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As a Walmart Partner, I earn from qualifying purchases from the links in my posts.
Do you ever look around at a group of teenagers in your kitchen and think: Do you talk to your parents like this? Because that’s me. I’ve somehow become the mom who hears it all, not just from my own son, but from his friends too. And let me tell you, sometimes I cringe at what comes out of their mouths, and sometimes I’m sorry I let it happen, but I keep listening. Because if they feel comfortable talking in front of me, it means they know they have a safe space.
My son is 13 going on 30, he’s been through the friend group survival obstacle course more times that I care to admit and no matter which group he clings to he and his friends have a language that feels like it needs subtitles. Thanks to TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and whatever else they’re glued to, words like chopped, aura, or rizz fly around like they’re speaking fluent teen. (Side note: apparently rizz is already old, which makes me feel about 200.) And in case you’re wondering; Chopped doesn’t mean cooking or onions anymore; it's teen slang for “ugly” or “not it.” Aura is all about someone’s vibe or energy, usually said as a compliment. Rizz is short for charisma, basically meaning someone’s got game or charm. So how do I know all this? Because I listen. I engage. Sometimes too much. And while I love that these kids feel like they can let it all out in front of me, it definitely has its pros and cons.
On the bright side, I know they feel heard. They know they can vent, share, or laugh without me shutting them down. I have definitely had to shut down some conversations! That kind of open dialogue builds trust, and it helps me stay connected to his/their world even if I’m silently googling half the things they’re saying. I love that they feel comfortable enough to be themselves here, and if it means I have to hear the occasional cringe worthy detail, so be it.
But here’s the downside, sometimes they forget I’m a parent and not one of their buddies. There are definitely moments when I think, “Do I really need to know this?” and the answer is almost always no. And yes, I know we might be being taken advantage of sometimes but that’s what happens when your house is the hangout spot.
We’ve become that house, the one where kids can flop on the couch, laugh too loudly, help themselves to a snack and whip up mac and cheese at 8:30 on a Saturday night like it’s a gourmet meal. The sound of five 13-year-old boys making pasta somehow sounds exactly like a gaggle of girls and it’s quite refreshing.
At the end of the day, though, I’ll take the noise, the slang I barely understand, and the occasional overshare if it means these kids know they can be real here. Sometimes they need advice from “that mom,” and sometimes they just need someone to nod, smile, and let them rant. But I want to be crystal clear, I’m not here to have those serious conversations. If something important or serious ever came up, I’d let them know they need to speak to their parents, because that’s where the real support comes from. What I am here for is the everyday stuff, the laughs, the stories, and the safe space to just be yourself without judgment.
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This morning started with, “My throat hurts. I don’t learn anything at school.” Cue the thermometer check (normal), the side-eye from mom (me), and my kid insisting he doesn’t need a doctor.
Now, let’s be honest, I know these tricks and they didn’t work for me either. A late basketball practice, a late bedtime, and an early wake-up? Recipe for “Mom, I don’t feel good.”
At 13, the daily obstacle course we call school already feels like he’s running the gauntlet. And truthfully, I get it, I hated school too. But here we are. He's smart, but doesn’t always apply himself. He’s got strengths, he’s got weaknesses, and we’ve worked hard to keep communication open.
So here’s my mom-confession: am I being a “mean mom” for not immediately jumping to sympathy? Or am I just recognizing what this really is, a mix of normal teenage avoidance, late-night exhaustion, and probably the science test he didn’t study for? I’m a GenX kid, this should be a no brainer, right? Because here’s the thing, I know he was fine yesterday. I know he’s been fine all week. I also know there’s a pile of homework sitting undone. As much as “I think I know” I don’t know everything. Maybe something’s going on at school. Maybe it’s just the weight of being 13. Maybe it’s both.
Are we the only parents in this boat that feels like it’s sinking? Have your kids already tried to pull the “I don’t feel good” card nine days into the school year! I see you. We’re rowing right along with you.
So here I am asking you, other moms: Am I being too tough? Too dismissive? Or is this just one of those normal teenage growing pains?
Any advice from moms who’ve been in this same boat? Do you call their bluff, or give them the benefit of the doubt?
Either way, I sent him to school… because last I checked, sniffles don’t excuse a pop quiz!
Preposting Edit: Said sick child has not been home since school let out today!
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9/10/2025
If you grew up in a kitchen in the 60s, 70s, or 80s, chances are you saw copper molds proudly displayed on the wall. My mom always had them hanging somewhere in the kitchen. Gleaming circles, scallops, fruits, and ornate rings that looked as much like art as they did baking tools and always coordinated with the current wallpaper trends.
They were there for the silly giggles, quick snacks between driving mom crazy and homework, and also for the serious talks. The kind of conversations that only seemed to happen around the kitchen table with hands wrapped around cold beers or steaming hot coffee cups. Where walls felt safe and words carried weight. They’re also great for hiding things until all hell breaks out between teenage siblings.
And now, for the past 24 years, they’ve hung in my kitchen, quietly watching over my family dinners, birthday cakes, first steps, first teenager standoffs, holiday spreads, late-night snacks, and the great household spouse negotiations. I can only imagine the stories they could tell of laughter, chaos, burnt casseroles, and meals that somehow turned out perfect anyway.
Do I use them? No, they’re memory keepers. Every time I catch a glimpse or wash them during cleaning seasons I feel connected to my mom, to family traditions, and to the generations of cooks before us who believed that the kitchen was the heart of the home.
Sometimes I wonder, if these molds could talk, what would they say?. Maybe they’d laugh about the dog helping himself to the cereal boxes, or the dozens of times we ran through the kitchen while dinner was on the stove. Or maybe they’d whisper about the difficult decisions parents have to make and the talks that shaped us, proving the kitchen wasn’t just for food, it was for life.
So yes, they’re shiny and vintage, but they’re also priceless. They’re my little pieces of family history hanging right there in my kitchen.
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July 9, 2025, August 25, 2025, September 5, 2025
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and every mom knows that’s true. But what they don’t tell us is it also takes a village to raise a mom, especially one who’s been running on caffeine, toddler negotiations, teenage tantrums, and emotional whiplash for a decade.
Recently, I reconnected with a group of high school friends. Friends formed during HS Band, yes Marching Band. We wore those funny hats, and the very unflattering uniforms. We were more than just classmates, we were friends and friends of friends. You know, the ones who knew you when you were fun and had purple hair, before friends groups morphed and you splintered in different directions. Long before you had to schedule phone calls or pretend you weren’t yelling at your kid while on a Zoom meeting. And let me tell you after all these years, it was like time hit pause and we picked up right where we left off. Unfortunately, we all didn’t stay in touch but some of them did and their bond and village will stand the test of time. We shared everything from baby pictures to career moves to shock at who we (me) married, personal losses, huge career accomplishments and how none of us can stay awake past 9 PM now. We reminisced, laughed until we cried or maybe leaked a little, and then we ate cake. Amazingly delicious cake!
There was even memorabilia, photos, notes, talk of some questionable fashion choices that took us straight back to simpler days when our biggest concern was who was driving to the diner after band practice, trying to get back in the car before the light turns green, or trick-or-treating at our favorite instructor's house.
It was overwhelming in the best way. Nostalgia mixed with deep gratitude that these friendships, despite the chaos of adulting, had somehow stayed intact and that I was included after one friend so often reminds me that “I joined the dark side”. It reminded me that we all need a village whether it’s old friends or new to keep us grounded, sane, and connected to the person we were before life, kids, and chaos took over. One that sticks with us through diaper blowouts, tween attitude, and our own identity shifts.
So yes, raise your kids with a village. But don’t forget to nurture your own. Friendships that survive time, distance, and the occasional forgotten birthday text? That’s real magic.
I actually started writing this blog right after our reunion dinner, full of joy from reconnecting. But before I could finish, life forced me to hit pause to remember, reflect, and grieve after a shockingly devastating turn of events.
Since that reunion dinner, where we made loose plans to see each other again, life reminded us how fragile time really is. One of our friends, still so young, still so full of life passed away unexpectedly just weeks later. He left behind a heartbroken wife and family, and as for us, his friends, we were left shocked, having just shared laughter and stories around a dinner table. Our next gathering was a celebration of life. A life cut too short.
It feels surreal that we lived in the same town yet rarely crossed paths as adults. And now, I find myself holding tight to the memories: thank you for being my friend, for letting me borrow your coveted Dead Milkmen records which I shamefully held onto far too long, for taking me to your prom, and for all the silly, fun things we once did together. You will always be remembered, always loved, and always part of the village that shaped who I am today.
Losing a friend so soon after reconnecting was a painful reminder that life doesn’t wait for us to “have time.” Friendships matter, whether they’re brand new or decades old. They’re the threads that keep us grounded, remind us who we were, and help us navigate who we’re becoming.
So, make the dinner plans. Send the text. Share the old photos, laugh at the silly stories, and say thank you more often. Our kids need their village but so do we. And sometimes, our village becomes the sweetest reminder that even though life is messy, love and friendship stand the test of time.
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9/4/25
School has started and Fall is here. With it comes cooler nights, pumpkin spice everything, and that sudden urge to make our homes feel fresh, cozy, and a little less chaotic. Enter: decluttering.
Now before you roll your eyes and think, “Sure, let me just add decluttering to my never-ending mom to-do list,” hear me out. We “live” in our house, there are dirty dishes in the sink, rotting leftovers in the fridge, dog hair in the corner of the dining room, backpacks on the counter and beds that aren’t made. Decluttering and cleaning are not the same. Decluttering is removing unnecessary items from a space, while cleaning is removing dirt, dust, and grime. Decluttering gets rid of things you no longer need or use, creating more space and order. They are different actions but hey, if the windows get washed in the process, so be it!
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and it definitely doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s about creating mental and physical space for what actually matters to you and your family. How else am I going to display my chachki fall decor!
Fall is a great time for a fresh start. Summer toys, pool bags, and random “where did this even come from?” items pile up fast. Clearing them out makes room for sweaters, blankets, and cozy nights in. Less clutter around you often means less stress inside you.
There’s no perfect time to declutter. You don’t need a free weekend, a perfectly quiet house, or a burst of magical motivation. Do it when you can. The junk drawer while you’re cooking dinner, just keep an eye on the pot that’s about to boil over. Ten minutes before school pick-up? Perfect. Kids watching a show? Grab a drawer. You set the pace.
Some moms love the whole “Marie Kondo every closet in a weekend” energy. Others? Not so much. Both are okay. Full-on purge feels impossible and speaking from experience they are! One drawer a day. 10 items gone every week. One in, one out rule new hoodie in, old hoodie out. Decluttering is personal, do what feels manageable, not what Instagram tells you to do.
Before you laugh, yes kids can help. And they should! After all, they’re co-creators of the chaos. Instead of making it a chore, try flipping their mindset and maybe there won’t be as much clutter the next go around. Make a game out of it or let them choose items to give away and explain how another child will love it just as much. When kids help keep their spaces tidy, they start to understand it’s not just “mom’s job.”
Small steps add up, and before you know it, your home will feel lighter, calmer, and ready for all the cozy fall vibes. So this season, instead of chasing perfection, let’s chase progress. One toy, one drawer, one closet at a time.
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9/1/25
Labor Day Appreciation
For Labor Day this year I’d like to celebrate my husband. Here’s to the man who works so hard so that we can thrive. Who sits in bumper-to-bumper traffic so we can swim in the pool, spend long days at the beach, and chase the little dreams that make up our best memories.
Your job doesn’t end when you clock out. You walk through the door hoping for a few minutes of quiet but instead you’re greeted with our loud, silly, slightly aggravating chaos. From me speaking in code (iykyk, deadass 🙃) to the rapid-fire questions and the completely incoherent things that fall out of my mouth, to being begged relentlessly to watch this video with me or to play basketball until you finally give in.
And still, you keep showing up. Even when we don’t make it easy (sorry again about the grass), even when you’d rather be anywhere but on vacation at your least favorite spot, you choose us.
“Thank you” is never enough but thank you anyway. For another great summer. For every sacrifice. For every eye-roll, sigh, and laugh you give us. We love you more than words.
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8/31/25
One More Summer Night
I look at this picture and can’t help but feel joy in my heart. How much difference six years can make. Who they were, who they want to be, who they’re becoming and it all feels like it’s happening in the blink of an eye.
Friendships that once felt unbreakable sometimes change or even fade. Heartbreaks arrive sooner than we’d ever wish for them. And as much as we’d love to protect our kids from the bumps and bruises of growing up, we know they need space to figure out who they are, while we guide from the sidelines sometimes quietly, and sometimes not so quietly.
This was the last float night at our local pool, and this picture captures it perfectly. The magic of youth, the freedom of summer, and the innocence that slips away too quickly.
If only they could stay young and carefree just a little longer. But even as they grow, we’ll always have the memories. And maybe, just maybe, those memories will be the foundation that steadies them as they find their way.
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8/30/25
Back-to-School Isn’t Just for the Kids. September isn’t only about sharpened pencils and packed lunches, it’s about moms, too. Whether you’re hustling out the door for work, running your household like a CEO, or finding quiet corners to juggle Zoom calls, back-to-school season feels like our fresh start.
For some of us, it’s about doing more for our families, supporting our exhausted husbands, and most importantly, finding that spark for ourselves. I’ve been fortunate to stay home with my son for 13 years. He needs me less and while I love being home I am also feeling the itch for something new. So here I am, diving into real estate maybe even as the Mom Bun Realtor. Because why not?
Whether you’re scrubbing toilets, managing boardrooms, or sneaking in study time for your own classes, I see you. We all see you. You’re proof that moms make it happen even if dinner looks like pizza on Wednesday night, no judgment, only respect.
Here’s to a season of fresh notebooks, fresh starts, and moms chasing more.
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8/22/25
Blubber by Judy Blume – Reading It for the First Time as a Mom
Confession: I wasn’t really a reader when I was younger. I remember the cover but this was actually my first time reading Judy Blume’s Blubber. And wow coming to it now, as a mom, it hit me in ways I wasn’t expecting.
The story is raw and honest about bullying, teasing, and how kids can so easily switch roles, sometimes the victim, sometimes the instigator. And that part really stuck with me, because I have a son who’s not an angel. I know he’s been on both sides of this storyline. He’s hurt by kids, but also guilty of following the crowd or saying things he shouldn’t. And isn’t that the truth for so many kids? Adults too?
What makes Blubber so powerful and uncomfortable is that Judy Blume doesn’t wrap it up with a neat bow. No magical lesson where everyone learns to be kind overnight. Instead, it shows us how complicated those years really are, and how kids are still figuring themselves out sometimes in messy, painful ways.
Reading this for the first time as an adult made me think a lot about how bullying looks different now. Back then it was whispered jokes and playground dares. Today its group texts, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. The cruelty might move faster and reach further, but the root issues are still the same.
At the end of the day, Blubber isn’t just a book about kids being kids. It’s about the choices they make and the lessons we hope stick. As moms, we know our kids will probably find themselves on both sides of the fence, sometimes the one being left out, and sometimes the one forgetting what it feels like to be left out. That’s why we talk, even if they roll their eyes or pretend they’re not listening. Because one day whether they’re the kid holding the lunch tray or the one sitting alone at the table they just might remember Mom’s advice and choose kindness. And if not well, at least we tried and we’ll probably bring it up again at dinner.
I purchased my copy at the Dollar Tree. Run before it gets a RED Sticker!
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8/21/25
No Wonder We’re Suffering Through Menopause. "Not Mandatory"?
I’ve been writing about menopause for a while now, ever since a friend mentioned that no one really talks about it. She was right so I ran with it. And today, I want to thank Melanie Sanders @ Just Being Melani for giving us a voice and unwittingly starting a movement. Thank you, Melanie, you cracked open the silence, and now we’re not shutting up. #WDNC
Ladies, grab your fan for the hot flashes, the cheaters that are probably already on your head and your coffee for the fatigue because you’re going to need them for this one. Turns out, one of the biggest reasons so many of us feel like we’re navigating menopause with a blindfold and a broken GPS is, wait for it…because menopause education is not mandatory in medical school.
Yep. You read that right. Doctors can graduate from some of the best schools in the country without ever taking a required class on perimenopause or menopause. The reality is, most resident doctors across family medicine, internal medicine, and OB/GYN receive just under 10 hours of training in most cases of menopause education during their entire training. About 20% reported getting no education at all, and only a mere 7% felt prepared to treat menopausal patients.
You’ve probably heard of prestigious schools like Harvard and Stanford. Here’s the scoop on what they DO NOT require. Harvard Medical School offers a fantastic 5-day course on women’s health and menopause. Sounds great, right? One catch, it’s an optional continuing medical education course. That means it’s designed for doctors who are already practicing, not for every medical student. You have to pay extra to take it and want to learn about menopause enough to sign up on your own. Stanford Medicine also has a Menopause & Healthy Aging Program with conferences, specialist training, and mentorship programs. Sounds amazing! But again all optional. You can go through med school and residency and never be required to take them.
When menopause hits, we are dealing with more than just hot flashes. Fatigue that makes toddler years look like a spa vacation, mood swings that could rival a teenager’s, brain fog so thick we forget why we walked into a room, pain in places we didn’t even know had names until they started aching. Instead, when we finally drag ourselves into the doctor’s office seeking answers, relief, looking for clear, empathetic help, what do we often get? “That’s normal at your age.” “Try yoga.” "It’s all in your head." My personal favorite after seeking relief from recurrent UTIs, “How much sex are you having? You need to use lubrication, they have amazing varieties available.” I really couldn't help but laugh and then cried all the way to the car!
Our mothers and grandmothers had to just “tough it out” without Google, online communities, or the ability to say, “Hey, why am I sweating through my sheets at 3 AM?” But we? We’re in the #WDNC (We Do Not Care) Era. We’re done being quiet about symptoms. We’re not afraid to laugh about the fact that we’re Googling “Why does my hip hurt?” at 2 a.m., or posting memes about why we do not care that our pants are possibly on backwards (they were), or needing a nap before we’ve even had breakfast.
Menopause is a natural stage of life, but it’s also a complex medical transition that affects every part of our bodies. Our hearts, bones, brains, and mental health. If doctors aren’t being required to learn about it, then no wonder so many of us feel like we’re figuring it out alone.
It’s not about blaming doctors, it’s about pushing for better education so women in perimenopause and menopause aren’t left with guesswork, Google, and group chats as their primary medical resources. Menopause affects 50% of the population, yet doctors aren’t systematically trained for it. Inadequate training contributes to misdiagnosis, dismissal, or unnecessary treatments.
So to every woman reading this your symptoms are real, your struggles are valid, and your doctor should know more than your best friend’s Facebook post. But until med schools catch up, we’ll keep doing what we do best, sharing, laughing, surviving, and refusing to be ignored and maybe starting petitions because in the WDNC Era, we refuse to be ignored.
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8/19/25
August feels like the “Sunday night” of summer. School is creeping up, routines are calling, and moms everywhere are bracing for the shift from long, lazy days to color-coded calendars and carpool lanes. The truth? An August reset isn’t about achieving Pinterest level perfection. It’s about setting attainable expectations because let’s be honest, the kids have their own feelings about school and "yay, homework!" isn’t one of them.
Every mom knows a reset doesn’t erase the chaos, it just makes it slightly more manageable. Some call it chaos, moms call it the new school year. Gently bring back bedtime. Summer nights made bedtime a suggestion, not a rule. Start inching the clocks back before that first school morning slap of reality. Bonus: less zombie-like kids at the breakfast table. Meal plan for the madness. Between school, sports, work, and activities, dinner can feel like a moving target. Shop for some easy meals, embrace “theme nights” Taco Tuesday saves lives, and don’t feel guilty about pizza Wednesday. Mirror your calendar with the school calendar. There’s nothing like your kid announcing at 9 p.m., “I don’t have school tomorrow!” Save yourself the frantic late-night scroll on the district website. Write down closures, half-days, and conferences now. Stockpile snacks. Kids transform into ravenous animals the second they walk in the door. Granola bars, string cheese, and pretzels may not be gourmet, but they’ll save you from “Mom, I’m starving!” thirty seconds after pick up. Expect the unexpected. The best-laid plans? Totally subject to change. From forgotten chromebooks and permission slips to last-minute sports schedules, remember, you are the manager of chaos, and somehow, you always pull it off.
An August reset isn’t about perfect structure, it’s about creating just enough order to survive the beautiful chaos of fall. So here’s to new notebooks, a family calendar that might actually get used, and remembering that no matter how wild it gets, you’ve got this.
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8/17/25
Back-to-school shopping in 1984ish was a very different sport than it is today. There was no scrolling through endless “must-have” lists online or filling up a virtual cart while sipping iced coffee. Nope. Back then, it was all about what you wanted versus what you actually got.
Let’s start with the big one: I wanted the almighty Trapper Keeper. The holy grail of school organization, complete with Velcro closure and neon designs that screamed cool kid. What did I get? A marble composition notebook. Black and white. No pockets. No Velcro. No fun. That ended up being filled with multiplication tables written out in full 10 times each. Somehow, I still can’t remember what 8x6 is!
Books weren’t digital; they were actual, heavy books, so heavy they could double as free weights. And because they were school property, they were stealthily wrapped in brown paper grocery bags for protection. Bonus: the paper made a great canvas for doodles during boring lessons until you were caught and had to replace them for homework.
I went to Catholic school, which meant there was zero need for “back-to-school outfits.” My uniform was the same every day. Plaid skirt. White shirt. Repeat. Pretty sure I picked out a few folders at some point, but they weren’t a fashion statement, they were just whatever was cheapest and sturdy enough to survive the year.
As the oldest of five with two of us in school and three in diapers I’m still amazed my mom managed to get us what we needed at all. She was running a household that could have doubled as a daycare center, yet somehow, we had our supplies, our lunches, and our sanity mostly and survived late night runs for clay for diagram projects that were left till the last minute.
Fast-forward to today, and back-to-school lists can feel endless. Half of it is necessary, half of it makes you wonder if the PTA has a side hustle with Amazon. And with budget constraints, and “only this specific brand” requests, sometimes you just get what you can get.
Oh, and FYI the Trapper Keepers have made a comeback. I may or may not have put one in my cart this year purely for nostalgia, of course.
Here’s to all the parents, teachers, and students braving another school year. Whether you’ve got the latest tech or a marble notebook, the magic isn’t in the supplies, it's in the people using them.
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8/8/25
You packed the car like a pro. Only this time it’s not diaper bags, carriages, smelly sports equipment, pain stakingly packed suitcases for a family vacation, or six kids and only one was your own. Today, you double-checked the bedding, the shower caddy, and the 12-pack of ramen. You managed to keep it together when they said, “I think I’ve got everything,” even though you know they don’t.
And now here you are standing in a dorm room that smells like fresh paint and nerves, trying to look chill while your heart is doing a full-on ugly cry. Let’s be honest, you’re about to say goodbye to the human you taught to use a spoon and wipe their own butt, now they’re about to learn how to do their own laundry and probably not right away. Your way!
You might not sleep the night before. You might cry in the car. You might show up with a label maker and they’ll pretend they don’t know you. But listen, mom’s you did it. You raised a whole person who is brave enough to leave the nest and figure out who they are. That’s not just parenting, that’s magic.
And when you drive away with an empty seat beside you and a full heart behind you, know this, you’re not alone. We’re all out here, holding back tears and Googling “how often is too often to text a college freshman.”
I’ve only watched my baby board a school bus three days after he turned three, and now somehow he’s in eighth grade. Tears will be shed, curfews broken, and the inevitable “can you drive us”, or “can you pick me up” will be in my near future . All of these moments will lead me to the very room you’re standing in now where I will be ugly crying.
So go ahead. Feel all the feels. Eat the snacks they left behind. And know that even though your kid is growing up your title of “Mom” is forever. You’ve got this.
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8/3/25
Some families pass down recipes. Ours? We pass down beach hot dog parties.
When we were little, my mom would tell us stories of her grandfather, Pop, lugging a big pot of steaming hot dogs to the beach. No fancy setup. No Pinterest worthy picnic. Just hot dogs, buns, and a bunch of sandy kids chasing waves. She made it sound like the ultimate summer feast. I swear, in her retelling, that hot dog pot had the magic of a campfire and the allure of a five star buffet.
The way she described it, you’d think Pop was a culinary hero, doling out franks like Willy Wonka hands out golden tickets. But somehow, despite spending summers at the same beach myself, I don’t remember ever having a beach hot dog party. Not one. Just stories, retold like folklore.
Then, life did that full circle thing. Mom became a grandma. And wouldn’t you know it suddenly we were hauling beach chairs, sand toys, and yes, a pot of hot dogs down to the beach. They say good things come to those who wait. After my niece and nephew had their beach hot dog debut, it was finally my turn. It was everything I hoped for and my little guy loved it just as much as I did! It was our very own hot dog revival, still not Pinterest worthy but complete with fancy iced tea glasses, sand-filled diapers, leaky baby bottles, and a toddler double-fisting buns and beach pebbles.
Watching my mom beam as she handed out hot dogs to her grandkids just like Pop did for her was pure joy. She’d made it. She was the hot dog matriarch now.
The kids didn’t care that the hot dogs were a little overcooked, or that the buns were half-squashed, they were just looking for the ketchup. They were too busy making memories. The kind you tell your own kids about one day preferably while holding a hot dog with a little sand on it.
So here’s to beach hot dog parties, nostalgic, slightly chaotic, and absolutely perfect. May the tradition live on, one sandy frank at a time.
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7/26/25
Ah, the family-and-friends beach vacation. The dream, the chaos, the sunscreen-slicked reality. We packed our bags, loaded the SUVs, and caravanned in stop and go beach traffic down the highway with high hopes and even higher stress levels. Here’s how it went down, in case you’re considering doing the same.
Packing for a beach week is like a game of roulette. I had to pack every t-shirt, tank top, and pair of shorts I owned for "just in case". The same pair of shorts were worn all week. My son packed himself, and that’s why he only had three pairs of socks and three pairs of underwear for seven days. Math is obviously his least favorite subject. Phone chargers, I got them, a freezer size ziplock back full. Beach towels, I got them, enough for the entire block. There’s something for everyone in the 17 bags of groceries. Oh, and bedding, pillows, blankets, and sheets because why would they be included in a beach rental.
There’s something about arriving at a beach house that makes everyone lose their minds. Even if you’ve been to the same one three years running. Room assignments change, who’s going to be where this year, PlayStations get unpacked and bathrooms get staked out. The fridge gets stocked with “beverages” and the coffee gets put on its throne.
“What do you guys want for dinner?” Cue: 10 blank stares, 4 different pizza orders, 2 I already ate at the boardwalk cousins, and a rogue dad who’s already had a “liquid” dinner. By night three the moms gave up and started serving charcuterie boards made of crackers, chips, dips and sips. The only true villains of vacation, Laundry and Dishes. “Beach tan, laundry. Beach tan, dishes.” That was the routine. And still, someone’s kid (my kid) wore the same wet towel all week.
Miracles do happen, the teens actually got along. They played Wii Golf tournaments, shared and made TikToks, board games, and even watched the sunset without whining. We briefly questioned whether they had formed a cult, but decided not to ruin the moment. Also, the cute boys next door? Not cute. Not helpful. And no, they did not have a sister for your 13-year-old cousin.
Let’s be honest. The moms overdid it. By day four, we were either passed out in beach chairs (me) or leading karaoke battles. Shoutout to the family friend who brought her karaoke microphone machine and turned the deck into a concert venue. It was truly a highlight of the trip and there is video to prove it. Not only did she entertain the entire house, but also most of the block. I’ll never be able to listen to Flo Rida’s, Low the same again. “The Reebok with the straps (with the straps) will indefinitely bring a smile to my face. The dad who hates the beach spent most of the week asking when it was time to go home. He refused to take his socks and shoes off at the beach but he was there though, in spite of his disdain for all beach and boardwalk activities, he was there.
The exit was fast. Packing to go home took minutes after three cups of coffee and one more round of dishes. No organization, leftover snacks were divided, someone forgot their phone charger and someone found the HDMI cable they forgot last year. We were tired and ready to go home. Would we do it again? Absolutely. Do we need a full year to recover? Without question. A beach house with teens who got along, tipsy moms, one beach hating dad, rogue karaoke, and virtual sports championships! 10/10 chaotic, unforgettable, and somehow perfect. See you next summer. Maybe with enough karaoke microphones for everyone.
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7/23/25
Why I Look Like Baby #4 Is Due at 52? It’s not our fault. Our body’s just pivoting into “pregnant-looking fat deposit mode” without the baby.
Why the Belly of Doom? When estrogen levels dip during perimenopause and menopause, your body does a Grade-A betrayal. Fat Redistribution! Thanks to reduced estrogen fat storage shifts from hips and thighs inward, stocking up in the belly especially the visceral fat around organs. Slowed Metabolism! Muscle mass declines, metabolic rate drops, and suddenly cookies and ice cream at midnight matter again when they didn’t used to. Hormonal Appetite Shifts! Lower estrogen messes with leptin and appetite signals thank you, hunger hormones, so you eat like “why not?” and gain like “oh no.” You haven’t changed your routine. You haven’t done anything wrong. You aren’t having a secret baby at 52. You’re just hormonally designated by biology to shift your fat stash to your midsection.
If your jeans button a little higher these days, you’re in good fluffy company. Menopause belly fat is biological, not behavioral. So laugh, live, and wear those stretchy pants with pride because you’re not hiding a baby bump, you’re raising hell, maybe grandkids, or a teenager! We Do Not Care about shrinking waistlines, vacation diets, or the discouraging nip in our jeans. But maybe we should care a little… because what’s popping up in our midsection isn’t just an extra snack it’s hormonally driven inflation.
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7/23/25
Let’s talk about compliments, not the “You’re glowing!” kind you got during pregnancy. Not even the “You’re such a great mom” ones from strangers at Target when you’re wrangling toddlers and a cart full of snacks. Nope, I mean the husband compliments. The ones you think might be compliments but need a minute and possibly a translator to confirm.
Like today. My husband complimented my pedicure. Not because it was fresh since it’s eight weeks old, but because he liked the color. This moment of recognition happened after I dragged him to the beach which he famously hates and would rather be having a root canal and still, he noticed my toes. A win is a win.
Sometimes they’re subtle, “Dinner was great” means I’m so glad you cooked. I didn’t want cereal again.
“Did we get new curtains?” Means something in this house changed and I actually noticed. That’s growth.
And sometimes the compliment isn’t even in words. It’s when they clean up dinner without being asked. When they tell you let’s just order pizza for dinner. When they take the kids out so you can have 20 glorious, silent minutes alone. When they sit through one of your many favorite shows without audible sighing.
It’s not always romantic, and it’s rarely poetic, but here’s the truth, they see us. Maybe not the way we want to be seen, but in their own husband-y way we’re seen.
So the next time your partner says something vaguely nice, pause. Squint. Rewind it in your head. And just maybe… take it as a compliment. Even if it’s about your 8-week-old pedicure.
Because mom, you’re doing amazing and somewhere in there, they know it.
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7/10/25
Unpopular Opinion: Clean Is Not the Same as Messy Is Not the Same as Lived-In
Spoiler: Cleaning Might Actually Be My Superpower (Or My Last Grip on Sanity)
Let’s talk about cleaning. Or as I like to call it: the never-ending game of “Whose socks are these and why are they under the couch?”
Whether your home is spotless, a little messy, or totally lived-in it’s all acceptable. If it works for your family, that’s what really matters. Unpopular opinion: Clean, messy, and lived-in are not the same thing. Everyone has opinions but yours is the one that counts.
Some people walk into your home and say, “Wow, it’s so clean!” Hahaha, meanwhile, there’s a pile of crusty plates and a frying pan in the sink, 47 rogue chew toys, and soap on the stairs that everyone walked past since the last time you went to the store, a mysterious smell coming from the fridge but most likely from the dog. But because the floor was vacuumed and the couch cushions are fluffed? Clean? Yes!
Then there’s messy. Which, in my world, means we survived another weekday without anyone crying over a missing basketball, basketball uniform or a Playstation controller. It looks like chaos, but it’s functional chaos. That pile of unfolded laundry? That's a filing system. Clean? Yes!
And then there's lived-in. Which is mom-code for “We definitely eat here, sleep here, yell here, and cry in the bathroom here.” A lived-in home is full of life, crumbs, fingerprints, and unmatched Tupperware lids. Clean? Yes! It’s not dirty. It’s real life.
Our home is the trifecta of unpopular opinion. I’m one of those moms who actually finds cleaning therapeutic. I know, I know, I don’t always want to do it but when I do, I suddenly remember my own name, start thinking clearly again, and feel like I could run for PTA president or start a side hustle organizing other people’s closets. It’s like wiping down a counter also wipes down my brain fog. On any given day we can be washing dirty forks from the dishwasher for dinner and moving piles of “things” to sit down for dinner. Clean? Yes! It’s real life.
Whether you’re a SAHM, working mom, or a working from the laundry room while hiding from your kids mom, just know whatever your version of clean is, it counts. If it works for your family, it’s perfect. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to fold a load of laundry that’s been “marinating” in the dryer for three days. Clean? Yes but most likely wrinkled. Guess who doesn’t own an iron?
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7/8/25
"Bored? Not on My Watch! Fun, Cheap Ways to Entertain Little Kids Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Wallet)"
If you’ve heard the phrase “I’m booooored” one too many times this week, welcome to the club, Mama. It’s summer, school’s out, and your little bundles of energy suddenly have no idea what to do with themselves except follow you around like tiny shadows begging for snacks and screen time. If you’re lucky enough to have a teen that sleeps past noon and suddenly becomes your shadow right around dinner time these will work for you too.
Don’t worry, you don’t need a trip to Disneyland or a cart full of overpriced craft supplies from the store to turn things around. You just need a few clever, low-cost tricks to beat the "I'm bored" blues and save your sanity.
Build a Fort in the house, in the yard, on the deck, under the deck. Grab all the essential things, snacks, towels, snacks, blankets, snacks, pillows, snacks, twinkle lights, snacks, board games, snacks. You get it right? It's all about the snacks. We spent an entire
summer with a fort in the living room. It was a sight to behold. Pro Tip, if you have a dog, make sure the snacks are secured in your least expensive tupperware.
Make a Backyard Obstacle Course. Use pool noodles, sidewalk chalk, a jump rope, and your patio furniture. Tell your kids it’s American Ninja Warrior: Backyard Edition. This was fun when my son was younger. Now he’s a real life American Ninja Warrior since he’s correctly calculated the distance from the garage roof to the pool! Winner gets an extra popsicle!
The Boredom Jar is really fun. Write a bunch of fun and sneaky-productive ideas on slips of paper, think build a fort, draw a treasure map, sock puppet show or where are we going for lunch today and have them draw one whenever boredom strikes. Bonus if you include helping mom fold laundry for laughs.
Water Day, Every Day. If it’s hot out, grab a sprinkler, some sponges, and a few bowls. Let the kids “wash” their bikes, dolls, or even your feet. You get to sit. They get soaked. Everyone wins.
Kitchen Science. Baking soda and vinegar volcano? Yes. Making Oobleck with cornstarch and water? Double yes. Homemade Chalk? Yes, Yes, Yes. You likely already have the ingredients, and kids will think it’s magic. I personally have a lifetime ban on glitter in my house but to each their own.
Nature Treasure Hunt Create a simple list, Find something red, something round, something that flies and let them explore the yard or park like mini explorers or while walking the dog. Just don’t forget the snacks and bug spray.
You don’t have to spend a lot to make memories. With a dash of creativity and a pinch of humor, boredom doesn’t stand a chance. You’ve got this, Mama! Now go hide in the bathroom for five minutes of peace while they build a pillow mountain in the living room.
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7/7/25
We do not care if our thighs jiggle when we limp across the room. We do not care if our hips sound like popcorn when we stand up. And we definitely do not care if someone thinks we’re walking funny because we are. And it hurts.
We are the proud members of the #WDNC Club — We Do Not Care. Thank you Melani for giving us a voice.
Welcome to the glamorous world of gluteal tendinopathy, inner thigh twinges, and mystery hip pain that appeared out of nowhere like a raccoon in your laundry room. These symptoms are the kind no one talks about during menopause. But we do. Loudly. And usually with a heating pad and a fan blowing directly on us. We’re not just dealing with changing hormones we’re doing it while dragging one leg behind us and pretending we didn’t just wince getting out of the car.
Menopause. The magical time in a woman’s life where your hormones take a vacation, your sleep disappears, and your body throws daily tantrums just for existing.
Today, we’re focusing on something that sounds like a CrossFit injury but actually happened while reaching for the remote or your 5th cup of coffee for the day. Gluteal Tendinopathy aka: “Why does my butt hurt and I didn’t even move weird?” Bonus round: inner thigh pain because menopause doesn’t believe in boundaries.
We’ve got muscles on the outside of your hips called hip abductors gluteus medius & minimus, and muscles on the inside called adductors inner thigh crew. Together, they’re the push-pull squad that stabilizes your pelvis. In midlife or whenever your body decides you’ve you had estrogen they turn into bitter exes who no longer speak, and your tendons throw protests anytime you walk, lie on your side, or attempt to put on pants
Gluteal Tendinopathy. This delightful condition causes achy pain on the outside of your hip and butt. Increased pain when lying on that side so bye sleep, stiffness when walking or standing too long, and a sharp spike in dramatic sighing and limp-walking. It’s very common in perimenopausal women because estrogen has left the building and it took collagen, tendon strength, and your patience with it.
You’re not alone and no you’re not broken. You’re just in the “perma-sore for no reason” phase of life, where sleep doesn’t heal anything and foam rollers are both friends and enemies. Menopause fatigue is bad enough. Now we have butt pain and thigh drama too? If you’re randomly limping, walking like a duck, or using walls to help you get up, congrats, you’re officially in the “Menopause: Deluxe Edition.” But hey, if your glutes and thighs are going to complain, at least we can laugh about it. Because we’ve birthed babies, raised humans, and survived school pick-up lines. We can definitely survive cranky tendons with a heat pack and a strong meme game.
Sources available upon request.
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6/28/25
Swinging into a New Season. Your Teen Outgrows Baseball Camp
There it was, printed on the family calendar like it had been every June for the past eight summers Baseball Camp 9AM. Only this year it was crossed out. Not because we were double-booked or going on vacation. Nope. This year, my son looked at me with the confidence that only a 13-year-old boy who just discovered Jean Paul Gaultier cologne and sarcasm can muster and said, “I’m good” and just like that, we’ve officially entered the era of Too Cool for Camp.
No more packing cleats and skittles. No more stained pants, dropped gloves, or “Did you remember your cup?” reminders shouted from the car window. No more sunburnt bleachers or cheering on kids you have known as long as you’ve known your own.
I honestly thought I’d be thrilled to have one less thing on the summer schedule. But I miss it. And I miss him. The boy who looked forward to playing but had to be dragged out of bed, who practiced his “home run trot” in our kitchen, and who once cried because he didn’t make the Travel team.
He’s in a new era of his own. He’s into other things. Music. Battling with old friends. Making new friends. Sleeping until 11 or later. Rolling his eyes and asking why “I’m being so Fiesty”.
It’s bittersweet and weirdly beautiful to watch your kid slowly walk away from something they used to love. Not because it wasn’t great but because they’re growing, changing, and finding new passions.
So this summer, instead of cheering from the sidelines, I’ll be silently rooting him on as he navigates the new playing field of teenagehood.
It’s not always as charming as Little League, but there’s still snacks.
P.S. If you need me, I’ll be in the garage hugging his old glove and sniffing it like a weirdo.
Play ball, buddy. In whatever field you choose. 💙⚾️
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6/26/25
Self-Care Routine That Actually Works And Yes, It Includes a Bathing Suit and a Dishwasher. Welcome to my personal summer daily routine. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It works. Let’s talk about self-care, shall we? Not the “book a silent retreat in the Himalayas” kind. Not even the “buy a jade roller from the Dollar Tree and pretend you know how to use it” kind. I’m talking about real-life mom self-care, the kind that gets squeezed between laundry cycles, coffee sips, and questionable snack choices.
Coffee First so nobody gets hurt. Before anything else, coffee. This is not a drill. It’s not just self-care, it’s self-preservation. I star in my very own Foldgers commercial by lovingly cradling my mug like it’s the last warm thing on Earth while I stare out the window like a 90s sitcom mom contemplating life choices.
GRWM into a bathing suit. The Adam Sandler look is now reserved for rainy days. My summer uniform of choice? A bathing suit. Because why not and nothing says “I’m about to crush this day” like preparing to jump in the pool or run through a sprinkler like a toddler. The bathing suit also works for running errands around town. I would suggest a cute “coordinating” coverup or housecoat. Coordinating is only a suggestion since the dryer is probably still going.
Laundry Load = Sanity Load. Ah yes, the subtle hum of the washing machine modern motherhood’s version of meditation music. Starting a load makes me feel like I’ve already accomplished something amazing, even if I’m still in flip-flops and wet hair. The pool towels are not going to wash and dry themselves.
Skincare, because my face deserves better than dish soap. I wash, moisturize, and apply SPF 100 to my face, not because I’m headed to a spa, but because my face has been exposed to the elements for 52 years and it's never too late to help it not look like shoe leather even when it already does and it feels like one tiny, five-minute rebellion against chaos.
Load the dishwasher like I’m on Chopped Mom Edition. First to be loaded, the dinner dishes. Yes, the dinner dishes! Can I fit one more mug in here? Oh, you better believe it. Loading the dishwasher is my version of the Jenga Game. One rule is you load TOP down, (unload BOTTOM up) points for creativity and the occasional pretend cooking show commentary.
Finally, I jump in the pool. Yes, every day unless of course I make it to the beach. Almost like clockwork. The pool is peaceful at this hour since the teen is still sleeping. It’s my “shower,” my “workout,” and my “mental health break” all rolled into one. If the kids join me, great. If not? Even better. Just kidding. Kind of. I have friends (really) who have no problem joining me for a dip and a cocktail.
This works because it’s real. It’s not aspirational. It’s functional. It includes caffeine, chores, fresh air, and just enough skincare to pretend I have it together. The kids may be on summer break but the house doesn't run itself. It’s not about perfection. It’s about prioritizing joy in the chaos.
So if you need permission to create a self-care routine that includes coffee, cleaning, and cannonballs here it is. You're welcome! Self-care doesn't have to be glamorous. It just has to make you feel human again. And maybe a little bit fabulous in your swimsuit.
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6/26/25
Broke But Breezy: Budget-Friendly Summer Fun for the Whole Family
Summer is here, your kids are bouncing off the walls, and your wallet is sobbing quietly in the corner. Don’t worry you don’t need a luxury cruise or a second mortgage to make summer memories that don’t involve watching reruns and eating popsicles for dinner though no judgment—we’ve been there.
Here are some wildly fun, questionably educational, and totally budget-friendly summer ideas for the whole family:
Backyard Camping aka Sleeping Outside But Close Enough to Use the Bathroom. Pitch a tent in the backyard. Roast marshmallows over the grill. Tell ghost stories that end with, “…and then the Wi-Fi stopped working!” Best part? No bears. Unless your toddler wakes up hangry at 3am or your teen and his camping crew think they can go on a midnight scavenger hunt.
DIY Splash Park. Sprinkler? Check. Slip n’ Slide made from a tarp and dish soap? Check. Officially tested and approved. Although I would recommend a softer spot! Hose battles that accidentally soak your neighbor’s cat? Double check. It’s a full-on waterpark
minus the $15 hot dogs. Until the perfectly timed ice cream truck pulls up out of nowhere.
Library Adventure Days. These were fun when my son didn’t know how to read! Perfect for littles and your future scholars. Libraries are air-conditioned AND free, two of our favorite things. Sign up for summer reading programs, check out a stack of books taller than your child, and enjoy story time while pretending you don’t hear your toddler chewing the corner of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The late fees also won’t break the bank!
Family Field Day. This one is on my list this year. I can’t wait for the first teen pool party of the year. Three-legged race, egg-and-spoon challenge, and the classic “Mom tries to hula hoop” competition while keeping teen boys from launching themselves off the roof into the pool. Loser does the dishes. It won’t be me! Winner gets bragging rights and the last popsicle or an iced coffee.
Movie Marathon. But Make It Educational. We’re doing Adam Sandler this summer. It’s never too early to learn how to use a rope swing. Call it a “cinematic cultural study.” Pop popcorn, build a pillow fort, and make it a double feature. Bonus: share something you did as a kid that relates to your cinematic study. Unless it was that one time you ….
DIY Ice Cream Bar. Buy store-brand ice cream and raid the pantry for toppings. Gummy bears? Go for it. Crushed cereal? Why not? I can’t wait to see what kind of concoction my husband comes with. Think bacon bites! A sprinkle of crushed dignity as your kid dumps hot sauce on theirs? Priceless only if you leave the dishes for the morning.
The bottom line is you don’t need big bucks for big fun. Stock the fridge with water, juice boxes, and ice pops. If you’re lucky enough to have a teen you may get 5 minutes to 5 hours of peace when they ride off into the sunset to make their own fun. All it takes is a little creativity, a sense of humor, and the ability to accept that your kids are probably going to break something. Happy summering!
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6/13/25
Summer Mom Guilt Is Real So What Can We Do About It?
You know that magical summer we all imagine? The one with daily crafts, healthy popsicles, screen-free adventures, and perfectly packed beach days? Yeah I don’t live there either.
Instead, my summer often looks like this: my teenage son has slept till 1pm, he has watched more YouTube and Tik Tok videos than sunscreen has been applied, I “meal prep” by microwaving leftover pizza or Uber Eating BK. I promise beach days... and then it’s 94° with a heat index of nope. We can swim in our own pool!
Cue the guilt.
Summer Mom Guilt is a real thing. We want to make every moment magical and memory-worthy but we’re also sweaty, tired, and trying to answer emails while digging sand out of our car mats. It’s a lot.
So what can we do about it? Lower the bar. Our kids don’t need a Pinterest-perfect summer. They need snacks, occasional supervision, and a mom who isn’t sobbing into her iced coffee. Schedule the bare minimum fun. One pool day. One popsicle taste test. Boom. You’re a summer legend. Rebrand screen time. Call it “independent learning” or “restorative downtime.” You’re not lazy, you're supporting their digital literacy. Take care of YOU. A happy-ish mom is 10x more fun than a burnt-out cruise director. Remember Boredom builds creativity. When they say, “I’m bored,” smile and say, “Perfect. Go be bored somewhere else.” Don’t forget to snap a few pictures so you remember how much fun they actually did have!
So let’s ditch the guilt and embrace a realistic summer, messy, imperfect, and full of memories that don’t need to be scrapbooked to count.
You’re doing great. Now go reheat that pizza.
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6/8/25
National Best Friends Day
We met in kindergarten thanks to the kids. What started as small talk over juice boxes, arranging playdates, small talk at the never ending cycle of pickup and drop off turned into real friendships. The kids? They’ve switched or been “dropped” from their ever changing and evolving friend groups more than we’ve switched coffee for wine. I’d love to see them all one day come full circle back to where their friendships started, a mom can always dream! But some mom friends stay true through tantrums, tween drama, popped pool floats, the kids LWK nonsense drama and emergency texts. That’s the Mom Friends Code: show up, support, don’t judge, and always bring a drink coffee for chaos, wine for wins, and tequila for survival. So here’s to the ones who’ve stuck around you’re the real MVPs. It’s truly amazing to have mom friends in your corner through the ever changing seasons of tween and teen drama. We always seem to be here for each other with open arms and probably a drink.
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6/4/25
School’s Out! 10 Sanity-Saving Summer Routines for Moms
Because survival is the goal, and peace is the prize.
Ahh, summer. That magical time when kids are home 24/7, they have company, snacks vanish like air, and your name gets said every 4.2 seconds and you’re on your 10th load of pool towls. But don’t panic, just routine it! Or try too! Whether you're chasing toddlers or bribing teens out of bed, here are 10 one-line routines to save your summer and your sanity this summer.
Snack Station Setup: Pre-fill a bin with mom-approved snacks they can grab without yelling your name.
Tip: Use a low shelf they can reach—independence = freedom.
Outside by 9 AM Rule: Morning energy gets burned, not bottled.
Tip: Kiddie pool, chalk, or bubbles. Repeat daily.
Color Time After Lunch: A quiet half-hour to catch your breath or scroll in peace.
Tip: Rotate coloring books weekly to keep interest fresh.
Daily Toy Roundup at 4 PM: Make cleanup part of the routine before the evening chaos begins.
Tip: Use a song—cleanup time becomes a mini dance party.
Early Bath & Pajamas Routine: Wind them down before they melt down.
Tip: Bath by 6:30 PM = less resistance.
"You Wake, You Bake" Morning Rule: Whoever wakes up last makes breakfast.
Tip: Encourages earlier wake-ups (or at least less whining).
Chore Chart Texted on Sundays: No surprises, no excuses.
Tip: Include rewards—teens work well on bribery.
Daily Screen-Free Hour: Use the Wi-Fi password as leverage.
Tip: Suggest alternatives like driving practice, workouts, or reading.
Dinner Duty Rotation: Teens cook once a week—yes, even if it’s cereal night.
Tip: It builds responsibility (and gives you a break).I’ll let you know how this one works out.
Friday Chill Nights: Weekly pizza, movie, or game night to connect without lectures.
Tip: Let them pick the movie—you’ll earn cool mom points.
You’ve got this, mama. Set the tone, sprinkle in some structure, and let summer be wild on your terms. 🌞✨
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5/28/25
Motherhood comes with a unique blend of visible and invisible responsibilities that are hard to explain, let alone keep up with. And while we often joke about needing more coffee or hiding in the pantry for five minutes of peace, the reality is we’re running on empty. Motherhood doesn’t come with a punch-out time. Being able to stay home is something I’m deeply thankful for. Even when we’re still, our brains are running. What's for dinner, Did I sign that field trip form, Who’s got the dentist this week, When did I last wash my hair, Did I feed the dog?! This is the mental load, and it’s real. Add to that the emotional labor of making sure everyone in the house is okay often while ignoring our own needs and it’s no wonder we’re mentally and emotionally spent.
Whether you’re chasing toddlers or teens, working in or outside the home, or both moms rarely get to sit still. I don’t take for granted the chance to stay home and focus on my family. We’re multitasking machines: answering emails while folding laundry, stirring dinner while helping with homework, playstation IT support, replying to texts from the PTA while wrangling bedtime routines.
We’re constantly doing, even when we’re exhausted. And rest? Real rest? It’s rare. We juggle roles: mother, partner, worker, friend, nurse, therapist, cook, cleaner, and scheduler-in-chief. We feel guilty if we work, guilty if we don’t, guilty if we take a break, guilty if we don’t enjoy every moment and completely invisible when we finally admit, “I’m struggling.”
Here’s what we often forget: dads and partners are exhausted too.
Sure, their struggles might look different and yes, in many households, moms still carry the heavier emotional and household load but that doesn’t mean men aren’t feeling the pressure.
My husband, like many dads, works long hours to provide, balancing fatherhood with career ambition, learning how to be more emotionally present than generations before, struggling to express their needs in a world that tells them to “man up.” They carry their own invisible burdens, the pressure to stay strong, hold it all together, be the “fixer,” and never complain.
We’re all just trying to get through the day with a little grace (and maybe a snack we don’t have to share) . We won't solve burnout with a beer or a bubble bath though hey, it couldn’t hurt. We can talk about it honestly. Let go of perfection. Share the load more evenly. Ask for help without shame. Support each other without judgment because moms are tired, dads are tired, people are tired. Let’s stop pretending we’re fine when we’re not and start building a culture where rest, support, and real conversations are the norm, not the exception.
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5/19/25
24 Years of Marriage: Just Breathe
Today marks 24 years of marriage. This year we definitely tested “in sickness and in health.” Twenty-four years of laughter, love, lessons, crying (me) and let’s be real a few loud debates over thermostat settings, who left the kitchen light on (me always me), and “how many Amazon packages did we get today?” (NOT only me). We’ve lived a lot of life in those years. We’ve built a family, raised a wild and wonderful lazy and late for his own funeral 13-year-old with the best negotiation skills on the planet, welcomed the world’s most lazy, loyal, and expensive golden retriever into our chaos, and somehow managed to keep choosing each other through it all. His line is, “I have no choice”, but he does and he keeps choosing us.
Marriage isn’t always picture perfect. It’s complicated, messy, about compromises, funny, frustrating, comforting, and wildly unpredictable, kind of like parenting, except with fewer snacks, more adult beverages and more laundry. But through every challenge, we’ve grown stronger. We’ve fought, made up, and held onto the one thing that really matters: love.
He works so hard to keep our world spinning day in and day out, giving everything he has so our family is safe and secure. And me? I do my very best not to drive him crazy, the keyword is try. Maybe I’ll master the vacuum lines in the carpet in the next 24 years. He deserves a medal for patience. And I deserve a trophy for keeping the rest of it together even when I’m frazzled, which is daily.
To my partner in parenting, dog parenting, budgeting, dreaming, and surviving the teen years thank you. For sharing your garage space, patiently waiting for me to get to the point, and the life you have built for us. I love you. Always. Even when I forget to say it. Even when we don’t agree. Even when life is loud.
Here’s to 24 years of us. The real us. Perfectly imperfect, fiercely loyal, and forever figuring it out together.
I love you, “as I should!”
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5/11/25
Raising Us Her Way (Whether We Liked It or Not)
Growing up with our mom was like being drafted into a very intense boot camp—except instead of camouflage, we wore hand-me-downs from our siblings, and instead of push-ups, we did chores. A lot of chores, I still detest doing the dishes! Most of the time we did what we were told!
As the oldest of five, I had the unique privilege of being the “practice child” and the unpaid assistant. I thought of myself as the substitute Mom. I helped with my younger siblings while simultaneously being raised myself. I was of course the built-in babysitter. I know they hated it, I secretly loved it and still call them “the kids”. The baby is 42! It was confusing. And exhausting. But mostly confusing.
I am sure mom had a plan for us. All of us. Whether we were athletic, artistic, allergic to effort it didn’t matter. She had a vision. We were going to be polite, responsible, productive members of society who didn’t slam the fridge door or waste paper towels. In the end her vision became a reality. Except, I still waste paper towels.
Somehow, despite her best-laid plans and chore demands, we all turned out completely different. I’d like to say we’re a family of doctors, professors, and lawyers, but we’re not. We’re just a regular bunch of adults with our own visions. Each one of us took a different path. Some paths were harder and longer to get us where we are today as a family. The good news is the winding roads and steep cliffs all lead home. Believe it or not we all still speak to each other so she must have done something right.
Mom is strong. Like, “cut your sandwich with a look” strong. She’s opinionated, passionate, will hijack your conversation, set in her ways, and has no idea what “gentle parenting” is and doesn’t want to. She still critiques some of our choices with the “look” and thinks gluten intolerance is a government hoax. But here’s the thing, she always showed up for us. Especially during the bad times.
She taught me how to shop for things I want but don’t necessarily need, because hey treat yourself, how to balance a checkbook which I still do every month with a pencil, and how to be the kind of mom I didn’t even know I was capable of being. Truthfully, I didn’t always want to be this kind of mom, the kind who gives a look, or who yells about shoes by the door, or screams up the stairs . But here I am her daughter doing all of it, and then some. I tried “gentle parenting” and it didn’t work for me, it was a hard swallow on the, “I told you so” from mom.
And yes, I’ve officially become her. I’ve heard myself say to my own child, “Do you want me to call Grandma?” in that same threatening-yet-mystical tone. And it works. Every time. Because the legend of Grandma’s discipline lives on.
She drives us crazy but she’s also the reason we aren’t completely lost. So here’s to my mom the woman who raised five wildly different humans, mostly by sheer force of will, coffee, and cigarettes.
And yes, Mom, we love you… even if we still don’t fold towels the “right” way. Yesterday, I spent the morning with my mom doing something we haven’t done in a long time. We got “Mommy and Me” makeovers at Clinique. We bought things we wanted and didn’t necessarily need of course but the best part was just being together. I love you Mom, Thank You for everything and Happy Mother’s Day.
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5/4/25
From Lobster to Lifeguard: A Tale of Two Sunburns
Back in the 70s and 80s, I was the textbook definition of a fair-haired, beach-bound child. My skin was so pale it reflected sunlight like a disco ball. My mom would diligently apply the current SPF on the market at the time. I can still smell that OG Coppertone today. Still one hour into the beach day, Lobster. By sunset? Back at grandmas, hiding in fear and anticipation of seeing the blue and white can being pulled from the cabinet. Solarcaine! After that initial sting of freezing cold pelting your skin the relief set in and I was ready to do it all over again the next day.
I’d arrive at the beach with one lonely freckle on my nose and leave looking like a Connect-the-Dots puzzle. My mom would slap on some sweet scented cream and then send me into the ocean for 6 hours straight. She’d only call me out to reapply but it was the 80s, SPF was a suggestion not a rule and not as effective as it is today.
Fast forward to 2011. Now I’m the mom, standing on the sand armed like a sunscreen ninja. Sprays, tubes, and roll-ons. My kid? Also blonde. Also fair. He's basically laminated in SPF 50 every 45 minutes, wearing a UV shirt, sun hat, sunglasses, and hiding under a pop-up tent the size of a small apartment complex.
He whines, “But I wanna go in the water!”
I shout back, “Not until this layer dries! DO YOU WANT TO PEEL?!”
And just like that, I realize: I’ve become the sunscreen overlord. I can rule my mini me since I am fully aware of the consequences.
Moral of the story? In the 80s, we got burned. Some of us still do today even with strategically planned burn prevention. I got my first “you were right mom” when my son was around 10 and thought he was prepared to be his own sunscreen overlord. Yes, he felt the burn and slow sting and relief of that blue and white can. I may have been saying I told you so silently to myself as I was holding the can 3-5 inches from the affected area.
Our kids may never understand the stinging betrayal of an afternoon sunburn but that’s OK. They’ll still get freckles. Just regulated ones.
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4/27/25
Are you tired? Yes! Well so am I and guess why? You guessed it; Menopause.
Remember the baby phase? You were up every two hours, surviving on caffeine and crumbs. You’re tired because you’re feeding, rocking, pacing, pumping, repeating. The toddler years? When you were sprinting after tiny humans while eating the chicken nuggets they already had in their mouth for dinner. You’re tired because you haven’t sat down in 3 years. The teenage years? You’re tired from the emotional whiplash, late-night “Can you pick me up?” texts, and “Why is your door locked?” moments. I’m only three years into the teen years. Based on the emotions my teen has struggled with so far, my increasing hot flash “episodes”, and a special brand of mood swings, we are headed for a bumpy ride. We, my husband included, are physically and emotionally exhausted. The only one sleeping is the teen.
Let’s talk about menopause fatigue and why it hits like a hormonal truck. You already know your hormones are reeking havoc on everything else why not your sleep cycle. As estrogen and progesterone take an extended vacation, your sleep/wake cycles, energy regulation, and mood get tossed in a blender. These hormones help regulate everything from sleep to stress and without them, you’re basically running on fumes.
When you finally do fall asleep you wake up soaked like you ran laps in your sheets. Night sweats are like having a built-in sauna. Add in insomnia and you’re officially in a sleep deficit so deep, NASA couldn’t find it. Menopause fatigue is also worsened by iron deficiency or thyroid issues, which can sneak in unnoticed during midlife changes. When that doctor says “it’s just menopause” ask for a blood test.
If menopause had a parenting phase, it would be the “You’re grounded but I forgot why” stage. You’re tired, not lazy, not unmotivated, just hormonally worn out. You’re tired and don’t even know why. You did nothing, but your body is like, “We climbed Everest today.” So give yourself grace, take naps when you can, and keep that sense of humor alive. It’s the only thing that doesn’t sweat out.
Motherhood trained us to survive on zero sleep. Menopause just took it up a notch by making us tired even after sleeping. If you're feeling wiped out, it’s not because you’re weak, it's because your body is running a full hormonal obstacle course every day. Grab a nap when you can, laugh when you can’t, and remember: you’re not just tired, you're a freaking warrior in pajamas.
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4/19/25
I Was 51 and still waiting for My Biological Father to Show Up for Dinner
You’d think that by 51, I’d be past this. You’d think I’d be too busy with menopause, a teenager, and the existential crisis that is my sagging neck to care about whether or not my dad was ever going to show up for dinner. But when your only child expresses interest in meeting this man who randomly sends him gifts you say, “Sure”. I did what any semi-sane 51-year-old woman would do: I texted him. Sent. Delivered. Read. Planned a week's vacation to visit the man that had stood me up countless times before, boarded an airplane, dragged your nephews with you for moral support, and crossed your fingers that he’d show up and not disappoint the next generation.
There I was 51, fully grown with my teenage son, still sitting in a booth in a random restaurant in his state, checking my phone like a teenager who just got ghosted. Again.
Let’s rewind. I hadn’t really seen or spoken to my biological father in many years. Our contact was pretty much a nonexistent mix of awkward phone calls, “Happy Birthday” texts three days late, and a lingering emotional hangover from a childhood of waiting by the window with my little suitcase packed, convinced today would be the day he actually showed up. He rarely did.
I didn’t miss out on having a father. In fact, I was raised by an exceptionally hard working man
who provided for his bonus family and helped shape me into the woman I am today. But here’s the thing about being a grown woman who was the little girl waiting at the window, you don’t really grow out of the “will he show up this time.” The feelings change and morph over time but they never leave.
I wasn’t expecting him to show up. Not really. He hadn’t so many times before. I was surprisingly calm but worried about my son who of course was having second thoughts on this meeting. I sat there thinking why am I putting him through this? I know how the story ends.
Still, hope is a funny thing. Even when it’s worn thin and frayed like an old bath towel, it doesn’t completely fall apart. So there I was, 51 years old, sitting in a booth at a local bar restaurant he chose, looking at my son, looking at my phone, surveying the bar patrons in case I missed him at the bar, telling myself it was fine if he didn’t show. Again. And then he did. He walked in older, slower, and shorter than I remembered. But it was him.
He smiled awkwardly, like he wasn’t sure if he was welcome. “Hey,” he said. “Thank you for coming.” Gave me an awkward hug, shook hands with my husband and made his way down the line to my son. “Hey,” taking his hand and said, “ Hi, I’m your Florida Friend.”
We sat. We ate. We made small talk like people trying to piece together a jigsaw puzzle with missing corners. We just talked. We didn’t rehash the past, we didn’t point fingers, we didn’t yell or cry. We actually had a pleasant dinner. Let’s be honest I was totally waiting for the balls to drop but, we can’t change the past, we can only move on even if the outcome will be being ghosted again. This time I was stronger and able to handle the rejection that I couldn't as a child. I had let go of it and a weight had been lifted.
And then there was this quiet, kind of heavy moment when he looked at me and said, “I know I missed a lot.” That was it. Not a grand apology. No long speech. Just a quiet, honest sentence from a man who probably practiced it 1,000 times and still didn’t say it the way he wanted to. But it landed. I told him, “Yeah. You did.” Then, after a pause: “But you showed up tonight.” And weirdly, that meant something. Closure? Maybe. A beginning? A different end to the story? Only time will tell how the story ends but a leopard can’t change their spots.
I’m still not calling it a Hallmark moment. It wasn’t perfect. There’s still a whole childhood between us that no cheeseburger and beer dinner can erase. But for one night, at least, he met me at the table.
Plans were made for the next few days, something simple, just a lunch and maybe a walk. My son, though, was still understandably cautious about spending time with this man he barely knew. Who could blame him? I couldn’t. I’ve stood in those exact same shoes, staring down disappointment with a brave face and a quiet heart. But my son was strong. He showed up, not because he trusted easily, but because he loves me. And honestly, that kind of loyalty hits different when you’re a mom watching history almost repeat itself.
When I asked him why he decided to go, he shrugged and said, “I’m only doing it for the Chilies.” Yep. Chilies. Because apparently, our accidental family tradition is finding a Chilies in every state we visit. He wasn’t in it for emotional growth or meaningful moments he was in it for the chicken crispers. And somehow, that made it perfect. Because life isn’t always about grand healing arcs or tearful movie moments. Sometimes, it’s about showing up awkwardly, imperfectly, with a side of fries. And sometimes that’s enough.
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4/8/25
Is your Middle School Boy Always Late for School? Mine is!
Middle school boys. Masters of Fortnite , connoisseurs of snacks, and professional dawdlers when it comes to getting out the door on time. If you've ever found yourself yelling, "Backpack! Where is your backpack?!" at 7:45 a.m., this one’s for you.
Why? Why do our boys move at sloth speed (my son is King Sloth) in the mornings, how we can help them snap out of it, and why being on time actually matters more than they think.
Per the (CDC) middle schoolers need about 8–10 hours of sleep per night . But let’s be honest if your kid was up gaming, texting, or simply staring into the void until 11pm like mine, they’re not bouncing out of bed when the alarm goes off at 6:30am. Instead, it’s a dance of alarms, trips up and down the stairs since they need a human alarm clock as well, snoozes, and groggy complaints like, “Five more minutes, or I can’t hear the alarm if I’m sleeping.” We know how to fix it, by enforcing a no-screens rule 30–60 minutes before bedtime, creating a consistent nighttime routine (yes, like when they were 5) and using alarm clocks so they can’t snooze from under the covers (bonus points if it flies across the room). Has this advice actually worked for anyone? Anyone?
Many middle school boys have absolutely no concept of time. You say, “We’re leaving in 10 minutes,” and 15 minutes later they’re still brushing one sock over one foot while humming to themselves or watching TikTok. I’ve resorted to girl/mom math and now build 20 minutes into our departure time to hopefully be on time, anywhere.
Somewhere in the middle school brain, “get to school on time” ranks far below finishing a YouTube video, finding just the right hoodie, and applying a gallon of cologne. We also know How to Fix It, by talking to them (without sarcasm) about why being on time matters and praising effort over perfection. Getting out the door faster by five minutes is a win only if you don’t have to turn around for the forgotten backpack!
Let’s get real. Yes, their brains are still under construction and you don’t want to start their day with a battle, but let’s have a reality check too: getting up on time is a basic life skill. And like it or not, it’s one of the first forms of personal responsibility kids can practice consistently. Sure, science gives us insight into their brain but it’s not a free pass forever. We discuss this topic at the dinner table every night. We’ve started to use more consequences at home but it continues to be an issue for my sloth. Do I go old school and physically drag him out of the bed, or take the advice of my MIL, to dump a cup of water on him? If I’m honest, I’ve definitely thought about trying it.
What does the school think? Possibly that we’re just lazy parents who can’t get their kid to school on time or we don’t care about our child's education. I’m sure I am not the only one to have received the school “Form Letter” informing us about tardiness and absences. How ridiculous, like we didn’t know our middle schooler was absent or late. How do they fix it? This year, they sent a letter prior to the start of the school year setting a goal for my son to be late no more than 8 times this year instead of the 12 times last year. Can you guess how many days he’s been late this year?
How can the school fix it? They can resort to some serious interventions. Chronic tardiness isn’t just a personal problem it can have legal and academic consequences. In the state of New Jersey, students who rack up ten or more unexcused absences are considered truant. Under state law, parents can be summoned to municipal court, fined, and held accountable for ensuring regular attendance. Penalties include fines starting at $25 and increasing to $100 for subsequent offenses (Safe Supportive Learning, Education Week). In my school district, the consequences are just as real. According to their policy, excessive tardiness or unexcused absences can lead to detention or loss of school privileges, required parent-student conferences, and the development of formal attendance improvement plans. Also, Referral to a truancy officer for legal intervention. My son is over the limit. Will the Truant Officer knock on the door?
Learning to wake up, get ready, and be somewhere on time is a life skill. Period. It teaches responsibility, time management, and respect for others' time. Whether they’re headed to school, a job, or (someday) college classes, punctuality is part of becoming a functioning adult.
So yes, it may feel like a sitcom every morning or your favorite thriller awaiting the knock on the door. Yes, you may need three cups of coffee to survive the chaos. But it’s worth the effort to help our middle schoolers learn that showing up on time matters because the world isn’t going to wait for them to find the right hoodie.
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4/5/25
Rainy Days: Toddler vs. Teenager Edition
Rainy days with my toddler felt like being trapped in a tiny room with a caffeinated squirrel and no escape route. We’d spend the morning building a couch fort, pretending to be WWE wrestlers, being Thomas the Train Trackmasters, a hot mess Hot Wheels flag girl, cleaning up Play-Doh from the carpet (again), and trying to answer “why?” for the 973rd time before lunch.
I dreamed of silence.
Fast-forward to the teenage years. 13 years old to be exact. Today is a rainy dreary day. But now, my teen is in his room, door shut, headphones on, working hard at becoming an Esports Legend on Fortnite or NBA2K, emerging around noon only to scowl at the fridge and declare, “There’s nothing to eat,” even though you just went shopping, “Can you DoorDash”, “Can you make me Ramen.” The only thing that hasn’t changed is “why?”. Today's answer was because your birthday is in October and it's only April!
I dreamed of noise.
With toddlers, rainy days are chaos wrapped in giggles. With teens, it’s quiet—too quiet—and you start to wonder if they’ve become part of their mattress.. Either way, you’re still cleaning up snacks, still questioning your sanity, and still somehow not in charge of the remote.
Different seasons. Same house. New Memories and Moments.
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3/25/25
Vaginal Dryness: When Your Lady Bits Turn into the Sahara Desert
Menopause that time in life when your body decides to spice things up with hot flashes, mood swings, and, oh yes, vaginal dryness. If you’ve ever thought, “Why does it feel like my vagina just moved to a desert climate?” you’re not alone. As our estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, the vaginal walls become thinner and produce less natural lubrication. This can lead to discomfort, itching, burning, and let’s be real it just makes sex unbearable for some of us who still actually want to have sex.
Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause, yet it remains one of the least discussed topics among women and healthcare providers. I get it who wants to really talk about it. My mother and I have a great relationship but at 51 I still can’t start the conversation “So mom, talk to me about Vaginal Dryness. How did/do you deal with it”? No matter how open you can be, some conversations are just hard.
Contributing to the silence and non conversation are things like societal stigma and shame. Menopause has long been surrounded by stigma, leading many women to feel embarrassed or ashamed about their symptoms. This societal pressure discourages open conversations about intimate issues like vaginal dryness. It’s a taboo topic.
Many cultures, and religions stifle discussions about sex and sexual health making it challenging for women to seek help or even acknowledge their experiences with vaginal dryness. We didn’t openly talk about sex growing up. I never got “the talk”. You can imagine the shade of red that washed over my face at the dinner table at my future husband’s house when the topic of “porking” was discussed over the Sunday roast beef.
Obviously there is a lack of awareness and education. “In 2022, a needs assesment survey was distributed to 145 US ObGyn residency PDs. The survey consists of 15 questions. The survey was completed by 99 of 145 PDs (68.3%). Almost all participants (92.9%) strongly agreed that residents nationwide should have access to a standardized menopause curriculum that could be utilized in their programs. Only 31.3% reported having a menopause curriculum in their residency program. Of the programs with a menopause curriculum, 96.8% reported using lectures, 77.4% reported assigned readings, and 74.2% had either dedicated menopause clinics or other clinics with a high volume of menopausal patients. No wonder we are unaware that vaginal dryness is a common and treatable symptom of menopause. This lack of knowledge often leads to underreporting and untreated symptoms. Our doctors don’t really help the situation either. Our doctors may not routinely inquire about vaginal health during consultations, leading to underdiagnosis. Additionally, symptoms can be misattributed to other conditions, delaying appropriate treatment.
Was I misdiagnosed? I still don’t know. During my third visit to the doctor in as many months for a recurring UTI he actually asked, “Girl, how much sex are you having?” He proceeded to tell me “it's just a symptom of menopause.” His prescription, “lube”. By the fifth month with the same UTI all treated with different antibiotics I was rushed to hospital for a five day all expense paid stay (thank you Insurance) with Urosepsis. I would like to highlight the Sepsis part, the I could have died part. Sidenote:Urosepsis is one of the most common causes of sepsis. “Up to 30% of all sepsis cases begin in the urinary tract.” My gynecologist agreed with my GP, “it’s just menopause”, and refused to give me any HRT drugs since I am a smoker (I’ve heard it before). HER solution was to prescribe more “preventative” antibiotics to be taken pre and/or post sex. Unfortunately, I still don’t know the cause however, I haven't had a UTI since November so maybe there is some credibility to “it’s just menopause” or the fact that I’m afraid I’ll be in the next episode of Sex Sent Me To the ER.
Vaginal dryness might be one of menopause’s least talked about symptoms, but it’s totally normal and treatable. So, if your nether regions feel like a desert, remember—there’s always a way to bring back the rain!
Signs Your Vaginal Hydration Levels Are on Low
• Dryness and irritation (like your vagina just went through a drought)
• Burning or itching (as if it’s rebelling against you)
• Pain during intimacy (because sandpaper and pleasure don’t mix)
• Increased urinary tract infections (UTIs) (thanks to the changing pH levels)
How to Bring Back the Moisture
Don’t worry—you don’t have to accept desert conditions forever. Here are some ways to restore the oasis:
• Vaginal moisturizers (because your skin isn’t the only thing that needs hydration)
• Water-based lubricants (for smoother, more enjoyable intimacy)
• Hormone therapy (talk to your doctor about estrogen-based treatments)
• Stay hydrated (drinking water helps everything, including your lady bits!)
***Sources available upon request.
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3/17/25
The Irish Sweater: History, Myths, and a Bit of Craic
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today I wore my Irish grandmother's Irish sweater. Often called the Aran sweater. Do you know the truth about this iconic knit? Like many things in Irish history, it’s wrapped up in myth, storytelling, and a good dose of creative exaggeration. I honestly didn’t know the entire woolly tale until I did a wee bit of research for this blog post. I choose to believe in the myth. The one thing I 100% absolutely know to be true and want to share about the Irish Sweater is that you should not toss it in the washer and dryer. That lesson was learned a few years ago when I did just that!
The Aran sweater hails from the rugged Aran Islands off Ireland’s west coast, where the wind could nearly take the eyebrows off you. Back in the early 20th century, island women began knitting these sweaters from untreated wool, which naturally repelled water which was handy when you’re out battling the Atlantic. Each sweater features intricate stitches, with patterns like cables symbolizing fishermen’s ropes, diamonds for prosperity, and honeycombs for hard work. Not surprising that the sweaters women crafted to keep their families and fishermen warm also became a source of income when the Aran knitters realized tourists had a soft spot for their craftsmanship.
The myth I choose to believe is that each family or clan had a unique pattern for identification purposes. One of the most famous yarns (pun intended) is that every Irish family had its own sweater pattern, supposedly used to identify drowned fishermen who washed ashore. Sounds dramatic, right? While it makes for a great story, there’s no historical evidence that I could find to back it up as an amateur writer and researcher.
That said, I believe there is some truth in the idea that certain knitting patterns were passed down within families or preferred by specific regions. It may have been more about tradition and skill rather than a formal system of identification, but a knitter knows their stitch.
Despite the myths, the Aran sweater remains a timeless fashion piece. Whether you’re wearing it for warmth, heritage, Rory Gilmore wore one, just because it was your grandma’s, or it was passed down to every member of your clan, you’re carrying on a great tradition. Today, Aran sweaters are a global sensation, sold in Irish gift shops and high-end boutiques alike. And thanks to modern fashion trends, you can now get them in all sorts of colors although the classic off-white is still the favorite. I received an amazing one as a Christmas gift last year. The Aran sweater will always have a place in Irish culture. And sure, isn’t that a grand thing?
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3/12/25
Mood Swings During Perimenopause and Menopause
Part 5
Mood Swing: Noun. Plural Noun: Mood Swings. An abrupt and unaccountable change of mood. There are many things that cause mood swings. Psychological, physiological, lifestyle, age, genetics and life events are all factors that can trigger mood swings. Aren’t we lucky that starting with our periods and PMS we also get a front row seat on the emotional roller coaster that we didn’t buy a ticket for during perimenopause and menopause. Our park season passes are on auto renewal!
During perimenopause our body’s estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate unpredictably. These hormonal changes can lead to mood swings, making you feel like you’re trapped on a loop where nothing is as it seems. You’re not really crazy, well maybe.
We’ve all had a bad day, we’ve all experienced a bad mood but one minute you’re on top of the world; the next, you’re plunging into the depths of irritability or sadness. These mood swings are common during perimenopause and menopause and affect many women as they transition through this phase of life.
Anxiety and irritability can spin you around like a roller coaster gone rogue. I already suffered from “regular” anxiety and this ride is not helping. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a constant never ending loopty loop. I used to like roller coasters! The hormonal shifts during this time can contribute to feelings of unease and tension, making it challenging to find your emotional balance.
Navigating this emotional amusement park requires some strategic planning. Meditation and Yoga can help center your thoughts and provide some calm. I can’t get into meditation but I am going to try yoga. I get enough exercise running around with my mop and vacuum, however, I do find just going for a walk with the dog helps boost my mood and energy levels. My dog is a very good listener so he is part of my support system. Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide a safe space to share experiences and coping strategies. If your mood swings become too overwhelming don’t be afraid to seek professional guidance, your health care provider can provide support and treatment options. My GP has been very helpful with this part. I am in the process of seeking more support for my specific issues related to menopause. I will be sharing that story soon.
Remember, every roller coaster has its ups and downs, but with the right tools and support, you can navigate the ride with confidence and maybe even enjoy some of the thrills along the way. Embracing humor can be a powerful tool in managing the emotional ups and downs of perimenopause and menopause. Humor is my coping mechanism for all things. So, buckle up, keep your hands and feet inside the ride, and remember you’ve got this!
Note: I am not a doctor. The information provided is based on general knowledge and should not replace professional medical advice. For personalized guidance, consult a healthcare provider.
***Sources available upon request.
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3/4/25
Sometimes He thinks we forget
He left the house before dawn
He sat in gridlock traffic to work
He caught the train that would inevitably be delayed
He has to tell 10 guys 10 times what the plan is for the day
He was told 10 times what the plan was for the day but only needed to hear it once
His feet hurt
His head hurts
His back hurts
He can’t get his tie off fast enough
He sits in more gridlock
His train is delayed from the earlier backup
He also sits in the car for a minute
He takes a moment in the garage
He may not ask how your day was
He will ask the kids how school was or if they need help with homework
He won’t ask what’s for dinner
He will eat whatever you’ve concocted
He wants to enjoy his chair after dinner
He will play with the kids
He will kiss you all good night
He is in bed early
He has to do it all over again tomorrow too.
We don’t Forget!
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2/27/25
Ovaries Start Their Retirement Plan
Part 4
Fertility, a lifelong rollercoaster ride. Wild twists, turns, and loopty loops only to gradually slow down when perimenopause starts. This is when your ovaries want to sit in the first car of the rollercoaster with their arms raised. Your ovaries have decided they’re ready for semi-retirement, but not without a few more loopty loops along the way. As estrogen and progesterone levels decline, ovulation becomes less predictable, kind of like a WiFi signal that cuts in and out when you need it most.
Perimenopause usually begins in your 40s followed by menopause in your early 50s. Perimenopause can start as early as your mid 30s. Some reasons for the early visit are: it runs in family, autoimmune diseases, and cancer treatments. My favorite reason is “unknown.” The average age of first time moms in 2024 was 27. Early perimenopause makes it that much harder for women who wait or have fertility issues.
Can you still get pregnant? YES! I was already having a hard time with fertility issues in my early 30s and had given up the dream. My son was born when I was 38. While fertility does decline significantly, pregnancy is still possible until menopause officially arrives after 12 months without a period. Women in their 40s have about a 5-10% chance of conceiving each month. Unless you’re planning for a surprise “menopause baby,” birth control is still a good idea.
Irregular ovulation (sometimes it happens, sometimes it ghosts you)
Shorter or longer menstrual cycles (because consistency is overrated)
Lower progesterone levels (which can cause lighter periods and spotting)
Decreased egg quality (Mother Nature is phasing out production)
***Sources available upon request.
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2/25/25
After a long 6 weeks I’m finally back on my own two feet. I still have a slight hop, shuffle, bop going on but I’m moving. To start the new year off right I had a Bunionectomy with HammerToe correction. Screws and pins have made my once all day foot pain literally disappear. I still have some swelling but it’s nothing compared to everyday pain I was in. IYKYK!
Recovery would not have been successful if it wasn’t for all the help my family and friends provided. My husband was my number one supporter. For the first few days he stayed home from work to help me and keep me comfortable. He took on the “mom” duties and had a little help from my son. He went back to work and for the next few weeks was still on double duty making sure I was ok and the house didn’t fall apart. That's what he does, for our family and anyone who needs him. He got used to sleeping without me snoring all night. Maybe I’ll figure that out next.
Overall my experience was great. I know others who have had issues and pain associated with this surgery. Personally, I would recommend having it done when you’re ready. Having it done in January was optimal for me since I won’t be missing a bit of the Summer Season.
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2/18/25
Irregular Periods: Menopause’s Way of Keeping You Guessing, Part 3
Just when you think you’ve got your cycle figured out, perimenopause blindsides you like a teddering toddler who’s just found the snack drawer. One month, you’re bleeding like it’s an olympic event, then crickets. Just when you least expect it you get a surprise visit.
Irregular periods are the first signs that you may be entering perimenopause. During perimenopause, your hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone go on a roller coaster ride that will have you up and down, twisting and turning.
Expect the unexpected. Honestly, anything goes. Longer, shorter, heavier, or lighter periods. Sometime in my early 20s my periods became irregular. Nature, different forms of birth control, and no birth control continuing into my 30s. Then BAM! pregnant at 38 and blessed with my one and only dream baby.
The official menopause finish line is when you’ve gone 12 months without a period. Until then, expect your uterus to play mind games. Some women sail through this phase, while others feel like they’re starring in a horror movie. I wish I was sailing but I seem to be starting in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Don’t toss the tampons just yet. Mother Nature will keep you on your toes. Missed cycles, closer or farther apart cycles will be a wild ride, but at least there’s an upside at the end. No more PMS, no more surprise pregnancies, and eventually, NO MORE PERIODS! I’m hangin in there with you. My roller coaster ride is currently stopped at the top and my eyes are shut just waiting for the free fall drop.
***Sources available upon request.
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2/15/25
The Stigma
Part 2
The Change, The Pause, The Big M. All terms used to refer to menopause. The stigma around perimenopause and menopause is rooted in societal, cultural, and historical factors. As a kid I heard my mother and grandmother say, “”she is just going through the change.” I recall my male cousins joking about their mom by saying “the woman (their mom) must be going through the change.” I never heard it any other way. I was young and some things just weren’t elaborated on or discussed. I’m 51 and never heard of perimenopause till my late 30s. Why?
Older generations like my grandmother were taught to keep “women’s issues” private, passing down silence to their daughters. I was lucky enough to be given two books by my mother when I was twelve or thirteen. The books talked about what to expect and what kind of products to use for your period. They were given to her by her mother. Peg wasn’t a lovey dovey gal so I can just envision how that interaction went down, my poor mother! Even though I was prepared with my books, can you guess when I got my period? On summer vacation at Peg’s house alone without my mother. Menstruation is often stigmatized as the curse. Makes you feel like we’re doomed from the start.
We are often valued for our reproductive roles and menopause is sometimes seen as the end of femininity. It's also associated with aging. So along with getting wrinkles our bodies go through ridiculous changes yet again. Some women fear being seen as weak or less capable if they mention menopause symptoms like brain fog, hot flashes, or fatigue.
The lack of education provided to women leaves us uninformed about what to expect, leaving many of us confused, unprepared, and sometimes ashamed of our symptoms. Even healthcare providers have limited training on menopause. This often leads to misdiagnosis or dismissal of symptoms.
So how can we break the stigma and help the next generation of hot flasher’s through their new phase of life? We can help normalize it. We can speak out about it. We can discuss it. We can write about it. We can laugh about it. Maybe someday instead of male Erectile Dysfunction commercials like “ED is Dead” we’ll see one like “Hot Flashes Are Cancelled!” I am not a doctor or an expert. I am a women, a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend who is perimenopausing myself to the after party.
***Sources available upon request.
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2/6/25
Part 1 of a Series on Menopause
Perimenopause vs. Menopause: What’s the Difference?
Think of perimenopause as the chaotic pre-party and menopause is the moment when the DJ packs up and leaves. Perimenopause sneaks up on you. It starts in your 40s or earlier, just to keep you on your toes if you're lucky like me. Your hormones go on a rollercoaster ride, making your periods random, your mood swings legendary, and your sleep optional. The best part that no one talks about is you can still get pregnant during perimenopause. Ever hear of a change of life baby? Mother Nature is a stand up comedian. The symptoms are equally random and legendary. Hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, weight gain, and the sudden urge to throw your bra out the window. Forgot about anxiety she unfortunately gets invited to the party too. My anxiety was through the roof. Knowing I did not want to be part of the 10% of women who get pregnant during perimenopause I continued to take the pill. I was in tears when my gynecologist would not refill my birth control prescription. Her answer and I quote, “You won’t get pregnant.” Pissed off and in tears, I made an appointment with my GP. I have been seeing this man since I was 18. We have a great doctor/patient relationship. He backed up the gynecologist only his answer was more reassuring. “Mary Ellen, your Uterus is now like a dried plum.” Tears turned to laughter and I white knuckled through. Thankfully, I am still the proud parent of one child.
Menopause is like the big finale. You still get hot flashes, those legendary mood swings, night sweats and brain fog. It's official when you’ve had no period for 12 months straight. Oh what a feeling! Your ovaries have retired, estrogen levels have taken a nosedive, and you are done with periods forever. Now instead of spending money on tampons, you’ll be spending money on anything and everything someone’s Aunt Sally told Sue down the street who posted on Facebook what works for her daughters Hot Flashes. I still haven’t figured it out.
Postmenopause is like the Afterparty. I’m still in the thick of it but my research tells me the best part is no more periods. On the flips side your body still likes to keep things interesting with bone loss, slower metabolism, and the occasional hot flash encore. This is where all the self-care you undoubtedly have been doing with all your free time since your 30s comes in handy. My experience so far tells me there’s a whole lot more to come and we really have no idea what we’re in for.
Perimenopause is like getting ghosted by your own hormones, and menopause is when they finally leave for good. Welcome to the club! I hope this is obviously a humorous take on a natural part of aging for women that marks the end of their reproductive years. I personally feel it’s not talked about enough and our doctors don’t prepare us for what really happens to our bodies. There is a host of reasons for not knowing like, embarrassment, the lack of education, and sometimes cultural views which leads to some not seeking medical help. I am not a doctor or an expert. I am a women, a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend who is perimenopausing myself to the after party. I have not been having fun at this party. I’ve had a few issues directly related to menopause and I plan on sharing them in the hopes of helping someone else and possibly opening a dialogue. Party on!
***Sources available upon request.
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2/1/25
This has been the longest January in history. I am glad it’s almost over. On January 7th I had foot surgery. An elective Bunionectomy with HammerToe Correction to be exact. I waited over 20 years to have it done. Both my feet are in the same condition. For years I squished my feet into cute pointy toe shoes for work, heels I could barely walk in for weddings and parties. By the time I got married I could only wear a low heel for the church. I was in my “Wedding Keds” for the rest of the day. I was in daily pain and alway put it off. The reasons were many; I can’t miss work, I don’t want to ruin the summer. It’s really going to hurt. My son is too young, we'll never manage.
To my surprise the pain was almost nonexistent. The hardest part was staying off my feet. How does a SAHM do that? With a lot of help and a teenager rather than a toddler. My husband was a rockstar keeping it together by pulling double duty. He worked all day, came home and did all the things. My son became the late night laundry flipper. My family fed us well with delicious home cooked meals. The poor dog is the only one getting the shit end of the stick since I can’t walk him. He has been the perfect recovery pal!
It’s been hard to sit and watch someone else doing all the things. I may have hobbled too much to make myself feel less useless only to pay for it later with longer icing time. I made it to a basketball game for the laundry flipper. Then I slept the whole next day out of exhaustion. I don’t think anyone takes being helpless well.
Four weeks in and a few more to go. There’s probably some physical therapy in my future. I am truly grateful for my family and friends who made my recovery possible.
It’s okay to accept help if you need it. It’s okay to be waited on if you need it. It’s okay if the January decluttering doesn’t happen till March. It’s okay to take care of yourself so you can be there to take care of everyone else.
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1/17/2025
As moms, we often start the New Year with big goals and even bigger to-do lists. But let’s be honest: motherhood has a way of throwing curveballs at even the best-laid plans. So instead of aiming for perfection, why not embrace the chaos with a little humor? Here are 11 funny, relatable New Year’s resolutions that moms everywhere will understand. The resolutions we AI generated but my responses are NOT!
1. Stop Yelling (Unless It’s Really Necessary)
It’s necessary in my house. I have already started yelling louder in 2025. My son is not deaf, his friends are not deaf. He is a 13 year old boy and thinks he knows the answers to life's mysteries and therefore does not need to listen to what we ask, tell or yell at him to do. You know his favorite question is WHY!
2. Get Organized (Maybe)
I am organized and already have to do lists, notebooks, and calendars. I also have MOM brain. I can tell you the peas are on the second shelf far left but don’t ask what time which basketball game is this weekend.
3. Eat Healthier (Chicken Nuggets Count, Right?)
They count. Chicken Fries also count. Last year I started to make my own “Lipton Sides” rice and noodle concoctions. They’re pretty good and easy to make. Anything that your kid will eat counts.
4. Exercise More (Toddler Cardio for the Win)
We get enough exercise chasing kids, cleaning, and doing laundry. Walk the dog for a few extra steps.
5. Procrastinate Less (Tomorrow Sounds Good)
This year, I’m going to stop procrastinating. Starting tomorrow. No really I’m going to start tomorrow.
6. Be Patient (Except With My Husband)
My husband has the Patience of a Saint. I however need to find some.
7. Stop Comparing Myself to Other Moms
I am a Pinterest mom and “cereal for dinner” kind of mom, and that’s okay.
8. Wake Up Earlier (Thanks, Kids)
I already do this and have since my son was born. Not an hour and workout first early mom just 15 minutes so I can swallow that first cup of coffee in relative peace.
9. Tackle the Laundry Pile (Or Buy More Clothes) I do laundry every day big loads and small loads. I may not fold it right away. Regardless of the Laundry there's alway room for another sweater on the pile.
10. Declutter (Except the Macaroni Art)
I declutter to make room for more clutter. I’ve been switching out the Macaroni Art with the “professional” photos my son has taken.
11. Be a “Cool Mom” (Without Saying It)
My goal is to be there and approachable for my son. My house is open to all my son's friends. They're only 13 and they currently treat it like a playground sometimes. They don’t get what I’m trying to do yet. I just want them to know its a safe place to be.
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1/3/2025
The new year always feels like a fresh start, right? A chance to get organized and let go of the chaos from the last 12 months. But let’s be real: decluttering your entire home isn’t going to happen in a weekend. I know how overwhelming it can feel to even begin. That’s why I’m breaking it down into two simple lists that I have found helpful after years of having the entire house torn apart trying to figure out how to put it all back together. The "must-do-now" items to start 2025 on a good note, and the "it-can-wait" items that won’t derail your progress if left for later. You Can Do It!
Set a Timer: Even 15 minutes of focused decluttering can make a big difference. I sometimes declutter the junk drawer while making dinner.
Enlist the Family: This never worked for my family but try to turn it into a game for the kids or tackle a room together as a family.
Celebrate Progress: Reward yourself for each completed task, even if it’s just a cup of coffee and a good book.
Starting small and focusing on what matters most will make decluttering feel manageable. By the time spring rolls around, you’ll have momentum—and maybe even a clutter-free home!
Focus on High-Traffic Areas. The kitchen counter is my nemesis. I am constantly cleaning and clearing crap and still wake up to a cluttered counter. Spaces you use every single day: the kitchen counters, the living room coffee table, and the entryway. Clear these areas to instantly feel more organized and create an inviting environment.
Clean the Pantry and Fridge. I do this once a week or at least once a month. The night before garbage pick up. Toss expired foods, mystery condiments, and snacks no one touches. Restocking with fresh essentials will make meal planning easier and reduce unnecessary stress in the kitchen.
Declutter Closets for Daily Use. My hall shoe closet is alway a nightmare. That was my first task of the new year. Concentrate on the closets you and your kids and their friends use most. Donate clothes that no longer fit or just rotate items that are out of season. It’ll make the morning rush feel less chaotic when everyone can find what they need quickly.
Put away your Holiday Decorations. I toss or donate items every year. I am also working on converting old bins and boxes to clear storage bins. Before you fill and stash those bins away, go through them. Toss broken ornaments, tangled lights that don’t work, and decorations you didn’t use this year. It’ll save you time and space when the next holiday season rolls around.
Get a handle on the Paper Clutter. I have gotten pretty good at this. I actually go through the mail and tear up and toss the junk before it makes it into the house. You don’t need another credit card or your gutters cleaned! Go through the endless piles of mail, receipts, and school papers. Keep only what’s necessary (like tax documents) and shred the rest. A clean surface does wonders for mental clarity.
Top 5 Decluttering Tasks That Can Wait
Organizing the Garage or Attic
These spaces are overwhelming, and they aren’t used daily. Save this for spring or summer when you have more time and energy to dedicate to a larger project.
Sentimental Items
Tackling keepsakes like photo albums or kids' artwork takes an emotional toll. Give yourself permission to revisit these items later when you have the mental bandwidth.
Deep Decluttering Kids’ Toys
While it’s tempting to do this immediately after the holidays, give your kids a chance to rediscover new and old toys before deciding what to donate.
Redoing Your Closets
A full closet overhaul can be overwhelming and can wait until spring when you’re ready to swap out winter gear.
5. Decluttering Books and Media
While it’s nice to have a streamlined bookshelf, this isn’t a priority unless it’s spilling over into your daily living space. Let this task simmer until you’re more settled.
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12/31/2024
New Year's Eve
On December 25, 1999, I came home in a huff from my boyfriend's house. My mom asked what was wrong. I don’t remember my exact words but it was along the lines “I didn’t get a ring, that's what’s wrong, I got a friggin car!” That’s right I was complaining that I got a car instead of an engagement ring. A 2000 VW Passat to be exact that later that year was almost driven through the dealership window by my “fiancé” because it had so many issues.
I really had a lot of nerve to be mad looking back. I wasn’t some diva who demanded and expected things. In my defense I was caught up in the “Christmas Engagement” trap. November through February is the most popular time to get engaged. Currently, 19% of engagements happen in December. Who knows what it was in December 1999 but I know it wasn’t me.
December 31,1999 rolled around and we planned to go to our town's NYE Celebration. It was the second or third year they did it. Fireworks at midnight and a mini ball drop. It was freezing that year and my parents came, which was very out of the ordinary. That’s when the girl who got a car for Christmas was presented with the most beautiful simple engagement ring. Under the fireworks on NYE my no fuss no muss boyfriend asked me to marry him.
Turns out my mom was in on it the whole time. Clandestine meetings with “Phil” in NYC, briefcases of diamonds, envelopes of cash, and later a meet up at a NJ Turnpike rest stop to pick up my wedding band days before the wedding. All on the up and up of course;). My husband always says he didn’t know what “craziness” he was getting into but he sure did.
Tonight we welcome 2025. NYE is different now that we’re old and have an ornery teenager. We, I, will probably be up waiting for a call from the ornery teen for a ride home. That’s ok with us. We had our NYE fun and the most important thing is that we will be spending it together.
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12/26/2024
The Present
I’ve been married for 23 years. That’s 23 years of Christmas presents. Every year since we’re married my husband has gone Christmas shopping with his childhood friend. When we were first married I had no problem giving my husband a list. Coach bags, Victoria Secret underwear, Lucky Brands jeans, and anything from Nordstroms. We were also childless and were in the position to buy what we wanted when we wanted it.
So in front of the Christmas Bush that year one of the gifts I opened was a plaid flannel nightgown. In the box it was very cute. White trim around the neck has a few white buttons. Very charming and Little House on the Prairie style. I pulled it from the box to get a better look and the fabric kept coming, and coming out of the box.
Now I’m pretty petite and you could fit five of me in this nightgown. It’s an XXL! I put it on that morning and have worn it to bed every Christmas ever since. It was our first Christmas Tradition.
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12/13/2024
Baby's First Christmas
My son was born in October and was only three months old for his first Christmas. I think his first Christmas was when he was a year old. In my mind he was in awe of the tree, lights, and ornaments. I have to backtrack a bit, I had a pretty good collection of Christmas decorations but I acquired ALL of my mother’s tchotchkes when she moved. So I also thought he was in awe of all the animated Christmas decorations as well.
It was a tough year. I left my job, had a human being to take care of. My husband was terrified of being the sole supporter. On a whim we decided to completely renovate the “smaller” house we bought since I wouldn’t be working. We moved in with my sister and displaced her entire family. My husband was working nights and then days on the renovations. I don’t think either of us slept for that entire first year.
Once the Renovations were just about done we moved back in and celebrated my son’s first birthday. We made it a year and had survived but we were only hanging on. Mother Nature and Superstorm Sandy decided to upend my parents' world so they moved in with us for a bit. We had a full house.
I got side tracked, this is about Christmas! After being interrogated with photo evidence of his first Christmas my son told me that he remembers nothing before our Disney trip. He was 4 and that’s another story. Christmas morning he got up as usual and investigated all the new things under the tree. It was just another day for him. I knew he was happy but it wasn’t because of the things. He was just happy. I had very mixed emotions that day. My husband slept through Christmas morning. I was mad, sad and probably a little angry if I’m being honest. I felt like he missed out on a first. However, I realized that there will be so many more firsts that we will remember together. This year we are celebrating my son’s 13th Christmas morning.
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12/11/2024
Our First Christmas
Our first Christmas was in December of 2001. We were married for 6 months and I wanted a magical Christmas. I really didn’t have many Christmas decorations but I was slowly building my tchotchke collection for months. I bought stuff from everyone’s kid at work who was fundraising and we had an Odd Job around the corner. I was their best customer that year. We decided to join my family on the annual tree cutting cluster %#$% to cut down our own first tree. We also had a pickup truck so no windows would be broken that year!
At the tree farm my husband suggests a balled tree, “we can plant it in the backyard after Christmas,” he says. Wow, I thought that was a great idea from someone who I thought was not very sentimental. My heart was full and we began the hunt for the perfect tree. If you haven’t been following, I was on the hunt for the biggest tree I could find. I was given an eyeball size by my husband who held his long arm into the air. I found one, it was perfect. My husband said he thought it was too big/tall but I thought it was within his arm stretch.
We get my moms tree home and we go to our house. The tree was definitely big and I would need more lights and decorations. I don’t remember if the tree was in the house or not when I left but when I came back it was and when I saw it I dropped my bags of cheer on the floor and started to cry. Christmas was ruined. Since the tree was too tall my husband cut the top of the tree off! I had a Christmas Bush! I was horrified. I don’t remember if I said anything as I turned and left the house but when I got to my moms I was hysterical saying, “he ruined Christmas.”
Obviously Christmas wasn’t ruined just that one moment. I got over it and decorated my Christmas bush. Christmas morning was strange that year since my tree was a bush and it was the first Christmas morning I didn’t spend with my family. We made it our own. We did plant the Christmas bush in the backyard and you won’t be surprised to find out that it died. It was the tree that wasn’t meant to be but It was our tree.
Unfortunately, or fortunately I can’t find or don’t have a picture of our First Christmas Tree. Close your eyes, conjure the Christmas Spirit and use your imagination! It’s not about the tree or the tchotchkes it’s about celebrating making the best memories with the ones you love the most.
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12/8/2024
The First Christmas
The Tree was always the center of Christmas at my house growing up. My memories of Christmas don’t really start till about the age of 6. Many things changed in my life for the better between the ages of 5-6.
My dad tells stories of that first Christmas. “I told your mother there weren’t enough presents under the tree” my dad will say. There were of course a few more that appeared before Christmas morning for my brother and I. My favorite from that first Christmas was a doll that would cry if the pacifier was taken out of her mouth. I realized while writing this that it was my father’s first Christmas too. From that first Christmas on the presents were abundant and the trees were enormous.
My father would drag a five to six foot tall and almost as round Christmas tree down 9th Avenue in Manhattan after having a few cold ones. It was a sight I would have loved to see. I can imagine the icicles hanging from his mustache. When we moved to New Jersey he couldn’t drag a tree but we always managed to get the biggest tree we could find and have it up for when he got home from work. I guess a big family needs a big tree. Even as all us got older the present piles never seemed to get shorter.
We are now an immediate family of fourteen. We have big trees and small trees or no trees. I have a big tree now and I host everyone for Christmas Eve. We do a Secret Santa for the adults and the last two under eighteen still get piles of gifts.
This year my parents decided they were not having a tree. I was heartbroken but wholeheartedly understood. It was a crazy year for them and their Christmas Spirits are low. They have had artificial ones for years now (not a fan) and they can’t decide on what they want. Mom wants it to be manageable and you know by now what dad wants. Well we couldn’t let them not have a tree so my sister got them the most manageable tree yet. Maybe we started a new tradition for them. I can’t wait to hear my dad say, “that is some tree,” on Christmas Eve this year where the Christmas Spirit will be in full swing. I hope he realizes he made it all possible.
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12/3/2024
To believe or not to believe is the question. When did you stop believing in Santa? Did you ever believe in Santa? What’s the reason for the season? So many questions this month.
Let’s start with “The reason for the season.” The reason for the season of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, bringing hope, peace, and salvation to humanity. I’m Catholic so we incorporate this part of the holiday. Santa Claus became associated with Christmas over several centuries, evolving from various cultural and religious traditions. Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Santa Claus. The character of Santa Claus significantly evolved in the 19th century when Clement Clarke Moore's 1822 poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas introduced many modern aspects of Santa, such as his sleigh, reindeer, and jolly demeanor. Then in 1931, Coca-Cola commissioned artist Haddon Sundblom to create Santa Claus advertisements, solidifying the modern image of Santa as a rotund, cheerful man in a red suit. Santa became a symbol of the holiday season in part through the commercialization of the holiday. Shocker, right!
I was a believer! I believed in Santa till I was about 10. I am the oldest of five so I had to keep the magic alive for a long time. I don’t remember exactly how I found out. A school friend, from a TV show, overheard parent conversations while I was eavesdropping in the hall. Or maybe it was the non-stop deliveries to our apartment from UPS the year Cabbage Patch Dolls were the hot toy of the year. Or just after we circled our hearts out of the JC Penny catalog and never saw it again. I’m sure I was sad or upset to find out Santa wasn’t real but never thought my parents were liars for making me believe in a Big Fat Man With a Long White Beard. Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Bing Crosby is my favorite song. My family is hardcore when it comes to Christmas, at least I still am and I chose to share that Christmas Magic with my son.
He is now 13 and I am pretty sure he doesn’t believe in Santa anymore. He says, “come on mom, Santa isn’t real!.” My response is always, ‘“You just have to believe in the Magic of Christmas.” I’m truly torn to give an actual answer. I can see why some people choose not to carry on the Santa tradition. If we could all just share feelings of joy, generosity, love, and goodwill toward others we are sharing the Christmas Spirit. It reflects the values of kindness, gratitude, togetherness, and the celebration of hope and faith. Even if you're not religious and don’t want to carry on the Santa traditions, practicing the Christmas Spirit just involves acts of giving, connecting with loved ones, and spreading cheer to brighten the lives of others. There is something Magical to find in spreading joy and cheer with others.
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11/19/2024
Self-care, we all say we need it, we should try and make time for ourselves to relax. How about self medical care? How many of us have minor or major medical issues that we deal with on a daily basis? Somehow we manage to take care of everyone else and with what’s left we take care of ourselves; right?
I have a minor autoimmune disease per my doctors. I think it's major because at times it greatly impacts my life. The key word is MY life. Family and friends are aware and understanding. They know I struggle and they know I don’t take care of myself like I should. I am the, everyone else comes first gal. Most times I push through the pain, fatigue, and anxiety to make sure everything is perfect as it can be. Where did it get me? A 5 day, 4 night stay at my local hospital and 3 days of self administered IV antibiotics at home. My body was telling me it was time for me. I do not suggest you wait for the message. Being proactive is hard but we do it for others. We have to do it for ourselves.
My husband is my hero everyday but he was my superhero this week. He managed everything, worked, wrangled our 13 year old, and kept my spirits up while I knew it was killing him to see me that way. My village is my family and those special friends who will do anything for you. They all supported us during this torturous week and I am forever grateful to each one.
I’m making changes and will continue to try and take better care of myself. Not only because I have to but because I deserve it and because they deserve a healthy me.
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The Gifts that Keep on Giving
11/10/2024
Play-doh is the kind of gift that keeps on giving, and one of the gifts my mom disliked as we tore off the paper with glee but she was the one smiling because she knew where it was going. There’s always that one person that likes to give the gift that keeps on giving. In the carpet,one the wall, in the washer, in the hair, in the mouths of babes. When you have 5 kids of varying ages in the 1980’s the play-doh gets hidden on the top shelf of the closet, tucked behind the sheets. I get it completely and I only have one. We all joke about it and I am now the giver of the gifts that keep in giving.
So why were some moms hiding the play-doh and craft kits? The 1980s were the start of a boom in mass-produced toys and branded products. Iconic toys like Cabbage Patch Kids, Transformers, and video game systems such as the Atari, and Colecovision, Entertainment System were heavily marketed and widely popular. Even Apple had made $100 million by 1980. The DIY culture wasn’t as mainstream in the 1980s as it is now. While some families did enjoy crafting, it was as a niche hobby or an activity definitely not for a mother of 5 kids in a NYC apartment. The internet and social media today have made it easier to share and access ideas, tutorials, and communities that encourage crafting. I became a Pinterest Mom. Parents in the 1980s often choose convenience and efficiency, making quick purchases over time-consuming projects. I wholeheartedly cannot see my mother overseeing DIY projects for all 5 of us simultaneously. I do however remember a diorama that I needed to make and waited till the last minute. Too bad the play-doh had dried up but an amazing friend and neighbor managed to find some late on a Sunday night. The Gloria Superstar diorama came to life. Today, there is a greater emphasis on personalized and creative experiences, and parents might be more inclined to craft gifts as part of a broader movement toward thoughtful, sustainable, and unique gifting. I started crafting in the late 90s. My mom got creative with a bow maker one Christmas. I think I still have a plaid bow floating around my basement. I fell in love with a store named The Rag Shop that is sadly no longer with us. I had aspirations of painting and selling Christmas trees in my moms hair salon. I absolutely spent more than I made but I continued to dabble in crafting and DIYing. Then I became a mom.
When my son was younger I’d set up craft days to color and make things for the holidays, hand turkeys, trees and pumpkins. I even made my own version of the Little Passport Kit. He was a big fan of the Magnetic Tile Art Kit. He also loved the Play Doh Dentist Kit! He got such a kick out of making teeth. I became a Dollar Tree addict making some of my own decorations for all seasons. Or trying trendy dupes, you’ve seen the videos. I am sure I had more fun than my son but we spent time together and had a little fun. My sister and niece get crafty at Thanksgiving and make something for everyone who attends dinner. My son has outgrown it but I have not. It has a very calming effect on me. I call it my happy place. Sometimes things get displayed and sometimes things go back to the basement. I wish he enjoyed it more, since it would have kept him from the world of electronics and from being constantly plugged in.
Crafting and DIY activities are beneficial for kids, providing an alternative to screen time. Working together or independently. The hands-on activities let them be creative, learn problem-solving skills, and improve fine motor coordination, engaging their minds and bodies in productive ways. Hands-on activities like crafts, puzzles and models can instill a sense of accomplishment and mindfulness that can have positive effects over the possible negative effects of electronics. Get those little hands busy.
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Thanksgiving
11/4/2024
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for everyone and everything in our lives. Thanksgiving dinner is my favorite part of the holiday. Over the years we’ve had good ones, bad ones, and everything in between. You know, this one is not talking to that one, this one never brings the right brand of Apple Cider; it’s Ziegler’s by the way, why is little Johnny crying again, making sure the dog does not eat the turkey, half-n-half in the mashed potatoes! Once you're married with or without children you have a dilemma; where do we go. Switch sides every year, piss one of the moms off even if they say “it's fine”, forget where you went last year, just cook your own turkey, host the families. I have done all of the above. In all honesty I really want to be with my family. Why, the traditions of the day. Mom putting on the parade, the smell of the turkey cooking, the table being set, the short lived excitement of the guests, just enjoying everyone being together. My mother and grandmother found this really cute turkey platter and gravy boat a million years ago in a store no longer with us called Caldor. The platter has since been replaced after we mourned the accidental break of the original, but the gravy boat lives on. Our family has grown, and scattered but still mom cooks a turkey and STUFFING, my sister cooks a turkey and her husband deep fries a turkey. That’s a lot of turkey but when you host for the masses you need to be ready and I am truly thankful that my sister is the host. This year I will be at my Mother-in-Laws house which has a whole different type of family traditions. Fingers crossed this year she makes a turkey! Thankfully, they are walking distance from each other so I may have to sneak over for a peek of the gravy boat and have a plate of STUFFING.
This year let's Give Thanks for our families and the traditions we carry on and make.
Happy Thanksgiving.
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Tween/Teen Dating
10/2024
Are you entering the era of “ships”? Currently, about 35% of U.S. teens ages 13-17 report being in a dating or romantic relationship. While there isn’t specific data available for tweens ages 10-12, trends suggest that they do have "crushes" and “ships” or old school “boyfriends” and “girlfriends”. I am in that era. We had a “ship” for a few months when my son was 12 and our very first heartbreak also at 12. I really couldn’t believe my 12 year old had a girlfriend. We soon found out it was the best relationship you could have; or was it? They literally never saw each other outside of school or on facetime. My husband joked and told him it was the best way to have a girlfriend, one you didn’t have to see regularly. That opens a whole can of worms for later more serious relationships.
Today, social interactions through digital platforms, like TikTok and Snapchat, play a major role in how our young teens navigate their relationships. I believe it is influencing the nature of tween "dating" today. I did not have a boyfriend when I was 12. Crushes yes, but boyfriends no. It was also 1985 when I was 12 and things were definitely different then. 40 years ago, the culture, technology and just the world in general were different. I had a conversation with my 75 year old mother-in-law about dating at 12 in the midst of my son and nephew both having girlfriends this past summer. The differences between time generations is quite amazing. I “sucked face with some boys” and that was in 1961. In 1985 that thought never crossed my mind. Could it just be a difference in maturity or time?
What is the difference today in 2024 than 20 or 40 years ago? Digital Influence, Face-to-Face Interactions, and the Speed of Communication. Today, social media dominates tween communication, making digital platforms the primary way to interact. Texts, FaceTime, and Snaps, give them instant, round-the-clock communication. Tweens can maintain near-constant contact. Social media and smartphones play a significant role in tween dating. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are central to how tweens communicate and express romantic interest. Two decades earlier, most tween interactions were face-to-face or through basic texting (if they had cell phones), or landline phone calls. Their conversations were more verbal and deliberate, often involving face-to-face interactions. I personally didn’t have a cell phone till 1991 and that was 33 years ago. 40 Years Ago, 1984 was “tween" even used then? I was a kid till I was a teenager. Communication was much slower and more deliberate. Tweens interacted almost entirely in person or over landline phones. Passing notes in class or hanging out at the local mall, or going to dances, were the main ways tweens communicated. My sister tells the story of connecting all the phone lines together when our parents went to bed. The line stretched from the kitchen to the attic. That was great for her until she forgot to turn the ringers back on. I’ve had facebook since its inception but I’ve never been more active till recently.
Obviously I’m using the platform for myself but I’ve also been using the others to get an idea of what my son is watching, what the hell he's saying, and why he is acting like someone I’ve never met at times. My son has social media, Snapchat and TikTok. I absolutely caved when he was definitely too young to comprehend what he was watching. Taking it away at any age is not impossible, but sometimes it's too late and the damage is done. I am lucky that he shares more than I want to know sometimes, but I am not naive to the fact that there is plenty he isn’t sharing. I monitor his usage the best I can and when he’s asleep I am not ashamed to tell you that I read everything, everything and sometimes I laugh and sometimes I cringe. This is an unpopular opinion by some but I feel it's our job to spy, I mean, help guide them through the digital world and how that translates to the real world. He sees it as an invasion of his privacy but at 12, now 13 his privacy is limited and he has no clue what he watches, says, or does as a result of seeing it on TikTok could have in his life, now or in the future.
All the platforms make dating for our tweens/teens possible. Unfortunately, if they solely “ship” online they are missing out on the real life experiences that comes with figuring out themselves and how to navigate a realistic relationship. Sometimes I worry about their futures and then I remember while they are impressionable, their tween/teen brains are still growing. There’s still hope!
Photo is of my son and his future first girlfriend!!!
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Peg
10/30/2024
July 11, 1924 was the day my grandmother was born. October 30, 2005 was the day she died. She would have been 100 years old today.
Marguerite, known as Peggy, was a force to be reckoned with. Peg, as we would later call her, was a divorced single mother of 2 children when that choice was extremely criticized. She was also one of those women who paved the way for other women in the male dominated corporate world. She was an independent, tough, stubborn, and strong willed woman who could scare you straight with a stare or the reach of the wooden spoon.
She was a collector of things. Salt and Pepper Shakers, gift with purchase make-up, perfumes, and costume jewelry. She was a catalog orderer. Decorative plates, housecoats, curtains. She was devoted to her local church. Mass cards, holy water, figurines of saints, and metals. Her collection is in my basement or displayed on the shelves of her seven grandchildren.
Peg loved the beach but did not love sand on her chair. She loved a good cup of coffee and she loved her Misty 120’s. She loved watching her shows but particularly did not like one popular commercial of an “annoying” little girl. She was the solitaire queen. She was not a good cook so maybe that’s why she would hide the Lays chips in the oven!
She was always present and we were all especially lucky that she was a constant in our lives. From letting us invade her home for the entire summer year after year, bringing a box of donuts when she would visit after work. Peg gave me the best advice when I was a young adult, she said, “Mary Ellen, you can’t burn the candle at both ends.”
Peg was not a cuddly grandma when we were kids. Which was fine because we really weren’t a cuddly family. We just knew she loved us. She did however become cuddly when my nephew was born. The first great grandchild. I think he was too little to really remember her but he was pretty lucky to spend what little time he had with her.
I like to think that today Peg is up in Heaven in her sandless beach chair, soaking up the sun with a Misty 120 in one hand, a cup of coffee in the other and a catalog on her lap.
We miss you everyday.
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Trick or Treat
10/12/24
Halloween became one of my favorite holidays thanks to my nephew. Honestly, it’s always been a favorite. He was the first great-grandchild,grandchild, and nephew. We dressed up together for a few Halloweens and went trick or treating when he was little. I made a few of my own costumes as well. I was Jessy from Toy Story, Stephanie from Sportacus, Velma from Scooby-Doo. He loved it and I loved to see him light up and smile.
As a kid, I do have memories of those horrid plastic box costumes. The most overwhelming memory is how they smelled. I may be alone in that memory but I was a princess and Wonder Woman. I don’t really remember the trick or treating part. We always seemed to be sick during Halloween. I do absolutely remember one year when we trick or treated in our apartment. We would knock on the bathroom door and there she was, bedroom doors and there she was. My mom made it really fun that year.
Later my mom made these elaborate Halloween costumes for my younger brother and sisters. Rainbow Brite, the Lone Ranger. There may even have been a Frankenstein in the mix. She even made Silver the horse. With five kids that didn’t last long.
As a young adult I relived what I thought I missed out on as Disney's Cinderella. A rare night out with old friends in a Hoboken NJ bar on Halloween. Needless to say I only remember the getting dressed up part.
Finally my turn to make the costumes. I put Jack in a Box one year and turned him into a road cone the next year. DIY Zombies, you name it. Until, he discovered the Halloween Store. He was scared out of this mind but still managed to get in and out with two costumes. Early on it was justified, one appropriate for school and one for trick or treating. In reality he was just completely spoiled and I/we were just complete suckers. Maybe trying to still relive our youth or compensate for something we “think” we missed.
Only one was bought this year. I realize now why there were no more rainbow brites or lone rangers. Not because mom didn’t want to or she had too many to make. That chapter gets closed so new ones can be written. I’m starting my next chapter this Halloween.
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Firsts
9/30/24
I am entering a phase of motherhood that I really wasn’t prepared for. I feel a strange sadness and loneliness that I think he feels too. 13, a teenager, still a little boy trying to become a man.
October 16, 2011, changed my life forever. I said goodbye to my corporate life of 17 years and said hello to my beautiful baby boy. The early days were long, hard and sweet. I really couldn't believe that I was a mom, his mom, and I was responsible for a life other than my own. I had no idea what I was doing.
The first sickness, I had to call my mom. My mom’s advice was always right. We had an amazing old school pediatrician who would ask, “Did you call your mom before you came?” You should have listened. The first time I had to give medicine was after his shots. Just Tylenol but I didn’t understand the dosing and well I gave him a bit too much. That was THE longest night of my life. I was so freaked out and after consulting google I just sat and stared at him all night. Lesson learned about dosage and not to google anything!
The first time I left him alone was with my mom. He wasn’t sleeping through the night yet but grandma was up for the challenge. In the morning she made sure to let me know he slept through the night. Apparently I was starving him! I was following the book rules so I threw the book away.
The first time I thought something was wrong because he was almost 2 and not talking. I kept it to myself but others didn’t. By 2 1/2 he was receiving early intervention and seeing a speech therapist for Apraxia of Speech. Life was not easy with a non-talker. He couldn’t communicate his needs, we couldn’t understand his wants. We over indulged, over compensated, and gave too many choices. That was the hardest first and has been overcome by leaps and bounds.
The first time he needed stitches was a killer. All the hovering I did seemed like a waste when he fell between the chairs at the dinner table. Blood was everywhere and with no shoes on we scooped him up and ran out the door. At the ER they wrapped him like a little burrito in a bed sheet and laced his eyebrow with 6 stitches.
The first day of school. One of many already but first grade must have seemed scarier. The teacher had to drag him off the railing and told me just to leave for first grade.
The first best friend break up almost killed us both. We were both heartbroken. The bonds we make are stronger than we think.
The first cell phone. His new friend and confidant. Wait as long as you can because there is no going back.
The first of many “just leave me alone.” Wondering if he’s ok, are we ok? That turns into a weird normal occurrence of preteen growing pains we’ve forgotten about.
The first detention, the first suspension, the first girlfriend, the first heartbreak.
There will be many firsts of that I am sure. However, I wasn’t ready for my first. The first conflicting feelings of his independence, of his social life, of his choices. The first time he wouldn’t hold my hand on a walk, the first time he didn’t want to go out with me, the first time he was stiff when I tried to hug him, the first time he didn’t want a kiss goodnight, the first times he really didn’t need me.
All of these first are cherished memories and moments. While there was a feeling of sadness and honestly loneliness about not being needed I realized that these firsts are part of a lifetime of firsts that while I might not be needed for but will always be a part of.
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9/14/24
Mom Guilt. We all have it. SAHMs and Working Moms, “Is Time for Ourselves Ever Truly Guilt-Free?” No!
As moms, we often feel that familiar pang of mom guilt. It creeps in when we're trying to carve out a little time for ourselves. Grabbing a coffee or lunch with friends, or simply taking a break from our endless to-do lists. Why do we feel this guilt? I was invited by friends to spend the day at the track. I immediately said “yes” since I was starving for some adult fun and I was looking forward to going all week. Then, the guilt started to creep in. The internal head game was in overdrive. It was quickly wearing me down. What will they do? What are they going to eat? I really should stay home and help close the pool. I haven’t cleaned the bathroom yet. The list goes on. I was just about to cancel until my husband said, “Just go, We’ll be fine.”
We’ll be fine. Thankful for his assurance the internal battle was won; this time. For stay-at-home moms, the pressure to always be available is immense. You’re home all day, so surely, you should be able to handle everything, right? This thought is where the guilt starts. For me as a SAHMs, taking time for myself is met with the voice in my head that says: “Why do you need time off? You’re home already.” When you step out for a coffee or a quick girls’ night, it can feel like you're neglecting responsibilities that are always in your face because you don’t leave at the end of the day. The guilt has to be the same for working moms. After spending hours at work, coming home to their children is often the most precious part of their day. When a working mom takes a few hours to hang out with friends or attend a social event, she might feel like she’s “stealing” time from her family. We both experience a different but equally powerful kind of guilt.
Whether you're a SAHM or a working mom, there’s an important truth we often forget: self-care is not selfish. Taking time to recharge, relax, and enjoy moments with our spouses and/or friends actually makes us better moms in the long run. When we neglect our own needs, we risk burnout, which can affect our relationships with our families. Although mom guilt is real, it’s crucial to recognize that stepping out for a couple of hours doesn’t make us any less of a mom. Whether we’re managing the home 24/7 or juggling a career, we deserve time to connect with friends and decompress.
Mom guilt is part of the parenting journey, but it doesn’t have to control our lives. Whether you're home all day with the kids or balancing a career, every mom deserves time to reconnect with herself and others. The next time you plan a night out with friends, remind yourself that taking a break is an act of self-love, and a happy mom is a great mom. So I did. I went to the track with friends, made new friends, and ran into old ones.. I may or may not have left with slightly emptier pockets than when I arrived but it was just what I needed to decompress, guilt free until the next time I make plans.
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Fickle Family
9/8/24
Are families fickle or are the family members fickle. I’m going with both. Someone in my family used to say “fickle friends.” It’s Not a word you hear everyday these days.
I just hosted a 75th birthday party for my MIL. We turned her request for a pig roast into a surprise birthday party. Thankfully a friend handled the pig roasting, another handled the beverages, my mom made some salads, my favorite neighbor made some desserts, I handled everything else.
Turning 75 is a big deal. You expect friends and family to want to celebrate life. There are the diehard family members and friends who attend without question. Then there’s the part of the family who can’t even be invited or all hell will break loose. Or the ones you have to invite but don’t come and will be insulted if you didn’t invite them. Why? It’s truly the worst part of party planning. My family has been there. We’ve made amends the best we can but we still come together for the big things.
Unfortunately, my husband’s side of the family is fickle. We hurt the ones we love the most right. Some things are just unforgivable or unforgettable. Maybe. Feelings are hurt, pride gets in the way. Stubborn is as stubborn does. I think big families with large age gaps are the culprit sometimes. Someone always has to be right so someone always has to be wrong. Regret is a terrible feeling. I’ve heard “I regret nothing.” I know it’s not true. I have regrets.
It is also unfortunate that there are many times where we do need to cut family out of our lives for extreme reasons like the safety of other family members or ourselves. This is not the case in our current fickle family discord. My MIL has 2 living older siblings. One she talks to and one she doesn’t. Whatever the reason (which still isn’t clear to any of us) I hope they find their way back to each other before it’s too late. Too late to make amends, remember the good times and the not so good times, but mostly just to remember and enjoy each other. Family is a fickle thing.
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Why a Blog?
9/6/24
Why Not? I started this blog as a “side hustle” knowing full well I would not be making six figures like you see on those social media reels and videos. Could I spend $499 on a program to sell people? Maybe. I won’t. I want to try and make it on my own. My research showed blogging about a product makes a buyer more interested in buying. So far that has been true. Thank you to those who have taken my advice. However, the blog part has also been helpful to me personally. I clear my mind when I write even if I'm not promoting or trying to sell anything. It’s a little bit of therapy even if it's just babbling nonsense.
I make Amazon recommendations. Based on actual data, personal use, life experience, and just things I like that I think could be useful to someone else. I’m thinking of myself as a salesperson of sorts. Not everyone is interested in what I’m selling and that’s ok too. Amazon accounts for 37.6% of e-commerce sales, the highest market share of all e-commerce companies.
Since I started in April, I’ve learned a lot about e-commerce. There are 274.70 million online buyers in the United States as of 2023. More than 81% of the total population in the United States is shopping online. There is something new to learn everyday. It’s something I have come to really enjoy. It feeds the creative part of me that has been starving for a long time. The possibilities are really endless. Time is what holds me back. There is never enough time in the day. I’ve been making videos of the things I do on a regular basis so Stay tuned.
The best thing so far is the faceless friends of sorts I’ve found through my Facebook Page and other social media sites. We’re not going for coffee (maybe a virtual cup) but we can relate to each other. We are all in a “Mom Era” of our lives mostly at different stages where we need advice, assurance, or just somewhere to vent. Just like real life there will always be judgmental comments from keyboard warriors.
I’ve found something I enjoy doing and sharing. I’m growing slowly. Once I find the right balance between home and “work” we’ll see what comes next. Abraham Lincoln said, “the best way to predict the future is to create it.”
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Seaside Family Vacation
8/19/24
This was compiled from a few mini blogs I posted to Facebook.
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Go on vacation, they said. Pack the car with a week's worth of crap and drive a whole hour away. With the kids and the dog. It will be fun, they said. Are we there yet, no. Is Lucky sitting nicely in the backseat, no. 90lbs golden retriever and is trying to be my copilot while I’m doing 75 on the highway. This house is too small, says my spoiled rotten little love muffin of a son. Unload, unpack, repack head to the beach. Going on vacation will be fun, they said. Whoever they are, they were right. The kids had fun, the dog had fun, I had fun. I wore the suit and had my toes in the sand. My happy place.
The beach is my happy place.I could sit there for hours and just relax and drink hot coffee. The kids? No! What are we going to eat, you didn’t bring the right snacks, when are we going on the rides, why are the stupid red flags up we can totally swim in the water, can we go on the boardwalk by ourselves, can I have money, this is boring, let’s just leave. I said bye… My husband found his happy place; the liquor store.
Vacation food shopping is always an event. Everyone wants something different; it can't just be PB&J. Of course someone forgot a toothbrush and perhaps underwear. The “oh we need this” as it lands in the cart. What you don’t expect while vacation food shopping is multiple missed calls and texts from your vacation neighbor that you haven’t met yet asking if you’re staying in the house with the Golden Retriever. Said Golden Retriever managed to open the unlocked door and take a leisurely stroll across the street to sit on his new friend Mike’s porch. Then decided to leisurely stroll back across the street to our rental safety. Lucky is one Lucky dog.
Since the dog escaped on day one or two everyone was on high alert about making sure the doors were locked up tight. Definitely a good thing. We don’t want to lose my favorite child and have the Airbnb robbed right? Right. After a long day at the beach where you can “legally” BYOB we try to open the front door. The door has one of those fancy coded keypads. Not sure who tried to open the door first but it wouldn’t open. Why you might ask? Someone put the security latch on the front door as we all filled out the back door. Sit with that for a minute. The OMGs, what are we going to do, break the window, try your credit card on the back door, how about the BBQ spatula, dad we definitely have to break the window, worst case we’ll call a locksmith. All the while me, who is normally a nervous nelly, was calmly sitting on the deck relaxing with a beverage for a change while everyone was running around like chickens. I consulted the almighty YouTube and found a video on how to open a latch from the outside. Scary but helpful to me and my crazy crew. Mom came to the rescue as usual but Dad’s strength finally made it happen. I made sure the latch was only locked at night!
Our rental had a great deck with a huge umbrella and table. It was a fifteen foot rectangle. After a long day of sun and surf we needed some shade to cool down. Up goes the umbrella. I even said we should get one for home. Instead, I purchased one for the rental. Yes, for the rental. When the night was done my husband started cranking it down. It was going down but the handle was sticking. He continued to crank and we heard that fatal snap of plastic. The entire handle completely cracked off the umbrella. Feeling like it was the right thing to do since it broke on our watch we ordered a replacement from Amazon. It was delivered the next day along with the replacement cat bed that Lucky ate. The Homeowner was very grateful and thankfully we didn’t incur any extra rental fees.
While the beach is my happy place kids of all sizes are not happy with just a pail and shovel. We had pails, shovels, molds, sifters, boats and things. My son had the same when he was a toddler. Baby pool with shade when he was a baby. Of course the playpen was dragged down through my early childhood and his frequent beach days. Chairs, umbrellas, coolers, snacks. I thought it would get easier with older kids. I guess I forgot the yearly torment my mother went through with 5. Now it’s, chairs, huge towels, landscaping shovels to dig to China that the lifeguards have to ask you to fill in. We visited the bay beach as well. The kind of place where “anything” goes! No I’m not peeping (but I probably had to) I’m inflating a 3 person and 1 dog row boat. Thank goodness my truck has an electrical outlet or I’d be dead.
The man, the myth, my legend. This is the man who makes this all possible. This is the man that I married, the man that made us a family, the man we drive crazy, who I have made cry, who fixes everything we break, and everything everyone else breaks, who makes us strive to do the hard things. This is the man who gets up early everyday and goes to work so I can stay home and do all the things. The hard things, the fun things, the things that he misses but hears about later. This is the man who “doesn’t like people” , us included sometimes. This is the man who comes home late from work only to be bombarded by tales of the day and “dad, can we play basketball” or “dad the chain popped again on the bike.” This is the man who goes to bed later than he should to watch one more show with our son. This is the man who makes our comfortable life possible. This is my husband and for that I am thankful.
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Top 5 New Mom Must Haves
8/11/24
This started out as a Top 5 New Mom Must Haves; things you NEED not necessarily want as a new mom. Somehow after gathering all the products and writing my blurbs it turned into diarrhea of the mouth about infertility and my journey to motherhood. It’s a tough, sorrowful, and joyous road for some. My whole heart feels for anyone going through it.
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All I ever wanted was to be a mom. Struggling with infertility was one of the hardest things I experienced in my life. The struggle was mentally and physically draining. Most people don’t understand what you're going through, (family included) especially if they haven’t experienced any difficulty themselves. Most mean no harm but they just don’t get it. One in Six people GLOBALLY are affected by infertility.
I got married and started trying. My husband wasn’t on board yet so he was secretly keeping track of my cycle. Was I mad? Absolutely, but in hindsight we weren’t ready. We needed time to be a married couple. Little did we know we would have plenty of time together as a couple.
Ten years later still no baby. I was a mess going from doctor to doctor. Guess who the problem was? Numerous tests; trans abdominal, pelvic and transvaginal ultrasounds. My least favorite, the hysterosalpingogram. The last blood draw was 38 vials. Talk of adoption and IVF were had but in the end we decided if it’s meant to be it will be. So we carried on with life. We bought a new fancy car and celebrated my husband's 40th birthday “all-inclusive” style in Aruba. Shortly after our trip we found out that one more gift was yet to come.
At 38 it was my time. I was already feeling my age and I know my husband was. So we faced our fears about being “older” first time parents. We decided it was a good idea to look for, buy, and move into a new house seven months pregnant. It was not a good idea! We downsized because I/we decided that I was not going back to work. I wasn’t missing out on anything. Of all the decisions I’ve made in my life this was the most important one. I am also very fortunate that my husband was supportive of this decision and works tirelessly to maintain our decision. It was very hard leaving my salary behind but it was really in the best interest of our new family.
Of course I started a baby registry. My family was so excited and were planning the baby shower the second I told them I was pregnant. Becoming a new mom was an incredibly exciting experience, filled with joy, anticipation, and a lot of nervousness. I wanted everything the store had to offer. There was so much to choose from. Everything you could possibly need or want was available in the endless aisles of the then famous Babies R Us. Knee Pads for your emerging crawler (Definitely not needed)! I scanned away to prepare for my son's arrival.
You want to ensure you have all the essentials to make this journey as smooth as possible. As a parent to a now almost thirteen year old we didn’t need ALL the THINGS. The pretty dresses and handsome outfits can wait. Looking back, these are definitely my top five must-have items that will make those early days a bit easier whether you’re a first time mom or a seasoned mom starting from scratch. They were lifesavers for me.
Top 5 New Mom Must Haves
Bottle Warmer: this was a lifesaver during those late-night feedings. My husband was working nights at the time and being able to stay upstairs with the baby was definitely easier. I would roll over, heat, and feed. It ensures your baby’s milk is at the perfect temperature, reducing the time you spend preparing bottles and allowing you to soothe your hungry baby more quickly.
Wipe Warmer: I laughed at this during my “pre” mom era when we bought one for my cousin with preemie twins. Thankfully when it was my turn my mom said “oh just get it.” A wipe warmer is a small luxury that can make a big difference. Warm wipes are much gentler on your baby’s sensitive skin, especially during nighttime diaper changes when you want to avoid startling your little one with a cold wipe and really waking them up!
Onesies: These are essential for any new mom. Stock up on these, as babies can go through several in a day. You can never have enough and you may skip a laundry day. Onesies are comfortable, easy to put on and take off, and they come in a variety of adorable designs.
Crib and Bassinet Sheets: There is nothing worse than a 2 am diaper explosion and not having an extra. Having a few extra sets of crib and bassinet sheets is crucial. Babies are messy if you didn’t know, and having clean sheets on hand will ensure your baby always has a clean and comfortable place to sleep. When all else fails a pillowcase will do the trick.
Comfy PJs for You: Don’t forget about yourself! Comfortable pajamas are a must for those long nights and early mornings. Choose soft, breathable fabrics that will help you relax and get as much rest as possible. Something you can wear to be comfortable when you have family and friends over in the early days. You’ll feel better and feel a bit more human if you’re comfortable.
Being prepared with these items can help ease the transition into motherhood, allowing you to focus on bonding with your new baby and cherishing every precious moment. Trust me, it will not be easy and you will be tired, but you won’t want to miss a single minute of it. Take a deep breath because you got this and remember there is nothing wrong with asking for help with any of it.
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Back-to-School
7/29/24
Many of us have fond memories of hating the return to school after summer break. No more late night swims, day trips, or sleeping half the day away. I enjoyed summer so much as a kid on the beach. Later, as a teen I met up with friends to go to the pool. One summer I went to so many concerts, but the most memorable one was the Beach Boys with John Stamos as the drummer! Summer is the best time to have fun with friends and family. Vacations away if you can swing it. Many great memories are created in the summer. Good ones and bad ones but memories nonetheless. The end of summer was the worst. Dreading going back to school all day and then doing homework all night, was shortened for a bit with the prospect of back-to-school shopping. I hope many of you like me absolutely loved the excitement of back-to-school shopping.
For elementary school, I had to wear a uniform so my early excitement was only the thrill of getting new notebooks, crayons, folders with cats, and gadgets often outweighed the dread of returning to classes. As I entered public high school, the experience of picking out brand new jeans, sneakers, shirts and sweaters created a sense of new beginnings and possibilities, making the transition back to school a little more bearable. To this day I still buy myself something during back to school shopping.
Being one of 5 kids who at one point were all in school at the same time we definitely shopped on a budget. We all absolutely got what we needed and my parents always made sure we got one of our big requests. Fancy jeans or expensive sneakers. They were special and well taken care of, at least till the end of the second marking period!
The excitement of back-to-school ended when I became a parent. Being a parent preparing for back-to-school is absolutely daunting. Thank you mom! The LISTs are crazy. A-Z, pencils to sandwich bags! Seriously, sandwich bags. That’s just elementary school. Middle school with six plus teachers ALL with their own LIST; holy shit! I can’t imagine having to buy for more than one kid. I buy the essentials: pencils, pens, folders, headphones, notebooks. Until we are asked for something specific. Most of the time half the stuff is never used, at least not by your own kid! I know sharing is caring. Thankfully my son isn’t looking for any special cat folders or crazy character backpack I need to search for for weeks. He unfortunately is however already sending screenshots of the sneakers he MUST have!
Enjoy what you can this back-to-school shopping season, remember the excitement and dread you felt and don’t forget, you get to do it all over again next year.
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Self-Care Day
7/29/24
We all talk about self care and how important it is. You never really know how important it is until you actually do it. Some of us manage to have that hot cup of coffee, the shower in peace, or the unexpected easy bedtime routine that allows you to relax and watch mindless tv and eat the ENTIRE bag of cookies. Whatever it is you consider self care, make it happen for yourself.
I had the perfect beach day yesterday with my mom and aunt. We went to the beach we spent many summers together on as a family. I call it Grandma's Beach. She's always there. It was cloudy and I almost changed my mind but I am glad I didn't. It was a beautiful day until some thunder and lightning rolled in and we had to pack up. That was ok too because I got to have and adult lunch at a table with bay views.
Let me tell you it felt amazing. I was only getting myself snacks! We make everything happen for everyone else. Make it happen for YOURSELF!
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Parent Appreciation Day-July 28, 2024
7/24/24
What kind of parent are you? All I can tell you is that I’m just a parent trying my best to raise my kid to be smart, funny, kind, respectful, independent, and loving. I’m failing on the independent part since he’s an only child, however, I didn’t do it alone. My husband helped. We were overwhelmed and tired. I appreciate my very hardworking husband this Parent Appreciation Day more than I can express with words. We are not perfect but we’re steering the ship together.
Helicopter Mom is who I was for a long time. My son had a speech delay and really couldn’t communicate his needs to us, for a long time. So along with being an only child to older parents who were 38 and 40 when he was born, my husband and I bent every which way to whatever we thought he needed or wanted. Finally, he was able to communicate but our fate was sealed. We created a future attorney with his slick negotiation skills. It’s been quite a journey so far.
This summer things are turning around slowly. I’ve done a bootcamp of sorts. Started saying NO, showing him how to do the laundry, getting him to take the garbage out and sit down for this one, cleaning his own room. He also learned a valuable lesson about banking this summer with his first debit card. You’ll be happy to know he’s sticking with cash. We have a long road ahead of us and I am proud to say he’s making some of these changes on his own. For now my helicopter is grounded.
By the time I had my son the buzz words were Gentle, Authoritative, Permissive, Free-Range and Attachment,Parenting. Why not just follow my parents' lead? I thought nope, “I’ll do it differently, I’ll do it better.” Don't get me wrong they were amazing and they had their best. They didn’t have it easy growing up. They were born to parents of The Greatest Generation (1901-1927) and The Silent Generation (1928-1945). Parents who lived through enough shit that they did the best THEY could. I’ve heard the stories but I only knew them as grandparents.
Looking back, my parents were amazing and they did their best. Hello! you already read where I ended up and of course I should have followed my parents lead. My mother was young, married, had two kids, and was divorced by 22. She met my dad when I was five and my brother was four. She had three more kids and we never looked back. It wasn’t easy, that's for sure. I became independent as a little helper with my brothers and sisters. The oldest always get the shit end of the stick. I like to think I paved the way for my younger brothers and sisters. I do still feel some weird kind of motherly love for “the kids” as I call them. We all grew up together with the same parents and took different paths on our journeys. Some had to fall hard and do it the hard way but we are all for the most part smart, funny, kind, respectful, independent, and loving to each other thanks to our parents. Do we really need to name parenting styles?
When I say I should have emulated my parents parenting style I truly mean it. Most of it anyway. We now have conversations about my son and what his most recent dilemma is and they’re close to saying “I told you so.” I don’t think they know that I take them seriously, but I do and try to implement their advice and insights. They both worked very hard to provide us with all the things we needed and all the things we wanted. They have definitely become more laid-back now that they are grandparents and retired. The advice they provide now is definitely helpful since they have been through the trenches. They are truly appreciated more than they know this Parent Appreciation Day.
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Beach Memories Never Lost
7/14/24
Who doesn’t love the beach? My husband doesn’t but I’ve managed to get my son on the beach bandwagon because l love it. I am grateful to my mom and grandmother who both nurtured my love of the beach. My mom grew up at the beach and we spent our summers on the beach as littles. Later, we would spend summers with my grandmother at the beach and it was amazing and the memories will be cherished forever.
I’m the oldest of five so my mom had her hands full. My youngest brother was even tied to the beach chair one summer because he just wanted to follow the rest of us into the water. We stayed in my grandmother's one bedroom apartment all summer. Five kids and two adults. One summer we even had my aunt and cousins staying briefly before they moved. Add three more adults that makes 10 in a one bedroom one bathroom apartment. I don’t remember chaos, I just remember fun.
There was a boardwalk but that was it. There was something better; Playland. As a kid it was a magical place we only went a few times over the summer as a treat. It’s since long gone but the memories will last forever.
Grandma would shuffle down that boardwalk after working all week on a Saturday morning with her flower slides, Disney Hat brim up, chair, Bain de Soleil oil, and her Misty 120s secure in a waterproof cigarette case. My mom would be pushing or dragging a carriage with a baby and all the things as we trailed behind. We all knew the drill “no sand in grandma’s chair”, it’s still our running joke. Grandma would put on her flowered rubber bathing cap and go for a dip. She was the best floater I have ever seen. She was the toughest, headstrong, independent, wise woman I knew. I know where my mom gets it from. Her wish was to have her ashes spread in the ocean and that’s just what we did. Any beach I go to I feel her there with me. She would have been 100 years old last week. I went to the beach to be with her. We ALL miss her.
This week we had the opportunity to stay at the beach for a few days. Times have changed so of course you need to rent a three story house for 10 people and try to not break the bank. Thanks to my sister I was just a guest! This boardwalk comes with all the things, rides, games, food, and ridiculously expensive clothing that none of us can resist. Least of all my son and nephew.
This year they wanted to be able to go alone. Um NO! I did however get them their bracelets and took up a bench and let them roam alone but not really; I was Ispying. Big step but the band aid had to be ripped off. My son comes back and we have a mushy conversation about how he likes being able to go alone and how it’s bittersweet for me to let him. It was a heartfelt moment until I realized we were missing someone. Panic set in as we hustled back to the ride, extreme panic set in when my nephew didn’t get off the ride. Panic overload set in as we circled the rides looking for him. The panic only lasted 10 minutes before we found him coming from a different ride. He didn’t even notice the frenzy I had myself in. The never leave each other conversation ensued and we enjoyed the rest of the night, but holy crap I was scared out of my mind. I could finally see what mom had to worry about with five and why my brother was tethered to the chair. I couldn’t handle two. Like Playland, this boardwalk will hold memories for a lifetime for my son, nephew and myself.
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Family Vacation
6/30/24
“Melville (me), plan a trip to Washington DC with the boys. I’ll be 75 in July and I want to go before I die!”. So with my travel agent hat on I plan a 4 night 5 day trip to Washington DC for myself, MIL, and 3 teenage boys. What could go wrong? Who knew my party of 6 would endure a heatwave during our planned trip? Not Melville (still me). Man it was hot.
We most likely all have love-hate relationships with our MIL’s. A few adjectives that describe my MIL would be; Caring, stubborn, ornery, hard headed, resilient, thoughtful, bold, decisive, steadfast, confident and self-assured. Most of all stubborn with a capital S. She will be 75 this month. She has raised two children, celebrated a 46th wedding anniversary, dealt with the sorrow of becoming a widower, faced numerous medical conditions that she insists on treating herself. This stubborn, bold and steadfast woman who can barely walk (because she’s her own worst enemy) just made her dream of visiting Washington DC come true.
My MIL has planned this trip twice before over her 46 year marriage. Both trips unfortunately had to be canceled for one reason or another and she wasn’t missing this one. We ALL tried to talk her into a scooter but her response was, “I’m not dead!”. We loaded the car and off we went.
Five hours later after a surprisingly uneventful drive we arrive at our hotel, unload, valet the car, and go to Reception to check-in. ID and CC in hand the woman is looking at me like I’m crazy. She says, “I’m sorry but we do not have your reservation”. Dumbfounded, I ask how could that be? She then informs me that there are multiple Hilton Garden Inn in DC. Great way to start. We finally arrived at the correct destination and hopped on our first tour. A 3 hour night bus tour that felt like a stay on Gilligan's Island that was totally worth it.
Cane in hand we set off for the rest of our adventure. We saw all the “things” we could and marveled at the site’s and monuments. Public transportation was easier to navigate than expected but we decided to use UBER to get around. The woman who has no use for any computers or cellphones was quick to say, “Use what you people use for that Uber thing or whatever you call it!”. My MIL’s dream was fulfilled, cousins bonded, my husband and I enjoyed the bar. Me a bit too much. What can I say, it's vacation and I’m a lightweight. An absolute wonderful time was had by all.
We really only had a few hiccups for the first time traveling together. The boys room was shockingly neat. Except for the flood in the bathroom because “at home we have two shower curtains”. All three boys are snitches and we know what snitches get. Per the front desk, “it’s ok toilet seats wear after time”. One injury was sustained and not to who you may be guessing. My son, while horsing around in the hotel with his cousins, ripped his big toenail clean off with the door in the stairwell of the hotel. It looked like an episode of Dexter. We had a passing of the cane ceremony at checkout between grandmother and grandson.
Everyone was beat on the car ride home but the banter was lively and colorful between the cousins. The who say fu*k is just word say “ok can we stop with the fu*ks!”.
We deposited everyone safely home and immediately upon arrival to my own home guess what I did? Laundry!!! I am currently balancing the checkbook and biting my nails till the credit card bill arrives.
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Hi, I have Resting Bitch Face
6/11/24
“Mom, why do you always look so mad?” “Bud, I’m not mad, it's just my face! I promise it really is just my face.” Better known as Resting Bitch Face. Thanks to my son I know I have an unconscious scowl on my face throughout the day. I always knew I had it but thank god he confirmed it! It's just my face.
My intention was to find some correlation between RBF and Wrinkles but that didn’t work out.
I found a lot of Google: People Also Ask: Why does my face look mean? What does resting witch face mean? Is RBF good or bad? Can RBF be cured? Please make sure to define your google search or you will wind up down the rabbit hole of the other RBF; Rat Bite Fever. I scoured google and found nothing really linking the two.
Why couldn’t Google help me find this correlation, because one really has nothing to do with the other. What I did find was this hilarious video that started the RBF craze in 2013. It is a parody PSA video created by a comedy group called Broken People. Spoiler Alert, Men have it too. I’m going to start using RDF, I think you can figure it out. Equal is equal. My own husband suffers from this dreaded affliction.
Those of use afflicted with RBF have a neutral facial expression that unintentionally appears unfriendly, annoyed, or contemptuous. We often seem to be in a bad mood or displeased, even when we are not. It’s not intentional, it's just how our faces naturaly rest. We know who we are. I may look mean, mad, unfriendly or annoyed but I can assure you that I am definitely not. Unless of course I can use it to my advantage when I see someone I really don’t want to talk to! You know you do it!
The wrinkles are just an unfortunate fact of life. Some are more lucky than others, unfortunately, I am not one of the lucky ones. They are the natural part of our aging journey. I’m on that journey currently. One of my blogs from May was about my skincare reboot. I have definitely been keeping up and seeing results. Not the results you'll see from any cosmetic procedures or botox, but I see improvement and it just feels good to maintain some kind of self-care. We can't turn back time but we can prevent the signs as long as we can to maintain what we're working with.
Clinique’s Smart Clinical Repair line is what I am currently using. I am using many of the products from their line but I am finding the best results with the Clinical Repair Line. I’ve been using it for 5 weeks and I see a difference. I can’t wait to see the difference in the next 5 weeks.
The dermatologist has been freezing spots off my poor forehead for months so I am taking extra special care with Sunscreen. Use any brand you like but make sure you use it.
If anyone local is reading this give me a head nod if you know me.
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Father's Day June 16, 2024
6/11/24
We celebrate Mothers so of course we celebrate Fathers. In 1910, Sonora Smart Dodd, one of six children raised by a widower, celebrated her father at the first nationwide Father Day celebration on June 19th in Washington State. Sonora worked to celebrate a day where a male parent could be honored the same way a mother could. According to a historian, men “scoffed at the holiday’s sentimental attempts to domesticate manliness with flowers and gift-giving, or they derided the proliferation of such holidays as a commercial gimmick to sell more products–often paid for by the father himself.” Father’s Day didn’t become a National Holiday until 1972 when Nixion signed an official proclamation. There is a lot of truth in the quote and I tend to agree with it, but everything we do is commercialized in some way or another. Right? How you chose to celebrate is a personal choice.
What is a father? To me, a man who loves, nurtures, and provides for his family. There are many Types of Fathers; Biological, Adoptive, Stepfather, Same Sex, Foster, Single Fathers. There are also different styles of Fathers; Helicopter, Gentle, Absentee, Workaholics, Playful. All fathers are not created equal. That is my personal experience.
I was born to one but fathered by another. A stepfather is the term that many use but I prefer father, dad, daddy. I still remember the man who carried me home from my first day of kindergarten (he wasn’t even my dad yet) and the day I asked my mom while crossing 9th Ave and 17th street in NYC in 1980 if I could “call Mike Dad.” I can’t recall exactly what she said but I started and never looked back. In the late 90’s I legally changed my last name and gave my dad the papers on Father’s Day. Personally, I detest the term Stepfather/Stepchild. Especially if that person treats you like you are their own child regardless of blood. If you have ever been introduced to people as Sally’s “daughter/son” and these are “THEIR” children; I feel you.
My own husband has proven to be the amazing father I knew he would be. I know he has his own doubts but he has provided for me and our son since the day he was born. When my son was born I made the “executive decision” to stay home with him. It wasn’t a fight, thankfully. We waited so long to be parents and we didn’t want to put him in daycare and miss out on anything. We knew it would be hard especially since we were used to carefree lives with two very nice incomes. It was hard and it's still hard but totally worth the decision.
New baby, new home, being a certain age, it was a tough first year. Being GenX first time parents, we were really good at communicating; keeping our feelings tucked away, suppressed, or just completely ignoring them. It was difficult but we made it. You think you're going to parent one way, or how the books say, and that all goes out the window and you find your own way. I have no advice, we just continue to make it work and make adjustments on the fly. After 23 years of marriage and a 12 year old you figure it out.
My husband is one of those guys who keeps to himself, who says he just doesn’t like people, doesn’t have time for assholes/idiots (his words), and has no patience for people who can’t change a lightbulb. Thankfully, I can change a lightbulb. Nevertheless, he will also drop everything if you need his help. Even for the assholes and idiots most times. Mr Keeps Everything to himself sent me a Reel through FB Messenger last week. Below is a transcript, the author is unknown as it has been reposted a zillion times on every social media platform. The message is what counts to my son and I. It shows how big his heart, thoughts, and feelings really are:
Ever wonder about the silent battles and unspoken dreams your dad carries in his heart?
1. Behind his steady presence was a constant fear of not being enough of not providing the way he wished,he wanted to give you the universe.everything he never had.
2. His love for you is an ocean deep and vast, struggling to show it he hoped you’d feel it in his actions, his sacrifices.
3. He might not always have said the perfect thing but in his heart he was your biggest cheerleader bursting with pride at every step.
4. Everyday he aspired to be the man he wanted you to look up to, his greatest hope that you’d soar higher shine brighter than he ever could.
5. Without a moment's hesitation he’d lay down everything for you, your safety, your happiness meant more to him than his own life.
6. Through every hardship every sacrifice he;d willingly walk the same path a thousand times over just to see you smile to know you’re safe,
7. To him you’re not just part of his life you are his life the beacon that guides him the joy that lights up his world,
So this Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, 2024, I will be hosting my Favorite Fathers, and remembering the Fathers that are no longer with us. The BBQ will be grilling well done London Broils for my husband and the Oven will be baking Chicken Parmigiana for my dad. The kids will be in the pool, the dog will be eating someone's flip flop, and my MIL will be complaining but not “really” complaining about something. I’ll think of my biological father and what he missed out on. I will watch all this, smile and reflect on how lucky I am to be surrounded by Fathers.
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The Town Pool
6/4/24
If you have a Town Pool Join it! Below is about my memories of my hometown Town Pool.
My family moved from NYC to Metuchen in the Summer of 1987. I was going to be a Metuchen High School freshman that Fall. Since we had just moved, money was tight. My mom was a SAHM with 5 kids,aged 15 to 5, my dad still worked in NYC and now had to commute daily, an expense he did not have prior to the move. Somehow my dad made sure to get us a membership to the Metuchen Municipal Pool. Sit down when I tell you how much it cost him to give us the best summer of our lives in 1987. $150 and that was the last registration fee. My grandmother never let my mom forget she overpaid that summer. I/We can never thank our parents enough for making the sacrifices they made us since the day we moved. Thank You!
We lived very close to the pool and it was the 80’s so we would walk ALONE in the morning, back for lunch, or mom would send us with lunch. The snack bar was not what it is today and it was a treat when we got to go. It was great to meet people before school started. It was harder for me being older, but my younger brothers and sisters had a blast and made some lifelong friends that summer. As the summers came and went I would go with friends. Then we got older and had jobs and different things going on in our lives and the pool wasn’t as important as it used to be anymore. The memories will last forever though.
I re-joined the pool when my son was in Kindergarten so he could have the same experience I did growing up. It would only be him and I so I joined with an Individual Membership and paid $3 a visit for him each time we went as my guest. I don’t remember the Family Membership cost but it was over $200 just for me at the time. We now have our own pool but still enjoy weekly visits as guests of friends and family.
This year for Father’s Day, we got my parents Senior Memberships. They still enjoy going and share stories of “remember when” while there. They still see some familiar faces from 1987 if you can believe it.
The pool is expensive but everything is today. If you can afford it, do it. The memories your kids will make while you suffer through the packing, loading, unloading, I got chlorine in my eyes crying, he stole my goggles, can I get ice cream, can sally sleepover, and come watch me on the diving board are all worth it. Don’t forget about all the memories and/or nightmares you’ll have when the Float Nights get Scheduled.
The Pool will be open daily starting June 21st
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The Walking Skeleton
5/28/24
When I was younger I was definitely influenced by the magazine pictures of skinny girls. Friends who I tried to emulate but I never made myself sick or binge ate. I tried diet fads or not eating at all. I wasn’t even heavy or overweight but my brain said I was. It was something that I had total control over and as a teen that’s all we want. Hindsight is 20/20 right. 130 lbs wasn’t heavy, fat, or overweight.
As I got older and entered the working world the not eating continued. Still my mind said stay skinny. I put everything I had into my job which became a 17 year career. Sometimes it was time critical. The rest was the other part of my brain that said work harder, show them you can do it, move up the chain of command in a male dominated industry, with no college degree. I did it and I did it well and I lived off bags of Milano Cookies and office coffee.
Then, you need to fit into a wedding dress; stay skinny. After that babies are on the brain. I had such a hard time and journey with infertility. It wasn't just not nourishing myself I also had valid reproductive issues. So I flipped the script on my norm and let go of the control I thought I had. I gained some weight, felt pretty good. Eventually I got what I wanted, a beautiful baby boy.
All was right with the world. I got to stay home with my son thanks to my hard working husband. I ate, I didn't eat, I was skinny and then I gained weight. I was happy with myself and my life. Until Covid started.
At the time, I was working as a paraprofessional in my local school district and to return to work I was given the option to test weekly or get vaccinated. I am not anti-vaxx but I was hesitant like many about the quick release of the vaccine and possible side effects. Wanting to get back to work and not be saddled with something else to do during the week I got vaccinated.
August 17, 2021, was my life changing day. My first of two vaccinations. One day after the first shot I started to have diarrhea. Of course, this was a possible side effect that should clear on its own. Today is Wednesday, May 28, 2024 and I still have bouts of diarrhea. It took 7 months of going from doctor to doctor to finally being diagnosed with Microscopic Colitis. Many meds were tried and nothing really worked. I know I am not the only one who deals with IBS symptoms but I was relatively healthy and then I was running to the bathroom upwards of 8 times a day. Oh, and it was summer so the pool, beach, and family vacations were a blast. My weight went from 130 lbs to 113 lbs. That
is the lowest my weight has ever been and it definitely is not a good look. I also consulted with a Gastroenterologist who told me that I had BAM (Bile Acid Malabsorption). My body was not absorbing any of the nutrients from the food I did eat when I wasn’t scared to eat. More meds were prescribed and they worked till they didn’t. Completely fed up I tried Pepto-Bismol and it was actually a game changer for months; till it wasn’t.
In March 2024 I said, “this can’t be my life.” I looked like an actual skeleton and I was quite literally losing my mind. I would just have this brain fog, I couldn’t finish a thought or a sentence. My body, joints, everything just hurt but I have to push through for my family. Back to the doctor who says my colon looks “wonderful” every time I see him and I consulted a Nutritionist.
Finally some relief with a new medication that is not a steroid and a plan of action to eat the foods I need to nourish my body and mind. I am eating three meals a day, I have a timer for medication reminders and I’m slowly gaining weight back. I still carry TP in the glove box just in case.
Looking back at the younger me I wish I had more self-awareness, and as an adult, mother, and wife maybe I should have sought care sooner or not had the second vaccination. The doctors can’t explain why this “all of a sudden” started. Doctors don’t even know the exact causes of these syndromes, disorders, and diseases. Some get classified as autoimmune diseases and some are symptoms of other more serious issues in patients. I do not wish IBS, IBD, IBC, Colitic, Crohns, BAM or BAD on anyone. My battle is not even as hard as others who deal with these syndromes, disorders, or diseases on a daily basis. Please don’t wait to see a professional if you experience any symptoms. The road back to normalcy is long.
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The Plate is ALWAYS FULL
5/22/24
SAHM mom, Working Mom, Single Mom, our plates are alway full. I am a SAHM. My son is a tween now so I have more time to do the things I couldn't do when he was a baby and toddler. He’s in middle school and not very self sufficient. He definitely still needs to be watched since he now does stupid shit. He’s already asked, “can I jump in the pool from the garage roof?” So I will continue to be a SAHM most likely for a very long time. My plan is to do something, I just don’t know what that is yet.
Just yesterday my plate runneth over. Rewind to Sunday when my husband reminds me that Memorial Day weekend is this weekend. Where did May go? He then says we should have a Memorial Day BBQ. Great, we just had a Mothers Day BBQ, but ok why not. Clean the house for company, shop to cook for company, cook for company, get the yard ready for company (ok really for me), get the pool crap ready for company. By company I am referring to my family and close friends who could give two shits about what everything looks like. I care and hustle to finish some projects I’m working on. If you’ve never used a power washer you should try it!!!
Back to yesterday. I am in the process of spray painting some chairs. Super easy makeovers. I was out all day between coats, you know shopping and laundry. I sat and watch my son’s baseball game, drop him at basketball and finally head home for a shower. If you’ve been following me I have been on a skincare journey so I washed my face in the shower and then moisturized. I look in the mirror and what do I see? Straight down my philtrum (groove from your nose to your lip) a blue line. I was in and out of stores, my son came home from school and we talked, I went to baseball, and then showered and washed my face. I was walking around all day with a blue line down my face. I think it's truly funny that I interacted with people all day looking like a hot mess. It’s what we do, obviously it's what I do. My plate is always full and I absolutely love it because I know I am taking care of my family and loved ones. I am finding ways to take care of myself too. .
I keep a family calendar and have just resorted to a 5-Star notebook to write down things I might forget about. It happens because we all have a lot of things going on. High Five’s to those who do it with multiple kids. This is not a complainant piece about being a SAHM or a shame piece to the Working Mom. It’s an everyone piece since we're all in the same boat and it's sink or swim. Keep swimming!!!
If you happen to know me and see me around town give a wave, I’ll be the one with a green face today.
Full disclosure, the below is a response from ChatGPT that reads almost like a resume. Oh and I actually did take the dog to the vet yesterday.
Question: list things a sahm does daily
A stay-at-home mom (SAHM) typically has a diverse and busy schedule, balancing numerous responsibilities to manage her household and care for her family. Here is a list of common daily tasks:
Childcare:
Feeding and meal preparation for children.
Diaper changing and potty training.
Bathing and dressing children.
Supervising and engaging in playtime activities.
Assisting with homework and educational activities.
Managing nap and bedtime routines.
Driving children to and from school, extracurricular activities, and appointments.
Household Management:
Meal planning and grocery shopping.
Cooking and preparing meals for the family.
Cleaning and organizing the house.
Doing laundry, including washing, drying, folding, and putting away clothes.
Managing household finances, paying bills, and budgeting.
Running errands such as picking up prescriptions, dry cleaning, and other necessities.
Family Coordination:
Scheduling and attending family appointments, such as doctor visits and parent-teacher meetings.
Planning and organizing family activities and outings.
Communicating with extended family and coordinating family events and gatherings.
Personal Care and Development:
Finding time for personal hygiene and self-care.
Pursuing hobbies, interests, or side projects when possible.
Engaging in physical exercise and maintaining health.
Social and Emotional Support:
Providing emotional support and guidance to children.
Maintaining communication with spouse/partner about family matters.
Connecting with other parents or support groups for social interaction and advice.
Home Maintenance:
Minor home repairs and maintenance tasks.
Gardening and outdoor work.
Managing household supplies and ensuring everything is stocked and functional.
Pet Care (if applicable):
Feeding, walking, and grooming pets.
Taking pets to vet appointments and managing their health needs.
These tasks can vary greatly depending on the family’s specific needs, the age of the children, and other factors. Being a SAHM often involves multitasking and adapting to new challenges daily.
Skin care, You only get One Face, Don’t Put it Off for too long
5/13/24
I’m not really sure when I started with skin care and products. When I was 12 /13 I definitely would sneak some of my moms products. There were so many to choose from. Grandma’s medicine cabinet was however the mother load. She went to work every day in her pants/skirt suit with drawn on eyebrows and lipstick. She wasn’t glamorous, just a tough woman in a man's world from a time when that’s how you left the house. She also collected every freebie she could get her hands on. Este Lauder was her favorite which is pretty ironic if you keep reading. Sometimes I have to turn around because out of the blue I can smell her. Every summer I would pilfer something from that medicine cabinet.
Later, I would read Seventeen magazine and see all the products featured. I bet I asked my mom to buy things and she most likely did. I remember Sea Breeze and Clearasil. When I was a bit older my mom took me to Merle Norman, her favorite at the time. It was an awesome experience to be made up in the chair and buy all the products they used. I never managed to look the same as the day I walked out of the store but I used all of it.
However, I still wasn’t focused on skinCARE. I started working and had to have CoverGirl and Maybelline like all my friends. I can still smell them when I think about them. They definitely have a distinct smell that can transport you back in time. Next was Clinique. Again, thanks to my skincare loving mom who was into it at the time. We went to the counter at our local macys. 3 step cleansing routine and Acne on the Spot Treatment, full face of makeup and mom paid. Those sure were the days. At the time, the Beauty Bar came in a cool Clinique Green storage dish which I left in the shower. Apparently everyone in my house liked it and it disappeared fast. Thinking about what my 10 year old brother was doing with the soap now makes me cringe now.
Then I got married and had to try Lancôme because it seemed fancy. I wore it for my wedding and felt glamorous. I used up everything we left the counter with and that was it. 23 years later I still have the lipstick I wore and wear it once a year.
Overtime, I have used almost every over the counter drugstore brands, Mary Kay, Lancôme, Adrian Arpel, Bare Minerals, Proactive, IL Makiage and countless other cleaners and makeup. Slowly I stopped using anything but the Dove beauty bar or whatever was in the shower. I do not recommend Irish Spring for the face. Forget sunscreen even though I totally knew better with my fair skin. Then I became a mom and only worried about my fair haired boy. What did I end up with? Wrinkles, sunspots, dry, patchy red skin. A face that I don’t like when I look in the mirror. I am also of a certain age when this type of skin is just a reality. It’s what I’ve got and I’m trying to turn it around without lasers, fillers, or anything surgically cosmetic. I’ve stopped being lazy about skincare. I’m a night owl and whatever time I go to bed I make myself do the routine. Some days I even wear a little makeup. It makes me feel good about myself and I think that’s what counts. I’m still in sweats but my face feels fresh. Just don’t hold up a magnifying glass to it!
What am I doing about it now? Well, I've recently started using Clinique products again. This brand was truly my favorite. Clinique products are Dermatologist tested and they have No parabens. No phthalates. No fragrance. Just happy skin. Since I just started using it again
I found their line has grown and expanded to include serums and my new favorite, the Smart Clinical Repair Line. Did you know Clique is a subsidiary of Estee Lauder? I didn’t and the history is interesting. We can thank Carol Philips, a Vogue Editor, who in 1968 along with Dr. Norman Orentreich, a New York dermatologist, proclaimed “Great Skin Can Be Created.”
These are just a few of the products I am currently using after my long skincare hiatus. I don't use them all at the same time but I feel like I’m starting to know what my skin is asking for. Remember, “Great Skin Can Be Created.” I’ve been doing a double wash of my face. I can’t remember where I heard it but I first do the Scrub and then All About Face Cleanse or All About Face Cleanser and the Redness Solutions Cleanser. They are all mild enough on my skin to use both.
1. Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Cleanser Soap and Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion. I use #2. I use this daily as well and I am noticing a difference in the texture of my skin.
I started with the smaller sample size to make sure this formula still worked for me and have moved onto the full size. There are 3 skin-typed formulas: Extra Mild, Mild, and Oily Skin. Non-drying soap lathers up to wash away dirt and debris. Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream for Gentle Exfoliating. Gentle exfoliating lotion is available in 5 skin-typed formulas.
2. Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Face Moisturizer. This is Amazing. It is not greasy, just very hydrating. It is a lightweight, oil-free gel-cream skin moisturizer for hydration that sinks in instantly, drinks in deep. You can also use it as a 5-minute mask.
3. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. The Yellow one. Also not greasy and very hydrating. It is Clinique’s #1 oil-free moisturizer. Balances and refreshes oilier skin types.
4. Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Face Cream
I have definitely noticed a difference in the reduction of the many fine lines on my face. It is an ultra-nourishing facial moisturizer that visibly reduces lines and wrinkles for younger-looking skin. Visibly repairs lines and wrinkles. Instantly hydrates to minimize the look of fine, dry lines. Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum. This is currently in my cart. It is a retinoid-powered de-aging peptide serum for the face that targets signs of aging from three separate angles, visibly repairing, resurfacing, and replumping skin. Visibly repairs lines and wrinkles. Hydrates to help instantly minimize the look of fine, dry lines. Do not use it with other retinol products.
5. Clinique Redness Solutions Redness Regimen Skincare Set
I get a pretty red T-zone area thanks to my fair skin. The green in this line really makes a difference and is very soothing on the skin. It is a non-irritating primer, moisturizer, and face wash set to help get visible redness under control. Cleanse, soothe, protect. Appropriate for skin with rosacea. Extra-gentle Clinique skincare set soothes and comforts redness-prone skin, minimizing the look of redness.
6. Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel Acne Treatment Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel, Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion Facial Toner, Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Gel with 2% Salicylic Acid I only use these when I get any small breakouts. It is an acne treatment powered by salicylic acid. Fast-drying zit zapper helps de-shine skin’s surface and tighten pores. Using other topical skincare for acne at the same time or right after use of this product may increase dryness or irritation of skin. If this occurs, only one medication should be used unless directed by a doctor. Follow with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce usage to every other day.
7. Clinique Superdefense City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector, Clinique SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid For Face, Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream Sunscreen This should be moved to the top because it is the most important. I’ve been using these products since the beginning of May and I have not had any early sunburns or redness on my face. Granted we haven’t had a lot of sun yet. They also act like primers so your make-up will look good with it or you can wear it alone.
8. Clinique Even Better All-Over Concealer + Eraser, Clinique All About Shadow Single Eye Shadow and Clinique High Impact Mascara. I do not wear a lot of makeup but for everyday these are the 3 I like best. I usually look like a clown so I keep it simple and fresh.
One last reason I am ashamed to admit that that took me off my skincare hiatus was something my son said. “What’s wrong?Why do you always look mad? You look kinda mean!” Out of the mouth of babes. The answer is no of course I’m not mad (most of the time) anc I am anything but mean. This is just my face and how I look. I have RBF, Resting Bitch Face! It’s a pretty common affliction and I’m going to check into it for us.
How not to Dress Old ??? How about Dress for Yourself
4/30/24
I was scrolling and trolling my Facebook the other day. The title “How not to dress Old”
caught my eye and I had to scroll back but of course I couldn’t find it. So I did some digging and found some other blogs and articles. One said, “too many pastel outfits, too much black, baggy everything, out-of-date eyeglasses, the wrong lingerie, out of date and too many new trends, unflattering lipstick, pantyhose, and matching accessories.” Really who still wears pantyhose anyway. If someone wants to look at my flat ass and comment or worry about my panty line, knock yourself out.
Another blog said, we start to question what we can wear after 40, 50, and 60. 40 really I’m already at the 50 plus mark. I am definitely old (young at heart) but this “We” is absolutely not concerned with looking older, younger or questioning what I can wear. I did however enjoy the site Style At A Certain Age. Style is in the eye of the beholder, at least to me.
I look how I look and work with what I’ve got. Most days I am in a hoodie and sweats because it fits my lifestyle. If I was out in the working world I would definitely look more put together. I have a long history of being a Plain Jane. Simple is best and more comfortable for me. I have however managed to figure out how to dress for events like Weddings and Dinner Party events all by myself.
My little guy isn’t so little anymore but I had my turn at running around after him. Either at home or in the park. Up at all hours of the night and the early morning.What was I wearing? PJs or sweats and leggings. I couldn’t be restricted while running to catch him from hitting the deck from the top of the slide. Now this doesn’t mean I couldn't have had on a pair of jeans with cute flats, it was just more comfortable for me and it stuck.
Sweats are my version of Grandma’s MuuMuu or the house dress. My grandmother was alway in one when she came home from work. She would come home, take off her work suit and spend the rest of the night in it. She wore it to make dinner, clean and chase us around with the wooden spoon when we were visiting for the summer. Those were the days. Guess what, I don't think they disappeared. I may be adding the MuuMuu to my summer rotation.
People should dress to look and feel good for themselves. Regardless of their age. I understand the compelling need to fit in and look right. There are so many trends, old is new again and the new is old. Unless you have unlimited funds to change your look constantly and feel comfortable, do it; more power to you. If you want to be chill and comfortable in sweats and leggings I will high five you. So try a trend at any age and look in the mirror. If you feel you can work it, work it. YOU have to be comfortable with what you are wearing.
May Is National Pet Month
4/23/24
It's a Month to celebrate our pets, ALL pets and the joys and comfort they bring into our lives every day. There are days and weeks dedicated to celebrating specific pets, but just like we want to be celebrated, they need to be celebrated too. In the United States, National Pet Month is typically celebrated during the month of May. The exact origins of National Pet Month in the US are not attributed to a single individual or organization. The purpose of National Pet Month is to promote responsible pet ownership, raise awareness about the benefits of pets, and support the welfare of animals. During this month, pet owners, animal shelters, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations often organize events such as adoption drives, educational seminars, fundraising campaigns, and pet-friendly activities to highlight the importance of pets in our lives and to encourage responsible pet care.
To Celebrate National Pet Month Amazon is bringing back Amazon Pet Day. The event is a celebration of ALL Pets!!! The event is 48 hours on May 7th and 8th with thousands of items for ALL your pets.
You can start shopping early with these Best Sellers and Limited Time Deals.
Early Pet Day Deals
Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pool Collapsible Hard Plastic Dog Swimming Pool Portable Kiddie Pool Pet Pool Wading Pool Bath Tub for Puppy Small Medium Large Dogs Cats and Kids 79"
Best Seller
This pet pool is foldable, easy to store and it is easy to transport with you and your dog wherever you go. It can be used as a doggie pool, kiddie pool, kids pool, wading pool, pet dog bath tub, ball pit, outdoor dog water toys etc. No need for inflation, quick setup. With bottom/side drain, it is easy to drain and refresh water. Perfect plastic pool for backyard outside. Don’t want the yard/grass to get flooded? Simply connect a garden hose and it is easy to drain. Super durable 3 layers laminated vinyl with polyester mesh. Puncture Resistant and prevent collapse outward. Inner wall and the bottom is made of extra-tough embossed plastic. Thick and non-slip bottom. No slips and falls. Full size pools for puppies, small dogs, medium dogs and large dogs and kids. Please Trim your dogs' nails before using the pool.
Dog Toys Soccer Ball with Straps, Interactive Dog Toys for Tug of War, Puppy Birthday Gifts, Dog Tug Toy, Dog Water Toy, Durable Dog Balls World Cup for Small & Medium Dogs(6 Inch)
Limited Time 24% discount
Durable & Soft: Complying with the exact same standard as children's toys, the dog ball is made of premium PU that is the material of standard soccer ball so that it can be kicked and bounces as well. Upgrade Interactive Dog Toy: Dog soccer ball with nylon tabs sewn evenly into the seams not only create an erratic bounce that dogs love to chase, but also make it easier for the dogs to fetch, toss, tug and retrieve. Dog paws are printed evenly on the dog toys ball to attract dogs attention. There's a longer strap for people to hold onto the ball, making it a great interactive dog toy to train your dogs. PUMP & Needle Adapter Included: The herding balls for dogs come deflated. There's a needle point adapter and a pump inside as well while other items in the same market only include a ball needle. The soccer ball dog toy is 6 inches in diameter, perfect for small & medium breeds, not for aggressive chewers.
PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Pet Fence for Stubborn Dogs - No Wire Circular Boundary, Secure 3/4-Acre Yard, For Dogs 5 lbs, America's Safest Wireless Fence From Parent Company INVISIBLE FENCE Brand
Limited Time Deal 26% off
Great for the most hard-to-train pets, a tone-only mode and 5 levels of static correction adjust based on how your dog responds during training. Create a circular boundary that adjusts up to 3/4-acre (22 5 -105 ft in all directions) from where you place the transmitter indoors. Set up in just a few hours; a wireless boundary allows you to create a secure barrier around your yard to protect your pets without the time or hassle of burying wires. This portable system is terrific for camping, vacation homes, or anywhere you travel with access to an outlet. Wireless fence system comes with 1 waterproof, rechargeable receiver collar that comfortably fits dogs 5 lb and up and adjusts to fit neck sizes 6-28 in.
Doggie Bedsure Elevated Raised Cooling Cots Bed for Large Dogs, Portable Indoor & Outdoor Pet Hammock with Skid-Resistant Feet, Frame with Breathable Mesh, Grey, 49 inches
Limited Time Deal 19% off
This dog bed's elevated design increases airflow for all season comfort, keeping your pet cool even on hot days. The height is just right for dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors. Weather resistant, the 8" raised breathable mesh cot works great indoors and outside. Keep your pup dry and comfortable in the backyard, on the patio or porch, next to the pool, or while camping. Heavy-duty Teslin mesh holds up against scratching and chewing, providing excellent support and even pressure distribution to reduce joint and muscle pain. The strength-tested lightweight metal frame supports dogs up to 85 lbs. Set up takes just a few minutes. The lightweight design of this elevated dog bed provides increased portability and makes travel simple.
Dog Outdoor Dog Drinking Water Fountain Step On, Easy Paw Activated Drinking Pet Dispenser, Provides Fresh Water, Sturdy, Easy to Use by Trio Gato
10% Coupon at CheckOut
UNLIMITED CLEAN WATER ON DEMAND FOR DRINK OR PLAY by top-dog quality water fountain for dogs. “SELF-SERVICE” OPERATION: no more dog water bowls to clean or fill; fast installation. EASY ACTIVATION AND TRAINING: Step-on dog fountain quickly trains your dog to step up on paw-design pedal. BONUS CONNECTORS, EASY SET UP; Setting up this doggie water fountain outside requires absolutely no specialized skill. Every purchase comes with a bonus: A 2-way Y hose connector that lets you easily connect this pet water fountain to your water connection! Adjusting water pressure is done easily using the control valve on it.
Bathing Suit Season - Wear the Suit
4/21/24
The season is upon us ladies. Yes, the dreaded Bathing Suit Season. We need them, we love them and we hate them all at the same time. This season we need to embrace ourselves and not judge each other on our choices. We all know we do and we all know we have the same struggles with our bodies despite our different shapes, sizes and confidence levels? Why do we hate them?
Many women feel self-conscious about their bodies, especially in a setting like a department store or Target where we are confronted with various styles and sizes. The pressure to conform can make this experience uncomfortable and stressful. Throw in a toddler at your feet and the experience is excruciating. We struggle to find swimsuits that fit well and make us feel confident thanks to limited size or style options and availability in stores. They only have extra small or high cut hips and you want some coverage. This can be absolutely maddening for any shape or size.
Does anyone monitor the changing rooms? Changing rooms feel cramped and dirty with horrific lighting. There is always a pile of castoffs in the changing room. We are trying on multiple styles in front of mirrors and we don’t always like what we see in the mirror. We all try hard not to compare ourselves but seeing models or images of women with "perfect" bodies in swimsuit advertisements or on display can make real women feel inadequate or dissatisfied with their own appearance. We try to find swimsuits that not only fit well but also in with the current fashion trends. This pressure can make the shopping experience stressful and absolutely less enjoyable for any woman. Many of us lack confidence in our appearance, which can be a hair pulling process when trying on swimsuits and evaluating how we look in them. I have shed a tear in many dressing rooms.
The combination of these factors can make bathing suit shopping a very challenging experience for some women. Thankfully, with increasing awareness about body positivity and inclusivity in the fashion industry, there's hope that swimsuit shopping experiences will become more positive and empowering for everyone.
Did you know bathing suit shopping can actually be fun! It's all about finding the right mindset to make the experience enjoyable. By approaching bathing suit shopping with a positive attitude and focusing on what makes you feel good, you can turn it into a fun and empowering experience. Here are some tips for making bathing suit shopping a fun and positive experience:
Go with Friends: Bring along supportive friends who can provide encouragement, honest feedback, and maybe even some laughs. Shopping with friends can turn the experience into a fun outing rather than a chore.
Focus on Comfort: Look for swimsuits that prioritize comfort and fit over trends or idealized images. When you feel comfortable in what you're wearing, you're more likely to enjoy yourself. I am all about comfort. I’m not chasing littles anymore but being comfortable was key for me.
Try Different Styles: Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles, colors, and patterns. Trying on a variety of swimsuits can be fun and help you discover what makes you feel confident and fabulous. Try it on!!! You never know how it will look or feel until you try it on. I may even try a two piece this summer.
Celebrate Your Body: Instead of focusing on perceived flaws, celebrate your body for all the amazing things it can do. Embrace your unique shape and find swimsuits that highlight your favorite features.
Be Kind to Yourself: Practice self-love and compassion throughout the shopping process. Remember that nobody's body is perfect, and it's okay to have imperfections. Treat yourself with kindness and positivity.
Shop Online: If you prefer to avoid the hassle of in-store shopping, consider browsing for swimsuits online. Many online retailers offer a wide selection of sizes, styles, and price ranges, making it easier to find the perfect swimsuit from the comfort of your own home.
Amazon carries a vast selection of bathing suits from various brands, making it easy to find something that fits your style and budget. They offer a range of sizes and styles, including options for different body types. Before making a purchase, be sure to check the sizing charts and read reviews to ensure you're selecting the right fit and style for you. Additionally, consider factors such as return policies and shipping times to make the most informed decision.
Mother's Day
4/13/24
Mother’s Day was brought to us by Anna Jarvis in 1908. It became an official US holiday in 1914. She saw the holiday to be a personal celebration between mothers and family’s. With the support of a department store owner she organized the first official Mothers Day celebration in West Virginia. Even being unmarried and having no children Anna believed in the celebration. However, by 1920, Anna was so disgusted with the commercialization of the holiday she worked tirelessly to have the holiday removed from the calendar. Anna spent most of her personal wealth trying to remove it from the calendar until her death in 1948.
Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world. It may be celebrated on a different date or with a different tradition but the premise is the same. Mother’s are celebrated for all the things we do and we do a lot.
Thank you Anna for getting this on the calendar. I have mixed feelings about the day. I like gifts, we all like gifts. Mother’s Day is definitely very commercialized, and the true meaning of the day can be lost when WE are preparing for the celebrations. I think in the end we’re worth it. Aren’t We? Mothers should be celebrated everyday. Sometimes it is, when your son gives you a rock he picked up at the park or when your daughter says thank you for fixing her hair. Maybe your husband folded that last load of laundry, or your mom friend took the kids to the park for an hour. We may not actually get the day off but we are the focus of the day. We are celebrated in different ways everyday even if we don’t think so.
Ekouaer Pajamas Sets made of soft, breathable, lightweight and skin-friendly fabric, not easy to deform and pill, makes your sleep and leisure very comfortable. Pjs Long Pants feature soft drawstring elastic waist to fit for any body size and makes relaxing as comfortable as possible,two pockets on both sides to put mobile phones,small snacks. Loose-fitting straight trousers. Women's Soft Loungewear is great for fall,winter,spring.Comfortable and suitable for lounging and sleeping, yoga, pajama party, wedding party, girls day, bridal sleepwear, indoor, living room, bedroom, hotel, vocation, travel, and daily sleepwear.
Cotton Terry Robes for Women and Men, Terry Shawl Collar Bathrobe, ONE SIZE - UNISEX Men & Women Spa Robe
100% Cotton: This bathrobe is made of premium 100% cotton, providing a soft and comfortable feel against your skin. The lightweight fabric allows for effortless movement and breathability, making it perfect for lounging, spa treatments, or showering. This bathrobe is perfect for various occasions, including lounging at home, spa treatments, showering, or even as a lightweight cover-up on a chilly day. It is a versatile and practical addition to any household.
Evshine Women's Fuzzy Slippers Cross Band Memory Foam House Slippers Open Toe
Breathable open-toe along with trendy faux fur design makes these womens slippers stylish and practical. Easily slides in whenever you want your feet relaxed. Fuzzy faux fur upper and footbed surround your foot in cloud comfort, making your feet cozy. A good choice for reducing muscle fatigue after a long day of work.
ZIMASILK 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Health,Soft and Smooth,Both Sides Premium Grade 6A Silk,600 Thread Count,with Hidden Zipper,1pc (Queen 20''x30'',Coral)
Silk Benefits for Hair and Skin: Zima silk pillowcases are made of pure mulberry silk. It has various kinds of Amino Acids that are believed to effectively stimulate your skin cells' metabolism. Silk is gentle and naturally nourishing on your hair and skin. Best for sensitive skin or minimizing morning lines, wrinkles, acne. Silk is anti static and friction, excellent for curly hair, bed head, hair breakage and hair loss. Superior durable plain color, not easy to fade after washing. Exquisite craftsmanship of the neat stitches. And there are more than 35 colors for your choice.
Best Mom Mug Gifts for Mom - Best Mom Ever Floral Embossed Pattern Ceramic Coffee Mug 13.5OZ
A cute present for any mom,the mug has been carefully designed with floral embossed pattern, ''BEST MOM EVER'' is printed on both sides.so every time she uses it, she’ll be reminded how much you love her with every sip.
Gifts for Wife from Husband - Wife Gifts - Wedding Anniversary for Wife, Wife Birthday Gift Ideas, Mothers Day Gifts for Her - Gift for Wife Romantic, I Love You Gifts for Her Wife - 20 Oz Tumbler
Featured with its meaningful message, this Wife Tumbler will serve as a symbol of the bond between husband and wife on her special Anniversary. Ideal for romantic gifts for her on Mother’s Day.
Homsolver Gifts for Mom from Daughter Son, Best Mom Gifts, Funny Mom, Birthday Thanksgiving for Mom Stepmother Adoptive Mother, Mom's Last Nerve
The funny gift with the saying "Mom's last nerve oh look... It's on fire". This is a unique and creative gift for mom, stepmother, foster mother, new mom, mother, bonus mom, pregnant mom, first time mom. These funny and creative gifts for mom who has everything, Let your mom know you love her forever. This unique lavender scented candle is a specially designed gift for mom. It's the best mom gift from daughter and son. The unique and natural lavender scent makes people feel good. These gifts will make her feel relaxed and can create more comfort and romance for her.This unique gift is sure to tug at your mom's heartstrings.
Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler with Lid and Straw for Water, Iced Tea or Coffee
Whichever way your day flows, the H2.0 FlowState tumbler keeps you refreshed with fewer refills. Double wall vacuum insulation means drinks stay cold, iced or hot for hours. Choose between our 14oz, 20oz, 30oz,40oz and 64oz options depending on your hydration needs. The narrow base on all sizes (except 64oz) fits just about any car cup holder, keeping it right by your side.
KALIYADI Classic Aviator Sunglasses for Men Women Driving Sun glasses Polarized Lens UV Blocking
These sunglasses come with top rated polarized lenses that we tested over time. Polarization reduces glare reflected by mirrors, shiny or polished materials or any other kind of sun rays reflection. You will feel your eyes permanently relaxed because you will not squint anymore! Whether you are driving to work or having a nice sunbath on the beach, you will be less tired at the end of the day because your eyes are more relaxed.
Original X Large Waterproof Washable Tip Proof Durable Open Tote Bag for the Beach Boat Pool Sports 19x15x9.5
A tote bag that is light in weight but big in personality. Original Bogg Bag measures 19 x 15 x 9.5. This tote has room for snacks, suntan lotion, books, makeup, and more. Each Original Bogg Bag is patented, Mom Invented, Family Designed and Award Winning. We are so pleased that our love for the beach has inspired such a great product that so many other families around the world use and love on their own adventures and we hope YOU love it, too! It is the perfect tote bag for the beach, boat, pool, lake, camping, sporting event, market, picnic, work and more. No matter the occasion, a durable, convenient, stylish tote is needed and we have you covered.
Gray Hair Don't Care
4/8/24
Gray Hair, don’t care. I used to. I remember what I thought of as my first “big girl” haircut. My cousin was training at Vidal Sassoon in NYC to be a hairdresser. She asked me to be her model. I thought I was hot stuff getting my hair done in a fancy place like that. It is a cherished memory. The cut was very “before it’s time” and I was given an unfortunate and hilarious nickname that is still used today. It was a graduated bob. Who knew?
The hair color journey begins. Remember Pazazz by Clariol? I do and so do my moms bath towels. Purple was my first choice and the color was great, as long as you don’t go on the log flume at Great Adventure wearing a white T-shirt the next day. Then I had to try Pazazz Red. Well it was pretty much orange and of course that didn’t wash out for months. My mom was a hairdresser. She was my hairdresser. Many highlights with the rubber cap and knitting hook were to follow. Talk about beauty is pain. Definitely pre Foils era. Box dye, new hairdresser when my mother retired. I could just never find the right one. Thankfully my sister came to the rescue and also became a hairdresser. I was lucky until I wasn’t. They’re both retired but still make themselves available for haircuts.
Finally found one. It was the perfect fit; for a while. It was super expensive but we deserve it, right? We had a few good years. Again, lucky until I wasn’t. My last visit left me with the blondest hair I’ve ever had. I’m talking street walker blonde. My hair was fried and breaking off all over. Oh and it was summer; beach, pool, SUN. It didn’t mix. I tried everything under the sun to repair the damage. Redken products came to the rescue. The Extreme shampoo and conditioner were amazing, I took the entire summer to fix that's how blonde the blonde was.
Covid hit and everything shut down and so did my hair dye journey. I’ve embraced the gray. I wish it was pure white like my moms but I’ll take what I have because it’s mine. It looked brassy and not so brilliant. The hunt for gray hair shampoo starts. A google search told me to use a purple shampoo. Something about the color wheel and how it helps to reduce brassiness. Guess what it does. Do you know how many purple shampoos there are? A lot. Want to know how many leave your hands purple? A lot. Trial and error worked for me and the one that didn’t stain my hands or the shower won. Redken Purple and L’Oreal Purple are winners in my book. If you’re feeling adventurous Clairol makes an updated version of Pazazz called Color Gloss Up Temporary Hair Dye. I’m good so let me know.
4 Slow Feeders For Dogs
4/8/24
LE TAUCI Dog Bowls Slow Feeder Ceramic, 1.5 Cups Slow Feeding Dog Bowl Small Medium Breed, Puppy Slow Feeder Bowl for Fast Eater, Dog Dishes to Slow Down Eating, Puzzle Dog Food Bowl, Maze Purple
Non-slip, Say Goodbye To The Messy Floor - These ceramic dog bowls are heavy enough (about 1.33kg) and have a non-slip base so that the dog cannot move easily while eating. Whether your dog has a diet of dry, wet, or raw food, these non-slip bowls will do the trick! Slow Down Eating, Bring Dog A Healthy Diet. Fast-eating dogs experience bloat, regurgitation, and obesity easily. Our slow feeder dog bowl design with the ridges and maze pattern helps your dog to eat slower than 40 times. Your dog could change his overeating behavior through a challenge and fun mealtime.
Slow Feeder Dog Bowls 2-3 Cups Large, Non-Slip Food Grade 304 Stainless Steel Dog Bowls, Dog Water Bowl for Small & Medium Sized Dogs, Fun Bloat Stop Pet Bowl for Fast Eaters, Slows Down Pets Eating
Non-Slip Stability - Our metal slow feeder bowl boasts a secure non-slip base, preventing spills, scratches, and tipping. Enjoy mess-free feeding sessions, and protect your floors as your dog relishes every bite without disruptions. Healthy Eating Pace - Slow down your dog's eating speed effectively with internal barriers that are gentle on their mouths. Easy to clean, the bowl leaves no residue or saliva, ensuring a hygienic dining experience. Dishwasher safe for added convenience!
2Pcs Slow Feeder Dog Bowls Large Breed, Dog Slow Feeder Bowl, Dog Food Bowl Slow Feeder, Dog Bowl Slow Feeder, Dog Bowl That Slow Down Eating, Dog Puzzle Feeder, Slow Eating Dog Bowl Black & Grey
SLOW DOWN DOG'S EATING - Are you still worried that your dogs wolf their food down causing bloat, choking and other health issues? YINEYA large slow feeder dog bowls can replace the regular dog bowls large sized dog bowls to prevent the dog from eating too fast. With unique maze design, our small dog slow feeder bowl small breed and slow feeder cat bowl can allow dogs to chew food more slowly and reduce digestive problems, enhancing oral sensation and the process of enjoying food.
Tilted Raised Slow Feeder Bowl for Cats and Small & Medium Dogs, Raised Design Improves Posture, Spiral Inner Shape Prevents Fast Eating, Dishwasher Safe, 10 oz (Black)
Raised Feeder- The elevated design properly aligns your pet's neck and spine while eating and drinking to improve posture, digestion, and wellbeing. Slow Feeder Design- The thoughtfully designed inner curved shape helps prevent your pet from gulping food or air too quickly, reducing the risk of indigestion and supporting healthy eating habits.
Honest Mom Review of:
The Little GreenⓇ Pet Pro Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner by Bissell
4/29/30
Two days before Easter and a house full of company felt like the perfect time to break out my Christmas present, right? Right!! Santa brought me the Little GreenⓇ Pet Pro by Bissell. I have a smelly son and a smelly dog. The dog has recently exercised his right to use the couch and not everyone is happy with it but he lives here too.
I spent the better part of 2 hours (new/learning curve) with my new toy and I have to say it is wonderful. It's pretty powerful for the title “Little.” It is small and lightweight. Perfect for couches and chairs and yes carpet. I only plan to spot treat the carpet. The attachments are very easy to use. The clean and dirty water tanks snap in and out easily. The hose is just long enough. It also offers the longest power cord I have ever seen. This is great for moving around the room. The couch was definitely dirtier than I thought.
It was overall very easy to use with a simple instruction manual. Works like a normal steam cleaner. Spray, scrub in a forward motion. Scrub, suck toward you in a backward motion. One tip, be careful of the spray button. It definitely has superior suction but you don’t want to over spray and saturate the furniture/carpet. Foam cushions suck up the water fast.
Super easy to clean. Rinse and scrub. The attachments are easy to clean by just flushing them with water. I will admit I did not clean the hose but the instructions seem pretty simple. I do recommend checking the weather before you put it outside to dry because of course it rained overnight. The best part of using a Bissell product is their Pet Promise. For every purchase made a portion goes directly to the Bissell Pet Foundation. Every Purchase Saves Pets.™
So far the Little GreenⓇ Pet Pro Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is the best portable steam cleaner I’ve had. I haven’t had to use it to clean up barf 🤮 yet but probably just cursed myself so stay tuned for updates.
Currently on Sale as a Limited Time Deal
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Spring Cleaning is Underway, Here are my Top Picks
3/22/24
I pretty much clean everyday. However, when Spring rolls around, I really roll up my sleeves and have at. Floors, walls, ceilings, and yes, the dreaded ceiling fans. These are the products I use pretty much daily or weekly.
Windex Multi-Surface Clean, not the good old fashioned blue one but the yellow stuff. It looks like pee. I use that shit on everything, everyday. Windows, counters, stove, fridge, floor, toilet for a quick wipe between full on cleaning. It can be streaky on stainless but every so often I actually polish it. I would not recommend the Pledge hack on stainless. Trust me.
The Swiffer PowerMop, which I got from Santa, is great. It's also very quiet when you pull the trigger. I didn’t think it was working at first. I literally just put the batteries in. WTF. It is more adjustable so you can get the baseboards and under the table without moving the chairs. You know who you are. Yes, the baseboards, clean them. I moved the OG WetJet upstairs and it’s great for the bathrooms. I have two standers and one misses the bowl frequently.
Pine-Sol pine scent. The smell just makes the place smell clean even if that's all you do. Also, used on almost anything. I have a lot of painted wood furniture and it does the job; except windows. I've made that mistake too. I mix it with water to clean the walls/ceilings and in a spray bottle for all the baseboards, molding and doors. No scientific water ratio. Less is more I guess but I usually have a heavy pour. Great on the floors too.
My floors were looking pretty dull. I really didn't care for a long time but I got a bug up my ass to make them shiny. I clean every day, sure, but I wasn’t really looking forward to trying to refinish them. That is an expensive undertaking and I can clean but I'm not confident enough in my skills to take on that task. My husband would have a heart attack if he came home and found me trying, crying and failing because he would have to finish the job. Instead, I found Quick Shine Wood Floor Cleaner and Luster. Amazing!!! If you’re into more eco-friendly products this is also Plant-Based.
I was definitely hesitant to use the Quick Shine Hardwood Floor Luster because the instructions say “apply in an S-shapes on the floor and spread evenly” and I didn’t want half the floor shiny in some spots and dull in others. I gave it a shot. Any micro-fiber mop will do but I prefer the O-Cedar Hardwood Floor Mop. It has 2 sides, one is fluffy to pick up dust, the second side is the one to make your floors really shine. Use the microfiber side. I used the wrong side the first time and it was not pretty. Work smarter not harder.
O-Cedar for the win again. The Easywring Spin Mop is not your mom’s old shaggy dog mop or my favorite, the one with attachment that my mom used to squeeze the dirty water out of the yellow mop head over the sink. I caved and got it because I couldn’t stand the idea of the mop and bucket and the rinsing in the sink and then walking over what I just washed. And my mom talked me into it. The Spin Mop does the hard work. I use it for the floors, walls, and ceilings. I have the Original Spin Mop, but the new model is the Rinse Clean that has two tanks one for clean water and one for dirty. It makes more sense but I’m not ready for an upgrade yet.
The Scrub Mommy from Scrub Daddy. Enough said.
Swiffer Extended Handle. The cobwebs are everywhere all the time. Trust me.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE clean your dryer vent. I remove the lint with every dry but you know what gets in there? Paper clips, gum wrappers, turf from the friggin field. I’ve tried the
one that connects to the vacuum “as seen on TV” but it just wasn’t flexible enough. These are pretty flexible. I do it every few months. My husband tried the leaf blower, and it worked too but I’m not that adventurous. The dryer may even work better.
If you're looking for a new vacuum, I Highly recommend any Shark product. Pre my SAHM career I was very disinterested in vacuums. Clean a vacuum, you're kidding I told my husband. He was right, pop that cover off and get the crap off the beater. . Now I have 4. Upstairs is my retired Duo, downstairs is the new one I got from Santa (I’m a Loser), the new Stratos and the Cordless upright and last but not least the garage vacuum, the Apex. It is really retired but still works well and my husband likes vacuums. My Golden leaves golden glitter everywhere, I have long hair, my son HAD long hair and my husband has no hair. There is also something to vacuum up. They aren't cheap but I've had more expensive ones in the past and these Sharks really suck it up.
Wrap the Spring Cleaning up with fresh new bedroom Curtains. I really like these H.VERSAILTEX 100% Blackout Curtains 84 inch curtains. I have a similar floral in my bedroom. They wash well and definitely blackout the sun if you’re lucky enough to sleep in.
Plug these Downy April Fresh plug-ins for a great clean scent everyday.
Last and but not least is the Resolve Easy Clean Pro Carpet Cleaner Gadget. The best for messes that you don’t want to get on your hands and knees to clean. Also a great refresher when you don’t want to drag out the steam cleaner if you don’t have to.
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Batter UP Moms and Dads
3-19-24
Baseball/Softball season is upon us. The Kids can’t hit the field without pants. Most organizations in my experience do not provide pants. For T-Ball it was low key and some wore sweatpants, but they are adorable in a uniform. The last few years it has been up to the Coach. My experience has been that their choice is usually Black or Grey. I pray that they never request WHITE, but you never know. If you're doing any kind of Travel/Club team I am sure they have their own specific uniform to purchase. I don’t know much about Softball except the girls can’t hit the field without pants either. My guy may only be 12 but he needs an Adult Size. He prefers the fit of the Nike Open Hem because they have more of a relaxed fit. Most selected items come in Black, Grey, or White. Softball seems to have more color variety. Act fast here or elsewhere because they become very hard to come by. Here are a few choices for your boys and girls who play on most Recreation League Teams. Don’t forget the belt.
Nike Boys Core Open Hem Pants
Sweat-wicking fabric helps keep you dry and comfortable.
Snap closure and zippered fly provide a secure fit.
Elastic waistband with belt loops provides personalized comfort.
Reinforced knees stand up to intense play.
Nike Men's Core Baseball Pants
Dri-FIT technology helps keep you dry and comfortable
Snap closure and zippered fly provide a secure fit
Elastic waistband with belt loops provide a snug fit
Articulated knees and open hems lend a natural feel
Mesh-lined back pockets for storing gloves and small items
Stelle Girls' Softball Pants Youth Kids Baseball Pants Fastpitch Pants with Pockets Boys Tee Ball
Professional design: STELLE youth softball pants with 5CM stretch rubber loop waistband, bring superior flexibility and ultimate comfort.Durable and stain-resistant materials built for gameday comfort
Banded waistband: The pants have 5 belt loops in total,2 at the front,3 extra-wide tunnel ones at the side & back to make it easier for softball players to lean forward, feel more comfortable when crouching
Alleson Athletic Kids' Youth Pull on Baseball Pant
A HOME RUN. Bring your A-game every time with a relaxed fit pants that was made to get dirty. Machine-washable and lightweight, these pants offer a wide-leg open bottom and flexible fit that’ll keep you comfortable for the season.
QUALITY MADE. Made of 100% Stretch Knit Polyester, our baseball pants offer a durable and sweat-resistant wear, making it perfect for running, sliding, and staying active. The wrinkle-free and non iron material also allows for easy packing and storing.
AVAILABLE IN FIVE SIZES. We are proud to carry an assortment of colors and sizes for every team. With five sizes ranging from XS-XL, Alleson Athletic is the golden ticket to an all-star game.
Alleson Athletic Unisex-Teen Youth Pull on Baseball Pant
A HOME RUN. Bring your A-game every time with a relaxed fit pants that was made to get dirty. Machine-washable and lightweight, these pants offer a wide-leg open bottom and flexible fit that’ll keep you comfortable for the season.
QUALITY MADE. Made of 100% Stretch Knit Polyester, our baseball pants offer a durable and sweat-resistant wear, making it perfect for running, sliding, and staying active. The wrinkle-free and non iron material also allows for easy packing and storing.
AVAILABLE IN FIVE SIZES. We are proud to carry an assortment of colors and sizes for every team. With five sizes ranging from XS-XL, Alleson Athletic is the golden ticket to an all-star game.
CHAMPRO Boys Open-Bottom Loose-Fit Baseball Pant with Adjustable Inseam and Reinforced Sliding Area
COMFORTABLE: These loose-fit, straight-leg pants have open bottoms to circulate air and provide a free, relaxed, and comfortable feel
NON-ABRASIVE STRETCH FABRIC: Made with 100% highly abrasion-resistant TEK-KNIT polyester, the 14 oz. pro-weight fabric allows four-way stretch and adapts to the wearer’s movements
ADJUSTABLE INSEAM: Adjust the inseam length up to 4 inches shorter with hook-and-loop straps to get the perfect fit for each athlete. Customize for comfort and freedom of movement on the field
DURABLE: A sliding seat and knees reinforced with double-ply fabric create a more durable paint that withstands sliding action and lasts longer through the season
Rawlings Semi-Relaxed Full Length Baseball Pant | Solid & Piped Options | Adult Sizes | Multiple Colors
EMI RELAXED FIT | Full length baseball pant
100% STRETCH POLYESTER | Double-knit medium weight material with moisture management and stain release technology
ZIPPER FLY WITH BELT LOOPS | For professional looking style
AVAILABLE STYLES | Solid | Piped
AVAILABLE SIZES | Solid (Adult S-XXL) Piped (Adult S-XL)
Rawlings PRO 150 Series Game/Practice Baseball Pant, Youth, Piped, Full Length
Semi-Relaxed Fit pant
New 150 Cloth with 2-way stretch
Pro-Dri with moisture management and stain release
Zipper fly front with belt and tunnel loops
2 set in pockets
Under Armour Kids' UA Baseball Belt
Elastic webbed construction strengthened by polyurethane
Custom UA belt loops
Adjustable sizing
41 length
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Easter is upon us. Eggs, candy, baskets and dinners with family. Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating Christ’s Resurrection. Where did the egg tradition come from? This tradition goes back to the ancient times of Pagans. Many other countries also used the egg as a celebration throughout history as a symbol for life and was eventually incorporated as Christian Easter Tradition. The first written reference to the Easter Bunny dates back to 1682 in an essay by George Franck von Franckenau titled “About Easter eggs” who wrote about the Easter Hare.
Things are pretty different now in 2024. Easter has become very commercialized over the years. We all say the same thing when we walk into our local store “Easter already”. Gifts have gotten bigger over the years as well. I remember candy and eggs as a kid, but now I’m putting a PS5 under the basket of candy and eggs. One of my worst parenting mistakes by the way. I set a precedent that year which I declared NULL and Void the next.
I feel like most of us still go a little over the top for Easter. There wouldn’t be anything on the shelves of our local stores if we didn’t. Whether you are celebrating Christ's Resurrection or just the Easter Bunny and Egg Traditions. These are a few of my favorite things:
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Please tell me I am not the only one. 9:25pm, Wednesday, “Mom, I still have homework to do.”’ Really, you’ve been home since 2:45pm. “Why do you still have homework?” The struggle is real. During first grade we had a schedule for homework. After school snack then homework. First grade homework was very minimal. It was never a problem to stick to the plan and get it done. Even if it was after dinner, no problem. Second grade same thing, no real issue. Everyone complains about homework but it was manageable. Late second grade and most of third Remote Learning was implemented due to COVID. All the work was homework.
Fast forward to Middle School. We start Middle School in fifth grade. It was a rude awakening for kids and parents. You realize you have actual homework and it has a due date. Even better, it's Graded. I’m a planner, an overthinker and sometimes I expect more than others can give. My kid included. We made a plan, we made adjustments. Most times we stick to the plan. The plan went out the window.
Homework was only made harder since Middle School brings on an overwhelming change to our kids. Aside from homework; friends change, self-esteem blossoms or falters. They get busy with sports, video games and who likes who. Do we help or let them fail? My son said, “both”. Is that maturity and growth I’m just not recognizing? I should be glad he didn’t just blow off the homework. I’m going to sharpen my pencils since it looks like I will be doing homework at 9:25 on Thursday.
Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, Unsharpened, #2 HB Soft, Yellow, 96 Count
I said what I said. I stepped in dog shit. Did you know 44.6% of United States households own a dog. My little town has a population of 15k people as of 2021. What do you think the dog population is? I didn’t actually inquire with the town but I can if you really want to know. For now let’s just try and do some simple old school math to estimate. 15K/3 (3 people per household) equals 5,000 households, 50% of that is 2,500 and sounds like a lot. I’ll say 25% of the households have a dog. That would be 1,250 dogs. That's a lot of dogs and That’s a lot of dog shit.
I walk my dog daily and encounter many other dogs out for their daily stroll as well. If I see 5 with a poop bag that’s a lot. I know, I know it could be the timing but Um no and that's just in my little corner of town. Dog poop does not break down on its own and can take almost a year to completely break down. Guess where that shit goes? About 30% of the dog poop that you don’t pick up ends up in the water system. It's full of disease, bacteria, even e-coli. It’s a health risk to all and you may just find yourself being berated on your local Facebook page. Pick up your dog's shit.
These bags are in my pocket for every walk with my dog to pick up his shit. You can even spend $1.25 + tax at your local Dollar Tree. I really like to make sure I am always prepared incase I forget to stuff my pockets and alway have a filled dispenser on the leash.
Nice Fit
IYDK Fit is short for outfit. I made sure to fact check. Does anyone still even use an actual dictionary?
Monday morning, my little dude is running late for school (as usual) complaining that he has nothing to wear. Why you might ask? By choice he only wears athletic shorts and the same 3 shirts everyday. Yes, I do laundry daily. Since it’s winter he’s of course upgraded his Fit to include flannel PJ pants, the style choice of boys and girls alike these days. Oh and only black or dark colored sweatshirts. IDC, it’s the style. WTV. I’m OVA the winter coat battle.
So mom of the year goes to the Mall. I loathe the mall. I never find what I’m looking for but KK let's give it a shot. Five stores and over $100 later, I come home and present the bag with a smile and it sits, and sits untouched for 2 days. Finally, the morning of the bag reveal, I watched in silent anticipation as it opened. You guessed it, they all sucked. Back to the Mall return/exchange. Still looking at $100 worth of black sweatpants. Only one pair was acceptable. FML.
I finally go to the go to spot and I’ll be damned if Fruit of the Looms were the winner. I’m wearing the ones from the Mall.
A River No Longer Runs through the Kitchen
Let’s talk about our furry friends or fur babies as some like to call them. Are you tired of the Nile River running through your kitchen or wherever your four legged friend is getting his 500th drink of water for the day? I was. I even watched a video where a woman trained her dog to wipe his mouth after each drink. Can any of us even get our kid to do that? Nope. This bowl has been amazing for my kitchen’s hardwood floors and all of our socks.
Between begging for their next meal (which is endless in my house) or treats, are they properly digesting their food? Their posture, head, and neck can be strained, as they are hanging their head to reach the bowl. Lucky’s favorite position used to be the Lie Down. The height is adjustable which is great for my BIG fur baby. There is also a slow feeder but I found Lucky is not built to be a slow feeder. I also didn’t use the stickers to personalize the bowl but it could be fun for the littles to do.
“MOM!!!, where’s my Water Bottle?”
We know what the answer should be. “Wherever you left it.” Unfortunately, that is definitely the wrong answer. So tis the season for water bottles… but isn’t all year the season for water bottles. Mine is. How many sports/organizations can a kid or kids be involved in? The answer is lots. Baseball, Flag Football, Hockey, Field Hockey, Basketball, Soccer, Dance, Gymnastics, Cheer, the list goes on. One is left at the field, in the gym, in a locker, in mom’s car or dad’s car or a friend’s car.
The next best question is always my favorite. “Mom, do you have my water bottle?”, as you’re running out the door to the next thing. Um No, I have let the dog in, turned off the TV, and the lights, dog proofed the house but NO I don’t know where your water bottle is. Finally you do find them and they’re still FULL!!! I’m so glad he didn’t drop dead from dehydration. And how about the moldy tops. Yup, check em because they never dry enough.
Is the never ending search for the Water Bottle only a MOM.ME problem? I hope not because this is my first crack at blogging/promotion and I’m not ready to pack it in yet. Stay tuned for future blogs, reviews, or rants…
I just got these water bottles and the quantity is a life saver. Most are not dishwasher safe and who want to do dishes as you’re running out the door again. Give it a shot.