What I Love About Being A Mom

There are lots of times throughout my week when I stop at any given moment and think to myself  "See, this is what I love about being a mom". I've always been a playful adult before having kids and love that I have the opportunity now to play again. I love for instance when my son says "Mom, can we play Candyland?" I really enjoy sitting down with him and getting lost in the moment, one that I built memories on as a kid. Hide and seek is another favorite, we dance to old 90's music that I have saved...you know the ones I'm talking about...gonna make you sweat, Tone Loc, Marky Mark. We roll together down the hill at the park, we make a mess baking cookies, play pirates. Any excuse to help them use their imaginations is a great moment for me. I've noticed over the years parents that don't play much with their kids because they are "too busy". In the beginning I had to literally train myself to be mindful that life is short, they grow up so fast, and there will come a day when they won't need me as much. So, that said....I let the dishes go sometimes, and try not to be on my laptop until nap time or evenings, the laundry sometimes gets left until the weekend. But I'm enjoying life and loving every minute of it. So, let yourself become a child again sometimes because I assure you it's worth every minute. Because sometimes as an adult we lose the ability to connect with our inner child.

Mommy Time Is A Must

I am the ambassador of mommy time, luckily I have a very supportive husband. For me, getting together with girlfriends at least a couple times a month is a must. Sometimes I'll even excuse myself for a few hours and head to Barnes and Noble to have some R and R. I do, however know that many moms do not do this nor find it important. So I wanted to give you some mommy time ideas and encouragement. But First...

What mommy time is NOT:
going to the bathroom
taking a shower
sleeping at night

Those are things that need to be done although, I love shower time for that very reason. I feel that moms carry so much of the burden of parenting that the whole "giver" is taken to the extreme. I realize that depending on how many children you have,  and work, and husband all come into play but....try not to lose yourself in the mix. Who were you before you became a wife and a mother because life shouldn't stop once you are. To those of you that do this on a regular basis, I commend you, and for those of you that don't... here are some fun ideas.

Ladies game night
Alternate hosting houses and have each friend bring something, a snack, wine, whatever. My friends and I love catchphrase, taboo and pictionary. A little silly? Yes. But that is the whole point...letting yourself laugh and let go.

Ladies night out

Once a month try to get your girls together and go out to dinner somewhere that you can't go with your kids. this gives you an excuse to do your hair and get a little sexy. (oh yes, you still are)

Craft Night

For those that are crafty..not in the Beastie Boys way.
Same as game night but everyone brings something to work on while you visit and drink wine. Like, scrap booking, knitting, making jewelry, anything that you would love to do...if you only had the time to do it.

So there you go, a couple things that are much needed and necessary for emotional balance and, let face it, sanity.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Here is a list of some great finds to help you celebrate a mother's day this year that is a little extra special and affordable.

Italian Herb Garden

A delicious gift for the gardener or chef, a fun window gardening kit the features basil, oregano and chives.  Includes three ceramic containers with classic herb illustrations, a matching tray, premium seeds,  and soil and instructions. Exclusively at Red Envelope $34.95

Pocket Size Digital Photo Viewer

This sleek little pocket sized picture album holds up to 180 photos and can fit right in your pocket. Perfect to keep your loved ones close all the time. Offered by Brookstone $39.95

Simply Charming Keepsake Necklace

Create a personalized keepsake necklace available in gold vermeil or sterling silver with lots of fun charms to choose from it's sure to make your mom feel special. Offered by The Kiwi Lounge Starting at $40

The "A Day Off" Gift Basket

What better than a gift to relax and pamper our moms. This spa gift basket has it all, with a complete assortment of vanilla coconut scented spa products including,  body lotion, shower gel, bath butter, bar soap, microfiber slippers, peppermint foot soak, bath pillow, body scrub and a natural sponge. This indulgent gift will help them relax and enjoy. Available at Wine Country Gift Baskets $49.95

And the 5th best gift is to give something from your heart:

A letter of appreciation

An album of you and your mom from your childhood to now

Anything home made

Hope this has given you some ideas to start with on your way to finding the perfect gift for mom this Mother's Day.

Niki Biki Tank Tops

I don't know about you guys but I have been a loyal tank top buyer for years and feel it's a small necessity in my life. I love them as a base layer or by themselves.  But, I have never had the joy of finding the perfect one until now. You see, most all tanks become deformed after too many washes, or fade, or aren't long enough because let's face it,  the days of showing off my mid section are over..I want it covered and covered well.  So here's my find of the week:

NIKI BIKI TANK TOPS   www.thekiwilounge.com

These are made of a sheer seamless material that is super soft and holds it's form, I was even wearing mine when I was pregnant. They are available in every color you can think of and are stretchable to wear long too. Love these I bet you will too. Only $15 each

Get them at The Kiwi Lounge

Green Olive Baked Chicken

This is one for the books I have made this recipe for years and after making it again last night I just had to put it up here today for you guys to try out.

You'll need:

4 Chicken Breasts

4 TBLS Olive Oil

1 yellow pepper cut into chunks

1 orange pepper cut into chunks

1 package of mushrooms

4-6 TBLS heavy cream

1 can of diced tomatoes

1 cup green olives sliced

1 yellow onion chopped

2 garlic cloves crushed

2/3 cup of dry white wine

pasta

Ok, I'm going to make this simple:

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  Preheat oven to 375

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  In a saute pan add the olive oil, once heated add chicken to the pan and brown on both sides. Take out and set aside
  

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  Add the onion and garlic, saute until translucent.

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  Add peppers and mushrooms to the pan and saute for 3-4 min.

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  Add the tomatoes and season to taste with Salt and Pepper

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  Transfer the veggies into a casserole dish and arrange chicken on top

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  Add wine to pan and heat to a boil remove from heat and add the cream and olives

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  mix together and pour over the chicken, cover and bake for 30-40min.

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  Boil pasta

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  Serve over your favorite pasta

I love to have a dirty martini while a make this dish :-)