As The Wind Blows

The holidays is a great time to enjoy family &  friends,  a meal  is one way to get everyone together. Here's a holiday treat for all my readers...  http://bit.ly/12hXY3i While you’re there, savor their decadent dishes from their new Colossal Winter Menu featuring favorites like  Lobster Stuffed Shrimp  with a creamy lobster and shrimp Imperial stuffing, succulent  King Crab Legs , and  Whole Grilled Mediterranean Branzino  stuffed with citrus and served with a Mediterranean sofrito and arugula almond grains salad. To embrace the season and all its frost, sip one of Bonefish Grill’s Winter cocktails including the Cold Snap Blackberry Frost served in a glass made entirely of ice, mixed with freshly muddled blackberries, blood orange liqueur, vodka and fresh lemon juice or the winter-time favorite Winter White Cosmo, mixed with St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, white cranberry juice and fresh lime. I am deadly allergic to seafood but you guy...

Turning 40 has been an adventure. I was expecting to do some crazy things, check items off my bucket list and be renewed but instead I have been falling apart. One area that has been bothering me is my face. I haven't been able to find a skin care line that makes me feel comfortable going bare faced out and about. I don't really wear much make up but my uneven skin tone, dark under eyes and overall appearance of my skin has made me subconscious about not wearing concealer and at least a little powder. I know my diet also has an effect on my skin and overall health so I know this challenge is more than simply washing my face. The system I am going to use for this challenge is Dermera 3 Step Treatment by BrockBeauty. The kit includes a cleanser, an astringent & a complexion serum.  The contents are natural and promise to cleanse, refresh and renew. I will use it twice daily along with drinking at least 64 ounces of water and reducing fatty foods from my diet.  The Dermera...

Post by As The Wind Blows .

I have to admit, I have a thing for retail therapy! Boutiques are the best because they have limited supplies of items making it very unlikely to find another fashionista in Huntsville rocking your finds. Well here's a twist on the traditional boutique, a" Mobile Boutique ".  Pretty Particular is a mobile, personal shopping and styling boutique that specializes in dress shopping for social, professional, formal, and bridal events. The owner, Dwaynia has a great eye for fashion and style and will be hosting an event this weekend !  Make sure to RSVP , because space is limited and fills up fast! Don't miss your chance to have that amazing piece for your next event!         http://happyhourshopping.splashthat.com Share your purchases from the Happy Hour Shopping event with me! Use the hashtag #SummerInHSV so I can check them out! 

The Land Trust of North Alabama is a not for profit, member driven organization that works to preserve the wildlife, rivers and historic sites of North Alabama. Friday I attended the Smooth Jazz Concert featuring Warren Hill that helped to raise funds and it was amazing. As a fan of Warren Hill, I expected to have a great time but I had no clue how in love I would fall with the scenery. Huntsville has an gem in the Three Caves ! This former lime stone quarry was an amazing stage for the sounds of Warren Hill's enticing sax and only got better as the night sky went dark and the lights that surrounded us accompanied the band. I had the pleasure of speaking with Dennis Keim, one of the members of the committee that had the foresight to see this diamond in the ruff. " We were able to see the potential in this place but we could never imagine this" , Keim shared admiring the beautiful mountains and all the people in attendance at the event. Dennis a photographer and blogger ...

Have you ever wanted to try out multiple restaurants in one night? Are you interested in meeting fellow food lovers? Well I am, so I decided to check out the Homegrown Huntsville’s Dine & Dash event! My friends and I met with the Dine & Dash group at Meza Luna in Jones Valley.  The menu was a mix between Greek, Italian, and Soulful Southern cuisine.  We dined on fresh tomatoes, fried bacon, field peas, corn, and fried okra. It  sent our taste buds into frenzy, the best dish of the evening! Our chariot awaited us, actually a trolley, where our hosts shared information on other Homegrown  Huntsville events, hilarious family stories and simply a fun atmosphere.  The next stop was Straight to Ale . This portion of the event brought the experience of the newest crave in the city "Food Trucks"!  On –N- On food truck was the food host, with Straight to Ale providing us the beer. Nothing stood out for me on this stop (Meza set the bar high), but we still...

There are so many apps in the iTunes or Google Play App Stores but I have some favorites! I love to find apps that now only entertain but give free stuff for my time.  My latest obsession is ShopKick.... Photo Credit  www.savingsmania.com Shopkick gives you points for visiting some of your favorite stores, scanning items in those stores and making purchases with a registered credit card.  I'm really cautious about sharing my credit card after the big Target breach so I haven't benefited from that portion but my kids and I are some scanning and store visiting fools LOL! You accumulate points that can redeemed in the form of gift cards from places like Target, Starbucks, Macy's and items like headphone, iPads and even charitable donations. This app should be on your cellphone so when you run to Walmart for a loaf of bread or Old Navy for that big sale you can earn too! Referring friends also put extra points in your bank so be a gem and use my referral link when you join ...

Smooth Jazz is my ultimate favorite and the Land Trust of North Alabama along with Redstone Federal Credit Union is hosting a 3 concert series that I am extremely excited about! The Land Trust's   Three Caves Smooth Jazz Concerts will feature artists Julian Vaughn, Warren Hill and Marion Meadows.  What better way is there to spend a Saturday evening, then relaxing in the beautiful Alabama weather, with a picnic basket, a handsome date and the invigorating sounds of saxophone and mellow guitars? I can't think of one, LOL!  I will be attending the July 19 and August 9th concerts with my husband as part of my #SummerInHSV series and I can't wait to share the details.  To purchase tickets or learn more please visit the Land Trust's website ( click here ). Grab your comfy lawn chair, a picnic dinner (or purchase one that will be waiting for you) and grab a glass of wine or a cup of beer while you enjoy smooth rhythms and the beautiful surroundings of the Three Caves! He...

BrylaneHome 2-Bowl Stand Mixer Giveaway June 9-13, 2014 Open to US Here's a great opportunity to get an amazing mixer for free! You will be ready for the next family gathering or a fun evening baking with the kids. Bringing You Moments To Celebrate Sponsored by BrylaneHome Organized by Celebrate Woman Today Stand mixers are not for everybody. If you do not bake or make huge portions, this mixer probably would be a white elephant on your kitchen counter. But for those who are avid bakers and yummy things makers – this 2 Bowl Stand Mixer is a find! It's reliable. It's sturdy. It will last you for years. Once you bond with this machine, you won't be able to live without it! BryalneHome 2 Bowl Stand Mixer Features With 2-qt. and 4-qt. stainless steel bowls, it is designed with min-max speeds, stay-put suction feet, retractable cord and turbo speed button for extra power ETL listed 500-watts dimensions: 14"H x 13"W x 8½"D The smaller and larger bowls come ha...

Are you looking for a fun way to volunteer this summer? The Land Trust of North Alabama may have the perfect opportunity for you! Check out the details below:    ~Fun Volunteer Opportunities~ Can you Deux it? This inaugural aquathalon (or "Premiere Deux" as some folks have fondly named it) is a first for Madison County.    Spend a bit of time on Land Trust trails or on the deck of the beautiful Mountain Springs pool!    Please   click here  to register to help on this fun morning!   Yep, you'll get a t-shirt! Our  Jazz at Three Caves Concert Series begins soon and we are now actively seeking volunteers to help with these very cool events.  The dates are  June 21-Julian Vaughn ,  July 19-Warren Hill , and  August 9- Marion Meadows.   The concerts are relaxing and fun events at the  ever-amazing Three Caves . Volunteering (2 hour minimum) for the event ear...

Huntsville has been my adopted home for over 7 years now and I am discovering new things to love everyday! Groups like Downtown Huntsville Inc,  Lowe's Mill and The Arts Counci l have made finding something to do this summer a breeze! Throughout the week you can find events from free or low cost concerts, food truck events and festivals that you can enjoy with your kids, friends and pets too. June 1st, my Summer in Huntsville   series will begin! I will share events around the city and take you with me as I enjoy them! We will explorer local restaurants, concerts, hotels, and of course meet new people.  You can join my adventures by following the hashtags #SummerinHSV and #MslawandaHSV on Instagram/Twitter , updates on Facebook/Google+  and here on the blog. There will be giveaways along the way so I hope to have a fun summer and I hope you will join me! Do you have some fun local summer plans? Share them! 

Madison's resident for unique and hand made jewelry, home decor and gifts now offers painting classes.  My daughter, Miss Tia and I decided to find our inner artist and give The Crafty Behr's class our best shot.  Our instructor was artist Robyn Kralik , and she was such an amazing teacher.  She was patient and encouraging to all of us beginning students, she explained the techniques as we tried to mimic them and she was so proud of our finish work.  This 3 hour class was fun, engaging and owner Donna Behr provided delicious treats and beverages as we created our works of art. Classes are $35 per person or $50 if you bring a friend .. the April schedule will be posted soon so check out their Facebook page or their website  http://thecraftybehr.com and find your inner Picasso! Do you guys like my finished project? I started from a blank canvas, its amazing what a great instructor can teach you!  The 1st Painting Class at The Crafty Behr

Birmingham, Alabama was the place to be this weekend for the 3rd annual Visions Natural Hair & Health Expo. My assistant, Precious and I hopped in her new car and hit the road to check out the show.  The BJCC was the location and thanks to Brainchild Associates, the line had nothing to do with us.  Everywhere you looked there was beautiful natural hair ladies! Locs, twists outs, hues of color and personality everywhere.  After checking in as press we began  to explore the expo and it's vendors.  Design Essentials the title sponsor offered a variety of classes, specials on their products and was an amazing MC of the main stage.  The main attraction for me was the Curls & Conversation with panel guests Mahogany Knots-vlogger, Mahogany Curls- vlogger, Evelyn Ngugi -Naturallycurly.com and Deshonica Kerrie -Master Stylist Design Essentials. The ladies looked amazing with Mahogany Knots & Evelyn showcasing that color is nothing to be afraid of with th...

   Alabama has a decedent and creamy secret they are ready to share... For 25 years they have been the home of some amazing Goat cheese ! In Elkmont, AL the  Belle Chèvre creamery  has been supplying the country with their extrodianary spreads in stores like Macys & Whole Foods with not many realizing it's made here in Alabama.  Well the secret is out and Huntsville was the first stop in an amazing tour to put the cheese on the cracker.   Huntsville's Mayor, Tommy Battle was in attendance to wish Huntsville's own Tasia Malaskasis and the Belle Chévre crew a successful and safe trip as they traveled the country on a tour with Whole Foods in a custom   Airstream   trailer.     Downtown Huntsville Inc.  was a great hosts as those in attendance got a chance to sample delicious cheese cake made with Clinton Row's newest occupant.  The Belle Chèvre crew and the cute baby goat, Valentine will share their adventures on a website, ...

*Press Release* The 3rd Annual  Visions Natural Hair & Health Expo  is taking place  Saturday, March 29th  at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Conference , Curls & Conversation will convene top beauty insiders and hair care experts to allow everyday women the opportunity to share their common curly-haired experiences; get solutions to their naturally curly hair challenges; and get recommendations from the award-winning line of Design Essentials®  Natural . Hosted by Birmingham's  Tasha Simone of Hot 107.7 FM , the conversation will center on topics such as:  whether natural hair is a trend or a movement ; transitioning from relaxed to natural ;  saving time with managing and styling naturally curly tresses ;  having healthy hair while maintaining a healthy life ; natural hair images in the media ; and  dealing with reactions to your naturally curly hair .   Featured top beauty insiders leading the conversation includ...

The Huntsville St. Patrick's Day Parade was great. I enjoyed the festivities with my mom, 2 children and hundreds of the fabulous Irish & non Irish parade goers.  There was a variety of groups, schools and businesses showcased as they marched through the Downtown streets.  We positioned ourselves across from Harrison Brothers Hardware and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Our second stop was the Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau to attend their 10th Birthday Party & big secret reveal.  The CVB had activities for the kids such as face painting, a sand box and even a chalking station. The community seemed to have an amazing time meeting new people, eating popcorn and simply enjoying the celebration.  The big announcement began at 2pm with President of the CVB, Judy Ryals, announcing the new slogan  "We got space" and introducing a few speakers including Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle & my mayor, Madison's Troy Trulock. After a ...

Summer is fast approaching and finding things for our children to do that is fun and educational can be challenging.  Dr. D. Williams founder of the Huntsville Black Rodeo has a great program, the Huntsville Stables 2014 Horse Lovers Camp , that is looking for students who eat, sleep and breathe horses.   This program is designed to improve riding skills, horsemanship, horse knowledge and care as well as core educational classes of math, reading & science.  The six week program begins June 2, 2014 at Alabama A&M University and students have the option to bring their own horses or use the ones at the stable.  Dr. Williams' passion for Agriculture and horses was evident as we spoke about the camp.  He shared that college scholarships are available in the areas of Agriculture and Rodeo but are often over looked by children of color. He doesn't want to simple teach our children to ride horses but to understand how to care for them in all aspects.  Stu...

Huntsville (Madison) is my adopted home and I have enjoyed every moment of the 7 years I have been here.  From the friendly people, the amazing family activities, mouth watering food to the at home feeling you get immediately! Well your one stop everything Huntsville, The Huntsville- Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, has a fun way to show your love for the city and the county.... (Huntsville, AL) –   Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the  Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)  is asking its social media followers to name their Huntsville/Madison County favorites – those attraction, dining, shopping and off-the-beaten path places and activities that they love most –using the hashtag #IHeartHSV on  Facebook ,  Twitter  and  Instagram . Starting today, February 10 th , and lasting until Monday, February 24 th , the Huntsville/Madison County CVB will pick a winner each night at  7 p.m....

Part 1 of my hair goals....

It's 2014 and Healthy Hair is one of my goals! There are hair challenges all over the web that encourage you to interact with them sharing your pictures, stories and questions .  I've decided to challenge myself, not with a formal group challenge but to personally challenge myself to give my tresses some extra TLC! What I will be doing: I did a lot of research on Hairfinity vitamins and decided to give them a try.  They are 100% drug free with no known side effects so I will be taking 2 pills (the recommended amount) daily, deep conditioning my hair every week with one of my favorites from Shea Moisture, Nothing But & Edens Bodywork (not pictured- must restock). I won't be protective styling but I will  try to only style my hair once per week and sleeping on my Pillow Bonnet at night. I've increased my water intake to a minimum of 80 ounces per day and I will be using unrefined  virgin coconut oil in my hair weekly.  I purchased to Laila Ali soft bonnet drye...