Just Say It

By Stephanie | February 8, 2010

Do you ever think amazing compliments about people and not say them?

Like, for example, you’ll walk by somebody on the street or run into a neighbor or read someone’s blog…and THINK…

“Wow! She has the warmest, prettiest smile.” (That’s Stephanie of Adventures in Babywearing)

Or “She totally has the gift of encouragement.” (That’s Nini of Lettner Livin‘)

Or “Oh.My.Goodness. Is it even possible for someone to be more creative than her? She astonishes me.” (That’s Dana of MADE)

Or “Mercy! She has a way with words!” (That’s Sarah of Emerging Mummy)

Or, “Her sense of style has cool written all over it.” (That’s Leigh of Marvelous Kiddo)

Or, “She is thoughtful…ever so thoughtful…and she gives from her heart.” (That’s Nicole of The Pixel Boutique and Confessions of a Cropaholic)

Lately, I’ve been trying to remember to “just say it.” Out Loud.

Whenever someone or something strikes me as being beautiful, extraordinary, or sublime – I don’t want that little nugget of goodwill to be lost. Because I know that…”kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless” (Mother Teresa).

So…if you like a person’s yellow jacket or their sparkly teeth or their radiant personality, say so. If you notice a person’s gentle parenting techniques or spotless bathrooms or humility, stop and use your words (not just your mind).

Let’s fill this world with endless echoes of kindness. You with me?

Topics: gift giving | 5 Comments »

Make Someone’s Day — Give…Dinner

By Stephanie | February 8, 2010

When a friend is experiencing tough times or times of change, it’s often hard to know what you can do to help.

For example, when a friend has…

• a miscarriage
• a baby
• a child in the hospital
• a job loss
• a death in the family
• morning sickness
• migraines
• just moved

Sometimes it’s best to go back to the basics and deliver a meal. Food can mean so much when a person is sad, sick, or smack-dab in the middle of something new (even if that something is a good thing).

One way to be prepared to give meals to friends and neighbors in times of need is to keep a few extra dishes in your freezer. Enchiladas. Lasagna. Berry Cobbler. Etc.

Not sure where to start?

Hot By 6 is an Oregon-based, mom-owned company that is committed to helping people spend less time in the kitchen and more time with their families.

Essentially, Hot By 6 is a database of budget-friendly recipes (searchable by course, category, dietary preferences, and ethnicity) that can all be made ahead and frozen. Currently, there are 12 recipes in the Breakfast category, 15 recipes in the lunch category, and 100+ recipes in the dinner category…plus ideas for desserts, side dishes, marinades, soups/stews, and appetizers.

Once you have created your menu plan, you can easily print out a grocery list, assembly instructions, and labels.

If you want to create meals WITH your friends, there’s a whole separate “group” functionality. Essentially, the site gives you everything that you need to create a Super Suppers or Dream Dinners in your own house.

The service is $6/month and is a great resource to help you get inspired with new recipe ideas for your family.

My suggestions for the company would be to:

1. Add bigger and better quality photos of the recipes.
2. Offer more recipes that incorporate whole and organic foods.
3. “Beef up” the breakfast, lunch, and dessert categories (not necessarily with beef recipes, just more recipes…capiche?).

Summary: Hot By 6 is an innovative concept…well-suited for busy parents looking for a new way of getting hot, nutritious meals on the table.

TRY IT! Hot By 6 is offering all Metropolitan Mama readers one FREE month! You can try it and see if you like it. Take the recipes and the system for a “test drive,” if you will. Just enter promo code “metromama” when you create an account. You have one week to sign up – promo code expires 2/15/2010.

***Please note that you will be asked to enter your credit card information. Your account will be automatically renewed at the end of 30 days unless you cancel it.

Topics: gift giving, recipes/healthy eating | 3 Comments »

Make Someone’s Day — Give…Baked Goods

By Stephanie | February 8, 2010

I try to keep baking basics in my pantry at all times: vanilla, flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, honey, cinnamon, wheat germ, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, oats, and nuts.

That way, when one of my friends is in a funk or has the blues, I can bake something…and then present it in a fun way.

Baked treats are also great for those last minute times when you want to celebrate the people in your life – birthdays, hooray-you-got-an-A on the spelling test, congrats on your new job, etc.

Wilton is my go-to shop for baking boxes, bags, and accessories. They offer a wide variety of products at affordable prices.

For Example, check out this Brownie Gift Box Kit. It’s $2.99 for 3 boxes. Just bake up some world-class brownies, place one in each box, and deliver them to friends, coworkers, or teachers in your child’s classroom. These Caramel-Pecan Brownies from Allrecipes.com look decadent and delicious.

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If you prefer to bake cookies or melt-in-your-mouth candies, you’ll like the versatility of these Treat Boxes ($3.19 Pk./3). These simple white window boxes are particularly fun for kids because you can dress them up with stickers and markers. Below you’ll see the Happy New Year boxes we made for our next door neighbors in early January:

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For lollipops, gumdrops, and peppermints, these Clear Treat Bags are just the thing. You get 50 for $2.89 so they’re a real steal.

These Sugar Coated Pecans would be perfect inside.

Or you could make Crock Pot Chocolate-Peanut Clusters.

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Finally, if you’d like to give a healthier treat, you can bake mini loaves of blueberry zucchini bread or buttermilk cinnamon bread or another bread of your choosing using Wilton’s AvantiEverglide metal-safe non-stick 4 cavity mini loaf pan ($21.49).

YOUR TURN: What is your favorite thing to bake for others? Leave a link to a recipe if you’ve shared it on your blog or if it is available online.

WIN IT! One winner will receive a Wilton Baking Prize Pack that includes all of the products featured in this post:

• Brownie Gift Box Kit ($2.99)
• Treat Boxes ($3.19)
• Clear Treat Bags ($2.89)
• AvantiEverglide metal-safe non-stick 4 cavity mini loaf pan ($21.49)

To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, February 16th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

* I received product samples for review purposes.

Topics: changing the world, contests, gift giving, recipes/healthy eating | 38 Comments »

*Giveaway* HP Photosmart A646 Compact Photo Printer

By Stephanie | February 7, 2010

Once upon a time, there was an Arizona mama [see left] who took lots and lots and lots of photos. Beautiful photos. Colorful photos. Emotion-filled photos. Frame-worthy photos.

But they just sat on her computer.

All they did was just sit, sit sit. And she did not like it – not one little bit.

Then, she got smart and started printing them out. She framed them. She sent them to grandparents. She gave them out to the people in them…and made lots of people happy. Including herself.

This happened, in part, because of her…HP Photosmart A646 Compact Photo Printer ($149.99). The affordable, lightweight, and portable printer allowed her to print 4×6 and 5×7 photos from memory cards, USB thumb drives, cameras, and bluetooth-enabled phones. The easy-to-use touchscreen enabled her to view, edit, and print out photos at the touch of a stylus…and the quality was excellent (comparable to Walgreens and Snapfish).

Now, she prints photos whenever she pleases…and she does it all with miraculous eases.

[Clearly, I've been reading too much Dr. Seuss].

[I take that back. I'm not sure there can be too much Dr. Seuss].

YOUR TURN: Do you print your photos at home or do you have them printed by a third party?

Also – just for kicks, if you feel like answering – What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book?

WIN IT! One winner will receive an HP Photosmart A646 Compact Photo Printer ($149.99). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, February 15th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

* I received a product sample for review purposes.

Topics: contests, photography, product review | 156 Comments »

Make Someone’s Day — Give…Photos

By Stephanie | February 7, 2010

If you have a DSLR or an above-average digital camera…and you know how to use it, then you have an awesome tool for gift-giving in your hands.

Never underestimate the power of photos to stir a person’s heart.

• If you know a brand new mama, offer to stop in for a photo shoot of mom + baby.
• Snap shots of your friends’ kids when they are at your house for a playdate.
• If you go to a wedding, bring a camera and capture little moments of joy and emotion.
• Offer to take family photos for a friend at a scenic location.
• Take photos of your friends when they are receiving awards or speaking at conferences or singing karaoke or moving into their first homes.

Then, take an envelope and send a few snapshots.

Or, buy a memory card and send the whole set.

Inexpensive. Personal. Thoughtful.

People love to see pictures of themselves and of their kids so photos are a gift that is sure to be treasured.

Make someone’s day. Take pictures. Send them.

Easy, right?

Topics: gift giving, photography | 16 Comments »

*Giveaway* Stay Home, Stay Happy

By Stephanie | February 7, 2010

I am convinced of this: Being home every day, all day with small children is the hardest job ever. It’s taxing to be a mindful, involved parent – to be gentle, patient, and positive day and night (yes, parenting does still happen at night).

But it’s worth it. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything. And I love it.

I recently read a book that celebrates all that moms are and what they do for society…and I thought I’d tell you about it real quick.

Published by Celebra Trade in 2009, Stay Home, Stay Happy is written by a mom of five with a Masters degree and experience on national television. Rachel Campos-Duffy is an intelligent and articulate woman with plenty of expertise and encouragement to share.

Essentially, the book outlines how to stay refreshed, upbeat, and energized when you’re surrounded by small children all day long. It’s an easy read with a conversational style and plenty of practical tips for getting organized, in-shape, and in-tune with your kids. I love how she emphasizes that staying home is a choice…that requires sacrifice, but reaps a great reward.

This quote will give you a feel for the tone/outlook of the book, “So I hold tightly to this precious and fleeting time with my small children with no regrets, confident that despite what others may think, my education and career experiences are not being wasted on my children.”

My thoughts exactly.

Although this book is geared to those who have consciously decided to stay home with their children full-time, it offers practical and inspiring advice for moms along many career spectrums. The author certainly is not out to judge those who opt to work outside of the home [At one point, she was thisclose to accepting a position on The View so she definitely knows that work decisions aren't cut-and-dry]. Her book applies to every mom because it is about honoring the important role that mothers play in the world…and I appreciate that.

WIN IT! One winner will receive a copy of “Stay Home, Stay Happy” by Rachel Campos-Duffy. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Sunday, February 14th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

* I received a copy of the book for review purposes.

Topics: book review, contests | 42 Comments »

the closest ones

By Stephanie | February 6, 2010

There isn’t time to love absolutely everyone, to change the whole wide world.

There are so many places to volunteer, so many causes to champion, so many people who need a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear or a five dollar bill.

I wish with all my heart that I could be on a million different non-profit boards, that I could volunteer at the food bank and the soup kitchen every single week, that I could send over hugs and cupcakes to every mom in my city.

But you know what? “Jesus said love one another. He didn’t say love the whole world.” That is a quote from Mother Teresa and she was a person who understood compassion deeply. I don’t think she meant that God doesn’t want us to love the whole world (He does), but I think she was bringing it down to the strategy level…telling us HOW to love the world. One person at a time.

She also said, “Love begins by taking care of the closest ones – the ones at home.” I think she said that because it takes a lot of work and sacrifice to extend love and grace to your spouse and your kids every day. And yet…that is the most important thing. Love begins at home…and then expands further to envelope other people in our circle of influence.

I say that I want to change the world a lot…and I mean it. I have grand dreams for doing big, big things. But, in my heart of hearts, I know that it has to start right here – in my every day. With my closest ones.

Topics: About Me, changing the world | 10 Comments »

Themed Weekend: The Small Things

By Stephanie | February 5, 2010

Have you ever had someone say something degrading to you, something that made you feel small? Perhaps they asked if you were pregnant (and you weren’t) or made a sarcastic remark about your personality that didn’t sit well in your soul or glared at you when your child was…ahem…not his best at Target.

It’s funny how just one small thing – one negative word or roll of the eyes or angry honk of a horn – can totally damper our day. Things can go from bright to bleak and gray in about two seconds flat.

Alternatively, it only takes the tiniest action to splash some color into a person’s day. A cup of chicken noodle soup delivered to a front door. A genuine compliment. A warm smile from across the room.

I am convinced that life is about the small things – the little choices we make ever day to love our families, our neighbors, and the strangers that we pass at the grocery store and the ice cream shop.

Mother Teresa was right when she said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”

That’s what this weekend is about. I’ll be sharing ideas…just small ideas…that we can do to bring beauty and COLOR into our corners of the world.

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Stay tuned for articles, giveaways, and conversations about small acts of goodness.

As posts are published, I will add them to this post so that you can have a comprehensive spot to see my entire round-up.

Topics: themed weekends | 6 Comments »

Finding My Bliss (right here) (right now)

By Stephanie | February 4, 2010

A lot of my friends are in Nashville tonight.

They’re laughing and hugging and talking and taking pictures and wearing really cute shoes.

The Blissdom Conference is all about “following your bliss, which means dreaming impossible dreams – and then making them possible through creativity, passion and direction.” That’s a pretty cool mission for a conference if you ask me.

Aside from attending the amazing sessions and the movie & games night (way better than a cocktail party, in my opinion), how awesome would it have been to just kick back with Steph, Jo-Lynne, Nicole, Darcie, Amy, Janice, Jennifer, and so many others?

Maybe I’ll go next year.

And yet…

There’s this tug-of-war inside of me every time a conference comes up. I want to go, but I also…don’t.

You see. I’m in this certain season of my life. A season of pregnancy, nursing, and I-don’t-want-you-to-go-mama. A season of sweet little cheeks and baby laughs and preschool questions. Am I crazy for wanting to stay right here with them?

On the one hand, I feel very left out. I know I’m missing out on potential business partnerships and blossoming friendships. And that stings just a bit.

On the other hand, I know that there will be time for all that. Eventually.

Everyone has their own comfort level for these kind of things. For now, my heart just can’t stand being apart from my two girls (I know people often say that about their babies, but I’m not sure I can stand being away from my 3-year-old for four whole days either). For now, I’ll just watch the fun through the window.

Because the truth is that I don’t have to find my bliss. It’s not lost. I know exactly where it is. My bliss is right here, right now.

With the two prettiest little girls on the planet:

My button for 2010 should actually say this:

YOUR TURN: Are you at Blissdom? Why or why not? What conferences do you hope to attend in 2010/11, if any?

Topics: About Me, blogging | 26 Comments »

Wordless Wednesday: Winter’s Day Run

By Stephanie | February 3, 2010

This evening, Tim and I bundled the girls up in the double jogging stroller and went out running just before sunset.

A soft rain drizzled down on us as our feet hit the pavement. We talked about our days and our dreams and our daughters…

It was a good way to burn the last few bits of daylight – with my heart pumping and my family by my side.

Topics: Wordless Wednesday | 10 Comments »

Tuesday Tours: What’s Happening on the Web

By Stephanie | February 3, 2010

Welcome to “Tuesday Tours: What’s Happening on the Web” where I serve as your tour guide and showcase the best contests, freebies, deals, and reads for moms on the web…all in one convenient location.

Contests

Enter to win a Magic Bullet To Go (it’s a little blender that can make guacamole, salsa, smoothies, soups, etc.) over at Work It, Mom! Deadline: Feb. 7.

Announcements

Sarah {Emerging Mummy} just announced that she and her family will be doing a Whole Foods Challenge where they will be eating exclusively whole foods for the next 3 months. She invites you to join her.

Spend $30 at Mom4Life (100% Mom Invented Products; Free US Shipping) in the month of February and receive a FREE pair of BabyLegs.

Good Reads

Elizabeth Foss {In the Heart of my Home} writes about mindful mothering: “I’m sorry; I can’t do that.”

Wait! Don’t buy those Nikes yet! Read: Barefoot runners have a safer stride {Ottawa Citizen, 1-29}.

From The Globe and Mail: Circumcision health benefit virtually nil, study finds {1-12}.

Letters to the Editor in response to circumcision article in The Washington Post: There’s good concern for not circumcising boys {1-21}.

Miscellany

Topics: Tuesday Tours | 9 Comments »

I want my kids to be… :: wrap-up

By Stephanie | February 2, 2010

I meant to write more posts in this series.

Yes, I want my kids to be happy, entrepreneurial, healthy, well-traveled, and loving. But…I’d also like them to be…intelligent, excited about learning, good with people, strong communicators, etc, etc.

I think it goes without saying that I can’t fully dive into such a mammoth topic in one tiny little weekend, but it’s been fun nevertheless. Thank you to those of you who dreamt alongside me.

Other things we did over the weekend:

• Went out a-walking around our neighborhood (gorgeous weather here in Arizona)
• Braved the masses at Costco (bought a big batch of blueberries, among other things…mmmm)
• Visited with friends who just had their second baby (he’s super sweet)
• Laundry (and lots of it)

YOUR TURN: How was your weekend? What did you do?

Topics: themed weekends | 9 Comments »

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