New Finds: Downton Abbey

At the start of the new year, one of my best girlfriends mentioned something about a show she was watching on PBS... something about Abbey. I didn't know. My precious friend is a little bit of a hippy, so I just assumed it was some organic show in some cute town somewhere. She never watches TV, so I didn't think much of it. I clearly must not have been paying attention!! 

Fast forward a month or so, there was a flurry of activity among the many Virginia photographers I follow about this captivating show on PBS and it all came together: Downton Abby was certainly not a show about cooking (seriously, what was I thinking?).

So I gave in. I put on the first episode one night while Strom was in class and that was it. It only took one episode to hook me. I typically hate joining bandwagons... but this one is worth it! If you like historical fiction, romance, a little wartime living or falling in love with show characters, Downton Abbey is for you. 

And if you're anything like me, you'll fly through the two seasons and be dying for more Downton Abbey. F'real. Oh, and you'll be reminded of how much all the other current modern-day entertainment absolutely sucks. Yup. I just said that.

Happy Thursday!

New Find: The Civil Wars

I don't know about you, but I love the moment I find a new music artist. Love love love. I (as well as every member of my family for as long as I can recall) EXHAUST my music and movies. I mean, to the point where I/we can no longer think about said-movie/album, let alone watch it/listen to it again. It's bad, people. 

(This is the reason behind my inability to sit through A Knight's Tale, The Italian Job, and I hate to say it, listen to Rascal Flatts...gah! I miss you, sweet boys!) It takes a true winner to withstand the excessive usage in my house. (Band of Brothers, you made the cut!) 

The moment I heard The Civil Wars playing through my laptop speakers, I was in love. Like, Band of Brothers in love. I may have played their title track, Barton Hollow three or four dozen times over the last few weeks. Just maybe. I'm happy to say, they've made the cut.      

This weeks ups & downs for ya!

Ups:
*Falling in love with The Civil Wars. Their harmonies are unreal. A mixture of sweet talent and southern inspiration makes them irresistible. They make me want to run through tall grass barefoot and catch fireflies. (Ahh is it summer yet?!)
*This amazing Virginia weather. I wore a short sleeve shirt yesterday. In February!!
*My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. Every single day the Lord has spoken to me through this amazing little devotional. I look forward to each morning getting to read it!

Downs:
*The news. The real news. Not the mainstream media stuff. It's so depressing. All I can say is God is on the throne... Amen and amen.
*Throwing my back out. Yeah... it's not much fun! (I'm on the mend though, thank the Lord!)

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

The Christmas List

And so, I bring you my second annual "For the Last Minute Shopper" list!

If your gift-giving adventures this Christmas season have been anything like mine, you have experienced confusion, cluelessness (yup, I make up words!), and even frustration. My husband will tell you that I typically disregard the gift ideas people give me in sight for my idea of a perfect gift. He always says, "Just give them what they are asking for!" But I can't. I know better than them! ;) 

With that being said, I feel for you. That is why I am here! Compiled is a list of personally tested, personally loved and personally adored items. It's a smaller list than last year, but hey, we all need to be wise in our spending! If I help just one person find a little holiday shopping peace, then it is an accomplished mission!

Books

1. If history holds little interest for you, perhaps it is because it has always been told in a boring fashion. Give Being George Washington a chance and have your mind blown. Learn of George Washington in a way you never heard before!
2. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas is one of the greatest reads I have had this year, and quite possibly in my lifetime. Your life will be changed by Bonhoeffer's amazing character.
3. The Zion Covenant Series - quite possibly the greatest series I have had the joy of reading! Another way to learn history in an exciting adventurous way!

Entertainment

1. The Help was the best movie I saw in the theater this year. I don't typically purchase movies anymore, but this is one I would own myself. I promise you will love it!
2. Each year I find new music artists that capture my attention, and this year's artist is definitely Gungor: Beautiful Things. Simply amazing talent with a splash of pure funkiness!
3. ClearPlay is an amazing product that allows you to load filters for movies that actually silence and remove unwanted language and compromising scenes. My family has been a huge fan since they hit stores years ago!

Unique Ideas

76 Garments is a company I am excited to share with you! What better way to share their ethics and values but in their own words? "Doing it the hard way means doing it right. Our shirts are made and printed in the United States because sometimes shortcuts just don’t cut it. We’d rather support American industry and pay honest wages than save a few bucks. Embracing the truth means wearing it on your sleeve, chest, or wherever our shirts are emblazoned with uncompromising food for thought..."  (Continued...)

My Favorite Things

1. I'm not kidding when I say I want to eat my hands every time I use my Vanilla Bean Noel lotion. The scent is Christmas in cream form. (I am smelling my hands right now!) 
2. BlogStomp just might be the greatest invention in the blogging world. It uploads, formats, sharpens, and stomps your photos in seconds. It's perfect for the photographer or blogger in your life! It's pure awesomesauce. 
3. My husband treated himself to this unique hat from Gasden & Culpeper this fall, and I must say, it's pretty cool! There are many styles and features to choose from for the hat-wearing man in your life!
4. For the impossible person on your list, Shari's Berries can come to your rescue! They are truly as delicious as they look - even more so. Worth. Every. Penny.

Thankfully, I am done our Christmas shopping! And thanks to Dave Ramsey, we don't owe anyone a penny this Christmas! It seems frustrating to be putting money away for Christmas presents in March, but I will tell you, come December when you look at your budget and realize it's all paid for!! It brings a happy smile to your face!

Merry Christmas and happy (and wise!!) shopping!

My Favorite Things

Just so you know, I am not late on joining the Greek yogurt bandwagon. I was there, I did that. And as hard as I tried to like the stuff like all the cool kids, I just didn't. Nothing like eating yogurt that tastes and feels like full-fat sour cream, right? (Cue gag noises!). 

So imagine my surprise when my mom brought a tub of Chobani Greek Yogurt for me when she visited and I actually liked it. And I mean really like! This stuff is amazing. Maybe you won't notice the difference, but those with discerning palates might appreciate the rich quality. I'm thinking this stuff might grow in heaven. 

Just maybe! ;)  

Oh, did I mention it's fat free? Yeah. And low carb. No complaints there - even from a semi-anti-dairy Queen. 

You're welcome.