Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Not Too Young For A Little Discipline


"Where does the time go?" Many mothers ask as they watch their babies go from newborns to toddlers. My little bella is growing by leaps and bounds and I have since realized that I have to don a new hat in my parenting role. Not only am I the warm, fuzzy mother who showers her with kisses, now I must (and must is the operative word) show her that no means well, no. Discipline can be tough because they're soooo cute; but as much as they are cute they are very smart in trying to push those limits.

Parenting magazine gave some tips on disciplining from 7 months to 2 year olds. One tip they gave is to create a diversion. So, instead of telling little Miles repeatedly to stop touching the radiator, try giving him his favorite book to distract him. Another tip is to use your poker face when expressing your displeasure. Babies are very observant and know the difference between a a happy expression and one of displeasure. If your little pumpkin keeps tugging at your glasses, give her the poker face and say no. However, I really don't like saying no every minute, so I tend to state desired behavior in the affirmative like, "We respect mommy's glasses. Or we use a soft voice in church."

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Good Hair



Can I tell you how excited I am to watch this Chris Rock documentary entitled Good Hair that is being shown at the Sundance Festival? To this day I still cringe when I hear that term "good hair" and now that my innocent daughter has to hear these crazy terms hurled at her in a complimentary fashion bothers me all the more. So, for Chris Rock to do a documentary on black hair and the black hair industry makes me want to give him a high five. I can't wait to see it.

By the way, I just finished reading Who Does She Think She Is? by Benilde Little and I wondered why in the world did it take me so long to read this great book. I read the 269 pages in two sittings and eagerly wanted to know how it ended. So, if you haven't gotten a chance to pick up Who Does She Think She Is? please do, you'll thank me later.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Thoughts from the Inauguration


After rising early to take in every part of the Inauguration Day (in between feeding and taking care of my newborn), I feel challenged to be a better person and to pursue my dreams with more aggression. Here are a list of my rambling thoughts from yesterday:

1) Tom Brokaw shows that he doubles as a fashion journalist when he inquired if First Lady Obama was wearing brocade to the prayer breakfast.

2) "Very classy touch." Those were my words when Michelle Obama handed Laura Bush a gift.

3) Sasha and Malia are official poster children for the coined expression, "All American" in their J-Crew ensembles.

4) Was it me or did Bill Clinton look a bit bitter walking out for the Inauguration?

5) There was something oddly suspicious about Cheney insisting to move a particular box out of the White House. I can hear him saying, "That box goes with me."

6) I wish Ray Charles was around to sing America at the Inauguration.

7) >Speechless< That was me while I listened to Obama's speech.

8) The poor delivery of the poem overshadowed its strong message.

9) The beast is probably the most impressive cars in any parade I've ever witnessed.

10) Yes, I did watch the Obamas dance to "At Last" each and every time and did not grow bored to witness their genuine love and appreciation for each other.


Have a wonderful day and in the words of Obama let's go and make America better.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Fashion Thus Far






I am anxiously awaiting her inaugural gown.

Friday, January 16, 2009

What I'm Working On

I can't believe I can actually join in on the blogospehere conversation on what I'm sewing. I'm getting slightly giddy just thinking about it. For months I've admired the likes of Miss Celie's Pants, Erica B's DIY, and That's Sew Live and wondered if I could ever get there.



I must say sewing is a bit more difficult than I thought it was. I made the apron shown above which I will show you my humble attempt in a later post and now I am working on this Project Runway number, which I hope to wear to church next week.

For the spring I heart a couple of Vogue items.



I really like this one which I would make in wool in probably a cheerful color that will hopefully bring about a faster spring. Besides the shift seems like a great beginner's project.



This is another one that I may tackle which vaguely resembles the Anthropologie number below.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Happy New Year


I have taken a bit of a sabbatical. Having increased the pages per week for my two books, I have preoccupied myself with the joys of learning about invented characters and have reached a pretty great place in one of my books. I know where I'm heading and am hunkering down each day to make sure I get there as masterfully as I can.

Also, if you haven't picked up the Ebony Love Issue with Barack and Michelle, please do so. I love the giddy smiles set in black and white. It instantly transformed me to Diana Ross and Billie Dee Williams in Mahogany.

As the inauguration approaches, I'm interested in seeing how the day will impact the media, schools, workplaces, and homes nationwide. I wish I could listen to the conversations around the dining room tables or in the locker rooms, to find out what is being said.


Post a comment to let me know what this day means to you and whether or not you plan to participate in Obama's National Day of Service the day before.


LrgImOnHipMama