Dear Old Dad

Sunday was the annual Acadiana Hibiscus Chapter plant show and sale. The chapter was created in 1999 by my father and after his death the name was changed to honor him. It is a non-profit organization of individuals sharing a common interest in cultivating and growing varieties of Hibiscus.

They had around 500 incredible blooms on display, and I can only imagine the smile on my dad's face. He was what you would call a hibiscus expert, and an avid grower. He had a huge greenhouse and would graft and crossbreed the flowers. It was quite amazing, and quite a passion my dad enjoyed in his spare time. It was good to see his old friends and to be surrounded by the blooms he found so entertaining.

This is the beauty I came home with, her name is Moonlight Madness!!!!

Let's hope I can keep her alive.

These beautiful flowers make me miss my father. It broke my heart the day he died, he was only 51 years old. He was my pillar, my biggest fan, the first man I ever loved, and the man I measured all men against. I miss calling him with questions and concerns. I miss sharing in our latest projects or obsessions. I miss his wisdom and advise. I miss the way he smelled after smoking his pipe. I miss the sound of his voice. I just miss him. I will always miss him.

The flower he created

Something You Don't Know About Me

Yesterday was my Birthday - it was a perfect day filled with flowers, jewelry, sushi, wine, aveda products, bubble bath, steak, friends and family, and even a little loot. I love posting embarrassing baby pictures of the ones I love on their birthday I figured it was time to have a little taste of my own medicine. I am now 33 years old, and I am proud of my age - still young but just a little more wise.

When I was a little girl I had curly hair, and my checks were so fat that I could not close my mouth. I literally have hundreds of pictures just like this one with my tongue hanging out my mouth. It didn't help the matter that my dad was into photography and he thought this little problem was adorable.

Have a great weekend!!!!

All Washed Up

I have a thing for things that smell good. I mean who doesn't. My favorite smell is when my man and I are going out on a date and he picks me up all clean showered and smelling yummy. Since I am not going to share him with you I figured I could share my next favorite smell - clean clothes. In my quest to love the smell of my laundry, I have stumbled upon the best combination. I spent the entire weekend washing everything that could fit in the washer - yes I am a bit obsessive and I let it run free this weekend!!! You have to understand my long standing disgust with our front load washer - the year of mildew smell on clothes, the completely ruined towels that still reek of this smell, and after a long workout the sweat would release this horrible smell. I will stop here and tell you that after much research and sheer determination the smell in the machine is completely gone. But it has taken some work: leaving the door open at all time, many bleach cleaning cycles, and sanitary cycles, not to mention having to wipe the inside after each use. I love to hate this machine.

Ok so back to my "best laundry" of the century award. I really love scented detergents. After days, months, and perhaps years of smelling every detergent down the laundry aisle I have found the one. And the winner is:

All Small & Mighty 3x Concentrate Liquid Laundry Detergent in Fresh Rain

Snuggle Blue Sparkle Fabric Softener

The combination of the two gets my vote for the "love my laundry" award. It's a strong scent and the clean laundry smell will stay in your clothes for a while. No need to overdose on the idea of more detergent is better, just follow the instructions on the bottle. The detergent is colored blue, with a very thick consistency. I like to use the liquid fabric softener and also throw a sheet in the dryer. Now if your one of those that like your laundry to smell like absolutely nothing do not try this detergent, you will hate it. If your like me and would like your entire life to smell like a fabric bomb explode in your face, jump on board and share in my bliss.

Happy washing!!!