I’m not even sure where to begin with this story, but it is awesome in every way. Well the beginning of the story isn’t so awesome because it started two Thursdays ago with my grandparents getting into a serious car accident. They survived, but it was pretty miraculous. I haven’t really wanted to share about the accident yet here on the blog, but they are doing better each day and prayers are appreciated.
This weekend (after Blissdom) I was able to spend some time with my Me-me, who was still in a Nashville hospital with injuries from the accident. On our way back to my hometown, my mom and I stopped off the interstate at a McDonald’s and who did we run into but another carload of our family, including my Pe-pa headed to Nashville to see my Me-me.
I thought this was hilarious because what are the odds? Of all the exits and all the choices, only my southern family would have a unintentional surprise reunion at McDonald’s. After visiting with them a few minutes, my mom and I were headed out when my Pe-pa came and tapped on the car window. He said he wasn’t sure where the blue jeans he was wearing had come from but they were really comfortable. My mom asked him what size they were, thinking maybe they were larger and roomier than what he normally wore. He said they were a size “17.” My mom and I looked at each other. “Like a girl’s juniors size 17?” I asked him. He said someone had told him they might be girl’s but he didn’t care because they were so comfy.
As he walked away, we noticed they were flared, but I suppose we should just be thankful they didn’t have butterflies on the pockets. My Me-me needs to get well soon and come home from the hospital because if my Pe-pa and uncles are left to their own devices for too much longer, there’s no telling what could happen.
{Disclaimer: My Pe-pa, who happens to be a devoted reader of this blog, is awesome. He could wear a paper bag or a tutu and I’d still think he were the greatest. Any kidding is done from a place of love.}
Chocolate oatmeal cookies (aka cow patties…ew) might not be pretty, but what they lack in looks, they completely make up for in taste. I’ve always liked them, but haven’t made them in years.
This might be the time to officially announce that since January I’ve been eating a mostly vegan diet. It’s for a whole bunch of reasons, but mainly health. I’ve been hesitant to share it because I wasn’t sure how it fit with what SBS is, but I decided since it is something I’m trying and Southern Belle Simple is about me, it would be strange if I completely omitted this part of my life from the blog. So there’s that.
Anyway, back to what matters most….easy chocolate cookies. I followed the fabulous Ezra Pound Cake’s recipe for these, but substituted coconut milk (plain) for the milk and Earth Balance vegan buttery sticks for the butter. I also used brown sugar instead of white.
Let’s just say there are none left. And I only made them a day ago. Stretchy pants for everyone. I couldn’t tell the difference from my version and the ones I’ve had in the past with all the dairy. I’ll definitely be making these again.
No matter which version you prefer, these would surely make a wonderful little cheap & easy Valentine’s treat if you were in need of such a thing. Hope your week is off to a good start!
Yesterday on Facebook, I asked folks to share the 3 words that first come to mind when they hear ‘the south.’ I took the submissions and created this wordle. The biggest words are the ones that appeared most…which doesn’t surprise me at all.
This was a fun little exercise and one I’ll definitely be repeating. If you shared your 3 words, thanks for participating! Happy Wednesday friend!
I just finished reading the most delightful little book called “Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris.” Written by Paul Gallico in 1958, it is the story of a London housekeeper who gets the notion to have a haute couture Christian Dior dress made for herself. Once Mrs. Harris gets this idea in her mind, she is determined to see it through. Maybe it’s because she’s the underdog or maybe because we all have secret wishes we long for, but this story resonated with me.
I don’t want to give anything away…but you should definitely try to track down a copy. While the idea of a dress costing 1/3 of your annual salary might sound preposterous, maybe you dream of something else. Whether your heart’s desire is a trip or a dress, a certain kind of home or an experience, I think it’s nice to be reminded that there can be good in being determined for something. Even when getting the thing doesn’t turn out exactly like we’d expected (does it ever?), there can be wonderful growth.
To me, the lesson learned from this story is that we must keep wishing and dreaming…even if everyone thinks what we’re wishing for is silly. What secret dreams are you harboring these days? I’ll believe they are possible for you if you’ll believe with me for mine!
Valentine’s Day is approaching and I’m sure many of the beaus (and aspiring beaus) out there have flowers on their minds. Yes, we gals love flowers. I’m not sure why we love them so much, but maybe it’s just one of those
inexplicable truths.
Here is a bit of advice for the gentleman who desires to show his affections with a floral gift, courtesy of that grand dame of propriety herself, Amy Vanderbilt. Her advice may be over 50 years old, but I think it still rings true.
“A man who is laying siege to a girl’s heart does well not to systematize his flower-sending. I knew one man who
could be counted on to send two dozen long-stemmed red roses every Saturday, rain or shine. And another who
might send a gay red geranium in a simple clay pot or turn up with a single gardenia in a twist of green waxed paper
or a new recording or some fresh catnip for the kitten one never knew. Any woman could tell in a minute which was the more interesting man.”
While I’ve never been one to stick my nose in the air over a gift of roses, I get Ms. V’s point that variety is the spice of life. Gents, maybe mix things up with something unexpected this year to truly win the affections of the belle after whom you’ve set your cap.
Are you expecting to give or receive any flowers this year for St. Valentine’s? If so, are you hoping/planning for the traditional or something with a twist?
{quote via Amy Vanderbilt’s Complete Book of Etiquette}