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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Go The F*uck To Sleep


By now, I'm sure most of you have heard of the book "Go the F*** To Sleep," by Adam Mansbach, the bedtime story intended solely for the amusement of parents. If not, check out the link at your own risk.

The other day, a former classmate of mine posted an article on Facebook with a quote from a critic stating the following [read entire article from the CNN Opinion page here]:
"Sadly, his book accurately portrays the hostile environment in which too many children grow up... Sometimes the biggest bully in the neighborhood lives in the same house you do. Sometimes it's your parent."
Okay, seriously... who is this person? And has she never heard of comedy? Or anything humorous?

Many people chimed in on the argument giving strong reasons for why they believe the book to be funny or not so funny.

My first response:
"I actually thought the book was very, very funny. Of course, I wouldn't utter a word of it to Aiden. But just as [another person who commented before] said, it helps parents get through an all too real and downright exhausting time in parenthood. And it is a book meant for adults. My mom friends and I have been bonding over this book (and a glass of wine!) because it just speaks volumes. I think this lady is totally taking the book out of context here..."
My friend, and I love her dearly, stated:
"While it may be funny for parents who had a normal childhood and are raising their children in a loving home, I find it hard to imagine that anyone who suffered psychological abuse as a child would find it funny as an adult [I suffered psychological abuse as a child and still found it funny, so that point is shot to sh*t]. I can't help but think of the kids that I counsel when I read the excerpts from this book -- for some, this is their reality and it does real damage. I just wonder if there is another way for parents to bond and experience some release [NOPE! Well, yes, a glass of wine, but I said that already]... I hear what you ladies are saying, but personally I think it crosses a line [Really? REALLY?!]."
Another friends' response? And I love her too! Here it is:
"I see what everyone is saying, however I'm not sure about the purposes of the book. I mean, I didn't read the book or even the article [Then why are you commenting? Shut the f*ck up and go the f*ck to sleep.], but just reading the name of the book reminded me of all the times I heard those words as a child and all of the kids I work with who heard these words. I know that majority of parents are probably doing the best that they can and laughing at the book because they know how frustrating parenting can sometimes be [NOW you're speaking my language!], but yea... I keep thinking about the kids whose parents have no restraints and speak to their kids like this without any second thoughts."
My second response:
"Unfortunately, I've heard those words many, many times as a child. I get it. It isn't funny for kids who experience this type of psychological trauma on a nightly basis. Neither is a McDonald's commercial for kids who are starving.  Or an ice cream commercial. 
I've never used those words on Aiden nor ever intend to. However, I can still see the humor that is the Author's intention. It really isn't meant to be taken so seriously. And it is how some parents feel when night after night after FREAKIN' night they have a hard time getting their child (or children!) to sleep after a very long day of work, school, LIFE! It happens. Sometimes parenthood kicks your ass and sometimes parents just really want their kids to go the f*ck to sleep. Trust me. I know. I'm one of them.
Maybe I'm weird, but I can understand how some parents -- some very TIRED parents -- could and would say to their other adult friends, "Why can't my kid just go the f*ck to sleep." Parents have to be able to find the humor in certain situations. Sometimes humor is the only thing that'll get them through a particular trying stage."
Now, I'm totally curious. What are your thoughts on the book? Share 'em in the comments.

{Disclaimer: This post was not meant to be taken so seriously. If you don't get the humor, well, you're a lame. Hey, what can I say? Sh*t happens. 


Just kidding.


Sorta.}

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

A Cool Set of Wheelz


Aiden seemed to have been in love with all things that speed since, well, he was born. Seriously. I don't mean to sound stereotypical, but he is certainly all boy. For his last birthday, when asked what he wanted as a gift, he politely replied, "a red truck." And every morning, before we leave for preschool, he rummages through his "cars" bin in order to find the perfect set of wheels because, according to him, "Today, I have to show all of my friends this car." And everyday he picks a different car. Go figure.


Imagine our excitement when we were invited to a RIDEMAKERZ event last weekend at Toys "R" Us in Times Square. As you already know, Aiden and I love the movie Disney Pixar Cars and we were super psyched about the premiere of Disney Pixar Cars 2 (read my interview with Larry the Cable Guy, the voice of Mater, here), so the chance to join the "Pit Crew" and build our very own Disney Pixar Cars 2 toy car was just delightful. After all, what better way to celebrate the premiere of one of our fave flicks?!




RIDEMAKERZ has five nationwide locations and is also available within select new-format Disney Stores and Toys "R" Us stores nationwide. And with its new line based on the characters from Disney Pixar Cars 2, RIDEMAKERZ is going global baby!

With their custom kits (starting at $19.99), RIDEMAKERZ now allows kids to customize Lightning McQueen, Mater, Master Spy Finn McMissile, and Formula Racer Francesco Bernoulli. Kids can pick from a variety of options such as tires, wheels, blown engines, hood scoops, side pipes, spoilers, and more! Get excited, folks!

There is also a RIDEMAKERZ Cars 2 Snap 'N' Go line available at Toys "R" Us so that children (ages four and up) can build their fave Cars 2 characters at home and make them uniquely theirs.



For more information, check out the RIDEMAKERZ website or find them on their Facebook Page.

Thanks to RIDEMAKERZ for hosting such a fun event!



{Disclaimer: Aiden and I received our very own RIDEMAKERZ custom cars. No other compensation was provided. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}


**WE'VE BEEN NOMINATED! PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO VOTE ONCE DAILY FOR MOMMY DELICIOUS -- TOP 25 NYC MOM BLOGGERS VIA CIRCLE OF MOMS. I KNOW, I KNOW... SELF-PIMPING AT ITS FINEST!**

Friday, June 24, 2011

The Discipline Weekly: Reasons for Misbehavior


A few weeks ago, Aiden's head teacher approached me with not-so-good news -- she'd been having a tough couple of days with him and he was not following many of her directions. I carefully listened to her, but was a little embarrassed, if I can admit.

Now here's the geek in me: that night I went home and brain-stormed ideas to help Aiden's teacher help him. I didn't want to be that Mom who does nothing when her child's teacher gives a less than great report. But, I also didn't want to be that Mom who scolds her kid and sides with the teacher. I wanted to help them both.

As I pondered some of the reasons for Aiden's misbehavior, I realized that they usually stem around several things:

Wanting/Needing More Attention
I find that when I give Aiden attention and/or respond to his requests within the first couple of times he calls out to me, I usually get more of a positive response from him. And less whining. Gosh, I hate whining! But I digress.

Wanting More Power
Giving Aiden two choices usually works better than giving him no choices. It makes him feel included and meaningful and all that jazz. And great things happen when he feels included and meaningful and all that jazz.

Feelings of Inadequacy
Just like his mama, Aiden is a little perfectionist. He likes to succeed at things within his first few attempts at it. And boy does he have a hard time controlling his frustrations when he feels as though he is not "getting it" fast enough. I usually try to catch his frustrating feelings before it escalates into him screaming out of control because that's no fun for the both of us.

Thankfully, as I consulted with his teacher the next day and filled her in on my newfound wisdom, she nodded and stated that the tips would not only help her with Aiden, but also with the other students in the class.

That's the thing about parenting -- no matter what age you become a Mother, married or single or somewhere in-between, you become your child's advocate and biggest freakin' cheerleader. Comes with the territory, I guess...

Can you think of any other reasons for misbehavior? Share them below in the comments!

**We've been nominated! Please take the time to vote for Mommy Delicious -- TOP 25 NYC MOM BLOGGERS -- via Circle of Moms. You can vote ONCE PER DAY. I know, I know... self-pimping at its finest.**

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Disney Pixar Cars 2 -- Interview with Larry the Cable Guy


In celebration of the premiere of Disney Pixar CARS 2, Larry the Cable Guy held a press conference last week with a few NYC Bloggers. I was pretty excited to attend this press conference because Aiden is a huge CARS fan and, let's face it, who can resist the opportunity to meet the real Mater!

L to R: Nikki @MommyFactor; Larry the Cable Guy;
Me, smiling way too hard; Jen @Jenrad
CARS 2 will be released tomorrow, June 24th and Aiden and I are pretty psyched to get our CARS 2 fix! It will be shown in Disney Digital 3D and IMAX® 3D in select theaters and promises to be a good time!

In this flick, race car Lightning McQueen (the voice of Owen Wilson) and his friend the tow truck, Mater (the voice of Larry the Cable Guy) find themselves oversees to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix. However, on their journey to see who's the world's fastest car, they get caught up in lots of interesting and equally funny adventures.

And Mater finds himself in a bit of a pickle as he becomes torn between helping Lightning McQueen in the race and towing the line in a top-secret mission, which is all arranged by the British Spy, Finn McMissile (the voice of Michael Caine) and the field Spy, Holley Shiftwell (the voice of Emily Mortimer). Mater's journey proves to be an adventurous one and leads him through the streets of both Japan and Europe!

During the press conference, not only were we able to chat-it-up with Larry about CARS 2, but also about his life as a husband and father. Larry is certainly a role model when it comes to the acceptance of others and building lasting friendships. He brings a lot of himself to his work, particularly Mater's character. Just as Mater wants to get to know everyone regardless of who they are or where they come from, celebrity or not, Larry is extremely open to meeting and getting to know all different types of people.

Sounds like the perfect character I'd want my son to look up to! Check out the video to see why Larry the Cable Guy thinks you should take your little ones to see CARS 2. And he says it in his Mater voice... LOVE!


Get excited, folks! CARS 2 is sure to be a good one!

Thanks to Larry the Cable Guy for such a fun press conference!

(Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own. Video courtesy of @MommyFactor.)


We've been nominated! Please take the time to vote for Mommy Delicious -- TOP 25 NYC MOM BLOGGERS via Circle of Moms. I know, I know... self-pimping at its finest!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Lessons From My Ex



I have a firm belief that exes should be a thing of the past. In fact, my philosophy has grown to "We didn't make it as a couple, so you need to not exist anymore." This may sound a little harsh and judge as you may, but I reserve my "ex energy" for having the necessary conversations and making the necessary transactions pertaining to Aiden. It makes my life that much easier. 

Something changed last week as my ex and I were in the middle of a quick "Aiden-specific transaction" in that I actually spoke to him for longer than five minutes. Although it was a bit superficial, our conversation centered around where our lives are right now. 

Speaking with him certainly reaffirmed my decision to end the relationship and happily move forward with my life. I'll admit that I felt a little sadness when he first moved out of my apartment because it hurts to know that I gave my all to a relationship, but my all still wasn't enough. 

As I stood there talking to him in public (refer to this post if you need to know why), I realized that there are several things that I can accredit to our time together -- besides the fact that I now have a beautifully sweet and lovable son. 

One thing's for sure: that relationship pushed me into becoming the woman that I am today. It may have been a rude awakening, to say the least, but it pushed me hard. And fast. And I've taken away lessons that will continue to push me as I become the woman that I am meant to be. 

That relationship also helped me learn even more about who I am and what I'll stand for. I kick ass at life by giving myself fully and giving my all to everything that I do, and for me, romantic relationships are no exception.

But as my good friend Tessa over at Real Sorbet once stated, "he loved selfishly" (can you even call it love?!) and I love selflessly... that's a bad combination! 

The lesson here is not to not love, but knowing who to love. And knowing how much I'm worth. And recognizing when something doesn't add up to what I'm worth. And knowing how to say, "peace out" when enough is enough. 

Getting caught up in a toxic relationship can happen to the best of us. But all we can do is live and learn and try not to make the same mistakes over and over again. 

After all, growing pains are there to help us become our best selves -- surely they hurt enough to push us to that "best" self!

And to me, being introspective enough to learn the lessons and move forward takes guts. Lots of guts. So high fives all around to you and you and you!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

How To Be The Ultimate Fashionista

This week, I had the elite pleasure of attending a very delicious event. SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely partnered with ESSENCE Magazine for the 2011 Fashionista Model Search. Located at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC, I sat with the press and watched as throngs of women -- each beautiful and lovely in their own right -- tried their luck at becoming the next Dark and Lovely Fashionista!

The live casting call also included an exciting panel discussion that covered the latest and greatest topics on all things beauty and fashion. And the panelists? A very impressive group of people:
Mikki Taylor, ESSENCE Editor-At-Large
Corynne Corbett, ESSENCE Beauty Director
Carlton Jones, Celebrity Stylist
Eric Bland, Celebrity Hairstylist
Bria Murphy, Dark and Lovely Brand Ambassador

L to R: Corynne Corbett, Mikki Taylor, Eric Bland, Bria Murphy, Carlton Jones
And their expert advice? Even more impressive. Here are some of the tips and tricks that they collaboratively dished out -- all in an effort to help you make bold statements from head to toe and be the ultimate fashionista!

Confidence is sexy. Super sexy.
Being a fashionista is about exuding confidence from the inside out. Do your best to always look polished and pulled together while trying to live from the inside out, as opposed to living from the outside in.

Embrace your uniqueness. 
Of all the things you can choose to be in the world... Just. Be. You.

Makeup should enhance your uniqueness. 
Make-up is about self-expression; what works for someone else may not necessarily work for you.

Obviously Mikki and I got the memo to wear stripes.
Fabulosity at its finest!

Trend today, trade it tomorrow. 
Trends are tools. Try to figure out how trends fit into your style. Wear that trendy dress, but don't let that trendy dress wear you.


Must-have staple items for the Summer:

  1. The little black dress. It doesn't literally have to be a black dress, just a "go-to" dress that hugs you in all the right places.
  2. A suit. One that you can wear to the office and out to dinner. Feel free to create versatility with fabulous accessories.
  3. A great "go-to" pair of heals. This will be different for every fashionista. Whether it be wedges, pumps, or stilettos, work it in whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident.
  4. A great fitting pair of jeans.
  5. Sun glasses.

To save or to splurge? Decisions, decisions... 
Know when to make an investment in a fabulous find and know when it'll be a throw-away item. For instance, since they tend not to last very long, often times trends will be throw-away pieces. However, staple items are here to stay so feel free to make a fashion investment and splurge baby splurge.

L to R: Carlton Jones, Corynne Corbett, Mikki Taylor, Eric Bland
The ultimate Summer survival guide: 
Waterproof mascara, waterproof eyeliner, lip gloss, blotting tissue, an exfoliating cleanser, a moisturizer with sunscreen, and a great dress that you can put on in less than 60 seconds! POW!

Be shoe-tastic all summer long!
Wearing sandals in warm weather is perfection! But flip flops? Leave them be. That is, unless you're a life guard.

My red platforms add just the right amount of POP to my
outfit. (Pictured with Nikki @MommyFactor)
Hair care and cuts
When working out, put your hair in a high ponytail and wrap it around. When it comes to your hair cut, if your face is round, a box-shaped cut will be best for you. If your face is squared, an oval-shaped cut will work best.

Pictured with Nika from IrieChic.com
Be the ultimate fashionista
Always remember to know your body type and fit it well. Know what kind of hair cut fits your face and color. Love yourself. Own your life from the inside out. And have FUN!

And let the fashionistas say... AMEN!


I definitely had a great time. Thanks to ESSENCE Magazine and Dark and Lovely for hosting such a fabulous event. And thanks to the panelists for their fabulous and fashionable tips!

{Disclaimer: Press members received a gift bag.}

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Summer and the Single Parent: Childcare Options When School's Out


The kids may be off of school but you still have to work.  So how do you keep them safe and happy without spending a fortune on summer childcare? As a single or co-parent it can be difficult to juggle schedules to make sure the kids have the supervision and entertainment they need and deserve on their summer break.

For me this is always a challenge as the word “daycare” freaks my son out. He has not had to be in a daycare setting since he started attending school, and this year with the completion of second grade under his belt, daycare in his words, is for babies.

So how can I juggle working full time and provide him with a fun filled summer without spending a bundle? There are many options available but finding what works for your family and your budget can be a challenge.

Summer Camp!

This is probably the most expensive of all options, but will prove to be a special treat for my son this summer. He was allowed to pick four camps to attend. His top two picks included a week of football camp and a week of wrestling camp. As luck would have it both camps are partially funded by a booster club fundraiser that was held during the corresponding sports seasons. So, each week of full-day camp will only cost me $55, not bad! His other choices were a week of Lego camp, and cooking camp offered by our school district; they cost $45 and $65 respectively—but are only offered half days.

Be sure to explore all of your camp options. You can look to your local YMCA, community or school system to see what’s available.

  • YMCA.  Our local YMCA programs offer daily scheduled activities the kids will love but, can run up to $175/ week for non-members and $95 / week for members 
  • Community camps.  Our local community offers various camps including: sports, art and crafts, and themed weeks. For residents the cost is around $55 / week, but are only half day programs.
  • School sponsored camps.  Our local school district has over 50 different summer camps available for kids over the summer months. They vary in cost based on the camp but, are typically between $35 and $65 but again, are only available for half days.
Filling in the Gaps

Obviously 4 weeks of camp, 2 of which are only half days are not going to get me through the summer. Here are a few ways I plan to supplement camp on the cheap.

  • Neighborhood Babysitters.  Believe it or not there are still some teenagers out there who are willing to baby-sit. Your mission is to find one that is still too young to work a regular job, but old enough to be “in charge”. The benefits of neighborhood babysitters include reasonable costs and proximity to your home.  Potential drawbacks include: reliability of a teenager, and potential irresponsibility (you come home to your child hanging from a chandelier). To help avoid this be sure to get references of previous employers.  I was lucky enough to find an older sister of one of my sons friends who is both reliable and reasonably priced. 
  • Don’t forget family.  My son has a grandpa that just retired and can’t wait to spend some quality time with him this summer! He will be on-hand to fill in when needed and provide hours of fun for my son. No retired grandparents? Consider a relative that teaches school and will be home for the summer. My sister-in-law is a kindergarten teacher and is available sporadically through out the summer. 
  • The “other” parent.  Don’t let the summertime childcare burden fall solely on you! If you have primary custody and your child spends the majority of the school year with you take advantage of school being out for extra visits with their other parent. Consider a few weeks or a month at their house. The benefits are obvious; quality time with your child’s other parent and some “down time” for you. Sure you will miss them but they need time with the other parent too. I am still working on this one; but I am hoping my son can spend some quality time with his dad this summer. 
Coming up with a summer time childcare plan can be frustrating and expensive. Be sure to use your resources when possible and don’t be afraid to ask for help! You want your child to have a safe and fun summer, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune.

What are your plans for the kids this summer?

Suzanne is a certified credit counselor and a Social Media Specialist for CareOne Debt Relief Services. Suzanne writes for Divorce, Debt and Finances and Major Life Challenges. Follow Suzanne on Twitter @ADivorcedMom where she shares her insights as a single-divorced mom with tips and tricks to keep your finances in check. 

Friday, June 10, 2011

The Discipline Weekly: One Word Fix-Its


This week it's been hot in New York City. Really hot.

And when it's hot, I can get frustrated easily. Really easily. But I tried not to let the heat get the best of me and my lack of patience this week.

How? With one word discipline strategies.

Freeze!
Aiden likes to run down the streets of NYC ahead of me. Sometimes way ahead of me. And he gets so caught up in running that he forgets to stop before he reaches the corner. I don't like that one bit. But instead of yelling, "didn't I tell you to stop before you get to the corner?," I say one word long before he gets to the corner: freeze! He loves it and thinks we're playing a game. It's a win-win situation for the both of us.

Scooter!
Aiden loves to ride his scooter all around the house. From the bedroom to the living room to the balcony to the kitchen, he's just a little scooting machine. But the rule is that when he is finished scooting, he has to put his scooter back where it belongs. Usually he's really good with remembering, but this week, eh, not so much. So instead of being annoyed and driving the both of us crazy, I've simply been saying, "scooter!" and he proceeds to return his scooter to its rightful place.

Toilet!
I'm training Aiden to flush the toilet when he is finished doing his business. Yes, I expect my 3-year-old to flush every time he uses the bathroom. I don't think it's asking to much from him. But he forgets sometimes. And when he does, I simply say, "toilet!" after which he proceeds to flush.

Try it out. I've found that it certainly beats saying, "How many times do I have to tell you _______?" or "Didn't I tell you not to ______?" or "Don't you listen to me when I speak?"

One word. That's all.

Try not to overdo it too much though because it can quickly turn into nagging. And nobody likes a nagger.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Inspiration Comes In The Strangest of Places

Thank you to AOL and Jeep® for sponsoring my writing. AOL is holding a contest where women can participate by uploading their own "Inspiration Board," which is a custom destination that allows women a chance to develop an online "Inspiration Board" chronicling all the things that represent her and what she aspires to become. 

Columbia University 5-Year Reunion 
This past weekend, I celebrated my 5-year college reunion from Columbia. I had such a great time both nights seeing old friends and classmates, hearing how everyone's life is going, dancing, and drinking lots of wine and champagne.

Naturally reunion weekend made me think of that lovely day at my Columbia Commencement five years ago. As I sat there listening to the keynote speaker, I remember feeling inspired about where  life would take me. Up until that point, I'd endured so much and conquered so much and I was truly excited about, well, life.

I didn't know where I'd end up working or where I'd end up living, but I was inspired to live a legendary life because of the possibilities. And because I knew that they were endless.

Graduating in May 2006 with my B.A.
Then I met Mr. Not-So-Right, did the deed, and had a baby all before I thought I was supposed to. And I thought that was the worst thing that could have happened to me at the time. Then I doubted myself and my judgement and my self-worth. And I thought that was the worst thing that could have happened to me. But then... I found myself in an abusive relationship. And I thought that was certainly the worst thing that could have happened to me.

Turns out, it wasn't. In fact, none of those things were. The worst thing that could have happened -- that did happen to me -- was that I lost my inspiration. For more. For life. For endless possibilities.

Having a foggy cloud over your head'll do that to ya!

But it's always a good thing when you can get your inspiration back, when the foggy cloud over your head ceases to exist and ceases to control your life. It's always a good thing when you can think clearly and smile and laugh just because. Believe me, it's a very good thing.

And I know now that life always turns out the way it's supposed to turn out. I firmly believe that everything happens when it's supposed to happen, the way it's supposed to happen.

Graduating in May 2011 with my M.A. and Ed.M.
Five years after graduating with my Bachelors degree, I find myself at that same place. At a crossroads, so to speak. I've graduated from Columbia yet again, but this time with two Master degrees and I'm filled with the unknown. Where I'll end up living and where I'll end up working has yet to be unfolded.

But yet still, I'm inspired. By the life that I have now. The life that I didn't think that I was supposed to have so soon. Motherhood. The life that has birthed and and nurtured and honed so many strong qualities within in. I feel competent in my abilities and confident in my decisions.

Life may be uncertain, but it continually proves to be exciting and scary and all-around lovely... all wrapped up in one nice bow.

I'm in a good place now. My life is full and fulfilling. I'm looking forward to this time in my life because now I've conquered even more and my pocket book is replete with very valuable life lessons from the life that I felt I wasn't supposed to have so soon.

And I, I couldn't ask for anything more but a little more inspiration to live a legendary life.

What inspires you?


Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by AOL. Head on over to AOL in order to participate in the "Inspiration Board" contest for a chance to be entered to win a random sweepstake rewarding a $50 gift card weekly, and a chance to win the Grand Prize of a $4500 gift card. 

Monday, June 6, 2011

Delicious Treats from Real Sorbet

I very rarely speak about food on this blog. Except of course, when I'm writing about that fact that I used to be totally cooking impaired. Because of it's name, people often mistake this blog for some sort of a food website. Until I set the records straight by letting them know that the "delicious" is just a metaphor for finding the sweetness in love, life, and Motherhood.

The Real Sorbet cart. Pretty trendy, eh?
But today, I'm getting literal. And today I'm getting real. Real Sorbet, that is. Real Sorbet is a family-run business that makes small batches of frozen fruit products. The sorbet contains filtered water, pure cane sugar, pesticide-free fruit, and a range of produce, spices, and herbs.

No corn syrup. No stabilizers. No artificial sweeteners. No artificial colorings. Just frozen fruit products that's totally delish. And get this? They make the sorbet themselves. Love. It.

Based out of Miami, Florida, Real Sorbet serves fruit when it's at its peak freshness and during its natural growing season so their flavor changes as the seasons change. Their current flavors?

Coconut Chocolate. Peach Iced Tea. Orange Espresso. Can someone say, yum?!

And let's not forget the boozed-filled delicious treats. Watermelon, which is made with organic ginger, organic lime, and a splash of Texan vodka. And Grapefruit Mint, which is made with organic mint and a splash of Barbadian (Bajan) Silver Rum.

Yea... definitely Mommy Delicious style.

What fruit/flavors do you like your children eating? Real Sorbet is taking a poll and you may see your fave in-season fruit on their menu soon! 

Real Sorbet will post their Miami locations daily so be sure to find them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter in order to receive tasty updates regarding these fruity treats! And no worries... you can thank me later. *Wink*

Disclaimer: Mommy Delicious was not compensated for this post. 

Thursday, June 2, 2011

How To Keep Your Sanity As A Mom


I love challenges. In fact, I thrive off of the really tough ones because it keeps me pushing forward and striving for more. However, I'll admit it, single motherhood is one of the toughest challenges I've ever taken on.


Yes, it is incredibly there-are-no-words-to-describe-this-feeling rewarding, but it is tough nonetheless.


I think I feel the "toughness" of this job the most during the weeks when the other parent fails to live up to his fair share of this co-parenting thing for whatever reason, and I am insanely stressed out with, well... life.  


A couple weeks ago, I was diligently trying to finish my last semester in graduate school, and really needed a break.I remember that I was just having one of those there-aren't-enough-hours-in-the-day types of day. While I waited for the load of laundry to finish, I was making dinner and paying bills online. Plus, I still had to finish a final presentation for a class once I got Aiden to bed that night.  


I was so happy when Aiden's dad showed up for his scheduled visit. I would have time for a couple of hours to get things done peacefully and rejuvenate myself for when Aiden returned home.


It would be perfect. Or so I thought.

Not even 10 minutes after I dropped Aiden off downstairs in front of our building to meet his dad did my cell phone ring. Apparently their visit was over and his father wanted me to come back downstairs for him. It took me five minutes to get back up to my apartment, gosh darnit! Was he serious?