Commitment

At the beginning of the year, I committed to fully participating in the #NewYearNewMe weight loss challenge, sponsored by Larabar, Yoga Pulse, GoodBelly, Our Love Yoga and The CarbLovers Diet. It’s been nearly 6 weeks since I made that first pledge, and the fact that I’m finding myself tightening my belt and pulling up my pants lately is just one sign that I’ve managed to lose the baby weight successfully.

Maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle another thing, all together.

It would help if I had someone here to hold me accountable for my actions since my newborn baby certainly doesn’t mind when I skip our daily stroll or when I devour an entire box of Girl Scout cookies in a 48-hour period. Ironically, these aren’t included among the food choices in the CalorieStory app.

To say that it doesn’t really affect anyone if I don’t stick to my plan is so not true. It affects my entire family since I’m more cranky and less patient when I don’t stick to healthy meals or if I skip my daily walk.

Where’s my personal trainer when I need him?

Several bloggers around the country also took on this #NewYearNewMe challenge:

• Nina Say @ The One Fantastical
• Gina @ A Wrestling Addicted Mommy
• Crazy Coupon Mommy @ Deals 4 Dummies
• Jen @ Sisterly Savings
• Mary @ Everyday Baby Steps
• Alaina @ Dinker & Giggles
• Stacey @ San Diego Bargain Mama
• Tanya @ Mommy Goggles

I’ll be checking in with them throughout the next few months and asking them to check-in with me, too. Otherwise, I’m afraid I might fall off the wagon again, so to speak. In regards to eating healthy and maintaining a regular exercise routine, I’m really the only one who can hold myself accountable.

One day at a time…

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Tiny Prints, Big Smiles

For the first time in years, I’m looking forward to the holiday season.

Our blended family will be celebrating our first Thanksgiving together, our first Christmas as a family and welcoming the newest member of our tribe as we get closer to 2011.

This year, I’m also excited to send out holiday cards, something I’ve dreaded in the past (single parents tend to have a hard time finding pictures of themselves with their children, so finding photos to use in past years was way more stressful than fun).

My husband and I recently spent one evening designing our 2010-2011 holiday cards on the Tiny Prints website. Even though I was getting a little frustrated with the process (picking a design that would work with the photos we wanted to include and finding the perfect font), it ended up being a fun experience as we pored over photos from this year (and laughing a lot). After a couple of hours (and a few drinks for my husband), we created a beautiful photo card that we’ll be sending out to family and friends.

I was introduced to Tiny Prints many years ago and have watched them grow through their use of social media and expanding of their product line and the many designs they offer. When we were given the opportunity to receive our holiday cards from them in exchange for a review, I jumped at the opportunity since I have admired their simplicity and style for years.

The hardest part of the process was picking out a design. There seem to be almost too many to choose from although I managed to dwindle down my top picks to about a dozen templates before my husband and I finally selected one that worked. We chose a tri-fold, double-sided design which allows room for four photos and personalized text.

We included a large close-up of my son, an ultrasound profile pic of baby (due to arrive January 2nd) and a few pictures from our summer wedding.

Even though we haven’t even sent out our cards yet, I’m already looking forward to start our next project – designing baby announcements from the Tiny Prints collection. We only have a few dozen or so designs saved in our account to choose from.

Tiny Prints provides simple, modern and unique stationery from Christmas cards to personalized greeting cards to thank you cards and even business cards. Offering exclusive designs from the nation’s top designers, easy card personalization, a powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality, their designs have been lauded by numerous television networks, publications and celebrities.

Tiny Prints offer perfect party invitations for every occasion and memorable personalized photo-gifts like notebooks, photo-books and calendars.

Disclosure Statement: We received complimentary holiday cards in exchange for our honest review and mention of the Tiny Prints product line. If you have a blog, you can apply to review them too!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Blogger of the Year

I was never Class President or Homecoming Queen and, at the time, I really wasn’t in a place where I would welcome that kind of attention but now, years later, after overcoming my self-esteem issues, here I am, vying for two spots in the blogosphere both locally, and across the board. One might say that they are a popularity contest of sorts, but I choose to look at them as a sign of just how influential we are, as writers and bloggers, those of us who use new media to share, entertain, or inform.

My blog was started back in 2007 (on a Blogger site that still remains…) when my company was formed. My focus is on helping passionate parents become the moms and dads they have always wanted to be.

I’m borrowing this quote from another Parent Coach who I work with because I couldn’t have said it better myself:  “It’s a rare exception to find a parent who doesn’t want, with all their heart, to be the best parent they can be to their children. It’s also a rare exception to find a parent who doesn’t doubt, struggle and wish that they knew more, and ached to be better.”

As a single mom,  raising my young son thousands of miles away from our family, there are certainly many challenges I face on a regular basis. After losing my full-time job and having to downsize and change my lifestyle in many ways, I see the need, even more now, to continue to honor families, support parents and enrich relationships with the daily work that I do mentoring, coaching, and encouraging moms and dads, especially those who have recently separated from their co-parent.

I am humbled, honored and inspired by each and every person who comes across my path, every reader who leaves a comment, shares my words with others, and those who reach out to thank me, ask a question, or just to say hello.

Last year, in 2009, I was included on the list of the Top 50 Power Moms put out by Neilsen. Just this month, my blog was mentioned in San Diego Family magazine (page 103), and my blog is picked up on a regular basis through different sites focusing on health and well-being, including Wellsphere and Intent. I write as the San Diego Parenting Examiner, have a shop through The Open Sky Project and you can also find me as an expert advisor on Parental Wisdom. If there were more time in the day, you would find me elsewhere as I’ve been asked to write for many sites that I’ve unfortunately had to turn down in order to create a balance in my life that works for me.

I’m not sure who nominated me for this award through Influence San Diego, but I take it pretty seriously. The fact that I am influencing families, parents and their children is a big responsibility. We each influence the relationships in our lives, by the words we choose to say (or not say) and by the actions we choices we make and I hope, if nothing else, you reflect on this today when thinking about the way you communicate with those around you.

If you’ve voted for me, I thank you. If you’d like to, simply head over to the Influence San Diego website and click on the arrow next to my logo. When the arrow turns GREEN, your vote has been counted.

Here’s to another year of success, happiness, health and harmony.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Hot Blogger Calendar

I love surprises! This morning, I received a message on Twitter from a friend who congratulated me on my nomination. I had no idea what she was referring to, but then she sent me a link to the Hot Blogger Calendar where I found myself listed among a few other hot ladies and gentleman bloggers that have been nominated to be included in the 2011 calendar!

There’s only a few days left to vote (winners are announced on March 5th) so please, please, please, head over to vote for me! The winners (12 men and 12 women, altogether) will be flown to NYC for the official photo shoot in September of this year!

I would love to win a trip to New York City, and if I win (and Mr. Lady and Busy Dad Blog do too), I’ll be spinning cartwheels down the aisle of the plane as I make my way to the Big Apple!

The best part of all is that 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the Hot Blogger Calendar will go to the American Red Cross.

What are you waiting for? Go over and Vote for Me! Pretty please!

Don’t forget to check out the Hot Male and Female Bloggers of 2009.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Is your cup half full or half empty?

I was invited to an event, sponsored by Got Milk, last month, but wasn’t sure I was going to attend at first. There were several reasons why I was talking myself out of going. I don’t normally drink lattes in the afternoon and when I do, I drink them with soy milk since I’m lactose intolerant. My son was with his dad that afternoon so it would be  slightly uncomfortable to be the childless mom in the crowd. It’s not always awkward for me to go to events without him, but I end up missing him even more when my friends are there with their little ones (and I’m not).

The invitation reminder came again the night before the event and all I remember reading was the fact that there was going to be a Tarot Reader there. That was just the push I needed to get me there! I mean, who doesn’t want their future laid out before them and know what’s around the corner?

On the afternoon of the event, I got in the car and put on my game face (aka big grin) and was one of the first bloggers to arrive. The event was held at Java Jones, an adorable little coffee shop downtown. I was pleasantly surprised to see a fellow writer, mom and friend who I had not seen for quite some time when I first walked in the door. We chatted about her upcoming (at the time) appearance on Dr. Phil, laughed about the time we first met in person and hugged. She’s Mexican too, and reminded me of so many of my relatives that I felt like I was with family.

Others from the San Diego blogging community walked in the door shortly afterward and I was soon surrounded by smiling faces, adorable children and friends family. Boy did I need that.

@MamarazziKnowsB, @lajollamom, @hip_m0m, @mamamaryshow, @everdaymama

I also needed the Tarot Reading, more than ever, since I had recently moved and was in the middle of interviews for a job, and had questions about where my long-distance relationship was headed.

I sat down with the beautiful woman reading the cards and suddenly I was nervous. Maybe this was the reason for my apprehension over attending the event. Fortunately for me, everything she told me was positive. She laid out cards, which I wish I had taken photos of, or at least remembered in some detail. All I know is that several of the cards contained cups in the images. Cups represent emotions,  psychic and intuitive arts, fantasy and illusion, fertility, emotions, spirituality, sacred sexuality, grace and serenity.

She talked about where I was about three months prior, where I was currently and what my future looks like three months into the future. It was all good and I felt relieved, knowing that everything that I had been questioning was all leading me in the direction I needed to go and that my metaphorical cup was full ( in many ways).

Speaking of cups, I was lucky enough to sample one of the beautiful lattes that was created by two-time United States Barista Champion, Heather Perry. She made several drinks and provided us with a few recipes to try on our own and made it all look so easy.

The drink she made (in the photo to the left) was delicious and was almost too pretty to drink.

Heather has appeared on the Discovery Channel, the Food Network and holds a Guinness Book World Record for building the world’s largest espresso machine!

She was a delight to watch and speak with and even though the recipes intimidate me slightly, I have to try them out with the espresso machine that I walked away with after being selected in the raffle drawing as the Grand Prize winner.

Yes, that’s right. My coffee cup is always half full now and I am spending less and less time (and money) at the coffee shop on the corner, which means I can spend even more time with my son, my friends and sipping on my coffee.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Growing Happy Kids

Maureen Healy, founder of Growing Happy Kids will be appearing in Los Angeles in early February, promoting her new book, 365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids.

Focusing on empowering, educating and inspiring young people, Healy’s book takes a fresh look at how parents and educators can encourage children by the simple, yet powerful use of language, every day of the year.

Healy combines the wisdom of Eastern and Western religions, calling on parents to not only nurture the emotional development of their children, but their spiritual development as well.

Many of the ideas presented by Healy are directly in line with the methods behind Redirecting Children’s Behavior. The powerful reminders, quotes and suggestions found throughout the book will not only build confidence in your child, but might also work to remind us adults to step back and begin to see  and appreciate the world through youthful eyes.

Hug someone every day!

Create a calm space.

There is no better. Each one of us is unique and special.

Find what makes your heart sing!

Happiness grows when you help others!

Being silly is serious business!

Maureen Healy has worked with refugee children in Tibet and India, and has built child-centered programs around the United States. She also blogs at Creative Development for Psychology Today. Visit the Growing Happy Kids website for details on her upcoming appearances and how you can help to grow happy kids.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Babble’s Top 50 Mommy Bloggers

Babble is a great website devoted to the modern parent. Their editors recently announced the Top 50 Mommy Bloggers based on categories of Best Design, Best Written, Most Confessional, Funniest, Most Controversial and Most Useful.

Best of the Best: The Pioneer Woman

Dooce Nie Nie Dialogues Amalah Mighty Girl Woulda Coulda Shoulda Finslippy Sweet Juniper Her Bad Mother Parent Hacks Design Mom Girl’s Gone Child The Motherlode The Three-Martini Complaint Department Baby On Bored Jessica Gottlieb Rugrat Reprieve Free Range Kids

a little pregnant Rookie Moms Motherhood Uncensored/Mominatrix Mom 101 Inside Out Ask Moxie Alpha Mom CityMama Play Groups Are No Place For Children Notes From the Trenches Fussy Busy Mom Sarcastic Mom Whiskey in My Sippy Cup Cool Mom Kimchi Mamas

Because I Said So Silicon Valley Moms Blog White Trash Mom So Close Suburban Bliss Mother Goose Mouse /Mom Slant This Full House The Redneck Mommy Celebrity Baby Blog Bacon Is My Enemy The Mommy Blog Chookooloonks Queen of Spain Single Mom Seeking Boston Mamas Rocks in My Dryer

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of these women in real life and getting to know them on-line over the past few years. Congratulations to each and every one listed here. I learn so much from them so it’s a thrill to see so many friends included on this 2009 Top 50 Mommy Bloggers list.

Check out the San Diego Mommy Bloggers list as well for a city-specific directory. If you have other city lists to share, please link to them in the comments below.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Giving Thanks

We all know that no one gets into writing – or blogging – for the money. So, what’s it all for? I ponder this very question from time to time and wonder what it is that keeps me going, or coming back for more.

Without a doubt, I would have to say that being introduced to so many amazing writers, inspiring individuals and awesome parents is what makes this whole ride worthwhile. Knowing that there are people reading these words and sharing similar ideas and experiences encourages me to keep writing, sharing and reading.

This year on Thanksgiving, I want to take the time to thank each and every one of you – especially those of you who took the time to comment on my blog this past year. Many of you I have had the pleasure of meeting in person, either at BlogHer, or here in San Diego at a local event.

It’s been an absolutely fantastic journey so far and I look forward to getting to know each of you even better.

• Ali @The Rehan Family
• Amy @AmyMusings
• Ann @AnnsRants
• Astacia @Mamikaze
• BlondeMom @BlondeMomBlog
• Carrie @ItsFrugalBeingGreen
• Cat @SparksPhotography
• Christina @ChristinaRodriguez
• Deborah @ComfortJoyDesigns
• Deanna @LilDevilMama
• Diane @TheMommyDiaries
• Dr. Leah @SingleMommyhood
• Emmie @LifeBehindTheCurve
• HeadlessMom @TheHeadlessFamily
• Heather @RookieMoms
• Janice @5minutesformom
• Jason @KimandJason
• Jennifer @MySailorsMistress
• Jenny @JennyOnTheSpot
• Jessica @BernThis
• Jim @BusyDadBlog
• Joe @Joeprah
• Kelly @ChildhoodClothing
• Kelly @MochaMomma
• Kristin @HalfwayToNormal
• Leah @Bookieboo
• Lotus @SarcasticMom
• Mary @MamaMaryShow
• Matthew @ChildsPlayX2
• Mel @ADramaticMommy
• Rachel @ASouthernFairyTale
• Rachel @SingleMomSeeking
• Shauna @ShaunaGlenn
• SingleMom @SingleMomSurvives
• Sugar @SugarInTheRaw
• Theresa @RockOnMommies
• Tonya @ThisAndThat

Thanks to everyone who has visited here, read my words, laughed out loud, cried with me, or simply clicked here by mistake.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Putting it all in perspective

Over the last few days, for no reason whatsoever, I’ve been feeling pretty low. I’ve been keeping quiet, staying away from my usual connections – both online and in real life. Today, I had a ton of things to do after dropping off my son at school and I was starting to feel really anxious, frustrated and impatient – with myself and my office equipment.

As I was trying frantically to get this week’s newsletter out before 5pm (my personal deadline), I decided to check in to my Facebook page for a quick distraction and to see what everyone’s been up to today.

What I saw made my heart stop and I have been sick with worry ever since. Right there at the top of the page was the status update that I had to read twice before I realized that I needed to sit down (but I was already sitting down).

Anissa Mayhew

Anissa Mayhew is in the ICU after suffering a stroke this afternoon. Her husband, Peter, updated her Facebook status and there are thousands of us (literally) standing by waiting for the next update (and to learn whether or not Anissa was wearing clean underwear when she was admitted into the hospital).

For those of you who don’t know Anissa, let me quickly share the list of sites that she writes for, starting with the blog that is dedicated to Peyton, her youngest daughter who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2006.

• Hope for Peyton
• Free Anissa
• Aiming Low
• The Mayhew Review
• Blog Nosh

Just last week we celebrated with Anissa as her daughter reached a full year since her last chemo treatment. Anissa’s brought us along on her journey, through the ups and downs of Peyton’s treatment and recovery.  I have cried and laughed with Anissa over the years, mostly laughed, since it’s Anissa’s sense of humor that is the most prominent part of her personality, besides how genuinely compassionate and sweet she is.

I had the pleasure of meeting her, finally, in Chicago this past summer at BlogHer. She sat on the floor in front of me during the Humor Panel and upon noticing me, instantly put Aiming Low stickers on both my nipples. Yes, this is the Anissa that I  love and admire and laugh with and am now praying for.

I look forward to laughing with her again soon. Please keep her in your prayers. She’s in ours!

#prayersforanissa

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

LIVE from Chicago

I’m sitting in a room full, I mean – FULL – of bloggers – women who are writers and who either get paid (0r not) for what they, I mean WE do all day!

We’re just SECONDS away from the major announcement this year. They’re just making us wait a few minutes before letting us know where BlogHer 2010 will take place and everyone here is bracing themselves and praying that it’ll be in their hometown.

At my table are a few women from the Denver – based carpool are hoping that it’ll be there and I have to admit that it would be a beautiful place for a conference.

OMG! They’re making us WAIT….I swear. This is crazy. I’m getting text messages from my Blog Her Carpoolers ‘ roommate from somewhere in this room, but where is she? Is she broadcasting LIVE as well?

THERE SHE IS!!

I can see her. She’s at the next table and it looks like her coffee mug …

NEW YORK CITY

Hilton New York
near Rockefeller Center
August 5 – 7, 2010

Woo-hoo!

Oh, and I’m going to head to the GM booth today so that they can set me up with another Test Drive with the 2010 Chevy Camaro.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home