Poet "Truth Be Told" (2nd Annual Naturals In The City Hair&Wellness Expo)

30 Day Crunch and Squat Challenge Final thoughts

What can I say I really enjoyed this challenge. I tried some new routines and I have gain more knowledge of the different kinds of workout there are in the fitness realm. I've learned more about myself outside working out on a schedule and eating on a planned meal. I was able to make a goal and try to stick to it in which I did for the most part. I have found my weakness and gain some new strengths as well. In 30 days I was able to fit into an XL which hasn't happen since 2008. My jeans fit better my shirts are looser and my dress fit smoothly in all the right curvy places. I will continue to push myself and work on my odd eating habits as well. I'm very proud of my self Im actually thrilled to say I will be doing this challenge or rather a new challenge later this summer. I am continuing my fitness jorney one day at a time by my own rules of dedication, time, patience, healthier eating, and good old hard work. I have such a positive thought and feeling about working out now that wasn't always there. I can't wait to see my progress 6 months from now.

Married men&Guys with girlfriends (Session 1)

So I'm about to head back in to the dating game after a 2 1/2 yr leave of absence (by choice). I have notice some major changes in the playing field. I don't fully remember it being cool or the it thing to date someone with a mate (married or not). I don't fully judge those who chose to date married men or men with girlfriends, but I just know it's not for me. In this case 'sharing is not caring". Society has changed to the point where things that weren't okay are becoming the norm. I asked myself "How long have I been gone?" In reality as the sign of times change so do the attributes of the world and the people who live in it. I've always caught the eye of at least one eye no matter where I go (i.e. the grocery store, the bank, the park, book store, mall,etc.). Without saying a word I can just tell by my spidey senses (intuition) that A he's married or B he has a girlfriend or is a certified skirt chaser. One of the things I look for is the obvious 'The Ring", but the vocal and physical body language that they are giving me. If I feel like they are being TOO anxious or eager to talk to me or even too secretive to talk to me to get "The Digits", 9 times out of ten there's a catch to him. I have come across once or twice a guy who I would like to call a "Phantom". You can't tell nor pick up on anything about him. He seems like a normal guy, but he has hidden any clues that would other wise set off an alarm in any woman's head. He's a pro and has done it many times that he has perfected his skills in this area of his life. This type of guy is few in many but does exsit. With any man or woman, love is a gamble. You have to be willing to put your heart out there. Knowing what you want and need while not settling for less than you deserve. Standing your grounds will be the key to dating successfully dating. (LESSON LEARNED)There will come a time somewhere down the line where a woman comes across a problem. I did. Simply walk a way (if not run). I made up in my mind at the tender age of 19 when I started dating that I will not date a certain kind of man and a married man is very high on the list (if not #1). At the age of 20 I did unwilling (at first) date a guy who was in an relationship. It was hard for me to stop having feelings for this guy. Once feelings, time, and energy has been invested into something its hard on a woman to just drop everything and leave if she not use to it. Those things have already set up camp in my heart and life. I stayed around it caused major damage to my life and heart. The healing time after that was about 2 years before I dated again. I got away from him and just got to know me a whole lot better. I never though I would never (EVER) be in a situation like that. I took it as a stepping stone in my life. I will never do that again (EVER) Back to my first few thought of the open letter of advice. Lately I've been getting approached by married men and guys already in relationships. Have men lost their damn minds or do I attract a certain kind of man? Makes me wonder do I set off an alarm or scent that attracts them. It's not until they notice my pleasant yet dominant personality that they catch on that I know the game they are trying to play. I conduct myself like a lady 95% of the time there is that 5% that slightlty wants to hog tie these types of guys and throw them on the back of a truck going to "a place where dogs go to die". You just have to know sometimes. Weither it be by experience or instinct. Listening to what your conscience and heart are telling you. If something is off about a guy or even feels out of place in your mind (common sense)and organize all your thoughts. God would've never given a woman intuition if he didn't think she would need it - GIRL FRIDAY Session 2 to this topic coming soon

Spicy Tofu Scramble

My on going love affair with Tofu has yet blessed me with another favorite dish. This has got to be one of my favorite Sunday morning dishes to date. (sorry pancakes) It a vegetarian take on the imfamous "Scramble eggs" even though it tastes like a stove top quiche to me. All you need are a few select around the house ingredients. This is what I call a "Kitchen sink" recipe, because no matter what you have around the old fridge it will always taste great. For this dish I used 4 eggs, extra firm tofu (DRAINED AND CRUMBLED), an array of diffrent spices,canola cooking oil spray, olive oil, two types of onions (white and green), a good ole' green bell pepper,Rotel brand tomatoes and chiles, and mild cheddar cheese. It's quite simple just preheat(medium to low heat) skillet and spray canola oil cooking spray and drizzle olive oil to coat the pan. Saute onions and bell pepper in skillet for only a couple of mins (DON'T FORGET TO STIR). Next add in the Rotel tomatoes and chiles and tofu. Make sure you stir to keep everything from burning or sticking to the pan. Then while everything is sauting crack the 4 eggs and beat with a fork. Add the spices of your choosing, I chose a dash of salt, pepper, garlic&pepper, Tony's brand creole seasoning (love that stuff), crush red pepper flakes. Add just a dash of each then later while cooking you can go back and add more as desired. Once eggs and spices are mixed in add them to the veggies in the skillet. At this time add a sprinkle of cheese to the dish. Stir the ingredients as the scramble begins to bond together. This process only take a couple of mins so keep stiring. When the dish is almost in scramble egg form sprinkle more cheese and spices as desired until everything has been completly cooked. Turn off the heat and plate the scramble. I normally eat this dish with a small bowl of oat meal or fruit in this case, along side a glass of almond/soy milk, green tea, lemon&honey or a cool glass of my favorite fruit juice. This dish will keep you full through out lunch time. Hope you enjoy!!!

CHEF SIDE NOTES: YOU CAN ALSO ADD AND MIX IN DIFFRENT TYPES OF PEPPERS, SPICES, AND VEGGIES TO MAKE A NEW SCRAMBLE TO CALL ALL YOUR OWN. TRY USING SEASONAL VEGGIES GROWN IN YOUR LOCAL FARMER MARKETS. THERE IS ALSO A VEGAN ALTERNATIVE TO THIS RECIPE:INSTEAD OF EGGS YOU COULD USE MORE TOFU OR SEITAIN, AND USE A SOY BASED VEGAN CHEESE LIKE DAIYA