All wrapped up in Bow

All good things must come to and end and we are now at such point with challenge #15 on September Sapphire Even Day Blog Challenge with Kimberly from beingawordsmith.com

Challenge Wrap-Up! share what you have learned during challenge, who you connected with and overall experience with it.

This month has been lots of fun for sure. I've incorporated 2 events on my blog while still freestyle writing, tweeting, networking, working on my photography, holding things down and celebrating the national holiday which is called my Birth Day. This has been a great September for sure.

I want to thank Kimberly for having me over and allowing me to share in her own Birth Day celebrations.

I learned on this challenge that most people are more alike than different.
I learned we are all kids at heart to some degree, that we enjoy being goofy when we can.
I learned challenges don't all have to be serious.
I learned that looking back to see how far we've come is an awesome option to have.

I met a few new ladies with great blogs of their own, who share great information and treats. So I added some great new reads for sure.
This has been a great experience, thoughtful, eye opening and fun.

This one Never gets old

Repetition makes perfect when you are learning a skill.
Repetition is key when you want to perfect your craft, but Repetition of daily life activities, style or entertainment is that fun? Yes yes yes when it comes to my all time favorite movies, music or television shows.
Not so much books because I don't enjoy reading a book more than once.
I will go back to it and reread a passage for reference or research but unless I don't remember the book in general or I didn't grasp the message, I just won't read again for pleasure.

The 14th Challenge on September Sapphire Even Day Blog Challenge with Kimberly from beingawordsmith.com is you guessed it...Repetition.
Kimberly asked that we share our experience of the what, why, and how on our repetitive enjoyment of these forms of entertainment.

illustration by dsdominationprogramreview

I will dive right in and start with my favorite Movies, I can sit and watch over and over again...

Pretty Woman-

the concept of working with what you have at the time and then wanting more when you know better is awesome. The never losing hope of your "Prince" being out there plays to the silly romantic in me and watching a flower blossom is always fun. No need to mention 2 very attractive people in this movie.
How to lose a guy in 10 days-

I believe that in 10 days you know whether or not your into someone. It doesn't take months or years. When you know, you know. I found the truth between male and female behavior hilarious and I loved the line "you can't loose something you never had". Again no need to mention the stars.
Dear John-

love stories period. Never allow me to become to cynical about love. Keep me on the lighter, romantic side of life.
Twilight sagas-

I have a fascination with Vampires. I enjoy the history and notion of their existence. I found the idea of a love that is so impossible to be true, sweet. I enjoyed the story line and the soundtrack.
Scar face-

Greed at its extreme. Loved all the action, all the over the top lines. Al Pacino was and is so amazing to watch and one can never get sick of Tony's line "say hello to my little friend".
Transformers series-

transformations, government conspiracies, fires, fights, Tyrese, Optimus and all the in between? Enough said.

Music. It is my companion on days I have felt or feel very low and my cheerleader on those days that I can reach the sky and all is possible.

From Mary J Blige's No more Drama to Maxwell's Embrya, Juan Luis Guerra's Bachata Rosa, Drake's Nothing was the Same, Kanye West's Yeezus, Marvin Gaye's Let's get it on, Alicia Key's The Element of Freedom my style is wide and endless. I love MUSIC.

Television has been my buddy since I was a kid.

Watching Saturday morning cartoons, Scooby Doo after school, General Hospital etc...but I will always stop and watch no matter where I go or what I am doing any Little house on the Prairie  Almonzo and Laura episodes, The Golden Girls, The Nanny, Friends, NCIS, Criminal Minds or Martin.

Laughs, Romance and Crime always have my attention. And trust when I say I am keeping all things light. I didn't touch my dark side lol.

Always stress free xo

Wordless Wednesday Say it with a Picture

I don't believe I have really touch on another passion of mine and or shared anything about it.
I believe I have commented briefly in the past my mother shutting down my dream of becoming a National Geographic Photographer by making comments on how that wasn't work and that pictures wouldn't pay my bills.

Those comments stopped my pursuit of Nat Geo many years ago but not my love for cameras or pictures.
Around the same time I began to explore being fearless and jumped into blogging I jumped into my photography with the intent to share my pictures with the world.
What better way than through Instagram to test the waters.

Challenge #12 on September Sapphire Even Day Blog Challenge with Kimberly from beingawordsmith.com is to show off some of our best pictures so here they are...

I have had such a blast this past year getting to know the city I love NYC in another light. All grown up and full of curiosity just like a kid again.

Hope you enjoyed my share and if you are interested in seeing more come over and visit me at Mar_y_Cielo925 on instagram and check out some of my available prints @society6.com.

Always stress free xo

What is Old can be New again.

I love the opportunity to revisit old Blog posts.
I think in the blogging sphere as you move forward so quickly and are constantly figuring what works best sometimes we don't go back enough to appreciate the growth or to see where someone got started.

The challenge Kimberly from beingawordsmith.com presented today #11 on September Sapphire Even Day Blog Challenge allows for just that.
Rejuvenation: a showcase of old posts we would like to have revisited and commented on.

I selected the following hope you give them a chance and take another peek:
1-No, when it comes to Competition...Everyone is Not a Winner
2-what-more-do-you-want
3-picky-eaters
4-step-parenting
5-pace-yourself

illustration by pndblogtypepad.com

Always stress free xo

Sometimes an End is a wonderful Gift in Disguise

Words.
I will never be able to describe my deep respect for language and words. The grand respect I have for correct communication.
I have always craved understanding, I am a talker and I always made it a point to teach my daughter and my nieces and nephews the importance of expressing yourself properly and clearly. No screaming, no yelling, no tantrums.

So when I read what Challenge #10 on September Sapphire Even Day Blog Challenge with Kimberly from beingawordsmith.com was about I really got excited then I got quiet.

Prosperity: 
To write a post inspired by these words: Happier, Healthier, Wiser.

Everyone is in search of knowing themselves, being comfortable in their own skin, finding a place where they fit.
When we are young life is about play, When we are teens life is about being popular. When we are young adults its about letting go of our parents and striking out on our own and when we are adults sometimes it becomes about taking care of others and paying the bills.
But what happens to all the in between stuff? What happens to the fun, the freedom, the joy, the worry free?

I have been blessed to have had numerous great days in my life and to continue to have and enjoy them but aside from the day my daughter was born the day that brings me most joy was the day I chose to take all the lessons I had learned up till that point and with a deep breathe say a prayer, close those doors and walk away.

This is both figuratively and literally because it didn't just all happen in 1 day, at least not everything.

I continue to share and speak on the changes these past few years have bought me. The growth, the knowledge and lessons I have acquired.
I keep them in the forefront of my mind because I never want to forget. I don't want to repeat the past.

What I want to always share and encourage is finding true inner peace. Really getting to know yourself, your desires, your wants. Getting to know and understand what makes you whole.
Once we get to that place all falls in line. Your spirit is open to receive what now you are ready to give. Life becomes filled with what truly matters and you will no longer waste time on people and things where there is no reciprocity.

I am Happier, Healthier, & Wiser because I know my worth, I know my purpose, I know my strengths and I am grateful for having compassion and empathy both for myself and others.
I can enjoy today being even more in the moment than I have in the past.

As a woman and as a mother I can continue to teach and inspire my daughter that every day is a new start. An opportunity for a new beginning and that your story doesn't end until you say it does.

Kimberly another great one!

illustration by fanpop.com

Always stress free xo

I would like to Spread the Word

I love to share great things.
Easy tips, tricks, treats etc...
If I can cut down the time on anything I need to do and use the rest on leisure you won me over.
Time for me is precious and valuable. I love to invest it doing things I love and bring me joy and peace, not drama, stress or a frown.

We are up to #8 on our September Sapphire Even Day Blog Challenge with Kimberly from beingawordsmith.com

Today' theme is...Pay it Forward

illustration by raynaberg.com

I love and follow so many blogs that picking only a handful to me is a bit trying.
Kimberly asked that I shout out 3/4 bloggers whose posts I enjoy, to share their info and tell you why I enjoy them.

After taking a hard look at my reading list I narrowed it down to these ladies in no particular order:

1- Antionette over @dedivahdeals she has an amazing shoe collection which I tell her I am going to raid all the time. She is at the age where many women begin to feel lost, have no sense of fun or adventure but my girl is the total opposite! She is full of spice and isn't afraid to show it or share it!!
Please go visit her and take a look for yourself.
2- Mai's mom over @thepinterestedparent that is how I address her because I mean, I am just crazy about her daughter Mai and all her adorable antics. I love the crafty shares and recipes and how easy they are to make. Go enjoy an afternoon with Mai, she is a ham!
3- Jenn over @eatcakefordinner I mean look at the name of her blog.That got me right there then I started getting her emails and I was hooked. I have a folder of must tries alone with all her yummy shares. If you have a sweet tooth go visit her and I promise she will have something you will love.
4- Kesha over @uncommonchick is my yes yes yes moments. Her philosophies are very uplifting. Who wants to be part of a crowd when you can be unique in your own right? That is exactly what I believe and want to share and embrace. To be happy in our own skin, to see beauty in our differences and to be open to all of life's wonder. Visit her and see that there is beauty in options and acceptance in self.

There are so many other mom's and dad's I follow I can really be here all day. But they know I value their contributions because I am mindful to leave a comment whenever I visit them.

Pay it forward is a great concept. When you know better you do better and you should share that knowledge so that others can grow as well.
Thanks Kimberly.

Always stress free xo

History repeating Itself?

If we don't learn from the past we are bond to repeat it.
If we don't learn from our mistakes we will continue to make them.
If we don't monitor ourselves and correct our poor behavior we will continue to behave poorly.

Challenge #7 on September Sapphire Even Day Blog Challenge with Kimberly from beingawordsmith.com is Repudiation.

What are 4/5 things that you do or say currently that you proclaimed as a child/ as an adolescent/ last year that you would never do?

The things I said I would never do again in my past but found myself doing them again recently are:

1- speaking over people not allowing them to finish their thoughts
in doing so I have found myself in moments I have said something I shouldn't or I missed something that I should have heard.
2- eating candy or sweets more than twice a week
this has caused me to hear my dentist say, slow your roll cut it out.
3- allowing my interactions with my siblings to upset me
not approaching our resent interactions with the knowledge I have of our past, caused me several weeks of mental discomfort and poor attitude.
4- picking at my face when I spot a pimple
that caused me a few light marks on the side of my cheek a few months back but thank heavens for Ambi products and Coco butter.
5- going to fast food restaurants periodically over the summer
caused the picking of the spotted pimple in the first place grrrrrrrrrr.

So now that I am again clear and focused and aware that hello? Remember what happened last time? I have reset my attention and intent on a better path, one breath, one step, one day at a time.

illustration by dragongeek.deviantart.com

Always stress free xo

It's not a Party without...

I want to first and foremost shout out my blog friend and September Sapphire Even Day Blog Challenge creator Kimberly from beingawordsmith.com.
I want to wish her a

The challenge on her special day was to share some of my own favorite party ideas so this is what I pulled out of my goodie bag.

-keep it simple

-stick to a theme

-make the 99cent store your best friend and first place you look

-the cake is the most important piece, then the music, then the food

-parents always do too much, the kids only care about running around and playing

-have fun with your kids, be in the moment. This day will never come again.

Here are a few pics of theme's I've done for my Lil mama over the years. We usually went away or had a day out for her Birth day. She also liked having her day shared in school so those were fun too, but again simple and small.

this was a simple "hippy" Psychedelic theme for her 9th b'day, colorful and easy got the cake at Baskin Robbins & decorations at 99 cents store.

 for her 16th b'day again I kept it small & simple I just set up the table with all the goodies & left apt. alone, had her closest friends & some fam over and done. Her cake was a sheet Carvel Ice-cream cake with 4 pictures of her over the years as the icing. I would have loved to share the actual pics but when my computer crashed a few months back we lost a lot of pictures booooooo. The decorations I picked up at Party City.

Monkey theme!!! my lil mama loves monkeys. I did this theme for her 18th b'day.

My girlfriend did the Monkey cake for us and I got the decorations at Party City & 99 cent store.

Again, kept everything focused on the table and cake.

Always stress free xo

Can you meet your Goals?

Happy Hump Day!!!
This one had me thinking for a minute.
I couldn't just rush through it, I really had to focus and be mindful.

Attainment, challenge #5 on September Sapphire Even Day Blog Challenge with Kimberly from beingawordsmith.com .

Kimberly asked, with approximately 3 1/2 months left in the year, what do you want to accomplish by Dec 31, 2014?
Wow...ok

 I would love to have accomplished the following:

-hair length to my shoulders.
-expanded my photography taking and exploring ventures.
-become better at listening without interruption.
-resolved some issues I am dealing with in complex that I live in.
-see my daughter fully recovered from injury sustained at work.
-have my grandma stable with her home care and see her continue to have a comfortable remainder of life with my assistance.
-continue to engage with fellow bloggers and find enjoyment in my writing. Continue to feel contentment with however large or small my following is and not be blinded by monetary desires.
-continue to practice minimalism and have a great piece to write in what I have learned in these past few months
-have my dating journey bring me continued enjoyment, growth, entertainment and closer to a possible new committed love.
-have gotten back into the practice of trying something new daily. Be it big or small but something new.
-when I sit on New Year's Eve to write myself my 2015 wishes, I want to be able to look at my 2014 wishes and have the majority of them for filled. I want to be able to say I have grown so much this year and only expect even greater growth next year.

illustration by marleneontherun.com

Great question Kimberly!
Always stress free xo

Transpose: Would trading places really be Fun?

So here we are on question #2 of my September Sapphire Even Day Blog Challenge with Kimberly from beingawordsmith.com .

The question is Who would you like to trade places with for a day? Why? What would you do?

So many people, so may possibilities came to mind with this question.
If I could trade places with someone for a day...I will keep it light and not get too deep I would say a Pilot.

illustration by Kristen Ulve

I would use my day to fly to a variety of places within given time and just enjoy the flexibility of movement on a whim.

No traffic, no horns, no people. Just a small group of loved ones exploring different places eating different foods enjoying all the new sites. Taking each moment in like a breath of fresh air.
Making use of my ability to smile and making new friends. Laughing out loud and living!!!

See you back here again for the next challenge,
Always stress free xo

Broadcast: Why you should visit my blog Living in Mommywood

Can you say busy bee???

So for the month of September I will be participating in the September Sapphire Even Day Blog Challenge with Kimberly from beingawordsmith.com
This will be a way to meet new bloggers, make new friends and have some fun.

*art work is compliments of  libra by saki blackwing tattoo design

These are her guidelines:

What? 2nd Annual September Sapphire Even Day Blog Challenge. Participants are asked to blog about the writing prompts below only on the EVEN days of the month. That’s 15 posts. I will also be doing a giveaway and offering prizes throughout September.

Why? September is my birthday month. Sapphire is the birthstone. I really enjoy connecting with bloggers and writers and I get to celebrate my birthday the whole month with you.

When? The challenge begins on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 and ends on Tuesday, September 30, 2014.

How? Write and publish your posts corresponding to the 15 writing prompts below. A link-up will be available on my corresponding post each day of the challenge for you to link up your applicable post.

Her 1st challenge was to give 4/5 reasons why Mommywood is a must read and I think it is for the following reasons...

1- I blog because I love to talk. I have had such a stress free parenting ride that I wanted to share all I could on how to achieve the same. I rarely punished my daughter in 19 years, we never used time out method, she was allowed to do pretty much all things kids love to do including some that some kids even myself as a teen had to sneak around doing and we never had back talk or yelling matches.
I used the Libra symbol of the scale to start off my post because it is a symbol of balance.
I am all about balance, you can't have peace you can't give or share love and life without balance.

2- I believe in teaching children from an early age the proper skills of communication and respect from all parties they ever interact with so no one ever disrespects them and they build a wonderful sense of worth.

3- You won't find drama or negativity on my page. There is no need to tear someone else down to build yourself up.

4- I am currently a single mom, having an awesome time living my life instead of watching others live theirs and I still love and respect my x's even though we are no longer together. Some things in life change, end or disappear and that is ok. With change comes growth and we should never stop growing. Many of my posts are tips and tricks that touch on that.

5- Last but not least, I am not the best cook or share many crafts or hold many giveaways or touch very often on my love for a higher power but I believe in the balance of all above mentioned.
I think variety is wonderful and challenging and I think everyone has something to offer at any given moment both good or bad and the more the merrier.
There is no right or wrong... just a way.

Hope you join me on this ride and have fun with me on this challenge. See you here again soon.
Always stress free xo

Sweet Innocence

Throwback Thursday!!!

Challenge #9 of the September Sapphire Even Day Blog Challenge with Kimberly from beingawordsmith.com.

I was asked to pick a picture and tell you all about it.

I picked this picture because I love that face.
That innocent no care in the world I am the s*** look on my face. Its not the perfect background or pose but its real and in the moment.

It was taken in the elevator of a building on 34th street in NYC, on a school day and we were cutting class.
I believe my girlfriend Cynthia took this picture.
We were seniors in H.S.
I was wearing my favorite color Red! It was a sweatshirt from my high school, Fashion Industries it was 1989 and I had on my door knockers and triple goose long trench coat which was the style then.
I had worked very hard to buy that coat so I took pride in wearing it.
I also carried which you can't see my portfolio with all my designs in them.

What I remember about this day is laughter and food.
Whenever we would cut class it was to go eat and go take a nap in Cynthia's house.
On this day we chose to go to Midtown because Lisette, another friend of ours had to go to Macy's to pick up something first. So we headed there, hit a few stores, goofed around, took pics then left to go eat and sleep.

Whenever I see this picture I smile. I feel I carry that young lady with me every day. I never feel she is gone or was tainted by life in any way. She was a dreamer, she was a fighter, she was very stubborn, she was determined, she was full of love she was and still is ME. Just a bit older, a lot wiser and less stubborn.

Innocence is priceless we should always hold on to a piece of that.
Always stress free xo