The Stages of Being a Sick Mom During The Holidays

The holidays are already hectic enough, but being a sick mom during the holidays sends you through a cacophony of emotion. You have to give yourself permission to acknowledge them.

I've lived with multiple chronic illnesses for about 15 years now, but I'm still blindsided whenever I am sick or if one of my chronic illnesses flares up during a holiday. Why is it that the time of year when expectations run at their highest happens to coincide with germageddon? Talk about a cruel joke!

When it comes to being a sick mom during the holidays, be it acute or chronic illness, there are many stages of grief. Below are some tips on coping with each stage.

Stage One Of Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Shock

I had it all figured out. This was going to be my first holiday season as a freelancer gifting myself and my daughter with the present of being 100% present.

We had plans to hunt down a ton of Santas, bedazzle every ornament in reach, shop 'til we dropped, see all the family we could, go to the theater and watch a bunch of movies, go sledding with my daughter's friends, craft like crazy, eat amazing food, and turn external technology off, moving inwards like a cozy, little Christmas card.

Then life said, "hold my egg nog," and I got sick.

Not just a cold. Really, really sick.

The added joy of chronic illness is that it takes something that isn't horrible for most people, like a mild case of viral bronchitis, and turns it into A Thing. Even though I knew this, I wasn't giving in, because stubborn. I probably made it worse by sliding right on into Stage Two.

Stage Two Of Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Denial

Welcome to the "tape the wrapping paper and platter of Christmas cookies to my hands, and I'll be fine" phase of being a sick mom during the holidays.

I sought out my usual arsenal of juice shots, oils, and vitamins, in addition to my medication, because balance.

I also over-caffeinated, put off seeing the doctor, and ran myself into the ground preparing my work so that I could finish early for the year. The icing on the cake was the night I felt myself slipping and still crammed in a visit to see Santa, our annual mecca to Build-A-Bear for my daughter's "waiting for Santa" buddy, the Christmas house light scavenger drive we always go on, and a ton of shopping I probably would've been better served doing on Amazon from my couch.

Stage Three Of Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Anger/ Guilt

A big part of the anger side of Stage Three of being a sick mom during the holidays is knowing that some of the discomfort is self-inflicted. If I hadn't been trying so hard to deny being sick, and just rested a bit, I probably would've felt better quicker!

Guilt is something that comes hand-in-hand with motherhood, but for the chronically ill mama, it's a little different. I've had heath problems for the extent of my daughter's life. I've always worried that my issues would take away from her experiences.

If anything it has made her a compassionate and empathetic human. She never lacks for anything that she needs, and that includes most of her wants in life. She knows she is loved. But I still feel bad.

Whenever I ask her about her feelings about it, she tells me, "I just see you as my Mom, and you're strong."

In order to ensure that things always run smoothly when I'm sick or in a flare, I put a lot of planning in behind the scenes, since it is just the two of us. I always keep a fully stocked DIY Sick Kit, make sure that my "sick day section" of the freezer and pantry has the necessary supplies.

I work ahead as much as possible on my client projects, so that when I need the inevitable day or two to chill, I am ready for it. Starting next year, I am hoping to get a head start on my holiday to-do's, just in case!

It makes me feel good to know that it all pays off and she is a happy little girl, but it doesn't take away from the anger, guilt, or sadness that comes with being a sick mom during the holidays.

Stage Four Of Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Despair

I shed angry tears a few nights this week, after my daughter went to bed, disappointed that the plans I so carefully constructed for us were sabotaged by my traitorous body.

You know what? That's okay, and it is necessary sometimes.

Moms have to put on happy faces all day long: at work, and at home. Once you're alone, it's actually helpful to fall apart, once in a while.

Feel it, acknowledge it, but then release it, for the good of your body, mind, and soul.

When I'm upset over my health issues, I just remind myself that I'm right where I'm supposed to be. I have lessons to learn, and this is all part of it.

Some Christmases are quieter than others, and that's okay. My biggest thing is trying to be a good example for my little one. Challenges make a person stronger and better, and we all have them. They teach patience and how to appreciate all of the little things in life that we sometimes overlook when we are healthy and things are going well.

Bad times allow us to be more open and appreciative of the good. I need to mirror that for her.

Stage Five Of Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Acceptance

Wave that white flag (a.k.a wad of tissues in your hand), grab a Medicine Ball from Starbucks, and flop yourself down on the couch, Mama!

90% of the pressure we deal with as moms during the holidays, we place on our own shoulders. Let that sink in, because I struggled with the realization.

That's right, your tiny army doesn't really care about the shiny details that we fret over. They just want you.

By the middle of this week, after I realized that Christmas break was halfway over, and that we weren't going to be able to make it to the light show that we attend with friends every year, or the village tree lighting–and our gingerbread house?

…Let's just go ahead and admit that it's either going to be a President's Day or Valentine's Day House this year. Yay, to strange, new traditions!

I wrapped my arms around my daughter and apologized for ruining Christmas. She wriggled out and said, "Mom, you can't really ruin Christmas. I don't care where we go or what we do, as long as we're together."

The #1 Key To Coping With Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Cut Yourself Some Slack!

This post contains affiliate links below.

Cindy Lou-Who was right. We modified our plans by dragging my daughter's new Barbie DreamHouse over to the couch to play. We used this amazing slime book to make small batches of slime, and read books together.

There was some light cooking, as we made our Christmas dinner sides. Who cares if I ordered the turkey from Boston Market, because I wasn't feeling well enough to make one? We worked on a no-sew blanket craft that she received for Christmas. She slayed me at MarioKart, and we watched Christmas movies. We ate cookies while we talked about life.

For New Year's Eve, we will either dress up or we won't, and binge-watch Harry Potter movies. We'll eat our favorite foods and play all of her new board games. There may or may not be a terrible round of karaoke.

We'll end the night reminiscing over the highs and lows of the year, and share our dreams for the future. I'm surprising my daughter with a fun Mother and Daughter journal for the new year. All of these things I can do, sick or healthy, and I am looking forward to it!

It was a good week. We absolutely used the time to reconnect as a family. At the end of the day, isn't that what we are all trying to achieve during the holidays?

 

How do you deal with chronic illness or sickness during the holidays?

BE SURE TO JOIN THE CONVERSATION OVER ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!

The post The Stages of Being a Sick Mom During The Holidays appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

from Kids Activities Blog http://bit.ly/2AldzmC

The Stages of Being a Sick Mom During The Holidays

The holidays are already hectic enough, but being a sick mom during the holidays sends you through a cacophony of emotion. You have to give yourself permission to acknowledge them.

I’ve lived with multiple chronic illnesses for about 15 years now, but I’m still blindsided whenever I am sick or if one of my chronic illnesses flares up during a holiday. Why is it that the time of year when expectations run at their highest happens to coincide with germageddon? Talk about a cruel joke!

When it comes to being a sick mom during the holidays, be it acute or chronic illness, there are many stages of grief. Below are some tips on coping with each stage.

Stage One Of Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Shock

I had it all figured out. This was going to be my first holiday season as a freelancer gifting myself and my daughter with the present of being 100% present.

We had plans to hunt down a ton of Santas, bedazzle every ornament in reach, shop ’til we dropped, see all the family we could, go to the theater and watch a bunch of movies, go sledding with my daughter’s friends, craft like crazy, eat amazing food, and turn external technology off, moving inwards like a cozy, little Christmas card.

Then life said, “hold my egg nog,” and I got sick.

Not just a cold. Really, really sick.

The added joy of chronic illness is that it takes something that isn’t horrible for most people, like a mild case of viral bronchitis, and turns it into A Thing. Even though I knew this, I wasn’t giving in, because stubborn. I probably made it worse by sliding right on into Stage Two.

Stage Two Of Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Denial

Welcome to the “tape the wrapping paper and platter of Christmas cookies to my hands, and I’ll be fine” phase of being a sick mom during the holidays.

I sought out my usual arsenal of juice shots, oils, and vitamins, in addition to my medication, because balance.

I also over-caffeinated, put off seeing the doctor, and ran myself into the ground preparing my work so that I could finish early for the year. The icing on the cake was the night I felt myself slipping and still crammed in a visit to see Santa, our annual mecca to Build-A-Bear for my daughter’s “waiting for Santa” buddy, the Christmas house light scavenger drive we always go on, and a ton of shopping I probably would’ve been better served doing on Amazon from my couch.

Stage Three Of Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Anger/ Guilt

A big part of the anger side of Stage Three of being a sick mom during the holidays is knowing that some of the discomfort is self-inflicted. If I hadn’t been trying so hard to deny being sick, and just rested a bit, I probably would’ve felt better quicker!

Guilt is something that comes hand-in-hand with motherhood, but for the chronically ill mama, it’s a little different. I’ve had heath problems for the extent of my daughter’s life. I’ve always worried that my issues would take away from her experiences.

If anything it has made her a compassionate and empathetic human. She never lacks for anything that she needs, and that includes most of her wants in life. She knows she is loved. But I still feel bad.

Whenever I ask her about her feelings about it, she tells me, “I just see you as my Mom, and you’re strong.”

In order to ensure that things always run smoothly when I’m sick or in a flare, I put a lot of planning in behind the scenes, since it is just the two of us. I always keep a fully stocked DIY Sick Kit, make sure that my “sick day section” of the freezer and pantry has the necessary supplies.

I work ahead as much as possible on my client projects, so that when I need the inevitable day or two to chill, I am ready for it. Starting next year, I am hoping to get a head start on my holiday to-do’s, just in case!

It makes me feel good to know that it all pays off and she is a happy little girl, but it doesn’t take away from the anger, guilt, or sadness that comes with being a sick mom during the holidays.

Stage Four Of Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Despair

I shed angry tears a few nights this week, after my daughter went to bed, disappointed that the plans I so carefully constructed for us were sabotaged by my traitorous body.

You know what? That’s okay, and it is necessary sometimes.

Moms have to put on happy faces all day long: at work, and at home. Once you’re alone, it’s actually helpful to fall apart, once in a while.

Feel it, acknowledge it, but then release it, for the good of your body, mind, and soul.

When I’m upset over my health issues, I just remind myself that I’m right where I’m supposed to be. I have lessons to learn, and this is all part of it.

Some Christmases are quieter than others, and that’s okay. My biggest thing is trying to be a good example for my little one. Challenges make a person stronger and better, and we all have them. They teach patience and how to appreciate all of the little things in life that we sometimes overlook when we are healthy and things are going well.

Bad times allow us to be more open and appreciative of the good. I need to mirror that for her.

Stage Five Of Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Acceptance

Wave that white flag (a.k.a wad of tissues in your hand), grab a Medicine Ball from Starbucks, and flop yourself down on the couch, Mama!

90% of the pressure we deal with as moms during the holidays, we place on our own shoulders. Let that sink in, because I struggled with the realization.

That’s right, your tiny army doesn’t really care about the shiny details that we fret over. They just want you.

By the middle of this week, after I realized that Christmas break was halfway over, and that we weren’t going to be able to make it to the light show that we attend with friends every year, or the village tree lighting–and our gingerbread house?

…Let’s just go ahead and admit that it’s either going to be a President’s Day or Valentine’s Day House this year. Yay, to strange, new traditions!

I wrapped my arms around my daughter and apologized for ruining Christmas. She wriggled out and said, “Mom, you can’t really ruin Christmas. I don’t care where we go or what we do, as long as we’re together.”

The #1 Key To Coping With Being A Sick Mom During The Holidays: Cut Yourself Some Slack!

This post contains affiliate links below.

Cindy Lou-Who was right. We modified our plans by dragging my daughter’s new Barbie DreamHouse over to the couch to play. We used this amazing slime book to make small batches of slime, and read books together.

There was some light cooking, as we made our Christmas dinner sides. Who cares if I ordered the turkey from Boston Market, because I wasn’t feeling well enough to make one? We worked on a no-sew blanket craft that she received for Christmas. She slayed me at MarioKart, and we watched Christmas movies. We ate cookies while we talked about life.

For New Year’s Eve, we will either dress up or we won’t, and binge-watch Harry Potter movies. We’ll eat our favorite foods and play all of her new board games. There may or may not be a terrible round of karaoke.

We’ll end the night reminiscing over the highs and lows of the year, and share our dreams for the future. I’m surprising my daughter with a fun Mother and Daughter journal for the new year. All of these things I can do, sick or healthy, and I am looking forward to it!

It was a good week. We absolutely used the time to reconnect as a family. At the end of the day, isn’t that what we are all trying to achieve during the holidays?

 

How do you deal with chronic illness or sickness during the holidays?

BE SURE TO JOIN THE CONVERSATION OVER ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!

The post The Stages of Being a Sick Mom During The Holidays appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

from Kids Activities Blog http://bit.ly/2AldzmC

Why Bird Box Is The Movie That Has All Parents Talking

If you haven't seen Bird Box, then you should either stop reading this right now, or go check out this play-by-play write-up explaining the entire thing. But if you have seen it, then you can't stop thinking about it.

 

And, you may not realize it, but you also totally get the reason behind the movie's crazy success.

You see, it all starts out with Sandra Bullock as the reluctant about-to-be parent. She's pregnant, and the world is basically coming to an end. Look, if you're a parent, then you already know this feeling. You've sat there, staring at your belly thinking crazy things like, "What if the world ends before this baby gets to see it?" or "How would I deal with this baby and being pregnant in a doomsday scenario?"

It's just practical thinking, people. And by practical I mean totally crazy pregnant brain thinking.

Which is why we all instantly get the situation she's stuck in. 🙂

In the opening scene, when she's yelling at her kids, you can feel exactly what she feels. She's yelling at them in the "you have to do this for your safety" mom voice, and she NAILS IT.

We've all lost our temper a time or two, but you can tell that this isn't about tempers lost or being upset, this is the voice we use when our kid runs out into the middle of the street chasing after a ball or when they're about to fall into the pond.

This is the mom voice.

And then she has to make that choice. You know the one– where she's got to decide between the two kid's she's raising as her own. Except one of them actually IS her own kid, and the other is a kid she promised someone she would raise as her own and has raised since birth.

 

And then, she doesn't choose. She can't pick one over the other. THAT is when you know she's a mom. She's a real mom. Even though she tried to keep herself completely detached from the kids by not naming them, even though she's done everything she can to keep them safe, it's in that moment that she is the most relatable mom on the planet.

And it's in that moment that you, as a parent, start to question what you would have done. I have to be honest, I can't stop thinking about it. Would I have risked all our lives to save the life of one of us?

I just don't know. That's what makes it SO GOOD.

The reason parents love this movie so much is because it's all about coming into your own as a parent. It's all about realizing how much you love your kids. It's all about understanding what it's like to put someone else's life before your own. No matter what.

And that is the best part of all.

Want to know why defiant kids are actually the best thing ever? Check it out here.

The post Why Bird Box Is The Movie That Has All Parents Talking appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

from Kids Activities Blog http://bit.ly/2Rqncu0

Why Bird Box Is The Movie That Has All Parents Talking

If you haven’t seen Bird Box, then you should either stop reading this right now, or go check out this play-by-play write-up explaining the entire thing. But if you have seen it, then you can’t stop thinking about it.

 

And, you may not realize it, but you also totally get the reason behind the movie’s crazy success.

You see, it all starts out with Sandra Bullock as the reluctant about-to-be parent. She’s pregnant, and the world is basically coming to an end. Look, if you’re a parent, then you already know this feeling. You’ve sat there, staring at your belly thinking crazy things like, “What if the world ends before this baby gets to see it?” or “How would I deal with this baby and being pregnant in a doomsday scenario?”

It’s just practical thinking, people. And by practical I mean totally crazy pregnant brain thinking.

Which is why we all instantly get the situation she’s stuck in. 🙂

In the opening scene, when she’s yelling at her kids, you can feel exactly what she feels. She’s yelling at them in the “you have to do this for your safety” mom voice, and she NAILS IT.

We’ve all lost our temper a time or two, but you can tell that this isn’t about tempers lost or being upset, this is the voice we use when our kid runs out into the middle of the street chasing after a ball or when they’re about to fall into the pond.

This is the mom voice.

And then she has to make that choice. You know the one– where she’s got to decide between the two kid’s she’s raising as her own. Except one of them actually IS her own kid, and the other is a kid she promised someone she would raise as her own and has raised since birth.

 

And then, she doesn’t choose. She can’t pick one over the other. THAT is when you know she’s a mom. She’s a real mom. Even though she tried to keep herself completely detached from the kids by not naming them, even though she’s done everything she can to keep them safe, it’s in that moment that she is the most relatable mom on the planet.

And it’s in that moment that you, as a parent, start to question what you would have done. I have to be honest, I can’t stop thinking about it. Would I have risked all our lives to save the life of one of us?

I just don’t know. That’s what makes it SO GOOD.

The reason parents love this movie so much is because it’s all about coming into your own as a parent. It’s all about realizing how much you love your kids. It’s all about understanding what it’s like to put someone else’s life before your own. No matter what.

And that is the best part of all.

Want to know why defiant kids are actually the best thing ever? Check it out here.

The post Why Bird Box Is The Movie That Has All Parents Talking appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

from Kids Activities Blog http://bit.ly/2Rqncu0

5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year’s Eve Party

It's just about time to say goodbye to 2018 and welcome in the new year!

How will you celebrate on New Year's Eve?

Today on Family Food Live, we shared 5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year's Eve Party. So whether you are hosting a party or planning a quiet evening in, these appetizers are perfect.

Join us for Family Food Live at 11 am CST/12 Noon EST every Wednesday and Friday!

Today I'll be live on the Burnt Macaroni Facebook page.

But make sure you like both the Quirky Momma Facebook page and the Burnt Macaroni Facebook page now so you never miss an episode!

If you missed today's Family Food Live, here's a look:

Now onto today's recipes!

5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year's Eve Party

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Shopping List:

• Block of Cheddar Cheese, cut lengthwise
• 12 Jalapenos, halved lengthwise with seeds removed
• 12 strips Bacon

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• Cover baking sheet with aluminum foil
• Put cheese inside the jalapenos and wrap with bacon
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy

Goat Cheese Crostini with Snap Peas

Dazzle your guests or family with this delicious appetizer or meal. These Goat Cheese Crostini with Snap Peas are the perfect compliment to any buffet table.

Prosciutto Wrapped Pears

Shopping List:

• 2 Pears, sliced
• Prosciutto
• Garlic Herb or Blue Cheese
• Honey for drizzling

Instructions:

• Slice the pears and put in water with some lemon juice to prevent from browning
• Spread cheese over the top of pear slice and tightly wrap with prosciutto
• Drizzle with honey
• Serve

Spicy Nuts

Here's another great option for your buffet table. These Spicy Nuts are easy and work with any cheese plate appetizer.

Cranberry Champagne Cocktail

Shopping List

• Champagne
• Cranberry Juice
• Limes
• Fresh Cranberries

Instructions:

• Pour about 8 oz. of cranberry juice in a champagne flute
• Squeeze some lime juice on top
• Top off with Champagne and garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a lime wedge

And don't forget the Black Eyed Peas for good luck!

Happy New Year everyone!

Join Family Food Live with Holly & Chris every Wednesday and Friday at Noon CST on either the Quirky Momma Facebook page or the Burnt Macaroni Facebook page!

We are also so excited to share our first Family Food Live Apron with you.

Be the first to pick one up and start cooking with us! Just click buy now below!

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<a href="http://bit.ly/2ehAzrE" target="_blank">Buy Family Food Live Apron</a>

Here are a few of our favorite products from Family Food Live (affiliate links)

• • • Fresh Baby Ice Cube Trays with lids
    • Cuisinart Food Processor
    • The I Heart Naptime Cookbook by Jamielyn Nye
    • Giant Popcorn bowl
    • Individual Popcorn bowls
    • VillaWare Uno Classic Waffle Maker
    • VillaWare Farmyard Waffle Maker
    • Taco Holder
    • Pyrex Baking Dishes
    • Hand Blender
    • Pizza Peel
    • Pizza Wheel (cutter)
    • Pizza Stone
    • Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Double Burner Reversible Grill/Griddle
    • Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless 5-1/2-Quart Saute Pan with Helper Handle and Cover
    • BPA free lunch containers
    • Egg Rite Egg Timer
    • Fit and Fresh container
    • One Touch Electric Bottle Opener
    • Half Pint Wide Mouth Mason Jars
    • Ninja Professional Blender
    • Zoku Quick Pop Maker
    • Williams-Sonoma Open Kitchen Half Apron in Red or Blue
    • Plano Half-Size Stowaway with Adjustable Dividers - for road trip snacks
    • Curious Chef 3-Piece Nylon Knife Set
    • Cuisinart 2 Quart Ice Cream Maker
    • Victorinox Fibrox Straight Edge Chef's Knife, 8-Inch
    • Lemon Squeezer
    • Mason Jars
    • Crockpot
    • Apple Corer
    • Popcorn Bowl
    • MaxiMatic double burner hot plate
    • Glass Egg carton
    • Black & Decker 4 slice toaster
    • Hamilton Beach Hand Mixer
    • Cuisinart 8-cup Food Processor
    • Meat Mallet
    • Ice Cream or Cookie Scooper
    • Norpro Butter Keeper
    • Norpro Butter Keeper
    • 3-Piece Veggie Peeler
    • Garlic Press

The post 5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year's Eve Party appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

from Kids Activities Blog http://bit.ly/2VkrjXU

5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year’s Eve Party

It’s just about time to say goodbye to 2018 and welcome in the new year!

How will you celebrate on New Year’s Eve?

Today on Family Food Live, we shared 5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year’s Eve Party. So whether you are hosting a party or planning a quiet evening in, these appetizers are perfect.

Join us for Family Food Live at 11 am CST/12 Noon EST every Wednesday and Friday!

Today I’ll be live on the Burnt Macaroni Facebook page.

But make sure you like both the Quirky Momma Facebook page and the Burnt Macaroni Facebook page now so you never miss an episode!

If you missed today’s Family Food Live, here’s a look:

Now onto today’s recipes!

5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year’s Eve Party

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Shopping List:

• Block of Cheddar Cheese, cut lengthwise
• 12 Jalapenos, halved lengthwise with seeds removed
• 12 strips Bacon

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• Cover baking sheet with aluminum foil
• Put cheese inside the jalapenos and wrap with bacon
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy

Goat Cheese Crostini with Snap Peas

Dazzle your guests or family with this delicious appetizer or meal. These Goat Cheese Crostini with Snap Peas are the perfect compliment to any buffet table.

Prosciutto Wrapped Pears

Shopping List:

• 2 Pears, sliced
• Prosciutto
• Garlic Herb or Blue Cheese
• Honey for drizzling

Instructions:

• Slice the pears and put in water with some lemon juice to prevent from browning
• Spread cheese over the top of pear slice and tightly wrap with prosciutto
• Drizzle with honey
• Serve

Spicy Nuts

Here’s another great option for your buffet table. These Spicy Nuts are easy and work with any cheese plate appetizer.

Cranberry Champagne Cocktail

Shopping List

• Champagne
• Cranberry Juice
• Limes
• Fresh Cranberries

Instructions:

• Pour about 8 oz. of cranberry juice in a champagne flute
• Squeeze some lime juice on top
• Top off with Champagne and garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a lime wedge

And don’t forget the Black Eyed Peas for good luck!

Happy New Year everyone!

Join Family Food Live with Holly & Chris every Wednesday and Friday at Noon CST on either the Quirky Momma Facebook page or the Burnt Macaroni Facebook page!

We are also so excited to share our first Family Food Live Apron with you.

Be the first to pick one up and start cooking with us! Just click buy now below!

Here are a few of our favorite products from Family Food Live (affiliate links)

• • • Fresh Baby Ice Cube Trays with lids
    • Cuisinart Food Processor
    • The I Heart Naptime Cookbook by Jamielyn Nye
    • Giant Popcorn bowl
    • Individual Popcorn bowls
    • VillaWare Uno Classic Waffle Maker
    • VillaWare Farmyard Waffle Maker
    • Taco Holder
    • Pyrex Baking Dishes
    • Hand Blender
    • Pizza Peel
    • Pizza Wheel (cutter)
    • Pizza Stone
    • Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Double Burner Reversible Grill/Griddle
    • Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless 5-1/2-Quart Saute Pan with Helper Handle and Cover
    • BPA free lunch containers
    • Egg Rite Egg Timer
    • Fit and Fresh container
    • One Touch Electric Bottle Opener
    • Half Pint Wide Mouth Mason Jars
    • Ninja Professional Blender
    • Zoku Quick Pop Maker
    • Williams-Sonoma Open Kitchen Half Apron in Red or Blue
    • Plano Half-Size Stowaway with Adjustable Dividers - for road trip snacks
    • Curious Chef 3-Piece Nylon Knife Set
    • Cuisinart 2 Quart Ice Cream Maker
    • Victorinox Fibrox Straight Edge Chef's Knife, 8-Inch
    • Lemon Squeezer
    • Mason Jars
    • Crockpot
    • Apple Corer
    • Popcorn Bowl
    • MaxiMatic double burner hot plate
    • Glass Egg carton
    • Black & Decker 4 slice toaster
    • Hamilton Beach Hand Mixer
    • Cuisinart 8-cup Food Processor
    • Meat Mallet
    • Ice Cream or Cookie Scooper
    • Norpro Butter Keeper
    • Norpro Butter Keeper
    • 3-Piece Veggie Peeler
    • Garlic Press

The post 5 Dazzling Appetizers for your New Year’s Eve Party appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.

from Kids Activities Blog http://bit.ly/2VkrjXU

Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Moms

Are you looking for some New Year’s resolutions for moms to help improve your life in the new year? Would you like to create a plan that will make this year your best year ever?

If so, we have you covered!

New Year’s Resolutions, if not carefully handled, can be just like a candle with a bad wick. The fire is lit for a short time and then fizzles out far too soon.

Can you relate?

I don’t know how many times I was excited to change my life, only to lack motivation in the long run. And that is why I am going to share with you some realistic New Year’s resolutions for moms.

Seriously, any mom can do these. And not only that, these will help make you a better mom, too. It’s a win-win for all!

Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Moms

Here are 5 doable New Year’s resolutions for moms!

1. Prioritize your sleep.

Yes, mom. Your sleep. Sleep is the best way to combat the mommy fatigue that so many of us are experiencing. We have the tendency to put everyone else’s needs around us first, but we have to be certain that we are allowing our body the sleep it needs.

After all, if we are not well rested we feel horrible, our immune systems eventually become compromised, and we are functioning like a zombie. This is not ideal for anyone, let alone us moms.

Somewhere along the way we’ve allowed society to tell us that we are superhuman (which is a lie) and that we don’t need sleep. We’ve allowed society and culture to tell us that we must always be producing for our families and looking beautiful at the same time.

Let me be clear: There is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself, rocking life, and valuing your appearance. However, if you are not sleeping, in the end it will be a losing battle.

Instead of trying to perform like a robot, take time out to prioritize your sleep. No matter your schedule or life, you can find the time. And please stop believing that if you are tired or need to rest that you are lazy. Actually you are smart. Prioritizing your sleep is doable for any mom if you do just that…prioritize it!

2. Spend time doing something you love.

Make it a priority this year to spend time once a week doing something you love. It doesn’t have to be hours and hours (although if it is, that is fine!), it just needs to happen. If you love to cook, then cook! If you love to crochet, then crochet. Whatever you love to do that is not a part of your current routine, love yourself enough to do it.

I understand that life brings a variety of seasons where we are not always able to do certain things. However, most of the time what we really need is a mindset shift. So sit down today and make a list of things you like to do and see how you can fit in at least one of those a week.

Secret Tip: If you want to do more than one, just involve the kids. I find that I get a lot of joy teaching the children about things I love, and love to learn more about mommy in the process! My children are much older now but I started doing this when they were toddlers. It was a great way to enjoy time together while also doing something I love.

3. Sneak in some exercise every day.

I know, I know. You don’t have time, right? Actually, mom, you do. We all do. It’s just how we use it.

I am not saying you have to go to the gym nor work out for hours (although if you can, that’s amazing). However, going on a walk or doing some stretches can go a long way to set you up for more energy and a positive start (or end) to your day. This is a simple way to begin a habit that can carry you into a longer, more enjoyable life.

Are your children and partner interested in exercising, too? Make it a family affair! One great way I’ve been able to make exercising a reality is by getting out with my husband and children. We love to go on walks, bike rides, and hikes. You can even do fun things like “sock mopping” which will teach the children work ethic all while burning some calories!

Not much money to spend on fitness? That’s okay. There are many frugal ways you can get out and get moving; here are thirteen ideas.

Bottom line, you can reorder your day to make the time to fit in some fitness. And you will be glad you did!

4. Pick something new to learn.

Oftentimes as moms our interests are pushed to the back burner. And while raising children and working are all very important things that take up our time; our own interests are important, too. You can set a goal to take an online course or go to a local continuing education course. If you have more margin you could even enroll into a college or university.

And the great thing is that there are lots of places that give scholarships to moms who are going back to school. One great site to check is Scholarships for Moms. This site gives away $10,000 scholarships to moms to use for college. And the best part? There are no stipulations!

Regardless of what you choose, learning something new that you are interested in will help you have a more fulfilling life. And by having a renewed spark for life, your family will benefit too. Sounds like a great move for you, mom!

5. Volunteer more this year.

Volunteering is an easy way to break into new communities and serve the needs of others. Setting a goal to volunteer more is a great way to energize your outlook on life. There is no greater feeling than when we are able to give of ourselves to help others. And as a mom you are already doing this every day.

Even if you have children at home, volunteering is a great way to teach them that there is more to the world than themselves. Children (and all humans…really) are selfish by nature and the sooner we can teach them the beauty of serving others, the better.

I have very fond memories serving in street ministry and feeding the homeless with my great grandma, grandma, mom, and now my own family. Figure out the right way for your family to serve and not only will you feel great, which you deserve mom, your family will be learning the importance of serving others.

New Year’s resolutions for moms are a great way to get the year off to a wonderful start. Regardless what you choose to focus on, just make sure you pick something. You can always start a local New Year’s Resolutions for Moms group where you can all hold each other accountable to your dreams. Something magical happens when we let others into our world and ask them to help us (as we help them) reach our goals!

Are you married? If so, this Goal Setting for Couples Course is a great gift to you and your spouse when it comes to setting New Year’s Resolutions as married couple!

Be sure to join us over on our Facebook page for more ideas and lots of great conversation!

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