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10 Things You Can Do Now to “Spring Forward”

Food + Recipes, Mom Life

Growing up in The Bahamas meant that we never really experienced seasons. The only indicator we really had of season changes was my mom changing out the decorations every so often. Spring was always the most important. She took Spring Cleaning to a new level, it always felt like Spring was an opportunity to start over. This was and still is one of the things I admire most about my mom as a home maker, her ability to make the house feel like home every day! Following my mom’s lead, here are a few things you can do now, to Spring forward and get everyone in the “season”:

  1. Fresh Flowers: nothing says SPRING like a nice set of flowers, Whether it is hand picked or store bought, flowers can brighten up a room, enhance the feel of the home and bring joy.

2. Closet Clean Out: out with the old and in with the new, or so the saying goes. Getting rid of old clothes and last season fits makes room for the spring dresses and sandals that will be added.

3. Rearrange Furniture: Keeping your home fresh and attractive doesnt mean buying new furniture every season (unless you got it like that). Simply rearranging furniture to add excitement may be all you need!

4. Add Pillows: I love me a good pillow! Adding themes each season to your home furniture allows you to give old furniture a new look and feel for every time.

5. Renovate the Bathrooms: this can be as simple or as complex as needed; but a spring bathroom renovation can definitely change the feel of your home.

6. Pain the walls: this can be done outside or inside or both, find a color that is “spring ready” and switch it up a little.

7. Plant flowers: yes we know placing flowers in your home is a sure way to brighten up the inside, but what about planting flowers outside and starting a garden, Spring is definitely the best time to get started

8. Bake Fresh Cookies Daily: Okay, it doesn’t have to be cookies and it doesn’t have to be every day, but warm fresh baked cookies just gives the smell of a warm Spring day, am I right?

9. Add a Wreath: my mom did this trick well! She created a faux wreath once a year and swapped out the decorations for each season. It was an affordable and fun way to keep things fresh.

10. Make sure home smells like Spring: Flowers are great but adding a touch of Spring by placing candles and diffusers throughout the house is a great way to keep things fresh. Some of my favorite scents for the season include: Citrus, Cherry Blossom, Lavender, Fresh Linen, Water Lily and Amber just to name a few.

Shopping Convenience During the Pandemic

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Sipping on home made lemonade during lunch break

Today marks exactly one year since the COVID 19 emergency orders began here in The Bahamas and while the year was indeed a challenge there are so many habits, practices and new opportunities that has emerged from us pivoting during the endless lockdowns and curfews. From new businesses being established, to working out and getting fit, to spending quality time with our kids; there was definitely good that came out of the last 365 days.

I spent the first three months of the lockdowns in my last trimester, homeschooling my nine year old daughter. We were fortunate enough to have my husband placed on shifts at work, which meant more time at home together. From cooking fun meals to baking up a storm, every day was filled with fun, laughter and food! We quickly adjusted to our new norm and began utilizing delivery services and systems to ensure that we minimized our exposure to the virus. This included, groceries, produce and of course, everything we needed for our daily kitchen adventures.

One local company in particular that came in and saved the day, time after time, was CBS Bahamas. From cleaning and disinfecting supplies, to air fryers, baking sets, coffee makers and so much more, they truly made the quarantine experience so much easier by providing a one stop shop for everything home and garden. To take it a step further, they quickly implemented shopping systems that allowed for contactless transactions through delivery services and product lockers. With an easy to use online platform, I was able to place my order and within 24 hours, those items were delivered to my door. For the days when hubby would go out, the contactless locker system proved beneficial. We received a code letting us know that items were pulled and ready for pick up and that confirmation was used to retrieve items, hassle free.

Waffles made with Cuisinart Waffle Maker from CBS Bahamas

With things slowly opening up and the country returning to our pre-ovid status. CBS Bahamas continues to innovate and offer creative ways to keep customers engaged and happy while providing the daily essentials. As a work at home mom, using this seamless process has proven beneficial time and time again. If you are looking for a one stop shopping experience that is safe and convenient, you have stumbled to the right place. Visit CBS Bahamas today in person or online and experience convenience at your finger tips.

Keiani

7 Best Podcasts to Listen to as a Mom

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I have recently fallen in love with podcasts. I know, I know, they have been around for a bit now, but I never really caught on until recently. If I’m being honest, the Clubhouse App is what got me into listening to conversations while getting things done. Something about learning while still focusing on work really makes me feel like a mom boss!

My favorite podcasts are those that focus on productivity, balance, parenthood and dating. Yes, I am married but I still date my husband and it has been the spark that keeps us going! Here are my favorite podcasts that will keep you inspired and motivated as mom, girlboss and wifey.

  • The Michelle Obama Podcast
    In her podcast, the former first lady, Michelle Obama, speaks about relationships and the impact that they have on our lives, from love interests to friends and family, she believes that relationships makes us who we are.
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  • The Mom Hour
    The Mom Hour podcast is a weekly conversation between Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers, two moms with eight kids between them from little to grown.
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  • Why Mommy Drinks
    Betsy Stover talks with fellow parents about what their kids did that broke them and maybe even drove them to drink.
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  • Mom, Enough
    Dr. Marti Erickson, developmental psychologist and her daughter Dr. Erin Erickson, women’s health nurse practitioner and specialist in maternal-child health, are co-hosts of Mom Enough®.
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  • Woke Mommy Chatter
    A podcast for all those socially conscious moms. A black mom, raising black kids in a white world and this podcast is about the funny and not so funny moments that come with being a person of color in today’s world.
Love thi!
  • Call Your Girlfriend
    Missing those weekly mom meetups and chats that allow you to unwind and share everything without being judged ? This podcast covers everything from what’s trending to books to read and so much more. Perfect for background entertainment.
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  • The Double Shift
    The Double Shift is a critically acclaimed, reported podcast about a new generation of working mothers.

There is no way to really know how to do this thing called motherhood. Heck, it would be lovely if this thing actually came with a manual but it doesn’t. Tuning in to these thought provoking and very informative podcasts has helped me to navigate daily and address the consistent obstacles of life.

Saving time is super important to me and I love that podcasts makes multitasking happen. Whether it is cleaning the dishes, feeding baby or exercising, I enjoy the entertainment and information that these podcasts offer. In addition to that, I am able to catch up on the latest news and events around the world. A well informed mom, entertained and getting things done, could you ask for anything better? What are some of your favorite podcasts? Share in the comments below.

A Balanced Life: Can it really be achieved?

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I have always been a career woman. Prior to giving birth to my first child, I would have never considered motherhood. It was just not something I had on my mind. After my daughter, I knew that I still wanted an awesome career but now with child, I didn’t think it would be possible. I always heard people talk about balance and in most situations, it seems as if the odds are stacked up against women when it comes to balancing work life and home. So the question then is, is a balanced life really achievable? Can moms be successful in the workplace and home? Absolutely! I strongly believe that every woman has the ability to balance both home and work life without sacrificing anything in between.

Let’s dissect this a little bit. To begin with, it is important to note that balance for every person is completely different. What I consider achievable balance would be completely different from what my mom, sister or even my best friend thinks balance is; and that is completely ok! The key is to first understand why work life balance is so important and then find ways to achieve it. Work life balance is important because not only does it adds to the overall quality of life but when done right, work life balance can increase productivity, reduce stress, improve health and improve focus.

INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY
Having the right work balance will allow you to be present. When at work, you commit the necessary time and resources completing work and when at home, you are in the moment at home. The time allotted is clear and concise and there is never a need to bring work home or complete personal things at work.

REDUCEd STRESS
How many times have you felt exhausted by simply reading your to-do lists? It is like tasks are never completed and they continue to pile up on each other, work and home. Work-life balance allows you to be more equipped to handle stressful situations at work and home. Eliminating burnout, which is one key factor that stops so many of us moms from achieving balance.

IMPROVES HEALTH
Do you ever see those moms who work out every day, pack the perfect snacks for their kids, are always at PTA meetings volunteering and they just seem to have it all together? Yeah, those moms! They are the moms who understand that exercise and nutrition results in more energy and efficiency. With the proper work life balance, ensuring that health is a priority becomes easy.

IMPROVES FOCUS
Balance improves focus. When balance is achieved, there is clear separation of focus. While at work, moms can focus on getting things done, reaching their goals and climbing the corporate ladder; but at the end of the day, the stress from the busy work day is left in the workplace. Allowing for moms who are more present and in tune to the needs of kids, partners and the home.

WORK LIFE BALANCE IS ACHIEVABLE

It will require some adjustments in the beginning and will require time to successfully accomplish, but work life balance is achievable! Consider theses fundamental things you can start now to achieve the work life balance you are seeking:

  1. PRIORITIZE
    Not everything in your life is urgent. Some things can wait whether it is for work or home. Address issues according to their priority. Stop putting things off for later and tackle small issues before they become big problems.
  2. IMPLEMENT BOUNDARIES
    Know when to say no. When to stop a project. When to delegate. When to not answer a call. Understand that you can be a contributor to tasks and assignments without always being accessible.
  3. STAY ORGANIZED
    Always have a plan. An organized mom can rule the world. IN REAL LIFE! Remaining organized by removing clutter and chaos, creating schedules and making lists is key to staying on top of life both at work and home.
  4. TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS
    Even God had a day of rest! Remember in your scheduling to include necessary breaks and time for self care.

With the above considered, I absolutely believe that work life balance is not only important but achievable. Keeping in mind that balance doesn’t always mean the same thing for every person. Some days work will require more hours and other days tending to a sick baby or hubby will be the priority. Remember to remain flexible and adjust as you go. Are you aiming for work life balance? Let me know in the comments below.


Achieving Work Life Balance

Eat Me Skinny 3-Day Detox

Food + Recipes

Having a baby is one thing, having a baby after thirty seems to be an entirely different obstacle. This year I gave birth to my handsome bundle of joy who has turned my life and my hormones completely upside down. From acne, to hair loss, overeating, poor sleep schedule, any sign that I needed a detox, I definitely showed.

As I approached my 34th birthday I reached out to Ellen with Eat Me Skinny to find out more about her detox programs and how they worked. I am so happy I did! Having completed my breastfeeding journey, I knew that it would be okay to participate in the 3-day program without affecting the baby. So I went for it! A lot of research went into the program before getting started because I wanted to make sure I knew what to expect during the process.

So What is a detox you may ask? Detoxification or detox is the removal of toxic substances from a living organism, including the human body, which is mainly carried out by the liver. The term “toxin” in the context of a detox is defined as pollutants, synthetic chemicals, heavy metals, and processed foods — which all negatively affect health.

Sometimes life needs a detox!

Your intestines are your second brain (if you didn’t know) that also need a break!  By letting your body  rest (however much) from constant digestion you allow it to focus its attention on other areas that may be in need of some TLC (and who doesn’t need a little of that?). Detoxes re-energize you without you having to double fist espresso!

Oh….and you won’t need that afternoon sugar fix either!

Cleansing is less about losing weight and more about getting rid of cravings and becoming more aware of your eating habits.

Benefits of Juicing:

  • Jump start healthy weight loss (notice I said healthy)
  • Strengthen your immune system (less colds and disease. Yes please!)
  • Give you healthier more glowing skin
  • Help you to think clearer (bye bye brain fog)
  • Bring up your energy level (above sloth)

My experience:

My experience on the detox I documented mainly because this was my first time doing it and I wanted to really journal the experience. The detox package included everything I would need for the 3-day period including teas to take me through the day eliminating gas, apple cider vinegar for the early mornings and chia seeds to add texture to the juices.

Day 1: For me day one was the most difficult. While the juices were tasty and, in my opinion, very filling, I missed eating. By 3pm I felt a level of starvation that was new to me and I felt like all of my energy escaped. I drank some tea and took a nap which got me back on track, slightly. By 8pm that night I was so hungry I couldn’t stay up much longer, so I went to bed early.

Day 2: I woke up with energy, not the energy I typically have in the mornings but it was something. The Apple cider vinegar on the second day tasted so much more potent than before, that part was difficult. After drinking the tea to get started, my stomach settled and the day went smoothly for the most part. Around lunch time I enjoyed the carrot juice which is the tastiest of all the juices. I drank that down quickly and that renewed my commitment to the detox, until I tasted the celery juice. The strategic mixture of juices was perfect because while some were painful to consume others were a breeze. What I love most about this program was the support, we were placed in a WhatsApp group the night before starting and had access to our nutritionist throughout the process. I personally messaged Ellen more than my husband those three days (no judgement).

Day 3: Honestly my favorite day! I started planning what I would eat once the detox was done. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing but that motivated me to complete strong. I also had so much to do on this day as I was preparing to travel, that I didn’t think about food much that day. I completed strong and was provided with a post detox plan for smoothly getting back to eating.

A week later I am still enjoying the benefits of the detox. I have so much more energy, I am more focused and my options for eating are healthier. I have been having consistent bowel movements and the skin breakouts that I experienced on day 2-3 are just about cleared. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to reset. While it’s no easy feat, it is truly a gamer changer in jump starting a healthier and fulfilling life.

Lucky for you there is another session before the year is done! December 7-9th Eat Me Skinny will host their final 3-day detox for the year. Why not end 2020 with a bang?

Puzzle & Bloom’s very own, Tiffany Hill

Interviews, Mom Life

2020 has allowed me to connect with so many amazing women. Black women, moms and business owners who are claiming their spaces in industries and definitely making a name for themselves, Tiffany is no exception! Tiffany Hill is the CEO and creative genius behind Puzzle and Bloom a toy company that seeks to bring awareness to cultural differences. I had the pleasure of chatting with Tiffany about her company and I left with a feeling of empowerment that I have never felt before.

1. What inspired Puzzle & Bloom? 

There are so many moments that inspired me to create Puzzle and Bloom. While in graduate school, I was a substitute teacher and I noticed the lack of black and brown characters for the children I looked after. And, the kids in my classes were mostly kids of color.

I also have a love for literature and I wrote a children’s book years ago. I wanted to do something different and more interactive this time around.

2. How have you managed during the pandemic? Have you found ways to pivot ? 

The pandemic was tough for me at first. I have known people who have lost their income, been sick and have passed away. So, that has been painful.

But, when it first hit, I was in acupuncture school and working at a university. Now, school and work are all online which gives me more time at home. For the first time in years, I was forced to stay home. I didn’t even realize I needed the rest. So, I just stayed home, created Puzzle and Bloom and did a bunch of self care.

3. What motivates you as an entrepreneur ?

I love learning and entrepreneurship is a constant learning. There is never a dull moment. And, I get in what I put in. It is fair ground for me.

4. How do you balance life and mom and boss?

I currently don’t have any kiddos. But, I do balance work and school well on some days. Other days are like ground hogs day, I’m not always sure what day it is, or what time it is, LOL! We have a huge whiteboard in our living room. That helps. I write everything important on it.

5. What encouraged you to create toys that represent different cultures? 

I have sold most of my puzzles in person and when I see the kids faces light up. I light up. I am happy to know I’m connecting with children and giving them a platform to see themselves. Our puzzles are also great for kids who are not of color. It helps them see their friends and classmates in a new light. Not to mention all the cognitive benefits of puzzling. It’s a win-win.

6. How has the recent news in the black community affected your business? 

I can not express how encouraging people are about my business. I have a bunch of cheerleaders who want me to be successful because they can see themselves, their kids, their nieces, their grandchildren, etc in what we are doing. Representation and being treated fairly needs to matter on all fronts and all aspects of life from social justice to media to treatment in hospitals and in the medical community. The list is long. But, every day, I see someone creating an initiative and to help. It’s beautiful.

7. What are your ideas? 

I definitely want to create more puzzles and some books. Writing is my first love.

8. As a small business, how have you garnered support and funding for your business? 

I did reach out to the Small Business Association and requested a mentor who was helpful with ideas and paperwork. I have not received any funding, but I keep hearing that there is some available for small black and woman owned businesses.

9. What would you tell a young black girl who is looking to start her own business? 

I would tell her to start today! There will be ups and downs and things you don’t understand, but entrepreneurship creates another muscle in the brain, literally. I had an arts and crafts business 7 years ago. It was pretty successful in the beginning. But, in the end, I completely destroyed it with poor financial decisions, poor vendors and the lack of resources when things were tough.

But, I learned SOOO much. That’s why I say start now. This could be a “learning business” or it could be the one you can retire from. Entrepreneurship also makes you more valuable in the workforce. I am an all inclusive employee. I have worked so many places and have been told how well I do my job, but it’s the entrepreneurship experiencing that shines through. As an entrepreneur I don’t look at one aspect of a business. I look at it as a whole and see how I can make the whole thing run better.

10. What’s next for Puzzle & Bloom?

More puzzles! I also love to write. So, definitely some books.

We love Puzzle and Bloom and have definitely added it to our must haves for kids everywhere! To find out more about the company visit https://puzzleandbloom.com or on IG at puzzleandbloom_ .

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