My Favorite Things

A few people have asked me what I want for Christmas.  I want a new car, chocolate husband and new iPad.  Since most people aren't willing to buy me those items, I just say whatever you want.  I buy whatever I want when I want it and that makes it difficult to purchase things for me.  A gift card is always appreciated. But instead of talking about what I want let's talk about the things that are my faves.  I have wanted to type this for a week but I didn't have time to add pictures and links so hang in there please.

First up is the Caress Passionate Spell Body Wash


It smells SO GOOD!  I bought it a 2 months when I was looking for a fun smelling body wash and this did not disappoint.  It's cheap and delicious.  WIN WIN for me.  Would be a great stocking stuffer!

Another favorite soap that is SO important for dry winter skin is this:


This soap should be mandatory if you live in a state that has harsh winter winds and snow.  I buy it Costco or Sam's because you can get a pack of three.  It smells yummy and is wonderful when you have dry, ashy skin.

Another smell good that isn't a soap is this:


My Aunt bought this when we were Black Friday shopping and I thought it smelled good.  I NEVER buy the Scentsy brand products but LOVE the Walmart version of Scentsy.  Tranquil Garden Spa smells light and refreshing.  It is not too heavy and smells clean, but not like clean linen.  Give it a try!  You won't be disappointed.

My next favorite thing is a pair of pants or work trousers.  Maurice's always does a good job of having work pants in LONG for the tall ladies.  They now are advertising 3 different cuts: Polished, Smart and Stunning.  I have tried the Polished and Stunning and Love both but my favorite has to be the Stunning!



These pants are long enough and fit a girl with a curve!

And last but not least is an oldie!  Carol's Daughter has been my favorite for a while but a few months ago Groupon ran a deal and offered their new Chocolate line's Shampoo, Conditioner and blow drying cream for $25.  That is a STEAL.  Because I live in Texas the humidity plays a huge part with my hair.  I curl it before I go to work and by the time I make it to the car my hair is flat.  The new line said that it would reduce frizz and that is exactly what it does!



So there are a few of my favorite things!  Try one of them (I dare you)!  

~TC

Fear December while finishing November

Let the countdown to Christmas begin!

Christmas isn't my favorite holiday.  In fact it is the opposite.  I love the face that we are celebrating Jesus' birthday but sometimes I feel that the holiday has gotten far from that.  One of my friends told me that I am motherless.  I am a motherless child.  I guess I have never thought of myself as that.  I consider myself to have a wonderful mother who is no longer with me but whose memory is always with me.  I just can

t talk to her.  That's the reason that Christmas isn't my favorite holiday.  

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and I had the chance to go home for the first time in 4 years for the holiday.  My Daddy was HAPPY to have me home and it was wonderful to see my family and even a few friends.  I started my drive home on Tuesday evening and spent the night with my aunt and uncle.  That is one of the best things about being back home, proximity to family and friends.  My aunt and uncle were happy to have me and are always so loving and accommodating.  I got up the next morning and had breakfast with my aunt (my uncle was fasting) before hitting the road.  I got home in enough time to eat a chilli cheese dog with my Paw.  He was so happy to have me at home and to harass me.  I then went and became a red head.  I had been wanting to add a little color to my hair but I needed my hairdresser who I trust.  I allowed her to do whatever she pleased.  I didn't necessarily want red but it's a great fun thing for fall.  That evening and spent time with my aunts and cousins.  I even made it home in enough time to watch a Western with my Paw.  On Thanksgiving day I had breakfast with my Bubs at Waffle House before going to visit my grammy at the nursing home.  She was having an off day and wasn't out of the bed and told us to come back the next day.  Her Spicy demeanor is why I don't worry about her.  I made it back over to my Dad's and hung out before having lunch at his sisters.  I then had lunch at my other aunts house before heading over to my other aunts house to hang out.  Talk about spending time with family!  I then did a little Grey Thursday shopping and picked up a new vaccum.  On Friday I spent the morning and afternoon with my Dad.  I wore him out before taking him back home.  He fell asleep on the ride back.  That evening I went to the movies with 2 of my aunts and saw Flight with Denzel.  The movie was only so so in my book.  On Saturday I spend the rest of my time with family and friends.  My dad cooked breakfast and my brother G stopped by and it was nice.  That evening I spent time with longest BFF- Bon and her mom.  It was great!  Our friendship has just gotten better with time.  And then on Sunday I started the drive back home.  The drive was fine until I my last 3 hours turned into 5 because of insane traffic.  I mean stand still.  I am so blessed to be close to my family again.  

I will return with more news soon but I had to document Thanksgiving..

Dub Dub

This post has been a long time coming!  

I am a known food lover.  I like most types of foods, desserts and everything else.  I love to cook, I love to eat, I love smelling good foods when I walk in places.  It is just one of my loves.  I am also a stress eater.  I eat when I have too much going on in my life, when I'm not happy or just when I'm bored.  Because of all of these things, I started to get fat.  I would feel like jelly when I got in bed and hated (HATED) the way I looked.  I decided to do something about it and decided to try Weight Watchers.  I saw sooo many ads in magazines and then Jennifer Hudson was singing about Feeling Good and I figured I should give it a try.  I made it one of three New Year Resolutions and I didn't start until late February of 2011.  I got a coupon to try a Weight Watchers meeting for free and it was the hardest first step ever to get there.  The people could not have been any nicer.  I didn't join the first time but I did make it back a week later and it was life changing.  I had dieted before: Fat Smash, Atkins and others.  Weight Watchers wasn't a diet.  It is a Life Style Change.  I can still eat bread, chocolate and drink wine.  I can still go out with friends and enjoy a meal but it makes you aware of what you put in your mouth.  I lost over 3 pounds my first week on WW and did not start exercising with the program until I had lost at least 10pounds.  I liked going to the meetings and getting to know others who loved food or didn't have the time to make themselves a priority.  I also began a great friendship with someone.  My friend Michelle worked at the old j-o-b up North.  We had a meeting one day when I casually mentioned to her that I attended WW and she quickly told me that she did too.  It didn't take long for us to start going to the same meetings and then start going on walks with each other.  ACCOUNTABILITY with her meant so much.  I lost close to 25 pounds.  It took a little over a year.  When I went to the Doctor in April for a check up she asked what had I done to drop 17 pounds in a year.  She told me to keep up the good work.  I have not hit my target weight.  I loved the way I felt in my clothes. I loved going to the gym.  I loved having people who looked out for me.  Living up north was easier because places NEVER sold Sweet Tea and that is another weakness.  Now that I live back in the south I have had to start all over again.  I had to join a new Weight Watchers family who don't seem to care if I miss a meeting or if they see me at all.  I had to join a new gym and I will skip the story on how I got spicy with that manager.  I also broke my favorite pair of work out shoes.  My Red Nike Shocks have been with me for years and just recently the shock pulled apart from the shoe.  I had to order new shoes and am still waiting for them to arrive.  I am listing excuses to you.  My life had been flipped upside down and I am still trying to get a routine in place and start loving myself enough to care about my health.  I have gained a few of the pounds back.  Nothing major, but major to me because I know how hard I worked to get them off and how easy it is the put empty food in my mouth.  And with the holidays and my birthday coming up, I know that food will be around me more than ever.  When my life is together, I eat healthy, work out, sleep well and have energy.  That is not the case right now and I am dealing with myself and trying to get back on track.  Weight Watchers was and is phenomenal.  I am making myself get it together and start back tracking, working out, food prep and all that good stuff.  

Have a great weekend,

TC

Full of it

Greetings!!!!

November is speeding by and I'm not ready for the Holidays.  Work is keeping me busy and I am so happy to be working.  It's so refreshing to have a job that I like and a supervisor who I look forward to seeing.  PEACE at last.  

Because of the new j-o-b, I find myself in a few meetings a week with the president of our campus.  And because of these meetings, I feel like I need to update the wardrobe.  I got off a little early today and stopped by a few stores to buy some tops and shoes and of course I didn't find anything.  I can never buy clothes when I need them because I can find anything.  I am going to one of many malls tomorrow to buy some makeup, workout shoes (rip red Nike Shox) and work attire.  

I drove home last week to tend to my paw.  He had surgery and I didn't want him staying at home by himself so I made the long journey to take care of him.  I am forever reminded how lucky I am to have my Daddy.  I also got to see my Grammy and she gave me a big hug.  We recently put my grammy in the nursing home and that has been a rough experience but I am happy that she is at a safe place and still mobile and spicy as ever.  

The elections are finally over (AMEN)!  I am a harmonious person.  I like for people to work together and act like respectful humans.  I saw comments that were inappropriate and felt disgusted.  I wish people would act respectful towards candidates and not say things if they weren't nice.  I don't talk about religion or politics on the blog because people always think their opinion is the only one that matters.  I have seen 2 blogs that I love discuss the politicking.  One was well worded and even though we don't see eye to eye, she was respectful.  The other was rude.  I have no problem with a different opinion  I have a problem with being disrespectful.  Have some class people.  It made me not want to read her blog because of the ugly comments.  

That is it for me.....  Please stay tuned.  more to come soon

Something like Fall

Today is fall.  At least for me.  It was cool enough yesterday that I grabbed a jacket off the dryer when I left for work and still cool enough that when lunch rolled around, I ordered soup (yummy baked potato soup).  It was almost cold when I got off work and had to grab goodies and pizza for the niece and nephew who were going to have a date night with me. I thought that I wouldn't get a fall here in Texas.  I was wrong.  It is in the sixties today and though I need to go to a mall and find a MAC store because I am almost out of powder, I am choosing to stay at home, catch up on my dvr, play games and drink a chai tea latte.  I really do need to unwind because next week I will be going home to check on my Pa.  Oh I really miss daddy.  I will be driving home 3 times in the next 2 months.  That's roughly 48 hours on the road.  Worth it, especially because gas is getting cheaper.  Just for fun I want to put some random things down:

Obsessing … Over getting my hair colored.  Decisions, decisions.

Working …I've been at the new job for a little over a month and I am still learning things and enjoying the challenges

Thinking … About how blessed I am.  I prayed and prayed and prayed and waited for new job and new beginnings and it finally came.  

Anticipating … The holiday season

Reading … I am currently not reading any books which is unusual.  I have read 50 Shades of Grey but don't own it.  I am thinking about purchasing it because I could re-read it.  And I'm also not reading anything because I need to get a library card for the new City.  

Listening … It is so nice being in a city where there is a radio station that plays good music and has a morning talk show that makes me laugh.  

Eating …  Because it is chilly, I really want soup, sandwiches, tea, desserts.  But because I am a fat girl, I like to eat all the time.

Wishing … that I could plan a vacation and wishing for something spectacular.

Dating

Today was a nice Sunday.  I have had a HARD time going to a new church.  I really loved my church home in the North.  People were friendly and I enjoyed my Pastor and his messages.  I felt like I had family at my church and truly enjoyed it.  During the move I felt like I was Superwoman.  God was opening doors for me and I was moving quickly (once I received and accepted my job offer) but I felt like I was doing things alone.  It took me 3 days to drive across country to get home and then another 8 1/2 hours to get to Texas.  I was tired of making every decision and doing it all by myself.  God was with me but no one physically.  I have been buying furniture and building furniture and getting things delivered and so much more.  I got tired of doing things and just couldn't go to church by myself.  Moving also meant leaving the few friends that I did make and starting from scratch.  This summer I read "MWF seeking BFF" by Rachel Bertsche.  In case you don't know MWF stands for Married White Female seeking Best friend Forever.  The book was humor laced with statistics about a married white female "Dating" women to find friends.  You know, friends who will be spontaneous and get drinks with you, or friends who will do dinner and wine or friends who are married and you can go out with your spouses.  I enjoyed the book and am taking some of those tips on Dating friends here.  Thus far I have made two friends.  I am glad that I am an extroverted person because that always makes it easier.  So today I was invited to church by my new friend.  It felt so good to go to church and not have to be alone.  I really enjoyed the service, everyone was friendly and there was a good message.  We went out to lunch after service with 2 other single ladies from church and it was so nice!  

I am sure that I will be dating more friends soon.  Let's hope for a date with a man too.

Loves, likes and others

Today is one of those days.  I know that tomorrow has to be a better than today.  

I love being back in the south but I have never lived in Texas before now.  It makes no sense for me to curl my hair at all because by the time I walk out of the door at my apartment and lock the door all of my curls are gone.  HUMIDITY is not my friend.  I love the heat.  I have so many sweaters that I fear that I will no longer be able to wear because it is so warm here.  I love the fact that people speak and are friendly.  Men hold the door for me and will walk towards it even if they are not going in to grab it for me.  I love the fact that people say God Bless You because really GOD DOES BLESS YOU!  I like going to the store and knowing that I will not be the only person of color.  I love waking up to life and God's surprises everyday.  I love that I can jump in my car and drive home if I have to.  And my favorite love of all is the fact that I can see my niece and nephew.  They are the craziest, sweetest kids ever and I love that I can be in their life.  My nephew looks sooo much like my brother that it scares me.  They allow me to love, kiss, hug on them as much as I want.  I really feel God's love for me these days.  

New Chapter, New Start

NEW

My absence from the blog was due to life changes.  So let me explain....

I spent eight long, long, long months job searching.  During that time I put things on pause.  I had to take time to focus on me.  I put friends, family, and life on stand still so I could put my energy into finding a new job and trying to finish my old job out strong.  I had some incredible loved ones in my life who pushed, listened, helped, prayed and stood by me during those 8 months.  THANK YOU!  No reason to say names... YOU know who you are.  

Life has just been taken off pause and it's wonderful.  I officially left the North and accepted a new job in the South.  Life doesn't suck anymore.  God stretched me during those eight months.  If you don't grind you don't shine.  I can honestly say that I am glad that I moved and that time in my life is over.  I am so happy to be living in Texas.  I am hours away from family and I feel normal.  I blend in when I go to Walmart and people are friendly.  I smile and can feel the happiness radiating from my body.  I still haven't found a new church home but I know that will come in due time.  

It's crazy that I just summed up some of the hardest months of my life in 2 paragraphs.  Job searching, interviewing, bad vibes from people I was ready to be done with, driving across country (by myself and with Jesus), going to check in on my Grammy and Daddy and finding a new place to live and starting a new job.  That's a whole lot.  And I am glad that I handled it with GOD.  Because I assure you I didn't think God was hearing my prayers because the wait was horrible and long.  But I do believe that during that time, when I was praying and waiting- it helped me to prepare for what I have now.  God came right on time.  HIS time.  My time- not at all.  But all of my needs where meet.   I don't miss anything about the north.  I do miss some of the people. 

It feels good to be back on the blog scene.  I can't wait to update you on life, the kids, exploring a new city and more.

~Tiny Chocolates

A conclusion of Christmas and Home

I spent 10 wonderful short days at home.  I love to sneak into town but my Pappy told me that he couldn't handle me sneaking in on him so I had no choice but to tell him.  Other than that no one knew the exact date.  I did give them a short window of when to expect me.  All of the pictures were taken on my iPad.  None of the photos were taken by me.  My 2 cousins Syd and La had a wonderful time playing with my ipad.  They made videos, beat Angry Birds (as they call it- Space Birds) and more.  The first pictures is Syd and La.  The second picture is La pointing at my Tootsie's husband and my Tootsie who is sitting on the floor.  The third picture is my Cousin Britt waving at the camera and last but not least is La with 2 of my Aunts and uncle in the background.  I spent time with everyone that I could.  I went to my Winnie's bball game and my good friend Sannie drove down to visit me and ended up spending the night.  My Kay May took pity on me and also drove down to visit me.  She actually had to drive and pick me up from my Dad's because my truck died on me.  I really appreciate that.    The whole holiday was great.  I went to church on Christmas Eve with my fam and then did dinner with them later that night.  I even talked my dad into coming.  On Christmas, I went to church with my dad and meet his new church family.  He recently switched churches and everyone was very nice.  I had lunch with my Dad's sister and then drove over to have dinner and games with my mom's side.  I had a funny feeling that my brother was trying to sneak in on me.  He wasn't answering my phone calls and I knew that he wasn't going to be able to come home for Christmas.  But on Christmas day he was at my Grammy's!  A very nice gift of having your family together.   I was flying back out on New Years Day so I didn't want to do much; just spend time with dad before I left.  I was actually asleep when the New Year came in!  It wasn't too hard to say see you later to my family.  I miss them so much and still pray for a job closer to them but I know that they are ok.   It was difficult to see my Grammy- She had a very bad day while I was at home.  But I am so glad to be able to have tons of memories of her from her good days.  That was my holiday all wrapped up pretty!  I hope that you all have a great Friday the 13th~

The Christmas Shake Down

I had a Fabulous Christmas with my family!  Here are a few pictures!  I will explain later!

Hello 2012

Happy New Year!


I have so many stories and pictures from Christmas!  I promise to post them sometime soon!  But let's celebrate the new year with q&a.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?

Got a Facial

-Learned to trust God more.  Learned more about being patient- because I am sure that if you look up the word "impatient" my picture is right there.

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I did a really good job and kept up with at least 2 of them.  I want to make more but I am not sure what they will be.  

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Another year full of babies...

Grace added baby number 2- Davon
Queen B had my VBP
and Krissy my Missy had baby T

4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes- My Grandma Bea

5. What countries did you visit? 

 

None!  Traveled enough in the US

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you didn't have in 2011?

LOVE

 

More patience, a better relationship with God

 

7. What dates from 2011 will be etched upon your memory, and why?

September 15- the day my granny B passed away

8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?

Losing 20 pounds

 

9. What was your biggest failure?

No failures- still growing and becoming a better woman, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, cousin, workers and such

 

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My memory foam.  Best thing ever
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Krissy my Missy because she graduated and is a Dentist

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

No one

14. Where did most of your money go?

TRAVEL- PLANE TICKETS-  Over $4000 dollars this year alone.  

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

nothing really 

 

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?

Grove St Party

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter?

 c) richer or poorer?

a) the only reason that I am not happier is because I am still so far from family.  Other than than- Happier

b) Thinner

c) I don't know if I'm poorer or not.  I can assure you that I am not richer

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

spent more time at the gym, volunteering, more quiet time with GOD

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Worring-  Give your problems to GOD.  Just let them Go

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Went to Church with my Daddy, lunch with my Aunt, Dinner and gifts with my mom's side of the family

21. Did you fall in love with 2011?

Nope.  Not at all

22. What was your favorite TV program?

I am a reality TV junkie so -  All Real Housewives of (pick a city), The Walking Dead, Top Chep, Iron Chef, Chopped.... and so much more.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

No... trying to let all of that stuff go.  

24. What was the best book you read?

The Help 

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

.Adele

26. What did you want and get?

I wanted weight loss and that is what I got.  

27. What did you want and not get?

To relocate...  I still want to be closer to home.  I want a job that I love, in a new city that has more diversity, that is closer to home, where I can find a good church family, a new boo, that is WARMER, and start a PHD program.  

28. What was your favorite film of 2011? 

Way to many to name.... but 2 of my fave were The Help and Mission Impossible:  Ghost protocol.  

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I am still under thirty and I celebrated it with family and friends!  

.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Continuing to listen to God 

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2011?

Comfortable and trying to find clothes that fit

32. What kept you sane?

Jesus, all of my expensive trips and friends

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

None that come to mind

34. Who did you miss?

I miss being able to see my friends and family more.  

.  

35. Who was the best new person you met?

CS and Michael.  Two great friends that keep me sane up here in the north.  

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

Pray without ceasing.  Giving it all to God and let him handle it.  Portion control

37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year

Jesus- He will fix it

After while!

 

 

 

That's it!  Hope that you are having a fabulous day!

 

Love you all and Happy New Year!

 

~TC