My 30th Pre-Birthday Celebration

This past Labor Day weekend was such an awesome birthday extravaganza! I was so excited to see my fiancé, Michael! I haven't seen him for about a month so this was very important to me. On Saturday we went to The Frist Museum to see the exhibit, Art Deco Automobiles, Sensuous Steel. This exhibit was so cool! I love going to any and every Art Museum, but this brought on special curiosity since I love the Art Deco era. If you don't know what Art Deco is, continue reading. Art Deco was a period that reigned specifically in the 1920's and 1930's in France and then slowly appeared in American culture. It's inspired by bold, rich patterns geometric shapes and extravagant detail. The Frist Center in Nashville TN, The Chrysler Building in Manhattan, and many buildings and hotels on Ocean Drive in South Beach, Miami are sterling examples of this beautiful period called Art Deco. This period was built upon new and industrial steel and everything transportation.  I really enjoyed the exhibit and seeing the luxurious and new age cars they invented.

 My fiancé then surprised me with staying at The Opryland Hotel. As we unpacked in the room, he asked me if I would get some ice so he could make some ice water. I got up and searched high and low for some ice. This convention center is huge, so I felt lost for a brief period. As I got to the room, I peered in and noticed a box on the bed! I didn't expect a gift! Honestly, just having him there was more than enough! I started tearing up and as I opened the box, I  noticed a slight picture on the box of an SLR camera! He bought me a Nikon D-90! This camera is so exquisite! The clarity in the macro lens is exceptional! you can see the difference in some of the pictures below, some were taken on an Iphone 4s and the others on the Nikon D-90. The lens shutter is super fast! We just did a test run at The Opryland Hotel. I really enjoy taking shots of things here and there. I took a couple black and white photography courses in High School and College, but I really want to get back into it! I can't wait to start my hobby again! He specifically told me to work on my SLR NOT Instagram! Not that Instagram is bad, it just takes away from the beauty of what a photo can truly look like when you incorporate work into a picture. My Aunt Caydie has always inspired me in her beautiful work as a professional photographer! It is such an awesome hobby I hope will never die! On Sunday we ate at Monell's! This classic southern hospitality gem was built in 1880. Best Southern Fried Chicken around! I feel like I'm staying at Forest Gump's mama's bed and breakfast! I was sad for the weekend to drift away, but in anticipation for my future! What a great holiday weekend!  Future beautiful pictures to come!

Green Whole Food For A Healthier You

Hello!

Today I wanted to share one of my green juice recipes that I recently tried. I have been experimenting  with different fruits and vegetables by researching their benefits and how they help our bodies. I really liked these particular ingredients because they are full of nutrients for you that last you the whole day through. I really notice a difference in my energy, skin and overall well being if I skip a juicing day. I would also recommend the Breville juicer! Vita mixes are useful as well, I would just recommend a strainer if you don't like a shake texture. Anyways, here's a recipe to keep your skin and mind clear, body slim, and energy level going.

Teeny Greeny Juice:

1.  2-3 Fiji Apples (cut in half with seeds out)
2. Thumb size Ginger Root
3. A Handful of Parsley
4. Handful of  Cilantro
5. 3-4 Leaves of Kale
6.1 Lemon
7. 1 Cucumber

Remember to wash your vegetables! Especially of they are not organic! I'm not telling you NOT to wash organic vegetables,  so wash everything! Cut into pieces and throw them in the juicer. After your done you have a beautiful green color that makes your cells say yum! You will have energy like you don't believe just from this juice! Enjoy! I have been recently eating a great deal of Mangoes  I literally feel like I'm eating natures dessert! These fruits have recently been linked to protect against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers. They are also rich in vitamin B6, C and E. so if you feel like something sweet, reach for a mango instead of the Ice cream. Try this tomorrow! Have a good day!

Etiquette 101...Formal and Restaurant Dining

Hi Everyone!

Today I just wanted to touch on the subject of table manners! I need to brush up on some things that I have recently read that I think are important to keep while seated at a nice dinner. There's nothing stuffy about looking good while eating! First off,  always remove your napkin from the table and place it on your lap. There's nothing like looking at a napkin on the table until your food is served.  Not a big deal- just something to keep in mind. When you get up from the table, fold your napkin and place it near the left or right of your plate. Never place the napkin in your chair! In a restaurant, wait till everyone has been served to eat your dinner. It's the worst feeling when everyone is eating and you don't have a plate!

Here's the big confusion that most people forget when they are at a restaurant or formal dinner party.  Wine glass or water glass is on your right side, and butter plate and butter knife are on your left. That even gets me confused sometimes!

With the dinner utensils, start outside and work your way in. The salad, dinner and dessert fork are usually on your right, and the soup spoon, teaspoon and dinner knife are usually on your left side.  Your napkin is on your left side. Dessert and coffee utensils are North of your entree plate.

There are two ways to use your utensils while eating (I know, so much!)

American Style- Which is having your knife in your right hand and fork in your left.  While you are chewing your food, you place the knife with teeth inward toward the plate, then switch your fork to your right hand.

Continental Style- This style is nice which is using your left hand to cut and your right with fork. This is nice because you don't switch hands! When you need a drink, place both utensils down, the fork resting across the knife:)

Some helpful tips:

- Food is served from the left.
-Never take something when a particular dish is being passed to someone else.
-Loud eating noises are horrible.
- Never talk with your mouth open, that would be embarrassing if your chewed roll gets on someone's plate. Ew!
- Don't eat too fast!
- Playing with your food is a no-no (and don' t give children the excuse, he's just a kid) children are teachable, and you can do it in a nice way!
- When you are finished eating, never place your utensils back on the table. place the silverware on the plate in the 4:20 position.
- I detest political talk at the table because nothing ever gets solved in one evening, you're there in good company, not a debate.
- I also don't care for upstaging another person, do not iterrupt a person during a conversation. That is so irritating.
-Men, do not cut a woman off in a buffet style line, I had this older man do this to me recently. He clearly saw that another woman and I were patiently waiting. I know we can't rise chivalry back from the dead, but come on, these are just basic common manners!  I'm teaching waiting your turn in line with my Kindergardeners. They are amazing at it. I lost my appetite to eat after that sly move. I was embarrassed for him!
-Men, hold the door open for the ladies and push in their seat once in a blue moon. I'm sure your girlfriend, fiancé or wife will look at you a little differently, in a very good way! If you can't remember all two of these tricks, I'm sure one will suffice!   Remember, It's the little things!

My fiancé is coming into town next weekend. Maybe he will surprise me with a nice birthday dinner (hint, hint, if you're reading this now:)  I hope this was good advice! I need to keep these in mind as well!

More ideas to come!

Color Palette for September... Navy and Gray

Hello Everyone,

Fall will be here soon!  I love exploring different color combinations for Fall Style. Two colors in particular that really look sharp and well put together are Navy and Gray. Navy is an awesome color for September! I love wearing it! Theses colors are so versatile, you can dress them up or down. One piece of clothing that is essential in any closet would be the gray cable knit / cardigan / v-neck sweater. I remember wearing this sweater with my uniform in Catholic Elementary School from decades ago!  This piece never goes out of style. You can dress it down with jeans, or up with a pencil skirt and heels for work. Plus, I love how cozy it feels on my skin. The best type of wool would be cashmere. While it is usually the most expensive, it's also the softest! This is such a staple piece! There is something so professional looking about Gray and Navy in the work place! So, why not put your best foot forward this season?  Anything Gray or  Navy will look well put together this Fall.  I've seen some gorgeous work place dresses and even a dark navy suit! What about you, what color combinations do you like this Fall?