Music/Heart of Christmas

Christmas music is the joy of my heart.  On our road trip this fall, Ginger and I merrily listened to a few Christmas albums, and laughed at the fact that most people would think we are crazy.  The emotions surrounding the acts of giving, loving unconditionally and the birth of Jesus are something I do not take lightly, but rather cherish.  And Christmas music seems to usher in all of those sentiments. 

Without a doubt, my favorite of favorite Christmas albums is from Kentucky native, Steven Curtis Chapman.  The album, “Music of Christmas,” truly captures my heart in each and every song, and often I find myself tearing up while listening.  If you are looking to add to your collection of Christmas music, this is a “must have” on my list.  I can assure your enjoyment of the new arrangements of Christmas classics, as well as, Chapman’s new additions. 

In a year when Christmas is last on everyone’s list and money is tight, I hope you will be encouraged to remember that “Christmas is all in the heart, that is where the feeling starts…no, it is not in the snow that may or may not fall, and it is not in the gifts around the tree, it is the love heaven gave the night our Savior came…Christmas is all in the heart…and the JOY can still be found wherever you are…Christmas is all in the heart.”

1st Annual SIT Gift Guide

Christmas gifts. Source of much stress, and also much joy. It really is more blessed to give than to receive. Nothing makes my Christmas spirits soar quite like finding that just perfect thing for someone. But sometimes, let’s face it, someone in your life is so special that you want to have a small token to give them for Christmas that means what you want to say, but you’re just stumped.

Whether it’s the girl that has everything or the guy who has nothing, but likes it that way, we all need just a little inspiration sometimes. And I don’t have to tell you that time is ticking away, my friends! (I should stop writing right now and get to finishing my Christmas shopping/wrapping/mailing.)

So Sweet Iced Tea is here to help you out. We tried to hit every “category” (as if people can fit into categories – I know my friends and family don’t), and every price point. Even if these specific gifts don’t tickle your fancy, maybe they’ll be something here to inspire you, or you’ll stumble upon a store you’ve never known before. So, here’s our incomplete, slightly unorganized, way too long, but yet still not containing everything we’d like to share, first annual SIT Gift Guide. What’s on your wish list or gift list?

 

 

Men

• My parents bought my husband a cardigan this year, and while he’s usually a jeans and t-shirts kind of guy here in Florida, he’s thrown this on over everything. Instantly pulls they guy in your life together, and makes him snuggly.
• Every man needs a good hankie in his pocket.

From Delight

• You do not have to be a man to want this iPhone cover. (I sure do, just got to get them to make these for Blackberry.)
• Every guy needs one of these classic Leatherman tools. That’s all there is to it.
• Ok, I want all the stuff for the guys! This so-much-more-than patio heater would be a-maz-ing at tailgating. Your guy would be the man.

 

 

Ladies

• This deer print tank would be so cute for lounging around.
• A unique and cool bracelet.

From DayDefyProject on Etsy

• The most beautiful tree necklace.
• A sweet locket with bow charm.

 

 

Kids

• THE coolest playhouses. Guaranteed to make their imaginations soar.
• Sweet, original music boxes. You pick the song title.

From Tin Toy Arcade

• Old-fashioned tin toys. My someday children will only play with toys this cool, I promise.
• I secretly wish I was Jewish. Then I could have one of these personalized menorahs.

 

 

Food

Peterbrook Chocolate-Covered Popcorn

• You cannot go wrong with Peterbrook Chocolates. If you’re lucky enough to live in Florida, Georgia, or Alabama, you might already know the deliciousness that is chocolate-covered popcorn. If not, well, be thankful for the internet. I promise, no matter how strange the concept sounds, it will change your life.
• Another genius Etsy seller, peddling her fresh baked goods for us all to enjoy!
• Bacon jam. Need I say more?

 

 

Home

 

Milk Bottle Carafes from Three Potato Four

 

• Loving these milk bottle carafes. I need these for my guest room.
• Who doesn’t love a pretty pillow?
• This is, by far, the coolest kitchen piece of cookware I own. Ebelskivers are like tiny, filled pancakes. I do not claim to be an advanced cook, by any means, and it is so easy to use, and always impresses. I’m buying this this year for my “Secret Santa.” (Hope you’re not reading this, person whose name I drew. You’ll know who you are.)
• You cannot have too many cloth napkins (in my opinion). And so much the better if they are monogrammed.
• Personalized Trays. Catching the pattern here? Get any thing monogrammed, and it goes from useful object to thoughtful treasure.

 

 

Body

From Etsy seller Flourish

• I want the pomegranate rose bath salts, or anything from Etsy seller, Flourish Bath and Body.
• Would there be anything better than smelling like clean, fresh cotton. Such a simple scent for a body splash.

 

 

Books & Magazines

• I can’t live without my glossies. You know our favorite Garden & Gun. But a subscription to Cooking with Paula Deen or Southern Living would be welcome classics to enjoy all year around.
• On the top 100 books of 2009 list from the New York Times, a biography, Flannery: A Life of Flannery O’Connor.

Pictorial Webster's Visual Dictionary

• I just bought this Pictorial Webster’s as a present (to myself, but don’t tell anyone), and it is beautiful. I could look at it for hours.
• Husband bought me a Kindle for our anniversary last year. It’s the original e-book reader. Amazon has endless books, fantastic service, and cheapy cheap cheap prices. I love my Kindle. I cannot say enough about it. Seriously, if you have any concerns about giving up the paper books, ask me, I’ll regale the qualities of it all day long.

 

 

Handmade

• If you haven’t noticed, I have a thing for Etsy. Everything is handmade, so the sellers really care about their product. And the chances you’ll have something original, and not like every other Target factory product are greater. (I love you Target! Don’t get me wrong!)
• So, spend some time browsing Etsy and it’s sister handmade sites such as Big Cartel for those folks that just nothing seems just right for. If nothing else, you’ll be proud to say, “It’s handmade.”
• Here are just a few more of my favorites:
• De Poppenkraal – This is half steampunk, half prim Victorian. Perfect to give your stylishly cool grandma. (I have this other side to my Southern-ness. I have a secret love for all things “steampunk.” It’s strange. I have my theories, but I really can’t explain it.)

Portrait Earrings from De Poppenkraal

• TheBeSide – I immediately thought of several friends (way cooler than me), that I could give these to. These Box Link Earrings are the coolest and you could do any outfit with Misshapes on Chain.

 

 

Anyone

 

Moleskin City Books

 

• I don’t go anywhere without at least one Moleskin in my purse. (Usually 3 — I know, it’s a problem.) These Moleskin city guides are perfect for anyone in your life you know is jet setting (lucky things) sometime this year. They’ve got 44 cities so far. Bonus points if you tuck a plane ticket and some spending cash in the right currency in there. (And, uh, if you do, can you be my friend?)
• It’s the 70th anniversary of Gone with the Wind. One of the greatest epic love stories of all time and Southern to boot. A classic favorite movie.
• It’s a rare sight to ever spot Ginger without heels on, but if you do, there’s a good chance I’m in Toms. Addictive, cute, and a good cause. For every pair you buy, they give a pair to a child in need. You’ve seen the commercial.
• If I’m ever having a bad day, I go check out Improv Everywhere. It is the funniest and happiest concept. I want to live in a world where things like this exist. In my own head, I’m constantly in a musical movie, and these folks make things like this happen. They’ve put their adventures in a book. They cause scenes.
• I’m like a walking advertisement for Netflix. As if I need anymore excuse to be a homebody, but there’s nothing better on cold January nights.
• This has changed my life. If you have a friend who really insists you don’t get him or her anything, but you want to show some token of love, please consider Compassion International. It’s such a small expense on my list of bills, but it makes such an impact on a child’s life and is a monthly reminder that there are bigger problems in the world than my own. Or perhaps you want to consider adding a child’s sponsorship to your own family.
• Homemade. Get creative and make something on your own. If you do it correctly, you can save a lot of time shopping by making everyone the same thing (especially if it’s food, everyone can enjoy). Photo frames, pillow cases, socks, scarves… for some homebodies (like me), it’s much nicer to sit at home watching Rudolph than frantically running about to every store in the mall.

And I didn’t even get into stockings or wrapping, but I’ll give you a hint as to what’s winding up in my family’s stockings. Sharpie pens (LOVE these), mini Moleskin notebooks, Avon chapstick and lotions, Altoids, staple free stapler, pralines, and, of course, oranges! Oh, and my wrapping paper is a preppy pink and green this year!

Now, hop to it, kids!

Sweet Potato Pie (And I Shut My Mouth)!

It takes a lot to get a Southern girl to shut her mouth. But sweet potato pie just might do the trick.

No, we haven’t forgotten that we are still officially in fall. There is still so much harvest bounty to celebrate.

There is no better transition recipe from fall to winter, in my humble, but accurate, opinion, than sweet potato pie.

If you’ve got some extra sweet potatoes from your Thanksgiving feast that need to be used up, try this delicious recipe.

Pie from my Thanksgiving Table

Boil 1 pound of sweet potatoes whole in skin for 40 to 50 minutes, or until done. Run cold water over the sweet potatoes, and remove the skin.

Break apart sweet potatoes in a bowl. Add ½ cup butter (softened), and mix well with mixer. Stir in 1 cup sugar, ½ cup milk, 2 eggs, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth. Pour filling into a 9-inch unbaked pie crust.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 55 to 60 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Pie will puff up, and then will sink down as it cools.

Merry Christmas, Y’all!

Squirrel in the Attic

You know I love Jennifer’s cards at Squirrel in the Attic.

She’s got a new batch (along with all my other favorites) of Christmas cards that I just had to get my hands on — Southern-inspired, of course.

(Plus, she’s another military-wife, so I completely co-misserate her plight to send something special regularly.)

I just had to order some of these! I’m determined to get my Christmas cards out this week to all my friends and family!

Hanging of the Green

From Hodges Flickr

Another Advent tradition that I love, and have not yet had the priviledge to participate in first-hand is the church “Hanging of the Green.”

I first heard of this while reading my beloved Mitford books, and got a glimpse for this Southern Baptist Belle into the world of our brother Episcopalians.

If you missed the chance to participate in a Hanging of the Green service yesterday, on the first day of Advent, why not participate in one of your own.

Make an official ceremony out of hanging greenery on your mantle or banister, or the wreath on your front door.

Here are some guides to guide you, but feel free to add your own words, songs, and so forth.

Just another way to “keep Christmas” in our hearts.

Good-Bye Fall

Today is the last day of November, and while Sweet Iced Tea and the rest of the world are gearing up for Christmas, I couldn’t help but send off fall with well wishes.  Fall ushers in so many things we love.  Therefore, it must be praised! It is the season of root vegetables, leafy greens, Halloween candy, cider, cooler weather, falling leaves, the start of school, sharpened pencils, sweaters, apples, football, and so much more.  As much as I love Christmas (which is a lot), I prefer not to give up the other seasons and holidays. 

Good-Bye fall.  You will be missed, but in my heart I am happy to know we will see you again, next year.

Here are a few pics of North Carolina apples brought back from a recent trip, and I hope you enjoy the last day of November.  (Remember, winter doesn’t officially start until December 21st. )

All pictures are from www.sweeticedtea.wordpress.com. 

 

Advent

Well, it’s upon us. The season so many of us wait all year for – Christmas.

Whatever holiday you and your loved ones celebrate, this holiday season is anticipated all year long. (I’m unashamed to admit the first Christmas music usually finds its way out of my collection around August.)

But it’s easy to get so busy with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with baking and wrapping and party-going, that we forget what the season is really all about. The anticipation is lost in our business.

That childlike Christmas list turns into a grown-up “to do” list.

This year, I’m vowing to remember, and recognize the season of Advent. We’ve all heard of Advent. You probably have an advent calendar sitting somewhere in your décor. But I must admit, I didn’t know its full meaning until a few years. There are many traditions we don’t even realize come from the observance of Advent.

The term Advent means “coming.” It is a reminder of the original waiting and anticipation that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah. This season, officially four weeks long, begins on the fourth Sunday before December 25^th.

 

Advent wreath from Wikipedia

Often in your church settings, there will be special readings or specific teachings in the liturgy. And there will often be an Advent wreath or those purple, blue, or pink candles.

My favorite Christmas hymn is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” This carol refers to the forthcoming birth of the Messiah, and each verse represents a prayer.

I know of someone who even endeavors to complete her Christmas shopping before December 1^st, so she can fully partake in the joy of the season (brave and organized woman)!

More than anything, it’s a reminder that before presents are bought or wrapped, food is baked or eaten, television holiday specials are viewed, we must remember the original good tidings that bring peace and goodwill to all men.

What special Advent traditions do you and your family celebrate?

What’s the best part about Black Friday?

Gobble leftovers!

But what to do with all that leftover turkey? Well, we’ve got some suggestions for you!

Nothing is more comforting than a pot pie. Just substitute turkey for chicken in your favorite recipe!

For something spicy and different from all that comfort food, try Turkey Tortilla Soup.

Y’all know I love my crock-pot. So while you go out (crazies!) to all those after-Thanksgiving sales, put a nice pot of Lemon Turkey Noodle Soup. Mmm… smell that simmer after you’ve shopped ’til you’ve dropped!

I love a hot, crusty panini sandwich. If you’ve got some leftover spinach-artichoke dip, this would be delicious.

(A secret of allrecipes.com: you can put any leftover ingredient combination, and it will suggest recipes containing those remaining ingredients.)

Thanks, From a Grateful Heart

This year I am thankful for so many things. I know, as with all of y’all who grew up in the South, I’m thankful for those obvious and regular things that most of us grew up not even noticing. I have a roof over my head each night, a comfortable bed to sleep in, and a warm meal most anytime I please. I have a job, that while most days feels like a job, it’s full of great people doing a great work, and we shouldn’t take for granted the ability and opportunity to work. I’m healthy. I have a wonderful church family. I have a wonderful Dad, Lady (mom), sister, brother-in-law, FIL, MIL, and SIL (and two puppy-nephews). I have a wonderful husband, who sacrifices every day to fight for our American freedoms that we enjoy. I’m very proud and thankful for him.

I’m also so grateful to you, our readers and mostly, our friends. We get to share what makes us smile every day with someone, so we’re grateful for that. And I’m thankful for my dear friend, Becky – my partner in Sweet Iced Tea shenanigans. For being the other half of my brain (y’all don’t even know; it’s scary sometimes!), for enduring my stops every hour on roadtrips, and for bringing me pumpkin doughnuts! A dear friend, and a great Southerner.

 

So, gosh, in listing all these “typical” things I’m thankful for, I’m overwhelmed. A friend of mine used to say that if God never gave another blessing, ever again, she had been given enough up to this point to be grateful forever. What a humble and grateful attitude.

 

It’s so easy to get busy. And it’s so easy to complain about this or that trivial matter. And I know it’s genuinely been a tough year for some folks. But I’m guessing if these words are finding their way to your screen today, you’ve been given so many of the same blessings I enjoy. So let’s make a point to not just celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday, but to posture ourselves in a way that is truly thankful.

 

What are y’all thankful for? Let’s remember these today, and every other day.

 

Warmly,

Ginger

 

P.S. – Stay tuned tomorrow for the official start of the Christmas season!

Southern Weddings Magazine Winner

Drum roll please….Heather Brown is our winner for the Southern Weddings Magazine giveaway. Congratulations Heather!

Emily from Southern Weddings Magazine will contact you via email for your information.

Again, congrats! We are excited for you.