Inspire Me......lucysinspired

Socially Acceptable

2012-01-13T05:30:00.000-06:00

Jumping on the bandwagon. It's fun at first. I'm always a bandwagon NFL fan. I love the winning team. That one and which ever one Tom Brady is on. He's so cute, right? Mark Sanchez is easy on the eyes, too. That's not what this post is about..how did I get there? I'm about to be 40...Is it the cougar coming out of me? please laugh here....

So, jumping on the bandwagon. 3 years ago, I was trying not to get on the Facebook bandwagon. Seriously, I was on Twitter before that and I didn't even know what it was!! I thought Facebook was that silly place that my little sister would go to check up on her ex-boyfriend. (sorry N, if you are reading this! xo) Really, it was just something the college kids were doing. I had a few friends jumping on and they were having a little fun with it. Talking to high school friends...really? did I want to go there? Don't get me wrong, I love my high school and the friends from there, but all the drama that was from high school. I guess I expected it to be on Facebook!! Well, I was right about that part.....and not the high school friends!!

It is my life now. I am on Facebook for hours a day. I don't play games, I don't stalk people (wink) and I don't update my status every 5 seconds. If I have to pee, you don't have to know it. It's my network. It's how I find out who won the game, that a tornado touched down, that LSU 's busses can't leave the hotel because someone painted a 50 yard line in front of it! That's hilarious, you have to admit! I also make new friends and find old ones. I find people that live within 10 miles of me that I have SO much in common with. We pull together and do things to help each other. It's how I keep up with EVERYONE! If someone has a baby, I check Facebook to find out when. It's life events, the world around us and right next door. Someone will say, "I don't have time for it.". Ok, neither do I. I make time for it. I want to know how my friends are and seriously, there is a contest, I can win a new pair of jeans!! I did! On FACEBOOK! I got them and yes, they fit PERFECTLY! It's like the yellow pages with a friends recommendation. You need something? Ask for it on Facebook. You will find it!

I do a lot more with this social network, too. I help businesses find more customers. over 800 million people are on Facebook all over the world. It's the best marketing tool you can have. You have to utilize it in a way that benefits your business. There are no HARD-CORE numbers that prove the ROI, but when someone walks in your store almost every day and says, "you have a great Facebook page", it makes sense. You may even be lucky to have someone make a purchase and say, "The only reason I even came here was from your Facebook page." They probably won't, but you can't NOT be on there!

There are other social platforms out there. They may not all work for you. I love Pinterest and blogging. They fit with most of my clients. I am still learning everyday. I did get a likeable book today. It's all about social media and how it works. Not sure why I need that, but I'm sure I will get something out of it. If I do, I will share it with you. It is the reason I decided to write this post!

BTW, I am still trying to take a photo a day. I've missed a few. I decided not to post here because after the 2nd day someone unsubscribed. It hurt my feelings and I stopped doing something for them. I guess that was the wrong decision. Maybe I will bring it back...or you can just keep up on my Facebook page!

One more thing.....Roll Tide! Congrats on the National Championship!

Pre-game with John Connor

Post game with Emma!

January 2, 2012

2012-01-02T19:59:00.000-06:00

Emma's New Year's resolution is to go to church every Sunday. It's the best I've heard. John Connor's was to save all of his money. He got some cash for Christmas and that boy LOVES money. It also burns a hole in his pocket pretty quickly. Emma decided she wants to make money....she's kinda like her momma, loves new clothes! uh-oh. She's started working on a list of things she can do to make money. Laundry is at the top of the list. She came home organized the laundry room and did 3 loads. Pretty good, I think! We will see how long it lasts. I gave her a $20 to go ice-skating today....she thought that wasn't a part of her laundry money.....oopsie! She's already spending faster than she's making it!!!

We did get to go to lunch with one of our favorites today. Somehow she has been living in New Orleans for 5 years. I don't know how that adds up...but, it does. We gave her a present. If you look toward the top of this photo......you should be able to pick out her gift! She LOVED it! Can you figure out who it is? haha!! #seniorportraits #eightieshair

January 1, 2012

2012-01-01T21:55:00.001-06:00

I got a new camera for Christmas. The Nikon 1. It's so adorable! I got the white one. Yes, it's the Ashton Kutcher camera. Is that the reason I bought it, maybe? It's fun and easy to carry with me. Right now I have a tiny purse. The camera won't fit inside. That's kinda against the point of buying it....oh well (wink)! John Connor is sitting beside me on the couch. Glad to have them home from my Mom's. They always have the best time hanging out with Mimi and Ruru. Our cousins, Cooper and Libby were there, too. I snapped this photo. I'm going to try.....photo of the day, or something close to it!

It's a new year. A new beginning. Connor was sitting out by the pool Friday night. He said he was reflecting on the day....it was a bad one. I told him to reflect on the year. Last year at this time, things were not so great. It really picked up at the end of 2011. I'm hoping that's a good sign for 2012. He has a lot of great things to reflect on! We are so blessed. We started this new year off by going to church with his Grandmother, Momba. She has cancer and has been feeling well for a few days. She wanted everyone to join her this morning. That was a huge blessing. We were so glad to be there. So glad to share her joy in her church. So many blessings. I hope you had a great start to the new year. I know it's going to be GREAT!

~Cheers to 2012~

Oh Angel Tree, Oh Angel Tree

2011-12-16T15:16:00.000-06:00

That's Papaw...he came to John Connor's choir performance....which has nothing to do with the following story!

John Connor had a project at school. It was voluntary. I think about 60% of his class participated. They divided the kids into groups of 4 or 5 and gave them each an Angel from the Angel Tree. They all had to do chores at home for the money to buy for the Angel.

He asked every day what he could do. He helped his Dad in the yard one day, did the dishes, swept (kinda), cleaned the fishbowl (he usually does this without having to be paid), he helped me decorate the Christmas tree (you would think that wouldn't be a chore....believe me, it is!)

The parents were all invited to the class today for a Holiday Tea. Each group did a power point on what chores they did at home, what they bought their angel and why they enjoyed the project. They even came up with the words to a song they sang....usually to a Christmas tune.

John Connor's group was hilarious! At first, no one really wanted to talk and by the end, they were all talking over each other!! Then came the song......John Connor said that he wasn't going to sing.....then ended up being the only one to sing......the whole time! He was so off key and grinning the whole time! I was such a proud mama and he was loving every minute of it!! Such an entertainer!

December Daily

2011-12-16T06:30:00.000-06:00

I think it's hilarious that I start this...or start thinking about doing a December Daily book every, single year! Most of you probably know what it is....well, if you are a scrapbooker, you do! Ali Edwards, scrapbooker extraordinaire started this trend many years ago. I think there are thousands of people that do it....and do it right! I found a few on Pinterest that I adore! check these out.....

this one was on 2 Peas originally.....like in '08, but I love how crisp it looks!

This one looks delicious!

Oh, I do love all this different sized goodness...and look at all the fun colors!!

After reading through her blog, I found myself lost in this girls world....Oh, I do love Liz Kartchner. She's so freaking adorable....really, like the cutest thing ever and she's so sweet on top of that!

this is her goodness she calls a December Daily....

and for the cherry on top...her husband is HILARIOUS.PERIOD!

I could go on and on with different ones that I love and that inspire me completely...but, you probably have a Pinterest account and have them all pinned already!

Here is the creator of idea December Daily, herself!

Ali Edwards

They sold a kit over at Studio Calico...I l.o.v.e those numbers!

This year, I decided to make it super simple. All the pages would essentially be the same and I would just have to insert photos and stories each day. Well, I can say that I made all 25 pages. I can also say that I sat down last weekend to print a few photos, only to find that I didn't have any ink in the handy- dandy mini-printer. I just ordered ink online and I'm waiting on it to get here. It's amazing to me how I do not have a photograph from each day so far! It seems so easy to do and yet, I can't get it done. I still have high hopes for this really adorable book. I hope that I get it all finished and pull it out next year in time to decide to do it again and maybe have the incentive to do it right! You wanna see it??? Maybe tomorrow (wink)!!

It's the holidays! Time to celebrate!

2011-12-15T13:18:00.002-06:00

How does it get so busy? Every year I say I'm going to be ahead of the game, right? It's just too hard. With all these things to distract me......Pinterest, Facebook, blogs, oh and that job I picked up! Geez. The first month I was a decorator, which was fabulous! I was in and out and working from home. Now, I'm officially full-time and I'm.worn.out!! If you aren't a fan of the Telegraph Facebook page, you should be. We are the coolest boutique ad agency in town! yeah! It's a super fun job...making commercials, designing logos, websites, getting creative with facebook pages..it's all the bomb.com.

I really need a week off BEFORE Christmas, though! Shopping done - nope. Decorating finished - nope. Kids parties at school planned - nope. Cookies and sweets baked - nope. Special touches (my favorite part) - nope. Going to Holiday parties like Alabama Chanin's Holiday Market tonight - nope. I'm so sad. I wanted to go and I can't fit it in....I just have all that other stuff to do.....I could kinda get all that done in the four hours it takes to get to Florence and back! oh well....I get to go in May for a workshop. I just want to sit around and stitch, ya know?

I did get to go to a fun Cookie Swap last Sunday at the adorable Beth of Unskinny Boppys house. It was so much fun. Do you know she invited me and we have never met in real life! How cool is that? I think she has the magic touch on decorating skills and wanted to be her friend...so, we have been cyber friends for a while now! I also got to meet Lori from Click Workshops. Oh, there goes my Christmas list...it's all things photography now. I want a new D700, a Nikon 1, a new lense (any one will do) and a year's full of photography workshops with Click. Santa? Do you hear me? To make matters worse, I come in to work on Monday and Kevin and Isaiah decide they are going out to buy a camera! Green, I tell ya, I was green. They got the D5100 to shoot video and stills. For the love......I want to steal it and play with it all day! Oh, make that one more thing on the Christmas-I-haven't-gotten-to-it-yet-list. Pictures of the kids for Christmas cards - nope!

I guess that's why I decided to sit down and write out a blogpost. Make myself a list...maybe I will be held accountable....or the time will get here and it will have to get done, or else!

I do have some decorations up...here's my mantel - done!

Hope your Holidays are all in order and you are sitting at home baking cookies with your kids, listening to Christmas music by the fire...which, is not going to happen here...it's 70 degrees out! You've sent out your cards and are finished with all the crafts....probably working on next year's gift list! Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Decorating Dilemma

2011-10-04T09:16:00.002-05:00

You know how much I love Pinterest. I get lost in those boards for at least an hour a day. I really need to start a board of completed projects.....mine would be really small right now! Jessica Turner created one and inspired me to "think" about it. maybe next week!

I am always looking for fun ideas to post to Southern Accents FB page. I found this fabulous pot rack last week and I can't get it out of my mind!

I want to make one of these ASAP! There are so many pieces of iron in the iron gate lot at SA. This is the obvious choice......I think it's too ornate for me.

there are several others to choose from....

I know I can make one that is spectacular. The problem is, I need to take down my pendant lights over my island. What will I put there? I'm thinking I will just turn them into can lights. This would mean there would be no light fixture in my kitchen...oh how I love lighting! ugh....what should I do?

Write it down, Journal, a Diary, a calendar, life day to day

2011-10-03T15:21:00.000-05:00

There are so many ways to look at it. You can make an effort to write down your life in a journal or on a blog. Some might just keep a calendar...mine was called a Diary the other day. I laughed out loud when he asked if it was my Diary. My first thought was, NO! Then it occurred to me....why, yes, this is my diary. I do not write down all of my hopes and fears in it...only some of them! I do write down what we are doing on what day and make future plans inside this little zebra-striped book.

It's almost full and I can't wait to get another one! (The Spotted Zebra) So, I find that it's hard for me to record what actually happens. There are several things in this calendar that I wanted to do, but failed to make happen. Either because something else came up or my over achieving brain planned too many things in one day.

I do want to start writing things down that DO happen. I want to write down how I feel about something or someone...my kids and husband. This has been coming up a lot lately. My step-mom's Mother passed away a month ago and she kept a journal. Not an ongoing, everyday, but....toward the end. She wrote letters to people. No one knew she was doing this and after she passed away, they were found. Can you imagine? Losing someone that means so much to you and then finding a letter they had written you. It is one of the most treasured pieces of writing you will ever have the opportunity to read. Debbie, aka Nanny (my step-mom) and I were talking about all of this one night, in the rain, at John Connor's football game. Her pain and sadness is still so fresh for her and I know she wants to talk about it and at the same time, not ever talk about it. I was really glad she shared it with me. I'm a sentimental gal and love to remember things or find out things that happened to people that I love. History.

OH....that just slaps me in the face. I am doing a Bible Study at church and it's called His-story/your story. It's about how God's story fits into your story and that it's all history...your story, too. How your story and His story shaped your life. got it?

So, I'm doing so many things that involve story-telling right now. A potential client is all about the story, I compile stories with scrapbooking and now, Connor's grandmother, Momba, is not doing her best. We had a family get-together for her and Papa's anniversary on Saturday. We set up a TV in the garage, watched football, the kids played, we visited and stayed until late that night. It was a wonderful day and one that we will treasure. I overheard Momba say she wants to do it every 3 months......it used to be once a month. Never happened...too busy, too many activities!! All day, Momba carried around a book and pen. She was writing whatever came to her mind about each person in the family. As she would see them, she would write. She wanted to hug us all extra long that day and tell us something she wanted us to remember....her story.

I want to encourage everyone to write it down. Blog, Facebook, calendar or just writing a note to each special person on their birthday is sufficient. I know those letters Debbie has from her Mom are dear to her, but wouldn't it have been great for her to have her own letters from each family member that told just what she meant to them? My Mom's birthday was Saturday..I better get on that! My brother's is this month and my Dad's. Three days after his is my Emma's. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm sure there will be tears involved....it's hard for me not to shed one or two anyway!

I would love to know if you already do this....or if you have another way of telling your story. You may remember a little scrapbooking event I was involved in about telling your story.....THAT is a story all in itself with lots of lessons learned! ha

ETA: just found this on Pinterest and then to this blog......YES! What a fantastic idea!

I'm coming home...tell the world I'm coming home

2011-10-02T22:26:00.001-05:00

Homecoming at UNA! I've been spending a bit more time in Florence, Alabama. I don't know if it's sentimental or just that two of my very best friends live there! I guess it's both. Since Ashlee moved back, I have probably been to Florence 5 or 6 times. Before that, after I graduated, I had only been there 5 or 6 times! It is such a great town. It's small. You have the quad cities; Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia. I have a new found love for this area. There are some really cool places. Billy Reid is one of my favorites! I do like his classic clothes, but the store is gorgeous! Then there is Riccatoni's.....YUM! It's a wonderful Italian restaurant that is not to be missed. Trowbridges...chicken salad sandwich and an icecream cone...thank you very much.

Ash and Marisa have taken me to Tuscumbia the last 3 or so times. We always go into Audie Mescales. Great prices on cute clothes. We go into Thread and spend hours picking out patterns and fabric! It's one of my favorite places for inspiration! Alyson is top notch on customer service. I try on samples and she gives us tips on how to make super easy skirts and dresses! A couple of weeks ago we went to eat lunch at Frank's. We passed the alley and saw the lights strung up with gorgeous light fixtures and I insisted that we eat there. They had a couple of big screen tv's out there and we were the only people in the alley! The weather was gorgeous and we hung out for hours! The food was fantastic, btw.

So, with all of this love for the area, I talked Connor into going to homecoming for UNA. We both went to college there. He played football, I was a Lionette. A football game was the perfect event! We had heard there are fun tailgating events before and lots of people we knew go to the games. We told the kids about all the fun we would have and booked a room at the Marriott. That place all by itself is worth going!
We went to the parade on Saturday morning....Marching....oh the memories!!

We had a great time at Kilby before the game. They had a silent auction, lunch and fun activities for the kids. Ashlee and Marisa both teach there and it's in major need of money. The University keeps threatening to close the school. This day was a fundraiser. I hope they continue to raise lots of money!!

We went over the the Hill to tailgate and hung out with some of our best college buddies, Kin and Emily Taylor. They have 4 kids. Collin, Evan, Grant and Ella. Evan and Emma are the same age and Grant and John Connor are the same age. The boys had fun playing football and tag. Clark was there, too. Emma hung out with Charlee Beth, Dillon, Payton and Mattie Reid.....ahem, Billy Reid's daughter. I mean, really? I have the biggest crush on Billy Reid and my daughter is hanging out with his daughter AND she goes to his house!! She met him and his wife. She has no idea who he is or that I think he is fantastic. She thought it was funny when I told her that I think he is a celebrity! (he totally is, right?)

It was such a fun day. I love hanging out with my friends and their families. It was so good to catch up with lots of old friends, too!

UNA won! They have a pretty good team. When we were there, they won a couple of National Championships. They are moving into Division I. I know that will make a big difference in how things are done. I hope it doesn't change too much! Go Lions!

Nashville road trip....

2011-09-15T06:30:00.000-05:00

Got up yesterday morning, dropped the kids off at school, met B Smith at Target, and we took off for Nashville! How much fun is that? It's one of my favorite things to do....get in the car with B and go somewhere for the day. She is the ultimate Disney trip planner. Her customer service level is above and beyond expectation! Now, I don't know if she would do this for everyone...but, she delivered a Disney basket to one of her clients in Nashville!

Her client was a certain news anchor that most of Nashville wakes up to each morning on Fox 17's TN Mornings, Kelly Sutton. She is a doll! We met in the Kroger parking lot and followed her to Monell's.

OH WOW! Brittney and I weren't sure about the place, at first. The building was fantastic...built in 1880. We are walking up to the door with Kelly and she is telling us she only eats here when she can work out for 3 days after....uh oh! Next she tells us we have to turn off our cell phone....B, can you do this? Next she tells us we will be sitting at a table with people we do not know and make sure you pass to the left. We are a little scared... People, this place has won awards for the Best Meat and Three....it's more like 2 meats and 10 vegetables and dessert (banana pudding) YUM! I left there feeling like I had just had Thanksgiving dinner! Full and Fluffy! Wishing I had on a stretchy skirt and not a pair of jeans! We left there only taking a photo of 3 of our favorite foods.....nothing of us, nothing with Kelly, nothing of the restaurant....what in the world?

We took off looking for cupcakes. She was obsessed. Then she gave up on that and we moved on to Country Music stars.....NONE. We did go to the Country Music Hall of Fame and saw some guy playing the guitar. He's somebody, but I can't remember his name.....sorry!!!

If you ever get the chance to ride with B somewhere for the day....go. You will not regret it. We solved LOTS of problems and conquered many, many projects....not. It was lots of fun, though and I'm thankful for that!!

Night at the Fair

2011-09-09T06:30:00.000-05:00

I must admit. I did NOT want to go to the Alabama State Fair! Wednesday is the only day of the week we do not have something going on until 7:30. Connor decides he has to go to Bilouxi...I'm thinking he knew what he was doing. The kids have been asking for weeks. They know Wednesday is the only day. Emma does have gymnastics until 6:30 on Wednesday. I tried to think of a way to get out of it. The problem is, it's less than 2 miles away from our house! I would have been a terrible mom if I hadn't taken them, right? So, off we went. We had our cash in hand and bought our wristbands. We would just go through and hit every ride once and then go by the "win a goldfish" booth and try to win one or two or three. Last year we won 6! ugh

Three goldfish! I wish I could remember their names....

Since we got a late start, I didn't want to take the big camera. I just used the cell phone and the quality is pretty bad. I got some fun shots, though and they are worth the memories! Even the creepy fair guys looking over the shoulders of my children!!

We did have $10.00 left in our pockets and I was talked into seeing how fast they could throw the baseball......we won a patriotic hammer and a leopard guitar. This is what dreams are made of!

Fall Fashion

2011-09-08T06:30:00.000-05:00

I get my fashion on more in the fall than in the spring....anyone else like that? I don't know what it is. I think there are just more layers and more things to wear in the Fall. I love Spring/Summer clothes. I just don't feel like it has as much to work with?

I'm feeling the boots this season. I CAN NOT wait to wear my boots! I keep thinking I need a new pair. I love these Frye Paige Riding boots, but I seem to have a pair VERY similar to them. Maybe I could go with the gray?

THIS pair of boots, I wanted last year. Wasn't sure if I would still want them this year....I do. I need to sell something...anyone need a kid? kidding

I have another must have on my list......this scarf. OH My!

I want this so bad. The etsy store it is linked to says it's all out. I commissioned my new friend Stephanie to make one for me. We met last week at a tennis tournament. She knits, I like, it's the perfect combination! We are going to meet at this cute, little shop in Cahaba Heights to pick out the yarn. Coincidentally, Emma came home from Momba's the other day with knitting needles and patterns that were Aunt Bercie's...maybe that was a sign that I need a new hobby? I'm thinking someone needs to get on it ASAP if I'm going to wear it with a white tank!

Seems like a gray kinda fall. I'm a big fan of color. Maybe gray will be my neutral!

What will you be wearing?

hi there

2011-09-07T14:05:00.000-05:00

How much fun is a blog? It's so hard to sit down and type something out for me! Why? I have no idea. There is so much fun in the world and I guess I'm just enjoying it!

I have been a little busy with my little business. It is growing a little...just enough. It still fits in with my personality and I think that's what I love most about it. It's still all things that inspire me! I've been doing lots of social marketing for a couple of businesses. You all have heard of my little secret place in Cullman, AL.....Southern Accents Architectural Antiques.

I can't ever get enough of that place. I was there yesterday and hung out with a couple of really cool decorating/DIY bloggers, maybe you've heard of them, Kevin and Layla of The Lettered Cottage? They are as adorable in real life as on their blog! If you don't read their little corner of the web, check it out....soon. They are about to hit the big time! A production company is working on a pilot for HGTV all about them! They came by the store back in the spring and went home to work on the Reading Room Redo....aka.... Gym flooring made super cool.

We just recently built a piece of art for their upcoming "It's Fall Y'all" link party. It's adorable, they are adorable, you will be adorable when you link up your decor to the part-ay!

In all of this linky party business, we have been talking to the producers about what they will need from us for the pilot that is filming......NEXT WEEK! They are using some fun stuff that is going to look GREAT in the house!

When they came up yesterday, we went through the store and found a few other "pieces" they might need for the pilot. I loved every second of helping them make choices and giving them ideas of what might work. I could get used to that! Hopefully, the show will be picked up and they will be re-doing houses all over the south!

If you need help getting your business out in the Social Media mix...Modern Info Media is who you need to call! I would love to talk to you about it!

2011-04-22T11:10:00.000-05:00

I have a new love. I can't help it. It's this place called Pinterest. It's a place where you can keep all of your inspiration in one place! Like a style board, but online! Mine is not as organized as it should be. It has lots of things on just a few boards. There are so many wonderful ideas out there and I need to keep up with all of them! Love that I can do that in one place!

We may be moving soon. Yeah, I know, I've been saying that for 2 years........or longer! Honestly, I do love my house so much and I could live there for the rest of my life. But....I can't WAIT to find another house! We will probably move into something and do a little renovating. I've never done that before! We've always built from the ground up. We have built 4 houses.....this house for almost 6 years! We've never lived in one house for more than 2 before.......oh, it's going to be a tough one to pack!

I've been using Pinterest to "gather" my ideas into one place. Some are way too elaborate to use in my home, but I can figure out ways to use them, hopefully! I love these barstools. How fun to use truck springs.......I just have to find some! Do you think they will shrink a lot when an adult sits on them? I don't really care.....I think they rock! I have this on my board, "for the home". It's from ApartmentTherapy.....a super cool, full of awesomeness website! Notice the wood on that island....I need to go to Southern Accents and start my own little (big) corner for all the wood I need from the Gym!

I doubt I will use this in the new house....but, oh my, how much fun??? I can't even imagine using those stairs...ever! I don't know where the credit for this idea is. It doesn't have a website listed. If you know where this came from, I would love to give credit!

I'm super excited about this.........
I just got off the phone with one of my sweet friends, Lynn Elkins. She just called and is going to do a house portrait for me! I saw one she had placed on Facebook and asked about it. She called this morning and gave me all the details! She's going to come by next week and take a photo. This is the example she placed on facebook. If you are interested, let me know and I can get you her information!! She's super talented!! I can't wait!

Urban Cookhouse

2011-03-09T20:17:00.000-06:00

When was the last time you went to Homewood? I used to go there ALL the time. I couldn't tell you the last time I was there until.....today! I met Reed, who is an associate editor with Alabama Magazine....... You know, the one I LOVE and talk about on Facebook all the time! He took me to a restaurant I had never been to...lovin new restaraunts! Urban Cookhouse period. I had this sandwich called the Balt...add turkey. DELISH!! He and I were talking about Facebook, Twitter, blogging, etc. I told him I was MAD that I hadn't taken a picture of my sandwich BEFORE I devoured it....I could blog about it! Ha!

I know your mouth is watering.......

Go to the website. Download a menu. Go there for lunch this week! Enjoy.....

Soap Box

2011-02-15T18:03:00.000-06:00

I have a little soap box to stand on for a minute. I have never been directly affected by something like this, but have a friend that is struggling with it right now. I thought I was being supportive by going with him to court the other day.....just to be there for him, on his side.

A friend from way back has been struggling with this same problem for quite awhile. He has a blog and really has done some major research. I contacted him thinking he would be a mentor for my friend. Little did I know, I am not doing what I can for him. Chris pointed out to me that I am the only one that can help him. I know I'm not the "only" one, but as a woman and a mom, I have a huge voice in domestic battles when children are involved.

My friend has a restraining order against him and he has not seen his children since before Christmas. The reason behind the order is that he is unfit and unstable. I have known him for 20 years and have never known him to be unstable. Granted, I have never been in their household and she may bring something out in him that I've never seen. There was an incident with his youngest child where he felt like his son could be in danger. He pointed this out to his ex-wife and that's when the restraining order was put into effect. The problem is she is the ones that put him in harms way! Why is my friend being punished? I know that there are two sides to every story. I know that he may not tell me exactly what he says or all the details. I do know him and as a matter of fact, I know her very well. I know that he is the kindest and most generous and respectful man I have ever known. He always puts others before him.....always.

I contacted Chris in an email and asked advice for my friend.....I put too much personal information in my email to him, but here is his response. I want to stand up and bring this to the attention of everyone that I can.
Hello Lucy,

The answer is so very simple.
Look in the mirror.

YOU are the answer for him and his children.

YOU are more help than I can be.

Why?
Because it is your own gender, as your story describes, that is doing this to their own children and their childrens father, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, lifelong friends.

The mother gives all mothers a bad name.
Sound familiar?
Yes, but usually only toward dads.
When ALL dads are lumped in one basket as deadbeats, I am the one to speak up for them because I am NOT a deadbeat and neither, according to your knowledge, is this dad.

YOU are a woman.
YOU can speak out against other women doing as you have described.
YOU will have a greater chance of being heard by the lawyers, judges, counselors, legislators, domestic violence coalition, DHR, and so forth.

Society, and yes YOU make up society, has been far too accepting to label dads as worthless, unecessary, deadbeats, etc....

There is a quote:
For evil to succeed all it needs is for good people to do nothing.

Well, there are far to many of YOU good people doing nothing which permits the evil this woman is doing to succeed.

And now let me bring it home to your own family.

The stats and research prove you, or your children, will have a 50% or greater chance of divorce. The unwed birth rate is now grown to 40%.
So while you and your spouse may survive these stats, that does not assure your children will when they grow up and marry.

Now, think a few years down the road.
Would you like to have a relationship with your grandchildren?

You won't have an opportunity to be with your grandkids if your children marry a spouse that resembles the mother in your story.

Not only is this father being denied his rights to his kids, his kids are being denied their rights AND NEEDS to be cared for by both parents, grandma and grandpa, etc.....

Every one of you that think these family rights, courts, divorce, domestic violence, etc.. issues have no impact on your life are so wrong it is ridiculous.

Help this dad, and his kids, and others, by getting involved while you still have your family intact and also in order to prevent this mess from happening to your kids and you later on in life.

You obviously care enough to reach out to me to help this dad if I can.

But do you care enough to do what YOU can to help this dad, his kids, his entire family and in all truth, even yours?

This is not a "pick on Lucy" email.
I pray it is an eye opener for you and that so many others need as well.

What is happening to this dad and his children happens EVERY DAY to people you don't know.

Hope is not action.
Hope is a wish.
In order for "hope" to become real, it must be preceded by someone doing something to make it come true.

As a woman, do you even recognize that not very long ago, you were thought of as BENEATH men? You were not thought to have the intelligence to vote. This was once the LAW.
People before you ever existed fought for you even though they did not know you.
And now you enjoy rights and privileges those women before you did not.

This same simple concept applies to blacks/civil rights movement.
People were hung, beaten, raped, murdered, in fighting to be able to sit at the same lunch counter as you and I, to drink from the same water fountain, to go to the same schools.
I cannot imagine being told I can't hang out with my black friends yet this was just a few decades back that it was the LAW of America and Alabama.

This same concept applies to handicap people wanting equal access to public buildings. Handicap folks were denied equal treatment as those without handicaps. Someone fought for them and now they can access the library, courthouse, etc...!

This same concept applies to people with mental illness as they once were just locked away as prisoners without treatment and abused and profited from. Until someone fought for them to free them from this tragic treatment, they were abused.
It is not illegal to have a mental illness.
These people are to be treated with care and kindness.
Unless they are a danger to others or themselves, they are to be allowed to live as freely as they can.

In reverse, I am a white male. I have never been denied right to vote or go where ever I want.
Until the past 40 years, I am now experiencing what those other groups did. As a man, as a father, our rights are being violated and our childrens rights are too.

We need more people like you - mothers - who speak against what this mother is doing to this dad, even her own kids, and even making you look bad in the process.

None of us support an unfit or deadbeat parent.
But we ALL need to do more to support the good parents and expose the bad ones for their tragic actions toward their own kids and the other parent/extended family.

Chris

Now....where do I go from here????

I finally got one!!

2011-02-04T13:41:00.000-06:00

I was so excited when I heard Southern Accents Architectural Antiques got in some new industrial carts. I have been wanting one forever!!

Here's the story behind the carts, because that's my most favorite part!! I love knowing what the piece was used for. The provenance makes it worth so much more to me:

These dock carts are made of white oak with heavy duty perforated cast iron truck or cart wheels. The factory floor transfer carts or trucks were used in material handling throughout the factory and/or near loading docks. Manufactured by Wilkesboro Lineberry, Inc., SC. The surface areas contain a great distressed and aged patina from years of heavy use or can be sandblasted and oiled to customer specs. These carts can come stationary or free moving.

I just took mine right out of the gym. It was covered in glue and dust and dirt. I brought it home and got out my handy-dandy-sanding-mouse-thingy......awesome tool.....and sanded it down a bit. I didn't want to sand the patina out of it.

I love how it turned out! It's very rustic and I didn't want a lot of chotzky's on it. John Connor will use it for his chair when he's playing xbox 360. This could be dangerous with a lot of stuff on top! Mine is not stationary, so, it may become an amusement park ride.....let's cross our fingers that I do NOT catch them pushing each other around on it!!!

Please notice the deer mounted on my fireplace....yes, that is John Connor's first deer! I had to hang it in my house. I am so thankful that there is no fur on it. I think it would have only made it to the playroom if it looked like a real Bambi! I do love how it turned out mounted on the brick wall.

side view....this thing will turn in a complete circle!

This one had a little green on the top and the wheels. I wonder what was hauled around on it...

Oh the windows for Anthro

2011-01-14T13:37:00.001-06:00

I found these on the Anthropologie facebook page. They are windows from the Washington DC, Marlton, NJ, Charlotte, NC and and Skokie, IL stores. Oh my word. Aren't they to die for? I can't believe how beautiful they are. There is so much detail. I will have to keep these for inspiration for the windows at Southern Accents! Do you think they would let me make paper dresses to put in the windows? How could I make that relevant to old architectural pieces?

A day full of rest!

2011-01-05T19:56:00.002-06:00

I was incredibly lazy today. I don't know when I've not moved from the couch! I know it has to do with the weather and the time of year. I went to Southern Accents yesterday and re-did the windows. They are having a HUGE mantel sale!! So, we took down Christmas and put up MANTELS! It was fun....except for the dust! I have never seen as much dust as in that place.....did I mention I'm allergic? Yeah, seriously! I knew when I was watching it fly through the air, that I would not be able to breath long. By the time I went to bed last night, my throat was itchy and sore and my eyes were red and puffy! I woke up this morning and felt like my head weighed 400 pounds. So, I did nothing. Well, I did a little computer work. I also talked to someone about a tv show! Ooh, I was really excited about that! I have nothing to share, yet.....but, maybe soon!

It's hard to post when it's not perfect.

2011-01-04T23:38:00.000-06:00

Do you feel that way? I need to change the picture on the top of my blog. That's why I haven't blogged this year. It's only been 4 days, but hey, it's 4 days of 2011 that I haven't shared anything with you!! So, instead of worrying about what my header looks like, I decided to post something. Even if it's nonsense!

This was our Holiday photo card for 2010. I had a sweet little pic of my littles faces on the back. Ashley Warren took this photo at a fabulous warehouse downtown. I loved so many of the pictures. I think I will have to buy a photo book of about 20 of them!!

My 2011 OLW is Commit. I already feel like I've not committed to certain things. I haven't committed to blogging for one. I was a little worried about my workout routine, but I've got that under control...whew! I am going to commit to my tennis game. I have been stuck at the same level since my second year of playing. I think it's been 5 years now! That's too long to be a 3.0. I thought I was going to get bumped up to a 3.5 level this year. Didn't happen. Probably because I was waiting on it, instead of committing to it!! I totally want a pair of those Nike ID shoes that say COMMIT on the back of them. You know, like Melanie Oudin? She is the cutest USA tennis player!

side note: do you LOVE the "Roll Tide" commercial? It's totally an ESPN commercial and I'm watching football right now. Even if I weren't an Alabama fan, I think I would LOVE it! I never say "roll tide" unless I'm at a football game and they make a first down. I do love to hear it and love the tradition of it all!

Ok, back to commit. Maybe I should commit to saying Roll Tide more often? haha! not going to happen..... A couple of other things I need to commit to are my kids. Just little things like, homework with John Connor. He hates it and I need to commit to figuring out how to make it better for him. I need to commit to be a good role model for Emma....she watches EVERY single move I make! She wants new jeans....just like mine. She said mine aren't baggy like hers.....uh, hey cute, little, skinny girl! that's because I could stand to lose a few...or buy a bigger size! ugh You get it, just make sure I am the person I want her to be.....

While I'm at it, I will commit to a few things that are so easy. I commit to eating chocolate as often as I can! I commit to going to the beach at least once a month and more during warmer months! I commit to having fun!

It's almost twenty-eleven...

2010-12-30T11:13:00.001-06:00

What are you going to do?

Do you play the "word of the year" game?

I usually try, but can't remember what my word was last year........

I have one for this year.....we'll see how it turns out.

I actually found it around October of twenty10 and knew it was my word.

COMMIT

What's yours?

I would love to hear more about it!

It's time for the Winners!!!

2010-12-22T23:03:00.000-06:00

12 Days of Giveaways Winners!

Congratulations to everyone!

Day 12 Winner: Hot Glue Gun Helper

Here are your random numbers: 26

Tina said...: I receive your emails from the blog; December 21, 2010 6:18 PM

Tina! You are going to LOVE this! I know you will use it all the time! Congratulations!!; -------------------------------------------------------------------; Day 11 Winner: Lucy Locket Necklace; Here are your random numbers: 8
Kelly said...: And I'm following you on Twitter.; December 20, 2010 9:58 AM; Congratulations Kelly!! I know this necklace will look lovely on you! Maybe you can come to a party and create your own design!; -------------------------------------------------------------; Day 10 Winner: Mixed Media Christmas Tree

Here are your random numbers: 4

Paige said...: I get your blog updates via e-mail.; December 19, 2010 1:04 PM; Congrats Paige!! You have a new Christmas decoration!; ----------------------------------------------------------------------; Day 9 Winner: E. Bailey Photography session

Here are your random numbers: 31
Linh C. said...: I follow you on Twitter now.; December 21, 2010 9:43 PM; Congrats Linh! This is a wonderful prize that you will cherish forever!; ----------------------------------------------------------------; Day 8 Winner: Emma's Elf Painting
Here are your random numbers: 24

HouseMama said...: Wow Emma! What a gift you have. I don't have any elves at my house, but I would love to start a new collection beginning with your painting. Pick me! Pick me! :); December 19, 2010 12:04 AM; I know you will love this as much as I do! She ended up selling 8 paintings to raise $120 for the less fortunate child this Christmas!; ---------------------------------------------------------------------; Day 7 Winner: Shades of Grey pillow

Here are your random numbers: 33
Heather DG said...: Oooh, love these! My fave would be the Rosettes and Buttons, but the Christmas dove is a very close second!! Oh and the tree skirt!!!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!; December 21, 2010 10:07 AM; Congratulations Heather DG! You will love this pillow so much! I can barely part with it!; -----------------------------------------------------------------; Day 6 Winner: Lamar Jeffries Smoked Cross; Here are your random numbers: 2
Scrapin Kat said...: Looks like a beautiful prize, I hope to be visiting them soon and maybe using the spot to do some Art classes there! Lucy you do get around my friend! Christmas is that soon? Haven't done a thing yet at home mailed my girls some things , hope to put a dent in this weekend...; December 15, 2010 10:14 AM; Congrats Kathy! I will tell Stacie you will be by to pick up your prize!!; ------------------------------------------------------------------; Day 5 Winner: Southern Accents Wood Tree

Here are your random numbers: 24
Tracy barton said...: Oh my gosh!!! I love the trees!!! Sure hope I win one so I can tell all my friends!! Tracy; December 18, 2010 12:41 PM; I swear I didn't rig this! Tracy Barton!!! You are the winner! After the hard time you gave me....I shouldn't let you have it! But you are my FAVORITE!; -----------------------------------------------------------------; Day 4 Winner: Alabama Magazine subscription

Here are your random numbers: 10
amberbaileyjones said...: I am following Southern Accents on Twitter! ~AJ~; December 13, 2010 10:57 AM; Amberbaileyjones! Congratulations! Now you will know all the good stuff about our wonderful state!!; ----------------------------------------------------------------; Day 3 Winner: Ho Ho Ho Door Hanger

Here are your random numbers: 25
Christa said...: I follow Southern Accents on Twitter.; December 13, 2010 9:32 AM; Christa! What fun to display this next year! I might have to leave it out if I were you for a little while this year! (wink); ---------------------------------------------------------------; Day 2 Winner: Nest Egg Designs
Here are your random numbers: 14

mary h. said...: I'm following Southern Accents on FB.; December 11, 2010 12:52 PM; Mary! I know you can't wait to get all those pictures on your new bracelet! Link back up with the finished product!; ------------------------------------------------------------; Day 1 Winner: Spotted Zebra cross

Here are your random numbers: 37
Kay said...: I want some pretty jewelry this Christmas!; December 21, 2010 1:37 PM; Congratulations Kay!! You win the cross from the Spotted Zebra! I know you love my favorite store...so glad you won!; ------------------------------------------------------------; Thank you all for playing!
A HUGE thanks especially to all of the sponsors!!!
This really was so much fun at Christmas! I love to give away some of my favorite things!
email me for details on your prize...please put the name of your prize in the subject

lucy at scrapetc dot com

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

12 Days of Giveaways!

2010-12-21T09:05:00.000-06:00

Already?? I can't believe today is the last day! Wow, that went by fast! I hope you are all out buying those last minute gifts in the hustle and bustle of the season. I always save a few so that I can get out there and fight the traffic!

I am so excited about today's giveaway!!
I can't believe its been 2 years since I gave it a test drive!!! Cathie has been working on this product for over 2 years! She has developed this little idea, into a real-live product!

I knew when I saw it that I would LOVE it! Once I tried it, it was the best! I loved it! It's exactly the PERFECT product!!! Don't you think it's necessary? I have been using my glue gun all season and had to make sure I don't set it down on something it will burn. Now, I have this cute, pink, place for it!

Hot Glue Gun Helpers

Yes, check this out! NO MORE BURNS!!!! Do you see those little finger toppers? Awesome!!

You can go to this blog to find out all things Hot Glue Gun Helper.
I just hung out over there and you can see how all these cute little tools are used! There are lots of great crafty ideas, too!

Yes, this is Cathie and Steve from Creative Juice! I just love them!!!!

So, go browse around their ETSY shop and see all of the Hot Glue Gun Helper Goodness going on over there!!!

I'm so excited one of you will win this fun prize! Your very own Hot Glue Gun Helper!

For your chance to win, tell me what feature you love the most about the Hot Glue Gun Helper!

Each days giveaway is still open.
Just comment on that post and the winners will be drawn at the end!

as always more chances to win!

Follow Main Street Memories on Facebook.
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Subscribe to my blog via email--------->
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Leave a comment for each "follow" to get more entries to win!

Don't forget to check out some of my favorite friends 12 Days of Giveaways!!

There's a giveaway almost everyday!

Eleven days of Giveaways!

2010-12-20T09:42:00.000-06:00

Seriously! How much fun is this?

I want to do this all the time. Do you?

I love jewelry. When Making Memories came out with the Vintage Groove line, I wanted it ALL! I got a ton of it and made a ton of jewelry! It was so fun mixing it with vintage stuff I found in antique stores, like Southern Accents, and my Mom's jewelry box! She didn't mind as long as I was making new stuff for her! I even went on the Talk of Alabama show and did a segment to show how easy and fun it is to make your own jewelry. I still have a ton of stuff. I'm thinking I might have a party! You come over and pick out all the stuff you like and we make a necklace....sounds fun, right?

In order to win this necklace, I need you to tell me if you would want to come to a party like that!

You can tell me if you wouldn't want to come and I will still put your name in the hat to win! (I promise)

Each days giveaway is still open.
Just comment on that post and the winners will be drawn at the end!

as always more chances to win!

Don't forget to check out some of my favorite friends 12 Days of Giveaways!!

There's a giveaway almost everyday!

10th Day of Giveaways!!

2010-12-19T09:34:00.002-06:00

Hanging out at my Mom's tonight and my brother offered to give away a Scrabble match with him....any takers? It was his first win, EVER! He was proud. I declined the offer.

I do have this cute tree that I made! I've been making a lot of these little trees. You might remember seeing the crosses I make several months ago. Well, you may not have seen them. I only posted once in that month and not too much after!!

this photo was a bit blurry, but it was the whole tree. The one below is a little closer view and you can see the texture better, too.

I need to make sure you are reading this little post each day and not just posting the same things everyday!! It would be easy to do that!!

Does Santa wrap your gifts or leave them open? Let me know and you will have a chance to win this original piece of art!!

Each days giveaway is still open.
Just comment on that post and the winners will be drawn at the end!

as always more chances to win!

Don't forget to check out some of my favorite friends 12 Days of Giveaways!!

There's a giveaway almost everyday!