Saturday, May 31, 2014

The Internet Entrepreneur by Mick Moore


Due to the economical status in America, people have and are still losing jobs at drastic rates. Employment terminations have a tendency to usually surface at the wrong time in one’s life.  Finding yourself in a position of not knowing where your next pay check will come from can lead to a severe case of uneasiness and exhaustion.  The stress of it all can lead one on a road straight to depression. 

On the other hand with the correct mindset and the ability to press forward on new ventures such as starting a business; losing a job could indeed be the best thing that could happen to someone.  Moore, the author of this book does exactly that.  Refusing to be defeated due to being fired, he chooses to reinvent the wheel and with the support of his wife launches a successful online business.

Willing to help others who are willing to help themselves; Moore finds himself coaching a family member who endured a very similar experience.   What I enjoyed most about this book is that it demonstrates how one can rise to the occasion despite of a negative circumstance instantly thrown their way. Thanks Mick for sharing your story on the importance of starting over with a winning frame of mind and refusing to not throw in the towel.

 

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

My Critique on the New Center Eatery in Detroit.

Greeting’s people this great Tuesday!   Several days ago, I was craving a combination of sugar and salt.  Yes…I wanted the best of both worlds.  Thinking of where I could go to satisfy my confused palate, I decided on none other than the New Center Eatery.   Located on 3100 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, this spot is adjacent to the St. Regis hotel.

Having a reputation for serving up some of the best breakfast platters, they’re known for their famous chicken and waffles.  Entering into the restaurant, I'd succumbed to the aroma of down home cooking taking place.  Feeling as if I had just entered the “breakfast mecca” of them all, I decided to order their signature dish.  

Once my plate hit the table, the rest was history.  I had no doubt in my mind that this place would disappoint.  My waffle was sweet, moist, and very rich.  The chicken was juicy, crispy, and seasoned well.  Leaving this establishment, I was very satisfied and happy about selecting the New Center Eatery to assist me with solving my sugar and salt craving.   For those individuals wanting a good chicken and waffle combination, or any other breakfast item, I suggest you give this establishment a try.

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Fit & fab for Life by Francyne Walker


 
It has been stated that the United States is over populated by “Obese People.”   A lot of it has to do with our upbringing.  In the various cultures that make up America, we simply love to eat foods either high in sugar, salt, or both. On top of eating everything high in calories and fat content, we also fail to exercise on the regular basis.  Being the intelligent creatures that we are, we know that the two mixed together can create the recipe for various health elements and unwanted weight gain.

Reading a book on health and diet for the first time, I thought to myself, “easier said than done.”   Why...Because the transformation of good eating habits and exercising on a permanent basis is indeed easier said than done.  Many people, like myself have struggled with the “Battle of the Bulge” for years!  Some people lose optimistically only to unfortunately gain it right back.  What I like about author Francyne Walker is that she is determined to keep the weight off!

There are so many helpful insightful pages of this book that I could go on and on.  Having her as a guest on “The Cooks & Books Show” on Urban Nation Radio, she revealed how she lost over sixty pounds.  Going more into depth about the book, I like the fact that she emphasizes the importance of removing yourself from environments that tempt you to overeat and indulge.

The chapter titled, “What’s up Doc?” in my opinion is one of the most important components of this guide. Everyone should  see their primary physician prior to beginning any fitness routine. Providing before and after pictures of her weight lost accomplishments enclosed in her book, Francyne explains the following in her own words, ”in order for one to reach their desired results, eating appropriately and physical fitness must become a way of one’s life.”  Practicing what she preaches, Author Francine Walker is a positive model of how one can achieved better health and a tonner physique.  If you struggle with weight gain or remaining consistent with a fitness plan, pick this one up today.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Bully a Bully With Love by Nkiyasi Helm





Due to the incidences and worldwide bullying occurrences, I have read and viewed a fair amount of “Bully Books.”  Due to the popularity of this epidemic, just about everyone is reading on the subject matter.  Whether its cyber, school, or work related, there’s a book or guide available for anyone desiring more education on this issue.    

 What I love about Teenage Author Nkiyasi Helm’s book in particular is that the title itself directly serves as one solution to this ever so cruel issue.  Grace, the main character of this book is a young courageous lady who decides to take a stand against bullying while at the same time digs deeper by attempting to discover the root of why “Big Bertha” does the mean and evil things she does to everyone.

I love this book because it teaches a lesson beyond bullying and it provides some questions to think about for the readers at the end of the story.  The book is easy to read and I recommend it for all kids ranging from the ages of 5 and up.  Great job on this one Nkiyasi.  I look forward to reading your other books in the nearer future.  For information on Nkiyasi Helm, log on to www.writtenbykids.com

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

My culinary critique on the Woodward Avenue Brewers Located in Ferndale Michigan


Leaving my knee specialist in Farmington today, I decided to see what was cooking up in Ferndale Michigan for Restaurant Week.  Driving down Woodward, I selected a place with a lofty appeal titled, the Woodward Avenue Brewers.   Enticed by the aroma of the place immediately upon entry, it put me in the mind of a Hippies CafĂ© from back in the day. 

Dinning in solo, I decided to sit at the bar and select the daily feature.  The “Remix Salad,” a combination of fresh strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and red onions with homemade raspberry vinaigrette was amazing. This salad starter got me ready for a pizza with various topping even I would’ve ever thought to put on one.

This particular pizza I ordered was topped with beef brisket shavings, mushrooms, feta cheese, and French fries.  Talking about something unique, I would’ve never thought to put potatoes on a pizza pie.  I must admit I was bit skeptical at first until my first bite.  The ingredients combined together made for a very savory pie.       

For all Michigander’s attending Restaurant week in Ferndale, stop by Woodward Avenue Brewers on Woodward and give them a try.  I got a chance to meet Culinary Artist Courtney Witter today and I look forward to our interview on the Cooks and Books Show towards the later part of May on Urban Nation Radio.  
 
 

Monday, April 21, 2014

Between the Cradle and the Grave by Firoz Khan

 
In life one may endure one tragedy after another for a period of time.  A great thing about enduring obstacles in life is that usually, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.   Muhammad, the main character in this book was unfortunately birthed into a series of unfortunate situations.  

Mama, Muhammad’s caregiver, faced  personal challenges in life as well. What I loved about Mama’s character is that despite his situation he refuses to let it get in the way of taking care of both himself and Muhammad.   The actual plot reads as a movie.  In-fact, it put me in the mind of Tom Hanks “ Cast Away” with a few twist.  Although the book is realistic fiction, it possesses so many qualities of a nonfictional real life read. 
After completing this book, two things immediately came into mind. First, it is always important to practice gratitude on the daily basis.  Lastly it’s important no matter what your circumstances are in life to live it to the fullest.    I recommend this book for anyone having a “self-pity “moment.    I guarantee after completing this book one will start to immediately count their blessings.     

 

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Here’s my Review on McDuffie’s All About Puberty: What Every Pre-Teen and Teenage girl should know.


 
As a young lady making the transformation from girl to teenager, I was blessed to have both a mom and aunts explain to me some of the changes my body would take me through. I’ve come to find that in most cases these type of conversations rarely take place home or not at all. A lot of young females today are faced with figuring out the “puberty phase” on their own.   
Deciding to pose the topic to women with daughters, as it turns out, some had had the “puberty talk” with their girls yet; there were others who found the topic too sensitive to address.   The reality is that in life, some moms might have that “puberty talk’ while others will choose to not.  Sadly, many young ladies on this planet will never have that person to talk to about this vital phase of their lives.   This is why books such as this one are needed now more than ever.    McDuffie does an excellent job at breaking down the various phases of “female puberty” along with the signs and indicators to look for. 

To be honest, there were some things that I learned from this book that I myself as an adult female was simply unaware off. Thanks to this read, I now know the correct way to measure for a true bra cup size.   For those parents just too shy or afraid to have that “puberty talk” with your daughter,  get a copy of McDuffie’s book and let it do all the explaining for you.  For those moms that have already addressed this topic with your girls…grab the book anyway.  Due to the female body being so complicated, there may be something enclosed in McDuffie’s book that you unintentionally failed to share or address relating to puberty.