Diary of a First Time Mom

The Perfect Stroller?

2012-01-20T17:10:00.000-08:00

As I anticipate our next child, I realized that I had a lot of unnecessary items for my first child. As a "seasoned" mother :)...I realize that I don't need a lot of fluff but rather a good stroller goes a LONG way! The Chico stroller we have is now pretty beaten up and to be honest with you, I found it to be rather bulky and tough to navigate with in the park. So, this time around, I'm a bit specific with what I need for a stroller.

1. It has to be affordable.
2. It has to be lightweight.
3. It must be easy to navigate
4. It must be easy to fold.
5. Last but not least, I would love for it to be sleek!

As much as I love the Bugaboo, the price does not love me. After some legwork, virtually, I happened upon a great alternative: The Mamas & Papas Stroller!

Do you like?

Christine

Who Is The Black Girl on The Cover of Town & Country?

2012-01-04T21:34:00.000-08:00

That was my question when I was at my local Whole Foods and I saw Shala Monroque on the cover of Town and Country magazine. I felt a level of pride as her bright face smile beamed with confidence as she effortlessly showcased her pink and black outfit. The new "It Girl" brought back memories of one of my favorite novellas and movies, Breakfast At Tiffany's by Truman Capote. Like the fictional character Holly Golightly, Monroque seems to be the girl about town or what Truman Capote considered as a swan. She has a mysterious past and just seemingly appears in the glittering social world scene. As glamorous as traveling to various locales and serving as a muse for fashion designers, Monroque knows that her time in the spotlight is fleeting. It will be interesting to see what her next chapter will be.

Lovely Book

2011-11-11T12:35:00.000-08:00

I went to Anthropologie and came across the cutest book and just couldn't help myself to read it to my daughter. I love the illustrations and the story line of repurposing clothing kind of resonated well with me. The illustrations by Julia Denos was far from shabby. Okay, okay I have a weakness for whimsy! I will definitely have to add I Had A Favorite Dress to our family library.

Celebrating the Differences in Each Other

2011-09-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

We've been reading Freckleface Strawberry by Julianne Moore and illustrated by LeUyen Pham a lot over here. The writing is humorous and the illustrations are fun and lively. My favorite line of the book is "Who cared about having a million freckles when she had a million friends?"

I'm sorry I didn't know about the musical until recently. Hopefully, it will return this fall.

Christine

A Couple of Recent Finds at the Library

2011-08-28T17:23:00.001-07:00

A book for me and a book for you.

This is what goes through my mind when I'm at the library. I gush over all of the recent titles for me to read and gather as many as I can. Then, I make my way over to the children's section and select another ten books for my daughter.

This is one that she absolutely loves, Pecan Pie Baby by Jacqueline Woodson and Illustrated by Sophie Blackall

It's about a little girl having mixed feelings concerning the baby that will soon arrive.`My favorite part of the book was, "Some days I sat on my stoop thinking about all the years it had been just me and Mama." The wardrobe of the children were so stylish, I wish I had it when I was a kid!

The book for me, that I couldn't put down was Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style by Kate Betts. It was the perfect book to read while the rain poured outside and you just wanted to lay around the house. Betts writing style is very flowery and descriptive. A quick read and fashion eye candy that contained pictures and sketches of Michelle Obama's wardrobe.

Christine

Two Indie Publishing Children's Books I Want To Include In My Library

2011-08-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

Same Difference by C.G Rawles

and

I Love My Cotton Candy Hair by Nicole Updegraff

The Idealistic Look At The Past

2011-08-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen your life flash before your eyes? I know sometimes when you hear of one's life flashing before their eyes, we think of a pending death. But lately I have been having flashes of different segments of my life. Getting ready for my first day of tenth grade, coming home from college, leaving to New York after college, meeting my husband, meeting my daughter. It's strange because it leaves you in a state of reflection. You think of what may have gone right or wrong. I also see a lot of faces that were once major parts of my life, fade into the background. I stop and wonder about their whereabouts and also wonder what made us lose touch with each other. I think, "Man, she was a good friend. I need to give her a call."

Life has a way of going lightening fast. One day you're a gawky thirteen year old battling pimples and the next day you're managing a household. Somehow I do feel like that thirteen year old, except the pimples aren't there but managing a household does feel like pimples. The problems stare at your face and you're looking for a solution to make you're world that more peaceful.

The past is also good to remind you why you changed your careers. Like myself. On my sometimes worst day as an entrepreneur I find myself looking longingly at my corporate job and thinking to myself, 'Well, at least I got a guaranteed paycheck every two weeks.' Somehow in those moments, I also conveniently forget how miserable I was and that my spirit was slowly dying. It reminds me of the children of Israel when they were in the wilderness and started to fantasize about their Egyptian lives as slaves. "Well, at least we ate well!"

Do you find yourself reflecting of the past?

Christine

We've Become Quite Cultural

2011-08-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty excited to share with you a new project my friend Aisha and I have been working on over the past months. We created a children's book publishing company, Hartlyn Kids that helps children learn about the world around them through reading books.

Each of our books are written by a local author and illustrated by a top-notch artist that makes me want to frame the pictures and hang them up in my home. It's been a lot of fun to publish our first two books and to work with various writers and the illustrator, Lisa Butler. I think I found the perfect job.

Just thought, I'll show you our book trailer. After all, I think the trailer provides you with a better description than I can render!

African-American Vegans

2011-07-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

I always admire individuals who can take a stand against the mainstream. In today's society of more and more meat, sometimes its a bit refreshing to try an alternative avenue. Its' with this goal that I found myself in the vegan cookbook section of my local library.

I came across Vegan Soul Kitchen by Bryant Terry and realized it hit a nerve. You mean, I could eat vegan and not give up tastes that I was so used to eating? I felt hungry when I read about the Black Eyed Peas Fritters and the Open Faced BBQ Temph Sandwich.

Then, I did some research of possible other individuals who knew how to season their vegan food well and not make it taste "healthy".

I came across another book, By Any Greens Necessary: A Revolutionary Guide for Black Woman Who Want to Eat Great, Get Healthy, Lose Weight, and Look Phat by Tracy Lynne McQuirter and quietly added it on my need to read list.

One of the Most Beautiful Books in the Library

2011-07-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

The library has been one of my favorite places for quite a while now. As a child, I would drift off in another world within its confines, while my peers would rather be outside playing. Whenever life gets stressful, I go to the library and it is as if time stands still. The smell of the used books and reading spines upon spines of books, never bores me. The biggest problem in a library of sticking to one stack of books rather than several, is much more welcomed than other challenges I face. I even sewed a special library bag just for these homages to be used to fill all of my treasures.

Going to the library also helps me build my personal library. It's like test driving a car. After two weeks I know which books I want to see in my collection and which books I rather pass on for another time.

Brown Rabbit in the City by Natalie Russell is just that kind of book. I love the classic artwork with my favorite color palette and the story of friendship. Russell's skill for screen printing undoubtedly will make it an adult's favorite as well as a child's. The prequel to this book is Moon Rabbit.

A Children's Book, That May Not Be One

2011-07-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

Another great book from the library, Busing Brewster by Richard Michelson is worth the awards it has received. Noteworthy illustrations and a topic that can be used to teach anyone from 5 to 100 years old. I skipped over some language that is used in the book, because I didn't want toddlers repeating a word like "colored".

Other than that, I highly recommend including it in your home library.

The Weight That Binds

2011-06-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

Oprah struggled with it. So did Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Simpson and Star Jones. Of course you can't forget countless aunts, uncles, and cousin whom seemingly grow heavier and heavier as years go by. I used to pride myself as having my weight under control. One of the proudest moments of my life came when I loss thirty-five pounds and for once in my life I possessed a freedom of going into a store and fitting into anything without worrying if I looked fat. I worked out just about everyday and my meals revolved around fruits and vegetables and water. Treats such as ice-cream and cake were just that treats, nothing else.

But slowly the weight crept on after I got married. Late night conversations over heartily prepared meals and of course desert, my lifelong weakness. I reintroduced myself to foods that were at one time on my forbidden list. Workouts were not as regimented and slowly the weight piled on. I started to get comments such as, "Boy, you have gained a lot of weight!"

I am now where I never thought I would be, but the good aspect is that I'm extremely uncomfortable with this burden of weight, that tends to sap all of your energy. I'm training myself to cut my appetite and to remind myself (constantly) that I am not hungry, despite tempting advertisements and the pizza that the family just ordered. Of course, it smells good, but again I'm really not hungry. Really.

But I'm realizing, healthy living is a mindset. I'll keep you posted about my journey to lose.

The Sacrifice of Healthy Eating

2011-06-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

I'm really trying to make sure my daughter has a well-balanced diet, even on days that it is busy. I sometimes cringe to think when I realized she didn't have her quinoa porridge in the morning or at times she may have to eat at her school, in which I have no control over what she eats. I wonder how much processed food she may eat when she's not around me and then ask myself if I'm neurotic or extreme. "So what if she had a goldfish for snack instead of a juicy peach, look at the mystery meat I used to consume in my public school cafeteria." I would say to myself. Then, I look at my constant struggle with weight and hope that if I make wise choices for her today, hopefully she will make wise choices as she grows up and won't associate happy childhood memories with sweets but rather immune boosting smoothies or grilled veggie burgers.

Fighting childhood obesity is like war on drugs in the eighties. Hopefully we'll win it by making a small sacrifice a day in the kitchen.

And Then There Was Silver Sparrow

2011-06-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in every person's life when you happen upon a book that you can't seem to put down. That used to happen to me throughout childhood, probably with every book that I picked up. But as you get older and at times have to read for that Public Policy class or loan documents, reading may not be as enthralling as it was before. But somewhere along the sea of books there comes one that brings you right back to your old eleven year old self, when you used to sneak away to the school library to finish just one more page of tale about a young lady in the 1800's who wore muffs as she walked down cobblestone streets.

I recently have a new favorite author, none other than Tayari Jones. I first heard of her through a friend in New York, she kept raving about her first book, Leaving Atlanta. The storyline didn't hold me, but here I am ten years later wishing, oh why did it take me so long to read her work. Very well written with developed rounded characters. She masterfully showed different sides of a character's situation and you walked away from the book understanding the reasons why the characters made the choices they did. Plus, she based her storyline on angle that's not usually represented in literature. It's definitely worth the purchase and a great addition to any home library. Kuddos to my new favorite author!

Summer Sewing

2011-06-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

I love shopping for the summer season and recently enjoy sewing for my daughter. I find summer clothes to be so much easier to sew. Don't you? The lazy day skirt has been my go to skirt that I am happy to say I can whip up in less than an hour! I say this as a pat myself on the back, considering just two summers ago I didn't even know how to use a sewing machine. For me, I am obsessed with sewing pencil skirts. I can go out to town with pencil skirts in West African fabric, denim, eyelet, you name it. I can't believe how quickly I can whip these up either and there's a certain level of satisfaction I feel as I wear them. I observe the hem and know that it was thoughtfully stitched. Now I understand why sewing has now become a growing obsession. What started out as a skill I wanted to master, has now become a hobby I carefully carve out time for each week. What shall I make this week? I always think. But with warm summer weather, I feel no inclination to stay glued to a chair for hours on end sewing, rather I desire a quick satisfaction that only comes with a skirt here, or a toy there.

What about you, what's your go-to summer sewing pattern?

I Miss Writing Here

2011-04-27T12:18:00.001-07:00

After a very long hiatus, I'm back. I've decided to continue this blog and still focus on raising a grounded family. Stay tuned for more blog postings!

Cosmopolitan Kids

2010-11-10T13:17:00.000-08:00

I know, it has been a while since I have posted. I have been quite busy and have focused lots of my time and energy at my new blog www.cosmopolitankid.blogspot.com. It has been a blast for my friend Aisha and I as we try to raise our children to be global minded citizens of the world. I will be updating my personal blog more frequently now that I have gotten a handle of things, but please be sure to check out www.cosmopolitankid.blogspot.com for giveaways and fun activities to do with your kids.

xoxo Christine

Collage Collage

2010-07-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make. I dislike the Chucky Cheeses of the world or any generic, contrived centers which lure parents to have their child's birthday parties there for convenince. The parents always seem so tired and the children are always overly hyper from too much stimulation and sugar that's usually served in a liberal manner all day long, or for as long as you have the space.

Call me old-fashioned, but I think there's something to be said about having a birthday party for your child at home with a homemade cake and activities loved ones carefully planned. I know, in a day when we think a giant mouse can ensure a great time, my perspective may seem out of touch. Well, on the flip side, there are a couple of parents who look for alternatives to the Chuckie Cheeses and Gymborees of the birthday world and may have the birthday party at a park, a children's museum, or a studio. The last of which, I completely love. In fact, I recently came across the company Collage Collage (http://collagecollage.ca/) and it kind of makes me want to move to Canada. It's part studio for children and part bookstore. Collage Collage has a gigantic table in the middle of the room for creating and guess what? You can rent it for parties. I know, I know, some of you are saying, "But where's the laser tag/jungling monkey/tramboline?" It's no where in site, but guess what...I doubt your kids would miss any of that.

The Skinny on the Holly

2010-07-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

Pardon me for my lack of postings, but sometimes life has a way of taking every bit of free time. Over the past couple of months, I realized two things. One of which involves my love of gardening and the other is a slight obsession of having the flyest house on the street. I've dedicated hours of locating the just right plant to carry home with me and now I can finally step back and relax. Being that most of the plants we planted are perennials, in another three years I will have one of those bountiful cottage gardens one sees in the English countryside.

However, I still have a some plants I'm spying for acquisition, which includes black eyed susans, cosmos, daisies, and two sky pencil holly shrubs. Now if you've never seen the sky pencil holly shrub, I'll try my best to describe it for you. It's like Diana Ross's wig for the garden. It has all of the drama. It also has a way of anchoring the landscape without being too obtrusive. It's perfect for both ends of a garden or on either side of a door. Even better, it has white blossoms during the spring and festive red berries during the winter months. A great addition for structure and interest all year round. If you already have one in your garden, drop me a line and let me know how its faring.

A Throwback

2010-04-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

I'm sharing a moment with my niece today. While spending the day with me, we started rummaging through our DVDs and came across the Cosby Show collection. She told me she watched it a couple of times, but she didn't sound excited enough. Then I went on a whole spill of how popular the show was when I was her age of 10 years old. "As popular as Everyone Hates Chris?" She asked. "Bigger than that. It was like American Idol." I replied. Okay, I lied a bit but it definitely received some credibility. Five minutes later we were both laughing at the jokes my family and I laughed at years ago. It's funny how timeless comedy can be. I used to wonder what my father saw in Sanford and Son and one night a couple of months ago I was in stitches with the clever dialogue. If you have some free time, let the younger generation know about what used to make you smile, you might be suprised at their response.

This blog has moved

2010-04-20T19:59:00.001-07:00

This blog is now located at http://christinemills.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://christinemills.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

The Ongoing Battle Between Moms

2010-04-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

The other day when I went to the library I picked up Mommy Wars: Stay-at-Home and Career Moms Face Off on Their Choices, Their Lives, Their Families by Leslie Morgan Steiner. It's a pretty quick read because it has essays from numerous women regarding their choice to stay home or work part-time/full-time with their kids. The title of the book is pretty appropriate because there can sometimes be a level of tension (albeit a small one) between working and non-working moms. The conversations usually between the two typically includes the stay at home mom asking the working mom if she feels guilty and the working mom asking asking the stay at home mom if she feels bored. But as I continued reading the book I realized that these questions are really meant for the middle class and above social circles. Honestly, if you have to work those questions simply do not exist.

Another point of the book which I found particularly interesting was this notion if you are a stay-at-home mom you are the only care giver with no outside help needed, which can be further from the truth. We all need that grandma, sister, brother, or day care worker who can lend a helping hand from time to time. After all, support for raising children is a pretty ancient tradition, hence family compounds and the need to live close to relatives.

One common thread throughout the book, regardless of the mother's choice they all unanimously agreed that motherhood changes your life. You have to be selective of what you put on your plate. From the stay-at-home mother who spends more time volunteering than spending time with her bambinoes to the corporate working mom who is too driven to have dinner with her kids, we all need to strike a balance.

What's your take? Could you be a stay-at-home or are you happy with a 9 to 5?

I must admit, staying at home seems more and more appealing and I found myself daydreaming of museum trips throughout the day, walks in the park and just a quieter life. That's probably why my favorite blogs of the moment are from stay-at-home crafty moms. I guess I'm sneaking a peak of what that world is. Could I be slowly drifting over from the pencil skirt and stilletto crew to the snazzy strollers and crocs crew?

Bikes

2010-04-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year when we see the stationwagons, SUVs and in-betweens on the interstate with a trio or quartet of bikes on the fendor. I never fully appreciated a family of bicycles until recently. With so many choices to choose from, it's quite easy to be cycling enthusiast. Just in case you're not ready to plunk down $800 on a road bike, I have the perfect alternative for you moms out there who may not want to be the next Armstrong, but may just want to be able to ride with your kiddos or perhaps to go to the local grocery store for some staples. The Linus bike provides you with chic French image without the St. Bart's price. The price of their bikes start at $385. Not too shabby. No not at all.

Now when you own a bike like this, it will also make it imperative for your kiddo to be equally as cute. I'm loving the wooden trike from Plan A.

Got Skills?

2010-04-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

I think each of us has an alter ego, or perhaps a person we aspire to become. I've noticed of late I would really like to be that "cool" chic. Trust me, my definition of a cool chic has changed over the years. A cool chic in middle school was a girl who had the latest fashion and always seemed comfortable in her skin. My interpetation of cool has morphed a bit over the years, yet still includes that criteria of finding peace in being who she is, but has grown to include one who can make the mundane interesting if not glam, on a shoe-string budget. That person who could whip up a Carolina Herrera inspired dress for that wedding in two weeks, rather than scouring the mall for the perfect dress. Or that woman who can take a desolate backyard and design a romantic garden.

I guess I'm on a quest to build those skills. The quest to roll up my sleeves and develop skills that's pertinent to survial. I'm not saying I'm going to be a homesteader with chickens and pigs running around in my backyard, nor am I going to grow all of my vegetables, but I would like to have that common ground and as of late have found digging around in the soil a soothing conrast to the stressful demands of the world around us. Maybe its in my genetic make-up to be a lady gardener/seamstress or maybe its the wave of the future. Could it be in this microwave, tech savvy, gadget lusting society we are now welcoming the slower activities of life? We don't have to look far to find recipes for slow cooking meals, homesteading, and sewing clubs. Are we in fact returning to whence we came? Yo no se. But what I do know is that I for one don't particularly mind reflecting the slow, contemplative lifestyles of the Waltons, when everything wasn't done in a haste but in due time and with skill.

My Two Favorite Library Books

2010-03-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

I picked up these two books a couple of days from the library. Great reads. I like the Barry Moser's Psalm 23 because its nicley illustrated and a good way for Sweet Pea to learn the scriptures. I also loved Nikki Giovanni's and Chris Rashka's, The Grasshopper's Song: An Aesop Tale Revisited because it sends an important message of the value of art. In fact, I continued reading it long after Sweet Pea fell asleep. I hope you'll give them a try.

Ready for Some Spring Gardening

2010-02-18T15:57:00.000-08:00

As you probably have already noticed, I'm not much of a winter person. I welcome Spring and am ecstatic about summer. This year I'm especially excited because I just purchased a bunch of seeds from Botanical Interests (www.botanicalinterests.com). If you haven't checked out their online catalog, you got to stop by to get inspired. I ordered a bunch of different types of pansies but there are also unique flowers such as Sunflower Evening Sun to choose from on their web page.

Above is a pic of my beloved hydrangea from last summer. One more month of winter and spring will soon be here. Grab your seeds!

Goodbye Natural Hair... For Now

2010-02-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Natural Hair,

You have been there from the start of my motherhood journal. In fact, it was shortly after I cut off every strand of my permed hair, I found out about the soon-to-be birth of our first child. You were there when I went into labor and my Sweet Pea only knows mama with a puffy twist out, cornrows, braided extensions or an afro. But as Sweet Pea approaches her second birthday, I realize I need a new do. A sleek bob that can only come from .. alas a perm. That's right, my dear friend, I am saying good-bye to you ... for now. I will miss working out and not having to worry about curls or stepping into the rain and not worrying about my perm going bad. Add to that going swimming and not having to time it with the next relaxer or the cost of hair appointments. I will definitely miss being mesmerized by the curl pattern of kinky hair, how it is so unpredictable and spontaneous in nature. But as much as I will miss all of that, I miss that image I've had for much of my life with a bouncy bob or a short sassy pixie.

Perhaps our paths will cross again. Better yet you know we will meet again. This is my third time going on this journey with you. Until another 2 or 5 or even 10 years, stay beautiful and true.

In Afro Chicness,

Christine

Happy Birthday to My Favorite Woman

2010-01-31T15:08:00.001-08:00

You became my safe space thirty-one years ago
In your arms you nurtured my soul
And laid the foundation for me to soar away
But over the years
I have found I return to my safe space in you
Whether it's a phone call in the middle of the day
To hear your voice
Or crying out to you concerning the frustrations of life
I can always depend on my safe space
To be there to not only offer a warm embrace
But to provide the truth that can sometimes hurt

When people meet me for the first time
They usually say I have your smile
In which I graciously tell my thanks
But I hope one day, I'll have your wisdom,
Selflessness, and your strength in the midst
Of a harsh world
For it can take me far

Thank you mom for your dedication
In our lives
And for providing us with an example
Of a virtuous woman
Who rose early to sew Easter dresses
Who took on various jobs to provide for her family
Who created a warm loving home
Who found creative ways to spend time
With us even if it was a trip alone with you to Pantry Pride or Xtra
Who gave me the love for praise and worship music
And above all covered her family in prayer
Thank you for being my safe space

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Tropical Girl To The Heart

2010-01-23T16:51:00.000-08:00

There comes a time when one has to be honest with themselves. I realized this past winter break that snow is overrated and so are the four seasons. As much as I love autumn in New York and daffodils in spring...I'm a tropical girl. Give me a glass of cool lemonade in December and Christmas lights on palm trees. I know these images sound crazy for most of the country, but sometimes familiarity is quite comforting.

The pictures above were taken by yours truly. South Florida in December.

Recommended Books

2010-01-20T18:52:00.001-08:00

I recently checked out The Hat That Wore Clara B by Melanie Turner-Denstaedt and illustrated by Frank Morrison from the library. I included the summary below. Although it can be a lengthy book for a toddler, it kept Sweet Pea's attention.

When all the ladies wear their hats to church, Clara B. wants her grandmother's. Even though it is too big for her, she is determined to find a way to wear it. They all go to the grandmother's house for lunch and she is able to find a way to put it on her head. All does not go well and it gets messed up. In the end, grandma buys Clara B a hat that matches her own. This is a picture book story that offers lessons in creative problem solving, accepting consequences, and love.

For Nostalgia's Sake

2010-01-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

If you ever wondered what you were going to do with your baby's coming home outfit or christening gown, Darcy Miller has a great idea that was featured in Martha Stewart's Living Magazine this month. Shadowboxes!

I love this idea because it is perfectly doable and grouped together will be an ideal piece of art in your home as you cherish the very fabric of your growing family.

She simply mounted the dress with straight pins and double-sided foam tape and voila...the ooh's and ah's will surely begin.

Give to Haiti

2010-01-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

Yele is a nonprofit Wyclef Jean started to aid in the development of Haiti. It's a great foundation to donate considering the devastating affect of the earthquake which has killed thousands of individuals in the country.

Would you donate? Even $5, or the equivalent of a cup of Starbucks coffee, can go a long way during this time.

For more information on Yele visit the website at http://www.yele.org.

Embroidery That Stands Out In The Crowd

2010-01-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't mind adding this design on a handbag or T-Shirt. Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching provides unique embroidery pictures like the one above at around $5.

It's Really the Little Things

2010-01-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

Children laughing hysterically...
My sister's pink Coach bag...
The first ice-cream cone of the summer...
And of course Revlon's Kiss Me Coral nail polish has me smiling throughout the day.

Now I understand why some women never skip on the manis and pedis. It just creates a polished look that shows you took that extra step.

And if you can't make it to your neighborhood spa, try creating your own retreat at home. Brown sugar, olive oil, and your favorite scented oil (try lavender or coconut) serves as a scrub good enough to package.

Sewing Crush

2010-01-10T19:34:00.000-08:00

I longingly read sewing blogs, wondering oh how long will it take for me to make my very own clothes. Although, I really shouldn't beat myself up too much, I have after all sewed an apron, three Christmas stockings, and oh yeah a stuffed giraffe with missing eyes. Then there was that top for Sweet Pea that was too shabby to be worn beyond the front door. Oh yeah, I also masterfully sewed three cute bags for my nieces. But one day, I will be one of those that can say, "Oh I whipped this up a couple hours I ago. I just love how the duponi silk feels against my skin!" Until then, I will continue to figure it out, bribe other seamsters to show me the secret to craft, and practice, practice, practice.

Transitioning From Nursery to Pre-School...

2010-01-08T18:11:00.000-08:00

...In the home of course.

I remember before Sweet Pea arrived, I made certain she had the best crib, bedding, toys that my resources could afford. But the preparation I made couldn't keep pace with this bouncing bundle of joy that kept me on my toes. Her interests went from buttons to pots and pans. Then from crawling around on the floor to running around the house. As our children evolve, their space needs to evolve as well. Below I offered some tips for your own pre-school at home.

1. Find a comfortable toddler table and chair. I like the Montessori ones like the one above because it really helps toddlers learn how to sit upright.

2. Create a writing center. A nook in the room can serve as writing center. You can have a basket full of paper, crayons, pencils to allow your sweetie to let their thoughts and imagination flow. I'm reading Growing Up Writing by Linda Leonard Lamme, PhD (my new BFF) and she recommends having a place for kids to sit and write as well as vertically write. If you don't want your children to mess up that nice coat of Sherwin Williams, try tacking up a big sheet of butcher paper on the wall.

3. Bring in some green. Plants are a great way to add life to any room and help children learn how to nurture something outside of themselves. Just be certain that they are not poisonous.

4. Alphabets, shapes, numbers, colors, and your child's name. Have all of these in constant view. If you don't want to buy the same posters your teachers put on the wall in the 80's, make your own. Use buttons to make a number chart and then frame it. Or try cutting different shapes out of varying colors to teach colors and shapes.

5. A reading corner. Nothing makes me more proud than when I see Sweet Pea pull out a book and read. Buy plenty of books and keep them in a bin so that your children can easily locate them.

If you have any other tips, I'll love to hear them.

A Touch of the Wild Side

2010-01-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if its the cold weather or me wanting a bit more exotic decor in my home, but I'm digging a cowhide rug. It's an unexpected touch visually and on the soles of your feet. Wouldn't you say?

The pictures above stem from the West Elm website.

Slow and Steady Get Me Ready

2010-01-07T19:53:00.000-08:00

I've heard rave reviews about Slow and Steady Get Me Ready by June R. Oberlander. It includes a great deal of activities for Pre-K youngsters. I'll let you know how it works for moi.

Now I Know My ABC's....

2009-12-23T23:23:00.000-08:00

Let's face it, we all want our children to be prepared for the first day of school. Among many areas we would like our sweeties to master, their alphabets are definitely one of them. Admittedly, I don't want just want any old kind of poster up on the wall, I kind of want a poster or decals that goes with her room's decor. So, I offer you the one above to check out at Eebo. com and also the Martha Stewart vintage inspired alphabet cards at Michael's. Which ones are your favorites?

For Christmas Trees Who Have Contemplated Not Showing ...

2009-12-22T17:40:00.000-08:00

...Their Full Glory Because Little Hands Are Too Much.

Am I the only one who has gradually kept all my decorations at the top of the tree, away from little hands?

A great alternative is felt garland, which can easily be made by following this tutorial on www.purlbee.com or purchased from Made by Mary on Etsy.com.

One of my goals for the new year is to spend less and make more. I recently sewed some stockings and a tote bag, which I stayed up til early in the morning (I'm new to crafting and sewing), but there was so much love in each stitch. Besides, the process of purchasing "ingredients" rather than running out to buy a pre-made and pre-packaged present cannot be compared. In a world where the closest homemade item may very well may be dinner on Sundays, a homemade gift goes a long way.

Question for you, how many homemade gifts did you create this year? How was your experience?

Stocking Stuffers: Day Seven

2009-12-20T19:35:00.000-08:00

Give the gift of a healthy smile.

Electric toothbrushes are one of the best inventions. Not only does it ensure that you brush your teeth for the allotted time of two minutes, it also provides your teeth with the correct circular motion at the ideal pressure. Why not let your kiddies join in on the fun?

Stocking Stuffers: Day Six

2009-12-19T19:29:00.000-08:00

Give the gift of writing.

Encourage your child to not only write but to value words by putting their thoughts in a journal. My sister presented me with a diary at the tender age of nine and I still have it have filled countless other journals. Who knows where that one journal for that one child may lead?

Stocking Stuffers: Day Five

2009-12-18T17:44:00.001-08:00

I love these knitted veggie and fruit rattles. What better way for your sweeties to learn the names of their fruits and vegetables, without it attracting fruit flies. An adorable site, cocoacrayon.com has a collection of them.

Stocking Stuffers: Day Four

2009-12-17T17:55:00.000-08:00

Give the gift of fruit.

I don't know too many people who will pass up a plump, juicy clemetine that's loaded with Vitamin C. It's also very easy for children to feed themselves with because their little hands can peel the skin and eat the inside. Plus for $6.99 you can get a box of them from Trader Joe's. A nice addition to any stocking. Hopefully it won't pale beside the sugar cookies and candy canes.

Stocking Stuffers: Day Three

2009-12-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

Give the gift of school supplies to a young child that you may not know.

How it works? Visit www.oxfamamericaunwrapped.com and for as little as $18 you can feed a family, provide school supplies, and much more. Or check out www.heifer.org for more options. Christmas is a great time to teach our children about the true spirit of Christmas which is love.

Stocking Stuffers: Day Two

2009-12-15T03:04:00.000-08:00

Give the gift of books.

I started reading New England White by Stephen Carter last week and have not been able to put it down. His prose continues to show sophistication and intellect. Furthermore, if you have never read Emperor of Ocean Park, you might want to add it to your reading list as well.

Stocking Stuffers - Day One

2009-12-14T09:27:00.001-08:00

Help, I have become a black Martha Stewart.

Well, not really. But this is the first Christmas season in my adult life where I have paid attention to every detail. I have decked the halls with evergreen and have even stiched stockings for every child in my life in New England.

I will show you what I have stitched up later this week but for the next 10 days leading up to Christmas I will provide you with some objects you can fill those stockings in your home.

This first one I have for you is of course none other than the Carol's Daughter Frog Princess gift set. This will surely be a hit for any princess in your life. By the way, did you know the lovely Anika Noni Rose is an alum of Florida A&M University? I'll never forget when I just moved to CT and I was selling Dream Chasers at a NAACP meeting. Ms. Rose's father said, "Hey, my daughter went to FAMU. Anika Rose. She's a Broadway Performer."

I wish I had hear of her, but I didn't. But now four years later she is a household name. All the best to you, Anika!

If you've seen Frog Princess, shoot me a line and let me know what you think. I'm waiting on Christmas Day to see it with Sweet Pea and her cousins.

Julie & Julia

2009-12-13T09:18:00.000-08:00

I know I'm late but the last movie I saw in the theater was prior to the birth my sweetie, but this weekend I was finally able to see Julie & Julia. What an amazing movie! At first I found myself a bit annoyed with Julie (Amy Adams), the disgruntled employee of a Lower Manhattan Development firm and grew bored with her plot. However, it's a big feat to play opposite Meryl Streep. However, I was a bit inspired by both Julia's and Julie's story...since in a lot of ways I can identify with the struggles of realizing your dreams albeit how small or monumental they may be.

So, I have resolved to really give my blog a chance. I promise to provide you with an entry everyday. Who knows what can happen if I give every part of my life the best I can offer?

I Love My Hair

2009-11-30T20:19:00.000-08:00

Not only do I love her blog (Fly), now I'm loving these prints that she produces on her website, www.ilovemyhair.com.

What is the issue, you may ask? Well, most African-American women are taught to not love their hair and to train it to be anything other than the unruly, kinky hair. I got a perm at the tender age of 8 and have struggled to have straight hair through perms, burns, and of course losing my hair due to the chemicals. And I must say, having my hair natural feels liberating. I no longer have to worry about the kinks showing through after four weeks and anxiously waiting for the six week mark so my whole head will be bone straight again.

Nor do I despise my natural hair, in fact I'm in love with it. Sometimes, my fingers get lost in my coils and I wonder how on earth I once thought it was ugly. And what's more, as my daughter watches me comb my hair I am proud that she sees her own beauty in me.

Tweet Tweet

2009-11-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

I was always that kid who secretly hoped there would be a package under the Christmas tree with air holes for a cute cocker spaniel that I could name Lola. Now years later and one kid later I kind of want that experience for my Sweet Pea, of course with a more manageable pet like...say... Birds.

The idea came not from myself but her fascination of these creatures that flock the air and she'll scream out bird and then I thought wouldn't it be lovely if we had our very own inside the home that could provide us with endless chatter or song. Some society finches or a canary. I was really thinking about lovebirds but got a sticker shock when I saw them selling for $150 each.

Three reasons why I suggest birds as pets:

1) You don't have to walk them on a cold day.
2) You don't have to potty train them.
3) They're a great source of education to witness as they reproduce.

What are your pet suggestion?

Wooden Rattlers & Teethers

2009-10-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

I know a lot more about the dangers of plastic, that I vow to not give any more children a plastic rattlers or teethers. For a good price and really cute selection of wooden toys, check out Little Alouette (littlealouette.etsy.com).

Great prices, too!

The Inconvenience of Compassion

2009-10-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.”
~ Luke 10: 33 & 34

I happened upon a blog entry the other day, from a fairly famous author speaking of taking care of a good friend of hers who was battling cancer. What struck me about the entry was that she had committed to cooking for her dear friend every day. After reading a series of entries and realizing that she not only fulfilled her promise, she also took care of her friend until the bitter end, when her friend finally bid farewell to this present world. As dedicated and loving as this may sound, I thought of times when this author possibly did not feel like preparing a dish or maybe had other commitments while raising her four children (yes, I did say four) and working a full-time job. After, I mentally lived these days of hers with all of the long lists of things to do and she still found time to care for her friend I realized that showing compassion could sometimes be inconvenient.

It is much easier to go straight home from work and soak in a warm bubble bath than to drive someone to an appointment that does not own a car or better yet to help that teenager who may be struggling in a particular subject after school. However, it is the loving compassion that Christ wants us to show to our fellow man. When we think of the parable of the Good Samaritan, it would have been much easier for him to be like the Levite or the Priest and continue on with his busy schedule, but he decided to stop and nurse the man back to health, while undoubtedly canceling those appointments just to ensure a fellow human being had a chance to live.

But Jesus knows that we our first instinct as humans is to ensure our own well-being. Our food. Our money. Our clothes. Our shelter. So, he challenged us to love our neighbors as ourselves. This is by no means is an easy feat, but with God’s spirit and our willingness it is indeed possible. In fact, let’s start today.

For Your Personal Library: Derrick Barnes

2009-10-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

As much as I enjoyed reading Beverly Cleary's novels and of course Francine Pascal's, I'm pretty excited that my brown bella can have one of Derrick Barnes books to read!

Sharpened Pencils

2009-09-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

September, post Labor Day, always reminds me of going back to school. I have a funny feeling that twenty years from now the day after Labor Day will continue to have the same effect. Focus. Goals. Revisiting the drawing board. And of course, sharpening my pencils. It's time to take that minute to sharpen my tool that allows me to create and to achieve what I never believed I could.

What's your tool you need to sharpen before we ring in 2010? It could be a tool you never knew you had.

Summer's almost over. The mums have been planted. It's already dark by 7:45P.M. and it's definitely time to bring that goal into fruition.

Blessings!

For Other Beginning Sewists

2009-08-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

I tried knitting and didn't get past two weeks, but sewing has won my heart. Although, I wouldn't say I'm an expert, I'm slowly understanding a thing or two about this craft which can be dated back to the beginning of civilization. What do you think Adam and Eve did with those figs when they realized they were naked?

What I've learned is that Project Runway patterns are for those who have sewed for years. You know those people who always say, "Oh Ive been sewing since I was five. I used to sew for my dolls..." Yeah, those people.

Simplicity is a good start when it comes to patterns and my favorite books so far are Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross and Sew Everything Workshop by Diana Rupp. Get 4 yards of fabulous material (not too costly) and try some of these patterns. I especially heart the apron in Weekend Sewing and I also like the bags in Sew Everything Workshop. Enjoy!

Hello There!!!

2009-07-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

Please forgive me for my self-imposed hiatus. From now on, God willing, I will not be away for so long.

So, much has happened since the last post. I've been steadily completing my book and have even managed to complete a children's book that will be out for Spring 2010. I have also made some strides, ever so small in building my repoirtore of domestic skills. When I say that does it seem odd or even backwards for a woman to speak of building domstic skills in 2009? Post feminist movement. Post Hillary Clinton. Post Michelle Obama.

Well, to me it doesn't. Quite frankly, I know there's more that meets the eye when you go into a home and it's well decorated, smells good, is clean, and there's a nice roast in the oven, not to mention a homemade birthday cake for the occassion. Hey, six years ago I would have taken it for granted, but now I don't. Those are some serious life skills that both men and women can benefit from possessing. I also just read a cute little book entitled Domestic Bliss by Rita Konig, featured above.

So, as I start this new chapter of Pictures, Ice-Cream, and E-P-T, I hope you will join with me on my voyage to being a mother, wife, and author.

Until next time...Peace and blessings!

You Make It Beautiful (YMIB)

2009-05-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

Check out yours truly in YMIB (www.ymib.com) I wrote an article for their "Bites" section!

Two

2009-04-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

...the number of nannies Heidi Klum told Us weekly she has to keep everything together. This is quite reassuring on days mothers without nannies may feel as if they could never get around to that list of ten things to do.

Hurry Up and Finish This Book!

2009-04-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

As you all may know I've been writing a book about being a first time mom. For two years I've penned away at the ups and downs of motherhood. The book started from the day I found out I was pregnant to sweet pea's first birthday, but then I stopped. What's that about?

Well, anywhoo after perusing the parenting/education books at my local Borders my little Jimmy Cricket that sometimes sits on my shoulder warned me about putting off the editing process one day later. "Finish your book." The little cricket urged.

So, I'm off to editing this book...the harder part of writing and then I will hand it over my to my editor who will tear it up..I'm quite sure.

But no blog entry would be complete if I didn't tell you of one product that I am absoultely loving for kids.

My book of the week is Grace For President by Kelly Dipuccio. Here's what the publishers had to say about the book.

"Where are the girls?" When Grace's teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace decides to be the first. And she immediately starts off her political career as a candidate the school's mock election. But soon, she realizes that she has entered a tough race. Her popular opponent claims to be the "best man for the job"--and seems to have captured all the male votes--while Grace concentrates on being the best person . In this timely story, author Kelly DiPucchio not only gives readers a fun introduction to the American electoral system, but also teaches them the value of hard work, courage, and independent thought--and offers an inspiring example of how to choose our leaders.

Classic Toys

2009-04-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

I love these classic toys at Hearth Song (www.hearthsong.com). I miss children using simply designed toys that doesn't require batteries but yet keeps them engaged throughout the day.

The toy above is fantastic because you use marbles and you watch as the marble slowly makes it way down each colorful step, but you can replace the marbles with larger balls to prevent the choking hazard.

I Heart This Book

2009-04-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

I noticed this book (Bebe Goes Shopping by Susan Middleton Elya/Illustrated by Steven Salerno) on one of my visits to the library. The illustrations are so fun and the picture book is an ideal way to introduce your little pumpkin to foreign language.

Outfits That Work While Traveling With The Kiddo

2009-04-09T17:48:00.000-07:00

I learned early on while carrying sweet pea in one arm and a car seat in the other that there are some outfits that aren't kid friendly. Unless you want to be extremely uncomfortable while chasing around your kid on three inch heels, or always having to be conscious of showing your derrire while puting him in the stroller, we mothers have to figure out what works early on in the game.

I love sandals with long flowing maxi dresses.

What is your mommy style?

Fashion Faceoff?

2009-04-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

The Obamas have taken Europe by storm, but it is the pairing of First Lady Obama and First Lady Carla Bruni Sarkozy concerning their possible fashion choices that is making headlines. Ironically, they wore similar pussy bows which I tend to like because of the way it hints to playful formality, but Michelle took it home with the amazing shift underneath the coat. The problem I do have with both women, however is their hesitancy to throw on some heels. Michelle usually wears kitten heels and Carla wore ballet flats to offset her husband's >ahem< lack of height. Hey, why should tall women apologize for their height?

In other news across the pond, one of the cutest couples Jamie and Jools Oliver welcomed a new child, Petal Blossom Rainbow who will be a sister to Poppy Honey and Daisy Boo.

I'm still puzzled by their choice of names, but who am I to judge?

What to Do With One Year Olds?

2009-04-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

A host of things!!! Below you'll find some activities for your bouncy 1 year old:

1) Finger and hand painting
2) Give your child chunky crayons to make marks on the paper
3) Get stackable toys and nesting toys to teach your child the relationship between various objects
4) Make a collage with knick nacks collected on a nature walk

The best part of it, you can do these activities on a high chair, a low table, or easle. With any creation your sweet pea designs, make sure you date it so you can look back on the artwork years later.

Seasonal Does Taste Better

2009-03-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

I think at times I have developed into a true foodie. I eat mostly organic and above all I buy only seasonal items. As much as I love my tropical fruits, you can't get me to bite into an orange before summer and I don't even buy my berries until Spring hits. Why? Because eating food in its season usually tastes much beter and is a whole lot cheaper due to the volume available.

So, after eating apples and pears pretty much all of fall and winter, I readliy welcome the myriad of strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and don't get me started on mangoes and grapefruits of the upcoming season. I like to put all these fruits in a smoothie and it provides me with a long standing jolt that a cup of coffee simply can't provide. The recipe is below:

1/2 cup of diced strawberries
1/2 cup of raspberries
1 diced banana
1 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon Spirulina (A nutrient packed blue green algae superfood)
1 teaspoon ground flaxseed

And Blend Away!!!

For those adventurous types, you may want to make your own Almond milk. I came across this cute site, Happy Foody (www.happyfoody.blogspot.com) in which the publisher included a recipe for homemade vanilla almond milk from the cookbook Living Cuisine: The Art and Spirit of Raw Foods by Renee Loux Underkoffler. Makes 4 cups.

1 cup soaked raw almonds (soaked 4-8 hours)
4 cups filtered water
Pinch of sun-dried sea salt
1 T non-alcohol vanilla extract
1/2 vanilla bean (optional)
3 T raw honey or maple syrup (or 3 soft dates, pitted)

In a blender, at medium, then high speed, blend soaked almonds, water, and sea salt until smooth. Pour through a strainer (or use a nut bag) to separate pulp. Pour liquid back in the the blender and blend in vanilla extract and bean (if using) and sweetener until smooth.

Enjoy!

Challenged to Fitness

2009-03-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading the Michelle Obama interview in O magazine. I must say it was ten minutes well spent. I got nice and comfortable in my living room and read about our First Lady and walked away inspired to take care of myself better so that I can serve in a more fulfilling fashion. If you don't know by now, the First Lady used to wake up at 4:30 in the morning so that she could squeeze in a workout.

As mothers, our time is so limited and it's easy to spend all day not even carving out a 30 minute workout or to ensure that you are eating healthy. But we must take care of ourselves even if we might lose a little sleep. I listed a couple of workout ideas thal will make you recant that excuse for not losing the baby weight.

1) Jump rope for ten minutes.

2) Invest in some workout DVD's or rent them from the library.

3) Join a community gym.

4) Take your child or children out for a stroll in the park for 30 minutes.

5) Workout during your lunch break.

6) Play! Whether its rollerblading, sking, rock climbing, or bike riding, engage in an activity that makes you laugh and even perhaps feel like a kid again.

Whatever works best for you, start moving! You'll benefit from it and what's more you will be an example of fitness for your family.

Thinking About Homeschooling?

2009-03-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

I used to think homeschooling was reserved for hippies and extremists. I never would have imagined that I (a semester shy of my Masters in Education) will be checking out a stack of books on the subject at the local library. I would have never thought I would have spent hours researching this concept which is not nearly as new as we think it is. I have even found myself daydreaming about what kind of life our family will have we were to homeschool our children.

Then, I realized that there were so many sects of homeschooling. There are the unschoolers, the Montessori sect, the classical trained homeschoolers, the Afrocentric homeschoolers, the Christian homeschoolers, and the list goes on and on. But what I have realized is that homeschooling unleashes a world brimming of infinite possibilities that seems (if done correctly) can prepare our children to compete effectively in this global economy.

I know I sound like a parent who is sold on the homeschooling ideology, but even if you are not considering it for your families, it doesn't hurt to investigate your options. One great book to read is The Well Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education At Home by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer. If you have any great books, please share!

Great Read

2009-03-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

I love her blog at www.soulemama.typepad.com and can't wait to get ideas from her forthcoming book, Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials Into New Family Treasures on shelves on August 11th.

Check out the newstands for these...

2009-03-09T18:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have a drawer full of Michelle and Barack Obama magazines. Now I have to get the new Oprah mag with a shared cover of two amazing women. Also, I have to tip my hat to the New Yorker's cover. They have come along way from that nonsense they printed with Barack and Michelle last year. They have finally received the memo.

Raise to Educate

2009-03-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

I'm currently raising funds for an organization that is near and dear to my heart. The Hyacinth-Williams Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating children in the rural and innercity areas of Jamaica. Some of the schools have no indoor plumbing, there are sixty plus children in classrooms, and low mastery levels. Many of these children turn to a life of crime because they are entering into the workforce with little to no skills to support themselves.

We are on a month long campaign to raise $25,000.

Join the Hyacinth WIlliams Foundation for Children's 30-day campaign to raise $25,000to directly help more than 1,200 children at the Rousseau Primary School in Kingston, Jamaica. These children are between 6 and 11 years old, full of life and full of potential.

A small donation of $10 or $25 will go a long way toward making this plan a reality. You and I can make a difference in the lives of these deserving children if we give even a little of what we have.

With a suggested donation of just $10 you can help:
* Construct a four-room classroom style buidling to house the special needs program, a library, a resource technology and two additional classrooms to reduce overcrowding.

* To implement and fund a Special Education program to reach students with special needs.

* To continue the support of the Rosseau Homework and Cultural Program.

Check out the website at www.raisetoeducate.com and with your help we can offer Jamaican children a quality education and the tools to a better life.

Who Knew!

2009-02-19T16:50:00.000-08:00

Mocha Manual Guide To A Fabulous Pregnancy by Kimberly Seals Allers was one of my favorite books while I was pregnant, but I'm happy to discover that Ms. Allers has the second series to her book available. Mocha Manual To Turn Your Passion Into Profit will definitely join my reading list for next month. I'm finally just about done with Sue Monk Kidd's Secret Life of Bees but will be sure to pick up the new book.

That brings about my question. What's your passion you hope to turn into profit? Mine is my writing. If you haven't gotten a chance to read my book Dream Chasers check it out and tell me what you think.

Something About Cupcakes...

2009-02-18T08:36:00.000-08:00

...that brings about a smile! Could it be the fact that it's small enough for one and big enough to share with a friend? Could it be that it reminds us of parties in elementary school where everyone had a Valentine or secret Santa? Or could it be that anything with a dose of sugar and icing can make anyone happy?

I'm loving cupcakes with edible pansies on top. The trick is to get organic pansies, use a paintbrush to lightly coat egg whites that has already been whipped, and very carefully dust with sugar. Then you can put atop your favorite cupcake.

Or you can bypass sugar coating the flowers and just opt for strategically placing some flowers on your cupcake. Snapdragons, hibiscus, and violets are usually recommended.

Simple Luxuries

2009-02-16T18:57:00.000-08:00

French milled soap, rich chocolate, tailored suits, lux skin care line, organic food. What are some luxuries you can't give up?

Get Into the Groove

2009-02-09T21:41:00.000-08:00

I was in Harlem the other day and was happy to finally get a chance to check out the Carols Daughter. I know I'm really late. It is such a cute store! I love the layout and am happy that the business has expanded beyond being my favorite Brooklyn spot.

But what I especially loved was this fragraance Groove. My, my, my this fragrance is great (said like the the Tiger from Kelloggs). If you don't belive me look at what their website says about it.

A seductive flow of red currant and sugared dewberries, embraced by undertones of decadent nuances of Tahitian vanilla, cocoa and rich musk add to the finishing touches.

Doesn't the description make you just want to drown your body in this fragrance?

Honestly, a perfume hasn't enveloped me in a trance since Gucci Rush in 2002. And get this the price is only for $27! How's that for recession proof?

Stuffed Animals

2009-02-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

I hope to one day be a Do It Yourself type of mom. There's something unique about homes where people don't just buy everything off the rack but use creativity to make their living space special. However, now a days major corporations are creating products that vaguely resembles something a loved one may have made. Gund Babies has these cute stuffed animals that could be passed on to each child and so does Amy Coe's line at Babiess R' Us.

If you are trying to get your feet wet in the sewing scene (like myself) check out Amy Butler's Design and download a free pattern of these adorable stuffed cats that you can put your own personal touch.

Not Too Young For A Little Discipline

2009-01-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

"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!

Good Hair

2009-01-25T20:46:00.000-08:00

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.

Thoughts from the Inauguration

2009-01-21T09:45:00.000-08:00

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.

Fashion Thus Far

2009-01-20T17:14:00.000-08:00

I am anxiously awaiting her inaugural gown.

What I'm Working On

2009-01-16T19:08:00.000-08:00

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.

Happy New Year

2009-01-13T11:35:00.000-08:00

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.

Christmas During a Recession

2008-12-13T14:49:00.000-08:00

I've never really been a spender and could never relate to stories of maxing out credit cards during the Christmas season, but now I'm the most conservative person on this side of the Mason Dixie line. I've resorted to making my own gifts this year, and digging deep into my well of creative thought to present something of value to my dear family and friends. So, I trekked my way to all the spots that my fellow crafters frequent. You know..Michael's, Joann's and Christmas Tree and you know what? I found a bunch of things I could make for less than $10 a gift. At Christmas Tree I found these really classic monogrammed mugs that anyone would love for 2 for $3! I also loaded up on paper gift bags from Michael's in which I will fill with homemade Christmas cookies brilliantly tied with a red and white polka dot ribbon and labeled with a Martha Stewart label. I'll simply write on the label "Stay Sweet! Merry Christmas!" Speaking of Martha Stewart, she is really on the roll. She has a great selection of items at Michael's for parties, crafting and any activity that creates sentiment.

Before I settle down to make my Christmas gifts, I'm reflecting on what this recession means. I think for one it will help us learn how to value money and not to dig ourselves into debt to please an insatiable appetite for material objects. I also think it will bring us back to the basics and help us learn what really matters in life: peace, love and a sense of hope. After all, that's the true meaning of Christmas.

Subtelties That Reminds Me of the Holiday Season

2008-12-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

1. Christmas Carols playing in the stores
2. Wreaths hung neatly on front doors
3. The taste of peppermint candy canes
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas televised at least once a week
5. The smell of cinnamon
6. Peppermint Latte at a Starbucks near you

Last but not least

7. Cold weather!!!

Handmade Gifts for the Holidays

2008-12-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the government announced that the country is in a recession. I don't know about you, but its felt like a recession since 9/11. So, what to do when you may have lost your job or you may be feeling the crunch from high living costs in the midst of the holiday season? Be creative! Try to tap into your creative side this holiday season. If you know how to bake, why not bake some sugar cookies and package them in gift boxes? Or getting a stocking and filling it with little tid bits that may be near and dear to the recipients heart? Another idea is to purchase one of those cute journals from Target or Borders and filling it with scripture verses, quotes, or poems that relates to the person.

You can also give the gift that keeps giving by purchasing items that makes a difference around the world. Macy's, Shop For A Better World, has a great collection of items from craftsmen in villages in Africa and Asia. At Branch Home (www.branchhome.com) you can purchase handmade items like the baby elephant above with proceeds going towards men and women supporting themselves and their family in remote villages. Another popular store, Ten Thousand Villages (www.tenthousandvillages.com), has a host of items from Vietnam, Haiti, Uganda, and countless other countries where artisans receive fair trade wages.

Go ahead...dig deep. I'm sure you can find a bunch of treasures for that certain love one without the hefty price tag.

Great Gift For A New Mom...

2008-11-29T21:19:00.000-08:00

...who might also like to sew. You can do so much with this pattern. This great shop called Purl Soho has tons of neat fabric that you can use with this pattern. I especially like the one shown above by Seven Islands.

I Think I Ate Too Much Pie

2008-11-28T19:21:00.000-08:00

My brother-in-law ordered the best sweet potato pie on this side of the Mason Dixon line. It was so good I think I probably gained about three pounds yesterday alone. I hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving and hopefully didn't eat nearly as much as moi.

The pie was courtesy of First Lady Bordeaux of Macedonia Church of God In Christ. I wonder if she will give me the recipe. :)

I'm Excited About Possibly Sewing These

2008-11-26T20:09:00.000-08:00

Once I learn how to sew (hopefully within two months) these are some patterns I plan to tackle first.

The Vogue V1025

The McCall's 5590

The McCall's 5713

I'll keep you posted on how they turn out!

I Think I Found It

2008-11-24T18:38:00.000-08:00

I'm now convinced that beauty products have a time span of about 2-3 years. During those two-three years your skin is compatible with this product, for me it was Kiehls and then Mary Kay. After about two to three years, I either start to breakout or my skin no longer has that dewy supple look of yesteryear. I may start to see blotches, or a pimple, or it may even seem drying. Well, that's where I've been for the past month or so and I decided to put matters in my own hands. I opted against going to Nordstroms or Macy's and found myself in front of a display of cosmetics in Whole Foods. 'Where to begin?' I wondered to myself. I knew I was tired of not being able to pronounce the ingredients that I put on my face, but beyond that, I had no clue of this green cosmetic market. Kiehls, Aveda, Origins, I know...but Aubrey I don't. The sale rep. was very helpful and recommended a couple of lines, but she grew very enthusiastic when she mentioned Dr. Haushka's line (www.drhauschka.com). I got the sampler and put it on my face as soon a I got home. I know this sounds trite, but I really did feel an instant difference on my face. I'm going to see how my skin looks and feels after seven days and I'll keep you posted.

What products do you like to use for your beauty regimen?

My New Obsession...

2008-11-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

...Sewing! That's right, I've joined millions of others who are sewing up their fashions. Well, I haven't actually started sewing much of anything, as of yet, but I am taking a sewing class that I'm really, really looking forward to engaging in with fellow students. I think empowerment was one of the reasons why I chose to learn how to sew. I grew tired of admiring articles of clothing and not being able to afford the hefty price and I thought...hey, why don't I just learn how to sew so that I can cut the costs down tremendously and still get what I want. Although, I have heard some naysayers say, "The amount of time you spend looking for fabric and sewing, you can just find the dress." Well, not really because I don't have time to be searching every mall looking for that perfect wool shift in my size.

Sewing seems to be another world, that I haven't really entered until now. My favorite blogs are the following:
www.thatssewlive.com
www.assortednotions.blogspot.com
www.missceliespants.blogspt.com
www.emilysews.blogspot.com

I also came across this great book on sewing baby's clothing, called Amy Butler's Little Stitches for Little Ones by Amy Butler. Cute book for all the sewing divas out there. Just in case you don't believe me, the pictures shown above are the outcome of patterns located in the book. I'll keep you posted on how well I do with this new project!

The Mind Behind Milo and Milk

2008-11-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

I got a chance to interview Lori Prasad, the design director and creator of Milo and Milk. Read on to see what she had to say about her fabulous children's clothing line.

1) What made you start a children's clothing company?

I started sewing special orders for new moms and for baby shower gifts while I was working retail at Barney’s New York. I had great feedback and was told by many that this was an area of design that I should explore. With that said, years later I developed my first line in 2006 and gave birth to Milo and Milk launching my first collection in the spring of 2007.

2) I love the name of your company, it evokes a lot of happy memories of my childhood growing up in a Jamaican home. How did you come up with the name and how does it relate to the style of the clothing?

The name Milo and Milk evokes a lot of happy memories in my childhood that was passed down from my mother and grandmother and their love for the chocolate drink Milo mixed with hot or cold milk.

3) What is your design background?

It all started in Jr. High School learning to sew in home economics for three years and continued to study Clothing and Textiles in High School for three years. I then moved on to study women’s fashion design in Montreal, Canada at College LaSalle and years later moved to New York City to study Accessories Design and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

4) What is the biggest challenges you face as a children's clothing designer?

There are countless challenges that small businesses face everyday! The number one challenge is staying visible in the market place. This is done by submitting produce for editorials, driving traffic to your websites, participating in tradeshows and opening new accounts and maintaining existing accounts in boutiques.

5) What advice would you give to anyone who is interested in starting their own clothing line?

My advice for anyone who is interested in starting their own clothing line is to work in the industry first and learn at someone’s expense before launching their own line. I also recommend doing your research about your market! With access to the internet you really have not excuse to not learn valuable information about the industry you wish to pursue.

6) What's the future of your company?

The future of Milo and Milk is to diversify launching Milo and Milk Boy’s, Milo and Milk Home featuring bedroom interior design items for children, Milo and Milk Books for children and Milo and Milk Baby Skin Care an organic skin care line for children. The overall long-term goal is to develop a children’s lifestyle brand addressing all the needs of children.

7) Where can people purchase clothing from Milo and Milk?

Milo and Milk is featured at several boutiques that are listed on the website and is also available online at www.miloandmilk.com.

Milo and Milk

2008-11-11T13:07:00.000-08:00

The name alone makes me want to smile. The clothing company Milo and Milk (www.miloandmilk.com) has clothes for children age 2 to 6. Great idea for holiday gifts.

Kidco

2008-11-08T12:58:00.000-08:00

I always knew I would be preparing food for my daughter, but didn't know what kind of work it would entail. So, I kept putting it off until I realized I was spending way too much money on organic baby food. I quickly learned that the key to proper nutrition for my daughter is organization, organization, organization. One of the most fundamental, helpful items I purchased was this freezer tray from Kidco, for the price of ten bucks you can get two trays which holds a ton load of food for your child. Freeze it over night and let it dethaw for a couple of hours the next day and voila, you have your mixture for your child. My favorite combination so far are carrots and sweet potato. But I'm sure you'll come up with yours before you know it.

Happy Obama!

2008-11-05T12:48:00.000-08:00

I have not posted anything since the great day in America on election night. I have collected almost every magazine/newspaper Barack or Michelle was on post elections. Can you believe it? All of those nights of following each and every detail on CNN and MSNBC has finally ended. Now we can look forward to seeing the man himself being sworn into office and wondering what on earth Michellle will be wearing at the ball. I look forward to this next chapter in American history and am excited to see how his presence will challenge countless other men and women around the world.

Five Days and Counting

2008-10-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

If you have not registered to vote in some states, it is still possible. Plus, if you have not decided who to vote, I come to you again to consider voting for Barack Obama. Why? Well, ask yourself which candidate will provide you with a better four years? Then, you decide.

Also, if you have not picked up any Barack Obama campaign memorabilia, it's not too late. Check out the Barack Obama website (www.barackobama.com) where purchases will go towards the campaign.

On the subway, I saw a lovely lady with the this beautiful bag designed by Diane Von Furstenberg. It's being sold for 75 bucks and goes towards an excellent cause on Obama's website.

Gymboree

2008-10-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been able to check out your local Gymboree class, I urge you to give it a try. My sweetie and I took in a class and we had a lot of fun clapping our hands to the Beatles and playing peek-a-boo. It's $72 per month, which can sometimes be hard to fork out during a recession, but if you and your child likes it, it may just be worth not eating out a couple of nights out of the week.

Beverly Manley

2008-10-23T16:22:00.000-07:00

I don't generally read a lot of memoirs, but I must pick up The Manley Memoirs by Beverly Manley. A popular radio personality and former first lady in Jamaica in the 1970s, Beverly Manley writes a candid memoir of her upbringing, career, and political life in the Caribbean. The book also has a host of pictures of Beverly and Michael Manley. I especially like her wedding picture in which she purposely chose to take a nod towards traditional peasantry dress.

Escapism

2008-10-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

As the Dow plummets and the gas prices rise, escapism is the way to go. Although, individuals are dining out less and conserving in other areas of entertainment, movie sales have increasingly fared well. That is of no suprise to me, when you see the sheer amount of reality shows that consistently have high numbers of viewers. I never used to understand the purpose of reality shows, except for Real World New York circa 1990, until life started to get hectic. I started to enjoy watching Run's House and Real Housewives of New York and now Atlanta.

Escapism does indeed work, albeit for that hour or two out of life. However, once those credits start to scroll up the scene reality sets in and you're back to the hustle of every day life, but now you're just a little bit more relaxed because you were able to be taken far away from your present situation.

At first, I thought the five women from Real Housewives of Atlanta were going to be terribly annoying, but after the second episode, I'm slightly hooked. I'm not sure if it's because it's the perfect ying for yang for my addiction to coverage of the Obama campaign or it's my only indulgence of frivolity in my life. Whatever the case, it's not worth overanalyzing, because it is what it is...escapism.

Who Does She Think She Is?

2008-10-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

I believe everyone woman has asked this question, "Can you have it all?" Can you have the career of your dreams, the doting husband, well-balanced kids, and the Labrador retriever? I'm of the train of thought of believing this to be possible but at what costs? What are you willing to give up to have it all? This documentary, "Who Does She Think She Is" addresses this question by following around women artists as they attempt to answer this question for their own life. Check out www.whodoesshethinksheis.net for the trailer and listings.

Lori Nelson

2008-10-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

I had the great pleasure of meeting publisher/author Lori Nelson last night. She spoke at length of her experience of publishing children's books and her eventual move towards animation. Her book, The Adventures of Hillary: Hillary's Big Business Adventure is a clever book about a young girl's entry into business with a backdrop of colorful bold illustrations. Her mother, Valerie Nelson, also wrote an empowering book entitled, I Can Do It Myself. These are two books that will make any child happy.

Cute Notecards

2008-10-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm always scouting for interesting pieces of art without the pricey tag. I love these pieces from Foxy and Winston (www.foxyandwinston.com) for get this...$5!