Dear Barista: September 3, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Randomly Speaking.13 comments
Best.Gift.Ever!
My Other Favorite Couple September 2, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Entertainment.10 comments
I’ll admit, when I first saw previews for Giuliana and Bill I decided immediately that I was not interested in watching. I didn’t know who Giuliana was, and I still harbored some resentment towards Bill for winning the Apprentice over Kwame.
Then, one afternoon, I came across the first episode and ended up watching it. I liked it immediately!
That Giuliana is funny. She is pretty, albeit too thin for my tastes, and goofy. I really like their interaction with each other. They constantly rib each other, yet show affection. They aren’t sappy like Tori and Dean, yet I still feel the love between them. They seem like a regular, happy couple.
I’m still not moved to watch whatever show she hosts, and I still think Kwame should have won, but I am a fan of Guliana and Bill.
Do you watch? Do you think you and your mate would make for a good reality television show? What is so interesting about your interactions?
Dinner and a Movie September 2, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Entertainment.18 comments
Last night I cooked dinner for Good Guy because he had a bad day and, well, I’m that kinda girl. I wanted to make something inexpensive simple, so I decided to go with the popular baked spaghetti recipe. When I told him what we were having he immediately reminded me that he doesn’t like spaghetti.
Crap.
Oh well. The kitchen is not a democracy and that’s what we were having so I served it up with a smile. Unfortunately, I did something wrong (although I’ve made it 10 times) and it came out a little dry. Fortunately, my guy ate it like nothing was wrong with it. He even asked for seconds!
After dinner we watched a movie.
This movie was actually shot in Collegetown. I had seen it before and even remember when it was being shot. You have to suspend all reality in order to get through the movie, but it is fairly entertaining.
There are some familiar faces in the film including Mek.hi Phi.fer and Ma.linda Williams. I forgot how fine Mek.hi used to be.
My question for you today* is, when did Mek.hi turn ugmo? Because he damn sure doesn’t look like he used to!
*Clearly it’s a slow day in blogland. Send topics!
Happy Birthday, Coop! September 1, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Friends.10 comments
Today is my sweetie Coop’s birthday. I hope she has a fabulous birthday in C-Town.
Everyone wish her a happy day!
Fiery September 1, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Dating.23 comments
Yesterday, over at Single Black Male the subject of men cooking for their women came up. I found that post very timely because I knew Good Guy was cooking me dinner later that night. I had no qualms about his ability to prepare a palateable meal, but I wasn’t sure if I would really love it. Truth be told, it really didn’t matter. I am the type of woman that prefers to cook for her man as opposed to him cooking for me (I prefer he take me out to eat), so it’s not like I expected this to become a habit.
Bon Apetit!
To my surprise, Good Guy prepared quite a tasty meal! He made this spicy as hell delicious salmon, green beans and…wait for it…a blueberry muffin. I can’t for the life in me figure out why he added breakfast foods to the mix, but that salmon was so spicy I was glad to have the bread of the muffin to cool my tongue.
As I sat at the table waiting for him to present the meal I had a flashback to the last time a man cooked for me. It was probably sometime around 2005. I was friendly with a guy I called Creepy Bald Guy. He invited me over to dinner and I agreed. Even though he was a tad bit on the creepy side, he was still an eligible Black man in Atlanta and I like to eat.
Just like last night, I sat at his kitchen table waiting for him to reveal his culinary efforts. Then without any sort of announcement, he placed a plate before me that included grilled tilapia, green bean casserole and some cantaloupe.
What’s up with men and their side dishes?
For the record, I abhor green bean casserole and it took every ounce of my good upbringing to stomach the small portion that was on my plate. Ugh…even now the thought of creamy congealed cream of mushroom soup is enough to make me gag!
But I digress.
I think it’s great when a guy makes the effort to prepare a meal for the object of their affection. As I can surely attest, preparing a meal takes consideration and effort and I am certainly appreciative when one does so.
As for Good Guy, his salmon might have been prepared a tad bit on the spicy side, but I’ll just take it as a symbol of the fiery passion he has for me and keep a cold glass of water at the ready.
Ladies, do you like it when a man cooks for you? When was the last time someone did?
Fellas, do you cook for your ladies? What’s your “go-to” meal when you are trying to impress?
Show Your Love! August 31, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Friends.3 comments
For those of you that failed to get me that new IPod or that new bag I wanted for my birthday, you are in luck. You can redeem yourself by voting for me in the Black Weblog Awards.
Today is the last day to vote!
Please select yours truly as Best Personal Blog. Even if you don’t think I have the best personal blog, lie to me. It’s what friends do!
Weekend in Review August 31, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Dating, Friends, Out and About.8 comments
As far as weekends go, mine was pretty fuggin awesome. Even though it is not the weekend that I had been planning for weeks, I can’t recall the last time I had a better weekend.
Friday night I had tickets to Six Flags, so Good Guy and I headed there for the evening. It was quite an experience and I was more exhausted than I had ever been at a trip to an amusement park. Our companions wore me ragged!
Saturday I chilled and rested my achy feet until it was time to get ready for the evening. After doing my hair, I whipped up a pan of macaroni & cheese to take to Good Guy’s sister’s house. There was a party for his brother-in-law, so we made the trek to the other ends of the earth to help celebrate. I really like Good Guy’s family. They are friendly and fun, just like my family. I especially love Good Guy’s nephew. And believe me, the feelings are mutual. All evening long he couldn’t keep his little toddler hands off me.
We stayed for a few hours, but had to leave as it appeared the party was starting to really get started. We drove aaaaaaallllll the way to the other side of town so we could meet up with my besties et. al for a night at the bowling alley. I know you all think we require stilettos and martinis to have a good time, but that is not at all the case. We had the best time at the bowling alley on a Friday night. We laughed, danced, sang, drank and of course bowled. I was so happy to be with my best girls and my best guy.
Things you earn from strangers on your birthday- popcorn and a $1 bill
Real friends leave the writing off of your cake
We were there until the lights came on, and you know it’s a party when you shut down the bowling alley!
Sunday was spent relaxing and listening to the rain. I took Roxie to the groomers, made a hearty brunch for mi amor and did some things around the house.
By the time Sunday evening rolled around I realized I was EXHAUSTED and suddenly wished I had taken Monday off after all.
How was your weekend?
A Night at the Movies August 28, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Entertainment, Friends, Out and About.3 comments
Part of my week long birthday extravaganza included heading to the Fox Theater for the Summer Movie Series. Last night they were showing “The Proposal,” and although I had seen it I was more than happy to see it again. From the windows to the wall!
Originally there were supposed to be about 10 of us meeting for dinner and drinks beforehand and then walking to the theater, but every bailed but my MiMi. So I had some quality time with the Baroness and I was more than okay with that. She’s so damn funny!
We started out at Engine 11 on North Avenue where they have $2 glasses on wine on Thursdays. Yes sir, $2 glasses of wine. If, by chance, a Thursday rolls around and you can’t find me, you might want to look for me there. I can get slap happy for eight damn dollars. And my chardonnay was quite tasty!
After dinner we walked over to the Fox. I’ve been many times, but never for such an informal evening. We chose to sit high in the balcony so we could be close to the “stars”. I think it was optimal seating for viewing the movie.
The theater was packed. It’s great to see people get out of the house on a rainy Thursday night to do something fun, and at $8 dollars per ticket it is totally affordable.
Unfortunately, this is the last weekend for the Summer Movie Series, so if you didn’t get it in this year you’ll have to wait until next summer. I will definitely be adding this to my Summer 2010 agenda.
Thanks, MiMi for a great evening!
Pink Cupcake Dreams August 28, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Food, Reviewed by Babs.10 comments
When Barista offered to bring cupcakes to the birthday bash I was a little more than excited. Not only has she been bragging about how people love them, but I happen to be something of a cupcake fiend. Recently, she started a cupcake business. I love that she is taking a talent and turning it into business. Sisters are doing it for themselves!
She showed up Wednesday with three boxes. Each one larger than the next. The smallest was for Tazzee, the other two were ALL MINE!
Inside the boxes was the most beautiful selection of chocolate peanut butter, red velvet and strawberry cupcakes. Each one was decorated with a sprinkle of sugar and a handmade chocolate “K”. Now, my name is Babs so I am not sure who the “K” was for, but I thought they were GORGEOUS. I mean, she took to the time to make little B’s K’s on each cupcake. I dig that!
Barista decorates like that because she can back it up. They were delicious! Truly. I had a chocolate peanut butter and all that was missing was a scoop of vanilla ice cream and no one to watch me devour three of them in one sitting. Next I decided to try the red velvet, but by the time I made my way back to the cupcake table those b!tches were gone! Instead I had a strawberry. I normally don’t like strawberry cake of any sort, but it was quite yummy.
Everyone in attendance will agree that the cupcakes were the hit of the party next to me in my dress. If you are in Atlanta, I would highly suggest you give Pink Cupcake Dreams a try. Personally, I’m looking for an excuse to order some in the very near future.
Thanks, Barista for sharing your tasty treats with us!
Babs’ Bash August 28, 2009
Posted by Babs O'Leary in Friends, Out and About.15 comments
Preparing to leave the house
My birthday bash was held at CRU Urban Lounge in midtown. Although I had never been there before, I knew from looking at pics on-line that it was exactly the type of environment I wanted for my birthday celebration. CRU is on the smaller side, so my party of around 40 people took up the entire upstairs.
I was so thrilled with the turnout. It truly touched my heart that people came out on a Wednesday to wish me well. I saw some friends I hadn’t seen in months and even years. One of my softball teammates came out, my long lost cousin, my besties, my guy, my coworkers and even some bloggers all came out to celebrate my birthday.
Babs and Barista
Barista was kind enough to bring cupcakes for my birthday. She writes a lot about her cupcakes, so I was a little more than excited to try them. I’ll tell you more about them under a separate post.
Good Guy was, of course, my date for the evening. He was the perfect date. He mingled with nearly everyone that walked in the door. He held my hand, kept his hand at my waist and gave me little pecks throughout the night. And, more importantly, he was in charge of my camera. LOL! If it hadn’t been for him, I wouldn’t have had half the pics I have. I was really happy to ring in the “new year” with him and I think he made a good impression on my girls.
The Bar bought the birthday girl a drink
We were at CRU for about five hours. Although my feet will tell you otherwise, the time went by really fast. There was eating, drinking and lots of laughing. I appreciate those of you that kept me with a bottomless glass of wine!
I had an absolute blast and I want to thank everyone that came to celebrate.
