I give you, bell peppers!

back in august i blogged about my little pseudo gardening project. almost 2 months later, i'm happy to say that i did produce a few bell peppers. yay me. as for my tomato plant, well, let's just say "better luck next year." i honestly think i either bought a bad plant, or i just started way too late.

 i'm still dabbling with the thought of doing something for the fall/early winter, but IDK. below are pics of my plants to date, compared to how they started, as well as pics of my wittle bell pepper babies. The other day I discovered that even more have started to sprout. I had one for lunch today, and it was delish!

Toodles
T.

The bell pepper plant is on the right, planted 8/10.

This is the bell pepper plant today. If you look closely, you can see the fruit branching out.

   

and here they are....freshly grown bell peppers, by yours truly.

I Scream....

for ice cream!

i tend to do impulse buying -- decide i want something, and bam, i have it. the good thing is, i usually take it back...but online shopping doesn't offer that convenient luxury.

monday, i decided i wanted a shiny new ice cream maker. so, i took to searching amazon (a new guilty pleasure) and not only found a reasonably priced cuisinart option, but it was also in RED. brand new frozen yogurt, ice cream and sorbet maker for under fifty bucks, and i received free 2-day shipping (i signed up for one of those frequent shopper thingys, but plan to cancel in 30 days #dontjudgeme). any who, IT arrived last night! online shopping makes me nervous because you never know what you're going to get. i ordered a text book last semester and it wasn't bound (::side eye::) but it was CHEAP! :) luckily, my new RED ice cream maker was in great shape, boxed and packaged nicely. i immediately removed the freezer bowl, and popped it in the freezer for prep. a homemade frozen treat is in my near future folks!Stay tuned...

toodles,
T.

Meatloaf for Dessert!

well, not really. however, i did whip up some meatloaf cupcakes with mashed potato "icing" for sunday dinner yesterday. i must thank @therealmrsjames for the grand idea (via twitter) and thank The Pioneer Woman for the awesome and delish recipe posted on her blog. love, love, loved it. BEST meatloaf i've ever had. you can check out the recipe here. i added bell pepper, and used less salt. i usually only cook with ground turkey, but my last couple of bouts with meatloaf using turkey have been less than appealing, so this time i wanted to try beef. i also didn't use the vinegar in my sauce (it can be overpowering), but instead threw in a touch of bbq sauce and a wee bit more tomato sauce in the mixture. it turned out well.

also on the sunday dinner menu was homemade mac and cheese, and green beans!

sigh, nothing like good eating on a sunday.

toodles
T.

filled 24 foil cupcake liners with the mixture and baked.

half way through 1 hour baking time, removed from oven to add sauce (sans sauce):

added sauce and continued cooking. with sauce:

dinner!

is my thumb green :) or black :-/ ?

it remains to be seen! but I started a garden on my deck the other day -- first up to bat: patio tomatoes (no pun intended) and green bell peppers. i really wanted tomatoes and cucumbers, but somewhat really late in the season to be doing either, so i took the advice of matt helping me at home depot (check him out at the ponce de leon location, he's awesome!) and went with the bell pepper.

basically, i randomly got the urge to do this and after a few hours on the internet, i realized it was possible to do so without having an actual backyard. yay for city living! most sites recommended starting from a plant versus a seed. initially, i wanted to be ambitious and go for the seed, but decided to go with a plant. next year i'll start around may (probably april since i'm in hot 'lanta) and be able to plant the seeds and see them come to full life.

i ventured off to home depot, and got completely LOST in the HOT outdoor gardening section. i searched for pots, potting soil, stakes/trellis', watering cans (ended up getting this from walmart for 2 bucks), and tomato food (vital component).

Here are all my components:

next, i moved outdoors to the patio to get the dirty work done. i began by removing the bottom half of the biodegradable pot my plants were in. my bell pepper plant already had a small pepper growing. You can see lots of roots have already developed.

after adding the potting soil, and re-potting the plants, we have a finished product:

topped them off with a cool drink of water, and now the wait begins...i wonder if they will survive :-/

thus far i have learned that tomatoes need lots of water (daily) and lots of direct sun, in addition to the tomato food every 7-14 days. this is going to be an interesting little project. my hope is to plant lettuce (most likely romaine), basil, and some type of flowers starting in late september.

if any of you all are gardeners, novice or pro, your advice is appreciated.

toodles,

T.

Look at God...

this has been the craziest academic roller coaster of my elementary, middle, high school and undergrad career -- especially given the circumstances of this year. however, DESPITE it all, your girl finished the summer semester with an 'A' in Anatomy and Physiology I, an 'A' in Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, and an 'A' in Human Growth and Development. two words: YAY ME!

this is a true testament on how you can simply let go and let God and he will bring you through. for crying out loud, i basically MISSED a final exam and still managed to pass 3 courses. I'm giving myself a pat on the back, BUT that was NOTHING BUT GOD! If any of you all reading this have ever questioned anything or felt defeated, use this as as an example of how God shows favor when you need it the most. i am so blessed and so fortunate.

the summer has ended on a bright note after all. up next, online and every Saturday until December, A&P II lab and lecture. Wish me luck!

Toodles,
T.

Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes....

how do you measure, measure a year?
in daylights, in sunsets, in midnights
in cups of coffee
in inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.

i contemplated deleting this blog -- making everything disappear related to my now non-pending nuptials. buuuutt I figured why, what's the point? it's my blog, i can do what i want. so, instead, i updated my URL, kept the name (it still applies :)) and changed the description, because now, this is about me and me only.

above are lyrics from one of my favorite musicals, RENT. this past year has been the most amazing, inspiring, heart breaking year of my life. i experienced my dearest dreams and my worst nightmares in 525,600 minutes. one of my greatest friends, and former companions reentered my life and professed his love to me, and i allowed him back into my life. we journeyed across the caribbean seas, and back. as we entered into 2010 he asked me to be his wife. i embarked on a journey of planning my dream wedding, pursuing nursing school, becoming an aunt, and preparing to be a wife. a part of that journey has ended, and though i might venture on that road again, it won't be with him.

i keep hearing, "things happen for a reason," "God has so much in store for you, a plan, just for you." and as much as i hold those words true to my heart, right now, i'm in shock. disbelief. as quickly as a good thing happens, it can crumble before you. i won't bash my former love, because truly, i still love him. for 13 years he was a part of my life, possibly to prepare me for this moment, maybe only to prepare me for the next moment, and each one thereafter.

more than ever, i'm motivated. motivated to keep pushing forward. keep doing me and accomplishing so much in this lifetime. i want nothing more than to get married and become a mommy. and make no mistake, i'm a firm believer that a man does not dictate my destiny, but I would love to share that journey with someone. the RIGHT someone. today, i will put that part of my dreams aside and work on being the best me i can be. for now, i'll just say, thanks God -- good looking out ;)

Toodles,

T.

p.s. this continues to be my mantra -- "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -- Jeremiah 29:11

keep me in your hearts and prayers you all. i'm smiling, but all healing takes time. to my aces, friends, sorors and fam....thanks for your never ending love and support.

Yes, We’re Still Engaged!...

...i just took a hiatus from the blogosphere. can you believe a LOT of folks have been inviting themselves to my wedding or “expecting” an invite?? Hmmm it’s an interesting little conundrum…. thus, needless to say, i took a small breather from talking about my pending nuptials.


so, it’s been several weeks since my last note, and quite a few things have transpired. 1. i found my dress(es) ordered them and now need to lose 50 lbs :) 2. contracted our reception venue, can’t wait to see what the Wolfgang Puck folks are going to whip up for our cocktail and reception hours. 3. have been watching waaaay too much “wedding tv” specifically platinum weddings…the sky is NOT the limit…but oh, how i wish…. 4. pre-marriage counseling commenced, and it’s FREAKY (but i advise all to do it...i know that ten years from now my marriage will be that much stronger because of it. 5. gave 60 day notice at my apt. complex -- so long single living! hello first-step to marriage life (feel free to share your thoughts on cohabitating before marriage) 6. shopped for our E-session to take place next tuesday…can’t wait to share with you all 7. pushed our engagement party back to october and 8. wedding planning is on “cruise control,” as the fiancé put it… we knocked out a lot of things in the last 3 months, but trust I know, there’s 155 more things to accomplish before 6.11.11!

here's how now, 3 month old, nephew Caiden feels about all the above...ha! check the facial expression.

Toodles!
T.

How Much is Too Much for a Dress??

i’m a little late with this week’s post….sorry, but i’ve been swamped with chemistry. nonetheless, i once again ventured out in wedding-gowndom this weekend, in addition to hitting up a quirky, non-traditional bridal show called “the not wedding.”


this was my third dress shopping outing, and the boutique of choice was Priscilla of Boston in buckhead…very nice and i was very excited. i booked my appointment earlier in the week and when i arrived, there were no time restrictions (which made me totally late for “the not wedding” :-/). there were also no limitations on the number of dresses i could try on. i swear i tried on 10-15 gowns. megan, my consultant was very nice and patient. as usual i was accompanied by mommy, the MIL to be, and my two sisters. a TOUGH crowd. lol, but loves their opinions.

our usual process is to try on a bunch of gowns, if we love one, we place it in the keep pile, if we hate one, we toss it. we try to narrow down to a top 3, then try those on with veils. the very first dress i put on was a crowd fav across the board. we all loved it, but i had 14 more dresses to try. oh, and let’s not forget my reception number too! we add the fav to the keep pile, and revisit it and the other favs later. Sooooooo for me, i’m thinking price will definitely be weighing into the fav selection…lol….and when we finally get the $$$$....i just laugh….it was waaaay out of budget. i mean unimaginable. my immediate thoughts were: do i love it THAT much? can i find something similar elsewhere?

so my consultant goes to work: she can take this off; oh, and she has a coupon for this and then you get this; and i can do this for your reception dress. PRESSURE. lol, whew! now, don’t get me wrong, if the dress were a wittle bit less, i coulda stepped away that day with it, but I wasn’t trying to commit like tht; i have what, 15 months left?? lol, not to mention i’ve been telling myself that i must visit a certain number of shops before i even think about making a purchase . this just totally threw me for a loop! all i was thinking was: ma’am, go ahead and put me in the system and mark my selections so we don’t forget. measurements today? no need. i was ret-to-go. i knew i had a pending trunk show appointment this upcoming sunday for a designer whom i loved, so i just wasn’t ready. the MIL was down like 4 flat tires though...lol…i can’t with her sometimes. i just needed more time!!! it was too soon! sooooo much!!!

 ::sigh:: i digress….in the end, we walked away, saying i needed to sleep on it, and with the promise to call the next day. long story short, we got a extension from the VP of the company to hold our discounts for a week :) and i’m going to go dress overload for the remainder of this week….

the net is this folks, what’s too much for a wedding gown? that special gown you marry your one true love in; that gown you’ll truly only wear once; is there such thing as too much?? or is it silly to place a limit on such a special once in a lifetime dress :) Gimme some feedback loves!

Toodles!

p.s. the food at “the not wedding” was short of AMAZING…and i’m hoping one of the caterers can furnish the food for our engagement party this summer. yummmmm. also, here’s a pic of a flower arrangement featured in one of the vignettes. dendrobium orchids, hope to see you 6.11.11.

Ceremony: Not in a Church…Say What?!

since i can remember, i really envisioned my wedding in a church sanctuary -- classic and traditional, yanno? but I swear this was before I realized all the roadblocks that come when your church isn’t in a traditional church building per se, and you would like to utilize a church that you aren’t a “member” of. ::BIG sigh:: it’s NOT an easy feat AT all! one of my very first tasks post engagement, was looking for a church with “welcoming arms” ughhhhhhhhhhh. don’t get me wrong, many are welcoming, but there are gobs and gobs of rules and regulations.


1. No flash photography

2. No photography during the ceremony

3. No videography unless from the balcony

4. No flowers or decorations with tape, tacks or staples

5. No candles

6. Only real flowers (fine by me)

7. No fake flower petals down the aisle

8. No aisle runner

9. No parking lot (hunh?)

10. You can ONLY use our pastor…maybe your pastor can perform the ring ceremony (hunh?)

11. No recorded music

12. You MUST use our wedding coordinator

13. No center aisle

14. You MUST use our organist

the list goes on and on and on. note that the above is a combination of rules listed by the several churches we have looked into. i’m just over it. why should we have to compromise? we want a center aisle, the ability to use our own officiant (who IS ordained), and get video/photo coverage. period. apparently it isn’t that simple. this leads to the path we are now considering: getting married somewhere other than a church! lol yes, I know, people do it alllllllllll the time. but I really wanted a church :-/ some think it LUDICROUS to even consider the thought. But c’mon folks let’s be real…will our marriage be any less ordained by God if it isn’t performed in a church? will it be destined for failure? i think NOT.

what’s the real dealio? does it really matter where we get married???? so long as we are joined as man and wife…. #imjustsaying…. what say ye?

Toodles my loves!

here's an image i stole of Peachtree Road UMC here in Atl. one word: gorgeous....
 

Pose for the Camera Now ‘Click.Click’

since the snow shut down Atlanta on this past saturday, we met with our wedding photographer-to-be, Mr. Ross Oscar Knight, on valentine’s day. for me, this will likely be the most exciting initial vendor meeting we have. i’m so, so, so, so in love with the work of this photog and have been since the summer of 2007. do any of you recall that photo slideshow of a Ritz Carlton proposal that went viral? amazing. after seeing that my heart was set on having the same photog one day capture my wedding, if i were blessed to have one.

fast-forward to 2008, I begin attending my church, Impact, and low and behold mr. knight is an attendee and will be capturing a new friend’s nuptials as well. I was able to see him and his wife in action at her ceremony in may of 2009 and was enamored by the images later posted in their slideshow. ross has this amazing ability to tell your story and capture every emotion, light or heavy, with his images. i love it.

needless to say, after rob and I were engaged and jumped into planning our big day my one request was to have ross as our photog – and we will! i’m so very excited for our engagement session, wedding day, and the memories that we will forever have from our photography. we’ve given ross total creative reign, and I trust that he won’t let us down.

if you aren’t familiar with his work, you’re missing out! i’ve included the link to his blog, and that very memorable slideshow that stole my heart back in 2007. i hope you enjoy! stay tuned for engagement session pics in the coming months.

Links:
The Proposal Slideshow

Ross' Blog

Toodles!

p.s. here's a latest look at baby caiden and my new dark hair!

And The Venue Choice Is…..

drum roll please ::drum roll::


NOPE we don’t have one! ::sigh:: BUT we’re almost there folks! ::applause:: LOL this has indeed been a journey and with a family (my side and rob’s side) that likes to provide input, it’s made it that much more of an adventure. I am happy to announce that since my last venue post, in which you all ever so kindly provided your input, we have seen some additional sites and narrowed down our selection to about 4. These have been sent to the planner and we will then conduct a cost analysis -- apples to apples. Sadly, my friend the Ritz Carlton was booted (along with my inclusive silver chivalry chairs :( ) lol the MIL referred to it, and this is verbatim, as a dungeon. ::gasps:: Only michele hill would call the Ritz Carlton a dungeon but, oh well! so, all that being said, the cost analysis will be conducted on the following:

1 – The Georgia Aquarium

2—The Four Seasons

3 – The Atlanta History Center

4 – The W Midtown

now, I will say that if I had to rank my favs, the order would be: 1,2,4,3. i’ll take a moment to share my likes (we’ll leave out the dislikes) of each site:

#1 – it’s the GA Aquarium, lol, enough said. however, i will touch on the lighting, the 2 huge viewing tanks (of the “fish-ies”) in the ballroom, in-house catering by Wolf Gang Puck, and the spaciousness.

#2 – traditional glam is what this venue offers -- windows, a terrace, and i keep hearing great things about the food. (notice that food is VERY important to me, GOOD FOOD at that).

#3 hmmmm let me try and think of something i like…lol…ikid ikid. seriously, this site offers floor to ceiling windows that are indeed spectacular, an overall clean slate, hardwood floors meaning no gaudy hotel carpet with massive prints, and the pre-function area would allow guests to occupy their time by getting toasted and visiting the museum and catching up on their atl. history.

#4 although very contemporary, I love the space layout, and let’s face it, it’s a funky hotel.

So my friends, based on the above, which would you choose…I’m sure I’ve made it difficult because I failed to mention my dislikes and the $$$$$$$$$ (:-o). but again i say, give me a little feedback if you’re able.

below are some images that you might enjoy

love you all!

toodles

GA. Aquarium

The W midtown (not really-- lol --but close enough)

AHC

Four Seasons

Four Seasons Terrace

FS- Lobby

Save the Date!

LOL, no it isn't ours, but my homie found this very interesting and creative save the date on Youtube. i personally think it's a tad bit much for a save the date buuuuuuuut that's just me.

check it out:
 cool save the date link

sorry i dont have more to report on, but for the first time since we became engaged, we did NO wedding related activities this past weekend! awesome.

happy tuesday!
Toodles

Maybe You All Can Pick Our Venue, OH and the Church too! :-/

selecting a venue has become a worrisome tasks. some of you all might wonder why this is even a concern when our wedding is a year and a half away (6.11.11 for those that don’t know), but the truth is, we need to solidify this before we can embark upon the other “fun” tasks that come along with planning a wedding. i mentioned in a previous post that since forever, my plan was to get married/have my reception at the georgian terrace, but guest numbers are preventing that. ::long sigh:: AND next on the list was the fantabulous st. regis hotel BUUUUUUT with a $50K F&B minimum, at about $200/head yea…let’s just say that will likely not happen...this is not platinum weddings on WE folks. moving along -- as of now I think we have about 4 contenders in this match-up:


1. the atlanta history center

2. rtiz carlton – downtown atlanta

3. the W midtown – atlanta

4. mariott marquis

i.cant.deal. lol this is a tough decision because rob and I have our likes, as well as his parentals and my mom. I say we pull names out of a hat! lol OR perhaps those that read this little journal can give your two cents…I promise your opinion will be taken into consideration… ugh! help!


in other news, i decided to put aside my “issues” with looking at dresses right now (don’t ask.) we checked out bridals by lori and I must say it was a pleasant yet overwhelming experience. i think i found the designer that complements my “figure/stature” so we shall see if I stick with him. i was a bit saddened about the fact that the designer, amsale, doesn’t do me any justice ::sigh:: oh well.


Toodles!

p.s. can you all send some recommendations for churches: cathedral like, in the perimeter, with a center aisle, that will let my pastor officiate and my videographer (whom I met with this past week) film from an angle closer than the darn balcony! I’m in dire need at this point. :-/

p.s.s. lol a co-worker gave me an “engagement card.” Very Sweet. Take a look-see… and check out a pictorial, historical timeline of the fiancé and i :D

We Have Our Planner!!!!!!!

you all have no idea how glad I am to cross this off the list! it was tough to narrow it down after meeting with three lovely dolls within the industry, but only one could have the job of creating something spectacular for robert and tiffany’s special day. i mentioned her in a previous post, michelle gainey of lemiga events, and owner of stuidowed. in essence, we went with michelle because of her focus on design. In addition, her ability to help negotiate contracts, and let’s not forget studiowed, which offers an array of vendors all under one setting including our PHOTOG! (whom robert and I had an in depth convo with in between church services on sunday! ::CHEESE::) michelle has already offered a few other venue options, one of which we visited on yesterday.

I’ll be really, really happy when both our CHURCH venue and reception site are BOOKED, officially. we’re really struggling to find a church that meets all of our needs/wants (i.e. we NEED them to allow our pastor to officiate and we WANT a center aisle). ::sigh:: the joys of planning. also note that I’m really excited to see michelle’s inspiration board for us!!

This week: sign michelle’s contract and hand over a deposit; meeting with a potential videographer (KRJproductions.com); and book the first mtg. with a marriage counselor – remember folks, we’re embarking on a marriage NOT just a party for you all to attend LOL)


happy tuesday people!

toodles!

p.s. check out michelle's blog: http://lemiga.blogspot.com/ y'all she did a 1 year old's birthday party. yes, i said 1 year old! and it was nothing but FAB! I cant wait until 6.11.11!

My Fellow "Bride 2 Be's"

this weekend was unbelievably hectic. from family things to wedding planning, i was almost ready for monday to arrive! j/k nonetheless, I met with planner #2, looked through a stack of wedding magazines with the MIL (pls note that she had mags. dated spring 2006 -- i was in london during this time people ..enough said), thought about gowns, bridal party, GUEST LIST, attended another, more upscale, bridal show, talked with the wife of my beloved must have photog. (future post to come :0), AND ran into 2 more future bride-2-be's whom i know. hmmm, i think that's it…as it relates to the wedding.


so, planner #2 was a good look, she's actually a friend's past wedding planner. We met at her studio, Paisley Umbrella, discussed her services, our vision, etc, etc. Check out her site. We'll meet with planner #3 on Friday, she works out of StudioWed.

ummmm....LOL...i don’t think I’m going to touch on the wedding mags.

bridal show #2 was a good look. there were a ton of tables displayed to give you a more real life sample and idea of what you could actually do. Find a picture below of an "estate" type table created by EventScapes -- this is overdone because of the show, but there are some elements we plan to pull from it.

last week and yesterday I ran into brides i know -- whether through DST or high school. last week i bumped into newly engaged ayana and nicole, from HS and yesterday I ran into laQuise (my sandz) and boone, an old NAH chorale buddy. This all goes to show how TIME IS FLYING. I can’t believe i'm actually getting hitched, to roberto hill AT THAT! WOW! buuut i must shout-out my fav fellow bride-2-be ms. @nikki0j3. I'm excited to announce we'll both be june brides! yay! me of course, in june of 2011 lol. Nikkij and i go back to 9th grade homeroom...who woulda thunk we'd be simultaneously planning our weddings. from tiffany lewis and nicole williams to tiffany hill and nicole richardson. look at that, we'll both move up in the alphabet. Love ya friend! next stop, baby showers! ikid, ikid....

For your viewing pleasures: An updated looksie @ baby caiden (pray for him and mommy pls :(), me and my homie, and a new bride sticker i added to my collection. oh! and a peek at the table from the show.

toodles!
tiffany

      

A Baby, A Planner and Canon in D major

NO i did not have a baby! but my sister did, on her birthday 1/5! caiden ahmari, 7lbs 110z and 20inches long..he's very sweet and like all newborns, just eats and sleeps...to an extent, it's kinda boring because he rarely opens his eyes. 3 years from now i'll probably wish he was sleeping versus running around getting into everything!

yesterday we had our first consultation with Janice of watermark weddings. she's seems on point, but there are a few must haves we really need, including event design and handling of rsvp's. these are a must! i'd like to meet with at least 2 other folks before we move forward. it was interesting being able to "speak my vision" and have her flow with me. i think the overall design, theme, etc is piecing together quite nicely. i wont reveal just yet :) do note that i wont say im very traditional because there will be a few things i'll stray away from. however, for the most part, it will be a classy-classic affair.

speaking of classic, pachelbel's canon, oh how i love thee. click the link to enjoy...

Toodles!

p.s. somone asked for a picture of my new prized possession :) see below. oh, check out sweetie pie caiden too!

will u marry me?

in august of 1997 i met my now fiance...it started as a teeny crush..sorta :)...and eventually, when i was in college, we begin to date. 3 days ago he asked me to spend the rest of my life with him..and i, of course, obliged :) we're very, very excited to embark on this journey called life together. i'm 25, he's 27, let's just say here's to... forever!

sooooo this blog, in the beginning at least, will be a means of expression and sometimes venting for me. those who know me well love my sarcastic banter :-/ and i'm sure there will be plenty of it. first things first, got engaged, and the future MIL jumped right into planning...loves her..i really do. yesterday, i attended a bridal show. wasnt my first time, but it was the first time i got to wear the "bride" sticker, and inquire about caterers, venues, cakes, photogs, flowers, music, honeymoons (::cheese::), planners, etc, etc etc. TALK ABOUT OVERLOAD OF OPTIONS! I can however, say that i think we can check the florist off the list. Next step, a venue for these gazillion guests! :-/

word of the day "cute" (long story)
Toodles!