GIVE THANKS. GIVE ME FIVE.

1. Thankful that there is power in the name of Jesus.

2. Thank God today was my last work day for the week!

3. Thank you Lord today is payday.

4. Thankful for a warm bed tonight.

5. Thankful for life! 

GIVE THANKS. GIVE ME FIVE!

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

1. Health and Strength

2. Another day!(hump day)

3. Quality time with my Mom

4. Peace and Understanding

5.  Tonight's hot meal on this cold night

What are you thankful for?

GIVE THANKS. GIVE ME FIVE!

I AM THANKFUL FOR: 

1.  Thankful for my job.

2.  Thankful for being in my right mind.

3.  Thankful for my Molly.

4.  Thankful for loyal friends.

5.  Thankful for tonight's spaghetti dinner.

What are you thankful for?

THANKFUL: GIVE ME FIVE.

Last year a friend of mine was doing a series of stating five things to be thankful for throughout the month of November. I thought it was such a good idea and I did the same thing she did. I decided to do it again this year. Let's Gooo....

Here We Go:
1. Waking up this morning
2. Genuine Friendship
3.  Loving Parents
4.  Breath of Life
5. Knowing God is truly in Control

What are you thankful for?

I NEED FIVE DOWN.

It's a new week! I am still trying to remain healthy, with a few cheats here and there, but I don't ever, ever plan to be the weight I use to be. I still have about 13 pounds to get to my 1st goal. It's been a long process but I plan to stick it out.

Any who, I want to lose weight and I want to get vacation ready!(later post) This week I decided to go meatless. This is going to be sooooo hard!  I love meat! We do a lot of chicken and turkey. Occasionally, we will have beef. I mostly do beef because I am anemic and when I was going "through"  the doctor wanted me to eat beef at least 3x a week. But now, I don't eat that much beef.  And Pork, well, every now and then I need to have me a pork chop sandwich or a chopped bbq sandwich. But trust me, those days are very far apart!

I am hoping the no meat will help take off some pounds this week. Praying!! 

Today I did very well! I did mess up and had a handful of chips and a handful of candy corn. Trying to lay off the sweets too! But I will give myself a pat on the back with not having the delicious baked chicken that I made for Sunday dinner yesterday. Plus, when I came in from work, my mother saved me two wings to go with my dinner. I said, Nope! No meat for me! She was shocked. I tried to get her to join me when I told her what I was thinking about yesterday while we were cooking but she said, Uhhh, all week? She maybe I will do two or three nights. lol  I will take that! It's a process but I am sticking to it!

Stay tuned!

PRESSURE UPDATE.

Today I went back to the dr for lab work and  for her my blood pressure to be checked. Of course, the higher dosage of water pill keeps me in the bathroom. Oh Great! Believe me it is definitely working!!! Well, I began taking the pill last week when she gave me the prescription. She wanted to see if my pressure would come down from the water pill instead of increasing the blood pressure pill. 

I arrive at the dr and of course my pressure is 132/96. Huh??  Can't be... The top number decreased and the bottom number went up 2 points. I am really confused. Since I had lad work done, I am going to wait until next week to find out my results and then I can talk to her about my blood pressure. I thought maybe the medicine wasn't in my system long enough. I shall keep you posted. I had some blood work to figure out my allergies. I am trying to eliminate as much intake of medicine as possible. Hopefully, there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel!       

POST-IT TUESDAY/RANDOM.

CHECK UP.

Tuesday I had a dr appointment.  This appointment was with my general practitioner. I FINALLY found one that I liked, so I am sticking with her. Actually, the last time I went to see my Oncologist my blood pressure was higher than it normally is. I know I have stated this over and over but every time I go to the dr my pressure is ALWAYS high. Not extremely high, but not where it should be.(142/94) That's not good! The nurse told me that I should check with my doctor because maybe they need to increase my high blood pressure medicine. Ugghh...I'm trying to get off the medicine NOT increase it!

She told me that she would not increase the blood pressure meds but she would increase my water pill. I hope and pray that works! I hate taking medicine. I have been trying to eat better and continuing to lose weight. Next Thursday she is going to do labs and to check the things out that the oncologist doesn't look at.

Oh yea...hate needles too!   wish me luck!! 

WHITE.

Last Thursday was the new season of Scandal. Yaaaaay!!!  Well, from previous post you know that I caught up on season 1 and 2 when I was in ATL in August. Then, my mother wanted to jump on the Gladiator fix so I ordered the seasons so my mom could catch up too. So I got a double dose, Anyway, I LOVE the way they dress Kerry Washington. I know that they dress her a lot in white but last nights outfit......FIRE!!!! 

Last Thursday"Liv" had on a fierce white trench coat. OMGGGGG!!!! It was bad. Of course that was the talk all over my Facebook news feed. It looks like the coat is from Burberry costing $1500.00.  HUH?
Yes, for a coat! Well, I love the coat but not that much. The coat had so many views and likes that its currently sold out.

Before I saw her coat, I decided that I was going to look for a white coat for the winter months. Even though here in the SC it doesn't get that cold but those early mornings when I go to church I will need a coat. So I am on the hunt for a white coat! But here is "Liv's" coat!

SHE DID THAT!!!

THINK PINK!

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS! 

DON'T FORGET TO GET CHECKED!

MEN AND WOMEN....

FIX YOUR MIND - SENT BY JOYCE

Fix Your Mind TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “Whatever is true, whatever is honest, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is kind, if there is any virtue, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria What you think about determines the quality and direction of your life. Naturally, people who think positive, uplifting thoughts have happier, healthier, longer lives. They are less stressed, more vibrant and enjoy better sleep. That’s why the scripture encourages us to think on good things — things that are true, noble and lovely. Some translations say to “fix your mind” on them. When you fix your mind on noble things, you close the door to the negative voices and open your heart to allow God to work in your life. Choose today to fix your mind on good things. Do whatever you need to in order to keep those good thoughts before you. Write them on note cards and put them in a place where you can see them. Confess God’s promises over your life and declare His blessing on a daily basis. As you fix your mind on the goodness of God, you will rise higher in every area of your life. You will be filled with His peace and victory, and you’ll see every dream and desire in your heart come to pass. A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father in heaven, I choose to fix my mind on noble things. I choose thoughts of peace and victory. Fill my heart with Your goodness that I may glorify You in everything I do in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

DR. OZ

The other day I turned to Dr. Oz. I don't watch all the time but when I do remember to watch he always has something on his show that I can benefit from. On his show, it seems like they had a recipe for slimming down smoothie. They said go to his pinterest page but I couldn't find it BUT I did come across something else.

I found a slimming down swimsuit drink. I know, I know summer and swimsuit season is over BUT I guess I could still try and slim down no matter what season. Right? Well, the recipe is suppose to cut fat. I need a whole lot cut! hahahaha You drink this before every meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Once I saw it, I ran to the kitchen to make it. It worked out well because I was about to have dinner before I headed to the gym.

Here's the drink!

1 cup of orange, grapefruit or pineapple juice

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp of honey

DRINK UP!    

DINNER TONIGHT

HAPPY TUESDAY!

Since I didn't have to work today I decided to cook dinner. Woo Hoo...I am still trying to drop pounds and I still have about 15-20 pounds to go before I reach my 1st goal. Lord, it is so hard. PS. I love to eat! But anyway, I thought I would go healthy. Well, I thought it was healthy. If it wasn't then it was close.

My dad bought me this healthy chef baking mat to cook on.(see below) It is suppose to drain the grease from your food. Tonight I decided to use it. I made two types of chicken. I made mom and dad just a basic bake chicken and for myself, I made jerk chicken. Mmmmm...I love a little spice to my food. They don't. For my dad, who loves rice, I prepared him chicken and rice. I used some of the chicken and cooked in on top of the stove and added rice to eat and he had that with sweet peas.  

For mom and myself, I decided to roast some red potatoes, which I used a recipe from pinterest.. I cut the potatoes in chunks and I put a little olive oil, salt and pepper. I put them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. Then I prepared some(skinny) string beans. I tossed them as well in the oil, added a little salt and some red pepper flakes. I poured them on top of the red potatoes and turned to heat up from 400 to 450 degrees for about 20-25 more minutes. 

Dinner was delish! The mat is a good investment and it cleans great too! I guess I was too hungry to snap a quick picture. I hope everyone had a great and day and it continues to a better evening!    

   

FORGETTING WHAT IS BEHIND - SENT BY JOYCE

Forgetting What Is Behind TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” (Philippians 3:13, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria We all go through disappointments, setbacks and things that we don’t understand. Maybe you prayed for a loved one, but they didn’t get well. Or maybe you worked hard for a promotion, but you didn’t get it. You stood in faith for a relationship, but it didn’t work out. One of the best things you can do is release it. Let it go. Don’t dwell on it anymore. If you go around wondering why things didn’t work out, all that will do is lead to bitterness, resentment and self-pity. Before long, you’ll be blaming others, blaming yourself, or even God. You may not understand what happened. It may not have been fair. But when you release it, it’s an act of your faith. You’re saying, “God, I trust You. I know You’re in control. And even though it didn’t work out my way, You said, ‘All things are going to work together for my good.’ So I believe You still have something good in my future.” There is power in letting go of the past and the frustration of trying to figure everything out. When you release your questions, you are saying, “God, You are in control. I trust You.” And when you put your hope in God, that’s when He can heal your heart and lead you forward into victory. A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, I come to You today giving You my hurts and questions. Help me to forgive and release the past. Heal my heart and restore my soul. Show me the good plan You have for my future as I keep my mind stayed on You in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

12 YEARS

DOUBLE DOSE

It's Monday and I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend! I didn't have much planned for the weekend but I did a double dose at the gym. NOT ME?? Well, yes...There is a certain instructor that I like at the gym for the Zumba class and she only teaches on Monday and Saturday. Since being in ATL, I had to get back into the flow up the gym. I noticed that for the new gym schedule there were more classes added, which one of the classes added was Yoga. Oh Yea!! I have been wanting to try Yoga for the longest!

Well, Saturday I had the opportunity to have Zumba with the instructor I love @10AM then Yoga @130PM. I was excited! I even goggled  what was Yoga and what to wear. I even found a Yoga mat at Walmart for $5.00. Can't beat that right?

Getting back into Zumba since being in ATL was a little rough since I hadn't worked out. It was a good fun. Yoga was phenomenal. I really enjoyed it! The class was very small which was good because I was trying to learn the moves. The instructor was very cool. A little chatty, but she was good. 

Unfortunately, I went home very sore and evidently came down with a little bug. I was thinking it was allergies but it turned out to be a little cold. I got some medicine and I am on the road to recovery! Amen!!! So glad this "bug" didn't last long.       

CHARLOTTE BOUND.

TAKING IN THE SIGHTS ON THE WAY TO CHARLOTTE!  

LOVE BEING A PASSENGER SOMETIMES....

I went to Charlotte, NC on Labor day and loved it!! I just LOVE Charlotte. On my previous post I listed a few things that I was going to do and one of them was to go to Charlotte, which we did. We didn't go for a BBQ but we just ordered food and had a good time laughing and talking. And let's not forget about me going to Pinkberry! Ahhhhh.... 

I did do some baking on Saturday. Actually, I baked two things but one of them didn't come out good so of course I didn't take any pictures. But I did make my granola bars. Mmmmm....I love these things! I have made them before with strawberry jam which came from a recipe of Pioneer Women.(food network) Instead of strawberry, I used blueberries. We picked a lot, I mean a lot of blueberries this year so I wanted to put them to use. I made a blueberry jam first then I continued with the same recipe as before. They are so good! I usually have with coffee. Delish!

GUESS I WILL BE HITTING THE GYM EXTRA HARD, BECAUSE I CAN'T EAT JUST ONE!

I hope everyone had a safe and an enjoyable weekend! Even though we are still having 90 degree weather, Are you ready for fall?      

GOODBYE SUMMER.

This is not so! I can't believe this weekend is Labor day weekend. It seems like every year I let the end of summer sneak up on me and I have no plans. I even tried to get in a mini vacay in the time share to Myrtle Beach before the summer is officially over but Nope! Not a chance...

In order to get to Myrtle Beach you have to almost book it a year in advance. Whhhaaat?? Crazy right?
So we just booked for next summer and that wasn't even a guarantee. We are on a waiting list.

ANY PLANS FOR THE WEEKEND?

Well, I don't have anything really planned but here are some of our(Mom) options for the weekend....

1. Go to Charlotte to my Aunt and Uncle's to put some hot dogs on the grill. And oh yea...a pinkberry trip! 

2. Riding to Columbia for some Roti! Mmmmmm....

3. Going to the movies to see Butler.

4. Watching LMN...

5. Baking

STAY TUNED!!

HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL WEEKEND. ENJOY!!! 

TRUST YOURSELF.

Trust yourself.

I get myself into trouble ALL the time. I have learned to trust and believe that I will learn and become stronger from ALL my mistakes. I have even learned to welcome and enjoy them. CRAZY RIGHT? Mistakes don't create regret for me when I have been courageous enough to go for it, especially Cancer. I have only regretted the moments I was too afraid to go for what I really wanted because of my fear to FAIL. For me, life is about creating an art of how to get out of the holes we fall into, not about creating an art of not falling into them.

A life AIN'T worth living if your not going to live it EVERYDAY. With the quick changes in my life, I had to learn this! 

Trust yourself to fail and to win. Trust yourself EVERYDAY to live the life you truly desire. 

QUIET SUNDAY AND I AM BACK IN THE SC~!

ATL was awesome but it was GREAT to be home! I haven't unpacked anything. I just did NOTHING! 

Well, that is what I thought I was going to do but my mother had other plans....Making a quick dessert! It was quick and easy!

IT'S ALL GOOD! 

PEACH CRUMBLE DUMP CAKE!

Actually, it was pretty good. I used fresh peaches.

The recipe called for 9x13 baking dish but I decided to 

try a cast iron pan. SCORE!

A LITTLE BIT MORE OF THIS AND THAT IN ATL!!

Thursday night dinner with another cousin before I leave.

Fried Catfish, Crawfish hush-puppies and black-eye pea risotto

Lemon Cheesecake to end it all! Pinot Grigio on deck.... 

Day at the Park! It's snack time.

Busy!

While Mommy and son played, baby and I took in a few laps!

 Can you push me please??

Me and Baby G bonding on my last night. 

A LITTLE BIT OF THIS AND THAT IN THE ATL!!!

LIL G IS PLAYING!!!

THE BEGINNING OF A HEARTY SALAD FOR DINNER

CAN YOU TELL MY COUSIN WAS HUNGRY!

 

A GOLDEN CRUST!!! WOO HOO...RICE AND PEAS WITH OXTAILS

OH YEA AND SWEET PLAINTAINS! 

OMG...IT WAS DELISH!

HMMM,,,TOWN MEETING??

 LOL..

THE MOUNTAINS!! YES, MY FAMILY LIVES IN THAT PART OF ATL

SCANDAL

Happy Monday!

I know I am extremely late with this post but.....(wait)  

I HAVE JOINED THE GLADIATOR NATION!!!

Can you believe it? After 2 seasons I am finally on board. Well, this is what had happened.....laughing 

When the talk came about Scandal coming on I was excited about watching but it seems like I must have forgotten it came on. The weeks, days and then months went by and I just said forget it. I would see all these posts on my Facebook news-feed but I knew it was too far into the season for me to catch on. I really don't like watching anything in the middle of a show and especially a series.

A few weeks ago I noticed that BET was going to run all the episodes two weekends in a row. Finally, I will be able to watch what ALL the hype was all about. I knew it was no way possible I would be able to watch all day from 8am to 10pm. How am I going to do this because this is my opportunity and I can't miss out. Just in conversation with my cousin she said, Oh I watched Scandal! We can just tape them all and I will help you through it.She walked me through but not telling me too much but allowing me to figure things out but giving me minimal hints. I was sitting on the edge of my seat in between my "nanny" duties! lol

So bloggers, I am all caught up. Well, I thought I was caught up. They didn't show the season finale she said. 

WHAAAAATTTTTT!!!!!

She said its been a while but I am almost sure that is not how it ended. So we Googled it! 

Yup...I didn't see the last episode.

 Now I have to figure out when I can see the last episode. I'm hooked!!! 

      Fitz: [to Olivia] You can't fix the fact that I love you. That I love you more than I love being President. I have told you that I'd give it all up for you again and again, and you know what I think? i think you don't believe me. I think you believe that I will never choose you. Well, this time, I'm fixing things.

Read more tv spoilers at: http://www.tvfanatic.com/quotes/shows/scandal/#ixzz2cRJv3zse

     

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ATL TAILGATE AND CONCERT

I apologize for being so behind on my blogs but I have been a little busy helping my cousins with their toddler and newborn son. It's been very hands on but it has been GREAT bonding with the family. I have been calling myself the nanny, and loving it! Well, last weekend the nanny had some downtime. LOL

Before I arrived, my other cousin who had just moved into a townhouse and was preparing for a housewarming/get-together on Sunday the 11th, which is a birthday. She also told me there was a cookout the same weekend she wanted me to attend on that Saturday before her event. Well, things fell through with her event but she still wanted me to come to her friends cookout. It worked out well since I was coming to be the nanny.  It turns out that it was more than a cookout, it was a tailgate party. I haven't been to a tailgate party since college. I always thought tailgate was for football. This was a little different. They had a tailgate for a concert, which was outdoors. 

When we arrived it was just cars, trucks, tents, RV's galore! Oh and lets not forget the different sounds of music. As usual I am so bad with pictures. I may have a few pics I can share of me. I had the curly look going on because it seemed to be the hottest day in ATL. I probably look a little frazzled because it was hot and I was stuffed, There was tons and tons of food. I think all of the weight I lost I may have gained it back that day but I had an awesome time mingling and getting to know my cousin's friends. Love a great time! 

                                  OMGGG...IT'S HOT...I WAS TRYING TO BE CUTE....LOL 

Here's the host of the tailgate and let me not forget it was her birthday weekend so she was all the way turnt up.(I'm trying to be hip!) hahahaha... 

 JUST TRYING TO KEEP COOL!

MY COUSIN NICOLE ON THE RIGHT, BIRTHDAY GIRL MEON IN THE MIDDLE(SHE HAD HER LEG UP, ITS NOT MISSING...LOL) AND HER FRIEND KIM

Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of the concert but we were on the lawn with our blankets and unfortunately it began to ran so I wasn't really a happy person because as you can see I had on a white shirt and after the rain, I probably could have been in a white t-shirt contest. But seeing SWV, ZAP and Cameo was great, Love SWV and listening to old school music was great. I don't remember all the groups but I felt real 70's out on the lawn waving and singing! 

I HAD A BLAST!!!  

ATL

Happy Saturday!!! I know I have been missing in action and I apologize. I have been in Atlanta since August 6th. You ask why?

My cousin gave birth to her second child. She already has a toddler. She asked me while she was still pregnant would I be able to come and give her a hand with the children. Of course, I said sure! Anyone that really knows me knows that I LOVE CHILDREN. Unfortunately, God saw things differently and I will not be able to birth my own children but I continue to be thankful for my life. Any who...

I still have more to share but I just wanted to let you know that I haven't abandoned you all!
More to come....

Enjoy your weekend! Muah...xo

PINNED IT AND TRIED IT!!

I LOVE Pinterest!!! I think I look on it everyday. I am always pinning something to prepare and I haven't had the time to do but now that I have some free time I was able to do some baking.

Why do I have free time? Well, things have been slow at the daycare so my services aren't needed until the children go back to school. Well, I can catch up on some needed sleep.

Anyway, I was watching Pioneer Woman on the food network channel. Oh, did I tell you,

 I LOVE THE FOOD CHANNELS.   

Well, she made homemade strawberry granola bars. Like I said before, I have been wanting to try things I pin and I don't get a chance. I always wanted to try granola bars. As I watched the show they looked so simple. The ingredients are: all purpose flour, brown sugar, oats, cold butter, jam(I used strawberry) My first reaction was, That's it?? I have all of those ingredients in the house. All I did was mix all of the dry ingredients. Put one layer of the jam and then spread the jam and top with dry mixture.  That's it!! The only thing I did was cut it before time. I should have waited until it was completely cold but I was that anxious and oh so greedy! After the first little cut, I waited until it was cold to cut into bars. They are delicious!

My dad was expecting me to add fresh blueberries since he has been picking them as if its his job. He has a blueberry tree, the neighbors have blueberry trees so he is out there everyday picking. I would have done the blueberries but I would have to make them into preserves and I didn't feel like doing that but I will the next time I make them. Oh yea! I will be making these again. 

WHAT YOU THINK?

   

Are you on Pinterest? Like it?

MOTIVATIONAL WEDNESDAY - SENT BY JOYCE

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!

Living Full of God TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “You shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace...” (Isaiah 55:12, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria The word “enthusiasm” comes from the Greek word “entheos.” “Theos” is God. When you’re enthusiastic, it simply means you are full of God. When you get up in the morning excited about your future, recognizing that day is a gift and go out with a spring in your step, pursuing your goals, passionate about life, then God will breathe in your direction. Studies tell us that people who are enthusiastic get better breaks. They’re promoted more often. That’s not a coincidence. When you’re full of passion, you have the favor of God. Remember, God didn’t breathe His life into us to drag through the day. He didn’t create us in His image, crown us with His favor, equip us with His power to just go through the motions of life. You may have had some setbacks, the wind may have been taken out of your sail, but this is a new day! God wants to breathe new life back into you. If you’ll get your fire and passion back, the wind will start blowing once again. When you’re in agreement with God, He can cause the winds of favor to shift in your direction! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, thank You for another day, another opportunity to praise You and pursue the dreams You’ve given me. Help me to stay filled with Your joy, which is strength, so I can serve You with my whole heart in everything that I do in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

FAMILY REUNION '13 - WE HAD A GREAT TIME!!

Happy Tuesday!!!

We had a wonderful time at the Family Reunion!! It wasn't the entire family but the few that came, we had an amazing time! I think I gained 10 pounds in just those couple of days. 

Hmmmm... guess I will be working that off at the gym. I really need to get focused but anywho, this post is about family time!

Saturday we had tons and tons of food. I think we might have had too much food. I snapped a few photos on my phone because I am so bad with bringing my camera along. Enjoy the photos!

Let's Eat!

My Dad cleaning the Grill! He think he is the grill master! lol

 Let me get some chicken!

Mmmmmmm......Burgers!

 Warming the Ribs!!!

The Pastor saying the blessing! Yea, I know I was busy taking pics! Hehehehe

Friend of the Family!

Sausages!!!

Waiting and Waiting....

Hurry up Chicken!!

My aunt thinks she is doing something! Not!!! lol

 My cousin making deviled eggs!

My mom back there putting hot dogs on!!

Oh Yea! 

We ended this happy day with a word from the Pastor on Sunday at the family church. I forgot to snap some photos but they served dinner after church was over. What a feast!!! After dinner, I went to see my Grandma and Grandpa's grave-site on the church grounds.

It was an awesome reunion! I can't wait until next year!!!