Motivational Monday: "Close To You"

Bobby Womack, a soul storyteller, has paid his dues for a very long time with tragedy and drug addiction before getting his shot at solo stardom.  If you like old music with a message, this old school playah was a consistent hit maker on the RB&B charts during the 60's and much of the 70's.  Long before Jaheim and the others, Womack's high standard of quality control was having couples remember to love long and certainly without end. 

SO, grab your favorite girl/guy and make your way to the dance floor.  Hold them close and live in the moment.

Why do birds suddenly appear, every time you're near?

Just like me, they long to be close to you.

Why do starts fall down from the sky, every time you walk by?

Just like me, they long to be close to you.

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Week Three: "Get It Together Girl"

OK, folks week three started off wonderfully!  I started a spinning class and called myself doing everything the right way.  However, I decided to race with some kids and pulled a muscle in my thigh.  Needless to say, I am unable to do any physical activity.  booooo, old age!

Although I'm on the road to 50, a muscle strain is a common injury, particularly among people who participate in sports. (or use to..lol) The thigh has three sets of strong muscles: the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh, the quadriceps muscles in the front, and the abductor muscles on the inside. The quadriceps muscles and hamstring muscles work together to straighten (extend) and bend (flex) the leg. The abductor muscles pull the legs together.  What did I strain?  My quadriceps muscle.  How in the world did this happen to me?  RACING! The quadriceps is also used for high-speed activities, such as track and field events (running, hurdles, long jump), football, basketball, and soccer.

Sadly to say, once a muscle strain occurs, the muscle is vulnerable to being re-injured; therefore, it is important to let the muscle heal properly and to follow preventive protocols.

Most muscle strains can be treated with the RICE protocol. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

• Rest. Take a break from the activity that caused the strain. Your physician may recommend that you use crutches to avoid putting weight on the leg.
• Ice. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Compression. To prevent additional swelling and blood loss, wear an elastic compression bandage.
• Elevation. To minimize swelling, keep your leg up higher than your heart.

Could I have prevented this injury? Of course!  A proper warm-up increases range of motion and reduces stiffness.

• Warm up before any exercise session or sports activity, including practice. This will help increase your speed and endurance.
• Stretch slowly and gradually, holding each stretch to give the muscle time to respond and lengthen. You can find examples of stretching exercises on this website or ask your physician or coach for help in developing a routine.
• Condition your muscles with a regular program of exercises. You can ask your physician about exercise programs for people of your age and activity level.
• If you are injured, take the time needed to let the muscle heal before you return to sports. Wait until your muscle strength and flexibility return to pre-injury levels. This can take 10 days to 3 weeks for a mild strain, and up to 6 months for a severe strain, such as a hamstring strain.

All of this has taught me that I'm certainly not as young as I use to be and warming up is ESSENTIAL to keeping my body healthy while preparing for this 5k. 

Until next week - take care of yourself!

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Motivational Monday: "Sweet Summer Days & Blurred Lines"

Imagine the bluest ocean, the sound of a thousand waves,

the rhythm of love as we lay beneath the sun (spending our time)

Spending our time watching clouds go rolling by. 

These are the sweetest day here in your arms.

 

 

School is back in session which means the summer music series is coming to an end.  What song was memorable for you this summer?  As a stepper, I will always love Sweet Summer Days by Peabo Bryson.

To the perfect sunset, walk under starry skies,

holding you close feeling your heart beat next to mine 

 

However,  for the summer of 2013 ~ Everybody get up, WOO!  Robin Thicke's  "Blurred Lines" features rappers T.I. and Pharrell is the first single from his album of the same name and was released in March of this year.

Did you know:  On July 28, 2013, "Blurred Lines" broke the record for radio audience?  Sure did!!

Good girl
I know you want it
I know you want it
I know you want it
You're a good girl
Can't let it get past me
You're far from plastic
Talk about getting blasted
I hate these blurred lines

"Live & Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Week Two: "Get It Together Girl"

Getting it together is more than just skipping meals.  In actuallity, skipping meals is the worse thing you can do towards getting it together.  Your body needs food and when you deprive it of this, it hangs on to whatever is there and turns it into fat.  Diet AND exercise is the key to losing weight and staying fit.

Week two wasn't so bad.  I'd just come off a successful detox and preparing for a weekend of fun and business in North Carolina with a 2014 client.  I ate a lot of oatmeal and drank plenty of water in order to stay on task considering my busy schedule and attempt at staying away from fast food.

What exercising did I do this week? More jumping jacks, squats, leg lifts and side planks which was enough .  This one minute plank challenge was a life saver; while maintaining perfect form, hold the plant position for one minute.

The plank exercise ranked number 10 in the ACE study and is a great way to build endurance in both the abs and back, as well as the stabilizer muscles. This move is also great for building strength for pushups, an exercise that requires quite a bit of core strength.

Disclaimer:  Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take challenges and training advice at their own personal risk.


Until Next Week - "Live & Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Fun Friday Find: "Gift Ideas for the Mothers"

These customized keychains will make a very sentimental gift for the mother of the bride or groom.

 

 

 

(Photo Source:  Etsy)
"Live & Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Tasty Tuesday: "Spicy Chicken Dip"

This past weekend the Patrice' had the honor of hosting the trunk party for my niece Sydni.  Our home was transformed into a place where family and friends could come and celebrate the end of one journey and the start of a new one for a beautiful young lady headed to Indiana State.

What is a celebration without food?  As with any other event my family and friends are involved in; an array of foods were available but one in particular really pleased my palette.

Ingredients
- 1 bag of diced chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup of Toms hot sauce
- 8oz pkg of cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of ranch dressing
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Directions
Heat oven to 350.  In a separate pan, combine diced chicken and hot sauce cooking over medium heat until tender and evenly covered.  Now add cream cheese and ranch dressing (stirring often) until melted.

Convert all of the above into a serving dish, sprinkle with shredded cheese and bake for 20 minutes.  Serve with chips, bread or vegetables.  Enjoy!

"Live & Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Motivational Monday: "Age Aint A Factor"

As we're rounding up the summer love series of motivation though music I thought I'd hit you with one of my favorite artists.  Jaheim! Although we haven't heard from him since 2010, this soul crooner, whose sultry voice reminds me of Teddy Pendergrass,  makes his return with another hit for the ladies.

I can't believe with time, girl you're getting better

Lookin' like a picture of before and after

Your story gets more pretty every chapter

More and more attractive, age aint a factor!

Throughout the track, Jaheim compares his partner to ageless beauties like Stacey Dash and Viveca A. Fox.  Word has it that in addition to the release of this single, he is also working on his sixth full-length album and if that's the case, I can't wait.

"Live & Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Week One.. "Get It Together Girl"

I've always been into health and fitness and as we get older it's easy to sink into believing that gaining a few pounds here and there is a part of being grown.  While our bodies may change we can and must do our part in making sure the change is for the better! 

I'm sure you've noticed that there seems to be an array of "challenges" across the Internet.  If I've seen them I know you have too and  I think I've done most of them!  ChiTown Moms, Abs, Squats and even Running as if I don't know how to get off the couch and hit the pavement.  The competitor in me LOVES to be challenged and that is what makes them look appealing.  A co-worker asked me why am I always "losing weight" and my response was simple, "once I stop focusing on being the best me I can be, I'll be the worst." 

I've spoken to a few "experts" (lol) and they don't particularly care for the methods I use but since I'm not trying to enter any contests or anything, they work just fine for me.  The most recent challenge is with some good Pthirty1 foodie friends of mine.  In addition to being wives and mothers we have demanding careers.  Joyce is a Certified Accountant at a major corporation, Chantelle is a Licensed Therapist with her own practice and I'm a Professional Wedding/Events Planner in addition to providing Home health Care for Seniors.  So as you can assume we're often forced to eat bad BUT we're working out and getting it together! 

An herbalist mixed together a detox for me and I must say that it did what it was suppose to do.  For starters, my menstrual cycle, which is usually really really really heavy and never ending was back to normal.  If it did nothing else I was happy for not having to deal with THAT for 10-12 days along with lots of pain.

In addition to drinking the nastiest mess known to man I had no bread, soda or meat.  I also managed to work out which is something I actually enjoy.  My day includes lots of water, juicing/smoothies, a daily walk/run, climbing stairs, jumping jacks, sit up regime that my daughter came up with and some other pain staking exercises; this girl is going to be 50 in 2014 and determined to Get It (back) Together!  I have some personal goals that I want to meet and this is a major part of reaching those goals.  Wont you join me? 

Until Next Week - "Live & Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Fun Friday Find: "Your Day, Your Style"

You and he have been considered "weird" from hello so there should be no surprises when elements of your wedding are out of the "norm"!  No one will ever understand your quirkiness, how strange the two of you seem to be.  Staying true to yourself even on your wedding day is important. This photo from Pinterest is a really cool display of the above.  I love option of considering bikes as a mode of transportation even if it's only for the sake of a great photo op!

 "Love is what makes two people sit in the middle of a bench, when there's plenty of room on both sides". 

"Live & Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

WEDnesday Love: "Beautiful Wedding Bands"

I've noticed that a lot of men AND women don't wear their wedding rings?  What's up with that?  A wedding ring or wedding band is not just a piece of metal, it indicates the wearer is married.

Depending on the local culture, the ring is worn on the base of the right or the left ring finger. The custom of wearing a ring has spread widely beyond its origin in Europe.  Did you know that in the United States, wedding rings were originally worn only by wives, but during the 20th century they became customary in that country for both husbands and wives?  Foolery right?  I agree.. LOL

Historically, the wedding ring was connected to the exchange of valuables at the moment of the wedding rather than a symbol of eternal love and devotion. It is a relic of the times when marriage was a contract between families, not individual lovers.

After marriage, the ring is worn on the hand it had been placed on during the ceremony. By wearing rings on the fourth finger, a married couple symbolically declares their eternal love for each other.

 

What are your thoughts about wearing a wedding ring and/or band?

"Live & Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Tasty Tuesday: "Crockpot Potatoes"

Nothing like a crock pot to save the day for a working wife and mompreneuer!  This delicious crockpot recipe is good alone for me but I needed meat for the other folks in the house.  If you're on any type of DIET, this isn't the meal for you but if you're a busy bee absentee, this will save your LIFE.. lol ... enjoy.

Ingredients
1/4 pound bacon, diced (I cook it first in the oven so that it is “done” and browned)
2 medium onions thinly sliced
4 medium potatoes
1/2 pound cheddar cheese (
salt and pepper
butter
Green Onions (optional)

Instructions
Line crockpot with foil, leaving enough to cover the potatoes when finished – this will help to not stick and to steam the potatoes
Layer half each of the bacon, onions and potatoes in the crockpot. Season to taste with salt and pepper and butter. Repeat layers of bacon, onions, potatoes and cheese. Dot with butter. Cover with remaining foil. Cover and cook on low for up to 6 hours (check at 4 hours – depending on your crock pot). Add cheese for the last 20 – 30 minutes

" Live & Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Monday Motivation: "True Love"

After a wedding weekend I'm often feeling "some kind of way".  In addition to EXHAUSTED I love the feeling of love when it's in the air.  That kind of love that involves little dreaming and scheming but breathing relevance into otherwise monotonous moments. That love that makes commuting to work easy because you know that someone cares about what you’re going to have for lunch; understanding that you do not have to be your dynamic, charming, weekend self all the time and it won’t change a thing!   

It's true love, when you say you need me like I need you

And you can't be without me, like I can't be without you

It's true love, when we spend time talkin' on the phone

'Cause when we're not around each other, we don't wanna to be alone

True Love... It should be as contagious as a running nose at a daycare center and catch on like a wildfire and burn until what seems like forever....or until you re-light the flame!

"Live & Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Fun Friday Find: Re-Introducing JELLY SHOTS!!

Many of my readers are familiar with serving alcohol during their events.  However, if you're looking for a fresh and chic method to serve alcohol at your wedding reception or event, then allow me to re-introduce you to the wonderful world of Jelly Shots.

A classic cocktail translated in gelatin form, Jelly Shots are a grown-up version of the Jell-O Shot (sans Dixie cups, of course!). The basics of a Jelly Shot include: a flavor true to the cocktail inspiration and a free-spirited jiggly form that makes them a delight to your taste buds. Below are a few examples from the pros over at the Jelly Shot Test Kitchen.


The Bramble (Lemon, gin, flavored gelatin, blackberry liqueur)



 Cosmopolitan (Cranberry juice, Orange flavored vodka, Grand Marnier or Cointreau, Roses Lime) 

Ocean Margarita (Agave tequila, Blue Curacao, Roses Lime)

 Rainbow Jelly Shooters (flavored gelatin dessert, rum or vodka)

Cosmopolitan, Blackberry (Vodka, white cranberry juice, blackberry brandy, lime, Cointreau)

 " Live & Love'
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.