Bloom Where You Are Planted

Good afternoon my dears, how have you been?

Yesterday, it was in the 70's with Carolina blue skies, birds chirping, a gentle sway of wind, and sunshine - glorious sunshine. I met my hubby for a lunch date at one of our favorites, Bravo, which serves up food with an Italian flare.

Oh. My. Goodness.

I ordered a dish, akin to a Mediterranean meal with rice pilaf, vegetables, and grilled shrimp and it was delicious, not just the first bite, but all the bites. So I'll definitely be ordering that again.

I came home and took care of my routine in our home and garden, then sat on the front steps, and took in as much of the spring-like day as I could. I pulled out my camera, and started snapping pictures of all the flowers that were blooming - a flower journal of sorts.

Then I found out that we're expecting snow this weekend. Which is random, considering we've only had one snow day this year, so I'm praying that my flowers will make it through.

 Crocus

 Crocus

 Muscari, aka Grape Hyacinth

English Ivy 

Pansies 

Pansies

Last weekend we were mostly outdoors, in the garden, bagging straw, reseeding, planting flowers, and getting our pool clean and ready for spring and summer. It takes us a few weeks, from taking of the cover off, to chlorinating, pumping, removing leaves and vacuuming, which is arduous for some, but for us it gets us active outside - enjoying the sunshine.

We also went to go see the movie Before I Fall, based on the book by Lauren Oliver. The main character, Samantha Kingston, is played by Lea Thompson's daughter, Zoey Deutch. She and her friends get into a car accident, yet everyday she wakes up and relives her last day, like purgatory. 

I think the movies lesson was that we all have an impact on those around us, so be a role model, and encourager.

Last but not least, we had Sunday brunch at The Gallery. My mini waffles served with warm syrup, whipped cream and fresh berries was delicious. And my hubby said his eggs benedict was delicious too before venturing for ideas at the Southern Spring Home and Garden Show.

That's all for now.

From our home to yours, have a blessed weekend.

 

~ Kiki Nakita ~

You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest or Bloglovin'.

A Glimpse At Our Week And Kelsie Merrily's Surgery

A glimpse at our week.

Tuesday

We made reservations at one of our favorites, The Gallery Restaurant inside the Ballantyne Hotel for a three course dinner.

The menu for me: shrimp and grits, roasted salmon with chilled risotto and crème pudding ala mode served with house brewed coffee. What a delicious dinner, and a wonderful evening.

The lobby has fresh floral arrangements, and serves high tea in the afternoons. It's where we're going for our 2nd annual St. Valentine's Day tea. If you gaze upwards, you'll notice the symmetrically placed wall sconces are like acorns hanging on oak stained paneling. The interior designer in me appreciates the attention to detail. 

Thursday

Our ten month old puppy, Kelsie Merrily was rescued last summer - a day before she was scheduled to be euthanized. I was in a puddle of tears, and praying we could have her. She has become another member of our family.

Well she went into surgery to get spayed. She was so excited on her way in, greeting Angela, her vet behind the counter and very sore and groggy on her way out. She has to relax for the next ten days, which for her personality is not her favorite. Bless her heart.

Friday

Earlier in the week, I advertised for a housekeeper. I met a lady whose going to come help me clean my home weekly. My weekly cleaning routine will have to change a little. On Monday's, the day before I'll do the household laundry (sheets, bathmats, towels, hand towels etc.) and tidy up a little.

On Tuesday's the housekeeper will come and help with the bathrooms, hallway, kitchen  and the floors in the living, dining and bedrooms while I dust and fluff those rooms. That will free up the rest of my week, and weekend.

How was your week?

Kiki Nakita

You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Bloglovin'

Sentimental Gifts and Date Night

Before I share about our weekend, I wanted to share that this week we had not one, but three different doctors appointments. Two at my fertility specialist where I had an ultrasound, a follicle size of 23mm, and my 3rd IUI procedure. The third was an emergency doctors appointment to ensure I would be fine after quite a bit of blood loss. Luckily, I have been doing okay - and feeling back to myself.

 

 

We've finally sent all our Christmas cards and packages in the mail. It's almost like we need a trumpet. Here's a drawing hubby did of his older brother, and his niece - aged eight, and nephew - aged seven.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to send sentimental gifts. Its the ones you make that get kept for years to come, or passed down from generation-to-generation.

Our weekend was good. We spent Friday night out at The Gallery Restaurant at The Ballantyne Hotel and Resort. We really enjoy dressing up and dining there - here's a photo courtesy of Trip Advisor.

 

Hubby had the veal shank,

 

and I had the duck.

 



 

It was delicious.

 

Afterwards, we went to see the gingerbread house competition in the lobby, and sat by the fire for a little while - until we realized it was past midnight.

 

 

So cozy.

 

 

To be continued...

 

~Kiki Nakita ~

 

You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest or Bloglovin'.