Blog Posts - Mom Of All Capes

Nailed It

5/20/2015

I'm not super girly... in fact I'm not girly at all. In fact my daughters have actually shown me a lot of what it means to be softer and more feminine. One of the activities I associate with being a girly girl- painting nails. My daughters have been begging me for months to paint their nails. I've refused so many times that at one point they stopped asking. Recently, I said yes. Glad I did... but instead of me painting their nails, I let them paint their own.

Here's why:

Nail painting takes a great deal of coordination and motor dexterity. Nails are tiny and that brush is massive. I found it very difficult myself to paint my own adult sized nails. I watched Big Sister paint her own nails and then Little Sister's nails with a great deal of concentration. Quite impressive.
Nail painting became a production of pride for them. They were so excited by their work and were very proud of their job well done once they were finished.
Nail painting makes them feel "jazzy". (Yes someone said "I feel jazzy".) When Little Sister held her nails up, she said, "Oooooo, I am so glamorous". Every woman or girl should feel glamorous at some point because for some reason it makes us feel more confident and special.
Nail painting makes them patient. Since they want to paint in the skin lines, they take their time. Because they don't want to mess up their nails, they wait for them to dry. The only other time they're willing to wait this long is when dinner is walking toward the table and even then there are comments that I'm not moving fast enough. Patience with drying nails however was seen as a necessity to the beauty routine. Holy cow...
Nail painting is a skill that can be mastered with practice. Staying in those skin lines is a unique skill that I suck at. But practice makes perfect. Where else do kids use both hands equally on a fine motor task, other than maybe sports and video games (which I'm all about)? (FYI: other activities to improve ambidexterity include knitting, sewing, juggling...)
Nail painting is communal. When women sit around they talk. This was a great opportunity for us to check in and discuss nothing at this point, but I'm sure it'll be something when something happens. Having this as another way for us to stay connected and in each others' business is awesome.

So we'll be painting nails more often. Maybe not every day or every week, but regularly. Now I really appreciate why it's important to (and for) them.

How to Survive a Graduation with Kids

5/18/2015

A Stitch Fix Review Part 2!

5/15/2015

We're back and we're at it gain. This second unboxing was really exciting because I went in with no expectations other than to have fun. The words I'll type are not going to do this experience justice... so please watch the video. One thing... we didn't buy all 5 this time, however 3 out of 5 is great! In fact I'm wearing one of my items right now! Great job Ashlyn!

Get your own personal Stitch Fix stylist: https://stitchfix.com/referral/4699844

Choo... Choo... Train Adventure

4/20/2015

The best time ever happened when we took a trip on a train through the park. The trees were just coming in and there were a few flowers, the temperature was pleasant and the ride was peaceful... most importantly, we spent the time together as a family!

Take a spring ride on the train! It's an awesome way to celebrate the season and the weather finally breaking! Most regional parks have one or several. These trains can be rented for birthday parties too!

Fashion Adventure: Stitch Fix - Team Ashlyn

2/26/2015

I will try most things. I was on a business trip in Boston when I noticed this woman's really awesome sweater with elbow pads... yes. I'm obsessed with elbow pads. I'd been searching and thrifting everywhere and found NOTHING that had elbow pads at a reasonable price. When I saw hers and she told me where she got the sweater and how much it was, I was sold. So I went on my mobile device and bookmarked the site for later. Back at my hotel room I began browsing the site. The styles were awesome, the clothes looked great. It would definitely be the upgrade I needed. My only concern was how would the clothes fit me. I admit I was a bit apprehensive, but when I saw the detailed measurements, I felt a lot more comfortable that my Stitch Fix stylist could handle my athletic body and odd measurements (#sprinterproblems- there's almost 20 inches of difference between my waist and my butt/thighs). So I waited until my budget would allow and I signed up.

What is Stitch Fix?
It's essentially Netflix meets "What Not to Wear". You pay a very small fee per month and they mail you 5 items catered to whatever it was you described in your profile. It also helps for you to link your photo sharing social media like Twitter and Instagram. The items you don't like... you mail them back in the provided envelope... pretty simple business structure.

Getting a box feels like xmas. When I opened the box, I was shocked that they paid such close attention to my requests. Like there was nothing in there that I hated. I was expecting to hate at least one item... so yeh I'm getting my whole first box- kuddos to Ashlyn you deserve a raise. Am I excited to do this again? Yes.

These are my suggestions for a successful experience (not that I'm an expert yet, but here are my takeaways from this first round): 

Be clear. Clarify your wants, likes and needs in extreme detail. Women have a tendency to be kind to others and mean to themselves. This just makes us disappointed and bitter. Make sure you are extremely clear about your likes and dislikes.
Be focused. I have to say. I love lace, but I look stupid in it. Even when it's an accessory on stuff like a cuff or collar I just feel stupid. I think it's because I'm not super feminine so I hate really girly things but love womanly stuff. So I made it clear that lace was NOT my thing. There was no lace. There were elbow pads and zippers and bright colors... yes! #TeamAshlyn
Be reasonable. To help make your decision, I suggest trying on the new items with other items in your closet. Make sure that your new clothes will play well together with your old ones.
Be fun but realistic. Don't pressure yourself into buying the whole box if a piece doesn't fit. And don't have unrealistic expectations. I expected to hate all the items, not because I don't like surprises but because many "shopping" experiences lead me into a two hour excursion with maybe two items purchased. Do I expect Ashlyn to be on every time... probably not. I don't have that expectation for this experience. I do however expect to have a bit of fun and a fashion pick me up once in a while.

Get your own personal Stitch Fix stylist: https://stitchfix.com/referral/4699844

Mommy vs Little Sister... Good-Bye Sing-Off

2/22/2015

We get so excited when it's time for pick up from daddy's house when the weekend is over! So much so that we can't help but be silly to get ourselves ready to see each other.... gah! When coparenting, it's important to make sure your kids feel secure during the transition to and from the other parent's house. Besides talking about how the time away was, we also share what we'll be doing next after pick up. Transition time (as with any time) should never be a competition of love between you and your partner. It's a time to focus on making sure the kids feel loved, appreciated, secure and safe (we focused, not "me focused"

Why Not Synchro? A Synchronized Skating Adventure

2/18/2015

We had the wonderful opportunity to interview coach and lifelong synchro athlete Nicole Davies before an important exhibition practice and competition sendoff. We observed how hard the athletes must work together to keep the intended shape and pace during phases of their routine. One of the lovernauts stated, "they must be like a family," because they have to depend on each other so much to make it work. This is true for all sports, but more so for sports like synchro where you are being judged on your level of cohesion and togetherness.

The Synchronized Skating community has been working for decades to get their sport into the Olympics. We support that cause as athletes because we understand how important it is for all of your hard work, effort, time and sacrifice to be recognized not only by the Olympic committee but also by the world. Follow the Synchronized Skating community and learn more about the sport at Get It Called- a site dedicated to staying up-to-date on scores and competition information. Join the cause and show your support on social media by using the hashtag #WhyNotSynchro?

Valentine's Day Fun with Mommikin Cut Outs

2/14/2015

We joined in on the Valentine's Day fun with Mommikin cut outs! The lovernauts had a blast making crazy poses and faces. We didn't have any sticks to tape them too, but I don't think that mattered much to them. Check out the original post here to make your own VDay Photo Booth Fun: Say "Candy Hearts" Valentine's Day Photo Booth Props

Grocery Store Ice Cream Trip

2/10/2015

We took a quick trip to the grocery store for a late night icecream adventure. Normally I don't let the kids have their own carts, but this time they each got their own. Surprisingly they were quite responsible and reasonable as we bobbed and weaved through the store. I think we will do this again!

Up, Up and Away!

12/31/2014

I took a business trip for work and realized that I had not flown in a plane since 2009. Yes it was more than 5 years since I'd been in a plane. How horrible? I used to fly all the time but having three kids and a frugal mindset, we often took the caravan of love route to visit grandparents and family far away. Car trips are a lot of fun, but they are also very exhausting. I remember my last flight was with my oldest daughter who was 8 months at the time. Oddly I was sick the entire time. Super nauseated and very cranky. She was having problems nursing but during the flight she was amazing. We sat and looked out the window and people were amazed at how quiet she was (I wasn't - she is my most agreeable child). I found out on the return trip that I was pregnant with our second child. After that I hadn't flown since.

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