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If Only Your Kitchen Could Talk

If Only Your Kitchen Could Talk

The kitchen of every home is like the central part where the magic happens. We prepare meals there, sit down and eat together, and share laughs and stories. The part of the house where we come together as family to enjoy home cooked meals.

Sometimes though, we do things that may not be in the best interest of the home and it’s upkeep. Unintentionally, of course. If your kitchen could say a few things here is what it would like for you to know:

The granite countertops would tell you to never put a hot pan/pot directly on the surface. It can cause warping and damage from intense heat. Use a trivet or a soft cloth to serve as a buffer between the heat and the granite surface.

When cleaning granite, never use any kind of scouring pads. This can scratch the surface. It doesn’t matter how light you try to scrub, it’s a bad idea. The smooth surface will be ruined and, in some case, unrepairable.

Kitchen pipes would tell you to never pour boiling water down the drain. Especially if you have certain types of piping, it can loosen joints and cause leaks further down the line. Plumbing issues get costly and no wants water damage. Alternatives are to wait for the water to cool. But, if you do not have time to spare, try running cool/cold water and pour some of that in the boiling pot to cool the temperature. While the water is still running, slowly pour the water out. At least the water will be cooling at this point and is safer to go down the drain.

Garbage disposal is not the same as a garbage can. It often is left screaming, “No bones, no grease, and no coffee grounds!” Grease can cause blockages in the pipes because it gets hard as it cools. The same is true for coffee grinds. They can clog pipes when they turn into a paste. It can also wreak havoc on the motor of the disposal. And what can we say about bones… They are too hard to break down and will cause clogging. The bones can damage the blades and the part of the disposal that grinds waste. Usually, soft foods are the best option.

Dishwasher; please rinse all dishes before loading. The dishwasher does not have a magic scrub brush in there. Putting plates, pans and glasses in there without rinsing will cause clogs later down the line and drastically shorten the life of the dishwasher. Take a few minutes to rinse before loading.

I hope you have found these tips helpful. If you would like to share some of your own tips, please feel free to leave a comment.

Thank you for stopping by to read! 💕

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International Men’s Day 2025

November 19th is International Men’s Day

🙌🏼Celebrating Men and Boys

Men are a vital part of society. Oftentimes, they do not receive the recognition and care that they deserve. So many of our men are positive role models and exemplify just how important they are. Boys are just as important. They look up to their older counterparts for guidance, love, support, and care. As such, those same boys grow up to be the men who have shown their responsible side and remain productive men of society.

With challenges of today’s world, men are tested and tried every day. Just stepping outside their door, leaving home to go to work poses risks for some men. Facing racial profiling, and attempts on their lives just because of their skin color. Also, people may look at a man and assume that he is up to no good and is looking to rob or steal from them. Because of these challenges and the ones we may not know about, they deserve to be shown love, compassion and grace.

Today, remind the men and boys in your life about how they are special to you and that they matter. We see you and appreciate you. Although we might not know all your struggles; you are loved. We thank you for going out there and working to put food on the table, provide a roof for your family, love and support your friends and family alike. Doing it all in silence and not complaining. You carry what seems like the world on your shoulders, but you still keep it moving.

Mental health can be affected and there is nothing wrong with talking to someone, if you feel like life is overwhelming. Let’s celebrate our friends, sons, brothers, fathers, nephews, uncles, grandfather’s, cousins, and all the men/boys we can.
We thank you, respect you, love, and support you. We appreciate when you go out of your way to do something special for others. It does not go unnoticed.
Happy International Men’s Day! ♥️

#InternationalMensDay

#MensHealth

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Topic

World Kindness Day 💟

November 13th is World Kindness Day
The world can be such a better place when we extend just a little kindness to each other. Today you can take small steps to spread kindness and joy.

  • 📞 Call/text a friend or relative to say hello
  • 👍 Give someone a compliment
  • 🚪 Hold a door open for someone
  • 🛍️ Offer to carry a bag for someone
  • ☺️ Smile today

Showing acts of kindness does not cost a thing. Use your imagination to show your gratitude. What do you have to lose? 🌺☀️

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Topic

Balance My Lunch #5

Balance My Meal

Chicken, jasmine rice and red beans

I think with this meal, the rice should be a smaller portion. Maybe only one piece of chicken? What do you think? Balance my meal and tell me what you think would be a good pairing.

The coloring of the chicken is from Sazon seasoning packet. A great way to add a little extra to your food. Sazon seasoning comes in different varieties so you can make it to your taste.

One thing I will caution about using this seasoning, clean up any spills quickly. It does stain if you leave it on surfaces, bowls, sink for extended times. Just rinse or wipe up counters with water and it will be fine.

Check out the previous meal here.

Categories
Info Topic Words of Wisdom

Happy Anniversary IBO- Year #4

Inspire By O’Nika Turns 4

November 2nd is the day I started IBO. It was in 2021 that I was moved to begin blogging. It was the middle of the pandemic and a very troubling time. Because of that I felt like people could use some words of inspiration and hope. Even if for only the time it takes to read a post.

My journey started out with quotes, and varied topics. A few articles were of heavy content. For the most part, the content of Inspire By O’Nika is light-hearted, motivational and uplifting. 

Through the years I started to incorporate poetry. I have come to enjoy it and just have fun with it. I added some comedy to the blog too. Also, I have joined in various picture and word prompts. 

I say all that to say; thank you. Thank you to all the people who stop by to read my blog. People who have been supportive over the years. I appreciate the comments; short, long, and even if you just leave an emoji. Thank you for the likes and shares. 

4 years in the making, hoping to see another four. Continuing this writing journey with all of you is what keeps me going. I love all my readers who have been there from day one and new subscribers too. Thanks again for the love and support. 💕

A few memorable posts from the past year

Categories
Poetry Topic

The Phenomenal Growth of Hip Hop

The Phenomenal Growth of Hip Hop-a poem

What started in 1973
arguably
a new era of sound
you might say lyrics abound
origins up for debate
words used to create
break dancing, beat boxing, pop lockin'
on any corner, people rockin'
was it the Bronx, Manhattan or Queens?
who had the biggest influence
does it really matter, I mean
all are cities and cultures of affluence

Two small words, hip hop
its legacy lives on
a culture rising from some of the greats
Kurtis Blow and The Breaks
Kool Herc rode around with those speakers
Rock Dis Funky Joint, with Poor Righteous Teachers

Sugar Hill Gang was a Rapper’s Delight
don't forget Public Enemy Don’t Believe the Hype
Boogie Down Productions, You Must Learn
KRS One said it best
Check the Rhime with A Tribe Called Quest

Keeping it Strictly Business with EPMD
Eric B & Rakim said Check Out My Melody
How Many Mics does it take by the Fugees
This Can’t Be Life said Beans, Scarface and Jay Z
Lauryn Hill sings Selah
while MC Lyte raps in Cha Cha Cha

De La Soul said Stakes is High
and Queen Latifah sings U.N.I T.Y.
all I’m trying to say is it doesn’t matter
if you are in a NY State of Mind like Nas
or if you Stand Tall with Rapsody
let’s not forget, Mobb Deep, RIP Prodigy

Hip hop is here to stay
it feels like it started just yesterday
Tupac wrote an anthem Dear Mama
and Notorious BIG was Big Poppa
the music ain’t Slippin' spit DMX
which artist do you think got next?

Thank you for stopping by to read. 💖

The poem, The Phenomenal Growth of Hip Hop and cover art by O’Nika

Categories
Poetry Topic

Where Is My Home?

Where Is My Home?

An Etheree

Psst
Hey you
Help, I'm lost
Where is my home
It is no longer
Bulldozed, trampled, gone
How can us fawns find safety
Where will we find food and shelter
Can we sleep in your backyard tonight
We have nowhere else to go, help us please

The poem, Where Is My Home? is written for WDYS prompt #312.

Image credit: Sir. Simo on Unsplash

Categories
Poetry Topic Words of Wisdom

The Notebook

The Notebook- a Triolet
A Triolet

The notebook goes with the pen in my hand
Where thoughts come to life
From my head on to paper they land
The notebook goes with the pen in my hand
Laughter, grief, triumphs all stand
Emotions cut deep like a knife
The notebook goes with the pen in my hand
Where thoughts come to life

The original poem, The Notebook was written in response to the W3 prompt.

Thank you for taking the time to read. 💕

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The 3 S’s- Safety, Support and Solidarity

💜 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The theme for 2025 is With Survivors, Always. Survivors of domestic violence need safety, support and solidarity.

🙏🏼If you or someone you know is in an abusive partner situation, the resources below can help:

800-799-7233

https://www.thehotline.org

dvawareness.org/WithSurvivors

#WithSurvivors

🫂The idea is to show support by spreading awareness about this very serious problem. Get involved through volunteering and sharing information on social media platforms.

💜No one should have to live in fear or in violent situations. Survivors of DM may need spiritual, financial and emotional support. You may be able to help by simply providing a listening ear.

Categories
Poetry Topic

Fall into October

Acrostic

Categories
Poetry Topic

Abstract As Can Be

Look 
in the
picture frame
anything from
clown butterfly mask
imagine interpret
colors shapes media too
name it what you will, eyes leading
shaping the mind, altering it too
causing the face to smile in wonder, wow
excitement takes over, positive thoughts
abound, flooding your mind with questions
complex linear abstract mute
watercolor oil finger
paint possibilities
what is this image
fun or scary
obtuse or
even
sad

Thank you for stopping by and taking time to read the original poem, Abstract as Can Be. Published at Inspirebyonika.com. 💕

Artwork credit: W. Harris

Categories
Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

How to Break Out of Self-Limiting Beliefs and into Your Greatness

We all have the potential of greatness. Yes, even you. Some of us doubt ourselves and I understand at times when this can happen. It is the constant belief that we cannot achieve something that gets in the way. The negative self-talk and the constant questioning of our abilities.

I’ll give you an example. If you ever came up with an idea about a new product that you wanted to patent or an idea on a project that you wanted to start. The more you think about it, you start letting that doubt creep in. Saying things like, I can’t do this, I don’t have the capital. Or, I don’t know where to begin. Who am I kidding, this will never work because I don’t have the people skills, etc, etc.

The more days that pass the less you are excited about the idea. You started out all gung-ho but each day that this repeated cycle of negativity plays in your head, the idea is killed. Maybe it gets postponed to; someday. We all know that infamous someday.

In this video I will provide practical tips about ways we can begin breaking the cycle of self-limitations and start tapping into our greatness.

Thank you for stopping by! If you know someone who may benefit or enjoy the information, do not hesitate to share. You never know who might need to hear this message today.

As always, stay well and be blessed! 🙏💕

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Diversity Info Topic

Part 2- Music and How We Listen

Part 2- Music and How We Listen

Welcome to part 2 of Music and How We Listen. In this video I will talk about vinyl records, CDs (compact discs) and streaming music. The way we listen to music in today’s world is mostly streaming. But streaming is not the same for the listener or the artists who are creating. The distribution is different and how quickly we can hear new music has changed.

Vinyl records are not as popular as they once were. The “older” generation can tell you that vinyl has a crisp, clear and better sound than some of the other forms like CDs and cassettes. Whatever is your preferred method of listening to music, it is interesting how times have changed.

CDs are still a popular way to hear music too. The discs are small, and you can still enjoy the artwork in the case of your favorite artists. You can also easily skip ahead or back for the songs that you really love and want to hear without having to play the entire CD.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by! I appreciate your support, as always! 💖🙏

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Diversity Info Topic

Part 1- Music and How We Listen

Part 1- Music and How We Listen

The universal language which we know as music has changed over the decades. Who remembers 8 tracks??? We also had cassette tapes, vinyl records, CDs and now the new age of streaming.

In Part 1, Music and How we Listen I will delve a little into the way we listened to music back in the days of 8 tracks and cassette tapes. Also, how to fix that cassette when it either pops or gets tangled.

In addition to the sound of music, I also enjoyed the artwork that came in the package. The case of the cassettes, and CDs. Also, album covers. You get to really see the visual creativity along with hearing the way the artist creates with their lyrics and sounds.

Music and How We Listen will continue in Part 2. The next part is more about vinyl records, CDs and streaming music.

As always, thank you for stopping by! 💕🙏

Categories
Topic

What would you change in the world?

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

-Government/politics
-Homelessness
-Humanity/stereotypes
-Cost of living/housing/food

As always, thank you for taking the time to visit, like, share and comment♥️