Just a Rant

This may offend a few but oh well... Growing up in church as I did my whole life is a lot like going to out to eat. I know when I hear the name of a restaurant what I'm most likely going to order. That's just like you going to church knowing that you are most likely going to know the Bible story that the preacher will preach. Here's my point: Knowing what I'm going to order or knowing about the Bible story doesn't mean I know the main ingredient or the main plot/reason of the entree or story. You know the details but not the reasons of the details. You know you need to go to church, pray every day, read your bible, tithe 10%, "do this", "don't do that", but why? There is nothing wrong with the way I was raised, nothing at all. Now being on my own, starting my own family, I have to decide what morals and values I want to uphold and why. The bad part is I know what I was raised to believe I just don't know most of the reasons why, which if you don't know or haven't had to experience this dilemma you wouldn't know how frustrating it can be. Parents today need to educate their children of the reasons why they are raising them the way they do. Not allowing them to know how to "play" church without first explaining to them why you go to church, pray, read the Bible, etc. Denominations are man made obviously but I never knew why I was baptist I just knew that's how I grew up. Why do I have to wear a dress when there isn't a verse to say I need too? Men need to be clean shaven and have a part in their hairstyle. It's a joke. Everyone is more worried about what they have on, who's doing what, etc. rather than what's going on for the cause of Christ. It wasn't until I stepped out of my own comfort zone that I realized how judgmental, hypocritical, and close-minded my life has been. Religion is just a money guiltin', judgmental scandal. No wonder people think "Christians" are such jokes. I'm tired of everything being so narrow-minded. My life was built on what I thought was the fundamentals and lead by superior authorities who I knew to be set apart from others, just to find they were two-faced and scandalous as the convicts.  Now I have huge issues with trusting anyone for who they truly are because of the past experiences with liars. Be Real. That's all I can be. I'm not perfect nor do I claim to be. Some hold grudges against people and the only person that's being affected is the one holding the grudge. Forgive. I've faced many conflicting convictions and relationships that I never thought would be mended in recent weeks/months and it is so refreshing to know that gloom and disappointment doesn't hang over you anymore. Create a relationship with God, pray and ask where you need to be. Some 30 year christians are no more advanced in the knowledge of the Bible or a walk with Christ than an 8 year old who got saved this summer in vacation Bible school. No one is ever to old to learn the truths of God's word. I have a new respect for those who are now taking a stand for being different and expressing their new leases on life. Whether I agree with them or not I have no right to say they're wrong, they are doing something most people are to scared to do and that's standing up and claiming a belief. Be proud of what you stand for. It's always funny to see and hear those that find something to pick/point out of others yet they waver on everything they do. Don't waver. Stand up. Be thankful. Be Blessed. Thanks for reading a rant that maybe someone can relate to somewhere. Talk to you soon!

yours truly 

Cooking

So as many of you know, I do NOT cook. Period. So when I actually do take the time to prepare a meal it's worth posting because it rarely happens. LOL Well, Monday night I decided to make Italian Baked Chicken, Ranch Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, and the BEST Baked Portobello Mushrooms. Oh my goodness!!! Everything was delicious. I couldn't believe it! Even Adam was shocked it turned out so well. All prepared in and hour and a half with no leftovers and only one oven fire. Actually the oven fire wasn't really my fault but it makes my story and my cooking seem even more pathetic. The oven fire was caused by my adorable loving amazing husband. He had cooked Orange Carmel Chicken and some of the juice had apparently gotten on the coil of the oven, so when I turned the oven on and it had heated to the desired temperature I smelled smoke. I looked through the window and the flames were blazing! Adam came and put them out and I carried on with cooking. Just like that I became a cooking housewife. I was so excited to present the meal to my love. He was proud. That was all that mattered to me! Hope you enjoy the recipes and the photos! 

Have a GREAT weekend! 

Recipes:

 

• Chicken: Drizzle the baking dish with olive oil slit the top of the chicken breast and insert minced garlic and lay face down in the olive oil. Douse with chicken stock, oregano, basil, italian herb rub, and paprika. Lastly squeeze a fresh lemon over the chicken and sprinkle onion flakes. Bake in 350' oven for 25 min-until chicken is cooked thoroughly. 

• Potatoes: Boil potatoes until tender. Pour 2 'dollops' of sour cream, 2 tbsp of butter, cheddar cheese and ranch to taste. Stir to desired consistency. (I like mine to have chunks of potatoes!)

• Green Beans: Bring to a boil in chicken stock, with a little italian seasoning and a packet of sweet'n'low sugar. (That's to make'em a little sweet!)

• Portobello Mushrooms: Drizzle olive oil in the baking dish with the oven preheated at 350', place the mushrooms face down for 15 min. Mix Japanese Pankos Bread Crumbs, Parmesan Cheese and Italian Herb Rub with a little salt and pepper in a bowl. Take the mushrooms out, flip them over and sprinkle the mixture over the top. Place back into the oven on broil until golden brown. Mmmmm... 

P.S. For an even better delightful ending I made a Lemon Pie! Enjoy!!!

• Lemon Pie: 32oz. Cool Whip, 16 oz. Cream Cheese, 2 cups of Lemonade Mix. Blend. Pour into frozen pie shells. So tasty! (Mixture makes enough for two pie shells. Divide for one big pie!)

-Carmen

Big Blue Skies Photography

Hope everyone had a GREAT 4th of July!!!! Something I wanted to share and have been meaning to share for a while is a photographer that is near and dear to my heart. My sweetheart, Adam, is amazing at capturing things through a lens. I want to share some photos of his and let me know what you think! If you need any type of pictures let him know. Family portrait, Senior Photo, Kids, Wedding, Just because? He can do it! Thanks and I hope you enjoy!!!

-Carmen

Fruit for the Hair

  Strawberries contain tannins, a very mild acid-like substance that gently cuts through product buildup and pollutants to boost shine. Look for a serum infused with hydration and boosts shine. Home remedy?: Crush strawberries with mayonnaise for a conditioning mask that leaves your hair feeling soft, silky and glossy.

 

Avocado has been used for years in postcolor conditioners to repair damage and enhance shine. Now oil is added to color to help prevent dryness.

Tomatoes are great sources of the antioxidant Lycopene, which can help hair fend off the free radicals that react with your color and make it look brassy after sun exposure. To keep your hue looking true, reach for stylers filled with UV filters plus this potent ingredient! Home Remedy?: Spread tomato paste, sauce or juice in your hair to eliminate any unpleasant smells and chlorine damage. If the pH levels of your hair are out of balance, the acidity in tomatoes, can help repair this. Wash the tomato paste out of your hair after allowing it to soak. The acidity in tomatoes also dries out your hair so it isn't recommended to use the fruit itself on your hair. This hair treatment is an emergency treatment that should be used sparingly.

 

  

Popeye ate it to pump up his muscles. You should use it to inflate your locks for that fuller, voluminous hair. Spinach extract strengthens strands so they are less prone to break. So over time your mane will look thicker!

  

Lemons might have helped lighten your hair at the pool as a teenager, but can also make those golden strands a little orange after time. Try lemon juice mixed with a little conditioner in the heat for that natural sun-kissed glow!

Coconuts aren't just for umbrella drinks. Packed with hydrating fatty acids, tropical fruit-infused hair masks restore softness when left on damp hair for 10 minutes once a week. (Apply in the shower because the steam will help the ingredients sink in.)

 

Hello World...

Well hello again. It's been so crazy in my world these days, I don't know where to begin. First things first, I am so sorry I haven't posted since March to which I just feel led to say that apparently I need to get a little better at this blogging thing if I am going to keep it up! For our 1st Anniversary we went to Charleston, which of course, we had a blast. We did absolutely nothing! When we go we stay with my aunt and uncle (my mom's sister) who are retired and literally their life consists of lounging and pretty much, well that's it!, lounging. Sounds so tough, huh? HAHA Well, my dear Uncle served as a proud American in the U.S. Navy for 30 years and now has some very difficult issues with his health. But you know what? You would never even know it. He has the best attitude, never complains, always smiling and is always listening. My Uncle Danny and Aunt Beverly have the sweetest love story. We are so thankful to have shared all the memories and times that we have and hope for many more to come! Here is a view from their back porch in the evening....jealous?

 

    So, since March, let's see what all has happened. (scratching head) Tons. I really think God has a huge sense of  humor. He teaches me lessons in some of the most awkward and just to be honest, plain weird scenarios, but He gets His point across! I guess that's really all that matters. I never thought I would see the day when I was younger that I would look back and wish I could go running back to then but boy was I ever wrong. Depression has been pretty tough these last few months for one reason or another. Whether is be financially, job related, friendship relationships(mending or ending), and I really could just go on and on and on and on but I know you get the point. I guess I just thought when I got married that everything would just really be all hugs and kisses because we had made comments and decisions to try and make it the best possible. HAHA I don't think I can laugh hard enough at that decision because boy was I wrong. Marriage is hard. Period. Don't get me wrong now, I love my husband and would do anything in my power for him but geez louise. Hard. The other day in the salon a sweet elderly lady who has been married for well over 60+ years named Priscilla, came in for her usual 1 o'clock appointment on Thursday and for some reason she was just mad at her little sweet husband. As she sat there getting her shampoo and 'modern' set as she calls it(shampoo/blowdry/flatiron), she said, "Honey? How long have you and your fella been married?" I replied, "A year and 2 months on the 29th of May." and with as straight-faced and stern as she could manage said, "Sometimes I just want to eat him up and other days I wished I would have!" I couldn't help but laugh out loud! She is just too cute. I know how she feels but if she is still saying that after 60+ years I'm in big trouble. With God as our center and main focus though we've got this! Our first kid, Lucy, is doing well. I will share her more in another post but for now here she is:

     Many have written in for my FB hair tips page and I just want  to say "Thank you!!!" from the bottom of my heart for all the encouragement, prayers and help everyone has shared with me in sharing and liking my page. It really does mean a lot! As far as the salon goes, I'm in a good place now. Exactly where I need to be. Every horror story and nightmare now makes total sense of why and what I had to go through them at this point. Which I really guess that's all that matters! It really does make a huge difference though when you work in an amazing, loving, sweet, caring, home-like setting/mood. The Lord reveals more in every day. Please keep sharing the page and telling more and more to 'Like' it, please?!

      So in talkin' about life and transitions, God has revealed himself in so many ways recently. To just name a few, a while back I had a difficult relationship with someone, who I choose to keep nameless, but I know some of the reasons the relationship was strained but still at this point can't figure out what/why the acquaintance is distant. Only time will tell, nonetheless, I had come to a point in my life that needed refuge and a drastic makeover...quick! It's funny how if for nothing else God puts people in places for a specific conversation in your life and maybe that's just it. The only purpose in your life was for that divine meeting and opportunity to share a story to help encourage and help you through a difficult struggle in your life. This particular friend I had seen unfold many layers of life from many areas in their life and just made it look so easy. I had really been burdened about talking to them about my situation but because of our past was a little apprehensive. Everytime something new would come up, I would see their face. Yes...this got old. So I broke down and wrote them. Asking what seemed like a million stupid questions but wanting so eagerly to receive a reply. To my surprise, I got it. Truly this wasn't a conversation to be written out but rather spoken of in person. Still considering the circumstances, I've read their reply countless times and am so thankful it's written out to remember. To just read whenever I want. One day I pray that relationship can be so much more but only time will tell. Well, through their response I have changed many things in my life. As many know, I was raised in a Christian home, brought up in church etc. You know...the ones who were more involved in church activities than with their family. There is absolutely nothing wrong with growing up like that. It just isn't helpful if you don't stay in it. Moving has helped me tremendously with becoming independent and my own person. Adam pushes me everyday to be the best ME that I can be. It wasn't until reviewing my life that I realized I was my own worst critic. In my walk with the Lord at this point I feel like is at it's worst. There are so many judgmental 'christians' it's pathetic. I worried more about what others thought of me and my life than what God thought of it. I'm getting down to what He wants from me now. You see I wanted to impress others with material things when I should have been more concerned with what Jesus would have me do. Not anymore. I'm changing. I grew up with some of the most close-minded, judgmental, criticizing, back-stabbing, negative, unloving, etc. (I'm being nice because I really could go on.) people in my life and didn't even have a clue. Do you know where these people were? Church. Yep. That place where everyone should be accepted but most are rejected? That place where everyone should be loved but most are made to feel unloved. That place where it should be open arms and it's more like 'my 4 and no more'. They talk more about your business than you even knew existed. Mostly it's all untrue but how would they know? They are always more concerned with spreading the story than checking the facts. So sad and devastating to a girl who used to think that's all life was about. Wake-up call. No one can represent me better than me. I am to be only concerned with God, my husband, then self, then family/friends. I have very few "friends." That's another lesson that I won't go into right now.  What man thinks of me doesn't matter in the end. It doesn't. The quicker you find this out, the better off you will be. Trust me. Love yourself. If you don't why should anyone else try? Be different. Now can you see how God has been a little busy with me? He's shown me that it's not all about being how many ministries I'm involved in or how many solos I have in the choir or who did what to so-n-so. It's about loving others for who they are and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone. Before I criticize something/someone, I'm learning to look into their life and see why. The reason most girls end up in abusive relationships is because they want attention and that's sometimes all they know. Boys are so macho because of insecurities of failing and being laughed at as clown. Children show out to get attention. Who cares what you're dressed like? Thank you for coming to church! Can you believe they are sleeping together? I didn't know you were in the bed too?. Just Stop. In the end you are the one running your mouth and spreading lies and last I checked the Bible said 'no sin is greater than another.' You gossiping is no better than them sleeping. Pray for them. Pray for yourself. Support one another with love and compassion. Show others Jesus Christ with a silent walk. I want others to see Him living through me without me having to say a word. A wise man once told me "Everyone is an opportunity so make everyone worth your while." You just never know who you can meet! 

   So now to conclude my speech, for the next couple of days I'll be spending time with sweet family and friends in fellowship of revival. I truly pray that something will be said or done for the Glory of the Lord. That many souls can be saved and many decisions will be made. I'm so blessed to have the life I have. God has been so wonderful to me and I don't deserve His mercy and grace but am so thankful He love me enough to show otherwise. Please pray for this upcoming week for everyone involved to be in their places in time of service. I hope to write again soon and thanks for reading! 

Carmen

It's Been a While...

Wow. There is so much to say and I don't even know where to begin. I know I should blog more often, it just takes time for me to take the time to sit down and just start typing. Well, first things first, I'm doing great! It's drawing closer to my first anniversary and it just seems like I married that boy last week! I can't believe in just 16 short days it will be one year. How time just flies when you're having fun or as my grandmother used to always say "in misery either one."(Hehe) Now, of course, you 'seasoned' folk can remember back to your first year of marriage and humor yourselves to decide how you think I could describe mine. I think I could write a book with the title "What They Don't Tell You in Marriage Counseling" and sell a million copies. Lord, the stories I could tell! Adam and I were just discussing today what we thought were our funniest times over the past year. Hardest times. Saddest times. Breaking times. Craziest times. My first day living in Greensboro was the worst, I locked myself out of my car, laundry room and apartment all in one day. (Huge laugh now but huge tears that day.) First fight? We couldn't remember. Craziest thing we've done? Got a dog. (Real adventurist!)  Hardest time? Trying to decide what we wanted out of our marriage that we hadn't seen in our own parents'/role models' marriages. That last sentence was a lot easier to type then that decision was to make let me tell you. But most of all, I pray for many years of pure splendid happiness to come. They always say the first year is the hardest and if it is we've got this.
     A lot has changed since my last blog, such as I have a new salon, Adam has been around the world and back, we've gotten our first baby girl "Lucy"(yes, Lucy and the Sky with Diamonds was the inspiration) just to name a few. Small things first, Lucy is a 'Boxador' meaning she is a Labrador/Boxer mix. She will be a year old March 14 and is the biggest cuddlier of an animal you will ever meet. Oh so precious!
    Next, Adam has been all over the globe. Many of you who aren't aware, he travels with a gospel group called "The Hoppers" out of Madison, NC as their sound engineer and product manager. He travels everywhere, included in his latest travels are, Europe, Canada and all across the beautiful USA. I do get the privilege of traveling some when my salon schedule permits. Which brings me to my next update, my new salon. I moved to CK Hair Designs on Lawndale on January 15 and made one of the greatest and hardest decisions of my career when I did. Without going into any unnecessary detail, I will say I didn't realize how stressed and burned out I had become until I removed myself from the misery I put myself through every day and decided to make a change for the greater good of my business and clients. It's so funny to me how some will not tell you what's wrong or something that personally happened until you're gone. My biggest fear when I moved was that none of my clients would follow. Most told me they were thrilled to hear I had moved. I've even gained new clients since I've been there. God always gives you exactly what you need when you need it and not a minute to soon or to late.
     On a more serious note, I feel like the last year has been a whirl wind to say the least. From having my fears come true, loosing friends, gaining new friends, finding a job, moving into a new job, finding a church, maintaining a home, learning to pay bills(on time). That's just a hand full of things that have occurred. Crazy. So many life lessons have been taught and learned in the last 12 months that I don't even think I could write them all down or even know if they were for anyone else but me to learn. This road has been nothing less than challenging to put it lightly. But as I sit here and type I smile just seeing how far I've come and how different I am from a year ago. Number One marital advice? Think before you speak, not while you're hearing yourself say it. Practicing that will help you in all aspects of life. I'm becoming more of a watcher instead of a talker. I could never understand as a child why my great grandmother would always look at me and say "God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason young lady. Now don't get 'em confused." I do now. Truth hurts but it always comes out in the end. No matter what you do to stop it. My granddaddy told me one time, "Some life experiences are like getting a stain out of your clothes. In the end, it'll all come out in the wash." Sometimes you think you have to be the first one to tell it or you have to be the first to admit. Truth is truth and lying is lying. It'll only be a certain amount of time before "it'll all come out in the wash." I know I'm not perfect but I'm so thankful that I serve a God who washes me white as snow when I mess up and don't know how to fix things. I don't believe I ever remember being as uncertain as I am at this point in my life. You can't trust anyone. I grew up as a naive little girl and when real life hit I was lost. I don't say that to sound sissy, like a baby or to even sound like I'm having a pity party for myself. It was a rude awakening to find out your childhood heroes were nothing more than just average people who did nothing but make themselves out to be liars and bitter heartless cowards. It was hard to face the fact that not everyone is who they say they are or they believe in what they say they stand for. Affairs are real. Just because they say it doesn't make them right, nor does it mean it's true. It's hard to face the hard facts that some people are so heartless they will go as far as to try and break up families with lies that are only hearsay to try and make their own-righteous-self look better. How those so called "friends" were no where to be found when you needed a shoulder to cry on but the first one to give ear to the gossip. And those same "friends" ditch you because they're to embarrassed to be associated with such 'shameful sin'? I think those are called hypocrites. For those of you who aren't aware of what/who that might be, just visit your local church on a Sunday morning and you will be attending their usual weekly meeting. It's funny, is it not, how people can talk? But one word about their life or their issues and it's all hush hush. Don't get me wrong, I'm not proposing all churches or people who attend church are hypocrites. This is just where a lot of them go to feel better about their wrong-doings by putting someone else down. Life Lesson? No one is perfect. I know now why old people have all the advice. They've been there, done that. I don't have to try to be anybody else, heck! everyone I've always wanted to be like has turned out to be either a liar, a whore, gossiper, two-faced, backstabber, coward or all the above. Why would I wanna be like that? Everyone makes mistakes and when I realized it was easier to accept the faults, forgive, and move on, life became so much fun. Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. John 14:27 has been the biggest help to me recently and I encourage you, whoever is still interested in reading this far, to dig into the Word of God and search for His word for you specifically. To me, it meant so much to have a verse that I can cling to when I feel defeated or depressed. I'm content with who God made me, it's peaceful to know it's ok to be just me. No one else may ever want to be me but that's ok because God made me for me. I don't fret quiet as much about what people think about me, it doesn't matter what they think or say. I don't answer to them. And always know when you are coming out of a situation, understand that you didn't go through that experience to become a bitter person but to become a better person. If more people would stop trying to be everyone else and have what everyone else has to just being themselves, there might not be as much jealousy, bitterness, or hatred in the world. 
     There is so much more I could chat about but for now it's time to close. Thank you for reading and until next time...enjoy the "sweet life"...


Carmen
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Enjoy the Sweet Life: Pinterest DIY Vase...

Enjoy the Sweet Life: Pinterest DIY Vase...: Love this... it was a clear glass vase. -used sticky glue -bought hemp at hobby lobby -wrap all up! -cute fun new vase :)