Wednesday Wow: Ms CEO, SAHM

“Ms Pressley, you’re pregnant!” Naaah Doc, you need to check that test again. I have 2 college degrees a great corporate job and a new car.” What in the heck am I gonna do now?”  I probably didn’t say that much but darn near close it. Because every time a doctor told me I was pregnant she/ he laughed at my response. But I was so serious. Instead of celebrating and uploading funny announcements on social media, I was thinking dang- again?!

I think this is Amen (our number 7)

Yes, their dad was there but I loved making my own money. (At one point, I was working 3 jobs. Just because the opportunities were there.) Each birth seemed a step back from that independence that I needed for my own sanity. But sitting there in frustration and pity didn’t seem like an option.

So I had to think Quick

Noah & I volunteering for The Ronald McDonald House charities at Time Warner Cable Arena

I knew that I

• needed to be a mom first
• deserved to be happy during my time as a sahm
• my children required a positive home environment
• desired to keep money in my pocket for the “extra stuff”
• lacked resources ( time, a big bank account, free childcare)
• have to find a ways to leverage the skills I already had.
• to continue to bring something to the “family table” beside my awesome looks and our beautiful healthy children. Call me crazy but I just rest relying on my husband for everything.

 SEARCH FOR VIDEO HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THIS MATTER

(It’s an incredible series! )

Today, there is a certain stigma attached to the stay-at-home mom. Little do they know, we do want more. And many others like me do more than former sahm’s, not missing a beat with their children in tow.

Margaret “Peggy” Bundy, played by Katey Sagal, is Al’s wife and very lazy. She refuses to cook for the family or to clean the house. She also prefers shopping new clothes to washing them and doesn’t even think of having a job. During the day she likes to watch all the day time talkshows, sitting on the beloved family couch and eating tons of bonbons (without getting fat, though). Her favorite TV show is “Oprah”, but she also likes the Home Shopping Network. Peggy usually wears white trash fashion with tight pants and stilettos.

I recently read about a woman who quit her job to start a cupcake baking business.

We live in an economy that values productivity, passion, and hard work. We also live in a time where the Mommy Wars continue. If you search LinkedIn, you’ll come up with hundreds of CEO SAHMS. If you go a step further, you’ll see what they did before they decided to stay home with their child (ren).Some were in law, technology, marketing, medicine, education, real estate, sports; you name it!  See where I’m going with this?  

 Life as an at-home mom is full of interesting moments — some have you feeling like Supermom, others leave you reaching for the aspirin.  If you want It can be done, and you can make good money. Be prepared to work very hard, but you’ll be doing something you love, and working at your own time and on your own term. 

 

Once I starting making money, we were finally able to buy a new van without payments.

Our Moms say “Buy Some ACV Today!”

One thing I love more than savings money, having great times with my family and morning hugs is discovering ways do live better so I can continue to do everything I mentioned above. Some say that Apple Cider Vinegar is the ticket. It’s been whispered about for years.

Check this out! I asked my moms from  Queen City Stay At Home Moms to share their tops testimonies and here’s what I got. I’m sure you’ll find something to help you if needed.

10 Amazing Facts About Apple Cider Vinegar 

Hair rinse: Skip harsh shampoos and wash away buildup with an apple cider vinegar rinse. When used as a follow-up to baking soda, this do-it-yourself treatment makes strands shinier, reduces frizz and seals cuticles. It also simulates the scalp to promote hair growth.

Toner: Psoriasis sufferers praise apple cider vinegar for reducing inflammation. Apply a few drops to a cotton ball and rub on your T-zone or other dry spots to prevent breakouts and minimize blemishes.

Mouthwash: Mix apple cider vinegar with water, then swish around in your mouth. This antiseptic will break down plaque and bad breath-causing bacteria.

Face mask: When you combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. Leave this detoxifying, deep-pore treatment on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

Bath solution: The next time you get ready to slip into a warm bath, add one to two capfuls of apple cider vinegar. It draws toxins out of the body, leaving behind toned and moisturized skin.

Wart removal: Can’t afford surgery to get rid of warts? Try placing a cotton pad soaked in apple cider vinegar on top, then secure with a bandage. Leave on overnight and remove in the morning. If you stick to this consistently for a week, you should start to see results. (Warning: Don’t pick at your skin as the wart dries up.) 

A mom from Queen City Stay At Home Moms said: “I drink it every morning in 16 ounces of hot water, soak my scalp and hair in it to deep clean my scalp which really helps clear up the seborrheic dermatitis that forms there, and I’ve used it to clear skin rashes on my daughter. Works like it’s Magic!!!”

Foot soak: Go the natural route with your at-home pedicure and use apple cider vinegar to soothe aching and swollen feet. This provides instant relief for pregnant women, runners, high-heel lovers and flip-flop wearers.
Sunburn remedy: Laying out in the sun is fun until you get burned. Relieve pain and minimize peeling skin by applying a wash cloth soaked in apple cider vinegar to the area.

Age spots and varicose veins treatment: Many women claim that drinking apple cider vinegar (with water) maintains youthful-looking skin. But a way to stop signs of aging, including age spots and varicose veins, is to simply dab it on before going to bed.

Deodorant: The smell of apple cider vinegar is putrid, but it pales in comparison to underarm odor. Rub a little into your pits and the odor will eventually neutralize.

Do you use apple cider vinegar in your beauty regimen? Give us the deets. For more information click the images and go to the sites.

Friday Four: Crazy Easter Eggs

I would “Burry” & eat this up! But I don’t do Easter.

Fill up a sugar free basket!

Happy Easter Weekend!It’s raining in the Carolina. All outdoor hunts are officially drenched! Í would be upset if we had plans today, but because we don’t,” Que Sera Sera .” If you are stuck inside and need some sunny bright ideas for indoors, here you go. I’ve put together four of the best indoor egg games ever!

Growing up in the south, I remember my mom passing out Easter speeches to all of the church children and getting us out to each and every practice. Then when the big day came, we got all shiny and clean just to hold the mike and freeze.The church was lucky if they heard a “Happy Easter Day!” This video reminded me of those carefree days! Too funny, take a look. Our church would respond just like those folks did.

We don’t celebrate Easter anymore. In the mean time we have can up with so many ways to enjoy this festive time with family and friends. I’ve listed some below.

 FOUR EGGCELLANT  IDEAS  & 3 Bonus 

Fun Easter games and more:

1. Top 10 Tips for Indoor Easter Fun  & play time! Grab this collection too!

2. Very Cute, Easy & Fun Decorating ideas & more!

3. 15 Easter Party Games for Children & for after Easter play! 

4. Enjoy yummy salads this year and other light meals.

Color them naturally!

Eat well! By This Guys World

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you hurry, you can get everything before the best thrift stores close!

Noah’s Easter swag for the day. we’ll add blue jeans.

 

Now to wrap it all up with a little Easter Swag Rap! 🙂

Why, because it free to watch. That is all Easter bunnies!

The First Family Easter swag!

The movie “Noah” Review-moms for moms

I didn’t go. Instead two other moms from the Supermom team attended with a guest.

Her words- “Noah” is a bizarre movie.If I didn’t spend my money to see it we would have walked out.” Stephanie B.

“In the very beginning when Noah started talking to rock monsters, I knew we were screwed. It was like a nightmare. The theater was silent and the audience was horrified. I was talking to everyone as we left, and I did not find a single person that liked it. It was like a bad dream.”

Aronofsky’s Noah becomes so disturbed by human sinfulness that he obsesses on the idea that the race should not survive. God must be using the hero’s family just to save the animal kingdom and then mankind will die out. If his son’s wife has a baby girl, Noah announces a plan to take that life to prevent the human race from going forward. Later, with Noah’s knife raised over twin daughters you sense a composite, Noah mixed with a bit of Abraham and going crazy.

The portrayal of Noah during this part of the movie is so dark that you do not want to like him. It is hard to reconcile this character with the “righteous” man described in Genesis 6 or the man of “faith” described in Hebrews 11.

Jews and Christians will have a hard time recognizing Noah in this film while the environmental agenda is overdone.

Anyone familiar with the 500-year-old man and his ark may need to check some of their most cherished visualizations of him at the theater door. No cozy two-by-two images of beatific giraffes grace this “Noah.” Like any good artist, Aronofsky has avoided predictable, literalist retellings of beloved Sunday school stories by inserting new characters, bringing parenthetical figures to the fore and making one of history’s most enduring and universal myths his very own.But, as a money-making ploy, it’s a downright masterpiece.

Watch the Noah – Review 2014 clip here! 

Mom two in her words: Saw Noah; So on point and so very good! A must see. Bring tissues. Special effects good if you’re into that stuff. I liked how it was filled with passion, love, respect, mercy, teaching, good and hope. Also addresses human choice and responsibility. Love hearing God referred to as ‘The Creator’, reminding us that we are not such, and instead serve a higher power and purpose beyond. Really good movie. Definitely bring tissues. Don’t understand the controversy regarding a movie with good messages… At least I believe love, hope, and respect are good messages to teach and learn.

Drowning in Distortion — Darren Aronofsky’s “Noah”  Said Dr. Molher

Noah is a homicidal maniac. God is an angry tree-hunger who avenges himself on people for harming the environment.-  Fr.Z blog

The Film Shows	The Bible States
“In the beginning, there was nothing.”	“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
Adam and Eve had three sons.	Adam and Eve had Cain, Abel, Seth, and other sons and daughters. (Genesis 5:4)
Noah’s father Lamech died when Noah was a young boy.	Lamech lives until Noah is about 595 years old, dying approximately five years before the Flood.
Japheth is Noah’s youngest son.	Ham is Noah’s youngest son (Genesis 9:24 ).
Japheth releases the raven from the ark.	Noah releases the raven (Genesis 9:7).
God used the big bang and evolution (see below for more details).	God created everything in six days (Genesis 1).
Man is to be judged because of what humans have done to the earth.	Man is to be judged for sinning against the holy and righteous God.
Noah builds the ark solely to save “the innocents” (meaning the animals), and after it serves its purpose, man is to die off.	Noah built the Ark for the saving of his household (Hebrews 11:7) and the animals (Genesis 6:19–20).

 

From: Huffington Post-  The Film Never Mentions God
I have heard this objection repeatedly this weekend, particularly on FOX News and talk radio outlets, and it is blatantly false and ridiculous. The very word translated “God” in Genesis is not a name, but a generic reference that might be translated as “The Powers” (Elohim). One can only imagine the uproar had Aronofsky chosen to call the Creator “The Powers” — which would have been quite biblical. In the Noahfilm, this nameless One is constantly referred to as “the Creator,” but used in a very personal way by all the characters in the film — good and bad. According to Exodus 6:3, God did not make Himself known by His personal name Yahweh (YHVH) or “the LORD” until the time of Moses. The references to God as “the LORD” in Genesis 6-9 in the flood story are accordingly anachronistic — so it turns out, ironically, that Aronofsky’s designation of God as “the Creator,” is more biblical than his critics objections imagine.

After all of this, I think I’ll pick up a bible for the first time in well over 10 years just to read the story again! And yes, I still want to see it for myself. (Blame the marketing! I can just see the “Holy Rollers” battling the “Free Thinkers “– Too funny.

How Accurate-Is-Noah

I think I’ll leave my son Noah Elohim home to mind the animals. (Not a movie to take children to before studying religion)

The Blue SAHM

“Snap Out of It” they say, “Find something to do”, “Can’t you see how lucky you are?  You have a beautiful baby!  You should be grateful.”I’ve even heard, Is that what you went to  college to be? ” and “Go bake a cake.”ooh, and let’s not forget…. “Get a job, a real one if you’re not happy.”

SAHM’s Rock!

My sweet lord! Why do moms have to go so far to justify their choices and feelings? We all have different circumstances and reasons for choosing to be a stay at home mom. I had no idea which would be best for my kids,but I knew that I had to do what was in the best interest for our family. Motherhood is tough enough, being a sahm is no picnic. At times it may even seem like a competitive sport. Who needs another stick! Don’t let it beat YOU! Here’s my rules for sticking it to the oppressors:

I felt stuck–like I was falling deeper into a hole I’d never be able to escape.

1st Rule – Don’t cause yourself trouble. You can’t turn on a facet and get mad when the sink fill up.

2nd- Even after a thunderstorm, the rain stops and there’s a rainbow. Never see your situation as permanent.

3rd- Make it ok. Find free and affordable community based events, groups that fit you and time for yourself. Ultimately it’s you that’s going to make it ok. Not hubby, grandma, or baby sitter – just you.

4th- Walk away.  It’s ok to do it. Make sure the child is safe and go. (Come back though)

5th- Guard your heart. People say hurtful things with out thinking. detach and dissolve if you must. most times you’ll just need to let them know that you aren’t crazy and to back off.  It will be harder if you are the baby of the family as I am, but they’ll get the picture when you stop responding.

6th- Give it ambition- If you are going to be home with the children, be there! Create incredible children on purpose. Pull your hair in a ponytail and go out. You and the children will love it. If the house isn’t impeccable, who cares? You and the kids can make a game out of cleaning it once you return.

‘I use all my skills and intelligence – negotiation, patience, problem-solving, creativity – to bring up the children’

When you read the lists below, keep in mind postpartum depression and anxiety are sometimes “comorbid.”  This means you can have a bit of both, or all of both.  If you have symptoms on both lists, that’s not out of the ordinary.

Some days do suck! I would not lie and say different. But there are more good ones than bad! And when I get old, I have 8 helpers to take care of me. 🙂

Okay.  Here we go. You may have postpartum depression if you have had a baby within the last 12 months and are experiencing some of these symptoms:

• You feel overwhelmed.  Not like “hey, this new mom thing is hard.”  More like “I can’t do this and I’m never going to be able to do this.”  You feel like you just can’t handle being a mother.  In fact, you may be wondering whether you should have become a mother in the first place.
• You don’t feel bonded to your baby.
• You can’t understand why this is happening.  You are very confused and scared.
• You feel irritated or angry. You have no patience. Everything annoys you.  You feel resentment toward your baby, or your partner, or your friends who don’t have babies. You feel out-of-control rage.
• You feel nothing. Emptiness and numbness. You are just going through the motions.
• You feel sadness to the depths of your soul. You can’t stop crying, even when there’s no real reason to be crying.
• You feel hopeless, like this situation will never ever get better. You feel weak and defective, like a failure.
• You can’t bring yourself to eat, or perhaps the only thing that makes you feel better is eating.
• You can’t concentrate. You can’t focus. You can’t think of the words you want to say. You can’t remember what you were supposed to do. You can’t make a decision. You feel like you’re in a fog.
• You feel disconnected. You feel strangely apart from everyone for some reason, like there’s an invisible wall between you and the rest of the world.
• You feel like you should be able to snap out of it, but you can’t.
• You might be having thoughts of running away and leaving your family behind. Or you’ve thought of driving off the road, or taking too many pills, or finding some other way to end this misery.
• You know something is wrong. You may not know you have a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, but you know the way you are feeling is NOT right. You think you’ve “gone crazy”.
• You are afraid that this is your new reality and that you’ve lost the “old you” forever.
• You are afraid that if you reach out for help people will judge you. Or that your baby will be taken away.

You may have postpartum anxiety or postpartum OCD if you have had a baby within the last 12 months and are experiencing some of these symptoms:

• Your thoughts are racing. You can’t quiet your mind. You can’t settle down. You can’t relax.
• You feel like you have to be doing something at all times. Cleaning bottles. Cleaning baby clothes. Cleaning the house. Doing work. Entertaining the baby. Checking on the baby.
• You are worried. Really worried.  All. The. Time.  Am I doing this right?  Will my husband come home from his trip?  Will the baby wake up? Is the baby eating enough? Is there something wrong with my baby that I’m missing? No matter what anyone says to reassure you it doesn’t help.
• You may be having scary thoughts. Ones that you’ve never had before.  They fly into your head unwanted and you know they aren’t right, that this isn’t the real you, but they terrify you and they won’t go away.  These thoughts may start with the words “What if …”
• You are afraid to be alone with your baby because of scary thoughts or worries.  You are also afraid of things in your house that could potentially cause harm, like kitchen knives or stairs, and you avoid them like the plague.
• You may feel the need to check things constantly. Did I lock the door?
• You may be having physical symptoms like stomach cramps or headaches, shakiness or nausea.  You might even have panic attacks.
• You feel like a captive animal, pacing back and forth in a cage. Restless.  On edge.
• You’re having trouble sleeping.  You are so, so tired, but you can’t sleep.
• You are afraid that this is your new reality and that you’ve lost the “old you” forever.
• You are afraid that if you reach out for help people will judge you.  Or that your baby will be taken away.

And then there’s the sahm that have toddlers (or older) and is simply frustrated. This video is for you.

Now that you’ve gone through these lists are you thinking “How the heck does this lady know me? Is there a hidden camera in here?”  Nope.  What this should tell you is that you are not alone and you are not a freak and you are not highly unusual.  If you are having these feelings and symptoms then it is possible you are experiencing common illnesses that 15 to 20% of new mothers have, and they are completely normal..

Come hang out with me and Queen City Stay At Home Moms. We’re here to support you!

 One mom chose prozac: She she shared: My doctor listened to me carefully, asked some pointed questions about my sleeping, eating, and moods before pointing out the obvious: depression doesn’t always look like my narrow imagination assumed. It isn’t always being unable to get out of bed; it can be getting out of bed muttering obscenities before the day has even begun. It can be clenched teeth and yelling too quickly and tearful apologies. My depression rendered me a very unhappy SAHM. My doctor said: “When other coping strategies aren’t working, it’s time to call in the big guns. Your family deserves it. You deserve it.” Jenna Marshal from Babble

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Depression & Related Illnesses

Signs of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

 I’ll stick with my green tea and Queen City Stay At Home Moms as I enthusiastically applaud ANY woman who knows what she wants, knows what will make her happy/be the best mom she can be, and goes for it. Let’s get on a new wave of feminism and be happy for everyone’s individual choice.

 

Enjoy motherhood now,

QC Supermom

4.15.14 Deadlines and what to do if you need more time.

Twas the night before 2 Federal deadlines, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The Form 4686 and get covered America  applications were hung by the Kava Kava plant with care,
In hopes that the Federal Supermom Fairy would soon appear.

 

Poof! Get busy!

You wouldn’t believe how many people procrastinate in getting important business taken care of. I can raise my hand to that as well. I am a last minute type of mama at times. But not this year, with a few nudges, sand, ocean water and yes my crew of 6 (of 9) children and one husband, I’ve done pretty remarkable this year.  I hate to burst your bubble, There is no Federal Supermom Fairy to help you. Time to buckle down and get busy!

Many people who tried to sign up before the deadline had trouble completing their application. The good news is that a special grace period might allow those people to get covered. This grace period ends on 4. 15. 2014. Do you need it? How would you penalized? How to get covered? (See it all here)  

Don’t waste another minute — see if you qualify for the grace period today.

If you miss it. Well get ready to pay. It may be a little, it may be a lot. But you will pay. UNLESS YOU  aren’t required to get covered, change jobs, or have a baby. Or you could wait till the next enrollment.

So you haven’t file your 2013 IRS and State taxes yet?

Quick! Fill this form out and send it in before the clock hits midnight!  

IRS Application To File An Automatic Extension for IRS Federal Income Tax  You can type your answers right on the screen and instantly submit or print it to send out later. That will give you six-months more to complete your tax form. If you owe, think again. you are better off going on and filing them. Not that you’ll have a high chance of getting audited this year, but because you don’t want to get penalized ( interest fees-half a percent each month or higher) years later for not filing on time. 

If you don’t do anything, they’ll create a tax return for you. If all you get are 1099 or W-2 and they don’t get a return from you, they’ll create a return without a deduction. You get the standard deduction and then they’ll send you a bill.”

No one like that- trust me!

You might have to pay a fine if you don’t get covered before midnight Eastern on April 15th. I bet you can think of better ways to spend your money.Not that it’ll be a huge fine on either deadline. But why take the risk? You and your loved ones deserve coverage and maybe a little reserve funds to invested, build with that you may get from a tax refund.

Stressing won’t fix a thing , so no need for that. Here’s a little incentive for you, After you handle your business, give yourself a virtual pat on the back with any of these Tax Day Only treats! Choose one or all from “My Most Favorite Things collection:

Hard Rock Cafe. This year, on Tax Day, Hard Rock Cafe is cutting Americans a break across the country by asking them to lay down their wallets and pick up the mic! Warm up those vocal cords as Hard Rock Cafe opens up its stages to give fans a chance to “Sing for Their Supper” on Tuesday, April 15, 2014. On Tax Day, guests will have the opportunity to select their favorite song and take the stage to perform at their local Hard Rock Cafe. Guests who perform a complete song on their Hard Rock Cafe’s live music stage in front of the entire restaurant will receive a free dinner entrée from Hard Rock’s new menu. Singers can choose from a selection of new menu items and classic Hard Rock favorites, including the Grilled Vegetable Sandwich, Arugula Salad with Shaved Marinated Chicken, Legendary Big Cheese Burger (or Veggie Burger), or Chicken Sandwich as their free meal.

Office Depot. You can print special Office Depot coupons can shred up to 5 pounds of papers between now and April 29.

MyCorporation. MyCorporation is running an “Incorporate or Form an LLC for FREE on Tax Day” promotion. On a day when business owners and entrepreneurs are having to send in tax payments, this is a great way to offer business owners some ‘relief’ from our document processing fees. The promo is good for all 50 states – any state a business owner wants to incorporate in, the fees will be waived.

Please note that these specials are based on information passed along from companies and their representatives, as well as social media. While I’ve made every effort to make sure that they’re accurate, I haven’t been by each location so I can’t vouch for all of them. Remember, too, that many of these companies are franchises and may have different promotions or may not participate at all. If you’re concerned, give a quick call – or tweet – before you show up.

Friday Four: There’s NO Shame in getting help.

Another Queen gone way to soon! The Baltimore native and Morgan State University student was a visionary advocate for black women and girls passed away at 22 from an apparent SUICIDE. Yes, it happened almost 2 weeks ago. But I’m sharing it because not everyone knows about it, AND because I know depression is real.

#KarynWashington; creator of For Brown Girls.

I was fortunate to always have a supportive role model to approach for insight and guidance. Even when I didn’t know I needed the attention, I got it. Karyn had thousands of fans, but obviously no one she felt close enough to confide in. She was indeed strong, but strong people also need support.

No attack on the church. I’m just saying that sometimes you need a good ole couch, a strong ear and a voice of wisdom.

I Almost Let Go Kurt Carr

Things You Can Do: As moms, it’s our job to always be available to listen and call in help as needed.

• Help remove the stigma and myths that suicide contradicts gender and cultural expectations: Religious stigma of suicide as the “unforgivable sin”; African American men are “hard” and do not take their own lives; African American women are always strong and resilient and never crack under pressure
• Remove stigma associated with seeking and receiving mental health treatment
• Know that “tired” is a word moms often use to express hopelessness, depression
• Recognize warning signs and help a friend or family member get professional help

Karyn Washington was suffering and battling with depression & dealing with the death of her mother. Even the strongest women may be hurting inside. Never underestimate the power of mental illness & depression. Find time to talk to the ones you love. Rest in Peace #KarynWashington; creator of For Brown Girls. If you or anyone you know is in danger of harming themselves click here for resources and someone you can talk to.

Bistro LaBon: New Lunch Menu Review

The children and I visited Bistro LaBon. They recently added a lunch buffet and wanted the community to come out and try it on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of March- 9-11, 2014.

Let me start by telling you how beautiful the place is. It would make a great location to celebrate with great friends.

The teen girls became divas upon entry.

Now about the food:

” Me”- We liked it. Wasn’t too crazy about the chicken. But I think everything else was ok. Nothing spectacular besides the ambiance. I loved that. What did your crew think?

Ashley B.

I liked the ambiance as well! The boys ate the pasta & fruit pretty good. I liked everything except the grits.

C. Anderson

“Kool spot very crowded.  Alright food, I would go again. “

Thank you all for the great response to our Free Lunch Buffet today! We do want to let everyone know that we are COMPLETELY BOOKED for Thursday & Friday’s Free Lunch and will not be able to accept any more walk-ins or reservations. We apologize for any inconvenience and would love to see you every Wednesday Thursday & Friday for our $10 Lunch Buffet! (Not quite free, but pretty close!)

Think first come, first serve would be a bit more fair for this type of event. Anyhoots, we has a great waitress. We gave her $6.00  as a tip. Want to check it out? Here’s more information-

Bistro La Bon features edible art in the form of small plates created by Majid Amoorpour & his culinary team. Come and enjoy our diverse and eclectic menu that brings together the highest quality of ingredients and a passion for perfection.

Description

Bistro La Bon is a restaurant that strives to create a unique culinary experience by utilizing the highest quality ingredients and a superior execution of traditional cooking techniques by the multi-talented kitchen staff for a very affordable price. We focus on our small plates to illustrate gastronomic creativity to produce appealing cuisine in a way that stimulates the palate both visually and texturally while extracting the maximum amount of flavor through proper cooking.At Bistro La Bon, we shop local every chance we get and local farmers markets are the first destination for fresh produce throughout the week. We are proud to be a part of 10% Campaign, in an effort to help build North Carolina’s local food economy. We make as many things from scratch as possible including our breads, pastries and gnocchi. Our menu changes seasonally to utilize ingredients at the peak of their growing season. Our goal is to introduce you to food you never knew you wanted so badly.

To compliment the food we will offer a wide range of fine wines and craft beers chosen to enhance the overall sensory experience. We seek out the producers that share a commitment to quality, distinction and affordability that exemplifies what we wish to give our customers. Expect to find some unique selections and synergistic pairings for a superb dining experience

• 1322 Central Ave. Charlotte, North Carolina 28205

Hours- see page for details.

Phone	(704) 333-4646
Email	melissa.w@bistrolabon.com
Website	http://www.BistroLaBon.com

Bistro LaBon Lnch Menu

We eat cochineals!

Hungry? How about a nice big bowl of yummy Yoplait strawberry smoothie with cute Skittle drops on the side? Would that make you happy? If not, how about a big cherry smoothie from Mc Sandwich King?

If any of that tickled your fancy, you may be a bug eater. (like I was)

 

I don’t want to eat bugs, never have intentionally. Boogers YES.  But bugs, not so much.

Cochineal. Carmine. Crimson lake. It’s found in your yogurt, your juice box, your smoothie and your red velvet birthday cake.

Make sure to read ingredient labels for any of the following: crimson lake, natural red no. 4, carmine or carminic acid, or cochineal.

If I walked in a store and seen packages of dog heads, I know instantly that I will not purchase it. No questions asked. I know 100% what I am buying. Cochineals on the other hand are hidden and disguised. This bugs scale dye,cochineal has been used as a coloring agent since the 15th century and considered safe. Today these  dried bodies may be found in wines, yogurts, candies, fruit drinks, ice creams, ketchup, lipsticks, eyeshadow, nail polish – you name it. My choice would be if food just didn’t use food coloring at all. That would make me happy.

 I guess it depends on how prevalent the bugs are, whether they are dirty, and other info.- TC.

During my research, I found that cochineal is not good for people suffering from rhinitis or asthma. 
A lot of sausages contain E120, or crushed beetle. Everyone who sleeps in a bed will swallow about two spiders or insects per year.

All I’m saying is list it in a way that I’ll know what I’m eating immediately.

Chances are I may still eat it. As reported, the FDA already allows a percentage of unclassified ingredients in our food. I would much rather eat a bug than ….. let’s say petroleum, saw dust, rubber or ingredient “x”.

If people would read a little more about what is in the manufactured and processed food they eat they would never eat again. The amount of mouse and rat droppings ,hair ( human and animal ) roaches, other insects, plus saw dust, wood ( used as filler and labeled ‘”fiber” ) , and chemicals allowed in our food is frightening .These things cannot be eliminated so they are allowed…and besides most of our factories, slaughter houses and stores are not inspected as there is not enough people to do it. Much of our food is grown, processed and packaged in other countries too. Do you believe China and South America check for bugs in the cargo holds of the ships full of rice, coffee beans, grains, cocoa beans and tea etc. they ship here? Let’s not get into fruits and vegetables flown into our countries! Now, lets all say ” EEWWW !”- Cassandra P.

But all is not lost. You have 4 choices. 1 Grow/ cook it yourself from scratch. FYI, beet juice will give you the same results. 2. Tell companies to stop this unnecessary practice ( like General Mills and Kellogg). 3. Read & discover better alternatives within the market place. or  4 Continue to eat Mrs Ladybug from James and the Giant Peach. 

Our food should not be this complicated. Educate yourself and pick your battles.

They do not really look like that….. 🙂 If so, I would have one as a pet for my children.

Muah, QC Supermom

Friday Four: Peer Pressure and the home-schooled girl

In all my days, I have never heard of home school children dealing with peer pressure. How odd- right? But that’s exactly what my 14 year old daughter is dealing with right now. Thanks to social media, she has many associates still in local public school system. So it allows her to stay in the loop with all sorts of children.

So when she came home and said that she was frustrated, I listened. I figured if it bothered her enough to mention it to me, it’s enough for me to listen and if needed- act on it.Again,it’s not everyday a home schooled child experiences peer pressure. Right now “D” volunteers at a teen library . After school many latch-key kids go there to hang out.

My daughters are princess.

We’ll this week she was catching pure teen heck. There were a group of kids just nagging her. They wanted her to hang out downtown, at their house, no where – anywhere type of thing. One even called her a flake. A guy from that group, wanted to date her and she politely refused him and he wanted to know why she was acting sidity and hard to get?

After sorting everything out to get a better understanding, I explained to her that not everyone is happy with themselves and don’t know how to fix their issues. They are threatened by the potential success of others, so they want to stop you before you outshine them or reveal their shortcomings. For me , my mission was to get her to understand that it wasn’t about her. And that she is hard to get. And she will never sit around in anyone’s house or in the streets, she’s better than that.

REGARDING BULLYING- Rahman Moore · 

It’s very hard to bully children that are ready willing and able to defend themselves. If children don’t learn when and how to stick up for themselves and to start taking some responsibility for their own security at a young age then when? We as parents and educators need to stop pretending that fire isn’t sometimes fought with fire when necessary.

Well, since she is home schooled and not in public school. I had to get creative. With the right strategy she will leave this stage of her life stronger and better prepare for life. Here’s our plan-

1. Remind her who she is and the goals that she is trying to achieve and let her confirm the best path to follow.

2.  Ensure she has a strong rebuttal should she has further encounters. For example, she can say ” Too bad you don’t have anything else to do but loaf around. I don’t have time to date or hang out. As a matter of fact, I’m running late right now.”

3. She can direct them on how to get involved with her activities….. when she’s not there of course.

4.  Instead of allowing the bully(s) to make her uncomfortable while there, she should direct her conversations with other visitors and staff that may actually need her help.

I wouldn’t suggest that you approach the bullies yourself or get on the bus. Yes, it’s fun, it does work somewhat but what you want is a your child to be able to defend herself and come out a stronger person at the end of it. Looking at this picture taken last night, and her Facebook post,” my mommy always has the right answer (: ”

I think she has it under control. Motherhood 1 Peer Pressure 0

Teen Life!

Have a sweet weekend.

QC Supermom

By: Amanda@AFewShortCuts.com                 

Serves: 64 – 1 inch pieces

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Coconut oil
• 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
• ¼ cup honey
• 12 oz Semi sweet/dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Warm coconut oil just until it becomes liquid.
2. Mix the shredded coconut and honey into the coconut oil, combining well.
3. Press mixture into an 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper and freeze or refrigerate until sold.
4. Heat chocolate chips in microwave at 50% power in 30 second intervals, stirring each time until completely melted.
5. Pour over coconut spreading evenly. Top with extra coconut if desired. Refrigerate for chocolate to set.
6. Cut into 1 inch squares and store in the fridge until ready to eat.
7. **Dairy Free** Use Ghirardelli semi sweet or other dairy free chocolate