A Spot of Tea

I had the most fabulous Mother/Daughter day this past Saturday. Now I realize that most girls either say they don’t get along with their mom or they are best friends, the Olsgaard women and definitely the latter. We have always been close but when my dad passed my mom and I truly became each other’s support system and best friends. I think we get along so well because I am a carbon copy of Mama O. If Andy wants to know what I’ll be like when I’m older, just look at my mom. We think alike, talk alike, and everyone says we look alike, although we don’t see it. But anyway let me tell you about the best bonding day ever!
We started off the day by driving to Ridgeway, SC i.e. in the middle of freakin’ nowhere. We drove to Laura’s Tea Room. Now I realize to some people this whole experience will sound silly and lame but it was so much fun! The first floor is the cutest little store with lots of knick-knacks and tea themed stuff. But the best part was on the second floor. Upstairs is a bunch of little tables with all kinds of different settings and lots of windows. First you get to pick out your own tea cup from a table full tea sets (cup, saucer, and a tiny little spoon) and then you are lead to your private table. The hot tea of the day was Black Apricot, which we definitely took, but they will happily brew you anything kind you want. They also had a Pomegranate iced tea, which they dropped a frozen peach in and I’m telling you it made all the difference. Note to self: if you want to make a drink fancy schmancy add froze fruit. They serve you all kinds of delicious snacks like: scones with Devonshire cream, cornbread salad (which sounds kind of weird but was really good and I need to find a recipe for), cucumber sandwiches, and lots of sweets. Mom and I had an absolute ball. It was just a great girly experience, although men are welcome as well, and a wonderful way to feel young. The women who run the place are wonderful too, they pay extreme attention to details, which I love, and they honestly want you to have the best time you can. They even have a large collection of hats that you can choose from and wear while you have your tea. (Both Mom and I have very small heads so none of them really fit us.) If you are in South Carolina I would recommend you take your mom or friends or anyone you can to this place and have high tea. ;)

The rest of our bonding day was quiet but so much fun. We went home and did at home pedicures and watched two weeks’ worth of America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway, and Runway Models episodes. It was just so nice to spend the whole day being girly and bonding with Mom. It reminded me how lucky I am to have her.

Currently I’m reading: The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. I’ve always heard people talk about this book so I figure it’s about time I finally read it. I’m also reading Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster. It’s an autobiography and it’s hysterical! The author is a self proclaimed b***h and smart a** and a perfect example of how not to treat people. If you need a laugh, read this. I’m also still getting through Twenties Girl, don’t get me wrong it’s a wonderful book; I just don’t have enough time in the day for reading. :(

How Rude!

That's right "How Rude" just like Stephanie Tanner in Full House. I was talking with my good friend Rebecca last night and we were noticing that September has been a month filled with random rude acts, instead of random kind acts. I realize that I was raised with what some people would call strict parents. I was told from a very young age how to act toward other people and how to handle myself in public. To me, and many of the people I grew up with, this wasn’t a sign of overbearing parents; it was called teaching your children manners. We have seen a great lack of manners in the last couple of weeks and I just want to know, what the heck is wrong with people?!?!?

First there was Senator Joe Wilson. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyTelRaoBAI&feature=related I will start this statement off with a disclaimer that I know shamefully little about what is going on in the political world. I don’t really know what President Obama was talking about in his speech or why Senator Wilson was so offended by what was said. However, I do know that calling the President of the United States of America a liar simply because you don’t like what was said is inexcusable. The Senator is supposed to be representing the state of South Carolina and all he did was embarrass himself. And let’s face it, the people of South Carolina go through enough embarrassing moments that we don’t need anyone adding to it. I think SC has reached our yearly limit now.

Also, what possessed Kanye West to get up during Taylor Swift’s VMA speech and proclaim that Beyonce’s video was better? First of all Taylor is 19 years old, is the first country music singer to win a VMA, and is America’s sweetheart. Second, I personally love the Single Ladies video, I think Beyonce is amazingly talented to be able to dance like that for over 5 minutes and should be recognized for it. Which she was, later on in the night; it didn't need to be acknowledged during Taylor's moment. Kanye just embarrassed himself, all his fans and supporters, Taylor, and Beyonce. Can you image what it would feel like to be standing up there getting an award and someone runs up and tells everyone that you don’t deserve to win? Wow, I don’t even want to think about it. The silver lining is that Beyonce has been raised with class and manners, or has a really good PR rep, and was very sweet to let Taylor come up during her acceptance speech later on in the show so Taylor could have a chance to thank the fans. Kudos to Beyonce.

I’m just wandering what has gotten into people to randomly ‘show their behinds’ and ruin other people’s moments? Contain yourselves people and respect others. Thanks!

Season Beginnings

I never intended this to be a check in once a month kind of blog but I think I’ve been so busy doing stuff that I forget to record it for all you lovely people. ;) I was thinking today about how September has become one of my favorite months simply because it is the beginning of so many different seasons. First it’s the beginning of fall which I love best. It’s sweater, tailgating, jackets, no need for air conditioning, season.

The ‘season’ starts tonight at the Colonial Life Arena. We kick it off with Sesame Street Live. Woho! Except it’s been a little sad because apparently kids just don’t watch Sesame Street like they did when we were kids. I’m not sure what they are watching but it makes me sad to think that Big Bird and Elmo are slowly being phasing out.

The television show season is also starting back. Generally speaking I’m not much of a TV person. I’d rather read or watch a movie. However I have become addicted to a couple mindless shows and I’m so excited they have started again. My mom and I are the reason that stations run marathons, because if we start watching one we are instantly addicted to it. That is how we became obsessed with Project Runway, America’s Next Top Model, Top Chef, and Desperate Housewives. I realize these shows don’t offer much of an intellectual aspect, but I love them!

I’m very proud of myself on how I have also continued my reading obsession and fall is the perfect season to curl up in a blanket and read. My list of ‘want to read books’ is embarrassingly long now. I add to it constantly. I’ve been blessed to find a couple girls how have the same taste in books, pure chick lit mostly, who have graciously let me borrow a ton of their books. Is it bad that some mornings I wake up and just want to sit outside all day and read? That would be a perfect day.

One last thought, yet another season has started, and it’s pretty much the most important. And I’m talking about FOOTBALL season of course. My beloved Gamecocks aren’t supposed to be very good this year but that won’t stop people from going to the games or wavier my loyalty. I’ve already had a ball cooking for the games. I made beer cheese dip that didn’t turn out very good, but the Bourbon balls and Oreo balls were a hit. If anyone has any good tailgating recipes send them my way. I’ll need them!

Currently I’m reading: Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiners. I love her style and humor, although it seems like her main characters are always either over weight or pregnant, neither of which I have any experience with. Cannie in this novel is both. And Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella. It about Lara who is ‘haunted’ by her great aunt Sadie and is sent of a wild goose chase to find a necklace from her pass in order for Sadie to peacefully pass on. I really like it but it’s taking me a while because I just don’t have enough time to read! :(