Yoli Dreams

The "loves" of my life...

2012-02-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

Love, it's such a small word, yet so difficult to define. The dictionary definition is too cold and calculated. My personal definition has too many holes in it. Not to get religious, but I have to agree with Casey and Jenn, that the biblical definition is the best: "Love is long-suffering and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Cor 13:4-7)

Ah, Listicle always has great topics. This time, since love is on the mind, I joined in the fun and came up with the 4 people/things that I know truly love me, and I love them right back!

4. My doggie, Mari. True the age old question of if it's loyalty, instinct, or love, always comes up. However, if animals are capable of love, my Mari loves me. She's always concerned with me, and never remembers the days I came home and crashed before taking her for a walk. Even on my lowest days she is there with a warm paw and cold nose!

3. My husband, Johnny. I am so imperfect and impossibly flawed. We're still fairly newly wed, and it hasn't been easy--nothing worth it ever is. However, my hubby has taken me in, after seeing me at my best and worst. He supports me through all his own trials, and never pushes past mistakes to the front. He puts me first, over everyone else. Put simply: he loves me.

2. My mommy and daddy! My parents have been a constant support system in my life. While I have disappointed them at times they have always been, and will always be, my greatest supporters. And being "long-suffering" doesn't even begin to describe how they were through some of my late teen years. I really don't know what I do without them.

1. God. I mess up all the time, yet I've been given all the love listed in #2-4, plus tons of other friends and family. Yet, I deserve none it. To give wholeheartedly because you want to, despite if the receiver has given you anything... Now that is love.

Beauty, Party, Romance and Tequila! Cancun 2012 (Day 1, part 1)

2012-02-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Yolanda on Pinterest

The day started a whole lot earlier than desired. I tossed-and-turned with excitement. When the alarm rang at 4 AM I bounced up, cuddled with my baby (Mari, my miniature pinscher) who I wouldn't see for days.

Everything from the ride to the airport and the flight to Cancun went fabulously smooth. I was even surprised at the service and amenities that Jet Blue offered us.

When we landed we got through Immigration fine. As we approached Customers the first thing I noticed was the super-serious looking Mexican solider who was on duty. So when my husband and I were chosen for a “random search” my immediate thought: back room, latex gloves, cavity search. Yeah, not so much--I guess I have too much imagination; after a two minute bag inspection we were on our way.

The ride for the airport to the hotel gave me a brisk glimpse into the state of Mexico. I'm a trained sociologist and history teacher, so I'm always looking at thing, and trying to figure out what it says about a society. There was lots of construction, but not alot of nice structures. Some of the roads were awful, and the automobiles driven by the locals were mostly very old and beat up--lots of 80s Chevys and even older beat up punch buggies. It made me wonder about the economic state of the country behind all the glitz and glamor.

We arrived at the Dreams Resort and were greeted by a guard standing in front of a locked gate. After verifying we were guests it was like the gates to paradise open up--this place is amazing!

The entryway to the Dreams Rivera Cancun made my jaw drop! The architecture of the breezeway itself is amazing. Rich dark woods, title, water-features, creams, browns, dark oranges all blend in perfectly with the environment. The building is very open, with large glassless windows and doorless entries. We were greeted by workers with cold scented towels, glasses of champagne, water, and cold Coronas, and allowed to walk the premises, enjoy the amenities and lunch while our room was prepared.

This is a fairly large all-inclusive resort, so we had plenty of choices on where to start. We decided to catch the amazing breakfast buffet, because I am a foodie who was determined to eat at every spot the place had to offer. The buffet rocked! The service was phenomenal (something that would echo thought our stay). The food offerings included traditional American/European cuisine, items with Mexican twists (made to order breakfast enchilada bar) and some un-expectant items (I though of my tweep @Kickass_Sushi when i saw the fresh fruit sushi)

After breakfast we were ushered into our room. It was simply beautiful within amazing view. However, having no time to wait, we left and hit the bar on the beach. This bar sits right on the sand, and has swings for seat. Whoever came up with this idea had to know it was fun and incredibly hilarious--drunk adults on swings. Really now! The bartender even talked my husband into trying his favorite drink, a shot of El Jimador Tequila. Yeah, strong stuff, as I would soon learn.

To Be Continued....

More pictures of the day below....

Best Vacation Ever!

2012-02-08T15:19:00.000-08:00

Article about our Cancun trip coming soon! Preview: you have to go to Dreams Resort!

My life, to music!

2012-01-30T10:32:00.000-08:00

If my life had a soundtrack, it would be so messed up! Here are the top 10 songs I'd have to play over and over...

1) Michael Jackson's Man In The Mirror

I'm always trying to improve myself and help others do the same, so this appropriate!

2) India aries's Because I Am A Queen

Talk about a motivational "I feel pretty" song! I always feel good about myself when I'm belting out these lyrics!

3) Singing In The Rain's title song

I'm a nerd, and I loved this movie as a kid, and I still love it now!

4) Lion King's Hakuna Matata

"Bad things happen and you can't do anything about it." but you can chose to be happy in whatever situation you find yourself in!

5) Sugar Hill Gang's Rapper's Delight

Why? Because I am just that cool! Lol

6) Lord Kitchener's Take Your Meat Out Me Rice

This is a true Calypso song! It shows off my Trinidadian heritage, which is a big part of who I am. It's one of my dad's favorite songs, and it's just plain funny!

7) Monk's theme song

Ok, I have a slight case of OCD..... But it's my superpower, so there! Lol

8) Bruno Mars' The Lazy Song

I think this self explanatory...

9) Michael Jackson's Scream

Why? Because sometimes I just need to yell!

10) Simple Mind's Don't You Forget About Me

Last, but definitely not least! This is a song I love made for an '80s child like me!

Colors, who knew?

2012-01-28T11:23:00.000-08:00

This was interesting and informative! Giving every baby shower a red and yellow teddy bear...

Source: paintersoflouisville.com via Daniel Bear on Pinterest

10 Rudest Cities

2012-01-26T18:06:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out the Travel + Leisure magazine 10 Rudest Cities list?

In order from least to greatest.... because I have to be difficult...

Orlando
Baltimore
Phoenix/Scottsdale
Atlanta
Dallas
Boston
Los Angeles
Washington
Miami
New York

Hilarious: Check out Chris Paul's reaction to the list from Tom Joyner.

Hum, don't know how I feel about the fact that I was born and raised in the #1 city and now live in the #10 city. What does that say about me?

That's my look

2012-01-26T17:23:00.000-08:00

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Yolanda on Pinterest

You Know You're a Foodie If....

2012-01-23T06:49:00.000-08:00

Source: ourbestbites.com via Yolanda on Pinterest

You know you're a foodie if...

... You think about you trip to the grocery store with eager anticipation

... You're wiling to travel 45 minutes away for home, passing dozens of other markets to go to that "speciality" market because they "have an olive bar"

.... You know what an "olive bar" is :-)

... You go to department stores and drool over their food processors

... You've ever been to a cooking class at William-Soma

... You buy goat cheese as a snack

... You have ever messed up on your monthly budget because you just had to buy the ingredients for that recipe you had to try

... You want your significant other to give you a food experience for your anniversary

... You are the member of a monthly food club... Or you want to be!

... You know what country produces the most cheese

... People suggest eating fast food and your first instinct is to hit the with your copy of "Epicurean"

... You read the word Disney and instantly think "Food and Wine Festival"

... Your family comes into the room because you're yelling at the TV like a crazy person only to discover you're watching "Cupcake Wars"

How did you know you were a foodie? Contact me and tell me so I can put you on the next list... With credit of course!

What's for dinner: Crab Cakes and Pasta

2012-01-22T16:02:00.000-08:00

Tonight I made some crab cakes and homemade pasta sauce. I tweaked Robert Irvine's recipe from Food Network, using the ingredients below (not shown, the oil and lump crab meat that came from the seafood department of my local market)

I did tweak the recipe by adding some more Planko. I found that the cakes didn't stay together with just a fourth of Planko.

I also made some sauce. Roasted garlic, butter, chopped tomatoes, herbs, let simmer....

In the end, results? Delicious!

A letter to all contest sponsors: thank you!

2012-01-18T05:35:00.000-08:00

Dear Contest and Sweepstakes Sponsors,

Sweeping has been one of my favorite hobbies. I mean how can you not like getting stuff. However I've found the reactions of some people in my life to be negative. They say things like: I'm just collecting crap I don't need, want, or use; I'm wasting my time, because sweeping isn't worth it; I'll get scammed or conned.

Well, to each their own. However I'm always quick to point out that companies who have sweeps or contests want something from me. While I'm sweeping I get to know your product and you increase your name recognition. Often times you get more concrete exposure through sweeps than you would with a traditional advertising campaign. Plus (nerding out for a moment) the demographics of who sweepers like me are often line up with product placement. I personally buy about 90% of the household items, and cut coupons for my household and my parent's too. I go out my home and work full time, and have lots of hobbies. I'm the kind of person most companies want to contact.

Even you bloggers who hosts contest "give and get". I know throwing a contest is a lot of work for you. In exchange you get more readers and ad revenue. Since I am an avid reader (books, novels, comics, blogs) well written blogs with good content will get my interest even after it's contents closes.

Also, as a point of interest I actually never enter contests for things I cannot or will not use. I have no kids, so I never enter contests for things for children. I leave those for the mommy and daddy sweepers. I also don't enter contests for trips I know I can't take. It's not just a waste of time, it's selfish too.

Any sweeper worth their salt is careful of what contests they enter, and where they learn about the contests from. I always have my guard up against suspicious contests, and sweeps that ask for information out if the ordinary. My view if that my name and address are actually public information. Companies could probably find out my phone number and if I'm over 18 too. Therefore I don't mind sharing that. However entering contests with private information... Well good sweepers are always on guard.

In the end I think I sort of earn some my wins. I spend lots of time and energy sweeping. It is an investment which sometimes pays off, no worse odds than the stocks. So when I get the odd looks, slick comments and wrinkled noses, I just laugh and pack... Because I won a trip to Mexico from an awesome company that I actual support!

Thank you so much sponsors! I hope not only to be a positive, respectful sweeper, but also a future customer or reader.

Here's to Life,

Yoli

What, I'm actually accomplishing stuff???

2012-01-14T16:21:00.000-08:00

So excited! I have written four of the ten mini-helpers that will be in my Black History Month Primary Source document booklet! It takes like an hour to do each one, so I've really been pushing it. I hope to finish by the end of next week. My most recent one was on the beautiful painting, The Old Plantation!

Source: Uploaded by user via Yolanda on Pinterest

And thanks to my recent win from Chase Bank I'll be able to set up my online store within 2 weeks! So excited!!!

Football Time!

2012-01-12T17:23:00.000-08:00

Source: nationalfootballpost.com via Yolanda on Pinterest

Blog Contests to check out!

2012-01-12T13:54:00.000-08:00

Check out these blog contests that I'm entering... I only select low entry contests (at least when I start entering them) so it's worth a look!

Sam's Club $25 gift card: http://tryingnewproducts.blogspot.com/2011/12/sams-club-return-to-school-giveaway.html
Coupon for Purex Triple Action Laundry Detergent: http://tryingnewproducts.blogspot.com/2011/12/introducing-new-purex-triple-action.html

Here I come 2012!

2012-01-08T12:24:00.001-08:00

It's a new year, and I've been reconsidering the direction of my life. I'm just entering a new decade of my life... I'm all ready into my 30s. I've accomplished some great professional goals--I'm a licensed educator, won some awards, set in well in a good job situation. Now what? I'm at the point where I can settle in, or I can start a new chapter.

I've decided to turn the page. I look back over the last few years, and I realize I have some talents a got trough a lot of hard work---online networking skills, technological skills, teaching, ect. No where near the top, but I'm decent at a variety of stuff because I've done so much in life already. I've decided on a few professional goals that bank on those strengths, without stretching me too far--in hopes that it will help me get a bit further in life.

1) I am a professional educator who loves writing lessons and creating academic games (for real, it's fun to me!). My kids love them, and I spend lots of time making them. Why not work that angle? So I've decided to open up an online educators store focusing my passion: history.

2) I'm going back to school. I've decided on my local community college because it has a nice blend of online and face-to-face classes, plus it's really close. It's perfect for my busy schedule! The question is what will be my major: history or nursing?

But life isn't all professional. I have some family, financial and life goals as well.

1) I plan on spending more time with my hubby, parents, and family. I have extended family visiting from out of the country that I haven't seen in years! As I get older, family becomes more and more important.

2) I love my hobby of sweeping! It has provided me with lots of prize, great and small. It's a stress reliever. And as sweetie would say, it helps me win stuff I couldn't afford. My goal is to use what I win from sweeps to help me achieve my third goal on this list...

3) I want to owe less money to all my creditor (car, college, ect.) at the end of the year.

4) I want to be able to have a basic conversation in Spanish. I'm already bi-lingual.... But it's time for a third!

5) I want to knit a scarf... Yeah, that's right!

So how will I do this year? With time and lots of effort and constant reminders, hopefully 2012 will be even more awesome than 2011!

- Yoli

Picture Update

2010-03-23T17:34:00.000-07:00

Just updated my natural hair picture album.
http://public.fotki.com/yoliyoli/transition/

OMG: Medical Bills

2010-03-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

Cigna Healthcare mailed me an itemized price list of my last visit to the doctor. This is new insurance, and it's the first time I've ever seen this.

I had a sore throat and went in to see the doctor. He spent all of 5 minutes with me--literally. The bill? $90!!! That's after the Cigna discount. His regular price--$121!

What??? What in the world makes anyone think 5 minutes of their time is worth $121?

I didn't have to pay any out of pocket--but what if I did? How about all those American who have no healthcare and they are really sick? How could they possibly afford medical care?

On top of this, I had to get medication. Yeah, how much is that?

Not saying anything pro or con about the government healthcare, but oh my--could I imagine if I had no healthcare??

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

2010-03-21T16:04:00.000-07:00

Today was a little difficult. I had to do my hair, but I’m feeling a bit under the weather. My body is fighting off tonsillitis…again! This is literally the 3rd time I’ve had it since the start of December. I’m actually considering getting my tonsils removed, but I really don’t want to go down that path as an adult.

I’m glad I’ve been pushing myself this weekend though—my husband surprised me yesterday with date night, and tickets to Cirque du Soleil at Disney! It was amazing. I'll probably blog about it later.

Back to the hair: today I just did a hot oil treatment (straight olive oil, left on for about an hour), followed by a cowash with Hello Hydration, then my new staple twist out—sort of twist out.

Tomorrow’s menu has a slight change. Thinking I’m going to make vegetable fried rice. Think my husband would notice the fiber if I mixed brown and white rice?

Meatless Monday

2010-03-15T15:24:00.001-07:00

I’m kicking off Meatless Monday. We’ll see how long I can make it last. Here is what I made/ate today…

Breakfast: Cheerios and Ensure
Lunch: Roasted Veggie Pasta
Dinner: Indian Chickpeas, Indian Spinach, and Naan Bread

Yum! I’m thinking Black Bean Burgers next week.

Did I even mention....

2010-03-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

I completed my cleanse, and stuck to it for the most part? I stomach feels a lot better. I'm more motivated to eat right. I lost about 3 pounds. I plan on doing another cleanse during the start of June.

Transition Update

2010-03-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Here is an update my most regime tries.

Two weekends ago: I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse. It came out amazing! My hair felt super clean without feeling striped. I was wondering up until this point how I could avoid shampoo. It’s a lot easier than I thought. I’m going to give the Baking Soda wash a try using conditioner. If that works out, I don’t need to shampoo. I followed with a cowash. I tried to do a rod set, but that didn’t work out. The next morning when it was time for me to go to work, it was still wet. So I had to lay my hair flat back and wear a scarf wrapped African style. Not happy that the style didn’t work out—but my hair did get to rest.

Last weekend: Herbal Essence Hello Hydration, followed by my homemade Shea butter mixture on the scalp and each strain as I did my first two strain twist out- which I loved! I included a picture of the results here and in my FOTKI.

Earlier this week on Wednesday: Simple cowash with Alberto VO5 Tea Therapy. I did a hybrid style of a twist out and a rod set. No pictures, but it came out gorgeous. I will rock this again, so I’ll do pictures next time.

Today: I plan to deep condition my hair with a mixture of Alberto VO5, honey, and a drop or two of Tea Tree and Rosemary Essential Oil. I’m going to follow up with a cowash using a new product, Renpure Organics’ moisturizing conditioner. It’s heavy on the proteins, so next week I’ll use something heavy on the moisture. I'm going to do that hybrid style again!

The Last 48 hours

2010-03-06T16:34:00.000-08:00

So I've had a few rough days. Yesterday I took care of some financial issues that were less than fun. Add that to money problems my husband and I had, some health stuff, and just our lifestyle (Hectic!!!) I've been feeling for awhile that I've been carrying the world on my shoulder.

I have Tric, a form of OCD that helped me express all this stress by making a bald patch in my fragile hair. As I walked onto the lawyer I got a call to tell me my sister was in the hospital? Could the day get any worse?

Yes. I had a huge fight with my husband. He was completely justified in saying I've been self absorbed, unhappy, and isolating. I still feel like crap though.

So I agreed to roll with him to DJing gigs. I had to cut my hair because of the spot to even it. And now I'm sitting at a party full of his friends, with no one to dance with. I'm missing all the friends and party life I left behind. Remembering I used to have interest like dancing. I realize a big part of why I'm unhappy is because I've lost myself over the last few months. Trying to "find" myself again ain't gonna be easy.

Cleanse: Day 5

2010-03-03T17:15:00.000-08:00

Not so hot today. Yesterday went great. Stuck to the diet. Today I got stuck out in the street, and was too hungry. So I ate at Panera..... cup of potato soup, a Greek salad, and a hot latte. Not only do I feel bad because even if I finish the last two days perfectly, I still fell short of my goal..... I also actually feel bad. My stomach is NOT happy....

Cleanse: Days 2 and 3

2010-03-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the last day of the “prep”. It was a lot easier than the first day. Steamed carrots and broccoli were my best friend. Very filling. Today has been a bit more difficult. I’ve had 2 Ensures, and 2 cans of broth, juice, and water. Chicken broth doesn’t taste that bad, but…

Why did Wendy’s have to release that Blue and Bacon sandwich this week? I keep seeing commercials for it and it looks do good!

But I’m going to try to exercise some self-control. Beef broth for dinner… YUM!

Cleanse: Day 1

2010-02-27T17:10:00.001-08:00

The first day is just about over. It hasn't been easy. I was starving even after lunch. I had fruit and an Ensure for breakfast, carrot and Jello for lunch, and 3 bean salad and broccoli for dinner. I'm not sure what if I'm done eating for the night. I'll probably try to get down another bottle of water. We'll see.

Time to go food and beauty shopping!

2010-02-25T19:18:00.000-08:00

Getting ready to start my cleanse; a bit nervous. I hope I can stick with it. I’m going to make a few changes from the original—I’m going to drink 1 or 2 bottles of Ensure (or the equivalent) the whole time to keep up my nutrition, and to keep full. Besides those drinks I’m also going shopping for some bottled and gallons of water, pre made bean salad, chicken and beef broth, strawberries, blue or raspberries, beets, bananas, carrots, broccoli, plums, salad mix, and whatever else looks good in the market!

Also might pick up some Apple Cider Vinegar to try giving myself a rinse.

Pushing the restart button on my body!

2010-02-23T15:41:00.000-08:00

So it’s time I bump up health care routine. I’ve been taking vitamins (Women’s One A day, Echinacea, and Boitin) and averaging about 7 hours of sleep and 2 cups of water. Lots of room for improvement—a fact my body has been telling me recently!

How can I expect to grow beautiful healthy hair, have glowing skin, and shining teeth and eyes if I’m not healthy on the inside? And how can I accomplish all the goals I have for myself and my family if I’m too tired or sick to give 110%?

So besides some health food changes in the near future for me and my hubby (can you say Meatless Mondays?) I need to push the restart button on my system. I’m doing my first ever detox. I’m looking forward to the results—not the process.

Since it’s my first ever venture like this, I looked for the most realistic option. I’m not doing this for 21-days. I’m not fasting for a week. And I’m definitely not drinking a nasty concoction that contains lemon juice, honey and cayenne pepper.

I’ve decided to give the version laid out in Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James and Phyllis Balch. The first 2 days are preparation: eating only raw or slightly steamed vegetables or fruit, with lots of water. Then next 3 are fasting: diluted juice, broth, tea, and of course, lots of water. I can even have protein powder. I think I’m going to drink Ensure during this time period to keep up my energy. The last 2 days are the same as the first two: back to the raw and steamed veggies and fruit.

I don’t know if I’ll be able to strictly follow it to the letter, but I plan on giving it a go—so 7 days after I start my body should feel refreshed! I start on Saturday. Yippee—it’s strawberry season!

WHY am I sick?

2010-02-17T17:28:00.000-08:00

Why am I sick… AGAIN? It’s a bit discouraging when I’ve religiously been taking my vitamins (One A Day, Echinacea, and Biotin). I’ve been eating… well OK, I could be eating better. I’ve been considering doing a meatless Monday. Hey at least it’s a step. A bit sleep deprived, a little stressed, and not exercising enough.

OK, I know why I’m sick. This suck.

As a side note, I’m trying Burt’s Bee’s products for my face. I’m also looking up some natural homemade products for full body. Here are a links I’ll be checking out:

http://www.natural-skin-care-info.com/index.html

I think I’m going to try a Honey Milk Bath. YUM!

Black Dolls that don't have Black Hair?

2010-02-16T14:48:00.000-08:00

Why can’t I find a black doll that looks like me—not the way I have to kill myself to look?
Ever since I can remember I’ve always owned a black doll, usually a Barbie. My mother bought my first one because I only had white dolls, and she wanted me to fall in love with Black Beauty. Sometimes I’d carry her around; I loved changing her clothes and braiding her hair—her long Europeanized hair. I still loved to brush my black Barbie’s hair during High School when my own hair was in an Afro.

I recently moved and couldn’t find my doll (think I left it at my parent’s house). So I’m on a quest to find a new one—but this time around I want her to look more like me.

Talk about a task! Why is it so difficult for companies to make dolls to represent the variety of communities on this planet?

My research online yielded information about a new line from Barbie that is supposed to be African American dolls. Beautiful dolls. I applaud the effort—but they really aren’t representative of what we look like.

I’m not getting into body proportion—because no healthy normal women can have that figure. Not even going to talk about the skin tones (they did try to make various shade—though I suspect my future daughter might need a shade darker to reflect her beauty). No, you know I’m going straight for the hair.

Every one of those dolls look like they have relaxed hair or a weave—even the baby girl Barbie dolls in the line. How about some braids, locs, or kinky curls? Not only does a respectable population of adult African American female have styles to the alternative to that of the relaxed or weaves—how many of the young girls who play with these dolls don’t have straight hair (I’d wager more young black girls don’t have relaxers than their adult counterparts). How can we expect black little girls to think they are beautiful when the pervasive images of beauty look nothing like them?

The odd thing is that Barbie did make a doll whose hair, at least, was fro’ed—back in the 1980s!

Finding a doll that reflects me is going to be more difficult than I thought.

Links

Essence Magazine: Parents Say New Black Dolls Not Black EnoughRead more: http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/beauty/parents_say_new_black_dolls_not_black_en.php#ixzz0fk5sU5sN

CNN: New black Barbies get mixed reviews

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/10/21/black.barbies.irp

Amazon's Black Fro's Barbie on sale:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002IB7Q0Q/ref=asc_df_B002IB7Q0Q1032294?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=pg-1549-01-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B002IB7Q0Q

Broke as a joke

2010-02-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

I know it’s been a while since I’ve blogged. Life has been, well, uncooperative but blessed.

I couldn’t be a child protective investigator. Talk about a stressful job. I love kids, but a frazzled version of me would be no good to anyone. I give respect to those who can do the job….

Besides, I sorely missed being in the classroom.

So I got a job in a school—finally! It’s interesting how there are the same amount of children but government always cuts educational jobs. Anyways, I digress.

I started a few weeks ago. Besides the fact that I haven’t gotten paid, it’s also a part time job—I’m making half of what I made before. I anticipated the emptying of my savings account and being unable to pay some of my bills; over the past 9 months I’d been unemployed for 6.

I called and asked them for help, flexibility, options—a plan. I was told because I was current on all my bills (yes, I actually want to honor my commitments, so I put my last penny on bills) they couldn’t help me. I had to actually fall months behind before they’d even extend any options.

Seriously? Seriously? And who says the mentality of our financial institutions has improved? A person who works hard, and falls victim to the economy, but still tries to do the right thing, can get not help, no option?

So I went to see a lawyer.

Amazing—I’m getting all sorts of calls now to “discuss my options”. Too little, too late. Our financial institutions are so perfidious (5cent word!).

Now I’m broke as a joke, but on my way to fixing financial mistakes I made many years ago…and that feels good.

Inspiration....

2010-02-08T10:21:00.000-08:00

Knots, Knots, everywhere!

2010-02-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, I think I washed my hair incorrectly, and it led to knots, tangles, and an unplanned mini-cut. Any thoughts?

Quick background—I am in transition. My last relaxer was about 8 ½ months ago. Up until now, I’ve been in braids for my transition, with only a day in between during which I deep treated my hair. I’ve decided to leave the braids out for a couple of weeks this time to give my edges so rest, and to practice doing my hair.

Friday I began taking out my braids. (They had been in for close to 3 months, and I had just the edges redone halfway through) I used lyndaespratley’s method from YouTube. I took hours…and hours. But I think it salvaged my hair. There is a picture of how much hair came off while detangling. I really did sense any breakage, these pieces sort of slide off (not broke off). Do you think that’s alot of hair?

Anyway, as I took a whole section out I braided sections of my hair together (remember conditioner is in it—Alberto VO5). At this point I could run my fingers through the section fine without tangles or knots.

Next I pre-poo’ed my hair with warm olive oil and jojoba oil mix, and left it one for close to 2 hours.

Then I washed and deep conditioned my hair with Carol’s Daughter’s Tui line. Remember, still braided in sections.

I immediately sat down and started taking sections apart to curl them on perm rods over night. OMG! I had these god awful tangles and knots at the ends of my hair, primarily in the relaxed portion. I could detangle some, but I had to cut others out. I have a picture, with a quarter to give an idea of how much cutting I did. The picture shows how much hair I had to cut out due to tangles (top) and how much shedding occurred (bottom), I guess you could say naturally, after my painstaking detangling that had nothing to do with knots.

I am SO not ready to do my BC yet, and I am so scared that when I wash my hair again, probably next weekend, I’m going to have the same issue.

HELP PLEASE! Any ideas why I got knots? What should I do?

Working on routine

2010-02-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

So I’ve become a Curly Nikki fanatic. It’s quickly become a daily online reading spot for me. With all of the information about natural hair care, I think that my head is about to explode. Co-washing, pre-poo’ing, sulfates, -cones, petroleum, BC, Bantu, and a whole slew of other words have been thrown at me. I’ve been in and out of salon chairs for most of my life, but all these words and concepts were foreign to me. How is it that African-American women can know so little about their own hair?

So I’ve been reading about the routines of other women, deciding that I’m not going to try to reinvent the wheel—that’s just a waste of time. I’m going to try what others are doing and modify to suit my needs. It’s a little hard because I’m still in kinky-twists, and I’ve decided that I’m going to be a long transitioner (ah, like that fancy new lingo I’ve picked up, right?) Most women, I’ve noted seem to have short transitions—3 or 4 months. I’m already working on my 9th month. I think it’s because I’ve already rocked the natural look in the past—for about 4 years between high school and college, so I know about the length of natural hair I’m comfortable with starting out with. Unfortunately I don’t remember who I took care of it. It’s coming back to me—slowly… ;-)

So here is my routine from last month….
1st and 3rd Sunday- Co wash my hair, then moisturize with shea butter
2nd and 5th Sunday- I deep conditioned
4th Sunday- I washed my hair

I’ve been using Carol’s Daughter Tui line for shampoo and conditioner. I also tried Oragnix Shea Butter conditioner one week. I’m honestly not sure what my hair likes, because it’s hard to see your hair’s reaction while it’s in braids.

100% Natural Hair Countdown

2010-01-25T18:58:00.000-08:00

My path towards natural hair well on the way. More infor to follow...

Back...

2009-11-13T18:42:00.000-08:00

I'm back.... lots of stuff has been going on.... briefly...

1. Husband and I started a blog http://www.too-do.com
2. My husband got into a bad car accident that almost killed him
3. We've both been sick (of course, just the cherry on top)
4. I got a interesting, but really stressful job as a child abuse investigator
5. Couldn't take it... had to quit.... especially after my hubby's accident.

Now I'm simi-unemployeed (I'm tutoring part time), taking care of my husband, working on our other website, and tons of other personal and professional interests... including trolling for freebies and contests!

I recently won/received free .... a gas grill, cereal, potatoes, and $5 (every little bit!).

Feels good to be back. Sometimes being positive through it all means remembering what's most important.

Weekly Blog Contest Highlights

2009-08-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

Sink Your Teeth Into This!

The theme of this week’s highlighted blog contests is “Sink Your Teeth Into!” There are so many blog contests that I’m entering right now that are edible, or delicious. Here are just 3 worth checking out:

The Mommy Files is giving away a year’s supply of Hillshire Farm products. I can taste them. I love cooking them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Leslie Loves Veggies has it going on with a few giveaways that I’m loving! First a chocolate brown Baghaus purse and a “bedside lovers tool kit” from Eden Fantasy that has a few edible treats!

Expressionless...er go, souless?

2009-08-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

I got a text message today that said a person I worked with last year lost their job because they failed the professional teacher’s exam. I was shocked! So I typed “WITW…I am so shocked. I didn’t see that coming.” I had a full conversation, supposedly filled with surprise, but I realized I never showed it. I didn’t gasp, hang my jaw, or anything. It felt weird to be conscious that I wasn’t actually showing my emotion.

Am I the only one who finds that technology has stolen my emotional soul? When I was a kid (not that long ago y’all) you couldn’t break up with a guy over a text message. You had to actually meet him, face-to-face, and have (dun, dun, DUN!) a conversation. You have to watch their face crumble and break down, and listen to them weep and beg…maybe that was just my experience.

But seriously, in a world where your people LOL @ U without opening their mouth, or show their :-o with a OMG, it seems that actually showing emotions seems be more and more infrequent. I think it’s a little scary.

I mean if you don’t have to actually deal with your emotions, it could be so much easier to express yourself without thinking about how you or the other person is going to react or feel. I mean if that’s the case, we might as all be douche bags…but the world already has one Bill O’Reilly. So now what?

Weekly Blog Contest Highlights

2009-08-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

Smartie Pants

The theme for this week’s highlighted blog sweepstakes is Smartie Pants. There are tons of blog contests that have practical prizes. Hey, don’t make that face—practical is good! It can save you money…and money is good, right?

You could win all those “How to” books you’ve been meaning to buy. Frugal Creativity is giving away a $100 Barnes and Nobles gift card. And with all that knowledge, how much could you save?

Leslie Loves Veggies is great. They want to help readers have a delicious dinner, that’s gourmet, and quick. They highlighted this company called Delicae Gourmet, and when I checked out the site my mouth water. And a $25 gift card would make anyone’s mouth water.

The Mommy Files is giving away a year’s supply of Hillshire Farm. That’s right…for one year you can pick one of your favorite products from free. Free food for a year, how smart is that.

Fairyblog Mother and Confessions of a Moody Mommy are giving away some wonderful jewelry. The Fairy and Moody Mommy are giving away Sterling Silver High-Polished Tapered Hoop Earrings. Make sure you visit both sites to enter to increase your chance for winning. Make sure you double back to Fairyblog Mother to enter to win a pair of Tahitian Pearl Stud Earrings. Now winning jewelry many not seem like it belongs under this theme if you’re a guy—but hey if you win you can give it to your girlfriend/wife and make her smile…or wear it yourself…I’m not judging. And whoever wears it will look really smart!

My first day in a box

2009-08-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

So I I’m in a box—literally. Actually, I’m in a have a cubical. I have been fighting the American working standard of Monday through Friday, 9 to 5, with two weeks for holiday, for years now. I mean, it’s my life—who are you to give me two weeks f it to do with as I wish? I could never understand how drones of people worked in Cooperate America.

Well, now I’m one of them, sort of. I’m definitely not working in “Cooperate America”. I work for a State Agency investigating crimes, and that’s about as much as I can say about my job. I’m new. This was my first morning; the very first thing my unit leader did was usher me to a cubical. It’s a small thing— 6 by 6…maybe. The walls are an indescribable color of off aqua on the front and back sides and a faded lime green on one side. The other side opens out to the hall where people keep marching in, off to their own cubicles; some of send salutations my way as they pass. A few even have their mind turned on enough to register that I’m actually a new face and body.

My new desk is empty except for a few standard standing filers, a complicated multi-line phone, a stapler, a whole punch and tape. There are two shelves built into to the cubical, wedged high into the corners. The last occupant has left remnants of themselves behind—a sticky note on the phone with a number that I can only assume is my new landline connection, and an index card taped to the felt of the cubical in front of me with a list of different numbers.

I can’t help but take note that the person left behind 3 file organizers, well 5 if you count the built in one. Who needs that many file organizers? Perhaps I will.

The one thing that will make this little space tolerable is that I can decorate it. I’m looking forward to that. I watch movies like Office Space, and their little dungeons of solitude always look so personalized. I’m plotting where my Star Wars themed Mrs. Potato, Princess Tater, will go.

I also know that like most of the other investigators I will be on the road most of the day, seeing stuff that’s going to make me want to run back and hide in my cubical.

Weekly Blog Contest Highlights

2009-08-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

"Sweet" Blog Contest

The theme of this week’s highlighted contests and sweepstakes is “Sweet”! I’ve gathered together a collection of contests for delightful edibles, and some non-munchies that will have you yelling “SWEET!” when you open your mailbox!

Playground for Parents is giving away some of those fortune cookies you’ve heard about—and if you don’t know about them, it’s time to check them out. Gourmet cookies in any flavors you can think of. I can almost taste rick chocolate cookies.

The Mommy Files has a variety of 100 Calorie Snacks from Little Debbie. There are perfectly packed, just right for a good controlled snack for lunch time.

The Mom Buzz is having a contest to giveaway a $50 gift certificate to Eden Fantasy. Plus the contest itself is interesting. Instead of just entering you learn about bit about the wide variety of products and information Eden Fantasy has to offer. Winning something from here will have your partner yelling “SWEET JESUS!!!!”

General Ramblings

2009-08-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

"The house does not rest upon the ground, but upon a woman" - Mexican Proverb

This has been a long weekend. I spent it with my friends and family at a religious convention. It was surrounded by lots of people with inspirational stories. The best thing was that it was real stories. The wives looked tired. The husbands looked stressed. I was smiling ear to ear—it means I’m not alone.

I’ve only been married 3 months. I really had no idea what I was getting into. I have all these ideas about how my family is going to be. But it’s hard to balance what my husband needs and what I need. It’s difficult.

I had to ask one of the wives there, who worked full-time, worked out, took care of house and baby, all why smiling—WHY would you do that? What’s your motivation? It simply came down to love. They want what’s best for their families. And now, while I’m feeling tired, stressed, and a bit overwhelmed, I’ll remember why I do it—because I love my husband. Having a relationship isn’t easy, but I believe that it’s rewards are worth the effort.

Mark of a hustler

My husband stopped off tonight to talk to one of the guys he does business with. I really like this guy—he’s always looking out for gigs for my husband, because my hubby is honest and he knows we need the money. It was only a 10 minute rendezvous, but I heard indications that the guys is a genuine hustler!

We meet him on a different side of town than we normally do, even though he supposedly came from home. Now I’m not sure where he lives. My husband says he has two homes…hum…

My husband didn’t recognize the car he dove up in, because the guy never drive it before. It’s nice!

The guy said he just bought 2 new cars, and stuttered over the make and model of one car. Who has so many cars they forget the make and model? I know my car’s make, model, license’s plate, dints, dings, scratches, scrapes, and VIN number—by heart!

He got one of the cars from a divorcee for $500—she just wanted to spite her husband by selling his expensive car dirt cheap.

My husband told him about a police auction site, and he said the police have some of his stuff now, and he’s probably just buy it back it he used the site. He also expressed worry that when he went to pick it up he might get locked up…hum..maybe it is a set up...

He asked if he could get a picture of my sister, if he could twitter her, and if she was on Facebook!

I can’t even complain, I love a hustler, and my husband and him are friends for a reason!

I don't live in the country! Even if some people's views are...

2009-07-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

You know, it seems like I constantly have something going on. I’m not even going to get to deep into the skating rink. A short synopsis—the skating rink’s owner went completely unprofessional. He offered my husband, a professional established DJ who provided the rink with both the audio equipment and the latest music, minimum wage. Are you kidding? The rental of just his audio equipment is more than double what they were trying to pay them for the night. After attacking my husband for not being Christian enough, the owner told him that he could make any one of “these kids” (referring to the high school students he hired to work at the place) a DJ. My husband told him that’s what he’d have to do, and quit. Big mistake. Maybe it’s assumptions people make about me based on… looks? My quiet demeanor? Anyway, it was a bad underestimation for them. I wrote a nice complaint to the Better Business Bureau, including turning them in for cohering new employees to volunteer and having people work without filling out tax records. Bitter? Not really, I just like when "big shots" push people I love around I get to "push back". My husband also sent a similarly worded message to the owners politely pointing out that if they want to push their values at their establishment they need to warn customers, or they’ll continue to have troubles.

The result? While my father visited this week he went into the skating rink (they don’t know him) and low and behold, they are advertising that they are a Christian skating rink. More power to them. I just worry that some people won’t be Christian enough.

Anyway, moving on the more important issues on my mind…My parents came to visit my new apartment. They are the first visitors that we’ve had since we got married. They said they were expecting the gettho. Surprise! We live in a nice, quite part of Florida call Melbourne. Of course they started making “hick” and “country” references about 30 minutes into the long drive from the closest major town that filled with wonderful views of cows, pastures, swap and vultures. I like where I live—it’s a nice mid-sized city. I really enjoy the different nuisances of this flat-behind state. I hated Florida when I first moved here, but not anymore. I was super excited to show my parents what I call “real Florida”, where the beaches are lined with a thick layer of trees, right before it opens up to white sands and blue waters—heaven.

I’m taking them back to their car tomorrow, so they can make the long trip back to “civilization”. When they asked me what time I wanted to leave, I said after rush hour. Oh, that was great. My father said the rush hour here was probably like that Malibu commercial. I had to laugh—it is a funny commercial.

My Two Cents: Government Health Care and Obesity

I’m starting my family so issues that are in the news are really catching my eye. My parents and I were recently talking about the anti-obesity campaigns that are being launched by former President Clinton and First Lady Michelle Obama. I really think that it’s a great idea. National Health Care is closely, and obviously, linked to the general health of the nation—and America is fat. The children today are far bigger than the average kids when I was young, and definitely bigger than the kids my parent remembers. But the children are just a mirror image of the adults. The lifestyle of the average American is unhealthy, and it’s showing on the waistline.

And since I’m a tax payer, and I might be footing the bill for this new government run health care…and since my Humana coverage gets more and more expensive…I care. It cost everyone. When people are sick more often because of weight related issues and I suffer shorthanded, or with lower productivity, it affects me. When I can’t see my doctor as quickly as I need, or the Emergency room is over run and its staff stretched thin when I rush in with my sick nephew, it affects me. When my tax dollars are used to supplement health care for avoidable illness of those who can’t afford private medical care, instead of supporting cancer research, it affects me.

If the government and private healthcare can find a way to nicely persuade overweight clients to live healthier lives, and this decreases the strain on the entire medical system, I’m all for it. But that’s just my two cents.

Weekly Blog Contest Highlights

2009-07-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

Rock Star Giveaways!

This week I thought I’d point out some rock star blog giveaways. I’m loving some of these, they got me dreaming big!

Flying Giggles and Lollypops has a great one that ends on July 29, 2009 right before midnight. They are giving away a hand drawn and printed shirt from Poison Apple. These shirts are definitely rock star worthy!

Things that Moms Like has an amazing giveaway that I am dreaming about! Rock Star vacation in style, and that’s what I need—a star vacation for 3-days for a family of four in Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa. I can feel the sand between my toes right now.

True rock stars can’t be separated from their music, so they need energy to keep them coming. And since lots of rock stars want to be social activist the Alternative Consumer’s Fuji enviroMAX provides the power needed, while being sensitive to the environment.

Leslie Loves Veggies has a wonderful giveaway for a gift certificate from Eden’s Fantasy. That can set me and my honey up for some freaky love, with whips…oK, make that’s a bit over the top. But I can my husband hit those notes like that guy from Queen.

Playgrounds for Parents is giving away a yummy, rock on, treat. Gourmet fortune cookies are only for those who have taste buds that can take a wild adventure.

Since rock and roll is all about rebellion, here is a great article about this artist who made a traffic barrel monster. Some call it vandalism…but then again some people called rock and roll noise.

Banning Hip Hop Makes The Place Uncool, And Offensive

2009-07-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

The owners told him that at their old skating rink they played hip-hop and there were a lot of unruly behaviors and fights. To avoid that, hip-hop music was banned from the new establishment. They told him he couldn’t play anything with an urban beat.

Last night my husband did a soft opening for a local skating rink; it was family and friends night. We got in free while the employees worked out the bugs in their systems before the Grand Opening. My husband's interveiw went great. The owners' son actually knew my husband from when they both did competitive team skating. The owners were happy to have an established DJ who enjoyed skating. They said excitedly that they’d have “actual skate music”. He got the job instantly; they only asked that he not play any music with cursing. Not a problem, because my husband doesn’t personally listen to that sort or music, or curse himself.

when I walked in and fell in love with the motif. It was all brand new, and really nice. I raised my hand to wave at my husband, but never got around to the back it forth motion. He looked up, saw me, and rolled his eyes, and I was suddenly stunned by a foul aroma—the music stunk! What in the world was he playing?

Now, I am truly a DJ’s wife. I listen to all different kinds of music, and so does he. He’ll DJ all kinds of parties—from Hawaiian Luaus to pure house parties. And he always puts in his all, reads the crowd, and plays the music that suits the situation. He’s a professional.

So when I walked in, saw his face, and listened for a moment, I knew something was terribly amidst. There was a good diverse crowd that showed up—parents and grandparents, young kids, young adults, teenagers, even some toddlers wearing bright multi-colored first pair of skates. And while people were skating, there was at least of 3 to 1 ratio of people just sitting, or playing in the arcade. Something wasn’t right.

I soon found out why; my husband was told not to play any urban/hip-hop music by the owners—ever.

Everyone likes a diversity of music. I was rocking my head to some of the ‘80s music of my childhood, and tapping my feet to some oldies-but-goodies. However, that wasn’t the only music I expected to hear at a skating rink.

My husband tried to spice it up, and threw on some “Fire Burning” by Sean Kingston, followed by some Michael Jackson. The owners came and told him to take it off. I’m not kidding. My husband asked if he could play “Boom Boom Pow” by Black Eyed Peas, and was bluntly told no. When they did a “women only” skate he suggested “Single Ladies” by Beyonce. It wasn’t happening. I was disgusted—that stuff is mainstream!

I was mad. How are you going to blame a musical genre for people’s stupidity? I can name a Country music club in my old city that had bad fights almost every night. I know some Spanish club that you better watch your back at. Why was he picking on Hip-Hop?

However, my husband did what any professional DJ would do—he played what they told him to play, and pointed to his boss when skaters complained—and they did complain. He dug out every generic song he could think of. When he played “Low Rider” by War (1975) I took off my skates and walked to the arcade. I just couldn’t take it anymore. Little kids were requesting Flow Rider, and they looked pissed, like someone gave them Spam instead of Ham—they are both delicious, but there is difference was obvious.

I was just ready to go. I felt unwanted. It wasn’t even really about race to me. I pride myself on being from the “Hip Hop Generation”. Everyone who really loves hip-hop knows it transcends race. It might have started in on the streets on the Bronx, or the depths of New Orleans, when black people found a way to communicate their story, but it’s grown into so much more than that. People of all races and ages listen to urban music.

I totally understand not wanting heavy rap music, or lyrics full of cursing, but that isn’t what all urban music is about. Most urban music today is pretty mainstream. I’m sorry Black Eyed Peas, not gansta. Banning Beyonce? Really? In what world is Michael Jackson too much?

The owner even went a step further and asked my husband for modern-Christian music to play. Really? Who told him people wanted to hear that? Are we assuming everyone present is Christian? Or even religious?

By telling my husband he couldn’t play the music I listen too, the owner told me he didn’t want me there. The owner told me that my money wasn’t green enough, and his establishment isn’t for me. But I must say he wasn’t just excluding me. On thinking back, I didn’t hear anything with a Latin twist, or heck, any Country, either. That is real unfortunate. Skating rinks’ main source of profit it isn’t from toddlers having birthday parties, or tweens rocking out to the Jonas Brothers, or grandparents rolling around to the oldies. A very large portion of their money comes during night and weekend sessions. It’s from kids who go skating a few times a month with their friends, or people my age who go on dates at the cool local skating rink, or die-hard skaters, like my husband, who spend Friday night doing shuffle skate routines until they are dripping with sweat. A lot of those people are going to want to hear old skool skate jams and some of the modern stuff on the radio today. And a lot of those songs have “urban beats”.

I am all about making your session music based on the time, day, and crowd. But don’t alienate a whole section of society by banning a large piece of their culture. Don’t irritate non-Christians by trying to make them listen to your music. I mean, you can do it, if you want to run people away.

If you ban hip-hop at your skating facility while you’re targeting a wide variety of people, you’re going out of business—quick.

By the end of the night enough people complained and the owner told my husband to play a few modern urban songs, but still watched him like a hawk. The dying crowd had to settle for some old Chris Brown joints (did the owner know he was a woman beater?). It was too late; my husband was pissed, and I was offended.

But my husband and I had one consolation between us. That skating rink is either going to play “our music” or it will be closed within a year. I guarantee it. And if I had the money, just for spite I’d open it back up and make it into a skating rink modeled after Cascade Skating Rink in Atlanta.

All Natural Battle Royal

2009-07-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

My hair looks crazy, and I look jacked. It’s been this way for about 2 months now. I’m a broke, possibly unemployed (a whole different story) newly-wed in a new town. This town, while I like it, doesn’t exactly cater to my culture. I think I saw 2 home perm kits in the local beauty supply... Anyway, for about 2 months my hair has been unkempt. Most of the black woman reading this will probably gasp. 2 months?!? They can imagine. For those who can’t, I’ve provided a visual. Now, keep in mind I'm a newly wed, and I want to look nice for my husband when he comes home.

Sitting at home I’ve been fighting with the dry damaged chards. I am not good at doing my own hair. Most often it’s my poor husband who is the innocent bystander. He’s still so blinded by love he says I’m beautiful even when my hair is a hot mess. About 3 weeks ago, while looking at what my life had become, I started to recall when I was full of lively hope in possibilities. What I recalled was me when I was fresh out of high school. I had good self confidence back then; my view that my body was a temple. I watched what I ate (I was a vegetarian for over 4 years), exercised, and kept chemicals away from my hair. I looked good too. At least I thought so.

My hair was fro’ed. My mother hated it. I wanted locs, which my father called "dread locks". He forbade it. But I kept my fro.

Now, looking at finances, and trying to moving back to the time in my life that I believed in possibilities, I want to go natural again. I point out every head of beautiful locs, or spiral curls, I see on the street. In one of my normally calls to my mother, I told her I was going back natural.

“I didn’t like it. It made you look ugly.”

How’d I know she’d respond like that? What if they knew I really want long beautiful locs? My father might actually have a stroke, he hates them that much.

Why is it that older black people have this horrible view of natural hair? Actually I’m wondering, is it just the older generation, or has it stretched down to current views? I can’t even find a good amount of resources on or off-line about natural hairstyles and hair care; when I do the hair styles often have a lots of models whose hair isn't really representative of the typical black woman's head of hair. It seems as if it isn’t a certain texture, or length, it’s just not accepted as "natural beauty".

I did find a salon that specializes in natural hair care--but god, it’s like 90 minutes away!

My husband even said he’d be OK with me loc’in my hair, but…how would people look at me…

When is a black woman’s hair NOT going to be about society, politics, and status? Is it me, or is natural black beauty being snubbed? Am I going to have to throw on gloves for the battle royal just to do what I want with my own hair?

Weekly Blog Contest Highlights

2009-07-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

GO GREEN Blog Giveaways!

This week I wanted to highlight eco-friendly blog giveaways.

The Giveaway is holding a contest for a Ms. Bento Stainless Lunch Jar from Zojirushi! Imagine all the empty spots in landfills if people didn’t use plastic, aluminum, and paper everyday to take their lunch to work?

Things Mom Likes is also getting into the act by hold a contest to give away a cute set of snackTAXI reuseable sandwich bags.

And just to show that Eco-friendly can be sexy, make sure you check out The Alternative Consumer’s giveaway of natural lingerie by Elle Macpherson.

If you win, reward yourself with a free night at the movies on The Mommy-Files. You'll save some of the green in your pocket when you take that special someone on a date. Maybe if they are nice they’ll get to see that lingerie!

I’ll leave you with some eco-wise reading. Maybe like me, you’d never heard of these Eco-friendly products. TotallyHer.com has a list other products you can scoop up. Check out their article “Earth-friendly Products You Didn’t Even Know Existed”.

If you got the scoop on any other eco-friendly products, let me know. Takes knowledge to go green!

Wait, Turkey is beating the US? Wait a mintue...

2009-07-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

So some students in Turkey have apparently done what the entire US car industry couldn’t; they built a hydrogen vehicle that gets 1,336 miles per gallon. Well, that’s what the title of the article said anyway. It’s is a bit misleading because the “group of students” is actually a group of 40 super smart people who built a car they actually drove 353 miles on a quarter gallon of hydrogen fuel. The body was made out of this extra light material, and the whole car cost $170,000 to build. They plan on trying to beat some kind of record set by a solar car, and then focus on building a non-piloted aircraft. They are asking the Turkish Aerospace Industries for assistance with their new project.

When I first heard this story I was super excited. I mean 1,336 miles per gallon? That’s amazing. Then I started to think about it.

Why does it take large institutions so long to catch up? A few years ago Detroit was the automotive capital of the world. If you don’t agree the capital was in the US, maybe it was somewhere in Japan? Germany? I wonder how many people would say the automotive capital was in Turkey off the banks of Sakarya.

The world and industry leaders have known for so long that we need to change the way we consume energy. The car industry made it look so hard to change to more efficient fuel sources. They have us all hooping and hollering over 33 miles per gallon. I’m sorry, but 1,336 sounds better.

I know that the form of the car that was made in Turkey isn’t practical for mass production. I mean, how many soccer moms are going to spend $170,000 on a minivan? Still, almost all new technology is impractical and expensive at first. That is until someone sees its practical use and spends time and research on applying the science to benefit people. Companies and industries adapt to the new technology available.

Why is so hard for US companies and industries adapt? Not just for the good of the planet. Not just for the good of the economy or their consumers. How about for themselves? The large dinosaur companies in the US are going to become extinct if they can’t evolve quicker.

And let’s not even talk about the fact that Turkey has an aerospace industry program that is apparently stable enough to possibly invest in some college students' experiment. I mean I think it’s great they have a program. Ciencia de largo viva, baby. But it kinda of hurts, you know, when I’m supposed to live in this really face-paced advanced country, but our very space program, NASA, is suffering from lack of funding.

Do I sound like a bitter geek? My bad.

Article Sources

http://gas2.org/2009/07/13/students-build-hydrogen-vehicle-that-gets-1336-mpg/
http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1377/1

A blog article you should check out

On a lighter note (oh, bad wordage choice), while I haven’t gained tons of newly-wed weight, I have definitely added a few pounds. My husband says I’m still attractive, and I’m sure of few pounds don’t really hurt—but it’s nice to get some reassurance. The article “The Benefits of Gaining Weight” gave me some reasons to embrace my new curves. Ladies, go read it for yourself. Guys, forward it to your ladies, then go grab a blanket and pillow off the bed. You'll be sleeping on the couch tonight.

Movie review: The Proposal

2009-07-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

When my husband suggested that we go and see the movie The Proposal for our date night I was, well, I was surprised. It seemed like it would be an obvious “chick flick”. I expected him to turn in a Decepticon if I suggested the movie. Apparently, though, Ryan Reynolds has some new power over my husband because he recently played Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Add to that the fact that the commercial made us chuckle, my husband decided it was a movie he could tolerate.

The first 5 minutes of the movie seemed a bit predictable. I settled in for a remake of The Wedding Date. While the plot might be similar, the movies have a distinctly different feel. Sandra Bullock pulled out a great comedic performance, and Ryan Reynolds reminded audiences that he was funny before he was ever deadly. The supporting cast, especially the enduring Betty White, definitely hold their own. The entire movie was sprinkled with funny moments created by a variety of characters. My husband and I laughed and chuckled right on queue with the rest of the audience. On the way home we compared our favorite parts; while there were obvious stand out moments we both came up with different scenes that we personally enjoyed.

This was a romantic comedy that neither of us regretted seeing. It’s definitely a great date movie, and one you’re likely to want to see again.

Side Notes

Though Ryan Reynolds will likely be off the scene for about a year after the buzz of this movie dies down, fans can look forward to 2011. The actor is slated to star in two comic-based movies already predicted to be blockbusters. Ryan landed the lead role of Hal Jordan in the upcoming The Green Lantern, and he will revisit his role in the self-titled film Deadpool.

Sandra Bullock fans won’t have as long of a wait. Sandra will be staring in the comedy All About Steve and the bio-drama The Blind Side, both of which are scheduled to release later this year.

Good News, and moving forward!

2009-07-12T21:41:00.000-07:00

Well it seems like just yesterday that I started my blog. Oh, wait, it was yesterday!

I’m definitely not going to be updating this blog with deep, meaningful entries everyday. I mean, I know I’m not going to have something interesting to say everyday. Plus, this blog is about my journey to bigger and better things for me and those I love—thus, I must actually do other things than blog.

However, the last 24 hours have been pretty eventful, so I thought I’d stop by and plaster so good mojo for others, and for me to come back and see later.

First, the most exciting news: I WON my first item worth more than $5! I was so happy when the screen on the Red Roof Inn instant win game said congratulations I started yelling! I won a free night at any of the Inns of my choice. I’m super excited!

Second, I’ve decided which one of my ideas I’m going to work on first. It will take a little time for prep-work, but I am merging an idea of my husband and myself. We’ll be launching a niche newsletter/blog soon. I’ve missed writing for a newsletter: more about that to come!

Third, I’m laying out my plan for success. I know that launching a successful blog/newsletter in this media dense environment will be difficult. I need to take steps towards improving my life that don’t rely on that. I’m looking at all aspects of my life (happiness does not equal money) and I’ll be blog about that stuff later. However money, or the lack there of, is of concern. I’ve been married less than 4 months, and it’s a struggle. So I’m looking for small ways to make our financial outlook better.

Even though I am looking for a job closer to home (the job I’m on leave from since I got married is a 2 ½ hour drive from where we live now) I know that in this economy, that isn’t enough. So I looked at my list of likes, dislikes, and super powers, and started to figure out how I can make them make me money.

One option I’m looking into is Shutter Stock. This is an online company allows anyone who can take a good picture to make money. Basically you can sell your pictures online to subscribers for 25 cents a download. That means that picture of the cute kittens you have, or that funny one your friend falling off his motorcycle, can keep making you money. Shutter Stock is a reputable site, suggested by CNN and CareerBuilder.com as a way to make extra cash. It’s not photo sharing site, or for random pictures of your family vacation. I did my research, before I started my blog, and it seems like a good source of income. Since I like taking artistic pictures, and character-study photos, I’ve joined. I have 10 pictures in for review/approval. I’ll let you know how many get accepted, and how much money I’m making.

Of course, you could let me know how much money you are making if you joined Shutter Stock yourself. I’m just saying.

Of course, these are older photos, and I need some stuff for my camera to turn this “hobby” into “money”. So I’m off to find some sweepstakes that have a camera as a prize, or money so I can buy the stuff I need.

Now I’m off to get some work done since my husband has lost interest in the Chuck Norris thread he saw when I was working on my Twitter.

Weekly Blog Contest Highlights

2009-07-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

Read my blog, learn about the cool contests I’ve decided to enter—especially blog contests!

Do you have diabetics in your life, or others who need to watch their Gluten intake? I do! I love to bake—both my parents are diabetic, and my husband and I are “expanding”. And my parents are coming for their first official visit to my new apartment. Oh, goodness. Maybe if I win the I Never Grew Up New Line of Gluten Free Betty Crocker Mixes Giveaway I can distract them with cake!

Since I’m getting back into taking pictures, I think I want to actually display my work, instead of hiding it in albums. So, I’m definitely trying to win Amanda’s KODAK W1020 Wireless Digital Frame!

Since I am a full grown woman (no comments from the peanut gallery please) I’m definitely wishing the Fairy Blog Mother gifts me with some Barefoot Wine & Bubbly. I love this wine, so I’m hoping I win!

The gals at Totally Her’s has some great taste. The TotallyHer’s “Totally Summer” Contest has some great items up for win on her blog. Geeh, I haven’t bought myself anything cute because I’ve been broke. Wouldn’t winning this be awesome!

Actually through my Sweep-hunting I found a few cool blogs this week. I encourage you not just to visit to enter—check out their content. I did, and Sweep or no sweep I’d like them!

For example, check out the funny, but true, article on TotallyHer entitled The Ten Lamest Gifts You Can Buy for a Woman. Send this article to everyone before your birthday, graduation, anniversery, shower, or a holiday!

Oh God, why is someone else starting a blog?

2009-07-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

It feels like forever since I sat down to write anything. It kind of hurts, when I think about it, like ripping a scab off an old wound. I guess what you’d have to know about me is that I read the whole juvenile section of my local library by the time I was in 6th grade, and “wrote my first book” before I graduated Junior High School—and what that awful piece of work. But I didn’t know that back then—I was just super proud of it. I just knew I was going to be a writer. I’ve written off and on from that time through college. I even ran a online zine for a few years, and I had over 5,000 subscribers. I’ve written books, magazines and newspaper articles, poems, and tons of short stories. The key to actually saying I was a “writer” is that I published them and got paid for it.

You couldn’t tell.

I was hit by that perennial stick call life. I thought I could duck it. I graduated and got a “nice” (if you want to call it that) “respectable” (also up for debate) job. I got married less than 4 months ago, and we’re going through our rights-of passage: we’ve both started to gain weight and we’re broke.

I’m not working this summer, and I’ve moved to my husband’s town. It’s a quite little corner of no where in Florida. I like it. But combined with the fact that I’m broke, don’t know anyone, and my husband is working 3 jobs, topped with the fact that I’m nervous about finding a new job myself, I’ve been bored out of my mind.

With a bit more time on my hands, I’ve been hitting up the Sweepstakes hobby all this summer. It’s actually a hobby I had before Sweetie appeared on the Tyra Banks show. I was inspired by the guy on Real Genius who won like 20% of all the prizes in this master mail-in-sweepstakes and then ran away with the showcase girls from the Price Is Right. I’m so convinced that could totally happen to me—minus the showcase girls, of course.

In my quests, scouring the Internet I’ve started to read other people’s blogs. I began reminiscing about all the dreams I used to have. So with my hubby’s encouragement, I’ve been reinvigorated.

What you’ve found is my personal blog, the spin off for a few ideas I have. I’ll also post some information and cool finds around. And it is me, so you’ll probably hear about how my life is going—which is usually comically backwards. I mean hey, if I actually want to finish what I started this time I should first remember why I started, right?