Soulful Sunday: So Amazing.......

I had the pleasure of spending time with my family in Jersey this weekend.   My cousin had a grand opening of her new boutique in Orange.  I am so proud of her for expanding her bath & body store to it's new location. We had a blast. There were over 100 people who attended the event.  There was ribbon cutting, red carpet walking, music playing, a performer performing, cake eating & people shopping- all in one place.  What more can you ask for. Please check her out at http://www.pookapureandsimple.com/ It's all natural products. She's doing some good things.

  My cousin Dawn speaking at the ribbon cutting

Pooka products

 Being interviewed

 The most amazing red velvet cake shaped like pooka products on top (they were eatable)

 Shopping

More products

Her book


We had so much fun.......

Sinful Saturdays: My Hurricane Preparedness

Sinful Saturdays: Round #2

 I thought this bag was cute for the summer....

 My dress (belt thrifted from awhile ago) had a red sticker. Yay 1/2 off

 My nice skirt. That too had a red sticker-1/2 off. Score

 This dress (Eddie Bauer) was a score at another thrift store I went to two days prior. At first, I thought I wasn't going to like it, but when I tried it on.. it fit perfect. I can't wait to wear it (belt thrifted and jean jacket- a hand me down from a co-worker.

This is a skirt which I'm going to wear as a summer dress. I likey. I got a red one, but can't wear that one as a dress because it's a-wee -bit short (er) than this. Happy New Year (a inside joke to a co-worker lol).

 I finally got my cross over bag. It's supa-dupa cute. It's from Nine West. Now when I go thrifting, I can use this so that nothing gets in the way.

Here's the inside. Cute right.

Take care....

Sinful Saturday: I heart thrifting...I don't think you heard me-I HEART THRIFTING

So, as you will see from the following pictures, me and my addictive personality are in LOVE with thrifting.  Don't get me wrong, I've done it before, but something about this time, I am feeling it. Before, I use to go for just clothes, but while I was blog searching and  I came across some blogger's that really inspired me to not only thrift for clothes, but for items for the home.   They took furniture items and re-purposed them into fabulous finds.  Remember Rachel Ashwell's "Shabby Chic"- well their style is similar to that- whimsical, romantic, county type living. It got me to wanting to re-do my itty bitty apartment to reflect this style. This style has a peaceful and serene feel. It almost makes you think your at the spa or something. So off to Goodwill I went.
There were so many unique items that you can use to add some finishing touches to your home/apartment.  I was in heaven for 2 1/2 hours.  Here are some items that I got:

 So, I'm loving these glass jars (the vase I had already) and I decided to put tea lights in them.  But while strolling through the dollar store, I found a bag of little round Styrofoam balls and rocks.  So I thought this would be good to put in the jars that I had just purchased.

So here, is the finished product. It has a beach fell to it, but I love those jars.

 So next is what I picked up for the bathroom. I got the jars with lids (at bottom @ $1.00 or less), a silver/metal tissue box covering (1st shelf@ $2.00) and another jar which is now home to my lip glosses (2nd shelf @ $1.00). Since one of the jars has a orange top, that will become my accent color.

See the orange top and the orange towel. I have another orange hand towel that I found at the dollar store which matched perfectly.

 I got a nice pitcher ($2.50) where I will be drinking my water w/lemons for days like today- HOT

And I finally got my fan. You don't understand..I've been searching (not really hard) for a hand fan (from back in the day). It's days like this you would want to whip it out of your purse and get to fanning.  A vendor at recent wine festival had one, but she was selling it for $5.00. UUmmm...nope. I got my for a mere $.25 cents. Can you believe it. When I saw it on a shelf all by it's lonesome, my eyes got HUGE with excitement. I have to glue a piece together, but for $.25 cents, it's worth it. YAY!!!!

I'm so excited with this thrifting thing (for the home especially) that I can now have my itty bitty apartment be Shabby & Chic at the same time- just alittle bit to fit that apartment.

Enjoy

Sinlful Saturdays: What my taste buds are jumping to- this time

Nutella, whole grain bread & a banana

Toast the bread, put on the spread, cut the banana

and ta-dah.. a nice breakfast (or anytime) snack? meal? whatever you call it, it's good

Yum-O

Sinful Saturdays: What a day, what a day

I had a nice time today.  It didn't start out like that at first, but it turned out to fabulous.  I called a couple of co-workers for an impromptu lunch at our favorite place- 7 West Bistro Grille. We love love love that spot.  My mouth was set on eggplant parmigiana over spaghetti. They wanted the lamb chops. As we were parking, we noticed a lot of people dressed up going into the establishmentt.  They had balloons, gifts and the whole nine yards. We didn't think anything of it. It's graduation time and it probably was a party going on in the back.  So we opened the door and to our dismay, the hostess advised us that the their was a private party and they did not have any room. We even asked about sitting at the bar and she said "no". Sad faced and starving, we turned around and exited like puppy dogs that just got scolded for wetting on the floor. I was not a happy camper. So we had regroup and figure out a spot to eat.  After pondering, we settled on "Glory Days Grille". The food  was just o.k. Nothing to write or text about. Here are some pictures of what we had:

 Corn Bread (very good, but needed to be warmer)

 Mac & Cheese (so-so. not like home)

Lobster & Crab combo (they said it was good w/out the toasted hot dog bun - yes hot dog bun lol)

 Fish Taco (where's the fish?? same thing I asked)

Chicken with tomato and goat cheeseand a side of squash. (friend said that it didn't look like the menu picture)

These are two of my co-workers/friends who also had a yearning for 7 Bistro Grille, but settled on Glory Grille instead. Nothing against Glory Grille, but it didn't even compare. My Saturday continues.......

Sinful Saturdays: I'm throwing in my towel!!!!!

I'm hanging up my "fixer"& "rescuer" ways. I'm tired.  I had an aha moment at work.  I realized that people do not take responsibility for their own actions and I enable them to be that way.  This situation got me to thinking of all the ways in which I am a fixer, rescuer & enabler. Whether it be at work or home life, I enable people not to be the full potential God intended for them to be (or me for that matter).
 I did some research on the characteristices about this type of personality and here are a few.  The rescue is:

• Perfectionist
• Obsessive/compulsive
• Action oriented
• Family oriented (coworkers are considered family, too)
• Easily bored
• High expectations
• Strong need to be needed
• Can’t say no
• Self-critical
• Need to be in control
• Less willing to socialize (outside their profession)
• Pessimistic
• Less talk about feeling

Unfortunately, this is me.  It is said that people who are in the field of "helping or fixing people" often times need fixing themselves.   Reflecting back, I tried to fix people by doing a number of things like: looking up summer activities for other people's kids (I am childless), researching vacations that I'm not apart of  (can I go?), picking up office supplies for another program in my division (what's wrong with your car!!!), looking up support programs for at- risk youths (where's the school counselor??), calling schools to get clarity on situations that occurred (where's your mother!!!), getting information on utility plans to lower bills (didn't you know your bill was high!!!), offer unsolicited relationship and family advice (my bad). With all jokes aside, the list could go on and on. I am now aware that I put myself in these situations. I take full responsibility for enabling people to step-up and do what they have to do in order to learn for themselves.

I am taking my power back. I am only going to be accountable for me and only me.  I cannot be responsible for other peoples problems. The only person I can change is myself. 

I will be keeping a notebook handy to record how many times a day I try to "rescue" or "fix" someone else's problems.  I have a lot of work to do in being fully conscious of situations where I have the urge to rescue. 

Here are some affirmations that I am working on in order to overcome this need to fix the people, places and things in my life (a.k.a controlling situations):

~ I will only be responsible for me.

~ I can only be accountable for my actions

~ I will give back whatever doesn't belong to me

~ The only pain & fear I need to worry about, is my own

~ If the business isn't my own, then don't mind it

~ Turn the focus back on me.

Before getting involved in situations, I will silently ask myself two questions before responding: (1) Is the issue concerning me? (2) Did the person ask for my advice?  If yes to both, address the issue and/or offer advice. If no, listen and offer support.

There are to many times when I try to fix or rescue and it turns around to bite me. No more!!!!! My energy is depleted. used. drained. lifeless. finished. ca put. done. over.

 Stay tuned when I discuss more of this topic on Therapeutic Tuesdays.

Good night...

Sinful Sundays: It aint easy eating healthly

I really want to start eating healthier. Although I am a vegetarian, I picked up the habit of eating a lot more sweets and carbs. And we all know the math/ Sweets + Carbs= Weight Gain.

So I went to this local heath food store and got some groceries. And when I said some, it was some. The total bill was $36.56 and I know I will be finished eating them by Tuesday (maybe Wednesday). What did I buy you ask. Well, here it is:

 Crackers, string cheese, veggies chips, organic banana's, single serve dark chocolate, perfect pumpkin bar (which is soooo good), zevia soda (sugar & calorie free) and a grape strip (it's like candy licorice)

I also got some pirate booties, pop-chips, pro biotic drinks, unsweetened dried papaya strips, a sandwich for lunch (today), organic cranberry juice, hummus and two containers of lentils & brown rice mix (yum-o) for lunch tomorrow. I'm a snacker, so I needed things to snack on that's going to be low in sugar and in calories.

So, here is a picture of my sandwich. It's called a power house sandwich and it is sooo good.

It has two thick slices of mu ester (type) cheese, alfalfa sprouts, tomato's, lettuce, vegetarian mayo on two slices of grain (and you can taste it) bread.  I ate this with my zevia cream soda. It was yummy for my tummy. It's ashamed that to eat healthy it's costly. I guess it's the price you pay.

Enjoy your day, I know I am.

Sinful Saturdays: My favorite product....right now

So, I had this product for awhile sitting in my shower. I used it occasionally, so it just sat there collecting water the top. Today, I decided to get some use out of it because it was just taking up space for some new products I may want to get.

When I take baths, I bring everything but the kitchen sink in there with me. Magazines, journals, books, coupons, bills, etc..you name it, I'll bring it in there. I like to read- anything. So while bathing, I decided to read the back of the product I wanted to use.  The product directions said you can use this product in place of shaving cream.  Hmmmm I thought, maybe, I'll give it a try.

OMG!!!!!!!!!! This product is the best thing since sliced bread (well maybe not the best). I shaved my legs then put lotion on them and viola, my legs are super dupa soft (I must say so myself).  The product you ask:

It's called Organics Hollywood Beauty's Apricot Scrub. I got it when AJ Wright (R.I.P AJ Wright) was going out of business. It's an exfoliating scrub and can be used all over skin.  I also use this on my face with the microfiber cloth and Olay products. Glowing. But I must say, wow my legs (especially) are soft.  Can you say...Skin So Soft (and not from Avon- no offense) lol?

Me Likie

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

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

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

Sinful Saturdays: A Day @ the Festival

I love going to any type of festivals or fairs.  I had wonderful time at this annual festival in the town in which I live.  I dragged along my friend so that he can enjoy festival as well. We enjoyed the sights, vendors and of course the food.  There was so much to choose from that I couldn't make up my mind.  Though it wasn't real food, we settled on funnel cake (yum yum), fresh cut french fries and a large lemonade.  It was so good. 

So, across the street from the parking lot where we parked, my friend noticed a old time school bus painted in grey.  On it, it said Go-Go's Retread Threads- clothing, vintage & miscellaneous things.  My friend said, "you know you have to check them out" and I said " you know, it"!!!  On the way back from the event, we approached the school bus.  In front was a table with jewelery and a rack of clothes.  The women said "make sure you go on the bus and check out my other items".  So with that invitation, we boarded  the bus. To my surprise, it was a store on wheels. How genius was that. And to top it off, it was a thrift store. I was in heaven. 

The bus had the first two rows of seats on each side.  As you headed towards that back, on each side there were two long racks of clothes where she removed the additional seats that the bus originally had.  Above the racks were shelves in which she had shoes, clutches & pocket books. She also had shoes underneath of the racks of clothing.  She also had a dressing room in the back. I was truly amazed and excited at the same time.    She had something for all size ranges and her prices were not high.  It almost felt like you were in a store.

My purchases:

Butterfly ring $3.00

Skirt: $7.00

Bat wing shirt: $6.00

Naturalizer Shoes: $16.00 ( I love these shoes because it's like a bronzy, brownish green color)

Good day people....

Sinful Saturdays: At home Facial Mask

So today was a lounge day. As I was surfing the internet & you tube, I came across a you tuber commenting on her skin care regime for acne. In her video, she stated that she uses an aspirin & honey mask to calm down any  flare ups that she may have. The surfer that I am, I looked it up.  There are so many benefits to this mask. The honey is a moisturizing agent and the aspirin contains salicylic acid which helps aid in reducing future outbreaks by getting deep into the pores.

Aspirin-check, water-check- honey check. Let me try this, I couldn't lose.  Let me begin...

I took two un-coated aspirin and sprinkled just enough water to dissolve them. Then I mixed alittle bit of honey  to get the right consistency (you be judge as to how you want it). I then applied it over my entire face and waited about 30 minutes. I washed the mixture off with warm rag and viola- smooth supple skin. I'm hooked.

The next time you want to exfoliate for cheap, try this at- home mask. It's amazing.  If you don't believe me, google it and find out what people are saying.

Today was a good day.

Sinful Saturdays: Just another lazy day

Sometimes you just need time to yourself.  Well, today was my day. I slept on and off all day. I finally got up and got myself dressed to go to the supermarket at 3:00 PM. I got some good deals- you know I'm a bargain shopper. With tornado watches and warning along with rain, there's nothing else you can do, but to chill out. I guess that's why I call it- Sinful Saturdays...

Try to enjoy your dreary day.