Who needs a Cut Off Switch?

Good Morning, happy Sunday!

This is one of those topics I touch only because I am such a firm believer in communication, here we go...
-why is your child ignoring you in the first place?
-what is missing in your relationship that they would disrespect you that way?
-what message does that convey?
-did you not set house rules when you first handed it over?
-did your child not understand it was a privilege not a right to have one in the first place?

Enough of the suspense I am referring to a Cellphone.

I believe most kids by the age of 12 have one mine had a basic one at 9.

With all the after school activities, different schedules, family units etc...it has become a must have item for most of us.
But are we setting the proper rules and expectations before we cross this threshold?
Are we prepared for all that it brings and can we handle sticking to our guns without it causing major headaches?

As I commented above my daughter had a basic flip phone with text at the age of 9. No extra bells and whistles and not a major brand. It was a necessity, it was a means to communicate because she was riding the bus alone and in after school programs.
Rules were keep in book bag at all times, on vibrate and use to call only your parents or 911.
She could text and call but only when home with us.

As she got older the rules were adjusted, the phone and it's uses were upgraded.
We rarely had issues and I don't recall ever having to take it away. In H.S. I had to go to school twice because teachers took her phone away and odd enough she was texting me both times.

I always stress how blessed I have been to not have any trust issues with my daughter, never. When she says she is doing something or going somewhere that is what it is. I imagine the years of hearing me say how sorry she would be if she violated my trust and believing I meant and mean it were enough of a test.

So on the subject of Cellphone and its uses, same rules apply. Sexting, not answering my calls, ignoring my texts, inappropriate videos, unapproved downloads etc...have been non factors.
She has always been aware I can check up on her at any moment, I have chosen not to because I am not going to waste my time and she hasn't ever given me reason to. NOW, if ever I felt otherwise then that would be a different story.

I say all this to say that building trust is a priority with our children just like feeding them, potty training, reading and writing. It is a must requirement in order to have peace and order in your home and family.

illustration by shutter stock.com

This piece I saw on Good Morning America shed light on the question "where did things go wrong?"
It's about a mother who invented an app that cuts off your kids phone if they are ignoring your calls. What? Seriously?
Who would have thought?

Don't you think that if you have to begin to come up with these sort of things to somehow control your children that somewhere there is a hole in your connection? So much of today's energy is being invested into gadgets and apps to do the parenting for us and that is the biggest fail.
An app doesn't know your child, an app doesn't live in your house. Communication and Discipline that should be your tool. Actions have Consequences, that should be your go to.

Here's the link tell me what you think?
yahoo.com

Would you use this? Would you come up with something else or do you feel investing the time earlier on respect and trust will bring you great rewards later? Let's start a conversation.

Always stress free xo.

I Quit

Good Morning, happy cold crisp Sunday to me in NYC.
Summer really couldn't wait to get out of here fast enough I guess, oh well.

I woke up this morning and had no real direction on where I wanted to go and then my daughter came to mind and the interesting ride she has had in the last 6 months. My daughter always inspires me to continue to ask questions of life, reason and purpose.

My daughter will be 20 years old in April and already has held 3 different types of jobs in her lifetime.

Between the ages of 13 & 15 she would temp in my office as a File clerk or do some Data entry, at the age of 16 she became the youngest Sales clerk at Aldo's shoe store and this past May she ventured  into a Leather accessories Boutique in SoHo, New York.

Every parent hopes and wishes that they raise a responsible, reliable, hard worker and I have been blessed to have those qualities in my daughter in all she applies herself too.
But unlike even some adults she also has an amazing keen sense of when it is time to let something or someone go.

Back in April after 3 years at Aldo's she comes home and says "my run there is coming to an end. I no longer feel challenged or excited about what I am doing. I no longer have the desire to give them 100% of my energy and I have gone as far as I can go in that environment." Wow, that was a bold statement. Very telling and honest. She didn't focus on the fact she would no longer have an income or that her finances would have to be readjusted no, her concern was peace of mind and growth.

She said "I no longer have the desire", how many of us have felt this way and yet still stuck things out because of need or fear? How many times in our own lives have we knowingly come to and end yet kept on pushing?

When she finished sharing all I said was "Ok, get started on cleaning up your resume, rearrange your budget, make sure you don't leave any loose ends and hand in your notice." "I never want you to settle and I never not want you to give 100%, you are still young and not tied down by bills, or life's responsibilities you don't have to stay anywhere you don't want to be."

That was the end of that, by June she said her goodbyes, shared in her tearful hugs and best wishes and within a week had found another job in the city (New York) in retail again but this time in a Boutique setting selling leather belts.
From the beginning her energy was amazing, her boss was very impressed and quickly her duties increased. She was asked to work on one of the window displays in one of the stores and being that her field of choice is Business Marketing, she was over the moon. Long story short, her boss was very  happy with the results, the display bought in some new clients, the store was generating great sales.

In the store she was originally assigned to she was one of the top Sales associates, her numbers were very impressive which wasn't a huge surprise to anyone because she did the same at Aldo's.

My daughter was very excited about the doors this position could and would open for her in her field of interest. She was in an environment that was fast paced and always growing and changing and the people she was working with all had a great team work attitude.
Her boss was always full of praise and willing to allow her to continue to explore her talents and increase her responsibilities.
Within a month she had keys to all the stores and would open and close for him at different sets of time. She just kept adding to her list of duties while still going to school and was having the time of her life.

Then she had an accident on the job. Her left hand thumb got caught in the belt snap machine and she had to be rushed to the hospital, thankfully all turned out better than expected and she has fully recovered with no reconstructive surgery needed as we first were originally told.
Her boss was amazing, he was the one who went with her to the hospital I was on grandma duties when accident happened, he stood with her long after I arrived, the worker's comp went smoothly, she was out for 4 weeks.
During that time, her co-workers and boss stayed in touch, sent her flowers, she went to visit, she rested because luckily she had no summer classes.
Which was great because she couldn't even wash her own hair, I had to help her with the most simplest of things. It was an interesting injury for sure.

She went back to work a few weeks ago, very excited bright eyed and ready to take on anything that came her way. She was commissioned to design the window displays for 2 stores they are opening in China and she was assigned to train the new sales people coming in...then things changed.

She started to come home all stressed and disappointed, she began to dread going to work and she began to show signs of negative energy.
I stopped her midweek last week and said we needed to talk.
We sat down to dinner and she shared that the store policies and managers had changed, that the store was being run in a manner that was not making use of her original responsibilities and she was just not liking what was going on.
As a parent I said "Life is not always about what you like, work is work. You are not always going to be smiling and laughing BUT you are far to young to settle. You still live here and you still have choices so again if this is not working for you and you can't give 100% get out."

She said she would give it another try and see how it went. On Saturday she goes to work and is handed a contract which she skims and doesn't 'like, she calls me to discuss the points she has issues with and I agree with her that she should bring them home, reread carefully then sign or not sign if she was not comfortable. She comes home and says the boss gave her a bit of a tude when she said she would take home to review and that he said if she didn't sign it then she could not work there.
I already knew what I was going to say next but I waited for her to comment, this is her decision not mine.

As I am preparing dinner she is pointing out her grievances the hours, the no mention of breaks, the hourly wage difference from conversations to what was in writing, how one page said one thing but the next page voided the previous page, how some of the rules were vague and how it stated that if any employee left they could not work in same field for 2 years but it wasn't specific in naming field or stores it referred too.
Now for someone who is working in marketing that could mean anything, it could mean she can't work at Mandee's or Macy's or Chanel or YSL.
That was the deal breaker for her, that was messing with her money and that was stating to her with the comment of you must sign this, no discussion that there was no negotiating, compromise or open to any talks period.

We sat down to dinner, she said "I am quitting" I said "good for you now let's eat."
She transformed into a whole different young lady after that, her energy was positive and her vibe was happy and peaceful.
She went in on Monday, spoke to her boss said her goodbyes told me her boss said he was sad to see her go but understood her position, said company policies had changed and some things were out of his hands, that she will do great in life and that she was an amazing energy in the company and would be missed but that doors would always be open to her.

This weekend she is in New Paltz, visiting some friends and Monday she will be back job hunting.

The lesson I learned in all of this is that I raised a really well rounded young woman, who knows her worth and the value of great work ethic.
That while we are young we should and must exercise all our knowledge into building in the right direction.
We as parents must encourage this from the start.
I never want my daughter to settle, to work or live a life that is not genuine.

I want my daughter to be at peace with her choices and to know I will always support her in whatever road she chooses.
Money is important, very important but not so important that you dread getting up in the morning to go make it.

We all have choices. Start living your genuine life...Today

Always stress free xo

illustration by pic photos.net

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

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

French Lessons

Thursday's treat!!!

Talk about aiming high and accountability!!!

About two years ago I set out to test myself and try new things. Those of you who follow me often have read some of my shares about the changes I have gone through in the last couple of years.

One of the many things that fascinate me in life and have always caught my attention is Languages.

The sounds, the origins, the writings. The history of language, how it's evolved and how amazing it is that the younger you are the easier it is for you to pick up more than one language.

As we get older our brains don't cooperate too much smh and it's just a little bit more difficult but not impossible.

On this quest to be fearless and try new things I decided to teach myself French, one of the 5 Romance languages. Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian are the other 4. I already have Spanish down pat!!!

I didn't even know there were 5! I just wanted to be able to say I love you in French. What an added bonus to learn about the others and to realize I already knew one, go figure lol.

I began to think about what tools I wanted to use and of course me being all about stress free and doing my on thing I went the opposite direction of a classroom setting, of Rosetta stone or of listening to tapes.

I decided to teach myself by using beginner French children's books and Google Translate.

Here is a picture collage of me and a day in my lessons and the tools I use.

I started with basic words and phrases, using Word program to compile my 2 column mini flash cards.

One side English other side French. On the French side I would jot down notes or break down of the word as I heard it so that I can pronounce them better.

I did about 8 to 10 words per sheet, folded in half and cut them down to size.

I started by practicing every day but when I began to add more "fearless" challenges to my life I bought lessons down to twice a week.

Almost 2 years later I still add about 10 words or phrases a week and I still study twice a week. I have learned over 400 words and phrases and I have enjoyed every minute. 

I am especially proud when I hear someone speaking French and I can understand to some degree what they are saying!!!

This is an on going process for me, I am by no means ready to go to France alone or hold a full conversation but I am by far much more prepared than I was 2 years ago.

Which lets me know anything is possible if you are willing to try.

I can read it much more than I can speak it but I sure continue to enjoy trying.

Italian would have been a little easier of a choice being I can get some of the words because they sound Spanish but that would not have been fearless that would have been a short cut.

What have you done recently that was fearless and tested your comfort zone?

How as parents, can testing ourselves be great lessons for our children?

Always stress free xo

Markings that tell a Story

Ever been fascinated by something as a child and when you heard the grown ups speak about it they made it seem so bad?

Ever see something so beautiful or what you thought was beautiful and when you pointed it out to someone else they saw the opposite?

I have and I am sure so have many others.

This post is about Tattoos.
My Tattoos and the story they tell.

I have always been fascinated by the idea that someone would have such conviction on an image or belief enough to mark their bodies with it. Or that something made such an impression on them that they wanted to carry it with them forever.

Tattoos bring forth many thoughts and emotions. A lot of misconceptions and opinions. They never go by unnoticed that's for sure.
They can be great conversation pieces, they can break the ice, they can even let you know just how judgmental our society can be.

I have 5 Tattoos. My first was in my mid 20's. At the time I got it, it was not very acceptable because of the placement. It is above my butt in the waist area and it was called a "tramp stamp". I never used those words or thought of it as such, but I did run into people who would. Unless I wore an open back or something of that nature or unless you were a close friend, family or my partner you would never see it.
I chose this area because of my admiration for the lower back, I think its a very sensual place on a woman and I wanted the art piece I chose to be an expression of that. I chose vines with yellow Roses and a small butterfly fluttering between them.
Yellow Roses are not a choice many make everyone is stuck on Red, I always have to go my own way and Butterflies are delicate, they start off as not so pretty and break out into this beautiful free spirit.
Rare choices and growth...that is that story.

My 2nd and 3rd Tattoos came in 2007, after I returned from P.R. from visiting my friend Cynthia in the hospital. My visit with her and the reason and circumstances that bought me there changed many things in my life from my beliefs to my daily living actions and emotions.
I got a heart on my left hand wrist that is shaded starting in black at the tip and grows lighter as it expands.
It is to some a Black heart, to me it is a reminder to be loving but be guarded not everyone deserve your love so freely.
I have on the back of my neck the word BROKEN. The font and placement I chose were deliberate, it is a very strong word and one that has caused many NOT me, mixed emotions. I hear many jokes like "who broke you?" or "oh your broken?, how can I fix you?" It lets me know how closed minded many are and how very few people are mindful of words, their meanings, their power, their purpose.
I love this piece, I am so proud of it because I don't see a negative I see growth, experience, openness and life.

My 4th and 5th Tattoos I got in 2012, after a bump on the road changed the course of my life's journey.
On my right foot I got a symbol of the Sun with my daughter's initial E.
She is my sunshine, she is my pride and joy. She is the best part of me and one of the main purposes of me being on this earth. When I put my best foot forward I put my right foot so that is why she has that placement. She is always my inspiration to do my best and even when I don't that I am still loved.
On my right forearm I have an Hourglass with wings.
Time is precious, time is valuable, time is priceless. Once it is gone you can never get it back. Be mindful and respectful of time.

These pieces are an extension of me of who I am, of my life's journey. They are an artistic expression, a creative outlook on all of what life has taught me and of the growth I have experienced.
They are not low class or trashy or mistakes or picked out on a whim. They have been researched, drawn by friends, discussed and thought of thoroughly.

I am not the first and I won't be the last. I shared this because I have found that many people just need to start a conversation. To learn and to be open. Those old school thoughts on Tattoos are ridiculous. The negative labels on people who have them no longer should hold true. All types of people use this form of expression. This is no longer just for group A or group B.

I will say I am firm believer in purpose and reason. I am not about trends or fitting in.
As a parent my daughter has always been aware of my pieces and shared in my experiences.
When she came to her own conclusion that she too loved this form of expression, I had 2 rules:
-after the age of 18. I am not signing anything to give you permission. This is a conscious choice you need to make and you should be held responsible for doing so.
-research and come to me with a clear reasoning behind your choice. If you can't articulate why you want something, then it is not going on your body.

This is a collage of my pieces.
I love them and have no regrets.

As parents it is always important to be true to ourselves. To keep our own identities and not allow it to become just mom or just dad.
Why would we want to loose who we were before our children came into our lives?
Shouldn't they be additions to our all ready greatness?
Why would I stop being a creative and free spirit, if I did so then how could I teach my daughter to embrace these qualities in herself?

Freedom of expression and creativity come in many forms. If we don't really understand something then let's talk about it. Communication.
I wouldn't want my daughter to go behind my back and mark her body just because I wasn't open to a respectful discussion.
I have run into a few kids that have and the results weren't so great. Kids today express themselves in many ways from clothing to hair to piercings to Tattoos. It is really not a big deal. Pick your battles, set some guidelines and let them be.

Always stress free xo

Back to School Conversations

Another school year is upon us.

Some of us will be letting go of our babies for the very first time, some of us will be advancing to another grade in our journeys and some of us will be crossing major milestones.
Whichever step it is we are in, they are life changers for all involved, they are character builders and a time for our parenting skills to be tested.

As I sit and talk with my own daughter and as I interact with the other babies in my life I started to think about what sort of conversations should we as parents be having in general but especially around this time of year.
I say I have many babies because not only do I have one biological daughter but many of her own friends and my own friends kids treat and see me as a second mommy.

My tool for building this trust as I always share is communication. I am a talker and I do know how to listen as if I was at their level. I still haven't forgotten I was younger once too.

So...what should we be saying this lovely start of a new school year?

These are the conversation topics I came up with:

~Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you. You are growing up and we are excited to support you in this new adventure. We will always be here for you and you are enough just the way you are.
~Not everyone will be your friend but that is ok because you should always surround yourself with people who will be nice, kind and helpful.
~Mommy (or Daddy) won't forget to pick you up, I will be right outside that door when the bell rings.
~Never be afraid to stand up for what is right, if you are uncomfortable about something speak up. Even teachers should be questioned. We are here to protect you and stand up for you always.
~No one has the right to touch you...EVER.
~Being part of the "crowd" is not your goal. Your goal is to be a leader in your own right. You are worthy of that respect.
~Being a leader does not mean be a bully. It means to learn to work with others while being true to yourself.
~Please and Thank You can go a long way.
~It's ok to cry if you get hurt or are upset about something in school. But it is very important to learn to explain and express yourself with words. Mommy and or your teacher can't understand you if you are screaming.
~Remember to ask to go to the Potty. You wouldn't want to have an accident in school but if you do we will get through it. Have change of clothes in the little ones bag...Always.
~Remember that you are a reflection of me, of us and our home so I expect you to behave accordingly.
~Don't be afraid to try new things. A new sport, a new club, talk to a new student etc...Test yourself and see what you are made of.
~This is what I expect from you this school year...be clear on your expectations and be fair. Set the rules and watch them put things into play. If they fail punish accordingly but with love and always open communication.
~A new school can be scary yes and making new friends can be too but this is a great time for you to expand your wings and add new people to your circle.
~Be clear on your definitions of Boyfriend and Girlfriend. Trust it is not the same as our kids.
~Tweak your curfew times with age as well as chores and your conversation topics should be expanding as well.
~I am here to support you I am not here to do things for you. Stay on top of your homework and other social activities.
~If you can't find balance between school and social then your social will have to be put on hold.
~Cellphones, cars, sleepovers and so forth are privileges. They can and will be taken away if rules are not followed.
~Let's be clear on our rules. They will not be changed on the spot. So if I said no makeup until your 16 I mean and meant it. Don't ask me again.
~High School and College prep are your responsibilities, plan out what it will require and you will be assisted accordingly. Set a budget for school tours, exam fees etc...
~I am your parent. I don't care what so and so parents do in their home. Don't ever compare us or disrespect us.

I can go on and on but these can surely start you talking. Lastly but not at all less important or valid is...
~Have fun!!! Don't sweat the small stuff you are only this young once. Have an awesome school year!!!

What are some of your school year conversation topics? Do you have any specific ones or do you wing it as things come along?

Always stress free xo

Not your Cup of Tea

Opinionated, Stubborn, Honest, Reliable, Loyal, Funny, Passionate and Loving.

These words I use to describe myself.

As July 2014 has been a trying month for me it has forced me to sit with myself and think out loud.
It has tested what I thought were pretty good plans, goals and attitude.

As my Blogging journey quickly approaches the much grateful year 1, I have come to clearly understand and slowly accept I am not everyone's Cup of Tea.

When I originally thought about sharing my parenting journey I was very excited and ready to go! I couldn't wait to touch on certain subjects or share the philosophies that had so clearly worked for me, my home, my family, my daughter.
I only saw the fun parts, I wasn't concerned with the possible negative comments and I certainly didn't care about monetary gain and to some degree still don't.
I wasn't prepared though for the slow process of growth and acceptance.

I wasn't prepared to accept that perhaps my laid back, care free, no drama, very little rules, very little craft skills was not going to be so inviting after all.
I don't go on rants about my life or use profanity to express my distaste of something or someone.
I don't complain daily, I am not a hater, I rarely touch on Fashion or Celebrities.
I can't even really pin point a downside to my 19 years of parenting except Potty Training and 19 years is a very long time in Mommywood.
I only have 1 child, I don't hate my ex's, I love my job, I don't diet, I enjoy minimal exercise and I love to eat!
I practice Yoga and Meditation, they are additions to my life that bring me peace and connect me to humanity and I prefer laughter to anything else and I believe there is a solution to any and every problem and I refuse to remain stuck.

Mind you that Blogging is filled with many many different styles and tastes, I am just highlighting a few that I have come across in Blog Mom sphere.

So what have I learned this year and why am I still here?

Well because being different is awesome. Not following the crowd is great. The women and men I have connected with have been wonderful blessings!
-I have learned how to make great new dishes, how to work with a glue gun properly, how to make my own natural face and body scrubs.
-I have learned about different cultures, I have traveled to places I may never see through the great picture shares of other mommies I follow.
-I have shared in some great First for many families, I have laughed a ton and shed few tears.
-I have been amazed at some stories and how with Faith and determination obstacles have been overcome.
-I have learned about Autism and the challenges it truly presents to each individual family.
-I have been made more aware about Sensitivity Disorders and what that exactly means.
-I live vicariously through some of these beautiful women's closets and fashion sense.
-I have learned that Mommy Blogging is filled with more good than bad so be grateful for variety and it's ok if you stop every now and then and read a rant or two.
-I have learned that all parents want the same end result...happy, healthy, loving children.
We may take different roads but we all want to get to the same place.


So I have decided to no longer concern myself with the quantity of followers I have but instead cherish, love, respect and enjoy the quality of followers I have.
No number can diminish the great life I have been blessed to travel or the countless hours of joy my daughter has bought me.
If Living in Mommywood can touch just one person, inspire that one hardheaded adult into seeing that change in attitude at any age is possible, teach one person that being a mom or a dad is not being a ruler but a guide and that communication is the door to a peaceful home and connection with our children then I have all the followers I will ever need.

No I am not everyone's Cup of Tea but I may be your Cup of Tea and I am grateful and pleased with that!!

Mommyhood has been good to me, it's taught me so many things about patience, love and acceptance.
It has taught me that we can plan and try to prepare as best we can but in the end kids have their own agendas so we have to roll with the punches.

Thanks for coming over to visit hope you stay but if you don't it's ok much love anyway...
Always stress free xoxo

Happy Mother's Day

Sending lots of love to all the amazing mommies not just today but everyday you do your best to mold an amazing human being. One that will add greatness to your life and to our world.

This is also a thank you to my daughter, Erica for all that she has added to my life. 

Her bright eyes as they light up when she tells a story.

Her smile that warms my heart.

Her laughter that fills my life with joy.

Her hugs that always provide me with security.

Her kisses that always let me know I am appreciated.

Hearing her daily I love you that confirms I did a pretty great job.

She is why I hold the title Mother, Mami, Mom. 

So Thank You universe for joining us together because we are an amazing team.

She has learned from me, but I have learned from her so much more.

Being a Mother, a parent for that matter is a task not to be taken lightly. You 

are influencing a life so be mindful of that, always.

Enjoy this day and everyday with that little one you bought into this world. 

Xoxo

Little hands in the Kitchen

I love food.

Breakfast Lunch or Dinner. Snacks in between you name it I am all for it.

I love it even more when it is made by someone else and all I have to do is sit down and enjoy.

This got me thinking about how I was so over the top when it came to no patience in the kitchen.
When my daughter was younger I never allowed her in the kitchen for too long a period, especially when I was cooking. This went for my nieces and nephews as well. I didn't want to deal with the clean up if they got into anything.

This extreme control may have backfired now because none of my little ones which are all grown up, know how to do much of anything in the kitchen.

I don't want anyone to repeat my mistake so in this post I am sharing links to sites that encourage kids in the kitchen along with recipes and tools for small hands. Perhaps this post can help the next mom or dad get some help in the kitchen and actually enjoy a little mess.

Happy bonding time in the kitchen wink wink!!!

This site has some great tools and kits really adorable!!!
curiouschef.com

These have recipes
marthastewart.com

delish.com

pinterest.com

simplebites.net

kidspot.com.au

realsimple.com

kraftrecipes.com

parentables.howstuffworks.com

babble.com

countryliving.com

Outside Influences

Read an article some time ago by Alanna Petroff in the CNN Money section. It touched on the effect fewer smiling faces on LEGO figures may have on our children.

It made me stop and think, how many parents relay on outside influences to help raise their children?
I am all for having a variety of tools at my disposal to take information from.  I am also aware that in the end, my home, my teachings, my own example is and should be the first guide.

My home was always filled with a variety of toys, dolls, video games, building sets, car sets, train tracks, science lab sets. You name it at some point it was in my home. It is all about moderation and teaching.

The Holiday season is upon us; I already received my Toys R Us catalog. Filled with lots of dolls, action figures, video games, stuffed animals you name it. Some looked sweet, some were gentle, some were scary and some were a bit on the violent and graphic side. Many options, lots of labels they are there as a guide, use them.

In the case of the LEGO toys showing our children negative faces and how it may impact how they play, yes that could be a possibility but it can also be a teaching moment. Life is not all laughs, movies don’t all have happy endings, all stories aren't fairy tales and all toys are not nice.  While engaging in these activities, let’s talk with our children.  Just because a toy has a sad face or mean face or whatever face we shouldn't be so quick to judge and label it a “bad” thing. It’s an option. Just because a video game has violence doesn't mean that your teen shouldn't play it. Communication… that should be your influence.

Should something as simple as a toy, really affect our children’s view on life?

http://money.cnn.com/2013/06/12/news/companies/lego-angry-faces/