~PURE MADRE~

A metro single mom living and loving life. Come ride with me on this continual learning curve; stopping for coffee, smelling the roses, enjoying the simple things and making an impression whereever we go. if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('b33a3d7b-16c6-4834-9059-8ac9cd2d7664'); Get the WellTip of the Day widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Not seeing a widget? (More info)

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I absolutely love the big hair on these ladies.. 

All About Natural-ness!

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Frugal Organizational Strategies

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"An investment in knowledge pays dividends"

-Ben Franklin

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Top 5 Fall Beauty Trends

Hey Yall!

Yes, it has been a while, but now that things have slowed down a bit, I'm baaack!

Ok, let's get to it:  The 5 Beauty Trends you should not be without

Natural Eyebrows.. that's right let those bushy brows show

Fake Eyelashes.. Yes, spider lashes are hot, as long as they are secure

Smooth supple skin.. It's not just for those hot summers

High/Low Lights.. Honey hair color, that's right, move over Beyonce

Natural Hair.. Finally!  Natural looks are in, have fun with your natural style.  Celebrate what you were blessed with!

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So you're thinking about going Green?

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Top Summer Drinks..

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Summer Decorating..

Are you contemplating sprucing up your home for the summer but are unsure where to start?  Well, here is some expert advice on decorating your interiors for the summer season:

Add bold patterns and bright festive colors to your existing interiors

Bring in fresh flowers

Bring in your beach shell & sand collection

Add edible arrangements (bowl of apples, glass of lemons/limes)

Change out your curtains/drapes for a lighter weight window dressing

Bring in summer scents, there is nothing like light citrus, fruity, or flowery scents to remind you of the summer season

Pull out your summer dishware

Put up some summer prints on your walls

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Wild about WEDGES..

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A fellow Alum has an awesome blog site called  MyLifeRunsOnFood.com which has some really great recipes.  Go ahead take a look.. I'm sure your tastebuds will thank you.

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Budget Backyard Decorating

We are approaching the Memorial Day holiday and cook-outs are around the corner.  Well how will you celebrate?  Is your outdoor entertaining space ready?  If not, take a look at this creative design that will make you the talk of the neighborhood

  So wha do you think about indoor furniture being used for the outoors?  Great idea or not?

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   For those of us who are very traditional when it comes to our nails, here are some fun summer trends you can try.  You never know, you may actually make it part of your "staple"..

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Coconut Oil Anyone?  Check out this video on the multiple beneficial uses of coconut oil..  So what do you use it for?

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There's no way I can pay you back But my plan is to show you that I understand You are appreciated Dear Mama,...

~Tupac

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mmmm....can you smell it.. the delightful smell of bluberry muffins..

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Yes ladies and gents 80's colors are back with a vengeance.  Now this should not be a shock to must of us, those of us who are old enough to remember, neon colors have been making there way back for at least a season or two.  I have seen the colorful Madonna inspiredlooks creeping everywhere, so I am not surprised it would "creep" into our homes.  Well what about adding that same wild funkiness to your home?  Whether it's your kitchen, living room or backyard even, you too can have 80's inspired style.  Check it out..

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Calling all Diva-Flays..

So in about a month we will be gearing up for the backyard cookout season.  Well, what are you bringing?  I hope not that same old tired potato salad that always has just a little too much mustard and an overdose of onions.  Here are some salad ideas that will definitely make you the life of the cookout!

1.     Shrimp, Zucchini, Tomato and Bow-tie Pasta Salad

2.     Grilled Peaches with Greek Yogurt and Honey

3.     Ambrosia Y2K with Pineapples, Blueberries, Blackberries, and Strawberries

4.     Black Bean Salad with Tomatoes, Red Onion, Avocado, Grilled Corn and Black Beans.  Of course you can substitute your black beans for White or Navy if you want to add a different twist.

5.     Southwestern Cucumber Salad with Cucumbers, Roma Tomatoes, Red Onions, Cumin, Chili Powder and Red Wine Vinegar

Again, what are you bringing?

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Why not Belize?

Probably due to the fact we just got back from Belize, I would definitely recommend this spot as a must family vacation spot.  There is so much to do for those families that like a little adventure, great beaches and world-famous barrier reef. 

Some things you should know about Belize:

Gateway to Central America and official language is English

Once a British Colony, now a peaceful democratic nation

Belizean people are comprised of Maya, Creole, East Indian, Arab and Chinese, as well as a number of European, American and other expats

 Fun family activities to include cave tubing, jungle river cruises, zip-lining, kayaks, city tour bicycling, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Hundreds of Mayan sites with tropical rain forests filled with many species of birds and exotic plant life.

For families that may be a little intimidated by the likes of Costa Rica, try Belize as your intro.  You will be glad you did..