Short End of the Stick

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Okay "ladies first" so of course Mothers Day comes first on the calendar and in our hearts.  As a mother I can't help but feel the love every May and I do appreciate it.  Now my definition of feel the love is not based on the gifts received, although I DO admit I look forward to the creativity my daughter puts into my gifts every year.  I have realized I lose count after so many strangers pass by saying, “Happy Mother’s Day!”.  They never ask if I am a good mother or have I made the sacrifices needed for my sidekick (my beautiful daughter).  Sometimes she may not even be with me and still random strangers pass by with a smile and send "Happy Mother’s Day" wishes.  I started to wonder if I was wearing a sign on my forehead OR are we more apt to say it just in case when it comes to mother's because we assume they are doing what they need to be doing for their children?  Sunday was Father’s Day as I paid attention to my Facebook and Twitter feeds.  Time and time again I read messages like “Happy Fathers Day to the real fathers” and “Happy Father’s Day to the father’s that are in their children's lives”.  Now don't get me wrong, I am VERY aware there are serious issues when it comes to father’s and the roles they should play in the lives of their children versus what is actually happening, but is it fair to specify the good fathers when offering a Father’s day wish?  Do we make this same separation when it comes to recognizing mothers?  

In my mind Mother’s day is every day for me and I celebrate it as such.  When I look at my healthy child, how proud she makes me, and the blessings He shares with us on a daily basis, I can’t help but smile.  Then I have to remind myself that God chose me to raise her and has given me the strength and means to do it despite the daily obstacles.  So when strangers stop and say, “Happy Mother’s Day” they don't know the half.  I am blessed to have a Dad and step-Dad, wonderful Grandfathers, Uncles, cousins, and male friends that deserve a rousing applause and Fathers Day toast, but I also know plenty that don't.  When you are not there for special events, birthdays, and milestones your child accomplishes, I am reminded of how much these men miss out on daily and for those dad’s, the celebration of fatherhood may only come once a year, if at all.  In all actuality, I have decided I don't have space to block my blessings trying to point fingers at the non deserving and truth be told I know some sorry mothers out there as well.  So next time you choose to give someone a wish like "Happy Father’s Day" concentrate on those you were referring to when you began the thought and less on those who don't fit the bill because chances are, they already know they are not on their game.  

Salud,

Nae

Support Bra

As I sit here in the middle of my bed, it’s 11:24 pm, I’m drinking a glass of wine and talking on Skype to my two best friends Nae and San. I love these conversations, because we honestly start out with a specific purpose, i.e. brainstorming, planning or working, but we end up on another level. We definitely stray away from the plan. But hey, we wouldn’t be friends if we stuck to the subject. It’s moments like these that make us forget the problems in our lives. With all of the trials we face as individuals, it’s very refreshing to have two friends that can make them all go away, even if it’s only for a moment. That’s the true meaning of friendship, having someone that can make you laugh when the skies are raining on your head and you feel like you’re about to drown. We each have reached our own personal breaking points and we lean on each other individually to vent and let it all out, but I believe that it’s when we get together collectively, whether we’re in the same room or on Skype that the magic of our friendship happens. We can take one of our toughest moments and make it into a comedy special and laugh at each other and ourselves until that moment seems so long ago. I thank God everyday for these two ladies, their my BRA’s and with these 42DDs, I definitely need a lot of support!!

Cheers,

Jenn

The Write Off

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Ok people, that time of the year has come and gone...Tax Time, and being a newly single mother I have been hit with the big question. “Can I get some of your tax refund?” ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!!! Now, I know I’m not the only woman who has been hit with this question. If you’re not familiar with this, being able to claim your child adds on to your tax deductions and depending on your tax situation, this can mean a substantial tax refund. Single women, have you ever noticed that around this time of year we start to see an increase of guys who all of a sudden find you very attractive. Now I know I’m cute, not being arrogant, however, I’m not getting caught up in that trap. All of a sudden you want to be bothered because it’s tax time and then once I help you out of the goodness of my heart, you want to start acting like a jackass and I have to cut you out of my life. Then I’m out of a man and my money. Not happening here, because when I need your help with bills or childcare, you’re nowhere to be found. I thank God I don’t fall for that mess, Momma didn’t raise no fool! However, there are plenty of women that fall for these shenanigans and I’m here to say ladies, make sure you use your money wisely. It’s not going to last forever and if you start giving it to some man who’s not going to be around after it’s gone, then you’re the one that will be assed out in the end.

                                                              

Cheers!

Jenn

The Workout

I'm trying to lose weight. I have to admit, this it the heaviest I've ever been and I cannot stand it.  I’m trying to lose weight. I have to admit, this is the heaviest I’ve ever been and I cannot stand it. It’s so easy to put the weight on, but extremely hard to get it off. I recently bought a treadmill and told myself I would walk on it every day. That was a lie! I do get on and use it, just not as much as I should. I have to give myself credit however; at least I don’t use it to throw my clothes on it. It’s taking me a lot to get motivated and my will power is not the strongest, but I did something today that may not be a big deal to most people, but it was a big step for me, I left my house to workout. See, you have to understand me and my excuses; Yes I said excuses, for not working out. 

First, I don’t want to leave my house to workout because I have to tote my 3 year old son along and he can distract me. Second, it’s either too hot or too cold to go outside and walk. Let’s face it; this Georgia weather can be very tricky.  Third, gym memberships are too expensive and the ones that are affordable, have no options for child supervision. These excuses are just a few I use on a daily basis, so you can see why doing a real workout was a big deal for me. My friend Tranae told me about a group workout, that is free and because it is at a middle school track, the kids can ride their bikes and play freely, but it was outside. I knew I would have to compromise on something, but I actually enjoyed it, not the actual workout itself, but the atmosphere. It started in the early evening, so we had some sun but not too much. We were able to move at our own pace without feeling rushed and even when we did our drills, we all complained a little bit, so I knew I wasn’t the only one sweating and hurting. Everyone was very encouraging of each other and had great personalities. I actually felt good when I left, even though my muscles would disagree. I'll definitely go back, although I won’t be able to go after I get my hair done this week, excuse number four!  I think I’ll have a glass or two of Moscato to celebrate! 

Cheers!!!! 

Jenn

Launch Night

Some of the wine bottles from taste test

and long work days

Lap top and cocktail manual ready

It has been nearly three weeks since we launched here on Blogger and the reception has been Ah-Ma-Zing!  We are nearing 100 followers on our Twitter page, 50 on our Facebook page, and are continuously inspired to partake in libations to keep all of our readers and fans involved and educated…of course *wink*.  Yes, to some those numbers may be small; however, I know the numbers are going to steadily increase day by day and week by week as we continue to build our brand.  The launch night was full of cocktails and a bona fide excuse for me to use some of the glassware that I possess.  I may be considered a “glass hoarder” to some, but I prefer the term “collector” of glass/drinkware *smirking*.   

Mimosas with fresh cut peaches and breakfast

SN: "Is that the remnants of a Steelers cup in the background?"

says the Falcons Fan...no bueno

 Moscato with fresh cut peaches

We started the night as we would most any other time we get together with glasses of libations.  The first cocktail for the evening was Cruz Garcia Red Sangria with fresh fruits served in a red wine and hurricane glasses, then we progressed to a glass of Korbel Sweet Rosé served in my stemless Champagne glasses, next up on the drink list was a quartet of martinis.  Jose Cuervo Tequila served as the base for all four bevvies and each were mixed in a cocktail shaker with different juices: (1) Pomegranate Lemonade, (2) Strawberry Kiwi Lemonade, (3) White Grape Peach Juice, and (4) Citrus Punch.   

 All four of the cocktails based with

Tequila and a variety of juices

 Sweet Rosé

The favorite of the four concoctions was the Tequila and Pomegranate Lemonade.  As the libations begin to flow, so did some of our “slightly inebriated perspectives” about music, relationships, friendships, and food.  The night was not without eating and the meal consisted of a Mexican theme with turkey, shrimp, or fish tacos, Mexican rice, white cheese dip, salsa, and Tostitos addictive Hint of Lime chips.  We kept technology close by (RIP to the phone in rice) and were in finger taps of a live tweet up for the launch as well as keeping the fans in the know on our Facebook page.  The next morning we started with a huge breakfast and a Risata Moscato d’ Asti mimosa followed by glasses of Sutter Home Moscato with fresh peaches and lunch conversation.  EVERYTHING was perfect and a true sign to humble beginning of the Ladies n Libations brand. 

  Red Sangria with fresh 

cut peaches, red apples, and a naval orange

Shrimp taco with Rosé

Who collects glass/drinkware? What are some of your favorite cocktails to have on a ladies night in or on a fellas night out? 

Saluté,

San, The Red Head