Monday, November 30, 2009

Best Christmas Trees in Town?


Looking for a great place to get a Christmas tree? We LOVE where we get ours each year. It's a one-man show - this guy drives to Michigan and brings back the most gorgeous trees - Black Forest Trees. They are perfect in every way - and, we've found, that if you water them with a little Miracle Grow mixed in, they'll grow tiny pine cones by Christmastime!


This year, he's set up on Highway 31 in Hoover in front of Doctor Jimmy Blake's old office (next to Golden Rule BBQ). He supports Jimmie Hale with his tree sales, and you can bring 5 cans of food for a small discount as well. The trees aren't cheap, but they're worth it - they easily last - and grow pinecones - throughout the Christmas season!


Where are your favorite places to get Christmas trees?

I was not paid or compensated in any way to write this post - it's just my opinion.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Giveaway!! Gift Certificate to The Depot!

The wonderful restaurant reviewed here before, The Depot, has generously offered a $15.00 gift certificate to one of our readers!

If you'd like a review of how tasty The Depot is, here's a reprint of the original review:


By Leigh Bratina




The Place to go


Located in the heart of Old Town Helena and nestled comfortably near the Buck Creek Waterfall sits one of the Birmingham area's best kept family restaurant secrets, The Depot. It's memorable hometown cooking and a friendly atmosphere keeps patrons coming back for more. Considered an integral part of the community by most, it is often host to party-size gatherings for sporting team outings and various other groups. A visit to the Helena Depot Deli & Grill gives you a taste of what has made Helena, AL one of the most desirable places to raise children (ranked 13th on Business Week's 2007 list of Great Places to Raise Kids) in the country. And by a 2009 Money Magazine article which listed Helena in the top 100 places in which to live in America. Those accolades can all be confirmed by a single trip to the Depot. The place to go, be, see and be seen in Helena. It's where all neighbors converge, break bread and talk about what's in the news.


The History



The South and North Alabama Railroad Company constructed the Helena Freight House and Depot about 1872 while repairing damage inflicted by Union raiders in 1865. The original location of the structure was just north of the present railroad crossing. When a new depot was constructed around 1905, the building was moved by C.T. “Tom” Davidson to a site behind his house where he used it for storage and a work shop.
From 1872 to 1905, this building served as the hub of activity for the area. Most goods and people arriving or departing from Helena passed through this depot. It is one of the oldest structures remaining in town surviving the disastrous 1895 fire, the tragic 1933 tornado and numerous floods. It was moved to its present site in March 1999.


The Food



Today, it is where you can find Matt and his crew grilling up some of the best burgers and chicken in town. My friend, Jack Gray swears by the polish sausage, "the best!", he insists.

The Depot is certainly a place where "everyone knows your name". It's "hometown" at it's best! It also has one of the best views in town, perched atop of the banks of Buck Creek. From the back porch, enjoy the sound of the rushing waterfall as you eat one of the best burgers you will ever have. The Depot...it's the place to go in Helena!





The Depot (web site)
Hours of Operation
Monday - Saturday: 11am - 9pm
Sunday: Closed
Contact Information
Address: 29 Lake Davidson Ln Helena, AL 35080-3264
View Map & Directions
Phone: (205) 620-1426
Fax: (205) 620-1426
Email: LetsEat@HelenaDepot.com


*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories



To enter this contest, simply comment on this post!!!

You can get up to 3 extra entries by:
  • Following Alabama Bloggers on Twitter
  • Subscribing to or Following the Alabama Bloggers blog
  • Tweeting, Blogging, or Facebooking about this contest.
This contest is open until Monday, December 14th. A winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Tuesday, December 15th. Good luck!!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Best Post of the Week: Week Twenty Seven


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Yuki Japanese Restaurant, Hoover

By Leigh Bratina



Yuki. It's pronounced Uu-Kee (long U and Key on the end), despite how you might think it is pronounced. It should be called Exceptional. The family circus and many of it's extended relatives recently paid a first visit to Yuki on a tip from son, Bama. He and many of the Barons baseball players have toted it as one of their favorite eating establishments.
Yuki truly one of the most amazing Teppan grills in the State. And for those who enjoy it, I hear that the sushi is top notch as well. On our visit we all chose to go with the traditional hibachi style cooking and sit grill side, though one can chose to sit at a booth and order food to be brought out to the table, versus prepared in front of you.





The first thing we noticed was how reasonable the prices are. When compared to the likes of Sumo, Shogun, Kobe, and Stix, the prices are on average at least $3-$5 cheaper for the same items. For example, the Shogun Special at Shoguns which contains Steak, Shrimp, and Chicken is $26.95 versus around $20 at Yuki. Yuki also offers a reduced lunch menu.


The ambiance at Yuki was also impressive. When I first walked in, I noticed the openness of the restaurant, and how warm and comfortable it was. The place was very clean. I am very picky when it comes to using a public restroom, so I was pleased with the cleanliness of Yuki's facilities. The restaurant overall was a very nice and pleasant setting to enjoy a fabulous meal.


But let us not forget the reason we went to Yuki...the food! Hands down, the best part! The quality of the food is first class. I could tell that the food was high quality and very fresh. When presented with the menu, one will notice the plethora of items on the menu from: sushi to various appetizers to multiple soup choices, to salads, tempura, noodles, and katsu. We ordered traditional meals of steak and or chicken. I myself ordered the vegetable grill. I could not get over the amount of food that you get with a meal. I had enough leftovers for two additional meals!! You will certainly get your monies worth at Yuki Japanese Restaurant. I believe Yuki will have some new "regulars" in our family circus.






Yuki Japanese Restaurant, it's Hoover's Best Kept Secret!


Yuki Japanese Restaurant

2760 John Hawkins Pkwy #108,

Birmingham, AL 35244

Tel: 205-402-9888



*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories Yuki Japanese Restaurant on Urbanspoon

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Hometown Tour - Alabama

By Valerie

Hello everyone,



Well in the middle of working on the Hometown Tour last night my power went out. So I figured that as soon as it came back on that I would be able to finish and post it. So around 4:30 this morning when it finally did come on I couldn't find my post anywhere. I am sure it is somewhere on my laptop but for now it's gone.

In place of that I came across this a couple of weeks ago. I really didn't even know we had a state song. I am so wrapped up in football that the Alabama Fight song is what comes to my mind. lol So here is actually the lyrics to the official state song of Alabama. The words are by Julia S. Tutwiler and the music by Edna Gockel Gussen. I couldn't find a sound bit for it but you can see a high school choir singing it here.


Alabama, Alabama,
We will aye be true to thee,
From thy Southern shore where groweth,
By the sea thine orange tree.
To thy Northern vale where floweth
Deep and blue thy Tennessee.
Alabama, Alabama
We will aye be true to thee!

Broad the Stream whose name thou bearest;
Grand thy Bigbee rolls along;
Fair thy Coosa-Tallapoosa
Bold thy Warrior, dark and strong.
Goodlier than the land that Moses
Climbed lone Nebo's Mount to see
Alabama, Alabama,
We will aye be true to thee!

From thy prairies broad and fertile,
Where thy snow-white cotton shines.
To the hills where coal and iron
Hide in thy exhaustless mines.
Strong-armed miners--sturdy farmers:
Loyal hearts what'er we be.
Alabama, Alabama,
We will aye be true to thee!

From the quarries where the marble
White as that of Paros gleams
Waiting till thy sculptor's chisel,
Wake to like thy poet's dream;
For not only wealth of nature,
Wealth of mind hast thou to fee.
Alabama, Alabama,
We will aye be true to thee!

Where the perfumed south-wind whispers,
Thy magnolia groves among,
Softer than a mother's kisses
Sweeter than a mother's song;
Where the golden jasmine trailing,
Woos the treasure-laden bee,
Alabama, Alabama,
We will aye be true to thee!

Brave and pure thy men and women,
Better this than corn and wine,
Make us worthy, God in Heaven,
Of this goodly land of Thine;
Hearts as open as our doorways,
Liberal hands and spirits free,
Alabama, Alabama,
We will aye be true to thee!

Little, little, can I give thee,
Alabama, mother mine;
But that little--hand, brain, spirit,
All I have and am are thine.
Take, O take the gift and giver.
Take and serve thyself with me,
Alabama, Alabama,
I will aye be true to thee.


You can go to Alabama Department of Archives & History's website for more facts and information about our great state.


If you would like to feature your hometown on Alabama Bloggers, please contact Rachel (rachel@alabamabloggers.com) or Valerie(valwonderfullife@aol.com) and let us know!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Amy's Extraordinary Alabama: The Most They Ever Had

By Amy

If you've read some of my previous posts you know my love of Rick Bragg's writing.

His latest book The Most They Ever Had doesn't disappoint. Having written about his family in 3 of his past 4 books, with this book Bragg shares stories of the mill workers in Jacksonville, Alabama. He shares of the sacrifices the mill workers and their families and does it in his trademark storytelling way.

Having grown up on the outskirts of Jacksonville myself I remember the mill, but I never realized what life was like for those hard working people who kept it running, especially those who worked their in the years before my birth, before the safety measures. My dad worked for a time at the mill Bragg writes about when he as 16 years old. Others of my family members worked in the mills in neighboring Piedmont for many years. I currently live in a mill town and have seen how the decline of manufacturing has effected our town. My father-in-law who once worked at a mill here in an executive position always remembered who really made the mills run. As he once told me, "I've never sewn a shirt."

So if you're a fan of Rick Bragg don't miss The Most They Ever Had and hopefully you will come away with a new appreciation and understanding of the lives of those who were called mill people.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Center Stage: Cookin' Mimi

By Jamie

Welcome back to
Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and family.


But let's not kid ourselves. It's mostly about food.


So I was on the prowl for an Alabama Blogger who could guide us through this edible time of gratitude.


Cookin' Mimi
Cookin' Mimi is a great place to search and destroy some great dishes. And I use "destroy" in the best possible way.

"Mimi"
is actually Micha, who's been an epicurean since before she could pronounce such words as "epicurean." Her first published recipe was at the tender age of 4. She's not afraid of butter and cheese and all things that make dining a treat.


Her site is nicely organized into classic categories with the handy addition of titles such as
"easy" and "meatless" and "kid-friendly."

My go-to category at
Cookin' Mimi and in real life is "bread." Here you will find delicacies such as homemade Refrigerator Rolls and gorgeous Buttermilk Biscuits.

So be thankful this week. For carbs.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Best Post of the Week: Week Twenty Six


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Margarita Grill in Pelham

By Leigh Bratina

Looking around Margarita Grill, one notices the hand painted Margarita paintings displayed gallery style on the walls. You begin to realize, here the Margarita is something special. But don't think the food is given a second look. At Margarita Grill the food is what is really the show stopper. Owned and operated by brothers, Javier and R.J. Jerez, it isn't unusual to find the pair strolling through the restaurant, talking to customers, making certain that the food is to the customers satisfaction. It is something that the pair find as important as the food quality and taste.

With meats cooked over mesquite wood, the food is certain to have a distinct tex-mex flavor. The menu offers both traditional and unique Tex-Mex dishes, one will find it hard deciding what to order. With choices such as Cuban Black Bean Soup ($5.25) and my favorite queso dip ($4.95) you cannot go wrong in your selection for starters.

I go to Margarita Grill when I want a good healthy meal. "Healthy?", you ask, "At a Mexican Restaurant?". YES! For a bargain price of $ 4.50, I order up the steamed vegetables. Containing green peppers, onions, carrots, squash, zucchini, mushrooms, corn on the cob and broccoli with a garlic butter on the side for dipping, the dish will have you coming back for more. The vegetables are seasoned just right and will have you returning for more.


(Vegetable Plate)


My mother, who was my lunch companion, chose to order the Taco salad ($7.95). The Salad is a huge serving of fresh lettuce, vegetables, cheese, seasoned ground beef and a dollop of sour cream and served in a large light and crispy shell. Served with the salad is a Creamy Mexican Salad Dressing that is exceptionally good. I even enjoyed dipping my steamed vegetables in it.







(Taco Salad)









My friend Randy swears by the Crazy Felipe ($15.95) which is a 7 ounce center cut marinated sirloin that is mesquite grilled to request. It is served with garlic butter, spicy sauce and mexican rice. Other Notable Choices include shiskobobs ($15.95), Margarita Grilled Tilapia Fillet ($12.95), Mesquite Grilled Chicken Breast with rice, bean and guacamole salad ($12.50)

Margarita Grill also offers a children's menu as well as a delicious dessert menu.
Happy Hour is from 3-6 pm offering specials such as, Bud light & Budweiser bottles for $1.50. Bud light draft is $.99 cents. And the famous margaritas are $4.95. Entertainment such as live music or karaoke can be found Thursday through Sunday.

Margarita Grill
234 Cahaba Valley Road
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 982-7281
Web :
http://www.themargaritagrill.com/

Restaurant Hours
Sunday -Thursday 11AM - 9.30 PM
Friday - Saturday 11AM - 10.30 PM
Bar stays opens till 2 am



(Pictured is Margarita Grill owner, Javier Jerez)



*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

What Are YOUR Blogging Tips?

By Rachel

After working on it agonizingly for months, I finally managed to get my thoughts on paper and write my version of "Blogging tips". It was horribly awkward for me because I usually write posts about the silly, the inane, the crazy...being serious and all how-to-ey was WAY out of my comfort zone. But I got so much positive feedback from it that I'm so glad I finally (wo)manned up and wrote it!

At any rate, we've all discovered tips about blogging along the way that have opened doors, lit lightbulbs, made it easier, and made it more fun and rewarding. So why not learn from each other? What are your tips? Either leave them in the comments, or if you've written a how-to post in the past, link it up!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Center Stage: Okra Cola

By Jamie

Welcome back to
Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.

When I attended college in Atlanta, more than half of the students were born and raised outside of the South. This led to confusion when I said things like "I'm fixin' my hair." OR "Grab that buggy." However, I patiently taught my new transplanted friends the melodic language of the South. One I'm proud to speak even today.

Bless my heart.

Okra Cola
This is probably one of the main reasons I like the Alabama blog - Okra Cola.

Drew, the author, considers himself 25%, 50% and 100% Southern - depending on your point of view. I'd lean on the greatest percentage simply based on his series: Southern Word of the Week. Who can't relate to the confusing nature of terms such as "tump" and "stove up?"

Okra Cola clears the air.

He also takes on classically Southern hobbies, delicacies and toys.

Including squirrels that fall into all of those categories.

Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Vote for Alabama Artisan and Small Business Owner to Win!

Tena Payne, owner of Earthborn Studios in Leeds, is one of only FIVE finalists in this Forbes contest! Please vote for Tena here! Here are the details of the contest:


FIVE FINALISTS ADVANCE IN FORBES’

2009 “BOOST YOUR BUSINESS” CONTEST

Grand Prize Winner to Receive $100,000 in Cash and Advertising

NEW YORK, NY (November 4, 2009) – The readers have voted, and Forbes.com today announced the five finalists in its “Boost Your Business” contest, available online at www.forbes.com/byb. Voting is now open to select the grand-prize winner, who will be announced in early December. Two Massachusetts-based companies made it to the final round. The five finalists are:

· Audissey Guides ( Boston , MA )

· Earthborn Studios, Inc. ( Leeds , AL )

· Ksplice ( Cambridge , MA )

· Naturally Bamboo ( Mankato , MN )

· NuBarter, Inc. ( Savannah , GA )

The finalists were flown to New York City to give live presentations to an expert panel of judges. Their videotaped presentations are posted on Forbes.com for further reader voting, which ends on November 30, 2009. The grand-prize winner will receive $100,000 in cash and advertising.

“When the klieg lights go on, the stress level is high, especially during the question-and-answer sessions,” says Brett Nelson, Entrepreneur Editor at Forbes. “But all five finalists prepared well and performed admirably. I am proud of them all, and they will be better fortified when stumping for capital in the real world.”

In the first phase of the contest, small business owners submitted 500-word business plans; 20 semi-finalists survived. Forbes.com users had the opportunity to review the plans and self-recorded 30-second “elevator pitch” videos before voting for their top five.

Friday, November 13, 2009

November Meet-Up Fun!

We had an awesome time at Jason's Deli today for our November Alabama Bloggers meet-up!

There were 12 bloggers and 3 kids, who definitely got their money's worth out of the free ice cream:

If you were there, link up so we can all find each other!

Best Post of the Week: Week Twenty Five


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Outtakes Deli in Homewood

By Leigh Bratina


In Homewood for an appointment, I got the great task of deciding where we would go for lunch. Homewood is a metropolis for great restaurants. Really, it is hard to go wrong. One of my favorites is Out Takes. Out Takes specializes in unique, delicious and healthful foods. Out Takes offers dine in or take out service. Lunch is served Monday - Friday from 10:30 AM-3PM. Out Takes also offers corporate and personal catering.

I went in with my lunch companions and found there was a wait to order. Though, the wait was short lived and the line moved quickly. This process gives you plenty of time to look at the food case and see the salad sides that are being served. It's a hard decision, for the choices are great.
Soon enough (about five minutes later) our meals were delivered to your table. Anytime I get the opportunity to go to Out Takes I order the salad plate for $5.00. It comes with a choice of three sides from these delicious options: Mediterranean Salad, Old Fashioned potato salad, spaghettini Parmesan, potato vinaigrette, pasta pesto, roasted vegetables, lite penne pasta, fresh seasonal fruit, or ranch vegetables. I almost always get the spaghettini Parmesan, ranch vegetables, and the potato vinaigrette. Today was no different.


My lunch companions opted for the penne pasta, Mediterranean salad, ranch vegetables, fresh fruit and potato salad. All salad plates are served with pita crisp.


If salads aren't what you fancy then order up a sandwich. There are several choices to chose from One of the house favorites is the buffalo chicken sandwich. It is spicy chicken that is topped with melted provolone cheese, lettuce and tomato on a crusty swiss romano boule. Topped with blue cheese or ranch dressing, it sounds like something bold and flavorful. There is also the Turkey Focaccia sandwich, the southwestern vegetarian grill, the Cuban, a marinated chicken sandwich to name a few other choices. All sandwiches are served with chips and a pickle spear. Most sandwiches are $6.25. Don't forget about the chicken and tuna salads served as salads or sandwiches as well($4.95-$8.95). There are also a number of wraps and classic sandwiches (for the kids and picky eaters!).

A recommendation......Be sure to purchase one of the cookies as you order your meal. You can order a dozen ($6.00) or each for .55cents. My favorite is the heath bar. It is so chewy and melt in your mouth good. Oh, I am craving one now!

Oh, and just for the record.......some of the best sweet tea you will ever drink.

Out Takes 5/5 stars for me!

Out Takes
"food to go"
2902 18th Street South
Homewood, Alabama
205-871-9995
http://www.outtakesdeli.com/

Editor (Rachel's) Note: Outtakes is one of my favorite restaurants in Birmingham! It's a must-try!!!

*Leigh is a full time mother, a part time photographer and writer. Her photography and written work is featured in several professional business and local publications. She owns her own photography business, Photographic Memories. Leigh resides in the Alabama with her three children and husband "Big Daddy". You can read more of Leigh's daily adventures by visiting any of her three blogs: Tales from Bloggeritaville , Plates and Places , as well as Photographic Memories Out Takes on Urbanspoon

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Amy's Extraordinary Alabama: Harvey M. Jackson III

By Amy

Today I want to highlight another Alabama author and historian. I first met Harvey M. Jackson III when I took an Alabama History course at Jacksonville State University. I had a few electives I still had to take and I enjoy history. I am ever so glad I took one with Mr. Jackson. At the time I was there he was the Head of the History Department at JSU.

Sometimes history can be a bit boring if you don't have the right teacher. Mr. Jackson brought the history of Alabama to life. He's an amazing storyteller. It helped that he had personal stories of his family to add to the lectures.

Jackson has written several books about various parts of our Alabama history. It was kind of funny when my son brought home his Alabama history book from school this year and I was helping him study when I see Mr. Jackson's name as one of the co-authors. Living near one of our state's beautiful lakes I've enjoyed learning about the building of the dams and lakes. Rivers of History and Putting "Loafing Streams" to Work are two of Jackson's books I have enjoyed reading.

Jackson also writes a weekly column for the Anniston Star newspaper. His columns always give me such a laugh. You can read one of his latest by clicking here. He is also Eminent Scholar in History at Jacksonville State University.

Monday, November 9, 2009

November Meet-Up THIS FRIDAY!!!!

We've been having a WONDERFUL time at our meet-ups lately, and I'd love for you all to experience it!

November's Meet-up will be at Jason's Deli outside of Brookwood Mall at 11:30 on Friday, November 13th (You can remember Friday the 13th, right?). If 11:30 is too early, just come when you can - we usually end up staying at lunch for about 2 hours.

The hashtag for this meet-up and all future Alabama Bloggers meet-ups (to make it simple) is #AlaBlogMeet.

Please help me spread the word by re-tweeting and posting on your blogs! Also please RSVP on this post so that I know how many tables to line up and reserve. Can't wait to talk to you all again!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Best Post of the Week: Week Twenty Four


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Blogblast for Peace - Dona Nobis Pacem


By Jennifer from Dust Bunny Hostage

Today is the Blog Blast for Peace (background information can be found HERE). I am thrilled that Alabama Bloggers will represent our state in a movement that has world wide participation. It is a good day to be an Alabamian.

Current Alabama Governor Bob Riley once said, "Alabamians are a faithful people who believe that creating a better world for our children and helping our neighbors are both sacred duties." I interpret this to mean that creating a better world starts at home. It starts with me. Just as peace starts with me. The way I treat my family, my neighbors, people in the community, a stranger on the street... these are all crucial elements to peace.

To find other participants for the Blog Blast for Peace, please visit it's founder Mimi Lennox.

If YOU are participating in the Blogblast for Peace, link up here!

Peace Y'all!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Winners to Mad Tea Party Giveaway!

Okay, so I'm a day late in getting these posted. But hey - a late winner is better than no winner!

The winners of the Mad Tea Party Musical Treats are:

Zombie Boogie EP: David Johnson

Found A Reason CDs: Gabriel J., kngmckellar, and Renee G

Congratulations!

Reminder: TOMORROW is the Blogblast for Peace!

Reprinted from October 22, 2009

By Jennifer at Dust Bunny Hostage


Mimi Lennox had what some might call an epiphany. While looking at a bowl of her Papa's hand made marbles (a bunch of rocks says she) the Peace Globe was born. Mimi took the idea of the Peace Globe and brought it to the Blogosphere. Bloggers from all over the world, in the name of Peace, grabbed the badge and personalized it for themselves. Then those bloggers (from all over the world), posted the Peace Globe on their blog.

And a movement was born.

It is not a politcal or religious movement (though personal interpretation is welcome)... the Blogblast for Peace is simply people united in the desire for Peace. It is an opportunity to look within ourselves, and to resolve to live peacefully in our day to day lives. We start the peace movement in our home, or more specifically, in our heart. And, as a blogging community, we can carry the message of Peace all over the Blogosphere.

If words are powerful, then this matters.

If you would like to participate in the Blogblast for Peace, go HERE for your Peace Globe. Personalize it and post your Peace Globe on your blog on November 5, 2009, linking back to Mimi Lennox and 'linking up' on her site. If you have any questions, or need help personalizing your globe, you can contact me at jendt55@yahoo.com ... I would be more than happy to help you.

Have a blessed and peaceful day Y'all!

*Please note that Blogblast for Peace can also be found on Facebook.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Holiday House Showcase in Birmingham!

Rhoda from Southern Hospitality, one of the biggest and best bloggers in Birmingham, is one of twenty-five hostesses for an amazing Holiday House. The House is in Southlake, and looks to be exquisite on its own - before these talented women got their hands on it to decorate it!

The proceeds from this event are all going to missions - what a great excuse to go see a gorgeous house! The event is only one night - November 10th. Don't miss it!! Rhoda has tickets available, or you can buy them at the door.

Link Up Your Halloween Photo Posts!!


I've been seeing some AWESOME Halloween pictures in my desperate attempts to get caught up on my blog reading.

However, I know that there are more out there! So, link up your Halloween posts here - whether they're you dressed up, or your kids dressed up - and let's all enjoy a Halloween Carnival o' photos! Oh - and I want to see some awesome pumpkins, too - especially since I totally dropped the ball and didn't even get a pumpkin this year.

Can't wait to visit your Halloween Festivity recaps!!

Be sure to link the direct link to your Halloween post - you can usually get this by clicking on the title of the blog post you want to link in, then copying the link at the top of your browser.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Center Stage: All Access Pass To Jack

By Jamie

Welcome back to Center Stage where we take a fanfare look at one of the many great blogs being churned out here in Alabama. You can find past spotlights here.


I'm not a kid person.

Now mommy bloggers, be gentle. I'm just a 30-something career-obsessed single gal who hasn't heard the clock ticking. And truthfully, kids and I get along really well. I'm just not ready to be legally obligated to one.

Unless it's Jack.

I met Alabama blogger, Marie, at a recent blogger meet-up hosted by this very site and she was delightful. But let's skip Marie and get right to her blog, All Access Pass to Jack. Because that gets us to her snazzy son Jack.

All Access Pass to Jack

Jack is an adorable 4-year-old boy who loves pie and Jillian Michaels - hard romances to balance. Jack also has some special needs. But lucky for him, he has a very special Mom.

When you read All Access Pass, you are transported to a world of patience and love and gratitude. It's a world where many of us would not react the same. Marie and Jack remind me that the complicated stuff is not really that complicated.

And the simple stuff is pure gold.


Jamie is a planner of events by day and chaser of shiny things by night. Follow her trails at Jamie's Rabbits. If you'd like to have your blog featured on "Center Stage" then contact Jamie so she can swing by your neck of the internet woods. Please know she sometimes shows up uninvited, so you may see your blog on stage if she really digs it.
If you haven't linked up and introduced yourself yet, be sure to go here to do so!