PBS Reality Show ~ 'Broadway or Bust'

I don't watch any reality TV, but I might just watch this one coming to PBS. The show is called 'Broadway or Bust' which follows high school students on their journey to the Broadway stage. First they have to compete in front of a panel of judges.

Watch the Trailer below to find out more about the competition which will premiere this fall on September 9th. This will be one show to watch as the students compete for the chance to become Broadway's rising star.

Watch Trailer on PBS. See more from Broadway or Bust.

Taps and the American Flag

I just wanted to mention that at the funeral today for my elderly friend who passed away late last week, I was moved by the eulogy and songs by the choir. Since my friend was a World War II veteran, there was a bugle player there who played "Taps" which was even more moving. The casket was draped with the American flag and two military officers folded and presented it to my friend's nephew seated at the grave site.

While many families have lost loved ones during wartime, this was a first for me to be standing there hearing 'Taps' played and feeling the same sorrow as them saying my final goodbyes. Very touching day indeed!

Rain is Welcome Relief

It's a great day with some rain which I hope comes down all day long. A welcome relief from the drought which as you know is wreaking havoc on farmlands to yards. My flowers will love a good drench. I can't believe it's the last day in the month of July and the summer is moving along nicely.

The funeral for my dear friend is today. I am sure many of his family and friends will be in attendance and a heartfelt eulogy will be given. I will cherish the memories and his kindness to me always as he is laid to rest.

Have a great day and hope some much-needed rain is coming your way if not there already.

Olympic Players and their Tweets

For the second time soon after the Olympics began, another player has been expelled from the Games. I just read the story on USAToday about Swiss soccer player Michel Morganella being banned after a racist tweet. Apparently upset after Switzerland's loss to South Korea, Morganella took to his Twitter account and wrote a tweet that was disparaging.

I just wanted to weigh in for just a minute as another player last week was expelled for a racist tweet against African immigrants. The story also ran in USAToday about Greek triple jumper Voula Papachristou's tweet. It puzzles my mind that the athletes would tweet these type of comments against another race of people. In the heat of frustration from a loss, some athletes lose their cool. OK, blow off some steam but not in the way these two athletes have done.

To train hard and dedicate the time leading up to the Summer Olympics with coaches, teammates, family and friends ready to cheer the athletes on to victory is a mighty feat indeed. I hope other athletes will exercise better judgment and not send insensitive tweets about another person. Be a better sport about the Games!

Today's Healthy Tip

Monday is back in town and we're gearing up for the day and week. I can't believe only two days are left in the month of July. While visiting friends yesterday, several people mentioned that their college-aged kids are heading back to college out-of-state this week as classes will begin in a few weeks and they are settling into the dorms.

As the saying goes, time sure flies when you're having fun and hope that's been the case all summer long. It got me thinking about all the cookouts, birthday celebrations, weddings, festivals, and more that we are enjoying this summer and probably every weekend.

In all those events and good eats that usually go with them, some of us may have packed on a few pounds. If so, add an extra day to your exercise routine or 15 minutes longer. For all those walkers, step it up a notch and go around the neighborhood or block a couple more times. While doing your 20 or more situps, tack on a few more to keep the abs tight, flat and firm.

You will know how to up your fitness game for maximum results from all the fun still left in the summer. Have a wonderful week!

Rock Band Kiss Social Hub

ROCK ON ->Kiss Social Hub: Rock and roll all night in any language – USATODAY.com

Hey, this Social Hub is rockin' and Kiss fans will love it. The band is on tour with Motley Crue that will wrap on September 23 in Hartford, CT. Until then, check out the new Kiss Social Hub and keep up with the band during the tour.

Cake and Ice Cream with Friends

Good Sunday evening. I enjoyed a really nice afternoon with a family who celebrates Sunday afternoons together after church with dinner and just time together. Today was extra special as the family ate dinner out to celebrate the birthdays in the month of July. Afterwards, everyone met up at the home for cake and ice cream.

I did not attend the dinner, but did stop by for cake and a few scoops of vanilla ice cream. I don't get over to their house much, but when I do it's always a wonderful day and the lady who invites me is so sweet. I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday especially with family and friends.

God's Glory is Uplifting & Spiritual

Good Sunday morning and a beautiful start to the day. My day always gets going on Sundays with gospel music on the radio. One of my favorite stations is Atlanta's R&B KISS 104.1 FM with host Twanda Black on "Good News Gospel." This morning she has already played this favorite, "God's Got A Blessing with Your Name Written On It" by Twinkie Clark.

The song is uplifting and spiritual that makes me clap my hands and feel the spirit of God's glory every Sunday when the DJ plays it. I do believe God's got a blessing with my name written on it. Yes indeed!

$2.50 for tap water? New ’water cafe’ riles critics

GOTTA READ THIS ->$2.50 for tap water? New ’water cafe’ riles critics via MSN

Come on, really! Just before sitting down at my laptop, I filled my glass with tap water. Oh, did I mention it was free. Now the story does say that this $2.50 tap water goes through a seven stage filtration process before its bottled. I don't have a filter on my water faucet, but read the "water quality reports" that arrive in the mail from the city. I hope they are monitoring for any impurities.

Would you pay $2.50 for this bottled tap water? Things sure are getting chic when a 'water cafe' pops up. I'll just drink water from the tap and enjoy it!

It's the Weekend, Can You Feel It?

Yep, I sure can feel it! What's on tap for your weekend? After writing the post several weeks ago about having a garage sale, I am giving thought of planning my own. I sure could use the extra cash after my car battery repair.

I need at least one table and I called a friend who I believe has one. I will keep y'all posted if I decide to have one next weekend. I plan to price things to sell and not have to haul the goods back inside;-)

I hope the weather is sunny and bright where you live. It's a sizzlin' summer in Atlanta and I recently passed by the Six Flags Over Georgia Amusement Park while driving down the interstate. You can see the rollercoasters from the highway and I imagined the fun time the riders were having at the Park. Enjoy!

Video - 2012 USA Olympic Swimming Team

The 2012 USA Olympic Swimming Team have a good time singing the popular Carley Rae Jepson song "Call Me Maybe." We wish them luck in their meets and hope they bring home the Gold!

Opening Day of the Summer Olympics

TGIF and its Opening Day of the Summer Olympics. The athletes have trained hard and the world is their stage. A few of my favorite events are track & field, gymnastics, and swimming. How about you, what are some of your favorites?

Speaking of sports, the Atlanta Braves open a three-game series today against the Philadelphia Phillies down at Turner Field. The Phillies have always been a rivalry so this series will be a good one. I suspect lots of red in the stadium worn by Phillies fans, but the Braves fans will be there too with the Tomahawk chop.

It's been a great week after that rough start on Monday for me. I got it together and moved right along at a steady pace. My workload has grown mainly with writing assignments. Here's to a good Friday for all of us and to knocking that to-list out of the ballpark ~Batter Up!

Thursday Tidbits

Uh Oh, here she goes with those Thursday Tidbits. Got some good ones for you! For starters, today is The Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger's birthday. He turns 69 years old. Mick Jagger is pure rock and roll and the Stones have had one of the most successful music careers with albums and concerts. Fans just can't get enough. Happy Birthday Mick!

By the way, Rolling Stone magazine has a feature on their website of The 10 Coolest Summer Albums of All Time. There are some great picks and I think you will like the selections. Here are The Rolling Stones in Buenos Aires to a jam-packed crowd. Keith Richards jams the guitar and of course Mick Jagger is full of energy from one end of the stage to the next. Get some Satisfaction!

Lastly, the heatwave is sweeping across the nation once again. I tweeted earlier about wishing someone would pour cold water over me ~my energy-level is drained. All I can say is keep drinking water to stay hydrated. The water pitcher in the refrigerator is constantly being refilled;-)

Be careful with salty snacks that can be dehydrating like popcorn and chips. If you do have them as a snack, drink a tall glass of water to replenish the electrolytes our bodies need. Don't forget about cool watermelon for a summertime refresher ~either slices or chunks, it's all good!

A Dear Friend Passes Away

I received sad news that my elder friend passed away this morning. He was 89 and a World War II Veteran. I have fond memories of joining him at his home on several occasions for his favorite breakfast. We had bacon, eggs, grits and toast. The final topping off of this delicious breakfast was a cup of coffee.

My friend had a sharp mind and we would chat about his time in the war. Before the local Piggly Wiggly closed, I would take him shopping there for groceries and he liked to push the cart down the aisles. He enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves just as much as I did and we would recap the games. I helped tidy up his house and write out a few bills which I know he appreciated.



My heart is heavy on this loss, but he had become frail and weak. Just knowing he passed on peacefully is comforting for me and I know his family must feel the same. I will miss my friend, may he RIP!

Pier 1 Imports and Design Star

I remember when David Bromstad was a candidate on HGTV's "Design Star" some years ago. The winner had the chance at their own design show on the channel. David Bromstad won and his career has taken off. I recall that David always had a knack for adding a painting of his own to the space he was working on.

Pier 1 Imports is having a contest for viewers to vote on the best original painting by David Bromstad from three paintings centered around items he found at Pier 1 Imports. Watch the video below and find out more about the contest and to vote. A lucky winner will receive the painting voted the best.

Organizing for Back-to-School

Say what, already! Well, school may still be closed for the summer, but I passed by an elementary school up the street from my house and the marquee read the first day of school is in early August. I know the Midwest and some other regions don't start until after Labor Day.

Also, Walmart has an aisle of school supplies up and ready for shoppers. I like to buy stuff for my nieces who live in Colorado to send before they head back-to-school. While the kids and teens are enjoying their summer, it may be time to set aside a day or afternoon to organize their room especially the desk area. Make a list of items needed to restock the drawers with glue sticks, pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers and more.

Start the school year off on the right right foot by having a clutter-free workspace for homework and class projects. Set up a bulletin board in the room to pin important messages from school or projects due. One important thing to have hanging on the board is a calendar to keep track of happenings and assignments.

Don't you just love planning ahead :-) It just makes for a smooth transition and eases the anxiety both parents and kids may feel. Take time to get organized from summer vacation to back-to-school.

Happy Birthday Amelia Earhart

The Google Doodle today pays homage to the late Aviator Amelia Earhart who would have turned 115 years old. Many of my blog readers may have read my posts on Amelia Earhart especially when new details come out about her mysterious disappearance. I'm simply fascinated by her aviator accomplishments leading up to the flight in 1937. As the world remembers the famed flyer on her birthday, I hope one day her remains are discovered.

Exercise Tip of the Day

If you travel for business during the week, make sure to pack your walking shoes to take advantage of an evening walk nearby the hotel or in a park you spotted. Be careful not to venture in areas that don't feel safe and stay on the main streets. If the hotel has a gym facility, use the treadmills in there. Although a nice day or evening sure makes you want to get outside and walk your way to healthy.

Music Monday ~ Simple Minds

Simple Minds had some smash hits in the 80's like this one Alive & Kicking. The other fan favorite "Don't You Forget about Me" is another great song by the band.  I think this is a super spin for Music Monday.

Obama is fully briefed by David Beckham's underwear range

HERE'S THE READ ->Obama is fully briefed by David Beckham's underwear range via MSN

We've all seen images of David Beckham in his new line of underwear. Apparently David Beckham sent 50 pairs to the President at the White House ~all in fun after being teased by President Obama when Beckham's line came out. We we will only wonder if President Obama wears the undies which are sexy. Just sayin'!

Image courtesy of MSN

Rough start to Monday

Hello everybody, it's been a rough start to Monday mainly due to the car battery that never got replaced over the weekend. While I appreciated my friend volunteering his time to come help me, I never heard from him. I don't mind if people get busy and can't come through, but a courtesy call would have been nice.

Oh well, enough venting. I sure hope your day is much better. We all have them sometimes! My neighbors brother just replaced my new battery and the car cranked. I have a to-do list of errands and about to get going.

Celebrate the 2012 Summer Olympics with Patriotic Recipes

SEE RECIPES HERE ->Celebrate the 2012 Summer Olympics with Patriotic Recipes via PBS Food


All these recipes look delicious and not fussy to make. The pictures show well and I give them a score of 10! If you're planning a kickoff party for the 2012 Summer Olympics, try your hand at these recipes for the table and guests.

Tomatoes, The B52's, and Summer Breeze

Ah, its a sunny Sunday indeed and a good day to be outside doing something. I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend with family and friends. My friend gave me a couple of tomatoes from her garden and I have eaten them over the last few days. Let me just say they are juicy and tasty. She is growing the tomatoes in a couple of large buckets and having great success. Here's my article on the healthy benefits of tomatoes that I wrote for OliveCocoMag. I am a 2012 Summer Contributor for the Mag and enjoying the experience.

The B52's is a 3-member band from Athens, GA who started in 1976 to instant fame. They performed last night at the fabulous Fox Theater in downtown Atlanta. The B52's are celebrating 35 years of performing and the crowd rocked to many of their hits like "The Love Shack." Check out the gallery of photos taken by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution of the show at the Fox.

The heatwave has subsided just a little across the regions and whenever you get a day with a breeze is simply delightful. Today in Atlanta, there is a summer breeze that feels good. I don't run my A/C and feeling the breeze coming in through the windows is nice. There is a great song by the Isley Brothers called Summer Breeze which is a perfect play right about now.

Saturday Night Movie - Female On The Beach (1955)

NOW PLAYING ->Female On The Beach (1955) on Classic Cinema Online

A great classic movie on Saturday night. This movie stars two of my favorites, Joan Crawford and dreamy Jeff Chandler. A real film noir with a twist ~the kind of movies I like. Hope there are some of my blog readers who are also fans of this genre especially black & white.

Report: Usher's stepson taken off life support

READ STORY HERE ->Report: Usher's stepson taken off life support via MSN

Prayers and thoughts go out to Usher and his ex-wife Tameka Foster in the loss of his stepson and her 11-year old son. To lose a child is one of the most devastating and the family has to be grieving. I know fans of Usher are feeling his pain too.

There were reports about a week ago that Tameka Foster may take her son off life support and insurance coverage was a factor. Despite that, the loss grips the family and a mother's love for her son is precious. May we all keep the family in prayer during this difficult time.

Family-friendly Freebies

Hello everybody, the skies are grey but it looks like the sun is coming out. One thing is that the temps are cool. I just glanced out into the backyard and the new huge doves are back pecking away at the bird seeds. I don't know where they came from and counted about eight of them fly in together.

I need a new battery for my car, Yep! A friend plans to come rescue me and go buy another battery. While this expense will set my budget back for the month, this is a case in point of having an emergency fund for car repairs that pop up.

Anybody heading out to a festival or concert? This is the time of the year when free festivals are all the rave on the weekends. The free concerts in the park are also a favorite and communities will have them at least once a month. If so, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the music and good eats. Don't forget to scan the community paper to see what's happening this weekend. Oh, a dip in the community pool or the neighbors sure sounds nice ~grab the beach towels and sunscreen for a family-friendly freebie full of fun.

Alicia Keys Debuts New Hairstyle

VIEW HER NEW LOOK ->Photos | Alicia Keys Debuts New Hairstyle | Singersroom
I like Alicia's new hairstyle ~very chic and cool for the summer. View the photos of her new hairdo in the link above. She can wear her hair in so many ways and fans have seen lots of changes. One thing I can say is that she has matured into a fine young woman who is now married and the mother of son Egypt.

Let's enjoy one of Alicia Keys many hits like this one...Fallin' which she performed Live at AOL Sessions. I just love her piano play and those sheer black gloves she wore accented the white piano keys perfectly.

Sad tragedy at movie premiere

The sad and tragic news of the midnight shooting at the movie premiere of "The Dark Knight Rises" last night has left the world in shock. It's simply unimaginable.

There is coverage all around the internet, but here is a story on USAToday that details some of the tragic event. I was so excited in my blog post yesterday about the movie opening and now there is a sense of darkness after this tragic event. My prayers go out to the families who lost loved ones and the dozens who are in the hospital with injuries.

You Ready ~ The Dark Knight Rises

One day away from the summer's most anticipated movie opening in theaters, "The Dark Knight Rises." There have been tons of movie Trailers, posters and more leading up to the movie. Actually, the movie opened in New York City on July 16, 2012.

I have been listening to the soundtrack from the movie ~you can too on AOL Music, it's fantastic. The music is composed by Hans Zimmer who has made some dynamite soundtracks for both movies and TV shows like Miami Vice. You ready!

Tech Tidbit

One of my GooglePlus followers is very tech-savvy especially when it comes to video production. Here is a short video explaining the ease of it which may be helpful for those wanting to venture into this technology.

I'm just getting the hang of uploading photos which I need to do more of on my blog. I can only imagine delving into video production, but Armani Channel eases the process. Check it out!

Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela

It's Nelson Mandela's 94th birthday today. This is a nice birthday song in his honor!

Drought causing grocery prices to rise

I read a story on CNN yesterday that the drought is damaging farmers crops and making it hard to plant anything given the dry conditions. You can read the story here.  Of course, that same story talked about the rise in food prices that shoppers will see given the low yield on veggies and fruits making their way to the grocery stores.



The grocery items that are corn based will definitely see a rise in prices.  Keep your eye out for the buy-one-get-one-free deals which can amount to savings. We all know the price of peanut butter has not gone down, but up. This is one item that stays stocked in our pantries so any deals you find on this staple is worth stocking up.

We have seen the grocery prices rise for some time now, but the story on the drought will probably hit our wallets even more. Start saving so you can still buy the favorites you and the family have come to enjoy.

Tuesday Tip of the Day

If your spouse or significant other travels during the week, leave a sweetheart note in their luggage or briefcase. When they unpack at the hotel, your special note will surprise them and bring a smile to their face. At the board room table, they might be shuffling papers in the briefcase and come across your sexy sweet note. Get ready for a phone call once that meeting is over;-)


If the kids are heading to sleep away camp for a week, write a few funny jokes or quotes and place in their tote bag or backpack. They will be surprised and call you to say thanks. The notes may be just what they needed.

Morning Show Ratings

READ STORY HERE ->'Today' and new co-host fall to 'GMA' in Week 1  | accessAtlanta
OK, let me just start off by saying how thrilled I am that Good Morning America has taken the #1 morning show spot from the 'Today' show. I know it's just week 1, but we'll see if GMA can stay on top for awhile. I won't hold back my disappointment that the Today show decided to let co-host Ann Curry go. I really did not think new co-host Savannah Guthrie would send the ratings soaring.

I like the 'GMA' hosts and the show has more energy with the various segments. Weatherman Sam Champion is super. Are some 'Today' show viewers on their own boycott of the morning show since the whole Ann Curry thing, maybe. Still the co-hosts have to gel with the audience and it seems the 'Today' show may have come unglued.

No Doubt's New Single

No Doubt fans have been anticipating new music from the group and here is their new single and video for the song "Settle Down." The video is high-energy and lead singer Gwen Stefani is hip.

GQ Endorses: The New White Suit

SEE SLIDESHOW HERE ->GQ Endorses: The New White Suit Wear It Now: GQ.com

GQ gives some great ideas on ways to switch things up when wearing a white suit. You gotta see the photos of R&B singer John Legend and actor Brad Pitt in their all white suits ~Oooh La La!

Monday Motivation ~ Learning New Skills

Back at Monday and looking forward to what lies ahead this week. Anybody working on something new either on your job or for those who work from home? One good idea is learning new skills especially during a slow period.

To jazz things up on-the-job, check to see if the company offers training courses in an area that could enhance your skills. If you want to be more tech-savvy, look for courses about editing websites, or advance your knowledge with Powerpoint and Excel. As co-workers take vacations, you may be asked to take on some of their work. It sure would help their inbox when returning from a week long vacation.

Check around the internet for free online courses that you can take in your downtime at work right at the workstation. Make sure to ask your supervisor if it's OK and explain the connection of learning new skills. For those who work from home and the assignments have slowed, this is a good time to enhance your skills in an area you've wanted to explore, but didn't have time.

Tiny Apartment, You Think?

This soon-to-be married couple is making the most of their 240-square-foot apartment. I was a bit surprised at the rent which is $1,200, but remembered they do live in New York City where rents are high no matter how small the space.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Never Leave Empty-Handed

One of my friends has a green thumb like me when it comes to plants and flowers. I stopped by her place yesterday and knew when I drove up to the yard there would be blooms everywhere. I was right and the banister on the porch has two flower boxes with petunias flowing down that are gorgeous. We chatted about all the pop up rain showers that are helping to keep the flowers from drying out and with the water bill.

She had some salsa in the refrigerator and we munched on it with nachos. The juicy tomatoes she used in the salsa came from a nearby veggie stand, but her tomatoes are coming along nicely and I could see a few red ones on the vine. I left with a little of the salsa in a small container and topped it on my salad last night. Also, got one of those garden fresh tomatoes. I said to my friend that I never seem to leave her house empty-handed. She is very giving and her sweet Labrador Retriever Sam makes the visit an even more enjoyable experience.

In all our busy times especially on the weekends, it's nice to spend time with a friend where nothing is planned really. If you decide to dash out and go somewhere, that's cool. Otherwise, hanging out at the house is special.

Case for the History Detectives

This is a good show on PBS and the next one about Bob Dylan's electric guitar should be intriguing. The History Detectives dig deep into research to uncover the mystery behind a story.

Watch Preview: Bob Dylan's Fender Stratocaster on PBS. See more from History Detectives.

10 great places to snack at a seafood shack

SEE WHERE THEY ARE ->10 great places to snack at a seafood shack - USATODAY.com

It looks like a wonderful weekend is ahead. For the seafood lovers out there, this story is for you. The summer is a good time for seafood which goes good on the grill. Here are 10 great places to enjoy seafood from shrimp, crab, lobster and more. The read includes some yummy photos.

Although Savannah, GA wasn't on the list, I remember enjoying some good seafood while vacationing there. These stories come in handy when travelers plan to visit one of the places.

Funk Music Friday

After a pop up shower, the skies are clear and the sun is on blast this evening. I've been busy with odds and ends stuff to wrap up the week. What have you been doing? Just want to give a 'thank you' shout out to all the visitors and followers who stop by my blog. I dig you and appreciate the support!

Here's a groovy George Clinton jam that gets the weekend off to a funky start. Give up the funk!

Friday the 13th

It's Friday the 13th ~chime in the scary music from the classic 80's movie that had audiences spooked. Also, going to summer camp was probably an interesting time for those attending and camp counselors.



Not to be outdone on the 13th, but its National French Fries Day. Check out some great places that have the best french fries with this feature on MSN. You have to admit that french fries are good and they don't have to be avoided at every restaurant turn when eaten in moderation. Avoid the "super size" by ordering a small size at the fast food places.

So what's on tap for your Friday the 13th? Just another day huh, Yep! The week has been good and I'm looking forward to the weekend. I think the last few days of rain has moved on, but it sure was nice to get downpours. Have a good TGIF!

New Convertibles for 2012

Put the top down one one of these Convertibles and hit the road Jack. I like these car reviews that show drivers the cool features on the car. Sweet!

Thursday Tidbits

Hello everybody, you know how much I like to share things here and there. So here we go on Thursday Tidbits just for you.

If you are planning a camping trip or just a picnic in the park, reuse an empty Pringles canister to store treats. The canisters come in handy to keep snacks fresh and avoid ants getting inside with the tightly-sealed cap. They are also useful on car trips for storing snacks and other tasty treats.

Do you have an avid reader in the family or maybe it's you? During the summer vacation, choose a book to read and then meet to discuss it. There are a lot of summer reads that are page turners and gives everyone a break from watching too much TV. Make sure the reads shared are age appropriate.

Here's a quote from director Alfred Hitchcock who is my favorite: "A good film is when the price of the dinner, the theatre admission and the babysitter were worth it." ;-)

One of Atlanta's top TV anchors, Monica Pearson is retiring at the end of this month from Channel 2 news. I remember being so impressed with seeing an African-American woman on the local news channel when we moved to Atlanta. A celebration in Monica Pearson's honor was held last night and the Atlanta Journal Constitution has a great gallery of photos you can view here. We sure will miss her smiling face each day!

Cleaning the Attic ~ What a Find

The things a person may discover while cleaning out the attic. This guy discovered a baseball collection that may be worth millions in his late aunt's attic. What a find!

Your Rags to Riches Story

Right now, many people may feel they are living a more rags lifestyle trying to make ends meet. With lots of folks still out of work, living a much richer lifestyle may seem like a faraway dream. The reality is that with tighter budgeting, the anxiety over making ends meet isn't so consuming.

In the meantime, being a better saver and frugal with your earnings is a good way to get started. It's hard to save money when the paycheck goes right back out the door to cover monthly expenses. Sometimes it can't be avoided, but keeping the expenses to the necessities helps. Be ready for the unexpected with an emergency fund.

Keep saving and being thrifty so your piggy bank grows. Your rags to riches story might just be around the corner. Check out this article on MSN about 10 CEO's living the American dream. All had to start somewhere and it wasn't immediately at the top. Live it and shoot for the stars!

Fan Favorite ~ Kem

The tease from rumbles of thunder finally dropped some rain on the night. The Major League Baseball All-Star game was one-sided with the National League beating the American League 8-0. The smooth sound of R&B singer Kem rounds out what has been a terrific Tuesday. This song is a fan favorite that still gets airplay on Atlanta radio stations.

The Short Order: Athens, Georgia

SEE HIS PICKS ->The Short Order: Hugh Acheson's Guide to Athens, Georgia Restaurants Bars: GQ.com

These 'Short Order' features on GQ are cool. This time the mag gets the lowdown on Athens, GA from celebrated chef Hugh Acheson.

 The University of Georgia is located in Athens, GA which gives the town a boost when the college students are in session. It's a trendy, yet historic city and visitors will definitely see lots of red and black worn around town on football game day which are the UGA school colors.

Simple Living

READ ARTICLE HERE ->NYC asking developers to test tiny apartments  | ajc.com

Talk about simple living! This article sure sounds like that's where New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is looking at developing 300-400 square feet apartments. I think it's a neat idea especially for singles.

Of course, this article leads me into simpler living by getting rid of items we no longer use or fit our lifestyle. If your son or daughter is moving into their first apartment, they could definitely use furnishings. This is a good way to live more clutter-free by heading to the basement or attic where unused items are usually stored.

Monday Afternoon Motivation

I thought my blog readers might be needing some Monday afternoon motivation right about now. You know when that mid-afternoon drag wants to come in and take over. We're not having it and with a little help from Amp Fiddler featuring Corinne Bailey Rae, I think we just gave the afternoon slump the boot. You dig!

I just got hip to Amp Fiddler over the weekend and the groovy sound of neo-soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae makes this track a jam. The song is titled "If I Don't" (Wookie Remix) ~OK!

To-do List Tip of the Day

If a few items from last week are back on this week's to-do list, start on those first so you can mark them as "done" and move on to the new things on the list. Have a great day and week!

Cool & Professional Work Attire

Good Sunday evening, the weekend is winding down and a slight breeze can be felt every now and then. Of course, another hot day on tap which got me thinking about finding attire for the workplace that's cool and professional.


During the summer months, a lot of companies will relax the dress code with the hot temperatures in mind. Now that doesn't mean employees should arrive to work looking like they should be spending a day at the beach. If sleeveless tops showing bare arms is allowed, definitely add those to your work attire in all kinds of styles. For the fellas, Polo-style shirts or short-sleeved ones are appropriate and cool. Just match them with a pair of khaki pants and out the door you go.

For footwear on women and men, no flip flops or tennis shoes. A neat flat or wedge-heel sandal for the ladies is nice. The guys should stick with a canvas shoe that wears well with slacks. Give the dark suits a summer break and go for lighter tones like beige or even light blue. Stay cool with a pop of color and look professional at work.

Essence Music Festival

READ STORY HERE ->Essence Music Festival: Stars command the stage – USATODAY.com

The Essence Music Festival is one of the big summer events that many people attend. This year's line-up of performers is super including the return of D'Angelo to the stage after years out of the music spotlight.

From this read, it sounds like R&B singers Tank and Mary J. Blige brought it to the fans. Plus, neo-soul  Ledisi has gotten great reviews. Gospel duo Mary Mary always uplifts the crowd with their music and positive message.

Ringo Starr Rocks at the Fox

SEE PICS HERE ->Gallery | Ringo Starr and his all-star band rocks at the Fox | accessatlanta.com

I bet this was a rockin' show last night in Atlanta at the Fox. The photos in the gallery are great and there is one in particular that's eye-catching. It's of a family wearing tie-dyed shirts which is groovy.

Black Butterfly Beauty

Normally I would have been bummed out from the cloudy start to the morning, but this time I welcomed it for keeping the temps from heating up. The sun is out now. What's on tap for the weekend? I like to read articles from the week that I missed and maybe watch a movie online.

After watering and spritzing the flower container this morning, I noticed a black butterfly land on the petunias to feed off some nectar. I watched from the window at it's beauty and this song came to mind. The singer is Deniece Williams and it's one of her biggest hits. Enjoy your day!

National Fried Chicken Day

After BBQ on the 4th this week, it's National Fried Chicken Day. A perfect day since Friday's are a big day family and folks like to order take out or go out to eat. It is definitely too hot to fry up any chicken in the kitchen so I bet Kentucky Fried Chicken does a booming business. Plus, two other popular places like Church's or Popeye's are popular chicken joints.

One of my late aunts used to fry chicken backs on Friday nights and we would head over there to eat. It was a fun night as uncles and cousins popped in at different times to enjoy some good eating. My aunt sure had a knack for frying those chicken backs and she kept the plate full ~Yummy memory!

Funny Friday Quotes

Happy Friday readers, what's up today? This has been a great week with a holiday mixed in there. It's a nice day in Atlanta and the National Black Arts Festival kicks off today which is a wonderful event featuring arts and culture in Centennial Olympic Park and venues around the city. If you are visiting the ATL, put this event on your "things to do" and explore. Check out coverage of the Festival on the AJC in this article.

Let's have a funny Friday with laughter and smiles. These quotes are from Brainy Quote and each one is by a comedian. TGIF!

--->"Ever notice that Soup for One is eight aisles away from Party Mix." ~Elayne Boosler
--->"I can't sing, dance or act; what else would I be but a talk show host." ~David Letterman
--->"I wanna make a jigsaw puzzle with 40,000 pieces. And when you finish it, it says 'go outside.' ~Demetri Martin
--->"I'm writing a book. I got the page numbers done." ~Steven Wright
--->"It all started when my dog began getting roll over minutes." ~Jay London

Coming Soon - George Michael Album & Video

LOOKING FORWARD IT ->Kate Moss starring in new George Michael video via MSN
The singer and model have worked together before on other George Michael videos. I'm excited to learn that he has a new album coming out. The song for the video Kate Moss will star in is titled "White Light."

Here's one of my fave George Michael videos ~Freedom!

Job Search ~ Stay Positive

As employers continue to start hiring at a more steady pace, there are still lots of people out of work. It is not uncommon to find someone who has been unemployed for over two years. While that may seem hard to imagine, the competition for jobs is tough as older and younger candidates apply for the same postings.

In the meantime, try to keep up your computer skills especially using the Microsoft Suite for Word, Excel and Powerpoint. There are free online learning websites that offer tutorials in these areas along with others. One great website is GCFLearnFree where you can sign-up for free, browse the course categories, and take courses at your own pace. They offer courses on computers, reading, math, and social media to name a few.

Also, do some volunteer work which may lead to a possible job opportunity. Staying active each day in your job search is key even if you think it's been too long. Check-in with your network of contacts who may run across a job lead to let them know you are still seeking employment. Most importantly, stay positive in your job search.

Peachtree Road Race

The Peachtree Road Race is held in Atlanta on the 4th of July and its one of the biggest events on the holiday. Runners come from all around the world to compete. The wheelchair race takes place first with both men and women competing. The Peachtree Road Race winner was Peter Kirui from Kenya.

All the runners are winners for the training they go through to prepare for the race. The video below by the AJC is cool and the music to go with it was a perfect pick. Check out the gallery of photos from the race.

Happy July 4th, Celebrate America

Happy 4th of July and celebration of America, land of the Red, White and Blue. What's on the BBQ grill for the big cookout? I can already imagine the aromas from the grills floating through the air as neighbors enjoy good eats and fun.

It's a great day that fell on Hump Day this year. I hope everyone will get the chance to watch a fireworks display somewhere which tops off the 4th with a bang. Remember to buckle your seat belt and don't drink & drive. Have a fun 4th of July!

TV icon Andy Griffith dies at 86

TV icon Andy Griffith died this morning at the age of 86. Back in the day, "The Andy Griffith Show" was a popular show on TV about a small town named Mayberry. It was sad to learn of his death and bet lots of folks are whistling this theme song today in memory of Andy Griffith.

One of Atlanta's TV channels has started running reruns of The Andy Griffith Show which will delight folks who remember the show and for new viewers to discover it.

Healthy Grilling Tip of the Day

Are you ready to fire up the grill for the 4th of July tomorrow? Make sure to include veggies on the grill like colorful green peppers, sweet or vidalia onions, corn-on-the-cob, mushrooms, and broccoli. These are all healthy additions to the grill and great choices for vegetarians at the cookout.

Alicia Key's New Single

This is a new single from Alicia Key titled "New Day." As noted by Singersroom, the fifth studio album is still untitled and is due out later this year. Alicia's new single is jamming and bet the whole album will have plenty of hits. I'm a huge fan of Alicia Keys and can't wait for some new music.

Vacation To-Do List

What's always nice about starting a new month is the freshness factor of new things cropping up in the way of work or simply the vacation plans that are finalizing quickly. Let your vacation to-do list help keep you from getting too frazzled by keeping track of everything.

Hang the list on the refrigerator to add or mark off items which is actually motivation that you are making progress as the days leading up to the  vacation take shape. Have the kids make their own vacation to-do list for gadgets, games and other stuff they plan to take with them.

The vacation to-do list is handy if you are expecting house guests this week. Let it help get the house ready and refrigerator stocked by jotting down what you need. It's going to be a patriotic week celebrating the 4th of July either away from home or the staycation which is just as enjoyable.

Aroma of fresh-brewed coffee

Ah, the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee is delightful especially in the morning. I thought this video clip was great from the Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company. There is a location of the coffee company in historic Roswell, GA.

It's back-to-work tomorrow for some and others may be on vacation all week for the 4th of July holiday which falls on a Wednesday this year. Whatever time you rise, program the digital coffee maker tonight so you wake to the smell of good coffee from the kitchen ~Ah again!

Sunday dinner, jazz and movies

It's July 1st and the Fourth of July holiday is coming up next week. I don't know about you, but these months are going by so fast. So what's on tap for your Sunday? With the heat, just wondered if most folks picked up a delicious rotisserie chicken from the store for Sunday dinner. It's a great idea and gives us all more time out of the kitchen.

While working on this post, I have been listening to music featured on NPR's Blog Supreme called "Five Jazz Groups From Montreal." Have a listen to five distinctive jazz sounds.


Over on Classic Cinema Online, there are 7 movies in the cue that are now playing like Walt Disney's Treasure Island. A classic movie on a Sunday  would really round out the weekend. I bet the kids would love to watch all the swashbuckling adventure.