Princess Fruit Snacks Review

These fruit snacks are so yummy that I had to review them. They also go with the Princess Brand we stand by. I give these fruit snacks 4 Tiaras. They're super yummy/

My 1st Product Review

Should You Reward Your Kids For Getting Good Grades?

For the last five years, I have been rewarding girls for earning good grades through my annual Princess Ball. My daughter Zaria receives monetary compensation from my sister-in -law for earning good grades. $10 for every A and $5 for every B. She has been receiving this since 3rd grade. My husband and I normally take Zaria to her favorite restaurant after she receives her report card. Zaria has been on the honor roll since 3rd grade and has also been inducted in the National Junior Honor Society, but sometimes children need an incentive. Today, I read a Facebook post from a friend who has a detailed monetary  reward system for his 9th grade daughter. Let me know what you think. Too much? Not enough? Unnecessary?

INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Grade Guidelines per Class:

Each “A” per Semester equals $20

Each “B” per Semester equals $10

Each “C” per Semester equals ZERO

Each “D” (and you better not have any) equals a SUBTRACTION of $50

Each “F” and no money will be rewarded for any class as the award is that you get to keep your life

GPA Guidelines per Semester:

3.8 – 4.0 GPA per Semester will equal a $250 Bonus

3.4 – 3.7 GPA per Semester will equal a $150 Bonus

3.0 – 3.3 GPA per Semester will equal a $100 Bonus

Anything under a 3.0 GPA will result in a deduction of $50 over your entire semester reward

Attendance Guidelines per Semester:

You are only allowed three tardies combined for the entire semester, otherwise a $2.50 reduction will apply for each successive tardy.

National Honor Society (NHS):

If you make the NHS you will be rewarded a performance bonus of $100

Honors Courses:

Each “A” per Semester earns an additional $20

Each “B” per Semester earns an additional $10

No additional award given for anything lower than a “B".

Student Council:

If you choose to participate on the student council and/or other school organizations that foster leadership a bonus of $50 will be rewarded. This does not include dance classes.

Behavior and Ethics:

You will treat your educators (teachers) and classmates with respect. No sass or backtalk. Any trips to the Principals office and/or commentary during parent teacher conference that suggest otherwise may result in a reduction of award as appropriate by me. There will be no negotiation on this rule.

Summer School (Penalty):

If you have to attend any summer school classes the cost will be deducted from any reward. Just so you know, the average summer school cost per class is $125.

Payout:

Based on the above, your incentive will be computed and rewarded to you within approximately two weeks after final report card grading has been received.

I personally love this system and plan to implement it with Princess Zaria as she is a 9th grader, as well. Elementary and Middle school parents could tweak it to meet their own family or financial structures.

What do you think about using this type of system to encourage your child(ren) to succeed?

16 New Year's Resolutions I Wish My Teenager Would Make In 2016

For the last 20 years I've made resolutions for myself and for the most part, they've been largely impactful. I wish my 14 yr old would follow in my footsteps. She's a great kid but there are a few things I would hope she see needs improving. If I were her, this would be my list:

1. I will clean my room EVERYDAY.
2. I will eat more vegetables (without crying)-funny story.
3. I will help out more with chores especially washing dishes.
4. I will let my parents know, in advance, when I have school projects due.
5. I will clean the bathroom BEFORE I take a selfie.
6. I will go to bed at a reasonable time. No more talking to my bestie until 1:00am. Or at least I'll try.
7. I will share with my brother more.
8. I will let my mom cuddle and sleep with me sometimes.
9. I will unlock my cell phone at night so my mom can see what I'm doing.
10. I will realize that money does not grow on trees.
11. I'll WILL my feet to stop growing so my mom doesn't have to pay so much for shoes.
12. I will teach my mom how to edit video.
13. I will try to eat school lunch, at least, once a week.
14. I will try one new food this year. Not once a month but once this year.
15. I will watch tear-jerker movies with my mom sometimes.
16. Lastly, I will wake up earlier so I won't make my mom and dad late for work every day.

Yes, I know it's wishful thinking. But a girl's gotta have dreams. LOL

What are your resolutions for your child(ren)?

Wordless Wednesday

15 Random Thoughts About Me

Sometimes you read a blog and wonder who that person really is. I wrote a similar post a few years back but thought I would re-visit it. Since it's 2015, I will be ending the year with 15 random thoughts about me giving my readers an inside glimpse of the mommy behind the blog.

1. I am featured in the American Medical Journal (Don't ask). LOL
2. I wrote my first book in the 7th grade(unpublished) but my first published book was in 2006.
3. I was inspired to name my daughter Zaria after the daughter character of the popular '90's sitcom, 'The Parent'Hood.
4. At my heaviest weight, I was 278lbs.
5. My past jobs include a daycare teacher(for one day), custodian, advertising exec, deli worker, freelance writer and on-air personality. 
6. I almost never wear sneaks. I wear them maybe 5 times a year.
7. I met my husband when we were in middle school.
8. I rarely wear dresses. I feel more comfortable in slacks.
9. I have never watched Boys N The Hood or Menace to Society.
10. My top 3 favorite movies are My Best Friend's Wedding, Love Jones and The Mirror Has 2 Faces.
11. When I was a child, I wanted to be a police officer, judge, advertising exec., pediatrician and author.
12. I ran away from home(to my best friend's house)because my mom tore down my Prince posters from my bedroom wall.
13. My pastor gave me my first bible(engraved) when I was 17.
14. I passed all my high school finals by cramming for 2 days straight.

 15.I have never traveled by train.

What are some of your random thoughts? 

My Fab 15 in 2015

Every year I post my favorite things, places or people ending with the last 2 digits of the year. This year in 2015, I have over a dozen people and organizations(exactly 15) to spotlight. These spotlighted orgs have either supported me personally or professionally or possibly both. They have definitely been a blessing to me so I encourage you to connect with many of them, as well. The list is in no particular order, so enjoy!

1. Larene Hill of The Sweet Shoppe in Livonia. MI 9( www.facebook.com/thesweetshoppestore -Larene opened up her business to our princesses in July for our annual Princess Ice Cream Social and again in November for our 1st Popcorn and Polish Party. Thanks so much,  Larene.

2. LaTia Reed of TrueBelles Mentoring Program(www.truebelles.us - We have supported one another in so many ways from my Princess Ball to her School Supplies Project and her Mitten and Gloves Drive. Her sweet daughter was honored at our 2015 Princess Ball. Thanks for supporting our brand.

3.Candice Norwood of Candy Factory, LLC (www.facebook.com/candybodyfactory - Candice makes the best soaps. She designed a Princess Soap in various colors that we simply adore. She has also donated product and financially to our company. Her daughter, Mia , is also a savvy entrepreneur and we simply love her scarves. We purchased 2 of her chocolate brown scarves for our 5th Annual Chocolate Princess Party this past October.

4. Eric Nyamor (www.ericnyamor.com)  is my illustrator of The Adventures of Princess Zaria, my children's book. He has been so patient with me on the release of my 2nd in the series. He also has supported our brand by donating to our 2016 Regal Princess Ball. Eric, is the best!

5. Essynce Moore of Essynce Couture(www.essyncecouture.com) . She doesn't know how much she inspires me. At the tender age of 13, she has the world in the palm of her hands. She is an author, fashion designer, actress, motivational speaker and owner of her own boutique and spa in New Jersey. Essynce will be our keynote speaker at our 2016 Regal Princess Ball. Essynce rocks x 100!!!!

6. Sandy Epps of www.sandysland.com- What else can I say about Sandy? She is the kindest, sweetest, most generous person I know. She has a love for children and she hosts the best events and parties. We met in 2006 when my first book was released and we've been great friends ever since. Sandy is a genuine sweetheart, an awesome face painter, creator of the highly popular Detroit Doll Show and the motivational Butterfly Bash. Check out her books and beautiful products for women and children.

7. Gladys Pearson of Making It to The Finish Line(www.mittfl.org) . We have been communicating on line for several years but we physically met a couple weeks ago when she interviewed me on her radio show. Before that, she hosted a contest where I was the winner of a pair of tickets to see the raunchy comedienne, Monique. Thanks Gladys and keep doing what you do for the kids.

8. Johny Thomas of the Bel Air 10 Theater( www.belair10theater.com)  in Detroit, the only neighborhood movie theater in the city. Johny is a awesome business owner who have supported our company in so many ways. I met Johny shortly after my first book, 25 Ways To Make Your Child(ren) Feel Special, was released. He has supported our company with complimentary movie tickets as giveaways  to the princesses and he has allowed us to host princess movie premieres at the theater.

9. Tim Miller of www.millerdesignstudio.net -Tim is the BEST! Tim has been with the company since the beginning of my projects. He has created websites for us. He has hosted the sites and make regular updates of The Princess of the Month and ALL the princess events we host. He creates the links for all our events for Paypal payments. He creates the certificates for the Princess Ball and the list goes on and on. I don't know what I would do without him.

10. Talia Foster of Talia's Prints(www.lavishpartiesbytalia.com) -Talia has created several print jobs for me including tickets and flyers for our Princess Ball. A few years ago she created a photo puzzle for me to present to my niece on Christmas. Her daughter has been featured as our Princess of the Year and she even featured me and my business on her blog. I am so glad to have met her and she keeps inspiring me with her motivational marketing and business tips.

11. The Real Princess Zaria- my daughter Zaria is my inspiration for my entire princess brand. The name Zaria means princess and she has lived up to that name from day one. She makes our family proud. Zaria has consistently been an honor roll student since she has been able to earn letter grades at school. She is very focused and motivated. She cares about people. She has never met a stranger. She is  a good friend and an even better daughter. I can't think of a better person to represent the Princess Zaria Brand. I love you, princess.

12. My best friend of 38 years, Lorie Madu. She is my KEY fab 5 for earning her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. She worked hard by holding down a stressful day job and completing an online course at night- sacrificing fun time with friends and family but keeping her eye on the prize. She motivates me and inspires me to be a better person. She is a great wife, mother and the best friend in the world.

13. My son, Marty. I am so proud of him. He made a goal to produce music and he has never wavered. Even though it's been hard making connections, he consistently writes new lyrics and records and produces nice beats. I am proud that he is following his dreams. I enjoy our long talks about life, girls and finances. Not in that order. LOL. I will forever love you.

14. My older and younger brothers, respectively. Elgin and Andre are great men. They are good fathers, providers for their families and the best brothers a girl can ask for. I can always call them and talk to them and we have so many childhood memories to look back and laugh on. Elgin, the plastic bat you hit me with as kids will forever traumatize me. Andre, I remember saving your life at the pool. You will be my baby brother forever.

15. Last but definitely not least, My husband, Lary. He has been a rock for our family. He supports me in all my craziness. He puts up with my moods and attitude. He is the best father I know. He is genuinely kind hearted and a good friend to everyone he knows. We have been friends since middle school and sweethearts for over 14 years. I love him to the moon and back-even when I don't always show it.

Who is your fab in 2015?