A married mom of three, living in Brooklyn, New York. More than 15 years as a fact-checker, writer and reporter for PEOPLE Magazine allowed me to interview and network with A-list celebs and US presidents. Now, giving back by sharing my knowledge with young people as a college professor. A lover of family, travel, fitness, fashion, music, film, tv, technology, nature, animals and peace.
Valentines Day came twice for me this year. Well it felt like it did. Can you imagine my surprise when I received an invitation from Cottonelle to join them alongside the MOMS to participate in their #Go Cottonelle Go Commando launch concert with the New Kids On The Block Feb 15 at New York City’s Gramercy Theater. Yes, you heard correctly NKOTB are back!
NKOTB join forces with Cottonelle
I can go into my garage today and pull out stored magazine clippings, posters and memorabilia of my boy band love-fest through the years including those of NKOTB, NEW EDITION, NSYNC‘ BACKSTREET BOYS,BOYS II MEN and 98 Degrees . These boys all shared a special place in my heart during my youth, helping to define, with their music, who I am today.
Boy Bands of the 80s and 90s
I can remember conversations in high school like ‘ Oh my Gawd Jordan’s hair and ‘Oh my gawd….Joey’s voice.’ So to be invited to meet the KIDS-Donnie, Jordan, Joey, Jonathan, and Danny- shaking hands, exchanging plesantries, getting hugs and even a compliment from Joe on my metal spiked dress was mind blowing. Actually, just seeing them as grown-ups was surreal enough to make me feel like I’d never grown up and was literally thrown back into the vortex of the late 80s fawning over hot boy band cuties .
Crownheightsmom gets to hang tough with NKOTB at Gramercy Theater
The boys didn’t disappoint singing many fan favorites that had the ladies swooning.
The Boys Are Back In Town: NKOTB takes over NYC ‘s Gramercy Theater for Cottonelle #GoCommando launch concert
The boys all still have the right moves . Yes, they can still bust a move. They each exude charisma and their voices still make the girls swoon. The now matured “Kids” are also very good at they self described “soft talk.” . Yup, you heard right the boys took time to talk to their fans to explain why some of their favorite songs didnt make it onto albums and to even listen to a fan share how their music helped saved a friendship . Soft talk with the boys feels so good.
The crowd goes wild for NKOTB.
It was great seeing so many Blockheads fans in the house holding it down for the boys. Fans whom have stood behinds the Kids since the 80’s. Coming out in droves to Gramercy Theater defying the negative degree temperatures showed the boys that this was true love, and just for them .
Joey and his voice comes into the crowd. He captivates
There is nothing like taking a ride down memory lane . NKOTB’s performed “The Right Stuff,” “My Favorite Girl,” “I’ll Be Loving You Forever,” and “Over Girl.” Yes the boys reached into the vault performing crowd favorites.
NKOTB Hangin Tough circa 1988
Though now older mature studs the “boys” still exude adorable boyish qualities. Hello Joe!
The right stuff indeed!
Cottonelle’s #GoCommando photo booth was crazy fun. My sister Sandra and I could not get in enough selfie poses. Posing in the booth with Melissa Musen Gerstein, Brianne Manz and others was crazy fun. .
Charlie’s Angels have nothing on us moms
Striking up a GoCommando pose with SandraSharing a pic with my sister in the Cottonelle photo booth
Girls just want to have fun!
Overall the NKOTB knocked it out of the ballpark with their concert. I am going to continue to #GoCommando with Cottonelle . In fact you can head over to the website if you would like to take the GoCommando challenge. Grab Cottonelle at your local supermarket it has Clean Ripple texture to get you clean, giving you all the confidence you need to Go Commando. Dare a friend to Go Commando and Cottonelle will send you and your friend a personalized commando kit with a free sample.
Keep up with NKOTB on their website and on their new reality show Rock This Boat on the TV Guide Channel Network.
Supermodel Molly Sims and her baby bump wears red like no one’s business. She stuns in it!
RED HOTTT! Molly Sims who is 8-months pregnant stuns in red.
Celebrating the release of her new book “The Everyday Supermodel” at the Artisanal Fromagerie Bistro on Jan 29, six-time Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model Molly Sims shared tips on beauty, fashion, wellness, parenting and what it’s like to be in her 40s.
“It takes work, it is not handed to you,” the former model declared about looking beautiful . “In my 20 year journey, I did not look like this, ( pointing at herself .) I look better at 41 than when I was 21,” the shared with mom bloggers including Crownheightsmom who attended the afternoon luncheon and MOMS Mamarazzi event with hosts Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein co-creators of the MOMS brand. “We are all self made women, so try and embrace the now, ” Sims told the attendees whom all left with a signed copy of her book which gives advice , tells-it-like-it-is truths, and gives insider insights from some of the best industry experts from beauty, health, fitness and fashion.
PAGE TUNER: Molly Sims shares beauty, fashion and wellness tips in her newest book
The afternoon luncheon brought out many mom bloggers . It was co-sponsored by the MOMS and Big Belli Co presents 40Weeks -the movie pregnant women have been waiting for. See more at 40weeksthemovie.com. Available March 1 on DVD and Download.
Molly Sims is interviewed by Dominique Debroux,the founder of Big Belli Co.
The former Victoria Secret Supermodel shared chic and figure flattering style advice for every budget as well as on-the-go workouts to help women move, dance, spin and stretch their way into their hotter healthier selves . Yes, it takes work, but aren’t we all works in progress? Taking care of ourselves daily by eating and drinking healthy, treating ourselves to simple beauty regiments and daily exercise pays off.
Molly Sims shares a group hug and a group laugh with Dominique Debroux founder of Big Belli Co, Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein of the MOMS and filmmaker Christopher Henze of 40 Weeks on DVD/Download Mar 1
“I did not always look like this. I worked hard to get to where I am today, ” Sims declared. “Do you think I looked like this when I was 19 years old? Well I didn’t . I worked my ass off. I was 20 pound overweight. I had brown hair, I had braces, I had acne, ” she says.
Molly and Crownheightsmom share a laugh
Inspiration is all around you notes Sims. “As the years go by I changed. I was like a sponge and I am still like a sponge. I look at magazines. I look at celebrities, I look at other moms. Anybody can change themselves .I am a firm believer in that you can do anything you want to do. I am from Kentucky.I went to public school. I have been a waitress, and a really bad waitress. I was a sales lady and a really good one because I was honest .I would tell customers you cant wear that but you can wear this and I always had my returning customers. If someone said to me you should do this I was ok I will try it. Some women are critical and they take it so personally. I have been told my calves are too bigs, my arms are too big, I’m too fat, your hair should be longer your hair should be shorter.I cant believe you would wear that .I have heard it all .”
More selfie fun with Molly Sims and Crownheightsmom Debra Lewis-Boothman
She’s can relate to the every day woman. “I’m not different from you. Anything you can say I can probably say that I have been told that. I have learned from so many . I took tips from people. I always suggest that you should find someone you look up to and learn from them . Also, learn your body.
Crownheightsmom catches up with the MOMS co-creators Denise and Melissa
Want to feel good about yourself, Sims a big yoga enthusiast asked .”Get out of the sweatpants and put on a pair of jeans,” she says. Adding that she doesn’t follow trends . “Once it looks good on I just put a sweater or a jacket on over it.”
The “House of Style” host and “Las Vegas” star asked that those attending do something for her, “Never ever say you are going on a diet and never look at a picture and be like ugh God, I hate this picture.'”
Speaking of pictures Sims shared and showed how she’s been storing all of the thousands of photos and videos she’s amassed over the years especially those of her husband Scott Stuber and 2-year old son Brooks Alan . Sims told the group that she’s been using LYVE App the new photo sharing and storing app that saves and collects all of her photos and videos she has stored on different devices –mobile phones, computers, cameras, and ipads. She says that Lyve has really helped her to keep photos in one place . “They have installed a small device in my home office and has been working to collect and catalog just about every photograph and video I’ve ever captured with a digital camera. I don’t envy the device. During the last decade just like almost everyone else on the planet, I went bananas for photos and videos. I estimate I’ve more than 20,000 pictures and clips spread across phones, tablets and a handful of far-flung folders on a handful of computers,” she says.
Sims uses LYVE to keep her photos and videos togetherMolly Sims uses Lyve to store her keepsake photos and video memoriesMom bloggers gather around the LYVE App device to get info and see demonstrations featuring pics of Sims and her familyMolly Sims’ is FUN! She is funny and open and warm. This new book will definitely do well . Molly shows moms and women how to balance it . The event was wonderful and the midtown restaurant Artisanal Fromagerie Bistro was the perfect place to hold it. The luncheon menu included a mix of sandwiches and salads and delicious treats for dessert. Crownheightsmom will definitely be heading back to taste the full menu at a later date.Yummy eats from Artisianal Fromagerie BistroMoms bloggers enjoying the luncheon
A pregnant Ashlee Simpson Ross wasn’t shy about taking coloring tips from her 6 year old son Bronx while attending the February 5 Manhattan launch of Crayola’s newest product Color Alive . The pregnant star and her husband of five months, Evan Ross were smiling and having a great time seeing Bronx enjoying himself and coloring alongside mom bloggers and their kids. Excitedly showing his mum his drawings and his coloring skills Bronx was having loads of fun.
A family that colors together: Ashlee Simpson Ross with he son Bronx (dad is Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy) and husband Evan Ross, the youngest of Diana Ross’ children
.The mum-to-be and her new hubby were not to be left out of the coloring fun jumping into the crayoning action and using the Color Alive app to bring their coloring creations to life. The young couple definitely showed that Color Alive is as much fun for adults as it is for kids.
Simpson and her husband activating the Color Alive experience through the free app aims the tablet’s camera at the colored page. They were having loads of fun .
Simpson and family also spent time mingling alongside Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein, co-creators of the MOMS and amongst invited mom bloggers and their kids. The singer even stopping to take pics and a few selfies with attendees.
Simpson joins the MOMS co-creators Denise Albert [L]and Melissa Musen Gerstein [R]Dressed in black skinny leather pants and an oversized burgundy top covering her baby bump the mom-to-be glowed. Ross making his own fashion statement was fashionable in an oversized coat and worsted boots. The young couple are expecting their first child, a girl together this year
Ashlee who is having a girl looked fabulous in her skin tight leather leggings and flowing burgundy shirt
The fun afternoon saw kids and adults alike enjoying Color Alive which is available in four coloring books : Skylander, Barbie, Enchanted Garden and Mythical Creatures. Each book contain 16 pages and features a unique character and animation and comes with seven crayons including one Magic Crayon that unlocks a special virtual effect. Everyone enjoyed learning how Crayola is changing the world of coloring forever with their free Color Alive app.
Ashlee Simpson Ross with her son Bronx and husband Evan Ross
My kids loved everything about the Color Alive event. They weren’t fully aware that there was a celebrity in the house as they were all about checking out the different coloring books, playing dress up in the character costumes, spending time coloring the different characters and getting to launch the app . The finger foods was also a big hit with them especially the colored french fries, the fried green beans and the chicken skewers. They could not get enough of the lemonade and found it ah-mazing that they could order their own flavors from the server at the Lemonade Stand. The Blueberry flavored offering was their favorite choice.
Kai is really getting into characterFinally an opportunity to get a chance to sit and color.Starry Eyes: At the Barbie station playingVirtual World: Kai seeing his Skylander drawing come to life with the Color Alive app as he’s taped on tvThe Fries were AWESOMELY colorful and deliciousKai finishing up his Skylander drawing before having it come alive on a tabletLEMONADE…LEMONADE the tarty colorful drinks were a massive hit with everyone .
It was hard to pull the kids away and head for home but when told that they would each receive a swag bag of Color Alive goodies to leave with they were beyond overjoyed. When they saw that it was a mini backpack containing Color Alive loot the look on their faces? Well it was pure excited Joy! The excitement is still ongoing.
The SWAGGG bag. A big hit. Train ride home was all about coloring and other kids on the train wanted to know where to purchase
.
Looking to add some excitement to your kid’s afternoon . I suggest you grab yourself Crayola’s Color Alive. Trust me, it is non-stop fun for everyone in the family. Just go to crayola.com .
I had long forgotten or better yet, given up on my teenage dreams of becoming a fashion designer . That was until recently, attending a Target Free Sundays at the Studio Museum in Harlem with my 8- year old daughter and viewing the Speaking of People exhibition. Directly after, we headed to Workshop A for the Hands On Fashion Extravaganza workshop to make our own fashion layouts from blank traced silhouettes.
From the Speaking Of People Exhibition at the Studio Museum in Harlem
The workshop re-ignited the passion to begin thinking again about designing clothing. A dream I’d abandoned so many moons ago while a teen. Summers of countless hours pouring over the fashion pages of Ebony, Vogue, Essence, Seventeen, TEEN and Cosmo .
Dreams of one day designing my own line of bold, vivid colorful fashions reminiscent of my childhood in Barbados were always at the back of my mind. Although not led to a career in fashion, I did wind on the pages of magazines —writing and reporting on fashion and being amongst the small group of initial staffers to start-up a then new PEOPLE Stylewatch in 2002.- launching it to its fashion bible status of today . Choosing a path of going to the world of magazines and celebrity journalism. I would end up writing about fashion not designing it,
Getting to share the workshop with my daughter and seeing her talents shine at such a young age is so rewarding. Other families enjoying the including the workshop mums, grandmas, dads and aunts taking the for color, design and Thinking Springtime and Summer I chose bold colored paper for the clothes and got my scissors to work in cutting them out. Gluing the paper clothes on was a lil tricky but
Crownheightsmom gos for the bold colors of the caribbean
We started out with blank Sillhouttes
The colored paper to create the clothes
Cut out clothes to stick on the silhoutte
My 8- year old daughter ‘s creations: She has a great eye for color. She chose to use colored paper and colored markers.
8-year old Kameko’s vision on her silloutteKameko’s silhoutte all done
Take a trip to the Studio Museum in Harlem.. What a wonderful way to bond and learn alongside your child. Art Rocks!
I love Indian food especially in the wintertime. It is my comfort food of choice . Choosing a healthier eating lifestyle was one of my new year resolutions and since Jan 1 I have been eating more fruits, salads and chick peas. Yes, I did say CHICK PEAS!
Chick Peas the beans of life
After threading through yesterday’s high winds and freezing snow and gaining frozen toes and fingers while heading to pick my kids up from school I decided when we arrived home that I needed to spice up some chick peas and make the hubs and I a spicy Indian style curried chick pea delight to chow down on . I needed a comfort food.
Heading home from school in the snowy blizzard of 2015
I found a curried potato chick pea recipe on foodnetwork.com added a few of my own caribbean spices and got down to my culinary skills in the kitchen.
Cooking up the curried Chick Pea dish
I would eat chick peas every day if I had my way. They are delicious and not too heavy on the stomach, plus they are rich in fiber. Thinking back, I remember as a kid how I hated the weird distinct taste especially when my grandma would serve them with dinner. Many times unbeknownst to her, or so I thought, I would rake them off my plate and hide them in a napkin on my lap so I wouldn’t have to eat them. In retrospect, I think grandma knew what I was doing but never said a word. So I am not too upset that my now 8 and 7-year olds are not turned on by eating the small bean preferring instead to eat it as chickpea hummus. At least they are still getting its valuable nutrients.
Making a curried chick pea meal is one of the quickest to prepare- with cooking times of 15 minutes and prep time of 20 minutes . I set forth to prepare this recipe which is one of the easiest and can be a favorite on any vegetarian, vegan or meat lovers plate.
The Chick Pea or Garbanzos Beans as my South American peeps call them is one of the healthiest beans available. For those who love their food spicy I say bring on the curry and the scotch bonnet pepper and make this baby indian style.
Quick and Easy way to make. Get it in the can.Goya is a great brand but you can choose most others as well. You can use dry chick peas but you will have to soak them for hours or overnight or boil them.
Chick Peas aka Garbanzos Beans aka Chana -is one of the world’s healthiest foods that’s rich in fiber. Great food for Diabetics.
Known for its rich fiber benefits it is no wonder there is always some choice of chick pea or Chana as my Indian friends call it being offered on the menu of restaurants in India . In fact chickpeas has long been a staple of the daily diet in India.
Some of my favorite cities with Indian restaurants that make the best curried chick pea meals can be found in Covent Garden or amongst London’s Brick Lane curry houses as well as in New York City and Chicago.
RECIPE FOR CURRIED POTATOES AND CHICK PEAS courtesy of The Food Network Magazine and updated to include ingredients added by crownheightsmom.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 15 -ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups fried onions (one 2.8-ounce can)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus leaves for topping
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)...–NOTE: I used Jamaican scotch bonnet peppers instead of Jalapenos and I added fresh garlic, scallions, thyme and a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. I also ncluded 1 teaspoon of Cumin.
Cook your chick peas slow and steady.
Directions
Put the potatoes, 2 teaspoons salt and enough cold water to cover in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are almost tender, 3 to 6 minutes. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain the potatoes.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 8 minutes. Stir in the curry powder and cayenne and cook, stirring, 30 seconds.
Add the chickpeas, 1 cup fried onions, garlic, thyme, scallions and 1/2 cup reserved cooking water; cook, mashing the potatoes with a spoon( I did not mash my potatoes), until heated through, about 3 minutes. Add more cooking water, if needed. Season with salt.
Mix the yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice and 2 tablespoons water in a bowl. Divide the potato-chickpea mixture among bowls. Top with the yogurt sauce, the remaining 1 cup fried onions, the sliced jalapeno and cilantro leaves.
Curried chick peas and potatoes smell so good and the peppery flavor of the scotch bonnet peppers gives it a kick.
Almost ready to eat and a dish I am sure renowned chef and Hell’s Kitchen mentor Gordon Ramsay would love.
Yummm…all spicy and ready to be devoured
You can choose to eat your curried chick peas alone, with flat bread, a salad or on top of rice -basmati or parboiled, or a pasta of your choice. I paired mine on top of Penne and it was delicious! The spicy kick from the scotch bonnet peppers hit the spot. I was warmed all over.
FRIDAY’ S CUTE PIC OF THE DAY on crownheightsmom goes to Magnolia, the heart-stopping, cute-as-ever little 20-month old happy tyke who along with her BABY stopped me in my tracks on Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, Brooklyn on Thursday afternoon.
20-month old Magnolia
Meet MAGNOLIA . She literally brought the sun out today. In fact I think her cuteness is the reason the expected snow storm for Thursday went bye-bye!
I spotted the lil darling taking her baby out for a walk on Eastern Parkway. Along for the stroll was mum Natalie and dad Matthew. The 9-year Brooklyn residents have been residing in Crown Heightsfor the past three years. Before Magnolia came along the gorgeous couple were living in Do-or-die Bed-Sty!…
Brooklyn is fast becoming the NYC borough young families are looking to start and raise their families.
Brooklyn is fast becoming that borough young families are flocking to. Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, Lefferts Gardens and Flatbush are the new favorite areas for new renters and buyers. Don’t get me wrong there is still interest in Fort Green, Bedford Stuyvesant, Ditmas Park, Sunset Park, Park Slope and Boroum Hill areas .
Brooklyn Children’s MuseumProspect ParkBrooklyn Museum of Artjapanese Garden at Brooklyn’s Botanical Gardens
Let’s not even begin to talk culture. Brooklyn is a gumbo pot of cultures. It is the epitome of what New York stands for. For young families moving to Crown Heights you can walk down the street and bump into someone from every caribbean island known to man, meet young hip fashionable Hasidics, or a Korean grocer selling the freshest fruits and vegetables this side of Chinatown, or even talk politics with the Yemen corner store owner . The cultures my friend in Brooklyn are infinite .
So as our little cutie pie Magnolia continues on her walk here’s to wishing her a wonderful year and hoping when she hits her 2 year mark on May 19 that she stays as sweet as ever for mummy and daddy .
Enjoy your walk little Magnolia and take in all that your wonderful neighborhood has to offer. Soak it up!
Just four days after appearing on WPIX TV 11 in NYC talking about mom guilt I found myself laid up in bed with the flu and feeling just awful inside about getting it.
I was pretty much feeling annoyed at myself for coming down with the flu . I mean it’s not like I have super powers to shield myself from all colds and flu but the “It’s your own fault” voice echoed over and over heavily in my head. Blame myself I did because as of the writing of this post I still have yet to get a flu shot.
I know, but I just never got around to getting it. I meant to but kept putting it off because I rarely get sick and whenever I do get the flu shot I end up sick two weeks after. So this year I said to myself I will see if I can make do without it and like many healthy people who take their vitamins supplements, exercise, eat well and run daily. I figured, I would be ok.
Looking back, I should have visited my docs office when I saw the glaring headlines stating that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention had released flu data reports showing that the 2014-2015 flu season was at epidemic levels with 8.5% of deaths occurring due to pneumonia and influenza. The report also said that this was an increase from the year and with 19 reported deaths. There was no data for adult death as the only keeps tracks of children’s death and the 19 CDC reported cases were all of children having died of the flu across the United States.
Weighing heavily on my mind since coming down with the flu were thoughts of ‘I do not want the children to catch it.’ I felt assured that they wouldn’t because my husband and I made sure they’d received their flu shots when school began in September. My only hope was in that the vaccine would protect them from this bad strain of flu going around hoping their little immune systems stay strong. Right after the first snowstorm in November we started to give them daily does of elderberry vitamins to help boost their immune systems and I began to pack an orange a day in their lunch boxes and have been giving them more tangerines and grapefruit slices to boost that Vitamin-C intake . Knock-on-wood, I can say that so far so good. These have helped.
Zarbees Elderberry for kids helps their immune system stay healthy
Day 5 of being bed bound, I literally crawled out of my bed and forced myself to go outside taking our dog Hiro with me out for a walk. This was more so because I really needed the walk more than our Akita did . I needed to feel the cold air biting my cheekbones and passing through my nostrils. Doing this would somehow cleanse me of this flu bug that had invaded my body and rendered me down, but definitely not out.
Going for a walk with our dog Hiro helped big time!
I was definitely thankful that it was the long MLK holiday weekend so the worry of shuttling back and forth on the subway with the kids I did not have to do until Wednesday. This thankfully gave me some extra time to recover at home.
On the mend . I owe my recovery to a little vegetable called Ginger root . Yes, thank goodness for ginger root. I live by this veggie’s properties which act as a herb . I am drinking my ump-teenth glass of ginger tea, which as far as I am concerned is the reason that I am feeling so much better. With my appetite gone, my six times a day freshly grated ginger root tea became my constant companion. Simmered in hot water with a teaspoon of brown sugar to taste I devoured a cup of it every two hours .Boy, did it work wonders. It got me on the mend and I cannot recommend it enough. It also helps that it tastes oh so good. It has definitely been my savior.
Ginger root does the body good
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR OWN GLASS OF GINGER ROOT TEA .
What you will need to begin –
Frozen ginger-root gratedGrated ginger root in hot water
Wash 3 roots of fresh ginger and freeze overnight in a zip lock bag.. (Note – fresh ginger root is usually sold at your local supermarket, in the fruit and vegetable section. You can also find at the Korean Vegetable grocers . Pick up enough to last you a few weeks .. You are freezing the ginger because it makes it easier to grate it .)
You can choose to peel off the beige skin or keep it on. I usually peel mine.
Grate one root and scoop the grated contents into your personal coffee mug
Add hot water and sweeten with brown sugar or your chosen sweetener to taste. You can also choose not to sweeten.
The ginger root’s pulp will settle at the bottom of your cup. Stir it up and drink up all the contents . It’s the grated pulp thats the secret weapon to curing you and getting you on the mend.
With my flu ebbing away as I sipped on my ginger tea my only wish was that it would also cure the mom guilt I felt about getting sick. I finally decided that I was going to stop beating myself up about it. I am not a genie or a wizard with powers to protect myself from getting sick. It’s nature, it happens and I was over feeling guilty about it .
Looking into the subject of Mom Guilt I found that moms all walks of life—-rich, poor, black, white all experience this guilt. Although usually attributed to working moms —-as was discussed on WPIX-TV 11—-and moms balancing home and work life I found that mom guilt attaches itself to a woman the moment she gives birth and stay-at-home moms battle it just as often as working mom do .
Looking back at my own mom guilt , I tried to recall how far back it ran and hit it on the nail at the newborn stage when i would feel guilt if the babies cried too much. I remember usually thinking maybe I didn’t nurse long enough or maybe I didn’t spend enough time burping. As they got older the newborn guilt transferred into the toddler guilt and those feelings included the am I spoiling them, am I giving in and lifting them up whenever they cried , is the temper tantrum a result of my not being in control., there was also the diaper rash guilt feelings of feeling responsible for leaving on that wet diaper way too long, and the not packing enough snacks or clothes when we went out for when messes occurred. The list goes on and on and it made me ask my husband if he ever experiences any dad guilt feelings. He said of course dads get it too. But my response to this was not in the same way moms do .
When I appeared alongside Denise and Melisssa of the MOMS on PIX 11-TV NY discussing this topic morning news anchor Sukanya Kirshnan gave out tips to help combat it. See below.
I am happy that my husband held down the fort while I was out of commission helping with the take home homework, making breakfast, lunch and dinner and doing the food shopping. He allowed me to get all the rest I needed in order to get back to a healthy place.
Cheers to him as I sip on another cup of ginger tea . Baby, I am back!
Mention the name Rockettes to any little girl and the reaction —– automatic excitement.! The annual Radio CityChristmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes, Santa, the Nutcracker and a Living Nativity ended just weeks ago . My family and I didn’t attend this year so finding out we could see them for free and in our local neighborhood was luck shining down on us.
The Rockettes were going to be the special guests at Dancewave’s Open House on Jan 10. The Brooklyn non-profit dance education organization was having an Open House and the Rockettes were going to be there.. It was like being given a belated Xmas gift with extras added in including free dance tips, autograph signing with the iconic precision dancer company members as well as information on Dancewave’s Spring semester class offerings . My daughter and I jumped at the offer.
Debra Lewis-Boothman AKA crownheightsmom strikes a pose with the iconic Rockettes
My 8-year old daughter (in stripped leg-warmers) kicks it up with the Rockettes
Donning our dance gear we headed off to Park Slope . When we arrived we met Dancewave’s Executive and Artistic Director, Diane Jacobowitz who was responsible for bringing out the Rockettes.
Between speaking with parents about her non profit’s class offerings for adults and children Jacobowitz pointed out a sentiment echoed by every family present. “Everybody from every neighborhood loves the Rockettes,” she says . That’s very true, thus why the event was such a draw for Brooklyn families. Not only residents of Brooklyn were in attendance also there were families as far as the Upper West Side.
Says Jacobowitz, “Here is an opportunity [to see them] in your local neighborhood. ” Indeed it was. The Rockettes were in BROOKLYNNN, baby!
The event was definitely an opportunity for that up-close-and-personal meet and greet. Checkout below for visuals of the fun day .Also do not forget that the Rockettes will be struttin’ and kicking it up this Spring when they present Spring Spectacular an ode and celebration of all things New York NewYork with hottie Derek Hough as a bonus dancer. Not bad at all.. Definitely not too shabby!
The dance lessons with the Rockettes begin. Lots of questions from this group of girls and they are all quick learners.
Learning how to execute the perfect Rockette high kick.
She has the Rockette stance
My 8-year old daughter (in stripped leg-warmers) kicks it up with the Rockettes
A Rockette is BORN! Tadaaaa!
The event was Fantastic! Dancewave has wonderful dance classes to choose from—ballet, hip-hop, modern, street jazz, creative movement , contemporary and more . My kids are interested in the hip- hop classes which we will audit on the 21 . I also love that Dancewave has adult classes. This makes it quite the place thats all about the family .
A Goodbye from the Rockettes who say, ” It was beautiful being here.” Adding, “Being around children is one of the most important things.”
A warm, feel good family movie that will make you laugh, scream, cry and cheer-crownheightsmom
Nicole Kidman who stars in the Paddington Bear movie opening Jan 16 says she would have done a lot more movies her kids could go see if only she was offered children’s film scripts she found interesting. That time my friends has finally come and it’s just wonderful!
“It [children’s movies] was something I have always wanted to do ,” says Kidman 47. ” I don’t get offered a lot of children’s films I find interesting or compelling.” The star sat with the MOMS‘ Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein for their first Mamarazzi event of 2015, before screening the Paddington Bear movie at the Film Society at Lincoln Center on Jan 7. “It was just a gorgeous script,” says Kidman. “Adorable!” the star adds.
Nicole Kidman plays a not-so-sweet Natural History Museum Taxidermist
The movie released already across France and the UK has grossed international box-office receipts totaling $109,713,825 thus far according to Box Office Mojo .It is set to open in the USA on Jan 16.
Paddington is the type of family movie that will certainly have adults and kids alike swooning and wishing for their own real-life Paddington Bear. I, for one, after seeing the movie wanted to leave the screening room with a new addition to my family and loads of marmalade. I wanted a warm cuddly bear. Heck, give me the adoption papers ASAP, I will sign on the dotted line . Paddington Bear is a keeper.Not to mention, he’s as cute as a bug.
On all accounts I absolutely ADORED the movie. It has definitely achieved what Nic Kidman hoped movie audiences will take away after see the film. “For me, it is just so nice when people come out feeling great,” she tell Musen Gerstein. Adding, “It makes you feel good.” Indeed, it does Ms. Kidman. Indeed, it does!
Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein both decked out in Trina Turk from Rent The Runway pose with Kidman.
Having already had the sneak peek, which, my kids were not too happy about missing I had to promised that our tix will be purchased way ahead of time on Jan 16 so we can go directly to the movie theater after school . In the meantime reading the new Paddington books at our local Barnes and Noble bookstore in Cobble Hill will suffice .
It is not often that Hollywood gets it right when it comes to film adaptations of books but with Paddington the seamless adaptation drawn from the characters immortalized in the books hooked me right away. Those not familiar with the books will certainly want to read more about this cuddly Peruvian’s bears many adventures.
The movie tapped into so many of my emotions within its 95 minutes—-I laughed, cried, cheered , jeered and soared . I became a kid again remembering back to my young childhood days of losing myself with Mr Bond as my guide while reading about Paddy on his adventures. There is never a dull moment.
Your children can pick up a book and read along with Paddington .Reading is FUN!
Being married to a British citizen it was special looking for familiar sights and places I have been in London. Even more exciting was seeing and hearing the sweet sound of classic calypso music being played throughout the film. I am from Barbados so to know that the music of the late Trinidadian calypsonian, Lord Kitchener was included on the movie’s soundtrack was exciting. Kitchener’s flute tinged tune ” London is the Place for Me” adds to the movie’s splendor.
It has been said that Michael Bond the author and writer was so influenced by the caribbean culture in London during in the late 40s and early 50s that he include elements of it in his writings. It is definitely included beautifully in the movie.
See Lord Kitchener and others embarking on London in the 30’s below
See D Lime and Tobago Crusoe featured in the movie perform “London Is The Place for Me “below:
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Kidman truly owns this role. Presently filming the drama “Genius” alongside actor Jude Law it was surprising to hear her share with the audience that she almost considered giving up the craft she loves. “At one point I was going to stop working,” she says. “It was happening when I was pregnant with Sunday. I talked to my mum about it. I said, I am done. My mum had given up her job to help raise us at home and she said to me, ‘You should still do something creative. Still keep a finger in the pot because I just feel that it is your destiny and you shouldn’t give that up completely. ‘”
Mom knows best. “I was thinking, ok maybe she is right.and so I went and started to do some films and started producing and that is how I manage my life now.” Plus, she adds, “I always have them[her family] travel with me. ”
Clearly having her family around her while filming impacted Kidman’s work. The results? A job well done!
I love strutting my stuff. Seriously though, tell me of a woman who doesn’t! We all do! So when Denise and Melissa of The MOMS platform asked if I was avail to join them for a holiday fashion segment on WPIX-11-Live in New York of course I shouted YASSSS, YAASSSS . The thought of being in a fashion segment on PIX-11 brought back memories of walking[see at 12:45 wearing red dress] in Strut The Fashionable MOM Show At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week At Lincoln Center in 2013 .That experience is one that is still unforgettable.
Leading up to the big day on WPIX. Myself and mom-models Christy who tweets at @mstwocents and Jennifer who tweets at @mommadanddaboyz discussed with Denise some of the places we shop for reasonable mom fashions. I went with Century 21 as I just love their mix of designer and European fashions, Jennifer went with Burlington Coat Factory and Christy chose ThreadUP the online consignment shop.
I headed to Century 21 on Cortland Street directly across from the World Trade Center and tried on a few outfits .
This black jumpsuit fits just right and hits all the curves but I was still undecided. I paired it with black and salmon pumps to see which one would pop. I think I loved it with the black pumps best .I loved this belted jumpsuit. Plus it was in grey which is the hot color of the season. I think the bold salmon pumps really made it pop!This all white look was inspired by Solange Knowles’ choice of color for her wedding but resulted in a Janelle’ Mona type vibe. The crop sweater in crisp snowflake color of winter white paired with the bold necklace added to the hipness.My CHOICE! This outfit was EVERYTHING from the Ivanka Trump pumps with gold buckle which retails for $140 but were on sale for $49 to the floral Renamed-Skirt with pockets which I loved at first sight and at a mere $34.99 paired with the off white faux fur vest at a bargain price of $28 . The look was completed with a spaghetti strap Splash white tank a mere $9.97.
The big day came I arrived at the PIX11 studios by 7:30am. I went through security and looked around for the others. The wait area was already buzzing and hair and makeup was alight with lots of movement. I said a brief hello to Councilman Mark Levine who was there to speak about the fatal NYPD shootings that had occurred in Brooklyn and how the Mayor was going forward with NYPD relations. Milling around also was a group dressed in holidays costumes of elves, santas and and santas helpers. They were getting their makeup applied and taking selfies. Needless to say the holiday excitement was uncontainable all around .
With my makeup applied I headed back to the wait area to greet Denise and Jennifer looking up I spotted supermodel Alex Wek as she walked into the wait area and head directly to the makeup area. I learned that Wek was there to speak with PIX-11 morning News Anchors Sukanya Krishnan and Kori Chambers about being chosen to push the button to release the Waterford Crystal Ball for the 60-second countdown to ring in 2015 in Times Square. Wek will be representing the International Rescue Committee (IRC) alongside its president David Miliband, South Sudanese model Nykhor Paul, local high school senior Sonam Lama and Cuban-American actor and singer Jencarlos Canela .
International Top Model Alex Wek will be ringing in the New Year .
Finally it was time to get in front of the cameras. Denise took her place next to Sukanya in a black Rent the Runway jumpsuit paired with suede Just Fab wedges. Her words of advise to us moms, “Just have fun ladies!” she said. Which is exactly what we did!
Overall, it was an amazing experience and one that I will hold dear. Sukanya even told us that we could send greetings out to our loved ones. I said hello to my three kids and even got to send wishes to my students at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus. Thank you WPIX-11 and The MOMS. This was definitely a great lead in to a wonderful start of my New Year.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Looking great in our holiday looksStriking a pose for the cameraDenise and morning News Anchor Sukanya introducing the Holiday looks- Conservative, Edgy (that would be me) and Sporty.
![Simpson joinsthe MOMS co-creators Denise Albert [L]and Melissa Musen Gerstein [R]](https://crownheightsmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/images.jpg)
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