Double Portion Inspiration

Christmas is only two days away and there's still so much to do.  I wanted to take a little time and remind about the true meaning of this season.  I haven't posted at Christmas since "My Lessons from a Virgin" post so I'm excited because it's been awhile. Today my pastor shared excerpts from the scriptures that share the Christmas story.  As many times as I've heard the story one word resonated with me.  Suddenly..... Luke 2:8-12 (MSG)   8-12 There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly , God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”     Shepherd...

I enjoy lazy and routine days.  Ordinary days usually involve hanging out with my boys.  These days they play outside for hours with their friends while I read emails, scan through social media, cook dinner or even coupon.  I usually crave ordinary routines because my days seem more normal when the mundane happens.  Wake up, exercise, take the kids to school, work, eat lunch…you get the idea. Lately, our world has seemed anything but ordinary. You are navigating through life and somehow a disruption appears in your day.  It can be as simple as a flat tire or newly painted nails with chipped polish (I HATE that).  Your disruption can also be as insurmountable as rushing a loved one to a hospital because of tight chest pains or hearing the words, "He didn't make it" as the doctor tells you the fate of your college age son that was just in a car accident. What had been ordinary all of a sudden thrusts you into a season of a "new normal".  I...

It is finally here - our 40th birthday!  Renee and I did our own little countdown last night as we moved closer to December 6th.  I asked my mom, "How did you feel 40 years ago?" She responded, I was in PAIN . As we promised, we our revealing our photos.  We are ecstatic about showing them to you.  Thanks for taking time this week to journey down memory lane with us.  Each and every step, Renee and I wanted to engage our readers, family and friends in our birthday celebration. We love all the text, thumbs up, cards, hugs and genuine well wishes.  We pray, in some small way, we've inspired you to go BIG or go HOME on your next birthday.  (Posted by Roslyn) Glasses up in a toast to the twins turning 40!   CHEERS!    We loved the vintage suitcase that our photographer let us borrow from his parents!            Our fun & edgy shot!        We ...

Isaiah 61:7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion ; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion ; they shall have everlasting joy.   It's Thursday and officially the last day in our 30's.  We are about to turn the page to another chapter in life.  I will look forward to Renee calling me at 12am, so she can be the very first one to wish me a happy birthday. Are we really the only ones that get this excited about a birthday?  Normally, we are a little more reserved, but since 40 is the new 20 - we wanted to go out with a bang! My younger self at 16! I've always wanted to write letters to my younger self.  If only I knew then what I know now.  If I had to put anything into words to my younger 16 year old self, I would simply say: FIND YOUR VOICE! Once you find your voice in society, you have strength and courage to articulate any nee...

Isaiah 61:7 (ESV)   Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.      Frenchie paying attention to every detail.     If you thought choosing the right photographer was important for our 40 th birthday photo shoot, then you probably understand how critical it was to have the right makeup and hair team. Fortunately I have a wonderful stylist who’s been a part of my life for over eleven years. Francoise Gomes is the Owner of Frenchie's Hair Design Studio in Orlando, Florida. She’s well known in the local area and enjoys enhancing the beauty of women. We worked together for weeks to discuss attire, vision, and styling options.  During my consultation, Frenchie suggested using Natasha Bradley, Owner of Diva's Makeup and Brow Bar , for our makeup needs. Roslyn and I both lov...

Isaiah 61:7 (ESV) 7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. In case you haven't heard, we're turning 40!   Yesterday I shared the significance of this number and how Roslyn and I decided to celebrate.  I thought it would be fun to share a little about our photographer.  We searched high and low for the perfect photographer and found it in Brian Adams Photographics. From the moment we spoke with him on the phone, we knew he was the one. His ideas were edgy and fun. He was just what we were looking for. All we had to do was share our vision for the shoot and leave the rest to him. Immediately he had visions of a roof top and a tandem bike.  Our meeting with Brian We immediately embraced his warmth on the day of the shoot even though we were meeting him for the first time. We ...

Isaiah 61:7 (ESV) 7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. We are turning 40 this week and it's an exciting time in our lives.  On any year, we both love our birthday, but this year is extra special.  There is such significance when turning 40.  I've always heard that it's a time when you become enlightened.  You see the world completely different.  Not sure what will come in this year but we expect greatness! Forty is such a significant number in the Bible.  It represents the ending of a period, trial or chastisement.  Whether it was Noah in the ark for 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days, or the children of Israel wandering through the wilderness for 40 years, the number is noteworthy and momentous.  A 40-something time period in...

I've recently been spending time in airports traveling.  It can be one of the most stressful experiences, especially if your luggage doesn't fit.  Those overhead bins can become very tiny once all the bags start piling into them.  I just sit and wonder, what do they have in all those bags?  Backpacks, shoppers, totes, briefcases, laptop cases and handbags - we as travelers, are carrying around a ton of "stuff". I can't exclude myself from the equation because my handbag is heavy.  Anyone who picks it up says, "What is in here?"  I get so embarrassed because I literally have everything but the kitchen sink in my handbag. Two wallets, two cellphones, checkbook, coupons, mascara, mirror, makeup, lotion, hand sanitzer, pain medicines, tissue, comb, mints, gum, business cards, sunglasses and over 20 different lipstick/glosses - YIKES!!!  All the years that women carry around that stuff and we wonder why we suffer with low back pain and shoulder ...

BLACK FRIDAY - NOVEMBER 29TH We are a week away from Black Friday.  This is the biggest shopping day of the season.  Many Thanksgiving holidays are remembered for delicious food and gathering of family.  But for many of us, we see the Thanksgiving holiday as a time to SHOP . Over the past two years I've written great tips on  How To Survive Black Friday.   One tip is to stick to your budget and come prepared with your list.  Many retailers are opening on Thanksgiving (Ex. Macy's opens at 8pm on Thanksgiving Day) to give shoppers every opportunity to spend money and cash in on special priced doorbusters. What is an item you plan to buy on Black Friday?  Flat screen tv, new laptop or maybe an $8.00 toaster.  Whatever it is, start planning now.  Have a ton of patience, it's a jungle out there. (Posted by Roslyn) Happy Shopping!

For the first time in my life, I'm the mother of a middle schooler.  For the parents that have walked this road, I'm sure you understand how challenging this time in a child's life can be.  Although I've taken several parenting classes and even  blogged about the parenting book that changed my entire thought process toward parenting, I failed as a parent this week.  Let me be clear, I'm not a bad mom, but if I were given a grade for my actions during a heated moment with my daughter, it would would've been an "F". I have an amazing daughter who's in the "tween" age range.  Anyone who meets her will immediately picks up on her nurturing spirit.  I'm trying to adjust to the fact that in one moment she can be sweet as pie and the next she's, let's just say, different.  She can be reserved then quick and sarcastic with her mouth.  She wants to hold your hand and give you kisses one minute then race up the stairs to get away ...

It's that time again...Monday!  There isn't much to really enjoy about Monday.  For example, my wedding anniversary was last Monday but we chose to celebrate on Friday simply because Monday isn't known for happiness like Friday.  Monday is the most unromantic, unfun day of the week.  Even Wednesday has become famous by a Geico camel commercial shouting, " HUMP DAY "!  Most dread heading back to work on Monday after a relaxing weekend.  Everything about Monday is MUNDANE . Same traffic, same lunch, same tasks repeated every single Monday - do you catch my drift? Sometimes even the MUNDANE  can have meaning.  Many people will spend more time at work this week than they will at home.  The work days are becoming longer as more companies have eliminated positions and straddled the extra work on a few remaining employees.  Coworkers have their "own drama" and you might not always be in the mood to hear the latest "disaster" in their life - ...

A recent trip to Kentucky inspired me to embrace the new season of Fall.  The weather was crisp - a chilly 46 degrees.  The array of colors sprawled throughout the city, with the changing leaves was breathtaking.  It appeared as if someone took a paint brush and delicately painted a canvas for all to enjoy.  During my morning run, I saw many commuters driving into work.  They jumped out of their car not stopping for a moment to enjoy the view I found mesmerizing . Florida stays green all year, so I enjoyed being nestled into true Fall weather.  The crunch of the leaves while running made me giddy inside - how about you?  What do you enjoy about Fall weather?  What Fall fashion piece is a "magical must have" for you?  For me, it is a pair of leather riding boots. Enjoy a few photos from Louisville, Kentucky! (Posted by Roslyn)  

Yummy goodness! I love sharing recipes and when I found a recipe that combined potatoes, eggs, and bacon, how could I resist sharing it.  Over the years we've shared everything from Buffalo Chicken Dip to Strawberry Monkey Bread.   Well this weekend I was inspired to try a new recipe out of the July/August issue of   Food Network Magazine.    Ingredients  Ingredients 2 pounds small red-skinned potatoes, quartered 1 pound bacon, chopped 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 3/4 cup mayonnaise 3 tablespoons whole-grain mustard 6 scallions, finely chopped 1 medium red onion, diced 1 tablespoon sugar Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper   Put the potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.     Hint for success:  Use thick cut bacon for maximum flavor     Meanwhile, sau...