Starting afresh, starting anew!

My Dad is coming to pick up our antique Black Santa today. He will be stored away until next year. He is at least 30 years old. He no longer rings his bell, rolls around and shakes. Nor does he wiggle and go "HO,HO, HO - MERRY CHRISTMAS" but he still gives Dad such a giggle remembering what used to be, so we indulge and bring him out.

Dad doesn't trust me to properly preserve him, so, he is coming to get him and take him home where he will be safe. It always feels good that no matter how old you get, where you've been or what you've done, you can still be Daddy's girl and where you grew up is still home.

SO, what does a vegan do for Christmas? Well, she cooks Christmas dinner for 30 people or so. What did I eat? ALL THE CARBS. Stuffed shells, mashed potatatoes (as 13 year old kiddo still calls them, dressing (picking out the creole sausage), yams, vegan mac and cheese (no one knew the difference)and tons of other chocolate goodies, Garrett's popcorn and cake. UGH! It was GOOD going down, but now what is a vegan to do???

I feel like "Lard Butt", and I have been reduced to working out at home because of our lovely inclement weather. SO, I decided to do a smoothie fast. I LOVE my smoothies and with my WAY-COOL Magic Bullet that I use EVERY day grinding coffee, I made a yummy drink that will both cleanse and provide nourishment.

It consists of 1/2 glass orange juice, 1/3 glass Aloe Vera Juice, 1 tablespoon Blackstrap molasses, a serving of Spirulina, and 1/3 cup of frozen mango.

For the rest of the day, I will drink teas and juices, and after work out, a Gatorade. Let's hope this eliminates the LARD BUTT feeling!

I have faith, let's see! What have you guys done to bite back at the holiday bulge??

Why are men dictating women's health?

these two do not have female organs that I am aware of - not that I want to know - not that I care - I don't want to be in their Doctor visits so why do they want to be in mine???

_____________________________________________________

How is everyone after the busy Christmas Weekend??

Did everyone survive the madness?

Did anyone have a sane, quiet joyful day?

I am still reeling from the Health Care Reform Christmas Eve fiasco.

I am still wondering what this will do to Women's reproductive care.

Having extremists determine what I can and can't do with my own uterus is distressing.

It kind of overtook the joy of the holidays.

Men don't have vaginas and should not have a say on anything concerning reproductive health. They don't bear children. They are free to implant as many seeds wherever they want and expect women to listen to their politically charged jargon and their brain-washed spouses pleas about their beliefs on determining life.

The reality of it all is that people are going to do what they will. Human nature is such that many of those collared up old farts are extramarital heathens who are the very worse sinners of all but they want to shed light on other people's discretions.

Making reproductive health accessible, affordable and unhinged to radical religious bias is a right they we must uplift and enforce.

Worrying about my gyne visit instead of how horribly our food chain is treated, or how undocumented drunk drivers are free to roam the streets after convictions and continue to drive is insane.

Christmas season was about good-will toward mankind - I guess women will remain voiceless and just shoved under the bus.

Joyeux Noel!

Reveillon at this "House"'s House!

It is Christmas Day!

I have watched so many History Channel "Jesus" stories that now when Christmas arrives, I picture peace among Palestinians, Egyptians and Jews.

I picture Joseph's Palestinian family embracing this young un-wed mother as she braces to give birth.

None of the sordid details really matter now. Being in my mid-40's, I love focusing on being the type of forthright, genuine, diverse, leader that Jesus was purported to be.

It is my goal to behave this way all year long.

Tonight as we finished Reveillon, a warm feeling cascaded from my head past my heart and I just had to share it with ALL OF YOU!!!

Be the change you seek. Love, not because you have to but because it feels good.

Share your smile with someone everyday this year, even if it is through your tears.

Know that you have someone to lean on, hey its a BIG blogoshere, and above all else, love yourself as if your life depended on it, because it DOES!

Much love on this day!!! Peace & Blessings from this HOUSE!

'Tis the Season ~ BE JOLLY!

This year Reveillon Dinner will be a little EXTRA special. I am actually going to cook.

Not just part of Christmas Dinner, but specifically for the Creole Tradition after attending mass.

While my entire life has been devoted to honoring and being open to the wide spectrum of the world and all its beliefs ~ my own belief system is such that I celebrate Reveillon and attend Mass on Christmas Eve.

It is my hope that you share your wonders and joys with all and embrace this time of year by being true to you. Bring true hope by being hope and spread love of all.

Our Reveillon this year, which promotes the spirit of awakening in old Creole tradition, will be a simple gumbo, corn bread, pastries and cake with good 'ole New Orleans style coffee.

If you are Christian, what are some of your Christmas Eve traditions?

If you celebrate but are not Christian, what is your Christmas Eve like?

If you have another faith, share!!!

If you need a tradition, adopt NOLA's! Just like on Mardi Gras, EVERYONE can be from New Orleans!!

C'est si bon!

In the spirit of the season, Joyous Holidays to us ALL!!!

Bridget tells all ~

Arbonne model is wearing anti-aging ~




LEARN MORE ABOUT BRIDGET AND ARBONNE, CLICK HERE!!!!!!

25 YEARS ~ Andrea Mistretta

“Andrea Mistretta rightfully lays claim to the longest running and most successful Mardi Gras poster series in the storied history of the event. She has captured the elusive spirit of the celebration in a way that sets her work apart.”
—Arthur Hardy,
author of Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide

Although my favorite "Mistretta" is of the Madonna and Christ-child, I do absolutely love ALL of her work.

I was SO happy to receive this press release kit and simply HAD to share it with you!! Andrea's art is perfect for gifts OR decorating your home or office space. I sincerely think she is an icon. ENJOY!

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A celebration of the Mardi Gras experience, this collection of vibrant posters contains dozens of iconic Carnival memories from renowned artist Andrea Mistretta. Glimmering like colored jewels against the book’s velvety black background, the posters all contain a variety of New Orleans symbols embed-ded in the fantastical images. Bright beads, second-line pa-rade-goers, celestial imagery, and nods to the tradition of the Mardi Gras Indians are among the nuanced figures within the thematic designs.

Rendered in an unforgettable and flamboyant style, Mistretta’s poster series stands as a Mardi Gras tradition that has delighted locals and tourists alike since 1985. Created for lovers of New Orleans, art collectors, and Mardi Gras aficionados, this beautiful volume gathers all of the posters in the series–including those rare and out of print editions–for the first time to stunning effect.

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES / Posters
ART / Techniques / Airbrush
96 pp. 9 x 12 14 color photos 33 color illus.
ISBN-13: 9781589807785 $19.95

―Mistretta’s mastery and command of her medium puts her head and shoulders over would be competitors.★
—–Blaine Kern, Artist/Designer, Mardi Gras World, New Orleans

Review Copies Available





To request a review copy or to arrange an interview, contact Katie Szadziewicz at 504-368-1175 x 331 or Katie at pelicanpub.com.

For sales inquiries, contact sales at Pelicanpub.com.
25th Anniversary Collection

Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street
Gretna, LA 70053
504-368-1175, ext. 331 (o)
504-368-1195 (f)
promo at pelicanpub.com
sales at pelicanpub.com


Andrea Mistretta

An award-winning artist and graphic designer, Andrea Mistretta has worked in the commercial art industry since 1979. Her clients have included ABC, NBC, and Forbes Magazine, and she is the recipient of the prestigious Alberto Vargas Award, among other awards from the Society of Illustrators and the Art Directors Club. While she specializes in poster design, her artwork has appeared on products including stationery, giftware, home décor, apparel, and jigsaw puzzles.

Devoted to promoting a positive image of New Orleans and Mardi Gras, Mistretta designed tribute postage stamps depicting local Jazz favorites such as Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and King Oliver. She donates a portion of her proceeds of the sales from her Mardi Gras poster series and book to the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. Mayor Sidney Barthelemy conferred the title of “Honorary Citizen” on her.

A member of her community’s historical society and an avid environmentalist, Mistretta is the founder of the Italian American Social Club and the designer of the local Veteran’s Plaza where she resides in Waldwick, New Jersey, with her husband, Perry.

For more information, visit Andrea on the web at www.andreamistretta.com.

Andrea is available for appearances. To book the author for a talk or autographing, contact sales at pelicanpub.com. Author’s Hometown:Waldwick, NJ







MARDI GRAS PARADE OF POSTERS
By Andrea Mistretta



―As the essence of New Orleans culture became scattered after Katrina, the imagery of Mistretta’s posters retains a piece of heritage both in New Orleans and scattered throughout the world.★
—Charles Neville, Musical Artist / Composer


―I am a designer for Universal Studios Orlando and we have Andrea’s posters hanging throughout our offices. Andrea’s images have come to represent Mardi Gras. The event, the art and the artist are one.★
—Kim Gromoll, Artist / Designer, Universal Studios Orlando

Mmmm, its Ovaltine

Our friend Tom over at "To Hell - and Back" shared some interesting things about Ovaltine.

As a kid, I absolutely enjoyed immensely drinking my Ovaltine for breakfast.

As an adult, during those college years, sometimes it was all I consumed if the government issued cheese and rice was all gone.

Reading his little tidbit made me think about the yesteryears!

What fond memories do you recall?

What did you eat? Drink? Play?

On this cold winter's day, let's take a stroll and remember "when life was good, and oh so mellow" ... try to remember!

Booties for me, Booties for YOU!

I do not usually offer products on this site BUT,my good friend made several pairs of these for my brand new nephew and I can not stop raving about them!

Everyone's kiddo deserves a pair!

If you are interested in purchasing a pair, or four, leave a comment.

With enough interest, I will post them on HEALTHIER HAPPIER HOUSEONAHILL.ORG for sale!!

Enjoy!

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE ~

Nancy Loo, MJ Tam, Duong Sheahan (not pictured Beth Rosen)the Chicagonista LIVE team!

Since joining Chicagonista.com I have felt nuttin' but love baybee.

Uncovering Chicago is easy. Reporting Chicago is easy.

I never considered working for Editors MJ Tam and Nancy Loo would be this much fun!

Most of the events I have attended, I have shared with you!

Much fun and pampering and good cheer. WHAT fun we had last night as we all got together!

Chicagonista & Young Chicagonista celebrating the holidays with bright lights in the Big City.

We were fed, massaged and beautified. E.l.f cosmetic's spread was elaborate!

We also were introduced to Yummie Tummie!

Sponsorship and Spa service with AblonChicago.com.

Today I am floating around as if I spent a weekend at Arizona's finest spa!

Four hours of love and good company does a body good!

Taking it to the streets ~

How many packages can you pack into the new Chevy 2010 Traverse???

When my bum finally froze off and ran for the nearest Starbuck, at least 36 packages had been packed into the roomy and VERY cute Chevy's trunk!

Not bad!

Never formally a fan of American cars {PLEASE, no tomatoes PLEASE!} until I realized the impact on our economy, I am all for a packing, roomy vehicle, that can go and be green.





The gals from Chicagonista were invited to participate!

Knowing I am NO FAN of our winter, Chicago weather, I sucked in my gut and withstood the 25 degrees!

Chicagonista's editor MJ Tam, and new online personality, Nancy Loo asked me along to pack as much as we could. Chevy will donate for each media participant.







Our other contributing Chicagonista was an ELF! HEY KARYN!!!




The event benefited Chicago Bear Charles Tillman's Cornerstone Foundation.

Having recently undergone the tragedy of having an ill infant, who is now well, Tillman and his charity benefit critically ill children at Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital & University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital.

What a great cause, a great day, great company and community working together for the good of one another!

LOVE IT!!!

Let It Snow!!!!

As a "Healthier, Happier" person, I really should not hate anything.

BUT, alas, I am human, and while I don't hate a lot - Gang bangers being treated as if they are not terrorists, drunk drivers & WINTER - there are a few things at the top of my list as things I HATE.

BUT that is not what I wish to speak about today!

As I sit here, snow-bound due to deplorable weather, I am not at all angered or upset, because I am reminiscing about the WONDERFUL time kiddo, kiddo's pal, and I had at this year's Navy Pier's Winter Wonderland.

Incredibly, kiddo and his pal, ate, perused and did not beg to leave (they are now teens)nor were we left without a thing to do!

We were inundated with fairies, Navy Pier Police Department (who gleefully handed out tickets - hmmm - sounds like another law enforcement agency I know) and other celestial extraterrestrials!












What a great time.

If you can, make the trip, a fun time will be had by ALL ~

GIVE to get!

No, seriously ...

I was driving "Kiddo" to his basketball game yesterday logging in my brain how this, the most financially challenging time for me since my divorce over 10 years ago, has also been quite the blessing.

While logging, I recalled in my mind that this is also one of the happiest and most productive years of my life!

How? WHY?

Because I GAVE.

Even when I didn't have, I gave. Even fearing losing all I had to layoffs and cutbacks, I made sure I gave in some way. Even now, living hand to mouth, I give.

I give knowing that what little I have is something, and to keep all pots filling up I must give back! We all must give back! Even if you have nothing, give someone with less a hug!

The blog world has opened up a space for SO many friendships, causes and needs. Through the internet needs have been made personal. People have become like family so you simply feel compelled, honored, responsible toward one another.

It is almost like hearing one voice.

My giving has far exceeded my giving at any other point in my life.

AND, this giving has not put me in a hole.

It has actually opened more doors and unveiled more opportunity.

Think about that ~ in opening my heart, and doing with an unselfish spirit, my world has been graced threefold.

I have added incredible, outstanding people to my network and have found happiness beyond measure.

I hope and pray that you have found and witnessed joy like this too!

If not, reach out and touch someone today - an ear, a rug, a plate of food, a jacket or a dollar ... a ride to their job/home/place of worship...

What a feeling to give without expectation and then be the one who receives the most from the exchange!

Stay blessed!!

Eucerin to the rescue!

The weather has not yet been frightful {knock, knock, KNOCK} but it has been a tad dry.

Our summer was cool and wet, but fall and winter have been nicely mild.

I, for one, have not complained too horridly.

My skin has had its run-ins with dryness however.

THANKFULLY, I had Eucerin samples left over from the BLOGHER conference.

IT REALLY HAS WORKED GREAT - no compensation - just a great product that has taken my crustiness away. {AND THOSE OF MY SON, which is no easy feat.}

So just a "healthier,happier" tip if you are living in the dryer, colder climates and are looking for some relief!

It is fragrance free and very good for those who want pure as possible.

Cyber Monday! {FAIL}

What a rip off!

If anyone has an Amazon account, you know that once you put an item in your "cart" the price can still change. Up or down! I am always happy when it goes down.

I am not a usual shopper that operates in unison with trends or "Holiday" lures, but I was anticipating a head-start of this season because I am in need of a new camera to provide my wonderful readers {that's you} with some incredibly detailed pictures.

So, Saturday night, I did a little early camera shopping and found Amazon to have the best price on a Canon! I was so excited and pleased popping it into my account.

Monday arrives, I'm tweeting away on Twitter when I see a tweet that reminds me I have a camera in my Amazon cart.

Anticipating a HUGE DEAL, I was quickly annoyed when everything in my cart surfaced with increases!

AMAZON #FAIL. Certainly, the $169.00 plus free battery was a deal, and yes the new $199.00 {no battery} is still a deal, but I am less inclined to shop around the holidays.

I feel scammed and schamoozled.

Rammed and bamboozled. I know not to trust retailers, but I thought we were in a new age. Consumerism has taken quite a punch. It was my impression that the consumer world was offering transparency, accountability and quality.

Don't be fooled ladies and gents. Apparently it's business as usual, and we get it right in the gut.

Don't get me wrong, I was able to get the shoes my son was hoping for at a very reasonable price, but trust me, I purchased right away, not giving anyone the opportunity to pull that rug from up under my feet.

Happy sales!

Pundit, schmundit

I don't know much about politicking, and as I mature, I'm not so sure that those who are supposed to know, know much either. After listening to the President, the usual pundits were rallying all right, right up his backside in rebuttals.

What was once, Pres.O can "say anything" and it is right has catapulted to "if he says anything" it's wrong.

Hey, I was a Hillary supporter, BUT I support President Obama's decision to send in 30,000 troops. I swear we have short memories.

Those bombings in hotels? Hello? Al Quada is not done.

I too am tired of war and wish diplomacy was a better option. I believe that as we continue our goodwill missions, it will be more effective. BUT, to turn away now, I see as counterproductive.

I was inspired by President Obama's message that we have no intention of occupying or commandeering.

I am also happy that he speaks to the world not at it.

Some of President Obama's staunchest supporters have openly decried his policies as lies! OUTLANDISH.

I really wish some of them would run. I am so curious to see what their platform would be.

Respecting U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice as much as I do, and those that we applauded as President Obama appointed them, and then to chastise their efforts seem so malicious.

Maybe I should not be so upset about the treatment, after all, that is what part-time pundits do, they sit, they listen and they pounce.

Sincerely, it is my wish that they are more active in our government. Hopefully they are employed by some think-tanks or maybe they teach. I'd like to see their agendas that go along with their punches.

Pack up, move to D.C. and get involved or give the guy a break.