Glossy Pages

I've always been a lover of books and great stories, I loved the idea of escaping into someone else's story and living their lives through the pages. When I got further along in school, of course fiction took a back seat to Anatomy and Physiology but recently I've wanted to carve out some time to enjoy that little hobby of mine, and if Chunks sees Mommy reading books he'll keep up his love of books. When I got my Nook for Christmas I was so excited about getting a chance to read again and sought out a book club, local and on-line, and I couldn't find one that quite fit what I was looking for but I as too busy to start my own here right now so I decided to just blog about my library adventures as I go through my new little Nook collection.


The 1st selection for Glossy Pages, is the break out novel by fellow blogger and mom of two sweet little ones Aidan Donnelley Rowley of Ivy League Insecurities Life After Yes!

So far, I love where this story is headed and can't wait to see how things play out for Ms. Quinn. I'll let you know how it goes...


Do you have a book your reading now or have read that I should add to this collection? Are you in/know of a book club?

Who Shops For Themselves Anymore??

Certainly not THIS mom! Last week I went shopping with an old friend, who is also a young mom. We went look to upgrade our closets a little before spring. She just finished her nursing rotations and I was getting ready to start finals so a little retail therapy was needed to cheer us up for spring. We spent about 4 hours running the streets of Manhattan and while it was great to catch up with my buddy again when we sat for lunch I noticed that out of my 4 bags ONE had things in it for ME! and it was the SMALLEST of my bunch. When i said this to my girl she looked at her collection and she only had two bags for her and laughed that one was a Victoria's Secret bag so half was for hubby lol. What was happening to us??

We were the two to tear UP a sale! Bloomies and all the SoHo boutiques loved to see us coming, and there was a time when we knew at least 2 people in the shoe department at Nordstroms. NOW?? We we're Baby Gap, Children's section mommas all the way. I love shopping for Chunks and seeing him in his little gear and finding new books and toys for him to play and learn but this is getting a little out of hand, Mom needs some revamping and while lately I don't like going through the racks I'm stepping it back up for myself, after all, Chunks wouldn't EVEN want me coming to pick him up from school looking frumpy ;-)

So fashionista mama's I need your help, from make up to accessories what's on your closet's wish list for the Spring? Here's a few of my new obsessions, let me know what you think!

A DEF WANT by my Birthday!

I really do have a thing for scarves!!

My collection needs a SERIOUS overhaul.

Operation: Run Free

By nature I'm a planner, it's a little bitter sweet quality for me in that for my job which is all science and research and full on planning it's ideal but for real life-not so much. My slogan since 09 has been "We make plans and God laughs" that's how crazy and out of order things were happening that year, but of course when I found out we were having Chunks I planned the way he'd be born, the way I would I help in molding the perfect man, I mean I even have a picture in mind of what he will wear on his first day of pre-school. yea crazy I know but...I messed up.

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My pregnancy was not well received with my family for various reasons, we didn't have the big old fashion wedding, I didn't get into med-school, and The Mr wasn't finished with his degree yet. Because of this we bonded even more and tighter because all we had were each other and I think we got so used to that we started to put that burden on Chunks. After he was born, of course, everyone had a change of heart and started coming around but we still haven't warmed up to the "village" idea (longer story for a different day). With me working over night we were able to postpone daycare until we settled into NY by me staying with Chunks during the day. The few friends I have with kids are either out of state or have girls and are busy themselves so I haven't really arranged many play dates for Chunks :-(.

Sunday, I took him to my old church for an afternoon program, when everyone rushed to see him he totally FLIPPED. It was just too much. He cried, hung on to me for dear life, and didn't give ANYONE a chance. I heard "You have to bring him out more" about 10 times before I got to my seat! You see I planned to not be one of those coddling mothers who smothered her son and made him soft and scared of the world and I feel like I did just that! We signed up for Kidville and I'm looking into Gymboree so I'm hoping that will get him used to being around other kids and while we always take in museums and such in the city he never has to worry about anyone else's attention but ours, so even though I don't really care for the church as it is right now I might make more trips there just so he gets used to more of a village feel the way I did growing up.

I want him to be able to walk into a room and own it, granted it might be a little too early for him to run NYC but you get my drift. To know that he's got what it takes to be ok in whatever situation or crowd he's in is essential. I'll be there when he gets a little nervous at first but soon he's going to have to jump off mommy's lap and go out and discover the world outside of our home, but of course I've got to take him out there. So operation: Free Run is in effect. Wish us luck!

Potty Training Updates-When Life Interrupts

Ok back to the saga of getting Chunks potty trained. I tried all the methods I researched and got from all of you and we started to make some progress and then mid-terms happened and now finals are underway, PRAY FOR ME YALL! I asked the Mr to take over training while I either worked, slept, or studied and then I noticed the potty was put away. The Mr's method of teaching was to sit Chunks on the potty ALL DAY! and because he fears bodily fluid touching his hands he would freak out if Chunks stood at all. smh Chunks is an adventurous toddler and sitting him in a potty while he watched Nick Jr all day was NOT going to work and so after I said a few things he just stopped and put the potty up.

Anyway, I got through mid terms and I'm working on finals but I can't let life get in the way of Chunks learning to finish what he starts so I went back at it this weekend since I would be home with him all day. 1st I woke him up about 15 minutes early on Saturday and put him on the potty since he always wakes up right after his morning pee. I was 1/2 asleep also since I had gotten home at 6:30a myself and forgot the pot wasn't in and so after clapping and rejoicing that he went potty I spent 15 minutes washing out the base ::SIGH::

I fell asleep and found that the Mr had followed my lead and had placed Chunks back on the potty after lunch. However, once he saw I was awake he quickly started "losing his cool" :EYE ROLL:: I quickly took over and we rode out to Target to pick up some big boy underwear. I let him choose between Marvel comics and Thomas the Engine and Thomas won! A few unnecessary trips up and down the isle (Target does that to me) and we were back at home having a snack while I rolled up the rug in our room. I let him come to the bathroom with me a few times to listen and see what goes on but of course FLUSHIE was the best part lol. Then I put the briefs on him and let him just hang out with me. After a while I noticed that he was more fidgety and when I checked sure 'nough he was wet! I explained to him that he peed and it was an icky feeling so he should sit on the potty and LORD! He peed!!! The next time he said "Icky" and I put him back on and YESSSS! MOM VICTORY!

This happened 3 more times and then he got his reward snacks before bedtime and there was no fight there either! We'll try again tomorrow and see how things work out but I can see the progress now and the effect of patience.

Wordless Wednesday-Expecting Chic Mamas

Victoria Beckham

Tia Mowry

Kate Hudson

Rachel Zoe

Living MY Life Undeferred

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When I saw this I was immediately drawn to every single word. Lately I've been thinking about the kind of man I want Chunks to grow up to be and while I realize that he is going to be his own man and make his own choices but the foundation of how he ultimately becomes starts with what Mama does, says, teaches, and provides. A part of me knows exactly what he should be hearing and learning at this point but another part of me questions my own ability to do just that and do it right...


When I was growing up, no matter what I had accomplished or done for myself one line that my mother always told me when I got beside myself was "You haven't reached anywhere yet". She was doing it to knock me down a peg but it stuck with me more when I didn't get into med-school the first go round, it hit me when I realized I would not have the dream wedding, and now it resonates again when I think of how it would even be near possible to raise a family and go through a med program.


I saw this quote on another blog I follow and I had an "Ah-ha" moment. The same tingly, I got it feeling when I decided since I got wait listed for med school I'd enroll in the Physician's Assistant program, when I realized I wasn't going to have the wedding of my dreams and decided to have a vaca & get married in Puerto Rico-ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES! Life happens and you adapt. No, things don't always go the way we plan but there is ALWAYS another way. My 2009 motto was "We make plans and God laughs" and through that I year I learned to listen to my gut, take my hunches, and roll with the punches. I haven't been totally knocked down, my back's a little dirty but I'm moving and with my role as a mother I don't have any other choice.


I give my life to make sure that Chunks grows up well rounded, educated, grounded, and full of life but I'm working on Mommy to make sure that his wife will take me to the side on their wedding day and thank me for the job I've done with her husband. A roll model, an excellent example of a wife, a provider, and all around prayerful and HAPPY woman. To do all these things I must be the best Candace there is accomplishing everything I set out to do. No second guessing, no half-stepping because of fear, and no more staying locked up because I don't know how people will receive me. Coming into my own means, I don't have all the answers but I'm getting there.

Have Baby, Will Travel?

With Spring Break on the horizon of course a vaca or weekend getaway are on everyone's mind, especially with all this snow we've been having! Even Hawaii got dusted!! For my upcoming birthday in March, the Mr and I decided to finally make our road trip to Atlanta! Exciting for us and then, PAUSE, a 19 month old on a 15 hour road trip??? Are we buggin? How would we keep him entertained for that long? What happens when he thinks of his car seat as the chair of death? What snacks can I pack that will keep him satisfied that's not filled with junk? Well my new friend Ms Amy Tara Koch, style expert, journalist, and NBC's trend reporter was so kind to give us a few tips and share with all of you. I call her my new friend because 1-she's a really fun and savvy lady, great twitter buddy and 2-her book Bump It Up is the pregnant woman's guide to staying chic even when the hormones tell you to throw on sweats and a t-shirt to run every errand and when you feel too fat and emotional to take off that scarf around the house.

[CREDIT]

Amy was in town recently on a tour dishing out all the advice on how to keep it together while traveling with baby in tow. She took a few of my questions about our trip from keeping him entertained, to what to pack as snacks, and how all of us should be dressed (she shares my view on the overdone sweat-suit). 


Enjoy the video I'm sure she's answered some of your pressing questions if your Spring Break includes a little one too! And be sure to check out her site for more tips on staying a your pre-baby chic before and after the little one comes.

Are any of you crazy enough to take a rode trip with a toddler too? Vacation?

Raised In China??

Recently, I read an article that challenged almost every way I looked at my methods in raising Chunks. A Chinese mother dared to actually admit that Chinese mothers just might be superior because of the 'take-no-prisoner' approach to raising their over-acheivers. On the list of things Chinese children were NOT allowed to do were things we think are the norm, including:

• no school plays
• no sleep overs
• have a play day
• watch TV or play video games
• no choosing their own extra curricular activities.

Many of the reasons listed for this demands were argued with the way "Western" mothers seemed to coddle their children by allowing tantrums and praising them for Bs in school. Now she explains that you don't have to be an actual Chinese mother to raise your children that way, and in some of her examples I could clearly see my mother and aunts in the way they raised us and some of my own views when it comes to bringing up a successful man. One thing that stuck out to me though, that actual made my skin crawl was when she proudly told the story of calling her daughter "garbage".

In my mother's house you were not allowed to bring home anything lower than a B or you will hear Kingdom come! but this mother could see an A- and immediately the name calling begins and the verbal assault is merciless. In the Chinese culture she explains that it doesn't tear the child down but encourages them to do better. Huh??? Garbage in ANY language is Garbage, what child wants to be called that by their parents?? Piano lessons were a MUST but this mother forced her child to practice all day to get a piece right! She believes that when you give in to your child's cries it is because you don't believe in them. I took offense to this because I HATED being forced to do something I found trivial so I try not to force anything on Chunks but it has NOTHING to do with my belief in him, everyone's personality and character are different.

A co-worker of mine, an Armenian single-mother, asked me had I decided what Chunks was going to be. He was about 8 months at the time and I laughed it off but she told me that that was where we failed as mothers because all of her Jewish friends pushed their kids to be something they chose for them and they all fought it at first but now were successful and adores their mothers. She advised, "No, you can't let them choose what they want to do, you pick their career and push them into that direction." Of course I gave my best 21st century new mom speech that I will allow my son to make his choices and support him along the way. She just shook her head at me and said, "Check their track record".

This article brought me back to that conversation as it started out with the supposed successful track record of Chinese people overall and I wonder should I just decide now that Chunks will be the President and push him into a Senate for Toddlers training program now? I agree with no sleep overs, I don't trust anyone that much. No grade lower than a B is acceptable. If I KNOW you can do something and you give it a half-assed approach, we have a problem. Manners are a MUST, in my presence and out. Even with all these views I still hold that Garbage name no child will hear from me, let alone my own. So, no I don't believe Chinese mothers are superior, every mother loves and adores their child and wants to see them do their very best but good we take something from their methods to change our own track records?

Grateful Grateful

First I have send a big THANK YOU to the lovely Shaken, Not Blurred! for this award, truly appreciate!

Now the rules to this award are you share random facts about yourself (YIKES more info lol) and then pass it on to other Stylish Blogs.

* French Fries are the greatest snack in the world to me!
* I want to make a drastic change in my appearance, just can't decide what though
* I need to find a church home here in Brooklyn
* I don't believe in horoscopes but I do think people born under the different signs all have common qualities/personalities.
* While I love traveling and trying new things, I really am a home-body
* I still dream of my ideal wedding day (no rain, no justice of the peace)


Ok now to spread the love to Blogs I Love

The Fab Mimi over at Lipgloss and Binky

The ever inspiring Alicia of Mom Delicious

My night shift buddy and Super Mom of My Life
 The uber chic Stroller Ballet
The fashion diva Kelly of Island Chic
The fun Mom and Daughter Duo over at A Mommy in the City

Congrats to all the great blogs, enjoy and pass along!

Yummy Mondays-Burrito Box

In Hell's Kitchen, tucked away on 9th Street is the best burrito I've had since my trip to Cabo a few years ago. The Burrito Box is the best Mexican food in the area with their great menu selection and authentic Mexican drinks. The place is small so no real room for a toddler to run around in but great for people watching while enjoying the freshest salsa and chips and the guys that work there are really friendly and fast.

So far my favorite order is a tie between the Chicken Ranchero Quesadilla and the Grilled Steak Burrito but I've also been told that the BBQ Chicken Burrito is really good too. Every day there is are two Pick of Days with a vegetarian option, neither over $6, with free and fast delivery how can one say no to authentic Mexican food! 

Burrito Box
885 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10019

So on your next visit to Carnegie Hall or FAO Schwartz stop in for a great burrito, taco, or whatever new special they come up with.

Thursday's Dozens

I'm back with another dozens, too much that made me smh this week, and it's not even over yet lol, well anyway here goes...

Public Transportation 101: You take PUBLIC transportation with other members of said PUBLIC, if you want to avoid the crowds and people TOUCHING and/or STANDING NEXT TO you, kindly do NOT swipe your metrocard. Sit your happy tail in your PRIVATE car and do NOT board. If you do NOT have a license or own a car, please sit ALL the way down and shut ALL the way up. Thank you and stand clear of the closing doors please!

I've had my mother repeat to me and/or describe a picture I have on facebook because her church society members joined so that they can gossip about watch what other people's kids are up to (side note: these said "children" are all over the age of 25 and either married or parents already ummm). Remember when facebook was only for undergrads? #thegooddays

Back to the train, people who get on an almost empty train and don't sit down and don't get off at the next stop bother me. We're going over the Brooklyn Bridge, this is NOT the time to look suspect.

A "gentleman" at my job told me "You single mothers need to stop complaining about how tired you are, if you had a husband you'd be just as tired". Firstly, Mr. Didn'tNobodyAskYou Sir, I AM MARRIED! Thanks! and secondly, how would YOU know??? Much respect to single mothers raising beautiful babies on their own, parenting, let alone, co-parenting is no joke, and truly even though it's 2 parents WHERE THE CHILD LIVES IS WHERE THE STRESS IS! So please, go sit down somewhere!

My new favorite thing right now:

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Normally you wouldn't catch me without my Ginger Altoids pack but this new Cool Honey is the business!

Chunk's new obsession:

POTS!! and spoons, really big spoons! Woe is she who brags that her kid wasn't into banging pots and making a bunch of noise at ungodly times of the day and/or night! That she would be me :-( (oh and yea that would be my blackberry next to him, the kid just takes OVER! lol)

I've decided to enroll Mr. Pot Banger in the Winter semester at Kidville. I was a little unsure about it because of the tuition but he needs to get around other kids and get some of this energy out since the playgrounds are all snowed up. We'll see how it goes...

I begged hubby Santa for a Nook Colour for Christmas and got it, but I still have a good amount of paper backs on my shelf I haven't finished/touched yet, smh. Looking for new ones soon in the meantime.

Ok, I think that's all for today, now to go get my pots!!!

The Trigger Parent

A while back I post about Chunks being in Daddy Mode and the hard time I was having with all that. It went from "Mom is my friend" to "Mom can do no right". He even stated acting funny with my dad who's been nothing but sweet to him since we moved back to NY so I tried to understand him more and more now that his character is shining a little more in toddler-hood. The Mr took a trip back to Philly for a weekend and for the most part it was just Chunks and I. We hung with my grandmother for a bit on Saturday and they had a blast but for the most part it was just Chunks and Mommy. I swear this on everything, from Saturday morning when he woke up he was the coolest kid! He woke up with no wailing, he ate without throwing anything, asked for juice nicely, tried to help me sweep lol, napped with no fight, and went to bed the same way, we played and went over the alphabet and his name, shopped, and watched Nick Jr.. WE WERE GOOD!
I found my little guy was a typical boy, rough and tumble is the name of the game but he's also very helpful and neat. He put his toys back and brought me my cup whenever I sat down. Sweet kid. He had everyone smiling and laughing. We spent time with my parents and while I did noticed my father jumped at everything Chunks did, which explained why Chunks didn't want to deal with him for long, he was still nicer. Then the door opened...

My cool dude son immediately tripped! On NOTHING! He walked over to his dad and gave him a hug. Sweet to see but what just happened? Then it was bath time, all of sudden he's flippin out like he lost his mind, he's throwing toys down and walking away but all the while looking at his dad and asking to be picked up, pulling clothes off the hangers, and crying at a hat drop! Enter the mom-stare. But what is going on?? Grandma was the first to speak on it, "It's John". I knew exactly what she was talking about, he was cool, calm, and together when it was just us but the minute his dad walked in he was a clumsy, whiny, and clingy brat.
Now the Mr is the more hype out of the two of us and in that post I mentioned that he had this weird parenting idea that if he's "serious" (read "mean") then Chunks would have no problem listening to him (not working, but ok) so most times, he's the play partner-tossing him in the air, swinging him around, scaring him from behind the door, etc. He's louder than me and has a lot more play energy. When Chunks and I play it's more outside or with cars, or rolling around, so I can see how our personalities can influence his behavior in that sense but this is pretty drastic and dramatic. Alone he's great, but the Mr seems to be the trigger parent and I don't know how yet to balance it out. I've gotten much better when he gets into Dad Mode, it happens less and now I have my Nook so I'm busy lol, but I don't want him changing up or getting nervous or whatever this is just because someone walks in a room. BE YOU 100% of the time! Raising a man is hard work, but I working at it.

Do any of you have a little one that reacts differently to either of his/her parents? Do you have parenting roles?

WHAT THE STARS SAY ABOUT MY NEW YEAR

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Pisces Outlook for 2011

Don't stop believing, Pisces! This year is nothing short of miraculous, filled with all-things sublime. Take advantage of lucky Jupiter's final hurrah in your sign at the start of the year. If you've been procrastinating on turning your visions into a goldmine, January is your time to bust a serious move and catch the amazing non-stop momentum of 2011. There's no spacing out, hiding home or escaping from reality. Things are just too good to miss! Speaking of missing, don't miss the boat Pisces; Jupiter only enters your sign once every 12 years.

That said, you do have the auspicious advent of another awesome planetary boon when your planetary ruler, Neptune enters Pisces in April. For the next 14 years, your super-sensitivity and matchless compassion serve you well. You'll feel like you're in your own element rather than your usual fish out of water feeling. The world will join with you in feeling the suffering of the world. Your dreams and imaginative powers are nothing to be taken lightly. Divine messages, synchronicity and channeling the gods become a daily experience between April and August, and then again in 2012 to stay.

Despite your consistent protesting over the ills of materialism and that money is the root of all evil -- you may be seriously changing your tune as money seems to be falling from the sky this spring. With six planets lining up in your money sector on May 1, it's time to make some serious bank -- ready or not.

Well, I'm excited about it! LOL see what the stars have planned for you here.