Does Your Home Reflect You?

I love to drool over pictures in magazines and on other blogs as much as the next gal. This should be for inspiration only. The best home decor reflects those that live there.

Photo: Southern Living

As lovely as the above picture is, I could never pull that off as my own. It's just not me and if you have been around here very long you know it! When are ourselves (in everything, really) it shows and people like what they see. When we are fake or a total copycat it shows, too. All this to say your home should reflect you. Who you are. Who your family is. Your past. Your passions.

I think my best friend, Kendra, is great at showing her personal and eclectic style. As long as I have known her she has had a love for all things equine. She is a stylish, trend-forward kind of gal. She also loves antiques. She pulls these elements together perfectly in her home.

(Please forgive the dark pictures. It was an overcast morning.)

As you walk in the front door, you are greeted by this stately antique. This is not only beautiful but functional as well. Check out the friendly greeters atop this piece.

Scanning across the room, you will quickly find another antique - this time a trunk. You can't tell from this picture but the throw on top has a horse print. You can see a hint of leather and studs from a new chair purchased a few weeks back. Even though new, the textures work nicely and lend to the equine theme.

In the dining area you can see how she mixes an antiques with new and brings it all together with rich drapes. I love this little nook...

This is a fun vignette in the guest bedroom. Look at that mix of old books, horse print and friendly daisy candle. Fabulous!

This is my favorite grouping of all. The shelf is quite rustic. It is topped with yet another horse print. She brings in elements from her past with the old cow bell and leather punch. She used to play with these at her grandmothers. Sweet.

I so wish this picture had turned out better. This is her master bedding. Did I mention my Kendra has a wild side, too? A good majority of her home is classic with little twists here and there. I love how she mixes this fun tie dyed duvet cover with whimsical horse pillows. This is still a perfect reflection of her, yet shows a little more than most get to see. Love her!

I hope you have enjoyed taking a look into Kendra's home. She has the best knack for pulling in her personality and passions. I wish my photography skills were better so you could get the real picture (ha, pun intended).

Does your home reflect you? What are some items that really tell others a little something about you?

~Southern Fried Gal

Willow House Wednesdays: Dreaming Big

I couldn't be more excited about the future of Willow House but most importantly about my family's future! I'm dreaming bigger than ever before, y'all! We are innovating the direct sales industry by incorporating social media and e-commerce into our business model.

I know first-hand the power of social media as most of you do. It has been so wonderful to build new relationships via social media! I laugh. I cry. I pray. I do all these things with people I have never physically met but consider to be dear friends.

Southern Living at HOME, now Willow House, has changed my life as well. I have an expanded friendship base. I have the flexibility to stay home with my BBC. I earn FREE trips to wonderfully warm places. I lead other ladies (and hopefully gentlemen) to realize the rewards of this business - independence, financial freedom, flexible work schedule, growth opportunities, etc.. I never saw myself as a direct sales kind of gal. Boy am I thankful that God had other plans!

I could go on and on about this wonderful, ground floor opportunity. I figured it might be a grand idea to let our Founder and President, Bill Shaw, share his vision. You can listen to his passion as he shares in a call recorded a few days ago.

If after listening to this you find yourself wanting to learn more I would love to set up a 20 minute phone chat so I can answer your questions and see if this is a fit for you. We can explore Income, Time Commitment, Cost to Start Your Business and How to Get Started along with anything else you want to learn more about.

I would love to have you join my team! I have coached ladies across the country to success with this business! As Bill said in the recording, only a limited number of openings will be available starting August 4th. After that new consultants will go on a waiting list. You can join the company with either our mini starter kit for $99 OR the full starter kit for $199.

Only Willow House combines an exciting new party-plan business with a rich-media community full of ideas and a growing number of enhanced e-commerce boutiques. Welcome to the future — welcome to Willow House!

Dreaming BIG...

~Southern Fried Gal

When Boys Decorate

While I was away my boys (aka DH and BBC) decided to make a few adjustments to the decor around here...

Looks like hospitality took a hit while I was away...

Trains drawn on platters make a nice accent...

& self-portraits make for great art in my office!
(BBC as a Cowboy)

When I got back, BBC was excited about school and kept asking me how long until it started. Project time! Let's make a countdown. He wanted it to be a pattern - balloon*star*balloon*star and so on. Great idea! He cut out each shape, put them in the pattern, labeled them, and hung them above his desk in his room.

All this (except the message on the door) makes my heart happy!

How do boys decorate your life?

~Southern Fried Gal

My Travel Story

According to my friends, I have the most random things happen to me. Case-in-point is my travel story on the way back from Milwaukee. I had the last flight out of Milwaukee connecting in Chicago to Little Rock. All my other travel mates had earlier flights. I was prepared for delays and to have to stay over in Chicago just knowing it was the last flight.

All day long I heard back stories of big delays because of a storm system in Atlanta. One-by-one my friends reported in their delayed flights - all but two that had the earliest flight and made it home according to schedule.

I had a shuttle scheduled to pick me up at about 2 hours before my scheduled flight departure. Just as I was about to go down to the shuttle, I received notice that my flight was delayed an hour which would make me miss my connection in Chicago. I thought about just going ahead and canceling the shuttle but something told me to just suck it up and go.

When I got to the airport, a young guy met me at the counter. He told me I wouldn't need my first boarding pass because they were going to put me in a limo and drive me to Chicago so I could make my connection in time. I made it home on schedule that evening. How random but cool is that?

What's your travel story?

~Southern Fried Gal

Willow House Product Showcase: Summer Style

There is so much eye candy in the next few photos. My style is a little less busy, but there are certainly some great ideas to adapt into your style. Let's start with the wall grouping. Those are just clear platters (Eyelet Ribbon Plate, pg 31 and Dress-Me-Up Glass Platter, pg 63 Willow House Fall 2010 Catalog) with textured papers in the centers. Easy and a fun pop of color and texture!

The Lady Jane Bottleneck Vases (pg 7) are perfect for seaside charm. In this vignette, two are skirted with burlap and one is dressed with a twine neck. The starfish tassel adds the perfect touch to balance out the grouping.

How perfect is that colored glass in the creamy Villa Footed Server (pg 43)? Love it! Have you ever thought about turning your urn upside down to bring height and funky twist to a vignette? Give it a try - you have my permission!

I LOVE how the red pops against the cool blue and cream here. The chunky starfish scream summer. Simple. Beautiful.

Speaking of red, have you ever used red starfish in your summer decor? I haven't but I thought they were a cute pop of color. They make a fun belt for our Soda Glass Containers (pg 57).

How about starfish on a stick? I thought these were the cutest things since sliced bread. Another simple touch to add a little summer fun to your home decor!

Do you spruce up your decor for summer? What are your go-to accents that scream summer in your home?

~Southern Fried Gal

Willow House Product Showcase: Clever Place Settings

There are a LOT of pictures of tablescapes so I decided to highlight the place settings for each here and then upload the corresponding photos to an album on my Facebook Page.

The overall look of this table was bright and cheery, but a little busy for me. However, it got my brain swirling with ideas on a reunion brunch (my twenty year is almost here - eeks). I LOVE the idea of using a vintage photo for each gal's place setting. This is also a cute idea for a major milestone - birthday or anniversary.

The Valentine, or Chocolate Fantasy table as I prefer to call it, was divine. Luscious reds and deep browns play nicely together. I especially love our new Portico Accent Plates (pg 67). Don't you love how the different textures of stoneware are layered? Look closely at the chocolaty surprise - a Hershey bar. Yum!

This table setting just captured my heart. How sweet is this for a Father's Day get-together - especially if they like to fish! This table had fishing poles and goldfish crackers - just too cute! I know y'all are crazy about chalk boards, right? How cute to use one as the charger and write a special message at each place! This idea has play at all sorts of events.

And finally, check out all the beautiful layering of textures here. Our new Terra Vida Platter (pg 47) makes a beautiful charger in addition to a lovely accent in any room. I love the simplicity of tying a knot in the napkins and tucking in the flatware. Beautiful!

Don't forget to check out my tablescape photo album on my Willow House with Southern Fried Gal Facebook page for even more beauty and inspiration. If you like what you find over there just click that little "Like" button (shameless plug) to let me know!

What clever idea have you used in a place setting?

~Southern Fried Gal

Willow House Product Showcase: Natural Tablescape

The tablescapes at convention never disappoint. I was particularly drawn to this one for not only its color, but the natural elements. The topiaries in the chunky Beaumont Containers (pg 44, Willow House Fall 2010 Catalog) bring the outside in.

Check out how the French Wire Tiered Stand (pg 37) is filled with natural (and inexpensive) items. The lower basket is filled with mixed greens with a mini birdhouses tucked here and there. The mid-tier is filled with granny smith apples and pears. The top tier is filled with hypericum berries. Simple. Green. Beautiful!

The place setting is simple with a mix of creams and chocolate browns from our Villa and Italian Stitch dinnerware collections. The pop of bright green from the centerpieces is brought into the place setting. That and the sweet little bird silhouette name tag attached to the glass dome with jute rope help tie the centerpiece and the place settings together.

This is the first of several tablescape posts. Lots of cute ideas to follow!!!

What element of this tablescape are you most drawn to?

~Southern Fried Gal

Willow House Wednesdays: My Top Three

I hope you are enjoying the many cool ideas from product showcase. I'm taking a quick break to share my top three favorite products from the Willow House Fall 2010 Catalog.

I am a sucker for lanterns! I am in love with our Bradford Lattice Lanterns (pg 60)! This is the big brother and he stands over two feet tall. I have a semi-covered porch and I'm planning to have him there to greet guests. Gorgeous!

Our Cinnabar collection has been a long-standing favorite for me. I am excited to share our latest Cinnabar Casseroles! They come in rectangular (pictured) and square (I won one at convention - squeee!). These make even a boring tuna noodle casserole pop!

And finally I love the color and design of our Morningside Caddy. Give yourself an extra drawer in the kitchen by storing your flatware on the counter. It also provides an easy and decorative way to add organization to ANY room in your home.

That's my top three. Have you checked out the sneak peek of the catalog? What's your favorite so far?

~Southern Fried Gal

p.s. Pay no attention to the changes on my blog template. I was using a free site for background until they splashed an annoying message today. For now I have a vanilla design from blogger. Are you a designer? Shoot me a bid for a blog makeover - j.fryar@comcast.net. I would love to see what you have in mind. Exciting!

Willow House Product Showcase: Lamps

Our stylists can create a lamp from just about anything. It's always fun to see which of our products they convert each year. My favorite this year is our new Lady Jane Bottleneck Vase (pg 7, Willow House Fall 2010 Catalog) with a woven lampshade. Perfection!

A close second would be our new Bradford Lattice Lanterns (pg 60) with the chunky blue and white striped shade.

This one, made from our sweet little Cinnabar Vase (pg 77), is a cute little accent on the kitchen counter. The simple white shade is accented with red grosgrain ribbon. Adorable!

I'm still a little partial to my creative lamp and the brains behind it! It adds a pop of red to the room. The stripes are unexpected, but work. {Giggle}

For more creative lamp ideas check out the lamp post from last year's convention.

Have you ever made a lamp from something unexpected? Share with us in the comments and add a link if you have one!

~Southern Fried Gal

Willow House Product Showcase: Let's BBQ!

Here we go! This is the first of many posts this week highlighting the best from the product showcase. We had a BBQ Theme Table last year with fun ideas and this year we have more!

It is no secret that I LOVE the Nola Party Bucket with Stand (pg 33, Fall 2010 Catalog). How fun is it to chill your watermelon in style? Host your own qualifying home, catalog, or blog party and take 70% off!

Greet your guests in style! Fill a planter (like our French Wire Plant Holders, pg 37) with sand to weight them down. Then add our Tealight Garden Stakes, pg 33 and tie raffia to add a pop of color. Imagine a few of these lining your walkway to your home for an evening party!

Go green this year at your BBQ! Instead of disposable plates, napkins and flatware use what you have! Make guests feel extra special by dressing the table. It doesn't have to be perfect - just make it fun with your own personal touches!

I love how our stylists added extra table space with our Cordova Nesting Tables, pg 44. They placed one on each end of the table - one for drinks and the other for condiments. You can do this with any small table!

The stand and tray from our Graymont Party Bucket and Stand, pg 31, make a handy grilling stand to hold utensils, hand towel, and spices. The bucket is doing double-duty elsewhere like chilling drinks or a big bowl of potato salad!

Doesn't all this make you want to host your own BBQ today? What is your best tip for outdoor entertaining?

~Southern Fried Gal

Back from Willow House Convention

I got back from Willow House convention last night at around 11:30. Oh the stories I have to tell! It was crazy, y'all!

As promised, Bill Shaw delivered exciting news about how we are going to change the industry. It blew my socks off! We will be the only Community Commerce business opportunity in the world! The changes are being phased in over the next several months. I'm telling you we are on the beginning of something HUGE!

As always the product showcase didn't disappoint. This is my favorite new bowl. I love the way they have it dressed for summer. As I did last year, I will be grouping my photos and ideas by category and reporting on those throughout the week.

The friendships I have built in this opportunity are the most treasured benefit. These are two of three of my gorgeous roommates, Shea and Bridget. The third is camera-shy like me. I love that we are all on three separate director teams but we still share and work together like one big team. Sisterhood is grand!

The fun is out of this world - whether it be taking a FREE Caribbean Cruise (next general incentive trip, by the way), heading to national convention in Milwaukee (where we enjoyed the local Festa Italia), or simply sharing with friends and family at a home party!

I hope you enjoy the week to come. I always love sharing the fun and ideas from convention. Next week I'll tone it back down into the mix you generally see around here. Be looking for our next Let's Party! series information as well.

Do you enjoy the Southern Living at HOME/Willow House product tips and ideas? What is one of your favorites so far?

~Southern Fried Gal

Willow House Fall 2010 Catalog - Products by Page

Below you will find a complete listing of the Willow House Fall 2010 Catalog with products by page number. Most of these items are available in my Online Willow House Store! Enter the product name in the search field then add to cart. Shop anytime, pay securely online, and items ship directly to your home (shortly after you order)!

Simply Great Opportunity - page 3
Hostess Rewards - page 5
Lady Jane Bottleneck Vases - page 7
Gramercy Beverage Serving Set - page 7
Villa Appetizer Tray and Mugs - page 7
Covington Serving Tray - page 7
Gramercy Ribbon Plate - page 7

Avalon Accent Trees - page 8
Morningside Door Bucket and Hanger - page 8
Nautilus Vases - page 8
Scrollwork Oversized Throw - page 8
Embroidered Scroll and Stripe Pillow - page 8
Cordova Firescreen - page 8

Brilliant Glass Ornaments - page 11
Villa Stoneware - page 11
Santorini Urn - page 11
Covington Accent Tray - page 11

Morningside Caddy - page 12
Hyacinth Mixing Bowls - page 12
Hyacinth Ramekins - page 12
Hyacinth Measuring Cups - page 12

Continental Kitchen Collection - page 13
Continental Decorative Towels - page 13
Continental Pot Holders - page 13
Continental Oven Mitts - page 13

Verde Accent Pieces - page 14
Verde Berry Bowl - page 14
Verde Accent Bowls - page 14
Verde Appetizer Tray - page 14
Terrace Cafe Mugs - page 14
Ornate Iron Oval Stand - page 14
Mario Batali Peeler and Pizza Wheel - page 14

Hyacinth Covered Casseroles (Square & Rectangular) - page 16
Highland Casserole Caddies (Square & Rectangular) - page 16
Florentine Napkin Holder - page 16
Napa Cookbook Holder - page 16

Easy Elegance Inspiration Section - Page 19
Galveston Step-Out Stand - page 19
Terrace Accent Plates - page 19
Entertaining Bucket and Tray - page 19
Red Mountain Iron Entertaining Stand - page 19

Galveston Square Serving Stand - page 21
Gallery Flatware - page 21
Gallery Hostess Set - page 21
Gallery Steak Knives - page 21
Gallery Appetizer Spoons - page 21
Gallery Dessert Server - page 21

Belle Meade Three-in-One Container - page 22
Belle Meade Salt and Pepper - page 22
Belle Meade Canisters - page 22
Carrigan Wine Stoppers - page 22

Ornate Iron Tiered Stands - page 25
Verde Accent Plates - page 25
Gramercy Casserole and Caddy (Square & Rectangular) - page 25
Verde Serving Set - page 25

Mario Batali - page 27
Italian Stitch Dishes by Mario Batali - page 27
Italian Stitch Ramekins - page 27
Hemingway Hurricane - page 27
Bistro Votive Holder - page 27

Italian Stitch Cup Set - page 28
Italian Stitch Platters - page 28
Steak Knife Set - page 28
Filigree Candlestand - page 28

Montcrest Glass Container - page 31
Savannah Beverage Server - page 31
Graymont Accent Tray - page 31
Graymont Party Bucket and Stand - page 31
Eyelet Ribbon Plate - page 31

Nola Party Bucket with Stand - page 33
Argyle Outdoor Hurricane - page 33
Tealight Garden Stakes - page 33
Signature Flowerpot - page 33
Hampton Court Thermometer - page 33
Hampton Court Rain Gauge - page 33
Star Spangled Door Bucket - page 33

Flora Embossed Sconce - page 34
Flora Embossed Oil Lamp - page 34
Drake Lantern - page 34
Drake Firefly Lanterns - page 34
Acanthus Wall Flourishes -page 34
Flower Market Door Bucket and Must-Have Door Hanger - page 34

French Wire Tiered Stand - page 37
French Wire Plant Holders - page 37
Mix and Match Wreath Hanger - page 37

Gail Pittman Pottery Collection - page 39
Gail Pittman Alfresco Collection - page 39
Alfresco Accent Plates - page 39
Alfresco Deep Dish Pie Plate - page 39
Alfresco Small Servers - page 39
Alfresco Server - page 39
Alfresco Loaf Pan - page 39
Kensington Large Platter and Stand - page 39
Gramercy Wine Butler - page 39

Royal Street Urn - page 41
Sedona Sconce - page 41
Heritage Wall Art - page 41
Cyprus Footed Bowl - page 41
Napa Tray - page 41

Villa Footed Server - page 43
Trilogy Mirrors - page 43
Heritage Hurricane Trio - page 43
Caitlin Standing Cross - page 43
Rosedale Plant Holders - page 43

Beaumont Container - page 44
Gail Pittman Allegria Serving Tray - page 44
Cordova Nesting Tables - page 44
Viridian Oval Container - page 44

Natural Habitat Inspiration - page 47
Terra Vida Platter - page 47
Galveston Sectioned Server - page 47
Galveston Memo Board and Must-have Holder - page 47

Tera Vida Bowl - page 49
Ornate Iron Bowl Stand - page 49
Ingleside Luminaries - page 49
Galveston Candle Snuffer - page 49
Tuscan Sage Serving Bowls - page 49

Scrollwork Oversized Throw - page 51
Embroidered Scroll and Stripe Pillow - page 51
Innsbrook Collection - page 51
Innsbrook Ornaments - page 51
Innsbrook Tree Topper - page 51
Fransciscan Cross - page 51
Bradshaw House Planters - page 51
Annabelle Iron Votives - page 51

Santorini Planter and Candlestands - page 53
Farmhouse Tiered Basket - page 53
Tuscan Glassware - page 53
Tuscan Tumblers - page 53
Tuscan Goblet - page 53
Avery Decorative Birdhouse - page 53
Avery Birdhouse Trio - page 53

Decorative Card and Photo Display - page 54
Shop and Go Totes - page 54
Hurston Collection - page 54
Mail and Key Caddy - page 54
Wall Hook - page 54
Estate Organizers (Tiered Rack and Basket) - page 54

Amelia Beaded Glass Tray and Trio - page 56
Estate Bath Collection (towel bar, wall organizer, & wall shelf) - page 56
Sutton Vanity Set - page 56

Hathaway Bath Collection - page 57
Towel Bar - page 57
Hand Towel Ring- page 57
Soap Dish- page 57
Tissue Paper Holder- page 57
Soda Glass Containers - page 57

Glass Domes - page 59
Hawthorne Hurricane - page 59
Emerson Stemware - page 59
Eclipse Serving Platter - page 59
Devonshire Lidded Trifle - page 59

Charleston Candlestand - page 60
Ruffled Glass Bowl - page 60
Bradford Lattice Lanterns - page 60
Marison Wall Clock - page 60
Framework Urn - page 60

Camille Vases - page 63
Vintage Spiral Stand - page 63
Prism Glass Ornaments - page 63
Herald Angel - page 63
Dress-Me-Up Glass Platter - page 63

Berry and Bow Door Bucket - page 65
Botanica Tiered Planter - page 65
Montcrest Adjustable Hurricane - page 65
Cathedral Luminary - page 65
Parisian Luminaries - page 65

Jolly Holiday Stocking - page 67
Fireside Stocking Hanger - page 67
Portico Accent Plates - page 67
Cordova Candle Sconce - page 67
Gail Pittman Ornaments (Stocking & Dove) - page 67
Yuletide Votive Holders - page 67

Cinnabar Canisters - page 68
Galveston Tray - page 68
Cinnabar Footed Server - page 68
Florentine Paper Towel Caddy - page 68
Roxy Reindeer Accent Towels - page 68
Cinnabar Appetizer Tray - page 68
Galveston Two-Tiered Stand - page 68

Cinnabar Casseroles (Rectangular & Square) - page 71
Jolly Holiday Table Runner - page 71
Estate Kitchen Accessories (Dispenser & Vanity Tray) - page 71
Estate Utensil Holder - page 71
Estate Towel Bar: Small - page 71
Estate Trivet Trio - page 71
Estate Coasters - page 71
Estate Napkin Holder - page 71

Roxy Reindeer Collection - page 72
Roxy Reindeer Ornament - page 72
Roxy Reindeer Cheese Plate and Spreader - page 72
Roxy Reindeer Party Plates - page 72
Roxy Reindeer Table Runner- page 72
Cinnabar Baker - page 72
Cinnabar Accent Pieces (tidbits & plates) - page 72
Gramercy Double Dish Stand - page 72

A La Carte Specialty Breads - page 75
Rosemary Olive Bread Mix - page 75
Ciabatta Bread Mix - page 75
Jamestown Tray - page 75
A La Carte Specialty Desserts - page 75
Pound Cake Mix - page 75
Cappuccino Mousse Mix - page 75
Tiramisu Mix - page 75
Cinnabar Platter - page 75
A La Carte Specialty Beverages - page 75
Strawberry Daiquiri Beverage Mix - page 75
Sangria Beverage Mix - page 75
Margarita Beverage Mix - page 75
A La Carte Specialty Dips - page 75
Tuscan Roasted Garlic Dip Mix - page 75
Parmesan Peppercorn Herb Dip Mix - page 75
Santa Fe Dip Mix - page 75

Adair Upside-Down Cake Stand - page 77
Celebration Cake Dome - page 77
Cinnabar Vase - page 77
Simone Glassware - page 77
Double Old-Fashioned - page 77
Highball - page 77

Medallion Mirror - page 79
Filigree Iron Candelabra - page 79
Holiday Door Bucket - page 79
Gail Pittman Bountiful Cross - page 79
Wirework Treasure Trio - page 79

All You Magazine (8 issues or 18 issues) - page 80
Coastal Living (10 issues or 20 issues) - page 80
Cooking Light (6 issues or 12 issues) - page 80
All You & Cooking Light Combo - page 80
Health & Woman's Day Combo - page 80
Southern Living and Martha Stewart Living Combo - page 80
Real Simple & Everyday Food Combo - page 80

Health (10 issues or 22 issues) - page 81
Real Simple (5 issues or 12 issues) - page 81
Southern Living (6 issues or 13 issues) - page 81
Sports Illustrated & Golf Combo - page 81
Magazine Gift Cards ($20 or $30) - page 81

Remember you can always earn FREE and discounted products by hosting a party. Home parties are a great way to treat friends to a fun evening of fellowship, food, and design tips. Blog parties are a unique way to share our ideas and products with friends across the country. We can even do a virtual party! Catalog parties are also an option. I would love to serve as your design consultant!

If you want to get the biggest bang for your buck, let our products work for you! Did you know you can earn an average of $500 a month just for working one night a week? Enjoy other benefits and incentives as well! For more information check out this post where I'm dreaming big! Join my team today!

Thank you for taking a look!

~Southern Fried Gal

Willow House Wednesdays: Convention!

I can't believe it has been three months since we first announced our new company name. I have proudly displayed my Ask Me About badge. I have gushed on and on that the time is now. I've teased you about changes to come.

It's finally here! The Southern Living at HOME and Entertaining at HOME national convention is this week in Milwaukee. There we will learn all the details. I am so stinking excited!

I am headed there today. We start with a leadership meeting and training on Thursday. Announcements will come on Friday. I will be tweeting what I can as soon as I can. That is the best way to keep up with me - @southrnfriedgal. I have a page on Facebook, too! It's Willow House with Southern Fried Gal!

Excited!!!
~Southern Fried Gal

Dishing It - Summer Reading List?

I'm Dishing It again with Amanda which means we get to know more about fellow bloggers and hopefully we make a new friend or two. This month's topic is Summer Reading List. So here goes...

1. Give us your list of top 5 picks for summer reading. Twitter, My Favorite Blogs, New Blogs, Facebook & Online Articles (on a need-to basis only). I had you fooled with my picture, didn't I? Most of those are DH's - he LOVES to read history books. Yuck. I don't read books. I decorate with them!

2. What genre of literature makes you want to pick up a book and read? Yeah - this never happens for me. I TOTALLY judge a book by its cover. I'm drawn to books by colors and how they will coordinate with my living space. I got the one above at an estate sale because I thought the cover was so cool! Plus it's about the Roman Empire so I figured DH would enjoy the read.

3. What are your favorite magazines? Anything with lots of pretty pictures and very few words, i.e., Southern Living, Martha Stewart Living, All You, In Style, etc. Yes, I know I sell these magazines, too, but I promise most were my favorites long before. It's icing on the cake to be able to buy and sell these at such a bargain!

4. If you had to be stuck on a desert island with any fictional character, who would you choose? Hmmm...this is a hard question. I guess I would choose a character from the last books I read - the Harry Potter series. I'll go with Dumbledore because I'm sure he could conjure up a portkey or something to get me back to my family as quickly as possible.

5. How do you make time to escape into a good book? I don't have to! That's the beauty of not reading books! Now having enough hours in the day to do the online reading - that's a different story! I usually let BBC watch a little PBS Kids in the morning while I catch up. This is usually all business and to the point. I may check in a time or two during the day via my phone. Most of my just-for-fun online reading is on free evenings after BBC has gone to bed and while DH is doing his online gaming.

6. What's your favorite place to get your books? Other than estate sales? Barnes & Noble so I can grab a coffee and look at the pretty pictures or play on my phone while the boys do the real book shopping.

7. What's next on your "to-read" list? All the posts linked to this party!

OK, so I don't like to read books. Please don't judge.

Where do you stand - reader or not so much?

~Southern Fried Gal

Tuesday Hodge Podge

We are about midway through our summer break here in Arkansas. I can't believe it - time is just flying by! Here are a few things BBC and I have been up to lately...

We continue to experiment with treats in the kitchen. This is a stained glass jello project. It was a good one for my six-year-old because he could learn a little math, learn a little science and practice a little patience.

We cut the jello into rockets, planes, and trains. That makes it taste better for little boys. This was not my favorite treat of the summer as far as taste but BBC loved it and it was fun to do together.

We are blessed to have a pool in the backyard. We spend LOTS of time out here almost every day. We are both water babies and it makes the Arkansas heat bearable. I love this picture...

Splash!

We had a moment with a loose tooth. It was barely hanging on and totally grossed me out. I'm glad we finally talked him into pulling it. Now he looks likes a backwoods Arkansan. Can you see DH's ghost to the right in this picture? Crazy cool!

And finally, BBC has been helping me with home decor projects - maybe a little too literally. Do you like my new lamp? He does light up my life!

I am missing my little boy today. He left last night to stay with my mother-in-law for a week. It's amazing how quiet the house is without the little boopity here - both enjoyable and sad at the same time.

We are having a blast this summer! What fun are you having lately?

~Southern Fried Gal