The Play By Play

Hey ladies, I have a question. With all the buzz and sales on chips and wings whats so special about today?

Well, if you haven't been living under a rock, you would know that today is Super Bowl Sunday. The big game has finally arrived and for those who don't really keep up with the sport but wants to sound like they know whats going on at tonight's Super Bowl party, here is a quick rundown of the game and the teams that are playing. 



                                                                  The Teams

The Seattle Sea Hawks                                           The Denver Broncos
Won 13 games, Lost 3 in 2013 season            Won 13 games lost 3 in 2013 season
2013 NFC champions                                            2013 AFC champions
Quarter back: Russell Wilson #3                       Quarter back: Peyton Manning #18

The Game

There's only two types of plays in football, passing and running. Passing is when the quarter back throws the ball to another team member. Running is when the quarter back runs with the ball. Once the play is in motion, the ball has four chances to advance to the yellow line, which is 10 yards ahead of the ball. 

That's when you start to hear terms like "first and ten". That just mean its the however many attempt to move the ball with however many yards until they reach the yellow line. Ex. First and ten means first attempt and 10 yards until they reach the yellow line.  

When throwing the ball the receiver (the catcher) must have both feet, on the ground within the perimeter of the field in order to keep the play in motion. 

If an opposing team catches the ball, its called an interception. That player then has the opportunity to run the ball in the direction of his goal until he is tackled or runs out of bounds.

Like any game, the object is to gain as many points as you can while stopping your opponents from scoring. When a person scores its called a touchdown. A touchdown is worth 6 points. After every touch down, the team has another opportunity to score either by kicking  a field goal, 1 point, or making a running play, 2 points. 

With this basic guideline, you now know enough about the game and should be able to follow along. Remember, we are women first! (And women know EVERYTHING)

Write Your Wrongs

Busy are the days of motherhood with breaks being far and few in between. Motherhood is a rewarding gig that consistently brings about surprises. For our children, and the sake of our own memory, we capture all of our little one's precious moments in  pictures. As women we forget that during this ever evolving time that we are developing as well. Just like the pictures we take of our children, we should capture our own development. I'm not saying take tons of selfies (or usies) but take the time out to jot down whats going on.

Writing is  form of expression that allows you to show your creativity without serious commitment.  This is just an outlet for us that's non judgmental and always available. With a new month right round the corner, its only befitting to start journaling. Some may feel that its tedious, repetitive or boring to write down their thoughts and feelings; however, it is a therapeutic release that has the power to diminish stress.  To make it more enjoyable, I have added different prompts that will spark the journalist within you.

1. Write a letter to yourself in a year from now
2. Write about your proudest mommy moment
3. Rewrite your bucket list
4. Write how you would spend 10 million dollars
5. List your top 10 moments in life
6. List all the people you would like to meet, dead or alive
7. Transcribe your most recent conversation with your little one
8. Write a mock letter to your child that you would like to give to him/her on their 18th birthday
9. Make a list of Saturday activities to do for the next year
10. The failure that's your favorite

In the months to come as you look back on these beginning entries, you will start to see the changes that has taken place. Remember, we are women first.

Bedroom Talk

With your back melting into the door and silence filling the room, a simple sigh escapes that reeks of accomplishment. Having survived another day of paperwork and meetings to diapers and dishes, "me time" has finally arrived. Within these four walls lay your sanctuary; the place where for the next 6 to 8 hours you will no longer answer to the title of mommy, momma, Ms. (insert name here) or my favorite, MAAAA.

The pillows nestled along the headboard subtly lures you in with promises of tranquility; meanwhile, the distant memories of pre-motherhood sleep taunts you. Sleeping like you once did before having your child may be unattainable but that's no reason to settle for a dull bedroom. Remember, it's a room with a bed not a room for the bed. The bedroom has the potential to emit a peaceful aura and if done correctly, the bedroom can posses a peculiar way of recharging and revitalizing. There are 4 simple additions that will take the simplest of sleeping areas and transform it into your very own cozy temple of peace.

Candles

Candles are great additions to any room because it plays on two senses, sight and smell. The dancing fire creates a soft atmosphere that has the ability to transport you where ever the scent takes you. With scents varying from sweet treats to nature's treasures the possibilities are endless.

Color

Color is just as important as candles. Color has a mysterious way of igniting certain emotions within you. For example, a dark color room brings about the feeling of solitude whereas a white room creates a tone of simplicity. Using contrasting colors is a great way to spruce up your space. And for those who don't want the bedroom to be overtaken by color, try adding a few pieces of color into the room i.e. a red lamp, purple pillows, printed throw, etc. 

Mirrors

Mirrors are great because they add dimension to the room in an elegant way. Mirrors are great investment pieces especially the tall, free standing mirrors. It is wise to spend a little extra to get the better mirror.  

Sitting Area

Laying in bed is a great thing but too much of anything is bad for you, so they say. Adding a sitting area to a room opens it up and creates a distinct area reserved for relaxation, not sleep. This is the area where you can read, paint your nails, watch TV or just simply think. If your room is on the smaller side, try using an ottoman at the foot of your bed. 

When transforming your bedroom into a place to temporarily escape from stresses of everyday life keep these four simple additions in mind. And don't forget, we are women first.

Just Throw It In The Bag

Wipes, check. Diapers, check. An extra set of clothes, check. Bottle filled to the brim with milk, check. Scented plastic bags to put dirty diapers in, check. And the list goes on and on and on. With this being my first child I found it befitting to don my gender neutral pattern diaper bag as a badge of honor as if it gave me presidential like power. It wasn't until I had a casual dinner to attend with my son did I realize that the traditional baby bag was not cutting it. Searching for the right bag was tricky but necessary.

In the search to update your baby bag, keep few things in mind.

• Gender does not matter  In 2014 the rule that says the bag must reflect the gender of your child no longer applies.  The bag that you choose should be a reflection of you. When you think about it, you are the one who has to lug it around, not the infant. 
• Color It Up  Now that you have stepped into 2014, add some color to the mix. Automatically your mind went to a black purse with the reasoning that black goes with everything! Yes, a black bag can go with any outfit; however, a candy pink bag gives that extra sass to your look. Plus, in a chaotic room its easier to spot the glossy leopard print than a black bag. 
• Bagssss  Your life as a mother will be ever changing and so should your bags. Having more than one bag is necessary. Some days your bigger tote will seem empty and unneeded. Having the option to use a smaller bag will be the easiest choice of the day. Keep in mind that these bags will end up housing crumbs, toys and stained clothing so its okay to get a few inexpensive bags from Walmart or Target. 

As you breakaway from the traditional baby bag rule, keep in mind that you will be sharing a bag with your child for many years. 

Merona Satchel Handbag with Cross Body Strap

Target $34.99

Merona Satchel Handbag with Cross body Strap- Ivory/Yellow

Target $39.99

Brinley Co. Women's Slouchy Metal Accent Handbag

Walmart $24.99

George Women's Belted Shopper Handbag

Walmart $18.00

Remember, we are women first.

Nailed It

At first glimpse, when someone looks at you what do you think they see? How about when your in the park with your child? Or when you're scouring the isles of the grocery store with the little one in tow? They see a mother. Being a mother is a great thing; however, you're a woman first!

Many times, once a woman becomes a mom, she forgets about herself and becomes defined by her new title. Along with the partying and impulsive shopping (SHOES, I love shoes), she places her wants and needs upon the back burner. Once I realized that the spunky college student in me had transformed into 40 year old hag off of the average 80's sitcom, I knew it was time to re-evaluate my roles. In order to be the mom I want to be, I had to become the woman I needed to be.

With long days filled with online classes, motherly duties and household responsibilities, I found the the simplest way to boost my womanly aura was by keeping my nails done! Whether its acrylics, drug store press-ons or natural nails, they must be done at all times! It is important to keep them done because its the only controlled variable in the unpredictable realm of motherhood. Just like wearing sexy underwear under sweat pants and your boyfriends two sizes too big tee shirt, maintaining good looking nails (hey, don't forget about your toes) can change your mood for the better. And remember, to be the best mom you have to be a better woman.

We are women first!