Designs By Shay - the Blog: lifestyle

Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Faith

Imani/Faith: The duty to trust and believe in our parents and in our capacity as family, community and a people to achieve at our highest potential.

Let us continuously cultivate that “something within” that allows us to trust beyond all doubt the spirit and truth of the principles, practices and symbols of this Kwanzaa/Nguzo Saba tradition will lead us to the righteous victory that our struggle pursues – a world more hospitable and nurturing for our families and communities and the whole human family.
Let us always trust in the infinite ability of the Creator to show us the more effective way to use the energies and impulses of the sacred image and essence within, to go over, under, around and through the ever-evolving challenges and obstacles that stand before us (and within us).
Let our faith be informed, inspired and strengthened by the large and small lessons of love, diligence, determination, compassion, forgiveness and positive transformations wherever life presents them.

Candle Lighting: Light your last GREEN candle and commit to being more trusting in each other in the coming year.

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

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, December 31, 2014

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 31- Creativity

Kuumba/Creativity: Leaving our families, community, and world a better place to live, work, and love.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater ~ photo credit: Andrew Eccles

Grow in knowing that the energy and impulse of the Creator’s image and essence within you is the power that drives your desire for a world that ismore hospitable and nurturing for human existence.
Grow knowing and showing that the talents, skills and resources entrusted unto you are never to be used without respect for the greatest good for the greatest number of family, community and humanity.
Always be pro-active to share and utilize this consciousness and energy everywhere you go, with everyone you meet.

Candle Lighting :On the sixth day of Kwanzaa the family lights the RED candle. This candle is symbolic of struggle- continuous effort and work. The placement and order of the Kwanzaa candles teach and reinforce valuable lessons for the family. The lesson here is that we light the red candle to reinforce the value and priority we place struggle as the method for creating progress.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Love, Laughter and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 30- Purpose

Nia/Purpose: "Commitment, duty, and obligation to contribute to the morally serious purpose and noble goal, of nation building, i.e., the quest to recover and restore the African American family, community, and people as a whole”

Are you growing in realizing and appreciating that our traditional greatness includes the fact that our African ancestors were the fathers and mothers of humanity and civilization?
Grow in knowing, receiving and revering inspiration from such a commitment (and its results) in people in every period of our history, in every geographic location.

The African proverb is insightful in illuminating the centrality of the family in the nation building project, declaring: “The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people.” And, conversely, the development and elevation of the nation begins in the home. This is an affirmation that nation building begins at the smallest level, the family.

Candle Lighting: On the fifth day of Kwanzaa, the family lights the GREEN candle. This candle is symbolic to the collective prosperity; Kwanzaa commitments are made around the Purpose principle.

~Until Next Tiime
SimplySHAY

Monday, December 29, 2014

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 29-Cooperative Economics

Today is the fourth day of Kwanzaa, a celebration of the Kwanzaa principle which is Ujamaa/Cooperative Economics sharing and pooling our financial resources and goods and services for the common benefit of family and community participants with the goal of building and sustaining cooperative economic enterprises. To build OUR OWN Businesses, control the economics of OUR OWN Community AND share in ALL its Work AND Wealth.

Vow to the following:

Strive to become increasingly proficient in discerning and developing family-based and community-based enterprises and sharing those visions with others
Be studious to understand the best ways to maximize the buying power of our dollars in the local, national and global economies.
Strive to have a serious and consistent savings program in order to accumulate the wealth required to develop or participate in significant economic endeavors.
Be pro-active in finding and working with others who are striving to grow according to the challenges of this Ujamaa principle.

Candle Lighting: On the fourth day of Kwanzaa, the family lights the RED candle. This candle is symbolic of the collective work and effort. Kwanzaa commitments are made around the principle of Cooperative Economics.

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 28-Your Purpose

My sister and friend LaToya Perry posted this on FB and I wanted to share it with you. Be encouraged!

"With all the things going on in the world it makes my heart heavy. It would appear that daily as a people we are losing our love and simple kindness for one another. I can only imagine what the Lord sees and how His heart must break as He watches His children make choices that will lead to their destruction. All the while, we have disregarded the gentle nudges and some times the outright bricks of correction that has been thrown at us. We are caught up in the show.

What is the show? The show is what the enemy uses to distract us from our mission. He uses any and everything. The magicians are great at this tactic. They call it slight of hand. While performing their magic trick, they keep your eyes occupied on something insignificant meanwhile, the thing you should be focused on is being done right in front of your eyes and you don't see it. We get occupied and caught up doing and being all that GOD has NOT called us to do. We get frustrated and burned out by living and doing what we THINK or WANT our purpose to be. Sometimes it's clear but often times it's not. We HAVE no clue what all the Lord has put in us. We've failed to go to The Maker and inquire into what should our usage be. We allow "the show" to dictate our usage. If you allow the show to dictate your actions, you will find yourself at the end of the year declaring that in the Next year, your dropping all your insecurities, fake friends, dead beats, negativity and so on. Not realIzing, that those very same things and people will be with you in the next year because you will make the same decisions because you don't know why you're here and secondly because maybe some of those fake friends were meant to build you into a better you.

I'm encouraging you as well as myself to spend these last days of 2014, seeking God for direction. "The show " will keep you frustrated and always looking for the next. God's purpose and mission will keep you fulfilled and inspired. Yes, the show will always try to get your attention but if you stay on mission you will easily be able to discern what and who is not for you.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, that should be your first order of business. How can you know what God has for you if you don't know Him. Next, commit to seeking Him and finding out what HE would have you to do and not what you think or feel you should be doing.

I wish you all the joy you can contain in this coming year. I pray that you would be a solution to this world's problems and not a participant in its downfall. I pray that you would forgive other's quickly and remember that you are not perfect and do not walk on water. We are going to disappoint and hurt one another, we are human. However, choose to extend grace and love instead of hatefulness and vengeance."

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 28- Collective Work and Responsibility

UJIMA (00-GEE-MA) Collective Work and Responsibility: To build and maintain our community together and make our sister’s and brother’s problems our problems and solve them together.

Are you your brothers or sisters keeper?
Are you willing, compassionate and pro-active in extending the knowledge, abilities, energy and other resources at your disposal to help members of your family and community to achieve the best outcome of a given life or situation?
Can you extend yourself in this manner without the expectation of some immediate material return, but with the satisfaction of knowing that helping others in this fashion is, in the long run, help and reward for you also?

Candle Lighting: On the third day of Kwanzaa the family lights the GREEN candle next to the black candle. This candle is symbolic of future success and achievement.

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 27-Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

Sweet potato cake that tastes like a cinnamon roll! My sister, friend and co-mom, Joyce Cunningham, is truly the Pthirty1 woman. She sent me this recipe that I MUST share with you.

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake
Posted To GFCAV Presents Food Recipe Central

Cake
Ingredients:
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
4 tsp baking powder
2 cups cooked sweet potatoes
11/2 cups milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 tsps vanilla
1/2 cup butter, melted

Topping:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 TBLS flour
1 TBLS cinnamon

Glaze
2 cups powdered sugar
5 TBLS milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans ( my addition)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13×9 inch baking pan
.
In a large bowl combine flour,sugar,salt, and baking powder and nutmeg. Stir with a fork to combine.

In another large bowl beat sweet potatoes and milk until smooth. Add beaten eggs, and vanilla, beat until combined.

Slowly add flour to sweet potato mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Slowly stir the melted butter into the batter until well combined.

Pour batter into prepared pan.

Make topping.

Topping directions:
Mix all the topping ingredients together until well combined. Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a knife. Bake cake for 30- 35 minutes. After cake is baked, cool slightly while making the glaze.

Glaze directions:
Combine glaze ingredients mix until smooth. Glaze cake while still warm.

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 27- Self Determination

Self-Determination/Kujichagulia To define the world in our own image and interest, placing African people and our history and culture at the center of our worldview and social reality.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Who am I?
How well do I know the history of achievement and excellence of my people?
What am I doing to further and deepen that knowledge?
What contributions am I making toward restoring and continuing the ethic of intellectual, analytically and visionary excellence in my family and community? (Overthrowing the ethic of anything goes, self-hate, hopelessness, mediocrity, violence and self-destruction)
How much am I influenced by the images of my people in the media?

Candle Lighting: On the second day of Kwanzaa the family lights the RED candle. This candle is symbolic of the effort. The placement and order of the Kwanzaa candles teach and reinforce valuable lessons for the family. The RED candle is symbolic of the effort a person, family, school or community makes. The lesson is that we light the RED candle to reinforce the value of work and effort.

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Friday, December 26, 2014

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 26-UNITY

Umoja (OO-MO-JAH) Unity begins the Kwanzaa celebration and stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."

Another symbol that could be useful for Umoja reflections is the Nkonsonkonson – Chain Link – a symbol of unity and human relations; a reminder to contribute to the community; that in unity lies strength. It signifies the strong bonds between people of common blood relations that are difficult to break apart. The belief includes ancestors who are constantly protecting the living. It can also serve as a reminder to give a helping hand to strengthen the communities we live in, and encourages the veneration of the ancestors in order for them to keep in touch with the living. Baba Mxolisi T. Sowell

Candle Lighting: Today we light the BLACK candle or Umoja candle. The black candle symbolizes black people. So the lesson is this: We want to build up the capacity of unity in the family, our neighborhoods and among our people. To achieve this, we discuss ways which we will build, enhance, strengthen our family bonds and community ties.

What ways have you and your family practiced this principle?

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 26-Celebrating Kwanzaa

Just what is Kwanzaa? Unlike Christmas, Ramadan, and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa’s unaffiliated with a major religion. One of the newer American holidays, Kwanzaa originated in the turbulent 1960s to instill racial pride and unity in the black community.

Established in 1966 by Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa aims to reconnect black Americans to their African roots and recognize their struggles as a people by building community. It is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 annually. Derived from the Swahili term, “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first-fruits,” Kwanzaa is based on African harvest celebrations such as the seven-day Umkhost of Zululand.

Starting today, December 26th, through January 1st we will focus on the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 24-Holiday Traditions

Traditions are a big part of the holidays and Christmas Eve is no exception. Every family has their own ideas that make this a special holiday and one thing is for sure, children are excited and full of anticipation.

I am not a fan of cold but I have to admit that nothing could be more perfect than a light dusting of snow falling on Christmas Eve to bring on the holiday spirit. In Chicago, it doesn't look like we're going to have a white Christmas but there are many things you can do to set the holiday mood.

Setting the Tone!
Music, candles, laughs, and love! Enhance a cozy atmosphere with Christmas music and light some candles to help set the tone for a lovely and festive Christmas. If you're lucky (or lack thereof) to have a scrooge in your family, perhaps this will help shower in some good cheer. What are some of the ways you set the tone for Christmas?

Prepare a Meal!
I'm not sure what a "traditional" Christmas Eve meal encompasses but I try and make it fun for the children. In the past, we've made pizza and pot pies along with some other kid friendly meals that have proven to also be tasty. Because of the big meal planned for the holiday, it's understandable that some families like to keep the meal light and serve soup and crackers. When all else fails, have the good ole sausage and cheese on hand for tasty snacks and appetizers.

Children and Traditions!
Besides a visit from Santa, stockings are hung by the fireplace or on the tree filled with goodies. Recently, a friend reminded me that our stockings were filled with pecans, tangerines, peppermints and other small items. Today, we can agree that it is much different!

In our family we have an array of "traditions" that have been passed on from generation to generation. From sipping hot chocolate, watching movies, playing games and reading Christmas stories; to baking cookies and opening that one gift at midnight - Christmas as a child was the best time of the year. As a parent, I have tried to do some of the same items with my children in the hopes that they'll pass them right on down to theirs. One of my favorite things has been opening a gift at midnight even though it's always pajamas! Although my children are teenagers and adults, I still get a kick out of getting up in the middle of the night and putting out those last few items. There is nothing like the joy of watching their faces on Christmas morning.

What are some things you do with your family? How do you spend your Christmas Eve?

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 21-Holiday CHEER!

Egg nog is a festive holiday beverage that I've been enjoying my whole life. Once I became "of age" my "Aunt Annie" from the Bronx taught me how to make it from scratch. There are multiple ways to enjoy egg nog; here are a few of my favorite recipes, hope your family and friends enjoy these as much as mine does.

Homemade Eggnog
6 whole eggs and 4 yolks
1 1/2 cups sugar
Pinch of salt
3 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3 ounces Whiskey

Whisk eggs and yolks, sugar and salt in a 4-quart sauce pan on low heat.
While continuing to stir, add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Then add milk slowly.

Stir continually to prevent eggs from curdling. Continue cooking until mixture thickens (about 20 minutes).

Let the custard cool, and add 2 cups of heavy cream followed by vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and whiskey.

Yields about 10 servings

Eggnog Bourbon Balls
I've made Bourbon Balls before and they are ALWAYS a hit. Although the original recipe doesn’t incorporate any actual liquid eggnog, cut the amount of bourbon in half (to 1/8 cup) and substitute 1/8 cup of eggnog instead. ENJOY!

1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies (grind in food processor)
1 cup powdered confectioners sugar
1 cup ground pecans
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 cup bourbon
1 tablespoon light corn syrup (such as Karo)
10 ounces eggnog-flavored candy melts such as Wilton Eggnog Candy Melts
Ground nutmeg

In a medium bowl, add ground wafer cookies, powdered sugar, pecans and cocoa powder, and stir to combine.

Add the bourbon, eggnog (if desired) and corn syrup, and stir until the mixture comes together and is well-incorporated.

Using a small hinged scoop or a teaspoon, make balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture, and place the baking sheet in the freezer for 20 minutes.

Using a double-boiler, add the eggnog candy melts to the top pan and melt slowly. Stir the candy melts just to combine. Drop one chilled bourbon ball in the candy and, using a fork, flip it over to coat. Tap the fork on the side of the double boiler to remove excess candy and place bourbon ball back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Sprinkle the wet candy with a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg. Repeat with the remaining bourbon balls.
Refrigerate or eat immediately.

Eggnog Custard Pie
A custard pie is any type of uncooked custard mixture added to an uncooked or partially cooked crust and baked together. I really like custard pie but I've never made it with egg nog. I sure hope it tastes as good as it looks!

Pie Crust
1 Egg Beaten

1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups eggnog
4 eggs
Freshly grated nutmeg

Heat oven to 425°F. Place pie crust in 9-inch pie pan as directed on package for one-crust filled pie. Do not prick crust. Bake at 425°F. for 7 to 9 minutes or until light golden brown. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

In large bowl, combine sugar, eggnog and eggs; blend well. Pour into partially baked crust. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Bake at 350°F. for 30 to 40 minutes or until almost set. (Center of filling will be soft.) Cover edge of crust with strips of foil after 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. Cool 2 hours or until completely cooled. Store in refrigerator.

Enjoy Your Holiday!
~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Love, Laughter and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 3- Bow ties!

In general, it seems that there are two types of neckties; bow ties, and straight ties. Throughout the years, bow ties have become increasingly popular, with men and women using this trendy neckwear as a tool for self-expression. Simplistic is great but don't be afraid of color and textures...I absolutely love this look; be sure check out my Pinterest page for other ideas.

A glamourous, vintage wedding photographed beautifully by Christa Elyce Photography.

Man in Pink | Preppy Plaid Bow ties.

The Original With Snakeskin Bow Tie by Brackish Bow Ties

Found on allthingselegant.tumblr.com

Simply Perfect Peace Events
Tanyia Koonce Photography

How do you feel about bowties? I'd love to hear your feedback.
~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

Monday, May 19, 2014

Motivational Monday: "Taking time for YOURSELF"

Happy No-Makeup Monday - #loveyourselfie

After a weekend filled with very little sleep, I was well on my way to a migraine when I came into work; today's Motivational Monday comes by way of a conversation with my co-workers - hope it motivates you as well.

From a simple "how was your weekend?" we began to do a quick evaluation of our peaceful existence as women. Mother's Day has come and gone and we are back to our routines of transporting kids, cooking, grocery shopping, cleaning and laundry, etc. Just replaying my weekend in my mind is exhausting and a reminder that, often times, we as women fail to take care of ourselves. Because we are nurtures we can easily find ourselves caring and tending to the needs of others and forgetting ourselves or at least putting us on the back burner.

How many times have you been angry and not sure why? How many times are you disappointed that someone didn't do something for you that you feel they should have? When your partner doesn't see you taking care of yourself they can easily "assume" that it isn't important.

Self care IS the best care...take time to tend to you! Nurture YOU! King Spa & Sauna is a unique Korean inspired spa that is known as "Jjim-Jil Bang". Jjim-Jil Bang spa is one of the many traditional assets that have coexisted in the Korean community. With its own unique cultural blend, the Korean sauna offers great relaxation to relieve stress from the body and mind. the whole body, a pool to relax in, and a movie theatre for your entertainment.

http://www.kingspa.com/chicago/

"Live Life Out Loud, On Purpose and with NO Regrets"

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Wordless Wednesday: Talk Less ABOUT and Pray MORE For Marriages"

Anointed Wives Ministry (AWM) is dedicated to Y OU, the wife or wife to be, who wants to know how to have a "Till Death Do us Part Marriage". AWM is striving to be that "Good Thing" connect with them on FB at http://facebook.com/anointedwivesministry

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"Live Life Out Loud, On Purpose and with NO Regrets"

Monday, May 5, 2014

Motivational Monday: "Learning to Love Yourself"

Having self-respect, a positive self-image and accepting yourself as you are and coming to terms with those aspects of yourself that you cannot change are things generally said when told to "love yourself".

Needless to say, it does not mean being arrogant, conceited or thinking that you are better than anyone else. It means having a healthy regard for yourself knowing that you are a worthy human being.

It is important to remind ourselves that no one is perfect. We all have strengths and weaknesses and we certainly possess the resources to work on improving ourselves.

"No matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be, you are special, and you still have something unique to offer. Your life, because of who you are, has meaning." - LOVE YOUR SELF!