Category Archives: New posts

Inspirational Quote: When it is Dark Enough, You Can See the Stars

March 23, 2011New posts, Personalanxiety, Depression, life, quote, stressAlicia

Moms are always on the go. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I knew when I ‘signed up’ to have children, that having kids was going to be a game changer. I had been a nanny before and was totally in love with the kids I nannied and they still hold a special place in my heart. Sorry, got of track..

However, no matter how much we love our kids, moms sometimes get so overwhelmed we don’t know which way to turn, who to turn to, or how to take care of ourselves and sometimes we let go. That’s not a good place to be or a good feeling. I recently read this quote by Charles Austin Bear: “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars” and after reading that quote, I realized that the darker things get in life, the more I appreciate what I have. What stinks is then I usually get MAD at myself for letting myself get depressed because I know that I have a great life.

I like to put inspirational quotes on my refrigerator or in my purse so I can read them often.

Click the image above to print and tape this inspirational quote on your fridge or put in your wallet for quick and easy access when you need a lift.

How Tony’s Pizza Brings My Family (and me!) Joy

March 22, 2011New postsfamily movie night, Tony's PizzaAlicia

Evenings are hectic at our house. By about 6:00 I’m exhausted, still working (I work from home), helping my son with his homework, catching up on laundry, and trying to get my daughter to simmer down and get in ‘bed-mode’. ‘Pizza Night’ started off as my excuse to not fix dinner, but it’s turned into something much cooler.. a family fun night and a tradition that we all love. Tony’s Pizza is a fast and easy meal that the entire family enjoys and looks forward to.

Tony’s Pizza helps my family stay connected. We usually sit around the living room table (pizza night is the only time we don’t eat at the dining table), talk, tell jokes, or watch a movie while we eat pizza. Pizza night is our night to just sit back and laugh with the kids, catch up on what’s happening at school, or just relax and watch a good movie together.
Tony's Pizza Mom

What I Love About Tony’s Pizza:

– It’s easy and quick to prepare allowing me to spend time with my family instead of with the stove
– There are lots of topping choices including my kid’s favorite, Hamburger
– Pizza leaves little to clean up!
– Tony’s Pizza is available in a few sizes including snack and pouches.

Make sure to enter the Tony’s Pizza 99 Days of More contest if you haven’t already!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post through a compensated Mom Bloggers Club member program.

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration 2011 Happening Now!

March 17, 2011Blogger Resources, New postsbloggers, Conference, Disney Social Media Moms, social mediaAlicia

It’s been a busy day, one that is sure to be the first in a series of days that I will never forget.

First I got up and did some last minute packing, answered a few emails, got my 4 year old ready for school, then I hopped on a plane and flew to Orlando for Disney Social Media Moms 2011. I registered for Disney Social Media Moms Celebration a few months ago and my family was supposed to be come with me today but my husband couldn’t get off work today so he and the kids are driving to Orlando tomorrow. I know they’ll be fine, but neither one of us has ever driven alone with the kids for that long. We’re such wimps.. I know. I hope his patience levels are high tomorrow!

What is Disney Social Media Moms Celebration 2011?
It’s a conference (AKA Celebration) where about 200 fabulous mom bloggers are getting together to expand out knowledge on social media, blogging, and online marketing. What’s extra super great is that we also got park hopper passes for all of the Disney parks for the next few days and we are staying at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. As I’m writing this, I have my patio door open, I can see Magic Kingdom across the lake, and I hear the train whistling. It’s absolutely breathtaking!

The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration began this afternoon with a gathering at the Wedding Pavilion at Grand Floridian Resort where we learned about Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Did you know that over 20,000 couples have been married at Disney?
David Tutera from My Fair Wedding talked to us about wedding trends and other interesting wedding related facts. A few quotes from his talk include: “It all boils down to making dreams come true”, “Bold bright red is the new trend for weddings”, and “People begin to be safe because they are scared. And then it becomes boring”.
Carley Roney from TheKnot.com also spoke. I enjoyed her talk and would have loved to have taken more notes but a few quotes from her speech include “Social media is a cocktail party, you u need to be charming and witty, not talk all about yourself, compliment others” and “Make your audience your passion, your obsession” focus on community”. I love that one. I’m not sure how much my husband and kids would appreciate that but it makes sense. I believe that you need to have a healthy obsession for anything you really want to accomplish in life.

At dinner tonight I met a few bloggers that I hadn’t met before and got to see some blogger friends who I enjoy and appreciate including Desiree Miller, Stacie Connerty, Mommy Niri, Jennifer James, and Jodi Grundig. Now I’m back in my room ~~relaxing~~ working and looking forward to what’s to come tomorrow.

I am so excited about Chris Brogan session tomorrow. He’s one of my blogging hero’s. I saw him at IzeaFest a couple of years ago and thought he was just fabulous and learned a lot from him. Rene Syler, author of Good Enough Mother, will also be speaking tomorrow and Susan Egan is on the agenda as well.

I hope to gain knowledge on better blogging practices, how to engage my audience (that’s you!), and how to manage my time better. I don’t know what each of the speakers is going to talk about but I do know that with all of the fabulous mom bloggers and speakers here at Disney Social Media Moms, I’m bound to learn a few things!

Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet Preview in Dallas

March 11, 2011New postsDallas, NissanAlicia

I am in Dallas, TX today for a preview of the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. A big fan of Nissan, I drive a Nissan Quest, and am super excited to get to test drive the Murano CrossCabriolet, the world’s first all-wheel drive crossover convertible. My hair is down now, but it might not be for long as we drive with the top down through Dallas in a little while!

About Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet:

The 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is the world’s first all-wheel drive crossover convertible

2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet goes on sale this Spring – fully equipped starting at $46,390

All-new Murano CrossCabriolet has an exceptionally compact top that allows for additional interior and cargo space

Murano CrossCabriolet has hydraulically operated top – w/ automatic power latch/unlatch system activated on center console & driver’s door handle

Murano CrossCabriolet comes in 6 colors: Sunset Bronze & Caribbean plus Merlot, Platinum Graphite, Super Black & Glacier Pearl White

Murano CrossCabriolet has versatility & functionality of true crossover, & unique open air driving experience of a pure convertible

Some of Murano CrossCabriolet’s standard features: AWD, Navigation & heated seats, climate control, Bose Audio System to name only a few

Disclosure: Nissan provided meals and opportunity to drive vehicle before it was on sale for me to share with my readers.

On Twitter? Follow me at twitter.com/mommyinsider for up to the minute details on my trip and test drive of the Murano CrossCabriolet. Want more? Visit the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet website to learn more about the world’s first all-wheel drive crossover convertible. You can also follow @NissanNews for news about the Muran CrossCabriolet and their other vehicles.

Atlanta Frozen Yogurt Shop Pinkberry Celebrates Buckhead Grand Opening!

March 8, 2011Atlanta Moms Edition, New postsatlanta, frozen yogurt, pinkberryAlicia

Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt Atlanta

Atlanta is booming with Cupcake Bakeries, Ice Cream Shops, and now Frozen Yogurt shops like Pinkberry which just opened in Buckhead last week. We have lots of choices so my theory? Try them all!

The kids and I, along with Desiree from StressFreeBaby.com and her daughter, visited Pinkberry’s third Atlanta area location (in Buckhead) to celebrate their grand opening. Pinkberry frozen yogurt flavors include Pomegranate, Blood Orange, Chocolate, Original, Mango, and Coconut. Some flavors are seasonal and may change. After customers dip their frozen yogurt they top it off with any variety of some 10 daily cut fresh fruits, 20 premium and fresh dry toppings and 3 liquid toppings. Yummy!

The fruit toppings looked amazingly fresh (and were) and my son loved the chocolate toppings. I think he put 3 different chocolate toppings on top of his chocolate FroYo! My daughter would have been happy to just eat a bowl of Pinkberry’s fresh fruit toppings. 🙂

Fans of Pinkberry include Selena Gomez, Justin Beiber, and Taylor Swift.. so what are you waiting for? Get out and stop by your nearest Pinkberry today!