Soothing Saturday with Shay: Shrimp and Four Cheese Ravioli with Vodka Sauce

Soothing Saturday's with Shay are often planned events where I allow others into my journey, my way, and my lifestyle.  However, that isn't all it consists of!  As a wife, mother and entrepreneur, I am very busy so personal Soothing Saturday's with Shay are very important to me.  There aren't many weekends that I get to be at home with the family so it's imperative that I make good use of the time. 

Today, after making smoothies for breakfast, watching the nephew and Dayton on ESPN2 and making everyone clean up, I thought I'd try my hand at a new dish. 

Shrimp and Four Cheese Ravioli with Vodka Sauce was a fabulous choice for the family on this Saturday.  Being the daughter of Dorothy and the granddaughter of Jennie; I'm not one for measuring but here are the ingredients and how I created this Soothing Saturday with Shay dish.

Disclaimer:  I'm just a woman with a family so use your imagination on the parts you think I left out :)

Ingredients
Jumbo Shrimp (approx 50)
Mushrooms
Tomato and Basil Sauce
Vodka
Buitoni Ravioli
Minced Garlic
Lemon Pepper
Butter
Olive Oil
Cream Cheese
Pepper Jack, Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese


Once everything was sliced and peeled it was time to get this baby on the stove.  I must warn you that it took all four burners and several dirty dishes to complete, but it was well worth it in the end.

Directions
Prepare the shrimp and season with lemon pepper. Set aside

In a separate pot add water and salt for the ravioli.

In a medium sized pot mix the sauce and 1 cut of vodka.  Cook on low heat for approximately 20 minutes.

In yet another pan, add butter and olive oil.  Saute the mushrooms and then add shrimp.  Once the shrimp are pink add garlic and whisk in cream cheese until smooth.  Add the tomato sauce mixture and the other cheeses.

 Boil the ravioli for 8 minutes, rinse and add the above sauce.... bon appetite!

"Live Life With No Regrets"
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.

Soothing Saturday with Shay: CHEER Edition at the Marriott

This Soothing Saturday with Shay is dedicated to moms that sacrifice for their children and especially CHEER moms. The countless hours in the gym, not to mention the amount of money spent to have our children participate in this SPORT. Whether your kid cheers recreational, with their school, or on an all star team ...CHEER moms you ROCK! 

You might be wondering how does "Soothing" and "Cheerleading" go together.  Well, if you're able to stay at one of the Marriott hotels then you'd understand it a little better. 

One of my favorite moments of cheer season would have to be the hotel stays!  I'm a Marriott girl and absolutely love the comfy bed, work out room, whirlpool and no snoring that comes along with traveling with my all star cheerleader. Although our days typically start early and end late, the Marriott makes our stay stress free and enjoyable.  This past weekend we stayed at the Renaissance located at 1551 Thoreau Dr N in Schaumburg on the club level that included breakfast and a magnificent view.  Located near IKEA, Woodfield Mall and fine dining it was a nice little getaway close to home.  Speaking of fine dining, the hotel restaurant Sam & Harry's private dining features some of the best steaks and succulent seafood around!

With over 48,000 square feet of event space dripping in Swarovski crystal chandeliers and natural light, the Renaissance Schaumburg is also a great venue to consider if you're getting married in the not so near future.

What are some of your favorite hotel chains?

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.

Summer Sunshine Sangria...

Soothing Saturday's With Shay are JUST that!  Soothing and relaxing.  A few weeks ago I hosted a clip and tweet workshop with Antoinette Peterson (aka) Sister-Save-A-Lot for a few a close friends and family. The goal of this workshop was to learn money saving strategies when shopping for your family.  So, in that same spirit I decided to make my own sangria and other refreshments.  Needless to say it was a hit, so here is the recipe for my Summer Sunshine Sangria.

 Chilled Wine (I used a sweet Riesling)

Fresh Orange

Fresh Lemon

Fresh Lime   

Frozen Pineapple Juice

Passion Fruit Juice

Ginger ale

Using a glass pitcher cut the fresh fruit into sections and squeeze, add the frozen juice and 2 cups passion fruit juice then the bottle of wine.  Stir and add a little ginger ale for fizz and the fruit for ... "appearance".... serve chilled.. enjoy :)

SN:  One guest made it for her family without the wine... they loved it so much they didn't save her any.  Im "Simply Shay" and I approve this message...

~ Peaceful Planning

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

FREE Mother's Day Spa Event!!!

Join Parents of Color Magazine and Daylight Media along with other fabulous vendors and sponsors for a FREE Spa Networking Event in honor of Mother's Day on Saturday, May 7, 2011. 

Taking place at the Martini Club @3124 N. Central from 5pm-9pm MOMS!! SISTERS!! DAUGHTERS*AUNTS* it's all about honoring YOU for MOTHERS DAY!!

NETWORKING*SHOPPING*RELAXING*PRIZES*

COMPLIMENTARY SPA SERVICE:
MINI MASSAGE*MINI MANICURE*MINI PEDICURE!!

Sponsors Include:
Adorable Designs by Candace
Cookies with Flavor
Crystal Eyez
Fabulous Lashes
Infinite Memories Photography
Inspiring Hands
N'ticing Ngredients
Popacorn
Simply Perfect Peace Events
TT Sweets

Hope to see you there -
Getting Married and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.

Halloween - Remixed!!!

Halloween?! To celebrate or not to celebrate that is the question.  I was watching "The View" the other day and Sheree was trying to decide if she should or should not allow her small child to "dress up".  Whatever your belief BE SAFE!

So, while it is perfectly legitimate to decorate one's house with orange lights and carved pumpkins, to dunk for apples and go to dances, the Church warns us quite bluntly not to cross the line into the sin of witchcraft and sorcery and tells us plainly what that includes.

If you're looking for something to do this Halloween check out "The Whiz Remix". The show runs October 29th-30th at Prairie State College, 202  S. Halsted, Chicago Heights, IL.

  Directors Robert & Sherree Lee have enlisted the talents of Andre "Lester" Mobley (Shekinah Glory Ministry) as musical director, Jeremy "Vessel" Holmes (Urban Inspirational Artist) as music producer, Donna Barnett (Beast Women) as vocal director and choreographers Nicole Mannie (former Alvin Ailey dancer) and Sherrae' Lee to help guide the 50+ member cast.

"The Wiz" by playwrights William F. Brown and Charlie Smalls, is an adaptation of Frank Baum's classic novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz".  KPA2's adaptation written by Sherree Lee is an updated, urban Christian version of the story that now begins in 2010.  Destiny and her brother, JoJo's adventures at Old Zion Ministries Mega Church (OZ for short) have been set to music in a dazzling, lively mixture of gospel, hip hop and soul and lead them on a journey of wisdom, love, courage and purpose!  This hilarious adaptation of a beloved urban musical will have you clapping and dancing in your seat as it inspires you about your own purpose and destiny!

Showtime is at 7:00 p.m. Friday and 6:00 p.m. Saturday. 
Ticket donation is $15.  To reserve tickets call the KPA2 Box Office at 708-331-3511 ext 120 or visit www.kpa2whizremix.eventbrite.com.

{source:  TheWizRemix} 
Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events Designs by Shay

Another Magical Monday...

Greetings lovers of romance!!!  Where has the time gone?  Last time I blogged was May 13th when I was preparing for the live recording of Shekinah Glory Ministries.  Well that was a huge success and I hit the ground running right into other projects.
  

Wedding season is upon us and in full bloom but this past weekend I took a few days to just get out and see some things....  

My first stop on Saturday was The Wit hotel in Chicago where Soft Sheen-Carson, in partnership with Essence magazine hosted Dark & Lovely's model search for the start of it's national advertising campaign.  A panel discussion led by Fashionista/Model/Actress LisaRaye McCoy, celebrity stylist Carlton Jones and hairstylist Eric Bland addressed a variety of beauty and fashion issues from appropriate attire to spiritual well being and foundation fundamentals ranging from intimate apparel to self-esteem.  What's a fashionista event without some hot shoes?

 

Next up was the Skinny Cow - Perfect Fit event.  Veronica Webb was on site to give away free makeovers by two awesome make up artists LaToya and Tia.   Not only were the women measured for the "right fit" considering 80% of women have on the wrong size; they also enjoyed hor'dourves, a signature drink and the new Skinny Cow Ice Cream Flavors that only have 150 calories... go ice cream!

Both those events left me TIRED to say the least.  On Sunday, after meeting with my bride, I had the honor of attending the VIP book signing of Grace Ormonde at Trump Tower Chicago.  For those in the wedding industry that name rings a bell! If not, she is the Editor and Chief of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine and loves weddings.  Her new book "being in love never goes out of style" is a compilation of  more than 375 images to capture your imagination. 

Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events, Inc.

Stand up and be noticed.. Cheer With Command

I consider myself a sports FAN...  All three of my brothers played football and/or basketball. My younger sister and I played volleyball, basketball, ran track and not only cheered, but coached it as well.  My nephews, son and a three nieces played basketball, football, softball and ran track not only in high school but on the college level too.  So it's safe to say I've seen my fair share of sports in my day. I have three nieces and a daughter that cheer on a competitive level.  When I say competitive, I mean competitve like the final four!  Cheering is NOTHING like it was when my sister and I was doing it.  Yes, we could do a "split" and a simple pyramid but now cheering is actually a SPORT ...

My daughter and I attended an "open house" for a local cheerleading squad.  Prior to the event she kept asking me what was an open house for the cheer team.  She figured people would simply come see the gym, maybe meet the owners and see the squad perform.  Seems simple right?  Not quite!!!

Cheer Command is a local cheer team based in Mokena, Illinois.  The owners Felicia St. John and Stephanie Losieczka are dedicated to training Cheerleaders to excel in competition building self-esteem, sportsmanship and developing life long skills in leadership and teamwork. 

What I found most interesting during the "open house" was that many vendors were being noticed for non "cheer" related items.  pink Slip Boutique, located in Mokena had the most awesome jewelry!  Lauren McKeague also let me know they are running specials on prom dresses in conjuction with "Glass Slipper".  Look for more information on PinkSlip on Examiner.com...

Other vendors on site were Ericka Henderson and Naye Owen-Howard of Thoughtful U, a fine paper and Design company; Debra Dziekanowski of My Shop by Longaberger with baskets for every occasion that could even have custom tags created; Dawn Michalak with Entertaining at home. On our way out the door something else captured my attention.. the CUTEST summer shirts!  Of course every vendor is available for home shows which made it even more fascinating to me, being an events planner :) 

There are many cheer teams across America and girls now recognize that cheerleading is a sport and command to be noticed!  Cheer Command currently has five (5) competitive teams and a non-travelling team.  They start as early as four (4) years and go through high school.  For the upcoming season, clinics are starting Monday, April 5th and running through Sunday, April 18th.  Evaluations will be held May 3-5, 2010.  For further information about their clinics and upcoming season, visit their website at CHEER COMMAND ROCKETS

Remember, no matter your sport.. CHEER with COMMAND!





Getting Married and need assistance? Email Me for current specials
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay
Read my Examiner Articles

March Madness: Serenity

Here we are at March 15th! March is my birth month so I thought I'd celebrate all the March babies and share some facts in this blog.

Did you know- March is the third month of the year and one of the seven months which are 31 days long? The birth flower of March is the daffodil which form a group of large-flowered members of the genus Narcissus? Whodathunk that in the language of flowers, daffodils symbolize chivalry, respect, modesty and faithfulness. I think that sounds like us!

When I was thinking of "what do to, what to do" for my birthday, I immediately thought of a spa treatment. Marc Alan Day Spa treated me quite well! In talking with my Facebook buddy, Tangie Swire she mentioned another local spa called SERENITY!

Serenity Day Spa, located at 3329 Vollmer Rd in Flossmoor, IL, Serenity is black owned and offers an array of soothing services to calm and rejuvenate your body. Looking to have a spa party? Contact Serenity Day Spa at (708) 206-2750 for details.

Everyone loves a special!

See what Serenity is offering Tuesday and Thursday
March 16 & 18, 2010
(708) 206-2750
to schedule your appointment

Happy Planning...

Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

Soothing Saturday's with Shay is a monthly event open to both MEN and WOMEN. These events cater to the whole person. Mind, Body & Soul. Come out on FRIDAY, yes by special request FRIDAY, August 21st for eye brows, eye lashes, manicures and pedicures. Join us Saturday for the above AND haircuts, make up application. Contact me @ShaysPerfectPeace@gmail.com for pricing and details.