Homeschooling MY Way!!!!

Hey all!!

So yesterday, I was reading in magazine that when a child is under the age of 2, it's IMPERATIVE to NOT let them watch any type of television... not even DVD's!! They state that this will hinder the child and the child's learning capacity.

Let's rewind...

I've been Homeschooling Choca since birth... Reading to her daily, doing flash cards of ABC's, 123's, shapes, colors, etc... I've also made it a point to let her WATCH (ON TV... WHO KNEW?!?!) Educational Shows (Sign Language, ABC/123, Math, English, Science, etc)... ALSO, we have several field trips a week in which we visit libraries, aquariums, parks, schools, grocery stores, etc...

Now, Choca is 2 years old (2.8 years for those who do that...). She's FLUENT in American Sign Language, reads, writes (knows how to write SEVERAL of her letters), spells words and knows what they are, knows all of her shapes and numbers AND knows math...Not to mention she speaks in COMPLETE sentences (using big words here and there in the right context...surprising even ME!) She can also help me cook certain meals because of her understanding of fractions (still working on those!!!)

We went to the doctor on Monday... The doctor looks at her and says, "Hello... MY name is Dr. ______! What's your name? Choca gives her name, and shakes the Docs hand.  The doctor smiles.  She then says, "How old are you, sweetie? Choca says, "I'm 2 years old.  How old are you, Doctor??" The doctor gives her age.  She then looks at me and says, "Soooo... Is she really 2?? Oooor...." I state that she's two.  She then says, "WOW!! And she talks so clearly?!?!? That's amazing. She speaks and carries herself as if she is four or five!" 

#PROUDMOMMYMOMENT

As you can see, JUST because someone states that one way is the ONLY way doesn't mean that it's true.  Choca learned all that she does because of the help of television, and a family that is close-knit and willing to keep at it with her in order to keep her on track.

Oh... And she's a little fashionista!! LOL :)

Questions: CharlottesAvenue@gmail.com
Comments: Leave Them Here

Keep Watching,

Char~

It's Perfectly Natural Giveaway WINNER!!!

Hey all...

So, the winner of the It's Perfectly Natural Giveaway has been chosen!!

Is it you??

http://charlottesavenue.blogspot.com/2012/03/its-perfectly-natural-giveaway.html

Winner has 48 hours to respond to the email.  If you don't respond within that amount of time, another winner will be chosen!!

Congratulations!

Keep Watching,

Char~

CC's Braids!!! :)

Hey all,

So... for the past two weeks or so, CC has been wearing her hair in an Afro puff. She was tired of the twists, and was looking for something different.  She brought it to my attention that she wanted to get some braids.  She wanted them so that her hair can rest and be protected in this crazy weather we're having...AND she didn't want to have to worry about her hair along with getting ready for college and end of school activities.  

Now of course, I didn't mind doing them... I enjoy the time we have together... and since she's been doing her own hair for so long (tears), I jumped on the opportunity to have that special one on one time with her. 

So... In order to get the braids the way we wanted them, I used:

(2) bags Black & Gold Braid (#2)

(2) bags Black & Gold Braid (#2/30)

Water

Blended Beauty Natural Hair Oil

Ampro Pro Styl Gel

Organic Root Stimulator Oilve Oil Nourishing Sheen Spray

I sectioned her hair into three sections (one of my own mind tricks I play on myself to get it down in a timely manner).  I made sure to keep her hair moisturized with water before braiding it, in order to make it easier to get the hair in.  Before applying the extensions, I used Pro Styl Gel to make her hair smooth and have an better mix of her hair and the braid hair. 

Her hair is very long, so I had to do them pretty long in order to encompass her gorgeous kinks.

Braiding section one...

Braiding section 2...

As I braided, I used the Blended Beauty Natural Hair Oil to keep her hair and scalp nicely oiled up. Once her hair was completely braided, this was how it looked on the ends:

I boiled some water, added oil to it... And then dipped her braids to get this result:

Once it was all dipped, I gave it a finished coat of Blended Beauty Natural Hair Oil, Pro Styl Gel, and Organic Root Stimulator Oilve Oil Nourishing Sheen Spray.

The Final Product:

CC then decided to try her little Tam on with it... She was getting her stylin' right!! :) 

And, it wouldn't be complete without Choca jumping in... :)

How cute is this style?? It took me about 5 1/2 hours from beginning to end to complete... and we used about  three bags of hair.  This style will last her 2-3 months. 

I think CC looks amazing, and I so happy to have had this wonderful time with her... 

Questions: CharlottesAvenue@gmail.com

Comments: Leave Them Here!! :) 

Keep Watching, 

Char~

Wordless Wednesday

Hey all,

Sketched Choca

Keep Watching,

Char~

(CLOSED) It's Perfectly Natural Giveaway!!!

Hey all!!

IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

*~*IT'S PERFECTLY NATURAL*~*

*~*HAIR CARE PRODUCTS*~*

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK 

Ms. Denise over at It's Perfectly Natural Healthy Hair Care has been so very gracious to host a giveaway on her amazing products!!! She's giving ONE lucky winner:

Naturcleanse Shampoo

Lovin' My Coils Deep Conditioner

Turn Me Loose Leave-In

Tea-lightful Hair Quencher

Basil Lemongrass Conditioning Creme

*Please check out my review on these amazing products HERE.*

So... Are you ready?!?!

Get set... 

GO!

*please wait for the Rafflecopter to load...*

*Winner has 48 hours to respond to corresponding email.  If winner does not respond within the allotted time, another winner will be chosen.  No exceptions!*

Product Review: Pretzel Crisps

Hey all,

IT'S REVIEW TIME!!

*~*PRETZEL CRISPS*~*

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE

So, we were given the opportunity to try these yummy and HEALTHY pretzels from PRETZEL CRISPS!

FROM THE WEBSITE:

Health Benefits

Pretzel Crisps®: Excellent Food for Healthy Eating

As a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, I am always looking for great portable snack ideas for my clients to help them maintain or achieve a healthy lifestyle. Pretzels Crisps® are a great alternative to potato chips and other snack foods. They contain 110 calories per serving and no fat (10-11 crisps) compared with 150 calories and 10 gram of fat (1 g saturated) per one ounce serving for potato chips.

The American Dietetic Association and American Heart Association recommends that the public should not consume trans fat and keep saturated fat consumption to a minimum. The American Heart Association recommends that individuals attain five to nine serving of fruits and vegetables daily, as well. Studies show that trans fat and saturated fat contribute to heart disease and raising bad cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, the majority of my clients, as well as most Americans, find it difficult to reduce their calorie and fat intake without sacrificing taste. Pretzel Crisps® are a great option for my clients to maintain a heart healthy, low calorie diet.

For those with special medical needs like diabetes and/or high cholesterol, Pretzels Crisps® does not contain trans or saturated fats and have only 21-23 grams of carbohydrate per serving (1 ½ carbohydrate exchanges). People with diabetes can easily fit Pretzel Crisps® in carbohydrate meal plan as a snack or with a meals not raise blood glucose levels dramatically. They also do not contain any saturated and trans fat so they a great choice for those following a diet to reduce their cholesterol and manage their heart health.

Pretzel Crisps® easily fit in car glove compartments, lockers, backpacks, purses and desk drawers, making them great for travel or the “on the go” busy professional. These fat free and low calorie treats never sacrifice taste and definitely satisfy that “salt craving” we all house. Pretzel Crisps® come in a variety of different flavors so you never get bored. You can also add these crunchy and versatile snacks to your favorite yogurt, as a salad topper, or create something new on your own. Have fun with them. I know I do.

Emily Mitchell, MS, RD, CSSD, CDE

Registered Dietitian

Certified Sports Specialist Dietitian

Certified Diabetes Educator

OUR REVIEW:

One word: YUMMY!

The Pretzel Crisps were delicious.  They were light, extra crispy to the taste, and true to the flavor they were seasoned with.  

They are great for snacks...My husband took a bag to work, and ALL of his co-workers were in AWE of how delicious they were, especially since they were so healthy!! 

My high school daughter took them to school with her, and even her TEACHERS were amazed at the delicious taste and flavor of these amazing morsels of goodness. 

ALSO, try them with some hummus... OH MY GOODNESS... Talk about a party in your mouth.  It's absolutely delightful!

I definitely recommend this product for those people who are on the run and like to snack, without having something that extra fatty.  These won't let you down, or bog you down!

Make sure you check out their WEBSITE, and go on over to their FACEBOOK, like them, and let them know I sent you! :) 

Questions: CharlottesAvenue@gmail.com

Comments: Leave Them Here!

Keep Watching, 

Char~

Product Review: Goody Good Stuff

Hey All,

IT's REVIEW TIME!

*~*GOODY GOOD STUFF*~*

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK

So, I was given the opportunity to try some yummy goodies from GOODY GOOD STUFF!

FROM THE WEBSITE:

Goody Good Stuff is an all-new natural gummy candy range that is made with a plant derived bio-gum technology, which eliminates the need for animal-based gelatin, which most traditional gummy candies use.

Over the last 15 years, we have worked to develop a food technology, which allows us to remove the gelatine from Gummy candies while still producing a deliciously smooth and clear consistency. This makes our product range a first and only of its kind in the market. In addition, we have taken out all of the artificial colours and flavours and use only natural fruit and vegetable extracts in our range. Lastly, we have removed all of the other harmful food additives and possible allergens such as gluten, to create a truly all natural alternative, which is completely allergen free.

OUR REVIEW:

First off, this product has a TWO YEAR SHELF LIFE!!! So, if you're anything like me, and you buy in bulk, this product is definitely for you!

The taste?!?!? YUMMY!! From the Cherry Cherries to the Sour Fruit Salad... Every piece of yummy goodness was DELICIOUS! Choca ate it up and was asking for more IMMEDIATELY after... And Choca cannot STAND candy!!! So, this product is DEFINITELY a must have for me... And, it's ALL NATURAL!! Can't beat that!!

I highly recommend this product to all of you parents who have a child who you homeschool or that is a snacker after school, etc.  It's a great pick me up and isn't filled with nasty stuff! :) 

Make sure to check out their WEBSITE to check out more info on their goodies, and don't forget to go by their FACEBOOK page, like them, and let them know I sent you. 

Questions: CharlottesAvenue@gmail.com

Comments: Leave Them Here!

Keep Watching, 

Char~

Product Review: Nature's Hand Granola

Hey all,

IT'S REVIEW TIME!!

*~*NATURE'S HAND GRANOLA*~*

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE

So, I was given the opportunity to try some delicious granola from Nature's Hand.

FROM THE WEBSITE:

Over 40 years ago, two Bavarian immigrants who resided in Minnesota decided they wanted to begin blending and baking their own unique mix of grains and nuts. This recipe would come straight from Northern Europe and was a recipe that had been used and shared with many people back in the old country. The founders never had any intention of marketing and selling their product initially. They baked it simply because they loved the taste of the granola they were making.

After a few years, friends and family began inquiring about the recipe. At this point, the founders began engaging in the idea of selling their granola commercially since it was developing such a cult-like following.

For the next three decades, the founders baked and sold their granola, slowly expanding their reach over much of southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. They originally formed a company called Nature’s Harvest, but then changed the name to Nature’s Hand a few years later.  The company had a loyal customer base that used the product as a cereal, a topping, and a baking ingredient with other delicious recipes.

After 35 years of hard work and the building of a successful brand, the founders decided it was time to retire.  At that time, a small private investment group came together to purchase the company and trasitioned the ownership in the Fall of 2005.

When the new ownership took over, they decided to give the packaging a fresh look and to launch some new flavors.  Within three years, the company had new packaging and went from offering two flavors to seven flavors in an attempt to widen the company’s marketability and brand recognition with its customers.  However, even with all of these changes, the new managers realized they needed to maintain the ingredients and formulations of the original recipes that had made the company so successful for the previous 35 years.

Today, Nature’s Hand granola continues to evolve.  While the company still offers its Original Vanilla Almond flavor, the recipes have been enhanced to add flavor and texture to the granola while still maintaining the health benefits of the product.  We are proud of what we have developed because it gives us the best of both worlds; our original, foundational granola and our new, enhanced granolas.

OUR REVIEW:

Let me say... This product is A-MA-ZING!! When I opened it, the smell of BOTH of them was sooooo amazing... I sat there and couldn't stop eating this delicious granola!! 

The entire family indulged in the amazing deliciousness of this product.  There was not ONE crumb left in the bags when it was all said and done.  

Natural food is good for you, but lots of people think that it is flavorless.  This product totally debunks that theory!!!

AND... Their website offers DELICIOUS GRANOLA RECIPES for you to try.  It's a full-service website, folks! :) 

I totally recommend any person who is into natural foods to try this product.  You will NOT be disappointed! 

Please check out their WEBSITE, and don't forget to go by their FACEBOOK page, like them, and let them know I sent you! :) 

Questions: CharlottesAvenue@gmail.com

Comments: Leave Them Here!

Keep Watching, 

Char~

Product Review: Marx Foods

Hey all,

IT'S REVIEW TIME!!

*~*MARX FOODS ECO-FRIENDLY PLATES*~*

FACEBOOK  WEBSITE

So, I was given the AWESOME opportunity to try some ECO-FRIENDLY PLATES from MARX FOODS.

FROM THE WEBSITE:

Our Palm Leaf Plates are great for entertaining. These elegant and durable disposable party plates are an eco-friendly alternative to conventional disposable plates. These biodegradable plates are a natural and renewable resource. Naturally discarded sheaths of the leaves of the Adaka palm tree are collected from the forest floor. No trees are cut down. The plates and the disposable cutlery are even compostable!

Epicurious.com calls these plates “charming, a little rustic, and sturdy…eco-friendly.” Saveur Magazine agrees “an eco-friendly alternative…and they look great.”

OUR REVIEW:

When we received these plates, we were really excited.  They were VERY pretty and extremely light to hold.  They put a fork and spoon in the package as well, and they were just as lovely. 

So, I know you're wondering if they will hold up when it comes to actual FOOD being on them right?!!? 

WELL, THEY DO!

One night, we had grilled Salmon, Mac & Cheese and salad, and one of these plates were used.  Not ONLY did the plate hold up, NOTHING fell through the bottom, AND we were able to wash it off and reuse it!! :) The fork and spoon held up as well! 

We did also use the plates for chips and dip, as well as popcorn.  No long standing grease stains or anything. These plates are fantastic.

If you're looking for a high class look w/out having to spend and arm and a leg on products, look no further.  This product is DEFINITELY for you... AND, it's all natural!! WIN/WIN!!

Please don't forget to check out their WEBSITE, as well as going on over to their FACEBOOK, liking it, and letting them know I sent you!! :) 

Questions: CharlottesAvenue@gmail.com

Comments: Leave Then Here!

Keep Watching, 

Char~

Product Review: Perky Jerky

Hey all!

IT'S REVIEW TIME

*~*PERKY JERKY*~*

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE

So, I was given an amazing opportunity to try these awesome products from PERKY JERKY!

FROM THE WEBSITE:

Made with all natural ingredients and flavored with Guarana, Perky Jerk is the best tasting jerky on earth! It's low fat, low carb, and low calorie. No preservatives, no nitrates, and no added MSG.

It's tasty, tender, and totally addicting. If you're looking for a life changing experience, you gotta try Perky Jerky - The Action Packed Snack!^TM

OUR REVIEW:

So, we are HUGE jerky fans over here... And to actually find some that has natural ingredients was amazing to us.

The taste!!?! Amazing... It's true to taste.  We had a beef and turkey flavored... They were delicious!! A bit spicy and tangy and GREAT all around!! Totally a great product to have for an on the go snack!! 

Feed your addiction with Perky Jerky!! :) 

Please go by their FACEBOOK page, like it, and let them know I sent you... Also, go on by their WEBSITE and read more about their awesome products!

Questions: CharlottesAvenue@gmail.com

Comments: Leave Them Here. 

Product Review: Artisana Organic Foods

Hey all,

IT'S REVIEW TIME

*~*ARTISANA RAW ORGANIC NUT BUTTERS*~*

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | TWITTER

So, I was given the amazing opportunity to review some GREAT NATURAL & ORGANIC butters from Artisana Organic Foods.  

FROM THE WEBSITE:

Artisana^TM - The Art of Healthy Food

Creating unique, delicious, healthy, gourmet food is a work of passion for us, blending together nuts and seeds like the vibrant colors of an artist's palette. Handmade with care, our organic foods are crafted using a temperature controlled process that preserves the life-essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and enzymes.

What makes our Nut Butters so special?

Taste - Simply put, they are amazingly delicious.

Unique variety- In addition to our superior Almond Butter and Tahini, we offer unique varieties: Walnut Butter, Pecan Butter, Cashew Butter, and Macadamia/Cashew Butter. Our coconut products include the ever popular Coconut Butter and it's related Cacao Bliss, as well as our Extra Virgin Pure Coconut Oil.

Fresh - We hand select only the finest new harvest nuts, seeds and coconut for our butters. Our almonds and walnuts are the best California has to offer.

Quality - All of our nut and seed butters are hand crafted in small batches in Oakland, CA with careful attention to detail using strict food safety protocols.

Organic - We only use 100% certified organic nuts, seeds, and coconut meat which means no toxic pesticides, chemicals, or genetically modified organisms. (Certified by QAI)

Pure - We don't add any extra ingredients. No oil, sugar, preservatives or artificial flavors - Nothing. Which means that all you get is the clean, fresh taste of nuts and seeds the way nature intended.

Raw - Our raw products are made into puree with a temperature controlled process.

This means that all of the enzymes, proteins and vitamins are intact, in their natural state and fully utilized by the body. Powerful - Forget caffeine! Packed with energy-laden nutrients, our nut butters are a great source of sustained energy. Healthy - Nuts and seeds in the form that we make them - totally raw and organic and processed into butter (purée) - are among the most basic and healthy foods one can eat on the planet, offering to the consumer:

• Non-animal proteins and enzymes
• Vitamins and Minerals
• Essential fatty-acids (including Omega-3, of which Walnut butter has the most)
• Fiber in all products more readily digestible than whole nuts...making them truly whole foods.
• Certified Kosher (KSA)
• 
  

Made in a facility that processes tree nuts, but does not process any peanuts, gluten, dairy or soy.

*~*Sounds great, right??*~*

OUR REVIEW:

We are huge fans of peanut butter in our house... So, when we received these products, we are excited to try something new and different.  

These products were fantastic.  We had them on toast and crackers, and they were a great combination.  

If you're someone who is looking for a nice alternative to peanut butter or Nutella, this is a great product to use.  

All the different flavors are delicious!! AND, after eating it, you don't feel bogged down or heavy... It's a light and refreshing treat!

I highly recommend this product! :) 

Please check out their WEBSITE, 'like' them on FACEBOOK, and follow them on TWITTER.  Let them know I sent you! :) 

Questions: CharlottesAvenue@gmail.com

Comments: Leave Them Here

Keep Watching, 

Char~

Product Review: SodaStream

Hey all,

IT'S REVIEW TIME

*~*SODASTREAM*~*

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE

So, I was given the amazing opportunity by the good folks over at SodaStream to try out their amazing products.

FROM THE WEBSITE:

Home Soda Makers

Making carbonated water and soft drinks is simple! Turn tap water into sparkling water in under 30 seconds, with no clean-up. Enjoy the freshness and convenience of homemade soda and protect the environment at the same time. No heavy bottles to carry, store at home or throw away. Fizz to your taste and add the flavor of your choice to make your favorite drink. Simple to clean and reuse. With a variety of colors and silhouettes, you'll be sure to find a soda maker to match with any decor.

Sodamix Flavors

Making your favorite soda, flavored sparkling water or energy drink is simple, with SodaStream's wide variety of over 30 sodamix syrups including dozens of regular, diet and caffeine-free options. Flavors include classics like cola, lemon-lime, and root beer...Exotic fruit flavors like orange mango and diet pink grapefruit...Energy drink, sparkling iced teas and cocktail mixers. Each bottle of sodamix makes about 12 liters of soda (about 33 cans!) for around 25 cents per 12-ounce can.

MY REVIEW

This product was AMAZING, folks.  The taste of the flavor concentration mixes were true to form.  They tasted JUST like they claimed to.

Choca was even able to make her own drink. 

Instead of pumping the carbonation THREE times, we did have to pump it between FIVE and EIGHT times to get the carbonation level we were looking for, but it was very simple to do, and it lasted a good amount of time. 

I highly recommend this product to ANYONE who loves soda, and likes to try new flavors, etc. for a fraction of the price it would cost to buy a bottle/can of soda at the store.  It's totally worth it!

This product is sold everywhere from JC Penney to Kohl's to Staples!!! You can see where they are sold at HERE.

Please make sure to check out their WEBSITE and 'like' their FACEBOOK page... Let them know I sent you.

Questions: CharlottesAvenue@gmail.com

Comments: Leave Them Here!

Keep Watching, 

Char~

Product Review: Flat Iron Experts

Hey all,

IT'S REVIEW TIME!!

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE

I was given the awesome opportunity to try out a flat iron from Flat Iron Experts. The flat iron I was asked to review was the H&R Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron (1" inch).

FROM THE WEBSITE:

H&R Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron:

Professional H&R Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron is one of the Best Flat Iron sold in the beauty industry today. H&R Flat Iron has all the newest technology that will help you straighten, curl or flip your hair with ease. With the latest Tourmaline and Ceramic Technology this flat iron guarantee smooth and shiny results that will last. H&R Flat iron features a "New Patented Suspended Plate Technology" that prevents pulling of your hair, meaning comfortable and painless styling. 

Ceramic / Tourmaline Technology: H&R Straightener's Tourmaline / Ceramic plates are able to distribute heat across the entire surface evenly, retains heat more efficiently, and eliminates damaging hot spots. Tourmaline and Ceramic plates emits a natural source of negative ions and far infrared heat that helps your hair

1. Preserve more moisture within the hair shaft

2. Eliminates frizz and close the cuticle to create smooth and shiny hair

3. Causes less damage to the hair cuticle during styling.

Negative Ion Technology: Negative ions are atoms that can stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, etc., resulting in healthier hair and scalp. Negative ion energy is powerful enough to break apart clusters of water molecules. The smaller water molecules penetrate into the hair shaft by slipping between the cuticles, adding plumpness/volume to hair. The bombardment of negative ions also closes the hair cuticle, which is very good for the health and appearance of the hair.

Far Infrared Heat : Far Infrared (FIR) rays are electro-magnetic waves of energy, totally invisible to the naked eye, capable of penetrating deep into the human body, including the hair shaft. It therefore dries the hair from the inside out. The result is that more moisture remains in the hair shaft and there is less damage to the hair.

H&R Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron is one of the Best and Most popular Flat iron at Flat Iron Experts. H&R Hair Straightener is equipped with the latest technology and the suspended plate technology ensuring comfort while you style. This flat Iron is lightweight, hot, durable, comes at a affordable price and have a one year warranty. 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

We also were asked to use their KQC Thermal Shine Spray as a heat protectant:

My Review:

So, we used the flat iron on BB's hair.  I had her shampoo and condition it, and let it air dry:

We then flat ironed it with all the products listed above... it turned out great!!

How gorgeous!!! This flat iron is amazing, folks!!! 

On a scale of one to five Choca's, I give this product:

FIVE CHOCA'S!!!

It's a great product and does what it states!

Make sure you check out their WEBSITE and 'like' them on FACEBOOK and let them know I sent you! :) 

Questions: CharlottesAvenue@gmail.com

Comments: Leave them here!!

Keep Watching, 

Char~