Things Villains Do For Fun...

Most of the time, these amazing hashtags pop up on social media that are thought provoking & very often awareness-raising.  But then other times, they're just friggin' funny.  One such hashtag is: #ThingsVillainsDoForFun. I followed the hashtag on Twitter & here are some of the humorous/most villainous ones I caught:

--Bethmo

#ThingsVillainsDoForFun bring donuts to the office when they know you're on a diet. --Kelli 

 #ThingsVillainsDoForFun speak in british accent when in outer space and there's no Britain. #SciFi--Em

 #ThingsVillainsDoForFun Take the last drop of coffee from the office coffee pot without refilling it.--Dayrell

 Reheat fish in the break room microwave #ThingsVillainsDoForFun--Ron

 #ThingsVillainsDoForFun Practice their evil laughs in front of a mirror, until perfect--ZeynepSen2293

 Time the traffic signals so you ALWAYS get mostly red lights. #ThingsVillainsDoForFun--Kirk

 I'd be that teacher that makes a huge project and makes it 5 points #ThingsVillainsDoForFun--Kara


 turn off the lights while you're in the washroom #ThingsVillainsDoForFun--Faisal

 #ThingsVillainsDoForFun Laugh manically at everything.--King Renly Baratheon

Add gluten to everything. #ThingsVillainsDoForFun--The Beloved Debs

The best heroes emerge from dealing with the most notorious villains. So, once in a while, it's good to give these dastardly beings their fun in the sun. Hope you found enjoyment in this hashtag & a little humor brightened up your day! XO

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Stereotypes are Meant to Be Broken!

When you hear the term "violinist" or think of the violin, who/what do you picture? Amazing music is amazing music & always worth sharing!

Learn more about musician extraordinaires, Kevin Sylvester & Wilner Baptiste in the article With 'Stereotypes' A Duo Raised on Hip-Hop and Classical Has it Both Ways.

Keep an open mind.  It's natural to have an initial reaction, but always know that not everything is as it seems.  Life is surprising & meant to have all kinds of exceptions.  Stereotypes (just like some rules) are meant to be broken. ☺

Save the Vaquita from Extinction!

It's Endangered Species Day & it's only fitting that attention should be given to the highly endangered Vaquita Porpoise. Vaquita Information:

• Smallest porpoise (family that includes dolphins & whales) in the world.
• At the time of this video, there was about 100 known members of the species left. As of this week, scientists are reporting around 60 surviving members. Source: Gizmodo 
• One of the most endangered species in the entire world. 
• Found in the northern portion of the Gulf of Mexico
• Unintentionally get trapped in fishermen nets
• Mammals, & must come to the surface for air, so they drown while held captive by these nets. 😢
•  Shy, elusive & understudied mammals. 
• If conservation efforts aren't successful, these beautiful creatures will become extinct in the near future. ☹️ 

Reportedly, only 60 now.

Awareness matters.

Save the Vaquita Dolphins!

Make an important statement. Purchase this shirt at Zazzle.

Hooray to a successful petition to make the Gillnet ban permanent!

For more information on conservation efforts to Save the Vaquita, check out this website! 

Defenders of Wildlife

Isn't it Ironic?...and a Bunch of Other Funny Things

Have you seen Alanis Morisette's updated version of "Ironic"? I found it super funny! Here it goes!

Lyrics:

An old friend sends you a Facebook request
You only find out they’re racist after you accept
 There’s free office cake on the first day of your diet
It’s like they announce a new iPhone the day after you buy it
And isn’t it ironic, don’t you think?
It’s like swiping left on your future soulmate
It’s a Snapchat that you wish you had saved
It’s a funny tweet that nobody faves
And who would’ve thought it figures

It’s a traffic jam when you try to use Waze
A no-smoking sign when you brought your vape
It’s 10,000 male late-night hosts when all you want is just one woman, seriously!
It’s singing the duet of your dreams, and then Alanis Morissette shouting at you
And isn’t it ironic, don’t you think?
A little too ironic, and yeah I really do think

It’s like you’re first class on a Southwest plane
Then you realize that every seat is the same
It’s like Amazon but your package never came
And who would’ve thought it figures

It’s like Netflix but you own DVDs
It’s a free ride but your Uber’s down the street
It’s singing “Ironic,” but there are no ironies
And who would’ve thought it figures

With age comes wisdom...

When you realize, you win half the battle. ☺

Deng! Sometimes you just can't have it both ways!

There are days when I want to be a crabbit.

I'll take him at his word. No second opinion needed. ☺

  And last but certainly not least....

This may change my stance on "no pets". ☺

Hope you had a nice laugh or at the very least cracked a smile! Wishing you many funny moments on this journey of life.

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Maybe He Doesn't Hit You...

A very important awareness-raising hashtag has started across social media outlets: #MaybeHeDoesntHitYou.  It brings to light a powerful form of abuse without the visual cuts & bruises that alert family, friends & law enforcement authorities.  I scrolled through the postings & had some eye-opening realizations about what people go through in these abusive relationships.  If you feel that you're in one, please seek help!

Source: HuffPost Women

Here are just some of the many heart-wrenching posts I tracked on Twitter:

We'd be in public and he'd tell random strangers about my private areas.Treated me like chattel.I started closing down #MaybeHeDoesntHitYou--Karina

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he tells you that he will kill you if you leave. Been there, got out, got the restraining order to prove it.--Tracey 

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou, maybe hes blames everything on you and you feel guilty about everything that makes him mildly upset--Hella Rad

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he conditions you to believe you deserve his guilt and his pain and his silence--Bianca

#maybehedoesnthityou but you lie to your family and friends bc you're scared what he'll do if u "ruin his reputation"--Lisa

 #MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but you notice that you can't go anywhere without him or you get into a fight about it--Sam

 #MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he manipulates you to think he loves you by pressuring you into doing things you both are too young to do.--CVV

 #maybehedoesnthityou but you're afraid of what might happen if you go out without him with makeup on--Jyl-ion

 #maybehedoesnthityou but he knows how to make you feel less than a human, to make you question every act of kindness towards you--Ariel

 #MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he systematically interferes with your relationship with friends and family so you slowly lose everyone around you.--Julie

 #maybehedoesnthityou but you're so often told "you're lucky you have me because no other man would put up with you like I do"--AB

 #maybehedoesnthityou but he tells you he's the only man that could ever find you attractive.--Tracy

 #maybehedoesnthityou but he forces pda when he knows you dont like it and makes fun of you for your preference to have personal space--Erin

 #MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but every chance he gets he tells you how worthless you are until you finally start to believe it.--Queen B

The stories go on & on. The most important message is that you're not alone.  Many women (and men) go through this form of abuse & it is abuse...an unhealthy way to live. I hope bringing light to this issue gives anyone who needs strength to seek help.  As always, I send light & love out into the Universe & to whomever needs it! ♥

What's Up with Those Happy Couples?

Recently, one of our acquaintances revealed to my husband that he's been in a very unhappy marriage & that he doesn't know how much longer they can continue on the road they are going. This particular couple have been married for 20 years. They raised a daughter & now that she's an adult, they feel like there is this big hole in their union & they don't have much in common anymore. What was amusing to me was that my normally laid-back husband, after talking to this acquaintance, gave me a call in the middle of the day just to make sure that we were okay as a couple. He said, "We have things in common. You still love me?"  I thought it was hilarious that he wanted to make sure & hear directly from me that I am happy.  My husband & I have been married for 15 years & without hesitation, I can say that I'm very happy in our relationship.  We make sure to communicate & spend time with each other.  We have made a conscious decision to be completely present with one other while actively raising our boys.  We don't want to be a couple only connected through our kids.  When they are grown & make a life for themselves, I want to be able to look at my husband & say, "Ok, what are we up to next? Let's go".  And that's a goal that requires that we take diligent care of our relationship; connecting emotionally, mentally, spiritually, & physically. No relationship is perfect all the time. It takes a lot of work:  trust, patience, & constant vigilance.  Like the above quote, we want to be a couple that makes happiness a habit.

Here's 12 Things Happy Couples Do Every Single Day:

1. They go for a nice long hug.
2. They give each other space.
3. They go out of their way for each other without keeping score.
4. They listen. 
5. They act silly together.
6. But they also get serious when need be.
7. They make a point to check in throughout the day.
8. They remind each other that love--and staying in love--is a choice.
9. They find ways to brighten their partner's day.
10. They create their own daily rituals.
11. They cuddle.
12. They slow down together.

Read this: The Grammar of Dating Your Spouse. Make it a goal to cultivate romance, intimacy & friendship with your spouse.

Marriage needs communication, respect, love & trust.

Marriage is so much more than just a piece of paper.

And just because it's good to change up your "dating" life with your spouse, here's a cute article to use as reference:  Don't Stress, Impress: 6 Quirky Date Ideas to Replace Old Traditions.  Be creative & have fun! Wishing everyone constant love & happiness. Make your relationship a priority & happiness a habit! ♥

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Care for a Taco, a Salad, Both?

In honor of Cinco de Mayo and National Salad Month, here's some simple & delicious Taco Salad recipes I want to share! There's Taco in a Jar, Ramen Taco Salad, and Shrimp and Avocado Taco Salad. Yum!

Taco in a Jar

Ingredients

• Salsa - you favorite type, home-made or store-bought
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Black Beans
• Corn Salsa - your favorite type, home-made or store-bought
• Taco Meat 
• Shredded cheese
• Tortilla Strips or Corn Chips
• Mason Jar
• Ranch Dressing Squeezy

Instructions

1. Cook taco meat
2. Cut lettuce and tomatoes
3. Drain beans
4. Layer ingredients - salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn salsa, taco meat, cheese and tortilla strips
5. Add lid to jar
6. Store in refrigerator until serving

Source: Pocket Change Gourmet

Ramen Taco Salad

 Ingredients 

• Rotisserie chicken ~ shredded (about 3 cups)

• 2 packages chicken ramen noodles ~ crushed, seasoning packets discarded

• 1 16-ounce bag cabbage cole slaw mix

• 1 cup salsa

• 1 cup ranch dressing

• Juice of half a lime

• 1 cup frozen corn ~ thawed

• 1 14-ounce can black beans ~ drained

• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the salsa, lime juice and Ranch dressing. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cole slaw mix, shredded chicken, corn, beans, grated cheese, and crushed ramen noodles.
3. Toss to combine.
4. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
5. Serve! 

Source: Simple Fare, Fairly Simple 

Shrimp and Avocado Taco Salad

 Ingredients

• 1/3 cup packed cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• salt and pepper
• 1/2lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 10oz chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, chopped
• coarse sea salt (optional)
• blue corn tortilla chips, crushed

Instructions

1. Combine the first six ingredients in a food processor or blender then process until smooth. 
2. Place shrimp in a plastic bag then add 3 Tablespoons of the dressing and marinate in the refrigerator for 10 minutes (no longer.) Reserve remaining dressing for salad dressing.
3. After the shrimp have marinated, spray the bottom of a skillet with extra virgin olive oil or nonstick spray then saute in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, for 1-2 minutes a side, or until just barely cooked through. Set aside to cool slightly. 
4. Discard remaining marinade.
5. Divide lettuce and red cabbage between plates then top with avocados, tomatoes, sauteed shrimp, and crushed tortilla chips. Sprinkle with sea salt, if desired, then drizzle dressing on top.
6. Serve.

Source: Iowa Girl Eats

Have any recipes you want to share with me? Comment below or Tweet me. Also, let me know if you tried the above selections & what the outcome was. Were you the most popular person in the room after serving it? ☺ I certainly hope so.  Have a fantastic food life everyone! XO

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Eat at Rotisserie Plate in Lakewood, CA

I'm a big supporter of small local businesses.  As much as we can, my family & I patronize non-franchise restaurants.  I have to admit, sometimes it can be difficult because franchise restaurants are often more affordable & the menu is familiar and reliable.  Every once in a while, we encounter restaurants that make us just want to root for them, you know? The food is good, cost effective, & most importantly the people/service are friendly and welcoming.  One such restaurant that has tripped my radar is Rotisserie Plate in Lakewood, CA.  Vegans and vegetarians need not read further...

Tasty chicken!

Here is my Yelp review:

After eating here with my family, I have this overwhelming feeling--a mission, if you will--to help spread the word about this restaurant. They have the simplest menu: obviously the rotisserie chicken (wouldn't it be funny if they didn't serve it?), mashed potatoes & gravy, rice, & other side dishes.  The food is delicious, prepared in a simple healthy way.  It's a self-serve set-up but they provide real dishes and silverware--a great earth-friendly concept.  While we were eating, someone came out & gave us a bowl of vegetable soup just to try out. We ordered another chicken because the husband wanted more & when the food came out, they gave us a complimentary sauce to try out on the side.  What fabulous customer service! They are so friendly & seemed really concerned that we enjoyed the taste of the food. And enjoy it we did! I really loved the taste of their salad, very flavorful. I didn't see a full restaurant of people & I hope this changes soon.  It's a local small business so that's an added bonus. Please come out to Lakewood, CA & give these folks a shot.

It's hard to look at this without salivating, right? 

They received other good reviews on Yelp as well. Here are just some of the positive feedback others were willing to share:

This is the restaurant this Area has been missing and finally it's here ! Simple affordable, tasty,filling, wholesome food that anyone would be happy to feed their entire family- even on a daily basis .
The owner is so pleasant and so very humble and kind and the man knows how to cook! I really hope this restaurant does well and it stays around for a very long time. The young lady Alex who works the register is also extremely helpful she knows the menu and can make wonderful suggestions based upon what you'd like. I ordered the wrap and a few additional sides. Very pleased with both the taste and the portion size. I ate my leftovers for breakfast- Yep cold right out of the refrigerator and they tasted awesome! ---Mrs. E. from Long Beach, CA 

 Just had dinner and it was great!!! So happy to find this place because it is almost exactly like California Chicken Cafe! Caesar salad was yummy, and the portion was huge! Enough for two definitely. The half rotisserie chicken plate with rice and pasta salad was perfect. We also got a wrap because it looked so good and it did not disappoint, it was tasty and huge! Couldn't even finish one half!---Yojoto T. from Long Beach, CA

A friend of mine referred me to this place telling me I got to try it out and it's better than the chicken spot that we've gone to in the past. I ordered a half chicken with the balsamic vinegar dressing on my salad and all I got to say is, WOW! I had the sweet and hot sauce on the side to dip my chicken in and that sweet and hot sauce is off the chain! So if you're looking for a new and more healthy type a spot to satisfy the tummy then this is the place. Customer service was excellent and with me being the first time there the owner was very helpful with his menu. I will definitely be back again to this spot.---Ron C. from Long Beach, CA 

C'mon chicken lovers, let's fill these seats! 

My babies giving their yummy grub the seal of approval!

I'm not a picky eater, but the dude next to me is & he says, come eat here! ☺

If you live near the Lakewood, CA area, come out & support this local small business. I welcome all respectful comments & even rebuttals (again, let me stress respectful) with comments below and/or Tweet me!

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May Musings

As I'm organizing & coordinating my family's schedule (which I tend to do every Monday morning, beginning of the month, or the end of an activity/goal reached), I'm in awe at how fast this year is progressing. It's May! So, I'm taking a moment to reflect. And always, always live in the moment!

Great reminders!

                                                              Fess Up Challenge

Bath or shower? Shower, baths take way too long!
Straight or curly? Naturally straight. Perms are dangerous, speaking from experience.
Favorite movie? Return to Me starring David Duchovny & Minnie Driver. From my Pinterest pins, it's clear I have fickle cinema choices.
Favorite holiday? Christmas
Android or iPhone? Android, definitely!
Texting or call? I prefer texting. I don't like talking on the phone & much prefer face-to-face interaction.
Facebook or Twitter? I have accounts with both, but feel more of a connection with Twitter.
Favorite type of food? Filipino, but I love eating food in general.
Dream job? On-line business
Favorite pizza? Meat & veggies (& slap plenty of garlic on there!)
Favorite cake? Chocolate
Talking or fighting? Talking.  This is super strange to me. Why would anyone prefer fighting?
Night or day? Day
Summer or winter? Winter weather, summer vacation
Wine or whiskey? Wine
Makeup or no makeup? None to light make-up, & tinted lip balm or lip gloss.  Too much paint is un-natural.
Favorite TV show? Can't lock me down on this one. Check out my Pinterest pins!
Hair up or down? Down
Jeans or leggings? Both.
Painted or non painted nails? Painted.  Doesn't mean I get mine done regularly, but I prefer them painted.
Favorite color? Blue
T-shirt or dress shirt? T-shirt
Flip flops or sneakers? Both
Big purse or small? Again, both. I have special uses for both types.
How many tattoos? None
How many piercings? 2, one in each ear
Diamonds or pearls? Both. Jewelry? Yes, please.
Favorite animal? Easiest question--Manatee!
Rap or country music? Rap
Sports or couch? The couch.  That's a terrible answer, but it's honest. 

Seek balance:

                                                 Spread positivity!
The most effective sleeping pill......Peace of Mind.
The most worthless emotion......Self-Pity.
The most prized possession.......Integrity.
Hope ends when you stop believing.
Love ends when you stop caring.

And finally, I feel it's appropriate to end this "May" entry with a bit of humor....

Have a wonderful May Month everyone!!! ♥

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