Brit + Co Stylish Moms Round-Up

Exciting news!

Brit+Co put together a list of stylish moms who inspire folks to spice up theirs -- and their children's -- wardrobes. And, although I'm being a teeny bit biased, I must admit, they've put together a pretty kick-ass list. 

Not only does the list include Aiden and yours truly, but also a group of other mom-and-kiddo duos who bring new meaning to the phrase "double-trouble." 

I may or may not have shed a tear when they referred to me as, "an inspirational mama who pulls together mommy-and-son looks that always make us smile. We've got one word for her: Ah-mazing."

Right back at ya, Brit+Co. Right back at ya!

Head on over to their website to check it out!

Start Where You Are and Walk By Faith

I had a pretty good run in 2014. No matter how many "misses" I experienced -- and there were plenty -- I also experienced many "hits." No matter what was behind the success, there was success. Much success.

Mommy Delicious received amazing and thoughtful features on other websites. Like New York Family Magazine for their Bloggers We Love list. And UBLUSH Magazine for a very raw and real coming-of-age  interview with me. And Hello Beautiful for their Mommy Bloggers to Follow list. 

I got to speak on a panel for the first time and really tapped into a passion that I never knew existed. (This year, I'm looking forward to taking my brand offline and engaging with live audiences.)

I crossed something off my professional bucket list by becoming an adjunct professor. Woot!

I had some very real conversations with myself and with you about the cycle of domestic violence and why victims stay. Aiden's other parent resurfaced and it made me realize that, even after years, domestic violence and PTSD can still have debilitating effects on victims. But I got my power back. *Does praise dance*

Aiden and I enjoyed so much that NYC has to offer with many events and activities, I shared some of my personal style, I shared some of Aiden's kids style, and we traveled. (A full post is coming soon.) Because, let's face it: experiences outweigh things any day.

I laughed, cried, prayed, learned to love and be loved, tried some new things, failed at them, made a few mistakes, endured growing pains, and succeeded. 

Eventually.

After all, success is not effortless. It's not without calculated risks. It's not without trial and error. It's not without mistakes. 

But it is there. If you're willing to work smart for it.

The one thing I learned in 2014 and the one thing that I intend to take with me into the new year is this: start where you are, use what you have, and walk by faith.

It's not about things being perfect or "knowing it all" because the fact of the matter is that things won't be perfect and you won't know everything.

But you gotta start. Somewhere. And you gotta build on it. Because that's how you make your dreams come true and that's how you reach your goals.

Here's to a great 2015! It's no longer a warm-up and it's no longer practice time. It's game time, folks!

Who's ready?!

We Made The List! Hello Beautiful Mommy Blogs to Follow

Last week, Hello Beautiful came out with their list of the top ten Mommy Bloggers to follow and Mommy Delicious made the list!

Radical!

From the Hello Beautiful site,

Mommy bloggers cover the gamut from fashion to lifestyle, posting as often about stilettos as they do strollers. For Moms who want to provide the best life for their children while still indulging in their love of fashion and beauty, look no further than our favorite Mommy blogs. Check out our top 10 in the slideshow...

Cool, right?!

Head on over to the Hello Beautiful website to see what they had to say about the Mommy Delicious community and how inspirational it is.

Also, show some love by sharing it on your social media channels, liking Mommy Delicious on Facebook, following Mommy Delicious on Twitter, or hanging out on Instagram!

Cheers!

New York Family Magazine Bloggers We Love

It's not everyday that something brings a tear to my eyes. But reading about myself and this corner of the world wide web that I work so hard to maintain did it for me a couple days ago.

I was extremely ecstatic when I found out that I was chosen as one of the ten people for the Bloggers We Love piece over on New York Family Magazine. I love the site and read it all the time so being featured on it was major.

But I was not quite prepared for the thoughtful and kind words said about me. It warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I don't blog for recognition -- I do it to share my experiences, to let the next person going through a difficult time know that everything will be okay, to talk about lessons learned and why it's important to keep pushing and keep pressing towards goals. To talk to single mothers. To talk to younger mothers. To connect with you. And you. And you.

But it still feels good to get confirmation that I'm making a true difference while doing this work. And the kind and thoughtful words? They're a real tearjerker:

"Harper makes a schedule look good. She holds a full-time job as an educator, is a single parent to 6-year-old Aiden, and runs a heartfelt blog. Did we mention she's in her 20s and has three degrees from Columbia University? On top of it all, she still has time to look fashionable! Despite her success in life, Harper has faced serious challenges, and she's not afraid to get real about it." -- New York Family Magazine

See what I mean when I said it's a real tearjerker?!

Head on over to New York Family Magazine to check out the full article. And get your tissues ready!

{Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way for this post.}

Five Blogs That Rock!

Thanks to Trop50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 Fabulous Wishes. Click here to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to celebrate a friend with a refreshing attitude about looking and feeling fabulous!

One year ago today, I started Mommy Delicious. While I had a vision of where I wanted this blog to go and how I wanted to connect with others in cyberspace, I never, ever imagined that the connection would be this great.

I've met so many lovely people, virtually and in real life, and have formed great connections with some amazing bloggers. What better way to celebrate one year of Mommy Delicious than highlighting  a few other amazing bloggers.

This is by no means a comprehensive list -- just a combination of Moms, single ladies, NYers, non-NYers, fashionistas, and all-around amazing bloggers. In no particular order, here are five blogs that rock:


Style Me Prissy by Dr. Yakini:
Yakini was one of the first people that I met from the blogging world and I have grown to love her. She is also the author of The Prissy Mommy Chronicles and The Prissy Mommy Reviews, a blog that I regularly contribute to. While those blogs chronicle her life as a mom and wife in NYC and great product reviews for families, respectively, Style Me Prissy shows firsthand that a woman can be a wife and mother, yet still remain true to herself. Simply put, this blog is the epitome of girly-girlness as its content reflects all things that sparkle, all things fashion, and all things pretty. Love it!

A Mommy In The City by Lauren:
Lauren began blogging in order to chronicle her move from Florida to NYC. Now her blog has become much more than an online journal. She has fostered quite the community through her writing that is witty and brave and inspiring, all at the same time. Whether she's writing about trusting her Motherly instincts, encouraging her daughter's autonomy, or her Motherly "mishaps," Lauren's words always speaks to me. I am lucky enough to have met Lauren in person and she is just as beautiful in person as her blog posts are in print. In fact, it's hard not to fall in love with Lauren.

How Mama Got Her Swag Back by Denise:
Denise is a wife, mom, and Minister-In-Training living in the DC area. After having her baby, she started her blog in an attempt to get her "swagger" back. I have not met Denise in person, but I feel as though I know her based on her prose. Her posts always, always, ALWAYS leaves me pondering the subject at hand. Plus, her tell-it-like-it-is attitude is no joke. She's a women to be reckoned with, amazing and engaging, and her posts are always beautifully written. Get it girl!

Mama Locs by Laila 
Laila is a single mom (single mommies, stand up!) to an awesome little boy, much like me. I think I can connect to her in a special way because we share a lot in common. I have not met her in person as she lives in the Chicago suburbs, but her posts inspire me to work harder at pretty much everything. She not only manages life as a single mom, but she is also chronicling her weight loss on her blog, which to me, is such a brave, brave thing to do. Kudos to you, Laila. You rock, like, times two.

Her Deep Thoughts by LaLicenciada
Li's blog is all about inspiring others to find bliss and live their best life. Through her mission and her posts, she grants readers the permission to just... be. Be free, be happy, and be whole, just... be. I'm especially in love with her LushLunes series, which is an assignment every Monday ("Lunes" in Spanish) to help Mondays suck less. We all know how dreadful Mondays can be, and these assignments have been my "pick-me-uppers." Thanks Li!

So there you have it. Five totally rocking blogs that I know you'll love.

What blogs are you currently reading? Share them in the comments so that others can find great reads. Feel free to pimp yourself. I'm all for that!


Don't forget to enter the 50 Fabulous Wishes contest for a chance to win $1,000 to celebrate a friend with a refreshing attitude about looking and feeling fabulous. I was selected for this Tropicana Trop50 sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. I received compensation to use and facilitate my post.

Weekend Reads

Hey Lovelies!

Below are some good reads for this week's link roundup.

Whoa Baby! Mom Finds is totally hooking us up this week! Get free Britax baby gear when you buy the new Britax B-READY stroller.

Ever had someone tell you that you're jealous of their success? Ever feel like their statement is totally unwarranted? Yea... that's happened to me a few times. And to NYC Single Mom. In her candid post, she tells her story. And it's quite empowering.

From Hello Kitty to a cute pig, Shiny Brite has got the most adorable humidifiers for children.

If you love giving back and have a favorite charity, support YUMMommy's March for Charity by adding the link to your fave charity to be featured on her blog beginning next month.

Happy reading!

Smooches,

A Few Blogs To Love

It's the month of l-o-v-e and I figured I'd share some of the blogs that I love with you, the readers that I love. This is by no means a comprehensive list because I love and read many GREAT blogs by GREAT people -- just check out my hot list to your left. Here, I'm just highlighting a little of the greatness from my blog list.

The Young Mommy Life is hands down one of the best places on the Internet for a young mother to hang out. Sometimes I feel like that blog was specifically created for me. Tara's words have a way of jumping off the page and speaking to readers. She is so supportive that she took a chance on me and allowed me to write my very first guest post a mere weeks into my blogging debut. I mean, she didn't even know if my subjects and verbs agreed, and yet she wholeheartedly accepted me as part of her community. Amaze! Since then, she's given me the opportunity to write other posts for her site (check out my press page). She is an inspiration to all. I look up to her, and I'm older than her and taller than her. Yea... she's THAT awesome.

Loving Me Unconditionally is a new blog, but wowza! Only a few posts in and this mother has me thinking deep thoughts. She was once a young mother. And a single mother. And now she is happily married and living her dream life. But as she honestly states on her blog, it wasn't easy getting there. At 41 years young, she's not only bringing sexy back, but bringing on the divaliciousness... full force. Her story is truly an inspiration that after disappointments and let-downs, life can go on.

The Stroller Ballet is where Sarah writes honestly about motherhood and raising her bi-cultural toddler daughter. After reading her blog and getting to know her on Twitter, I've gotten to converse with her in person at a few events. She is so passionate and pure, just lovely. And she's just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside... and as her beautiful writing portrayed in her blog posts.

Now let's talk glamour, shall we?

Glamamom is simply a breath of fresh air. Living in NYC and a self-proclaimed, "Jill of all trades" and "badass," this lady is incredible. She's like the popular girl in school that everyone loves and wants to be around. Her spunky personality shines through in each and every one of her posts. In fact, after reading her blog for some time, I felt like I knew her. Then I met her in person, and now I LOVE her! Since then, we've chatted at several events here in NYC. It's always great to see her and read her new posts. The content is always fresh and hi-la-ri-ous. Plus, where else am I going to find out the latest fashion and beauty finds from a hott NYC mama? Go ahead... I'll wait for an answer.

The beautiful girls over at The Glamazons are not Mothers. But they are fierce and fabulous. This is my go-to blog for all things beauty, fashion, style, and entertainment. Ferocia holds down the beauty fort, while Courtora always brings her best fashion picks. And together, I believe they're gonna take over the fashion and beauty world. In gorgeous outfits, stellar make-up, designer bags, and four-inch heels. Oh yea, and an educational background that'll knock your socks off! I live vicariously through them. Visit their site and you'll see why.

And last, but not least, all the single ladies... Put ya' hands up!

A Day In My NYC chronicles the life of Patty, a single gal in arguably the best city in the world. She's ready to find Mr. Right, but the journey hasn't been an easy one. At all. her posts about dating are sweet and funny. And makes you wonder, "did he REALLY say that?" A single gal can't make these things up. When she's not writing about her dating hits and misses, she talks all things NYC. You gotta love it!

Stay tuned as I highlight more blogs to love. That's right, it ain't over yet. I'm definitely gonna continue with this over the next few months because this post needs a part 2... and 3... and 4... you get the point.

Happy Reading! And Happy Valentine's Day!

Smooches,

Weekend Reads

Below are some good reads for this week's link roundup.

As a mother of a 3-year-old, I often wonder if people think my son is too old to be in his stroller. And apparently, I'm not the only mother who wonders this. The ladies over at MomFinds are discussing this very topic.

NYC mamas, do not plan your child's next birthday party without reading this post from Shiny Brite, which lists some of the best places to host a fabulous party.

Sometimes Motherhood is simply about picking your battles and knowing when to cut your child some slack. Sometimes. NYC Single Mom knows about this all too well and shares her expertise with establishing a bedtime and more.

Mommy Glow has one of the hottest Vision Board's ever! You've got to visit it because it's sure to inspire you.

YUMMommy starts of Black Heritage Month with a bang and shares how she plans to share it with her daughter.

Enjoy your weekend, Lovelies!

Smooches

Weekend Reads

Hey Lovelies!

Here are some good reads for this weekend's link roundup.

I really like that Shiny Brite gives us tips, tricks, and recipes (yum!) for picky eaters.

Found! Chic, black diaper bags from Mom Finds.

Who in NYC doesn't have a therapist? I mean, even the therapists have therapists! NYC Single Mom shares her therapy story and how it all began.

If you haven't done so, you should TOTALLY enter Mommy Delicious' giveaway -- it's a giveaway with a purpose.

Have a great weekend!

Smooches,

Weekend Reads

Hey Lovelies!

Here are a couple good reads for this week's link roundup.

Found the perfect gift for that special someone who lives afar? Great! But don't spend a cent for shipping it! Mom Finds has 25 sites that'll ship your gift for free.

For those of you who have several Holiday parties to attend this season, don't forget the hostess! Shiny Brite compiled a list of great gift ideas that'll make the party hostess just l-o-v-e you.

There's still time to enter Mommy Delicious' Build-A-Bear Workshop giveaway for a chance to win a $25 gift card.

Also... don't forget about Mommy Delicious' Shutterfly giveaway for a chance to win a $30 gift certificate.

Smooches,

Weekend Reads

Hey Lovelies:

Here are some good reads for this week's link round up.

Ever felt insulted from a pair of jeans? Ad Hoc Mom certainly has.

Brrr... it's getting cold out there. Don't forget about keeping your little boy's feet warm. Mom Finds has got the best winter boots for boys.

If you're in the NYC area, Shiny Brite has got you covered to find great gifts from local shops.

Have a great weekend.

Be sure to check out Mommy Delicious often next week because tis the season for giving and there will be LOTS of fun giveaways on this blog starting next week. Yay!

Smooches,

Weekend Reads

Hey Lovelies!

Here are some good reads for this weeks link roundup.

Mom Finds has the best holiday cards as well as the best winter kids' gloves. So head on over to their website and prepare to be awed.

Looking for a yummy way to keep warm these days? Check out delicious soups for Fall from Shiny Brite. While you're at it, plan a trip to NYC Chinatown based on their recent adventure there.

Ad Hoc Mom talks about the difference between perceived parenting and real parenting... can I get an "Amen?"

NYC Single Mom talks about her struggle (and her daughter's struggle) to adjust to a new man in the house.... and gives an amazing review of the Best Pals Dolls.

As for reviews, Culture Mom tells us all about the Off-Broadway show, Stomp.

Enjoy your weekend!

Smooches,
Alicia

Weekend Reads

Hey Lovelies!

Here are some good reads for this week's link roundup.

Who doesn't love a good pair of Uggs?! Mom Finds displays the best kids Ugg boots for girls, boys, and infants.

Shiny Brite gives a delightful recap of a fun trip to Hudson River Valley home of Washington Irving, the author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

NYC Single Mom talks about how to shield kids from violence because "crime never sleeps." This is extremely important to me, as a resident and mom of the city that never sleeps.

Plus Lily shares her insight on how to keep your dogs safe.

And I'm all talk about my AMAZING little boy turning three years old. Yippee, Aiden turns three!!!

Enjoy your Halloween weekend everyone. I know I will have a great time at a fabulous Halloween party in NYC and Aiden's birthday party.

Smooches,
SweetAl

Weekend Reads

Hey Lovelies!

Here are some good reads for this week's link roundup.

Found! The best winter hats for girls and boys, all thanks to the lovely ladies at Mom Finds.

Visit Culture Mom to check out her interview with Jean Stone, author of The Secrets Sisters Keep, a book about the the dynamics of friendships between women -- the good, the bad, and the ugly.  

I'm sure some of you mommies can relate to Ad Hoc MOM's containter store habits. 

With all the nutty technology out there taking over the world, NYC Single Mom talks about setting boundaries when it comes to her daughter using the iPad. 

Have a great weekend lovelies!

Smooches,

SweetAl

Weekend Reads

Hey Lovelies!

Here are a list of good reads for this weekend's link roundup.

If you need more convincing to go apple and pumpkin picking this season than my little ol' post, then Shiny Brite has got you covered. Check out their apple picking experience from this past weekend in NJ.

With Halloween quickly approaching, Mom Finds has got the best costumes for your little cutie pies. Check it out.

Every wonder if maybe your children partake in one too many extracurricular activities? NYC Single Mom weighs in on the debate and decides that ballet class for her daughter is totally worth it.

Are the gals from 'Teen Mom' celebrities? Is MTV portraying them in the best possible way? Tara of The Young Mommy Life shares her thoughts.

Have a great weekend!

Smooches,
SweetAl

Weekend Reads

Hey Lovelies!

Here are some awesome reads for this week's link roundup.

It's the PERFECT season for apple picking! In fact, I'm taking Aiden apple picking this weekend. But before we head out, I'm taking note of these tips and tricks from Plus Lily. 

Disney's come a long way by creating a Black princess in The Princess and the Frog, but they/we still have a long way to go. Read NYC Single Mom's take on Princess Tiana NOT being allowed at Walt Disney's World Cinderella Castle. Shame.

Mom Finds has got the best (and cutest!) baby booties ever. Ever! Check it out!

If you're in the NYC area and love checking out new places to dine, Shiny Brite has got the deets on Eataly, a new Italian-themed food emporium in the Flatiron District. Can we say "yum!"

Enjoy your weekend! Hope you all do something fabulous!

Smooches,

SweetAl

Weekend Reads

Hey Lovelies!

Here is a list of good reads from this weekend's link roundup.

Your baby will look even cuter (is that even possible?) with these Halloween costumes.  Mom Finds has got the skinny on costumes for babies that meets all budgets. 

Teaching your kid how to read? Then you'll want to check out these awesome tips from Shiny Brite! With a son in the first grade, these moms are right in the thick of it and are passing on what they've learned thus far. 

Culture Mom has yet another treat for all its lovely readers: a chance to win a family pack of four tickets to "Angelina Ballerina: The Musical." To enter, all you have to do is click the link and add a comment on her blog. Love it!

Hope you guys have a fantabulous weekend!

Smooches,

SweetAl

Weekend Reads

Hey Lovelies!

Here are some good reads for this week's link roundup.

The 'skinny jeans' trend (for boys and girls) is now bigger than ever. Aiden has quite a few pairs in his mini closet, but since fall is upon us and he has outgrown some of his old pairs, I've bookmarked this post from Mom Finds, showcasing the best skinny jeans for boys, no matter what your budget! 

If mannerism is an issue with your little one, here are a few tips from Shiny Brite about the things her children are not allowed to say. Feel free to steal a few of her ideas!

Routines in the mornings and evenings helps make life with children much easier. This week, thanks to professional organizer and mom of two toddlers, Amanda Wiss, A Child Grows in Brooklyn has pretty awesome tips for establishing routines. You're welcome!

Have a great weekend. Enjoy your children and enjoy yourself!

Smooches,

Alicia

Weekend Reads

Hey Lovelies!

Here are some good reads for this weekend's link roundup.

Mom Finds has the best (and cutest!) Halloween Costumes for infants, toddlers, and big kids. Yes, it's that time of year again and Halloween is right around the corner so get your kids' costumes now!

Shiny Brite has got the 411 on the rewards of the Slow Food Movement and Slow Food in Schools Projects so be sure to check it out.

For Culture Mom, this week it's all about her family's visit to Philadelphia's Franklin Square.

The beginning of September marks the end of Summer (oh glorious Summer!), which means that "fall is approaching and it's long dark days need to be filled creatively." For the SAHM or the work-from-home mom, ad hoc Mom has got the right idea: just take it day by day. LOVE that little tip!

Have a great weekend and do something fun!
Smooches,
SweetAl

Weekend Reads

Hey Lovelies!

Here are some good reads for this week's link round up.

Even in the midst of obstacles, young mommies can succeed. Just read this incredibly inspiring post on The Young Mommy Life if you think I'm kidding.

Found! Amazing group coupon sites so that you can save some serious cash in these challenging economic times: Mom Finds.

If you are in the NYC area and are looking for something fun (and cheap!) to do this Labor Day Weekend, click on over to A Child Grows in Brooklyn.

Culture Mom has an awesome giveaway for those times when motherhood (and life) stresses you out. The giveaway ends Friday September 17th so hurry on over to enter to win this stress buster!

Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

Smooches,
SweetAl