A Living Donor by way of Giving Care
by mitzimsa on February 8, 2015
A Care Giver is a Living Donor
Every time I see or hear the words “Living Donor” it causes me to pause. This phrase has become a part of my world which I hear much to often being a wife of a dialysis patient awaiting a transplant. A Living Donor is not only a person that gives an organ for transplant but a Care Giver as myself falls into the same category, if you ask me. So with that being said, I turned to Webster to define this single use coined phrase.
living: not dead : having life : currently active or being used : having the form of a person who is alive.
do·nor: a person or group that gives something (such as money, food, or clothes) in order to help a person or organization.
“LIVING DONOR” A COINED PHRASE
When most think of a donor they think of organs being donated by a person that has met their demise and or someone that has decide to donate an organ while living to save the life of a love one or person in need.
It’s hard for people to understand that a coined phrase can be coined for more than one person, group of people and or thing. As Care Givers we may not be coming forth with an organ but we have made a conscious decision in life to give, contribute, and remain currently active in the receivers life.
Care Givers are givers that contribute to the wellbeing and good health of our love one’s. Some take on the roll as their choice of employment because they like to care for sick people. Either way Care Givers are supporters of the patient, we manage a patients medical care in hope of preserving the quality of life and longevity of another human being. The next time you hear or see the phrase “Living Donor” take a moment and think of all the women and men that….
GIVE OF OUR LIVES TO ENRICH THE LIVES OF OTHERS!
Saggy Boobs – Gravity Can’t Take All The Blame
by mitzimsa on February 2, 2015
Its inevitable your boobs will sag sooner or later!
If your heavy like me take all the precaution you can, very small breasted women (ballerina types) need not worry!!
One of many definitions I found for sagging is “hanging down”. We think of sagging as drooping or sinking from weight or pressure. This I can truly relate too! Then there’s the God awful sighting of pants hanging off someone behind giving a clear view of their underwear and hopefully not their ass-et! But, when it comes to sagging boobs there are a few other culprits besides menopause and gravity that contribute to the SAGGING BOOBS!
Boobs Up Boobs Down Like A Yo-Yo
I’m not a fad dieter but I do yo-yo diet based on how I’m feeling – I never knew this would contribute to sagging boobs. Since skin loses elasticity when it’s stretched…that stretch, shrink, stretch, shrink syndrome leads to sagging due to boobs being made up of mostly fat. Most women lose and gain weight in their boob area first!
Barricade The Boobs
I know most of you are not working that sunscreen the way you should – Put sunscreen on all skin that will be exposed during the day. In the warmer months be sure you cover the skin left exposed while sporting those skimpy tanks, tees and sundresses. No need in letting the Suns UV Rays turn your boobs into wilted flowers!
Smoke Up Boobs Down
What’s in a puff of smoke? Sagging boobs…smoking breaks down the Elastin in your skin. Elastin is a protein in connective tissue that is elastic and allows tissues in the boobs to resume their shape after stretching or contracting and allows the skin when poked or pinched to return to its original position and keep its youthful appearance. Take the plunge and do the poked pinch test.
Boob Hydration
Not trying to create a flotation device but the lack of water will cause not only the skin on your face to appear dull, rough, and shrunken. Lack of water in your diet will shrink the appeal of your décolletage remember boobs are skin too! Drink Up Ladies!!
Put your boobs through a work out
Protect and use your Cooper’s Ligaments, these are the ligaments inside the breast…when thinking of this ligament the phrase “Use it or lose it” rings true. The gentle bouncing of breasts when you walk and move can help these ligaments stay in tip top shape. I’m guessing that boobs were meant to have a little jiggle and wiggle! Ladies just remember to don the sports bra when working out. I’m left thinking Motionless Boobs equals Boob Job!!!
GMC Denali Slayed The Storm
by mitzimsa on January 21, 2015
Sexy Red Denali
Its girl’s night out! We loaded up in the GMC Acadia Denali and hit the 91 Hwy East to Pala Casino Spa & Resort. As the driver, I set back listen to the conversation going on in the cab, joined in when needed and interjected many comments about traffic conditions. Even though in bumper to bumper traffic I was happy with the glide of the ride in this vehicle. The 4-way power seat adjustment and lumbar provided unbelievable comfort in the driver’s seat. I must say the driver alert monitors kept me in check and when I caught a chill (little cold snap in So. Cal at the moment) I hit the seat warmer and melted into the leather.
We all speculated what could be the cause of the backup of traffic. In my mind I could hear the voices of the husbands that had warned us that it was getting to late for us to get on the road. Now, we’re all big girls and can take care of ourselves so we brushed off what they had to say and hit the road anyway. I’m sure by now you problem think that we’re a bunch of crazy women on our way to let loose on the slots and tables have a few drinks and just let the good times roll…well your mostly right the main reason for our visit was to take part in the all you can eat Lobster/Crab Buffet gambling was just a bonus. This buffet will make you eat yourself into a food coma this is food porn at its best! Loll
The traffic started to get us all in a tizzy when it looked as if we might not make it in time for this food extraganiza. We all knew the hours of the buffet where from 4-9 and the GPS Navigator had estimated the arrival time to be 8:05 pm. Questions started to come to mind like, “what time do they close the line?” and “how much time will they allow you to eat? (remember it’s an all you can eat)” a call to the casino was in order. Once they put our minds at ease that as long as we were in line before the 9:00 pm cut off we would be able to satisfy our seafood addiction!
Back to the smooth riding Denali!
As the traffic cleared and gave room for Sexy Red (my nick name for the Denali) to put her V6 to the test. She took each and every bump and curve in the road with ease, why one tap of the accelerator pushed her to 70mph in a matter of seconds and the On Star Navigation highlighted the decrease in time of arrival to our destination. As the night sky begin to fall Sexy Red gave off a red glow with the illumination of the inside instrument panels. Before we could blink we rolled up the side of the mountain and received a welcome from the Valet of the Pala Casino Spa and Resort!
All that can be said about buffet, is you should have been the fly on the wall when it came to the conversation at the dinner table. Once we took our place at the slots it was bright lights dancing & flashing at the tune of the bells and whistles…but that’s definitely a subject for another article.
Time To Put The Big Sexy Red Denali Back On The Road
To my surprise it’s 2:30 in the morning and not one call from the husbands! What pulled us away from the slots and led us back on the road was an overheard conversation that it had started to SNOW. SNOW? Apparently the cold snap had turned into a full on winter storm with blizzard conditions (remember I live in LA)!
This information had one of the passengers a little freaked out, and for good reason. When we stepped outside the casino the cold smacked me right up side my head as the wind gave a moment of levitation and a jolt of adrenaline that coffee could never match. If you’re a Cali Girl and have not had exposed to driving in these conditions it will give you a scare weather you’re the driver or not. This Iowa born and bred girl had not one worry, why with my experience driving in these conditions and the Stabilitrak-Stability Control System with Traction Control we would slay this snow storm.
Waiting for Sexy Red seemed like forever in the freezing temps. When she arrived I hoisted myself up on that assist step and practically dove into the driver’s seat made all the usual adjustments for a comfortable drive and was on my way!
Snow, where is the snow? Yes, I thought I was in Alaska due to the cold but this wasn’t snow it was rain or sleet which I usually reference to as hell snow for Los Angeles which sometime comes during a heavy rain storm. But, as we moved down the mountain the rain started to take on a familiar slant and started to stick to the ground. Aww there it is…the SNOW! Personally I was type excited to see the white stuff!! We were passing by vehicles that had not been as lucky as us to be in such a well-equipped piece of machinery that was able to keep us safe and sound as we traveled the white covered slippery road.
Hell Snow? NO IT’S SNOW!!
View From The Denali
Those All-Season Blackwall Wheels took on that slipper road like a champ the heated chrome mirrors along with the defrost system kept every angle clear for my viewing of the road conditions. The XM had been set on a smooth jazz station that kept everyone at ease while I griped the leather wrapped steering wheel and took it nice and easy. Once all the passengers had confidence in Sexy Red and I the ride became even more enjoyable under the conditions. With the relaxation conversation became light with no fear, cameras came out for snap shots and video and the built in Hotspot went into use for posting on social media. By the time we arrived back in Los Angeles ready to snuggle in our beds and give our husbands an update on the road trip Instagram had already told the story
GMC, that Acadia FWD Denali is one hell of a ride!
Compton Christmas Parade & More 2014
by mitzimsa on December 15, 2014
Christmas In Compton
The Christmas Holiday activities are off and running in The City of Compton California!
I was so please when I learned that the Compton Christmas Parade would be held this year! I dusted off my lawn chair and claimed my spot on Compton Blvd midday on a Saturday morning and settled in for a good time. Once the parade got underway my companion was a little taken aback by the knowledge of the city and people that I have come to know in Compton. You see my companion was born and bred in this great city of Compton and has always shared her knowledge of Compton facts with me. She could not believe that I knew people by name and they knew me as well as the fact that I was able to give her the “tea” (info) as she puts it on the happening of the city. Here are a few pictures just so you can see all the fun you missed…hope to see you next year!
Compton Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 15, 2014 @ 5:30 p.m.
Compton City Hall Lobby
205 South Willowbrook Avenue
Compton, California 90220
Jolly Old St. Nick will ‘Deck the Hall’ with his Holiday Cheer!
We’ve been told his elves are hard at work and that there may be some goodies!
~Light Refreshments & Entertainment~
2nd Annual Miracle On Oaks St. Holiday Give-A-Way
December 18, 2014 @ 6:00 p.m.
Free Toys. Food. Games. Music & A Special Appearance of Santa Clause and Compton Native DJ Quick
Cesar Chavez Park
1812 Santa Fe Ave.
Compton, CA 90221
A Classical Christmas Concert
Presented to you by the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra
December 19, 2014 @ 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Dollarhide Community Center
301 N. Tamarind Avenue
Compton, CA 90221
Special Guest Performance by American Idol Finalist Jacob Lusk
Please bring a toy valued at $10.00 unwrapped to be given to a needy child of the community.
A Toy Is Not Required To Attend
For Tickets Contact: 310-605-5688 or Anton Blakey 310-605-5662
Compton Winter Wonderland Toy Give Away
December 20, 2014 @ 11 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Dollarhide Community Center
301 N. Tamarind Avenue
Compton, CA 90221
Trees will also be available for give away!
If you would like to drop off a toy for this event, please do so at the following locations:
Compton City Hall
205 S. Willowbrook Ave.
Compton, CA
SEIU Local 721
1545 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
For more information on this event (323) 472-0442
“PRAYER FOR PEACE”
Leaders + Churches +Residents
A Monthly Gathering Every 4th Monday of the month
MLK Monument – Compton City Hall
205 Willowbrook Ave.
Compton, CA 90222
ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON!!!
Simon Del Amo Fashion Center Mall “Spread Love for the Holidays”
by mitzimsa on December 5, 2014
Simon says “Spread Love for the Holidays”
Now that Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday have all come and gone the holiday season is in full swing at Simon Del Amo Fashion Center Mall. Come one and all the joy and magic of the holiday season has begun. The Carolers are caroling and strolling the mall and Jazz by Ricky Sims on various dates oh joy to the world and what fun can be had by the big and small!
The Salvation Army has a Giving Tree with angles dangling and flying high on the tree in the breeze. This is a wonderful way to make another person’s season bright pick up an angle and give it flight. The wings will tell you what the wish may be go ahead fulfill the wish and see how happy you’ll be! Now through December 12th.
Explore What Simon Del Amo Fashion Center Mall Has In Store For The Holiday
Simon Santa Photo Experience is sponsored by Gymboree and that’s where you’ll find all of your Festive Fashion Favorites for your children to shine with glee. Children can be photographed with Santa every day until December 24 so hurry in, for your photo of the starry eyed wee ones! You can reserve your magical moment with Santa online.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Sit down and dine with Santa on December 6 it’s all happening at the Lazy Dog Restaurant, and it’s an exclusive event. This event is for Kidgits members and you must reserve your place click the link above, become a member and register for this very important date.
LUCKY SHOPPERS WILL FEEL THE LOVE
December 6 is a big day at Simon Del Amo Fashion Center. as if having breakfast with Santa isn’t enough they may spread a little LOVE your way…randomly selected shoppers will be presented with two free Simon gift cards – one to keep, and one to pay forward to a fellow shopper! Holiday Magic!
A VETERANS DAY MESSAGE
by mitzimsa on November 11, 2014
YOUR SERVICE ALLOWS OUR FLAG TO
STAND PROUD AND TALL!!
Veterans Day: This is one of the many reason why I’m grateful for the position I hold at 20th Century Fox. It’s true all that glitters is not gold but in my case, entering into the gates of make believe on a daily basis and getting a check it’s pure joy!
As always there’s a lot that goes on around here on the Fox Lot… there’s the actual work that I’m hired to do and then there’s; filming, screenings, scoring, volunteer work, amazing opportunities to see who knows who, show characters running around and since I’m in the music department a show case or two. It’s all in a day on the Fox Lot!!
The Service Of Veterans Is Why I’m Proud To Say
“I’m An American” On Veterans Day!
As today is Veterans Day it will not go unnoticed on the Fox Lot! All employees were invited to come visit, sign and or leave a message of appreciation to our troops overseas on the FOX “GRATITUDE WALL.” As well as drop off a donation of children socks that will be sent to military families by our partners at the USO!
Thank you, Fox Audience Strategy for creating conversations, engaging communities, building audiences and for offering the opportunity to acknowledge are service men and women that serve and protect the honor of the USA!
To each and every Veteran and all service men and women, THANK YOU!!!
Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe
by mitzimsa on October 28, 2014
SHORT RIBS in Red Wine Gravy Reduction Nestled on a pillow of Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This Sunday I want something I can plate in one dish!
It’s autumn the season that puts me in the mood for stick to your ribs type of meals! After all I’m an Iowa Gal who lives in LA but can’t get away from what I’ve always known to eat in the fall and winter months.
Since it cooled down a little this weekend (77 degrees) it was the right time for me to hop over to Bristol Farms pick up 4 lbs. of nice meaty bone in short ribs, made a bee line to the kitchen to prepare Sunday Dinner. I pulled out the Ninja 3-in-1 Cooking System and started pots ta clickin!!
INGREDIENTS
6 to 8 meaty beef short ribs, bone-in, about 3 to 4 pounds
Be sure to season your meat on all sides (don’t forget the ends), before browning!
salt and pepper or seasoning of your choice.
(you see a few of my choice seasonings pictured).
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
4 small or 3 medium cloves garlic, sliced
1/4 cups dry red wine
1 1/2 cups chicken stock or broth
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
1 bay leaf
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the short ribs and cook for about 10 minutes, turning to brown all 4 sides. Remove from skillet to the slow cooker.
*Side Note* – You can brown your meat in the Ninja, it has a stove top feature. I just wanted to use the iron today!
Add the celery, green bell pepper, onion, and garlic, bay leaf on top of short ribs in the slow cooker. Add ½ chicken stock/broth ½ water to just cover the ribs. Cook over medium heat, until ribs start to become tender. Add the red wine, 1/2- 3/4 cup of chicken stock/broth, gravy thicking agent and the thyme. Hold on to the additional chicken stock/broth to thin or make more gravy. Bring the mixture to a full boil. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until very tender.
Remove the short ribs to a serving bowl or platter and keep warm. At this point they will have separated from the bones, discard those old bones!
Strain the cooking liquids and discard the solids. Skim fat from the juices (use a gravy separator if possible). Add the juices to a medium saucepan. Bring to a full boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and continue boiling for about 5 minutes, or until reduced by about one-third to one-half, or to about 2- 3 cups of sauce.
Pour the sauce over the short ribs and serve immediately, or place back in the slow cooker and keep warm until serving time.
Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
I choose to serve my short ribs over a pillow of garlic mashed potatoes and buttered corn cut off the cob! Stay turned…since both of the side dishes are staples in my house I’m sure the recipes will be on the blog soon! Get those pots to clickin!!
Serves 4 to 6.
40th Anniversary: Mel Brooks Young Frankenstein!
by mitzimsa on October 23, 2014
WOW!! It’s the 40th Anniversary of Mel Brooks Young Frankenstein!
Over the last couple of weeks members of the paint department have been feverishly sketching and painting a mural on the back side of Stage 5. As employees whenever we see a mural project go in to action we start to play a guessing game. We take breaks during the week just to stop by to see the progress and put our own current assessment on what or who this tribute will be dedicated to.
A CELEBRATION IN HONOR OF MEL BROOKS
Now that the mural has been completed and the celebration has been planed the BIG REVEAL DAY is here! In Celebration of Comedy Legend Mel Brooks a mural pays tribute to Young Frankenstein. Stage 5 happens to be where the comedy was originally filmed.
The mural is bigger than life which matches Mel Brooks personality to a T, not only was there a mural dedication but a street as well. Avenue G is no more… it’s now and forever more known as Mel Brooks Boulevard!
http://youtu.be/ujxGWc5bSJU
When Mel Brooks entered through the door of Brain Depositary which happens to be within the mural the crowd went crazy. Mr. Brooks waved and did what he does best, cracked a few jokes in reference to the crowd! Mel, is no stranger on the Fox Lot, he stops by the Fox Dining Room often for lunch and is very personable and witty to anyone who speaks! The mural and the boulevard have been along time coming but we’re so glad your here!!
Just another wonderful day on the Twentieth Century Fox Lot!
Beauty Shopping DIY = The Shopping Block!
by mitzimsa on October 22, 2014
REFINERY29 & SIMON BRINGS THE SHOPPING BLOCK TO CALI!
There’s not many things that can get me out of the house early Saturday morning with the exception of Shopping! I was on my way to The Shopping Block. An off the chart shopping experience made for a girl like me! Simon’s Brea Mall here I come!!
No line at the valet, I suddenly knew it was going to be a good day!
Staged in the middle of the lower level of the Brea Mall was an interesting neon lit block shaped structure. It attracted me instantly and drew me in like a magnet, DANG NABBIT; I had to slow my roll it had not yet opened for business. A little tell tell sign that I was very excited… I was one of the first to arrive at the event The Shopping Block , that’s a first for me!!
Just adjacent to the glowing structure The Shopping Block, set a VIP Lounge. As I indulged in gourmet coffee and treats I took a few moments to peek through the swag bag that included a gift card from Forever 21. To passing by shoppers the lounge drew as much attention as The Shopping Block itself! “Talk about Royal Treatment, this afternoon gets better and better!”
IT’S TIME TO SHOP THE BLOCK!
DJ Lola Langusta kicked the beats and it was time for the pop-up shop The Shopping Block to pop into action. The first few minutes had been set aside for the invited guest. The host gave some insight to the collaboration between Refinery29 and Simon Malls who joined forces to bring the Millennials back into the mall. This partnership came about to encourage one to curate their style through online and retail experiences. In this instance Millennial is not describe by age but, current fashion, style and trends of this millennium!
Define Your Personal Style At The Shopping Block
Beauty Bars – Makeup Artist from MAC and Urban Decay gave mini makeovers showcasing their new lines and fall colors.
DIY Station – An opportunity to show your personal style through design. Tote Bags and an array of bling, ribbon and things supplied by Refinery29 set waiting for you to let your creativity flow!
Indie Boutiques – Lined The Shopping Block, Independent Designs have always been a driving force in defining personal style. Items on hand for purchase included jewelry, tattoo body jewelry, handbags, sunglasses, headbands and more. Accessories are a staple when creating your personal stand out style!
SHOP. EAT. PLAY THE DAY AWAY
The Shopping Block, was an afternoon to remember. Although the block packed their bags and moved on to the next block party you can still shop your block off. Why not kick off your fall shopping at Simon’s Brea Mall! With 175 specialty shops and 4 major department stores you will find all you need to complete your personal style for every season!
20th Century Fox Movie Releases – October 17th
by mitzimsa on October 16, 2014
This should be a big box office weekend for 20th Century Fox, Searchlight Pictures and Regency Enterprises with the release of two well anticipated movies! Both releases will keep you well entertained…see you at the movies!
20th Century Fox, Searchlight Pictures and Regency Enterprises Presents: BIRDMAN
The opening scene of a man levitating in his underwear with his back to the audience and speaking of the room smelling of balls, gave cause to worry. This black comedy was off to a great start, with the portrayal of a washed up iconic superhero actors attempt to revive his career and become relevant once again. He takes to Broadway, encounters many struggles while getting the play to opening night. On the cusp of the plays success his entire life goes into a tail spin. Very thought provoking.
20th Century Fox Presents: THE BOOK OF LIFE
This predicable animated love story, opens with children in a museum which sets the stage for a colorful and vibrant education and first encounter of the Latin American Cultural Tradition; Day of the Dead. This adventurous fantasy of All Souls Day celebrates the passing of life and teaches that love ones remain alive as long as they remain in your heart. This message may be hard for young children to follow. But the story of 2 men buying for the affection of their true love becomes entwined with the message, and that’s a story we all know to well!
Hollywood has added magic, wonder and music to a subject that is mournful and complex. The treat of this movie is the color, excitement and visual flair throughout which leaves you feeling as if you just busted open the piñata on your birthday!
Both movies open at a theater new you on Friday October 17th!
