Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Random Acts Hodgepodge


1. February 17th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. It lands on the calendar one day after National Do Something for a Grouch Day (February 16) which somehow feels related. Perhaps the 16th inspired the 17th?

Tell about a time you performed a random act of kindness or were the recipient of one. Will you make an effort to perform a random act of kindness on the 17th? Share details if you're so inclined, and if you have something specific in mind.

As season pass holders, every year we get four tickets to the Biltmore for family and friends. Last year we gave them away to our neighbors. This year, we gave them away to a support group. They were given to two women who had gone through a struggle in the last year.

I had forgotten all about it until Marie Osmond gave me a shout out, personally thanking me.

2.What's the most uplifting or encouraging thing you see happening in the world right now? You may have to dig deep for this one.

Connecting with each other. As faux pas as the internet can be, it brings people together and helps us to understand, and empathize with each other. 

For example, when the attacks happened in Paris, the whole world was sending their thoughts and prayers. That would've been unheard of a hundred years ago.

3. Black olives, black currants, black grapes, black beans, blackberries, Oreos...your favorite food the color of night? Your least favorite on the list?

My favorite would be blackberries. My least favorite would be olives.

4. A while back I read (
here) a list of twelve things you should do before you turn 50. They were-

travel when you have the chance, take care of your skin, learn a foreign language, make exercise a habit, leave a toxic situation, stop caring what others think about you, stop worrying, volunteer, spend time with your grandparents, pledge to work less, learn to cook an amazing dish, and seize an opportunity as it arises

What do you think of the list? What would you add or remove and why? If you're over 50, have you done all 12? If you're not yet 50, have you done any at all? What's on the list that you haven't done, but would like to do?

I'm turning thirty this year. Oh my!

Things I have done; travelled - attempted learning French & Spanish, taken care of my skin, mastered a few dishes, volunteered and spent time with my grandparents before they passed away.

I've Closed the door on toxic people, stopped worrying and caring what they think. I feel more confident for doing so.

Things I need to do; make exercise a habit, (especially on cold days) travel more, learn more dishes and volunteer again.

5. Besides the classic Christmas flicks, what's your favorite film where winter plays a part in the setting?  

Groundhog day.

6.When did you last feel helpless, and what did you do about it?

On New Years Eve, after our third medicated IUI hadn't worked, we both felt overwhelmed and helpless.

I spent two weeks mourning my dreams. I had to accept that we might be a childless couple.

We've decided to take a break, and talk about our options after my birthday.

7. Share a favorite proverb. 

There's no place like home.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I would like to print out our Valentine's portraits and photos of our day, do you have a printer you'd recommend?


Have a great rest of the week,

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

Sunday, February 14, 2016

2nd Annual Valentine's At The Ballantyne

Firstly, I'd like to wish you and yours a happy Valentine's Day.

On Valentine's Day we went to go get our picture taken at a studio.

Cheesy!



We get our picture taken a few times a year. I think we'll appreciate looking back over the years.

Do you get your picture taken?

Then we drove a few minutes to the Ballantyne. It's a upscale hotel in the south of Charlotte, and somehow both grand, and simple at the same time. This is the architectural detailing above the stairs, with a crystal chandelier.



Maybe it's the interior designer in me, but I appreciate all the architectural details.


A girl's got to twirl...






I especially appreciate all the floral arrangements. These were orchids with greenery.




The walls adorn artwork, from various artists as you navigate yourself through the hallways.



Which do you prefer?

This is the entrance to The Gallery, a gourmet restaurant we eat at on occasion. We also like to come for Sunday brunch, and surprisingly it's as affordable as IHOP (for brunch that is).




Outside has lot's of balconies that overlook the golf course. Perfect for wives whose husbands like to play.


Now for the sweet part. Our tea. We came here last year for Valentine's and declared it a tradition. We make a reservation in advance, and enjoyed a few hours by the fireplace. I enjoy people watching, and seeing couples, families, or even moms with their daughters getting dressed up and pretending we're in an episode of Downton Abbey. We can dream, right?



The lobby floral arrangements, darlings.









After we were seated, we were offered a glass of bubbly. We seldom drink, so having a glass of champagne with a berry and sugar rim made it special.



Cheers!

Our table.




We were served a pot of loose tea, with three layers of treats. An English lady knows to start at the bottom, and work your way up.

We had ten different treats.











If you got through all those pictures, your a champ.

How did you celebrate with your sweetheart?


Blessings to you and yours,

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

Linked up to:
Show and share #301
Share your cup #185
Tablescape Thursday #387
Grace at Home #190
Thoughts of Home on Thursday #2
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