motherhood Archives - Page 12 of 33

How I Do it “All”

Filed Under: motherhood, preschool, working mom // November 5, 2019

Here’s the thing about doing it “all”: I can’t.

I’ve realized it’s impossible. So when you ask me how I do it, it’s really because I’m getting help behind-the-scenes and my house isn’t the tidiest all the time.

Recently, my older son brought up wanting friends. I also realized I could not devote the time that is needed to teach him. With a younger child, a full-time career, my Moments of Musing business, and house work, I am stretched pretty thin.

So, today I enrolled my older son in preschool and he begins in a couple days!

It’s hard letting go of my baby and of the idea I had in my head for homeschooling him for pre school. At the same time, he is excited, and I am excited for him, to get 1-on-1 time with my younger son and to maybe have some downtime to get work done.

This has all been a lesson to me that it’s okay to change and realign plans, and that you simply can’t do it “all” … no matter how great of a mom, wife & employee, etc. you are.

A Stressful Season

Filed Under: Bigelow Tea, motherhood, stress relief, wellness // November 4, 2019

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TeaProudly #FallForBenefitsTea #CollectiveBias

Lately, things have been stressful at home. My husband and I are both stretched pretty thin. My husband has an exhausting work schedule, is enrolled in an MBA program, injured his back and is working on a project. I have a full-time work-from-home career, my blog business, and also take care of our house and the boys full-time.

Needless to say, we have been stressed.

As you can imagine, that has made for a pretty tension-filled marriage these last few weeks. It felt like we were not seeing eye-to-eye, and arguing or working against one another more than working together and being on the same page. Something had to give. I know marriage is not easy, is a lot of work, and that there will be bumps. I knew it would be okay but I really dislike conflict. I also know a hectic lifestyle can affect one’s health, focus and sleep… and it was showing. We were both tired, cranky and could use a vacation. Luckily, we have one coming up!

As relaxing and amazing as vacation will be, it is a temporary fix, though. So, I have also been trying something new in my routine to help alleviate said stress: drinking Bigelow Benefits tea. If you are like me, then you are more of a coffee drinker. Coffee gives me energy but it doesn’t calm me or do anything else.

I figured tea would be more helpful. I was right. The variety I bought is

Rose & Mint Herbal Tea (Stress Free)
Moringa and Black Tea (Focus)
Chamomile Lavender Herbal Tea (Sleep)

Click the shoppable image above to get your tea!

The Rose & Mint Herbal Tea contains skullcap, tulsi leaves and passionflower to aid in relaxation and anxiety relief. The Moringa and Black Tea contains moringa, ashwagandha root and turmeric to aid in stress, anxiety, help protect brain health and keep your body on track. The Chamomile Lavender Herbal Tea contains chamomile, lavender, and poppy flowers to soothe, calm and support restfulness so you can sleep well.

So far, I’ve drank the Rose & Mint and have found that it does calm me. My husband said he felt relaxed after drinking the Chamomile Lavender. In addition the the benefits, they are also delicious. That is why Bigelow Benefit Tea is our tea of choice. It is perfect for everyday. The Bigelow benefit tea varieties available for purchase on the Bigelow website and at Kroger, Stop & Shop, Giant, Shoprite, or Market Basket (Demoulas).

stress, working mom, mom life, mom stress, working stress, tea stress relief, teas, Bigelow teas, latina mom blog, nyc mom blog, long island mom blog, new york mom blog, new york city mom blog

Quick & Easy Family-Friendly Dinners & Sides, Part 1

Filed Under: healthy meal, healthy recipes, motherhood, tara allen health // October 30, 2019

When I recently met Tara of Tara Allen Health at a local open house for a motherhood programming center, we instantly clicked. She has been kind enough to share a bunch of healthy family-friendly dinners and sides that are quick and easy to make. These are perfect for everyone. They take at most four steps and 30 minutes to prepare! So you can make these even if you are short on time (they take 30-minutes at most!) or do not consider yourself a master in the kitchen.

Tara is a women’s health RN and certified: health coach, personal trainer, and nutrition specialist. She is also the lady behind SnugBug Fitness – the original babywearing and pregnancy exercise classes.

Be sure to tag her on Facebook and Instagram if you make any of her recipes!

This is part 1 of a mini series. Bon appetit!

Turmeric Chicken Nuggets

6 ingredients · 30 minutes · 5 servings

Ingredients

1 cup Oats (rolled)
2 tbsps Turmeric
1/4 tsp Sea Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1 lb Chicken Breast (boneless, cubed)
2 tbsps Avocado Oil (divided)

Directions

In a food processor blend the rolled oats, turmeric powder, sea salt and black pepper until a flour-like consistency forms.
In a separate bowl, toss the cubed chicken breast in half of the avocado oil until evenly distributed. Pour the oat mixture over the chicken and toss until the chicken is coated.
Warm a skillet over medium heat and add the remaining oil. Add the breaded chicken to the pan and cook for 10 minutes per side. For the final 2 minutes, add a lid and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve the chicken nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Maple Turkey Burgers

burgers, turkey burgers, family meals, healthy meals, family friendly, mom blogger, mom life, llfe with kids, nyc blog, food blog, long island blog

6 ingredients · 30 minutes · 4 servings

Ingredients

1 lb Extra Lean Ground Turkey
2 tbsps Maple Syrup
1 tsp Dried Thyme
2 tsps Ground Sage
1 tsp Sea Salt
2 tbsps Coconut Oil

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, maple syrup, thyme, sage and salt.
Divide and form the mixture into half-inch thick patties. Place on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the freezer for approximately 15 minutes.
Heat the coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry each burger patty until cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes per side.
Set aside to cool slightly. Enjoy!

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

pasta, sundried tomatoes, creamy sundried tomato sauce, family meals, healthy meals, family friendly, mom blogger, mom life, llfe with kids, nyc blog, food blog, long island blog

12 ingredients · 20 minutes · 4 servings

Ingredients

1 tbsp Avocado Oil
2 Garlic (clove, minced)
1 tbsp Arrowroot Powder
1 1/2 cups Unsweetened Almond Milk
1/2 cup Sun Dried Tomatoes (drained)
1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1 tbsp Lemon Juice
8 ozs Chickpea Pasta
1 cup Asparagus (trimmed, cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/4 cup Parsley (chopped)
1/2 tsp Chili Flakes (optional)

Directions

Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium-low heat and add garlic. Cook for 1 minute. Add the arrowroot powder and cook for another minute. Then add the almond milk and stir to combine. Stir until the milk has thickened.
Pour the almond milk mixture into a blender along with the sun dried tomatoes, nutritional yeast, sea salt and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more water to thin if needed. Set aside.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and add the pasta back to the pot.
In a pan over medium heat, add the asparagus and sauté until cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked through, add the asparagus in with the pasta. Mix in the sun dried tomato sauce. Divide onto plates and top with parsley and chili flakes, if using. Serve and enjoy!

Creamy Sweet Potato Noodle Bowl

nuggets, chicken nuggets, pasta, family meals, healthy meals, family friendly, mom blogger, mom life, llfe with kids, nyc blog, food blog, long island blog

7 ingredients · 25 minutes · 2 servings

Ingredients

4 slices Organic Bacon (roughly chopped)
2 tbsps Shallot (finely chopped)
2 Garlic (cloves, minced)
1 cup Organic Coconut Milk (canned, full fat)
1 Sweet Potato (large, spiralized into noodles)
2 cups Baby Spinach
Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)

Directions

In a large pan, fry the chopped bacon over medium heat until cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Keep the bacon drippings in the pan.
In the same pan add the shallot. Cook over medium-low heat until cooked, about 4 to 5minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Next, add the coconut milk and stir, letting it simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the sweet potato noodles, cover and cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the spinach and stir until just wilted. Remove the pan from the heat and add the diced bacon back in. Toss everything together, plate and enjoy!

Turkey Taco Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

nuggets, chicken nuggets, family meals, healthy meals, family friendly, mom blogger, mom life, llfe with kids, nyc blog, food blog, long island blog, cauliflower rice, taco skillet, turkey taco

13 ingredients · 30 minutes · 4 servings

Ingredients

1 tsp Avocado Oil
1 lb Extra Lean Ground Turkey
1/2 Yellow Onion (chopped)
1 Red Bell Pepper (diced)
1 Yellow Bell Pepper (diced)
1 tbsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Cumin
1/4 tsp Sea Salt
1 3/4 cups Diced Tomatoes (from the can)
5 cups Cauliflower Rice
1 Avocado (sliced, optional)
1/4 cup Cilantro (chopped, optional)

Directions

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the avocado oil. Add the ground turkey, onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and sea salt. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until cooked through. Add the tomatoes, stir well and remove from heat.
Divide the cauliflower rice into bowls then top with the turkey, avocado and cilantro. Enjoy!

5 Lessons Motherhood Has Taught Me

Filed Under: motherhood // October 28, 2019

motherhood, mom life, motherhood lesson, latina mom, latina blogger, mom blogger

I am no children’s expert but in my few short years of parenting two kids, I have realized a few things:

1. Kids are constantly learning.

Our babies are born into the world reliant upon us. They are each, however, their own person. As they develop, their personalities develop. Their emotions are big even when they are small, though, so tantrums are a normal occurrence. However frustrating they might be, it is up to us to be their calm during the chaotic moments. It is our role to help them through their big emotions and as such, help them self-regulate. They are still learning how to deal with their emotions, how to verbalize what they want, how to be independent and test their safety boundaries. It can be overwhelming but knowing it is all normal and a part of their learning process can help you help them and eventually feel less stressed.

2. So are you.

Even though we are adults, parenting each child is a different experience. We learn how best to parent our children alongside them as they learn how to be in the world. I never knew much of anything about being a mom or parents before having kids. I mean I thought I did… and then I became a parent and realized I knew nothing. No two days are the same and plans always have to be readjusted. I’ve realized it’s a learn-as-you-go experience, which is complicated so give yourself grace along the way.

3. Patience is a virtue.

Patience is an every day, no every minute, practice when you are a parent. There are times of overwhelm, exhaustion, stress, or just business when patience is the last thing on your mind. You want to yell, maybe you do, you to cry, maybe you do, and that’s okay. We make mistakes. But recognizing that patience can help carry us through those fleeting stressful, busy or exhausting moments can keep stressful moments from becoming stressful memories – for everyone involved. So before you lose it, take a deep breath and remember that they’re kids who love you so much and are just being kids. And if you yell, be patient with yourself too. Parenting. is. hard.

4. There is no love like this.

My life forever changed the moment my babies were born and made me their mom. Immediately, my heart exploded, expanded and evolved. Simply put, the love compares to none other. I would give everything for them. And I have a feeling they love me beyond measure, too. I am told I am “the best mommy in the world” regardless of what we did, what we wore, or where we went that day. Nothing else seems to really matter except for the love and attention that I give to them.

5. Trying your best is the best you can do.

In all honesty, I have had thoughts that I’m not even a good mom or perhaps I wasn’t born with innate motherly abilities. Over time, I have realized those were lies created by my mom guilt. Maybe you can relate. We are growing up in an age with so much more research and resources, and therefore so much more pressure. To be good, to be healthy, to be fit, to be compassionate, to be … perfect, it seems. The thing is perfection is not attainable. We are human. So it’s okay if your kid eats chicken nuggets and fries sometimes, or if you raised your voice because you asked them to stop hitting each other multiple times already, or if you are busy and hand the, your cell phone for screen time. Worrying about each and every single thing we do “wrong” will not make us better moms. Chances are it will make us more guilt-ridden and therefore stressed out moms. Take it easy on yourself. You care about your kids, you love them and you are trying your best. Simply trying to be the best mom for them makes you that.

What has motherhood taught you?

Mama, Take a Break Before You Break

Filed Under: motherhood, self care // October 21, 2019

I think there’s a misconception out there that in order to be the best mom you can be, we have to give all of ourselves. Every ounce. Every part. But that simply isn’t true.

Time for ourselves is healthy.

Uninterrupted sleep is necessary.

Feeling touched out is normal.
Turning down social invites is okay.
Taking care of ourselves is crucial.

Just because we birthed our babies doesn’t suddenly mean we are no longer important. That we no longer have needs. News Flash: We are still people with needs, if not MORE needs than ever before.

We need to take care of ourselves. Not stretch ourselves too thin… to the point of possibly breaking.

Becoming a mother is a transformative period. There’s no doubt about that. But transformation doesn’t require sacrificing oneself. It means quite the opposite. It means honoring the person you were in order to become the person you are.

Transformation means staying true to who you are. It means constant learning. It means growth.

So mamas, as you continue on your journey of motherhood please remember to check in with yourself. To look out for your wellbeing. Because You matter.

Your family needs you.
Your kids need you.
You need you.

motherhood, mom life, self care, self care tips, mom self care, motherly