How many “Happy New Years” did you hear on January 1? How many did you cheerfully toss out? And now that the confetti is swept up and the champagne bottles discarded, how happy are you…really? If you’re like most people, you’re likely stressing about holiday credit card bills, the impending tax season, and whether or not you’ll accomplish all the goals you didn’t accomplish last year. But you don’t have to merely exist and survive, says intuitive psychologist Susan Apollon. If you are like the millions who are constantly tossed on waves of stress, anxiety,... (Read More ...)

I’ve never tried any organic body products before so I was excited to try the new and improved pure natural hair care shampoo and conditioner by Jason, as well as Crème de la Shave by Aubrey Organics. I have long, thick hair and I will admit that I’m kind of picky about what I wash my precious locks with. I don’t typically wash my hair every day, so the products that I use need to deliver what they promise. I have used both the Volumizing Lavendar shampoo and Color Protect Henna conditioner on my hair for the past two weeks and have been pleasantly surprised with their performance. First... (Read More ...)

Until about two years ago, I always thought if you could potentially fit something into your day you should. Even if it inevitably led to misunderstandings and sprints to catch a departing train and headaches and panic over being late. I thought when someone said, “Can you go to the movies Saturday?” that, unless you’d be in another country or giving birth or at a wedding or funeral during the exact time the movie was showing–unless you literally could not go–the answer was yes, you could and therefore you would.  I figured out, finally, that that wasn’t always... (Read More ...)

A little over a year ago, a path was about to be presented to me that I had no preparation, no inclination of its possibility, and certainly if given a choice, no desire to walk. During the summer months of 2010, I worked part-time as wedding coordinator and sacristan for the chapel at the university where I work in campus ministry.  For ten months out of the year, I work in the Center for Social Concern. But because I’m off during the months of June and July I offered to work part-time at the chapel.  Working as a wedding coordinator is both fun and challenging. During the rehearsals and the... (Read More ...)

“Honey, put that down.” “No.” “Honey, give me that.” “No.” “Honey, come here.” “Noooo!” Does this sound familiar?  Most moms have had this conversation (a million times a day) with their toddler/preschooler/child.  It usually involves a mom wanting a child to do or stop doing something, and that child, who knows his mind completely, answering with a resounding “No!” So, why is it that a child, even a small child who knows just a few words, can communicate so clearly what he wants, and a mom, who knows an infinite number of words, finds it difficult to communicate what... (Read More ...)

Ah yes, the dream of all dreams: having both the career you love and the family you don’t have to neglect in order to get it. In case you think that this dream only exists when your eyes are closed and your head is on the pillow, think again! It’s all about shifting your perspective a bit, and discovering how you can make the time to make it happen without fearing that your kids are gonna forget what you look like. Here are some ways to start: Redefine the word “balance.” Have you met anyone who has a balanced life – equal parts career, Mom, and any other hat she might wear? If you’re... (Read More ...)


Chances are, there’s something in your life that you’re ashamed of and that you try to hide from the rest of the world. According to Dr. Anne Gross, shame-driven behavior is more common—and more harmful—than you may realize. She offers some proactive steps you can take to confront your shame and clear it out of your life once and for all. Your face burns. Your stomach twists. You look at the ground, unable to meet the eyes of those around you. All the while, hurtful, half-formed thoughts swirl through your mind: I’m different…I’m not good enough…They’ll never, ever accept me... (Read More ...)

Every busy mom, whether she works outside the home or as a stay-at-home mommy, needs a truly great day planner to organize her hectic life. Especially popular at the beginning of the new year, getting your time and schedule organized is a good resolution to start. Here are five planners that are budget-friendly, yet pack a ton of tools you need to get your life, time and family organized. 1. www.WhoMi.com. Their Color-coded Family Wall Calendar is only $13.99 and perfect for families on the go. Features spaces for up to 4 family members, tracks them day-by-day and the color-coded layout lets you... (Read More ...)

“Motherhood is a challenging journey where we create and recreate our children while also developing ourself” – Christine Martinello. What do you do? Before kids, this question was so easy to answer. “I’m a corporate trainer, a student, or a marketing executive.” – whatever my latest career title was shared. After kids, it’s a more challenging question to answer –because we do so much! I mean, do I answer, I’m a diaper changer (is that a real profession?), a psychologist, a referree, a decorator, a chauffer, etc? The list could go on... (Read More ...)

As I sit here in front of a blank screen, I feel pressed to share a deep-seeded secret with all of you. As mothers we share an unspoken connection, which just doesn’t translate to anyone who hasn’t experienced giving birth to or adopting a child. I must share; I really was the “Perfect Mom” before I had kids;) Truly, that really has been my “mask” for quite some time. You know what I mean, running around, taking care of everyone else, looking perfect from the outside, concerned about my looks and what others were thinking…constantly feeling judged. When Chic Mom... (Read More ...)