Kwanzaa: A way of life

In case you care, here’s a brief summary of Kwanzaa:

If you are like most Americans you have no clue what Kwanzaa is. Kwanzaa is a new and to some nearly extinct African American holiday. It was created in 1966 to be the only exclusive African American holiday. It begins the day after Christmas and continues until New Years. The best way I can summarize it is like this: During the last week of the year it’s a time for families to reflect on themselves before the new year. Each day you look at one aspect of yourself and your family and focus on improving it. Each day has a traditional African name to tie it to African roots. These are Kwanzaa’s Seven Principles:

Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems, and to solve them together.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

The Proud Family- 7 Days Of Kawannza

Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

My family has celebrated Kawanzaa for four years now.  It’s my favorite holiday! Although we’re ALWAYS missing something, it drives home the points we strive to emphasize. It positions my family  so that they know what is expected of them for the upcoming year, self acknowledgement of  where they failed or succeeded last year and gives us a moment to realize how much our we have to give thanks for each family member and friend including the ones that aren’t walking among us. I LOVE Kawanzaa!

Want more details? Click here.

Wednesday Wow: The Gift That 16.8 Million Families Need Most for the Holidays

The Gift That 16.8 Million Families Need Most for the Holidays

I know that you’ve max ‘d out that credit card didn’t you? Couldn’t help your self huh? Found any good deals? I was just told about a few sick shoppers bum-rushing into a store for some over the top- over priced sneakers? I call them sick minded because normal folks don’t do that.  It’s just sneakers. Of course, none of my readers would do anything like that.  If you’re in that group like me Christmas is far from your mind and change purse. I know you’re resting well and posted up on the couch drinking cider and watching those awesome specials. Now if you’re in that small group that has yet to shop-consider this.

1. Create a Budget & Stick to it.Plan who you are buying for and how much you are willing to spend before you start shopping and stick to it.  Try to come in under budget and reward yourself and the end of the holiday season for all of your hard work.

2.Remember What’s Important – The best part about the holidays is spending time with friends and family.  The memories that you create each holiday season won’t be about what fancy china was used at the dinner table or who got the most expensive gift.

3. Refinance & Skip a Mortgage Payment – If you have a mortgage rate higher than 4.5%, refinancing may make sense for you.  On top of that, if you refinance now you could skip December or January’s mortgage payment (depending on when you close.  -Don’t ask me how, I’m still renting)   A Home Loan Expert can provide more details.  You could use the money that would normally go toward your mortgage payment on gifts rather than racking up your credit cards.

If you don’t digest anything else, just keep his in mind-

4. You gotta live after the 25th right?  So shop better this year. Use these super fun and affordable tips!

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-Visit a group home & take a couple of board games to share.

-Make your own gifts. They are online everywhere & you’ll be so proud of yourself.

-Treat your family to a new culture via the . Study and even dress up for the full monty’. Then tell others what you learned over the holidays.  We use online coupons & everyone (all 7 of us eat for less than $30.00-& yes, we got a stomach full)

-Regift!…If you are not gonna use it; why not?

-Save altogether and buy a house…….hmmmm!!!!! I bet you they would happily give up a Wii now for room of their own to play it in.

 Get above the influences!

Lazy Monday Breakfast Casserole

Sometimes I just don’t feel like doing anything.Today is one them. Here’s one of my favorite- “Kids R’ Home & Hungry- & I can’t think of anything else to cook'” dish.

** This recipe was created by my 11 year old niece and daughter,so you should be able to pull it off by yourself!****

Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 pound crumbled and cooked sausage. I use soy or turkey based.
• 6 slices wheat bread, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 cup diced green and red peppers
• 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups soy milk- of course you can use the “cow juice”
• a dash of salt – because I care about your health
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Instructions

1. Spread bread cubes in sprayed 9 x 13 inch baking dish;
2. Top with soy sausage, peppers and cheese.
3. Whisk eggs,milk, and mustard until well blended; pour over cheese.
4. Cover with foil and label with freezer directions: Thaw 24 hours. Bake covered 45 minutes at 350 Remove foil and bake 5 minutes. Stand 5 minutes.
5. OR Bake at 350 for 30 to 35 minutes or until set. Let stand 5 minutes.

6. Leftovers may be frozen and thawed 24 hours and reheated in the oven. (avoid the microwave………)

Friday 4: The holidays are coming

It’s that time of the year again folks!

 

Kwanzaa         New Years   

 

and then what  ?????

Everyone is getting ready. Lights, camera, gas and credit card!

Ok, I’ll give it to you, the lights, sounds and smells are lovely. Even the idea of someone else “hooking me up” while we sleep is dreamy. And they say it’s all done while them  crub grabbers are asleep?

Wake up folks! It’s Not gonna happen. (My girls a counting on it, and yet I can’t blame them because my parents christ-messed us -& honestly I enjoyed it)  I just wish it was celebrated for what it was meant to be. A celebration of  Jesus’s controversial birth. (do you know the story? If  not click this link and come visit my church PUMC 5600 the Plaza, this sunday for our holiday performance.)

Anyhoots, till then we’ll pass! (but we will watch the awesome tv specials this entire month.)

My girls are so eager to play catch up with the  christmas fans with our red green and black festive best.   They love

the everyday of the celebration, but that dog gone christmas still gets them worked up. Just in cases you’re wondering why we have excused that holiday altogether, I’ll explain.

• Its not our kids birthday. (So why laced themas if it is? Our kids are princess and princes on their day. )
• I refuse to help line the pockets of large corporations that won’t hire yet will cause kids to act in a sense of entitlement.(They are looking for the same thing I’m looking for. I’m gonna spend, and it ill be a conscious decision)
• It’s just too much work for one little day. I clutter our living space enough with fragile trinkets. No need for the extra stuff, thank you very much!
• There  real idea of the holiday is not even the enter of  most actions anymore. “John-John wants a mini electronic car this year?” Boy he’ll be mad if I don’t get it!!” -Really parents!?                                                                      I believe that everything that’s important on that one day, can be done in the spirit of which it originated. From love and respect for self and another.  Who should wait till December 20ish to smile at  someone else? Who should wait till then to volunteer, come together, advocate, build, etc? well I’l get off my soap box now. but if you wanna give kawanzaa a try this year, check these links out to find out how your family can participate.   http://officialkwanzaawebsite.org/symbols.shtml

http://theholidayspot.com/kwanzaa/lighting_kinara.htm

This year has been such a year. We’ve managed to stay afloat and realize how blessed and fortunate we’ve been. The uncertainty and misfortune which so many have suffered suggest an even stronger call and reason to celebrate Kwanzaa this year with others. Our goal as a family is that whatever prosperity or recovery we may attain will be predicated on and go through our “family”. So, as a celebration of family and culture, Kwanzaa gives us the framework to deepen our family bonds and attachments, strengthen our resolve to be better men and women, husbands and wives, friends and lovers, and parents and children.

I haven’t gotten my children’s resolutions for 2012 yet, but I’ll share mine with you all.  See below……..

1. Stay fit spiritually, financially, socially, environmentally,educationally,  nutritionally and physically. See video below………
2. Grow closer to my loved ones that are  not in the QC.   I do pretty well, I think but there is always room for improvement.
3. Grow and give more! That could mean plenty of things. But I sum it up like this…little things DROPPING and big thing Popping!  hope that you will stick around to see /join in.

Kwanzaa is a week long celebration held in the United States honoring universal African-American heritage and culture, observed from December 26 to January 1.

New Year   It symbolizes a new start. Because it is a new year, and an opportunity to reflect on the previous year to determine what we will do differently. It is also common that people  try their best to mend their bad habits.

Then what?   Hopefully your growth from the previous 12 months,  will help guide you into a rewarding 2012! While you’re at it, help someone along the way……but don’t be anyone’s fool. Like my girl said on the big Screen “Don’t let anyone make you a cripple!” Have a productive 2012.  I will!

Wednesday Wow:Belly Casting Give Away

Here goes a fun give away! Are you or someone you know waiting eagerly for their little bundle of joy? This should help them!

After 8 pregnancies, I’m still learning of new ways to have affordable fun with a growing belly! There is no reason not to enjoy every stage of it! Let me help you through the most difficult part. The home stretch when you are most bored,scared and anxious.I now offer a full service birthing service.Complete with doula, photographer, nutritionist, fitness coach, encapsulation, nanny and a few other complementary services. (It’s more affordable than you think and for a new  mom, it can be a sanity saver!)

.                                                  NOW BACK TO THE GIVEAWAY!

I am running this giveaway in order to help promote the new birthing service. To enter this giveaway you, just help me promote it, that’s all.                               I’m giving away a belly casting party. You have seen them before right? They are a awesome way to preserve any pregnant belly. But you have to be certified! How do you get “Baby Ready Certified”-keep reading.

3 lucky moms will earn a “Baby Ready Certification” at this party that comes complete with a professional photographer to help make some beautiful pictures for your baby belly book.

                                      Hotel location details will be announced at drawing.

                                                                             Giveaway is opened until 12/28 11:59 pm

Entries: In order to enter this giveaway at least one mandatory entry must be done. If mandatory entry is not done, the other entries will not be counted. Sorry, but I really want to promote this new service mostly and foremost.

Mandatory:
a. Post this on twitter and leave a link to the post in the comment section: Check out this awesome expectant mom contest,hosted by @QCSUPERMOM  
b. Post this link on FB and leave a link to the post in the comment section:
c. Complete one treasure hunt sent to you via your email. You will post the results online. select this option by sending a message to http://www.facebook.com/TheQCSupermom

Optional:  ( Yes, the more you do will increase your chances of winning)

a.Tell a friend or two to like your post and comment on your entry.

b.Blog about this giveaway and post a belly photo back link to me.
c.Tell me how your pregnancy is going? What are you doing to stay active, stay excited, your biggest concern, etc.
d. Tweet about this giveaway and post a link to the tweet in the comment section
e. Post about this giveaway on Facebook and post a link to the post in the comment section.I’m  so excited!!

The Essentials of Winter Skin Care for Women

Most of us notice an improvement in our skin during the summer months we look more radiant and the skin is supple, but as the leaves begin to fall so does our radiance. Winter is extremely harsh on our skin, that’s subjected to cold winds, dry air and smoggy rains. This black woman’s essential guide to winter skin care is going to walk you though the necessities for great skin all throughout winter.

Extra Moisture

As it gets colder the air gets dryer and robs the skin of moisture. It is important to switch to richer moisturizer during winter and increase the frequency of application whenever possible. Moisturizers vary largely in price and studies have often shown that the pricier products are usually not much better than those of high street brands.

Cool Showers

I love a sweaty, foggy, steamy shower! BUT…..those long, hot showers in winter high water temperature only serves to dry the skin. It’s best to shower in luke warm water, reduce the temperature gradually if you really can’t imagine parting with steaming hot showers.

Gentle Body Wash

Choose a body wash or soap that will not strip the skin of all its moisture.If you don’t have the time to hunt out the best product find the baby section of the super market and purchase baby care as it contain a lot less chemicals, is gentle and less drying for the skin. Alternatively, you can make your own which is much cheaper and better for your skin.

Go Natural

Go all out for natural ingredients – Our skin is quite sensitive so don’t let harsh ingredients touch it. When I was young, I used to break out ALL of the  time. I loved putting perfume and crazy oils on my face. Don’t ask me why. I learned that better choices were green tea, grape seed, citrus fruits, jojoba, sage, rosemary, aloe vera, virgin coconut oil and olive oil , are just a few safer ingredients to use.

Sun Protection

Use sun protection even in winter as although the sun’s warming effect is limited UV rays are still quite aggressive with the skin. The face and hands are the most exposed, you may feel cold but your skin is still exposed to the aging effects of direct sunlight.

Eat Right

A balanced diet is crucial to maintaining healthy skin at any time of year. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid caffeine-filled beverages and alcohol which dry out the skin. At the same time avoid sugar, excess of salt and greasy food.Drink a lot of water to rehydrate the skin and replenish the bodies loss of water. Water flushes out the toxins from your body so the more you drink the better.

Get the blood pumping

This is my weak spot. Exerercising is something I gotta do better with. Exercise not only makes your body look great, but it also helps your skin. The more you sweat, the more toxins and waste products are excreted. Exercise also helps to keep the skin firm. Regularly exercise will increase circulation and revives your skin, making it healthy and bright.

Be Gentle 

Be gentle with your skin, black women have sensitive skin so be kind to yourself especially during winter when the skin can become easily dry and irritable. 

Friday Four: Social Hangover :(

 QC Supermom is the official brander of Total Children Wellness.

This blog is for people who want to know what  to do when their media strategies don’t work. Seriously! If you make more than $600 a week; don’t even waste your time in reading this. It’s not for you. So don’t bore yourself! My feelings won’t be hurt. TRUST ME. Close this window and go to Queen City SAHM’s (http://www.meetup.com/QueenCitySAHM/ ) for upcoming events!

Social Networking is one of the biggest crazes on the internet and off line.

Everyone does it. Some profit from it to get leads and sales. Others use it to gain status of whatever it is they like to draw attention to, i.e. jokes, faith, hobbies,etc. A few out there are trying just trying to have fun and land a peice of booty. I tend to favor both lead and hobby preferences.

Here are my top tips for those that use social media for marketing .

1. Become an expert.

People want to buy through the business with the industry expert or celebrity. You can use web  to become this specialist / celebrity. You know that the customers are here, so you can very easily insert yourself in plus begin answering queries to get the trust of the consumer.
Join groups related in your business on the social websites sites and answer inquiries and just generally be involved. Make sure that people know that you will be a business owner, and sooner rather than later, you will become the check out person.

2. Tell Us Who You Are.

What do we know about you? When I Google you, what is the first result? Make sure you spell out, in multiple places, who you are, what you’re trying to sell, and how it will benefit your customers.

3. Work smart & with the right people.

I am learning how to how platforms differ — Facebook is different from Google+, which is different from Twitter not only in functional ways, but in the way consumers use them.

Also how to tie in online events with offline events. Both being part of One source has proven to Me that few good people do much much more than tons of FREELOADERS what I call them.

4. Don’t damage your brand.

Worst case, you damage your brand. If you’ve set up pages on social networks and don’t post or don’t respond to customers’ comments on these pages, you’re committing social media suicide. Not responding to customer questions or complaints escalates dissatisfaction and damages your brand. It also gives dissatisfied customers something else rally supporters against your brand. Not rewarding folks to engage with you (by responding to them) withers future engagement. (Give the people who interact along with you the most special offers.)

(In closing, I think it goes without saying…..not everyone will want what you’re selling. It happens to the best of us. Here’s what ou should do…….go on to the next one!-DUH!) Ok, gotta go enjoy dinner with the family. TTYL! -QC Super Mom

Wednesday Wow: QC Super Mom leaps!

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Have you ever had a life coach? Not many have. Some people just walk into their “life” as naturally as the breath they breathe.  I happen to fall into that other  category that needs a little push every now and again. It’s NOT that I’m unfocused one bit. For me, I have to keep updating my strategy in order to remain on my goal.  Can you relate to that?

Finding your purpose in life is a blessing in  itself. Once you find your reason for living, it’s like eating mentos forever……or wasabi sauce if you need something stronger to take your breathe away. The point is, there’s nothing like it.

‘Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.”

During my little 36 years here on  Earth this time around, I’ve had the priveledge to have a praying mother, dependable father, great sisters and a honorary grand mother-Odessa Thompson,  that always loved me, even when I was too crazy in youth to understand what that meant. (talk about wasted youth) Anyhoots……….

 Moving forward!

I got out of college with 2 degrees. One in Marketing management and the other in Tourism management. Marriott Corporation was great and the management  money was lovely, but I still wasn’t certain what I wanted to do. It took me almost 10 years before it snapped for me.

In 2005, my 1st daughter passed from AIH at age 11. At that moment, I became an avid researcher on health, stress, nutrition and alternative wellness.  I seen the real ugly side of the medical field. I learned that an uninformed, parent makes a aweful advocate for their sick child. I also witnessed the power of free will.

I believe life isn’t just about me, but includes those that love you unconditionally. A child’s love is and that’s more than enough for me.

I had to choose. To live, thrive, be happy or to live in a limbo of broken heart and  being broke. There is a difference, you know.  At that time, with 3 other kids in the house, I had to ponder FAST! …….TALK about a no brainer. One of the saddest things I have seen is to allow others to speak over your life. THAT’S A SURE WAY TO CRIPPLE YOURSELF.

 I was a mean youngon. If it was picky, or mean, I was in it. Alot of folks can still recall that to this day. They are supprised to peices to discover that I’ve changed. Not by much, but for sure- the better.

My husband and kids, I pity them, many days, but mostly I marvel at them! They got me. Kelle Keisha, AKA  QC Supermom. The official brander of Total Children Wellness.

Gods gift to me, is so much bigger then my mind can see. I keep doing my best and God does the rest.

I don’t care what anyone says. There is greatness within a person who confidentally keeps to the speed of their own car. There is no one better to emulate.

I believe that success is now possible despite all of my fears and i will make it real by actually succeeding at SOMETHING!!!!!!!

Visit me….I’m building a quality (and very rewarding) list & need your awareness and “like” signature.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/QC-SuperMom/119279381468720?sk=wall

http://www.meetup.com/QueenCitySAHM/

kellecookingwithkids.webs.com

Talk to you later!