Tips for Long Lasting Eyeshadow

I frequently get asked how I get my eyeshadow to last so long. Here are some tips on how you can get your shadow to pop and last all day.

Dunkin' Donuts Mobile App (Virtual Card Giveaway!!)

I feel like I've been on caffeine overload these past few weeks.  I think it's because of the minor tweak in my work schedule, in addition to studying for exams.  I never would have guessed that I'd be juggling school while being a career mom.  But, it's all good.  I'm looking forward to moving ahead in my profession.  With that said, all this hard work ain't easy.  I often find myself relying on a cup of joe to get me through my days.  Breastfeeding is no longer on the agenda, so there's no holding back.

With National Coffee Day just around the corner, I plan to get my caffeine fix.  Beginning September 29th,  Dunkin Donuts will be offering guests the chance to purchase one-pound bags of coffee for $5.99 (limit two per person) at participating restaurants this weekend.  I plan on popping in and making my purchase.  Luckily for me, it shouldn't take too long.  I have a virtual card already set up.  I recently downloaded the Dunkin' Donuts free app, so buying should be a snap.

All I need to do is have the sales clerk scan my smartphone, and deduct the cost total from my card. This is the first time I've ever heard of making a purchase with an app. After combing through some of the features, I realize that I can even buy virtual gift cards for my peeps. Speaking of which, I'll be offering two of my readers $50 virtual gift cards to participating Dunkin' Donuts restaurants.  No purchase necessary.  Whether you want to grab a cup of coffee or satisfy a sweet tooth, enjoy!  All the details on how to enter can be found below.

You can find more info on the Dunkin Donuts app here.

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Contemplating a Tough Decision

Weather Anchor Mama

A Dedication to Our Little Princess

I can't believe it's been two years since we welcomed our baby girl into the world.  We try to capture precious moments with her everyday.  This has been a labor of love for the past view months.  I hope you enjoy watching.  Please feel free to leave you comments below, so that she can read them some day.  Thanks for watching!

What if Your Daughter is Closer to Daddy?

I knew this day would come! I'm always being asked if my daughter is closer to my hubby.

How to Achieve Fierce Brows

This is a little trick I use to shape my eyebrows when I can't make it to the salon to get them done.

Designer Clothes for Less (Giveaway)

I don't ever go all out to buy designer clothes, especially for Princess.  Why break the bank to have her out grow a Christian Dior dress in a few months?  Not to mention, I don't own Dior, Fendi, Prada - Nada.  Well, that's exactly how I felt before stumbling across Borrow Baby Couture.

It's a site where you can borrow designer clothes for your little one at bargain prices.  We recently had a couple of events to go to.  Rather than buy completely new outfits she'd probably only wear a couple of times, borrowing some cute threads was a great alternative.  Heck, I remember sneaking to a friends house and switching clothes back in junior high.  It gave off the appearance that we had a bigger wardrobe, which surely wasn't the case.  I guess you can say I'm kinda doing the same for Princess.

Here's how I got some cute rentals.  Plus, find out how you can score a free borrowed outfit for your little munchkin below.  Remember, you gotta be in it to win it!

Fendi Contrast Panel Shift Dress www.borrowbabycouture.com

Navy pleaded dress and cardigan www.borrowbabycouture.com

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Weather Anchor Mama

Potty Boot Camp (Day 5): Tips for Potty Training

I wasn't sure what to expect with day 5 of potty boot camp.  Luckily, my hubby and I were both home which meant tag teaming trips to the bathroom.  We stayed on schedule throughout the day.  By the afternoon, Princess was telling us when she had to go.  She didn't have an accident the entire day.  We couldn't be more proud.  My baby girl got it in 5 days!!!  But, there's more hurdles to climb.  Our next challenge is tackling overnight trips to the bathroom.

The plan is to get a waterproof mattress cover to prevent a potential mess.  Since Princess sleeps in a full size bed, I'm not sure if I'd be able to get one at Babies R Us.  My friend Jen recommended Bed Bath & Beyond, so I'll be heading there in a few days.  Until then, Princess will be wearing pull-ups at bed time.  However, we won't be buying anymore. Those things are expensive!  We pay 20 bucks for 60 pull-ups!  That's crazy!  Soon It'll be panties all day, everyday and I can't wait!

Despite a few accidents,  potty training has been great.  It wasn't easy, but it wasn't as difficult as I thought either.  I've come up with a few tips that has help us through this process.  Hopefully, you'll find it helpful too.

1.  Start by introducing your litte one to the potty before actual training begins.  I read that kids begin to have control over their bladder at around 18 months.  We started at 17 months.  She'd sit on there for fun, and also enjoyed helping her lady bug go potty too.

2.  Begin a routine.  Once we realized she was ready (18 months), we scheduled potty times throughout the day.

3.  Get everyone on board.  It was important for my hubby and I to be on the same page.  I decided to kick things into high gear last week by starting this potty boot camp.  Even though Princess had a routine, she wasn't using the potty as often as she should.  There were times she'd even refuse.  I decided to ditch the pull-ups and have her go commando.  Her dad wasn't sold on the idea at first.  It took a little convincing before he was game.  I also filled my mom and daycare in on the plan and they were good to go.

4.  Chat with other moms.  You never know, you may find out about a really cool method that could help with your efforts.

5.  Stay committed.  Kids perform well when there is a routine in place.  After a while, Princess started telling us when she had to use the potty.  I know it's easy to lose track.  But when you stick with the plan, you'll get better results.

6.  Reward your little one.  Whenever Princess did well, we praised her on a job well done.  She also got to enjoy a favorite treats.

That's all I got for now.  If you have anymore tips, please include them in the comments below.  Sharing is caring!


UPDATE: We've met our potty training goal!  As of the end of September, Princess has been completely trained.  She now asks to go potty, which an indication that she's got this thing down pat.  She no longer wears pull ups during nap time.  It feels so great to no longer have to buy pull ups.  For those of you mommys and daddys struggling with this, don't give up!

Weather Anchor Mama

Potty Boot Camp (Day 4)

There was a minor set back with potty training last weekend.  Since my hubby had to work this past Saturday, I was on potty patrol solo.  Day 3 of boot camp was somewhat of a charm (minus the parking lot fiasco).  I figured that Day 4 would be a smooth one.  At least it started out that way.  But, somewhere in the middle of me showing Princess the video that I've been feverishly putting together, I completely lost track of time.

It's become a tradition for me to put together home movies of Princess's life each year.  She wanted to sit on my lap to watch the film- only she wanted to watch it over and over again.  After about the third take, I felt warm liquid running down my legs.  I looked down to find pee all over my lap and in the chair.  I guess Princess was so into the video, she forgot that she had to go to the bathroom.

She had one other accident that day.  For the most part, she did pretty well.  I was impressed at how she went to the potty before and after her swimming lesson.  She also took a nap in her big girl panties, and stayed dry the entire time.  This potty boot camp is working out pretty well after all.  I've already told her dad to cross pull-ups of the grocery list.  Now I'm on the hunt for something to cover her mattress just in case she has a midnight spill.  Any suggestions on where I can find something to prevent leakage into the mattress?

Weather Anchor Mama

Kids Fall Fashion With Cookies Kids

Fall is right around the corner and I have yet to shop for Princess.  It's not because I procrastinate, I just don't have enough time to head over to the mall.  My work schedule has changed a bit, which leaves me less time.  Online shopping has become my saving grace.  

I recently heard about Cookies Kids and wanted to check them out.  There are seven store locations in New York City including Brooklyn, Jamaica, and the Bronx.  I would love to pay them a visit in person.  But for now, it's so much easier to log on to their site and make a purchase.  Since Princess spends most of her time at daycare, I'm not looking to break the bank.  Besides, she grows out of her clothes like every other day.  The fact that #cookieskids has a lot of stuff on clearance is a huge plus.

Navigating through the site is pretty simple.  They have everything from school uniforms, to the hottest fall fashions, and toys.  In fact, Cookies Kids started as a toy store 40 years ago in Jamaica, Queens by two brothers named Cookie and Marvin.  Their success led to the addition of kids clothes.  They offer a great selection.  Princess is only two and she has no problem refusing to wear an outfit she doesn't like.  It's hard to believe that a toddler can have an opinion about fashion.  But, mine does.  

These three items are a perfect fit for my little girl.  The best part is that I paid less than thirty bucks!

Princess loves dressing up, but she also enjoys rockin' a more casual look.  This cardigan gives off the appearance of a twinset.  We paired it with some cute denim jeans and she's ready to go! 

Princess certainly a girly girl.  This sparkle knit magenta dress with a detachable necklace is great for dressing up, but comfy enough to run around in.  The weather is still pretty warm in New York.  So I put together some fall combinations for when the temps cool down. 

  I love wearing sweater dresses.  This one is stylish, yet relaxed.  Even though it's something an adult could wear, it's still age appropriate for my little munchkin. 

I plan to hit up Cookies Kids for some more stylish and affordable clothes for the fall and winter months.  In the meantime, please check out my Google+ page.  I put together an album with more fun pics. 
Have you finished fall shopping for your little one?  Do you shop online or in store?

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 CookiesKids.com #CBias #SocialFabric.”  However, all opinions are my own. 

Potty Boot Camp (Day 3)

We started potty training boot camp on a Wednesday, and by Friday things were going well.  Princess's favorite part is flushing the toilet, and closing the seat (in her case, slamming the seat).  She also likes washing her hands.  It makes her feel all grown up.

This time I didn't have to call daycare to find out how Princess was doing. I got a buzz from them which I thought was sweet.  Her teacher mentioned that she did have an accident while going to the potty.  Then another possible one happened during outdoor recess.

"She was putting water down her shirt and her underwear was wet. So can't tell for sure," she said.  Either way, I'd say she had a great day - until Daddy picked her up from daycare.

Apparently Princess wanted to go in a completely different direction from where the car was parked.  This has been a habit of hers for a while now.  She's our little backseat driver.  If we listen to her directions, there's no telling where we'd end up.  Anyway, Princess lost it when Daddy guided her the right way.  He ended up having to carry a screaming toddler toward the parked car.

As he was putting her in the car seat, there were drips of water falling to the ground.  He thought nothing of it until he walked around to the drivers side.  My hubby had pee all over his shirt and shorts.  Did I mention that they had to pick up pizza for dinner?  They obviously couldn't go there with urine all over themselves.  So, they made a pit stop to change clothes.

Princess had pee all over her bottom and it went down to her shoes too. As my hubby gave me this play by play, I couldn't help but laugh.  It was hilarious.  I guess that was Princess's way of punishing Daddy for going the opposite way.

Please share your funny potty stories.

Weather Anchor Mama

Potty Boot Camp (Day 2)

When I decided to put Potty Boot Camp into action, I realized that I needed some serious help.  Between working full time, taking classes, and looking after Princess, it would be challenging.  Since I can't be with her 24/7, I enlisted the help of my hubby (of course), my mom, and her teachers.

Her dad wasn't too sold on the idea at first.  Our conversation went like this:
Me: "We're gonna try something new.  Just have her wear a t-shirt.  You don't have to put her in pull-ups or underwear."

Him: "We’re gonna have a pissy couch, carpet, pissy everything!!  If she goes in her underwear, there’s less clean up."

Me: "The underwear gets in the way.  Plus, I don't have time to be doing laundry during the week."

Him: "Where did this commando thing come from?  I think it’s a dumb idea. Are you gonna clean this mess up when she goes.  I’m tired and I don’t feel that great and I’m not cleaning up piss! 

I don’t understand why you think commando is more uncomfortable than having a messy underwear.  I’m doing underwear that’s it."

He was so heated that I didn't bother telling him that I got the idea from Jen (who happens to be Princess's BFF's mom).  

He was adamant about not having Princess go commando.  But after a little more convincing, he finally gave in.  Not to mention- I gave him no choice.  Once he was on board, I hit up my mom and filled her in on the game plan  There was silence on the other end of the phone.  I wasn't sure what she was thinking, and I didn't ask. I just gave instructions and surprisingly she complied.  That was two down and one more to go. 

I called her teacher and explained everything.  "Princess will no longer be in pull-ups, unless it's nap time.  She has to sit on the potty every half hour, or less if she has water," I said.

"Okay"  her teacher replied.

I packed ten pairs of underwear and five outfits in case of accidents.  When Princess woke in the morning, she got right on the potty.  After her morning breakfast, she made a second trip to the thrown.  She made a third right before we left for daycare.  When we got there, it was the same drill.  

Her teachers were so supportive.  Later in the day, I called about four times to check to see how things were going.  At the time- no accidents were reported.  She ended up only having one accident at daycare, then a couple more spills with daddy and grandma.  Despite those few hiccups, it was a great second day of potty boot camp.  Even though it's been an exhausting undertaking, we've been having fun with it.  This has been a team effort, and we truly appreciate all the help.  

I look forward to hearing about Princess's progress from her daddy, grandma, and teachers each day.  Some of the potty tales are so hilarious.  I love seeing how excited she gets after completing the deed.  I love hearing her say, "I potty mommy."  I can tell she's proud of herself, and that makes me one proud mama.

To celebrate her potty efforts, she gets pizza for dinner!!!!

Do you reward your kids they go to the potty?

Weather Anchor Mama

Potty Boot Camp (Day 1)

Kids are usually fully potty trained at two years old in my country.  My mom often shares funny stories of how I'd refuse to sit on the chimmy (as we call it in Jamaica).  "You used to sit in that chair and rock until you piss up yourself," she'd say in her thick Jamaican accent.  I was clearly a stubborn child, and I passed that trait along to my daughter.

Princess understands the concept of going to the potty.  But if she doesn't feel like going, it's a wrap.
Since her introduction to the thrown at 18 months, she's picked up on the routine of doing her business when she would wake up in the morning, after school, after dinner, and before bed time.  On weekends we exchange pull-ups for big girl panties (except for when we go out).

When she's at daycare, Princess would go sometimes.  She also has moments when she'd rather go on a potty strike.  Many have told me, "She'll go when she's ready."  But, bump that!  That's just an excuse for me to be lazy.  This is what I signed up for when I made the decision to enter mommyhood.  So I've decided to enroll Princess in what I call, potty bootcamp.

With the help of my friend Jen, I'm kicking things into high gear.  Jen has chosen to have her cutie pie go commando the entire day to make getting on and off the potty easy breezy.  It makes total sense!!  Before you start with the cruel mommy comments, read on.  You never know, you may get inspired to try a new training technique too. lol

Since Princess and I were both home and feeling under the weather, I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to give this potty bootcamp idea a try.  As soon as she got out of bed, it was bye-bye pull-ups.  I couldn't have her running around booty loose, so I grabbed one of her daddy's tanks which she rocked most of the day.  The key is to be her shadow the entire day.  I've been on her like white on rice.  She sits on the potty every half hour to and hour (sometimes more often because she drinks lots of water).

Everything was going smoothly until I got a phone call.  The talkaholic that I am stayed on the darn thing a little too long.  I completely lost track of time.  I looked up and saw pee all over the chair.  "Why didn't you tell me you had to potty?" I asked.
"I have to potty," she replied.

I had to try my hardest not to laugh.  Luckily, the pee was contained.  Clean up was a snap.

About an hour later Princess ran out of the room screaming, "I potty mommy!"

Ugh.  I went into the room and saw liquid EVERYWHERE.  It was on the table, chair, floor, and there were even droplets in her hair and all over her shirt.  After looking closely, I realized she'd mix her water with pee.  Anyway, there were a couple of other minor accidents, including this carpet spill.

But it's all good- that's what potty bootcamp is all about.  Overall, my baby girl did pretty well.  She only wore pull-ups during nap time and bed time.  We went for a walk with without them too.

We have a ways to go.  But, I'm hoping to have this potty thing down pat in five days.  Hey, I was potty trained at two years old.  She can do it too.  Stay tuned to find out what happens at daycare.  This should be interesting.

Please share your kiddos potty training experience.

Weather Anchor Mama

Princess Says...

"My birthday is coming on!  My birthday is coming on!"
Mommy says: "It is?!  I had no idea!"
Princess says: "Uh-huh."
Mommy says: "Really? When is it?"
Princess says: "It's Friday.  My birthday is Friday."

We celebrated her 2nd birthday almost three weeks ago.

I have no idea where she's getting this from.  I played along anyway.

Weather Anchor Mama

Back to School!!

Well technically, it's back to daycare.  I consider it school because there's is a curriculum which involves teaching the kids subjects like math, reading, and art.

Even though Princess has been an orange since the summer, I still consider this a step up to the next level.  The teachers also help with potty training which will (hopefully) encourage her to do the deed on the thrown and not in her pull-ups.  She's much better at it at home.  Since some tots aren't being trained yet, Princess has been on a potty strike at school.  I got my fingers crossed that it'll get better soon.

Are your kids excited about heading back to school?

Weather Anchor Mama