Mahogany Momma's Black Parents Blog

Help Feeding Picky Toddlers: The Sneaky Chef to the Rescue!

2012-01-09T13:48:00.003-05:00

“I don’t like that. I don’t want that. Why do I have to eat that?” Chris is 5 now and as a mom of one I often times have no clue what to give him for breakfast, put in his lunch box, or prepare for dinner. If it isn’t some form of bread, tea, or fried finger food he wants no part of it and forget about vegetables all together. He spent most of Thanksgiving in a debate with grandpa insisting that he could not get him to eat a “carrot”! If you are a mom desperately looking for new ways to get your kids to eat foods that taste good and are actually good for them, I am sure that you can relate. When it comes to feeding picky toddlers we could all use a little help, which is why I agreed to review (just for you) the Speedy Sneaky Chef by Missy Chase Lapine, created to help on-the-go families learn how to use store-bought convenience foods to their advantage.

First and foremost I love the books concept because as a work at home mom managing the business and my boy can be a big challenge. While I do enjoy those times when we can cook together in the kitchen, I really need convenient recipes that I can do quickly and that Chris will actually enjoy. On first read I was particularly interested in the 20 minute or less dishes like the “Make-‘Em’-in-Minutes Mini Muffins” (16 minutes) and the “Swift Shrimp Teriyaki Kebobs” (8 minutes). Like most toddlers Chris loves finger foods like muffins and he also has a taste for seafood (sushi, fish sticks, and shrimp). Starting with those foods he enjoys, I was pleased to see that Missy had quite a few options for us to choose from and all her recipes include sneaky way to add in vegetables and other healthy ingredients that we want our kids to eat without them knowing.

I also liked that at the very beginning of the book Missy shares “Sneaky and Snappy Staples to Keep in the Kitchen.” I often times feel like I am out of options when it comes to feeding my picky toddler, so it’s nice to know that I can turn to the Sneaky Speedy Chef for recommendations. Divided into easy to follow categories I went through the Sneaky Chef Cheat Sheet making note of items I regularly purchase like bananas, salsa, cornmeal, whole wheat bread, and fish fillets. Then I looked for possible add ons we all would enjoy like avocados, whole wheat flour, hummus, whole wheat pita bread and the list goes on.

Many of her recipes also include the reasons why it is good to eat certain types of foods as well as health facts we all need to know. For example, did you know that fiber keeps kids regular and fills them up? Like many toddler boys today Chris unfortunately suffers from constipation and irregularity because of his picky eating habits. As per the advice of his pediatrician we regularly give him Miralax to help with this issue, but would really prefer to get him to enjoy eating healthier high in fiber foods. The Speedy Sneaky Chef just might be the kind of handy guide I’ve been looking for to provide us with more options to choose from.

Missy Chase Lapine really knows her stuff. She the mother of two daughters, a member of Parenting Magazine’s team of experts the “Mom Squad” and the former publisher of Eating Well magazine. Make it fast, make it kid-friendly, make it healthy, make it easy, make it fun, and make it affordable! Am I asking for too much, yes! As moms we all want nothing but the best and I think Missy’s book delivers.

Find Missy at www.thesneakychef.com and pick up a copy of the Sneaky Chef series of books including The Speedy Sneaky Chef: Quick, Healthy Fixes for Your Family’s Favorite Packaged Foods. As a new Kindle owner I am also pleased to point on that for busy moms who want to try this book right now you can download a copy directly from Amazon right onto your Kindle!

Related Resources: Raising Good Chefs – Not just good cooks! (raisingchefs.com) parenting food blog featured in my eGuide Black Women Online (bwo.sistasense.com) including parenting websites, foodie blogs, relationship resources and more.

Beautiful African Inspired Children's Apparel: Grace & Elie

2012-01-03T19:07:00.002-05:00

I just added Grace & Elie to the Search Urban Directory and had to repost the site here for you all to check out. Inspired by Elie and Africa, Grace & Elie features irresistible designs that are unique, fun, and timeless. Each collection presents a global style that weaves in international art and culture, resulting in bold and beautifully distinctive styles.

Official Website: http://www.graceandelie.com

Barbie Gets An Afro For Christmas

2011-12-24T19:18:00.000-05:00

I love this. I read it a few weeks ago and I have been meaning to post it here ... Barbie’s getting an afro for Christmas! A natural hair group in Georgia will give out 40 Barbie dolls with afro textured hair to little girls in the community.

One of the group members, Candace McBridge discovered an online demo on how to develop natural looking hair for dolls with items like pipe cleaners and boiling water.

Jennifer Henderson, a member of the natural hair group and mother of a 2-year-old girl, told the Ledger-Enquirer: “We wanted to show the girls that basically, it’s okay the way God made you.”

This reminds me of a two things ... the Dark Girls Documentary and another post Black Children and Self Image including the Girl Like me documentary.

Christmas Family Movies We Love (Black Parenting Blog)

2011-12-24T18:43:00.000-05:00

Download the free Color of Christmas guide and discover some wonderful Black / African American Holiday gifts including this list of family friendly Christmas movies. I will be watching the Perfect Holiday this Sunday. Last year we watched Boo Crew Christmas created by the Wayans.

1. Little Bill: Merry Christmas Little Bill
2. Boo Crew Christmas
3. Fat Albert’s Christmas
4. This Christmas
5. Diva’s Christmas Carol
6. Last Holiday
7. Snow Dogs
8. The Perfect Holiday
9. Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella
10. This Christmas Songs
11. Gospel Christmas/Silent Night
12. Ashanti’s Christmas

Free Guide URL: http://thecolorofchristmas.com

Holiday Activity for the Kids: Adventure Aquarium Christmas Celebration

2011-12-24T18:00:00.001-05:00

Guest Post by Lauren DeLisa Coleman | Photo Credt: Adam Lindsay

As mothers, it's all about keeping the kids entertained and educated during the holiday season. Here's a way to shake up tradition a bit if you live in the PA/DE/NJ region or might be spending time relatives in the area over Christmas: a visit to Adventure Aquarium, located in Camden, NJ! Adventure Aquarium has gone to great lengths to create a complete holiday offering in its "Christmas Celebration" from now until January 1, 2012. Photos with Santa, live shows with a Scuba Santa, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer displays ideal for photo taking and more are just a few of the fun activities visitors encounter as the music from the Rankin-Bass classic "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" wafts through the speakers creating a pleasant holiday vibe as it converges with the wonder of the aquatic side of nature.

Well engineered, the paths through various zones are easy to navigate and include both indoor (crabs, sharks) and outdoor (penguins, seals) viewing with the sea animals. The information signage located near each tank makes education fun and easy no matter what age. A rainforest-like section is wonderful, while the hippos in the Africa section are dazzling hams with the variety of picture-takers. In addition, kids young and old will get a thrill out of being able to touch a small shark, stingray or starfish in designated tanks (note: use the antibacterial station both before and after touching).

The care and attention seem to be evident in this aquarium and the staff, accommodating. So if you are looking for a special treat to give your kids either as a gift or a recreational activity during the winter break, Adventure Aquarium just might provide the perfect answer. For more information visit www.adventureaquarium.com/chrismascelebration.

Help For the Holiday Days: Shopping Tips, Timesavers, & Walmart Gift Card Giveaway

2011-12-18T12:27:00.001-05:00

When the holidays hit, I knew my wallet would be hit too. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, my son’s birthday and his school festivities, I had a lot to do and a very small budget to work with. But I figured if Santa can have helpers, so can mom! Truth be told, one of my biggest holiday helpers has been my local Walmart. I’ve always been big on sharing my holiday deals, giveaways, and toddler birthday buys with you, so this year I’ve decided to share a few more holiday shopping tips and time savers, plus a Walmart gift card giveaway too!

Holiday Shopping Tip / Timesaver #1
When you are on a budget you always want to think ahead, so you can spend small amounts overtime as opposed to making big purchases at the last minute. My holiday season starts on November 18th (my son’s birthday). About three months prior I started picking up gifts and party supplies at Walmart like the ‘Spiderman and Sponge Bob’ gift bags for $1.97, the ‘Cars’ Wii Remote for $9.97, and his ‘Disney Car’s’ mini-cake for $5.98. Even before the holidays hit, I was able to save a lot with Walmart’s everyday low prices. And as you can see (photo above), buying alittle bit overtime allowed me to give ‘lil’ man a BIG bundle of gifts on his birthday without feeling like I broke the bank.

Holiday Shopping Tip / Timesaver #2
My mother taught me that buying on a budget does not mean you have to ‘buy cheap’ or your stuff has to ‘look cheap’. It’s all about getting the best quality for the best price and being creative. This year Chris’ birthday theme was Sonic and Super Mario. I cleverly topped his cake with a Sonic action figure and purchased ‘Sonic’ and ‘Mario’ graphic tees from the Walmart boys section. I’m big on themes, so I used the same concept for our holiday decorations (video above). Chris loves blue, so I purchased some of my beautiful ‘silver’ and ‘blue’ ornaments at Walmart for $4.97, along with holiday cards for $1, festive frames for $3.97, and garland for the fireplace for $2.97. I think picking color schemes and personal themes helps give you the look you want at the price you can afford!

Holiday Shopping Tip / Timesaver #3
If there is one thing that I recommend you do it is this: “Make a list and check it all the time.” A big part of enjoying the holidays with my family is taking note of those things that we all want and need. My son is long overdue for a bike, I need a new printer, and the house is in desperate need of more storage space. You can’t imagine how excited I was when Black Friday hit (photo above) and Walmart had everything that I needed. I got a bike for my boy for only $39 (usually priced at about $70+). I got a printer (my favorite brand hp) for $19. We found a nice faux leather storage bench for $29 (at the lowest I’ve seen these benches for $79). Throughout the holidays I update my gift list and keep my eye open for Walmart Holiday deals plus all ‘free shipping’ opportunities (online shopping is my 2nd helper).

If you are big on shopping around to get the best available price you should know that Walmart’s Christmas Price Guarantee will match any local competitor’s advertised price for the same product – even after the purchase. All season long, if you buy an item and find a lower advertised price, Walmart will refund the difference with a Walmart gift card.

Speaking of gift cards, I would like to gift you a $15 Walmart Gift Card. To enter this giveaway leave a comment below and share your holiday tips and/or family recipes with the BP blog community!

This is a promotional sponsored post, based on my personal holiday recommendations as a long-time Walmart shopper. Happy Holidays from my family to yours.

The Fearless Five: Super Hero Comic - African American Children's Book

2011-11-26T21:18:00.000-05:00

For years I have been following and listing three things: African American Comics, Black Super Heroes, and multicultural books for African American Children. New to me and recently added to our featured Blacks Books rotation is the Fearless Five, a child super hero concept based on a team of young, black children spending their free time using their imaginations in creative play. The first product to come out of this concept is a five-book series, targeted for pre-K to 3rd grade children. The book series offers up world-class artwork and exciting storylines coupled with positive themes around teamwork, determination, self-esteem, caring for others and caring for the environment.

Each book has a dedicated topic such as: using imagination and self-esteem (episode 1), dealing with ‘strangers’ (episode 2), conserving natural resources such as water (episode 3), being energy conscious (episode 4) and handling bullying situations (episode 5). In each episode, the team must overcome the initial self-defeating views they have of their potential while battling an imagined team of villains, the Swarm, constantly challenging them. In the end, they come to discover their true potential, which sets them on a path to success. The ultimate goal of the Fearless Five concept is to support parents, teachers and loved-ones of pre-K to 3rd graders in raising up the next generation of confident, caring, and conscious global citizens.

My son just started preK this year, so purchased the Fearless Five for him and I am looking forward to getting the issues so we can read them together! The official website: www.fearlessfive.com.

For more featured black books click here and to submit your book, click here.

How One Woman Changed Lives: First Lady Michelle Obama On Extreme Makeover

2011-09-20T17:09:00.000-04:00

If you do nothing else on September 25, 2011 I want you to watch the upcoming episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I don't think words could truly express how touched I was to watch First Lady Michelle Obama join forces with Extreme Makeover to honor and support former member of the Navy, Barbara Marshall, a woman who's mission in life is to end homelessness among her fellow female veterans.

As a matter of duty and out of the kindness of her own heart, Barbara turned her home into the Jubilee House giving aid, guidance and support to other women and their children. The home was in desperate need of repairs and of the hundreds of women who seek shelter at Jubilee Barbara only had room for a hand full of families until the Extreme Makeover Team, First Lady Michelle Obama, and countless others came together to turn the Jubilee House into a home for more women in need.

I smiled, I laughed, I cried. As our First Lady stated, "This show shines a light on the best of who we are as a country. We come together. We do join forces." I was literally glued to my seat. The power of Barbara's vision, her ability to do so much for so many with minimal resources, speaks to the strength and innovation that exists with in each and everyone one of us. There is so much to be gained when we give of ourselves so completely and so genuinely.

As you will see when you watch this episode, there were so many levels of giving and so many ways to get something out of watching the compelling stories of these women veterans who have served and continue to serve our country with pride. This is a story of unity, sisterhood, and personal empowerment; all things I strive to share with you. You can change lives. You can turn your visions into a reality, even when you don't see or know how it is going to happen.

I know there is alitle piece of the Marshall Family's story that will forever be with me and I am hoping the same wil be true for you. This episode airs on ABC September 25th. For more details visit the Extreme Makeover Home Edition website.

Sesame Street: Ready, Set, Grover! (wii game - video review)

2011-08-13T23:31:00.000-04:00

Today we did a video review of Sesame Street: Ready, Set, Grover!, Chris Loves it. Click here to learn more about this game.

Loving The New LeapFrog Explorer Games

2011-08-13T23:24:00.000-04:00

We went to Toys R Us today, as Chris Calls it 'The Geofrey Store' ... He loves is Leapster Explorer, so I couldn't resist buying him two new games - SpongeBob The Clam Prix focused on spelling, letters and word building plus Get Puzzled which has 300 games in it focused on mathematics, problem solving and memory skills. I have been looking at the new Leapad, which is currently sold out BUT I like the find that these games are compatible so I don't have to rebuy the ones he already has.

Sesame Street: Ready, Set, Grover!

2011-08-02T14:51:00.000-04:00

You know I am BIG on educational / fun games for my toddler. I just learned about this one, game for Wii and Nintendo DS - Sesame Street: Ready, Set, Grover! Designed around Sesame Workshop’s “Healthy Habits for Life” initiative which helps young children and their caregivers establish an early foundation of healthy habits that can last a lifetime, Sesame Street: Ready, Set, Grover! reinforces that message through gameplay that teaches kids both in the living room and on the go. Through adventures with favorite Sesame Street characters like Elmo and Abby, the game promotes physical activity, good nutrition, personal hygiene, and the importance of rest and relaxation.

For more information on Sesame Street: Ready, Set, Grover!, please visit www.SesameStreetVideogames.com. Here is a previous video post that I did, "Chris Playing Sesame Street Elmo's A-to-Zoo Adventure - Wii Game for Kids".

Dear Daddy Trailer

2011-07-31T11:13:00.001-04:00

This film, Dear Daddy is currently in production created by Janks Morton (What Black Men Think, Men II Boys, We Need To Talk).

SYNOPSIS:
The continuation of the dialogue that must happen in order for there to be a reconciliatory healing in the African American Community. A generation of girls and women are carrying the burden of not being given there GOD given right to two parents caring, loving, and raising them in the same home…

WHY IS THIS THE CRITICAL ISSUE?
82.3% is the number of African American children born since 1990 that will not live in the same home as their biological fathers before graduating High School. Today, a generation of African American youth, have not had sustained access to positive paternal or male role models. Consequently, the concept of a residential father is often too removed from these children’s reality. Many of us know the statistics; too many of us have attempted to affect the multiple social, economic and educational dilemmas facing the African American community.Through outreach media, iYAGO Entertainment Group has dedicated its works to familial healing and reconciliation.

WHAT IS DEAR DADDY ABOUT?
Dear Daddy is a feature length documentary about the life long effects of fatherlessness on women. The film follows the dramatic journeys of eight young women from the tough city streets of Washington,DC as they struggle to overcome poverty, poor educational systems, no healthcare, and the most difficult life circumstance they have been dealt… the absence of their fathers.

Dear Daddy is not only about the struggles to survive and navigate as a young woman of color, but at its core, it’s about the importance of a father’s role in the lives of their daughters.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
Find out how you can make sure this movie gets made and promoted at: www.FundDearDaddy.com

Start the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #deardaddy: http://tweetchat.com/room/deardaddy

Legos and Love: Father's Day Activities Around Town

2011-06-18T17:57:00.000-04:00

Today we went to Joanns Craft Store ... they had a Make It Take It craft activity for the kids so they could color bobble heads and give them to Dads for Father's Day! Then as promised I took little man to Toys R Us and they just so happened to be having a Lego Party! We made whatever we wanted - little man made a sword and I tried my hand at making a little robot. It was nice, we had a good day.

My quick tips for you moms and dads out there ... subscribe to Toys R Us for updates on local activities. I also like to read the Eastern North Carolina Parents Magazine for monthly todos ... Chris is having a blast at the Tot Camp at the Parks and Recreations Center and that is only $25 for the week. If you look, you just might find a few cool summer activities for your little one for FREE or little cost.

Kids Crafts: Sock Puppets and Summer Fun

2011-06-09T11:46:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, we had a new edition to our little family ... Apple Christopher Christopher was born! A once lonely sock transformed into a super cute Sock Monster with the help of the "The Lonely Sock Club" Craft Kit by Green & Groovy Fairy Crafts. This book is perfect for kids ages 6 and up, but my toddler and I made it work for us. While I cut out our sock monster and sewed him together, Chris had a blast making mini characters with the fabric scraps and telling me his own crafty story about how he defeated a Monster and his mom! What a kid, what a day...

The summer can be a great time to fill everyday of families lives with something new. I will share a few more books and activities in the coming weeks, but be sure to look for this one online from DowntownBookworks.com or at your local bookstore. The Lonely Sock Club is packed with super simple softies, fab fashion, and adorable room décor. Packaged with pom poms, yarn, felt, and googly eyes, all you need is that bag of single socks that probably lives next to your drier.

Here are a few more funny photos from our Sock Puppet Summer Fun Day:

More to come! Enjoy your summer guys.

Videos: Black Girls, Black Boys, and Big Mommas

2011-06-01T11:11:00.003-04:00

These past few weeks have been interesting. I've created and/or come across a collection of videos that I'd like to share with those of you in my black parenting blog / black moms club circle.

My Own Videos:
Do Rag or Do Don't: My Magazine Cover Catches Heat
Is it Unprofessional to look Black?

New Documentary:
“Dark Girls” Examines How African American Women & Girls View Themselves
NOTE: when you click the link, the video is the 2nd one in the series.

Movie Review:
Big Mommas: Like Father Like Son

Watch these videos, share your thoughts, and share the links too! More to come. -lh

Family Flick: Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son

2011-06-01T10:46:00.002-04:00

Photo by John P. Johnson – © 2010 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved. BIG MOMMAS: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON, Motion Picture

Movie night is BIG in our house and of the many flicks we’ve watched Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son was recently added to the list. I was laughing two minutes in and it kept my attention straight through. Martin Lawrence is the master of disguises, three movies in and Big Mommas sassy charm is still a pleasure to watch. Brandon T. Jackson, who plays the stepson, adds his own humorous twist to the mix.

I won’t give it all away, but here is a quick snapshot of the story. FBI agent Malcolm Turner and his stepson Trent go undercover at an all-girls performing arts school after Trent witnesses a murder. True the saying “Like Father, like son” - Malcolm goes undercover as Big Momma and Trent is disguised as her grand-niece Charmaine.

The director did a great job of putting together a comedic cast of familiar faces like Ken Jeong aka Chang from the office and Faizon Love, who has been in more comedic flicks than I can count. Overall there was alittle bit of everything for everybody; some action, some romance, a few twists and alot of laughs.

If you are looking for something fun to watch with the family, you won’t be disappointed. Plus I personally like the positive father – son feel to it. It’s a nice addition to any family movies collection and/or as a gift for the tweens in your circle. My boys and I enjoyed this flick and we'll definitely watch it again.

Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (Motherload Edition) Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD available on June 14th, 2011

Are you a Soul Ambassador? Plus Motherhood in Taiwan (The Inside Story)

2011-04-22T15:28:00.004-04:00

Of all the things I love about creating my own social networks, the BEST part is being able to connect women from all around the globe. Today's sista know - featured black author - is Maria Hebga-Tehuti, recent BBWO member and author of the book 'Motherhood in Taiwan'. Maria is a ' citizen of the world '. Born in Vienna, Austria to Cameroonian parents, she was raised between Austria, Africa and France, before settling down London.

If you are like me and dream of traveling the world and experiencing new things, Maria's story just might peak your interest. Her book is all about making the impossible possible. 'Motherhood in Taiwan' recounts the story of one family who heads off to Taiwan. Here, with no knowledge of the language and a little comprehension of what lay ahead, they would live, work and raise their new family.

Motherhood in Taiwan offers a deeply personal and heart-warming account of one woman's first experience of motherhood. Part travelogue, part memoir and part self-help guide for soon-to-be parents, it brings to life an exciting and often surprising chapter in one family's ' journey of a lifetime '.

As a mother and self taught entrepreneur, I find the concept of Maria's book to be refreshing. As soon as I told my hubby he had questions about how they adjusted? The culture differences, their personal experiences ... If you have questions as well, you can learn more about the book and where to purchase it via the website: www.hebga-tehuti.org.

BBWO members can network with Maria on our network for women entrepreneurs. Hopefully I can get her to also join the Black Moms Club too. And of course the place to be for all the writers in my circle is Black Writers Connect, where you will also find Motherhood in Taiwan and other Featured Books by Black Authors.

" Even you might be a Soul Ambassador. A person whose work, creations or presence helps to positively transform the life of your fellow human beings. Not only at the physical level but beyond." Maria Hebga-Tehuti

Men Ain't Boys (Trailer)

2011-02-08T18:20:00.000-05:00

At a time when African American men are often depicted poorly throughout mainstream media Tyler New Media breaks that trend with Men Ain't Boys. The film offers a thought-provoking look at issues such as stereotypes surrounding manhood, the results of effective fatherhood and the requirements for maintaining lasting love, relationships and marriages. Men Ain't Boys provides a blueprint for men, women and children to learn how real men live and how real men love.

http://www.menaintboys.com

Erica the Cookie Lady + Alopecia Awareness in the Black Community

2011-02-08T18:08:00.002-05:00

From time to time I like to take a moment and share the stories of other real women entrepreneurs and the things in their lives that motivate them to do what they do. Here is a letter I received from one of the sistas in my circle, Erica the "Cookie Lady".

In 2004 my daughter was diagnosed with alopecia totalis hair loss, which usually starts as a single quarter-sized circle of perfectly smooth baldness. Alopecia patches usually regrow in three to six months without treatment. Sometimes, hair grows back in white. In another variant, alopecia can produce two or three bald patches. When these grow back, they may be replaced by others. The most extensive form is called alopecia totalis, in which the entire scalp goes bald.

J’s Homemade Cookies was started to bring awareness to Alopecia areata. With the encouragement of family who had long been the beneficiaries of these delicious home baked cookies. J's Homemade Cookies opened for business in 2007 as a bakery specializing in baking fresh cookies daily. Soon our popularity and menu grew. At J’s Homemade Cookies will take proud in our creations and welcome every opportunity to serve you and your gifting needs.

Would you like to connect with Erica? You can find her on Facebook.

Merry Christmas Video from LaShanda H.

2010-12-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas from my family to yours. Click here to watch my Happy Holidays video with me and my lil Chris! Have a Blessed Holiday! -LaShanda

Baby Ellington: Finding Positive Books for African American Children and Parents!

2010-12-14T18:23:00.001-05:00

It's very cool to be a social media mom! On my facebook page, I recently made a connection with fellow mompreneur Sabrina Carter, the creator of Baby Ellington books series. With books like “My Hair is Curly" and "Please Don’t Yell at Me", Sabrina and her husband have been working hard to provide children with resources that help them create a greater sense of self worth by empowering them through their books.

I particularly think the "Please Don't Yell at Me" book is an interesting one for both children and us parents because GOD Knows they can sometimes do things to drive us crazy. However when parents yell at their kids, its hard to figure out who the kid is versus the parent. Learning how to stay calm, cool-headed, and react firmly but positively with our kids in bad situations is something all parents can work on, myself included.

As soon as I get some of these to read to Chris, I'll share my review with you, but until then feel free to purchase them for yourself at http://babyellington.net, which was recently added to my online directory FindBlackProducts.com.

In the past few weeks I've written ALOT on the Black Parenting Blog about various multicultural and positive books/toys for Black Children. Here are some of the latest posts...

More to come! Till then Download a sneak peak of the Color of Christmas: My African American Holiday Guide! -lh

FREE iPod Touch Giveaway from SistaSense.com & i Heart Bkfst

2010-12-14T17:49:00.000-05:00

Did you watch the video above of me and my mini me (Christopher)? Well... while at Blogalicious, I learned about the I Heart Bkfst campaign. General Mills supported a study on the importance of breakfast for teenage girls. Until that point I had no idea that on any given day, 38% of African American Teenage girls skip breakfast. I KNOW I was one of those girls thinking that all that energy I had would last forever, but now at 30, taking naps and popping vitamins everyday, I know for a fact that when we black women neglect our health during our youth we pay the price as we get older.

Thanks to i <3 bkfst, I am giving you the chance to win a free iPod Touch and General Mill's Gift Basket on my SistaSense.com blog for women entrepreneurs.By entering this giveaway you also help us do our part to support healthier eating habits within the Black Community and support a Foster Home for Girls in Birmingham, Al.

Click here to enter: FREE iPod Touch Giveaway from SistaSense.com & i Heart Bkfst

Free Sesame Street Wii and Ds Video Games Giveaway

2010-12-09T20:02:00.000-05:00

Did you see my video clips of my 4 year old, Chris playing Sesame Street Elmo's A-to-Zoo Adventure? It was his first time playing on the Wii and he caught on fast. I already have a few new kid friendly video games ready for him on Christmas day. If you would like to win a Free Sesame Street Wii or DS Video Game for your special toddler, enter this giveaway.

How do you enter? Leave a comment below answering one question:
What is one game you and your family like to play?

Also be sure to let me know which game you want and for what system.
Available options: Elmo's A-to-Zoo Adventure or Cookie's Counting Carnival for Wii or Nintendo DS

That's it! There will be two winners. Last day to enter is Dec 15th, 2010.

Related: Free iPod Touch Giveaway on SistaSense.com

Chris Playing Sesame Street Elmo's A-to-Zoo Adventure - Wii Game for Kids

2010-12-09T19:40:00.000-05:00

During Thanksgiving, I finally unboxed my Limited Edition Mario Red Wii Games system and Chris had a chance to play a few games. I've done a few posts on Sesame Street's new video games for kids so of course h'is first time on the Wii, we played Sesame Street Elmo's A-to-Zoo Adventure together.

Teen Sensation Zakiya Randall - 'Z', Pioneering New Era in Women's Golf

2010-12-07T10:45:00.001-05:00

Teenage Golf Sensation ushers in a new era to foster the growth of female participation and diversity in the Golf Arena. At the age of 15, Zakiya Randall 'Z', was being called a pioneer and has by many accounts been dubbed the "Next Big Star" on the LPGA tour. She became the first female golfer to be the highlight and featured speaker at the first ever PGA Village Glow Golf forum fostering growth for African-American female professionals. She has really made a difference in the world of golf and inspired so many people of all backgrounds around the globe.

For more information visit: www.zakiyarandall.com | Also be sure to stay connected to Zakiya on Facebook and Twitter.