Posted in About Me, Blog, Family, Self Help

I love my life, do you?

Hey ya’ll! I know, I know! Why has it taken me so long to write? Well, let me tell you! Sit on down, I’ve got some Tea to spill! Where should I begin?

Life. I am in love with my life. If you follow along with my blog, you will hear me brag often about my husband. But I love the ups, the downs, my husband, my friends, and my family. I am so full of Joy! Life can be so funny, so demanding. One day passes you by, then two, then the next thing you know, a whole week has gone by. Life is what we make of it. I believe that with all my heart. If we constantly focus on what we want, or what could be, instead of what is, what we have, we will be forever stressing, worrying, striving for that happiness, that truthfully may never come. But to have Joy? There is a difference. Happiness is an emotion, from an event in our lives, whether good or bad. Joy is inner peace, that no matter the circumstance, it never waivers.

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I thank God every day for my husband. I am not bragging about him, but yes I am! God has truly blessed me. A couple of days ago, we got a letter from his job, and July 1st will be his last day of work, yet again. They are going out of business. He has been laid off three times in the last six years. Twice within the last 6 months. Just frustrating!

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Let me tell you about hubby. My husband is a man of integrity, honesty, hard-working, and dedication to whatever he puts his mind to, including his family, and God. He loves to work, and never calls in, ever. He has had an award for the last 10 years for perfect attendance, at all of his jobs. Babe worked at the McWane Cast Iron and Steel plant 25 years, up until 2010. They went out of business due to the Economy. Now while unemployed for almost 9 months, he never gave up. I worked, and he was the best hubby ever. My husband did what all women dream of. He cooked, kept the house spotless, and even did laundry! Imagine that. The entire nine months of unemployment, it did not affect his happiness at all. He never gave up hope. We lost our home, got behind in bills, credit went down the drain. Not one time did he complain. He kept paying his tithes out of his little unemployment check, (which was not near what we were bringing in). He never became angry or upset at our situation, always full of joy.

He did eventually get work, underground to the Coal Mines. He did not complain, never called in, and was considered a very productive employee. As a matter of fact, life became so good, he told me to quit work, due to my health, and focus on getting well. “Just take care of you and the house. I got the rest!” I told you he was a good husband, didn’t I? Even though my husband made good money, really good, he never let it go to his head. We did not buy the fancy cars, a big home. We prepared ourselves for that day when…..

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Now, six years later, the mines went out of business. Some Obama thing about cleaner coal, or something. That’s another story. Anyways, another 4 months without work. This time, we are both unemployed. But he never wavered. He found another job, at a significant pay cut mind you. He worked for three months, and then we get this letter. Really!? Ugghh!

Life can be so mean at times. There are ups and downs. Life can take you through some things, that would cause a normal person to have a stroke or become ill if they let it. My husband and I, we live a life of simplicity. At the same time, making sure we are productive. We do like the nice things, but what we don’t want are “things”.  Our home is small, but it is comfortable. It is a nice home, just for us. Our cars are paid for, no notes. Those things are material. They are just not at the top of our list right now. I, we, would rather live a life of Joy. A life with stability in knowing, whatever we go through, he will be there. We will go through it together, no matter what!

My husband is a giving person. Never meets a stranger. He will give the shirt off his back if you are cold. Always blessing others. Sometimes, he actually gets on my nerves with the giving. Hubby is a man of God, who knows, the more we bless others, God will in return bless us. I am happy with what we have, where we are, and where life is taking us. I am happy with the life we have built together as a family. If more comes my way, I am waiting with open arms. Until then, I am full of Joy!

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So I just want to encourage you today. I want to slip a little Tea into your life. If life gets you down, just hold on. Don’t waste one minute! Keep pushing, and never look back to what could be. Life may take you places where it seems you can never recover. Do not let go of that dream, that hope. A better day will come. Some storms are worse than others. Whether big or small, eventually, the sun has to come out. The sun always shines brighter, after the storm. The clouds clear, and the sky is crystal blue again. Just keep pushing and don’t give up!

Now let’s fill that glass! Until next time, stay blessed, stay southern sweet. I’ll have the tea waiting.

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com 

Posted in About Me, About Me, Blog, Family, Self Help

Family isn’t always Family

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Why hey ya’ll! How’s it goin? I am blessed and cool under this shade tree with my Tea! I just love those cool days when I can sit under the tree, relaxing, with not a care in the world. Just me, the shade, and my tea. Not for long though. I can always count on my two little ones, my dogs, of course, to interrupt me. They come running, jump up on the hammock, all excited, and then just plop right there and go off to a nap. Why do I have to move to make you comfortable? They are the epitome of family.

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You know?! The one who always gives out a great big hug just when you need it. Or the cousin who makes you laugh at nothing funny at all. Some of us have that Aunt that always wants her way or no way. Or that Uncle that is always drunk at the family holiday, asking for money from the kids. I have a brother like that, well used to. Now he’s going to be upset with me writing this, but it’s ok. I love my family with all my heart. But sometimes you have to just get away. Or move away in my case! I just left, moved to Alabama, because I could not take the selfishness and in-consideration for others any longer.

Please allow me to be specific. At the time, 14 years ago, my brother was an Alcoholic. I say was, because he is no longer, and has been sober for quite some time. It took him years to get himself together, to get support from those willing to endure his attitudes, his countless disappearing acts, his anger. But he did it, and I am so proud of him.

That brings me to the title of this blog. Family isn’t always family. If it was not for my brother’s best friend, and in-laws, (ie; sister and brother-in-law), I am not sure where he would be. I had been through enough with my abusive ex-husband for the last ten years. I did not want to endure another ten. I was trying to get myself together. My life was a mess, my self-confidence, my attitude towards men, everything. So when I had enough of family, I packed up and left.

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We are still in contact. Just spoke to him two days ago as a matter of fact. We have mended old wounds, and are rather close I would think. We still have our differences, but nothing will ever break us apart completely except for the big D.  But now the roles have changed. No, I do not have an addiction. Well, maybe chocolate. What I mean is that I am now down here in Alabama, with no family, except my husband’s side. I love them all, but there is nothing like your own. I miss my family dearly. However, I do not miss them enough to leave Alabama. No, I will stay right here. But the circle of friends that I have is awesome! I have made myself a family through non-family. We are closer than most of my real family. Like I said, family is not always family.

I love the South. There is nothing that would or could pull me from here. For a long time, I was a transient of sorts. I could not sit still. Just could not find my place in this big ‘ol world. But now, I have, and I am in love with my life. I am in love with a great husband, wonderful children, and five awesome grandsons, and one precious granddaughter. All of which, are not my blood, but my husband’s children. I could never birth my own. I love them like they were my own, and I believe they love me! Holidays are the biggest ordeal with us. So, why would I leave? It is ok to get homesick once in a while, but that’s it. After a point, reality has to set in and get back to our lives, whatever that may be. 

Speaking of which, I have to get up and go cook dinner. We cook every night in the south. Whether big or small, dinner is always on the table by sundown. And ya have to have a Desert! It’s a Southern thing I think.

So, in the meantime, think about the important people in your lives. Tell them often how important they are to you. Blood or not, family is family. It is rare that we find others we can rely on in these days and times. Someone to listen, without judgment, and be there to pick us up, without question. Make sure your “Family” knows just how much they mean to you. Do not let too much time slip away, or it may end up being too late.

Until next time, stay blessed, stay southern sweet, and I will have your tea waiting.

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Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com

Posted in Blog, Family, Self Help

Frugal or Just Plain Cheap?

Hey ya’ll! How has your day been? I have spent the entire day cutting my coupons and organizing them. Oh yes! I didn’t tell you? I am that frugal, crazy coupon lady with the big book of coupons, holding up the line for fifty cents. I am all about saving them coins. My last grocery bill, I knocked off from $187 at Winn Dixie, down to $43 after coupons. I know right! How did I do that? Glad you asked.

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Let me give you the tea. The way the economy is at the present time, a person needs to save all the money they can.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to coupon, or even tried it on your own and just could not grasp the concept? Well, I am here to tell you, that I can teach you. That’s right, no matter where you are, near or far, you can learn how to use coupons, and be good at it!

Don’t tell me you have no interest in saving money? Everyone wants to save money. Unless you are just so rich it doesn’t matter! Couponing does take time and organization. What exactly is Couponing? As described by The Coupon Wizards, ” couponing is a strategic method used by a shopper to get their normal monthly groceries and toiletries for less money.” Now we are not speaking of your mother going into the store with one or two coupons cut from the Sunday paper like back in the day.  Coupons do still come in the newspaper, but it is deeper than that. If you want it to be, couponing can be a lifestyle, everything savings all around. Or it can be for just certain areas of your spending, like groceries. If done correctly, a person can save a whole lot of money in the household.

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At Coupon Warriors, we can teach you all of that. The key is to set certain days of the week, even just a couple of hours, to cut and sort. The hardest part is finding sales. However, the web has made it so easy with all the apps and websites, most of the work is already done for us.

Interested? Awesome sauce! So, here is how to get the knowledge you need. First, if you have not done so already, download facebook and register, and sign in with your account. Go to the Coupon Warriors group page. You can also just click this link. This is a private group, so answer the questions, and make sure you mention my name. That way, you won’t be deleted as a bot.

The next question I am sure you have, is how much? Great question! The private class is $10 per person, which includes a 2-hour class, plus an email of the beginner’s guide to couponing. If you would like, for an extra $10, I can mail you a starter kit, with a coupon binder, set up and ready to go, with all the info you will need to get started.

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I feel you will truly enjoy couponing as a new lifestyle to save money! But be careful, it is addicting! Once you see your grocery tab drop from $150 to $34 right at the register, there is no turning back!

Until next time, stay blessed and southern sweet, and I will have your tea waiting.

 
 
Posted in Blog, Self Help

Are you living your dream?

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Hey my friend! Come on in, take a seat! I have a question for you, with a tall glass of sweet tea.
Are you living your dream? I mean, do you have a dream, and for some reason you never followed through, or something happened preventing you from living it. Or are you living your dream now? If you read my very first blog, about myself, then you know my dream. If not, go back and read it. There is some great information there waiting for you.
I have always wanted to just live free, and travel the world. Ever since I was a little girl, I was free spirited. I would always move from one idea to another, getting bored quickly. I always said I wanted to see the world, specifically Jamaica. A sort of bucket list of things to do. However, I let life stop me, I stopped myself, and never did it. No reason really. I just did not follow through. My husband and I have set a goal in a few years to sell everything we own, pack up what we can carry in a suitcase, (maybe two) and hit the road in our RV. No looking back, just travel and enjoy life. Why must we wait till retirement, when we are almost a hundred years old to enjoy life anyways? Who wrote that rule?
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I admire women who are living their dreams. It takes courage to step out on faith and just make that move to trust God to bless them with success in their adventure. I especially admire women who are single mother’s who take that chance, and make it on their own, become their own Boss!
Have you ever met someone, and right off, you could have sworn you have known them all your life? You just feel like family, have great conversations, encouragement goes forth, and you build each other up right from the start.
I recently met a young woman on Periscope, a live streaming app for your mobile devices. Kita J. is a woman who has many talents. She is a comedian and a blogger. She has numerous “characters” she portrays on her YouTube channel and website, such as Kiki, an over the top, Motivational speaker. Kita does all of this, through owning her own business, “Exist N Nature“.
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A  resident in Maryland, transplanted from Washington DC, Kita  J is living out her dream. She recently told me, she had a dream to be this well known artist that gives back to the community. “I started sewing as a young child around 5, I remember asking my mother to buy me a sewing machine to make baby doll clothing, and she did. I had this vision to attend Parson,  The New School for Design in NYC right after high school”.  However that wasn’t the case. As an adult Kita worked several jobs trying to stay focused. While taking orders from others, she soon realized being an employee wasn’t meant for her. On October 27, 2014, she finally followed her heart and dream. She resigned from her stable job, making regular paychecks, and became a full-time entrepreneur. Today Kita is an artist, custom clothing designer and entertainer! How dare you tell Kita J that she ” can’t do it. Just watch me!” she says. “Confident and secure, as a woman it is time for us to shine!”.  Kita also promotes and assists new Entrepreneurs get started or build their business.
I admire her. I want to be her. We all want to be a “Kita J” following our dreams of being our own boss! Everyone has a dream of something they always wanted to do. Some of us followed through with it, while others were mislead by life. The time is now! Take back that time, and get up on your feet, follow your dreams. If we never try, we will never know if we will succeed.
I to am going to shine! I to, am going to step out on faith, and just do it. I am Snow, I am Southern. I am my own Boss! So let’s speak it into existance. Manifest your dreams. Let’s get to putting our dreams on paper! You can do it, I can do it, let’s do it together.
Until next time, stay blessed and stay southern sweet. I’ll have the tea waiting.
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For more info on Kita J, Ms Kiki, or assistance with business promotions, please check her out at:
Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com
Posted in Beauty, Blog, Health, Self Help

Are You A Make-up Junkie?

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Hey ya’ll! Come on in! Have I got some tea for you! I was just trying out these new products I got from my Friend Mo’Nique.  Just an FYI, I am a make-up junkie. Here in the south, we love make-up. I grew up a tom-boy because of my brothers, but I also loved my dolls! Ever since I was a little girl, I love to play around with nail polish, eye colors, try new foundations, lipsticks, tricks of the trade, anything for my skin, I have probably tried it! Sometimes I will sit up hours on end just watching YouTube videos on tricks and techniques. I try and stay up on the newest brands, or colors, brushes and more.

bcc36f_612a48d025b840e694103d9f75102d89Recently I was blessed to meet a new friend, Mo’Nique, from Flawless Faces by Mo’Nique, a Makeup Artist & Skincare Specialist, specializing in Bridal , Prom & Fashion Makeup. She has a mini spa right here in Birmingham on the south side. The very first time I met her, we had a kindred spirit. Mo’Nique is the most down to earth, sweetest southern woman you will meet.

But her skills? Oh yea, did I mention that Mo’Nique can “Beat that face” as we say in the South. Mo’Nique did my makeup for a print shoot, publishing her studio. My face was flawless, just like the name says. I looked 10 years younger. Now I am good with makeup, but honey, she did that! 1934838_10153175443601086_9058993384497637016_n

I had received a Certificate in Makeup application months before, just as a finality to actually start getting paid to do what I love. However, I learned so much in one hour from Mo’Nique, on things I was doing wrong, that wasn’t taught in class. Most tricks have to be learned by experience in the field work.

Mo’Nique also has a personal line of all Natural Organic Skincare Products such as Organic Cleanser & Moisturizer, Acne Creme, Lip Balms, etc.  I love her facial treatments, and personal services such as aeromatherapy, rejuvenating treatments, and much more. I love, love her lip balm!

bcc36f_eeafd1dc17db4322935f5454611d6253 Mo’Nique’s Makeup Studio offers on location or in studio services for all occasions. She has a range of services offered, from Bridal, to professional shoots, or just that special dinner date. If you are new to skin care, or need a new routine, Mo’Nique can help you with that too. What ever your needs, I am sure Mo’Nique can, and will take care of you! So swing on by, check out her studio.

If you want to take a look closer, go to her website listed below. Look around, at her experience and gallery. The best part I love about Flawless Faces? The pricing. I could not believe the  reasonable pricing of her facials. My skin is so clear, and healthy! Thank you Mo’Nique for being my new friend!

Oh hey! While you are there, take a look at Tha 2nd Look Thrift, in the same suite! I love the name brand clothes, at bargain prices. These two ladies can give you an entire make over for that special day! So hurry on over now. I’ll see you there!

Until next time, stay blessed, stay southern sweet, and stay Flawless!

http://www.niquesflawlessfaces.com/

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Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com

It’s Dinner Time, What Ya Cookin?

Hey ya’ll! Come on in! I’m glad you came! I was just cooking something up for dinner! You hungry? I’ve got some tea for you.

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If you are from the south, That is probably what you will hear if you show up to someone’s house around dinnertime. And us Southerners, we love us some fried chicken and sweet tea. Well, any chicken really, but fried? Oh yeah! I mean the smell of the grease, the whole crusty, seasoned, spicy, juicy bite of it all! I’m making myself hungry just thinking about it.

The only drawback to all this Southern fried food? It’s so fattening! Recently, about three to four months ago, I made a decision to not eat anymore fried foods. I have been successful, for the most part. I slip every now and again. I just can’t help it! It smells so dang good when chicken is frying in all that grease!

Have you heard of JJ Smith? How about this new craze, the 10 day Green Smoothie cleanse? JJ Smith is a Nutritional counselor, popular for her Smoothie cook book “The 10 Day Green Smoothie cleanse”.  I have one, and you can get one to on Amazon.com, or in Walmart book section. (3) JJ Smith is awesome if you need encouragement to get healthy. She has a Facebook page and she also emails out recipes all the time.

10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse: JJ Smith: 9781501100109: Amazon.com: Books

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Now I must tell you, I hate vegetables with a passion. However, I knew I had to do something to lose some weight. But I also knew I can not do another fad diet. I must change my eating habits. So a friend of mine mention these green smoothies to me. First look, they look nasty as heck! A green smoothie? I manned up, I tasted it, and wow! This is really good! I can do this! And, not only are veggies good for us, but the drink in itself, if done correctly, will jump-start your weight loss, increase your energy level, clear your mind, and improve your overall health.

So 2 weeks later, I have actually stuck with it for Breakfast and lunch everyday with a nice, healthy dinner. Now, I have heard some people say they drink nothing but the smoothies and healthy snacks for 10 days. I don’t feel as though this might be healthy. I mean, yes, the smoothie is all greens and fruit. Yes, it is good for your body to increase veggies, but to go without solid food, may be rather difficult for some. And when it is over, you must, ease back to solid food, or you will need to keep a toilet near by. You have pretty much Detoxed your body from everything you have ever eaten. Well, if you eat like I love to, that might not be such a bad thing. The key is to cleanse in moderation.

Which brings me to tonight’s meal. Of course, I am making Chicken! What did you think? But, it’s not just any chicken, its BETTER than fried Chicken. It is called Almond Crusted Baked Chicken, one of JJ’s recipes.

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Once cooked, it looks and smells amazing! It is covered in almonds, which  is going to bake into a golden crust. Then the herbs and spices used taste so delicious. Almonds are a really good source of protein and the egg whites instead of the whole egg, cuts cholesterol.

I have included the recipe below in case you want to try it out. There is a print or share option as well. So get to cooking, and fill up your home with the awesome smell of a good southern home cooked meal!

Until next time, stay sweet, and I’ll pour you up a big glass of sweet tea!

Almond Crusted Chicken

INGREDIENTS:
– 15 ounces of chicken breast tenderloins
– 2 egg whites
– 1 cup of almonds
– 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
– 1 Teaspoon thyme
– 2 Teaspoon oregano
– 1 Teaspoon sea salt
– Sprinkle of black pepper
– Parchment paper

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 °F.
Create the coating: Add almonds, oregano, parmesan cheese, sea salt, black pepper and thyme to the food processor and process until it is an evenly textured consistency.
Put chicken on one plate and the egg whites on another plate and the coating on a third plate. Gently roll the each piece of chicken in egg whites, then in the coating, and put it on the parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes.

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Reference: Copyright © 2011 Adiva Publishing  J.J. Smith – Discover Surprising Weight-Loss Secrets to Lose Weight Fast and Keep It Off!

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com

Posted in About Me, Blog, Self Help, Travel

Are you traveling forward or backwards?

I was once asked, “In 5 years, is the life you are currently living, going to lead you somewhere further up the road, or will it lead back to where you are today?” Good question!

Hey ya’ll! Welcome to the south! My name is Snow Wilson.  Although I currently live in  Birmingham Alabama, I am a born and bred Christian country girl from Eldorado Illinois, a town of 1400 people, still today! So if you want southern, I’m ya girl. I will be married to my husband Freddie for 9 years on April 28th. We have been together since 2003, with 2 sons, 2 beautiful daughters, and 4 wonderful grandsons, 1 granddaughter diagnosed with Down-Syndrome at birth.

This blog was created out of a need for my numerous followers and social media sites. I have become known to my community, as “Ask Sno” I am constantly researching on the web for items, family, crafts, cooking, travel, anything asked of me by friends! If there is something you need, information, purchases, health, beauty, exercise, family issues, I will do the research, and blog about it!

Do you know what “Freedom living” means? It is living a life completely free, no 9-5 job, no bosses, no day in and day out routine, saving up for retirement for 30 years down the road, that matter-of-factually, we may never reach. According to the recent deaths statistics in my area, my chances of becoming a victim in Birmingham is 1/63. Forgive me for saying this, but out of a Population of 212,297, that is scary as heck!

With that being said, why would I, or anyone for that matter, want to spend the rest of my life doing the same thing every day, expecting different results that I may never reach? Why would you? So, Hubbie and I have put together a plan. Our goal is to eventually sell everything, pay off our debt, and run! I thank God that we have been blessed with a minimal amount of debt left, and with discipline, we will reach our goal right on time! We are going to just DO IT! Like mike!

That’s right! Some day soon, we are going to sell everything, buy an RV, pull our Harley Davidson behind us, and HiT The RoAd!! Only God knows where He will lead us. Will it be Florida? The Grand Canyon, California, Tombstone Arizona, or Canada? That, my friends, is the wonderful thing about “Freedom Living”! You’re free! Do what you want, when you want, with no restrictions! It takes planning, discipline, and saving. I will blog more on how to support a Freedom Lifestyle later on down the road. For now, just put it in the back of your mind, sit on it for a spell, and sip that tall glass of southern sweet tea on that front porch swing!

I so look forward to allowing each and every one of my followers to get to know me on a personal level, while God uses me to help someone in need. Please share my blog (and Podcast) with your friends and family! Until then be blessed and stay sweet. I’ll make sure to have some tea waiting on your return!

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Reference: Location Inc (2000-2016) “Crime rates for Birmingham, AL” Retrieved from http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/al/birmingham/crime/

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com