Touchdown: 6th Marathon - Rock & Roll New Orleans 2016

Hi Dolls,

It's been a few months since I wrote on my blog, but know and understand I haven't forgot about you! So, if you are wondering what's been happening, on February 28, 2016, I completed my sixth marathon in New Orleans. Whoa, what an experience to travel and do a hobby that you truly love!!

This was my first time visiting New Orleans. I made sure to get there early enough to enjoy the town. Stayed on the famous Bourbon Street, right in the heart of the "Big Easy" with all the partying, music, dancing and laughter going on. I enjoyed the food and learned the difference between Cajun and Creole dishes.  I toured the city and took tons of pictures.  Of course, it was not all fun games and my mind was on completing the mission, marathon no. 6!

That was a cold weekend, but low and behold the weather on marathon morning was warm enough for me to take off my jacket.  I laid my clothes out the night before and woke up ready to run the world with Beyonce's "Run the World" ringing in my head.  It was a blast as I  hit the pavement and enjoyed parts of the city that I had never seen before.

The first 13 miles were tricky, the streets were uneven and I was scared that I might twist my ankle.  I ran the path between the tracks of the trolley cars. watched the road and looked up to see the mile markers.  What was great, was that the crowd was holding signs and cheering the runners on. Once the runners split and those running the half marathon were close to their finish line, I continued running the next 13 miles.

Unfortunately, from mile 14-26 the crowds disappeared, the scenery changed and all I wanted to do was finish the race. My music and sheer determination helped me cross the finish line. I ran the opened road with my medal on my mind.

As I got closer to mile 20, I knew my steam was dissipating and those last six miles seemed like it took forever. That didn't stop me though. I did it!! I ran the last mile and heard the crowd cheering, "You can do it!", "You are almost there." and I was! I finally crossed the finished line, got my medal and marathon jacket, took pictures, smiled and put my stamp down on New Orleans!

After marathon dinner!! Yummy!

Marathon 6th complete...Stay tuned to hear how I completed my 5th 1/2 marathon in DC less than two weeks later.

On my way home, back to New York City!

Remember Dolls..."Stay Satin!!"

Running Gear:
Fila: www.fila.com (Outfit)
Asics: www.asics.com (Asics Gel-Quantum 360)

#ValentinesDay Dessert 2016

Hi Dolls,

Happy Valentine’s Day! Happy Single Awareness/Appreciation Day on February 15^th! For those who don't have a significant other or celebrate Valentine’s Day, Single Awareness Day is for single people to celebrate their single status. So, in celebration of both days I prepared Kraft Valentine's Creamy JIGGLERS just for the fun of it. Of course, they can be eaten solo, with friends or your valentine. Try making them with your lover, invite some friends over and make them together or this is lots of fun with the nieces and nephews! Here's the recipe and I prepared the dessert in the video below. Try it out and tell me what you think.

Remember Dolls... "Stay Satin!"

Ebony Satin Doll

Valentine's Creamy JIGGLERS

• 2 1/2 cups boiling water
• 2 pkg. (6 oz each) JELL-O Gelatin, any red flavor
• 1 pkg. (3.4 oz) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
• 1 cup cold milk

Recipe courtesy of Kraft Recipes

Ice Cream for Breakfast!

Photo Courtesy of Turkey Hill Ice Cream

Hi Dolls,

Last Saturday, February 6, 2016, was "Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day". Now, I know you may be thinking that it's strange to have ice cream for breakfast, since it's normally a dessert option. However, I am here to let you know that there is a way to have delicious, delectable ice cream in the morning and it still be a healthy treat! Don't believe me? Well believe it or not, Turkey Hill Ice Cream put together "5 Ways to Celebrate Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day". So I added one more tasty recipe that you can put Turkey Hill ice cream in. Let's make an ice cream smoothie with frozen fruit!

Photo Courtesy of Walmart

Recipe:

Frozen fruit (12 ounce bag per serving... I used Dole Strawberries, Peaches & Bananas)

1/4 cup of Turkey Hill Vanilla Ice Cream ( I swapped the recipe's 1/4 cup of juice or water for ice cream instead) Get your ice cream coupon here!

Pinch of salt (heightens the flavors)

Puree until it reaches soft serve consistency, usually about 2 minutes.

The recipe above is courtesy of Rachel Ray

Lastly, enjoy!!!

Remember Dolls..."Stay Satin!!"

National Wear Red Day: February 5, 2016!

Photo Courtesy of WOTV 4 Women

Hi Dolls,

When you are given the opportunity to raise awareness to what is going on in your community or around the world, you have to use that platform to make a difference. By saying one word, by doing an action that can benefit another or by supporting a worthy cause we can effect change. In bringing awareness to all, I want you to know that this is personal for me because my grandmother has heart disease. My grandmother is a strong woman and thankfully she has been able to fight through it.




Photo Courtesy of Go Red For Women


Today, is National Wear Red Day and this movement was established to raise awareness about heart disease and strokes in women. So, lets stand together and honor every woman, whether they are our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, friends, co- workers, we come across today to let them know we are uniting together in this movement. Additionally, on social media we can also lend our support by entering #gored and showing how we got involved.

If you are in New York City or the tri-state area The New York Go Red for Women Luncheon is taking place on March 1, 2016. For more information, you can visit American Heart Association of New York.

For more information about this worthy cause and to donate, visit Go Red for Women.

Remember Dolls..."Stay Satin!!"

National Girls & Women in Sports Day: February 3, 2016

Hi Dolls,

Today marks the 30th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day.  NWSD has made a platform that celebrates girls and women in sports. The theme this year is "Leading the Way" and the best way we can help foster success is to do just that. So, for everyone who has made a difference in a girl's life giving them the confidence, support or strength to embrace their talents in sports I salute you!!





Serena Williams U.S. Open 2013 (Photo Courtesy of All Tennis Play)





Allyson Felix and Sanya Richards Ross in 2012 Olympic Games (Photo Courtesy of Bleacher Report)





Gabrielle Douglas Gymnast (Photo Courtesy of Fearless Expressioner)


For more information, visit National Girls & Women in Sports Day


Remember Dolls..."Stay Satin!!"

Decorating with Candy Day: February 1, 2016!

Hi Dolls:

Today is Decorating with Candy Day!!! Now, I know you must be thinking that Ebony Satin Doll is into fitness and working out, but what you may not know is I have a sweet tooth. Everything in life must have balance, so having a sweet treat to satisfy a craving is okay. This might include a cupcake with candies on top, melting chocolate to dip or drizzle over strawberries, or having the infamous candy apple at a fair.

On this day, I had the pleasure of making candy lollipops for the incoming birth of my nephew. I used candy molds, melted the chocolate, added the lollipop sticks and cooled the lollipops in the refrigerator. It is a easy task to accomplish. Let me know, if you want me to show you how to make them.




Candy Corn Cupcakes (Photo courtesy and recipe can be found on Amanda Cupcake)




Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Photo Courtesy and recipe can be found at Chocolate Covered Strawberries)




Whimsical Pastel Swirl Cotton Candy Apples (Photo Courtesy and recipe can be found at Sweetapolita)



Although, Decorating with Candy Day focus is on food you can tap into your imagination to complete a do it yourself project. For example, you can make a candy centerpiece or a candy wreath Valentine's Day.



Candy Corn Centerpieces (Photo Courtesy of B Lovely Events)



Candy Heart Wreath (Photo Courtesy of Celebrations.com)


Today is your day, so enjoy it the way you would like. Send me photos of how you celebrated Decorating with Candy.

Remember Dolls..."Stay Satin!!"

Happy African Heritage & Health Week! February 1-7, 2016

Hi Dolls,

Mmmm, there’s nothing like some good ole home cooked Southern African American comfort food! Just like the kind of Sunday dinners my great-grandma used to make. If you have never tasted a traditional authentic African American meal from down South then you must venture out to your city’s cultural restaurants during “African Heritage & Health Week on February 1–7, 2016”. Also discover healthy flavorful African heritage dishes through the many various cuisines of the Caribbean, South America and Africa. 

Interested in trying out a delicious African heritage recipe? Click here or for more recipes visit “Oldways Health through Heritage” website. Be sure to view their guide in the brochure from their African Heritage Diet Pyramid too.

Remember Dolls… “Stay Satin!”

#EatAfricanHeritage365

Cold Mornings, Hot Oatmeal

Hi Dolls,

It's Oatmeal Month and we're supposed to eat three to five whole grains daily. Starting your day off with breakfast should be a must. However, with busy schedules grabbing a fruit and having yogurt with granola on top may be our kick off to the day. With that in mind, I have put together an oatmeal recipe that may can be done in under five minutes and still be a yummy treat.

Ingredients:
3 - 3 1/2 cups of water
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 cups of Quaker Oats Quick 1-Minute
1/2 cup of raisins
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of nutmeg
2 tablespoons Light Brown Sugar
1 cup milk (lowfat recommended)
1 banana (optional)
Cinnamon (add to taste - great fat burner)


Directions

• In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil.
• Stir in oats over medium heat for 1 minute and 30 seconds. 
• When the oats are cooked, remove the saucepan from the the flame and stir in raisins, brown sugar, and nutmeg.
• Place the oatmeal in bowl, add 1/4 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, sprinkle with cinnamon and add banana slices.

Hope you enjoy this, quick and easy breakfast recipe. Let me know, your thoughts! Don't forget to fit whole grains into your daily diet. For more information on oatmeal and whole grains click here. 

Remember Dolls..."Stay Satin!!"

Hold The Elevator!!

Hi Dolls,

Is there ever a time when you are dolled up and ready to go out with your friends and someone is taking forever to get ready? This was that moment! I was waiting and decided what better time is there to strike a pose. I’m feeling classy and chic with a little bit of urban style. This outfit could be worn at an after work event or going out on the town.

Dolls, check out my Liv Tyler look below:

You can purchase this jacket at my online store:

Liv Tyler Look BANDRO Faux Shearling Jacket - Size 10

What is the longest amount of time that you waited for a friend to get ready?

Remember Dolls..."Stay Satin!!"

My 1st Squash Event in NYC!

Hi Dolls,

January is coming to an end and I started this year sticking to my goals and I hope you have too. If you haven't it's okay we still have 11 months to get it right. Luckily on January 13th, while passing through 42nd Street Grand Central Terminal, I was right there for the Tournament of Champions “World’s Grandest Squash Championship”. The female semifinal match ended with Nour El Sherbini and Amanda Sohby defeating their counterparts and moving on to the finals. 

Amanda Sohby was extraordinary in this match as she played to win a final spot in the Tournament of Champions. However, the grand champion went to Nour El Sherbini.

The male match included the talents of Mohamed El Shorbagy and Mathieu Castagnet. El Shorbagy defeated Casagnet, moved onto the final, and later became the champion of the 2016 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions.

This was an amazing event that you have to see if you are in New York City during the tournament. For more information check out the link below:

J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions

http://www.tocsquash.com

Remember Dolls…”Stay Satin!!”

Shape Up US Month: Fitness Inspiration!

"1. Stress improvement, not perfection (or winning). 2. Don't take yourself too seriously; laugh at yourself and have fun. 3. Set attainable goals; reach them and then set higher ones. 4. Be positive, walk tall, smile often, don't complain or procrastinate. 5. Prepare purposely, but don't over train. 6. Remember- Sports is a game and meant to be enjoyable."
                                                -Dick Gould, Stanford tennis

Hi Dolls,

We are halfway through the month and for many people a common New Year's resolution would have been to begin working out, to work out more or to eat healthier. I like setting attainable goals. January is Shape up US Month and Dick Gould's quote above resonates with me. Number 5 says, "Prepare purposefully, but don't over train". So in preparing for my marathon in New Orleans in February, this is the month I decided that running outside in 20 degree weather is not for me. I love running outside throughout the year and dread running on a treadmill. I enjoy the seasons outdoors, from the wind whistling in the Winter, the flowers blooming in the Spring, the sun shining bright in your face and on your back as you loop around the park in the Summer and watching the leaves turn red, brown and orange in the Fall. With a beautiful scenery, I can run for miles. However, after five miles on a treadmill I'm bored. Like when Mr. Gould mentioned in number 6, "Remember - sports is a game and meant to be enjoyable." I get that!

Shape Up America! Since we are in the Shape up US Month, let's pledge to work out at least 30 minutes a day for the rest of the month. Running may not be your exercise of choice, but any activity is great! Even better when you include family and friends. That's my brother and I pictured above running in the "We Run for Hope" race for Breast Cancer awareness. Charity and causes are a great way to bond together with family and friends, help your community and get fit at the same time! 

We all should follow Dick Gould advice when he said, "Don't take yourself too seriously; laugh at yourself and have fun." Help out someone struggling with shaping up for the new year and Let’s move together!

Remember Dolls…. “Stay Satin!!”

For more information on Shape Up US Month:

Shape up US Month

Let's Move Together!

Party at Carnival 2016!

Hi Dolls,

It's Carnival season February 5th to the 9th 2016! Don't you just love Carnival season! If you don't already have plans to attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Carnaval Sunday in Rio De Janero, Brazil, it's not too late to find a good deal! Groupon has great trips to Mardi Gras at a fair price but they're sold out for Rio. However, Expedia has some great last minute rates for Rio! Check out their deals for New Orleans too. Don't hesitate if you want to do the Samba in Rio! Think quick because the deals are going fast!

Now if you can't get to Carnival in New Orleans or Rio De Janero, there's always Trinidad and Tobago! Expedia has some great deals on hotel and airfare to date. If you're traveling from NYC be sure to sign up for Air Watch alerts for when prices drop on flights to Trinidad.

Okay Dolls, have fun and tell me all about your trip in the comments below! Enjoy! 

For more travel info check me out on Pinterest and Jet Set like an Ebony Satin Doll!

For more information:

Madi Gras in New Orleans

Rio De Janero, Brasil

National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago