momlife – Page 4

Self Love

Filed under: Mom Life · October 7, 2017

Moms, we have so much love in our hearts and we are constantly giving it away freely. In fact, we are so busy sprinkling our love dust on everyone, we forget about caring for ourselves. Making the choice to show ourselves a little love daily, can replenish our hearts and souls so that we can keep giving without feeling completely drained. Try one of these self-love suggestions today!

1. Drink your coffee while it’s hot. Every morning my coffee goes cold. That delicious, invigorating caffeine aroma fills the air, making its way to my nose. But before I can finish raising my cup to my lips… someone is crying or pooping or my husband has lost something that he needs right away. Moms are wired to respond to everything immediately. It’s like we think the house will fall if we don’t attend to every situation in that very instant. But we need to remember to tend to ourselves too. No one will collapse if you sit for 2.5 minutes to drink your coffee.

2. Get in touch with an old friend. In the last year, I found myself so wrapped up in the work of motherhood, I barely saw my friends. I could count on one hand the number of times I met with anyone outside of family. Last week I had the chance to go to lunch with 2 girlfriends. I had an amazing time. We shared our joys and struggles and we laughed and laughed and laughed (I had way too much wine). I felt like my soul had been refreshed. Even texting or video chatting with an old friend and sharing about life, can help us moms feel renewed. Motherhood can be isolating and it’s important to connect with people that we love and trust.

3. Get moving. There are a million reasons or excuses why we don’t get active, but there are so many more reasons why we should. Movement and exercise releases stress and gives us more energy. Toddler won’t nap? Put on your favorite dance song and teach that little one some moves. If they’re napping, take 10-15 minutes out of that nap time to do a short workout. There are numerous free exercise apps that can give you suggested workout routines that suit your particular body goals.

4. Beautify. Ask a trusted friend or family member to babysit for an hour or two, so you can spend some time on you! Get a haircut or a mani/pedi. If money is tight you can do it at home! Treat yourself to a “diy” pedicure or facial after the kids are in bed. Take an extra-long shower and put an olive oil treatment in your hair. A little self-care goes a long way to help us remember ourselves and feel human and beautiful again.

5. Meditate. Motherhood is overwhelming and all-consuming. Moms can get bogged down and depressed by the never-ending chores and tasks that come along with the job. When you can, take a few quiet moments for yourself. Sit in a comfortable spot, close your eyes, and take some deep breaths. Let your mind be filled with all the things you are grateful for in your life. Some relaxing music might help the process too! Just a few minutes of this can change your perspective and outlook for the day.

Love yourselves today moms, you deserve it!

Have you downloaded our free mommy wellness self check? Take this opportunity to reflect on your own wellness and make the changes you need to live a happier and healthier life!

Download my free mommy wellness self check!

Written by:

Nicola Rios Nogales

Ispeakmom.com

Quick Recipe Idea

Filed under: Recipes · October 4, 2017

Don’t you just love when people ask you what do you do all day? As a stay at home wife/mom/mompreneur /school volunteer/tutor/housekeeper, I know that you don’t just sit at home all day or play tennis. We wear many hats. Most of us have mastered the art of juggling running the household and our businesses. I must admit, #Momlife definitely isn’t as easy as I thought it was going to be. After running around all day the magic question comes out, “what’s for dinner?” It can be very challenging trying to feed your family healthy nutritious meals every day. A few weeks ago I discovered stir-frying. I never really thought much about it. (I don’t know why not) It is so easy and makes a great meal in like twenty minutes. It’s perfect for those long days after basketball or soccer practice. Try mixing your favorite veggies with chicken or shrimp and add over jasmine rice or pasta and voila dinner is done! What are your favorite go to meals? Share them with us at info@sportymommas.com! Happy Hump Day!

P.S.

Most grocery stores have a prepackaged stir-fry mix ready to go!!!! #wholefoods #freshmarket #publix

XO,

Sharonda

Be the Change

Filed under: Mom Life · September 28, 2017

It has been 3 weeks post Hurricane Irma and I almost feel back to normal. I must admit it has been a struggle. Every time I drive down the street, I see lots of leaning trees and debris and it is a constant reminder that things are not the same. The days are going by and we have to keep it moving but life as we know it is changing right before our eyes. Call it global warming, political storms, race wars…whatever you want to call it, things are definitely changing.

I am a little overwhelmed with what I have been seeing. I am sure most of you are too. Fear doesn’t really help so I won’t call it that. I think it is more disappointment. I am disappointed in how bad things have gotten in 2017 not just politically but just everything. I am disappointed that our kids will have to experience some things that we never thought they would see except for in a history book or movie. I am disappointed that I cannot fix my son’s illness. I am disappointed that the healthcare industry is failing so many people. It’s not all bad but damn what is really going on?

When I started writing this post I did not know what was going to come out. Last night we went to a charity event to raise money for hurricane relief in Puerto Rico, the Keys, and the Caribbean. It was amazing to see over 300 people come out on a weeknight to help people in need. Ray Allen gave his thank you speech and something that he said struck a nerve to me. He said remember as a kid when a situation would come up either in your community or around the world and you thought to yourself, man they should do something about that. Somebody needs to fix that. Well you are that somebody. We are they. So instead of staying disappointed, let’s do something. Let’s do our part to make the world a better place.

XO,

Sharonda

#momonamission

Fall Fashion Faves

Filed under: Blog, Mom Life · September 28, 2017

If you are a little overwhelmed these days like me you probably don’t even know that it’s officially Fall. I know Fall in Miami doesn’t mean much. The leaves have only changed colors (brown) due to Hurricane Irma. It is still 94 degrees outside and like everyday and well we Miamians just don’t experience the four seasons. Maybe just maybe we can wear leather or long sleeves by November. Or some of us might just wear those cute fall trends and be a little ….hot. After browsing Pinterest and a few of my favorite stores, I noticed a trend. Red!!! Red is so in right now. Some ladies don’t care for red outfits. Me on the other hand will rock whatever looks good on me. If you aren’t a red girl maybe try adding just a pop with denim, white or black. You can never go wrong with a red handbag. Here are some of my Red Faves!

Hostess with the Mostest

Filed under: Mom Life · September 2, 2017

Now that we are officially 2 weeks into the school year let the festivities begin! There are birthday parties, play dates, mommy meet ups, happy hours, dinners, athletic events, fundraisers. I can go on and on. These can get to be quite overwhelming for new moms or moms of multiple kiddos. It’s especially awkward for those moms at a brand new school. It’s like you have to make friends all over again. Omg! Sometimes I feel like I am getting to old for that part. Who needs new friends right?

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Fresh flowers

It does feel good to be invited to all of these great activities but let’s face it sometimes you just don’t want to go and you definitely avoid hosting them at your house. Yes, I am talking about me. I really don’t like hosting stuff at my house. I don’t like the preparation anxiety or the feeling that they might judge me once they come into my personal space. I know it sounds strange, right? Come on you know the first thing people say is you have a lovely home. But what they are really wondering is how long have you lived here, is it always this clean, why are those dogs jumping on me? Yes, my dogs love new visitors. They get buck wild. Like embarrassingly buck wild!

Tapas and Vino

Yesterday my daughter had a play date with a friend from school. I have seen this mom around school for years but we always just said hi and bye. I never really paid much attention to her until we ended up at the same new school. I always thought she was friendly so I invited her to barre class with me. Then she asked if my daughter could come over for a play date. I said sure! She invited us over too but I had a lot going on with the other two kids. So, I told her that I would come over a little earlier to have a drink with her. Even though I considered just swinging by and picking my daughter up, I decided to go in and just be in the moment. (Yes my daily meditation is paying off)

DIY strawberry roses

We arrived at 6:30 and the house was very welcoming. She had beautiful scented candles burning and a nice spread of goodies. She shared that she trusts only the services by air conditioning maintenance in coral springs fl. For those in the Bellingham area, reliable ac repair bellingham wa can ensure your cooling system operates smoothly during hot summer months. There was wine and cheese for the adults and cookies and popcorn for the kids. They will surely love the variety of Vics Popcorn Flavors. It was simple but perfect. I ended up staying for an hour and a half and enjoyed two glasses of the best pink moscato that I have ever had. It was a fun and relaxing way to end the busy week. I also discovered that she liked empowering events and workshops and is into a lot of things that I like too. #newfriendalert

Pink Moscato

On the way home I thought hmm… I think I can do that. I can be the hostess with the mostest too. All I need is some nice new serving ware and a few candles. No need to miss out on making new friends and having a great time. Sometimes we just have to step out of our norm and say goodbye to “play date” anxiety. Needless to say I am up early on Crate and Barrel and Pinterest planning my next “play date”! Here are a few tips to help you too!

Less is more
Candles never go out of style
Fresh flowers are cool but so are artificial ones
Soft music helps bring good vibes
Just enjoy the moment

XO,

Sharonda

*Pictures via Pinterest

Back to School Blues

Filed under: Mom Life · August 18, 2017

I knew this day was coming. Admit it, we all did. The day we would have to go back to setting our alarm clocks, scheduling drop offs, pick ups, packing lunches, doctors appointments, meetings oh and HOMEWORK the best part. After 9 weeks of vacation and yes this summer our family lived it up, we traveled until the wheels literally fell off of the suitcases. There was Disney, Atlanta, Atlantis and oh my favorite Turks and Caicos! We got to spend quality time with family and friends and enjoyed lots of good food. But now it is time to face the music.

On Monday the alarm will go off not once but twice. We now have three kiddos at two different schools. You know what that means, lots of driving back and forth between schools, practices, tutoring and play dates. I already got a taste of it this week because one kid started school a week earlier. The carpool selfies are going to be filling your Instagram and Facebook timelines very soon. Traffic jams, detours and lunch on the run here I come!

This school year will be very different for us. We officially have a middle schooler. Yes those wonderful days of middle school filled with puberty, girl fights, detentions, first crushes and those first real disappointments. Like not having anyone to sit with at lunch, forgetting your locker combination way too many times, pimples, not making the cheerleading squad or dance team. Those days that most moms blocked out when they arrived to high school. So please pray for me. Pray that I too survive this second round of middle school. That I can be a tool of patience, love, understanding, kindness and guidance for my beautiful daughter whom at 11 years old is already taller, smarter and stronger than I was at that age.

On the bright side, I do look forward to having a little time to myself again. All summer long I have been on the clock. Every now and then I squeezed in some “ME” time but definitely not enough. Now I can workout on a real schedule, get my nails done, blog, volunteer, meet up with friends for lunch, and shop when I want to solo!!!!!!! I might even finish that book that I started last year. Oh my the list could go on and on. So although going back to school is bitter sweet, I know that the kids need to get back to their routines and so do we. Cheers to a fabulous 2017-2018 school year!

XO,

Sharonda

What’s Your Story?

Filed under: Blog · June 26, 2017

After days of stressing over BlogHer17, we finally packed up the Caddy and headed up to O-town! Thanks to the Almighty for smooth highways, no traffic or major delays. We arrived at the hotel at 3:30 p.m. giving me exactly one hour to check in, change and head across the street to the Hilton. The night before I prayed that we got to stay in the tower right across from the Hilton and guess what…… prayer works. Thank you Universe! Our tower was literally right across from the crosswalk to the Hilton. I was so exhausted and ready to get this show on the road that I didn’t stress over my Thursday night outfit. Or any of my outfits. (See below)

The registration lines were so long that they allowed us to just go in for the opening keynote speaker! I nervously sat at a table towards the front of the stage with 9 other strangers. It was a bit awkward at first but after browsing around the room I recognized quite a few Miamians. I felt so relieved. The vibe in the room was something magical. Over 2000 bloggers (mostly women) in one room talking about changing the world.

I must admit that when I first thought about BlogHer I thought it would just be about making money from your blog or how to gain more followers. Boy was I wrong. The focus of most of the keynote speakers was how we can use our voice to change the world. To start a movement. To make a difference. When you acknowledge the power of your gifts, ideas and passion, you can really change someone’s world.

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I was so glad that I took that leap and went. I am thankful to my wonderful husband that took all three kids to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom while I got my BlogHer on. I am thankful for all of the beautiful people that I met at the bar, the bathroom, waiting in line for lunch, and waiting in line for speed dating and reading uberhorny reviews swingtowns. It was truly a life changing weekend for me. Those who are looking for websites offer adult entertainment may visit 수원op. So if you are blogging and wondering why, or is anyone really reading your posts, know that they are and your story can change someone’s life.

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XO,

Sharonda

#SummerFun

Filed under: Mom Life · June 19, 2017

Last week the Stew Crew and I loaded up the truck and headed up to Dolphin Mall for a day of fun. We were super excited to see all of the new stores and restaurants that opened since our last visit. And yes we needed to get our last minute Father’s Day gifts for the Sporty Dads in our lives. Our first stop was breakfast at Cabo Flats. Cabo Flats is a cool Mexican restaurant that is known for their Salsa Nights. Yes, you can go learn how to Salsa at Dolphin Mall.

After breakfast we had a few hours to shop. The kids got to pick a few stores to go in. Momma got her shop on too. We were quick enough to grab a few gifts and a little something for ourselves. Game Stop, Neiman Marcus, GAP, Foot Locker and Victoria’s Secret were a must.

Next, we met the other Mommy bloggers and their kiddos at Cool de Sac! All of the kids had a blast. It was a great time to wine down and enjoy a little lunch while the kids got to play. Cool de Sac is a great spot for busy moms to connect, watch the kids play and enjoy healthier meal options. Oh and they have WINE!!!! They have a toddler area, mini playground with cool thermoplastic playground markings and computer game station for those video game junkies. The Stew Crew had so much fun that they did not want to leave.

But the fun didn’t stop there. Next up was bowling at Bowlero which also offers laser tag. We chose to bowl and the competition was fierce with those bumpers y’all! After an early lead I ended up coming in third place. It was fun though and the kids can’t wait to go back.

So if you are looking to do some really cool stuff with the kiddos this summer, head on over to Dolphin Mall. There’s definitely something for everyone and you can stay cool and dry in this crazy Miami weather. We ate, shopped and played til we dropped. #naptime

*Sponsored Post

100 CLUB

Filed under: Fit Moms · June 14, 2017

I’m thrilled to be in the 100 Club at Pure Barre! I was so excited on class #98 that I planned to celebrate my mark with one of my favorite barre teachers. I even went back to back and messaged her that I was coming to celebrate with her. This accomplishment said a lot about how far I have come this year. Normally by now I would have quit or started something new but I really LOVE Pure Barre.

Pure Barre is more than a 55 minute workout. It is fun, good for the mind, body and soul. I truly enjoy my results. (I am down 2 sizes) I also love that feeling when I walk into the studio and I know that I am doing this for me. So I have a confession. I am really on class 185 but they wouldn’t allow me to transfer classes over from the other studio. Needless to say, I was delighted to see my spot at the barre in pink fur and a sparkly pack of sticky socks! I have a long way to go to the next level but for now I will smile and enjoy this first milestone.

Top 5 reasons to try Pure Barre!!!

1. Almost instant booty lift

2. Great vibes in the studio

3. All levels are welcomed

4. Low impact but meaningful workout

5. Did I mention instant booty lift?

Anniversary

Filed under: Mom Life · June 3, 2017

Today is officially my 2nd Anniversary as FemCity (formerly Femfessionals) Miami President. I always told my friends that I would serve 2 years as President and pass the torch to someone else. I actually said that up until January of this year. Being the President of a group definitely has its ups and downs. There is a lot of expectation. People show up when it’s beneficial to them. They ask you for a million things and when you ask them for one thing, they cannot be found. Most importantly, there is always someone waiting to take your place. This journey has led to many life lessons for me. So I figured that I should share them with you.

I learned that it is okay to say no to others. If it doesn’t sound right, feel right, look right, guess what, it ain’t right.
To always be clear on your intentions. What do you really want from this?
You have the power to change your path.

Being a part of this group of women has been life changing. I have had to step out of my comfort zone and embrace some of my flaws. I am spoiled. Very spoiled. When I don’t get my way or things don’t go as planned I withdraw from whatever it is that caused me to feel like that. But as a leader, you can’t just turn and walk away. You have to decide if you can do something differently to make it better, ask for help or maybe step down. It is very easy to walk away. But when it is your calling to empower others, you have to fight on. As I enter into this 3rd year I know there is so much room for growth. I have already grown so much as you can see from my pictures and events. I have been told several times in the past 3 months this is my time to shine. I believe it. There is no better time than now to stop making excuses and walk in your greatness. I told Violette in our last meeting it is go big or go home. In my case stay home (my SAHM will get that one) lol.

So if you have been using the kids, husband, weight, time, money as an excuse not to step out of the box, I am here to say I feel you momma! But it is time. Life is too short and it is up to us as natural-born leaders to step up to the plate and use our gifts. Go back to school, take a photography class, submit those images or audition pieces and step into your greatness. I am ready and I know that you are too.

XO,

Sharonda