A Picture Post

Again, forgive the Blackberry photos. I still don't have a real camera.

The Texas blood orange I bought for the vinaigrette on this salad.

Watermelon, feta and arugula salad with a blood orange vinaigrette.

Coconut macaroons for my mom's second half of her birthday present.

Assorted truffles for the other half of Jamie's birthday present. There are chocolate truffles covered in powdered sugar, sliced almonds, and raspberry sugar.

Passed Away

Yesterday was a very sad day. A high school friend of mine, Charis Wacker, told me Bill Estes had passed away Friday. This is his obituary.


Now for mine.

Bill Estes passed away on Friday, March 26. Bill was a caring, funny, and genuine person, who loved to teach whether it be in the classroom or not.

He and his wife owned the Book Rack, where I held my first job - a book seller/stocker/reader. I held that job for more than 6 years. I am thankful for him for not only helping my buy my first car with my wages, but for teaching me about those pesky life lessons.

Among many other gifts, much-needed advice, and never-ending encouragement, Bill and his wife, Kay, threw me a graduation party at Kelly Square when I graduated from Sherman High School. That might mean something to people who live in Sherman. It was fabulous.

Bill was great. He was an amazing boss, and an even better friend. I, of course, will miss him.

I'm going to his funeral on Tuesday at 3pm. If anyone from the Dallas area would like to go, I would be happy to take them.

(http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heralddemocrat/obituary.aspx?n=bill-estes&pid=141254268 )

D Magazine "Best Of" Poll (Yes, a plug.)

Attention all Dallasites! D is putting up their "Best of" polling for the next three months, and I'd like my friends and family to be some of the first votes! If you feel strongly about a restaurant (Craft!), bar (Old Monk!), sweets (Nothing Bundt Cakes!), or anything else, feel free to vote as much as you'd like. You can vote once daily.

Go here to make the magic happen.

Path to Success!

Today starts a new day. I'm getting back on the bandwagon, and trying to get my life in order. The other day I began a handwritten schedule of my week, and I've finally finished it. I've scheduled 55-60 hours of work, 3-5 hours of working out, 4-6 hours of study, and 3 hours of reading. I am planning on sticking to this schedule until the end of May, when my internship with D Magazine has ended. Then, I will reassess, and draw up a new schedule.

Do you feel this weather!? It's amazing! It's 65, the sun is shining, and there is a slight breeze in the air. I've opened my kitchen window (something I plan on doing more often once we move), and the cats have swarmed by it. It's their new hobby, evidently.

This Saturday I am hosting a Family Reunion planning meeting at our apartment. It might be the last time we have a group of people over before we move. Which brings me to another point: We're of course moving, but we have a place, date and plan now. We're moving April 16-19th to an apartment at Tonti Lakeside. It's snuggled between Walnut Hill Lane and Park Lane. I am really excited because not only will we be closer to both of my jobs, we will have a patio for cookouts/dinner parties, a bigger closet, the new Whole Foods around the corner, and Northpark Mall at our doorstep.

One other thing before I go. I didn't mention the debacle with the wedding cake at Rex & Jana's wedding from March 14. And yes, debacle is the totally correct word. As Martie was finishing the cake, she asked that Michael and I help put on the finishing touches. Which means I will be doing the finishing touches. I placed the cake topper on top, and finished with a circlet of roses around it. Little did I know there was a wooden dowel rod stuck right in the middle of the cake, causing the topper to not sit correctly on top. And it was ceramic. And heavy. You see where this is going. It toppled over, taking 1/3 of the top layer with it. We FREAKED, and just stood there for a second before I filled it with icing, and moved on. I added other decoration, trying to keep it together. Take a look at the finished product.

Also, it was a little warm in the room, causing the icing to melt a little. It was an amazing cake, though. Martie made all six layers: two French vanilla, two Italian cream, and two hummingbird. Very yummy.

Now, I'm off to have lunch and plan the dinner for Saturday night. I'm thinking roast chicken, roasted carrots, parsnips, onions and potatoes, and rosemary garlic ciabattas. Ugh, I'm hungry already!

Return to Previous Subjects

Okay, so I'm guessing my hair doesn't look too hot considering the lack of comments here and on Facebook. I get it. Thanks, guys. I'll just throw it in a ponytail (ponyhair?) until it grows out a little more. Or, better yet, all of you guys can shove it! I kinda like it now, so I'm going to wear it with pride. So ha, take that.

On another note, the new Whole Foods at Park Lane is amazing. Lest I get myself into trouble, I should leave it at that. But I can't. Their layout is different from other Whole Foods I've been to, but don't worry, Foodies, everything is still there. And more. The geniuses that are management decided to incorporate a wine bar, barbecue stand, and a large bulk section into this store.

You can buy olive oils and vinegars by weight now. Oh God. Where is my paycheck going? Oh, and what is that I hear? Live music outside? Perfect. Only a block away from one of my employers, I'm fiending to go there for lunch pretty much every day. The SALADS! The ciabatta rolls! The vegan delights! Just the produce is making me drool. Go and see for yourself.

New Haircut

Here is is:

What do you think?

Concert

I want to see her concert on July 22.
Take a guess, or is it obvious?

Monday, March 15th

Yes, I got my hair cut.
No, I don't really like it.
Thus, there will be no pictures until it grows out a bit.
I will likely remain a hermit as well. Like I have the time to do otherwise...

Yesterday was Michael's Uncle's wedding in Sherman, as well as celebrating my Mom's birthday. The wedding was a small, nice gathering at my mother-in-law's house. The weather was perfect. Martie made 2 hams, a brisket, potato salad and baked beans (very picnicy.) She also made both the Groom's cake and the Bride's (6-layer) cake. Each layer was a different cake. Beautiful. Anyway, about 35 people were there, and it was a very nice wedding. Low key.

Later we went to my mom's to visit and so I could make Parmesan mashed potatoes and a caramelized onion loaf before heading over to Granny's house. Granny made my mom Chicken Spaghetti (I'm sure your family has a version of this as well) and a cinnamon-spice-iced cake. Very yummy. The quote from the evening, stated by my Husband: "Anything for dessert that comes in a casserole dish can't be bad." He was right for once.

Tomorrow I am finally going to see the optometrist. I tried ordering contacts, and that was a complete waste of time. Just go to the doctor, and save all the extra time! Let's hope my vision hasn't gotten worse. :) I'm SO ready to be wearing contacts again. It's been weeks!

We (meaning my Mom, Dad, Granny, Michael and myself) are going to Austin the first week in April to see Jamie and Qas. We're in the planning stages, but I'd still love suggestions (food, activity, etc.). Send away!

Remember to pack your umbrellas for tomorrow! It's going to rain most of the morning, from what I hear.

Whole Foods!

Oh, and the new Whole Foods on Park Lane is opening today! I am super excited because it's down the street from my new apartment. I'm hoping Husband will take me to go check it out tonight. WITH my new haircut!

(and yes, that picture is of the one in Austin. Get over it. :))

Blogging At Work

I'm sitting here at my spot at work, with free Pinkberry (yay!), and waiting on several people to call me back. Life is pretty good today. (Que the Zac Brown Band music.) It's been hectic before today, and I'm sure it will be afterwards, too.

Balancing two jobs, a husband, family vacation planning, family reunion planning, working out, studying, furthering my career, and crafting makes for a really busy life. But enough of my whining.

Today I'm getting my hair cut. I'm thinking this, only shorter because it's what I have to work with.

A mixture of the three really. What do you think?

I'll be sure to post pictures of what I decided. Excited!

Feeling better

and hoping to see this tonight:

Health update: I have weird hormones, and mixed with stress, it can cause fatigue in my limbs, making me feel like I have the flu, among other things. I will be good as new!

Sicky Sicky

Over the past two days I've been sick, and basically pathetic. But, I've had some time to work on my crafts and listen to Lady Gaga. Don't judge. Ra Ra AH AH AH! Roma Roma-ma! Gaga, ooh La La!


Anyway, enough of that. I went nuts shopping Etsy yesterday. It was bad. I added about 30 items to my favorites. Here are a few of them:

Sage Bow and Button Headband

The Meredith: Thistle Bag

Vintage Owl Trivet

If I had unlimited money, I would buy it all.

On yet another note, my car is a brand-new piece of metal. This past weekend (when I wasn't sick) I got its oil changed, four new tires, and five new engine coils. Hooray for being broke. But, I have a like-new car!

Is anyone watching Biggest Loser? You know I want to talk about it. (SO glad Miggy is gone.)

Have a good Wednesday! I'll post pictures of my crafts soon. I need a camera?!