Thank You Sistahs!

So, Christmas came and went and somehow we survived it all. Fortunately I was able to travel home and it was all because of the generosity of others. There are absolutely no words to describe how elated Iwas to find out that I was going home in Christmas Eve. The sistahs (and some brothers) of Bay Minette, Alabama have truly made me look at the holiday season with new eyes. For all of you that have helped us deal with the situation in our home, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

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It’s Christmas Time – Can we talk?

                                                                                   

Today I am trying to feel the holiday spirit and I assure you that it’s hard. I spent the entire night at the hospital with my man’s mom and I am tired. My man’s mom has dementia and this is road that I pray none of you have to travel. I am trying to notice what I have learned about myself during this ordeal. Can I be honest and tell you that sometimes I do not feel charitable. I know we ask each other “what would Jesus Do? ” – but is it really that easy? I have thought long and hard about going back home to Georgia, but I know there is no growth for me there. Plus, I need to be away from the opinions, push and pull of family. I am trying to be a better me. In a world where I have been lied on, spied on, cursed out, humiliated and everything else, I am determined to keep my head up. My personal journey has taken me many wonderful places in the world, and I am now in Alabama with a woman that’s completely crazy. What I know for sure is that this too shall past. I am ready to reclaim my life and my space. Perhaps all of this is here top teach me to appreciate my liberty and freedom when it returns. Pray for me sistahs as I will you. And while you’re at it – have a holly jolly holiday season.

First Meeting!

                                                                         

Today is the first brick and mortar meeting for the Mocha Bay Sistahhood Cafe and I am so excited. Since I am new to North Baldwin everything is fresh to me. I am determined to get these sistahs unified and out of their element. It is always amazing to me how people can live near oceans, mountains or monuments and never visit those sites.

For those of you that have never heard of Bay Minette, Alabama, let me tell you a bit about it. Bay Minette is located in North Baldwin County county. A county approximately the size of Rhode Island ( about 100 miles long). Our south end is situated on the Gulf of Mexico attracting new residents and tourist. We are that town you get to before to get to everything else. Wouldn’t you know that Lifetime would air THE TOWN THAT TIME FORGOT as I type this:-). I recently joined the Chamber of Commerce and was made a diplomat in a month. I also got really busy with the Friends of the Library organization. I love, love, love working on a big project and this town certainly fits the bill. I wholeheartly believe that America will have to save itself one town at a time. Since I now live in Bay Minette, Alabama – I believe I’ll start here. Well, I have an hour and a half to see who shows up. I’ll keep you guys posted.

Church!

                                                                              

This is the holiday season. The time of year that we acknowledge the birth of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Tonight I had the honor of hearing a sermon by Bishop Knox of Mobile, Alabama and it was life-changing. The sermon was about renewing your mind. It is imperative that we learn to live differently in these trying times we are encountering. The Bishop’s annointed wife was paralyzed for 22 1/2 years. On August 27th 2010 she stood up at a church service and was able to walk. God is TRULY amazing. I hear and see many things in the world that encourage us to sway away from the Gospel. In these times whave to know what we know. There are signs and miracles everywhere – everyday. We are all walking miracles. Living, breathing, sons and daughters, sister and brothers in Christ. As Mary- Mary so eloquently sing “it’s the God in me – remember that these are words to live by. Have a happy Holiday season my sistahfriends.

Holiday moderation

 

                                                             

Just thinking about all the eating that will take place tommorow is making me bloat. The thought of it all also makes me sad. I live with two diabetes and ladies, this disease is taking a toil on the African American community. We have come a long way in our attitudes regarding a lot of issues, but food continues to be the sticking point. If you want to see what a clogged atery looks like, drain the grease of some meat and leave it in a bowl overnight. Believe me, you will be horrified to see what your body is trying to deal with on a daily basis. Couple that with the fact that most of us are not getting enough exercise, if any. I know how tempting it is to eat ham, sweet potato pies, potato salad and all the works. But before you do, ask yourself if it’s worth all belly ache/bulge you will deal with later. Not to mention all that gas. These long-learned eating habits will elevate  your blood sugar, blood pressure and cause heart damage. While I’m at it, let’s not forget the coup de grace -the after dinner cigarette.

 I know we are one day away from Thanksgiving and I what I know is that I am  grateful for all of God’s grace and mercies. I also know that we must learn to value this wonderful gift called life.

For the foodies

If you are looking for the absolutely best lunch in Baldwin County, try Seasons Cafe  located at 204A East 2nd Street Bay Minette, Alabama 36507. I was recently at my local chamber meeting with the director Margo Allen. She ran out and came back with a lunch to remember.  The sandwich was so fresh & delicious. I mean really, absolutely superb. Grab your kids, parents, co-workers or a good book and get ready for a treat!

Monday Cafe Business Spotlight

If you are looking for the right scrub or rub for your skin – check out Pampered by Adrienne owned and operated by Adrienne Nixon. This amazing Sistah has created a wonderful product line that not only addresses our skincare issues but is also affordable. The holidays are creeping up on us and ladies we must keep our diva faces on at all times. Buy your gifts a few at a time to avoid being overwhelmed. Make sure to visit Adrienne’s website and order something nice for yourself while you are there.

Good Books

                                                                              

If you are looking for a great way to past the day, stop by your local bookseller and pick up a copy of Wench. This debut novel promises to never dissapoint.  To order a copy, please visit www.dolenperkinsvaldez.com.

Holiday Tips, treats and freebies!

It’s time to pull out the quilts and the bake up the cookies! Today I have scoured the internet for the best ideas to make your winter nights cozy. Chek out some of my great finds below.

Download these free gift labels at http://www.landolakes.com and check out all of the fabulous recipes while you are there.

Land O' Lakes Free Labels

Wow your guest this year with this great Old Fashioned Hot Chocolate Recipe that’s just like Grandma.  You can find this and other recipes at www.oldrecipebook.com.

Hot Chocolate (Recipe from 1937)

2 squares chocolate
3 tablespoons sugar                            
2 cups cold water                                              
2 cups milk

Melt chocolate; add sugar and cold water and heat till boiling point. Cook 15 minutes in a doubleboiler. Add milk and heat again. Remove from flame as soon as boiling point is reached.

Compliments of http://www.soulfoodandsoutherncooking.com.

                               Homemade Beef Chili Recipe

Recipe Ingredients

2 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 pound lean ground beef
2-1/2 cups cooked kidney beans
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 beef bouillon cube, crushed
1 table spoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup water

Cooking Utensils

1 nonstick skillet
1 heavy stock pot
1 cutting knife
1 cooking spoon

Recipe Instructions

As always, being prepared and using quality ingredients is the key to great tasting food.

1. Prepare you vegetables for cooking. Remove the seeds and finely chop your green pepper. Finely chop the onions and mince the garlic cloves.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onions and bell pepper, cook and stir for about 4 minutes. Add the beef, cook and stir until beef is done. Drain off grease and oil.

3. Transfer beef mixture to a heavy stock pot and add the remaining ingredients. Stir mix thoroughly, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes.

4. Serve your homemade beef chili hot with cornbread or saltine crackers.

I’m sure you will enjoy this chili recipe for many years to come.

Hook up Your House

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Don’t You guys just love decorating?  I mean I really love moving things around, adding trims, tassel or spray paint. Here’s a great F.Y.I. If you want really spruce up your home for under $1000.00, check out Uncle Grumpy’s Furniture Store. Located on Hwy 59 right outside of Bay Minette Alabama, this store never dissapoints. I was there today and found an oversized geometric display platter for $15.00. $15.00!!!! I can not wait to style this bad boy on my coffee table. Everyday at 9:am you will find me parked in front of my flat screen watching the Nate Burkus Show. Pure inspiration. If you have not seen the show – make it your business to get on the band wagon. I know a lot of you have a hard time getting started on household projects. Start by browsing through magazines. Pull out everything that inspires you.If you have a creative friend, great! I am a firm beliver in VISION BOARDS. For me that would mean a 50 cent poster and a lotta of tape. Create the room you would like to have on the board. Figure out all the details on paper. Try various color variations. You know how we can get stuck doing the same stuff over and over. I have taken the liberty of adding some images that might get you thinking. Let me know what you think.