Jill Scott ft. Anthony Hamilton- So In Love (Official Video)

I love this song & video. Jill looks fab....

Enjoy

Freestyle Fridays: R.I.P Stink Bug

For those who may not know, I can't stand bugs, rodents, insects etc.... I think I was traumatized as a child.  I would be the one who would be in the house when everyone was in the backyard at a cookout.  I've had my fair share of bug stories growing up, but here is another for you- just today.

So I was in my bed room minding my business when something came fluttering in (moth like) and hit the wall. It was one of those darn stink bugs they've been talking about. So what did I do.... got the heck up and ran. Normally, I don't kill bugs (I've been known to shut the door to the room it's in and sleep in the opposite room until I know it's dead. I slept on the couch for a week until I knew a cricket was dead in my room), but I was going to get this one.

 For those of you who don't know, stink bugs are very hard to kill. They don't die with bug spray (probably because of the hard shell) and if you step on them, they emit a foul odor (hence their name stink bug). Any who, I got the broom and flung it where it landed on my lamp. I then got the bug spray and sprayed the heck out of it. I knew it wouldn't work, but maybe it would of slowed it down and not do so much flying until I can get my plan together.

The bug then landed on the floor underneath my dresser and it was moving slow ( I guess from the spray). As I got closer to it , I noticed it wasn't moving slow because of the spray, but moving slow because it had a dust bunny on it's back.  Yes, a dust bunny.  It was flopping all around trying to get it off, but to no avail. So finally it somehow flopped on it's back, dust bunny and all and went to bug heaven.

I guess dust bunnies are the new bug spray (for stink bugs that is). Don't hate the dust hate the stink bug. That dust came in handy. lol

Enjoy

To Do List Thursdays: What's done is done

I recently received a text from the EUX(emotional unavailable ex) wanting to know what happened to us being at least friends. Friends? How could I be this man's "friend"?

The problem with these emotional unavailable men (especially) is that they just don't get it. They are so preoccupied with themselves that they don't see the things they are doing.  Dealing with these types of people are very difficult and can harm your self esteem.  You start to question maybe it was you all along wanting to much.  But after sorting through every thing that went on, you realize that it's not you, it's was them.

 Here are some ways in which emotionally unavailable people act:

~Distant-can't connect on a emotionally level
~Always busy, sick or tired to spend quality time with you
~Cannot commit to the relationship
~They ignore request and don't try to make the relationship work
~Watch sports or read alot as it may interfere with then spending time with you
~Never follow through with promises
~Will be there for anyone else, but the person that he/she is in the relationship with
~Feels like everybody needs him/her
~Never introduces you to his/her family or friends
~Very critical/judgemental of everyone else
~Surface talk-never gets deep in a meaningful conversation

So, why would I be this man's friend when, as a friend, these qualities are still bad. No since of explaining, he still just won't get it.  Be friends, I think NOT!!!

Enjoy

Warm Wednesdays: Five Favorite Things

My silver flats. I heart these things. They are comfy and beat down all in the same breath. I can't even remember where I got them, but I wear them to life.

I got this cuff from Flower Mart. It is my statement piece. When I wear it, I feel like I can conquer anything I put my mind to.

These shoes are comfy. I actually just got them today from Kohl's (see the bag). Believe or not, these things are super comfortable and easy to walk in. Can't wait to wear.

This bracelet is from Pier One. Yes, Pier One. It's cool because it has a mix of colors to compliment any outfit.

I got this pocketbook from the thrift store. It was hanging all by it's lone sum, I guess waiting on me. I wear it everyday. I have to give it a rest.maybe.

I know I said Five, but I heart these dollar store earrings.

Enjoy

Therapeutic Tuesdays: The best teacher in the world is..... your mirror

 There may be someone in your life right now, that irritates or annoys the heck out of you.  Something with their personality or actions that just doesn't jive with you.  This may be a mirroring effect of your inner self.

Each friendship/relationship plays/ed a role in how you see yourself.  I'm quickly learning that it's some part of one self that is not being addressed.  When these behaviors show up in others, you have to sit back and review what is it about his/her behavior that needs to be addressed.

I can admit, I haven't learned my lesson yet with my teacher-the mirror.  After this last relationship with Mr. Unavailable (and reviewing  my prior history with Mr. Unavailables), I realized that maybe I'm not fully being available to apart of myself.

Our life is one big mirror with different teachers who come in and out to teach us a lesson.  If you didn't learn, it will show up again..and again. Well, that happened to me. The different unavilables kept showing up in my life repeatedly because I didn't learned the lesson.

I am slowly learning what I need to do in order to have a healthy loving relationship.  The qualities that I seek out in a mate should be qualities that I exhibit.

 So if someone is irritating me, I need to sit back and ask what is this situation telling me about myself.  Instead of pointing the finger at the other person, I am going to focus on what's going on with my unresolved inner self.

So the next time you walk by the mirror, is it a reflection you like or is it a reflection that needs some tweaking. The latter is what I need--some tweaking.


Enjoy

Estelle ft Rick ross - Break My Heart

I heard this song in Radio Shack. It has a good beat to it.

Enjoy

Soulful Sundays: Microfiber Face Cloths

As you know, I am a you tube- aholic. I love searching for things on the net as well as you tube. I was looking for at home facial stuff and came across a microfiber face cloth used to exfoliate the skin. Now, there are lots of microfiber cloths you can purchase that are for more expensive, but from what I read, you can buy the same one at the Dollar Tree and it works the same. So you know what I did... went to the dollar store.  At my store, it's located where dusting clothes, sponges and plastic gloves are.

The information below is taken from http://www.microfiberusa.com/ which describes the use of microfiber cloths for the face:

The Facial Effect
If you are one of those who believe that microfiber clothes are only for cleaning cars and houses, then you are wrong. Guess what, it can also clean human skin. And the best thing about it is that it can help treat your acne pimples. Just simply integrate it in your acne care rituals. It is a proven fact that this piece of cloth is an effective way of treating acne pimples and eliminates skin imperfections.

When oil and dirt are trapped in the pores of your skin, it becomes acne. It becomes worse when the pore gets contaminated by an infection. This is now called a zit. And a zit usually occurs in a highly visible area. Whiteheads and blackheads are caused by dirt that is not taken away by regular washing. Fortunately, there are ways to control acne. And one of them is by the use of microfiber. Other ways are through daily washing of the face, using astringent for deep cleaning. And now you can add the use of microfiber to this list.
This is so fine, one-hundred times thinner than hair from humans. Since microfiber is shaped in wedges, they touch more surfaces. This is better compared to regular fiber that is rounded in shape. When you use it on your face, it sucks out that dirt that is deeply rooted in the pores of your skin. Microfiber has the ability to suck out the dirt in your pores and keeps it attached to itself. As far as cloths are concerned, microfiber is the best cloth to use in cleaning and treating your pimple problems. Because it is magnetizes, microfiber has the potential to be the best acne removing material. You can use microfiber without the use of an astringent or other facial care product. What makes it more practical than other methods is that you can combine it with simple water. This benefits people who have allergies to the ingredients of astringents or soap. Now since this is an effective combination, you eliminate the bad effects strong chemicals have on your skin.

Happy Exfoliating

Sinful Saturdays: What else...Yard Sale (hopping)

I was so excited to wake up this morning because I had a plan. agenda. schedule to adhere to. I was going yard sale hopping.... YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had three that I was going to and couldn't wait until can I see what my treasures of the day were going to be. I can say for sure.. it was a very nice day for it. The temperature had to be at least 75 degrees by 10:30.  So, here's what I found (confession.. Thursday, I ran to the Good Will Store and found two clutches which will be included in photo's).

 $.50 cents Yard Sale (fabulous silver evening bag)

 $1.00@ Yard Sale (small grey clutch)

 $3.50 @ Good Will (neutral tone clutch)

$3.50 @ Good Will (grey clutch)

I've come to conclusion that I will be doing a lot of yard sales this summer. The prices are far better than at the thrift stores. I mean $.50 come on can't beat that.
Enjoy

Freestyle Fridays: Eyecandy

I took the participants in my program at work to see "Thor". While I didn't know what the movie was about, I got a dozy of a surprise.  The movie was fantastic.  Chris Hemsworth, the hunk guy who played Thor.... well, you be the judge.


       



Close your mouth... I know I had to---a few times.

To Do List Thursdays: House of Kabob

I had the best time tonight enjoying a good meal with  co-workers. We call the group, Entertaining Jackson: Eating Fabulous under $20.  The group was started so that we can enjoy food & fun (entertainment) while staying on under $20 (Jackson- who is the bill). Tonight's dining experience was at the House of Kabobs. Since I don't eat meat, I enjoyed the broiled salmon w/dill rice.  It was finger licking good. My counter parts enjoyed chicken and lamb kabobs.  We had a wonderful time and here's the pictures to prove it:

"Entertaining Jackson" crew

 Salmon w/dill rice

 Lamb kabob & rice w/saffron

 Chicken kabob & rice w/saffron

Persian (Iced) Tea

Enjoy

Therapeutic Tuesdays:" When you know better, you do better"

"When you know better, you do better"- a quote by Maya Angelou.  While listening to a morning show radio station, they were talking about a topic and they made a reference to this quote.  It got me thinking- wow this is so true.  People (me included) only do what they know. We tend to be stuck in the past on doing things and expecting the same results to happen.  It might have worked back in the day, but if it's not working now, maybe it's time to change the plan.  Like Dr. Phil says, "how's that working for you".  How about- it's not.

 If your parents were not encouraged as a child, they may not be able to encourage their own children.  If your parents taught not to show love or express their feelings openly, then they might not be able to show love or express their feelings openly to their child as well.  It's called history. Having a history predicts the future. If there's no history of it, there will not be a future of it as well.  It hadn't happened-yet.

So, whose fault is it. It's technically no ones fault per say.  Parents only parent the only way they know how.  If they lack the skills, it's because of how they were taught. I think that it's up to the individual to want to be open enough to do better than what they were taught. So many adults are now trying to pick up the pieces to their lives because they are faced with real life situations when they might have been taught a life if fantasy all along.

 Today is a different day (and time) than in the 40's, 50's & 60's (and so on). Be open to realizing this and move on with the time. Stop being stuck in the way things use to be.

Be informed so that when you know better, you do better. Otherwise, things remain the same.

Enjoy

Tank ft Drake-Celebration

I calling this segment... Music Mondays. Because I love music and hear new and different songs, I thought I'd bring it to you for you to hear. I'm feeling this new one by Tank ft. Drake.  Tank is a good artist that doesn't get recognized like the others out there.

Enjoy.....

Sinful Saturdays: Flea Marketing.......

I was so excited when I woke up today. I couldn't wait until my friend to get  here so that we could to this yearly flea marketing event that's held in a park.  I never get to go because it's always Mother's Day weekend. But this year, it turned out to be a week later than Mother's Day. 

Since the weather was real crappy, I thought the flea market was going to be cancelled because it's held outside. But to my surprise, there were a few vendors who braved the misty day. Most of the vendors had baby and children items,but there were some vendors who had some items worth looking at.  I found some clutches that caught my eye and because they were packing up early, they sold them to me for $2.00 a piece. Check them out:

 I feel like I got a steal for $2.00 a piece. It's worth it to go to yard sales or flea markets.

Enjoy you weekend

Freestyle Fridays: Let the dieting begin....

I went to the library to browse different books because I want to start a low-carb diet. I came across a book called "The Carb Lover's Diet". I grabbed it and went on my way. 

That night, I glanced through the book and I must admit, I LOVE IT.  Remember, I just glanced.  It's the type of book that to me, you don't have to read page for page to get the gist of it.  The recipes are super easy. Some can be made in the microwave. The food choices are foods that I normally eat.  When I saw that I can eat potato chips and a parfait from Panera (which I love), I was sold.

I'll let you know how it goes. I start on Monday.

Enjoy

To do list Thursdays: Clip your coupons and stop playing

I love the deals and bargains I get when couponing. I get a chill to know that people are still paying full price for items.  Look at what I got:

Nivea Body wash $.79 a piece (normally $5.99), Bic Soleil razors $1.50 (normally $5.50) & Carefree panty liners $ FREE (normally $1.50).  So altogether I spent $4.98 for $27.48 worth of products.  I also got 6 cans of Arizona Ice Tea for $2.67 because they were buy one get one free.  Arizona Ice Tea is one of my favorite canned drinks.  I also love Gain laundry detergent and get it at for $3.99 (on sale for $4.99) when I used my $1.00 coupon.  We all know, Gain smells so good and is so expensive.  When it goes on sale, you have should stock up and save.  

I also got 4 packages of Stay free pads and Carefree package of panty liners all for $3.96.  The Stay free was on sale at Rite Aid for $1.99 and I had a $1.00 coupon.  The Carefree panty liners were free from coupon that was in the paper.  Let me tell you,  I haven't purchased pads in one year.  You figure, we all know our cylce comes once a month, so why not be prepared when it comes instead of going out paying full price when you need them.

How I do it:

I buy two papers, clip my coupons and watch for the sales.  You only buy when it's at a rock bottom price. For example... Nivea was on sale at Walgreen's (had to get rain check because they were out) for $3.79.  I have a $3.00 coupon which made the Nivea $.79.  Clipping coupons means staying organized and knowing who has the best sale for the week. So clip your coupons and save $$$$$.

Warm Wednesdays: Did I miss something???

I went to Jersey Mother's Day. When I left Maryland, gas was $3.99. When I got to Jersey, it was $3.87. When I entered into Maryland yesterday, I was happy to know that the gas prices stayed the same- $3.99.  So today, I wake up to go to work and noticed that the gas prices increased over night to a whopping $4.09. Did something happen when I was sleep???? I saw a lone gas station who had the nerve to have gas at $4.17 when the other gas stations around, across up and down the street was $4.09. I mean...really!!!!!

This makes me re-think  traveling to New Jersey any time soon. It's a three hours ride, but you would think that it was a full blown trip because of the cost. It takes $45 for my little car to filled up, $13.75 in tolls, hanging out while there and paying all that again to turn around to come back, plus the headache of driving.

Oh well, I guess these prices are a indicator of what Memorial Day and the summer is going to be like.

Nothing warm about this Wednesday

Enjoy

MaNIc MOndaYs: Out of commission

I went to New Jersey and caught a cold.... That dag on turnpike UUUGGGGGggg

Soulful Sundays: Happy Mother's Day

Not being a mother myself, but often times a mother's role goes unnoticed and unappreciated. Think about it, if it wasn't for your mother, you wouldn't be here today.  It's a job that technically has no days off. It's full time and then some and runs 365 days a year.  I call that hard work.

While home, I spent time with my family for mother's day at Above Restaurant in South Orange.  It was nice to be with family laughing, joking and reminiscing on old times. My mother and sister enjoyed their gifts and it was nice to see the smiles on their faces.

Today, I give thanks to my mother who gave me life.  Without her, there would be no me.

I am wishing all the mother's a Happy Mother's Day. At times it can be hard, but keep your trust in God and all your wishes and dreams will follow.

Enjoy your day......

Sinful Saturdays: Up the turnpike I go....uuugghhh

There is one thing that I hate...it's the New Jersey Turnpike (aka 95).  It's that long stretch of highway that can take you from New York to Florida. When I first moved to Maryland, I use to get in my car without second thoughts and just go.

As time went on, I dreaded taking that journey on the infamous Turnpike. No scenery, only two lanes (where I get on) and the exits are so far apart (until further up) it feels like you've been driving for days until you get to the next exit.  UUUGGhhhhh.  It doesn't help that the gas prices are up at $3.99 a gallon.

But all in all, I have to suck it up because I am going to spend time with my family for Mother's Day.

Enjoy

Freestyle Fridays: FlowerMart

I heart FlowerMart. FlowerMart is an event that occurs every year in downtown Baltimore City.  Not being from Baltimore, this a tradition that kicks off the Preakness celebration which is the following weekend. You can pick up anything from flowers, to jewelery, to a lemon peppermint stick.

What's a lemon peppermint stick?  It's a treat that everyone drools over. I tried one for the first time at last year's event.  All I can say is that's an interesting taste. Tart but minty.

Look at my fab finds- cuff bracelets which I always wanted.

  Have a wonderful day........

To Do List Thursdays: Mother's Day

Mother's Day is fast approaching and I have no idea what to get my mom.  She has everything that at least I can think of. So, in my travels I went to Burlington Coat Factory to see if I can score a gift for her. I found some wonderful finds for my mother and other special ladies in my life (sister, aunties and family friends).

But of course, how could I go shopping without buying me alittle something something. I purchased  three shirts, sleepwear, a bracelet and some smell good sachets. I am in love with my bracelet. See below.

See how the bracelets wraps around your wrist. I love that. The bracelet was $4.99 from Burlington. I am also in love with my sachets. OMG.... they smell so good. I usually put them in my underwear drawer, closets or in between the seat cushions of my couch.  They come in a pack of 3 for $4.59. This scent (which is wonderful) is called Lilly of the Valley.

 I can officially scratch  off buying gifts for Mother's Day from my to-do list Thursday because I did it already.

Enjoy

Warm Wednesdays: Couponing

There's a show on TLC called Extreme Couponing. I love that show. It shows how people clip coupons and save big. There's definitely a method to the madness of couponing in order to get the bottom dollar and they do it.  You have to have patience, be organized and  know the coupon policy & sales of the stores visited.  I am telling you, you can save big time.

I'm a mini- couponer. I only do stock piling on items like body washes, pads, liners and dish detergent. But guess what, I'm about to step my game up.  If you watch the show, you will see how individuals grocery bills total $845 but they end up paying $15. With the economy like it is, I'm surprised that more people are not doing this. But guess what, I will be. Saving money on groceries means putting more in your savings account (and possibly buying an extra pair of shoes).Smile

Stay tuned....

Stay beautiful

Therapeutic Tuesdays: Missed Opportunities

There has been plenty times in my life where I 've missed an opportunity to do something- anything for that matter.  I'll admit that I am the type of person who will either (1) pass on something thinking that something else better will come along or (2) won't go because there's no one to go with. I know, I know, both are not good because I missed out on opportunities that could have enriched my life- somehow. 

In order to change the way you do things, you have to change the way you think.  I would honestly believe that I was missing out on something by saying no to an opportunity to do something else.HELLOOO.... I had nothing planned in the first place. Dah!!!!!

I'm learning that in order to first attract  people  or even a mate who eludes positivity, you must first be comfortable within your skin.  Now, I've gone to concerts, clubs, movies and early dinners by myself, but I don't think I was fully enjoying the presence of my own company. I go to mall to get what was needed and leave. I wouldn't savor each bite restaurants that I have visited. Or Iwould rush home like I had someone waiting.  I was truly missing out on life's opportunities.

I remember asking this guy who always seemed to be out and about.."what is it that your doing that keeps you out"?  He responded by saying he didn't rush when he had things to do. He said he may go to that mall and walk around , go to Home Depot to look at tools, come home watch TV for bit then would get up and go back out and wash his car or just take in a movie.  Now, when I look at his list of things to keep him busy, it looks  like errands to me- I told him.  He said yeah they were, but his thing was, he doesn't rush to do them all at once. He said that there are different types of people that's out throughout the day and he gets to see who they are by going out at different times.  AaAhhhh HHaaaaa.

 See my thing was to get up early on Saturday and get all my errands done so that I can be home relaxing the rest of the day.  The problem with that is, I'm home and done with all my errands by mid-afternoon. Now, who am I really seeing when I'm home at 2 in the afternoon. NO-ONE. Shoot... some people are just rolling out of bed at that time. lol

So, as I write this, I have to jump on any opportunity that comes my way because there's some sort of experience to learn from it. I'm committing to saying "yes" to opportunities to experience life. Who knows, I might find new opportunities including (clearing throat) a date. SMILE

Miguel - Sure Thing

I'm feeling this song for MaNIc MonDAys...........

Noel Gourdin- Beautiful

I like the words to this song. I thought he was going to be a one hit wonder. I guesss not.   This song is... Beautiful.

Peace & Love people