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Media Mom Monday

Wow I really haven't done this in awhile, but it feels great to get back into the swing of things... This weeks Media Mom Monday goes to Mrs. Jada Pinkett Smith. Omg I have been loving her so much lately. She is such a powerful woman to me, overcoming so much adversity early in life growing up with a mother that was addicted to drugs her whole childhood, but she never let THAT define her as a woman, mother, or wife. However, despite the difficult upbringing has assured her mother that she actually used the situation to her advantage, stating that she used her childhood as motivation to move forward. Now, although a lot of people see her parenting style as unconventional, I don't. I think every parent has there own style or remix to raising there children. I mostly admire the freedom she gives her children, the trust she has in them. I was definitely a "Sheltered Child" growing up. My mom hovered over me until I moved out, She is still hovering from afar she wanted to control everything and I remember at one point resenting that. I believe it's important for every child to feel like there own person. To feel like there parents trust them. 

-Bre

Here is Jada Speaking Some Truth!!!

Why is My Son so Mean???

Yesterday Alex had a routine checkup at the Pediatrican office and boy did he act a fool!!! Omg not even two mintues after walking into the office he was screaming at someone's kid. I immediately took Alex out of the situation and he had a full blown tantrum. I looked up from off the ground and politely gave the child's parent "The Nod and Embarassed Smile". She nodded back I think she knew exactly what I was going through, I think she felt my pain. Every parent of Toddlers know the struggle.... They call it the "Terrible Twos" but I swear I have been dealing with this behavior from Alex for a long time now, and my husband and I do all the things we feel necessary to improve his behavior but I just have come to the realization that my son is mean...

These are some of the behaviors I'm talking about:

1. He constantly yells "NO" to random strangers and family members (even great grandmas)  Really Alex Great Grandmas smh!!! I feel so bad they try to hug and kiss him and it pisses him off. I understand that he is a shy child around people he doesn't see everyday but why can't he just hide behind mama or not speak at all like normal children do.

2. He hates when people smile at him or look at him too long... And don't even speak to him unless you want to see him have a tantrum... Smh one day a old man with a cane stood behind us in line at Target. He smiled at Alex and of course he used his favorite word "NO" I knew deep down inside Alex was giving this man a warning, I tried my hardest to hurry up and grab my bank card out of my wallet and pay before things got ugly, but I was too late! The old man started talking to him and before I knew it Alex let out a ear piercing scream "Nooooooo" he screamed pointing directly at the man barely staying inside the shopping cart... The man was so shocked he switched lines.. Alex screamed until we left the store.

3. He ever shares. This is typical for his age, but Alex will walk into a room were other kids are playing and act like everything belongs to him. I have been seeing improvement with his sharing though, but it takes a while before he will cooroperate.

4.  He hates talking on the phone.  I really can't explain this one he just does not like talking on the phone.

5. He bullies the Dog. Thank God we have a big dog who is unbothered by Alex shenanigans, but boy do I feel sorry for her... He punches, pushes, throws his toys at her, continuously follows her around getting on her nerves whenever he is frustrated ... We've definitely enforced the rule "No hitting the dog or anyone" but he does still try to sneak hits when we're not paying attention.... But he also just loves that dog to death... They are besties despite his bullying.  

6. How he treats me in public. Embarrassed is not a big enough word to explain how he treats me in public. Whenever we go into Target, TJ Maxx,  The Mall he feels the need to pull his " Act a damn fool card" and does whatever he needs to do to show his ass!! Usually I bribe him with a snack, book, or toy to keep him quiet so I can shop in peace, but now I just don't take him anymore when im shopping. That is now my official ME time.

7. His first instinct is to throw/hit things when he is pissed off. This habit really pisses me off. Imagine telling your toddler "No you can't have that snack" and instead of just putting it back they throw it or something else because they are pissed.. Usually when he does this I immediately send him to timeout and explain that the behavior is unacceptable... He now barely throws things.

Sometimes I'm completely clueless to why he acts the way he does, because at home he is the sweetest little angel. Full with love, kisses, and cuddles. I'm not sure if other parents have a toddler like mine even though most toddlers I see are sweet... I'm hoping he will outgrow this and I'm constantly working with him to let him know what behaviors won't be tolerated... I still have a long way to go but I'm seeing improvement, I know he is a good kid he is just very stubborn... Or Spoiled lol. Any mamas out there dealing with a stubborn toddler???

Mommy on a Budget!!!

 Today I was inspired by my bestie to do a little bit more with my blog so you all will see me attempting to do more mommy friendly things other than my usual research and stories. One idea I thought would be a good addition to the blog is "Mommy on a Budget".  Us mommy know how expensive having a child/children can be, so I want to help everyone get some bang for there buck. I stumbled across this website after I saw a Haul on YouTube and let me tell you all that I found the Jackpot at the end of the Rainbow!!! Everything on this website is $1.00 YES!!! You heard me right $1.00. They have Costume Jewelry, Sunglasses,  Hats, and Scarfs, Flash Tattoos, they even sell stuff for Kids!!! Everything is affordable and the quality of the jewelry is decent very similar to H&M or Forever21 costume jewelry. The site is called Miss A and believe me when I tell you It's Good!! Only downside is stuff will obviously get Sold out quick so you have to jump on it when you see something you like....  Check it out Mamas and Thank Me Later! (Link is Down Below)

- Breanna

Miss A Accessory Shop
http://www.shopmissa.com/

Happy New Years!!! Our Year in Review

 Happy New Years Everyone!!! Wow what a big year 2014 was for my family and I. The biggest highlights were that I started this blog, I started working toward my 2nd college degree, I got Married, and now My husband and I are about to own our 1st home. Not to mention while all of this was going on Baby Alex has been growing so much. He just turned 2 and boy is he busy!! He is growing up so fast and becoming his own little person, discovering how things in the world work. I am so excited to see the new adventures were going to have this year and share them with you all.

Wow time sure flys when your with the ones you Love!!!

Happy New Years Everyone!!! Let's make the Most out of 2015

The Very Hungry Caterpillar My A**!! Parents Watch Out for these Caterpillars!!!!

There has been a lot of reports lately about the "Puss Caterpillar" around the Florida area but now I just saw on the news that one has stung a toddler in my area and I'm very concerned. As a child I remember me and my cousins touching and picking up caterpillars if we saw one from time to time, not even knowing or being informed that one could possibly sting us, now that I know this I find it necessary to pass this info to other parents who may be unaware of any potential harms that could possibly come to our children from these caterpillars. I found a list of venomous caterpillars on www.poisoncentertampa.org and I thought I would share this with you all.

1. Puss Caterpillar - A convex, stout-bodied larva, almost 1" long when mature, and completely covered with gray to brown hairs. Under the soft hairs are stiff spines that are attached to poison glands. When touched, these poisonous spines break off in the skin and cause severe pain. Most often found on oaks and citrus. In Florida there are two generations a year, one in spring and the other in fall. 
   
2. lo Moth Caterpillar - Pale green with yellow and red stripes. Often exceeds 2" in length and is fairly stout-bodied. The nettling organs are borne on fleshy tubercles, and the spines are usually yellow with black tips. The spines are connected to poison glands. Ixora and rose are their favorite hosts.
   
3. Buck Moth Caterpillar - A large caterpillar, 1-3/4" to 2-1/4" long when mature. It is yellow-brown to purplish-black with many small white spots and a reddish head. Feeds on oak, willow and other deciduous plants.
   
4. Flannel Moth Caterpillar - This caterpillar is about 1" long when mature. Stinging hairs are intermixed with soft hairs in diffuse tufts. Larvae are creamy white (Upper photo), turning dark as they mature (lower photo). They feed on oak and various other shrubs and trees. 
   
5. Hag Caterpillar - Light- to dark-brown with nine pairs (sometimes fewer) of variable-length, lateral processes, which bear the stinging hairs. It is found on various forest trees and ornamental shrubs. Not as common as the other species.
   
6. Saddleback Caterpillar - Brown with a green back and flanks, on which there is a conspicuous brown oval central area that usually is bordered with white. The brown spot looks like a saddle, and the green area looks like a saddle blanket. It may exceed an inch in length and is stout-bodied. The primary nettling hairs are borne on the back of paired fleshy protuberances toward the front and hind ends of the body. There is also a row of smaller stinging organs on each side.
   
7. Spiny Oak-Slug Caterpillar - A pale-green caterpillar about 3/4" long when mature. Favorite food plants include oak, willow and other deciduous plants.
   
8. Tussock Moth Caterpillar - Larvae are 1-1.5 inches in length. They are characterized by hair pencils of black setae that extend forward from the prespiracular verrucae of the prothorax, a dorsal hair pencil of black setae on the eighth abdominal segment, dorsal tussocks on the first four abdominal segments, and mid-dorsal glandular structures on abdominal segments six and seven.
   

 If you or your child sees any of these caterpillars I highly suggest going the other way. If you (The Parent) can safely capture it without touching it that's great! Get it the hell from out your yard! Now if you or your child gets stung by one of these caterpillars, don't panic! 

If Stung: Place Scotch tape over the affected area and strip off repeatedly to remove spines. Apply ice packs to reduce the stinging sensation, and follow with a paste of baking soda and water. If the victim has a history of hay fever, asthma or allergy, if allergic reactions develop,or if you don't have any of the following supplies contact a physician immediately.

The Disgusting Things We Do For Our Kids!

I believe i speak for all moms when i say I've been in some very disgusting situations with my kid. You never even realize until your actually a parent that "Their issues are your issues." I mean obviously that's a given, but the reality of it is really shocking to a first time mother. Ive caught myself doing things that would usually make the average person say YUCK! and i do it like its second nature now. Its part of parenthood, if you don't step up who will?? Okay so what i want to know is am i the only person who does these things:

1. Wipe snot away with your bare hands - Yes if i have a wipe or napkin near me i will use that instead but sometimes you got to do what you got to do. Anit no way I'm going to have my little homie out in the streets with a snotty nose. [Looking like the snotty nose boy from "Martin's" Building] 
   
2. I Examine Poop!!! - Call me the poopie police or whatever but I'm always checking to make  sure everything is looking normal... hehehe
3. Stick your hand in the toilet - Toddlers always seem infatuated with the toilet water, especially mine and they will throw toys, phone, anything inside just to see the water splash. I remember on one occasion i was dumping Baby Alex pee from his potty into the big toilet, well soon as i dumped the pee he dumped my keys and i had to reach in there to grab them since i had already began flushing the toilet before i noticed them... smh 
   
4. Smell Butts - I have definitely been catching myself a lot recently picking up my baby or leaning down and smelling his butt, i don't even notice i do it sometimes. 
   
5. Pick their Nose - If you've been following my blog for awhile, you already know one of my pet peeves with kids are nasty noses. So yes i admit that i will go get my sons boogers out his nose, because he doesn't know how to do it yet... I use napkins.... most of the time hehe
6. Clean their face with your Spit - This is actually a normal thing i think all mothers do, I usually only do that if he has dried up tears on his face or something sticky. 
   
7. Catching that unwanted food into your hands - The first time i actually did this i was so shocked at what had just transpired in the food court of the mall... Half way into chewing his grilled cheese Baby Alex decided he was done and attempted to spit the whole glob of mush onto my food, i nonchalantly put my hand under his mouth and caught the food like it was nothing. it wasn't until then did i realize how gross that was.
8. Picking up Poop off the floor  - Lol i have only had to do this once but it felt like i was cleaning up after a puppy. I'm currently working on teaching my son about the potty, and one day when he went to poop in the potty he missed the whole damn thing and pooped on the floor.

These things may be very disturbing to someone who doesn't have kids, and maybe even disturbing to someone who has 3 kids, but at the end of the day this is me, this is motherhood. Its not always rainbows and sunshine, but as a mother you should be able to deal with these types of things because they can happen any day at anytime without warning. I actually love these little experiences because you go back and laugh, and you learn.

Wednesday Weekly Recipe

 So I'm sitting on my couch, trying to figure out something different to make for dinner last night, when I stumble upon this recipe for Chicken Enchiladas on eatcakefordinner.net,  but the twist was they were made with Stuffed Shells!!! OMG my mouth began watering immediately. I had to share this with you guys!! My husband Proposed again once he tasted this lol...

THIS WEEKS RECIPE IS CHICKEN ENCHILADA SUTFFED SHELLS (FROM EATCAKEFORDINNER.NET)  

 Ingredients

1. 2 cups of Cooked Shredded Chicken (Rotisserie fine)
2. 1 Tablespoon of Taco Seasoning, or to taste
3. 3/4 cup of Sour Cream
4. 1 Roasted Red Pepper, chopped
5. 2 Tablespoon of Chopped Cilantro, plus mor for garnish
6. 1 Tablespoon of Chopped Green Onions, plus more for garnish
7. 1 Large Tomato, diced
8. 2 cups of Monterey or PepperJack Cheese
9. 18 Jumbo Pasta Shells, cooked

White Enchilada Sauce

1. 3 Tablespoons of Unsalted Butter
2. 3-4 Tablespoons of Flour
3. 1 (14.5 oz) can of Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
4. 1/3 cup of Green Salsa
5. 1/4 cup of Sour Cream

 Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, taco seasoning, sour cream, chopped red pepper, 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1 Tablespoon chopped green onion, 1/2 of the diced tomato and 1 cup of grated cheese.  Divide filling between the cooked jumbo shells and place in a greased 8x8-inch casserole dish; set aside.  
   

 For the Enchilada Sauce

1.  In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.  Whisk in the flour, one Tablespoon at a time, until a thick paste forms.  Cook for two minutes, stirring occasionally.  Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and continue whisking until smooth and sauce reaches desired creamy thickness.  Stir in the green salsa and sour cream.  Pour sauce over stuffed shells.  Top with remaining cheese.   
2. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.  Broil  for a few minutes until cheese is browned.  Garnish with additional chopped cilantro, chopped green onions and remaining chopped tomato.  Serves: 3-4, depending on how many shells each person can eat.       
   

   
   

   
   

Poop Poop in the Potty!!!!

I'm just so excited to announce that last night before bedtime Baby Alex pooped in the potty for the first time.!!!

 AHHHHH I'M HAVING A PROUD MOMMY MOMENT!!

 I just recently introduced him to the potty but i haven't actively started potty training him yet. I just usually sit him on the potty first thing in the morning, before and after nap time and before bedtime so he will become familiar with it, and up until this point all he did was pee but now he pooped!! My main intention is to try the whole 3 day potty training boot camp in the next few weeks. I will definitely keep everyone updated on his progress and i will make post once i start the actual potty training.

Yeaaa!! one step closer to tossing the diapers!!!

Let's Nourish Our Toddlers Not just Feed Them!

As a first time mother I was absolutely clueless on what type of meals to feed my son once it was time for him to eat regular foods. Up to that point I was mainly breastfeeding him and giving him pureed baby foods, then once I noticed he was interested in what I was eating i began switching it up. I didn't have a clue what to feed him. Friends and family told me to give him fries, hot dogs, etc. and even though he seemed to enjoy those foods it wasn't something i wanted to feed him everyday. I wanted to nourish my child not just feed him, so I changed up his whole meal plan to something I thought was better for him. Of course I did my research, and in the end I came out with an overall healthier, happier, more energized toddler.

 It definitely took time though, Baby Alex was in the mist of going through that annoying picky eater stage. Our dinner table had become a battleground, but i had to take control of the situation, and that's exactly what I did. I stayed calm when he thought mealtime was playtime and threw his food all over the ground, because I knew if he was hungry he would eat. I continued to offer him the nutritious foods and I let him decide how much he was going to eat, and as time went buy he began to eat more and more healthier without the fight. The war was over and i was victorious!!! Dinnertime had become a peaceful place again.

 So I wanted to write this post to help other mothers who may be struggling with giving there child a healthier meal. I put together a list of foods that I give Alex and along with the food I will put how it helps your toddler... Now lets get Started.

1. Avocado - Avocado has "good" fats that lower "bad" LDL Cholesterol, It also has a Super source of Fiber which helps prevent constipation, and it contains Vitamin E. Baby Alex loves avocado by itself and i usually will give it to him as a snack but if your child is not as welcoming to Avocado you can add it to salads, chili, dip for chips etc. 
   
2. Greek Yogurt - aka "The Perfect Snack". Greek Yogurt helps aid digestion and contains healthy bacteria known to boost immunity.
3. Oatmeal - Helps boost energy, and it has a good source of Fiber.
4. Sweet Potatoes - Sweet Potatoes contain Vitamins B,C, and E, they also give your child a great source of Calcium, Potassium and Iron, and they are rich in complex carbohydrates and Fiber.and all you have to do to make this perfect with your meal is add some Cinnamon - which helps regulate blood sugar.
5. Cabbage, Broccoli, and Kale - All of these green veggies contain Phytonutrients, and helps clear harmful toxins from your child's body by releasing enzymes.
6. Milk - Contains Protein and Calcium. (builds brain tissue) helps keep bones and teeth strong.
7. Fruit - Gives your child Vitamins, Minerals, and Fiber. ( berries, Melon, Kiwifruit, Oranges)
8. Blueberries - Ranked one of the healthiest fruits. It has anti-oxidants and promotes brain function. 
   
9. Black Beans -  Contains Protein, Fiber, and Calcium. It guards against Heart Disease and High Cholesterol. " The Darker the color the better they are for you."
10. Salmon - Has anti-inflammatory powers, contains heart-healthy omega -3 fats, and it boosts brain development. 
    
11. Eggs - Contain Protein, Calcium, and Vitamin D
12. Basil - Has Anti-oxidants, contains Vitamins A,C, and K, it also has Iron, Potassium, and Calcium. It Improves Digestion. You can add basil to Pasta, Pesto, or grind it up for soups if your child doesn't like seeing green on there food.
13. Tomatoes - Loaded with lycopene which protects against many Cancers. Did you know that cooking tomatoes make them even healthier!! it releases lycopene. Tomatoes go great on these quick meals... Pizza, pasta, and chili. Add some Olive Oil to absorb it more.
14. Peanut Butter -  Contains Protein, Vitamin B, Fiber, Magnesium, and Potassium. Although its high in fat most are healthy fats. Spread it on Whole Grain Bread with fruit, bananas, or berries instead of Jelly or Jam.
15. Lean Ground Beef -  High in Protein, Iron, and Calcium. Hamburgers, Meatloaf, ground beef added to spaghetti sauce, and chili are all potentially healthy meals for toddlers.

 Now before I go I just wanted to tell you all if you give your toddler a main meal just before his nap he may be too tired to eat. Give him a small snack instead and a meal when he wakes. Try to space his snacks evenly between meals too, that way your toddler will have energy to fuel his burst of activity. 

**** Here are some good Snack Ideas****

• Yogurt with berries or Fruit
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Grapes
• Cubes of Cheese
• Small Sandwich
• Fruit Smoothie
• Veggie Stick or Bread stick with Dip

Wednesday Weekly Recipes

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to cook and I love to eat, so I thought it would be an awesome idea to start a weekly recipe, it's basically just showcasing a meal that's easy for everyday moms to cook for there family and I also will put some of my experiences with cooking certain meals, so I hope everyone loves this....

This weeks Recipe is Tomato Cucumber Salad with Olives and Feta (from fivehearthome.com)

Dill & Garlic Dressing

1. 1/2 cup of Olive Oil
2. 1/4 cup of Red Wine Vinegar
3. 1 1/2 teaspoons of Sugar
4. 1 clove garlic Minced
5. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
6. 1/4 teaspoon of dried Oregano
7. 1/4 teaspoon of Salt
8. Fresh ground Black Pepper, to taste

Salad

1. 1 pound of Tomatoes (cherry or grape cut in half)
2. 1 pound of Cucumbers (approximately cut into 2 large or 4 small dices)
3. 1/2 cup of Kalamata Olives (drained, chopped, diced)
4. 1/2 cup of Feta Cheese, crumbled
5. 2 tablespoons of fresh dill, for garnish

*** I also added an Avacado, just because I love Avacado in my salads*****

Directions

For the Dressing...

1. In a Medium bowl Mix all the ingredients until Throughly blended.

For the Salad

1. In a Large Bowl combine all Salad ingredients
2. Add Dressing mix to the bowl with Salad Ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
3. Let refrigerate for at least 4 hours, removing from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.
4. Enjoy

I have been a busy Mama!!!

Hey everyone, Sorry that i have been M.I.A. for the last few moths but i have had so much going on lately. Firstly i have got Engaged and Married since you last heard from me so i was practically busy trying to put together a small wedding in a months time. Also My Husband and i are mentally getting ready to make a big move out of Virginia to become homeowners soon, so were in the mist of trying to find a house that will work well for our family... Baby Alex is growing!! He will be 19 months now and boy is he busy!! Now he is starting to get to the point were he wants to do his own thing. He's to cool for hand holding, He wants to feed himself and he rather to dress and undress himself... no more help from mommy is wanted =[ Its okay though i knew this would eventually happen so i'm prepared. Here a few photos of what we have been up to...