Ask AunT

Dear AunT,

Q: When does a woman start listening to a man about how’s she’s dressing?

A: Hmmm, that's a great question with a teeny tiny problem. Listening should begin the moment you both enter into a healthy and committed relationship; usually in the courting/dating stage. As the relationship evolves, so should your expectations for each other so that new ‘ BodyCon’ dress shouldn’t come as a surprise on date night ;)

A woman should know what her significant other likes or dislikes. However, things do change and you may want to experience new looks from time to time and it’s OK! It’s ok to want to explore sexy & creative looks or just be comfortable and cute in your sneakers & sweats. It’s also acceptable to ask your mate for their opinion on what you are wearing but be mindful that whatever you choose, it should represent you AND your healthy relationship. IF the man disagrees with your choice, don’t argue, simply find creative ways to resolve the issue and if it can’t be resolved, then there is a bigger problem.

Until next time, chat with you later!

Love,
AunT

Trinette Collier Green is a Certified Relationship Stylist
Submit your questions to simplycindyblog@gmail.com

Sticky Notes

Trinette Collier Greene - Teacher

Sticky Notes… Sticky Situations Daily Dose of ?!?!

Hey everyone! Welcome back to Sticky Notes…. Sticky Situations Daily Dose of ?!?! I hope your school year is starting off just right! In the last article, I gave you a few pointers on how to have a great year. Are they helpful? I hope so! 

Today, let’s chat about meeting your child’s teacher. I know, I know…what is the big deal about meeting the teacher? Well, to be honest, many times mishaps occurs when both the parent and teacher are not on one accord. This can easily happen when the message is not clear on both ends. There should be expectations set for the teacher as well as the parent. Such as, what is the curriculum? The grading system? The homework policy? Discipline system for the school and the classroom? When are conferences? Progress/Report Cards and MORE! Ask questions. 

All of these factors and more should be communicated and set in the beginning of the school year. This should also be discussed with the child present, so a Parent/Teacher Meet & Greet should take place and then a conference BEFORE anything happens like an unsatisfied grade. You don’t have to become buddies with the teacher but do let the teacher know that you are willing to work with her/him for the best interest of your child. Also, remember that teachers are people too! We have personal lives, families, and other factors in our lives as well so we have to balance our students and parents. 

Let your child know that your family appreciates their teacher and are supportive of the decisions that are made. Send tokens of appreciation throughout the year (nothing expensive but a simple Thank You). If you don't agree, always discuss that with the teacher away from the child. Remember, the common goal is to give him/her the BEST education for the school year. It’s a three-legged team; Parent, Teacher, and Community.

Stay connected for more tips on having a great year and more! Until next time, remember to get a daily dose of laughter & love.


Mrs. Collier Greene

Raise 'Em and Praise Him - Testimony Tuesday! Cindy

Good day family! I can't disappoint you, my readers, so here's another one of my writings of past that I'm resharing. Send in your testimony so we'll have new snippets of God's love to share with each other. 

Today’s message written by Cindy Reed

*************************************

"Brush Your Tongue with a Purpose in Mind"

I’m sure that at one point and time in your life, you’ve heard the phrase “I’m going to wash your mouth out with soap. Even if it was never said to you, I’m sure you heard it stated. That statement comes from someone believing that a child said or might say something that wasn’t appropriate.

Did you know that you should brush your “tongue” every time you brush your teeth? Do you know the “scientific” reasoning behind it? If not, Google it.  I’m here to talk to you about the “spiritual” meaning behind it.

The tongue has a very important role. Without it, you cannot speak. With it, you have a choice on what you speak. The tongue can cut, manipulate, deceive, and destroy, amongst many other negative things. It can praise, sing, testify, preach, and teach, amongst other positive things.

Within our mouth, each one of us has the power to control the negative and the positive. With the tongue, God has given us free will to make choices that either do harm or good. The choice is ours.

My message today comes from the reminder I get when brushing my teeth and I wanted to share that with you. As I brush my teeth, I am reminded from time to time to brush my tongue. I’m not always reminded and when I’m not, I do it anyway. God knows me well and He knows what I’m going to do and say before I do. I get subtle reminders from time to time to brush my tongue. Those reminders say one thing only to me. Brush your tongue as a reminder that you watch what you say today. Let this act that starts off your day, remind you that you should clean your tongue so that you are mindful of what you allow to roll off of it.

Folks, if each of us takes that message/reminder to heart, we’ll do a lot less hurting to one another and more uplifting of one another. Instead of cutting each other down, we’ll build each other up. We’ll start our day off with a certain kind of holiness to do the right thing because we’ve cleansed our tongue of anything foul that shouldn’t be. Germs removed that can cause havoc, not only inside our mouths but cause havoc with what we allow to leave our mouths. A lot can be transferred by way of the tongue.

So each morning when brushing your teeth, if you don’t already do this, think of the Lord our God and brush your tongue with Him in mind. Brush it and make it your daily reminder that you’re cleansing your tongue today to honor Him. Allow yourself to start your day off trying to do the right thing. Remember that the foul language that you let leave your mouth will have a negative impact on you later; in one way, shape or form.

Present positivity. Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Have a very blessed day today family. One love in Christ. Let’s stand together. Love, Cindy*

Mindset Matters

I know WHO I am

Do you know who you are? What I have found is many cannot truly answer this question but knowing who you are is very crucial and essential. Most important, knowing who you are in Christ.

1 John 3:2New King James Version (NKJV)

2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 

God is a loving Father whose deepest desire is to have a two-way conversational relationship with the Apple of His eye, His beloved creation, YOU!

Empowering someone can be a simple phrase or statement of God’s love for them. I encourage you to tell someone they are the Apple of God's eye.

It thrills me to know that we have an invitation from God to experience the blessings of living our purpose... Knowing who you are and who you may become can be tested by people you would least expect, causing conflicts with people misunderstanding and pre-judging you.

Knowing Who You Are

You may find yourself not fitting in the social groups; your circle of friends may have to change.

When I think of the words I am, the I AM in knowing that my relationship could not be connected to a better source (The Father) and knowing that I am one of His precious creations, helps me define myself and my purpose.

I think of the saying - "It Is, What It Is". These words can motivate you to seek your full potential. It takes a mindset change to walk freely and boldly in your purpose.

The Gospel of John has some powerful meaningful expressions of "I Am"s that are found.

There are seven of these, as follows:

1. "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35, 48,51).

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU FEED YOU THOUGHTS

2. "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).

BE MINDFUL OF YOUR ACTION

3. "I am the door of the sheep"(John 10:7,9).

ALL PLACE ARE NOT GOOD PLACES

4. "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11,14).

TREAT PEOPLE RIGHT

5. "I am the resurrection, and the life" (John 11:25).

LIVE A LIFE OF PURPOSE

6. "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).

NEVER LET A LIE BECOME THE TRUTH

7. "I am the true vine" (John 15:1,5).

KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOTHING WITHOUT CHRIST IN YOUR LIFE.

And Remember you are the Apple of his Eye.


Cassandra Williams-Herbert

Contributing Writer

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - TASTEiTPARTIES

TASTEiTPARTIES

TASTEiTPARTIES is your ultimate CULINARY SOCIETY  and PARTY PLANNING SERVICE.  We specialize in PARTIES, Global Gourmet Bites, Culinary Escapes, Pantry Products, Event Planning, and Chef Referrals. We are your one-stop shop for your catering and event planning needs! Our end goal is to ensure that every client feels like a VIP, every TASTE a gourmet bite and every BITE a culinary escape! From intimate setting dinners to cocktail parties, to galas and everything in between we got you!

Our MISSION is to bring the VIP experience to every event as we help our clients CELEBRATE life special occasions. We are a culinary society of caterers, chefs, event designers and planners, each working individually or together to bring their vision to life; providing clients with the ultimate culinary escape and PARTY experience!

We ENVISION bringing the Global Gourmet Culinary Experience to events nationally through our line of TASTEiTPARTIES gourmet sauces, seasonings and small bites products and hope to be the most desired provider and platform for our clients, chefs and event planners in the industry!

My passion for food and entertaining started at an early age, we had parties (LIME/Hang Out) at our home every weekend. My dad loved playing music and every Friday evening he would put on his tunes, (loud) kick back and have a drink before you know it one or two neighbors would pop in, a friend or two would pass by to “check” the Boss… that’s what they call him! LOL! Often times my mom would whip something up really quick in the kitchen and my sister and I were the runners/servers, I loved it… everyone always seemed so happy, laughter in the air, the smell of deliciousness coming from our kitchen and we got to eavesdrop on the adults! 

I started cooking at 10 years old (details in my book one day) but as early as 16 my dad’s friends would ask me to make my Fried Chicken and Potato Salad for them. Eventually, that turned into me being an unofficial caterer and since I liked making everything pretty, I got to design and stage the table and room too! I honestly can’t think of a culture where food is not the center of a get-together or celebration of any kind.

I was always creative in the kitchen, trying new ways to prep, cook and present food, being from the Caribbean that was not always readily received but I would ALWAYS say “JUST TASTE IT”. I love the idea of elevating food and the experiences surrounding food to a VIP culinary escape, hence the beginning of TASETiTPARTIES! Today we offer our clients a culinary society with a modern approach to party planning with our TASTING parties, the chef experience with our Signature Rubs and Sauces, a wide variety of global gourmet cuisine options, a host of chefs to choose from, event designers and so much more!

Wendy

wendy@tasteitparties.com
PHONE 494 234 4940
FB @TASTEIT Parties
IG @TASTEiTPARTIES
Twitter TASTEiT
WEB: www.tasteitparties.com

Ask AunT

Dear AunT,

Q:  When do you tell the truth about having an orgasm?

A:  When it comes to your relationship, truth should always be a priority and when having a discussion about sex in your relationship, you should never be afraid of exploring questions and seeking answers for them. 

Sex is always an issue with couples because the majority of us (me included) have been taught that sex is taboo or sexual desires/questions shouldn’t be asked or whatever the case may be, sex has been that topic that most of us are afraid to explore. 

As a couple in the beginning of your courting/dating status, these conversations should take place. Discuss your desires, dislikes, likes, and when you become united, explore the unknown! Orgasms are natural and they are part of you. Sometimes you may not experience orgasms due to many factors. This is when you should consult a doctor; women (OBGyn) men (physician) or as a couple, consult with a Certified/Licensed Sex Therapist. YES!! A Sex Therapist! It’s ok! What better way to learn about yourself…ask questions and explore. 

However, remember to always tell the truth and don’t be shamed. Orgasms are natural and if your partner is sexually connected with you, they will be able to tell. ;)

Can’t wait to chat with you next week!

Love ya,
AunT

Trinette Collier Green is a Certified Relationship Stylist
Submit your questions to simplycindyblog@gmail.com

Raise 'Em and Praise Him - Testimony Tuesday! Cindy

Good day Family! Resharing one of my past writings on this Testimony Tuesday! God bless and make it a great day in the Lord!

*****

I'm in the Spirit right now.

My strength comes from the Father, for my heavenly Father told me "Yes, You Can" when I felt I was in my deepest and darkest place ever.

God told me to trust in Him and He'd bring me through. He wanted me to not just believe in Him but to believe in myself. God said, "Yes, You Can"!! When I think my plate is overwhelmingly full - God says - "Yes, You Can"!!

I know my journey wouldn't be a successful one without His strength and endearing love for me. I know I wouldn't be in this position to hold on and keep on pushing if it wasn't for His grace and mercy. I've run into many obstacles on my journey - yet being discouraged isn't in my vocabulary. God has and continues to remind me that with everything in front of me - He's got me. God says be encouraged - "Yes, You Can"! "Yes Lord, I can"!

My daily prayers and my belief in the Father keeps me on this aggressive path to not only better myself but to encourage someone else. If I can recognize where all my gifts and talents come from and praise Him for trusting me to use them to glorify Him - you can too!

Step up, step out! Praise God for every challenge you've faced because you've been made into a better person for it. You made it through didn't you? Of course, you did - God said, "Yes, You Can"!!!

Each one reaches one, pass on God's love story! Help another to see exactly why you're smiling. Share God's word, His will, His way! We're in this together and I'm with you, my Brother, my Sister - let's take this walk together because with God on our side - we can do anything and we will be one in Him.

God says "Yes, You Can"! Thank you, Father, I can and I will!

Peace,

Cindy*