We are Mothers, Hear us Roar!

 

 

Being a mom, I'm constantly reminded of just how strong I have become. Carrying two pregnancies, giving birth, producing milk to nourish my babies. Besides the fascination of what my body has been capable of doing, I'm honestly amazed at how much my strength has magnified since having children. I think this hammer strength is a woman's right of passage upon entering motherhood.

 

Before the kids came along, I made a pact with my husband. I would be on shit duty-he puke. I couldn't see puke, smell it, hear it or think it. If I did, all hell would break loose...can't possibly take care of a vomiting child when you're puking yourself. This weak stomach of mine somehow metamorphosed into steel when I became a mom. It comes with the territory. I am now capable of handling human feces and vomit like no other. I wear this badge honorably because I earned it!

 

Both kids were sick last week-unfortunately simultaneously with me. Although the flu test resulted in a negative, it very much mirrored it. I woke up one night with a fever- freezing, dry mouth, sore throat and headache from hell. I couldn't even lift my head to take a sip of water from my nightstand! I felt like absolute shit. I envisioned myself getting up to take Tylenol in the kitchen while getting an extra blanket from the living room. I laid there for what felt like forever, listening to the beat of my headache, shivering, thinking of all the things that would make me feel better, completely and utterly immobile- until hearing..."mommyyyyy"!!! And... right out of bed I went. Just like that. For myself, I laid there suffering. My son needed me and there wasn't a moments hesitation. Knowing he felt similar to how I did - made me feel worse. After getting him what he needed, I lay cuddled next to him in his twin bed- shivering synchronized, praying to God to transfer his pain to me. If only cuddling could somehow access that transfer, our kids would go unscathed for life- and, we really would be able to do it all!

 

A mother's strength comes in many different forms. I never thought I would make it when both kids stopped napping!  It can be a bouncy house rescue- climbing a blow-up ladder military style with one arm, while carrying a child in another! Sometimes its finding the courage to speak up at school when need be. This animal instinct to protect my young is a strength within me I never knew existed. I have evolved into this Superwoman that can get through just about anything. I always knew I wanted to be a mom...I just didn't know I would feel this amazing being one. Putting their needs, wants and desires first takes a lot of strength...I believe we suddenly possess this strength because Lord knows- we need it!

 

Being a mom is empowering. I have never felt as confident as I do today as Chloe and Max's mom. Sure there are days I want to have a cocktail by 10am- but that strength within me gets me through the day (or at least until 5pm) without it! I brought them into this world and have watched them grow into these amazing little people- because of me. I always second guessed myself and what I was good at before having them. This- I got. This is what I was meant to be. A mommy. And... I couldn't be happier with my title...or my new found mommy muscle.

 

This post is dedicated to my two little loves, Chloe and Max. Thank you both for making me feel so important. The love you both have for me feeds the Superwoman in me to keep me going on those not so fun days. Mommy loves you both more than my heart can hold. You have made my life what I wanted it to be.

 

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dirty Dozen- Which Fruits & Veggies to Buy Organic

 

 

Organic blueberries- a must!

 

When I found out I was pregnant with Chloe, eating clean became a top priority in my life. I wanted to provide her with the best nourishment I could from the start. Once she was born and started eating herself, going strictly organic was important to me. I made my own baby food for both of my children using only organic fruits and veggies. Feeding my kids is my shtick! I get pure joy out of feeding them to this day.

Now at 5 and 3, I no longer buy strictly organic. Although I still feed them as healthily as I possibly can, the cost is too high for me to be able to buy everything organic. My staples are milk and yogurt and the fruits and veggies referred to as "the dirty dozen"! You can lower your families pesticide intake substantially just by buying these fruits and veggies. Most of the foods listed below have either thin skin or no skin, which is the reason they are exposed to more pesticides that we end up eating (so scary to me). These fruits and veggies represent the USDA's list of most contaminated.

The Dirty Dozen

• Strawberries
• Apples
• Peaches
• Celery
• Sweet bell peppers
• Nectarines
• Blueberries
• Grapes
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Cucumbers
• Potatoes

Green beans and leafy greens such as kale and collard greens were recently added to the dirty dozen because of the highly toxic insecticides they are contaminated with. The dirty fourteen doesn't sound as good as the dirty dozen! I find that Trader Joe's has decent prices on their organic fruits and veggies. If I don't buy them there, I buy at Bj's. Just be careful when buying in bulk because organic tends to go bad quickly. Freeze freezable fruits in baggies if you can't use them in due time. Frozen fruits are great for smoothies.

To keep your cost of food shopping down, here is a list of safer foods that you can buy non- organic. These are referred to as "the clean 15". Love the quirky titles!

The Clean 15

• Onions
• Pineapple
• Mangoes
• Avocado
• Watermelon
• Sweet Corn
• Cabbage
• Sweet Peas
• Asparagus (which surprise me)
• Cantaloupe
• Grapefruit
• Mushrooms (again, surprised)
• Sweet Potatoes
• Eggplant
• Kiwi

Happy & healthy eating!

Baked Chicken Taquitos

             Baked Chicken Taquitos

For the most part, my kids eat healthily. They do eat cake. They do eat candy. They do eat cookies- all in moderation. The only time I ever went nuts about food was when my husband fed Max a hot dog! Max was around 2 at the time and he never ate a hot dog! To me, it doesn't get worse than that! It did get close, if not- equally bad, when Dave, the second time offender came home with frozen taquitos! This is why he is now banned from food shopping! Max loved them! I was horrified. He asked for them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I knew I had to figure out a way to create a healthier version.

Every recipe I came across had ingredients Max would not eat. I had to simplify. I came across a recipe on Pinterest that used egg roll wrappers and I thought that was ingenious! I took that portion of the recipe and thought of things Max liked to eat. He just started liking tacos with ground turkey. I figured if he liked tacos, why not use the ground turkey for the taquitos. I made my own low sodium taco seasoning following the recipe from Shrinking Kitchen and went to work.

Low Sodium Taco Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried onion
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seed
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 teaspoon black pepper

Mix all ingredients together and store them in an airtight container. If making your own is out of the question, Ortega makes a packet of 40% less sodium taco seasoning. For 1 pound of meat, use 3 tablespoons of seasoning.

What you need:

• 1 pound 99% fat free ground turkey
• 1 package of Nasoyo egg roll wrappers
• taco seasoning (homemade or packet)
• 3/4 cup of water
• 1 bag of shredded Mexican blend cheese (I use Sargento)
• 1 container of reduced fat sour cream (I swear by Breakstones) for dipping
• olive oil for brushing

 

What you need to do:

Preheat your oven for 375.

Brown the turkey meat on a medium flame.

When the meat is almost fully cooked, add in the taco seasoning and water.

Stir until fully mixed.

Bring to a boil then lower flame to a simmer.

Simmer until thickening occurs.

Add in 1 cup of the shredded cheese and mix until blended.

 

Line a baking pan with tin foil and spray with Pam.

Lay out the egg roll wrappers adding a spoonful of meat on one side. Make sure its even & not lumpy.

Before rolling, sprinkle a little more cheese over the meat.

Roll up.

Brush each taquito with olive oil. If you don't have a brush, you can use the back of a spoon.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

 

This makes approximately 20 taquitos. You can make them as thick or thin as you like! You can also make them with shredded chicken or steak!

 

Freeze remaining taquitos and reheat for a quick lunch!

 

I was thrilled when Max ate them! My version is much better for him and now I can feel good about feeding him one of his favorite foods.

 

 

 

He likes them! He really likes them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

Learning How to Run

 A few months ago, I couldn't run more than 3 minutes without losing my breath, getting shin splints, and a pain in my side. I didn't believe runners that told me that this would subside. I never imagined I would be able to run longer than 5 minutes. I was determined. I tried and tried, pushing myself one minute longer each time I reached my goal. Yesterday, I ran ten minutes straight- the longest I have ever ran without a break! This was success for me! I felt amazing walking out of that gym!

How I started:

I started off real slow- running two minutes and stopping until I was able to catch my breath again. I ran again when I felt the urge to. I read somewhere to run until your tired and walk until your bored and it must have resonated with me!

 

Once I was able to reach the two minute goal without feeling like I was going to die, I added another minute! I repeated this until I made it to 6 minutes. I told a friend how much trouble I was having running longer than the 6 minutes and she told me to lower the speed. I was running at 5.0-5.2 so I lowered it to 4.7 (thanks Doreen!). Her advice helped me so much! I was able to go straight from six minutes to ten.

 

That night, I started with a 5 minute warm-up walk, then ran for ten minutes.

I stopped at ten minutes and walked for another five before running another ten. I finished off with a 5 minute cool down.

 

Tips to take to the gym:

Set small goals for yourself- even if it's a one minute goal.

Stretch first before running.

Bring lots of water.

Make a playlist that will get you ampted!

Remember that this isn't easy & that Rome wasn't built in a day! This takes time!

If I can run- I swear anyone can!

Stretch after your run.

 

Obviously I am still a long work in progress myself. I started this process approximately two months ago. I do not consider myself a runner by any means! I am just someone who has the desire and drive to run. I have always wanted to and just couldn't believe that I was able to. I am a beginner runner myself, trying to inspire those with the same desire as me.

 

My shin splint pain has subsided as well as the pain in my side...damn runners were right! I am also able to breath easier running at a slower pace.

 

My ankles do hurt- but I kinda like it! I reminds me of all the hard work I did.

 

My goal is to be able to run 30 minutes straight.

 

I hope this post gets in your head and gets you on your feet! If you're a mom like me, running helps get the crazy out!

 

Let me know how it goes if you give it a go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jelly Ring Overnight Oats

Overnight oats make breakfast a breeze! Prepare the night before and simply take from fridge to table. The oats are filling and satisfying and you can switch it up daily with different mix-ins. The yogurt is protein, probiotic & calcium packed and will give the kiddies enough energy to last them to lunchtime. 

Chloe likes playing chef and the oats are simple enough for her to do so. For this combination, we wanted to create a chocolaty mix for the morning so we went with vanilla Chobani mixed with Nutella! My kids feel as though they are eating such a special treat while getting all the healthy benefits of this breakfast.

For the kids, I choose to use a bowl opposed to a jar because it's easier for them to eat out of. It's also easier for Chloe to prepare breakfast in a bowl rather in a mason jar. If you use a bowl, cover with clear wrap.

Jelly Ring Overnight Oats

• 1/2 cup of oats
• 1/2 cup of vanilla almond milk (you can use milk of your choice)
• 1/4 cup of vanilla Chobani
• 1 tablespoon of Nutella   
• 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam (top off in the morning)      

Mix your oats and milk together.

Mix the yogurt and Nutella together until Nutella is completely blended.

Scoop the yogurt/nutella mixture on top of oats and store in the fridge until breakfast time.    

Leftover yogurt/Nutella mixture? Save to scoop up with strawberries or spread it over a banana for a midday or after school snack.                           

Change

 

As I was going through my past posts, I came across this one and was surprised I never published it. I wrote it at the end of summer when Fall was upon us.

 

Change is always present in our lives. Although it may not always be easy, I believe change is good.

And...it is definitely in the air. For me, my 4 year old daughter starts Kindergarten, my 2 year old son, pre-school. I am looking forward to the routine that comes along with the school year, the leaves turning from green to various shades of reds, oranges and yellows and cooler days for long walks and bike rides with the kids. I'm also looking forward to making some of the changes I have been wanting to make to Secrets of a Momaholic for quite some time now. The few hours I will have to myself  (for the first time in almost 5 years!) while Max is in pre-school will be dedicated to my writing.

I write about what I love. My family, my kids, healthy food for kids. I like writing about topics that may help other moms. I enjoy writing stories that touch people whether it be funny or sentimental. I have written about fitness in past posts and have gotten a great response. Fitness has been a big part of my life, something I have had a love/hate relationship with most of my life. As much as I love it, its a constant struggle...especially since the kids came along. Someone gets sick...out for a week. And I'm sure I don't have to tell you how hard it is to get back in once there is a lapse.

As a mom, I don't do much for myself. Working out is my sanity. Part of me not losing my mind is feeling good...I get that from a great workout. We have to take care of ourselves to take care of our children, right?

When I first started this blog, it was focused on children. Now, as I change and grow with my children, the dynamic of Secrets of a Momaholic will have some changes along the way as well.

I want moms to feel great about themselves. If you aren't into fitness, I hope to inspire you to at least introduce it into your life. A walk can do lots for a stressful day- believe me!

Come November, Secrets of a Momaholic will be a year in the making. I have learned a lot since I started this from nothing. I knew nothing about the business of blogging and I still have so much to learn a year plus later. I hope to keep the readers I have and gain new ones along the way.

Taking a new path can sometimes lead you to where you were always meant to be. Hopefully as I turn over this new leaf, I find my place and my voice and where it is meant to be.
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As I reflect on this post months after writing it, I realized what matters most is staying true to yourself. If I stay true to myself and write about what I love...I'm hoping the rest will follow. Inspiring other moms to lead a healthy lifestyle with their families is something I find very important. I hope to accomplish this goal while growing my blog.

If you have been with me from the beginning, I truly thank you! If you are new, I hope to offer you something that brings you back again and again.

 

Shamrock fruit kabobs

Happy March everyone! What I love about March is that it's one step closer to Spring! I've had about enough of the indoors, and so have the littles!

St. Patrick's Day was always celebrated at my grandparents house. My grandpa was Irish and my grandmother embraced her adopted heritage by cooking up a feast of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots. My family loved it and looked forward to it the once a year we ate it!

I carried on the corned beef dinner tradition with my own family and have added some of my own since having kids. You can make just about anything with a shamrock cookie cutter from pancakes to pb&j sammies. I made these shamrock fruit kabobs this morning to welcome the first day of March and the kids devoured them!

What you need:

• small shamrock cookie cutter
• 1 honeydew (buy the largest one you can find)
• large seedless green grapes
• little marshmallows
• plastic drink stirrers (bought in paper goods aisle in supermarket)

If you want to set it up in a tin to bring to school, go to Michael's or a craft store. I bought the tin there and the foam that fits inside of it to hold the kabobs. I bought Easter grass to hide the foam. You can easily lay them on a plate and cover with clear wrap as well.

What you need to do:

• Cut honeydew in half (across- not top to bottom)
• scoop out seeds
• slice the honeydew leaving circles
• Use your shamrock cutter to cut the shape out of the honeydew.
• Fill the kabobs with fruit and marshmallows

If your looking for a shamrock cookie cutter, mine came from a set I bought from The Pampered Chef. I honestly think it is the most used item in my kitchen! The set was $10. The shamrock cutter will be working lots of OT this month as the heart shape did last!