A Great Treat for a Mom in Motion

I am currently addicted to Luna Bars. Honestly, I am. Our grocery store just had a special of “10 for 10″ and of course I bought ten. I just wanted to pass on that this mommy treat is relatively low in calories, high in protein, full of vitamins, and made up of mostly organic ingredients. I usually store one in my purse or diaper bag for emergencies, but mostly I have one to hand for when I feel my energy is waning and I need a bit of a kick. My personal favorite right now is “S’Mores” and “Nutz Over Chocolate” but they also do a “Peanut Butter Cookie” version which is delicious. These are definitely great healthy treats for any mom in motion.

Mom’s Favorite New Mamma Treat

One of my closest friends just had a baby and we were discussing some of the tricks to try and get some balance back in her life (don’t we all remember those days!). She was recalling the long baths she used to take in silence before those newborn baby whimpers began, and seemed convinced these would never return. To help remind her of those days, and the great ones ahead I found a Mom & Baby TLC Gift Set from Burt’s Bee and popped it at the front door. I love this company and trust their products, and know that this new mamma and her babe will hopefully get a bit of all natural TLC from this kit and some much needed pampering too.

Mom’s Favorite Chocolate Treat

Yes, I admit it - I am addicted to chocolate. I figure that there could be worse things to be addicted to, and although I do *try* to limit my chocolate in-take, I have to admit it is hard. Recently the health food store near us started stocking one of my favorite chocolate bars which is now widely available in the United States- Green & Black’s Organic Chocolate. I know I should be more skeptical about all the “health benefits” of dark chocolate - but this company makes me sold - as I rationalize every little piece away. Their Maya Gold bar is especially good, as it has a hint of orange & spice. So when you need a little mommy treat, you might want to try one of this mom’s favorites - because a little does go a long way (honestly).

A Beautiful Personalized Gift for Mom

As a result of our recent family budgeting, we have a new found appreciation for gifts that we receive. I almost wept when I opened the mail from a friend and discovered something I had always secretly wanted - a lovely sterling silver necklace with my son’s name engraved on it. It really was such a beautiful gift that showed that extra bit of thought and consideration. The necklace is from a small boutique called Tiny Tag Designs. They produce “handmade jewelry with love”  and that is evident from the packaging, delivery, and quality of the item.  After doing a bit of investigation, I discovered that this company also produces personalized bracelets and additional disks can be added to the bracelets or necklaces if mom has an expanding family.  I know that Tiny Tag Designs is going to become one of this mom’s favorite places to buy that ”just right” gift for a baby shower, birthday, or other special occasion.

Mom’s Favorite All Purpose Bag

Today our town had a “sidewalk sale.” This is always a popular event, and the sidewalk ends up teeming with strollers, shoppers, and vendors. It is no small feat to negotiate around all the people to see what deals might be found. Most of the stores are locally owned businesses (which this mom really appreciates), and offer little “gems” not seen in big commercial shops. One find that I made was something that I have been looking for - a large canvas bag for carrying groceries, kid “kit,” or beach gear. I was thrilled to find (at a very reasonable price) this canvas bag from AU of Maine.  After doing a bit of Mom’s Favorite investigation when I came home, I discovered they do a ton of great, versatile, kid friendly bags. An added plus is that many of them are made in the USA (hooray!).

Top Mommy Treats

This Mom thinks all mommies deserve a little treat now and then. Mom’s favorite treats are ways this mom likes to indulge. They are little things that are great for mommy’s time out (if she ever gets one). Please be sure to share your mommy’s favorite treat with us!

An Impromptu Picnic

This mom has a lot of favorite things, but I definitely love a wonderful, long picnic. At least I love the idea of a picnic. In reality, making the picnic spread, getting everyone in the car, and getting to the perfect picnic spot can take longer than the actual picnic itself. So today our family did what will become a new favorite - we did a impromptu picnic and although it seems odd to try and plan such a thing I believe we will from now on. What are mom’s favorite tips for a quick & painless picnic success?

Dont’ plan for a full day extravaganza. Instead keep it short and simple. Minimize the goal so that it is easier to manage. Instead of packing a full day’s supplies you just need to get the family in the car and grab the food.

Have one adult get all the kids on the car, so that the other adult can pack up the food that is needed.

Don’t get fancy. Ditch the tablecloth and nice basket and instead get a brown bag and start filling it with the items you will need.

As the food doesn’t need to sit around all day going bad, this also means you have more picnic choses.  If you aren’t going far don’t even bother with the cooler, and instead grab the cheese slices, bread, mustard, chips, bag of grapes, cookies, and drinks and go, go, go.

 

Putting it all in Perspective

This last week seemed incredibly hassled. I found myself constantly on the back foot never really getting ahead (welcome to parenthood).  I was running around trying to get the family ready for our “road trip,” planning a birthday party, and oh, yes, working and raising a family. Whenever this mom gets overwhelmed and starts to feel like it is all unraveling, one thing that helps me cope is to put it all in perspective. What are mom’s favorite ways to do this?

Read the NY Times or Watch BBC World News to remember the plight of others. In reading about, or watching the footage of, the recent cyclone in Mynamar or the earthquake in China, it reminds me of how blessed our family is.

Break the cycle of the day with a walk, book, or prayer. Honestly, I have found the way to put it all in perspective is to change both my physiology and my psychology.

Count your blessings everyday. It sounds cheesy, but I do think this is valuable. I remember once Oprah did a show on keeping a daily journal of everything you were thankful for, and I think there is something to that. Recently a close friend of mine lost her mother. My friend knew her mother was dying, but nevertheless it was inevitably still difficult when her mother passed. Every day I talk to my mom or hear the words “ma-ma” I feel like dissolving in tears of gratitude for still having all of my family.

Watch an episode of John & Kate Plus Eight. Honestly, think about it, two twins and a sextuplets. We have it so easy by comparison!

Ditch the list of to do’s and play with the kids for a bit, smile, and laugh. As a stranger in the drugstore just told our family “enjoy every minute of it because it is over in a blink of an eye.”