Stop Tolerating the Intolerable

As most of you know, working in the public doesn't come without challenge. There are many parts of my job I enjoy, there are others that I just don't like at all. A big part of my responsibilities include collections. While it is true that I knew what I was getting into when I took on the job, that doesn't mean it comes without thorns. This week in particular I have dealt with two repossession situations and neither have been easy, but both have made me think. I find myself reflecting on the lies that are told and the harsh words that are said and I wonder why they flow so easily from some mouths. In the past. I have always just said, “I am glad my mama taught me better” or more simply “how disrespectful”, but today a new reality hit me.

I work in a small office and we try to stay on the same page so that no one is blindsided when dealing with a particular customer or situation.While relaying a conversation I had with a customer which involved my being called a very inappropriate name, I was told not to take it to heart. But, I think that is actually the problem. We have become so tolerant of being called names and spoken to with little to no respect that it has just become “the norm” and it shouldn't be. By tolerating bad behavior we are accepting bad behavior and with acceptance comes mass reproduction.

I for one am tired of the hate and anger that has become so widely spread. My heart hurts for children who are growing up in a world where they aren't encouraged and lifted up by strangers and loved ones alike. I am saddened by the lack of love shown in a smiling face while passing someone on the street. These things have been replaced by judgement and bullying, by whispering and eye rolling. These are not the things that our nation was built on. These are the very things that are crumbling our foundations. Our families, our churches, our schools and our nation are all suffering and it starts in the heart of each of us. It is time that we all do our part. Start holding each other accountable. Stop tolerating the intolerable. Start taking things personally and then do something about it. It is time that we mend our foundations and build strong families and communities again. It is time we make a difference!

Share with us the difference you are making!

Saving for Christmas....in July!

Hey Ya'll! I know we have been gone on a bit of a sabbatical, but....we are back and ready to post! School is starting back, vacations are ending and fall is coming so we have LOTS to talk about!

My first post back is probably not something we are not ready to start thinking about, but we need to. Christmas. I LOVE Christmas! To me, the worst part about it is that it doesn't last long enough. I am a decorate in November leave it through January (sometimes longer) kind of girl! So, maybe not all of you can agree with me on that, but I bet you will agree that the Christmas season is EXPENSIVE!
Every year I tell myself that I am going to do better about planning ahead so that all the expense doesn't hit at once, but this year, I have already put my plan into action!

Here are a few tips to help minimize the financial blow of Christmas!

1) PLAN! Make your shopping list early. Knowing who you are planning to buy for will help when you run across something they may like over the next few months. Don't forget to add in a few hostess gifts for those parties you will attend.

2) Set a budget! Last year I found a gift organizer app that helped me keep track of what I purchased and how much I spent per person. Decide what will work best for you without causing a hardship and stick to it!

3) Start saving! Use your budget to determine how much you should put back each payday. Whether you use a savings account or a coffee can buried in the back yard, make sure you keep your Christmas money separate from your other $$$!

4) Designate and area to store gifts you purchase early! There is nothing worse than purchasing a gift early and not remembering where you hid it later.
5) Encourage your family to plan early! If you will be traveling for the holidays you could save a ton by booking flights and hotels early!

6) Stocking Stuffers! Stockings are one of my favorite Christmas traditions but they can add up to a hefty price in a hurry. Especially if you don't plan ahead. Back to school clearance is a great time to shop for stocking stuffers!

7) Don't go overboard! Try to make it through this holiday season without racking up a whole lot of debt. It will make the New Year much more pleasant!

8) ENJOY IT! Without the stress of rushing around and crowds you are more likely to enjoy choosing the doll that looks just like your niece or the perfect handbag for your sister in law! There can be such joy in gift giving! Not to mention, you will have so much more time to make memories with your loved ones!

I hope these ideas will get you started on a much happier path to the holidays! What do you do to save yourself from the stress of expenses surrounding the holidays? We would love to hear from you!

The First Steps to Becoming A Couponer...

1. Pick Your Store(s).... When you are first starting your couponing journey, I encourage you to take it one store at a time. Pick a store you are most comfortable with that is convenient to you. DO NOT start with drug stores. That is another post, for another time. 
2. Knowledge is POWER (and money).... Once you have picked your store, visit their website and download their coupon policy. EVERY store has one. But that isn't enough, you then need to contact your local store and ask them about their policies. In a lot of cases, managers have the power to override the policy, so it pays to check. The other thing you are going to want to learn is the lingo. There are lots of abbreviations and such that you will want to learn in order to understand what you are reading. You also need to learn when to recognize a "good deal" just because it is on "sale" and you have a coupon, does NOT mean you need to buy it. Learn what an acceptable price is for the items you buy, then learn what a stock up price is. We will touch more on this in another post as well.
3. What do I use anyway?.... If you are anything like me, you walk into a store for two or three things and leave with everything except the milk that you went after. The same thing happens when I try to plan meals, I can't even think that I possibly know how to cook enough meals to fill a whole week, never mind trying to remember what all is required to make said meal. So, take some time and make a master list. I use an Open Office spreadsheet on my computer but a handwritten one will work fine. I use this as an inventory so to speak. I tried downloading one off the internet but every household is different, so it really is better to just make your own. Mine is broken down into categories. But, do what works best for you. Make sure you do this for hygiene items and medicines as well. This will help you to not clip coupons for things you will never use. For instance, there are ALWAYS diaper coupons, but I don't have any need for them, so it would be silly for me to buy them JUST because they are on sale. Update this list weekly or monthly with how many of each item you have in your stockpile, that was you know when you need to start looking for sales on specific items.
4. Where to find coupons.... Coupons are literally everywhere but for starters, look to your Sunday paper. There are schedules posted all over the internet for what inserts to expect each week of the year. Just Google it. Online is also a great resource for coupons. You can print them from sources such as Coupons.com and you only select the ones you know you need. There are also coupon clipping services that you can find online where you select the specific coupons and quantities that you are looking for. I haven't personally used one, but I know several people who have. Once you get the hang of things a little more, you will start noticing coupons in your magazines and hanging on shelves in your local grocery store and stuck to the products themselves. Just always be on the lookout.
   
   
   
5. Organization is key.... You have to find a system that works for you! I use a three ring binder with baseball card inserts and dividers. But, that may not work for you. Find an efficient way that suits your shopping style and make it work! Oh, and it never hurts to make it pretty because it will become your new constant friend!
6. Patience!.... I know this is everyone's favorite word, but it really is important in order to be successful. Be patient with yourself. You aren't going to figure this out overnight. Take it one step at a time and know that you are working towards saving your family a lot of money. More time will be required in the beginning until you figure out a system that works for you. Then, it will become like second nature. I also feel like I may need to shed some light on something here, the TV show Extreme Couponing, IS NOT REALITY! You will save a surprising amount of money and you will develop a fantastic stockpile but it won't happen over night and it won't happen at one store.
7. When Should I Shop?.... Choosing the best time to shop is crucial. To avoid loosing your train of thought and annoying people in line at the register you don't want to be in there when everyone else in town is too. So, avoid peak hours like right when school gets out. I also suggest shopping sales on the day they begin. I know this isn't always possible or convenient but you have a better chance of getting the quantities that you want if you do. If that isn't possible or you miss a time, check with your local store manager and find out when they restock and go then! I also briefly want to mention coupon etiquette (this is the South after all, we must use our manners!). I will save the majority of that info for another post but I did want to mention shelf clearing. Some don't have a problem with buying the last three cases of toilet paper and leaving the next busy mom high and dry, but I do. Be courteous. Stockpiling is GREAT but just be considerate. We don't want to contribute to the bad wrap that couponers are getting. If you know you are going to order LOTS of something, ask your manager if they can order extra just for you or to hold some and come back when they get their next shipment. Now, if there are only a few on the shelf, then it is fair game. You will just have to use your judgement in this area. 
8. Don't Exhaust Yourself!.... I was hardcore couponing in the beginning. I spent hours learning all I could and saving money at every turn (this is part of my personality type though, total INTJ). I built up a great stockpile and then, I was exhausted! The holidays were coming and then I started a new job and I just couldn't do it like I was. Well, I learned, that is okay! We lived off of our stockpile for several months and then, I just picked it back up. I figure, it helped to make sure things were getting used as they should instead of sitting in the cabinet for forever!
9. Enjoy it!.... One of my FAVORITE things to do after a morning of couponing is to sit everything on my kitchen counter and take a picture! Then I store everything in it's appropriate place (also something I enjoy a little too much) and pat yourself on the back, because what you have just accomplished is HUGE! Saving money on the things that you HAVE to buy, is amazing and you should be proud of yourself!
   

I look forward to writing more about couponing and please feel free to ask questions! I certainly don't have all the answers, but I will do my best to answer! 

Has the Digital Age Stifled our Vocabulary?

Words, the most powerful tool we carry with us everywhere we go. The very thing that can cut someone to the core or lift them to the clouds, depending on which ones you choose and how you put them together. Some are set to music others are arranged to rhyme. We use them as identifiers, to express feelings, to imply emphasis. At least, that is how life used to be.

We now live in a world where everything is sped up, faster is better. Shorter is more efficient. We type in shorthand and sometimes even speak it. The world of LOL and OMG has become a boring reality. We all do it, I can throw no stones. This actually all came about because of a conversation I was having this morning via FB Messenger. (One of my most frequent means of communication, part of being an introvert I guess.) Anyway, I was having a chat with my BFF (see there it is again) and her story was particularly hilarious and I kept finding myself typing LOL as a response. After the third time I said, “wow, I really think I need to broaden my vocabulary”. But, I mean, what do you do throw in a haha here and there? I guess there are some things that are just hard to replace in text. Maybe I will start using emojis instead.

But, then I started thinking, words are so under-appreciated now. We are always taking the easy way out. Statements aren't beautiful anymore, they are just statements. There is very little left to interpretation. I don't think there are many statements made today that will cause someone to stop in their tracks and truly contemplate 100 years from now. Timeless statements seem to be a thing of the past. I actually worry that kids aren't even being taught “flowery” words in classrooms today. Colorful adjectives and effective adverbs can put such a spin on an otherwise ordinary statement.

So, here is my challenge. Speak like you want to be remembered. Do you want to be known as the LOL girl or do you want to be known as someone who always spoke so that you clearly made your point and helped others to feel what you are saying? I don't know about you, but I choose the later!  

Review: Me Before You

I am so excited that we have decided to do book reviews each month, for several reasons! One, is that I love that all three of us adore books and can colaborate on a post together! Another is that I am not the one choosing the books that we are reading, so it is pushing me a little out of my reading comfort zone.

It seems as though I read the same type of books one right after the other! It is one of those things that I love and hate about being a Kindle reader. Once I finish a book, there is always a “suggested read” for something that is fairly similar to the book I just finished. So, I was excited to be challenged to read something entirely different from my norm. Now, with that being said, I wasn't so sure about reading a book set in modern day times. I am generally drawn to historical fiction and I think that is partly because reading is my escape. Some people are TV watchers or movie buffs but I am a book worm. So, when I want to escape “the real world”, I read. When I started this book and learned that it was set in modern day times, I didn't exactly get excited. But, I kept my mind open. And I dove right in. Once I started, I just absolutely couldn't put it down! I really can't say the last time I was this enthralled in a book. (Don't tell my boss, but I actually contemplated calling in sick so that I could stay home and read.)

Here are a few things I think you should know about Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

One of my favorite things about this book was the character development. I genuinely felt like I knew each of them. Every character played such an important role. Just like in my life, the people I come in contact with daily have an impact of my choices and even more so, my thoughts.

This book was so full of emotion. I felt every bit of it. I was full of compassion and anger and guilt right along side of the characters. I cried. I laughed. I held my breathe waiting for the outcome. Definitely have your tissues handy! Probably not the best book to read in your local coffee shop, unless you are a pretty crier.

Another major thing that this book offers is modern day controversy. The basis of this book is very controversial, it even says that in the story, but it offers an inside look. There is no cramming ideas down your throat or harsh tones. It just uses a persons everyday life to show you, that not all choices are black and white. Not everything is an easy choice to make. We always think we know what we will do until we are actually faced with the hard reality. I know I took a lot away from it.

Probably my favorite thing is that just when my minds starts to wonder what is going on inside the head of another character, I turn the page to see a chapter written from their perspective! I LOVE that! In real life I am always curious how a situation looks to someone else, and I find myself searching for that same perspective in a book. I love knowing what the minor characters are ACTUALLY thinking, instead of how the main character perceives their thinking.

I am very anxious to see the film adaptation in just a few months and I am sure we will share our perspectives on that as well! I also plan to read the sequel, AfterYou, but I haven't started it yet! I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do! We would love to hear your feedback!

So I recently finished reading Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes, This is a book that I had put on my 2016 reading list only because I knew it was going to be adapted to film.  I have a rule when it comes to books and movies, always read the book before seeing any movie based on it. It is a good thing that I put this book on my list before ever actually laying eyes on the book. I am a huge judger of book covers (yes I know what they say, never judge a book by its cover) I can't help myself, and this book's cover screamed boring to me.

In this case what they say was true and you should never judge a book by its cover. This book quickly earned a spot on my favorite books of all time list. Once I began reading I couldn't stop. This book was an amazing read that made me fall in love with the characters and feel things that I have never felt from a book. This book in all of its breathtaking beauty changed me, and I can't say that for many books I have read. To risk any spoilers all I will say is that this book will change how you look at the world and life's hard decisions, it will show you that the world is not black and white but rather in technicolor.  After reading this book you might also change how you live your life. 

Also if you love this book you must read After You. 

Louisa Clark is an unassuming, eccentrically-dressed young woman who finds herself unemployed. After answering an ad to be caregiver to a quadriplegic, a job that is outside her comfort zone, she meets Will Traynor. A former adrenaline junkie, Will struggles to come to terms with the frail state of his body and being dependent on those around him for everything. When Louisa discovers the truth about why she’s there, she takes on an undertaking that will change her life and Will’s forever.

If I had seen Me Before You while out book-shopping, I probably would have skimmed over it. I probably have skimmed over it. The cover is unobtrusive and generally, I lean more toward historical fiction and historical non-fiction. If only I’d realized what a treasure lies between the covers. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I loved this book. I would easily consider it one of my favorite Realistic Fiction novels. I never wanted to put it down, but when I did, I was left thinking about it until I could get back to it.

What I liked:

The character development was phenomenal. A novel is only as good as its characters, and well-developed characters should hop off the page. Between Will’s tendency for sarcasm and Louisa’s fashion sense, these characters did just that. I love books that provoke a real, physical reaction out of me. There were times I laughed out loud while reading Me Before You, and times I bawled my eyes out. This novel takes a situation most of us would pretend not to notice out in public and puts a face on it. It addresses an uncomfortable subject with raw emotion, paints a picture for us of the person at the center, as well as the friends and family who strive to keep them hanging on. This was a very “real” novel with no contrived dialogue or situations. I truly loved it.

What I didn’t like:

Honestly, I can’t think of anything I didn’t like. The writing was engaging, the characters were well-defined, the storyline was good. I loved it. It does have a bittersweet ending for those who prefer commercial fiction (where everything resolves happily and there’s even a little bow on top), but I would not criticize it for that. As a writer (and I’m sure many readers feel this way, as well), I have an appreciation for and a need for both happy endings and bittersweet ones.

I Agree to Disagree, do you Agree?

I have to say, that election years are a tough time to live in a social media fueled world! Everyday when I log into Facebook I am prepared to see a lot of angry and hateful posts. Like most people, my Facebook friends are a very diverse group, some from grade school, some from college, some are past and present coworkers and others are family. The majority of these people are not a part of my “inner circle” so to speak. I don't see or talk to them daily, it is just nice to know they are there and to keep up with the highlights (and lowlights) they choose to share with the world. Now, with that being said, it is safe to say that I am not on the same page with all of these people. We are not necessarily members of the same political party, nor do we all share the same beliefs or morals but in one way or another, I share some kind of connection with each of these people. A few weeks back Stephanie wrote about how it is okay to not be friends with someone on Facebook and I agree wholeheartedly with that; but I also know that you don't have to agree with each person that you do choose to be friends with.

Since I am originally from East TN, VOLS football is a common denominator between most folks there. It is assumed that if you are from Knoxville, that you bleed orange! But, occasionally, you run across that Gator lovin' East Tennessean and you make a choice. Do you automatically dislike them because of their choice, or do you choose to agree to disagree? Now, I am not saying there won't always be that friendly rivalry and banter exchanged, but most of the time, we can choose to disagree without sacrificing the relationship.

So, why can't we do the same thing with politics? There is no cut and dry answer. No wrong or right answer. Believe me, I wish there was. We all have different convictions and different reasons for why we choose the candidate we choose. Just as we all have a reason our loyalties lie with one sports team over another. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to downplay the importance of choosing the right Presidential Candidate for yourself. I know that a lot more is on the line in that decision than choosing who to root for on Saturday. But what I am doing is asking you to not be so harsh towards others for making their own choice. After all, that is what America is built on.

You ever heard the phrase, “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar”? Well, that is one of those Southern Sayings that our momma's have always told us and I think that it really just boils down to the Golden Rule and loving others. You sure wouldn't want anyone to treat you poorly because of what you believe, no matter what that is, so why do you find it acceptable to do it to others? Not to mention, the best way to win anyone over to your side, is through kindness. No one wants to be on the same team as a hateful unaccepting person.

So, here is my challenge, agree to disagree. Love each other anyway. Encourage each other. Pray for each other. Open your eyes, your mind and most importantly your heart. See things from the other side of the fence. If someone was to base your character solely on your behavior related to the Presidential Election, what kind of legacy would you be leaving behind? One of love? Or one of hate and anger? Think on that for a while. Maybe it is time we all just agree to disagree, don't you agree?

People Over Projects

Hey y'all! You may or may not have noticed that I missed out on posting last week. Working in the car selling business means LONG hours this time of year and I was stretched so thin that I was pretty much translucent! It was just one of those weeks that I can't say I am particularly proud of how I balanced everything, or should I say my lack of balancing everything! But, I did learn something from it, and that is what I am going to share with you today!

So, I am completely and totally one of those people who HAS to stay busy! I love to learn new things and be a part of anything I feel is worthwhile. I am a “project” kind of girl. I set goals for myself every year of new things I want to learn to do and I pick up new hobbies in between; needless to say, there is always something going on in my world. I think that most people would get very lost in the maze that is inside my head. Really, it is a”maze”ing! (bad joke, I know, I couldn't help it!) Well, anyway, last year I learned to knit,the year before I took on refinishing furniture and this year I plan to learn to quilt. I am sure there will be more on that later. But my point is, I tend to load my plate as though I am at an all you can eat buffet and my eyes are most definitely bigger than my belly! Some days this just makes me feel so defeated that I actually break down in tears. I want to be able to do everything and do it well and it just isn't possible. Something is ALWAYS forced to the back burner. And more often than not it is people. The sad reality tied to that is, in the end, people are all that matter.

The only thing I can figure is that, whether conscientiously or sub-conscientiously, we push people out of the way because people will understand. Your best friend understands if you can't do lunch because you just absolutely have to get caught up on laundry. Your husband understands if you work late and he has to eat dinner alone. Your kids understand if you can't take them to the park because there just isn't enough time. But, I am here to tell you. MAKE TIME. At the end of the day, there is NOTHING more important than those relationships. You are who you are because of these people and the person that you will be in ten years will be a direct result of the choices you make now.

Like I said earlier, last week was HARD for me. I spent nearly every night working late and I spent no time at all on my relationships. The most communication I had were a few measly text messages in moments I stole throughout my day. I didn't cook dinner, I didn't get to learn about his day, nor he mine. And I missed him. The man I live with was there and I wasn't. And so here I was, February 13^th late at night and I still have nothing planned for Valentine's Day which was a few short hours away. I had been thinking all day about what I could buy as a gift, or something I could plan, with very limited time and resources (I live in a small town and they roll up the streets about 9pm, even on a Saturday.) and I was drawing a blank. I had finally decided that at the very least, I needed to buy a card. So, I went to my local conveniently located Family Dollar Store and bought a card and a few other little things to add to a basket of goodies. While I was in there I decided to head to the video store and rent a movie, yes, we still have a video store and it is AMAZING! Then, like a brick wall, it hit me! What I really needed to do was give my time. This loving man that chose me to spend his life with deserves my attention. He deserves my UNDIVIDED attention!

So, instead of facing the mounds of laundry and pile of dirty dishes and all the other things that I “needed” to take care of on my day off, I suggested that we get in the car and just drive. See where we end up, visit a town we have never been to and just enjoy being together. This is honestly one of our favorite things to do and we don't take the time to do it near enough. We landed in a small town and ate at a little restaurant called Barrelhouse Pizza (FANTASTIC by the way) and it was honestly one of the best days I have had in a long time! No chaos, no interruptions. Just me and him.

This week I have still had to work late, but I have taken the time to focus on more than how tired I am and the million things on my to do list when I get home at night. I have invested my time and attention into people more than all my projects and I am NOT sorry for that.  

Keep Dancing!

Hey Y'all! I hope everyone has had a great week! It sure has been a long week for me! This time of year gets a little tough in my world, things at work are super busy, plus I start to get a little cabin

fever (the cold weather and I aren't friends) and overall life just gets to me a little.

While I would never wish I cloudy day on a single soul, I do know we all have those days...weeks...months...even years (though I certainly hope not!). So, please, allow me to share with you what I find helps lead me back to the sunshine!

Have a chat with your “person”. Who is this “person” you ask? Well, for me, my “person” is that friend that has seen me at my absolute worst! Like, haven't showered in a week, hair such a mess that you think it would be easier to just shave it off and start all over kind of worst (I mean this both literally and as an emotional metaphor) Yet, she still chooses not to judge me. Partly because she is a rare and amazing human but mostly because the train(wreck) runs both ways! This is the same friend that will ALWAYS tell the truth. Though it isn't always easy, someone has to be willing to say “that part of the 80's is NOT making a comeback” and “you absolutely CANNOT name your child after an inanimate object no matter how ingenious you may think it is right now”. On the flip side, this same friend is also my biggest cheerleader, (short skirt and pom poms included) the one person who will keep encouraging me to push the limits, the person who is always in my corner Okay, have you figured out who your “person” is now? Great! Now, repeat after me “Okay Google. Call (insert “person”'s name here).” or “Siri, call (insert “person”'s name here). Android and Iphone respectively, of course!
Take a hot bath! To me, there is NOTHING better on a cold night, after a long day, than a hot bubble bath! I grab a book and my drink of choice (tea, coffee, wine) and lock the door behind me because it is time for an adult time out! I have heard that hot baths have a lot of benefits, both mentally and physically, making it a WIN WIN! You get a break and all your anxiety washes right down the drain!

Do something just for YOU! I often feel guilty for indulging in something that is just for me. I am constantly worried about taking care of everyone else and making sure they are happy while only forgetting about myself. I find myself always trying to justify my purchases, assuring myself that they are things that I NEED. Well, I am working on realizing that it is okay, every once in a while, to buy something just because I want it. Occasionally, it should be ALL ABOUT ME! I work hard and deserve to treat myself to something nice! So, schedule a pedicure, buy some new shoes, have a night on the town, just remember to take the time to do what makes you HAPPY!

Keep Dancing! The most important thing I have to do when life is kicking my butt is to fight back!

“When others try to get your tutu into a twist....Just twirl around and keep dancing” - Jane Lee Logan

I read that quote earlier and I was reminded that things happen to us all, but how we choose to face those things is what sets us apart. We can't let life knock us down!

What do y'all say? Shall we dance?

Southern Fried Fun: Southern Sayings and Their REAL Meanings!

Happy Friday y'all! I have poured myself a big 'ol glass of sweet tea and have settled in at my desk to shed some light on a dark world. Ya know, that world that lies north of the Mason Dixon line. Well, okay so the North isn't THAT bad at all, but I know plenty of y'all think we are just plum crazy down here with all these jumbled up sayings that you can't make heads or tails out of. So I figured it is high time we Southerners let y'all in on our secret code!

As some of y'all might know, I am from East TN but now call West TN my home and while both are in the south there are still variations ( A LOT OF VARIATIONS) in the way I talk and the way everyone else talks! That being said, it is that way all over the South so these sayings I am going to share with you, may not be exactly how your Mama said 'em, but you'll get the picture! 

1) I bought it for a song. 

That is a saying we use to describe gettin' a REAL good deal on something! 

2) Does a cat have climbing gear? 

This saying is used as a "well duh!" response.

3) Madder than a wet hen!

Have you ever encountered a wet hen? Well, it ain't pretty and I would steer clear at all costs!

4) Drunk as Cooter Brown. 

Who knew, Cooter Brown is a real person! With quite a reputation! You can read about him here.

5) He doesn't have a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out of.
I am really glad that using a "pot"ty is not a common thing anymore! But back in the day, it sure was the norm. And if you didn't have a pot to pee in or a window to throw it out of, you were sure enough poor. 

6) That makes about as much sense as tits on a bull.

This one makes me laugh cause I imagine someone trying to milk a mean old bull. Silly, isn't it?

7) Walkin' in High Cotton
Cotton is kind of a big deal in the south, so as a farmer high cotton is a true blessing!  

8) As happy as a dead pig in the sunshine.

This one I had to do a little research on myself. Apparently, when a pig dies in his pen and is left in the sun, his skin draws up and leaves him with a smile on his face. 

9) Can't Never Could.
Saying "I can't" just isn't acceptable. If you think you can't, you can't and you never could.

10) It came a gully washer.
According to Wiktionary a gully washer is an intense, but unusually short lived, rainstorm.

11) Do I look like I just fell off the turnip truck?
Finding the origin on this one is tough, it seems that there is no definite answer as to where it all started! I have read that it was made popular by Johnny Carson. The phrase falls in line right along "I wasn't born yesterday", meaning you aren't ignorant or insinuating that you have "been around the block a time or two".

12) Good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise.
There seems to be a little controversy here! I suppose I have always assumed that the phrase was literal, as in if the creek got to high, you wouldn't be able to pass it. And that, like a lot of southern sayings, the grammar is incorrect but normal to the slang way people talk. There seems to be another theory that the phrase came from a Colonel writing a letter to the President and was referring to the Creek Indian Tribe which would make it grammatically correct. Which every theory you want to claim, it still means the same. As long as it is God's will and nothing gets in your way, it will happen! 

13) What in the Sam Hill?
Seems this phrase comes from the notoriety of yet another rascal from the past. Sam Hill was a man that had such a potty mouth that his name became a cuss word all on its own!  

14) Put on the dog. 
To "put on the dog" means to make things fancy or put on your best! 

15) Quit bein' ugly!
I think everybody's Mama has told them at some point to quit bein' ugly. Which is southern code for straighten up and act right!

16) Clean as a whistle.
While there are several ideas about where this phrase originated, my favorite is in reference to the whistle sound a sword makes when it swishes through the air during decapitation. While it might be a messy answer, it sure makes it interesting!

17) How do ya like them apples?
While a true Southerner never gloats, (Mama wouldn't like it) this is one of those phrases that might be said to you when a turn of events favors the person saying it. But I assure you, they are absolutely NOT gloating! 

18) Don't let the screen door hitcha where the good Lord splitcha!
While a lot of Southern sayings add a little sugar, this one is a little different, it is more ummm direct! This is one way a Southerner may ask you to leave without hesitation and I suggest that you do so! 

19) Spit in one hand and want in the other, see which one fills up faster.
One thing Southerners are a stickler for is workin' hard for whatcha got. That is exactly the meaning behind this phrase, actions are what get ya somewhere, not wishes! Wish for it, then go make it happen!

20) Take it with a grain of salt.
This is a warning when hearing a tall tale (even though you might not realize it is a tall tale at the time). It is a well known fact that too much salt can ruin food, well the same is to be said about an exaggerated truth. Let's all go easy on the salt, it is better on the heart! 

21) I don't give a hoot.
Well, I think this one means something along the lines of ya can't be bothered to make a fuss.

22) Simmer Down!
We Southerners love our food and all too often our Mama's can be found in the kitchen. Well when the pot gets to boiling too hard, ya turn down the heat to simmer. Well, she expects the same thing outta her kids when they get too rowdy, "simmer down" means to calm yourself!

23) Haven't seen you in a coon's age!
A long time ago, back before all the scientific technology we have these days, it was believed that Racoons (coons) lived for a LONG time. That is where the phrase was coined, inferring a long time. 

24) Don't put all your eggs in one basket!
Eggs break way too easy so it is better to collect a few per basket to ensure they don't all break and you are left with nothin'. This phrase is often used to encourage people to spread their resources a little so that if somethin' goes sour, you don't lose it all!
25) You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.
You best keep that smile on your face and be sweet if you want to get your way! Bein' ugly doesn't get ya anywhere!

I sure hope ya'll enjoyed this list and maybe learned a few things along the way (I know I did)! This is part one of a series (Southern Fried Fun) where we will take a look at different things that make us who we are!  Y'all have a good weekend! We will see ya next week!

All in flavor of Aldi...

Everyone is a fan of saving money, right? I mean, with the price of milk nearing $5 a gallon we are forced to cut corners somewhere! Unfortunately, in most cases, when corners are cut, so is quality. Sacrificing quality ingredients leads to mediocre tasting food which takes away the excitement of eating a meal which depletes our love of cooking and leads to...take out! So now, we really aren't saving money!
Well, what if I told you I was gonna let you in on a little secret that has saved me money and IMPROVED dinnertime at my house?!
Let's go back to when I was in my early twenties and living with a roommate, so sick of Ramen and trying to figure out this whole adult thing. Are ya there? Okay. Well this new grocery store was being built in town and one afternoon we decided to check it out. Well, we hit roadblock #1 before we even made it in the front door! This place requires a quarter to use a buggy! So, now I'm wondering how I'm gonna save money if I have to spend some before I even get inside! (SIDENOTE: Later I learn that you get your quarter back as long as you properly return your buggy to it's home) Of course being typical 20 somethings we had NO change, so we carried on without a buggy. Once we are about halfway down the first isle we hit roadblock #2. We can't find ANYTHING we recognize! When you can't find "The Blue Box" (Its the cheesiest!) And your Honey Bunches of Oats are Honey Bunches of Nopes....you just quickly head for the nearest exit!
Needless to say, it was a while before I gave Aldi another shot, but now I LOVE IT! Like, seriously, I tell random strangers about how wonderful this place is because not only do I save money, the quality is incredible! (click here to learn about their double guarantee on their exclusive brands!)
I realize how scary it is steering away from national brands of foods, especially if you are dealing with a picky eater! (I raise my hand high on this one, I am SOO weird about foods.) So, I'm gonna share my insights with y'all on the ins and outs of Aldi (including recipes using some of my favorite things from there)!

This first recipe is something I threw together using staples I keep on hand!

Ingredients:
Fried Chicken Nuggets (recipe to come)
1 box Reggano (Aldi) penne pasta (or noodle of your choice)
2 Jars of Reggano (Aldi) pasta sauce
Stonemill (Aldi) crushed red pepper flakes
Stonemill (Aldi) garlic powder
Stonemill (Aldi) Italian seasoning
2cups Friendly Farms (Aldi) Mozzarella

Directions:
Prepare pasta as directed. While pasta is cooking pour pasta sauce into saucepan to heat. Add in crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder and Italian seasoning to your families tastes. Mix into sauce. Drain pasta and pour half into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Layer in chicken and sauce until gone. Cover the top in mozzarella. Bake in oven until cheese is thoroughly melted. Serve with Aldi garlic cheese sticks for a delicious treat!

I hope y'all will join me for more Aldi cooking adventures! See ya soon!