Forgiveness 21 Days to Forgive Everyone for Everything

This year of 2014 sent me on a “literacy path” deemed necessary for my personal growth in multiple ways.  From increasing confidence; to the transformation of my mindset on a mission to understand my place as a human on this planet, I made it my goal to indulge in meaningful insightful text.  As I completed each one, I felt a sense of accomplishment knowing that the author had indeed achieved their purpose.

Understanding the views and the “Big” message being conveyed from this genre of books always came easy for me.  Having the necessary solutions to rid me of the multiple inner conflicts within myself was another. Unfortunately, I’d find myself feeling temporarily optimistic about breaking free from inner baggage and back to my regulated routine within weeks.  The problem with this is that I was not getting anywhere. As I think about it all, the first thing that comes to mind is the “hamster in the running wheel concept.”

Uploading this book on my kindle, I stated to myself, “What will make this one different from any of the others I’ve previously read?”  That was until I read it. In the bible, it clearly states that faiths without works are dead.  In the intro of her series on the OWN Network, Vanzant clearly states that personal “life work” was required for her to become her best self. Ladies and gentlemen, this book provides the templates necessary for you to conduct the “life work” necessary for letting go and truly forgiving.  Reading each section, I realized why she offered the “Forgiveness Series” on line.

People this is not another one of those self-help guides where you take notes and move on with your day trying to figure out how to shift and release your inner toxic captives.  The mandated assignments enclosed requiring effort, time, and repetitive practice indeed provide what is really required from the inside out to wholeheartedly forgive.  Realizing now that the act of forgiving is not an overnight process, I thank you Iyanla for providing the real template on how to get it done.

For individuals sincere about the process of exonerating in order to have an enjoyable and fuller life, pick this one up at your book store or upload it tablet or reading device.  This coming New Year, make it a 2015 resolution to not only forgive; learn what’s required by a renowned expert on what personal actions are necessary to see it through.     

My Last Food Review of the Year...Hands Down...Detroit Wright & Company Receives my 2014 Best New Restaurant Nomination

As the year of 2014 comes to a rapid close, I felt obligated to provide one more food review before the New Year.  Unlike the others, this one is somewhat unique.  In the heart of Downtown Detroit pass the YMCA on Broadway; to the direct right of it, you’ll see an alley with graffiti on the walls. Zipping down this narrow road in a hurriedly fashion, you’ll miss this chic and newly opened fine dining establishment slightly passed the airbrushed blocks.  Dare to look up and you’ll witness chefs in the window preparing the finest of works of arts. The establishment I’m referring to is none other than the Wright and Company located at 1500 Woodward.

Taking the elevator up to this eatery, my mouth dropped wide open to the extravagance of it all.  The décor of this place; short of nothing but superb.  Ending up here on a limb, I saw a photograph of their potato chips. Deciding they were a “must have” bathed in melted cheese, scallions, and tomatoes infused with homemade oil, this “spud dish” for a limited time satisfied my palate long enough for my next anticipated arrival.

As the server placed my main dish on the table, I stated to myself “yes!” due to the presentation of their “TunaTarte.” Crafted from a combination of Spicy Mayonnaise, Crispy Wontons, and Sweet Soy, ladies and gentlemen, this was no ordinary piece of fish.  Gone within ten minutes flat, I was most satisfied with this sultry selection.  I’m giving Detroit’s Wright & Company a four out of four stars and the 2014 nomination title of Detroit’s Best new restaurant.

It’s been a great year serving as one of Detroit’s “go-to” persons for dinning and food reviews.  I look forward to bringing you even more exciting critiques the year of 2015.   

My International Food Review on Keg Steakhouse & Bar Located in Windsor

This year for my birthday, I really wanted a dinner party.  Not just any dinner party, an international food party with some of my closest friends to celebrate with. Residing in Michigan and knowing that my birthday fell on a working weekday this year, I decided on the closes country to Detroit.  Yes everyone, I selected Windsor.

Conducting some serious research on restaurants that served and had an excellent reputation for steak, I choose Keg Steakhouse. Located approximately just five minutes away from Ouellette Street after passing through the Detroit/Canada tunnel, this place is very easy to find.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the server.   Mesmerized by the luxurious fire place located in the direct front, the hostess took us to our seats.    People I can’t even begin to tell you about the awesome selection of appetizers they had to choose from.  All I remember is that we ordered at least four of them from the menu and they were all indeed favorable.

Out of everything I ate this night, nothing could compare to the steak I ordered.  If I hadn’t known better, I’d suspect that this Filet Mignon was injected with butter prior to preparation.  This medium well cooked beef was dynamic in every way.  Tender, succulent, and savory, are just a few words that I can use to describe it.  My potato was absolutely yummy and the butter that accompanied it was most tasty. 

Hands down people, Kegs in my opinion makes the best steak period.  Do yourselves a favor everyone.  Get a passport, or enhanced licensed and give Kegs a try.  I guarantee you’ll make another visit after the first.

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Survive...Live...or...Thrive by L. Lynn Gillard

A lover of self-help books, I love the attempt the author makes when trying to convey the reader to make certain moves to accomplish success.   Some provide activities and reflection pages.  Others may come off as a minister while doing their best to coach you into achieving success.Just recently, I started listening to audio books.  With only three currently on my “audible list,” some require more time and even days to get through the entirety of an author’s “vocal book.”  One inparticular that I willing completed in less than two days was Survive…Live…or Thrive.

Author L. Lynn Gillard in my opinion is everyday people.  Her word choice was indeed comprehendible.  Not using a lot words that would require a dictionary for one to understand, the delivery of her message is indeed simple, and to the point.  What I enjoyed the most about this audio was how she provided insight on what individuals should do in order to get going in the right direction. For example something as simple as creating a “written plan.”

I whole heartedly respected the fact that she placed emphasis on creating residual income. In today’s world with the ups and downs of jobs no longer providing stability, this fact provided by this author let me know that she certainly knows what she’s talking about.      

If you’re like me; an avid reader getting into audio books, add Survive…Live…or Thrive to your collection today.  It’s one that you will enjoy listening and learning from at the same time.

My Food Review on Cafe Muse Located in Royal Oak Michigan

I slept in another Sunday everyone.  The beauty rest was so needed however, when I got the wakeup call for brunch, I eagerly got up and put myself together. On another mission for some delicious affordable breakfast items available in the midday, I along with my friend ended up at the Café Muse located in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Approximately thirty minutes late for our reservation, I was happy that the hostess did not draw a line through my name.  She greeted us with the smile, and guided us to our spacious and comfy seating area.  Our waiter was most gracious.  Pouring our water as she handed us our menus, I could tell it was going to be difficult to make a choice on so many delectable selections to choose from.

After ten minutes of our server coming back and forth to our table, I decided on the scrambled eggs with mushrooms made with a garlicky cream cheese, potato’s, and grilled chicken apple sausage. The eggs absolutely melted in my mouth. The mushrooms with the garlicky cheese conjoined together created a harmonious flavor like none I had ever tasted.   The whole white potatoes were scrumptious and sausage was the first to go. 

Everyone at this place seemed to be so happy about being employed there.  My experience was awesome and my rating for the Café Muse located on South Washington Ave in Royal Oak is four out of five stars.

You Can, You Will: 8 Undeniable Qualities of a Winner (Audio Version)

Osteen has a solid reputation for feeding one's spirit on empty and getting it back to where it's needed. Appreciating the fact that his latest message was free via audio version, I thoroughly enjoyed the lesson he conveyed. The eight steps and solid advice provided was just what the doctor ordered for anyone trying to make breakthroughs in 2015.

Some of the best highlights in this book are enclosed in chapter three. In-fact, I went back and replayed this chapter at least three times. We can always count on this man, as Dr Phil would say, to continuously assist
individuals with getting excited about life and every good thing it has to offer.

My Food Review on D'Amato's Located in Royal Oak Michigan

I'm not sure about everyone else however, on the weekends; I  like to sleep in  a little later than usual.  Upon awakening, and getting myself together, I'm looking for restaurants that provide  delicious food selections for brunch.  This particular Sunday, I ended up in  D'Amato's located in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Highly impressed with the atmosphere and music playing upon entry, I selected the Eggs Benedict topped with salmon along a side of potato's. Taking the adventurous route this afternoon, I had no idea what I was preparing my taste buds for.  The smoked salmon with the eggs made for one great combination. My potato's were moist; not over powered by salt. The mixed in caramelized onions made for a real treat.  The presentation was astounding and my entire meal was quite enjoyable.

For individuals who sleep a little longer on the weekends wanting breakfast in the middle of the day, give D'Amato's in Royal Oak a try.

 

Vernon the Vegetable Man by Yvelette Stines

Nationally, studies indicate that Americans now have some of the worse eating habits.  More importantly the habits have been passed down to our youth.  As a child, I remember us all having recess after lunch.  All of the children played outside in the neighborhood until the street lights turned on.

Those were the days.  Author Yvelette Stines, in her latest children’s literature book, Vernon the Vegetable Man, takes us back to a time when fresh produce businesses were indeed affluent within local communities.  Marvin the main character in this story, with the help of Vernon, the owner of a fruits and vegetable truck, helps the young man realize and discover several very important life lessons.      

What I enjoyed about the book the most is that due to the help from a prominent community businessmen, Marvin learns the true benefits of eating and selecting healthy food choices.  I recommend this book for any elementary teacher wanting to emphasize the importance of a healthy diet.  Parents with youngsters desiring to enlighten their offspring about the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables for the sake of nutritional values this book is definitely the one to have.

Here's my Food Review on Mert's Heart and Soul in Charlotte North Carolina

Just last week I ventured off to Charlotte North Carolina.  The City is beautiful and filled with amazing things to see and do.  Of course everyone knows what I set my heart out to do.  Eat! On several occasions, I’d heard the Reverend Al Sharpton talk about this soul food restaurant named Mert’ s Heart and Soul.  Continuously bragging about their famous cornbread, that supposedly taste like cake, I had to see for myself if this restaurant knew what they were doing.

As it turns out, the Reverend was indeed correct. The cornbread was out of this world.  Other items were just as scrumptious however, what stuck out in my mind even after a week, were their egg rolls.  People, I’m not talking about just any egg roll here.  I’m taking about “Soul Rolls.” Thinking outside of the box that made for one amazing appetizer, the inside of these babies consist of black eyed peas, rice, collard greens, and diced chicken breast.  Served with a spicy honey mustard sauce, as I took my first bite, I thought to myself how awesome the combination was.

Michiganders, if you ever make your way towards Charlotte, stop by Mert’s Heart and Soul. Before you order an entrée, it’s a must you order their “Soul Rolls.”  Like the Maxwell House coffee commercial, they are definitely good to the last drop.      

30 Day Notice by Kai Mann

Being true to oneself is one thing.  Being true to oneself knowing that due to your lifestyle, you will most likely be shunned is another?   Kori, the main character of this story, takes us on a journey during the most difficult times of her life.  As we all know, a broken heart can take some time to heal. Suffering from the norm that comes with getting past an ex-lover, Layla definitely lays something on Kori that she finds very challenging to shake off.   

While listing and making solid plans to get herself out of the financial rut she created over a five year span while in a relationship with Layla, she soon discovers that starting over from ground zero is not always easy as it looks on paper.  In the process of making her dreams come to life, she’s bombarded with ongoing multiple struggles that hinder her from crossing the finish line of success.

On a mission to stop at no cost until her goal of completing first book was finalized, she flashes back in time to her childhood. Sadly, painful memories still laid dormant inside of her due to never appropriately dealing with tragic occurrences that took place in her life as a kid.   From friends revealing their true selves, to new relationships and the possibilities of what it may entail, this book brings elation throughout its entirety.  Job well done Kai Mann!

My Food Review on Michigo Pizza Located in Ferndale Michigan

A true lover of pizza, my mission to find a restaurant serving good Chicago Style deep dish pizza became a difficult task.  In-fact, it became the reason why I made the transition to simply eating thin crust pizza.  Forced  by my taste buds to do so, my desire for the  famous deep dish pizza came to a end due to pizzeria’s  not cooking the crust all the way through and the blend of the toppings inside of the pizza lacking an authentic taste.

Taking a risk on a recommendation provided to me by a friend, I decided to give Michigo Pizza located on 9 Mile in Ferndale Michigan a try.  Selecting their deep dish Chicago Style veggie, I stated to myself, “if this pie tastes terrible, I will never order another deep dish pizza ever again!”  To my surprise, my negative assumptions were inaccurate.

The crust was done and had a buttery tasting texture.  The pizza sauce was amazing and complemented the sun-dried tomatoes swell and the mushrooms were fresh… not canned!  This pizza was so delicious that the only thing missing from it all was a bottle of red wine.  Thank you Michigo Pizza of Ferndale Michigan.  Thanks to you the love affair for me and deep dish pizza are now back on.  I’m giving this pizza joint a four star ranking and highly recommend everyone give them a try.    

The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie

There are books that give guidance on how to deal with life’s trials and tribulations and then there’s The Language of Letting Go!  Never in all of my years have I read a guide that focused upon every aspect of what a human may endure.  Often, our obstacles are invited by our inner energy which in return, sends them to us.  Unfortunately, some are not invited potentially.

Despite of how they come, dealing with painful circumstances inappropriately or, simply choosing not to deal with them ever solves anything.  What I love about this book is that it correctly states what should be done to get over the agony and mental suffering of a situation and getting past it in a healthy manner.  Eager to get over a hurtful occurrence, we as humans may find ourselves backsliding. Aware of the fact that everyone’s time frame for healing varies, Beattie in her book addresses the impulse of backsliding, why it occurs, and how to get back on the right track.

Although this read was wrote over fourteen years ago, everything enclosed inside is still very essential, and greatly needed for getting over whatever continues to hinder you from living a harmonious life.