Happy Monday... Final week of September 2011

Good Morning Lovah's,

Still celebrating a beautiful Sonday/SUNday, I have FBCjaxtv.com playing & at least 5 other windows open (multi~taking @ it's finest, thank you God for chosing to make me WOMAN) on Facebook, twitter, gmail, & blogs I follow such as my sorority sister in Tampa who I have purchased with ( http://www.kicustomdesigns.com/ ) & my friend AJ @ http://thickhairdoesnottease.blogspot.com/2011/08/i-die-said-in-my-most-rachel-zoe-voice.html -- they both are inspirations to me! Thank you Father for our friends, and women's FRIENDSHIP month dedicated in SEPT to encourage these healthy relationships. This weekend, I gave AJ a personal reference with one of my fav designers in NYC -- FRENCH CONNECTION (also sold @ COLE COUTURE http://www.facebook.com/#!/colecoutureboutique) SHE GOT THE JOB!!! Congrats to my friend, grounded in FAITH <3 As always, I hope you enjoy some of the supplement links I send...I firmly BELIEVE in FREE Entertainment. & NO TV :)

I have been away from work since this past Tuesday, and look forward to one more ME day to finish up some items on my to do list such as:

1. Visit Target & their feature designer of the month: MISSONI !!! I die. (had to teach Nonni what this meant the other day, lol) Apparently, the rest of the world died too (see AJ blog) and also know from my research that the launch of this line SHUT DOWN Target's Ecommerce website from Traffic Over Load. Likewise, my computer just crashed a moment ago from all the open windows. Lesson Learned. Pause, Reflect, FOCUS on 1 project @ at a time! I did want to include another little story you may find interesting concerning the line Missoni -- I am certain it is unfamilar to most.

I was watching Oprah (years ago) and caught an episode with the designers (brand founded in FAMILY) the grandmother & granddaughter who models the line.

Margherita Missoni, Granddaughter of Ottavio and Rosita Missoni, disclosed a vital piece of fashion advice (handed down from her famous grandmother) that has since resonated with me: saying something along these lines,
"Choose what body part you want to accentuate -- and cover the rest!" I.E. If you choose a short dress to hi-lite the definition in your legs, cover your chest arms and back. Likewise, if you choose to expose cleavage, or wear a plunge in the back...cover up those LEGS! Thank you Missoni Women for keeping me a Classy Tallahassee Lassie -- I would not have it any.other.way! ps. I hope this line is affordable (I am making my Christmas list for Tita tomorrow too) Have you made yours?!? I have been waiting patiently for the perfect rainboots -- I think I have found them. If not, I still covet the BURBERRY ones ;) I am also using that bike as inspiration to vintage shop for a cheap beach cruiser...I have day dreams about living in Midtown & bicycling to work with my cocker spaniel (Lovingly Named, LADY aka Ladi for Skinny purposes...) riding in the basket <3

2. Spend time with beloved family friend, Sandra QuickI ;) -- wanted her to fit in. No matter where you are in the world, someone from Perry is bound to be there too! I am currently in Baton Rouge, LA celebrating the marriage of my beautiful friend in FAITH, Camilli <3 j'adore. Ms. S has volunteered to TAXI me around, visit LSU campus, and hopefully squeeze that Target shopping trip in before I head back to the 1st Coast to see Titi, BillI & BabyBilli aka BB! My heart smiles. I also know there is potential for a second TARGET shopping trip & PF Changs for dinner! My time in the town center got cut a little short @ the beginning of this trip. Last Wednesday, I think I hit my all time top of cities/towns in one day: Perry --> Tallahassee -->  St. Augustine --> Jacksonville --> Atlanta --> BATON ROUGE. Perhaps today I will stop @ 3. The day is young...

*you're going to want a visual of that scarf....take it all in ;)

3=ME -- I have some books to finish & begin. Currently reading: RADICAL, Taking your Faith back from the American Dream. Beginning: The American Housewife. Do the 2 cancel themselves out? Stay Tuned... Hopefully this trip home, I will not be seated next to a gentleman so doped up & frail he could barely move! Also, please note his pants were unzipped (when he did exit his buttcrack flashed the stewardess & I -- last one off the plane!) and every so often he chose to stare at me. Extremely uncomfortable -- but, good for a giggle a few days later...Isn't that true of most situations?!? His scent was so strong I pulled a scarf out from my carry on and wrapped by head in a very fashionable TURBAN. Is anyone else giggling from this visual yet?!? Because I had my head staring out of the window 98% of the time I was able to take in all the scenery crossing over the states to BR. Childhood memories flocked back from sailing in Peter Pan's ship on the ride (now retired) @ Disney World. It makes me so excited we have 4 months until our SkinnyMinnie RACE. Get excited Skinny's -- it is time to begin training! Make your plan & hold yourselves accountable. What is your first Step? http://www.active.com/framed/event_detail.cfm?EVENT_ID=1970371&CHECKSSO=0

              

You all know I have expressed interest in beginning a Non~Profit as my first business venture...God is giving me some solid ideas. I am gathering thoughts & researching (also on the to do list for tomorrow) about taking the LEAP of FAITH. I know most certainly October is going to be an exteremely busy month for me. I need to be 103% and will be breaking from BOOZE this month, and have already initiated plans to partner with the American Cancer Society in Tallahassee for a WALK in SouthWood on Oct 23rd. This past week, I was able to meet some lovely women and will blog about them in the future. Pertinent information for today's sneek peak, you may want to know: I will be contacting my family/ friends @ FPC & KAΘ for donation & will be walking in Memory of Nancy Turner & DaddyBill and will be walking in HONOR of Honey(Virginia) Maddox, Mrs. Crawford (O's mother -- not Nana's friend) & Stevie WAX (Ariel's beloved, husband)

In the SPIRIT of this weekend, I will share with you a glimpse of my wedding day (because it is pretty much already all planned down to the music ;) guest list: check, flowers, check, bridal party check, venue, check... Where are you groom? I could stand a few checks in the bank first too. bahahaha...but, seriously: ENJOY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJfSp_rceFs

should KANDI be the soloist? Vote NOW & respond to me your this week's action plan for Happy, Healthy, Y.O.U...

"You is kind, you is smart, you is important!" ~ THE HELP
  

"You are cherished, you are loved, you are adored by the FATHER & ME!"
mwah,
Soon to be SMM
xxoo

September Summary!

Good morning Lovah's,

PHEW it has been a BUSY month & there is no slowing down for this last week & 1/2 of September! As previously mentioned, September marks WOMEN's FRIENDSHIP month http://www.confidencecoalition.org/nationalwomensfriendshipmonth -- coincidently, I have had the opportunity to re-engage in each of my fav's lives in the matter of 3 weeks. Most certainly a lucky month, not once but TWICE did a Lady Bug land right on me!

This month began with a bachelorette party in Orlando, FL celebrating my bff from college, Camilli Vanilli <3 Her wedding is this upcoming weekend, and I am thankful that I was able to not only celebrate with her, but reconnect with other sorority sisters & beloved BFF's -- L.Bell & B.Park! I shared a lovely coffee catch up with affectionately termed, HOlivia, (also a KAΘ) chatting about the future, silly boys & their commical issues, and more importantly the love of family! O's mother is battling/ BEATING breast cancer...stay tuned for future plans on BREAST CANCER AWARENESS coming up in OCTOBER!!! Olivia and I were contacted by Ariel (chief KAΘ) this week -- only to find that her husband (married 7.30.2011) was also diagnosed with hodgkin's lymphoma. Olivia & Ariel, both faithful in prayer, will conqueror this journey together -- I fully intend on becoming the friend they both were to me as each of the Skinny's took our journey with DaddyBill what seems like just yesterday -- but in reality, 4 years ago.

Checking off another New Year's resolution, I squeezed in a "Walk Around the Block" with LEAH, beautiful girl inside and out -- my friend in faith! Likewise, Kimmer and I have started another Tues bible study sesh in Moultrie, GA -- I am thankful to have my mentor, friend, soul~sister...Please continue to pray for Kim's mother, HONEY, and Juddi's DADDYBILL as she continues treatment to battle hodgkin's lymphoma.

How fortunate we are, that the Father blesses us with family & friends to support us through difficult times! (thank you all, + Jessi, Ruthi, Jail Buddi for being amazing friends to our family as we transitioned away from a life we had always known!) We are the luckiest girls in the world.

The drive home from Orlando caught me up with a long phone sesh w/ S.Duskie ---> my southern, s.FL friend: Seminole Princess <3Steph shares my love for home cooked meals and a thoughtful hand written letter in the mail! Southern hospitality -- it just does not get any better than that! I also stopped at one of those FLORIDA orange Fruit stands, puchased a Navel for a snack & a rubber bounce ball just because I needed a retail therapy happy for the remainder of the drive...God then blessed me with the most beautiful rainbow through the rain clouds to remind me of an everlasting PROMISE!


The middle of the month brought a wonderful SONday/SUNday home, sweet Perry, FL HOME @ 1st Pres...although a tad bit late, I caught a sermon honoring the memory of Sept 11th & heard my Daddy sing proudly to a choral benedict that brought tears to my eyes. No matter the stresses of the world, I find myself peaceful & at home @ FPC surrounded by the people who love the Skinny's the most! This particular afternoon was spent with Nonni & Jail Buddi honoring yet another bride~to~be! Her beautiful grandmother is also my <3 and I hope to one day name something fabulous after MARGIE and perhaps combine it with my other fav, Ruth. Margie Ruth's -- it has a ring, doesn't it?!?

I have also had the pleasure to spend time shopping w/ one of my best (if only briefly) MC at CC, and enjoy weekly phone converstations and a FSU game >>>---GO NOLES;;-> with my <3 Becca Boo! My Cole Couture girls shared a wonderful evening celebrating one of our seniors 23rd bday & then embraced one of the busiest weeks 2011 has yet to bring us! Gets me so excited for Holiday @ my fav boutique <3 I am blessed to have such wonderful women in my co~workers, we are family & are bound in FAITH. God is so GOOD! Everyday, I am thankful to be American -- free to pray & BELIEVE.

 My BIG from the sorority (also facing an unexpected break-up) surprised me with a visit to Tallahassee! I had not seen her in 4 years! We toured our renovated (much needed) 510 W Park Ave house, wine&dined MASA, shopped CC, brunched @ Chez Pierre. But, most importantly spent a HOUR in the LIGHT of JESUS @ FBC. Doug Dortch preached on Turning on the Light's -- and serving as a Light in Darkness. All of you should know this is right up my alley!!! Too exciting & inspiring -- I am hopeful and committed to finding my definite purpose. We concluded the service singing, "This little light of mine!" I cannot wait to be in Jacksonville tomorrow holding baby Prince W teaching him one of my fav songs...TiTi to the rescue secured my flight & because I'm leaving from the 1st coast I will be able to get a little SHUGar over to my St.Augi trio. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx3nTsFJEQE

Ashi, Nonni & I dined @ Ted's tonight; we are thinking about rejoining: http://www.weightwatchers.com/Templates/Marketing/Landing_1col_nonav.aspx?pageid=1218031 -- I always cherish our time together & was happy when deciding to TAXI our Momager back to Perry- oh, scooby doo van - you are loved but retirement is in your near future! check out this website: www.nokidhungry.org for another charitbale cause! J'adore Ted's initiative and efforts to give back to the community. One day I will be in a position to take a stand, speak, & be a MOVER & SHAKER!


The end of the month brings baby Layla Kate's first birthday party & a week w my Mindy Lou Cindy as her hubby is away on travels -- Aunt HLS to the rescue. I love spoiling my future ring bearer and flower girl (also on the New Years checklist!) I still intend on finding KANDI a Sig Other! And look forward to spending much of next month with our OCTOBER Kbaby. Big things are happening in little moments & time...

I hope this note finds you well, happy & healthy
mwah,
Soon to be skinny mini, ME

ps. Ashi bought me the cutest note pad -- so I hope to be able to organize thoughts and get them typed over faster & more frequent! Happy Wednesday, Lady Bug!

HAPPY FRIDAY, FRIENDS!

Good Morning Lovah's!

I most certainly am beginning to miss each of you individually -- but also, together as one. Let's try to set a date where we can all be in attendance @ 1st Presbyterian. Always nice for a Nonni <3 :) I will also take anyone up on a Keaton Beach day, too -- the weather is perfect!

As the season begins to transition I encourage each of you to set new goals and accomplish set goals you determined at the beginning of 2011.

This what my New Year's List looked like for 2011:

I am happy that many things have been checked off. Some parts (aka Love D) will remain in 2011. & others 10% Tithing, TRAVEL, author 1st book will continue into the next & for years to come.

*** I would like to interrupt this blog for you to offer a special prayer for 2 of my favs: Thanksgiving for DaddyBill Maddox on his birthday today, and continued prayer for his beautiful loving wife, HONEY -- as she begins additional treatment and cancer recovery ***

***Additional update, Mr. Lynch came through knee replacement surgery just fine, and will spend the next 3 days recovering before returning to Corning, AR. I am confident his beautiful, ever witty, wife is keeping he & the entire hospital staff well entertained. ***


We are fortunate to have wonderful role models to inspire healthy marital relationships for each of the SKINNY's. TiTi & Bill.i. (had to) -- I hope you begin to feel better and babyW is back to normal without any colds and sniffles! Ashi, I pray for you always time & patience. I have all faith the right person (who needs little to no "fixing" is out there) -- for the both of us! Just not to be found @ Western Wednesday!!! Kandi -- part with that pink blanket, and a whole new world may be revealed to you! Just kidding of course, we all adore Pangea! I am proud of your fresh start on a new school year & becoming TCMS most fashionable, fabulous SOCCER coach <3 TiTi, Ashi and I cannot wait to attend games! Perhaps we will train with them team?!?

**Ruthi (honorary 5th Skinny) I am sad I missed you in Orlando last weekend, bachelorette obligations left little time to visit -- but I am planning my next visit down & hope to see you A&T, soon very soon! Keep us updated -- loved seeing T's grumpy face on an afternoon walk! I am so proud of the wife, mommy, friend you have become!

In conclusion, in terms of relationship reflection this morning --I would like to encourage you to focus on the one that is MOST important: Father, Son, Holy Spirit + Y.O.U !!!

Many of you know God always laid a burden on my <3 to pray and pencil notes for Brad Aerts. You also all know I have strong associations for people...I always think of him as Lazarus & think of him everytime I hear the song, "HOW GREAT THOU ART!" Another prime example of a man loving his wife, Brad & Kay, are on my mind this morning. I hope she and the girls are well, happy, & healthy. A wonderful link for this mornings moving heart smile:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLLMzr3PFgk

Carrie -- a vision of health, happiness, with faithful belief in our Lord, Jesus. Thank you God, for sending an ordinary (now famous) American Idol to reach the fashion/music industry. We are called to be LIGHT in a world of Darkness. This is my goal.

I love you all Soul Sisters!
MWAH,
Soon to Be ~ skinnymini ME xxoo


pss. thank God for our other fav role models: SkinnyMiniDaddy-O& Nonni, Jail BuddI & BB <3
Look forward to additional blogging hi-liting talents, and gifts they are shared amongst our journey....can anyone smell a cooking lesson coming on?!? love, love, LOVE

Hello, September !!!

Good Morning Lovah's,

It is the 3rd day of the week, so naturally I feel inclined to begin projects that perhaps should have started at the very beginning of the week (writing WED) --  I feel so fortunate to be in such a FORGIVING family! (posting Friday) Let's get a little TOUGHER, sister <3 Accountability TIME :)  My mind is running all day long with stories & encouragement I want to share with you...Some of them funny (Kbaby telling her kindergarten class that she was new to PERRY - just moved from FOLEY!) Some of them tear jerking (I will save those for later.)  And some of them personal:

I do not believe all of you know this, but -- before I moved to Atlanta I was reading a book, The Principle of the Path, written by Andy Stanley. Andy, son of the 1st Major Pastor televised in Nana/Nonni Days, Charles Stanley, deems:

"Direction -- not good intention Determines Destination." See further description from my google seach:

There is often tension between where we want to end up in life and the path we choose to get there. We fail to see that having good intentions is never good enough. Like Charlie Brown, we wrongly believe there's something to be said for trying hard. We need to understand why, in spite of our good intentions; we may have ended up at the wrong destination with our finances, our marriages, our careers, or a host of other dreams. So how do we get from where we are to where we truly want to be? The Principle of the Path is a road map to proper direction and dicipline.

This, friends, is not a sales pitch for the book! Simply borrow the book from me ;) Honestly, reading encourages me to re-evaluate where I am headed , where I want to end up, and my game plan for doing so. Do any of you find it coincidental the apartment I chose to reside in Atlanta was so close to the church of (God's choice) for me? It also, just so happens, Andy preaches here?!?  http://www.buckheadchurch.org/
I had no clue Andy even preached in Atlanta -- much less showed up to church in 3-D!!!

When googling the map this is what you find:  from my front porch to church pew (2.7miles WALKING DISTANCE!!!) Take a vote, how many of you think I ever WALKED to church? At least we know from google, it was an option. Our GOD is so GREAT! ***TIME TO GET MOVING*** Who would like to join me next year strolling BABY Prince, William to his 1st SunRISE/SONrise Service @ 1st Presbyterian, Perry, FL? http://www.fpcperry.com/

I thank God this morning for HIS strong grasp on ME, a Definite Purpose for our lives, and the mystery in HIS time to reveal PLANS. I always ask our FATHER to keep care of your <3 & continue to show His unfailing love in difficult days and in our happiest moments! I thank HIM for allowing us to have one another -- no matter who comes in or out of this family, our core 6, are a team of steadfast LOVE. (We adore you too, Other Brother Bill & Baby Bill aka BB!) Finally, I thank God for His son, JESUS, an example for us to follow & the ultimate sacrifice for FORGIVENESS. Amen.

I am the luckiest girl I know! I hope you enjoy the lucky # 3 post!
Kisses & Misses,
3 is ME, Soon "to be" Skinny xxoo