HAPPY FRIDAY, A BIRTHDAY AND A GREEN SMOOTHIE!!

Hi Beautiful!

Hope you've had a wonderful week! Mine seems to have been super busy. I'm a little pooped so I hadn't really prepared an official Friday post but here goes...

Today is a "snow" day here in Atlanta. And if you don't know what that means let me tell you. Being in the south, we really aren't equipped to handle snow and/or icy conditions because we rarely get that. For example, there was a 30 car pile-up here because the DOT had not gotten to that part of a highway. Having said that, we have a little snow and a lot of ice along with temps in the teens (windchill of 2 degrees) which means all the schools are out and some businesses are closed for part of the day, maybe more. So as soon as I'm done here, I'm getting back in bed. Lol.

Today is also my daughter's birthday. (Didn't she luck up with a snow day as a b'day!) Got a 14-yr old whom I'm very proud of. She's a good kid - uh, young lady. Just the other day, she asked for some green smoothie. Now granted, she wasn't feeling well at the time, but just her thought to get some green smoothie in her to remedy illness really impressed me. She does listen to me! Woo hoo! Normally, she sees me making what she's calls "a lake" and runs in the opposite direction. It's cool. Now I know she is taking note. She just doesn't know how much she made my day. =)

Green Smoothie
good bunch of kale
some parsley
banana
orange
filtered or distilled water
a little agave nectar (for the newbie)

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend. Take some time to do something good for yourself.

And as always, "Do you".

Much Luv,

HAPPY FRIDAY

...had a dream that Adam Rodriguez was trying to "court" me.....


...*sighs*......


....nuf said....

HAPPY FRIDAY.

HAPPY FRIDAY & HAPPY WINNINGS

Happy Friday to all you wonderful people!!

You all deserve a cocktail, apple cider, beer, glass of wine, lemon water or whatever your drink of choice may be. I hope that you had a wonderful week and have an even better weekend planned. I have quite a few things on my list for every day this weekend. Then to top it off, I'm going to see my other man (tehehehe), Maxwell on Monday.

Anyhoo, the winner of the Herb Giveaway is the lovely Laquita of All Naptural per the Random Number Generator. Ms. Laquita, if you could be so kind as to email me the address that you want your winnings to be sent to, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks again to all who participated! You all have some wonderful ideas!! I may incorporate or try a few of them. I had fun. I hope to do another giveaway in the near future - maybe after the new year.

I hope that you all have a wonderful, fun-filled, full of love weekend.

Peace and blessings,
ChocolateOrchid

TGIF & A GIVEAWAY!!

HAPPY FRIDAY, BEAUTIFULS!!

I hope that you all have had a wonderful week and have an even better weekend planned, whatever it may include. I was so happy when I got home to see that my package from Moutain Rose Herbs had arrived. Wanna know what all was in it?....

Well, here goes:
1. Some Press & Brew tea bags
2. Herbs: Coltsfoot, Rosemary Leaf, Peppermint Leaf, Nettle Leaf, Rosemary Leaf, Rosehips
3. Teas: Vita Blend, Blossoms of Health, Hisbiscus High, Honeybush Tea, Firefly Chai, Red Rooibos Tea
4. Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, Chamomile (German), Red Thyme, Rosemary, Geranium, Hyssop, Lemon, Peppermint

Yes, it was a big box full of goodies. So full of goodies that I discovered I ordered two 8 oz bags of Rosemary leaf. No, that was not a misprint above.
Sooooo... Seeing as my one year blogiversary is this Sunday, Sept. 27th (Woo hoo!!) and there is absolutely nothing I’d like more than sharing the love. I will be doing another giveaway.

The winner will receive the following:

8 oz bag of Rosemary leaf
4 oz bag of Hisbiscus Flowers
4 oz bag of Hisbiscus Flower Powder

All organic. All from Mountain Rose Herbs. These herbs can be used in foods, teas, hair products, etc. You can find some info. on these particular herbs here and here.

The guidelines for this giveaway are as follows:

1. You have to be a follower or subscriber. In the comment section of this blog post, please specify which one you are.

2. You must leave a comment in the comment section of this particular post.

3. Share how you plan to use these particular herbs. You never know. You may inspire someone to try something new and/or different.

4. All comments must be in by next Thursday, Oct, 1st. No later than 8pm, EST.

I will use the random number generator to pick the winner and will announce your name in next Friday’s post. So be sure to check back!
I wish each and every one of you the best!

Have an awesome weekend! Do something good for yourself. Do something kind for someone else. And as always, “Do you.”


Peace, blessings and much luv,
ChocolateOrchid

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Hi Beautifuls!

Hope you're having a wonderful day. It's raining like a monsoon season here in the "A". How's the weather where you are?

This past week marks my 2 year anniversary of being "au naturale". Whoo hoo!! I've had my good & bad hair days and let me tell you, I wouldn't change it for anything. I'm still lovin', diggin', feelin' my hair. Definitely still learning and it's still all good.

Here are a few pics of my journey from beginning (Aug. '07) to this present.
Enjoy!





















I hope that you all have a wonderful day and weekend. Get out and do something for yourself. See your city like you've never seen it before. Try something new or different. Live life and live it to the fullest.
And as always, "Do you."

Peace,
CO

IT'S FRIDAY FUNNIES!!

Happy Friday to all of you fabulous people!!

I trust that you plan on making this one of your best days! ;)
I just had to share with you a Friday funny video. Let me just go on and tell you that I love me some B. Scott. I first found out about him through fab chica, Urbancurlz (who I hope to see at the Atlanta Natural Hair meetup that Lexiwiththecurls is heading up. Hint. Hint.).

Anyhoo, I have mad love for anyone who feels totally comfortable and free to be who they are. That's a rarity and a struggle for many folks. Although I've come a long way, I must admit that I still have my moments. For me, B. represents total self-acceptance and self-love. I think that those are two underrated commodities amongst people.

Well...I'm gonna stop typing and let you all enjoy his video...
"BUTT NAKED NOTHING BUT PEARLS"




Have a wonderful weekend! And as always, "Do You".
Luv Ya,
CO

HAPPY FRIDAY, GORGEOUS!!

This is where my mind is.
Get the picture.
Translation: absolutely no focus

Enjoy your weekend!
See you all on Monday!

A LETTER FROM CHOCOLATEORCHID

Hi Lovelies,

HAPPY FRIDAY! I hope that this week has been wonderful for you. Positive and productive in every way. I haven’t done a post like this in, it seems like, awhile. Matter of fact, I feel like I’ve been a bit stale with it and so I’ve decided to bring it back. I truly believe that people have to walk their own individual paths in life. My path may not look like yours or the other person’s, even if our destinations are the same or similar. I would not dare judge someone’s walk or base it on my own. As unique as each of us are, I feel that that would be totally absurd. But what I will do is celebrate you, right where you’re at. Every step whether it be small or large. Yes, even the setbacks knowing that they are simply experiences to be learned from.

I don’t believe in “boxing” people under expectations I have for myself or what I may, in my own finite understanding, deem as the right or proper way to go for your goal. Oh, hells no! What works for me may not work for you and vice versa. I’ve learned, however, to embrace & respect the beauty in our diversity and individuality. That’s just where I’m at.

Which is why I can only share my journey & things I’ve learned with you. And hopefully, that will motivate and/or inspire you to step out boldly on your own personal journey.

So by all means… do you and do you vibrantly!
Live life and live it fully!
Love and love completely!

With Love,
ChocolateOrchid

Have a wonderful weekend, Beautifuls. =)

IT'S COCKTAILS AND FLOWERS!!

Cocktail ring, that is. =)


Happy Friday, Beautifuls!

I hope that all in your world is well. My week has been pretty busy. Mainly at work b/c of handling month end less one person. Whew!! We’re already at bare-bones w/our workforce so someone taking an extended vacation puts a bit more wear-n-tear on the rest of the department. Left me drained by the end of the day. Not that I’m complaining. It just is. Simply an observation.

Question: My 13 year old daughter would like to start a blog. She’d love to be on Facebook or Myspace. Til now, I have strictly forbidden b/c of my concerns with internet predators. Her aunts think it’s a great idea, as long as I’m supervising. I think I will allow it. I do enjoy her writing.

Just curious: What are your thoughts on age and the internet?...

Marilee's Fox Cocktail Ring! So cute!

Have a wonderful weekend, Lovelies!
CO


Ooh, check it out! I'm the Who's Who? feature on Texture Playground. If you haven't checked out this hair blog then you've gotta go by there. Fleurtzy brings a wealth of information to the blogosphere regarding natural hair care. She is one of the wonderful bloggers who has helped me with my own hair regimen. I remember seeing her comment on the Curltalk 4a forum on Naturallycurly.com. Shortly thereafter, she burst onto the scene with her own hair blog. Great site to blogroll!

HAPPY FRIDAY, BEAUTIFUL!!

Today's cocktail is shanghai sour by pinkaholic girl(flickr)


Just wanted to wish you beautiful and fabulously fly people a Happy Friday and a wonderful weekend! My plans for weekend seem kind of heavy. I have a graduation celebration to attend. A movie (Terminator Salvation) that I must see. Lest No blows a gasket. Lol. Family to go visit with. And that's just amongst the regular weekend cleaning/routine. I hope to twist up my hair tonight. I've been trying to do that for a week or so, but have been really lazy and settling on a low pony puff.

What are your plans for the weekend?...

Oh, meant to officially greet my new subscribers and followers. I heart you all and look forward to your input and comments. =)

You Get A Cocktail! You Get A Flower! It's Friday, Baby!!

Good Morning Beautiful Ones!

I'm so glad it's Friday! It's the weekend! I'm just happy. This week started off being a bit of a challenge. My brother had to be hospitalized and found out he was diabetic. (Thanks to all those who were aware who prayers & thoughts went out to him/us.) He's still there but we're hoping for his release on today. Are we down about it? Not at all! I'm happy! Happy that my brother is still here. Happy to be alive. Happy to have genuine friends and loved ones. Happy that with each new day comes another grand opportunity to live life to its fullest, embrace & savor every moment, and find the joy, beauty and God in every detail. =)

I also extend warm gratitude and thanks to earthmother (IntheRaw), Rebecca (PurelyDelicious), and Ingrid (RawEpicurean). Thank you so much for your input for Jazmyn's Plea. It really warmed my heart for all of you to take time to send out your assistance. You all are the best!! xoxo

On top of the above stuff, this was my daughter's last week of school. She had finals and projects up through today. Unfortunately, I haven't worked out this week. So you know, it's on and poppin' this weekend! One of my favorite workout tapes (Yes, I do realize I need to update to dvd's. lol.) is by Gilad. I so love his workouts. With him, you can't blink without breakin' a sweat. I also am looking forward to seeing "Terminator Salvation". Anyhoo, amongst this and visiting fam, I will find the time to just chill. Atlanta is supposed to be getting "liquid sunshine" for the next week so I look forward to layin' in on one of my four days off!

I hope that you have a wonderful weekend! Be sure to do something for yourself, Beautiful!
And as always, "Do you".

Much Luv,
ChocolateOrchid

What's happening with you this weekend?....

COCKTAILS AND FLOWERS FOR EVERYONE!!

Happy Friday Beautiful Ones!

Did you wake up and tell yourself, "I love you. I respect you. I value you". How about a hug or a well wish?.. When you opened your eyes, did you consider all the things that have gone right and are going right in your life? Did you reflect on all the wonderful things in your world?...

I ask you these things because it is way too easy to focus on what you don't like, what you wish had gone or would go a different way, what you regret doing or not having done, who you wish would act the way you feel they should act as opposed to focusing on the universe before you and what you can fashion it into. You can either tune yourself into the "Perpetual Victim" station or you can align yourself up with the "I Am Active in Making My World Positive and Healthy" station.

Which station are you choosing to vibe with?.... I guarantee you, the latter station will make your world more joyful and peaceful.


Anyhoo, I just had to meet up with you Lovelies because I miss blogging when I'm away. I'm addicted. Lol. I'm happy it's Friday but I'm really looking forward to next week. I have some posts in mind for next week (one of which was inspired by other bloggers) that I'm excited about. As far as the weekend is concerned, I hope that I will be able to get to my Hatha yoga class. I've really been missing it. I'm also gonna try out a couple of green smoothie recipes that I will review sometime next week. And definitely making it to see "Star Trek" this weekend.

What about you with your beautiful self?....

Peace and blessings, Beautifuls!
And as always, don't forget to "do you"?
ChocolateOrchid ;)

COCKTAILS AND FLOWERS FOR EVERYONE!

HAPPY FRIDAY, BEAUTIFULS!!

Just wanted to drop in and wish everyone a wonderful weekend and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the mothers and mothers-to-be!

I'll be very busy this weekend w/incoming family, my daughter's band banquet on Saturday, and of course cooking for Mom on Sunday.

What's on the agenda for you this weekend?....
Peace and blessings,
CO

COCKTAILS AND FLOWERS FOR EVERYONE....IT'S FRIDAY!!

Happy Friday Beautifuls!

I hope that all has been well w/you on this week. It has for me, outside of feeling a bit funky earlier this week. I attribute it to some stuff I shouldn't have eaten. A few smoothies and workouts later, and I'm better. =)

I am so lookin' forward to this weekend. After work (Yes, I'm blogging at work. Lol.), I plan on hitting up the movie "Wolverine" w/my brother. It's my treat for his birthday and both of us are looking forward to it. Saturday's Hatha yoga class was cancelled. DARN! So I hope to find one somewhere else. If not, I'll have to see if I can get to it on Sunday. I cannot express to you how great yoga is for the body and mind. I was so relaxed afterwards but on a much deeper level. I mean so much so that upon doing my taxes and discovering I owed $1500, I was okay. It just was. I also have to hit up Whole Foods. Momma needs some groceries. I've got some smoothies to make and drink. =)

What are you up to this weekend?.. I hope somewhere in it you find or make time to do something for you.

Much Love,
CO

Cocktails and Flowers

Hi Beautifuls!

Just wanted to wish everyone a HAPPY FRIDAY AND WEEKEND!! I hope that you had a wonderful week. Mine started out a little rough but is all good now. It's funny how you can be feeling a certain way and then something comes around or happens that brings all things back into perspective. Don't worry, it's Friday. That's as far as I'm going today. I still have yet to post what I wrote so I'll just save it for next week. It's a little deep and I almost decided to trash it but I think I'll go ahead and put it out there on next week.


I'm still reading the book by Natalia Rose "Raw Food Life Force Energy". It's a pretty easy read. One of the things that she discusses in it is "food combining". "Food combining" refers to the combination of foods which are compatible with each other in terms of digestive chemistry. Food combining is a basic component of optimal nutrition because it allows the body to digest and utilize the nutrients in our foods to their full extent. She also mentions eating "light to heavy". You know how it's been said that breakfast should be our heaviest/biggest meal with each meal following getting smaller in size. Well, Natalia feels that it should be the opposite of this. Starting off the day with the lightest foods for breakfast and gradually increasing the density of the foods we eat so that the heaviest meal is dinner. I'm testing these two ideas out and will let you know how it goes.

just because I like it. flower cocktail ring

Now as far as my hair is concerned, I've been ultra lazy. Last week when I was off, I did a nice puff everyday. The products I used were minimal (at least for me). I used Oyin's Honey Hemp condish as the main leave-in and sprayed my puff w/Jane Carter's Revitalizing Leave-In. Nice results. I promise you & me, I will try to do better w/pictures and take some next time. I'm itching to try a bantu knot-out, Cherry Lola treatment and amla rinse. But after working on my taxes and healthy eating goals/plans/reading & research, I just have not been motivated. As a matter of fact my hair has been in a bun since Sunday and from the looks of it will be in this style for another week. Please believe, I want to switch it up but my energies are focused elsewhere right now. This self-professed product junkie hasn't even purchased anything hair related lately and I have a Curlmart giftcard (compliments of Newly Natural). You know I'm trippin'! lol!

Anyhoo, I hope that you all have a lovely weekend! My daughter made it a point to remind me that I said I would take her and a friend to Six Flags on tomorrow. So that's what I'll be doing this weekend. Fun stuff!

What about you?...

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

Hi Beautiful!

Can I say, "THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY!!” I don’t know about you but I am so glad this week is over! It has been trying, painful (at times) and stressful. But I made it through and the sun is shining today (literally). As I reflect on this week, I focus on the good. That I’m alive, have use of my limbs, can see, have family and friends who love and care about me, a healthy happy child and… I’m still here. When I look at things from this perspective, I realize that every day, every moment that I’m still here is another opportunity to live life to its fullest. It’s another chance to grab hold to that that’s good, healthy, beneficial, beautiful and positive. And not just for myself, but to also share with others. The fact that I’m still here also let’s me know that I’m still, in some way, needed in this world. Something that I have may benefit the world whether it’s a gift, a program, a deed, a movement, etc. etc. Maybe it’s another opportunity to give someone a smile, a friendly hello, a warm “Happy Friday.”, or maybe even a hug. You never know who may need you. And I don’t mean in a big way. It could be the simplest, smallest thing that may be a “no-biggie” to you.

Just had to drop some thoughts…

I did complete my two day detox and I’m happy. It’s been way too long since I’ve done a fast of some sorts. Now, I’m motivated to reincorporate a day a fasting into my week and to strive for a week of fasting each quarter. I really feel great and lighter! The next time I do a fast, I should have my juicer so I can really get down with it! =)



Anyhoo, this is going to be a full weekend for me. Me and my daughter will hang out tonight. Spend some quality time. So looking forward to that! I’ll hit up The World Natural Hair Health and Beauty Show which is going on all weekend. I’ll be in attendance on Saturday. I can’t wait to see all the vendors and demonstrations! Oh, I’ll also get to meet fab hair blogger, Curlynikki. She’ll be there in her own booth. Go, girl!! I also hope to see another fab hair blogger, Urbancurlz. Holla!! Don’t play, Lady! Come on out! I do hope to see other fabulous natural heads, those in transitions and those just curious out there. Hell, just errbody!! Later that day, I hope to catch up with a childhood friend that I haven't seen in eons. And I cannot end this weekend without a much needed session of Hatha yoga, on Sunday! It is vital and necessary for me. Especially, following this week. Whew!



Well Beautifuls..we’ve made another week. I hope that all is well in your world.
Whatcha got going on this weekend? Will you get some time in for you? I sure hope so.
And don’t forget, Lovelies....do you.

Much Luv,
CO

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!

Happy Friday, Beautiful Ones!!

I hope that everyone has had a wonderful week. Mine has been long but still good. And yet, this weekend I will still be running. It's cool, though. I get to go out with a good friend, go visit a new baby, a salon opening and a raw foods meetup. In between which, I will be getting my henna on. Whoa!


What's on your list this weekend? Are you doing something for you?....

HAPPY FRIDAY, BEAUTIFULS!!

I hope that you've had a wonderful week! I have. And I'm writing this post just for you. Yes you!

I cannot tell you how much this song moves me! It was love at first note! And I'm totally lovin' Musiq's falsetto on this. Every time I hear it I immediately get the warm fuzzies. Seriously! It just does it for me!

Well...on this first Friday of March, I am dedicating this song to you. It's a simple reminder for all of you lovelies. Black, White, Asian, Latino, biracial, tall, short, slim, volumptious...whichever category(ies) you fall in. Yes, you with the freckles and front tooth gap, too!! You're fabulous!!

Do you know how gorgeous you are?.. If you haven't realized it yet, then go to the mirror right now. Take a good look at yourself & if you don't see it say it! Yes, say it as you look in the mirror. "Hi Beautiful!" "I love your (fill-in-the-blank)!" "You sure are gorgeous!" And if you don't feel it, say it everyday until you do!!

Because you are....
So Beautiful



Have a wonderful weekend!
And as always, "Do you", and something for you.

Much Love,
ChocolateOrchid

P.S. I am so hyped about "Watchmen". (Yes, I am a bit of a sci-fi geek.) Smooches...

Happy Friday!!

Hi Beautifuls!

I know I've been m.i.a. longer than I said I would but I'm back now! After recuping from Cheersport Nationals I had so many errands to run. A couple of which included me getting my cartag and renewing my license. I had tried to renew my license earlier this week but the systems had crashed so my hour and a half long wait counted for nothing. I was so disappointed because I wore my hair out and it was bangin'! Damn you crashed computers! Anyhoo, I renewed it this morning ..in my bun. (Still cute but not what I really wanted.) Ooh, I can't wait for March 20th! Which brings me to the subject of hair.

I received a note from Curljunkie.com regarding choosing the right products for your curls. And being a self-professed product junkie, I was immediately drawn in. (And yes, Curljunkie products are on my wishlist of hair goodies to try.) Here's the excerpt that caught my attention the most.

Weather plays a huge part. If it's a humid or rainy day outside, you know that you need to grab the extra moisturizing conditioner and/or use a moisturizing leave-in product (so your hair is saturated with moisture and won't try to "grab" it from the air, causing frizz and expansion) and then use a styling product to help "seal" hair and keep frizzies at bay. If it's dry outside, you want to use a product (especially a leave-in or styler) with more emollients (which help smooth and protect the hair shaft) than humectants (which grab moisture from the air) to help keep moisture in the hair shaft and not have the dry air try to "steal" it, which can cause frizzies as well.

I've read this before on other blogs and sites, but this was only after the Winter season had begun. So I definitely want to be prepared when the warm, humid weather comes so that I can use my hair products appropriately. I'm almost at a year and a half of being all-natural and I am definitely still learning things.

Well, I just had to drop in and spread a little knowledge. My birthday is this Sunday so I will be celebrating this weekend.

I hope that you have a great weekend! And be sure to do something for you!
What are your happening in your world, Beautiful?....

Happy Friday, Beautifuls!!!

Hola Beautifuls!

I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful weekend and Happy Valentine's Day all rolled into one. I'll be at cheerleader competitions at Cheersport Nationals all weekend. So wish our team luck and send up a prayer! I may not blog again until Wednesday, depending on my recuperation from this weekend's activities. But I'll definitely check in on everyone.

To all my fellow bloggers, subscribers, old and new followers of my blog and the lurkers I send you much love and wish you a wonderful day!

And as always, do you.

If you're wondering why I have a pair of Via Spiga "Fran" shoes up, it's just because they're pink and I think they're cute.

Peace and blessings,
CO