La vie est bonne

Life is good. God is good. My husband and I recently celebrated our second wedding anniversary by taking a trip to Paris, France. This romantic city had SO much to offer and it was truly a whirlwind experience.  The beauty, the architecture, the language, and the fashion are amazing. This is truly the city of love.

Two years may not seem like a lot, but we celebrate each moment together. I am happy to have such a wonderful man in my life…he’s pretty lucky to have me too. LOL.  What better place to celebrate love than Paris?

Aside from the whimsical romanticism of the city, there are some spectacular wonders that must be seen. Words cannot truly express the beauty of the Louvre, the excitement of climbing the Eiffel Tower, or the splendor of the gardens of Chateau de Versailles.  There is a great deal of walking, but it’s well worth it. The underground train station is a God-send and is something that Atlanta should invest in to cut down on the traffic. 

Let us not forget the shopping that is up and down the Champs-Élysées.   Prada, Gucci, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, H & M, and countless foreign shops.  Shopping was definitely one of the highlights.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this trip possible!!!!

Besos,

Tionya and Roswell

Fried, Dyed, and Laid to the side

It has occurred to me that there is a new phenomenon sweeping the nation.  No it’s not a new workout, nor is it a new recipe…it is instead a Natural Hair Craze.  Let me first say that I have nothing against natural hair, instead, I may actually be a little envious.  Tracee Ellis Ross, Erykah Badu, Esperanza Spalding, Corinne Bailey Rae….I LOVE their hair.  But what has inspired this craze?

Years ago, black women had to look a certain way to even get our foot in the door. We had to be slim and trim and straighten our hair to get the attention and respect we deserved.  Is it this concept of flawed self-image that has inspired black women today to rock their natural curls?

Aside from the civil and philosophical aspect of the notion of natural hair, it may just be that we are tired of booking appointments with hairdressers, spending hours in the salon, enduring hours of salon talk and spending hundreds on our hair each month.  Maybe, just maybe it’s not a political move at all!

Well to my friends that have natural hair, props to you as I am not as fortunate.  I have the kind of hair that should not be left idle; it must be subdued.  I fully support you ladies and your natural campaign. As for me, I will remain perfectly permed and polished!  

Happy Fourth of July

     If I had to compare myself to someone on the awesome show Girlfriends, I would say I’m a combination of Joan and Lynn.  I’m ambitious, driven and SUPER into holidays yet I’m whimsical and nonchalant about a lot of things.  On this July 4^th as we celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and our country’s independence from Great Britain, I took the opportunity to make some Star Spangled Strawberries! I’m full of ideas I love crafts and cooking.  These too are offered by Exquisite Events! 

Happy Birthday to you….

Another year older! Thank God for blessing me with another year with my husband. We celebrated Roswell’s birthday this past Sunday. It was a last minute gathering however Exquisite Events did a wonderful job with the instant party!  We did a Seaside theme with leis, passion fruit candles, and Low Country Boil.  Thanks to all of you who came out to celebrate with us. Let’s do it again next year! 

The Birthday Boy

The Cake

Cool and Refreshing

Parting Gifts

Parting Gifts

I’ve got my PEARLS

            In 1908, a young Ethel Hedgeman had a vision. It is because of her prophesy, persistence, and perseverance that the first African American female Greek letter organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha, was founded on January 15, 1908.  Women of scholarship, sisterhood, and service, that is who the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated are.  It has been my dream for quite some time now to join and properly represent this great organization.  On June 10, 2012, I got my pearls! 

            I would like to thank all the beautiful women of Alpha Kappa Alpha and of the Iota Psi Omega chapter that taught, welcomed, and embraced me. Thank you to the 13 lovely ladies of my line, The PEARLfect Komeback.  Thank you to my husband, friends, and family for all their support and congratulatory words.   I will do my best to enrich Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in all her endeavors.

Skee—Wee,

Tionya Lawrence

#11 Primetime

Initiation Ceremony

Skee--Phi

Skee-Phi

Showtime, Perfect Timing, Timeless, and Primetime

Three Girls and an Oven….

Summer heat and sweet treats! Baking has become a new hobby of mine and I’m glad I have some friends to share it with. Kim and Kimberly joined me in a baking marathon for my nephew’s birthday, a fundraiser, and Kimberly’s niece’s birthday. We made all kinds of cupcakes and did a little experimenting too. When my event planning business, Exquisite Events really gets off the ground, this is my baking crew. We had a great time and hope to do it again soon.   Please don’t hesitate to contact us now for your event and dessert needs!  Thanks girls!!!!

Pretty in Pink Cupcakes

The Cupcake Spread

Three Girls and an Oven

Lotta Chocolate Cupcakes

Captain America Cupcakes

This old house....

Imagine standing and basking in all the glory that is the largest private home in the United States. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC is majestic and huge to say the least. Taking a romantic road trip to North Carolina, Roswell and I simply enjoyed each other’s company. Tours of the home with over 240 rooms, wine tastings, dinner, gardens, etc. It was great. That was all day one!

The second day was spent exploring all that is Asheville. We visited downtown where we saw Occupy Asheville members dressed in red dresses and throwing chalk around the city…in below freezing weather! Then we stopped at a quaint little shop called The Chocolate Lounge—it was kind of a mix between Starbucks, Tasty World, and Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. We also braved the weather and decided to eat at a local seafood restaurant. It was delicious and the food was home-grown. We’ll make local places a part of our vacation regimen now.

The cap off a chill weekend, we got snowed in at the hotel…it was awesome. Luckily the hotel had a restaurant, pool, Jacuzzi, etc. It eventually cleared up and we headed home. It was great….if you get the chance, check out Asheville.

Much more could be said, but we’ll let the pictures do the talking!