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?

Being Thankful as a Mom

In the vein of Thanksgiving, I decided to post a few thing I'm thankful for as it relates to being a mom.

• I'm thankful my children are healthy
• I'm thankful my children truly love me
• I'm thankful that my children are creative
• I'm thankful my children have goals
• I'm thankful my children are kind
• I'm thankful my children have a great sibling relationship
• I'm thankful for our mommy and me days
• I'm thankful to have written books to encourage my children
• I'm thankful that God has put a hedge of protection around my kids
• I'm thankful to leave a legacy for my kids

And I'm thankful so so much more that will not fit as a one-pager. I love my children and my role as a mommy.

What are your mommy thanks?

June is National Candy Month

Today we are celebrating National Candy Month by purchasing a few of our favorite candies.  Princess Zaria's favorite candy is anything chocolate although she prefers milk chocolate over dark. My favorite is all fruity candies although I do enjoy chocolate candies with nuts and caramel. I guess I even gravitate to people who love candy, too. My best friend loves candy so much that people nicknamed her  Candie when we were kids. My husband, also,  loves candy. His favorite is Skor and Heath Bars. While celebrating this sweet holiday, I am remembering my favorite candies of my childhood. These include Slowpoke, Mary Jane, Now and Laters, Snickers, Almond Joy and Skittles.

What is your favorite candy? How will you celebrate National Candy Month?

Don't Play With Your Food! Really???

I am so excited to be hosting a cookie decorating party with the princesses of the Princess Zaria Fan Club. This event was one that had been postponed earlier this year because of the Princess Ball. Members of the PZ Club are the special guests(it's a members only event). Princess Zaria and I have been so busy purchasing the decorations for the event-sprinkles, frosting, decorations, etc. The girls will have some much fun playing with their food. LOL.

Why did I choose to host a cookie decorating party? Two reasons: I've always wanted to go to a cookie party but never knew anyone that had one and, two, I wanted to give the girls something different to do.

Have you ever been to a cookie party? What do you think would make this event really fun?

Wordless Wednesday on Thursday ;)

Mother-Daughter Love

Wordless Wednesday

Surprise Mommy and Daughter Pic

Do You Have a Favorite Child?

Last week while ear hustling at work, I overheard a co-worker say that she had a favorite child. I was taken back because I couldn't imagine choosing a favorite between my children. Could you? I know that your children may have some charactaristics that you favor more than the other or one child may be more like you than the other. For instance, I was more like my dad. Even though he only had an 8th grade education, he was very creative and had a flair with words. My mom used to say that people thought he had a college education because of the way he communicated.

My oldest brother was more like my mom. He can clean better than most women. He is great with money-dare I say financially sound. He is someone that has a great credit score and pays his bills on time. He has many investments and a very stable and secure career. I think my mom saw herself in him more and he was her first born with my dad. I never thought he was her favorite because me and my mom were very close. As I reminisced though, I think other people thought  my older brother WAS her favorite.

My youngest brother was a combination of both my parents and he was the youngest so everyone loved the baby.

I had a former neighbor infer that Zaria was my favorite. Zaria is my youngest and she is the inspiration behind my business. Zaria and I hang out and talk a lot(mother/daughter bonding) but by no means is she my favorite child. I love my children the same. My son is older now so I don't think he needs me as much but he is my heart and soul, as well.

 If both my kids were drowning, who would I save? I would use both arms to save them both.


Do you have a favorite child? Why or why not?

Wordless Wednesday

First Father/Daughter Dance

The Best is Yet to Come

Happy New Year! It's 2013 and The Real Princess Zaria and Mommy Blog is re-committing itself. The Real Princess Zaria will begin making posts this month. She will share about how it feels to be in middle school, her experiences in fashion design and drama. As a mommy blogger, I will share my experiences as a mom, wife and business person. It's important for me to share with my readers that it is not easy to multi- task but it is achievable and very rewarding. We also plan to host monthly contests and product reviews. To that end, we will do quite a bit of vlogging(video blogging) to connect to you.

We will connect you to our other services, as well. You will learn the benefits of The Princess Zaria Fan Club. You are also invited to nominate your daughters as features of the Princess of the month profile. You will be invited to shop at the upcoming online and store front where you will be able to purchase a variety of princess products. You will learn about our various 'girly' events such as The Ice Blue Enchanted Princess Ball, The Masquerade Chocolate Party and other mini-events.

Buckle Up..... because the best is yet to come.

How are you recommitting in 2013?

Back To School.......for both of us!

This September, Zaria will be in middle school. I am both excited and nervous. She will meet all new friends and she will meet all new friends! In elementary school, the kids moved from each grade together. The classmates she had in 2nd grade are the same she had in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Unfortunately, no one from her elementary school will be going to her middle school. She will meet all new friends and new teachers. I do think it will be a good fit for her, though. The middle school focuses on performing arts and Zaria is very artsy. This year she plans to take drama lessons and register in fashion design courses.

Zaria is not the only one taking classes this semester. I have enrolled for Fall classes, as well. It was easier when she was in elementary school. I think it may be more intense since we both will have extensive homework. I'm up for the challenge, though. I vowed that this time I would complete school and receive my degree in Human Services.

Is anyone else anxious about the upcoming school year? Why? Please share. Let's help each other through this process.

A Decade of Birthdays

Zaria will be 11 years old in a few weeks. Yesterday, my husband and I were reminiscing about past birthdays. I encourage you to take this challenge. The first five birthdays and the 10th were easy to remember but the 6th, 7th, and 8th required more thought. I thought I would share her celebrations with my readers: 1st Birthday- We celebrated at Major Magic's Revue(unfortunately it has closed). It was none other than a Princess Party. Who knew, right? LOL 2nd Birthday-Elmo themed. We had a traditional old school party at home and invited a costumed Elmo to entertain Zaria and guests. Zaria slept through most of the party :( 3rd Birthday- We celebrated at Canada's Wonderland Amusement Park. She enjoyed the water rides the best. 4th Birthday was almost non-existent. Zaria had a fever of 103. She was basically comatose. We tried to get her to take a bite of a cupcake but it didn't work :( 5th Birthday- Today was Zaria's first salon appointment. We treated her to Harold's Place Hair Salon for kids. Her party took place a CiCi's Pizza buffet. Later we had cake and icecream over her grandparents. This is where it gets fuzzy..... I will say that every year Zaria attends the Macy's/Target Fireworks in Detroit. It has a symbolic meaning. In 2001, Zaria was born on June 27 Fireworks Day in Detroit. She celebrates with family every year. Most years the fireworks fell on her birthday or the day or two after. 6th Birthday- We celebrated at Caesarland. I think that place has closed too. It is an indoor carnival much like Chuck E Cheese's. 7th Birthday- This was a long day. We took Zaria out to breakfast then to The Detroit Zoo afterwards shopping at Toys R Us. Then we picked up her cake and ice cream went back home and fell asleep! LOL. 8th?- That's bad, isn't it. We just can't remember her 8th birthday. 9th- Small birthday celebration at grandparents. Cake and ice cream 10th- Ice Cream Party at Susie Q Ice Cream in Allen Park. This was her first real birthday party since her 6th at Caesarland. We don't know what this year will hold. Thinking about a skating party. Can you recall your kids' birthday celebrations? I would like to know how you celebrated.

Girls Living Their Dreams

It seems like forever since I updated this blog. To say I've been busy would be an understatement but I just had to write about The Real Princess Zaria's summer experience. She went back to school a couple weeks ago so she is extremely bogged down with school work. It's a good thing, though. She's a fifth grader now, but I digress.....

In August, Zaria attended two awesome events!

I was fortunate to escort her to The Girlapalooza 2011 event which featured a meet and greet with Camille Winbush 'Nessa' of The Bernie Mac Show. Camille was so humble and she shared great tips and advice with the girls. The Girlapalooza Mother-Daughter Tea was fantastic! The girls were treated to an innovative 'green' fashion show, poetry, live music performances and self-esteem building talks.


Later that month, we attended The Pretty Brown Girl Movement. A powerful launch that highlights pretty brown girls from all over the country. 12 year old, Amiya Anderson, owner of Amiya's Mobile Dance Academy, graced the girls with an original poem sharing her story of success.


Zaria was ecstatic to see girls who looked like her doing dynamic things. I think she was so inspired that she decided to attend an audition for a local play.

My wish is that all girls, young and all, would live their dreams.

What are you dreaming?

Zaria's First Sleepover

Many of my friends know how protective of my kids I am, especially Zaria. Some may even say overprotective-oh well. A few weeks ago, Zaria brought home a birthday party invitation with a sleepover theme. Here's where the drama unfolds.......

Zaria gives me a birthday party invitation for a slumber party. I tell Zaria that she can go to the party portion but she couldn't sleepover/spend the night. Anyone that knows Zaria knows how sensitive she is so se begins to cry(but I stick to my guns-for the time being). She tells me that many of her class friends will be there. She says that Lauren(the birthday girl) didn't invite all the girls in the class-just the cool and popular ones. I still say NO.

As time passes, we have to decide what present we are getting Lauren. Zaria decides on a BFF necklace because obviously Lauren is one of Zaria's newest best friends. (Oh brother). She asks did I change my mind and can she sleepover. I say no. My husband is in earshot of the conversation now. I tell Zaria that society is not the same as it used to be. I go over good and bad touch with her. I explain that I would have to literally kill someone if they hurt her and so on and so on....

Later, my husband has a long talk with me. He says that he doesn't want Zaria to be timid and afraid of the world. He wants her to experience fun with friends and have a childhood that she can look back on and say it was fun---like we did when we were growing up. I began to waver...just a little.

Zaria and Lary urged me to call Lauren's mom to talk with her about the sleepover. I said I would. Monday- I didn't call. Tuesday- I forgot. Wednesday- I had homework and got tired. Thursday- I couldn''t postpone it any longer. I called. I asked a ton of questions. Who's invited? Will there be any boys/men there? How many entrances does the house have? Etc.....

I decided to let her go-with guidelines. She had to take her cellphone and call me before she goes to bed. If anything felt strange to call me and I would come and get her at any time. She agreed.

My husband and I took Zaria to Farmington Hills to the sleepover and I discreetly surveyed the house and the perimeter. I shared my concerns with the mom and she assured me that nothing would happen to my baby. I prayed and trusted that God would protect her. She was there from 7pm Friday to 5pm Saturday. I was a basket of nerves but everything was fine.

Zaria's first slumber party was a success..... but I told her never to ask me again! LOL.

What do you think about sleepovers?

21 Years Ago

Tomorrow my oldest son will be 21 years old! Wow, I can hardly believe it. It seems like just yesterday when we brought him home from the hospital. It hasn't been easy raising a son but it has been an experience I will always cherish. A ritual that my son and I share every year is the story of his birth. I tell him the same story every year. I will tell him that same beautiful and humorous again this year for the 21st time. The difference: This year I will share it with my readers, too.

The year was 1990. A couple of weeks before I was set to deliver my bouncing bundle of joy, I began to have abdominal pains. They were not regular but they were intense. One of my close friends went to the hospital with me(my mom met us there)only to find out from the doctor that I was having Braxton Hicks-prelabor pains. The doctor told me that I was only dilated to 2 cm(you have to be at 10 in order to begin the labor process). He instructed me to walk. He allowed me to walk for an hour around the hospital. Nothin happened so he told me I should return home and walk if I was ready to have the baby.

I was ready. I decided I was gonna have the baby that day. My house was on the border of Detroit and Hamtramck. I decided that I would walk to Hamtramck to Duncan Donuts and the ice cream shop. I wasn't brave enough to walk there and back so I decided to walk there and catch the bus back. What I wouldn't do for a glazed donut and pralines and cream icecream(my favorite back then)LOL. Well, the stranest thing happened when I got back home. As soon as I walked in the house, my water broke! I was so scared. I was by myself and didn't know what to do. I couldn't find my mom because she was out looking for me. About 2 minutes passed when she returned. I was crying just like the baby I was about to have. LOL. ( I didn't even get to eat my ice cream)My mom took me to the hospital and that's when the miracle began.

The doctor told me he had to induce labor. The nurse gave me more than was prescribed so the pain was extremely intense. I was in labor with Marty for 14 1/2 hours. On May 9, 1990 my beautiful son was born. I never got to eat that ice cream but I was blessed with the sweetest substitute. Tomorrow, my son will turn 21 years old. Can you believe it? And I still look good!

Have a Happy Mother's Day Everyone!