WISHING EVERYONE A SAFE MEMORIAL DAY!!

I am grateful for all the soldiers who have sacrificed and given their lives in battle to protect us.

They are not and never will be forgotten.

Peace and blessings to you all!

Post Title → WISHING EVERYONE A SAFE MEMORIAL DAY!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!





May your days be filled with love, laughter, peace, joy & satisfaction in knowing that you are doing your absolute best in a field where no manuals are given at birth for that (or those) wonderfully unique personalities that you brought into this world.

Sending blessings and much love out to all my fellow mothers out there.

Post Title → HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

GOOD NEWS HAPPY VALENTINE'S MONDAY

Loving myself works miracles in my life.

Love flows from me & through me in ever-increasing amounts.

I radiate and attract warmth & love every day.

Divine peace & love surround me and dwell in me.

Love,

Post Title → GOOD NEWS HAPPY VALENTINE'S MONDAY

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year

full of wonderful discoveries,

a greater zeal for living in the present moment,

and a full appreciation and awareness of who you are, your worth and your purpose.

~ Cheris Courtney

With Love,

Post Title → HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

MAMA'S PRESSING "PAUSE"

Hi Beautifuls!

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm pressing the "pause" button on the blog until after the holidays. This year, I've suddenly gotten the audacity and unmitigated gall to have a semblance of a social life. Lol. Only thing is, you tend to need a bit more recoop time when your past those wonderful college years along with the added responsibilities of things like motherhood, career, relationships, marriage and fill-in-the-blank."

Anyhoo, I have lunch with a friend and two more parties to go. One of which is a full-blown New Year's Eve soiree'. So excited about that! Got the dress and pullin' out the leopard-print stilettos for that one. =)
I know. Just who do I think I am?! Haha!!

I do hope that you all are enjoying your lives, focusing on living it to the fullest, and staying on a path that is fulfilling and brings you happiness. Remember, you have to be happy with you before anyone around you can be happy with you.

So please excuse me whilst I allow life to get in the way. ;)

Wishing you all the best and most awesome!
See you lovelies in the new year!
{{Hugs}},

Post Title → MAMA'S PRESSING "PAUSE"

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!

Yorkie card pic from Inkypaw.com

Okay, I'm a tad late. Been enjoying family time w/lots a food, drink and good times. So I'm popping in to wish a Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it!
Oh, and isn't this pic of my dream doggie (Yorkie) adorable? =)

{{Hugs}},

Post Title → MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!

I'M OUTTIE!!

Be back on Monday. 'Til then feel free to peruse previous posts. I'll definitely find time to do some blog visiting. =)

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I wish you all peace, love, laughter and joy during this and all times.

{{Hugs}},

Post Title → I'M OUTTIE!!

WISHING ALL A HAPPY THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY!!

{{Hugs}},

Post Title → WISHING ALL A HAPPY THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY!!

JUST A FEW OF THE THINGS THAT I AM THANKFUL FOR.....

As usual, I am reflecting on the things that I am most thankful for. So as we embark upon another Thanksgiving holiday, I wanted to share just a few of those things with you.

• I am thankful for my family. Not just my immediate fam but the entire slew of my folks down to my cousins cousins cousin. Over the years, I have grown hungrier for their company and to get to know them better. Thanks for all of your love, support and mostly for just being you. Love that we all can get together and just be.

• I am thankful for my good friend Ms. M, who has taught me so much about friendship. Most notably, I thank her for opening my eyes to the beauty of non-judgment and for always keeping it real with nothin’ but love. I am grateful to have a friend who is as passionate about personal growth as much as I am. Much luv to ya, my sista!

• I am thankful for the wonderful people whom I have connected with through blogging, facebook and twitter. You all have and continue to help expand me.

• I am thankful for every disappointment, upset and heartbreak that has served as an opportunity for me to grow as a person.

• I am thankful for the realization that this is an abundant universe full of everything thing that I need and desire. And that all of those things are attainable.

• I am also thankful for the realization that I am the one responsible for my own happiness.

• I am thankful for the followers of this blog, those who leave comments and those who just breeze thru. I really do appreciate you all. You keep me going. =)

My prayer is that everyone of you has a wonderful, safe holiday full of love, laughter and good times.
{{Hugs}},




What are you thankful for in this season?......

Post Title → JUST A FEW OF THE THINGS THAT I AM THANKFUL FOR.....

HAVE A HAPPY & FUN-FILLED LABOR DAY!!

Hoping you enjoy this day off.

Spend time with family, friends and/or loved-ones.

Savor each God-given moment as if it were a juicy piece of pineapple..or whatever floats your boat. =)

Laugh. Dance. Sing. Hug. Smile. Love. Enjoy. Embrace. Live.

{{Hugs}},

Post Title → HAVE A HAPPY & FUN-FILLED LABOR DAY!!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

WISHING EVERYONE A WONDERFUL, SAFE & FUN-FILLED

4TH OF JULY!!

Peace,

Post Title → HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

WISHING ALL A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

HAVE A WONDERFUL & HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

{{Hugs}},

Post Title → WISHING ALL A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

LOVE

Then said Almitra, 'Speak to us of Love.'

And he raised his head and looked upon the people, and there fell a stillness upon them.

And with a great voice he said:

When love beckons to you follow him,

Though his ways are hard and steep.

And when his wings enfold you yield to him,

Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.

And when he speaks to you believe in him,

Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden.

For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.

Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,

So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.

Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.

He threshes you to make you naked.

He sifts you to free you from your husks.

He grinds you to whiteness.

He kneads you until you are pliant;

And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast.

All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life's heart.

But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure,

Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor,

Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.

Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.

Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;

For love is sufficient unto love.

When you love you should not say, 'God is in my heart,' but rather, I am in the heart of God.'

And think not you can direct the course of love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.

Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself.

But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:

To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.

To know the pain of too much tenderness.

To be wounded by your own understanding of love;

And to bleed willingly and joyfully.

To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;

To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy;

To return home
at eventide with gratitude;

And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.

~Khalil Gibran

Happy Valentine's Day!


**Who is Khalil Gibran?....
Khalil Gibran 1883-1931
Poet, philosopher, and artist, was born in the Lebanese countryside.
His fame and influence spread far beyond his native Lebanon. He is mostly known as the author of the Prophet, and widely regarded as a man of the East who brought a much needed element of spirituality to the West.**

Post Title → HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

MACA-NATURE'S LOVE DRUG **Repost**

**With respect to Valentine's Day (and due to the feedback that I continue to get on this particular post) I've decided to "repost" from September. Hope you all enjoy this repeat!!**

In my journey to incorporate a majority of raw/living foods into my diet, I have come across a lot of foods, supplements and herbs that I had never heard of. One of such herbs was Maca.

It has amazing properties and is becoming more well known of for its effectiveness in health challenges, including osteoporosis, male impotence, menopause, menstrual difficulties, chronic fatigue, and depression. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is related to the turnip and beetroot. It grows underground, enduring extremes of temperature due to the altitude and proximity to the equator. A true superfood it is the only native vegetable in South America to be a member of the cruciferous family, sharing the cancer fighting properties of its relatives. It is similar to a sweet potato but in the West we can buy raw organic maca in powdered form, keeping all of the nutritional benefits intact. Maca is an adaptogen - that is, a plant classified to have certain medicinal qualities that can fight stress and reduce many degenerative diseases. Maca supplements are often marketed as an herb, although 'herbal maca' is actually a root vegetable. It is widely known for its libido enhancing powers and medicinal properties, but it has been a food product for thousands of years in South America.

Key phrase here is “libido enhancing powers”. So let me lay this personal experience out to you.

Some months ago, I decided to incorporate Maca powder into my diet because I wanted to try this popular food out. After all, it was well known and often mentioned in recipes on raw food blogs, sites and circles. So, of course, me being me decided to give it a try. After all, it’s a raw food and certainly is good for you. Well, I should have read a little more about it or asked some other raw foodies more indepthly about this food because it really had an impact on me. Not long after consistently taking it (I purchased the powdered form and would add it to my smoothies), I noticed something..different about myself.

I was abnormally “hot-n-bothered”. Now please understand. I am a healthy, adult woman with natural sexual desires. But suddenly, I noticed that I was always….ready. Oh my goodness! It got to the point where I could just be reading, laying in the bed, talking on the phone, reading the bible (insert holy book of choice) and urges would just hit me almost overwhelmingly. (Please note that at this same time, I was not in a relationship so I had no one to work this out with. Pure torture, I say! Pure torture! Lol.) I was about ready to jump the mailman, and believe me, he’ ain’t “jump-worthy”!


Yes, this dude needed to watch his back! Really!!

So let’s talk a little more about the uses & history of Maca because I obviously didn’t pay close attention to the stuff I read or didn’t give it much stock.

JUST SO YOU KNOW:

When the farmers were grazing their flocks in Peru many years ago they noticed that when they let their animals graze where there was lots of Peruvian maca root growing the animals would become much healthier, hardier, and stronger, and also they would tend to copulate a lot more and have a much higher fertility rate.

After a while the farmers tried the Peruvian maca root on themselves and found that it made them much more energetic, and strong, and better able to withstand the high altitude, and harsh climate, and also that it made them more sexually active, and fertile as well. Since then, there has been much widespread recorded knowledge and facts about the reputed abilty of Peruvian maca root to be a true aphrodisiac, and a fertility enhancer as well as a very effective energizer, strengthener, and instiller of a feeling of well being.

Maca holds a special place in Peruvian culture. Its dried roots have been treated as a delicacy for thousands of years. To the ancient natives of the Andes, maca was also reputed to restore the fertility of their livestock which often suffered in the high elevation. The Inca's used maca as an energy enhancing potion to give themselves more power before going into battle.

Maca has also been valued as trading commodity. Maca crops are often exchanged with communities at lower altitudes for other food staples such a rice. They were also traded with the Spanish conquistadors as a means of paying taxes. Maca has also been used as a herbal medicine believing to improve fertility, sexual desire, strength and endurance.

Did you notice the words “fertility”, “sexually active”, “libido “and similar terms as it relates to Maca? I challenge you to google it. As a matter of fact, I double-dare you to google it! I guarantee you that you won’t find anything different. And from personal experience, I can definitely tell you that its true.


Now of course, it offers other benefits like:

* Increases energy and endurance

* Increases stamina

* Alleviates chronic exhaustion (fatigue) syndrome

* Can regulate hormonal irregularities

* Aids in alleviating depression, gives a sense of well being, reduces anxiety

* Reduces anxiety and stress

* Has a beneficial action on the circulatory system; Speeds wound healing and reduces anemia

* Enhances memory, learning, and mental ability

* Has a beneficial action on the circulatory system; gives skin a more youthful appearance

* Helps treat anemia, rickets, osteomalacia, and stomach cancer

* Good for healthy teeth and bones

* Inhibits the growth & reproduction of fungi and bacteria

* Acts as an anticarcinogen and antioxidant

* Is an alternative to anabolic steroids, helps to build muscle

So it will definitely benefit you while getting your wheels in gear. I’m just sayin’.

So if you’re looking to increase you and/or your mates libido, I’d say go for. I had to put this stuff away…at least for a minute.

Lol,
ChocolateOrchid

Post Title → MACA-NATURE'S LOVE DRUG **Repost**

FOR THE LOVER IN YOU

Here’s a little more to add to your Valentine week celebration. For all you couples (and singles) out there, have you heard of tantric sex?...

My first time hearing about it was while watching the Showtime series “Soul Food”. (A moment of silence for an awesome, awesome show. *sighs* May she rest in peace.) In a particular episode, they touched on tantric sex. Now in all honesty, I thought, “Is this some freaky ish they just wanna push on tv for more ratings?”Then I forgot about it or at least it was in the back of my mind.

From then til now, I’ve heard mentions of it but never gave it much thought beyond my initial judgment of it. Recently, Ebony magazine (Kimora Lee, Djimon and their precious bundle of joy are on the cover) surprised me and had a informative article on it which I’ll be sharing with you in this post.

First of all, what is Tantra?

It is described as spiritual sexuality, using a sensual connection to bring the spirit of love back to the act of sex. The Sanskrit word means “to weave together,” resulting in harmony between opposing aspects of tow beings. According to Cory Silverberg, (an AASECT certified sexuality educator, author, media contributor and researcher) Tantra is over 1500 years old, and like yoga it originated in India. It is a set of teachings and practices that are specifically designed to help us feel more, to increase our awareness of our own energy and the energy around us. The path that Tantra uses to these ends is the exploration of sexual energy. The goal of Tantric sex is to allow us to experience more depth and breadth in our sexuality. The goal is not necessarily orgasm, but rather enriching the whole sexual experience. According to the magazine article, many 21st century couples say practicing tantra is like taking the scenic route to new and exciting places in their relationships, including deeper intimacy, multiple climaxes and passionate exchanges that can last for hours on end.

Okay, it’s Valentine’s Day weekend and you want some tips on making the most out of your romantic day so let’s cut to the chase and bring on Shantam Nityama’s (Tantric Mongoose)

10 Tantric Tips to Take Home.

1. Know Your Role
Women, let your man lead. To experience tantra, he must first evoke her body to sensuality from the top down, focusing on frequency rather than friction.

2. Get Beyond Your Mental Block
Conflict is like clutter. Clear it up before engaging to make room for intimacy.

3. Activate Intimacy
It is important to create ambiance. Try turning up the room temperature to warm the bodies. Fill the air with the scent of patchouli or neroli and keep the color red around to ignite sensuality. Use candlelight to create an intimate mood.

4. Engage Without an Agenda
Take your time. Transform a physical interaction into a sensual journey by approaching lovemaking as a playful exploration rather than as a means to an end.

5. It’s all in the Kiss
Consider the kiss an “energetic interview.” Use the rhythm, pace and intensity of your kiss to express the kind of lover you are and the qualities you want when you make love.

6. Breathe Each Other’s Breath
Synchronized breathing is one step to tantric arousal. Make the heat rise even higher by inhaling and exhaling just inches apart. Eye contact is encouraged to increase intensity.

7. Express Yourself
When a woman remains silent in bed, it is as if she is hiding in a dark room while the man is fumbling around trying to find her. She can guide him using her voice to match what she is feeling.

8. Learn the Power of Touch
Use your fingertips to sensitize your partner’s body. The more subtle you are, the more powerful the effect.

9. Gentlemen: Hold Your Fire
To increase endurance while making love, try maintaining a slow, regulated breathing pattern and bring direct contact to a standstill for a few seconds at a time when necessary in order to return to a slow build. The goal is to maintain the same level of excitement from beginning to the end of lovemaking.

10. Ladies: Lay Off the Pocket Rocket
Take a break from your “little friend” if you want to find the flow with your man. The truth is, he will never be able to match its frequency. Becoming too familiar with a toy can result in sexual frustration and can also lead to numbness.

**These tips can be found in the February issue of Ebony magazine.
Want to know more about Tantric sex, click here for a booklist.


Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day or not, I hope that you have a wonderful, love-filled weekend. =)

{{Hugs}},


**Above pic is from the film "Tall Enough" by Barry Jenkins.**

Post Title → FOR THE LOVER IN YOU

A TREAT FOR YOUR "SWEET"

Hi Sweeties!

So to keep with the Valentine’s Day theme, I wanted to give you a couple of healthier suggestions for V-day treats to prepare for you and your sweetie. Whether your "sweet" is your hubby, wifey, life partner, partner, boo or yourself they (and you) are bound to love one of these healthy treats.

You know how strawberries with chocolate are common fair for this day (or any other romantic time)? Well, you can opt for a healthier version by using organic strawberries (and/or bananas) and raw chocolate sauce.

Making raw chocolate sauce is pretty easy. Use 1 T. of raw cacao to 2 T. of agave nectar. Put it in a blender and blend til smooth. It’s soooooo good. And the fact that it’s healthier for you than processed chocolate makes it even “gooder”. ;)



The pic above is not the pic that I wanted to post. My camera's acting funky (and I don't mean in a good way either) so what you see here is to give you an idea of the type of plates that you can present your dish on. I took pics of some heart-shaped plates that I purchased years ago. A small white one, that I purchased from Target. And a smaller deep-dish red one that you can put a sauce, mousse or cake in. Now that I think about it, it's actually a small ramekin. Uh, don’t quite remember where I got it from but if I take a guess at it my hunch would be Crate and Barrel. I’m sure you could find something like them in Walmart, Target or maybe even the dollar store. I posted the pic of them because they’re great for presentation. Just to give you some ideas.


Now onto the other recipe:
I found the other V-day recipe while on twitter thru a VegaTeam tweet. If they sounds familiar to you, it is probably because you've seen their products in Whole Foods, health food stores and/or in the natural section of some grocers. Sequel Naturals is the company who makes the wonderful Vega products. They also make MacaSure and ChlorEssence products. Anyhoo, you can click here to see this wonderful recipe and get another idea for your V-day celebratory tastings.

P.S. You don’t have to mention that they’re raw or living foods. Matter of fact, don’t even say it’s a healthy alternative. Just serve up with a smile and happy heart.

If you have any Valentine's Day inspired healthy recipes, please share. I'll be juice fasting that day, but I'm sure there are others who would love to get some recipe ideas.

Hearts,

Post Title → A TREAT FOR YOUR "SWEET"

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

"Our appointment with this life is in the present moment"
~Thich Nhat Hanh

Much Luv,
ChocolateOrchid

Post Title → HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

BIDDING FAREWELL TO 2009

Hi Gorgeous!

I just wanted to say that I truly appreciate 2009. I’ve learned so much. I’ve met and connected with so many of you wonderful bloggers and folks online. Coming from a woman who ,for a time in her life, was shy and slightly introverted I must say that I have totally connected with the fact that I thrive and crave interaction with people. It’s been a hoot meeting and corresponding with so many interesting people.

I know that most people are especially reflective around this time, myself included. So here’s my drop on the things that I have gotten out of the year 2009.

WHAT DID I LEARN IN ’09?

To trust and listen to my gut/spirit/intuition.

That I am the only person who can limit myself.

That any doggone thing is always possible as long as you go ahead and take that step /leap!

That I really enjoy meeting new people.

That I really enjoy meeting people who are from a different culture/country.

Expanding the types of people I know is a great thing!

Focus is essential.

That it’s okay to ask.

I find it thrilling to run towards (and overcome) my fears.

Not to take things personal.

That it's absolutely okay that some folk just won't like you.

That I really love my kitty.

That I really love a good cocktail. Lol.

I enjoy dropping by at my daughter’s school. Really.

That it’s okay that I’m a far cry from perfect… and never will be.

Mistakes are inevitable. Learn from them. Get over them. And move on.

There’s a vast difference between being religious and spiritual. And I choose the latter all day, every day.

Being mentally “free” is so frickin’ awesome!

That I am not responsible for everything.

That I cannot change the fact that some people will always choose to live in the role of “the victim”.

That I had not let go of some things.

That it's time to let go of some things.

Forgiving is absolutely necessary to be whole, healthy, happy and free.

That I am only in competition with myself.

I really enjoy & love yoga!

I really enjoy belly dancing!

I really enjoy a vigorous and challenging workout.

I really enjoy variety in my workout. =)

I'm still lovin' my chemical-free hair!

There is a peace like no other in being content with what I have.

To accept the things that I cannot change.

That it is so okay and often times liberating to say “No”.

That everything works out as it should.

That I am blessed and fortunate to have meet and meet so many wonderful people in this blogosphere.

What did you learn in 2009?.....

Let’s do it in 2010!

Peace and blessings to all!
ChocolateOrchid

**Had to edit one of those due to wording. Much Luv.**

Post Title → BIDDING FAREWELL TO 2009

PEACE AND BLESSINGS TO ALL!!

Wishing you Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah (a little late, huh), Blessed Ramadan (Ridiculously late, huh), and Happy Kwanzaa!!

If I missed anyone, please let me know. ChocolateOrchid shows luv to all.
Be back Monday!

Peace and blessings,
CO

Post Title → PEACE AND BLESSINGS TO ALL!!

A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT FOR NATURALS

I know some of you may be wondering what can I get for my sis, cousin, friend or loved-one who is thinking about going natural, transitioning, new to natural hair. Well, as I've stated before, this is one of the best books to invest in. Even for us who have been natural for a few years. This would certainly make a great gift that all naturals would appreciate.

The holidays are right around the corner and Thank God I’m Natural would make the perfect Xmas gift for that special woman in your life. Surprise mom, your daughter, or your best friend with an autographed copy of the book with a personalized inscription that reads “Dear XXX, Always stay natural. You’re beautiful just the way you are.” As black women, it is not often that we’re told we’re beautiful as we are, which is why this is such a unique present. The book is available online by http://thankgodimnatural.wordpress.com/store and Thank God I’m Natural is offering free shipping on all purchases from now until Christmas, excluding international orders.

I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it.
ChocolateOrchid

Post Title → A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT FOR NATURALS