ATL is a Happening Place

I hope everybody is having a really nice Friday. Its absolutely gorgeous in Atlanta and I was just listening to the traffic report on the interstates around the city. There will be lots of activities going on from both the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech playing college football games, Dragon-Con, Black Gay Pride Festival, and the Decatur Book Festival which is a big draw for the City of Decatur.

There will be a parade on Saturday for the Dragon-Con event and participants never disappoint with their outfits. Our local paper already has some photos of Sci-fi fans who have arrived in town for the event. I just love their enthusiasm and creativity with the costumes.

So what's happening on your Friday night? Any out-of-town guests for the Labor Day weekend? The temps are on the rise and it's humid so get ready to dress for the occasion when heading out. You will be doing a lot of walking so remember to wear comfortable shoes.

Robin Roberts makes it home for mother's passing

READ STORY HERE ->Robin Roberts makes it home for mother's passing via USAToday


This is such sad news on the passing of the Good Morning America co-hosts mother. Robin Roberts just said her goodbyes to viewers on GMA yesterday as she is about to take an extended medical leave. Robin arrived back home in Louisiana given the flooding from Hurricane Isaac that hit the area before her mom passed away. Robin Roberts will undergo a bone marrow transplant soon and her sister will be the donor.

They have a strong family unit and will definitely rely on each other during this loss and Robin's upcoming medical procedures. Let's keep Robin and her family in our thoughts and prayers as they deal with all that is happening in their lives.

Short Clip ~ Downton Abbey Season 3

I couldn't resist posting this very short clip from Season 3 of Downton Abbey. From it, I can already tell that the characters played by Maggie Smith and new addition Shirley MacLaine will be interesting. The new season begins in January 2013.

Watch Downton Abbey, Season 3: A Scene from Episode 1 on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.

Cat and Her Kittens

The gas prices were $3.94 yesterday, Yikes. I didn't stop to get any which I needed. Was I hoping the prices might dip a few pennies? Probably so. With the Labor Day holiday travel coming up, who knows what they will be over the next few days.

As you know, my backyard seems to the place all the critters like to hang out. There is a element of privacy and after adding the fencing, it's a cool place for me too;-) Of course, the wide-variety of birds are a joy from cardinals, wrens, sparrows, robins, and those Mourning Doves.

There has been a stray cat that hangs out in the yard and sips water and nibbles on the "day old bread" thrown out in the yard. Yesterday evening I saw the cat and with her were three kittens. They romped around the yard in a playful manner and I quietly watched them from the kitchen window. The evening turned darker and I don't know how long they stayed, but were gone this morning.

I wonder if the mother cat and her cute little kittens which are black will be back. I'll have to wait and see. I love nature and it brings a smile to my face when a new creature appears.

Remembering MJ's 54th Birthday

Today would have been the 54th birthday for Michael Jackson. The Atlanta radio stations have been playing a lot of his songs all day. Here is one of my favorites and I just adore that red leather jacket. The video has some great dance moves. I remember the video premiere on MTV or BET back when those stations played more music videos. Now it's all about reality shows.

Thoughts for the Gulf Coast Residents

Just wanted to send a short post of thoughts and prayers to the folks in the Gulf Coast region. On the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina that hit New Orleans and surrounding regions on this day in 2005 was devastating. I am sure the residents and officials are feeling the anxiety of what Hurricane Isaac may bring.

The Army Corps of Engineers spent a lot time and money working on the levees to make sure they will hold and keep the water out. Hang tough and hopefully Hurricane Isaac will be gone soon and not leave a lot of damage.

Curiosity beams new will.i.am song from Mars

CLICK TO READ ABOUT IT ->Curiosity beams new will.i.am song from Mars via MSN


Cool stuff and a short clip of the song is included in this read. I like will.i.am and he's always on the cutting edge in his music and collaborations. Beam me up!

Test-Driving the Nike FuelBand

SEE IT HERE ->Fighting Weight: Test-Driving the Nike FuelBand The Rest of Your Life: GQ.com

This Nike FuelBand sure sounds nifty gadget for encouraging exercise. The GQ writer gives it a good review after wearing the FuelBand for a month. It sounds like just the motivation someone may need to get up and get moving.

NeNe Leakes unveils her Nethia shoe

SEE MORE PICS HERE ->Gallery | NeNe Leakes unveils her Nethia shoe | accessatlanta.com

Check out the new shoe designed by one the "Real Housewives of Atlanta," NeNe Leaks. I heard she was working on a new shoe line and launched it recently. Now only if I could learn to walk in them;-)

Savings Tip of the Day

Happy Monday everyone and a new day and week ahead for us. So what's in the brown bag lunch today? Don't forget to clip some coupons from Sunday's paper to find some delicious ways to kick up your lunch. Plus, the kids will enjoy healthy buys on snacks. They say Hurricane Isaac might drive gas prices up so it's always good to find other ways to save money. Here's to a great week!

Lovely Sunday Night

All their collaborations were so nice and this one is too. While looking around for a song to post as the weekend wraps up, I knew BeBe and CeCe Winans was a sure bet and to find a great song featuring Whitney Houston was even more fantastic. Enjoy and have a lovely Sunday night.

Now Playing: I Love Lucy: The Movie (1953)

CLICK HERE TO WATCH ->I Love Lucy: The Movie (1953) via Classic Cinema Online

A Sunday afternoon movie sure sounds like a nice way to spend the day. I used to watch the 'I Love Lucy' show and all the antics she would get herself and landlord Ethel Mertz into with her. The show was a hoot and I always thought Desi Arnaz who played Ricky Ricardo was dreamy.

Astronaut Neil Armstrong dies at age 82

READ STORY HERE ->Astronaut Neil Armstrong, first man to walk on moon, dies at age 82 via NBC

One small step for mankind that will be remembered forever on the day he walked on the moon. This is great coverage by NBC that includes  video from people who recalled the day Armstrong walked on the moon and the man in general.

Weekend Fun ~ BFF's, Bargains & Fido

The clock is nearing noon on a gorgeous ATL Saturday. It looks like the sun will dominate the skies, but I did hear pop up showers for some areas. I don't think it will dampen outdoor activities. Call your BFF's and see what's on their schedule and plan a meet up.

A stop by the local consignment or thrift store might be a good idea to check on any bargains. It won't be long if not already that the fall clothes start hitting the racks. Get yourself a Labor Day weekend outfit to top off the summer. You will look adorable at the next cookout.

No grocery store run today is nice. When you get home from your day out, grab the leash and take Fido on a long walk. They will love the attention and exercise.

Ciara Shows Off Sexy Bikini Body During "Sorry" Shoot

SEE PHOTOS HERE ->Photos | Ciara Shows Off Sexy Bikini Body During "Sorry" Shoot | Singersroom

My Oh My, Ciara is in super shape for the new single video shoot. I dig the black bikini and leather jacket she's wearing. It's sexy to see a woman not bone thin, but looking fit and fabulous like Ciara. I can't wait to watch the video!

Nice Friday Vibe

My Friday is off to a nice vibe, how about yours?. For starters, I just switched to a different radio station from classical music to WRFG 89.3 FM. I just felt like a change and the new station has a 'Good Morning Blues' program from 6-10 a.m. with traditional and contemporary blues on the turntables.

Then at 10 a.m., the station plays a good vibe of music on 'Soul Rhapsody'. The station streams live online so visit the WRFG 89.3 FM website and check out other programming throughout the day. The fun thing about listening to the radio is the different genres around the radio dials.

Well on that note, let me wrap up this post. Oh, I almost forgot that the country duo Sugarland was in concert last night in Atlanta. Some of you may know that the lead singer is pregnant, but you could not tell in the outfits. The Atlanta Journal Constitution has a great gallery of photos from the concert that you can view.

Energy-Efficient Tidbit

Save some dollars on the electric bill by raising the windows both downstairs and upstairs to let in natural air on a day with pleasant temps. Turn the A/C setting up so that it doesn't kick on if the temps in the house are descent. It will save on the A/C and every little bit helps. I like the energy-efficient aspect too!

Morris Brown College on the brink

With foreclosure looming Morris Brown College on the brink  | ajc.com

One of Atlanta's historically black colleges is holding on for dear life as foreclosure looms. The school was in the news several years ago regarding its finances and alumni came in to help with the mounting debt. It will be a sad day if the school has to shut the doors for good.

I'm just going to say that the Morris Brown College administration was poorly run and news investigations support that theory. Those people are long gone, but what they left behind was a financial mess. I remember hanging out during my college days with friends at Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, and Morris Brown College. We had some great times and the memories will live on.

Give Me the Green Light

This is one of my favorite collaborations which is also very hip. John Legend and Andre 3000 from Outkast jam this track "Green Light." You can't help but get your groove on while this song is playing. I think the replay button is about to get clicked to hear this again ~I'm ready to go right now!

Ways to Organize in No Time Flat

If you work from home, the house is probably quieter now that the kid's and young teens are back in school. It was hard to keep up with the little things that get pushed to the wayside with vacations and daily activities.  Now might be a good time to organize and de-clutter your office space, the desk area in the kitchen, or any space around the house.

Here are some ways to organize in no time flat:

• Grab some of the junk mail and shred it especially credit offers
• Use those manila folders to file away paperwork, receipts within the proper folder
• Make a separate file folder for the school year for each child, permission slips etc.
• Clear off the bulletin board of dated events to post new ones for school & sports
• Keep a list of important phone numbers the kid's will need in case of emergency
  
  
  

Tuesday Hello

Hello, I hope everybody is having a Terrific Tuesday. I was not feeling so well today so took some time to rest. I just read a story about Nike's priciest shoe yet....it's the LeBron which will carry a price tag of $315. I guess former NBA player Michael Jordan's basketball shoes never reached this price.

When I first saw the story my first reaction was really, but then I thought there will be people buying this shoe no matter the hefty price. Plus, it looks sharp. Nike is raising the prices on lots of their items as consumer spending is up according to them...really!

Don't forget that new albums come out today and you can hear them in full on AOL Music. The rock band Lynryd Skynyrd has a new album titled "Last Of A Dyin' Breed" and you can hear it on the website. I've been listening to it while checking email and writing this post. It's a great album!

Usain Bolt headphones lead Olympic-flavored models

SEE THEM HERE ->Usain Bolt headphones lead Olympic-flavored models via USAToday

I like these headphones designed for Olympic track & field champion, Usain Bolt. The headphones are bright and colorful. We all might walk faster and longer listening to our exercise mix tape wearing these headphones. Check out some other headphone designs in the read showing the Olympic spirit.

RIP Comedian Phyllis Diller

Comedian Phyllis Diller passed away today at the age of 95. She had a witty sense of humor and was famous for her cigarette holder which you might can spot in her hand. Here is a short clip of Phyllis Diller on The Ed Sullivan Show. RIP!

Motivation Quote of the Day

Hello everybody and here we are back at Monday. Did you hit the ground running as the saying goes? OK, so did the college kids head out this morning on their way to class? It's their big week!

If we all needed some motivation today, here is a great quote from Jim Rohn. He is a motivational speaker, businessman, and writer of self-help books. Check out some of his written work on Amazon.

Here's the Motivation Quote of the Day:
"If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's life plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much." ~Jim Rohn

Awesome Aircraft

Look what I came across. It's a new Amphibious Aircraft that can bring you one step closer to being James Bond. This is an awesome aircraft and you can read all about it on the Discovery Channel feature story.

Family Fellowship

Blessed Sunday as the family gathers for dinner. The table is filled with soul food bests and you wonder if that is Aunt Cindy's macaroni and cheese on the table ~she makes the best. As other family and friends arrive in their cars, the kids jump out still dressed in their Sunday clothes.

Just before Uncle Bobby gathers everyone to bless the food, you hear someone asks "where's the Kool-Aid?" which is still chilling in the refrigerator. After grace, the jug is soon brought out and the cups are lined up. The flavor is grape and that probably means cousin Ivan made it because that's his favorite flavor.

As everyone hustles around the kitchen, it's a special time of family fellowship. It looks like Auntie Max made her delicious sweet potato pies located on the counter. Yum!

A Lamborghini SUV?: Urus makes its U.S. debut

SEE IT ->A Lamborghini SUV?: Urus makes its U.S. debut via USAToday

I just knew the day would come for the Lamborghini SUV. Be the hip Mom picking up the kids from school in this sweet ride. Zoom!

Birthdays, Old Skool & Cooling Out

 Welcome weekend for us all, the sun just made an appearance and the day is looking good. Today is my Mom's birthday and I'm about to give her a call. She lives out West and the time difference is three hours. Although you can call Mom anytime especially on her birthday;-) Also, my brother celebrated his birthday this week.

Of course, my Saturday always starts with "old skool" music on the radio. As a matter of fact, one of Aretha Franklin's hits, "Rock Steady" is spinning as I type this blog post. What does the weekend have in store for you?

I think R&B singer Jerry Butler had the right idea when he made this song. When the errands, chores, and whatever winds down for the day, think about Cooling Out!

TGIF Sparkles

OK so did this week go by fast or what? I imagine the weekend to be a busy one as college students pack their things to head back to college. Its going to be an even more exciting time for the new freshmen.

I just saw a lone hummingbird fly in and sip nectar from the flower container. This one stayed for awhile!  The long-awaited movie 'Sparkle' hits theaters today. Of course, many have seen the Trailers and know it stars the late Whitney Houston and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks. CNN has an excellent movie review and you can read it here.

It looks like a mix bag of sun and clouds for Friday. Just like you, I have enough to keep me busy and catch up on from earlier this week. I usually stream several Atlanta radio stations that are my favorites like KISS 104.1 FM which plays the best in R&B and WABE 90.1 FM for classical music. Give them a listen!

I hope the day sparkles in whatever you're doing!

Rock those Blue Suede Shoes

The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley passed away on August 16, 1977. The day is always remembered with movies on TV and spins of his music on radio stations. This song was a hit and probably made the 'blue suede shoes' fly off the store shelves:-)

Jazz Up the Leftovers

Tonight might be a good time to give the refrigerator a clean sweep for any leftovers from the last couple of days that still have some yummy bites left. Jazz up the store-bought pizza by adding stir fry veggies on top. Also, breakfast for dinner with an "all-the-way" omelet sounds delish ~add what you want. When it comes to leftovers, waste not.

Welcome Home ~ Aimee Copeland's new digs unveiled

SIMPLY AMAZING ->Aimee Copeland's new digs unveiled for her homecoming  | ajc.com

An amazing story of recovery for the college student from Georgia who has battled back from injuries she suffered during a backyard zip line accident. She developed a flesh-decaying virus and had to have several  limbs amputated. It's going to be a welcome home indeed!

Gentleman's Quarters: An Apartment Tour

SEE SLIDESHOW HERE ->Gentleman's Quarters: Michael Chernow and Donna Hemmingsen Chernow of the Meatball Shop Give an Apartment Tour GQ.com

This is a great slideshow of the couples apartment in Brooklyn. It's very eclectic and the space is open allowing lots of natural light to come inside. There is definitely enough room for their dog which is a Mastiff to maneuver around the apartment.


The outdoor space is fabulous and great for entertaining. I like everything about this place!

Julia Child 100th Birthday

You probably already have seen the Google Doodle today celebrating what would have been French Chef Julia Child 100th birthday. I remember watching episodes of her cooking show on PBS. There are some Atlanta restaurants that will have specials in celebration of the famous chef's birthday. The Atlanta Journal Constitution wrote a blog about it.

Here are some clips of Julia Child with bakers and one face will be familiar...I won't give it away!

Classic Rock sounds Terrific

I must be in the classic rock mood;-) Toto was one of the hot bands in the 70s and into the 80s. It's been a busy Tuesday, but oh so Terrific. Rock On!

Recall - Cantaloupe & Honeydew Melons

CHECK THE FRIG ->Company expands cantaloupe recall to honeydews via NBC

Good evening, this is a serious recall on cantaloupe that now includes honeydew melons. I just bought a half piece of cantaloupe on Sunday from the local Ingles and have been eating off it everyday. I feel fine, but better not take any chances by finishing the rest of it.

Plus, I just called the Ingles where I bought it and the customer service person said they had not received any emails about it. Hmmm, that's strange but maybe they did not buy them from the farm listed in the story. These recalls happen from time to time, but be mindful of them and remove any of the items from the frig to the on the safe side.

Frugal Tip for the College-Bound

It's a busy time around the house as college-bound students are heading back to college. Some of the young adults may have worked part-time during the summer break to earn extra money which is a wonderful idea.

Frugal Tip ->Hopefully, they saved some of their earnings to help out with buying dorm room items, books, and other necessities. If they already have a credit card, encourage them to use cash instead or debit card where the funds are taken out of their checking account. The last thing students need to be concerned about is the credit card bills arriving in the mail.

National Filet Mignon Day

Mmmm, really;-) I can smell the aroma now in a restaurant's kitchen as the Executive Chef grills a Filet Mignon and plate it up with veggies on the side. Hey, the aroma could be coming from someone's home kitchen who decided to live it up on Monday and celebrate the day with Filet Mignon for dinner. I hope dessert is a brownie with scoops of vanilla ice cream on top.

Healthy Back-to-School & Work

Yep, it's Monday and hope everybody had a nice weekend. This may have been back-to-school time for some like here in Georgia. I'm sure the morning was quite different especially getting the kids up out of bed. They will adjust and probably could not wait to see their friends and meet new ones. The Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper has plenty of coverage as metro students returned to school.

The school lunches are on a quest to be healthier which is one good thing for the returning students. Make sure to include a piece of fruit in their backpack that is easy to eat like a small banana or box of raisins. The temperatures are still warm during the day so drinking water is important. I hope school's are allowing some recess time outdoors for kids to stretch, walk around and socialize.

Just like the kids, pack yourself a healthy lunch and toss fruit into the bag. Make your own trail mix and place in a zip lock baggie that includes raisins, nuts, pretzel twists, and dried cereal. It's the great go-to snack that will give you a healthy jolt of energy.

Sunday Piano Music

I thought some wonderful piano music might be a good way to ease into Sunday evening. This is a great listen and the pianist is Leif Ove Andsnes. You can read more about him on NPR which always brings spectacular music to listeners.

Joy in Simple Things

Good Sunday afternoon, I was amazed at the temperatures feeling like fall today. Let's me know what's in store when the seasons change. I hope the slight breeze keeps up.

I won't hold you long as I have some yard sale items to put back in their place. I only had one lady and her son stop by and she bought a clay pot container. One thing I can say is that it was fun just being outdoors after the clouds blew away and sun came out.

It's nice to find joy in the simple things like waving to a neighbor as they go about the day. Also, thankful for my blog visitors and new followers this week. There is always something new and exciting happening here.

Victoria Beckham pictured rehearsing with the Spice Girls

SUCH SECRECY ->Victoria Beckham pictured rehearsing with the Spice Girls - Telegraph

The Closing Ceremony for the Summer Olympics is tomorrow night and the Spice Girls are scheduled to perform. It seems Victoria Beckham's participation is shrouded in secrecy. I can't wait to see it all.

KISS 104.1 FM's Flashback Festival

OK, I won't stop the musik! The SOS Band will be performing in Atlanta at radio station KISS 104.1 FM's "Flashback Festival" tonight. There was tailgating from noon - 5:00 p.m. and the show starts at 6:00 p.m. sharp.

The radio deejays have been promoting the show all day long and it's one of the stations biggest festivals of the summer. I bet all those lucky winners who won tickets by calling into the station will enjoy the show.

Along with the SOS Band, Faith Evans, Jeffrey Osborne, Morris Day and The Time, and Cupid will also perform. Get ready to jam and check out the groovy outfits some of the attendees wear which is definitely a Flashback.

Yard Sale @ Noon

Happy Weekend! You might be surprised that I decided to have a yard sale today. It kicks off at noon because I've been waiting out the cloudy skies and possible morning rain. I have a bargain on shoes and jeans for a dollar.

I forgot this is the tax-free weekend in Georgia so many people may be at the malls already getting their back-to-school shopping on. Hopefully, I will still get some people who will stop by for even more bargains at my yard sale.

'Expendables 2' stars promote film in Madrid, Paris

SEE SLIDESHOW ->Gallery | 'Expendables 2' stars promote film in Madrid, Paris | accessatlanta.com

Super pics from the promotion in Paris. Everybody looks great and bet the movie will be action-packed. It's an all-star cast who knows a lot about action;-)

Bright News on TGIF

Thank God It's Friday and while we have a full day ahead, it's been a good week. I was so impressed with the rainfall in my area and throughout Atlanta yesterday. Luckily, the lawn service got the chance to cut my yard and several others before heading back to the truck to wait out the rain.

The sun is out and the day is brighter. I hope it's the same in your city or town although if you need rain, the looming clouds may pour down rain right at your doorstep. Bring it you say! A friend who works for UPS called me this morning to say he read a sign outside a temporary agency that is hiring. I sent in my application and resume online and hope after reviewing it, they will find some positions that fit my skills and experience for placement. Now that is bright news on TGIF!

Remembering Whitney's 49th Birthday

Today would have been singer Whitney Houston's 49th birthday. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote a short blog which included the Trailer for the movie "Sparkle." You can read the blog post here.

Everyone is anticipating the movie release on Friday and I'm sure the theaters will be packed to see the late Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks and the rest of the cast. In remembrance of Whitney's 49th birthday, I wanted to play one of her more upbeat songs and this is my fave, "How Will I Know." Happy Birthday, RIP!

Garden Tip - Summer Clearance Items

The home and garden centers like Home Depot or Lowe's are starting to discount their outdoor furniture, seating pads, flower containers, grills and more as the summer season slowly winds down.

If you have been wanting to get some new seating pads for the patio furniture, now is the time to catch these items on sale and store in the garage for next year. Plus, check out the price reductions on flower pot containers to update the curb appeal and patio next season.

 The ceramic pots are really pretty, but can be pricey so catching a mark down will be great. One other item that is popular is the outdoor fire pit that will come in handy as the grill is still getting fired up on a cool fall day or evening.

The Neptunes produces Robin Thicke Track

I like this new track by Robin Thicke titled Another Life. Plus, the song is produced by the hottest duo "The Neptunes." It's upbeat which fits well with the other track that is getting lots of radio play here in the ATL and all across the country, "Love After War."

I always have to give the folks over at Singersroom a shout out of thanks for allowing bloggers like me to share the music. Head over to the Singersroom website to hear lots of other artists and to catch up on the latest news in entertainment.

Natural Hair ~ Living & Loving It

Late last week, Oprah Winfrey tweeted the cover photo for her September "O" magazine which always features herself on the cover. I like all the mag covers and the articles that will be featured for the month. The September issue was intriguing as it showed Oprah wearing her natural hair which looks fabulous.

As many readers may have been reading that a lot of African-American women have stopped getting their hair chemically-relaxed which straightens the roots to reveal a sleek and straight look to the hair. I ditched the chemicals going on 2 years now and it was the best decision. Oprah Winfrey has a personal stylist who takes very good care of her hair.

During gymnast Gabby Douglas' magnificent Olympic gold wins last week, some Twitter comments were coming in mentioning her hair which was pulled back in a bun. The sweat from all the twists and turns may have given her hair an unruly look. There was a backlash as many people thought the comments were inappropriate.

My scalp feels 100% better from not having the chemical treatments applied to my scalp to straighten the roots. Even on days when my hair looks a lot like Oprah's on the cover, I can tame it with a flat iron which  reminds me so much of the old school "straightening comb" my grandma used on my hair at the kitchen stove. I'm living & loving my natural hair!

Tribute to Composer Marvin Hamlisch

This is a moving tribute to composer Marvin Hamlisch who died today at the age of 68. The video features the movie posters that Hamlisch composed the music for during his amazing career. One of them is my all-time favorite, the Way We Were.

McDonald’s begins testing breakfast at midnight

READ THE STORY HERE ->McDonald’s begins testing breakfast at midnight via NBC


This just might be a good idea for the fast food giant. I'm thinking McDonald's could tap into the shift workers who get off from work in the early morning hours and may want a quick bite. McDonald's is also targeting customers during the 2 a.m. - 5 a.m. hours.

Fitness Tip of the Day

The fitness video industry is still thriving and you probably watched them especially when getting starting with exercising. Now you have a workout routine that is producing good results, but there may be a few spots like the tummy area that is still not as toned.

Many of the fitness trainers on those reality TV shows like "The Biggest Loser" have their own selection of exercise videos. Personal trainer Jillian Michaels is one of them and many of her videos can be ordered on Amazon. Go ahead and buy one or two videos that will help target an area for maximum results in any trouble spots that need extra work. Plus, adding a fitness video kicks your workout up a few notches if it's become routine and dull.

The Top 5 Store-Bought Ice Creams

ONE OR TWO SCOOPS ->The Top 5 Store-Bought Ice Creams Alan Richman: GQ.com

Just last week it was National Ice Cream Day. Check out these top 5 store-bought brands. My favorite is Neapolitan which is a creamy combination of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Just scoop me up one of each and pass me a spoon;-)

3 Things to Motivate Monday

Oh happy day and have I got 3 things to motivate Monday just for you. I know everybody is working away and the to-do list has checks signifying that task is done.

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started." ~Writer Agatha Christie

OK, here we go.

1. Clean out your email inbox of last week's emails or some you received over the weekend. Don't forget to use those folders you set up to help organize emails you need to keep. Also, use those file folders with the name of the contents to go inside written on the tab to clear off your desk. An uncluttered mind helps motivate the projects ahead and start fresh for the day.
2. Pack a healthy piece of fruit in your brown bag lunch each day. Get your dose of potassium with bananas, Vitamin C with oranges, and fiber with apples or pears. If you work from home, keep these same fruits in the bowl when the mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack attack hits.
3. Review the to-do list items and get started on the easy ones that will only take a few minutes. Your energy level will be up and ready to take on the more difficult ones.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

By the way...

You have probably heard by now that Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo became the #1 film surpassing Orson Welles' Citizen Kane. I have seen both of these movies and they are timeless classics. Don't forget that Open Culture has 21 Free Hitchcock Movies Online. I just watched "The Lady Vanishes" which is a British thriller.

I started following singer Lionel Ritchie on Twitter. His website was listed on his profile so I dashed over to check it out. The website features Lionel's crossover to country music with 13 of his biggest hits recorded as country duets with Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts and Shania Twain, plus more. Here is a super video about the album Tuskegee.

Does France deserve its reputation for rudeness?

READ THE STORY HERE ->Does France deserve its reputation for rudeness? - USATODAY.com
I didn't know France had such a reputation or can't remember. Anyway, this is an interesting travel read as that reputation for rudeness may impact the travel industry. The story mentions that the waiters can be a bit rude, but they may want to lighten up in order to get a good tip.

I would love to visit Paris and spend time shopping, sightseeing, and sitting along a sidewalk cafe' enjoying the people going by while sipping coffee. I took French as my foreign language requirement in college and loved it. I don't speak it anymore, but it sure is a sexy language;-) Have any of my blog readers ever been to France?

Sunday Dinner Table ~ Baked or Fried Chicken?

It's a beautiful day filled with blessings. I don't know if anyone fell asleep last night with heavy thoughts on their mind, but I hope they woke with a feeling of thanks be to God for watching over them as they slept and unburdening their troubled heart.


I plan to call some family and friends to say hello and catch up. Don't you just love the ease of Sunday's and the gatherings of enjoyment around the dinner table. While baked chicken is the healthier choice, I can smell fried chicken either cooking in the kitchen or someone just returning with a bucket from KFC or the new Bojangles in my area that just opened. Oh, I forgot that Kentucky Fried Chicken now has baked chicken so there you go.

I hope the napkins are plentiful to go around. Plus, did someone remember to buy an apple pie and gallon of ice cream for dessert? A dollop on top of the pie will be delicious. Have a blessed Sunday my friends!

Live jazz all weekend long

Enjoy the 2012 Newport Jazz Festival all weekend long brought to us by NPR. The jazz performances have been dynamite and I love jazz.

Weekend Plans, but Coffee 1st

The weekend is looking pretty good despite the clouds still hanging around. Its keeping the temps down for now. I always have to ask my readers what's up this weekend? As I sip my morning coffee, I'm planning my own.



President Barack Obama turns 51 today ~Happy Birthday Mr. President. I bet it will be a nice day around the White House with family, friends and staff. The White House baker is probably whipping up a delicious cake ~gotta blow out some candles.


I was thrilled to read that gold medal gymnast Gabby Douglas will appear on the cover of the Corn Flakes cereal box this fall. She had an historic win on Thursday in her floor performance. Check out the story on the Grio and see a picture of Gabby holding the cereal box. I imagine these boxes flying off the shelves when the cereal hits the grocery store shelves in the fall.

Have a wonderful weekend everybody and appreciate your visits to my blog. I am motivated by your support and driven to make sure the content is not only informative, but a fun experience.

Hot This Week in Music

I thought about posting a music video, but saw this short clip of "Hot This Week" in music. Spoiler alert: Justin Bieber has a new video out. Plus, Shakira featuring Pitbull collaborated on a jam song. Watch to see what else was hot this week!

Olympic athletes find ways to flaunt their style

STYLE AT THE GAMES ->Olympic athletes find ways to flaunt their style – USATODAY.com
Its their time in the spotlight so what better way than to flaunt some style. From diamond grills, tattoos and nail art, the Olympic athletes are bringing more than just their athletic ability to the Games. Of course, tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams are always on the cutting edge in style. Check out the story in USAToday.

TGIF & Things

TGIF and the week has been busy. It included the start to a new month of August which by the way has two family members birthdays...my brother and mom only one day apart. I've got to pick up birthday cards soon.

I am listening to the Soundtrack for the upcoming movie "Sparkle" starring Jordin Sparks and the late singer Whitney Houston. If you haven't heard it, head over to AOL Music to play the full CD. The 10 tracks are  great and Whitney sings "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" which is moving.



Its National Sandwich Month and the Eatocracy page on CNN posted a story about it which you can read here. I love sandwiches and of course taking one for lunch is a money saver. The meat varieties and  bread choices are plentiful. Two of my favorites are pumpernickel and rye topped with lots of veggies.

A second cup of coffee sure sounds good. I had slipped down to one cup mainly because of the heat, but for some reason I could go for one more. How about you, join me;-)

Now Playing ~ Road To Morocco (1942)

START THE MOVIE ->Road To Morocco (1942) via Classic Cinema Online

I know everybody is staying glued to the TV and watching the Olympic games. I took my chances and popped over to my favorite classic movies website to see what was playing and came across this fun movie. It stars Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and the beautiful Dorothy Lamour.

It's a fun Road to Morocco where they encounter some interesting situations along the way. The singing is fantastic and makes the trip an enjoyable experience. Have good laughs and popcorn tonight!

3 Helpful Budget Tips

Hello everyone, many of you know how I like to start the new month off with a budget review. We're only day two into the new month of August, but no time to waste. Here are 3 budget tips that will be helpful to your household and wallet. You get a thumbs up already from 'Garfield the Cat' for your efforts.

1. Grocery Shopping ->As the food prices started to creep up fast in July, the grocery receipts saw a big increase. There is no way around putting food on the table. Make sure to keep clipping coupons when heading out to grocery shop and keep your eye out for bargain buys.
2. Credit Cards ->It's good to keep at least one or two credit cards in good standing by paying the bill each month on time. Did you have a car or home repair that extra cash could not cover? This is the time to pull out the credit cards in an emergency. Use cash or debit card where you know the expenses are immediate most of the time. If you can, always double the minimum amount when sending in a credit card payment. Better yet, pay the balance in full if you can swing it.
3. Part-time Work ->After working a full-time job weekdays, thinking about adding a part-time job after work and on the weekdays probably doesn't send anyone jumping for joy. With a tight budget each month and little to no money left over, a part-time job sounds like a good bet. The job market is still tough for those seeking part-time work so it might not be easy. If you land one, focus on how the extra money will be spent especially paying down debt.

 I hope these budget tips are helpful as we continue to watch our dollars and save money.

Midweek Music ~ Swing Out Sister

Just popped over to my blog for one last post. The page views today were plentiful ~thanks everybody for visiting. I hope the first day of August has been a good one. This '80s hit by Swing Out Sister titled "Breakout" was popular and radio stations kept it on rotation for awhile. Enjoy!

Fighting Weight: The Beach Workout

GET TIPS HERE ->Fighting Weight: The Beach Workout The Rest of Your Life: GQ.com

Just in time article and gives credence to my blog post the other day about summertime fun that might be packing on the pounds. In this read, a personal trainer gives some tips on keeping the weight off. I dig the photo GQ used in the story of former bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger who looks to be doing an abdominal exercise that tightens those muscles ~Take a Look!

All Things New for August

As I type this post, the rap song by Bone Thugs-N- Harmony hums in my head. The title of the song is "1st of Tha Month" and I imagine the YouTube video is getting lots of hits. It has the hippest lyrics and beat!

It's back-to-school in the next few weeks for some kids and the 'staycations' that became popular are gearing up. There are plenty of ways to enjoy a summer vacation right in your city or town that is budget-friendly. With a little planning, a day trip to a state park or drive to a local lake is a fun adventure the whole family will enjoy. Fill up the car, pack a picnic lunch, and head somewhere for the 'staycation' of a lifetime.

Let me throw this tidbit on for size. If anyone has spent the summer job hunting with no success, get a boost in the new month by updating your resume and checking back with hiring managers. Go ahead and include any volunteer work you have been doing which adds a pop to your resume. It lets hiring officials know you have been active doing something. We all know the applicant pools are flooded so find ways to make yourself shine when your resume or online application reaches the company.

Have a Happy Hump Day on the 1st of the month!