Sunday Journal + Snaps

Moms
Good Morning Peeps! My mom has finally made it 10,000 miles across the Sea. I am super excited and it just amazes me how quickly (within 5 minutes) my son got used to his Omi-Never make the mistake and call my mom a Granny lol. It's like she has been here with us for ages and to me thats so very heart-warming. Seeing the two of them just laugh, go fo their walks, having Omi join us for bedtime stories and playing with Batman makes me believe what i have heard from many Grandmothers. A mother and her children have that "Special Connection" but a Grandmother and her Grandkids are a whole nother Level ! As for me, every Girl needs her mother.

Travel Thoughts
Sir Richard Burton once said" The gladdest Moment in human life, I think, is a departure into unknown lands. Reminiscing the good old days back home in Europe today. I remember the trips to Paris, Stockholm, Amsterdam Ect as though I had just been there yesterday. Beautiful countrysides, millions of rivers and endless miles of forests.Even though I miss home at times and know without a doubt that I'll get a chance to take my son to see where part of his roots are, theres still so much of the World i still havent seen. I dont know about you guy's but if Travelling was free, I would be gone 24/7! Lately, I've been thinking about places such as Hawaii or Bali. Both places are beautiful and have a lot to offer.If anyone has any Tips or recommendations please feel free to drop them below. I'd love to hear from you guy's.

Spring
Florida and ist bipolar weather! Im tellin ya. One day ist burning hot and the next you wake up thinking Armagedon has started. Im ready for Summer and Travels. But Spring is still here, which for me means lace. I absolutely love it and think it flows so smoothly with ones Skin. Here a Outfit i put together for you guys. I would send you guys a direct link to shop my look buuut I've had this stuff for a while now and just now decided to clean my closet out a bit. A tip: you can find hats like this almost anywhere now a days. I bought this one at H&M and These bootcut  Jeans are from Tommy Hilfiger.

That's all for today. I hope you enjoyed your Brunch. As for me Lunch is calling and so is my son lol
Have a Blessed Sunday and dont Forget to follow your heart.
xoxo

Your Purpose

I once heard someone say the mind is a powerful tool. That your thoughts define who you are. I've been going through the hardest times of  my life but seeing the smile on my face or what i accomplish on a daily Basis, no one would ever know. Today we measure ourselves depending on Facebook likes or Instagram hearts. We push ourselves to be just like "her" or "him". I have been there and done that-believe me. Now I sometimes do wonder where all the authenticity has gone to. I used to get discouraged because i wanted nothing more than to write a Blog and take photos all day but seeing all These great and skilled People on the Internet,seeing their Followers, looking at their Pictures made me sick to my stomache, No, not because their Content was so lame but because it was good. REAL good. We all have had someone in our life, whether a relative or someone we have meet,that had nothing but negative opinions or comments on what you were telling them. I remember when my dreams where unrealistic. When finishing my BA in psychology as a single mother of an Infant was unthinkable. But guess what. Im doing it. And all because of the words of ONE Person. Again the power of encouragement and positiv thoughts should not be underestimated. If you ask me today where I stand in life and what i want, I would say this."Positive Vibes only!"Peace of mind and being me and surrounding myself with People who support me is the only thing im accepting at this Point. I am taking Baby steps-the day by day kinda thing. 1 accomplishment is way better than none at all. Be unique and stand out. Be you without being cruel to others. None of us is in a Position to judge anyone. The good part about this life is if you dont want to be around someone, if you dont like them guess what? You dont have to be around them. Dont be afraid to let go of Things that are toxic for to your life. You may feel like your loosing but you will gain something much better. Peace of

So please take this to heart. YOU are amazing and unique. We all have our ups and downs and we have all been at a low in our life. But the Thing to remember is to get back up guys!!! Do not let others opinion get the best of you. They aren't happy with their own life. Some know no better. Dont take negativity and let it turn you sour. We ALL have a Purpose. Find yours. All the Money all the fame all the cars! All of that means nothing if you have no Purpose in life. I want to make a difference. I want to Change the world. But i first have to BE the difference i want to see in the World. Do not let your dreams just be dreams. Dont be dismayed by how dark and broken the world is because a lot of Things are temporary and broken but a lot of Things can also be fixed. But only with Intention. One positive thought in the morning can Change your day. We have a choice each day we get up. Life is what you make of it,

Sunday Journal + Snaps

                                                                                              Good morning and Happy Easter everyone! I do think it's kind of weird that Easter is on April fools day, don't you think? But never the less, I'm back and since i haven't posted in a while(MOTHERHOOD!) I thought I'd come up with somethimg new. Switchin it up a little. There's quite a bit happening lately, so instead of one Post, why not one BIG one! Every second and fourth Sunday, you guys will get a peek of what I'm up to, how life is treating me with a youngin', Travels I might be planning and some stuff i probably found on one of my trips to a Yardsale. Anyways, just a little bit of everything and nothing. You can skim over my "Sunday Journal" while sippin on your morning Coffee and munchin on a buttery Buscuit.(excuse the slang but im from the South) Hope you Enjoy.

Secrets Of The South|Eden State Garden 
Last Sunday i had the privilege of being on the other side of the lens for a change. Usually I'm the one behind the camera and to actually have some totally natural Pictures taken of my son and I was rare and amazing. It beats the regular selfie I tell you that. Lets talk about the location for a minute. I haven't seen a place so alive and green and surrounded by so many beautiful Tree's in a long time! Astonishing landscape with a huge white house at the Entrance.  For my son Julius, it was hog heaven. I realized, I sometimes spend hours searching for places to travel and visit,far far away. By doing so, I have missed a Jem that was right around the corner. Sometimes the places we seek for peace and quite, a afternoon walk, a picnic or even for a good Picture, are in our back yard. Maybe we should spend a little more time exploring home, where ever that may be, before we go and seek the unknown. You never know what you may find.

                 








  

Travels|Tennessee and Georgia
I have some super excited News to share. After 2 years apart, she is finally flying in to see her Grandson for the first time. We're all super stoked of course and i cant wait to see how Julius will react to seeing his Omi for the first time as well. With his almost 9 months, he has a HUGE and of course amazing personality. The moment i knew that she was flying to Atlanta,Georgia i had to plan a little roadtrip. I've never really took the time to make stops travelling back and forth to Georgia so this time around I've decided to actually take the time and see what little Jems Georgia holds. And not to take away the fun but I've also been planning a little trip to Tennessee sometime this summer. Ever since a friend came back stunned and still day dreaming about the State, I've put it on my travel list. Im already jumping up and down and can't wait. I will definitely keep you guys updated. But thats pretty much what's going on in my life besides being a mom and student. I had someone ask me how i manage to put school and being a mom under one hat and how I quote" In gods so lovely name do you manage all of that?"  Well sometimes i ask myself the same thing but i will make a more detailed blog about it in a couple days. Hope you enjoyed your Sunday paper:) everyone have a blessed and safe Sunday.

Wednesday Playlist

Because after Tuesday even the Calender says WTF!! Hey guys i know its been a while. Technical difficulties. I've been weeks without a phone and computer. I was super frustrated because i just started this Blog thing and then this but i made it through ,have a computer AND a Phone again and i'm still very dedicated to get this Blog growing and going. So its only Wednesday and for some of you the Weekend cant come fast enough. Plans plans plans and i hope they all fall through, especially since im super excited to take my son to the Zoo on Saturday and its been kinda really cold in Florida! Impossible you think? Think again, i always tell people its  not always Sunshine and Palm trees.  There has been so much going on lately. Finding a new home for my son and I, Christmas is around the corner and Julius and I are planning to fly home and visit his Omi back home in Germany but his Passport still hasnt arrived so its the Jitty Bug feeling until it gets here, new car and job so yessss i have a lot on my plate. But i'm a Woman we can Multitask and survive anything. But never the less, i've decided to create a short Playlist to get us through the rest of the Week. Your thoughts control you at times so make sure to always stay positive and know that God will always make a way. If he puts you through it, you can handle it ;) So here we go hope you guys enjoy.

Wednesday Playlist:

1. Michael Bolton-Lean on me
2. Starley-Call on me (Riback remix)
3. Black Bear-Do re mi feat Gucci Mane
4. Jeremih-Planez
5. Childish Gambino-Redbone
6. Khalid-Location
7. Dua Lipa-New Rules
8. Ginuwine-Pony
9. Shawn Mendes-Theres nothng holding me back
10. Niall Horan-Slow Hands
11. Camila Cabello- Crying in the Club
12. Rag n bone man-Human
13. Tinie Tempah feat Zara Larsson-Girls Like
14. Justin Bieber-Friends
15. Sam Smith-Too good at Goodbyes

Again always stay Positive. Tomorrows Thanksgiving so whats there no to be happy about.

XoXo

Help! My baby is Teething

Teething! At 2 1/2 months? I that even possible? The answer is YES. Even thinking of it makes me pringely. When my son Julius was born he was a very content/non fussy baby and has been ever since. Guess I'm one of the lucky ones. Buts its not always laughs and smiles. So you can imagine the confusion  when Julius started to fuss and become restless especially after we established a sleeping routine. I wondered what in heavens name could possibly be wrong. The first thing that popped into my mind was gas, maybe a diaper change or could he be hungry or just uncomfortable? After he gave me a big ol smile I finally had it. My baby was teething!! Yes. Sleeper soaked in drool and swollen gums. So I did some research(as always) on Gels to use. But after talking to my mom and a family friend I found out that there are natural ways to sooth your babies irritated little gums. Sadly, that's all you can do at his point. If we could magically take the pain away as mothers trust me we would. So first off,  here are some common signs that your baby could be teething. Your baby doesn't have to have all signs listed.

Signs:

• swollen, bulging gums
• Drooling( the kind that leaves their Shirts soaked) Make sure you keep a clean cloth nearby to wipe off all that slobber. I could cause a rash on your babies neck and chin.
• Fussiness
• Wake up a lot at night
• Biting any and everything they get their little hands on
• Constantly rubbing his/her Face
• Rash

Now I heard that a mild fever and diarrhea is also very common but after following up with Julius' pediatrician, she stated that teething is not a sickness so there shouldn't be any fever or diarrhea. Lastly after getting a second opinion from a doctor, my opinion overall is that a mild fever could be possible( Julius had one) but if you uncertain and your child has a mild fever and excessive diarrhea, go to the emergency room immediately!!

So here we come to the Tips.

1. Try solid cold foods(depending on age)

Peeled Carrots. Now always watch your child while giving him/her foods! Chocking can occur. If you don't like that idea or you are scared of chocking hazards, try fresh food feeders. They recommend them at 6+ months but I give Julius one every now and then and he's only 3 months I fill it with frozen strawberries. He loves it! You can find the one I have here. Its a good way to prevent chocking as well.

     2.   Rubbing gums

Might sound funny but it helps. Putting pressure on the swollen gums while rubbing them might also help the teeth pop through the gums. Make sure your finger are clean.

     3.   Teething ring

I recommend the wooden ones because the ones made out of rubber that filled with water could bust.

Here are some Wooden teething rings or toys.

      4.   Love!

Last but not last lots of comfort and love. Because we all want to be pampert when were hurting right.! Hope this helped someone. xoxo

Guide to getting your Passport renewed-Pronto!

If there's one thing that should be on every persons bucket list it should be travelling. Traveling has opened my eyes and mind to so many new things. I have a whole new perspective on life. Ive learned and seen so many beautiful an amazing things that I would have never seen if I wouldn't have ventured off into the world at 16. Can you imagine. 16, in London, alone with a friend, a backpack and 50 pounds to my name. It was life changing and absolutely stunning. Trust me , there's so much the world has to offer, you do don't wanna miss out.

So you've decided to take that step and get a Passport or you just need to renew the one you already have, first thing to do is Plan ahead!! Have your Documents ready!The processing time on Passports is 6 weeks at the moment and I'm sure you don't want any delays or catch yourself stalking the postman before take off.

Fees are at $110 for Adults and $80 for children under 18. If you nee your Passport in hurry you can expedite your application for an additional $60.

If your needing your passport right away you have to have a life or death emergency. You can see if you qualify here

If your travelling in less than 4 weeks you have to make an appointment at a passport agency or center or at a Expedite acceptance facility. search here If doing so you are going to need proof that your travelling soon, such as a plane ticket and make sure you have the right Documents. This form is different than the one you would use if you are renewing your passport by Mail.  You can also expedite your renewal by Mail. If mailing be sure to add the $60 expediting fee and clearly mark the envelope with "EXPEDITE"

Getting a first time Passport

All first time applicants will have to apply in person.As mentioned earlier, you wanna have ALL the Documents you need. You will need the following.

• Passport photos. They have to be a certain size so check the application to see what norms you will be needing. right now the size is a 2" by 2" color Photo. They have to be clear so I don't recommend phone photos. For instance my local Walmart or Walgreens are accepting facilities or you can always go to a professional.
• Form DS-11. ATTENTION. For minors both Parents have to be present unless certain Family circumstances do not allow it. Now I don't know how the rules are in other states but in Florida this means  the other parent is imprisoned or you have a court order that doesn't allow he other parent to be around or as in my case, the other parent is not around and you have no idea how to locate them.
• then the needed fee again do not forget the expedited fee if needed!
• Citizenship evidence(birth certificate)
• Identification and proof of relationship for children under 16

That's about all you need to know. For more Info feel free to visit the official site here. Like I said there is nothing more life changing and wonderful as Travelling. So find your inner Wanderlust spirit and go. Lie is too short. Buy that plan ticket and eat that cake. xoxo

Tips on Trick or Treating with Toddlers+ cool Alternatives

Hocus Pocus, crazy costumes, spooky decorations and lets not forget the important part: CANDY!
Of course we all love Halloween. I mean free candy what's not to like about that. All those goodys and fun could be over with pretty quick though if a house looks to scary or when a costume doesn't sit right. Well with years of experience trick or treating with cousins, I think I have some pretty good tips on how you can make trick or treating go a lot smoother this year. And if your not up for hours of walking or you just don't want to go, don't worry. There's lots of other things you can do on hollows eve hat doesn't include begging strangers for candy

1. Costume (very important)

We all know the scarier the better. But think about it for a second. Your kid has to spend hours in this thing which means its gonna have to be comfortable. No itching Fabrics or over the top huge Headpieces ( they end up in the candy bag  nine times out of ten). So again make sure the Costume sits and fits. 

                                                                           

      2.  The right candy bag

Regular grocery bags can rip and bucket handles could come off easy. If you have a bag make sure its a durable one or one made out of cloth. Bucket handles need to wide enough yet easy to grip. And for those that don't like neither, my cousin always had a little backpack.

       3.  Plan a Route

Worst nightmare for you and your Toddler would be having to end all the fun because of a potty mistake or your legs start to hurt because you've been walking the block for too long! So plan a route that includes a stop back home( if you're trick or treating in your area of course) or a place where you can stop and go if you rally have to.

       4.  Always be visible

Kids like to run off and explore things on their own which there's nothing wrong with that just in this case (Halloween) not such a good idea. Do it like my mom use to and take a Flashlight. Another awesome thing: reflector Tape!!!! Just add some into the costume, that way your Toddler doesn't think its too uncool.

Well I guess that's all the tips I have. And lets face fats here. Trick or treating is not for everybody.

So why not try a Pumpkin Hunt in your Yard or House. Really cool idea. Decorate a little( or a lot) and hide the pumpkins anywhere you'd like. I'd recommend hiding a little candy with each pumpkin so the effect of getting some candy doesn't completely fall away.

Or maybe a Pinata ! and again hang it in the yard or house doesn't matter. And for those that like it real simple. Horror movie night is always awesome.

I hope I helped at least someone out there. xoxo

Beginning of Fall

 

Fall. You  beautiful ,pumpkin spice scented, color changing, sweater weather, brisk air season of love and coffee. Fall is here. It has been since September 22 actually but I live in Florida and you really couldn't tell until now. Florida weather is crazy. well I live in a historic little Town up in the Panhandle so he bright reds nd yellows of Fall that are all over the tree tops are visible( a little).Although, every now and then you'll catch a Palm tree wishing it would  change colors while driving down the Highway. It's no an Indian Summer as in Canada but hey, all is whispering a hello. Some find it hard to get into the Fall "feeling" here because it's still so hot but if your like me nothing is gonna stop you from having people think you've gone completely crazy.

To me it means a new Wardrobe, long walks in the parks, lot of books and an extreme sickening amount of Pumpkin spice. Don't judge. It's that time of the year where I take my camera and go nuts, visit pumpkin patches and go on hay rides and with Halloween around the corner, I'm pretty sure everyone has lots of planning to do. I do its my first Halloween with an Infant. so start your Fall To-do list(if you haven't already started) and get going. I'm definitely going to be busy visiting the pumpkin patches and all. I'll have some Recipes posted soon so come back. I promise you wont be sorry. Until then guys xoxo

Mareah