LIFE IS A JOURNAL... NOT A DESTINATION!

Well what do you know? Did I just re-coin a phrase or what? I love when I'm inspired by some random thought that appears somewhere in the middle of the right and left brains, which triggers a random signal that leads to my mouth, suddenly out pops a statement that surprises even me. "Life is a journey, not a destination"... these have been some of my favorite words to live by. I realized somewhere along the way, it was the little moments, which would eventually sum up my life. No abundant goal remains more important, than each simple joy that is experienced. This blog started out as a way to savor some of my simplest joys and share them with others. What it has become is a gratitude journal of sorts... you see, traveling to my lakehouse in Lake Arrowhead California has been a dream come true for me. After working since I was a teenager, being on my own when I was just 17 years old, I have always had to work hard to take care of myself. I worked for years, at times having three jobs at once... all the while working towards my goal of owning my own business someday. Once I achieved that dream and started a family, a new dream blossomed for me... the road of life just kept winding... the simple moments adding up into decades. I had always dreamed of having a busy career in the city, now I had that, I wanted a weekend house for my kids in the country. I knew if I set my mind to it, I could have the best of both worlds. The years passed by... hard work finally paid off when my dream came true. The moments, once again have quickly passed... the seasons have changed and time has faded into a glimmer of distant memories... all the while life's winding road causes us to forge ahead, exploring new journeys and new dreams. So, this leads me to why my blog has been kept, let's say, short and sweet... it is simply due to the fact that I have little time to write. Now I chase a new goal, yet again... one which will present an opportunity to share my thoughts more often, here and through other avenues... be it what they may! I smile... I feel a little giddy in my tummy, that's a good sign! Since owning the lakehouse I have completed two full length screen plays and several other small writing projects. I have archived my Grandmother's poetry collection and explored a bit of my own rhyming jive... lol! And now this, my first blog. Short and simple and full of GRATITUDE! I'm heading to the lakehouse soon, so keep your eye out for a fun spring recipe and cocktail! Be blessed, and remember what I always say... If you live your dream, you'll love your life. I'm living the dream today! monixo

The best present is each moment!

Another year seems like it has just flown by, again! Where do these long days end up turning into such short years? When do we stop and smell the roses and even get another moment to celebrate our other four senses at the same time? Just think of it, stopping to smell the roses only to awaken to the spirit of the soul and tap into what immense joys we have around us, or pains in our back we hadn't realized were there yet..ouch! We're too busy to be in tune with our bodies, especially during the holiday rush. The truth is, being tuned into our bodies has everything to do with being tuned in period! It starts with a very simple old world philosophy about simply being in the now. Being present means, to be in this moment... not in your mind thinking about where you just were or where you must go next. This moment! Take a deep breath and allow yourself, if only for one minute, to reflect back on the holiday rush. See yourself in your minds eye, hustling and bustling... you know the routine. First you're shopping, decorating, then wrapping, baking, cleaning, grooming... all the while the pending deadline of the holidays approaching... then finally, more hustling, more bustling... it's all done. You and everything else look fabulous. Can you see yourself? You're standing next to a glorious Christmas tree, in an immaculate home! All of these things are important that's true, after all they make up the foundation for the family memories that will be shared. When it's all said and done, isn't it the memories that end up making up the moments of our lives? It's all a beautiful picture, but only if, the moments of hustling and bustling were enjoyed equally as much as the moments spent in celebration. Aren't these moments just as valid and just as important? Christmas preparations are not a means to an end. They are meant to be filled with love and cheer. As I used to say to the chicks, "The best dishes are the ones made with love in your heart and a smile on your face." I'm still not sure where I ever heard that, or if I made it up, but that is true of all tasks when I think about it. I am a spiritual being, as are we all, and I believe what the buddhist monks spent years practicing is true... If we can spend our time living in each moment, as it unfolds, truly being present with a heart full of gratitude, we will be serving ourselves and others in the most harmonious way. When we live in a state of present gratitude we live our best life and have our most glorious Christmas's! Now my dear hubby has another saying, "It's easier to be a coach than a player." I too am learning and seeking this delicate balance each and every day, that's true. Slipping back into worry or regret about this or that, I struggle to control my thoughts about things I can't control. I work to nurture myself first so that I can better help others... just like so many others I struggle to find the time to stop and smell the roses, nevermind those other four senses... but like I say, I'm working on it, one single moment at a time! Happy New Year in 2011! May you be blessed with the attitude of gratitude my friends! It will bring you endless pleasures and bonuses in life! If you don't believe me, just Google Wallace D. Wattles, he knew it way back then! monixo

A fun time was had by all this past weekend as we celebrated our youngest turning 6!

After much discussion of party theme options, along with hours of browsing online and looking through catalogs we decided on a CARNIVAL theme party!

So off I went... eeeerrrrr't.... put on the brakes! My husband asks me to set a budget before I start making plans! A budget? This is always the tough part for me, although I should be used to it by now, I have NEVER planned an event without a budget to date. So, a budget it was, whew. I was going to have to become very resourceful and fast...

I set out to find the best deals, "On the planet, In this town and Known to man." Only to discover that no matter how I tried I could not avoid the biggest cost... the jumpy house. To make this carnival party a hit for a group of 25, 6 year olds, I couldn't have just any jumpy either, I had to go BIG! Fortunately we had the room in our back yard to pull it off, so I ordered the COMBO, with slide and basketball hoop!

I had to convince my husband to go for renting the hot dog cooker, it wasn't cheap, but it was cool and it cooked 56 dogs at once! The snow cone machine was the birthday girls choice. It was the only request she had besides the pinata, which we got for cheap. Since I was ordering multiple items the order came with three tables and 25 chairs for cheap! I was thrilled!

I planned and set up myself, a game booth, with ring toss, football toss, etc... where the kids could win tickets that would be cashed in later for prizes. Letting the child with the most tickets choose first and then down the line and so on.... it worked well. I made a photo board and hung it in a doorway, where the kids could pose for pictures, they had fun with that. I homemade my creamy cheese cupcakes instead of cake to keep it simple and fun. I saved a plate of cupcakes for the birthday girl to frost later when the party was over... unfortunately, I've been eating them all week.

Small touches like the adorable, and I mean adorable little popcorn boxes that I found at the craft store and a candy buffet full of colorful licorice and gummies I put together, really made the party extra special. One of the greatest joys of the day ended up being when the kids decided to make a wish and let a balloon go carrying with it their wish... I got tears in my eyes as I imagined the dreams and wishes I had when I was 6 years old!

I really enjoy this part of being a mom. I have always loved planning parties to make other people feel special and now when it is for my own daughter it's like giving her what I never had. That is every mother's dream for their children. So having a successful party like this is my way of living the dream!

What kind of parties have you dreamed about? What dreams do you have for your life? Ah, that is my question for you, and for myself!

Live your dream, love your life... monixo

LIFE'S LESSONS PART ONE by monixo

COULD YOU IMAGINE ALL OF US WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE GIANT TEAM, SUPPORTING AND LOVING EACH OTHER THROUGH EACH STEP WE TAKE IN LIFE, ALWAYS KNOWING SOMEONE IS THERE TO CATCH YOU WHEN YOU FALL... THAT IS THE MEANING OF FAMILY TO ME.

The lessons I learn from my family each day are invaluable, here is a link to a short video I did as a part of my "LIFE LESSONS" VIDEO SERIES, I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT... monixo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enI8QWWLusM

Vote for me THE HUNGRY HAIRSTYLIST on the OWN network

HERE IS THE INFORMATION ABOUT MY AUDITION FOR OPRAH'S OWN NETWORK CONTEST...I'M GETTING HUNGRY... VOTE FOR ME! SIMPLY GO TO MY FACEBOOK PAGE AND CLICK THE LINK FOR THE HUNGRY HAIRSTYLIST! It's simple, I'll make you over, if you will make me your best recipe for lunch! The idea of it brings a whole new meaning to the words, "Let's DO lunch." monixo

http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=add_video&entity_id=208224867

THE SKY'S THE LIMIT... STROMBOLI'S

SCHOOL'S OUT!!!

WHEW HEW!!!

In my house summer time is a big deal. It means it's time for us to wipe off the sweat, of cabin fever and bask in the awaited sunshine all the day! Flip flops and bikini's are accompanied by hats and sunscreen these days! Nevertheless, white legs and all, I will be basking all right, in all the delightful and delicious summer recipes!

So, today I'd like to launch off the summer in style, with an evening appetizer meal that will be a hit with all your family members and guests of any age, plus, it's a super simple and quick meal that won't leave you slaving in the kitchen. To make this recipe a real winner, let your guests create their own dish by setting up a buffet of toppings for all to choose from!

HERE IS ALL YOU NEED FOR AN ABUNDANT ITALIAN FARE BUFFET,

STROMBOLI STYLE!

You will need one Pillsbury Thin Pizza Crust for each two guests... each Stromboli serves two or four if you slice then into appetizers!!!!!

INGREDIENTS:

PILLSBURY THIN PIZZA CRUST

1/4 CUP OF YOUR FAVORITE MARINARA SAUCE

COOKED ITALIAN SAUSAGE(OPTIONAL)

4OZ. OF PHILADELPHIA CREAM CHEESE SOFTENED

1/4 CUP SHREDDED MOZZARELLA CHEESE

1/4 CUP SHREDDED MONTEREY JACK CHEESE

1/4 CUP RICOTTA CHEESE(OPTIONAL)

2TBS OLIVE OIL

1/4 CUP KRAFT PARMESAN CHEESE

1 CUP CHEESY GARLIC CROUTONS

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR OTHER OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS... REMEMBER THE SKY'S THE LIMIT HERE...

MUSHROOMS, OLIVES, HAM, PINEAPPLE, PEPPERONI, BAKED CHICKEN, GREEN & RED PEPPERS, ONION, BASIL, TOMATOES, GARLIC, SPINACH, ARTICHOKE HEARTS...ETC...

NOW, ROLL OUT YOUR THIN PIZZA CRUST. In a medium bowl combine cheeses, marinara sauce and all toppings of your choice. Now, mix well! Pour your ingredients into center of your pizza crust. Fold both sides in first, like you would roll a burrito, and then do just that, roll and fold edge over so that it looks like a giant burrito. Now brush the top of the Stromboli with olive oil and place oil side down onto a plate of crushed CHEESY GARLIC CROUTONS & PARMESAN CHEESE, brush other side with olive oil and ROLL THE STROMBOLI until it is completely covered in mixture. Place Stromboli onto a lightly greased baking sheet and cook according to the instructions on the thin pizza crust package.

When Stromboli comes out of the oven it should be golden brown and lightly crispy. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce warmed up, on the side or poured over top!

SOUND DELICIOUS? I'M NOT DONE YET... NOW FOR THE COCKTAIL!

HOW DOES A WHITE PEAR MARTINI SOUND TO YOU?

ALL YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS YUMMY COCKTAIL IS AN OPEN MIND!

1 SHOT of your favorite VODKA

1 SHOT OF ABSOLUTE PEAR VODKA

I LG. CAN OF PEARS IN HEAVY SYRUP

2 SHOTS WHITE GRAPE JUICE

THIS MARTINI IS TO BE SHAKEN, NEVER STIRRED!

HERE'S HOW YOU ASSEMBLE THIS INTO THE MARTINI SHAKER...

Put in crushed ice 1/3 way up

ADD BOTH VODKAS and 2 SHOTS OF PEAR JUICE

ADD 2 SHOTS WHITE GRAPE JUICE

ADD 1 Large CHUNK OF PEAR

SHAKE, SHAKE,SHAKE

SERVE IN A CHILLED MARTINI GLASS WITH A SUGARED RIM, GARNISH WITH A CHUNK OF PEAR AND A CHERRY OR FLOAT A THIN SLICE OF PEAR ON TOP! DOUBLE THE RECIPE IN A LARGER SHAKER TO MAKE DOUBLE THE FUN!

SET UP THE STROMBOLI BAR AND MARTINI BAR, THEN JUST SIT BACK AND ENJOY WATCHING YOUR GUESTS GET CREATIVE... THIS HAS THE MAKINGS OF A PARTY YOU WILL ACTUALLY ENJOY WITH YOUR GUESTS INSTEAD OF WORKING YOUR TAIL OFF!

I'm warning you, you just might start rolling video on everyone now that your hands are free! You can document your life and memories so you can look back later and remember how blessed you are! Heck, maybe you will get that $ winning blooper video, you never know!

ENJOY! monixo

Drink Water, it's what your body is made of....

"REMEMBER..."

monixo