Jan27

Reading & Relaxation – The First Lady

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Reading & Relaxation – The First Lady

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Whew!!! I said I wasn’t going to read anymore books by the same author back to back, but I got caught up. Now I’m on a third book. DJM! Anyhoo…Carl Weber’s book following The Preacher’s Son was a train wreck! No…the book was great, but the characters were a mess! The title of the book, The First Lady says it all! Maybe you’ve never witnessed it… but picture a church, with a prominent Pastor, Bishop. Minister, etc. and a million women desperate for the affection and attention of the leader! Some people may call it “Attention-whoring” — because we know everybody’s motive is not genuine — Just sayin’! We ALL have probably witnessed similar scenarios or know of someone who has at some point or another, especially in the black church. The lengths that women will go to gain the heart or wallet of someone in a high position. This book will create a picture perfect reality. I do applaud any “First Lady”…because I’m sure it’s a big responsibility. Real life issues, vices and challenges that many people deal with in everyday life will also unfold. It was really a good read. I’m looking forward to reading more of his work. Check it out!

Happy reading and have a great weekend!

~A

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Jan25

Tickle Me Va Va Violet

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Tickle Me Va Va Violet

I recently purchased a new lip color and I absolutely love it! In the past, I would usually go for a pricier brand. I found an awesome product about a year ago, and I haven’t dished out $15+ for a lipstick since. Especially since you can find it in your local grocery/drugstore. I discovered Va Va Violet Super Lustrous Lipstick by Revlon and fell in love! Not to mention it was less than $8 and the last one left. Having a coupon and it being Buy One Get one 50% off, made it a sweeter deal too! I am more than pleased with the color and the coverage. I found a winner!

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Jan23

Melt In Your Mouth Monday | Eggplant Parmigiana

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Melt In Your Mouth Monday | Eggplant Parmigiana

I had eggplant for the very first time a few weekends ago and couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed it. It was like love at first taste! That day, I said I was going to find a really tasty recipe and make it for myself. I knew it was meant to be when Weight Watchers dropped an Eggplant Parmigiana recipe in my inbox. One thing about Weight Watchers is they alway have tasty recipes. That’s what I LOVE about the program. It’s NOT a diet, and they show you how to still enjoy the things you love and eat healthier!

I decided to make it for me & my Hubby this past weekend! And let me just say…by the time I made it back home from a night out with my girlfriends, it was a huge chunk missing in the dish! So yes…he loved it!!!

 

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All the ingredients! (minus the garlic powder I left it out the pic)

 

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I decided that 1/2 inch thick was a little thicker for my liking so I thinned them out a bit. But if you love eggplant...go for it!

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I used over 1 and a 1/2 eggplant (using more bread crumbs) and I added more cheese since it was going to be for more than just me. I also wanted to eat off of it a few days.

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SUPER YUMTASTIC!!!!!!

Did I mention that the eggplant was even more delicious the next day!? After the seasoning from the bread crumbs sat up and got all intertwined…OMG! I added a side of whole wheat linguine with tomato/mariana sauce and we had ourselves a tasty meal! My Mom wanted to try it so I took her a little baggy with some eggplant parmy patties so she could try it! She loved it too!

 
If you would like to try out the recipe, you can find it here. The recipe serves 4 (Weight Watchers – 4 PointsPlus value per serving). If you want more, you know just to adjust your ingredients accordingly. I hope you give this great recipe a try!
 
Enjoy!
 
~A
Jan20

Reading & Relaxation | The Preacher’s Son

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Reading & Relaxation | The Preacher’s Son

I finally got around to reading the work of author, Carl Weber, for the first time and I was impressed! I have been hearing about his work from a few friends of mine for a while. I came across some of his NOOK books on sale and decided to give them a try.

The Preacher’s Son was explosive in every way! It dropped bombshell after bombshell. The timeline of a highly esteemed Bishop at the center of an African-American church along with his family — tests of faith, dealing with temptations in various forms, all while dealing with the realities of life. I was able to relate to almost every single character in this book in some form or another. You know how it goes, we all know “that” somebody.

I don’t want to tell too much and spoil it, but it is definitely worth reading. I’m now reading the second part to this book, The First Lady. I can’t wait to see how this story will unfold. If you decide to read it or have read it let me know what you think!

Have a fabulous Friday and an awesome weekend!

~A

 

 

 

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Jan19

Just Let Your Fro Grow!

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Just Let Your Fro Grow!

Okay…I’m not gonna lie…when I was thinking of the name of this post the “Soul Glow” commercial from “Coming To America” came to mind and had me laughing! Over the past year, I’ve been slowly snipping my hair secretly wanting to do the BIG CHOP (BC). But because I’m kind of nervous that I’ll miss it (my hair that is), I’ve slowed down a bit. Although I’ve been natural for almost 6 years…I’ve never worn my hair short “natural”.

For those that don’t know…I AM a natural that enjoys changing my hair up…ALL THE TIME…and yes that includes weaves/wigs, including protective styles. One of my girlfriends calls me a “Master Wigologist”. lol I am not shame at all to wear either, because I love the diversity of hair, my hair! Judge if you want, hmmph! If I want my hair straight or short…there’s a wig for that. If I want some color…there’s some 1B/30 or 99J for that. If I want to rock my afro, bantu knot out, Marley braids, etc. — I rock it! Btw…Not knockin’ color…I just like using wigs/weave for my “hair itches” as I call them. A simple, quick fix to avoid permanent change. That’s the only reason I haven’t loc’d my hair, because I know I’ll want to change it up — which will lead me to my post-birthday project…loc extensions!!! I’m super excited about that!

Last weekend, I took my hair down and had my “Deep Condition Day”. I did a pre-poo with the Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO). Next I did a light shampoo with Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Shampoo for the first round. Every now and then my hair needs it. Then, I cowashed/deep conditioned with Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner and the Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque (deep condition and I left it on for 30 mins). Rinsed hair and applied Kinky Curly Knot Today (in sections) after detangling <<<<< LOVE THIS STUFF!!!

Below you will find a few pics of my hair right after I took it down. I absolutely love how fluffy and soft it is. It isn’t even stretched out. Maybe next time I’ll take a pic of my hair stretched so you can see the difference. It’s a lot of hair! I really enjoy protective styles, because they allow my hair to grow while staying protected. It’s even better for me during this cold months. I keep it moisturized and my hair loves me for it! I’ve decided to stop cutting it and just let it grow. Maybe one day I’ll wear it short, but for right now…I’m gonna let my Fro Grow! :)

 

Have a great weekend!!!

~A

I couldn’t resist! :)

Jan13

Reading & Relaxation | Yesterday’s Lies

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Reading & Relaxation | Yesterday’s Lies

“Yesterday’s Lies” by Terri D. — WOW is all I can say! I’m so excited that I decided to purchase this (NOOK) book. It was my first time hearing of this author, Terri D. When I kept seeing this book showing up in my timeline on Twitter, so I knew I had to check it out. I loved the title and hoped this was going to be a juicy one! I read what the book was about and I was instantly intrigued. From the moment I read the first page, I didn’t want to put the book down! I read it in less than 24 hours.

I love the way the chapters are broken down! It is so easy to get into the mind of each character and play them out like a mini-movie in your head. I can’t wait to get together with friends so we can have a Tweet Chat discussion on it. I’m so looking forward to reading more work from Terri D! This is an EXCELLENT read, so much so, I have recommended all of my friends to purchase it. It’s available on paperback as well as Kindle and Nook.

This book is perfect for a reading and relaxation weekend. Get it while the price is good! If you get a chance to read it, let me know what you think!

Have a lovely weekend!!!

~A

Jan10

New Year, New Goals

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New Year, New Goals

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HAPPY NEW YEAR AND WELCOME 2012!!!

I’m back from vacation and ready for an awesome new year and I hope you are too! Nothing like starting off with a fresh, clean slate. I haven’t done resolutions in a few years, instead I’ve committed to accomplishing goals and sticking to them. Sometimes we say in the beginning of the year that we’re going to do something then we get discouraged and fall off the wagon. Well not me…I have a goal, and I WILL accomplish it.

I’m a Weight Watchers member and have been for years. My Sister actually got me started back in 2008. She’s been a member since her pageant days of competing for the Miss USA/America System. She swore by it, and I thought I’d give it a try and haven’t looked back ever since. Even through ‘life’ I’ve managed to find my way back to this plan. I absolutely love it, because it’s NOT a diet…but a lifestyle change. The new and improved PointsPlus program is awesome!  I learn so much attending meetings, meeting new people, hearing testimonials, sharing recipes…all of it!  The thing I love about WW’s is you can eat whatever you want. You learn how to eat better, smarter, and you find ways to enjoy the foods you LOVE! It’s all about moderation. When you do want to splurge…you know how to get back on track!

The new year is always so predictable. PACKED gyms…can’t even get to the Arc Trainer or get a place in Step Class without running somebody down! But…my first meeting for 2012 was so packed, I couldn’t belive it! I was like, “where all these people come from?” I know it’s a new year and all, but I had never seen this! lol I was glad to see so many faces nonetheless.

It’s a challenge to eat right, stay fit, and live healthy. You know we already have so many temptations. I heard on TV that a lot of the “not as healthy” restaurants are designed with colors to entice you: Red, Yellow, Orange, Blue…and it’s so true! And why a bag of Baked Cheetos gotta be $4.00…Why can’t they be $2 like the regular?. And why does fruit have to be so high, but you can find your favorite cookies, chips for buy one, get one free and half the price? JUST SAYING! But that’s another post…

My goal this year is to continue my fitness journey, improve in different areas, do more…work harder! It feels so good to accomplish goals, and even better to look and feel better. I’m down 120 sticks of butter and I’m very proud and I’m not stopping here. I have an ultimate goal that goes beyond the scale that I would like to accomplish. Until then…I will continue to do my best, be the best I can be. This is a New Year, A New Me!

And proof that hard work pays off… 

I just want to give a special shout out to my Alabama Crimson Tide who won the 2012 BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!! ROLL TIDE-14!!! All you have to do is BELIEVE!

   

Have a great week!

~A