Heart for Art Studio

Hello Everyone,

As many of you know my birthday is on August 4th, and for those who do not know, I share this day with my fabulous sister who was born on my 6th birthday. She is my ever lasting birthday gift ;) And so, I am always finding ways to plan birthday lunches or parties, something that will allow me to mentally pamper myself. Last year, my sister and I got massages and went out to dinner later with the family and ended the night with a chick flick. While some may find this a normal day, it was special, because I got to spend it with my sister ( something that rarely happens since we both left for college). And since my sister would be taking summer courses, I knew there would be no way we would be spending our birthdays together :( so I decided to venture out for something different. Initially, when summer came around I searched incessantly to enroll Layth into a summer art program, because I so desperately want him to be artistic when I stumbled upon Flicker Street Art Studio. While they offer summer course programs for children, and informal art training for adults, it was not what I was looking for ( Layth was too young). Through that search I stumbled upon ArtJAMN, a studio that allows you and some friends to come in and have a good time while you paint. And I was in love!! Immediately, I began planning this paint party where a bunch of us girls would gather around for a girls night out and paint. But when it came down to reserving, they were not really flexible with their dates. All my planning was wasted. When I thought of Facebook, people these days are always advertising their companies on there, and searched painting parties. From there, I learned about Heart for Art studio, and immediately contacted Donna ( the personal director/artist). Within hours she informed me of her program, the dates she had available, and was flexible with me bringing Layth. She even set him up with his own easel and crayons.

Two weeks later, my plans were a success. On Friday night, seven of us girls met up at Donna's house/studio and painted a pair of legs! While Donna had a prototype set out for us, it was our chance to get creative and implement our own ideas. Each of us took the brush and with each stroke our own talent and ideas came about. The husbands later would have their own take on what to do with the legs, but it was our chance for us to gather around and celebrate. So if anyone is looking for an activity that does not include dinner or a movie, I strongly recommend this studio!

Making My Own Cake: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Hi Everyone,

I know it's been a while, but Layth i.e. the little lion and I were in Florida for nearly three weeks with my parents soaking up the sun. It felt almost bittersweet coming back. While the vacation cannot last forever, it was amazing while it lasted. During my trip I was alleviated from my kitchen duties, which felt like such a sigh of relief. I did not have to dictate my day around deciding what to cook, when I was going to cook and if I had the ingredients. However, this did not deter me from learning a few new recipes to take back home to Memphis with me. Among those recipes was a quick and economical way to make Pineapple Upside Down Cake. All you need is: Duncan Hines Pineapple Supreme Cake Mix, 3 large eggs, one cake pan, aluminum foil, water, vegetable oil and a can of sliced pineapples. First, you will place the aluminum foil along the cake pan, give it a spray of Bakers Joy to avoid sticking, and then proceed to opening the canned pineapples. The can usually comes with ten slices, so I would advise you to spread them evenly along the pan. Put the pan aside and proceed to making the cake as instructed to do so on the box. Once you are done mixing everything, take the pan, and spread it along the pineapples on the pan and place in the oven as directed. Considering how clumsy I am, I did not attempt to turn the pan over but still tasted amazing!