Walking in Memphis

  Mike likes to put his hand on my leg when he drives . . . I love it so!!
The Orpheum Theatre where we have seen Sheryl Crow, Bill Cosby, Jerry Seinfeld, The Goo Goo Dolls, Alicia Keys, Damien Rice, and Ben Harper (just to name a few . . . there are many more we have seen, not to mention the Broadway shows!)

                      Beautiful churches and old buildings

                                                            Railroad Tracks
                            My yummy dinner: a Waldorf Salad

Sunday Mike and I both had to work and I was bummed because it was a beautiful day and as I was in my store I noticed people out strolling along and enjoying the day. It made me wish so bad that Mike and I were both off from work and doing the same thing. On my way home I called him and told him how I wished we had been off work and out enjoying the day, and he suggested that we do just that and go downtown, walk around and go to dinner. It was perfect weather for it too. This is the time of year that it is great to do this sort of thing in Memphis, because it is not miserably hot and humid (yet). 

We walked around and I took some pictures of downtown and a few places that we know well! Downtown is very special to us! We have had many good times downtown, before we met, and after. We have gone on many dates there, and done many fun things there. We love downtown so much that we got married in a wonderful building downtown called The Cadre and had our Rehearsal Dinner at the famous Broadway theatre the Orpheum, where my Mom worked for several years. So we love going down there and walking around and looking at all the places that hold so many memories for us! 

UT Bound: Congrats Chelsea

Over the weekend my Mom, brother and I went to a graduation party for my cousin Chelsea who is graduating HS. She is going to be attending college at UT Chattanooga. A couple years ago, her older brother Daniel graduated. He is now at UT in Knoxville. For his graduation gift, I had the idea to make a large basket full of things he would need and could use once he went off to school. I filled the basket with mostly orange things - since that is the primary color of UT. I put orange towels, candy, food (Cheetos, mac n' cheese, candy) and many other useful things. I had SO much fun putting his together, that I decided to do the same for Chelsea. I put all kinds of things in her basket, from washcloths, body wash, lotion , soap, candy, orange tic tacs, nail files, candles, school supplies, and lots more.

I think that is the cutest gift idea to do for someone who is graduating High school and going off to college. Just start gathering up things that you think they could use while going off to school and try to purchase things that go with the school colors. It makes it much more fun and so cute when you present the basket. 

When Chelsea saw that I had done the same thing for her as I did for her brother Daniel, she was so excited because she knew she would find all kinds of useful things, a long with some goodies too. Daniel told me that was one of his most favorite gifts he got when he graduated. He said it was not only fun, but very useful!  

My Mom got her a Coach wristlet - which is also another great gift for a college bound girl! She can put her school ID in it along with her other ID and money and carry it everywhere with her since it can also hooked onto her key chain! I want one for myself too! 

Congrats Chelsea! May you succeed in all you do and never forget that God is always there to direct your path!

 

Room by room - It's a start . . .

Hall of Dining Room 

Dining room from Kitchen

We moved over a month ago, and I feel like things are still crazy and I look around sometimes and wonder if I will ever get organized and get things in place and make this house feel like a home??? Last night I couldn't take it anymore, so I worked a little in the Living room, which is right off of the front door and dining room. We spend most of our time in the den right off of the kitchen, so I just have kind of avoided the living room and put it on the back burner. BUT It has been bugging me that the room didn't look somewhat put together or decorated - since it is the first thing someone would see should anyone come by. So I worked in there a little. Got frustrated at first thinking that I was not going to be able to make the room look good with our contemporary furniture and all. But after an hour or 2 of moving things around and digging things out that I had - I made a little start. Now knowing me - it will not stay like this for long. I always like to move things around and change up colors in a room with pillows and accessories -   but like I said, it's a start. I think for just using what I already have - it's not too bad. I pulled out the black fabric we used at my wedding (which was draped over a chandelier where we stood to say our vows . . ) and put that up to see how they could look as curtains. It's not too bad either. If I decide to use them, I will have to get someone to actually sow them so that way there are not any jagged edges. So the black could work, or even I even thought about green drapes which would match the color of pillow on the couch. So we shall see. I just got crazy with my pillows I had and threw a bunch on there - probably wont stay like that either . . . but just having fun. The larger mirror over the couch still has card board on it from when we bought it months ago. I have not been able to decide where I want to hang it or how (vertical or horizontal) so for now it's just sitting on the back of the couch. I think I am going to hang it like that or I thought about going to get another one and hanging them side by side vertically, that might look good. The 2 art pieces above our armoire are just sitting there too, not sure how I want to place those yet either.  

So many things I want to do: paint rooms, change light fixtures, get a few pieces of furniture here and there. But doing those types of things take time and money - so I will just have to do it when I can. In the meantime it's so fun to get ideas and look at magazines and then of course, my favorite: HGTV!!!

Slowly but surely it is coming a long . . . . at least now I will not be totally embarrassed if someone comes to the front door, ha ha. 

Oh and one last thing - we bought a bed yesterday!!! =) After being in the furniture store all afternoon surrounded by nice furniture and decor, it motivated me to come home and work in my own house. So we are SO excited about our bed. It will be here in 2 weeks!! We got a basic, 4 post canopy bed in a very dark wood, not black but more espresso. Can't wait till it gets here, then I can start working on the bedroom, LOL . . . . YAY! 

In the market, looking to buy . . . anyone have an FYI?

Okay, so Mike and I are in the market for a new bed. Now that we have a larger bedroom we have decided that we are going to put our Queen slay bed in the guest room and then get a King. I know what I want - but having a little trouble finding it.  I want a wood, canopy bed, basic with nice lines.I don't want anything elaborate because I want to have a bed that will not go out of style and be something that can grow with me and my style (which when it comes to decorating, changes often.) I have looked around Memphis/MS where we live and have found 2 that I am considering, but they still are not quite what I am looking for. I got my sleigh bed when I graduated high school in AR at Dennis Home Furnishings (Dennis Young - a good friend from high school and his family own the store.) I've thought I should talk to him and see if he has what I am looking for - if so, I would make a trip down there. In the mean time - if anyone knows of a furniture store that has this, please let me know!!! I know somewhere out there must have just what I want.  I always like things that are different, and as I said before I do not want anything that is extravagant when it comes to the design, but something along the lines of a basic canopy bed, or something like that with a little bit of a unique design to it would be nice too.  I have looked through  magazines and on-line and have saved a few pictures of what I am looking for . . . this first one is what I really want.

Graduate, Celebrate, Mom is Great!!

This weekend (and past week) has been absolutely crazy!!!  Saturday was Ole Miss graduation, which I took part in. I am taking 2 classes this summer to finish up, but since I am practically done and since there is only one graduation ceremony a year, I did it! My parents have been talking about and looking forward to it for so long, so I knew not only did I have to do it for myself, but for them too! I had my last final Thursday, worked Friday, stayed up SO late (till 3am) Friday night/Sat. morning getting things ready for the big day and for my graduation party Sat night. We had to get up at 6am Sat.  - so I only got about 3 hours of sleep, my fam didn't get much more either. The ceremony started at 9:00am, but I had to be there at 8:30. Oxford is about an hour away from where we live, so we had to get up quite early, get ready and drive in the rain. I took a big cup of coffee with me, I needed some major caffeine! Since it had stormed so bad the night before and early that morning, the first part of the ceremony was moved inside. I was a little disappointed since it was supposed to be in the Grove - but oh well. The speaker for graduation was Bob Schieffer, chief Washington correspondent for CBS News and host of the network's "Face the Nation." He was also on campus this past September to cover the first presidential debate between McCain and Obama. His speech was very good and quite inspirational.  My parents were there of course, along with my younger brother and Grandparents. Mike's parents also came, which was sweet! As soon as the ceremony was over, there were people all around telling us to go ahead and turn in our gowns, so I did. My parents were really disappointed because they wanted to get more pictures of me in my gown - so kinda felt bad about that, but oh well. 

We went to eat at the Boiling Point, then came back and rushed like mad to get ready for my graduation party. I had a hair appointment that afternoon, just to get my hair styled and fixed for the night - but since graduation had run late, it had put everything for the day behind, so had to cancel it. I wasn't too happy about that, but what can you do?    The party was quite nice. It was at one of my favorite restaurants: Elfo's. We had a little private room that I love! The pics don't do the building justice - I love the red decor. We added our own little touches that matched the invitation for the party: zebra and red. And of course fresh flowers and candles, 2 of my most favorite things!! It was a night filled with good food, good drinks, and even better family and friends! It was a nice little party, although there were quite a few of my friends who could not be there. It was a busy weekend for many due to Mother's Day and all - if it had been another weekend, I know they would have been there. But it was wonderful just the way it was! My Mom made the sweetest little speech and read 5 quotes, 4 from celebrities (John Quincy Adams, Elvis, Judy Garland, the last one I am drawing a blank on at the moment . . OH NO . .) and then the 5th and final quote was from my Mom. It was the sweetest thing ever. She went on to say how proud she and my dad were of me and how she was so proud that I have always been my own person and not like everyone else - which is true. After she was done, everyone started clapping -  it was the BEST part of the night! 

The next day was Mother's Day of course and we were all exhausted and decided to sleep in and get some rest (in other words we were bad and skipped church.) My dad flew in Thurs. night and was staying till Monday, so we wanted to spend the day with him too. Mike had to work, so it was just me, my brother and my parents. When we all finally got up, we had coffee, ate the yummy petit fours from my party for breakfast and then watched the sweetest movie "Broken Bridges" on CMT. It has Kelly Preston and Toby Ketih - if you have not seen it, I suggest you watch it - it is SOOO good. We have been wanting my dad to see it for a while, and he loved it!!  So we spent the day lounging around in our PJ's.

It was a great weekend! I was a little "blah" today. After anticipating something like graduation, and it being over, along with my Dad flying back to TX today made me feel kinda blah. I also felt so grateful to my parents for putting me through school all of these years and then for the party they threw for me! They have done SO much for me and wish I could repay them. But I know I already have because they said that the best gift I could ever give them, is graduating from college and seeing me walk across that stage, and I did that!  I did!!!

Memphis in May? hmmm . . . Shopping? okay!!!

Okay so this weekend was Memphis in May (A.K.A "Music Fest.")  Mike and I had tickets for tonight that someone had given us and we had planned all week on going tonight, but since it has rained ALL weekend  and after both of us working today, we decided not to go. I used to go every year, rain or shine. My best friend Ashley and I would still try to dress cute, even if it was under a poncho, ha ha. I think back on that and wonder why I even tried when we were just going to be going out in the messy, rainy, mud mayhem. It was fun at the time, but I guess I realize that I am getting old when rain, mud, drunk idiots and the smell of pot everywhere does not sound appealing at all. Not to mention tonight was the night that Snoop and Three Six Mafia were playing there too (we were not going to see them though . . .) At one time I would have been totally up for it, but since I do live in one of the most dangerous cities in America plus the fact that those groups were playing tonight, made me think it may not be so safe to get out into all of that. Don't get me wrong, I love me some Snoop and Three Six, just not in person in a city where people get shot everyday.  So we did not get out in that tonight. My allergies have also flared up like crazy, so even if it had been nice, I would not have been able to enjoy it since I cannot breath. 

The weekend was pretty good though. I worked Friday night then met Mike at Target when I got off and we did a little shopping. When we came out I was asking him where his truck was and he said he parked somewhere else. As we walked to my car I noticed something and then a light bulb went off - Mike got a new car!! We had been talking about it and we were pretty sure he was getting it this weekend, but he surprised me and got it Friday. I told him the other day that no one can ever surprise me (which is pretty much true - I always figure stuff out . . ) but he got me. Next to my car was a shiny, new 2009 Black Dodge Charger! HOT!! I love it! I don't see my hubby as a "car" kind of guy, but this was the only car we had talked about him getting and the only kind I could see him in. It's pretty cool and I just love the new car smell. Plus he gets free satellite radio for a year, so that is nice too. It will look even better when he gets the windows tinted, and then he wants to get different wheels or something . . . it's a guy thing. So we enjoyed going for a drive over the weekend! We went to a few stores where I found a few things for the casa. I bought 2 new art pieces for our den, they are a washed yellow. I got 2 thinking I will hang one over the other or side by side, depending on where I place them. I also bought an orange hand painted piece to add a little color to our dining room. Kind of thought I would do a few orange accents in there. And then at TJ Max I found this adorable flower pot for only $10!!! It is green with green, brown and orange flowers on it. For ten bucks I could not pass it up.  

Since we stayed in tonight I decided to make one of my favorite summer Italian dishes: Beef Carpaccio! yummm! It was so good. I took a pic of it, but forgot to add the tomato garnish on top before I did. We had that and a little angel hair pasta with veggies and marinara  - oh and don't forget the red wine. It was good! 

This week is going to be VERY  busy. I have so much to do and not enough time to do it. I have finals this week, 2 Monday, 1 Tuesday, have to turn something in Wed. and then a big case study due Thurs.  ugghhhh . . . not to mention graduation on Sat!!! YAY!! Then we will end the hectic week with a party at my favorite restaurant in Memphis: Elfo's!! My parents booked their private room and so we are going to be ready to kick up our heels by the time Saturday night rolls around ! Now along with everything else I have to do this week, I also need to find something to wear!  And just when I thought that was it, wait . . . Mother's Day is Sunday too!! But that will be nice and low key day, just as my Mom wants it. 

So wish me luck on my tests,(and keeping my sanity) and I should be back by the end of the week with some fun updates and pictures of all the festivities.

Berry Important

I am SO behind on posting!!! I have had a lot going on the last couple weeks, one being my best friend Ashley's baby shower in Arkansas. It was awesome and turned out SO cute! I will get back on later and post more about that, as well as some photos.  

I just read an article about berries and other fruits and vegetables and how you should wash them before eating. I have always been a bit particular when it comes to this subject - maybe a little too obsessive. But I cannot stand the thought of eating bacteria. GROSE!  I know some people don't give this much thought and just give their fruits and veggies a quick rinse before they eat them, but if only you knew what pesticides and bacteria is lingering on your food - you would be shocked.  You are not supposed to wash fruit or veggies with any kind of soap or cleaner b/c those types of things are not meant for people to consume. If I am going to eat some fruit, lets say strawberry's (which it, along with other berries are the worst when it comes to holding bacteria and pesticides b/c of the pores on them) I put them in a bowl and let them soak in some water for about 2 minuets. A minuet is about all that is needed, but b/c I am obsessive when it comes to this, I do it a little longer. When you take the berries out of the bowl, you will see that the water is quite dirty . . . and a quick rinse under the faucet would not have done the job and you would have eaten that. ewwww yuk!!! I have purchased organic berries, but if I don't then I do wash them thoroughly before eating. The same is true with any fruits or veggies with any kind of pealing: apples, cucumbers, tomatoes ect. Pesticides are all on these fruits. If you really want to avoid eating of that yucky stuff, then the best thing to do is peel it. But sometimes I like the peeling, so I just make sure to wash it good before I eat it.  

This is something I never really thought about a whole lot up until a few years ago - now I am so particular about it!!   Fruit and veggies are so good for us and we should eat a lot of them, but it defeats the purpose when you don't clean them well. You are not doing yourself good when you eat things that contain substances that can cause cancer, affect the nervous system, and many other things we don't even know. I know that this day in age we cannot avoid consuming some things that may not be good for us, especially when eating out and all, but it's not hard to for us to do it for ourselves and our families! Okay, I'm off my soap box now, ha ha! But I would suggest Googling this topic - it is very interesting and I bet you will think twice the next time you buy fresh fruit and veggies and go to wash them! 

Got to get some studying done for my finals next week and then may make a trip to Pier 1 . . . . I can really get myself in trouble in that store!