Update

OK..so I've been missing in action and have neglected my blog. The holiday season is in full swing and I have been caught up in it. Luckily, I have been able to get a few of my goals accomplished or at least worked on.

A few weeks ago, I made chocolate chip cupcakes and marbleized strawberry cheesecake cupcakes from the Martha Stewart Cupcake book. I actually was supposed to use raspberries for the cheesecake but had the strawberries already on hand. There were made from my Toastmasters' group holiday lunch and everyone enjoyed them.

I've completed the photo books for my siblings and it will be their surprise Christmas gifts. My sister received hers today so hopefully, the rest will receive theirs before Christmas.

Lastly, I completed my tenth speech in Toastmasters and reached the Competent Communicator goal. I will now work towards completing the leadership track.

I will certainly get back to updating this on a more frequent basis.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!!

Nika

Basket of Fall Leaves

I haven't posted in a while but wanted to share pictures of the cake I did for Thanksgiving. It was a hit with my family and no one wanted to cut it. It is a white cake covered with marshmallow fondant.

Shadow Boxes Done

I just finished putting together my wedding shadow boxes for my mom and in laws. As with the wedding photo books, this was a project I intended to do after the wedding but put it on the back burner for way too long.

While running errands yesterday, I stopped by my trusty Hobby Lobby and picked up two shadow boxes at 50% off. Luckily, I had all the items for the boxes in a separate file. I included in each a picture of us with our parent(s), an invitation, save the date and program. The only extra thing I wanted to put in my mothers box was the bouquet charm with a picture of my dad but I gave the charm to my mom after the wedding. Instead I added a picture of it to the box.

I am strongly considering making one for us now. Below is a picture of my mom's box.

Another Check... 15th New Restaurant!

While living in Chicago, one of my girlfriends and I would watch a local PBS show, Check Please. Three local residents selected their favorite restaurant to chronicle and the remaining panelists had to go out and try it as well and provide a review of it. My friend and I would then go out and try some of the new spots we learned of. It was a great experience as we got to try out new places besides the national chains we constantly frequented.

At the beginning of my day zero journey, I decided I wanted to try 15 new restaurants in Atlanta . As before, they had to be new to me and could not be mass chain restaurants. Today, my trusty co-workers and I dined at our 15th new to us restaurant, The Nook.

The Nook is located directly across the street from Piedmont Park in the midtown area of Atlanta. I really loved the neighborhood feel of the place as well as the friendliness of the staff. Plus the food did not disappoint. Below are a few pictures of our meals. Check them out if you get the chance.

I am not a mac and cheese fan but had to try their version with bacon. OMG....so delish! We all split a side order.

My choice- mesquite smoked wings with spicy Coca-Cola bbq sauce

Yes those are tater tots. Both my co-workers ordered Totchos. The first picture is of the Philly Totchos and the second picture of the Nacho Totchos. Its such a cute concept and obviously delicious since both of them became members of the clean plate club.

The photo books have arrived!

I received my photo books today from snapfish.com. The production and shipment time were fabulous! I know my mom and in-laws will love it.

Unfortunately, I am unable to provide the link for the actual preview of the book as it allows for additional orders to be made from the link. Below and above are the cover and cover picture. I will certainly be ordering more books like this.