Throwback Thursday with Netflix... And A Giveaway!

Recently Aiden has taken a liking to one of my favorite childhood sitcoms -- Full House. Or Full Family, as he calls it. One day he was watching TV and stumbled upon the darling Michelle Tanner, and he could not get enough of her. A few days later, he was introduced to the adorable twins, Nicky and Alex. Then, he fell for Uncle Jessie's cool and funny antics.

I try to limit the amount of TV Aiden watches because I feel as though there's not enough fun, wholesome, family-oriented shows as there was when I was growing up. So it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when I learned that Aiden loves Full Fami -- er, Full House as much as I do. (*Cue Pharrell's Happy*.)

That's when I decided that I'd introduce him to even more of my favorite childhood shows. (That's what moms are for, right?!)

One of my favorite family-oriented shows of all time is The Cosby Show. Not only does the show do a great job of depicting a successful African American, middle class family, but it's replete with lessons to learn, rich in culture, and filled with history. I can't get enough of Rudy Huxtable, Clair's the mother that I always wanted (I mean, who else can tell it like it is, give you a good side eye, and show you unconditional love all at the same time?!), and Cliff is hilarious!

Aiden and I have been enjoying The Cosby Show for a couple weeks now, and it's really something special to share this treat with him. Not to mention, I'd much rather watch The Cosby Show than another superhero cartoon. (Just saying...)

Other childhood favorites include Saved By The Bell, The Baby Sitter's Club, and Family Matters, which can all be streamed on Netflix.com.

Giveaway!
I'm happy to announce that I'm partnering with Netflix to give away a three-month subscription to one (1) lucky reader! Now you can stream shows on Netflix whenever you want.

Here's how you enter: 

1. Leave a comment below stating your favorite childhood show that you'd love to share with your little ones. (Yes, I'm trying to feel all nostalgic and whatnot.)
2.  "Like" Mommy Delicious on Facebook and leave a comment below saying that you've completed this step. 
3. Tweet this giveaway and be sure to @MommyDelicous and use the hashtag #StreamTeam. Leave a comment below saying you've completed this step. 

Rules:

• Three entries total
• Leave a separate comment for each entry so that it will be counted
• One (1) lucky winner will be chosen at random on Thursday, May 8th! 

Good luck and happy streaming!

{Disclaimer: As a member of the NetFlix Stream Team Ambassador Program, this post and giveaway are being sponsored by NetFlix. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

French Toast Goodness with Sara Lee

Photo via Sara Lee

Confession: I love all things sweet. And I especially love dessert. Like, all of them.

Okay, fine. That's not exactly a confession because I proclaim my love for all things sweet all the time. But, hey...

Obviously when I was invited to join the Sara Lee Sweet Treats Blogger Program, I jumped at the opportunity (after inhaling my warm sugar cookies and tall glass of cold milk, of course.)

However, the program began right smack in the middle of Lent. And, since I gave up desserts for Lent, I couldn't exactly indulge in my favorite Sara Lee treats the way that I wanted to. (Yes, it was torture for me. And yes, I felt as though I was slowly dying. Just kidding... er, sorta.)

As soon as Lent was over, I had a brownie. And as soon as I finished eating that brownie, I made plans to make one of my favorite dishes using Sara Lee's all butter pound cake -- french toast! (I know, I know... you can't control your excitement -- or tastebuds! -- either.) Since it's super easy and quick to customize recipes with this moist and delicious cake, I know that my french toast will be made to perfection.

It'll be a great way to have breakfast/dessert for dinner. And, you know I'm good for that... especially now that I'm getting my grown woman on.

Here's the lowdown on the goodness:

Prep time: 10 minute

What you'll need:

• 1 (16oz) package of Sara Lee Frozen Pound Cake 
• 3 eggs beaten 
• 1 cup of skim milk 
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of organic cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• powered sugar (yum!)

What to do: 

1. Thaw the pound cake
2. Slice the pound cake into twelve slices (each slice should be about 1/2-inch thick)
3. Whisk eggs, extracts, and spices into a medium bowl until it's well-blended
4. Dip each pound cake slice into the egg mixture making sure to coat all sides. Be sure to shake off excess batter into the bowl
5. Melt the butter into a large skillet over medium-high heat
6. Add pound cake slices into skillet. Cook 2 minutes per side or until golden brown
7. Sprinkle warm, delicious fresh toast with powered sugar, top 'em with fresh fruit, or pour on a bit of maple syrup. 
8. Say it with me... YUMMY! 

I mean, seriously... it's like what heaven is made of, and it's definitely a new fave!

Do you have any favorite Sara Lee pound cake recipes that you love? Do share!

#spon: I'm required to disclose a relationship between our site and Sara Lee. This could include the Sara Lee providing us w/content, product, access or other forms of payment.

Hanging with Wendy Williams and Styling with Burlington

Photo via The Moms

Last week, I had the privilege of joining The MOMS at Hudson Bond in Midtown Manhattan for an intimate book launch party with TV personality Wendy Williams. Wendy's super fun and full of life on her talk show and I was pretty excited to not only see what she was like in person as well, but also see what her new book, Hold Me In Contempt, is all about. 

Hold Me In Contempt is William's fourth novel out of a total of seven books, which all include fiction and nonfiction. It tells the story of Kimberly Kind, a driven lawyer who's life can possible get turned upside down due to a huge secret and a "bad boy" blast from the past. I predict that this book will be a huge hit this season and an fun and easy read for Summer vacations. 

Photo via The MOMS

In order to get red-carpet ready for the fun event, Burlington graciously provided each attendee with gift cards so we could hit the stores and shop till our hearts' contentment... or until the balance ran out. While shopping, I noticed great trends for this season -- maxi dresses, midi skirts, bold-colored blouses, and colorblocked pieces -- all designer labels and all for over 65% departement store prices. 

When I tell y'all I was in shopping heaven... 

Mmm! 

Two things were calling my name -- maxi dresses and handbags. Check out some of my faves below: 

And there's more where that came from! Visit Burlington's website or check out #BurlingtonOOTD on Social Media in order to get your outfit inspiration! 

Thanks so much to The MOMS, Wendy Williams, and Burlington for throwing such a fabulous event! 

{Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. Event attendees received Burlington gift cards in order to help us get red-carpet ready for the event.}

Getting My Grown Woman On

I'm turning 30 tomorrow, and as I get my grown woman on, I'm learning a few things. Slowly, but surely.

Like, it's okay...

...To not try so hard to make Aiden's life magical and perfect and filled with all things exceptional. 
Don't get me wrong, I love Aiden with every fiber of my being. And, more than anyone else, I want him to have a good life. But I need not fill his days with 10 different extracurricular activities, and his evenings with 15 different craft projects, and his weekends with 20 magical trips and lavish dinners and even more epic outings. Two extracurricular activities at a time is quite alright, and a couple cultural outings a month works just fine. Anything more is heading into "overkill" territory.

...To sleep in on Saturday mornings.
I work long hours throughout the week. And I work hard. These days, I've been saying to Aiden, "It's Saturday and it's not time for me to wake up yet. You need to wait until 8:00am to speak to me." And I'm starting not to feel guilty about it. Heck, he needs to learn to think of other people's feelings.

...To make blueberry pancakes and turkey bacon for dinner. 
Sometimes it's rough in these streets, and after a rough day, breakfast for dinner is the way to go!

...To say "No" without further explanation. 
"No" is a complete sentence. That is all.

...To unapologetically be who I am. 
I'm done with trying to please others by changing my core self.

...To be self-aware and introspect enough to know when I do need to change something. 
Like this thing about my communication. I'm on the struggle bus, y'all, but I'm working on it.

...To not be okay. 
Sometimes folks put me in a "Superwoman" box and make it feel as though I've got it all together. But, truth be told, I don't always feel like I've got it all together and I don't always feel inspirational and I don't always feel like I'm getting my superwoman on... And that's okay. Everybody's got something and we all need help sometimes.

...To not wait for permission to be great. 
My new motto: Don't wait for permission to be great, just do that damn thing.

Word up!

Boys Night Out... And Mets Tickets!

Up way past bedtime, but all smiles!

Spring Break is over and I've been back at work since Monday, but since Aiden's still on break, he's been hanging out with me all week long. In my school. Working with me. It's been, uh... interesting. 

Luckily I was able to have a moment of solace yesterday when The Guy offered to spend the day with Aiden as well as take him to the Mets game in the evening. Aiden had a great time hanging out with the boys, staying up way past his bedtime, and watching the game. 

Hanging with Mr. Met last season!

While we've been visiting Citi Field since last year to see the Mets play, this year Aiden's definitely more interested in watching sports, understanding how the game works, and even in playing it himself. It's been great to see him grow in this way and I'm glad he has someone to take him out to the ballgame (cheesy... but I had to.)

This Sunday, April 27th, promises to be even more fun at Citi Field because it'll be Moms and Family Day, in which there will be so many kid-friendly activities (read: meet and greet with Mr. Met) in addition to, you know, the actual baseball game. Check out the info below:

April 27th Mets Moms and Family Day

Mets vs Miami at 1:10pm 

Private Meet and Greet with Mr. Met at 12pm in the Mets Cafe (Enter the Mets Cafe behind Section 104-105 beginning at 11:45am.)

For $29, the package includes the following: 

One (1) Field Level ticket

One (1) hot dog and One (1) soft drink

Mets lanyard with ticket holder

Exclusive photo opportunity with Mr. Met 

For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit www.mets.com/bloggerpicnic 

Hope to see you there! 

{Disclaimer: Mommy Delicious is part of the Blogger outreach ambassador program with the Mets. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

{Personal Style} A Touch of Floral

dress, necklace: H&M | ring: Aldo accessories | heels: ELLE for Kohl's

Hope you all had a great Easter Sunday!

When I think of fashion for Easter, I always think of bright, loud colors and lightweight fabrics. And flowers... lots and lots of flowers! So that's exactly what I incorporated for this year's Easter outfit.

I scored this yellow dress the same time that I bought the blue one because, well, I like to shop in doubles. I kept it simple by pairing the flowy dress with one of my favorite statement necklaces, an oversized ring, and floral peep-toe heels by ELLE. And, of course, Aiden is the best accessory of all!

With my hair down and flowing in the wind, the entire ensemble was easy and breezy, simple and Spring-y.

Spring break is over and I'm back to work and back to the grind. There're seven weeks until my students are off for Summer break, but, um, who's counting?!

Hope you all have a great week! Stay stylish!

Seven Steps to Keeping Your Family Safe with Safe Kids Day

About 73% of car seats are not installed correctly. 

Every two weeks, a child dies from a television or furniture tip-over. 

When a young child dies from a residential fire, a smoke alarm is usually either not present or not working because of dead or missing batteries. 

Every 8 minutes a child goes to the ER for medicine poisoning, and almost 9 times out of 10, the medicine belongs to an adult. 

Unintentional injuries is the number one cause of of death to children in the United States. In fact, throughout the world, almost one million children die of an in jury each year, and every one of those tragedies could have been prevented. 

To say that these statistics* are alarming is a huge understatement. That's why I jumped at the opportunity to attend Safe Kids Day at Highline Stages in Chelsea, NYC when Aiden and I were invited last weekend. The carnival themed event including lots of interactive games to help teach kids all about safety. Aiden really enjoyed the imagination playground, the ball pit in which he had to put on his life jacket before entering into the "swimming pool," and the ring toss.

He also enjoyed playing a game of basketball, face painting, riding the fire truck, getting fitted for a new helmet, and the simulated driving area in which he "drove" in a real Chevrolet. After trying out each station and learning how to be safe in each station, he received a stamp of approval. After five stamps, he got to visit the Toy Booth and pick a prize! Score! 

Then, we headed outside to visit the trucks: The fire truck and the food trucks. And we learned what heaven is all about when we tasted the delicious grilled cheese sandwich with bacon. Bacon! It was so good that we went back for seconds! Afterwards, we visited the dessert truck and I had a red velvet ice cream cookie. Guys, when I tell y'all that I was in dessert heaven...

Aiden played it safe with plain 'ol sorbet. It's all good though. I'll teach him what great desserts are made of soon enough.

Safe Kids Worldwide hosted the event. The organization is dedicated to protecting kids from unintentional injuries, and since 1988 has helped to reduce to United States childhood death rate from unintentional injury by 55%.

At the event, they provided us with seven easy tips to help us keep our families safer, and, because I love you, I'm going to share the goodness:

1. Tug on your kid's car seat where the seat belt goes. If it moves more than 1" at the base, tighten it up. 
2. Secure furniture and TV's. Mount flat screens and keep bulky-style TV's on a low and stable base, or recycle them. 
3. Check smoke and CO alarms monthly. Replace devices every 10 years. Replace batteries at least once a year. (I always use this rule of thumb: replace batteries whenever you change your clocks to "fall back" or "spring forward.")
4. Scan your home for places kids can get into medicine. It is pills in purses, vitamins on counters and medicine in daily reminder boxes that curious kids get into. 
5. Check around your house for coin-sized button batteries. 
6. Ask your kid's coaches if they have had concussion or sports safety training. 
7. Take action against distraction! No texting while driving, crossing the street, or pushing the stroller! 

Thanks so much to Safe Kids Worldwide for such a great event. Not only did we learn a lot, but we had so much fun! 

{I received tickets to the Safe Kids Event in order to facilitate this post. Event attendees received a gift bag. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

*Statistics provided by Safe Kids Worldwide. Visit the website for more information. 

Bello Mania at the New Victory Theater

Aiden and I can't get enough of The New Victory Theater! I mean, where else are we going to go to see a live show that we both will enjoy, meet cast members, and get autographs?!

A couple weekends ago, we were invited to see Bello Mania, and since Aiden's a huge fan of circus tricks, I knew he'd have a great time. What I didn't realize is that we were in for the time of our lives... and we were going to feel right at home at The New Victory Theater.

Since we went straight from Aiden's swimming lessons to the theater, we arrived a bit early for the show, but were still welcomed with smiles and waves. We've participated in a few New Vic workshops this 2013-2014 season as well as attended a variety of shows at the theater. During our trip to see Bello Mania, I realized just how much Aiden is recognized by many of the workers -- so many of them greeted him by name and they were all super warm and friendly!

Now... about the show.

It was really delightful! Hosted by Matthew Morgan, who is guised as super nerdy -- and funny! -- the first half of the show provides audience members with Bello's family history as well as a brief synopsis of the many circus acts Bello has taken part in. The entire time, Bello engages in hysterical trampoline antics, rides on the world's smallest bicycle, and gets involved in way too much mischief.

Aiden and I literally could not stop laughing during Bello's trampoline act, and we sat on the edges of our seats as Bello rode on the micro bike, because, of course, we thought he was going to fall. We had no faith in him. Shame on us!

The second half of the show included the audience in a pretty dope way. If members weren't called on stage to play a game of musical chairs, they were contestants in a game show, in which the winner got a five-hundred-dollar... bill! And, of course, as with any Bello show, the audience member always wins. Ha! Then, there was the final act, in which Bello climbed the ceiling-high lamppost in order to rescue an audience members' balloon. Witnessing that was... everything!

It's not an explanation... it's an experience!

And just when we thought it couldn't get any better, as were walking out of the theater, we sung, danced, and clapped along to Pharrell's Happy. All the while, all I could think is one thing: Any show that ends with Pharrell's Happy is a hit in my eyes! 

Bello Mania will run at The New Victory Theater through April 20, 2014. The show is 90 minutes with one intermission and is great for children and adults alike. Balcony seats prices start at just $14. Visit the website for more information or to purchase your tickets!

{Disclaimer: I received tickets to Bello Mania in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

A Pretty Good Kid

Aiden: Why'd you make me waffles instead of pancakes?!! 

Me: Umm... I'm not sure. That's just the first thing I thought of.  

Aiden: That's not the correct answer!!!! (He's clearly being a brat right now.) 

Me: Aiden, you know, I wake up extra early to make you something to eat. How about a "thank you"?  

Aiden: *Whines until I tune him out.*

Sigh.

Aiden's in this really, uh, interesting phase where nothing I do is "right." He's been cranky, he's been whiny, he's been really trying to assert his independence in inappropriate ways. He's questioning all of my choices and challenging all of the rules. I've been called "mean" no less than five times per day. It's been like this for about three weeks. But it feels like it's been much, much longer, and truth be told, it's more than a little annoying.

But... this too shall pass, right?

I try to combat this by creating rules together with him. (Some of them, not all of them.) I give him a time frame to let him know how much time we have left with an activity. I give him two choices to help him feel empowered. I let him do things that I know he's capable of doing because I want him to feel independent. I feel like I'm doing everything to make this phase go as smoothly -- and quickly! -- as possible, but I'm tired. And sick of being called "mean." And annoyed that Aiden has his ungrateful moments where he's being unpleasant and downright bratty. Because it's not his best and it's not who I' raising him to be.

Then this morning happened.

As I was walking him into the school building, one of the class parents stopped me. She  wanted to tell me that Aiden's a really pleasant boy. That he always says "good morning," when he walks into the building. That he's well-mannered and kind. That he's caring. That he's helpful to his teacher and his friends. That, during reading time, he helps one of his classmates -- who's reading on a Level A -- sound out words. That he's, essentially, a really good kid.

Yes, even in the midst of this annoying and exhausting phase, he's still a pretty good kid.

And then I remembered this one thing...

So yeah... this too shall pass.

What Our Kids Teach Us

Scene: Aiden and I are having a conversation about math. He starts talking about skip counting by 2's. Successfully. He feels a little confident in his abilities so he begins to skip count by 5's too. 

Aiden: So, now... this is how you count by 5's: 5, 10, 15, 25, 35, 4-- 

Me: Actually, that's not how you skip count by 5's. You're missing numbers.  

Aiden (Still enthusiastic): Okay. This is how you count by 5's: 5, 10, 15, 25, 35, 4-- 

Me: Actually, you just said the same thing. You're skipping numbers so that's not how you skip count by 5's. 

Aiden: You didn't let me finish! 

Me: I know. But I had to correct you. I can't let you finish if you're saying the wrong thing. 

Aiden: But I let you finish if you're saying the wrong thing! 

Me: Okay... fine. Go.  

Aiden: This is how you skip count by 5's: 5, 10, 15, 25, 35, 45, 50, 55, 60. (Looks at me.) Now it's your turn to talk. 

I don't know if I should thank him for teaching me -- again -- how a conversation actually goes (ie: my turn, your turn, and so on and so forth), scold him for schooling me, or some rare combination of both. But I do know that a stubborn mother and a stubborn child makes for a very interesting combination. 

Man, the things our kids teach us... 

Celebrating Kids Spring Fashion with H&M

Oh look... Aiden's rocking H&M at H&M!

Everyone knows about my love, devotion, and dedication to all things H&M. I mean, all you have to do is check out my personal style posts or kids style files to see just how deep my connection with the hip and trendy brand goes. Or... just take a tour of Aiden's closet. Or my closet. Or my heart.

I literally love this brand! It's incredibly fashionable and incredibly affordable... what's not to love?!

That's why I was so excited when Aiden and I were invited to celebrate H&M's Spring Kids Collection Launch this past weekend at their store in Times Square, which was hosted by Brianne of Stroller in the City. As I predicted, H&M did not disappoint. The collection is super adorable! There's a bit of rock, a bit of chic, a bit of simple, and all kinds of cool. There are funky patterns and fun prints and some glitz and lots of glam. But it's also comfortable and practical. And... wait for it... pieces start at just $4.95!

via Getty Images 

via Getty Images 

I couldn't make it to the event due to work obligations (Saturday school/tutoring for the NY State literacy exams and all that jazz), but I sent Aiden with The Guy (who's also a huge fan of H&M) and they had a great time. Guests enjoyed face painting, balloon art, dancing to live music, tasty snacks (read: PB&J, soft pretzels, and cotton candy), and an opportunity to strut their stuff down the H&M digital runway, which was fashionably displayed outside their big screen in Times Square.

via Getty Images

At the culmination of the event, The Guy helped Aiden pick out an outfit, which Aiden labels as "so cool." I can't wait for him to rock his outfit like a true champ!

Visit the H&M website as well as any H&M store in order to shop the collection! (You're welcome.)

{I was not compensated for this post. Attendees received a giftcard to shop the collection. All opinions expressed herein are my own -- I really do love H&M.} 

{Personal Style} Feeling Blue

dress, jacket, clutch: H&M | riding boots: Aldo Shoes 

This weekend, I kept it simple and sweet with a blue mini-ruffled dress. I usually wear the dress with a black sash, but I switched it up a bit by removing the sash and adding layered necklaces, a faux-leather moto jacket, riding boots, and a statement clutch.

The outfit is cool and trendy and totally comfortable -- perfect for a weekend brunch! Hope you guys are having a fabulous week. Stay stylish!