MOM: Moving Over Mountains

Recently Wes (the baby) was sick, he was even admitted to the hospital (he's fine now, thank you God!) It made me think about the times when I was little and I got sick, no matter how my mother felt, how hard her day was, even if she herself was sick, she still took care of me. I don't think anyone realizes how much they are loved by their parents until they become parents themselves. Thanks Mom for all you do.........

Peace & Blessings,

April

Rise and Shine!

Hey Everybody,

Well it's super Tuesday, Giants won and......time to vote! I got up very early and hit the polls, (even before I tracked down the UPS man!!) I'm very excited I know this is a time for change and I am soooo ready. Just to let you know I voted for (oops my keyboard must have slipped, LOL)

Today I had to get to Pooka early I'm working on some new recipes, the entire warehouse smells like chocolate because I've been making chocolate milk soaks for those of you who are planning to have a little valentines fun. I've started dabbling in some new scents so stay posted I may have some ideas to run by you.

To all of you who filled out our survey THANKS! It's really going to help. I am even thankful for the people who told me to return calls quicker! (I'm working on it)

Well have a good Tuesday and don't forget to vote! Oh whatever, If Oprah and the Kennedys can endorse so can I, GO Barack!

We're Going To Be At Whole Foods

Hi Everybody!

The blessings keep coming. I have been invited to give a quick class at one of the local Whole Foods locations. They call us local heroes [don’t you just love that]. I will give a brief talk on the background of Pooka and then I will give a lesson on creating a bath-friendly soak… so you get more free stuff!! [you know how we like free]

If you are local come on by and introduce yourself. I will be in the West Orange store [235 Prospect Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052, 973.669.3196] on Monday, February 11 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Whole Foods gives us love but we can always use more… if the Whole Foods near you doesn’t carry Pooka please ask for it. We’re in 15 stores but they have 180 so we still have our work cut out for us.

A New Play On Broadway!

Hey Pooka Family!

I'm so excited about a new play premiering on Broadway! It's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof! When my husband showed me the advertisement in the NYT three weeks ago I immediately got online to purchase my tickets! Have you guys checked out the cast? James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose and Terrence Howard!!!! You know Terrence is going to be fierce in that role! Just remember his portrayal of one of the friends in the Best Man. Remember that scene when he got drunk at the bachelor party and told it "like it was"? I can't wait to see him in the role of Brick in this play.

James Earl Jones is playing the role as Big Daddy!!! I remember when my parents took me to see August Wilson's play Fences in Philadelphia. To me, he just epitomizes the strong Black Patriarch of a family. Lest I not forget Phylicia Rashad! Claire Huxtable has been my idol since day one! And I can't wait to see Anika in this Broadway role.

With Debbie Allen directing it this play, you know it's gonna be hot. Check it out Family! I'll be there on March 23rd. Hope to see you guys there too!

Peace & Blessings,


Tricia Akinwande

Looking Forward To A Great 2008

Hey Everybody,

Thought it was time I threw in my two cents (since this blog is supposed to be for all of the Pookalitas).

The family is strong and we recognize healing is an ongoing process but thanks to all of your support, prayers and shoulders we are moving forward. Through it all my faith has been strengthened. I'm not sure whether to call it enlightenment or spirituality but whatever you call it I'm in a good place.

I can't believe William is six already and Wesley turned 2 last week (Happy Birthday Baby!!). So as you guys can imagine raising two boys keeps me on the run but we are enjoying the ride. So while Dawn is busy telling you how to save our planet I'm going to tell you how I juggle work, play and raising two boys without losing my mind.

"Talk" to you soon...April

Donna Loves Food!!

Hi Everybody,

I am a foodie! I am very proud of this fact. I love all things food...to read about, watch and especially to eat. My ultimate culinary experience is to dine al fresco...barbecues included!! I read recipes like novels and watch cooking shows as if earning my g.e.d. in food!

My fav magazines in this category are Cooking Light - health conscious, guilt free recipes; Food magazine - very small tv guide-sized gem with great quick week night recipes... (although I am a business mogul in training I still go home to cook dinner for my husband...most nights!!) and Saveur magazine which is the most visually stimulating of them all. It contains the places to stay, the sites to see, the local people, breathtaking pictures and the most fabulous recipes of them all. I take my passport with me every time I read it.

foodnetwork.com is one of my favs (love Rachel Ray and Giada!!) and my tv automatically turns on to the Food Network. I am also not mad at Garvin on TV1 either!! I love cooking and trying new recipes almost as much as eating!!

Food is comfort, cooking for others is love. My name is Donna and I am a foodie.

*Update* I'm Going To Be On The Radio (well, sort of)

I'm still going to be on the radio (sort of) but the date has been changed. The new date is this Monday, January 21st... see you on the radio!!

I have been asked to co-host a web radio show on Monday! The show talks about different ways for folks to break away from corporate and go out on their own (like me!). Of course, we will also talk about the contributions and influence of Dr. Martin Luther King. I've been on this show as a guest before but now they want me to help host (watch out!!).

It should be fun and different so I want you guys to check me out... you might even pick up some helpful tips. The featured guest is Joel Freeman of the Freeman Institute. He is the author of "If No One Loves You, Create The Demand."

The show is scheduled for Monday, January 21 at 1:00 p.m. EST, go to http://www.globaltalkradio.com/ and click on the "Listen Live" link on the homepage to check it out live. If you can't catch it live they keep up on their site at: http://www.indiebusinessradio.com/ See you on the radio!! (well, sort of)