Life Lessons: When Happiness is Thicker Than Water...

“There is no greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or understands.”

This past week I learned many valuable lessons. Sometimes when you least expected, life punches you in the face, slaps you upside the head, and knocks you down. Communicating through the use of kind words seems to be a lost art these days.

I encountered many unexpected surprises these past days. I found how people who used to be not so kind to me has evolved into better persons, while others who seemed to had what it takes to successfully navigate through life are now bitter, extremely rude, and stuck in a rut.

One of my basic rules for living a happy, healthy and mindful life is to never settle for anyone who is not treating you and respecting you the way you deserve. Those who say that blood is thicker that water has obviously never felt the pain of being bullied and attacked by those who are supposed to love you and protect you.

When it comes to family dynamics there are certain things that just never seemed to change no matter how hard you try. Sometimes, you need to make peace with family members that have never like you or accept you they way you are. Not everyone live a life of purpose, and when someone try to tarnish your character you have no other option but to wish them well and move on in life. The lack of ability to feel what it is like for the other to suffer never ends well...

Some people say you can't really begin to appreciate life until it has knocked you down a few times. Finding strength in hard times is never easy, but unless you remove certain people in life, you will never find everlasting happiness. Kindness, respect, and a good heart are the foundation for happiness in this life. We all have different journeys in life and while mine is still uncertain, I'm trying my best to use my short time here in living a meaningful life, enriched by a sense of connection with others and being of service to them. 

As I become more clear about who I really am, I've been better able to decide what is best for me the first time around...

Namaste!

Bluebird Travels: Everything You Can Dream of is Real in Ponce

With a population of 194,636, Ponce is Puerto Rico's second largest city (San Juan is the first and Mayaguez is the third). Ponce is where I spent the majority of my teenage years and is the city were both of my children were born.

Ponce is commonly known by several names: "La Perla del Sur" (Pearl of the South), "La Ciudad de los Leones" (City of Lions), or "La Ciudad de las Quenepas" (Genip City). Ponce is also known as the "Ciudad Señorial" (Majestic or Noble City), because of its many beautiful neoclassical buildings and facades. 

 

Ponce was founded in 1692 by Juan Ponce de León's great-grandson - Loíza Ponce de León. Ponce was Spain's capital of the southern region until it fell to the U.S. in 1898. 

 

Ponce is located in the Southern Coastal Plain region (about 5 km (3 mi) from the south central coast of the island), south of Adjuntas, Utuado and Jayuya; east of Peñuelas; and west of Juana Díaz. The annual precipitation is approximately 36 inches on the coast and 48 inches in the interior and the average temperature is 75°F. 

"La Guancha Paseo Tablado", the boardwalk, is a fun stop where you can loiter with lively local Ponceños-the teen scene, elders and the toddler-mamma set. The pier here is the departure point for a regularly scheduled weekend ferry to "Caja de Muertos" (Coffin Island or Dead Box Island), a small island of pristine beaches, an old lighthouse (built in 1887) and a marked snorkel trail (under construction). Ferry services: Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 9am and return to 5pm. 

At the time of the U.S. invasion and occupation of Puerto Rico in 1898 during the Spanish–American War, Ponce was the largest city in the island with a population of 22,000. Ponce had the best road in Puerto Rico, running from Ponce to San Juan, which had been built by the Spaniards for military purposes. The taking of Ponce by American troops "was a critical turning point in the Puerto Rican campaign. For the first time the Americans held a major port to funnel large numbers of men and quantities of war material into the island." Ponce also had underwater telegraph cable connections with Jamaica and the West Indies, putting the U.S. forces on the island in direct communication with Washington, D.C. for the first time since the beginning of the campaign.

Plaza Las Delicias, the town's main square, features a prominet fountain (namely, the "Lions Fountain"), the Ponce Cathedral, and Parque de Bombas, an old fire house, now a museum, that stands as an iconic symbol of the city and a tribute to the bravery of its firefighters. This plaza is also a usual gathering place for "ponceños". Other buildings around Ponce's main plaza include the Casa Alcaldía (Ponce City Hall), the oldest colonial building in the city, dating to the 1840s, and the Armstrong-Poventud Residence, an example of the neoclassical architectural heritage of the island.

As part of Ponce’s Contemporary Art Program, the city unveiled one of the most colorful and vivacious art proposals the island has ever seen, “Ponce’s Lion Parade.” This cultural exhibition of contemporary art assembles 15 life-size lion sculptures. The city provided native artists with a blank canvas so they can transformed each lion and imparted them with with a unique life and personality. No two are alike.

Giveaway: Center for Puppetry Arts Presents The Tortoise, the Hare and other Aesop's Fables

Little bluebirds rejoice! The Center for Puppetry Arts^® is pleased to announce its upcoming puppet show The Tortoise, The Hare, and other Aesop's Fables, a classic tale, full of wisdom, lovable characters and plenty of adventures and fun for the entire family.   

 The Tortoise, the Hare, and other Aesop’s Fables, a new original production adapted and directed by Michael Haverty, will delight audiences with a cheerful, interactive take on five classic stories based on the fables by Aesop featuring: The Lion and the Mouse, The Country Mouse and City Mouse, The Fox and the Crane, The Ant and the Grasshopper, and The Tortoise and the Hare.

Sold? Here's all you need to know before you go.

DATES: Aug 2 - Sept 9, 2012
Previews: July 31 & Aug 1 - 10am & 11:30am
Downstairs Theater
Recommended for ages 2+

SHOWTIMES:
•Thur-Fri: 10am & 11:30am
•Sat: 11am, 1pm, & 3pm
•Sun: 1pm & 3pm

SHOW DESCRIPTION: Engaging audiences aged 2 years and older, this Theater for the Very Young production features fun interaction for kids and adults alike. Children will be bouncing, clapping, and singing along when the carnival comes to town and presents five stories from Aesop’s timeless fables.

PUPPETRY STYLE: Rod, Body

CREATE-A-PUPPET WORKSHOP: Make your own Marvelous Mouse Rod Puppet!

TICKET INFORMATION:

General Admission: $16.50
Children (under 2): Free!

VENUE INFORMATION:

Center for Puppetry Arts

1404 Spring St. NW

Atlanta, GA 30309

Phone: 404-873-3391

WIN TICKETS: Leave us a comment telling us what's your favorite fable and you will be enter to win a family four pack to attend The Tortoise, the Hare, and other Aesop’s Fables at The Center For Puppetry Arts on Saturday, August 11^th (performance at 1pm).  The winner will be chosen on August 8th and have 24 hrs to respond otherwise a new winner will be chosen. Good luck and may the best fable win!

Regional Eats: Chef Mobil Restaurant - Aguada, Puerto Rico

It feels like years since my last visit to the land of the great valiant and the noble lords. Puerto Rico, or the "Island of Enchantment" is notoriously known for it's diverse cuisine which has its roots in the cooking traditions and practices of Europe (Spain), Africa and the “Taínos” Indians.

Many people believe Puerto Rico is the home of the food truck phenomenon, since they have been around for decades, and have become a culinary staple among local residents.

During my visit to Ramey Air Force Base in Aguadilla, my brother knowing I am a hardcore foodie, took me to Chef Mobil Restaurant, a food truck located at the Carrizal “barrio” in Aguada, PR. This food truck specializes in authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.

I ordered the most traditional thing on the menu, mofongo, broth, and “chicharrones de pollo” or deep fried chicken. Mofongo, the signature dish of Puerto Rico, is an extremely tasty and filling dish made with fried plantains that are later mashed with garlic and shaped into a ball. If you ever come to Puerto Rico you must NOT leave without trying one.

We also ordered "Asopao de Pollo" which is our version of chicken and rice stew. This soup was served with a thicker cut plantains for dipping in the broth. The "Asopao de Pollo" is almost like a a cross between soup and a paella. This "soup" is a favorite rainy day comfort food among my family members. My grandmother always takes pride on her "asopao", and she always say that's says her "asopao" has the fantastic ability to resurrect the dead.

"Carne frita" or fried pork chunks was my grandfather favorite thing to eat. This simple yet incredulous delicious dish is deep fried until crispy tender and is usually served with Puerto Rican sauce (mayo, ketchup and garlic) or a garlic mojito.

Food Lovers Gather at Westside Provisions District to Celebrate Cooking Channel 2nd Birthday

Celebrating its second birthday, Cooking Channel is hitting the road this summer with their Summer Eats pop-ups offering an exciting and unique culinary experience for fans around the country. Cooking Channel is a new TV network dedicated to today’s passionate food lover. For food people, by food people, Cooking Channel is the answer to a growing hunger for more content devoted to food and cooking in every dimension from global cuisines to international travel, history and unconventional how-to’s.

This week was  Westside Provision Distric time to join the celebration. Due to inclement weather conditions the party was held at Abbatoir, a modern American restaurant in Westside.

Guests were  provided with complimentary, custom menus of food and beverages inspired by summer favorites.

Considering that everything was free, the food was quite impressive.

Cooking Channel Summer Eats Menu - Atlanta

Cooking Channel Eats:

Pulled pork sandwich (cider-braised shoulder on a soft bun with coleslaw & vinegar sauce), grilled corn on the cob (rubbed with a paprikra and chipotle butter) and fried catfish (with a crisp cornmeal coating, served with tartar sauce).

 Local Flavor:

Shrimp and grits (Crispy Georgia shrimp and white grits served with a Tikka Masala and cilantro chutney).

 Desserts:

Georgia peach Pie ( A classic pie with traditional butter crust)

Red Velvet Cupcakes (with Mascarpone Frosting).

Libations: (Sweetwater brewing Company)

DRAFT

420 Extra Pele Ale

BlueWheat Ale

Low Ryeder Dry Hopped Rye IPA

BOTTLE

Exodus Porter

india Pale Ale

Georgia Brown

Entwine (new line of wines from Food Network)

Pinot Grigio

Chardonnay

Merlot

Cabermet Sauvignon

ON THE TAME SIDE

Iced Tea

Lemonade

   

Present at the event was network hosts G. Garvin (Roadtrip with G. Garvin), and Eden Grinshpan (Eden Eats). Chef Garvin latest episode "Georgia Road Trip with G. Garvin" is currently airing on Cooking Channel. Check your local listing for showtimes.

HOST Eden Grinshpan graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in London with the “Grande Diplome” in both Pastry and Cuisine. After graduating she went to India to volunteer with different organizations, one of them being an orphanage called Ramanas Garden.  Here she came up with the idea of raising money for the orphanage by re-opening their cafe, which had not been in operation for some time. In New York City Eden enrolled in a management program at The Institute of Culinary Education which led her to the bakery Babycakes.

Eden is a co-owner of ethNicitY Productions and just finished shooting her first season of "Eden Eats"  which airs August 17th at 10pm EST.

 

Music entertainment was provided by "Quiet Hounds" . Their new album Megaphona is out now.  Visit http://www.quiethounds.com for details!

If you didn't make it to this event don't worry.

New events are popping up every week so just keep your eyes open.

 Or you can follow us on twitter, or facebook and we will give you a heads up ;)

Struggle For Happiness - Lessons Learned From a Butterfly

The story of the butterfly

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly.

One day a small opening appeared.

He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours

as it struggled to squeeze its body through the tiny hole.

Then it stopped, as if it couldn’t go further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly.

He took a pair of scissors and

snipped off the remaining bits of cocoon.

The butterfly emerged easily but

it had a swollen body and shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch it,

expecting that any minute the wings would enlarge

and expand enough to support the body,

Neither happened!

In fact the butterfly spent the rest of its life

crawling around.

It was never able to fly.

What the man in his kindness

and haste did not understand:

The restricting cocoon and the struggle

required by the butterfly to get through the opening

was a way of forcing the fluid from the body

into the wings so that it would be ready

for flight once that was achieved.

Sometimes struggles are exactly

what we need in our lives.

Going through life with no obstacles would cripple us.

We will not be as strong as we could have been

and we would never fly.

So have a nice day and struggle a little and teach well.

What lessons can we learn from the story?

First Lesson
We learned that sometime struggles are needed in our life to propel ourselves into greater heights. We need to solve problems to evolve and learn how to change to a better person. Problems can be a helpful obstacle that once we manage to get past it, we will gain tremendous insights and experience that will be most helpful to our personal growth.

We can either see problems as something desirable or something undesired. Most people will find that they would like to have no problems at all in their life and some people see problems as challenges that will propel them to greater heights. It is our own perception that derives the meaning of problems. You can see problems in a good way or bad way and either way you are right. The only thing that matters is how you define them.

Most people want to have a smooth sailing life with no problems at all. It is definitely not possible and so what if you have life without problem? Wouldn’t it be boring if everything that happened was what you expected? If you can achieve anything without hard work, will there be a feeling of ecstasy after you achieve something great? Why people like sports, start a business or playing games? Because it is hard,challenging and winning it makes you feel proud of your achievement.

Life is definitely full of problems and we will learn to view it as challenges and be stronger and better each and everyday.

Second Lesson
In the story we have seen that the guy helped to cut the cocoon and allow the butterfly to come out of the cocoon easily out of his kindness. But is he really helping the butterfly? He indirectly caused the butterfly to crawl on the floor for the rest of its life even though he don’t want to.

We have learned that we need to be more aware of the situation before lending help. Do not offer help that allows the person a temporary relief and cause him to lose out more in life. Do not offer people the easy way out when you know that they can do it. Allow them to shine and prosper! Do you let your classmate copy your work because they don’t know how to solve the questions? Do you offer to help people around you and let them have the easy way out and unknowingly causing them unable to shine on their own? If you are, don’t do it. Let them grow and shine, I am sure that down the road they will be grateful to you.

From Blogger to Entrepreneur: Talking With Tami Shares the Secrets Behind Her Success

Are bloggers the new entrepreneurs? Tammie Reed of Talking With Tami believes bloggers are becoming the new powerful players. From fashion, cooking, to mainstream media, bloggers are getting stronger and more savvy when it comes to building a strong audience, while creating a welcoming, friendly and warm experience one blog post at a time.

 

A successful blogger is not measured by the amount of pageviews, retweets, or comments left on their site, but by their ability to engage their audience into their personal passions. Blogging is not a popularity contest. 

Blogging is a journey about fighting for the life you want to live. 

Blogging is about finding  your own voice while being open to learn from everyone, including your readers. There were several lessons we learned that day, while listening to Tammie Reed. 

But, I guess the biggest lesson of all, is that blogging is about opening yourself to the world and say, here I am, what can I be of service!
 
Thank you Tammie Reed, and Strip restaurant for hosting this wonderful luncheon. We must repeat soon! 
 

Food Travels: Exploring Downtown Decatur With Atlanta Culinary Tours

As a food lover, I have learned there is no better way to get to the heart of a city than through its cuisine. Forget about museums, theaters, or major attractions. For once, dedicate one entire day to explore the local food. If you feel you cannot do this on your own, then I highly recommend you book a food tour with Atlanta Culinary Tour. 

I had the pleasure to joined them for their Decatur tour and let me tell you they never disappoint me. Downtown Decatur is a vibrant neighborhood full of picturesque restaurants and charming eateries.  Decatur's downtown area and residential neighborhoods are filled with beautiful homes, historic places of worship and several institutions of higher learning.
 

Centered on the historic Decatur Courthouse, Decatur has become a hot destination for college students and young professionals who want hip bars, great restaurants, and walkable neighborhoods, as well as for families who are drawn to the excellent independent school district.

When you explore downtown Decatur with Atlanta Culinary Tours you experience four distinctly different restaurants in one night.

Our stops were:

• The Square Pub – Gourmet tavern fare that offers hand crafted beers, unique wines, and an incredible food menu for all ages. We had the burger sliders with chilies, bacon, an smoked gouda and they were to die for. Juicy, spicy and gooey all the same time. Nom, nom!!

 

•  Eddie’s Attic –  A popular live music venue, for aspiring and accomplished performing songwriters, and a roof top restaurant. Their slow cook pork sliders and their extra crispy homemade chips are the perfect comfort food for any time of the year.

 

• The Chocolate Bar – Decadent chocolates prepared by the on-site chocolatier, but it also serves a variety of signature cocktails, fine desserts and bar snacks. Must try signature cake: Red Velvet cake.

 

• Cooks Warehouse - The Cook's Warehouse is Atlanta’s premier gourmet store and cooking school with four convenient locations: Midtown, Brookhaven, Decatur and East Cobb. These are complemented by an on-line store at cookswarehouse.com and a mail order catalog. During our stop we had a wine and cheese tasting. I personally don't drink but hey sometimes you have to get the job done ;)

Downtown Decatur tours begin at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Word of advice, wear comfy shoes, comfortable clothing and most important come hungry, really hungry!! For more information about Atlanta Culinary Tours please visit http://atlanta-culinary-tours.com/

Country Inns & Suites Wants to You To Wake Up and Smell The Breakfast

Start Your Day with a Country Inns Breakfast

With the panorama of Stone Mountain on the background lies Country Inns & Suites. This midscale hotel believes that great food, comfortable hospitality, and travel empathy are important parts of providing a good guest experience.

Looking for ways to ensure a happy hotel guest, Country Inns & Suites by Carlson has enhanced and redesigned their complimentary breakfast.

The new “Be Our Guest Breakfast”, is part of several environmentally friendly changes the hotel has implemented, as part of their commitment to exist in harmony with their surroundings and reduce their environmental footprint, while providing a better yet less expensive service for all their guests.

“Be Our Guest” is a service philosophy that encourages employees to serve guests with the same kind and caring spirit given to friends when they’re being hosted at home. After a peaceful night's sleep at Country Inns & Suites, you will be awaken to the aroma of a scrumptious breakfast, prepared with you in mind.

From poached eggs, build-your-own omelets, cinnamon swirl french toasts, to breakfast burritos, slow cooked oatmeal, to make your own parfait, Country Inns & Suites has taken the lead in the midscale hotel segment with their new “Hot & Fresh” rotating breakfast buffet menu.

To further elevate the guest experience, all Country Inns & Suites have replaced disposable dishware and cutlery with classic white plates and silverware.

The new “Be Our Guest Breakfast” also responds to guest feedback by offering an extensive array of healthful breakfast options. For guests on the run, a new To Go station also is available.

With the declining economy, there is an increased appetite for staying at hotels that offer free breakfast. In fact, free breakfasts can often be the determining factor among guests as to why they chose a specific hotel.

Country Inns & Suites not only offer their guests the comfort of waking up to a magnificent breakfast but they also offer free high-speed internet access, complimentary cookies fresh from the oven, a “Read It & Return Lending Library“, microwaves, and mini fridges on every room, plus a pool with spa and a fitness center. 

 

In addition, if you join their new Club Carlson you can enjoy a world of rewards at 1,000 hotels in 70 countries and redeem for free hotel nights, airline miles, prepaid cards and more. 

 

If you ask us what's the best part of staying at Country Inns & Suites, besides meeting Scott Meyer, Vice president of Carlson Group Midscale Brands, is their service philosophy of treating every guest with compassion and empathy. 

“You never know who is coming through those doors. It could be someone who is just passing by, or someone who is going through a tough time. Every guest at Country Inns & Suites must always be treated with with empathy and compassion”, Meyer said.

 We could not agree more with Mr. Meyer. Hotel management based on compassion, is a rare and wonderful thing.

So, if you are traveling and need to book a hotel please don't look further than Country Inns & Suites. They get it...

http://www.countryinns.com/

Our 4th of July Not So Spectacular Firework Experience

I have to admit that there is not a better place to watch fireworks in Georgia than Centennial Park. Is truly a firework extravaganza. We love going every year, however this year we had to leave and move to a different location due to the amount of people at the park. Centennial park was "packed", security was tight and safety seemed to be a top priority. Sounds good right? 

This year Centennial park made a series of restrictions that made people like us regret going there.  After been in line for almost 90 minutes, we were informed that we could not bring our chairs to the park. Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea how incredibly uncomfortable is to sit for 5 hrs on the grass? That is if you find a spot to sit...

Just the thought of standing until 9pm sucked all the happiness in the air. We stayed for a while and then our feet started hurting and we all looked at each other and we decided it was best to leave. 

 
Honestly, we were not enjoying the event and kiddos were getting grumpier by the minute.

We ended up watching the fireworks at Mall of Georgia. We were able to park easily, and open our chairs. 

The relief of being able to chat, eat our munchies and watch the fireworks from our chairs was priceless. 

We felt happy and most important relaxed.


 
 Happiness is respecting the freedom to celebrate 4th of July where, and how you liked it. 

And yes, happiness is being able to open your chairs without security barking at you....

Viva the freedom to sit!! Viva the freedom to watch fireworks without achy feet!! Viva, viva, Viva!! hip, hip, hooray <3

Runway Red & Cynthia Bailey bring out Atlanta’s youngest undiscovered talent

"Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the economic injustice that makes philanthropy necessary."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Show Me The Way Foundation is a non-profit organization aimed to educate young teens about the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Through their RED campaign they have been able to shine a light on the HIV/AIDS epidemic that is impacting the lives of the most precious among us, our children. 

With the assistance of supermodel Cynthia Bailey (RHOA), the Bailey Agency School of Fashion; and title sponsor African Pride’s Dream Kids hair care line, The Show Me the Way foundation searched for Atlanta’s newest talent on Sunday, July 1, 2012. The Runway RED model/talent call boasted talented beauties and handsome tykes from all over the city all vying for the chance to be discovered. 

The model call offered children between the ages of 5-18 the opportunity to participate in the upcoming 2012 Runway RED Celebrity Kids Fashion Show, slated for Saturday, August 11, 2012 at ZooAtlanta.  

Profits from the 2012 Runway Red: Wonderland Safari celebrity kids fashion show brings awareness to Show Me the Way Foundation’s effort towards benefit HIV/AIDS research. 2012 will mark foundation’s fourth annual fashion show.

Over 300 kids paraded in front of a panel of esteemed judges including supermodel Cynthia Bailey (The Bailey Agency), Charlene Bastien (Strength of Nature National Marketing Director/African Pride Dream Kids Hair Care) & runway coach Antoneo Lee (The Bailey Agency). 

Parents were excited at the chance to receive feedback and suggestions on getting their children into the often complicated entertainment industry.

 

 

 “I think it’s great that children have a chance to showcase their talent to people like Cynthia (Bailey) and her team” One parent said, “It gives kids a chance to support a great cause while trying to achieve their dreams.”

 

Children selected from the model/talent casting call will join various celebrity children for a star-studded evening at Zoo Atlanta on Saturday, August 11^th.  

  

A big thank you to Enchanted PR for inviting us to this event. 

I was able to take  my apprentice with me and she learned a thing or two just by watching how the event unfolded.

I actually took this picture before the event. Too bad she did not wanted to participate. Maybe a modeling class would boost her confidence.

If you wish to learn more about Show Me The Way Foundation please visit www.showmethewayfoundation.com