My Live G+ Vidcast with @SELFMagazine #13for13 A better You!
I am a MOM of Boy Scouts – and I have something to say.
As a child I spent a lot of time hanging out with my grandpa Lloyd who was flamboyantly gay. Although, he most likely would never have wanted to be a Boy Scout or Eagle Scout, I’m sure his more masculine and outdoorsy colleagues would have liked to. My sister’s mother is openly gay and has been all our lives. Does that mean she should lose her right to be a Girl Scout den leader? I mean, if she’s attracted for females, might she pose a risk to the girls? This notion I sarcastically speak of is crazy, biased and archaic. My son’s troop is led by a heterosexual woman so should we be fearful that since she likes males, she may be attracted to the boys in the troop? Seriously, if all you in favor of banning gays from this organization can dish out a conversation that MAKES NO SENSE, clearly you can answer my logical questions above. In my heart I do hope that the BSA make the change and embrace every man and boy who desires to be part of what they teach – preparedness, kindness, generosity, compassion, community, and reverence.
Post is dedicated to grandpa Lloyd, the most outstanding citizen, caring loving man I’ve ever known. We are fighting the fight I know you would be proud of. xxoo
How Do You Reclaim Balance, Motivation and Your True Self After Momhood?
Make a concerted effort to engage in “Mommy Cherishing” activities — How many times this month did you do something just for yourself? Did you take a nice long bubble bath, read a great book, or get your toe-nails painted fire engine red? Moms are happier and more mentally balanced when they can plan activities that fuel their passion for life.
Stop Competing With Other Women — A perfect mom is hard for anyone to bond with. We feel we can never live up to that type of mother so we shy away with intimidation from the so called, ‘perfect mom.’ However, a mother who is confident and a tad self-deprecating is alluring. She shows us her strengths as well as her weaknesses, which allows others to bond with her in a non-competitive way. The more women continue the cycle of female or mommy competition the less chances we have to build a universal female support system.
Ask for help when ever possible — It’s not easy asking for help. You may think just because you wanted to be a parent you have to rise to the occasion all the time. That doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help. Many people are willing to help. The key is to actually ask.
Simplify your life by doing less — Doing nothing, or being alone is really doing something. Never underestimate the power of mommy-decompression time. Just like sleeping serves as a restoration for the human body, doing nothing can do the same for moms. It’s okay to have nothing on your plate. The most common advice I give mommies is to cut out what is not necessary. Simplify, simplify, simplify. Less is more.
When you run an errand, tack on an extra half hour to do something fun – It’s okay to do Mommy-Cherishing activities when you have time off — So many errands are done out of necessity and tend to use up all the time we have off. I know moms don’t have time to grab a vanilla iced blended or flip through the pages of a cool magazine at the bookstore, but why not? We rightfully deserve it. It’s okay to add some fun to your day before you run your errands! The next time you have time off, tack on an extra forty-five minutes to do mommy-cherishing activities.
Complaining without action gets you nowhere. It’s your choice to either restore or accept your post-baby body — Women gain weight as they age; however it’s a mommy’s responsibility to maintain optimal health and good self-esteem. You can sit silently and envy the fit mommies or get moving and get some cardio and Pilates action going! You can take the path of least physical resistance and accept that life changes many things, which includes your figure.
Learn to take “Mommy Time Outs” when you’re angry or cranky — I’m better off yelling, “Mommy Needs A Time Out!” then taking it out on the family. However, that’s what happens to moms who don’t take a break. I don’t mean take a break and sit down for minute. I’m talking about taking several hours off of mommyhood or work to do something that brings back your vitality.
Quiet yourself at least once a day
Taking time for your self is essential for good mothering. No one really ever plans on being a martyr-mom. We all know that in the end that this type of mom will eventually burn out and her children may witness her unravel. Taking time off from chores, work and family can be very mommy enhancing.
A happy woman makes a happy mom.
The Go-To Mom Becomes Google + First Parenting Community
JOIN MY GOOGLE GO-TO PARENTS COMMUNITY HERE!
I’m so pleased to announce my partnership with Google + and starting the very first Google + Community for parents. This community is for you to share tips and tools to live a harmonious and adventurous life with kids. I look forward to seeing your savvy and humorous advice on all things family! So get on your ‘social media’ hat and share away! Tell us about your favorite products, places or meals that you think the whole world should know about! Upload pictures, share posts and most importantly, invite us to hang out via video! Google+ loves video, they are the biggest search engine after all! We can’t wait to SEE and HEAR you!
It’s an honor to host this evolving Google + Parent Community! Becoming the Go-To Mom and launching my parenting video show platform has been the ideal culmination, combining my years of professional experience as a licensed therapist and as a mom of two boys. Having worked with thousands of children and their parents over the years, I’ve seen the amazing power of having a community to depend on to strengthen our role as a parent. Just like other parents, I struggle to find the best remedies for the issues that challenge me in raising my kids or how to prioritize my career – When times get tough I admit it’s hard to find a lending ear! That’s why I’ve created this community. I’ve met amazing people Online over the years, shared stories, tears and triumphs. I welcome you to hang out with us, where you’ll meet some of the most awesome Go-To Parents. I promise! Happy Holidays and enjoy the goofy video from some out-takes on my parenting web show.
Best Kept Secret in Canada! @BigWhite Resort Offers Champagne Powder & Amazing Family Skiing! via @TheGoToMom
It truly is the best reason to ski there… Or to take your family “It’s the snow!” I had the pleasure of traveling to B.C. to meet up with a fine group of mom bloggers Kim Marie of LuxuryTravelMom, Andrea Fellman of SavvySassyMoms and Claudia Laroye of TheTravellingMom – Big White Resort’s bountiful, dry powder is legendary and was awarded “Best Powder” by Ski Canada Magazine in 2008! As a family resort, they put a high premium on your safety and want to keep you happy while you enjoy the slopes. You will see the daily “Slow Zones” that make it easy for beginners and people that want to take it slow and also have Safety Tips for using the resort and helping you to watch out for any little hazards Mother Nature may put in your path. Having skied there, I can honestly say it is clearly the best Champagne Powder I’ve ever experienced. Wowza… It was so cool to get our very own knowledgeable Snow Hosts for a free mountain tour to unlock the secrets of Big White – they were so patient with us, you know how unruly mom bloggers can be! They put up with us stopping frequently to take pictures or to Tweet. With 18 on-mountain restaurants, cafes, delis, pubs and nightclubs, there is no shortage of places to relax or replenish your energy level when it’s time for a break. The #MomsOnSnow enjoyed luxurious lunch, drinks and delicious dinner at Kettle Valley Steak House, Carvers and after dinner ‘on-fire” coffee at The Gunbarrel Grill. To thoroughly enjoy the BC Okanagan Valley’s offerings, be sure to savour some famous local wines. Or you stay in and snuggle up with your family… Be sure and order your groceries and they’ll have them delivered to your chalet before you arrive.
Kids’ Centre at Big White Ski Resort
When all you want to do is get up on the mountain, you don’t want to be worrying about your kids. So why not drop them at a place where they will have the time of their lives, and you can ski or board all day long worry free! Ski Canada rates our centre as the “Best Resort Feature for Kids in Canada” and the UK’s London Daily Mail rated it one of the top five in the world! Big White is the ultimate kids’ playground, a fun and safe environment featuring wide open runs, perfect for learning new skills that can get your children up and around the resort.
The Go-To Mom Production lift tickets, meals, airfare and accommodations were provided by Big White Resort for the production of this episode. Kimberley Blaine will only promote, endorse and support companies she believes to have the highest standards in products and/or services that contribute to the well-being of families with young children.
Does Your Smile Reflect the Real You? My Invisalign Campaign and Personal Experience
We all want a confident smile and healthy teeth…. For ourselves and our children. I got Invisalign because my bottom teeth were over-crowded and were chipping and I wanted a nice smile. I was thrilled when Invisalign offered to cover my treatment to help correct my teeth. This video is sponsored in part by Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. It’s very true that busy parents are always on the lookout for the best products and solutions for their kids. When it comes to a decision as important as straightening your child’s teeth, it’s good to know you now have options –Metal braces are gradually being replaced by more advanced, subtle options that are an ideal fit for active, social lifestyles. I do a lot public speaking and when I’m on camera people can’t always tell if I’m wearing Invisalign! I will for sure have my boys wear Invisalign if they need teeth correction. No doubt.
The Go-To Mom Productions was compensated for the production of this episode. Kimberley Blaine will only promote, endorse and support companies she believes to have the highest standards in products and/or services that contribute to the well-being of families with young children.
Family Fun Traveling Places: Where Do You Like to Play?
I’ve skied many mountains in my life time and have come to adopt Deer Valley as my snowy home away from home. I don’t get to visit as much as I’d like but the terrain, atmosphere and hospitality is outstanding. During our stay we also got to interview Krista Parry, the founder of SnowMamas.com – a resource website for snow bound skiing moms and their kids.
Our first night we stayed at the beautiful and rustic Hotel Park City – a Ski haven for families who like to stay in beautifully appointed cottages. Our cottage had a Jacuzzi on our private deck, full living room with fireplace, master bedroom and great closets. Right outside our window was lake surrounded by puffy white snow. The ducks seemed to not mind swimming in the freezing water!
On our 2nd night we stayed at the new Montage Deer Valley. Wow. Just amazing! To see more of the Montage Deer Valley Resort, watch this show: “What Legacy Do You Want to Leave?”
As much as I’d like to say the skiing was my highlight of the trip, I have to be honest. The highlight (as I disclose my weakness) of the trip was what I coined, “the orgasmic donut” from The High West Distillery in Park City. As I walked into this garage looking establishment I immediately could smell whiskey in the air. I ordered their signature apple cider drink and wondered what the meal would taste like. One word, ‘phenomenal.’ I was surprised at how delicious all the food was. But yes, the crowning moment was dessert. On a small white plate was two Krispy Kreme donuts (Ithink they were double fried, seriously) innocently sitting there with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top with some carmel or cinnamon glaze dripping down the sides. After my first bite, I do believe I successfully replicated that hilarious scene from “When Harry Met Sally.” We were all cracking up. Who would of thought?
On the third night I had to pleasure of dinning out at “Seafood Buffet” with my sister. I must have eaten buckets of crab legs, mounds of chilled shrimp and buttery delicious scallops. I had no idea just how much seafood one could get in the mountains of Utah. But there it was calling my name. This was exactly what my body needed after a hard day of skiing and jumping moguls (tee hee). And of course all accompanied by a smooth glass of Fox Glove chardonnay.
It was my delight and pleasure to bring my little sister with me to shoot my shows because last year she was recovering from breast cancer. Our segment is called, “Mommy Hot Spots: Where Do You Like to Play?”
We’ve been skiing together ever since we were teens and this trip was so special because she was healthy enough toget on mountain and take an amazing ski lesson with me. Elyse was a our ski instructor from Deer Valley Resort. We learned a lot, despite the fact that Elyse told me to ski around the moguls not to jump them. I was trying to show off for my sissy, but ended up humbled and a much more smooth skier! Thanks Elyse!
How to Make Play Dough – Easy Recipe
Yes, you can make Play Dough with ease! No need to buy anymore, plus this recipe makes enough for four kids to have a blast! At the end of video I give a play dough recipe. You can make it natural or add some color to jazz it up! My kids love this. It’s soft and so easy to work with. It makes a great gift too! Come join me on YOUTUBE where you can see all my show! Subscribe here!
It’s time to TWEET The Talk! Our day at CBS w/the women of The Talk
My side-kick, Beth B. from Techmamas.com and I spent the afternoon at CBS as guest audience members of the hit day time talk show The Talk. However, we were a part of the official ‘mom blogger’ guests who got the red carpet treatment and front row seats. I have to say that Beth and I have visited many talk shows and TV productions and must admit this by far was the most professional set up we’ve experienced! From the stage managers to the warm up guy, to the producers, hosts and content of the show – it was a kick-in the pants! After the live show we had the pleasure of having lunch with all The Talk hosts. They were relaxed and candid about everything they discussed with us. I was so impressed that even the executive producer hung out with us (so cool!). Watch the video to get a glimpse of our experience. Next time, I’ll be back with an interview from these great ladies! Oh, and don’t forget to #TweetTheTalk!
