Melody and Style: January 2014

Vivaldi Patron Circle 4th Annual MidWinter's Event

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Hello Everyone!

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is always trying to reach new audience members and create new opportunities for classical music lovers to join and share their passion for music.

The Vivaldi Patron Circle does just that by offering young professionals in the Dallas area an opportunity to attend events throughout the year where a DSO musician usually plays and or a featured artist is introduced. This year, we had the privilege of being joined by the conductor of the DSO himself, Maestro Japp VanSweden, as well as violinist Eunicie Kim and ballet dancers from the Avant Chamber Ballet company.

It was an exciting night as guests enjoyed lite bites and chocolate chip bread pudding (yes, and it was delicious) and mingled with fellow DSO supporters.

JT Reyna, Amy Espinoza, Michelle John, Maestro Japp VanSweden, and Kirsten Williams

Ballerina dancing to "The Swan" from Elgar's Carnival of the Animals

Eunice Kim, DSO violinist

Myself with Amy

DSO violist Ane Marie Hudson Brink and Kirsten Williams

It is always such a pleasure to be joined by world class musicians at Vivaldi events.

These types of atmospheres eliminate the stigma of classical music and allow for younger audiences to share their passion for symphony music. If you are interested in joining Vivaldi Patron Circle, visit the DSO website and hope to see you at the next Vivaldi event!

~Mrs. S

Weekend Update

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Hello Blogging world!

I am so excited that we have no school tomorrow.

It was a long week and even though we just had a nice two week long break, it is still nice to know that this week will go by much faster since there is no school Monday!

Last Tuesday, I convinced the Mr. to take me on a mid week date to the Winspear Opera House in downtown to see violinist David Garrett perform. This guy is a total babe and he plays amazing.

It was our first time at the Winspear and it was beautiful.

This really cool light installation rises into the ceiling when the shows are ready to begin.

The concert was unbelievable, he played music from all genres and even the Mr. was highly entertained!

I couldn't see him up close during the concert since we were sitting so high up (nosebleed section), but this guy is super good looking!

I went with my thigh highs for this performance

Friday, I hosted the annual talent show at my school, which was awesome!

Saturday, we decided to make a re recipe from the new Food Network Magazine subscription my student gifted me and it was a huge success.

The Mr. and I both love seafood, so we made bouillabaisse. It took about 2 hours and it was a tad expensive, but so worth it!

This was the picture on the magazine,

This was our version

We will definitely be making it again sometime!

Thank goodness the Mr. is good at following recipes.

Hope you all have a fabulous 3 day weekend!

~Mrs. S

Weekend Update

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Hello Bloggin World!

How's it going?

As I get ready to wind down my Sunday and watch some much anticipated Girls, Revenge, and Real Housewives of Atlanta (dont judge) I wanted to update y'all on all things Simmonds.

After a long week back at school, I finally got to get out Friday evening. I joined my besties Amy and Michelle for a Fashionistas event at Fedora in downtown Dallas.

Before we left, I had a little photo session at Michelles trying to go for the "model look" hahahaha!

Fedora was full of fashion forward Dallasites

My girls!

The decided to conduct the fountain...

Great times were had and cute outfits were sported.

Saturday night we went to see The Lone Survivor, ummm crazy.

All I can think is thank the Lord for the brave men and women who serve our country cause I would not be so willing to fall down the side of mountains and get shot at and such.

Today, my sisters came over and since I love to think I am a professional photographer sometimes, we had a little photo sesh at the park with her kids.

Here are some of my favorites...