Breezy Sunday

It was a perfect Sunday afternoon at the beach: breezy and sunny.

I could feel the air of festivity around me.

The beach was crowded that afternoon.

Can you see the fishing afficionados crowding the Deerfield Beach International Pier?

The coconut reminded me of home

That's my officemate, Lisa.

We had lunch and cocktails at the beachfront Patio Bar and Grill.

My frozen mango margarita

Color of Dawn

the sky

its reflection on the lake

For the beauty of the earth

For the beauty of the skies

For the love which from our birth

Over and around us lies

Lord of all, to thee we raise

This our grateful hymn of praise.

-John Rutter

Shout to the Lord

I love this song- beautiful melody and beautiful message.

Black Friday Madness

Black Friday - the day after Thanksgiving when bargain hunters and avid shoppers trek to the store to take advantage of the bargain and discounted sales offered on that day. With the current economic crisis, every penny counts, and shoppers are looking for promotional and discount sales. Anything to get their money's worth.

Well, today is the bargain hunter's day. It is also, traditionally, the start of the Christmas shopping season. If you're joining the Black Friday madness, start heading to the stores now.

Everyday is Thanksgiving Day

On this day, the United States of America is celebrating Thanksgiving Day. A popular American tradition, it has its origins back in the days when the Pilgrims celebrated in thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.

We can make everyday a Thanksgiving Day by thanking the Lord for every blessing that we receive, by thanking those individuals who have touched our lives by their kindness, love and generosity.

.... and so today, I thank my family and friends for their unconditional love. Their prayers and support have carried me through the tough times.

Cyber Monday Mania

I love to shop but I always look for discounted sales. For me, 40% or more is a sale. If it's anything less than that, I won't bother spending my dollar unless the item is really something I'd been dying to have, a must, or affordable even without the sale.

When I first came to the U.S., my friends here would tell me to wait and shop after a major holiday because of the big discounts offered by stores. Well, it seems like everyone's been waiting like me because right after the holiday, like Thanksgiving, people would flock to the mall and stores like crazy. Long lines leading to the cash register and difficult parking.

Now, there's a great way to enjoy big discounts without going through the hassle of regular store shopping. Do it on a Cyber Monday right in the comforts of your home or office. Online shopping has never been this fun!

Lose that Extra Poundage

I wish I could be that lady in the picture: proudly holding that extra-large jeans to show off her lean body. I have not reach the point of shopping for an XL pants but if I continue not to exercise, or control my very healthy appetite and find weight loss supplements, it won't be a remote possibility that I'll end up wearing an XL pair of pants, too. I got to start doing something about my body. Quick!

Do They Really Work?

I see various kinds of weight-reducing pills in stores, magazines and, especially, online. One claims that it is more effective and/or stronger than the rest. Another claims that it is safer because it does not contain certain ingredients that is medically found to be unsuitable for the body. Others claim they are natural, fast-acting or have long-term results. I have tried a few before. There were those that were so "mild" I did not even see or feel any results. I have also tried a strong one, which suppressed my appetite alright, but which almost knocked me down. So my question is, do weight loss pills work? If they do, where can I find one that works?

Flowers Speak More Than a Thousand Words

A message of love can be conveyed with just a single rose. As they say, "flowers speak more than a thousand words," so if you want to say something to someone special, "say it with flowers."

Even in this high tech age, people continue to give flowers to show their love and affection. What would a Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Anniversary and even a Birthday be without a bouquet of flowers? However, a bouquet of long-stemmed roses, orchids, or tulips, albeit beautiful, can be very costly. Lucky for us flower givers, there are flower shops that have done a good job at discounting without sacrificing quality and beauty of the flowers.

Afternoon Stroll Around the Pineland Preserve

A ten-minute walk from where I live is Helene Klein Pineland Preserve, a small habitat where slash pines and saw palmetto grow in abundance. There you can also find cypress swamp and marl prairies.

Yesterday afternoon, I strolled around the area.

Mr. Squirrel scampered above a pine tree when he saw me approaching

winterberries

Pine cones are lying everywhere

Weeds with yellow flowers.....

Saw palmetto

I thank you God for this amazing day

For the leaping greenly spirits of trees,

and for the blue dream of sky

and for everything which is natural

which is infinite, which is yes.

-E.E. Cummings

One Good Turn Deserves Another

"Since one good turn deserves another, what can I do for you ?" asks The Door Knob to Alice (in Wonderland).

Imagine having The Door Knob in your front door. One who welcomes visitors and shoos away trespassers. He looks cute but I would still settle for one which does not talk.

A unique door knob can make even the most plain-looking door attractive; therefore, investing in a decorative door knob is a nifty idea. One does not have to spend big bucks for a unique and quality door knob. Look for discounted sales at home improvement and hardware plus stores. You might also find great one in antique shops or garage sales.

Bedside Companion

My devotional, reading glasses and remote for the radio/alarm

40 Years of Singing God's Glory

The Heritage Singers- one of my favorite gospel singers.

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing and making melody in your heart

to the Lord.

- Ephesians 5:19

Looking Good, Feeling Good

When we wear something, be it a dress or an underwear, it is important for us women that we not only feel good, we should also look good. I, for one, am particular that my tummy do not bulge when I am wearing fitted clothes. You know, curves in the wrong places. Wearing a girdle or an underwear with abdomen support sometimes help, but when the dress material is light and fitting, it is sometimes still a problem especially when I have gained weight. I am glad there's the corset. Not only does it give great abdomen support, it also gives bust and back support and helps the wearer develop good posture but helping prevent slouching. Of course, it also reduces the waistline making the woman look sexier and slimmer or curvaceous. The corset is not just an underwear designed to help the woman with her problem areas. It is also a piece of clothing that can make a woman look attractive and sexy.

Looking good gives a woman more confidence; and a woman who exudes confidence looks sexier and more beautiful.