Transformation Thursday: Pursuing Hospitality

In the New Testament, hospitality is a hallmark of Christian living. It is listed as a characteristic of church leaders (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8) and is commanded for every follower of Jesus as an expression of love (Rom. 12:13;1 Peter 4:9). But its meaning goes deeper than being a gracious host or opening our homes to guests.

The Greek word translated “hospitality” means “love of strangers.” When Paul speaks of being “given to hospitality” (Rom. 12:13), he is calling us to pursue relationships with people who are in need. It is not an easy task.

Writer Henri Nouwen likens it to reaching out to those we meet on our way through life—people who may be estranged from their culture, country, friends, family, or even from God. Nouwen writes: “Hospitality, therefore, means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place.”

Whether we inhabit a home, a college dorm, a prison cell, or a military barracks, we can welcome others as a way of showing our love for them and for Christ. Hospitality is making room for people in need.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: World MBA Tour

The Consortium invites you to maximize your future with the QS World MBA Tour.

Attend Consortium Alumni Panels, meet Business Schools, win scholarships and find tips on how to apply to MBA programs during the QS World MBA Tours. Register to win over $1.6M of exclusive scholarships and be sure to bring a friend with you as this is an event not to be missed.

The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management will host a one-hour Alumni Panel during the QSWorld MBA Tour in Dallas and Houston. Alumni will share how Consortium membership impacted their careers and offer advice on MBA programs and career opportunities available in today’s businessworld.
QS is pleased to announce complimentary entrance for all Consortium members, alumni and friends to the Dallas and Houston QS World MBA Tour! 
Consortium Schools present at QS World MBA Tour:
- Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business
- Cornell University, The Johnson School
- Emory University, Goizueta Business School
- New York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business
- University of Rochester, Simon Graduate School of Business
- University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business
- The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business
- University of Virginia, Darden School of Business
- Dartmouth College, Tuck School of Business
- Washington University in St. Louis, Olin Business School
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School
- University of Wisconsin- Madison, Wisconsin School of Business

Learn more about the QS World MBA Tour here.

I am going to the World MBA Tour in Houston on this upcoming Saturday, October 2, 2010.  Check out the link and see when its coming to your city!


Keep the Faith!


Until next time,
~E

Tasty Tuesday: Dirty Rice with Smoked Turkey Sausage

Dirty Rice with Smoked Turkey Sausage

Ingredients

• 2 cups long grain brown rice
• 5 cups chicken stock, divided
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound smoked pork sausage, sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Make the rice, in a medium saucepan combine the rice and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until all the stock is absorbed into the rice, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile heat oil in a heavy-bottomed saute pan over medium-high heat. Brown the sausage. Once browned, add the garlic, onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add 1 cup chicken stock and cayenne. Cook until the stock has reduced a little. Add the cooked rice and parsley and stir thoroughly. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if necessary.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Mixing Monday: Hair Updates

Hair Updates!

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursday: Cutting Remarks

There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health. —Proverbs 12:18

The writer of Proverbs describes an unwise person as "one who speaks like the piercings of a sword" (12:18). Our tongues can be like a multi-bladed Swiss Army knife when it comes to the variety of ways that we cut and destroy each other.

Unhealthy attitudes of anger, irritation, frustration, and impatience—even disappointment, stress, guilt, and insecurity—all contribute to our damaging speech. And as we cut with our words, we wound and divide
friendships and relationships. It's no wonder that the infamous list of seven things that are an abomination to the Lord includes anyone who "sows discord among brethren" (Prov. 6:16-19).

How do we stay off that list? For starters, we need to watch what we say. Gossip and slander are out, and words that hurt instead of heal are not welcome. Boasting, lying, and all the rest of the ways we use words to hurt and divide need to be gone as well. In their place, words that extend love and the healing power of forgiveness, mercy, and truth should rule our words and relationships. After all, where would we be if Jesus hadn't spoken words of forgiving love and grace to us?

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: Networking outside of your comfort zone

Networking and connecting people is a powerful tool. I recently read Never
Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. He is the networking guru, and says he can
develop a connection with everyone in the world. I know there are only a
few degrees of separation from everyone in the world, so this task maybe
possible. He made me realize what I love to do which is talking and
learning about people. One thing I seldom do is network outside my comfort
zone, meaning approaching people who are not black. Outside of work, my
networking is for social purposes to expand my knowledge of other
industries, companies, and jobs as well as to meet new people develop new
friendships. At work, my networking is only to break through the glass
ceiling. I know that knowing the right people in the right places will
help me achieve my ultimate career goals. Its very intimidating to go up
to the Plant Manager and start a conversation about random things hoping
they have interest in what you are discussing. I feel weird and definitely
not confident in my abilities to articulate words and put together my
thoughts. Ferrazzi suggests that we get bold, master small talk, and
getting involved in groups that you're passionate about will bring you into
contact with people who genuinely care about you and the goals that you
have. I need to learn to network more outside of my comfort zone, get
bold, master small talk, and genuinely care about people's interest.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Tasty Tuesday: Triple Citrus Glazed Salmon

Triple Citrus Glazed Salmon

I'm going to make this by my favorite couple The Neeleys.

Ingredients

Triple Citrus Glaze:

• 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Pinch kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Grilled Salmon:

• Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
• 4 (6-ounce, 1-inch thick) salmon fillets
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Directions

Glaze: Bring all of the ingredients to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, stirring to melt the preserves and to keep the mixture from burning. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the glaze reduce until syrupy, about 15 to 20 minutes. Adjust the seasonings with salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste.

Salmon:

Heat a grill to medium-high heat.

Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil just before grilling, then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill the salmon for about 4 minutes per side, brushing with the glaze during the final few minutes of cooking. Transfer the salmon to serving plates and brush them with the remaining glaze before serving.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Mixing Monday: New Products to Try!

The natural and organic product world is over saturated with products but there is room for everyone.  Below are some products that have recently saturated the natural hair market and many bloggers and vloggers are catching the wave and experimenting with them.

1. Huetiful Hair Steamer $114.95 + Free shipping

Huetiful Brand Steamers have multiple benefits:

• Restores moisture to your dry hair 5x better than deep conditioners or hair treatments alone
• Opens up your hair cuticle to allow your conditioners and hair treatments to work more effectively
• Bathes your hair follicle with warm, ionized mist to replenish moisture lost from chemical or heat treatments
• Reduces future breakage and split ends caused by dry hair
• In colder months, keeps weather-dried hair moisturized and strong

2. Komaza Care Hair Products

Coconut Hair Pudding is comparable to Kinky Curly Curling Custard.  They have reasonably priced products and great sample product selections.

3. Afroveda Hair Products

Shikaki Hair Growth Elixr has great reviews. It its a great scalp oil and has proven growth results. 

4. Qhemet Biologics Hair Products

They have a recommendation chart on what products to choose based on your hair texture.  Burdock root butter cream has great reviews as a moisturizer.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Bust that Flow Friday: Bitter Sweet

Mr. West himself!  I love him!

"I make black history everyday, I don't need a month"

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursday: Finding my Purpose

I have an inspirational playlist that I listen to from time to time whenever I feel down or need some motivation to keep pressing forward with my goals.  In this playlist is a song from the musical Avenue Q called Purpose. The character named Princeton is trying to find his purpose in life, and what he wants to do.


Avenue Q Purpose

"I don’t know how I know, But I’m gonna find my purpose. I don’t know where I’m gonna look, But I’m gonna find my purpose.

Gotta find out. Don’t wanna wait. Got to make sure that my life will be great. Gotta find my purpose. Before it’s too late. 

What will it be? Where will it be? My purpose in life is a mystery. Gotta find my purpose. Gotta find me." Avenue Q Purpose

While self-reflecting in writing my essays for the MLT MBA Prep program God revealed to me my purpose in Texas.  Being here I realized I needed time to find me, to figure out what makes me happy, and what I really wanted to do with my life.  I needed time by myself to learn how to live alone, manage my money, and love on me before I could give and receive love.  I had to figure out what was important to me and what made me happy.  God, family, friends, then work in that order.  I learned that I didn't really want to climb the corporate ladder and that I have an entrepreneurship spirit.  I always want to make things better than they were.  I found my purpose and I found me!

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: MLT MBA Prep App = Complete

I'm so thrilled my application for the Management Leadership for Tomorrow MBA preparation program is COMPLETE!  Yes, you read correctly.  All of my burdens, stress has been lifted and I'm excited about the outcome.  I am leaving it up to God as he is charting my course.  Now, back to focus on the next big step in the MBA process and thats preparing to take the GMAT.  I'm going to study on my own for about 6 weeks then take a class in order to take the exam in January.

Thank you or your support, prayers, and encouragement! It is much appreciated :D

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Tasty Tuesday: Smoothies!

I am starting to work out in the morning and rather eating something at 5am I'd rather drink.  So, I experimented with a smoothie recipe and hope you enjoy it.

Ingredients:
1 cup Frozen Mixed Berries (Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries)
 2 Banana
1/2 cup Plain Low fat Yogurt
1/2 cup Apple or orange juice
1 tbsp honey for added sweetness

Directions:
Put all into blender mix until smooth.  Pour into glass and serve.

• Tips for Smoothie Success

  • Some smoothie recipes call for ice cubes; try frozen fruit instead.
  • Peel and cut up bananas into 1-inch pieces prior to freezing.
  • To freeze fresh berries, spread a single layer on a jellyroll pan, freeze the fruit, and store in resealable freezer bags.
  • Add yogurt, milk, flax seeds, silken tofu, wheat germ, or protein powder to the blender for an extra hit of nutrition.
  • If a smoothie recipe calls for sugar, try it first without the added sweetener. You really might not need it, depending upon the natural sweetness of the fruit.
  • Take a second to rinse out the blender right after you use it, even if you're planning to wash it later; dried-on fruit makes for slow clean-up.

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

Mixing Monday: My Black is Beautiful Houston!

My Black is Beautiful Movement came to Houston this past weekend.  I got to the event at the tail end, but did end up seeing Leela James and MC Lyte.  I was able to take some fab pictures of the event as you see below.  Make sure you check it out when it comes to your area!

My Black Is Beautiful

Madame C.J. Walker

Old School Straightening combs

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Mixing Monday: Whole Foods Product Haul!

I went to Whole Foods on Saturday in Houston and went crazy.  Yes, I went on a product haul.  I purchased all of Kinky Curly products including the shampoo Come Clean, leave in conditioner Knot Today, and the famous Curling Custard, Kinky Curly Curling Custard (KCCC). I have never tried out the Come Clean or Knot Today. When I first went natural in 2008 I used KCCC the entire summer and my hair loved the product.  So, I wanted to try it out along with the other Kinky Curly products to see if I get better results.  I also purchase Giovanni Direct Leave In Conditioner as I've heard great reviews on this leave in but never tried it out myself.  I hope to do reviews on all these products. But I love Whole Foods not just for the quality of the food, but for its variety in  organic natural hair and body products.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Bust that Flow Friday: I whip my hair!

OMG If you have not heard this song you have been under the radar for the last few days.  It is Willow Smith, the daughter and only girl to the famous Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.  This song is hot Willow is 9 and she just was signed to JayZ's label RocNation.  Can I be adopted into this family?  There is something in their blood, I promise you.

I'm whipping my hair back and forth!

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursday: A New Season

"Its a new season Its a new day a fresh anointing flowing my way" Israel & New Breed

Labor Day has come and gone and now we are faced with Fall fastly approaching.  Soon it will start getting darker earlier, the leaves begin to change, the temperature begins to drop (well not in Southeast Texas), and we Fall back in time.  We have approximately 3 & 1/2 months left in 2010 have you achieved your goals? Have you gotten out of your own way to make things happen?  Have you asked God to order your steps?  Have you prayed about your dream?  Have you wrote a vision and made it plain?  Well, if you haven't done any of the above, Its a new season to do so!  No matter what obstacle, trial, test, or heartache please continue to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14)

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: MLT MBA Prep App almost complete!

These last few weeks have been a whirlwind of reflecting, questioning myself, my wants, my desires, my needs, my goals, my success, how I measure it, why I'm here in Texas, what I want to do with my life long term and short term, why I want an MBA, what will an MBA help me achieve, endless thoughts about life and my next 5 years counting till Dirty Thirty.  SIGH! So, many things to ponder, reflect, think about, and I'm finally at a point where I can say I'm almost done!  I've completed 2 of the 3 required essays for the MLT MBA prep program.  My last essay is 350 words and is a reflection of my commitment to the program and any other details I need to discuss.  I'm so thrilled overjoyed that this process is almost complete, but excited more about the next steps.  God didn't bring me this far and he isn't done with me yet.  This process as any process makes me reflect on how blessed I am and how much I need him to order my steps and take the wheel.  There is no need to worry or stress about the outcome just put it in his hands.  If God's hands are in everything, then we should put everything in God's hands.  Such a simple concept just hard to apply.  As, I finish up my last essay in the next 24 hours and send it to my reviewers continue to lift me up in prayer that I may transcribe my strengths and why the MLT committee should elect me into their program.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Tasty Tuesday: Turkey Burger Sliders I made them :D

Remember the recipe I shared with you a few weeks back of Turkey Burger Sliders.

I made them!  How good do they look?  Yummo!  Try the recipe out and let me know how it tastes.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day! Enjoy your day off and be thankful for the job you have. If you don't have one be thankful for the one God is going to bless you with. If you are retired be thankful for the time you worked. But everyone should be thankful for seeing another Labor Day and the 9th month of the year!

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Bust that Flow Friday: I am NOT my HAIR

Sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm not my hair.  Hair is just that hair and I can change it up ;D

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursday: The guy that is surely invited to my wedding!

I was over reading one of my favorite male bloggers Jozen Cummings blog titled Until I Get Married "If I don't marry her, this ex-girlfriend is invited to my wedding" hit home.  This blog is about one of his ex-girlfriends turned really good friends and who has held him down throughout time. She had been there for him after each break up with girlfriends and they picked back where there friendship left off, even throughout the dating process.  He stated that if she isn't in the wedding she is a friend that will surely be invited to the wedding.  I realized when reading this that I too had a male friend that if he wasn't the man I married he was surely gonna be invited to my wedding.  Yes, you can guess its PressPlay, he is one of those next lifetime (cue Erykah Badu) men.  Those guys who will always hold you down and build you up, tell you how beautiful, successful, proud they are in your growth and development.  If I had a list he would fit it to the tee.  If I wanted to fall in love with him I could, but I won't.  Our short rendezvous from May until now has been refreshing it has made me realize what I truly want in a mate, and how much he fits the bill.  However, long distance relationships take work and conversely I don't think PressPlay is ready for what it takes to make it work.  Such is life, but I know that I'm still going to do me, and will still continue to be his friend.  Because as we all know friendships outlast relationships.  Gonna keep it friendly! KIF!  Like that acronym huh? lol  He may not be in my future wedding but he will surely be invited!

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: Busy MBA Preparation

MBA preparation has me OPEN!  I've been reflecting on my life, what I want to accomplish short term by 30 long term by 45 and what I want to do when I retire at 60, God willing.  What I realized throughout this process and writing my essays for the MLT MBA Prep Program is that "I just wanna be successful" in my best Trey Songz impersonation.  Truthfully, I just wanna be happy.  God, family, and work in that order!  This has been a process for me as if I had to choose between a career or family I would choose family.  Although, I do believe you can have both it just takes a large sacrifice.  At 25, my sacrifice is career because I don't have a family of my own and if I did, I would make it work with many sacrifices.  I know how an MBA will enhance my career, but it makes me realize that I really want a family.  I guess the urge of settling down does happen when you turn a certain age; kids become more cute, seeing couples show PDA makes you cringe, and achieving that American dream of white picket fence with 2 1/2 children seems further away.  Conversely, I am realistic in my expectations on what I have planned with my life.  I know that what God has for me is for me.  I'm just reflecting and my feelings have never been more clear about what I want.  I am on this journey to become a better me through he who guides my steps.  I'm waiting patiently on God and in the mean time I'm working on me.  These are my MBA preparation reflections.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E