7.30.2009

Did someone say Naked Party?

That's me and Betty.  Don't we look like sisters in this picture? : ) The weekend is fast approaching and I didn't get a chance to share what I did last weekend.  Betty invited me to a Naked Lady (Clothing Swap) Party hosted by her cousin-in-law Rebecca.  It was my first.  I had to dig deep in the closet to find a couple of blouses I had worn only once and was willing to part with (you know I've already donated unessential clothes during my spring cleaning).  

Although we didn't rummage through the two mountains of clothing as much as the other ladies, it was so much fun watching everyone try on all sorts of items.  You probably have guessed why I didn't take pictures; the house curtains had to be drawn (wink).  What a hoot!  So, here's what I came home with--- two cozy sweaters in preparation for the next season to come.     
 
j crew
anthropologie 
I say those are pretty good finds thanks to Betty & Kara's two thumbs up!  One woman's trash is  truly another woman's treasure.  

Did I mention it was also a potluck?  Rebecca was clever to note a food theme: Mediterranean.  In her words, "in the spirit of learning, sharing, and nourishing... find something you like or want to learn to make... what better way to learn through food".  So I did.  This was my first also, making a Greek dessert.  
sweet cheese & raisin turnovers
combining cheeses (mizithra & ricotta), sugar, flour, 
orange zest, cinnamon, raisins, and egg

they turned out beautifully and scrumptious



I highly recommend hosting/attending a Naked Lady Party.  It's a great way to clean your closet and shop without spending a dime, laugh with girlfriends, partake in good food, and not to mention help others in need.  The left over clothes will benefit a clothing bank.  Rebecca did just that, donated the numerous bags filled with clothes that will go to women in need.  

Thank you to Rebecca for throwing a fun party and being a fabulous host.  Thank you to Betty for inviting me to come along.  Hmm, I wonder what's in store for me this weekend.  Happy Friday all and enjoy whatever the weekend may bring to you.

P.S.
I'm happy to tell you that my two blouses found two new lovely owners.  

7.18.2009

Thou mayst love on, through love's eternity.

Exactly one year and two months ago I posted about Wendy's engagement to her wonderful man, now husband Justin.  I invite you to reminisce with me starting here with "Will you Marry Me" all the way to "The One".  Their big day arrived and it was a lovely, lovely, day.

To Wendy & Justin: I hope you enjoy the following posts...


A Dear Girlfriend

With the beautiful bride Wendy.  For those of you who have yet to meet this lovely lady, she is my sister-in-law Jessica's best friend and a very close friend of the family.  My life has been blessed with many wonderful and loving people, Wendy is one them.  Outside of her obvious beauty, two things immediately come to mind when I think of her, caring and pure at heart.  Who wouldn't want a girlfriend like that in their life?  So on this day of her wedding, I couldn't be more happy to witness her walk down the aisle to greet her Happily Ever After...     

Picture Perfect

A peaceful countryside, a gallant lodge, and a romantic wedding. 











Lace & Romance

A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
John Keats






Wedding Ceremony

The groom in waiting...
Here comes the bride...
The vows.
The unity candle.
I do.
The thank you...
Wendy & Justin are such a thoughtful couple.  Here they are taking the time to welcome and thank all their guests by introducing all the tables and each significant person in their lives.  They sure know how to make everyone feel very special.

Portraits

The Newlyweds with Dad Danny & Mom Mila
with sisters Jessica & Ate Jennifer
Charles & Jess
Father & Son
Mother & Daughter
Brother & Sister High School Portrait
Hilarious!

Lullaby

They didn't have you where I come from
Never knew the best was yet to come
Life began when I saw your face
And I hear your laugh like a serenade
How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough, is forever enough...
Lullaby - Dixie Chicks


Mazel tov!

July 18, 2009: Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Haas...

A Kiss Goodnight

My loving husband...

7.15.2009

I bring to you lavender...

"ladies fair, I bring to you lavender with spikes of blue; sweeter plant was never found..."
Caryl Battersby

Our little garden is a true joy to come home to.
I harvested the first bouquet of lavenders today,
wish I could hand it to you to enjoy. 
For now this bouquet will be dried in our kitchen.
Perhaps to be used in a sachet or with fleur de sel for cooking.
Seeing these cherry tomatoes brings back
delicious memories from summer's past.
I prefer cherry tomatoes above over others... 
Although I don't use them often in salad, 
they make it in a few cooked dishes.
Not to mention roasting them as I did last year.
Lovely pole bean.
I'm so excited to harvest these string beans.
It's growing oh so gracefully on the teepee trellis.
I hope to continue to bring you lavenders, 
tomatoes, beans, and more as the lazy summer days go by.