Take Your Time

About a year ago I started hearing buzz about this singer who used to play football at UAB, named Sam Hunt. I started listening to some of his music and was impressed to say the least. I was able to see him perform live a couple of months later and was hooked.

This guy is amazing. There is no one like him in country music.

No, he's not your typical country music artist. Instead of Wranglers and cowboy hats, he wears skinny jeans and snap backs. He raps, he talks in his songs, he even has break dancers performing during his Lipstick Graffiti tour (which he is selling out all over the country.) But, he is talented. He makes good music and good music shouldn't be defined by a genre. 

Sam just released a video for his new single, "Take Your Time." If you have ever heard this song, I'm sure you had an idea in your head what the song meant. But, in typical Sam Hunt form, he went a completely different direction. It's surprisingly dark and intense.

It's powerful. It's thought provoking. Unfortunately, it's real life for some people. 

Take a couple of minutes and watch the new video and be sure to pick up Sam's album Montevallo.

A Sweet Friendship Refreshes the Soul

I will be the first person to admit that I get discouraged by people in our society today. Spend five minutes on social media and you will see countless examples of people sitting behind a computer, cell phone or tablet screen bashing a total stranger for their opinion, for their lifestyle or for the color of their shirt. Spend five minutes in public and you will see countless examples of entitlement that people seem to have today. After awhile you start to lose faith in humanity.

Gone are the days when people were just..... Kind. Genuinely kind, good hearted people are rare in this day and time.

Last night, after a conversation with some of my best friends I began to realize how lucky (blessed) I am to have my friends in my life. I've never been one of those people who need dozens of girl friends surrounding me all the time. I'm a firm believer in quality over quantity.

Over the years, I have met people from all over the country. From all walks of life. Different backgrounds, different religious beliefs, different personalities. But, they all share one common trait.... Kindness.

Sometimes I am completely overwhelmed by the kindness my friends show me. Anything from, "You have a room at my house anytime you need it!" to bringing me hot chocolate on a cold day, to a text saying "I'm praying for you."  Or just last night, "Hey I have 2 extra tickets to a concert you can have!" 

Blown. Away. 

Thankful. 

"A sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Proverbs 27:9

Be a sweet friend. Have sweet friendships. Be kind. Some people need their soul refreshed.

Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?

I know, I know.... So cliche, right?

Sorry, I'm just excited because we have snow in Alabama! Not just a little snow, we are SNOWED IN!
Big snow in Alabama is rare and we have taken full advantage of it. The state has shut down (our governor even declared a State of Emergency) schools are closed, and there is no bread or milk to be found!

In all seriousness, there is nothing quite as beautiful as a snow covered scene. I woke up early yesterday morning to take some pictures of the fresh fallen snow. It was so peaceful and serene. There's just something about it that's unexplainable. It hides all of the ugly and makes it look gorgeous.
It made me think about Jesus and His salvation. We all know the verse (Psalm 51:7) and song that says "wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." Think about that. Jesus takes all of our ugly sin and hides it, just like the snow does to the weeds and ditches. But, the snow melts and we see those weeds and ditches again.  Thankfully, we never have to see our sins again, because He hides them as far as the east is from the west.

There's is a quote by John Steinbeck that I love, "What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness." Isn't that amazing? We would never really appreciate the summer and all of its glory if we didn't experience some cold.

So, not only can we look at the snow and remember how our sin is hidden, we can also use snow as a lesson that no matter what we are going through right now.... No matter how cold it is, it will be warm again and it will make us appreciate the warmth that much more.
God has great plans for us. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future."
And 1 Peter 6 tells us, "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while."

So, bundle up, put on your snow boots and wait for Spring. Its coming and with it brings new life all around us!

In the meantime, y'all enjoy a few pictures of our snow day!

Showing my #DisneySide

Hey, y'all!

I was lucky enough to be chosen by Disney to host a Disney Side @Home Celebration!
My Celebration Kit came today and I couldn't wait to show you guys how awesome it is! My girls are over the moon excited!

Included in the Celebration Kit:
Disney Side invitations
Disney napkins, cups, plates a table cloth and decorations
Mickey and Minnie snack supplies
Disney party favors
Disney themed activities
Mickey cake pan
Duff Goldman tie dye cake mix
Sprinkles
HP Create Memories You Keep Packs
Soy Vay Veri Veri Teriyaki sauce
Twinnings Tea
All and Wisk for the laundry
And lots of extras!

We are so excited to host this party in partnership with the travel agency I work for, Magic of Mickey Travel.

Be sure to check back to see all the pictures and review of our Disney Side @Home Celebration!

And, if you're thinking about booking a Disney trip... Be sure to contact me! I can do all the leg work, free of charge! Email me at Taylor@magicofmickey.com

Thanks Disney for the Pixie Dust today!

Taylor@magicofmickey.com

Hey Y'all!

Hey, y'all!
Welcome to The Heart of Dixie blog. I'm so glad you stopped by!

First, let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Taylor, I was born and raised in north Alabama. I'm the epitome of all things southern. I have a husband and 2 daughters who are my world. I love The Lord and credit Him with everything. Nothing I have or have done, would not be possible without His hand in my life. I have a huge passion for music, especially country music (Eric Church is my favorite.) And, I am obsessed with all things Disney. I love to travel and want to go everywhere, at least once.

My main goal in creating this blog is to share my favorite things with all of you guys. My favorite recipes, fashions, music, my favorite places to travel, restaurants, products and hopefully some uplifting messages.

Please feel free to reach out to me at theheartofdixieblog@hotmail.com

Or to book a Disney vacation contact me for a quote Taylor@magicofmickey.com