Night Owl Specials

I came across some interesting things and just thought I would share them before you catch those zzz's and for those night owls who may still be up;-)

Several months back, I mentioned in a blog post about twin brothers Kais and Mazin Shammas from the UK who are singer/songwriters on a path in the music industry. They were born and raised in London and go by the name BRITROYAL. They posted on Facebook that they have a new website so I checked it out and its loaded with lots of information from videos, photos, and music of course. Check them out!

Lastly, head over to one of my favorite websites called Bit Rebels. I am Facebook friends with the Founder and CEO of Bit Rebels who also writes fantastic posts. He's super geeky and he knows it. They cover technology, social media, and other geeky stuff. All the writers on Bit Rebels create great posts like this one about the Leafy Tunnel of Love located in the Ukraine ~this is a must-see;-)

Good night you night owls and that includes me!

Is it too hot for a Jam?

I didn't think so and this is a hot jam from the movie "Purple Rain" by The Time called Jungle Love. I recall the group was a rival to Prince in the movie. Later the group changed their name to Morris Day and The Time with still more hits. You may be ready to grab more water plus get your body movin' ~this will do it!

By the way, Morris Day and The Time will be performing at the KISS 104.1 FM Flashback Festival on Saturday, August 11. Atlanta radio listeners look forward to each year and this will be KISS 104.1 FM's 16th Flashback Festival. Get ready to jam!

Quick Beat the Heat Tip

Happy weekend! The topic of conversation these days is all about the heatwave sweeping across the country. Here's a quick beat the heat tip:

Don't lose all your hard work in the garden during this heatwave. Set your clock earlier to water the flowers and veggie garden in the morning. Try to beat the sunshine and heat by giving them a good soaking before the sun comes out and starts to dry them out. All those garden-grown vegetables will delight in any salad or on the BBQ grill.

I told you it was quick, but there is a great photo gallery in the Atlanta Journal Constitution with 12 easy tips for beating the heat. Check it out here.

Adele 'over the moon' about pregnancy

EXCITING NEWS ->Adele 'over the moon' about pregnancy via USAToday
I'm so excited for Adele who announced she's pregnant. I bet her adoring fans are just as excited too. I never need a reason to play a music video by Adele, but this news sure gives me one. Let's Roll!

8 Super-Healthy Summer Foods You Should Be Eating

VIEW SLIDESHOW HERE ->8 Super-Healthy Summer Foods You Should Be Eating via MSN

Hello everyone and thank God it's Friday:-) I spotted this read first thing this morning and wanted to get right on it to share with you. The 8 super-healthy summer foods in the slideshow are all good. I have mentioned some of them in a few healthy posts of my own.

Just yesterday, I bought a quarter size watermelon that is refreshing and hydrates at the same time. Make sure to add these to your healthy summer foods and beyond. Have a great day!

Southern Hospitality

How about some southern hospitality and good comfort food to go with it? Head out with foodie Andrew Zimmern on his travels for "Appetite for Life." Here's an episode on one of his stops in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Just click on the picture to start the video.

Healthy Tip of the Day

The temperatures are on the rise across the country and some states are well over 100 degrees like Arizona. I saw where the temps there will reach 110. The Atlanta area is forecasting 102 by the weekend.

Now more than ever in this heatwave, we need to drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you drink coffee, it's important to drink lots of water after several cups to replenish hydration. I know there are lots of people who enjoy soft drinks, but water is the better refresher and replaces electrolytes lost during activities like exercising.

Before heading on your commute to work or errands, place your water bottle in the freezer a few minutes so it stays cold longer. Actually, one of those insulated water bottles is better than the plastic ones because the water will stay colder while dashing in and out of the car on a hot day. Plus, it's more eco-friendly!

The Cowboy Cooks

I must give credit to one of my Twitter followers who tweeted this video earlier today. Of course, when I saw the title of the video "Will it Fry?" ~I just had to find out. The cowboy cooks and let's us know which is all part of an upcoming event in July called the Calgary Stampede. Giddy up!

Nora Ephron - Talented Screenwriter

YES INDEED ->Nora Ephron: When moviemaking met a natural – USATODAY.com
This is a wonderful piece by USAToday on the talented screenwriter, director and author, Nora Ephron. She died on Tuesday after battling lukemia. The read shows a timeline of her career and several movie favorites where she wrote the screenplay. They are Silkwood starring Meryl Streep, When Harry Met Sally starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal ~dare I mention the restaurant scene from that movie;-), Heartburn with Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson, and Sleepless in Seattle starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.

Nora Ephron's legacy as a screenwriter of all these hit movies will always live on. The video clip below is a nice look at her fantastic career!

Private Quarters: A retreat by the river

TAKE A LOOK ->Gallery | Private Quarters: A retreat by the river | ajchomefinder.com

Happy Wednesday! I just love these "Private Quarters" features in the Homefinder section on the AJC. The homeowner of this lovely condo has some really nice touches all through the house. Her dog is adorable.

R.Kelly's new album

READ REVIEW HERE ->R.Kelly's 'Write Me Back' is a note from the past – USATODAY.com

Good review of R. Kelly's new album that just came out today. For those who are familiar with his music, you can always count of hearing the sweet vibe of love. I listened to it earlier today on AOL music where you can hear the full CD and other new music. His new album is nice and I dig the album cover.

Image courtesy: AOL Music

Garage sale earns extra cash

Have you marked the summer vacation trip on the calendar yet? As plans take shape, so will the budgeting for gas, hotel, food, entertainment and more. Here's a way to earn some extra cash for the trip.

Plan a weekend to have a garage sale. I know it's a lot of work getting everything organized to sell, but it is worth the effort. Don't go it alone, get the kids involved and maybe ask a neighbor if they want to go in with you and sell some of their things.

The economy has many people out and about especially on the weekends looking for garage sales. There might be a city ordinance on placing signs around so don't overdo it. Just make sure to post one at the entrance to your subdivision. Plus, some colorful helium balloons tied to the mailbox post at your house is  welcoming.

When having a garage sale, price the items to sell. People are looking for bargains and some may talk you down on a particular piece. Go ahead and bag it up as sold. The whole idea behind a garage sale is to try and sell items you no longer want and to make some extra cash. Go a lot of jeans, price them for a $1.

The only thing you want to bring back inside is the empty table that displayed all those good buys. Have fun!

Remembering Michael Jackson

Today marks the third year anniversary of the death of Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009. Often referred to as the King of Pop, he was a spectacular singer, songwriter, and entertainer. The "Thriller" album was a mega hit and topped the charts for weeks.

In remembrance of Michael Jackson, here is one of his most amazing music videos that still thrills fans. I've watched the video so many times that I know all the words to the Vincent Price piece. We miss you Michael.

73-year-old woman scales Everest

73-year-old woman scaling Everest proves you can age well – USATODAY.com
Yes indeed and she is proving it. This story fascinates me because of my love for exercise and staying fit as possible. We all know our bodies slow down a bit as we age and that's just natural. However, eating right and doing some kind of exercise that keeps our body in motion is healthy at any age.


We may not find ourselves scaling Everest, but a good walk around the block comes in as a close second to her magnificent feat.

Greet the week with Gusto

It's Monday and hope the day is great already. I say we greet the week with gusto and be the go-getter in our projects and pursuits. Take the "you can do it" attitude with you when pitching to a new client for their business or renewing a contract with an established client. At the workplace, volunteer to help with an important project if your workload is manageable. The enthusiasm, drive and gusto you show will reflect in a very positive way with your boss and upper management.

New Music ~ Ashley DuBose

Thanks to Singersroom for hipping listeners to newcomer Ashley DuBose. Her new album Somethin' More is really nice and here's the chance to listen to the 11-track full album.

Tidy Up Tips

Here are a few tidy up tips that are especially helpful when putting your home on the market for sale. Some homeowners are asking to do "short sales" by their mortgage company so having a well-kept home is key to a faster sale. Plus, these are great tips in general around the house.


--->Clean the ceiling fan blades of dust and grime with soapy water.
--->If walls don't need a full paint job, use touch up paint to remove any stray marks.
--->Remove clutter from both the kitchen and bathroom counter tops for a neater look.
--->Make sure live household plants are watered and not wilted.
--->Keep the lawn mowed and hedges trimmed, plus repaint the shutters if the color has faded.

The "Under Contract" sign won't be too far away!

Sunday filled with colorful joy

Good Sunday morning and many are on their way to church to hear the blessings of God's words and fellowship. The church choirs bellow fine gospel and christian songs that spread a joyful noise all around the sanctuary. It brings church members and visitors to their feet in praise.

There are some great Sunday gospel and christian music played around the Atlanta radio dials. One of my favorites is radio station KISS 104.1 FM which brings "Good News Gospel" on Sunday morning from 7 a.m. - noon with host Twanda Black. Also, 104.7 The Fish plays contemporary christian music all day. Both of these stations and many other Atlanta radio stations stream live on their websites.

May Sunday be filled with colorful joy around the dinner table or BBQ cookout with family & friends!

Walmart Greeters

When I entered the Walmart in my community this afternoon, there was a picture on a table of one of the stores greeters. I reached into my purse to get my reading glasses and discovered that the Walmart greeter had passed away just yesterday. She was always pleasant and greeted me with a lovely smile.

At the checkout register, I commented to the cashier about how sorry I was to learn she had passed away. He said she was discovered Friday morning having died in her sleep. We come to know employees in stores that we frequent and will chat at times. May she rest in peace!

Grazing in the Grass

Hello everybody, I am about to head out on errands and could not have waited for the the hottest part of the day. Wasn't it me who advised folks to get out early to avoid the heat? Yep, it was but I only have a couple of stops to make and then I plan to stay inside for awhile.

Although, this music video makes me want to find a shady tree and pack a picnic lunch to graze in the grass. I heard this jazz classic on my favorite old school radio program this morning and thought it was the perfect pick on this hot summer day. Have a wonderful weekend!

Music Video on Minimal Budget

 The band, Eytan and The Embassy were on a minimal budget and did not hire a costume designer on the music video for the song "Everything Changes." They made the music video in 1 take, 18 costume changes. It was a world record and very creative!

Sweet Summer Truffles

Hello again, it's 93 degrees in Atlanta and even the birds are hanging out somewhere in the shade. I don't blame them, but I'm sure they will fly into the backyard for the yummy treats that await.  Speaking of yummy, check out this video by Cristina Ferrare who was a former model and morning show host years ago.

She has a wonderful website featuring cooking, home collection and more. Actually, she made appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show doing cooking segments.

This video shows Cristina talking about fresh Summer Truffles and White Truffle Oil. She shows a few dishes to use them in and says the Truffles would go great shaved on top of a salad. Mmmm!

Fashion Friday Idea

It's Friday Y'all, just a little southern hello from a Georgia blogger;-) I thought this fashion Friday idea was pretty cool ->Tie a colorful scarf around the strap on your handbag to add just the right pop. I'm already thinking of the compliments you will receive while out and about.

Enjoy TGIF and thanks so much for visiting this week and leaving nice comments. I appreciate all of you so much!

Miami Heat - 2012 NBA Champions

Congratulations to the Miami Heat who are the 2012 NBA Champions! LeBron James of the Miami Heat was named the MVP. The entire team played unselfishly the entire series to bring the NBA title to the Miami fans. The young Oklahoma City Thunder players had a superb regular season and made it all the way to the NBA Finals.

Ann Curry: 'Am I not good enough?'

YES YOU ARE ->Ann Curry: 'Am I not good enough?' via USAToday

There was talk a month ago that the NBC Today show may let Ann Curry go. This was all around the time that the news station was negotiating co-host Matt Lauer's contract which was renewed.

I was very excited when Ann was given the co-host spot after Meredith Vieira announced she was leaving the Today show. Now it seems NBC is ready to find another position for Ann Curry like a foreign correspondent. She snagged an interview with the Iran President earlier this year and that's no small task.

This is just my opinion, but I wonder if the network is moving to bring on a younger co-host. I hope Ann Curry remains on the Today show, but it looks highly unlikely.

Thursday Tidbits

Is Thursday here already, Yep! The official start to summer apparently was a little after 7 pm yesterday. We're good to go and here are some Thursday Tidbits to share with my super readers.

--->Listen to some great music all summer long with "The Mix: The Songs of the Summer: 1962-2012" on NPR. It's a great mix that includes lots of favorites like Irene Cara's song from the hit movie Flashdance "What a Feeling," Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," and DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince smash jam "Summertime." Turn up the volume on your laptop and let the music play.

--->As the temperatures rise, get an early start on daytime and weekend errands if you can to avoid the heat. Always carry a bottle of water or eco-friendly water bottle to stay cool and refreshed. Don't get dehydrated!

--->If you need to use the oven for baking, do so early in the morning to avoid warming the house and the A/C having to work extra hard to cool the house down. Grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store deli section that's ready to eat.

I'm looking forward to a great summer, aren't you;-)

Men's Fashion Week in Europe

 I have posted three videos today which is quite unusual, but I could not pass on this one. It shows the GQ Fashion Team preparing for the Men's Fashion Week in Europe. I bet it will be a trendy time seeing all the fashion designers, models, and sights in Europe. Enjoy the video!

Talking Tech - Samsung Galaxy S III

I like these 'Talking Tech' segments on USAToday which are helpful for those who are tech-savvy and for some who are not. The review of the new Samsung Galaxy S III phone is good and I especially like the thin design. The on-the-go person will appreciate all the functionality. It's very sleek!

First day of Summer

Hello to all my blog readers and visitors. It's not only Hump Day Wednesday, but the first day of summer. Yep, the temps already feel like we're months into the season. What better way to kickoff the season than with this classic hit from Sly & The Family Stone.

The summer weekend getaways and vacation time from work are in the planning stages. I'm already thinking about the cool summer salads that will be enjoyed with slices of seasonal fruits on top that are sweet and nutritious in every bite like juicy Georgia peaches, cantaloupe, and strawberries.

By the way, its National Vanilla Milkshake Day. How about treating the kids and yourself to a milkshake at your favorite ice cream shop. Let's have hot fun all summer long!

Golden Retriever rides in side-car

It looks like the owner has found a cool companion to ride in the side-car of his Russian motorcycle. The Golden Retriever was adopted by the owner after a family could no longer care for the dog. Gotta love the groovy goggles Cooper is wearing. Life is good!

Today is Juneteenth

You may wonder the significance of today being Juneteeth. It's an historic day that African Americans celebrate as the end to slavery in the United States on June 19th. Today commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. Around the country,  there are celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It's a special day indeed!

Frugal Tip of the Day

Hello everybody, my to-do list is running full blast. How about yours? Let's see what terrific things are in store for Tuesday.

It sure is good news that prices at the pump have gone down around many states including Georgia. Who would have ever thought we'd be jumping for joy at lower gas prices still in the $3 dollar range. It's cool as every dollar saved at the pump keeps a little more money in the wallet.

So here's my Frugal Tip of the Day ->If you are now shaving off $5-10 dollars that used to go into the gas tank when you filled up, start saving that extra money for summer vacation travels you will take by car. Plus, we all know gas prices are fickle and could begin to rise again. Be ready for it by saving those extra dollars while gas is lower at the pumps now.

Happy Birthday Paul McCartney

It's Paul McCartney's birthday today and he turns 70. Sir Paul has had the most distinguished career in music as a member of the British band, The Beatles. He formed Paul McCartney and The Wings and this hit is one of the band's classics. Don't let the slow start to the song keep you from listening all the way through. The song has an upbeat tempo that jams to the end.

Paul McCartney is still playing music and performing. He just recently performed at the Queen's Jubilee in London. Happy 70th Birthday Paul McCartney!

Closet Organizing for Summer

The official kick off to summer begins on Wednesday, June 20 and we will be wearing more shorts, tanks and t-shirts. Organize your closet with like items stacked in sections on the closet shelves. What better way than to have our favorite capri pants, khaki or blue jean shorts, tanks and tees in sections. It's an easy and more  efficient way to grab and go when choosing your outfit. Also, your work attire can be organized in the same way with khaki slacks, short-sleeve tops, or golf shirts folded neatly and stacked for easy viewing. You will be out the door in no time flat!

Sweet - Mini Cherry Crumbles

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE ->Mini Cherry Crumbles via PBS Food


This is a delightful dessert using fresh cherries that are in full summer swing. The food blogger who made the mini cherry crumbles took some excellent photos which show the dessert very well.

On Set with Kelly Rowland

Watch Kelly Rowland talk about shooting her music video in Barcelona and her next album. Kelly looks fly in those sunglasses. I dig the white frames ~She's so Glam!

Happy Father's Day

Good Sunday afternoon and sending warm wishes to all the Dad's out there on Father's Day. I hope the day started with a great breakfast and  coffee;-) I called my dad, but didn't reach him yet. I think they are still at church. My brother is a dad with two beautiful daughters.

Have a great time of food, fun and fellowship with family and friends.  Also, the memories of father's that have passed on will always a hold special place in the hearts of loved ones.

Classic James Brown for Father's Day

I have been listening to the radio for most of the day and the Atlanta radio stations are spinning lots of music with Father's Day in mind. This song is clearly part of the James Brown's 20 all time greatest hits. That's right, Papa don't take no mess!

Ultimate Father's Day Dish

Hello everyone, and it's a great weekend to celebrate Dad. Please share in the comments section your plans for dad on Father's Day? Here is a delicious meal from the CBS Morning Show that looks very tasty. The chef used plantains which is a delicacy I have always wanted to try, but haven't yet. She also mentioned that the dish is a favorite in Puerto Rico where I imagine the food to be savory and flavorful. This is the ultimate Father's Day dish.

Funk Soul Roadshow

JJ Nite Funk & Soul Roadshow #1 by Funk Republic Radio on Mixcloud

Walking the Tightrope

Tonight on ABC, many TV viewers will tune in to watch Nik Wallenda walk across the world's most iconic waterfall, Niagara Falls on a tightrope. He is a seventh-generation stunt performer and the first man to cross the Niagara Gorge by tightrope in 116 years.

The walk will take place just after 10 o'clock tonight which is estimated to take 30 to 45 minutes. Plan to watch this amazing feat on ABC which is lighting up the Falls for the event. Check out the New York Times full story on this event here.

I would love to visit Niagara Falls one day. One of my favorite movies starring Marilyn Monroe is titled Niagara. It's a great movie with a sinister plot. The scenes at the Falls were nice;-)

Shake, Rattle & Roll TGIF

Hi everybody, I'm feeling giddy on TGIF and ready to shake, rattle & roll the to-do list. Let's meet at the finish line;-) The weather is simply beautiful in Atlanta. I bet many of you are either heading out-of-town for Father's Day weekend or maybe dad lives in the same city. It will be a fun time!

I have a few items to wrap up today. One of them is the possible writing assignment for another blogging site. I need to read over the specifics, but appreciate the chance to showcase my writing skills. I can truly say that my own personal blog has lead to more opportunities like this one.

Since becoming a freelance writer and blogger, keeping an eye out for writing, editing and blogging work is key to gaining experience and name recognition. Check out my latest post on OliveCocoMag, the online magazine where I am one of their 2012 Summer Contributors in the Fitness + Nutrition category. I'm hustling baby!

Macy Gray Sample Playlist

Macy Gray's new album "Covered" was released back in March. This video is a sample playlist of the songs off the album. I have heard the full album and you should definitely add it to your CD collection especially after hearing the samples. It's a jam!

3 Father's Day Gift Ideas

It's Father's Day on Sunday, June 17th and time to celebrate and thank our dad's for all the love and support they have given to us. For those whose father's have passed on, the memories from childhood to adults still hold a special place in our hearts.

Do you have the dad who seems to have everything and wonder sometimes just what to get them in the way of a gift. Here are 3 Father's Day Gift Ideas that he is sure to enjoy and appreciate.

--->The Grill Master: If you plan to cookout on Sunday, it might be hard to keep dad from mastering the grill when you want him to just sit back and chill. A nice gift idea would be grilling tools or even a big bag of his favorite charcoal. When firing up the grill becomes a summertime pastime, your dad will reach for that unopened bag of charcoal and smile knowing his son or daughter gave it to him on Father's Day.

--->The Do-It-Yourself Dad: Why call a repairman to fix around the house, dad's pretty handy. We all know our dad's have tackled a DYI project or two. A great Father's Day gift would be to join dad on the DIY he plans to begin soon. It could painting a room, organizing the garage, or yard work. The time spent working together and chatting during the project is priceless. Home improvement store Lowe's has lots of gift ideas in their latest circular.

--->The Coffee Lover: We all probably know which brand of coffee our dad likes to start the morning. If not, mom can give you a heads up. Two brand favorites come to mind...Folgers and Maxwell House. With the price of coffee going up, buy dad a big container of his favorite coffee. If he drinks instant coffee, buy a big jar of that one.

Our dad's will appreciate any gift, but the most delightful will be a visit or telephone call on Father's Day. That's priceless indeed!

Healthy Tip of the Day

Don't forget to drop a piece of fruit into your brown bag or lunch carry-all. It's the go-to healthy bite that will give you energy and nutrition. Reach for a colorful banana, apple, peach, orange or strawberries. They all pack a healthy punch of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.

Free Courses, Movies and More

While checking out Open Culture, the website with free courses, movies and more, I came across "31 Free Oscar Films on the Web." The video below was shortlisted in 2010 for Best Animated Short Film. It's really good and you can check out other free Oscar films here. I need to get my beauty sleep;-)

Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty from Darragh O'Connell on Vimeo.

Hump Day in Hotlanta

Happy Hump Day and the temps hit 90 in "Hotlanta" ~Whew! I had a hair appointment earlier this morning at the Cosmetology School and was hoping the heat would not sweat my new hairdo;-) I try to save gas by not running the car A/C, but had to crank it up. Actually, I read that driving on the expressway with the windows down or sunroof open burns more gas. I imagine street driving is OK.

As we put the wind down on the day of projects and tasks, this performance by indie singer Esperanza Spalding sure is nice. Let's ease the stresses with her smooth and mellow voice. The song is titled "Smile Like That" from her latest album Radio Music Society. The video is brought to us by NPR.

Weed Your Garden Day

Yep, it's Weed Your Garden Day! The video below features the Orchid flower which is not one you need to weed. I have a green thumb when it comes to house plants, but always thought Orchids required too much care. Not so says the lady in the video who gives great tips for taking care of them.

Orchids are the most beautiful flower and they come in a variety of colors to compliment any room. It's a lovely gift idea for a family or friend's birthday, hostess or housewarming gift. Visit Costa Farms which is a wonderful website full of gardening and plant care tips.

Tiger Woods preps for U.S. Open

 Tiger Woods talks briefly to reporters as he preps for the U.S. Open this weekend. He remembers his father in a comment as the tournament ends on Sunday which is Father's Day.

Summer Skin Hydration

Just as the winter months can dry out the skin, the summer season is right behind when it comes to dryness. Vaseline is your go-to moisturizer for helping to keep the body smooth and hydrated in the summer.

Rub Vaseline on the elbows, feet, legs and other drying spots. The lips definitely need moisturizing so dab some on them to prevent dryness and cracking. Pack a small jar in your luggage when traveling this summer. It's an inexpensive health and beauty product to keep on hand. Place a jar of Vaseline on the counter in the kid's bathroom.

With more time spent at the pool, beach or sunbathing for an awesome tan, the skin loses moisture.The winter isn't the only time to benefit from the moisturizing uses of Vaseline. It's a summertime favorite too!

Music Monday ~ Jimi Hendrix

I chose one of the best electric guitarists, Jimi Hendrix to rock out Music Monday and he does just that on this hit "Bold as Love." The photos of Hendrix in the video are great. Rock on!

How to Smell Awesome (No Cologne Necessary)

SLIDESHOW ->How to Smell Awesome (No Cologne Necessary) Grooming: GQ.com
The summer months are here and it's probably a good idea to scale back on Cologne or go for a light scent. There are some Awesome products in this Slideshow.

Take a look and think about adding a few new scents for hair and body. Mmm, you smell nice;-)

Back to Work Tip of the Day

Good Monday morning everybody. Yep, it's back to work and a new week of projects and assignments. Let's be honest, sometimes it takes awhile to get going on Mondays and for coffee lovers, a cup or two sure helps to give our bodies a burst of energy from the caffeine.

Just remember to refresh your body with plenty of water while drinking coffee to stay hydrated. You will get that same burst of energy from cool cups of water. If you can, start on a few smaller projects that won't take long to finish and work your way up to the more time-consuming ones. Stay focused!

Happy Birthday ~ Sasha Obama turns 11

Happy Birthday wishes go out to the younger First Daughter, Sasha Obama who turns 11 today. She celebrated with an outing at the Red Robin in Dulles, Virginia with mom, sister Malia and a group of school friends. Fun!

New Product Roundup

ALL THINGS TECH ->New product roundup – USATODAY.com

Check out some of these nifty gadgets and other new tech products hitting the market. The Hi-fi system for travel is pretty neat and will come in handy for summer getaways. Even rapper 50 Cent has something new in all things technology.

Sitting Up in My Room

Jam from the hit movie Soundtrack Waiting to Exhale. The movie was a smash hit too. I'm sitting up in my room finishing this blog post (*_~)

Kim Kardashian buys Kanye West a Lamborghini

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY ->Kim Kardashian buys Kanye West a Lamborghini via USAToday
OK, I just had to post this story so you could see a few pics of the Lamborghini. The pics were taken by TMZ who you know is always on the cutting edge in entertainment coverage. The car is a birthday present for Kanye West who turned 35 on Friday, June 8. Kanye is on tour with Jay-Z in Ireland for the Watch the Throne tour. The price tag for the Lamborghini is $750,000. Zoom Zoom!

What's Happening Weekend

Yep, it's a what's happening weekend here on my blog today. Share with us what you have planned, is the weather nice? If so, bet some of you will be getting out and about, firing up the grill, or planting in the garden. Do tell *_*

While I love the fact that so many websites allow bloggers to share material from their sites on blogs, there are some that do not and that's cool. I mean we are responsible for our own content. For instance, TIME does not have a share button for "Blogger," but you can always mention the story and provide the link back to it. Like this one on "The 10 Most Iconic Hairstyles" that caught my eye today. See all the hairstyles here and I'm going to give one away, it's Pam Grier's Afro ~Iconic indeed.

On Atlanta radio station 92.9 dave fm, they have the lost audio from the rock band, The Cure who performed their first U.S. concert in 1980. The audio was thought to be lost, but you can listen to it below. Head over to the station's website which is full of cool stuff like the MP3 of the Day ~grab it for free!

Now Playing ~ Pinocchio (1940)

CLICK HERE TO WATCH ->Pinocchio (1940) on Classic Cinema Online

This is a Walt Disney classic that the family will enjoy. It's "Pinocchio" and will be available for viewing over the next three days.

Jimminy Cricket, don't miss this classic movie over the weekend. Grab the popcorn and make it a fun time for everyone!

Happy TGIF

Hi everybody, let me start with the Atlanta forecast which is gorgeous. I hope the same can be said in your city. The garden container on my patio is colorful with the petunias and green ivy spilling over the side.

I was looking at the latest weekly ad for Publix that came out yesterday. I make a point to view it online to see what's on sale. The store is having a "Breakfast Sale" with lots of cereals on sale. With the kids out of school for the summer vacation, you might need to load up more on their favorites.

A good staple to have in the pantry are cans of tuna and Starkist is on sale. It's an easy fix for sandwiches or topping on a lunchtime salad. Plus, take them along to the cabin at the lake in case the fish aren't biting. While at Publix, head over to the produce section for a variety of fruits on sale. Load the cart with strawberries, mango, raspberries, canteloupe and watermelon. They all are go-to snacks that pack a healthy punch! It's National Dairy Month with good buys on cheese and Greek yogurt varieties.

Well, this is turning into a money-saving post. Oops, just can't help my frugal self, better quit while I'm ahead;-) Have a happy TGIF!

MJ Single Surfaces

This Michael Jackson single, "Don't Be Messing Around" has surfaced and was supposed to be on the hit 1987 album Bad, but didn't make the cut. I heard that the late singer had several songs that never made it on an album for one reason or another. I like this song, it has a catchy beat!

New book debunks myths of green living

VERY INTERESTING ->New book debunks myths of green living – USATODAY.com

Even so, I'm living a greener lifestyle and doing my best to protect the environment . I read recently that Hawaii has totally banned using plastic bags. Some say that move was a bit extreme, but getting shoppers to use those canvas bags that stores promote with their logo is slowly catching on. Let's all do our part to save the planet with green living.

Homeless Teen Never Gave Up

This is truly an inspiring story of an Atlanta teen who was homeless, but managed to graduate from high school this year. His GPA was 3.3 and he's earned a scholarship to college in the fall. The teen was given a $1,000 shopping spree coordinated by an Atlanta commissioner who heard his story. Despite the odds, he never gave up and the future looks bright indeed.

1st Drive-In Movie Theater Opened Today

On June 6, 1933, the first drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, New Jersey. The Google Doodle today pays homage on the 79th anniversary. The Google Team is very creative and innovative. I don't know about you, but when I see a new Doodle that you can click on, it's always intriguing to see what's in store.

Exercise Helps Fight Fatigue

It's Hump Day Wednesday, isn't it wonderful. How's the week going so far? The to-do list is manageable today.

I mentioned before that lots of new music comes out on Tuesdays and there are some goodies this week. For starters, Lenny Kravitz has a new album titled "Mama Said (21st Anniversary Deluxe Edition)." Plus, Eric Benet's "The One" and country superstar Alan Jackson released "Thirty Miles West." Listen to these full albums free and many more on AOL Music.

All that music is great streaming on the laptop and perfect way to help fight fatigue that starts to creep in during the day. Try to sneak in some exercises or take a yoga break in the day. Lift the dumbbells when an upbeat song comes on. Do stretching to release any muscle tension to a cool beat. If writer's block has set in, a mellow song with some yoga relaxation poses may get you back on track and clear your mind. Remember to drink plenty of water to help combat that sluggish feeling.

Jubilee Fit for a Queen

Hi everybody, just finished watching the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The performances were great and the crowd was huge. It was nice to see the London flags waving from the crowd who were on their feet the whole time. Tom Jones performed and is still sexy and handsome as ever;-) Elton John sang many favorites including "I'm Still Standing." Stevie Wonder performed "Isn't She Lovely" and "Superstition." Sir Paul McCartney and his band closed out the performances.

The cameras panned over to the seating area of the Royal Family and some were gesturing in delight at the music. A jubilee fit for a Queen indeed! Let's hear that Elton John song I like so much again.

Amelia Earhart Mystery

This is a fascinating clip on the disappearance of Amelia Earhart's airplane. Experts now believe she may have lived on an island for several days before her death. They have credible radio signals to support this  theory. It's an aviation mystery that still intrigues us today.

Frugal Fun Summer

As summer vacation plans take shape, checking the family budget will be a priority. A frugal summer is not be so bad and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the summertime. If a staycation is part of the planning, begin visiting websites in your city or town and check the events calendar. There are probably lots of summer festivals with local music bands and artists that just might be free. The kids may be able to pick up some extra cash by dog walking or sitting for the neighbors. Plus, cutting lawns is a good way to earn money.


Everyone deserves summer fun even on a tight budget. Gather the family and find ways to stretch the dollars. Here are 3 ideas off the top of my head:

--->Buy some kites and head to the park with a picnic basket for a day of family fun. Enjoy the sail of the kites as the wind takes them high in the sky.
--->Take a nature walk along a trail at the state park. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and carry a bottle of water with you when hiking the trail. If allowed, Fido would love to come along. Do some bird watching along the way.
--->Visit your city or community pool for a splash of fun on a hot summer afternoon.

Music Monday: Keiko Matsui ~ Midnight Stone

A full moon shines bright in the sky making this video a perfect pick for Music Monday. I am a huge fan of Keiko Matsui and there won't be any burning the midnight oil tonight. My day is done;-)

Work from Home Tip

The school year has ended not only for the youngsters in the house, but college-aged kids are home for the summer. With the tough job market, hopefully teens and college students can find summer work to earn money for summer stuff and saving for books when returning to campus in the fall.

Let me add that the kids can take the dog for his/her walk in case you're knee deep in a project now that they're home.

If you work, run a business, or freelance from home, the quiet atmosphere you had while the kids were in school during the day has probably changed now that school is out. With that in mind, make sure to try and keep the noise level and barking at bay when talking with clients and conducting business on the phone.

If you were used to working in an open area while everyone was away during the day, you might want to go back to using the home office with the door closed. A professional environment at home is key to more business opportunities and referrals.

McGraw, Chesney party at the Dome

Good morning, I hope everyone had a nice weekend. The rumbles of thunder have quieted, but there's a steady rain in the Atlanta skies. The to-do is long so hope it doesn't get too stormy and I have to shutdown the laptop.

SEE PICS ->Gallery | McGraw, Chesney party at the Dome | accessatlanta.com
Here's a little something to go with your morning coffee. It's pics from the McGraw, Chesney concert in Atlanta last night;-) About 46,000 were in attendance.

Watch this incredible chip shot from Tiger Woods

SEE IT HERE ->Watch this incredible chip shot from Tiger Woods, MSN

An incredible shot indeed and the crowd goes wild. It was good to see Tiger's gesture after the ball went in the hole. Nice win!

Skateboarders Got Skills

Great day for skateboarders to be out showing their skills on the boards. The slow motion video shows them doing just that and the music goes well with their terrific talents.

Fried Chicken & Five Dollars

Happy and blessed Sunday Y'all! It's a great day for families to gather and enjoy a delicious dinner together. I can imagine the aroma of fried chicken either from Mama's cooking or a stop by Kentucky Fried Chicken is a Sunday favorite. As the temps rise, turning on the oven warms the house for baking anything really. At KFC, they have grilled chicken on the menu which is a healthier choice to add to the table along with yummy sides.

The good Lord blessed me with a super surprise today. While loading clothes from the washer, a neatly folded five dollar bill fell out and was slightly damp. I forgot to check the pockets of the shorts I wore last week. I probably slipped the bill into the pocket at the checkout register. What a great find and that five dollars will come in handy.

Image Courtesy: Cottonseedoil via Flickr

Swap-O-Matic Vending Machine

A creative and clever idea on the Swap-O-Matic vending machine. Watch the video to see how the concept works.

New Month and the Weekend

Happy weekend kicks off the new month of June. Surprisingly, the temperatures felt fall-like this morning when I stepped out to the patio with morning coffee in hand. The sunshine is refreshingly bright and the sunglasses are a must. What's on your weekend schedule?

I'm heading out to do some errands and visit a friend. She's a great gardener and bet her front door looks so inviting with all the flowers and greenery. Her black lab Sam is always a joy to play around with as he goes to grab his favorite ball for throwing and catching.

Enjoy the weekend filled with fun and happiness!

Oprah Winfrey revives her book club

READ IT HERE ->Oprah Winfrey revives her book club this Monday with Wild – USATODAY.com
I bet fans of her book club are thrilled with this news. During her show, the book club was very popular and many of the books skyrocketed up the New York Bestseller List after Oprah Winfrey chose it for the book club. The first book Wild sounds like a good read.

It's National Donut Day

Good evening, I just could not miss posting this sweetie. I hope some of you had a delicious donut in its honor. Did any of your co-workers bring in a dozen this morning for the office to enjoy with coffee? According to the story on CNN, the day was started by the Salvation Army in Chicago in 1938 to honor 'Donut Lassies' who served treats and provided assistance to soldiers on the front lines during World War 1.

Happy Birthday ~ Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe was one of my favorite actresses. She was born on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California. She died on August 5, 1962 at the age of 36. A beautiful actress, model and singer who became a major sex symbol starring in several successful movies during the 50s and early 60s.

Marilyn captivated Hollywood and movie producers. The infamous photo where her pretty white dress flutters up while standing over a street grate is an iconic image everyone adores. Marilyn was starring in the movie "Some Like It Hot" during that time with actors Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis.

This is a beautiful video showing a collage of rare black & white photos of Marilyn Monroe on the Santa Monica Beach in 1962.