Ebony Moms on the Move

Long time, no see!

2009-04-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. It has been a long time since I have posted, but as you mommy's know, life has a tendency to de-reail us from best laid plans. I've had work drama, baby illness, money crisis... you name it, I had it. But you all were never far from my heart! : ) I don't have to much to say this evening, but I wanted you to know we aren't gone. We may have an event coming up next week while we are out on Spring Break, so check back soon. In the mean time, Happy Easter. Make sure to get some chocolately kisses, and enjoy the day!

Your sister in motherhood... Tomeka

African American History Event

2009-02-15T14:50:00.000-08:00

Even though we have already done our "official" outing for the month, I thought this was worth mentioning. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, will be having their event on the 21st and 22nd. It will feature dancers, drummers, crafts and more. The event is free with paid admission to the Aquarium. However, there is a coupon on their website that gets one child in free with a paid adult, and all kids under 3 are free (did I mention I like FREE?). And of course, you can see the fish and all the other exhibits. I'll be go on one of those days. Hope to see you there!

Your sister in motherhood... Tomeka

2009-02-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

The February outing was so much fun. Thanks for all of you who attended. The kids enjoyed the body art, making masks, the story teller and the dancers. I enjoyed the sweet potato pie!

Can't wait until March!

Good Hair?

2009-01-28T22:16:00.000-08:00

Chris Rock talks about African American Hair in his new documentary. Inspired my his daughters' esteem issues,he began a journey to uncover the whats and whys of African American women hair identities.

Welcome to a New Day!

2009-01-21T18:56:00.000-08:00

What can our kids do? ANYTHING. I have always known this... my parents told me I could do anything I wanted to do as long as I worked hard for it. But today, on this New Day, we have proof. 100%, undeniably, loud and proud PROOF that they can be anything they want to be, do anything they want to do, and have the love and support of a good man (or woman). They have proof that our home, the United States of America, even with it's faults, is indeed the best country in the world. Today, on this New Day, I stand a little taller, a little prouder, my heart a little lighter, and I breathe a little easier knowing that it's going to be all right. So on this New Day, I say to my precious dughter, you CAN do anything. Thank you President and Mrs. Obama, for this New Day!

Your sister in motherhood.... Tomeka

February Outing

2009-01-21T18:32:00.000-08:00

In honor of Black History Month, February's outing will be to the African Cultural Festival at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana.

"Celebrate the richness of African and African American cultures with powerful drumbeats, dancers, gospel songs, and an art show.... Bring the family and make African masks and Zulu dolls, sample soul food, dessert and have your face and body painted with traditional African symbols of love happiness and honor." Admission is FREE!

When: Sunday February 1

Time: 12:00

Where: Bowers Museum

2002 North Main Street

Santa Ana, CA 92706

714.567.3600

Finance 101

2009-01-09T21:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, so maybe that isn't the best title for the post because I have NO financial wisdom to share. As a single mom, I'm JUST making it, with a little wiggle room. But as you may (or may not) have heard, Suze Orman has just released her latest book on Oprah.com for FREE!! It is called The Action Plan for 2009, and of course it's about money.

Now, I am not endorsing Oprah or Suze, but I am all for free. I glanced over the table of contents and it has a section on paying for college. And seeing as we are all moms (or dads, or caretakers, or someone with kids in your lives SOMEWHERE) I thought this was worth sharing. Look at it. It's free. It won't cost you a thing, but it may help you in the long run.

Happy reading!

Your sister in motherhood.... Tomeka

Party Hard or Hardly Party?

2009-01-07T21:59:00.000-08:00

O.K., O.K., I have to know. Is it me or are there more than twice as many kid birthday parties, today, than when we were younger?

My daughters have recently started a new school and I swear we have spent every weekend at a party or a school event. There were 2 parties before the kids were out for Christmas break and I just got another invitation for Saturday. (Which I won't be able to attend due to the outing) Not only is there an expectation to attend each one, if you can't make it you are suppose to bring the gift to school the next day.

I am seriously thinking about going on a party strike. :) Just kidding. But this is going a bit too far.
What ever happened to cake, ice cream, pinata and friends? Is it so bad that a child doesn't have a party every single year?

Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T21:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year moms!! As we begin this new year I think about the tradition of New Year's Resolutions. And then I think to myself, "Oh no, here we go again! Another resolution made and another resolution broken." So how do we get out of the cycle of making and breaking these promises to be bigger (or smaller), better, stronger and more fabulous?

First, we have to get real about our goals. Are you REALLY going to lose 100 lbs by Valentines day? I doubt it. But if you figure out how, let me know. How about we start by saying we are going to get physically active at least 3 days a week, and cut out one bad food habit. Then, we can build from there, adding more days and longer periods of time for exercise, and deleting more bad foods and adding good ones.

Second, ask yourself why you're doing it. Is it to make someone else happy, or live up to someone else's expectations? Make sure your resolutions are about you and FOR you.

Third, think about the ultimate goals. Sure, when you lose that 100 lbs (seriously, call me when you figure it out!) you'll look great, but what else? Think about the years you add to your life when you get HEALTHY. That's time you get to have with your kids, and grand kids. Let that be a long term goal.

And speaking of kids, I have 3 simple resolutions I am going to put in place this year. Be patient, be positive, and be consistent. Feel free to borrow those if you like.

So moms, here's to a great year. Not just resolutions kept, but lifestyle changes made. Happy moms, and happy families. Friends made and memories collected.

Your sister in motherhood.... Tomeka

January Outing

2009-01-03T18:08:00.000-08:00

We are very excited to announce our first outing. Grab your kids and join us at the Royal Dance Party! We will traveling to 320 W. Wilson Ave., Glendale, January 10th. We will arrive at 12:30 and party until 4:00 If you are planning to attend, please RSVP, by clicking the comment tab below. Let us know your name and how many guests you will bring with you.

The tickets are 15 dollars/each online or 20 dollars at the door. We will be able to recieve a group discount if we can get a commitment of 4 more guests.

Feel free to visit the website:www.royaldanceparty.com

Space is limited, click www.royaldanceparty.com to get your tickets now!

Q: What is Royal Dance Party?
A: Royal Dance Party is a family event where you can socialize with your children and other parents as well. It is a magical place where you are treated like a real royalty. The event has a real royal ball atmosphere with red carpet leading to the entrance, costumes, healthy royal feast, etc.

Q: Who needs a ticket?
A: Both adults and children will need a ticket. Children under 1 are free with a paid sibling.

Q: What ages is Royal Dance Party for?\
A: Royal Dance Party was created for children ages 1-8 and everybody else who still believes in fairy tales and loves to party in style.

Q: Is this party for girls only?
A: Not at all. Boys can have as much fun as girls. They can get their feet moving and dance to fun music, catch bubbles, enjoy healthy snacks and have their faces painted.

Q: Do we need to dress up for the party?
A: Guests are not required to dress up for the party. However, wearing your favorite royal attire would add to the magic.

Hot Spot - December

2008-12-28T18:49:00.000-08:00

AMERICAN GIRL PLACE
LOS ANGELES

I have been to many places in L.A. but nothing tops the American Girl store. If you haven't been, get there fast. (Dec. is when they have there annual sale)

My first experience with the store was when my daughter was five. I went with my sister and my niece and had a blast. We started off in the shopping area where they had many dolls and accessories to purchase. Lots of the dolls are based off a historical period including the Addie doll, the African American. However, I chose one of the "Just Like You" dolls, because the coloring of the Addy doll seemed strange. Picking it out proved to be challenging as well. The coloring was better but the hair (textured brown ) was the kind of hair that tangles easily. "Oh well", I thought, "can't change that". I pushed on and picked out a doll with curly hair and proceeded to the picture studio.

At the studio, we had pictures taken of the girls with their dolls, which were placed on magazine covers. The girls loved it! The pictures came out wonderful and were worth every penny. Our celebrating was cut short due to the American Girl theater show starting. We were treated to a wonderful live performance, in which the African American actress did an outstanding job. This was truly a lively, stellar performance. We all had a great time.

Finally we celebrated my niece's birthday in the cafe, which was outfitted with special seats at the table for your doll. The food was cute (not very filling) and the cake was great. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.

Where: The Grove
Shopping: 3 stars (AA doll needs better coloring and quality hair)
Activities: 5 stars
Price: 4 stars (High priced, but worth the money)

Welcome

2008-12-28T16:03:00.001-08:00

Welcome