Oh wow. So it's been September since my last post. Yeh, I guess I haven't been very Intentional about my blog eh? I'm not sure if I should even bother with my blog since I'm not really sure who follows it.
So if you actually read/read (present tense/past tense) my blog, please leave me a comment. Let me know if I should make one of my New Year's Resolutions as "Keep Up With my Blog"
Cheers!
December 6, 2009
September 26, 2009
$300 Birthday Bash Giveaway
One of my good friends, Suzie, is hosting a GiveAway. She is a very talented photographer.
She lives in the metro Atlanta area and is partnering with 3 area businesses to provide a $300 giveaway!
It's easy to enter & you can make the chance of winning more likely by registering on each business website. (You can only enter once per household on each website.)
The contest will close on October 15th and the winner will be randomly selected on October 26th!
Click on the button to the right or go to www.splitsecondatl.com to see instructions on how to register on her site!
Below is the contest details:
************************************************************************************
The English Pea, KD Cakes, Split Second Photography, and The Fancy Bee are proud to announce our Birthday Bash Giveaway.
Our giveaway is easy, fun and all about celebration. One lucky child will receive a birthday party worth remembering. The winnings include:
* A Party Package from The English Pea – includes 16 birthday invitations with matching envelopes, 20 party favor stickers, one set of personalized notecards with matching envelopes, and one set personalized calling cards – retail value $75.00
(all items must be chosen from available graphics).
* A Custom Cake designed and constructed by KD Cakes – retail value $100
* A photography session with Split Second Photography commemorating your little one’s special day - retail value$100
* A $25.00 gift certificate from the Fancy Bee – your place for personalized gifts
* Total Value: $300.00
(each business will award a gift certificate to the winner with specifics outlined in the gift. Some restrictions do apply. Please see each website for more information).
This fabulous prize can be won by visiting each business’ website or by stopping in at The Fancy Bee. You may enter once at each place thereby increasing your chances of winning (only one household per entry). All entrants must list a name, address, contact email or phone number and the item he/she would choose from each business if they are to win the grand prize. The contest will close October 15th. The winner will be randomly selected by www.random.org and announced on October 26th at 5:00 p.m. at The Fancy Bee’s One Year Anniversary Open House. The Party Bash Giveaway Package will be awarded to the recipient through gift certificates from each business. The winner is responsible for the planning and location of the party as well as any other items – such as food, party favors, etc. – that are not included in the items listed above.
Websites and address locations to enter:
www.theenglishpea.com
www.kdcake.com
www.splitsecondatl.com
She lives in the metro Atlanta area and is partnering with 3 area businesses to provide a $300 giveaway!
It's easy to enter & you can make the chance of winning more likely by registering on each business website. (You can only enter once per household on each website.)
The contest will close on October 15th and the winner will be randomly selected on October 26th!
Click on the button to the right or go to www.splitsecondatl.com to see instructions on how to register on her site!
Below is the contest details:
************************************************************************************
The English Pea, KD Cakes, Split Second Photography, and The Fancy Bee are proud to announce our Birthday Bash Giveaway.
Our giveaway is easy, fun and all about celebration. One lucky child will receive a birthday party worth remembering. The winnings include:
* A Party Package from The English Pea – includes 16 birthday invitations with matching envelopes, 20 party favor stickers, one set of personalized notecards with matching envelopes, and one set personalized calling cards – retail value $75.00
(all items must be chosen from available graphics).
* A Custom Cake designed and constructed by KD Cakes – retail value $100
* A photography session with Split Second Photography commemorating your little one’s special day - retail value$100
* A $25.00 gift certificate from the Fancy Bee – your place for personalized gifts
* Total Value: $300.00
(each business will award a gift certificate to the winner with specifics outlined in the gift. Some restrictions do apply. Please see each website for more information).
This fabulous prize can be won by visiting each business’ website or by stopping in at The Fancy Bee. You may enter once at each place thereby increasing your chances of winning (only one household per entry). All entrants must list a name, address, contact email or phone number and the item he/she would choose from each business if they are to win the grand prize. The contest will close October 15th. The winner will be randomly selected by www.random.org and announced on October 26th at 5:00 p.m. at The Fancy Bee’s One Year Anniversary Open House. The Party Bash Giveaway Package will be awarded to the recipient through gift certificates from each business. The winner is responsible for the planning and location of the party as well as any other items – such as food, party favors, etc. – that are not included in the items listed above.
Websites and address locations to enter:
www.theenglishpea.com
www.kdcake.com
www.splitsecondatl.com
September 23, 2009
Rain Rain Go Away
Thanks to the excessive amounts of rain over the past couple of days, my lovely garden with which I have been so diligent is about to die. The floods of 2009 here in Atlanta are the worst since 1918 (or something like that). To give you an idea of just how high the waters rose, here is a real shot of Six Flags Over Georgia.
I didn't even get to shoot a picture of when it was healthy. I guess that's what you get when you procrastinate. My two zucchini plants are not going to make it, my Roma tomato plant is imitating the leaning tower of Pisa, and the new role model for my bell pepper plant is it's neighbor (the Roma tomato plant). I did however, manage to pick and cook my first bell pepper. I experimented by making this Southwest Chicken Bake. Yes I made it up. It consisted of chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, rice, cheese, a few different spices, and of course, my bell pepper. I'm quite proud of myself. Hopefully the Roma tomato plant will make it. I need to get out there and prop them up some.
I didn't even get to shoot a picture of when it was healthy. I guess that's what you get when you procrastinate. My two zucchini plants are not going to make it, my Roma tomato plant is imitating the leaning tower of Pisa, and the new role model for my bell pepper plant is it's neighbor (the Roma tomato plant). I did however, manage to pick and cook my first bell pepper. I experimented by making this Southwest Chicken Bake. Yes I made it up. It consisted of chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, rice, cheese, a few different spices, and of course, my bell pepper. I'm quite proud of myself. Hopefully the Roma tomato plant will make it. I need to get out there and prop them up some.
September 12, 2009
Family Vacation
My older sister, Sherisse, and her family came to the U.S. to attend the wedding of our cousin, Jeannine. Sherisse, her husband Glen, and my nieces, Shanell (7 years old) and Aliyah (5 years old) arrived in Atlanta on August 25th and left on September 8th. They tell me they had a really great time. Leroy and I gave the girls point-and-shoot cameras as a present (come on, the Aunty has to spoil their nieces right?!?!) Here are some fun shots of their time here in America.
This is Sherisse during the wedding rehearsal in New York. Isn't she beautiful.
This is Alana, another on of my gorgeous cousins. She lives in Jersey. This was taken outside of the church after the wedding in New York:
This is Sherisse and Glen. No, it's not a prom picture, it's them during the wedding reception. The reception was so much fun. I really had a great time. In fact, I didn't want it to end, but they had to kick us out :)
The Sunday after the wedding, Jeannine and Kevin organized a farewell brunch on the Hudson for family and friends. It was a great time to catch up with some of my Uncles and Aunts (Tito and Tita). Top left to right: Tita Ethel, Tita Lani and Tito Ed. Bottom left to right: My Mama and Tita Helen. I love my family. They are so much fun.
When we got back from New York, I sent Sherisse and the crew around Atlanta to different spots. Here is Shanell at the Fernbank Museum:
Not sure exactly where this is, but this is Aliyah. You can tell both of these girls are sassy and spunky! I love 'em. I had so much fun with them!
Here is Shanell at the Georgia Aquarium.
Here is Aliyah doing the hula-hoop at Lake Lanier water park.
Here is Aliyah and her mobile playground...um, I mean her Uncle Leroy. They had so much fun with their Uncle Leroy and tumbling around with him. This was taken at Jillian's on Friday September 4th. We celebrated Glen's birthday there.
On Labor Day, we went to Mom and Dad's (Leroy's parents house) for a BBQ and then went on to Stone Mountain to watch the laser show. Top from left to right: Dad, Kasey (Rebecca's boyfriend), Glen. Bottom from left to right: Rebecca (sister), Leroy, Me, Braylon (nephew), Sherisse, Shanell, Mama, Rachel (sister). It was a nice relaxing time after a long weekend. I think Mom and Aliyah were taking pictures :)
Here's Shanell at Stone Mountain. She is such a sweet girl. I really miss them.
There were so many things we didn't get a chance to do, but it was a good time anyway. I'm looking forward to seeing them in 2011. That's probably the next time I'll see them. 2010 we are planning to take a trip to Alaska and maybe back to Disneyworld. And if I can convince Leroy and save up enough, maybe we can take a week long vacation in Europe somewhere. We'll see.
Then in 2011, my Papa is turning 60, so we're throwing him a big birthday bash. The whole family, and even Mom and Dad are supposed to be coming too. We'll keep you posted with that.
This is Sherisse during the wedding rehearsal in New York. Isn't she beautiful.
This is Alana, another on of my gorgeous cousins. She lives in Jersey. This was taken outside of the church after the wedding in New York:
This is Sherisse and Glen. No, it's not a prom picture, it's them during the wedding reception. The reception was so much fun. I really had a great time. In fact, I didn't want it to end, but they had to kick us out :)
The Sunday after the wedding, Jeannine and Kevin organized a farewell brunch on the Hudson for family and friends. It was a great time to catch up with some of my Uncles and Aunts (Tito and Tita). Top left to right: Tita Ethel, Tita Lani and Tito Ed. Bottom left to right: My Mama and Tita Helen. I love my family. They are so much fun.
When we got back from New York, I sent Sherisse and the crew around Atlanta to different spots. Here is Shanell at the Fernbank Museum:
Not sure exactly where this is, but this is Aliyah. You can tell both of these girls are sassy and spunky! I love 'em. I had so much fun with them!
Here is Shanell at the Georgia Aquarium.
Here is Aliyah doing the hula-hoop at Lake Lanier water park.
Here is Aliyah and her mobile playground...um, I mean her Uncle Leroy. They had so much fun with their Uncle Leroy and tumbling around with him. This was taken at Jillian's on Friday September 4th. We celebrated Glen's birthday there.
On Labor Day, we went to Mom and Dad's (Leroy's parents house) for a BBQ and then went on to Stone Mountain to watch the laser show. Top from left to right: Dad, Kasey (Rebecca's boyfriend), Glen. Bottom from left to right: Rebecca (sister), Leroy, Me, Braylon (nephew), Sherisse, Shanell, Mama, Rachel (sister). It was a nice relaxing time after a long weekend. I think Mom and Aliyah were taking pictures :)
Here's Shanell at Stone Mountain. She is such a sweet girl. I really miss them.
There were so many things we didn't get a chance to do, but it was a good time anyway. I'm looking forward to seeing them in 2011. That's probably the next time I'll see them. 2010 we are planning to take a trip to Alaska and maybe back to Disneyworld. And if I can convince Leroy and save up enough, maybe we can take a week long vacation in Europe somewhere. We'll see.
Then in 2011, my Papa is turning 60, so we're throwing him a big birthday bash. The whole family, and even Mom and Dad are supposed to be coming too. We'll keep you posted with that.
Jeannine's Wedding
My cousin, Jeannine married her sweetheart, Kevin Feyen on August 29th in New York City.
I didn't get a chance to take my own pictures as I was lending a little bit of a hand during the ceremony and afterward. Jeannine is the oldest of my cousins on my Dad's side of the family. If I had to give an example of a stunning and elegant bride, I would definitely pick her as my example. She planned a beautiful and amazing wedding. I wish I had more pictures, but here are a few that were captured by Leroy. If I can find more from other photographers, I'll be sure to share.
At the end of the ceremony, they released two doves. These are some of my favorite shots.
I didn't get a chance to take my own pictures as I was lending a little bit of a hand during the ceremony and afterward. Jeannine is the oldest of my cousins on my Dad's side of the family. If I had to give an example of a stunning and elegant bride, I would definitely pick her as my example. She planned a beautiful and amazing wedding. I wish I had more pictures, but here are a few that were captured by Leroy. If I can find more from other photographers, I'll be sure to share.
At the end of the ceremony, they released two doves. These are some of my favorite shots.
Congratulations Ate Jeannine and Kevin!
August 3, 2009
Purple Thumb
It's about 9:34 PM as I start on this post, and I'm feeling a little under the weather. So I figure, I may as well try to post a little something as I lay in bed waiting on the over-the-counter pharms work their way into my body.
I like to kid around and say I have a purple thumb...maybe I should say I have a brown thumb. I do a pretty good job of killing off plants. So far though, my garden is doing very well.
Some time after the reunion, my neighbor, Chris, did a very cool thing for me. He tilled a portion of our back yard and made me a garden. He promised me that he would get on my case if I didn't take care of my garden. Chris is pretty serious about the whole gardening thing. Leroy's Mom is fantastic at keeping a beautiful garden and keeping healthy plants. He joking tells people that you'll never have a problem breathing in her house due to the number of indoor plants she keeps. My grandparents (Nana and Tata) in Australia are also very green. Shoot, they don't have green thumbs, their whole body is green. Some of my fondest childhood memories include countless hours in my Nana and Tata's garden. I remember sitting down with Nana as she taught me how to dip cuttings into what I guess was some kind of fertilizer and then putting them into narrow pots (around the size of a tall shot glass). I remember playing tip-chasey (tag for all you Americans) with my cousins and running around the front yard and around the side to the back yard of their corner lot. I remember Tata giving me fresh guava and Nana giving me pretty flowers. I remember going to their property out in the bush (again, for you Americans...basically the sticks), and walking through the greenhouses to cool off as the misters were watering the plants. Those were the good ole days.
Here is my very first garden! I know, it doesn't look very exciting right now. But I'll post more pics and you can see what I've added to my Roma tomato plant. Can you even see it? It's at the top corner. Here's a close up shot.
I should have taken some shots of my three other plants before I planted them so you can see the growth. We've had a lot of rain lately which has been great for my little plants. Well, the pharms are kickin' now. Good night...until later, stay green my friends.
I like to kid around and say I have a purple thumb...maybe I should say I have a brown thumb. I do a pretty good job of killing off plants. So far though, my garden is doing very well.
Some time after the reunion, my neighbor, Chris, did a very cool thing for me. He tilled a portion of our back yard and made me a garden. He promised me that he would get on my case if I didn't take care of my garden. Chris is pretty serious about the whole gardening thing. Leroy's Mom is fantastic at keeping a beautiful garden and keeping healthy plants. He joking tells people that you'll never have a problem breathing in her house due to the number of indoor plants she keeps. My grandparents (Nana and Tata) in Australia are also very green. Shoot, they don't have green thumbs, their whole body is green. Some of my fondest childhood memories include countless hours in my Nana and Tata's garden. I remember sitting down with Nana as she taught me how to dip cuttings into what I guess was some kind of fertilizer and then putting them into narrow pots (around the size of a tall shot glass). I remember playing tip-chasey (tag for all you Americans) with my cousins and running around the front yard and around the side to the back yard of their corner lot. I remember Tata giving me fresh guava and Nana giving me pretty flowers. I remember going to their property out in the bush (again, for you Americans...basically the sticks), and walking through the greenhouses to cool off as the misters were watering the plants. Those were the good ole days.
Here is my very first garden! I know, it doesn't look very exciting right now. But I'll post more pics and you can see what I've added to my Roma tomato plant. Can you even see it? It's at the top corner. Here's a close up shot.
I should have taken some shots of my three other plants before I planted them so you can see the growth. We've had a lot of rain lately which has been great for my little plants. Well, the pharms are kickin' now. Good night...until later, stay green my friends.
July 27, 2009
Family Reunion
During the weekend July 10-12, Leroy and I were involved with the Culbreth, Moore and Daniel Family Reunion. This is Leroy's Grandmother's family (Dad's Mom). It was quite the event. The logo above is this year's logo. Cousin Tiara designed it for the packets and for the t-shirts.
Friday afternoon/Evening, we had a fish fry. MMMmmm, fish and grits!! If you've never had the experience of this fine Southern delight, you need to the next time you visit the south.
Here's cousin Toya. I had a great time with her family: Melvin (hubby), Trip (son), June (sister), Tanya (other sister), Uncle Georgia (Dad...see below) and Aunt Addie (Mom). Most of her family live in Alaska. Hopefully we'll get to visit Alaska next year :)
Saturday was the family picnic and boy were we busy. Leroy and I were a part of the planning committee and we sure did work it (setting things up, cooking, cleaning etc etc). Uncle George cooks up some mean cabbage. One day I want to be able to cook cabbage just like him (except he won't share the recipe!!!)
Here's Braylon, my nephew. People...don't leave your children alone with Leroy. Or they might have too much fun and will want to go higher. It looks higher than it really is because of the angle of my shot.
Well, that's it. I wanted to put up a quick post. More to come. I actually took my pics off my camera. So I'm ready to blog...no excuses :)
Here's Braylon, my nephew. People...don't leave your children alone with Leroy. Or they might have too much fun and will want to go higher. It looks higher than it really is because of the angle of my shot.
Here is the group picture of almost everyone that attended.
Well, that's it. I wanted to put up a quick post. More to come. I actually took my pics off my camera. So I'm ready to blog...no excuses :)
June 25, 2009
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
(August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)
(August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)
By now, I'm sure there are people all over the world saddened by the news of the death of the King of Pop. He was ridiculously talented, and I will miss him. I am sorry that he is no longer with us and that we will no longer have the privilege of hearing new and amazing music from this wonderful performer. Here's a little bit of random information about me in relation to Michael (besides the fact that I am watching old youtube videos of him as I write this post: Remember the Time, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal and Billie Jean). When I was little, I had two Michael Jackson outfits for my Ken dolls :) yup. One was the red Thriller suit and the other was the Beat It jacket. Now that's true a true fan of the one and only, Michael Jackson.
June 7, 2009
A weekend in New York
Last weekend Leroy and I traveled to New York. We got in late Friday night. We hit up Amy Ruth's for breakfast and walked it off by taking some cool pics in Harlem.
Here is some random church
Kathryn (Maid of Honor)
Me and Tita Ethel (Jeannine's Mom)
Jeannine
Kevin
It was an enjoyable weekend, and I'm so honored that we could be a part of it. I can't wait to get back to New York for her wedding in August.
Here is some random churchWe spent most of Saturday with Kory, Patrice, Chase and Charis.
Chase
Charis
Chase
CharisKory is Leroy's BFF from college. We got to chill out at Central Park, indulge in some yummy Filipino food at Grill 21, and do some shopping. Then they dropped us off at Jeannine's place (my cousin). Jeannine is getting married in August. She was being thrown a bridal shower that weekend (the main reason why Leroy and I were there). Saturday night was a girls night out event. There was some wedding stuff that was being finalized prior to the girls night out so all the bridesmaids were at Jeannine's place. We got buzzed in, walked upstairs into her home, peaked around the corner, and with the help of Kathryn and Jamie, we were able to surprise her. She thought everyone was there, so she was trying to figure out who was just buzzed in.We were so happy to be there. Leroy left with Kory and I got to spend a little time getting to know Jeannine's friends. All successful, strong, beautiful women...just like Jeannine. It was really great getting to know them and I'm so happy that she has really wonderful people in her life.
After dinner at Kashkaval, which was an amazing neighborhood spot where Kevin and Jeannine had their first date, a few of us went on to a karaoke bar. It was a fun night.
Me, Jeannine, Kathryn and Renata at the Karaoke bar!
Me, Jeannine, Kathryn and Renata at the Karaoke bar!Sunday, Leroy and I spend some time relaxing before heading off to the shower at Bottino. Leroy stayed for a bit to be our event photographer. It was such a sweet and relaxing atmosphere. Again, it was a blast getting to know her peeps! Leroy and I headed back home after the shower.
Jeannine and Jaime (bridesmaid)
Jeannine and Jaime (bridesmaid)
Kathryn (Maid of Honor)
Me and Tita Ethel (Jeannine's Mom)
Jeannine
KevinMay 17, 2009
Hip Hip Horray!
It's been quite some time since I have posted, as usual. But thought it would be good to post since I just celebrated my birthday on Saturday. (okay, I originally wrote this on Sunday, but am just now posting)
Our friends Doug and Elaine and their 2 year old son, Michael came to stay with us this weekend. They arrived Thursday. Then more friends, 'Spike' and Hannah, came Friday to spend the weekend too. ('Spike' is actually Michael and his last name is Spicher, hence, "Spike". But I'll go by Spike as not to confuse him with the 2 year old). Silly us, we forgot to take pictures all weekend, but here is Michael.
My birthday actually began Thursday night when Elaine gave me a gift. It was a VHS of a live concert of New Kids on the Block. Yes, it is as cheezy as you can imagine it would be. Then Friday, my awesome coworkers/friends, Suzie, Karen and Nicoline took me to lunch at The Olive Tree. Suzie also got me this really amazing Family Tree photo frame that houses up to 4 pictures. Isn't she amazing?!?!
Then Saturday at 5:30 AM my sister, Sherisse, called from Australia. She got her times mixed up, but since Shanell and Aliyah (my nieces) were with her to wish me a happy birthday, it was okay. Then at 7:30 AM, my Dad called me. I share my birthday with my Uncle Felino, so the family was at his place for a bit of a celebration. So they all sang me happy birthday. Aussie's love to chant "Hip Hip Horray" three times after singing the birthday song. I love it!!! I spoke with them for almost an hour. It was great!!!
Then, all of our friends went to Ria's Bluebird for brunch. After Michael took a quick nap back at the house, we went to the Brick Store Pub for dinner. It was rated one of the top 5 pubs in America last year. Then we went to Jake's Ice Cream where I got free ice-cream because it was my birthday. Ria's and Jakes were the only two things I absolutely wanted to do, and we got to do it, YEAH! Also, "It was a dream fulfilled that the Spichers were at my birthday!" (Mr. Spicher told me to write that.)
Here is a quick (and sort of blurry) shot of the Spichers and Leroy.
All the boys went to Seminary together in Charlotte, and Elaine & Hannah are also in school for philosophy, so I guess Michael (the 2 year old) and I were the only non-philosophers in the group :) Anyway, they are a funny bunch and this weekend was filled with an insane amount of laughter. It truly was a fantastic weekend. Thanks to all that made it happen!
Happy birthday to me :)
Our friends Doug and Elaine and their 2 year old son, Michael came to stay with us this weekend. They arrived Thursday. Then more friends, 'Spike' and Hannah, came Friday to spend the weekend too. ('Spike' is actually Michael and his last name is Spicher, hence, "Spike". But I'll go by Spike as not to confuse him with the 2 year old). Silly us, we forgot to take pictures all weekend, but here is Michael.
My birthday actually began Thursday night when Elaine gave me a gift. It was a VHS of a live concert of New Kids on the Block. Yes, it is as cheezy as you can imagine it would be. Then Friday, my awesome coworkers/friends, Suzie, Karen and Nicoline took me to lunch at The Olive Tree. Suzie also got me this really amazing Family Tree photo frame that houses up to 4 pictures. Isn't she amazing?!?!
Then Saturday at 5:30 AM my sister, Sherisse, called from Australia. She got her times mixed up, but since Shanell and Aliyah (my nieces) were with her to wish me a happy birthday, it was okay. Then at 7:30 AM, my Dad called me. I share my birthday with my Uncle Felino, so the family was at his place for a bit of a celebration. So they all sang me happy birthday. Aussie's love to chant "Hip Hip Horray" three times after singing the birthday song. I love it!!! I spoke with them for almost an hour. It was great!!!
Then, all of our friends went to Ria's Bluebird for brunch. After Michael took a quick nap back at the house, we went to the Brick Store Pub for dinner. It was rated one of the top 5 pubs in America last year. Then we went to Jake's Ice Cream where I got free ice-cream because it was my birthday. Ria's and Jakes were the only two things I absolutely wanted to do, and we got to do it, YEAH! Also, "It was a dream fulfilled that the Spichers were at my birthday!" (Mr. Spicher told me to write that.)
Here is a quick (and sort of blurry) shot of the Spichers and Leroy.
Happy birthday to me :)
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