FOOD | Tuna Salad...

Tuna Salad

I wanted something light yet filling but wouldn't take too much time, for dinner last evening. After a few meal ideas, I decided to make a Tuna Salad chock full of spinach, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, onions (white), Albacore tuna (in olive oil and seasoned with lemon pepper/salt) and capers & dressing which I added after the photo was taken. I can honestly & happily say that I was pleased with my meal and my stomach, if it could talk, would say the same!!

What are your go-to light meals that you love preparing?

FOOD | Fried Green Tomatoes...

Ingredients, Dip, Fry & Enjoy!

Over the weekend I had a hankering for some Fried Green Tomatoes so I thought that I would try my hand at making them. Note, the best FGT's I've had were from Mary Mac's Tea Room in Atlanta and Founding Farmers in DC.

I simply followed this recipe and voila, a nice little afternoon treat! I plan on making this recipe again but I think that I will either season my cornmeal first and/or opt to use Panko breadcrumbs to add a crunchier texture. All in all, I really enjoyed this nice down home southern treat!

What treats do you enjoy cooking/whipping up?

Have a Lovely Weekend...



Pinterest

  Well another Friday is upon us and the prospect of a fantastic week awaits! I had a pretty nice week filled with great people, getting tons of work done & eating good food (even though it took an hour to get it) & enjoying a great movie. Much tender loving care is needed at on the home front this weekend so in between laundry, grocery shopping, planning meals for the week and working on another batch of PT Darling earrings*, it should be a smooth sailing weekend.

*If you've perused the site a bit, you may have noticed a Shop PT Button/link on the left hand side. Of course it looks cute on the side but it would be even better to have something to look at once you click it. It's my goal to fill the shop with a few of my handmade items ranging from Party Hats, Small Stationary and some Jewelry! I'm pretty excited, gobsmacked, hype, nervous and pleased as punch with the ideas that I have running around in my head and through my hands and prayerfully things go as planned (God's and a little bit of mine, ha ha)!!!

Whatever you choose to do this weekend, may it be fun, memorable, exciting and adventurous!

Have a Lovely Weekend...

Happy Wednesday...



Happy Wednesday| Second Street Blog

Tonight I'll be heading out for a little bit of Hump Day fun complete with walking around the city (DC), catching Happy Hour (who doesn't love Happy Hour food specials?) with some girlfriends and then off to see the advanced screening of Seeking a Friend for the End of the World. I love getting a chance to enjoy the city and then catching what I hope to be a very entertaining movie.

P.S.: I already have my bag packed with a few little treats (Trader Joes Herb Popcorn & some watermelon) to help get me through the movie, sssshhhhh Seriously the popcorn is amazing, I'm already on bag numero three.....

What are your plans for this evening?

Be Armed...

I noticed this beaut which I can picture now at the end of my arm...and who wouldn't love a bit of mint, to add a little stlylish flair and also able to inform those who ask, of the time.

 

Photo via Anthropologie

Have a Lovely Weekend...

French By Design

This week has been pretty cool, a tad bit emotional and a bit of a blur however, today was awesome! My eldest Goddaughter graduated from 5th grade this morning and I literally felt like a beaming proud parent. Not only is she getting older and becoming a beautiful little lady, but I think this morning gave me a glimpse of how my mother felt once I started getting older and moving through life!!

As usual I'm looking forward to the weekend and working on a few projects both personal and home wise. Another one of my good gal pals is getting married (that makes THREE this year) and she's having her bachelorette party (August) in South Beach, so that means that  I need to book my flight pronto. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to a little getaway, getting a yummy tan and some "gal pal having good time"!

Tonight I'm going to an Open Mic event with a few of my good friends so I'm excited for some good fun, great conversation & the whopping good time I already know I'm about to have.

Whatever your plans be they great or small, take time to enjoy yourself, the weather, some good food, and wonderful company!

Have a Lovely Weekend!

Another Year...



The Earthly Life Giver (Mom) & I



I’m so glad that I can say that I had a wonderful, fantastic birthday weekend! From bountiful well wishes, to fun gifts & spending time with my family & friends, and good eats, it was amazing & I'm so thankful to celebrate and enjoy another year of life. Often times I think that I get comfortable or secure in the fact that I will see another day and may not take advantage of what each day has to offer.

Yesterday a friend of mine lost a loved one and although he was older and was blessed beyond measure to experience a wonderful life, love and family, it makes me even more thankful of the life that I’m presently living and praying that I’ll continue to live. I pray that I surround myself with enjoying this one life that God has given me, that I'm determined to reach my present goals, and even accomplish/surpass the ones I plan in the future. I’m looking forward to older age & reminiscing about my youth and the awesome time that I had, looking back on past disappointments that I’ve learned from, loves experienced & the love that remained. Saying thank you for the gifts/talents that were bestowed upon me from God and putting them to use instead of keeping them to myself. To letting myself know that despite how I feel, how I’ve felt, what was done, what I would like done over & what still needs to be..that I'll continue being me and the beautiful person that God has designed me to be. We do only live once, and through this life we ought to live it to the fullest with no regrets, creating legacies and being fulfilled.

Here’s to another year and prayerfully many many more to come, to celebrate, to love & to enjoy!!

Have a Lovely Weekend...

                            

This week didn't exactly go as initially planned as it pertained to doing something birthday related and fun each day, so I've decided to celebrate ALL MONTH LONG (no one who knows me should truly be surprised). I think that's a great "consolation prize" to this week. Each day I've just been beyond pooped! Yesterday my job volunteered to do a Community Beautification activity and we planted a vegetable garden, planted flowers, painted, mulched, cleaned and really made a wonderful collaborative effort with one of our Network organizations. Once the day came to a close, I think that it was evident that each of us were glad we volunteered and felt that  it was completely fulfilling to make a difference even if small in our community!

This week I did manage to head to Madewell in Georgetown for a small event party that DC Scout hosted in celebration of their 4th Year Anniversary! Unfortunately, I left my cell phone in the office so I wasn't able to capture any of the clothes, people or even the set up (bummer). I did however, get to munch on cupcakes, sip a little champagne, get a super gift bag and peruse through Madewell's good finds, so all in all I was pleased as punch!

As for the plans for my weekend and my BIG day (tomorrow) go, I've decided that dressing up (yep, heels, dresses etc. the whole nine and 10 yard) for a small Girls Night Out Movie outing would be great, so we're going to see Hysteria (which looks like it's a perfect Girls Night Out Movie and hilarious) and afterwards dine on sushi and recap on the movie, the goodness of life, love and careers. Later this month, I plan on doing a New York Day Trip with a few friends and checking out a restaurant that has peaked my interest for quite some time (more about that once we get closer to the trip)!

Whatever your plans are for the weekend, may it be enjoyable, memorable and beautiful! Take time to enjoy yourself and others.

Be thankful and Have a Lovely Weekend!

{photo courtesy of Sparkles and Pretending via Pinterest}

Straight Grilling...

I found this wonderful little article that gives small tips for "A Lady's Guide to Grilling". This is something that I find handy because I secretly would love to learn how to work a grill without charring anything. What better way to learn how to put some serious burn on the grill (not literally but I think that may be acceptable grill talk), please your guests, receive all the impressive accolades and not even break a sweat? I'm so totally in!

{photo via Anthropologie Magazine}

Have a Lovely Weekend...

Happy June! This weekend is the kickoff of my birthday (June 9th) week! So in true Princess fashion, I've decided to take more than just one day to celebrate. All next week I want to do a bevy of things in celebration and anticipation of the BIG day! Once I see how the week goes, I may extend the celebration for the entire month! I don't think that one can ever get too old to get amped up about your born day! It only comes once a year and each year is a blessing indeed. As my grandmother says, "every day above ground is cause for celebration" and I must agree!

Hopefully this weekend proves to be a great start to my birthday!

So as always, Have a Lovely Weekend!!

{photo via Bunnnay}

Easy Breezy Natural Hair Beach Waves...

During the summer months I need something that would be easy and require little to no heat. Alternating with each wash cycle (about every two to three weeks), for this style, I wash my hair, blow dry (on a low setting with cool bursts of air) and flat iron with one pass (not making it “bone/stick straight). Next, I make a part in my hair, either on the side or down the middle and take one large section on both sides of my head, apply a light cream or oil (Frederic Fekkai Olive Oil Cream or Jojoba oil) and two strand twist it creating two “twisted buns”. Once the "buns" are created, I head to bed and in the morning, “release” them and slightly fluff my hair to separate and create a little volume (I have to admit I like big hair..sometimes).

The result is a nice beach wave look without all the fuss, loads of heat and/or tons of product, plus it takes less than 10 minutes to part, apply a dab of product twist and pin. I will keep this look for about until my hair wash day.

The beauty in this style is that it doesn’t require me to flat iron my hair continuously/daily and I can have no fuss beach waves minus the heat pretty much over night. To keep this look just retwist nightly and voila!

What easy breezy go to hairstyles do you rely on?

Recovery Mode...

The past two months have been pretty busy/hectic/fast paced but it's been wonderful. From out of town weddings, travel for work, planning a bridal shower etc., I was looking forward to more things and the "more things" happened this past weekend. After the phenomenal weekend I had with the wedding activities Friday/Saturday and hanging out with my girlfriends on Sunday, yesterday I just needed a day to sort of decompress. I decided to do a bit of pre-summer cleaning and re-organzing and do my normal purging of items that I either don't use anymore, have too many of and/or things that I didn't need to keep anymore. It felt good to give the house a bit of a thorough cleaning PLUS I had a chance to stay in a cool house!

What sort of things do you do to "recover" from a hectic schedule?

{photo via Real Simple}

Have a Lovely Weekend...

Me (left) and Christina (right) sporting a PT Party Hat at her Bridal Shower

This Saturday is the wedding of my best friend Christina/Chrissy and I'm sooo overjoyed! We've known each other for the past eight years but it seems like a lifetime. As with each of our friends, you want nothing but joy to flood, overtake and consume their lives and with her upcoming nuptials and this wonderful journey that she's on, she honestly needs an ark to help her ride these blissful waves. 

So here's to my beautiful sister/friend,  may you have an amazing ceremony and may it surpass what you've already envisioned, may you think of what you've endured with regard to relationships and view where you currently are (getting married to the love of your amazing life) and be thankful for the new beginnings that start the moment you say I Do!

I'm ready to continue celebrating with my friend and partying it up all night long!! YAY to love & God's fulfillment of His promise, His Word never returns to Him void!

Away we Go to Moonrise Kingdom...

While commuting into the office today, I was reading the Express, the Thursday edition which is my favorite because it is always choke full of upcoming things to do in the city and came across an intersting movie.

Moonrise Kingdom, which is set in 1965. The premise is that "a pair of young lovers (Kara Hayward, Jared Gilman) flee their New England island town, prompting a local search party led by the Sheriff (Bruce Willis) and the girl's parents (Bill Murray, Frances McDormand) to fan out to find them." Let's just say that I have already secured my ticket/seat for the Advance Screening and I will be there next Thursday.

It's quirky and just seems to be a film that is right up my movie alley!

{Video via Moonrise Kingdom}

I Can't Wait to Continue to...

It's something about the erethral feeling of loving, believing and not taking anything for granted that gives me butterflies, shivers, warm smiles, happy thoughts and even beautiful tears. I think that I need to add this artwork to my home, keep it in my thoughts and/or give it as a gift. Either way, the words and intentions are beautiful!

{photo via Sarah and Bendrix}

We Belong Together...

{Photo via Zara}

Inspiration: Let it Go...

As hard as it may be at times, I must remind myself that I have and must learn to let things go that I cannot control. If not, I will continue to drive myself either insane, mad or anything else that can come along with not releasing.

My mind constantly goes to things, processes and even people that I want to hold onto but at a certain point, the revelation comes no matter how or when, that we, as creatures of emotions, responses and reactions must learn to let it go.

{photo via Curly in the City}

Inspiration: Know & Be Confident...

As a person who is trying to start a small business (Party hats and paper goods, with a few things in between) the above quote stood out to me it prompted me to think about a few things:

1. Learn how to network, socialize and learn from people whose work I admire.

2. Be confident. 99.9% of the work that I do is purely handmade and because I want to grow my clientele, often times I tend to question myself as it pertains to, if I charge “too much” for the work that I do, will my clients become few and far in between. In essence, you want to be reasonable but you also want to realistically be able to “reap the benefits” of the efforts that you put forth to produce great products.

3. Learn to take risks and learn from mistakes. Not everyone who ventures into their own brand/identity gets it right the first time and there may be a few bumps along the way. Be mindful that mistakes are to be learned from and this is where you can gain the experience and acceptance that we’re not perfect but you make an honest effort to reach perfection. Be willing to have a few failures but know that you're not one.

4. Have faith that what you’re doing is what you were destined and meant to do. Don't be scared and don’t judge your gifts/talents by others abilities. You were created to be unique and to travel your own path. And that’s not to say that you can’t be inspired by others, just don’t be intimated.

5. Have a supportive team. I know for me, I try to do EVERYTHING on my own because I feel like I can handle it but sometimes it’s easy to get overwhelmed so get help when needed because that what your team is for. They are to help your vision(s) along and execute so that you’re successful.

6. Be confident of the direction that you want to head in and make moves, attempts and strides to get there!

7.  Have fun! Though sacrifices are made on many ends, questioning yourself, long hours, a period of waiting, disappointments, not really being sure of what to do and lack of confidence, have fun doing what you love! Be driven by your passion for your gift and let it fuel you and have fun along the way

{photo via Pinterest}

Please...

I saw the most hilarious cards today while shopping in Paper Source with my BFF.

I imagined entire scenes in my head of "appropriate" situations in which to hand them out. They can only be described as too funny, again hilarious and awesome.

{photo via SetEditions}

Uncertainty, Certainly...

I happened upon a new book that I would like to read and it covers a most realistic topic I think anyone faces..Uncertainty in all aspects of life and thoughts. "The Principles of Uncertainty" by illustrator/author, Maira Kalman,  appears to be a book worth reading and adding to my collection. I love the affirmation of the book by fellow author, Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray Love), that it's an exquisite and delightful and peculiarly illustrated memoir about...well, the search for the meaning of life."

With that being said, I either need to get it immediately or add it to my Birthday Wish List!

{Photos/quote via Maira Kalman}