Mommy is in Timeout

Happy Friday! I’m definitely ready for the weekend. Just an FYI to my awesome readers, I’m going to skip the recipe post on Sunday. I’ll be a little busy celebrating my now-preschooler’s 4th birthday. Happy weekend everyone!

For now, here are just a few of the fantastic posts I read this week out in the blogosphere.

****

This summer I really enjoyed reading Not Mommy of the Year and learning more about her through blog posts. Having grown up in a small farming community, I really loved this post from Krista. You will too.

Post: The Black Sheep
Blog: Not Mommy of the Year
Twitter: @notmommyofyear

****

My friend, Alison, offers up some great tips for hosting a guest blogger. If you’re ever thinking of having someone take over your blog for a day, here’s a great way to welcome them with open arms.

Post: How To Be The Hostess With The Mostest
Blog: Mama Wants This
Twitter: @MamaWantsThis

****

I always love to think back to the times before we had all this technology. Tonya took me on a little trip down memory lane with this post and discussed how we now use technology and asked the question if we could go back. I’m not sure I could. What about you?

Post: Back To 1991
Blog: Letters for Lucas
Twitter: @Letters4Lucas

****

Fence-eating dogs, Foo Fighters and BlogHer. I know, you’re intrigued. Go give MamaMash some love for being a spotlight blogger with BlogHer. And check out her “new” fence while you’re there.

Post: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Blog: Mama Mash
Twitter: @MamaMash

****

Comments are closed on Mommy Knows Best. Instead, go leave one (or all) of these fine bloggers some comment love.

For those of you who are new to my blog, Mommy Knows Best is a series I used to do on Friday to highlight my favorite posts that I’d read recently.

Somehow I got away from doing it this summer. Blame it on the fact it was nice outside and I wasn’t the best blog reader.

Well, it’s back. Game on.

Here are some of my favorite recent posts.

****

I have read Jessica’s blog daily since about March, so I know her usual tone. She mostly sticks to lighter, more humorous posts. But, every once and a while, she takes the serious route and totally surprises you. This post was one of them. Take a look.

Post: She Could Be One Of Them
Blog: My Time As Mom
Twitter: @mytimeasmom

****

I told Kim in the comments – this post was almost a same brain type of thing. Once you get into blogging, you need to find time to unplug and just step away from it all. Social media can be all consuming if you let it. I couldn’t agree more with what she had to say.

Post: Finding Balance in Unplugging
Blog: Mamas Monologues
Twitter: @mamasmonologues

****

Carri has had posts at her blog and guest posting recently where she’s opened up a bit more. Shedding light on tough times that she’s faced in her life and how she’s made it through. I’m sure it hasn’t been easy to let it all out, but hopefully it’s been a bit therapeutic.

Post: Head Like a Hole
Blog: Mommy’s Little Monster Blake
Twitter: @CarriBrown

****

This last mention isn’t so much about a post but rather a whole blog. I love stumbling onto new blogs, but I found this one in the strangest way this summer. I was watching TV (I know, you’re shocked) and this blog was mentioned in a dishwasher liquid commercial. I hopped on the computer, checked it out and have been following ever since. The pictures, the food, I just love it all.

Blog: Not Without Salt
Twitter: @AshleyRodriguez

****

A new thing I’m doing with Mommy Knows Best is closing the comments. Instead of leaving a comment here, go leave one at a post I mentioned. Maybe even all of them. TGIF!

For those of you who are new to this series, you can read about it here.

I broke the rules a little bit today. These posts are actually from a few weeks ago. However, I haven’t done MKB in a while and I wanted to still take the time to mention them because I thought they were great reads.

Hope you enjoy!

****

Not only was this post awesome from Rach, but the discussion in the comments was great as well. It’s always hard to find a balance when it comes to reading and following blogs. I’m still trying to figure it all out.

Post: I Have A Blogging Question
Blog: Life With Baby Donut
Twitter: @DonutsMama

****

Ali not only makes me laugh on twitter, but she also does the same on her blog. In this post she taught me all the reasons that I shouldn’t ever update my LinkedIn profile as a joke. Ever. Be sure to check out why.

Post: Updating My Resume: Position: Slut
Blog: My Suitcase Full of Tricks
Twitter: @suitcasetricks

****

I remember when I first started blogging reading all the different lists of things to do. I loved the information, but I also felt overwhelmed at the same time. This post from Kristin says it all.

Post: Blogging, Listicles, and Why I Sometimes Go MIA
Blog: What She Said
Twitter: @SaidKristin

****

I love this post from Tracy because sometimes people just need to shut the %#$@ up and learn to take a joke. Humor is fun. Try it.

Post: I answer to the boss…
Blog: Sellabit Mum
Twitter: @sellabitmum

****

What were your favorite posts from the week?

If you visit my blog often, you know that my Mommy Knows Best series on Friday highlights different bloggers that I think, well, know best.

Through a post they have either made me laugh, tugged at my heart or made me relate in some way.

This week however, I won’t be highlighting any posts. It’s not that I didn’t read some fabulous pieces this week, I did. But, I want to share with you a quick story of an area where I need to start being better in order to be my best.

Ten years ago, I was very fit.

I routinely ran in 5Ks and 10Ks, even challenging myself once to a half marathon.

I played tennis against my husband on a regular basis, winning 89.5% of the time. (Yes, that’s a fact, no matter what Charlie says. I kept track.)

I could hike up a hill at a nearby park, without feeling like I might collapse at the top.

I want that girl back. Somewhere along the way, I lost her to an addiction with potato chips, diet coke and Real Housewives. No, Bravo Andy, I don’t blame you.

Tomorrow I will be going to a casting call for a new ABC weight loss reality show called The Revolution. Whether I make it or not, losing weight is a must. I’m not going to lie – I’d still love it if you wished me luck at the audition.

I’m on a good streak right now, having lost 27 pounds since February. However, I have a big mountain to climb since my overall goal is to  lose 100 pounds total.

So, here I go on this journey to get to a Mommy who is looking and feeling her best.

Welcome back to my Mommy Knows Best series. It’s been on a bit of a hiatus the past month, but it’s back today. If you’d like to know more about the series, click here. Otherwise, check out some great posts below from some fabulous bloggers.

Just a reminder: For those of you who join us for VlogTalk, make sure to check out this weeks prompts over at Jessica’s blog.

****

Post: Who Needs Oprah?
Blog: Mommy Shorts
Twitter: @MommyShorts

My favorite Oprah shows were her “Favorite Things” episodes. I even used to imagine myself in the audience and what kind of faces I would make at the camera. However, I think Mazy just made up a great list of favorite things – including a hair dryer. Be sure to watch the video – who knew blowing your hair dry could be so entertaining.

****

Post: Let’s Bee Friends
Blog: Bees with Honey
Twitter: @beeswithhoney

If you haven’t been over to Bruna’s place on a Friday, you definitely should. She has a cool series called Let’s Bee Friends. She hightlights a blogger, but then also has a linkup where you can put your favorite post that you wrote during that week. It’s a fun blog hop to end the week.

****

Post: Screw It
Blog: Mom Went Crazy
Twitter: @momwentcrazy

Chantelle cracks me up in the vlogs she’s linked up for VlogTalk and she does the same with this vlog. Watch her as she makes a decision to take a little time for herself. Make sure to also read what happened when she went to pick up the kids.

****

Post: Six Word Memoir (x6)
Blog: Am I a Funny Girl?
Twitter: @libismorgan

Who knew you could learn so much about someone in just 6 lines with 6 words. Great job with the prompt from Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop.

****

Post: Who’s Your Twitter Match?
Blog: four plus an angel
Twitter: @fourplusanangel

This week Jessica did a very fun post discussing Twitter Twins. Be sure to go check it out and share your opinion. I keep going through my twitter list trying to figure out more twin options. You will too!

****

What did you read this week? What did I miss that you thought was awesome?

Breaking News: My new blog design, that I’ve talked about for weeks, will be live early next week! I’m taking the weekend off to transfer everything over a few several glasses of wine.

But, before I go, I wanted to mention my favorite post from this past week.

Typically on Friday I mention three to five, but today I’m only going to talk about one. My reason? I’m discussing a series and I hope you’ll take the time to flip through several of the posts.

The Hungry Dudes is a local food blog and it’s one of my favorites to browse through when I’m surfing on my computer. I know the five hungry dudes in real life (well, really 4 dudes, 1 dudette) and they always have this foodie’s mouth watering from the pictures on their blog. My favorite series is What’s for Dinner Wednesday? It is written by the dudette, Watty.

Make sure to checkout Watty’s facebook page to see her photography. It’s amazing. I really need a lesson. I know, very subtle.

Post: What’s for Dinner Wednesday?
Blog: The Hungry Dudes
Twitter: @Wattyz (also follow @thehungrydudes)

Have a great holiday weekend and make sure to take a timeout for yourself!

Don’t forget – next Tuesday is the first VlogTalk! Can’t wait to see all of you.

****

Don’t worry. This isn’t a post where I tell you I know best. Trust me, I’m a self proclaimed don’t-know-it-all.What I’d like to do each Friday is highlight a few of the Mommy’s who do seem to get it in my Mommy Knows Best series. Woman that I look to for a good laugh, a good story, a good idea. Here are a few of my favorite posts that I’ve read recently while I sat in time out.

****

I’m excited to see some of the blogs that I follow are starting to vlog more. It’s always nice to put a face and voice to the avatar and words that I have become familiar with. Tracy is hysterical in her first 2 vlogs and I can’t wait to see more!

Post: Where, When, and How Long I Blog – The Dirty Truth Vlog Style
Blog: Sellabitmum.com
Twitter: @sellabitmum

****

I always think that my boys devise a plan together on who will act up overnight. So, of course I fell in love with this post the moment I started reading. What a hysterical “conversation” between twins who were supposed to be sleeping.

Post: Shenanigans
Blog: moments that define life
Twitter: @MTDLBlog

****

This week one of Mama Kat’s prompts was to describe to discuss a teenage crush. I loved these 2 posts. My favorite part is how they both end, but I’m not going to tell you so I don’t ruin it. Just go read them.

Post: The Cutest Boy
Blog: Am I a Funny Girl?
Twitter: @libismorgan

Post: Love at First Sight
Blog: Not Quite Susie Homemaker
Twitter: @notquitesusie

****

What did I miss? What were some of your favorite posts this week?

Don’t worry. This isn’t a post where I tell you I know best. Trust me, I’m a self proclaimed don’t-know-it-all.What I’d like to do each Friday is highlight a few of the Mommy’s who do seem to get it in my Mommy Knows Best series. Woman that I look to for a good laugh, a good story, a good idea. Here are a few of my favorite posts that I’ve read recently while I sat in time out.

****

Having a sister myself, I teared up when I read this post. It’s a very touching note from one sister to another on her wedding day. Truly beautiful.

Post: Sister, sister
Blog: Mama Wants This!
Twitter: @mamawantsthis

****

I’m a sucker for all things Detroit. I love living here and I’m proud to tell you all about it. It’s great to see other Mom’s (and Dad’s too) joining in on the family fun in the D.

Post: 25 Metro Detroit Places to Show My Daughter
Blog: Mrs. Weber’s Neighborhood
Twitter: @laurenweber84

****

As you all know, I’m a big believer in taking a timeout as a mommy. Here is a great post about taking a little time to reclaim yourself and the thought process it sometimes takes to get out of the house. Oh, and by the way, I invited myself along.

Post: One Week from Today
Blog: Mothers’ Hideaway
Twitter: @mothershideaway

****

Here is a beautiful post about a little boy giving a mama lots of kisses in front of the big cool kids. I hope those kisses don’t ever go away. Trust me, you’ll be sniffly by the end.

Post: Little Boy Kisses
Blog: Life on the Mama Track
Twitter: @mamatrack

****

What did I miss? What were your favorite posts from the week?

Don’t worry. This isn’t a post where I tell you I know best. Trust me, I’m a self proclaimed don’t-know-it-all.What I like to do each Friday is highlight a few of the Mommy’s who do seem to get it in my Mommy Knows Best series. Woman that I look to for a good laugh, a good story, a good idea. Here are a few of my favorite posts that I’ve read recently while I sat in time out.

****

I’m changing it up a little bit this week. With the never ending cold that has plagued our house the past two weeks, I didn’t get much reading done this week. I’ve been a bad, bad blog reader.

So, what I decided to do for this edition of MKB was to tell you a little bit more about my 10 favorite blogs. I mentioned them the other day in a post and linked to their home page, but I didn’t show you why I like them so much.

Basically today we are doing a best of the best of – if that makes sense.

I’m going to link to a recent post of theirs to give you an example of what keeps me going back. Whether they make me laugh, cry or relate, they are all fabulous bloggers and I thoroughly enjoy reading from each and every one of them. Hope you will too.

Four Plus an Angel: Bedtime Story

Good Day, Regular People: Beethoven Lives Upstairs

My Time as Mom: Failed Relationships

a belle, a bean and a chicago dog: What I Lack

Kludgy Mom: Fear and Loathing of The Blog Conference

Things I Can’t Say: How to Get Your Kids to Let You Sleep In

a nut in a nutshell: He Ran. Yep.

These Little Waves: A Phone Call

Taming Insanity: Cuddles at Midnight

Letters for Lucas: I Wonder…

Don’t worry. This isn’t a post where I tell you I know best. Trust me, I’m a self proclaimed don’t-know-it-all.What I’d like to do each Friday is highlight a few of the Mommy’s who do seem to get it in my Mommy Knows Best series. Woman that I look to for a good laugh, a good story, a good idea. Here are a few of my favorite posts that I’ve read recently while I sat in time out.While I typically only do 3-4, I’m mentioning 5 posts this week. I’m a rule breaker.

****

Tonya did a post this week for Mama Kat’s Writers Workshop and the prompt she chose was What I Know For Sure. I love the list that she shared. The whole time I read it, I kept nodding my head in agreement. Maybe you will too!

Post: For Sure
Blog: Letters for Lucas
Twitter: @letters4lucas

****

Ahhh naptime. I think all parents love this time of day to get things done and maybe even grab a little rest. This is a funny post from Mama Track on what is sometimes the most coveted time of day.

Post: Naptime
Blog: Life on the Mama Track
Twitter:  @MamaTrack

****

One of my favorite blogs, a belle, a bean, and a chicago dog, had Katie from Practical Parenting do a guest post on Thursday. It was about getting your child {& yourself} prepared for Kindergarten. Since Lanagan starts preschool next year, and then obviously Kindergarten will follow, I printed out this list & highlighted it like crazy. If you have kids heading to Kindergarten – might be helpful for you too!

Post: It’s Not About the ABC’s
Blog: a belle, a bean, and a chicago dog and Practical Parenting
Twitter: @bellebeandog and @practicalmom

****

As a high school business teacher, I love a good entrepreneurial story. One of my favorite entrepreneurs to discuss in class is Blake Mycoskie, Founder of TOMS Shoes. So, you can imagine how intrigued & impressed to read this review from Nanette. The moment I saw her tweet that she spent a day at TOMS Shoes, I had to check it out.

Post: An Afternoon at TOMS
Blog: Say It, Don’t Spray It
Twitter: @Nanette

****

I loved this Life List over at Farewell, Stranger. I’ve always thought of making a life list/ bucket list and have never gotten around to it. There were some really cool things mentioned. I was also so shocked as I read it to find out how similar we are! I think we definitely need to meet someday. Check it out – could be a fun list for you to make.

Post: My Life List
Blog: Farewell, Stranger
Twitter: @MamaRobinJ

****

What about you? What were some of your favorite posts this week?