The Fab Life for...Free

I'm Coming Back!!!

2013-09-30T17:04:00.001-05:00

Christmas Photo Card

2011-11-28T22:08:00.002-06:00

For the last few years, I've been slacking with sending out family Christmas photo cards, but NOT this year. Thanks to Shutterfly, Cyber Monday deals, and my mom's willingness to snap our photo I was able to get our Christmas cards done!

I'm so happy!

Tell me what you think!

Merry Christmas!

Faith Love Family Religious

Modern shower invitations and holiday cards by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Just Fabulous Debacle

2011-11-17T19:43:00.000-06:00

I'm not much of a shopper. I've got better things to do with my time and money like: go on a tropical vacation, fine dining, going to shows, and helping others in need. However, I do like to web browse at various online retail sites, just to see what's out there and how much it costs. I like to at least be aware of what's on trend.

One day I stumbled across Kimora Lee's latest project, Just Fabulous. I thought, "What a genius idea! The most fashionable shoes, boots, purses and jewelry for only $39.95." This price point is still a little high for me, but I could see how it would be just right for the modern day fashionista. I was so compelled by the business model, that I went ahead and signed up and took a fashion quiz so that they could recommend certain styles according to my taste, and I logged off the site and went about my day.

A few days later, I got an e-mail saying that I could get anything on the site for only $19.95, no tax and no shipping fees. I couldn't pass up a deal this great, and would help me update my look and it would help me to look halfway trendy. I really don't like buying shoes that I can't try on, touch, and see, so I opted to get a purse (pictured below).

I mean it's cute, but definitely NOT the quality I was expecting, but it was only $20. So, I went about my life as usual, when several months later there's a $39.95 charge on my account from Just Fabulous. I'm like, either the hubster's has purchased a surprise for me (which is totally out of character) OR someone has stolen my account information, because I knew I didn't make a purchase. I talk to the hubsters. No surprise purchase from Just Fabulous. So, I call the company and the little girl explains that as part of signing up for an account with them and after your first purchase your account is automatically charged the $39.95 if you don't make a purchase and you don't opt out for that month. Huh!!!???!! Why didn't I know this??!!??! What a racket! A genius racket, but a racket indeed. I explained to the little girl that I don't even shop enough to justify spending $40 per month with the company. She explained there was nothing she could do. So, I was forced to use the credit and pick out something from the site.

I settled on the wedge booties above, because they closely resemble the ones from Nordstrom that I was considering in this post. However, after reading the very mixed reviews, the quality is not good and the sizing is very off. I'll have to take pictures on the boots once they arrive, but never again!

Lastly, if you've ever heard of Shoe Dazzle, their business model is pretty much the same as Just Fabulous.

Have you ever been hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray, or run amuck by an online retailer?

Teeny Bopper Store

2011-11-14T17:38:00.000-06:00

Okay, I don't know about ya'll, but at my age and place in life, I definitely think there are certain styles and stores, that are not for me. Have you seen the knee-high Chuck Taylor's???? Uh yeah, not for me!

Jersey dresses??? Definitely a no.

Long gone are the days where pajama pants were worn as real pants, and I dared someone to say something about it! This is why I was so super shocked when I walked in Aeropostale to buy clothes for my 16-year-old niece, but I actually found things I would wear too, and at the right price!

Let me take a minute to talk about how you even pronounce the name of this store.

My mom says: Air-o-postal
I say- Air-o-po-stall

Whatever, tomato/tamato! It's just funny to me!

A few weeks ago, I bought my niece some cute shirts, camis, jeans, and sweaters and I was given a $10 coupon to come back and shop some more. That's really all it takes to hook me; I will find something!

I originally wanted this sweater, but they only had it in black and white, instead of this fabulous red and white version. So I passed.

Then I saw this! Which is definitely just my style, I've been saying that I need more cardigans, and it would've only been about $3 after my coupon.

The hubsters and TrentMan finally helped me decide on this plaid, very trendy button up. When I first saw it, I thought, "Cute....but too trendy and teeny bopper like. Will I be wearing this even 2 years down the road???" In the end, I love it! I just may have to stop in Aero a little more often!

What trends or stores do you find yourself shopping in that are usually unlike you???

eShakti Dress Review

2011-11-13T21:20:00.002-06:00

Out of the blue, I was contacted by the wonderful people at eShakti to do a review of an item from their site. I was so honored, and it was just the boost I needed at the time; I've been so up and down and all around.

They have a wonderful site full of the latest trends in dresses, skirts, outerwear, and more. Many of the item have a contemporary vintage feel to them too; I know that style is really popular now. The best part is that they even do custom orders, where you can send in your measurements, change the neck line, length, and more. I enjoyed browsing through trying to find an item that I would want to review.

I settled on this little black dress because the hubsters and I typically go to at least one or two semi-formal/formal events per year. I'm a petite, curvy, busty girl, not too big, but not little either; so it can be kind of difficult to find dresses that fit perfectly.

I'm very satisfied with the look of my dress and how it fits. I like how it covers everything up!

What do you think about this dress? If you could choose any piece of clothing to add to your wardrobe, what would you choose?

Style Files: High/Low

2011-11-06T21:29:00.001-06:00

Soooooo, when it comes to clothing, I'm usually very cheap, but boots....that's a whole nuther story! I LOVE boots, and I typically go with a well known brand. My boots last a LONG time!

I don't think you understand; the hubsters bought me a pair of black knee-high Nine West boots 10-11 years ago, that are in great condition, and I wear them every fall and winter. I also have another pair of boots that I've worn for the past 4 years. I typically like classic timeless styles, that never go out of fashion. I still get compliments on those shoes; I dust them off, shine them up, and take really good care of them.

But ladies, I'm in a dilemma! I'm preparing for a lot of upcoming life changes, and really don't want to spend a lot of money for some boots this season, but I hate buying cheap shoes that fall apart after one season. I am really feeling this season's boots, and I can see myself wearing them for years to come. Should I just go ahead and put the money out there, and buy high, or should I go ahead and buy low to stay more in my budget? And of course, who can buy new shoes, without at least a few new clothing items. See! My tab just keep getting more expensive!!

Here's some styles I'm really feeling right now!

I could see myself wearing these for years to come.

Franco Sarto "Spike" Bootie- $139.95 at Nordstorms

I know Payless is super chic these days, but I still have a problem spending this kind of money there. These are still cute snow boots for standing on the side lines while watching my men go snowboarding and sledding.

Women's Zip Winter Boot- $49.99 at Payless

I could totally see myself in these! Too bad they're out of stock!!!

Women's Mila Lace Up Boot- $59.99 at Payless

These are not the cutest boots I've seen, but they're cute enough, and they're definitely in my price range.

Leatherette Stiletto Boots- $27.80 at Forever 21

VERY cute, but not timeless. Plus way out of my price range for what it is.

Adi Designs Safari Boots- $64.99 at Kohl's

Me not helping to shovel 12 inches of snow because I don't have proper shoes is getting real old to the hubsters, but it's the truth! I don't have any snow shoes.

Cushe Diva Bootie- $124.95 @ Nordstroms

What shoe brands/styles do you like?

Why Haven't I Been Healed

2011-11-03T20:25:00.000-05:00

I've seen and heard of my own friends being supernaturally healed. One day they're discussing which cancer treatment to pursue, the next day there is no cancer. Large tumors have disappeared, hearing has been restored, and spinal problems just cleared up in the name of Jesus. If you've never had the chance to be a witness of Jesus' miraculous healing problems; it is a true faith builder. Many people wonder why miracles don't happen today like they used to in the Bible days. I think it's because we lack the faith to see it, and we always give credit to science, technology, luck, etc., when God is the author of it all.

Almost four years ago, I was diagnosed with a non life-threatening issue, but it has made life harder for me nonetheless. I'm constantly bothered with fatigue, pain, mood swings, and let's not mention the added medical costs because of this issue. For the last two years, I've had a handful of pastors pray over me, I have friends praying for me, I've been anointed with oil, I anoint myself with oil on a regular basis, I pray, and trust in God that I will be healed. So why haven't I?????

Over the summer at my church, we had a wonderful prophetess who is gifted in the spiritual gift of healing, as spoken about in I Corinthians 12:

⁴ There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. ⁵There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. ⁶ God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
⁷ A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. ⁸ To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice^[b]; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.^[c] ⁹ The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. ¹⁰ He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages,^[d] while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. ¹¹ It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

She was there for three days, and at least 50 people were called out to be healed or discovered spiritual gifts that they didn't even know they had. I was praying that she would call me out so that I would be rid of this issue that has been plaguing me for years. Then God reminded me that I didn't need someone else to heal me, and that I could heal my own self. Verses like Matthew 9:29 came to mind: "According to your faith will it be done to you." and Isaiah 53:5 "But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed." Lastly, Matthew 17:20, "You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them, "I tell you the truth. If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there.' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible."

On her last day there, I had an overwhelming sense of peace. I had an overwhelming sense that she helped, healed, and built up everyone that God sent her there for, and I was not among them. It was God's way of letting me know that I would be just fine, and I was already on the way to my blessing. I reflect back on this time when I get discouraged and down and out about my health.

I'm not going to lie, my faith has faltered in the past, but I wouldn't say that I am lacking faith. What if God is trying to use me to bring glory to His kingdom. Every so often, I get a reminder that people are watching me to see how I will react to certain situations. I believe people are excited to see Christians succeed or fail so that it reaffirms whatever it is that they believe. When I returned back to work after the death of my second child, I had so many people come up to me and say "thank you". They just wanted to thank me for being strong and being an encouragement to them. After such a tragic event, they were unsure where I was going to land. I was unsure where I was going to land, but He always had me.

Another thing that I learned is that some times we go through a storm because we're doing something right, NOT because we're doing something wrong. When Ed Traut of Prophetic Life Ministries came to my church he spoke about how the Israelites were lost in the wilderness for 40 years and had to defeat several tribes, including giants, to get to the promise that God had given them. They faced so many uncertain situations and the future looked bleak and impossible, but they kept pressing forward.

I, too, have been given a promise, but it seems as if this medical issue is standing in my way. I honestly don't know why I haven't been healed, but I know I serve a God that stands by His promises. Maybe He intends to use this issue to bring glory to His kingdom, or to teach me about worry and doubt, or maybe bring me and the hubsters even closer together. I don't know, but I do know that I'm laying it at His feet every day.

Last Minute Paradigm Shift

2011-11-01T17:36:00.000-05:00

Excuse my lack of posts and randomness, but I am going through a lot of changes. Everyone seems to love Fall, but I don't enjoy shorter days; it really throws my beauty rest off.

Since I haven't been able to post regularly, I have a lot to say, so excuse my stream of consciousness writing style.

For our Light Night fun fair yesterday I was supposed to be Princess Peach, BUT I wasn't feeling very princessey, I didn't feel like wearing a dress, and I was pressed for time and unsure of how I was going to turn a pink maternity dress and pink tulle into a princess dress. I felt more comfortable with being the....King of Pop; we kind of look more alike, I was in a playful mood, and I knew I had to be on my feet all evening running the Cake Walk and cleaning up.

Here's me and TrentMan as M.J. and Toad!!!!! I glued his vest together myself....as you can tell!

My wardrobe change leads me to a revelation about my future writing career. Several months ago, my little cousin wrote a post on her blog asking if you have to be able to relate to characters that you read about in books and does your life need to mirror the lives of the characters. For me, the answer is a resounding NO, because I love learning about things outside of my own realm and there are some human conditions that transcend gender, race, country of origin, and many other things. Conditions like love, hunger, war, raising a family, and much more are so much bigger than being a black female who lives in the Midwest. I believe that is a universal story. This thought process leads me to the next situation.

My son has the distinct pleasure of attending a school that goes from Preschool to Highschool, all on the same campus. About a month ago, it was Homecoming, which they allow the younger kids to participate in the week of dressing up and the Coronation Ceremony. One of the dress up days was to dress up as a book character. TrentMan and I pondered over at least a dozen characters: Greg from Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Horrible Harry, Flat Stanley, Nate the Great, and some others too. He finally settled on Phineas from Phineas and Ferb, which is not really a book character, but he was close enough. We just put an orange and white striped shirt on him and some jeans and he was good to go. We were both happy, he was able to portray one of his favorite characters and I didn't have to work too hard to make it happen. Then it hit me....out of all the characters we thought about, none of them were African American.

Add caption

TrentMan designed this character himself

Let me set the record straight; I am not one of those "power to the people" has to be all black or I'm not down kind of people. We embrace pretty much embrace everything and everybody that is in line with our Christian values. However, I thought/think it is shameful that there was not one black book character that we could choose from. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Phineas and Ferb, and we love watching the show together; those boys are too creative and it gets TrentMan to thinking and inventing all kinds of craziness. However, I think it does our society a huge disservice not to show people of other races and cultures in the same/similar situations. Think about all the big name children's books: Harry Potter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Where the Wild Things Are, Jumanji, etc. These books can have the same exact plot BUT with a main character that just happens to be African American or Latino or Asian American. So this Ah-Ha moment led me to my next thought!

I should develop a book series that primarily appeals to young boys and has a main character who is an African American boy. My thoughts haven't led me to what the series should be about, but I know I don't want it to be specific to African American culture; I just want a book about a family who just happens to be black. I have to come up with the backstory, plot, and the thing that will draw people in. I'll get to that part later though.

I know this post was all over the place, but hopefully you could keep up. I am my mother's child; what can I say??!!??

So, what do you think...are we lacking every day stories with characters that just happen to be minorities or does it really matter?

Project Pink Princess Peach Style!

2011-10-30T23:28:00.000-05:00

Hey ya'll! I have the distinct pleasure of teaming up with Marilyn at the Artsy Girl Connection and 50+ other bloggers to promote breast cancer awareness. As women it's so easy to get caught up into everything and everyone else that we lose us.

Let me tell you about the life of a princess: This post should've been done first thing this morning, but I woke up at 6:30 this morning dog tired, rushed to get to church and get everything prepped, taught 2-year-olds about self-control (go figure), ate lunch, prepared dinner, went back to church to prepare for a fun event for the kids.

Ladies, let's remember that without us, typically nothing else goes down, including but not limited to all the stuff I just listed. This means that if we're not around, then who can cook dinner, plan the parties, budget, menu plan, taxi kids to soccer, make costumes, and more. Our breast health is very important in ensuring that we're around to do all the things that we do for our families. Please remember to do your monthly self breast exams and remind the other ladies in your lives. Also, with the new 3-D technology, mammograms are able to detect abnormalities even easier and with more success.

It's ironic that I was invited to promote breast cancer awareness, as I was becoming Princess Peach. I'm not much of a pink kind of girl, but tomorrow I will be decked out in ALL pink. I'll post pictures. Last year, my pastor started a new tradition called Light Night, which goes down tomorrow! As the hands and feet of Jesus, we just want to shed a light on everything good and that glorifies the Son. In honor of Light Night, I will be Princess Peach, and TrentMan will be Toad from Mario Kart. I'm not really a pink kind of girl, but anything for my baby.

Now, that I've taken you all around the world with my thoughts, the moral of the story is to pay attention to your health and your breasts in particular!!!

New Do

2011-10-28T22:04:00.000-05:00

I pretty much have a set regimen for my hair....

Fridays- Wash, Deep Condition, Twist
Saturdays- Wear twists or wrap them up in a scarf or tam
Sundays- Twist Out
Mondays- 2nd day Twist Out
Tuesdays- Curly Afro on 3rd day Twist Out hair OR puff
Wednesdays- Co-Wash and wear a puff or wash and go
Thursdays- 2nd day puff or wash and go

If I'm wearing a twist out, I re-twist each night, and I do the baggy method every other night to keep my hair super moisturized. To baggy, I very lightly spritz (2-3 sprays) my hair with my water, glycerin, leave in conditioner, and lavender oil mixture and then I place a plastic bag over my hair and I put my satin bonnet over the plastic bag.

This little routine works pretty well, except on the Fridays we host a small group at our home, I don't necessarily want people to see me looking like Aunt Jemima as I deep condition and dry wet twists. I don't mind terrorizing the public at large, but I won't do that to people I know personally. Also, my hair is getting longer and more of a chore to wear out. I have to combat knots and very long detangling sessions...so not cool! I'm also searching for more protective styles.

I don't really care to wear my hair in twists, and I don't know how my hair would look braided into a style. I don't want to look like an oversized kid. I really don't have enough hair for a pony tail, but for the second time, I've forced the little hair that I do have into one. My hair in the front is much shorter than in the back, so at this point, I have to get really creative when trying to make a pony tail. I find this quite funny, because I used to make lot's of laughs about people who would do such a thing. It's funny how God brings things full circle.

Now the laughs on me!

Do you do anything different to prepare your hair for fall and winter?

Fall Projects

2011-10-25T21:36:00.000-05:00

Hello, I'm back! I know, I know. I took an unplanned hiatus. I've been dealing with extreme exhaustion, voices in my head, writers block, and self pity. I'm typically not a ho-hum melancholy type person, but I look at other people's pictures on their blogs, and I covet their cameras. I know it's a sin, but I want a nice camera!!!! I also look at other people's blogs and all the exciting things going on.... I started to feel defeated, but I'm over it and I'm back.

Over the weekend, TrentMan and I had a good time making granola bars, candy corn bottles, and watching movies. I love that little guy! He is really growing up into a great young man.

I got the idea of making candy corn bottles from Marilyn over at the Artsy Girl Connection. Marilyn is a very talented crafter, kind of how I used to be. Her candy corn bottles turned out so beautifully, that I had to try it out.

As you can see, her's are way more beautiful than ours. I don't know how I messed up such a simple project, but at least we had fun and it was definitely a bonding moment. TrentMan is getting more confident doing things on his own and continuing even when he messes up or when I show him a better way to do something

Marilyn's Antique Candy Corn Bottles

My Antique Candy Corn Bottles

I'm still proud of us, eventhough, I wouldn't necessarily display these bottles in a prominent place.

What are some fun thing you enjoy with your child(ren)?

Hi, May I Help You?

2011-10-19T21:05:00.000-05:00

If ya'll didn't know, I'm from that city called Kansas City (MISSOURI NOT KANSAS) a.k.a Barbeque Capital of the World!!! Home to the not so world champion Royals and Chiefs, home to the jheri curl, and also home all the fountains you want. As you can see, I'm proud of where I'm from.

Tuesday I made some yummy baked barbeque chicken in the oven and we had it for dinner again today, but I needed some more bbq sauce, but didn't have any on the shelves.

Since I'm an improviser by nature, I got to mixing! What can I say? I am my mother's child. I think I've unlocked the world famous Gates BBQ recipe with this one!

I took some: ketchup
   Louisiana Hot Sauce
   Colgin Liquid Smoke
   honey
   black pepper
   Durkee Kansas City Style Seasoning Salt
   Rendezvous Famous Seasoning

I'm not much of a measurer (I know that's not a word) but I just add the amount that I think should go in according to how much I want to taste that particular flavor. For me, I added more liquid smoke and hot sauce and not a lot of seasoning salt.

Anyways, this little homemade bbq sauce was the business! I'm telling you, it tasted just like Gates; I was back home in just one bite!

What recipes have you concocted on the fly to make up for what you didn't have?

Facebook Fast

2011-10-18T20:50:00.000-05:00

So, um, yeah....I'm fasting from Facebook for 40 days. I can't remember when I started, but the fast will be complete on November 6.

Most people skip a meal to pray and focus on God during a fast, but I chose Facebook. I realized that it was draining everything good from me and wasn't giving me enough back....so it had to go. At least for a while. Some people eat, shop, exercise, or pray when they're emotional or bored, but I would get on Facebook. And spend hours a day looking at other people live life, put on fronts, display bad behaviors, and skip through pictures of half naked women trying to sell sneakers???!!??! Ridiculous! My time and mind are way too precious. Don't get me wrong, Facebook has some amazing benefits, especially if you're trying to do any kind of business, which will be my focus when I return to Facebook.

So, I'm just going to break down my reasons for going on a 40 day fast away from Facebook.

1. Time Drain- Spending hours on end interacting with the pages of people who I see once a year or less.

2. Jealousy- I've never been the jealous type, but a few times I've gotten a little snarky when learning of someone's beach vacation, business opportunity, or new baby. I know that wasn't from God, and like I said, it's not really like me to be jealous of anyone.

3. Putting a lot in, but not getting anything out- This goes back to the time factor. For something that I was spending so much time doing, I really wasn't getting anything out of....so what's the point.

4. No time for the Word- Another time issue! I found myself complaining that I didn't have time to get in the Word and meditate on it and learn it. Now, I've replaced the time spent on Facebook doing more important things.

5. FB as a crutch- I was using Facebook as my everything...to pass time, entertainment, encouragement, etc. The only thing I want to need is Jesus. Not to get all spiritual, but my obsession was getting just that deep.

6. Negativity and Borderline Pornographic Photos- I grouped these two things together. There's just some things I don't even want in my mind. It's just something more the devil can use against me. I've enjoyed getting away from the negative tirades and nasty pictures of women with barely any clothes.

I will return to Facebook, but prayerfully I've taken the time to develop myself and not put it above everything else. I want to keep it in its rightful place which is about tenth on the list behind scrubbing toilets. LOL! JK! But you get my drift.

If you've been looking for me on Facebook over the past few weeks....sorry! You can find me here until November 6th.

How much time do you spend on Facebook? What things have you given up for God in the past?

Hello Somebody!

2011-10-17T22:32:00.000-05:00

I LOVE to dance and sing! I'm the type of person that doesn't just walk across the street, I dance, prance, hop, and skip. I typically don't just saunter down the grocery aisle, I boogie down and bop to the music, no matter what kind; classical or country makes no difference to me. I figure if I have to do something as dreadful as shop, I may as well make it as fun as I possibly can. Don't even get me on singing!

For years, I've begged God to give me a beautiful singing voice. I don't have to be Mariah Carey, but I'd love to know how to carry a tune and sound decent doing it. Since He hasn't granted that request quite yet, I sorta feel bad for the people to the left, right, and in front of me at the Hello Somebody concert last night. I'm sure they were not happy with my singing, but my Heavenly Father was so proud of His daughter. It's amazing to know that my voice is so sweet on His ears.

Aaron Gillespie & The City Harmonic partnered with a wonderful organization called, Hello Somebody, and they were at our church in concert. That's right; the guys behind, "We Were Made for You" and "Manifesto" were at my church in concert! Me, the hubsters, and the kid kicked it hard.....actually Trenton was sleep for most of it, but he did enjoy the City Harmonic.

Aaron Gillespie ripped it up on the drums, and sung a lot of classic Christian worship songs, and the City Harmonic played the piano with such passion and intensity. Not only are these two groups extremely talented, but throughout the entire evening they stressed the fact that they were there to make Jesus Christ famous; to do what they were created for, which is worship; and raise money to feed people all around the world.

Hello Somebody is an organization that feeds starving people all around the world and show them the love of Jesus Christ. They started when the founder had the same dream 5 nights in a row! The dream was of a boy naked and dirty with an empty bowl in his hand, asking, begging, "Hello, Somebody????" He had to answer; and they fed 1 million people in their first 10 months.

I answered the call too! We purchased two of their super trendy watches and fed 200 kids!

I may never learn to sing...well, but I know Jesus loves me, and I'm so happy for the people who are able to praise Him publicly with their voices and musical talents.

Your Holy Father-In-Law

2011-10-13T22:22:00.000-05:00

Hopefully, I didn't make you laugh, but I'm not talking about that one; not your earthly father-in-law, but your holy heavenly Father-in-Law.

I mentioned in a previous post that the hubster's and I were embarking on a journey of hosting a small group in our home for young married couples, which is going very well, if I might add. Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas is the series that we are going through, and I would strongly recommend this series for engaged, newly married, and even those married for a while.

We just completed the third session, and it covered the idea of being a God-centered spouse. A God-centered spouse will love and respect their mate out of reverence for God regardless of how they may be acting in a particular moment. The premise is that God has hand picked and designed our spouse to compliment us, and if we mistreat them, we have to answer to Him. Our spouse is God's child above all else, so it's best that we love and cherish them through every circumstance, even the difficult ones.

One of the study guide questions really struck me and almost brought me to tears. Matter of fact, the question was just as impactful for all the other couples. It was one of those moments where you get a gentle shake from the Spirit.

Here's the question: "If we lived with a profound awareness that our husband or wife is a precious and loved child of God and that our heavenly Father-in-Law cares deeply about how we treat them, how might this impact the way we care for our spouse."

What a, "Wow God moment!" The first time I went through this question, I almost fell on my face full of tears. I just thought back over all the bad times when I was way less than a Christian wife; probably more like a ravenous beast. I couldn't do anything but ask for forgiveness for all of those times; the ugly nasty times.

Another thing I'd like to add is a word of advice from a friend that goes a little something like this, "Do more than your share and don't keep score."

I just think back to all the times where I turned my back on the hubsters because I felt like he wasn't doing enough for me or he wasn't giving the same amount of love and tender care that I was giving him. After reading the question from the study guide, I just feel so silly, but it gives me motivation to be better. Each day, I aspire to make my holy heavenly Father-in-Law proud.

What are some revelations you've had about your marriage over the years?

TiAnnese

2011-10-12T22:33:00.000-05:00

I don't know if it's just my family, or does every family have their own crazy whacky cliches and sayings. When I was little, I used to love sitting up under my mother while she was on the phone talking to the friend and listening in on some of the bizarre cliches she would use. I had no clue about what she was talking about, but it was hilarious nonetheless. It's probably similar to when a foreigner is trying to learn English and hearing some of the wacky slang and cliches that we use and trying to make sense of it all.

Below are a few sayings from my dictionary! I hope you can keep up!

Most of my new friends have never heard me talk like this. If I've slipped up, they were kind enough to let me slide.

"Looking cock-eyed and crazy."- An expression to describe a look of stupidity that someone can show through facial expressions, as well as, body language and clothing (i.e. The clerk was looking cock-eyed and crazy when I expressed that I wanted my money back.)

"All day long and twice on Sunday."- An expression used to describe how a particular detail never changes or also describe how long a particular event will take (i.e. Did you get the groceries? All day long and twice on Sunday.)

"Get yo big!"- an expression that begins a dirty dozens joke (i.e. Get yo big head short pants self up out of here!) If you're from the Chi, you're probably very familiar with this one!

Looking like who shot John (and where's Mike)?- an expression to describe the look of amazement and confusion on one's face (the hubster's added the "and where's Mike?" portion) or a way to describe one's poor taste in attire (i.e. My co-worker was looking like who shot John in the meeting today.)

"Wow, seriously!!????!!"- a pop slang expression to express disdain towards a ridiculous situation, person, or question (i.e. Someone trips over their own feet. You say, "Wow, seriously!!?????!!??")

"Hankty"- another word that means uppity or stand-offish (i.e. Angela was acting very hankty today)

What are some of the crazy wacky things you or your family says??? Spill! I want to know! I know we're not the only crazy ones out here.

Recipe: Shrimp Etoufee

2011-10-11T21:15:00.001-05:00

There's just something about traveling and seeing friends and family that brings out my love of eating. I mean, I really have an emotional affair with my food, and weeks later I'm still thinking and dreaming about it...if it was that good.

This past weekend I had the distinct pleasure of visiting a very good friend of mine named, Tawanna. The last time I saw her, I was a Maid of Honor at her wedding 15 months ago. We were long overdue for a visit, and I needed to see her new baby, which you can get a peek at in this post.

Tawanna can COOK! Too bad she doesn't have a blog because she'd be super good at it, and she'd have a lot of useful stuff to share. Anywho....she made me a great dish that can be used for brunch, lunch, or even dinner. I love recipes that can do double duty. Enjoy!

Ingredients
6-8 slices Bacon
2-3 servings Grits
Shrimp
Flour
Water
Onion
2 tbsp butter
Parsley
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Pepper

1. Prepare 2-3 servings of grits depending upon how many people you want to feed. Follow the directions on the box. Once it is done, place it to the side.

2. Cook 6-8 slices of bacon, and save the grease. If you like bacon, this is the part of the recipe where you can add more. Crumble your bacon into small pieces, and put it aside. (You can saute some onions in the grease for added flavor if you would like)

3. Now you will make a brown gravy using your bacon grease. Once again, in my opinion you can never have too much gravy, and making it typically is not an exact science. Here's what you want to do though: there should be a thin layer of hot bacon grease coating the bottom of the skillet. Spoon in about 3 spoonfuls of flour and stir it around until it becomes dark brown and pasty. Next add about 2 cups of warm/hot water and continue to stir until thick and smooth and set it aside.

4. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet and saute your shrimp in the butter. Season the shrimp with parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Once the shrimp are cooked all the way through, add them to the gravy.

5. Here's the fun part! Scoop the grits into a bowl and then scoop some gravy and shrimp on top of the grits. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top to your liking and enjoy!

***If you don't like grits, feel free to substitute with rice.

I can't wait to make this for the hubsters and my mom!

Let me know if you try it!

What do you like to do with your family and friends?

You can also find this recipe and many more on OrgJunkie!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner and More Gab

2011-10-10T22:19:00.000-05:00

I don't even know where that saying originated from or exactly what it means, but as promised I wanted to announce the winner of the MyMemories giveaway!!!!

Heather & Kayla

H&K Style Journey

I know you ladies will have lot's of fun with this digital scrapbooking software. Heather you'll have to show me pictures of the wedding album when you get it all put together.

Well ladies and gents, I have SO many stories, tips, and recipes to share with you all....but I'm pooped! I'm fresh off the road from visiting a friend and her new baby and I haven't seen my man in six days! Needless to say, I'm about to reconnect with my boo.

Here's my proof that God exists! Who else could make something this gorgeous!????!!!

Mady's 2 Month Length Check! I think she's a little beyond shoulder length!

Tomorrow is a new day and prayerfully I have the strength and energy to begin.

Ciao!

Courageous

2011-10-07T07:09:00.000-05:00

Last Friday the hubsters and I were kidless, so we decided to see the movie, Courageous, and we were so glad we did. The people over at Sherwood Baptist keep one-upping themselves, and this time they pulled out all the stops. They even have curriculum and study guide materials based on the premise of the movie so that men and families can continue the discussion.

The movie, Courageous, chronicles the very different journey's of five fathers and how they relate to their children. The movie even explores their relationships' with their fathers, and how being a mentor and/or father-figure to those without is very important in our society. They make a resolution or covenant with God to be the best fathers and husbands in His strength, of course some fall short and some dust themselves off and keep trudging the hard, but oh so rewarding road of fatherhood.

I actually enjoyed how the movie played on negative racial stereotypes to make a point, and they also presented many positive cultural aspects to combat the negative racial stereotypes. You'll just have to see the movie to understand exactly what I'm talking about. The characters displayed so much depth that everyone can identify with at least one character or one situation in the movie; you'll find yourself identifying with a character that you would least expect.

There were deadbeat dads, highly dedicated dads, unknown dads, just filling space dads, absent dads, praying dads, and I could go on! They did an excellent job showing how having these various types of fathers can affect the children and the marriage relationship.

This movie is not suited for young children due to the intensity and heaviness of some of the subject matter. I would definitely say, it's best for ages 11-13 and up.

Lastly, I love the way they didn't shy away from the Gospel, eventhough they were going all big screen. I can only pray that God will use this movie to bring people closer to him and help the men in our world to become more like Him. After seeing this movie, I was just so joyful, because I realized that I have a "courageous" man. Please support this movie.

You can watch the trailer here!

Have you seen this movie? Would you go see it?

The MyMemories giveaway closes TODAY at 5 pm CST. I will announce the blessed winner on Monday! Enter here!

Seven Things Award

2011-10-06T18:39:00.000-05:00

If you didn't know it, I am having a drawing for a My Memories digital scrapbooking package. The contest closes tomorrow, so get registered for this exclusive giveaway! Click here for the details!

Soooo, last week I received the Seven Things Award from the lovelies, Heather and Kayla at H&K Style Journey. They are a mother and daughter style blogger team, and their site is just too cute!

So, let me get right to letting you all know what my 7 favorite things are:

1. Favorite Disney Princess- Everyone probably expects me to say Princess Tiana! I like her, I just haven't known her as long as Cinderella. Cinderella has a very humble spirit that took her a LONG way, just like me!!!

2. Favorite Disney Movie- It's hard to know what is and is not Disney these days, but I absolutely love The Lion King and Aladdin. These movies came out right in the crux of my childhood and they're the stuff that warm fuzzy memories are filled with.

3. Favorite Song- IDK! This is hard..."The Greatest Love of All" by Whitney Houston, "I Am a Friend of God" by Israel and New Breed, almost anything by SWV and EnVogue. Yes, I'm an 80s baby!

4. Favorite Season- Hot, sweat drippin, walkin around the beach in next to nothing, so humid I can't breathe summer hands down!

5. Favorite Holiday- Celebrating my Saviour's birth, getting and giving presents, and eating my butt off...Christmas!!!! It doesn't get any better than Christmas!

6. Favorite TV Sitcom- Martin! You gotta love the bafoonery of Martin. I'm sorry! No, I'm not. LOL!!

7. Favorite Guilty Pleasure- Chocolate on top of Chocolate on top of Chocolate and surfing the internet

What are some of your favs?

The Replacements

2011-10-05T07:04:00.000-05:00

Grief stricken days after losing our precious baby

This past weekend was a flux of emotions from joy, sadness, longing, and more. I'm coming up on the second anniversary of the death of my son, Isaiah. A very good friend accompanied me to an event called, A Walk to Remember to honor all babies who died prematurely through infant death, miscarriage, and stillbirth. The day was filled with hearing the stories of others honoring babies gone home way to soon, song, a peaceful walk, and more things to put in Isaiah's memory box.

I'm on the verge of tears as I type this, although I thought I wasn't sad any more. I was all ready to give myself a Grief-Free badge, but here I am. I thought I had some how, moved on with my life, like I'm sure some people would want. I see I'm still there, in that place. No, not the dark cold room, but the foggy dimly lit field.

In those early days and months after his death, there were a few "sayings" or scriptures that absolutely made my blood curdle; they still don't sit right with me. I hate to say that, but my grief was fresh and maybe the verses/sayings were misapplied, but it's truly how I felt and still feel.

#1 Saying/Verse

Random Person: "You know, the best is yet to come!"
My Brain: "What the h*&% is that supposed to mean? I want what I already was about to get. I want what was suddenly taken away from me. NOTHING, can be better than that!"

#2 Saying/Verse

Random Person: "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away."
My Brain: crickets "Why would you say that to me!??!!??! What if I just cut your heart out and expected you to carry on as if everything was okay?"

Like, I said, maybe these things were misapplied or My Brain still can't compute, but here I am. There is one saying that I still have mixed feelings about. On the one hand, it gives me a feeling of redemption and happy anticipation and on the other hand I'm still confused and wondering what would've been.

#3Saying/Verse

Random Person: "You know the Lord has to replace everything that is lost or taken away...ten fold!"
My Brain: processing "Okay, that's cool. I don't want/need kids ten fold though. I really just want my baby back. I don't care about all the extras or future children." (goes off to process some more)

And, I'm still processing this thought. The days and months after we lost Isaiah were filled with tears, confusion, division, sleeplessness, doubt, worry, and lack of faith to say the least, but we also had some great things happen to us.

When we moved to IL, I didn't know a soul, and I really wasn't in the best place to make new friends, but then one by one, I started to form close bonds with three ladies here in Rockford, it took me two years to find these friends. Then one by one they all moved away. I began to worry about how I would fulfill my need to connect with other adults on a friendship basis. Next thing you know, God made a way for me to become more active at church and I've found more really great friends. I'm still looking for a workout partner though.

Also, one time I was coming out of the grocery store and a lady approached me crying and she explained that her car had stalled and she didn't even have money to put gas in her car. The Spirit told me to give her everything I had in my purse at that moment. I only had $10 and we were also in a financial crunch, but I gave it to her, and a short while later the hubsters got a promotion. I can tell you about a dozen other times where something similar has happened. However, the thought of replacing a child or being redeemed after losing my son has me baffled; I really can't wrap my mind around how the Lord will work this out.

Some times I feel like my life has been on pause for two years, my mind has been wrecked trying to figure this out, my heart has a hole in it and the doctor's can't operate, and I'm still trying to dust my faith off and make it like new.

12 Months In: I'm a Natural Veteran!

2011-10-04T06:58:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday, I crossed over the ONE YEAR NATURAL point, and it was just a normal day. I was shocked...JK! I was supposed to get my hair french braided up into a ponytail, but my dear cousin had to go into the emergency room. She's okay though, and I think it was a sign that I need to learn how to french braid, although I've been avoiding it for some time. I just don't see how anyone can french braid their own hair and have it look nice, but people do it all the time. We'll see...

Over the past 12 months, I've marked off quite a few things on my Natural Hair Bucket List:

Henna
Clipped my own ends (twice)
Tried numerous products (Miss Jessie's, Jane Carter, SheaMoisture, etc)
Made flaxseed gel
Blow Out

Many natural haired ladies straighten their hair for their "month-a-versary" and anniversary milestones, but I can't help but feel as if that is so opposite as to why we go on this journey in the first place. Every lady has her own reasons, but usually it ends with the point that she wanted to grow out her own hair the way God made it, which is why I chose not to straighten my hair. Plus, heat does a number on my hair. In spite of how well I take care of it, I still have straight pieces from a light blow out session. Bummer! There's also the urge to straighten to see how long the hair really is, because due to shrinkage, sometimes it's hard to tell. I'm saying all of this to say that, it's okay to straighten. I probably will have my hair straightened some time this winter or fall, but be very careful when applying heat and do it for you!

Of course, there are still some things to do on my Natural Hair Buck List like:

Go to a curly meet-up
Host a curly meet-up (small or big)
Have my hair straightened professionally and do it myself
Learn how to french braid (I'm sure I'll have a daughter one day, and it would be nice to do protective styles on her hair)
Buy a silk or satin pillowcase
Buy a silk-lined winter hat to protect my hair in the winter
Get a proper detangling method and be more gentle with my hair
Much more, there's always something

I thought my hair would be a little longer by now, but I'm thankful for the growth and I'm proud of my hair; it's getting so big! I'm still hoping to cut my hair and donate it to Locs of Love by this time next year or whenever it's long enough. So, yes, I will once again, be bald, but I don't care because I'm not that tied to my hair. I love it, but it's not my everything.

At least one person a day stops me to talk about my hair; people from all different paths are so intrigued by it, which makes me happy. Although, even when I was relaxed, my white friends would always come to me with their black hair questions. It's a shame that even I didn't know that there are some black people that wash their hair every day, and that's perfectly fine, but usually not necessary for most. I tend to wash my hair every 3-7 days depending on how my workouts have been going and if I need the added moisture with a co-wash.

I'll have to share my hair story with you guys at some point, but I think that's enough rambling for now.

Have you ever tried anything completely out of the box with your hair? Do you think society's view of afro-textured hair is changing?

Style Files: Vintage Sweater

2011-10-03T06:44:00.000-05:00

First off, I'd like to remind/let you guys know that we have a giveaway going on at The Fab Life! Click here for all the details on how to enter. The contest closes on this Friday, October 7th at 5 p.m. CST.

Now, let's hop to it! I must be butter because I'm on a roll!!! Corny, huh???!!??

Sometimes, I feel silly when I try to recreate certain looks that I see around the net that look SO good on others, or I feel like a homeless lady trying to be fashionable. Amongst many things, this weekend I unpacked my depressing fall/winter wardrobe. I came up with two sweaters, a few sweater dresses (some sleeveless), and I have two pairs of jeans, and two pairs of leggings that I wear year round. Please don't laugh or feel sorry for me. I have a rare condition called, IHATESHOPPINGANDHAVEAHARDTIMEBUYINGANYTHINGFORMYSELF. It's a very serious condition, that I've been praying on for a while.

Anyways, I was able to dig up a very cute vintage sweater, that I've rarely worn because I never knew what to pair it with, but this is what I came up with! The hubsters said I looked like an 1800s school teacher, and most other people said I looked super professional. They almost didn't recognize me.

I was also able to get my hair into a semi-ponytail since my hair has been natural. Yay me! I stole a friend of mine's signature style to achieve a pseudo-ponytail. The problem is that the front part of my hair is shorter than the back, mix in the thickness, and it's hard to pull all of this into a decent ponytail. Ho hum!!!

Photography by TrentMan

Sweater- from a friend's mother (Jos. A. Bank)

Bag- Just Fabulous

Pants- Express

What else can I wear this sweater with? How would you style it?

My Memories Giveaway!

2011-09-30T11:08:00.004-05:00

I am so delighted to be able to offer you guys this giveaway! A few weeks ago, I was contacted by the people at My Memories to offer a blessed reader their signature digital scrapbooking package. If you LOVE scrapbooking, this package is for you! If you don't have time for scrapbooking, this is for you! If you have a computer and camera full of undeveloped forgotten pictures, this package is for you!!!

The My Memories digital scrapbook package has so much to offer. You can custom make your own scrapbook pages; there are many themed templates to use as is or customize to your liking; you can share your creations via DVD, digital movie, iPod; and more. When you're ready to print your creations, you can print it at home or you can create a specially bound book to collect your pages into and have My Memories print for you.

Here's a scrapbook a whipped together in just a few hours, and it was such a treat! The older I get, the less creative I am, so I chose to follow a Christmas-themed template, and it was so easy. All I had to do was concentrate on what pictures I wanted to include. The best part is that I could've added more or taken out some pages. What do you think about my creation?

But here's the best part, the folks at MyMemories have given me their digital scrapbook suite to offer to one of you! All you have to do is:

1. Become a follower of this blog via Google Friend Connect. You can do that to the right

by clicking, "Join this Site".

2. Comment below by telling me what you would like to make with the MyMemories

digital scrapbooking suite.

for an extra entry

3. Follow the MyMemories blog by clicking this link and let me know what name you are

following under.

The winner will be chosen at random, and you have until next Friday, October 7, at 5 p.m. CST to enter. Have a blessed weekend, and hopefully you'll be having fun making memories!

My First Giveaway

2011-09-29T22:17:00.000-05:00

Hey ya'll!!! Please come back tomorrow to enter for your chance to win my first giveaway. I'll lay out all the information and how you can enter. I'm so excited to be able to offer this to you guys, and I don't want you to miss out!!!