Strictly for the Kid ... in you!


Christmas time always takes me back to a time when life was worry free. My biggest concern was trying to figure out what was underneath the tree for me. Did I get what I really wanted?!?!? It truly is the most wonderful time of year simply because it brings back so many wonderful memories. Family, fun, food and the ultimate selflessness time of the year. When I was a kid the joy was in having time off from school, time with the fam and getting a boat load of gifts that I wanted. Now as an adult my joy is in having time off from work to appreciate ALL the things I work so very hard to maintain ... mainly, my family!! Just imagining the looks on my babies' faces is enough to make me run out in Black Friday traffic! I really can not wait for X~mas day even more so than when I was on the receiving end of the gift giving. Now~a~days the newcomers like Spongebob and Dora are what excites the kiddies. But this time of year also takes me back to the classics that always excited me like Dr. Suess and Mickey Mouse. It's hard to imagine myself as a kid when looking at my babies. But it's true ... before the jobs and bills ... we were all worry free kiddies. This year let's take the time to stop and enjoy our biggest and most valuable accomplishments, Family. Read one of your favorites to your children or watch a movie that seemed so real to you when you were a child with yours. Just take yourself out of the hustle of adult life and celebrate the kid that we all have inside of us.


My Fav of all time!

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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!


The tree is up & decorated .... the presents are ready to be wrapped
I just can't wait to see the looks on their faces!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I am Thankful for ...

My life, first and foremost!
My family
Real Love
Peace of Mind
A job that pays the bills
The opportunity to do what I love
and soooooo much more!
IN LIFE SO MUCH IS TAKEN FOR GRANTED.
TAKE THE TIME TO ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE
VS.
WORRYING ABOUT WHAT YOU DON'T.
Remember: All good things in time & patience is a virtue.

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Check out my New Ads!!

What does an aspiring model looking for new leads and a Mommy looking for the perfect gift for her little girl have in common?!?!?!?
They can both find the answer on this site!!!!
Check out the new ads for character jewlryline JewlryLand, TSTP online magazine for models, Scentiments, & Bookspot.com right here on CcDenise.com.
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Meet Cleo & Sasha


Meet the newest members of the Lewis Crew


                                          Cleo                                                                  Sasha

We've actually had the girls for a while and I honestly wouldn't choose any other kind of dog. Rotti's are great with my babies and actually "stand gaurd" whenever a stranger walks by. They're loving, loyal and protective ... luv my b*tches!

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A Woman's Guide to Survival

Hey bloggers!! It's been awhile since my last post. I've been taking some time to clear my mind & gather my thoughts. But, I'm back and you should be reading alot more from me for awhile because there has been a lot running through this mind of mine!!
In the works is a new site I've created specifically for the Young Modern Mommy. I know first hand the struggles of successfully maintaining everything that is important in a mother's life. Taking care of self, while taking care of the family, holding down a job and pursuing passions.
In the meantime, I  want to share this article that was forwarded to me by a friend of mine. All of this is Xtra true. Every woman should take heed and demand the respect they deserve.
 IT'S THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT, LADIES!!!

A Woman's Guide to Survival

10. Be selective in Friendships
Friendship is not a charity, it's a give and take relationship. Your friends should be people you love, admire and respect. Don't be afraid to expand, or change your circle of friends. As you get older, you may head in a different direction than those you once considered your 'BFF'. As you evovle and mature, you may grow apart from friends who no longer fulfill you - it's ok! Hold this person in your heart, but be true to yourself when devoting time, energy and emotion to anyone you seriously consider a 'friend'

9. Re-Invent yourself when Necessary
Self-reinvention is a way to constantly reflect and assess your goals and priorities in your personal, academic and professional life. The concept of self-reinvention allows you to reconsider your lifestyle and, at any given moment, change a particular course of action. The beauty of this process is that you don't have to beat yourself up about behavior you consider undesirable. You should actually feel great that you have enough sense to realize the error of your ways (whatever they may be), and can spontaneously commit to change. Congratulations - you solved a problem!

8. Protect Yourself
HIV/AIDS is the #1 killer of black woman ages of 19-27 in America. You are not corny or lame if you insist on an HIV test before having sex with someone. In fact, you're STUPID to give up responsibility for your health and put your life in someone else's hands.

7. Jealousy is a Wasted Emotion
People who love themselves and recognize their worth are unable to be jealous of others. Why? You should be so preoccupied with loving yourself and changing what you don't like, you have no time to worry about what others are doing. Being jealous of someone is a waste of energy. You cannot control other people and the choices they make, or the luck they have. Weak people let other's circumstances affect their self-love and/or self-worth. Resist the temptation to be envious, as it will get you nowhere. If anything, let other people motivate you to achieve certain goals for yourself.

6. Carry yourself like a Lady
Embrace that which makes you a woman, and by all means, take advantage of the privileges that we have. Force men around you to treat you with the respect they would their mother, aunt or sister. Insist that your doors be opened for you, order your food first in a restaurant, and sit in the front seat if you are the only female in the car. There is nothing wrong with being 'pleasantly demanding'. Along with the privilege of womanhood comes a certain responsibility. Being a true 'lady' means you exhibit manners that would make your grandmother proud, your clothes are tasteful and appropriate for your age and your hair and nails are always clean. These little things make a big difference in how you are viewed by outsiders, and the quality of men that you attract.

5. Keep up with Current Events
Staying in touch with what's going on in the world is very important. Not only is it important to be aware of national and global issues, it makes you a lot more interesting to others because you always have something to talk about. It doesn't take much to watch the news, read the newspaper online, or buy an issue of TIME magazine or Newsweek. Don't forget - parents and teachers are a great source of information on current events, and would love to have a conversation with you about something 'serious'.

4. Travel
Do you have a passport? If not, get one. Before you are saddled with the resposibiliteis of a job and a family {Cc Note: or after the kids are out of the house!}, take advantage of your freedom and travel. Instead of buying a new outfit, buy a plane ticket. See other parts of the world and observe other cultures. More importantly, have fun! Plan a trip with a friend to a social event in another city, a beach island, or a city in a foreign country. Capture your memories with photos, in a diary or a blog. You will cherish them forever.

3. Be Proud to be Black
{Cc Note: Whatever culture you are, be proud. Everyone has something special to offer}
Black culture and heritage is based on strength, preseverance, and rich talents. You should have an overwhelming sense of cultural pride - as black people, we are very special. Don't ever feel as if you aren't equal to another person simply because you're black. If you have any question as to the importance of black people in our society, or how smart beautiful, talented, funny and fascinating we are, start reading. Watch old movies. Read plays. Go see plays. Buy tickets for dance and musical performances. Seek opportunities to study academic topics involving, or related to, black people. Talk to your relatives that lived through some of the historical events you've heard about. Get on the Internet and study people with whom you're familiar. Keep in mind, black pride doesn't mean exclusion of others. It is most impressive when you seek to educate other cultures about the beauty and greatness of being black.

2. Have a Cause
As long as you're here, it is your duty as a human being to help make the world a better place. Let your natural talents and passion lead you to an issue that keeps your attention, and to which you can commit your time and money. Get involved with groups that already exist. If your particular cause is new or unique, start your own group and make your friends join. Helping others is an easy way to feel good about yourself, and invest in the future of your community.


1. Love Yourself
This is #1 and most important, yet challenging, mission to accomplish. Self-love is critical to survival at any age, and may be quite a personal journey. Loving yourself means recognize, developing and honoring a sense of self-worth. Loving yourself means you have zero tolerance for anyone or anything that doesn't love you and respect you. Love yourself also means you must treat yourself well, simply because no one else will do it for you.
Cc Note: There you have it ladies, our very own blue print. It seems hella easy while reading but I know first hand that it's a constant work in progress to become the woman you want to be. It's not impossible, though.



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LADY LUMPS

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK FOR LUMPS LADIES ....

REMEMBER:

EARLY DECTECTION IS THE KEY TO SURVIVING BREAST CANCER!!!!!!


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SAVE LIDS TO SAVE LIVES!!!!

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month , Breast Cancer Survivors, & Everyone who has fallen victim to Breast Cancer either by loosing their own battle or loosing someone close ...

I AM SAVING LIDS TO HELP SAVE LIVES

To join the cause send your cleaned lids to

SAVE LIDS TO SAVE LIVES

PO BOX 42074

EL PASO, TX 88542-0704

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RECESSION PROOF FUN FOR THE KIDDIES

Yes, we all know that times are hard right now , but the kiddies shouldn't have to suffer because of it. There is always something for them to do, and you'd better find a way because they will SERIOUSLY drive you crazy. Here are 10 ways to make sure they get your money's worth of fun during these economically stressful days ...

*Drive in movies*
It usually costs about $4 for adults and kids are free. You can take your own food. PLUS, once they fall asleep {and you know they will} they are already comfortable in their car seats, no lugging required.

*Picnic in the park*
Beautiful view & room to run around ... need I say more.

*Backyard sprinkler fun*
You can set up a slip & slide, usually about $10 or use your sprinkler system at home. If you pay for water you can easily set up a little kiddie pool.

*Take a walk*
Relieve your stress while exhausting their energy. Win, win situation.

*Library*
You can attend Children author readings or create your own by using the audio/book sets in the kid section.

*Arts & Crafts*
Put together puzzles, make bird houses using ice cream sticks, make a mural with washable paint, or create decorations for the holidays. The list goes on and on. See your local craft store for more ideas.

*Train ride*
My family & I recently tried this one for the first time, and I def recommend it. It's was $5 each for the Hubby & I and kids ride free. The kids were glued to the window as all the scenery zoomed by. Of course, everything is a competition, so they tried to beat each other yelling out what they recognized. They had a blast and went straight to bed when we got home. ;-) You see my pics from that trip here.

*Wii*
My 3 year old plays better than everyone in the house, so it's def kid friendly. We love it, and it really does take up a lot of time once you get wrapped up in it. Some options include family bowling night, boxing night, baseball night ... we even have a puzzle game that we can use our own pictures on.

*Bake together*
Kids love to help out and they will love to decorate and eat the frosting!!

*Let the kids chose an activity*
You'd be surprised what kids come up with to do. Have you ever watched your children play?? They can seriously go all day doing the most basic activities, and have a blast while doing it. Trust that you will be exhausted but you will laugh none stop!!!

Feel free to post any of your own ideas or your experiences using the ones I've posted!!!

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Accept it & move the f**k on

Obviously, age has absolutely nothing to do with maturity level. At what point do you grow up and realise that your life is you own and that no one, except you can hold you back. Whatever it is that you feel is stopping you from being the person you want to be ... accept it for what it is and keep moving forward. It can only win if you dwell on it. Life is about so much more than your past.

It's no one elses fault that you can't get your life together.
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First Name
Email

FLY ABOVE ...

... is definitely the new Anthem
Cause "you ain't doin nothin' if you don't have haters" ~ Kandi

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Senseless ... R.I.P A.J

It really just seems like sooo many people are dying this year. It's very sad and I want to send my condolenses out to everyone who has ever lost someone they care about.

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Your Career vs. Your Job

The difference between your job and your career is very simple .... what you do to make money vs. what you do to make you happy. During these trying times it is imperative that you have some type of stable income coming in at all times. That's where the job comes in. Doing something that you wouldn't neccesarily want to do in order to keep the bills up to date. NOW, while financial stability is definitely a top priority, it should never be the your only priority. Staying true to who you are is the basic element in attaining & maintaining true happiness in your life. If you aren't happy with yourself, it's IMPOSSIBLE to be happy with or for anyone else. Doing what you love is something that you should never loose sight of, even if that passion can't completely cover all the bills right now. Make time to do whatever it is that you love, and that JOB won't seem so dreadful for the meantime because it isn't stopping you from being what you want to be. Look at it as a stepping stone ... so many people start off with the right idea and then begin to feel trapped within their surroundings. Feeling like there is no way out, so you complain while remaining complacent. DON'T. It is a trap within itself. If you think that this is it ... guess what?!?!? It is. Nothing will ever be able to hold you back unless you allow it to. In due time that passion will turn into more, simply because you get in what you put out.

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Can't wait ...

I know this CD will get some non-stop action round my way ....

... this fellow **Taurean** never lets me down ... love her!!!

Already can't get 'Fly Above' out my head ;-)

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NO WAY IN HELL ...

... IS THIS A COINCIDENCE
CAN'T KNOCK THE HUSTLE THOUGH ;-)



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Fam Pics

The Hubby & I decided to take the kiddies on their very first train ride yesterday. They had a blast trying to call out everything they recognized outside the window while on the train. We rode up to WPB, where one of my Besties stay. Did a little eating, site seeing, & shopping. Here are some of the pics for your veiwing pleasure ...








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Just wanted to share ...


Sooo, I've been floating on cloud 9 lately ...
Everything seems to be going awesomely {don't care if it's not really a word!} in every aspect of my life.

The family ... Awesome!
The job ... Double Awesome!!
The career ... Triple Awesome!!!
I really couldn't be happier right now, and I'm continously planting seeds to continue to get closer to my goals. No amount of hating could interfer with my vibe, right now. I'm happy, just wanted to share ... ;-)

... updates coming soon ...
Job vs. Career ... and why you need both for now.
Family Outing Pics
Family fun on a budget
TTGRT Update

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TTGRT Update ...

... Ummmm, let's just say I need a do-over ...

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WTF Did they think he was gonna do?!?!?!?

I love Beyonce ... I love Taylor Swift .... I love Kanye ... I even love Amber Rose ...

...but this was just hilarious!!!!!!

WTF did MTV think he was gonna do when they pulled this stunt AND seated Kanye near the front stage?!?!?!?

I personally think they wanted the drama ... why else would they re-hire that British guy???
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Remembering ...

... the the victims of 9/11 on the 8th anniversary of this great tragedy.



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Give-a-way chances & more!!!!

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QUESTION OF THE DAY ...

WHY do guys that cheat get mad when they find out that their girl is cheating, also????
Did REALLY not expect it {or understand it}?!?!?!?
I need some outside input to understand this shit ... and I'll elaborate later ;-)
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Ms. Keri, baby ...

Wow ... I know I'm late as ALL hell, but I am literally in love with 'A Perfect World'. I've actually had it for a long while, but only listened to the songs that I knew from the radio. The songs I had already fallen for, but had grown tired of hearing .... so, in the case the cd went until recently I needed something to take my mind off the mundane & boring that is my day job. I decided to give the rest of the cd a chance and what do I get ... a blast from the damn past!! I swear I can only currently relate to one song ... Make Love, cause that's how I've been feelin' lately about my Honey bunz. But when I tell you, at some point in time I've felt every single damn thing this Chick is singing about ... it is really crazy. I think she's been reading ALL of my damn journals!!! CRAZY. But I love her for it. Just revisiting without actually having to go that crazy shit, is kinda nice. I'm definitely in my zone with Ms. Keri. Don't change me, Tell him the truth, Where'd you go, Alienated, Intuition, Energy ... My whole damn life story right there.

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