Sandy's Wrath

Sandy's wrath kept me away from my blog this past week.  I've been busy tracking this historical storm while staying on top of my class assignments.  I've spend the last few days working ahead to avoid falling behind this semester.

It was pretty tough working double duty, but I got though it just fine.  The toughest part was saying bye to my hubby and Princess.  It's hard being away from them during times like this.

I had to report to work at 12pm on Monday just before the storm got cranking.  After making dinner,  I hauled ass, and jetted out the door.  I was sure to pack on overnight bag before leaving.  That's the great thing about being a weather anchor!  I always know what's coming.  I knew that Sandy would pack a wallop, which made preparation for me a breeze.  Speaking of which, whipping winds and flooding led to many closures around New York.  All bridges and parkways that I'd normally take home were completely shutdown.  So, I had no choice but to spend the night at my station.  A co-worker loaned me this air mattress.

I thank God that I'm out of harms way.  But, sad that I can't be home with my two favorite people.  My hubby sent me this pic just before our street loss power.

They're ok.  But, Princess was upset that she couldn't get to watch her favorite show.  Hopefully, power will be restored soon.  I know we have a long road head.  Sandy is no longer a tropical storm, but her power will be felt even when she's gone.  I'm not looking forward to the aftermath.  I'll be working though Tuesday too.  So, my work here is far from over.

Weather Anchor Mama

Gettin' Crafty Wit it for Halloween

I would exactly call myself an expert crafter. But when it comes to prepping for Halloween, you don't need much to be creative and you don't have to spend a lot either.



Weather Anchor Mama

Princess Gets a Kick out of an #IDgum Commercial

I normally have a rule on the weekends - no computers or phones.  Okay I'll admit, I suck at following my own rules.  I'm always on my laptop.  But it's not at all for play, or blogging for that matter.  Even though I try to get all my school work done during the week, I'm usually playing catch up on weekends.  While Princess is enjoying Dora the Explorer on TV, I listen to boring lectures on my computer.

She makes it a point to ask me what I'm doing every two minutes, followed by a video request.  She'll listen to Beyonce all day long, if I let her.  This weekend is no different.  As we're searching for her favorite song, we stumble across this commercial for ID gum.



I really don't think anything of it, and I am ready to go to the next site.  But then she says, "again."  Either she's geting a kick out of this guy standing on a mountain top slapping wigs on bald eagles, or she really wants to try some ID gum.  We must have played that commercial like ten times!

I'm not one to over analyze commercials.  But, I do wonder what goes into the thought process.  How do the advertising people come up with these treatments?

Who ever thought up the idea for this commercial sure got Princess's attention.  They got mine too because now I want to try that peppermint ID gum.

Do you think there's any science to putting together commercials?

Weather Anchor Mama

Great Makeup at Drugstore Prices

When it comes to buying cosmetics, sometimes less is more. Here's how I achieved this look using only drug store makeup.



Do you prefer drugstore makeup over department store brands? What's your favorite cosmetic line?

Makeup used in video:
Make up brushes: Ecotools $9.99
Eye Shadow/Liner: Revlon Custom Eyes Rich Temptations $9.99
Marscara: Loreal Paris Voluminous Original $8.79
Liquid Liner: Revlon Color Stay $7.29
Concealer: Black Opal Flawless Perfecting Tan/Toast $4.75
Black Opal True Color Stick Foundation SPF 15- Beautiful Bronze $9.50
Black Opal Deluxe Finishing Powder- Medium $8.95
Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked Blush- Warm Berry $4.99
Black Opal Mahogany Lip Liner $5.00
Revlon Lipstick- Berry Haute $4.49
Ardell Lashes $4.99

Music provided by http://www.audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music

Weather Anchor Mama

Happy Sits Day to Me!

To all my Sitshas out there, What up?!  For those of you who haven't the slightest clue about my Sitshas, let me fill you in.

The Sitgirls is an online community of 40,000+ women bloggers dedicated to supporting one another by leaving comments & learning about blogging.  I learned about the Sits Girls while surfing the web for blog conferences.  Out of convenience, I ended up choosing another conference in my home state.  But, signed up for a few webinars hosted by the Sits Girls.  It's been about six months since I've joined this community, and I am so proud to be a part of the SITStahood!  How could I pass up the opportunity?  It's free to join!!

They provide get cool tips on blogging and social media.  There's also a daily blogger feature, and today is my day in the spotlight.  I'm super excited!

If this is your first time stopping by my site, here's the lowdown.  I'm a weather anchor by day and a mama 24/7, hence the blog title.  After struggling to find some sort of balance between career and motherhood, I decided to track my journey.  You'll find me writing about my many adventures with Princess from breastfeeding to potty training.  I also love posting pics of her as well.  Some may think I'm insane for taking so many, but photos are lasting memories that we'll have forever.  Sorry, I couldn't resist sharing these.

In addition, I like to sound off on hot topics in the news.  I also chat about things happening in my personal life.  For instance, I made the decision to ditch the relaxer and return to my natural roots .  I share my experience both here on my blog, and my Weather Anchor Mama YouTube channel.  I also enjoy sharing makeup and beauty tips there too.  Feel to swing by and subsribe!

I consider my blog a journal in which my daughter will hopefully read one day.  It's been a great source of therapy for me as well.  I've had the priveledge of branching out and writing for other sites like babycenter.com and transitioningmovement.com.

When I'm not in front of the computer, you can find me chillin' with my family.

Please drop me a line and I'll return the favor.  Please be sure to come back again!

Weather Anchor Mama

Think Smart DDSmart! (Virtual Card Giveaway!)

I remember driving into Manhattan at 2AM every weekday morning for my traffic gig.  I would stop by the Dunkin' Donuts around the corner from the station to get some coffee.  At the time, there wasn't any nutritional information included on the menu.  So, I really didn't know how many calories was in my cup-a-joe.  To be honest, I really didn't care.  All I wanted was to have enough energy to make it through the newscasts.

But since becoming a mom, I've been struggling to lose the last five to ten pounds of baby weight.  So, it helps to know what I'm buying.  I recently learned about the DDSmart menu at Dunkin' Donuts.  It makes eating smart on the go so much easier.  After looking over the menu, I realized that the medium cup of coffee with skim milk and splenda that I'd buy was only 30 calories!  But truth be told, I haven't always made healthy choices when eating out.  It's good to know that restaurants like this are now helping customers make healthier choices.  

Many items on the DDSmart menu are under 300 calories.  There's also freshly-brewed unsweetened teas with zero calories and other healthy selections.

In honor of DDSmart, Dunkin' Donuts is offering fans a chance to receive a $10 mGift.  You can enter once a day for a shot to be one of three daily winners through October 21st.  You can head over to the Dunkin' Donuts Facebook Fan Page to learn more, and sign up.

I'll also be giving away two $50 mgifts.  These virtual gift cards will allow you to make purchases in a snap.  All you'd have to do is download the Dunkin' Donuts app to your smartphone.  Upon purchasing, the sales clerk will  scan your smartphone, and deduct the cost from your virtual card.  Pretty cool, huh?!  I've enjoyed using my mGift.  They also make pretty great gifts too!  All the details on how to enter can be found below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The mGift is accepted at participating restaurants throughout the U.S.  Dunkin’ Donuts is the first national coffee retailer to enable people to send virtual gift cards three ways – text, email, and Facebook Connect.  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.

Weather Anchor Mama

Carol's Daughter Review & Giveaway

Finding the right products for my newly natural mane hasn't been easy.  I was recently introduced to Carol's Daughter Hair Milk line.  Check out my review!  Don't forget to enter my giveaway!  All the info can be found below!



More info on the products featured in this review:
$54 For the set
Hair Milk Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner, 8.5 fl oz
Hair Milk Lite Leave-In Moisturizer, 8.0 fl oz
Hair Milk Pudding Style. Define. Hold., 6.0 oz

Cleanse and detangle with the Hair Milk Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner.
Moisturize to tame frizz, soften curls and add shine with Hair Milk Lite Leave-In Moisturizer.
Style without a crunch or residue, but still have definition and frizz control that lasts with the Hair Milk Pudding Style. Define. Hold.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

OlloClip 3-In-One Photo Lens iPhone Giveaway

I'm obsessed with taking pics of Princess.  If there was contest for the most baby pics, she'd have a good chance of winning!  Since getting my DSLR, I've been getting familiar with taking some pretty cool candids.

But there are times when all I have is my smart phone to capture special moments.  If you follow Princess's blog, you probably notice photos along with captions.  Most days I'll snap a pic and upload to instagram, describing the meaning behind each snap shot (in her words).  Photos offer priceless memories we'll have forever.  I love figuring out ways to enhance pictures too.  Whether it's adding more light or changing the color, it's so much fun experimenting.

I was recently introduced to the olloclip, a three in one lens for your iPhone 4S/4 that fits in your pocket.  It also works with all your favorite apps.  You can find video and picture galleries of the accessory here.

It retails for 70 bucks.  But, I'll be giving one away for free!  Let me know if you want in.  All the details can be found below.   You gotta be in it to win it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Weather Anchor Mama

Does a Chris Brown & Rihanna Reconcilation Set a Bad Example?

Photo Courtesy NY Daily News

I don't usually judge other peoples relationships.  But when it comes to Chris Brown and Rihanna, I have throw in my two sense.  There have been numerous reports that the two may be back on again.  For those of you who may be new to this story, let me fill you in.  The R&B singers made headlines  as a result of a physical altercation that left Rihanna badly brused on the eve of the Grammys in 2009. According to a NY Daily News article, they were recently spotted sneaking off into NYC club bathroom together.  The songstress even admitted to still being in love with Brown in a recent Oprah interview.

As a girl who's been in her situation, I completely understand how hard it is to walk away.  But, I also feel that these love birds are going down the wrong path.  Many may disagree with me and that's ok.  However I strongly believe that as a woman, Rihanna is setting a bad example.  There are other young girls who may be going through similar situations and I feel that Rihanna is basically saying it's ok to go back to the guy who beat you.  Despite my distaste, I do feel sorry for the both of them.

Brown stated in his Larry King interview that he witnessed abuse inside the home as a child.  Rihanna also admitted to growing up seeing her mom being hit by her dad.  The one common denominator is that they both witnessed abuse as kids, and that's sad.  A healthy relationship begins at home and I strongly believe that it starts with the parents.

I am so thankful that my hubby and I have a healthy relationship.  I can't front though.  There are times when we argue.  But, it's normal to have disagreements.  The important thing is that we work through them for our family's sake.  Our daughter looks up to us.

We plan to have an open dialogue with her, especially when it comes to subject matters like this.  Princess has a while before she starts dating.  But when she does, we're gonna teach her that no one has the right to put their hands on her.  If they do, there will be consequences.

I was able to walk away.  I hope both Rihanna and Chris Brown can one day do the same.

Do you think a Chris Brown and Rhianna reconciliation sets a bad example for our youth? Do you think that she should just forgive and forget?

Weather Anchor Mama

I know I've been going heavy with all these hair posts. But, please understand that this is a huge deal for me. I'll still continue post cute pics of Princess and share our many mommy daughter adventures. I'll also be sure to sound off on different things going on in my life as well as in the news. In addition, I plan on giving you updates on my transition journey. This blog is all about balancing my career in front of the camera with my life as a wife and mom behind the lens, and the many other things that I juggle. Please feel free to share your comment and your stories too.

It's been almost seven days since I got rid of my relaxed ends. Here's how I'm feelin'



Weather Anchor Mama

Trident Makes Me Hungry Like a Wolf

I had the funniest conversation with my hubby the other day. I happened to be scouring YouTube recently, and stumbled across the Steve Aoki and Duran Duran "Hungry Like a Wolf" callobaration. He said, "This song reminds me of you."
"Huh?" I asked.

Take a listen:


I totally had no idea what he was talking about until I saw this in the video:

For those of you who don't know, I am a chronic gum chewer, and Trident is usually my brand of choice.  So, I guess you can say the song suits me well because "I'm hungry like a wolf" for Trident.  It's sounds a bit corney, but it's true.  I usually go through a pack a day.  I know, I know.  I'm an adict, I'll admit it.  With that said, Trident gum has teamed up with Aoki and Duran Duran as part of its first global campaign, "See What Unfolds." Their mission is to engage with fans over "the serious business of fun."  You can get the low down about their plan here.  

The callabo gives the song a whole new sound and flavor.  The 80s blend with techno is pure genious.  It got me thinking of artists who I would love to see pair up.  I'm always down for mixing old school with new school too.  Here's my top 5 collaborations I'd like to see happen:

1.  Jay-Z & Big Daddy Kane (Hov recently invited Kane to perform some of his old school classics at the Barlays Center.  It would be great if the two got together and put out some original music).
2.  Lauryn Hill & Alicia Keys (I miss Lauryn Hill!!  Keys is known for having old school artists join her on stage.  This is one performance I would LOVE to see).
3.  Nas & Lauryn Hill (Ever since their hit, "If I Ruled the World," I've been dying for them to put out another single together).
4.  Alicia Keys & Beyonce (They teamed up before.  But we need a do-over because that song they did was wack).
5. Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, KRS-One, LL Cool J, Run DMC, Busta Rhymes, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Nas, Queen Latifa, Mc Lytem Lauryn Hill (Putting all my favs on one song/album has always been a life long dream of mine).

Now your turn!  Which artists would you like to see share the stage?  Let me know in the comments below.  Also, I'll be giving away a year's supply of Trident gum.  If you want in, be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter!
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Weather Anchor Mama

I Finally Did the Big Chop!

It's been almost 8 months since I began my natural journey and I've been dealing with lots of shedding. I had to get rid of my relaxed ends once and for all.



If you asked me a year ago about cutting my hair off, I would have said hail naw!!!! Never say never! Have you ever done something you thought you never would?

Weather Anchor Mama