Weekend Festivities - Check...

We had a great holiday weekend that was spent celebrating with family and friends.  Curtis had no idea about his surprise birthday party I had planned and was thrilled to have so many of our closest friends join us at our new home in honor of his 30th birthday.  (He refuses to admit he's anything other than 29.)  In true Maryland style, we had a bushel of crabs, grilled corn on the cobb and plenty of cold, adult drinks to go around.

This weekend also kicked off the start of the Maryland football season and the home opener game against University of Miami.  Not only did Maryland take home a W, they also stirred up the sporting world with their new uniforms.  I must say, despite all of the criticism received, I absolutely loved them.  They were so different, so eye-catching and they did exactly what they needed to do ... got everyone talking.

And, on the home front I painted my office.  I love my new color!!  I am so proud that I tackled the painting as I have never done a whole room before.  The process is tedious but definitely gratifying.  I loved seeing the transformation take place.  I can't wait to post pictures once my room is complete!  (Sorry for the lighting...an evening photo with only one lamp in the room.)

Bushels of Love

I'm looking forward to a bushel of these babies this weekend and a nice cold brewsky.  It's going to be a great next few days full of good friends, family and Maryland football.  

Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend.  

Country Livin'

It's been a rough week for the Patterson family.  Upon the onset of Hurricane Irene, we were vacationing in Rodanthe, North Carolina with our family.  A week ago today, we had to cut our trip short and evacuate.  Hurricane Irene hit the Outer Banks and left much destruction in her path.  The beautiful, 6,000 square-foot home we stayed in, sadly, burned to the ground.  (I am still in shock that it's no longer there...read here to find out what happened.)  Once Irene landed upon Maryland, she left us with no power for nearly 5 days.  In the meantime, I came down with a severe ear infection.  Let's just say things haven't been going as planned.  

Despite all of the generators, extension cords, make shift showers and sickness, we made it through.  Thank you so much to all of our friends and family who were so generous and helped us get by virtually unscathed.  And to my husband, you never cease to amaze me.  Thank you.

Being new homeowners, there is a lot to learn and we are getting nice dose of it right smack in the face.  Nonetheless, we are loving the challenges it brings and wouldn't change it for the world.

And the picture above sums it all up.  I get to pass this fresh flower farm every day on my way home.  Who wouldn't want to look at something so picturesque?  

Oh yeah, I can't wait to go and buy my very first bunch of flowers from them too.  Oh the joys of country living.  

My View.

Another day.  Another city.  Another new adventure.  

This week, I'm in Galveston, TX.  A place I have never visited before and it certainly, well, has it's own sort of charm.  Let's just keep it at that.

I'm certainly looking forward to getting back home to finally spend 2 consecutive days with my husband!! We will also be celebrating my nephew's 3rd birthday party and hopefully bear witness to one of the most magical moments in life.  More to come on that later.  Sorry guys...it's a secret for now!

Home Office.

On a day like today, I wish more than anything our 1 bed, 1 bath, 600 square foot home was a true single-family home complete with.... (drumroll please!).... a Home Office.

Yes, that's right, a home office.  I'm dreaming of having a space I can go to where I can work, feel comfortable and at peace with myself while I slave away for the man.  

I'm taking notes now on all the things I love about different home offices and will one day be able to post about my very own space.  I know if my husband has anything to do with it, he'll help me make it the most fabulous office ever.

Home Away From Home.

As I've grown up I've always been told, "Change is constant and change is good."  Sometimes, it's easier said than done heeding that advice, but this time around I couldn't be more excited.  

In a few short days, my role at work will be changing.  I'll have the opportunity to travel more, meet new people and take on new challenges.  I'm thrilled to have the chance to do something new and let people know what kind of girl they've hired!  The good news is they made the right choice.  

So, Chicago (among a few other locations) will be my new home away from home.  I can't wait to see what this new venture brings to me and my family.

Friday.

That's right...it's Friday.  And I'm in love.  

Not only is it my favorite day of the week, (aside from Saturday) it's Easter weekend!  A weekend that signifies new life, joy, family and a most beautiful season.  When I think of Easter, a few things come to mind...

I hope this little guy hops on over your way on Sunday.  He's always bound to leave something good. 

And finally, I'll leave you with a picture of me and my brother circa 1983.  The year the Easter bunny came and left me my very own Easter basket.  And when he arrived, he took with him my baby bottle.   Way to mind-trick Mom.

Fruits of Life.

As I've mentioned before, despite this blog being all about sugar and sweets, I'm a very healthy eater and try not to indulge too often.  It seems odd, I know.  Recently, I've been asked by a few readers to share what a daily menu looks like for the Patterson family.  The request made me think about some of the staples we have in our diet.  The first thing that came to mind, which happens to be one of my/our favorites: FRUIT.  

This time of year happens to be one of my favorites because the fruit selection is so plentiful.  Twice a week I head to the grocery store or farmers market and buy fresh fruit in bulk (always loading up on the sale items!) and make a huge fruit salad.  To give you an example, I currently have: 3 pineapples, 5 mangos, 8 bananas, 10 apples, 2 baskets of blackberries and 2 bags of grapes in my refrigerator at this very moment.  Yes, it's time for our next salad to be made!  

Not only is fruit salad extremely healthy and full of much needed vitamins and antioxidants, it's also very refreshing.  

Here's a list of fruits we mix and max in our fruit salads:

Pineapple

Mango

Cantaloupe

Honeydew

Grapes

Strawberries

Blackberries

Blueberries

Papaya

Kiwi

Peaches

Nectarines

Oranges

Banana

You can choose any of these items or any of your favorite fruits and make your own signature salad.  You'll feel great about what you're doing and your body will thank you too.

P.S. My husband has admitted to me that my fruit salads were one of the many things that made him fall in love with me.  :)

Cadbury Mini Eggs.

Cadbury Mini Eggs.  These little chocolate bombs have made their way into my home and are reeking havoc on my waistline.  Not only are they absolutely delicious, they are downright addicting.  Pop one into your mouth, melt through the crisp sugar shell and you hit the creamy milk chocolate center.  

Sweet bliss.  

Before you know it, the little egg is gone and you are reaching for another.  

Despite loving candy and everything sweet, I'm a very healthy person.  Thankfully my husband is too.  Last weekend while checking out at the grocery store I had an older gentlemen actually comment on the items in my cart.  "You have to be the healthiest eater I've ever seen!  What do you do for grains?"  He obviously noticed I had no bread, no processed food and nothing loaded with sugar.  We live off of lean meat, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and high fiber whole grains in the Patterson house.

But the season has brought an impostor in our home and I feel like I'm losing the battle.  I've never had these Cadbury Mini Eggs in my house until the arrival of my husband.  Granted, I was the one who bought them for him to remind him of how much I love him and that I keep his "wants" in mind while grocery shopping.  (Note to self: chocolate does not equal love!)  Nonetheless, we've gone through 3 bags and it's not even Easter yet!  I guess I shouldn't feel so bad though.  Apparently, the love for the Mini Eggs runs in the family.  My father-in-law is working on his 8th bag.  Way to break the cycle Curtis.

Despite the addictive nature of these little treats, I highly recommend them.  They are great for a chocolate-fix (if you can control yourself), look beautiful in a apothecary jar displayed around the house (so festive!) or can be the perfect addition to any Easter basket.  

May the force be with you if you dare to try them. 

Happy Friday!

Be Sweet.

-Kristy

Ralphie.

All this talk of Spring and Easter being right around the corner has me feeling just like Ralphie. 

I think the picture says it all.

It is 37 degrees, gray and drizzling rain outside.  Awesome.

But, with that being said, I am excited to think about what I'm going to do for my nephews' Easter baskets this year.  I love finding fun and unique candies for them and filling their baskets with super fabulous little treats.  They always tell me I get them the best presents, so I'm finding myself trying to out do what I did the year before.  Maybe it's just their way of scamming me into more presents.  At times, ignorance is bliss.

Be Sweet.

-Kristy

And the Winner is...

Leslie West & Brayan Krepley

In need of a name for my new business designing custom candy stations and dessert tables, I reached out to my Facebook family for help.  Being as though I prefer to call my designs "Sweets Tables", I asked my friends, using the word "Sweet", to come up with a catchy name.  I was shocked at the numerous responses received.  Thank you all SOOOO much for your ideas and support.  I loved each and every one of them.  They were all fabulous!  But one suggestion, coincidently made by two people, really hit home....  

So, without further adieu, my new business name is......

To kick off the launch of the new business, Sweet Nothings will be displaying an eco-friendly Sweets Table at The Dandelion Patch in Vienna, VA.  On Monday, January 17th, The Dandelion Patch will be hosting best-selling author Kate Harrison as she shares "10 Simple Ways to Green Your Wedding."  Kate is the author of the best-selling green wedding book The Green Bride Guide: How to Plan an Earth-friendly Wedding on Any Budget.  Sweet Nothings will be on display with an eco-friendly Sweets Table showcasing the way we contribute to being Earth friendly.

Thank you again to each one of you who offered such great suggestions and ideas for my business.  I am certain that there will have many more creative ideas I will need your help with.  Until then...

And to Leslie and Brayan, your gifts will be sent out this week!

Be Sweet.

-Kristy

Moments of 2010

2010 had to be the best year of my life.  This year will be one that I will always remember.  It was full of new beginnings and sad endings, much laughter and joy... and more tears than I care for.  I wouldn't trade it for the world though.  I have learned over time that with the good and the bad in life, there is joy in every moment.  It's just up to you to recognize it. 

The moments captured below are some of my fondest memories from 2010.  

Here's to an amazing 2011.  May this year be the best year yet.  

In loving memory of

Kenneth Charles Bedell

 April 2, 1917 - September 25, 2010

Grandpa, I think of you everyday and miss you with all of my heart.  Thank you for watching over me from the heavens above.

My fireman tillering DCFD's Truck 16.

The Blizzard of 2010 brought 40 inches of snow to Washington, D.C.

And a 30th birthday (hooray for Melissa!) took me and my best friends to Las Vegas!!

{Photography by James Woo Photography}

{Photography by James Woo Photography}

March 1, 2010, my best friend proposed to me.  I was finally engaged to the man of my dreams.

In late March, my mom flew out from California to help me find my wedding dress, plan for the wedding and with the help of my great friends, threw me a surprise bridal shower.

My nephews, Brady and Charlie visit Curtis at Kentland 33.

Curtis is awarded the Bronze Medal of Valor for saving the life of a fellow fireman.  That evening, he ran another fire with a report of trapped occupants and again made multiple rescues.

Four months were spent planning our wedding.  Curtis and I did a majority of the design, building, and preparation on our own.  So much hard work went into everything, but in the end, our sweat and tears paid off in a big way.

My bachelorette party was such a wonderful night.  I am blessed to have such amazing friends.  I love you all!!

The 4th of July was spent watching our nation's fireworks display at the Iwo Jima Memorial.

{Photography by James Woo Photography}

July 10th ... Our WEDDING DAY!!

{Photography by James Woo Photography}

Married...at last.

{Photography by James Woo Photography}

{Photography by James Woo Photography}

Our wedding reception brought forth my idea for a Sweets Table, later inspiring my very own blog, Sweet On.  2011 will be full of new designs ... I can't wait to share them with you.  

After our wedding, we went on a "mini-moon".   Curtis surprised me with a long weekend stay an amazing bed and breakfast in Williamsburg, VA: A Williamsburg White House Inn.  I highly recommend this B&B to anyone looking for a weekend getaway.

While we were away on our "mini-moon", Brady not yet 5, competed in his first swim meet.  I am so proud of him.  And watch out folks, the Begin/Tucker aquatic genes are here to dominate.

In August, my sister-in-law, Brittany (15) was invited to compete in Virginia's National American Miss pageant.  She did a fantastic job, certainly better than I could have done at that age.  She is destined for great things...I'm so excited for her.

The weekend of September 25th brought the greatest weekend and one of the worst phone calls of my life.  Curtis surprised me (he is full of surprises!) and took me to Cedar Point, the number one rated amusement park on the plant.  (It also meant I got to have breakfast in a weirdly lit breakfast joint decorated in spider webs and bats.  Totally odd yet still amazing.)  At the end of the weekend I received a phone call from my Mom letting me know that my Grandpa had passed away.  It made for a bittersweet memory.

Brady turned 5 and Carrie threw a great Cowboy themed party with mustaches, bandanas and all!

In October, Curtis and I traveled to Ocho Rios, Jamaica for our honeymoon.  What an amazing week.  My advice for all of you soon-to-be brides, postpone your honeymoon until a few weeks or months after your wedding.  I know, it sounds crazy, but I promise you will be much more relaxed and able to truly enjoy your honeymoon versus departing the day after your wedding when you are exhausted and delirious.  It was the best decision we could have made.

In November the entire family traveled to Carmel, CA to remember and celebrate my Grandfather's life.  I am so thankful we could all be together to support my Mom during this difficult time and comfort my Grandmother.  Times like this prove that without family, you have nothing.

December brought new traditions, lots of baking, decorating and a decent fire or two.

Thank you to my family and friends for your constant love and support.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Be Sweet.

-Kristy