Liebster Award Nomination

Hey Guys!

I am slowly going through all my nominations, and this is my last one. I was nominated by @Courtvansbooks aka Courtney Van Saders. Her blog is paperbackbeaches.com make sure you check her blog out!

What was the worst book you ever read or stopped reading?

Any book from my american literature class from university. I was an english major, and i loved it. But this one class drove me up the wall. The books were the worst, they were boring and i didnt understand what was going on. My marks definetly reflected that since i passed with 50%.

What kids movie were you scared of as a child but like now?

Cant think of any. But the one show that stands out for me is 'Are you afraid of the dark?'. We had one tv in the house at the time (very common) and my brother wanted to watch it. I would always pretend i wasn't scared but i always had nightmares.

What quote inspires you?

God doesnt put anything in front of you that you cant handle.

Im not going to lie, Curtis and I have been through some tough times. This is one thing i constantly say to myself during hard times and it always puts things back into perspective. It makes me optimistic that we will get through this (and we always do).

What is your least and favorite blogging post and why?

I dont know about least blogging post. My favorite to post has to be a review. I love trying new products, makeup, hair products, food etc.  Whenever i can write a review and give my honest opinion i love it. I even miss it when i havent done it for awhile. I always try to include pros and cons to give the reader a good overall idea about the product.

How do you promote your blog?

Twitter, instagram and pinterest are the main platforms. If i am not tweeting out about my posts i am finding ways to get my links out there. Follow trains are amazing because you get introduced to new blogs and people.

Instagram has been a challenge because of the algorithm, which makes hashtagging more important. I love following other bloggers and commenting on pictures. It is a great way to get noticed and build friendships.

Where is your favorite place to read?

I love reading in the living room, on the couch near my big Windows. My couch is super comfy and i always find a blanket to wrap myself in. Daytime is the best because the building is quiet and kayden is sleeping. It is like i am all alone and i get to escape for awhile.

What are some of the things you havent seen or read but know everything about because of pop culture?

No idea.

How would someone describe your blogging style?

Laid back. Its not formal but there is a level professionalism. I want to people to feel as though they are sitting with me and having a conversation.

What do you find the most challenging about blogging about your topic?

There is a fine line between revealing to much and not enough. I find the most succesful mom bloggers reveal everything and document every aspect of their life. I like a certain level of privacy. It is also hard to put in hours of hard work into a post to get no recognition. By recognition i mean more followers, free products or money. There are so many mom bloggers out there, who are starting out like me, and it is hard to compete. It is easy to beat yourself up, if you don't have what seems to be as glamorous of a life.

What is the most ridiculous fact you know?

Cotton candy was invented by a dentist

In 40 years what do you think people will be nostalgic for?

Meaningful relationships. We live in a time where divorces are common, friendships fall out and we are plugged into devices. Social media is how we get famous and people dont have a lot of ambition because of that. We often forget what its like to put our phone down and hear what the other person is saying, and know basic life and communication skills. The phone and technology has become an escape from reality, something we turn to when we dont want to deal with a situation or life.

The Mummy Tag

Hey Guys,

Becca tagged me in 'The Mummy Tag'. Of course I couldn't resist any post to talk about my son and my journey as a mother!

Make sure you check out her blog

https://myselfandjake.wordpress.com

And her twitter @RebeccaWbu_94

1. Are you a stay at home mom or a working mom?
Stay at home mom. And contrary to what people believe, it is tough work!

2. Do you co sleep?
Nope. I never have. I was always scared of crushing kayden. He does pop into our bed from time to time then always makes his way back to his room.

3. Would you have it any other way?
Nope

4. What is your one must have item for your child?
It has changed over the years, but right now its anything to do with cars. He loves them and always tries to bring them when we leave the house. They keep him occupied and its way better then me playing something on the phone for him.

5. How many kids do you plan on having?
One. More to come on another post that will be very personal and revealing.

6. Date night? How many nights/ days do you go out?
Kayden is 3 and we have been out by ourself once. It is crazy to think that, and i will admit i do get a little jealous when i see others able to have date night.

7. Your child's favorite show?
Super why

8. Name one thing you bought before you had your child and never used it

It would have to be his Johnson&Johnson baby lotion. We discovered early on that Kayden has sensitive skin. For awhile we (and a nurse) thought he had eczema, we had to switch over his lotions to a more sensitive one. Thabk goodness had some mamas to be at his previous job and i gave away about 3-4 bottles of baby lotion.

9. Your child's favorite food?
He loves burgers! Kayden's versions of a burger isnt that great though. To be honest i should say burger patties.

10. How many cars does your family have?
1

11. Dream holiday with your child?
LA. Not only is the weather amazing but we have family there.

12. How has your life changed since your child was born?

To be honest it really humbled me. It wasnt about materialistic things anymore. Since hes been born i dont go out and spend $100 on useless things. He has really taught me what is important in life. I have also become more of a homebody. I am no longer out late with friends, and sleeping in till 10am. Kayden has helped make me more calm, helped me slow down my life and made me more creative. Holidays have a new meaning, and family traditions have become more important.

I nominate Maya Dupre to answer the same questions.

Her twitter handle is @allthingspinkuk

Her website is allthingspinkuk.com

Her blog is amazing and is all things mummy related. It is a good read and you all should add her to your reading list.

Liebster Award

Hey Guys,

I know I say this everytime, but I have been nominated for a Liebster Award.

Being a blogger is tough. Lets admit it, there are millions of bloggers out there, and it is tough to make it. The fact that I (as well as many others) have been noticed for our hard-work means the world to me. You never who who is reading your blogs, or where you have made a difference so this award is a good reminder that we are on the right track.

I was nominated by Zenobia and couldn't feel more honored.

Her twitter handle is @this_is_zenobia

And hed website is thepurpleorchidblog.wordpress.com

1. What is your favorite go to comfort food?

I love pasta. I cant get enough of it and I can eat it everyday. To be honest i just ate it for 3 days straight! I recently discovered lemon pasta and it is my favorite thing.

2. If you had one day to do anything, other then what you are doing right now, what would it be?

This probably sounds lame, but i would want to go to LA. I have never met my boyfriends family in person and i would love to finally meet them. Curtis always talks about the 'hot spots' and places he loves, so i would love to see it.

3. What food have you never eaten but would love to try?

I am not the biggest seafood person, so i would want to try mussels. I always see people going crazy for them and want to know what the big deal is ,without having to waste my money.

4. What is the best fashion trend that you will hope remains in trend forever?

Dark jeans. I was never a jean person until after I had kayden. I always thought jeans were way to casual. I love dark jeans and i cant get enough of them. You can dress them up or down, which is an added bonus!

5. If you were to travel anywhere in the world but only carry one bag what would you pack?

This is so hard. I would carry some maxi dresses, since you can dress them up but also have them be casual. Jeans. And some flowy tops. I would also pack my nude  heels, flats and flip flops. Now for makeup i would keep and simple and pack my foundation, concealed, maybelline eyeshadow pallet, and 1 lipstick.

6.  What was the last song you listened to?

The weekend- i can't feel my face

(Is that even the title?)

7. Are you bilingual? What languages do you wish you spoke?

I know Hindi. I wish i knew french, and that i took it more seriously in school. There are so many bilingual jobs that are available that will pay 10k more. Living in canada speaking french will always come in handy.

8. What was your favorite subject in school?

English! I wish i could say gym( does that even count as a subject?) English class always came easy to me, since i was obsessed with reading. I loved English so much, that ended up being my major in university.

9. What's the most recent show youve been watched?

Gilmore girls! I recently started watching it and im obsessed.

10. What's the funniest thing you've seen a kid do?

I am going to be biased and say everything my son does! Kayden is so animated and is always making funny faces. I love seeing him imitate people and all his reactions to situations.

11. Do you like things to be carefully planned or do you go with the flow?

I need things to be planned. I cant stand people who don't get back to me with plans, and people that are late! I need things planned so i can plan my day. Plus its become more important after having kayden.

Kayden's 3 year old update

Hey Guys,

On September 16th Kayden turned 3. I honestly believe the past year flew by, (which is what every parent says). I decided to give all of you an update on him.

I am still a stay at home mom, but i am a big believer in Kayden learning while at home. I looked up a preschool curriculum, and researched what they need to learn and know by the time he enters kindergarten. In Canada preschool costs $372-$1100 a month which is pricey. Because we are on one income that would eat a big portion of it up.

Everyday Kayden and I do one activity which promotes vocabulary/letter recognition/number recognition etc. And on top of that we also do the weather everyday. I picked up two activity books which focuses on reading and writing. I know to some this may not seem like a lot but I do a good job of keeping him busy throughout the day. Kayden continues to go outside for 2 hours a day (since we still have summer weather), and an organized activity once a week as well as free play. Kayden's attention lasts 20 minutes ( average is 10 minutes).

In the past few months Kayden has done a lot better with his shyness. He has really opened himself up with playing with other children and interacting a lot more with adults. I was extremely shy as a child so i can sympathize with him. Because he has opened up more, we have officially enrolled Kayden into his first activity. Plus, with the colder weather coming, it will be a great way to exert his extra energy. The activity is an introduction to sports while building his gross and fine motor skills.

Kayden loves sports and playing outside. He is always asking to go "bye bye", and this summer we took advantage of that. He used the kiddie pool almost everyday and he rode his bike for at least 2 hours a day! Kayden enjoys painting, reading and anything that has to do with cars/trucks.

As any parent we are struggling with some things, sleeping (at night) and his speech. Kayden does talk, but it is not clear. He understands everything that

is said to him, but lately i have been getting concerned. I don't want kayden to go to school and feel lost or out of place. He is excited to join so I don't want him to feel discouraged. Curtis and I have decided to visit a doctor and see what a professional thinks.

As far as Kayden sleep goes, i don't even know what to say. It started off with nightmares. He would wake up around midnight crying, so he would crawl into bed with us. We didn't mind at first, but now its getting earlier and earlier. Just the other day it took 4 hours to put him down. I asked kayden what was wrong and he said he doesn't like when i say goodnight and leave. Im guessing its a separation issue. We are slowly wanting to wean kayden off his daytime nap, in hopes that it helps with his sleep at night. Kayden id awake for 5.5 hours at a time (currently) and lately that has exhausted him. That extra 30 minutes has really made a difference.

I have always heard that boys are a bottomless pit, but i didn't understand till this past year. Kayden is constantly eating, especially in the morning and after dinner. I have noticed his portion sizes growing, as well as our grocery bill. Our costco membership has come in handy. I do find that we buy in bulk more often, and we don't even come close to the expiry date.

Kayden is potty trained in the daytime. Nighttime is back and forth. If kayden is awake he does ask to use the bathroom, but once he is asleep he does wet himself.

I am so excited for the year ahead and cant wait to see kayden grow! Everyday he is becoming more independent and his interests are expanding!