Wellness Wednesday and a giveaway

It’s almost a New Year, what are you looking forward to in the New Year? At the top of my list is to continue on the path of health and wellness. If you ever thought about focusing on your health, there’s not time like the present. The best way to get started is to just do it.

You may not always feel like exercising or eating healthy, but you have to put the work in to get the results you want. Change one habit at a time to achieve a level of success that you may stick to. Perhaps you want to drink more water or exercise three time a week. Do it and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t hit your goal every time.

Now, I need a little help from you, my readers. Another New Year’s goal for me is to brand myself as a Humorist-one who uncovers the humor in life situations. There, I’ve put it in writing so I must move forward with it. If you know me personally, you’ve probably experienced my sense of humor.

If you haven’t seen my unconventional humor side, take a peek at my video below. Help me decide on a stage name, should I call myself when invited to spread a little laughter? Leave your suggestion in the comments for a chance to win a prize. Enter by 8pm (EST) December 31^st.

May you find great success on your road to a healthy lifestyle and other goals.

Muffins with Mom – Home for the Holidays

Dashing through the snow from school in the East was my son. His early arrival was a surprise as he appeared at my office door and said, “Angie…” It was his attempt to imitate someone other than himself. And that was the beginning of my Holiday with family.

As tradition would have it, my family gathered at my house on a Saturday afternoon, for our pre-Christmas dinner. Anticipating food, laughter and love, they did not leave disappointed. In our midst were cousins, nieces, nephews and others. It was the stories of my seven-year-old grand-nephew that drew attention.

My niece shared her conversation with her son:

Niece:              “Your teacher said that you need to spend more time reading. So, we need to turn off the T.V. so you can practice reading.”

Her son:          “Just turn on the closed caption and I’ll read that.”

In another conversation, my niece had the following conversation with her son when he misbehaved:

Niece:              “I’m going to call Santa and tell him that you are not doing what I asked.”

Her son:          “Let’s Face Time him so I can tell my side of the story.”

Kids are so precious. Speaking of precious kids, while everyone was home for the Holiday, we took a picture of the kids table. Things have certainly changed over the years, my little kids are full grown. My nieces and nephews who used to be the teens at the table, now have jobs and kids of their own.

The kids table...a new generation.

My mother has taken over as the matriarch of the family. My brother and I are the old family members at the dinner who want sleep after eating. And the kids…they are all together for the holidays still silly, still mischievous and yet, still loving.

What is your Home for the Holidays story?

Wishing you a blessed Holiday season.

Testimonial Tuesday - Count down to Christmas – 6 Accomplishments of 2017

This is the time of year where we hear about the countdowns to Christmas. There’s the Christmas movie marathon - 25 Days of Christmas (movies). Advertisements of “…six shopping days left ‘till Christmas.” Things can seem overwhelming.

A countdown to Christmas can also be a time to reflect on your accomplishments for the year. Since there are six days left until Christmas, I’ll list six of my accomplishments this year, and then you do the same.

1.      Entered three writing contests – honed my writing skills, practiced writing following specific guidelines.

2.      Participated in a beauty pageant – the focus was on health and wellness in African-American women 50 years and older. It was a LOT of work, but very rewarding.

3.      Joined a new fitness gym – made new friends, learned to “eat clean” and other nutritional tips; lost 6 lbs (have been saying I wanted to lose 5 pounds, for the past two years).

4.      Home Improvement Projects – does routine cleaning count here…hmm (lol)? Just last week I learned how to replace the wax ring on a leaky toilet. Can’t say that I’d be excited to do it again, but I now know that I can.  In case you’re wondering- this required popping off the little plastic cap on each side of the toilet, turning off the water on the side of the toilet and lifting the toilet in order to get to the wax ring. Sorry about the run-on sentence. Whew. Enough bathroom talk.

5.      High school graduation – my son graduated, this means I graduated too.

6.      Took advantage of opportunities to increase my faith and spend time with family and friends.

BONUS

7.      Read 10 books – for me, that is an accomplishment. I love to read, but I don’t feel like I always have time. I’ve learned to read between the cracks (wherever I find time). I read in a grocery store line, the bank, a road trip, just wherever I find myself waiting.

As you countdown to Christmas, take the time to reflect on your year. What would you count as your accomplishments? They can be small or large, you decide. Remember, every journey begins with a first step. Share your testimony.

Looking forward to the New Year…step into your greatness.

Susanna Leonard Hill's 7th Annual Holiday Contest

Photo Credit: Brantford Mayor Chris Friel

Susanna Leonard Hill is hosting, yet another writing contest. The 7^th Annual Holiday Contest is underway. This story has to be 250 words (or less) and must center on the theme – A Holiday Surprise. Thanks for stopping by to check out my story (245 words).

The Christmas Moosical Mix-up

Clomping through the deep dark woods was a tall figure with knocky, knobby knees. Melvin Moose was no ordinary moose. He was a show moose. He liked to show off.

Most of all, Melvin wanted a starring role in the Christmas pageant. There was one wooly thing standing in his way.

“Baaaa, auditions for the paaageant will begin soon,” said sheep. Sheep was the star of the show last year. This year she was in charge of auditions.  

Melvin clip-clopped to the stage for his audition. The other animals watched.

He danced, but not very well.

He sang – Huuuuuu, ga-wunk, ga-wunk. Singing was not his speciality.

He even tried reciting a poem. “T'was the flight before Christmas…um, fright before Christmas.” He forgot the words.

“Come baaack tomorrow for one more audition,” sheep announced to the crowd.

Melvin knew sheep was upset, her wool looked like balls of yarn. It was not her best look.

Melvin clip-clopped back to the open forest and practiced his talent. He danced on his toes. His singing was thunderous. He recited story to the forest animals.

The next day, Melvin Moose trip-tropped to the stage with his antlers held high and recited a story. “Baa, black sheep, have you any wool?”

Next Melvin tapped his hooves and shook his rump. He baaaed out a Christmas song.

Sheep joined in, “Huuuuuu, ga-wunk, ga-wunk.”

Melvin and Sheep clapped hooves and took a bow.

Melvin said, “Next year, I will run the paaageant.”

Wordless Wednesday - Christmas Comedy

YouTube Video Credit: JRPourchout

YouTube Video Credit: RebirthofComedy

Muffins with Mom – Snatches of conversation that inspire

photo credit: Growth Coaching

Have you ever overheard bits and pieces of a conversation and thought hmm, that’s interesting. Perhaps you’ve read a word or phrase that you applied to your life. It is those snatches of conversation or words from a good book or article that can provide inspiration.

Here are five words or phrases that stood out to me recently. Think about how these things may relate to you at this moment.

·         Abundance

·         Strength

·         Doors of opportunity

·         Unique moments in your life

·         Imagine the life you want to live

This is how I would tie these phrases together. I am abundantly blessed. God is my strength. I welcome the opening of doors of opportunity. Unique moments in my life occur when I least expect them. These moments have occurred through opportunities others presented to me.

Your challenge today is to ponder the above phrases and words. How can you use these items as springboards for something you’re seeking at this moment?

Have you heard any snatches of conversation that prompted you to take positive action?

Fun Friday – 5 Things you don’t need for successful parenting

Photo Credit: Leading Edge Parenting

Today my son makes his transition to adulthood, a milestone birthday. Will he awake as a mature young adult? Will I all of a sudden feel like a successful parent? This led me to reflect on my parenting journey. Today's blog post is one from a few years ago, but worth repeating.

Do you sometimes feel like you have to be Wonder Woman or Superman in order to be a successful parent? Guess what? You don’t need a magic lasso, nor a blue and red suit with a cape, in order to be a successful parent.

You may have already discovered that your child will provide you with have many opportunities to test your parenting skills. For instance, I’m learning to remain calm in challenging situations. I’ve discovered that I don’t always have to yell and scream to get my teen son to do something. Instead I can send him a simple text…in all capital letters, “PLEASE CLEAN YOUR ROOM NOW.”

You probably have an arsenal of things in your parenting tool box to aid you in successful parenting. Just for fun here’s a list of things you DON’T need for successful parenting.

1.      Perfection – don’t think you have to be the perfect parent. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Ask for help and don’t feel guilty for asking.

2.      Six figure income – A job that pays well is always helpful in child rearing, but quality time with your child is even better. Don’t cause yourself undue stress if you can’t buy your child everything he wants. It’s also ok if she doesn’t sign up for every dance class or sports activity.

3.      You don’t have to neglect yourself – you have to take care of yourself in order to have the energy to take care of your child. In the midst of a hectic schedule, be sure to schedule “me time.”

4.      You don’t need to always make your child happy – an article at forbes.com encourages parents to role model hard work and allow children to experience disappointment. “Strive to raise responsible children who will grow to become responsible adults.”

5.      Don’t be afraid to show love and affection – give your child lots of hugs and kisses.

Here’s a bonus “don’t” - Don’t give up when you’re feeling overwhelmed, your breakthrough is on the way.

What would you add to the list of things you don’t need for successful parenting?

Words of Wisdom - The Power of Positive

video credit:YouTube

video credit: YouTube

Muffins with Mom - And the winner is...

photo credit: Planet of Success

You…are…a winner. Miss Universe, Oscar winners and Soul Train awards, all announced their winners. It’s your turn. Go through your day as though you are a winner. Be willing to do the things others won’t in order to succeed.

Take the road less traveled and create a path.

The winner is….

YOU 

photo credit: BrainyQuote

Fun Friday – All in the family

photo credit: Odyssey

What does your family do that causes your face to spread into a grin? My family seems to find a way to do or say something funny when its least expected. In honor of Black Friday, I’ll first share a story of an excursion with my teen son.

It was a frigid Friday morning, the sun was not even thinking about making an appearance. My young teen said, “Ma, I want to see what it’s like to go Black Friday shopping.” Off we went. As we pulled up to the entrance of the local Target store, there were a gazillion people already lined against the store front.

My son proceeded to roll down his passenger side window to yell to the crowd. I pulled away before he could embarrass me. He said, “I was only going to tell them to save me a spot in line.”

Fast forward a few years and my son still has something to say. Away at college now, he sent me a text message filled with laughing emoji’s and the statement, “I just spent $100 on groceries and then I went out to eat. I’m doing the things you guys wouldn’t let me do.”

My son was referring to his dad saying, “You don’t need to go out and eat, we have a house full of groceries.” It was this voice of reason that he was now ignoring. My son didn’t stop there. I heard another buzz of my phone.

Text message number two said, “Speaking of things y’all wouldn’t let me do, I’m about to eat a whole box of candy canes.”

I said, “Do you want to keep your original teeth a while longer?”

“Naah. My upgrade is up, I want a new model.”

I told my son that I hope he applies his quick wit to any papers and essays that he writes for school.

My son is not the only family member with a story to share. My mother had a “special moment” at her recent doctor’s visit. I’ll preface this story by saying, who amongst us has not gone to certain measures to appear lighter when stepping onto the scale.

Mom dressed in layers before trudging off to her doctor’s appointment on a brisk fall day. After checking in with the receptionist, a nurse called mom’s name and said, “I just need to check your vitals and get your weight.”

No sooner had the words fallen from the nurses mouth did my mom say, “I’d like to use the restroom.”  Once in the restroom, mom hurriedly removed her scarf, a jacket, a vest, leggings and was still left wearing a layer of clothing. However, mom had successfully in removed one to two pounds of clothing.

What funny situation have you experienced with family?

Words of Wisdom – Thanksgiving Inspiration

What is your Thanksgiving story? Do you spend time with family, volunteering, or just relaxing at home? No matter what, give thanks for the blessings you have at this moment.

Below are a few inspirations quotes for you.

“Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.” Henry Van Dyke

“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.” Henry David Thoreau

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” William Arthur Ward

Here is my story without words.

What is your Thanksgiving story? Wishing you the happiest of Thanksgiving joy.

Muffins with Mom – 3 Signs of menopause



photo credit: Jean Hales

Leg cramps, hair loss, hair growth, hearing loss, oh my. The aging process can be a funny creature. You can laugh through it or you can moan and complain. If your choice is laughter, come with me a few minutes as we explore the humorous side of aging and menopause.

I had an entertaining dinner with my mom the other day. We sat across the table from each other at one of our favorite family restaurants. As we waited for our food, mom asked me if I wanted a pop. I thought she asked if I wanted some “pot” (Mary Jane, doobie, marijuana, weed).

Clearly, I didn’t need any pop or pot. What I needed was a hearing aid. I told my mom that the faux pas must be a part of my menopausal state. If you think you may be experiencing menopause, take look at the 3 signs below.

1.      Hot Flashes – aaah, the dreaded hot flashes. This symptom of menopause will appear at random times and hang around for brief moments and keep reappearing. has been the occasion where I awoke sideways in my bed. It was due to kicking covers off in my sleep, flailing my arms, then pulling covers back on.

I had my very own version of the game Twister going on…left arm blue, right leg green.

2.      Mood Swings – You may have experienced these at other times in your life, but at that ripe age of…menopause, mood swings resurface. While watching a touching T.V. commercial one day, I suddenly felt a warm sensation coming from my eyes. Tears. “Am I crying over a T.V. commercial?” My subconscious asked. Yep. Menopause.

3.      Incontinence - I just read about this as one of the symptoms. All I can say is when you sneeze, squeeze your legs together really tight. Jumping jacks may pose a bit of a challenge as well.

While not everyone will experience all of the signs/symptoms of menopause, just laugh your way through. You may experience hair loss on your head and hair growth on your toes, but hey, life goes on. You can still have joy.

Fitness Friday - 3 Ways to feel Fit, Fine and Fabulous

A-Train's SuperFit - Morning workout crew

Have you ever said the words, “I want to get in shape…or I want to improve my health?” Well, the time is now, roll off the couch and get moving. Nike says, Just Do It. Gospel singers Mary, Mary say, Go Get Your Blessing, I say If you believe it, you can achieve it.”

How can you feel fit, fine and fabulous? I’m glad you asked. Create a Strategic Success Plan. This can be a plan for you life as well as your fitness goals. Let’s just focus on fitness for today. Here are 3 ways to help you feel fit, fine and fabulous.

1.      Get enough rest

2.      Meal portion control

3.      Workout at your peak energy time

This sounds simple enough right? Sure it does (I like to answer my own questions). The experts (whomever they are) say we are more accountable/successful when we put our goals in writing. Create your vision. Scripture says “…write your vision and make it plain.” Habakkuk 2

You may be familiar with the strategy of setting SMART goals.

Specific (simple)

Measurable (motivating)

Achievable (attainable)

Realistic (reasonable)

Timely (time-based)

You don’t have to wait until the New Year to get started. Take the SMART path and begin somewhere. Find your “why”, why are you doing this? What will keep you motivated to reach your goal? At the fitness gym I go to, several of the women participated in a challenge called, Operation Party Dress.

Operation Party Dress was an eight week nutrition and fitness challenge. Our goal was to eat ‘clean’, workout 5-6 times each week and take weekly measurements/photos of our progress. The culminating event was a reveal celebration. We donned our most flattering “party” dress and met for dinner and dancing at an elegant restaurant.

The Operation Party Dress challenge was about doing your personal best. You were only in competition with yourself, but you had others to cheer you on with each success.

Operation Party Dress - Grocery Store Tour (Learning to read labels and eat 'clean')

If you are looking to start a fitness program, try a few things and see what works best for you. The women’s fitness gym where I workout, A-Train's SuperFit, offers a free workout on Holidays. If you’re in the Ypsilanti/Belleville/Ann Arbor area stop by Thanksgiving Day, 8-9am (Belleville, MI).Click the link above to check out A-Train's website.

Operation Party Dress Celebration

Take charge of your health. Be the Fit, Fine and Fabulous person you are meant to be. Just Do It. Go Get Your Blessing. Believe it, you can achieve it.

Wordless Wednesday - Gratitude

What is your word of the day?

Muffins with Mom – MVP Most Valuable…Parent

Basketballs bounce against hard wood floors, one handed dribbles, cross overs and slam dunks. How do these things relate to parenting? This is how I spent 11 years of my life, beginning with a micro basketball league when my son was six years old. It sounds like a lot when you see this in writing.

My son improved his skill at basketball, the more he practiced and played on organized teams. I improved my parenting skills with each success…and failure. After a 5 on 5 basketball tournament, my young adult son came home with a trophy. On the plate of the trophy were the words, “MVP-Most Valuable Player.”

Gripping the trophy by the figurine, my son stretched his arm in my direction and said, “This one’s for you Ma. You can keep this in your room.”

I placed the prize possession on my dresser and told my son, “I’ll call this my Most Valuable Parent trophy.” My heart felt warm as I thought about the hours spent in gymnasiums- shouting, cheering and sometimes napping between tournament games. A thought hit me as quick as a fly ball in baseball. My Mom on a Mission goal was coming fruition…getting my kids through puberty.

My babies are almost full grown…almost. Although they’re through puberty, my job has not ended, but it has changed. My son must believe his role has changed as well. While searching the store shelves for a multivitamin, I told my son to grab the Gummie vitamins for me. His response was, “Aren’t you a little old for gummie vitamins?”

I purchased the gummie vitamins and when I got home, placed them on the dresser right next to my MVP trophy. It was a symbolic reminder that I’m still the parent and I can make my own decisions.

To all of you who have sat in gymnasiums, football bleachers, at soccer fields or any other events with your child, this award is for you too. You are a MVP – Most Valuable Parent.

What has been your MVP experience?

Wellness Wednesday – Cook Something Bold Day

Shrimp Bowl with Scallion Vinaigrette
You may need to add your own creative spices to this, but it looks good, so I posted it.

Guess what today is…? It’s another wacky Holiday. Today is Cook Something Bold Day. This day was designed to encourage folks to cook something using herbs such as garlic and hot pepper. The idea is that herbs help promote health and longevity.

Change your routine meal, add something spicy to it or try a new recipe. Celebrate Cook Something Bold Day by sharing a bold and spicy meal with a friend. Let the kids help you prepare a special meal. Make this day a reason to celebrate health and wellness.

Below is a recipe to get your taste buds warmed up.

Bold Spicy Chicken

Muffins with Mom – National Saxophone Day – 3 ways to celebrate



Today’s Muffins with Mom is dedicated to National Saxophone Day ‘cause I’m a Mama who likes music. Music soothes the soul. Today, November 6^th is celebrated as National Saxophone Day. This day celebrates the birth of Aldophe Sax, instrument maker and musician who designed the first saxophone in 1840.

The saxophone has contributed to a broad range of music – jazz and rock bands, symphony band concerts and chamber music. Did you know the sax came in various varieties? The four most popular varieties are tenor, baritone, alto and soprano saxophones.

Do you have a favorite jazz artist? Maybe you’ve never had an interest in jazz, but you’re will to listen to it for National Sax Day. A few popular artists you can check out are – Grover Washington Jr., Miles Davis and Kenny G.

How will you celebrate National Saxophone Day? Below are three ideas to get you started…

1.      Listen to a broad range of music that the saxophone contributed to.

2.      Learn a new fact about the sax.

3.      Tweet about National Saxophone Day



YouTube video Credit: Allen Music

YouTube Video Credit: merlstrom

What will you do for National Saxophone Day?

Fun Friday - Praise

Do you listen to the radio while you’re getting dressed in the morning? I like to listen to music as I start my day. Sunday morning is no different from the rest of the week. 

As I was getting ready for church one dreary Sunday morning, a song came on the radio that I hadn’t heard in a while. What did I do? I started praising…praising the Lord. And I got my dance on.

Below is what it looked like…

How do you send up shouts of praise? Show a little praise today, and it doesn’t have to be a public display.

Halloweensie Contest for Children’s Writer’s

It’s that time of year, children’s author Susanna Leonard Hill’s 7^th Annual Halloweensie Contest.

The Contest:  Write a 100 word Halloween story for children, using the words candy corn, monster and shadow.

Hope you enjoy my story (96 words).

Elly’s Trunk or Treat

Elly Phant scooped  gobs of candy corn with her trunk. Something was following her.

“Woooo,” Owl hooted.

“Roooar,” Lion screamed.

“Ooot ooot ooot,” Monkey screeched.

Elly Phant tip-toed past animal cages.

The zoo was creepy on Halloween night. Animals roamed free.

Every shadow looked monsterly.

“Kikiki kuk kuk kuh,” Eagle squawked.

Elly sprayed candy corn in the air.

“Thump, thump, whomp,” Beaver pounded.

Elly sprayed candy corn.

“Squeak,” Mouse stood on hind legs.

Elly stood on hind legs, “Har-ooo.”

A shower of candy corn filled the air. Treats for all zoo animals, from Elly’s trunk.

Elly danced with her shadow.

The Power of Words

You are beautiful.

            You are smart.

                        I love you.

       

                                    You are enough.

Words are powerful. Words have energy. Words can cut like a knife or flow as smooth as melting butter.

Share a kind word with someone today, it may be just what they need. Know that you matter and you are enough.

Enjoy the spoken work below.

YouTube Video Credit: Clayton Jennings

Words of Wisdom - Inspiration - Not Me Lord, You

Bishop Paul S. Morton says, "Not, me Lord, but you." Add a little praise to your day. This was one of my favorite songs to mime to. May you find inspiration for your day through song.

Muffins with Mom 3 Signs kids are maturing…maybe

photo credit: The Gospel Coalition

When my boys were younger people always told me, “Enjoy them now, they grow up so fast.” I would look at those people as though they had two heads and just smile. Their comment often came after I’d just finished gritting my teeth and scolding one of them.

Now that my little cherubs are almost fully grown, I’ve noticed some changes in them. They’re working on maturing, but still have a little ways to go. Below are three signs that I’ve discovered to be indicators of kids maturing.

1.      Becoming more independent

My teenager is experiencing cooking for himself at college. When he was home for a day, he told me that he needed to go grocery shopping when he got back to school. I suggested, “There is meat in the freezer that needs to be eaten before it goes bad. Take it back with you.”

“Um, I’m done eating stuff just so it won’t go bad. Thanks anyway.”

“Well, I’m glad you’ve learned to cook, so you can eat what you want when you want.”

My picky eater finally learned to cook.

2.      Learning to problem solve

My son wrote his first college paper last week. He had a dynamic opening that grabbed the reader’s attention. He also included good examples to support his topic. I was proud that he did this on his own before asking me to proof read the paper.

I fixed his floating commas, pointed out words that needed to be capitalized and reminded him to use spell check. My next suggestion was that he change the font size of all words throughout the paper.

I said, “Are you trying to make sure the paper can be read from a distance?” The font size was so large it was obvious he was trying fill the page to meet his page count. All he could say was, “You got me Mama.”

Although my son was trying to stretch his words to meet the requirements of his paper, I was glad that he took initiative. In addition to asking me for help, he utilized the tutoring lab at his school.

3.      Clean up after self

How often have you said to your child, “Clean your room or you need to help clean up”? Now that my son is away at school this concept has finally clicked for him. Having to share his living space with someone else, my son learned quickly why I always wanted him to “clean up.”

There have been times when he has had to do more than his fair share of cleaning. He has learned to shop for cleaning supplies, compare prices and monitor his spending.

What would you add to the list of signs your child is maturing or at least on the road to maturity?