Real Life: Live & Unscripted

I've Moved.....

Many of you know I've been blogging since 2005 over at www.adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com

Last week I made a decision to close down that little space and combine it with Adrienne's Essentials.

I've avoided having my personal/business blog in the same area but decided it was time for a change. I'm so much more than just Adrienne's Little World and Adrienne's Essentials. Combining the two seemed like the perfect thing to do.

The content won't change, it will just all be in the same space :)

I've gotten so many emails about the typepad blog lol. Nah I'm not leaving the blogging world. Why would I? LOL I've met some of the most amazing people. You all have seen my ups and downs, watched the kids grow up...you've seen ME grow up lol.

That's it for now. Have a look around and make yourself at home.

I'm going to post this on the typepad blog but you can update your subscriptions to this page. You can subscribe by reader or email. Everything you need is on the sidebar :)

http://adriennesessentials.com/blog/

Say hello to Chief and a little update.

Soooo yesterday Tony left home early, not even sure what time it was because I was still sleep when he told me he would be right back. Ok, becareful BYE. I rolled back over and went to sleep.

When I finally woke up he called and asked me to open the front door. Ok cool. I'm thinking he has food or something.

NOT lol

He came home with a PUPPY.

Isn't he ADORABLE!!?!? I wasn't quite ready to train another dog but come on lol. Gizmo is NOT happy right now. He will warm up to him soon enough lol

Now the training begins. NOT READY lol

Anyway, I'm SO glad it's Friday. This has been THE longest, most emotional week I've had in a very, very long time. Between the kids being out of school and Tony being off work because of the snow/ice, my work and all the other things I have going on daily!? I'm READY for the weekend.

I questioned God, questioned myself and just had a flat out pity party.

Thankfully, Tony being the stronger of us this week, gave me a stern pep talk lol.

I'm still all in my feelings as I type this but I'm human. I will allow myself to feel what I feel and look for a better day tomorrow.

I think it's healthy to allow yourself to feel what is going on. It's not always good to just brush it off and it's certainly not good to internalize it. This is just MY opinion though. I've been blogging here since 2005 so y'all know how I am when it comes to MY opinion lol.

Like I said, tomorrow will be a better day. My main goal is to just focus on God, allow Him to do what He needs to do in me (because He has been showing me some stuff that I had NO clue was in me but I'll blog about that later) and keep it moving.

Alright, that's it for me today. I STILL need to do a phone dump. It will probably be epic because I haven't done one in 2014 *faints* lol

Have a great day!!

 

Congrats Jaelyn...College Bound.

Jaelyn has recieved THREE full scholarships to THREE different universities.

To say that we are proud of her is a huge understatement.

She has worked hard, studied and done very well with her testing.

This isn't something that JUST happened her Senior year.

As a family we have prepared. Tutors, workshops, workbooks, weekend classes, afterschool classes. Whatever she needed to reach this goal, we've given it to her. We do the same for all three of our children.

She has made her decision on what school she will attend and those close to us already know. I may not ever make a formal announcement on my blog for privacy concerns (so if you know PLEASE don't post it here lol)  but just know that we are SUPER proud.

I'm having a real proud momma moment here lol, but don't get it twisted lol. THERE WERE TIMES WHEN I COULD HAVE JUST WHEWWWWWWWWWWWWWW lol The child worked a NERVE YA HERE ME LOL.

Encourage your kids. LISTEN TO YOUR KIDS, sometimes they really do know what they are talking about lol.

That's it for me. Y'all have a great weekend!

 

 

Currently my favorite thing in LIFE!

Ok, well in LIFE may be taking it a little far but close to it lol

Gift Set

Body Lotion

Body Wash
Travel Set

Now I don't know where this has been my ENTIRE life but it has GIVEN me life over the past few days. I'm like HONESTLY addicted lol

This is the best stuff hands down. I sleep like a baby and my skin feels like BUTTER. It smells like happiness and clouds with a side of rainbow lol

I even added some to my amazon wish list.

It's THAT GOOD lol. I can't WAIT until my box from Molton Brown shows up. It will be almost as good as a new box of shoes. I did say ALMOST. I want to HOARD it because I love it so much I'm sure it will be discontinued lol.

Seriously getchu some.

 

Congrats Mimi G. Style!

HUGE Congrats to Mimi Goodwin on her new Hot Patterns Pattern Line!

Order your patterns here. I've already ordered mine lol.

Congrats again girlie!

Mimi G, Adrienne Nixon and Stitched9

Quick post lol

Mimi G. was featured in an article in the Trinidad & Tobago newspaper. If you look REALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLY close the article mentions me and our business Stitched9 lol

Congrats on the feature Mimi!

Go vote for Mimi G!

Vote for Mimi G.

Just click the link and vote. SHARE and tell all yo friends lol

 

Stitched9!! Mimi G Style & Adrienne's Essentials

I am so excited to announce that my dear friend and I have joined forces to give you what you have asked for for so long! Popular pieces made and worn by Me and Mimi G.will be made available to you.

We have teamed up to give you guys Stitched9. We will be adding more over the next couple of months but for now the highly popular and anticipated Regal Maxi Skirt and Grey Off Shoulder Maxi are HERE plus Adrienne's Adriana Maxi which is a must have!! Thank you all so much for always being so supportive and encouraging and most of all patient. Make sure to follow us on to stay informed on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter to stay informed on new items.

Breaking News!! Major Announcement!!

NO I'M NOT PREGNANT lol

Let me preface this by saying y'all have been reading my blog for YEARS. I was SO serious about not sewing for others. When I tell y'all GOD put this desire in my heart to do this I KNOW y'all know I'm being serious lol. This was truly His doing and I'm so thankful for it! Ok that is all...you may continue!

The time is finally here!! Announcing Adrienne's Essentials! www.adriennesessentials.com I truly thank God for the desire He has placed in me to take what He has blessed me to do to another level. I've always done photography and I started making spa products a few years ago, but he placed it in me to continue to be a blessing and share my gift of sewing with everyone else. I have to say thanks to my husband  for ALL of his support. He continues to encourage me and I appreciate it. I won't do ANY shop updates on this page so please be sure to connect with my business page https://www.facebook.com/adriennes.essentials and follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/EssentialsbyA I will do a lot of giveaways and contests. Thank you all for your support over the years. I appreciate all of you!

Long time friends and a little news.....

These two have been friends FOREVER.....

It makes my heart smile to see them "bond" with each other.  Patrick is sooooooo stupid lol, and so is Tony so when you put them BOTH in a room together!?!? LAWD talk about pure comedy lol.

Treasure your friends...I know I treasure mine :-)

Now for my "little news" and HELL no I am NOT pregnant lol. I almost dropped my phone when I saw that NIK lol..you know better lol.

I am working again!

LOL but not that "mandatory" gotta pay the bills type of job (even though extra cash is ALWAYS nice ). I got a fun part time job working in a local store in the SCRAPBOOKING DEPARTMENT! LOL How fun is that! My ideal job was at Hancock but they wanted me to work evenings AND weekends so that wasn't happening lol.

I wanted to get out of the house a few days a week and still be able to pick up the kiddos, and do school things with them. This one is perfect! I have so much fun, but LAWD THE PEOPLE THAT I SEE..... Whew...look for a new series coming up over here....I think I'm gonna call it "GTFOOH" because that is what I think when I see what they do/wear/say etc. Don't worry, I ALREADY have pictures stored up and ready to go lol.

That is IT guys! Hope you have a superb Thursday!!

Toodles

President OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!

YES WE CAN!!! YES WE DID!!!

OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My 15 seconds of fame lol

I was so nervous and you can tell lol. I didn't realize I had so many local readers that didn't comment until I checked my email this morning lol. Glad you guys caught it last night ;-)

15 Seconds of Fame

ETA: For you...LOVE YOU!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA

Toodles!!

Stay Informed Part 2

Hello you all! I want to keep doing these posts about Cervical Cancer and Prevention and Treatment.

I have so much information that I want to share with you all. As far as my health is concerned, I am still having  bloodwork done, and FREQUENTLY. Normally every two weeks. I am on a couple meds and some really good vitamins. If I do not take them... I FEEL IT!!!  My doctors are really keeping a close eye on me. It's a wonderful thing!! I am so glad to have good doctors. You guys have no idea. With all that being said, here is a little more info for you to read!!

HPV Vaccine Plus Screening:
What Women Should Know
Provided by http://www.theHPVtest.com

THE FUTURE OF CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION
With the introduction of the first HPV vaccine, the dream of eliminating cervical cancer is increasingly within reach. Cervical cancer is the only type of cancer for which there is one, specific cause – certain, “high-risk” types of HPV, or human papillomavirus. HPV is a very common, sexually transmitted virus that normally doesn’t cause any problems. But in some women, the infection stays active long enough to cause abnormal cells to form, which can then develop into cervical cancer. With the HPV test, women at high risk can be identified and monitored carefully. And now, the new vaccine (called Gardasil®) allows many HPV infections to be prevented from occurring in the first place. 

However, even with the vaccine, women still need a regular Pap and – depending on their age – the HPV test.  That’s because:

o    The vaccine cannot protect everyone. To be fully effective, the vaccine should be given before a woman’s first sexual experience – in other words, before she may be exposed to HPV. Thus, the ideal time to get the vaccine is during adolescence. That means that for the vast majority of women today, and for many in the future, regular screening is their first and primary weapon against cervical cancer. 

o    The protection offered by the vaccine is incomplete. There are roughly 13 types of the HPV virus that can cause cervical cancer. The vaccine is designed to target just two “high-risk” types of the virus, which are responsible for 70 percent of all cervical cancers. However, that means it cannot protect women against the remaining 30 percent of cervical cancers that are caused by other “high-risk” types of HPV.

o    There are a lot of unknowns. For example, it is not known whether a “booster” vaccine shot will be needed later in life to ensure continued protection.

Thus, both vaccination and HPV screening test are essential tools in the fight against cervical cancer. These general recommendations are emerging from the experts: 

CERVICAL

* Developed from the 2006 “Educate the Educators” slide set on “HPV and the HPV Vaccines Program,” produced by the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP).

Gardasil® is a trademark of Merck & Co.

Toodles!!! I hope you all are having a great Saturday!!

Check it out.....

YMIB PURE INSPIRATION

:-)

NO CANCER FOUND!

I don't think I need to say ANYTHING else!!!!!!
Word's can't describe what I feel right now!!!! Thank you all for everything!!!
We will talk about this more later...gotta go process it all now lol.

Toodles!

Stay Informed Part 1

Thank you guys for all the well wishes yesterday!!!  It was a pretty good day. I just jump everytime the phone rings lol. A blog reader sent me some info and I wanted to pass this along to you guys...I will break it up into different sections, so you can digest it all.

Still no sewing! Tune in tomorrow for the first Conversations with Adrienne Podcast of the new year!!!! LOL OH and I have  bunch of posts ready to go out lol....GOTTA LOVE TYPEPAD!!!! LOL but not more than one per day lol...don't go getting all excited lol

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Patient Empowerment: The Role of Women during the Annual Doctor Visit

By Marie Savard, MD

The average woman pays more attention to her children’s medical history or pet’s vet schedule than her own health.  Though research has shown that the more involved and informed patients are in managing their own health, the better their outcome, many don’t recognize the importance of taking charge of their health until it’s too late.

Today’s patients are deluged with information and misinformation. For example, one of the biggest misconceptions that women have is that they are “safe” from cervical cancer as long as they have their annual Pap smear. While it is true that regular use of the Pap test has led to a significant reduction in the number of Americans who die from cervical cancer, it is not foolproof.  In fact, when used alone, it is only 50 to 85 percent effective in identifying women with precancerous or cancerous cells.

However, there is a new test available that increases the ability to identify women at risk of cervical cancer to nearly 100 percent, when performed with the Pap. It’s a test for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer. Although the FDA has approved the HPV test for routine screening in women 30 and older, many women aren’t aware that it exists and that many doctors don’t yet offer it unless asked (It’s important to distinguish between doing an HPV test only when a Pap result is unclear, and ordering an HPV test upfront – no matter what the Pap result. The first is now routine, the second is an emerging standard of care and must often be requested). 

Doctors have less time than ever to talk with their patients about conditions and treatment options.  In fact, the average gynecologic visit is 22 minutes long, which may account for the fact that only 43 percent of female patients say they’ve shared their health concerns with their doctors, according to researchers at Purdue University.

Therefore, women need to educate themselves with the most up-to-date medical information, which they can do by interviewing different doctors and exchanging information with family and friends.

It is equally important to be prepared. Here are some vital steps women should take before their next gynecologic visit:

•    Develop a list of questions to discuss with your doctor. If you have a lot of questions,   mention this to the office staff when making your appointment. 
•    Be familiar with which tests to get. A good source for this information is: http://www.mercksource.com/ppdocs/us/cns/content/savard/forms/adult_personal_screening_18_64.pdf
•    Follow up on test results. No news is not necessarily good news! It’s a good idea to give your doctor’s office a self-addressed stamped envelope so the results can be mailed to you.
•    Set goals with the doctor for your next visit.

For more information about HPV, the HPV test and cervical cancer prevention, visit http://www.theHPVtest.com.

Marie Savard, MD, is a nationally recognized internist, expert on patient empowerment and author of The Body Shape Solution to Weight Loss and Wellness: The Apples & Pears Approach to
Losing Weight, Living Longer, and Feeling Healthier.   

I'm a Get 'Em Girl!

Ok, this looks REALLY crazy because I had to copy and paste a newsletter, but just scroll down and you can see little 'ole me! Thanks to Stacey for forwarding it to me lol. Thanks to the person that sent in my info!! They would NOT tell me and yes I did ask!  Made my day today. 

Oh yeah and my PC crashed..like DIED, or something. I have the dreaded Blue Screen of Death. I think I have talked my husband into a MAC desktop! I will fix the PC though, and let the kids play on it. Maybe I'll keep it WHO knows ! ALL of my stuff is on my external hard drive(and my external hard drive is backed up on a few disks AND online lol) so I will probably plug it up to my MAC to get my pics off, so hopefully pics I can show you guys some pics SOON!

Toodles!

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Wednesday, December 26, 2007, Issue No. 22		In this Issue: Date Dish Get 'Em Girl's News G Tunes (provided by iTunes® ) Get 'Em Girl of the Week! A Get 'Em Girl's Essentials Get 'Em Girls' Approved
Recipes that are sure to make a winning impression on that special someone. Chicken Marsala Serve-with ideas: Buttery White Rice PREP TIME: 10 minutes COOK TIME:  20 minutes READY IN: 30 minutes YIELDS: 4 servings INGREDIENTS 4 boneless and skinless chicken breast 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon Kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon dried oregano 4 tablespoons olive oil 6 tablespoons butter, divided 1 cup sliced button mushrooms 1/2 cup Marsala wine 1/4 cup chicken broth DIRECTIONS Place chicken breast in between two pieces of parchment paper and pound chicken breast to 1/4-inch thickness; set aside. Combine the flour, salt, pepper, and oregano in a shallow bowl. Heat the olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess flour and carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Cook, flipping once, until lightly browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side and transfer to a plate. Next, add the mushrooms to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms begin to brown. Turn the flame completely off and add the Marsala wine. Turn the flame back on to medium and bring the wine to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to remove any browned bits. When the wine has reduced by half, add the chicken stock and continue cooking until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 4 minutes. Lower the heat to medium-low and return the chicken to the pan. Continue to cook until the chicken is cooked throughout and the sauce has thickened, about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Serve immediately over rice or your favorite pasta.  WINE PAIRING: King Estate Pinot Gris 2006-White Wine Advertisement The Get 'Em Girl Cookbook set is the sure-fire recipe for a wonderful holiday meal! Pick one up for yourself, your friend, or your loved one! Our wildly-successful GET 'EM GIRL cookbook is an invaluable resource for anyone that needs to be re-introduced to the power of a great meal or for the Get 'Em Girl that has everything...and wants a little extra! Included is a GET 'EM GIRL  chocolate brown apron, which reads "Smart, Sexy and I Cook!" in Get 'Em Girl pink, and the essential wooden spoon. Happy Holidays! Set of three Click Here to Purchase Price: $35.00
I am rough on all of my handbags.  No matter the designer Gucci, Coach or Target; all of my handbags get the same treatment.  I am the female who will sit a white handbag on a restaurant floor without so much as a thought (just plain foolishness!).  However, at a recent Girls' Bite In a young lady introduced me to the Purse Hook.  The Purse Hook comes in two different colors (gold and silver) and can hold up to 35 pounds.  You can find the Purse Hook at your local Bed Bath & Beyond. My only problem now is figuring what item I should remove from my handbag in order to meet the 35 pound restriction. Shakara

Find out the latest information and tips from the Get 'Em Girl's. Check out the updated Get 'Em Girls Blog TODAY! officialgetemgirls.blogspot.com. Get 'Em Girl's Favorite Links: Get 'Em Girl's Blog The Official G Myspace Page The Countdown Begins... Beginning in January we will count down the days until the new www.getemgirls.com launches...so stay tuned!   THANK YOU! This has been an AMAZING year for the Get 'Em Girls, and with the support of every one of you, there is so much more coming in 2008...so get ready for The Get 'Em Girls Movement!  There is so much to tell, but we will wait until the ink is dry before we put it out there...so stay tuned! Ladies, this is our year! See you in 2008!   Advertisement Harlem's Best Kept Secret, Butterfly Blue Restaurant & Bar, Establishes a Staple Celebratory Event Hip Harlem Upscale Restaurant brings in 2008 with style and comfort Butterfly Blue Restaurant & Bar is bringing in 2008 with high style and Caribbean and Southern comfort.  Butterfly Blue is celebrating New Year's Eve with a Masquerade dinner, dancing, and a toast for their blessings. They have only been in existence for close to two years, and already their positive reputation has exceeded the quality of their food and service. Butterfly Blue Year's Eve 2007 will come with two affordable prices of $45 for entry at 10:30pm, and $75 with the latter not only including enjoyment of the live DJ and a champagne toast, but also dinner starting at 9:00pm. For more information regarding Butterfly Blue Year's Eve 2007 and purchase tickets, feel free to contact Butterfly Blue Restaurant & Bar at (212) 234-5334 or visit online at  www.ButterflyBlueRestaurant.com and  www.myspace.com/butterflybluebar. Get 'Em Girl's Favorite Links: The Get 'Em Girl's Blog The Official G Myspace Page Now that you have the food in order, how about setting the mood with the perfect Get 'Em Girl playlist! We are giving you one more week of Mary...just in case you're still sleeping! The Queen is Back!  Mary has blessed us with her eighth studio album, "Growing Pains."  I could go on and on about this album, however you can check out my review at: http://officialgetemgirls.blogspot.com/ Shakara Adrienne Nixon is truly an inspirational person; when she's not conducting her weekly podcast ( Conversations with Adrienne), creating beautiful memories through her gorgeous photography ( Adrienne Nixon Photography), or adding to her extensive scrapbook collection for her local scrapbook store ( Scrap Etc.), she's attending to her three beautiful children and husband of 10 years. Although most of us would have stopped at the husband and three children, Adrienne still finds time for her other loves; knitting and sewing. When we think about how we want to define a Get 'Em Girl, women like Adrienne are the prototype. It is important to understand that Adrienne is not just an entrepreneur/mother/wife, she is on top of all of those things, battling cervical cancer. So when we highlight all that Adrienne Nixon does and is, recognize that she does it all while going through radiation—and yet she still finds the time to educate women on the importance of yearly examinations, prevention, and treatments. So to close out the year, we thought, let us save the best for last! Thank you Adrienne for touching your circle of Get 'Em Girls and in turn, touching us! We will continue to pray for your successful recovery! For more information on how you can help end cervical cancer visit www.say-something.org. You can order a FREE Say Something toolkit (you just have to pay for shipping) and make donations! To see all of our Get 'Em Girls' of the Week for 2007, please visit our blog. See you in 2008! Are You a Get 'Em Girl? Or, do you know someone that you would like for us to highlight as the Get 'Em Girl of the Week? If so, submit her name, photo, and bio to us at [email protected].