I walk the line…

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As a Mom and even as a wife, there is definitely a line of demarcation in the sand.   You want your family to be independent, but you also want them to need you. You want your children to be able to enjoy their childhoods as much as is possible, but you also want to teach them a sense of responsibility and accountability.  What falls into the arena of things that they should be responsible for and what are things that I should be responsible for?  And, like most things that come with raising kids, there is no manual.  We are left mostly to our own devices.

With my oldest, I held his hand way longer than I should have probably.  But, I blame that on the fact that he was an only child for almost 9 years.  Rounding the second trimester of my second pregnancy, I realized that I couldn’t possible take on the responsibility of being a new Mom, and continue to hold his hand too.  So, we went through a crash course on things he could do himself.  To my surprise, and probably my relief, he already could do most of the things that I had been doing for him, but wasn’t, simply because I was doing it.

Fast forward 9 more years, and that little baby I was pregnant with is now 9 years old.  And, I find myself in a similar predicament.  Except there are other existing variables.  1.  I have a 4 year old, who I think was born independent. 2. My oldest daughter has an significant speech delay   Because she had such a challenging road ahead of her, I again I did most of the things that she should have started doing earlier.

But, now that we are coming up on the other side of her circumstances, I find that we are constantly having to remind her to do things, she should know how to do already.  I even think she has gone backwards a bit, because Mom always swooped in and saved the day.

I know.. I know.. Bad Mommy. Hubby and I have had to stay on both girls to make sure that they keep their rooms cleaned, do their chores, don’t leave their things all over the house, etc., etc.

All of this had me thinking about exactly what kind of children I want to raise. So, I started doing some research talking to other Mothers that I admire, Mothers whose children have succeeded in life and excelled, and even Mothers who gave their all and had their kids go left instead of right.  I was shocked at what I learned, or at the very least humbled.  Over the next couple of weeks, I will share those findings, books, printables, and conversations that I have had. Hope you all will let me know what you think of my findings, what wisdom you want to impart to your own kids, and what worked for you, and even what didn’t.

April Goings On…

April is always a particularly busy month for me.  But, more of a Fun Busy than a BUSY BUSY.  Well this year, it has been a combination of both, and I can not complain about either.  April is my birth month, and the month that I married my dh.  In addition to that, my God Daughter’s Birthday is in April as well. So, I happily squeeze a lot into this month.

This year, after launching our Etsy Store in February, we have been particularly busy with Custom Orders and trying to increase our inventory. But, Like I said even though its been a “BUSY BUSY”,  I can’t complain.

Working for yourself, as opposed to working for a business or corporation is a HUGE change.  And, dare I say, requires a little bit more discipline than one might think.  Especially with Marketing and Social Media being like they are today.  But, I am truly enjoying it.  There’s something about creating a plan and seeing the pieces slowly fall into place, that is both fulfilling and exhilarating. And, sometimes a little frustrating, but, its your vision and your dream, as opposed to you being a team player executing someone else’s plan.

And, having a hubby who supports my ambitions and contributes to it, just makes it all the better. So, in short, I guess that is my apology for being a ghost in the blog-o-sphere this month.  And, yes I made that word up.

I just wanted to drop in and share with you all some of the Lovely things going on in my world.

Right now, we are getting more requests for custom orders than anything else, so we have been playing around with the custom fabrics, packaging and branding.

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We are also adding some Teen/Tween Friendly Hipster Pillows to the Shop.  Even I, am crushing on these pillows to hit the Etsy Store in the next week.

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Lastly, I finally finished my “Oh So Simple”, but cute Easter Table Centerpiece, literally the day before Easter.

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So, I am off to enjoy my Birthday Weekend!!

The Dust Up In the Family Room!!

Can you play two ends of the same coin?  I like to say that I push the envelope when it comes to my Home Decor Choices, but more often than not, my choice ends up being very main stream and even a bit conservative but with a contemporary flair.

Last year we decided it was time to update our Family Room. And, our jumping off point was the sofa.  I never anticipated the mayhem that would ensue.  After numerous trips to the furniture store.  We decided on this sofa.

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Or so I thought.  We didn’t really measure the space.  And (maybe), since I’m not sure even after a year, that I am ready to acquiesce that it was too big for the room, it was a bit large.  But, I loved that sofa.  So for peace sake the sofa went back and hubby was tasked with finding a new sofa for the family room.  I was still pouting, so I stayed at home.

So you can imagine my horror and surprise when hubby came home with a red leather sectional.

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Little did I know that [1] I would fall in love it.  [2] It was the perfect match for our space.  [3]  It would inspire such creativity on our part(our Mantel Decor- shown above).

It is easy to pick safe choices, but I must admit that” flying a little close to the sun” worked for us, this time.

J’adore 2

Fotor0221204240This week was a busy and trying one, but somehow it still seemed like it flew by.

So, anyway lets jump right in with things that are on my radar this week..

Currently obsessing over this color scheme.

Trying to rationalize purchasing this Smila SOL Ceiling Lamp, even though it doesn’t match the decor in either of the girl’s rooms.  Wondering if it is too kiddie for my office, lol.

Slowly, being talked into decorating for Easter/Spring, by the [voices in my head].  And, all the great inspiration found here and here and here.

Anyway, the weekend is calling… So, I must run… Hope you all have an AMAZING WEEKEND!!

 

J’adore….

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Always looking for a way to both display my jewelry as well as keep it organized, I am always tickled pink by setups like this one.

I am always looking for a way to pack more into my day.  No matter, what I do, I could always think of more things I could have gotten done in my day.  So I am always reading articles about time management.

I am not all that interested in “Functional Fashion for my Refrigerator”.  But, I hate cleaning the Fridge.  Ick!! So these caught my eye.  Anything that makes my job easier. Working smarter, and not harder…. and all that jazz.

Even though we have a Fireplace in the Family Room, we rarely use it.  So it stays a little chilly down there, I have been on the hunt for a throw, that is both warm, and (sexy).  You know, one that makes my living room look we aren’t just Mommy and Daddy.  I love this one, but not the price, so I am still on the prowl!!

Finally, I love to put you all on… to blogs that I have recently fallen in love with. This isn’t a new one for me, but lately, she’s been back on my radar.  So check out the Polished Pebble.

Until next time…

Revisiting Goals

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I decided to start off 2014, posting Monthly Goals.  That didn’t go soo well, for me last month.  I could list a ton of excuses, but instead I will just list the things I did accomplish. Going forward, I am going to be listing my bi-weekly goals, and I hope to see more progress.

Revisiting Goals for January 2014

Personal Goals:

Lower my Carb Intake

Start my day off with Daily Wisdom for Women – 2014 Devotional Collection

Finish Confessions of a Prayer Slacker by Diane Moody ½ way there

Reread “Their Eyes Were Watching God” – by Zora Neale Hurston Deleted

Parenting Goals:

Finish Reading Amelia Bedelia Storybook Treasury with the Girls  Half Way Through

Help Morgan(3) to Write her Whole Name ( Work in Progress)

Teach Jai(9) to Make a Grill Cheese Sandwich (Fostering Independence) and Work On Vocabulary Words and Start Working On Science Project

Complete Valentine’s Day Cards — To Avoid the Mad Rush in February!!

Business Goals:

Write/Research Daily

Decide on Items (First Installment) for On-line Store 

We are starting with Throw Pillows.

Goals for 2/4/14 – 2/18/14

Personal Goals:

Exercise 3 days per week

Finish Reading Confessions of a Prayer Slacker by Diane Moody

Finish Reading Act Now!  A Daily Action Log for Achieving Your Goals by Peter D. Winiarski

Increase my Water Intake

Lower My Carb Intake

Parenting Goals:

Finish Amelia Bedelia Storybook Treasury with The Girls

Complete Second Set of 3rd Grade Vocabulary Words with Jai(9)

Schedule IEP Meeting  for Jai(9)

Complete Valentine’s for Grandparents with Jai and Morgan

Continue to work on Morgan’s(3) Name/Writing

Business Goals:

Complete 6 more Pillows

Open Etsy Store

Organize Online Home Decor Sale

Blog Post @ least twice a week

If only… I could…

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Do you remember the lyrics to that old Regina Belle song, If I Could.  It went a little something like this… “If I could, I’d protect you from the sadness in your eyes, Give you courage in a world of compromise…. If I could I would teach you all the things I’ve never learned, And I’d help you cross the bridges that I’ve burned…..If I could…” She goes on to lament about the things she would save her children from if only, she could.                  Listen to Song Here

As a mom of three, my heart often breaks when I think of the heart ache that their future holds.  In a world where deceit, dishonesty and confusion reign supreme, one can’t help but to wonder about the future on every level, which leads me to my second point.  As a Mom, how do I prepare my children to handle the inevitable pain, disappointment and even betrayal that could potentially be at every turn?

I find myself  caught between a rock and a hard place, conflicted in my own thinking.  I firmly believe that a large part of childhood should be magical, because there are many years of hard truths and reality up ahead.  But, how do I create a balance between magic and  fact?

I think the answer to this question will only continue to grow as we all grow and mature, Mom and Kids.  But, this is what I came up with.  I try my best to mold well rounded little people.  I try to expose them to joy, and I guess some pain.  I give them their fair share of responsibility while still allowing them to be children.  I teach them about loss, about hard times, about how fleeting status can be and how important gratitude is.  I teach them how important it is to be accepting and forgiving, and able to roll with the punches, while holding on to their own personal integrity. I give them a real example of how they should be treated by my relationship with my husband and how in turn they should treat theirs.  I push the importance of an education, of pursuing your dreams and being able to stand up on your own two feet.  I teach them to own their choices(however, painful that may be), and deal with the consequences.  It’s honestly a long list and a lot of things on it were things I had to learn for myself, but even still they are things I hope to impart to them.

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All of this brings me back to a quote on whose back I plan to ride for 2014.  I shared it at the beginning of the year, and I suspect, it won’t be the last time you hear it from me this year.  I hope it speaks to you… as it speaks to me.

“The well-rounded adventurer is adaptable, flexible and versatile.  They know that things don’t always go as planned, so like trees they bend with the wind, course correcting as often as necessary.  Their capability to do many things competently keeps them pressing forward, staying mentally alert and undistracted in focus.  Frustration has no room in their minds to sabotage their determination or to kill their confidence.  Prepare, Posture, Position, Arise and Be Wise!!”

I have asked several of my girlfriends what they would like to tell/teach their children, even what they wished that had known, before being out on their own.  I would love to hear what you all think as well.  Please leave your opinions in the comment section below.

 

The Strength of the Tree — Direction in 2014!!

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“The Strength of a Tree  Lies In It’s Ability to Bend.”

Stage Presents was birthed out of the concept of surrounding ourselves with only those things, persons, places or things that bring us joy.  As we grow and mature, I believe our concepts of beauty and joy mature with us, and therefore tend to be redefined.  Stage Presents is a forum where all aspects of life are embraced.

Stage Presents encourages women to aspire to be well rounded and learned.  To that end we try to share information that runs the gamut.  In 2013, we focused a lot on home decor, motivational and inspiration thought, art, music,  and family to name a few.

In 2014, we plan to broaden our scope of topics.  My Vision for Stage Presents is to make it more interactive.  We would love to get your opinions and find out what your interest are and what you would like to discuss.

I have been fortunate to be surrounded by both powerful, smart and insightful people.  So, I believe wholeheartedly that there is power in suggestion, advice and the counsel of like minded individuals.  I know that we will not all see things through the same eyes, but I have learned a lot by listening to the opinions and points of view of others.

Thank you for joining us on this journey to greatness in 2014.  Your continued support and vital contributions(comments), are they key to Stage Presents being a True “Blueprint to Better Living”.

I am looking forward to 2014 with bated breath.

I leave you with this Quote which is at the top of my 2014 Vision Board, I hope you find meaning it.

“The Well Rounded Adventurer is adaptable, flexible, and versatile.  They know that things don’t always go as planned, so like trees, they bend with the wind, course correcting as often as necessary.  Their capability to do many things competently keeps them pressing forward, staying mentally alert and undistracted in focus.  Frustration has no room in their minds to sabotage their determination or to kill their confidence.  Prepare, Posture, Position, Arise and Be Wise in 2014!!” – Author Unknown

All the Best for the New Year!!

Your Stage Presents Family

 

Black Friday Do’s, Don’ts, FYIs, and You Better Nots.

Black Friday, better known as “Black and Blue Friday” in some parts of the country, is fast approaching. Deals and steals galore, right? Not in all instances. There are some deals to be found but unless you are a die hard Black Friday shopper, your time would be better spent digesting the Thanksgiving dinner you just ingested.
Black Friday Dp's Don'ts, FYIS and You Better Nots
1.  Shop at stores that allow you to wait in line inside such as Walmart.
2.  Compare regular prices to Black Friday prices. I have seen instances where the Black Friday price is only $5 cheaper. Is driving around town, in the cold really worth it?
3.  Stock up on clothing. There are many more stores that have deals on clothing than toys and electronics. Believe it or not, this is a good time to buy Christmas PJ’s.
4.  Leave purses and other unnecessary objects at home. There are thieves that target Black Friday shoppers.  Be aware of your surroundings.
5.  Place purchases in the trunk, and out of view. Smash and Grabs are prevalent around this time of year.  Not something you want to come back to.
6.  Don’t go Black Friday shopping at all. You have a month until Christmas and there will be many more sales and similar deals.
7.  Go early. Some stores give out tickets for items such as TVs and computers before the sale actually starts. When the tickets go, the items are done.
8.  Don’t get your hopes up. Most stores don’t follow the rules set forth in their advertisements. Their job is to make money, not to accommodate you.Black Friday Do's and Don'ts
written by my darling husband (dh) – Anwar Thomas
**For more information on this year(2015 Black Friday Sales), follow this link.**(Updated Yearly)

Preparing for the Holidays!!

I spent last night, writing the Kid’s Letter from Santa and getting them ready to send out to Anchorage, Alaska aka the North Pole.  Check out the link at the bottom of the post for how to get your kid’s their very own Letter from Santa stamped from the North Pole.

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There are only 41 days left until Christmas, and 16 days left until Black Friday.  Whether you are going to be shopping up until the last minute or plan to make Black Friday your last official shopping day, its time to get started if you have not already.

This time of the year is always a busy one for my family, starting with my baby girl’s birthday, then my husbands’, then my Dad, then Thanksgiving and Christmas.  There is a lot of money going out.  So, I always try to catch the sales and get the items on my list for as little as possible, without sacrificing quality.

This year will be no different.  Check out our Facebook page for useful coupons, tips, and Ads.

Check out our post from last year on Christmas Magic.

Looking for some Thanksgiving Inspiration – Check out the following posts from 2012!!

My First Thanksgiving Turkey

Our Favorite Thanksgiving Sides