Master Gardener Workshop

I have to tell you that I love to brag on people. Especially my family and friends. I am so proud of my Mama. She is a Master Gardener, a title I hope to possess myself one of these days. My mom has an answer for all of my gardening woes and a beautiful eye for design in the garden. I was thrilled when I was approached to ask her to lead a workshop on gardening in the store. She talked about composting, planting seeds, herbs, and had a million answers for all of her questions! I wish I could have been there. I was attending a photo shoot, which you'll have to wait and see the behind the scenes on Monday...



If you have a gardening question for my Mom, ask here and I will post the answers next friday!


© copyright homemade grits

Fridays are for mothers

Matilda and I started off yesterday feeling very glamorous. We headed out early with Mom to go to a photoshoot. We will be making our editorial debut in Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine's April issue. We braved the cold and headed to Decatur and had such a good time. I got to have my hair and makeup done, which is always fun and Matilda did such a great job. Not too many smiles were doled out, but she was a trooper.

Then we headed to Rachel's house to meet her and Kate for lunch at 5th Earl Market for some delicious lunch fare. The sandwhiches and soup were divine. I had the Covent Garden panini and it was absolute heaven. I could have eaten my entire meal again right then and there!

Menu



image credit: 5th Earl Market

The we stopped by an adorable children's boutique, Wiggle, right next store. The store is small, but chock full with a large selection of Tea Collection and See Kai Run shoes, as well as personal favorites: Feather Baby and Kate Quinn organics. Next weekend is their semi-annual sale!!



We came home and rested up for the evening. Sam and I had a night out courtesy of Mom and Dad. We had the absolute pleasure of celebrating one of my favorite people in the world's birthday! We met Jodi and Bobby to spend the evening with the Atlanta Thrashers. We were among thousands out and about in the city on the coldest night of the year. The energy was contagious and it was incredible. Sam and I are still talking about how much fun we had. Thanks Jodi and Bobby for a wonderful evening!!! Happy Birthday Jo!













WE WON!!!!



© copyright homemade grits

Handmade Birthday

Yesterday was my Daddy's birthday and we went and celebrated at our favorite Mexican restaurant. My Dad is simply amazing. He shot his birthday tequila like a champ and we had an amazing time.





Here is Matilda out cold in her Babbacover, my new favorite gizmo. Everyone kept trying to get us to take her out, but I'm getting wise to this ploy. It's all fun and games until we get home and our baby Tilda is an overtired mess. Sam and I stood our ground!



For Daddy's birthday Sam made an amazing belt for him. It is so beautiful and Dad loved it. Sam also loved it, so much that he made himself one. Dad's is on the right, Sam's on the left. Look for them soon in the Etsy shop.





Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Update: how many times can I use the word amazing in a post???

© copyright homemade grits

The french toast smells gooooood

Sam just whipped up some french toast and I can't wait to devour it. We love cooking breakfast for dinner...it's one of our things. We had the loveliest day, although we didn't quite take advantage of the amazing fall weather like we should have. We started off the morning at New York Deli on the square. We met Mom, Dad, Grandmother and Grandaddy, who are in town to meet Matilda. It's one of my favorite lunch spots. My pick is the Vinings BLT with fresh cut fries and half sweet tea (in case you were wondering!). The atmosphere is really nice and great for men, it boasts several flat screen tvs, and the service is amazing. We've been there several times and the food comes out fast and the employees are so friendly and they work so hard to keep the restaurant clean (which I also love).







Here is a picture of Grandmother and Matilda, I got a little fancy with my iBook:



Afterwards we met Andy, Claire, and Kate at our house. I'm so happy Claire is in town and it was so great to visit with all of them. We had some great laughs and very polite political discussions. I have to say, I can't wait until the election is OVER! Anyways,we had a blast and I love them all. Claire, Kate, and I have been friends since they were born. I was at the hospital both times and it's a rare and beautiful thing.







Now Sam and I are going to watch a movie that I think personifies our life right now...American Gangster.

© copyright homemade grits

Tea Party

Last saturday my oldest and best friends threw me a tea party shower! It was such a fun theme and everyone wore their fanciest hats, which admittedly I was a bit nervous about because I didn't think I would find the perfect hat, but I did!






Mom and I found the most fabulous vintage hats at one of my favorite places, Fleu De Coup, and check out Grammy's hat! She put Matilda's gift outfit on her hat!! I loved it.



Here are pictures of the tea bar. They had all different flavors of loose tea, a variety of creams and sweeteners, and the favors were the tea cups + tea ball + a bag of your favorite tea. It was beautiful!





Here are pictures of the amazing food! Grammy said it was the most beautiful food she'd ever seen and I agree. I think catering could be a fall back plan!Everything about the shower was incredibly special. I had spent the evening with the hostesses (Jessie, Jessica, and Keely) the night before and could not believe all of the work they had done! Everything from the food to the party favors was spectacular! I have very talented friends.


Marshmallow creme and chocolate peanut butter on sesame cracker
A favorite...mini funfetti cupcakes!
baby feet cucumber sandwhiches
chocolate dipped fruit with coconut sprinkles

mock sushi...mmmm
pita with cherry tomatoes and hummus
sundried tomatoes, pesto, tofu on cracker
Filo pastry with chocolate mousse and mixed fruit

They also sat up a "onesie stations" where the guests all decorated one for Matilda. They are such treasures!





It was a shower full of favorite people. I received the dearest gifts and got to spend time with old friends, especially Becky who I haven't seen in years! It was perfect. Thank you to everyone who came and for all my sweet hostesses did! I love you!


© copyright homemade grits

Thank you Mama

I would like to just take a moment to thank my sweet Mama for being so wonderful. Today she picked me up to take me to work and was armed with goodies for me:



Mother to Be Tea from Yogi Tea

and



Leg and Foot Creme by Burt's Bees

When it comes down to these last few weeks... tender love and thoughtfulness go a LONG way! You really do start to feel like a baby machine and it feels nice to have special things done just for you. Thank you Mama for always being there for me and for doing special things for all of us. I love you!

© copyright homemade grits

Boots at Target

With the recommendation from my beauty expert co-worker Megan, my Mom and I stocked up on Boots products while on our shopping date yesterday. We had such a wonderful evening. We ate at Ted's, went shopping, and just spent time together. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful, sweet, and fun Mama.

But, back to Boots...Boots is "Britain's health and beauty expert" now available in the US at Target and CVS.



Boots originates from England where we are the leading health and beauty retailer. We were established in 1849 so have over 150 years experience in developing fabulous brands designed to help our customers look and feel great. The company was established by John Boot who opened his first pharmacy store in Nottingham, England – it was his effective remedies, delightful brands and excellent service that led to much success for him and then for his son Jesse when he took over the business in 1877.

Being somewhat of an anglomaniac, I was very excited to hear about their products. I bought these things to try:



Boots Botanics Volumizing Mascara in Brown/Black

No flaking, strong color, goes on very smooth



Boots Mediterranean Bath Cream Thyme Milk Lemon Verbena

Smells like heaven...I will be soaking my tired self in the deliciousness tonight



Botanics eye definer in Licorice

Rich and creamy with a nice, strong pigment



Wonderbalm which I actually got in Grape but didn't see online

Can be used on lips, cuticles, dry spots. Smells yummmmmy

Go out and get you some of this European loveliness and let me know what your favorites are!

© copyright homemade grits