She's at it AGAIN

We woke up to this catastrophe this morning

Think she was mad about something?

Terrific Tuesdays: You don't have to wait for the fall to enjoy this!

Did you love last weeks Apricot-Stuffed french toast recipe? You did? Well, well, well, you are in for another treat.

Pumpkin French Toast!
serves 6

• 1 loaf (1 lb.) unsliced brioche-style bread
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• pinch coarse salt
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp grated orange zest
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• Pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp orange flavored liqueur or orange juice

1. Trim ends of bread; cut crosswise into 12 (1 inch-thick) slices. Combine sugar, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk in pumpkin, half-and-half, eggs, liqueur, ginger, vanilla and orange zest. Pour mixture into a large pan. Add bread slices to pan; turn slices over. Cover pan with GLAD Press 'n Seal Wrap and refrigerate overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Heat two large skillets over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoons butter to each skillet. When butter is sizzling, add 2 bread slices to each skillet. Cook until bread is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Transfer slices to a cookie sheet; keep warm in oven . Repeat with remaining butter and bread. Serve with maple syrup.
   

There is a lot to be learned from Art

When we were in Washington DC last week we decided to take in some sights. No point in going somewhere if I can't see the sights right? In true form we (my #1 home girl and I) were pushing our time limits to the max. We should have left DC before 12 noon but being the habitual line crosser's that we are, we did not leave until 6pm.

One thing we did was visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. What a treat! It was there, that I was introduced to the mind blowing art of Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare MBE. His work is pure genius to me. He uses painting, sculpture, photography and film to address social and racial issues relevant especially to Africa, The french revolution and European colonialism. One aspect of his art that is unique in my mind is his use of Dutch Wax Fabric. He really made me think, reflect and learn things of which I was not very familiar. Interesting, so interesting.

Here are some pictures of his art featured in the exhibit that are from the Smithsonian Website. The pictures don't really do it justice, you had to be there.

*CLICK THE PHOTO DESCRIPTION TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IT*

Globe Children "suggesting that we are like children toying with the world...unaware of the consequences of our actions"


Headless Man Trying to Drink


Odile and Odette inspired by Swan Lake



Black Gold

How do we get ourselves into these situations?...

Last week my #1homegirl and I took on a little road trip. We both love road trips, and in our minds we can drive anywhere because... "it's fun!" For months I have been discussing very enthusiastically about attending the Blogalicious DC meet up. It was all about "creating our own conversations" Lots of tips on using the various aspects of social media, great opportunities to meet new people and make great professional connections. I knew it was in DC, 10 hours away from Atlanta but who cares? It's just 10 hours away...rrriiiight? If only it was so simple.

I thought about trying to come up with clever verbiage to draw my readers in. Imagining that I would make you chuckle and laugh all the way through to the last letter. But there was so much to happen in those two short days that I just don't think I could do it any real justice.

So as they always say: A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

*They was on our tail, but never caught us*...hahaha, "Sack Suckas!"


*We really should be more careful, never know who we might need for help*



*It would have been REALLY good if we had 1 0r 2 of these when we got into the city*

*If we had a GPS perhaps it would've made it easier to find THIS place, or at least better than what we wound up with* smh*rolling my eyes*


*Everything was ending up lovely UNTIL THIS. We acted like we was being filmed on "PUNK'D"...hindsight it really was hilarious! Sorta.


So what do you think, Will you join us for our next road trip?
We promise it will be a road trip to remember!

Go Red , it does more good than you think.

Normally, for my Therapeutic Thursday's post I share some information about the benefits of essential oils or something else along those lines. This week however, I am going to blog about the benefits and power of RED....red cherries.

February is National Cherry month, cherries are now considered a "super food." Cherries are very high in antioxidants and beta-carotene (19 times more than blueberries and strawberries). It is also a good source of iron and fiber among other important nutrients. New studies are showing that cherries help with minimizing the pain of such ailments as arthritis and gout. Which means it must have anti-inflammatory properties. This super fruit also has the ability to lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer.Wow, who knew? I guess the CDC and JAMA. ;)

Even more interesting to me was learning that cherries contain melatonin (a sleep regulator) and that if a person has a diet enriched with cherries they can shrink the belly fat. SAY WHAT? I don't know about you, but I can always use a good night sleep and a slimmer waist.

If you would like to know more information about the benefits of cherries and how to incorporate them in your healthy lifestyle check out www.choosecherries.com

Okay, so what are you waiting for? GO GET SOME CHERRIES.

Poprocks and Chocolate

This is my new obsession. I cannot get enough of it. It is the most unique blend of ingredients that I have ever experienced in my mouth!

Get some, if you dare www.chuaochocolatier.com

YOU'VE BEEN WARNED


*This is NOT a paid advertisement, nor was I given these delicious chocolates as a bribe....although I would happily become a brands ambassador if I was asked*hint*hint*

Terrific Tuesdays: I'm Stuffing it!

What is your favorite food to eat? Breakfast, lunch, Dinner? I love all of it, however my favorite is breakfast. I love, love, LOVE breakfast food! Especially french toast. The next few weeks for my Terrific Tuesday posts I will be posting my favorite french toast recipes.

My first one is Apricot-Stuffed french toast. Try preparing it for your family, I know they will love it just as mine does. I have made it several times and there is never any left.

Apricot-Stuffed French Toast

Serves 4

• 1 loaf Italian bread (about 4 inches in diameter), cut into eight 1-inch-thick slices
• 3 tablespoons apricot jam
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup low-fat (1 percent) milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Pure maple syrup, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Using a paring knife, cut a horizontal slit in each bread slice to form a pocket. In a bowl, blend jam and cream cheese. Spoon 1 tablespoon mixture into each pocket.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cinnamon until combined. In a large nonstick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. Lay half the bread slices in egg mixture, letting them soak 5 seconds on each side.
3. Place slices in skillet; cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining bread, adding more butter to skillet if needed. If desired, serve French toast with syrup and bacon.

From Everyday Food, December 2006

Sins Of The Mother

Have you seen the previews for the upcoming movies for Black History Month on the Lifetime network? Every Saturday night they will be highlighting a different movie in February.

In addition to Saturday nights there will also be the premiere of a new movie based on the book Orange Mint and Honey by Carleen Brice.



The movie will feature the sultry sistah of soul Jill Scott. I think she is an awesome actress, very believable and organic.The premise of the movie appears to be one that goes into the trenches of deep family issues. Touching the core of such taboo topics as alcoholism and abuse and the haunting effects it has on a child, an adult child. There are lessons about forgiveness and acceptance. I am so ready to see this movie as I know it will cause me to think over my own issues. My goal is to actually read the book BEFORE the movie is premiered. Ahem! *that is my GOAL*. If I do not succeed then I will just have to settle for the movie. After it airs I will be back with my take on the movie. Be sure to check me out next week for my review....bring a hot cup of coffee!

Here is the trailer!

Do You Remember The First Time?

I know that during the month of February, many people are thinking of romance. Valentines day has love in the air, with men and women wondering what can they do THIS year to top what they did last year.

I am a firm believer in showing my love year round and not waiting for V-Day. It's a normal day with a lot of hype. However being the frugal man that he is, my husband cannot pass up the chocolates that are on sale or the flowers that get marked down at the last minute. Hence, by default I may receive a lil' sumthin'- sumthin'

Recently, since the beginning of the month I have been seeing and hearing the phrase "first kiss." Even on The Wendy Williams Show, Wendy have been asking all of her guests to tell about their first kiss experience. Some of the stories were so cute and very memorable and others well, not so much. Hehehehe! This had me thinking. Thinking back to my first kiss. It was all so long ago, and was given to me by the son of my parents best friends (typical). He was older than me by a couple of years. Dark, bowlegged and mannish! Our parents spent a lot of time together so it was only natural, I guess.

Since that first kiss, there were several more (kisses) over the teenage years. Most of which were okay. With just a couple of *yarn*sigh* less than fascinating ones.

Fast forward to 1990, age 18 when I met my husband. We were friends (with a serious attraction) for the first 6 months, then on April 1st 1991 we agreed that our platonic friendship should be more. We shared our first kiss and it was like fireworks, Snap!Crackle!Pop! After that first kiss we have been together ever since. Although the kisses have varied over the years, the feelings are still the same. There have been a few times when the fact that I will never experience another "first kiss" has crossed my mind. However, it's a great feeling to know that my first kiss was my last first kiss but it is also my best kiss.

2010 Trumpet Awards Gifting Suite

I had the privilege of being one of the participants in the 2010 Trumpet Awards gifting suite held in Atlanta. Here is a pictorial review of a few people I met during a great night...

Valentines Day: What's it about?

Have you ever wondered from where do people of the world get their customs? Why do so many follow various holidays, customs and traditions? I do, I love history and from time to time I will research it to understand what the origins are. Sometimes it really surprises me, but it makes me feel informed and very aware. However with awareness comes responsibility, What do I do with the information? What do YOU do with the information? Well, the choice is a personal one of course.

This month is the month of love surrounding the Valentine's Day Holiday. So many people put their own seal of individualism on the holiday, creating a special place in the heart of their love interest.Here is a brief video that I found explaining where the holiday came from.
Interesting....

Terrific Tuesday's Tasty Recipe's: Pasta, tomatoes and cheese

One Sunday afternoon I was having a few folks over for dinner after our Sunday Meeting. I wanted something that was tasty, filling, impressive, healthy, and goes well with a good white wine.

I was able to use the recipe that I found on the back of a pasta Barilla box; Thin Spaghetti with Cherry tomatoes and Pecorino Romano Cheese. How did it turn out? Let's just say, the plates were wiped clean.

Ingredients: 1 box Barilla whole grain thin spaghetti* 1 large red onion, thinly sliced* 2 1/2 tsp thyme*1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided*1.5 pints (3 cups) cherry tomatoes*3/4 cup water*Salt and pepper to taste*1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated.

COOK pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, SAUTE' onion and thyme in half of the olive oil over low heat for 12 minutes. ADD cherry tomatoes and water and simmer for 8 minutes. SEASON the sauce with salt and pepper. DRAIN pasta and toss with the sauce. ADD cheese and remaining olive oil and toss again.

And DON'T FORGET, a nice bottle of white wine...perfection.

Something to Celebrate 365 days

I know some of you have read about my experiences at Blogalicious, my feelings on it and also the wonderful people I have met. Of the people I have connected with through that conference, one of them is absolutely charming, creative and very much THE entrepreneur; Erica Campbell of Soiree'365. I had the privilege of working with her for the Trumpet Awards gifting suite last week and I am very grateful to her for the opportunity.

Of all the years that the Trumpet Awards have been in existence, 2010 was the first year that they have actually had a gifting suite. The success of the Soiree'365 gift suite was due to the coordination efforts of Miss Campbell. Soiree'365 is well known and appreciated by it's clientele for the creative decorations, gorgeous hand wrapped candy and stylish gifts and gift baskets. I was very impressed with the creativity in even the smallest things. Simple or elaborate, Soiree'365 has the perfect thing you need to host the best parties, girls night out, wedding, showers, anniversaries or whatever you have in mind. They strive to make every event a fabulous celebration, their mission is to celebrate "Heritage, Life & Tradition."

Are you hosting an event soon?Not sure how to do what you want to do? Check out the website for Soiree365 I'm sure you will be pleased with everything she has to offer. In the meantime look at a couple of the photos I took from the gifting suite of their fabulous table setting.



Swanky...Right?

Therapeutic Thursday's: Rose Hydrosol

It's smell is very distinct, and posses a seductive quality that many find appealing. I'm speaking about The Rose. Although I do like to try my hand at some summer and spring time gardening, I've never planted a rose bush. I think it appears to be such a delicate flower, I don't want to take my chances with it for fear that I would ruin it. I like very simple and hearty plants and shrubs, drought tolerant and requiring little maintenance. The Rose would NOT be one of them in my opinion.

But, what I can have at home is the Rose hydrosol. A hydrosol is the by product of the steam distillation of plants; A process of extracting the life blood or essential oil . Once the essential oil is skimmed off the top, the water remaining contains minute molecules of the essential oil and other properties not found in the essential oil itself. Therefore making the water a very useful product. Using hydrosols is a great way to gain the benefits of very expensive essential oils, without paying the expensive price. ( of course, I like that)

The benefits of Rose hydrosol are numerous. It works wonderful as a skin toner, especially on mature skin. Use it in replace of water when creating homemade masks, and lotions. Rose hydrosol is also antibacterial, making it good for acne prone skin. In particular, this hydrosol works especially well with women. In her book, Susan Catty even suggests that it be taken internally to balance the female hormones (yes, drinking it. it's not bad). I like to also use it as a linen spray, a air spritzer, and as an addition to my bath water. There are many options, which one will you choose? Check out this book by Susan Catty, it's a great way to learn plenty more about hydrosols.

A change of pace and a new scene

Recently I've made a decision with my family to send my two children back to public school. This was not an easy decision. I've been homeschooling them for two years, of which I had grown very accustomed to doing. Most of the time we had a good routine and I was proud of what I was teaching them. It gave me a great sense of accomplishment and drew me closer to them. Even more importantly to me was that my husband and I stood our ground and kept pushing ahead even when various family members were against my decision to home school.

So, what made me send them back? They did...sort of. It's a combination of reasons, however their repeated requests initiated it all. I believe that in dealing with my own health issues over the last 7-8 months, I was slacking in my enthusiasm and zeal regarding home school. Which of course is an energy that the children can feel. Then after my surgery, I was immobile for a few weeks and totally gotten off routine. School began to be hit or miss, boring and non-challenging and anyone who knows my kids personally will understand that school days like that just wont do!

Humbly and somewhat reluctantly, I gave in to the requests (more like pleas) to go back to school. I was sad at first because I felt like I was failing in some way. As if my children's requests to return to public school was a reflection on me as a mother and teacher. Now I realize that it is more of a need for change of scenery, nothing personal. It was agreed that it will be for a period of one year and then we will go back to our home school refreshed and re-focused. Basically we will alternate schooling. Of course, I had mixed feelings as we walked through the halls of the brick and mortar setting. The children were really excited. Even more exciting to me is that my children in comparison to the other students are fine academically. They were trying to contain their excitement for fear that they were "hurting my feelings."* insert a long "aaaawwwwwww" * But I knew they were happy to be back in population. I'm trying to be positive and enjoy my break. I mean, I think I can find a few things to fill my time. Every teacher deserves a break right?

Terrific Tuesday's Tasty Recipes: Chicken Enchiladas

Do you like Mexican food? Here is a good recipe that your family will love. It is filling and delicious!

Chicken Enchiladas

2 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey

1 cup chopped green bell pepper

1 package (8 oz) Philadelphia cream cheese cubed

1 jar (8 oz) salsa, divided

8 (6-inch) flour tortillas

3/4 pound (12 oz) velveeta pasteurized process cheese spread, cut up

1/4 cup milk

Stir chicken, bell pepper, cream cheese and 1/2 cup salsa in saucepan on low heat until cream cheese is melted. Spoon 1/3 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; roll up. Place, seam-side down, in lightly greased 12 x8 inch baking dish. Stir process cheese spread and milk in saucepan on low heat until smooth. Pour sauce over tortillas, cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees fro 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Pour remaining salsa over tortillas.

Enjoy!

Tooting my own horn

Can I tell you that I am so very proud of myself? I'm really proud of myself because I am stepping out of my box. Recently I have not allowed my fears or personal insecurities to get in the way of my expansion. By expansion, I mean as a woman in business. Generally speaking I am a friendly person, and don't have a problem speaking to people I don't know. Unless you're that creepy guy standing at the gas station asking me if you can pump my gas. Buuuuuuuut, I do tend to shy away when speaking business to people that I feel are superior to me, business wise. The type of folks who appear to have all of their stuff together and are living their dream*sigh* I just feel like I cant compete. Like I'm sooooo out of my network.



But since going to Blogalicious I have had a lot more courage. I was surrounded by so may positive women doing great things, I was motivated. I figured if I'm going to attend these conferences and exchange business cards while holding lengthy conversations I may as well put forth more effort. Otherwise, it's a waste of paper and time, and as we all know; Time Is Money. So, I've been putting forth the effort by calling and connecting to people that share a common interest with me. Not only that but, I have also been able to gain encouragement and get advice talking to people that are doing well in the arena's that I want to be in.



Each connect has led to opportunity, which leads me a little closer to becoming the entrepreneur that I want to be. With each step I am getting a little more courage, I'm so happy about that. For the next 5 months I have several things lined up and I am eager to see the results and share them with you.



Until then, I'll keep a smile in my heart and wear my courage on my sleeve