Wish To See...: Love it! Archives

We Came For The Hoecakes

October 15, 2009 3:15 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Ever since Mi Mama first started watching Paula Deen's cooking shows I have thought of taking a pilgrimage to Savannah, Georgia. The last year has been an extremely challenging one for Mi Mama and a getaway was certainly in order as Autumn rolled around. Neither of us enjoy hot and sticky weather so we chose October as our time to travel. Oh, Ha ha! We arrived after a 12 hour journey to find the river town steamy and drizzly.

Despite the less than favorable weather we enjoyed our visit greatly. Saturday we traveled around town via trolley, hopping on and off as we saw fit. We had a lovely lunch at the Pirate House, the haunted former guest house where Robert Louis Stevenson was inspired to write Treasure Island.

Historic Savannah is a wonderful city. I will admit that I was a bit disheartened when we first arrived and found mostly strip malls and car dealerships surrounding our hotel. But the truth is this town is set up like many old southern cities with a historic heart. As the years pass and the city grows the outer edges become less than enticing. But once I got past the highway-commerce part of town, I was completely charmed.

As it is well known, old Savannah was one of the first planned communities in the US. The glorious old homes are laid out around a series of squares, giving the prosperous forefathers and fortunate current residents alike peaceful parks right outside their doors.

The people of Savannah, or at least those catering to the tourists are very proud of their city and long history. Mi Mama and I most enjoyed the beauty of the city and very delicious food. Speaking of food...I was disarmed by the carbs of the south and allowed myself to be swept right off the wagon. Though I really do own the responsibility for my choices, I can't help but want to blame Paula Deen and her damn hoecakes.

Like every other Savannah tourist Mi Mama and I waited outside the Lady & Sons reservation to secure a seating time for the restaurant. I never really believed I would make it through a meal at Paula Deen's table without buckling under the temptation of the fried chicken and hoecakes. And buckle I did. I buckled hard! Four months of excellent behavior had to come to an end sometime right? The meal was very good, but not the best meal we enjoyed in Georgia. I hate to end this travelog on a negative note, but I do wish I hadn't succumbed to the foodie temptations. Getting back on the wagon has been tough. It really wasn't worth it.

So to sum up our long weekend in Savannah: It was great to get away with Mi Mama. Savannah is beautiful and charming. The food was delicious but not worth breaking my diet for. I am 3 pounds heavier.

Turning In Project #1

October 15, 2009 3:10 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Today I am slated to present the first of three major projects for my interior design class. We were tasked with designing a living room for an ambassadorial staff member in the USA representing a large West African nation. We were given a floor plan, "a large budget" and told the walls of the room were paneled in fine wood. Each of us is expected to make a plan, draw and render a floor plan and an elevation (that is a scale drawing of a wall) and present our furnishings, finishes and other materials on a board in front of the class.

Because I knew I would be out of town all of last weekend I worked ahead of schedule, and thank goodness I did! Last night I only needed to prepare my board while some of my classmates had yet to start their elevations! That could easily have been me.

I am really proud of my work. It's not perfect, but I felt confident making my decisions and I didn't waffle once a choice was made. I was resolved to just go with it! This is ID 101 for goodness sake. I am sure I will be nervous in a couple hours when I go to present, but for now I am just pleased.

Here are some pictures of my very first presentation board!