Sorry we're closed! Boo!

My son has his own business. Yes his own business!

He sells stationery supplies, his own booklets (he's an author/illustrator as well) and some other little knick-knacks. And guess what? He's not even a teen yet, however he's already realized that THIS is one of the things he wants in life...to be an entrepreneur.

The "store" front sign posted in our home.

Booklets he's written

How did this all start? Well about 2 years ago, I was telling him how to organize himself for homework and his reply was "I don't like people telling me what to do!"

As my eyebrow hit my hairline, "oh no he didn't!!" popped into my head and I felt myself morphing into Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon I said to him "in life you will find there are times when people will tell you what you have to do. Right now it's me, in school it's the teachers, when you get older it will be the law and when you go to work it will be your boss. When it comes to your education there is no compromise, with your teachers and the law if you don't follow the rules you face the consequences and if you don't want a boss then be one!"

Well somewhere in my speech he gathered that if HE was the boss not only will he be able to set the rules, but also have more time to enjoy other things (particularly video games), and so his business was born.

At first he would sell pencils and markers sporadically to family and a few friends, and we all thought it was really cute. Then when we visited places, instead of souvenirs for himself he'd ask me to buy a whole bunch of stationery. As time goes by, we are witnessing his growth...he is literally minding his own business.

He's established his business hours (after school and before bed) and during the weekends as well.  

Note that the gum is NOT included with the gumball machine... lol   

He changes his store signs according to the season, he offers sales and other promotions and although I offer input occassionally, he is definitely the one nurturing it. (His latest requests by the way are a blog and business cards! SMH)  

I watch in awe and admiration... and who knows? Perhaps years from now he'll be saying "I guess even back then you could call me C.E.O. of the..."

Pakistani Pie?

Never heard of it? Well neither had I until I met Saad Haroon.

Saad Haroon

Saad is a comedian from Pakistan and he tells the story of life in Pakistan through comedy and music. He realizes that there are many misconceptions between Pakistani and American cultures and has found a humorous way to bridge the gap.

Saad himself has a very colorful background. Born and raised in Hong Kong, lived in the US while he studied at the University of Massachusetts and now living in Pakistan, he is hoping to take his comical routine worldwide.

He entertained us with "Oh Mama": a funny story about a boy who tries to explain to his mother that he has fallen in love with someone who is not of the same religion or cultural background.

Another tummy tickler is "Burka Woman" which he sings to the music of the American classic "Pretty Woman". Saad finds the lighter side of the burka (the traditional cloak worn by some Muslim women) to show that yes, there are differences in their culture and the Western World but that's okay too. At the end of the day "we are all human".

Saad accompanied by Asim Khan

He also regaled us with "Pakistani Pie" (a spinoff of "American Pie") which goes a little deeper into Pakistani culture and the variances within the Muslim community.

It's a very fun way to learn a bit of history, and since history was never one of MY fave subjects, I'll take a piece of that Pakistani Pie!

(One way to keep up with Saad Haroon is on facebook, click here)

Kudos to the best YOU!!

"The man who is swimming against the stream, knows the strength of it"

~ President Woodrow Wilson.

When I started this blog entry today, I was initially going to address single moms, but I have decided to address EVERYONE out there on their daily grind!
It is not easy sometimes. We have 24 hours to fit in the job, work a double shift, part-time job, the kids, our DREAM jobs, school, extra-curricular activities, reading, writing...the list goes on. We ALL have the same 24 hours, yet sometimes it seems like it's never enough. Sometimes we feel burnt out...or we're trying to come up for air...catch our breath...or are barely making it through the day!!

For the past two weeks that is EXACTLY what I have been doing. Transitioning to a new department, helping my child adjust to a new grade, finishing my degree, working on my music, back and forth to all kinds of activities and events, you name it. That does not include taking care of the home front, squeezing in time to read novels/mags, MAYBE watch a movie here and there (yes I am waaaaaaaaaaaaay behind on the movie scene) and catch up with family and friends (I'm sure some of them have written me out of their Will !)
Lately that seems to be the common thread with a lot of my friends too: busy/ working/ studying/ gigging/ hustling...but you know what? We are doing it, and striving to be better individuals.

Add to that the HATERS!!! I don't usually address haters, cause I don't even like the word "hate". But unfortunately in life you will come across people who do just that: HATE! They don't like whatever: the color of your skin, your attitude, your confidence, your success, your car, your job, your hair, you! WHATEVER!
They don't see your struggles, your hard work, your making-ends-meet, the late nights, the early mornings, your passion, your drive, your heartaches, your pain, your love, you!
For those people I pray......TO GET OUT MY DAMN WAY!!! lol
I mean seriously!!! WHY HATE??
This week I learned a new acronym for HATERS: Having Anger Towards Everyone Reaching Success. Don't be mad! Stop letting fear guide your life, and stop harboring hatred! Like Will Smith said "hate in your heart consumes YOU".
Get out there and do what YOU want to do in YOUR life.
And no, it is not easy but it is better to try and fail, than to fail to try.

So KUDOS to all my peeps and anyone who's doing their best. STANDING OVATION for you, and heck yeah for me too! lol
Special shout outs to Robbie Rob, Sheils, Mich, Esha, V, Natalie Slamming, Anika, Lauren, Rhondon, Charlene, Briz, Tionna Smalls, Diamond Isis, Karim Rasul, Galia, Kirsten, Ana, Johanna, Mella, Nell and Mel.

I pray that God Blesses you in all your endeavours.
Much luv from my heart straight to yours!
Mandy

An American Idiot and a Bloody Jackson

American Idiot is a musical about three best friends who, after 9/11, try to figure out what they want in life.
It is compelling, definitely energetic, GREAT music......just go see it! And if you're lucky to get a ticket by THIS Sunday (Oct 3rd) then you'll see Billie Joe Armstrong (Mr Green Day himself) perform as well!

Billie Joe Armstrong

After the show we had the opportunity (Thanks NARAS) to meet the Director Michael Mayer and some of the cast. They gave us a little insight into what it takes to perform in such a show every night; they certainly work their butts off!

The very next night we headed back to Broadway to check out "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson".

I had NO idea what to expect but surprisingly it is a very entertaining view of history. It tells the story of Andrew Jackson: how he fought the British and the Spaniards, and "shafted the Indians" in the "best interest" of the United States. It is witty and fun, and I'm always fascinated by how much dialogue the actors retain and their delivery of it...AMAZING !

Composer and lyricist Michael Friedman on the right

Alex Timbers who wrote and directed the play not pictured here.

Special Thanks to NARAS for organizing the Q&A after the show with some of the members of the creative team.



Cosmos and Colin

This past Monday despite the rain I headed to The Red Lion on Bleecker St for their Songwriting Circle. I had the pleasure of hearing the usual musical elite (Galia Arad, Chris Tedesco, Kirsten Thien and Jake Holmes--on whom I'm beginning to develop a stalkerish crush J

The gang at the Red Lion

 Joining the crew this time was Charlie Feldman and George Wurzbach. I love Charlie's "You're Not There" and George Wurzbach's "Much Better View of the Moon".

Charlie Feldman - also wrote the steamy "Taxi Love"

George Wurzbach

Just when I thought I'd call it a night, my friends enviegled me to head over to Slane Public House to hear Colin Smith and let me tell you, NOONE has to "enviegle" me to hear him anymore! (newfound target to stalk! lol)

He is bada**! He plays the heck out of a guitar and almost sang my undies right off me...ok TMI...and did I mention he's super sexy with a hot Irish accent??? (Droooooooooool!)

Colin Smith

I ended up staying for his 2-hour set, a few cosmos and left highly impressed with a copy of his SIGNED cd in hand. The cd doesn't even do him justice, I think he is SO PHENOMENAL live and a must-see if you're in NYC...I promise you will fall in love!

Check out his debut cd "The Wilderness" and if you want more Colin click here

 Guess I know what my Mondays are gonna look like...Cosmos and Colin!

“We all have been given a gift of one kind or another;

 it is important to realize and utilize those gifts for the benefit of mankind.” .

~ Kelly Meyer, activist



"Feel Like Makin' Love"

Mr. Gene McDaniels and I

Gene McDaniels was a guest speaker at our music workshop yesterday and although "Feel Like Makin' Love" shouldn't automatically pop into my head when I hear his name, it does.

No, not just because I'm young and frisky (...well that too) but also because he's accredited for that Roberta Flack hit.

He's had several hits on the Billboard Top 100 chart ("A Hundred Pounds of Clay" made it to #3) and his best known song "Compared to What" has been recorded/sampled by various artists (at least 200 times!) the most recent being on the new John Legend and The Roots album "Wake Up!".

(Wiki image)

I've met Mr. McDaniels on a few other occassions but this was an especially exciting visit because I had the opportunity to perform for him. I sang the very first song I ever wrote, "Love Me", and HE loved IT......I quote "your song...kicks...ass".

Needless to say I was smiling for the rest of the day and that will remain one of my most memorable moments because there's nothing more precious than when someone connects with your music...or with you. 

For more on Gene please visit http://eugenemcdaniels.com/

"Don't Quit!"

"When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but you don't quit,
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow -
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tints of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell just how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things seem worst
that you must not quit."

I need this from time to time to be the wind beneath MY wings, so I hope this motivates you in all your endeavours as well.
Much Love,
Mandy

Package Received !

A friend of mine won a book from one of my quizzes and this is what he wrote on my facebook page:

"So you may see her little quizzes and think, "oh well I probably won't get the prize anyway,"...Well I beg to differ....as promised I received my both prizes(Book and Poster) on time from Mandy, but I posted late(my bad)......Sooooo Get ya prize on peeps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

He sent me this pic with his notes and his photo in the middle lol

The Grammy poster was actually a token gift to him. The book he won as a result of being an avid reader of my blog........ (hint hint lol)

Me, the fat bastard and the little heiffer with wings!

I FINALLY had 'the talk' with my son about Santa and the tooth fairy. How do you spell relieved? M-A-N-D-Y!
Back in July I told you about his suspicions about me being the tooth fairy (if you missed that blog entry click here) well we finally discussed it.
We were in the car when suddenly he asks "Mommy are you Santa?"
....BUSTED!! How do I answer this without crushing his spirit or him thinking his MOTHER is a big fat liar! So I in turn ask him "What made you think of that?" (after all we ARE in September!) and he replies "Well I was thinking about my Christmas list (yes he's a pre-planner! smh) and I was just wondering if YOU were Santa".
So I fessed up. I explained to him how it all started and I didn't really want to lie to him but I also thought he was too young to understand and I didn't want him to think that "Santa" didn't give him any presents because he was "naughty". Of course that led to the Tooth Fairy in which I also had some 'splainin' to do.
But while I was worried that this might totally devastate him, and would ruin his trust in me forever, the little runt says "so Mommy, now that I know YOU'RE Santa, should I just give YOU my list?"
(sideways glance).

(Google image)

Here I am relieved that I not only 'came clean' but also ecstatic that I no longer have to buy presents and stash them, or figure out how to get him to bed early enough so that the presents mysteriously appear on Christmas morning, no longer would that fat bastard get all the credit for the "REALLY GOOD" gifts, no more "Santa gave me EXACTLY what I wanted" while mom just gets a dry thank-you for all the 'other' stuff....and this little ingrate is already preparing a list for me for DECEMBER????
All his innocence was washed away as he said "SOOOOOOOO Mrs Claus, (his tone dripping with sarcasm) I want an iphone, plasma tv, a..."
I stopped him immediately, "no YOU need a job!"

My letter to George Michael

I LOVE George Michael! LOVE! So I was disheartened to find out that he will be going back to jail for 8 weeks!!!! Why? His love affair with cannibis (you know, weed/ marijuana/ ganja/ spliffs/ the oooooweeeee...ahem back to the story) in addition to all his car accidents.
This isn't his first offense, or his second, OR third for that matter...WHAT IS HAPPENING GEORGE? WE WANT YOU AND YOUR MUSIC BACK!

So here's my letter to George:
Dear George,
"Last Christmas" you said you would stop smoking weed..."WHAM!" I heard you got busted again.
You might have to do some time before you're even considered for parole but I'm sure the judge will realize that you need counselling and give you "One More Try".
Yes, she will be tough on you, after all this is not your first offense George. C'mon, you must expect her to run out of "Patience" for you and your she-nanny-gins! She's not gonna talk to you like "Jesus to a Child", hey even Jesus said 'spare the rod and spoil the child"...but listen, just tell her "Everything She Wants" to hear okay George? No debating or justifying the weed, no "Careless(ly) Whisper(ing)" that you've cut back from 25 spliffs a day to about 8! oh and DEFINITELY don't mention using it to "Heal The Pain" (I find that somehow the law doesn't look too favorably on things like that).
Yes I know you will probably be "Praying for Time" because you would much rather head to the slammer, shack up with some big burly dude and sing "I'm Your Man" to him in "A Different Corner" of your cell every single night but, but.....but George, WE need you!
So I'm gonna have "Faith" in you. Yes YOU George! I am going to pray that when you finally get your "Freedom" you don't do this "Monkey" business again, okay?
When you come out all of us, your fans, will be waiting! Yes, waiting for YOU George. But I don't want you to take us for granted thinking that everytime you come out you could simply sing "I Knew You Were Waiting For ME" and just sing your way back into our hearts. No George! You're not "Twenty Five" anymore, you're "Older" now so it's time to get it together, okay George? OKAY?
See ya when ya get out!
Luv Always
Mandy

Here's Alicia singing her version of "Freedom" LUVS IT !

"I'm the blonde cake boss"

My co-worker did the cutest thing for her fiance's birthday and I asked her to share it with you guys. She created a cake for him.

Ok so right now many of you are probably thinking "what's the big deal?"...well first of all she is not domestic AT ALL (heck she learned how to do laundry via youtube! lol) and now she's gone from being pals with Betty Crocker to the self-proclaimed "blond cake boss".
Here are some pics from her very noble effort...

When she realized how much baking was involved for her creation

she opted for Rice Crispy treats for the foundation :)

Then when she realized how expensive fondant is

she used frosting for the grass and graham crackers (as the wall I guess)

He's a firefighter so she made the cutest little firetruck out of cake...

...THIS is covered in fondant, with a licorice ladder on top and oreo cookie wheels

(yes it looks like the truck has flat tires but I give her E for effort! :)

And here's the finished product.

The house is made of cake, designed with gel piping,

the flames are hard candy and peep the little fire hydrant in the front.

The Queen of Cakes (Sheila) and Cake Boss better watch out! lol

By the way ladies, this is the same girl who told me about the vajazzler so guess she knows how to keep it interesting for her man! lol

Where were you on THAT 9/11?

I used to be annoyed year after year on September 11th with all the hoopla of that ill-fated day. TV, newspapers, everywhere would have some reminder of the tragedy at the World Trade Center. In my naivety I thought they should just leave it alone already, stop re-hashing it, stop reminding so many families of their loss. But that was just it: me being naive.
For many families, it is a day of reverence, a day to honor their loved ones and also a reminder that Americans, and human beings on the whole, have incredible fortitude.
Most people remember exactly what they were doing on that day. I was at work and when the first tower was hit I thought it was just an unfortunate accident, but by the time the 2nd plane crashed we were all huddled around a television watching in disbelief.
Immediately I thought of my son and panic set in. If anything else was about to happen, I needed to be with my son. I picked him up from daycare, went home, and watched the news for the rest of the day. I cried as I saw the towers crumble, people covered in ash, running for their lives, helping strangers, bodies falling from the buildings as though it was a movie scene. I hugged my son even tighter. I couldn't imagine being out there and I was grateful that I wasn't.
I remember when my friend, Tamyka, told me her 9/11 story. She was pregnant at the time and IN the WTC and had to run down  flights of stairs to get out. She named that baby Destiny and we sure are happy to have met them and have them in our lives today.
So my prayers go out to the families, the survivors, and anyone who suffered a loss on that day.
Luv from my heart straight to yours.
Mandy

"Some Friends Are Forever"

Candice et moi

at dinner on her recent visit from Trinidad

"Sometimes in life

you find a special friend:

someone who changes your life

by being part of it.

Someone who makes you laugh

until you can't stop;

someone who makes you believe

that there really is good in the world..."

Candice and I have been friends since high school. She's always been the down-to-earth, keep-it-real sista with a heart of gold and just an all around great personality.

Although we are STILL young and supple, (hey high school wasn't THAT long ago :) it DOES seem like forever. It's a great feeling and truly a Blessing when you share a friendship over such a long period of time.

So Candy girl I luv ya, I cherish our friendship and God Willing we share many more years!

Luv Always,

Mandy

"This is ridiculous!!!"

My son's first words as he woke up this morning to get ready for school. Over 2 months of Summer vacation and STILL he was not enthused about his first day back. Of course he was excited about his new backpack, all the new school supplies etc but when he remembered the routine: the early mornings, school and HOMEWORK???? He wasn't too thrilled. lol

Fake smile hoping I would hurry up and get this over with

(EVERY first day of every grade I take his pic lol)

I know the feeling all too well. I HATED school! Well at least at his age I did (high school was MUCH better). I loved the excitement of "first day". The new crisp uniforms, the fresh pack of crayons (yes, to this day I love the smell of crayons) and sharpening all my brand new pencils. But after that nostalgia wore off I was like WTH? And back in my day we got beatings in school so you KNOW I wasn't a happy camper.
I'm glad my son doesn't have to go through that. I think it's so traumatizing for a child. You already have to deal with teachers that are PMS-ing, friends who are as clueless as you, and math that you'll probably NEVER use (has ANYBODY ever used "pi" for anything in life??? remember this "π" = BARF!...then they add beatings to the agenda? SERIOUSLY!?
But I suppose the first day back after any vacation is the same regardless (slump shoulders and insert HUGE sigh here).
I'm sure he'll have a great day once he re-connects with his classmates, but ready or not the school year has begun.

The end of Summer...

Thought this was cool; saw it in Brooklyn on Labor Day weekend.

I had a fantastic Summer! I relaxed, I partied, I had time to reflect, I enjoyed the company of great friends and family, and I definitely enjoyed the weather!!!! Nothing beats the sun kissing your skin, the cute outfits, not having to layer just to go outside... the warmth.... the barbecues.... the fun!!!! 

Alas Fall is creeping in as evident by the chill on Labor day weekend. 

My cousins and I enjoying the last of Summer weather

It's back-to-school, and jackets and boots, which might not be such a bad thing by the looks of the Victoria's Secret Fall line! (They have cute boots and summer wraps out now! :)

But apart from the Fall fashion it's also the beginning of a new season. The trees shed their leaves in preparation for the Winter, squirrels and other animals prepare to hibernate and I look at it as a time of new beginnings for myself as well.

It's time to finish my degree, re-dedicate myself to my music, and work on other goals that I want to accomplish for myself and my family.

Louis L'Amour was an American writer who was once said "There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning."

So yes it's the end of Summer but it's also the beginning of Fall...how are YOU re-dedicating yourself to YOUR life?
Be Blessed,
Mandy

Time after...

"With trapeze artists there is a special relationship between the catcher and the flyer. The moment comes when the flyer must let go...a moment when he is suspended in nothingness. Yet, at that moment, it is too soon for the catcher to grasp him. He must wait in absolute trust, knowing that he will be caught. If he tries to grab the catcher or flails in anxiety it could kill him. Learning to trust and to wait is his hardest job...and sometimes ours."

I found this and thought it was so poignant so I'm sharing with you guys... it also reminded me of this Cyndi Lauper classic that I absolutely LOVE so enjoy...

The thing about love....

Lessons of Life

"I feared being alone,
 Until I learned to like Myself.
 I feared failure
 Until I realized that I only Fail when I don't try.

I feared success
 Until I realized that I had to try in order to be happy with myself.
 I feared people's opinions

 Until I learned that people would have opinions about me anyway.

 I feared rejection

 Until I learned to have faith in myself.

 I feared pain

 Until I learned that it's necessary for growth.

 I feared the truth

 Until I saw the ugliness in lies.

 I feared life

 Until I experienced its beauty.

So beautiful !

 I feared death
 Until I realized that it's not an end, but a beginning .
 I feared my destiny,
 Until I realized that I had the power to change My life.

 I feared hate

 Until I saw that it was nothing more than Ignorance.

 I feared love
 Until it touched my heart, making the darkness fade into endless sunny days.

 I feared ridicule

 Until I learned how To laugh at myself.

 I feared growing old

 Until I realized that I gained wisdom every day.

 I feared the future
 Until I realized that Life just kept getting Better

The piano and bench are both cakes...yes CAKES! 

Sheila (pictured here with me) surprised me with these phenomenal creations for my birthday.

I always wanted a Baby Grand!

 I feared the past
 Until I realized that it could no longer hurt me .
 I feared the dark
 Until I saw the beauty of the starlight.
 I feared the light
 Until I learned that the Truth would give me Strength.
 I feared change,
 Until I saw that even the most beautiful butterfly had to undergo a metamorphosis before it could fly."

My bestie sent me that poem years ago (don't know who actually wrote it) and I've always loved it.

Hope it speaks to your heart as it did mine.

Luv,

Mandy

"Drop a pebble in the water..."

Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.

Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown
You’ve disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.

Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you’ve started them to flow.

Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there’s little waves a-flowing, and there’s ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you’ve stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn’t believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there’s gladness still a-swelling, and there’s joy acircling yet,
And you’ve rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.
Poem by James W. Foley

I believe it extends to DOING as well. We can all do something positive to have that ripple effect.
Mandy

Winner of My Backpack Giveaway is...

...Michele from Maine!

Michele is a mom of two, a wife, a grandmother, pet owner, but also someone who helps families in need.
In her entry she requested the backpack not for herself but to pass along to one of the families that her department assists every year.
She's also a blogger! For more on Michele please check out her page "Creative Writings 101" http://motheroftwoyesposahermosa.blogspot.com/

Congratulations Michele and keep up the great work!
Mandy

Want a massage with that backpack?

My dear friend and Massage Mogul, Robert Ballatt of Just1Touch.com has offered a *complimentary 1 hour full body massage as part of my backpack giveaway!

Another good friend of mine, Vanessa Telfer, was the first of my friends to donate school supplies as well.

Vanessa and moi

This is why I say I am truly Blessed. I am surrounded by wonderful people who care and are willing to make a difference.

So click here to find out how YOU can win this backpack of goodies for yourself or for someone you know!

All the best!
Mandy
*due to travel limitations, massage only applicable if the winner is in NYC/NJ.

So long, farewell, we hate to say goodbye...

...but all
the best
in
M
    I
     A
        M
            I

Tamyka and I met at my son's daycare. She was his teacher and I, the "make-SURE-you-take-care-of-my-child" mom.... And that she did.
From then our friendship developed; the kids' birthday parties, Christmas functions, death in our families (both her husband and mine passed away) and now her moving to Miami.

Luckily Miami is but a plane ride or a road trip away, but we will still miss having her around.
So we wish her and her family all the best and hope to see her again SOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!
Luv you Myka!

Myka and I at her farewell party

Myka's farewell cake, yes it is ALL cake, created by Sheila Thompson

(who also did my "Leo" birthday cake - see past blog entry)

She even made boarding passes, which by the way are also edible!

yes, even the tag was edible.

To order one of Sheila's creations, you can call 732-675-2132 or join her on Facebook "Cakes Galore by Sheila" by clicking here

Mandy's Backpack Giveaway!

Hey peeps!
Recently I received an e-mail from an organization that's collecting backpacks and school supplies for students whose parents cannot afford to get them the supplies they need.

I think it is such a great idea (why hadn't I thought of that before? ) Clearly, everyday holds a learning experience!

So I've decided to do a Backpack Giveaway!

This (1) black sling backpack (replete with cell phone compartment) will contain lined/ruled paper, notebooks, calculator, crayons, scissors, colored pencils, markers, highlighters, glue, pens, pencils, sharpener and ruler.

Interested? Here's what YOU do:
1.Follow my blog...you have to be IN to WIN so click here
2. Leave a comment under this post or e-mail me at mandy_joseph@hotmail.com telling me why you or someone you know should receive this backpack.

You must do so on or before Thursday August 19, 2010, 11:59 p.m. (EST). The winner will be chosen by a select team and announced on Friday August 20, 2010.

Remember "Noone can do everything but everyone can do something".

All the best!
Mandy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIMMY!!

Singing with Mr Jimmy Norman

I remember when I first met Mr Jimmy Norman. My family and I had joined Ann (Ruckert) for dinner at Roth's Steakhouse and not only was Jimmy performing that night but it was also his birthday celebration.

I was excited to have met a living legend and he even made up a cute rhyme about my name when we were introduced, but the highlight of the evening, and also one of the best moments in my life, was having the opportunity to sing with him.

As we sang "Stormy Monday" together I was in a state of euphoria. "Remember the words Mandy" "stay on key" "oh my goodness I am singing with JIMMY NORMAN?" "Why did I wear this?" "I so hope I don't have food in my teeth, people are taking pictures?"

My mind raced and yet I was trying to savor every single moment. So every year for his birthday I am reminded of that special time.

Happy Birthday Mr Norman, God's Speed and much continued success.

(Jimmy Norman wrote the lyrics for "Time Is on My Side" which became a hit for the Rolling Stones, as well as many other songs of which were performed by musicians such as Bob Marley and Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.)

I also want to send Happy birthday wishes to Mindy. The BEST Scattergory partner EVER! lol
Much love girl and enjoy your birthday to the max!

The chic and fab bday girl 

 Mindy

Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum...

My birthday celebration was a LOT of fun! What was supposed to be a little hangout turned into an event that would be etched into our minds forever!
The highlight of the night was my friend, Felicia. She started drinking Jose Cuervo shots but by the end of the night she was doing Johnny Walker shots (not to mention the other stuff she "sampled" in between :)

Felicia is naturally a comic, so add liquor and what we had was a recipe for belly-aching LAUGHTER!!
We all thought she was HILARIOUS up until the time we were getting ready for bed. She became really, really sick and ended up going to the hospital. She did not have alcohol poisoning but her body WAS enraged and reacted violently! When I went into the room she looked like a scene straight outta The Exorcist. (And Yes, I am still traumatized!)

We can joke about it now but at the time we were really worried about her.

We've been teasing Felicia ever since (and I have to admit she has been a great sport because we haven't shown her any mercy whatsoever! lol)

As a result I did this parody...check out the video and the lyrics follow...Enjoy!

Friends shouldn't let friends do shots, because friends WILL make a video about you!

WE LUV YOU FELICIA! :)

* Please note that Felicia did consent to the making of this video :)
** This is for entertainment purposes only and does not condone excessive alcohol consumption.

Lyrics:
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum (What's wrong with me?)
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum (Why do I feel like this?)
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum (I'm going crazy now)

No more earl-ing in bed
Can't even think about it
And I fell off the bed
Can't even speak about it
I'm alive nearly dead
Don't wanna think about it
Feels like I'm going insane

It's a thief in the night
To come and grab you
It can creep up inside you
and consume you
A disease of the mind
It can control you
It's too close for comfort
NO!

Put on the brakes next time
No more Tequila and Walker
They don't play nice
Watch out, you might just go under
Better think twice
Your train of thought will be altered
So if you must do shots be wise

Your mind is in disturbia
It's like the darkness is the light
Disturbia
Am I scaring you tonight
Disturbia
I ain't used to what you like, like
Disturbia

Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum

Thought Michelle was by the wall
It's like she's talking to me
9-1-1 you'll have to call
I can't even think
I gotta get out
Or a lung will come out
 It's to close for comfort
OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH!

Put on the brakes next time
No more Tequila and Walker
They don't play nice
Watch out, you might just go under
Better think twice
Your train of thought will be altered
So if you must do shots be wise

Your mind is in disturbia
It's like the darkness is the light
Disturbia
Am I scaring you tonight
Disturbia
I ain't used to what you like, like
Disturbia

Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum
Rum rum beat that bum bum be dum dum

Release me from this strectherrr I'm in
Trying to escape but I'm struggling
If you can please just let me go
I think I'm gonna ER ER ER ER EAAAAAAAAAAARRLLLLLL

HAPPY BDAY LEOS!!!!

My birthday cake with my fire sign LEO!!

I had a BLAST for my birthday!!!! 

My son serenaded me first thing in the morning with a "Happy Birthday Mommy / Mandy" and yes he sang "Mommy-slash-Mandy" smh...

...then my god-daughter Z called me and sang "You Are My Sunshine" followed by HER very dramatic rendition of "Happy Birthday" (she'll be 4 in a couple weeks and she already counts herself in before she sings....Ann, you would be so proud....World, you are not ready for her! lol) 

I was surrounded by family and friends and I laughed until everything hurt and I practically lost my voice!

"When hours feel like moments you know you're with great friends"

Bday girl posing for papparazzi lol

Just1Touch was in the building doing what they do best: INCREDIBLE MASSAGES

Special shout-out to Will (left) and Robert (on the right, Mogul or Master hands rather, behind Just1Touch)

Bday shout-out to all Leos especially our Prez himself, President Barack Obama, Cornelia, Zakkiyyah, Natalie, Mari, Dirk, Khori's baby girl, Karim, Lynn, Maria, Jaime Lee, Alyssa, Ken "homeboy" Chiu, Maris, Ryan, Mich, Gale, Leti, Isaiah, Ari, Mr Jimmy Norman, Mindy, Greg, Briz, Michael, Mohammed, Rob, Noelle, Kyle, Z, Marlon, and Joshua.