Wednesday Wow: 2014 Queen City Stay At Home Moms

I am so ready for 2015! There is so much to look forward to. My family, professionally and within the community. Today I wanted to share with everyone the accomplishments of my mom support group, Queen City Stay At Home Moms.

I started this group in 2007, right after my moms passed. I needed something to focus on beside my boyfriend and children. I was fustrated because I had two college degrees and was doing absolutely nothing either of them, and like my mom in many ways, didn’t know how to put myself first. Here just seven years later, I have created something remarkable and of high quality for all moms of the Queen City. This has given me a platform to use both my motherhood and collegiate education.

We enjoyed hosting and organized a Swap Till We Drop clothing drive for the residents of the Ronald McDonald House- Charlotte

Now as a wife,mother of nine, doula, wedding officiant, mom activist, and a certifed mom coach, I am proud to challenge the stigma that comes with your typical stay at home mom. No longer does that title mean Peg Bundy.

QUEEN CITY STAY AT HOME MOMS 

There are many things that I am proud of accomplishing over the years. We have created over 32 jobs. Assisted 8 moms into momperneurship. We have hosted 5 Total Children’s Wellness Fair and have given over 200 hours on charity. The moms workshops, private movie screenings,cooking with kids classes, our incredible contests, group birthday parties, opportunities to product test AND  the comfort of always having a mom friend to confide in has been icing on the cake. QCSAHM’s, accept moms where they are and challenge them to be more by providing resources, tools and opportunities to grow in any holistic directon she chooses.

Meet us here- on our meetup page. We’ve have attended some of the best shows in town.

We have been listed on many hot circulars including: Moms Charlotte and here.

Charlotte Culture Guide and here.

The Total Children’s Wellness Fair page

My 2015 goals for my moms are

• To increase Cooking With Kids Classes.
• Create more fincailly rewards opportunites for the moms
• Build more options for mothers to grow skills for holistic motherhood
• Secure more sponsorships to enable us to have more enriching mom workshops and to
• Encourage more moms to share their intrests with our group more frequently.Quick recipes for busy Moms

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP US GROW? Click here to donate what ever you can. (thank you in advance) You can even buy a cookbook. Just donate at least $20 and request the cookbook in a message.

Here’s one of my most favorite picutres from our group:

Here is more information about being a happy Stay At Home Mom

THE CHOICE TO STAY HOME

Should you even be a SAHM? Find out here

Great inventory of meals to try this year for busy moms.  Here, here, and here!

I would share more, but I have a four year old that is pulling my leg to fix him a sandwhich…… Happy New Year Ya’ll!

QC Supermom 2014: My blogging year in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.

I am celebrating four years of blogging! Thank you for being a part of it all. WordPress was nice enough to compile everything in a cute little report for me and I would love to share it with you!  What a year it has been. Not all cute, but a definite time of growing.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 12,000 times in 2014. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 4 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Friday Four: Habari Gani?

We LOVE to celebrate Kwanzaa! I wish more people knew and lived by the 7 principles. Being that it’s our 5th year celebrating it, I figured I would share everything I have learned thus far about it. Ready? Here we go………

OK, so it’s a pretty young holiday created by Dr. Karenga ( Maulana Karenga, born  Ronald McKinley Everett )

The name Kwanzaa comes from a phrase of Swahili origin, “Matunda Ya Kwanza”, and translates as “First Fruits of the Harvest”. The holiday is actually based on African agricultural rites and communal activities. One of the holiday’s main goals is to cause those of African descent to look back to their cultural roots as a source of celebration.

Kwanzaa is recognized from December 26 thru January 1 every year. It is not political, religious or related to Christmas. Learn more about the history, purpose and origins of Kwanzaa: http://bit.ly/1liRRP6

Here’s how to celebrate it in your home, community:

1. Decorate your home or the main room with the symbols of Kwanzaa. Put a green tablecloth over a centrally located table, and on top of that, place the Mkeka which is a straw or woven mat that symbolizes the historical foundation of African ancestry. Place the following on the Mkeka:

• Mazao — fruit or crops placed in a bowl, representing the community’s productivity.
• Kinara — a seven-pronged candle-holder.
• Mishumaa Saba — the seven candles which represent the seven core principles of Kwanzaa. Three candles on the left are red, representing struggle; three on the right are green, representing hope; and one in the center is black, signifying the African American people or those who draw their heritage from Africa.
• Muhindi — ears of corn. Lay out one ear of corn for each child; if there are no children, place two ears to represent the children of the community.
• Zawadi — various gifts for the children.
• Kikombe cha Umoja — a cup to represent family and community unity.

2.Decorate around the room with Kwanzaa flags, called Bendera, and posters emphasizing the seven principles. You can purchase or make these, and it’s especially fun to make them with the kids.

3. Practice the Kwanzaa greetings. Starting on December 26, greet everyone by saying “Habari Gani” which is a standard Swahili greeting meaning “what is the news?” If someone greets you, respond with the principle (Nguzo Saba) for that day:

• December 26: “Umoja” — Unity
• December 27: “Kujichagulia” — Self-determination
• December 28: “Ujima” — Collective work and responsibility
• December 29: “Ujamaa” — Cooperative economics
• December 30: “Nia” — Purpose
• December 31: “Kuumba” — Creativity
• January 1: “Imani” — Faith.
• Non African-Americans are also welcome to participate in greetings. The traditional greeting for them is “Joyous Kwanzaa.”

4. Light the Kinara daily. Since each candle represents a specific principle, they are lit one day at a time, in a certain order. The black candle is always lit first. Some people light the remaining candles from left to right (red to green) while other people alternate as follows:

• Black candle
• Far left red candle
• Far right green candle
• Second red candle
• Second green candle
• Last red candle
• Last green candle

BONUS: 5.

Celebrate Kwanzaa in a variety of different ways. Pick and choose some or all of the following activities throughout the seven days of Kwanzaa, saving the feast for the sixth day. Kwanzaa ceremony may include:

• Drumming and musical selections.
• Readings of the African Pledge and the Principles of Blackness.
• Reflections on the Pan-African colors, discussions of African principles of the day, or recitations of chapters in African history.
• The candle-lighting ritual of the Kinara.
• Artistic performances.

6.Have the Kwanzaa Karamu (feast) on the sixth day (New Year’s Eve). The Kwanzaa feast is a very special event that brings everyone closer to their African roots. It is traditionally held on December 31st and is a communal and cooperative effort. Decorate the place where the feast will be held in a red, green, and black scheme. A large Kwanzaa setting should dominate the room where the feast will be held. A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the floor where the food is placed creatively and made accessible to all to serve themselves. Before and during the feast, an informative and entertaining program should be presented.

• Traditionally, the program should involve welcoming, remembering, reassessment, recommitment and rejoicing concluded by a farewell statement and a call for greater unity.
• During the feast, drinks are to be shared from a communal cup, the Kikombe cha Umoja, passed around to all celebrants.

7.Give out the gifts of Kumba. Kuumba, meaning creativity, is highly encouraged and brings a sense of self-satisfaction. The gifts are usually exchanged between the parents and children and are given out traditionally on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa. Since the giving of gifts has very much to do with Kuumba, the gifts should be of an educational or artistic nature.

These principles, if followed will be a blessing to your family life. I have seen the enhancements to my tribe and I know it’s because of the year long lessons we receive in just these seven little days of the year.

-QC Supermom

Habari Gani!

Wednesday Wow: I’m Not A Grinch!

What If Christmas means more?

Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot… sorta like my Facebook timeline. Everyone is cooking, shopping and “selfi-ing!” And I think it’s really cute actually but the stress that come with buying to expectations……. it’s way to overwhelming.

It’s official, the kids have named us Mr. and Mrs. Grinch last night! In the back of my mind, I thought it was a compliment. He is a wise ole’ cat.

So yes, I’m ok with that. I understand that they have to be reminded everyonce in a while the purpose of the holiday.  It is hard when grandparents and others gift them but it comes back full circle when I start quoting my favorite scences from The movie, ” How The Grinch Stole Christmas.”

And then, they’ll do something I hate most of all. Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small, will stand close together… with Christmas bells ringing. They’ll stand hand in hand… and those Whos… will start singing!

Christmas should mean more.

We do not celebrate Christmas in our home the way most people do.

 “I MUST find some way to stop Christmas from coming!” “I MUST stop this Christmas from coming! But HOW?” …….They’re finding out now that no Christmas is coming! They’re just waking up, I know just what they’ll do. Their mouths will hang open a minute or two, then the Whos down in Whoville will all cry, “Boo Hoo.”

Narrator: And what happened, then? Well, in Whoville they say – that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day. And then – the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of*ten Grinches, plus two!

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

For us it’s a time of service. Like an extension of Thanksgiving! Gifts are for birthdays and that is when we go all out for our children and other loved ones.( I personally only know three people who has a birthdays on December 25th.) 

 

Just add green cookies!

OK, out of my way, small Who, I’ve got better things to do than to spend my time with you on Grinch Night.  I know just what to do! I’ll make a quick Santy Claus hat and a coat! All I need is a reindeer!

(time to get ready to volunteer for Entrepreneur High School and prepare for Kwanzaa tomorrow!  ” Grinch is gonna getcha, Grinch is gonna getcha, Grinch indeedy, fa-la-la! YA!” Tomorrow is Christmas. It’s practically here!

Now pucker up and kiss it, Whoville!

Click here for cute Grinch theme clips! You’ll love them!

Here’s a great playlist for tomorrow!- Various artist holiday songs and the list is here.

Client List: Ms.Nila of Candy With A Twist

Candy With a Twist is an online sweets boutique that specializes in custom candy designs and one of a kind edible favors and gift items.

Not your ordinary Marshmallow. Candy With A Twist brings you an American classic with a twist! Shipping year round & Nationwide!

At Candy With a Twist we are passionate about all things SWEET! We are innovative in our design process as we are the company that started the personalized marshmallow trend! Whether you are looking for a hostess gift or really unique favors for your child’s birthday celebration we are your one stop shop for creative ideas!

We worked on 3 HUGE projects together including the DNC in Charlotte, A  cake pop project for a big time NYC perfume and a  yummy 12,00  piece marshmallow order. And now, I’m so proud to call her a friend now after her big move up North.

Nila continues to create amazing works of art and enjoy the life of being a mom.

This dress was made this ensemble entirely out of Candy! YUM!

Today she has the sweetest thang’ money could never buy…….  Lil Miss Milan! I’m so ready to plow her in kisses on that tiny neck of hers. More on Nila, The Candy Artist here,

and here.

Hands down, Nila has been the sweetest person to work with! Should you find yourself needing to show off a new product, birthday, celebration or just a fun event, contact Candy With A Twist!

Candy With a Twist is online. Contact her today:

FAQ here!

Contact information here!

Special event services here!

Product info here!

Something else sweet to savor! (It’s not Nilas, but it was to creative not to share!)

Friday Four: Enriching Your Childs Education

One thing most parents think about as their child(ren) enter high school is will my child be able to pay for college IF they decide to go? I know that I do.

We have a child in college. Two in high school. Another two in primary courses and then two more that are still building a foundation and love of learning.

We got off very easy with the first one, as he was scouted by top athletic departments in the U.S.. So not only is his books,education and housing covered, he also gets a little pocket change. We may not get off that easy with the rest of them. So now we are looking for college money. Of course we prefer grants and scholarships, something they won’t have to pay back. If I haven’t learned anything else since my Johnson and Wales days…… student loans suck! 

My parents never wanted me to work in college, but I needed more than what they offered so I always secured me a little job to cover my  fun exspences. I did work study and part time work with a temp agency all through my college years and I’m so glad that I did.Because I was a mom even in college, I was able to send money and gifts to my parents for my children. That FELT good in itself.

Because I am a self proclaimed conserver, I came across a bunch of resources that may help with our other children. Hopefully you can find something of use as well. It was a 2012 copy of Essence Magazine:

Now, if I could only find that tree my daddy kept asking me about!!! Here’s four more ways to make it happen!

Creative Ways to save for college

Practical Money Skills:College Savings

VERY weird scholarships you can apply for now!

Earning pocket money for college students

Wednesday WOW: Win FOUR tickets for the January 9th Monster Jam

My four little guys are about to hail me as the “Worlds Best Mom Ever!!!!” The Queen City and Feld Entertainment is bringing the love of loud – sparks flying – Monster truck loving thrills to our front door next month and needless to say, my boys are READY and eagerly awaiting! While they are literally traveling all over the world, Monster Jam is coming to Time Warner Cable Arena Friday, January 9th, 2015, and Saturday, January 10th. Bring your crew out to witness the breathtaking stunts and power of the world’s most popular Monster Jam trucks. Before and after the show, guests will have the opportunity to meet the drivers and trucks and get autographs, presumably from the drivers, not the trucks- of course. Now, allow me to tease you a bit. Turn your volume waaaaay down, this sucker is VERY LOUD! .. NICE RIGHT????? Win FOUR tickets for the January 9th Monster Jam at 7:30 p.m. Here’s how to win:

• Be an subscriber to my Facebook and Google page. (Subscribe here and here please.)
• Leave a comment to this post saying what your monster truck name would be. Or the Monster Truck name of someone you know or have heard of, if that person was a monster truck. Make sure to leave your real name too, because the winner will need ID to pick up the tickets.
• On Tuesday, December 30th, a winner will be randomly selected from eligible entries and emailed.

Follow the fun at #MOREMONSTERJAM See you there!!!!! QC Supermom “aka” Jelly Kelly Monster Truck

Depression: When the music changes, so does the dance

Mental illness is real and should not be taken lightly. This is the second beautiful soul to leave this Earth, that I know of this year. Monday was such a sad day. I felt a real lost! Everyone should feel like they have someone on their side with resources to talk to because they do. My hands are up in the air!!!!

Have I ever been depressed? YES. At least 4 times a year. For different reasons, at different times of the year. Many do not know, but I lost my 11yr old daughter in 2005. She was just 11 years old and yes, my world changed that cold dark morning in October- days before my 30th birthday. It was unexpected and heartbreaking. A year later, my mom, my best friend transitioned too. My husband is not the friendliest at all times, (poor thing, is a veteran and came home with PTSD), my money isn’t either. My amazing children do not always do what I expect from them all of the time. Even on a more personal level, I can’t loose and keep off the weight, no matter how well I eat and stay on the go. Live is full of challenges. I don’t know if I’m coming or going at times myself!

Why I never harmed myself: Good question, I still can’t figure it out. Grace and mercy I guess! Going from a well paying corporate career to a stay at home mom is a big adjustment. I have 8 living kids that truly need me, a bright future that I’ve worked so hard to grow, and most of all, I want to see my children become productive adults.

Depression is the most common form of mental illness, affecting more than a quarter of Americans at some point in their lives.

When I heard the news of Titi, I came across a post by my friend, LaQuita Bullock, a mental health activist. She shared:

Mental illness is REAL! So many of our people suffer in silence afraid of judgment and criticism. Its ok to get help! Its ok to not be ok! If you feel like you have no where to go or that you just don’t feel right, go get help. People with diabetes seek help, people with high blood pressure seek help! They take medicines and try to help themselves get better. Why can’t it be that way with a mental health issue?! I have spoken to psychiatrist, been diagnosed and I’m still living! Its not a shield of doom to have a mental illness. Anxiety attacks, uncontrollable mood swings,flash backs that scare you for days, depression so bad the only out you feel there is is death! But I sought help! I didn’t let mfs tell me what I needed. I just did what I needed to do for me and my family. Now I help others, and it feels good! Were going to break this stigma especially in minority communities. Its ridiculous to look down on someone for something they can’t help! It aint the devil, we aint crazy, you just STUPID! Step up your knowledge game.
My page on mental illness and I’m here if people want info or help. Message me on my page. This was such a huge loss. Rest with angels Miss Titi
Www.Facebook.com/minoritymentalillness 

“I wish someone had told Karyn Washington that she didn’t have to be strong.” – @gorgeousingrey

NOT one more!!!!!

To learn more about suicide and the state of mental health in the Black community, click the links below:

Why We Need to Call Suicide What It Is

The Fight Against Black Depression Continues

Friends, family, strangers and all between,  remember this, however long the night, the dawn Will break! Get help now. Please seek help National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 – QC Supermom

Eaim Turns 8 with Dr. Seuss!

“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do. And that enables you to laugh at life’s realities.”- Dr. Seuss

“You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.” ― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!- Dr Seuss

 

YESTERDAY, WE CELEBRATED 8 YEARS WITH MY SON AT HOME WITH JUST US 8.

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” ― Dr. Seuss

We did everything for under $80! I think I shocked my husband as well. Eaim was so excited to see everything up and laid out JUST for him.

I chose Dr Seuss because I love the messages of wisdom that are in his witty rhymes. I also wanted him to transition into a more responsible mode of thinking. Who better than the good ole Doc, right? He enjoyed reading his back splash of balloons, greeting and wishes too. His favorite one was:  “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose.”

-Dr Seuss

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!” ― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

To make them, I selected a few things from my craft box and homeschool kit.

We copied, pasted and printed much of the bright décor,, then glued them on the back splash. The balloons were mix matched because the little ones kept playing and busting them up. We also used craft tissue paper and construction paper of all sorts. You’d be amazed at how far a little creativity will get you.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

We made the menu based on what he asked for: It helps having young children that can help in the kitchen.

Birthday Boy’s Menu-

• Smore’s cake
• Whopper smoothie
• Nacho Tacos w/avocados and sour cream
• Tortillas chips and queso
• and a red bean and rice

We try to make a big thing out of our children’s birthdays because we don’t celebrate Christmas like many.  They get no gifts from us* on that day. Instead we serve the less fortunate or spend that time getting ready for Kwanzaa.

You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who will decide where to go.

 

Biggest Challenge:  Prepping everything without him knowing for sure. I kept telling him it was for his sisters class Christmas party. Unfortunately, he figured out his whole punched and looped name wasn’t a normal name for a party drink.

 

Most proud of: His siblings begging to help make it possible. They wanted him to be happy on his day.

His Biggest Gift: being able to go to the computer lab with out an adult. (At our community computer labs you must be older than 8 to surf alone)

What’s next: SHOPPING! He has funds to shop at a small business this week. So it goes without saying he will be celebrating his birth ALL week LONG! Oh my!

Instead of birthday licks, he got Birthday showers!

To my sweet Ramuntu, gosh, life is better with you!  We named him after SaMya, his sister that transitioned at 11yrs old. So grateful to God for allowing us to be your guide this life time around. Love you always wonderful son!   In the end, this year celebration was low stress, low mess, and high quality! Perfect!

Today is gone. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one. -Dr Seuss

 More Dr.Seuss 

and here – just click either one!  Every hour was worth putting this together for him, for us.

   Have a great week, QC Supermom!

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” -Dr Seuss

 

Friday Four: Black Lives Matter!

The truth is Black Lives Do Matter. Have you ever been so disgusted and sad that you didn’t know what to say? As a mom and consultant to other mothers, that’s exactly how I have been feeling about these last few weeks of police murders. I do realize it’s both blacks and whites, because I am a African american mom of 5 sons, I’ll focus on that.

I believe that white skinned people were born from dark skinned people. I believe that NOT everyone from one race is perfect. I believe that the times we are living in are scary. I also believe that it’s the perfect time to make changes for the better IF we come together as ONE! -Kelle Pressley

More PROOF there is no American justice against ILLEGAL, excessive use-of-force, by the police.

Read what some guys in blue are saying about these cases; very shocking and bold. See here!

You can draw any conclusions you choose. I will never see the logic to killing a man for shoplifting. It was wrong but let the punishment meet the crime. Have you signed the petition yet? If not, do it here!

It’s a outrage and it has got to stop!

Make sure you read in the comments. PlanetEarth Trimtab MAKES SOME STRONG POINTS TO PONDER.

Here are 4 ways we maybe able to fix this ongoing tragedy;

The Illuminati Organization is an elite collective of political leaders, business owners, entertainment celebrities, and other influential members of this planet. By uniting leaders of the world in an unrestrictive, private domain – free of political, religious, and geological boundaries – our organization helps to further the prosperity of the human species as a whole.
Managing the lives of over 7 billion humans is a daunting task. Our duty to this planet has spanned across centuries and survived even the most established government entities. To continue functioning throughout societal changes, The Illuminati’s operations require anonymity for both our members and our work.
You will not find us praised in any history book or document. However, The Illuminati has helped shape every major movement on this planet since the first human government was established. Our work is often marked by distinct symbols as a means of tracing our influence through history for those wishing to investigate.
With gentle and unknown guidance from our organization, the human species is allowed to function in their natural order while playing the part of gears in a machine for the betterment of the world

1. Create a revised  psychological test and require the entire law enforcement industry to get tested quarterly.

2. Encourage more women and minorities to run for more political offices.

3. Empower more minorities to learn the law and how to use it.

4. Racism is taught. Teaching them from birth that all are equal will result in a more diversity sensitive race.

Oooh, and please don’t miss this video…….Shame on these parents!  PUT ON YOUR ear phones…….. so sad.

(let me know if you can’t see/hear it…. I couldn’t once I published it but it’s actually here…. go figure)