Sporty Mommas

Almost 40

Filed under: Mom Life ·

So I am about six months away from the BIG 40. (I know you can’t believe it either) Seems like just yesterday I was a sophomore in college trying to figure out what to do next. Talking on the phone with my best friend making plans. We knew where we would live, how many kids we wanted and what our dream car would be. Ok, that was like 20 years ago and yes time truly does fly. In 20 years I have gone from a college student, elementary school teacher, to wife, to SAHM of 3, to an entrepreneur and it has been pretty damn good ride.  I am actually pretty excited about my 40th birthday. I guess it’s kinda like one of those milestones that you hear about and can’t wait to see what life is really like when you are in your forties!

 

 

For about two years now I have been telling my husband my idea of this huge 40th birthday bash. You know like the ones you see on television or in the movies. I pictured everyone all dressed up in white cruising on this amazing yacht. Maybe about 40 people on board with us and we would sip champagne all night long. It would be so fancy and dream like.  I have already told my hubby’s friend who use to sell yachts to help him find a great deal. I even put the guilt trip on my hubby since he has never given me a party in 13 years. (I know what you are thinking, it’s about time)

 

 

 

But last week I had an epiphany. Why spend all of this money on a yacht party for everyone else to have fun and I run around like a chicken with my head cut off?  You know somehow we always end up doing all of the work. Besides my birthday is in July. It is going to be hot as hell in Miami and most of my friends will be out of town. What if I could go on the trip of my dreams?

 

 

 

What if we went to Paris for my 40th birthday? That would be so amazing. I have been wanting to go for years now but the kids were a little to young to leave for a week. I could finally see the Eiffel Tower and smell the beautiful flowers and drink wine for days. Not to forget all of the delicious food. So I am putting it out into the Universe I want to go to Paris. I am cutting up pictures and putting them on my vision board. I am going to tell everyone and speak it into existence. Any recommendations? I guess I better renew my expired passport lol!

 

 

 

#almost40

XO,

Sharonda

Laugh it Off!

Filed under: Mom Life ·

You ever have one of those weeks where you wish you could have a do over? Yep! You know what I am talking about. Those weeks where you just needed a few more minutes to make that decision or not answer that email. Not make that left turn or squeeze in that appointment? Where you should have just stayed home and took a break? Well,  it was one long ass short week. LOL! That sounds funny. But when we don’t take some time out our bodies suffer. We over do it and end up paying for it. I am still working on my 30 day “self love” challenge. It is day 13 to be exact.  But some days have been much harder than others. Like waiting until the end of the day to do a session and the kids are banging on the door. Or doing a session after a massage and injuring yourself. Yep! It was an interesting few days and although I can’t get my do over I will say that I am glad it is over with. I am thankful for my friends that remind me to laugh, live life to the fullest and keep it moving. These pics were not planned but I am so happy that my friend Kristine captured the moment. Sometimes we just have to laugh out loud and get over it. (and take some cold medicine : )

 

 

 

 


XO,

Sharonda

Fenty Ma’ Damn!

Filed under: Fashion, Mom Life ·

By now I am sure that you all know that Rihanna’s new cosmetics line is killing it. When Fenty Beauty made it’s first debut back in September, most of the products were sold out in minutes. It is reported that it made over 72 million dollars in media sales in one month. (That’s just from social media) I went to several Sephora’s back in September and October trying to get a peak at the line. Most of the shades that I needed were always completely sold out. Everyone was raving about the bronzers and how the line was designed for every skintone. I kept thinking is the hype real?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being a MAC girl I was very hesitant about trying something new and a little tired of the empty shelves. But, thanks to a Christmas gift card from the hubby, I gave Sephora another try last week. I am so happy to tell you that there was so much more to choose from this time around.  Several more items have come out like the limited edition galaxy eye shadow palette and eyeliner. I LOVE the Ma’Damn lip color and Killawatt freestyle highlighter. The soft matte lip color lasts for hours and adds just enough pop to turn heads. It doesn’t leave my lips feeling dry like a lot of matte lipsticks do. Most days I do not wear anything but that. I have received so many compliments since adding it to my beauty routine.

 

 

I was also thrilled to find out that it is free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates.  I can’t wait to try the match six trio and the Candy Venom lip color from the Mattemoiselle!  FYI: Fenty Beauty was also named one of Time’s Inventions of the Year for 2017. So if you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for? “Lipstick is all about having fun and expressing your mood at any given moment. This collection makes it easier than ever because there’s a color for everyone.”—Rihanna

 

 

XO,

Sharonda

30 Day Challenge

Filed under: Fit Moms ·

We are 7 days into 2018 and some of us are already working hard towards those New Year’s Resolutions and some of us haven’t even gotten started yet. If you are like me, maybe you were waiting until the kids went back to school. In my last post I told you some of my secrets or let’s call them fun facts. One of the things that I struggle with is being consistent. I start off feeling all motivated and eager to get shit done and then before I know it, my mind wants to do something else. Or I get distracted with the busyness of mom life and make excuses not to finish what I started.

 

So this year I am starting a 30 day yoga challenge. I am going to call it the self love challenge.  I have taken a few classes here and there over the past few months and I have a new appreciation for the practice and challenging my mind and body to accomplish something that I have never done. I made excuses in the past because of my spinal surgery but I have learned to listen to my body and just go with the flow. I will no longer say that I am getting old or I am to busy. I am doing this for me. I will show myself some love and make the time and effort to accomplish this goal.

 

 

 

I challenge you to join me. Maybe not in yoga but in working out daily, eating healthier, painting, writing, singing, praying, or meditation…whatever it is that you feel called to do. If you have a busy schedule and can’t make a class or prep a healthy meal, there are lots of youtube tutorials to guide you. I thought that I had to physically attend a yoga or workout class for it to count. The truth is you can do it anywhere and still reap the benefits. So let’s get this party started. Let me know what your 30 day challenge is in the comments below. Tag me @sportymommas or #sportymommas so we can cheer each other on. #YOUGOTTHIS

 

XO,

Sharonda

Fun Facts

Filed under: Mom Life ·

This year I pledged to live authentically, bold, live life to the fullest, silly, fun and free to be …. ME! So I thought it would be fun to kick off 2018 with a few fun facts about me. There’s more but I will save some for my book! (The one I have been trying to write for 2 years) So here we go.

 

  1. I’m the oldest of two siblings born and raised in Miami, FL.
  2. My dream job was always to be in show business or entertainment. I always wanted to be a model and actress but I was told that I was too short. (So if there are any agents reading this, inbox me please)
  3. I LOVE butterflies.
  4. I was born with congenital scoliosis and had a life changing surgery when I was 17.
  5. I struggle with being consistent.
  6. I am a Cancer. #almost40
  7. I could eat seafood every night especially shrimp.
  8. I taught elementary school for 5 years before becoming a WAG/SAHM/WAHM.
  9. I have lived in Miami most of my life but thanks to MLB I got to live in Minnesota, Oakland, and Toronto for a while.
  10. I love my husband and three kids more than anything in the world.

 

 

 

XO,

Sharonda

So Long 2017

Filed under: Mom Life ·

As we inch closer to the new year and reflect on all of the ups and downs of 2017 one word stands out, PATIENCE. It was a long and trying year for almost everyone I know. Starting with the inauguration of the President and well shit just seemed to go downhill from there. Anxiety levels were sky high, racial tension reappeared like it was 1985 and well life as we knew it had changed. Then you add in all of our personal drama and it just seemed like a roller coaster ride that never quite stopped. 

I know that I am not the only one that felt the strain. We talked about it daily on social media and in our small circles amongst our “real” friends. We argued over politics and we unfollowed people on Facebook. We marched in protests. We attended the weddings and funerals of our loved ones. We got bad news from doctors. We laughed and we cried. But we made it. We overcame some of the hardest days of our lives and that says a lot. 2017 will be remembered as a year of loss but also a year of finding the strength that we never knew we had. It was a year full of lessons for the future. I have learned so much about myself. I am definitely not who I was on December 30, 2016 and that is a good thing.

 

 

This year has taught me a lot about slowing down and letting go of the things that no longer serve me. I know you have probably heard it before but the mind is very powerful and when you learn to control your mindset things tend to go much smoother. It is not what happens to you but how you react to it. I have learned that relationships change and that it is okay if you don’t have the same friends or talk to them every week. I have learned that it is okay to say no to invitations or volunteering if you just don’t have the time. Most importantly, I have learned to say yes to me and my personal wants and needs. We as mothers tend to put ourselves last and as a result the burnout, frustration and fatigue will come in and hit you like a ton of bricks. But if we are patient and just as compassionate to ourselves as we are towards others we will live happier more fulfilled lives.

 

 

So I thank God for the lessons of 2017. The beautiful ones and the ugly painful ones. It was not at all what I expected. But I learned the power of compassion, forgiveness and self love. 2018 I am so happy to see what you have in store for us. I know it will be amazing.

 

 

Happy New Year,

Sharonda

Time Out Please

Filed under: Mom Life ·

My friend always laughs at me when I share with her my agenda for the day. Just about everyday we send messages to each other sometimes asking for makeup or wardrobe advice, to vent or just checking in to see how the other one is doing. And everyday she tells me how crazy my schedule is for someone who doesn’t work a full time job. #momof3

Being a SAHM/Mompreneur is more than a full time job and sometimes I have to admit, it gets to be pretty damn stressful. This week was one of those weeks where I was literally pulling my hair out. Then I realized while I was sitting in traffic trying to get to my next event that this may be why my hair has popped off in the middle of my head. I spend so much time twisting and pulling at the same part of my hair that over the past few months I have pulled it out. Okay that and a combination of pressing it one too many times.

I would like to blame it on Mercury Retrogade but my schedule this week was bananas. My middle kid called home sick twice. My oldest had 4 basketball games. The youngest a soccer game. Then there was the normal drop-off and pick-ups. Meetings with teachers. My son had his first round of treatments. Planning and hosting the holiday soiree and toy drive. Trying to decide on a Christmas card. Two play dates, a soccer game and a birthday party. Oh and homework we can’t forget about the hours spent at the kitchen table doing homework. It was cray cray!

So on Wednesday after hosting my last FemCity Miami event, I realized that I needed to take a break. I needed to do something for me. So, I made my way to a gentle yoga class to de-stress . It was a good step but during class the instructor asked if I get regular massages. I replied ummm no. Who has time for a regular massage? (I bet you don’t either) I think I get one like every 6 months. Usually from a gift certificate or something. She replied, no you should schedule a monthly massage. I thought about it and said hell yeah I should. I deserve it. Massage therapy has a lot of benefits, from relieving stress and tension to improving circulation and boosting overall well-being. Maximizing Your Massage Sessions could be the key to feeling more relaxed and energized.

The next day I laid on the massage table and got my massage. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy it, I purchased the monthly membership and scheduled my next visit. If I would have waited, I never would have taken the time out for me. Sometimes we have to just do it. Don’t think about how much money you have or what activity you have to cancel or what’s next on your to-do list.  Take an hour or two to do something for you. I woke up feeling so much better the next day. Paired with a Shot of Joy and the stress is truly gone. My husband even acknowledged that my frown disappeared lol. So my message for you is to just do it. Don’t wait until you are drained and stressed out. Do something for yourself today!!!!

XO,

Sharonda

Gift Guide 2017

Filed under: Mom Life ·

We are getting closer and closer to Christmas and if you are like me, you might not be ready. Our Christmas tree was in our home for 6 days before I even had a chance to decorate it. I literally just hung the lights up yesterday. That is how busy we have been over the past few weeks. However, I have purchased a few gifts and have been browsing magazines, the mall and Pinterest looking for cool gifts. Here are a few of my favorites for 2017! I also included a few of my favorite charities if you are interested in giving back this season.

Swell Bottle

Mantra bracelet

 

 

Bon Bon Perfume

 

 

Be You Soy Candle

 

 

Valentino Sneakers

 

Kendra Scott Earrings

 

 

Yoga Mat

 

Backpack

 

 

Favorite Charities:

The Miami Foundation (The Sporty Mommas Charitable Fund)

Honey Shine Mentoring 

Holtz Children’s Hospital 

Children’s Home Society

 

XO,

Sharonda

Twenty One Days

Filed under: Mom Life ·

My meditation practice started about 4 months ago. I tried it a few times in 2015 and 2016 but never really could get into it. I downloaded the Headspace App and listened to a few sessions but well that was that. I kept hearing about it and seeing other people on social media talking about it but it took me a few months to really give it a shot. It was over the summer when I couldn’t shake off the fear and uncertainty of the new autoimmune diagnosis and well the life of being a busy mom of three. There’s so much going on in the world and then we have our own personal issues and the pressure of being the best mom and holding it all together. We are always on the go. Drop off, pick up, soccer practice, basketball practice, play dates, doctor appointments. Even in my sleep my brain never stopped thinking about….life.

 

In July I attended a FemCity Miami meditation on the beach. I was exhausted and really didn’t think that I could make it to the beach by 8 a.m. But I had to go, I planned the event. The actual meditation lasted only about 35 minutes. It was pretty good but it was the conversation that the six of us had after that made me release all my preconceived feelings and fears and just surrender. I told them how I wanted to start a practice but I had a hard time being consistent and my friend Ana told me to just do it.

 

So I figured if it worked for Oprah, Gabby Bernstein and my FemCity friends well I better give this meditation thing a try. I began reading articles and looking for books that would help guide me. I came across a Russell Simmons’ book and paid closer attention to the Glow Maven. Yes, I was looking for people that looked like me. I was a little confused with prayer versus meditation and I was wondering did black people really do this? I know I am crazy for thinking that but hey I am keeping it real. I was raised in the church and all I know is that we pray. We pray for everything and keep it moving. But there is power in stillness. It is amazing what it can do for you.

 

I kept reading that it takes 21 days to form a habit. Good or bad. I pledged to give it a try for five minutes twice a day  for 21 days and if I didn’t feel a difference then I would try something else. Well I made it to day 20 and Hurricane Irma started traveling towards Miami. I was so rattled and frustrated with the storm due to surviving Hurricane Andrew that my namaste turned to oh hell no let’s get up out of here. We packed up the car and headed north. It only took me 2 days to realize that I better find a quiet place real quick or I was going to be messed up. The anxiety and tension levels were extremely high everywhere we went. The hotel, grocery stores, the mall and the gas stations. We were all on edge. But once we got settled into our second hotel, I found a space to meditate. And so far I haven’t skipped a day since.

 

Meditation has changed my life. I still get a little rattled some days but I feel so much better. Whenever I get that anxious feeling I start to connect with my breath and try to find a quiet place. Sometimes it is in the car during pickup time or in a bathroom because I am hiding from my kids lol. I wish that I learned this in my twenties. But hey we live and we learn. The benefits of a daily practice include reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, aids in fat loss, better skin, increases fertility and better memory. Here are a few tips to begin your practice.

  1. Start small (a few minutes a day makes a big difference)
  2. Focus on your breathing.
  3. Find a book, app, or website that will help guide you.
  4. Get comfortable ( try a meditation pillow or even lay down)
  5. Expect your mind to wonder
  6. Be consistent

 

 

Namaste,

Sharonda

 

P.S.

Let me know what you think, or if you have any questions.

Give Thanks

Filed under: Mom Life ·

You know the phrase “What a difference a year can make”? Well mommas,  it has been one hell of a year. Last Thanksgiving morning my son was sick. We thought he had a stomach virus because there was one circulating around the third grade at his school. He was so ill that he could not enjoy his Thanksgiving dinner at all. We would go months without knowing just what was causing his symptoms. Around the same time, my father in law was experiencing unusual symptoms as well. We all tried our best as a family to keep going and enjoy the holiday season but it wasn’t quite the same. To make matters even worse our neighbor and a close friend passed away just a few days after Thanksgiving.

I have been so hesitant about sharing this with you all. I am a pretty private person but hopefully through sharing our story, I can help someone else. This has been a very painful time. I often found myself questioning God. Why so much at one time? Why is my son sick? What did I do wrong? It would take months to find out his diagnosis. Chrohn’s disease. At first I was in denial. I didn’t think that kids could even get that. I thought it was a disease in adolescence or older adults. I really had never even heard of black people having the disease. I hate to even label him as pediatric Chrohn’s. But test after test showed signs of this disease. We have been to several doctors, reached out to specialists, tried a holistic approach, acupuncture and all. He even got better but 6 months later it reappeared.

Choosing a treatment path is one of the hardest things to do. As parents we only want the best for our children. I really don’t like medicines. I will use them if nothing else works but the thought of giving him the wrong medicine or over treating his symptoms at such a young age scared the shit out of me. But here we are a year later and we had to make a decision. I have to trust and pray that the doctor knows more than me and take her advice. In a few weeks we will be starting treatment. I hope and pray that it is the right decision.

After talking to several friends and even strangers over the past few weeks, I have learned that so many of us are going through challenging times. When you are going through it, you think that you are the only one going through hard stuff, or no one understands what you are going through. Everyone paints the perfect picture on social media. But when you take a step back and look around your trials are not hardly as bad as others. I have also learned that we can heal by helping others during their difficult times. Sharing our stories can help too. I have met so many new moms from sharing my story.

So this Thanksgiving we are so very thankful for all of our blessings. We are thankful that we are able to enjoy this thanksgiving dinner together. Our family is a little smaller now. My father in law lost his brief battle with stomach cancer in February. But, sometimes that’s just the way life goes. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband, beautiful children and supportive family and friends.  Most importantly, I am thankful for being alive and able to make a difference in the lives of others.

 

 

XO,

Sharonda