On holidays and allergies and food ...
Holidays seem inextricably linked with food, which makes it joyous for some, torturous for others, and probably a mix of both feelings for most of us. Spending more time in the kitchen, cooking things that you don’t make any other time of year, and eating more often and more heavily than usual. It’s tough to keep it simple, and for many it becomes a depressing struggle with weight. How is it going for you so far this season?
When's the last time you were sick?
Thoughts from above the clouds
I’ve been trying to post this all week, but I just haven’t found the time and energy in the same span of quiet time. Giving it a try on Friday night finally!
Having the boys gone for two weeks was an amazing experience. Like I mentioned before, the week alone with my husband was great. I worked a LOT and we had some good downtime together also. Getting away for 5 days in FL the second week was utter bliss. I truly disconnected once I got away from home, away from all the distractions of coulds and shoulds and maybes that surround me here, whether my kids are home or not. Vacation is a different story.
Slowing down and savoring
Edited to add a link to Renee over at FIMBY, a favorite blog of mine, as she’s doing a fun Savoring Summer series of posts … I’d already written this one but it fits the theme rather well, so go on over and check it out!)
I’m glad it’s raining. The damp plants smell good through the window, the sound of the rain somewhat masks Fynn’s banging up in his loft, and Douglas’ burping practice, and I don’t feel guilty for not getting the boys outside yet today. It’s also making it easier to savor the delightful two hours I spent with my family in the Park last night.
We went there just before dark, to join in a Bat Tour of the park with a well-informed naturalist who lives in the neighborhood. We got there right on time (a minor miracle) and had 20 minutes or so to relax before things started. The tour guide started talking about what he was seeing, feeling, and hearing, what those signs meant for our chances of seeing bats. The chimney-swifts were pointed out, and how that they came out not long before the bats, and the more of them there were, the more bats we’d likely see. The humidity and temperature, the cloud-cover, the time of sunset, the types of fireflies and how they interact with each other.
While my head started spinning a bit with information, my awareness of what was going on around me was heightened.
Q of the Week : Last time you really laughed?
From Carnegie Hall to the Lehigh Valley
Q of the Week : Where's your favorite place to relax?
Live near Baltimore, Mamas? This one's for you!
You remember the lovely Heather, of My Mama Mojo, right? She’s written some great stuff for SaneMoms in the past, and has spent the last few months focusing on her coaching biz.
The good news is, for those of you in the greater Baltimore area, she’s offering a Breathe : Group Coaching For Moms class next month! It’s affordable, takes just 4 weeks, and offers two convenient time slots to choose from. I’d go if I was within striking distance for sure, I’ve gotten too bogged down lately and need a sounding board and some “mmhmm, me too!” moments in my week.
What’s it about? Teaching moms how to listen to their hearts, quiet their minds, and thrive as women and moms! Tame the chaos, sort priorities, and feel more joy while raising your kids. You’ll come away energized, refreshed, validated, and ready to tackle your many roles with new eyes and positive perspectives.
The deets? Click here for details and to register, the cutoff is April 29 so don’t miss out!
If the info looks a bit familiar to some, yes the Breathe content is originally from SaneMoms, and I’m so glad it’s being shared with some of you by such a great coach!
Fanged Giraffes, and why mama needs a cocktail (or two)
Would You Like Some ... Amie's Homemade Caramel Corn?
Q of the Week : Any good reads lately?
Q of the Week : How are you taking care of yourself these days?
This issue is an old one, but so central to the premise of SaneMoms that it’s worth revisiting. It was brought to mind again by a comment on Christina’s Inside and Out post.
And sometimes I find you even have to defend those moments when you are doing something for yourself, right? My husband lately realized that I was steadily making my way through a series of books and some nasty comments came out about how lucky I was to have time to sit and read during the day while he’s at work and late home every night this week… My response that one of us had to stay sane competely stumped him. I had to fight off my own guilt too about being able to sit quietly for an hour each day, but seriously, if I don’t take care of myself and we BOTH lose it, what good does that do?
Inside And Out (by Christina Simon)
Balancing (or at least trying to balance) my inner and outer selves
As a mom, it’s difficult to pay equal attention to both my inner and outer selves, the emotional and physical aspects of who I am. Neglecting one or the other seems like it comes with being a mom. Time flies and sometimes the day passes so quickly I don’t have time to put on that cute outfit or even sneak a moment for myself. My emotional and physical well-being are equally important, but which one takes priority? It’s complicated.
Q of the Week : When do you feel sexy?
Is Parenting Feeling Hard? Maybe You're Thinking Too Much (Guest post by Gina Osher)
Q of the Week : Plans for summer?
Vanity Over 40 (by Jenny Heitz)
It’s one thing to recognize we live in a youth obsessed culture, but once you’ve hit 40, you’re officially on the other side: No Longer Youthful.
Yeah, magazines preaching to the peri-menopausal set can prattle on about how “40 is the new 30,” but we all know that’s b.s.. 40 is the threshold for belly fat, for official skinny face, and for behinds which seem to want to drop off the back of us, as if they’re seeking a new owner found on the sidewalk.
Snow Craziness
Whistling in the Dark, part II
I’ve been trying to write all week. It’s not been successful, and now is a bad time to write as the boys are ready to start the day (don’t ask!), but I’ll give it a shot. At least until they start killing each other.
I wasn’t quite ready for the new year, but I don’t really have any other options other than continuing to go about my daily business, ready or not. Homeschooling started off pretty well, meaning the boys were more than ready to start some work again, and are having a good time with it.
I came up with a few new tricks which seem good to add to the arsenal.