As we close out the year 2013, I would like to take this time to say, “Thank You” to all my wonderful bloggy friends and followers.
A Blog is defined as:
“a personal website or web page on which an individual records opinions, links to other sites, etc. on a regular basis.”
Yet it is so much more, a blog becomes part of you, a special part of your life an extension of your personality. If done in the right spirit it can fill you with added joy and happiness.
Each of you in your own unique way has definitely added more joy and happiness to my life. When you take the time to read and comment on my posts, write your own uplifting and informational posts – take beautiful photographs and fashionable attire, you open your home and hearts to others…and all of this makes my life brighter.
Thank you all my bloggy friends for everything you have done and for everything that you are! Continue inspiring, delighting and informing others with your blogs.
I am wishing you Peace and Prosperity as we enter another year in our lives.
I trust you all had a wonderful weekend and I know most of you are still on holiday which probably made it even better. Did you hit the stores and do a little more shopping or did you just stay home and relax?
I went back to work on Thursday but took off on Friday and it was mah-va-lous, I put on a pair of leggings, a tunic and no makeup, it was great.
Christmas 2013 was very nice, a little quieter than in previous years but never the less it was nice being together as a family. None of us got up before 10, and after opening our gifts we spent a lazy day watching “A Christmas Story“, eating and napping.
This was my husband’s first try at stocking stuffing and I had to laugh because mine looked as though it threw up a scarf! The Moscato was a gift from Pockets Discount Liquors and I will popping it open on New Year’s Eve.
A stadium chair for those hard bleachers at Malik’s wrestling matches; Philadelphia Eagles car mats for Tayair and another jewelry box to help me organize the top of my dresser.
Tayair received a US Polo Assn jacket and the Polaroid A8 Tablet that I purchased from Walgreens.
Baltimore Raven’s pajama bottoms, a US Polo Assn jacket and heavy duty car mats for al-Malik.
Socks (thrown a-la A Christmas Story), Old Spice and a Fireproof Safe
Sitting here at the kitchen table, cutting out coupons and watching the rain fall I decided to fire up the iPad and read my emails (multi-tasking to the max). After reading a new comment from Kirsten Womack I decided to repost the Kale and Black Eye Pea Soup recipe as a twist on my traditional New Year’s Eve dinner.
The cooking and eating of Black Eye Peas and Collard Greens is a New Year’s Day tradition deeply rooted in the African American culture. I have for many years always had a big pot of Black Eye Peas and Collard Greens simmering on the stove top while chicken wings were being deep fried on the side. It’s tradition to eat a little of each immediately after kneeling in prayer on New Years Eve for good luck and prosperity heading forward.
This year will be no exception, however, I may use the Crock Pot to cook them both together not only for the added luck but because it will make for an easier clean up.
We also send one of our sons outside with money in his pocket and then have him be the first to walk through the front door. This is not an African American tradition it’s just something fun to do!
What are your New Year’s Eve Traditions?
REPOST from 12/13/13
Today’s Friday Foodie Feature is Kale & Black Eye Pea Soup
Sunday I purchased a container of CutnClean Kale from Safeway to be used in my salads for the week. However, after hearing the weather forecast for more snow I decided to use it to make a Crock Pot soup with Black Eye Peas.
In the winter, my grandmother used to make the best homemade vegetable soups using ingredients she already had in the refrigerator, freezer or pantry. So in keeping with tradition I used some leftover celery stalks, an onion, garlic, carrots and Bouillon cubes to make this soup.
Ingredients:
Dry Black Eye Peas – 1/2 bag
Kale – 1/2 package
Celery – diced
Carrots – diced
Onion – diced
Garlic – diced
Bouillon Cubes (2)
Water
Olive Oil
Black Pepper
Smoked Turkey Necks (optional)
Mama Midget (yes that was her name), never used measuring cups or spoons so neither do I especially when using the Crock Pot. I just throw in what I have or think is enough.
Rinse and drain 1/2 bag of dry Black Eye peas
Add 2 Bouillon Cubes to 3 cups of hot water
Pour Olive Oil into Crock Pot just enough to cover bottom
Chop onion, garlic, carrots and celery and add to Crock Pot
Add Kale and sprinkle with Black Pepper
Pour in Bouillon Stock, adding more water to cover all ingredients if necessary
Stir and if desired add Smoked Turkey Legs or Necks
Cover and cook on low 8 hour, high 4 hours – depending on Crock Pot model. Don’t forget to make some Skillet Corn Bread!
Rinse beans in cool water and strain then dice onion into bite size pieces. Spray Crock Pot with a cooking spray for easier cleanup.
Layer ribs and sprinkle with seasoning of choice, I crushed a Knorr’s Cilantro Bouillon Cube over mine.
Top with diced onions
Add beans and cans of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes
Stir slightly
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4 hours – depending on Crock Pot Model. Needless to say, the house was smelling delicious and my men loved it!
I think this might be my new favorite Crock Pot soup, what is yours?
Linking up with the Northeast Bloggers Network for the
I trust you all had an enjoyable and peaceful Christmas and that you received everything you wanted.
Today is the first day of Kwanzaa and the first principle is Umoja or “Unity”. As you go about your day I ask that you spread a little kindness with a smile or a simple “how doyou do”. This can make someone’s day brighter because we are all in this crazy mixed-up world together!
The last day of Kwanzaa is January 1st and if you have plans of going out for New Year’s Eve you’re probably in need of a new outfit.
As a stylist with the Goodwill 2014 Runway Show I’ve had the opportunity to pull together outfits for the various models. I’ve also pulled some dresses for the show that I think would be great for a New Year’s Eve event.
All of these dresses were under $20.00, most were only $5.00, so if you broke the bank at Christmas you can definitely save money for New Years.
Whether you’ll be dancing and prancing or just sitting and staring at others on the dance floor, you’ll look good doing it in a new dress or gown from Goodwill. Accessories such as new shoes, scarves, jewelry and handbags can also be found at your local Goodwill.
As you can see, several of these dresses and shoes are new with the tags still attached. There are definitely bargains to be found at Goodwill and you’ll be giving back and helping others in your community not only with your purchases but with your donations as well.
So what do you think, will it be a “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” or “Sex in the City” type of night?
Do you remember the days when we would decorate and trim the tree on Christmas Eve, then we started the weekend after Thanksgiving, then moved it up to Thanksgiving night,
and now it’s like what…the day after Halloween?
If you are a regular follower of mine then you know that I didn’t start decorating until Saturday….so now my tree is going to stay up until Valentine’s Day!
I recentlyvisited my favorite liquor store, Pockets Discount Liquors…no let me stop lying because if you also follow me on Foursquare you know I’m “The Mayor” of Pockets! Although I’m mainly a wino wine drinker, I do know others who enjoy something a wee bit more intoxicating so Sanjay and I came up with these “Tree Trimming Toddies”
So if like me you’re still up decorating, trimming the tree, and singing Christmas Carols loudly, please enjoy the night and remember to drink responsibly.
Do not walk home or drive if you’re under the influence and be careful while decorating for the holidays!
‘Twas 4 days before Christmas and all through the house not a gift was purchased…no not one…nothing even wrapped. Was I in a panic…no, not me…no mall trip to navigate no whoa is me! I jumped in the Sonata and drove down the street, parked and got out and entered the big “V”…oh I mean the “W” Walgreens.
Long gone are the days of Santa and toys, I now have mini-men, they are no longer little boys. Safety and Life Skills are things that they need, a job application and gas money will be under the tree! ‘Tis the season for a few little gifts so they’ll have something to unwrap when they finally roll out of bed….after 12 noon if that!
A Polaroid Tablet for Son #1, he can take notes in class, read a book or just have fun.
Wrestling, lifting, or just watching TV…they definitely both needed one of these!
Son #2 is up texting all night so he needs help in getting up and a Bluetooth for no talking while driving (I know it didn’t rhyme this time).
What to get hubby…oh boy…what does he need…nothing really, except maybe me! Can’t go wrong with a gift card…one or maybe two and with Walgreen’s big selection that wasn’t too hard to do.
Food and drinks and a trip to Lowe’s will fit the bill, added a little Dove Body Wash and all is chill.
Last minute gifts are sure to be found and if you need any assistance just look around, or maybe someone will greet you as soon as you walk in the door.
I am so glad to finally be done, no stress…no hassle…actually it was kinda fun!
Now it’s time to head home and wrap up these gifts and place them neatly under our beautifully decorated tree!
If you have any last minute gift buying to do head over to your local Walgreens as most stores are open until midnight.
Thursday evening I along with many other Facebook sweepstakes winners had an opportunity to attend the Pre-Grand Opening and Charity Night held at Westown Movies. The excitement for this event began when it was first announced that a movie theatre was going to be built in Middletown. Most residents in the M.O.T. (Middletown/Odessa/Townsend) area were happy and anxiously waited for what seemed like a long time for this much needed family entertainment venue.Westown Movies did not miss a beat in incorporating the local flair in it’s designs and features of the 44,500 square foot theatre. Upon entering the lobby you are greeted by a 1,100-square foot mural showcasing Middletown’s familiar landmarks Cochoran Square, the Everett Theatre and scenes from the Old Tyme Peach Festival. Thursday night’s event also showcased and benefited local organizations with donations to the Middletown’s Big Ball Marathon; the Appoquinimink Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House in Wilmington.Mascots representing the local schools entertained and posed for pictures with the children as well as with many of the adults.Earlier this year I met with Rick Roman, owner of Westown Movie theatre. He explained that movie goers would have an opportunity to experience movie watching unlike any other in the state including at the IMAX in Wilmington. Westown Movies is the first GTX theatre between New York and Washington to offer a deluxe auditorium with 300 luxury seats, a 2,200 square foot screen, Dolby Atmos surround sound with 128 tracks and 64 speakers. I don’t go to movies often and for the free screening it was a treat for me to be able to watch either Wolverine or Free Birds. Of course, I chose Wolverine and it definitely was an awesome experience, the picture clarity and magnificent surround sound was like no other! Another home town aspect of Westown Movies are the food selections from the self serve concession. In addition to normal popcorn and soda offerings, other foods being sold are from local Middletown businesses including Pat’s Pizza and Half Baked Patisserie.Westown Movies is helping in the growth of our community, the economics of our state and bringing jobs and family fun to the area which is a win-win for everyone.Tonight is the official Grand Opening of Westown Movies – so grab a date or your mate and head out for a fun filled evening at the theatre. You can also download the free app on Google Play or iTunes to purchase tickets online without an additional service charge being added to the in-lobby price.
Welcome Westown Movies
We are looking forward to many years of family fun entertainment!