Due to time constraints we have not been able to update our site 
We are taking a break until we can dedicate more time to updating on a regular basis. When we are back up and running we will make sure to inform you all!
Oct
29
Taking a Break!
Leave a Comment
Oct
13
Pasta Bolognese
by Chef Joseph W. DiPerri, The Culinary Institute of America
In an effort to find a tasty meal to try for dinner and have left overs to carry for lunch I came across this recipe, for those of you who don’t eat red meat I’m sure you can substitute with ground poultry (chicken & turkey). That’s what I’ll most likely use 
What You’ll need:
• 2 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes with juice or crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 ounces pancetta or 6 slices bacon, finely chopped
• 1/4 pound ground pork (not lean)
• 1/4 pound ground beef chuck (not lean)
• 1/4 pound ground veal
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 carrot, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound small pasta such as orecchiette or rotini
• Garnish: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Preparation:
• If using whole tomatoes, in blender or food processor, purée tomatoes with juice. Set aside.
• In large, heavy pot over moderate heat, heat oil until hot but not smoking. Add pancetta and sauté until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Add beef, pork, and veal and sauté, breaking up meat with back of spoon, until browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Add onion and carrot and sauté until vegetables are tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
• Stir in red wine and simmer, scraping up browned bits stuck to bottom of pan, until liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, cream, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to moderately low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened and brick-red in color, approximately 30 minutes.
• In large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until almost tender. Drain well and toss with sauce. Serve with grated cheese.
Oct
07
“BECAUSE”
by TD Jakes
Just because no one has been fortunate enough to realize
what a gold mine you are,
Doesn’t mean you shine any less.
Just because no one has been smart enough to figure out
that you can’t be topped,
Doesn’t stop you from being the best.
Just because no one has come along to share your life,
Doesn’t mean that day isn’t coming.
Just because no one has made this race worthwhile,
Doesn’t give you permission to stop running.
Just because no one has realized how much of an
awesome woman you are,
Doesn’t mean they can affect your femininity.
Just because no one has shown up who can love you on your level, doesn’t
mean you have to sink to theirs’.
Just because you deserve the very best there is,
Doesn’t mean that life is always fair.
Just because God is still preparing your king,
Doesn’t mean that you’re not already a Queen.
Just because your situation doesn’t seem to be progressing right now,
doesn’t mean you need to change a thing.
Keep shining, keep running, keep hoping, and keep praying,
Keep being exactly what you are already. COMPLETE!!
You need to keep on doing what they do best.
BEING A WOMAN OF GOD!!!!
Oct
05
So the Fall Television Lineup is in full swing and I can’t be further behind. My DVR is full and I just don’t seem to have enough time to keep up with any of my favorite shows! In perusing the new lineups I ran across Fall TV: Best & Worst New Shows; so here goes…
Bringing up the rear as the worst of the bunch we have “Accidentally on Purpose.” Airs Mon., 8:30PM on CBS
What it’s about: Billie, a newspaper film critic, has a one-night stand with a much younger man after a humiliating breakup with her charming boss. When she finds herself pregnant, she decides to keep both the baby and the guy, not realizing what chaos her younger boy toy will introduce into her life. When she and Zack decide to live together platonically, Zack’s freeloading friends turn her home into a frat house.
My Thoughts: I personally haven’t seen this one and the reviews aren’t making me want to bump any of my other shows to see it! If you want to chance it you can check out an episode here
“Accidentally on Purpose”
Another not so hot show according to critics is “Brothers.” Airs Fri., 8PM on FOX
What it’s about: Mike Trainor is living the good life in New York. Handsome, wealthy, and recently retired from the NFL, he seems to have it all. But a phone call from his mother sends him flying back to his hometown of Houston, where he finds that a car accident has left his brother, Chill, in a wheelchair, struggling to keep his restaurant open. When she learns that Mike’s manager absconded with all of Mike’s hard-earned money, Mike’s scheming mother is determined to keep Mike in Houston to help save Chill’s restaurant and bring her family back together again.
My Thoughts: Well I’m 2 for 2, haven’t seen this one either. However I do feel a slight obligation to at least watch one episode and draw my own conclusions. Check it out.
"Brothers"
According to critics these next two shows can use a little work:
“Three Rivers” Airs Sun., 9PM on CBS
What it’s about: Dr. Andy Yablonski (Alex O’Loughlin, “Moonlight”) leads an elite team of medical professionals who work with organ transplant patients and their families, offering a last chance at hope for many. At the preeminent transplant hospital in the country, Yablonski and his colleagues race against time to save lives, as well as managing the fears and concerns of worried family members of donors and recipients alike.
My Thoughts: This premiered last night and while I haven’t watched it yet I have to admit that I have been looking forward to watching this show. I am a CW fan so hopefully this won’t disappoint me! Judge for yourself.
"Three Rivers"
Next up is “The Vampire Diaries.” Airs Thurs., 8PM on CW
What it’s about: A few months after their parents are killed in a tragic car accident, Elena Gilbert and her brother, Jeremy, are trying to come to terms with their grief. For Elena, formerly popular and involved with school and her friends, it’s a struggle to hide her sadness from the world. She finds herself drawn to a handsome and mysterious new student, Stefan, unaware that he is a centuries-old vampire doing his best to live peacefully among humans. His brother, Damon, however, is the embodiment of vampire stereotypes, including violence and brutality, and the two brothers wage a war for the souls of Elena and everyone else in her small Virginia town. Based on the series of novels by L.J. Smith.
My Thoughts: I really like it! This is one of the few new series that I am actually up to date with watching. Maybe it’s something about vampires that just intrigue me but I’d recommend it. See for yourself.
“The Vampire Diaries”
These Next four have been classified as pretty good shows:
“The Good Wife” Airs Thurs., 8PM on ABC.
What it’s about: When a very public sex and political corruption scandal lands her husband in jail, housewife Alicia Florrick must get past the humiliation and betrayal and assume responsibility for her family. She resumes her career as a defense attorney by taking a junior associate’s post at a prestigious Chicago law firm, where an old friend from law school is now a partner. As she competes to win the only full-time associate’s position, she sheds her persona as the embarrassed wife of a politician and takes charge of her own destiny.
My Thoughts: I ran across this show on demand and I was instantly hooked. I think the premise of this new drama is very clever. If you haven’t seen it, check it out now!
“The Good Wife”
“Flash Forward” Airs Thurs., 8PM on ABC.
What it’s about: Residents of Los Angeles go about their day, unaware that a mysterious event is about to change their lives. FBI agents Mark Benford and Demetri Noh are in the midst of a car chase, Benford’s physician wife is in the middle of a surgical procedure, and Benford’s friend, Aaron Stark, works on power lines high above the ground. Suddenly, something causes everyone on the world to black out for just over two minutes. During that time, each person sees a series of events in his or her own future — some good, some bad, some apparently nonexistent. As people begin to piece together their visions on a worldwide web site, Mark and Demetri use that information to try to pinpoint the cause of the blackout. But people are still left to try to determine whether destiny can be changed, and what affect that change may have on the destinies of others.
My Thoughts: This is yet another TV show that is crowding up my DVR but I am looking forward to seeing what it is all about. You can too!
“Flash Forward”
“Community” Airs Thurs., 9:30PM on NBC.
What it’s about: When a fast-talking lawyer (Joel McHale) finds his degree has been revoked, he is forced to go back to school. Hoping to score points with a pretty coed, he invents a study group and invites her to join. Imagine his surprise when she’s not the only one who shows up for help with Spanish from the “board-certified tutor” he proclaims himself to be. Though his command of the language is anything but good, the group continues to meet and ends up learning a lot about themselves.
My Thoughts: I saw one of the cast members, Yvette Nicole Brown, on the Wendy Williams show ad say a clip that looked very entertaining.
"Community"
Topping off the Honorable mentions we have “Glee.” Airs Wed., 9PM on FOX.
What it’s about: Optimistic teacher Will Schuester tries to inspire a group of ragtag performers to restore McKinley High School’s glee club to its former glory and take part in a national competition. Of course, it would be an easier task if it weren’t for the current stars of the choir: a nerdy soprano, a diva-in-training who refuses to sing back-up, a geeky guitar player and an awkward girl who struggles to suppress her stutter. Still, with two real talents in his sights, Will and fellow teacher Emma Pillsbury are determined to do whatever they can to prove all naysayers wrong and make the show choir great again.
My Thoughts: I love Glee, it’s entertaining, fresh, and fun! Check out one of my favorite episodes so far, Single Ladies performance!
"Glee"
Topping the list we have these two shows “Modern Family” and “V.”
“Modern Family” Airs Wed., 9PM on ABC.
What it’s about: Told from the perspective of an unseen documentary filmmaker, “Modern Family” offers an honest and frequently hilarious look at the complexity of family life. Parents Phil and Claire yearn for an honest, open relationship with their three kids, but a teen who’s trying to grow up too fast, another child who’s too smart for her own good, and a rambunctious young son make it challenging. Jay and his much-younger wife are raising her son together, but people sometimes mistake Jay for his wife’s father. Meanwhile, partners Mitchell and Cameron have just adopted a child from Vietnam, which poses a completely different set of challenges.
My Thoughts: Haven’t seen it, but if you have time check it out.
"Modern Family"
“V” Airs Tue., 8PM on ABC | Premieres Nov. 3
What it’s about: The world has its first encounter with an alien race. Calling themselves the Visitors and promoting an agenda of peace, they seem to be friendly, but their congeniality may be a cover for a more malevolent agenda. FBI Counterterrorism Agent Erica Evans (Elizabeth Mitchell) discovers a secret about the Vs that threatens the lives of everyone around her, including her teenage son, who sees the aliens as a sign of hope. Meanwhile, Father Jack (Joel Gretsch), already questioning his faith when the Visitors arrived, seeks answers outside his church and finds other dissidents who believe the Vs are not who or what they claim to be. The new ABC series is billed as a “re-imagining” of the 1980s miniseries by the same name.
My Thoughts: I guess we’ll all have to wait to see if we’ll be tuning it to watch “V” on Tuesday nights. Until then here is a sneak preview.
"V"
These are based on critic’s reviews, do you agree? What show did I miss that you are really into this season?
~SimplyPut
Sep
22
Peach Prosecco Spritzers
Makes 8 drinks
Total time: 10 min
Effervescent and floral, this drink is ideal for afternoon sipping. Purée the fruit with the skin on to capture the color of September.
What You’ll Need
• 2 ripe peaches (about 1 1/2 pounds total), pitted and coarsely chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
• 1 (750-ml) chilled bottle Prosecco or other sparkling wine
• About 1 1/2 cups seltzer or club soda, chilled
• Garnish: mint sprigs
Prepreration
- Purée peaches with lemon juice and 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar in a blender until smooth. Blend in more sugar if desired. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing on and then discarding solids. Stir in Prosecco.
Pour into 8 (10-ounces) glasses filled halfway with ice. Top off with seltzer.
Cooks’ note: Peach purée can be made 1 day ahead and chilled (it will be slightly less vibrant).
I’ll drink to that,
~SimplyPut
Sep
21
Black Enterprise featured an article on managing your health and wellness. These tips are pretty simple, although the benefits that they can provide for your body are so valuable. Many people do not realize how important it is for us to take care of our bodies in everything we do. When you think about it, we only get one body and one life. Make the most out of it, and do what you can to take care of your temple. Here goes…
1. Schedule check ups regularly — Self explanatory. Visiting the doctor regularly is a great preventative measure. Knowing where you stand in terms of your health, can do a lot of good.
2. Make your diet a LIFESTYLE –Yes, there are tons of diets out there, but we all know what usually happens…You start a diet for 6 weeks, then after you lose some weight, you go back to your regular way of eating. This will not work for you. Instead, make healthy eating a lifestyle. It will take the pounds away, and keep them away as well…
3. Create a workout plan — Exercising is important for your body regardless of your body type. Please do not be fooled. Even if you are slim, your arteries could still get clogged. Try doing at least 30mins of activity to keep your heart rate up…even walking a mile or two. Changing your daily routine could be effective as well, like taking the steps at work instead of the elevator. Every little bit helps!
4. Get enough sleep — Studies suggest that adults need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. It may not be possible every single night, but try to do this when you can. If you don’t get enough sleep, it can start to have detrimental effects on your health. Your body needs it!
5. Keep healthy snacks around — Fruits and veggies, even on the go, are a healthy alternative to candy and sodas.
6. Stay hydrated — Drinking enough water is essential to your health also. It helps to boost your concentration and also keeps you from overeating. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you exhausted!
7. Take some time for yourself — Sometimes after a long day of work, you must have some “me time”. This is the time when you can say no, and relax without any distractions. Don’t answer the phone, turn off the TV, etc. Do what it is that makes you happy!
~OhSoSavvy~
Sep
18
Don’t worry guys, I haven’t forgotten about you. Here are my fall fashion finds for the fellas:
1. CK metal plaque belt
2. CK Leather Bomber Jacket
3. Diesel Digital Watches
4. Fabien Baron Aviators
5. Burberry Black Trench
~SimplyPut
Sep
18
So fall is right around the corner and some things have definitely hit my radar. Here are a few things that made me think I so need this in my life enjoy
1. Zigi Soho Victoria Platform Button Boot
Zigi Soho Victoria
2. ALDO Kudej
ALDO Kudej
3. Fingerless Gloves
Fingerless Gloves
4. Matte Manicures
Orbis Non Sufficit by Resource Beauty Lounge
Mismas by Resource Beauty Lounge
Zoya Matte Velvet Collection
5. Navy Coat
Fall Runway 2009
-SimplyPut
Sep
17
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
–Reinhold Niebuhr
Sep
16
Staycation
A vacation that is spent at one’s home enjoying all that home and one’s home environs have to offer.
Even though I live and work in New York, I don’t always get to enjoy all it has to offer, what with my work commitments, but I sure did have an awesome time here during my spring staycation.
Staying at home during your vacation instead of traveling to a pleasure destination. This can be caused by high gas prices, or just a shortage of money.
We wanted to take the kids to Niagara Falls, but with gas over $4 a gallon, we instead opted for a staycation.
