Answering Questions Don't Take Holidays Off

Questions don't care what time of the year it is. If answers are needed, answer is what will be recieved. Let's see what's going on.

Q: Do you believe in re-gifting?

A: LoL Re-gifting is a touchy issue. So before I typed this post, I did a Twitter poll asking this same question. As you can see 2:3, that took the poll said Re-gifting was Gross. *sigh* But of course, my answer is not the popular answer. I Re-Gift.

Thank You for
Answering

I learned to re-gift as a teenager. I didn't get ears pierced until I was 22. That still didn't stop people from giving me pierced earrings. They would be nice earrings, so I would give my earrings as gift. And now with body oil & butters being popular gifts, I have to re-gift some now. The smell of Coconut is not a scent I like at all. And I seem to be the only person in world that feels that way, so re-gifting is the option I used. But I follow a set of rules in doing so.

• Re-gifting is not limited to the holidays. Most people get gifts other times of the year like their birthdays. If you know who you intend to give the gift to has a birthday coming up or if Mother's or Father's Day, give it to them then.
• A re-gift has to come with the right intention. It must be the receiver's style & be something you would likely bought for that person.
  
• Don't re-gift a present among the same social circle. For example, don't give another family member a gift, another family member gave you. Find a friend, neighbor, colleague, ect that may like the gift. I used sticky notes to identify who gave me the gift, so I don't make any mix ups.
• Keep the original packaging, but always re-wrap. But if it looks used, don't give it as a gift. Stop giving out bottles of lotion & colognes that look like testers. Stop giving things that look open. Put some personal touch on the gift to let someone know you care.
• Check your attitude in re-gifting. Heck, check it in giving anything. Most people who give tacky, used up gifts have jacked up attitudes. If you can't give with care, Don't!

Don't be afraid to re-gift. Give a non-used gift a good home.

Q: You've previously spoken of having a non-traditional tree. Have you seen the upside down trees? Would you ever get one?

A: I saw these on the show, Dish Nation. I think they're pretty, but not practical for my family. Yes, we have a corner tree for Christmas. It's just the front half of the tree with bar to stabilize it. We've had one for over a decade now. With 20+ people in a living room, space is key. I'm also the person puts the tree up. At 5'2", guess who is not hanging a tree up on the ceiling?

Did you know Upside-Down Christmas Trees started as a religious symbol? In the 12th century, pagans who converted to Christianity revered the fir tree as God's Trinity Tree. It was hung upside down in Central and Eastern Europe as a symbol of God, the Son becoming a man because it resembled the shape of Christ being crucified. WoW!

No matter what holiday you celebrate. No matter how you celebrate that holiday. Remember Love is the Reason for the Holiday Season. I believe the scripture, God is Love, but what is Love to you? That's the definition you celebrate the holidays with.

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms!!!

Can't Even Afford to Ask

Tis the season to be jolly but apparently it's Still not the season use your Common Sense. I was entering the house late one morning last week and on my grandmother's TV was a news story that cause me to give it side eye. People are complaining about what children are wishing for on the Angel Tree. Go read about it HERE.

So, either givers are full of doubt or don't understand children. If they are skeptical, why are they giving? I think the Salvation Army does good research on families before putting up the Angel Tree list.

So, it has to be the latter. These givers don't understand that unfornunate children are Still children. They are going ask for the same things their fortunate peers are asking for. They are asking for same stuff they & their "fornunate" peers think is cool.

“I agree some of them are extravagant. This is what a child is asking for. So you can’t dictate what they want and don’t want,” said Tamara Lorenz

What did these givers expect to be on the list? PS4 Pro & Iphone 7 are the hottest things out. All the children want them. Why not? Their ads are everywhere. When ELF nails sets & glow-in-the-dark shoe laces are not being shown on the TV & internet all the time.

Children are going to ask for what is popular. They don't know how their peer's parents really got their child's PINK sweats. They see they have them and they now want some. It is for the givers to use common sense and buy what their wallet can afford. If your angel asked for a PS4 Pro, maybe buy a Nintendo Classic, another very coveted item for a fraction of the price.

So, Needy kids can't afford to ask for nice stuff?

That's what these complaints make it sound like. They should be able to. Same money that is spent on a bicycle can be spent on a basic smartwatch from Best Buy. Maybe just donate your money & let those with giver hearts & brains buy for the angels.

The Bible says "God loves a cheerful giver". Being judgemental about what the less fornunate should request for a gift is not so Jolly.

People let's give with Joyful hearts, alright!!! Happy Holidays!!!

As Always Talking To You In Adult Terms

Healthy Ways to Celebrate the 4th (Holiday Healthy)

Independence is coming soon. Time for a BBQ and Fireworks. Traditionally. we (most time just G & I) watch the fireworks display at the Fair Park from our porch (we live that close) while eating a few popsicles.

Our whole street does it. Only times I've missed "The Fireworks & Popsicles on the Porch" were the years I lived in Beaumont. Well, this year I will buy my brother, G the treats but I'll be absent. I'll be a few miles away at a wedding rehearsal BBQ for my close friend, Intellectual Diva. She getting married the next day. But I'll be on the porch in spirit.

I know we all love a good BBQ or cookout but we don't the pounds from eat so much of that good food. Well, here are a couple of recipes to help keep some of those extra lbs away. Starting with a refreshing beverage to help cool you off while enjoying yourself with your loved ones.

Lemonade Spritzers with Berry Ice Cubes (Recipe Found Here )

6-8 Servings 

Ingredients:

• 3-4 cups classic lemonade (your favorite recipe), plus more for ice cubes
• 2 cups soda water, chilled
• Raspberries
• Blueberries

Directions:

1. The night before you’re planning to serve this, make your ice cubes. Put some raspberries and blueberries into each well of an ice cube tray, and then fill each well with lemonade. Freeze overnight.
2. In a large pitcher, combine lemonade and chilled soda water. Stir to mix, and then chill until you're ready to serve.
3. To serve, put a few of your berry ice cubes into each glass, then pour lemonade/soda water mixture over the ice cubes.
4. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

** If you want, you can put the rest of your berries in the lemonade to soak. They'll infuse the lemonade with extra fruity flavor, and give it some extra color. 

I love a great tasting pasta salad.

Unless you overcook the noodles or put tofu in it (true story), you can't disappoint me with that dish. Matter of fact I just made one recently with a poppy seed dressing that was delicious. But the white pasta and all those dressings like ranch, poppy seed, mayonnaise etc are not exactly the best for us. So, if you're on for the pasta salad this year, here is a recipe that tells guests you care about their waistlines & their tastebuds.

Garden Pasta Salad (The inspiration for this recipe is found Here)

6 servings, 1 cup each

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole-wheat rotini, (6 ounces)
• 1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar, or lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup diced yellow or red bell pepper, (1 small)
• 1 cup grated carrots, (2-4 carrots)
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions, (4 scallions)
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes, or according to package directions. Drain and refresh under cold running water.
2. Whisk yogurt, oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl until smooth. Add the pasta and toss to coat. Add tomatoes, bell pepper, carrots, spinach, scallions, olives; toss to coat well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.

Can't leave you guys without a few tips! 

Eating at a Cookout Tips:

• Practice portion control: There are a variety of strategies for cutting back at the grill. For example, eat 1/4-lb. burgers instead of 1/3- or 1/2-lb. patties, or split a steak with your friend
• Put the sauce on the side or leave it off. A sign of good BBQ is if can be eaten sauceless.
• Load up on grilled veggies: Fill half your plate with veggies so you won't be overdoing it on the higher-calorie options. And if you want seconds, be sure to fill your plate the same way.
• Don't skip meals to try to “save” calories for later: This can lead to overeating and lead you to make poor choices due to hunger and low blood sugar.
• Oh, this is what I call a "Red Solo Cup" holiday (Refer to this Song). If you are going to drink alcohol, Drink Responsibly!!! Don't Drink & Drive!!! Don't Drink & Fight!!!

So, have fun celebrating our country's freedom. Let Freedom Ring All Around the Land!

Congratulations & Welcome to anyone taking an oath of naturalization on that day! 

Happy 4th of July!!!

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms