Earning points to get ungrounded

I came across this a couple of weeks ago:

The first thing that came to mind was the Monopoly card that reads: “Go to jail. Go directly to jail. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200”. That’s how I feel this Mother is dealing with disciplining her children. If they don’t receive 500 points by doing the chores listed above, they won’t get “ungrounded”. (For the full story, click here).

How is this an effective form of discipline?

 Growing up, chores were something my siblings and I did on a daily basis. My chores included washing the dishes every other night, cleaning the washroom, vacuuming and dusting on Saturdays. As I got older, I did laundry and helped cook. These are things that every child should know how to do. Chores shouldn’t be used as a form of punishment.

You would have never caught my parents putting together something like this as a form of punishment. If you come from a West Indian home, there was only one form of discipline and I’ll leave it at that.

Living in a society where children are obsessed with technology, I now hear of parents taking away cell phones and tablets as a form of punishment. Then there’s the traditional time-out for toddlers or getting spanked with the wooden spoon.

At the end of the day, parents have to do what works for them and their children. If this method works for this family and the children learn their lesson, then kudos to their Mom.

What are your thoughts on this Mothers method of punishment?

What form of discipline did your parents use when you were growing up?

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Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)

A Baby Shower fit for a Princess #tbt

What should have been an “Around the Clock” baby shower ended up being a Princess theme shower. That was fine by me.

This post is five months late but I’m still so grateful for Lisa and Chantal who organized such an elegant shower. I can’t forget my other ladies, Amanda and Charlette and my sisters, Camille and Yvonne for pitching in. Lastly, to Jordana for always taking such great photos.

What would a shower be without family and friends? Thanks to everyone who came out and for all the clothes (it really should have been a clothes baby shower) and books (they were replaced with cards to help kick start her library).

The games were a hit (especially bathe the baby) and the dessert. Oftentimes when planning an event, I always leave the cake for last and it never gets done. Not this time. I made sure to make Zendaya’s baby shower cake my number one priority. The Coconut Raspberry cake was devoured in no time.

A few days later, I finally went through the words of advice my family and friends left for me.

Some of my favourites are:

“Read the Bible everyday to her and pray with her”

“Avoid discipline when angry”

“They grow so fast [so] enjoy each day/moment”

“Be a good role model – your child does whatever you do. Love cherish and care for your child”

“Love unconditionally, Praise always, Lead by example”

There were two that had me laughing:

“Make sure you wash the baby”

“Send Zeny to Auntie Yvonne every other weekend when she’s about 8 months old”

Now...time to print these pictures and include them with the hundreds of pictures I already have of Zendaya.

What words of advice did you receive as a new parent that you would like to pass on?

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Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)

Just like a Mother

I was the first baby she ever held. I was always known as the daughter she never gave birth to.

With Mother’s Day on Sunday, today I would like to honour my second mother, Marcia.

Marcia has been a huge support over the past year. She was one of the first persons I told about my pregnancy. She was the one I called to drive me to the hospital when I thought I was going to lose Zendaya. She was one of my labour coaches and stayed by my side from beginning to end.

During Zendaya’s first week of life, we were in and out of the hospital. Marcia was always there making sure I was eating, drinking and getting plenty of rest.

Maria is a woman who has a whole lot of love to give. Her positive attitude and advice has helped me get through some difficult situations over the past year.  

On Sunday, I look forward to spending Mother’s Day with this phenomenal woman of God.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mother’s - especially to all the Mother’s who have passed on, all the first time Moms and Mother’s to be.

Which woman has had a great impact in your life?

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Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)

Happy Jamaican Beef Patty Day!

Last Saturday, a friend of mine told me to buy a beef patty on February 23^rd because it’s Jamaican beef patty day. 

Well, that day is finally here.  Today I headed to my local West Indian store and bought myself two beef patties, two cocoa breads and a cola champagne.

Beef patties are most likely the number one food item that Jamaica is known for. 

Here in Toronto, most convenience stores and grocery stores sell them.

If you attend a predominately West Indian church, you can count on someone selling them after service.

For years I always bought Allan’s patties until I was introduced to Michidean patties. Ladies and gentlemen…I never went back. Michidean patties became my new favourite brand. If you haven’t had one, you need to try one. You won’t be disappointed.

The night is still young so why not head on over to your nearest West Indian store or convenience store and buy yourself a beef patty.

What is your favourite brand of Jamaican beef patties?

What do you eat your patties with?

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When you get a chance, please visit my friend Tyrone’s blog. His posts are insightful and very thought provoking. See his blog here.

Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)

My Princess is finally here!

On Thursday, January 14^th, I finally got to meet my Baby Shrimp, my Little Cupcake, my Princess.  

Zendaya Isabell  made her grand entrance at 6:34 PM and weighed 6lbs, 15oz.

She’s the most beautiful human being I have ever laid eyes on.

She’s simply perfect.

 She has changed my world.

She has changed who I am.

She has changed how I think.

There is nothing that I wouldn’t do for her.

There are no words to describe the love I have for her.

I’m looking forward to raising her and spending every second with her.

The meaning of Zendaya is “to give thanks”. Not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for her. 

I consider myself blessed that He chose me to be her Mommy.

Feel free to share this post on your favourite Social Media Networks.

When you get a chance, please visit my friend Tyrone’s blog. His posts are insightful and very thought provoking. See his blog here.

Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)

Happy Anniversary to Me!

Last Tuesday marked my one year blogging anniversary.

Blogging has always been something I wanted to do but didn’t have the time to commit. 

Last year I decided to take on the challenge to write two blog posts a week. By March, I almost changed it to once a week but decided to stick to my original plan. While I may not have written every week, I was always in search of a topic to write about.

A BIG thank you to all of you who have read my posts, commented, sent me text messages or even taken the time to call with a word of encouragement. Your support has made this journey worthwhile.

Feel free to share this post on your favourite Social Media Networks.

When you get a chance, please visit my friend Tyrone’s blog. His posts are insightful and very thought provoking. See his blog here.

Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)

My Photography Journal @mo_fotography

I just love starting a new year. It’s a time when you can add a new chapter to your book of life. It's also a great time to start a new hobby.

Last November, I decided that I wanted to start taking pictures again. If I was really serious about doing this, I knew I had to put my Canon SD1100 IS to rest. To replace it, I purchased a Nikon D3300.

It stayed in the box until New Years day. That’s when I came across Project 365 on Pinterest. The challenge is to take one picture a day for the entire year.

By day three, I was ready to quit. It had started to feel like work. On top of that, I’ve been struggling with trying to figure out how this camera works. It doesn’t matter how many times I read the manual, there are still some things I can’t figure out. Thank goodness I have a few photography friends who are willing to help me out.

I’m looking forward to looking back on my photo journal at the end of the year. 

I’ve created an instagram page and will be posting my pictures weekly. Feel free to follow me as I take this journey -  @mo fotography.

 I’m also looking forward to learning all that I can about this beautiful art.

What's your new hobby for 2016?

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When you get a chance, please visit my friend Tyrone’s blog. His posts are insightful and very thought provoking. See his blog here.

Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)