Tuesday Tip: Values Timeblocking

I’ve been thinking for a few months about what my day looks like. Now, I know January is the time where we’re all supposed to make resolutions, but what I’m talking about is far more than a plan or a goal. I’m realizing our intentions too often don’t match up with reality. Now, I know there are many reasons for this, but the primary one in my life is intentionality. That word gets thrown around a lot these days, but I’m determined to be deliberate in my life this year.

Unintentionally, in this brief time on the West Coast, a surprising group of wonderful women have been placed into my life, and last week, over coffee and sweets and babies and daytimers, we were talking through what was really important to us. So I sat up later that night, making my list of real values. This year is going to be full of many changes for both Becky and myself.

But my list ended up pretty much what you would expect from me: Christ, family, community, reading, learning, creating a home life for my family, volunteering, good food, disciplined finances, etc. But as I sat up into the night, a few unexpected values found their way onto the list as well: gratitude, wisdom, sleep, fashion, skincare and my appearance, organization, leadership, learning more about the lives of the greats, the study of history, and so on.

So, if I claim gratitude is an important value in my life, then why isn’t there time, blocked out daily, or at least weekly for me to focus on being grateful? Funny, as much as I love watching “Selling New York,” it didn’t make it onto my values list. So why is it I do more of that in a week than I do concentrated thankfulness?

Certainly, sitting down with a cup of tea, a magazine to flip through, and HGTV are one of life’s weekend pleasures, but the key here is, I’m regularly doing that and NOT what I say is important to me. It takes much more energy to sit and write a thousand gifts I’m thankful for, but don’t I get far more mileage in brain and heart power when I’ve done this?

“Timeblocking” is a big buzz word in the independently employed world, so I’ve taken this principle into my own life, and applied the “big rocks/small rocks” principal around making sure each morning I have time with Mr. SIT, a walk to move my body, to take care with my appearance each morning and organizing my day. I’ve blocked out time to read, to cook, to work, to sleep each day. I’ve blocked out hours to shop, to volunteer, to entertain friends in my home, to call those far and dear to me each week. And Southern friends, I encourage you to do the same. Listen, we don’t have to be perfect, but at the end of this year, I’d like the hours I spent in a day to add up to lots of beauty and energy and learning and family, and maybe a little less mindlessly browsing the internet.

How do you all fit in all that’s important to you into your every day lives?

 

Annual 2011 SIT Gift Guide: Ladies

Has that special girl in your life made you a Christmas list yet? No?? Well, we’re here to bail you out of a jam. Yes, diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But since we’re sure you just did that last year, here are a few other ideas, just to keep things interesting.

This signet ring is substantial enough to be rock-star cool, but simple enough to be classic.

How about a bit more rustic, everyday wear for the jewelry lover. This equestrian necklace is a gorgeous patina that she’ll want to wear with everything, on into the summer months.

The ladies love a great set of stationary to keep in touch with their dearest friends. Give her the gift of corresponding in style with these pineapple notecards.

Great Southern girls don’t mind sewing on the occasional loose button or two. But your girl will love it even more if she’s got a cute sewing kit, complete in a mason jar to do it with.

My favorite day of the week is shopping day. I love placing all my green veggies, fresh bread, and tasty goodies in a colorful reusable bag. These, from L.L. Bean are classics. And besides getting them in her favorite color, you can have them personalized for an extra special touch.

I love sticking small vials of essential oils in stockings. They have so many uses. Once you start, you’d be amazed at their health, cleaning, and gardening benefits. Try eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint to start.

I love these hair bands. They are simply the best.

Every girl loves a beauty product — especially if they help her relax and smell gorgeous too! Try this bath tea by Bettijo or the tea collection by L’Occitane.

Want to make something with your own two hands? How about these bath teas? They’d be most appreciated after the holiday hurrying and bustling, I’m sure.

Or if you prefer to support the handmade community, Etsy is a great source for gifts made with love. I’ve extolled my love before for these personalized jars by DayJarView filled with sweet notes to last your friends well after the holidays, and let them know you’re thinking of them into the new year.

Annual 2011 SIT Gift Guide: Men

If it’s often held true that men are the hardest to buy for, that’s quickly changed. Lately, I’ve been noticing the coolest gifts around with men in mind. Maybe it’s the rise of metros, or maybe there’s really just that much cool stuff.

But if you’re having trouble with the man in your life, fear no more! Sweet Iced Tea is here to help. Here are our favorite picks for all the good boys and good ol’ boys:

I don’t know about your house, but in mine, it’s the man’s job to put up the Christmas tree. So start his season off right by having one come straight to your door. Several companies now will deliver fresh, still growing trees to your home, and then plant them back after the new year. Your family can even adopt the same tree year after year, and watch it change and grow like an old family friend.

Got a golfer in your life? Make a golf gift basket with tees, balls, and a set of this care kit by F. A. Seeds, including polishes and leather conditioner.

If there is one surprising thing I’ve learned about Southern men, it’s that they actually love candles. Of course, they’re not often going to waltz into your favorite home store and pick up a bagful themselves, but everyone from my hubby to favorite uncle light the candles on the coffee table when they get a chance. My FIL (father-in-law) just had this tobacco candle burning all Thanksgiving in his sitting room, and it was delicious, and so manly.

Monogrammed handkerchiefs – Nothing better to show Southern chivalry than a guy who has a hankie in his pocket to offer along with his “Bless You. Give him a box of crisp new hankies in his stocking.

Men are practical creatures, so give him something of use and value. Like this fire-resistant document bag or a firesafe to keep his family’s precious memories and important papers safe. Peace of mind is a priceless gift.

Is your guy always looking for a screwdriver? Combine key ring with a useful tool that will always be with him where he can find it easily.

He can also never have too many flashlights. Especially when they are as cool as this super-bright LED model, with bulbs that will never need replacing. Tell him he, like this light, lights up your entire room.

Mr. SIT loves his iPhone to get us places, but we miss our GPS, mounted conveniently on the dash. Here’s a universal mount that will hold just about anything. Problem solved!

I love to stick a little something humorous in the mix. But I think any guy would seriously love this bacon soap.

If there’s a music lover in your family, how about one of these cool records-turned-clock to keep time in the man-cave. (Someone in my family is getting one of these, but I’m not telling who!)

What about an experience together? Book a massage for a day of relaxation after the parties are done and the lights are down and the snow is shoveled and the families are gone. A short drive across town to that fancy place you’ve always wanted to go to is a good excuse to throw in a lunch and perhaps even an overnight staycation in the mix. It’s something to look forward to after the holiday leaves.

And if you’ve got to do the gift card thing, at least put it in a clever ornament to be used again and add a little spark to, let’s face it, probably their favorite gift of all.

National Park: Timucuan Reserve

In keeping with my thoughts on doing things to get out of the house, away from the malls, we decided that some fresh air and a new (at least to us) hiking trail might be just the ticket for a Saturday afternoon.  Living in an area full of walking trails, beaches, etc..we simply do not take advantage of our local spots nearly as well as we should.  Timucuan Park is just one such place that I haven’t visited in years and my fiancé simply just hadn’t been at all. 

There is so much interesting history in our area, as the French and Spanish battled over these pieces of land and relied much on the kindness of the native Indians, the Timucuans.  The fort on the reserve is a recreation, but one can most definitely get an idea of how things used to be, despite the large homes facing us from across the water.  We walked a one mile loop on the fort side and in all my life I have never, ever seen that much Spanish moss in one place. It is a photographer’s haven and makes me wish I brought more than just my iphone.

We also crossed the street and started out on the longer loop, but eventually turned around scared our car would get locked in the state park and we would be stranded!

Folks, this is the year to give and to give joyfully, but sometimes to be joyful you have to remove yourself and engage in something that refuels you and gives you peace. Being outdoors in God’s creation is one way I know how to change the pace and find joy.  I hope you will make the time to find joy this Christmas!

Annual SIT Gift Guide 2011: Books

It’s no secret we love to read around here.

So it’s natural that we love to give & receive books as presents. Think about it, if you can find a great book, it can transcend age/gender barriers and be the perfect present to last the year and a lifetime through. (Plus, is there anything easier to wrap than a book?)

So, here are just a few of our great suggestions for reading material (these work well on plane rides and car trips to grandmother’s house too).

Nathan Coulter by Wendell Berry — The first of Berry’s set in the fictional Port William, Kentucky, this Southern work is deeply emotional and human. A fantastic, but lesser known Faulknerian work from the South.

In the Company of Others: A Father Tim Novel by Jan Karon – I’m just going to pretend it’s not even a possibility you and yours haven’t read the rest of the Mitford series, and just remind you that the latest in the Father Tim novels came out this fall, so this would make a perfect present for Dad/Mom/Mamaw and everyone in your family who are old Timothy Kavanaugh friends.

God and Football by Chad Gibbs — Such an interesting read for any Southern man. Seems almost like the title could be a book describing the South — God & football. In that order, thank you very much.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson — Everyone knows someone in the South who has hiked the Appalachian trail. But, not really being too much of an “outdoor gal” myself (surprise, surprise, I know), I never really “got it” until I read Bill Bryson‘s hilarious journey in A Walk in the Woods. His books are some of the few that will literally make you laugh out loud. I also love I’m a Stranger Here Myself, The Lost Continent, and The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, but truly everything I’ve read of this man is genius — hilarious, informative, and warm. Perfect winter reading.

And if your friend or family member has a shorter attention span, but wants the gift that keeps on giving, we love magazine subscriptions for the holidays too. Make sure to pick up the latest copy, tie with a bow, and give them something to open and thumb through after the Christmas feast!

Our picks? Why, Garden & Gun of course!

We also love Cooking with Paula Deen for great Southern recipes and more.

And if you really love that so-n-so you’re buying for, the gift of a thousand books — a Kindle. I’ve loved every incarnation since the first. Amazon has a large selection of books and stellar service. The perfect gift for anyone!

Annual SIT Gift Guide 2011: Children

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for, our Annual Sweet Iced Tea Gift Guide. This year, we’re doing a whole week of gift suggestions, since there are so many great options out there. So check back each day this week for many great ideas for the man, woman, booklover, or foodie in your life.

We start off with children, because isn’t the real reason for Christmas, all about One Child?

To get your imaginations started, here are our picks for the kids in your life:

Weren’t you just fascinated with snow globes as a child? I certainly was. Seems there are loads of tutorials going around these days on how to make your own, but if you’re running out of time for a hand-made gift, we suggest these great versions made of Southern-inspired mason jars.

For the little lady in your life, this was one of the best movies from Disney in recent years — The Princess and the Frog. And, it’s filled with Southern charm and music.

Kids love making art, and the colorful and modern creations they’ll be sure to create with this Hypotrochoid set might just be worthy of framing.

Not every toy has to come with wires and batteries. Little guys and girls will be just as fascinated with the colorful, wind-up throwbacks to yesteryear like these rad robots. (I know a few adults who would love a cool addition like this to their desk or mantle as well!)

Can anyone tell I have a love-affair with anything from Restoration Hardware? I can see the charges in your life captivated for hours with these finger puppets.

And if you follow the something they need, something they want, something to read, something to wear rule, here’s a cute little something for those tiny feet: Frye boots for baby!

May I share my very favorite stand-out gift as a child? A bouquet of Christmas flowers my father brought home, just for me, one evening during the holiday season. I’m not sure what inspired his little stop, but I got to keep them, all for myself in my room for that week, and it was the most magical part of any Christmas I can recall. Don’t forget the little luxuries we often enjoy for ourselves, a little princess might receive years of joy from the memory.

Or perhaps they’d like to grow their own garden. Part toy, part science experiment, this Root Farm will grow right along with your kid while he learns a bit about the unseen world of plants.

One of the greatest storytellers of our time resides right in the South, Nashville to be specific. Andrew Peterson uses his fantastic imagination through story, song, and words. His Wingfeather Saga trilogy is reminiscent of Narnia or Hogwarts. Start with On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. These bedtime tales aren’t to be missed.

And finally, if you don’t have any children in your life at the moment, consider being a part of a child’s life who could really need something far more than a new toy or book. We’ve had the privilege to sponsor children through Compassion International for the past few years, and it is such a joy to watch them grow and learn, and to make a difference to them and their families, when we’ve been given so much. But there are many other great organizations, here and abroad.

Beauty Queens Revisited

The holidays are approaching and while there seems to be a million and one things to do, you should really try and get away from the malls (yes, leave them) and do something that is a little bit more stimulating.

Don’t worry, I have just the cure! It is art!

One such art show is taking place in Water Valley, Mississippi (pretty much Oxford) on Friday, December 9, 2011.

Our friend, Erin Austen Abbott, who we post about all the time, is at it again with amazing photographs.  This showing will feature photographs of former beauty queens.  Living in a culture in which we derive so much importance and status from beauty, I know this will be an engaging exhibit.  Not only will the show these amazing photographs but the actual show is taking place is in an old converted barber shop, Yalo Studio.  Featuring an eclectic mix of art attendees will not be disappointed.

Here is a preview of Yalo Gallery:

{photos from flickr}

Tuesday Tip: Hot Rolls

Nothing’s better than a hot fresh dinner roll. But how to keep those rolls hot from the oven on your Thanksgiving table? Place a ceramic tile in the oven while the rolls are baking. Once they’re ready to come out, carefully remove the tile and place it in the bottom of your basket, cover with a napkin or towel, and lay the rolls on top. Keep your rolls covered with the towel or napkin as well, and they’ll stay warm for the entire meal!

You can often get leftover ceramic tiles from construction companies, or even your local bath tile merchant, though many kitchen specialty stores stock them too.

Dallas City Guide: Frivolities

So there you have it, Sweet Iced Tea’s favorite places to sleep, eat, see, and shop. But we just had to squeeze in a couple more great things to do for our last day of the Dallas City Guide that didn’t seem to fit anywhere else, so we’re calling them our Dallas Frivolities.

Beck Park at night

Beck Park — Just outside the museum is a small modern park where you can sit and relax, have a little picnic, or meet some of the locals. A Dallas icon.

Three Jays Carriage Ride — If you really want to see the city from a unique perspective, contact Three Jays for a carriage ride. Not just your typical horse and buggy, these stylish rides will take you all over the city to some of its historic and must-see sights. So much more fun than taking a cab, but be sure to make a reservation!

Ok, Dallas natives, did we leave anything out? If so, be sure to let us know in the comments!

Dallas City Guide: Shop

Alright, y’all, we’re continuing with our city guide, and now we come to the really fun part of the “Big D,” shopping!

There are so many fantastic places to shop, and you know I love antiques, so we’ve decided to break it up by antiques, and then every other category under the sun.

Antiques & Old Things

• White Elephant Shop – Everything you could want to find — from paintings to pottery, jewelry to books, music, furniture, toys, tools…
• LOST, also FOUND — These two sister shops (what a cute name for antique stores) are located in Dallas’ design district and have some of the area’s premier dealers offering their wares.
• Buchanan Market – Check your itinerary calendar to see if your visit falls on one of the days the Buchanan Market is open. If you do happen to catch this gigantic flea market, you’ll be lucky enough to be among 85,000 square feet of dealers with collectibles ranging from Texas to Europe and everywhere in between.
• City View Antique Mall – This family owned shop has loads of historic dealers who are some of the most experienced in the business. You’ll want to be sure to leave plenty of time to browse around all they have to offer.
• Parkhouse Antiques – One word describes Parkhouse – romantic. From French to Italian home and garden products, you’ll be sure to find something pretty here.
• Mecox Gardens – Mecox specializes in antiques and reproductions. It’s one of those stores that is the reason why Dallas is becoming known the world over as a spectacular place to shop.
• Again and Again — While you might not call “Again” antiques, it’s certainly vintage. But while I sometimes think of vintage as a bit more granola, this place is stylish, modern, and unique. She takes the good bones of old things and makes new again with fresh touches for a bold look that you won’t find easily elsewhere.

More Shopping

• Bishop Arts District, including Bishop Street Market – If you’re going to shop, you’ve got to start off in the hip Bishop Arts District. Head to Bishop and David and start on the corner Street Market where you’ll find gifts for everyone, including yourself. Everything from jewelry to chocolates to fragrances. Then grab some lunch at one of the many trendy restaurants before you continue to shop. Whether it’s clothing, body care products, linens, toys, bags, art, party supplies, or plants. You can even get your hair done before you head out for an evening on the town. Grab a cup of coffee, and check their website, as they often have events and concerts worth sticking around for as the main evening event.
• Ballard & Blakely – Everything from home, to floral, to vintage, to seasonal, this charming place has something for anyone.
• Curiosities — The best way to describe what Curiosities sells is “Oddities.” From folk art to mid-century, fine art to antiques, you’ll be sure you’ll find a unique treasure at Curiosities.
• Gypsy Wagon – I just love their tag line — “Sussies for Everyone.” I didn’t know anyone beyond my family knew what a “sussy” was until I stumbled upon this shop, full of cute clothes, Texas cowboy boots, jewelry, stuff for the home, even for baby. And of course, you can pick up a sussy, for anyone!
• Urban Flower/Grange Hall — This store is hard to “get,” but if you do, it’s beyond cool. Yes, it is a flower shop, but it’s got this haunted house, European vibe that makes it so much more. Definitely worth a visit.
• Uncommon Market — Much as been written about UM, so just go.
• LaMariposa – I so distinctly remember this store, though it’s been years since I’ve visited… that’s how unique its wares are.
• Uptown Country — This cottage-style shop features shabby chic gifts, furniture, art, and accessories in a girly style.
• Ceylon et Cie – Sophisticated, sleek, glamorous. Their philosophy is old-world and “more is more.” Curator Michelle Nussbaumer has been featured in Southern Accents, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and many more, so you know her aesthetic is spot on.
• Aritzia – If you’re looking to Dallas as the South’s fashion go-to, you’d be right on at Aritzia. Even though they started in our Canadian neighbors to the north, they’ve got boutique markets around North America. But Dallas is the only city in the South lucky enough to have this trendy boutique where you can find some of the latest looks for the season.
• Horchow Finale — Located just outside Dallas in Plano is a mecca for all shoppers who, like me, love Neiman Marcus and Horchow. The final sale items end up here, along with any slightly damaged goods, so you can find fabulous products for 90% off original price. Happy hunting!
• William-Christopher – A small design shop, you’ll find vintage inspired items with classic touches, as well as their custom designed furniture and other various gifts and accessories. Worth a stop.
• James McInroe Inc. – You wouldn’t know it from the outside, but if you stumble into this designer’s showroom, you’ve entered into some of the best Dallas has to offer. Distinctly Southern design, but with a glamorous bent.
• Stephanie Anne  — I clearly love those shops where there’s a little something for everyone. From jewelry, clothes, furniture… Stephanie Anne’s offers a lifestyle of multicultural, but completely down to earth products, all from her finely tuned perspective which she like to describe as “Queen Elizabeth meets Chanel.”
• Collage Classics — Imported from California, these designers opened their modern 20th century furniture store in 1990 in Dallas and have never looked back. Their wares, including lighting and architect-inspired furniture have been featured in national magazines and even museums.
• Half-Price Books — Y’all know we couldn’t have gotten out of Dallas without at least one bookstore on the list.
• Gameday Cloth – You really can’t be in the heart of Texas without catching just a little of the local sports fanatic spirit. So if you need to show your pride, head over to Gameday Cloth for cool tees and memorabilia from teams all over the South.