Thursday Tidbit

It's that time of year again! You know the time...when you vow to loose 30lbs, be more outgoing, find a new job, and the list goes on...and on...and on.

Get your pen and paper out, start writing, and let me know what your 2012 resolutions are. I'll be posting mine shortly.

Words of Wisdom

Taken from sweetsugarspicecandy.tumblr.com via Pinterest

2011 Year in Review

With the year almost over, it's about that time to make new new year's resolutions. But before we kiss 2011 good-bye, sum up your year in 11 words (or less).

My 2011 can be best summed up with:

A year of growth and new challenges with personal truths revealed.

What's your 2011 statement?

Twas the night before Christmas...

and I am sitting here looking at Home Alone and every other cheesey Holiday Movie that comes on Hallmark and Encore. I can't wait til A Christmas Story comes on for 24 hours! I still have to wrap gifts and make a cake and bannana pudding.

Oh wait, paint my nails and find something to wear for church tomorrow. With that being said...Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!

You know it ain't Christmas til...

You know it ain't Christmas til I see the episode of Martin when they get stuck in the bus station on Christmas...with Ms. Jerry, the drunken Santa, and the ignorant clerk at the window! HAHA! I love this episode; it's just not Christmas til I see it!

What's a Single Sistah to do?

It's Friday night and instead of me being out with the dude that I was talking to, I am typing out this post as a way to vent. I finally break down, well, wait, make time to go out with this boy dude that I am talking to and what does he do??!?!?! STAND ME UP!

I talked to him on Wednesday just to confirm that we were still going out. I am a planner and I wanted to check the weather, how to wear my hair, make-up, shoes, the normal stuff. He confirmed going to happy hour at Mad Mex in Shadyside (or that area). Fine. So, yesterday, I didn't hear from him, so I text him. He texts back. I call him later, just to chit chat. Everything seems fine.

Today, I text him while on lunch for the address of the place and he gives it to me. Nothing else. I stop by CVS to pick up some make-up because I seen it on sale for 75% off. I text him to see what time we were meeting up. He says 9:15. Ok. Now from here, its confusing. He says, We can hook up another time. Just let me know ahead of time when we want to hook up. Huh!? I was so confused. I didn't understand where this was coming from. I ask if this was a bad time and he says tonight is great for me. I am the one that set it up for tonight. We can try another time. Have a good night. Ok, I never said anything about not wanting to go, so I didn't know where this was coming from. I called him and he said that he was talking to his mother, didn't answer, but text me back. Then I ask him what is really going on. He says I was going just didn't feel the vibe, maybe next time will be better. I want to kick it with you but I feel your not interested in me. What does that have to do with us going out as friends?!?!?! He says that we were going out as friends, but we can go at another time. I text him back 'If we were going as friend then what does it matter if I am interested in your or not? See, its just not making sense to me. I really wanted to go but for whatever reason, even though it's a good time for both of us you don't want to go. I was really looking forward to going. I just feel let down and that your not being completely honest with me.'

Nothing back from him; no call or text.

What is a single sistah to do?!?! I don't want to be the angry black woman, but I am upset about this. I could have made other plans or went out somewhere else. Why didn't he say this earlier. I asked him and never got an answer. Although cliche, I think that he was out with another girl.

After being stood up on a Friday night, I am sitting here eating a semi-disgusting steak sandwich and slightly underdone breaded mushrooms from Pizza Milano while watching what TLC calls: Brideday. It is bad that I am being cynical and thinking that maybe I'll never get married?!? Try to stay positive...think positive.

A Kardashian for Khristmas...

Kardashian Kollection Women's Lace Button Up Shirt With Oversized Neck Bow

The Kardashians are known for their signature style, but if you have checked out the stuff that they have on QVC and Sears you might not see what all the hype is about. For some reason, the clothing just looks cheap, but at high price.

Well, while surfing my favorite blogs, I came across a cute, sophisticated lace shirt. I had to know where it came from. And to my surprise it was from the Kardashian Kollection from Sears! Just to let ya'll know I have really been feeling Sears and K-Mart lately--cheap and fashionable. 

This particular shirt I had never seen in stores. But I absolutely have to have in the nude color. I can just see the styling options now. Hopefully I will get it for Christmas...

Price: $56.99
Sizes: L-XL (as of 12/12/2011)
Colors: Black or Nude

Love the Shirt, wanna get it? Shop Sears Here.

Purple Snowflakes...

As much as I hate to admit this, I went back to the GAP for the holiday season. I needed the extra cash since my primary job couldn't afford to give us the normal 3% raise. Every Christmas season, for the past 4 years I heard a song called 'Purple Snowflakes'. I always thought that it was by Jimmy Hendrix--just because it was called Purple Snowflakes. Get it purple snowflakes, *clearing my throat* purp. Anyway, after some googling, I found out that it was by the legendary Marvin Gaye! I should have known this because Jimmy Hendrix never sung a ballet and there isn't a guitar to be found. Aside from This Christmas by Donny Hathaway, this is one of my favorites!

Enjoy!

Spiritual Sunday....

Another Words of Wisdom on Spiritual Sunday...

In Anticipation...

In anticipation of me getting my passport so that  I can cross it off of my 360 in 365 list, I went out and made a small purchase. I brought a Coach Passport Case Holder! So when I am whipping out my passport in Europe and Africa, I'll be stylish. Oh and did I mention that it was on sale?!?!?! I went Christmas shopping at Tanger Outlets and had to visit the Coach Factory store. They were giving out a 30% off coupon at the door, after some careful contemplation, I settled on it for the low price of $21.34. A small price to pay to be one step closer to my dream.

Welcome to the Good Life!

My cousin wanted to go out to the premier spot in Pittsburgh, Savoy. All of my other friends have been there before, except me. We went out for dinner and this is a review my experience.

Food: How can I put this nicely...I've had better. I got the Chicken and Waffles with corn pudding and spinach. The chicken was your typical buttermilk chicken fried to a golden brown, nothing really special. I will say that the corn pudding--although it was only a teaspoon--was great! The spinach was just that, spinach. I couldn't say that they flavors or taste of the food was something that I had never experienced before. And since I didn't even mention the waffles, that goes to show you how memorable they were. My bill was $42.90 (yikes!)

Music: There is a restaurant part (lower floor) and there is the lounge area (upstairs). I'm not really sure who the DJ was, but he was spinning the hits! I think there was different music on each floor. It was mainly hip hop and R&B being played.

Drinks: I am not big on drinking, but I did partake in a beverage. I got the Tropical martini. It was sweet, fruity, and went down smooth. And after the owner brought us a round, they tasted even better. Without the complimentary round the average drink is $12. This most definitely is a place that you either sip slow or go to Art's before or after.

Ambiance: I will admit that I thought that the place would be bigger than what I actually seen on TV. It's more of a long, narrow space, not expansive. The place is decorated very nice, its clean, and has a modern look and feel to it. But, the lounge is another story. It was very hard to get around due to the bar, couches, and VIP area. We went on a Saturday night and there was barely room to move around in the lounge area. You cannot dance; there is no designated dance floor.

Overall Experience: I had a good experience. The food is way overpriced, as well as the drinks.The service is excellent. They offer valet, so you don't have to worry about finding parking in the strip or walking a long way in your killer heels. I would return there, but maybe for appetizers.

Outfit: Dress: H&M Tights: Fishnets from Target  Makeup: Naked Palette eyeshadow, MAC NW45 concealer, Mary Kay Bronze 2 face powder, ELF cream liner, Loreal million lashes in carbon black, Miliani Luminoso Blush, and last, but not least a dupe for Up the Amp, Covergirl Divine lipstick.

*Unable to post pictures due to not having permission from various person(s)

WWYD...

What would you do if you seen your friends signifigant other out with someone else?  You seen them being a little too close and touching in a more than friendly way.


Would you tell them? Why or Why not? Do you feel like it would make a difference in their relationship? Could a friend possibly see you as a hater by telling them what you saw?

I'm really interested in hearing from both men and women.

Words of Wisdom on Spiritual Sunday



 Taken from littledaisymay.blogspot.com via pinterest

Hey! I'm a little late posting for Spiritual Sunday, but I didn't find anything that really inspired me to post. I actually was hoping that I would be lead to something about forgiveness. Instead, I was lead to this website called pinterest. While browsing the website, which by the way has a waiting list for new members...yeah, you have to be invited. I came across a lot  postings and pictures and decided to start a series of post involving them. Hopefully you'll be inspired and motivated by these words of wisdom.

The Cooking Chronicles

Today, I was reminiscing on one of the potlucks that we used to have at my old job. I kind of missed it and decided to make a meal dedicated to it. There were always two things that were constant at the potluck:  Ham BBQ and Haluski.

What I prepared was similar to what my old co-workers used to cook, but only I put my own spin on it and more flavor. There were a couple of reasons why these dishes were a staple on potluck day- they are super cheap to make and can feed a crowd for like pennies a serving. What's cheaper than cabbage, noodles, cooked ham and bread!?!?!

Sorry for the bad picture; have to get a new camera

I wouldn't call this a recipe, but more like a guideline to be tweaked to your liking.

Ham BBQ

Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

1lb of ham, shaved
1 bottle of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce
Onion, chopped
Green Pepper, chopped
1 small clove of garlic, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
olive oil
black pepper
salt (depending on your ham, optional)
4 hamburger buns
banana peppers (garnish, optional)

In a sauce pan, heat olive oil and saute garlic, onion, and green pepper until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the ham and BBQ sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of cooking add chopped tomato. Serve on hamburger buns, topped with banana peppers.

Haluski (Cabbage and Noodles)

This is not your typical haluski! It's more line a fried cabbage/noodle mix. You can adjust accordingly, but its good to me!

Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

1 small cabbage, shredded
1 small onion, sliced
1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
5 tablespoons of butter
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 cup of chicken broth or water
Half a package of egg noodles
Salt
Pepper
Paprika

Boil water and prepare egg noodles according to package.

While the noodles are cooking, in a skillet heat olive oil and butter. Add the onion and garlic, saute until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the cabbage and cook for 15 minutes stirring occasionally. Add the chicken broth and cover for another 20-25 minutes. Add the noodles to the cabbage alone with a pat of butter if needed. Serve hot.

Thursday Tidbit...

I love YouTube. It has changed my life. I've learned how to do a smokey eye, created some great recipes, gotten some great fashion tips, but I wish that people would stop posting 12 minute videos about things that take 5 minutes! I understand that there are times when a lengthy video is appropriate, but I get slightly bored. Maybe I have a touch of ADD.

Relationship Guru: Whatever happened to just being friends?

Alright, so after the whole 'Just In Case: Take Care' ordeal, I am back out in the game! Well, kinda. I recently linked back up with a friend. He found me on facebook, we exchanged numbers, and have been taking ever since. Recently, he has been asking me some questions that lead me to believe that he wants a lil' more than just being friends.  Just the mention of marriage, kids, relationships makes me a uncomfortable. While texting one another, he asks me if I can possibly see a relationship with him? Do I find him attractive? Ok, let me just give ya'll the back story. We met like 15 years ago. We really don't know one another, never dated, and I haven't seen him in person in about...cricket...8 years?  I asked him where did this come from? He said that he was just curious because he can see himself being in a relationship with me. Yeah, me. Slightly-broken-and-bitter-celibate-easily scared away-with-the-mention-of-commitment-on-the-fence-about-wanting-kids-me.

I am not saying that it would never happen with him, but we haven't even hung out together to see if its something that would even happen. I'm not really sure where this all came from. I think that its funny when a guy shows that they are vulnerable just like women, and I am starting to hear about it more and more from different guys.

Whatever happened to just being friends with someone...taking things slow?

Spiritual Sunday

I am still reading Weird: Because Normal Isn't Working by Craig Groeschel and as I stated in a previous Spiritual Sunday post, I will be doing a review on it. I'm about half way through it and I found the Time chapters of the book a bit dry, but the relationship chapters...whoa! More to come =)

Thursday Tidbit...

How you doin'?!?!?! I liked Wendy Williams, half-cousin-in-my-head, alot better when she was on the radio. I am not knocking her moving up to the next level, but she was alot more unsensored when on the radio. She used to ask people the questions that everyone wanted to know the answer too...not the watered down, commercialized question she asked now. I remember I would listen to her radio show at work over the internet and be cracking up at my desk! I still like the talk show, but just not as much as the radio show.