Reclaim Your Leisure Time!

This past weekend I was busy from the time I logged off from work on Friday evening to the time my head crashed onto my pillow on Sunday night.  We spent the weekend traveling to Knoxville to move my oldest daughter into her first apartment as she starts her junior year of college.  This is college move in number three for us and they are always busy, fun and bittersweet!!  This week I feel so off my game, extremely tired and just overall blah.  It hit me last night that the past few weekends and this summer in general I have been traveling, working harder, busy and on the go.  I realized a correlation with how crazy my weekends are and how I feel during the entire week.

I came across an interesting book called the “The Weekend Effect” by Katrina Onstad that challenges people to rethink their weekend routines and how their leisure time is spent.  She focuses on helping you change crazy Saturdays and Sundays into times where your body, mind and spirit can truly get the break that it deserves.

Here are some terrific tips for crazy folks like me who are always on the go!

• Restructure your week!

Tackle chores during the week taking a few evenings to pay bills, do laundry, clean the bathroom and house etc. However much you accomplish, stop working after Friday.  This will probably require a bit of change to your standards and learning to be okay with a little mess.  😊

• Organize your weekend into time blocks!

Professional organizer, Julie Morgenstern suggested to break your weekends into seven units:

1. Friday Evening
2. Saturday Morning
3. Saturday Afternoon
4. Saturday Evening
5. Sunday Morning
6. Sunday Afternoon
7. Sunday Evening
    

She suggests that you dedicate time within those blocks for what matters to you.  If you have family obligations, work or projects that are a must to limit the time you spend on those items to only one or two of those units and then get back to focusing on you.  Brilliant and just so simple!

• Make YOUR fulfillment a priority!

Another great tip suggested by Morgenstern is to implement the PEP formula that focuses on spending time on (P) Physical health, (E) Escapes, and (P) People. Using this formula will help you spend your time getting extra sleep, exercise, eating healthy meals, recharging through hobbies, fun activities, or other passions that might get pushed down to the bottom of your to do list.  The final ‘P’ helps you to really focus on spending your leisure time with people who nourish you and not drain you! Our leisure time is precious!
 

Overall, I know that we are over committed and over scheduled on many levels.  This book showed me a new way to look at how I spend my time.  For many of us we work 9-5 jobs 40+ hours a week that is not our time but focused on others so placing more value on OUR time is very important. 

I always get super excited when we move into the fall and winter season.  First there is pumpkin spice everything!  PSA - Starbucks starts serving pumpkin spice lattes next week - Yay Yay Yay!!!  Fall is also Gods natural way of forcing us to slow down with shorter days, to drop leaves/things in our lives that are weighing us down so that we can nourish our soil/soul and to go within and reflect on what is working/not working in our lives.  See why I love fall!

I hope you take a closer look at how you are spending your weekdays and weekends and make leisure time is a priority!  I am googling house cleaners as I am typing this right now - let the reclaimed time begin! 😊#operationreclaimmyleisuretime

Leave a comment or tips on how you plan to reclaim your time!

Cheers to QUALITY leisure time and pumpkin spice lattes!!

By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.

Kara Norman Atlanta Based Women Empowerment Thought Leader and bi-weekly blog contributor.

Kara Norman has been working with Women and Girls for a number of years. Her nonprofit organization Empower Her Inc , have led to many opportunities in the space of making social changes as it deals with women and their many roles in society. You can learn more about Kara Norman and Empower Her Inc. at http://www.empowerherinc.com/

My Emptying Nest – Embracing and Coping with Transition

My Emptying Nest – Embracing and Coping with Transition

It is that time of year again for parents – back to school time!  I have been busy getting my youngest daughter ready for her transition into high school and preparing to move my oldest daughter into her first apartment for her junior year in college!! What in the world -  it was just yesterday that I was a ball of tears sending my girls to school for their first day of kindergarten!

Lots of major transitions going on my way and during this time of year. We all face different transitions during our lives both minor and major.  I have learned to take transitions that are happening in my life more seriously.  When my freshmen daughter hopped out of the car two years ago and we pulled away from her dorm as a party of 3 and started our drive home I felt like my heart was breaking into a million pieces.  I felt waves of grief and sadness her freshman year that were often paralyzing and startling.  I felt crazy for feeling this way and alone at times.  Life was moving forward but I was stuck in how things used to be when we were one big happy family under one roof.

I knew it would be hard but nothing prepared me for this new level of parenting and releasing my daughter into the world.  I tried to carry on as if things were okay.  That’s what society tells us to do just keep it moving - this is a part of life, be happy! I was happy and proud but struggling at the same time.  You raise a child for 18+ years in your home caring for them, protecting them and then in the blink of an eye they have left your nest and you have a brand new normal. Your duties as a mom/parent are different.  The things that you worry about and how you support them when they are away are different and MUCH harder.  Your heart breaks to uncover a new level of loving, supporting and surrendering as a parent and individual.  The breaking pieces turn you inward and help lead you back to rediscovering and redefining who you are not just as a mom – but the process still sucks.

Through my experiences and healing I realize that embracing and carefully processing the changes that are taking place in our lives is very important to our wellbeing.  Taking time for self-care, healing and getting the support through family, friends or resources is vital.  A big shout out to my hubby who helped me cope during this transition and my many sleepless nights full of worry and anxiety.  Whew – no wonder God gave us partners!

As women especially, we power through things and have no time to slow down to pause and properly cope with challenges and milestones that we face.  We look up one day and realize that we thought we were handling things just fine when we really are not.  That happened to me about six months after we pulled away from that curb.  I looked up and realized I was not okay, needed help and that I had experienced a major change in my life that could not be ignored. I needed to feel and deal with the separation anxiety and depression that I was experiencing.  

I want to use my experiences to help others.  We have support and gatherings when we enter motherhood but nothing in place when we experience this new milestone in the motherhood journey. I am ready to change this starting in my community.  I am planning some gatherings and a weekend retreat in October for moms going through transitions of a partial or full empty nest.  I want to provide a safe space to gather, celebrate, explore and be nurtured.

I have gone through it and still pick up the breaking pieces of my heart every fall.  We will start packing up my daughter this week for a third time and I already know that I will be a basket case, lol!  I look forward to sharing my wisdom, experiences, support, resources and love to moms and women as they go through these beautiful and life changing rites of passage.

Please email me at empowerherinc@yahoo.com or leave a comment to be added to my mailing list to get more details about upcoming events and resources.  I’m excited to use my experiences to help others!

Cheers to a new school year and the many transitions that we all experience on our journey.

By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.

Kara Norman Atlanta Based Women Empowerment Thought Leader and bi-weekly blog contributor.

Kara Norman has been working with Women and Girls for a number of years. Her nonprofit organization Empower Her Inc , have led to many opportunities in the space of making social changes as it deals with women and their many roles in society. You can learn more about Kara Norman and Empower Her Inc. at http://www.empowerherinc.com/

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Chicken Alfredo

This week's delicious delight is created especially for our mother who celebrates a milestone this  year... She's says she not over 39, but we know that she has quite a bit of history under her belt! The BIG 80!!!! Happy Birthday!!!! So this week Smarty Marty cooks up one of our mother's favorite! Chicken Alfredo! So let's gather up the necessary ingredients and get started: 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 c. whole milk
• 1 1/2 c. chicken stock
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz. fetuccini
• 1/2 c. heavy cream
• 1 c. freshly grated Parmesan
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation Directions: 

1. In a skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and no longer pink, 8 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate to rest, then slice.
2. To the pan, add milk, chicken stock and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Add pasta, stirring frequently for about 3 minutes. Let cook about 8 minutes more, or to your desired doneness.
3. Add cream and Parmesan and stir until combined. Simmer 2 more minutes, or until the sauce thickens, and season again with salt and pepper.
4. Remove pan from heat and stir in sliced chicken. Serve immediately with parsley.

Dinner is Served! Happy Birthday to my Dear Mother!!! 

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By -www.delish.com

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Tuna Croissant Sandwich

Smarty Foodie this week is keeping it easy with a quick meal idea for you. Grab you a can a Tuna we are going to assist with this delicious delight!

Tuna Croissant Sandwich

First Things First gather up the necessary ingredients. 

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 1 (12 oz.) can tuna
• ½ medium red onion
• 4 pieces scallions
• 1 stalk celery
• 2½ tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 5 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 4 pieces Croissant
• 4 pieces lettuce

Directions

1. Open the tuna and drain water or oil.
2. Chop the onion, celery, and scallions.
3. Arrange the tuna in a mixing bowl. Add mayonnaise, chopped onion, celery, and scallions.
4. Add Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Mix well
5. Slice the Croissant in half and then lay a piece of lettuce flat on one slice of the bread. Scoop some tuna salad over the lettuce. Top with the other bread slice.
6. Serve and Enjoy!

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By -www.speedyrecipe.com

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Find Your Voice – You are Your Best Advocate!

I have struggled with confidence for many years.  It’s weird because as young girl I was so creative and free spirited. You would often find me creating something, putting together plays, projects and dance routines for my family.  My cousins would say I was rather bossy and always making them participate in my adventures!  My voice was LOUD - then middle school and my teens hit and somehow my voice and confidence was gone.   I quietly entered womanhood and motherhood and my voice got even more quieter when it came to myself. Now when it comes to my daughters, hubby family, friends and causes that I am passionate about I am the loudest one in the room.   However, when it came to me it is a totally different story.

Self-advocacy is learning to speak up on your own behalf.   You are the only one that knows how you feel and what you need so you are the best person to speak up…duh! That sounds wonderful on paper and to most people but what happens when it is lost or disappears because you learned somewhere on your journey that your voice, opinions and needs did not matter? I think often as mothers and women this gets lost when we are caring for others so much.   We often feel that people are mind readers and know what we need.  Perfect example when I had my meltdown at work a month ago (check out my previous blog post to read more about my eye-opening experience) and my manager asked how I got to that point.  We assume that people know what we need but in truth it is up to us to say something and to keep saying it if necessary.

I recently had to speak up in a situation at work that was not working well for me. Most of the time I am a “go with the flow” and “take a lot of crap and strap on a smile” type of gal but lately this has not been working!  I am finding myself in more and more situations where just pushing through and not speaking up is just not happening.  So, I spoke up and addressed the issues I was having and that things were not working well for me.  I was shocked that I remained calm, was direct and firm. My managers honestly did not know what was going on and were disappointed that I did not speak up earlier before it got bad. They are working on solutions to readjust things to make it better not only for myself but also for my team. 

I am learning that life can be so much easier if we speak up - duh so simple, right? I am on a new path of self-love and discovery that is changing how I feel about my needs daily.  We can often get lost in the shuffle.  We look up one day and realize that life is going great for everyone else but ourselves!  I found these terrific tips to help anyone that might be struggling with this topic to help guide you through the process of self-advocacy. These steps may take time so be patient with yourself along the way!

5 steps to self-advocacy:

1.     Take responsibility and believe in yourself. You have the right to speak up for yourself and only you know what is best for you, therefore it is your responsibility to create change in your life. 

2.     Be organized. Know your rights, know what you want to speak-up about and gather any information that is required to do so.

3.     Develop a plan. Plan how you are going to speak-up, then practice to yourself, a family member or a close friend.

4.     Take action. Speak-up for yourself, using open communication while remaining respectful to others.

5.     Seek support if needed. It is important to ask for help when you feel you need it.

Feel free to leave a comment on other tips that you use to be your best self-advocate!  We can all use them. Cheers to finding your voice, using it in EVERY area of your life and pushing back! 

By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.

Kara Norman Atlanta Based Women Empowerment Thought Leader and bi-weekly blog contributor.

Kara Norman has been working with Women and Girls for a number of years. Her nonprofit organization Empower Her Inc , have led to many opportunities in the space of making social changes as it deals with women and their many roles in society. You can learn more about Kara Norman and Empower Her Inc. at http://www.empowerherinc.com/

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Chicken Pot Pie

This week's foodie tuesday is a classic recipe... Smarty Marty gives you a made from scratch Chicken Pot Pie... Let's get ready to gather up the necessary ingredients. 

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 1/2 cup sliced celery
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust ( only if you do not want to create your own)

• Prep

  Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C.)
2. In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, peas, and celery. Add water to cover and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.
3. In the saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter until soft and translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Place the chicken mixture in bottom pie crust. Pour hot liquid mixture over. Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut away excess dough. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By - www.allrecipes.com 

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Captured Quotes

They say a picture is worth a thousand words... 

During a recent networking mixer Tawanda Lane (E-chixx Events) is speaking with one of the guest.  

Foodie Tuesday- Kale & Smoked Turkey

This week Foodie Tuesday Smarty Marty is discovering her Southern roots with this classic Kale & Smoked Turkey. Let's Begin by gathering up the necessary ingredients

INGREDIENTS

 

• 1–11/4-pound smoked turkey wing or fresh turkey wing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cups thinly sliced onions

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• Fine sea salt, freshly ground pepper

• 1 pound turnips, peeled, cut into 1' cubes

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 16 cups (firmly packed) coarsely torn kale leaves (from about 1 lb.; center stems removed)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter

RECIPE PREPARATION

• Place turkey wing in a large pot. Add 12 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until turkey is tender, about 1 hour. Drain, reserving 4 cups broth. Let wing cool. Coarsely shred meat, discarding skin and bones.

• Heat oil in a large heavy pot over high heat. Add onions and pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Saut é until onions begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Add turnips, garlic, and 2 cups reserved turkey-wing broth. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Add kale. Cook, stirring often and adding broth by 1/4 cupfuls if dry, until turnips are tender and kale is wilted, about 10 minutes. Stir in reserved turkey meat. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle vinegar over; add butter and stir until butter melts.

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By - www.bonappetit.com

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Today's Moments

Creating Memories is what we do

"Halfway There!"

Whew -can you believe it is July?? The halfway point of the year! It caught me by surprise - especially when I realized that my youngest daughter will be starting high school in less than three weeks..eeeckkkk! Talk about time flying she was just a toddler yesterday!  I wanted to take this week’s blog post to remind everyone that it is the perfect time for a halftime break.  I invite you to take a moment to step back, evaluate your year so far and take action to get back on track if needed. Or if you are like me and have a lot going on, step off that ‘track’ and rip a few things off your plate before we get into the busy season of the fall!

Since time is flying so quickly I wanted to suggest a few quick tips to be more mindful and to be fully in the moment.

Don’t Wish It was Friday on Monday

It is so easy to wake up on Monday morning wondering where the weekend went and then start longing for it to be Friday.  I am so guilty of this and just decided that instead of waiting for Friday I am going to enjoy the 24 hours that I am blessed with every day.  Why should we suffer through and spend our days longing for the weekend when we have this moment to be happy and thrive?

Take a 5 minute “Do Nothing Break” Everyday

 Sit in silence, become aware of your thoughts and focus on your breathing for just 5 minutes a day. It sounds so simple but our mind is constantly going a million miles a minute.  It helps to just take a moment to sit in silence to take in the sounds and energy that is flowing in the moment.  Take several if needed - I know I do!

Schedule Breaks and Leave Room

If your schedule is like mine - jam packed with back to back meetings, appointments, etc. it is important to plan breaks in between your laundry list of to do items.   If you have a meeting or appointment scheduled leave a thirty minute or hour break in between to regroup. When you get home from work take a moment to relax and write down three things you are grateful that happened that day.  I am notorious for hitting the door when I get home and going 90 miles an hour into mommy mode after a long day at work.  We just need to take several chills pills (need to bring that phrase back) on a daily basis!

Make Undivided Attention a Daily Practice

 We have become multi-tasking monsters doing a million things at once. Especially with cell phones it is so easy to handle multiple tasks and conversations at a time.  If you are having a conversation with someone focus on the conversation, being fully present and not distracted.  When you are taking care of a task be in that moment and focus on what you are doing.  In Georgia they implemented a hands-free law while driving as of July 1st.  You cannot hold your phone to talk or text while driving or you will be ticketed. It is crazy how much restraint I had to have on the first few days to not grab my phone and scroll while at a red light.  Now I just focus on the music in the car or just my surroundings more.  It is hard to believe that idle time has become something that we try to avoid.

Overall take a long deep breath in and savor EVERY wonderful and crazy aspect of your life daily. It seems like just yesterday we were ringing in the New Year and now it’s July.  Now more than ever we need to be more mindful and enjoy our lives as it is a gift! I heard something the other day that said that God is not in the past or the future only in the present moment. I’m learning to spend more time there for sure - it is the best place to be!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot - Deepak Chopra and Oprah have a wonderful FREE 21-day mediation starting on July 23rd. It is a great way to develop a mediation and mindfulness practice. They will be exploring the energy of attraction and manifesting your best life. These are so good and only come around a few times a year! Sign up soon by visiting: https://chopra.com/.

Be sure to leave a comment letting us know your favorite ways to chill and slow things down!

Cheers to the halfway point of 2018 and making EVERY moment count!

By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.

Kara Norman Atlanta Based Women Empowerment Thought Leader and bi-weekly blog contributor.

Kara Norman has been working with Women and Girls for a number of years. Her nonprofit organization Empower Her Inc , have led to many opportunities in the space of making social changes as it deals with women and their many roles in society. You can learn more about Kara Norman and Empower Her Inc. at http://www.empowerherinc.com/

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty - Mandarin Orange Chicken

 This week's Foodie Tuesday Delight from Smarty Marty is a Mandarin Orange Chicken

a different twist on your chicken breast. Let's get started. 1st things first lets gather up the necessary ingredients. 

What you need is the following: 
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
4 (4-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch

Directions: 

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until browned.
While chicken cooks, drain oranges in a colander over a bowl, reserving 2 tablespoons liquid. Add oranges, 2 tablespoons liquid, onions, jalapeño, and garlic to pan. Reduce heat; simmer 2 minutes. Combine broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch; add to pan. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute or until slightly thickened.
 

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By - Allrecipes.com 

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Foodie Tuesday by Smarty Marty- Homemade Potato Salad!

So Smarty Marty is getting you all prepared for your 4th of July cook out! So along with all the favorite BBQ delights here is a recipe for one of the sides that can make a way to the table come tomorrow. So let's get started by father up the necessary ingredients needed:  

• 5 potatoes
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

• 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
• ground black pepper to taste

Direction:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, cool, peel and chop.
• Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.
• In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, eggs, celery, onion, relish, garlic salt, celery salt, mustard, pepper and mayonnaise. Mix together well and refrigerate unti

Dinner is Served with some other delicious Delights ! 

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By - Allrecipes.com 

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

"My Mental Breakdown"

Last Friday around 1:13 in the afternoon I experienced a mental breakdown. Is that okay to share or talk about these days??  If not, this is a break from all regularly scheduled programs that are being broadcasted on the picture perfect social media channel.  I interrupt this program with a dose of reality. 

After a week full of 9 – 10 hour days covering for a colleague’s work load on top of my own - my brain could take no more.  I had received three calls from frustrated suppliers and managers that morning.  During the last call I could feel my voice starting to crack as I tried to listen to this manager’s frustration.  Nothing to do with me, just her frustration with the process.  I hit my red ‘end call’ button on my phone and started to shake, then the tears started to flow.   Luckily, I was working from home. The dam that was holding all the stress and anxiety of trying to handle too many things together finally broke.  I mean I was seriously sobbing uncontrollably the kind of cry that comes from a deep place within.  My laptop continued to chime with incoming emails, reminders, skype messages pinging me everyone wanting something. All I could do was cry -  I could not take in one more thing. 

Thankfully my husband returned home early and found me.  He didn’t know what was wrong and I could barely get any words out.  He told me that I needed to message my manager to tell him I needed a break as I was in full meltdown. He had watched me come home from work that week each night like a zombie.  How do you message your manager telling him that you are having a mental meltdown?   It’s not like in a sports game where you can yell to the referee that you need a timeout – this is life.  You can’t use the words “mental breakdown” in a skype or email message at work.  Well this girl had to break that ‘rule’ on a beautiful Friday afternoon as I simply could not pull myself together.

My manager responded after a few seconds and asked why I did not ask for help earlier in the week and wondered how things got to that point.  I told him that I thought I was handling things okay, but evidently, I wasn’t.  More embarrassment as I continued to try to explain how I got to this point - where tears were spilling onto my hands and splashing my laptop as I typed. He made me step away from work for a few hours to regroup. 

I was in shock that I got to the point of breaking down. As a mom, I’m used to mentally juggling a million different things, throw work and life on top of that and this is just another day in my world.  Nope not that day – my brain and spirit said otherwise.  The whistle had been blown I was officially down and in time out.  I feel slightly embarrassed and vulnerable post meltdown at work especially with my managers.  I guess my meltdown did result in a conversation led by my managers the following week making sure that the team knew that although things are super busy we need to know that we can ask for help.  There is even discussion of a monthly mental health day.  I guess my tears are making a difference, lol!

It has me thinking, why is this the norm? Trying to keep everything buttoned up, perfect and okay.  We give our best selves to our work all day and come home with nothing to give but irritability and exhaustion to the people that matter the most.  Our society rewards and encourages this work horse, lean in, slaying it mentally. I especially do not think this is good for women and moms. We must take more things off our plate, speak up and ask for help.  The norm should not be to run a million miles an hour and juggling a billion things.  If you do have a lot going on you need to have more downtime and self-care.  It needs to be okay to ask for a time out at work.  Where do we find that courage to say we are not okay and make this a priority?  Our western culture rewards the hustle and places more value on material possessions, success and power while eastern cultures embrace going with the natural flow of life, shorter work days, time with family, slowing down and taking care of yourself spiritually, mentally and physically.  

Last week’s meltdown was a scary wakeup call that I was NOT expecting. I feel differently and want to change my approach to my mental health.  I also hope to create social change in our culture and how we work especially as women in a society that was created by men with traditional 9-6 values.  Our bodies were not meant to slay it Monday - Friday for 8-10 hrs.  Especially as women we go through monthly cycles that sometime require us to rest more or need more downtime.  We are taught as woman to ignore our bodies and to be like men, umm yeah no we are different we birth babies for crying out loud! Our work systems were not designed with this in mind.   It is time for more conversations around this topic and change.  I’ll start here with sharing my meltdown moment instead of the highlight reels of my life that we all choose to share daily. 

I hope my emergency broadcast will help someone.  If you are in a meltdown moment, find someone to talk to, if you have EAP (Employee Assistance Program) at work use it. If you are in extreme crisis and no one to talk to call 1-800-273-8255 or even message me if needed.  I’m here to help and support!

Feel free to leave a comment about any recent meltdowns that you have experienced or practices that you have in place to protect your mental health and wellness!

Cheers to breakdowns that lead to getting the help that we need!

By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.

Kara Norman Atlanta Based Women Empowerment Thought Leader and bi-weekly blog contributor.

Kara Norman has been working with Women and Girls for a number of years. Her nonprofit organization Empower Her Inc , have led to many opportunities in the space of making social changes as it deals with women and their many roles in society. You can learn more about Kara Norman and Empower Her Inc. at http://www.empowerherinc.com/

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Macaroni Salad

This week recipe idea is a classic with a twist... Macaroni Please, but not just any macaroni , we are adding a few vegetables to make this what they call a Macaroni Salad....  As always 1st things 1st we need to gather up the following ingredients. 

Ingredient Listing: 

• 4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup mayonnaise

  1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

  1 large onion, chopped

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1/4 cup grated carrot (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped pimento peppers (optional)

The Fresh Ingredients 

All chopped & diced ready for the next step 

Ready to serve 

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir in the onion, celery, green pepper, carrot, pimentos and macaroni. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving, but preferably overnight.

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By - Allrecipes.com 

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

Black Love visits Atlanta!

By invitation only well not really if you're familiar with local events you could've signed up to attend this evening event Black Love. My friend Kara Norman invited me to a night out to one of her favorite shows on TV for an open discussion into challenges that come up in a marriage. We enjoyed an evening of what would be considered a live broadcast of the show with special celebrity guest Grant Hill and Tamia. It was an evening of conversation dealing with marriages from different perspectives and couples from all ranges from newlyweds two couples with plenty of skin in the game dealing with the real issues in overcoming to stay together. During our outing we had lots of fun at the photo booth provided by Far Out Galaxy! They also gave us lots of fun gifts from and Kara and I got a chance to grab a quick picture with the celebrity panelist!!! Exciting night I was all smiles and enjoyed every minute of my time.

My good buddy Kara Norman and I grabbed a picture on the step and repeat banner 

Having a few fun moments at the photo booth!!! 

Kara joins in on the fun at the booth! 

We grabbed a quick photo with Grant Hill & Tamia as they were leaving out the event 

Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) is an Atlanta Based Photographer Specialing in Social Events, Weddings, Families  High School Seniors & Business Headshots!

We also custom design party supplies for life's celebrated moments! Live Love Create Go Kustom! 

Kara Norman Atlanta Based Women Empowerment Thought Leader and bi-weekly blog contributor.

Kara Norman has been working with Women and Girls for a number of years. Her nonprofit organization Empower Her Inc , have led to many opportunities in the space of making social changes as it deals with women and their many roles in society. You can learn more about Kara Norman and Empower Her Inc. at http://www.empowerherinc.com/

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty -Vegetable & Chicken Lasagna

Noodles Chicken and Vegetables... a delicious combination. This week Smarty Marty is cooking up Lasagna utilizing chicken tenderloins and fresh vegetables. To get started with this dish we need to gather up the following ingredients. 

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2cups very thin bite-size carrot strips
• 1cup chopped onion (1 large)
• 4cloves garlic, minced
• 14 - 16ounces frozen broccoli florets, thawed
• 12ounces shredded cooked chicken breast
• 3cups fat-free milk
• 9tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2teaspoons salt
• 1/2teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4cup snipped fresh basil
• 115 ounce carton fat-free ricotta cheese
• 1cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
• 12no-boil lasagna noodles (about 8 ounces)
• 1cup whole wheat panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
• 1/4cup grated Parmesan cheese (1 ounce)

Cooking up the tenderloins on the stove top 

Chopping up the fresh vegetables and the cooked chicken

Cooking up the fresh ingredients on stove top.

 

Directions

1. Lightly coat a 3-quart rectangular baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large nonstick skillet heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom of the skillet. Add carrots, onion, and garlic; cook about 6 minutes or until softened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in broccoli and chicken; set aside.
3. For sauce, in a large saucepan whisk together milk and flour. Add broth, salt, and pepper, whisking until smooth. Bring to boiling over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Boil about 1 minute or until slightly thickened, whisking constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in basil. Set aside.
4. In a small bowl stir together ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese.
5. Spread 1 cup of the sauce in the prepared baking dish. Arrange three of the lasagna noodles crosswise over the sauce in baking dish. Spoon another 1 cup of the sauce over the noodles, spreading evenly. Dot with one-third of the ricotta mixture, then one-third of the chicken mixture. Repeat layers twice. Top with the remaining three lasagna noodles. Spread the remaining sauce over the top. Cover baking dish with foil. Cover and chill for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake, covered, for 1-1/2 hours. Remove foil. Bake for 30 minutes more.
7. Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together panko and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle panko mixture over lasagna. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Bake, uncovered, about 5 minutes more or until the top is lightly browned. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Preparing to bake in the oven 

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By - www.bhg.com

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

“Leaping, Falling, Tail Tucking & Getting Back on the Horse!”

Six years ago, I walked away from my six-figure job to pursue my dreams to empower women and girls.  I found this picture and I blogged about that moment when I walked into my boss’s office and boldly said “I quit!”. You can check out my original blog post here: http://empowerherinc.blogspot.com/2012/08/ps-i-quit-step-closer-to-my-dream.html.  That person that took that leap seems so foreign to me now. I’m in tears just thinking about that moment and even sharing my thoughts in this week’s blog post.

I quit my job to have more flexibility for my family and to walk in my passion and gifts. I took on some contract work to supplement my income and set off to change the world.  I had no plan just - a 501 (C) 3 and a dream. My oldest daughter was entering high school and I knew that I wanted to be home when more.  I was very successful at work but my job was very demanding and offered little flexibility. Prior to my quitting I had helped to run a community based organization for girls for 5years.  I created great programs and events for girls in our community and was ready to branch out to help women and create more events that would spark social change on a full-time-basis.  

I launched my organization and hosted several events.  It started out great - then life happened.  A close family member got sick and passed away, we experienced unexpected financial issues and many other challenges.  A year later I tucked my tail between my legs and returned to my 9-5, so ashamed that I was back where I started.  I was back to being overworked, stressed and embarrassed that my plan did not work.  I tried to keep things going with my dreams on the side but I got busy being a mom and wife.  Empower Her, Inc. had a “Closed” sign on its virtual door.  I have tons of dust covered boxes in my attic right now full of my Empower Her, Inc dreams, visions, etc.

Fast forward to June 12th, 2018.  My friend sent me a screenshot of plans I made in 2013 for a leadership camp for girls. She read me the details of my proposal for this program and the requirements that I was requesting for a space to host the camp.  I could not believe that it had been 5 years. The details were so specific.  At the time I knew that I would get that space, register tons of girls and provide a camp that would also help my girls! The camp was a big part of my plans but it never got off the ground due to not finding a space and the resources.  I had forgotten about that dream and about my plans.  It’s funny how God brings things to your attention at the right time.  Especially as my 14-year-old is settling into her summer routine and is too old for camps but needs some type of enrichment.

The same thoughts of wanting to put together amazing programs for girls and women has crept back into my spirit as well as fear. The thought of putting something together again and relaunching has me shaking in my boots. Just to even write again on this blog started out as a struggle. I enjoy blogging as a guest on this blog because it is under the safe covering of someone else’s dream. I have my own blog that I started over six years ago that I have not touched instead I am sharing my thoughts here where it is safe. It’s like I have “Leaping for Your Dreams PTSD”, lol. 

God has been telling me over the last few months that it is time to share my journey and gifts with the world again. I want to stay hidden and quiet but He is pushing me to move forward. So,I am leaning into Him more, praying, planning and strategizing to launch some new programs/events in the fall.  I am at the end of this week’s Power Hour Blog post and I realize I did not have much to share - just my journey, where I am today and where I want to be.  I guess that is okay too.  I would ask for prayers and support as I get the strength to get back on the horse again.  For those of you that have scrapped up knees from your recent leaps I am here to provide band aids, to be scared with you and to be your biggest cheerleader when you are ready to leap again. 

Feel free to share your recent leaps, falls or tail tucked between your legs moments in the comments section.

Cheers to leaping, falling and getting back up again!

By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.

Kara Norman Atlanta Based Women Empowerment Thought Leader and bi-weekly blog contributor.

Kara Norman has been working with Women and Girls for a number of years. Her nonprofit organization Empower Her Inc , have led to many opportunities in the space of making social changes as it deals with women and their many roles in society. You can learn more about Kara Norman and Empower Her Inc. at http://www.empowerherinc.com/

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Shrimp Fried Rice

Smarty Marty foodie Tuesday recipe idea this week is a take out favorite... She's cooking up some shrimp fried rice. 1st and foremost we must gather up the ingredients needed for the dish. 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
• 3 cups water
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 1/2 cups cooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined without tail
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil

1. In a saucepan bring water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Set aside and allow rice to cool.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok for 2 minutes. When the skillet or wok is hot, pour in vegetable oil, bean sprouts and onions. Mix well and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Mix in cooled rice and shrimp and cook for another 3 minutes. Stirring constantly.
4. Mix in green onions, eggs, salt, pepper, soy sauce and sesame oil. Cook for another 4 minutes, stirring continuously, until eggs are cooked and everything is blended evenly.

Food Styled and Prepared By Smarty Marty 

Recipe By - Allrecipes.com 

Atlanta Based Photography Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) weekly food/recipe contributor Smarty Marty(My Older Sister) combines her love for cooking, photography and plating meals each and every Tuesday for this Segment entitled Foodie Tuesday. Join us each week for a variety of dishes prepared by Smarty Marty

40th Birthday Celebration in the Garden !

You've heard of a vegatable garden, a flower garden and even a secret garden. So with all that in mind earlier this year we were contacted by Ronda, she was putting together her birthday celebration and she decided to have an intimate dinner with friends in her private home. The theme of the dinner party was Garden. 

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Friends How many of us have them? Well for Ronda, she has quite a few that joined her for a private chef table experience. It was a milestone birthday and she decided to celebrate with her closest friends over some delicious dinner paired up with the best-tasting wine for the entree. We were so happy to be apart of the beautiful celebration and we totally appreciate being able to take a delicious plate home. 
 

A very welcoming table scape with customize menus fresh flowers and paired dinner wines for the meal. 

Appetizers and drinks were served as the guest awaited the time to be seated for dinner.

Check out the private Chef Aleem in action to learn more about the chef and his services click  here! 

Great night with close friends over delicious dinner and wine. 

your choice of drinks and champayne for birthday toast 

Happy Birthday Dear Ronda! This smile says it all as they closed out the night with the famous birthday song by friends. 

Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) is an Atlanta Based Photographer Specialing in Social Events, Weddings, Families  High School Seniors & Business Headshots!

We also custom design party supplies for life's celebrated moments! Live Love Create Go Kustom! 

A Moment with Mother!

A moment with mother!

A flash back to the  Saturday before Mother's Day we travel approximately 60 miles to Serenbe Farms to capture a beautiful luncheon with daughters and their mothers. This event really had me feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside. Seeing the love between mothers and daughters. One delightful part of the luncheon was a video presentation that featured the daughters giving special Mother's Day messages. For me it warms my heart to be able to capture these timeless images that will be cherished for generations to come. 

The beautiful setup for all the mothers and daughters 

The ladies were able to mix and mingle while we awaited the program to start.

Captured Moments while they enjoyed refreshing drinks and home style muffins 

Ladies enjoyed a beautiful video presentation of the daughters giving Mother's Day messages to their mothers. After the presentation they were gifted with beautiful charmed necklaces. 

A game was played of how much you know about your mother which brought lots of laughs 

Mother and daughter images were captured to cherish this day. 

Elisha Akram (Kustom Kreation Photography) is an Atlanta Based Photographer Specialing in Social Events, Weddings, Families  High School Seniors & Business Headshots!

We also custom design party supplies for life's celebrated moments! Live Love Create Go Kustom!