by Christi on June 21, 2009
It's a Sunday Favorite with Chari at Happy to Design. Click on the pic to see more
Here is a post from last January. This was in the BL (before lagniappe) days.
I recently read an article stating that 2008 saw an increased amount of rudeness. I’m sure you could find rude Southerners around, bless their hearts, but, hopefully, they are not the rule. Maybe in 2009, we should strive to promote Southern hospitality and good manners everywhere. Where ever you live you can be share some good old Southern Hospitality! Here is how (adapted from the Facebook group “Ain’t Nothin’ Like Southern Hospitality”).
The Rules
- “Sir” and “Ma’am” are not just for occasional usage.
- Men hold doors for women/ seniors.
- If someone else needs a seat, you give them your seat, and you don’t complain.
- “Being a good Samaritan” is not just a saying, its an understood way of life.
- “Darling”, “Sweetheart”, “Honey”, and “Dear” are used, for the most part, as endearing expressions.
- You can dislike someone as much as you want, but when you see them you act cordially.
- When you bump into someone you say “pardon” or “excuse me.”
- Waving at people you don’t know or asking how they’re doing is not to be looked down upon.
- You can take time to slow down. Slower paced lives are happier lives.
- Say “God bless you” when someone sneezes.
- When in doubt, be as polite as possible. Only confront others when confronted.
- People hug one another, its OK.
- If you disagree with something, be polite. “Oh….I see,” or “Oh…thats nice, Darlin” will suffice.
- Saying grace at the table, even to yourself, should not be looked upon with disdain.
- The only place where cars still stop (even on the highway) for funerals.
- ALL people have the ability to behave like Southerners, though not necessarily recreate the accent.
by Christi on February 4, 2009
I have enjoyed so much reading comments and emails about the Southern Daddy-isms post. It is amazing to me how many lives my Daddy’s life touched. I believe he touched so many lives because he cared about people. I remember when he was in the hospital before he died, telling me how it is important that people know you care about them.
I have taught etiquette classes about what fork to use and how to introduce people but I think that what Daddy said is probably the essence of grace and good manners – care about people. I continue to be amazed at how blessed I am to have the people in my life that I have and have had.
I think the caring aspect is what “Southern Hospitality” is all about. A smile and a wave to a stranger in passing, showing up with a casserole in times of trouble, making people feel welcome in our homes.
Here is a Southern challenge for you: show kindness to at least one stranger a day for one week.
Today’s Lagniappe: My Favorite Banana Nut Bread
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
3 mashed bananas
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Cream sugar and butter, add eggs, beat well. Sift in flour, soda, cinnamon and cloves, beat well. Mix in bananas and nuts. Pour into greased loaf pan. Bake 1 hour at 325 degrees.
Great with a hot cup of coffee!
by Christi on January 19, 2009
A Southern Mother is something very special. They have the job of raising a good Southern girl. My Mother had several pieces of advise, or sayings, if you will, that are good for anyone. I call them Mama-isms.
- You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.
- If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.
- Sit up straight.
- Put on your red badge of courage (meaning lipstick).
- Set the table (something done every night with placemat, knife, fork, spoon, plate and glass – each in it’s proper place.)
- Walk like a lady.
- Never wake a sleeping child.
- How’s your attitude? (Getting a good parking place anywhere, depends on your attitude!).
- Pretty is, is pretty does.
- All you can do is all you can do.
- Consider the source and go on. (or as her mother – my grandmother put it: Pass and re-pass).
- Smile and make people wonder what you’ve been up to (when you were frowning).
- If your lip gets any lower you’ll step on it (when you were pouting)
- If you don’t watch out your face will freeze that way (when your face was anything but pleasant).
- If you don’t stop crying, I’ll give you something to cry about!
There were many more. What did your Mama tell you?
Today’s Lagniappe: Recipe for Spicy Shrimp and Rice
2 lbs. unpeeled medium sized fresh shrimp
3 cups cooked long grain and wild rice mix (1 box Uncle Ben’s original recipe with 23 herbs & seasonings)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 (10-3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
few dashes of Tobasco (to taste)
Cajun seasoning – around 1 teaspoon or more if you want more spice)
Melt butter over medium-high heat and add green onions; cook, stirring constantly, until tender
Combine all ingredients and spoon into a lightly greased 2 quart baking dish.
Bake at 375 degrees F. for 55 minutes.
Serve with crusty french bread, green salad and crisp white wine.
P. S. : Mama emailed me one that I left out that is important – Remember who you are and Whose you are.
