THANKSGIVING TABLE SETTINGS

Thanksgiving means so much to me and my family. I remember as a young girl waking up to the smell of my grandmother’s turkey dressing, turkey, and gravy, the list could go on for miles depending on her mood that year. Whatever her mood was it was still the best meal you’d ever taste. My grandmother was very picky about who she allowed in her kitchen, not because she was a control freak or anything, but because you had to know your way around a kitchen and I am not talking about knowing where she put her pots and pans. However you needed to know how to cook.  Read More

My Favorite Homemade Halloween Costumes

Each year I get super excited about Halloween because it an opportunity for so many to express their creativity with decorations and Halloween costumes. Therefore, I only felt it right to share with my dear readers all of my favorite homemade costumes that I've spotted around the web. Many of these costumes can be made with items lying around your home. Read on and let me know what your favorite costumes are from the bunch. 

CARAMEL APPLE DIP

What's Halloween without Caramel Apples? Therefore, to add a twist to this tasty treat you will only need 7 ingredients along with an electric hand mixer to make this deliciously addicting dip....just in time for apple season! Enjoy!

Also if you want to slow down the browning process immediately after cutting apples, add slices to a bowl of cold water with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Remove slices from lemon water (allowing excess water to drain off) and serve alongside your fantastic dip.   

LOOKING BACK AT JAN-OCT 2013

Summer is over and I am so ready for the fall. I enjoy the changing of the colors in nature, the smell, the feeling of peace that comes with the changing of the season. I wanted to share with you a few highlights for the Pride Family in 2013. 

GETTING TO ZERO

        With World AIDS Day right around the corner (December 1st) I have been putting allot of thought into what I can do to contribute to this cause. In 2014 my sister and I are teaming up to host a first Annual World AIDS Day Event in honor of my mother who passed away of AIDS in 2004. 
Our Goal is to encourage the community to continue to educate and provide awareness to prevent the continuous spread of HIV/AIDS.  HIV/AIDS prevention has become an important part of my life ever since the day that my mother sat my siblings and me down and revealed to us that she had contracted AIDS. I remember not fully understanding the full extent of the disease then. However,the only thing that stuck in my mind was my mother stating that she was going to die. At that time I was only eight years old and because of the taboo that the name HIV/AIDS held it was nothing to mention at a dinner or to friends.  From that day on we never discussed the issue but were only given bits and pieces of information from my mother as she became more aware.

It was not until attending Huston-Tillotson University at the age 18 when I became an HIV/AIDS mentor that I fully gained the knowledge and understanding of the disease and virus. From then on it became my duty to educate my fellow peers and community members in the Austin area. After meeting so many individuals who had become affected by the HIV or Aids I began to understand a portion of God’s plan for my life. My mother passed away in 2004, and the last thing I want is for some eight year old boy or girl to find out that her parent had contracted HIV/AIDS and would now die. With research and the development of HIV/AIDS treatment many people who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS have been gifted the opportunity to live longer and healthier lives. Since 2000 the cost of HIV/AIDS Treatment for one person was more than $10K a year now in 2013 it is less than $100.

Since HIV/AIDS was given its name, people who contract the AIDS or HIV have been ostracized by their family, peers, and community.  The respect and lack of compassion for these individuals only encourages me to help in advocating for people that are affected by HIV/AIDS.  HIV/AIDS is a topic that I hold dear to my heart not only because of my experiences with the disease/virus, but because there is no cure.  I am confident that my purpose in life is to use the experiences that I have overcome in my own life to educate the world and help save lives.  The only way to create more awareness about prevention and support is to educate ourselves and our community. 

Create Your Own DIY Craft Table Using Inexpensive Pieces

I found this DIY craft table on Organize & Decorate Everything I thought that it was a creative and inexpensive alternative.  Many Craft Tables if purchase in store or online line could run you anywhere from $150-$800 or more depending on how large or fancy the design. The table above was made for only $55 with products purchased from Ikea (one desk top) and Wal-Mart (two white book shelves and liquid nails). That’s Awesome! For more details on how to create this look check it out here. 

The Zipper Statement Necklace

There is no easy way to dress up an outfit than with some eye-catching accessories. So when I came across this zipper statement necklace I had to share. A statement necklace can make simple jeans and basic tee, a solid dress with heels –so much more visually remarkable. Who doesn't love a great statement necklace!

Statement necklaces are one of my favorite pieces to add dimension to any outfit. So check out more details about how to make the zipper statement necklace on BritHQ. 

Channel Your Inner Carrie Bradshaw: DIY Nail Polished Clutch

As a fan of Sex and The City and even more of the 80’s I began watching the Carrie Diaries which shows the Carrie Bradshaw of today as a teenage girl. The best part about the show is that it give you a  flashback of the fashion that many of us wore back in the 80’s and early 90’s. The nail polish purse immediately caught my attention because it is the cutest way to re-purpose y an old clutch that’s been sitting in the back of your closet. 

So Pick a few colors and start channeling Carrie Bradshaw. Read More

Time For Routine Change

This summer has been great!  My husband is a fourth grade teacher and has been at home with both my 10 and 3 year old sons, may God bless him! Waking up each morning at what ever time I wish, not having to rush out of the house to get kids to daycare or where ever was great! But the time has come for 6 o’clock alarms, new clothes, hair grooming and the anticipation lightning my boys faces.

My 10 year old son Xavier has been anticipating the first day of school for about two weeks prior to the 26^th of August. He had his clothes picked out himself hair cut and energy on 10 as usual. That morning I will assume that he could not sleep because he woke up 40 minutes before the actual alarm was set to go off. I remember those day tossing and turning through out the night anticipating the first day of school. Oh how life was so simple then… Well ready or not it is here and time for routine change along with school there are all the extra curricular activities. Therefore I am preparing recipes along with meal planners that will be available for print. I will post asap!

Total Forgiveness

I recently purchased the book Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall in my church bookstore. The title of the book immediately caught my attention since it has been the one thing that I struggle not only the most with but also the longest. I have experienced allot of hurt as well as seen others hurt from infidelity, rape, incest, abandonment, lying, and slander such as R.T. mentions in his book.  This has consistently been something that I have struggled with in my heart. How to let go and giving my hurt and fears to God and trust that no matter what grudge I hold against these individuals it is not my place for punishment.

"The ultimate proof of total forgiveness takes place when

we sincerely petition to the Father to let those individuals 

off the hook--even if they have hurt not only us but also those close to us."   

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. (2 Cor. 5 18-19)

I remember back as a child my father having to plea to my Grandmother to take my four siblings and I in until he could locate my mother who had decided that she could no longer handle putting five children needs in front of her own. So that day not only were we abandoned by our mother but our father as well. By the Grace of God my grandmother who has always been a God fearing woman agreed to take us in and what we all thought would only be a few days until my father located my mother turned into our entire childhoods. At the time I remember crying for my mother often but not fully understanding not only how this would affect my life (since I was only five) but the position that God put my siblings and I in to blessed by the circumstances of the event. 

" It is demonstration of greater

grace when we are fully aware of what occurred and 

we still extend grace."

He knows every detail of what we have done-every sordid detail. But He chooses not to remember so as to not hold our sins against us. (Hebrews 8:12)

I have held onto that bitterness for years even on my mother’s death bed in 2005 as she asked me for forgiveness and begged that I come to be by her side in her final days. Although I loved my mother dearly an had begun to restore our relationship over the years a part of me still held that grudge of her abandoning us all those years ago. I remember my reply to my mother that day over the phone, "I forgive you Mamma and I love you too." I knew my mother needed to hear that from me and as much as I wanted to mean it that day I would soon discover that I was still filled with resentment and as hard as I tried to put all the hurt and painful memories behind me bitterness would slowly creep back into my heart. I knew that it would be a difficult task to totally forgive her and my father (who was murdered when I was eight) for not only abandoning us but everything they had put us through until then. This abandonment has been the cause and effect and of so many things in my life and I pray that God will feel my heart with the love of Jesus. My mother passed early the next morning alone and I felt like I let her down by making her feel abandoned in her last days. This completely tore me apart and the selfish and bitter part of my heart felt as though this was God's pay back but the Godly part knew that I should have been there for my mother.  

Forgiving those who have hurt us can be a very difficult task and R.T. speaks about the Different Types of Forgiveness described by Michelle Nelson: 

1. Detached forgiveness -there is a reduction in negative feelings toward the offender, but no reconciliation takes place. 

2. Limited forgiveness-there is a reduction in negative feelings toward the offender, and the relationship is partially restored, through there is a decrease in the emotional intensity of the relationship. 

3. Full Forgiveness-there is a total cessation of negative feelings toward the offender, and the relationship is fully restored. 

I have begun praying that I am able to continue to have peace about past transgressions and be able to say genuinely that I have totally forgiven these individuals without any bitterness in my heart.  More information about this book. 

Mason Jar Manicure Kit

I have been thinking about a gift to send my boys teachers for the first day of school that would be cute and cheap but useful. I came across this idea on Pinterest. Here's a simple gift you can gift to celebrate your child teacher mother, sisters, friends, even co-workers for the first day of school, Christmas, Valentine’s Day or even Mother’s Day, a mini manicure set. This is a great budget friendly gift idea which can be as inexpensive or expensive as you want. I created a simple flower made from fabric or tissue that can be hot glued to the top of your jar. (Please use this link for instructions on making your bow).

Of course, you can create any combination of products and tools that you want.

To create your Manicure kit in a jar you will need to include:

Nail polish remover

Favorite nail color (personalize to individuals personality)

Cotton Balls

Nail File

Emory board

Fingernail clippers

Custom Monograms

For those of you who are planning weddings or Anniversary parties here is a fun site called wedding chicks  that I found which allows you the opportunity to create custom monograms for wedding stationary. Check out a few of the monograms and free printable invitations that you can create. 

Keep Calm When Turning Thirty

It seems like just yesterday I was 17 and so ready to have the full responsibility of what adulthood brings. I have always been independent and a individual thinker but now almost 13 years later I find myself longing for my innocence again. 

A few months ago I turned the ripe age of 30 and as bitter as it may taste at times I can't help but to look around and be thankful for all of the wonderful blessings God has blessed me with in my life. Getting older can be a bit overwhelming at times but I am so grateful that with all the challenges and battles that I have faced over the last 30 years that I can still honestly smile and feel true joy. 

For the BIG 30 I spent 4 days with FIVE of the most amazing influences in my life ....My four siblings and INCREDIBLE husband Jamaul along with all of my beautiful nieces and nephews in Myrtle Beach, NC.  We had the greatest time catching up, since we all live in different states and rarely get the opportunity to see each other. It was the best birthday I could ask for. 

I now realize that each day has it's own set of worries, challenges, and tests, but I am learning that with growth comes strength and wisdom which at times frightens me but excites me even more. So to worry about what tomorrow brings is a waste and will only bring unwanted hair dye and expensive botox.

 I feel like I am getting smarter (that may not be me saying much..lol!). It is truly amazing to look back at myself at the age of 7 drawing pictures to hang on my wall and cutting up my Grandmothers best Sunday outfits to make clothing for my dolls, searching through the JC Penny's catalog to determine what would go in my home when I grew up and of course my favorite past time was daydreaming about what beautiful life I would have when I get BIG.  

(I know I was something amazing huh!) 

It's incredible how much I was right about at the age of 7.....smh.

Date Night

		My husband and I have been married for almost seven years now and with two young boys, at time I feel like we've done it all. However, after a little thought and Yahoo Google I realized that there are many more date that we can experience together. Last year for Christmas I gifted my husband with a one year of pre-planned and most importantly pre-paid for dates (Date Night 2011). He was so excited! With a little thought and commitment a date at least twice a month was no longer as impossible as it once seemed.   There are so many resources that one can use to spark up thing in a relationship such as Living Social  Groupon ,and  Fill A Seat.

Date Nights You’ll Both Enjoy:

·         Pick up the ingredients you need to create a fabulous meal at the grocery store and then return home and cook it together.

·         Throw a slumber party for two. Have dinner in bed and have each other for dessert.

·         Plan a movie night. Rent a flick that you’ll BOTH enjoy, make popcorn, and get cozy under the blanket on the couch.

·         Go for a hike or long walk together.

·         Get coffee at your favorite coffee house and just talk to one another.

·         Swim, lounge, and enjoy a day at the beach or pool.

·         Go to a theme park and clutch each other on the scary rides.

·         Perform a duet at a karaoke bar.

·         If you’re adventure seekers, you can go skydiving together.

·         Head to the zoo or museum. Stroll through the exhibits, hold hands, and comment on what you see and learn.

·         Attend a concert and sing out loud to one another. Rocking out – even if you’re more Beethoven than Bon Jovi – is a great stress reliever.

·         Take a sculpting or drawing class together. Or go to one of those stores where you can paint pottery. Your art will give your beloved a new window into your personality.

·         Miniature golf, bowling, pool, or the arcade is always great for some old-fashioned fun and friendly competition.

·         Take a Sleigh ride on a brisk fall or winter evening; pack a snack with hot coffee or coco.

·         Flowers are an eternal symbol of romance. Head to the botanical gardens and learn all about them together.

·         Take a road trip to the city if you live in the country or to the country if you live in the city. Find a romantic Bed and breakfast to lodge in.

Budget Friendly Date Nights

·         Make homemade pizza

·         Check out the local entertainment at a bar, festival, concert in the park.

·         Pick or Catch up on a TV series and rent or view on Netflix $10 mo. Subscription or free trial here (link)

·         Head out to the Dollar Theater and splurge on snacks. We normally wash two or three movies that we’ve been waiting to see.

·         Try brunch and a matinee; fancy restaurants are way more affordable in the a.m.

·         Order up a bucket of fried chicken and head for a drive-in if still available in your city.

·         Dress up your backyard picnic table with a white tablecloth. Add candles or lights, fancy cheese, chocolate and voila: five-star fun!

·         Too cold or wet for an outdoor picnic? Spread a blanket on the floor and have a carpet picnic. (We did this with the kids and everyone had a blast!)

·         Find a happy hour half off appetizers and order a few for your dinner!

·         Grab a basketball and hit the free courts at the park.

·         Sample international or even local food at a city or state fair.

·         Go to the library and page through the coffee-table art books, or any books!

·         Suit up and spend a late afternoon at the indoor pool of the Y.

·         Head to the highest point in town. Spend an early evening watching the twinkling lights turn on.

·         Drive out to a country field or park, lie down and snuggle under the stars.

·         Take a tour of the house you'd (someday) love to own.

Creative Date Night Ideas:

·         Paint coffee mugs at a paint-your-own-pottery place.

·         Get outdoors on a cool windy day and fly a kite.

·         Find a BYOB Painting Class! So much fun!

·         Sign up for a message class.

·         Go out for a night of Salsa dancing

·         Hit a farmers' market and scavenge for your dinner.

·         Get an easy-to-operate remote-control plane, go to a park and take turns trying to avoid the trees.

·         Take a hayride.

·         Hit a flea market and shop interesting finds.

·         Take a tour of garage sales in the ritziest neighborhoods.

·         Don't you just drive each other up the wall sometimes? Prove it — at an indoor climbing gym.

·         Head to an ice skating rink and strap on skates for some icy fun.

·         Poke around an antique shop.

·         Ride the Ferris wheel at a local carnival.

·         Find a fountain and throw in 10 pennies, taking turns making wishes.

·         Write a poem together. Find a creative way to display it, frame it, and exhibit it in your home.

·         Stop at a fancy bakery and pick out a treat for each other.

·         Cook together or take a cooking class.

·         Hold a kiss for one elevator ride. (Even if someone else is riding along)

·         Get up early or stay up all night, to watch the sunrise.

·         Climb a tree together.

·         Head to a batting cage and swing at some balls.

·         Hit the bowling alley.

·         Get in the saddle for a horseback-riding lesson.

·         Hit up a sports bar and cheer on the team…He’ll love you for this if he/she is a sports fanatic.

·         Map out a long bike ride through a local park.

·         Fire up the grill for burgers and sticky s'mores.

·         Play paintball.

·         Check out the action at the nearest racetrack.

·         Take a trip to the golf-ball driving range.

·         Work out your aggression with some co-kickboxing.

Mini Weekend Getaways ($$$!):

·         Book a double massage at a spa.

·         Take a balloon or helicopter ride over your town.

·         Rent a fancy car. Tool around as if you actually own it.

·         Find a nearby bed-and-breakfast. Spend the night someplace where someone else makes the bed and cooks breakfast.

Special Touches that with Add to Your Date Night Experience:

·         Write a quick love note on the bathroom mirror. (we've done this a few times…just make sure it’s not permanent marker)

·         Use sticky notes around the house to say a quick I love you!

·         Stick a napkin note in spouse’s lunch (works if your spouse takes a lunch to work)!

·         Write an encouraging, sweet, short (or steamy) email or text during the day. (double check the number)

·         Hold hands whenever you can. We sometimes forget this simple notion of affection.

·         Make breakfast for him/her (or with him/her) on Saturday or Sunday morning

·         Surprise him/her with a new shirt or something you'll know he'll enjoy (a new book perhaps)

·         Plan a date and take him/her out!

·         Use chivalry...Which is not only for men…Ladies…Say your please and thank you's! My husband and I are in the habit of saying yes mam and yes sir to each other sometimes, because of our kids saying it! Don’t forget to open and close her door….

Mummy Candy Holder

II seen this cute little candy buckets at Hostess With the Mostess. Way Cute!!

Mummy Candy Holder

To make, you’ll need:

4oz. water bottle (for mini-mummy)

Quart-size container (for larger mummy)

Cotton Ball and/or lid to water bottle Cheesecloth cut into strips

 

Directions:

For the mini mummy, use a utility knife to cut the top off a 4-ounce water bottle. For the larger mummy, use an empty quart-size plastic container.

Glue a cotton ball to the middle of the small bottle for the nose, then glue on a pair of googly eyes. Use the water-bottle cap for the larger mummy’s nose, then add eyes.

For both mummies: Cut strips of cheesecloth. Glue one end of cloth to the container and start wrapping the cheesecloth around, covering the nose but not the eyes. Continue adding layers of cheesecloth, gluing down any loose ends.

Watch Me Live Out Loud

Four months from our two year anniversary God decided to bless my husband and I with a new addition to our family. I remember sitting down and making a list of where we wanted and planned on being within five years of marriage and kids were on the list right at the three year mark! No sooner... At the age of four my nephew joined our family and has brought so much energy and joy with his boyish ways. When I look back I can't help but to laugh at how silly we were to think that our plans were going to go exactly the way we planned. The truth is that Gods plans are so much bigger than we could ever imagine. My husband and I were twenty-four at the time (of course he would add that he's older by a month) but we were so engulfed in ourselves that we didn't leave much room for God's design. May 2010 I gave birth to a wonderful wide eye baby boy who has brought even more joy to our lives. I'm so so grateful that we are blessed with the gift of two little boys, because God is molding us and growing us into the Man and Woman, Husband and Wife, and Father and Mother that he has designed us to be. I started this blog because as a private person I tend to hold allot in not because I'm shy but because I'm always worried how someone will feel about me or the idea that they may be offended or hurt by my opinion.  I'm learning that you can't always concern yourself with others opinions. The key is to embrace who God made you to be while showing the fruits of the spirit. In this blog I will share my thoughts, creativity, and ideas, along with passion for food and design.  So please join me in this journey as I "Embrace Living Out Loud!"