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Updated May 2022
A few years ago, I wrote a post on my previous blogsite, mapping out which restaurants featured on the US Kitchen Nightmares were still open, and which have shut down.
I have decided to update the list and bring it on over to Unfiltered Perspectives.
Below is the original post with the updated restaurant list:

"Gordon Ramsay's 'Kitchen Nightmares' is based on the UK show 'Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares.' When the US version first aired, it was a success. We as viewers followed Chef Ramsay as he ventured from restaurant to restaurant trying to save the failing businesses and repair broken relationships. The series aired for 7 seasons before ending in 2014.
Since Gordon Ramsay ended 'Kitchen Nightmares,' many fans wonder which restaurants have stood the test of time, and which ones did not. Below is a list of which restaurants have remained opened, and which have not:"

OPEN

• The Olde Stone Mill (Under new ownership)
• Lido diManhattan (restaurant is thriving and has the same owner)
• Le Bistro
• Oceana (Open but with new owners)
• Leone's
• Luigi's D' Italia (Open, but restaurant moved to Fullerton, CA).
• The Greek at the Harbor
• Spin A Yarn Steakhouse
• Mama Maria's
• Ms Jean's Southern Cuisine (Open, but moved to Wilkinsburg, PA)
• Olde Hitching Post
• Yanni's Greek Restaurant
• Pantaleone's
• Zayna Flaming Grill (Under new ownership)

CLOSED

• Bella Luna
• La Galleria 33
• Capri
• Kingston Cafe 
• Spanish Pavillion
• Cafe Hon
• Le Frite (bought out and rebranded by George Zaoui).
• Mangia Mangia
• Nino's Italian Restaurant
• Park's Edge
• Prohibition Grille
• Barefoot Bobs
• Kati Allo
• Old Neighborhood Restaurant
• Amy's Baking Company
• Chappy's
• Mill Street Bistro
• Sam's Mediterranean Kabob Rooms
• Levanti's American Bistro
• Charlie's Italian Bistro
• Chiarella Ristorante
• El Greco
• Michon's
• Zocalo
• Burger Kitchen
• Mike and Nellie's
• Blackberry's
• Zeke's
• Cafe Tavolini
• Downcity
• Davide
• Grasshopper
• PJ's SteakHouse
• Classic American
• Sushi Ko
• Fleming
• Anna Vincenzo's
• Mama Rita's
• Mojito
• Bazzini
• Flamangos (The Junction)
• Hot Potato Cafe
• Cafe 36
• Sante La Brea
• Fiesta Sunrise
• Jack's Waterfront
• Hannah & Mason's
• J Willy's
• Black Pearl
• Trobiano's
• Giuseppi's
• Handlebar
• The Secret Garden
• Campania
• Lelas
• Finn McCool's
• Sebastians
• Seascape
• The Mixing Bowl
• Dillons (Purnima)
• Peters

(All facts and figures courtesy of realitytvrevisited.com).

If you're a first time mom such as myself, you are probably wondering what to expect after you deliver your beautiful baby. I know I spent that last week before I was induced, thinking about the weeks that would follow. My mom friends told me to expect sleepless nights, and a huge adjustment period. They weren't wrong, but I also noticed other things after I had my son, and I thought I'd map them out in hopes that it would help other first time moms.

1. Massive weight loss
   One thing that isn't completely talked about is the amount of weight you lose after you have your child. Of course, weight loss varies with every person. In my case, I dropped over 22 pounds in that first week home with my son. I was not prepared for such a drastic change. It's been 2 and a half weeks since I had my son and I still find it difficult to dress my smaller body. The first time I left the house, I went through a ton of wardrobe changes because I forgot what it was like to dress a smaller body. For the last several months, I had been dressing my baby bump. Yes, I know, "poor me, the struggle must be so real when you drop a ton of weight after having a baby. I feel so sorry for you *eye roll.*"
   Hey, I find this to be a legitimate problem, and I know I'm not the only postpartum mom who thinks so.
   Just remember that your body will go through a ton of changes, and you will continue to drop weight. The best thing to do at this point is to dress for comfort. You are going to be busy with a newborn, this isn't the time to dress to impress.
2. Colic
   Colic is an issue that impacts many babies. It can present itself in the first and second weeks of a newborn's life. My son has colic, and it has given me many sleepless nights. I admit, it has been very overwhelming for myself and my son's grandparents. Yesterday I brought him to the doctor and he told me to put him on probiotics. He's already on anti-gas drops, which helps most of the time.
   Colic can last anywhere from 2 to 4 months, sometimes longer. If your newborn ends up with colic, you need to stay calm. Do what is best for your baby, and if you need a few minutes to regroup, make sure your baby is in a safe place and go take a few mins to breathe. Make sure you burp your newborn after every ounce of food he or she eats. Do not wake your baby up to eat. He or she will let you know when they are hungry. During those colicky moments, try and soothe your baby. Rub his or her back, sing to your baby, dance with your baby, offer a pacifier, put your baby in a swing/rocker, etc.
   If you have any questions about colic, talk to your baby's pediatrician.
   Stay calm during this storm, mama. Your baby needs you to be strong for him/her.
3. Be prepared for projectile pee/poop/vomit.
   I really wish someone could have warned me about this part, because it shocked the heck out of me when it happened to my son.
   The first week, I was changing my son and while I was getting a clean diaper ready to put underneath him, he projectiled his #2 from the top of his changing table, to the other end of his room. I couldn't believe it. After that moment, I made sure it didn't happen again. I wait until he's done doing what he's doing in his diaper, and then I change him.
   If your baby vomits after you feed him/her, stay calm and make sure they are in an upright position so they don't choke. Get them cleaned up first, then place them in their crib.
   If you have a son, you will get peed on. It is important that you keep his private area pointed down while you change him.
4. The soreness after delivery doesn't begin to describe your discomfort.
   If you had a vaginal delivery where you tore or had an episotomy, you will be very uncomfortable in the weeks following delivery. That first week will be brutal. I couldn't sit, use the bathroom, or walk without hurting like heck. Also, you will be dealing with the worst bleeding you've ever had 'down there.' Change your pad often and use the bottle that the hospital gives you. I suggest mixing warm water with witch hazel. It definitely helps with the pain, and it keeps you clean. When it comes to healing, take your time. Don't let people rush you, especially if they've never torn completely while delivering a baby.
   Don't be afraid to ask for help while you recover and care for your beautiful baby. My parents have been great with helping me while I recover and care for my son. My Church has been amazing as well. The first/second week back home, members of my Church brought over meals for myself and my family. If you have the help, use it. You will need all the help you can get, because this is the most challenging time for both you and baby.
5. You will fall more in love with your baby.
   When you meet your baby for the first time, you learn about what love is. When you bring your baby home and the real work begins, you will fall more in love with him/her. Even when you're sleep deprived, hungry, at your wits end, you will still feel your heart expanding whenever you look at your baby.
   I hate being away from my son. Even if I go downstairs to get something to eat, I miss him. If he goes to spend time with his grandfather, I miss him. If I leave the house to get myself medication, or to have some breathing room, I miss him. The first time I left the house on my own, I cried. It's weird how you will want to have a few minutes away to breathe, but you have serious anxiety when you leave your baby, even though they are safe with their grandparents. Even new mamas need an hour or so to breathe. It's normal to miss your baby when you go out, but he/she will be there when you come home.
6. Don't be stubborn, accept help!
   I know I touched on this a bit already, but it's so important that it bears repeating.
   This is a very important and challenging time in both you and your baby's life. It isn't weakness to ask for help. In fact, it is showing great strength because you want your baby to develop in a healthy environment. If it's just you, you will burn out quickly (trust me on this one, it happened to me. Then I got my head out of my butt and accepted help). Ask a family member, a friends, a Church member, a significant other, etc for help. Your baby needs you to be strong. Also, if you find yourself feeling more sad than normal, contact your doctor right away. Postpartum depression is something you should NEVER ignore. If you have postpartum depression, do not be ashamed of it. Seek help and if you are prescribed medication, make sure you take it as directed.
   
   

The newborn weeks are very challenging. Just know that you're not alone. Also, if we are able to deliver a human into this world, we can handle all the things that follow delivery. We just need to be strong, stay calm, and accept help when it is offered. Be strong and well, mamas!

(photo credit: Shauna Silva. Photo is of my newborn son)

We are only week 3 into this season of The Bachelorette, and already there is a plethora of controversy.
The hottest tea to come out thus far revolves around Becca's friend Tia Booth, and Colton Underwood.

During the last episode, Colton came clean to Becca about his relationship with Tia. Naturally, Becca was skeptical about what she learned, and she kept her guard up around Colton. During last night's episode, Colton and Tia were reunited during Becca's group date excursion. Of course this made Colton and Tia uncomfortable, and you could see the awkwardness between the two of them. Becca kept her eye on Colton during the group date and talked to him some during the evening portion.
Eventually, she was able to let her guard down around Colton. However, viewers wondered how "over" Tia and Colton really were.
It is rumored that Colton probably auditioned for the show because he thought Tia was going to be The Bachelorette. While it's obvious that Colton may have feelings for Becca, seeing Tia's reaction to Colton makes people wonder if she still harbors feelings for him.

Booth has said in interviews that her relationship with Colton wasn't serious and they knew from the get-go that the relationship wouldn't work out. She even went on to say that she respects him.
So, does Colton deserve to be on the show? Sure! Obviously it's awkward to run into an ex, but that doesn't mean that they are still vying for one another.

Readers: Should Becca continue to be skeptical about Colton's intentions? Do you believe he and Tia are completely over? Catch me on Twitter, or let me know in the comments below.

Have you scrolled through your newsfeed and found ads from businesses that have a ton of negative feedback? Have you ever wished there was a way to eliminate these misleading ads?
Well, Facebook has heard your cries, and users can now leave feedback for ads that are misleading.

Facebookers can leave feedback for viewed ads under a tab called "Recent Ads Activity (it's located on the left-hand side of your screen)." Once you have submitted your feedback, advertisers will be given the chance to improve their ads before Facebook takes further action (this would consist of Facebook reducing the amount of ads the business can run).

The social media empire released a statement regarding this latest change:
"We believe this tool will give people more confidence in the businesses they interact with and help hold businesses more accountable for customer experiences they provide."

Facebook has come under fire in recent months due to user data being improperly used. The company has been working diligently to redeem itself ever since.

Readers: Do you think this will help reduce the amount of misleading advertising? Let me know on Twitter or in the comments below!

source:finance.yahoo.com/news/facebook-launches-user-review-potential-bans-advertisers-124437619--finance.html

I know I have been absent for a while, but it was for good reason. The last month of my pregnancy was pretty intense. I had a number of close calls, and when those close calls didn't result in a baby, my induction was scheduled.
On 5/26/2018 (a Saturday), I gave birth to the most beautiful baby boy in the world (I was 41+1 weeks pregnant). As a first time mom, the labor and delivery was pretty intense. When active labor started, my blood pressure became dangerously low. The nurses were quick to put me on oxygen and regulate my blood pressure. Eventually, it went back up and my son and I were okay. That evening, I went from a dilation of 4 to fully dilated. From the first push to my son being delivered, 50 minutes passed.
They quickly placed him on my chest and I immediately fell in love. Nothing compares to the feeling you get when you meet your baby for the first time. It is indescribable. Everything I thought I knew about life and love went out the window.
While the doctor and nurses sewed me up, I enjoyed watching my son try to life his head up to look at me. At just minutes old, he was already displaying incredible strength!

We spent a few days in the hospital and then we went home. My son had his first doctor's appointment and he was perfectly healthy. He has a good appetite, and he continues to learn about the mechanics of his own body. Of course, being the parent of a newborn, sleep is hard to come by. My son sleeps during the day and is fussy at night. I been trying for the last few weeks or so to keep him up during the day. Sadly my attempts have failed. He falls asleep after he eats, while he's held, while he's being changed, and while being burped. At night, nothing gets him to sleep, except for grandpa's help, LOL! For some reason, his grandfather is the only one who can get him to sleep at night.
The doctor has told me this is all typical newborn behavior, and it should work itself out in time.

I am blessed to be a part of an amazing Church, one that has dropped off meals everyday during the last week. It has helped tremendously, and my family is extremely grateful.

As for me, I am still recovering from the delivery. I tore completely during the pushing, so my recovery might take a little while (by the way, the epidural does NOT help during active labor and pushing. You feel EVERYTHING during these times. You might as well have a natural birth!).
I have become a little anemic and I ended up getting sick this week. I haven't let any of this get in the way of me taking care of my son. I rest when I can.
My son is doing well. He continues to surprise me everyday with his strength. He is my entire world, and I can't stop watching him while he sleeps.

As for blogging, I am hoping to get back into the swing of things soon. Until then, I will be enjoying being a mommy to this incredible tiny human <3