My North Star: Etoile du North

Hello My Readers!

I hope you are all doing swell! I've been hard at work trying to kick start my creative motivation!   As you can see, I have a passion and eye for design and fashion. I also love teaching children and contributing to society in a meaningful way.

Late at night, I get bit by the creative bug that gets ahold of me and won't let go. Ouch! I'm tired, just let me sleep! It's a great feeling! I just wish it would bite me in the wee morning hours.

Since I live in the big city, it's only natural for me to gravitate toward Fashion Ave. I can't stop poking my head into Mood Fabrics. When I'm inside my creative button revs into overdrive and I can't stop touching all the beautiful fabrics.

I stumbled upon a jersey type stretch material and fell head over heels in love with it. I am a lover of stripes. Anything black and white, navy and white,  and red and white, just inspire me in their beauty. It magically brought me back to when I was a child wanting an exceptional blanket to sleep with at night.

It's lightweight but keeps you warm, and great for summer slumber because it has a cooling effect when you move. So cute as a weekend picnic blanket or a summer beach blankie! A perfect baby or children's blanket! I can totally see it over a stroller or in a crib.

I even put it on my fiancé when he was snoozing! I urgently needed a name and it "popped" into my head. "Etoile du North" which means "North Star" in French. As I'm eagerly anticipating my new last name and  shedding my old one, I thought I would rebirth my new brand!

I will be showing my new line shortly. I'm so excited! I will also be giving a percentage of the proceeds to an educational program in New York City. I want to improve their schools for the future. I found my North Star! Sneak Peek!

Children's Book in July: Time to Pee

Hello Readers!

Since I am a toddler 2-year old teacher, I thought this book would really come in handy for children's learning about potty training. As we age, it's really only natural to know how and when to use the potty. But, if you can think back that far, it's really a challenging concept for an itty bitty thing to understand.

 Children think very concretely, some look at me very strange when I tell them they need to use the toilet. I believe they are thinking,"why is she telling me to sit on that cold scary thing when my diaper is much more comfortable and easy?"

Don't get me wrong,  some children can sit and go potty as soon as they see someone else do it, but for others it's a little bit tricky. That's why I choose to talk about a good book, Time to Pee by Mo Willems. This book is very basic and full of illustrations and instructions on how to go potty.

Some children need charts and stickers, while others just need regular reminders. I have even heard about potty parties or to reward your child with a gift they have been really wanting. Every child is different! I have noticed that girls tend to learn the concept a bit faster than boys. Don't worry! Don't stress yourself out or your child, it's a learning curve for both parties.

Just remember parents, if you ever get impatient, just think about how someday you might be back in diapers walking ever so slowly to the potty. Show patience and understanding, you never know when you'll need your children's help someday! Give lots of love and excitement for those first few months of potty exploration!

The Joy of Juicing: Kristen's Karrot Elixir

Hello Readers!

I thought I would speak briefly on my fruit and vegetable juicing  journey. My mom introduced me to this wonderful concoction that is "oh" so good for you. Since I've been trying to stay fit and active, I have come back around to my love for it. My dad sent me his old juicer he no longer uses, so I said "Great"!

I went to the grocery store and bought all the necessities for my Glowing Carrot Juice. Carrots are beneficial because they are loaded with Vitamins A, C, K and B8. They also have fiber, potassium, iron, and copper.  Carrots can also prevent heart disease and heart attacks. Carrots are also great for your blood pressure, diabetes, digestion problems, prevention of cancer and macular degeneration.

Eyesight is essential for us all, but I haven't been too lucky in receiving the best eyesight, so it is essential for me to help my eyes in any way that I can.  Check out the link below about how carrots can help your health.

Here is a great elixir to keeping carrots in your diet.

Kristen's Karrot Elixir

1. 5 Washed carrots with tops cut off
2. Thumbprint of Ginger
3. 2 Granny Smith Apples cut and washed
4. 2 Naval Oranges
5. 100% Natural Coconut Juice (optional, but very yummy!)

That's all folks! Cheers to good health!



Benefits of Carrots:

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/carrots.html

Style Sundays: White Hot Summer Looks!

Hello Readers!

I hope you enjoyed your American filled Red White and Blue Holiday! New York was partly rainy in the morning but cleared up during the early evening. I'm not a huge crowd goer, so I was totally satisfied by going uptown for a little nosh in the city. The place is called Meatballs and they concoct the best Meatball sandwich!

As we were approaching the subway, all I could see was a sea of yellow and green jerseys around me.  I'm not a soccer super fan, so it was my hypothesis Brazil was playing another team. Venturing out on the Fourth of July in New York, not once did I see anyone in USA patriotic colors. I was a bit perplexed,  but I understand the diversity that New York encounters.

We are a melting pot of nationalities that live side by side in very close quarters in this mecca  of people and skyscrapers.  It's easy to get frustrated if you are not accepting of another's race. Stop the useless hate and release positive energy. We are all the same on the inside!   I've seen every nationality possible and mixtures of ethnicities that I have never encountered before. That's what makes America so beautiful.

It's openness and accepting attitude (sometimes) that makes this place so exciting. It's  the ability to reach for your dreams and goals to make your life your very own American dream. It's the different food choices on each corner that entice me with their delicious differences.

I am proud to say that on July 4th of this year, I sported my colors that I am proud to be an American and live in the greatest country in the world. I wore a little white dress and a navy blazer.

I did get to see the fireworks from my apartment view and the Empire State Building light up red, white and blue.  This summer, stay cool in white and let your hair drip dry for less heat damage. You will  stay cool and see a difference in your hair health!  Stay white hot! Have a great summer!

I love you,  America!