Listen here...

This weekend I began my Christmas shopping. It may only entail a few items thus far, perhaps one for myself too, but it's a start.

The mall, festively decorated in trees, garland and lights, only perpetuated my itching holiday spirit. I wandered into Pottery Barn, marveling at the variety of rustic, bright and shiny ornaments. For a moment I reminisced of Christmas in New York, blanketed with snow, until I heard a woman's southern twang declare, "Heavens to Betsy!" and was reminded I was in the south.

"Heavens to Betsy"- an expression of mild surprise- is just one of the many southern expressions I have become acquainted with since moving to North Carolina over five years ago. Here are a few others.

Cut the lights - A request to either turn off, or on, the lights. It's interchangeability lends to its popularity.

Fix me some dinner - "Fix" can be used to substitute cook, bake, or general make, as in a sandwich.
I'm fixin' to - Here, "fixin" is used to imply that the speaker is about to do something.

Bless your heart - An expression of sympathy or pity; oftentimes an acceptable substitution for whatever you would say that triggers a mother's "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."

Get up with - To meet or get together with someone; "I'm getting up with Johnny later."

Appreciate it - Although "appreciate" isn't limited to the south, the preceding expression is used interchangeably-and quite commonly-with "thank you".

hush puppies - Not necessarily a phrase, but a side item of fried cornmeal that comes with food like fries. I'm a fan.

Piddlin' - Similar to "messing", as in "He spent all his time piddlin' about, he didn't finish his homework."

Ya'll - A phrase I've grown accustomed to using as it is much shorter than "you guys".

Hankerin' - Meaning a desire, as in "I have a hankerin' for apple pie."

Good night! - My favorite expression of surprise used by my father-in-law. This phrase was validated when Scotty from American Idol used it on stage (more than once).

It's over yonder - It's over there

What are some southern phrases you know and love?

Thankful

This week was jam packed with activity, and I loved it. I'm extremely thankful for the family, friends, and life I live. I am truly blessed.

(My apologies to instagram followers for the repetition.)

I hope you exercised your right to vote. This was pre-vote, but I thought I'd sport some patriotism until my sticker was earned. Thank a veteran today for the freedom to vote.

Lauren, one of my AP students, with her HeLA cell inspired nature piece. I love a girl who enjoys literature.

This cake belongs to Courtney who conquered baking (and styling) for an assignment that forced her to go beyond her comfort zone. Isn't this thing owlsome? 

My midweek pick-me-up was a dinner and (free) show with friend Erika. We enjoyed chicken and dumplings at Dish in Plaza Midwood and then traveled uptown to Blumenthal Performing Arts Center to enjoy the first show in the Broadway Lights Series: Jekyll and Hyde the musical.

The week wrapped up...

Thursday: with a invigorating Bible study with friends Michaela and Luke

Friday: breakfast for dinner and board games with friends-what's better than some good old fashioned board game competition?

Saturday: antiquing and date night with Chad

Wishing you a great start to your coming week. Another full week coming up. I'll be sure to take more pictures and keep you posted on the happenings.

October

So a month has gone by since my last post. Yikes! Here's a bit of what I've been up to.

A fabulous rustic and romantic fall wedding. Best wishes to Rachel and Joey

Falling in love with my new job.

Sunday morning fun with the kids of Splash at River Church Charlotte

A surprise trip home to New York to savor autumn in the north, good food, kitten love, family and their relics.

Busy, busy October has flown by, and it's hard to believe November is already here. Although I haven't yet broken out the decor, I am looking forward to all things holidays.