Whatchu Doin Wednesday | Making folks feel great

It’s so close to Christmas I can’t even believe it.  I really have not been much into the Holiday spirit until yesterday when I planned a Christmas dinner for the employees at work.  Sharing smiles and “Merry Christmas” with over 500 employees and their families was just heartwarming.  So I decided I wanted that feeling to continue throughout the rest of the Holiday season.  I will be practicing Random Acts of Kindness until Christmas Day and would love for all of my fans to join me.  It’s really simple and doesn’t have to be extravagant at all.  Here is my Day 1 RAK:
 

These cookies from Starbucks are a Random Act of Kindness themselves.

One of my daughter’s teachers has just been awesome this year so giving her this note is really the least I can do.  Now it’s your turn.  Go out there and practice some random acts of kindness and be sure to tag me in your pics.  (IG, Twitter and FB @curvymomager) Yep I wanna share all the amazingness with the world, I'll share my favorites on Christmas.  Remember it doesn’t have to be anything big and don’t be shy about taking a pic, it’s all for the greater good.  I met the gentleman that actually started the Random Acts of Kindness movement and he told me, “No act is ever to small and should be shared to let others know that humankind really has a heart.”

Headed out to be kind,

 Curvy Momager

Moment In Life Monday | I am Beyonce well....

a girl can dream can't she.  Seriously tho who knew?  Somebody had to know all this fabulousness she is calling a Visual CD was coming out.  Sensual, dark, slow, mysterious are words I'd use to describe the self entitled music so I guess that Friday the 13th was the perfect release date.  So yep this Moment in Life in Monday is dedicated to Queen/King Bey for giving us some newness...hardest working chick in the game.  No dis to the other fabulous Divas but ya'll gotta admit she knocked it to the moon on this.

Top Five Favs

1.  Drunk in Love - that video is on repeat on the iPad
2.  Jealousy - the words
3.  Grown Woman - been waiting for this to be released since the Super Bowl last year
4.  Partition - um....I knowing a little bit more about Bey and Jay's bedroom antics than I might want too.
5.  Flawless - I woke up like this (Ha, sure did!)

Thankful Thursdays | Celebrities that....

I so heart when celebrities use their status for good.  Kevin Hart posted on IG a photo from The RobinHood Project to Cease the Gunfire between gangs between now and Christmas day.  So many senseless deaths have occurred this year that rapper, The Game founder of The RobinHood project started this initiative.  So seriously sad that this is necessary but really glad that so many like Kevin and Khloe Kardashin are spreading the word.  Please pray that this can carry on long after Christmas and that more senseless deaths of children caught in the crossfire are stopped.

Please visit the IG account @therobinhoodproject to find out more about other goodness The RobinHood Project is doing and spread the word!

Thankfully,


Curvy Momager

Whatchu Doin Wednesdays | The Unselfie

Now is it unselfish to take a photo of...yourself...doing an act of kindness and post it on social media?  Hmmm.....  Something about that just doesn't seem, well, err quite right.  Tons of celebs and fabulous everdayers are doing just that though.  Each Tuesday you'll see post on your local IG feed of people doing "selfless acts" and spreading them in hopes of going viral.  Yeah I know you all are saying in your head, "This chick shares her entire life on SM." so I see how people want to spread their good works but don't pretend that it's unselfish to do so.  Call a spade a spade.  One goodie from it however is that it will hopefully catch on and the act of volunteering or practicing random kindness will be the real benefit of going viral.  And that is the real story here.  As a matter of fact many non-profit organizations are benefiting by these post and tons of #moneyisbeingdonated. (How'd you like that hashtag? :))  

Photo cred: meltybuzz.fr

So go ahead next Tuesday and posterize yourself for something other than that OOTD and show us how you unselfie yourself by tagging @curvymomager in your post.

Moment in Life Monday | When raising children

As you all know I've been doing a bit of reading lately and I picked up an old book and dusted it off, exactly as i am by Shaun Robinson.  It's a collection of short stories from well known women about what it takes to believe in yourself.

The story by Gabrielle Union caught my attention.  She stressed that as a child she grew up and her parents always were pushing her to be better than she was.  A straight A student was being pushed to get A pluses and questioned as to why she missed one question on a test.  These accusations only made her feel more insecure around her peers that were seriously excelling.  These feelings of course affected her self esteem causing her to question herself while growing up.

After reading this story I really saw myself in her parents.  I can recall telling The Phenom, yeah you made that three pointer but if you'd made that free throw.  Or mentioning to The Mogul, well you know if you'd started on that project last week you probably would have gotten an A.  Ahh parenting, there is no manual.  Yes, of course I want them to always be the best in what they do but dang when they are trying their hardest I might just be kicking them in the gut.  Breathe Momager breathe!  I mean look how Gabby turned out but reading her journey made me think about some of my parenting skills.  Maybe a little bit of listening and less judgement might be a better approach.  I would hate for these lil people to regret me one day.  It's such a balancing act but raising these well-rounded kids that are doing great and if I don't say it enough I'm proud of you guys and you're doing amazing and accomplishing wonderful things.

Maybe we should take a minute and tell our kids just how amazing they are!

If you haven't read the book by Robinson click on the video below on the book from YouTube.

Stay strong Momagers,



Curvy Momager

Watchu Doin Wednesdays | Reading

All of my readers out there I'm looking for a good, no let's make that a GREAT book to read.  I'm in the midst of finishing Blog, Inc. and about to order a book from one of my IG friends Jermaine Smith A Piece of Me but after that I'll be looking for something to fill my Holiday vacation time with.  Here are a few suggestions I've seen as I was "stalking" some of my social media friends feeds.

1.  The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

2.  Chore Whore by Heather Howard

3.  Real Money Answers for Every Woman by Patrice Washington


Let me know if you have any more suggestions and if you've read any of the books recommended above.  Gotta stay up on what's good!

 
 
 

Oh if you are interested in some Frugal Twitter Fun tomorrow check out the Twitter Chat with Tiffany The Budgetnista and some of her other guru financial chicks. 

Catch ya lata,


Curvy Momager

Moment In Life Monday | So I was on vacation and...

Yeah like I really enjoyed my Thanksgiving vacation a LOT and got no work done at all.  Wow I guess I needed it.  I hope each of you had a wonderful Turkey Day as well.  Back tomorrow with Tequila Talk Tuesday and BOY do I have a topic for you!  Enjoy the Thanksgiving Afterglow and be sure to check Facebook and IG tomorrow. 

In case you don't have the social media info here it is:

www.facebook.com/curvymomager

@curvymomager on IG

Toodles,

Curvy Momager

Whatcu Doin' Wednesdays | Curvy Momager Approved

Here's what I'm up to......

So excited to be working with some fabulous brands to get their products out to the masses.  Please look for some really cool products to be featured on the blog and be sure to try them and give me your feedback.  This is total AWESOMESAUCE!


When you see this image you'll know that I'm giving my stamp of approval.  If you have brands that you'd like me to test for you or if you have a new product/service that you'd like for me to review please send me an email to curvymomager.inquiries@gmail.com.

Back to chasing the dream,



Curvy Momager

Moment In Life Monday | Sister Save A Lot

I had almost forgotten that my good girlfriend Antoinette Peterson was in this months’ Essence Magazine, yes with Gabi on the cover.  I was flipping through the pages and BAM her bright smiley face met me on page 108 in the Work & Wealth section.  Antoinette and I go waaaay back to when Erika and I started doing guest appearances on Cocktails and Conversation radio.  She was one of our first and most memorable guests.  At the time she had already stared on a coupon reality TV show, Extreme Couponing  and was developing her Sister Save A Lot brand.  At 32, she’s had a heck of a year!  I think this is her 3^rd magazine appearance of 2014 and at least  2 national TV spots featured her.  Hello Dr. Oz!!!  The most wonderful thing about her brand is that she not only is using it to teach families about saving at the grocery store but about living a more economical lifestyle or what I like to call Ballin’ on a Budget!  Although she and I are pretty tight I promise you I’ve got lots

Photo from Essence Magazine December 2013

to learn from her and thankfully she is a wealth of information.   Her advice on Holiday shopping really has me re-thinking my strategy of buying that $400 PlayStation 4 for The Phenom this year.  Besides only having about $200 on it I know there has to be some sort of deal out there.  Oh Antoinette……help a sista out!

Congratulations girl and thanks for sharing your Moment in Life with everyone!

Back to writing out my Christmas list,

 

 

Curvy Momager

 

Fo Shizzle Fridays | Great Recipe

I love funnel cake...I even love funnel cake when one of my favorite magazines says it's a good  approved ahem diet snack.  371 calories isn't bad right?  Give it a try.

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups whole milk                                                      2 cups all purpose flour, shifted
2 eggs                                                                               4 tsp baking powder
1 cup confectioner's sugar, plus more for dusting           Vegetable oil
2 tsp salt                                                                           2 cups blueberries ( I sub'd with other berries)
2 tsp vanilla extract                                                          1 cup raspberries

What to Do:


Recipe adapted from SELF Magazine 9/13

In a bowl, whisk milk, eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla until smooth about 2 minutes.  In another bowl, combine flour and baking powder.  Slowly whisk 1/4 of milk mixture into flour mixture until smooth; stir in remaining milk mixture.  Cover batter and plastic wrap; let sit for 20 minutes.  In a medium pot, heat 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat until it sizzles when a drop of water is added.  Divide batter between 2 plastic freezer bags; snip a corner of one bag; slowly swirl 1/8 of the batter into the
oil.  Fry until golden, flipping once (I used tongs), 30 seconds per side.  Remove funnel cake and place on a paper towel-lined plate.  Repeat with remaining batter.  Top cakes with berries; dust with sugar.  Serves 8

371 calories for 2 funnel cakes, 17 g fat, 50 g carbs, 6 g protein

Okay so a lil heavy on the carbs but trust me it's worth it and much less than those elephant ears you get at the amusement park.  Enjoy!


Yums,



Curvy Momager

Thankful Thursdays | Thankful Collage

We all really have so much to be thankful for.  Yeah it sounds a lil cheesy and maybe a lil Pollyannish but you just have to accept the beauty of situations and realize how blessed you are to have even gone through them.  I'm challenging each of you to take the time and create a Thankful Collage like the one I did below.  My list is much bigger than the few items listed but these were the ones that touched my heart while I was creating.  So go out there and be creative and create your own collage.  You won't even image the feeling you'll have after truly writing your gratitude down and seeing them in front of you.  It felt good to visually see that I had so much to be thankful for.  Check back often, you never know if you will be one of the things I'll be thankful for.



Created this with PicMonkey.com

 

 

 

My Job - I really love what I do.  Working with volunteers is such a rewarding experience and the company I work for has a mission that honors HumanKindness.

 

Bit & Boogie - No explanation really needed here....they are ultimate rockstars. 

 

My Workout - It really has renewed sense within the past 6 months.  I see changes in my body and I'm loving it.  I see changes in my attitude and I'm loving it.  I see changes in ME and I'm loving it.

 

Friends - I have met three new friends that I've never even met face to face.  Either we were introduced via social media or by mutual friends.  They have no idea how thankful I am for them.  It amazes me how people can change your situation and you've never even shared the same space with them.  AWESOME!

 

Life Changing Moments - There have been a few as of late but each of them has given me gratitude for making it through the struggle of that moment and learning a lesson.  Life is full of lessons you might as well be grateful for them!

 

New Opportunities - Who wouldn't be excited about this one?  Just the other day I as contacted from a national women's magazine about a submission I sent in a month ago...let's pray I get picked!  And this blog is another new opportunity not only allowing me to meet so many new people but get involved in new adventures.  

 

Alright it's your turn....go out there and be grateful!  You'll be surprised at all the things that have been nagging at your turn into nothing when you see how much you have to be thankful for.

 

Toodles,

 

 

 

 

Curvy Momager

 



Whatchu Doin Wednesday | Events

I have so many great things to tell you about!  First I attended a fabulous event a few weeks ago for DGD designs.  DGD is operated and owned by Deneen Griffin the brightest floral creative designer I've ever meet.  If you are looking for a poppin Holiday table and live in the LA area...well she might travel... Deneen is the woman to call.  Just look at some of the beautiful arrangements from the Open House I attended.  Give Deanne a call ASAP though because I know her calendar is filling up fast.  Heck she was taking orders at the event!  Visit her website at www.deneegriffindesigns.com

Stylist, fashionista and all around beautiful plus size chic Reah Norman is hosting an event at Macy's in Brea.

It's a shopping party on Saturday November 16, 2 - 4 PM.  Casual fashion show, tasty refreshments and
DJ while you shop.  Get some fashion tips from PLUS Model Mags Fashion Editor and let her show you some Holiday must haves.  And I love a good give a way...first 50 customers receive a gift with try on!


Ahhh and since it's getting close to the Holidays Starbucks is being oh so generous and offering holiday beverages, buy one get one free!  SCORE!  11/13 - 11/17, 2-5 PM.


Until next week,



The Curvy Momager

Tequila Talk Tuesday | Flaws and All

We all have a little something that we wish was different but still we wouldn't change.  Check out the QOTD for Tequila Talk Tuesday and share your tiny weeny imperfection with me.

Quote of the week from Shakira:  "I don't obsess over my flaws, because I see my body as a whole.  Besides I think men appreciate confidence more than perfection."


http://www.youtube.com/v/cPvO6cmlV4Y?version=3&autohide=1&feature=share&autoplay=1&autohide=1&attribution_tag=D_QdUcs7mHDBZUnAAsVgOw&showinfo=1

Moment In Life Mondays | Happy Veteran's Day

For all the brave men and women that have tirelessly stood in honor of our country I salute and thank you!

Fo Shizzle Fridays | Work It Out

Hey there you!  Fo Shizzle Fridays are all about what's hot or at least what's on my hot meter for the day.  As you know I am always on a workout, eat right, get tight kick.  Funny I have only lost about 7 pounds this year but I'm no quitter!  Since I am a professed magazine junkie I have decided to break out of my mold a little and buy some mags I normally don't purchase.  Well I really scored when I picked up SELF MAGAZINE a few months ago and I'm hooked.  I posted some workouts on Instagram and got a message from former NFL player turned trainer Curtis Williams.  Ohhhh chile...don't be jealous God just shows me favor! :)  Any hoo Curtis has issued me a challenge to try his tear out work out this month.  I'm here to tell you it's a motha!  But I'm no punk as a matter of fact I've adopted a new nickname, Storm!  That's one badass chick and I need a little badass to get through this butt lovin' workout.  The pics are below but for the full tear out purchase the November issue of Self and you can also pull up the video on exactly how to do the workout. 

Wanna join the challenge?  You know you do, just say it!  Leave me a comment below and I'll keep

you informed on my progress and you can do the same.  Let's make these err, 40 year old bootys rock as in rock solid!  No jiggle with my wiggle (raising my left shoulder in true Marilyn Monroe fashion).  Let's get it in!

Cheers,




Curvy Momager

Thankful Thursdays | Dance It Away

Sometimes you just have to be happy and thankful in the moment.  Let's take Deb for example.  Scheduled to receive a double mastectomy and on the day of her surgery she planned a dance party.  Yep right there in the OR with her nurses, doctors, surgery techs she broke and started getting down to Beyoncé's Give Me Body.  And the girl had some moves too!  So much that Queen or is it King Bey posted the vid on her website and left Deb a personal message. 

So click on the video below, be thankful for the moment that you are in now and DANCE.  Don't wait to late to celebrate!

Oh one more thing that Deb did was to tell her friends and family to keep playing Bey's song during the day of her surgery and dance in the waiting room.  If you had been faced with Deb's situation what song would you pick to dance to?  Share it in the comments below!

Back to chasing the dream,



Curvy Momager

Moment in Life Monday | Black Girls Rock

Living your moment in life is what Black Girls Rock is all about.  I didn't get the chance to watch all of the show but did see this video clip from Queen Latifah.  She is certainly a BGR and inspires so many people to be their best selves.  A friend of mine actually sent this clip to me and I'm so grateful that she did.  Even the Curvy Momager needs some encouragement every now and again.  Thanks Meleisha.  Click the link below and enjoy the clip.

Fo Shizzle Fridays | Curvy Military Fashion

For today's curvy fashion moment I'm bringing you the military.  Yep, it's all the rage this season.  Here are a few of my top picks for military style jackets.

1.  Jessica London $129

2.  Affatshionista

3.  Ali Express $18

Happy shopping and send me some of your dopest military fashion finds to curvymomager.inquiries@gmail.com.

With Style,




Curvy Momager

Thankful Thursdays | Girlfriends

Sometimes all you need is your Girlfriends.  I'm so lucky to have them and pray that every woman at least has one good one!  Over the years I have met some amazing women that have not

only given me advice, cried with me, picked up my children from school, taught me things about being a single mother and laughed with me when I needed to hear a laugh but have honestly just made my life experience so much richer by being in their circle.  Some of them I might not talk to everyday but no matter when we talk we can just pick right back up where we were.  The joys of having a Girlfriend are to many to mention!

If you have a special girlfriend share this post with her and let her know just how thankful you are that she is your bestie!

Back to chasing the dream,




Curvy Momager

Whatchu Doin Wednesdays | Events

Curvy ladies in LA here's a great chance to get out and meet and greet some wonderful people in the Curvy Community.  I've been to a few of the Curvy Girl events had an awesome time.  If you make the event please drop me a line and let me know how much fun you had.  #JellyICan'tAttend













There's only 1 more slot left for the Girl Code Google Hangout on 11/5.  Will it be you?  We'll be chatting it up with some new friends and some favorites like SisterSaveALot, Antoinette Peterson.  Tackling subjects like:

• Lingerie, is it worth the price we pay for it?
• Why do men say stupid things?
• Monthly curse remedies

If you can't make this one don't worry there will be more!  Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to the Curvy Momager YouTube channel to check out the hangout.  If you want to "jockey" for that last spot email me at curvymomager.inquiries@gmail.com.

Tootles,

The Curvy Momager

Moment In Life Monday | Damtastic

I was talking to myself and said, "Why do people wait until the first of the year to do the things they want to do?"  Then I had a light blub moment.  There are so many things I've never done or tried (from big to small) that I'm deciding I'm going to start tackling.  Tomorrow isn't promised ya know and it's about living a richer life one that doesn't leave you feeling like your cup is always 1/2 empty.

And that's when I created Damtastic, kinda a mixture of how it feels to do something so totally FANTASTIC and just plain badass!  Once a month I plan on doing something outside of not only the box but most likely my comfort zone.  Sky diving anyone?  No, me either.  Trust me that is not on my bucket list but there are a few other things that are so I'm just going to get going and start trying.


Is there something that you always wanted to do but haven't done yet?  Don't let fear stop you, lack of funds or no baby sitter.  Find a way.  Yep No Excuses as Marlin Page says.  You can do it!






Looking forward to the adventure,



Curvy Momager

Fo Shizzle Fridays | Its My Birthday

Howdy!  Yep today is my official 43rd birthday and I think I'm gonna take the day off....from blogging that is. :)  But before I go on a birthday hiatus I wanted to share my OOTD or OFMB (Outfit For My Birthday).

I love this dress AND shoes from Forever 21.  Yep I might not be 21 but hey not bad for 43.  For my curvy ladies check it out you can't go wrong with a classic like this one with an updated jeweled accent.  I lovs the BLING!

But of most excitement was that I realized my hair is growing back.  <insert round of applause>


Feeling Scorpio Fresh,



The Curvy Momager

Thankful Thursdays | Ellen DeGeneres

I love watching the Ellen show.  She's funny, has great dance moves and brings on cool guests.  This clip however is of an interview she did with an unsuspecting waitress that just practiced a Random Act of Kindness.  That's why this is Thankful Thursdays.  Enjoy and practice a Random Act of Kindness yourself today.

With Style,

The Curvy Momager

Whatchu Doin Wednesdays | Events

This segment of the blog is dedicated to events and spectacular things people are doing.  Duh that’s why it’s called Whatchu Doin Wednesdays. J

Here are a couple of great things every woman will enjoy!

Shoes, did someone say shoes?  Wait you said it’s National Shoe Lovers Day?  I don’t know who
invented this Holiday but I’m sure it’s going to become my favorite.  The masterminds at DSW are helping us celebrate too with their Save The Drama for your Shoes campaign this Saturday October 26^th. Get out your most dramatic pair (Hello Lova, in my Carrie from Sex In the City voice) and snap away then post on InstaGram with the hashtag #DSW.   Visit their website for more information on how to celebrate, www.dsw.com

As if that wasn’t enough to do this weekend I’ve got something special for my Curvy New Yorkers that are into Fitness.  Cece Olisa, creator of #PSPFit (Plus SizePrincess Fit) is hosting a special Active Wear event at the Lane Bryant on 34^th street.  Come in, try on your fav outfit from the collection and snap a photo in their InstaGram booth to post for a chance to win gift cards to the retailer.  Get your Inner Model Diva on 11 am – 1 pm EST at the store.  But she couldn’t leave out the rest of the 51 states!  That’s right ladies go to your local Lane Bryant and snap your own selfie (or take your assistant with you) and post on IG with the #PSPFit to be entered for a chance to win gift cards too.  SCORE!  To follow the PSPFit Movement you can find them on Twitter @CeceOlisa, InstaGram @Plus Size Princess and Facebook Plus Size Princess.com.

Sounds like my Saturday is going to be jammed packed how about you?

 

With Style,

 

 

 

 

The Curvy Momager

Moment In Life Monday | Fitness Photo A Day Challenge

We have all started photo a day challenges and most of us can't quite seem to get to the end of them. 

Down 3 lbs, 5 to go!

I personally lose interest and get so far behind that I couldn't catch up to all the greatness that others are posting so I secretly just scan everyone's AMAZINGness.  But not this time!  The creator of the #myhealthylifexchallenge really is on to some serious Fitspo here.  I've met so many wonderful and inspirational people this month through this challenge, it's really kept me on my toes about eating better and working out.  Sure there have been days that I didn't snap a shot on my swanky S3 (with cracked screen) but I was always motivated to play catch up this time.  Check out the challenge and be sure to follow @My_Healthy_Life_X on Instagram for inspiration to get your goals accomplished.  I only have 11 days to finish mine for the month so I hope there is a November challenge coming too!


I won the photo challenge for this day.

Keep Livin It Up,




Curvy Momager

Welcome to Livin' It Up With The Curvy Momager

Hello there.  Life is about Livin' It Up wouldn't you agree?  Every day is a chance to make the most of it, charting into new waters.  A few years ago when I joined Cocktails and Conversation I had no idea how a hobby could turn into something I was completely passionate about.  Now by beginning my own venture I am set on making it the time of my life and of course I'm inviting you for the all the goodies to come.

Whew it's gonna be HAUTE

Livin' It Up with The Curvy Momager will be much more than my fabulousness but it's about showcasing the fabulousness we ALL are doing.  Trust me every thing that you might consider small someone else is considering a huge accomplishment or at least they are applauding you for it.  So that's what this platform is dedicated to...Y-O-U okay well maybe US!

Think of it as your own empowerment zone with a tad bit of quirkiness and a whole lotta awesomeness.

We'll be featuring these segments and more on various platforms:

Moment In Life Mondays - Blog

Tequila Talk Tuesdays -  Facebook and YouTube

Whatchu Doin Wednesdays - Facebook, Twitter and the Blog

Thankful Thursdays - Blog

Fo Shizzle Fridays - Facebook and Blog

Weekend Report  - YouTube and Blog

Lets chop it up, get some conversation going and talk about what matters most.  Email me anytime at CurvyMomager.inquires@gmail.com.  Looking forward to not only the next chapter but the next juicy page turning novel of my life.

With Style,



Robin

Find me on Social Media:  InstaGram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook:  CurvyMomager  

The Trailer

What's this Curvy Momager going to be about?  Click that arrow below and get in on the ground level!  There's only room to grow from here on out.

 

 

 

New chapters can be scary but I'm all about taking a LEAP and seeing where I land.  I've got the best sidekicks in the world.  Keep following our adventures....SUBSCRIBE!!!

 

 

 

Livin It Up,

 

 

 

 

Curvy Momager



McDonald's Field to Restaurant Tour

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for McDonald's. I attended an event to facilitate my review and received a promotional item as a thank you for participating. 

Where is Waldo?  LOL

It has been a long time since I've been on a farm.  I actually think it was a Kindergarten field trip that I really wasn't all that thrilled about going on then either.  I'm truly a city girl but I'll have to say this opportunity offered by Mom Central to take a field trip with McDonald's had me interested.  Let's face it McDonald's is a meal in my home 3 days out of 7.  Remember I'm not the Diva that cooks.  Whether it's a quick on the run to school breakfast, after school snack or this is your dinner tonight kids kinda day we hit the Golden Arches a few times a week. 

The Field to Restaurant tour gave me a chance to see where the food on my plate (or err white paper bag) is coming from.  First interesting fact: The same food that is shipped to McDonalds is shipped to your local grocer.  Visiting the Taylor Farms in Salinas, CA gave me a wide open view of what a lettuce grower endures.  The fresh smell of lettuce immediately hit us as we exited the luxury coach accommodations.  Walking to the field the lush green color was too joyful to even get me depressed about walking in mud with my new Uggs on.  LOL, always the StyleDIVA!  They warned me but I never listen.  Once we arrived in the area that was recently plowed for distribution we were given a presentation about how the lettuce is grown and picked to be shipped to the company’s distribution center for packaging.  The workers were extremely knowledgeable and proud of their occupation; they explained it in a manner that was understandable to even a city girl.  Second interesting fact:  An average age of a lettuce picker is 55! 

After a walk into the fields amongst the recently cut crop (which I deemed my own personal runway) we were privy to watch how the machinery traveled in the field versus a man-made crew picking crops for distribution.  Cropping season in Salinas is not year round the remainder of the year operations are handled in Arizona due to weather conditions. 

Gathering back on the bus to visit the distribution center (about a 20 minute ride) we received nutritional information from one of McDonald’s dietician.  Third interesting fact:  Did you know you can get oatmeal anytime of the day?  It’s not just at breakfast time.  We also heard from three store owners about how important this trip was for them to share information on the healthy foods they offer at their restaurants.  We learned about menu selections totaling 600 calories or less that could be used for a meal.  I’ll post more on that in another post.  Obviously I was impressed with this information since again I’m a frequent drive thru flyer that is obsessed working out as of late. 

Visiting the distribution center was eye opening to me.  Of course you imagine in your head what happens in a place such as this but to see it in motion was a totally different experience.  All the moving parts were really surreal and it was refreshing to know that I really didn’t need to wash my prepackaged lettuce again because it really is tripled washed.  Fourth interesting fact:  Washing prewashed vegetables at home creates a higher risk of contamination. 

We were treated to an gourmet lunch by two local celebrity chefs SakaBozzo using the ingredients found on the McDonalds menu to recreate into a different offering <sliders anyone?>.  Here was our chance to mingle with various food suppliers about the products we eat as consumers at McDonalds.  I was seated at a table with a gentleman from Cargill the beef supplier for the restaurant chain.  He told of stories of the high standards set by McDonalds and that audit days are intense around the company but they have passed the test.  Pretty comforting to know.  Fifth interesting fact:  We were served flourless chocolate cake (gluten free) for dessert and it tasted amazing!

On the drive back to the McDonalds in San Jose we were entertained with commercials from the 1960s until the 2000s.  I’d almost forgotten about some of them, what a great trip down memory lane.  What a great trip in all to find that farm fresh really is what I’m providing my family with when I’m not able to give them a home cooked meal.  Thanks Mom Central for this great opportunity, I’m still a city girl but don’t mind taking a trip to the country for something as amazing as this!

Just think of all the items you purchase from McDonald’s that have lettuce in them…..

Big Mac     Premium McWrap Chicken & Ranch   Premium Grilled Chicken BLT Sandwich     Side Salad

Just to name a few!