I could have sworn I said at some point last year that I was going to commit to writing or submitting a post EVERY. FRIDAY.?! I did say that, correct? 
I even went on to say that I would post updates to a plethora of tasks that I set for myself. Have I done any of those things? Hmm. I guess you wouldn't know because this girl right here hasn't posted since who knows when! (Dec 10th, I think)

Here's attempt #2 to stay true to my word(s). The asinine thing is is that I have a calendar reminder set for every Friday. Why do I aspire to such lofty goals for myself? But, here's something for you.
Check out these updated post(s) with pics and whatever else I said I would do. 

• Holiday decorations etc. - HERE
• Holiday movie reviews (Lifetime, Hallmark, and Netflix) - HERE 
• Present/gift reviews - HERE
• Noah will be turning 1 and Jacob will be turning 3!- during a pandemic nonetheless - this will be interesting to navigate - HERE

​Sweetkisses? Go easy on yourself. Set realistic expectations or easier ones. The more complicated goals you set for yourself and don't finish, the more disappointed you'll be in yourself. Besides, you don't need to be disappointed in yourself because you're AWESOME! 

As babies become children, children become adults and adults become the wise, we tend to keep to the same traditions passed on from our parent(s)/guardian(s), build upon them, and/or develop new ones as the continuum of life happens.  
​Being the youngest of a family of 6 (which later grew to a family of 8), the holidays, in a nutshell, were always filled with playing Monopoly (my brothers always cheated or were trying to con little ole me), helping mom decorate the tree and food - LOTS OF IT. Unfortunately, the holidays I knew growing up have become a thing of the past. With our family dynamic looking and being so dramatically different the most I can do is hold on to those memories that I'll cherish as long as I live. 
While some of the things I did during the holidays I still remember and try to do - even if it looks different. I love and believe in traditions or something to pass on. This year, more than ever I want to start building a tradition with my family and I pray that they'll carry it on for generations to come. I know, that sounds so sappy but it's a desire of mine or maybe a curse from having watched all those "hallmark/lifetime' holiday movies! You know the predictable ones you experience with all of the lights, laughter, and love; yea those!
My husbands' thing for the holidays was to hang candy canes on the tree and on Christmas day they were allowed to open and eat them - so we do partake in this. We placed them on the boys' tree this year. 
Each year we may not necessarily buy for each other but we make it a point to buy for the boys or at least buy them items they need. With 2020 having been an interesting year we tried to make time to find things for the boys. So over the summer, we'd purchased play food sets that have the food that "cuts" apart and a reading pop-up tent. To add to it we purchased Jacob books by the author David Shannon from the "No, David"' series, as well as doctors playset. 
For Noah, not even a year yet I'll go and get him a few toys that are geared towards him because the ones Jacob had as his age are all beat up, missing, or broken! But we did buy play dinosaurs that they both can play with, so it should be fun 
As I decorated the house this season and purchased gifts, all I could come back to was 'I absolutely love my family'. This 'labor' of decorating is not just because it's my favorite holiday but it's about being able to make the house feel special, build memories and most importantly see the excitement and wonder on the boys' faces. 
What sweetkisses have you found in this unprecedented 2020 holiday season?


Stay Sweet
​~K

***10/14 - UPDATES! So, I’ve been watching these movies lately as my life depended on it, but mostly because I have less and less space on my DVR AND the 2022 movies are dropping in a week! So, chop-chop! But I’m ALMOST through all of the 2021 movies as I finished 2020 last week 🤣 Go check out the updates***

***2/5 -UPDATES! I know I mentioned this will be an on-going post as there's only one me, two kids and no time. But who says I REALLY have to watch all of these before the holidays were over? Check out the updates below***

So, this will be a evolving post as there is only one me and LOTS of movies to watch all while being this busy momma right here!
I by no means am any type of a critic but I know what I like. Hopefully you'll view this as a fun post and take the time to view the movies yourself and make your judgment.
​
Let me first preference that I don't usually deem Lifetime or Hallmark movies to be A list films, in fact, they're more a guilty pleasure feel good movie. Not to knock the work of the actors and actresses - because I could never do it- it's just the majority of them are pretty predictable and that's what you get to enjoy with these movies - the familiarity of consistency.

I’ll list what I've watched, their respective networks and rate them based on sweetkisses 5 - the sweetest; 1 bitter. So without further ado,

• Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey - Netflix

Starring, Forest Whitaker, Madalen Mills, Keegan-Michael Key, Ricky Martin, Anika Noni Rose, Phylicia Rashad, Lisa Davina Phillip, Justin Cornwell, Miles Barrow, Hugh Bonneville, Sharon Rose, Kieran L. Dyer.
5 SK
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first saw this pop-up on Netflix. Based on the graphic and the description it seemed to be a twist on a Scrooge-esq type of movie, so I honestly wasn't too optimistic as I’ve never been a fan of the Scrooge movies.
Boy, was I wrong!
This movie by far has been my favorite of the season and I’ve watched it at least 3 times since it’s release.
Following the life of the magical and whimsical inventor Jeronicus Jangle, Jangle (Cornwell & Whittaker) is met with a topsy-turvy turn of events as he's trying to better his life for not just his family but for all children around the world. With a childlike wonder and imagination that's been snatched away, one wonders how if at all will Jangle ever recover.
The film has a The Greatest Showman vibe, with a plot you knew was coming based on the flow of the movie but an ending you never really knew if it was coming or not. However, the acting, the singing, dancing and overall feel of the film will give its audience the chance to stay connected just to see what will happen in the life of Jeronicus Jangle. With a star studded cast full of Oscar, Grammy, Tony winners and host of new actors and actresses, this film showed viewers a side of some of these artist you’ve never seen - well heard. Who knew Forest Whittaker had those chops?!
As mentioned above, for me this film receives all 5 sweetkisses for it's casting, availability to the public and the sweetkisses learned from it.
This is a movie I will implement in my holiday traditions from now on.

• ​A Crafty Christmas Romance - Lifetime

Starring, Nicola Posner, Brad Johnson
2.5 SK
For me the title of the name doesn't really resound with the theme of the film. The title comes across as something to do with crafting or art but this action only took place for a scene or two 🤷🏾‍♀️
The film centers around Mandy and her shop which is now a craft shop of sorts. She collects toys/items through donations and one day a donation that contained a Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol was dropped off with a surprise inside . Sending Mandy (Posner) on a hunt to locate the owner and return it by Christmas. During this journey she meets Jonah (Johnson) who just so happens to be the person that dropped off the donation but has no direct connection to the items. As the two race time to try and deliver this by Christmas, they have to face and overcome some obstacles along the way.
I gave the rating based on the selflessness and the hope to bring joy to others. The chemistry between the main characters was missing. The acting by Johnson was better than that of Posner but other than that I had to watch it a few times to get through it. It's not a Lifetime movie I would care to see again.

• Jingle Bell Bride - Hallmark

Starring, Julie Gonzalo, Ronnie Rowe Jr.
3.5 SK
When you hear the words jingle bell, the first thing that comes to mind is the song - not in this case!
The film centers around busy NYC event planner Jessica Perez (Gonzalo) that's planning the social wedding event of the season. With a high-maintenance bride Perez embarks on a journey last minute to locate jingle bell flowers in time for the big day. During this adventure, Perez encounters many ups and downs along the way but has a beacon of light in the handsome local Matt with a connecting past of his own.

This received 3.5 for a few reasons, 1) the freshness of hearing and seeing a language and culture other than English was nice. Gonzalo’s character was that of Spanish decent and they played references to the LatinX culture with references to food. 2) until recently, there hasn't been many African-American (male) leads if it has been the cast have been lighter tones to where they can pass for Italian, Indian or considered the face of African-Americans, 3) the concept of an interracial couple from my viewing experiences has been very few via this network - very refreshing to say the least
​

• Christmas Tree Lane - Hallmark
• ​Christmas Unwrapped- Lifetime

Starring, Amber Stevens West and Marco Grazzini with executive producer Tiffany Haddish
4 SK
Based in NYC (my favorite city) ambitious, straight to the point reporter Charity (Stevens West) is tasked with finding out the how a young millionaire (Grazzini) is able to gift thousands with their ultimate Christmas gift. While this story will make or break her career, Charity is set on delivering the ultimate news and unmasking the how behind the mystery. During this investigative reporter Charity discovers that there's not always a story to uncover but yet something to remind others of - the gift of believing.
4.5 for the chemistry between Stevens West and Grazzini was heartfelt and gave you those warm goosebumps you love to get during a romcomdram (yes, I just made that up). It reminded you to not take things for granted and to love and live in the moment. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.

• Christmas on Ice - Lifetime

Staring, Abigail Klein and Ryan Cooper
2.5SK
The movie centers around former figure ice skater Courtney and her adventures to save the city's ice rink from being closed. During this she discovers that the mayor may have something to do with the possible closure and that there is a family connection to the newly built ice center in town. Courtney teams up with owner of the new skating complex, Noah, to try and save the city ice rink.

This, for me was the typical, to be expected Lifetime/Hallmark movie. I enjoyed the concept and thought behind the movie but that was truly it. It was a scroogeesque movie with the predictable ending. The chemistry between the actors was lost on me. At times it seemed forced - it just wasn't there. The one thing I thought was neat was to dedicate the ice rink in the memory of the mayors daughter and to raise funds for research.

• Chateau Christmas - Hallmark

Staring, Merritt Patterson and Luke Macfarlane
3SK
Merritt Patterson and Luke Macfarlane are one of my favorite actors and actress from Hallmark but this one didn't hit it out of the park for me. Nice overall, just not what I was hoping for, personally.
The story centers around renowned pianist Margot, who has returned to the Chateau with her family for another holiday season. While there she reconnects with a former love, Jackson as she helps Jackson to put on the first ever holiday show at the Chateau. Could what brought them together and tore them apart keep them together this time around.
3 SK because the chemistry just wasn't there (I say this a lot). But the story around helping others and the reconnecting from years apart was very touching. It definitely showed that absence makes the heart grow fonder and that nothing is every too far out of reach if you don't allow it to be.
​

• Deliver by Christmas - Hallmark

Staring: Elon Bailey and Alvina August
4.5 SK
Molly (August) is a local baker who's known around town for her baked goods, especially her cookies. Newcomer Josh just moved into town with his son to be closer to family after the passing of his wife. Josh is tasked with helping his sister in-law gather all the vendors for the town festival. Josh bumps into Molly at a tree lot but the two don't realize they're both one in the same.

The freshness of seeing a biracial relationship where the male is Caucasian and the female is black (African) is so refreshing! I initially did not have high hopes about this movie because in the beginning of the movie Bailey seems so disinterested in his role, completely disconnected as if he's being forced to do it (before the characters meet/talk). After that though it picks up and is so easy to watch thereafter. Bailey has this smoothness about him that spills over onto the screen. But what I LOVED was the chemistry they built over the phone. That right there was so heartfelt, the "as if you were talking to your best-friend" chemistry where you just don't skip a beat.

• ​Christmas in Harmony
• Five More Minutes
• Christmas on my Mind
• Much Ado about Christmas
• Christmas Time is Here
• Angel Falls Christmas
• Making Spirits Bright
• Time for Them to Come Home for Christmas
• The Great Christmas Switch
• Open By Christmas
• A Kiss Before Christmas
• Christmas at Castle Heart
• The Christmas Contest
• Eight Gift is Hanukkah
• A Very Merry Bridesmaid - Hallmark

Staring: Emily Osment and Casey Deidrick
5 SK

Leah (Osment) is about to

• Our Christmas Journey - Hallmark

Staring: Holly Robinson Peete, Nik Sanchez, Lyriq Bent, Hila Martin & Aloma Wright
5 SK

Lena (Peete) is a divorced single mother of a non-verbal sweet son, Marcus (Sanchez) and Maya (Martin), an exceptional pianist who’s trying to find her way. Lena’s ex-husband Rick (Bent) has setup an appointment with a prestigious program called Hope Hills for Marcus as he’s in his late teens needing more exposure to life outside of his immediate family. This forces the family to come together in ways unexpected. Through it all, Lena’s mother Robin (Wright) is along for the journey doing her motherly duty to guard the hearts of those she loves all while providing motherly advice. Along the way Lena, Rick, Marcus, Maya and Robin learn lessons on life, love and letting go.

I have always loved Peete since her Hanging with Mr. Cooper days but I haven’t been the biggest fan of her movies on Hallmark until now. I’m not sure if it’s the casting, the fact that Peete doesn’t have to act for this role as she has an Autistic son or a mixture of both. You can clearly feel the authenticity of her character and the love she has for her son. The chemistry between Peete and Bent is wonderful. Wright’s supporting character is such a great example of how a mother’s love is endless and stretches beyond. This movie certainly pulls at your heart strings touching on subjects of love and loss and how to deal with it during the holiday season.

• A Dickens of a Holiday

​Starring: Brooke D'Orsay, Kristoffer Polaha, Chad Willett
3.5 SK

Cassie (D'orsay), a Broadway director in NY is tasked to direct the centennial Dickens, Ohio play. Everything is going according to plan until the main character of the play is unable to perform and Cassie is tasked to find a replacement. Jake (Polaha) a former high school and theater classmate, now a famous actor, returns back to Dickens to help Cassie. Returning home provides Cassie and Jake with the opportunities to connect, self-evaluate their lives, love and careers but will they learn all the lessons needed. 

I've liked Brooke D'Orsay since she starred in Drop Dead Diva. Since finding her in Hallmark movies, it was nice to see her in differing roles, especially being the main character and not necessarily the supporting character. ​I have one thing to say about Kristoffer Polaha, is it just me or does he looks like Johnny Knoxville? I swear they could be twins, cousins or something, but they look just alike. Okay, I got that off my chest. He's a descent actor to me, very likable in all of his roles. I remember him as being the "friend zone" guy in the movie Dater's Handbook, that starred the now Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. 

This is receiving a 3.5 as it didn't blow me out the water and was very typical run of the mill Hallmark movies. However, the sentiment of 'the holidays brings people together' is so touching and they play on that in this movie. 

• Cooking Up Christmas (OWN)

I think the title speaks for itself

Have I mentioned how much I love music? Well, I do - if you haven't guessed already by all the different music references!
Boy, trying to blog, be a momma, work, maintain a household, and stay sane in the process is a million jobs - whew! Boy, did I underestimate the demands of life; it's a complete 3-ring circus with the popcorn and peanuts.

Big shoutout to @thecorporatemom.me who inspired me to not take this outlet for granted and to keep plugging away. So, expect a post every Friday!

​
So, I have a few things on the horizon with regards to this site, life, etc. so here it goes:

1. Expanding my horizons in my adventures in baking - more sweet tooth sweetkisses coming soon!
2. Home décor projects - more visionary posts coming soon
3. Walk-in Closet organization - you'll get a more up-close and personal look into my home (well my closet) and boy oh boy do I need guidance here but I'll figure it out - maybe with some help from you all; wink, wink ;)
4. Holiday decorations etc.
5. Holiday movie reviews (Lifetime, Hallmark, and Netflix)
6. Present/gift reviews
7. Noah will be turning 1 and Jacob will be turning 3!- during a pandemic nonetheless - this will be interesting to navigate

These items will take place in no particular order but with some things sooner than later.

With a post about happenings you probably expect this post to end because there's no way, there are sweetkisses about an informational post - on the contrary, there is! I get to express myself and hopefully pour some inspiration into others, gander up thought-provoking conversations, and most importantly give you a chance to stop and find your sweetkisses.

​Stay sweet!
​K

Memes are the best, no?! 
Pictures are truly worth a thousand words! 
So, without further ado...

Quarantine, Lockdown, Hell or whatever you call it...

‘Do you remember the time, when we’ - no, I’m not going to say ‘fell in love’ because let’s face it, we’re all in a situation where we are getting to see ‘the true colors’ of not only ourselves but of others.
Most of us, are ready to ‘get back’ to life, as usual, open the economy and pretend none of this ever happened. Honestly, how much more of the Tiger King can we take?​ While others have been preparing their entire lives for this!
Whether you’re team introvert or extrovert, we all can agree that we’re in this together. 

​Here, are some sweetkisses I've gathered that ‘Rona’ has taught all of us:

1. Once this is all said and done, all of those excuses ‘Becky with the good hair’ made for why she couldn’t go out for drinks will more than likely stop. And if you’re ‘Becky’ – we now know you don’t have a dog! 
2. We much rather talk to a wall than communicate with our kids because it's the same concept only difference is that your wall won't talk back or throw a temper tantrum 
3. Aside from the front lines, teachers and bus drivers are the real MVPs! Because God knows common core was designed to make parents look dumb and if we have to tell ‘Timmy’ to sit down and stop touching their brother one more time – whew!
4. All the items in our pantry that we purchased months ago and complained there was nothing to eat now taste like a surf-n-turf from Black and Blue – just close your eyes, you’ll taste it 
5. But most importantly, that 9-5 may help provide food and shelter for our families but being able to unplug, get outside in nature and spend quality time with your family is priceless. 

What are some sweetkisses you've learned on this journey?

Stay sweet
-K

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SweetKisses started as my -adventures in baking business I'd started back in 2014. Some say I have this knack or gift – whatever you want to call it – for baking so I thought I’d try my hands at it. Kicking off with the latest trend at the time (cake pops) I figured, why the hell not. 

It seemed easy enough; I was quick to catch on and even had a few gigs! But to no avail, I hit a dry spell and I hung up my baking business hat – for now, that is! I still enjoy baking, seeing the smiles on peoples faces, and coming up with different flavor profiles. 
-Heck, since you're here why not jump over to SweetTooth and check out some of those adventures! 

But for now, I’ll focus on my two greatest kisses – Jacob and soon to be Jaxon! 

I decided that SweetKisses was an ideal name for this project because in life we’re constantly reminded of the bad - via the news, social media, word of mouth, etc. Our lives aren’t perfect, mine for one certainly is not! But we should take the time to breathe, pause and reflect on the day; There’s always at least one thing to smile about.

All in all, this project is a landing spot for all of my sweetkisses! From adventures with the boys, getting my Martha Stewart on, to of course baking!
So, here’s to all the sweetkisses you find throughout life.​

Stay sweet!
-K