All Settled In: Chocolate Drop Arrives

Great news, my chocolate drop is on island! It is her third week here and despite some emotional challenges, she seem to be settling in just fine.

Reunited and it feels so good!

Her initial excitement quickly faded once grammy and papa left to go back to The Bahamas and the idea of them not being a car ride away seemed to hit her hard and to be honest, I get it!  To begin with, I gave our dog Chocolate Chip to a loving family at church for a number of reasons: 1. I really didn't give him the love and attention he needed, 2. I hated coming home to clean up after a dog at 7pm in the night 3. Honestly, it was just time. Chocolate Chip has been gone for about 5 weeks and although I miss him, I did not miss any of the ripped pillows, poop and other joys associated with a dog that's never been trained (despite me pretending like he was). I hadn't explained the adoption to Adaya prior to her arrival, so ofcourse once she got here and realize the dog was gone, all hell broke lose, "Mommy, I don't have any of my family, now I don't even have my dog, why would you do this?!" EPIC FAIL MOM!

Chocolate Chip

Beyond that, her resilience and bravery throughout this transition has been admirable. She handled being in Nassau without me like a true champ and even on the nights when I tried my hardest to hold back tears she always said to me " Mommy don't worry, I soon reach". Seriously, how could you not love this kid?!

Do I look bothered?

So she's here, settled in, has already became a Junior Member of the Turks & Caicos National Trust, started a mini garden (which I may or may not ruin because it's attracting too many insects), became a beach bum and is truly enjoying island life! Have you and your kids experienced a transition? How are they coping? What is the most difficult part of transitioning?

Until Next Time,
One Jazzy Mom and her little munchkin

Trying Something Different

I am not afraid to do-over. In fact, I am the girl who starts a new diet every Monday, breaks it by Thursday and starts all over again the following Monday; and in my mind, this is okay. In my twenties, I went SUPER hard on myself. If ever I had a goal, that I did not accomplish within the desired timeline, I would talk down to myself and continue to wallow in my "girl you suck" non-sense; and then I turned thirty.

I don't know what it is, but there's something magical about getting older. Maybe its the wisdom from life's lessons (those I experienced and those I lived vicariously through others) or maybe its because of some fictional "don't care dust" that is sprinkled over your life on the 30th birthday, whatever it is I like it; I like it a lot.

2017 has been moving so fast, I've barely been able to keep up; so much so, that I have completely missed the opportunity to start/ finish this year's vision board. My initial reaction was to panic, run to the nearest craft store, buy all the cutesy stationery and complete it this past weekend. But instead, I spent the weekend eating cake, celebrating my sister's pregnancy and enjoying time with love ones; a weekend that, in retrospect, seems a lot more fulfilling than glue stuck on my elbows and glitter in my hair! Which brings me to this moment, for years I have completed vision boards, attending resolution planning events and have done just about everything possible in the name of "self-help".These were all great at that time but rarely produced results once the activity was completed.In fact, I do not think I ever looked back at any of the vision boards after March; sad right?

This year, I am trying something different (and loving the results of it)! Rather than one-time goal setting, each week I remind myself of the life I want ( write it down!) with actionable objectives to achieve the goal. At the end of the week, I recap what has been accomplished, what was missed and how to improve the follow week ( it's truly that simply).

I am honestly amazed at what I have accomplished thus far using this new approach to making life great. I have never felt so productive in my adult life.  Fluff is good, productivity is even better (Tweetable). Commit this year to accomplishing goals; not just creating them. Remind yourself daily of what it is you want and actively pursue that thing. Put aside the big picture, break it down to achievable and doable items and tackle them each day. It's a new month to kick some butt; I'm routing for you! 

xoxo,
The 30yo Mom

Hate is UGLY

Today I am writing because I am angry. I am angry with humans. Worst of all I am angry with women to be exact; but not all women. The women who thought it was okay to wish death on another woman because of an unfortunate circumstance.

This past weekend I received the video of the new born baby who was found in a nearby bush abandoned in Golden Isles. Watching the video brought tears to my eyes. Thinking on the situation even further resulted in a complete break down, knowing that someone could be so broken that they leave their new born baby unattended. On top of my sadness for the baby (who was later discovered, taken to the hospital and is now in good health), I am truly disgusted by the comments, statuses and hashtags that people, in particular, MOTHERS, thought were appropriate to type. To think that a human, a woman, a MOTHER can knowingly and unapologetically type something so inhumane disgusts me.

"#Deathbyafterbirth" 

"Someone should kill her" 

"Stupid hoe" 

"They should gang her when they find out who she is" 
Words from Various Facebook Posts

Here's why I am frustrated with all of this; because I am a mother who was once afraid of having a child. Did I think about an abortion? Sure did. Did I think about giving up my daughter for adoption? So many times. I mean, let's be honest, pregnancy, motherhood, parenting although the most fulfilling role a woman can take on, is in fact one of the scariest and without support and education, can be the most difficult experience. Imagine being responsible for an entire human, not knowing how to take care of yourself.

I get it, leaving a new born (or any child for that matter) unattended is ridiculous and to be clear, I am in no way saying that what she did is okay, because its not. However, I am saying that this woman was clearly in a situation where she thought that there were no options for her. Maybe it was a teen pregnancy, product of incest, drug use or even rape, we do not know. All I know is that there is a mother out there hurting with no options and needs help. In the words of a fellow blogger friend, Dawn Demeritte  "I can't judge someone with my judgment because I know there is always a choice and I can always call someone but another person may not know or trust there are options, she may not have access to options and she may not have anyone to turn to. And that's what makes her different."

Support in the life of a mother or a mom to be is important; emotionally, mentally, physically and even financially, support matters! The support I experienced from the day I made the announcement of my daughter's arrival to this day as been out of this world. Although I was extremely nervous about becoming a mother, my support system between my family and friends helped me make it through and is the ONLY reason I am able to celebrate with happiness 5 years of motherhood to date.

Hate is ugly, so is judgement and what has happened within the last 48 hours shows how painful hurt can be; think of the mother of the child, who is now reading your words. How does this help her? What motivates her to turn herself in and reach out for a better life? How many persons are going through similar situations are now left hurting? You are not only what you speak but also what you write, choose love over hate.


Sincerely,

Disgusted 

Champagne and Character: Here's to 2016

Could you believe that we are almost done with January? I can't with the speed at which this year is going, already.  Seriously, where did the time go? 2015 flew pass quickly for me and in some instances, I barely kept up, but 2016, 2016 will be different, it's my promise to myself. 

To recap, in 2015 I started my "dream job" for this season, completed four semesters of grad school, became a college drop out, climbed the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, had lunch with the prime minister of Mexico, took my daughter on a chartered plane to an island (yup a mini plane with a total of six seats inclusive of the pilot 😁), became the brand manager for a major portfolio within the organization, drank beers for the first time and consumed alcohol, way too much champagne; in short, 2015 I lived! 

The funny thing about living is the more you do it the more you want. I remember when a basic life was quite sufficient for me, mundane job, basic bae, barely there friends and the list could go on. However, the more I experience new things, new culture, new people; I can not help but to want more. More goals, more results, more travel, more food, more fun, more love, more life, more relationships, more God, more more.

To be quite honest, as I approach thirty years on this earth, I'm filled with mixed feelings. I'm still single (for what seems like forever), my business that I thought would be an empire by now still only has the "e", I can not boast of being the world's greatest mother and the list goes on. However, despite it all I celebrate. I celebrate the baby steps that are pulling me more each day to my purpose, the happiness of teaching my daughter something new, getting out of bed on a Saturday morning  to catch a yoga class; substituting a burger with a salad, being 'social' on social media at least once a week; small victories catapulting me to where I need to be; and for that I celebrate!  

For 2016 my goal is simple, to live the most fulfilling life I can, while celebrating along the way. That means more mistakes, more risks, more opportunities and ofcourse more champagne and I'm game! What are your goals for 2016? 

Enter to Win the Ultimate Mommy Makeover with MUA Shauna Sinclaire

Hey Dolls!

Last week I posted on my 5-Minute Mommy Make Routine, and received lots of feedback from our Jazzy Moms. Seeing the feedback led me to reach out to local Make Up Artist, Shauna Sinclaire to partner together to bring to my readers the Ultimate Mommy Makeover Giveaway! 

Yes, you read correct. You or a mom like you, now have the chance to enter to win a Glam Makeover! Learn the dos and don'ts of make up application, re-energize your inner diva and step out a Glam Mom.

Rules For Giveaway: 

1. Like the Jazzy Moms Facebook Page.
2. Like the Shauna Sinclaire MUA Facebook Page.
3. Tell us your every day make up routine. 
4. Share with other Jazzy Moms!
   * Subject to citizens and residents of The Bahamas only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Shauna Sinclaire: 
Shauna Sinclair is a professional makeup artist who specializes in makeup application with a special focus on weddings, portraits, beauty and glamour.

5-Minute Mommy Makeup

I love makeup. Not necessarily because I think I need it; although at this point in my life I can't really see myself going most places without a little coverage. Plus, I truly dislike seeing women go to the food store, corner store or anywhere outside their home looking a hot mess! So for me, make up on a daily basis is essential, no matter how little.

I will be honest, some mornings I want to opt out of the beauty routine and just go out as is, then I am reminded that I have to look in the faces of atleast one hundred people today, I'm a professional, I'm a mom and believe it or not there are some women that are inspired by me and the way I keep myself together.

I remember recently I went to work after working the night before. I didn't do much of anything to my face and the first thing the assistant at work said to me was "What's happening hunny, I'm not use to this" she went on to say how she likes that I'm always "fixed" and that she even tried arching her brows like mine but that hadn't work the way she planned. Long story short, there's always someone watching.

Now while a full face beat down isn't necessary every day, here are some makeup essentials that can get you from drab to fab in under 5 minutes!

1. Eyeliner: life started only after I discovered the beauty of eye liner. With the perfect shade, lining your eyes based on your eye shape is an excellent way to draw emphasis to your eyes and bring energy to your face. 
2. Eyebrows: not many people have seen me without my eye brows done. I do believe that the brow is the single most important element to a face. Skip the eyeshadow, lipstick, blush and give me eyebrows any day! Ensure that your brows are always groomed. Whether you are a naturalists or you draw your brows on, be sure that they are shaved/ waxed/ plucked and keeps a shape that enhances your face.
   
   Side note: I love my big eyes, so most of my attention is placed on the eyes. 
3. Concealer: or your lifeline as some persons may refer to it. Concealer can hide dark circles under the eyes, even out the skin and bring a new smoothness to problem areas. It's perfection in a tube, especially for days when you got little to no sleep before. (i.e. sick baby, breast feeding, kids with nightmares)
4. Lip Color: be it a bold lippie or nude gloss, adding lip color to your everyday looks adds the extra glam that's perfect for any mom.  

And there you have it, my every day 5-minute make up look

To be honest, most days I am putting on my face in the parking lot of my daughter's school as I wait for her classroom to open up because like most moms, time in the morning is a luxury. The above essentials have gotten me through sleepless nights and even longer days! What make up essentials do you use to glam up?

FACT or FICTION: 5 Pregnancy Myths Revealed

Being pregnant for me was the best nine months of my life! I got to eat whatever I want without worrying about my weight, everyone wanted to help me, even when I didn't need help and best of all, I could demand just about anything at anytime and get it. You know, because no one wanted to be responsible for scarring the baby (evil smile). Despite the generosity received while pregnant, one thing I hated most were the old wives tales about pregnancy, motherhood and what to expect when expecting; some so ridiculous, they were hard to believe.

So after speaking to a few medical professionals, researching the "interwebs" and reading articles, here are some are five pregnancy myths exposed!

Myth #1: Pregnant women CAN NOT wear heels.

Depending on the the height of the heels, its okay to rock you cute shoes. Yes, with heels.  By the second trimester, your uterus has grown significantly causing curvature in the back, you know the cause for those pregnant waddles. Wearing heals 2 inches or more puts a lot of stress on the balls of the feet and alters your center of gravity; all of which are already happening with the pregnancy. Simply put, It's not necessarily harmful to baby or your pregnancy, but can place unnecessary pressure on your back and foot which can lead to a lack of balance for mother and baby. 

Myth #2: Your belly is round and sitting high, you are having a boy.

No. Doctors are not even 100% all the time, therefore the shape, size look of a woman's body does not determine the gender of the baby. 

Myth #3: Does stretching or reaching for something cause harm to mother or baby during pregnancy?

Stretching and light exercising such as pregnancy yoga are actually quite helpful for pregnancy and will ease with delivery. Now there are exceptions if mother has had a preterm delivery, previous problems with incomplete attachment or the placenta; however, light work outs are completely okay. Aggressive stretching or stretching of heavy items are an absolute no!

Myth #4: Cravings translates to odd shaped birthmarks

This is not a medically proven fact, however, there are many moms who would disagree.The jury is still out on this. Thank goodness I don't have a strawberry patch on my thigh! 

Myth #5: You are eating for two, so eat as much as possible!

OK stop. Not so fast. Put the spoon down! Yes, you're eating for two but that doesn't mean two adults. According to Webmd, "the average woman with a normal weight pre-pregnancy needs only about 300 extra calories per day to promote her baby's growth."

Now that we know the truth about the above, what crazy myths were you told while pregnant? Share your stories with us!

I've Got Baby Fever

I've got baby fever. Okay so, not bad enough for me to actually have another baby right now, but bad enough to miss the joys of being the mother of a new born baby. This weekend I spent most of Saturday shopping for a baby shower of a close friend of mine and then Sunday I spent most of the evening at the baby shower and both reminded be of the excitement, anxiety and happiness of having a baby.

I remember when I first found out that I was with child (like in the Bible days). My initial response was very delayed. I have always been the kind of woman that did not want kids. I wanted to have an amazing career, travel the world and make an impact worldwide. So after I got the news, I thought about where my life was, where I wanted it to go and it hit me like a ton of bricks, maybe, what I wanted in life was not what was planned for me. After a lot of counsel and conversations with friends and family, I slowly began anticipating the birth of my daughter. For persons that were really familiar with me, this change in heart took them all by surprise. The once anti-child lady was now taking trips and spending copious amounts of money on an unborn child. Oh, how things have changed!

As I sit and reflect on life then and life now, I thank God on a daily basis for firstly blessing me with such a beautiful gift of life and secondly giving me the inspiration and drive to reach my goals because she has been placed in my life. From learning and enforcing self discipline to accomplishing my educational and career goals; since the day I found out I would be a mother, my life changed. In the best possible way. Now not only do I have the fantastic career, travel the world and developing ways to leave a global footprint, but I have a beautiful daughter here cheering me along every step of the way.

I may not be quite ready for baby number two, but I can certainly appreciate the joys of becoming a mother and the more exciting experiences of being a mother! Not only has her existence motivated me to be the best version of myself; but as she grows and develops I am encouraged to do the same. There's no greater feeling than that of being a parent and I truly thank God for this blessing!

Weekend Rant: Raising Mini Me

Do you ever get to a place with your kids where you despise what they are doing then you stop and realize that its exactly what you do, ALL THE TIME? UGhhhh! I can not tell you the amount of times I want to scream when I see my daughter doing the same nonsense I was disciplined for as a child. It's like she is my exact replica and while for some parents that may be a sigh of relief, Im holding my breathe because I know I am in for a ride and a complex one at that!

Here's to a great weekend from our home to yours!
 

Back to School Party

Its two weeks out from the start of school and my kid is way too excited! I mean, she talks about K4 just about everyday. How she's going to be in big girl school, wearing a big girl bag, doing big girl homework and with a big girl teacher. When did school become so exciting?!

Meanwhile, I'm here nervous because she's entering a new grade level which translates to a new teacher that I must trust to properly take care of her and monitor her while she's in school, new friends she would be interacting with, a new environment; this all makes me nervous! Certainly I can not forget the homework, every night, at least three subjects daily.  Excited? I think not!

Excited or not, back to school is here, who's ready?! Here's a Jazzy Moms check list for preparing for your kids to go back to school:

1. Always be prepared: the worst part of background to school is the traffic, beat back to school blues by prepping the evening before; lunch, uniforms, hair (if it can last) even selecting underwear if you can.

2. Time makes everything better: give yourself time. Time for milk to spill on their freshly pressed uniforms, time for a flat tire and most importantly time for resentment on the first day of school. No matter how excited they may seem, a new environment is tough to deal with, allow them time to adjust.

3. Enjoy the moment: if you are anything like me, you panic the moment things do not go as planned.  But remember that like every other growing experience, its important to enjoy every moment. Whether that means taking fifty pictures of her in her uniform or sitting in the car for an five minutes to watch her in the school yard; appreciate the blessing you've been given to be a mom!

Summer's over! Let's go back to school.

Xoxo,

Ms. Jazzy