Sesame Street Live

Elmo, Big Bird and the gang may be coming to a city near you! Check it out here.

72 Days.?

Kim Kardashian. Ya'll already know. I must say that I've been trying to dismiss the hoopla that I've been seeing on the magazines near the checkout counters. I've been telling myself that they can't POSSIBLY be on the brink of divorce; they just got married. Well apparently they are, according to People.com, E News (the network that airs her show), and the rest of the world.

I hope I'm not the only person who thinks this is tragic on so many levels. Even though some celebrities seem to view marriages as disposable as used toilet tissue, I always have a glimmer of hope that they might make it. Was the Kardashian-Humphries wedding just a show? Was it just a cleverly created, EXPENSIVE marketing ploy? Why do I care?

I care because I dearly love my husband of six years. Marriage is definitely not the easiest thing that I've done; he can annoy me like no one else. However, marrying this man is one of the best things I've done. I am so grateful for him, he is my best friend, and we don't have an exit strategy. Marriage is sacred; it's a commitment that our society shouldn't treat so lightly.

On a side note, how much was spent on the wedding? I know a few churches, non-profit organizations, and unemployed folks who could have used that money.

Mystery Solved!

For several months construction crews have worked on a new building in my area. Every time I passed it I would ask myself the same question: "I wonder what that is?" I got my answer this morning; it's an Aldi supermarket. I have heard that this store has great prices, and I hope that is true, because I am always looking for a deal. I also hope they that they have affordable natural/organic products. The grand opening is scheduled for November 3rd and I may have to sneak a peek. Do you have an Aldi in your area? What do you think?

Isn't She Lovely?

Well, isn't she? There is a silent strength about her that I love. I also get a kick out of the afro, because I got me some big hair too! Groovy Lady is finally hanging in my office after several months in hiding behind an armoire. I have commitment issues when it comes to decorating. Groovy Lady is the name given to here by the artist, but my daughter keeps trying to name her Sally, Annie, or some other name that doesn't reflect the way she speaks to me. This was painted by P. Lewis, a good friend of my mine from college. From time to time she displays her work at art exhibits in the Atlanta area. To see more of her beautiful work, check out the P.Lewis collection here.

What's For Dinner?

Lately I've been in a cooking rut. My use of the word lately probably isn't accurate, because this rut has lasted several months. You know what I'm talking about.  I never know what to cook, and when I do, I prepare the same meals over and over again. By the way, the rut applies to every meal, not just dinner. At some point my children will start picketing my use of PB and J. I've had enough exposure to know that the appropriate thing to do in this situation is to develop a weekly meal plan, but just between you and me, laziness is preventing me from doing that. If you are in the rut with me, I just found a website that I think will give us the direction and motivation needed to become well oiled, meal planning machines. Go over to Meal Planning Magic and check out the ideas for starting a basic meal plan, freezer cooking, and making life easier in the kitchen. The Resource Guide on the site is definitely the place to start. It has links for information on the topics I mentioned, plus it features help for folks with special dietary needs, such as gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian. If you aren't used to meal planning, I hope you feel inspired. If you do plan meals weekly, what's your system?

Warning: Disaster Area

Is your house a wreck when you come home from a trip? I came home Monday from a quick trip to the land also known as "Hotlanta", and my house is a hot mess. For example, the suitcase hasn't been unpacked but we've been taking things out of it as needed, laundry everywhere, etc. It wasn't a mess when left, but I haven't been on my household maintenance game this week. So here is quick tip before I attempt to get this place in order: invest in a timer. Nothing fancy, just a simple digital timer that you can probably get from somewhere like the Dollar Store. Set the timer for about 15 minutes and pick a room. Look here girl, this ain't deep cleaning. This is straightening, clearing surface clutter, making the bed (no, I didn't make the bed today). You will be amazed at what you can do in 15 minutes, and it helps build cleaning momentum because you know you are only working for short periods of time. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!

Oh So Special

   

If you have children, do you savor the special moments that you have with them, or are you telling them to go play so that you can finish the crazy number of items on your to do list? I have to admit that I am usually guilty of the later. Of course my list of things are important, but time moves so fast, and everyday my kids are saying, doing something different. I have to remind myself to enjoy them, love them, play with them, and for goodness sake, stop letting the t.v. spend more time with them than I do. Ladies, let's put those lists aside for 10 minutes and love on our kids. It just might be the highlight of the day.