She Will Remember This Forever

One of my side jobs is that of a publicist. I usually work with authors so I am a self-proclaimed literary publicist(in my spare time). I do, however, work with local small businesses and nonprofits, as well. Recently, I had the opportunity to assist a Detroit area Professional Face Painter (http://www.sandysland.com) with media exposure.

The angle was for a Halloween segment. The facepainter described what paints are good for children skin, etc. Well, Princess Zaria was the live model! At first, she was nervous. i mean, a nine year old on broadcast television(http://www.clickondetroit.com/) can be a little unnerving. But, she handled it like a pro. She was even able to put the facepainter at ease.....she was extremely nervous:)

As I spoke with Zaria later that evening about the experience, she told me "I will remember this forever.This was the best time of my life." Wow! Imagine as a mom or dad---hearing that.

What memories do you recall as a child? What experiences have you shared with your child that will last for a lifetime? If you are a child, what memories do you cherish?

I Wear So Many Hats That Sometimes My Head Hurts

I love being a wife, mother, author, student, writer, literary publicist, speaker, mommy blogger, non-profit executive, business owner, LSCO member and event coordinator but sometimes I get overwhelmed. There are just so many hours in a day! Sometimes I feel like I take on too many projects but, again, I love what I do. I think there must be a balance, though.



Everyday I must be a wife and mother. There is no getting around that. But I think I can chhose how I allocate my time with other "jobs." Maybe I can write on Mondays and Wednesdays. I could promote my clients on Fridays. I could perform the administrative duties of the business and nonprofit on Saturdays and Sundays(no, wait-that's my family time). OK. Maybe weekend nights I could do that. I could do my homework in the car while waiting for Zaria to get out of school. The LSCO meetings are planned so I don't have to worry about that. Unless Zaria has a Yoga lesson on that Tuesday.

When do I fit in my grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning the house...

OK. Let me start over. Wife and mother everyday. Author on Tuesday. Event Coordinator on Thursday...

Now, I need to add Time Manager to my list of duties but I don't know when I would find the time.

Ouch. My head hurts!

It's So Hard Getting Ready In The Morning

I make a promise to myself every school year that I am going to start doing better with the organization of my time. I do ok for the first 6 weeks and then things start to fall off. I promise that i will wake up an hour and a half earlier to prepare myself for the day, make a hot breakfast, do Zaria's hair, make sure her clothes are ironed and get her to school on time. It doesn't happen that way.

It seems I wake up 20 to 30 minutes before we have to leave. We're rushing to get in a bowl of cold cereal. Hair is all over the place(both of ours, LOL).Clothes are super wrinkled. Zaria can't find her shoes. "Mommy, where is my bookbag?" AAAARRG! I want to scream!!

Last week, I braided Zaria's hair the night before(thinking I was doing something), put a silk scarf on to keep everything in place and wouldn't you know it.....The next morning(Zaria is a wild sleeper). I couldn't find half of her barrettes. Somehow they came out while she slept. We're looking under the pillow, behind the bed, under the doll's arm----They were on the floor behind the rug!

I can't win for losing!

This week I promised that I would be more organized. I will go to bed early, lay out crisply ironed clothes the night before, do Zaria's hair(minus the barrettes until the morning), get up an hour earlier and fix a hot breakfast before getting her to school on time.

We've only been late twice......and today is Tuesday! HELP!

Reminiscing While Preparing For Back-To-School

Wow! It's that time of year again. This semester Princess Zaria will be entering 4th grade. I met her teacher, Ms. Ivy, last week to discuss the curriculum. The 4th graders will be doing some real challenging work this semester, especially in math. Getting ready for this season of education actually takes me back to a time before Princess Zaria. Rewind 16 years ago, my oldest son was preparing to enter preschool.

I was so excited for him. At that time, he was the only child. I knew school would be a great outlet for him. I taught him the basics at home but I wanted him to gain social skills with other children. Back then, schools tested children before they entered preschool. If they failed the test, they were admitted. If they passed, they were placed on a waiting list.

My son passed the test!

He was asked his first and last name- passed.
He was asked primary colors-passed.
He was asked to count to 10- He counted to 20. Then he counted to 10 in Spanish!!!!

Well, let's just say he didn't learn to socialize with other kids that year:(
I always wondered why some parents encouraged their kids to dumb down for preschool.

Well, he's 20 now and music production is his Spanish!

I'm so proud of my children. What are your back to school memories?

Princess Zaria's first Fashion Show

This Saturday, The Real Princess Zaria will model 2 outfits at The Annual Chrysler Elementary School Fashion and Talent Show. The first piece is a halter-style blue and white spring dress. She will wear white wedge sandals with pretty(we haven't decided yet) polish. The 2nd outfit is a cranberry floor-length strapless gown. She will accessorize the gown with creme and cranberry trimmed bobbi socks and a cranberry necklace. We are still deciding if she will wear a tiara. I think it would be a good idea but I will let Zaria decide.

Zaria has been practicing her turns and waves at home----everyday. If you have a chance to stop by Chrysler on June 5, please buy a ticket for only $6 to see Princess Zaria and her classmates show off their talents and outfits. By the way, this is a pancake breakfast fundraiser so bring your appetites:)

Girly Day

I was never a girly-girl when I was growing up. I played with dolls and had a ballerina musical jewelry box but that was the extent of it. My daughter Zaria, on the other hand is the complete opposite. She can spend hours in the mirror combing her hair, she loves wearing dresses, American Next Top Model is one of her favorite shows!

Princess Zaria has a make-up case that would put most make-up artists to shame. Tonight is Girly Day. We will be doing our nails and toes. Or should I say Zaria will be leading this. She has the nail separator(I think that's what it is called.) She has the nail polish, puff balls and nail remover. We probably will be doing makeovers tonight, too. I do love her glitter gloss:)

To top it off, we'll probably be doing this all while watching 'The Devil Wears Prada.' This is a movie about the fashion industry and how it can change a person. I actually liked it.

A bit of advice to all those future moms out there: If you were not a girly-girl growing up you just might have one so get your make-up cases ready!

Celebrating Dads in June

Royalty Industries and The Real Princess Zaria and Mommy Blog introduce the ' I Love My Dad' Contest. Please send in an essay of 250 or more of why your dad is special just in time for Father's day. Share fond memories, favorite spots, pic, etc. The winning entry will receive gift card from Chili's or Applebees, a certificate of appreciation and a home depot gift certificate. This contest is open to residents of the United States. The winner will be announced June 1.