As The Wind Blows

My free #SparkDelight with my order I had the opportunity to give Walmart's New online Grocery service a try and I was pleasantly surprised.   I wasn't sure if the website would offer all the items I normally purchase  but figured what could it hurt.  I was able to log in using my Walmart.com log in info and off to the races I went.  You can shop by category, suggested items or look for specific items in the search bar. Selecting multiple items was extremely easy and I actually found everything I was looking for.  I did hope to do same day pick up (taking it too far) but next day service was available.   Walmart Grocery presents you with a page of time slots available to pick up your groceries in one hour time slots.   I selected a 8am -9 am slot and was ready to see how this worked.  The Madison Blvd ( Madison, AL ) has a designated area for grocery pick up with signs directing you to the correct isle to drive into.  I received a phon...

Holidays bring out the best in many of us.   Gift sharing, spending time with family and giving back to our community , are some of the reasons I love the month of December.  My family looks for opportunities every year to share our time and this year my youngest took the lead with an amazing organization.   CASA of Madison ,  Care Assurance System for the Aging and Homebound, offers a lot of ways to give back in the Huntsville area.  Jalen decided to focus his time with their Build a Wheelchair Ramp for Seniors program .  This volunteer lead program looks to make a difference in the lives of its recipients by giving the gift of mobility.  Teams prepare in the newly opened CASA warehouse, kits of material needed to build ramps and then come together again to build the ramps directly to the homes of the extremely grateful senior.  CASA is currently pushing to build at least 25 ramps for well deserving seniors during the December Blitz 2015 ..... so...

Well, I'm suppose to be offering you guys some amazing, life changing and intelligently written blog posts everyday in the month of November but I've already screwed that up beginning on the 3rd... So, although the beautiful Javacia Bowser at See Jane Write has created a 30 day writing challenge to push us bloggers.... I'm going to just do some minor adjustments and make it a 28 day challenge LOL Blogging daily is HARD ! I currently work a 9-5, have 2 kids & a husband at home (so basically 3 kids), I http://seejanewritebham.com/ do social media work for clients, I'm getting a non-profit off the ground, collaborating on a upcoming launch with the Queen of Coils ( Coilyencounters -Marci) and working out at Planet Fitness but I will make it work. No excuses! Like Sean " Puffy " Combs said, "I can sleep when I'm dead". Don't know why that came to mind and I'm sure he didn't create the phrase but you get it, Right?  This challenge wi...

Can I get rid of Cable? I really want to give this a try but must admit that I'm a little scared. Every month frustration surrounds me when I receive and open my new cable bill.  I find myself screaming at my undeserving family (even though they should expect it now)  that I am going to tell my cable company where to go and how to get there but some how I concede and pay it. I have tried bundling to save money, eliminating services and threats of leaving all to produce only temporary fixes.  Yes, they will give me a credit and re-arrange things on the bill but somehow within 2 to 3 months its back to $200 again.  Its so annoying, but I need to watch my shows! (Yes I said NEED) Well I decided to research ways to watch the programming I need, while reduce my monthly expenses and dependability on my local cable company. Many networks offer next day viewing of their shows via their website or company apps. Some require verification of a cable subscription by entering you...

Stranded on an island, of course one should wish they had family, food, friends ....Right?  Naw, this girl here needs Internet access and a Roku streaming device .  Just kidding,..... I think?  However, it is true that I would sell one of the unnecessary organs to pay my Netflix subscription. Judge me if you must.    I am extremely excited about some of the new shows streaming this Fall and I have boldly gone where a loyal Netflix lover doesn't belong .  Venturing to other platforms like Amazon Prime , HBO Go , Showtime Anytime and a peek at Hulu Plus. I have discovered shows that have me rearranging my schedule to find time to binge watch every episode.  First up is my  experience with Amazon Studio's Original offerings to the streamasphere ( yes, I made that up ). Previously I had an Amazon Prime subscription because of my extreme addiction to shopping in their marketplace.  If you need it, want it or just think it, it wi...

I openly discuss my struggles with my weight and trying to get myself healthy here on my blog with no apologies or excuses.  I have shared goals, challenges and defeats but I have never been ashamed of my size.  Daily I read stories of women who feel or are treated as if they are inferior because they are plus size and it disturbs me.  Yes, you want to be healthy but size can be extremely misleading. Thin doesn't equal healthy. Social Media is a great place to find inspiring plus size women challenging stereotypes and breaking them in pieces. Some of my Instagram favorites are fierce, bold, beautiful and all around Rock Stars!  +Garnerstyle  ( @garnerstyle ) is a blogger that has a voice that makes readers buy and companies change their policies.  Her fashion style, her "she looks like me" appeal and passion for the plus-size woman make her a force that companies want on their side. Chasity and one of my other favs " The Plus Size Princess " Cece Olis...

Taking control of my health is a must! I know how important water is to our organs, hair, skin and weight loss so I need to rally the troops. So heres a H20 challenge  to encourage me while getting support from friends, family and my social media world. The goal is to consume a gallon (128oz) of that crisp and refreshing recently discovered substance on Mars. (I'm in the #RocketCity so it must be said).... Anyone can join, simply drink a gallon a day,  cheer each other on via social media and use the hashtag   #MslawandaWC to find each other. This is a 10 day challenge but I'm sure it will last longer with the great participation I have seen.  I'm going to be on Periscope, Facebook(personal page) , Instagram & Twitter. (@mslawanda) Who's in? So far we have had some great sponsors! Winners for each prize are chosen randomly . To be enter for prizes simply respond on "Roll Call" posts or share your daily consumption total with #MslawandaWC So Let's Ge...

My daughters gifted me 2 tickets to the 2nd annual Homegrown Big Spring Crush! I was so excited to attend this event that offered over 250 wine labels ready for me to "Sip, Rinse & Repeat". I won't share how many sips I had, but I will say...I didn't drive home LOL! This Saturday evening went well into the night with live music from local favorites the Microwave Dave Band & The Wolves of Chernobyl as well as dishes to satisfy your taste buds from local food trucks & chefs. I didn't try the food, I was distracted by the wine... I am an unofficial wine connoisseur of course! One of the highlights of the event was a chance to stomp grapes the way they do in Italy! Although it was a lot of fun, it was fun with a purpose. The stomping area benefit a very important charity, The American Cancer Society!  I truly had a great time enjoying friends, sipping wine & attending another amazing Huntsville event! Did you attend the Big Spring Crush? Do you have a ...

Leave it IG (Instagram) to be the place to find a great campaign! Beauty giant Carol's Daughter wants girls and women to realize that they are #BornandMade to perfection.  There is no need to look for validation, approval or self-love from anyone or anywhere because it's born within us.  I love it! The company has partnered with a group called I am That Girl to help spread the message and empower women to know their self worth. The website bornandmade.com allows you to generate an inspiring meme with a picture of your choice.  Although a simple slogan (#BornandMade) says so much. It stirred something in me the same way I felt when I first heard Alicia Keys - Girl on Fire and saw the Lane Bryant #ImNoAngel campaign. Women and young girls must be reminded that we have so much power, control and strength and we must release it to the world. We can't allow anyone especially ourselves to burn out our light before we share our roaring flame! Girls Rock!

My experience at Melvin's Place of BBQ was a good one..... So why only 3 stars? Let's start at the beginning... This BBQ joint is exactly what you think of when you're looking for a place that has no time for hype, they simply want to provide good food. My dad was visiting from Michigan so I decided to bring him along to check this place out.  The restaurant is an add on to his home with the dining area in his drive-way furnished with comfy chairs, umbrella for shade a large table to eat at family style. We were welcomed by three of his friends who were enjoying the weather and instantly felt like I was hanging out with old friends or relatives.  Melvin appeared a few moments later with his cowboy hat and red apron asking how he could help us.  We ordered a slab of ribs, no sides and he left to prepare our order.   Shortly he returned with a Styrofoam container so full of ribs that wouldn't... well couldn't close completely. I was extremely excited! I shared w...

Huntsville Restaurant Week 2015 begins today and lasts until Sunday August 23rd. This is a great opportunity to try some of the best restaurants/food trucks in the Huntsville & the surrounding areas.  The Huntsville/Madison County CVB's website http://huntsville.org lists the participating restaurants and special meal options for this promotion. They also have a fun contest to win some cool prizes while supporting and enjoying the local cuisine. It's very easy to participate, simple take a pic of your favorite dish at one of the participating restaurants and share on their social media platforms ( Twitter , Instagram and Facebook ) using the hashtag #DineHSV .... They will select a winner daily so make sure you snap those pics, use the hashtag and share ... I will :-) Here's a of pics from Restaurant Week 2014 at Sady's in Madison for lunch...   Share your favorite restaurants!  I enjoy reading your comments!

Did you know that less than 3% of the African American community donate blood? I didn't!! I  knew the numbers were low but never could I have imagine it being that low!  I invited my cousin April to share here on asthewindblows.org why we need to   Prove that #BlackLivesMatter !!! April Shares: We have too many myths regarding donating blood, donating organs and bone marrow. There are thousands of African Americans in need of transplants of some sort. My daughter just happens to need a bone marrow transplant. For those of you that may not understand how serious this is, it's life threatening. She could die. My goal for writing this letter isn't just to help my daughter . It's potentially to help your daughter, sister, wife, mother, brother, aunt, uncle, father, cousin and friend. As of most recent, I became aware as to the importance to raise awareness in the Black community as to the importance of donating blood, bone marrow and organs. Often times, we really don...

Moving to the Alabama  from Michigan in 2007 was the best decision for my family, my sanity and my future. I've enjoyed every moment so far.  I love the community, the weather, the opportunities but there is just one thing that seems to be missing..... BBQ the way I like it! I've tried a few local places but they  had me frowning in disappointment. I gave up and decided I would just save this meal selection for visits to Detroit or when my family came to Alabama and prepared it for me. However the new Alabama BBQ movie, book (Alabama Barbecue: Delicious Road Trips) and the new mobile app has me willing to give finding my next favorite rib joint another try. The Alabama Tourist Department has launched this new campaign showcasing the best in the state. These are the cream of the crop when it comes to the hog, chicken, beef and even turkey. I know that I'm extremely particular but I'm going to take on this challenge with a positive attitude.  Every week I will try a n...

I'm minding my own business shopping when a notification gets me in trouble. My Shopkick app has welcomed me to Target with 35 points and the opportunity to earn more by scanning a few products. I decide to accept the nudge and get to scanning while I shop. A magazine here, some wine there and then trouble..... My next item is in the frozen food section.... I make my way to find the Talenti brand Gelato. I quickly find it and scan the container for my points. Normally that's it, I walk away but this time it's different. The flavors are intriguing.... Target has them on sale for 2 for $7 so I grabbed a Mint Chocolate for my husband and my new obsession for me... Coconut Chocolate Chip .....Amazing! Gelato is a creamy treat in itself but the coconut and chocolate chips together is simply heaven to my taste buds.  This flavor is a Target exclusive and they were geniuses to lock down this combo. I'm sure I will see those red carts more often just to grab this decadent trea...

For over 20 years, the Essence Music Festival has brought together influential celebrities and soul stirring music against a backdrop of amazing Cajun food and Creole culture, found best in New Orleans. During the weekend, I had an opportunity to attend a private meet and greet at the Design Essentials “BIG EASY” Celebrity Gifting &  Styling Lounge, featuring the beautiful songstress and Loc Queen, Ledisi . Sponsored by Design Essentials new natural hair care line, available at Sally’s , I was able to meet and sample some great natural hair and skin products. From Polish & Co , a natural nail care line out of Greensboro, NC to makeup/brow expert The Look by Joi , I got the sense that DE was more than just another hair care company, they were also about empowering women as well.   Such is the case with the Ledisi and DE collaboration to Photo courtesy of Brainchild Associates launch the  Look Book. The Look Book  features style inspirations to accentuate t...

Summer is a great time to get the best skin possible. Too hot to cover up your flaws with make-up, so finding a great skin care regimen/ products is a must. Physicians Formula new Argan Wear line with 100% pure Argan Oil can help. Known as "Liquid Gold", this line can assist in achieving brighter, toned, moisturized and elastic skin. As if fabulous skin wasn't enough, you can also earn money for purchasing full-size Physician Formula products with the ibotta app. Simply join or log into ibotta (iTunes or Google Play) , scan the UPC of your purchased item, snap a copy of your receipt and reap the rewards. Earn up to $4 on Physicians Formula Face ;  https://ibotta.com/rebates/16591/physicians-formula-face-makeup  up to $2 on Eye Make-up   https://ibotta.com/rebates/16590/physicians-formula-eye-makeup Continue saving on everyday items like fruit, vegetables and cereal. Join my team and we can earn even more together!  https://ibotta.com/r/abqryy

Netflix is truly becoming a powerhouse in the business.... Not for simply offering a great place to watch movies, television shows and specials from your favorite networks and actors but a destination to find exclusive programming.  Netflix offers new content- " Netflix Originals "... these are shows that they produce directly and can only be viewed with your subscription.  Their concept of giving you the entire season on release day builds your excitement and addiction to a high level.  If you are captivated by the show, you constantly have to debate with yourself to determine if you should binge watch it all or restrict yourself to stretching the viewing time.  Twitter can be  your refuge to find others wrestling with the same internal struggle. Some of my favorite shows are House of Cards , Peaky Blinders , Marco Polo and Daredevil .... Each of these shows offer a fulfillment in a completely different way. House of Card s is my political drama with intrigu...

The quest to find the perfect beauty regimen has been one I  embarked on for years. Sitting in the hallway of my childhood home watching my mother apply Noxzema cold creme to her face to cleanse and prevent imperfections was the highlight of my night. I would watch her and think how beautiful her skin was and that as soon as I become a growup Nozxema and her finishing touch Oil of Olay, would be my first investment into womanhood. I still use Noxzema and Olay (no longer Oil of Olay) but I now like to experiment and discover beauty secrets from other cultures.  Africa (Ghana) has shared the miracle of Shea Butter with its healing and moisturizing properties. I  love the way it has controlled my dry skin and eczema, worked as a great moisturizer for my hair and its a great binding ingredient for homemade conditioners, body butters etc.  India has allowed me to explore their traditional ways of having long and strong hair with henna, oils like  Amla and creams like...

I was gifted a great jumpsuit from Lane Bryant by my oldest child for Mother's Day that I was extremely anxious to wear.  I had eyed this floral ensemble for months after seeing on the  cover of an advertisement I received it in the mail.  I thought I was pretty cute so I shared it on social media and my adventure into Almost Famous began..... First a tweet , then a request to be featured  ,  next spotting myself in my email,  which lead me to see I was on their website and tumblr page  ,  finally being recognized in my local Lane Bryant store.... Oh wow I'm Almost Famous !!

I had the opportunity to attend a great cultural event called the "Ray of Hope 2015" at Trinity United Methodist Church in Huntsville this past weekend. The event was a chance for locals to learn more about the country of Philippine, sample International Food, try Bhangra & Bollywood dancing and experience the beauty artistry of Henna Design.  This free to the public event was presented by AshaKiran an organization the provides confidential culturally sensitive services to persons of diaspora communities that face crisis situations.  My mother and daughter joined me and we had a great time.  My daughter and I both received beautiful Henna designs by   Maitri's Creations (a Henna/Mehndi artist), let loose by trying to dance and my daughter looked beautiful as she learned to wear a sari.... Check out some pics and vids from the event.... Enjoy! Check out Miss Tia & I giving Bollywood & Bhangra dancing a try on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/AsTheW...