It’s Tasty Tuesday again!  I have the perfect recipe for your next family brunch, baby shower, or other fabulous event!  Mini Buttermilk Cinnamon Bun Pops will definitely satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth!

 Recipe & Photo Courtesy of Ice Cream Before Dinner

I know this isn’t the healthiest food choice but it sure is good!!  Enjoy!

XOXO,

Ebony

Today is President’s Day.  Amongst other things, I absolutely adore Barack & Michelle’s sense of fashion!  From the white house to the red carpet, the Obama’s always exude style, grace, and elegance.  Lady O has graced the covers of Essence, Vogue, People, Ebony, Glamour, and the list goes on… She’s a style icon and has had a major influence on the fashion industry as a whole.  In honor of today, let’s take a look at a few of my favorite photos of our First Lady:

 Photos Courtesy of:  Essence & Mrs. O

I love it!  Michelle Obama has definitely influenced some of the fashion finds in my closet.  Do you have a favorite First Lady look?  If so, what is it?  I’d love to know!

XOXO,

Ebony

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times in a bride’s life.  The selection of the bridal party is one of the key components of the planning process.  Brides, as begin to select your maid/matron of honor and bridesmaids, keep in mind that this is a huge financial obligation for some.  Mint.com came out with a study last year that stated the average bridesmaids spends about $1,695 on the dress, travel, and other important elements.  Wow!  Ladies, feel free to say no if this doesn’t fit into your budget.  After all, you can still support the bride by being a hostess and providing emotional support.  Check out the financial breakdown of the costs involved:

Head over to Mint.com to see the full article and to read the fine print.

Brides, here a few areas where you should be sensitive to your bridesmaids’ pocketbooks:

1. Give your bridesmaids an adequate amount of time to begin making purchases.  This will allow your girls to create a budget that they’re comfortable with.

2. Be conscious of costs during the selection of dresses and accessories.  If the PERFECT shoe for your girls’ dress is $200, try to find an alternative that is less expensive.  If they are all wearing gold shoes, possibly allow the girls to make their own peep-toe pump selection.

3. Don’t get hurt feelings or pout when a close friend tells you that they won’t be able to be in your bridesmaid because of the cost involved .  A true friend is always honest and will definitely find other ways to support you!

I hope this gives you a better understanding of the costs of being a bridesmaid!

XOXO,

Ebony

Whitney Elizabeth Houston was definitely a shining star in the music and event industry.  Her music often posed as an added touch during marriage proposals and songs like ‘You Give Good Love’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’ were the perfect track to set the mood for a romantic evening with that special someone.  Ceremony serenades, first dances, and sweet romances won’t be the same without sultry new tunes from one of our favorite stars.  She will now join the cast of other angelic voices in our Heavenly choir.

Listen up!  Here’s one of my MANY favorites!

Video Courtesy of MTV

Rest in Heaven Ms. Houston.  You may be gone but your voice lives on forever…

XOXO,

Ebony

Happy Friday!  I recently found the Martha Stewart Cocktails app for the iPhone and iPad while browsing through Facebook.  You should definitely check it out!  Ladies, this is the perfect addition to your bridal shower and bachelorette party planning!

 Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

You can enjoy a sip of the The Big Apple without ever leaving home!  Which cocktail is your favorite?

Enjoy!

XOXO,

Ebony

Our friends at Low Country Quisine are getting ready for the grand opening of their new culinary studio.  I had an opportunity to check out the new space yesterday at a private tasting.  The studio is fabulous and the food was amazing!  I had a DELICIOUS time.  If you’re free on Monday around 4pm, stop by and check it out!

What: Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Low Country Quisine

When: Monday, February 20, 2012

Where: 13881 Midway Road, Suite 102, Farmers Branch, TX 75244

Time: 4pm

You don’t want to miss the opportunity to enjoy one of LCQ’s Signature Red Velvet Cupcakes!  YUMMY!

Enjoy!

XOXO,

Ebony

Happy Valentine’s Day!!  May your day be filled with LOTS of hugs and kisses!!

Here’s a photo of me with my Chocolate Valentine!

 Photo Courtesy of Noel Salazar Photography

He fills me up

He gives me love

More love than I’ve ever seen

He’s all I’ve got

He’s all I’ve got in this world

But he’s all the man that I need

~Whitney Houston, All The Man I Need

Whitney Houston had a very unique and special way of singing love songs.  Her voice was angelic and she will truly be missed.  As you celebrate today, take a moment to think about your favorite Whitney love song.  Which one is your favorite?  I LOVE them all!  It’s so hard to pick just one!

What are you and your honey doing today?  I’d love to know.  Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

XOXOXOXO, (extra hugs and kisses today)

Ebony

Happy Valentine’s Day!!  Are you thinking about baking some yummy sweets for you sweetie?  If so, here’s a delicious sugar cookie recipe with cream cheese frosting courtesy of A Little Sussy – To Your From Nicole…

Enjoy!!

XOXO,

Ebony

Thanks to my AMAZING husband, Jovan, I had an outstanding birthday celebration – not just on Friday, but ALL weekend!  Check out a photo review of my very special day:

At 12am on Friday, my hubby surprised me with beautiful birthday cards and my new iPhone 4S!  Goodbye Evo!  Hello iPhone!

We got a late start Friday afternoon.  First we went to Best Buy to activate my new phone and pick up a few accessories.  Then we headed to Five Guys Burgers and Fries for lunch.  I LOVE those cajun fries!

After lunch, we headed to see Denzel’s new movie, Safe House.  He’s back!  This movie is a must-see!

Next, we went to Painting with a Twist.  The painting for the evening was entitled Moonlit Cherry Blossoms.  Check out my birthday mustache from our instructor, Madison.  (And yes, Jovan made the snack basket on his own!  So sweet – and so yummy!)

Following Painting with a Twist, we indulged at P.F. Chang’s.  Egg drop soup, chicken lettuce wraps, Chang’s spicy chicken, and tiramisu!  Oh so yummy!!

Jovan had one more surprise left for the evening!  We took a cold, yet super romantic horse and carriage ride around downtown Fort Worth.  Our horse for the evening was Dallas.  He even gave us goodbye kisses!

In addition to the Friday festivities, Jovan and I went to Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam on Saturday night, had a late night dinner date at Champps, and enjoyed pedicures on Sunday afternoon.  Words can’t express how much fun I had and how truly blessed I am to have Jovan in my corner!

Thanks so much to all of your who called, texted, emailed, or just thought about me on Friday.  I’m sure that my 29th year will be one to remember, just like all the others.

Thank you Lord for allowing me to see another year!

XOXO,

Ebony

The results are in!  City Voter announced the Wedding Category winners at 12am on February 10th – my birthday!  Out of 69 nominees, Ebony Peoples Events & Design placed 2nd as Best Wedding Planner on the Dallas A-List!  Woohoo!!  This is such an honor and truly a blessing.  Thank you to all of you who voted and continue to support my journey!  I appreciate you more than you know!

Enjoy the remainder of your weekend!  I know I will – thanks to my Hubby!  Today is day 2 of my birthday festivities!  Come back next week for details and photos!

XOXO,

Ebony