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40+ Mom Owned Businesses Gift Guide

40+ Mom Owned Businesses Gift Guide. Are you looking for the perfect Mothers Day Gift Guide? Well you found it! Mothers Day is approaching soon! I’m sure some of you have started shopping for those special women in your life. When shopping for your loved ones it’s a joyous occasion because you want to get them a gift they would love. As a mom of three I can’t wait to celebrate.

I wanted to put together a gift guide that highlighted small businesses owned by moms all over the world. Collaborating with 40+ Mom Owned businesses to make this gift guide possible is amazing. This will not only put a smile on your loved ones faces but also help out the moms that own these businesses. The internet makes everything so easy these days. The best feeling ever is to do your mothers day shopping without having to leave your bed. Prepare yourself to browse this gift guide and promise to purchase from at least ONE business in this gift guide.

The categories listed in the gift guide are: Women’s Apparel, Subscriptions, Food- Seasoning, Drink- Tea, Art, Jewelry & Accessories, Hair & Beauty & Body, Home & Self-Development.

Ready to shop away!! Click below to download your copy.

2020 Mothers Day Gift Guide

I hope that you love the Mothers Day gift options in the gift guide. The options are endless and I hope you find some amazing options to purchase for your loved ones.

P.S. In case you forgot click the link below to download your copy.

2020 Mothers Day Gift Guide

Two Tips On Helping Your Toddler Cope With Grief

Two tips on helping your toddler cope with grief. Thinking back to the day where everything seemed so unreal I can’t gather myself to relive the moment. I remember every single detail leading up to receiving the news but nothing had been confirmed prior.

It’s been one year since hearing the news that my two younger children’s father was deceased. Hearing those words were like cutting my arm with a knife. It seemed so unreal. The pain hit me because I knew that my children had gotten robbed of growing up knowing and loving their biological father.

The first few months were tough because my son asked for his father everyday. It was hard trying to figure out the words I should use when a three year old keeps asking for his father. It’s been one year but within this one year I’ve learned so much from this traumatic experience that I want to share two tips that are helping us through this process.

FIRST TIP ON HELPING YOUR TODDLER COPE WITH GRIEF

Keep the memories alive

Thinking back to the day of finding out such devastating news I couldn’t believe what my ears had just heard. It seemed surreal. In that moment I knew that this was my reality as a parent with two younger children that will have questions about their father as they grow up.

Being that my son and his father were very close and he was the older one I knew he would have moments were he ask about his father. Within the first few months he did it almost daily. As time grew on his requests decreased. Just recently he started back asking to see his father. I’ve learned through this process to just share the memories I have of videos and pictures to help calm him down and ease his mind.

I will admit at first I was scared to do such because I didn’t know how he would react but he surprised me. He has his moments and in those moments I take my phone out and share the memorie

SECOND TIP ON HELPING YOUR TODDLER COPE WITH GRIEF

Keep them connected to their family

I remember their grandma saying I would like to still have a relationship with my grandchildren. That melted my heart because not for one second did I plan on keeping them from their family. I feel like them being around their family they get to be around those that raised their father.

They get to be around their aunts, uncles and cousins when they go to their grandmother’s house. I grew up around my immediate family; aunts, uncles, cousins, etc so establishing those relationships are important and start at a very young age.

As long as my children have family that welcomes them with open arms as a parent I am happy to be there every step of the way.

Not in a million years did I imagine I would endure such a traumatic experience. I know that people die everyday but never did I imagine I would have to handle this with young children. It’s all still a process because it’s moments that I would love for their father to see them in the physical form but it’s not possible.

I’ve managed to stay strong and despite it all we are pushing through. For any mamas out there going through the same thing I would love to hear the ways you deal with grief for yourself or your little ones. I hope that you all enjoyed hearing my prospective on two tips helping my toddler cope with grief.

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3 Ways for Moms to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

3 ways for Moms to celebrate Valentine’s Day. There are thousands of things moms could do on a special occasion but I will discuss three specific things to do. Being a full time single parent makes it difficult to do things for yourself. Or should I say staying within a budget is hard when you have to take care of yourself, the kids and home. The last thing some moms think about is having to do or plan anything for Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is approaching and all I see are teddy bears, love cards and red hearts everywhere. In my opinion, there are two ways that people spend Valentine’s Day. The first way is they don’t celebrate it at all due to financial limitations or their beliefs on what this day is really about. The second way is they go all out.

Being a single parent it’s imperative to save money where I can. While thinking about things I would like for Valentine’s Day I thought it would be nice to share three ways for moms to celebrate Valentine’s day without breaking the bank.

1st Way for Moms to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

The first way for moms to celebrate their Valentine’s Day would be to enjoy a spa massage. Spa massages are amazing and usually inexpensive. The cost is about $50-75 depending on the type of massage and the time length of the massage. Depending on your local area you can either google the different spa massage businesses or you can frequent a place that you know about from past experience or your friends/families.

Two budget friendly sites are: Groupon and Livingsocial. If you are seriously considering a massage check here first for any promotions and/or discounts.

Most experiences at a spa massage parlor around this time are usually very special because it is the businesses duty to make the guest feel special and of course to gain them as a repeat customer.

2nd Way for Moms to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

The second way for moms to celebrate their Valentine’s Day would be to enjoy a mini makeover. This could include a few new outfits/shoes and a makeup session to add some new products to the collection. This is the perfect time to buy clothing items you have been wanting to get but have been putting off due to caring for your family.

A few stores to check out online or in-store are: New York & Company, H&M, ASOS and Target. Around this time of the season these stores are having sales so take advantage of some good deals!

As moms sometimes we have to give ourselves permission to buy ourselves things without feeling guilty. Valentine’s Day is a perfect day to do so.

3rd Way for Moms to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

The third way for moms to celebrate their Valentine’s Day would be to enjoy a nice dinner. This dinner can be somewhere cheap or really expensive. Securing a sitter is the first step to enjoying this dinner. This is a dinner you can enjoy by yourself, your spouse/partner or invite a few girlfriends to hang out with. Expect to pay about $20-100 and be sure to incorporate a variation in pricing based on your selection of restaurant.

A few restaurants that never go out of style and are located nationwide are: Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Maggiano’s and The Cheesecake Factory.

In Conclusion – 3 Ways for Moms to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a day that people all over the world celebrate love, exchange candy, flowers, gifts and spend time with their loved ones. All gifts don’t have to cost a lot of money. Sometimes it’s the gesture that counts. Most importantly for moms we just want to know that we matter. We sacrifice and do so much and a simple thank you goes a long way.

Now I want to be clear that it shouldn’t take a holiday for us moms to feel appreciated. We should be told often that our efforts don’t go unnoticed and that we do matter.

I hope you enjoyed reading the three ways for moms to celebrate Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank.

Feel free to leave any comments and tell me your plans for Valentine’s Day.

How to use fitness as a form of self-care

People are often amazed when I tell them I use fitness as a form of self-care. Being in the gym does something to my mental; it calms me down and helps me focus on the present.

I can remember around this time last year I wasn’t worried as much of caring to practice self-care. To be honest that was the last thing on my mind. I often had to remind myself that caring for three children that I have to hold myself more accountable.

Some people have a misconception about people with lean body types. Most people assume that I don’t need to workout because of my lean body type. I have my reasons and not being in shape is one of them.

I want to share three reasons why I use fitness as a form of self-care.

Three Reasons on how I use fitness as a form of self-care

First Reason

To stay stress-free

Second Reason

Being a single mother it’s one of those activities I can enjoy by myself at the expense of a monthly membership

Third Reason

It never gets boring

Let’s Dig Deeper

First Reason

With the demands of mothering three little humans all by myself stress is something that I know can slip up on me. To be honest, I don’t necessarily know what it feels like to be stressed. In my opinion, if I am worrying then I am stressing. Anytime, I am feeling other than myself I know that I have to step back from whatever I’m doing to regroup. My advice is knowing your body, your way of thinking can help prevent stress before it comes. Being in the gym the only thing I focus on are my exercises and the music I’m listening to at that moment.

Second Reason

Being a single mother and having to budget monthly can sometimes put a damper on anything outside of the necessities for your family. For me, I make myself a priority which means my membership with my local “Planet Fitness” is a MUST. They have the option of a $10 or $20 membership. I chose the $20 membership because anywhere I travel to that has a “Planet Fitness” I can utilize my benefits. It comes out of my bank account monthly. As mothers it must be something you are serious about. Moms until you decide to make your health a priority you will continue to put yourself on the back-burner.

Third Reason

Since making a pledge to put myself first I wanted to make sure I had a variation in my exercises so that I don’t get bored easily. Back in January of 2018, when I first started at “Planet Fitness” I participated in the group fitness classes because I knew I wanted to tone & gain muscle but didn’t know what exercises to do to achieve such results. I currently find inspiration for my exercises from the internet (Pinterest & social media) & from the group fitness classes. I’ve found that a variation in my exercises keeps it interesting & exciting.

After reading my reasons on how I use fitness as a form of self-care I hope that you choose to make your health a priority. Most of the time as mothers we run on empty fluids and I wonder how we make it through. I’m guilty of ensuring my children get things before I do most of the time. Most of the time, it’s okay to do such but sometimes simple things like buying a new outfit could be necessities for us but we opt out of it because we feel guilty for doing so.

Self-care comes in so many ways whether tangible or intangible. Just like the kids need new things we do too. Moms I’m here to tell you stop feeling guilty for buying those new shoes, sterling silver necklace or even a new computer that you want. It’s time to start treating yourself just like you do the kids with no hesitation.

We work hard to treat ourselves; every so often. Moms take the pledge with me to treat yourself monthly with an outing, a special gift or even just a $10 or $20 gym membership.

Moms let me know what ways you show yourself love with some self-care. Drop it in the comments below.

Join in my Fitness Challenge!!

How I Survived Breastfeeding

I am amazed at how I survived breastfeeding. Looking back at my experiences it’s interesting how each story was different. I am still actively breastfeeding my youngest child whose 21 months old. Everyone’s story is different but follow along to see how I survived breastfeeding.

Disclosure: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).

How I Survived Breastfeeding My First Born

My oldest daughter, Naima is six years old and I breastfed her for two months. She was my first child so I wanted to do everything right and that included breastfeeding her because everybody made it out to be “THE RIGHT THING TO DO”. I didn’t know much about breastfeeding at the time I was just happy not having to buy formula.

Well to my surprise, Naima was born three weeks early due to me having low fluid. Pretty much because of my small physique she had no more room in my belly so they admitted me immediately. The hospital started my induction process on a Friday afternoon and she was born that Sunday morning.

She weighed 5 pounds and 4 ounces. After giving birth due to her weigh she had issues latching on. I worked with a lactation consultant while in the hospital and still was unsuccessful at getting her to latch. Started pumping right away and pumped two to three times a day if not more.

After being home from the hospital I wasn’t eating properly which caused my supply to decrease. Due to my lack of knowledge about breastfeeding I switched my baby to “Gerber Gentle Powdered Milk”. I thought to myself if I have more kids I have to tell how I survived breastfeeding the next time around.

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Black mother breastfeeding her baby girl.

How I Survived Breastfeeding My Second Born

My middle child is Braxton, my son is three years old and I breastfed him for twelve months. With having a little bit of knowledge on breastfeeding I knew I wanted to make this story completely different. I did my research and learned more about breastfeeding which came in handy. Before giving birth to my son that I would breastfeed again. I knew from experience that if he didn’t latch on immediately I would have to work harder.

Baby boy was born five days before his due date weighing 7 pounds and 4 ounces. After giving birth the nurses cleaned him up and he immediately latched on and started to feed. He was a very demanding schedule. He had to eat every two hours like clockwork and even sometimes every one and a half hours. I was a tired mama but I was determined to provide him with my liquid gold.

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Back To Work

While being home EBF (exclusively breastfeeding) for twelve weeks before returning to work.; I froze some milk while home but it wasn’t a lot of it. I made it a habit to pump three to four times a day to build a supply for the next day and so forth and this continued every week. My pumped milk took over the fridge.

Braxton started daycare at three months due to me returning back to work at the time. While returning back to work I sometimes had thirty minutes or an hour lunch break. Within that allowed time I had to pump and eat lunch which sometimes meant no time to relax a bit. Also, it meant I had to store my milk in the work refrigerator. I would have preferred my own mini fridge, but oh well.

While at daycare I made sure to take four bottles each five ounces for him to drink. some days he would drink all bottles and some days only three. It all depended on his appetite and sleeping patterns that day. At one point I thought my milk supply was decreasing so I purchased oatmeal raisin lactation cookies from Toys’R’Us. Out of a pack of 12 cookies I ate two. I wasn’t a fan of the taste. I realized shortly after my milk supply didn’t decrease.

Click here to grab your FREE E-Guide!!

Transition To Bottles

I remember a week before him starting daycare trying out a bottle for the first time. Yes you heard me right. A week before starting daycare. He took to it just fine so I was happy about that. I had purchased the “Tommee Tippee” bottles. Feedings at night were not so bad because I prepared myself to wake up three to four times until he got on a sleeping schedule. Once he got on a sleeping schedule he would wake up one to two times through the night.

I will admit I did co-sleep so during feedings I would just roll over to feed him until he fell back asleep. When he turned four months he started eating baby food which decreased a little of the milk intake. Around this time he would consume about three bottles in addition to baby food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Sounds like a lot huh?

Yes baby boy was a greedy boy and still is. Around nine months he as more vocal on when he was hungry so it was easier with feedings. He was still EBF (exclusively breastfeeding) but around this time it was only one early morning feeding.

At this point I had surpassed my goal of three, six and nine months so the only thing left for me was to hit my twelve month goal of breastfeeding. Due to traveling plans just one day away from his birthday that was the last time he was breastfed. Once he turned one I switched him to whole milk. The transition was not bad at all. At this point I knew I survived breastfeeding this time.

Click here to grab your FREE E-Guide!!

How I Survived Breastfeeding My Third Born

My youngest daughter, who is currently 21 months old is still breastfed. During the week she feeds at night/overnight and on the weekend on demand. Baby girl was born two days before her due date weighing 6 pounds and 14 ounces. As she entered the world and the nurse placed her on my chest she was smacking her mouth. We did skin-to-skin immediately and she motioned to feed on my breast. She latched instantly and that began our very demanding schedule where she ate every two hours unless she was sleep.

Sleeping for three to four hours after feedings sometimes and she fed one to two times during early mornings. Around six months she was feeding three to four times during the days and eat about two to three times through the night. She was attempting to sit up at this time as well. She spent a good amount of time in her rocker and she also her a walker. At this age she was smiling and laughing all day everyday.

Click here to grab your FREE E-Guide!!

At about 11 months my milk supply was getting funky and at this time I stopped pumping. She was eating full meals so I started to only feed her at night on the weekdays and on demand on the weekends. She is now 21 months and we still do this routine.

I’m sure some of you are wondering when will this journey end for me and baby girl. To be honest I am not sure. I am amazed at myself at how I survived breastfeeding. We have been away from each other weeks at a time and she can’t shake mama’s liquid gold. Let’s just say I’m not ready to cut ties yet either. I love our bonding moments.

Moms I would love to hear about your breastfeeding journey. Leave a comment below let’s chat!!

Moms be sure to grab your E-Guide on Must-Haves for Breastfeeding!!

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Rachel Scott: Guest Post 3

What To Do With Kids In Atlanta

Are you wondering what to do with the kids in Atlanta? Here are the five kid friendly places to visit in Atlanta before the summer is over. If you live in Atlanta these places will sound very familiar. If you are a visitor to Atlanta then these places will not sound familiar. All of these places will keep the kids busy and most importantly wear them out! Most importantly all of these places will give the kids a good time!

Being a single parent me and the kids are always either traveling or somewhere in Atlanta enjoying our local community or visiting a kiddie entertainment center.

Below is the five kid friendly places I mentioned the kids will enjoy.

What To Do With Kids In Atlanta

1. Atlanta Zoo

Website: https://zooatlanta.org/

The zoo is always a good place for a family outing or a play date with some mommy friends. The zoo is definitely an educational experience because it’s a way for the kids to learn about the animals. This experience gives kids an insight on the day-to-day life of being an animal.

2. Georgia Aquarium

Website: https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/

The aquarium is a place where the kids can interact and see the animals in their habitat. All of the animals are swimming in water. Seeing the animals in the water is such a lovely sight to see. The kids are usually intrigued with all of the water.

3. Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Website: https://atlantabg.org/

The gardens is a work of art. They house various showcases based on themes. It’s for families that love nature and like to feel inspired by the art. The gardens houses plant collections, beautiful displays and exhibitions. The kids will enjoy the various colors of collections and seeing the plants in such an artistic way.

4. World of Coca-Cola

Website: https://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/

Visiting Coca-Cola is like heaven for all kids. The kids get to taste and sample over 100 different beverages and much more. It’s no better fun than getting to drink beverages and learn the history behind how they are actually made.

5. National Center for Civil & Human Rights

Website: https://www.civilandhumanrights.org/

Visiting the National Center for Civil & Human Rights is an educational experience for everyone. The adults and kids will learn about the American Civil Right Movement and the significance of how it’s impacting us to date. This experience will be an eye opener for the whole family.

Black Mom with kids at the Atlanta Zoo — Me & the crew at the Atlanta Zoo

Why You Need To Visit These Places

I hope you enjoyed finding out what the top five kid friendly places in Atlanta are. Now as a parent be sure to take the kids out and enjoy each and every experience. Not only will the kids enjoy and have fun but you will as well.

All of the listed places serve a different purpose; educational or just for fun. As parents we can make the discretion to ask the kids opinion or just choose the adventure of the day. Either way all of the places listed are fun and the kids will definitely enjoy.

If you are looking to take the kids on a quick getaway or somewhere local take a look at all of the places above into consideration. A lot of the places are affordable and may offer discounts. Check out their website links above for more detailed information on pricing, hours, etc.

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FIRST TIP ON HELPING YOUR TODDLER COPE WITH GRIEF

Keep the memories alive

SECOND TIP ON HELPING YOUR TODDLER COPE WITH GRIEF

Latest Posts:

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1st Way for Moms to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

2nd Way for Moms to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

3rd Way for Moms to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

In Conclusion – 3 Ways for Moms to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

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Like this:

Three Reasons on how I use fitness as a form of self-care

First Reason

Second Reason

Third Reason

Let’s Dig Deeper

First Reason

Second Reason

Third Reason

Share this:

Like this:

How I Survived Breastfeeding My First Born

How I Survived Breastfeeding My Second Born

Back To Work

Transition To Bottles

How I Survived Breastfeeding My Third Born

Share this:

Like this:

What To Do With Kids In Atlanta

1. Atlanta Zoo

2. Georgia Aquarium

3. Atlanta Botanical Gardens

4. World of Coca-Cola

5. National Center for Civil & Human Rights

Why You Need To Visit These Places

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