Category Archives: MomME

If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy! Indulge and enjoy … Moms must take care of themselves in order to nurture others.

The Truth About Spinning Class

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If you ask me what workout I prefer to do, the answer is hands down spinning. If you had asked me this same question 10 years ago, there is no way I would have given that answer. My mom started spinning when it first came out in the 90′s, and when I joined her for class one Saturday in high school, I walked away from it swearing I’d never go to one again! To me, it was such hard work that it almost felt like a form of torture. But for some reason while in college, I decided to give it another try…and I fell in love with it.

I decided to write about spinning because there seems to be such a stigma attached to it. When I tell people I am a spinner, I hear comments like, “Are you crazy?! Spinning is hard!” and “There’s no way you could get me to a spin class.” These were the very comments I used to make before I knew the truth about spinning. I recently talked with a friend of mine who is a Les Mills and Schwinn certified spin instructor and asked her to answer questions about the class. I will of course give you my thoughts on the topic, but also wanted to give you facts about this amazing workout.

1. What are your recommendations for people who are intimidated to get into spin? Should they just attend a class, or even 1/2 a class to see what it’s like? What kinds of expectations should they have for their first time?
My recommendation is to just do it. It seems intimidating with the dimmed lights and the intensity, but I always tell someone just to get through their first class and take it at their own level. A good instructor will ALWAYS give lower intensity options so that a participant can scale it back until they are ready. It is your workout and as an instructor, we are there to motivate and moderate a class. We cannot control how hard you actually workout.

2. How long do you think it takes the average person to learn to like spin?
The average person should see and feel a difference after 5 classes. I always tell participants not to give up after their first attempt as it always seems the toughest after the first class. Within 5 classes, I guarantee the participant will even see a difference in their fitness level. Just stick with it!

3. Why is spin such a great workout?
Spinning involves heart rate training. A good instructor will lead a class by bringing their heart rate up to 90% of their maximum and not allowing it to drop below 70%. What does this mean? Anaerobic exercise + ideal fat burning = success!

4. Do you have to be a super-athlete to do spin classes?
As mentioned before, a good instructor will give options to the participants. You do not have to be a super-athlete to do a spin class, but if you commit to the work out, you will make yourself into an elite athlete.

5. What about the myth that spin bulks up your calves?
This is a myth. Not even strength or mountain climb types of rides will “bulk” you up. And there is no such thing as spot training [training one area of your body]. If anything, a spin class gives you a full body workout: drop your heels and you get your hamstrings; load your quads by doing a standing attack or climb; in the saddle work will lean out your legs. You are burning up to 700 calories in one hour of training. You will definitely NOT bulk up!

6. Any other tips for women who want to get into spin but are reluctant or scared, or any info on spin in general?

  • If you intend on participating in more than 2 spin classes a week, take a yoga/stretch/pilates class as well. The reason is that our hip flexors tend to tighten and you may get some injuries.
  • Hydrate throughout your ride which will prevent cramping and lactic acid build up in your legs.
  • Eat protein 30 minutes post workout, which will help with muscle recovery.
  • Wear proper attire; loose clothing is not recommended on a bike. If you intend on doing more than 2 classes per week, invest in bike shorts with padding and spin shoes. Spin shoes make all the difference in your workout and you will definitely feel the difference in your ride.
  • It’s a great prenatal and postnatal workout; ask your instructor for modified moves.
  • You can train your heart to work for you. Get a heart rate monitor. It’s a great investment (used not only for spin but for all activities – weights, aerobic classes, running).
  • Clear your mind! Focus on the ride and your goals. Every breath you take, you’re getting in shape, so just breathe.
I absolutely love spinning. When I am on the bike, I feel more relaxed than I do all week and at times can even zone out completely. It energizes me, pushes me to reach my highest potential, and still manages to challenge me to give that little bit extra I didn’t think I had left to give. After my first son was born, spin helped me lose those annoying 15 extra pounds very quickly while reshaping my body at the same time. If I could find the time to spin more than 2x/week, I would because it’s beneficial not only for my body, but also my mind and spirit.
Obviously not everyone will enjoy spinning, but for those of you who would like to try it, I hope this article has helped inspire you to attend a class. Yes, it’s hard work. Yes, you can feel intimidated by all of the spinning terminology and positions used on the bike. But my advice is to introduce yourself to the instructor when you walk into the class so that they can help you acclimate yourself to spinning slowly and comfortably. Take it at your own pace and don’t feel you have to compete with the more experienced participants; this will only leave you disappointed and convinced spinning is too hard. Even if you stay in the saddle (i.e. on the seat) the entire ride, you’re one step closer to becoming a spinner. And besides, who ever said exercise should be easy?
I would love to hear your thoughts on or experiences with spinning!
And don’t forget to stop by my blog, The (Un)Experienced Mom, to read more of my musings on motherhood and life.
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10 Best Holiday Gifts from the Heart

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PICT0324It’s Christmas Eve eve.  Santa is making his list and checking it twice.  You are also checking your list and everyone is done, except that one person, right?

There is always someone who you just can’t shop for at Target or Best Buy because maybe that someone has everything already.  Or maybe you are plum out of Christmas gift cash, or maybe you can’t find a gift from a store that holds the sentiment you want to express.

Either way…it’s not too late to do a little brainstorming to find the best gift from the heart.  Yes, from the heart.

After all, those are the gifts that are most treasured and remembered for years to come.  I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best gifts from the heart, for you, in case you are suffering from a prechristmaschaositis, a common condition many people experience during the craze of the holidays!

I hope these ideas help you to find that special gift for that special someone.

  1. The Gift of Life. Do you and your spouse want a baby but have been holding back because the timing never seems right? Well, the timing will probably never be right. Life is short and tomorrow is not a guarantee so stop fanatically putting your ducks in a row…and just do it! Your spouse will be relieved that someone is just making a decision already. On Christmas morning, hand your spouse a little note…letting her know you are giving her…the gift of life.
  2. The Gift of Service. Do you have a friend or relative who just needs a hand! Offer to help with something…maybe babysitting, mowing the lawn, running an errand. Let them know in a sweet holiday card followed by a verbal confirmation so they know you mean it!
  3. The Gift of Friendship. Do you know someone who could use a friend? Maybe someone who doesn’t have family to spend the holidays with or maybe someone who could use a bud to get a cup of coffee with? Befriend someone. It will make someone’s day, and probably yours as well.
  4. The Gift of Listening. Has someone been trying to get your attention? Have you been too busy to really listen? Why don’t you offer to spend some private, quality time with this person.  And just listen.
  5. The Gift of Love. I’m really referring to sex here but didn’t want to be dirty.  Life gets sooo busy and it’s the love-makin’ that often gets the backseat (no pun intended) to other priorities.  No better time, like the present.  Give your hubby a little IOU, wrapped up in a big box…that would be kinda cute and funny (unless he’s expecting a flat screen tv or something).
  6. The Gift of Laughter. Laughing adds minutes to our life.  Do you know someone who could use a good laugh? Do you know any good jokes or stories? Perhaps and old inside joke? Put it down on a handmade Christmas   card, and be there when you give it to him or her.
  7. The Gift of Wisdom. We can all use a little wisdom from time to time.  Offer a helpful thought or insight to someone you care about.
  8. The Gift of Relaxation. You can get creative with this one, just depends on who the recipient is…offer your spouse a neck massage or a 1 hour hot bubble bath with a glass of wine.  Or even offer your babysitting service to a friend so she can get her nails done.
  9. The Gift of Food. Sugar cookies, pecan pie, 7 layer bars or even the whole holiday meal…whatever you have time for!  Everyone likes food, but not everyone has time to prepare it…give the gift of food and you are guaranteed a smile.
  10. The Gift of You. This can be anything.  Be a better spouse, propose to your girlfriend, visit your grandmother in the hospital, make amends with your estranged parent (if they deserve it).  Giving yourself to someone who loves you, is the best gift you can give.

No excuses now…none of these gifts cost anything but your heart (and maybe a little time)! Good luck with your brainstorming…I know you can do it!  Happy holidays to you and your loved ones…and remember the best gifts are the ones from the heart!

Oh and btw…the super cute Santa holding that little baby is my hubby.  That’s not our baby though, but that’s the gift I want most!

Please stop by and visit me anytime at The Pursuit of Mommyness!

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Motherhood is Hazardous To Your Health

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Ok, so that’s a gross exaggeration, but motherhood is definitely a tough job. It has the ability to make you a stronger person, both physically and mentally, but can be a bumpy ride along the way.

Let’s think about it. You get pregnant and endure enormous physical changes such as shifting organs and expanding skin. Then you go through labor, which is so painful it often requires you to numb your body just to get through it, no matter whether you’re pushing or the baby exits through the “trap door.”  Then there’s the emotional roller coaster otherwise known as the regulation of hormones, which isn’t so much hazardous to us as it is to our husbands! Next we have to learn to carry around a child that is getting bigger and heavier by the day (and sometimes seemingly by the hour). In addition to carrying the baby, we have to lug around heavy baby gear, such as car seats, strollers, and diaper bags filled to the brink. (I swear baby product manufacturers are making these products heavier every year, too). And for many of us, just when our body has gotten through that exhausting cycle, we start the cycle over again with another pregnancy! Therefore our body never seems to get a break or at least not for a good few years.

What prompted me to write this post was my visit to the doctor last month as my neck and shoulders had been aching and sore for a couple of weeks. While much of the cause is the cumulation of stress from the past 12 months (i.e. ovarian surgery while pregnant, pregnancy, and a postpartum depression episode), the physical stresses on the body that I just mentioned only exacerbated the problem. One painful back adjustment and deep tissue massage later and I am on my way back to having a body that doesn’t feel like it’s 90 years old. And while I know having a 2 year old and 3 month old will continue to require me to subject my body to more physical stress, it’s nothing that another 4-5 more adjustments can’t fix I guess!

This mother job not only requires the patience of a saint and mental capacity of a Mensa member, but it also apparently requires the physical strength of an Iron Man participant. Honestly, some days I feel like I don’t have any of those strengths, let alone all three. Being a mother taxes both your body and mind, but if the saying is true, then what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, right?

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The Power of a Smile

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1207721_happyThis weekend my mother and I went to afternoon tea.

We skipped the holiday hustle and bustle and we went to a little tea room that made us feel as if we were a world away. It was painted on the inside as an English garden, complete with sky, clouds, and a gazebo where my mother and I sat. We had a nice view of a painted pasture. All we needed was a little wind and maybe a bird and we would have, indeed, thought we were outside.

For a couple of hours, we reconnected. We did what we do best: we talked. And talked. And we talked some more. And we took down two pots of Cherry Caramel tea.

We closed the place down.

The owners, who were a mother and a daughter just a little older than us, began to clean up. The daughter waited on us and I hadn’t seen her mother until she came out and started to take the linens off the tables.

She was a short, petite woman with shoulder-length brown, wavy hair. Her face was drawn and hardened and with her olive skin, appeared statuesque. At first, she intimidated me. She didn’t look happy as she went about her work, clearing tables and folding linens, and I found myself sitting at my table watching her, wishing I knew what her day was like.

My mother and I have always dreamed of owning a tea room together, of coming in early in the morning and turning on the radio in the kitchen, singing and dancing while we baked away and talked about new recipes and what my crazy toddlers were up to. I envied this woman for making our dream come true with her daughter.

I continued to watch her going from table to table with a stoic expression and then she turned toward me and our eyes met.

She smiled at me as if she recognized me even though I knew she really didn’t and I smiled back.

What struck me most was how, with one smile, her entire face had changed. She had softened. With one smile, she was unlike anything I had thought while I watched her work. With one smile, her entire personality on the outside was entirely transformed. With one smile, my perception of her had changed, and so too, had the mood of the room. It was no longer cold and intimidating. It, like her face, became soft and welcoming and comfortable. I felt ashamed for thinking what I had thought about her and I was so pleasantly surprised inside to see such a wonderful, glowing, happy mother smiling back at me. She told me her entire life’s story with just one smile.

How interesting that an entire climate could change with one smile. How the outcome of an entire experience or entire day can change with just one smile.

How one little tiny expression can say so much.

How often we go about our day to day, stuck in our own minds, our own worlds, our own agendas, without acknowledging the people around us all doing the same. Serious, solemn expressions and looks of concern on the outside, which may not even be what’s going on in the inside at all!

There is just something wonderful about a smile. How it literally, physically, softens someone’s face and makes it just so beautiful. How it can take years off a person’s face and how layers of troubles and worry and concern can just melt away with a smile. How a smile can make a person who seems so unapproachable and “Closed for Business”, so open.

I realized from her smile that I forget to do it myself. All the time. Especially during the holiday season when I’m supposed to be the cheeriest, and instead I find myself stuck in the house with two sick children, behind in my cleaning, shopping, exercising and everything else in my life and so overwhelmed that I don’t even remember, let alone make the time, to smile.

One simple little gesture that can lift the moods of my children, my husband, even the sales clerk who refuses to double check a price for me. And more importantly, myself.

Even if, like me, you can’t keep up with the holidays, you worry about being able to afford all the gifts and the bills, you worry about the health of your families and you find yourself overwhelmed, try to remember to do one small thing. Smile. It doesn’t cost a thing and for even just a moment, a smile makes everything okay. It can change someone’s day, someone’s week, or someone’s life. Maybe even your own. And it’s so worth it.

For the first time this weekend, I was lucky enough to witness it. The power of just one smile.

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10 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays and Health

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1244412_christmas_background_2With the holidays upon us I wanted to take some time to talk about the effects that this busy time of year can have on our health.  It is tempting to push yourself with the amount of activity on the calendar this time of year.  Here are a few tips for taking care of yourself while still enjoying this joyful time of year.

  1. Pace yourself. It is not wise to plan several events in one day, especially if you don’t allot any time for rest in between.  It is better to attend a few get togethers and truly enjoy yourself than attend many and end up feeling yucky!
  2. Remember to maintain  a healthy diet.  Pigs in a blanket and eggnog do not a healthy diet make!  Certain medications need you to maintain your intake for your body to metabolize them properly (such as anti-coagulants).  So, don’t forget to eat and when you do eat, try to keep the foods as nutritious as possible.
  3. Be careful with alcohol, especially if it is contraindicated with any of your medications.  Even if it doesn’t interfere with any meds, alcohol can impair your balance.  So again, be careful!
  4. Take a nap.  Even if it is just for 15-30 minutes it allows your body to re-energize. You will feel better physically and mentally.
  5. Take time to enjoy the little things this holiday season.  There are a lot of ways that limitations may affect your holidays but there is so much more to be thankful for so focus on the positive!
  6. Do a lot of your shopping online. This avoids exposing yourself to the crowds at the malls (and the germs if you are immuno-compromised) and allows you to save your energy for spending time with family and friends.
  7. Keep it simple.  If you are entertaining or participating in holiday events, resist the urge to go all out, thus exhausting yourself.  Your guests are coming to spend time with you.  So, if that means sticking a frozen lasagna in the oven leaves you feeling up to visiting and enjoying your company, that is just fine!
  8. Get some sunlight.  Being indoors too much limits your Vitamin D intake.  Vitamin D is not only good for your mental health but your neurological health as well.  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a risk this year, especially for those of us cooped up.  Ways to avoid this are to spend time doing things you enjoy, with people you enjoy and to get outdoors when you can.
  9. Laugh! Laughter is awesome medicine and the holidays are usually full of opportunities to laugh at others and yourself (in a nice way of course:-)
  10. Remember the true reason for the season.  The birth of Christ, being thankful and making goals for the new year that is almost upon us.  The world is about so much more than just us- so reach out and help someone less fortunate.  That will always make you feel better!
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One Woman’s Story of Triumph over Tragedy through Crocheting

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martha harrisAfter being hit by a moving car and thrown from her bike while returning home from dinner with her husband, Martha Harris awoke in the emergency room to some harsh realities.  She was told in that moment she may lose her leg by amputation, and though her leg was later saved, Martha was only at the beginning of a long road to recovery.

I stumbled upon the story of Martha Harris in the December 7th, 2009 issue of First For Women magazine.  This article moved me so much that I reached out to her asking if I too could interview her to write an inspirational article to be featured on my blog.  She graciously obliged me.

This story is inspirational because Martha, a young woman, found success and purpose crocheting hats after a tragic and random, near death accident left her wondering if she would walk again.

“Many bones were broken in my body, and I have had 4 separate surgeries to reconstruct my leg, arm and collar bone.”

But shockingly, not so much as a scratch or bruise on her head or back.  Her body required a lengthy healing time, which included lots of therapy and prayers.   However, she did bounce back to her pre-accident self…but with a new perspective on life.

“It was amazing to see all the mercy and love poured out to me by loved ones and strangers alike.  It put more of an urgency in my heart to give back to others that are less fortunate than me.”

modernvirtue hat with buttonsCrocheting as a part of her therapy to soothe and help with hand dexterity, she began creating hats and scarves and before long, people were asking if they could buy them.

“Last Christmas Eve, I was able to go into the slums of Camden NJ to give out hats and winter clothing to the children that lived there.”

Giving away these adorable hats and scarves to needy children gave Martha a great sense of purpose and it became clear, she had found her calling.  Martha even started a crochet circle and charitable group called Crochet for Cause, creating hats for little girls in need living in Camden, New Jersey.

modernvirtue scarfYou can buy her lovely creations at Modern Virtues on Etsy.  10% of all proceeds are donated by Martha to Covenant Mercies, a non-profit organization helping impoverished people locally and globally.  So when you purchase a one-of-a-kind, crocheted hat or scarf you are also helping someone less fortunate and supporting a real stand up gal, whose real-life story should inspire and motivate all of us.

You can contact Martha Harris directly at mlouwright@gmail.com.

If you have a story that you think is inspiring, and want to tell, please contact me here.

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Are you a FB Fan? Win a $50 Amazon.com Gift Card!

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What Healthy Habits Do You Model For Your Children?

This is the question MomActive is asking you!  Become a fan of MomActive on Facebook and enter a message on our wall telling us what Healthy Habits you model for your children.  You could be the lucky winner of a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate!

*Fiona will be announcing the winner LIVE during the MomActive webcast on MomTV.com December 16th at 10pm ET. Be sure to visit the MomActive Channel on MomTV.com and sign up for a reminder!

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Your Words Inspire Others

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Listen to the Exhortation of the Dawn!
Look to this Day!
For it is Life, the very Life of Life.
In its brief course lie all the
Verities and Realities of your Existence.
The Bliss of Growth,
The Glory of Action,
The Splendor of Beauty;
For Yesterday is but a Dream,
And To-morrow is only a Vision;
But To-day well lived makes
Every Yesterday a Dream of Happiness,
And every Tomorrow a Vision of Hope.
Look well therefore to this Day!
Such is the Salutation of the Dawn!

- Kalidasa

hope

Have you ever been struck by lightning? Or perhaps fallen in love so fast that when you fall out you’re not sure where or when the time went? Or held your first child in your arms one morning and the next they’re already old enough to hold you? What about heard, read or saw a word that instantly inspired you to take action? Big, bold out-of-the-ordinary action.

Can words do that? Inspire? Do actions really speak louder than words or does the action simply take credit for what the words started?

I say, words not only inspire action, but can persuade, inform, change our perspective and even entice. Words can change lives for the good and for the bad. One act of kindness or hate can change an entire lifetime or inspire a world of hope.

Recently a colleague of mine told me a story. A story about me. A story she heard from a woman she worked with and it was about me. A moment in time that had impacted this woman’s life so greatly that she repeated it to strangers!  It made a difference in her life. A BIG, bold beautiful difference.

“Wait, it involved who?”

That was my first thought! I desperately wanted to remember and really understand why this moment mattered to this woman almost fifteen years later!

So the basic story goes like this:  We were in English class and each of us was asked to read some text aloud. No big deal, right? Well for some of us no, but for others who had only just learned the English language it was an entirely different story.  It came to be her turn to read aloud and she began to struggle with the pronunciation of a word or two. Apparently I realized this and simply leaned over and whispered the correct pronunciation to her.  End of story.

That’s it?

For me, yes. (Until now).

For her, no.

Such a simple gesture.  So quick, so long ago but still fresh in her mind. Words that impacted her life so greatly that her gratitude shines. She shines. I like to think that at that moment she realized she was welcome at our school. Welcome here in America. Welcome to speak her mind freely without consequence. Free to speak and inspire and create action!

I wish that I could remember.

Truth be told, I don’t. Not that moment, not a lot about high school in general. But I wish I did. I wish I could look her in the eye and say that I remember.  I wish I could bottle that moment and inspire others to have more patience and tolerance and kindness.  My colleague said that she told me the story so I could tell my children.  I did and I thank her for helping me to remember to teach simple acts of humanity and humility by reminding me to show my children what compassion is and how words can not only hurt, but heal.

Do words inspire action? Without a doubt. Words inspire a lot of things. Words inspire forgiveness. Words inspire giving.  Words inspire others.

Actions may speak louder than words, but words, words are the ever changing syllables of our mind and heart.

Lately I’ve been inspired to get healthy, lose weight and inspire my family to eat better and exercise more.  This didn’t happen overnight but I was struck by an amazing group of women on twitter who amaze me every day with their wit, strength and guidance. Just a few 140 word sentences have helped me to begin my journey of wellness and self discovery. A lifetime of action inspired by just words.

Let lightning strike. Let your words inspire action each and every day. Put your words into plans and put your plans to work.

“Never confuse motion with action.” – Benjamin Franklin

Don’t just go through the motions of life. Smile and share and breathe in the beauty of a new day. Embrace your children, count your blessings and don’t ever let a day go by without saying these words: “I love you”. Find the words that create change. Find the words that inspire action in your family’s life that will make a difference. Believe that not only is someone out there looking for exactly what you have to offer but are waiting for you to find it and that when you meet, magic will happen or already has.

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Passing of the Holiday Tiara

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tiaraIt is that time of year again.

Just like clockwork.

Sleigh bells ringing, Holiday cheer, Santa’s little helpers, lighting of the Menorah, a time of good will towards all…

SCREEETCH!!!

Flash that RED nose Rudolph!

This single handedly has to be the MOST stressful time of year – for anyone!  (Unless of course you are the Easter Bunny, a Leprechaun, or the Tooth Fairy….oh that’s right you are.)

Case and Point…

The Holiday’s arrive, no matter what holiday you celebrate or decline to participate in – they fashionably come storming in like Brüno in Funkyzeit.

There you are, standing in the kitchen with your wife or husband, contemplating the upcoming catastrophic events bound to happen over the next eight weeks.  What are we doing for Thanksgiving?  Who’s hosting Hanukkah?  Where are we flying for Christmas?  Is there enough alcohol to make it to New Years?  Silently, the two of you raid the left over Halloween candy stashed in the back of the cupboard staring vicariously into each others eyes.

Now that you have asked these questions….fast forward to the ‘implied’.

Why didn’t you already know?  YOU are supposed to host Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years!

Not too mention, both sides of the family are coming to town and staying three whole bloody eggnog sucking weeks!  Along with Cousin Mary, Uncle George, your sister’s new fling of the month and your neighbors are heading out of town so they asked you to watch their pesky animals! *bark* *bark* *meeeeow*

Quick…start pricing airfares, hotels, rent-a-cars – we are escaping the madness!

Wrong…

Reality…

You are married now.  You have spent a wonderful decade together, enjoying the perks of hand selecting which Holiday’s you will partake, where you want to go, and who you want to visit.  The winds of change are upon us.  It is your turn.  You have the child(ren).  The Holiday traditions are now your responsibility.  Parents of both sides are retired.  Everyone else is gallivanting across the world in joyous excursions.  No one gives a flying hoot that you both work full-time, both attend Uni. at night to finish your Masters Degrees, raise a toddler (of which the three’s are Chucky’s revenge!), and have absolutely no life whatsoever!

You need to slave in the kitchen preparing a 7 course meal, host the holiday extravaganza’s, catering to everyone’s lasting want and need.  It is YOUR turn kiddo!

At least that’s how my mother has implied this year’s holiday events….

The Holiday Tiara has been ever so BLUNTLY tossed into the hands of the Mrs. by a majority Mom rule – that is politely insinuated – EVERY holiday gathering is now her responsibility.

SCREEETCH!!!

Back that sleigh Santa!

Who says you must spend each and every waking holiday minute as one big drunken family mess?

Seriously, as I have stated to both sides of the family, “I married my wife, not all of you!”

Nor do I expect the Mrs. to be slaving away her Holiday time in a freaking hot stuffy kitchen, while everyone else gets smashed blabbing on and on….”when you were a child…..I remember when…..So and So did….”

I’m still pricing those tickets to Breckenridge, London, the middle of nowhere for Christmas!

Concluding, the Mrs. and I had this realization moment the other morning, the Tiara is now in her court.  Which undoubtedly means….my mother handed her over the matriarch title of the family.

I told you….she’s the BOSS!!

*SCORE!*

Peas Out!

~daddy b.

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5 Reasons You Can’t Be a Stay-At-Home Mom

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The choice to stay home is not always an easy one to make.  Moms face a variety of concerns when determining what the best choice for their family is.  These issues weigh heavily on our minds and are worthy of discussion.  Let’s explore 5 of the most common reasons women say they can’t stay at home….

1. My household depends on both incomes.
It’s true. It probably does, these days. The cost of living has greatly increased since women have largely stopped being stay at home moms. Have you sat down, and looked at all of your expenses? If you really analyze it, you might see many areas that can be changed or cut out completely.
Do you really need premium cable? Seriously, non-cable television networks have really juiced it up…there’s no reason to pay for profanity or nudity anymore.
Downsize to one car, do your own gardening, get rid of that gym membership you haven’t used since the “Rachel” haircut was popular, stop eating out, etc. You get the idea here.

2. I need to work to keep the health insurance.
Well, if that’s the case, you have some options. Ask your hubby to talk with his boss or human resources department. Perhaps his plan can cover dependants, see what can be worked out. It never hurts to ask. If that’s not an option, look into individual health plans, more and more are becoming pretty affordable, and there are many options out there.
Take a look at the Health Insurance Resource Center , they offer comprehensive consumer info on health insurance for any state. If you’re pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, check out the American Pregnancy Association for affordable healthcare.

3. I don’t have the resources or know-how to start a home business.
Yes you do. You just think you don’t. It really only takes drive, hard work and a little motivation, and maybe a good idea or two. There are so many profitable business ideas that require little to no start up costs.
What are your talents and or hobbies? Really think about it. We all have something that we can do, that others cannot. Are you creative? Start an Etsy business, sell on EBay, be a virtual assistant, dog-walker, party-planner, blogger…the list is infinite, just do a little research.

Or you can become a work-at-home-mom by convincing your boss that you are the be-all, end-all of your position and it would be in the best interest of the company if you did your magic…from home.

4. I worked hard to get where I am.
And? So what. Being the most important person ever, to the peeps in your home is sooo much more important and gratifying. Need I say more?

5. I Would Be Bored.
Oh right, like work isn’t a total yawn-fest most of the time. Let’s face it, life just isn’t that exciting all the time. I’m sure your kiddos wouldn’t find you boring, nor your hubby, when he walks through the door each night to a warm and happy home filled with love, because you make it that way.

You have a lot to think about, take the time to think it through and sit down with your spouse to figure it all out. Remember though, when you do what’s best for you and your family, everything else will work itself out.

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