Breaking Point

I told my hubby the other day that if I was able to throw Princess from the car without harming her, and peel off- I'd do it.  I know it's a weird and extreme statement.  As a parent, there are times when I feel like I'm gonna loose my mind!  I'm sure you parents out there can agree.  If you say otherwise, then you're fronting big time.

Some mornings I can't wait to drop Princess off at daycare, so that I can have some peace and quiet.  Is that selfish? No, quite the opposite.  I'd much rather her be in an environment where she is free.  She's able to learn and play with her classmates all day.  That way we're both happy.

The other day I heard about a 26 year-old mom who left her two young daughters on a street corner in Canarsie, Brooklyn.  All the little girls had were some diapers.  This story struck a cord with me.  Not because it happened it my old neighborhood, but because I'm a mom just like her.

There is absolutely no excuse for her actions.  But, I can't help feel sadness for her.  It's easy to say this woman is crazy.  On the slip side, what would drive her to do this?  I don't know this lady's situation.    But, I can honestly say that as a parent I know how it feels to reach a breaking point.

Let's be clear- I would never hurt my baby girl in a million years.  Come on!  Who can resist this cute face?

However, there are times when I do get frustrated.  Rather than go to extreme measures, I take deep breaths.  When that doesn't work, my hubby is quick to swoop in and take over.  There are lots of challenges to parenting, and we have to do the best we can.  No matter how upset I get, it certainly isn't worth abandoning my child.  I just wish this lady would have gone for help, before leaving her beautiful little girls on the side of the road.

Have you ever reached a breaking point?

Weather Anchor Mama

Getaway Dilemma

The time has finally come for tough decisions.  You see, I knew the day would eventually arrive for my hubby and I to have some alone time.  I don't mean a movie or dinner date.  I'm talking about a vacation!

The plan was to wait a few years before jetting off to the Caribbean or some other romantic location.  But recent events have forced us to reevaluate our plans.  I found out that I won a three day spa trip for two at Vdara Spa in Las Vegas.  The rules stated that I had up to a year to book the trip.  I was excited and apprehensive at the same time.  Do we take Princess with us, or  do we leave her behind?

If we bring her along, how in the world would we able to relax?  They don't call it a vacation for nothing! I look forward to a mommy and daughter spa retreat one day.  But, that day is about 15 years away.  Taking her now would obviously out of the question.  The only option- have her stay with Grandma!

However, it's not as easy as you think.  I no longer pump my breast milk, but I do still nurse.  In fact, Princess looks forward to nuzzling up to mommy boobies every night.  If she doesn't get her nightly fix, then there will be consequences to pay.  It's bad enough that she has a hard time sleeping through the night.  It's worse when you take away the one thing that soothes her back to sleep.   In order to solve this dilemma, I will put the following plan into motion before our trip:

1.  Rather than spend half the night in her bed, I'll work my way back into mine full time.

2.  She'll be spending more time at Grandma's house on the weekends.

3.  Princess has never spent the night anywhere else, but it's time to give that a try too.  I'll also have her spend a few nights at Grandma's.

4.  We'll have all of her favorite snacks, toys, and other essentials handy.  It's not exactly the same as our home, but it'll be close enough.

5.  She's been doing ok with regular milk.  Even though it won't be the same as laying next to mommy, I'll pump a few bottles in case of an emergency. 

6.  Face time!  Since we won't be there in the flesh, at least we can't see and chat via phone!

I only have until Spring!  This is all I've got so far.  If you got any other ideas, please send them my way.  Have you ever gone on vacay and left your kiddies behind?

Weather Anchor Mama

After the MMR

Picture Princess heavily medicated, out of sorts, and drooling uncontrollably.  That was the vision in my head at the thought of her getting the MMR vaccine.  After months of debate and research, I finally gave in.  Princess finally got her shot!

As I mentioned in my previous post, the controversy surrounding the MMR vaccine has been retracted.  However, there are some parents who still have doubts and worry about serious side effects- including me.  So far, Princess is doing just fine.  She cried for about 2 seconds afterwards, and later took a longer than usual nap.  She even slept a little better last night.  Can't complain about that!

I'll be watching her closely in the coming days.  The doctor said there is a chance that she may get a fever about a week following the injection.  Fingers crossed that all goes well, and she remains fever free.  For now Princess continues to be the same funny, happy-go-lucky baby girl I know her to be.

Thanks so much for the warm support.  As always, I appreciate all of your comments.  Keep 'em coming!

Weather Anchor Mama

Potty Princess

It seems like it was just yesterday when my hubby and I welcomed our new baby girl into the world.  Since then it's been a whirlwind.  We've enjoyed so many different milestones from crawling, walking, to first words, and so much more.  In a matter of weeks we'll be celebrating a new one.  Potty training!

Princess is already familiar with the potty.  She's used to hearing me say, "Mommy can't pick you up right now because mommy has to use the potty honey."  The more I show her how I use the potty, the more prepared she'll be when it's time for her to train.  She also says "potty" a lot!

Grandma even bought Princess her own little throne that dubs as a step stool.  These are some of the ways I choose to slowly introduce her to the potty.  Check out my latest fabulous idea!

Princess also loves showing her ladybug how to go potty

When I saw this cute t-shirt at cafepress.com, I knew she would love it.  More so, I felt that it would bring her into the potty frame of mind.  This site has all kinds of baby t-shirts for different occasions.  You can also take advantage of personalized baby clothes, as well as other election buttons for the presidential season.

The mommy in me feels like if I make potty training fun, then my little one will have a blast learning how to use it.  I don't plan on forcing the issue.  But, I'll be slowly teaching Princess all about the potty.  I'll let you know how it goes!

How did you introduce your little one to the potty?

Weather Anchor Mama

MMR Vaccine

I knew the day would eventually come when Princess would have to get the measles, mumps, and rubella shot aka MMR.  I've been a bit apprehensive because of the controversy surrounding this vaccine.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the vaccination, here's some background info.  Studies have shown that since this vaccine was made available, MMR cases have drastically reduced.  However, a health scare came about when an article featured in The Lancet claimed that the vaccine could cause autism and other developmental problems in children.  The medical journal later published a retraction, stating that the link to autism was unfounded.  However, I spoke with another mommy blogger who told me she refused to have her child given the shot.

Parents who decide to fore go this injection might as well stay home with their kids and home school them.  This is a state mandated vaccine, so many schools and daycare centers can't allow a child who hasn't been given the shot to attend.  Some doctors will even refuse to treat your kid, if you refuse the injection.  The thought of Princess being turned away from her daycare and pediatrician would sadden me.  Both are located just minutes from our home.  It would be a big inconvenience, if she weren't allowed treatment at her doctor's office.  It would be an even bigger one, if she couldn't attend daycare.  She's made so many friends, and she's learned so much there.  My hubby and I are extremely happy with her progress.

Despite the retraction, many parents are still against the vaccine.  Some would much rather follow a holistic approach, than conventional scientific medicine.  I'm not totally against either.  In fact, I try to avoid giving Princess antibiotics and over-the-counter drugs, unless it's absolutely necessary.  According to healthychild.com, decongestants and antihistamines suppress the body's immune system and could later lead to reinfections.  Vitamin A, C, and echinacea offer a healthier alternative to treating viruses.  I'm not super anal about food, however, I do the best I can with healthier options to keep away illnesses.  That's why I made a commitment to breastfeed for as long as possible.

Whether you decide to skip the MMR injection or not, I think the most important thing is that you educate yourself.  I've thought long and hard about the vaccine.  I've done research and I've spoken with other parents.  I can honestly say that I feel better about my decision.  It's either keep Princess in quarantine or give her the shot.  I've decided to go with the latter.  I pray for no major side affects.

Were you apprehensive about your child getting the MMR vaccine?  Please share your thoughts.

A Healthier Pumpkin Bread

Ever since I was a kid I loved to bake.  Corn bread, cookies, lemon squares, brownies, are just some of my favorite treats to make.  But with the demands of school, work, and now a toddler, baking has taken a back seat.  Aside from whipping something up on special occasions, I really don't have time to bake like I used to.

I stumbled across a recipe for pumpkin bread that my friend Victoria gave me a while back.  So, I decided to put it to use this weekend.  It's pretty simple and easy to follow.  I made a few changes for a healthier version.

Here's what you'll need:

Mix
3 cups organic pure cane sugar
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 egg beaten whites
1 can pumpkin pie mix
2/3 cup of water

Mix
3 1/2 whole grain brown rice flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon allspice
Walnuts- optional

Add the two mixtures and mix well.  If you're feeling nutty, throw in some walnuts- once you finish mixing.  I like to make one with and one without.  Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes in greased and floured pans, either 6 small bread pans or 2 standard loaf pans.  Use a tooth pick as a test to see if it's ready.  If the tooth pick is clean after you dip, then it's done!

Do you like to bake?  What are some of your favorite treats to whip up?


Weather Anchor Mama

Talkin' About Skincare

I've been getting requests to do a skincare tutorial. Here I am makeup free! You'll be surprised at what I use to wash my face.  It's ain't much!

Weather Anchor Mama

When She Refuses

Princess never liked getting dressed, but she's gotten much better.  That's because I try to make getting ready fun.  Once I get the tunes going and play with her, it's no longer a struggle.  But, in recent months I've noticed that she's becoming a bit picky with her outfits.  Take this tutu set for instance:

My hubby's co-worker bought it for her.  I think it's adorable.  But, she's been refusing to put it on for months.  It actually goes with pink leggings.  I decided to pair it with black ones to make it a little less Spring like.  I figure the boots would add a nice touch and complete the outfit.  She fussed while getting dressed this morning.  Once she saw the entire look, she grinned from ear to ear.

Those smiles didn't last long though.  Princess later had a tantrum because she didn't want to wear her Winter coat.  I can only imagine how it's gonna be when she gets older.  I guess it's payback for me.  I put my mom through the same thing.  There will be times I'll compromise, and times when choosing an outfit won't be up for debate.  She may have gone nuts over that coat, but she went to daycare nice and warm.

So, if at first you don't succeed try again!

Weather Anchor Mama

For the Last Time She Mine!

My hubby and I have always planned on having kids.  I knew that starting a family wouldn't be easy.  I'm not just referring to the financial aspects of raising a child.  I'm talking about how our children would be perceived.

There was a good chance that our child would have darker features like me.  There was also a good chance that he or she would have very fair skin and blue eyes like my hubby, who had blond hair growing up.  I also knew there was a good chance that our baby would have a head full of golden locks too.

No matter how light or dark, we would love our baby unconditionally.  But, the one thing I wasn't ready for was the question, "Is she yours?"  I remember being asked that question before becoming a mom.  I have a niece who is also biracial.  She's half Puerto Rican and half Jamaican.  She and I were joined at the hip when she was a baby.  People would always compliment how cute she was, and ask if she was mine.  I'd say thanks and answer the question without giving it a second thought.

A few years later my nephew, who is black, arrived.  Like my niece, we were joined at the hip.  Everyone assumed he was mine.  I recall people telling me, "I thought he was yours all this time."  I didn't mind.  After all, he was one of the most beautiful babies I had ever seen.  I'm not just saying that because he's my nephew.

Now that I have a daughter of my own I get asked that question all over again.  "Is she yours?"  I feel like saying, "for the last time she's mine!"  But of course, I politely say yes instead.  I must admit it can get annoying.  I always knew there would be a chance that I'd look like the nanny and I've come to terms with that.  My daughter is beautiful, and I'm so happy that God has blessed me with her.

I've come up with some do's and don't for when you encounter a biracial child with his or her parent:

1.  If you see a woman with a child, don't assume she's the nanny.
2.  I find that when my hubby, Princess, and I are together everyone assumes that we are a family.  If you see a mom or dad with a biracial child, do the same.

3.  Do compliment.  Parents love to be told how gorgeous their child is.  That way if you happen to say, "you have a beautiful daughter" you give that person the opportunity to either say "thanks" or "no she's my niece."  Get my drift?

4.  Don't give nasty or blank stares.  We hate those.  My hubby actually confronted someone for doing that.  Person became embarrassed.

5.  Do look over with a smile.  It shows kindness.
6.  Don't use words like mutts or half breeds when describing mixed raced kids.  That's just plain rude.  We prefer biracial.
7.  Do ask about race.  It's okay to ask someone about his or her background, as long as it's done nicely in the proper setting.  In other words, you don't want to stop a complete stranger and ask what race the kid is.
8.  Most importantly, do use common sense.

Weather Anchor Mama

We've Become Those People

How many times have you seen a mom with kid(s) in tow, struggling to keep it together?  I've seen quite a few like at the grocery store, the mall, and even restaurants.

I used to ask myself, why doesn't she leave the kids at home so she can shop in peace, and not have her them whine about some treat they're not allowed to have?  How about the mom who tries not to lose her mind when her little one throws a tantrum in the middle of the shopping mall?  What about the married couple trying to have a nice meal at a restaurant, but their tots are too busy throwing food and screaming across the table?

Oh, and don't forget about the family leaving the parking lot.  Ever try to get a space from a family with a baby?  It takes forever for them to load all the shopping goods, the stroller, and the kid into that soccer mom mini-van we all love so much.  I would get so frustrated waiting for them to pull out!

It's so annoying having to stand behind these people on line, wait for their parking spot, and sit at the table next to them.  I must admit there was time when I'd even request a table away from kids.  But, I've since realized that my hubby and I have become "those people."  We only have one.  But, there are times when it feel like we have multiples.  It sure ain't easy keeping our baby girl in check.  We get stares, and hear the mumbles of discontent.  But, we do our best.

Karma is a beeeyotch!

Weather Anchor Mama

The Cast is Finally Off!

Who would have thought that getting Princess's cast removed would be an all day event?  I had told boss lady early in the week that I'd probably be a little late for work.  The fiasco that I went through getting the cast put on made me think to cover my basis.

The plan was to get up at 7 am.  Get Princess's stuff ready for daycare, including her meals, and leave by 8:15 for our 9 am appointment.  We started out on track.  She brushed her teeth and got dressed.  But, Princess was dead set on not putting on her shoes.  To make matters worse, it was raining cats and dogs outside!

We didn't leave the house until about 8:30.  Yikes!  I called the doc to let them know we were running a bit late.  We finally got there at 9:30.  Thankfully they understood, and didn't give us a hard time about being delayed.  Despite our tardiness, I thought it would be an easy breezy visit.  The doc would come in remove the cast, examine her, maybe do an x-ray, and we'd bounce.  I couldn't be so wrong.  They did everything I anticipated, but there was a wait time of an eternity in between each step.  Plus, Princess wanted to walk around and socialize with everyone.  She insisted that I give her a private tour of the place.  When I didn't - she lost her mind. To keep her calm, I had to break out some elmo cheese crackers.  That seemed to work for a while, but then she wanted the boob which seemed to keep her satisfied for a brief moment.  I finally allowed her hang outside the waiting room for a bit because there was little boy she wanted to befriend.

We finally got done with everything and left around 11ish.  I was about to merge onto the parkway when I realized that I forgot the clearance letter for daycare.  I called the doctor's office to see if they could just fax the letter over.  It was just my luck that no one picked up.  It was bad enough I was already running late.  Turning around set me back even further.

I got back to the office and the receptionist said those dreaded words we all hate, "Have a seat.  The doctor will be with you shortly."  Have a seat?  That usually means another half hour wait.  I thought I was gonna lose my mind.  After waiting for what seemed like an eternity again, we were finally on our way.  We arrived at daycare during nap time, but Princess was wired up.  Sleeping was a no go.  The staff was nice enough to make her a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch (her fav).

I rushed home, showered, slapped on some makeup, pinned curled my hair, threw on what ever stuck to my body, and jetted off to work.  I was almost an hour late.  But, at least I still had enough time to eat lunch and prepare my weather forecast before the 5pm newscast.

I thought the hard part was over.  But, I got a phone from grandma later in the day saying that Princess was having a fit.  I guess my baby girl had a long day.  It had seemed like she was ok after the cast was removed.  But, I guess it's all catching up to her.  The loss of sleep, the change in the routine, and she's a mess.  Can't blame her.  She's just a baby who's schedule was thrown out of whack!  On a much brighter note, she's now cast-less!  She'll be back to her old self in no time.

Weather Anchor Mama

How I Get Fab Hair After a Workout

Balancing career and motherhood is hard enough. But, managing my hair is even harder, especially after exercising!  As a weather anchor, my hair game has got to be tight.  No excuses.  I've come up with a routine before and after my workout to keep my mane looking fab on-air.  Check it out!

 

How do you keep your hair looking fab after working out?

Weather Anchor Mama

Baby Hair Care

After realizing that my daughter's hair was drying out from using Johnson & Johnson's products, I've been on the hunt for the baby shampoo and conditioner. I found one that's natural and safe for my baby's hair. Check it out!



What products do you use in your kid's hair?

Weather Anchor Mama

Is Cryin' it Out the Best Way To Go?

Princess fell out of her crib a couple months ago (before fracturing her arm).  I wasn't gonna blog about it because I felt HORRIBLE.  No need to flood the message boards with bad mommy comments.  I feel bad enough.  I read a post the other day on babycenter.com that made me rethink my decision of staying mum about the whole thing.

In the article mom and writer, Jennifer Borget, shares her positive experience in using the Ferber Method.  It's a technique in which babies are left alone to cry themselves to sleep.  She also addresses the way some other moms may have misused it.  There's no question that this method could be viewed as controversial.  Some may believe it's a form of neglect, while others may feel it's totally ok.  As stated in an article in Psychology Today, there have been claims that the Ferber Method could kill brain cells.  It sounds pretty dramatic, but like Jennifer, I see nothing wrong with it- as long as you don't leave your child screaming for dear life for too long.  You also have to keep in mind that every baby is different, and it's important to know your baby's limits.

While pregnant I knew I would be giving birth to a night owl.  My baby bounced around in my tummy during the night, and was super quiet during the day.  After giving birth -she barely slept- especially at night.  I was nearing the end of my maternity leave, and I wanted to train her to fall asleep on her own before returning to work.  Like Borget, I tried the Ferber method and was successful.  When people would ask about Princess's sleep habits, I felt like a proud mama!  I 'd tell them that she slept through the night just fine.  But, my happiness eventually turned to sorrow- not to mention stress.  After a few months, it was all over.  I couldn't believe it!  Princess wouldn't dare go down without a fight.  She'd be wide awake when I returned home from work.  I've written about her sleep conundrums,  and have gotten some great advice, as a result.  I tried everything to help soothe her.  I later found out that Princess was suffering from teething pain.  I thought it would be a temporary thing, but she still continued having sleep trouble.

I figured, why not give the "cry it out" sleep training method another try.  It worked before, it'll work again.  Right?  Wrong!  The plan was to put her in the crib, allow her to cry, and check on her every five minutes.  My hubby and I would continue with this until she finally wore herself out.  That never happened.  Princess was relentless.  She refused to go to sleep.  She stood up the entire time in protest.  At one point I saw my hubby laying blankets and pillows on the floor next the crib.  He looked at me and said, "I have a feeling she's gonna jump out."

It seemed like she finally knocked herself out.  After about ten minutes, we heard a loud thud.  Sure enough, Princess somehow made it over the bars.  My hubby, usually slow like mollasses, moved like lightning up the stairs.  When he came back down, he told me that he found her UNDERNEATH THE CRIB!  

I still have no idea how she ended up there.  However, it was a good thing those pillows and blankets were there to break her fall.  Lord only knows what would have happened.  I could kick myself for wanting to use this technique again.  It's not that I don't agree with it.  It's just that I feel all babies are different.  I always knew my daughter hated being in the crib.  Even though she slept in it before, she just doesn't feel comfortable in it now.  She likes being in a regular bed.  We don't all sleep in the same bed at the same time, but there are nights when it's just mommy and Princess.  Her daddy completely understands.

As of late, we've tried a new bedtime routine.  Since I work late, her daddy puts her down around 9 PM.  He puts on the cute ladybug that displays stars throughout her bedroom that Aunt Tiff bought her.  He also plays some soothing tunes, and stays with her until she falls asleep.  She still wakes up in the middle of the night.  But, we are making progress.  I usually spend half the night with her and other half with my hubby.  I know it'll be a slow process.  But as a parent, I know I have to be patient with her.  I remember being a kid.  Everything seemed so big, and sometimes scary.  I could only imagine how she must feel.  So for now, I just have to let her be the guide.

Kudos to the parents who've found success in the Ferber Method.   

What kind of sleep method do you use with your kiddos?

Weather Anchor Mama 

Dinner in a Flash

One of the most challenging things about being a working mom is finding time to cook.  Making dinner does get tedious, especially if I have to take Princess to daycare, get ready for work, and study (yeah, I'm still taking classes).  There are times when I have no time to cook for myself and my hubby. But, I always make time to prepare Princess's meals.  Although her daycare provides food, I make it a point to paper bag her lunch and snacks -that way I know exactly what she's eating.

I usually get up early and prepare her meals.  Then, make ours before heading off to work.  The other day I decided to kill two birds with one stone.  I made brown rice pasta with shrimp and tomato sauce for the three of us (no shrimp for Princess just yet).

Here's what you'll need...

2 cups of uncooked brown rice pasta (It's a great alternative to regular pasta.  Gotta mix it up a little)
1 Cup Tomato sauce
20 medium size shrimps (you can cut prep time in half by purchasing shrimp that already peeled and de-vined)
1 tablespoon butter substitute (smart choice or I can't believe it's not butter)
1 teaspoon Garlic
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash
1/4 cup diced onions
1 teaspoon salt

Bring water with salt to a boil.  Add brown rice pasta and cook under medium heat for 15 minutes.
Combine shrimp, black pepper, garlic, Mrs. Dash in a bowl.
In a pan, melt butter substitute and onions.  Sauté for a few minutes.

Add in shrimp, letting it cook for 3-5 minutes.  Shrimp should be a light pinkish color.  Then pour in sauce, and continue cooking for another couple minutes (or until sauce begins to form bubbles).
**Don't cook the shrimp too long or else it will become hard.
**If you don't eat fish, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast.  But cooking will take longer.

Strain the brown rice pasta and add it to the sauce and walla!  You're done.

This meal should take you less than 30 minutes to prepare.  Happy eating!

What did you cook today?

Weather Anchor Mama

Feelin' More Like Spring

I've been looking forward to this Saturday since the beginning of the week.  As a weather anchor, my job is to tell the forecast.  Normally this time of year, there's talk of snow and freezing temperatures.  But, it's been the complete opposite.  

We started the week with a frigid blast (wind chills near zero), and we ended it on a much milder note (highs in the 60s)!  Record highs here in New York!  Yay!

I haven't been able to take much outdoor pics because of the cold temps.  But, not today!

Here are some snap shots of Princess enjoying a day at the park, and checking out some sweet treats!

How Often Do You Wash Hands?

I said it before and I'll say it again.  I'm a germaphobe!  I'm the kind of person who washes her hands a million times a day.  I know some people don't, and that's not ok.  But, how do you politely tell the girl who happens to walk into the bathroom the same time you do, use the toilet, and flees the scene to come back and wash her hands?  Normally, I mind my own business.  But, something like this can affect me and my child.  There are germs everywhere, especially on door knobs.  The lady who doesn't wash her hands could be spreading all kinds of germs to the next person who opens the same bathroom door.  I recently received a memo from my daughter's daycare warning parents about an illness that could affect children.  It's called Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The memo states that there have been recent reports of a surge in this particular lung disease in southern Florida.  This respiratory virus can infect lungs and breathing passages.  It's known to mostly affect infants with immature immune systems, especially during winter months.  But, adults are certainly not exempt from contracting or spreading it.  Overall about five million children younger than four years old will get a respiratory infection with RSV each year, according to this memo.  It can be spread through coughing, sneezing, and saliva.  This virus lives on doorknobs, countertops, hands and clothing.  It may also easily be spread when someone touches a contaminated object, which confirms my point about the importance of hand washing after using the bathroom.  I know I'm probably over thinking this whole thing.  You may be thinking, "Who cares?"  But, I care!

Will washing my hands like a maniac totally eliminate the chances of Princess getting sick?  No.  But, I at least try to be as careful as possible.

The daycare is pretty good with keeping all the toys clean.  The teachers also wash the children's hands throughout the day.  But as much as they try to avoid spreading germs, it may not always work.  Princess has battled a lot of respiratory infections, since starting daycare.  Her immune system has gotten much stronger.  However, I'll continue to take measures to prevent our family from getting sick.  So, I'll be disinfecting everything, and making sure we wash our hands.

In retrospect, I'm glad I told that woman at the gym to come back and wash her hands.  She seemed surprised, but I had to do it.


Weather Anchor Mama

Guilt Free Snack

Rather than hit up the vending machine, I decided to go with this healthy, guilt free snack option instead.

Got any guilt free snack ideas?

Weather Anchor Mama

WAM's Cheesy Mac

Everyone knows that my sis makes the best mac and cheese.  If we're having company over, she's always the designated mac and cheese maker.  Princess loves it too, considering she is a very picky eater.  But let's face it, I can't expect her to make it every time I crave it.  So, I've come up with own recipe with lots of cheese.  Don't worry, if you're lactose intolerant there are substitutes that you can make to prepare your own tasty dish.

I brought some in to work and my co-workers salivated over my dinner.  One of them requested I post it on my blog.  So here ya go Ray!

Here's what you'll need:

Casserole dish
2 large pots
4 Cups Milk (I like to use soy milk to prevent dairy overload.  I have a sensitive stomach, and have to go easy of the dairy.  Rice and almond milks are other great options)

4 Cups of mild and sharp cheddar cheese (This is when I go crazy with dairy.  The more cheese the better, even though I may have to pay for it later.  If you're sensitive to cheese, you can use Veggie Shreds instead.)
1 cup pecorino romano cheese (you can also use parmesan flavor instead, if you have a sensitive tummy)
6 tablespoons of butter (I use I can't believe it's not butter or smart balance)
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
dash of nutmeg
1/4 cup of onions (optional)
14.5-16 oz of Whole grain pasta (another healthy alternative is brown rice pasta)

To begin:
1.  Boil water with 1/4 teaspoon of salt.  Add pasta and cook it for only about 9 minutes. (Cooking it longer will lead to a mushy end result)
2.  Strain pasta and set aside

While pasta is cooking, you can get started on the cheese mix.
3.  Melt butter in a pot (set burner to medium heat)
4.  Add Milk, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, nutmeg, 3 cup of cheese, 1/2 cup parmesan/pecorino romano, and onions.  Stir until the mixture is thick.
5.  Add cooked pasta to the cheese mix
6.  Poor into casserole dish
7.  Sprinkle remaining sharp & mild cheddar, parmesan/ pecorino romano cheeses on top
8.  Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes at 375 degrees.
7.  Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 minutes for a golden finish

Your WAM's Cheesy Mac should look like this:

Whether you use dairy or not, you can still achieve WAM's Cheesy Mac!

Weather Anchor Mama

Indoor Family Fun

I've been known to hibernate during the winter months.  There's nothing like spending time with family.  My hubby and I had the day off from work, and we decided to make it an indoor family fun day!

I finally had the chance to put together the learning home that Princess's grandma brought her for Christmas.  She had a lot of fun getting the mail, unlocking the door, and crawling though the doorway with daddy's help.

I haven't been able to take some fun outdoor pics in a while, but these indoor shots are pretty cool.

Happy New Year!

For me, 2012 is about moving forward.  These past few years brought a lot of sadness and joy.  We've had to deal with the loss of family members.  My hubby and I welcomed a new addition to our family.  After spending almost a year being unemployed, he and I are finally in the process of getting our financial plans back on track.  In 2012 I plan to give myself a kick in the butt (figuratively speaking of course).  

I'll be back to my penny pinching days because we're saving for a new home!  I know it'll be awhile before we move.  In the meantime, we'll be scaling back on dining out and other frivolous spending.  Don't get me wrong, we deserve a treat on special occasions.  But for the most part, I'll be putting my culinary skills to good use.

My hubby was granted a transfer, and now works closer to home.  I'm also quite satisfied with my job situation, and look forward to making some career strides in the new year.  I look forward to many more milestones with Princess as well.  Jeez, it's so hard to imagine her being a two year old!   Her birthday will be here before ya know it!

I plan to continue blogging.  It's become a hobby of mine and from what I hear and read, you guys enjoy it too.  Photography is another thing I've picked up a long the way.  I want to take some classes to make my photos pop.  I'm not that crafty, but I am a great cook!  So, I'll be posting more recipes in 2012.

There's a lot more things I plan to accomplish this year.  I've got a lot more things up my sleeve.  I'll be sure to reveal a bit more when the time comes.

I hope you have a prosperous and healthy new year!  What are your plans for 2012?

Weather Anchor Mama