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Resolutions for a Realistic Mom

January 1, 2017 / The Mama / 0 Comments

Happy 2017! Holy crap it feels like last year was about 1,752 days long. But now it’s in the past and it’s time to look forward. On to bigger and better things!

I’ve never been a huge resolution person. I start goals when I see fit and I change or erase them when I can tell that they’re not working for me. And now that I have children, it seems like I hardly have time to pee, much less sit and ponder what I’d like to accomplish in 2017. But it’s doable! And I think that writing – and sticking to – a set of resolutions can be good for body, mind, and soul. Especially as a mom.

Here are some of my tips for setting realistic resolutions. Continue reading

December 29, 2016 / The Mama / 0 Comments

A Mama’s Instinct

December 26, 2016 / The Mama / 0 Comments

Us mamas have doubt coming at us from all sides: everyone from our well-meaning mother in law to the old lady at the grocery store fuel that little voice in our heads which constantly says “You’re screwing up your kid.” But I’m here to give you a breath of fresh air, and to remind you that a mama’s instinct is pretty damn amazing. Continue reading

Review: Nursing Bra and Tank Comparison!

December 22, 2016 / The Mama / 0 Comments

Breastfeeding is incredible: it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, and yet I adore it. I’ve been nursing now for over three years, which means I’ve gone through a lot of breastfeeding gear! This article will show you the honest truth about all the various bras and nursing tanks I’ve used over the years. I’ll also give you some general advice if you’ll be in the market for this stuff any time soon. I tell you about comfort, sizing, pricing, and how easy it is to nurse in these damn things. Bonus points if I can easily get my boob out with one hand! Photos included, of course. On we go! Continue reading

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Having the Virgin Mary As My Mama Role Model

December 20, 2016 / The Mama / 0 Comments

I’ve been a Catholic my whole life. One thing which is rather unique to my faith is the importance of the Virgin Mary. Sometimes overlooked in other denominations, Mary was hand-picked to be the Mother of God, and spared from original sin. I always felt close to her when I was growing up; she was so young, and so unaware of everything which would befall her. And yet, her faith persevered.

As a mother, my love and admiration for Mary has only continued to grow. Continue reading

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The Best Quick Guide to a Gorgeous Brelfie!

December 18, 2016 / The Mama / 0 Comments

By now, I’m sure you’ve seen the stunning images which have gone viral: a mother breastfeeding her child. This new trend for the breastfeeding selfie, aka “brelfie“, is not only helping to normalize breastfeeding, but it’s a gorgeous keepsake for the mom. Breastfeeding can be so difficult, painful, and time consuming, that these photos are extra special! You could save these to your phone, upload to social media, or even have them printed!

The guides I’ve seen for making a brelfie weren’t easy to follow (and the process is quite simple, as well as free), so I’m jumping on the bandwagon to tell you how to make one! Essentially you’re editing a brelfie photo on your phone with a free app, adding the tree with roots and then some badass filters.

This process can take less than 5 minutes, but I warn you: it’s addicting!

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Family-Friendly Christmas Movie Favorites!

December 15, 2016 / The Mama / 0 Comments

Ok guys, I need help. I admit it. I love Christmas! I’m probably a little addicted to finding the next great Christmas movie that I can watch with my kids. And I want to build my list.

Here I’ve created a varied list of Christmas movies which I love watching with my family. Some were favorites from my childhood, while some are newer to me, but all of them hold a special place in my heart for this special time of year.

With that, I’m asking for your suggestions. Comment and tell me your favorite family Christmas movie (sorry, Bad Santa) and why you love it. Let’s all expand our holiday movie-watching repertoire! Continue reading

Adventures in Potty Training My Son

December 12, 2016 / The Mama / 2 Comments

Ah, potty training. On the one hand, I’m ecstatic to be rid of giant preschooler poopy diapers. On the other hand, I’m not ecstatic about incurring giant preschooler poopy underwear. We’re in the trenches, y’all. The trenches of bodily fluids and peeing on cereal. This is potty training in all of its gross glory.

But as I trudge through the muck, I’ve learned quite a lot about all kinds of methods and tricks when potty training. Some of these tips are for any child, and some are specifically for boys.

So, without further adieu, I give you… the Adventures in Potty Training My Son. Continue reading

Creative Gifts for Babies (and Their Parents!)

December 8, 2016 / The Mama / 0 Comments

Babies are so fantastic: they’re adorable, resilient, and don’t require much. But that leaves loved ones in a bit of a predicament: what exactly do you get for someone who has a baby? You could always go the Target gift card route, but if you’re old-school like me you like for the parents to have something to really “open.” Plus it’s so much more fun to shop for a baby! Here are my suggestions for the best creative gifts for babies: they’re original, they’re useful, and I can promise you that they will be appreciated! Continue reading

The Sweetest Sibling Gift

December 5, 2016 / The Mama / 0 Comments

When we found out we were expecting a second child, I was ecstatic! But I also wanted a way to bond with my son, my one and only, before his little sister arrived. I’d read that it would help the oldest child adapt to the idea of having a sibling if they “gifted” something to the baby, and it sounded like a beautiful thing to do. We found the perfect thing: the sweetest sibling gift, made with love. Continue reading