Am I Southern Yet?

I've wanted to live in the south for as long as I can remember.  Actually, probably ever since I saw Sweet Home Alabama.  That movie instantly became one of my favorites and still is today.  I loved the way Melanie took off to a whole new world and then realized she still had a soft spot for home, too.  That movie taught me about having roots & wings, I've wanted both ever since. I'm the opposite of Melanie though, I grew up in the North and have been dying to get to the South.  I didn't grow up in the city, but lived close enough to New York City and Philadelphia to love and experience them often.  I appreciate and embrace the chaos.  The simplicity, charm and hospitality of the south is what I've been missing.  When I didn't go to college down here, I knew I'd be moving asap after graduation.  My friends even called me a Southern Belle all throughout college and I kinda loved it.  I'm finally here and love every minute of it.  So, am I southern yet?

I drink sweet tea. Am I southern yet?

I put fresh flowers in a mason jar.  Am I southern yet?

I drink out of mason jars.  Am I southern yet?

I'm obsessed with College Football.  Am I southern yet?

I root for an SEC team.  Am I southern yet?

I eat fried pickles.  Am I southern yet?

I now teeze my hair.  Am I southern yet?

I occasionally have chicken biscuits for breakfast.  Am I southern yet?

Whiskey is my drink of choice.  Am I southern yet?

I've waited patiently at a green light for the cars in front of me to go without beeping.  Am I southern yet?

I dream of having a beautiful porch swing.  Am I southern yet?

I have more than one pair of cowboy boots and more on my wish list! Am I southern yet?

I started saying "y'all".  Am I southern yet?

Your Beautiful Heart

The other day I got home from work and running errands to an apartment with no power.  My phone was at about 10% and my computer at about 30% with no internet.  The sun was starting to set by this point so I lit some candles and dove into one of the new books I had bought recently.  I started reading Your Beautiful Heart by Lauren Scruggs and I wound up getting more than half way through on that first night and finished it over the next two.  And I now believe my beautiful heart is changed.
For a while I've been trying to strengthen my relationship with the Lord- trying to seek Him in all that I do and relying on his guidance instead of my own wants and needs.  I've been trying to attend more church services and read more scripture- to just be better in my faith.

Lauren's book was the perfect book for me at this point.  It reassured me that God knows my mistakes, my attempts to seek Him, and most importantly, my heart.  He loves me no matter what and always forgives me for what I may consider short-comings.  Lauren simply says that God's love is something we never have to worry about because Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice and that we'll have eternal life with Him!  I know this.  I've known all of this since I was little, but Lauren's book explained and made me understand it in a different way with real stories and analysis of his word.  

Lauren draws a clear picture that God cares about our heart and that we're all beautiful in His eyes.  I was reminded to look to Him in all things, good and bad.  To look to Him in pain and to let Him heal.  To look to Him in love and let it be centered around Him.  To look to Him in happiness and know He hears my beaming heart.  To look to Him for answers, knowing He hears my questions.  To follow His plan, because it's better than the one I could make for myself.  To believe in answered prayers.  To see myself as God sees me and not by the way I view myself in the mirror (or how I compare myself to others).  God listens to our complaints and helps us understand through his word. 

I definitely read this book quicker than it was intended, but I just couldn't stop.  I was hungry to hear the stories of God's love spelled out for me on these pages.  I'm excited to go back and reflect on what I've learned and how my beautiful heart is for God with the discussions Lauren has laid out at the end of every chapter.  

My beautiful heart is changed.  & if you're looking for a little inspiration I highly recommend reading this book.  Your beautiful heart may be changed too!

Currently Listening to...

When I first started blogging I wrote a lot about what I was listening to.  I was working at a country radio station in Philadelphia and had first access to new releases, which was awesome!  I no longer have that privilege, but still download new music all the time.  Here's some of the things I've downloaded recently and think you should too:

Jekyll & Hyde [ALBUM], Zac Brown Band
This album is all kinds of awesome.  If you listen to nothing else from this list, listen to this!!!!

Traveller [ALBUM], Chris Stapleton

Small Town Dreams [ALBUM], Will Hoge

Girl Crush, Little Big Town

This song has been getting some backlash from fans and has been pulled from some radio stations because it "promotes a gay agenda".  If people actually listened to the lyrics and the story they're telling, they'd hear that it's about jealousy.    

Love You Like That, Canaan Smith

She Don't Love You, Eric Paslay

Break Up With Him, Old Dominion
This is a song that will definitely get stuck in your head and make you want to dance!

Fall Apart, Casey James

Crash & Burn, Thomas Rhett

It's no secret Thomas Rhett is one of my favorite new artists.  You should definitely check him out.  

What are you listening to?

Being a Student-Athlete Mentor

Working with student-athletes is a big part of the career I’ve chosen and hope to continue in.  In communications, I try to coach them on ways to speak to and handle the media- for them to build their brand through their interviews, for them to answer questions in a way that both impress and benefit themselves, the reporter and the reader.  Student-athletes are in the limelight and most of them want to make good impressions and be role models.  They want to be well-liked and rooted for- on the field, off the field and into the future.  They have to learn how to use social media and the platform they’ve been given to their advantage and that’s something I try to help them with as a communications professional.  

This semester I was able to work with student-athletes in a different way.  I became a student-athlete mentor.  Here at Georgia, a mentor is someone who provides leadership and guidance to assigned student-athletes.  We help them manage their class schedule, make sure they’re studying and doing their assignments on time.  We help them balance the roles of both being a student and an athlete, because after all, they are students first.  We meet with them a few times a week and I was fortunate enough to grow great relationships with my athletes.

Throughout the semester I got to see life through the eyes of a student-athlete.  I saw perseverance with an athlete coming back from injury.  I saw frustration from an athlete struggling in a class and having to work extra hard to get the desired grade.  I saw obedience and respect for the people around them who are there to help, support, and guide them to success. 

Sure, some athletes fall into the general stereotype of “I’m too good for this”.  I worked with one who seemed to care less about the “student” part of the title, but still worked hard to obtain the necessary grades.  That type of athlete, though, is not the majority from what I can see.

I’d say the most important thing I saw this semester was the dedication and determination in these athletes.  These athletes want to get good grades by putting 110% into their homework, tutoring, and studying.  They also want to win by putting 110% into their practices and work outs.  They work hard, they’re determined, and they’re committed to the “G”.  They don’t take the opportunity they’ve been given lightly and know they’re lucky to be a student-athlete.

I’m lucky to get to know and work with some great student-athletes.  I hope I can continue to learn as much from them as I hope they learn from me. 

Royal Baby #2

Guys, I’m obsessed.  As I waited with anticipation for the Royal Baby last week, I shared how London stole my heart a few years ago.  I’m fascinated by the entire Royal Family. 

I woke up Saturday morning to the news that a Royal Baby Girl had been born and I was literally ecstatic!  A new baby princess!!!  I immediately dove into live coverage and saw the official announcement made at Buckingham Palace and the Town Crier announcing the birth. Then Prince William left the hospital to pick up George and introduce him to his new baby sister. When they returned, William told George to wave to the crowd and it was the sweetest thing, ever!

A few hours later, William and Kate came out of the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital to present their new daughter to the world.  The couple was glowing and looked lovingly at their daughter as they waved to the media and fans.  Kate looked absolutely flawless, as usual, just 10 hours after giving birth.  I hope she was able to change into some sweats, relax and enjoy her babies at home! 

I was so happy to be able to watch it all, just like I did for the wedding and when Prince George was born!  Thank goodness for NBC and their live stream!

Congratulations to William and Kate on their beautiful baby girl!
Welcome to the world, little princess!!! I can't wait to hear what your parents decided to name you!

UPDATE:  The little princess' name is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana!  She will be known as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge.  

How sweet and beautiful is that name?  I love the tribute to both Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana!   

Drink Like You're at the Derby!

The Kentucky Derby is one of my favorite sporting events of the year, if not my favorite! I love the history, tradition, and prestige of such an iconic event. I had a wonderful time when I went with my dad to the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2013 and can’t wait to go back! Even though I won’t be in Louisville this weekend, I can dream of being at Churchill Downs with the signature drinks and commemorative glasses in my hand.

Festivities start today with the Kentucky Oaks Day- a day dedicated to the fillies (girl horses).  Fillies are allowed to run in the Kentucky Derby if they qualify, but the Kentucky Oaks is strictly a “Ladies Day”.  The horses “Run for the Lilies” today.  And keeping with that theme, the drink of today at Churchill Downs is called the Lily.

Here’s how you can celebrate with a delicious Lily of your own:

1oz. Vodka- Grey Goose is the sponsored Vodka for this drink at Churchil Downs

1oz. Sweet & Sour Mix

3oz. Cranberry Juice

Splash of Triple Sec

All over crushed ice (I bought a bag from Sonic- they have the best crushed ice!)

Garnish with some fruit- typically a lemon wedge and blackberry

The more popular drink of Derby weekend is the Mint Julep.   This is such a delicious and refreshing cocktail for bourbon lovers, like myself.  The secret to a great mint julep is the simple syrup.  To make a simple syrup boil equal parts sugar and water together for about 5 minutes (usually about 2 cups, depending on the amount of drinks you’ll be making) with a few mint leaves.  Then add some more fresh mint leaves and let cool, refrigerate over night.

It’s easiest to make each drink as you go by filling a cup with crushed ice (I don’t know why crushed ice is best, but it is, just take my word for it.  Again, I buy the bag from Sonic).  Then depending on how sweet you like your drink, pour about a tablespoon or a little more of the simple syrup into the glass, topped off with your choice of bourbon, stir, and add some more mint for garnish and extra flavor.  Enjoy with friends while watching the races!

Have you checked out the horses yet?  Who's your pick to win?