Monday Morning Ramblings Picture form ( through the eyes of the PW)!

So Marc decided he wants to try his hand at gardening! This should be interesting! lol

This was my attempt last year. Two out of 7 hosta bulbs survived! And you see how small they are! LOL

So this year we brought the full size! if these don't survive.......It's a wrap! And don't even get me started about mulch and flowerbeds! We brought the rubber mulch last year and the weeds had a field day with them.

My attempt at Sundays OOTD! One day I will actually learn how to take a pic in the mirror! lol 

This is me after speaking at WABC for Mothers Day. I'm still humbled at the idea of speaking and especially the fact that God is using me in this way! 

My beautiful aunt introducing me! 

Marc along with the Men's Ministry handing out gifts and roses!

I have such a supportive family! My aunt, uncle, several cousins, my godchild, two of my sister in laws and a slew of my nieces and nephews were there! 

We headed out of town after service so that we could meet my mom for dinner. I usually love Ruby Tuesdays ribs but something was missing this time. 

Three generations of women! I loved that I got to spend the day with family! By the way doesn't my mom look good? Hard to believe she's going to be 70 this fall! 

Portable office bag!

I picked up this idea after watching At Home With Nicki on YouTube. She also has more detailed info on her blog.

This is a temporary bag that I have had like forever! I really want a bag from Thirty One (I just don't want to pay the Thirty One price yet...LOL). 

My notebook and pen from a recent Michael's haul which I will use for jotting down ideas, notes, etc.

The pouches are from Target and are for travel papers, or ministry receipts. I also have a pen, extra notepads and scissors.

A simple iPad case (Five and Below), and a wallet (Tuesday morning),

A binder and folders with tabs for Home, Work, Church, and Play.

I still have a few things left to purchase but I am hoping eventually this will help me stay organized when I am on the go (especially at church).

Tuesday morning mind dump ( through the eyes of a PW)!

It's Tuesday morning Mind Dump....only because Monday was so busy I didn't have a chance to blog! lol

I'm so proud of this man! He just finished his first semester in the Master's program at Virginia Union University. If all goes well he should be done within a 1 1/2! Its been rough but I'm glad he has had this opportunity.

I spent a small part of Friday afternoon helping one of our Women's Ministry Team members set up for her graduation! I could do this all day! LOL

Nicole (she is the one on the left) had to step down from a lot of her ministry duties while she was pursuing her degree! But prayerfully she will be able to come back soon. If it wasn't for her vision we would not have our Backpack Drive! 

Marc even made it back from class on Saturday in time for the celebration.

Nicki made it as well, but that was after she attended the wedding of a longtime friend (she also did her friends make-up). 

Its been a long time since the girls have had a chance to get together for a cousin weekend. Life has changed for the four of them so much over the last few years. Trice is about to get married, Jen has a baby boy and my girls have been busy with ministry, jobs etc. But this weekend the girls got to slip away for some cousin time. This is a pic of Nick who has the four girls wrapped around his finger! He has become the "man" in their life! LOL Its so hard to believe its been a year since he was born!! 

This weekend we celebrated our annual friends and family celebration. It didn't all go as planned but we still had a good time. Our annual picnic has been postponed until June. So we will have even more opportunities to get together. Our friend Rev. Mitchell was our guest speaker. 

Marc and I tried a new meal at Applebee's on Sunday afternoon (we eat out on Sundays right after church). I know people don't understand why folks post their food photos but I have been doing this for years. I think you have to be a scrapbooker to understand fully. LOL

My SIL sent us a message not long after we got home that a dress I had given her to alter was ready for me to pick up. When I got there she also had a belated birthday gift for me. This girl knows me so well. The Minnie is for Mother's Day and the bath products are from Victoria Secret (which is the only thing I can wear from that place...lol). I'm going to have to watch my daughter Quisha like a hawk because she loves purple. And Nicki likes anything pink, and animal print is an added bonus! 

Speaking of Mother's Day please keep me in your prayers as I will be speaking to our congregation on Mother's Day. 

What's in my purse!

I love looking at "What's In My Bag" post on YouTube. Yesterday afternoon I noticed my friend Lori had posted one on her channel. I thought I had posted a recent one here myself, but when I went back to look I realized it had been last June since my last one! So in honor of my friend I thought I would post an updated "What's In My Bag". 

This bag is from JCPenneys (Emma Q). It was featured in my April favorites.

My Mary Kay make-up bag (yes, this bag can hold a lot of stuff). It holds several brushes (Mary Kay, Mabelline and Elf), my Milani face powder, Milani baked blush, Revlon lipstick, Mary Kay eyebrow gel. NYZ eye shadow pallet, Maybelline Volume Express mascara, and L.A colors lip gloss. 

This is my eyeglass case, manicure kit, and a wallet that I use as a business card holder. The blue Tommy Hilfiger case is for my iPhone. And yes, I know I have a TH obsession! LOL

I picked up the eyeglass case at a local outlet, The sunglasses are the kind you wear over your prescription glasses (I wish someone would design some cute ones), the manicure set from Walmart and the "business card" holder is from Tuesday Morning.

This is my Sonia Kashuk "emergency" bag. You can see more details about this bag here. I like the fact that its large enough to contain most of my "stuff" without having it loose in my bag where I can't find it. The aqua blue bag is a temporary bag I picked up from the dollar spot at Target for coupons (bath and bodyworks, restaurant coupons, etc). I find that if I don't keep certain coupons in my bag I forget about them. The small black velvet bag holds my purse holder. My key chain has got crazy! I have a mini note pad (I think it was a gift), but its great when someone wants to give you a number or other info and you can't seem to find a pad or piece of paper anywhere. Of course I have my pocketback hand sanitizer from Bath and Bodyworks ( I just picked up a bunch over the weekend). The scent right now is Fresh Picked Apples. I have a Cinderella locket from a friend, a name tag, a mini light with WABC address on it, my Obama keychain from a trip to DC a few years ago, and Eiffel Tower charm from a friend who went to Paris and a Crown Finders keep purse ( I am the Disney Queen...lol) from the same friend which has been a lifesaver! I think every women should have one so that they are not searching for their keys. 

Some miscellaneous items that I haven't figured out where to put yet include a comb, brush, Kleenex tissues, church program from Sunday, a pen and socks from last night. Marc and I had a date night to go see "Iron Man" and I took the socks just in case my feet got cold in the theater. 

Lastly are my allergy and blood pressure meds that I take with me (partly because I'm known for forgetting to take them), some ibuprofen (I'm in the market for a cute pill holder lol), a small clip and an eyeglass cleaning cloth. 

So there you have it! So what's in your bag? I would love to see it if you have a blog or YouTube channel.

My April Favorites

Favorite Hair Products

I have tried every pony tail holder under the sun. Even the ouchless ones without the medal band. I wasn't sure how these would work on ethnic hair but surprisingly they hold my ponytail in place really well and the best part? I don't have wads of hair left in the elsastic after I take it out!

Last summer I decided to let my hair grow out. So far its been an ok adventure ( I won't be going "natural" just in case anyone ask). I get my hair "did" every two weeks. Usually my hairdresser washes it, roller sets it and puts me under the dryer (she follows up with a wrap). That is the only time heat goes near my head. Every 6 weeks I get my hair relaxed ( for all my non-african american sista's who may not have a clue what I'm talking about....I'm not talking about a perm) which basically means my stylist uses chemicals to take the "curl" out of my hair (the week in between I do a co-wash). Last month I "treated" my hair the week before I usually get a a relaxer and used Lustrasilk Herbal Cholesterol deep conditioning cream along with my Aphogee Deep Moisture Shampoo and then used my Cantu Shea butter leave in conditioning repair cream. I noticed a significant difference in my hair texture (it was straighter), and so did my hairdresser because she reccomended skipping my relaxer until my next appointment (which meant I went 8 weeks without a touch up). Needless to say I will be doing this again during the month of May! Any chance to extend my relaxer to at least two more weeks is a good thing!

Favorite Make-Up Products

I ordered this months ago (glad I did because it doesn't seem to be on the website anymore) from my Mary Kay Consultant when I was in the middle of my "pinched nerve" issues. I asked my consultant to save it for my birthday (which would include a discount for the month of my birthday. You all know I love a good bargain). I love this bag! It came with several make-up brushes but there is room for additional brushes, and additional net pocket plus a make up bag that comes out. Its a great addition to my collection of bags and is a perfect compliment to my Mary Kay's travel bag.

I've been really loving my Milani Face Powder in Dark Tan (I use it on hot days in place of foundation) and the Milani Rose D' Oro baked powder blush. I started using Milani products last summer and picked up the  face powder again this spring. I have been keeping the make-up pretty light and natural the last few weeks so my go to lipstick has been nuetral  (sort of coral) by Revlon (super lustrous) in the shade Temptress. I also went back to using Mary Kay's brow gel. I've tried other types but I haven't been that satisfied with them. Mary Kay had a brow gel years ago and then discountinued it. Recently they brought it back and I am thrilled! 

Favorite Fashion Pieces 

I brought this Bob Mackie jacket last year when we went on vacation to Lancaster PA. Its from QVC and came from their outlet store. This jacket looks great with dresses, capri's and jeans! I knew I would like it when I got it but wasn't sure what I would wear it with. Now I love it! I posted a pic on Instagram and "Bob Mackie" or one of his people liked it! LOL

I picked up this purse a few years ago from JCPenneys. As a matter of fact I think we brought one for the girls as well in brown and pink. This bag holds a ton of stuff and can go casual or slightly dressy. 

I love sandals in the summmer with a cute skirt or maxi dress. I picked these up from Roses for $8.00! I have been wearing them like crazy and the best part is that they don't hurt between the toes! That's a must with these type of shoes. 

Favorite Home Items

I've been burning Bath and Bodyworks Pink Sangria. The description on the candle says its a mix of zesty mandarin, crisp appple, watery pear and sugared berries. I just know it smells good. LOL

I brought a bunch of candle holders from Bath and Bodyworks with my birthday money! I don't know why but I just feel safer having them in the candle sleeves. Plus they are pretty! 

I switch up my "sippy" cups with the season. My favorite colors are blue and green..need I say more? 

Favorite Beverage/Snacks

I thought I would give the pretzel chips a try and was surprised how much I liked them. Surprisingly my family liked it as well. I ate them plain as well as with chicken salad and honey mustard sauce.

I tried this tea for the first time when they were serving it at our churches cafe. Its Lipston's Blueberry and Pomegranate white tea and it is delicious cold as well as hot.

This is completely my husbands fault. He brought me a case of my favorite candy bar for my birthday. I won't even tell you how many are left in the box! 

Same with the cereal! Which I snack on because I don't drink milk.

Favorite Books/Magazines

With magazines right now its all about the organizing! I would love if you shared your favorites! 

I just finished reading Stand By Me, which is about the life of two women in a multi-cultural church. You all know if you follow me on twitter that I am passionate about women, and especially passionate about uniting our different races. Apparently there is a series of these books by the author Neta Jackson who is the author of the Yada Yada prayer group. I enjoyed the book so much I'm going to be looking for some of he earlier books to add to my collection. 

Favorite TV Shows

I have been watching a lot of tv. My favorites this month have been Body of Proof , Castle and The Good Wife! I'm also glued to the tv so I can catch the last couple of episodes of NCIS which I believe is in its last season. Marc and I both watch Person of Interest and Elementary! I told you I was watching a lot of TV. 

Favorite Song

Some of my friends belong to Mount Lebanon Church here in Virginia and their church just released a new song called " Bless The Name of The Lord" and I have been listening to it all week! Its coming out on Itunes this week (it may have been released already). But if you get a chance go check it out!

Favorite YouTuber

I thought I would add this to my monthly favorites. I have really enjoyed watching GabeandBabe . These two crack me up! And they have the cutest baby!!! 

Favorite App

I recently downloaded a countdown app and its my favorite this month because I'm using it to countdown our 30th anniversary trip! 

And that ladies is my April favorites!!!! Hope you enjoyed it. Sorry for any mispellings or typos. This blog post has taken me all day to do and my arm is starting to hurt. I may go back later and clean it up a bit but for now I'm done. lol