Ready for 2012!!!!

It's the day before New Years.

2011 has confirmed some things for me that I plan on expanding upon in 2012.

I think it's HUGE and I wanted to tell all of you about it, and encourage you to BELIEVE!!!

Hopefully I can say this as simple as possible.

Wish to be MORE.
My Dad said something to me the other day that keeps drumming in my ears. I won't quote him, but I'll tell you this. Some people want to work on themselves, others have no interest in changing or growing. 
If you haven't caught onto me yet, I'm all about changing and growing! 
I'm not talking about developing my abs, or growing my intellect. 
I'm talking about expanding my heart, being conscious.
I believe in being MORE.
 I believe in infinite possibilities. 
I believe in the powers bigger than me. 
You should decide for your self which you are. 
There is a great deal of peace in knowing who you are.


Life is what you make it.
You are responsible for all of the things that have happened to you, all of your successes, and all of your failures. 
Once you accept that, you can change and mold your life in any way you choose. You can literally make anything you like. The world is filled with people who "wish" their life were different. 
If you can WORK you can achieve.

Get your Vision out of your head. Manifest.

I used to be a day dreamer I would sit for long hours and fantasize about the things I hoped to achieve. 

I would envision a whole world for myself, then feel sad when very little of it came true.

When I started writing this blog it was in the hope of clearing my head of all of my "visions" and finding clarity for myself. But blogging has become so much more. Blogging has become a way for me to see my vision clearly and manifest my reality. I also use Pinterest as a Vision board to gather my ideas and Manifest my vision.


Share your IDEAS.

No man is an island, the ideas we have in our head are just that ideas. If you want to make them a reality you must put them out into the world. Share them with other people. Yes for many of us this sounds scary but the saying really is true, YOU are your worst critic. Each of us has a gift for the world. Our gifts are not stand alone master pieces, that is a false idea. Our gifts are only one piece to a puzzle. Collaboration and communication can create magic. 

Ask and you shall receive.
Hearing the word NO is not the end of the world. 
If you don't ask you'll never know. 
It is an exercise in freedom to simply ask for what you want. 
Don't concern yourself with receiving, just ask and let go.
You may not get what you want, but you always get what you need, if you just ask.


Be clear of your Intentions.

An Intention is simply, your attention directed to an action or thought. 
If you can hold your attention to something in particular, you can create anything you like. Complexly, learning to hold your attention to one thing for periods of time 
creates growth of our conscious minds. 
Being clear of your Intention can bring peace, clarity and strength into our actions. 

Be neutral. 

Everything in our world is negative, positive or neutral. By design, there is great purpose in that. Consider this, there are no bad times.  Only times opposite good. I know we hear a lot of talk about being positive but, I'd like to offer this. Being neutral is more powerful then being positive. 
Neutrality carry's no emotion, so there is no high or low. 
No let down, just clarity and presence. 
Sometimes we are so swept away with the ups and downs of our life we lack the moments of clarity we need to see what is happening to us. 
If you don't see what's happening to you how can you hope to change and grow. 


My plan for 2012 is to remember these things as well as the practice of Gratitude.
I have so many things I am planning in 2012, I can't wait to share them with everyone.


 Happy New Years to you all!

Last Minute Gratitude

Hey! I have nothing new going on, but I just wanted to pop in and say Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah! Thank you all again for all of the support and enthusiam!! I truly appreciate it and I hope I can remain purposeful. If by now you haven't figured out all of your Holiday details, I would say its okay to just let it go. It's the thought that counts! If your thinking of running to the store for that last minute gift, DON'T! Write a lovely letter expressing your gratitude instead. If your stumped on the perfect holiday meal, don't stress any more! Most take-out places deliver. The holidays are about spending time with people you cherish and being thankful for this wonderful life of ours! Trust me your family won't mind having your undivided attention and sharing a take-out box of Singapore Mei Fun. If you haven't finished wrapping gifts, grab a gift bag or a pretty recyleable bag. If at this point you have any concerns or stress, not sure you got the right gift, or dont like the job you did wrapping. Please, for me, try and remember this one thing.....The Holiday are truly about Gratitude!!! Please, please don't forget that! Gratitude! Merry, Merry!

WINNER! WINNER! Gourmet Gift Basket and Holiday Memory Organizer!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter this Giveaway! 

 The winner is...... 

Amanda!!!!

 You should be getting an email from me tonight requesting you address!

Another big thank you to everyone who entered the Carolina Pad Holiday Memory Organizer Giveaway!!!

The Winner is......
Jenny!!!!

 You will also be getting an email from me tonight requesting you address!

Happy Holidays to Everyone!!! 

Good Night!

CHERISH Holiday Showcase

CHERISH

\ˈcher-ish, ˈche-rish\

Transitive verb

1

a : to hold dear : feel or show affection for ;cherished her friends;b : to keep or cultivate with care and affection : ;cherishes his marriage;

2

: to entertain or harbor in the mind deeply and resolutely cherishes that memory;

For children the Holidays are about wishing big. 

You can ask any child and they will say out loud their BIG WISH.

How about YOU?

I have moved away from wishing for "things."

"Things" won't help me accomplish my dreams.  

I think of wishes as something granted to you by someone else. Instead I focus on dreams. 

I can make my dreams come true without a "fairy godmother."

What is your BIG DREAM?

During this Holiday season CHERISH your dreams, and say them out loud!

If you didn't know this already, YOU are powerful and capable of creating the life you want. 

What you have to do is, 

CHERISH your dreams. 

Think deeply about them. 

Entertain the possibilities, hold them dear, bring them to the forefront of your mind and cultivate them with affection. 

YOU can make your dreams a reality.

Happy CHERISHdays!

PAMPER Holiday Showcase Pamper Yourself

Although we take the time to carefully pick the perfect gift for the ones we love; we often neglect ourselves. Sure we ask Santa for Holiday gifts, but do you intentionally take moments to PAMPER and nurture yourself through out the Holidays? Well, you should!! 

These are just a few things that I have been doing to PAMPER myself.

I know I haven't shared this yet but I got my hair cut a few weeks ago, and I absolutely LOVE it.

I had really long, thick, curly hair. I care for 3 heads of hair at my house, and that doesn't count me. 

My head of hair was just a huge burden that did nothing for me. 

So in the spirit of Gratitude and finding peace in the things you already possess, I chopped it!

Getting rid of that burden has made me feel young, cool, and confident. Since I was feeling so hip and trendy I embarrassed this new trend. Hair feathers! Well not real feathers, but hair pieces died to look like feathers. Honestly who wants to harm a rooster, just to look cool? Not me!

I love this new trend and Lindo Health and Beauty products makes these feather hair accessories which I think make great stocking stuffers. 

Look how cute they are just added into your hair.

All of my Holiday Showcase guests got a hair feather piece to try.

 I had my stylist cut my hair piece to the length of my own hair so it really blends ad pops.

Another fun thing we played around with was this Dazzle Dry Nail Polish. 

Dazzle dry uses a special base coat and top coat along with their custom colors to make 

a quick drying mani or pedi. 

Seriously! 

Who wants to waste money on a manicure when you can do it at home quickly!

 I Love to PAMPER myself, but it has to be convenient. 

I'm very low maintenance so I tend to go for simple pleasures. 

One way I spoil myself is Castile Soap. 

Now, If you've never tried it, It just might change your life. 

Since I was a little girl my family has always used 

Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap. 

You can mix it to different dilutions and use it to shave, shampoo or shower with. You could use it to wash dishes or clean the house. 

I just use it in the shower.

My all time favorite scent is Lavender. 

The smell just fills the shower and creates this really relaxing environment.

The smell is amazing and the lather is unbeatable!

Plus all Dr. Bronner's Products are Fair Trade, and Certified Organic.

All of my Holiday Showcase guests went home with samples of 

Dr. Bronner's Magic Lavender Coconut Organic Lotion

And DR. Bronners All-In-One Rose Castile Soap.

Dr. Bronner was a hippy for sure! I grew up around a lot of hippies. 

But you might have to ignore the ranting written all over the outside of the bottle and just focus on the goodness inside.

You can find Dr. Bronner's at your local health food store or in your health conscious section of your local grocery store. You can also order online at Dr Bronner's dot com.

During the Holidays the main idea is to spend a little extra time on yourself. 

Maybe it's a hip new hair accessory, or a quick drying Manicure or pedicure. 

Or just spending a few extra minutes in the shower with a  pampering sensory experience.

During this season of giving please give yourself a little extra attention and PAMPER the most important person in your life, YOU!!!

What will you do to PAMPER yourself during the Holidays?

Yelena J

Gather Holiday Showcase Cocktails

Every great GATHERING has to have a Tasty Beverage! 

I love a nice festive toast so I thought I would share some of my lovely Cocktail suggestions.

Cocktails don't always have to contain alcohol. 

Since I make kiddy cocktails as well as grown up drinks I like to offer both options.

For several years now I always stop by my local Grocery store and grab a non-alcoholic cocktail option to bring to the party.  

My favorite choice is Reeds!

They make the absolute best Ginger Beer! 

Isn't this a great festive bottle? I think it's a great gift to bring along to a party. 

Reeds also makes Apple Cider, and Ginger Ale in this larger bottle. 

All of their products are great to sip on their own or use them as mixers.

Now, For the kids I mix 2 parts fruit juice and 1 part ginger beer.

Ginger beer is a little spicey, a little sweet and the bubbles give you the perfect refresh to your palette.

For my Holiday Showcase I made Moscom Mules. If you like Rum then sub the vodka for rum. 

That's called a Bermuda Dark and Stormy.

Moscow Mule

2 ounces of Vodka

Juice from 1/2 a lime  

8 ounces Ginger beer 

Add a few torn leaves of mint as garnish.

Bermuda Dark and Stormy

2 ounces of rum

8 ounces of Ginger beer

Reeds was also nice enough to send us a sampling of their Spiced Apple Cider and their ginger candy.

Both of which are the new favorites at my house. I have been hoarding the Spiced Cider and the kids like the spicy ginger candy. 

I have no idea why, but the spiciness doesn't deter them at all. 

So now I've had to hide the ginger candy. 

I'm planning to add some Reed's products to the Holiday Gift basket I'm making for the family. 

What's your favorite Holiday Cocktail?

Gather Holiday Showcase Dessert Tips

Is it possible to not eat cookies during the Holidays?

I would say of course not! Some how we've been engrained with Cookies and the Holidays. There just isn't one without the other!!

Plus we're talking about cookies. Who doesn't like cookie? Even when it's not the Holidays. 

As I may have mentioned I was invited to a Cookie Swap this year. Cookie Swaps are a great way to GATHER with friends. Plus if you like to bake lots of cookies, a Cookie Swap can give you a huge variety of cookies to share with others.

The basic concept is everyone you invite bakes a dozen cookies. So if you invite 6 people everyone bakes 6 dozen cookies. I'm all about the GATHERING so I ask everyone to bake half dozens. That way I can invite more people and not make everyone bake more. In the past I invited 12 people and everyone baked 6 dozen cookies.

The Cookie Swap I was invited to this year asked for 10 dozen cookies and there were 10 people there. I was excited to attend the cookie swap but 10 dozen cookies was intimidating even for me! 

So I came up with this easy recipe that makes 6 dozen cookies in one batch!

The Recipe is super easy, so you can get on with your busy life!
2 boxes Chocolate Cake Mix

2-2 1/2 Tablespoons Spectrum Food Coloring (Professional Food Coloring) Don't sub for McCormicks*

2 Sticks Butter or Margarine Softened

4 Eggs

1 Bag Mini White Chocolate Chips

It may not look very red velvety but that's okay, I like the under statement.

Combine all Ingredients and mix well.

Spoon out 1/2 teaspoon mounds onto a greased baking sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 6-7 minutes

Be careful not to over bake.

Check out the Post-it Labels I used for the packaging! Easy, easy!

Here are a few shots of all the other cookies I swapped my cookies for!
Check out the smart booklet I received. It has all the cookie recipes in it.
How cool is that!

Thanks to Lori for hosting a great party!!!
And to Alice for making the cool booklets!





COOKIES, COOKIES!!!

What's your favorite cookie?

HELLO OUT THERE!! Lolli-pop Nap

Hi Friends! I'm sorry if you haven't heard from me lately! I just solved a major problem with my email subscription link, so you haven't received any emails from me yet.
SOOOOooooo....
Welcom if this is the first post your receiving from me!!

If you have a chance take a look around I have 2 GIVEAWAYS happening right now.
A Gourmet Gift Basket
and
Carolina Pad Holiday Memory Organizer
I'm also in the middle of sharing all of my Holiday Showcase Tips.

YES!!!

That's a lolli-pop stick.

 I stopped at the bank to take care of a few things. Despite the fact that I had two cranky kids in the back seat (one crying.)

 Their reward for keeping quiet while I finished my transaction was a lollipop from the teller. 

I'm not into candy but, sometimes you have to just say Yes! 

And look at my reward!!! Nap Time!!! 

I didn't take the lollipo stick out because I didn't want to wake her (wink)!

Don't you love Nap time!

It's where desperation meets tranquility!

It's when you look at your little ones and remember how much you love them.

Nap time is good for everyone. Especially if mama gets a nap too!

Check out my "Sleeping Beauties" board on Pinterest.

What do you do during your children's nap time?

Gather Holiday Showcase Decorating tips

I LOVE a great party! I love to lay out a spread! 

I LOVE a great presentation!

Sometimes if you find a great display element it can take your display to a whole new level. I got this display riser as a gift a few years ago and it is by far my favorite piece for entertaining.

This tree from Apartment Therapy for hanging cards and displaying dried fruit and nuts would be beautiful in an entry way. 

This cookie display from Country Living is so bright and festive. I love the little glass pedestals, and the Star cookies hanging.

Holiday decorating and presentations is all about the details.

To see more of my Holiday Decorating Ideas and recipe suggestions for your Gathering check out my Pinterest boards !!!

GATHER with Mommy Gratitude's 2011 Holiday Showcase

Welcome back today is all about GATHERING.

For most people, Gathering during the Holidays, is what it's all about.

 For me that's my favorite part! 

I love any excuse to GATHER. 

Catching up with friends and family creates memories that I hold dear.

I always plan a special menu with lots of snacks and finger foods.

 I always think up a great cocktail, with and without alcohol. 

And I always think of a fun activity. Whether it's a craft for the kids, or a group game. 

Last year we danced our butts off playing the Michael Jackson dancing game on our Wii. 

No matter the activity or snack I always visualize my Gatherings and Plan for anything. 

Since I'm not hosting this year I'll be bringing my plan with me to the gathering.

I'm planning to bring this Holiday Gift Basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets.com. 

Christmas Gift Basket Classic

Arts and Crafts Care Package

Bathe In Luxury Spa Gift Basket

I usually make my own gift baskets, but this year I'm saving myself the work and bringing this instead.

 It's filled with so many great party snacks perfect for Gatherings.

Lots of Sweet and Savory snacks.
I think Gift Baskets are the epitamy of festive! Who wouldn't love a basket of treats!

I like Gourmet Gift Basket dot com because of the huge variety they offer!

Evening Of Indulgence Gift Basket

New York Yankees Gift Basket

What great gifts! They have a basket for everyone. Craft baskets for kids, Sports memorabilia for guys, relaxation for the ladies. 

They even have a basket for an "Evening of Indulgence,"
YES PLEASE!!!

Gourmet Gift Basket has it covered.

AND!!!!! SURPRISE!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! 

Gourmet Gift Baskets wants to give one of YOU a basket of your own!!!!

Yippie!!!

For a chance to win a Classic Christmas Gift Basket (pictured above) you MUST do at least one of the following and leave a comment :

FOLLOW Gourmet Gift Baskets.com on twitter

LIKE Gourmet Gift Baskets on Facebook

Google+ their favorite Gift Basket

Please don't forget to leave me a comment so I know how many things you have done. 

Please also include you email address to ensure you receive you prize!!!

This contest will end DECEMBER 15th @ midnight!

I have not received any monetary compensation for writing this post, I did receive product for review to form my own conclusions. The ideas presented here are my own, honest opinions.

GATHER Holiday Showcase Recipe Tips

The second best part of the Holidays is of course food!!!

No debate there right?

So when I PLAN my GATHERINGS I like to serve the LOVE!!
BIG LOVE!

Mommy's Mac and Cheese!

One of my lovely dishes is always my Mommy's Macaroni and Cheese.

 

My Mommy and Me

My Mommy has made this dish for as long as I can remember. Everyone who has tried it always asks for the recipe so here it is. Everything pictured here, plus half a can of milk. 

Cook the pasta of course, then mix everything together and season with onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper and a little Adobo.  

I like to add an additional cup or so of cheese on top and sprinkle with a little pepper.

Once well combined I bake for about 20 minutes at 350 till cheese is melty delicious.

This Macaroni and Cheese is everyone's favorite! The only complaint I ever hear is when it's all gone! Serve it with a Roast Chicken, or Baked Salmon and a nice side salad. 

When you make PLANS to GATHER pick recipes that are sure to please!

This recipe can be made well in advance and refrigerated. 

Then just bake as I described above.

Easy peasy!

What are you PLANNING to make for the Holidays?