an Idol to support?

If you're into American Idol this season or ever have been, you should check out former Auburn student Paul McDonald who made it through J.Lo, Steven Tyler and Randy-dawg last week with flying colors. His sister and I were in the same sorority, and we had the privilege of having Paul (who was quite the local celebrity on campus during my term at Auburn, for obvious reasons) play at some of our charity events. He is the lead singer for a group called The Grand Magnolias (formerly Hightide Blues) and is now making his way in Hollywood!



He's got my vote! But, apparently, he's not lacking in support...

poignant thoughts

My sister-in-law said it much more astutely than I ever could, but she took the thoughts right out of my brain. Snow is pretty but winter is no fun. And it is colllllld in the Northeast, especially this winter! I can't stop laughing at these texts I got from her yesterday.

my completely perfect dream house

If you don't believe me, you don't know me very well.

 

[found here.]

headed to the city of brotherly love

But, only for a few days. I'm excited too see what Philly is like in the snow... because New York is dirty and slushy and collllld!

we did it.

whew. I can breathe again...

a little late

...but I'm still wishing this for you just the same!

[found here. thanks Kat!]

christmas in alabama

The pictures speak for themselves...the 9 days at home were a blast!!

First time the WHOLE crew has been home all together (and in one picture) in a very, very long time!

new years resolution #1

As I mentioned last year, I don't necessarily like making big resolutions for the year to come. Therefore, this year's resolution is small: maintain voicemails, text messages and emails, consistently, at a "0" on my phone...because right now I have voicemails that I haven't listened to dating back to July 30, 2009 (yes, 2009, that wasn't a typo) and unread text messages dating back to October 9, 2009. I think it's time to get this under control.

I know Rose Lynn will especially appreciate this resolution, right?

if you had told me, I wouldn't have believed you

That is, if someone had told me 4 years ago today, on New Year's Eve when I was visiting New York City for the very first time, that I would soon be a tried & true resident of this city. Nope. I would have never thought it to be true. For Christmas my junior year of college, my mom gave my sister-in-law and me a trip to New York for our Christmas gift. I loved the city when I visited, but I never saw it coming: now, four years later, I'm rounding out my third year of living here!

Cheers for a safe, happy & healthy New Year in 2011!!

this is what I look like today:

Crazy looking or not, I am warm... and that's all the matters!

[this comic & more found here via The New Yorker]

coolest vending machine ever

In an effort to get back to NYC amidst "Snowmageddon", I'm hanging out in the Atlanta airport waiting on my flight to board and get me back to the Big Apple tonight. Luckily for me, my flight is departing from terminal A which just so happens to be the terminal in which Chick Fil A is located. Not only do they have delicious food but they also have the coolest, most innovative fountain drink machine I have ever seen. 

Touch screen vending machine with 21 drink options. After selecting your initial choice, you are taken to a second screen with more choices (Coke: Coke Zero, Coke with Lime, Caffeine-Free Coke, etc...) This is the future of sodas...I love it! So space efficient and sleek.

tradition

It wouldn't be a Pettus gathering without a performance from Mayce! As her grandmother said, she's the next Taylor Swift...

peace, joy & a reason to celebrate

"This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"

Luke 2: 12-14, NIV

May you have peace and joy on this wonderful Christmas day and rejoice in the real reason to celebrate. Wishing you a Merry Christmas to you and yours!

visions of sugar plums

...are dancing in my head this Christmas Eve night as I remember all the wonderful memories during the Christmas season of the past month. I hope you're celebrating in a most memorable way and savoring the fun of the season. Now I'm off to bed in hopes that Santa won't pass by this house! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!

is it almost 2011 already?

The only thing that gets me even remotely excited for January is the possibility of a cute, new calendar and day planner. At least I've narrowed down a few options...

Pocket Planner

Because all things Kate Spade are adorable!

Never go wrong with polka dots!

Small Desk Calendar

I love the "Keep Calm and..." series!

Pretty hand-drawn art calendar (that I can't remember where on Etsy I found this...)

Dainty, elegant design (except this one on Etsy is in French)

I also have another great, cute option for a 2011 desk calendar, but I'll have to post that after Christmas!

sparkle

...because everyone loves a little sparkle for the holidays.

christmas in dixie

One of my favorite things to do at Christmastime is to cruise the neighborhoods in my hometown for the best decorations. Crazily enough, this house wasn't even the best. But it had 18 Christmas blow-ups in the front yard...including one with Santa in his swimsuit on an island with Prancer (or Dancer). Now if that doesn't spread the Christmas cheer, I don't really know what will...

gingerbread man

Chase him old woman, chase him old man,

Now chase him, chase him, fast as you can,

Through the garden and out of the gate,

Chase him, chase him before it's too late

The Tate-gingerbread man is out of the pan!

[the whole poem.]

check.

I finally saw my subway poster last Saturday night! I hopped on the subway on my way to a Christmas party with Brendan and my friend Ashley, and I looked up and therrrre it was. I held in a shriek, but was equally excited nonetheless and was able to snap a pic despite the jam-packed Saturday night crowd.

And Brendan saw it on the 4 train!

Then LeeAnne saw it (I think this was her 3rd time. Thanks for being so observant, LA!) on the M (?), F, and 6 train.

whaddya think?

I'm trying some new things on the blog, namely: the header (more to come later, though). I can't decide if I like it? Maybe it's just getting adjusted to the new look, but I thought I would get a second opinion. What do you think??