Hey, peeps. I’ll be taking a break from The Mom with Moxie, for a while, in order to focus on my PR & Digital Marketing consulting business. I hope to be back, posting here, in a little bit. To stay connected, let’s be friends on Facebook & Twitter.
Yummy Chili Recipe
January 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment
So, living in Michigan, I’m very used to the cold winter weather. But, still, there are those days you just want to curl up with a nice, piping hot cup of cocoa, bowl of soup or in my case – chili. I made some, for us, the other night. It was so good; I decided to share the recipe (my mom’s) with you.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1-12 oz can tomato paste
- 1-12 oz can dark red kidney beans
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions
- Brown seasoned meat
- While meat is draining, combine tomato paste with 4 cups of water
- After mixture is dissolved, add meat and beans (drained)
- Add chili powder, salt & pepper, to taste
- Use cumin to thicken the chili
- Simmer for 1 hour
- Serve
So, there you have it… my mama’s chili recipe. You’ll end up with enough chili, to feed four. Enjoy!
I Just Want to Slap Myself – Seriously
January 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Ever done something, that seemed like a good idea, only to regret it, afterwards? Sure you have. Here’s a little story, about my most recent “hindsight is 20/20” moment…
Remember that one time, I broke down, and put a relaxer in my hair, after 12 years without?
Yeah, that happened a few months ago. Since then, I’ve lost about 2-3 inches, from breakage. I didn’t even realize I’d lost so much, until people kept asking me did I cut my hair.
I’m so bummed, and I kind of want to cry. I won’t, because I know its just hair. But, man…I want my natural hair back.
It’s going to take forever, for this darn relaxer to grow out. I’m actually thinking about cutting my hair some more, to lessen the breakage (that makes since, right?).
I’m not even sure why I did it. I didn’t need the relaxer (really no one “needs” it. But, I just wanted my hair to lay nicer, be easier to handle, better in the humidity, straighter, etc. You know the drill.
Right now, as it stands… I am so disappointed and pissed at myself. Oh well, you live and you learn. And, believe me, this lesson was definitely learned.
SchoolBeads.com [Review]
December 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Like jewelry? Like supporting USA companies? What about your Alma Mater? Well, have I got the company for you. A month ago, I was approached by a representative of a company called SchoolBeads.com. I was so excited, about getting a bead, with my college, Oakland University, featured on it.
While these beads are really made for bracelets, I didn’t have one, so I put mine on a chain. I think it turned out totally cute!
They sell, on the site, for $49. They are adding schools every month so if you don’t see your school there is a good chance it will be coming soon! Most beads have matching silver and parachute cord bracelets available in a variety of sizes.
They also have enameled college beads, sorority beads and sorority pearl bracelets! All of which would make excellent graduation gifts – although I am very disappointment that they don’t have ANY sorority/frat beads, from any of the Divine Nine.
To find out more, about the, follow them on Facebook & Twitter.
Baby Santa and the Lost Letters [Book Review & Giveaway]
December 31, 2011 By
Yay! The winner is Blake Kaplan! I’ll be sending you an email, as well. Thanks, to all who entered!
Not too long ago, I received two copies of an awesomely cute Christmas book, called “Baby Santa and the Lost Letters.” Seriously, this book was completely adorable. The author, M. Maitland Deland not only told a great story, but the illustrations were beautiful and she even managed to sneak a geography lesson in as animals moved the letters across the continents. Additionally, the book also includes some illustrations of the world and highlighted the area that the animal was in. I really loved this book and the kid did, as well!
As I said earlier, I received two copies of the book, and I can’t possibly keep both. So…
I’m giving away a copy, to the first person to comment on this post, telling me your favorite Christmas story (book, TV or movie).
New Venture (Kinda)…
December 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Hey, everyone! I have a couple of blog posts, I’m working on, and hope to get up today. But, in the mean time… I wanted to let you all know about my newish venture: Bree Glenn | PR & Digital Marketing Consultant.
I know I have a few readers who are small business owners (or some that want to be), so I wanted to share my newest blog post, that may help you in your planning and goal setting, for 2012: Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Small Business.
Stay tuned, for more posts, soon!
Merry Chistmas, from TheMomwithMoxie.com!
December 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
And, if you’re wondering (or if you missed it) here’s my post on the real Christmas Story [The Birth of Jesus].
Christmas is two days away…
December 23, 2011 By 1 Comment
Do you know the story of the birth of Jesus?
At our house, on Christmas Eve night, we read the kid two stories… ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and the story of the Birth of Jesus. It amazes me, how many children don’t know, why Christmas is celebrated. That it’s about the birth of Jesus, not about Santa and gifts.
Since Christmas is in a couple days, I thought I’d post the story, from Luke 2 in the Bible, in hopes that you would share it, with your children.
The Birth of Jesus – Luke 2:1-20 (KJV)
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
I hope this reached someone who had never read it before. May you and yours have a joyous Christmas.
Merry Christmas & Happy Birthday, Jesus!
(Photo is of Adoration of the Shepherds by Gerard van Honthorst, 1622)
Seriously? Breastfeeding in public, is still an issue?
December 20, 2011 By 6 Comments
And, worse, yet… people are actually bothered by it?
Okay, those of you, who know me know that I’m usually a “no-holds-barred” type of gal. Still, I rarely used swear words, online (in person, is a different story). But, this is to serve as a forewarning,that several will be used, in this post – mainly because the topic pisses me off so much. So, with that said… WARNING: MINI RANT AHEAD.
This past Sunday, a group of women were supposed to hold a “peaceful breastfeeding flash mob,” at one of the local malls. It was shut down, before it could even begin.
When one of of the women (the organizer) sat down to start nursing her son, a security guard confronted her and told her she needed to stop – saying they didn’t allow flash mobs.
The woman then asked, “So, you don’t allow nursing in the mall?” a mall manager replied: “Not in public, we don’t.” Yeah, I won’t be shopping at this mall, anymore.
(BTW, Michigan state law says that public nudity laws do not apply to a woman breastfeeding a child. But, Michigan is not one of the 45 states that specifically allow women to breastfeed in any public or private location.)
While I haven’t breastfed, in over 4 years, I’m still a huge supporter of it, and encourage every expecting mother, to at least give it a try (and if the decide to go the formula route, I’m okay with that, too). I nursed my son, for a year, while working full-time. You know what that means… me and my Medela were best friends. In fact, the whirring sound of the breast pump, almost became soothing to me.
So, here’s what’s got my undies in a twist… I was listening to a local radio station, this morning, and they were talking about this story, and the topic of breastfeeding in public. The guy DJ didn’t have a problem, with it. But, the woman DJ asked… “Why can’t you just go to the bathroom, and do it?” SERIOUSLY?!? You expect me to feed my child, in a dirty ass public restroom? What am I supposed to do… copy a squat on the toilet, whip my boob out, nurse my son? That has got to be the dumbest “suggestion” I have ever heard. Dumb and disgusting. What really bugs me, is that she is not alone, in this train of thought.
Now, while I don’t agree with the whole flash mob thing (I think they’re stupid), I do agree with the motivation behind it. Women need to be able to breastfeed their babies, whenever/wherever they need too. I’ll be damned if I’d let my baby cry and go without food, just so I could find someplace to feed him, that would make others more comfortable. F-that, and F-you too, if you think that’s EVER going to happen.
I just don’t get what the big damn deal is. It’s feeding your child – not putting on a peepshow.
So, tell me, TMwM readers… are you for or against breast feeding in public? Why or why not? I’m honestly interested in your thoughts, so please share them below.
Mommy, what time is it?
November 30, 2011 By 1 Comment
If your kid is anything like mine, you hear that question, on a very regular basis.
There comes a time, when you just want to be able to say, “Look for yourself. “
But, then the question becomes, “At what age to buy a watch for a kid?” And, more importantly, “What watch do you buy them?”
Well, ask no further… There now exists a new watch that is perfect for children, who aren’t ready to tell time on a watch, yet, but still want to know when things are supposed to happen.
The PAM TIM watch was specially designed for them, for our preschool/kindergarten children, between 3- and 6-years-old. At this age, and with other kids’ watches, it is long and boring for them to understand and remember all the data being thrown at them: small and big hands for hours and minutes, but also counting to 12, 24, or even 60 (and from five to five), and finally understanding the abstract concept that fractions of a circle represent time intervals!
With the combination of activities pictures and temporal pictures, they learn at first to recognize important time all along their day: get up, wash yourself, have breakfast, brush your teeth, go to school, go to bed, etc…
With Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc., just around the corner, this watch makes the perfect gift.
The watch is only sold on the Internet. And, it’s not too expensive ($48.90). The box set includes one pictogram watch (for kids, 3-years-old and older), one analog watch (for kids, 7-years-old and older), an educational booklet and a memory card game.
They also have this really cool booklet that tells all about the watches.
To get updates, from Pam Tim, the makers of the watches, follow them on Twitter!
