Take 5....

I, like many of you, am guilty of the "P-word"! PROCRASTINATING!!!

Usually when I want to get things done I set a timer for at least 15 minutes and work on that task. But this time I decided to see how long a few things would actually take so that I could share them with YOU, in hopes of encouraging US.

I had alot of receipts in my purse and decided to go through them to shred/file/toss....surprisingly it only took me 3:30. HA! That's nothing yet I feel so relieved to have this done and have my purse not filled with paper. (I had waaay more receipts than you see in the snapshot)

Clearing off my nightstand/bookcase 4:46...GREATNESS huh? Finally, I had a couple of boxes I've been staring at since I moved in. Within 30 minutes VOILA!

Soooo in about 38 minutes I had unpacked 2 boxes, cleaned out receipts from my purse and organized my nightstand. Not bad at all.

What have you been putting off? Set aside 5 minutes now and another 5 minutes tonight and you might be amazed at what you can accomplish in so little time. TAKE 5...Action!

I'll leave you with a little quote from someone I admire greatly:
"Take small steps. Don't let anything trip you up. All those steps are like pieces of a puzzle. They come together to form a picture. When it's complete, you've reached your ultimate goal, step by step. I can't see any other way of accomplishing anything."~Michael Jordan

Open House Tours

As you guys know, I enjoy going to the open houses because I get a chance to see all types of decor. I love seeing how others live. Also when I think the home is fabulous I am always wondering WHERE the current homeowner is moving. Call me curious or call me nosey.... I like what I like!

Below are pictures of a tri-level townhome... the owner (local news anchor) will be relocating to LA.

The entryway....

This bathroom actually looked better in person

This artwork was on the wall in the guest bedroom. I love it!

Den area.... very sparse due to staging I suppose....

The living area.... I am a person who likes ALOT of stuff with a "homey" feel but I can appreciate the minimalist approach.

The homeowner had a nice sculpture near each stairway

Bedroom.... I have to remind myself that this home has been staged to sell to keep my mind from saying... where are the BOOKS, the magazines, slippers, etc... :)

Great View!

Ralph Lauren lover.....

Organized eh?

This next home combined two apartments to make one unit. They entertain alot and one of the homeowners is an artist (which explains the vibrant colors). I saw three homes and this one was my favorite. This couple will be relocating to Maine (I think...)

I love love LOVE how he hung these picture (hook & chain)

Kitchen area.... this is the center of the two apartments combined

Guest Bedroom.... I could certainly curl up here for a weekend visit.

Master bath... look closely on the left in the back.... that's the washer & dryer. Make sense because you take your clothes off here as well as towels but I'm not so sure how I feel about having it in the bathroom.

Well that's it....Lemme know if you wanna share pics of how you live, I'm always eager to look! Smooches!

Tidy Up

If you love a clean home this is for you! I am IN LOVE with this product. I learned about it from Kevin Sharkey's blog. I ordered it and I can't get enough of it. In fact, I am about to order another pack for the bathroom. It's also a GREEN product.

This kitchen pack comes with 2 cloths ($18 w/FREE & fast shipping) general purpose cloth and a glass polishing cloth. All you need is water to use these. I spray water on my glass, mirrors, countertops, fridge or whatever and wipe with the glass polishing cloth and there are NO STREAKS. This cloth is THE BUSINESS! I also wet the general purpose cloth and wipe down stuff and follow with the glass polishing cloth.

I even use the glass polishing cloth to dry wine glasses or anything that I don't want fingerprints on. I'm telling you this product is FABULOUS! I have totally cut down on my paper towel use and the use of cleaning products.

If you decide to order let me know what you think.... Smooches!

OMG It's Been Too Long...

It's been a while since I've updated my blog. One word: LIFE! Many of you know I've moved, gone thru a break-up and turned 40 all during the same time frame.

I've taken quite a few pictures and thought I'd share a few with you in an effort to "get back on the horse" with my blogging. I'm reminded of the quote fall down 7 times and get up EIGHT!

Feel free to check back often for updates.... Smooches!

Sooo excited to have a gas stove!

First meal I made (chicken fajitas) I make this often... made it twice here already.

The BEFORE: Ugh! I have a SMALL love affair with books! I got a lot to do.

AFTER: I got most of the cookbooks organized.

The counter cleared off.....

Where the blogging goes down (that's my knee as I sit here in my robe!)

My new view! It's great and I feel soooo BLESSED! It makes me HAPPY to look out the window!

FOCUS DAY-Whatchu Workin' On?

Join me for this FOCUS DAY on April 14th!

Caramel Pound Cake Video

You can find the recipe HERE!

I'm Back!

Finally I'm back to updating my blog! Yikes it's been too long! Figuring out ways to keep up with all that I enjoy (blogging, Facebooking, emailing, letter-writing, etc....)

Alot has happened since my last post in October so I am looking forward to catching you guys up. For those of you on Facebook you kinda know what's been happening.

One of the things I am excited about is my part-time gig. I started back working with children at an organization I worked full-time from 95-97. It's a HUGE challenge but I am up for it! It's part of my quest to help change the planet (James Ray fans). I leave there EVERY SINGLE DAY with a story to tell.

We (Darryl & I) also attended a life-changing seminar in NY/New Jersey in early March so I will definitely be sharing more of that!

The picture was taken in NY. I'm very attracted to great architecture and people who live in fabulous places. I just thought the place was pretty.

I also FINALLY purchased the Kitchen-Aid Mixer I have been dreaming about FOR"like'EVER so there will definitely be future post on recipes using it.

I am at a really good place in life. Not because there have been major changes but because my outlook on it is more focused than ever. I have always been an optimist but now it's been fine tuned even more!

Please continue to stop by for my updated posts! Kisses! ~SM

The Kindle

I submitted my order for THE KINDLE last night! After much research and thought I decided that it would be a great purchase for me. I enjoy reading and often I am reading more than one book. Recently I joined a book club so I think this will work out fabulously!

Stay tuned because I will be sure to give you guys a review after I experience it. It will be in my hot little hands tomorrow!

IF you have already decided to purchase one as a gift or for yourself you can ORDER HERE. Use the code OPRAHWINFREY thru FRIDAY (Oct 31st) to receive an additional $50 off!

Fascinating Friday- Louise Hay

I adore her! I have watched her videos and read some of her books. She recently received a Minerva Award from Maria Shriver. Enjoy!

"Pinking Of You!"

I'm a fan of OPI Nail Lacquers and this is my latest favorite.... "Pinking of You!" It's a great color for all skin tones. If you are still treating yourself to manicures in "this economy" ask your Nail Specialist for it on your next visit. If you've decided to cut back and DIY then you can order it HERE.

Lipstick Jungle

Okay who's watching? I am soooo into this show. I am LOVING THE FASHION! Like the necklace Nico (I like this working woman) is sporting in this picture. I am gonna be on the hunt for a knock off! Of course we knew the fashion was going to be on point. Afterall, it IS Candace Bushnell (Author of Sex In The City). I love the bold necklaces and the big chunky rings! An accessory is always a great way to kick your outfit up a notch!

Check out this GREAT SITE that lets you shop for some of the stuff you see on the show. You can pick the person whose style you admire and see how to duplicate the look! Too cute!

Would love to hear what you guys think of the show. Smooches!

Fascinating Fridays

I have been a fan of Sara Blakely's entrepreneurial story for quite some time. Nooooo I didn't have the wonderful pleasure of interviewing her myself but I find her FASCINATING and thought I would share her inspirational story with you guys!

Pssstt....She has an inexpensive version of SPANX at Target... Assets!

The Road To Entrepreneurship Wasn't Easy
Working as a sales trainer by day and performing stand-up comedy at night, I didn't know the first thing about the pantyhose industry (except I dreaded wearing most pantyhose). Also, I had never taken a business class which made the process even more challenging. As a result, I had only one source to operate from...my gut.

First the Patent
I read several books on trademarks and patents and researched pantyhose patents at the Georgia Tech Library at night after work. I then approached several lawyers who thought my idea was so crazy that they later admitted thinking I had been sent by Candid Camera. To keep costs down, I wrote the patent myself and later found a lawyer who helped write the claims. My patent was approved and I successfully trademarked the name SPANX online!

Click HERE to read her full bio

Hold That Thought!

I recently found these tabs at Barnes & Noble and I LOVE them. They are so cute and fun. I like the fact that they are arrows instead of the traditional post-it flags (I use those too).

You get 100 for only $1.95. The stores have them in stock however online is out of stock for now. I would advise making note of the ISBN (064165899-0) so that the Sales Rep can easily locate these for you.

I use them for marking my favorite pages in books and magazines. I also like to use them to mark pages if I am gifting a recipe book to a friend so they know what meal to invite me over for! (smile).

Hope you like them as much as I do!

**these were made exclusively for Barnes & Noble so you will not find them at the traditional office stores**

Giving Up Soda

Well I decided yesterday to give up soda! I am doing things slowly vs. drastically because I don't want to feel deprived. I realize that I am still going to long for that fizz so I have decided to replace it with some alternatives that I find at Whole Foods!

One such find is Hansen's Sparkling Water. I JUST discoverd this and I really like it (I've tried Valencia Orange)! It has a nice fizz AAAANNND the packaging is cute & sleek! They have several different flavors...Blueberry Pomegranate, Dragonfruit, Cranberry-Grapefruit & Valencia Orange. Hmmm.... I'm going to try a couple of those (not so sure about that cranberry-grapefruit). Hansen's also offer's sugar-free flavors as well. I'm not there yet!

So if you're up for a great soda alternative this is a good one! You can purchase them online HERE or stop in your local Whole Foods Market and give 'em a try! Lemme know what you think! Smooches!

Fascinating Fridays

Welcome to Fascinating Fridays! Each Friday there will be an interview with someone I find fascinating and interesting. I have always enjoyed meeting people and learning different things about them. For instance...

• How they became successful
• How they got the big beautiful home
• What are you doing that allows you to drive a convertible Bentley
• Was it inherited or did you start out with nothing

I have been known to stop someone and ASK them to tell me how!

--- One day I was driving in town and I saw this beautiful "mature" blonde driving a convertible white Bentley with white interior. I was thinking "What does this woman do!? I followed her to the parking lot (yes I really did this) and I approached her and said.... "I know this is odd, but what do you do and can you show me how!? Her reply was... "I married a son-of-a-bitch and he OWES me!" She was very pleasant and not put off that I had approached her--- I was FLOORED! To me, that is fascinating and interesting!

I like to know the story behind what I see. I decided if I wanna know, maybe others would like to know also!

So with that said..... Here's the first Interview!

Today I had the wonderful pleasure of interviewing Nancy Krabill. Nancy is the owner of Flavors from Afar! Flavors from Afar is an interactive gourmet boutique in Dallas, Texas. She and her Husband started Flavors from Afar after she returned from a Girlfriend trip to Paris.

The Krabill's initially started out as a Home-Based business in 2002. They would host "Italian Evening" parties! The participants would get a passport, taste olive oils, enjoy an Italian dinner and have the opportunity to purchase various products. In 2004 they opened the Flavors From Afar storefront.

What is your full name? Nancy Reed Krabill

Where are you originally from? Dallas, Texas--- I grew up on Rosedale Street and went to school in Highland Park. I currently live in McKinney, Texas

Did you go to college? Yes--- Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. I have 3 degrees from Emory. Bachelors in English, Masters in Education (taught in GA) & Masters in Business

Did you grow up in a 2 parent home? Yes

What type of "head start on life" did your Parents give you? They paid for my college education and after that I was on my own!

What role does spirituality play in your life? I am currently taking a class at my church that is basically teaching us to bring more creativity into what we do! So I am able to do more of that at Flavors from Afar through blogging as well as writing daily.

What do you do for fun? Travel to Italy. Twice a year we take groups to Italy (April & September)

Favorite Curse Word? Zut Alors (french for dang, dammit)

Pet Peeve? People who are unaware of burdens they place on others (I believe they are really aware)!

Describe a major life hardship/challenge? It was during the dot-com time. We had big dreams! On paper we were multi-millionaires and then the stock tanked. That was a paradigm shift!

Last Book You Read? The Leopard by Giuseppe Di Lampedusa

Favorite Quote? Carpe Vinum~ "Seize The One!"

What do you do for exercise? I walk most mornings with my neighbor.

Favorite Food? Pici Pasta which is like a big fat spaghetti

How old were you when you felt like you had "made it"? I was 40-- AT&T paid for me to get my Masters in Business. I graduated with Honors and the fact that AT&T believed in me really made me feel like I was successful.

What do you feel is the secret for success? Be confident in the face of adversity! Be COURAGEOUS!

Did you follow your passion? Now I am living my passion. When I was working in Telecom I wasn't. I am passionate about Flavors From Afar because I get to connect with people and their stories. I am also passionate about the history of Italy.

Millionaires Again? On Paper! (smiles)

Please visit Flavors from Afar at www.flavorsfromafar.com or drop in at 6712 Snider Plaza Dallas, Tx 214/696-2327

Yummy Cinnamon Rolls

Okay Everyone! Here's another recipe out of Katie Lee Joel's Cookbook! I was so glad I made this. My only disclaimer.... this is a weekend recipe or rainy day recipe. It is definitely a process but with a YUMMY payoff!

Here's is the beginning of the process. Getting stuff together. I got that rolling pin from Williams-Sonoma. I could hang out in that store for hours!

The yeast. I had to use 1 package mixed with warm water & some sugar. Let is sit for 5 minutes.

The dough coming together...

Okay this was during the kneading process! Let me tell ya I was thinking I could get away with not working out after kneading that bread. Recipe says knead for 8-10 minutes. I think I have Madonna arms now!

Into the fridge for 3 hours.... I felt like a kid..."Is it ready yet!"
Cinnamon & Sugar Mixture
Greasing the pan with butter...
Now for the rolling out! Another workout.... Woo I'm doing 2 a days! ;)
Rectangle 20x10...

You got it! MORE BUTTER! 1/4 cup to be exact
Sprinkle the sugar & cinnamon mixture evenly
Looks even to me.... now the rolling into a cylinder begins....
The cylinder.....
I cut them and put them in the pan they will cook in

What do you know... BUTTER! Hey, I'm just following the recipe!
After they have been at room temperature for 2 MORE hours. Total 5 hours. They've Risen!
After cooking for 40 minutes
Oh this reminds me, I didn't include the pic of the icing I made! Sorry guys! But here it is on the cinnamon rolls! 1 cup of confectioners sugar & 2 Tablespoons of milk. Poured it on right out of the oven!
This is the one I served up to DG (my BF) nice, hot & goey!

They were sooo sweet! I loved them & he says they reminded them of ones his Mom made when he was little! He ate 2 of 'em! The recipe yields 12 so I am giving some to our neighbor and Concierge as well. I put them in cute packaging but the pic didn't upload. If you REALLY wanna see email me and I'll send it to ya!

As always ask me anything! If you wanna get her book you can CLICK HERE! Smooches & Happy Cooking!