Potty Time: Day 3 Recap

Day 3:

All day it was just her and I because Hubs had to work so you can already see where this is going. She wore me out, running back and forth to the potty by 10 am.  I assumed that by Day 3 she would pretty much get it and run to the potty every chance she could, but boy was I wrong. She turned to holding it in. She would release some pee where she stood and when I ran her to the bathroom she would sit down for two seconds, hop up and say, "All Done." I was getting upset because I thought all of my efforts the entire weekend were for nothing. I was also scared that she would hurt herself holding it in, but I was reassured that this would happen and that she is just trying to get used to this new concept. 

By the time her dad came home I was exhausted and eager to tell him about the day and the challenges we faced. Once he started taking her and talking to her she went like clock work. She made me out to be a liar. Or better yet she was showing off for daddy. I don't care as long as I knew that she had it. I must say that all in all this was an experience and we accomplished the main goal, to get her to recognize when she has to go to the potty. It took a lot of patience and teamwork, but we did it. We now have a semi potty trained one year old. She is wearing her big girl panties. She is growing up.

Potty Time: Day 2 Recap

Day 2:

The morning started the same lecture and the releasing of the diaper. This time I ventured off a little and put panties on her because it was a little cool in the house and I did not have space heaters as the program calls for. It wasn't such a bad idea, but Rhy Boogie liked the free aspect better and pulled them off immediately. So I just let her rock like that. One thing we learned from Day 2 is timing. Hubs figured out that after giving her something to eat or drink we wait 30 minutes and then put her on the potty. Within those 30 minutes we would ask her every 10-15 minutes if she needed to pee pee. Of course she would say no, but when she was ready she would start to pause every couple of seconds. That is how I knew she was trying to hold it. 

There was one draw back today and that was at one point she began to pee on the floor and I ran to her and rushed her to the potty. I scared the heck out of her and she was terrified to get on the potty afterwards. My mom had to coax her back on and get her comfortable. She did not want me anywhere near her when she got on the potty. I was upset a little, but I understood. Rhy Boogie and I made up and we were a working team again. 

Potty Time: Day 1 Recap

Whew! We got through it. We did it. Potty Training has officially started and I am super proud of the progress I already see with the 3 Day Potty Training Program. Rhy Boogie is such a quick learner and she was actually a good sport most of the time. Here is a recap:

Day 1:

We woke up Saturday morning around 7:30, immediately I took Rhy Boogie's diaper off and told her that from today on she will not be wearing a diaper. I told her that when she feels like she has to go potty (she already knew what going to the potty was) she needs to let mommy and daddy know or run to the bathroom. Of course she just stared at me. It was the funniest thing ever, but she got it.

I felt like giving up time and time again, but I knew that I had to keep going for her. Plus I did not want to confuse her or force her to hate the potty. I just simply took a deep breath and pushed through it. I have been peed on more than I can count, but towards the end of the night she recognized the sensation of having to pee pee. She would tense up and look at me. I would rush her to the bathroom and she would finish there. I was so happy and excited that she was getting it.

Day 1 was a process, but we got through it and came out on top. Proud of our little one and ourselves. If you are on day 1 the one thing that I can say is have patience. It is the most trying day of the whole process, but you can do it. I have faith in you like I had in myself and my husband. Stay tuned for Day 2 and Day 3.

Preparing for Baby Number 2

OMG! OMG!OMG! Someone please give me a baby between the ages of 0 to about 6 months to borrow for just a teeny bit, like maybe a week or two. I promise I will give him or her back. I have a serious case of what society likes to call, "Baby Fever". I want another little ball of joy bouncing around the house again. But the timing is so off right now. I still want to enjoy my little Rhy Boogie just a little more, but the baby fever is kicking in. Rhy Boogie is only one and to have another one at this time is probably not the best idea seeing as how she is about to be two in less than four months, that will be too many milestones (good & bad) to go through with two kids. I do know that I want them to be close in age, but I'm not sure how close. My husband shutters at the mere mentioning of another kid so I am left to dream alone.

All I can do for now is plan and make sure we are super ready for baby number two.  I put together a little checklist on some preliminary preparations for another baby. If you have any more to add to the list please feel free to leave them in the comment section and I will add them.

It's Potty Time

 Let me be the first to say I was not ready for this day at all, but it's here and as I begin to plan and figure out my method I am getting more and more excited. My baby is growing up and it makes me so sad. I cannot believe I have an almost 2 year old on my hands. Someone slap me please. I have researched every method from A to Z and I think I am most comfortable with the 3 Day Potty Training strategy outlined in Julie Fellom's diaper free toddler's program. Some of you may have heard of this and for those of you that have not heard of this method click here for a more in depth explanation: 3 Day Potty Training.

Some may frown on this because they believe it rushes the baby into potty training. I disagree because the first thing that is required is that you be ready and your toddler is showing signs of readiness. I am a lets get this done type of individual so this method is perfect for me. Rhy Boogie has been showing signs since she was 15 months, but I was not ready. Not in the least bit. I need to be prepared and I wasn't. But I am now. Equipped with all of my materials and I'm ready for battle. I will be documenting her progress and my feelings on it all so please stay tuned. Day one starts on January 18, 2014. Wish me luck!

*Please excuse the blurry Iphone pics

Kanye West's Lesson Learned

As we may know, Kanye West is under investigation for allegedly hitting an 18 year old man for shouting racial slurs at Kim Kardashian and threatening her life. If you have not heard about this you can get the full story here. I understand that racism still exists in this day and age, but as the receiver of it all one must know how to handle it. Kanye was enraged as anyone would have been, believe me I probably would have been angry as hell, but going after the attacker who didn't physically put their hands on you is not the way to handle it. I'm not in no way shape or form trying to throw Kanye West under the bus. I'm just learning from his actions and teaching my child how to handle these situations.

I'm not usually the one to put celebrities in bad light, but this story brought up a lot of questions and fears for my child. In just a few short months Rhy Boogie will begin her journey in school; she will  be going to daycare. Of course I'm not expecting crazy antics of this kind to come about, but you never know. I just want to make sure Rhy Boogie is equipped and ready to handle this type of situation in the proper way.  As an African American I have had my share of racist comments thrown my way, but as a classy and self-respecting individual I handled every situation with dignity. Here are a few ways that I plan to teach Rhy Boogie how to handle this type of situations and bullying.

6 Ways to Handle Bullying:

*Remember you are not the problem there is nothing wrong with you. It is the bully that has the problem.

*Treat others as you would like to be treated.

*Be confident

*Tell someone

*If you can, walk away

*Don't try to control the uncontrollable.

Be Greater

I took a look in the mirror the other day and I began to see all of my imperfections. Yes I got depressed a little, but not for long. I realized that when ever a new year comes along you begin to see all of the "New Year, New Me" topics. It makes you pick at the negative things about yourself and what you need to improve. Look I'm all about improving, but at this point I'm pretty happy and if there is anything I want to improve on it is the things that are pushing me forward. For example, my family life, my marriage, my business, and my friendships. Flaws will always be there and improvement on them is always best, but sometimes we need to take a step back and pat ourselves on the back. Take our successes and improve on them. Make them ten times better than they already are. This all may sound crazy but while all is up and happy I want it to stay that way. If my flaws are not detrimental to my health, then I'm not going to worry about them. Not yet. Maybe during the summer. So be happy loves. Enjoy what makes you thrive. Push to be greater than you already are. Life is too short.

The Dirty Side of Marriage

Everyone knows that when I write here I am writing from the heart. I don't like to sugar coat things and I never will. I feel like there is already too much fabrication out in the universe as is, so I refuse to add to it. I like to talk to you about the real, in the real. I hope that you appreciate the raw and uncut as much as I do and continue to hang out with me. Here we go.

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Let's talk about marriage. Boy oh boy, marriage is always a touchy subject because everyone has their own views of what they believe marriage is, but the one problem that I have with marriage is that people tend to not tell you what really happens in a marriage. Before you got married have you ever asked another married person what marriage is like to them? I swear I must have asked 100 people this question and I got the same simple answer, "I love being married. You always have someone at home with you to talk to and be there when you need it most. You have a lifetime partner." and here is the kicker, "Trust me you are going to love it." Don't get me wrong, these are all valid reasons and I love being married, but I wish someone would have sat me down and told me the dirty stuff so I could have at least been prepared.

This is why I have decided to tell you the dirty side of marriage. This is not intended to scare you. It's purpose is to let you in on the good stuff. Some of these things may be hilarious and some may be down right crazy but nonetheless it's the truth. I will continue to add to the list as time goes on.

 No One Told Me....

1. He's going to fart in his sleep.
2. We have to be around each other day in and day out.
3. That I would find things out about myself that I never knew.
4. That I would actually like cooking for someone.
5. We would argue at least once a week.
6. Sparks eventually would die.
7. We would have to eventually reinvent ourselves.
8. It takes a lifetime to know a person so never stop learning about your spouse.
9. Children change the whole dynamic of your relationship so think twice before having them.
10. Communication is the number one weapon you have against marriage failure.



*These are my personal opinions and beliefs. Some are from personal experience and conversations with other married couples and friends.

Wishlist Time

My husband keeps asking me what I want for Christmas and I keep telling him nothing, but being the sweet human being he is he just has to get me something. Now ladies we all know that there are so many things we can come up with that we desire. I swear I see something that I want almost all day everyday. I want to make this easier for the hunny buns so I have decided to put together a Wishlist of some of the things I am drooling over. Hey maybe I can inspire a gift for that one person on your wishlist that you can't seem to figure out what to get them. Take a look and hey tell me a few things that you wish for in the comments.

To get the dirty work out of the way, some links in this post are affiliate links to help support the upkeep of this blog. Gotta tell ya that.

1. Baseball Cap

2. Hooded Sweatshirt Dress

3. Shoulder Bag

4. Midi Skirt

5. Sweater Dress

6. Statement Necklace

7. Booties

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The Great Gatsby 1st Birthday

So I've decided to incorporate my love of party decor into a regular routine on the blog so I will be highlighting parties that I see on the web and some that I may have done myself. Also I will be giving you party planning tips and tricks. Partying on a budget is my specialty and boy am I good at it. But for now here is some party inspiration. In the spirit of the new film opening this weekend, The Great Gatsby, I have stumbled upon one of the cutest most adorable 1st birthday party decor ever. I so happened to read one of my fave blogs, Project Nursery, and I saw this Great Gatsby themed party by Layla Grace's co-founder, Tiffany Harris and her husband Tom. I fell all the way in love with this theme and the way it was executed. Take a look at the pics and be inspired.

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Isn't this the most amazing theme for a 1 year old birthday party? Everything was just right. Not too over the top. I loved the little touches like the personalized cakes and party hats. Guests dressed in appropriate attire and even wore pearls. Oh how I love the 1920's era. Do you have any cute 1st Birthday themes?

Oh, Motherhood!

I have been a mommy for a whole year now and this will be my second Mother's Day that I will be celebrating. If I began to tell you what motherhood means to me it will quickly become a novel. So much has happened in this first year and I would not change any of it. I'll try my hardest to keep my meaning of motherhood simple and clear. So here goes.

When I think of Motherhood and what it means to me a few words come to mind that describe it and the things one goes through:

MIGHTY

ONE-STEP AHEAD

THRIFTY

HUMOROUS

EMPATHETIC

REASONABLE

HUMAN

OPEN-MINDED

OVERFLOW OF LOVE

DISCIPLINE

To see what these words mean to me and my true definition of motherhood hop on over to The Little Style File!

Met Gala 2013: Punk, Chaos to Couture

Death to Prison, Freedom to Protest 

by Pussy Riot

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Paloma Faith

The joyful science of occupying squares

The will to everyone’s power, without damn leaders

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Allison Williams in Altuzarra

Direct action—the future of mankind!

LGBT, feminists, defend the nation!

Death to prison, freedom to protest!

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Anne Hathaway in Valentino

Make the cops serve freedom,

Protests bring on good weather

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Cameron Diaz in Stella McCartney

Occupy the square, do a peaceful takeover

Take the guns from all the cops

Death to prison, freedom to protest!

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Cara Delvingne in Burberry

Fill the city, all the squares and streets,

There are many in Russia, beat it,

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Chanel Iman

 Open all the doors, take off the epaulettes

Come taste freedom together with us

Death to prison, freedom to protest!

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Doutzen Kroes

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Julianne Hough in TopShop

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Amar'e and Alexis Stoudemire

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Eve

Top Picks of the Night

Drum Roll Please….

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Who were your fave's for the night?

Dearest Baby Rhyan: You Are Turning 1

Dearest Baby Rhyan,
OMG (Oh My God-just in case you guys aren't using this when you get old enough to read this)!!!! You are turning 1. What a year it has been. You are the most amazing little lady ever and so happy. There are so many things that I can say, but I'll go all day. So I think its more fitting to tell you of this very day one year ago. The day our lives changed.

It was 11 am on May 4th, 2012, I was walking into what was to become my last doctor's appointment to check on you and make sure you were progressing. While being weighed the nurse asked if I had felt you move at all that day. I then realized that I hadn't and I began to get alarmed. After telling her, she quickly placed me on the monitor so that we can hear your heartbeat. There it was just as strong as ever, but you still were not moving. We tried everything to wake you, but you would not budge. After about 2 hours or so the doctor came in and told me I had to go to the hospital and get an ultrasound so we can see what you were doing in mommy's tummy.

Nina and I headed over to St. Peters hospital in New Brunswick, NJ at around 1:30 pm. The ultrasound tech came in and began the ultrasound. She was not much of a talker, but I saw your heartbeat and you. So I knew all was well. I began to calm down. The tech left the room and then came back with another doctor. She told me that during the ultrasound they noticed that the fluid that was around you had gotten too low and they needed to induce me to get you out.

So off to the delivery room we went. Daddy soon came after that and was ready to see you. After daddy arrived Mama and GGMa Linda came. We were all excited and anxious to see you. They induced me at 4:30 pm and then the nervousness kicked in. Contractions started coming and I knew you would be here soon. I'm going to spare you the rest of the details until a later date. At around 1:00 am I felt the most immense amount of pressure and you were ready to come.

I thought I was going to have this long drawn out labor as I have been told that first pregnancies have longer labors. But no buddy you were ready and not playing. At 1:41 am on May 5, 2012 at 7lbs and 4oz. 20 in long, my beautiful baby girl was born. You came out screaming and letting the world know you were here. They placed you on me and ever since then I haven't let you go. My pride and joy you are growing so fast and if you can please stop lol (laugh out loud-just in case). If I could I would keep you as a baby, but I can't and I know you will grow up healthy and strong. You will always remain Mommy's Baby.

Love Always,

Mommy

Mod Podge Table

I'm in the process of decorating my home office on a budget. Therefore there is a lot of diy'ing going on. I needed a desk and I was not trying to spend too much money on it so I waited until my neighborhood thrift store had their 50% off everything sale to look for one. I snagged this lovely white table that was $14.99, but with 50% off it came to $7.49. Talk about a deal!



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I refinished it with some fabric and mod podge and my amazing fab desk was born. I can't wait to fully finish my office, but judging from this desk I'm not going to want to leave this place.

Mother's Day Gift Guide from a Mommy

Yes it's another gift guide and with Mother's Day around the corner I'm giving you ideas from all angles. Last week was for the crafty gift giver and today I'm giving you my personal wishlist of Mother's Day gifts that I wish for. The best gift ideas come from the recipient so take it from a mother and be inspired.

1. The most adorable Charm Necklace with all of my families initials.

2. If you have something to say then why not say it with these Kate Spade 'Call to Action" Bags.
3. A day of pampering PLEASE!
4. I love super soft clean skin and this The Clarisonic Mia 2 will do just that for me.
5. Who doesn't love comfy pj's. I know I do and these are so inviting.

Next Week Preview

I'm a mommy and this mommy has a few items that she's wishing and hoping and praying for on Mommy's Day. Maybe this will help you get your mommy something by seeing what a mommy wants. Stay tuned!

Another craft is coming your way. I can't help myself. Stay tuned!

My precious sweet little baby girl will be 1 next week. The time has flown so fast and she's getting bigger. Oh the memories of being a new mom. Stay tuned!

Chic Baby: Baby Rhyan's 1st Photo Shoot

Here are pics from Baby Rhyan's first photo shoot. She did an amazing job and I couldn't be more proud of her. She is the happiest baby ever and smiles like no other. I just wanted to share these with you. Be prepared this post is very pic heavy. LOL!!!! But they are oh so adorable.

*All pics are courtesy of Finn & Emma. (Review coming soon)