Fall into Autumn



The upcoming week is proof that fall is here to stay.  With temps in the low 40's at night and high 60s during the day, we can't help but snag our sweaters and light jackets to ward off the chills in the air. 

Today was sunny, but breezy so I decided to venture out with my little one to Michael's to shop for some floral arrangements for our table.  I love centerpieces and am overly excited when I actually find time to make one myself.  My daughter was in awe of all the beautiful flowers and colors, picking a few that I purchased to make the array.  And at 60% off I could not pass it up.  It was all so fun and the end result as pretty as I imagined.

Now if my daughter will only allow it to stay in one piece. 

How are you adding fall decor to your home?  We would love to see some pictures!

Continued Blessings,

Meek

The Most Important Thing

My little one is two now and with that age I had some new expectations.  There have been plenty of milestones on my new journey in motherhood and along with baby crawling, baby walking, baby taking formula, baby weaning and baby potty training I was expecting baby to also assert her independence and want to be under mommie less.  My girl is experiencing the 'terrific twos'.  She demands to do things herself, demands just about everything and expresses her feelings VERY clearly.  I thought, okay she is two now, so she will give me a breather and want to spend less time under mommie and more time exploring, playing with her toys, playing with daddy and brother...giving mommie a break.  Well what a rude awakening for me. This little one has amped up her demands on me by double.  She constantly wants my attention, for me to hold her to cuddle her, to just plain be in her face.  If I am sitting looking at Elmo's World with her, she wants me to hold her, if I am cooking, she demands to be held, at the park I have to be right there looking at her every move.  On top of that she wants me to carry her EVERYWHERE!

What's a mommie to do?

Give her my undivided attention and let her know that there is nothing more important than her.  She needs that and I can see and feel it.  When I drop what I am doing to attend to her wants, needs or just plain give her the eye to eye, one on one attention she desires, I can see that it means everything to her.

As parents we get busy with our daily chores, but we have to remember our little ones need us.  They need us to edify them and acknowledge them and to reassure them of our unwavering love for them.  Sometimes its easier to do than others for me.  But I remind myself that the day is coming when my baby WILL want that independence and won't much to do with mommie and I stop and regard her.

Kids....just gotta love them.

Photo courtesy of http://www.communitymemorial.com/

Savings Never Felt So Good!

So I am back with a brief update on my coupon clipping time.  I am loving it!

Yesterday, I purchased 4 packs of Pampers Thick Wipes 72 count for $.97 each.  I purchased Breyer's Ice cream for $1.75. How?  With Pampers $1.00 off coupons and a store coupon for Breyer's Ice Cream for $2.49 and an additional manufacturers coupon for $.75 off.  Yeah baby!

Check out this blog for some additional saving tips.

Happy Saving,

Meek

Coupon Savings

Well as Polly put it, schools out for summer! The kids will be home needing atleast three hot meals a day and lots more paper towels, toilet tissue and the like, so as parents, we have to kick it up a notch to keep them happy, full and healthy.

The Jackson residence is popping with four hungry mouths to feed, including a 16 year old growing boy, my 13 year old nephew, 10 year old DSD and nearly two year old. As I was making my grocery list I thought of ways to save even more money. Coupon clipping came to my thoughts.

Now, of course, YES, I use coupons on a regular basis for most of the things I buy. However, one of my new goals is to get more serious about using them on my shopping trips and making sure I take my time to go through ALL of my circular ads to make sure I am getting the most bang for my buck.

I can't tell you how much I have saved on pull-ups and cereal by shopping at Rite-Aid and CVS, where they offer Up Rewards and CVS rewards. It equates to savings that you just can't miss out on. I've shopped at Rite Aid exclusively for the past couple of weeks, because I got a $5 Up Reward plus 20% off on purchases and continuously received $3 coupons when I would go in for subsequent purchases. I got free coffee creamer and Father's Day cards for 3 people for about $2!

CVS has Huggies Pull Ups on sale for $8.99 and a $1 reward for each purchase, plus I had a $3 off coupon because it was my husband's birthday reward. I purchased pull ups there for 15 cents a piece and received a coupon for $3 off a $15 purchase. I went back and got two more packs of Pull Ups and was able to combine all my rewards with the manufacturers coupon that I had for $2 off. I also got $2 in rewards for making that purchase and got the Pull-ups for 18 cents each. You cannot get that deal at Sam's or Costco! I love it!

Today, I decided to search for a coupon organizer. What I have now is no longer effective since all the coupons are basically thrown in one organizer and I have to sift through them. I want a binder with clear inserts so that I put the coupons in alphabetical order and be able to clearly see what I have without sifting through a lot of paper. That way, I can just rush into the grocery store knowing what I have with less work!

I will be sure to update you guys on my savings and tips and things that I learn along the way. I am starting on the 28th with a shopping trip to our local grocery store, Bloom. They have Tuesday, double coupon day for coupons up to $1.99 in value. I am going with all those coupons I have for pampers wipes and rack up. I am so excited that I just can't hide it.

Happy savings,

Meek

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

We pray that your Holiday Weekend is a safe, blessed one and we remember those who gave their lives for our country.

Many Blessings,

Polly & Meek

Au Natural

I took a chance and ventured out to Walmart on the absolute worse day and at the absolute worse time. To compound matters, I had my 21 month old with me and she was a bit restless. I went in to look at rugs because I had purchased one for my front door entrance, but it was not large enough. I decided I needed a runner to cover the space I wanted to cover. I lucked out and found a nice pattern for a reasonable price. On to picking up more hangers so we can keep our clothing off the bed and hung in the closet. Next over to pick up deoderant for my son and some other items for me.

Just as I was focused in on the Old Spice Fresh deoderant I heard a lovely voice say 'Your hair is beautiful'! I thought of my twist out style and stopped my cart and smiled at two young natural beauties. We struck up a conversation about my hair routine and gave each other tips and inspiration. Questions like 'what products do you use, how long did it take you to get the length, how did you achieve this style' were bounced around. I gave up all the details. One young lady wanted to touch my hair and I happily obliged. Shoppers were looking at us wondering what all the lively conversation at the end of the aisle was all about. Our conversation drew the attention of another natural beauty who begin to smile from afar as she realized what was happening and stopped to give her take on everything. She told us about her experience, her children's reaction to her big chop from waist long,permed hair to a teeny-weeny afro. She gave us tips and styles and spoke of the Jamaican hair style that is similar to the bantu knots we use here in the states. I loved every second of it. My little one enjoyed it too, playing with the Jamaican natural beauty's children and chiming in every now and again. The two young, natural beauties said they needed this talk and it was so awesome that it happened right there in Walmart whilst they were there for a hair emergency.

At the end of it all, I walked away very happy to have come to Walmart on that day and at that time...when the world was supposed to be coming to an end. I made meaningful connections with sisters who needed it at that moment. This is the start of something more beautiful than I could have ever imagined!

Peace & Blessings,

Meek

Photo compliments of www.celebhairstyle.net

Happy Easter Monday!

Now after the sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the sepulchre. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. Lo, I have told you." So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell the disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Hail!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me."

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Summer holds wonderful new beginnings.  Our 2011 Red Rose Calendar is a vivid reminder that although there is lots of rain in April, it yields beautiful, aromatic flowers for us to enjoy in May. 

Celebrate new beginnings with us!  Our 5 x 7, magnetic, 2011 Red Rose Calendar is laminated for durability and allows you, our valued customers, the ability to showcase on your locker, refrigerator etc. for quick reference.  Ecclesiates 3:11 is prominently displayed.  The verse reads "He has made everything beautiful".

This calendar is handcrafted and sold exclusively by Polly & Meek.  It is only available by special order, so please contact us via email @ info@pollyandmeek.com, via this blog or on facebook to place your advance order.  And at $3 plus S&H its a steal!

Peace & Blessings!

Meek

Flower Power - How to ensure your flowers survive frost or snow

After a few weeks of mild-high temperatures I was completely baffled to hear that we will get light snow in the DC metro area this weekend.  The beautiful red tulips my husband planted last year and the lavender Chrysanthemums are already blooming.  Not to mention he planted two more rose bushes after he thought the one I pruned last year did not survive.  Luckily it did.  He noticed it sprouting the other day.  About two weeks ago we planted strawberries and grapes in the backyard, as well.  All that planting, tending, watering and fertilizing adds up, so naturally we wanted our flowers to survive this cold snap.  I went with the quickest method of covering the rose bushes with mulch and a small tee-pee of plastic secured to the Earth by rocks.  I covered the strawberries and grapes with a layer of plastic tarp. The tulips and chrysanthemums will survive on their own.

If you are seeking ways to protect your flowers, take a look at this link for tips.  I'll be sure to report back in in a few weeks to let you know how the plants are doing.

Stay warm yall & as always continued blessings,
Meek

The Wedding/Anniversary 2011 Calendar



Perfect for the new bride and groom, newlyweds or couples celebrating their anniversary!  Laminated 5 x 7 magnetic calendar. $3 plus S&H..

A Season for Sacrifice



I am observing Lent again this year and began my quest on Ash Wednesday to take this special time of year to recommit to keeping my temple clean and drawing even nearer to God.  I am happy and excited about this period of self-sacrifice and am pleased that my husband has joined me this year.

I had attempted to 'give up' something in years past...maybe in my mid twenties, but always seemed to fail at the task.  Most times it was chocolate or something along those lines and every time I failed.  Back then, it was me giving up something just to give it up and had nothing to do with the true reason for Lent.  I did not fast and pray or ask God to guide me.  Now that I am in my mid thirties, I am happy to say that something has happened in my life, sort of like a switch going off or a turning point.  Whatever happened I am a much more spiritual person, one who knows without a doubt where my help and strength come from and one striving everyday to be more and more like Christ. This is the reason that I am committed to observing Lent and committed to staying the course.  Jesus made the supreme sacrifice for me by dying on the cross and before that he wandered in the wilderness for 40 days without food.  He was tempted by Satan at every turn, but he held fast and relied on the Scripture to keep him near to God.  This is what I do when temptations arise.  I hold fast to God and instead of reaching for a steak or chicken breast (smile), I reach for the word.  It fills me up and keeps me whole.  It motivates me to trust in God and continue to watch and pray.  It gives me great peace.

My husband joined to support me this year, as I joined last year to support my sister.  I pray that each one of us observing the season can motivate others to do the same.  This is what God loves and we will be blessed beyond reason during this season and always.

Continued Blessings,

Meek

Happy March!

Spring is right around the corner and I cannot wait to get out and enjoy great outdoors. There is so much to see and do and I will be one of the first to hit the pavement with my little one and see what Mother Nature's been up to this winter.

Here are a few important highlights for March:

• Lent season begins on Ash Wednesday March 9th.
  
• Daylight Savings time begins on March 13th. We spring forward and lose an hour of sleep, but gain an hour of daylight!!!
  
• First day of Spring is March 20th and this coincides with Purim.
  

I am excited about what this new season has to offer and cannot wait to share all my adventures with you all.

Stay tuned!!!

Meek

Mini Scholarships for 2011

One of my New Year's Resolutions for 2011 is to dig a bit deeper and give back to my community. I continue to feel that God has a special calling for me to help those in need, especially college bound students who may need a little extra boost from time to time to make ends meet.

At Thanksgiving I visited with family and a conversation came up about one of our family members who is in college. She had called one of her cousins and asked for a few dollars for gas. My mind wandered back to my college days when I used to sit in my apartment wondering where my next meal would come from because I was completely tired of oodles of noodles and had little to no funds left. I remember my sister, who had already graduated from college, sending me a $25 check and writing in the memo section 'for survival'. I can laugh a little about it now, but back then it was no laughing matter. That $25 was like a life line to me. One that came just in the nick of time and I stretched it as far as I could. It gave me the motivation and encouragement I needed to push on and finish my education and I was grateful for it.

So, in addtion to the annual $250 Willie Mae Richardson Memorial Scholarship that is awarded to one incoming college Freshmen from New Hanover High School in Wilmington NC to offset the cost of books, I am awarding 12 mini awards in the amount of $25 for all eligible college students enrolled in a community college, technical college, 4 year college or online college!

Details and guidelines are listed below. Please share with everyone you know.

1. Must be a minority, actively enrolled in college and have proof of enrollment if selected for the award.

2. Must reside in the United States.

3. Must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater (a copy of the latest transcript or grades is sufficient).

4. Must submit two short paragraphs telling us about themselves and their college plans, as well as detailing a time that they went the extra mile to help someone else who was in need and why they feel it is important to help others.

Once the applicant submits their paragraphs, the Willie Mae Richardson Memorial Scholarship committee will vote and select the top three entries. We will post those entries to this blog and then allow the public to vote on which entry they believe is the best and should be the recipient of the mini scholarship/award of a $25 Visa giftcard. Each entry must have atleast 10 votes to qualify for the award. If any entry has the same amount of votes, then the committee will place those names in a drawing and draw one name. All entries must be submitted by January 22, 2010.

Applicants please be sure to include contact information (email, phone, address etc.).

Giving Thanks

This Thursday, my family celebrated the Thanksgiving Holiday sitting around the dinner table at my Aunt's home. She had graciously prepared all of our favorite dishes and had everything waiting for us in a glorious spread when we arrived to her house. After a wonderful prayer by my uncle and her husband, Pastor Davis, we dug in relentlessly stuffing our tummies full, waists expanding and pants buttons popping off. We ate ham, citrus seasoned turkey, potatoe salad, collard greens, rolls, rice homemade pound cake, red velvet cake and lemon meringue pie. Man, we ate well!

After that, we spent some time with the elders, listening to stories of old...the ones I love to hear my Great-Aunt tell. They are her specialty and some of best time I've spent with her. My grandmother sat by listening attentively at times, dosing off at others and adding her own thoughts from time to time.

My husband, step-son, daughter and I traveled to see his family and spent the day talking, watching TV, shopping and yes EATING!

It was a wonderful 4 days and we have so much to be thankful for...from good health, sound body and mind, living to see another day, and spending another Thanksgiving with family to traveling mercies, sound finances, jobs, transportation and good food to eat.

We thank God for all His abundant blessings and lovingkindness.

Continued Blessings,

Meek

Natural Remedies In Your Own Home

Over the past few years I have been seeking ways to lead a greener, healthier life. I would like to rely on natural cures as opposed to over the counter medications and drugs and chemicals. With the number of recalls that happen daily, there is no better time than the present to rely on homeopathic solutions for what ails you. Here are a few to keep in mind, including cleaning solutions for your home.

• Use baking soda and vinegar to treat a clogged drain,
• Baking soda is wonderful for controlling blemishes and oil on your skin, take a bit, wet with water and rub over the face and neck, wash away and pat dry,
• Use an over ripe avocado to restore moisture in your skin. Smash it up and smooth it over your face and hands then rinse and pat dry. You'll be amazed at how soft and hydrated your skin feels,
• Use olive oil for a hot oil treatment to restore balance and to your hair,
• Suffering from congestion, eat onion and garlic. They are both great to open the airways,
• Drink 1-2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar at the first signs of food poisoning to settle the acids in the stomach and neutralize the toxins,
• Use ice cubes to deoderize your garbage disposal. Toss a few in and grind away!,
• Experiencing muscle cramps, grab the tonic water and drink away, the quinine in the water will soothe away muscle cramps,
• Cranberries do fight urinary tract infections, as does baking soda. Toss 1/4 tsp in 8 oz water and drink up,
• Have a toothache, swish with a bit of peroxide as needed to control the pain until you can see a dentist,
• Got an earache? Chop up a clove of garlic, soak in olive oil over night. The next day strain the oil and place a few drops in your ear. This will neutralize bacteria in the ear,
• Drop your cell phone in water, place it in an air tight container of rice to absorb the water,
• and as always if you have a cough, sip tea with honey and lemon
  

Stay happy and thrive!

Enough

Tonight my DSS (Dear Step-son) joined me for a jog around our neighborhood. I had my daughter in the jogger and he said he would join me and bounce the ball while jogging with me.

Before that we worked on his summer math assignment which ran into my time to go to the grocers and Babies R Us. I had planned to pick up dinner and snacks for my little one and lunch for next week. That did not happen. And I kept thinking we won't have anything for dinner tonight. We will have to srounge. So as we jogged, I told him what I planned to cook. I'll grill the spicy italian sausage, I said, and cook a pot of rice and some green beans. I will make some mac-n-cheese with the little macaroni noodles and some rotini (because there was not enough pasta for everyone).

'That's a full course meal' my son replied. I thought about it. It certainly was. Why had I thought in my mind that we did not have enough? We had an abundance, we have plenty. Thank you God for blessing us this way. When I really looked in the fridge I realized we have chicken, sausage and in the cubbard is corn, beans and more beans. Lots of rice and pasta, heck peanut butter and jelly. We have plenty. My little one has snacks...4 different kinds to be exact. There is deli meat and in actuality, I do not need to go to the store until this weekend.

Thank you God for the overflow, for the abundance for giving us so much and supplying all our needs.

Matthew 6:26

Where the Horses Run Free!

I want to go where the horses run wild! It is a must have photograph for one of our upcoming projects.

I was driving down a strecth of rural highway in my area and came across a few farms with horses. They were out frolicking about eating and just being horses I suppose. In my mind I wondered what it would be like to get up close and personal with one of these majestic creatures. Then I thought, nah, I better have my long lens for those shots…I would rather observe from a far.

It is a photo that Polly said we need to have. Horses running free. In my mind I see them running fast, mane and tail flying in the wind, muscles well defined and rippled, maybe even running into the sunset enjoying the life God has given to them.

Who would have known that wild horses roamed most of the land and though the numbers have dwindled a bit, we can still find wild horses here and there. I want to go where they are and see what they see. To watch them and see how they live. That's why I am heading to the assateauge and chincoteague islands next spring. It is there that I can find these majestic horses roaming freely as nature intended. I cannot wait to showcase the beautiful moments I plan to capture on film.

The Lottery

Each week at my day job, a group of my employees play the lottery. It started out as a small group and has quickly expanded to 20 of the 35 employees at my site. I am one of the players...every week putting my $1 or $2 into the pot in hopes of winning the 'big pot'. The most we have won so far is $16. But still I play.

Sometimes I tell myself that I am not going to participate because a dollar or two a week adds up. Thats $4-$8 a month and $48 to $96 a year! But once they start collecting, I feel compelled. What if this is the one and I don't put my $1 in. Its not going to break me. That's what I say as I dive into my purse and scrounge up coins if needed to enter the pool.

It was weighing on me a bit and I was chatting with a co-worker about it. I told her, I need to win so that I can bless some people. She said 'well Amen to that'. Then we started up a conversation about helping others and we both understand that is what we are supposed to do. Its not worth having if we cannot bless others. Of course I want to spend and make my family comfortable, but I don't think I could ever be happy hoarding a large sum of money while others barely get by. Still, as the weeks went by and we did not win anything, I thought maybe this was the wrong path and I should just stop altogether.

I was visiting Proverbs 31 Devotions and low and behold there was a blog on the lottery. The blogger was one in a group who would pool their money and buy lottery tickets, just like my group of co-workers do. She said one day she did not have the $5 that they were collecting and did not play and that was the day 13 employees won $33 million dollars! She went on to say how she was bitter and jealous, much as I KNEW I would be if my co-workers won the big pot on a day I did not give my $1. Her blog brought her to a different outcome than the one I arrived at...keep playing because it can happen.

I truly believe that it is my calling to help others and that I will be a blessing to people that need it the most. I know its not always financial, but I think that is the way "I" am supposed to bless people. I pray each night that God leads and guides me to my calling and that I am ready and willing to hear and obey Him when He does.

So, what is your calling?

Many Blessings,

Meek

A Day At Button Farm

My daughter and I spent this last weekend volunteering at Button Farm in Germantown, Maryland. My employer made me aware of this place as I have been living in the DC Metro area for a while now and never knew that it existed in my own backyard.

Button Farm is an old 60 acre plantation that is part of the Underground Railroad Immersion project. It depicts a 19th century slave plantation. My daughter and I spent time weeding, planting and covering our plants with hay. We planted tomatoes, bell peppers, potatoes and greens. The harvest will go to 12 different families who co-op with the farm and the proceeds from the sales go to the upkeep of the plantation.

Most of my co-workers were in awe that I was out there bending, kneeling, sitting on the ground, digging in the Earth with my 9 month old strapped to the front of me. I told them this is how my ancestors did it. Some of them even gave birth in the fields. They labored all day long from sun up to sundown. So what I was doing seemed pretty darn easy. My daughter was never happier. Basking in the sun and marveling at a lady bug that I picked from a leaf to show her. She enjoyed digging her bare feet into the soil, touching it and at times sampling it. It was a beautiful experience indeed to hear her laugh with glee and smile big and wide with each new discovery.

After a long days work, we went in for our meal, compliments of Smokey Glen Farm. As I ate, I looked from one end of the plantation to the other thinking of how my ancestors worked that very land, sat where I was sitting, planted where I had planted. I imagined them walking in to the old slave house after toiling the fields. I looked at my little one who had passed out from all the excitement and gave God praise. He has brought us from a mightly long way. All praises to Him.

Continued Blessings,
Meek

Allergy Season

Tis the season for allergies. I have bragged to just about everyone I know about how I do not have seasonal allergies and it takes an awful lot for me to sneeze in regards to grass, pollen, ragweed and the like. Yes, I am blessed and fortunate I've told people because this stuff just does not bother me. Well that was until last week.

I had been warned by some that 'after the baby came I developed allergies' or 'I developed them when I was in my 30's' but somehow I thought I have gotten by, flew in under the radar. Well I'd say it was Tuesday, that the strangest thing happened. I walked from my car in the parking lot to the building I work in and begin to sneeze over and over again. My nose was clogged by the time I sat down at my desk and I had sinus pressure and itchy eyes. Oh now I thought to myself, let me pop a zyrtec (oh who am I kidding a generic zyrtec). I took it, but it did not help me in the least. I continued all day long feeling awful, skipped out on the gym and went home and straight down for a nap. The allergies have lingered on now with postnasal drip and a cough. I feel like I have a cold but I know what it really is....ALLERGIES!

So, do I dare say I am officially a seasonal allergy sufferer. Well not just yet. I will give it another whirl next year to see for sure. I don't want to have to count myself amongst those who look outside with dread at the blooming trees and flowers and cringe at the sight of yellow dust on their cars and windows. I want to open my windows and let fresh air in. I don't want to have to wear a face mask (like some of my coworkers do) to make it from the outside of the building to the inside. And I don't want to have to do a rain dance and pray it comes to wash all the pollen away and make things new again. No not me.

I want to work outside in the sun and come up with new plans and agendas for Polly & Meek. I want to vend outdoors with no fear of sneezing and wheezing all over the product and customers. I want to walk outside so I can expand my mind and come up with new and exciting ideas for the business. Luckily, seasonal allergies are just that...seasonal. They don't last always. Unpleasant things rarely do!

Continued Blessings,

Meek