Gowns, Gowns, Gowns!

Despite abandoning the actual show for basketball (The KNICKS beat the Heat!), you know I had to watch all of the dresses. It’s the Superbowl of Fashion.

It seemed that you were either wearing a nude crystal embellished dress or a red dress last night. Here are a few of my favorites:

JHud. WOW. Seriously, she looked great, I love that she lost the weight by eating right and exercising and she certainly earned every inch of this tangerine Versace. She turned heads the minute she hit the carpet. Congrats to her because the confidence and happiness was radiating from her. Fantastic!

Mila looked lovely. I loved that she embraced an unexpected color. She also wore a gown that wasn’t so traditional or structured. I thought she looked amazing.

Gwyneth looked modern, sleek and all movie star. So different and unexpected. I loved it. She’s come a long way from the pink poufy ballgown she wore when she won.

I love all things designed by Marchesa and Halle did this gown justice. I love the color and I love the simple hair and makeup. Of the nude gowns, this one screamed Oscars to me.

While the dress wasn’t anything major, I loved Reese’s hair and makeup last night. She brought it on the carpet and looked fantastic. Besides, I watched Sweet Home Alabama earlier in the day and I just think she’s adorable.

On the flip side:

Poor Nicole….this was just bad. This picture is even making it look better than it did on camera. The orange shoes weren’t working for me either. It looks like a napkin fold. I would also like to see her embrace a dress in a jewel tone for a change.

Weigh in on your favorites…..or just leave the Knicks props. LOL

Happy Monday!

Gold Star

Parenting is the hardest job in the world. To know that you are responsible for shaping someone’s life is a huge responsibility. Children are indeed sponges and they soak up everything, good and bad. I find myself having to constantly remind myself that my behavior is a major influence on my boys.

Tali 1 usually brings home stellar grades and I couldn’t be more proud of him. However, prior to this year, he listened in class, studied a little at home, and continued to get A’s. This year has been a learning lesson for him in that he really has to study to get those A’s.

At his school, they take weekly tests every Friday. Last week, he did a great job on all of the tests but got a low grade on his Social Studies test. He was pretty upset about it. We talked about what he was doing when he studied for the test. He read the chapter twice, which has always been sufficient before.  After looking at the material, I realized that I needed to teach him how to study. I felt terrible because I should have paid more attention to what he needed to study the first time around. Reading the chapter wasn’t going to cut it anymore.

This week, he had tests on explorers and inventors. We read the chapter and I showed him how to take notes. We made index cards for each of the key names and then wrote what they were known for on the back.

Ponce De Leon-Florida

Alexander Graham Bell-Telephone/Menlo Park, NJ

Jonas Salk-Polio Vaccine

Etc….

We worked on it until he knew them all inside and out. We will find out on Wednesday how he did on the test but I felt so much better that he was adequately prepared. As we sat and talked about it, I realized that I needed to not assume he was studying and to continue to groom his study habits in order for him to succeed.  As a kid, I was always organized and ready to study. I always had the notes people wanted to borrow. Highlighted notes, index cards…you know I am a geek.

I made the mistake of assuming he was doing the same thing and learned a valuable parenting lesson. You can’t assume anything with kids. You have to always check up on them. Even the ones that bring home A’s. That poor grade was as much my fault. Lesson learned!

What the Fudge?

I ran into the dollar store yesterday and passed this in one of the aisles. I need somebody to explain this to me.

No more “bending to clean your feet”? What in the foot car wash hell is this?

**Use of the word lazy has been edited as many folks have now explained the value of this product. Thank you all for enlightening me. Happy Friday. -The Management

Ding Ding Time’s Up

 Juwayriya is pronounced this way by the lovely young lady in Tali’s class:

                                                           JAH WARRIOR

Leave it to my fellow island comrades from Jamaica. Love my yardies!

Oh yeah….most Valentine’s in our house went to Tali 2 with 18. He seems especially fond of one from someone named Mya. Hmph. I got my eye on that boy.

I got nothing but love for you all (c) Eddie Kane Jr. Hope your day is a special one where you are able to feel loved and share love with family, friends and those most special to you.

Happy ValentiNe’s Day Contest

Sending you all lots of love today! We were writing out Valentine’s Day notes for the boys’ classmates last night. We came across a special name.

I will send a Starbucks gift card to the person that can correctly pronounce this name. (Write it out phonetically for how you would pronounce it).

Ready?

                                                          Juwayriya

Open Letter to Kim Kardashian

Dearest Kimmy:

I want you to know that despite my husband’s undying love for you, I bear you no ill will. Having not been blessed with anything near the posterior that you possess, I allow him to dream.

I can even overlook your over saturation in the media. Magazines, tv shows, red carpets. Although I know not what it is you do exactly, I do respect your hustle and ability to have come out of Paris Hilton’s shadow, only to overtake her celebrity status.

I can even forgive you for dating Reggie Bush. Reggie Bush…*sigh*

Okay, maybe I was hating on you for your good fortune. Lucky beyotch.

I can even overlook your insipid reality show. I actually watched a recent episode one Sunday afternoon. You had a nude photoshoot with a major magazine. Then when they aired your nude photo, you cried your eyes out saying they “promised” to cover you up when it was published. *crickets*

I was willing to overlook these things. You are a beautiful girl with a killer body. Your fashion sense has improved dramatically. You have managed to exhibit some business savvy and built an empire for yourself afterall.

However, I have since had to part ways with you altogether. Even Mr. 1969 says he is done with lusting after your ample assets. Why?

Because when his purple royal highness pulls you up on stage in MY hometown and asks you to dance……you dance dammit.

Ain’t nobody too cute to dance with Prince. Heffa. Should have known you had no rhythm after that boring video with Ray J.

The Randomness

Back from my crazy Superbowl weekend. Mr. 1969 actually took his team’s loss very well. Like I told him, with 6 rings, you will be okay! Congrats to the Packers who held it down for the NFC and hopefully, Brett Favre can fade into the history books.

My favorite coffee cities/countries: Hawaii Kona, Jamaican Blue Mountain, Costa Rican, Ethiopian Sumatra and New Orleans Chicory

Your girl has lost a size since I started training. YAY! While I don’t want to lose anymore, I am quite happy to be here! Go Me.

I am ashamed to admit that I like the Last Train To Paris CD. I love “I Hate That I Love You”. Diddy, don’t mess this one up dude!

Happy Birthday to SHELLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love Jameil for reminding me that I need to write about Facebook gangsters. However, I’m not mad at em anymore.

That being said, if I can’t make it to your function because I had to work and already told you so, please refrain from going to my page on Facebook to let me know that my presence was “missed” at the event and everyone was looking for me. Especially when I know you didn’t mean it in a nice way. Heffa. (said with love)

I have been spinning and I am seeing major results from it. It is NOT FUN but I can’t argue with the mirror. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend it.

My BFF at my new job resigned last week and I am sad already. She made this craziness tolerable. I think she will not be the last this year to jump ship. Our jobs are crazy. I’m determined though! Pray for me.

Does anyone else’s husband wash cars by hand when it’s 30 degrees outside?

The Cape is quite possibly the worst superhero show EVER. #cancelplease

Is anyone else hyped up for Thor and Captain America? The trailers were better than the Superbowl. I swear I am a comic book geek. Bring on The Avengers!

No more football.  

Recipe for Spicy Cocktail Meatballs

This is the recipe for the meatballs I make. It’s from Food Network. I usually make them with ground turkey and they have been fine. Enjoy!

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 eggs
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons adobe sauce (from can of chipotle peppers in adobo)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon canola oil

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Directions

To make the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients, except the canola oil. Shape heaping teaspoons of the mixture into 1-inch balls. In a Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, wiping pan in between, saute the meatballs, turning frequently for even browning, until cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Place on a paper towel-lined plate.

To make the sauce:

Heat oil in the same Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions and saute until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Add the crushed red pepper and cook 1 minute. Stir in the remaining ingredients and reduce heat to low.

Add the browned meatballs to the Dutch oven and toss gently to coat with sauce.

What the Fudge?

Left for work this morning. Jumped in the car, driving down the street listening to Mike and Mike in the morning (uh, yeah…I’m a sports junkie), shades on, focused on the road. At the light, the dude in the car next to me honks his horn.

I look over and he is motioning for me to roll down the window. This is the last light before the turn onto the highway or the turnpike. I figured he was lost and trying to ask for directions. I rolled down my window to see what he wanted.

Him: I find you quite attractive and was wondering if I could call you?

Me: Thank you but I’m married.

Him: So am I.

Me: Rolls window up and drives off

I was cracking up for a few miles. I called Mr. 1969 to share that delightful exchange.

Me: Can you believe that?

Him: What? Dude figured it was an equal risk venture.

Uh yeah. I’m gonna make some special meatballs just for him on Sunday.

Cause I don’t have enough to do

With a husband who lives and dies for the Pittsburgh Steelers, you already know what is happening at Casa de 1969 this weekend right?

Two snaps if your guess involved a whole slew of frat brothers, two kids under 8, a buffet of game food, beer and well, me. Before you say anything else, please know that I have a sorority meeting on Superbowl Sunday at 3pm. Now I love my Sorors but clearly, they are not thinking. I remember the year we had a meeting and the Giants were in the Superbowl. Uh yeah….guess who was in charge of a committee, needed to give a report and never showed up? *hand raised*

So yeah, I will be doing a whole lot of prep work on Saturday so I can just cook on Sunday and throw the rest of the stuff in when I return (I am only going for one hour, I swear! My exit strategy is TIGHT!)

I am developing my menu. My husband is asking for jerk chicken wings, fried chicken wings and buffalo wings and my chipotle meatballs *blank stare*. What happened to ordering pizza and some hoagies? I am sooo not feeling up to it this year but as a good wife, I will get it together before the end of the week.

Does anyone have any Superbowl recipes they would like to share? If so, send them over. I have the Steelers by three. Who ya got?

P.S. Why am I a friend of “Troy Polamalu’s hair on Facebook and Twitter? LMAO!