5th Total Children’s Wellness Fair

We are on and popping ya’ll. November, 15, 2014 from 11am- 2pm at The Carole Heofner 610 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202 This celebration is the first and only complete child focused fair in the Carolinas! It’s free for guest and loaded with awesome things to get and keep you delightfully informed and engaged. This year’s theme is ………wait for it……. ” The Mad Hatter!”

We, Queen City Stay At Home Moms, community partners, and various other sponsors, invites families and children lovers in for games, giveaways, resources, workshops, shopping, presentations,and photo booth from well-known fruit friends — all for free. Our fair is special because it covers all 7 branches of wellness!

1. Social
2. Spiritual
3. Educational
4. Environmental
5. Financial
6. Nutritional
7. Physical

Impressed right?! You should be. A lot of work has been invested in this fair. So far, it has been well received and the quality has only increased each year. We’ve had enough moms saying there is nothing to do, they don’t know where to shop, they don’t know where to have a birthday party at, don’t have enough moms friends, etc., etc., well each year, we address those issues while entertaining our guest.We cover it all. This fair is for the unborn to the college student, We even throw in awesome entertainment, (dance off, cooking challenge by kids, Re-fashion show, and great families and POW!! Instant success.

Want to know more on the theme this year? CLICK BELOW for the incredible collection.

Vendors: Our fees are really great! Just looking at some of the other community based fairs and similar shows and its out of many vendors marketing budget. We understand that. If you are a compatible business owner, and ready to present yourself to your target market inbox me. This is for YOU!  Space is limited. So hurry!

Come out & support our youth. There’s something for everyone! Our children deserve this day.

Children and youth are our greatest asset, so please come out to learn more about what you can do to give support or get support. If not you, who?  If not together, how?  If not now, when?

I hope to see you all there.

 QC Supermom

Today, I danced (Thanks Food Lion)

Who pays those contest any attention? I never have. But this is my 4th time winning something awesome within the last 2 years! I could get used to this.

Sunday was like any other day.I needed groceries so I went to the market. I didn’t bring any coupons so I knew I would only get what I needed for that day.  Although taking the kids along came be a challenge, leaving them home makes the trip boring. Because I have conditioned them before we leave out, I don’t worry about falling into temptation by them munch monster strategies they come up with.

Little did I know I was shopping my way to a cart full of FREE food! ( I only wish that I had went back to get a few more things!) We always have to strategize  more toward the end of the month. While we don’t compromise on quality,instead  we clear out what we have in the house by inventorying what we can use to create a new meal.  MyFridgeFood helped!  A few more to check out is: SuperCook , RecipeKey, RecipMatcher, Cuisine, Yummly,just enter in the ingredients on hand, and they create a matching list of recipes. Neat right? Recipe Puppy is different. It’s lets you enter the ingredients and brings you results from all over the web. You are also allowed to emphasize on certain ingredients Here’s another list to peek at for more sources. Now, if you’re out, you may want something mobile like this list.

Eat well ya’ll!

Our Sunday dinner, Chicken Enchiladas with a avocado yummy salad

The next thing on my list would be to learn how to do that extreme couponing strategy.is it even possible to get fruits and Almond Milk at 60% off? Let me know after you get back from FoodLion.

 

 

                                              I won my groceries in Charlotte NC!

HURRY, the contest ends tomorrow (as in 07.29.14)  Get more contest details here.

Friday Four: Bubble Blankets

Have you seen those puff quilts, often referred to as biscuit/bubble quilts? They are cute lush comforters assembled by sewing squares of fabric together to form pockets, and then stuffing the pockets with fiberfill. They remind me of the ones my grandmother made waaaaaaay back in the days. We loved them. Watching her make them was just as exciting as using it at her house for the beds. I didn’t inherit any of those lovely but heavy quilts when she transitioned. I had no chance against the other grandkids, aunts, uncles, and other folks. To buy these new puff quilts, you’ll be pulling on your seams for $250. I want one, BUT-ta-ra-um….I can’t justify buying one when I can make one just like it for a quarter of the purchasing cost. The extra money can be used for gas,utilities, personal hygiene products,groceries, you know stuff we really need. 

My quilt would have a wide trim and backing of silk or satin. Using my children previously loved baby T’s, blankets, favorite clothing and maybe even a few of my favorite nursing tops  would make it green friendly as well.. It would be the cutest thing ever to add on and pass down from generation to generation.

$50. Handmade Heirloom Bubble Quilt

I started on one shortly after Mya passed in 2005 but never finished it. We lost it during our last move. Maybe I’ll make her name out of white blocks in the shape of the letter “M” in memory of her.

Heck, I may have my 14 year old daughter make this. She already loves to sew. And you never know this may prove to be something lucrative for her.

I do believe in fill their resource cups. What better way than with creative, one of a kind, puff, biscuit/bubble quilts? Her great grandma did it, why not her? 

Why Not YOU?

Love you to stiches,

QC Supermom

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Wow:A well trained child rarely becomes a stupid college student

I know that I should be all giddy and full of composure. But that neon sign saying “Your children are growing up- prepare now!” has gotten 4 extra bulbs. In less than 2 years, I will have another child graduating from high school. The next year, the same thing. They are leaving me and it’s ….gonna….be…..okay.

For some reason, this seems much harder than it was with my son are few years back. Because my son has always been on the go, playing basketball all over the East Coast from a very young age, we’re used to him being away for long periods of time.

Last week, she asked to go out to a teen foam party downtown. My response was, “Sure,what time should I be ready?

I digressed and she, her sister and cousins went out together. I didn’t have a valid reason to refuse her. Security was there, everyone was checked at the door, and last but not least her dad and I had already grossed her out and given her a solid education on PROMISCUITY.

Party tonight, college tomorrow THEN hit repeat !

Thank God for Lyft! Lyft is a service where you claim a driver via android or iphone app and rates are typically cheaper than a taxi because the driver is using their personal car. Anyone can use it. I think I’ll pass the details to my son in college as well. ( If you have seen a pink mustache on a car in the city, that is Lyft!) The girls rode home from the party for free with them. They were timely AND home before 10:30pm. (My QC Supermom free ride code is listed in video!)

So I guess I need to begin preparing now. Not only will I be without my favorite teenaged partners in crime, I’ll be outnumbered again in the house,as it will be my husband and the four boys.

Here’s what all moms could do to start preparing now for the big day:

1. Encourage your child to decide on the qualities she wants in a college.  Your job is to be the supporter now. Don’t be PTA mom in the parking lot. Let your child go into the dorm on their own, find the RA and locate their room. She is learning to be an adult now.

2. Go tour the college for a weekend. If it’s out of town find good hotel and dining deals online. Or see if you have family in the area to visit. While there,help your child find the dorm R.A. (Resident Assistant), who is your kid’s safety net. If you have any special medical, banking, social, etc,.that’s the person to discuss those needs with privately.

3. Get technology savvy.  There is Sykpe, Facebook, Twitter, Snap Chat,and Instagram available today. Check in via phone or e-mail, and send cards and care packages to let your child know that you are thinking of him/her. Make sure your child feels connected with the family by sharing events and activities at home. I loved it when my parents send me large sharable boxes.

4. Re assure her that she’s ready and her confidence will comfort you. Your adolescent is likely to face increased social pressures in college, with less adult supervision. Talk to your child in advance about sex, drugs, and alcohol on campus, and explain the consequences of risk-taking behaviors. Discuss ways in which your college student can ensure his/her safety while fully experiencing college life.

What ever you do, don’t say, “What am I going to do without you?”

He spends just about all of his time with his brother when he comes home.

You’ll do great,

QC Supermom

 

Backseat view of Ghana

I know a real life person that visited Ghana. After lurking on my lovely cousin’s page for hours, I decided to share what I found. This will be a 2 part story, coming all the way from a backseat view of Ghana. As always I’ve listed additional links on the topic at the very bottom of this post.

Okay, so let’s go to the Motherland shall we?

DESTINATION: GHANA

• English Language
• Officially called the Republic of Ghana, is a sovereign multinational state and unitary presidential constitutional democracy, located along the Gulf of Guinea and Atlantic Ocean, in the sub-region of West Africa.
• Capital: Accra
• Continent: Africa

In a time where many are focused on saving money and discovering great places in their back yard. My beautiful cousin/ niece, Akilah Edgerton counts down the months, weeks, days till she can leave the U.S. It seems that she goes a couple of times a year.Just recently I’ve began investigating what draws her back to the same destination time after time. As most woman want to see as much of the world as possible before having children. Whatever it is, it had to be wondrous! A few days ago, I learned that wondrous was an understatement.  Ghana is sensational and Akilah shares the adventure.

From alluring meals to chats with the Ghanaian children.

What I was most impressed with during her most recent trip was the educational pursuits. Over there education is imperative. I haven’t visited yet but can only imagine how it feels to explore the land where civilization began. She mentioned how beautiful Ghana Highlands were and how teem some of the villages are. Sort of reminded me of the U.S. We too have prosperous areas and others …… um genuinely mangled. So what brings her back time after time, her love for Mother Africa and…………… I’ll tell you more next week on “Wednesday Wow” – sorry guys. It’s way too much to add in one post. 

More on the topic-

 10 Signs That You Are Talking To A Ghanian

Stereotypes of Ghana BUSTED

Great FACTS about Ghana

Something from the Darkside of Ghana  

Wednesday Wow:Halley Berry’s Daughter said WHAT?

This has been a busy week. I’ve been all over the place with workshops, births and the children’s educational pursuits. The other day, something came to my mind, and I had to remember why is it that I never talk about my husband.

Yes, the wind beneath my wing, my main cat, my biggest driver, baby daddy, my King, anchor, my barrel of crazy. “Rajah.”

I think because of my mission is to uplift motherhood so much I’ve always focused on strengthen the mother child bond over the husband-wife connection. Let me put a pause in the thick of things to shed light on the importance of a great marriage via Nahla Berry.

I came across this heading, ”  Halle Berry’s Daughter Creates “Top Ten” List For Married Couples  ” It was a  segment of Late Show With David Letterman with an adorable “Top Ten Ways to Stay Married” list, created by her 6-year-old daughter, Nahla.

My first thought was…. how in the world would she know such things, but if you listen in, the little angel has a pretty good head on her shoulders. Bless her heart.

In the comments, someone mentioned that she know these things because of her moms failures. I say whatever it takes to make you a better person- go for it. I learned a lot watching my parents and other couples around me. I knew right away what I wanted and didn’t want in a relationship. I also watch myself. I didn’t want to ever be ” that type”  of wife. You KNOW WHAT I’m talking about. Go on and let your mind drift  anywhere you like.

When I met my children’s father, I MUCH thinner, more wild, and less enlightened. I’ll be the first to tell you that, over the last 16 years, I’ve been able to improve on two of the three things posted. He can accept that because I have accepted his changes as well. Why? Because he is still a great partner, meanest cheerleader and respectful friend. I guess it’s fair to say that, I get more production over problems with him.

The SUPER parents

In closing, I thinks it’s a great list and should be considered by any soon to be bride. Take a look and tell me what you think while I figure out wear I’ll wear my wedding dress to next.

When hoarding pays off!

I am not a hoarder! I only like to keep great information together for future reference. And I have no problems getting rid of things. Contrary to what my family may say. For example, my magazine from 2006, it will be recycled today, right after I rip out the reference friendly bits that I need.  I came up with a plan. Sort, compile, and back up everything starting with my overcapacity file cabinet.

It’s amazing what you can find while cleaning up. Instead of stapling, storing, and stuffing, I’ve recycled others information into a new gift to share!

What took up needed space in my file cabinet is now recycle, reduce and reused. With so much information I figured there was no better time to write my 2^nd book. So I enticed my husband to take the children out for a few hours over the last 4 weeks and BOOM!  I have a quality product to show for all of that quiet “Me Time!”

Take a look. This collection is great for new moms, teens, baby’s, and dads  with over worked body parts. It’s a teaser, if you want to see more, you’ll have to visit my gift shop. I have over 50 all natural treatments there. Many of the ingredients you can find in your kitchen or local health store. You’ll love every one of them. I did! 

Facial Exfoliater

2 heaped tsps of fine oatmeal                1 tsp, baking soda

Combine ingredients. Add enough water to make a paste. Apply and gently rub skin. Rinse and pat dry.

 

High Energy Smoothie

½ C of plain yogurt   ½ banana        ½ mango      ½ cup orange juice        ½ cup  of ice

Blend & Slurp.

Aromatherapy for Pain Management

2 drops of pine oil        3 drops of eucalyptus    3 drops of frankincense

Put in 20 ml carrier oil jar*

Use this up to 3 years for best results.

 

Foot Bath

Add 4-5 drops of peppermint, rosemary, and thyme to a large bowl of water . Soak for a few minutes and air dry feet on dry towel.

Homemade Shampoo

¼ C of your favorite herbal tea, strongly brewed

8oz liquid castle soap

Add soap and tea. In a pot, stir mixture until well blended. After usage, store in capped bottle.

My Baby Bump Salve

6 grams jojoba oil                 4 grams coco butter                        2 grams vegetable glycerin

36 grams evoo                     5 grams distilled water                   10 grams avocado oil

Combine oils and butter into heated proof cup. Place cup in boiling water and melt. Remove from heat and stir well with a popsicle stick.  Place water, borax and glycerin in a separate —– (This process was way too long to post here. I’ll have it in a book for you. Just know thatit is really good 🙂 )

CoCo Mango Foot Bar

1 lb CHOPPED organic goat milk melt and pour base soap

½ C COOLED* fresh coconut, grated, flaked and toasted till golden      2 oz of organic mango butter

Grind coconut and set it aside.

Melt melts in double broiler. Pour the melted butter over the melted soap base. The sprinkle coconut on top.   —-Too much to share here. Get the book in 2 weeks and have it all to enjoy at home..

So you like them or Naaah? LOL,  that’s how the young ones suggested I ask. Take care ya’ll!

**** 10% of sales from this purchase will go to Queen City Stay At Home Moms********

Friday Four: 4 Things Not to do or say to a Mom in Labor- EVER!

This song by Katy Perry helped my last birthing mom through her labor pains.

Last week impressed me. Not in a good way either. I seen first hand why a solid support system is a must for a successful labor and delivery.  What I did like about the entire situation is my daughters learned a few lessons as well.

The birthing process puts mom in a critical position. As a young girl, my mom always said it’s like having one foot in the grave and one on land. I seen the wrong support end in a infection for mom and baby last week and hope that I will never see anything like that again.

This is for ANYONE that has anything to do with a laboring mom. Please read and follow these simple suggestions.

1. Don’t say “Goodie, see I told you it would hurt”  or “Stop yelling!” Yes, the teens mom said this to her. I don’t want my daughters on the laboring  bed either (as I was at 17 years old) but I would never say such cruel things to her. Life will be challenging enough. Instead say some thing to encourage her like, “You’re doing a great job” or “you’re laboring beautifully.” statements like that can make her feel confident when she doesn’t and also prevents the staff from saying things like “She looks tired.  Do you want an epidural?”

2. Don’t take pictures of her with her hair all over the place unless she’s okay with that type of stuff. Even then, I’m sure the baby does not want to see mom looking a hot mess. At least put one of those hospital caps on and rub her lips with Shea butter. She’ll love you for it.

3. Give her sips of water after every contraction in hard labor-
Have a cup or bottle ready, full of her favorite labor drink, (water, herbal tea, coconut water) with a bendable straw. This will help her labor efficiently. It will not only give her energy but helps keep her hydrated. So just do it.

4. “‘You can’t push yet.” (Doesn’t that just sound crazy to you?)  My nurse asked me to wait while the call the doctor from the cafe three floors down. My girlfriend, and the nurse delivered that son of mine.  There is no such thing as “Hold it!”

I should have added more than 4 on this topic. Maybe I’ll add more later. I’ll end with this bonus tip:Hire a Doula!  Think of us as a helper for YOU too-  This is a person who can remind you what you know, can spell you if you need to pee or eat an energy bar, and who can be supportive for everybody involved.  This isn’t something that everybody wants or needs- but if it is something she wants- it will benefit you too.

The birth experience is important for the whole family.  Mom, however is the one who will be giving birth. Make it pleasant and think of what you want in the end…. a happy, healthy, baby!

Here are just a few more resources: 

More tips

Jabela, The Doula 

Wednesday Wow: Creating Your Personal Routine

Making a consistent daily routine (that was born out of our large family’s priorities that we developed) has helped me to learn to get the important things done FIRST and let goes of the things I don’t really need to do!

First figure out what’s important to you. It will not be what your parents, friends, or neighbors may agree on. Most people put in your life – God, your marriage, children, health, working, serving, ect. you choose that. From there, learn how to refuse, accept and what to walk away from.

When looking at my personal priorities list, it seem like I do a lot. However, having these defined priorities helps me to know what I can and can’t take on. For example:

• I’m not doing a garden this summer
• My teen daughters help me with cleaning and cooking
• This summer, with my moms groups, we’ll split more family meals together
• I don’t do our household finances (hubby finally took that over)
• On Thursdays, we eat dinner at Earth Fare, so I don’t have to cook from scratch.
• To get out of the house quicker, we taught (most of) the children how to dress themselves.
• The children hair and clothing only requirement is that it must be cleaned. Matching and laid to the side is not my goal.
• My husband is okay with a pile or two of my media, papers, books, product review/ gadgets around the house.
• When I tutor or consult, my clients meet me at the library. The kids practice independent reading.
• I don’t iron our clothes
• I take the children to music classes, community events, etc to take a home school mental break for myself.
• We have 8 living children. EACH of them have their own playmate.
• I have a great network. They offer my teen daughters internships so they will learn new skills.
• I don’t spend a lot of time on Facebook (other than for my blog)
• I take Fruitients (African Mango- Irvinga Gabonensis), Credible Cravings, or homemade smoothies for breakfast when I need to get the day going very fast
• My sons take baths together, two by two.
• I use a lot of solid black fabric to cover unsightly marks and needed repairs on the desk.

Next Monday, I’ll show you how I spend my time daily.Instead of trying to cram everything into your day (and feeling burnt out and discouraged when everything doesn’t fit), first start with 24 hours and then add activities with realistic time’s assigned to those tasks.

How do you manage your day?

 

My 5th Doula Baby is here!

My daughter texts and say,”Mom, please come do your doula thing. I’ll pay you.” Now, how can I say no to an offer like that? So off I went. When I walked in the laboring mom was not alone. She had a her mom, boyfriend, little brother, and dad there, so obviously I didn’t know how I would fit in, but very soon, I seen the need.  This teen parents had so much on their mind. Missed working hours, their own major medical appointments, and feeding their own younger children. I sensed quickly that although they were physically there with Shawnte’, they we’re not mentally. That’s why my daughter asked me to come.

Me giving a pain relieving massage.

As I entered the door, I sprung into work. after saying hello to everyone, I asked mom to be how she was feeling and gave her, her very 1st gift, a much needed massage. While doing so, I asked her if she knew what was about to happen. How her body would open up a like a lotus flower. I also asked her what did she know about labor and delivery. To my surprise that she knew nothing ,so I filled her in with a clear conversation and pictures between labor pains.

That conversations seemed to relax her a lot, so then we started to discuss other birthing things. When it seemed like she was getting uncomfortable, I started reciting labor affirmations to her. With her being  teen, AND having so many people in the room, she couldn’t really focus on what I was saying so I tried something else….. The birthing ball and Youtube! This warrior was smiling, and singing Katy Perry’s “Hear Me Roar.”

 

 

After cries, scratches, moaning, even more questions, and 30+ hours later Destyn arrived via C Section. No, it wasn’t our plan, but he’s here, healthy and well loved. Mama  deserves a recovery smoothie, and I earned one on one time with my newest love! All hail Prince Destn!! And yes, my daughter will pay her bill, in spite of the fact, that I loved the job.:)  Whoose next?