Attention Cleveland Women!!

There’s a wonderful website that’s designed specifically for Cleveland women and I think you’ll love it. Debbie Hanson is the creative force behind this website that is filled with everything you need to know.

 The site is www.clevelandwomen.com   My favorite is Elizabeth-working girl in the city.  She is listed in the columnists section.  I feel like I know her! You have to read the entry about her getting a pedicure and her legs had not seens a razor in a bit. It is hilarious!

To meet the woman behind Cleveland Women dot com just click on the link below.

http://www.newsnet5.com/video/18146918/index.html

Take Care,

Danita

Be thankful!

The world is a crazy place to live in.  We are living in tough economic times and it’s affecting everyone. I realize I could make a list a mile long detailing what I don’t have or what I wish I had. But you know what? That’s wasted energy. We must be thankful for what we do have. Be grateful for the little things in life. A smile, a hug, a kind word, laughing with a friend, all of them deserve a sense of gratitude.

This holiday season I am most grateful for family. I lost three family members this year and it was extremely difficult for me to accept. But in being grateful for the family that still surrounds me, it brings comfort and peace of mind.

As long as you live, there will be things that go wrong in your life. But there’s also some great things that have happened to you as well. I encourage you to focus on the good and learn from past pains and heartaches.  If you can’t do that, then volunteer and help someone else have a happy holiday. It doesn’t cost you anything but time.

Be thankful. Because as bad as things may be for you right now, there’s someone else who’s doing worse.

Choose to say thanks.  A grateful attitude breeds a new sense of well being. Your situation may stay the same but your perspective will change. Try it.

Be thankful this holiday season. Yes, I am thankful!

Take Care,

Danita

What is a “happy” period?

The graphic you see above is an e-card that you can send to a friend while she’s on her period. I guess it’s supposed to comfort and cheer her through the process. Maybe it’s just me, but when I see the Always commercial that says “Have a Happy Period” I ask myself what the heck is a “happy” period.

There is NOTHING about my menstrual cycle that makes me happy. Do the people at Always think because they’ve added some super duper wings that it makes my cramps less painful. The super absorbency doesn’t take away my “bloated” appearance. What is it about a period that’s happy?

I’ll tell you when I’m happy….when it’s OVER!  Most women are happy when their “time of the month” is through. In my “period” lifetime I’ve never encountered a woman who rejoiced at the fact that her cycle had begun. And there’s no feminine hygiene product that puts a smile on our faces.

Have you ever heard a woman say she was looking forward to wearing a tampon or pad for the next four to five days? NOT!  I just don’t get this commercial from Always. 

Let me know how you feel!

John Legend’s Mom… a bright star!

I am a big John Legend fan.  His music is easy going and his voice has a unique sound that can’t be imitated.  But you know they say the fruit never falls to far from the tree, and it’s definitely true in John Legend’s case.

His mother Phyllis Stephens is just as talented as her son.  Her voice is beautiful and her spirit is so warm and loving.  There’s no doubt about it, she loves singing about God and she adores her children. I interviewed her for my Woman 2 Woman segment and  I felt like I was talking to a dear friend.

She has many talents but I’m not going to write about them. I’m going to let her tell you!

Click on the link below and watch her story!

http://www.newsnet5.com/video/18010358/index.html

Hottest ABC Show!

I’m not saying this because I work for an ABC affiliate, but I really enjoy watching the ABC prime-time dramas. Grey’s Anatomy, Boston Legal, and Brothers and Sisters are well written series that keep me tuned in.

ABC needs to bottle the formula for these shows because they’re interesting and fun to watch. Of course this is just my opinion.  What’s your two cents on this topic. What’s the hottest ABC Show?

Vote below and let me know!

Danita

Love my ring tones!

I must confess, I love it when people call my cell phone because I get to hear some of my favorite songs. At first I wasn’t into it. Now I’m hooked. One night I downloaded about 9 songs to my phone. Obviously, I was extremely bored.  I have phone issues but I’m centered about it.

Anyway, I thought I’d share with you some of my favorites.

When my husband calls I hear “Sent from Heaven” by Keysha Cole. My mom’s tone is a song by Marvin Gaye. Dad is real cool and hip so his song is “My Adidas” by Run D.M.C.   When my in-laws call…”How Great is our God” plays.

 My girlfriends call all the time so I gave them “Heard it through the Grapevine” by Gladys Knight and the Pips.  They always have some scoop about something…or someone.(smile)

What are some of your favorites?  If I were to call you, what ring tone would you assign to my name? I’m really curious to hear your ideas!

Thou shalt not steal…especially in church!

Hello!

You have to read this story from the Associated Press. I couldn’t believe it.

updated 6:11 p.m. ET, Tues., Nov. 11, 2008

JENSEN BEACH, Fla. – Police in Florida said they arrested a Connecticut man after he tried to steal communion wafers during a church service. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said a 33-year-old man was cornered by fellow churchgoers when he grabbed a handful of wafers from the priest during communion services Saturday.

The Stuart News reported that the man was being held down by six or seven offended parishioners when deputies arrived at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Jensen Beach.

Police say two parishioners, ages 82 and 61, received minor injuries in the scuffle.

The man was charged with two counts of simple battery, theft and disruption of a religious assembly. He was being held Tuesday on $2,000 bond at the Martin County Jail.

Thoughts? Questions? Comments?

Danita

The best burger

Who serves the best burger when it comes to fast food restaurants? It’s a debate I’ve had often with burger buddies and we never seem to agree.

My favorite burger is the quarter pounder at McDonald’s. I’m interested to know yours.   Vote in my Best Burger poll and let me know what you think.

 

Thanks!

Danita

Thanksgiving and SPAM Gumbo!

The most popular blog entry so far in Danita’s Dish was the one about my love for SPAM! It’s true. I love it. I eat it. It’s good.

We’re hosting Thanksgiving Dinner this year, so I was thinking about making my SPAM gumbo. The in-laws will be in town, a few friends, the dog, etc.  It’s the perfect time for everyone to be  dazzled with my culinary skills!

So, I know what you’re asking yourself. I wonder how Danita makes SPAM Gumbo? I’m so glad you asked.

Get a couple of cans of  mixed of vegetables. (I love corn so I throw in an extra can or two of sweet corn)

A bag of rice. Cut up some chicken leg and thigh meat. One can of chicken broth. Cut up three cans of spam into dice-like pieces.

Throw everything into a big pot.  A splash of salt and pepper. Cook it on low for an hour then take it up a notch to medium for about another hour.

If you want it a little spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot! Whooooowee!!!  The smell will make your house come alive!!!  They’ll forget all about the turkey and devour the SPAM gumbo.

So, do you think I should do it?   SPAM gumbo. Yes or No.  I’m feeling a yes.  But I want to hear from you!

Tell me your thoughts!

Take Care,

Danita

Michelle Obama’s Dress

Okay, I knew this subject would come up the moment Michelle Obama walked out to greet the thousands of people who waited all night to hear Barack Obama speak. The dress, the dress, the dress!  Personally, I’ve seen her in better looking dresses. I was a little shocked at her fashion choice , but I know she will recover from this.

The red just sort of JUMPS out at you and the cut of the dress wasn’t very flattering to her shape. She is a beautiful woman with a great sense of class and style. I’m sure she will set her own fashion trend as First Lady and the “fashionistas” of the world will be watching.

No doubt her inauguration gown will be stunning!  Top designers are already submitting sketches to see if they’ll get the nod to have their dress picked for that special day.

Hey, we’ve all had bad fashion days. There have been many things that looked good in the mirror to me, but on camera….I looked like a hot mess!!! I remember wearing a floral jacket, lots of colors, very bright with black piping. Oh my goodness!! I saw myself on camera and it was soooooooo busy!

The jacket was stealing the show!! Danita who? Adam what? It was all about the jacket.  I’ve also worn some jackets that make me look big as a house.  Now I will admit I’ve picked up some “marriage pounds”. Okay,  maybe not some….a whole lot of pounds!  But I’ve learned the new A-line swing jackets don’t work for me on air. Off air it’s cool. On air…NOT!!!

So, Michelle Obama’s dress wasn’t the “hit” of the night, but it wasn’t a total failure. After all, she has bigger fish to fry, challenging decisions to make like….what type of dog will they get for their girls!!!  Being a dog lover myself, I vote for a pomapoo!!! Just like my Justin.

Take Care,

Danita