Cincinnati Spotlight: Flower Arranging Class @Turner Farm

I have signed up for 2 of the 3 flower arranging classes that are being held at Turner Farm. The first class was such a wonderful experience, I picked up some very helpful tricks as well as met some very creative women.

 

I am looking forward to class #3, horizontal sprays, in September.

 

 The first class was taught by Melinda a full time staffer at the farm. the class was held in the farm barn classroom (normally the classes are held out in the flower field but due to weather we had to move it inside) who was very helpful in explaining flower arranging and biology. She showed us how to use a florist block to produce the most amazing round arrangements.

 

 

Here is my beautiful arrangement at home on my dining room table. For my first time I think I did a good job! I look forward to practicing this summer.

 

I hope to be able to take other fun creative classes in the area. I'm looking for embroidery, preserving, knitting, calligraphy, paper crafts and cooking.

If you know of any let me know.

 

xoxo,

Ronita

COLUMBUS, COSI and COUSINS!! perfect staycation

Through thunderstorms and lightening we made it to Columbus and had a wonderful staycation!

I really like Columbus and hope to get back soon to explore it even more. Who knew what fun we would find in our own backyard?

Friday after driving through what felt like a tornado, we made it to Columbus and enjoyed a bd's, Mongolian grill,  for the first time. The boys loved (and so did I) picking out their food and watching as the cooks prepared it on a big open grill!

Saturday we woke up and prepared for our big day. After many recs we decided to try Northstar Cafe, and I was not at all dissappointed. The food was so fresh and so favorful...I wish we had one in Cincy.

I had the Sweet Potato and Turkey Hash with two sunny-side-up eggs...AMAZING

Breakfast was so so good!! I have to go back!

***

We met up with our cousin Lauren who Tre' seems to have a crush on and hung out at COSI!

What an amazing place for the curious at heart. Both boys were in heaven and learned a lot. They could smell, touch and explore anything they wanted.

The boys and cousin Lauren

The Deans

Learning about outer space

Learning about sound waves

Learning about air pressure

Water exhibit

Going down in the submarine

Mommy and Tre' in a submarine

***

After COSI Lauren took us to The Historic North Market and sampled some food and of course I got my Jeni's!

We were all exhausted after Saturday and spent the rest of the day napping in the hotel, ordering room service watching basketball and taking in a late night splash in the pool!

***

Sunday before we left we caught up with Mela and Milo for a little lunch!

We had an amazing weekend and I know Tre' enjoyed his first official school Spring Break.

Not a ton of money spent but a ton of memories made!!

HAPPY HUMP DAY!

xoxo,

Ronita

Ready for Spring

I think the warm weather today is making me crave spring and boy when it comes I will be ready. I'm sad that we didn't have a major snow storm this winter- no sledding, snowball fights or building snowmen.
Since we didn't, the sun and warmth I am eagerly awaiting.
No more dreary grey days.

Here are some of the things I will be enjoying this spring... not all at once of course.

Spring Fling 2012 by mrsrjdean featuring a sequin pencil skirt

• a polka dot umbrella (thanks to one of my Sorors)
• bright pink lips courtesy of Makeup Forever
• sun kissed orange cheeks courtesy of Sleek Cosmetics
• a fun gold sequined skirt that I scored on super clearance at Madewell, perfect for a night out on the town
• fun colorful bedding from Anthropologie-also on super clearance around the holidays
• one of my new favorite fragrances- Twirl by Kate Spade
• neon nails
• freshly picked flower bouquets from my flower CSA (Christmas gift from the hubby-xoxo)
• my yellow rain boots

I can't wait for spring. I'm praying I don't have bad allergies this year.
What are some of the fashion, beauty, for the home things you are looking forward to this spring?

xoxo,
Ronita

Simply Stated: Holiday Gift Guide- For Your Foodie Friend/Family

In the days to come I will be bringing you some budget friendly ideas for gift giving this year! Stay Tuned!

Up First!!!

I took a little field trip (not that I wouldn't normally be here) to Trader Joe's to scope out some fab and budget friendly gift ideas for the foodie friends/family in your life.

Here are some of my top picks all under $15

They have a wide selection of festive cookies and candies.

They are great just by themselves or a couple different picks in a basket!

My favorite is the dark chocolate sea salt caramels!

You could make a gift basket with three or four different butters all just $2.29 each.

Add some preserves and a box or two of crackers! Viola 

Their mini Christmas trees with silver glitter are so cute. Perfect for someone who lives in a small place or to help liven up someone's office space (think work Secret Santa)!!!

The gift that keeps on giving: For the true foodie: a rosemary tree! Fragrant and festive!! Something they can use after the holidays are long gone.

Wow!! How fun, a special edition four pack of specialty sea salts.

Chili Garlic and Smoked Sea Salt, Edible Flowers Sea Salt, Tropical Pepper Sea Salt and Thyme Lemon and Bay Sea Salt! All for just $7.99!

And of course any holiday wouldn't be complete without a little bubbly!

I have never tried sparkling red wine. I picked up a bottle and look forward to cracking it open.

***

How cute are these packages wrapped in Trader Joe's holiday brown bags?

Simple and festive!

(via)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

xoxo,

Ronita

These ladies are FIERCE!!!! Must Watch series!!!

Episode 1: $10 Meal Time from Food Heaven Made Easy on Vimeo.

Episode 2: Herbal Healing from Food Heaven Made Easy on Vimeo.

Episode 3: Seasonal Grub from Food Heaven Made Easy on Vimeo.

They inspire me! I love when I come in contact with like minded individuals!! Episode 3 talks about CSAs, which I talked about in a previous post this week.

If you missed it click here.

Go ladies! To learn more about them check out their website: http://www.foodheavenmadeeasy.com/

Happy. Healthy Cooking

xoxo,

Ronita

Shoe fashion on a budget

Queen of the shoe bargains!!!

Recently I came across two great shoe bargains and just had to share with my fabulous readers.

My Pour La Victoire Riana Heels Slides

perfect for date night with the hubby...

Original price $285.00

On Sale: $125.00

My price: $35.00

and

My Loeffler Randal Maltide Rainboots

perfect for splashing in those Springtime puddles...

Original Retail Price: $195.00

Sale Price: $54.95

My price $20.00

I love bargain shopping and these will be perfect for Spring!

xoxo,

Ronita

The New Chocolate bar fad

Spicy ones, salty ones, savory ones and let’s not forget the sweet!!!

There is a new fun trend in chocolate…create your own bar! Many companies are popping up that allow you to create your own candy bar. You to choose from many different chocolates-as your base, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, black chocolate…then pile on the toppings!!! There are sites that have over 100 toppings to choose from! The bars can get very expensive for such small amounts so of course….. I’m going to try it at home!!!

I’m thinking this would make such a fun DIY project and once mastered would be a great Girl’s Night In activity. I have everything I need at home.

Stay tuned for my DIY post!! In the meantime enjoy these wonderful pics!!!

White: Sweet Valentines Special

Spicy: Dark: Jalapeno Salt Spicy Mango

Salty: Dark Salt Almond Blueberry

Here are two sites that carry these yummy treats...Chocbite and Chocomize!!!


How Sweet?
xoxo,
Ronita

Budget DIY: Sunny Entry Table

I mentioned back in May (see post here) that I found this very cute entry table sitting so lonely on some one's sidewalk. After stuffing it into my little PT Cruiser (which was very funny) and unloading her by the door ...I  let her sit for awhile. Well two weeks ago I finally decided enough was enough and wanted to give her her own personality. I went to Walmart and bought paint and came home and got to work.  Every time I walk in the door I get a dose of sunshine!!! It makes me smile even in the darkest times!!! I am still looking for some black and white wallpaper to place on the back of the shelves but I must saw it is coming along quite nicely!!!

Table= $0

Paint=$10

Total=$10

BEFORE:

With a little bit of primer

AFTER: I call her Sunni

My Inspiration:

Stay Tuned for more on Sunni!!

xoxo,

Ronita