1st Day of School & Immunization Blues!

Disclaimer: ***Bragging Mommy Moment!! ***

Kindergarten!! Since she has a late birthday she was in Pre-K last year because she turned 5 AFTER school started. Gotta love Fall babies!! *wink* So this year she really feels like a "big girl"...Reading Level 2 books fluently, we are so proud.

 My 7th grader!! She will be a teenager in a couple of months!! I can't believe it!! My baby plays basketball and is enrolled in all AP classes this year. Its gonna be tough but she is gonna make us proud like she did last year! #23 Baby!!!!!!

These pix were taken right before school started last year. It was her first year entering public schools so we had to get her 'school age' immunizations. She didn't take it well at all!!!  I was in the corner crying myself. LOL! Its hard to watch your babies get shots even though its for the best. Its just difficult.

Afterwards we got ice cream...she was all better! LOL!

Are your child(s) immunizations current? Vaccine Requirements for your State

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Mother and Child by Cbabi Bayoc

Mother and Child by Kadir Nelson

Joy of Her World by Wak

Queens by Frank Morrison

Spring is around the corner!!! FREE fun in the Sun with the kiddos...

The little one loves flowers..

Its so much to discover and explore... 

Lowe's Garden Center... My girls helped me pick out flowers to put in the flower bed this Spring..

In Pet Smart...The little one wasn't too excited to see dogs roam free in the store. LOL!

I love this picture!! LOL!

The sun is SHINING!!! Its awesome to get out and enjoy the sunshine. You don't have to spend tons of money to have fun with the kiddos. Nature always has something new and exciting to learn and enjoy!

Are you a Chocolate Bride?

Are you single, married, boo'd up and thinking about marriage? Are you TTC, preggers, or a Mommy? Are you a sexy single looking for sisterhood?? Are you buying a house or redecorating your home? Have your children and husband worked your last nerve?? Are you looking for a classy upscale website that celebrates ALL of your chocolateness? Have you gained weight and need support as you press on with your weight loss journey? Would you like to be among some of the most uplifting praying sisters God has ever created? Well you need to visit Chocolate Brides dot com!! I can't begin to tell you what those women have been to me over the last 5-6 years!! It's THE best website for African American Brides. Its something for everybody over there, even a Grooms Corner for the menz!! Head on over and introduce yourself ..tell em' Michelle sent ya!!

4/2010 Raleigh, NC

Its a a inside joke why CB's call my hubby Christopher Williams!! LOL!

(pic taken 4/5 yrs. ago)
Me in my Chocolate Brides t-shirt that I absolutely cherish!!!

www.chocolatebrides.com

Happy Black History Month!! Library Time...

This was the Martin Luther King book display at my local library from last month. I love how my library has so many books about African American History. A very thrifty way to teach your children about their culture is by taking them to the library. Its free, quiet and very resourceful to frequent the library...My oldest daughter suggested that we read a different book on Black History every day this month. There are also many free activities to enjoy...Below is a snapshot I took of the flyer advertising an event I plan to attend next week...

"Soulful stories to tell of strong black towns and communities with life changing history. Powerful stories of a colored hospital; "Bullet" Joe Rogan's no wind up baseball pitches and the foiled bank robbery of Pretty Boy Floyd's boys. History of Black Town's and Communities...Absolutely Soulfully! Join Rhythmically Speaking to celebrate Black History month. "

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Check out free programs in your community and visit your local library to attend activities and events that celebrate Black History Month.

*raises fist in the air*

Happy Black History Month!!!! :)

One Child, One Planet: Inspiration for the Young Conservationist

One Child, One Planet....

(My little one picking pecans)

Preview the book online http://onechildoneplanet.com They are even on Facebook!!

One Child, One Planet: Inspiration for the Young Conservationist (Emerald Shamrock Press, 2009) is a loving tribute to Mother Earth, her gifts and her greatest concerns. One Child, One Planet teaches gentle lessons on greenhouse gases, climate change, going green and conservation, providing practical ways for children to protect Earth’s fragile environment.

My little one with her autographed copy of One Child, One Planet. Environment, Green Kids


My daughters holding up their new book... Young Conservationists!!

My oldest and I having a blast at a new park we found when I got lost...(long story) LOL!

SOURCE::: http://www.gogreenstreet.com/one-child-one-planet-book-teaches-children-green-living/

Eco-Friendly Baby Products

The Prissy Mommy is featured in the September issue of American Baby!!

The lovely Yakini Etheridge from www. prissymommy.com is featured in the September issue of American Baby! The Prissy Mommy is one of my favorite mommy bloggers! Super awesome blog where she shares the joys of raising two adorable little boys in the BIG APPLE. Its so groovy to see her rocking her fabulous makeover in American Baby magazine. Go get your copy!! I HAVE MINE! :D

http://prissymommy.com

americanbaby.com

Wordless Wednesday

FLASHBACK

My baby girl and I

4 years ago!

Awwwww...

Reagan Gomez-Preston is a wife and mother? Where have I been??

Reagan Gomez-Preston with her daughter Scarlett.

"Zaria" from the Parenthood is a Mommy!

husband, DeWayne Turrentine with daughter Scarlett

Babygirl is a cutie...I think I heard that she was married but I didn't know she was a Mommy too. Their little family is adorable! I wish them the best!

Top 15 Green Must-Haves for Moms

Epicuren Baby SkincareLuxe skincare company Epicuren has tailored their Baby Skincare line to soothe and nourish newborn skin with organic, hypoallergenic ingredients and their special "Episencial" blend of aromatherapy, including chamomile, lavender, geranium and rose. Best of all? Each keepsake box features beautiful Anne Geddes photography, a must for your next baby shower!

Price: $59.00 for 3-6 month supply of wash, lotion and diaper spray
Website: http://www.annegeddes.com/

Preserve Triple Razors

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that each year 2 billion plastic razors end up in landfills. So, reduce where you can with your razor choice. After its useful life through many razor blades, throw the handle in your recycling bin or send back to the company (for free with a postage-paid label found online) to be recycled into a park bench or deck.

Price: $7.25 (4 pack)Website: preserveproducts.com
Get More Easy Tips on Living Green

Next: Staples Recycled Copy Paper Method Liquid Laundry Detergent

This detergent has no scent, which means less chemicals were used to make the product. And because this detergent is triple concentrated, it not only lasts a long time but also reduces consumption of plastic because you won't have to buy laundry detergent as often. (HE compatible, 3x concentrated, phosphate free, biodegradable, not tested on animals, non-toxic)
Price: $10
Website: methodhome.com

The Earth Machine

This is the best outdoor residential composting "machine" invented. It's so easy to use. Check to see if your city is joining the composting trend – it may offer these for free. Otherwise, it's a simple investment to reduce landfill waste and give you free mulch and soil amendment that will make your neighbors jealous every time they take a look at your yard.

Website: earthmachine.com

Get More Easy Tips on Living Green

Next: Preserve Triple Razors

Kashi Biscuit Cereals - Cinnamon Harvest

This shredded-wheat-squares cereal is not only USDA certified organic but also delicious. For a nutritious breakfast, add some freshly ground flax seed and organic soy milk to the cereal, along with a handful of almonds and orange juice on the side.(Over 20 percent of your daily fiber per serving, low fat, sodium free)

Price: $4Website: Kashi.com

Tom's of Maine Whole Care Toothpaste - Spearmint Flavor

This toothpaste is free from artificial ingredients and the company supports environmentally sustainable business practices. Bonus: the toothpaste tubes and boxes are recyclable! (no artificial sweeteners, with fluoride, tartar control, non-harsh whitening, not tested on animals, Kosher, Halal)

Price: $4.99

Website: tomsofmaine.com

Get More Easy Tips on Living Green

Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwashing Detergent PowderPowder dishwashing detergents tend to not clog up your dishwasher as much, but it is not as easy to find phosphate-free detergent in powder form – that's why this product is such a find.(non-toxic, no chlorine, no phosphates, safe for septic and greywater systems, not tested on animals)

Price: $5

Website: seventhgeneration.com

Get More Easy Tips on Living Green Next: Tom's of Maine Whole Care Toothpaste

Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid

This company's products are incredibly transparent, meaning they fully discloses all ingredients on the label and online. Though this company also has a non-scented dishwashing liquid, try the lavender version because for some sweet joy while you stand over the sink.

Price: $19 (for pack of 6)

Website: seventhgeneration.com
Get More Easy Tips on Living Green

SOURCE:: http://family.go.com/

FEATURED ARTIST::: Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Birth name
Erica Abi Wright
Born
February 26, 1971 (1971-02-26) (age 38)Dallas, Texas, United States
Genres
R&B, soul, hip hop[1]
Occupations
Singer–songwriter, record producer, actress
Instruments
Vocals, keyboards, guitar
Years active
1997–present

Erykah Badu.com
Erica Abi Wright (born February 26, 1971),[1] better known by her stage name Erykah Badu, is an American recording artist, record producer and actress. Her work includes elements from R&B, hip hop and jazz.[1] She is best known for her role in the rise of the neo soul sub-genre, and for her eccentric, cerebral musical stylings and sense of fashion. She is known as the "First Lady of Neo-Soul" or the "Queen of Neo Soul".
Early in her career, Badu was recognizable for wearing very large and colorful headwraps. For her musical sensibilities, she has often been compared to jazz great Billie Holiday. She was a core member of the Soulquarians, and is also an actress having appeared in a number of films playing a range of supporting roles in movies such as Blues Brothers 2000, The Cider House Rules, and House of D, she is also very prominent in the documentary film Before the Music Dies.

I love her for so many reasons. Not only is she a lyrisist with hot vocals over dope tracks. Erykah is a trendsetter, when it comes to fashion she makes her own rules. Ms. Badu's music is a perfect mix of Sultry Soul, Neo SOUL, Rock & Roll, R&B , Jazz, ...just a blend of good grown folk music. I met her briefly when I lived in Dallas at an outdoor concert...she is so petite, calm & mellow with natural beauty and eyes to die for! I wanna be like her when I grow up! Give it up for E. Badu!!