Rested, Relaxed and Refreshed

Hello Lovelies!

Awwww....I feel rested, relaxed and refreshed and it is only Tuesday.  The last few days have been blissful.  Stress free.  Self absorbed.  Indulgent.  I arrived in Little Rock last Thursday and my Momma was waiting on me with open arms.  Home Sweet Home.  Thursday evening we had dinner with my cousins and retreated to bed early.  Yes, I slept with my Momma.  We stayed up for awhile talking about life and reminiscing about sweet memories.

Friday morning we slept in a little late then headed out to pick up my sister Traci.  Traci flew in from Denver for a long weekend.  After we had Traci in our caravan of love we decided to go have mani's and a little power shopping was in our fashionable future. 



My Mani...Shellac



That evening we relaxed and had dinner.  We decided to watch the Twilight Series of movies to see what all the hype was about.  Movie marathon time!  I must say that Edward was pretty easy on the eye.

Saturday morning came around and the three of us decided to have a girls day with Kristine.  Kristine is married to our cousin Bob.  We literally shopped until we dropped.  Had a blast.  Stopped for a wonderful lunch and then we continued on our mission.  The mission was to help Kristine find six new outfits complete with accessories and shoes.  Three dressy outfits and three casual outfits.

After our day of shopping we came home and put on a mini fashion show for Bob's approval.  He gave two thumbs up to all of Kristine's outfits.  In all honesty we purchased enough items to mix and match and create at least 25 outfits.  Before our shopping trip we did an evaluation of her closet to see what her wardrobe was needing!  Here is a quick rundown of the items we purchased on Saturday:

1. A coral trench coat
2. Coral and Ivory Cardi
3. Ivory pair of pants
4. Ivory cami
5. Gray tweed military jacket
6. Black boucle military jacket
7. Black velvet jacket
8. White dressy blouse
9. Animal Print Skirt
10. Black Pencil Skirt
11. Black skinny denim pants
12. Red Tee
13. Hot Pink Tee
14. Fun going out on the town top
15. Khaki casual jacket
16. Trendy Tee
17. Sequin Tank
18. Black Tall Boots
19. Black Dress Shoes
20. Uggs

Saturday I was in my element....helping a beautiful woman.  Laughing, shopping, picking out, trying on...LOVED every minute of the day.  This is where I get my enjoyment.  Helping and inspiring other women look their best.

Sunday morning we went to Church and then to lunch.  Have you ever noticed that a sermon preached seems to be designed specifically for you in mind?  God has away of working in our lives.  The sermon Sunday morning is part of a series on Marriage referred to as "Til Death Do Us Part".  Brother Paul started on the role of a wife.  It was incredible for me. Attached is a link to the sermon.  If you feel so compelled please take a few minutes to listen to his message.  http://eastunionbaptist.org/media


After lunch we visited the afternoon away.  Sunday night we relaxed, talked, cried, laughed and bonded.  There is never enough time when you are visiting your loved ones.

Monday came around way too soon.  The afternoon was sadden by the departure of my sister.  Now here I am on Tuesday.  This morning I took my Momma's cat to the vet.  Pocket has been protecting his left paw and we were worried it may of been injured.  The vet told us Pocket has arthritis.  He gave us arthritis medicine and needless to say Pocket is not too fond of the flavor. 

Last night we made Cowboy Corn bread and White beans with Ham soup.  I baked a cake and dang I must say "Bon appetite"...Southern Cooking at it's best.  Several of you asked me about Chow Chow.   Girlfriends if you have never had Chow Chow you are missing out.  It pairs with all things southern.  Beans, fried tators, homemade soups, Fried Catfish (notice I capitalized Fried Catfish because in my neck of the woods Fried Catfish is considered a proper noun), and heck, I have known folks to eat it with the eggs sunny side up!  So what is Chow Chow?  The short answer is “good”.   Chow-Chow (or Chow-Chow Relish) is made from chopped green tomatoes (and sometimes red tomatoes), cabbage, mustard seed or powder, onions, hot peppers, sweet peppers, and vinegar.

Southern "GOURMET"  Cowboy Cornbread with White Beans and Ham, Sam I am!

No Southern Meal is Complete without a Dessert....part of the main food groups

My days in Little Rock have been totally blissful and I am so thankful for the time away from work.  We can always make more money but you can not make enough time to spend with your family and friends.  Justin is still in the hospital and I have called him each day (numerous times) to check on his progress.  It breaks my heart when he is not doing well.  Please say a special prayer for my son and a speedy recovery.  Even though he is in the hospital I knew I must take time away from the daily grind and renew my spirit.  In order for me to be a caregiver I must take care of myself too.  There have been many prayers from this Momma.  Moms in prayer, stick together!

The rest of my visit her in Little Rock is filled with lots of fun.  Stay tuned as I roll around in my hometown...Little Rock!