Busy Bee Indeed

This fall season has certainly been a busy one for the PTRE staff.  In late September, I gave birth to my second daughter and has had the opportunity to be home with her.  In addition to nurturing her, I have a 5 year old little diva and my hubby's handsome 14 year old son to see after and make sure that they equally have me when needed.  I will tell you that this time at home from the office (and my day job) afforded me the opportunity to reflect on the things that are most important to me.  And, that is family.  Hopefully, I can spend more time with them and enjoy the growth that is occurring right before my eyes.

As soon as I thought I was ready to get back in the swing of things, I had to undergo an operation this past Thursday that has now caused me to stay off of my feet and get much needed rest.  So, I am bound to bed for a little while with my trustworthy (knocking on the wooden headboard) laptop to get back to blogging and planning my events for 2011.

I thank you for being patient and faithful to my little blog and hope that I can bring some interesting things back to it. Now, let's get ready to prepare for the holidays, shall we?!  

Have a fabulous weekend.

We're Still Here!

There is a huge gap between this post and my last blog post.  Over the past month or so, I have really been working hard to stay on top of business and personal life.  Well this time, the personal life has slightly but positively affected business.  How?!  Well, I have been really sick lately and didn't seem to know what was going on with me.  Until one day, it hit me....I might be pregnant or have a long lasting rare virus.  The verdict...I'm expecting a little cute package of love!!!

My days are very long and sometimes hard to get by but with the help of my family and my adorable husband, Mr. Officer, I'm able to move forward.

I may not be able to post every day but I can certainly commit to offering at least 3 posts (M-W-F) for you.  I'll send updates via the blog, too!   ...oohh oohh oohh...any fabulous baby shower ideas?!  If so, I'd love to hear them.  I'll even share news about that here, too!

Thanks a bunch for checking back regularly and I can't wait to hear your ideas.

"Precious" the Movie

My husband and I went to the Rave Theater in Little Rock on Friday evening to see the much anticipated movie, "Precious", directed by Lee Daniels and based off of the novel, "Push" by Sapphire.  This movie was also produced by Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey.  Because the movie is playing in only select theaters, the Rave Theater had to serve many (and I mean many) movie watchers on that evening.  For those who have not seen the movie, I will not go into great detail but did want to share a few of my thoughts.  If you haven't heard of the movie, here it is in a nutshell: Precious is an overweight, illiterate, HIV positive, sexually and physically abused poor inner city teen that is pregnant with her second child as a result of incestuous abuse by her mother's partner. Precious is played by newcomer, Gaborey Sidibe. Her abusive mother, played by comedian Mo'nique, sexually and physically abuses her.  She was also very jealous of Precious' two kids who were conceived by rape (from her father who has AIDS).  The mother is determined to soak up as much as she can from the government system by collecting welfare and insisting Precious do the same. Precious enters an alternative school to get her GED and meets a teacher (played by Paula Patton) who is stern and has special interest in seeing her students succeed.  Some of the humor of the movie comes from the classmates. Encouraged by her mother, Precious finally decided to go to the welfare office where she meets her social worker (played by Mariah Carey who is glammed down completely) to receive assistance.  During her meetings, Precious shares information about her life at home (which you'll have to see how it is for yourself). Other stars played in the film, such as:  Sherry Shepherd (receptionist) and Lenny Kravitz (nurse) …very small roles might I add. There's  a good chance that you might cringe in your seat and even shed a few tears as some of the scenes are quite brutal and harsh. The saddest part of this film is reality.  For those of you who don't know, aside from running Pink Tea Rose Events, I work full-time in Human Services at a local high school.  Our youth (and their parents) have to deal with so many oppressors that may affect the positive outcome for their future.  Obesity, poverty, depression, illiteracy, STDs, sexual and physical abuse, violence, and the lack of education is destroying our communities.  This horrible reality just doesn't affect the Black community and has no specific color or race.  There are quite a few shocking scenes to leave you wondering, "does this really happen in reality?".  Please believe me that it does.  Now, I'm not a movie critic and don't know the art of dissecting a film to tell you if it's Oscar-worthy.  I'm not that good at it.  But, I will say that Mo'Nique did a fabulous job portraying such a deep and troubled character.  And, hats off to Gaborey Sidibe for stepping into such a powerful, first role as an actress. Is this a film that I would want to watch over and over, probably not.  In my own personal opinion, I thought it still missed something like-- better musical scoring, a better timeline of Precious' rise, and even a better ending.  But, again, I am not a movie critic just a ticket paying patron who loves the Big Screen.  The issues embedded into this film are those that need immediate action in our country…in our communities.  Let's stand to empower our communities and equip our youth (and parents) with resources to help them improve their way of living, believing, and responding.  There's a message of hope that is highlighted in the movie "Precious" and I am all for that.  And, no matter how successful I am or become, I cannot ignore the fact that there are others who are in dire need.  My husband and I are teaching our children now about the importance of keeping our hand in our community and the power of outreach.  Have you seen the movie "Precious"?  If so, what are your thoughts on the film and the issues highlighted? Additional Arkansas resources: Arkansas Council for Literacy Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-482-5964 Department of Human Services Arkansas Health Department Coalition Against Domestic Violence Guide for Troubled Teens Food Banks AR Department of Workforce Services Mental Health Resources

Diva's Day!

It's my birthday today, yay! It's not a complete off day but it's still such a great day to celebrate with those close to me. Hopefully, Mr. Officer will let me skip out on the routine evening mommy-activities (you know...cooking, cleaning, dance class, problem solving, counseling, negotiating).

Well, I hope that you have a great day like I'm planning on having today.

Tish B.

Easter + My Darling Diva Time

Besides having an event the day before Easter, I had to carve out some time to be with my darling little diva. After Easter service, we enjoyed dinner with our family and did what we love to do on Sunday evenings....nap!!!

When we woke up, we had a great time setting the table for our after dinner/nap snack and juice. Since it was Easter, we had to have our snack in style.

We had a sugary good time. And, it worked out to enjoy miniature cupcakes, fruit punch, and candy necklaces while watching the rain pour heavily outside. Good thing we skipped hiding the eggs this year!

Happy Planning,
Tish B.

Go Lions Go!

This week, I am enjoying the many faces that I haven't seen in awhile due to my alma mater's, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Homecoming festivities. So, if it's hard to catch up with me just check the yellow brick road....I'm with the Lions! Have a great weekend!

A Diva Was Born!

So busy that I couldn't even post about THIS?! Yesterday, October 22, was a sweet day.....My Birthday!!! The Big 28 I am. I had a lot of work piled up and had to be with our youth group later on that evening but I still enjoyed the day. My youth group pranked me and surprised me with pink and green cupcakes and an adorable card that plays a favorite Earth, Wind, and Fire song. How sweet.

And, now that I'm a facebooker-I received some of the best birthday wishes. Now for tonight, I'm finishing up a few projects before Big Daddy takes me out for dinner and a movie {yea on a work/school night}. Toodles, dahlings!

It's Tag Time!

Today, I was tagged by Stacey Strickler with Affairs to Remember and I'm up to the challenge. So let's get right to it.

Here are the rules.
1. Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. Copy the following list, clear the information following the dots, and insert your answers to complete the sentence.
3. Tag 4 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog

I AM…very blessed to have the faith, life, family, and career that I have
I WANT…to be the best planner that I can be to my clients
I HAVE…an urge to buy more of those lashes in my profile pic:)
I KEEP…a busy schedule (it also keeps me out of trouble) lol.
I WISH I COULD… go on a $100,000 shopping spree (the things that I'd buy....OMG)
I HATE…folding clothes after they get out of the dryer
I FEAR…the Lord
I HEAR…the beautiful sounds of my chaotic home (can't wait till bedtime)
I DON'T THINK…I'll ever get to be a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader, now...lol
I REGRET…dropping my cell phone in a cup of lemonade...RIP my cellphone
I LOVE…my family and friends...and my Big Daddy!
I AM NOT…as outgoing as everyone thinks that I am
I DANCE…for exercise to the songs of my secret BFF Beyonce' (especially when no one is at home)
I SING...silently!
I NEVER…forget to give credit where credit is due
I RARELY…ever tell someone completely off or even at all
I CRY WHEN I WATCH…tears roll down the face of another (especially brides)
I AM NOT ALWAYS…as nice as people think that I am
I HATE THAT…the weekends are short:)
I'M CONFUSED ABOUT… why chocolate can't be one of the major food groups.
I NEED…a new cellphone
I SHOULD…get more sleep, more chocolate and the $100,000 shopping spree mentioned earlier:)

This was fun so now I must pass this on to someone else who needs a break so here goes:

Aletha @ Pearls Events
Gail @ Wedding Soiree
Kay @ Howerton+Wooten Events
Tabitha @ Elite Bridal Concierge

Lil Queen Bee turns 3!

I spend almost each week of every month celebrating occasions with and for others but this past weekend, I had a blast spending it with Lil' Queen Bee (LQB). She turned three on Friday (Sept. 26) and we had her party for a few little girlies on Saturday. LQB began months ago (seriously!) talking about her party from the colors, her outfit, guestlist, and even decor--she wanted pink balloons, bears, and princess stuff;) She woke up on Sunday asking me if she could have another one later on that day....kids are so funny! Here are a few pictures from the party.

Favor Bags for Mommies

Water Bottles

Party Favors for the Lil' Queen Bees

Mommy Bag contents (chocolate, nail polish, water, and popcorn)

CD Favors with Nursery Rhymes

Feathery Chandelier

Table Decor

Chair Covers (made by my fab sister)

10 years since High School

Last weekend, my class (Class of 1998) celebrated our 10 year reunion. Our school mascot is the Zebra and our colors are red+white. What a modern theme we had to work with! Our events started on Friday and concluded on Sunday! An entire weekend of fun and fellowship done with extreme elegance and class.

Yours truly chaired the Banquet Committee for Saturday's main event and I might add that it was extraordinary. The food, people, music, program, and most definitely the decor!

centerpiece

"class of glam"

cd favors designed by TPTR

table decor @ banquet

candy bar wrapper designed by TPTR

Happy Friday!

{the diva will return shortly}

Hey Diva Darlings! This is my last week away from the 9-5 and I have had a blessed+busy summer. To start the week off, I was hit with some kinda bug that keeps in you in two places: the bed+bath {room}. BTW, I'm feeling much better, now.

TPTR will be closing up shop just for a few days {Aug. 5-11} to get some much needed rest and spend time with family. Oh, how they are so neglected. All emergency emails will be answered ASAP. And, phone calls will be returned on our return week. In the meantime, please check out our "Fab Reads" section and have a great time visiting some of my favorite blogs. Thank you for your patience and loyalty. Toodles!

{Scar of Love}

Lil' Queen Bee has had a great summer running, playing, falling down, you name it. With a few summer scar souvenirs, I noticed a scar on her arm {which is actually a mosquito bite that she scratched like silly} and it is in the shape of a {heart}. How sweet! So, I grabbed my handy dandy notebook {camera} and took a few snaps of it.

How I love, love, love this sweet little angel.

Have a Happy Thursday!