I think I found a new hobby...

I have been doing such an awesome job with these http://www.foodnetwork.com/ recipes! I'm really starting to get excited. The kids are loving the food and so is my husband. Emeril is certainly becoming one of my favorite chefs and his recipes are really really easy to follow. My latest dish was Jambalaya Pasta with Penne, Chicken and Shrimp (I left out the sausage and I did shrimp on the side for me b/c my husband doesn't eat seafood and I don't eat chicken) www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/jambalaya-pasta-with-penne-chicken-shrimp-and-andouille-recipe/index.html It all worked out really good. I was shocked at how good the sauce was. OMG I can make that sauce all day and eat it on almost anything. I'm actually finding that following these recipes is almost like stress relief. I think it's because when I'm following the recipe step by step and preparing all of the ingredients I don't really have time to think about anything else. I'm totally focused on making a really good meal. Ahh maybe that's weird but I think it's true for me. Oh and by the way I made meatloaf for the first time ever (another Emeril Lagasse recipe) it was really good from what I heard since I don't eat meat lol. I actually bought some leftovers into the office today so that my dad could try it and he loved it. There was only one thing that I noticed. I think I should have let it cook just a tiny bit longer to that the meat could set really good in the middle. It was so juicy with all the flavors and stuff but it could have stood a little longer. Other than that, all went well. We had mixed vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes with it. yum!! www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/emerils-most-kicked-up-meatloaf-ever-recipe/index.html In other news, it's been pretty busy around the office as we approach years end. I've been really praying and asking God to give me the strategy that our business needs in order to get out of the vicious cycle that comes with customers paying sloooooooooow! I already know that some really tough decisions will have to be made and I'm totally with it if it will help the business. I certainly realize that part of being an entrepreneur or small business owner is that you have to be ready, willing, and able to make adjustments when necessary. Some adjustments are subtle but others may be pretty drastic. At the end of the day my faith is not in my ability but my faith is in God and he's able!!! I will do like the scripture says "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, acknowledge the Lord in all your ways and he will direct your path". I'm encouraged!!!!

It worked!

Today turned out to be a pretty good one. I've been brainstorming business strategies for the upcoming year all week long. I'm really trying to take my role as CEO to another level in 2011 and today I found the waiting room of the car dealership to be a great place to get the creative juices flowing (while waiting for an oil change and inspection). It's very important to me that our company have a financially sound, well planned, successful year. At the same time it is going to be extremely important that our managerial staff put all differences aside and come together in an effort to take our family business to the next level. There are so many different dynamics when working with family ( I don't recommend it at all) it can be a blessing or a curse and many times it can feel like a combination of both. Like everything else in life, it has its advantages but it also has its disadvantages. It can be difficult getting family to give the same performance and have the same work habits as they would have if they were working with someone else. There's like an unspoken entitlement feeling in the air at times or maybe it's just me.... I don't think anyone understands how difficult my position really is on sooooo many levels... Anyhow, on to personal news, Yes. The blackened Tilapia recipe last night was a hit!!! My husband loved it, the kids actually asked for seconds and more importantly I was able to enjoy the same meal as the rest of the family. I've decided to share the recipe with you...if there's anyone out there... lol http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aaron-mccargo-jr/big-daddys-blackened-tilapia-recipe/index.html Tonights Menu: God old-fashioned Sloppy Joe ( I had to call it something else in order for the twins to eat it) :)

I'm inspired

So last Saturday while cleaning house and helping my new hubby settle in I started watching the Julie & Julia movie. You know the one where the girl "Julie" challenges herself to make every Julia Childs recipe and then she blogs about it. Well, I was so inspired that I started watching the Food Network and I'm deciding on which chef I like the best so that I can introduce some new meals to the family. Oh did I tell you that the kids and the husband are probably the pickiest eaters on the planet. I almost have to make three separate meals so that everyone can eat because I'm a vegetarian, my husband doesn't eat anything with bones (weirdest thing ever but thats why I love'em) and the twins favorite word is "ill". I've decided that I'm going to try some knew recipes and MAKE everyone at least taste it. I'll let you know how this goes. Tonight's Menu: Blackened Tilapia Fried Corn Garlic Mashed Potatoes Cornbread Here goes....

My Life

For some time now, I have been trying to figure out the best way to utilize my blog. Initially, I wanted to share business resources and ideas for other entrepreneurs. Then, I realized that there are so many sites that have great content for sm biz owners and I'm way more than just a business owner. I'm a mother, new wife, business owner, mentor, friend, and the list goes on.... My life is full of action and adventure. Between running a family business, starting a motivational speaking business, raising 11 year old twins, and settling in to the married life there's always something to talk about. SO, I've decided to use my blog to talk about whatever I feel like... I don't have many followers now but I'm sure they're coming...