Top Ten Tuesday - Guilty Pleasures

10. Driving through nice neighborhoods

Back in college, my roommate and I use to drive out to Potomac, Md to see all the big, beautiful, oversized houses. It was like motivation for higher education. Plus, it gave us a chance to get out of the city. Sometimes you need to change the scenery to clear your head or rejuevenate your creative juices. Now that I live in California, Beverly Hills and Bel Air have become my Potomac, Md.

9. Turning the ringer off

Please don’t tell anyone this but I loathe talking on the phone. Today’s technology has made it easier for me to stay connected without spending too much time on the phone. I know it’s impersonal but with 3 kids and an online business that I’m trying to grow, the telephone just gets in the way.

8. Street festivals

I am a street festival whore. If there’s a street festival, I’m trying to crash it. Give me a bunch of food vendors and live entertainment in the middle of the street and I’m about as satisfied as Tiger Woods in a Denny’s restaurant.

7. Shoes & handbags

I have a hard time picking out clothes but I can buy out a shoe boutique or handbag store. There is something about a swanky shoe that makes my heart skip a beat. I may not have anything in my closet that remotely goes with my latest zapato or clutch, but I can somehow convince myself that the clothes will come. They never do. So I’m left to use my shoes and purses as art to be admired not worn.

6. Border’s bookstore

I don’t get to escape like a use to but there was a time when I could spend hours on end in a bookstore. Perusing how-to books, interior design, starting your own business, etc. I feel like the world is at my fingertips when I walk into a bookstore because I can learn about anything under the sun in one place.

5. Magazines (decorating, scrapbooking)

Is it possible to walk pass the magazine racks in the grocery store without opening up one or two while you wait for your turn? They always seem to suck me in with their beautiful covers and intriguing titles. I especially love the design and scrapbooking magazines. I don’t even scrapbook but I keep telling myself I will one day. I’m such a sucker for that type of stuff.

4. Hiding in the bathroom

It’s the only place in the house I don’t feel guilty about shutting and locking the door. It doesn’t matter whether or not I have to go to the bathroom. People tend not to bother me when I lock the bathroom door. It’s a little piece of heaven at home.

3. Cherry cobbler

My Aunt Christine is not one who is afraid to take risks so when it comes to the kitchen, you never know what she’ll create. She came up with this cobbler dish that is so addictive, Tiger Woods would stay away from cocktail waitresses for it. The recipe?


A cup of sugar, a cup of self-rising flour, a stick of butter, a cup of milk, and a can of whatever fruit you would like. Use the cans that you use for pie filling. Cherry is my favorite but apple, blueberry, and blackberry are good as well. Mix the sugar, self-rising flour, melted butter, and milk together until the lumps are gone. Pour in a small bowl or bread pan. Pour selected fruit in the middle and throw it in an oven at 375 degrees for about 70 minutes. Melts in your mouth when served hot. Let me know what you think if you try it.

2. Reality TV

I believe I am on the down swing of my addiction but I can’t quite stay totally away. I watch shows that I know, as a grown a** woman, I should not be watching (the Hills for example). Life is so hectic and serious; reality TV is still a great escape.

1. Social Media (Facebook, Twitter)

My name is Naivasha and I’m a social media junky. I’m a facebooking twitterer who’s StumbleUpon a lot of useful information using these avenues. Social media is a great tool for small businesses such as mine but I must admit, I mix business with pleasure.