Gardening and Good Friday

Did you know that you are supposed to have your garden planted by Good Friday?  I got this bit of information from my 80 year old grandmother who was being pestered by my 81 year old grandfather to get all her planting done.  After a bit of research, I found out planting potatoes on Good Friday is supposed to be good luck.  I'm trying to steer clear of potatoes right now so I opted to go the vegetable route.  The hubs took me to Calloways where we purchased the following:

 

Tomatoes, Bell Pepper, Strawberries, Okra, Hot Pepper, Squash, Zucchini, Cantaloupe, and Cucumber

In addition to my goodies above, we bought some seeds - corn, dill, basil, chive, carrot and garlic bulbs.  I'm pretty ambitious this year as you can tell.  Last year I had only mild success, mainly from my peppers and zucchini.  After I yelled at it, my zucchini plant went wild producing giant zucchini.  I put it in everything - salads, pasta sauce, pizza - see my post here for more about that.

Crazy Zucchini Plant 2011

Anywho, I pretty much consider myself a professional gardener at this point.  I did have to do a quick google search ("what grows next to each other?") to come up with a layout.  I found THIS helpful site about companion planting.

I also did a search about square foot gardening and decided to give that a go this year.

I don't have a good pic of my garden just yet.  One of my bell pepper plants already has a tiny pepper on it.  I'm hoping this summer is not as hot as last year so I can get some good product.  The cucumber, squash and melon all seem to really love the rain we just got.  More updates to come!  

P.S.  I'm thinking of setting up a roadside stand in front of my house if this thing is successful (which I'm sure it will be)

Beckham's Burger King Commerical

I wouldn't let a little thing like getting married ruin my obsession love for David Beckham.  Why should I?  I'm loving the new BK commercial.  This might actually entice me to eat there.

 

Also thanks to my friend, Lauren, for sharing this story regarding the recent scandal over David's H&M ads.  I truly believe those who can't appreciate this man's fine looking physique are simply jealous haters.  Stop being jealous and start working out!

R.S.V.P.

These four letters are making me crazy right now so I decided to take out some of my frustrations by writing a post dedicated to educating us all on the importance of the R.S.V.P.   I'm not excluding myself from the group of offenders who have ignored the R.S.V.P.  I have been guilty as well.  Now, however, I have a new respect for the R.S.V.P. and its importance with regard to event planning - especially when there is a limited guest list and someone else could take the spot of a person who is unable to attend. 

A lot of people seem to think that you only need to R.S.V.P. to something if you plan on going.  WRONG!  R.S.V.P literally means "répondez, s'il vous plaît", which translates from French to "please reply."  There are situations where a host might say "R.S.V.P., Regrets Only."  If this is specifically written then the host is assuming all guests will attend unless you let the he/she know otherwise. 

For the love of God, Please Reply to your host!  There are details contingent on your response.  The host may have an alternate guest in mind if you are unable to attend.  If it is a seated dinner, the host could be spending anywhere from $40 - $150 a plate and must budget and work with the caterer to prepare plates according to attendance.  If it is a buffet, or cocktail reception, the host is still spending money per person and also must give the caterer an idea on how much food will be needed.  Seating arrangements also depend on responses if it is a formal sit down event.  Bottom line:  RESPONDING IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!

Etiquette rules followed in most Western cultures require that if you receive a formal, written invitation, you should reply promptly, perhaps that same day. The new Emily Post's Etiquette, Emily Post & Elizabeth L. Post, Funk & Wagnalls, 1975, tells us that "Anyone receiving an invitation with an R.S.V.P. on it is obliged to reply...." and some recent editions describe breaching this standard as "inexcusably rude."

HERE'S THE REAL DEAL:  it is a simple courtesy to respond to someone who was nice enough to invite you, even if it is to say that you regret that you will not be able to attend.  Just let them know, either way.

**Another little Etiquette tip:  Outer vs. Inner Envelopes

Outer envelopes are for the address, Inner envelopes indicate who is invited.

For example if your inner envelop says:  

"John" - only John is invited

"John and Guest" - then John is invited and has the option to bring a guest

"John and Jane" - John and Jane are invited - if they have kids then the kids are NOT invited

"John, Jane, Suzie and Billy" - John, Jane, Suzie and Billy are all invited (assume Suzie and Billy are the kids)

Most people hosting an event put a lot of consideration into the guest list. I suggest people not be offended if you weren't given the option to bring a guest or your children.  There could be budgetary reasons for not including unknown "plus ones" or children, depending on the event.  If you are offended that you can't bring your new girlfriend or kids with you, you can always take the high road and politely decline the invitation.  

Best of Big D

I have to admit, I love D Magazine's Best of Big D.  It's my go-to for suggestions on everything that is Dallas.  

Not too long ago, I needed a new hair stylist.  I'm not super picky about my hair but the stylist I went to in the past was obsessed with blondes.  She wanted to take my natural medium blonde hair and make it lighter, and lighter, and lighter.  Finally I had had enough.  I'm not going for a Marilyn Monroe 'do.  I looked to the Best of Big D for suggestions and decided on Johnny Rodriguez Salon (Voted Best of Big D 2010).  They are awesome!  I couldn't be happier.

So now, a florist I'm working with, FREESIA, is in the running for Best Florist 2012.  I think everyone should go HERE and vote for Freesia.  Why?  Because, when a local business goes above and beyond, I think they deserve support from their customers.  Shannon does beautiful designs and was willing to work with my budget.  Gotta love that!  

Even if you are not interested in voting, I suggest checking it out for new places to try (or visit if you are an out of towner).   Its a great resource!