sweet tea and the southern girl

Happy Thursday!

2011-07-14T05:54:00.000-07:00

Source: sweetteaserendipity.blogspot.com via Natalie on Pinterest

So I Head to China...

2011-07-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

...in, oh, let's just say, 9 days. China. For reals.

Introducing: Hadas Peles, my dear friend at UGA who will travelling across the world-yes literally- with me to Beijing.

I look at the map on my wall, and I think....how the heck is little old me getting all the way across that thing?! Well, folks, one way or the other, thru Seattle and Detroit, I'm getting there!

Weird. I'll fill you in when I get back on my adventures. I'm sure there will be more!

Help...

2011-06-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.pinterest.com/

Hey hey hey!!!

2011-06-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

Hello long lost friends of mine!!! I've missed you so. I've been a bit absent from the world it seems...or at least it feels. I'm not saying I regret that decision at all...I just didn't feel that I had ANYTHING worth saying. So, I didn't.

This is my dearest friend, Sarah Graves', little boy Samuel.

I finally get to meet him tomorrow!!!

Near the end of May, I was able to travel to Vancouver, Canada for my national conference, NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Check us out: http://www.nafsa.org/.

Canada is a beautiful place. Breathtaking really...We were able to be in Vancouver for game one of the Stanley Cup. Now, it is important to know that I have NEVER watched a hockey match ever...in my entire life. Canadians all over shed a tear when I made sure they knew that in Georgia, we could care less about hockey. In fact, we care so little about it that our team moved to Winnipeg...CANADA. Thankfully, we were not in Vancouver for the dreaded last game of the Cup. Who knows what would have happened...maybe I would have been able to kick the windows in on a car or set fire to a trashcan. I don't care what people say about College Football, we do not riot and trash cars when we lose. The end.

im not so sure why you get to see this lovely gray stripe. my apologies.

Making "grown-up" friends has been the topic of conversation lately amongst most of the folks I know in Athens in their mid-20's. I think it's a bit more difficult if you don't live in the same town where you went to college. It's almost like dating....but way worse. And if I'm being honest, I was a terrible "dater." So, prayerfully, the hubs and I are working on the fun task of making new friends. Please don't think we are pitiful....we're not. We have such wonderful folks surrounding us all the time....but it's a very accurate description- dating=grown-up-friend-making.

This is one of my newest and dearest-who is not moving away in 2-4 months.

Ms. Alice Ballenger......Anderson, SC. Yeah, we grew up only 15 minutes away from each other.

That's it for now...maybe I'll be a bit more frequent.

Ooh ooh...I'm going here in July. "Geeeeeeeeeee....!!!" she said!

Beijing, China

Muah from Athens, GA!

Join Me in Welcoming...

2011-05-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

Samuel Bradley Graves

7lbs 5oz, 19.5 Inches

May 5, 2011

Handsome Fella to Dr. Daniel & Sarah Graves

Can't wait to meet him!

I've been taking a break from all thing "social media-esque"....so you might now see a steady blog update from me for a little while.

this is the most refreshing thing I've done in a long time!

much love, mrs. j

It's Baaaaack.....

2011-04-19T05:56:00.000-07:00

Dearest Jules, Travis, Tiny Eyes, Ellie, Andy, Laurie, and Bobby Cobb,

I've missed you so. Thank you for coming back to us! My Wednesday nights will not only be filled with Idol diddies, but the Culdesac Crew too! Best wishes on the funnies to come! You're one of the best in my book!

Love, Mrs. J.

P.s......my birthday is coming up. This will be played at the party!

Available: $19.99.......or 2/$60.

Awaiting...

2011-04-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Just a few more days 'til this:

(please be fabulous...please oh please)

And a few more 'til this:

(please oh please let me find the right hat)

my sweet friends, forgive me for the lack of inspiration i know you come here to find on a daily basis (if i had a sarcasm font...it would be used here), but alas, i have been way super terribly busy at work...it is nearing the end of the semester and all. International students freak out around this time too. i'll be back with my most inspirational thoughts soon. For now, enjoy the weather and try not to let the pollen get you jacked up too much.

lovesya much,

mrs. j

The Back Bedroom...

2011-04-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

Should we go with this?

(our walls are that color already.....)

Or this?

(paint them a soft white or light light beige and go with this color scheme) thoughts please? much love and happy thursday! -mrs. j

photos: decorpad.com

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

I'll be watching this lovely soon to get ready for the real Royal Wedding. My hubby hunner thinks I'm silly for being so excited, but tell that to my new friend Alice. We've decided to have our own Royal Wedding Celebration.....big feathery hats and all!

See, we even got an invite:

I just think they are darlin'!

A little much, though....I think so. I won't go that far.....but I will be a'celebrating!

Love you all,

mrs. j.

don't make fun.

Oooh.....2 Day Work Week!!!

2011-03-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

I couldn't be more excited because today is my THURSDAY....and thank goodness because "rainydays and mondays always get me down."

I've been waiting since the fall and it's finally arrived.....

The Avett Brothers in Athens, GA.

Tomorrow Night...The Johnsons will be there!

so date night....we shall have....but I might sorta have a marrried-lady crush on the fellas above. It's okay, my hubby hunter knows. Just like he knows about Agent Seely Booth. Jus' Sayin'.

Wednesday, we'll be hanging out in old Montgomery for a few and then headed directly to "The 'Sip." The Mississippi Delta.

Ferris Field

....my Fella....mister 1st base....

My hubby hunner played college baseball at Delta State University (home of the fighting okra....no joke). We're headed to watch the current team play and to hang out with my hubby hunner's mississippi friends.

sees ya next week, love mrs. j

Me in DC...

2011-03-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

monday-wednesday last week, i flew my little old self up to our nation's captiol to advocate on behalf of

NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

i think i could live there. seriously...but for now, just a short 3 day visit.

it even made me dream of law school....but only for a few minutes.

i met with 2 staffers of Georgia senators and 1 staffer of my representative.

we snuck away for a few to tour the capitol. had a blast being nerds!
all my love, happy monday!

-mrs. j

For Japan...

2011-03-18T05:38:00.001-07:00

The Town I Love...

2011-03-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite things about Athens, Georgia

are the sounds out my window throughout the day.

Because Athens is a musical town, you never know what you'll hear. A few minutes ago, I heard a band putting on an impromptu concert, along with an icecream truck driving around in circles. Somedays, you'll hear our local floutist playing a diddy (I say diddy because he doesn't actually know a real song) or maybe the Ghostbuster's Mobile will fly down the streets playing the ever popular theme song. WHO YOU GONNA CALL?

Only in Athens, my friends. What an incredible place to live.

and my concert continues

i wish you could hear it.

love, mrs. j

Well, We've Done It...

2011-03-11T06:33:00.001-08:00

oh boy...

happy weekend everyone.
mrs. j.

Headed to the Hill...

2011-03-10T06:33:00.000-08:00

...one of the greatest aspects of my job

(advising international students on the U.S. Immigration regulations and how to truly navigate through these regulations while acutally living a real life and going to school)

is advocating for those I tirelessly work for.

while there are many heated opinions regarding immigration in the U.S. currently, i see the faces of the people effected by the laws of our great nation. the people i work for are college students, undergrad and grad, coming the U.S. to further their knowledge. my students study, possibly do some training while here, and then return home. they are the most fascinating people i've ever met.

next week, i'm headed D.C. to speak on behalf of international education, study abroad, and immigration. i will be speaking to my congressmen.

so wish me luck....i'll be channeling elle woods.

my suit is navy, not pink. -mrs. j.

A Little Makeover...

2011-03-02T05:41:00.000-08:00

From this lovely, rich, warm, caramel color...

To this perfectly cool, calm, airy, blue color...

To this perfectly Ashley room...

I made the lamp shade and bulletin board to match. Bulletin board covered with burlap, first.

This room will be our primary guest room.

I got this floral arrangement for $3 at The Potter's House. The basket was our flower girl basket from the wedding, made of birch tree bark.

Some friends from college gave me this chest a long time ago. It was repainted, given new knobs, and topped with an old mirror we had, painted white.

I've had this for almost 11 years....wow. It goes perfectly. The jar is from our wedding...and the camera was $10 at The Potter's House.

My hubby hunner and I will be creating a headboard this weekend. More on that later...

The tray was an old black plastic GROSS tray with flowers painted in middle from The Re-Store, Habitat for Humanity. It took me 30 minutes to Goof-Off it, but it came clean, cost a $1, and is now a lovely glossy white with distressed wood scrapbooking paper modge-podged to the inside. I love it.

Here's a better shot of the lampshade and bulletin board. I also got this incredible "Necktie" box (yes, it says Neckties on the top) from a store in Athens called Agora. It's incredible. Look her up on Facebook. This box is from the 1920's!!

This one's a little blurry, but I put it on here to show you my fun $2 creation. The box was purple with big, ugly butterflies on the sides. The grass was just hanging out on a shelf, by it's lonesome at the Potter's House. It will be my pen and skizzor holder. I love it

We've had so much fun with this room. After we finish the headboard, it's on to another.

The master suite....light gray, seafoam, teal, black. With a few special touches. I'll keep you updated on our progress.

much love & happy hump day,

mrs. j.

Thanks to Jenna....

2011-03-01T07:06:00.000-08:00

...found here, for helping me find this gift. And I truly mean "gift."

To say that marriage is the easiest thing you do, would be a lie. It's not. Everyday brings a new challenge of its own. Some good challenges, easy to work through. Like the way you fold your hubbies socks. Some toughies, not so pleasant.

I think the hardest part about marriage is not necessarily the relationship with you and your hubby/wifey. Really...

It's the relationships outside the marriage that can add extra pressure to a friendship, partnership, and love affair. Extended families, differeneces in opinions, the world around us, the news, the weather, the time we spend at our jobs, the fears of the future, the amount of sleep we get-all affect the marriages we hold so dear.

Life gets busy....usually by no fault but our own. We forget that all those things are weighing down on a relationship that God established. That was promised to God. That is the most important earthly relationship we have. We forget that constant work.....no focus.....is what will keep that heart-pounding, skip-a-beat feeling when I see him. The focus that will keep our love strong and growing for the rest of our lives.

I haven't been married forever....or even that long, in the grand scheme of things....but I know folks who have. I've seen it be marvelous and awe-inspiring. I've seen it crumble away like it wasn't there to begin with. The thing is....it was there to begin with. Life came along, knocked on a door that was falling off its hinges and tore down a lifetime of love. It happens. But it doesn't have to.

I promised my hubby hunner, a little over 6 months ago, to be his forever. He promised the same. We also made that promise to God.

We intend to keep it.

So, thanks to Jenna, my sweet hubby hunner and I will be following this pattern found here.

I'm head-over-heels for that tall, blonde-headed, southern drawl-ed, most handsome fella I've ever known...and I always will be. It's up to me to make sure he knows it and to make sure I show it.

So, I'll keep you updated on how much our love grows just by concentrating on each other.

all my love,

mrs. j

Anthro Bliss...

2011-02-25T06:02:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's the fact that we've had a little bit warmer weather lately....or maybe because I have a gift card burning a very large hole in my winter pants pocket, but I am IN LOVE with Anthro's spring line.....sigh.

Ah to have it all.....

HAPPY HAPPY FRIDAY, Y'all!

I Was Looking Back...

2011-02-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

It's mind blowing for me to look at this picture....

4 lovely ladies from SC...young and happy freshmen/sophomores in college....

And think of all the craziness that happened between then and now.

Lena is teaching precious little angels in elementary school and working side by side with her hubby to encourage and teach the youth group at Augusta Road Church of Christ. So proud.

Katie is working for the Greenville Hospital System and heading back to grad school. I think this is amazing and a scary thing to do. So proud.

Carie is travelling back and forth from India to the U.S. You see, a little while ago, she, along with a few other faithful Christians in India began a children's home named Jubilee. So proud.

And me, well, you read my stuff all the time. It's not that important. Let's just say I've come a long way.

Here's to you, ladies. May life be full of more and more adventures!

Sometimes I Forget...

2011-02-21T13:03:00.000-08:00

found here

Time to Feel Better...

2011-02-17T05:14:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, my hubby hunner and i both have a bug we can't shake...so, I'll be writing more once we're back among the land of the living.

Sigh...

Because of our "flu-ish" type sickness, we will be celebrating the year anniversary of our engagement together...on our lovely couch...watching Bones Season 5.

Our first picture as an engaged couple.

i couldn't be happier!

love, mrs. j.

Today...

2011-02-14T04:45:00.000-08:00

happy valentines day. hope you enjoy your hunny...

love, mrs. j

From June to February...

2011-02-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

This was May/June-ish...the day we offered to by our home.

This is now....

My hubby hunner and I did curtains, wall art, a couch, and a rug....all this month.

I love love love.... my creation.
Next move....coffee table changes...and side table changes.
Happy Monday, loves!

My hubby is the best...the end.

2011-02-01T07:58:00.001-08:00

happy early valentine's day to me!

now....i'm just going to have to wait on this guy to arrive.

goody goody goody.

HERE'S TO YOU MY LOVE.

love to all, mrs. j.

On a Gloomy Day to Recover from My Weekend...

2011-01-31T11:03:00.000-08:00

10 Things that Make Me Really Happy...That No One Can Take Away From Me...

1. Goldfish.

2. Effects of Hot Coffee after an almost sleepless night.

3. Knowing that I AM NOT as crazy as some of the girls on The Bachelor,

which comes on tonight, ABC y'all!

4. Our Size-Ginormous Chocolate Brown Sectional.

5. Reading home design blogs for hours at a time.

6. Friends who support me and know that I love them to pieces.

7. Good neighbors!!!!!!!!
8. Maya.

9. Being in my kitchen cooking after a long day at work...relieves the stress.

10. This fella....who is all mine!

happy monday, may it be less and less dreary.

-mrs. j.

Ahhh....1/2 Day Friday...

2011-01-28T08:32:00.000-08:00

I'll be spending the weekend repairing walls, making doors and maybe painting...if my hubby hunner will allow it. and maybe he'll end up going for these beauties....

fabrics from joann's to make the curtains i'm daying to have in our home

...or maybe i'll just go shopping with some of my gift cards from christmas. i'm sure jill would be okay with that. I'll just have to make sure she refrains from any shoe buying. she's worse than me.

we wore our national championship auburn gear last night for dinner....and no boo's....just fellow auburn fans coming out of the woodwork here in oconee county, ga.

have a loverly weekend. i'm thrilled about mine.

For a Good Cry...

2011-01-27T13:25:00.001-08:00

A quote from last night...

2011-01-25T07:16:00.001-08:00

...quote from the hubby hunner last night, as we watched this seasons' bachelor take II...

"next year, for a sneaking twist, they need to let the bachelor/ette see tape from the day to see what the girls/guys are really like when they aren't trying to snag a rose."

note: he said this after yelling at the tv. reason? michelle......girl's crazy.

that is all.

-mrs. j.

Happy Friday...

2011-01-21T13:11:00.001-08:00

how are you celebrating?

I'm going go enjoy with a little this:

With these lovelies:

And this fella!

Enjoy!

p.s. happy 5 months hunner. time has flown. love you.

This is NOT...

2011-01-20T07:19:00.000-08:00

...a foodie blog. I love to cook....just not to the extent to be good enough to share my own recipes with folks via the world wide web. however, I have found a recipe (not my own) that keeps getting RAVE reviews. I can't help but share it with you.

I am a southern girl, born and raised. A staple that all southern girls should be able to make

....and make well....

Chicken N' Dumplin's
(or as I called them as a little 'belle, Chickle N' Dumplings)

Note: I've cleared this recipe with my Nanny, who always made her's from the scratchest of scratch. Bake the whole chicken. Make the biscuit dough. Use the real chicken stock from the baking of said whole chicken.

I DO NOT HAVE THAT KIND OF TIME. It amazes me she did.

Ashley's "Chickle N' Dumplings"

4-6 Chicken Breasts

1 Can Cream of Celery

1 1/2 Cartons of Chicken Broth

1 Can Pillsbury Grands Canned Biscuits

1/4 C. Flour

1/2 Tsp. Poultry Seasoning

1. Boil Chicken Breasts until cooked. Cut into slices, then shred. Set aside.

2. Add Cream of Celery, Chicken Broth, Poultry Seasonsing. Bring to boil.

3. Add chicken. Return to boil then set to "Low." Let simmer for 15 minutes.

4. In the meantime, flatten canned biscuits to about a 1/4inch. Use the flour to reduce "stickage." Cut biscuits into strips (about 3/4in wide).

5. Bring pot back to boil.

6. Add biscuit strips, one at a time.

7. Turn down to low. Let simmer for at least 20 minutes. Stirring occasionally.

THE END.

I hope you enjoy these. H.T., the 1 1/2 year old across the street LOVES them.

p.s. Brookers, you can do this!!!

To My Fella...

2011-01-19T07:23:00.000-08:00

to the sexiest man alive

and my very very best friend

who is now an old man.
but i don't mind as long as i get to be an old lady with him.

happy birthday, love.

GIVEAWAY

2011-01-18T07:06:00.000-08:00

This is my uncle. Joseph Suttle. Artist...extroidinaire. Charlotte, NC.

And he is sponsoring my very first giveaway....ever.

I'm pretty excited!

And you should be too!

It's easy. Go to his facebook page Suttle Art, "Like" him & then follow me on my blog

(if you haven't already)

The winner will receive a free print...of their choice!

So hurry hurry!

Good Luck!!!

No Words Needed...

2011-01-14T12:24:00.000-08:00

Be-Lated Resolution...

2011-01-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

It's taken me a few days to decide on my resolution.

Maybe because I was so wrapped up in how wonderful Christmas was and all the beautiful snow. Maybe because I haven't had time to really re-focus my thoughts lately. Maybe because I've got folks flying into Athens from all over the world that I need to take care of in the fastest fashion possible.

I'm not sure why. But I think I've got it now...

I want to live my life in a way that when people look at me, they see a woman who exudes warmth.

Not necessarily physically, because let's face it, I'd like a heater in the summertime.

But from my heart, my home, my actions, my words, and my thoughts.

I believe by doing so, I will live a life where I can rest my head at night knowing I did what I could to love those who are hard to love, helped those who needed me, and made amends with those who I've let slip thru my fingers.

This is my goal. Will it happen over night....gee, wouldn't that be nice....probably not? But, if 2010 was any testament of how much a person can grow, then I believe it can happen.

So, my prayer in the cold days of January, is to share the warmth given to me from the Son.

Christmas Wishes...

2010-12-24T14:16:00.000-08:00

We've received such wonderful cards this year! Thank you all for the beautiful wishes...

From our family to yours'...Merry Christmas.

We will see you after the New Year!

Happy Holidays!

Magic with a Camera...

2010-12-23T10:22:00.000-08:00

I do not claim, and never will, to be as photogenic as Rebecca Perkins, of Rebecca Perkins Photography, made me look on my wedding day. Here are some of my favorites from the day (to celebrate my 4 month anniversary with my hubby hunner).

I appologize for the amount of pictures in this post, but my brain hurts, so I'm not going to write too much!

Merry Sick-Mas...

2010-12-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

...I've been a bit under-the-weather lately, but hopefully, this too shall pass...AND SOON!

I hope!

Happy Christmas Week from the Johnsons!

We hope you have the most fabulous Christmas yet. Not because of the lovelies you may receive, but for the lovelies you give. My sweet in-laws gave me this darling bag this Christmas.... oh what fun is to....

carry it around!!!

lovely bag from the lovely anthropologie.

p.s. too excited to have our first annual brighton lane christmas dinner tonight with our friends, the gaydicas!!! isn't their little one too handsome!?

and one more...Holiday!

Soap Box Moment...

2010-12-13T07:40:00.000-08:00

I grew up in South Carolina. Lived in Alabama for 6 years. I currently enjoy living in the nice state of Georgia. I have never met anyone worthy of the title 'southern belle' who acts like these ladies.

If you want to know what a real southern lady is like, apparently don't go to Dothan, AL and talk to these ladies. We do not all drive big trucks, wear clothes too tight, divorce our husbands after 6 months, ride Harley's and have guest houses for our redneck friends to party in.

We live our lives with a charm and grace not found anywhere else in the country. We do not have life completely figured out, but we try to help those along the way and be as hospitable as we can. We say 'yes ma'am' and 'no sir'....late into our 30's. We eat grits and drink sweet tea.

We may speak slow, but will protect those we love faster than anyone you'll ever meet.

I'm proud to be a southern belle...and proud to say that the ladies portraying what it's like to be one are in no circle of mine.

Thanks for your time. Enjoy your day now, y'all.

Our Dinner Party...

2010-12-13T05:59:00.000-08:00

this weekend, my hubby hunner and I hosted several of our closest friends and family (the south carolina bunch) for our very first dinner party. we served maple & pecan brie, spicy chicken dip, apple cheddar potato soup, rosemary & thyme roast, bacon wrapped maple green beans, paula deen mac & cheese, corn bread, and Espresso chocolate chiffon cake!

It really was the most fun...especially having everyone join us in our new-ish home (we've been there almost 6 months...weird). I love playing hostess and feel like another dinner party should be in the works!

my beautiful mama and sister!

mama got hunter a pooping reindeer. lovely.

we almost look like sisters in this picture. isn't she beautiful!!!?

the whole crew! even maya.

christmas maya and auntie adi.

these were our placecards. each had a vintage post card. i made the pockets from the same material i used for our tree skirt.

the sparkly centerpeice.

merry christmas, y'all!

love, mrs. j.

now for some trader joe' peppermint coffee.

happy monday.

Thinking Back...

2010-12-10T10:16:00.000-08:00

Now that it's been over 3 months from the wedding, I don't think it would be too overwhelming to share our music list with you. Some of you asked for a copy of the mix... I hate to tell you that I haven't burned in a CD in years it seems, but I do have the list. Feel free to enjoy it as much as I do now.

I think I listened to it so much leading up to the big day, that I had to take a break. I remember myself imagining (being the planner, choreographer, and perfectionist I am) every beat of the music and what would happen on those beats. The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, made sure I had something distract me from my idea of perfection that day with clouds, rain, and thunder...and humidity. I didn't think of a single beat. I didn't wonder if all the music would be long enough or too long. I didn't think about walking on beat or timing at all. I thought about how in the midst of the raindrops, I was walking, no longer to my own beat of the drum, but together with the man the Lord gave me.

Now, as I listen to these songs, they really do sound like perfection. Not the perfection I had in mind....but something even better.

So You Are to Me- Eastmountainsouth

I Melt With You- Modern English

Sweet Pea- Amos Lee

She's Got a Way- Billy Joel

You and I- Ingrid Michaelson

Us- Regina Spektor

You & Me- DMB

January Wedding- The Avett Brothers

Everlong (Acoustic Version)- Foo Fighters

Only Exception- Paramore

In My Life-Allison Crowe

Hold You in My Arms- Ray LaMontagne

Home to Me- Josh Kelley

You're Making My Dreams Come True- Hall & Oats

500 Miles- The Proclaimers

It's Gettin' Close!

2010-12-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

Love you all,

Happy Christmas!

love, mrs. j

These Are a Few of My Favorites...

2010-12-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Thymes Frasier Fir Scented Collection.

Y'all....for real....I can't quit raving over this candle!

My hubby hunner and I are allergic to real trees in the house (tear),

so we have to opt for the fake kind. This candle smells just like a real

FRASIER FIR!

Check it out here!

My uncle Joseph Suttle is one of the most talented artists I know. He painted this lovely in 1974. Check out his beauties on his website!

Suttle Art

I don't know why, but I am in love with picture. Marilyn is stunning, but I feel like she just adores this man and he, her. It's one of my faves! And so is this site.

Check it out here, all you hopeless romantics!

My hubby hunner and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new Tommy Hilfiger commercial. We sing the song to each other each morning and everytime the commerical is aired, we try to guess who is driving the car. It changes from time to time.

Try it next time...Girl or Puppy?

The song, if you're wondering is by Vampire Weekend.

Holiday.

And my very favorite thing to announce is all about a little tadpole growing in the person I've been friends with the longest. Yes, you got it.

The little tadpole will be growing until May 16th-ish....hopefully more like 13th!

Congrats Sarah and Dr. Dan!!!

Dear Tadpole,

You will have the BEST mommy and dr. daddy!

Have a Holly Jolly Day!

Much Love,

mrs. j

Oh, and this just appeals to my tap shoe roots.... Thanks Adi!

A Happy Thought...

2010-11-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

....on this gloomy, stormy night.

Sorry, ladies. I have the most handsome husband around!

Love him.....just a little bit.

Adrienne in Wonderland...

2010-11-17T05:22:00.001-08:00

My baby sister turned 21! Hard for me to believe really, but nontheless, she's a grown lady now! I couldn't let this birthday pass us by without a celebration like none she'd ever seen!

So, celebrate, we did! Adrienne and some of her closest friends (several from birth) came to Athens last weekend, ate mexican, played games, and stayed in our home.

It's something I'm so proud to be able to do. I've always wanted to have a home where people could feel comfortable enough to "sprawl out" all over the floor and relax. I believe my hubby hunner and I have met that goal!

Here are some pictures of the evening.

i really do have the BEST little sister in the whole world!

love, mrs. j.

Dear Shutterfly...

2010-11-12T10:55:00.000-08:00

...for folks like me, the ones who could cover her walls with family faces, past and present memories, you are the very best way for me share my life and personlize gifts and home! Life gets busy...no matter what's current in your life: weddings, babies, friends, birthdays, or new homes. It is such a wonderful concept to have a company that keeps this in mind.

Its amazing that I am able to get gifts for my Mama around Mother's Day...
See Here.

At the same place I am able to order canvas prints (see here) and Christmas Cards (see here)!

Speaking of Christmas cards, I am very excited to share with you some of my favorites!!! It will be mine and my hubby hunners first Christmas card together, so it needs to be a good one! Where else should I look? None other than Shutterfly!!!

How adorable are these?

Be prepared: You'll seen one of these from the Johnsons this year!
Want 50 of these free? GO HERE!

Love, mrs. j

My Beautiful Cousin, Natalie...

2010-11-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

...has a great blog.

I wanted to share it with you. I haven't really gotten huge on the coupon thing, but I have gotten big on the freebies (shameful to say...it just takes less time and you get free stuff in the mail). Natalie's blog, Peach Deals, shares with you online deals and coupons, etc.

Natalie is one of my favorite people and if I could be like anyone, she'd be on my list.

God love 'er.

So check out her blog, and let her know how great it is. Because it is.

For another quick link to Natalie's Blog: Click on Sweet Tea Site of the Day.

I'm getting this in the mail...for free.

"XX or XY...We'll Just Have to Wait and 'Z'...

2010-11-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

....now hold your horses.

It's not me!!!!

A dear sweet friend of mine is all good and preggers. Can't tell who. Not yet, at least. If you could, say a few for these special ones...and that sweet little baby!

We have to wait until December to find out if it's a boy or a girl. I'll keep you updated.

But, nope, it's not me!!!

My "W"ish...

2010-10-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

My biggest "w"ish for all of you, is something that I already have. Something that is the most special gift I've been given. My hope and wish for all my friends, married or single, is that you have or will have someone as wonderful as my hubby hunner. One of the most "w"onderful things about him is his wacky personality.

Here, I'm proving it below. I wish the same for you...

And if you haven't met/found "him" yet, hold out for someone that makes you laugh and makes you better for knowing him. Hold out for the one that you can't believe he even loves you....and you're constantly

"w"ondering "w"hy he does.

It's "w"orth "w"aiting.

love you.

-your ash

Red "V"elvet Sandwiches & "V"isitin'...

2010-10-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

May I please have these?

Recipe by "the" Southern Girl Herself

Click Here

and

we get to spend the entire weekend with one of my oldest friends, former bridesmaid, and funniest girl I know....oh, AND her DOCTOR hubby!

Dr. Dan and Sarah Graves
in Starkville, MS!

My hubby hunner's alma mater (masters...)

I'm a bit excited to be "v"isiting!

"U"nderstanding My Purpose...

2010-10-28T07:05:00.000-07:00

My co-workers and I recently had a conversation about purpose. What gives us purpose? What makes it all worth while? Some said our jobs. Some said our familes.

I think the most important thing about purpose is truly understanding what it is...

Understanding that while jobs are important, that's not our sole purpose.

Understanding that though our families may be the most important people on earth, they do not give us the since of our eternal purpose (not entirely, at least).

I heard a song recently. One I'd heard several times before, but I feel that the Lord is leading me to understand what it is He is going to do with my short time here.

Every Bible lesson I hear, every conversation with close friends, every silent prayer has been filled with the thoughts and cravings to send me to work. To do something for My Savior.

So, here are the words of that song....you may have heard it.

Legacy by Nicole Nordeman

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me

And I enjoy an accolade like the rest

You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery

Of all who's-who and so-n-so's that used to be the best

At such-and such.....it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights

We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta Girl"

But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides

The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy

How will they remember me?

Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough

To make a mark on things?

I want to leave an offering

A child of mercy and of grace who

blessed your name unapologetically

And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile

To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy

It's an accumulating trinket or a treasure pile

where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well-traveld, not well-read, not well-to-do or well-bred

Just want to hear instead "Well Done" good and faithful one...

I want to leave a legacy

How will they remember me?

Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough

to make a mark of things?

I want to leave an offering

A child of mercy and of grace who

blessed your name unapologetically

And leave that kind of legacy.

Understand?

"T"ime Travelling....

2010-10-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

...come with me, back to 1998....

to a simpler time. a time of boys dancing in unison dressed up like monsters.

you heard me right. everybody..(yeah)..rock your body..(yeah)..everybody..(yeah)..rock your body right.

backstreet's back alright!

in honor of halloween week...

i present time travel

(i know the "t" thing here is stretched....forgive?)

"S"cripture Makes Me More Special...

2010-10-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

...than folks on earth see me. Truly. My sweet hubby hunner my love me and think I am the most special woman, person, wife he's even known or will ever know, but there's One that beats my sweet hubby hunner in his "special" thoughts towards me.

If these scriptures don't make you feel special....man, I just don't know what else will. Think about it, The Creator of the Universe, the Healer of broken hearts and broken bodies, Love and Father of all knows you. Literally....better than anyone else... A knows that you are the most special you could ever imagine yourself being......

So, happy Tuesday... You're special to me and to Him.

"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." -Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"-Matthew 6:26 (NIV)

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." -Exodus 14:14

How does the Lord help you see how special you are?

"R" TR...NO, Not Roll Tide Roll...

2010-10-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting to share this lovely site with all of you. I haven't used it yet, I'm a little nervous. But, with New Years Eve approaching, I thought it might be kinda fun...

Rent The Runway. Yep....you can rent dresses (when I say dresses, I mean Badgely Mischka dresses, etc. worth $1000+) for only $50+. Yep, $50.

You schedule the day you want it. Rent it. They ship it to you. You send it back. Free. Kind of like Netflix, but for pretty dresses. You even pick your "back-up size" just in case your rear has grown a smidge like mine lately and you haven't noticed....until you try on the dress. Absolutely free.

Sounds good to me. I might just have to try it. Wondering if any of you have tried it? Let me know!

RTR....Rent the Runway....NEVER Roll Tide Roll.

Robert Rodriguez dress.

Retail: $425

RTR: Rent for $50Bibhu Mohapatra dress.

Retail: $3000

RTR: Rent for $300

Happy Monday to all!!!!

"Q"uickest and Easiest...

2010-10-22T05:48:00.000-07:00

...way to prepare tilapia that helps you look like you'd spent hours preparing...

I have a slight obsession lately (primarily because I enjoy preparing meals, but don't always have the time to get them accomplished in a fast manner) with reynoldswrap.com. I can have an entire meal prepared and ready to eat, sides and all, in around 25-30 minutes. Sounds good to me.

Here's my favorite so far:

Herbed Fish & Veggies

Ingredients:
2 sheets of Reynolds Wrap (for two)

2 tilapia, pollock, or other chosen fish (thawed)

1 package (16 oz.) of frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower

1/2 tsp. of dried thyme

1/2 tsp. of dried marjoram

1/2 tsp. of salt

1/4 tsp. of pepper

1 tablespoon of butter, broken into pieces

lemon juice

Preheat oven to 450 Degrees.

Center one piece on fish on one sheet of Reynolds Wrap with dull side toward food. Place frozen, yes frozen veggies around fish. Sprinkle fish and veggies with the thyme, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Top with butter.

Bring up foil sides. Double fold top ends to seal packet, leaving room for heat circulation inside. Repeat with second packet.

Bake 18-20 minutes on cookie sheet or grill 10-12 minutes on covered grill. Drizzle with lemon juice.

We added Simply Potatoes-Mashed Potatoes.

Entire time to make dinner: 25 minutes!

Greatest part: 307 Calories, 8 grams of fat!

I looked like a pro! Quick!

"P"laid...Not just for boys...

2010-10-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

I am in love with the trend of funky colored tights and knee high socks. I plan on taking advantage of this trend all fall/winter long!

My particular favorite happens to be the plaid trend (not just for boys and lumberjacks).

Dear Serena,

I plan on stealing this look.

xoxo,

ashley

"O"ne...

2010-10-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

Tell me, what it is that you plan to do with your ONE wild and precious life?

-Mary Oliver

As I was thumbing thru bippity boppity boo tumbler this morning, I came across this quote. What do I plan to do with it? How can I use it for good and to God's Glory? Then it had me thinking...will I be open to a new plan, if the Lord should have to be that way?

What do you plan to do, with one?

One life.

One person.

One stranger.

One prayer.

One day at a time?

What is that one thing...today?

"N" orth.......South Carolina...

2010-10-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

To all my lovely southern belles out there, remember that "N"orworth is South of the capitol. I think this describes exactly how folks down south feel talking to folks up "N"orworth.

North, South Carolina. Near Due West, South Carolina.

My "M"ama-In-Law....

2010-10-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

....watch out hollywood and Greg Jackson (her brother living in NYC), a new star has been born....

my beautiful, southern, and very talented Mother-in-law recently filmed a commercial as a spokeslady for Martha Roby for Congress (Alabama). I don't know too much about Martha Roby, but I do know if Jill, or Jilly Bean as Brookers calls her, is for her, then she must be a great lady.

Here's the commercial being played all across the state of Alabama for the next 2 weeks!!!

My sweet "L"ovey...

2010-10-20T06:49:00.001-07:00

My sweet dearest friend, brookers, is beginning her new life as a lady friend. so she wrote about it and challenged her "followers" to write about their loves and how they met as well. so.....here's it goes.

Ashley DID NOT want a relationship. Wasn't looking...didn't need anyone.

(Insert chuckle from God here...

He sure does have a sense of humor when it comes to my plans....)

One afternoon, while at work, I was cleaning out my facebook account (aka getting rid of "friends" I didn't know or haven't spoken to or didn't stalk on a regular basis). The name Hunter Johnson appeared in that category. I had no idea who he was, but happened to be on the chatty thing. So, I asked him who he was.....

We chatted for a while, he got my number. After waiting the socially acceptable 3 days to call, he finally did. We talked and he said he wanted to come to Clemson to take me to dinner.

He came to Clemson, picked me up at my mama's house (where I was living temporarily). We headed to Clemson Sushi Bar, stayed chatting for 2 hours, drove around Clemson, and got dessert. He took me back to my mom's house, kissed me goodnight, and headed back to Georgia. Just like a high school date. I wish I could say that the date was a tad bit more exciting....but that was it.

It's funny, though, how you just know. I did that very night. I knew that I would love that boy forever. Little did I know, however, that 6 months later, I would be in the same driveway with that very boy down on one knee....

My hubby hunner is the kindest man I know. Not a day goes by that I don't laugh hysterically. Last night, after he'd fallen asleep, I looked over at him and just let out a big sigh. My Hubby Hunner is the best man I know...and he's all mine.

So there you go, Brookers, there's my love story.....

Kiddos, Kicks, and Krowning a Homecoming Queen...

2010-10-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

last friday night, after my lovely "mental health" day, my hubby hunner and i drove up to south carolina for my former high school alma matter's homecoming football game. we ate white bean chicken chili, saw my aunt and cousins, and cheered on the seneca bobcats a victory over the walhalla razorbacks!

two sweet angels born 15+ years ago were a part of the festivities. one on homecoming court, the other, the best drum major around. Jen & Rachel!

you may ask how this is related to the "abc's" of october. it's a stretch, but oh well. :-) kiddos, kicks, and "Krowning" a Homecoming Queen....

happy monday (well, this was supposed to be for friday....so....wishful thinking, eh?)

"J"ust for Fun....

2010-10-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

I was thinking a big old school today. In first grade, and maybe a little beyond first grade, I was always clothed in a little thing called Jumpers. Funny how things come back around, huh? I love these below and plan on wearing a lot of jumper, tights, and jeans.

Maybe a few jackets too.

And just for fun, because it's MY FRIDAY this week, I thought I'd share a little video from our past. I had this doll when I was little. She was weird because didn't have feet like Barbie. Barbie's shoes were always so so tiny; not her's.
Enjoy.

Happy Almost End of the Work Week.....3 More Hours for Me!

"I"kat All Around...

2010-10-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

"I" think that letter "I" was a little more tricky (hence the time of this post....) in coming up with something blog worthy. "I" think "I"'ve done it!

IKAT!!!

design sponge

Beautiful throw pillows. I LOVE THROW PILLOWS!

Check it out on etsy.com. Ikat & Batik store.

"H"omemade Grits....

2010-10-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

...makes me feel like I'm not the only one celebrating the beautiful fall. I stumbled upon this blog by accident....on none-other-than "h" day. I have found some great decorating idea, lovely fall shots and a great new online mag I intend on reading (Southern Flourish).

I hope you enjoy a much as I am.

Check it out here:

Homemade Grits

"G"aydica Friends....

2010-10-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

my hubby hunner and I have the greatest neighbors. seriously. you can't beat them. this weekend, the GAYDICA'S and the johnsons headed to washington farms to go pick out some pretty pumpkins. it really is such a blessing to have them in our lives!

our sweet friends from across the street

the johnsons' first fall

i couldn't have been happier

searching for the perfect pumpkin

brian and shelby's little boy, harrison gaydica!

"F"lorence....and the Machine....

2010-10-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

Enjoy your Monday.....She makes me happy!!!

"E"ven the Colors Have Energy...

2010-10-11T06:37:00.001-07:00

"Love the moment, and the ENERGY of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries."
-Corita Kent

Something about the cooler weather, the bluer skies, the light breeze......gives me a huge dose of energy. Summers in The South can be draining. It's exhausting to even walk a block. But the new season relaxes me....beyond.

Remember days like this?

Happy Monday, my friends! I'll be caught up on my abc's by this evening....

Oh, and by the way, this is our rental for the week.........

yeah.

"D"eck Your Doors....

2010-10-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

....with boughs of holly? Not yet....oh, but that time of year is just around the corner.

I pose this question today: How are you "decking" your doors?

It was once said:

"The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live."

-Flora Whittemore

It's nice to adorn those "doors" too. Espcially during this lovely season......

Oh, anthropologie. You never disappoint. Wish I had a door to put this lovely on....

maybe, I'll just find one.

Is this not a clever way to update an old door-knocker frame?

Found this on Mostazaseed.

I must have, or will have, or will make a wreath like these below. How creative.
Found these in the "itz fitz" etsy store.

I hope you have a lovely weekend.

A-D has been such fun....E-Z to come!

Happy Friday Y'all!

"C"an You Tell...

2010-10-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

...I love fall-ish things?

This was an easy one. At least for me it was.

Here are few fun ideas for the fall!

I made this collage of "fall-ish" words yesterday by using picnik.com. I live in the olden days without a color printer, so I took it home last night and painted the computer paper with watercolor autumny colors. It turned out great. I'll add a pic of the finished project later. The greatest thing.....it was 100% free to me. I keep a watercolor palette in the house just for times like these! I really love it!

I thought this was just the best idea! Chocolate Cupcakes....in Cups!

Make sure your cups are oven-safe. What a cute way to welcome in the slightly chilly weather we're having with something surprisingly sweet!

Use a little cool-whip and cocoa and you're all set!

My hubby hunner hates when I get these because some part of a caramel or candied apple ends up on some item of his clothing.....usually on his shirt from where I forget I'm holding something incredibly sticky and decide to talk with my hands......yeah.
BUT I LOVE THEM!!!!!! And sorry, hubby hunner, you can't fight a love like ours
(mine and the caramel/candied apple's, that is).

1 Part Candy Corn
2 Parts Peanuts
=
Tiny PayDay Candy Bar

Try it. You won't be disappointed...promise!

Happy Fall Y'all!
"C" Ya tomorrow!

A B-eautiful Day...

2010-10-06T05:42:00.000-07:00

I've been dying to show you one of our latest purchases!

My hubby hunner and I decided that we needed a new chair.

The one we had was my grandfather's (ehem, let's say 20 years ago).

We wanted an ottoman, but they were expensive and took up a lot of space in our home. We compromised with the idea of a recliner. I hate recliners. Yes, they are comfy, but they are not usually that aesthetically pleasing (just being honest). So, the compromise was that we could get a recliner as long as it NEVER looked like a recliner at first glance. AND it had to "go" with our living room decor, and such.

We headed to Real Deals on Furniture in Jefferson, GA and found the perfect one!

Hope you like our:

Beautiful Blue Chair!

Not particularly "fall themed" but we bought it in October, so it counts!

Happy Wednesday!

An Autumn A...

2010-10-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

Acorn pan. I can imagine lots of fun and colorful ideas with this pan. Pumpkin chocolate chip acorns. Maple icing, maybe?

image found here

"Autumn Kiss"

I would love to have this in my home!!!!

image found here

How precious is this autumn card?

image found here

Enjoy your Autumn....

A,B,C's of October....

2010-10-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

with 26 days left in October, I've decided that each day left (of what is becoming my favorite month, i believe) will be celebrated with each day's theme corresponding to the next letter in the alphabet. get it? got it?

good.

"a" will be coming to you shortly.

Fally Fall Fall...

2010-10-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

...after going to the Monroe Church of Christ for most of the week for their

Family Enrichment Seminar...

my hubby hunner and I will be spending some time with our lovely neighbors at Washington Farms! I think we may make this a tradition in October. Only 5 minutes from our house, Washington Farms is a real life pumpkin patch, corn maze, and fall family fun land! I couldn't be more excited. The older I get, the more I love fall. I'm sure my hubby hunner thinks I'm just a little crazy these days.

I've been pouring through pages on my fave's website (check her out here) to decide on what I'm going to do with all the pumpkins and gourds we'll be purchasing/picking. Here are a few fun things I CAN'T WAIT TO DO.....I think it may be get me through my work week.

mums in pumpkindaisy pumpkins

monogram pumpkins

glittered baby pumpkins

watch out, hubby hunner for pumpkin-palooza at the johnson household!!!!!!!!

a tip from martha: put patroleum jelly on exposed edges of pumpkins to preserve them.

who knew? gah!

Happy October...

2010-10-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

With a Name that Common...

2010-09-29T10:40:00.001-07:00

...you'd think it would be impossible for a lady named Britney to become a "one-namer" like "Madonna." But, she's done it.

Love love love to the episode, love love love to the dancing and songs. Not so much love to Mr. Schuster or to his creepy faces. Not so much love to the story line...

My hubby hunner giggled like the 9th grader he was when "Hit Me Baby One More Time" came out. I kept saying two things: 1) My friend JoMo is probably dying that Lea Michele is dressed like that.....she's on his top 5. 2) I miss the good days of Britney. Simpler times.....eh? At least for me! Good times Brit.............Good times.

Oooh...do you remember where you were when you first heard "Hit Me Baby" ?

I do. I was in my bedroom, painting my nails, a young 8th grader. She came on B93.7. Battle of the New-B's. Yep....I remember where I was and what I was doing......don't make fun!

Something to Think About....

2010-09-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

...from Doctor John Barger.

I read this in a book I'm reading (check it out here). Thought it was interesting. Thoughts?

I hope it's not heretical for me to claim that in his dealings with us, God acts in many ways like a woman.
Women are capable of and sometimes commit magnificent acts that manifest incredible power and awaken in us men a profound awe, if not fear and trembling. Yet when they love, they love quietly; they speak, as it were, in whispers, and we have to listen carefully, attentively, to hear their words of love and to know them.
Isn't God also this way? Doesn't he intervene in most of our lives in whispers, which we miss if we fail to recollect ourselves and pay careful attention-- if we do not constantly strive to hear those whispers of divine love?

Old Eliza....

2010-09-28T05:33:00.001-07:00

...you're a good car for putting up with me. You've been hit from behind and backed into. You've spun around in circles after a lovely truck nudged us off the road. You've had your hood hit by a flying cooler lid on Interstate 85 going 75+mph. You've been dirtied and travelled in. Last night, you were dropped. Without a tire attached. Bummer....

As I left work yesterday, in the pouring rain, I walked up to a lovely sight. Flat. Tire. I called my hubby hunner and headed back up to my office in the rain. When my hubby hunner arrived, he properly changed my tire to the spare. Silence. "Well, your spare is flat too...." Great. We tried to make it to a gas station, but only got to a bank right up the road instead. We thought for a few minutes. My hubby hunner's partner at work drives the same car I do. "He can come and let us borrow his spare. Perfect!!!!" As, the changing of the spares (yes, spares....) was happening.....BAM!!!!! The jack slipped from under the car dropping....poor...Eliza...flat. Yep.

It was definitely an afternoon. But the sun shown the entire time we were changing all 3 tires. About 5 minutes after we finished, it started to rain again.

Hope your Monday was lovely. I'm excited this Tuesday morning because it was 58 Degrees outside instead of a solid 80. Have a great week!!!!

A few home updates...

2010-09-24T05:40:00.000-07:00

slowly, but surely, things in the house are coming together. we are huge fans of warm colors. our goal is for our guests to feel cozy and at home when they visit. still a long way to go, but we're getting there!!!

And here we go:

our newest edition to the house: the "behind the couch table" or sofa table from World Market. We didn't want anything big, but something. we're still working on it though...

the guests at our wedding signed this $5 window pane we got from the Re-Store: Habitat for Humanity. We just covered the back with the same material of as the chairs.

my centerpeice. i kinda love it. we used the vase and mason jar from the wedding, found and old frame, and added a few out-of-the-ordinary flowers to the mix. i really like it.

we're planning on getting a table for the right-side wall. storage of sometype.

my question is, what do I do with that huge window?

....don't mind the boxes in the corner....

I'll Say It Again...

2010-09-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

...modcloth has been a little on the weird-o side for the past little bit, but I cannot find anything wrong with their beautiful coat collection this season. Bravo, Modcloth! Or should I say, Brava!

Check Them Out Here!

A Few More of My Faves...

Happy One Month...

2010-09-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

...to my very best friend.

i look back at the pictures from that day and re-live it over and over again.

i didn't think i could get any happier than i was that day, but i was wrong.

i've said it once and i'll say it again,

"i found the one. the one God chose for me. marrying your best friend is the only way to go."

to the love of my life:

my sweet hubby hunner, you probably can't stand it by now how I tend to leave clothes laying around constantly and how obsessed i am with house projects. you probably roll your eyes when i get a little too excited about fall decorations and when i steal all the covers. you probably have never been more excited that my car was vacuumed out but more worried when the vacuum wouldn't work afterwards.

but, somehow, you have shown me what real love from a husband looks like.

true. enduring.

i can't wait to share more of my life with you.

here's to many more months of celebrating life's little funnies together!

i lurve you.

mrs. j.

remember when?

I Need Some Explanation...

2010-09-17T09:02:00.001-07:00

....of the saying, "Marriage Suits You."

What does it mean? I mean, I love being married. Love it.

But what does it mean when someone says "it suits you?"

Does that mean that there are newlyweds that it just doesn't suit?

I have a no idea...

Anyway, my hubby hunner and i are off to the clemson/auburn game this weekend.

First time at his parents' house married. i can't wait to visit and see some friends!!!

Love you all. Have a happy weekend!

love, mrs. j

image found here

To Brookers...Love Sarah Palin...

2010-09-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

Halloween Costume.....

2010-09-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

Just a little hint....got any guesses?

p.s. sept. 21....glee!!!

I've been consumed with the house...

2010-09-09T08:46:00.001-07:00

...so I felt the need to shop a smidge...don't worry hubby hunner...not literally...

nice autumn dresses, bags, boots, tights and coats are on my list of yummies for the this season. it doesn't get too cold around here until november honestly, so daydreaming is okay for now. ask me if im okay with that come october...

anthropologie, modcloth, and kohl's in this post

daydream with me?

lovely dresses i can just imagine cute tights and colored heels to match (or not match).

I dont know if my hubby hunner would go for this....but still.... its a beautiful comforter.

I used to be more of a sucker for a good bag. My hubby hunner got me a beautiful dooney & bourke for valentine's day and i carried it for a good 5 months. i've been carrying a "frill" by vera bradley for the last little bit, but it's summery and labor day as passed, so i think it's time for a good fall bag, right?

Oh. Lordy Moses, how do I decide? I want a beautiful statement coat for this year...one that is bold and says, "Ah, yep, that's Ashley." I'd like to be able to wear it with a lot, so I'm thinking probably a something closer to a neutral. I can't help it that I'm drawn to a few bold choices as well.

I have to. I must. I need. I will have these boots....

So This Sweet Kid...

2010-09-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

...I went to Palmetto Bible Camp with is touring the mid-west with his wife. I heard he was doing this, but didn't really look into it much. Shame on me. Wish they were closer, I would absolutely be there to hear them! Check them out here. You won't be sorry you did.

If only I could find a picture from camp....hmm...

mrs. johnson

Our Labor Day with Martha...

2010-09-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

Forgive the quality of these photos....I will have more soon that are better, but we are just so dawgone proud of ourselves we could hardly stand not sharing things with you! Now that the wedding is over and all of my creative thoughts aren't heading directly in the direction of the wedding, we are shifting our focus onto our lovely home. My hubby hunner and I stayed in for the weekend...with no real plans. We watched college football Saturday and tried to stay as far away from downtown athens as possible. Sunday afternoon was full of "Martha" projects as I like to call them....Monday looked about the same. Below are a few....

This is a before and after shot of the fabric on our dining room chairs. The entire dining room set was my hubby hunter's grandmother's...handed down to us. We love it...everything about it but needed to "update" the fabric on the seats a smidge. This is what we chose. 6 chairs...now recovered!!!!

If you look carefully, through the blurriness of this picture, you'll see on the left-hand side, a window pane. This is the window our guests signed at our wedding. I used the same fabric from the chairs to back the window. Now you are able to see the precious signatures from folks at our wedding. The table runner is the same fabric as the chairs, but instead of green and white, it's green and chocolate brown (to match our chocolate brown walls). I also used leftover wedding decorations for the centerpieces...but made the taller floral arrangement. The keys hanging on the wall came to us as wedding gift, but instead of them just being nailed somewhere randomly, we shaddow boxed them. I love them!! Overall, our dining room is FINALLY coming together instead of being just a space we put "stuff" until it goes to where it should be!

To match the blue and burnt orange theme in our living room, we added a little magic to this dull bookshelf....which used to be stained a nice maple color. Too boring for me. So, my hubby hunner and I took a pillow to Home Depot and had them match the color. We sanded all the the stain off the bookshelf and then put just one coat of paint over it. This made it so you could still see the wood grain. The blue mason jars are from the wedding, clock is a family heirloom, and the strangers in the picture frames will soon be replaced with wedding photos! The cross-stictched pillow and basket on the bottom are what my flower girl and ring bearer carried at the wedding. My mom cross-stitched the pillow. Such a treasure!!!
Well, it's Tuesday. Labor Day Off Work Monday is over and my hubby hunner has left for the Gulf Coast. What projects will I come up with while he's gone? There are few more things we did yesterday....I'll share those this evening when I get home!

love to all.
mrs. johnson

Dining After the Rehearsal...

2010-09-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

After rehearsing in the sweltering August heat, we were able to come cool down and chow down at this lovely eatery. Calhoun Corners, built in 1893 with handmade brick, served as the civic and social center for the community of Calhoun. It was renovated in 1974 to become what it is today; a delicious and elegant place to dine.

And bless their hearts for putting up with our crowd.

My hubby hunner did not want a traditional groom's cake. He opted for cupcakes- 3 flavors. Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Marble, and Yellow. Each flavor represented a specific time in my hubby hunner's life: baseball, Delta State days, and Mississippi State days. They were adorable....and DELICIOUS!

We have the greatest friends that travelled such a great distance to be there with us for such an important weekend. I don't think we can ever explain to them how grateful we are for their presence, but we tried.

It was a long day, but a fun one. I think at this point, we were just about ready to crash....with another full day on the horizon....a rainy full day

(at which we had NO idea was looming in the distance).

What an incredibly fun evening. My hubby hunner and I are extremely blessed and were reminded just how much that evening....only a few embarrassing moments. And if we can say that, it was a sure success! Thank you to Bill & Jill for such a lovely evening!!!
-mrs. johnson

The Best Way to Describe It...

2010-09-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

Now, don't make fun...but the best way to describe what it felt like to walk into the room where we had our wedding would be similar to this video. Because we had to have it inside, there were no rows of chairs, but clusters of our favorite people in the world, beyond happy for the two of us. It's somewhat overwhelming to think about it now...I don't think I was able to entirely in the moment, but looking back, I would describe it similar to this one in the video. Some of the people who came to the wedding, we had not seen in a long time. Some were old friends, some new. Some were family, some were from far far away. The people there were the ones that my hubby hunner and i cherished the very most. so, don't make fun of me for feeling like "Rose" might have in this moment. But I get chills everytime I watch it..because it's absolutely perfect.

The Ladies Surrounding Me...

2010-09-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

There is no feeling greater than the love of wonderful friends. I went through a time where I never realized how blessed I truly was by having such incredible women in my life. My mother, grandmothers, great-aunts, aunts, cousins, and friends are among the greatest women I've ever known or will ever know.

When the car door finally closed and the wedding was officially over, I looked at my hubby hunner and took a deep breath. Our adventure had begun...but the adventure leading up to my gift of a husband had sprinkles of insights, memories, life changing moments, and blessings all from the ladies in my life who helped make me who I am today...and the woman that my hubby hunner loves dearly. I'm not me without these ladies. I told my hubby hunner that one of my favorite memories from the entire weekend (and I have lots of favorite moments) was after the rehearsal dinner. The night before the wedding. My 'maids and best friends sat around in the livingroom of the lake house. Simple, yes. Incredible, yes. Something that I may never have the privelege of being a part of ever again (but we're going to see what we can do about that).

What an honor it was to have the most precious and beautiful girls I know by my side on the most exciting day I've ever had. Even when I was squalling my eyes out because of all the rain...not a one of them let me down (even with somewhat frizzy hair looming on the horizon).

To my girls,

without you in my life, i would have never found my hunner.

i am forever in debted to you.

i love you more than you probably know.

i hope you had as much fun as me.

-mrs. johnson

Adrienne, Rylan, Sarah, Liz, Brookers, Katie, Colynn, and Natalie

Hello September and Married Life...

2010-09-02T07:06:00.001-07:00

I'm a married lady, y'all (words, I thought at one point, would never come out of my mouth). But, beyond my belief at times, I am married to simply the best. We, my hubby hunner and i, were watching an episode of Friends just the other day. The one where Monica starts to freak out about getting married because after that, she won't ever have another first kiss or first date butterflies or the giddiness of the beginning of new relationship. I thought about that, honestly, when my hubby hunner and I first started dating...not while we were engaged. But, folks, let me tell you, Monica had it all wrong (as Chandler explained to her and I agree).

See, there's no other feeling like coming home to your husband. There's no other feeling like waking up at 4am, randomly, and he looks at you, kisses your forehead and drifts back asleep. There's no other feeling of security like this. Yes, I knew that my hubby hunner loved me unconditionally before we were married. I knew he would never leave me. But now, it's just different. I think that my shoulders have even released a bit of tension I'd always had from anticipation of "the one." (Which, if you let the Lord pick 'em, there is "a one.").

Anyways, married life is the greatest. I'm sure we will have plenty of struggles and challenges, but I'd rather have "my constant" with me through it all than not.

I'll put up honeymoon and wedding pictures soon.

A Year Ago Today....

2010-08-17T09:08:00.000-07:00

....i fell for my new best friend.

....i ate sushi and probably did so very un-gracefully.

....i created a nickname for a fella I didn't know would be around forever, "monday date."

....i realized we drank our coffee the exact same way, black, 2 Splenda...maybe 3.

....i had no idea i would be about to marry my coffee drinking, monday-of-a-day, sushi eating, new best friend in 4 days.

369 days....that's all it took.

my sweet hunner,
thank you for making me the happiest girl there is.
i love you more than i could ever say....
....and that's a lot, because I say A LOT of things!
love you much,
your ash

What I'm Thinking...

2010-08-16T10:55:00.001-07:00

...well, it's just 5 days away now. Not 15, not 45, not 105.......5. While last minute phone calls, confirming plans, and organizing my arts and crafts have me in a fog, I'm taking this moment to write down things I want to remember about this week...

I can't believe so many people- from so many places are coming to our wedding...for us.

I love that My Hunner is very figetty, more than normal.

Maya, my baby puppy, seems to know something is about to change. She is very clingy.

I wonder what mine and My Hunners first big knock down drag out married couple fight will be. I'll probably be the cause.

What will it feel like when Matthew says, "I now pronounce you husband & wife...you may now kiss your bride?"

Will THAT kiss be different?

I think something will go wrong at the wedding...not anything anyone else knows about...but everyone tells me something will mess up....I wonder what it will be. The perfectionist in me is terrified of this unknown.

Will I be a big ball bag crying the entire time....I cry at EVERYTHING!!!!

I hope my Mama likes her surprise.

I love my girls....and Billy Wagner....

2010-08-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

...this weekend was my lovely Bachelorette Bash in the lovely ATL! 2 nights in downtown Atlanta with some of my favorite ladies in the whole wide world. I don't think I have had that much fun in a really long time. I am so lucky to have such beautiful and wonderful friends who put up with me. I will never forget how much fun we had. Sara Evans performed after the Braves' victory agains the Giants. Though it took us an hour and a half to find parking, it was definitely worth the wait. Let's just say I hugged a cop and a parking attendant once the car was parked! I can't wait to see everyone again in....

12 days!!!!!

My sweet sissa!

The Motley Crew.....

My new crush, Billy Wagner........came in to seal the deal for the Braves!

Goooo Bravos!

So.....

2010-08-04T10:27:00.001-07:00

My Hunner and I thought about using something like this a couple months ago....

I'm so glad we didn't! Maybe in 15 years....we'll go to Vegas and renew our vows.....but not now!

Only 17 Days.....I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!

Sorry for the lack o' blogging lately, work and wedding planning and house decorating have consumed most of my time. Whatever shall I do when it is all over?

More from Brighton...

2010-07-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

Our victrola from 1907...with the records.

Slipcover #1. This chair is originally a lovely shade of mauve. The telephone was made by My Hunner's great-grandfather that worked for the telephone company. He made several phones into lamps. Such a special and unique peice to have in our home.

Slipcover #2. This is a burgundy wingback chair. And no, we don't have children. Those are Maya's toys in her decor-matching basket.

A shot of our mantle area....

The entire room. I love it. And yes, that is a beige bulldog sitting by our tv.

Love love love....our home.

A Little Sneak Peek......

2010-07-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

I kinda went all "hgtv" last night.

If I Could....

2010-07-19T05:47:00.000-07:00

I would buy my sweet Hunner one of these.

It is the favorite vehicle of the queen.
See....

My Hunner's parents came this weekend and met us at the Mall of Georgia. As we parked, My Hunner about had a hissy-fit (if guys can have those) about this Land Rover Defender parked right beside our car. I think he parked there on purpose because we ended up parking at the VERY BACK of the entire parking lot. We couldn't miss the opportunity to take a picture, because sure enough, it would be gone when we came back out. And it was.... What a manly car for such a manly man......and graceful queen.

A Little Bit of What We Are Thinking.....

2010-07-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

My Vision...

2010-07-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

I think with all this moving into a new house that is completely empty and now filled with our mix-&-match furniture (that doesn't really match) stuff, my vision has been a little blurred. I want new chairs for the living room, curtains, & pictures hung. I want a chest of drawers that matches and goes perfectly with our bedroom furniture. I don't want to have to pay $1000+ to get it.

I've forgotten this important fact:
...the best things in life are here now. And I've got loads of the "best things!"

Forgive me for losing my focus. Maybe my new glasses will help.....

Well....It Rained for 40 Days....

2010-07-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

...and nights for a Man named Noah, his family, and all his lovely animal friends.

I am in no way cooped up in a boat with thousands of animals. I am in no way stuck with my family. I am in no way suffering from a sinus headache (i get these anytime the weather changes). I am in no way wondering about what will happen in the future.

Noah had to deal with all of these. AND I'm not so sure that he had the number "40 Days" in his mind that God's plan would be achieved.

I, however, do. I know exactly what is coming in 40 days. No boats. No rain (here's hoping). And no animals (except my crazy family).

God's plan for a big part of my life will be achieved that day. August 21, 2010. Call me a little impatient if you will, but it's taking a little TOO long getting here. I try to find folks in the Bible that had to deal with patience. I think Noah works just fine for me. He had to wait 40 days.....I think I can too.

Only 40 more days, Hunner. Only 40 more....

The Microwave Saga...

2010-07-08T06:24:00.000-07:00

I will have to say that the nice gentleman who sold us our house was very kind and generous. He put in a new oven, had the entire inside repainted, a/c serviced, installed shower heads, and numerous other things. Generous almost doesn't seem quite right.

Our dear lovely contractor's handy-manny (we'll call him timmy) has been our only source of angst during this bless-ed time of moving. "Timmy" was not raised to answer phone calls or return them. Timmy was not raised to actually keep appointments or even let the folks he had appointments with that he would not be able to meet them. Timmy had our microwave for 5 days....undelivered. We were starting to feel like Timmy decided that he liked OUR microwave better than his own. The bare spot above our brand new oven and beside our brand new fridge was lacking. It was the only thing left to complete our kitchen.

Finally, Monday evening, after numerous phone calls from me, My Hunner, our realtor, and Timmy's boss, Timmy showed up. With the microwave and wife in tow. I think the brought her along so that if I was a little ill with him (me= lacking that "gentle and quiet spirit") he would have some back up.

In, plugs the beautiful microwave.

Sparks fly.

RIP Samsung Microwave....

So, we still wait. Timmy is supposed to show up again tonight to install microwave #4. Yes, we've been through this 4 times. We shall see how the story unfolds...

God bless Timmy...

sweet tea and the southern girl

Happy Thursday!

So I Head to China...

Help...

Hey hey hey!!!

Join Me in Welcoming...

It's Baaaaack.....

Awaiting...

The Back Bedroom...

The Royal Wedding

Oooh.....2 Day Work Week!!!

Me in DC...

For Japan...

The Town I Love...

Well, We've Done It...

Headed to the Hill...

A Little Makeover...

Thanks to Jenna....

Anthro Bliss...

I Was Looking Back...

Sometimes I Forget...

Time to Feel Better...

Today...

From June to February...

My hubby is the best...the end.

On a Gloomy Day to Recover from My Weekend...

Ahhh....1/2 Day Friday...

For a Good Cry...

A quote from last night...

Happy Friday...

This is NOT...

To My Fella...

** GIVEAWAY **

No Words Needed...

Be-Lated Resolution...

Christmas Wishes...

Magic with a Camera...

Merry Sick-Mas...

Soap Box Moment...

Our Dinner Party...

Thinking Back...

It's Gettin' Close!

These Are a Few of My Favorites...

A Happy Thought...

Adrienne in Wonderland...

Dear Shutterfly...

My Beautiful Cousin, Natalie...

"XX or XY...We'll Just Have to Wait and 'Z'...

My "W"ish...

Red "V"elvet Sandwiches & "V"isitin'...

"U"nderstanding My Purpose...

"T"ime Travelling....

"S"cripture Makes Me More Special...

"R" TR...NO, Not Roll Tide Roll...

"Q"uickest and Easiest...

"P"laid...Not just for boys...

"O"ne...

"N" orth.......South Carolina...

My "M"ama-In-Law....

My sweet "L"ovey...

Kiddos, Kicks, and Krowning a Homecoming Queen...

"J"ust for Fun....

"I"kat All Around...

"H"omemade Grits....

"G"aydica Friends....

"F"lorence....and the Machine....

"E"ven the Colors Have Energy...

"D"eck Your Doors....

"C"an You Tell...

A B-eautiful Day...

An Autumn A...

A,B,C's of October....

Fally Fall Fall...

Happy October...

With a Name that Common...

Something to Think About....

Old Eliza....

A few home updates...

I'll Say It Again...

Happy One Month...

GIVEAWAY