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  • Mind Your Own

    “Too many of us are in economic trouble because we haven’t been taught the correct way to think about home ownership and mortgage debt.”

    In Mind Your Own Mortgage, author Robert J. Bernabe strives to show readers how to avoid allowing their American Dream become a disastrous nightmare.  With his take-no-prisoners approach, Bernabe clearly lays out a path for homeowners to take.  He reminds homeowners that “the American consumer is free to choose, and the choices we make carry consequences.”  Bernabe makes it clear that despite the recent downward spiral the housing market took, at the end of day the government and banks aren’t solely to blame.  Some homeowners got in over their heads and bought into the refinancing tricks, while others just didn’t take the time to shop around for better deals.
    Broken up into four parts- Get a Grip on It, Shop for It, Manage It and Finish It- Mind Your Own Mortgage is filled with real life examples.  In each section, Bernabe introduces readers to individuals and couples who are faced with difficult choices regarding their choosing, managing and paying off their mortgages.  He walks us through the choices they make, the mistakes of those choices and how they can fix it.  He also provides insider tips as well as tables and charts to help readers better get an understanding of how to the principles and practices outlined in his book.
    Honestly, whether you’re looking to become a homeowner, car owner or boat owner, this is a must read book.  Also, if you’re like millions of Americans and have gotten in over your head on a mortgage or any large debt, this book Bernabe’s tips for how to get a handle on that debt will definitely have you on the road to recovery and rebuilding your credit!  Maybe, you’ve already taken out a mortgage and are managing it fine but are thinking about refinancing.  No worries, he has that covered too.
    Pick up a copy of Mind Your Own Mortgage and let Bernabe translate all the corporate jargon into plain English that the average person can comprehend.  Don’t go into homeownership blind or put yourself in the position to have your dream lifestyle turned into a horrible nightmare ever again!
    Disclaimer:  I was gifted a copy of Mind Your Own Mortgage for this receive.  All opinions are 100% my own.

  • Mind Your Own

    “Too many of us are in economic trouble because we haven’t been taught the correct way to think about home ownership and mortgage debt.”

    In Mind Your Own Mortgage, author Robert J. Bernabe strives to show readers how to avoid allowing their American Dream become a disastrous nightmare.  With his take-no-prisoners approach, Bernabe clearly lays out a path for homeowners to take.  He reminds homeowners that “the American consumer is free to choose, and the choices we make carry consequences.”  Bernabe makes it clear that despite the recent downward spiral the housing market took, at the end of day the government and banks aren’t solely to blame.  Some homeowners got in over their heads and bought into the refinancing tricks, while others just didn’t take the time to shop around for better deals.
    Broken up into four parts- Get a Grip on It, Shop for It, Manage It and Finish It- Mind Your Own Mortgage is filled with real life examples.  In each section, Bernabe introduces readers to individuals and couples who are faced with difficult choices regarding their choosing, managing and paying off their mortgages.  He walks us through the choices they make, the mistakes of those choices and how they can fix it.  He also provides insider tips as well as tables and charts to help readers better get an understanding of how to the principles and practices outlined in his book.
    Honestly, whether you’re looking to become a homeowner, car owner or boat owner, this is a must read book.  Also, if you’re like millions of Americans and have gotten in over your head on a mortgage or any large debt, this book Bernabe’s tips for how to get a handle on that debt will definitely have you on the road to recovery and rebuilding your credit!  Maybe, you’ve already taken out a mortgage and are managing it fine but are thinking about refinancing.  No worries, he has that covered too.
    Pick up a copy of Mind Your Own Mortgage and let Bernabe translate all the corporate jargon into plain English that the average person can comprehend.  Don’t go into homeownership blind or put yourself in the position to have your dream lifestyle turned into a horrible nightmare ever again!
    Disclaimer:  I was gifted a copy of Mind Your Own Mortgage for this receive.  All opinions are 100% my own.

  • Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

    It’s our first Soul Food Sunday and we’re sharing recipes for Baked Macaroni and Cheese!  After all I can recall very few Sunday dinners that didn’t involve baked mac & cheese.  It’s family favorite all across the board.  The recipe I’m sharing today is one that I created during my staycation in New Orleans.  I was looking for a way to take a traditional comfort food and make it my own.
    Also, I just want to mention that if like me you have kids or family members who can’t have dairy, the soy or whatever dairy alternatives you use for milk and cheese  will work just as well.  In addition, please know that I’m all about making things from scratch but I’m not above creating recipes that are semi-homemade!
    Ingredients
    14 oz Elbow Macaroni
    16 oz Grated Sharp Cheddar
    1/3 cup Cubed Velveeta Cheese
    3 cups Water
    1/3 cup 2% Milk
    1 tsp butter
    Non-stick Spray
    1/2 Chopped Small Onion 
    Seasoning Salt & Black Pepper (season to preferred taste)
    Directions
    In a medium or large sauce pan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.  Pour in elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (roughly 10-12 minutes).  Once macaroni is done drain most of the water off.  Place pan with macaroni back on the stove with heat turned off.  Add in the Velveeta cubes and milk.  
    Mix well so that cubes start to melt.  Next mix in grated cheddar (save some of sprinkle on top), butter, onions and season with seasoned salt and black pepper to your liking.  Lightly spray baking dish with non-stick spray and pour in macaroni.  Sprinkle the rest of the grated cheddar on top.  Cover with aluminum foil and place in pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.  
    To brown (crust) top of macaroni, remove foil the last 5-10 minutes of baking.  Let cool for 5 minutes and serve.
    Please pardon the half eaten biscuit.
    Don’t forget to link up your baked macaroni and cheese recipes below!  Be sure to include a pic!  Next week we’re sharing potato salad recipes!!

  • Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

    It’s our first Soul Food Sunday and we’re sharing recipes for Baked Macaroni and Cheese!  After all I can recall very few Sunday dinners that didn’t involve baked mac & cheese.  It’s family favorite all across the board.  The recipe I’m sharing today is one that I created during my staycation in New Orleans.  I was looking for a way to take a traditional comfort food and make it my own.
    Also, I just want to mention that if like me you have kids or family members who can’t have dairy, the soy or whatever dairy alternatives you use for milk and cheese  will work just as well.  In addition, please know that I’m all about making things from scratch but I’m not above creating recipes that are semi-homemade!
    Ingredients
    14 oz Elbow Macaroni
    16 oz Grated Sharp Cheddar
    1/3 cup Cubed Velveeta Cheese
    3 cups Water
    1/3 cup 2% Milk
    1 tsp butter
    Non-stick Spray
    1/2 Chopped Small Onion 
    Seasoning Salt & Black Pepper (season to preferred taste)
    Directions
    In a medium or large sauce pan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.  Pour in elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (roughly 10-12 minutes).  Once macaroni is done drain most of the water off.  Place pan with macaroni back on the stove with heat turned off.  Add in the Velveeta cubes and milk.  
    Mix well so that cubes start to melt.  Next mix in grated cheddar (save some of sprinkle on top), butter, onions and season with seasoned salt and black pepper to your liking.  Lightly spray baking dish with non-stick spray and pour in macaroni.  Sprinkle the rest of the grated cheddar on top.  Cover with aluminum foil and place in pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes.  
    To brown (crust) top of macaroni, remove foil the last 5-10 minutes of baking.  Let cool for 5 minutes and serve.
    Please pardon the half eaten biscuit.
    Don’t forget to link up your baked macaroni and cheese recipes below!  Be sure to include a pic!  Next week we’re sharing potato salad recipes!!

  • Maid For Us

    Have you ever thought about hiring a maid or using a cleaning service?  I have!  And recently, I’ve been giving it more and more thought.  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy being domestic around the house.  It gives me a great sense of accomplishment and pride.  However, I can’t deny that there are some definite benefits to relinquishing the cleaning duties once a month to a house keeper or Maid Service DC.
    One of the biggest reasons for me to look into hiring a maid is my family’s health.  We live across the street from a farm and our next door neighbors have pets that are always on our porch or front lawn.  And with my kids being allergic to both cats and dogs, I’m always worrying about the fact that we’re tracking those germs and allergens into the house. We do try to reduce spreading those germs throughout the house by not wearing our outdoor shoes inside too much.
    However, germs spread. Even if we leave our shoes at the door that’s not going to stop the germs from getting caught in the air and moving throughout the house that.  Another issue that happens is that having two young busy bodies doesn’t exactly allow me to ‘deep clean’ often.  Most of time, my cleaning sessions are interrupted to break up arguments, making lunch, playdates or doctor appointments.  So, I end up having to rush to change clothes and shower off my cleaning germs.
    Needless, to say these interruptions often lead to buildup around the baseboards, the oven not getting cleaned out like it should have been two weeks ago and a fresh layer of dust starting to coat the ceiling fan.  Whether anybody else notices are not, the fact is that I notice!  And that bothers me because I crave neatness and organization.  I also crave cutting down on the amount of chemicals used in our home.
    I try to be very eco-friendly and live as GREEN as possible.  Today most cleaning services offer packages that are 100% environmentally friendly.  Their crews use everything from all natural cleaners to natural fiber cleaning clothes that can either be recycled or reused. I don’t know about you all but when I use products that are safer my family and myself, I can rest a little easier.  If I’m cutting up fruit on the counter, I don’t have to worry about if I rinsed the cleaner off ten times because it’s poisonous.
    At the end of day, I want my home to be cleaner and my family healthier.  I recognize that I’m at a stage where I could use a little outside help in the form of a cleaning service.  Whether it’s once a month, every other month or even every three months until I get a handle on my busy life, I’m determined to make sure this place is as spotless as possible!
    What are your feelings on hiring a cleaning service?

  • Thankful Thursday

    I can’t believe it’s Thursday already.  This has been a fast week for me and I feel like I’ve been playing catch up.  This week I’m thankful for all the blessings that have been coming way.  I’ve been praying for God to open up some doors for me and He has.
    I’m thankful to announce that I have some new blog sponsors/partnerships.  I’ll be talking more on those as the rest of this month goes on.  I’m thankful to have such a supportive circle of blogger friends.  I can truly turn to them for advice or help when I need it.  Likewise, they can turn to me.  It’s not just a one-way street.
    I’m thankful for my family.  I received some really bad news about my uncle on Monday.  However, I know that God has the final say in all things.  This whole situation just made me realize how much we often take the ones we love for granted.  It was also an eye opener that I need to get back on  my fitness wagon.
    I had fallen off but I’m thankful that I’m back motivated more than before.  I am determined to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle for me and my family.  No excuses. Period. Most importantly, I’m thankful that JJ started walking a little bit at the library on Saturday!!
    I was so excited! He just stood up and started taking steps towards our sack of library books without holding my hand or holding on to anything.  I think the fact that the library has carpet and his feet can grip it better helped too.  We have hardwood floors at home and think the slickness makes his walking process here more difficult.  He feels unstable.  So, I’m off to shop for some walking shoes that have a good rubber bottom on them.
    I’m also thankful that I caught it on video with my cell phone!  Technology really comes in handy!  I’ll post it as soon as I show it to my mom first.  She would not be a happy camper if I shared such a huge milestone with the public before sharing it with her.  That’s grandmas for ya.
    What are you giving thanks for today?

  • A Night At The Movies: Part 1

    There’s nothing like spending time with my family.  I’m always looking for activities that get us out the house, having fun and enjoying each other’s company.  However, these last few days have been a bit rainy.  So, that means we’ve been stuck inside. 🙁
    I was just about to run out of ideas to keep the kiddies (and myself) entertained when this lovely box of goodies arrived late yesterday. 
    See that eager little hand reaching for the popcorn?
    What better way to beat cabin fever than a night at the movies?  And did I mention there were snacks in there too?!  Talk about right on time.  Moo, JJ and I stayed up into the late hours of the night laughing our heads off and munching on popcorn and M&Ms.  What did we watch?  See for yourself.
    Released this past June, Kiara the Brave is a classic story of betrayal and greed as King Maximus is captured and locked away by his power hungry brother, Dreadmis.  The once calm and easy going kingdom of Dreamzone is immediately thrown into a state of uproar.  With the help of DreamCloud, an outcast, Princess Kiara finds the courage to save her father and their kingdom.
    Moo loved this movie. She’s all about princesses these days.  There are some good laughs in this movie.  And the relationship between Princess Kiara and DreamCloud provides a great platform to talk to kids about friendship and getting to know people even if they’re different or don’t fit in.
    Space Dogs is the true story of Belka and Strelka, two dogs who were launched into space in 1960.  Belka, a circus dog, comes off as a pampered and spoiled princess and Strelka is an abandoned stray who’s a little rough around the edges.  Together though they form a bond and friendship that overcomes the odds and obstacles they face during their space training.  They learn that with teamwork they can succeed at their mission and help other each.
    We enjoyed this movie as well.  Despite Moo being allergic to dogs in real life, we are very much dog people.  And Belka and Strelka kept us entertained.  Our favorite parts were when Belka and Strelka had to go through all the space exercises and training. I loved that this movie was based on a true story.  When it comes to educating and learning about history, I don’t think kids are ever too young.  You just have to find a way to break it down on their level and Space Dogs did that. 
    I’m really thankful that Phase 4 Films sent us these movies and yummy snacks!  We definitely recommend both of these movies.  You can find them at your local Target, Walmart and on Amazon.com.
    Disclaimer: I was provided the above movies for review and snacks.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own!

  • Year of the AstroBrights

    This post brought to you by Astrobrights Papers by Neenah Paper. All opinions are 100% mine.

    With summer vacation coming to close for many of us (kids & adults), it’s time to focus on the next 9 months ahead.  For our children that means going back to school.  For us grown ups that means getting back to business with business.   As this 2012-2013 year jumps off, I want to urge you all to make this the year of the AstroBrights!
    I was first introduced to AstroBrights papers about two years ago.  I was in my mom’s office and just so happened to be looking for some nice paper to print a flyer on.  There on her desk was a shiny, new, unopened pack of AstroBrights. (True story!)  It was calling my name.  I answered and have been hooked ever since.
    So, what makes AstroBrights different from other brands?  I would say quality.  This stuff is top of the line.  I have had inicidents where I’ve printed a report with a pie chart or table graph only to discover that ink has bled through and the paper is all wrinkled and wet.  None of that with this brand.
    Did I mention AstroBrights comes in 23 colors?  23 bright, bold, vivid colors to be exact. I’m talking about hot pink, neon grean, deep blues, warm yellows and more.  Whether your son/daughter is looking to decorate his/her science project display or you want spruce up some business brochures, AstroBrights has got you covered!  They “believe ideas are important, thoughts aren’t shy and we are not afraid to stand out from the crowd.”
    You can make sure that your kids are covered and stand out from the crowd by entering the “Give a Bright Year” sweepstakes.  You can help your child’s (or any) elementary school win $30,000 in school supplies and cash prizes.  It’s really simple to enter.
    1. Visit and ‘Like’ AstroBrights on Facebook.
    2. Click on the “Sweepstakes” tab.
    3. Click on the “Go to App” button and fill out the entry form.
    Looking for even more AstroBrights goodness?  Join their family-friendly “Make Something AstroBright” design challenges.  I encourage you all to put down the cell phones, computers and remotes and get the family together for some crafting and bonding time.  You can share your projects through pictures and videos for a chance to win AstroBright paper and other cool prizes.   Don’t forget to use the hashtag #GoAstroBrights if you decide to share them via Twitter or Pinterest.  Happy crafting!
    How does your family prepare for going back to school/work?

    Visit Sponsor's Site

  • Year of the AstroBrights

    This post brought to you by Astrobrights Papers by Neenah Paper. All opinions are 100% mine.

    With summer vacation coming to close for many of us (kids & adults), it’s time to focus on the next 9 months ahead.  For our children that means going back to school.  For us grown ups that means getting back to business with business.   As this 2012-2013 year jumps off, I want to urge you all to make this the year of the AstroBrights!
    I was first introduced to AstroBrights papers about two years ago.  I was in my mom’s office and just so happened to be looking for some nice paper to print a flyer on.  There on her desk was a shiny, new, unopened pack of AstroBrights. (True story!)  It was calling my name.  I answered and have been hooked ever since.
    So, what makes AstroBrights different from other brands?  I would say quality.  This stuff is top of the line.  I have had inicidents where I’ve printed a report with a pie chart or table graph only to discover that ink has bled through and the paper is all wrinkled and wet.  None of that with this brand.
    Did I mention AstroBrights comes in 23 colors?  23 bright, bold, vivid colors to be exact. I’m talking about hot pink, neon grean, deep blues, warm yellows and more.  Whether your son/daughter is looking to decorate his/her science project display or you want spruce up some business brochures, AstroBrights has got you covered!  They “believe ideas are important, thoughts aren’t shy and we are not afraid to stand out from the crowd.”
    You can make sure that your kids are covered and stand out from the crowd by entering the “Give a Bright Year” sweepstakes.  You can help your child’s (or any) elementary school win $30,000 in school supplies and cash prizes.  It’s really simple to enter.
    1. Visit and ‘Like’ AstroBrights on Facebook.
    2. Click on the “Sweepstakes” tab.
    3. Click on the “Go to App” button and fill out the entry form.
    Looking for even more AstroBrights goodness?  Join their family-friendly “Make Something AstroBright” design challenges.  I encourage you all to put down the cell phones, computers and remotes and get the family together for some crafting and bonding time.  You can share your projects through pictures and videos for a chance to win AstroBright paper and other cool prizes.   Don’t forget to use the hashtag #GoAstroBrights if you decide to share them via Twitter or Pinterest.  Happy crafting!
    How does your family prepare for going back to school/work?

    Visit Sponsor's Site

  • Soul Food Sundays

    It’s no secret that I love to cook.  And while I’m pretty sure that I got that love from watching my father cook during my earlier childhood years, Sunday was the day that my mom would throw down.  She didn’t cook a lot but when she did, it was off the chain yall!  We would come home from church and she would have us call around to her sisters to see what everybody cooked and we would decide who’s house to meet at.  Thus, a tradition of Sunday dinners was started.
    I have some really great memories from those dinners that I will always cherish.  I can remember laughing with my cousins, climbing trees in my aunt’s front yard and eating till it hurt.  Most importantly, I remember hanging out with my mom in the kitchen and appreciating the ease of conversation between us.  It was in those moments that we were able to be our most vulnerable.   And it’s for these very reasons that I agreed to link up with Dyani from The Soul Mom for Soul Food Sundays.
    I want to make similar memories with my children and have an activity that allows us to bond more.  Also, with my siblings and I all living in different states or town it’s hard to get together for Sunday dinners as one unit.  Somebody’s working, already made plans or has a project for school due.  So, I’m building this tradition with my own family in hopes that they will keep it live with their future families.
    Anyways, we love it if you’d join along with us for Soul Food Sundays too.  Below is a calendar of what soul food dish we’ll be linking up each week.  This is not only a great way and excuse to get back in the kitchen but a great way to share recipes and start new friendships.  After all food tends to bring people together if nothing else.
    RECIPE CALENDAR

    Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes – August 5, 2012
    Potato Salad – August 12, 2012
    Greens (collard, mustard, turnip, etc.) Recipes- August 19, 2012
    Red Velvet Cake Recipes – August 26, 2012
    Pound Cake (includes 7-up cakes) Recipes – September 2
    Baked or Fried Chicken Recipes – September 9
    Pecan Pie Recipes – September 16
    Baked or Fried Fish Recipes – September 23
    Black Eyed Peas Recipes – September 30
    Banana Pudding Recipes – October 7
    Sweet Potatoes/Yams Recipes – October 14
    Sweet Potato Pie Recipes – October 21
    Peach Cobbler Recipes – October 28
    Dressing – November 4
    Red Beans and Rice Recipes – November 11
    German Chocolate Cake Recipes – November 18

    Does your family host Sunday dinners?  What are your favorite dishes?