by ThallenBLiving on January 5, 2012
I mentioned last week that I was still figuring out what my New Year’s resolution would be. I came across an article in Glamour magazine that pointed out how critical women can be on themselves, especially when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. It suggested that instead of criticizing ourselves we should make it a goal to uplift ourselves. I thought this was a really good point, so my New Year’s resolution will be to remind myself daily of something that I like about myself. This can be anything from something I’ve done, or accomplished, some physical attribute or personality trait. It doesn’t take much to build yourself up, and getting in the habit of appreciating yourself will help you accomplish all your other goals in 2012!
What’s one thing you like about yourself?
by ThallenBLiving on January 4, 2012
On Saturday, I went to visit my friend Janille. While sitting on her couch, I picked up her laptop and began to browse around www.pinterest.com (See, I wasn’t kidding when I told you guys this was my new favorite website!). I came across this DIY project where you can make a candle from a clementine. The process seemed so simple that Janille suggested we try it right away… She just happened to have a bowls of clementines nearby!
This picture is of the finished result. It took only 10 minutes to complete and it burned for about an hour. It smelled like warm citrus at first, then the top half began to char a bit and it smelled like burning citrus! I suggest to take the top off once it begins to blacken. Here is a link to the youtube video that guides you step-by-step.
by ThallenBLiving on January 3, 2012
I finally got reservations to Red Rooster restaurant in Harlem. The restaurant has been open for over a year now, and it’s still a little difficult to get reservations during prime time. This would lead you to believe that the food is so delicious people just can’t stay away. However, in line with many other reviews of Red Rooster, I found the ambiance and service to be nice, but the food a bit lackluster… We started off with crab cakes and cornbread as appetizers. The crab cakes were flavorful and delicious. The cornbread was served with a whipped butter and a tomato jam. The tomato jam had a “unique” flavor, but it wasn’t bad. I preferred the cornbread with just the whipped butter. Hubby and I were very excited about what was to come since the first course started off so promising… However, we were both disappointed with our entrees–the Fried Yardbird (fried chicken) and the Blackened Catfish. I felt that despite the eclectic use of garnishes, the food was terribly bland. Our waiter told us these were the most popular dishes, so I can’t imagine anything else on the menu tastes better.
In spite of our intuition, we decided to order dessert– Sweet Potato Doughnuts. Yet again, this dish lacked flavor. If “sweet potato” had not been in the name, I never would have known it was an ingredient. It was basically yeast rolls will sugar sprinkled on top.
At the end of the meal, I looked at my hubby and said “I should’ve had a V-8!”
Have you been to Red Rooster? How was your experience?
by ThallenBLiving on January 2, 2012
It’s cold and flu season, so I thought it appropriate to do an etiquette post on how to keep from spreading germs. Many of you live in cities where public transportation is a necessity. In my opinion, this is the easiest way to catch some bug or virus. But, even if you don’t take public transportation, you may find yourself in tight spaces with strangers who feel the urge to cough or sneeze. If you are genuinely concerned for your health, leave the area until the culprit (and his germs are gone) or speak up and ask the person to cover his/her mouth. If you are the cougher/sneezer, here are a few etiquette tips on how not to offend others:
- Cover your cough or sneeze with the inside of your sleeve, not your hand… especially if you must touch surfaces that others may come in contact with.
- Say, “Excuse me…” A little humility goes a long way.
- Use kleenex and hand sanitizer. People will feel much more comfortable if they see you clean up after yourself.
How do you fight cold/flu season?
by ThallenBLiving on December 29, 2011
Last week my Mom told me about a website that has now become my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE! It’s www.pinterest.com and it’s a streaming web page of fun quotes, recipes, pictures and DIY projects. I’ve been keeping the page up all day and scrolling through when I catch a few free minutes. This is such a lovely website… Something about it just makes me smile!
Let me know if you check it out…
by ThallenBLiving on December 28, 2011
Don’t worry… I’m still alive! I hope you all didn’t think I forgot about you! Boy can the holidays be hectic! I’ve been working hard and cooking up a big surprise that I can’t wait to share. Can you believe that 2012 is just around the corner?! Even-numbered years are my favorite so I’m just bursting at the seams for all that 2012 will bring. I’ve also been trying to come up with a few goals for the new year, but I’m still narrowing them down…
Have you set any New Year’s Resolutions yet?!
by ThallenBLiving on December 15, 2011
This past week has been busy, busy, busy for me! But, in an effort to show that you’re never too busy to say thank you, I’m here just in time for “Thankful Thursday!”
This week I’m thankful for family and friends who keep me grounded, even when life seems to go haywire! Everyone needs a support system of at least a few people who will listen to your problems and rejoice in your triumph. If you feel like you don’t have anyone like that in your life, I challenge you to become that person for someone else. The love you give out will be reciprocated… It may or may not be by the same person, but it will definitely return to you in some way or another.
Who are you thankful for?
by ThallenBLiving on December 12, 2011
Last night, my hubby and I decided to have a late dinner. We’d had a pretty heavy lunch, so we wanted something light yet filling. I suggested we heat up some canned Hormel Veggie Chili… but Hubby decided that was too bland. Apparently, it needed a little bit of his own flare! He went into the kitchen and got to work… Hubby ended up seasoning and baking a chicken breast and cutting it up into the chili. He also tossed a few pieces of delicious garlic toast in the oven. The result? A hearty meal, packed full of flavor, yet light enough to keep me from feeling stuffed. I must say, he always impresses me with his creativity in the kitchen!
Do you have a favorite “made-up” meal?
by ThallenBLiving on December 11, 2011
By the time Friday evening came around, I was beyond tired… I was EXHAUSTED! Whenever I feel like this, there is nothing left for me to do other than grab a seat on the couch, turn on some music (or mindless tv!) and relax. It’s really a shame that in today’s culture we feel the need to push ourselves to the point of exhaustion. For many, work/life balance has become an idealistic goal far beyond their reach. Well today, I take a stand and say no more! Repeat after me…”I am worthy of rest! I have to take care of myself so I can better give to others!”
Join me this week in making sure you get enough rest and relaxation. Even if it’s just a few minutes, take the time to have a nice cup of tea, read a good book, or take a warm bath. I promise, it’ll make you feel a whole lot better!
How do you relax?
by ThallenBLiving on December 7, 2011
Happy Thursday… What better way to celebrate than by having a “Thankful Thursday” post?! This week, I’m thankful for the following things:
Tickets to attend a live taping of The Martha Stewart Show– Word’s can’t express how excited I am!
Long Showers– Nothing relaxes me after a long day like a hot shower!
Miniature Peanut Butter Cups– I keep them in my desk drawer for an afternoon pick-me-up 
What are you thankful for this week?!
I mentioned last week that I was still figuring out what my New Year’s resolution would be. I came across an article in Glamour magazine that pointed out how critical women can be on themselves, especially when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. It suggested that instead of criticizing ourselves we should make it a goal to uplift ourselves. I thought this was a really good point, so my New Year’s resolution will be to remind myself daily of something that I like about myself. This can be anything from something I’ve done, or accomplished, some physical attribute or personality trait. It doesn’t take much to build yourself up, and getting in the habit of appreciating yourself will help you accomplish all your other goals in 2012!
