I Watch Too Much TV

I watch tooo much television! And I honestly don't know how I find the time to watch it all through the incessant diaper changes and feedings; blogging and research; cooking and cleaning; spending quality time etc. Lately I have added a few guilty pleasures to my roster of reality tv and my guilty conscious just wants to tell on itself. Here are the shows I can't get enough of (well until Scandal comes back-don't get me started haha).

1. Courtney Loves Dallas- This show should just be called We Love Courtney! To live a day in the life of a fellow fashion blogger-a successful fashion blogger who does exactly what I want to do is awesome with a capital A baby! It has the perfect amount of fashion, gossip, drama and did I say fashion? Her closet though-2 words....I'd kill!

2. Blood, Sweat & Heels- I'm a sucker for drama, not just the Law & Order: SVU (another show I LOVE) kind, but the "You stole my deal and oooh girl those shoes are fierce" drama. These successful women live out their dreams, stack coins and look fabulous doing it. I just described Sex and the City (which I miss terribly).

3. Love & Hip Hop- Ok I know, why do I watch this trash? One word it's entertaining! For one whole hour, I trash talk my laptop (I never get to watch prime time tv when it actually airs-I'm raising a kid remember--oh how I love his nap times) and literally cuss everyone out/give them unsolicited advice. I say a slew of "oohs", "ahhs", and "who let her walk out the house looking like that" as I grade the outfits on a scale of 1-10. Take a deep breath then wait for next week (don't judge me).

4. Single Ladies- *Starts singing the theme song* "We are single (pause) ladies"! Yassss honey!! This show gives me life! From the fashion, to the fine men and the gorgeous women who date them and back to the fashion (seriously you need to check out the threads on this one).

5. Real Housewives of Atlanta- I shouldn't have to say much. These Georgia peaches make me want to move to Atlanta and follow their camera crew. Although they have all found and try to lead sophisticated lives to the best of their ability, these women still bring the drama *snaps fingers*. With phrases like "I'm gone with the wind fabulous" and "I have arrived and the spotlight is on me honey" I just can't get enough.

6. Couple's Therapy- I'm not even in a relationship but I can't get enough of this show! But can I say this is kind of like a PBS special for my personal life? I mean I am learning what not to do/find in a relationship.....I digress.

7. The Braxton Family Values/Vince & Tamar- I adore this family! Really it's Toni and Tamar (who she, her) Yes! I love this group of sisters. They argue, travel, dance and makeup together. I love the quirky slogans from baby sister Tamar. I'm just tickled when I watch this show.

Ehem, CLEARS THROAT....Also, ABC has me HOOKED! I'm in knee deep with them: Scandal (woot woot), Grey's Anatomy, Modern Family, Nashville, Mistresses and Super Fun Night (I love Kimmy). My brain is going to turn into mush!

What shows are you addicted to-I mean can't stop watching?

I Have To Be Honest-I'm A Mess

Hey Boucous! I'm having a rough day. Yesterday I took a nap and had a horrific nightmare (I'd rather not go into detail) but it made me realize I have some inner turmoil I need to work out. A few months ago, what started out as a visit home turned into me parting ways with my not-so-devoted fiancee and moving 3,000 miles back to where it all started-my mom's house. It was not pretty to say the least. Here I was pregnant with just the clothes I packed for my visit and having to face the fact that I would be raising my LO in the same room I grew up in. And that his father had already moved another "woman" into my apartment, to sleep in the bed I bought and enjoy all that I built in the 5 years we were together. Since I was pregnant, I spent most of my time working on forgiveness, as I didn't want my baby to experience the sadness and pain I was feeling. I joined a Bible study group and a few mommy groups on Facebook. I've felt so much joy from my LO since he's made his debut and I thought I was over "what happened". But lately, it's been revealed to me in different ways that those pains are still very present. I find myself crying when I awake in the middle of the night for my LO's feedings. Angry and wishing terrible things on my ex when I hear his name (which is Michael--too common for my sanity) Whitney said it best, "Where do broken hearts go"? How does one find healing from a pain that birthed such a beautiful reminder? So many of my high school "friends" had kids young. I struggle with the fact that I tried to do it the right way. I wasn't married but I was engaged--to a "man" I was with for five years. I was faithful, a so-called "ride or die chic", the cook, best friend and porn star that the articles told me would guarantee I keep my man. Yet I'm here. A lonely, single mother to an endangered black boy. Sometimes I wish I could sleep life away--but then I'd be cheating my son of all that he deserves.

 I've always loved fashion and wanted to be a designer but never pursued my dreams whole heartedly as I was for the most part, the sole breadwinner in the household (when I was with my ex). I began writing this blog for various reasons. I couldn't officially apply for a position in the fashion world (huge as a cow and wanting to be a stay at home mom), it gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream in a way I never imagined on my lonely and very pregnant days; it gave me something to focus on other than what was happening around me and most importantly-I pray it allows me to financially support my LO. Writing this blog and reading your comments have given my self-esteem a much needed boost and has made me feel like taking this leap out on faith and parting with my past was the best choice. Thanks for listening to my rant.

A Smile for a Smile

Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed spending time with loved ones over the holidays. As I write this I'm relishing at home, cuddled up with my LO in my new room (more on that later). This past year, was full of ups and downs and a very trying year for me. I almost lost everything. My car, my home, my fiancee--and my sanity almost. But, I also experienced one of the most beautiful miracles that makes my lowest-low feel like a high. My son has given me life again and makes me want to be present and enjoy every moment of it. He's now 11 weeks, and this week he brought the biggest smile to my face. He's talking (more like coos) and smiling! I couldn't help but tear up at his attempts to communicate with me. There he was all bright-eyed and letting me know how much he loves me. With him, I know 2014 will bring forth lots of opportunities, love and happiness.

Raising an All Natural Baby

When I found out I was pregnant, my brain went into overload. Thoughts ran through my mind at what felt like 1000mph. Ideations of baby names, outfits, nurseries, showers--you know the superficial stuff. As I drew closer to my delivery date, I began to peruse the more important questions. I read up on parenting skills, baby sign language, baby safety and LOTS of product reviews. Somewhere in between baby coos and stroller reviews, I decided I wanted to use all-natural products on my LO. Then an even more extensive research began. A slew of acronyms (DEA, MEA, TEA) and scientific words were adopted into my vocabulary. Here are a few products I swear by--that are safe for your most precious cargo.

Rainbow products, Baby Oh Baby Body Wash

The scent leaves you wanting to eat your baby even more than you do now. It's 

made with nature's finest ingredients-Borage Oil, Shea Butter, Organically grown herbs, Vitamins, and Essential Oils.Animal Free, NO Colors, Dyes, Petroleum or Mineral Oil. I also use it for my diy baby wipes.

Earth Mama Baby Angel

The nipple cream and mama bottom spray (I had an epitome) were my first purchases from this line. I loved that the nipple cream didn't leave my nipples with a "clogged/blocked feeling for lack of a better word (as oppose to the Lansinoh the hospital gave me). I also loved that the mama bottom spray could be used as a toner as well (score). So I had to go back and purchase the baby bottom balm. The Earth Mama, Angel Baby line is:100% Organically Preserved, Clinically tested, Hypoallergenic, No Artificial, Fragrances or Dyes, Cruelty-Free, Toxin-Free, Certified Vegan.

Weleda Baby
My first all natural baby product purchase was a travel size baby kit from Weleda . I immediately fell in love with the calendula oil. The scent was amazing and the oil hydrated my little man's skin nicely. The diaper cream goes on fine and I like that it's not too thick so it can be used with cloth diapers. I use it as a rash preventative at bedtime so I don't know if it gets rid of existing rashes well. When I looked over the list of ingredients I didn't find one unpronounceable synthetic compound or one toxic chemical. Just flowers and herbs, fruit extracts. Clays, roots and minerals.

Spectrum Unrefined Coconut Oil

I wrote about the ways I personally use coconut oil in a previous post. Coconut oil has many benefits for your baby. I use it as:

•  an everyday lotion
•  infant massage oil
• cradle cap treatment
• to soothe irritated nipples (before I discovered Earth Mama)
• During the first few newborn diaper changes to help remove the sticky meconium 
• to increase my milk supply

Corn Starch

My doctor forbade me from using any of the numerous bottles of baby powder I received at the baby shower. And after learning about the dangers of talc inhalation for babies I concurred. On my search of the perfect diaper care product I learned corn starch was the best substitute. I dumped out the baby powder from a travel size container and refilled it with corn starch and viola!

Tot Bots Cloth Diaper

I am a huge fan of cloth diapers! But have to be honest and say I also use disposable ones as well (from The Honest Company-they're just so cute!). Cloth diapers require more work than the comparative disposable diapers but they are a lot safer. Disposable diapers contain lots of chemicals that have proven to be carcinogenic. Besides them being healthier for baby and the environment, cloth diapers are waaay cheaper than disposables. I mainly bought the Tot Bots cloth diaper (pictured above) because  the fabric was soft and fluffy and cuter than other cloth diapers. 

Boon Grass Countertop Drying Rack

I primarily breast feed but have tote loads of bottles courtesy of my mother. I began to give them away but then decided to keep a few to bottle train him so my family members can feed him. The Boon Grass Drying Rack is just a cool way to present the bottles and pacifiers that are all over your countertop. 

I got a lot of his toys second hand from a semi-annual rummage sale in town. I struck GOLD! I bought brand new Baby Einstein and Lamaze toys and DVDs as well as stuffed animals. Being that they were second hand, I didn't know how they were previously handled, so cleaning them was crucial to me. I machine washed the stuffed animals with Dreft (smelled so good I had to talk myself out of sleeping with them). The hard toys I washed with a vinegar and water mixture. 

Maty's All Natural Baby Chest Rub

I haven't had to use this yet (fingers crossed) but read many great reviews. It's list of all natural ingredients work as a great combat to congestion. Put a dollip of Maty's All Natural Baby Chest Rub on baby's chest and feet and after one night his/her congestion will seem sooo much better. It has a milder, but still effective, scent that isn't overwhelming.

Winter Reading List

I haven't been reading as much as I'd like to and have declared that while I hibernate this Winter, I will read as much as possible. I love to read books about business, empowerment and now that I'm a mom, parenting books as well. I've started to read to my LO and have to admit-a good book, a cup of hot tea and my LO make a cold night a lot more enjoyable.

Icons of Fashion : The 20th Century- I've read this book before but I always come back to it for inspiration. It highlights the fashion world throughout the 20th century. From Coco Chanel o Christian Dior, Kenzo to Versace, grunge to haute couture, every period and major name in twentieth-century fashion is included in this comprehensive collection of fascinating photographs, drawings, and texts.

The Digital Mom Handbook- Written by mom bloggers, Audrey McClelland and Colleen Padilla, this book is what inspired me to begin blogging. With step-by-step advice and indispensable information on how to be a mom blogger who wants to add to the household income it has allowed me to begin to improve my family’s financial situation.

Baby Signs- Now that I'm in love with a pint-sized gentleman, watching this relationship flourish is the most important thing to me. After all, communication is critical in every relationship. I can't wait to find different ways to communicate with him and feel like we have our own little language.

Life is So Good- I'm actually reading this book now and I love it. When I turned the book over, and the read "I tell people not to worry about things, not to worry about their lives. Things will be all right. People need to hear that. Life is good, just as it is. There isn't anything I would change about my life" on the back cover, I knew I had to begin reading it right away. Those sentences just resonated with me. I'm at a point in my life that has me questioning where it's going and that this book reminds me to relax and watch it unfold.

What are you currently reading? Any suggestions?

Selfie Monday

Retail Chronicles: My Dark Black Friday

It's the Monday after Thanksgiving (Happy Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday!) and I am exhausted.  I had loads of fun with family and friends and ate more than I could have imagined (my workout regimen begins today). I hope yours was fun-filled and memorable. Did you do any Black Friday shopping? I told myself I wouldn't as I am not a fan of the unpredictable crowd but a few nudges from my brother and a prayer later I was zipping up my coat and on my way to the Garden State Mall. The parking lot was packed but the end of the day I would learn parking was the least of my problems. I walked in with high hopes of buying out the store for less than $1 (lol) but was met with "sales" that weren't really sales and tons of people who thought they were. My search started in Macys as I was in dire need of a winter coat. The coat I saw online for $85 two weeks prior was now $115--what a sale! It was so packed I bought the first coat I liked and a headache. My next destination was H&M but then I saw Aldo in my peripheral. The hours blew by the wayside as I yelled across the store for booties and got pumps; wedges and received heels. Then I remembered I have a newborn and I won't be in a nightclub, lounge or party in a long while. So I treated myself to a new tote and a pair of wedge sneakers. I walked out elated and hungry--I had already been at the mall for 4 hours!!! I made my way to the Food Court after crawling through the massive crowd. And it felt like the heavens opened when I saw Chipotle. I ate thinking about what I would buy at H&M but when I finished I hurriedly walked to the car and decided I'd get it online. How did your shopping go?

What's In My Bag

Her Lips Are Sealed
Keeping a kissable pout is especially important to me. I always have lip glosses and lip balms on hand. Flower Shine On Lip Gloss in Stop the Violets, Chanel Lipgloss #67 Brilliant Lèvres and Peacekeeper Cause-metics Super Fruit Balm are just a few of my lip mates that can be found in my Michael Kors Jet Set wrislet.

 Excuse You!
I always keep an extra burp cloth on me for Benjamin. It's a necessity.

Mrs. Clean
Hand Sanitizer is a must-have for me! I've always been a germophobe, my mom is a nurse and I change diapers for a living these days so the urge to keep clean is strong. 

Chew On This!
I am always on the move these days. My day can be filled with doctor visits for both Benny and I, blogging or pulling different looks for clients and I don't always remember to pack a lunch or eat. So I always keep a KIND bar for a second wind. 

Keep Fresh 
Fresh breath is always important when coming in contact with prospective and current clients. Altoids Wintergreen mints are a sure way for me to maintain a friendly conversation. 

Vita-Fit

I still take my prenatal vitamins since I'm breast feeding, but honestly I would still be taking them if I weren't. They do an amazing job of growing and strengthening my hair, nails and keeping blemishes at bay. 

Fresh Face

I don't carry a cosmetics case so my look good essentials are housed within the various pockets of my tote. My beauty loot includes: Maybeline Fit Me Concealer in Cafe, Clinique Perfectly Real Compact in shade 146, Flower Lash Knockout Volumizing Mascara, L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Eyeliner and Estée Lauder Pure Color Blush in Intriguing Plum.

Scentilicious

As a kid I always remembered my mom's friends by what they wore and how they smelled. A scent can take me back to a memory I never knew was stored in my mind. I always equated a strong (yet lovely) scent with an equally strong woman. For that reason everything I wear has a scent. My hand cream is Burt's Bees Gud Pearanormal Activity, Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb is one of my favorite parfums and as a new mom who would would easily forget get her head if it wasn't attached to her body I always buy an extra deodorant just for my tote (don't judge me lol). 

Accessories Galore

Without fail I keep extra jewelry and a head band just in case I run out with none on or a friend can use some bling. I've always wanted prescription glasses so I  have a pair of these great bug like prescription glasses that make me look like a bug. They're really fun. It's cool to look like a bug right? 

Chronicles of a Mom

I wanted to write about the woes I'm currently experiencing as a result of my LO being addicted to his pacifier. Complain of my sleepless nights and the bags under my eyes-in a politically correct way of course. But as my fingers touch the keyboard I can't help but think how exciting this journey called motherhood can and will be for me. I find myself planning adventures, birthday parties, outfits, scouting schools and he's only 6 weeks old! I once read a meme that said, "You'll never know how boring your life is until you have kids". And it's soooo true! Only a year ago, I was content with nights at the club, drinks with friends (which I plan on keeping btw), working and repeat. I've always been one who was willing to try almost anything once, but somehow managed to get into the previously stated routine. But something about becoming a mother compels me to take a different approach and feel that I not only owe it to my child but I owe it to myself to lead a fruit-filled life.  It's now instilled in me that I have to become the woman I've always dreamed of becoming so I can be a living testament for my LO. I find myself looking forward to his middle-of-the-night feedings so that I can continue reading articles about carriers that cause hip dysplasia, cooking classes at WholeFoods, free building workshops at Home Depot and Lowes and the best aquariums and museums for children. And how he and I can wear matching outfits without me looking like I wish everyday was Halloween (don't judge me lol). All in all, I know just like any relationship in life, there will be ups and downs but I am sooo stoked to experience them all with the closest person to me-the person God entrusted to me. 

5 Amazingly Beautiful Reasons to Breastfeed Your LO

My LO is now 2 weeks and 1 day old and although he's been in this world a short amount of time-I can't imagine my life without him. Who knew such a huge gift can be delivered in a tiny package. As a first time mom, bonding with him is super important to me-which is why I decided early that I would breastfeed. Although, at first, a bit painful, I have found many benefits to breastfeeding my Teddy Rumpskin. Here are 5 benefits to breastfeeding that definitely outweigh any fears and negative reasons not to. 

1. It's The Best Nourishment

"Human milk provides the specific nutrients that babies need to grow both in size and maturity..." (THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, 7th Revised Edition, page 340). A mother's milk contains tons of essential nutrients for baby's current and future health, including antibodies that help protect your LO against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), many childhood cancers and even a simple yet painful ear infection. [A study in the Philippines showed that, "Deaths from respiratory infections and diarrhea were eight to ten times higher in babies who were artificially fed than in those who were even partially breastfed for six months "] (THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, 7th Revised Edition, page 350). Also, keep in mind, that artificial formulas are generally harsher on baby's sensitive digestive system. 

2. You Create A Strong Bond With Your LO

I have to say the most rewarding part of breastfeeding Benny is the stare he gives me after he latches. It's a "loaded" stare that speaks volumes! I feel like he's saying "thank you" with every gulp. I love how his little hands sometimes find themselves half way past my breast as if he's trying to give me a hug. Delivering nourishment from my body, the warmth of my skin and hearing him try to balance his gulps with my flow are all beautiful components of the magic of breastfeeding. Not to mention the deep source of comfort and protection he feels. And the pride I feel in knowing that only I have the ability to connect and satisfy him in this way.

3. Helps You Lose Baby Weight Faster

I haven't started exercising yet, as I am still awaiting to regain the strength in my abdominal muscles. And for some reason, my cravings are worse than when I was pregnant (thank you hormones). But my weight loss has been steady. So far, I've lost 12 pounds and have already been able to fit my pre-baby jeans. How? Well, your body burns 500 calories to produce milk--hallelujer! With every gulp Benny takes, I feel my uterine contract and I make it a point to sit in a way that engages my abdominal muscles while feeding. Losing weight is not the only benefit to mommies. Breastfeeding is also linked to lowering the risk of a list of diseases such as: Type 2 Diabetes, breast and ovarian cancer as well as post partum depression. One of the most awesome benefits to breastfeeding, is, it postpones the return of the menstrual cycle. 

4. It's Convenient

Carrying a diaper bag loaded with bottles and formula can be such a drag--an uncomfortable for some-small framed mommies. With items such as: diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, a changing pad and an extra receiving blanket--my diaper bag is very light and easy for travel. Late night feedings are such a breeze for me since I don't have to make a bottle. Wherever I go, my milk is always readily available--and fresh! Even if you work, you can pump your milk and store it in the freezer for your baby and it will last a long time, saving you a ton of money on formula.

5.  It's What Nature Intended

We are mammals and therefore designed to be able to feed our offspring through our own bodies. Humans are the most unique and awesome in this respect because it's a natural process, yet it's a choice we make. Sometimes it can be easy to give up with the frustrations that lactation brings. There's swelling, possible mastitis, failure to latch properly, milk supply issues and sore nipples. All of these factors however can be taken care of and are mostly all common to the first two weeks post delivery! Once baby has the hang of it, it's so easy and satisfying for both you and your LO. 

I'm A Mommy!!!

Last week I was lucky enough to bring a beautiful and healthy baby boy into this world! After 7 hours of labor and 5 minutes of delivery I held 6 pounds 1 ounce Benjamin Carson Massillon in my arms in disbelief and in pure awe at the miracle I'd witnessed.  After a staring match, that I felt, took hours I realized I was really some one's mommy-Benny's mommy! Besides being his personal milk dispenser, I have spent these last days experiencing an indescribable love that I believe can only be given from a child. I find myself staring at him and incessantly praying for his future for hours. I worry about his well-being and methodically think about how I'm going to walk down the stairs with him. I guess this is what the job of being a mommy entails-a never ending cycle of worry and unconditional love.

Pictures courtesy of Ricardo Massillon Photography

Yoga at the Dock

Brunch at Benny's (Baby Shower)

Last weekend I threw my baby shower and it was fun and tiring to say the least lol. My theme was inspired by Breakfast at Tiffany's-with a beau twist. 

I found a free template of these Wishes for Baby Cards online.

Walmart luckily had a bevy of mustache accented decorations.

Shrimp Pasta Salad with Cucumber and Dill

Arugula Salad with Strawberries 

Chicken and Marinated Cucumber Sandwich

All the food was Martha Stewart inspired.

Desserts catered by Delicious Desserts by Dalissa