Tag Archives: African Amercian blogger

Girlfriends Getaway

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Bon dia, Bon dia!!  Hopi tempo sin wak bo, conbai cubo? LOL!!! Ok, ok let me stop… I just said Hello, hello, long time no see… how are you?  Yes, it’s me and I’m back from my glorious GG vacation.  This year we ladies vacayed to the paradise island of Aruba.  It’s been a couple years since we’ve taken our – what use to be- annual trip, so this trip was well deserved.   If you’ve been to Aruba, you know what I mean, if not.. please go.. it’s one of the most beautiful islands with the best beaches.

Sand in my feet, breeze blowing softly and music in my ears.. ahhhhhh .. Here’s the story of my travel therapy to One Happy Island.

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This year it just four of us who went: Me, Amina, Sharon (my sister-n-law), and Ethel (my aunt who I featured on the blog here)

Our days were filled with sun, sun, sun, and more sun… along with music and drinks!

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Our mornings started with a delightful breakfast we enjoyed at Aromi D’Italia..  We were pleased to find a restaurant that served turkey bacon (woo-hooo)!

Walking along the white sandy beach while gazing into the crystal blue waters really takes your stress away and allows your mind to be at peace.

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After our first day there, Amina realized she left her sunglasses, so we went out shopping that night to find her a pair.  The next day, she was all set.. here she is striking her “check out my new shades” pose heeeeheeee..

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On our breaks from the sun, I had the most delicious fish sandwich.  It was grilled grouper with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and the most delectable aioli sauce..(I fell in love with it, so much so, I had the chef give me the recipe – now I’m on the hunt for aji mojido – which is what they used to mix with mayo)

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On another day, we had massages done at Etnika Spa, located on the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort

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I immediately fell in love with the decor.. it’s so Zen-like (I wish I could have brought this little guy & basket home with me)

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The earth tones were so calming and soothing…

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Here’s the outdoor sitting area located next to the spa

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For playful times,they had these giant outdoor board games for chess and checkers players.

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Or if you wanted, you could shoot a game of pool on the outdoor pool table..

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and of course beach volleyball was a given.  How could you not enjoy a good game with this backdrop

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At a restaurant where we dined, these two men serenaded us with the lovely tune “Hello” by Lionel Richie (awwwwww… how lovely)

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On another night after dinner, we stumbled upon an Outdoor Club “South Beach Lounge” and the DJ was pretty cool.. He enjoyed giving us Jersey Girls a shout-out!  We danced our meal off that night – chuckles..

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Another day out and about, here we are exploring the town.  We had so much laughter going on.. I loved, loved, loved my time with these ladies.

 

 

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We ventured into town for a day of shopping.  Pookie was quite happy with her purchases..heeheee..

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Even though she blamed us for the purchases….. Yea Right!! I told her to blame it on the boogie-  LOL

Meanwhile, I found a  cute kitchen accessory, that pretty much described my struggle.. So it had to come home with me..

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How many of you feel me with this– lol…

I couldn’t resist taking a picture of this stunning window design at Dolce & Gabanna

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While there, I learned a neighborhood friend was there as well, so we all got together on our last night and had a wonderful dinner.  The evening was filled with more laughter, joy and good times.

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This vacation was absolutely fantastic and I look forward to our next Girlfriends Getaway.  I treasure these moments, because having my sister and girlfriends in my life is definitely something I need to maintain a good balance and times like these are essential to my continued well-being.  It’s so funny, because as I sat there, thinking about life and filling my head with dreams, I opened my eyes and saw this cap sitting in the sand and said to myself “WOW”  that’s me.. I’m always a dream-chaser.

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I’d like to believe you enjoyed reading about my Girlfriends Getaway and hope it inspired you to gather up your besties and hit the road for a getaway.  Until next time, I’ll chat with you soon.. Smooches!!

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I have to give a big thank you to the Marriott Stellaris for such impeccable accommodations.  You can learn more about Aruba – One Happy Island by watching the video clip.

 

Friday Feature

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Hey everyone, it’s been a while since I’ve featured someone, and I apologize for that.  This past month I had a minor setback, but that’s over and now it’s time for me to get back on track.  I’m excited to introduce today’s Friday feature.  A few months ago I joined a Facebook group called The Thrifting Divas.  It’s a wonderful group of ladies who enjoy thrifting and showing off their “goodies”.  It’s mainly focused around fashion, however quite a few people also showcase their homes decorated with items they get while thrifting.  It was through that group I came across thrifting diva, Knetta Lilly, when she featured her beautiful dining room.  Look at her beautiful space:

My mouth dropped when I saw it and to learn she used thrifted items sweetened the whole look.  She stated the table, banquette seating, floor vases, mirrored buffet and lamps were all sourced from Craigslist.  She’s a great example if you look for items, and be patient- you’ll find them without spending a fortune.

Knetta has a passion for home decor, and use thrifted items to decorate her home and clients homes.  She feels you don’t have to be super rich to have a beautiful home and caters to all different budgets.   Here are few of her designs: She created this living room, by using sources like Craigslist and OfferUp.  The sofa, glass coffee table, round rug and Wingback acrylic chairs were all sourced from those sites.

For the bedroom, the thrifted items featured here are the curtain panels and ottoman (which is absolutely stunning).

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She thrifted the mirror, console table and artificial tree to design this dramatic foyer featured here.

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In this cozy quaint sitting area she thrifted the mirrors, table, pillows, chairs and the rug was sale item she snagged for $20.00 (kudos to her!!)

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For a client she designed this dining area by hitting Craigslist for the table, buffet, and light fixture (I’ve got to get active with that site-do any of you use it?)

Last but not least, I have to show you one more fabulous room she created for another client

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To create this swanky pad, she hit a hotel liquidation store and scooped the pin striped chairs and ottoman.  She scored again on Craigslist with the bar and glass top table.  For the bar she used her special touch by staining it black and added the marble top for a whole new look.  The fancy red mirror was silver and she painted it for a pop of color.  She finished the look with custom pillows she made and this room was finished with one happy client.   So you see why I was so excited about today’s feature.  There’s a lot of excitement and enthusiasm amongst home decorators in this group and now Knetta has created her own FB Group Cents Savvy Home.   Knetta Lilly, who is the owner and Principal Designer for K Lilly Interiors, LLC., a residential interior decorating firm in Atlanta, Georgia.  Her site was created to showcase low – priced and second-hand home decor furnishings and accessories that she have sourced in and around Atlanta. Most of these furnishings have been sourced from Craigslist, OfferUp, garage sales and/or thrift stores. She, too, believes your home can look high-end without the expensive price tag. The site allows for its members to post home decor furnishings and accessories that they find and/or post rooms that have been designed with thrifted decor.  So, come join and  “Let’s Have Fun with Cents Savvy Home Decor!”

I’ll look to see you there!  Until next time – happy hunting! Smooches?

Guests Are Coming

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The holidays are approaching and I’m sure you’re going to have guests.  Today I’d like to share a few tips to prepare for their arrival.  Aside from the usual dusting.(lol).. it’s always good to refresh the sheets.  I always give them a quick spray with  a favorite linen spray.

Have a welcoming station nearby to show them how happy you are to have them.   I created this with two unused items I had lying around the house.  This little project cost me $3.50 to make – you can view how to here

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I leave a spare key for them to use (just in case I’m not home and they need to get back in)

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Utilize the dresser drawer space for spare toiletries.

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(don’t think I’m crazy, but yes, that’s a burned out candle) I keep that tucked in there, because even though I can no longer use it, the smell is still strong, so it acts a freshener ( I remove it prior to the guest arrive and place it back in there when they’re gone).  That one candle keeps all the drawers smelling fresh.

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One special touch is to get a photo of who’s coming (if you have one) and place it in frame, it’ll make them smile when they see a photograph of themselves in your home.

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Have ample room for them to place their luggage.  A trunk at the foot of the bed is always good to have to stow the pillows and for guests to place the suitcase on.

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A small bedside lamp or overhead lighting with a low watt bulb is always good at night when the ceiling light is too bright.

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A soft bedskirt placed across the end of the bed can also be a foot-warmer for additional comfort.

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Keep a trinket dish on the nightstand to hold small jewelry items (i.e rings, necklace)

Of course having magazines or books are also good to have for late night reading materials.  I really enjoy having guests come and truly cherish the moments while they’re here. Making guests as comfortable as possible and providing that home-away-from home feeling not only gives me joy, but knowing I made their stay a pleasurable experience,which ensures they’ll be happy to come back.

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I hope I offered some wonderful tips that will help you make your guest’s stay with you all the better.  If you have any other tips, please share – I’d love to hear them.

Sending smooches..

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Gift Winner!

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Hey everyone, I want to thank you for all the lovely birthday wishes.  It really made my day even more special.  I’ve gotten over the feeling “50” blues and danced my way around the house!  Except now I just take a couple more breaks than before – lol! Okay, now getting to the point.. I just want to take a quick moment to announce the winner of the signed print.

Thank you all for participating in the giveaway – and Linda- Enjoy your art 🙂

I hope it brings a subtle smile when you think of me and our blogging memories.  Linda blogs at Lindaglovinghome.  Please visit her blog for more beautiful inspirational ideas and sewing tips to decorate and love your home.

Once again, thank you all for the birthday wishes and I’ll see you in the next post.

Smooches!

 

Off my Rocker

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Sharing this throwback from when I first started blogging 🙂 – It’s a Rocker-Redo … And they’re still in great shape.  So next time … don’t pass up the rockers without a seat