I have a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, severe endometriosis, TMJ, and Myofascial Pain Syndrome. So, yeah, I know pain. I’ve been battling these conditions for years, and I now have an arsenal of things that really make my daily life a lot easier. But I don’t want you to feel like you have to spend a ton of money so you’re not suffering! So here is my list of cheap things to help chronic pain at home. They give me relief and help me live the life I want to live, and my hope is that they will help you too.
Continue readingTag: life (Page 1 of 3)
My oldest child, my son and my firstborn, is about to turn seven years old. I say this every year, but I can’t believe it! Time is flying and my heart is about to burst with pride and emotion. Every year I write a little love letter to my children on their birthdays, as I reflect on their birth and how our lives have changed, the person they are and the person they will become. Here is Happy Birthday to My Son as he turns seven. Enjoy.
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There is a lot of confusion and misinformation over what a stay at home mom actually does all day. Some people forget that she exists, some think that she just lays around or shops online, and others are happy in their ignorance. I got really tired of being ignored and unappreciated so I thought I’d write down everything I did in a typical school day from when I got up until I went to bed. It’s the painful honest truth: This is what a day in the life of a stay at home mom really looks like. Read and be amazed.
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It’s almost Mother’s Day! Or as I like to think of it, “One Day of Credit for a Lifetime of Unappreciation.” Just kidding… kind of. And to celebrate, I have compiled all of my mom-centered articles. Get my recommendations for what to get that selfless mom who never asks for anything; hear about the tough truth of being a working mom and a stay-at-home mom; learn how I battled anxiety as a new mom, and how I’ve learned to trust my maternal instincts. It’s all about us ladies, and how to celebrate mothers, at least for 24 hours. Make the most of it, and have a great Mother’s Day!
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I’m one of those people you call a “turtle” because I lose weight incredibly slowly. My journey is almost two and a half years long at this point, and while I’m down over 65 pounds, I’m not done yet! Oh yeah, I’m also a stay-at-home mom with two young children. With such a long-term goal, and so much mental and emotional (and physical) work that goes into reaching it, we can get frustrated. Here are some mental strategies that help with weight loss – and trust me, I’ve been there!
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What does a stay-at-home mom really need? It’s my birthday month, and of course Christmas too, so a few loved ones have been asking me what they can get me. And while my mind can wander with all the ridiculous things I’d buy myself, I’m here to tell you that what a stay-at-home mom really needs can’t be bought in a store. Here’s all of the free and easy ways you can help a SAHM feel valued, loved, and remembered. Continue reading
My toddler adores the Nutcracker Ballet, and who doesn’t? The music is memorable and beautiful, the story is enchanting, and it feels like Christmas can’t come until we’ve watched it at least once. Between my time teaching elementary music and my daughter’s obsession with the ballet, I’ve made a holiday lesson for the Nutcracker based on a professional kid-friendly performance, that you can find on YouTube! Read on for the link, my suggestions to make the ballet a lesson, and a free PDF! Continue reading
Every kid goes through some sort of crazy developmental phase around two to three years old. It’s hellish for everyone involved: parents, caregivers, siblings, and the toddler themselves. We’ve all heard of it and we all dread it, the terrible twos. I’m going through this now with my second child and I have lots of suggestions for you. So buckle up (and maybe pour yourself a strong drink), and let’s talk. Continue reading
Autism is a very real condition which affects so many families that you’ve probably heard of it at least once. It’s life changing and eye opening. But not enough people really understand it, or know what it’s like to have a loved one with autism.
I interviewed my friend Brienne who has a son with autism. I wanted to know what their daily life is like, what it was like to get that diagnosis, and what a mom has to say about life with autism. My hope is that we can reach more people so that they understand that having autism does not make you less capable, less lovable, less worthy of love and respect. People with autism are people too, and they deserve to be loved and respected like everyone else! So have hope and be kind, always. Continue reading
I am loving Weight Watchers! As a busy mom who’s on a budget (money wise and time wise), it’s really the only weight loss plan that makes any kind of realistic sense. Though don’t let me call it a diet – it’s a lifestyle! The beauty of WW is that it’s sustainable, even if you’re cooking for little kids and a healthy husband. But if I’m going to make this plan work for life, I gotta have some go-to snacks that satisfy me, and are enjoyable too. Viola! Here is the list of my favorite Weight Watchers snacks: Smart Points-friendly, easy to make, and friggin’ good. Each suggestion includes serving size and Smart Points value, and as always I have tons of photos! Continue reading
