Ok, so JStarr & I have been in Jersey for over a week now & we head back to the Atl tomorrow. I have really enjoyed this trip, this has been the longest we've visited since she's been born. We arrived a day before my youngest Sis's Bday( Twink turned 20!), and stayed through Thanksgiving. I must say that traveling to spend Turkey day with family is bittersweet. It's always great to hang with the extended family- but the lack of Turkey day leftovers is a total letdown. Mom,Twink,Duckie, JStarr & I drove to Maryland for Thansgiving dinner with the extended family. It was great spending time with my Nana, Aunts, Uncles, cousins that I haven't seen in a year or two. There was lots of laughs, catching up, pictures being taken and of course there was football on the TV in the background.
The laughs alone were worth the three hour ride each way, the lack of Turkey and the late start of dinner. I really can't complain- I enjoyed my Thanksgiving and I'm reminded that I have ALOT to be Thankful for. I am truly Thankful for my Family and ALL thet bring to the table ;> !
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Soup's On!
Ok, so it's Fall and I've been thinking about making all kinds of soup. My first venture was a Chicken, Rice & Vegetable soup. I varied my one pot chicken stew to include more broth & Viola! It's Soup!. I've always wanted to make my Granna's vegetable soup, but my one attempt was a poor, poor excuse for soup of any kind ;> Hopefully during my next trip I can get the REAL full recipe from her. My wish list of soups to make is ever growing, but since I bought two bags of potatoes on special last week I've been fantasizing about making a potato soup. And low & behold I ran across a quick & easy enough recipe over at " $5dollardinnermom.com. The recipe called for miso soup as well, but I made mine with what I had on hand: homemade chicken stock- roughly 2 cups; 4 medium size potatoes, part of an onion, salt, pepper, thyme, a little milk & some water. I peeled & cut the potatoes, then cooked them in the stock along with the onion. When the potatoes were cooked throughly I put it all in the blender along with just a touch of milk for creaminess, seasoned to taste & Viola! It's Soup!
The results are very tasty if I do say so myself :> After a busy rainy day, this soup hit the spot for me.
Next I want to try Carrot, Butternut Squash, and tomato- Oh I am excited to stretch my culinary muscles!
The results are very tasty if I do say so myself :> After a busy rainy day, this soup hit the spot for me.
Next I want to try Carrot, Butternut Squash, and tomato- Oh I am excited to stretch my culinary muscles!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
What's in my Mommy bag year # 2
As I approach JStarr's 2nd birthday, I thought I'd take the time to write down those things that I've learned to keep in my bag, which help to keep both Mommy & baby happy- so here it goes:
1} Baby Wipes. I once thought that wipes were just cleaning baby's face, hands & bottom- but NO! Wipes work to clean not only face, hands & bottom, but also spills on either Mommy's or baby's clothes, or baby seat/stroller-basically wherever you need a quick clean up- Baby Wipes will work in a pinch.
2} Always have snacks in your bag, Even if you think that your little one will not get hungry while on a errand, 'cause they ate before you left, or you won't be out that long- think again! There has been more than once where I've been caught out there w/o snacks & it was not a pretty sight. So, I've come to learn to always keep some of those toddler snacks or even those cracker packs that you get from restaurants in my bag. I now carry a little Cheerio snack bottle with either Cheerio's, toddler puffs or snack crackers- like Goldfish.
3} A change of clothes in a plastic "ziploc" type bag. I know this a given, since a change of clothes have been in the Mommy bag since birth, but I've learned to keep these changes in a plastic "ziploc" type just in case something spills in the bag the clothes will stay dry. Or if you need a sealable way to take the messy clothes back home.
4} A sip cup. There's bound to be a time when my little one suddenly wants a drink, so having a sip cup on hand makes the drinking a lot less messy.
5} Toddler fork or spoon. I've come to bring JStarr's spoon or fork along for eating, at any given time we can stop for something to eat & the adult size utensils are typically too big for her to use. Keeping a plastic spork in my bag just in case I forget her regular ones is a good back up.
6} Hand Sanitizer. This is self explanatory- it comes in handy when you encounter grimy places.
7} Toy/Books for distraction. Trust me, in those moments when the little one gets bored, having a book and /or toy- to engage & distract the little one. I recently read some where that blowing bubbles while the child is getting a shot works. I'll give that a try at our next immunization.
8} A little notebook. I like to keep a little notebook to write down my thoughts, questions, insights- whatever my hit me during the day that I want to remember later.
Ok, that's all for now.
1} Baby Wipes. I once thought that wipes were just cleaning baby's face, hands & bottom- but NO! Wipes work to clean not only face, hands & bottom, but also spills on either Mommy's or baby's clothes, or baby seat/stroller-basically wherever you need a quick clean up- Baby Wipes will work in a pinch.
2} Always have snacks in your bag, Even if you think that your little one will not get hungry while on a errand, 'cause they ate before you left, or you won't be out that long- think again! There has been more than once where I've been caught out there w/o snacks & it was not a pretty sight. So, I've come to learn to always keep some of those toddler snacks or even those cracker packs that you get from restaurants in my bag. I now carry a little Cheerio snack bottle with either Cheerio's, toddler puffs or snack crackers- like Goldfish.
3} A change of clothes in a plastic "ziploc" type bag. I know this a given, since a change of clothes have been in the Mommy bag since birth, but I've learned to keep these changes in a plastic "ziploc" type just in case something spills in the bag the clothes will stay dry. Or if you need a sealable way to take the messy clothes back home.
4} A sip cup. There's bound to be a time when my little one suddenly wants a drink, so having a sip cup on hand makes the drinking a lot less messy.
5} Toddler fork or spoon. I've come to bring JStarr's spoon or fork along for eating, at any given time we can stop for something to eat & the adult size utensils are typically too big for her to use. Keeping a plastic spork in my bag just in case I forget her regular ones is a good back up.
6} Hand Sanitizer. This is self explanatory- it comes in handy when you encounter grimy places.
7} Toy/Books for distraction. Trust me, in those moments when the little one gets bored, having a book and /or toy- to engage & distract the little one. I recently read some where that blowing bubbles while the child is getting a shot works. I'll give that a try at our next immunization.
8} A little notebook. I like to keep a little notebook to write down my thoughts, questions, insights- whatever my hit me during the day that I want to remember later.
Ok, that's all for now.
Monday, October 5, 2009
So Much....So Much
Wow! It is Fall~ the temp is dropping,, the days are getting chillier the time has just flown by. So It's been awhile since I've posted my thoughts & views-- So much to Say!!
Let's begin with the change of my view of Beyonce- as a result of her Classiness at the VMA's I have a new found respect for her. Kanye, Kanye, I don;t even know what to say.... It's all been said by now anyway, so we'll just leave it at that.
I loved the Jay Z Alicia Keys performance. I got his new album for that song alone! PINK was amazing! I love that song: Sober & for her to sing it while performing acrobatically- well that was just... It just blew my mind!!! Back track to the Opening of the VMA's I adored Madonna's soliloquy about her & Michael was just priceless! And JANET- wow how Great was it to see her perform Scream?! I LOVED IT!!!!
And then it Rained and rained here in Atlanta. The devastation, the ruined homes and schools- I couldn't believe my eyes. I am so Thankful that relief is coming quickly for those effected. This state has shown it's true big heart. I'm also very Thankful that neither I nor my family were flooded out. I do believe that the drought was wiped out by the seven straight days of rain.
Soul Bro D has given me a few things to think about & put into practice. The first is to to "Thank You" each time I use money or whatever form of currency I am currently using to pay for things. He read an article in "Aquarius", and then relayed it to me and I though t it was a great idea. I already try to remain grateful for having money to pay the bills even when its late or it depletes the available funds. So when he told me of this I thought it was right on target for me, and then when I read the article myself- I really knew it was on target. I don't always remember to do it at the actual time that I'm paying for something. But I do say it as soon as I remember- even if it's the next I day. Then he had an Epiphany last week- and he decided that he was going to dictate how his day would be every day. He will approach each day with happiness and laughter. I thought that this was another great idea. I used to have a little post-it on my monitor at the old office which said some thing like "Today I will chose what kind of day it will be" "If I have a bad attitude I will get over it & start again" So I am so in groove with that notion as well. In fact I've been feeling anxious for most of last week, having that crazy something bad is coming turning in my stomach, to which I tried to remind myself to change my thought pattern into something positive. That anxious feeling went away. I know that it's because of the very tight financial situation and my professional projects have been very slow these past three months. But I'm confident that things will pick up & I am determined to get back into my Bath product business as well as doing other creative endeavors and selling them on ETSY.
My Beautiful little Girl will be 2 this month!!! Oh myy.... sometimes I look at her with such wonder. She started out as this little 5 lb. long legged gal and now she is this ever growing toddler getting bigger & smarter, and still long legged Gal! I love her soo!!!! Soul Bro will be taking her pictures next week some time, and Auntie Rell will be coming down to help us celebrate! Still trying to work on a theme. It will be a small affair with LOTS of Ballons! So I've got a ton of things to do. You'll forgive me if my postings are sparse or none existent, won't U? Thanks ~ S
Let's begin with the change of my view of Beyonce- as a result of her Classiness at the VMA's I have a new found respect for her. Kanye, Kanye, I don;t even know what to say.... It's all been said by now anyway, so we'll just leave it at that.
I loved the Jay Z Alicia Keys performance. I got his new album for that song alone! PINK was amazing! I love that song: Sober & for her to sing it while performing acrobatically- well that was just... It just blew my mind!!! Back track to the Opening of the VMA's I adored Madonna's soliloquy about her & Michael was just priceless! And JANET- wow how Great was it to see her perform Scream?! I LOVED IT!!!!
And then it Rained and rained here in Atlanta. The devastation, the ruined homes and schools- I couldn't believe my eyes. I am so Thankful that relief is coming quickly for those effected. This state has shown it's true big heart. I'm also very Thankful that neither I nor my family were flooded out. I do believe that the drought was wiped out by the seven straight days of rain.
Soul Bro D has given me a few things to think about & put into practice. The first is to to "Thank You" each time I use money or whatever form of currency I am currently using to pay for things. He read an article in "Aquarius", and then relayed it to me and I though t it was a great idea. I already try to remain grateful for having money to pay the bills even when its late or it depletes the available funds. So when he told me of this I thought it was right on target for me, and then when I read the article myself- I really knew it was on target. I don't always remember to do it at the actual time that I'm paying for something. But I do say it as soon as I remember- even if it's the next I day. Then he had an Epiphany last week- and he decided that he was going to dictate how his day would be every day. He will approach each day with happiness and laughter. I thought that this was another great idea. I used to have a little post-it on my monitor at the old office which said some thing like "Today I will chose what kind of day it will be" "If I have a bad attitude I will get over it & start again" So I am so in groove with that notion as well. In fact I've been feeling anxious for most of last week, having that crazy something bad is coming turning in my stomach, to which I tried to remind myself to change my thought pattern into something positive. That anxious feeling went away. I know that it's because of the very tight financial situation and my professional projects have been very slow these past three months. But I'm confident that things will pick up & I am determined to get back into my Bath product business as well as doing other creative endeavors and selling them on ETSY.
My Beautiful little Girl will be 2 this month!!! Oh myy.... sometimes I look at her with such wonder. She started out as this little 5 lb. long legged gal and now she is this ever growing toddler getting bigger & smarter, and still long legged Gal! I love her soo!!!! Soul Bro will be taking her pictures next week some time, and Auntie Rell will be coming down to help us celebrate! Still trying to work on a theme. It will be a small affair with LOTS of Ballons! So I've got a ton of things to do. You'll forgive me if my postings are sparse or none existent, won't U? Thanks ~ S
Sunday, August 30, 2009
R. I. P. Mr. Kennedy
As you know by now, one of America's Political Icons- Ted Kennedy, passed away this week. I watched the funeral & memorial coverage this weekend. I was deeply touched by all the remarks made. There are so many important bills that he helped to develop & pass. The Kennedy family and their commitment to service is one that I plan to use for my family.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Loving the Wendy Williams Show!!
Ok, so I'm a Jersey Girl & every time I would return home for a visit, I always listened to WBLS to catch the Wendy Williams radio Show. Can you even imagine how HAPPY I was to see that her TV show was going to be shown in Atlanta! It's been on for a few weeks and I'm LOVING IT!!!! i watch every day. Wendy Williams is SOOOO JERSEY I just LOVE Her to pieces!!!! She is a "friend in my head" ;>
Monday, August 10, 2009
Living Abundantly: Lesson #2
Ok, so My world has been very turbulent in the past few months, and as a result I have learned that to truly live an abundant life I must have Gratitude for both the good & bad times. Yes, I'm saying that living abundantly includes being appreciative of the bumps AND the smoothness of the road of life. Once I learned to accept & be grateful for this notion that life is not only full of good things & opportunities but also not so good things & missed opportunities then I am truly living an abundant life. I am growing as a result of ALL of my life experiences & By exhibiting gratitude NOT only for the highs of life but also for the lows- my Life is truly Abundant!
With that said, I am grateful for:
1} all of those that have me on their prayer lists;
2} for all the friends & family that truly care about me & my family;
3} my Mom for teaching me how to stretch to make the ends meet;
4} the blessings that keep coming when they are least expected;
5} my Dad for teaching me that treating people right is always the right thing to do;
6} My beautiful baby girl for reminding me to be patient & giving me laughter everyday ;>;
7} My Hubby for reminding me to keep trying;
8} My brother & sisters for showing their niece that generosity does not have to cost a cent;
9} My Grandmothers for leading me on my path of spirituality;
10} My Soul-Bro
With that said, I am grateful for:
1} all of those that have me on their prayer lists;
2} for all the friends & family that truly care about me & my family;
3} my Mom for teaching me how to stretch to make the ends meet;
4} the blessings that keep coming when they are least expected;
5} my Dad for teaching me that treating people right is always the right thing to do;
6} My beautiful baby girl for reminding me to be patient & giving me laughter everyday ;>;
7} My Hubby for reminding me to keep trying;
8} My brother & sisters for showing their niece that generosity does not have to cost a cent;
9} My Grandmothers for leading me on my path of spirituality;
10} My Soul-Bro
Friday, June 26, 2009
RIP King of Pop
Wow, I'm still in disbelief that Michael Jackson died yesterday.
My daughter & I were on our way home from the grocery store, when it was announced on the radio that he had been taken to the hospital. While we were stuck in traffic, another report came on stating that he had died. When we got in the house I immediately turned on CNN & there it was- the headline that read "Michael Jackson died at 50".
Like so many others I grew up on Michael Jackson's music and there isn't a MJ song from the 80's & 90's that isn't on the soundtrack of my Life. I can't even pick one or two as my favorite- 'cause I love them all! I am still looking forward to hearing his new music that is to come out this summer.
Michael Jackson is definitely on my ICON list, and I must make sure that my daughter is enlightened to the music & dance that he created. This morning while having her cereal, we were watching a video retrospective & there she was wiggling her little bum to "Thriller"! It was a totally priceless moment ;>.
My daughter & I were on our way home from the grocery store, when it was announced on the radio that he had been taken to the hospital. While we were stuck in traffic, another report came on stating that he had died. When we got in the house I immediately turned on CNN & there it was- the headline that read "Michael Jackson died at 50".
Like so many others I grew up on Michael Jackson's music and there isn't a MJ song from the 80's & 90's that isn't on the soundtrack of my Life. I can't even pick one or two as my favorite- 'cause I love them all! I am still looking forward to hearing his new music that is to come out this summer.
Michael Jackson is definitely on my ICON list, and I must make sure that my daughter is enlightened to the music & dance that he created. This morning while having her cereal, we were watching a video retrospective & there she was wiggling her little bum to "Thriller"! It was a totally priceless moment ;>.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Living Abundantly
My "Soul Brother" Deron & I have been having an ongoing conversation on living abundantly. The Universe is truly amazing, 'cause this topic is always bought up by him whenever I'm having moments of self doubt, or feeling that the ends will not meet financially. Mind you, I never start this conversation topic- nor do I mention what I'm feeling prior to him bringing it up.
Bottom line: We are always supplied with what we need when we need it ;>
Bottom line: We are always supplied with what we need when we need it ;>
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
I'm Grateful for...
1. The sound of my daughter's laughter.
2. My daughter's beautiful smile.
3. My husband's kiss.
4. The smell & taste of Good coffee.
5. Summer mornings.
2. My daughter's beautiful smile.
3. My husband's kiss.
4. The smell & taste of Good coffee.
5. Summer mornings.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to All! Yesterday was my actual Birthday, and while it was not the best it was not the worst either- so I have No complaints. So to celebrate my personal "New Year" I decided to finally start a Blog.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)