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Mind Right Monday

Hurricane Sandy and this winter storm that’s blasting us from the west will not get me down this week.  I’ve been feeling very motivated and inspired these past couple days.  While the good spirits are still flowing, I’m going to get busy some projects and ideas that have been floating around in my head  (and on paper) for some time now.  So, be on the lookout for more details and posts coming up all this week.
Also, for my fellow East coasters, know that I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.  Be sure to stock up on water, food, flashlights, candles, batteries, radios powered by batteries, diapers, wipes and anything else you might need in the event of a power outage.  
This week my goals are:
  1. Blog everyday (I missed Sunday)
  2. Exercise my arms and upper body (I got in a few leg exercises last week)
  3. Purchase Halloween candy to pass out and put in Moo & JJ’s baskets (It’s going to be too cold to go out this year)
  4. Cut back on the amount of tv the kids watch by an hour
  5. Upload pics and add listings to Moo’s Closet (Finally got a moment to take pics of some new creations Saturday)
  6. Get better at calling or video chatting with my friends instead of Facebooking them
  7. Hem JJ’s costume pants (They didn’t have it in his size so we had to go with one a sizer bigger)

I am grateful for:
  • Family
  • A husband who puts his life in harm’s way to protect and provide for us
  • Funny text messages and phone calls from my baby sister (Love you MainSqueeze!)
  • Online tutorials (I’m getting good at this blog designing thing)
  • Welcoming church members (We’re one of four Black families at our new church & it feels good to not feel like we’re being judged or discriminated against. All the members have been nothing but welcoming and very loving)
  • Being of help to another blogger who is just starting out
  • Instant messenger convos with my older sister and rebuilding our bond (I love you and am thankful for the new start CK)
  • Stores setting out Christmas decor early (I am not a last minute shopper and have been able to score some great finds before they get picked over)
What’s on your goal list for the week?
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A Run For My Money

My little guy is giving me a run for my money.  OMG, I had forgotten how much a new walker could get into.  I feel like all this chasercise (yes, I made that up) is definitely helping me to burn off some calories.  Remember, I told you guys that he was doing a fast walk-hobble?  Well, he’s getting better at improving his run.
It’s fun watching him get better and better at walking and running.   Then on the flip side it’s also scary.  I can certainly start to see dare devil/fearless streak in him.  Just today alone he’s gone from climbing and standing up in the couch to trying to climb up the tv stand.  He can even grab hold of the tray on his high chair and with his foot on the foot rest, pull himself up.
He’s getting into the laundry baskets when I’m trying to wash clothes.  He can even open the dryer door.  I had no clue he was that strong.  I’ve caught him attempting to pry open the frig and reaching for the oven handle!
Talk about scaring my wits out!  I haven’t a clue what I’m going to do with this little guy.  Let’s hope that I last until this newness of walking wears off.  I miss my cuddly lap baby.  The only time he wants me to hold him is if I’m eating something he wants or he wants to nurse. 
Now worries though, Moo is taking advantage of him not wanting to be held.  I think that with all the chasing around of her little brother that I do has her feeling a bit left out.  So, she’s always asking me to hold her, give her big hugs and covering me with kisses when I have a chance to sit down..  I think that after Halloween, we’re going to have a girls’ day.  
Maybe, we can do manicures and pedicures.  I want her to always feel that she’s just as loved and wanted as her brother.  Meanwhile, I think that I might actually invest in a baby gate or two to keep my little man out of his own way and out of danger.
How did you keep your new walker safe?
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Target Beauty Bag Goodies 2

Earlier this year, I posted about the goodness that is Target Beauty Bags.  I mean who doesn’t love FREE beauty samples?  I do!  Well, a few weeks ago they offered their Fall beauty bag and I signed up for mine as well as shared it on the Facebook page since a lot of you had asked about it.  (Did you miss out?  Like us on Facebook so that you’ll know next time.)
Anyways, here’s a look at the bag and the samples that came in it this time around.
SoHo London-New York cosmetic bag
Yep, animal print is still in and I’m loving this bag.  It’s one of my fave of the three I’ve received this year.  I love this SoHo cosmetic bag uses a thick vinyl covering on the outside instead of cloth.  This definitely will make for easy cleanups.  You can give it a quick wipe and it’s ready to go.
This same couldn’t have come at more perfect time.  We’re currently in the market for a new moisturizer.  Ordinary lotions just don’t cut for our severe dry skin.  This Jergens Daily Moisture is suppose to hydrate and seal in moisture as well as give the skin a smoothing feel.  We’ll see how this work.  My mom is a recently converted Jergens user and her skin is even more flawless than ever!  (Why couldn’t I inherit that benefit from her?)
Good stuff!
I’ve had the opportunity to try this Fekkai Shea Butter shampoo and conditioner before.  It came in my very first Target Beauty Bag.  Let me say that if you’re looking for a product that is really going to make your hair soft and give it a little shine, this is it.  It has a really good smell too.
Beauty (makeup) primers are all the rage right now.  A few years ago, you didn’t really hear of anybody using a face primer before putting on their concealer, foundation, etc.  Thankfully, we have evolved and now our  makeup can last longer and look even more glam with products like this Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer.  Can’t wait to see how well this brand works.
Pure luxury
L’Oreal Paris is like the ultimate luxury brand for us regular folk.  As I type this, I currently have the conditioner in my hair.  So, look for an official review soon.  What I can say now is that this stuff smells like cocoa-hazelnut heaven.  And it’s thick, rich and everything you would expect from a creme.  There’s a shampoo, conditioner and deep moisturizing masque.
I’ve tried a different Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy shampoo and conditioner before.  It was ok.  So, I’m interested to see how this Nutrium 10 will work.  Maybe, since it has more vitamins and natural ingredients it will work better with my hair.  I try to steer clear of products that don’t have more natural ingredients than man made chemicals..
Whelp, there you have it.  That’s all the goodness that came this time (in addition to the coupon book).  I can’t wait to try everything and see which products will be worth buying full sized versions of.  Looking forward to the Spring beauty bag already!
Did you snag this freebie?  What other store would like see do a beauty bag?
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Thankful Thursday

What a good week it has been so far.  My little guy has gotten even more steady on his feet.  He’s hasn’t mastered the art of a full run but he does this really walk-hobble.  LOL.  It’s funny watching him trying to scurry off around the corner to the kitchen before I can grab him.  In his mind, he doesn’t know that I’m faster than he is.  And I sometimes let him make it almost to the kitchen just because he gets a kick out of it when I do catch up to him.
Yes, even at the ripe age of 1 year old, I’m doing small things to help him build up his self-confidence.  Plus, it’s become our little game.  I’m thankful for these simple joys of motherhood.  It’s these moments that keep me going and prove how rewarding being a parent truly is.  More importantly, I’m still beyond thankful that he’s walking.
I’m thankful that he’s getting better at sharing with his sister.  This week there weren’t as many biting and hair pulling incidents as last week.  And I’m confident that once he’s able to better communicate his wants verbally all that will stop completely.  I’m thankful that I’ve been able to keep the kids Halloween costumes a secret this year.  Last year and the year before, Moo saw her costumes before Halloween and had a meltdown because she couldn’t put them on early.
I’m thankful for all the new visitors and likes Moo’s Closet has been getting on Facebook.  I’m also thankful that our microwave revived itself.  I was pretty sure that it has died on Tuesday night because I couldn’t get it to work.  I tried unplugging it, wiggling the cord and everything.  Finally, I let it out with the door open for a few minutes and then closed it.  And what do you know, it started working again.  Hopefully, it’ll hang in there for a few more weeks.
I’m thankful for the continued support and comments from you all.  It’s amazing the kind words and advice that I’ve received from complete strangers through this blog.  Thank you for letting me know that I’m not alone in what I go through.
What’s on your thankful list this week?
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My 5 Favorite Halloween Movies

I haven’t really done any Halloween talk here on the blog. It’s not that we don’t celebrate it.  It’s just that for the most part Moo is only into trick-or-treating and dressing up.  All the scary stuff freaks her way out and I completely understand that.  JJ knows about candy but he’s too young to fully grasp the concept.  And I believe Halloween is a good excuse to pig out on all your favorite junk foods and watch movies.

With that said here my 5 favorite Halloween movies:
Starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy, Hocus Pocus is one of my all time favorite Halloween movies.  It’s a classic and staple.  My siblings and I have watched this movie for years!  I hope that one day Moo and JJ will love it just as much as we do!
Plus, who can resist anything with the lovely and very fashionable SJP?!  I know that I can’t.  This story about what happens when 3 witches are resurrected from the dead on Halloween night is guaranteed to you have you laughing.  It’s also a good movie to watch with your little ones who at least 8 or aren’t as easily spooked.
I’ve wanted to marry Michael Keaton since he was Batman.  So, when my parents introduced me to Beetlejuice, it was love at first watch!  Beeltejuice is the coolest and dopest ghost on planet (besides Casper and Slimer) and this movie never gets old for me.  Now while I enjoyed this movie as a child, I’m sure your little one would.  I know mine wouldn’t.  They’re just not there yet.
Two words… Johnny Depp.  Do I even have to say anymore ladies?!  I like to think of Edward Scissorhands as a modern version of the Hunchback of Notre Dame  but instead of having a hump in his back, he has scissors for hands.  It’s funny, romantic and sad all at the same time.  My favorite part of the movie is when all the ladies come over and he starts styling their hair.  Funny!
“Who you gone call?”  Yes, that famous catchphrase from the Ghostbusters’ theme song is sure to get stuck in your head after you watch the movie.  Funny man Bill Murray really delivers the laughs and I love Sigourney Weaver.  You how Angela Basset gives off that ‘I don’t take any mess’ vibe?  Well, Sigourney does the same.  
Not going to lie, the first time I saw this movie I had nightmares for at least three days.  I was sharing a room with my older sister and my parents didn’t really believe in night lights.  So, I seeing a gremlin every five minutes and having sister get up to turn the lights on.  My dad even came in the room and did a search to prove there were no gremlins but I still wasn’t buying it.  Years later when I was older I felt foolish of being so scared of gremlins.
This is definitely not a kid friendly movie.  However, I’m sure it’s suitable for teens and we grown folks can still get a laugh out of some parts.  
What are your/your family’s favorite Halloween movies?
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Bouncer Seat Gone Bad

When it comes to infant and toddler seats, I’ve never met two kids more attached to theirs than my kids are. And with JJ being more mobile, we have been wanting to look in to getting him a new chair for a while.  Plus, we knew he’d outgrow his current seat at some point.  Anyways, we’re settling in to watch some movies on Netflix Saturday when this happens:
Right after I took JJ out.
Yes, his bouncer seat broke with him in it. He did bump his head  on the floor, but thankfully he’s okay.  It just all happened so fast.  One moment he’s sitting in his chair in front of me and his sister on the couch and not two seconds later I hear a snap and my baby boy is down on the floor because the chair rolled to one side when the leg snapped.  It was a scary experience because I the sounding of the snapping chair and his head hitting floor made me wonder if he had broken something.
Not a good look
Plus, I don’t know if any of you have ever taken a floor on a hardwood floor but it hurts and can do some serious damage.  I checked him out and he didn’t appear to have any broken bones or serious injuries.  Then I got a little frustrated because we got this seat after he was three months.  Therefore, it just turned a year old a few days ago.  And most importantly, he meets the weight requirements for this thing which is 6 to 25 pounds.
I love like the Bright Starts brand but we issues with Moo’s Bright Start bouncer seat coming apart at the joints where  you have to connect the legs together but never breaking.  And once we exchanged her faulty bouncer for a new one we didn’t have any further issues.  So, I felt at ease getting a Bright Starts seat for JJ.
To make this long story short, I’m not pleased that this seat barely lasted a year.  It’s gotten a lot less use than Moo’s did because we’ve spent a lot of time down at my mom’s leaving the seat home and unused.  Examining the whole seat, I saw that the other leg was showing chips/cracks which meant it was on its way to giving out too.  I will filing a complaint with the company and asking that they consider doing thicker legs or using a stronger material.
Have you had any issues with infant/toddler products breaking even with proper usage?
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Mind Right Monday

So, while last week was a very productive one I think, looking back at my list there’s a few things that didn’t get done.  Like I didn’t get any new listings up on Moo’s Closet.  However, I did add some sneak peak photos of custom projects I’m working on for two clients.  Plus, I activated the Custom Order Request feature.  And I interacted with some of the new fans on the Moo’s Closet Facebook page.

I didn’t workout unless the ten jumping jacks I got in on Friday counts.  And knowing how I used to workout before kids, it doesn’t count to me.  I can do better and will do.  I have a dress that a blog sponsor gave me that I have to look flawless in.  So, that is now my motivation to workout and tighten things back up because I have to model it and put up pics on the blog.  I’ve been thinking about doing some kind of weekly fitness post since I don’t really have an accountability partner.

The Mr. motivates me but he doesn’t push me per say because I think he’s afraid I’ll take it the wrong way and get even more self-conscious than I am now.  Went looking at Thanksgiving decorations but didn’t see anything that I liked.  I’ve been looking to Pinterest and the blogs for inspiration on DIY stuff.

My goals for this week are:

  1. Workout 3 nights/days
  2. Adding more listings to Moo’s Closet
  3. Vote early ( Did you know you can do same day voter’s registration between now and Nov 3rd?!)
  4. Sort through wardrobe (Still holding on to some things that don’t fit since I’ve lost weight
  5. Steam clean floors and couch
  6. Post everyday
  7. Finalize Thanksgiving menu
  8. Make it to Sunday school

I am grateful for:

  • JJ becoming a stronger walker each day (Maybe chasing him around can count as a workout?)
  • Online tutorials
  • Getting better at redesigning my blog
  • Being in love with learning (Picking up this HTML better than I thought I would)
  • Phone calls from my mom
  • Camera phones that help me share memories with my fam and friends
  • Reaching 400 likes on Facebook!
  • Loyal blog readers and comments
  • What’s on your goal list for the week?
    Posted on 16 Comments

    Twice Cooked Veggie Spaghetti Recipe

    Growing up my mom worked multiple jobs and went to school (college) all trying to raise five kids.  Often times, when we got home everybody was dirt tired (using one of my mom’s phrases).  And I don’t know about you, but when you’re exhausted the last thing you want to do is slave away in a kitchen.  So, spaghetti became one of our go-to dinners.  This was just fine with me and my siblings because we are all pasta lovers!
    I don’t think any of us have tried a pasta fish that we don’t like.  Anyways, when I met my husband, he was not a spaghetti fan.  At all.  Then, we had Moo and she was (still is) a spaghetti fanatic.  I was thrilled to have someone to cook spaghetti for again.  Over the years, I’ve experimented with making spaghetti a few different ways and the recipe I’m sharing with you today is one of my favorites.
    It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for those picky eaters.  I’m going to go ahead and let you know there aren’t any specific measurements listed because I’m more an eyeball-it-like-Rachel-Ray kind of cook.  I make whatever looks like it’ll be enough for my family and I’ve learned that two shakes of this or three shakes of that is my family’s taste preference. 
    Ingredients
    Angel Hair Spaghetti
    Hunts Garden Combination Spaghetti Sauce
    White Cheddar (soy/dairy)
    Sharp Yellow Cheddar (soy/dairy)
    Frozen Mixed Veggies thawed (try to stay away from canned veggies because they tend to be mushy)
    Ground Beef/Turkey
    Directions
    In a medium sauce pan, bring about three cups of water to a boil over high heat for spaghetti noodles.  While you wait for water to start boiling go ahead and brown your beef or turkey in a medium or large frying pan on medium-high.
    Once water is boiling add angel hair noodles and turn down to medium heat.  Cook for 5-7 minutes.  Do NOT overcook because noodles will be very mushy. 
    Drain meat and noodles when done.  Mix together in sauce pan and add in spaghetti sauce and thawed mixed veggies.
    In a baking dish alternate layering spaghetti and cheeses starting with a layer of spaghetti first and ending with a layer of cheese on top.  Cover with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes at 325. Let cool for five minutes before serving.
    Didn’t remember to take a pic until I had started eating.  It’s that yummy.   

    I hope that you will try this recipe. Spaghetti and mixed veggies may sound like a weird combination but with the Garden Combination spaghetti sauce and the cheeses it all comes together. You can also use fresh bell peppers too.  And of course, if your kids allergies like mine gluten-free pasta and soy cheeses work well with this dish too.
    Do you have a favorite non-traditional spaghetti recipe?
    Posted on 3 Comments

    Riding Snug With Graco

    Today I had the pleasure of joining the Urban Princess (we met in college & the rest is history) from over at Frugal Fashionista Style at the Graco Safety event at Babies R’ Us.  With kiddies in tow, we got to get an up close and hands on look at the SnugRide® Click Connet™ 40, Graco’s newest addition to their line of infant seats.  And when I say this infant seat is sweet, I am it is swagged out to the max!
    Sorry for the far away pick but JJ was having a meltdown.  That’s Moo to the side.
    The only newborn to 2 year old infant/toddler car seat on the market, the SnugRide® has 8 reclining positions, a no re-thread harness that allows the headrest to be adjusted as your child grows without having to take a loose the straps (yay!), a 5-point, front adjusting harness, harness covers (removable), an adjustable footrest (love), head and body cushions (removable) and more.  This car seat even comes with a special preemie body insert to provide extra support and comfort for premature babies.  Seriously, this is the king of all car seats.  I mean where was this car seat when I was preggers with JJ? 
    Sign-in table

    I can’t imagine that Graco or any other car seat manufacturer could do any better than this car seat.  When I saw the footrest that just took the cake.  With a starting price point of $219.99, I will certainly be looking into getting one of these when the time comes for us to have number three!  I was hoping to win one today but a lovely pregnant mom in our group won it.  We couldn’t be mad because her little bundle of joy is due pretty soon and the infant seat was one of the few things she had left to get.  Plus, she had such a bubbly and fun personality.
    I highly encourage all my moms-to-be to check out any of the SnugRide® models from Graco because you won’t be disappointed.  And I’m not just saying this because I went to their event.  This recommendation is coming from me because I’ve purchased Graco infant seats, toddler seats and strollers for both of my children.  I’ve been very happy with the performance and durability of all of them!
    What is or would be your ultimate feature in an infant/toddler seat?

    Disclaimer:  I was not asked to write about this event or the SnugRide®, nor was I compensated in any way.  Graco is a brand that I use personally and truly believe in.  All opinions above are 100% my own.
    Posted on 4 Comments

    Counting Calories With Coca-Cola

    Coming 2013, counting calories will be a little bit easier thanks to the folks over at Coca-Cola.  A few weeks ago, I was checking out their new blog, Unbottled, and read about how they are teaming up with the American Beverage Association and the cities of San Antonio and Chicago to roll out their new Calories Count™ Vending Program to assist with the cities’ “wellness challenge.”   The purpose of this challenge is to encourage city employees and their families to get healthier and shed a few pounds by being both active and cautious of the calories they in-take.
    To do their part in helping Coca-Cola will display the number calories in each beverage selection offered in their vending machines.  By doing so, employees can choose the beverage that is just right for them.  These vending machines will be rolled out in San Antonio and Chicago first and will roll out through the US later next year.
    See the calories displayed right there on the front of each drink selection

    I for one am super excited about this.  My family and I try to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.  However, I don’t go around memorizing all the calories that are in my favorite drinks and foods.  Having the calories displayed right there in front of me while I’m making my selection will help to me make better drink selections not just for myself but for children as well.  So, keep your eyes peeled for these next year!

    Do you think more beverage companies should follow suit?

    Disclaimer:  I was not compensated in any way for this post.  I just love Coca-Cola and thought this was great info to pass on!