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TALKIN’ ABOUT OUR GENERATION A story published in the Washington Post in March revealed that almost half of today’s moms do not feel that they are spending enough time with their children. A recent study conducted by the University of Maryland, however, provides statistics to the contrary. The research follows thousands of Americans through detailed time diaries and finds that today’s mothers are in fact spending more time than ever with their children at 14.1 hours a week compared to 10.2 in 1965. The study sheds light on a shift in today’s generation of mothers who tend to feel more pressure and thus have higher expectations regarding motherhood than those of the June Cleaver era. Another interesting note is that housework decreased considerably, by more than 40% over the past 38 years, and moms doubled their hours multi-tasking and also skimmed off “free” time. These statistics will be of no surprise to most moms. More than ever, today’s moms are seeking solutions for more quality time with their families so that they can spend time on what really matters. It’s clear that this generation of mothers has left June Cleaver and Carol Brady in the dust. So this Mother’s Day, celebrate your own version of motherhood. Focus on all that you’re doing right, and while you’re at it, “pay it forward” – tell a mom-friend that she is a great mother. It’s the kind of compliment she won’t soon forget! Real Solutions for the Real Challenges of Today’s Moms LOOKING AND FEELING YOUR BEST As moms, we spend a lot of our days shuffling between work, school and sporting activities. And although time at a spa sounds inviting, by the time evening rolls around, the last thing we want to do is get back in the car. So why not treat yourself at home? The combination of a steamy shower and natural ingredients found in The Body Scrub will provide you the results of what women everywhere pay hundreds of dollars for, while the aromatherapy will help you drift away – if only in your mind. HER - $24 Like a cool summer night, the luscious lavender, orange and frankincense blend like a breeze. Light, relaxing and refreshing...let yourself drift away! CLEAR - $24 Sooth away that hard day while stimulating your mind and body with this terrific combination of clary sage, eucalyptus, and camphor. LAID BACK - $24 The sultry combination of cloves, clary sage, bergamot and sweet orange brings you the sweet mossy smell of the forest after a summer rain. Information: thebodyscrub.com MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS WITH PERSONALITY Here are a few creative and thoughtful gift ideas that will let a little bit of “you” shine right through: • Perfect for a new mom, Bologna Soup is a tasteful collection of one-of-a-kind and novelty tank tops, T’s and rompers, featuring heirloom textiles from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s – including a sweet matching set for mom and baby. bolognasoup.com • An artist in Nags Head, N.C. will take your child’s artwork and replicate it into handcrafted sterling silver or 14K gold jewelry – pendants, pins and earrings. kidoodle.com • Get your files of digital photos off the computer. The HP Photosmart Studio kiosk, available at several Long’s Drugstore locations throughout California, is an easy, quick and convenient way to create amazing photo gifts (hardbound albums, posters, etc.). Find ideas and inspiration at hp.com. TOP PRIORITY May is the month for mothers. Many of us will be purchasing gifts for the moms we know; however, it’s also a good time to focus on the one we know best – ourselves. Use May as a month to begin finding that five minutes a day for yourself that you’ve been searching for since, well…since you became a mom. The better you feel about yourself, the better mom you are to your children. It’s a rule most of us forget! Here are some tips for finding a few minutes a day to make YOU a priority. [1] Give yourself permission to sit down and eat. [2] Secure your private time: Close the door to the bathroom behind you when you go through it. [3] Keep your favorite old CD in your car and right before you arrive home for dinner, turn it up and sing along – even if it’s “Free Bird!” [4] Own at least one matching pair of underwear and bra – the more shocking the color the better. [5] Keep an oversized Cadbury bar at the top of the pantry where no one else will find it for those chocolate emergencies. [6] Create a ritual for yourself that you do every night after everyone else goes to bed. [7] Put the best picture ever taken of you on the refrigerator. [8] Keep a dream board above your computer and reference frequently. [9] Rub cream all over your body while you are still wet from a shower. [10] Wish yourself A Happy Mother’s Day on May 13. You deserve it. FAMILY VACATIONS Looking to hit the road or the friendly skies this summer for a fun family outing? Before finalizing your plans, be sure to check out WeJustGotBack.com where you’ll find a list of reviews and recommendations about family hot spots around the globe. This site is a great example of consumer-driven content at its best and is written for families by families who have been there with kids in tow. Health SMART SNACKING Keeping up with a busy family can lead many moms down a road filled with snacking blunders. The key to choosing the right snack is to plan ahead. Here are some suggestions for what to grab and when so you can be prepared: Busy morning Breakfast is the meal that moms tend to skip. Instead of skipping out completely, try these snacks to jump-start your metabolism: 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter with half banana on whole wheat bread. 1/2 cup of cottage cheese and fresh fruit. Fruit smoothie with soy or whey protein, plain yogurt and flaxseed oil. On-the-go lunch hour Though it’s tempting to eat something “convenient” while running your errands on your lunch hour, try packing one of these snacks for yourself: 1 low-fat cheese stick, with whole wheat crackers. 1 hard-boiled egg with 1 cup of spinach greens. 1 protein bar and fresh fruit. Hectic afternoon Drops in sugar levels are to blame for most afternoon slumps. Try these pick-me-up snacks. 1 cup of yogurt with nuts. 1 string cheese with 1/4 cup of dried mango or papaya. 8 ounces of vegetable juice. 1 cup of mixed fresh fruit. For more information on leading a healthy lifestyle, check out bluesuitmom.com/health Solution of the month As the school year is winding down, you may find yourself wading through a sea of artwork courtesy of your mini-Picassos. By now, it threatens to take over the fridge and is overflowing from drawers and even the once, well-organized portfolios. • Take digital pictures of all your child’s artwork and put it on a CD with the year, grade and your child’s name. • Have your child select the top five creations from the school year, frame and hang them somewhere in the house. • Laminate a few pieces and use as placemats at the dinner table – be sure to include your child’s name and school year. Need more smart mom solutions? Find it at smartmomsolutions.com or listen to Mom Talk Radio, momtalkradio.com. |
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