Wednesday Weekly Check In: Take Care of You

This is our time to remind ourselves and YOU that we must take time for ourselves this week! I talked last week about my "rough patch" and I am starting to feel a little better, but I am still working on my whole cholesterol debacle....

I have been doing some research on a low glycemic diet (which is suppose to help my PCOS and maybe my cholesterol issue) and I had referenced a wonderful book Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom (Revised Edition): Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing. It is literally a "bible" for the woman's body. She talks about PCOS and also a low glycemic diet and recommended doing a cleanse to reset your body. I have always wanted to do a cleanse but there are so many I had no idea which ones were good and then some that were recommended were crazy expensive. So I went out on a limb, looked this cleanse up and was pleasantly surprised at the price. It is specific to a low glycemic diet and it is suppose to help your body reset and help with carbohydrate cravings (which can increase insulin levels). So I am taking care of myself this week by taking a risk, splurging a little (you know how cheap I usually am) and ordering the cleanse. It consists of powdered protein shakes and bars, in addition to supplements. You can also eat a serving of fruit and a serving of vegetable within the day. It is 5 days which means I am not suppose to eat anything else for 5 days (deep breath, sigh). I am NOT doing this to drop a bunch of pounds. I don't believe in crash diets or weight loss pills because I think you just end up putting the weight back on and then some. I want to do this to become aware of what and how much I am eating. I am hoping it will help with my pcos (I will be sharing more of my story about this in the near future). I am super nervous but I have support and hopefully I won't be too crazy to the ones I love (I am apologizing in advance!) :)  I really just want to try and jump in feet first and complete the program.

They claim this resets your body and I am hoping this will help me on my path to lower my cholesterol!!! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

So... now that I have put all my stuff out there- what will you do for yourself this week? Even better, wanna do it with me?!

Moms Night Out

I had one of those days yesterday where everything felt like it was going wrong!!! I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, everything seemed to be getting on my nerves. I had been looking forward to going to the park for this stroller walk thing for like three weeks. I ended up getting lost, was late and then couldn't find anyone. We stayed at the park and went for a walk and a bird pooped on my shirt (that's right.... on my shirt)! Then when I was getting everything loaded in the car, I stepped in dog poo.... yeah, I know! At this point, it was only noon so you get my drift! On days like that my fuse is short and rather than take it out on my family, I need to find another outlet. What things do you do to unwind? I try and take time for myself by going to the gym, cooking, hanging out with friends or scheduling a date night. I found this Mom's Night Out and thought you would enjoy it! It is FREE and best of all Jo Wehage of Healthy Alter Ego will be there! Check it out!!

Mom's Night Out is an opportunity for local mothers to get together without the kids to socialize, relax, and be pampered.  We know it’s hard being a mom - you deserve a break! Great food, goodies, giveaways & drinks – what could be better!  This month we welcome Jo Wehage of Healthy Alter Ego as she discusses “3 Super Foods You Should Add to Your Plate & 3 Things You Should Spit Out”.  Visit Healthy Alter Ego for more info!

Thursday, August 26th

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE

To sign up for a class, contact Paula Mangold at 513-459-6131 

Whole Foods Market Mason

Give Yourself A Break: Local Day Care/ Babysitting Options

Being a mom is hard work! We give ourselves to everyone and everything and we tend to forget about taking care of ourselves. Well, we found a few places that may allow you to take a little time out! We all need a break right?!

Kidzwatch: 513-793-KIDZ
**The facility offers extended hours, drop-in babysitting with no reservations, programming and no long-term packages. It is open Mon-Thurs 7:30am-10pm, Fri 7:30am-12am, and Sat 9am-12am.
Located at 9727 Montgomery Rd

Give Moms a Break: United Methodist Church, 8005 Pfeiffer Rd
** Children ages 6 months- kindergarten can have fun while moms get a little me-time. Need to run some errands, go to they gym, or just need a little break? They take kids every tues/wed/thurs from 9am-12pm. Best of all.... IT'S FREE!!!!

We haven't had a chance to trial either of these locations, but we would love to hear your experience if you have used either of them before! Also, please add any other places you know of to the list! For those of you who are not local to Cincinnati, we would love to hear if you have any places similar to this that allow you to give yourself a break!!!

**Don't forget to check out our Inspire Me page for uplifting and empowering stories from other women! Please share your story with us so we can add it to our blog! 

A little Stress Relief: Get Organized!!

Are you stressed? Of course you're stressed - you're a parent... It's part of the job description! The first thing Jennie and I ask ourselves when we get a little too stressed is, "what activities can we cut back and how can we be more organized?!" It's easy to over commit to activities and it's even easier to get so caught up in the day to day stresses that once you feel unwound it can feel like a slippery slope to get your sanity back!

Studies have shown that the more organized you are, the less stressed you'll feel. One way we try to be more organized is to pack things for the next day's activities the night before. We can put everything we'll need by the door, ready to go (or, in my case, I have to put it IN the car so I don't forget it)!
Mornings are usually a little frazzled for us (mostly because I'm NOT a morning person)! Having everything packed and ready to go helps keep us organized.  Then I don't feel as stressed running around in the morning trying to pack everything and get us ready.

Another big project of mine lately has been cleaning the car out. Jennie found some cute fabric bins at the dollar store and she had the great idea of putting them on the floor of the car! One with diapers, wipes, change of clothes for the kids, etc. The other is used for toys, books, games for the boys. Having "back ups" makes your life easier in then end because there is always something you forget to pack right?!

For those of you getting ready for back to school, here are 11 ways to get out the door faster in the mornings thanks to Oprah! (Thanks Amanda!)

1. Prepack your kids lunches
2. Quicker coffee breaks (prepare your coffee the night before so all you have to do in the morning is press "on" or get a coffee machine with a timer so the coffee is ready by the time you get up!)
3. Prearrange your family's clothes the night before
4. Taking turns - coordinate bathroom schedules of people you live with (if needed)
5. Speedy breakfast solutions - have a lineup of fast, easy breakfast solutions ready to go!
6. Prevent backpack panic by creating inboxes for each family member (have kids unload their backpacks after school, putting important papers in their inbox so they never get lost!)
7. Time yourself - if you or the kids tend to linger and take too long in the shower or eating breakfast, set the timer!
8. Call ahead for carpool - make any travel arrangements at least the day before
9. Think ahead and prepake your purse or briefcase (or diaper bag!) the night before to shave off valuable minutes getting out the door! Also have the kids prepack their backpacks!
10. Keep the peace - tempers can flare between children are still half asleep. Prevent sibling spats by making sure your house rules cover things like sharing clothes, bathroom etiquette and sharing front-seat privileges on the way to school.
11. Ignore chores - when you're trying to get out the door resist the urge to do morning chores that will set you behind schedule!

We hope these tips help you feel a little less stressed out and a little more organized! For more info on ways to make your life a little easier by staying organized, check out Flylady! The site seems a little strange, but she has great ways for you to get organized and really walks you through the process! Please pass along any other helpful ways that keep your family organized!

Don't forget to take a little time out to yourself this week! Need some words of encouragement? Go to our Inspire Me page for uplifting quotes and stories! If you have any personal uplifting stories you would like to share, please send us an email at jennieandkim@gmail.com!  We would love to post your story!!!

Wednesday Weekly Check-In: Breastfeeding Awareness Week!

Hey there all you lovely mamas out there! Happy Breastfeeding Awareness Week! This weekly check in is dedicated to those of you who are nursing, have nursed or know someone who is nursing right now! If you yourself have breastfed your child(ren), you know how difficult it can be. Our society doesn't exactly embrace the idea of nursing your child. We have all heard the stories of women being kicked out of places for nursing or maybe even you yourself have felt those awful stares from the surrounding crowd while you feed your baby public. Maybe you have had problems with the baby latching on, your milk production, or just plain sore boobs!!! Regardless of what the hurtle was or is, we want to give you props just for trying!

We both nursed our boys and each had different experiences. We talk a lot about how we feel women don't talk enough about the trials and tribulations you meet while breastfeeding. Our suggestion??? Research and prepare as much as you can on the topic BEFORE the baby is here! Reach out for support from friends, family, and community groups! Follow the links below for additional resources:

• World Breastfeeding Week
• La Leche League
• Breastfeeding Info
• Women's Health: Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a wonderful, amazing experience. However, don't feel guilty if there are some days you feel like giving up. It doesn't make you a bad mom, it makes you human. Don't feel ashamed to ask for help, advice, or support from those around you. Also, we understand that breastfeeding is not something that all moms are interested in. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for any choices you choose to make as a parent (we have an easy enough time making ourselves feel guilty for things we do and don't do as parents)!

This week is Breastfeeding Awareness Week!!! Be a support to anyone you know who is nursing and send words of encouragement their way!! You never know, they may really need it!

Wednesday Weekly Check-In: Girls Night Out

So, I made a trip to the Hallmark store last week for a few birthday cards and I ended up laughing out loud at the new line they've launched called, "On the edge of motherhood". It's hilarious - all of it. The cards, the mugs, the wine glasses!

Here's a few of the cards to make you smile today and remember we're all in this together! Give yourself a pat on the back for all your hard work being a Mother!! Don't forget to take a small time out to yourself this week - even if it's just taking a long shower by yourself! (It's the little things!)

If you're looking for a fun night out with the girls see below for a FREE Mom's Night Out at Whole Foods in Mason!

Thursday, July 29^th  

Mom’s Night Out

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Mom's Night Out is an opportunity for local mothers to get together without the kids to socialize, relax, and be pampered.  We know it’s hard being a mom - you deserve a break! Great food, goodies, giveaways & drinks – what could be better! 

Whole Foods Market Mason

5805 Deerfield Blvd.

Mason, OH 45040

To sign up for a class, contact Paula Mangold at 513-459-6131 or paula.mangold@wholefoods.com

Wednesday Weekly Check-In

We are always talking about giving back to ourselves. Since having Cody, I do feel like sometimes he is literally sucking the life out of me :) It is extremely hard to find a balance between your kids, your partner, life, work... the list is endless! Life moves so fast, but it is so important for us to take a time out (I mean you can give yourself SOME time during the week right?!) and do something just for you- remember, that person you were before kids?!

Kim and I went to PF Changs for her birthday this week... she had NEVER tried the lettuce wraps (hello)!!! So, we had an awesome dinner, sampled some wines and had the most wonderful chocolate cake dessert! We ended up just talking for hours! It is so nice to be able to meet up with friends or go out with the hubs without the kids so you can refocus! We were able to have a conversation without having to worry about who is touching who, why is this one crying, who threw the food on the floor... you get the picture!!

We all love our kids and taking time out for ourselves is not selfish!!! I believe it really does make us better at all that we do!!! We would love to hear what you have done for yourself this week! Don't feel like you have the time and want to vent? We are hear to listen!!!

Wednesday Weekly Check-In: Girls Night or Date Night!

Live in the Cincinnati area and looking for something fun to do with your friends or spouse?? Well, we have an idea for you! Cooking with Caitlin has an event they call Third Thursdays! You can support a local chef, enjoy some great food, and get away for some "me" time and have some fun! You will enjoy a fabulous meal cooked by Chef Caitlin every Third Thursday of every month located at The McAlpin. This months menu will be sponsored by Oriental Wok and will incorporate their entire line of sauces! You have to reserve your seat for July 15th prior to attending. If you can't make it this month, check Cooking with Caitlin's website for their monthly menu!

If you are not local to cincy, we would love to hear your favorite place you go for a little "me" time!

*Please check out our Inspire Me page for uplifting stories written by other women! We would love to hear your story! Send us an email, jennieandkim@gmail.com, with your inspirational story and we will add it to our blog!

Wednesday Weekly Check-In

This is US checkin in with YOU!!! Don't forget to take some time for yourself this week! 


We announced last week that we have started a new page, Inspire Me, which is dedicated to YOU! We want it to be an empowering, uplifting, and inspirational place for women to go when they need a little bit of sunshine! We would love to hear your inspirational stories! Whether it's about you or about someone you would like to nominate who has inspired you, we want to know! Please email us at: jennieandkim@gmail.com. We would love to add your story to our page!! We need to be there for one another and that is what Inspire Me is all about! We want to hear from you!! 


Have any topics you want to see on this blog? Please let us know! If you need to vent or have a parenting question, leave a post on our facebook page where you can get the support from other mamas who feel your pain!!! We have also added a "Mommy Chit-Chat" area on the main page where you can chat.. well, about anything! 


Take care of you!!! We are all SO worth it! 

DIY Cocktails!

Ok Ladies, we know how hard it is to find a time out to yourself so this week's check in is especially for you! Throw together a quick and easy cocktail for yourself at the end of the day! My time is when the hubs takes Luke up for bath and bed and I usually start dinner for the two of us since Luke eats his dinner around 5:30pm. I love to cook so this is a great time for me to relax from the day and perhaps have a glass of wine while I cook dinner in some much needed peace and quiet! Here are a few fun cocktail recipes to try out! Please share your favorite cocktail with us!

Apricot Crush

1 Measure  Apricot Brandy

Top up with Soda

1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice

Cranberry Fizz

0.5 Measure White Rum

1 Measure De Kuyper Cranberry Liqueur

Top up with Lemonade

Seabreeze

2 Measures Russian Standard Vodka

4 Measures Cranberry Juice

2 Measures Grapefruit Juice 

Click here for more cocktail ideas! Rather have someone else make the drinks for you? Head to Whole Foods in Mason for a night out!!

Thursday, June 24^th 

Mom’s Night Out

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Mom's Night Out is an opportunity for local mothers to get together without the kids to socialize, relax, and be pampered.  We know it’s hard being a mom - you deserve a break! Great food, goodies, giveaways & drinks – what could be better!

Friday, June 25^th 

Uncorked! A Food & Wine Experience

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Cost:  $5.00

All classes are free unless otherwise noted but registration is required. To sign up for a class, contact Paula Mangold at 513-459-6131 or paula.mangold@wholefoods.com

Whole Foods Market Mason

5805 Deerfield Blvd.

Mason, OH 45040

Check your local Whole Foods for other activities. We have other listings for events at the Mason location in our family fun calendar.

**If one of your girlfriends or another woman in your life inspires you, please send us their story! We would love to feature them or you on our Inspire Me blog!!**

Wednesday Weekly Check-In: Inspire Me!

This is our Wednesday Weekly Check-In! We know life can be crazy with kids and it is hard to even find a few minutes to go to the bathroom alone!! The day to day grind is chaotic and we are programmed to take care of everyone else before we take care of ourselves. However, if we don't give a little to ourselves, we can feel pretty empty at the end of the day. So this is our attempt to REMIND you to take care of YOU!!

With all that we do every day, our cup can run dry. I am sure we all know too well that this can cause us to feel a little down.  In the busy life of being a mom, it is hard for us to always connect with our friends and other moms when we need that support. This is why we wanted to create this blog. We wanted you to be able to reach out and find other moms when you had the time.. whether it is at 9:00am, 5:00pm, or 3:00am ...for the middle of the night feeding :) We want to create an online mothering community where moms can share and exchange info with one another and give support to each other. Although we all have different parenting styles and make different choices for our family, we all have one thing in common... we are MOMS! And for that reason, we can all relate in one way or another. We love hearing from you so please email us with anything you would like to see on the blog or with any other questions or comments. Please feel free to comment after any post with additional tips and tricks you have learned along the way! We are also hoping to use our facebook page as an open forum where we can share little "goodies" as we find them. Please feel free to share things on our page as well! We can all learn from each other along the way!

So.... we want to announce a new addition to Surviving Motherhood! It is called Inspire Me and it is a place where you can go when you need a little encouragement. A place where you can go to be inspired and uplifted with stories of other moms, other women! I am woman hear me ROAR!!!! We are opening Inspire Me with an adoption story of a personal friend of mine. We hope her story brings a little sunshine to your day! We would love to add your inspirational story to Inspire Me! Please send us an email! We would love to hear from you!

Wednesday Weekly Check-In: Massage Therapy

This is our Wednesday Weekly Check-In.... making sure you have done something for yourself this week! I have been particularly stressed lately, just feeling like there aren't enough hours in my day, (surely you can relate!), and so my sister forced me to take time out for myself on monday and get a massage!!! Let me tell you, it was amazing!!! Fortunately, for me, my sister is an LMT so she hooks me up! Since I was feeling so relaxed and rejuvenated after my massage, I was thinking that should be our focus for today's post: Massage! Kim and I have been talking about having guest posts from people who specialize in their field so we can bring you the best information possible. Today, we have a guest post from my sister, Sara LMT. (thanks sis!)


No matter what part of life's journey we find ourselves on, there never seems to be enough time in the day or enough days in the week, to get through our many obligations and checklists.  This is especially true for all you moms out there who's work is never done and who's needs always seem to fall last in line.  This issue is something I, and many others in my field, have been fighting an up-hill battle against for some time now.  


I am an LMT, medically trained and licensed by the State of Ohio Medical Board, and though I deal with a large spectrum of medical ailments, my biggest enemy seems to be that of woman's health, specifically mom's.  Some how mothers have become convinced that taking care of themselves is a "luxury", one that is unattainable and sadly thought of as being selfish to even consider!  However, the care needed is not only attainable but affordable and feasible.  This is where I come in.  For many years now, massage therapy has been viewed as a "treat", something used for relaxing on special occasions or as a luxury for the wealthy.  This view is not only terribly false but the misconception of the field does a terrible injustice to woman and men alike.  Massage has not only become more affordable and mainstream than ever, but the health benefits are proving more vast than ever before imagined.  


Massage therapy is just that, a therapeutic treatment for various issues plaguing each and everyone of us.  LMT's can treat injuries and chronic pains (and much much more) as well as give you the tools necessary to help yourself with life's everyday curve-balls.  What was once thought to only be treatable through medication or surgery, is now being proven to be helped with massage therapy.  The medical benefits are invaluable and never-ending, and still amaze me everyday.  Alternative health care is becoming more and more mainstream, giving massage therapy the chance to show the world what it is truly capable of.  The benefits of massage will shock you and I guarantee you will not only find things that it can help you with, but also the great majority of all your loved ones.  For this reason, I have attached several links to some very helpful and informative websites that I promise will not disappoint:

The Simple Connection

Indulscents

MMPA

Medicine Net

Holistic Online

Mayo Clinic

My plea is to all you moms out there, taking care of everyone and everything but yourselves, please take the time your body and mind need not just for your own good, but your families good as well.  Let me, help you!  I believe so strongly in the health benefits and importance of massage in EVERYONE'S life that I am/will accept any/all emails from anyone wanting more information about the who/what/where of it all or who has any questions or concerns regarding massage and their health.  No question is to small and no concern is to trivial, I can promise you I have heard it all before or worse!  Please do not hesitate to contact me at sara_westrich27@yahoo.com.  The benefits of massage are too numerous to ignore.  Come see for yourself and enjoy! 

Best Wishes and Happy Health, 

Sara Westrich, LMT    

I never knew massage was used for things other than relaxation. Boy, was I wrong! Sara is always giving me and my family tips, tricks, and natural remedies we can do to ease our everyday aches and pains. She has also shared with me over the last several years the amazing effects & benefits massage has had on her and her clients. If you have particular ailments that you feel may be helped by massage, please do NOT hesitate to email her. She really would be happy to answer any questions you have. If you are in the Cincinnati area and want a massage, Sara does practice massage out of her home and she will come to you! Trust me, you won't be disappointed! She really is AMAZING...and I am not just saying that because she's my sister :)

Please remember, take care of yourself! What have you done this week for you???

**Don't forget to check our Product Spotlight page for products we have found that make life just a little easier!**

Wednesday Weekly Check-In

Just a reminder to take care of yourself this week! We know things are busy and it is hard to find time for yourself.... BUT, it is important to MAKE the time! Constantly giving to everyone else can wear you down and eventually you will have nothing left to give. You are worth it!!!

We found a few beauty tips and tricks (thanks to mama, Jenny, for the link shopping.aol.com) that you can get from your kitchen, save a little money, and feel a little better about yourself! Let us know if you try them and how they work!

Tip #1: Mayonnaise 
If you can get past the smell and the texture, mayonnaise makes a great, inexpensive conditioner. Apply mayo to dry hair and work through thoroughly. Cover with plastic cap, wrap in warm towel and leave on for 20-30 minutes, and then wash your hair as usual. When used regularly, mayonnaise will help reduce split ends and will add moisture to dry hair, making it look healthy and shiny. Using this conditioner once a month is all that you need.

Tip #2: Apple Cider Vinegar
If you have problem skin, apple cider vinegar can be used to clarify dull skin by removing dirt and excess oil. Once you remove dirt and oil from your face, your pores will be able to open up and your skin will look and feel healthier. This will help to eliminate acne, and prevent future acne breakouts. You can use apple cider vinegar as an astringent by mixing 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of distilled water. Vinegar can also be used to solve dandruff problems. Pour vinegar into your hair, massaging it into the scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse it out. You can repeat this process until the dandruff disappears.

Tip #3: Egg Yolks, Honey and Milk
The next time you are in the grocery store, select your fruits and vegetables carefully. Some of the same items that you eat may be perfect for a facial mask. One popular, moisturizing facial mask combines egg yolks, honey and milk. Combine all of these ingredients together and mix until it is in paste form. Apply a thin layer, evenly to your face. If you find your mixture is too runny, you can add more honey until it is of a consistency that you can work with. Leave it on your face for 20 minutes, and then wash off with warm water and pat dry.

Tip #4: Coffee Grinds
A popular home remedy to help get rid of cellulite is to make a paste using a mix of ground coffee and body lotion. Rub the mixture on the parts of your body with cellulite. The coffee grinds will help increase blood flow and circulation and breakdown the fat that helps to cause cellulite. Leave your coffee treatment on for a half an hour, and then wash it off. If you opt for this at-home treatment, also make sure to drink a lot of water; this will allow for the toxins and fatty deposits to be flushed out of your body.

Tip #5: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil is truly one of the world's best beauty secrets. It is a natural, hypoallergenic, inexpensive way to moisturize skin. It also provides valuable antioxidants, like Vitamins A and E that can help repair and renew skin that has been damaged from the sun, air pollution, and cigarette smoke. The antioxidants in olive oil help to stimulate health skin cell growth and return skin to a firmer, smoother, and healthier state. Olive oil can be applied to your face and body and helps to keep skin well-moisturized. You can use it as either a night cream or daily moisturizer. Just be sure to apply it to damp skin. Olive oil can also be used as an eye makeup remover, just add a drop or two to a cotton pad it gently removes eye makeup without irritating the delicate skin around the eye area. Over time, it can even help to smooth our under eye wrinkles.

Tip #6: Epsom Salt
The benefits of Epsom Salt aren't just folk lore, says the Epsom Salt Council. They boast that the two major components of Epsom are magnesium and sulfate and that between these two minerals they can ease stress, improve sleep and concentration and help to flush toxins out of your body. You can use Epsom Salt for soaking in a bath. Add two cups of Epsom Salt to warm water in a standard-sized bathtub. It is a popular remedy (one that I still use after working out at the gym) for easing muscle pain. The Epsom Salt Council recommends that you bathe with Epsom Salt three times weekly, soaking for at least 12 minutes.

Tip #7: Vaseline
You probably have a tub of Vaseline sitting in your bathroom closet right now. For only a few dollars, Vaseline is a bargain beauty item with tons of different uses. of course you know to use the ever versatile Vaseline on cracked lips, dry or chaffed skin and on a baby's bottom, but did you know that it can take transform unsightly dry feet and turn them into smooth well-moisturized toes? Soak your feet in a pan of warm water for 15 minutes then exfoliate them with a pumice stone. Slather on a generous amount of Vaseline and throw on a pair of thick socks. Overnight, you will wake up to smooth, well moisturized feet.
**We have been on a natural, more green journey since the birth of our boys. We are figuring things out every day. A mom, Malinda, brought to our attention that Vaseline, a petroleum based product, is discouraged by the EWG because it is linked to cancer and it has been banned in the EU. She recommended to us to use a UN-Petroleum Jelly or something similar (check out this link for a great alternative to Vaseline). We appreciate the info Malinda and hope that you all help us along our journey with any info you have! We want to be able to share the best information possible with you!! Thanks for your continued support!**


Tip #8: Toothpaste
Toothpaste is a common staple in everyone's medicine cabinet. Instead of just using toothpaste for dental hygiene, try adding a dab on fingernails and toenails that are slightly discolored. Scrub nails with the toothpaste and a nail brush for healthier looking nails. Toothpaste can also provide relief from pesky bug bites, instead of scratching at bites until they swell up or bleed, dab a little toothpaste on the bite which will help to provide a little relief.

 Tip #9: Baking soda
Dry shampoos have been popular for a few years now but can be a little on the pricey side. If you have baking soda in your home, use it as a dry shampoo. If you suffer from oily, limp hair but don't have the time to do a full on shampoo, put a little baking soda and a little talcum powder on your brush and run it through your hair. This helps to absorb the excess oil in your hair and can help you hold off shampooing your hair for a day or two. Baking soda is also great for use as an at-home teeth whitening trick. Brush teeth with a tab of baking soda and salt and rinse your mouth with water when you are done.

What have you done for yourself this week??!


**Don't forget to check out our Product Spotlight page for products that can make your life just a little easier!** 

Wednesday Weekly Check-In

This is our weekly reminder that you need to do something for YOURSELF!!!! We are so busy taking care of everyone else that we forget to carve out a little ME time! Before kids, partners, & responsibilities... we were just US! Don't forget to nurture that from time to time. Need a little help?  Try these DIY facials.. you can find the ingredients in your kitchen! Whip it up, start a bath, LOCK the bathroom door and RELAX! You deserve it!

Banana Wrinkle Fighter Recipe 

(who doesn't have bananas or wrinkles once you have kids!??!!!)

Banana is wonderful as an anti-wrinkle treatment. Mash 1/4 banana until very creamy. Spread all over face and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water followed by a dash of cold. Gently pat dry.

Avocado Facial Recipe

Avocado is a naturally rich moisturizer. Mash the meat of the avocado into a creamy texture. Massage into the face and neck . Leave on for 15 minutes and gently rinse off.

Honey Mask Recipe

The best facial mask is honey. Place a cloth in warm water and apply to your face to open the pores. Smear on honey, and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores. Use once a week.

**Courtesy of Healthy Recipes


So, please share... what have you done for yourself this week?

**Don't forget to check out our Product Spotlight page for must have products that we have found along the way to make motherhood just a little easier!**


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FYI for Moms local to Cincy:
1-2-3 Magic Book (post Courtesy of "The Nest")

Book Bums in West Chester is having a discussion/presentation based on the book 1-2-3 Magic on Wednesday night from 7:00-8:30.  I haven't read the book, but this book club is more of a presentation by an expert than a typical book club, so you can register online and pick up the book at the event.  It doesn't really matter whether you've read it.  I could really use some tips for parenting Allison, and I could use some time out of the house!  Anyone interested?

You can register online at bookbums.com.  Go to "Today @ Book Bums," click on Wednesday on the calendar, click on the "adult" tab, and then click on the book title.

This is what the owner said about the event when someone asked about it on FB:  "Sandra Korn is the facilitator, and she has a lot of expertise around children who require a little "extra" of their parents. She is a wealth of knowledge, and for this book club, she'll likely do the majority of the talking. There is a plan for the night rather than the typical "open" book club approach. I'd even say you could attend without having to have the book! If you'd like, you can register on line, and pick up your book on the night of the event. I highly recommend this evening." 

Wednesday Weekly Check-In

Every Woman knows that the hardest part of being a mom is trying to find time for yourself. We are constantly taking care of everyone else that we end up forgetting to take care of ourselves! We are devoting  Wednesday's to checking in with you to REMIND you to do something for YOURSELF!!

Here are a few tips to help you fit in much needed “mom” time:

1. Get up early if you have to. When you have kids, the day begins at a hurried pace. Once you hit the ground running, there is no stopping you. Waking 30 minutes to an hour ahead of time means quiet solitude to drink your coffee, read a book, meditate or listen to music.

2. Turn ordinary experiences into major events. When you take a bath, add candles, bubble bath, quiet music and/or an inflatable bath pillow. Your regular bath has now become a spa level experience. If you watch a movie, turn out the lights, pop a bag of microwave popcorn and curl up on the couch.

3. Ask your significant other for help. Kids love their mothers but time spent with dad is important too. Let them bond with dad while you go shopping for a new outfit or root around in the garden. Since the time is yours, do whatever you like.

4. Use the Boy Scout motto. Always be prepared and you can spend more time in a relaxed mode. Fix lunches the night before. Iron clothes for the next day and place backpacks by the front door so kids can grab them on their way out. The fewer things you have to do throughout the day, the calmer you will be with your family and not experience burnout.

5. Take exercise breaks. When you get a few minutes the last thing you want to do is exercise but getting a little physical activity in your day has far-reaching implications. Exercise helps you to think clearly and stretches the muscles. Also, stress will drain away as powerful endorphins are released into your system. Do jumping jacks during a television commercial or jog to the bus stop to pick up the kids.

6. Laugh at regular intervals. Keep a funny calendar cube on your desk or subscribe to a daily joke site. Laughing releases stress and can lift your spirits significantly. It also keeps the abs tight.
*Courtesty of: FlowerCityMoms.com

What have you done for yourself this week?