Check Out My Teeny Weeny Fro!

As you probably already know, I've been dealing with hair loss.  I've been rockin' a wig during the week at work.  But on weekends, I like to let it all hang out.  My hair is braided underneath my wig.  Here's how it looks when I take the plats out.

Right now it falls a little past my shoulders when straightened.  It's sort of like a shrunken wavy fro after I take them out.  It's still pretty thin.  In fact, you probably can't tell that I have a teeny weeny afro in the back about two inches long.

I can't wait to have a full head of hair again.  At some point, I may have to take matters into my own hands.  I'm not sure if I'll have enough guts to cut it all off.  For now this is the closest to me ever doing a big chop.

Have you ever done the big chop?

Weather Anchor Mama

My Encounter With an Angry Viewer

I love my job.  Even though things get a bit crazy during severe weather coverage, I get excited.

When boss lady asks me to come in a bit early for cut-ins, I'm happy to oblige.  Forecasting the weather can get tricky.  It's important to be on top of your game at all times.  People usually are quick to ask, "When is the storm coming?" "How long is it gonna last?"

There are times when I'm crunching (some say crashing, I say crunching), and I'd get a phone call from a colleague- "I'm planning to go hang out with some friends later tonight.  Is it gonna be like really bad?"  I think to myself, "Like dude for real?  You're really asking me this right now and I'm about to go up live?! Seriously?"  Instead of losing it, I give them the info they need.  From time to time there are those who will say, "I know you've been reporting the weather all day.  But, I wasn't really paying attention.  So, what's it gonna be like outside?

If you're reading this and think that I'm being a total beeyotch, you got me all wrong.  I actually think it's quite comical.  I remember being the one asking the Meteorologist these same questions before making the switch to weather.  It's like karma coming back to bite be in the a**.  On a serious note, I really do appreciate the questions.  It shows that that they look to me as their weather authority.  Even if I'm swamped, I think it's important to answer questions.  That's what I'm here for.

I recall receiving a phone call from one of our interns from the assignment desk.  I remember her telling me about an angry viewer demanding to speak to a weather forecaster.  Normally I don't take calls from viewers.  But something in me says to take the call.  FYI, we are going up live in less than one hour.

Me:"________.  How can I help you?"
Caller: "That's how you answer the phone?  With an attitude?
You don't have to have an attitude!  That's how you treat people?"
Me: "I'm sorry if you think I'm being rude.  It's just that we're in the middle of storm coverage and there is a sense of urgency.  How can I help you?"
Caller: "When I call ______, they are nice and they're not rude!  I don't know none of these people here.  The only one I know is Stacy-Ann.  I don't know no body else."

This person continues to ramble on- obviously not knowing it's me on the phone.  I don't bother telling the caller my name), and I am hoping not to get dissed.  Thank goodness, I'm not!  Whew!

Me:  "Is there something I can help you with?"
Caller: "Well, I want to know about the weather. Ya'll keep saying the same things over and over again.  You're supposed to be a 24 hour channel.  Every time I turn on the TV, ya'll are not telling me exactly where it's raining."
Me:  "Well, we are tracking storms and they won't be arriving until later this evening.  We air live newscasts that repeat throughout the evening.  Where exactly are you?"
Caller:  "I'm in ______.  What I wanna know is when it's supposed to hail.  Is it gonna mess up my house? Is it gonna mess up my car?"

This caller is clearly very irate and I wonder if I'd ever be able to calm this person down.  I give a quick synopsis of the forecast.  I mention that we've been tracking some severe thunderstorms out west, and that those storms are accompanied my hail, lightning, gusty winds, and flooding.  I reassure this person that we'll be updating our forecast throughout the evening, and will inform viewers when to expect the rain to arrive.  I also provide a timeline.

By the end of the conversation this caller does a complete 180.  This person even starts cracking jokes.  The caller goes from being upset to happy in a matter of 20 minutes.  I couldn't believe we've been talking for that long.  But, I don't mind.  It's important that this person hangs up the phone with peace of mind.  That's what I would want for myself.

What would you have done, if you were in my shoes?

Weather Anchor Mama

Becoming Little Miss Independent

I woke up in the morning, and saw Princess roaming around the house all by herself.  Normally, she'd fuss until someone comes to get her.  But apparently she didn't feel like waiting.

She got out of bed on her own.  I caught a glimpse of her leaving my room and quietly said her name.  I didn't want to startle her.  I asked her what she was doing all by herself.  She yelled, "Mommy!!"  Then climbed into bed and gave me a big hug and said, "I miss you!"  How could I scold her after that?

"I miss you too.  But, next time wait for mommy," I said.

I must have been completely knocked out.  It's kinda scary that I didn't hear her get up.  She's gotten so big!  She's becoming little Miss Independent.

Did you ever wake up to find your toddler roaming the house alone?

Weather Anchor Mama

Five Months Post Relaxer: What I've Learned About My Hair

It's been five months since my last relaxer.  I've made some strides in terms of my natural hair growth-thanks to Janasia, my True Indian Hair Wig.  She's allowed me to give my hair a much needed break.

One of the things I've been focusing on is getting to know my natural hair.  I feel like we're dating.  I'm learning about the kinds of products it responds to.  So far, I've used a ton.  You can find my product reviews here.  I do understand that what works now may not work once my transition is fully complete.  But, it's ok.  I'm having so much fun trying new things.

One of the things I've learned about is hair growth.  Did you know that on average you hair grows about a half an inch a month?  That's what I've heard and read.  I tested a lock of mine to see if this is true.

I started this transition journey on February 18, 2012.  I had my hand model/hubby to take a strand of my hair, placed it on a white sheet of paper, stretch, and measure the new growth.  Sure enough- there was about two inches of curl in each strand.

Another interesting thing I notice is the way in which each strand is growing.  If you look closely, there tiny spirals like the one you see in the foreground that matches the 4a texture.

Then there are some with no definition at all.  In fact, each strand shrinks to less than half an inch which can be considered 4b/4c.  It definitely makes caring for my hair very challenging.  My strands are very fragile, and it's important for me to handle it with care.

Right now my hair measures about twelve inches when stretched, which falls past my shoulders.  By the end of the year I should see about another few inches of new growth.  I've read that your hair grows about six inches each year.  But, it is possible to increase hair growth and that's what I plan on doing.  I'll be sure to update you on my progress.  Stay tuned!

Weather Anchor Mama

Gearing Up for Blogher 2012!

I've been to journalism conferences in the past.  But, I never thought in a million years that I'd attend one for bloggers.  I'm so pumped about Blogher 2012!  It's in New York, which makes attending super convenient.  It'll be a long commute, but at least I won't have to hop on a plane or book a hotel room.  After leaving Princess for our Vegas trip, I'm not sure if I can do it again.  I could bring her with me, but I don't want to torture her.  Hey, I remember being a kid!  Princess would be much better off hangin' with daddy than listening to boring speeches all day.

Now that Blogher is two weeks away, I don't even know how to prepare.  I feel like a fish out of water.  Even though I've been blogging for a little over a year, I still feel like a newbie.  I've participated in a couple of blogger webinars before, but I it's not the same.

Being at Blogher in flesh means that I can actually look people in the eyes and shake their hand.  Rather than have a typed out conversation via twitter or Facebook, we can chat in person.  So far, I've met a lot of great people through blogging.  My hubby jokingly refer to them as my "side pieces" or my "jump offs." But I like to think of them as my cyber buddies.

Now I'm hoping to connect with my web buds at Blogher.  While I'm there, I want to learn a bit more about blogging and how to expand the Weather Anchor Mama brand.  There is so much on the agenda this year and I'm excited.

I'm so looking forward to the interview with Martha Stewart.  There's also a panel featuring CNN anchor, Soledad Obrien.  Katie Couric is scheduled to speak as well.  There are a plethora of activities and parties I want in on too.  My head is spinning trying to figure out which ones to attend.  I'll be working hard at narrowing things down in these next couple of weeks.

First thing on my list is getting my business cards ready.  I made them up myself in Photoshop.  What do ya think?

This bad boy is the key to networking at Blogher.  Have you ever been?  Are you going this year?  Please share your tips!

If you're gonna be there and want to hang, hit me up!

Weather Anchor Mama

Cara B Naturally Review & Giveaway

I was recently introduced to Cara B Naturally, and had to give it a whirl.  It's not often that I get to try a hair care line that caters to babies and kids.  It's all natural and it doesn't have harmful chemicals like sulfates, which is a huge plus in my book.  Check out my video blog for more on what I think about this product.  Sorry in advance for Princess going nuts and my camera shy hubby in the background.


Thanks for watching!  Be sure to check out this vignette featuring a special bath time moment.  For more information about Cara B Naturally, visit their website: www.mycarab.com.


Here are some snapshots I took after using Cara B products on Princess's.  The leave in conditioner helped to moisturize while keeping her curls in tact.  Keep in mind that this was day two.  Her hair held up pretty well.  Normally it's a hot mess the following day, and I'd have to reapply product to redefine her curls.

Finally, it's giveaway time!  If you'd like to try Cara B Naturally, enter to win some products from their line.  Ya gotta be in it to win it!

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Sprinkler Time!

Having fun doesn't have to mean shelling out big bucks.  With the hot temps and increased humidity, turning on the sprinkler could be the perfect way to beat the heat. Princess and I enjoyed some mommy daughter time with an impromptu photo shoot.  She loves the sprinkler!

We're approaching the fourth heat wave of the season, how do you plan to cool off?

Weather Anchor Mama

Driving While Singing ABC's

Makari Skin Care & Tips For Shopping With a Tot

I've suffered with acne most of my adulthood. I thought I had this condition beat after finding out I was preggers with Princess. Boy was I wrong. My skin became spotless during my pregnancy, but it flared up again after giving birth. With the help of some topical meds, I've been able to finally get rid of those pesky whiteheads. But, now I'm left with pimple scars. Needless to say, I've been on the hunt for a product to even skin tone.

Now when it comes to shopping with a toddler, there are some tips I follow.  First, I like to scope out the best deals online.   Who wants to schlep their kid all the way to store without knowing exactly what to buy?  I don't!  After seeing #Makari on twitter and facebook, I decided to check out their site.

I could have made my purchase online.  But, I decided get up close and personal with the products prior to committing.  Before Princess and I took the hour plus drive into the city to their Harlem location, we made sure to pack a bag of snacks and tricks to keep her entertained.

As you can see she didn't make it the entire drive there.  Princess was out like a light a half hour into our trip.

But, it didn't take long for her to wake up.  She was a bit groggy.  This leads me to my next tip.  Don't forget the stroller.  Shopping with a tot attached at the hip can be tough.  Having a spot for her to chill makes it easy for me to keep a watchful eye.

I didn't know what to expect upon walking into Makari.  But, I was pleasantly surprised with the wide range of products.   From skin brightening creams, to fade creams, and lotions, they seem to have it all.  Then I got completely side tracked, after peeping the clothing section.  

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that this quaint shop also dubbs as a clothing store.  But, I had to stay focused.  I couldn't afford to be there longer than I had to.  Princess was due to eat lunch in a couple of hours.  

I wanted to make this a hands on experience for my little girl, which meant allowing her to be involved in the purchasing process.  She had fun helping mama smell and sample all the products.

Once we settled on the clarifying exfoliating cleansing soap, it was time to bounce.  

As long as it ain't fragile, there's no harm in letting your tot hold the bag. Princess was super excited to be a part of this shopping experience! A happy baby makes a happy mama!

Princess stayed awake the entire ride home.  All she wanted to do was listen to Beyonce.  Every time the song ended she said, "Again mommy."  Did I mention it took an hour and a half to get home?  We listen to the same song all the way home.  I wish I could have record her singing along to "Love on Top."  But, I had to keep my eyes on the road.

Overall, it was a pretty exciting day.  I ended up saving a couple bucks on the product itself.  But when I factored in gas, tolls, the $35 parking ticket I got, I realized that I spent more in traveling than I did buying the 11 dollar Makari Clarifying Exfoliating Soap.  

But, the time spent with my little girl was priceless.  So for me, it was a win win.

I couldn't wait to get home to test out my new soap!

 It left my skin feeling nice and smooth.  In this pic I'm not wearing an ounce of makeup.  I have a ways to go before completely getting rid of those acne scars, but I'm making progress.

You can check out more pics of our Makari shopping trip by checking out my Google+ album.

Weather Anchor Mama

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Makari #CBias #SocialFabric However, all opinions are my own.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics (Giveway)

It goes on smooth and it doesn't make your hair stick to your lips.  It's a must have for the summer!


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Celebrating Independence Day

There's nothing like family summer fun on the 4th of July!  Even though mother nature threatened to rain on our parade, it turned out to be a picture perfect day.  Temperatures soared into the 90s across portions of New York, but we lucked out with highs in the 80s in our hood.  A nice cool breeze and warm sunshine meant we didn't have extreme conditions to have to contend with like most folks did in the city.  To celebrate Independence Day, we took Princess to her first parade!

She smiled with glee when we got there, but took a more serious approach when the parade got underway.  She really didn't know what the heck was going on.  So I had to give her a little lesson, as did grandma.  "It's America's birthday," I said.

One of the things she learned was the progression of fire fighting.  She found out from grandma that before there were fire trucks, there were horses and wagons used to assist in putting out fires back in the day.

She later had fun hangin' with grandma and blowing bubbles with cousin Katherine.

And what would July 4th be without a BBQ? Fun!!!  As it turned out, our grill was out of service.  But, I managed to whip up a tasty meal which our picky eater Princess tore up!

How did you celebrate the holiday?

Weather Anchor Mama

OMG! I'm Missing Teeth!!

I'm at my wits end!  I'm almost 4 and 1/2 months post relaxer.  I'm losing my mind and my hair.  Now, I'm missing teeth.  Can things get any worse? Ugh.



Weather Anchor Mama

A Trip to the Long Island Children's Museum

Our Family Summer Fun continues!  With highs reaching well into the 90s this past weekend, it would be torture having my baby girl in the house.  I search Facebook for idea and stumbled across this.  The Long Island Children's Museum was the perfect place to be to cool off from this season's second heat wave.   As you can see, Princess couldn't wait to get inside and check out all the museum had to offer.

The first on the agenda was the bubble gallery.  It was hard to get her to leave after about 10 minutes of using bubbles to form different shapes.

Then it was off to the music room where she played instruments like the temple blocks, log drum, and scales.  She seemed surprised at the sounds that came out of these blocks.

Now, I've done features about the Children's Museum back in my feature reporting days.  It was fun to be able to to enjoy all the exhibits without having to turn a package for the newscast.   Princess had a great time too.  Not only did she enjoy playing the different instruments, she also learned about how music is made.  When we asked her what her favorite thing to do at the Long Island Children's Museum, she said "the show!"

'The show' was a performance of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  It was an hour long and my hubby and I worried she wouldn't make it through the whole thing.  We made sure we had our bag of tricks and goodies to keep her calm, but we really didn't need it.  Princess had a blast!

Once the show was over, we made one last stop at the toddler room to check out some more activities.

It was a great day filled with learning and fun!  Plus, it was a nice break from the hot temps.

Who knows where we'll end up next!  I'm open to ideas.  How did you spend your weekend?

Weather Anchor Mama