10th Anniversary - Ebony Bookworms Book Club (Pics Heavy)

After 10 years we finally made it! A milestone for most book clubs.  I love these ladies and we have been through so much together - births, deaths, marriages, separation, divorce.  We could probably write our own book if we put our stories together.  We have a bond, a union that is connected to each other.  We are not perfect, we dont always read the books, and we dont always meet regularly, but its our club and we honor and respect it as best we can.
(Sorry the pics are to large, Im still trying to learn how to upload my pics ... work in progress)

So for our anniversary we went "Wine Tasting" in Charlottesville, Virginia. 
This location was selected because of its proximity (3 hour drive from Baltimore).  I had no idea when I planned the trip, that this locale would be so steeped in history and variety of things to do. 

Here are the highlights:

The Gangs all here

We started our trip at the home of President Thomas Jefferson, "Monticello". We toured the historic home as well as the grounds including the slave quarters.  It was an interesting trip. 

 

 
view of the early start to the vineyards from the slave quarters - Mulberry Row

 Jacket-LaneBryant; jeans-AshleyStewart; boots-Avenue

After a long day of driving and then a historic tour, that night we tried to go out for drinks but shops were closing up early.  I still decided to get dressed up.

top-AshleyStewart; jeans-LaneBryant

We spent another day visiting several vineyards and going wine tasting.

 

 
We toured where the wine is made in these huge tanks.
Very interesting - the aging process and grape selection.

Top-OldNavy; denim trousers-JCPenney; necklace-??

We did a few other things like spa day and shopping, but no pics for those events.  Overall we had a great trip.

Much needed pampering for Mommy

I finally got a chance to make it to the hairdresser (at 6:30am) and it was well worth it.  When I left my appointment I went straight to the mall and did a little "damage."  I had coupons and gift checques galore!!! I finallly grabbed these colored blue jeans that I have had my eye on for some time now..

When I got home I put together this outfit for my book club meeting later in the day.
Busy, Busy, Mommy!

cardi-Macys; tank and jeans-LaneBryant

The Book Club is planning our 10th Anniversary trip. I am charged with coming up with something great for us! We'll see how this goes, lol.
So far I have in mind:
- Alexandria, Va
- Charleston, SC
- Providence, RI
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Atlantic City, NJ
- Philadelphia, PA
- Brandywine, PA
- Charlotesville, VA
- Boston, MA
- (Niagara Falls) Ontario, Canada
We would like to travel to some exocit island, but our funds are limiting us to something local, or a locale that can be reached with a $69 flight (each way, lol).

The Book Club Weekend

Here is what I wore to my Book Club meeting this weekend.  Ofcourse I had a busy weekend, but bookclub was a highlight (with the exception of taking Ryan to swim class, that was a highlight too).

 top-Nordstrom; ponte knit jeggins-Avenue; wedge booties-Macys; necklace-?; bracelet-Mom's closet; MCM handbag-(throwback) gift from Hubby!!!

I pulled out this cute poncho style top after seeing Jessica wear hers.  She was stepping out of her comfort zone, I just saw it and I knew I had one in my closet that I hadnt worn in a long time.  I thought mine was longer, but I think its the same length of the one that Jessica wore.  Cute, indeed!

The pics are a little dark and grainy, but I even had on makeup for the meeting.  I use any opportunity I can these days to use my "good stuff" lol.

Rock Star Baby Shower - Pics Heavy

I decided on a Rock Star Baby Shower to celebrate our little bundle of joy.  The event was held at an upscale bowling alley called Mustang Alley. They have a private room that we used and there were not that many people because they cater to an evening crowd.  Hubby reserved a few lanes in case some of his friends wanted to bowl while the ladies were enjoying the shower games.

I designed the invitation and had it printed.  We used bright yellow metallic envelopes to send out the invitations.

I gathered most of the ideas for the baby shower from the below links. I know I know.. its not for a Valentine's Day party or a child's birthday party, but I loved the idea for a babyshower.. so we ran with it.

http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/01/love-rocks-rockin-valentines-day/

http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/02/real-parties-rockstar-birthday-party-part-1/

http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/02/real-parties-rock-star-birthday-party-part-2/

Here are the highlghts of the event. I really wanted to make a slideshow of all the pics. Maybe I will get to that this weekend.. we'll see, but no promises.

Team "Ryan" :These ladies were invaluable to planning and hosting our baby shower.  They contributed their money, time and ideas to the effort.  I love and appreciate them so much not just for what they did to make the shower a success, but for being such great friends to me and ofcourse the Hall Family :)

Yolanda, Kameel, Jamaica, Courtney and Cousin Nikki in front, lol

Deidra and Kameel

Decor: Since the theme was "rockstar" I tried to add a few different elements, but we still wanted to keep it "baby".  So if anything had a skull and cross bones, it was quickly deleted from the event.  We even had tattoos for everyone to wear, although I think only three people had one on. It was still a cute idea.  I chose a color scheme of red, orange and yellow. I got plenty of props - star shade sunglasses, inflatable microphones and guitars. We personalized soda and water bottles and we had orange and yellow cupcakes individually wrapped. Ron's mother made the flower centerpieces. But I think the highlight had to be the baby onesies that created a banner. Too too cute!

 

  

PhotoBooth: The photobooth was my brainchild.  It didnt really come off the way I wanted it to, but it was still fun.  I tried to get everyone to take a pic with the backdrop at they came in. And for the most part I got alot of pics. And some really funny pics too. 



Kameel and Mom Bernette (Grandma Benta)



Kameel and Ron's Mom - Grandma Claudette

My grandma and her sister (Aunt Berniece)                 Martha and Kameel

   
Some of the Fam!

 
The Book Club Members

Sorority Sisters          and         Coworkers

Games: The games were fun.  Im not really a fan of a bunch of different games at babyshowers (or bridal showers). One of my favorite games was Baby Bingo. But it was difficult to play with alot of people (the guest count was almost 80 people).  We still had a good time. 

 

Gifts: Ron and I were in awe at all the lovely gifts that we received.  It was truly a shower of kindness. We appreciated it sooo much.  

  

It was a great time!!! Im so grateful for my family and friends.

9th Anniversary - Ebony Bookworms

FRIDAY - April 15

For our 9th Anniversary, The Ebony Bookworms traveled to Rehoboth Beach, DE for a few days.The group gathered at my house on Friday morning. Half of us left in the van, the other half met us there on Satruday because they had other commitments that came up since the planning of the trip.

 When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised at our home for the next few days. There were 6 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms. A lovely backyard with a pool. The house had a nice open great room, with access to the kitchen, the dinning room and the living room.  The outside decks were filled with places to relax, eat or just listen to nature. It was really a nice place. 

We didnt get to spend much time outside because the weather was a little chilly, but it was nice to wake in the morning and open the windows to let that fresh, crisp morning breeze into the house while we cooked and ate breakfast. Lovely indeed!


This was my room for the weekend.

And my bathroom.

Everything was so beautifully appointed in this house. The decor was part beach house (laid back and chill), part chic hotel (polished and clean lines), part grandma's house (comfortable and welcoming with knick knacks everywhere)

SATURDAY - April 16
We didnt do a thing.  We layed around the house relaxing and talking. I think we may have watched a tv show or two but for the most part, we just chilled out and waited for the rest of the ladies to arrive.

SUNDAY- April 17
We spent most of the day shopping at the outlet.  I was able to snag a Coach Baby Bag for my new little one.

tunic-FashionBug; leggins-Loop18; jean jacket-OldNavy

Later that evening, a few of the ladies (Dawn and Debbie) went out for a few drinsk and went to a show. I was to tired from walking all day.  But they had a blast.  If they send me any pics from the show, I will see if they let me post them.. we'll see. 

MONDAY - April 18
We spent the day again, shopping at the outlets. This time I showed off a little more.  I bought the baby new clothes from Gymboree and Children's Place. And I got myself a few items from Motherhood Maternity.  I decided then, that I will only shop for maternity clothes at outlet prices. I got some good deals.


top-OldNavy; khaki pants-gift from coworker; necklace-Burlington

 TUESDAY - April 19
Time to travel back home.  We left the vacation house about 1p and we were headed back tp Baltimore.


tshirt-OldNavy Maternity; jeans-Motherhood Maternity



Group Photo, but Debbie was taking the pic.