Happy 2022!!!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! I have no idea how/where to begin.

Every January 1st we make promises to ourselves that we try to keep. We also reflect on the past year and what it did and didn’t bring. Social Media has made these reflections somewhat of a competition. “Who had a better business year? Who went on the most bomb vacation spots? Who actually lived out their manifestations?” Etc.

I’m no longer in the business of overworking, over stressing and over thinking. Last year, I focused on gratitude and wellness. My year ended with me getting COVID after 2yrs of being in the house, masking, not traveling, no parties and social distancing.

I had so much more to vlog about but I’ll end this here. I’m still in bed at the end of my quarantine and my creativity isn’t flowing the way I want it to.

Happy New Year 2022!!!

A Day Worth Celebrating

Today marks the 1yr Anniversary of the day I almost lost my Mom. I keep my private life…private. However, I am aware that sharing SOME things can help others better understand who you are and what you’ve overcome.

One Hospital Stay at a Time

Today is also my Syd’s Birthday. Last year while out shopping for Syd’s gift with my Hailey; my phone rang. It was my sister. She was crying hysterically and trying to tell me something. I immediately went into big sister mode, remained calm, told her to breathe and tell me what’s going on. She replied, “Mom was in an accident and they had to life flight her to the hospital!” In that moment, I wanted to scream, cry and do all the things you’ve supposed to do when you get that type of news. I had to remain calm. I was in the middle of the store holding my daughter’s gifts, my Hailey was with me and my Sister was already in shambles. I had to be a Big Sister, Mom and Daughter at the same time.

Once things calmed down, (how calm could they REALLY get?), my sister called me from the hospital.

My Mom was hit head on by a Jeep. The collision knocked her  into on coming traffic, where she was hit, again, head on by another car. The 2nd collision sent her over a 15ft embankment.

Almost every bone in Mom’s body was broken from her shoulders down. My Mom was bed ridden in the hospital, she had to undergo several surgeries, she then spent a few months in a nursing home and had to go to therapy to learn how to walk and use her arms again.

Rare, green flowers symbolize rebirth, new life, renewal, good fortune, good health, and youthfulness. Give green Fuji mums or button flowers to someone you wish well.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Flower Color Symbolism: What Do Flower Colors Mean https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/flower-color-symbolism.htm

All of this was happening while my Great Aunt and Mom-n-Law were also in the hospital. We couldn’t visit anyone because of the Covid restrictions. My Mom lives in North Carolina. The only way I could “visit” her was through FaceTime when her nurse or my Sister was available to help with the phone.

My Mom is a SUPER Christian and we share a bunch of inside jokes…well, they’re my jokes but she always laughs at them. I told her since she is a Sergeant in the Army of the Lord it helped her win this battle. Lol!

I was going through a tremendous amount at this time. Somehow, I remained calm on the outside. I had to…I’m a Mom, a Big Sister and a Daughter.

This is all I’ll share for now… Hold your loved ones close (no matter who you consider a loved one), check up on them, tell them you love them and practice Self-care.

🤍 Cream

10 Cleveland Valentine’s Day Events You Shouldn’t Miss

Cleveland Scene Magazine has made it easier for you to empress your Valentine by doing all of the event research for you. Checkout the list below, make plans, and get to schmoozing!

  • Anti-Valentine’s Day Party
  • Friday, Feb. 14 at 5 p.m.
  • 2516 Market Ave.
  • Great Lakes Brewing Company is celebrating self-love at their Anti-Valentine’s Day Celebration. Whether you are a lover of Valentine’s Day or anti-romance, everyone is invited to drink, dance and win prizes. Tickets are on sale for $45 and include two drinks, unlimited access to a photo booth, tarot card reader and a create-your-own cupcake and postcard station. Tickets are available for purchase here.
  • CLE Cookie Dough + Beer Pairing
  • Friday, Feb. 14 from 6-9 p.m.
  • 4125 Lorain Ave.
  • CLE Cookie Dough and Platform Beer Co. are back with their annual cookie dough and beer pairing event, which includes (just like the name implies) Valentine’s-themed cookie options and a variety of beers to sample. Tickets are priced at $23, plus fees. Find tickets here.
  • Toddler Valentine’s Day Jump
  • Friday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m.
  • 7204 Pearl Rd.
  • You and your little one can have a wild Valentine’s Day at Get Air Cleveland Trampoline Park. Tickets are available for purchase for the children at $7 for an hour and $9 for two. Parents get to jump for free. Find out more information here.
  • Valentine’s Day at Happy Dog
  • Friday, Feb. 14 at 9 p.m.
  • 5801 Detroit Ave.
  • Revolution Brass Band is playing at Cleveland’s neighborhood corner bar this Valentine’s Day. The event features live music, flowers and chocolates to munch on. Tickets are priced at $7, with food and beverage options available for purchase at the event. Find tickets here.

  • Eat, Drink & Be Mine
  • Friday, Feb. 14 at 9 p.m.
  • 146 Old River Rd.
  • Lindsey’s Lake House Flats is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a live DJ, open bar and a chef-inspired aphrodisiac menu. Tickets are $75. Purchase tickets here.

  • Adult Swim: Wine & Chocolate Tasting
  • Friday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.
  • 2000 Sycamore St.
  • In preparation for Valentine’s Day, Greater Cleveland Aquarium invites couples and singles to sample wines and chocolates from local businesses in the company of sharks and seahorses. General admission tickets are $40 and include after-hours aquarium access, a souvenir tasting glass and 20 tasting tickets. Tickets are available for purchase here.

  • Valentine’s Day Couples’ Workshop
  • Saturday, Feb. 15
  • 1395 W. 10th St.
  • The Studio Cleveland is teaching basic relaxation techniques that couples can share together this Valentine’s Day. The workshop offers couples the opportunity to better their communication skills and express their needs more effectively. Tickets are $65 per couple. Purchase tickets here.

  • Cooking with Chef Eric Wells
  • Friday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
  • 7201 Kinsman Rd.
  • Learn culinary techniques from Chef Eric this Valentine’s Day, while enjoying delicious dishes such as blackened salmon served with rice and broccoli and individual cheesecakes with strawberry puree. Tickets are $35. Find tickets here.

  • Valentine’s Day Paint and Sip
  • Friday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.
  • 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd.
  • Vincia Rountree is bringing paint and wine to B Side Lounge this Valentine’s Day. Invite a special someone out to a creative paint-filled night offering cool refreshments. Tickets are priced at $30. Find out more information here.

  • Candle & Paint
  • Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
  • 1810 Coventry Rd.
  • Enjoy your Valentine’s Day molding candles for your loved one at Cleveland Candle Co. Local Artist Kristina is teaching couples to make their own custom scented soy candles and invites you to bring your own bottle of wine or desert. Tickets are $35. Purchase tickets here.

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Ellen’s Emotional Reminder to Celebrate Life Every Day

In the wake of the news of Kobe Bryant’s passing along with his 13yr old daughter, Gigi and 7 other passengers, the world seems like it’s almost at a standstill. No matter how many times you read a Tweet, scroll past and Instagram post or watch the news; these untimely deaths seem surreal.

Most of us are at a loss for words full of many tears. Kobe Bryant was and still is an inspiration to us all; whether you grew up with him like I did, you were a kid emulating his moves or just a fan of his hardwork and effort.

We don’t when or where we’ll be when it’s our time to pass on. Until then love each, hug each other, and tell someone you love them!

#MambaOut #MambaCita

Broccoli City Reveals 2020 Festival Lineup

BROCCOLI CITY REVEALS 2020 FESTIVAL LINEUP AND ANNOUNCES ITS RETURN TO THE NATION’S CAPITAL FOR EIGHTH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF MUSIC, ART AND CULTURE

Tickets Went On Sale Friday, January 24, 2020 at 10AM EST 

WASHINGTON, DC (January 22, 2020) – Broccoli City announced today, the official lineup for Broccoli City Festival 2020. The eighth annual edition of the organization’s flagship music festival in partnership with Live Nation Urban, will return to the newly redeveloped RFK Campus on Saturday, May 9, 2020 featuring performances by DaBaby, Roddy Ricch, Megan Thee Stallion, Burna Boy, Ari Lennox, Doja Cat, Lucky Daye, IDK, and Soulection. Tickets went on sale Friday, January 24th at 10:00 a.m. EST, exclusively via www.BCFestival.com.

Krusteaz Muffins: Easy like an easy bake oven

During the holidays things can get hectic! After cooking large meals, running from store to store, running from house to house all while keeping you’re sanity, Lol! The last thing you want to do is wake up and cook a big breakfast.
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I received 2 complimentary boxes of @krusteaz muffin mix from @Influenster.eats @Influenster in exchange for my honest review.
Here’s a photo of the finished product.

I vlogged the entire process:

Cooking with Cream Baking with krusteaz

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My first impression of the product was how easy the recipes were to follow, how simple the ingredients were, and I was impressed with the canned blueberries that were included.

We baked blueberry muffins and banana nut muffins.

The final product turned out really tasty and they looked like store bought muffins as you can see above.

I would certainly recommend Krusteaz products to my friends and family.