Friday Four: Gumbo,Lady Fingers, KANGKONG Okro (okra) ,Oh My!

KNOCK Knock, who’s there Okra. Okra who? Okra Winfrey! That joke is about as awful as the one I’ve heard all of my life with the name Kelle.

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We love okras and they obviously love us! We have been eating okras at least twice a week for the last 5 weeks!  I know my family is tired of them.We now I have two problems, as I see it. We have too much okra and we allowed many of them to grow way to big.

Because I hate wasting food, I had to figure out how to reuse the over grown ones and how to recycle the over abundance lot.

I discovered that I could either the pods for floral arrangement, okra stamps,okra wall art or reserve them for seedlings.

Because Okra contains:

Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, Niacin, Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Manganese, Beta Carotene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Zinc, Copper, Calcium, Folate, Potassium, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Iron and many other nutrients.  Protein and oil found in the seeds of okra is enriched with amino acids with the likes of tryptophan, cystine and other sulfur amino acids.

Did you know that you can juice okras? Use it as an excellent- cost effective hair conditioner.

I could’ve grown it like this:However due to my large family, I grew an okra garden like this! 

Q: Where did the okra go to have a few drinks?
A: The Salad Bar!

Now the homeschooler speaks…..

Okra as we know it is called Abelmoschus esculentus.
It is related to the hibiscus and a member of the mallow family, is native to tropical Africa – cultivated by the Egyptians in the 12 century AD.then slowly traveled south into the central lands of Africa; north and west to Mediterranean lands and ultimately to the Balkans; and east to the subcontinent of India.

It arrived in the United States in the 18th century with the slave trade, on a ship filled with Bantu tribes people. Quickly it became a cornerstone in southern cooking.

It still grows wild in Ethiopia and Sudan, just as it did in prehistoric times. Its plants,were carried to India and Egypt where they are still used in cooking oil and as a coffee substitute. Now, I bet you didn’t know that did you?

Facts quote:

Okra pods are also called as bamiya, lady’s finger, ochro, etc. The pods are nutritious and rich in fiber, mucilage and vitamins.

1. Here’s a few awesome okra recipes,you just gotta try! Click Here!
2. Need more ways to use okras? Here ya go! This collection takes them out of the pan and into the body spray bottle.–> Click Here <—-
3. I can’t think of a better way to share these super stems than a recipe swap with friends!
4. Now, if you simply cant eat, share or reuse them all timely…. freeze them. Here’s how to do that! —> Click Here ‘and here!

Only thing left to say is…would you like some of my okras?!

Have a great weekend! Jabela!

Wednesday Wow: Non Sugar-Coated ‘Back To School Pep Talk For Parents!

Back to School countdown is ON!!! Can you believe it? Summer has been fun and it’s always sad to say goodbye. 

We are going to have a great, progressive and measurable year. Your children will be well behaved and you will not stress over any extended time that they are away from you. How can I say this? It’s because that’s what we are claiming and planning for!

No More playing Patty cake! Get organized! Be prepared!

Lay the ground rules and stick to them.I  have used various strategies over the years to get the best results for my children. Here’s a video I shared on my Facebook page. It’s spreading like wild fire.Take a look  —–> Click Here <—— Also …….

• “Make sure you have the essentials you need for any kind of “emergency.”
• Give them chores. My 8-year-old can make his own lunch now, and my 5-year-old can buckle/unbuckle himself in his car seat. Think about how your kids can exhibit more independence (and simultaneously take some to-do’s off your list) this year.

Spend the week before school starts shifting from summer low gear to school year high gear.

• Tuck an encouraging note in their backpack.It makes a sweet suprise.
• Make sure they get enough rest. They’ll be less grouchy!
• They don’t need a entire NEW wardrobe to start school. Get 5 nice ones and build on that. Some of the best deals on clothing will come after the first day of school.
• Know who their friends are. No matter how often it changes. Keep thier numbers in your phone.

Water bottles should be stored in a side mesh pocket. Keeping the water bottle on the outside of the backpack will help eliminate damaged homework if the bottle springs a leak.

• Make it a memory.

Make a sign to announce their new grade level or write it in chalk on the driveway.

• Get Help– If your child is having difficulty with his or her homework, make an appointment with the teacher to discuss his or her difficulty. Check with the counselor and the teacher about tutors to get your child help if needed.
•  Visit The School-Walk or ride the route your child will take. Speak to your child about talking to strangers, and observe along the route any areas in which your child must exercise caution.

• Introduce Yourself to your child’s teacher. Ask the teacher the times he/she is available to talk to parents.

• Volunteer If time permits, offer to be a classroom parent or to organize other parents to help in the classroom or at the school. If you can’t make it to the classroom during school hours, ask if there are things you can do from home or on the weekends that would be helpful.

OKAY, claim it now!! Pray over your babies everyday…and expect the very best!! No excuses. Candy land is a board game. Playing Summer Patty cake! is over.

Before you Buy it! See why I Tried it!

I’m a product tester! That means I try things and places before during and after it has hit the market.As a work from home mom, it’s a perfect opportunity for me to try items/events before I buy them and help my mom friends save money and time by giving them my trusted advice. After all, when you have 9 children and a veteran husband, you tend to learn the value of money, time and quality discernment.

I have tried things from Disney On Ice, Sesame Street Live, Cirque Du Soleil Quidam, Chick Fil A, Credible Cravings, KIND bars, Monster Jam, Disney Jr Live, Ringling Brothers, Monkey Joe’s, Sonic Care, New Balance, Huggies, Belly Bar   to DOVE! Not name dropping at all, but those are some remarkable brands. It was an honor to work with each of them. It takes a lot to be trusted with grand brands such as these.

I wanna share my latest  testing jobs with you and encourage you to try these products yourself. Luckily all of them are winners. TODAY, you are a winner too because I have a free gift for you at the end of this post. (assuming that you like good food and free stuff!)

HerbaLife– ( Once controversial but with research you too will find that it’s not only a great income opportunity but also has products you’ll love! Like the Green Tea and Metabolism Booster-which I think every college kid should get to over come that Freshman 15′)

Herbal Tea Concentrate contains caffeine which jump-starts your metabolism and provides a boost to help you feel revitalized. For optimum experience, mix a a little more than ½ teaspoon with 8 ounces of water. This refreshing, low-calorie tea is available in a variety of flavors.

Protein Smoothie-Formula 1 Instant Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix. Satisfy your hunger and stay energized with the power of protein! Add Protein Drink Mix to your favorite Formula 1 shake to boost your protein intake to 24 g (without the addition of milk) or mix with water for a nutritious protein snack.

• It includes antioxidant Vitamins C and E and mixes easily with water, making it ideal for a nutritious snack or protein boost on the go.
• Take mid-morning and/or mid-afternoon to help satisfy your hunger cravings and to help meet your daily personal-protein requirements.

If you are local, you could even workout with a trainer indoors at JL Wellness and Fitness on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 7:30pm.  

Graze :

• Life’s too short to eat bad snacks – our mission is to change the way that people snack in making snacks which taste good and each have a healthy benefit.
• Products

  Our boxes are filled with delicious and nutritious food. From nuts, seeds, dried fruits, tasty crackers, dips to some well-deserved treats, every Graze snack has a healthy benefit.

Pasta Chips

They are a delectable, light, and tasty treat, Artisanal Pasta Chips are truly the perfect chip. Whether straight from the bag, dipped, or topped & served, they are a great source of protein, are cholesterol-free, and contain 60% less fat than potato chips and 20% less fat than pita chips. Ya’ll gotta try this the code SKINNY30 and receive 30% off their order at  Pasta Chips.Com (They are really good ya’ll)

Some of my jobs have questionnaires and one in particular I love to answer. Is the “why do you want to test our product?  My answer never waivers. I love sharing information and trying new things. In my family, we have some one from every age group  from under 5 to over 21. It makes for a fair, diverse and interesting product review. The reviews are always my own and it helps other families spend their money more wisely.  A win- win for everyone. Speaking of win – win, here’s your oodie. It’s a free box of GRAZE! Click here and use the code KELLEP6HP – It’s REALLY free! (No shipping cost or anything)

Enjoy them .Please purchases from these items will benefit my blog . Click the links with the product names. Thanks and enjoy!

Jabela

Friday Four: Mom Politics

No it isn’t a oxymoron. As a mom, I’ve been voting for over 25 years now. I have been often asked how do I feel about one candidate over the other. With the exception to President Obama, my answer has always been the same.  I am ultimately responsible for the livelihood of my family. One person could never have that  much power over my family.”

When I say that, it usually takes people by surprise until they think about my words. Then it clicks! Because we teach our children about morals, total wellness, self sufficiency and tenacity there is less cause to worry. Sure we have issues, but we always pull it back together.  

Would you believe me if I told you that my husband doesn’t vote? He doesn’t think votes are honored and that candidates are selected – not elected. And that’s ok. We have enough children to equalize him. I see decisions, and action coming from the top. So why not focus on that level of politics. Here’s my 4 tips to avoid being crippled by the system:

Alright – Kendrick Lamar

 And them sandwiches I made, don’t eat ’em all at once. … promise me you’ll never let nobody turn you into no cripple.

1. Understand and learn the law. – You have a whisper when you vote*. Just imagine if you were in the role of the decision makers. Decision Makers/the upper echelons * have economic assets, alliances, and the state in their column. Others* have their numbers and their key locations in the economic-social process. let’s learn the game so we can play. Then Play the game to Change the game!
2. Learn how to make it work for you- Knowing that someone did you wrong and getting justice are two different things. There are so many clinics, books, law libraries available. Most of them are free. There is nothing more empowering them the feeling of voice!  Being able to act progressively on your on behalf requires work. Get the entire family involved and watch how confidence soars!
3.  Don’t just be a democrat or republican because your parents are. Earlier this year, I took my sons to a Student Mock General Assembly . It was organized by Americans For Prosperity and hosted by Republican William “Bill” Brawley.  The boys learned how a bill becomes a law! I have yet to hear about or attend one hosted by the democrat. For that reason I would never say which is better. You can  make the decision for yourself.
4. Empower others!- Create a culture of resistance — by making collective actions and solidarity more attainable. Today, I don’t know any other mom fueled organization that empower moms better than Momsrising. Power is unequally distributed in organisations. That may never change, but organizations like Momsrising implements a number of strategies that can reduce the power of the strong or at least curtail their ability to use such power.
   

In closing, On April 24, 2015, Rep. Bill told a room full of young kids that one day he wouldn’t be here and someone will have to fill his house seat for the 103rd District. He asked “Why not you?” I dream of one day asking a mom of a upper echelon when did they know they were raising a “Decision Maker / member of the upper echelon.

Moms we are indeed in politic. Everyday of our life is a direct reflection of our action/ inaction. We have to  prepare our children now for tomorrow. It will make the difference between our children watching things happen and wondering why and making things happen.

Courts Over- You Won! Now what?

Over the last twenty years, I have settle claims pretty well. I’ve settled with Campbell’s, Bi-Lo, the IRS, CiTiFinancial and one or two other insurance companies. I have a knack for defending myself with free, public information.  One of my biggest pet peeves is to be abused and do nothing about it. That includes my loved ones, especially the older ones! As they are victims of predatory loans.  

I know what you’re thinking “Why isn’t this chic a lawyer- right?”  Here’s my answer “it takes too long to get licensed and I forget too much information.” The law book for being a parent is at least 6 inches wide. Even now, as I prepare for court this week, I have already put in 4 hours for refreshing myself. And this is a simple property damage case! My mini van was hit and the insurance company went from total lost to $350 in damages. WRONG answer. With a witness in tow and pictures to back everything up…. I’ll just take the owner to court and let her deal with the insurance company.

This year, I’ve found myself on the plaintiff side again. It’s a property damage case and I’m sure that this one too will end in my favor. Because I’m sueing the car owner and not the insurance company, I have been studying how I will get paid. What I have learned so far (via Lawyers.com  ) is that a money reward is just step 2.

Knowing that a court judgment is only an official note stating that a debt is owed, is what many people tend to forget. Courts are not concerned with the process of collecting, meaning the act of actually recovering and receiving the money is up to you.

You need to know that although courts can award damages and demand that companies or individuals pay you, they cannot compel the debtors to physically give you the money. Hundreds of judgments are awarded in court daily across the country, but statistics show that up to 80% of these judgments are never collected.  If you have been awarded a judgment, you have ten years to collect unless you apply to have the judgment renewed for another decade. Your judgment can collect interest, growing in size, however, the longer you wait, it is likely that it will be much more difficult to recover what is yours.

I can also:
1. Get an Earnings Withholding Order
2. Levy the judgment debtor’s property
3. Have the sheriff do a “till tap”
4. Put a “keeper” in their business
• File a Memorandum of Costs After Judgment
• Suspend the debtor’s driver’s license

• Renew the judgment

Something else you should know. When you hold a judgment against an individual, you can garnish his or her wages to collect your judgment. Many states limit the amount you can garnish from a debtor’s wages to 25 percent of the debtor’s paycheck. To garnish wages, you generally must schedule a hearing with the court and prove that the debtor owes you money and has failed to make payments. Similarly, you may also garnish the bank account of an individual or business debtor.

Hope this brightens your day! I know that I am ready for war! Knowledge does that……… Empowers you!

Not my type of car. But wanted to feel the sexy in this! Epic FAIL! Give me my mini van please!

Get more tips here—> Click Here!<—-

Get Help From Legal Aid 

Do you know what ARBITRATION Court is?

Friday Four: APPLE CAMP (Intro To Coding for Kids)

Whitney Houston sung it best, children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way….. 

The middle boys spent 3 days with the great folks of APPLE to learn a bit about programing! Since my skills weren’t the best I figured I would take advantage of a free workshop offered my local store. The invite read:

 Apple’s program is for kids ages 8 to 12 and focuses on teaching kids to “shoot their own footage, create an original song in GarageBand on an iPad, and put it all together in iMovie on a Mac.” The workshop runs over three days, with 1.5 hour classes. At the end, kids can present their masterpieces at the “Apple Camp Film Festival” and take home their completed movies.

Oh yes, we’re in! Any type of computer programming can help kids develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills rings my ears to join in! It encourages them to be not only consumers of technology but also creators.

This drag and drop programming opportunity for the boys was awesome. Here;s four reasons why every child should participate in one coding class!

1. You get a chance to learn something new, It may spark a inner techie in you!
2. The child gets to explore on someone else’s technology. Your Ipad and tablet will be safe. No repairs to worry about. You couldn’t be in better hands than at the place where the sale began at. On top of the will learn a new skill by professionals.
3. Being proactive in your child’s education/ intelligence wellness helps them become life long problem solvers. In other words, they will think better. N more running ont walls.
4. Build on that. If your child enjoyed it, encourage him to keep going. Do you know how many people have computers? They will never be broke or bored! As technology evolves, so will his income, learning, influential opportunities

Also check out these links:

Problem Solving Games-  Here are three games that my kids have particularly enjoyed. They teach basic problem solving ideas in different ways:

• Magic Pen (wait 15 seconds to see word “play”)
• Fantastic Contraption
• Auditorium

Programming Tutorials From Made With Code by Google: Google’s Made With Code project has a mission of encouraging girls to pursue careers in computer science. The Made With Code projects are easy to follow, and if your kids are completely new to coding, don’t fret. There’s something for both intermediate and beginning coders. Plus, there are even more tutorials in the Resources section with new offerings released periodically.

Many students don’t have access to computer science courses until college, and that’s a missed opportunity to introduce younger students to programming. There are many tools out there that provide a great introduction to computer science for students, but here are a few of our favorites.

First, here’s a story about a 9-year-old writing full-blown iPhone apps

Coding For Kids directory

Like the Apple CAMP- these are FREE:  These use similar controls to drag blocks into a workspace, but it only runs on the iPad. The controls and characters are not as extensive as Scratch and Tynker, but Hopscotch is a great tool to begin helping students without coding experience learn the basics of programming, logical thinking and problem solving.

Scratch   Tynker  Hopscotch  Coursera.org

Daisy the Dinosaur      Cargo-Bot  AND HERE FOR MORE

About APPLE

Get your little ones in a class right away! They are NOT too young to learn.

Vinegar: it’s Not just a Kombucha thing!

The brand we keep in the house for EVERYTHING!

Many folks think vinegar is just for drinks but it isn’t. Get maximum use for this super liquid by trying one of the tips below!

Vinegar is kind of the “superhero” of green household cleaning products. It can be used in various ways to keep your house sparkling clean and using white distilled vinegar as an all-around cleaner is preferable to store bought harsh, toxic chemical blends because it is safe to use. One reason some people may steer clear of using vinegar is because of the not so pleasant aroma. Personally, I like it, and once it dries there’s no smell at all! I also adore the fact that white distilled vinegar is CHEAP.

Here’s some idea for Cleaning with Vinegar

Windows & Mirrors – Fill a 16 oz. spray bottle with ½ vinegar and ½ water to clean windows and mirrors then wipe down with newspaper for a streak-free shine.

Microwave– To clean out a dirty microwave put 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes and wipe out with a damp cloth. This will loosen the food particles for easy cleanup.

Dishwasher – To help remove the film left over from your dishwasher soap you can fill your rinse dispenser with vinegar and your dishes will come out squeaky clean.

Refrigerators & Counter Tops – Keeping a spray bottle on hand filled with ½ vinegar and ½ water makes it easy to grab to clean the counter tops. Use it to clean out the refrigerator on a regular basis too. You won’t have to worry about using this solution around your food because it is non-toxic and all natural.

Crusty Coffee Pot – To keep your coffee pot free from nasty buildup, use a full pot of straight vinegar and run through a normal brew cycle. Then run two regular pots of water through the brew cycle. Do this once a month and your coffee pot will thank you.

Underarm Stains – To get rid of these unsightly stains many people just throw the shirt away but you don’t have to. Use full strength vinegar in a spray bottle to soak the stained areas. Leave in for 15-20 minutes before washing as usual and you should be rid of the underarm stains and any associated odor.

Cheap Fabric Softener – You can use vinegar in place of your normal fabric softener in the rinse cycle for the same (or better) effect for a lot less.

Bathroom – Pour in one cup of full strength vinegar into your toilet, leave it for 10 minutes and then clean as usual. Your bowl will be clean and fresh.

Grimy Tubs/Showers– (I added this for my daughters) Use vinegar, the half and half mixture in a spray bottle, to keep your shower clean. Just grab it when you’re done showering and spray down the shower, tub and shower curtain, let it! Even when cleaning around kids’ bath toys.