A Little Life Update
Posted by Lindsey in 4-H Youth Development, Big girl life, Family, Friends, Goals, Road Trip!, Wedding planning on June 5, 2013
Hello there! I know it has been a while since we have last talked—I apologize for that. Here is a quick Lindsey life update for the things you need to know now:
#1) I have a husband!
That’s right ladies and gentlemen; Jered and I tied the knot Saturday, May 18th around 6:30 p.m. If you didn’t make it to the party, don’t worry—I will be sharing pictures with you very soon!
#2) I am no longer a 4-H Educator!
Yep, your eyes do not lie—I am no longer employed with Oklahoma State University in Pottawatomie County. I said goodbye to my tiny humans and hello to a new opportunity.
#3) Blogging is in my job title!
My friend Brooke packed her bags and moved to be closer to her soon to be husband. I thought she had the coolest job in the world, so I gathered up my courage and applied. I was lucky enough to be the person they hired! I am the travel writer and social media manager for Chickasaw Country. There are 13 counties in south central Oklahoma that I cover! You have to check it out and plan a visit–it would be fun!
That’s all for now,
Lindsey
Wedding Wednesday: Invitations
Posted by Lindsey in Big girl life, Wedding planning on March 27, 2013
Picking out wedding invitations can be a challenging process. There are so many things you have to consider. Here are some questions to talk about as a couple to make the decision – making process go over smoothly.
1. Do you want your invitation to match the Save the Date card? (Font styles and overall theme)
2. How formal is your wedding? (garden party or black tie)
3. Do you need direction cards?
4. Are you going to have RSVP cards?
5. What do you want your invitation to say? (Traditional or nontraditional)
Once you have these questions answered, it will be easier for you to look at designs because you now have an idea of what you want in mind. The next step is finding that perfect design that fits your special day. I was lucky to come across Minted.com. It is a website that has all kinds of invitations, stationary, and most importantly—unique designs. You can even order samples to make sure the designs look even better printed on paper!
If you are looking for save the dates, wedding invitations, thank you notes, moving announcements, or just new personal stationary, I highly recommend you check this online shop out. I promise you will not be disappointed. I also have a deal for you since you are my friend. Minted will give you $25 towards your purchase of $50 or more! Yes, you read that right $25 OFF!
This past weekend Jered’s office was transformed into a wedding workspace, or as I like to call it, a “wedding sweatshop”. We had an assembly line going putting together invitations like it was our life calling until we noticed we ran out of invitations. Let’s just say math is not my strongest skill, but never fear, the remaining invitations were ordered on Sunday and should be here by Friday. Below are a few of my wedding invitation tips for you:
1. Once you have your wedding invitation assembled, make sure to weigh it. It might take more postage than what you think. (Speaking from experience)
2. The return address usually goes on the back flap of the envelope.
Happy envelope stuffing,
Lindsey
Stock Show Kids
Posted by Lindsey in 4-H Youth Development, Big girl life, Family, Goals, Rural Life, Shoes, Southern Living on March 26, 2013
Life as a 4-H Educator can be a crazy, especially during the spring thanks to the numerous livestock shows. For the last few weeks, my high heel shoes have taken a back seat to my cowboy boots, dresses exchanged for jeans and a button down polo, and fabulous hair to a simple and functional ponytail. Growing up I always joked that livestock shows are a beauty pageant for livestock. Truth be told, some animals get more attention and have better beauty regimens than some humans.
At the beginning of March, I made my way back to Osage County to watch my youngest brother, Jack. It was his very first Jr. Livestock Show as an exhibitor. The old barn that myself and generations before me have shown in holds a lot of memories and emotions. Jack, who is also a social butterfly, looks like he had no problem making new friends during that week.
The following week it was time for the Pottawatomie County Jr. Livestock Show. While working the ring taking cards or passing out ribbons, I made it my goal to tell every youth congratulations or good job. I know that they have worked year-round for these contests and their hard work does not go unnoticed by me.
Just winding down is the Oklahoma Youth Expo, the world’s largest Jr. Livestock show. Pretty impressive deal when you think about it. The 77 counties in Oklahoma all seem to have a presence at this event and it is something to see. My 4-H members have had a great time at OYE this year and I am so proud of each of them. It has been fun seeing all of the results via Twitter this year. Check out #OYE2013 to see some of the tweets from the past two weeks.
As a 4-H Educator I wear numerous different hats and juggle a constant calendar of events. Livestock shows are very high stress, however I am so glad that they exist. Livestock projects are an amazing way for youth to gain life skills and continue to grow with their project. I am so happy my parents saw it as a valuable investment in my future. There is something that you gain from participating in livestock projects that is hard to find anywhere else. For those experiences, I am truly thankful for the way they shaped me into the person I am today.
What did your livestock project teach you?
Lindsey
TGIF: Pizza
Today’s Friday five things is dedicated to one thing: my obsession with pizza. Let’s be real, I love pizza and my waistline does not agree with my current relationship. To me, pizza is so wonderful that I don’t mind doing extra crunches – if that means I can enjoy a couple of pieces. Okay…by a couple I mean a whole large pizza, over the weekend, on my couch, in my sweatpants. What? You are telling me you have never experienced that? Everyone has a weakness, mine just happens to be hot, cheesy, and delicious pizza! Please enjoy these pizza themed GIF’s!
What do you want for dinner? Pizza, duh!
Is that the pizza delivery guy? RUN!!!!
Is that pizza I smell?

Wait, what?

Happy cat!
Happy Friday,
Lindsey
#SYTTD
Posted by Lindsey in Big girl life, Southern Living, Television, Wedding planning on March 15, 2013
Good Eats: Tecumseh
Posted by Lindsey in Family, Foody, Road Trip! on March 14, 2013
Telling you that I do not find carbs delicious would be a lie. Hello, I am human! No matter how hard I try to resist their scrumptiousness, I fail. At the top of the list stand pasta and bread sticks, two things equally capable of standing alone, yet even better when they are on the menu for together. I have found a mom and pop Italian joint that makes you forget your diet, even if it is just for the evening.
Gliori’s Italian Restaurant located in downtown Tecumseh transports you to Italy. I am merely speculating that’s how you would feel (I haven’t been to Italy, #bucketlist). From the rustic walls, the mountain side paintings, and the sounds of crooner Dean Martin, you really develop a feel for the old world. Ian, and his wife, Phylis Gliori, own and operate the Italian Restaurant and their passion shows as each plate leaves the kitchen and arrives at your table.
They have everything essentially Italian: spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, ravioli, chicken parmesan, pizza, and even fresh baked calzone. The possibilities are endless with their multiple pasta and sauce combinations, leaving you to create your own Italian masterpiece. For the dessert lovers, did mention that they also have the best tiramisu this side of Napoli? However, the decadence does not end there; they even have cheesecake, brownies, and ice cream.
This little main street business is one of my favorite spots in the Shawnee area and I visit it frequently. I am always impressed with the quality of service from the wait staff, but also the friendliness of Ian and Phylis who are known to walk around and chat with the guests throughout your dining experience. There is something charming about being greeted by the owner, letting you know that he truly cares about each individual customer. The best part, for $9.95 you get your choice of salad, a heaping portion of spaghetti and meatballs, and endless bread sticks. Someone pass the parmesan.
Add this to your places to visit soon,
Lindsey
Wedding Wednesday: Mr. & Mrs. High Cotton
Posted by Lindsey in Big girl life, Shopping, Southern Living, Wedding planning on March 13, 2013
I am currently in the final round of High Cotton Ties’ “Mr. & Mrs. High Cotton” Wedding Campaign Contest and I need your help to convince them that we deserve to be crowned Mr. & Mrs. High Cotton!
In order for you to help me, I just need two clicks of the mouse.
First, please ‘like’ High Cotton Ties on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HighCottonTies
Second, please ‘like’ our “Mr. & Mrs. High Cotton” photo entry —Lindsey Long and Jered Davidson
(you have to like the page first before Facebook will allow you to like my posting)
The final round of the Mr. & Mrs. High Cotton competition will begin today and will run until Sunday, March 24th at midnight.
Thank you so much!
Lindsey
















