home & family - The Sassy Steel Magnolia

home & family

July14th

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music snack :: dixie lullaby

Posted in: Music Snack, heart & strength, home & family

Dear Daddy,

The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do was learn how to live without you.

I love you Pops, happy Heaven day.

love and hugs from your youngest,

Jennie Boo

*and I hope you are keeping up your end of the bargain, as we both know I’m trying my hardest to keep up with mine! ;)

–

• Stephen Francis Fiechtl •

October 10, 1946 – July 14, 2008

__________________________________________________

What a beautiful life, just like a Dixie Lullaby..

Pat Green – Dixie Lullaby

(If you have trouble viewing this video, please click here.)
July13th

3 Comments

Small Town, America

Posted in: gratitude, heart & strength, home & family

A surprise visit to my dear friend Marianne, planned since April by her adoring husband, took quite the detour when their sweet little Baby Casen was moved to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital when he was just two days old. After surgery and heavy monitoring, Baby Casen is in recovery and on his way to being home in Lexington within a week or so. Seeing the incredible love and strength in his mother, a childhood friend of mine since age 10, really had an impact on me and how I see the world. I’ve always appreciated the little things, but now more than ever. I’ve been so blessed for everything in my life and the people who have filled it with so much joy and emotion that I wanted to share a little piece of me, my trip and where I grew up…..in Small Town, America.

(scroll over the pictures for captions)

It was a long week of driving here and there and rearranging last minute plans and the such. From Charleston to Nashville to Lexington to Nashville to Charleston – the open road and me….we’re best buddies anyways and needed the quality time together. Even though my initial plan of rest, relaxation and slipping in and out of random antique shops along the way didn’t exactly pan out, I’m sure I’ll find time somewhere down the line to make that happen. Regardless, you gotta love life’s mystically crazy journey….

Just goes to show that no matter how hard we try to plan, sometimes you just have to go with the flow and trust the Big Man Upstairs has your back {and those of all you love}.
July12th

6 Comments

sassy starter : the mason jar

Posted in: Sassy Starter, antique, home & family

I’m a big fan of mason jars. Big fan. Always have been ever since watching my mother during seasonal canning sessions (Granted, the pressure cooker used to scare the crap out of me but I suspect that had a lot to do with my big brother – ahemm, who I won’t mention by name but you know which one you are – telling me that the house would blow up if I walked into the kitchen when it was on the stove.) Regardless, my love for the little jars started at an early age.

To this day you can often find me drinking from a mason jar. Something about ‘em just seems to make whatever it is inside of it taste better. Ice water tastes better from a mason jar. Sweet tea is irreplaceable when served from a mason jar. And yes – the alcohol and beer stays cool too when you’re drinking it from a mason jar.

Do yourself a favor this week….go get a mason jar. They have them at Walmart and most grocery stores. You can get a dozen for less than you would normally pay for half a dozen “fancier” glasses. Not sure what you would do with a dozen mason jars? Well, they hold more than liquids you know. Pens, pencils, flowers, odds and ends – there’s not a lot you can’t put in a mason jar. I’ve used them as gift boxes and table decorations. I even stuffed one with old costume jewelry as a decoration.

Bring a slice of the country to your house. A touch of rustic goes with anything, you know…
July9th

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Mah-velous Magnolia • It’s Jenn Day!

Posted in: Mah-velous Magnolia, charisma, home & family, madam house

Jenn{ifer} Gray that is.

I’ve been flooded with memories of great times these past few days as my dear, sweet, once-time college roommate Jenn celebrated her 5 year wedding anniversary to her doting husband, JP (who was also my once-time college neighbor). It’s crazy that 5 years have flown by as it really does seem just like yesterday I was packing up my Green Explorer and heading to Dallas to celebrate the big day.

The Mah-velous Magnolia badge is dedicated to my doll, Jennifer Leigh Gray, for all of the wonderful memories we have together and all the love and support she continues to send my way each and every day. The six months Jenn lived in Oxford with me in that house on Taylor Meadows, in the summer & fall semester of 2004 were by far some of the most memorable, life altering months ever.

Beach chairs for living room furniture, Out Back Jack on the tele, Franzia nights spent out on the back porch, the feelings chart posted on the refrigerator, always getting a little Sneaky at the Tiki – ahhhh – so many great snapshots in time, I couldn’t even begin to tell you all of them!

I’ve met some truly phenomenal people in my time and Jenn is high up there on the list. Although I hardly get to see her, JP and lil Jackson, I know I can always turn to her no matter what the situation. Her incredibly caring heart combined with a strong passion for life, love, travel and photography, {all wrapped up with a sassy and always classy bow} allow her to really live the life of a Mah-velous Magnolia and I’m so thankful each and every day to call her my friend.

Congratulations one more time to Jenn & JP for 5 years of marriage – may you have many many more to follow!

And thank you, Jenn, for always seeing the better Jenn that lies inside. ;)

-•-

The Mah-velous Magnolia badge will be awarded each Friday to a selected lady {or a few..or fellas..we’ll see!} who has had an impact on my week. Who knows — maybe you’ll be up next!
July7th

1 Comment

music snack : straight no chaser

Posted in: Music Snack, home & family

This week I called on my Sista Sista to provide a little Musical Snack inspiration for you all. I’m rather exhausted and my mind is near mush-like status. I knew she wouldn’t let me {or you} down, so without further ado – I give you:

Straight No Chaser – You’re My Best Friend

(if you have trouble viewing this video, please click here)

It’s been quite the week for Ms. Jennie B and this song is just what I needed to hear to help me get through my first day back in Charleston { and back at the office!}. I’ll catch you kids up in tomorrow’s post — and of course announce the charmed & dangerous give away winner!

Happy Wednesday, lovies! Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday Weekend!•besos•