Finding that place...

Hmmmm...Eating a Georgia Peach while listening to "Georgia on my mind" by Ray Charles. The simple pleasures of life!

I'm feeling inspired about the potential and hope for everyone to find this special place in their lives, so I've decided to share my thoughts. This place that I'm referring to is a place that if only for a moment, gives you that "pause" that we all need from our hectic days and lives.  The pause that allows you to reflect and be thankful for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon you, regardless of your situation.

Your "place" may be your visions and thoughts around the last family vacation, the time that you had alone while your kids were at summer camp or simply your hour of peace and quiet while watching your favorite TV show when the children took naps. I've learned that it's important to have that " go-to" place as it serves as a re-charging of the battery.

If you get a moment, ask yourself if you have that "place" on reserve to help you through those hectic or busy times.

Good Mornings

I'm a morning person. I'm usually cheery when I open my eyes in the morning. Even when I'm tired I put on a happy face, and look forward to the day. My children are usually the same. They wake with smiles on their faces and jump out of bed and get ready for their day with enthusiasm.
Do you know the one morning routine that brings dark clouds over our house?
Hair brushing! Yes!
Hair brushing is torture for all parties involved.if you came to my door in the morning you could hear the screams.
So when I heard about this magical brush that helps detangle knots in your hair, my ears perked up.

It's called the Knot Genie.

I can't wait to try it. You can get a $4 OFF coupon by clicking the link.
http://www.usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=460&bid=10773&dealid=926

I'll keep you posted as we try and have drama free hair brushing.

Oh hey, I almost forgot!
There's also a contest.

With the introduction of four new Knot Genie colors in our limited edition Back to School Collection, we’re also running a fun contest. The contest is called, the Knot Genie Back to School Morning Meltdown contest. If you’re a parent, you’ve probably experienced a foot stomping-shrieking-morning meltdown at that critical time when you’re trying to get your child off to school. Recount (if it’s not to painful) your worst meltdown and how you diffused the situation and enter your story in our contest. Ask your friends and family to vote for your entry and you could win $500.00. The first 50 people to enter will get great prizes just for participating.

Click the link to enter.
https://apps.facebook.com/promosapp/351244

A morning without hair drama is something to be grateful for.
Happy Back to School Time!

Harlem Globetrotters YAY!!

Have you ever seen the Harlem Globetrotter? 

Ever sine I was a kid I always wanted to go!

Well I'm finally going!!!

And you can too!

Here is a great deal!

Harlem Globetrotters First-Ever Game in Brooklyn!
As part of the grand opening of the Barlclay's Center, the Harlem Globetrotters will bring their ridiculous basketball skills and amazing athletes to Brooklyn. 

 Sunday October 7, 2012 at 5 p.m.   

You'll save $7 on select ticket prices! 

Just enter the code USFAMILY into the Promotions and Special Offers box.  

Get your tickets at the Globetrotters' Brooklyn Ticket Page.  

Check out the Harlem Globetrotters in this video!

Dont Forget! Save $7 on Tickets.  Use Promo Code: USFAMILY

Gray Hair

So. It's happening.

Two months away from 35 and the gray hairs are coming in fast and furious.

I don't mind them at all. In fact I think they're kinda awesome. 

They make me look wise and knowledgeable, experienced. 

Two of my favorite women and life long mentors have the most gorgeous silver hair.

So I'm almost honored, gray hair means you kick ass.

You don't just turn gray you earn it. 

At least that's how I feel.

Only, I'd like to know what everyone else thinks about it. 

Am I supposed to have this many ( I them on both sides of my head)? 

Am I graying early?

What do other 30 somethings do when they start to gray?

Do you dye them and hide them? 

Do you pull them out

I'm not one of those people who's going to start dying my hair to hide grays. No way.

In fact I thought about dying even more gray so I could have a streak of gray like Rogue the superhero, or that chic from "What Not to Wear" on TLC.

I'm going to embrace my grays. 

The symbolize a long life. 

That's something to be grateful for.

What do you think about it?

Chipotle Mexican Grille

Luck me! 

Chipotle Mexican Grill has just opened in my neck of the woods!! 

The Lehigh Valley has been up and coming for several years.

And just short of having our own Trader Joe's, Chipotle's arrival feels like we've finally made it! 

They have "Food With Integrity!" I couldn't be more pleased!

Seriously everything is made from scratch with the finest ingredients they can find. 

Chipotle is an advocate of Family owned farms that raise animals with human practices. No antibiotics, cages or hormones. Just smart farming. Free range grazing, grass fed animals are healthy and more flavorful food. 

I think its a huge deal that this Restaurant chain has taking this approach. 

It lays the path for other restaurants to do the same thing. 

And to top it off great up beat informative customer service in the restaurant. 

You choose from a 

Rice Bowl, Burrito, Taco or Salad Bowl.

Then you choose from:

CHICKEN

Naturally raised, marinated in

our chipotle adobo, then grilled.

BARBACOA

Naturally raised beef. Braised

for hours, then shredded.

VEGETARIAN

Includes our freshly made

guacamole and vegetarian

black beans.

STEAK

Marinated in our chipotle 

adobo, then grilled.

CARNITAS

Naturally raised pork. Braised

for hours, then shredded

You can choose Salsa in different heat levels, Cilantro-lime rice, red or black beans, lettuce, fajita vegetables, Guacamole and sour cream. Yumm!

I loved the adorable little bags of chips too.

Look for a Chipotle near you and run out and support these folks they are making a big difference in the culinary world!

Check out their informative cartoon to learn more about Chipotle's innovative approach to food.

100 Calorie McDonald's Fries!

Although I am a Chef, I'm not afraid to admit that my family eats-out. 

Convenince food is a part of everyone's life and so is McDonalds.

We have McDonalds at least once a month. 

So the other day while out and about we stopped and grabbed lunch. The girls had their Happy Meals as usual, and to my delight these adorable little fries were in their lunch!

Oh how I adore cute little food! 

You know whats even more cool about these little fries? 

They are a 100 Calorie serving! 

Along with apple wedges that now come with every Happy Meal. 

 I think the Happy Meal is a really sensible choice.

Sure I can make my kids chicken nuggets from scratch and baked french fries but when I'm traveling or out of time a McDonald's Happy Meal is a great choice. 

Now if they only offered soy milk to drink, that would be perfection!

"The True Nature of Tarot" review

Today I'm reviewing the "The True Nature of Tarot, 

Your Path to Personal Empowerment" 

by Diane Wing M.A.

The true Nature of Tarot is about helping the reader understand Tarot Card reading. Diane Wing does a good job of writing from a neutral perspective dispelling the negative connotations associated with both reading Tarot cards and having cards read for you. Diane Wing uses many personal experiences to better explain the subjects she discusses.

"The True Nature of Tarot" is for anyone interested in learning to read Tarot cards or educating yourself enough to understand Tarot cards when they are read for you. 

For those interested in learning to read Tarot the author takes the reader through the following:

Understanding personal psychic sensations

Personal techniques for grounding yourself before giving a reading

Choosing a Tarot Deck

Things to do before reading cards

Setting up for the reading

Different options of spreading the cards

Seeing Patterns in the cards

Interpreting the cards

and Ethical Considerations for a reader.

The section on Interpreting the cards is extensive.  All 78 cards are given equal explanation and accompanied with pictures to identify each card. I liked that the author describes every detail in each card. Every detail has a meaning or  sentiment. 

Wing also offers multiple interpretations of each card along with "Key Words" for better understanding.

For those who just want to educate themselves about Tarot before having cards read for them, the author offers these tips.

Choosing a Practitioner 

The psychology of Tarot

and Interpreting the Cards.

Reading the "The True Nature of Tarot" has awaken my own curiosity about Tarot reading. I think Tarot could be used as a personal guide to help you make better informed decisions.

Stay tuned I might even give it a try!!

First Birthday Beauties

The begining of this month was my neice Chelsea's 1st Birthday. My sister went all out decorating for the party so I wanted to share some of the beautiful ideas she came up with.

Decor

  Look at these Gorgeous center pieces my Mom put together using mason jars.

My sister added butterflies to these paper lanterns.

I love the color combination of pink and purple.

Check out this awesome memory board with all of Chelsea's one year mile stones and firsts.

Food

 Rainbow Fruit Tray

 Grandma Jackson's Macaroni and Cheese

 Butterfly Cookie Favors

 Mini Smash Cake for the Birthday Baby

 Butterfly Cupcake Toppers

Happy 1st Birthday Chelsea Pie!!! 

xoxo

McDonalds Is Just Getting Better

Recently 

I was invited to try the 

New Blueberry Banana Walnut Oatmeal 

at McDonalds.

 I have to say it was a hit!

 The Walnuts are on the side, we left those out. 

The fresh blueberries on top really stood out to the girls. 

They jumped right in.

Can you believe I got this at McDonalds?

Well we did! 

It's so refreshing to find this warm breakfast on the run.

McDonald's has several menu items that use fresh fruit.

 Like the Blueberry Banana Walnut Oatmeal and the Fresh Fruit Smoothies.

Knowing that has really changed my perception of McDonald's. 

Now I can order something wholesome and nutritious and not feel guilty later.

Thank You to McDonalds for having us and the awesome breakfast. 

Road Trip Snacks

We hit the road this past weekend and instead of stopping off and grabbing food I packed us lots of snacks to munch in the car.

We packed:

P&J are standards in our house. 

Cheese sticks wrapped with salami, cucumber slices, watermelon slices and blueberries, grapes, chippy chips, animal crackers and nectarines. 

All of our snacks were bagged in snack size bags.

For my snack bag I packed a full lunch, ham and avocado sandwich, Baba Ghanouj and cucumber sticks, and chips for dipping.

Traveling can be expensive so I like to save money on food. 

Plus I can pack us healthy snacks and not so healthy snacks in moderation. 

Happy Travels folks!

Madagascar Movie Party

Thanks to the Claritin Mom's Crew. 

We had so much fun at our Madagascar Movie Party. 

In celebration of the release of Madagascar 3 Europe's Most Wanted.

We were selected to screen Madagascar, and Madagascar 2, Escape  to Africa. 

We ate lots of popcorn and all kinds of goodies! 

 Madagascar 3 is about Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, and Gloria the Hippopotamus.  The group sets out to return to New York after escaping to Africa. Dependent on the mechanical know-how of the notorious chimpanzees and penguins, their plan inevitably goes awry and they find themselves stranded in Monte Carlo, where they try to escape Europe from animal control led by Captain Chantel DuBois by joining up with a traveling circus by chance. 


Led by the venerable Siberian tiger Vitaly, the animal-centered circus has seen better days. During the course of a tour through a series of European cities that ends in a fabulous big top in the heart of London, Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria help Vitaly the tiger, Gia the jaguar, and Stefano the sea lion, rediscover their passion for show business and reinvent circus performance.

We can't wait to go see it in the theaters!

Thank you to Claritin for allowing us to host this fun party!

All opinions are my own, I am part of the Claritin Mom's Crew. 

I received copies of both Madagascar and Madagascar 2, as well as party favors and samples of Claritin.




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madagascar_3:_Europe's_Most_Wanted

Food Facts: Are you still drinking SODA?

I know Americans love our soda, but it's really not good for us.

 I limit my intake to ginger ale when my stomach is a little upset. 

My girls have tried soda but it's rare they have any soda. 

I came across this info graph on Pinterest. 

It's not new info I've been ranting about soda forever. 

I LOVE info graphs so I thought sharing this would be informative.

Maybe even fun. 

I'm weird like that. 

When food facts make me uncomfortable I use that unpleasant feeling to avoid those foods.

So if your like me maybe this will help you kick your soda kick.

Saul Williams

I love new music!
If you know nothing about spoken word, welcome to the world.
Saul Williams is by far perfection in the spoken word world.
He was certainly one of the first and really the most talented.
He has experimented and mastered spoken word put to music.
 I'd call him a rapper but that would confuse you. He's way more then that.
He just a beautiful artist.
Personally I'm a huge fan, genetically I'm a first cousin.
Here is a new video from Saul Williams.
The song is called "DNA/CODED."
Enjoy!

Saul Williams - DNA / Coded Language from Mitch Fillion (southernsouls.ca) on Vimeo.

Living In The Moment

 Love the moment 

and the energy of that moment 

will spread beyond all boundaries.

--Corita Kent

"We women who do too much have a terrible time loving the moment. We are always making lists and eyeing the tasks that are just around the corner when we need to be busy working on the task at hand. 

Hence, rarely does anything get our full, undivided attention." 

Because of this subtle distractibility and lack of presence, we miss a lot."

"When we really can be in the moment, the very process of being in the moment radiates into the crevices of our life and begins to dust out the cobwebby corners."

PRESENCE is such a gift...to myself and others.

From MEDITATION for WOMEN Who DO TOO MUCH  

by Anne Wilson Schaef

I'm Art.

Last Summer I was asked to model by my neighbor, Julie. 

Just a few photos that she would use to add my likeness to a character she was painting. 

The kids got a kick out of coming to the photo shoot. 

After a few months of painting, here is the final product.

I'm ART! 

My face looks a little fat and I'm making a weird expression but I think the painting is really cool.

I'm flattered to have been asked. 

The painting is one of several Julie is doing for an author who wants illustrations for the book he is writing.

 In this painting I'm one of the three winds meeting to decide which way the Dragon should go. 

The Dragon is taking that wolf somewhere.

I'm not intentionally being vague, that was all the detail I could remember.

Change is Good!

Good Morning!

Its just a few days before Easter and I wanted to say a quick hello and share a bit.

I have been very busy lately. 

Most of my daily routine has been focused on the Fam and very little on me.

So naturally the blog has suffered a bit.

This blog is a place where I dump all the things in my head and try and make sense of it all. 

It doesn't always make sense, but hey, I'm not perfect. 

And then there is the actual work of maintaining a blog.
There's a lot of fancy foot work going on behind the curtains over here!
Honestly,  I can't say I have this whole blogging thing figured out.
Hey, you learn as you go.

What I know for sure is that I LOVE to share.
As I have learned recently, I LOVE to share more than most people.
I just think of sharing as a way of getting to know someone.
I share, YOU share kind of thing.
I now realize everyone isn't like that, and that's just fine.
 I have a great number of daily visitors according to Google,
that read my blog but don't comment, or say Hi.
They're all welcome!
I just wanted to give you all a heads up that my format is changing.
No worries, I'm simply changing the way I share, and a few cosmetic details.

I want the blog to be a better reflection of me.
Basically, I'm just going to get out of my own way.
And just let it flow.
I will bring you all the things that spark my interest, or makes me curious.
YOU come on by whenever and check it all out.
I hope you enjoy and get something from all this.
As always I hope you....

Wish to be MORE.

Remember, Life is what you make it.

Get your Vision out of your head. Manifest.

Share your IDEAS.

Ask and you shall receive.

Be clear of your Intentions.

&

Be neutral.

Yelena 

Yearbook Nostalgia & Shutterfly

Alright so today is a share day.

Do you ever pull out an old year book and just marvel at the old pictures chocked full of nostalgia?

That's me top center.Yes, I was in the Gardening Club, and I loved it!

I love my yearbooks. It's like visiting a warm memory when ever I like. 

It's also an easy laugh when I need it.

The only thing I don't like about my yearbook is the quality of the picture.

But  the folks at Shutterfly now offer Shutterfly Yearbooks.

Shutterfly Yearbooks are the easiest and most affordable way to preserve school memories for your child and your school, helping parents of a single student, class or an entire school, easily create specially designed page templates for school activities, subjects, and student classroom and faculty photos. 

Use their specially designed page templates to capture school activities along with favorite student, classroom and faculty pictures. Make it just the way you want with our All New Custom Path.

Shutterfly's award-winning photo books are printed in color and professionally bound. 

Your Yearbook is saved forever and you can re-order it at any time.

Plus look at the gorgeous color pictures. 

I am a huge fan of Shutterfly Photo books so these new Photo Yearbooks are just awesome.

You can check out Shutterfly on Pinterest, or Facebook. Just Click.

So Check them out!

The Scars Say it All.

I recently found these images on Pinterest and from the moment I saw them they spoke to me. 

For me the images are a mixture of beauty, pain, guts, and beautifully striking femininity.

Self possession, love and hope in the face of disease. 

After a little research I discovered these images are part of a campaign called 

The Scar Project.

The Scar Project started as a series of large scale portraits on display touring the country this summer. And also published into a beautiful book, and a documentary.

I love their tag line "Breast Cancer is Not A Pink Ribbon." 

The Scar Project hopes to raise consciousness about the more than 10,000 women diagnosed every year with early onset breast cancer. 

These women survivors are absolutely inspiring, and fearless.

They have reclaimed their bodies from death and stand bold and strong in life. 

My grandmother was a breast cancer survivor. 

I don't remember a lot about her except that she was a very bold and powerful woman. 

She cared little about what people thought, she spoke her mind, and lived her passions.

I hope I'm a little like her. She would have really loved these pictures I think. 

She might have even posed in one of them. 

These photographs show me that women every where can beat breast cancer if it's detected early. 

And a mastectomy or a lumpectomy are not the end of femininity, 

but rather beautiful transformations into women warriors.

They say what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.

I admire their strength.

I'd also like to encourage everyone to do self breast exams (click the link to learn how), 

as well as see your doctor for your yearly exam.

Detection is key!

Free breast screening is also available at Planned Parenthood. 

Planned Parenthood is a great resource for low cost or if needed free health screenings.

So don't let "them" take that away from us!

Be bold, be brave, be yourself, own your body!

Women are Warriors.

Thank you to those who come before me.