Your Weekend Plans

Can you believe it’s almost Christmas? This weekend in Atlanta the temp is supposed to be in the high 60’s so it’s looking like there won’t be a white Christmas after all.  Let me take that back, we are in Atlanta it can be 70 and sunny on Saturday and 2inches of snow Wednesday with temps below freezing so let me stop playing! BUT before we get to that part let’s prepare for this warm weekend ahead of us!

Food

So you may be tired of me with the Mexican situation, but the food at our restaurant this week not only looks good, the atmosphere seems to compliment everything really nice. Say what you want.....Mexican food is always affordable and most times tasty too so you really can’t go wrong. Has anyone ever heard of Agave? Well I didn’t until I saw it on a friends Instagram post this past week and the atmosphere looked so warm and intimate, I just had to check things out for myself.  It’s not your traditional Mexican, the menu includes salads, short ribs, veal, and what particularly stood out for me was the Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo(pictured below)  which is Georgia trout, stuffed with onions, basil, crawfish and more all over Spanish rice.  Prices are reasonable, $20 or less, for an entrée and the margarita menu looks lavishing, the fresh passion fruit margarita sound about right. So lads grab your favorite person and try this place out. Let me know what you think when you’re done!

http://agaverestaurant.com/

 Fun & Adventurous

Sharing Christmas this holiday season? Well my organization IManage My Life Women's Empowerment Club (website below) is partnering with Sisters Empowerment Network this holiday season as we host a Mother- Daughter spa day this Saturday and it’s totally FREE! The goal is for mothers and daughters to connect and share some bonding moments over food, fashion, games, nails…..you know.... all the things us gals LOVE. So view the flyer below for details and we hope to see you there. RSVP for goodies and more!

Mrs. Toya Wright and Kandi Burgess are hosting a combined Christmas part for their stores at Icon lounge this Thursday night starting at 8pm. Admission is Free all you need to do is bring an unwrapped gift! 

(Visit Toya's Instagram for more info)

Empowerment

As always I am an advocate for fun and hard work but it all needs to be balanced with some quality time with the Father. I recommend Free Chapel, located in Gainesville, GA however they have a live stream you can enjoy from anywhere. If Free Chapel does not interest you, YouTube some sermons, visit your local church, or tune into a pastor on TV, just make sure you GET IT IN!

http://www.freechapel.org/live/

***All pictures were taken from the event or restaurants page or Google**

Forget Happy Holidays.....His Parents Can't Cook

Question: We’ve been going to my husband’s parents’ house for years on Christmas and his mother cannot cook. He thinks his mother’s food is the BOMB, but it’s probably the worst food I’ve ever tasted in my life, being real! I really wish we could spend this holiday at my parents’ house but we typically just drop by or don’t go at all since we spend every other holiday with my folks. What’s a girl to do because I don’t think I can stomach (literally) another Christmas with the in-laws?

Answer: This question had me dying! I can only imagine the food and your fear lol. I guess we can start with what you do have control over! Are you any good in the kitchen? If so, make a great Christmas Eve dinner with all the food you want (throw in some of the hubby's favorites) so you can at least have a decent holiday meal someplace. Since you only have to spend one holiday a year with his parents is it really that bad?!?!?!?!? You sound a bit selfish here I mean seriously, I know the day of sucks for you but overall you win! Com'on girl, 5-6 hours someplace with not-so-good food out of the 8765.81 hours in a year.....you're not really making a compromise when you look at the entire scheme of things.  

So my best advice to you is make your own food the day before or after, visit your mom’s house on Christmas Eve and be the taste tester for the day, or something! Don’t bother telling your hubby his momma can't cook you'd be stepping into a losing battle my friend, so just let it be. Grab your best Xmas outfit, go to your husbands families house, watch him stuff his face, eat minimal maybe a salad if they have one (hey go on a fast that day, fasts never hurt), smile, play some charades or spades and enjoy those few hours of the year with the in-laws and their unpleasant food. We women can’t have everything our way...... as I know we would all prefer it that way! Have a great Christmas love! Don't fret........ be of good cheer! 

~KWK

*All of the question are submitted via FB for KWK Ask Kristen Fridays*

                               *All images are from Google*

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Beyonce' Drops a New Album......Is That News?!?!?

Question: Do you think Beyonce’ Fans are too radical? She dropped an album unexpectedly and it seems that people are like "let’s worship Bey"! Your thoughts?

Answer: I’m laughing because the person who wrote this knows I’m a Beyoncé fan so I feel the shade lol but to answer your question PEOPLE IN GENERAL do too much. Beyoncé is an artist, she makes music, she has fans, and they support her, I don’t get the big deal! Do I think people worship her…….SURE. People make idols out of everything, cars, money, men, jobs, celebrities, etc….it’s the world we live in. I think her strategy was equivalent to that of a BOSS; OH, YEAH SHE IS! (shade thrown back, J  and it’s all love). I think that fact is obvious, like her or not, she’s a great business woman.

What saddens me is that we become so infatuated with everybody else’s life that we miss our own. There is a purpose for each of us; but oftentimes we are too distracted from our own purpose because we’re so infatuated with the life of someone else who has identified theirs. (Regardless of how they choose to exercise their purpose, they actually made a decision to do something)  Think about it, if Beyoncé or your celebrity of choice,  spent all of their time on gossip blogs, commenting negatively on the success of someone else publicly, spent countless hours around the dinner, work, or church table talking about someone else’s perceived success or failure, do you think they would have attained the modicum of success they already have? No, they’d probably look like more _________________, those who participate in such activities.

If people worship Beyoncé, woe to them! If people worship other people, woe to them! If people worship anything other God, my answer is woe to them, but to accuse someone who is happy about the success of others or those who supports someone’s achievement as a worshiper, I think that’s taking things too far!  Celebrities are people too….they are no better than you or I they just made different decisions, they worked harder (good or bad, legally or illegally), they knew the right people at the right time, they trusted others, they trust themselves, and to top things off they have a whole lot of LUCK sprinkled on top! Its how the cookie crumbles! 

~KWK


*All of the question are submitted via FB for KWK Ask Kristen Fridays*

                               *All images are from Google*

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Travel Thursdays: Capella Pedregal - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

I’m Done! I’ve finished before I've even started, ladies we are back in Mexico’ and when I tell you this place is breathe taking, you may need a respirator! Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas offers a luxurious experience that can’t be put into words……yes ladies it looks just that good. I am a sucker for a Mexican vacation anyway so this place had me at first glace; the culture, food, and affordability gets me every time. I am sure you can find an all inclusive deal online somewhere, which would really makes this already perfect place…..MORE PERFECT.

Let’s dive into the details; this luxury resort is surrounded by mountains and water, to be exact it sits right where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortex greet. This is no ordinary resort, the only way to get here is through a privately owned tunnel that is craved through the mountain. Talk about a grand entrance……aren’t you royalty! You deserve it!

Each room offers an earth toned theme with plush beds, a private terrace, an open outdoor lounging area, a plunge pool, state of the art, Queen Elizabeth type bath tub and the suites even have a full kitchen….including so much more. You also have wireless internet and other gadgets that keep you connected to the outside world, but once you get here you’ll easily forget the mundane details of everyday life.

I would never want to leave this place, yes I am that lazy but if I did decide to sight see there is so much to explore outside the resort. (Trust me you wouldn’t want to leave either). Take a day cruise or go sailing, workout, golf, hike, visit the spa, or shop at the Cabo San Lucas Village which is in walking distance. Regardless, there are a plethora of things for you to do!

 Let’s talk food! You can choose from one of restaurants on the resort or an oceanfront lounge and enjoy a variety of cuisine like lobster tacos and a frozen margarita. Oh and check this out, the El Farallón is a restaurant hidden in cliffs of the resort where local fishermen bring fresh seafood for you to choose from. Once you make your selection, it is sent directly to the chef to be prepared as you relax and listen to the ocean waves crash against the mountain.

Ladies this place has so much to offer and would be a fantastic honeymoon spot, couples trip, ladies vacay, you name it! It’s just so much, wrapped up in a small area of the world,that you must visit, SOON!

http://www.capellahotels.com/cabosanlucas/default-en.html

 Money= Rooms $3678  (during off peak season )+ flight+695 +  spending cash $500= $3034 (or less) per person for a 5 day, 4 night trip!

Travel Time- The flight is 7 hours so make sure you bring ample entertainment to keep you busy; work, music, word puzzles, etc.

Clothing- Minimal (Sundresses, swim suits, and sunscreen) this is a really tropical place so expect rain and all things tropic

Company- Make it a couples trips, get your boo and your bff and her boo and have make this a real vacay or call up 3 of your closest gal pals and get ready for a much needed relaxing vacay!

      

Hope you enjoyed our mini vacay and are soon afforded the opportunity to travel there! Safe travels and best wishes for your life journey!

*All images are from the resorts website*

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Loading: Your Weekend Plans.......

I’ll be gone til ( an old Wyclef song)……well November is over and December has arrived so what are your plans this weekend? Need help? I figured, check out what I  found for you to do in the City of Atlanta this weekend!

Food

What about The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill….without any further explanation can you guess that type of food they sell? You guessed right, Seafood! What gave it away…… Big Ketch, Saltwater, or the deliciously stacked po'boy pictured above? 

Anyway if you’re down for some good ole' seafood, you have to try this place out. The owner of this spot also owns Tin Lizzys, my favorite cheap eats, Mexican restaurant...... as well as two other restaurants soon to open sometime next year, (I will be blogging about them too). It has a real laid back, comfortable, modern cabin like atmosphere. You can almost go here after an afternoon workout in your workout gear and be OK; well maybe not that laid back but no need to get extra fancy! I know, I know fried seafood after a workout is a counteractive approach but you get my drift. The menu is extensive with po’boys (duh), signature salads, fish and chips, shrimp and grits, soups, sandwiches, appetizers and so much more. For me the shrimp and crab dip on the appetizer menu screamed, BINGO and what’s a seafood meal w/out a side order of hush puppies? If you’re look for a big ketch, or just some delicious looking (I'm making plans to visit here this weekend as well) seafood, make plans to visit here this weekend!

http://www.thebigketch.com/

 Fun & Adventurous

I’ve been following this young entrepreneur on social media for some time now and I am thoroughly impressed with her company and business ethic. She’s hosting a toy drive and pop up shop at her establishment, My Fair Sweets this Saturday from 12- 4pm. Bring a toy and receive a free gift, as well as an opportunity to network and other exciting chances to give back to your community.

http://www.myfairsweet.com/home.html

How into The Arts are you? Well I found this really cool and neat event online, the 13^th annual Winter Glass Fest. Basically this Saturday from 12-6 join Janke Glassbowling Studios for a glass bowling show, framework demos, live music, arts studio, and arts market. It’s FREE and something different. Check out the site below for more details!

http://www.jankestudios.com/

Empowerment

Adopt-A-Senior for Christmas is in need of volunteers to make bags, deliver bags, or provide donations for seniors. What a wonderful way to give back to an often forgotten about community during the holiday season. If we’re fortunate enough we too will become a senior in need of some love and support during the holiday season.  Visit the website below, deadline to volunteer is this Saturday. Event takes place Sunday, December 15, 2013.

http://www.adoptasenior.net/

As always I am an advocate for fun and hard work but it all needs to be balanced with some quality time with the Father. I recommend Free Chapel, located in Gainesville, GA however they have a live stream you can enjoy from anywhere. If Free Chapel does not interest you, YouTube some sermons, visit your local church, or tune into a pastor on TV, just make sure you GET IT IN!

http://www.freechapel.org/live/

***All pictures were taken from the event or restaurants page or Google**

PSA: BE THANKFUL FOR YOUR PORTION!

 Portion

So I always meet a lot of women (I also battle in this area from time to time) who struggle with always wanting what they don’t have, being someplace they aren't, desiring a relationship status they're not in,  and failing to realize that place of never being satisfied is a severe brain eating disorder with dangerous side effects. 

But how can I blame you, blame us…..look at the society of which we live! Everyone on the grind is hustling so hard that they never take the time to actually enjoy what they do have!They're always in pursuit of the next best thing, which in reality may not be the thing that's best! People in relationships false advertise, and single people structure their whole lives around the shoulda, coulda, woulda’s of "having someone"! 

Life can best be portrayed as a sphere, we all start from dust and we end as dust and the longer we travel the more we learn, the more we grow, the more we have, the less we have, the more we understand the sunny days will come and the dark nights will go…..that’s just life, that's simply how it works! Individuals you see may be on top of the world today, they may be underground tomorrow! You can spend your whole life idolizing someone else's life, becoming obsessed watching them live and die while you still remain in the same place of always wanting, always desiring, and never having enough!

Here’s News! Everybody won’t be rich, everybody is not a boss, everybody’s career will not take off so stop making people rich by investing in all their get rich materials that are strategically designed to make them richer and you poorer. What God has for you is for you, your life plan has already been mapped out, your course has been set. Don’t waste time going against the grain trying to be like the Jones when the Jones will always be the Jones’s and you will always be who you are. Your wealth may lie in family, your wealth may lie in the community, your wealth may lie at your job your wealth may not have anything to do with an enormous amount of money but advancing the quality of life........so does that make you less fortunate?!?

The world teaches us that bigger is better, fame is fun, popularity increases potential and all that is so far from the truth! You only become who you are supposed to be through your relationship with God and willingness to deny yourself and embrace all that He is. God’s plans will only become our plans when we decide that they will! We can spend our whole lives chasing a dream that was never ours to begin with and no matter what modicum of success we achieve we are left empty because we refused to decide to make God’s plan our plan. We get caught in this frenzy….how can we make bigger barns to hold all of our stuff not understanding that the desire for more is clogging our freedom and usurping our peace….leaving us forever hungry and forever thirsty for everything other than God’s truth!

Your portion is your portion!!!! Make the best of it! Depend on God to maximize your portion to its fullest potential! Be overly excited for what you do have! Understand timing! Stop comparing! Let go of your ideas! Embrace God’s Ideas! Then and only then will God bestow upon your life the clarity you need to live life abundantly. This is not to encourage you to operate in laziness, but moreso a nudge for you to operate in clarity and appreciation. Trust me, your situation could be worse but with God it will only get better. 

~KWK

***ALL IMAGES ARE FROM GOOGLE***

Am I Settling??

Question: How do you know when you are settling; in a relationship, career, friendship etc?

Answer: The old me would say “if you are questioning whether you are settling or not you probably are” but now I have a different perspective! To question if you are settling shows a sign of maturity, you’re not so naive to think your current situation is the best thing smoking and by posing this question to yourself you are afforded an opportunity to truly do some self-reflecting. (Please note this post does not apply to married women, this is a question to ponder before you make that marriage commitment)! Anyhow this question is really tricky and I am big enough to say Kristen does not have the answer, but I do have some things for you to consider as you make an overall assessment of your life and measure the areas in your life you feel you're settling in!

As I get older I’m learning that 9 times out of 10 what we want for ourselves is not what God may want us to have. We may want a man whose 6’4 however God has chosen to package your husband in a nice 5’9 frame. You may really want a BMW 6 series, may even be able to afford it, but God has your Kia Sophia sitting at the dealership. See God is already aware of the rough patch you will hit financially in the next 6 months, you aren't. So while His plan for you may seem beneath your standard at the moment, eventually you will realize His plan was the best decision you could have ever made. I can really imagine a young successful woman meeting a man that doesn't have all that she has or more thinking she’s settling but God has a different plan for the relationship. She may have reached high heights alone but as an item God can use them to reach higher heights.To have the money for a BMW but somehow be led to a Kia, maybe your credit score or some other issues, may seem like a settling decision, but God in His infinite wisdom knows what best for you in the long haul. 

Another question to consider is what means do you utilize to measure your standard? If you are comparing your portion to your neighbors, co-workers, friends, TV stars, etc then my answer for you is  NO you are not settling you are caught up in a downward spiral of comparing!! From the outside looking in everything looks better than what you have, it’s not until you are in that situation that you truly see the reality of what’s really going on.

 I trust God so I know His ability and His willingness to perform miracles in any area of life so you never know. The best thing you can do to truly find out if you're settling or not is to  link up with God. Don’t make any rash decisions, continue to develop the person you are, do your part, and trust that the Master plan maker will do His part.

Some situations are temporal! You could be destined to be in a particular relationship for  a specific time while God has your husband someplace else getting prepared. That car you bought does not have to be your car for the rest of your life, it’s just your right now car your luxury car is for another time; same with a job and every other area of your life. Simply put: Be still, know that he is God, if you are going to compare anything compare it to your value system and belief in God, if it can’t measure up to that then you are probably settling. 

~KWK

** ALL IMAGES ARE FROM GOOGLE**