Amaryllis...not just for Christmas!

Do you ever plant Amaryllis bulbs in the fall (inside) so that they will be blooming at Christmas?  In most parts of the country, I think that is the only time many people think of them.  But here, in the deep South, they are excellent outside bloomers.  These are ones I have blooming in a pot in the back yard.  Actually, the previous owner left this pot already planted and I have just enjoyed the results.  I have no idea how long they have been in this pot but I do know that I have never (we have been here almost a year) done a single thing to them.  Many of my neighbors have amaryllis' growing directly in the ground...so, see Amaryllis....not just for Christmas!

Beautiful!!!

Please don't forget to enter my Blogversary Giveaway!!!!

The Garden Club Luncheon!

Today was the end of the year luncheon for our little Garden Club.  The theme included wearing floral hats (no "fascinators" in this group!)  Most of the girls created their own floral arrangements for their hats from the offerings in their own gardens!  The food was delicious and the lunch was held in the pool house of one of our sweet members which was the perfect setting.



Love those Garden Club Girls!



My sweet neighbor, Joyce and her sassy orange attire!



Moi!

What a fun day!

{Semi} Wordless Wednesday

written on back,

"Me (Addie Lou Jones) fishing - a good looking gal - ha"

Please don't forget to enter my Blogversary Giveaway HERE!

Found Dog in Florence, SC

This sweet one "found" us last night.  I am sure her family is frantic and I hope someone recognizes her.  She has no collar but is obviously well fed and very gentle.  Found in the Jeffries Creek area of Florence. I took her to the vet today and no microchip was found.

  My kiddos would love nothing more than to make her part of our family but I am sure she is being missed in her own home.  Please contact me (bellamichellesc@gmail.com) if you know where she lives.



Blogversary GiveAway!!!!

The Grand Blogversary Gift Pack!!!!

April 20011 brought an exciting (well to me, at least) Blogversary.  On April 26, 2006 I posted for the very first time!  It was a single photo and caption.  Boy, over the last FIVE years I got wordy. 

I started blogging shortly after I started reading this blog (originally on a different blog host). Hans is the brother to my oldest, and dearest friend, who we lost to breast cancer in 2004.  I guess he was my inspiration to start a blog (who knew?).  I often find myself blogging about things I wish I could share with Sonja, even 7 years later. 

When I first started blogging I really thought more of it as "journaling" (I really didn't like the word blog...it sounded kind of icky to me.) I couldn't have imagined how many fun things and people it would bring into my life.  I have met some amazing friends, learned so much, and even found myself developing new professional directions from my blog.  It has been a wonderful ride and I love the land of blog (yes, I have warmed to the word.)

So to celebrate I am hosting a giveaway of some wonderful pink and green fun (because I believe everyone needs a little pink & green!) 

The prize pack (above) includes:
*A signed copy of Nesting, It's a Chick Thing by Ame Mahler Beanland & Emily Miles Terry (it will take a little extra delivery time so that it can be personalized for YOU)
*1 pack of 10 pink & green note cards with envelopes (perfect for those little thank you notes!)
*2 green (with pink embroidery) waffle weave dish towels
*3 pastel ramekins (pink, blue & yellow)
*1 flower & ribbon magnetic notepad (to keep up with all you have to keep up with)
*1 container of Pastel Pearl Nonpareils (so you can decorate those cupcakes, girl!)
*Godiva Chocolatier Strawberry Truffle gems (cause you know we have to have our chocolate)

So, how to YOU enter for a chance to win? 

 All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. 

Simple, huh? 

If you would like extra entries (totally optional!):
-Blog about my BlogAversary Giveaway and leave me a separate comment with link to your post
-Tweet about it adding @SouthernSmdays so I will know
-Facebook about it and leave me a separate comment so I will know
-If you are a follower or become a follower leave me a separate comment for an extra entry.
***for extra entries to count please leave separate comments (it just makes it easier on me...and I am all about that!)

I will draw a winner on May 26, 2011!  Good Luck!!!

{Semi} Wordless Wednesday

dated July 1956

Are YOU ready for bathing suit season?

Perfect Southern Sunday Afternoon...

Yesterday afternoon, our Sunday School Class had a wonderful picnic under a beautiful, big, old oak tree.  It was at the home of some friends(I have mentioned them here) and their home in the country is the setting of a truly perfect Southern day!  Not only is their home gorgeous, but they welcome you in a way that makes you never want to leave.  It is Southern hospitality at its best!  We are blessed with a Sunday School class that loves to visit and share our lives. If you don't have one like that, I would say you need to find one, as that is truly the way to experience the joys of a church family.

Wouldn't you like to just lay down for a nap? 

 Of course, the food was delicious and plentiful!  Mounds of fried chicken, a variety of salads, pimento cheese sandwiches, deviled eggs and too many desserts to count. Oh and all the sweet tea you could drink!

 Now, this is what a garden should look like...

 complete with a chicken coup right in the middle!

 Roses....

 Roses...and more....

 Roses.....

 Badminton outside the old tobacco barn that has been converted into a studio and guest house.

There is no more perfect Southern day that one spent under an old oak with dear friends!

Here is a treat, my friend Nancy's Frozen Strawberry Salad (which is perfect for a large gathering on a warm day.) She brought a large pan and it was gobbled up quickly:

Strawberry Salad (Frozen)

2 Cups sliced fresh strawberries (fresh peaches, blueberries or even bananas can be substituted)

1/2 pint real whipped cream (or use most of one large can of the "spray" whipped cream)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

dash of lemon juice

1/2 package of marshmallows

4 oz. cream cheese

optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Mix all ingredients together and spread in a 13x9" casserole dish and freeze.  Remove from freezer a few minutes before serving to soften. 

You can add more fruit or whipping cream to stretch the recipe for larger groups!