The premise is a simple one. Partygoers get a sample Green Works^® Natural Laundry Detergent and a Natural Compostable Cleaning Wipe before the party to clean items that will be swapped. At the party you browse for items that you can use, while donating items you no longer need.

I say this is simple, but I had a slight moment of concern. My girls have sensitive skin, so I’m hesitant to try new laundry products. But I also don’t like doing a half load of laundry, so I went to Green Works’ website to read customer reviews and to make sure there were no irritants. Luckily I didn’t see red flags and the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, so I sucked it up and did a load.

I’m happy with the results. The girls haven’t had any breakouts and the clothes were clean. That being said, I’ll probably go for the free and clear version when I purchase it. After all, I’m a creature of habit.

As for the party, it was nice. I didn’t find anything to bring home, but that was perfectly fine. Free closet space is priceless.

If you’re beginning a walking or running plan, here are some links to help you get started:

Top 100 Workout Songs from Fitness Magazine (we all need motivation!): http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/music/popular-playlists/the-fitness-top-100-workout-songs

How to choose the right shoe from The Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/walking/HQ00885_D. Personally I love newbalance.com and nike.com, because I have a high arch and these seem to work best.

If you are looking for workout gear, I suggest Target, TJ Maxx and Marshall’s.  Target has a nice selection of workout gear and you can normally find something on the clearance rack. I recommend TJ Maxx and Marshall’s, especially for starters, because you will want to try different fabrics and cuts to see what works for you. There is little need to buy expensive pieces, only to find out it doesn’t work for your body type.

Enjoy your walk! Spring is the perfect time to get moving!

 They are bubbling over as I pull out the clothes, not because they love them, but because they are still waiting for their treat. I try to explain that the outfits are the treat, and they like them, but according to Princess 1 “clothes are not a treat.” They insist the treat is the half eaten bag of plantain chips in my purse.  I give in and let them share the bag. I also make a mental note that next time I don’t have to try so hard.

The following week as I was on my way to New Orleans they don’t take any chances. Princess 1 says, “Can you bring us back a real treat, like candy or cookies or something?” And Princess 2 cosigns with a nod and says, “Yes Mommy, candy.”

At this point I wonder when the secret meeting happened to discuss my inability to choose treats. I also wonder if Princess 1 was voted spokesperson or if she took it upon herself to lead the cause.

Nevertheless, I went with candy. White chocolate lollipops (see picture) to be exact, and they were a HUGE hit. Wonder what my pep talk will be next time.

Then I did some research and I bought the book, God Gave Us Heaven by Lisa Tawn Bergren. She understands that she has some relatives in heaven (those that died before she was born), and this book did an excellent job of explaining heaven in further detail.

Later when it came up again I was prepared to explain death a little better. I’m not sure if all of this will work for you, but here’s my  answer to her. It seems to have answered her questions, at least for now.

“Mommy is sad because her Aunt died and I won’t be able to talk to her, hug her or see her again. She lives with God in heaven now and I’m going to miss her a whole lot.” In explaining what dying meant, I said, “People, animals and plants die when their body doesn’t work anymore.

Usually this happens when a person has lived a REALLY REALLY REALLY long time, but sometimes it happens when people get very sick and a doctor can’t fix them. This is when they are ready to go live with God in heaven. And we know God is very nice and loves us all very much, so he takes very good care of them. Just like he takes very good care of us.” I then went on to explain the beauty found in heaven.

This was a very draining exercise, but it actually helped me, too. It gave me a chance to talk about death in a healthy way, to not focus so much on my grief, but on the fact that my aunt is no longer hurting. She is in paradise.

Princess 1 is probably going to bring it up again, because I saw her wheels turning. And I’m not sure how this information is going to come out when she decides to share her newfound knowledge (which I’m sure will happen at an awkward time…), but at least I feel like I’ve explained it to her on a four-year-old level.

*RIP Aunt Gwenda. There are no words to express just how much you impacted me, my life and the way I try to live. In your memory I will continue to try to be a good, God-fearing person. A woman full of love, compassion and joy. Love you much Auntie!

I walked into my Business Law class and there was this big, deep-voiced teacher, Mr. Richardson. He looked serious and I thought, “Lord, just get me through this class.” But, he was the opposite of my first impression and by the end of the year he had become one of my favorite teachers. He not only covered his subject matter, but he did his best to prepare us for life after High School.

I first experienced this when we had to announce our post-graduation plans. I knew I was going to college, and I had been accepted to many, but I had not made a decision. Mr. Richardson made it his mission to make sure I went to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). He would ask me EVERY week if I had decided and he would whisper “Central” as I walked past his desk.

See, he graduated from North Carolina Central University so that was his number one choice. When I told him Central wasn’t on my short list (I just didn’t care for the campus), but A&T was on the list he said he could “deal” with me going to North Carolina A&T. He touted the experience of an HBCU and the fact that he had gone to both an HBCU and East Carolina University so he knew what he was talking about. And I’ll admit, that is a major reason I went to A&T.

He did other things, too. He spent a month teaching us how to do taxes so that we would have a “marketable skill” when we graduated. He knew the guy I was dating was not a good choice and he told me so. Then he moved me to the other side of the class so that we couldn’t sit near each other. 

He was a great teacher of both Business Law and of life lessons.  Most recently he was appointed Commissioner for Bladen County and was set to be sworn in to that seat in April.

Mr. Richardson was killed in a car accident last week. I found out while reading status updates on Facebook and it instantly took me back to 1993 when I was a graduating senior and he looked so proud as I told him I had chosen A&T. Rest In Peace Dr. Stanley Richardson. You are truly missed.

Just this week I have purchased a pair of Gianni Bini shoes, normally $109 for $26! I have also purchased coats, dresses, kids’ clothes for next year, sheet sets and I’m eyeing a TV at Best Buy.

I’ve also spotted bookshelves at Target for 50% off and great dishes on clearance at Macy’s. Plus, it’s $2.99 time at The Children’s Place. All this and I haven’t made it to the Outlet Mall… yet.

Happy March and Happy Shopping!

We discussed how the color complemented various skin tones, even though you wouldn’t expect it. And it made me think. How many times do we not try something because we just KNOW it won’t work? And how many opportunities have we missed because we allowed our preconceived notions to rule?

It’s easier to make choices that aren’t risky, and you may be fine with the results. But amazing is known to come in a package that’s bright and awkward.

You know, driving 20 mph in a 45 mph zone, mommy sitting in the back with the infant car seat and Daddy driving even slower through traffic lights making sure there was no one running a red light.

Viewing this I couldn’t help but smile. It made me think back to bringing Princess #1 home. I recalled the nervousness I felt as we began the 30 minute ride home. Normally it would have been 15-20 minutes, but with our precious cargo there was no way we were chancing anything.

Yellow meant stop and each time we had a turn I would make sure she had not been shuffled too much in her car seat. The looks I gave Hubby if I thought he didn’t slow down enough were priceless. And I couldn’t wait to get her home and off the streets with “these crazy New Jersey drivers!”.

Princess #2 was pretty much the same, while Princess #3 was a little more relaxed. Not because she was #3, but because we lived closer to the hospital, North Carolina drivers make me crazy for other reasons and there weren’t as many turns and lights… LOL.

Oonagh by Nanette Lepore Polo Dress

• I LOVE wearing dresses, especially simple ones like this by Nanette Lepore.
• I love shopping sales and the pickings are better the smaller the size.
• My family just joined the YMCA, which means the girls are going to want to go to the pool, which means I’ll need to wear a swimsuit in public.
• If I’m going to work out anyway, might as well set a goal.
• Blogalicious is in Miami this year!
• I don’t plan to get pregnant again, so this should be the last time I’m here.
• Life is full of many things I can’t control, but my weight is not on this list.
• “That” belly dancing move…
• I want to be a good role model for my girls.
• Pictures don’t lie.
• I like eating healthy, so there’s no reason not to do it.
• The inspiration jeans I bought when I was pregnant the second time.
• NYC shopping spree for my 35^th Birthday!
• I don’t want to lose the “fabulousness” of being me.

 Have others I can use? Please share.

Until two weeks ago, her biggest was “You’re not invited to my birthday party!” So, imagine my surprise when my refusal to let her watch cartoons prompted an “I’m going to call the police!”

Okay…  what?! Where did you learn THAT?! That’s what I wanted to say, but of course I can’t let her see my shock. So I keep my cool and do what any loving, devoted mother would do. That’s right, I scared her.

I explained to her that calling the police is what she does if someone is hurting her. So, if she decided to call the police they would think that I was hurting her. And since it is their job to protect her they would have to take her to live with someone else. And these new people wouldn’t be nearly as nice as Mommy and Daddy. Plus, she wouldn’t be able to play with us after her bath and she wouldn’t be able to see her little sisters every day. This got her attention, but here’s what really got her.

I explained that when the police came they would take her, but not her toys, clothes or jewelry. Her response, “You mean I would have to leave ALL of my clothes here?!” When I answered yes, she says, “Well, Mommy… I was just playing…”.

I’m not sure how I feel about this. I think I did a good job of explaining when policemen should be called and the consequences of prank phone calls. But really, is the idea of leaving her clothes behind the most traumatic thing to her?

(Just kidding, I know she would miss her sisters, toys… oh yeah, her parents, too… *smile*)