IN THE KNOW WITH RO: BE BRAVE IN 2014

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: BE BRAVE IN 2014: This morning I saw a thought-provoking commercial from Bing on the accomplishments of several women in 2013, all of whom I recognized.  Th...

BE BRAVE IN 2014

This morning I saw a thought-provoking commercial from Bing on the accomplishments of several women in 2013, all of whom I recognized.  The ad ended simply with this phrase - "Be Brave in 2014".

As this year ends, I encourage you to remember the children who are being beaten, yet never heard, the women who are enslaved physically and emotionally by those who professed to love them, those people in your community who remained stoic in your presence, yet go to bed hungry every night, and finally, strangers on the street who have sought our help because they were homeless.  Be brave enough to make a difference in someone else's life.

Finally, if you've lost the beautiful person you are, and your heart is crying out in pain, 2014 is your year to make a change for you, by whatever means necessary.

In the words of Bing, "Be Brave in 2014"

Hugs...

ARE YOU BEING ABUSED?

You have done everything in your power to resolve any issues, yet the tirades continue, the verbal/physical abuse won't stop and you're at your wits end.  Even though it's not your fault, you feel nothing but failure, frustration and hopelessness, and your self-esteem is at an all-time low.

This cycle of behavior is what your abuser uses to keep controlling and manipulating you, making you feel as if you're about to lose your mind.

An impromptu poll was taken from victims of domestic violence, and 80 percent say it is worse to be emotionally abused, while 20 percent say it is worse to be physically abused.  However, that does not negate the danger and trauma of physical violence.  The broken bones, black eyes, and hospital visits are nightmares that no one should have to suffer.

Nor should you be called names, degraded, lied on or made to feel less than the wonderful person you are. Money should not be withheld, or family not allowed to visit in an attempt to control you.  This type of behavior is exhibited by a person who is insecure.

When you can safely, seek help by calling the national Domestic Violence Helpline at 800-799-7233.  They have counselors who can point you in the right direction.  Also, seek out a person you trust that has your best interests at heart.

You are beautiful and deserve the best!  Always, because LOVE SHOULD NEVER HURT.

Hugs...

MERRY CHRISTMAS..

If you celebrate the holidays, we wish you and your family the merriest Christmas ever!  But please keep in mind that abusive behavior is worse during this time of year for many families.  If you, or someone you know is being verbally or physically abused, please seek help when it is safe to do so.

You and your family deserve the best that life has to offer because Love should NEVER hurt.

Hugs...

WHISKEY POMEGRANATE COCKTAIL

Did you know this drink actually helps to fight the flu?  It's true. Pomegranates have a unique antioxidant called punicalagin that stops replication of the flu virus!

Even better - this is a great recipe to use for guests this Christmas that tastes absolutely yummy.

1.5 Oz Whiskey
1/4 oz. Green Chartreuse Liqueur
1/2 oz. Vermouth or dry white wine
1/2 oz. Pomegranate juice (Use POM)
1 TspSsugar
Sprig of Sage (Optional)

Combine the whiskey, green chartreuse, vermouth and pomegranate juice in a cocktail shaker.  Add sugar and shake well.  Strain into a glass filled with ice.  Garnish with sage, if desired, or lime.  You'll be the star at your party!

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

If you live in the Raleigh area of NC, this is a great opportunity to make a difference and give back to the community.

Serve Dinner at the Men's Shelter this Christmas! with Activate Good

activategood.org

THIS CAN'T BE LOVE

I had a chance to talk the other day with a battered survivor.  Her many visits to the hospital suffering from repeated broken bones, frequent black eyes forcing her to wear makeup, and visions of the dark bruises hidden under long sleeve blouses when she went to work, brought tears to my eyes.  In addition to the physical proof of her pain, every day she was verbally and emotionally degraded, and made to feel less than the wonderful person I know her to be.

Sadly, her cries for help were ignored by her own family, as they demanded that she "deal with it". There were times when she lost all hope of survival. But she did. Despite the odds, she has been delivered from the nightmare, and has started a new life in the culinary field where she and her work are very much appreciated.  How I admire her strength, but more importantly, I'm glad she's alive to tell me her story.

Though we may never hear all of the details, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Domestic Violence includes abusive behavior that becomes progressively worse. (Emotional Abuse, Economic Abuse, or Intimidation.)

Domestic Violence most often occurs between the hours of 6pm to 6am.

Domestic Violence is the 3rd leading cause of homelessness among families.

South Carolina ranks #1 in cases of Domestic Violence and Louisiana is #2.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Domestic Hotline at 800-799-7233, where the phones are covered 24 hours a day.  If you live in NC, call the Domestic Violence Hotline at InterAct: 919-828-7740, and the Sexual Assault Hotline is 919-828-3005.

When you can safely, reach out to someone you trust, or call a crisis hotline.  We want to help you get a second chance at the life you deserve and are meant to have.

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: ROCKIN' RECIPES

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: ROCKIN' RECIPES: PINK GRAPEFRUIT SPARKLERS 1/2 Cup Sugar 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice (From Lemons or Bottle) 3 Cups Fresh Pink Grapefruit Juice (From Medium...

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: ARE YOU WALKING ON EGGSHELLS?

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: ARE YOU WALKING ON EGGSHELLS?: When it comes to emotional abuse, friends and family struggle with the danger involved because there are no visible bruises.  In fact, man...

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: TASTY TIDBITS

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: TASTY TIDBITS: To save money and time, why not send free e-cards for Christmas this year?  www.punchbowl.com and www.egreetings.com .  If you still enjoy m...

TASTY TIDBITS

To save money and time, why not send free e-cards for Christmas this year?  www.punchbowl.com and www.egreetings.com .  If you still enjoy mailing Christmas cards to friends and families, go to www. postable.com and the website actually gets the addresses of all your contacts.  Wow!

Tired of carrying around paper coupons for your savings? Try using the aps: Retailmenot, Coupon Sherpa, or www.couponmountain.com

Alice Cooper, Dan Aykroyd, Spike Lee, Kevin Bacon, Jeff Bridges,  Martin Sheen, Billy Crystal, Rev. T.D. Jakes, Jerry Stiller, Andy Garcia, and Danny DeVito all have this in common.  If you guessed they are happily married to their first and only wives, you'd be correct.

Schwinn Sting Ray bikes - you remember the ones with the cool banana seats - may be worth as much as $1000 in good condition.

Your body burns the same amount of fat whether it's empty or full, but it's better to eat before exercising.

Yep, it's still true.  Drinking green tea 30 minutes before eating causes you to keep your metabolism revved up even you're inactive and you'll lose twice as much weight as those who don't.

Did you know that shopping on Thanksgiving is now called Brown Thursday? (lol)

Best channels to watch holiday family programming?  ABCFamily, UP Channel, Lifetime and the Hallmark Channel. Some are repeats from as far back as 2000, but a lot of the movies are new and really fun.  Every year I still watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Angel in the House,and  A Diva's Christmas Carol which drives my husband bonkers.(lol)  The new ones I enjoy are Let It Snow and Dear Secret Santa.

Try Egg Nog Ice Cream and mix with Egg Nog.  Try Vanilla Ice Cream and mix with Egg Nog.  Both give different flavors you're sure to enjoy.

Thanks to Melissa Fiorenza and Corinne Iozzio for their tips.