Lights..camera..EAT!! Thanks Copy Kids!

I truly despised meal time with my kindergarten son. If you are a foodie and have children who think chicken nuggets and blueberry muffins are fine dining, you know my frustration is real! Not to mention I LOVE to cook and am quite good at it. Not eating my food is like worse than Chef Ramsey's hollering on Hell's Kitchen! Ughh!

My son Nick is the pickiest child I've had the pleasure of meeting in my life. He won't even try anything and will go hungry before he does. Omg are u serious? So whats a mother to do? He can't starve but he can't bully me into buying junk either. I'very tried EVERYTHING! Now to be fair, he loves pineapples, strawberries, an occasional grape and will munch on 3green beans but ummm that's not enough! I need superheros to help me out like Popeye used to do with spinach!

Wait! Look! Up in the sky! Its a bird, its a plane...no wait..is that a DVD with kids eating bell peppers? Why yes it is! I came across this just scrolling through some ads and I was intrigued...ok and desperate. Sue me. Anywho, I contacted them and got the DVD in a matter of 2 days all the way from California! Good job, Mr.Postman! ;-)

As soon as i opened the package, Nick was excited and felt like he had gotten mail because he saw other kids on the cover. I let him open it so he had a sense of ownership. Now understand my son is extremely, how should i say, "confident" (code for stubborn). He has an opinion on everything and voices it. Can't imagine where he got that from :-) I honestly expect him to watch for 2 minutes and then wander off to draw or play. He turns it on and just like that he is attentive. He sees other kids sitting at a table being their naturally silly selves AND eating raw bell peppers like its candy! He starts giggling. I decide to take advantage of the joy and said, "You wanna try a bell pepper?" He looks up at me and says ok. *insert jaw drop here* You have got to be kidding me! Mr. I don't eat anything that doesn't come with a toy just agreed to eat a vegetable? I feel faint.

The video suggests that you have the food thats on the video on hand but like i said I'm a single mom and just buying food is not going to happen. While watching the different food "chapters" Nick begins to make his menu for the week..bell peppers tomorrow, raspberries the next day, and carrots the next. I am STUNNED! A video of kids giggling, making funny faces, and enjoying healthy raw fruits and veggies just ended my troubles? Ok we will see! *jealous tone*

Fast forward. We have the bell pepper. He takes a deep breath...and he bites into it...and chews...I close one eye...he swallows! My eye pops back open along with my mouth! He takes another bite! What???  

That's not even the best part! The next day he eats without argument a plate of sauteed spinach, squash and zucchini! *confetti*

Listen, this dvd has eased and "FUN-erized" the conversation about eating healthy! I'm no expert but I know that the "eat your veggies because I'm your mama and I say so" hasn't worked in ages! Copy-Kids has the answer! Recording kids being themselves, funny faces and all, eating healthy raw fruits and veggies! No sugary dips...no cutesy plates ya gotta buy...just good ol' simple produce!

Copy-Kids has won several awards and recognition (rightfully so!) including the one that matters most to me...other PARENTS agree! http://www.ptpamedia.com/Product-page?PID=1931 

 They've been added to the Education and Training materials database for preK nutrition by the USDA! I've got my opinions about the things that are USDA approved, but they got this one RIGHT!

 http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/schoolmeals/Resource_Cafe/Resource_Details.php?ID=2226

I must share this joy with caregivers around the globe! So I'm going to do a giveaway courtesy of www.Copy-kids.com! In order to win, you must subscribe to my Youtube channel "iamhips4love" and comment on and share the video of my son actually eating the bell pepper. Ok I have no way of knowing if you shared the video but the Veggie Fairies do and if you don't share it, your child will turn into a junk food militant at the stroke of midnight! LOL! Extreme? Ok I just need you to share it so other caregivers can get some relief and our kids can have a fighting chance against the childhood obesity epidemic in our country! I shared with you so pay it forward! Please and thank you! Sharing is caring! :-) I'm so excited about Nick biting into the bell pepper like the guy on Iron Chef! Lol!

Smooches

PS...video will be up tonight

PPS..YOU CAN WIN A COPY FROM COPY-KIDS.COM!! Just leave a comment below and on the video for a chance to win. I pick a random comment as the winner in 2 days!! I forward your mailing address to them, and THEY send you the dvd! Post a pic of you with your copy so I know you got it! :-)

Hot Stuff

Had the pleasure of being roasted like some peanuts out in the heat yesterday BUT for a very good cause! I drove to North Atlanta (I think that's where I was) for a Back to School Jamboree held by Here 2 Help, Inc. Don't ya love the name? It gives you a warm fuzzy feeling that the calvary is on the way! The special thing about this organization is that is a group run by men (bonus! Lol) that simply gets things done! No rocket science...no recreation of the round object known as the wheel, just good ol' roll your sleeves up and do some work! *CONFETTI* I LOVE IT!

I had so much fun just chit chatting and hearing the passion behind the project...oh and vlogging! Yeeessss I'm addictedddd! Lol YouTube channel "iamhips4love.com"!!! Who knew i had a little Connie Chung in me? So many people have a story and I'm nosey so why not? Anywho, you could see everyone was on the same vibe of helping kids get ready for the school year. Volunteers galore! Young and old! Bouncy castles, popcorn, dance teams, hot dogs, music, dancing, games, community, goals, gratitude, teamwork, joy....what a great way to spend the afternoon! Even the gnats enjoyed themselves! :-) You can best believe Geechie Gurl Inc. will be grabbing on to H2H Inc.'s leg and joining every effort, cause, project that we possibly can!

Back to the hotness...do you understand how sexy it is to see men organize COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENTS? *fanning myself* yes yeesssss honey! This was such a treat for me on so many levels *giggle* Don't judge me...or you can...lol I'll post the video in a few!
Smooches!

Fan Friday!

"I always feel like...somebody's waaaatching meeeee!" Yes I will follow you and find out where you are! lol #NoPsycho That's because I believe in networking truthfully!! "Likes" and "follows" only get you so far! I think some people have really lost sight of that. If you have a gazillion friends, fans, and followers (and I'm not mad if you do..send some of em my way), tell me how do you engage them in meaningful conversation that benefits the both of you? *jeapordy music*
I'm not saying you HAVE TO...I'm just saying every once in a while.....

Thoughtful Thursday

Wanna know a secret? It's really Friday night...Shhh... Yes I know I know...such a misleading post so early in our relationship! See what had happened was I had the perfect blog ready and when I went to my website hips4love.com, I COULDN'T GET IN!! **sirens and flashing lights* Are you serious? Do you know how many people DEPEND on me to post a blog?? Ok so it's only 2 people! Whatever! This is serious business here! I have thoughts that need to be documented so others may find all of life's answers!! *crickets and tumbleweed* Yall are a tough crowd! smh

Anywho on Thursday, I got a copy of a magazine that had Steve Harvey on the cover. I flipped through it starting from the last page. Yes I like to get to the point lol. Now I will admit there are some things that Mr. Harvey says that I don't agree with as any strong willed outspoken person with an opinion might admit. But the story he tells (and shows) of perservering and buidling a legacy is to be applauded and modeled. He turned down a very nice compensated offer for a radio show to pursue his own! You may have heard of it..The Steve Harvey Morning Show? Ring a bell?

I read through the article and it was pretty much the usual motivational info...get rid of dreamkillers, have a work ethic that is golden, etc etc. What I didn't know was that on the last day he worked his job, he gave his supervisor a business card that had his name and the job title "comedian" on it. He made that card and established what he was going to do specifically. He said he was ridiculed by that same supervisor. Why do people do that???? Why do people feel the need to inject others with their own personal doubt, fear, complacency?? UGGGH!! I hate that! Well he goes on to say that at one point he was sleeping in his car ( another unknown fact) but that one opportunity to tour around the country selling out venues with the Kings of Comedy obviously changed all of that! When he went on stage at a different show to introduce someone who was like a protege, I guess, he pulled out that modest business card and had a moment on stage. How overwhelming it is to look at a symbol of where it all began and be reminded of all that you have put into buidling your legacy? The sleepless nights, the missed meals, the disconnect notices followed by disconnections, the loss of "friends" due to clarity and revelations, the wardrobe changes in the car and gas stations, rolling quarters to put enough gas in that car to get to that function, sitting in your car to use a coffee shop's wi-fi after hours so you can upload and update. Man. *getting a lil emotional right now*

This is my thought. Keep making those payments on that big dream of yours. You stop payment and you lose what you've already invested. Investments are built to pay off at the RIGHT time so hang in there (talking to myself but feel free to be nosey)  I don't know about you, but I'm not in any position to just throw away my time, energy, money, and passion like that. Deposit made.

Hootie Hoo Hump Day

Yes! It's the middle of the week and what's better than a Hootie Hoo on a Hump Day??
Wait a minute..what do you mean what is a hootie hoo? Watch and learn...

So next week we'll see you with our first Hootie Hoo...ok I'm lying..you might see it sooner. Ok ok I"m lying again. I get so excited that I just wanna do everything all at once. I PROMISE I will wait until each Hump Day to do a Hootie Hoo! *Disclaimer: I might be lying again..I'm just sayin*

Talk to Me Tuesday

Today was sooooo cool...no literally..I had a jacket on. lol The a/c was on full blast in my apartment as I pack up to move on to other things in Atl. Georgia Power I'm sure will be pleased! Oh well, at least I get to sport my favorite leather jacket a little longer..the simple pleasures. Ahhh. This jacket always gets attention when I wear it. For one, it's white. Not too many of those sighted on a daily basis. Then it has this humongous pair of lips painted alllll over the front of it....then on the back is a gorgeous painting of my favorite motivator...Gigi! This was a birthday gift to me from a young artist by the name SOSI...he is talented beyond measure and I couldn't imagine his work not being in an art gallery or on every wall in every structure on this planet. He has a gift. The first time I met him was at a coffee shop and his aunt brought him to meet me. He was very shy and quiet and had a bag with a few of his pieces in it. I was instantly impressed...THEN he takes out a shirt..and he has Gigi painted on the front. When I turn it over, it's the back of Gigi and there's a story handwritten in paint in her hair! When I read it, it brought me to tears. This young man had written words that described what I had been going through for months and pretty much gave me the comfort I needed to keep pushing forward! Oh my sinuses were all messed up! lol I had to let him know I wasn't crazy first of all...I think I caught him off guard. I'm a very sentimental and sensitive person so when the 2 of those things cross, OH! Flood gates..lol.

Needless to say I network with him for different things and also guide him with some business tips I learned along the way. I don't mind doing either because he wants to fulfill his dream of doing his art. So many times we tend to be our worst dream killer...why? Self mutilation is not sexy at all. Who has told us this lie that being smart or adventurous or different was not the way to be? Show me this troublemaker so I can pluck them square in betwixt da eyes! Ugh!

I had the opportunity to share another one of MY dreams with 2 people ..1 who I've known almost 2 yrs, the other a little over 2 months. These people have been the saving grace for my drive more times than most people who've been taking up space and oxygen in my life for YEARS! Not only have they encouraged me, but they've shown me their support. Word of mouth, time, energy, skill...these are resources that far outweigh the dollar bill. These are the things that help make a way out of no way! This dream that I shared has been on my mind since 1991...even drew out a plan for it...then I stopped feeding it. Why? Distractions. Doubt. Excuses. Life. I learned tonight that when you share a dream with someone you trust, it holds you accountable. Very different from the "create in silence" rule...when you know folks support you 110% and they invest themselves (not just a monetary thing) in your projects, it's ok. They've shown you what they're working with and that trust is good. Dust off that old notebook you doodled plans in..uncrumple that napkin you did a quick sketch on...find that cassette tape you sang a few bars on (hurry and get that transferred to cd please and thank you smh..need u to do better but babysteps so I'll back off lol). Get out of your own way and just go for it, maaaannnnn!!! Seriously! They've got DVR now so you won't have to miss your favorite shows..lol It's your turn to show YOU what you're workin' with!

Let me know what happens! *sittin back in recliner waiting*

Move Somethin' Monday

So this is what blogging is, huh? Just tapping away on the keys about what is stirring in your lil heart about things that matter most to you and either someone cares or they don't. Hmm interesting. And some folks get paid and famous for this? Wow! I've got internet access (or free WIFI from a parking lot). I've got a QWERTY keyboard. And believe you me, I've got ALOT to say! I mean everybody's got an opinion, right? Some of them quite frankly are based on minimal experience or knowledge, but by golly you are granted an opinion. This makes for lovely brunches, glorious teas, and phenomenal panel discussions! What would this world be without opinions? Gotta love em! So on this Move Something Monday, which I do the ACTION of getting donated items to their rightful places through my nonprofit, Geechie Gurl, Inc. (shameless plug), I proudly announce my blog! *crickets and tumbleweed* What? No applause? Okey dokey..that's your opinion. I'm UBER excited! (I like using that word cuz it seems to up the EXCITEMENT factor) My opinion...and isn't that what a blog is all about? I've seen opinions set people free, end lives, end relationships, start new businesses, destroy families, boost careers, you name it, I'ves seen it. Such a powerful lil thing for something most people claim is an optional piece of information.

My opinion on opinions is that it's a steroid, undercover word for "feelings". Steroid because of its ability to elude from the truth but appear as truth..weird, right? Undercover because for some reason in some secret meeting, a group of geniuses declared that "feelings" were the sure 'nuff sign of weakness and not thinking clearly. Think about it...if someone says that you hurt their feelings, you subconsciously (bullies consciously) label that person as weak and not able to handle criticism or let's just be honest here, abuse. Yeah I said it, abuse. No one can tell me that there's not a way to tastefully address an issue with another person without trying to make them crack or pound their self esteem to a pulp. Who made you judge and jury? Last time I checked, we all have free will to stay in or leave a situation. What does that have to do with the other person? If they are not what you choose to be around, get your hat, your coat, and leave! You FELT that it was your right to point out why they are not up to par, but yet you decide to stay and make it known they are just not good enough but disguise the abuse with that big ol bullet proof word..opinion. (disguising a personal vent..can ya tell?) I think people should be limited to the # of opinions they are allowed to give based on the # of things they are doing in their life to improve situations of themselves AND others...not one or the other..BOTH. Think about it, if you are going to give an opinion, in the same breath, give a solution and a plan of action. Sheesh. Obviously, your thoughts are just so important that you have to tweet about it, update your status, create a chain text, make a tshirt saying it...so use that same genius to solve all of the world's problems. Too much? Insane? Well then limit your opinions. (code for Shut up already!)

Now to be fair, I will say constructive criticism is the bee's knees because it states what the issue is, then immediately shares tips on how to remedy or improve that issue. Genius! That's the kind of opinion that is based on experience and knowledge that is being paid forward so that the next person can do better themselves. Again...Genius! What a concept! Actually, being a part of the solution instead of a window sill resident. Oh come on you know what a window sill resident is...remember that old lady that didn't have anything to do except sit in the window and look at others live their life and point out every frikkin thing they believe is being done absolutely incorrect then proceed to diagnose where that person went wrong in their life...all in the privacy of their own little box...uhh I mean window sill. Not being productive in their own life but now the resident expert on everyone else. Ha! Now you may be saying to yourself..what the hell is she (yes I'm a girl) saying? I'm giving you my opinion. Isn't this what the American Dream is made of? Give your opinion about what you think should be important, say it with some designer shoes on, and BOOM! POW! SHAZAM! Instant celebrity! Right? **looking at my drug store clearance flip flops I'm wearing while typing** Guess I screwed that up. Womp womp!Well, I guess I'll just have to break into some well connected clique and throw a fabulous party where only certain people deemed fabulous enough (according to popular opinion, of course) to enter, then I'll be on my way to that deluxe apartment in the sky! I hope I didn't let my friend Kita down already! Thanks for the advice and tips...and you thought this mentor thing was a one way street? HA! I gives back, honey chile! lol Until the next time, I'll see where the chips will fall with this blogging thing. I've already gotten a few products that people WANT my honest opinion about. Wowwww! That was quick! lol I see great postings ahead...but that's just my opinion. Smooches and as always... Respect the sway!