Featured Blogger of The Week

 We are so happy to have Jamie from Inspired Mess as our first featured blogger 

 How long have you been blogging, and why did you start in the first place?

I started blogging in May, 2008 so it's been 3+ years now! I never read any blogs when I started blogging. My whole purpose was to be able to share pictures on my myspace blog when I shared stories. (haha! I sooo wish I was making that up!) I would write my blog post and add the pictures and then copy and paste the whole thing to myspace. *hangs head in shame*

Your favorite type of craft to work on?

There are so many things I love to create. It all depends on my mood! My favorites are embroidery, taking pictures, creating decor for our home and art journaling.

What are some of your inspirations?

I find inspiration everywhere. I know that's said by so many, but it's so true! I get my best ideas while taking long walks or when I'm in the shower (especially on Saturday mornings for some reason). Music is a big inspiration, quotes, love, nature, day-to-day living all inspire me in one way or another! Whenever I need an extra boost, reading my favorite blogs or browsing pinterest never fails to spark some inspiration! 

How do you balance between family, work and blogging?

Oh goodness, I'm not a very good "balancer" at all. Family always comes first, no matter what. I don't like keeping a blog schedule so I blog (or not) whenever the mood strikes or I have something to share. I'm very blessed to have a job with flexible hours. I'm working on getting our home really organized with this new school year starting. (We'll see how that goes, ha!)

                                                          Favorite guilty pleasure?

Without a doubt, Reality TV!!!! I'm lucky that my husband loves it as much as I do. I'd really get a lot more done without the tv on so much. It's probably something I need to work on. But then it wouldn't be a guilty pleasure! ;)

Favorite t.v. show?

I just asked my husband what my favorite is and he answered, "Oprah". I told him that it wasn't on anymore so he couldn't pick that one. His reply was "You have a lot of favorites but with that one, you threatened me with bodily harm if I deleted it or even talked during it."  (lol)  I really love Chopped, Big Brother and Project Runway.

Are you working on anything special at the moment?

I've been in a bit of a rut lately and haven't really made anything in quite awhile. This weekend I'm looking forward to getting my craft room back in order and I'm sure that will spark some creativity! I've really been into hanging pictures in collages and rearranging our walls. It's amazing how moving stuff around can make me happier! Something about it makes it so fresh. I may even break out some paint! Look out!

Be sure to go check out Jamie's blog !!!!

The Southern Sisters

Flash Dance and off the shoulder T-shirts

It's me... CHRISTY and if you read my bio you know I am not your typical southern lady. I can be off the wall and way out of the box. But hey you got to love me. Today's blog is going to bring you joy and entertainment. If you are looking for a fun way to spend time with your family and move your body, I have just the thing for you. It's called Dance Central on the Xbox Kinect

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  My kids love the fact that they get to see mama and daddy get down on our living room dance floor.  And yes ladies my husband participates in the dance competition. When I say competition I mean it's some serious business. And boy do I have proof......I hope to God my husband don't see this on here.

See what fun you can have and your kids will love the time spent with you.

I am also going to do a little tutorial on how to recycle your plain Jane t-shirt in a brand new stylish off the shoulder masterpiece. 

1. Grab an old t-shirt, I used one of my husband's
2. Lay out shirt on surface, making sure all seams match up
3. At the neck of the shirt use scissors to cut around the collar of the shirt, I made one side further over than the other to cause the off the shoulder effect.
4. Then cut the sleeves to the length you like, I cut about 11/2 inches off
5. And because most t-shirts are made longer, cut the bottom of the t-shirt off.

Here's a little tip: Cut small amounts off at a time because you can always cut more off but you can't add.

This is the one I made.

Well, folks hope this little ditty gave you some ideas.

Next week : I'll talk with you about petticoats, big hair and Nascar. Until then

SEE YA'LL LATER! 

Keeping Sane and Banana Pudding

Hello my name is Robyn and I am the little sister in this trio. I first want to welcome everyone to our new blog! We are so excited about this new adventure! I will be posting every Tuesday and I can’t wait!!
Keeping Sane
I am always asked how I manage to stay so organized and on top of things. I sometimes laugh at this question because if you saw some of the drawers in my bathroom you would never ask me that question. However, I tend to be very type A and I love and thrive on routines and schedules. I follow a tight schedule every day as a teacher and I love it!  When I get home from a long day at work, I want to be able to spend as much time with my family as possible. I mainly do the same routine everyday and it gets me ready for the next day in a short amount of time.
As soon as I walk in the house, I put all the bags (diaper, lunch, and purse) down and quickly go through the mail. All the junk goes in the recycling, bills in a drawer, and magazines in a basket.
 
I then put all dirty sippy cups and my lunch containers in the dishwasher. I then check to see if I need to replenish anything in the diaper bag (diapers, wipes etc.). I make cups for the next day and morning.

All the bags and mail go in the pantry on a shelf and out of the way.

Bags and lunches are ready for the next day! I also pick out mine and Andrews clothes for the next day. Mornings are so much smoother!
Question: How do you get out the door quickly in the morning?
Banana Pudding

We all know that southern people love some banana pudding! My mother-in-law makes the BEST! I have personally never made this, I am NOT a cooker, but I have done plenty of tasting!
1 (14 oz) can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 1/2 cups of Cold water
1 (4serving size pkg.) of instant vanilla flavor pudding mix
2 cups (1 pint) Whipping Cream, whipped
36 vanilla wafers
3 med. bananas, sliced and dipped in lemon juice concentrate
In a large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and water. Add pudding mix; beat well. Chill 5 mins. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon 1 cup pudding mixture into 2-1/2 quart glass serving bowl. Top with one third of the wafers, bananas, and pudding. Repeat layering twice, ending with pudding. Cover and chill.
Enjoy!
Robyn

Tomato Pie

 Hey my name is Carrie this here little blog is about me and my sisters we will share all of our passions with each of you every week!

 Monday~ I will share with you home decor, crafts and southern cooking

Tuesday~Robyn will post about kids, crafts, books and much much more

Wednesday~Christy will post about fashion and entertainment

Thursday~Book Reviews and Guest post

Friday~Friday's Favorite we will all share our favorite links, blogs, pictures and etc. for the week

So without further adieu I would like to share with you a southern favorite 

Tomato Pie

If any of you have a garden right now I am sure you are like me trying to figure out what to do with all those tomatoes will here is the answer!!!

1 large ripe tomato or 2 med size
1 Vidalia onion (chopped)
1/2 cup of mayo (Dukes if you can find it) or less if you don't care for so much
1/4 cup of shredded chedder and shredded mozzarella
fresh basil chopped (about 10 leaves)
frozen pie crust

blanch the tomatoes and peel let them drain in a colander for about thirty minutes with salt. Slice and drain on paper towels for another thirty minutes. Follow directions on pie crust to prebake make sure you do this part. Now layer those tomato slices, onions and basil. Mix together mayo and cheeses spread this on top using the back of the spoon helps with this process.

Bake 30 minutes at 350 its really good at room temp

I really hope ya'll enjoy this recipe 

Carrie