y'all and thanks for the wonderful and uplifting comments on my last post. It's good to know I'm not the only one suffering from this.

me. the rich hypocrite.

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

I've been struggling with something for the past several months. It's been hard to come to terms with within myself, let alone blog about, so please be kind to me. It is not easy to admit to flaws and open yourself up to the world.

In an effort to be more authentic, I wanted to own these emotions and the struggle in my soul. So, here goes...

I'm on the Kate Spade email distribution list. The other day I got a notice that they were taking a percentage off their sale items. What could be more exciting?! I ventured over there and settled on a gorgeous purse. It was a prize! Beautiful, well crafted and only $255. Now, if you're a fan of Kate like I am, you know that's a bargain. Something to be snatched up right away.

As I was wondering about purchasing it, going back and forth over how many purses I do have that I don't often use and if I really even needed this one ("need" being a very relative term here), I received a text from my cousin. She told me my assignment for this weekend was to pick up twenty loaves of white bread, this weekend being our turn to serve at Solomon's Porch, an outreach program that serves hot meals each weekend to the homeless in Dallas. Southern Hubby and I like to serve with others in our family once a month.

Quickly my mind went to when I could get to the grocery store before Saturday morning, when our shift started. I pulled out my agenda to make a note to myself about the loaves. Then it hit me.

I'm a hypocrite.

I was considering purchasing a high end item that I didn't need, jotting notes down in my personalized monogrammed planner, in my comfortably warm suburban home during the week and acting like I cared about the poor during the weekend.

But the heavy truth is, I do care about the needy. I do love them and want to show them God loves them and that there are people that do care about their welfare. But I also love the comfortable life I lead. I like nice things. Is there a way to reconcile the two? Can I enjoy the lifestyle afforded to me, guilt-free, while serving others?

I don't know that I can.

After all the I witnessed in India, there is no way I can go back to how I used to live...blissfully unaware of the extreme poverty people face. Over there, it isn't a matter of 'Will these food stamps carry me through to next week?' but, 'If I can't find something edible in the trash, this will be the third day that my children won't eat." And that is a hard thing to imagine for a lot of Americans. Poor here is nothing like poor there.

But 'over there' is a long way away from where I sit in my cushy office. It's easy to forget about 'over there' when I'm casually shopping at Whole Foods, because I have to have organic and local food, right? Isn't that what all the nutritionists are telling us?

But what about those that don't have the abundance that we do? Do we quietly slip their troubles under the rug while we go about our own lives, then remember them when it's convenient for us or when we want to feel good about ourselves, cause we're "helping the poor?"

So here I sit.

Stuck between a poor, dirty rock and a suburban hard place, two worlds at opposite ends. Where does one go from here? Surely I'm not the only American that struggles with this.

I can't imagine doing something as extreme (and noble) as giving up what I have to live among the less fortunate. I don't think I have that in me. I don't want to let go of my luxuries. And I feel like that makes me a terrible person.

And this will be all I can think about Saturday, as I humbly serve the forgotten poor in Dallas' inner city during the afternoon and safely return to my side of town at night.

my word of the year

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:40:00 +0000

This word was months in the making. I should have known. And it didn't take me long to figure out what word I wanted this year.

be.

Be myself. Genuine and real. Always authentic, even when my bad habits appear. Claim them as mine and take responsibility for my actions, both good and bad.

Be kind. To myself and to others.

Be generous. Of my time, money and my love. This past year Southern Hubby and I gave up several things in order to go on our mission trip to India. Not that it wasn't overwhelmingly worth it, but at times I struggled with my selfishness. I'm human and not perfect. At the end of it all, I realized that I survived. I lived without so others could live with. The things I gave up were worth far less than the love I felt and took away from those girls.

Be frugal. Live simply so others can simply live. This one can be hard for me. I love things...pretty things, shiny things, expensive things, new things. But I'm slowly learning that it is not things that make me truly happy. And living in debt is no fun at all. We'd like to be completely debt free within in the next couple years and I think we have a real shot as long as we can commit to living under our means.

Be playful. I'm Type A to the core. Us type A-ers have a hard time with 'playful'. But playful is fun. It's healthy. And it makes me smile. So, this year, I want to be more playful. Will I have to schedule in time to be playful? Probably. But it's a start. ;)

Be healthy. If we do get pregnant this year, I will be sharing my body with a tiny human being. And I need to start making wiser choices.

Be Godly. With God, for God, through God. Be closer to Him, drawing even closer during the times I don't feel Him near.

Be trustworthy. A woman of my word. Someone that people can rely on.

Be adventurous. I like to be in control of my life. But where is the adventure in that? This year, I want to do things that push my comfort zone (having a baby? Um, hello!) and make me feel like I'm truly experiencing the life that God has given me.

I love my word this year. Do you have a word? I'd love to read about it if you do! :)

do i have to have resolutions?

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:36:00 +0000

Before I get to my post, let me say that I'm sorry for the lack of blog posts. Right after Christmas, my precious sister turned 30. Which meant Southern Hubby and I spent New Years Eve on the couch watching the History and Discovery channels. This 31 year old certainly can not party like today's 30 year olds. ;) And SH is still off of work which means I've been gobbling up any time with him that I can.

If you remember last year, I chose a word that I wanted to represent me. That word was seek. This year I've chosen another word, but I'll write more about that word later this week. This year, I wanted to go a step further and made a list of goals for myself. I guess you could call them "resolutions" but that word is so packed and heated this time of year that I wanted to stay far away from it.

On this list, I wanted things big and small. Some things that I can cross off after only doing once and some things that are enduring and long term. Some are whimsical and some are serious.

I have room for 20 but so far I don't have them all. I'm ok with that. It's not a race to the finish so I'm fine with adding to them as the year goes on.

Here are the ones I have thus far:

1. learn how to knit mittens.

Although I will continue my serious love affair with knitted socks, I think it's time to advance my skill.

And really, who can resist fair isle?

2. renew my daily prayer time.

I've realized that when I required them to be morning prayers, I often failed because my mornings can be busy. So I'm going to try something new this year and let myself pray when there is a natural break in my day.

3. make holiday bucket lists.

There are several things I always want to do during Fall, Thanksgiving and Christmas time, but those things often seem to get pushed aside or overlooked. This year, I'm going to create a list so that I'm focused on how to get the best out of the seasons!

4. incorporate more veggies into my diet.

A little announcement here: Southern Hubby and I are going to try to get pregnant this year and we think it's about time we stop eating like we're in college. ;)

Prayers would be appreciated as at 31, I'm no spring chick anymore.

5. please send cookies.

I usually send my sisters in college a few pre-stamped, pre-addressed postcards requesting homemade cookies from me. They'll send them in and I'll overnight them some of my killer chocolate chip and walnut cookies.

I didn't do that at all last year, so this year, I'm going to revive the tradition since one is already a senior.

6. nightly devotionals with southern hubby.

For a while, we would never go to bed without praying together. I can't tell you what a bonding time this was for us. I don't know why or how we let it slip away but as nights get busy we just let it drift. We are bringing this one back full force.

7. plant something...anything.

When it comes to gardening, I'm no Martha. But I'd love to be.

This year, I'm going to plant something. I don't care what it is but I'd like something to tend to. ;)

8. invite neighbors over for dinner.

We've only done this once last year but it was fun. We have many younger couples on our block and it's time we got to know them better. This year has only reconfirmed my thought that community is so vitally important.

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year! Happy 2012!

dpp//day 20: sara

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:15:00 +0000

Have I ever mentioned that I love this girl. And her sweet family.

I was so happy to get her Christmas card and family letter yesterday- I just about burst! :)

Not only has Sara inspired my photography hobby, made me want to be a greener and less materialistic person, but she absolutely turned my head upside down when it came to my spirituality. She suggested I read this book and my life has been changed ever since. While my walk with God isn't perfect, I have a walk. And I have Sara to thank for that.

Five days till Christmas...where did December go?

dpp//day 19: peonies

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:53:00 +0000

peonies from my love.
beautifully blooming in all their pink glory.

so, this december photo thing is a bit harder than i thought. i'm trying my best to keep up but this time of year is crazy, as you're all aware. i'm doing my best. :) hope you guys are enjoying this season, too!

Flowers are the music of the ground
From earth's lips spoken without sound.

-EDWIN CURRAN

dpp//day15: tidings of cheer

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:33:00 +0000

Sending out our good tidings of cheer to friends and family. :) Each year my goal is to get them out around the first of December. Each year I fail miserably.

But they're getting there before the 25th, so I'm taking joy in the small victories!

PS. Congratulations to Muffy Martini! The winner of St. Bernard Sports $75 giveaway! Yay for Muffy!

dpp// day 13: orders

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:28:00 +0000

So very blessed to have orders but so very busy this time of year. Thanks to those who have placed a holiday order from my little shoppe. ;) I'm working as hard as I can and as fast as my little hands will let me. ;)

dpp//day 12: fingerlings

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 02:08:00 +0000

Dinner tonight called for fingerling and red potatoes. Starches always help my Mondays go better. :) How was your Monday?

dpp//day 8 : obsession 2

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:58:00 +0000

hello. my name is jennifer and I'm obsessed with beautiful and large coffee cups. thank you, anthropologie for this beaut. it makes my mornings just a bit lovelier. ;)

St. Bernard Sports $75 Giveaway: Lilly Pulitzer, Patagonia, North Face & more!

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:48:00 +0000

I've been a Patagonia gal for about 10 years now. Southern Hubby introduced me to them when we first started dating. See, he's a Yank and they're all about their Patagonia up there.

So, when St. Bernard Sports contacted me about hosting another giveaway for them and try out their Women's Patagonia Snap T Pullover, I didn't need to think twice about it!

First of all, their shipping is ridiculously fast. In no time at all this beauty arrived at my door.

I loved it from the moment I saw it! I knew it would be just perfect for those chilly nights camping with my sweet Southern Hubby. It's soft and super warm. It would go perfect with jeans or some cute cords. :) Can't you just see me all snuggled up by the campfire?! :)

But St.Bernard Sports isn't just about the winter months. They carry many brands my preppy readers would love!

Just by browsing for a 15 minutes, I already found several things I want on my Christmas list and some super cute items for Southern Hubby.{{ Too bad he's a Michigan Wolverine and not a Longhorn. Otherwise that belt would be his right now! }}

And thanks to St. Bernard Sports, one lucky reader can get a head start on their holiday shopping with a $75 gift certificate! Yippeee!

Three chances to win:

* Visit St. Bernard Sports and browse around. Leave a comment telling me what you would buy if you won the $75 gift certificate.

* Follow @StBernardSports on Twitter, or if you're local, @StBernardAustin or @StBernardInwood

* Retweet this: "I just entered @hrsoutherncharm and @StBernard Sports $75 gift certificate giveaway! You can enter here: http://tinyurl.com/7gafn9w"

* Please remember to leave a separate comment for each entry for it to be counted.

Giveaway will end next Wednesday, December 14th, at 11:59pm. I will announce the winner on Thursday, the 15th.

ps. big shout out to Brian, at Effective Spend, an Austin based search marketing agency, for co-sponsoring this giveaway with St. Bernard Sports.

*disclosure: I was given the Patagonia T Snap Pullover to review

ddp//day 6 : morning stillness

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

I don't like cold and rainy mornings.

We've had several of these over the past few days. I'm over it.

Coffee with egg nog creamer, hand knit socks and warm fleece pajama pants are helping me ease into this particular morning.

Morning thoughts:

* Rajitha and Jothermaye, our two Indian girls that we're sponsoring this year
* My rocky relationship with my mom. I'm trying to go from, "She did this and this to me," to "What can I do to help us?"
* The handmade present I've got in mind for my sister. A little excited over it. :)
* The St. Bernard Sports giveaway I have coming up. Y'all are gonna love it. :)

What's on your mind this morning? Stay warm and dry, y'all. :)

ddp//day 5: rising

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

I love bread. Like *love*. In fact, I don't think 'love' is a strong enough word. Obsessed, perhaps?

When I found out the ingredients in my beloved Mrs. Baird's bread {a Texas product, y'all!}, I was pushed to learn how to make my own. (ethoxylated mono and diglycerides, anyone? At least I can pronounce the ingredients in my bread! For a better breakdown of why industrial bread is bleh, go here.)

It took me several hard and heavy loaves, but I think I'm getting the hang of it. It's much easier than I made it out to be. Please try it. You can thank me later. ;)

I love the way it makes the house smell. I love the way I feel connected to homemakers of the past when I knead the dough. I love seeing the dough rising and doubling in size. I love how Southern Hubby immediately smiles when he walks through the door and knows there is a fresh loaf of hot bread waiting for him. I love how extremely delicious it is right out of the oven with a bit of butter and jam spread on it. *swoon*

Dare I say, there's something magical about baking your own bread.

My Basic Bread Recipe:

{{Using my KitchenAide mixer. If you don't have a mixer, you will have to hand-knead for 10 minutes. It's great therapy!}}

½ cup low-fat milk {I use almond milk}
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 packages active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water {105 F to 115 F}
5-6 cups all-purpose flour

Place milk, sugar, salt, and butter in small saucepan. Heat over low heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Cool to lukewarm.

Dissolve yeast in warm water in warmed mixer bowl. Add lukewarm milk mixture and 4 ½ cups flour. Attach bowl and dough hook to mixer. Turn to Speed 2 and mix about 1 minute.

Continuing on Speed 2, add remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, and mix about 2 minutes, or until dough clings to hook and cleans sides of bowl. Knead on Speed 2 about 2 minutes longer, or until dough is smooth and elastic. Dough will be slightly stick to the touch.

Place dough in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover. Let rise in warm place, free from draft, about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.

Punch dough down and divide in half. Shape each half into a loaf, and place in greased 8 ½ x 4 ½ x 2 ½-inch baking pans. Cover. Let rise in warm place, free from draft, about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.

Bake at 400 F for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from pans immediately and cool on wire racks.

dpp//day 3: on being a good bible study girl

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Really really loving the bible study my women's group is currently doing, Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst. I love me some Lysa and I'm so excited that she's coming to my area next year. Must go see her.

I took this while making a note card for my records. I like to put miscellaneous note cards on my bathroom mirror to inspire me while I brushing my teeth or washing my face.

This one says:

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. -2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Happy Saturday, folks!

December Photo Project: Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:55:00 +0000

{{Yay! Blogger is working for me again! I apologize because I wanted to post this yesterday, but things were wonky with Blogger and I wasn't able to.}}

I am so excited to be participating in the December Photo Project! In this project, you take a picture each day for the month of December and post it on your blog. It can be about anything- there are no limits! I figure this would give me a chance to keep working on getting to know my camera a little better. { I'm still having some trouble with focusing correctly. :( }

I think I'm going to add a couple of rules of my own though. I'll try my best to post on weekends, but you all know how that goes...sometimes it is hard. And also, I will be including pictures taken with my phone on occasion. I don't always have my big camera with me. As I once read, "The best camera is the one you have on you."

Here is today's photo.

Yesterday I worked on putting up the fall decor and got down all my Christmas decor. Yes, I know I'm late to the decorating game, especially since some peeps in my neighborhood were putting up their lights before Thanksgiving {what's up with that?!} but my mother in law was in town all last week so we were busy shopping and preparing for the big dinner. That's my excuse and I'm sticking with it! :)

If you'd like to join the December Photo Project, you can sign up here. And let me know if you do- I want to visit your blog!

can i get an amen?

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:32:00 +0000

One holiday down, and now the biggie is around the corner. Lots to do. Lots to fret about. Lots to rejoice in, as well.

Can I get an 'amen' preppy sisters? ;)

I want...

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:59:00 +0000

I want to get rid of my Facebook account. But I can't. I use the excuse of connections to family but I should be seeing them in real life instead of 'liking' their experiences.

I want to spread a blanket down in the park and finish my book. But I don't. The sun is too bright right now. Maybe I'll go tomorrow.

I want to watch less TV. I know it dulls my senses and serves to further dig me into the consumerist culture I despise. But I don't. I wonder what craziness Teresa is going to say to Melissa this week.

I want to not feel compelled to answer a text message immediately. But I do. I use the excuse that it could be an emergency, but if it was, wouldn't they call?

I want to ride my bike around with Southern Hubby. But we don't. Tonight I have we have Dave Ramsey class to go to with our Life Group. Maybe another day.

I want to bring invite some neighbors over for dinner next week. But I don't. What if we have nothing in common or they think we're dull? What if there are dishes in my sink or a cobweb I missed in the corner?

I want a leather journal to fill with words from my heart. I want to have confidence that my photography makes people feel things. I want to read poetry and actually understand it. I want to feel good about the body God gave me. I want to believe that my 30's will bring about the wisdom and self-acceptance my 20's didn't. I want to travel to the Galapagos and look at a giant turtle up close. I want to not be afraid of being alone. I want to judge people less and think about the consequences of my actions more. I want to cultivate good and clean karma.

And I want to do all these things and more. Why have I not?

What are the things you want to do today?

beautiful india

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

My heart is aching for India.

I miss it. I miss my girls. I miss the smiles and gratitude. I miss the colors. I miss the heat and the smells of the spices in the food cooking on the streets. I miss our driver, Raghu. He was such a sweet soul. So patient and kind towards us clumsy and often late Americans.

Throughout the day I pause and wonder what they're doing on the other side of the world. Are they studying like I told them to? Are they wondering why we showed up with all this fun and love and then disappeared?

photo credit: Southern Hubby

Are they washing their hair like the Thursday we were there? They had a system- one girl used her sari scarf as a rope to tie to a bucket. She lowered it into their homemade well (aka a hole in the concrete) and pulled out water for her friends to use. They would suds up and another girl would do the washing. Then the rotated. Using the same dirty water sometimes in the same dirty buckets. That's a far cry from my shower experience. What about yours?

Are they singing and dancing as they were prone to break out and do? Their lives were seriously filled with the joy of God. How do they have nothing and we have everything but are still unhappy? We always want more. They only wanted us and our love.

Here my sweet Rajitha is dancing. Look at that smile. Joy. Radiance.We had this picture developed and framed. We get to see her precious face every day. She's 15 now and will soon be moving on to 'college'. I pray she listened to me when I told her education was her ticket out of poverty.

When Rajitha leaves next year, it will be time to sponsor another precious child. I am so eager to do this. We want a child that we can watch grow up. I want to write her every week and send pictures. Sadly, we can't. All communication and gifts must be equal. As much as this pains me, I completely understand.

photo credit: Southern Hubby

At the hostel the girls are promised three meals a day. White rice with an Indian sauce. That's it. Those are their meals, day in and day out. What are you having for dinner tonight?

I wish pictures could convey the beauty and warmth that is India. Even on the streets of Hyderabad, I never felt unsafe. I never felt unwanted. We were the odd balls, the minority, yet we were never made to feel that way. (It makes me wonder if we Americans extend the same to people we consider different than us.)

We are both eager to get back to mission work. I want to see more of the world and her beautiful people. I want to experience other cultures and share it with others that can't or won't go. Isn't that the Great Commission? Spread God's love.

If you feel called to do this, or even a small inkling in your heart that *might* be telling you to go, email me. I want to talk with you. :)

Peace be with you.

Inspiring me...

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:04:00 +0000

The following things have been on my mind or inspiring me as of lately...

Kisses from Katie: The Journey

Before we left for India, I wanted just one more inspirational read. I pre-ordered Kisses from Katie and was blown away by her story. At just nineteen, Katie Davis left the comfort of her upscale Brentwood, TN home to move to Uganda, Africa and start ministry there to educate children. Through her ministry, she saw unparalleled poverty and God began tugging at her heart to adopt several of these children. Fourteen children later (yes, you read that right- 14 children) she still resides in Uganda and is known as 'mommy' to lots of people there. Her story is inspirational indeed.

You can read more about her and her amazing journey here, purchase her book here, and find out more about her ministry, Amazima here.

Red Thread Movement

I'm so digging these red thread bracelets. Each one is handmade by a girl in Nepal that had been rescued from the s*x-trafficking trade. At only $3 each, I see myself giving away several of these for Christmas. You can read more about this movement and purchase your own here.

Photographing Strangers

photo credit

Seeing as I was chosen as the official photographer on our mission trip, I've been doing a bit of reading on photographing strangers, photographing in a foreign country and the like. I pray, pray, pray that God used my lens to show the world how these children live on a daily basis.

The Civil Wars

So in love with these guys right now. "I've Got This Friend" has been on repeat on my iPod for a while now. Seriously check them out. PS. Yes, that's dust. Yes, it's gross. But it's Southern Hubby's truck. Not mine.

What is inspiring you this week?

* Disclaimer: I was not paid for any of the above info. These peeps have no idea who I am.

India: Our return

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:29:00 +0000

Me and Southern Hubby with some of the girls at the Sally Prahubas Memorial Hostel; Karimnagar, India

I sit here very, very early in the morning. Half because of jet lag and half because my mind cannot stop processing the things that I saw, the people I met, and the love I witnessed in India. But I'm tired. My back aches from the twenty hour flight and my heart is missing a small piece.

It was a hard trip. I'm wont lie and pretend it was all roses because it wasn't. I don't think I've ever felt that sort of mental and physical exhaustion in my life. Mission trips are not for everyone. They test your limits and push your boundaries. They awaken your eyes to stories of devastation. They pull you, sometimes unwillingly, out of your comfort zones. And they break your heart.

But I came back with a million and one stories to tell. Stories of great hope. Stories of poverty. Stories of blessed communion. But most of all, I came back with stories of God's unimaginable love for each and every one of us. From the dirty street beggar to the naive girl from Texas whose eyes were opened, He wants a relationship with each and every one of us.

We all fell in love with tiny Navanya.

I'm thankful God led me to say 'yes' to this trip. While I was terribly homesick, I realized how extremely lucky we are to live in the United States. I'm so grateful for chances that most girls at the hostel will never have- three square meals a day, running water, clean places to live, a college education, loving parents. I'm thankful for my education and the importance my parents placed on it. And while I grew in love for my God even more during this trip, I was so happy to see different religions celebrated so joyously and coinciding peacefully.

While there, we were given the opportunity to visit some churches that had not quite yet been built. They were mainly hovels or small boxy rooms that were being reconstructed using recycled materials and volunteered labor from the congregation. I was blown away standing amongst the mess knowing that, because of great love and sacrifice, it would eventually become a house of worship.

Here are just a couple more pictures I took. I wish I could do the country justice, but sights, smells, sounds, emotions can't be captured on film.

Waiting for customers outside the church.

More sweet Navanya.

A smiling beggar.

How we were welcomed most every place we went. They are a people of true hospitality and generosity.

The girls asked about my children so naturally I pulled out my phone to show them Jacks and Matty. They thought it was hilarious that I called my dogs my children. :)

I have more pictures to share but jet lag is kicking in again and I must nap. Promise I'll write more on this trip soon! :)

Fall Mantel & Decor

noreply@blogger.com (The Southern Housewife) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:20:00 +0000

While I love, love, love Fall, this year I had to tone it down and keep it simple considering Southern Hubby and I will be out of the country for almost half of October. While this saddened me a bit, it didn't keep me from putting up some things here and there.

I didn't get too creative with my fall mantel and basically re-did last year's decor, so forgive me. I'm praying that next year I'll have a bit more time to play around with things.

How I love these little crows! I picked them up at a craft mall several years ago.

Of course I always gotta fill these babies up with gourds! :)

While I wish I had more to show, these were the highlights. I put some other fun things around here and there but we're heading camping this weekend and I've got lots to do! :)

Cheers!