Sunday, November 29, 2015

#MySundayPhoto - After Thanksgiving Lunch

It's the day after Thanksgiving, and no one wanted to eat more turkey...at least at that time.  So some of the family decided to go for brunch at a local restaurant in Charlotte.  Well...since so much fun was had the night before, brunch quickly turned into lunch since no one could seem to be ready before noon.  A good number of our family couldn't wait that long, so they went to eat breakfast, or ate leftovers, or ate the comps at their hotel.  The rest of us were able to gather here before many hit the road to depart for home.  


Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.  I hope you had a great time celebrating with family and friends as much as we did.  Oh, see that cute little baby in the middle, he's the newest member of our family. Welcome Baby Charlie.  

So what was your day like after Thanksgiving? 
 See where I'm linking up this post to share with others.  

Friday, November 27, 2015

Simply Me ~ November





It's the last Friday of the month and that means its time for you to learn a little bit more about me through my Simple Me series.  Simple Me is a link up series sponsored by Liz of Sundays with Sophia.  If you would like to join in, feel free to do so.  This month's series of questions all have to deal with firsts



What was the first car you drove?
The first car I drove, I believe was a Datsun.  I don't think they even make them anymore.  When I earned my license as a teen, I drove one of our family cars, which was a white 4-door hatchback Toyota.  My very first car was a light blue, 2 door hatchback Honda.   Loved that car!  

The first dance you went to was?
Dance...Oh, gosh!  I really don't remember this one.  I know we had dances in my elementary school during the school day because I remember competing with a fellow classmate.  I think we had a 5th grade dance, but I'm not too certain about that...I may be thinking about my boys when they were in school.  The first dance I can remember would be my middle school dances.  I can remember on select Friday evenings, finally being able to hang out with my friends...my parents were very strict. They would begin around 6 pm and end around 8:30 pm.  I think my parents picked me up at 8 pm because good girls didn't stay out late.  

What about your first job?
My first job was during my senior year of high school when I worked as a co-op for The Family Health Center.  I served as the assistant to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).  This was an awesome job and the hours were great.  I would work about 3 hours/day Monday - Friday.  Let's don't discuss pay, but it was good for what I needed back then.  I got to know many people in the medical profession by working there and it proved to be very beneficial to my future.

Tell us about the first phone you had?
First landline or cellphone?  Let's do both.  I finally received access to a landline in my own room when I turned 16 years old.  That was a milestone for me.  Being able to talk in the privacy of my own room was AWESOME.  Believe me, there were guidelines and I didn't dare break them.  My first cellphone was actually a bag phone.  Do you guys remember those?  I wish I took a picture of it.  My mom did not believe we should be talking on a phone that worked from sound waves in the air.  She still to this day believes we are putting ourselves at a greater risk to damaging our health.  

What was the first book you read? (an actual chapter book)
Okay, now I'm way to old to remember this one.  I don't remember my first chapter book, but I know I loved Junie B Jones books with Ramona Quimby.  I would have my mom drop me off at the county library on Saturdays just so I could go read as many books as I wanted.  I had books at home, but the library had so much more.  This was a favorite pastime of mine growing up. The librarians knew me well and expected to see me each week.  Now, in the beginning, my mom would go with me  until she felt I was mature enough to stay on my own and trusted the people that worked there. 

I really liked these questions, Liz, because you took me back down memory lane.  Looking forward to even more in the coming months.  



What are some of your first?  Share with me below.
See where I am linking up to share with others.


Sunday, November 22, 2015

#MySundayPhoto - Tailgating


Blue skies
Cool breezes
Delightful smells of food in the air

Music blaring
People galore
Sounds of fun and laughter

Friends and family
Young and old
Alumni and Greeks...

Tailgating


Saturday, November 21, 2015

Thank You Notes: Family, Friends, and Kindness

With the holiday season upon us, I start to think about all the little things that mean the world to me.  I thought it would be nice to take a moment and share with you a few things I'm thankful for this week. 

I'm thankful for Starbucks with all their delicious flavors of coffee and tea.  This week called for tea to help keep my allergies at bay.

I'm thankful for a dad who always takes good care of me and my car.  It needed some minor repairs and he switched cars with me for the week.




I'm thankful for The Voice for providing us with GOOD reality TV and showcasing some of the BEST talent in the world!







I'm thankful for old friendships and new friendships with people who just get me.  Spending time with each other celebrating the little things.





I'm thankful for the friendships I've made through blogging and how we remind each other to be thankful and kind.  Are you participating in Mrs. AOK's Kindness Challenge?  If you aren't you should be.



   I'm thankful for teachers who have classroom feast leftovers so I don't have to cook when I get home.  It was delicious! 


So what are you thankful for this week?  
Check out my linking up page to see where I'm sharing this post.


Friday, November 13, 2015

World Kindness Day

A simple smile.

A simple gesture.

A simple word or two.

It doesn't take much to be kind!

Its World Kindness Day and I'm participating with Dean of Mrs. AOK in her kindness challenge better known as #RandomAOK, which you can learn more about 
here.  Isn't the name a perfect fit?  
J

Kindness can start anywhere.  Start by sending someone some happy mail.  Who wouldn’t love receiving a little note or gift in the mail?  I know I'm totally excited to see something else in my mailbox other than bills. 


Kindness sometimes is taken for granted. I know that may sound weird, but I work in a middle school and I see how students can take the kindness of others as a weakness.  I hate to bring the tone down a bit, but it needs to be noted.  I am a true supporter of the underdog and believe in bringing out their best by helping them  gain the self-confidence they may be lacking.  Nothing special, but I tend to pay a little bit more attention to the ones that have less to say or nothing at all.  Ellen says it best at the end of every show, "Be kind to one another." Good words to live by.

Kindness is something that comes naturally for me.  I don't necessarily think about it; I just Do IT! I don't look at my actions as acts of kindness, I just see them as opportunities to help others.  For instance, coupons I receive in the mail from some of my favorite stores.  If I can't use them, I'll offer them to a friend.  If I go in the store to find something, but don't see a need...I hand them off to someone waiting in the check-out line.  Try it sometimes.  No one has ever refused.  Waste not want not.


Source
What are some ways you can spread kindness?  Here are a few simple things anyone can do...


* Slip coins in parking meters.  Keep those meter maids at bay.
* Tape some coins on vending machines.
* Say hello to someone as you pass them.  This doesn't cost a thing.  J
* Send someone a handwritten note.
* Pay your neighbor a visit or invite them over for dinner.
* Pay It Forward! This has been done for me a few times and it meant a lot to go through a drive-thru to find that my order had been paid for.
* Buy some balloons and randomly hand them out. 
* Call someone you haven't talked with lately.
* Leave a note and a bottle of water in your mailbox for your mail person.
* Leave positive notes on the lockers of others.  (School Counselor here)
* Remember the elderly.  A simple call may do.
* Offer your umbrella to someone in need.  Yes, I've lost a couple  this way.  But it was worth it.
* Be patient with everything you do.  This can make the difference in your day and the day of others.

* Last but not least...SMILE!  You may be surprised with what you receive in return!  :)


Source


#SpreadKindness  #SpreadHappiness  #BeKindToOneAnother  #KindnessMatters

What are some ways you spread kindness?

See where I am Linking Up to share with others.

Ember Grey and Coffee Chat 

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Currently November Vol. 2

Today was one of those days.  Long, busy, and tiring.  Sorry to seem so hum drum, but I'm just really tired.  I apologize for the lack of pictures.  Like I said, it was one of those days.

Currently...

Feeling:  STRESSED!!!  Yes, I said it...I am stressed!  I can feel the tension in my neck.  My body is tired and don't feel like doing anything.  As an educator, we have to deal with so much and some things just don't make a lot of sense.  One of the hardest parts of my job, at times, are the parents.  Enough said.

Eating:  A baked, sweet potato.  Sounds pretty boring, huh?  Well I'm too tired to cook tonight.

Sitting:  On my couch writing this post and looking at listening to the evening news.  This may seem boring to some, but I enjoy the news.  Plus, its good to keep up with what is going on in the world.

Teaching:  Today, I visited classes to discuss with them the dangers of Cyberbullying and Internet Safety.  It's one of my favorite lessons to teach.  For the most part, my presentations went as planned, but there is always that one class.  I had to constantly redirect them and some of them were not fully focused or they weren't taking the lesson seriously.  I hope that what I was teaching them sunk in.

Anticipating:  A better day tomorrow!  We have our annual Veterans Day program first thing in the morning.  Thank you for all you do.

Well that's about it for me today.  I will say that writing this post has helped me to de-stress.  Slowly getting back to normal.  Things are not always sunny, but we always have tomorrow to look forward to.  Hope your day was a good one!   What are you currently up to?


Sunday, November 8, 2015

October Via Instagram


An eventful month of celebrations. Check out my Instagram page for details on each picture.






Saturday, November 7, 2015

My Sunday Photo - Blessing of the Vines

     It was a beautiful day for a blessing!  82 degree weather in November, pretty much expected around here. The skies were clear and a stunning shade of blue.  Perfect for a day of leisure with food, fun, and wine.   The 13th annual Blessing of the Vines at Irvin-House Vineyard on Wadmalaw Island, a rural suburb of Charleston.  Blessings to a bountiful harvest.  Blessings to those who nourished the soiled in the past and those who will do so in the future.  Blessings to Jim and Ann the founders and former owners of the vineyard and to the new owners who are taking on this new adventure. 





Monday, November 2, 2015

Wino Wednesday November

This month I'm joining Amanda and Lindsay for their Wino Wednesday series, featured the first Wednesday of each month.  I'm a wine lover and love to share it with others so why not share it with you guys, right?

Johann Falkenburg Riesling 2014

Take a look at the jewel I found the other week at Sam's Club!  

It was time to stock up and this bottle quickly caught my eye.  Isn't it a beauty?  I didn't even realize how BIG it was until I got it home.  When I went to place it with the rest of its family, I had to laugh at myself.  It doesn't even fit in my wine rack.  Its too tall for the shelves in my pantry and I wouldn't dare put wine on the floor.  I have placed it on the counter, but every time I go to open a cabinet I have to move it out of the way.

I guess I was so mesmerized by the beauty of the bottle, I didn't even notice it's size!

When I am picking out a Riesling, I always go for the German brand.  Their light bodied blends have just the right amount of sweetness and they  pair well with just about everything.  This particular bottle has hints of peach and melon.  Not too dry and just the right amount of sweetness with a pleasant aftertaste.


Winemaker's Notes:

Pairs well with starters, mild seafood, fruits, desserts,
 or as an interesting contrast to spicy Asian cuisine.
Flavor scale = 3 for Medium Sweet

With the holidays right around the corner, I've been thinking about gifts to get for others.  Its masculine, blue body and subtle curves will make a great gift for a man or a woman.  Looking
 for a hostess gift for the holidays? This would be a great choice.  



 Wino Wednesday

What are your favorite wines?  I'm always looking for something new to try so please share.  :)

Check out my Linking Up page to see where I'm sharing this post.

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Currently November

Are you keeping up with the little things that you are currently doing ?  If not, then you should join Anne and Jenna for their monthly link up.  Here is what I've been up to lately.

Currently...

Cooking:  Soup, soup, and more soup.  I love soup and can't really enjoy it during the summer months.  I don't particularly like to eat soup when it’s warm, because it warms me up inside and I don't need the extra heat with this humidity in Charleston.  My favorite soup to make is Taco Soup. The recipe is simple.




Brown some ground turkey and one small onion.  Drain and then place in a crock pot.  You can use a regular pot on the stove if you choose.  Add 2 packs of taco seasoning and ranch powder to the meat mixture.  Add the following without draining and allow to simmer for 1 hour:
 2 cans of pinto or chili beans...I prefer chili beans (1 spicy)
 2 cans of stewed tomatoes (Mexican)
 2 cans of corn
Optional:  Add cumin to taste and top with cheese.

Serve and enjoy!




Planning:  A cruise for the summer.  Yes, summer is always on my mind.  My friends and I are taking a 8 day Eastern Caribbean cruise.  I'm excited!


Smelling: 
 Burberry Summer...It’s my favorite scent. If you are looking to explore different scents, but don't want to risk the price, then check out Scentbird.
Image source

Give it a try for just $14.95/month. Use my unique link and enjoy a free month supply courtesy of ME!  http://www.Scentbird.com/r/lowandajamison2  
You won't be disappointed.


Appreciating:  The cooler weather. It gets so hot in Charleston and I must say I have a true appreciation for Fall now.  We don't usually have a true fall in Charleston.  Want proof, here's a picture of the tree in my front yard. 

It's November and its just starting to turn colors. If I take a picture of it next week, it will probably be all brown with naked limbs.  We usually have Summer and Winter in Charleston...well if you can call it winter.  Our winter has a mixture of summer in it.  I'm not joking.  My neighbors moved here two years ago from New Hampshire and Vermont (newlyweds then) and they were like what is up with the weather.  One January day, she was out jogging in shorts and a tank top because it was so hot.  I'll give more updates on weather in future posts.  


Anticipating:
  Spending time with my family for the holidays.  I am so looking forward to Thanksgiving.  We always travel to Charlotte, NC where my cousin hosts our annual dinner.  Not everyone comes each year, because they have to share time spent with both sides of their family.  We generally have between 20 and 30 people attend in a given year. You can read the post I wrote about last years event here. This year, we welcomed in a new arrival to our family and I will get to meet him for the first time this Thanksgiving!  Baby Charles arrived this summer and we are all excited.  He and his parents live in Washington D.C. and they have already responded to our family post that they would be attending this year's feast!  Yay!!!  


Now, its your turn.  What are you currently up to?  Join us or share with me below.  See where I am sharing this post by visiting my 
Linking Up page. 

EmberGrey