From the category archives:

Mommy

Some activities are just for you because mama you should be having fun with and WITHOUT your baby.

How to behave: a Mom’s Group toolbox

January 25, 2011

Years ago, I went to my first mom’s group meeting, lugging my 5-week old in his bucket carseat. My c-section scar was still hurting when I lifted the seat and my breasts were so large from nursing that I felt unlike myself. Normally petite, abeit with C-cups passed down through many generations of voluptuous Russian [...]

Activity #204: Give the gift of “experience”

December 8, 2010

Three easy steps to a super cheap (FREE + GREEN) thoughtful gift: THINK about your friend. Really think about them. What does she need? More time away from the kids? Time to run a great trail? An excuse to try the newest brunch place? Write out some fun ideas. Use your markers or different fonts [...]

Some activities are just for you because mama you should be having fun with and WITHOUT your baby.

Activity #154: Make something for yourself

November 23, 2010

Mena Trott inspired me. I have been following her crafty ventures online for years and a couple of weeks ago we sat down to chat. Mena has been sewing a wardrobe for herself for about a year. She made the dress she is wearing in the picture above. Her goal is to have a fully [...]

5 strategies to put HAPPY in your holidays

November 17, 2010

Generally speaking, my extended family on my husband’s side (AKA in-laws) are a wonderful bunch of people that we don’t see nearly enough. Because we live clear across the country, we’ve grown accustomed to our own way of doing things so getting together involves friction. Every time. Yes, I’m a big ‘ol control freak. And [...]

Some activities are just for you because mama you should be having fun with and WITHOUT your baby.

Activity #120: Find a mentor mom

November 11, 2010

My friend Samantha (mom of twins!) said to me, “the most experienced mom is the one who is six to eight months ahead of you in parenthood; any bigger gap than that and they’ve forgotten what you’re going through.” As a new mom of a little wobbly baby, I woulda thought 2 to 3 weeks [...]

Activity #31: Cut up your bra

November 10, 2010

Tip for brand-new breastfeeders: It may sound weird, but I did it and so did my friend Maureen. Take an old tank top or soft cup bra and cut holes where your nipples go. Seriously. Wear this whenever your nipples need to be untouched. Preferably not when your father in law is around.

Some activities are just for you because mama you should be having fun with and WITHOUT your baby.

6 date night ideas that don’t require a babysitter

November 3, 2010

With the economy totally sucking, we’ve modified our babysitter retainer model slightly and are trying to have a few more date nights at home. If you thought it was totally unrealistic when I told you to put your kids to bed before 7pm and have a date-night, I feel you. Here are six slightly more [...]

Nicole’s Fearless Friday

October 8, 2010

Hooray! We’re happy to share our second Fearless Friday post. This one is from reader Nicole Wiltrout, stay-at-home mom and blogger living in Columbus, Indiana. Nicole blogs about adventures at home and away with her husband and 17-month-old son at arrowssentforth.blogspot.com and tweets at @arrowssentforth. There were many moments in my first year as a [...]

Some activities are just for you because mama you should be having fun with and WITHOUT your baby.

Host a House Party

August 17, 2010

It’s no secret that I think that new moms should let the party come to them as often as possible. When I was in my rookie year, I hosted potlucks, game nights, TV screenings, and Wii karaoke events as often as I could. Invite a few friends, get them to bring the food, put my [...]

Date night idea: thrifted board games

August 12, 2010

Alana from Nala’s Magic shared a terrific tip for keeping an at-home date night creative for less than five bucks. Head over to the thrift store and buy a few new board games. Play with your partner after your baby goes to bed. Done and done. She added a favorite family recipe of Fettuccine Alfredo [...]

Some activities are just for you because mama you should be having fun with and WITHOUT your baby.

Put your own oxygen mask on first

July 26, 2010

Hopefully, this is only a metaphor for survival, but also a friendly reminder… you’re not doing your baby any favors by overlooking your own needs. Seize the opportunities to drink water, eat food, lubricate contact lenses, and pee when you need to. In the middle of the night, when Holden cries for food or comfort, [...]

Hang out more with your child-free pals

July 14, 2010

I was reading an article on SF Gate yesterday called Ten tips for becoming a happier parent because I’ve been a bit grumpy since reading the New York Magazine article All Joy and No Fun. (Why parents hate parenting). The original New York article catalogs the joys (intense) and the sorrows (frequent) of parenthood. Upon [...]

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