SAME SEX MARRIAGE

Nadirah’s Perspective:

The topic of same sex marriages has been causing pandemonium lately.  From the radio, television, or internet, people have been giving their positive and negative opinions basing their beliefs from legal aspects, family structure, and/or my favorite, religion.  So we decided to give our point of view and hope that others can continue to respect our human rights. 

First, as a heterosexual woman, I know that everyone wants to be accepted, love somebody and be loved in return.  It doesn’t matter what your sexual orientation, gender, race, creed, or species. Social acceptance becomes important in our adolescent years as we mature and become aware of our own thoughts, feelings, appearance, choice of friends and beliefs.   Why is it so hard for so many to understand why homosexuals want the same thing? I have friends who share a same sex household that are raising beautiful, smart, well-adjusted children within a loving home.   You can’t even say that about every household that contains a mother (female) and a father (male). To really be frank, most households typically have one parent playing both parental roles.   The point I’m getting at is this: people are making this issue more complicated than it has to be! 

If you have two people that love one another, are cohabitating in a non-abusive relationship, contributing to society by being law-abiding/tax-paying citizens, should it really matter their sexual preference?  The irony of all this is that religion is being thrown about as the reason why same sex marriages should be banned.  My next question is “When did God come down and delegated to these people that it was their job to pick out and condemn the ‘damned’?”   The God I was taught about and know is a loving God.  The God I know made everyone in his/her image.  The God I know wants us to love everyone, including our enemies.  The God I know is the only judge and jury.  Is this the same God that others are pointing shamed fingers in the name of; because if so, please remember that when you point your finger, you have three fingers pointing back at you?  Everyone has committed some form of a sin in their lifetime.  Let God handle all and be all and I bet we can have a better and more loving society!!!  

ALL WE NEED IS L-O-V-E!!!!!!!!!

Troy’s Perspective:

Same sex marriages have been the hot topic of conversation throughout our nation. Politicians, religious figures and citizens alike are heavily weighing in on the subject. Many base their decisions on morals, beliefs and overall opinions which are comprised by our upbringing and experiences that we’ve shared with others. As a loving couple we decided to voice our opinion on this heated debate.

            As a heterosexual man that truly appreciates the beauty and femininity of women, I was raised in a society where the LGBT community was frowned upon and shunned away from family, friends and communities. Members of the LGBT society were distanced, leaving them to only stay and commune among themselves.  Presently, the group that was once considered outcasts have further developed, grown and flourished into a well established and important part of our world.  Many are afraid of what they don’t understand; therefore, rather than accept, learn and better develop our understanding, it is always easier and more acceptable to exile a group. This has been the history of mankind throughout the ages with various races, creeds, religions and nationalities. This activity only perpetuates hatred, negativity and division.  

            Through valued discussion with my wife, friends and associates, this topic truly relies on the understanding of the individual. Similar debates have taken place throughout time with the equal opportunities of women, various races and now the LGBT community. As my wife previously mentioned, we should focus on the most important aspect of this topic, LOVE.

This world consists of two thought processes: Love and Fear. Those who fear use hatred towards all ideologies of what they refuse to understand. There are two important aspects to the same sex marriage debate: Love and People. Together, love + people creates a needed commodity across the world = Loving People. This is what makes human society flourish and further develop into something great. Two well-minded individuals who care and have love for one another should have the rights of marriage.  Don’t pass judgment for what you don’t understand or fear because the one person you hurt the most is yourself.

 LIVE LIFE AND LOVE among all… it’s the least you can do!!!

A STATE OF EMERGENCY: OUR MUSIC AND OUR CHILDREN

Disclaimer: Before I begin, I want to make it clear that this topic will not promote a personal bashing of any sort and we respectfully honor the first amendment right to “Freedom of Speech/Press/Etc.”  This is what hubby and I have noticed in past years as major changes to music and the music industry… now let us begin! 

Nadirah’s Perspective:

           

Between hearing, “getting a big booty ho” on someone’s birthday, “bitches” bowing down, “_iggas” here and there, “what I can afford to buy” and you can’t, “money”  is the only thing on the mind, etc., etc., etc., I am repetitively barraged with negative messages/slogans on the radio.   Hopefully by now, you all have gotten the point!  This concerns our household because while working for years with children, I have learned one concrete thing… children are little tape recorders.  If you want to keep something secret and unsaid, do not speak of it in the presence of a child.  Nine times out of ten, it will be repeated and hopefully not at the wrong time or to the wrong person.  So what does it say about the reactions children get when they hear these blatant and subliminal messages through the radio, television, internet, and movies.  If a child is unfortunate to have guidance from a loving and attentive parent, family figure, or mentor, what do you think will be the end result of these impressionable young minds?  A great example of the outcome was given by Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco in a song called “Bitch Bad.”  If you have not heard of this song, please take the time to listen and look at it when I attach the video below.

 The title given above was appropriately labeled A State of Emergency because music has made some drastic changes over the years.  Marvin Gaye singing about love and being socially aware of the problems we are currently experiencing with the Earth and government, Public Enemy raising questions about police brutality and the powers that be, Whitney Houston just wanting to dance with somebody (not sleep with them), Aretha Franklin explaining the heartaches of love (but not busting the windows out of somebody’s vehicle),   Teddy Pendergrass and Luther Vandross giving vivid accounts of how they want to provocatively seduce someone but not describing how fast it’s going to take, how long their package is, and how many women they plan on “hitting” that night. People it has gotten out of hand!!! We currently do not have any children but I am afraid to bring a child into this world without having a guideline on how to protect or curb them from all the exploits through the media outlets.  So hubby and I made plans years ago and now it is time to put said plan into action.  We’ve always believed that you are either part of the problem or part of the solution and we have vowed to be the latter versus the former.

 For the last year, hubby (Sir Troy), my brother (Mr. Muzic) and I (Lady Fuzion) have been working on music that is reminiscent to the days of fun partying, celebrating life, and embracing love for one another.   We are called Muzic Fuzion Factory and our music can only be described as a fusion of all genres: House, Techno, R & B, Neo-Soul, Jazz, and the list goes on and on.  We invite you to please be on the lookout for our singles which should premiere by mid-May and hope that everyone will enjoy and share our family friendly music just as you have with our blogs.  We are not saying that our songs will change the attitudes/mindset of everyone but it will definitely provide an alternative on the radio and other media outlets.  We are just getting started but for more information on our group, please visit  http://itsmyurls.com/muzicfuzionfctry to get complete access to all our social networks.  

Please like our Facebook fan page at: www.facebook.com/pages/Muzicfuzionfactory/575501122460942, follow us on Twitter: @muzicfuzionfact, enjoy the other social media outlets provided and continue your words of encouragement as we prepare for our upcoming album, Muzic Fuzion.    

Troy’s Perspective:

The current state of music and entertainment is at an unprecedented low.  I remember when I would turn on the radio and listen to my parents on the weekend play classic hits that jam-packed the air with love, inspiration and happiness. At the present time, the music occupying the radio waves is filled with hatred, disconnection and disrespect. Currently, radio and television bombards us with negative messages of violence and self-abuse. Music and entertainment have significantly transformed what is allowed on public radio and television in the past twenty years. The semantics of “Bitch, God-damn, Ho, etc.,” on television or the radio were never acceptable, until now.

I can only imagine trying to explain to my son or daughter about what is being said on the radio when the vibrations of “big booty bitch,” “watch me ball” or “Pass out, drank” frolic through the speakers. There is clearly no distinction between what’s suitable for children, adults and/or the general public. Further disappointing are the countless number of parents singing along to the impulsive and elicit lyrics broadcasted on the radio with their children taking note to every word mentioned in the back seat of the car as they are being transported to and from school. What meaning is this conveying to the child???   

I am not passing judgment on any parent. I do feel the overwhelming loss of love, community and togetherness in the music that we listen to on a daily basis. This continual cycle of relentless disconnection and hatred found in the current music only leads to selfish beings making rash decisions that negatively affect us all in society. We all have to strive towards improvement by encouraging better decisions and behavior. I hear that a new group by the name of Muzic Fuzion Factory is coming out with a new style that will entirely renovate the industry.

                                                       BITCH BAD BY LUPE FIASCO

ALTERNATIVE EATING AND LIFESTYLE IDEAS

Nadirah’s Perspective:

            As we have entered into the month of March, two things come to mind: time is ticking away to get my summer body in tip-top shape and what can I eat to keep it in check… I’M A HUMONGOUS FOODIE!  Please let me try to quickly explain this.  Throughout my adolescent and teen years, I never felt that I had a love/hate relationship with food until I went away to college.  Attending my undergrad years at the University of Illinois gave me an excellent academic education, but it also taught me how to eat well on a budget. Grade A steaks in the cafeteria, lobster night every other month, 1:00 am grocery shopping at Meijer Supermarket, and etc., you can’t help but gain weight on campus and during home visits.  My taste buds began to fiend for certain flavors, spices, and specialty dishes.  

Upon graduating and returning home to Chicago, I still considered my love for food and/or snacking to be a normal and common reaction.  During my dating years, ex-boyfriends have tried to open my eyes to my deep appreciation of food and I still could not see it.  How could I?  My best friend, my mother, my aunts, and I were chefs when it came to the kitchen scene.  It wasn't until I was dating my husband that I realized that I do have a serious obsession with food.  For example, one late night I was lying in bed and I had an urge for an old school peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I don’t eat these on a regular but when I have a taste for something, I must comply with the urge and make it.  I excitedly went in the kitchen to create the ultimate sandwich and upon opening the refrigerator door, I noticed that I could not find any wheat bread.  This puzzled me so badly because the bread had been there untouched days prior to my last minute craving. I walked back into bedroom to question hubby and his head immediately bowed towards his chest and began turning side to side.  “Baby please don’t get mad but I made two sandwiches this afternoon.” Without missing a beat, I unconsciously went into a hysterical cry about how I had my mouth ready a P&B sandwich and now he had ruined it, especially since he had started to push carbohydrates out of his diet anyway.  I performed so badly that my husband was willing to go into the dead of night to replace the bread just to get me to stop crying.  Now I could honestly blame this little episode on PMS but even if PMS was not looming, this disappointing reaction would not have too much differed.  Anyhoo, the point that I’m getting to is that I understand that with diet and exercise, food has a funny way of becoming an enemy instead of being my usually close friend.

            The premise of this blog is to share some of the tricks I’ve had to learn to satisfy my limitless cravings while staying on my weight loss journey.  I do this because I know from my personal experiences that it doesn’t take long for my asthma and 5’3” frame to widen out of control due to my eating habits.  Hopefully with all the news footage of cloned salmon, horse meat substitutions, pink slime allegations, some have or will start thinking about what the conglomerates of the meat industry are giving us in the supermarkets and other stores.  

            To curb my cravings for pasta (spaghetti/fettuccine/lasagna), I create these same dishes without the carbohydrates of white or wheat pasta. I substitute the noodles for a baked and shredded spaghetti squash. The cool thing about this versatile winter squash is that it can be spiced up with a sprinkle of cinnamon/nutmeg or cayenne pepper (whatever is your pleasure).  Once it’s baked, you shred the flesh of the fruit with a fork and create the best and freshest noodles your taste buds can truly appreciate.  After watching Dr. Oz last year, I no longer buy store brand tomato sauce but opt for a healthier version by making it myself with my trusty food processor. Believe it when I say that it is totally worth making! For those who may not know, tomato sauce is originally orange when the tomatoes are first blended and turns to various shades of red as it simmers over the fire.  

            To curb my cravings of cheese or mayo, I use sliced avocados on my sandwiches, tacos, in my tuna salad mixture to cut the bad fat and my intolerance to dairy products. I love guacamole so I cut the high fat (still good fat) content by blending my mashed avocados with chopped spinach and it still tastes AWESOME! 

            To curb my cravings for meat, I prepare a heaping pot of beans/peas.  It doesn’t matter whether its lentils, baby lima, black-eyed, pinto, kidney, etc., I cook it with a side of sautéed vegetables and it helps me feel satiated throughout the day.     

      

            To curb my cravings for sweets and snacking, we keep fresh fruits, vegetables, and organic applesauce in stock.  Grapefruits are great as a snack and a healthy fat burner. Sliced cucumbers and sweet baby carrots are great for late night guilt-free snacking. 

 

            To curb my cravings for anything fried, I make my homemade kettle corn popcorn.  I pop the kernels in coconut oil and a little raw sugar.  Once every kernel is popped, I toss in (depends what I have a taste for) cinnamon, cayenne paper, and kosher salt or garlic salt.  

I hope this post helps to give you guys some ideas for food alternatives in our pursuit for a healthier lifestyle. I snack all the time so I know that this can be a rough journey but it can be done.  Start small and it will build into something bigger. 

 SHARE SOME OF YOUR HEALTHY EATING IDEAS.   

Troy’s Perspective:

            As your New Year’s Resolution has come and slowly dwindles away, think about what your resolution really means to you.  This time of year, for many, health and fitness is an important focus as we advance towards the spring and summer. Many will try inconsistent diets and numerous workout plans; however, know that you will succeed in anything that you have passion for, so look within for that inner desire for a lifestyle change. Your internal drive will keep you motivated, influence others in positive ways and create change around you. 

The initial step is the most difficult, but most critical to your achievement. First, maintain a consistent healthy lifestyle, i.e. do not yo-yo back and forth.  Be fully committed to your lifestyle change. Second, refuse to accept failure no matter how many opportunities arise where others and bad habits try to influence you (parties, social events, family outings, etc.). Third, promise yourself that you will make a positive difference to others. No matter what you think, your actions do affect others.

The focus of health and fitness are shared among many. The reality is that millions die every year due to never truly committing themselves to either health or fitness. Currently, Americans are dying having discovered health concerns at younger ages than ever before due to our lack of health and fitness. We are becoming sicker and aging faster than ever. Make a difference to refuse by discontinuing the cycle. Slow down on the fast food/restaurants and increase your exercise and intake of water.

As my wife previously mentioned, alternative eating ideas are the one of the greatest things she introduced into our lifestyle. My wife is profound in research and development... go figure she graduated from the University of Chicago. Needless to say, she’s also intense in the food department. With her relentless research of finding alternatives eating concepts and not settling for prepackage and half cooked meals, it has made a difference in our appearance, endurance and regimen. We appear to look younger; we have sustained energy throughout the day and only eat fresh fruits and vegetables as our main dishes. This of course makes us go to the grocery store more often and sometimes it takes longer to create meals, but I cannot put a price or time-frame on our health and longevity of life. Our alternative eating and lifestyle tremendously helps in keeping our weight down and assist us in preserving energy throughout our workouts.

It’s time to go back to the basics, make a difference and preserve your greatest asset … you and your life!

STAY STRONG AND LIVE LONG!!!

FYI
           My wife and I take vitamins/supplements to assist in maintaining a healthy lifestyle with consistent exercise and health-conscious eating. I was never one to either promote or endorse any particular vitamin or supplement. A colleague of mine introduced me to his daughter Kristina, who is a representative of Amway and they are distributors of NUTRILITE. I was very skeptical of hearing a sales pitch for something I did not immediately need and I was satisfied with the current vitamins/supplements that I was taking. After a conversation and being introduced to our blog, Kristina was impressed with our current health and fitness status and she gave my wife and I several trial packages of the Perfect Pack Supplements by NUTRILITE.  As I mentioned I was very skeptical and really not interested. 

           This experience changed our lives. I will explain that the Perfect Pack includes the ultimate multivitamin that contains 12 essential vitamins, 10 essential minerals, and 20 plant concentrates (antioxidant power from tomato, blueberry, broccoli, cranberry, pomegranate, and more) in a single serving. After taking the Perfect Pack for two days, my wife and I experienced such a burst of energy that we never felt tired. It increased my workouts and I no longer need a cup of coffee in the morning. My wife and I quickly ordered the (30) day supply of the Perfect Pack and have been enjoying the benefits ever since. NUTRILITE supplements are more expensive than other vitamins/supplements, but as we all know... you pay for what you get!!! Instead of buying bottles of particular supplements here and there at various prices, you receive everything you need in one pack. If you are interested in trying this vitamin supplement system, feel free to contact and direct all questions to Kristina at (708) 250-8657 or email her at msmarynczak@yahoo.com.

Disclaimer: We are not paid spokespersons for the NUTRILITE Perfect Pack supplements. We are only given a product review and our personal results.
           

 

WHAT IS VALENTINE' S DAY?

Nadirah’s Perspective:

Every year, millions of people go to extraordinary measures to run around for last minute gifts, overbooked reservations, overpriced candies, and overstuffed animals to perpetuate a religiously conceptualize and lucrative price pointed Hallmark Greeting Card holiday called Saint Valentine’s Day.  Now before I continue, I will provide this disclaimer: I AM NOT A BITTER, UNLOVED, SINGLE WOMAN WHO HATES HOLIDAYS!  Who I am is a woman who is tired of having commercially advertised ploys dictate to me how I should spend my money or time with my husband or others that I deeply love.  Understand that I am all about openly sharing my heart-felt emotions of appreciation and love; however, I practice this every single day.  This leads to me to my point… Love should be shared and celebrated with one another on a daily basis and not on two days out of the calendar year (don’t forget Sweetest Day)!  I don’t mind calling up my love ones/friends and telling them I love them. Please don’t misunderstand me or my discourse because I know that there are some who will be celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or a significant moment on February 14 but I also know that it doesn't take a dozen red roses delivered this Thursday to reinforce a relationship.  Those same flowers would have the same meaning if given this Friday, next Thursday, or the 14th of June.  So people please don’t let one day command how we express our love for one another.  Let’s bless others with our love on a daily basis!

To my adoring husband, I LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!

To my family and friends, I LOVE YOU GUYS J   

Troy’s Perspective:

My wife makes several obvious facts regarding the ideology of Valentine’s Day. It’s funny that most people don’t know that Valentine’s Day started as a religious holiday (I just found out myself). Valentine’s Day is nothing more than a day that is celebrated once a year and highly commercialized for the profits of big business. I do agree that due to the commercialization of Valentine’s Day, it brings us back to the reality of taking time out and expressing the gesture of I LOVE YOU to that special someone. Often times our daily activities, demands, and stress misdirects our attention of communicating the love we have for others. I make a conscious effort to display my love to my wife and family on a daily basis, not just on holidays (Love You Baby!!!). Each and every day that I can bring a smile to my wife’s face is truly a day worth living.

Conveying your love for others should take place daily and special occasions with love ones should happen spontaneously because it’s more memorable and appreciated. The most important aspect of conveying your love is putting everything aside and spending time with others, which is priceless. The overpriced dinners, cavity-causing chocolates and roses that will die next week cannot substitute the treasured time in the presence of your love. Be creative by cooking crab legs and/or lobster at home, be resourceful with chocolate syrup or be artistic with the sprinkle of rose petals wherever you choose. That is a special day to remember!!!!

THE LUGGS (IN LOVE)!!!

ENJOYING CHINA ON A BUDGET (THE FINAL INSTALLMENT)

We know it took some time to finish this final installment but with all the photos and video we've provided, we think it was well worth the wait... Enjoy!

Nadirah’s Perspective:

It’s understandable that many people decide not to travel internationally due to fear of the unknown: cost factors, culture shock, language barriers, safety concerns, etc.  However, Troy and I want to encourage others to take a chance and venture out to other countries for the personal experience and growth that traveling can provide.  As previously explained in the first installment, there are some major differences between Mainland China and Hong Kong but our goal today is to give you some insight and inspire idea/practices that can be utilized when planning any international or domestic excursion. Hopefully, this last installment will alleviate some of the anxiety that many will face when deciding if a trip China is worth the visit.

When planning a trip to China or anywhere for that matter, the first thing to do is to do your research: look at the information of the destination (language, currency value to your dollar, transit options, etc.) find a reasonable fare (tripadvisor.com/ kayak.com/etc.), locate your nation’s closest embassy in the foreign land, look up recommended dining ideas and tourist spots, and hotel/condo deals.

Lodging:

While visiting mainland China over the years, hubby and I have found wonderful accommodations in different cities.  Let me give a quick disclaimer that most hotel beds are typically hard in comparison to what Americans are used to sleeping on and can literally cause discomfort to your hip bone if you are a side sleeper.  Most international hotel chains, for example, Best Western, Holiday Inn, Shangri–La hotels offer softer mattresses and bedding that we are accustomed to but will be more expensive with their nightly rates, ranging from $70.00 – on up.  However, on an average, you can spend about $50 or $60 dollars for a reputable four star hotel room. On side note, try to find hotels/condos that provide breakfast or dining options throughout the hotel. Videos will be provided below!

RAILWAY STATION HOTEL - SHENZHEN (LUOHU DISTRICT)

SOMERSET GARDEN CITY HOTEL/APT. - SHENZHEN (NANSHAN DISTRICT)

Hotels in Hong Kong and Macau are a different price range altogether.  Because this part of China is of true opulence, prices are more expensive the closer you are to the main airport. The further you traveling inward to neighboring cities for example: Wan Chai, Tsuen Wan, Kowloon, the prices can become more affordable (ranging $70.00 – 110.00). 

HOLIDAY INN - MACAU

Traveling:

The cool thing about major cities in mainland China, they have a well-developed transit system with English-translated maps.  The train stalls are operated and paid with cards called Octopus. You can purchase the cards and add any additional money amounts with fare machines that are situated throughout the main halls of the train stations.  Hong Kong has train stations but hubby and I never tried them.

Taxis are cheap and available everywhere throughout mainland China and Hong Kong.  When you first leave Hong Kong International Airport, their taxis run on a system (red taxis are for urban travel within the island, green taxis are for the areas/island of New Territories, blue taxis are for the island of Lantau). FYI: Before you leave the airport or your hotel, have someone at the front desk write out in Chinese your destination so that you can easily give it to the taxi cab driver. If you’re trying to get to mainland China, your travel will differ because Hong Kong taxis can only get you to the border of Hong Kong and then it’s up to you to get on the train to continue onward or you could just pay for a private car at the airport to transport you to the mainland.

Walking is always an option and I will admit is the best way to check out the local sites, parks, restaurants and stores. Just keep notice of street names and keep a map on hand. While in Hong Kong, Qingdao  and  Macau, hubby and I found it more thrilling to walk the well-lit and bustling streets.  

                                      WALKING THE SIDE-STREETS OF MACAU 

  

For those who want a change of scenery, know that you can take a variety of ferry/jet boats from Shenzhen (Mainland China) or Hong Kong to the neighboring island of Macau… China’s adult version of Las Vegas.  Macau has numerous big named hotel/casinos (Wynn, MGM, etc.), shows, restaurants, clubs, and culturally-accepted prostitution. This place has it all with more lights and bigger casinos. Although this island is populated with a melting pot of Portuguese/Chinese/relocated cultures, this place is jumping and English-speakers can easily enjoy themselves all day long.  

JET BOATS TO MACAU

Troy’s Perspective:

Food:

The Shenzhen Best Western breakfast buffet is a great buffet for the price ($12-15 US) and for the Western palate. Located in the ever-busy lobby of the Best Western Hotel, this buffet caters to the taste and traditions of both a typical American/Asian breakfast. The buffet includes pancakes/waffles, eggs/omelets, sausage, bacon, cereal, sliced fruit, pastries, orange juice and coffee customary for the westerner’s desires. This buffet also includes the typical delicacies of Asia with noodles, rice, sticky buns and various soups for the Asian pleasures. The breakfast is fast, reliable and a great way to start your day.

The Shenzhen Shangri-La breakfast buffet offers both Western and Asian delicacies of a superior quality than other buffets. My wife always enjoys the sweet/mouth-watering taste of their outstanding carrot juice of all things, leaving a refreshing and distinct taste that brings you back for more. As frequently stated, “you pay for what you get.” The buffet is held on the top 27^th floor of the Shangri-La Hotel of Shenzhen overlooking the active city. For the price of $25 US, this may seem expensive, but is well worth it as you relax and plan your adventure for the day with free access to a computer and Wi-Fi. The service is fast and accommodating for the finest pleasures.

Shenzhen’s Wal-Mart is an adventure in itself in China. Upon first entering, your mouth drops as you pass numerous counters of Chinese delicacies of dried rattle snake skin, insects and other snacks/ingredients for the Asian palate. With the unique innovation of magnetic wheeled shopping carts that halt in place as you ride up-or-down the escalator with your cart in hand, you are stunned in amazement. You begin to ask yourself, “Why don’t we have this in America?” Once you enter the meat market and seafood sections, this is where the true adventure begins. Wifey and I stood still flabbergasted as bystanders, witnessing an entire gutted pig held up by a meat hook in the middle of the meat aisle as people chose their desired portion to be cut by the butcher. As we strolled into the seafood section we were amazed to see people fishing with nets into a large vessel of fish for their own choosing. We thoroughly enjoyed this experience purchasing a variety of snacks (chicken flavored potato chips, etc.) that would never be found in America. Wal-Mart in China is a true culture shock and immersion into the West meet East Chinese lifestyle. This is a practical option is you decide to stay in an apartment/condo rental.

MAGNETIC SHOPPING CARTS

FISHING INSIDE WAL-MART - SHENZHEN

EVERY TIME WE GO TO WAL-MART

A hidden gem that we discovered and had to mention was a reputable pizza restaurant but unfortunately, we cannot correctly translate the name on the sales receipt.  This pizza place is located in Halifeng Square, on Renmin Nan Lu Street, within the Luohu District. It is encircled by three very vivacious neighboring bars and is right next door to JC3 (Jazz Club Bar). The familiar sounds of Jazz, Country and R&B resonated from the bars as people socialized. As our pizza was being prepared, Wifey and I enjoyed a freshly made aloe tea/juice mixture conjured up by our waiter, Pizza Yu (Yes, that’s his name). When our pizza arrived, at first sight the pizza appeared pretty appetizing. The thin flaky butter crust, fresh vegetables and tangy tomato sauce was pleasing to palate. From the smile and joyful expression beaming from wifey’s face, I am sure that she appreciated the similar flavors that we are accustomed to. This pizza place is a great option in a lively location to frequent if in the Shenzhen shopping district of mainland China.    

FYI: If anyone knows the name of this restaurant we are describing, please send us a comment with it and we will gladly re-post it.

Entertainment:

Entertainment by far is not hard to find in both Hong Kong and mainland China. China features some of the world’s greatest sites, landmarks and escapes to paradise. You will never have enough time to see it all. Our experiences of entertainment included the island of Macau, traveling to various landmarks in the province of Qingdao, walking through the hectic streets of Hong Kong Island, viewing the massive malls of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, singing in the ever popular karaoke bars (FYI… they take karaoke very seriously and provide private soundproof rooms) and clubbing in the mainland area. No matter how many times we go to both Mainland China and Hong Kong, a new and exciting adventure awaits my wifey and I. 

Macau, China is a true expedition in itself, starting with the 1-hour jet boat ride to the island. Once on the island you will experience the same rules as if you were entering the island through the airport as thousands of people are waiting to get through customs (literally). Once you cross customs, expect yet another line with just a few hundred to catch a taxi to your desired hotel/location. When you finally get settled in, the home of the most extravagant and largest casino scene awaits your arrival. This by far is a place that is truly mouth dropping/stunning and you will have to see it to believe it!  In comparison to what we know as Las Vegas, Macau is 10 times bigger and better (they are still building more casinos daily). If you are impressed with the ever-popular Venetian Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, Macau not only has the Venetian Hotel/Casino but they have (3) Venetian Hotels/Casinos that are all bigger than the one in Las Vegas (unbelievable) and is currently the largest casino in the world. The activities in Macau are endless and it is a must experience if you ever get the chance.

VENETIAN HOTEL GONDOLA - MACAU 

VENETIAN HOTEL/CASINO #1 - MACAU

VENETIAN HOTEL #2 - MACAU

MGM HOTEL/CASINO - MACAU

  

WYNN HOTEL/CASINO - MACAU (1ST VIEW)

WYNN HOTEL/CASINO - MACAU (2ND VIEW)

GRAND LISBOA HOTEL/CASINO - MACAU

Qingdao is the home of the popular philosopher/teacher Confucius. This is a place that we only spent a few days visiting but while there we experienced great eateries with friends, relaxing walks along the Fushan Bay water front and visited some of the popular landmarks on the Northeast part of China.

ENJOYING THE VIEWS OF QINGDAO FROM OUR HOTEL ROOM

MAY WIND SCULPTURE @ MAY FOURTH SQUARE - QINGDAO 2008

The hectic streets of Hong Kong Island never fails to amaze me. The steady stream of people, cars, food and stores can truly overwhelm all five senses. With people brushing by in close proximity, car horns honking, tempting smells of mouthwatering specialties coming from every restaurant and the sight of this bustling city at all hours can truly have your senses in high alert. With the flashing lights, loud sounds and everything catching your attention at every turn, before you know it you have walked several miles and 6 hours have gone by. 

THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF HONG KONG ISLAND

In the mainland areas of China, we always take full advantage of clubbing with our Asian counterparts every chance we get. Multi-colored light shows, smoke machines blasting, music bumping, drinks pouring and people dancing fill the scene. After a tiring day, it sure feels good to let loose and dive into the Chinese club scene. We may look different, but one thing stands true is that everyone loves to have a good time. The people of China dance, party and listen to the same music as we do in the states and know how to party the night away till sunlight.

DANCING IS A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE!

OUR FRIENDS HENRY AND ALEX @ CLUB RICHY - SHENZHEN 2012

 THE LUGGS PARTYING @ CLUB RICHY - SHENZHEN

THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF MUSIC AND DANCE... PARTY ON! 

BRINGING IN 2010 NEW YEAR @ MGM'S LION'S DEN CLUB - MACAU 

PARTY HARD MACAU 

PARTY ON TROY

SELF IMPROVEMENT IDEA - ENVISIONING YOUR GOALS

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

We're interrupting our third installment of China On A Budget because we believe this is of more importance for the start of the new year.  However, don't worry because we will be posting it next.

Nadirah and Troy's Perspective:

     The purpose behind the “Vision Board” is to give yourself and your spouse a concrete, specifically written outline of what you what to achieve as a team within your lifetime.  By placing the board in a very visible space that you both equally share (bedroom, office, etc.), it becomes a constant reminder of the ultimate reward.  Whether it is to travel the world, lose 20 pounds, become more optimistic, and/or earn 1 million dollars in three months, nothing is too big or too small to place upon your board.  Furthermore, when you brainstorm aspirations as a couple, this activity is a great tool to analyze and understand whether you and your spouse either differ or strive for the same objectives.   Either way, it helps the both of you to envision, stay focus, and achieve the goals together.

WE LOVE TO TRAVEL!!!