Polly & Meek

Black History: Do We Tell Our Children the Whole Story or Just the Good Parts?

2012-02-06T12:49:00.002-05:00

Selma to Montgomery March for Voting Rights in 1965, James Karales, 1965

When we talk about black history, or as my children would say, African-American history what do we really mean? When it comes to the story of the first Africans brought to America, there is much to impart. I've found that my school aged children are as amazed by African Americans' contributions and inventions as they are shocked to learn about their abuse through slavery.

At times I've been unsure if they can handle the information and I second guess if I should tell them all of it and how soon to divulge. That's when the curiosity of being a child kicks in. They ask tons of questions! Like, why is Obama the first black President? Where did we come from? Do you have to marry someone brown like you or can you marry anyone you want? Questions lead to answers via books, research and reenactments.

I realized that what we call history is really more like a story to the young and they are trying to see where they fit. By reaching back and connecting events of the past the children grab hold to the story, the part they choose-- which to them is simply the future. No matter their race, everyone can play a part. Kids know it. They are inherently hopeful. So when we impart the whole story we can give our successors a chance to affect change in a powerful, passionate way that ensures that the negative parts of African American history aren't forgotten, nor repeated. The good parts of our history serve as a force compelling each of them (and us) to the harness the greatness that is already within.

Blessings,

Polly

Taking You To the Next Level

2012-01-10T12:26:00.000-05:00

What's a small, women-owned business to do in this day of epublishing? Get with it of course! We have new year's resolutions too and at the top of our list is to epublish our children's picture book on Amazon. Meek and I believe this will be a wonderful way to minister while cutting printing costs. The great thing is, this epublishing option isn't just available to us. It's open to all. Go to Amazon for the details. Meanwhile stay tuned for our Kindle version of Sisters Are From Heaven. We'll let you know when it's ready for download.

Peace and blessings,

Polly

Happy New Year!

2012-01-05T18:50:00.000-05:00

In all things give THANKS unto the Lord!

Many Blessings,
Meek

Holiday Cheer!

2011-12-10T19:55:00.002-05:00

Greetings Friends & Family,

The table is set and the holiday parties are in full swing!

Continued Blessings,

Meek

Christmas Primer

2011-11-26T10:07:00.000-05:00

When retailers began putting up Christmas trees in October, the holidays seemed so far away. All the warm weather we've had on the east coast hasn't helped either --except, er, that one Artic storm at the end of last month. Snow and ice. Now that was a shocker! But here we are. Thanksgiving has come and gone and we find ourselves at the start of the Christmas season. I sense that some of us may be worrried that all the talk about sales and gift-giving will get in the way of the true meaning of this time of year. Well, I've got the easy answer to making it purposeful (no matter how many doorbusters they throw our way).

Just keep giving thanks! That's right. Don't let up. Instead, allow that feeling of gratefulness to gain momentum because the holiday season is a wonderful time to reflect. Think about the many blessings God bestowed on you and yours this past year alone. Food, clothes, health, shelter, family and friends. What, didn't you have all those things? How about some of them? One of them? I challenge you to start your celebration with a notion of already being blessed and creating that holiday joy inside your own heart. When you do that Christmas and New Year's won't just be about spending. They won't even be about receiving gifts or making resolutions. As you begin to reflect on God the season will come alive with love and true thanks. Thanks to the Father for the gift of his son, Jesus Christ.

Here's to the most wonderful time of the year!

Polly

November is Native American Heritage Month

2011-11-07T23:05:00.001-05:00

Last of the Mohicans, cover illustration, 1919, N.C. Wyeth

This year we are learning more about Native Americans. During the month of November our public library system is offering several free programs and activities where all ages are invited to learn about America's first inhabitants. It's not just what is taught in school about the first Thanksgiving but much, much more. So far the children and I listened to colorful stories from a Native storyteller, checked out some great books and will be attending a program featuring Indian art. There is even a science lesson were the kids can make an interactive project while they learn. I don't know who's more excited, them or me.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn real history instead of the history many would like to portray. When we can respect and embrace other people's cultural differences, then it means we are comfortable in our own skin. Loving ourselves is the big step toward loving others. That's my hope for my children and also for the world.

Blessings,

Polly

Fall into Autumn

2011-10-16T18:02:00.000-04:00

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

Harvest

2011-10-14T13:19:00.003-04:00

In order for anything to grow, or be harvested at all, a seed first has to be planted. Once planted, that seed must be nutured. Next? Trust God for the bounty. God is always faithful, so maybe we should try being more like Him. If we only have the faith of a mustard seed, before long we will be walking in the season of His blessings. Some walks are longer than others, so let's make sure our hand is in God's hand while we stroll.

Enjoy the harvest and share the overflow,

Polly

Fall-Time Favorites

2011-09-26T13:27:00.002-04:00

Everyday as we walk to and from the bus stop my daughter points out the changing colors of the leaves. A few red and gold ones sprinkle the ground and she gasps in awe that fall is finally here. She's not alone because as autumn gains momentum I feel myself coming alive. I'm not upset over shorter days and cooler temperatures. No, that's my hubby. For me fall is a favorite because of the beautiful scenery, fuzzy sweaters, comfort food and county fairs/festivals (with more yummy food)! On top of that my birthday comes and I get to bless the Lord for giving me another year of happiness and health. It's that perfect balance of not too hot and not too cold and the promise of pumpkins then soon, Thanksgiving turkey. There's apple picking (I've already had my share of Honeycrisp this season) and plenty of cider and pie to go around. Sweet potato prices are dropping and the evenings get lovelier as the sun lowers in the sky. I breath a sigh of relief at the whole predictable order of nature and just relax into the lazy days of fall.

What are some of your favorite fall activities? Post a comment to share.

Blessings,

Polly

Parent's Helper: Tips for Getting Out the Door On Time

2011-09-06T00:42:00.001-04:00

So school's back in session and it's time to whip the household into shape. Try these tips to get off to a good start:

1. Use an alarm clock- Everyone including our 4-year-old has one. It helps if you put it across the room so they have to walk to turn it off. But make sure they get enough sleep regularly. Even the buzzer gets ignored if they are overly tired.

2. Pre-made breakfast - I love this! On the weekends I double up on batches of pancakes, waffles, french toast, biscuits and bacon. The result is a frig full of homemade food I can pop in the toaster or oven and heat quickly while I do something else. Bacon goes in the microwave and wa-lah! I also keep instant grits, oatmeal and cereal on hand.

3. Nighttime Prep- Teach kids to choose their clothes before bedtime. Make sure shoes, jackets, etc are where they can grab them quickly the next morning. Backpacks should be set and lunches already made. If you're sending a hot lunch like soup, then pack all the other items the night before.

4. Carefree hair - Brushing hair is a lot easier than combing at our house. On the weekend I do hairstyles that will last for about 1 week. My hubby keeps the boy's hair cut low. Each morning I just brush over all their heads, add accessories to the girls and go. 5 minutes tops! I redo it on the weekend. Even if you shoot for 2-3 days free from styling you'll save precious time. Just restyle in the evening, not the morning.

5. Set a reminder - My smartphone starts chiming when we have 5 minutes before departure time. Sometimes it's annoying but at least we have a warning bell to help us wrap it up. The kids know what to do when they hear the bell.

6. Check in- Sometimes kids need encouragement to get going in the mornings. I check on my 3 every ten minutes or so to make sure they are on task and not goofing off when they should be brushing, getting dressed or eating.

7. Turn off the TV - Television turns my children into zombies. They can't hear or function when it's on. If I need to check the weather I do it at night or turn it on briefly then right off again, keeping it as low as possible so they don't hear it. Instead, each day I play upbeat music to get them moving.

If you have more tips, then please share! A pleasant start vs. a hurried one can make a huge difference in how the day unfolds --for everyone.

Blessings,
Polly

The Most Important Thing

2011-08-24T20:54:00.000-04:00

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/

Fotolia Nails It!

2011-08-16T22:06:00.001-04:00

Last month I urged you to try http://www.fotolia.com/ for royalty free images, HD videos, and lots more. Now that I've had more experience with their site here's my full review:

After having a Fotolia account for nearly a month I must say I just love their services! It is exactly what I was looking for to add fresh photos to Polly&Meek websites and blogs. Fotolia meets our business needs and helps me feel confident and professional while blogging.

Setting up an account is easy and choosing images is fast! Even better -- the flawless shopping cart. It allows me to see all my selections and download straight to my PC. I can only smile at the speed and organization of everything. That's important to me as a small business owner working within time and resource constraints. And best of all, no more uncertainty while copying images off the Internet. Fotolia nails it! I am a very happy customer.

Try Fotolia today and let their services take your presentation, newsletter or blog up a notch. We did!

Blessings,
Polly

Healthy Lunches on the Go!

2011-07-25T16:59:00.000-04:00

I just found out that the cost of school lunch is increasing for the fall. Maybe it's just my children's school that's raising prices but it made me really glad that I pack their lunches at home. Here are some of the yummy things we combine in the lunch box to keep them happy and well fed!

1. Sliced pepperoni, cheese squares and crackers
2. Yogurt, granola and nuts
3. Sliced hot dog, heated and kept warm in a thermos
4. Homemade chicken nuggets, heated and put in a thermos
5. Turkey and bacon sandwich
6. P, B and J (for those not allergic)
7. Soup with meat and veggies

All of these choices are paired with fresh fruit, applesauce or a fruit cup, nachos, chips, pretzels or the like. We usually add a small treat of some kind like a cookie or cinnamon and sugar glazed popcorn. They drink water or milk and it's a wrap!

Do you have more lunch ideas? Then share them with us!

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts,
Polly

Savings Never Felt So Good!

2011-07-18T22:25:00.000-04:00

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

Fotolia: Great Photo Website for All!

2011-07-12T12:34:00.002-04:00

Interested in great photos for your blog, newsletter, or presentation? Then visit Fotolia online! You'll find royalty free images, HD videos, and lots more. With rates starting at $0.75 per download as well as subscriptions, Fotolia is sure to please. Say goodbye to the threat of copyright infringement and hello to beautiful, legal photos that make your blog pop. Get this! Fotolia is offering our readers a free two week subscription to their site so you can try it out firsthand. The first 3 people to follow us on Twitter will each receive a free trial.

Blessings,

Polly & Meek

Coupon Savings

2011-06-26T18:26:00.001-04:00

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

School's Out for Summer! 7 Tips for a Great Vacation

2011-06-22T23:18:00.002-04:00

1. If you're using camps, to stretch your dollars further seek out those camps provided through your county or city's parks and recreation department, public school system or neighborhood daycare centers. Girl Scouts and YMCA are usually reasonable choices as well.

2. Turn an ordinary day into super fun by letting the kids have a few friends over for pizza and a movie or water play in the backyard. The kids will love it and there's no need to make dinner that night.

3. Visit a local museum on the weekend. If you plan a short trip on Saturday, Sunday is an automatic day for rest and reflection. Why not make a scrapbook of the pictures from your visit?

4. Look for free shows, events and storytimes at the public library. There is usually a wider variety during the summer and while you're at it, sign everyone up for the summer reading program!

5. Plan a meet and greet with relatives you hardly get to see. Whether it's a family reunion or just visiting Auntie Elle, kids always glean more from a trip than you'd imagine. Think of neat things to do in the area and double up on family fun.

6. Capitalize on the long days of summer and fit in 30 minutes of school work. Practice will keep the material fresh and your child will be on target when the school bell rings this fall.

7. Take a day off and let the kids plan the activities. Maybe you go out, stay in and play, cookout or have a pajama day. Whatever they choose, just roll with it. Bring yourself down to their level and enjoy the view!

Have a happy summer,

Polly

Severe Food Allergies: A Blessing In Disguise?

2011-06-08T14:17:00.003-04:00

This is a snapshot of the latest addition to my freezer. Ice-cream. Homemade treats are front and center because I have a child with food allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, rice and corn - (think corn syrup) which is in everything including hotdogs and deli meat. Every since she was tested and our fears confirmed, we've carried an epi-pen everywhere, learned to read food labels and ask questions. She's only six now and claims that these allergies have already ruined her life. She even cries about it sometimes. She shows self-restraint now because she knows what happens if she ingests those foods. So in an attempt to make it better and safer for her to enjoy eating, I make as many things as practical. It's not easy, but it's worth it. Otherwise I buy lots of organic products and spend most of my time dissing processed foods in general.

Once I got her to try the home version of things she began to smile. Then the light bulb came on with the rest of us. We realized that thanks to Lauren we're actually eating better. Although the rest of the family doesn't share her allergies we try to buy things that she can eat too or we cook and bake things together. The result is no allergic reactions for our girl and pleasant, healthy meals and treats for us! Lauren still feels jipped at times because there's something she can't have. But she's knows I've got her covered with some type of delicious alternative or new recipe that we can try out. No mystery ingredients or suprise allergens to ruin her day, just the blessing of being well fed.

Here's to good eats,

Polly

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

2011-05-28T13:27:00.001-04:00

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

2011-05-23T22:50:00.000-04:00

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

When Geese Attack!

2011-05-16T13:49:00.002-04:00

Aw! Look at the cute little goslings out for a morning walk with Ma and Pa. So little, so fuzzy, so precious. Awww.

After school was out we loaded our pockets with bread, grabbed the camera and rushed down to the pond. At first we couldn't see the geese anywhere, then just as we were about to go my oldest spotted them. So the kids tiptoed closer so they could feed the family and, you know, take part in nature. I stayed put to let them enjoy themselves until I noticed them getting a little too close.

The mama goose began shuffling her babies away. My own maternal instinct kicked in, and I called for the children to come back to me. Several times I called them and they ignored me, too enamored by the goslings to heed. Finally I hollered again and the kids decided to turn and go. Just as they were leaving the Daddy goose got fed up with this triple threat to his babies. He stretched his huge wings and raised up in the air to a height just above the kids' heads. My babies tried to run for it. But it was no use. They screamed and shrieked in terror but that goose just kept coming -- intent on giving them a flogging! (I can't even type for laughing so hard!) I could only watch in horror and humor as they fled. Daddy goose got the oldest one and gave her a good flapping. Then he settled on the ground and calmly walked off with his family. In all of it my middle child lost her shoe and I had to send her baby brother back into goose territory to retrieve it. I was laughing but terrified and there was no way I was going after that shoe! Thankfully my 4 year old saved the day. We all ran away from the pond quickly, some in tears, some chattering excitedly. Oh, and the child who according to Daddy goose, deserved and provoked the whole attack? Well she was thrilled that she'd have new material to write about and share at school. Like mother like daughter I suppose.

Parent's Helper: Meet the Sight Words by Preschool Prep

2011-05-05T13:11:00.001-04:00

Here's a great way to entertain and teach at the same time. I came across these DVDs as I researched different methods of teaching my middle child who just happens to be a visual learner. These DVDs are awesome and they work! Each word is introduced through music along with animation. The kids love it!

At the time we used this product my daughter was five years old and in kindergarten. My four year old begged to watch the program too and he learned quite a few words along with his sister. Although my younger one didn't absorb the material nearly as quickly as my five year old, I still think this product is great for learning all sorts of sight words which don't following the traditional rules for sounding out and deciphering as most words in the English language. We used 3 different "Meet the Sight Word" DVDs which covered about 45 sight words. My daughter learned 40 words in 10 days and my son learned 22. I give it 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend this product.

If you're unable to purchase this DVD through Amazon, then visit your public library. They may be able to put you on a wait list if this is a high demand item. It's worth it until you can get your own.

Blessings,
Polly

Happy Easter Monday!

2011-04-25T18:38:00.000-04:00

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."

Celebrate Easter With Lovely Inspirational Baskets

2011-04-19T23:20:00.007-04:00

We've packed these baskets with lots of love and goodies to help your child enjoy the occasion without losing the message within. Each basket has a boy or girl theme and contains a variation of the following:

Pail with shovel
1small cross for decorating
15 Hershey's milk chocolate eggs
1 chocolate bunny
2 eggs pre-filled with candy
12 magic markers with a Disney/Disney Pixar theme such as the fairies, princesses, Toy Story3 or Cars
hair bands for girls
water gun
glider
mini bubbles
small notebook
coloring book
jump rope
stuffed animal or toy
* 1 softcover copy of our children's picture book, Sisters Are From Heaven (optional)

TAXES and S&H INCLUDED!!!!

View images below to select a basket. Happy Easter from Polly&Meek!

001 - Spidey and Friends Basket

Contents of Spidey and Friends basket: Marvel Super Hero Coloring & Activity pad, toy monster truck, water gun, Disney Pixar Cars jump rope, Disney Pixar Toy Story 3 glider, Disney Pixar Cars set of 12 markers, 1 small cross for decorating, .84 fl oz. bubbles, 1 chocolate bunny, 15 Hershey's milk chocolate eggs, 2 pre- filled eggs by Florida Natural, bucket with shovel.

002 - Purple Lamb Basket

Contents of Purple Lamb basket: 1 Purple stuffed lamb, set of 3 pink butterfly hair bands, Disney Fairies set of 12 markers, 1 small notepad, 1 small cross for decorating, .84 fl oz. bubbles, 1 chocolate bunny, 15 Hershey's milk chocolate eggs, 2 pre- filled eggs by Florida's Natural, bucket with shovel.

003 - Bug Kit Basket

Contents of Bug Kit basket: 1Bug Kit containing a net, tweezers and bug keeper, Disney Pixar Toy Story 3 set of 12 markers, Marvel Super Hero Coloring & Activity pad, 1 toy monster truck, 1 Disney Pixar Cars glider, 1 water gun, small cross for decorating, .84 fl oz. bubbles, 1 chocolate bunny, 15 Hershey's milk chocolate eggs, 2 pre- filled eggs by Florida's Natural, bucket with shovel.

004 - Teapot Basket

Contents of Teapot basket: 8 piece teapot set, 1 Disney Fairies jump rope, 1 set of 3 blue butterfly hair bands, 1 small notepad, 1 small cross for decorating, .84 fl oz. bubbles, 1 chocolate bunny, 15 Hershey's milk chocolate eggs, 2 pre- filled eggs by Florida's Natural, bucket with shovel.

005 - Small Rabbit Basket

Contents of Small Rabbit basket: 1 small green/white stuffed rabbit, Disney Fairies set of 12 markers, set of 3 blue butterfly hair bands, 1 small notebook, 1 small cross for decorating, .84 fl oz. bubbles, 1 chocolate bunny, 15 Hershey's milk chocolate eggs, 2 pre- filled eggs by Florida's Natural, bucket with shovel.

006 - White Lamb Basket

Contents of White Lamb basket: 1 stuffed white lamb, Disney Fairies set of 12 markers, set of 3 orange butterfly hair bands, 1 small notepad, small cross for decorating, .84 fl oz. bubbles, 1 chocolate bunny, 15 Hershey's milk chocolate eggs, 2 pre- filled eggs by Florida's Natural, bucket with shovel.

007 - Small Easter Basket

Contents of Small Easter basket: 1 small green/white stuffed rabbit, 1 small cross for decorating, .84 fl oz. bubbles, 1 chocolate bunny, 15 Hershey's milk chocolate eggs, 2 pre- filled eggs by Florida's Natural, decorated cardboard bucket or collapsible bucket.

008 - Boy's Spring Basket

Contents of Boy's Spring basket: toy monster truck, water gun, Disney Pixar Cars jump rope, Disney Pixar Toy Story 3 set of 12 markers, .84 fl oz. bubbles, candy, decorated cardboard bucket or collapsible bucket.

009 - Girl's Spring Basket

Contents of Girl's Spring basket: 1 Disney Princesses jump rope, 1 set of 3 butterfly hair bands, 1 small notepad, .84 fl oz. bubbles, candy, decorated cardboard bucket or collapsible bucket.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2011-04-12T21:54:00.001-04:00

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

Allergy Suffers Beware!

2011-04-03T23:58:00.001-04:00

Spring is finally here. But while cherry blossoms and daffodils are blooming all around us, allergy suffers beware. Pollen is lurking. If you're wondering how to cope when the sunshine is beckoning, then I've got a tip for you. The pollen numbers started rising several weeks ago, you know getting cranked up for the main event, so you have to follow suit. Start taking your allergy meds NOW! Even if your're not feeling the effects of hay fever yet, you need to get your body ready to do battle. Nowadays you can purchase allergy medicine over-the-counter. And here's the best news yet, brands like Claritin and Zyrtec are available in a children's formula. So get the whole family out and enjoy the fresh spring air without fear of the yellow stuff and don't forget to stop and smell the flowers.

Blessings,

Polly

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

2011-03-26T23:01:00.002-04:00

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

And the Winner Is...

2011-03-23T19:57:00.000-04:00

Thank you all for your very delicious entries into the CSN giftcode giveaway. All the meals were great and we could hardly stand to read them because they sounded so tasty. You all kept it healthy and that was a plus. Be sure to try some of the new or different ideas that were posted with this contest. Well, there could only be one winner this time, so without further ado...Domestic Diva you own it! Please check your inbox for a special message from Polly&Meek. Thanks again for visiting our blog. Keep reading and check in soon for upcoming projects!

Blessings,

Polly&Meek

The Wedding/Anniversary 2011 Calendar

2011-03-20T21:06:00.001-04:00

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

Tools of the Trade - $25 CSN Stores Gift Giveaway!

2011-03-18T13:31:00.002-04:00

Cheap and battered pots were ruining our meals. So I decided to fight fire with fire by replacing my cookware. At my house, meal time is crunch time and I can do without suppertime sabotage. If you're also in the market for kitchen aids, then sites like Le Creuset have just what you need. Plus you could win a $25 gift code!

I recently upgraded two of my skillets and now the whole family is reaping the benefits. The pans are so sleek and beautiful, I make an extra effort to cook healthier meals each time I use them. Even the kids are excited. They love being able to help stir food in those shiny new things. (They also tend to eat a lot more when they help cook!) In addition to the scrumptious food, it takes less time to clean up after dinner because the new pans don't normally have to soak overnight. Now that's a product worth it's salt! And here's a tip-- preserve those non stick surfaces by using wooden or plastic spoons and stirrers. Umm, I can taste the yummy stir-fry already!

How to win:

If you're ready to cook it up in style then describe a mouth watering dish of your own and you could win a $25 gift code redeemable at any CSN online store! Post your dish here as a comment to this blog or on our Polly&Meek Facebook page. All entries must be posted by 6pm on Sunday, March 20, 2011. The most delectable dish wins. No desserts please. We'll read the entries and announce the winner on our blog on Wednesday, March 23, 2011. Please note that CSN only ships to the US and Canada, and that there may be international shipping taxes to Canada that the gift code cannot cover.

Blessings!

Polly&Meek

A Season for Sacrifice

2011-03-16T22:52:00.009-04:00

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

Parent's Helper: Products To Promote Early Literarcy and Learning

2011-03-08T22:30:00.002-05:00

When our oldest child was one we bought her a Little Touch LeapPad by Leapfrog. The electronic and interactive story reader introduced all the fundamentals of reading, along with music and math basics. That was six years ago. Now two children and several products later, Leapfrog totally rules our home. Their educational products are the best at keeping children engaged, whether they're preschoolers or in grade school. Our kids' favorite learning tool is the Tag Reading System. I purchased this product in 2009 as Leapfrog phased out a few of their earlier systems, including our beloved Little Touch.

The Tag comes in two versions Tag Jr. for children ages 2 to 4 and Tag for ages 4 to 8. This product is great because children can do self guided learning as well as work with a parent's help. However to reap the benefits of this niffy gadget, a PC and internet connection are required. That's because the audio file for the each Tag storybook must be downloaded before the child can enjoy it. Access to a home computer makes this quick and easy to do.

The Tag's premise is an electronic pen which serves as the reader and a book that responds to a touch of the pen. So when the child touches the pen to the book pages, it will read the story aloud, read one word at a time, test reading comprehension, play fun story-based games and more. To find out exactly what your child is learning you must plug the item into your computer and log on the Leapfrog site. There you can see your child's personal learning path, collect rewards and check out even more awesome learning toys and accessories. I give the Tag reader 5 out of 5.

Questions or comments on my children's experience with this product are welcome.

Blessings,

Polly

Happy March!

2011-03-01T21:47:00.007-05:00

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

Praise for Sisters!

2011-02-19T01:49:00.010-05:00

Sisters Are From Heaven" is a heartwarming story about the love between sisters. Not excluding moments of difficulty, pain or upset, the pathways of a relationship between two sisters are described in text and represented in colorful photographs of two real sisters in daily familiar situations and settings involving work and play activities. Co-created by two talented sisters, with photographs of their daughters, "Sisters Are From Heaven " seems designed to appeal to young, preschool age children, to help them pursue the best in their lives together. Emphasizing the God given gift of family and siblings, "Sisters Are From Heaven" is bound to please, attract and gently enlighten. Parents and siblings will welcome it and make it a favorite.
-- Midwest Book Review

“This is a sweet treasure that pays homage to sisterhood...
To sisters everywhere...you are a gift from heaven.”
-- Mary Rand Hess, Children’s and Young
Adult Writer

“Tamika has done an exquisite job of turning everyday moments
into lifetime treasures that anyone can enjoy.
Onjeinika’s simple yet elegant writing style delights
me and my young children and has provided
countless hours of enjoyment.

“Sisters Are From Heaven” shows what can happen
when we wisely invest our time and talents
to the glory of our Creator. A timeless representation of
sisterly respect and affection.”
-- Donna Maria Coles Johnson, Founder and CEO, Indie Business
Media, LLC and host of the Indie Business Radio Show

“Love shared between sisters transcends the familial
connection and ultimately serves as a model for other relationships.”
-- Brooke Kenny, Staff Writer, The Gazette

A Sunday Siesta

2011-02-07T12:08:00.014-05:00

When we were growing up we couldn't play secular music, card games, watch TV or do much of anything on Sundays. Sundays were sacred and my grandmother wouldn't allow such activities. We'd all go to church together, come home, have an elaborate meal and dessert then, like clockwork, take a nap. Seemed as if everyone in the house would pass out simultaneously. It was the most wonderful peace and quiet I've ever know. We'd wake up an hour or two later and read the newspaper or do something quietly before having dinner. It was a blissful time that served my mind and body with some much needed rest. We kept that tradition until I left for college.

Now with a family of my own, Sundays are different. We still go to church, but there's no break from work and definitely no quiet time. So yesterday I announced to my household that I am hereby reinstating the Sunday afternoon nap. It is after all, one of the very reasons why Sunday is my favorite day of the week. That and the, no work shall ye do, command written in the bible. Love that. So next week instead of starting a load of laundry, vacuuming, organizing or doing anything I'm going to curl up on my bed with the softest of blankets and take a nap. Whenever, I wake up the world will still be waiting and I will feel a little more prepared.

Blessings,

Polly

Say Hello To My Little Friend

2011-01-25T14:12:00.015-05:00

What if I upgrade to a smart phone and then I can't function without it? What if I become addicted and walk off the side of a cliff (or into a fountain) while texting? What if it costs too much? All these questions and more went through my mind before I finally decided to take the plunge. But that's all behind me now and I couldn't be happier. All the convenience and peace of mind my new smart phone provides is a definite bonus. No scary stuff here.

I use my phone to provide more accessibility to my electronic calendar and any important emails I may receive when I'm not at my desk. And when it comes to texting, I now have a full keyboard so I can say it fast or even send a short email in seconds. It's not the latest or fanciest smart phone but it allows me to use my WiFi service at home as well as other free hot spots. That saves me money! Another feature I love are the free apps for all kinds of things like my favorite radio morning show, workout plans, and shopping lists. The bells and chimes are the best. Reminders that I program into my phone help keep me on time for appointments and events.

In order to seal the deal, the salesperson said I could try out the new phone for 30 days and return it if I didn't like it. She helped me add the cheapest data plan required in order to get a smart phone and then downgraded other, little-used features on my cell phone account. My overall bill is less than before. So after only two weeks since giving it a go, I'm sure I made the right choice.

Blessings,

Polly

Martin Luther King Day

2011-01-17T19:21:00.004-05:00

I've been motivated to hear the MLK speech all day long. It was supposed to be the very first thing I did when I came down to start my day today, but somehow I failed at that. After breakfast, I collapsed on the floor and fell into a slumber as my little one played with her toys, my son cleaned the kitchen and my husband lounged on the sofa. When I woke it was time to put the little one down for her nap and start my week's worth of dinners (more on that in another post).

The day progressed on. I got the laundry washed and folded, put most of it away and looked at a Ghanain movie I borrowed from a friend. Still no MLK speech.

I had committed to begin exercising again today. So as I was trying to get my mind right for that and as my son said 'this is the first day of your recovery'...I grabbed my iphone and searched for the March on Washington footage. I found one that was 17 minutes long and was instantly motivated to hop on my treadmill and listen to it.

I listened to the speech and got my workout in as well. Best 30 minutes of my day so far! Who knew exercise could be so much fun?

Happy Birthday to Martin Luther King, Jr.!

Mini Scholarships for 2011

2011-01-02T22:04:00.009-05:00

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.).

Business Savvy

2010-12-30T13:06:00.010-05:00

We witnessed it and still couldn't believe it happened. My sister, and fabulous business partner, showed all attending Christmas dinner at her family's home what a savvy business lady can do.

She prepared a delicious meal and as we were all patting our full bellies, she commented that she'd better run upstairs to get an item that someone was in route to purchase from her. I perked up. "Surely, you're kidding," I said. "It's Christmas day. Who would come by today? And I think I'm more shocked that you are actually selling stuff on Christmas." She was nonchanlant about the whole transaction which took exactly one minute as she ran down the front steps wearing only socks, no shoes, to deliver the package.

When she returned, grinning with money in hand, my mouth fell open. "Well, I set the whole thing up earlier," she said, waving the greenbacks around in the air. What she had sold was old and used, but the customer wanted it because it fit their need. Point. Set. Match.

Thanks, Meek for reminding us all to be business savvy. I'm taking this attitude straight into the New Year.

God bless you all,

Polly

Holiday Decorations

2010-12-19T19:18:00.007-05:00

This year I am utterly and completely reved up for the Season. I decorated the tree my hubbie bought for us and pulled out all my Christmas lights, swags, garlands and bows to decorate the interior and exterior of the house. My husband and step son hung the lights outside and I wrapped the garland and placed the bows inside. I decided I wanted wreaths for the outside windows, but my neighbor did that, so I decided to do window swags.

I tore into one of my FAVORITE places to shop year round, but a definite plus during the holiday season...Michael's and purchased materials to make my very own swags because even though I want to go all out with decor, I gotta stick to my budget. Luckily Michael's is already in full swing with their christmas sale. Everything is discounted up to 70%. I walked out with everything I needed and made some beautiful swags for my windows. I purchased LED candles to stick in the window and tonight, I got to witness the beauty of it all.

Am I wrapped up in the commercialized reason for the season? Nope! I am going all out and decorating my home because it is Jesus' birthday and I want to honor him in everyway. From praising His holy name while whispering the story of his birth to my little one, to giving small tokens to my family and friends to remind us of how the wise men brought gifts to Jesus from afar. Its all done to the glory of God for He is the true reason for the season.

Merry Christmas and a Blessed and Prosperous New Year.

Meek

Angels in Training

2010-12-07T21:59:00.005-05:00

When I hear that bell ringing as I approach retail stores, I know it's Christmas time. And the bell? Well, the bell tolls for me. It is a joyous little reminder that I'm blessed enough to bless others. I give to charities throughout the year, but at Christmas I dig deeper. Food, heating and clothing maybe harder to come by for those in need. I take an angel off the tree, participate in toys for tots, or contribute to holiday baskets. It's any means necessary to share the magic of the season and the love of Jesus Christ.

This year my children and I chose a day to go out and pick from an Angel Tree in a local store. I encouraged the kids to have a good time shopping for children who didn't have much. So they did! To my amazement, they stayed on task and only strayed one time to ask for a box of candy canes. Even though the total lesson may have gone over their heads, I pray they'll learn to be angels throughout life. An early push in the right direction won't hurt.

Visit The Salvation Army's website to explore online options for giving. Come on and be an angel in training!

Merry Christmas,
Polly

Giving Thanks

2010-11-28T15:15:00.003-05:00

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

The Reason for the Season

2010-11-09T09:51:00.006-05:00

The holiday season is upon us and the retail industry is bearing down with all it's might. Shopping is all we hear about this time of year. Deals, sales and helping the economy. But wait a minute! What about being thankful for what we already have? What about celebrating Jesus? The media and retail industry isn't helping us with that. So we've got to help ourselves.

It can be a challenge, especially, to teach children the true meaning of Christmas. First we have to know what it means to us. In our heart of hearts, why do we really celebrate? Once the answer is clear, God, his blessings and Jesus Christ will stand out before anything else. So if you are all about spreading holiday cheer and uplifting Christ, then here are three books to help further that message. Enjoy!

--Polly

1. The Reason for the Season by Chantal Ellen - talks about the true story of Christmas and why we celebrate the way we do.

2. The Story of Christmas by Patricia Pingry - this book was reprinted in 2010 and contains multicultural images. I found it at Target. It also talks about Jesus and why we give to one another.

3.The Bible -Luke 2:8-11, 13-14; Matthew 2: 1-11 - this is the most beautiful story in history.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T21:20:00.004-04:00

I had such a fun time today preparing for the trick or treaters in my neighborhood to stop by my house. This is the first time in about 7 years that we have given out candy. Last year, kids stopped by and my husband had to offer up his apologies because we did not have any candy. I vowed then that we'd be prepared this year and I made sure we were. Well....my husband bought candy weeks before Halloween and we ate it all up, so I went out to Wal-mart today in the midst of all the drama to get candy. I got some healthy stuff, pretzels and some junk...twix, gum and ring pops.

The kids were so cute, from superman to princesses, all ages, colors and sizes. There were even ones I considered to be 'too old' to be trick or treating, so I gave them pretzels and gum :-) The little ones got everything in the bucket except gum for the ones to small to chew it.

For two and a half hours I went back and forth to the door giving out candy, screaming as if I were scared and wishing the kids and their families a safe night. There is no other way I would have liked to spend my night and I can't wait to do it again next year!

Oh, I started the festivities early at work on Friday by dressing up a bit. I was a cross between Elvira and a classy witch!

Many Blessings,

Meek

Are You There, God?

2010-10-24T23:23:00.004-04:00

My sister, my cousin and I were driving down a mountain just outside of Denver, Colorado when we took that picture. God's country, they call it. You can't look at that land in all of it's beauty and deny that God made it. So as you stare at the rise and fall of those natural curves, it stands as evidence of God's exsistence.

But sometimes...

during life's trials... the picture of those snow-capped mountains begins to fade into the background. We become unsure if God is there and we don't even know where to even find him. When that happens just think back to a time when He showed up in your life. Replay what happened and meditate on that encounter. Know that God is there even when we can't see him and even when we have doubt. He has etched his truth on the surface of our hearts. No need to look for Him in a picture. Look within yourself. There He dwells.

Continued blessings,

Polly

2010-10-08T12:33:00.005-04:00

Bring the whole family out to enjoy SterlingFest tomorrow from 11am-5pm. The festival is held each October in Sterling Park, VA. There are games and fun for all ages along with live entertainment and plenty of good food. While you're there stop by our booth and say hello!

Can't wait to see you!

Blessings,

Polly

Natural Remedies In Your Own Home

2010-09-29T21:52:00.005-04:00

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!

Never Too Young to Learn

2010-09-20T14:10:00.012-04:00

My back was against the wall this weekend. I faced eight loads of clean, unfolded laundry. My husband and I chatted over a few loads on Friday night (I guess you could call it date night -in) and we left 3 sorted piles for our three, five and six- year- old children to tackle the next morning. When Saturday came, it was clear and sunny. I knew that I could not spend hours sorting and folding the other 5 baskets of laundry by myself. My husband had some lame excuse about going to work. So I called the kids to come put their clothes in their dressers and then began to dread the task ahead. While handing the kids their clothes, the light bulb came on.

After they had finished with the already folded clothes, I grabbed a full basket of unfolded, unsorted clothing and dumped the whole thing onto our queen size bed. Next I told the kids to come pick out their own clothes and then fold them up and put them away. Each one made a pile of their things while helping me pull out mine and their dad's. They thought it was fun and it took all of 5 minutes to do one basket. At their ages the clothes were not folded well. But that's okay because we always iron. Together, we did the next 4 baskets in record time; including putting the clothes away. I praised those kids all day long and they beamed with pride. Since they are already familiar with sorting and loading the washer, I think I'm ready to make this a routine.

How old were you when you learned to do laundry? At what age will you teach your children this skill?

Peace and blessings,

Polly

Family Activities

2010-09-07T22:56:00.006-04:00

We often talk about the importance of "me" time, but did you know that family time is just as important? Here's a list of great ways to spend time with the ones you love. Let the bonding began!

1. Take a long stroll around the neighborhood. Walking is good for heart and soul!

2. Pick a game night. Choose fun favorites like Hungry-hungry Hippos, Monopoly, Operation or Scrabble. Anything goes when you play together.

3. As the autumn leaves began to fall, go outside and tidy the yard together. Everyone gets fresh air and the job gets done faster!

4. Attend worship together. If you don't attend regularly, start with once a month. Make a family committment to go to church, praise and/or pray as a unit.

5. Borrow a funny family movie from the library or rent one. Laugh together.

6. Eat dinner together then let each person tell something good and bad about their day. Support each other.

7. Put on some music and everybody dance. Act silly and get the blood flowing. Relax and let loose, you're at home!

Got something to add? Please share your comments with us.

Blessings,

Polly

Enough

2010-08-29T20:16:00.005-04:00

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

One Happy Mother

2010-08-23T22:53:00.007-04:00

I spent last Saturday hanging out with my fellow Mocha Moms at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. In the past Meek and I have vended at such functions, but this time I went as an eager participant.

The weekend long event was held at the Gaylord National Hotel on National Harbor. It was my first time visiting the harbor and as you can see in the picture, it is a beautiful. What I thought was the perfect escape from my everyday work of being a mom, became every bit a celebration of the same fact. As we mothers were educated on finances, parenting, marriage, health, etc.-- it became clear that we were actually being empowered to go forth and do even more.

They were plenty events just for moms; like the complimentary spa services, workout session and mom's night out in the hotel lounge-- not to mention plenty of coupons, freebies, great food and specialty shopping. But what I liked most was how the conference emphasized our focus on family. At times motherhood can be trying, but it makes all the difference when we're reminded that we aren't in the battle alone. Validation and encouragement like that of Saturday are food for the soul. The conference events and speakers left me better able to make financial changes, martial adjustments and a stronger commitment to raising my children. I am blessed to be a mother and I pray that God continually bless you!

What encourages you as a mom? We'd love to hear from you.

Truly inspired,

Polly

Where the Horses Run Free!

2010-08-16T22:23:00.000-04:00

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.

Back To School

2010-08-08T22:11:00.006-04:00

...And just like that, it's August! I'm enthralled by all the store circulars boasting school supplies, especially while the tax free shopping bug is going around. I get so excited for all the possibilities of a new school year when I see the bins full of brightly colored folders, pens and notebooks for sale. That's about the same time I realize I've got to get down to business.

My kids had a carefree summer which allowed them to slip out of their school routine and has let me become lax with the supplemental teaching I normally do at home. I know they're going to have a hard time getting back on track for the start of the next year. So I'm prepping them right now!

Yeah, it may sound cruel because they still have a few weeks of summer left, but it's for the best. Going cold turkey to a new bedtime is only going to make them miserable. When that first day comes I want them rested, nourished and ready to learn. So over the next four weeks we'll practice reading comprehension, handwriting and math so their brains will be firing when they get to class. I'll take it easy and only do about an hour of review per day. Then we'll balance it out with science experiments and crafts so everyone can still have fun (including me)! All the while I'm inching the bedtime up by about 15 minutes per night until it's back to what it should be. And so long as I'm taking the time to prepare the kids, I might as well tell myself to get with the program. It's showtime in less than a month!

How do you get ready for a new school year?

Many blessings,

Polly

Words of Wisdom

2010-07-22T21:42:00.007-04:00

I looked around my house with a bit of disgust and sighed. "I did not do any cleaning this weekend" I said aloud, " I was too busy doing other stuff and my house is a mess!"

"Well", a small voice replied, "it is good to take a break sometimes".

I immediately smiled and thought, such great words of wisdom and hugged my source. These very simple yet profound words came from my bonus baby (my step-daughter) who is all of 9 years old. Surely, if this little one understood that we needed to take a break from time to time, I should. With that little piece of information I sat down and put my feet up while her little sister slept.

The past two weeks have been full of messy dinner tables, loads of laundry and floors that need to be mopped. Why? My DSD (Dear Step-daughter) is here for her summer visit and the family is all together again. We have too much fun stuff to do for me to worry about what the house looks like. I am too busy making sure my family is fed and we have times to make the smores on the fire pit, bake sugar cookies and banana bread and oh of course for me to make homemade sushi. On top of that we have to get in our long walks together and catch a movie at the theater as well. Its been non-stop and tons of fun as usual.

My DSD is such a great help with her sister too. She loves this little one to bits. She gets up in the morning when she hears her sister's voice and tends her whilst I take my shower and get ready for work. She takes her to the floor for floor time and play all types of games. She rocks her in the glider at night and even once put her sound asleep. She is dedicated to her sister, tending delicately to her every whim and desire. Just another reminder that sisters are from heaven. Indeed!

Her summer is just beginning and tomorrow she is going to Virginia Beach for some fun in the sun, then back home for camp. Once school starts she will have tons of stories to tell. I have stories to tell as well. All about a truly fantastic summer with my bonus baby, who helps me in more ways than one with small words of wisdom, a helping hand for her little sister and tons of stories to shock and wow me on a daily basis.

No sir, I do not have time for cleaning the house. I am too in love with my family and looking forward to more experiences to come.

Continued Blessings,

Meek

2010-07-10T23:55:00.004-04:00

I look to the hills from whence cometh my help. All my help comes from the Lord.

When man fails me, God is there. I often times forget who I should be leaning and depending on in my times of need. When I need a break from mommy duties and house duties, when I am running late for an important meeting...sometimes I lash out at those around me. If only my husband were not so selfish and helped me more, if only my co-worker would drive a bit faster so we could make the meeting in time. When my frustration level is just about to reach its zenith I remember to call on my Father. It is He who is my help and my strength and Him who will enable me to rise to any challenge that comes my way.

I take great comfort in knowing this. It gives me peace and a sense of calm that I cannot explain. When I realize the error of my thoughts, I smile when I realize it is my Father who art in heaven who is my help. Not man.

Top 10 Cheap Summer Getaways

2010-07-05T23:19:00.006-04:00

Ah yes. Summer is a great time to take a vacation. If you're looking to save some green, try a local or domestic vacation this year. I'm willing to bet you still come home refreshed. Here's my top 10 list for low price domestic getaways:

1. Florida - there's always a great supply of cheap tickets to these sandy shores. Consider Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Cocoa Beach, Pensocola, South Beach, the Keys... I could go on and on.

2. Annapolis, MD - simply beautiful. Hunker down in a Bed & Breakfast for the weekend and then take time to visit the local theatre and shops. There's even a beach nearby.

3. Napa Valley, CA - get your wine and dine on while relaxing in Cali. There are nice packages that include flight, hotel and car. Check it out.

4. Nice Hotel, YourTown - That's right. Book a few nights stay at the nicest local hotel you can afford. Indulge in spa services if you've got the extra cash.

5. New York City - If it's within driving distance then go for it. If not take the train before flying. There's plenty to see here. Book a room at a hostel to save some dough.

6. Carlsbad, NM - Visit the caverns and be amazed.

7. Chicago, IL - I've heard about the great food at street fairs and all the sights and sounds. Check out Navy Pier while you're in town.

8. Denver, CO - Hike into the Rocky Mountains or take in the city's scenic backdrop. Sure to please.

9. Lake Tahoe - really nice couples' retreat. All sorts of activities under one lovely umbrella.

10. Washington, D.C. - The mall and museums of this great city are so underrated. Get a hotel in the suburbs and commute into the city to save $. You'll wax patriotic in no time!

By The Grace of God

2010-06-27T17:17:00.005-04:00

Today, I saw the magnificent grace of God take control of my situation and turn everything around for good.

My little cousin came up here to help me with my daughter and I was attempting to get her to the train station to catch her train back home. I had planned everything out the night before. I would wake at 8:30am and get the ball rolling to arrive at the station in time for us to sit, chat and say our goodbyes. As 10am rolled in and I began my drive to George Washington Parkway, I realized we were running really late. I told her this and she said 'oh we have plenty of time', but I quickly reminded her how I am prone to getting lost in DC and that we really did not have that much time.

I remembered a lot from the trip to pick her up, but low and behold when I got on Massachusetts Ave, something went wrong. I missed a turn and was in unfamiliar territory. I tried to map my way out of there with my iphone but was too confused with the O, P, N and J's of DC streets. I started to curse, then reallized I needed to pray. That is what I did.

After a few u-turns and asking a pedestrian for help, I told God it was up to Him to lead me in. I did not know where the station was. I drove on instincts and somehow came up beside union station with 10 minutes to spare. I parked and we literally ran all the way to the station and through it to the check-in.

I did not know how to use the machine, but a fellow train rider quickly told me what to do. I got the ticket and we ran all the way through the station to gate J. We had 5 minutes to spare and the lady at the gate told my cousin 'you have got to hurry; run downstairs to J24'. She took off with a flash and the lady closed the gates for anyone boarding that train.

I stumpled over to my seat, tired and praying she'd make it. I sat there for 10 minutes with my little angel waiting and waiting. I called my cousin on her cell but it went to voicemail. I started the walk back to the car (after cleaning up my daughter who had somehow managed to poop everywhere except in the diaper).

I began the drive back home and got a call from my cousin. She said she made it. She was on the train and safe and sound. All thanks go to the Lord!

We have to remember to call on Him when things look like they are turning for the worse and there is no way we can make it work. God is always in control and He will direct our paths if we only ask.

Blessings,

Meek

Reminiscing on Father's Day

2010-06-23T11:24:00.004-04:00

Everyday is a good day to celebrate Dad. Thanks Hallmark for saying it best.

The world needs more daddies

who nuture and care,

that families can count on

to always be there...

that mamas can love on

when living gets stressed...

that babies can cry on

when mamas need rest...

that daughters can call on

to share tears and laughter...

that sons can fall back on,

respect, and take after...

The world needs more daddies

with hearts good and true.

The world needs more daddies

exactly like you.

Dedicated to fathers everywhere. You are amazing!

Peace and blessings,

Polly

Praise for Praise Kids

2010-06-14T15:10:00.009-04:00

Last week I was listening to a debate on the radio about whether children's church should be mandatory or not. I immediately thought about what a blessing this fairly new idea has been to my family. If you're not familiar, children's church is a lot like Sunday school but it happens during the regular service. It's called "Praise Kids" at our church.

When we arrive on Sundays the first thing we do is check all three of our children into their classrooms. The two smaller ones go to one class and the oldest goes to another. There the children are taught about God on their level. This is done through crafts, music and short movies and activities that pertain to the Bible. Snacks are even provided in the lower level class. Kids in the higher level class are given "church bucks" that they earn through take home exercises and class participation. On the first Sunday, the Praise Kids store opens and they can shop for fun items.

Sometimes I volunteer at children's church because there can be lots of children and if there are any teachers out sick, the rest of the staff will need help. It's the best way for me to serve right now, while my children are still small. However, on most Sundays, I go back to the sanctuary where I can enjoy the service in peace. It's amazing how much better I can hear from God without my little ones taking my attention as I try to keep them quiet and under control.

But the best part of the program? The best part of this is that the children are really learning! The format of teaching is so engaging and fun that the kids can't help but enjoy themselves. They talk more about the lessons of the bible and can't wait to go to church every Sunday. Even when we're at home they listen to the bible stories more intently and try hard to apply the lessons. This new attitude is definitely because of Sunday morning worship and I'm so happy to leave the dread about going to church behind. Now my children embrace God's message with open arms; for that I am grateful.

Three cheers for Praise Kids!

Many blessings,

Polly

The Lottery

2010-06-07T22:00:00.005-04:00

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

Testimonial Tuesday

2010-06-01T15:11:00.007-04:00

As I sit here enjoying the free Wi-fi at Chick-fil-a I can't help but reflect on the blessings I've received today. I'll recount in reverse because I have a full belly now and I just praise God for Chick-fil-a chicken. It's good all the time.

Before coming here for a late lunch we visited the dentist and no one had cavities! Praise the Lord again! We had arrived there on time after leaving the allergist. I needed to drop off several medical forms so that Lauren would be ready for camp this summer. I pulled up at 12:30pm just as I remembered that the office is closed during lunch. So I sat, unphased. I'd check if they were open after I filled in Lauren's name on the forms. Sure enough door was wide open and I hadn't come all that way for nothing. The receptionist had me cracking up about my good fortune because someone forgot to lock the door. She commented on Lainey's $10 sandals which came from Target. "Ooo," said the receptionist, "I love Target and Walmart too. Although, you can never get out of Walmart cause it's always so busy." I told her that was true, but guess what? My brake lights went out this morning right after dropping all the kids off. Walmart was on my route home so I stopped by on the off chance that they could fix the lights before the school bus came AND do it for cheap. I testified to the receptionist that it cost $15 dollars and I was out of there in 20 minutes flat. She said, "Well you'd better buy a lottery ticket cause at this rate you're subject to be a millionaire before the day is over." We laughed again and said goodbye.

No doubt the best blessing of the day had been dropping Lauren and Orion off for camp and meeting another impressionable receptionist. I did not yet have the medical forms completed for this first camp because they didn't send a notice like all the others. So I took the medicine with us anyway. The lady at the front desk was so kind. She told me they aren't a private practice. "Fill the form out later and bring the medicine in right now," she said. I was so overjoyed to have Lauren's health take priority over being sued. I knew right then it was the work of God.

The day was capped when the holy ghost came over me as I listened to the Clark Sisters sing I'm Looking For A Miracle. As the song says, "Just believe and receive it. God will perform it today!

Blessings,
Polly

A Day At Button Farm

2010-05-25T21:40:00.005-04:00

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

Cutting Down on Mommy Guilt

2010-05-13T08:28:00.010-04:00

This past mother's day marked one of the few times that I didn't run away from home on said momentous occasion. No. I stayed here and instead asked my husband to take the kids out with him for a spell while I relaxed. He obliged and I did not feel guilty.

Wow what a change! In years past I'd worried about the kids feeling rejected or unloved if I didn't spend the day with them. I mean after all, I am their mother. Aren't I supposed to always be here no matter what? Shouldn't I revel in the bond I've created with them and feed their need for love and comfort? Well yes, but not 100% of the time. What mother can? Besides, I've learned that children don't even require all that we think they do. But they are good at overreacting. In other words, they are great manipulators. So when we look at their puppy dog eyes combined with the tremendous pressure we put on ourselves to be the perfect mom, it's no wonder we feel guilty.

I've now discovered how to can change that guilt into happiness. If we give all of our time they will still want more so why not find the amount they can live with. When we are spending at least 30 minutes of undivided attention with our child a day and providing food, shelter, clothing and above all -- love-- then there's no reason to wallow in guilt. Our children will continue to love us and will learn to respect our time because we are ever present and mentally tuned in to their needs, as well as, our own. Too much guilt will turn life into a nightmare for all by keeping moms grouchy, tired and unfulfilled. We need to give ourselves a pass to enjoy life outside of motherhood, without regret.

Many blessings,

Polly

Allergy Season

2010-05-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

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

What's for Breakfast

2010-04-26T10:33:00.011-04:00

As I looked for my oldest this morining, I wondered where she was and how she could be so quiet. When I finally got downstairs I found her. She had gotten herself some bread and was putting it into the toaster. She looked over her shoulder saying, "I thought I should try it myself." I said, "I was hoping you would." We had just practiced yesterday. In my whole craze over education and higher level thinking for my children, I nearly missed the window for teaching them to function on their own. But the wonderful thing about kids is that they are constantly seeking independence ---no matter how thorough you are as a parent.

For us, it began several months ago with them wanting to fix their own juice. At first, I was mad because I didn't know what was going on until it was done and there was a mess to clean up. However, I quickly realized that learning to do these things were just as exciting for them, if not more so, than education. I backed down and even moved their cups and bowls to where they could reach them easily. Their overwhelming desire to do things themselves rubbed off on me.

So I took the ball and ran with it. Like the Obamas, we implemented an alarm clock at 4 years old with both girls. Our kids are old hat at making up their beds, as well as brushing teeth and washing faces. Next we set our sights on learning to work the shower. Folding a basket of laundry and putting away clothes appears to be fun for them right now. Let's see how long it lasts. Completing these tasks requires patience and understanding, but to do it without tears is my always my goal. I'm looking forward to breakfast in the morning.

Many blessings,
Polly

Sweet Rewards

2010-04-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Polly & I had a great day vending this past Saturday at the Lake Arbor Elementary PTA Carnival in Mitchelleville, Maryland. I always like to go to each new vending site with an open mind and heart, ready for the giving and receiving that normally takes place between Polly & Meek and our community. This vending opportunity was no different.

When I arrived I was delighted to see the moon bounces, face painting artist, DJ and food vendors. There was popcorn, hot dogs, snow cones and cotton candy just to name a few. The DJ was very interactive, even taking a few moments to perform for the crowd, playing the instrumental of popular songs and singing the lyrics.

There were a variety of vendors as well. Ladies selling shoes and clothes, those promoting after school businesses, some selling candles and lotions. It was very fun to be among other minority small business owners out promoting our business.

We got plenty of traffic and of course sold books and our newest produce, the dry erase board. We spent a good amount of time speaking with a parent who wanted more information on how to self publish and Sheriff Michael Jackson who is running for office in PG County. Sheriff Jackson has a positive message that he shared with us, he was compelling, passionate and most of all sincere. One thing that stood out most to me was that, he included young children in his conversation and told us all that 'we are the main ingredient' and that 'we must hold our elected officials responsible. He definitely knows his stuff.

At the end of the day, Polly & I packed up with a sense of self accomplishment for a hard days work full of rewards. I cannot forget to mention the Pastor we met who came up to us and struck up conversation, gave us some great ideas for our future book, Brothers Are From Heaven Too and anointed our products and prayed success over our business. He immediately saw our book as a positive children's ministry and we saw him for the man of God that he is.

Truly a wonderfully blessed day!

Continued Blessings,

Meek

Working In the Sunshine

2010-04-12T13:08:00.003-04:00

My email was explicit.

"Please note that I will be out of the office for a spell. If you need to reach me, call me on the cell phone."

I proceeded to pack up my things and a few minutes later, I plopped down at an empty picnic table on the playground. I only had 45 minutes while the kids were in science class, but who could tell. Every moment spent under those blue skies, breathing the crisp air was like eternity. I dragged out every second as I worked alongside nature.

A sparrow flew by and tweeted something special; nothing like the internet type tweeting that leaves you bogged down online. I handled business via a notepad and pen and I placed a few calls. It was quite different from sitting inside staring at the computer screen, phone ringing in the background and kids screaming. My productivity shot through the stratosphere!

In reality, there will be many days to come where I'll venture out with laptop in tow. But every now and then, I need to unplug and just relax while feeling the sunshine on my face.

How do you take a break from the daily grind?

Easter Monday ~ Reflecting on Easter Sunday

2010-04-05T22:24:00.006-04:00

We hope you had a very Happy Easter. I spent my Easter Sunday in church, sitting beside my hubbie and holding my little girl as I listened to the story of how Jesus Christ suffered and died for our sins so that we may have a right to the tree of life. I love to hear the story because it reminds me that he made the ultimate sacrifice for ME. Little ole' me who never did anything so great or deserving of such a great sacrifice. Its an amazing and overwhelming feeling to know that He loved me and loves me just like that. No questions, no if, ands or buts about it. Thank you God!

After church my family and I headed to Northern Virginia to enjoy Easter Sunday dinner with my sister and her family. It has been a longtime dream of mine to have our children play together and take photos together on Easter. I remember growing up, Easter always marked the day that we could begin to wear shorts. It was our unofficial start of Spring. Sunday was no different, beautiful, sunny and warm. I pulled out capris for myself and a dress of my little one. My sister's kids were dressed in pink dresses and shorts. Of course I got the chance to get those photos that I've longed for for so many years. Absolutely priceless.

Dinner was delicious and the ham was delectable, especially after a 20 day meatless fast. We ate well but did not waste and I devoured the most lovely lemon cake that Polly made from scratch. There is no going back to store bought treats after a cake like that! Everything was wonderful. Polly gifted my daughter with the cutest little Easter basket (see the photo above).

As I loaded up my baby girl and my husband drove us home, I was simply content. I was and am so thankful that God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. I am full of excitement and happiness in seeing my daughter enjoy her very first Easter and sharing that with her cousins, aunt and uncle and so satisfied with the life that God has blessed me with. I am as pleased as punch!

Continued Blessings,

Meek

Planning Summer Camps

2010-03-29T12:23:00.005-04:00

It's that time of year again. Registration for local summer camps will be opening soon and I'm on a mission! This is just my second year of planning camp for my bunch but I'm keeping in mind a few things to make sure we're on route to another smooth summer.

To get it just right, I involve the kids in the camp selection. We'll sit down and hash out where their interests lie. This step is key because I've learned from others that there's no faster way to cause failure than to stick them with somethimg they have no interest in at all. Even the youngest kids have likes and dislikes, so I give their input some value. As parents, we'll still have to consider things like schedules, money and location. But if we give the child options such as first, second and third choice we'll be on target for a great summer experience.

There looks like some exciting topics this year and I can't wait to see who chooses what. We never have enough funds to cover all 10 weeks of summer for all 3 children, but a few weeks spread out across the months will give me piece of mind while leaving plenty of flexibility for a trip to the beach!

Have you started planning your children's summer activities yet? Which programs do they enjoy?

2010 Census

2010-03-23T22:00:00.005-04:00

I've been hearing about the 2010 Census for some time now and finally got our packet in the mail. I immediately tore it open, reading through the letter enclosed and looking over all the questions that were on the list. I remember completing the census before, but did not take it seriously or really understand why I was completing it. Years later, I understand the importance and will fill in our information promptly and return it.

If you have not had a chance to read up on the 2010 Census and/or you are questioning why you should fill out your information, here are a few points to keep in mind:

The results of the census help determine how many seats your state occupies in the U.S House of Representatives,
Results help determine how much monies are spent on things like hospitals, schools, training centers, senior centers and public work infrastructures in your area, and
The US Census can be used as a useful tool for geneology searches.

I for one have used the Census to research both my and my husband's family. It is absolutely GREAT for that. I was able to pull census reports from as far back and the 1890's and glean information about my family and his including names, ages and job titles. It is a small snapshot in time that is priceless.

I cannot wait for my little one to do her own research years from now and see how times have changed. We have come a long way as a people. Its most interesting for me to see the job title's change from Laborer, farm hand, seamstress, homemaker, maid to Engineer, Highway Constructor, Lab Technician, Doctor, Nurse, President of the United States of America.

We have come a mighty long way. Make sure you complete your Census packet and return it. It is not only important, it is mandatory. The benefits of completing will be felt for years to come.

Continued Blessings,

Meek

Do It Yourself!

2010-03-14T11:20:00.006-04:00

I have realized over the past few years that I am a person who likes to have a lot of control over most things. Most of my close friends and family already know this about me and will probably laugh when they see it. Its been hard for me to let go and let God, but it is something I have learned is best to do.

I decided that I wanted to take an all around healthier approach to life, starting with the foods I eat. This weekend I was craving a chocolaty treat. Polly and I had discussed how it seems like the desserts now are not enough and they are not as filling as they should be. I decided that I am no longer going to waste calories on store bought desserts, instead I'll just make them myself. I made the best ghiridelli chocolate chip cookies I've had in years. I could only eat two they were so decadent.

I did not stop there though. I love the smoked turkey on country bread from Panera Bread Company. It is already made with fresh cuts of turkey and is simply delicious, but I figured I could make it myself at home. I found a recipe online and tried it out this weekend...my very first time making bread. It turned out delicious, chewy and crusty on top. I ate slice after slice and really appreciate my food having kneaded the bread and made it from scratch.

The cookies and the bread were so good yal and I wish I could share them with you!

So you see it does not just stop at books. Polly & I wanted books our children can see themselves in and that taught positive lessons. We know there were some books already out there, but we created our own...so that we could share it with you.

Continued Blessings,

Meek

Before You Start Your Business

2010-03-08T22:24:00.007-05:00

Contrary to popular belief, a slow economy can be a great time to start a business. Why? Well, instead of being dealt a hand by someone else, many choose to take hold of their own destiny. In doing so they end up thriving, as others sit anxiously ringing their hands and wondering if they will survive the lows. But, caution. While a great business idea at the right time can be a wonderful blessing, a bad idea can put you in over your head.

If you are considering starting your own business, here are some things you should know before you go:

1. Research. Seek out data and statistics on your idea so that you know if there is a market for your product/service and who your competitors might be.

2. Analyze any strengths and weaknesses your business might exhibit. For example are you an expert in this field or perhaps this business will only be parttime. Things like that will matter.

3.Get help. Visit your local small business center and ask for someone to work one on one with you about any questions you may have before initiating any official actions to start your company.

4. Do your best to create a mission statement, so that you know what the real purpose of your product/service will be.

5. Draft a potential marketing plan for your first year of operation. It will help you decide your budget and if the business is feasible, since most start up money is spent on marketing and advertising.

6. If you have time, take a small business course or something related to the product/service you plan to sell. A bit of extra knowledge can give you the just the edge you need to win customers.

7. Experiment and study the latest social media. Technology is a powerful asset in today's business world.

8. Once you've done the footwork don't forget to reach for the sky!

Many blessings on your endeavors,

Polly

A Short Message: One Step Closer

2010-03-01T18:25:00.003-05:00

Today Polly & I moved one step closer to having our second edition of Sisters Are From Heaven printed. We approved a pdf file of the book this evening and hopefully will be able to approve the softcover proof that will be arriving in the mail shortly. It is such an exciting time. Our second edition will have our very own logo on the back! God is good...all the time...and all the time...God is good.

We will be coming out in full force marketing, promoting and selling our book. As of now we have a wonderful vending opportunity in April and it will be the first time we are debutting our the book with our personalized logo. Soon Polly & Meek will be a household name. We believe it and embrace it and pray that God will work through us to deliver his positive message to the masses. A message and a testimony that not only lets young children see themselves on each page of our book and learn from the positive message it teaches but also one that reminds us all that everything is possible when done to the glory of God and he will make your wildest dreams a reality. That is the kind of God we serve!

Do you believe?

Fasting and Praying

2010-02-23T22:35:00.005-05:00

One banana. Two corn tacos with lettuce and tomato. One cup of piping hot green beans sauteed in olive oil and pepper. That is dinner tonight. Dinner, after two days and one evening of a full fast. Now I continue with a partial fast of vegetables and fruits only, until Easter. This is my first time fasting and I chose it for personal, spiritual reasons.

There I was this past Sunday, sitting on the pew; bible in hand. My three children to my left and God all around me. Speaking to me. After years and years of scoffing at the idea, I read Luke 4 and instantly decided to fast . It wasn't the first time I'd seen the text, but on Sunday the words came alive. That was the day I made a life-changing decision.

Why is it life-changing?

Consider the Hungry and what it feels like not to have food, yet when I had food I wasted it or often over ate. Consider the Lost who have no comfort in Christ, while I was easily sustained and continued life normally even without a meal. Consider the desperate who give up because they have no help, when all I had to do was pray and call out to God. Consider giving up all unnecessary things just to hear His voice and then, diligently, waiting on him. Finally, imagine living to your full potential because it is what God intended.

I will never be the same.

From now until Easter, I am praying for the people of Haiti, praying for our government leaders and praying for my church. I thank God for this spiritual break through and for what He's going to do in Haiti, in our nation and in my church.

Have you ever fasted? How did you feel afterwards?

Peace & blessings,

Polly

Free Your Mind

2010-02-16T08:00:00.002-05:00

I must admit that my mind has become somewhat of a post-pregnancy mush. I am more scatter brained and forgetful than ever and cannot do much without a written or spoken list anymore.

I have gone from jotting things down on sticky notes, note pads and finally to speaking them into my voice recorder and then playing them back later as a means of getting things done. I think my memory is improving a bit,but I want it to be even better. What can one do?

Today, I hopped on my treadmill for a few minutes while my daughter took her nap. I put on my favorite Barry White CD and did a light jog and then a brisk walk on incline. As I walked, my To Do List began to run through my mind. I remembered it all vividly as if I was actually reading it from a written list...clean the upstairs bathroom, put the clothes in the dryer, lay out clothes for work and for my little one, arrange the shoes in the new organizer I purchased, make copies of needed paperwork, follow up with the deck builder...on and on it poured out.

So there it is! I even came up with a few ideas for upcoming blogs as I jogged and walked. Wow! Exercise truly is good for the mind, body and soul!

Continued Blessings,

Meek

Cure for Cabin Fever

2010-02-09T22:17:00.010-05:00

Since the mega-storm hit our region last weekend school has been closed for days. I actually cried tears when they called yesterday to say the kids won't return until February 16. I wondered how we'd make it when there's too much snow to even go sledding. But kids are notorious for making up their own games. This is day three of being inside and tomorrow we'll have to pop out again for some air. Here's how they cure cabin fever, in the meantime.

Revel in it.

Marvel at it..."Come on, Mommy, let's take a walk."

Create their own non-snowy scene.

Pretend to be somewhere else, while taking a break for blueberries.

Take turns sliding down the stairs in a laundry basket. Lord knows I didn't condone it...

We'd like to hear how you cure cabin fever. Post a comment to share.

Many blessings!

Polly

Natural Beauty

2010-02-02T20:28:00.014-05:00

As soon as the snow began to fall I snatched up an article I had been saving and told the kids, "We're going to look at these!" I waved the paper around in my hand excitedly until they all screamed, "What? What is it, Mommy?"

"Snowflakes!" I yelled as I grabbed the magnifying glass. They could hardly wait. I explained the article to them and talked about Kenneth G. Libbrecht's work at http://www.snowcrystals.com/. While we could go to the site and look at beautiful pictures like the one seen here, the newspaper had encouraged us to go out and see for ourselves. That's when I realized I'd never actually seen a real snowflake. I had simply believed what my teachers said about their shapes and how no two are alike. For 30 years I believed without ever seeking real evidence. Well no more!

Quick as a whip, we put on our snowgear and went out for some sledding and research. At first the flakes were hard to see. We'd missed the large ones which came down first and were now surrounded by ones much smaller. But, once we all became calm and really focused, what came into view was breathtaking! There they were, just falling like heavenly dust. Everywhere, with no one questioning what it was. All this time we'd been missing the total phenomenom of snow by looking solely at the whole event instead of at its parts. Each snowflake floating gently to rest upon the Earth's surface was a miracle in itself. I was a little embarrassed as I "ooo-ed" and "ahh-ed" with the kids. Then fascination took over and I soon assimilated. Every single speck was perfectly designed. Utterly magnificent! At the moment of revelation I whispered,"God you are amazing."

As you've probably guessed, there is a scientific explanation. It comes via physics, one of my favorite subjects. Hop on over to Mr. Libbrecht's website for the details. But if you're lucky snow may be softly falling outside your window right this instant. See if you can catch a bit of natural beauty in the palm of your hand. Scrutinize it. You'll become a believer.

Happy hunting,

Polly

Leisure Time

2010-01-25T10:26:00.004-05:00

I'm reading an article from yesterday's The Washington Post Magazine which suggests that people, specifically mothers, have more leisure time than we know. The article is called the Test of Time. Instead of finishing the article, I decided to stop pretending I had said leisure time and get to work since it gave me a good topic to discuss on today's blog.

When I first began reading, I was skeptical. How could anyone have 30 to 40 hours of available down time per week? But once I realized the data was based on time studies then I knew it was entirely possible. As it is, many of us don't even realize how we spend the bulk of our time, let alone know how many leisure hours we have. I believe this is true because I worked as an industrial engineer for several years performing these types of studies. There'd be these whole departments of people working everyday on the same issues. Since they did the job daily they thought they knew for sure where their time went. Surprisingly they did not.The results were nothing short of fascinating. I've thought once or twice to perform a study on myself, then gave up saying, "I don't have time."

That's one main point of the article. We have the time if only we'd take it. There are some who even revel in the helter-skleter flow of our busy lives. Even if this daily hustle isn't the way we want to live, we go on with it anyhow and then complain. Sort of like a badge of honor. Well, I for one am tired of the complaints. All in favor of leisure time everyday raise your hand. Or better yet, just take take a stroll around the neighborhood when the mood stirkes. The other stuff can wait.

Many Blessings,

Polly

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

2010-01-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

I have a dream...sounds like a very simple statement, but boy does it say alot. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream that one day people of all colors and nationalities could stand together and be counted as equal. We have made much progress since his speech, but there is still so much more ground to break. I think seeing Barack Obama being sworn in as President is definitely a large part of it all.

What is your dream?

My dream is that one day Polly & Meek will be a household name known for promoting positive messages for families through published works such as our books, calendars, gift cards and portraits. My dream may not be as profound as Dr. King's, but it is mine nonetheless.

We must not give up on our dreams. Sometimes it may seem like they are not coming true or that they are too far fetched to ever come to fruition, but lets not be discouraged. Good things happen to those who are faithful and work diligently. Speak your dream into the atmosphere and confess that you will realize it, that you will put forth the effort and do it all to the glory of God!

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Many Blessings,

Meek

Cutting Back on Television

2010-01-12T14:34:00.002-05:00

If you're like most parents then you know how conveinient the television can be in your household. It will hold your child's attention when it seems like nothing else can. Still, what we hear is that too much TV is bad for kids and that it leads to higher rates of childhood obesity. I was once an advocate for using television as a learning tool. Then I found out that even though a particular show may be educational, a child's brain still needs a creative outlet. So I gathered my courage and once school started last fall, I cut viewing time to a minimum.

The first day of no TV, I thought I'd die. I'd grown used to the background noise and the kids actually sitting down for 20 minutes or so at a time, depending on the show. But when they asked to watch something I said no. Then I realized I had to help fill their void until they could auto pilot their own play without TV. If you are in the same boat, here is a list of good things to do to balance your little ones out.

1. Go outside. You'd be surprised what a daily outing will do for you and the kids.

2. Make cake...or cookies, or meatballs. Whatever you're cooking, they'll want to help. After they've help make a dish they usually eat whatever portion you put on their plate.

3.Stock up on art supplies like construction paper, watercolors, crayons and markers. Make these items easily accessible. Kids will keep busy on their own.

4. Go to your neighboorhood library and check out picture books for preschoolers and chapter books for older kids. Once you read the stories a few times, they'll seek them out on their own. Also try out books on CD. Get a set of $1 headphones and teach them to enjoy quiet time.

5. Go to storytime or craft time at the library. There are normally live shows and other entertainment for kids and adults to enjoy. Most of it is free.

6. Encourage imaginitive play by providing play clothes and accessories for kids to dress up in and pretend. You can even give them some things from your closet. Their imaginations will do the rest.

7. Play-doh. Need I say more? Be sure to set rules or use a plastic mat around their play area. Play-doh in carpet is no fun.

8. Let the kids help sort laundry, fill and start the washer or fold clothes. The more involved in household duties they become, the better for everyone.

9. Do at home science experiments. This one is my personal favorite and the kids' favorite. Check out a science book from the library or go to www.pbs.org/teachers. Pick a grade level to see different ideas.

10. Set a small amount of TV time and stick to it. Let your child know that they can watch a little at whatever time you specify. After that time is up, turn the set off and put the remote away.

I hope these tips are helpful. If you have more to add to the list, please leave a comment.

Many Blessings,
Polly

New Year's Resolutions!

2010-01-05T15:14:00.004-05:00

It’s the fifth day of the New Year and all I can think about is my resolution of holistic living. Now unlike a lot of people who feel that making resolutions is a waste of time and have given up on doing so, I am still a believer that we need to write our plans down so that we can see them, measure ourselves against them and redefine them as time goes on. So as December 2009 was winding to a close, I did not hesitate to speak into the atmosphere my resolution.

My goal of holistic living extends into all facets of my life…from healthy cooking and eating, to wise shopping and positive thinking. I plan to live a life with minimal stress and chock full of organic goodies. I plan to exercise and declutter my home, to seek out foods that are grown free of pesticides and additives and meats that are humanely treated and free of hormones. I want healthier foods altogether. I will be eating less processed foods and more healthy ones like the wonderful baked chicken at Boston Market, the delicious burritos at Chipotle and the totally organic goodies at Trader Joe’s. I will be mindful and knowledgeable about what I introduce into my body and the impact it will have on my health and well being. In the words of that Kaiser Permanente lady I want to ‘live long and thrive’.

So what about you? What is your New Year’s resolution? It’s not too late to decide you want to have one. What’s more it is never too late. You can make a resolution at any time and for any reason. I challenge to do so.

Have a blessed and prosperous New Year Everyone.

Continued Blessings,

Meek

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T21:36:00.001-05:00

Happy 2010 from Polly & Meek!!!

Book Review: The Day I Met THE NUTS

2009-12-27T23:37:00.007-05:00

"The Day I Met THE NUTS," is a story is about a young boy who discovers he is allergic to nuts while at a friend's birthday party. Being that birthday parties are top-notch events in a child's life, author Mary Rand Hess grabs her audience from page one. As an added treat, the illustrations in the book blend perfectly with the text, providing even more entertainment to the reader's delight.

I read the story to my son and daughters ages 3, 4 and 6. They enjoyed it so much that they asked me to read it twice! My little ones couldn't wait to find out how the boy would survive such a huge change in his life and still be all right. Of course they knew he would be all right because Mary, a mother of two young boys herself, expertly places just the right amount of love and support in the the mother's character in the story. You hear the mom urging her son along, as he gradually takes his life back from the nuts.

There is a comical tone in much of the book and my 6 year old didn't hesitate to chuckle throughout. My 4 year old loved the animal pictures and my 3 year old was totally in tune with the boy's feelings, as he had recently had an allergic reaction to skin cream. "The Day I Met THE NUTS" is a fun read and an inspiring tale. It captures the true essence of childhood emotion. To find out more about the book or order copies, visit http://www.earthdaypublishing.com/.

Thank You

2009-12-21T22:19:00.003-05:00

Thanks for your support! This December was a whirlwind of activity as Polly & Meek fit in two retail events before the holiday week (and the big snow) overtook us. Many of you bought books, calendars and dry-erase boards as gifts to special children and even some adults in your lives. We pray that they are blessed by our story and inspired by our products.

It was a pleasure talking to all of you. Whether you needed a little encouragement or just stopped by to encourage us; whether you bought a product or simply grabbed some information to pass along to a friend, we appreciate you.

As we continue with our mission of edifying families and promoting early literacy, we are mindful of your comments. In the new year you can count on Polly&Meek for more of the products you love, as well as, new creations based on your feedback. Our work is fun for us, and above all, it's one of the ways we serve God. He richly blesses us everyday. We hope to multiply that blessing by passing it on to you.

Thank you again and Merry Christmas!

December 2009 Newletter

2009-12-06T11:24:00.001-05:00

Get Your Holiday Gift Sets Now!

The season for giving is upon us and Polly & Meek is pleased to offer holiday gift sets. Each set includes a copy of our children's picture book, educational flash cards, a dry erase sheet with pen and a special gift. The cost is $15 for sets that include a soft cover book and $20 for sets that include a hard cover book (plus S&H). If you do not have a copy of our book, now is the time to give one as a Christmas gift. Our holiday gift sets are for a limited time only, so contact us via email, phone or blog to place your order.

Upcoming Events

We will be vending at the Read To Lead Book Fair on December 12, 2009 from 12pm - 5pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 410 Addison Rd, Seat Pleasant, Maryland 20743. This event is sponsored by the Maryland Umbrella Group.

Come out and support this great organization which sponsors an annual youth summer camp. Authors will be reading their books at the Read to Lead Book Fair so bring the kids. You will not want to miss it!

Books on Consignment

Contact us via email, blog or phone for more details on how to carry our book in your stores at no cost to you while making a profit!

Where To Purchase Our Book

Remember you can purchase our children's book at amazon.com, at our website, blog, via US Mail or email!

Visit Our Blog

Check out weekly updates at our blog to find out more about what is going on with Polly & Meek and catch a sneak peak into our daily lives. This week we are celebrating the holiday season with reasons to give thanks and hopes for a prosperous New Year. Come over and tell us about your holiday traditions. We would love to hear from you!

As always we thank you for your support and encourage you to use your God given talents to pursue your dreams!

Many Blessings,

Onjeinika Brooks and Tamika Jackson

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2009-12-01T22:17:00.008-05:00

Christmas is my favorite time of year. Sometimes it's nearly impossible for me not to regress into a childlike state--- singing, dancing and making merriment around the Christmas tree. My cup runneth over as I think of how good it is to have salvation because the saviour lives! It is His sweetness that keeps me comfortable, His love that I try to mirror and His promise that he'll never forsake me, which propels me into celebration. To tell the truth, I don't know how anyone can resist opening their heart this time of year if at none other.

We grew up under the facade of Santa Claus so even though I knew God and Jesus, Christmas was more about what surprises Santa had in store. And while our grandmother went out of her way creating the most memorible, and magical Christmas scenes ever; nothing can compare to the ultimate gift ---Christ Jesus! He makes me want to do better, love harder and forgive my enemies all in one breath; whilst striving to experience that unspeakable joy the old folks spoke about.

So when the question comes up, like it did today --- Lainey wanted to know if I thought Jesus' birthday was really December 25th. When asked I said this: "Honestly, I don't know and actually I don't really care." Her eyes stretched in disbelief as I continued. "It could be any day of the year, but Christmas gives us a reason to be thankful for God through his son Jesus. What could be wrong with that! So were are going to give gifts like those that were brought when Jesus was born and we will say thank you for His many blessings. All in the spirit Christmas." Immediately she leapt from her perch near the window and into my arms. We skipped, twirled and danced, throughout the living room, her face emanating happiness!

(singing) It's the most wonderful time of the year.....

A Reason to Give Thanks

2009-11-23T09:46:00.006-05:00

Are you all packed up and ready to get on the road? If you're one of the few staying put and possibly receiving family and friends then, did you get the turkey yet? Me either. But I'll be out shopping for the whole meal once my kindergartener gets off the bus this morning.

And speaking of kids, it's been difficult to keep them from going head over heels for Christmas. So I've spent tons of time stressing to mine that Thanksgiving comes first. We cannnot prepare for a season of giving without first giving thanks. Finally, after all the festivities at school last week it seems that the idea is starting to stick. I was indeed thankful for all the help with reiterating what the holiday entails.

The whole concept of loving, sharing and acknowledging how much we have to be thankful for can be easily missed. Just look around! Black Friday ads and shopping promotions are everywhere. It's not that I don't love a good deal, it's just that there's more to Thanksgiving than the day after. To combate all the focus on spending the kids and I will be crafting cornucopias and learning about Native Americans. I've planned some fun games for counting our blessings and of course we'll be spending the day together cooking and having fun. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I can't think of anything better than being able to celebrate God's grace and mercy.

So this Thursday, once you've finished cooking and seated your guests or arrived at your destination with appetite in tow...proudly give thanks. From the big to the small. God richly blessed you with everything. Take a little time to reflect on his goodness!

New Product - Dry Erase Boards

2009-11-15T18:07:00.011-05:00

Polly & Meek is dedicated to promoting early literacy. While vending at the PG County Mocha Moms Business Expo on November 14th in Largo Maryland, we found out just how smart and up to the challenge young children are when it comes to excelling in school.

Our children's picture book was our top seller, but our dry erase boards were not far behind. We debuted the boards at the Sterling Fest in October. The boards were on our table and began to attract children one after the other, who knew exactly what it was for and begin to write their names and other words on the board and then erase and start again. One six year old was able to even write in cursive and not only wrote her name, but other words like soap, pen etc. Onjeinika and I were both in awe that this little angel was able to write in cursive so well. When we asked her who taught her to do it she responded that she has an easel at home and practices on that. A short conversation with her mother and we soon knew that she had equipped her child with the tools she needed to be a leader in school, to excel above the rest and set the standard in her class. It was clear to me that this kindergartner was ahead of the game. Her mother immediately purchased our dry erase board and stated that although they had one at home, the one we designed was portable and could be carried around in the car or used in various places when her daughter would need some quiet time. Nothing greater than being able to learn on the go! Confirmation for us that what we are doing, providing tools to promote early literacy, is definitely welcomed amongst families.

So what are you doing to ensure that your preschooler is successful? Are you tapping into their creativity and providing them with the tools they need to excel? Let us help you. Feel free to contact Polly & Meek for any questions that you may have and let us know what type of products you are seeking to ensure your child is a leader!

Continued Blessings,

Meek

November 2009 Newsletter

2009-11-06T13:04:00.005-05:00

Gift Card Giveaway

Our $25 gift card giveaway is in full swing! Enter to win when you purchase our children's picture book. The drawing will be held November 15, 2009 (just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday). This is your last chance to take advantage of this great reward, so order your copy of our book today!!!

Holiday Gift Sets

Polly & Meek is pleased to offer holiday gift sets. Each set includes a copy of our children's picture book, educational flash cards, a dry erase sheet with pen and a special gift. The cost is $15 for sets that include a soft cover book and $20 for sets that include a hard cover book (plus S&H). If you do not have a copy of our book, now is the time to give one as a Christmas gift. Our holiday gift sets are for a limited time only, so contact us via email, phone or blog to place your order.

New Products

Polly & Meek is devoted to promoting early literacy. We are now offering flash cards that include numbers, shapes and colors and dry erase sheets so that children can practice writing letters, words or their name. Our new products are designed to help pre-schoolers learn and excel academically! We are accepting pre-orders for these products, so please contact us via email, phone or blog to place your order.

Upcoming Events

Polly & Meek will be attending Northern Prince George's County Mocha Moms Home Business Extravaganza on Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 10am - 2pm. Come out and support local stay at home moms and enjoy some holiday shopping at Perrywood Elementary School, 501 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774.

Books on Consignment

Contact us via email, blog or phone for more details on how to carry our book in your stores at no cost to you while making a profit!

Visit Our Blog

Check out weekly updates at our blog to find out more about what is going on with Polly & Meek and catch a sneak peak into our daily lives. This week we would like to hear from you on ideas for new products that you would like to see from us.

As always we thank you for your support and encourage you to use your God given talents to pursue your dreams!

Many Blessings,

Onjeinika Brooks and Tamika Jackson

We Want To Hear From You!

2009-10-26T22:37:00.008-04:00

Sometimes while we're going about our day to day routine, ideas for new products pop up. Certainly, raising small children can payoff when your business is spurred from the very task. But better than that is hearing directly from our customers and we want to talk to you!

As we zero in on early literacy, we've already identified two new products to offer you. Now, so that our efforts aren't wasted, we'd like to know what products you specifically need. Please leave a comment here on our blog or send us an email at info@pollyandmeek.com. We'll use the data to create more ways to make early learning easier for you and your child. Of course books will always play a huge role in the learning process. We're simply widening the scope to identify addition tools that children will love. With your input Polly&Meek can develop some exciting and engaging, new products.

We'll showcase two of our latest prototypes next month at the Northern PG County Mocha Moms Home Business Expo. Stop by our booth to see what's new, pick up a copy of Sisters Are From Heaven and give us feedback on what tools you need most for your family. We look forward to seeing you and hearing your comments.

Many blessings,
Polly

Where Do You See Yourself Five Years From Now?

2009-10-19T12:45:00.012-04:00

Where do you see yourself five years from now used to be a question guaranteed to come up during an interview or any other scenario where a young person may need to be tricked into thinking ahead. Nowadays, why not go one step further and apply it to your own business?

We already know that looking a little further down the road can cause some good life planning to take place. But this time instead of thinking about finally paying down that debt, or how you'd like to pad the savings account a little more, how many activities the kids will be involved in at one time, or if their first year of college will be paid for---just stop. Give some serious thought to where you want your business to go and set goals. If setting goals sounds too concrete and you think you might be misleading yourself, then let's call it "dreaming with purpose." Either way, put pen to paper and get to work. The words you write down can lay a powerful foundation for your business plan while simultaneously opening doors to new ideas in your niche.

To get started, think about how you'd like to affect your customer base five years from now. In terms of your brand, would you like to be a household name or are you satistied when people can search for a product and your website appears first on the list? How important is income to you? Would you like to be earning millions in sales per year, or are you not for profit? You're thinking several years from now so if business is booming, who's doing the work? Will you do it all yourself or could you manage a small staff? A large staff?

Answer these questions and more. If you elaborate well enough you should end up with some long term and short terms goals for your company. Always check in to make sure you're reaching milestones and are on track for the future. It is whatever you make it, so dream BIG.

Many Blessings,
Polly

Back In The Day!

2009-10-12T23:42:00.004-04:00

About two years ago, I stopped buying regular meats, eggs and dairy at the grocers and switched to organic goods. It was a bit more expensive but very much worth it to me. My husband planted a small garden in our backyard when we first purchased our home, but it did not thrive in the nutrient deficient clay. Nonetheless, I opted for frozen veggies instead of those in the can (gotta avoid that BPA) and scoped out farmer's markets in the area for fresh produce. There is nothing like fresh fruits and veggies organically grown without any artificial enhancements. Even my nieces and nephew are on the bandwagon, picking 15lbs of fresh, organic apples from a nearby farm in their area.

I am once again finding myself shifting gears. While I was pregnant, I asked God to show me how to actually lose weight after I delivered. I am down from my pre-pregnancy weight and it is all due to the additional challenge of cutting dairy from my diet (my angel is allergic to milk protein). All of these adjustments made me start to think about all the organic goods we used to get from our local 'Fruit Man' when I was growing up. The 'Fruit Man' used to come by every Saturday to sell his fruits, veggies and sometimes meats to the families in our neighborhood. He would come with beans and collards, eggs and potatoes and all the wonderfully, delicious and unadulterated goods from his garden. He was a small business owner and he made a healthy bounty from all the families who would wait for his arrival each Saturday to glean foods from the back of his truck for their Sunday dinners. He knew his target audience, minority families, especially older women who needed a good deal on some good eats! I can see my grandmother now pulling a bushel of garden peas off of his truck and hauling them into the house. We all knew this meant the end of our outside play time and the beginning of a long evening shelling peas with Momma!

Other small, home based business owners included my Great Aunt Tunny who supplemented her income by making the best brown dogs in the land! Brown dogs are delicious sugar and peanut or caramelized syrup and peanut candies. Just thinking of them makes my mouth water. Everybody came to Aunt Tunny's to buy her famous brown dogs at $.50 each. When she made a batch they sold out in no time flat just from word of mouth sales.

And who can forget the 'Freeze Lady', Mrs. Maggie. Mrs. Maggie sold freezes and candy out of her house to supplement her income. She made the very best kool-aid freezes with just enough sugar in them to keep us running back to her house with our $.25 every day and sometimes twice a day. LOL!

Happy memories from my childhood. Very easy and simple small businesses, but small businesses nonetheless!

Capital Bookfest 2009

2009-10-05T10:18:00.014-04:00

Saturday's weather was just goregous, perfect for enjoying a local book festival held outside. This is the second year in a row that Polly&Meek has participated in Capital Bookfest. The event takes place in Largo, MD every first Saturday in October.

It is an amazing feat in terms of its message to families, as well as support from the community. I can't leave out the opportunity it provides to local authors, some of which are new to the literary world. The staff and volunteers who produce this book festival do an awesome job. They may be looking to do similar festivals in other cities or expand the bookfest over a few days. I say, bring it on.

As normal, there was plenty of foot traffic past our table on Saturday. The constant flow of potential patrons made sure there was never a dull moment. Selling books is always exciting, but making contact with customers to listen or encourage them, fulfills the soul. They don't hold back and neither do we. Everyone can be blessed. It's this exchange that the community has come to expect and I witnessed other vendors doing the same at their tables. That is what I like most about these types of events. There's a sense of happiness and positivity that you don't see on a daily basis. No drama or negativity at all. That alone alone deserves a thumbs up.

We sold a few books and made great contacts. If you were one of the many who stopped by our table then we thank you. If you didn't make it out this time then try for next year. You will be inspired.

Many blessings,

Polly

Polly & Meek October 2009 Newsletter

2009-10-01T14:53:00.003-04:00

Gift Card Giveaway

Enter to win a $25 gift card when you purchase our children's picture book. Promotion begins October 1, 2009. Drawing will be held November 15, 2009 (just in time for the holidays) so order you copy today!!!

Softcover Promotion

Our softcover copies of Sisters Are From Heaven are available at the low cost of $5 per copy (plus S&H) when you order online or via email. If you do not have a copy of our book, now is the time to get one for that upcoming birthday, baby shower or as a Christmas gift!

Our Commitment to Promote Early Literacy

Polly & Meek is devoted to promoting early literacy. Our children's picture book was created for pre-school aged children and we are committed to providing more educational materials at affordable prices to help your child succeed!

Upcoming Events

Polly & Meek will be attending Capital Bookfest 2009 on October 3rd from 10am - 7pm in Largo, Maryland at the Blvd @ Cap Centre (behind the Borders book store). If you are in the area please come out and support local authors in the DC Metro area. In addition, we will be vending at the SterlingFest 2009 on October 10th from 11-4pm on Commerce and Enterprise Street in Sterling Park, Virginia.

Books on Consignment

Polly & Meek is offering books on consignment. Please contact us via email, blog or phone for more details on how to carry our book in your stores at no cost to you while making a profit!

Visit Our Blog

Check out weekly updates at our blog to find out more about what is going on with Polly & Meek and catch a sneak peak into our daily lives. This week we are sharing ideas on how to make your home based business more visible on the Internet and in your community.

As always we thank you for your support and encourage you to use your God given talents to pursue your dreams!

Many Blessings,

Onjeinika Brooks and Tamika Jackson

Polly & Meek
www.pollyandmeek.com
http://www.pollyandmeek.blogspot.com
703-732-7500/301-335-8414

Plug Your Business!

2009-09-27T16:17:00.003-04:00

I love tennis! Growing up it was one of the few sports my mother enjoyed watching on television. Of course, like most things she enjoyed, I love them too as an adult.

Venus and Serena Williams are my all time favorite players and I rarely miss an opportunity to watch them play. I was pleasantly, surprised to catch Serena on Good Morning America doing a short interview. During her interview I noticed she plugged her book repeatedly. Not only did she keep referring to her book, but she also mentioned it by name. The title of the book is On The Line. I will not forget the title and it sticks in my mind because she plugged it so much during her brief interview.

My question is, do you plug your business? I mean, when you meet new people or are in a situation that you can possibly network, do you seize the opportunity?

At one point during Serena's interview I thought 'well this is beginning to get ridiculous', but as of today I remember the title of her book (which is a miracle since I cannot seem to remember much with my post-pregnancy brain).

So next time you are out with a crowd or meet a new person or find yourself in a position to network and plug your business, do not hesitate to do so. Its another cost effective way to make your business more visible!

Many Blessings,

Meek

Is Your Home Based Business Visible?

2009-09-21T08:41:00.002-04:00

So many of us are just starting out with our small, home based businesses and have limited finances. There are a few important things I think one should have for their business and most can be obtained with little to no revenue.

1 - Business Cards - They are a quick way to put your business out there to the masses. So often when I met people and we decide to exchange contact information, I simply hand them a business card. I have one for my photography business and one for Polly & Meek. Everything is right there...email, phone number and most of all your company name. People remember that and will turn to you when they need a service that you provide. I like this site for purchasing reasonably price business cards or you can use Avery templates to make your own!

2 - A Company Website- I know what you are thinking...I am on a shoe string budget right now and cannot afford a company website. Ever thought of using the free blogs as your website until you can get one up and going? When I first launched my photography business, I used blogspot to advertise. When I saved enough funds, I found a reasonable priced website and went with them. There are sites such as Yahoo Small Business that offer very affordable website hosting and domain names that can fit into your company's budget. Heck, even Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are excellent free sources for networking!

3 - Payment Options - Once you get your website up and running, it is imperative that you have a few payment options. I started out with the cash only option, and that worked fine for a while as most of my work was face to face anyway. But once I decided to do weddings, it became important for me to be able to accept down payments over the internet if a customer opted to do so. I did this through Paypal by opening a personal paypal account. That way I could accept credit card payments. Polly & I use Business Paypal to accept credit card payments online and it has worked wonderfully without a hitch. It did not cost us a dime and we have gained a whole new customer base by using it.

These are just a few things to get your started and provide you with a professional start to your small business. It costs little but pays off alot! I hope you feel encouraged to go forth and use your gift.

"The blessings of the Lord maketh it rich and addeth no sorrow to it" ~ Proverbs 10:22

Many Blessings,

Meek

Cutting Costs While Running a Home-Based Business

2009-09-14T10:25:00.008-04:00

Running a business from home can be a great solution to the time and money issues that families with preschool or school-aged children face. Being available to your children provides comfort and well-being for them along with a strong bond between the parent and child. During time at home children can be taught educational concepts that will prepare them for life long learning and give them a head start. Another major bonus is that daycare costs are eliminated, as are commuting costs and expenses associated with going to work.

The savings and benefits don't have to end there. Finding more ways to cut costs can help boost your business and keep you working for yourself, even when the economy looks grim.

Follow these tips to save even more money while managing a successful home-based business:

1.Conserve energy- unplug appliances while not in use or use a power strip with a reset button. Keep the power strip turned off until needed. Switch to energy saving bulbs and turn off lights in unoccupied spaces if you'll be gone for longer than 1 minute.

2.Buy in bulk - if you have the storage for extra food or office supplies, then great! The unit cost of the bulk products will be much lower. So take advantage of warehouses and superstores. Just be sure you'll actually use whatever you buy.

3.Plan meals- use the circulars that stores send out to comparison shop and remember to clip coupons. Meals that can be prepared in your kitchen are normally a fraction of the cost of eating out.

4. Borrow - when your business requires research or self help books turn to the public library for resources that can be checked out for free. If you must buy, then remember Amazon, and other online bookstores offer used products at discounted prices.

5. Get a Membership -join a club for the things you purchase frequently and watch the rewards add up. Office Depot has one such program called WorkLife. Who doesn't need office supplies from time to time?

6. Just say no - delay any large purchases that aren't completely necessary and try to stretch the time before giving in to spend huge sums of money. When you are finally ready to buy, always ask yourself if it's a need or a want. Let the needs prevail.

May your home and family prosper and your business expand!

Polly

Preparation: Important at Every Age

2009-09-07T10:14:00.006-04:00

My oldest child starts Kindergarten tomorrow and I'm so excited for her that I can barely contain myself. She's academically ready, but understandably, says she's a little nervous. We talked about her anxiety again this morning and I told her not to worry because she's going to have fun. She looked at me perplexed, as to say, "Well it's not the fun part that's causing the problem." She isn't concerned about that, she's unsure just what tasks she'll be given and whether she can handle them or not.

Then, the light bulb turned on for me. A child is just like anyone else and preparation for the road ahead is extremely important. As adults, we like to know what we're going to do and have a plan to accomplish those things so that we feel confident that we're ready. This is certainly true for some more than others, but for me it's paramount. Whether I'm going to the grocery store or reading books to children at a book festival, life has taught me not to underestimate the power of thinking ahead. In fact, Meek and I practice this religiously by setting up frequent face-to-face business meetings with each other, and keeping constant communication so that we have lists and steps for all our retail events. Our pregame warm-up is serious and we don't take it for granted.

Years from now my daughter will know that she was fully prepared for school and worrying wasn't necessary at all, at least not with an education obsessed mother like hers! But for now, her early learning of these intergral life lessons let's me know I'm doing something right.

Blessings,
Polly

Brothers Are From Heaven, Too!

2009-08-30T13:57:00.003-04:00

Brothers Are From Heaven, Too!

Not only is this the title for our third book, but I saw it in action the other day.

I was sitting in my kitchen looking out the front window, holding my bundle of joy. My two little neighbors, Lucas and Mathias were outside like normal playing. Mind you, Lucas is 4 and Mathias is 2 but they come out quite often to 'hang' with the adults outside. There is no stopping them. If they see you outside, they are coming over. Period.

Today, Lucas was on his scooter and Mathias on his bike with training wheels. My husband and a couple of his friends were on the stoop out front winding down from a hard days work. The boys ventured over. Little Mathias was having problems with his bike, so one of my husband's friends, and also our neighbor, called him over and then began to doctor on his bike. He worked on it while Mathias came up and sat down on the stoop beside my husband. Lucas stayed close by watching. Once the bike was fixed, Mathias was called from the stoop to retrieve it. He hopped on and sure enough he was back in stride. The boys began to ride the bikes toward the curb. Lucas, the older boy, knew how to bounce up so his scooter cleared the curb and he was on the sidewalk, but Mathias had not mastered the skill. I watched attentively. Lucas looked back to see that his brother was having trouble, jumped off his scooter without hesitation and ran back toward him. He grabbed the front of the bike and hoisted it up with all of his strength, pulling little Mathias up and onto the sidewalk. My heart was in my throat watching the brothers work together and seeing Lucas help his brother before he ever asked.

Yes, Brothers Are From Heaven, Too...yes indeed.

What is Vacation?

2009-08-26T23:30:00.008-04:00

Last week my family in I took our first vacation together. Doing the math, that means 6 full years since I had been on hiatus from the daily grind of mother, housekeeper, wife, teacher and cook. Well I still had to be two out of five, but my husband got to spend more time being a Dad and husband and less time as an Exec turn weekend handyman. He needed a break too. Our downtime was all right and done right. In other words it was a real vacation.

I admit, before last week's getaway we traveled every year and sometimes twice in a year to visit family in one state or another. But that's just it--- although we left home for extended periods of time, we weren't really on vacation. I didn't even realize this was the case until I complained to one of my friends about how we go visit our loved ones, but somehow I don't come home feeling refreshed. My friend kindly broke it down for me. Turns out, a real vacation is when you go someplace and you don't have to cook, or clean and you can come and go freely.

She was so right! Even though we have loads of fun and enjoy our family visits--- there's no substitute for complete down time. That means seeing the attractions near whatever spot you select and not going out to do anything if you don't want to go. Also included is not driving all over town to see all the relatives you can and apologizing if you want to cut out on family with whom you're currently staying.

As life would have it, even the kids noticed the difference and began using the word "vacation." We had never actually called any of our previous family visits that and somehow they picked up on it. This time none of us were stressed because there was no real schedule or time table to which we had to adhere. It left time for playing until we were just exhausted, lounging because we had to have a break from all the fun at some point, eating whatever yummy dessert we could find and sleeping whenever we felt like taking a nap.

The escape was well worth it. I feel refreshed, replenished and renewed. Those are three R's that should serve me well as September swings into motion. I do believe I am up to the challenge!

Did you take a vacation this summer? Drop a line and let us know what you did.

Love to you and yours,

Polly