Suzette Riddick's Blog, page 7

TRIP TO B&N WITH JOEY

Hey, hey! I believe in rewarding children when they work...

Trip to B&N with Joey

Hey, hey!

I believe in rewarding children when they work hard in school. It was a practice I started with my children when they were in school. For every A, they received a dollar amount that was slightly more than receiving a B. This motivated them to work hard and not slack off with their studies. This worked until they reached high school. Especially with my oldest. She was the kid that started off strong at the beginning of the school year, slacked off in the middle. And then got herself together by the end-of-year getting A’s, B’s, and at least one C.

Now that I’m a Gigi, I’ve continued this practice with my grandson, Joey. Except, I don’t give him money. His reward is spending the afternoon with me and my husband, going out to lunch. And then a trip to Barnes and Noble to buy books. He’s into Magna books.

My Joey is like every other kid who loves his electronics. I’m thrilled he loves Barnes and Noble equally. His eyes light up at the mention of taking a trip there. We don’t limit our trips to him getting good grades. Christmas and birthday gifts are perfect opportunities for our lunch date and shopping for his next set of books.

LOL, he didn’t want me to take this pic.

 

Until next time,

Suzette

Purple Passion – February 19 – February 25

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This week’s theme for my planner layout is Purple Passion. It’s my birthday week and I’m loving the purple, which represents my birthstone amethyst. Wish I had a pair of the purple army fatigue pants the doll is wearing. Too cute! The sticker with the journal, pen, and eyeglasses is adorable!

I hope this layout gives you inspiration.

Plenty of Pop by Clinique

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Let’s talk about my new lipstick collection from Clinique. Plenty of Pop is a five color collection of creamy lipsticks that I just had to have in my makeup collection. Plenty of Pop lipstick collection offers colors that are richly pigmented and apply easily.

If you have read my other blog posts, you know neutral makeup colors are my thing. Bare Pop, Mocha Pop, and Plum Pop are beautiful neutrals.

When I want a dark-moody look, Berry Pop will get the job done. Rarely do I wear a red lip. It’s not really my thing. But baaaby, this Cherry Pop is something else. I will definitely work this color into my makeup look.

If you like these colors, check out Clinique’s website.

 

Pretty & Pink – Planner Layout

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This week’s theme for my planner layout I’m calling Pretty & Pink. I wanted something that wasn’t too over the top for my Valentine’s week spread. Not into hearts all over the place. Two heart stickers were enough. But I am into the yummy drinks and macaroons sticker. What about the pink high heels? They are too cute!

I hope this layout gives you inspiration.

Ice Blue Baby- Planner Layout for February 5- February 11

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This week’s theme for my planner layout I’m calling Ice Blue Baby. The multiple layers of blue are beautiful to me. What do you think about the dolls? Do you have a favorite? For me it’s the doll wearing the sunglasses and holding her cup of morning coffee. Where do you think she’s going? Maybe to meet a friend to go shopping? Or perhaps she left the kiddos home with hubby and is going to the sap for a massage or facial? I hope this layout gives you inspiration.

Hidden Identity

Alonzo’s foul mood evaporated the moment his eyes locked with Jeanette’s. Beautiful was the first word that came rushing to his brain. She wasn’t the statuesque, leggy type he preferred to complement his six-four height. Her petite stature, caramel complexion, hazel eyes, and full, kissable lips were magnetizing. He wanted to reach out and rub the shoulder-length two-strand twists between his fingers to see if they were as soft as they looked.

His gaze continued to roam as he took in her small breasts outlined in a teal, long-sleeve tee, her tiny waist, and snug-fitting jeans showcasing curvy hips. Childbearing hips. He tossed that crazy thought out of his head. His mother’s nagging earlier that morning to settle down with a nice Cuban girl and start a family was messing with him.

Alonzo suppressed the urge to lick his lips. Over sensitized by women throwing themselves at him, it had been forever since he’d desired a woman on sight. They all looked the same. Cosmetically enhanced breasts, fake eyelashes, caked on makeup, silicon-injected lips, and butts. This Jeanette Adams was on the other end of the spectrum. Her natural beauty was captivating.

Oh… My…God… Breathe… Jeanette… Breathe… Who in the world is this Laz Alonso clone? Jeanette wondered. She’d seen just about every movie or television show that the sexy, Afro-Cuban played in.

Jeanette was nervous as she approached the stranger who couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her. Gloria said he looked unhappy. Did something happen in such a short span of time? She had braced herself to deal with a grizzly bear of a man. Instead, his eyes were slowly taking her in as if he was interested in what he saw. Jeanette quickly shook off that foolishness. This man was here to squeeze money out of her that she didn’t have.

“Hi, my aunt said you were here to see me?’

“Jeanette Adams?”

Surely this angel couldn’t be responsible for the minor dent and scratches on his vehicle.

“Yes,” Jeanette answered, trying to control the shaking in her voice. His penetrating gaze was setting off flutters in her belly.

Alonzo reached into an inner pocket of the tan leather jacket he wore. Jeanette’s face flushed when he pulled out a recognizable piece of paper.

“You left this note on my car?”

“I’m…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hit your car. It’s just that I was so tired after working my second job and I put the car in reverse instead of drive and—”

As Jeanette floundered in a feeble attempt to explain her unintentional carelessness, three-year-old Mya entered the room whimpering. On impulse Jeanette went to the child, thankful for the interruption. She didn’t know how much longer she would be able to take those sexy, dark eyes staring her down.

“Another bad dream, sweetie?” Jeanette softly asked Mya as she stooped down to lift the child’s tiny body into her arms.

Mya snuggled close, tucking her head in Jeanette’s bosom.

Yes,” the child whimpered, wiping at moist eyes.

“It’s okay. You’re safe with me,” she whispered, reassuring the child as she made her way back to Alonzo.

Alonzo’s heart melted as Jeanette approached him with the child on her left hip. His mother’s words came charging back at the uncomfortable pulling in the center of his chest. He came here prepared to lash out at Jeanette. But after her honest confession and witnessing her tender interaction with the child there was no way he could go through with being outright mean to her. And there was no way this woman had purposely staged an accident to wiggle her way into his bed. Truthfully, with her incredibly sexy, petite body he wished that had been her intent. He would have been more than ready to indulge her.

“I’m sorry for the interruption,” Jeanette apologized as she continued to cradle Mya.

“It’s fine. Is she alright?” Alonzo queried with concern, nodding in Mya’s direction.

Jeanette tightened her hold on the tiny body. If she hadn’t, she might have dropped the child. The man’s voice was deep with a hint of Latin flavor causing her knees to slightly buckle.

“She’ll be fine in a few minutes. As I was saying, I’m sorry about hitting your car. I know what I did was stupid.”

Jeanette’s face turned a tinge of pink. She couldn’t believe she called herself stupid in front of the sexiest man alive. What she was about to say next sent her into a panic thinking about the money she didn’t have for an increase in her premium rate.

“I do have insurance. If you wait a minute, I can go get my wallet and give you my information.”

Jeanette didn’t wait for a response as she rushed out of the room through another doorway.

Alonzo’s phone rang. Glancing at the name on the display he answered, “Hey, Julio. What’s up?”

“Nothing much. Checking to see what time you’ll be by the restaurant. I have some numbers I want to run by you.”

“I’m in the middle of something. When I’m done here, I’ll swing through.”

“You caught up with the chick who hit your ride?”

“Young lady,” Alonzo corrected.

Julio chuckled. “That’s not what you were calling her last night.”

Alonzo cringed. He had thought the worst of Jeanette before meeting her a few minutes ago. His colorful name calling hadn’t been very gentlemanly.

“Let’s just say she’s not what I expected her to be.”

“Is she ugly?” his younger brother teased.

This time Alonzo chuckled. “Far from it. Have everything ready for me when I get there.”

“Alright, bro. See you later.”

“Later.”

As Alonzo was sliding the phone inside his pocket, Jeanette returned to the room with Mya now on her right hip. She handed him a slip of paper.

“I jotted down my information. I called my insurance company this morning to inform them I had an accident so they’ll be expecting your call.”

While she was speaking, another toddler—this time a little boy—wandered into the room, leaning against Jeanette’s left leg. He stared at Alonzo with wide, curious eyes.

An emptiness Alonzo couldn’t explain settled over him as he watched the children clinging to Jeanette for comfort.

“I can see you’re busy. Why don’t I come back after you close this evening so we can talk?”

What did they have to talk about? Everything he needed was on the paper she’d given him. Was he going to demand she pay out of pocket instead of going through the insurance company? She hoped not! She was dreading the five-hundred-dollar deductible she had to pay that was going to wipe her entire savings out.  Reluctantly, she agreed with a nod.

“Come back at seven.”

When he smiled, showing a straight row of white teeth, her knees did that buckling thing again.

“Seven it is,” Alonzo said. He turned and headed toward the door.

Alonzo’s hand was on the doorknob when Jeanette called out, “Hey, what’s your name?”

With his back to her, an amused grin curved his lips. She doesn’t know who I am. This could be interesting.

“Alonzo Castro.”

 

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Planner Layout January 29 – February 4

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This week’s color scheme for my planner layout is neutral with brown, blush, black, beige, with a dash of black. All the B’s! Can’t go wrong with this color palette. How cute is that tube of lipstick? What about the ‘I’m not a morning person’ sticker? Love the doll holding her morning cup of coffee. I hope this layout gives you inspiration.

Planner Layout January 22- January 28, 2024

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This week’s color scheme is pink and brown featuring coffee & a LV inspired wallet deco. I thought the brown florals would add a sweet touch. And isn’t this doll soooo cute with her pink sweater and pom-pom knit hat? I hope this layout gives you inspiration.

I Love To Hate You

 

White lights strung above the pergola on the patio gave off a soft glow, competing with the twinkling stars in the dark velvet sky. From her perch on the outdoor sofa, Sammie’s gaze followed Dexter Davis. His deep brown complexion held a hint of reddish undertone from the summer’s sun. An inch away from clearing six feet, his muscular physique was more lean than bulky. A few added inches and he’d have the qualifications to be a print model. Head tilted, Sammie squinted her right eye in scrutiny to reassess. Maybe he could be a model except for the scruffy beard he sported. Where some women thought it gave him a sexy, rugged look, he appeared unkempt to Sammie.

Earlier Dexter had sauntered into her dad’s backyard dressed in a hunter green t-shirt, black shorts, and black leather Ferragamo sandals. Sammie couldn’t help rolling her eyes. Who wore seven hundred dollar sandals to a cookout? It was obvious to Sammie he was showing off. Her previous criticism didn’t stop Sammie’s hips from shifting, her mouth parting as her gaze moved down to his biceps flexing beneath the green fabric each time he folded a chair.

A flush of heat spread up her neck and fanned across her face. If she wanted to, she couldn’t look away from his broad back as he carried chairs inside the storage shed. Another unexpected surge of warmth hit her when she imagined the unthinkable happening between her and Dexter. Ugh, never!

On Dexter’s way out of the shed, Jamal stopped him and the two shared words. Whatever was spoken between them made Dexter throw his head back and laugh, showing off a mouth full of white, glistening teeth. Though she was sitting down, Sammie became weak in the knees. His laugh was sexy. Too sexy for her liking.

“You coming inside with us?” Joey asked, holding open the back door leading into the kitchen.

Her sister’s intrusion jolted Sammie back into reality. That man was the enemy. “I’ll be in a minute.” She was going to keep Dexter in sight.

Sammie despised how buddy-buddy Dexter was getting with her father Garrison. Ever since he blew back into town several weeks ago, the shady character was up under her dad. One too many times, she’d stopped by her childhood home to check on her father to find Dexter there, like an old piece of unwanted furniture. On one visit, the men were at the dining room table, documents strewn about. Curious, she asked what was going on. Garrison had ignored her, gathered the papers and placed them in a folder, handing it over to Dexter.

When she pressed for an answer, Garrison told her to mind her business. The rebuke had stung. But it was the cocky grin Dexter wore that made Sammie dislike him even more.

Recalling that night, Sammie was determined to confront Dexter. She was curious about what was happening between Dexter and her dad.

After the men were done, Julio and Jamal said their goodbyes to Uncle Barney and Dexter before heading inside. As Uncle Barney and Dexter prepared to leave, Sammie stood at the edge of the patio.

“Dexter, I need to talk to you.”

Sammie didn’t miss the dubious look Uncle Barney gave Dexter. “I’ll talk to you later, nephew.”

Waiting until Uncle Barney rounded the side of the house leading to the walkway toward the front porch, Sammie approached Dexter.

Glaring at her, that happy-go-lucky grin he’d worn from the time he showed up at the cookout was gone. “You got one minute.”

“That’s all I need,” Sammie snapped.

Dexter rubbed his hand over his five o’clock shadow. “Speak.”

“Speak?” Did he just give me a command, like I’m a dog? Ugh, she didn’t like this creep.

Dexter glanced at the expensive gold watch on his wrist, leaving Sammie to wonder who he’d swindled to get it.

“What’s going on between you and my father?” Sammie demanded, glaring into Dexter’s eyes for any hint of deception.

The fabric of the shirt he wore tightened over his chest when he crossed his arms. “Why don’t you ask your father?”

“I’m asking you. You’re the one always hanging around my father like a dirty leech after something.”

This time when Dexter chuckled it didn’t make her feel weak in the knees. There was something sinister about it. Unnerved, Sammie took a step back when he got in her face.

“You better watch how you talk to me,” Dexter growled, staring down at her. “I’m not one of your sisters.”

Sammie held her hand out. “Back up! You’re too close.”

Dummy did the opposite. With each step he took forward, Sammie retreated until her back was up against the fence separating her father’s property from the neighbor’s.

“You wanted to talk. So talk.”

With him in her space, Sammie couldn’t think, let alone speak. Something inside of her was trying to escape. It had to do with everything that was male radiating out of Dexter’s pores, seeping into her. It terrified her.

The heat from his body, the fading cologne on his skin, the hint of alcohol on his breath from the beer he drank with the ribs he ate made her want to do something crazy. So crazy even she couldn’t believe it was soaking into her spirit.

Surprised by her thoughts, Sammie’s silence was her downfall.

“I was told you grew up to be the nasty sister. The sister who can’t get a man…”

Control spiraling out of Sammie’s grasp, she screeched, “Shut up! Shut up! You don’t know me!”

“I don’t need to know you to know you act like a real bit—”

Before the word could escape Dexter’s mouth, the sound of Sammie’s hand slapping his jaw crackled in the night air.

Unshed tears stung her eyes, her bottom lip trembled. “You don’t know me or my story.”

“And you don’t know mine. So stop acting like you do,” Dexter shot back, his nostrils flared.

“What’s going on back here?” Garrison barked, his gaze shifting between Sammie and Dexter.

Sammie stormed off, leaving Dexter to deal with her father.

 

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