New Workout Update

I must say that my first week on my new workout plan has went quite well.  I ran 4 times this week plus did my workout on my arms and legs.  I haven't felt much soreness in my arms, but I have felt it in my legs.  I haven't been trying to do too much because I don't want to be so sore that I don't want to workout the next day.  Saturday morning I went to the golf course with Scott, and got a little workout walking around with him.  He hadn't been out there in awhile, but he actually did really good (2 pars, 2 bogeys, and 3 doubles).  A couple of the greens were under construction so he only played 7 holes.  Here's his score card:

Since I am on this whole workout kick now, I got me some workout clothes.  Now, I just need some more running shoes. 

The BET Awards is on now.  I must say that it is actually good.  I have enjoyed performances by Alicia Keys, Drake, P. Diddy, and especially Chris Brown.  You can say what you want about Chris Brown, but he can DANCE.  Any who,  Hollllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Porsche

Porsche and Me

My girl, Porsche, turned the Big Dirty, Flirty 30.  Her husband surprised her with a birthday party, and she was so surprised.  She came in with a blind fold on.  When her husband took it off, she was so shocked.  It was so funny!!!!!  Happy Birthday, Porsche, and I hope you have many more.

The King of Pop

One year today, Michael Jackson left us all.  I was just saying that it doesn't seem like MJ is gone.  It is just amazing how he affected the world.  On all the interviews, they keep asking celebrities what was their most memorable MJ moment?  Well, I remember mine.  I was about 4 or 5 years old.  I loved Michael Jackson.  I had a purple MJ nightshirt that I would sleep in all the time.  Any who, my folks were watching the Thriller video.  Of course, I wanted to watch it too since I was such a MJ fan.  Well, they let me.  Oh what a mistake!  I was so scared of Michael Jackson after seeing him look like a monster.  I remember my mom telling me that wasn't blood on all the zombies, it was ketchup....LOL  Well, I didn't wear my purple MJ nightshirt anymore after that. 

Well, I grew up and started liking Michael Jackson again.  Last year when they announced on the radio that he had went into cardiac arrest, I just thought that he would be hospitalized and come back better than ever for his upcoming concert tour.  Well, we all know what happened.  I was just in shock when I heard.  I just kept getting the "MJ has died" text all that afternoon.  I think everyone was in shock.

All week they have been showing the Jackson movie, "An American Dream" on tv.  I know Scott is tired of me watching that movie over and over again.  I just can't help it.  Any who, MJ will be missed for years to come and his music will live on forever. 

Rest in Peace Michael Jackson.

New Workout Plan

The weirdest thing happened yesterday.  I was shaking my arm to get some bbq sauce out of the bottle, and I noticed the most awful thing.  The skin on my arm was flapping.  You know that skin that flaps on some women when they are waving good-bye.  I was in awe!  So, I have put myself on a new workout plan.  Everyone raves about Michelle Obama's arms, so I said Hey, it's worth a shot!  I looked up her work out plan and plan to start it this evening.

While I am at it, I said I might as well work on my legs and glutes.  A good exercise that I have done in the past to help tone my glutes are fire hydrants.  You get on all fours, raise you leg from the hip like a dog would do to a fire hydrant.  They really work.  I just have to stay on them.

I also plan to start running again.  Cardio is pretty much the foundation of any workout plan.  The big thing about working out is wanting to see results immediately.  I am going to try really hard to stick with it, so I can see those results.  Of course, I will keep y'all up to date on my progress. 

Cakes

This is a diaper cake I made for a friend of a friend. 

This is another sports themed cake

Tonight is Game 6 of the Boston/Lakers series.  I am for the BOOOOOOSTON CELTICS!  The next 2 games are in LA, but we can do it.  If there is a Game 7, I will be on the edge of my seat the whole time.  Hopefully, there won't be. 

Well, holler at y'all later!

Fine as Wine at 29

Today is my birthday, and I turned 29. Or should I say, Fine as Wine at 29...LOL Any who, I found it very interesting that I share this birthday with Michael J. Fox and Bishop T.D. Jakes. Pretty cool if I say so myself. I got lots of text messages, e-mails, phone calls, and cards. I would like to say thank you to everyone that made my birthday so special. It's been a really good birthday.

My husband really went out of his way. He got me an Amazon Kindle. A Kindle is a wireless reading device that allows you to download books. Being that I have been an avid reader since Scooby Doo was a pup, I was ecstatic when he gave it to me. I can't wait to start reading. I have a long list of books to read. Man, I am excited just thinking about it. Here is a picture of the Kindle.

Scott also gave me some Halle Berry Pure Orchid perfume and Erykah Badu's latest cd. I told Scott that I can take a shower, put on my new perfume, and read my latest book on my Kindle while Erykah Badu plays in the background..he he he. Any who, Scott and I went to Bonefish Grill today for dinner. It was sooooooo good. We had a Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, and I had the steak with a crab cake and garlic potatoes. All I can say is YUM!

Even though I turned 29 today, everyone kept bringing up next year when I turn 30. Well, I am going to enjoy my last year in my 20's, and think about my 30's next year. I just thank God for the 29 years of life that he has blessed me with, and the family and friends that are always here for me. Thanks, Peeps!

Well, I am about to lay my 29 year old self down for the night. Until we meet again, Peace and Hairgrease!

Happy 2nd Birthday Carrigan

Little Carrigan's birthday was yesterday, but her party was Saturday. It turned out well. Carrigan is like a different little person when she gets around other little kids. She was just walking and running around, laughing, and having a good little time. The theme for the party was The Princess and the Frog. All the decorations were in purple and green. Everything came together nicely. I contributed the cake, cupcakes, cupcake stand, and tissue pom poms. The food was good too. We had jerk chicken wings, bacon-wrapped smokies, pasta salad, cheese dip, fruit, and fruit salad. Yolanda's aunt made the fruit salad, and it was sooooooooooo good. I love that stuff! Carrigan got lots of gifts of course. I swear that girl has more clothes. But all in all, Carrigan had a spectacular birthday. Happy Birthday Carrigan, and have a wonderful Terrible Two's....LOL

Carrigan and her GiGi

Cake and Cupcakes

The cake up close

Awwwe! Back to work again...

I have so enjoyed my time off. These past five days just flew by. It seems like I just left work. I got a lot of rest and did a lot with the ol' hubby. We went to the movies, to a baseball game, out to eat, shopping at the mall, 4 wheeler riding, and to a cookout. Now that I have typed all that we did, it seems like we did a lot. I guess we did. I enjoyed myself. I just wish I had about 5 more days to rest. Any who, the month of May brought a lot of cakes. I did a total of 8 cakes this month. I think that's a record for me. Tomorrow starts the beginning of a new month. This year is just flying by. It seems like it was just New Year's. Well, I suppose I need to be getting in the bed to prepare for work tomorrow. Until we meet again, Peace and Hairgrease!

Here are some pictures of me and my nieces from this weekend:

Emoni, Amauri, and Me

Emoni and Amauri

Little E and Me

All of us girls

All that Hype for Nothing

Well, Well, Well.....we went to go see Sex and the City 2 today, and it was nothing what I thought it would be. It did not surpass the first movie, which in my opinion. most sequels don't. The movie just lacked that sexy, fiesty pizazz that each character had during the series and in the first movie. The first movie had me shedding tears. This movie had me yawning at parts. I will say that if you are a true S.A.T.C. fan, it is worth going to see. If for anything, just to get closure on the end of the S.A.T.C. era.

Here is my latest cake that I did for my friend Teresa's son, Kajuan, who is turning 10. It's a sports theme cake. The top tier is strawberry cake with cream cheese filling and the bottom tier is chocolate cake. All covered in buttercream with mmf (marshmallow fondant) accents.

Kajuan's sports theme cake

Back View

Just some more cakes!!!!!!

My brother-in-law, Brant, asked me to do a lab themed cake for one of his co-workers. So I thought to myself, what all do lab people work with? I came up with needles, band-aids, reports, lab coat, and a pill bottle. I wasn't sure how much lab personnel deal with pill bottles, but hey, it's medical oriented (smile).

Top View

Side View

Side View

This is a cake that a supervisor at work asked me to do for one of his team mates.

The most wonderful thing happened to me yesterday. I tend to have a pattern of watching the same movies over and over again. I can't help it. I like what I like. Any who, I was looking on On Demand for Sex and the City the movie, and I came across the most wonderful thing.....The whole sixth season of Sex and the City. BIG SCREAM! I was just about to order it because I wanted to watch all the seasons before we went to go see Sex and the City 2 this coming weekend. So....needless to say that in all my extra time this upcoming week, I will be watching Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte. This is the life!

Dos Cakes......

This is a cake that I did for a slumber party themed birthday party. The cake is in the shape of a sleep mask. The little girls and all the accents are marshmallow fondant. The girl that I did this cake for, Imanii, called me. She said that she loved the cake, and it really went with her theme. She thanked me for doing it for her. Imanii calling me just warmed my heart so much. I just thought that was so sweet. It makes me feel so good to know that a cake that I did made a little girl's birthday so special. Happy 9th Birthday Imanii!

Now, this cake is for a "Sweet 16" birthday party. The cake is covered in buttercream and the zebra stripes, dot border, letters and numbers, and bow and tag are all marshmallow fondant. I was happy that I was asked to do this cake because I have been wanting to do a zebra print cake. I drop this cake off tomorrow, so I hope that she likes it.

This week has been very tiring. Since I had these two cakes due this week, I have been working overtime. I haven't cooked all week, which is a little different for me. I want to give a special thank you to my husband, Scott for taking up the slack with house duties this week. Thanks, Boo! You're the BESTest!

Well now that I am all done with this last cake and have cleaned up the kitchen, I am about to take a shower and go to sleep. Oh yeah, I almost forgot....Go CELTICS!!!!!!!

My mood right now.....Proud

Latest Cake...

Side View

Top View

Here we go again.....my latest cake is for a baby shower . All the decorations are made of marshmallow fondant. This was my first time actually molding decorations out of fondant. I was most proud of my duck. I actually got it to look like a duck (smile).

A Good Weekend....

Me and my boo

Saturday was the night of the Mayweather and Mosley fight. My friend Candice invited Scott and I over to watch it. We had a good time. Of course, I am sure that you know that Floyd Mayweather won. Then Sunday, we got a little treat. Our goddaughter Carrigan paid us a visit. She is growing up so fast and getting so smart. She rode her big wheel and had a good little time.

Here are some pictures of Carrigan. Isn't she a cutie?

Carrigan

mmmmmm, what trouble can I get into next?

Beep, Beep....Get out the way!!!!!!!!

Lollipop Cake

Back of the cake

This is my latest cake. I made this cake for my co-worker Shirley's granddaughter's 2nd birthday. Shirley asked me to do this cake about a week ago and originally asked for a half a sheet cake. I have been wanting to try other types of cakes, so I found a picture of this cake and showed it to Shirley. She sent it to her daughter-in-law, and she loved the cake. She said it matched the invitations. When I saw the invitation, it matched the invitation to the T. The cake is WASC (white almond sour cream except I use vanilla extract instead of almond) with buttercream icing. I made the lollipops out of marshmallow fondant, and I used real lollipop sticks. To give the lollipop swirl look, I just didn't rub all the icing color in the fondant. The purple and green ones turned out the best. The number 2 on top is mmf as well. I added a little gumtex to it, so it would stand up. All in all, the cake turned out well. I could be critical, but I won't...smile. I can't wait to get some feedback. Any who, Happy Birthday Eva Kate!!!!! Have a great 2nd Birthday.

Powerhouse in the House

Last night was our teen ministry volunteer meeting at Larry's Pizza. I had only been to Larry's Pizza once before, and I must have been pretty conservative. I say that because I tried so many different types of pizza this time. I have to say that my favorite was the loaded baked potato pizza. It tastes just like a loaded baked potato except on pizza bread. IT WAS SOOOO YUMMY! I also had cheese alfredo, buffalo chicken, and chicken ranch something. They were all good too. Make me want to go back some time soon. Now, I tried one pizza that I will never try again. It was the hamburger pizza that is like a real hamburger but on pizza bread. I have one word for that one....GROSS!!!!! Everything else was delish.

Now, teen ministry is made up of middle school and high school aged kids. Middle school is known is No Limit. The high school kids didn't have a name, but now they are officially the Powerhouse. Shot out to the Powerhouse....What What!!!!! If you can't tell, I am a Powerhouse volunteer. I really like the people I will be working with. I am kind of excited. Oh, I almost forgot. I got to say the prayer to open up our meeting and bless the food. In teen ministry, you get put on the spot to pray at any given time. I hadn't had an opportunity at the other teen ministry functions, but I was called on to do so today. One of the directors just said, "Crunchy Chicken, will you lead us in prayer?" Now, I have to explain the whole crunchy chicken name that I now have. At the first initial meeting, we played an ice breaker game. We all had to give ourselves a food name that started with the same letter that our first name started with. Well, I came up with Crunchy Chicken Christian. I think I may forever be Crunchy Chicken with some of my church members....LOL

Oh yeah, one last thing. We are having a youth conference at church June 11th and 12th. Deitrick Haddon will be the featured gospel artist. If you can, be there or be square.

Me and Brandi

Me and Crazy Brandi

Baby Tate is on the Way....

Daddy Courtney and Mama Tan

Saturday was the shower for Tan, Courtney, and Baby Tate. Everything turned out really well. The decorations were really cute. The colors were green and orange. The food was oh so yummy. We had pork tenderloin sandwiches, bacon-wrapped smokies, ham ball, pasta salad, pinwheels, white cheese dip, chips and salsa, lemon squares, cupcakes, cake, and Frappe' punch. I hadn't eaten all day, so I tore it up....LOL We played a game where you had to associate the baby related phrase with a candy. For example, the phrase "a baby's laugh" went with the candy Snickers......epidural went with Lifesavers. It was a cute game. Being that Scott is a candy fanatic, he got like five right. We all had a good time. Baby Tate will be here in just a few weeks.

Scott and I at the shower

The Search is Over...

Scott and his new toy

We're ready to ride too, Uncle Scott!

Scott FINALLY got his four wheeler, and now as my dad says, "he can get some rest." Being the researcher that he is, he had already narrowed it down to what he wanted and handled negotiations before we got to the dealership. All that was left was the test drive. The test drive sealed the deal. Now, he is ready to hit the trails.

Baby Shower Cake

This is a cake that I made for a co-worker's baby shower. It turned out pretty good. My co-workers loved it, so that made me feel good. I made chocolate marshmallow fondant for the first time, and it actually turned out good. It tastes like a tootsie roll.

Scott and I watched Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeakquel tonight. It's good, but not as good as the first one in my opinion. I like the Chipettes. When I was a little girl, I always said I was Britney. Scott said that he was Alvin. How funny! Any who, whatever happened to good cartoons like the Chipmunks, the Smurfs, and the Gummi Bears? I guess they are just a thing of the past. Oh well.....

Peace and Hairgrease!

Great Read......

This is the last book that I have read. It was really good. A real page-turner. The way it ended opens it up for a sequel. I believe there is a sequel, and I can't wait to read it. I haven't read too many Carl Weber books, but I think I am going to really enjoy reading his books. I just got another one from the library called The Preacher's Wife by Carl Weber. I just read the first two chapters, and I am already drawn in. The thing I love about reading is that you get to go to a whole new world without even leaving the house. I also don't think about anything else except what is going on in the book. Reading is just so relaxing to me. It has to be my favorite hobby.

Well, I am about to read a little bit now. Tootles until next time.

My mood right now....Relaxed

Iron Chef Scott-y Flay

My wonderful husband, Scott
Scott, The Grillmaster

Today was another sunny day. Scott and I took a couple of strolls around our neighborhood. The sun was shining, the kids were out playing, so the only thing left to make the day complete....throwing some food on the grill. Scott got the coals hot, and we went to cooking. We had steaks, grilled garlic potatoes with onions, grilled carrots, and of course smoke sausage links. I also made some hot butter rolls. Everything turned out delish.

We watched the Masters, and were both routing for Tiger. He came in 4th place, which I personally think is good considering that he had been off for 5 months. Better luck next time, Tiger!

Well, it's time for me to wind down for the evening. Peace and Hairgrease!

My feeling right now.........full as a tick from earlier

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

We started off our day with breakfast. But I didn't get just any breakfast. I got breakfast in bed from my wonderful husband. He is just the sweetest man on Earth. What a way to start off a Saturday. After we ate breakfast, we started doing one of my least favorite things that we have been doing here lately.....Staining the Fence. It wasn't that bad today after we actually got out there. We stained the front part that can be seen from the street. It has turned out pretty well. We are both pretty pleased with the way it is turning out. After that, Scott mowed the yard. I shocked Scott a little by blowing off the grass that was on the driveway. Sometimes you have to surprise your husband.....LOL It was so pretty outside today that I just loved being out and enjoying the lovely sunshine.

Any who, we went to Carino's for lunch. I had a free dessert coupon for filling out a survey from the last time we went. We got the Italian chocolate cake that was sooooooooooo yummy! It was so good. It's one of our faves!

We came home and watched some of the Masters. Of course, I am going for T-Dub aka Tiger Woods. I think he has a good chance of winning, but there are a few golfers that are giving him a run for his money. Tomorrow is the 4th and final round. All I have to say is Go Tiger!

Well, I am about to watch the last 3 episodes of the 5th season of Sex and the City. Sex and the City 2 the movie comes out next month on the 27th. I am soooooooo ready!

How do I feel right now? Like just chilling for the rest of the evening.

Happy Birthday Emoni/Happy Easter

Emoni striking a pose

Emoni and me

My niece, Emoni, turned the Big 8 Saturday. Scott and I called her on her birthday. She said some of the cutest things. Scott asked her if she was having a good birthday, and she said, "The day isn't over yet." Then, I asked if I could have some of her birthday money and she said, I want to be RICH. I think she was implying that she couldn’t be rich if she gave me some of her money. Pretty smart girl….LOL It just amazes me how fast kids grow up. She is really turning into the little Diva. I told her to strike a pose when I took her picture, and she went right into the “hand on her hip” pose. Too funny! Any who, Happy 8th Birthday, Emoni!

My Easter weekend went well. Scott and I went home to Texarkana. We went to the movies Saturday with my mom, brother, and aunt to see Why Did I Get Married Too? It was a really good movie, and I highly recommend it. The other highlight to my weekend was Easter dinner. My mom cooked spaghetti, greens, purple hull peas, ribs, candied yams, and hot water cornbread. MMMMMMMM it was good. Made me want to slap my mama.....but not really.....mama don't play....LOL

Any who, the real reason for Easter is to celebrate what Jesus did for us all. I want to say thank you, Jesus, for dying on the cross for our sins.

My mood right now......Blessed

SUPERSTAR

Ok, so.....I was just walking into the post office yesterday on my lunch break. There was a reporter and camera man standing there by the door. The reporter, Stephanie, asked if I mind being interviewed about the U.S. Census. I was like, "sure." So she asked me to spell my name for the camera, then she followed with about 4 questions. She asked if I had already mailed my census form in. Luckily, we had mailed it in, so I could honestly say, "Yes." She asked if it was hard to fill out. Now, I was thinking to myself.....hard to feel out? Uh, no. But I said that there were just a few easy questions that didn't ask anything too personal. That's the question that was actually on the news. All in all, the interview was short and sweet. I was thinking that I sure wasn't expecting that to happen. As soon as I got back to work, I told EVERYBODY to watch the channel 7 news. I mean, it's not every day that I am on TV. For those of you that may have missed it, here it is. Check me out!

http://www.katv.com/news/stories/0410/721743_video.html

On another note, Scott and I have been staining our fence for the past 2 days. Scott was off yesterday, so he got a lot done. After I got off work, we went at it pretty strong. When I say my thighs are sore....oh my goodness! We have gotten the bulk of the job done, but we are far from finished. All I have to say is that I will be glad when we are.

My mood right now.....Sore

Social Butterfly or Busy Bee?

This is my first official post on my blog. Yaaaaaaay! I finally did it. I wanted to do this for a little while, and finally got the time to sit down and make it happen. So here we go.....

I had a very eventful weekend. Starting Friday, we all went to Red Lobster in Pine Bluff to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday. It turned out really good. We ate good, laughed, and had a good ol' time.

Scott and I stayed in Warren Friday night, and woke up early Saturday morning to look at a four-wheeler that a guy was selling. He didn't get it, but I think he is pretty close to getting one soon. We got back in Little Rock pretty early. I was so tired. When we got home, the first thing that I wanted to do was get on the couch and take a nap. And guess what, that is exactly what I did. I got up and cleaned the house, and then I was off to my next event. My friend, Latricia, hosted a jewelry party. It turned out really well. I ended up getting a cute necklace that I will be able to wear. I like getting new accessories. Here's a picture of Latricia and me at the jewelry party.

Latrecia and me

Next....after the jewelry party, we had game night. Every month or so, we meet over the selected couple's house, eat good food, and play games. I always look forward to game night because I LOVE TO PLAY GAMES! This time it was guys vs. girls. We played Pictionary. And guess who won..... THE GIRLS!!!!!!!!!!!! We are the champions of the world...LOL We were so crunk. We started out winning (of course), and then the guys started to gain on us just a little bit. We were neck and neck at the end. I was the last person to draw and bring it home for the girls. I had to draw a "wolfman" and a "bicycle." I was really proud of myself that I was the one that drew well enough for my team to guess the last two words. Any who, I am glad that we won. Girls Rule!!!!!

Tan, Brandi, me, and Telischa

THEN.....my girl, Brandi, and I, attended teen church Sunday morning. We joined the teen ministry at church earlier this month. Before we can fully participate, we have to observe two services. We observed the 8:00 service of teen church today. I was so tired from being up late from game night, but I was refreshed once I got on up. I think that I am going to really enjoy teen church. It feels good to get involved in the church and to be a part of a ministry where I can influence our youth in a positive way. After we observe another service, we will be put in rotation to participate in teen ministry once a month. I am kind of nervous about it because they put you on the spot to do different things during the services, but excited as well because you get to meet different people and help young people grow closer to God. I am just glad to do anything to make God smile.

Scott and I chilled out Sunday afternoon. We did get up and went walking in the neighborhood. It is starting to warm up, so we will be outside a lot more now. We plan on walking and running in our neighborhood pretty often. We just like being outside. Well, I guess I have rambled on long enough. Good night all, and don't let the bed bugs of bite.

My mood right now.....Tired.