On Instilling Values in Our Children

What do we want to instill in our children? 

That's the question that's been plaguing my mind this week. (Actually, I'm always thinking about that question, but this week it's especially been on my mind.)

The other day, as I was leaving my apartment bright and early in the morning, one of my neighbors asked me where was Aiden heading so early in the morning. I smiled and said, "He's going to summer camp." 

"But it's so early in the morning?!" 

 

That was her response. It was well-intentioned and she was clearly and genuinely concerned that it was just too early in the morning for Aiden to be awake, let alone leave the house. 

 

But usually when someone makes a comment like that to me, it leaves me with some level of guilt. Or some notion that Aiden, too, is making a lot of sacrifices for our little family of two. 

But not this time. 

This time I smiled and said, "Yes." Boldly. Confidently. 

Momma's gotta work so little boy's gotta go to school or summer camp. That's just the way it is 'round these parts. 

I used to feel guilty about it. If only I didn't have to work so much. If only I could bring Aiden to work with me on a regular basis. (My team and I are leading a school of kindergarten -- fourth grade students so that's not always possible.) If only he were older and could stay home alone. If only I had him when I was older and a my career was a little more established...

My thoughts would run wild. And I'd feel even more guilty about not being with Aiden. Sigh. Working mom problems. 

But I know that I spend lots of time with Aiden in the evenings and on the weekend. If we're not hitting up a local child-friendly activity in NYC, then we're going on a play date. Or going to his extra-curricular activities like swimming or soccer. We travel during Spring break (playing tourist in Philadelphia) and Summer break (beach-ing it up in Puerto Rico). We're always on the move. And we have fun. Lots of it. 

During our evening hours, we play games. Or review an academic skill that he's working on. Or read stories together. Lots of them. 

 

 

During our evening conversations, Aiden talks to me about his day and things that are going on in his world. All the time. He even asks me about my day and about the people I had meetings with that specific day. He asks about my students. (He loves finding things out about them.) 

 

 

I say all this to say that it's okay. It's okay that I work long hours sometimes. It's okay that sometimes Aiden has to wake up early to get to summer camp. 

 

I'm instilling values in him. He's learning what it means to establish a good work ethic. But he's also learning how to have a little balance -- that evenings and weekends are family time. And he's learning that family time is important too. 

He's learning about responsibility. He's learning how to have "table talk" and genuinely take interest in someone else's day. He's learning that other people matter, but that his needs matter as well. 

For all of that, I guess it's okay that he's waking up early on the reg.

Wanda's Monster -- A Family Musical

 

Aiden has a fear of the dark and a fear of the idea that monsters are hiding either under his bed or in the closet. He developed this fear around the age of three.

And it's still going. (Bed time is a struggle almost every night.)

So when we were invited to check out Wanda's Monster -- A Family Musical, I was pretty excited. The musical features Wanda, an adorable little girl who is fearful of the monster living in her closet, although no one believes that there is a monster in her closet. Except for her granny, who clearly challenges the status quo with her rockstar-style leather pants and motorcycle.

Granny's pretty badass. But that's an aside. 

Once Wanda confides in her grandmother about the scary monster in her closet, Granny engages Wanda in thinking about things from the monster's perspective. This not only creates a shift in Wanda's thoughts about monsters, but also about her relationship with the monster in her closet.

The musical features music and lyrics by Laurie Berkner, who is one of my favorite children's musician. And now she's one of Aiden's favorite musicians too. Ever since the performance, he's been singing, "Do the Monster Boogie!"

All. day. long.

But it's all good.

That's a sign he really liked the show, right?

Aiden's still afraid of the dark and he still thinks that there might be monsters living in closets. But now he thinks that they are friendly monsters and not out to get him.

Baby steps, people. Baby steps.

I don't want to spoil the performance for you so I won't tell you how it ends, but if you're looking for a fun family-oriented, live performance, check out Wanda's Monster -- A Family Musical  now through September 8th at The Vineyard Dimson Theatre (108 East 15th Street). When purchasing your tickets and use the code MBSAVE to receive a 25% discount off ticket prices.

And get ready to do the Monster Boogie!

{Disclaimer: Mommy Delicious received tickets to Wanda's Monster -- A Family Musical in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

As Parents, This is Our Charge

When things in life happen that I can't make sense of, it usually leaves me stalled and confused for some time. I think. I come up with answers or explanations. I'm not happy with those answers or explanations. I think some more.

But I never seem to get that complete satisfaction that I'm looking for.

Longing for.

This has been the issue with the outcome of the Trayvon Martin case. I try not to get too political on this site, and this is certainly not a politically-charged post, but I must say that I'm still trying to make sense of my feelings about the outcome of the case and it's implications for Aiden. 

And for young boys.

And for young brown boys.

But in the midst of being confused and trying to make sense of things and how I will take part in making a difference and being an agent of positive change, I look over at Aiden.

And he's smiling. He's so full of energy and joy and curiosity. (And sometimes he whines a little too much.)

His smile makes me smile. And it warms my heart.

Then...

Then I remember that I am blessed beyond measure. Even in the midst of confusion, even in the midst of "feeling stuck," even in the midst of my feelings about the outcome of the case.

I am blessed. And Aiden is blessed.

So I'll continue to pray for him and pray over him and strategically place people in his life who will help me steer him in the right direction. Towards greatness.

This is my charge.

Hpnotiq Glam Louder Glammest Look Contest and Sweepstake

Photo via

I love all things style and fashion. But that goes without saying, right?

That's why I'm pretty excited to share this Hpnotiq Bling It On Contest (Phase Four, to be exact) in which they will choose four lucky winners to spend up to $1,000 on the "fabbest" bag they can find to compliment their glammest look!

But, wait. There's more.

If you're one of the four winners, you'll be also be able to compete in the final round for a chance to win the grand prize trip for you and three friends to go.... wait for it.... shopping with a celebrity in Los Angeles!

Even better? The grand prize winner will star in a professional photo shoot for the chance to be in a real Hpnotiq Ad!

Sounds pretty awesome, no?!


Here's how to enter the contest. Head on over to the Hpnotiq website between now and July 28th 11:59:59 am EST and show off the glammest head to toe look you can find. Don't want to take pictures of yourself? No worries. Entries can be pictures that you snap of yourself or images you find online.

Want more ways to enter the contest? Visit Hpnotiq's Facebook page OR follow Hpnotiq on Twitter and tweet them your picture using the hashtag #GLAMLOUDER.


Some outfit inspiration that sticks out to me is this casual one:

And this trendy one:

What kind of outfits are you thinking of using for the contest? Head to the Hpnotiq website to enter!

{Disclaimer: This post is being sponsored by Hpnotiq. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

Let It Go

I had dinner with a friend the other day who is kinda sorta still dealing with the residue of a recent breakup.

(Break-ups are tough, y'all.)

Throughout the course of our conversation, she kept asking me a seemingly simple question: how? How was I able to get over my breakup and relationship with Aiden's other parent? How was I able to learn the necessary lessons and move forward with my life? How was I able to pick up the pieces and keep going? How am I able to maintain a positive outlook on love and life (most of the time) and not let my past dictate my present or define my future?

How?

Let me start off by saying that I am in no way an expert on breaking up and moving forward. But I consider myself somewhat of an expert on this thing called resilience. (Read here or here to find out why.)

So I attempted to answer her question. And I gave her a seemingly simple answer: let it go.

There comes a time in our lives when we need to let things go. We need to let go of past hurt and past pain and past guilt and past circumstances. There comes a point in our lives when carrying toxic relationships become too burdensome and too heavy.

Was I mad and sad and downright pissed off when sweet turned sour in my relationship with Aiden's other parent?

Heck yeah!

Was I confused and ashamed and all kinds of guilty when he became physically abusive?

You bet!

Was I angry that it ended (but also relieved and happy, but still a little sad)?

Yes!

But the burden of carrying all of that was just... too... much! And once I gained the awareness that I was carrying too much unnecessary weight around, I decided to let it go.

(Easier said than done. I know.)

Little by little, I learned how to take my life back. And it felt good. And it feels good.

If you're holding on to something that is stopping you from being your best self, let it go. It ain't worth it. There's a future waiting for you that's a lot brighter and more fulfilling than that past you're holding on to.

Let it go. And go get your bright future. Things will be better over there.

I promise.

Should Women Wait to Have Children?

That's the question at hand.

This week, The New York Times is debating the topic and it's titled, "Should Women Delay Motherhood?" There are several responses for the pro side and for the con side, and yours truly had the opportunity to weigh in.

Here's my two-cents:

I was 23 years old when I found myself sitting on the bathroom toilet starring down at a positive pregnancy test. It was 2006. I had just graduated from Columbia University and had plans to go to grad school and begin a career in education.

I did not have plans to become a mother, certainly not at that young age. I wanted to work hard, have fun with my friends, travel and embrace spontaneity.  

Read more of my article, "I'm a Young Mom With No Regrets" over on The New York Times and please spread the love by "liking" and sharing the article.

{Personal Style} Turquoise Territory

Dress: H&M | Shoes: Aldo | Ring, earrings: Aldo | Necklace: gifted | 

Bracelets: Stella & Dot | Nails: OPI

After hitting the beach on the 4th of July and relaxing a little the day after, I headed out of town for my friend's wedding. The outdoor ceremony was beautiful and filled with love, and the indoor reception was lots of fun and filled with laughter and dancing. 

It was a perfect day to celebrate love. Not to mention that the bride looked stunning --- just like a princess. 

Since the ceremony was in the morning and the reception in the early afternoon, I decided to keep my outfit simple and classic. I wore a turquoise dress that features a sweetheart neckline, a sash at the waist, and a fitted skirt stopping a bit above my knee.  The best part? I scored this dress over four years ago for my 25th birthday and it never fails me when I need to pull it out of the back of my closet. 

My peep-toe pumps (last seen here) were turquoise with hints of gold, and I included a statement ring, and Stella & Dot Wanderlust Triple Wrap Bracelets that I've been raving about since last week. 

The look was simple and elegant and perfect for an early afternoon wedding. 

Hope you all have a fabulous week. Stay stylish! 

Giveaway: $50 Children's Place Gift Card via Coupons.com

For the past couple weeks, Aiden has been stepping out in style. I scored a pair of green shorts for him from The Children's Place for an incredibly reasonable price (read: cheap), and I've been mixing and matching it with different tops to create different looks.

By pairing the shorts with a basic navy polo and blue flip flops, I created a simple look that's colorblocked to perfection.

When it comes to styling boys, I'm a sucker for layering, because, let's face it: it makes their outfits more fun and fashionable. Adding a gray polo to the mix made for a different look that's perfect for this season.

And let's not forget Aiden's Sunday Morning Best. A bow tie and some kicks gives this look an A-plus!

The Children's Place clothing is reasonably priced and your money can go a really long way at this store. But don't take my word for it. (Although, you totally should.) Try it for yourself.

GIVEAWAY!

One (1) lucky Mommy Delicious reader will win a $50 Children's Place E-Gift Card to use at your pleasure.

To enter, head on over to THIS PAGE and leave a comment below stating which code you would use to buy clothing for your children. 

For one extra entry, follow Coupons.com on Google Plus. 

For another entry, "like" Mommy Delicious on Facebook AND share this giveaway. Be sure to tag Mommy Delicious when you share on Facebook. 

Rules:
-- THREE entries total.
-- Leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry so that it will be counted.
-- Leave your contact information in each comment so that I can reach you if you win.
-- Open to US residents only.
-- Giveaway will end on Friday, July 12h at 5pm and one winner will be chosen via random.org.

Good luck! 

Winner announced: Congratulations to Laila! 

{Disclaimer: I received a Children's Place E-Gift Card in order to facilitate this review. The giveaway is sponsored by Coupons.com. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

{Review} Try The World: Classic Paris Box

"Try the world. One city at a time."

There's a little known fact that I want to visit Europe sooner than later. Spain, Italy, The UK -- they are all calling my name.

And France. Specifically Paris. I definitely have to visit Paris once or twice within the next 8-10 years. Until then, I found a creative and innovative company that promises to deliver pieces of the world right to your doorsteps.

And deliver they did.

A few weeks ago, I received the Try The World Classic Paris Box that's equipped with delectables from Paris. Along with the box came a postcard-style welcome note that explains all the items in the box in detail, strategically switching from the French to the English translation.

I instantly became excited when I saw what was inside the box. It was nice to know that I could have a little piece of Paris with me -- as if I visited already and brought home souvenirs with me. Not only was there a playlist curated by French DJs Marvin and Oscar, but there was also a poem by Baudelaire. And there were tons of delectables. Think rich, dark chocolate. And hot chocolate powder. And chestnut spread. And salted butter caramels.

It's pretty delightful. And a nice way to have a little piece of Paris with you.

Visit the Try The World website or "like" them on Facebook in order to learn more information about the company or the Classic boxes that they'll have to offer from all around the world.

{Disclaimer: I received a complimentary Try The World box in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

Giveaway: Stella & Dot Wrap Bracelets

As you may already know, I'm all about accessories and statement pieces that completes an outfit and makes it a standout. From bold necklaces to rings that pop, my collection is filled with all kinds of accessories.

My latest obsession? Wrap bracelets. They are so easy for the Summer and you can mix and match them for a fun look, or combine them with other pieces that you already own.  

I received some Wanderlust Triple Wrap Bracelets for review and I've been rocking the life out of them ever since. 

Once I combine it with another wrap bracelet, a watch, or spiked bracelets, it's like an instant arm party. It's stylish, it's fun, it's chic. But most of all, it's super easy. 

And who doesn't love some good arm candy?!

GIVEAWAY!

One (1) lucky Mommy Delicious reader will win a Stella & Dot bracelet to add to their Summer collection! 

To enter, head on over to the Stella & Dot page of Maria Matousek and then leave a comment below stating which accessory you'll love to add to your Summer collection.

For one extra entry, "like" Maria's Stella & Dot Facebook Page AND share this giveaway. Be sure to tag Stella & Dot when you share on Facebook. 

For another extra entry, "like" Mommy Delicious on Facebook.

Rules:
-- THREE entries total.
-- Leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry so that it will be counted.
-- Leave your contact information in each comment so that I can reach you if you win.
-- Open to US residents only.
-- Giveaway will end on Monday, July 8th at 5pm and one winner will be chosen via random.org.

Good luck!

WINNER ANNOUNCED: Congratulations to gerri.kimble@gmail.com!

{Disclaimer: I received the Wanderlust Wrap Bracelets in order to facilitate this review. This giveaway is sponsored by Stella & Dot. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}