Because You're Worth It

Shortly after I ended things with my ex, I remember thinking to myself that the cost of being in that relationship was extremely high. I gave so much of myself, and with the exception of my delicious Aiden and having others believe that I had a perfect family, I got very little in return. 

The truth is, the ship sailed on our day in the sun a long time before the relationship actually ended, and tragically, I was still on it. For far too long. I remember reaching several low points. But I think one of my lowest point was when I could no longer see myself as awesome. 

I'm going to pause to allow you to re-read that sentence. And let it sink in.

...

And because I could no longer see myself as awesome, I slowly started to believe that I was not awesome. Not deserving of basic things people enter a relationship for. Not worthy. Not worth it.

Not to speak badly about my son's father, but staying in that relationship took away so much from me -- almost to the point where I couldn't recognize myself anymore. 

Sad, but true. 

Almost as if I gave so much and lost so much more in the process. Lost my sense of self. Lost my purpose. Lost my way. 

I couldn't see myself as awesome. And I couldn't see my way out.

But somehow, someway, I made it out. Alive and well. I have a few scars, but I'm out. Better. Stronger. Wiser. Lovelier. And more loving.

I'm on a mission now to figure out how do I learn from the incidents of my past relationship so that it does not happen to me again. And I'm starting to figure out that it's by remembering my worth. Every. Single. Day.

I wish it hadn't taken me as long as it did to come back to myself, but hey, everything in it's time, right?

But you... you can learn from what I went through. And know that you don't have to stay in a relationship where you don't feel good about yourself anymore. You're worthy. And you're worth it.

We all are.

Smooches,

Psyched. Pumped. Ready.

Last week I shared a post about letting some things go as my graduate school career comes to a close and I enter the real world yet again.

This week marks the first full week of my last semester of graduate school. Woohoo! Woo- freakin'-hoo! Seriously, super excited is an understatement. My M.A. should be going to the Columbia printing services as I type and I picked up the application for my Ed.M. last week. That's right, I'm working it... Mommy Delicious style!

Here's a picture of me in 2006 when I received my Bachelors from CU:

Yea... it rained on my graduation day. But that didn't stop me from being happy.

I was selected as a Senior Marshall and led my class in our possession line. I was psyched and pumped and ready to take on the world.

That's me in my dorm room. I still have that '06 CU flag!

And because I bleed blue, I'll have another CU flag this upcoming May.

I. Can't. Wait.

I have never been so happy to see the last of anything before. Well, maybe the last of my last relationship. Sorta.

But this graduation is not just about me. It's about Aiden too. And young mothers. And single mothers. Heck, it's about all the delicious mamas out there. Please stand up!

If I can do it, anyone can.

There are lots of papers and research and readings and presentations and special projects standing in the way of my degree and me. But I don't worry about them. Those things are minute compared to what I'll be receiving in return.

Once again, I find myself psyched and pumped and ready. I only wonder if the world is ready for Mommy Delicious because, come May 2011, it's on!

Even Aiden is ready.

Okay, he was a little sleepy in that picture, but you get the point.

Let's do this!

Smooches,

Grown and Sexy at "The Little Flirt"

Last week, this delicious single mama totally got her grown and sexy on! Ouch!

Along with a few other NYC Bloggers, I was invited to an event at a charming lingerie shop, La Petite Coquette, which is located in the West Village and french for "The Little Flirt."

I was super psyched to attend this event since it was hosted by one of my favorite NYC Mom Bloggers, the Gorgeous Goddess of Glamamom. Here we are pictured below.

La Petite Coquette has been in the business of transforming women to look and feel sexy for over 30 years. Wowza! Approximately 85% of women wear the wrong bra size, which makes 'em feel slightly uncomfortable while going through their day. Sadly, I was apart of that 85%. That is, until I received an expert bra-fitting at La Petite Coquette.

As if the bra-fitting wasn't enough, in true grown and sexy style, the event featured a sneak peak of LPC's upcoming Valentine's Day Collection as well as trends, tips, and tricks on all things lingerie. Check out some pieces from their exquisite collection below. Aren't they amazing?

In her book, The Lingerie Handbook, the boutique's owner, Rebecca Aspen states, "I believe that everyone has a little flirt inside just waiting to be revealed. If your attitude toward undergarments is no frills, no thrills, think again. Stop wearing underwear, and start wearing lingerie!"

And let the ladies say... Amen!

To help you find that little flirt in you, La Petite Coquette is graciously offering a 15% discount off of anything you purchase online at www.thelittleflirt.com, which is valid until February 13, 2011. Simply enter the promotional code ILUVLPC at checkout.

Well I'll drink to that!

A huge thanks to the sponsors of this event: La Petite Coquette for providing us with a very sexy hanky panky, Knock-out Cosmetics for providing us with their on-trend nail lacquers, and Lia Sophia for providing us with fine jewelry pieces. 

And a huge thanks to Glamamom for hosting such a fun event!

Visit Mommy Delicious on Facebook to see more photos of this event. There were even some celebrity spottings -- Nicole (Momtrends), Lauren (A Mommy In The City), Sarah (The Stroller Ballet), Linda (NYC Single Mom), Ellen (Baby Meets City), and Patty (A Day in my NYC). Well... they're celebrities in my eyes!

Disclaimer: Attendees received a gift bag from the stated sponsors. No other compensation was provided. 


Smooches,

Maclaren 2011 Product Previews and Reviews

A few weeks ago, NYC Bloggers were invited to attend an exclusive Blogger preview of the 2011 Maclaren line. Maclaren has always been a favorite brand of mine for quality baby gear so I totally jumped at the opportunity. The event was located at the Maclaren showroom in SoHo, NYC, and it was quite informative... and fun.

Any mom who lives in a crowded city such as New York knows first-hand the need to have a lightweight stroller that is practical and functional without compromising style. I mean, how else are you going to carry a baby, multiple bags, and a stroller up and down the stairs of the subway? Or how else are you going to fit into the aisle of the supermarket when making a quick stop before dinner?

This year, we can expect some new and cool features from Maclaren's Stroller Collection. Here's a brief rundown:

• In addition to having argyle graphics on the leg of the frame, The Volo will have two hot and bold new colors: deep water and carmine rose... love!
• The Triumph will also have a hot new color, crown blue, but will keep all the functions that make it so lovable and amazingly popular.
• The Quest will have a great new feature: an improved leg extender. Plus, there will be new colors such as deep water, carmine rose, and denim. Yep... Maclaren has jumped on the denim bandwagon! 

What's a stroller without an accessory bag, right? Once again, Maclaren's got you covered! The Maclaren accessories will include beach bags, charcoal organizers, field bags, and smart sets. Are you excited yet? I am!

Most people know about Maclaren's stroller collection, but they also carry pretty fab Nursery Collections as well. Designed by David Netto, the collections are playful, but with a modern look and classic feel with its signature finish of white lacquer and oak.

The crib is convertible and can open all around, while the dresser and changer comes as one unit. I love this because it is simply perfect if you're short on space. But what I love even more is that these are high quality items at an affordable price. Now that's my kinda nursery!

Call me biased, but no nursery is complete without a glider and ottoman. Hey, mama needs to be comfortable while feeding and bonding with her bundle of joy! That's why I was super excited to learn about Maclaren's Heart Glider and Ottoman. Man, was it comfortable. Once I sat in it, I didn't want to get out! I actually contemplated not continuing the presentation just so I could relax on the glider for a bit longer. Yea, it felt that good. Here's a picture of me during my 5 minutes in heaven. Ahhh...

But, I did continue. And I'm glad I did because I was able to learn about Maclaren's holistic personal care collection, The Beginning... This line was created to meet not only the physical needs of mothers and babies, but emotional needs as well. The ingredients in these products are natural, organic (nice!), and have 100% pure essential oils that can be safely used during pregnancy, infancy, and beyond. They amaze me every time!

Now let's talk toys. Did you know that Maclaren makes toy products as well? Sweet! The Maclaren Active Toy collection is perfect for dramatic play as it includes a kid-sized jogging stroller, a lightweight stroller, double stroller, playpen, rocker, and rocking chair. These toys are not only super cute, but they are also great for toddlers and their budding imaginations.

Aiden and I received the opportunity to review the Maclaren Junior Quest lightweight stroller and we really love it. It's a doll-sized toy, but has the features and functionality of the life-sized Maclaren strollers. Although we have not been able to test it outdoors due to the 10 feet of snow we've been having like every week here in NYC, we have played with it a lot in the house.

Aiden is a rough and rambunctious tot by nature, but I must say that the Maclaren Junior Quest is allowing him to get in touch with his, er, gentler side. Although he runs around the house with it at times, most of the time playing with our Junior Quest gives us a break from all the rough-and-tumble play because "we have to be gentle with our baby and stroller." His words, not mine.

Bottom line: it's awesome and I highly recommend it. Visit the Maclaren website to view all of the products that they offer.

Disclaimer: Event attendees received a gift from Maclaren. Also, I received a Maclaren Junior Quest to review for this post. All views expressed herein are my own.

Smooches,

Play First, Then Work... Sometimes.

Courtesy of Etsy.com

Aiden's pretty smart. Most days, when I pick him up from preschool, he asks me about our agenda for that particular evening. I never really paid attention to just how mush the kid picks up on... until I did. And man, was it eye-opening. This was our conversation one day as I was helping him put on his coat.

Aiden: Mommy, are we going to Target?
Me: Nope.
Aiden: We going to the supermarket?
Me: Mmm... nope.
Aiden: To the laundry?
Me: (laughs) No, Aiden.
Aiden: Are we going to wash your hair?
Me: (Damn! The kid has it down to the science! Like really, did he just throw that in there?!) Not today.
Aiden: Where're we going?
Me: Home. To play.

Yes, sometimes I take Aiden to the hairdresser with me. And yes, sometimes I go during the weekdays because it gets too gosh darn crowded on the weekends. Momma's gotta look good. I'm a single mom. Such is life. Don't judge me.

Don't get me wrong, sometimes I can run all of these errands before I pick him up from preschool, but most days, it's impossible. There's just not enough time.

So he has to the run errands with me. It has to be the both of us, working first and playing later.

But something about his questioning made me stop.

Pause.

Think.

Sometimes we can just play and have fun.

Target can wait. The supermarket can wait. Laundry can wait. Even the hairdresser can wait. Those things can take a backseat once in a while so Aiden and I can make fun, happy, sweet, loving memories.

Smooches,

Putting My Big Girl Pants On. Finally

I remember when Facebook was just a new born baby girl. In fact, her name back then was TheFacebook. Ha! Only the Harvard kids got to play with her, but then Mr. Zuckerberg realized that wasn't fair, and extended her to the rest of the Ivy Leagues in his attempt to take over the world.

I believe I was a sophomore at Columbia at the time, but had I known Zuckerberg was going to succeed at his attempt to take over the world, I so would have transferred to Harvard and added him as a friend. No pun intended. Hey, it would have gotten me one step closer to my ultimate goal, which is to marry well. Just kidding. But I digress.

When Facebook was just a baby girl, she was only for college kids. So we laughed and posted, partied and posted, drank a bit and posted. It was lovely because only our friends could see it. No grown-ups. No parents. No friends of parents who just wanted to "see how you're doing." No potential employers. Just friends.

When I graduated with my Bachelor degree, there was no worry about a potential employer looking me up on Facebook to see what kind of person I really was. So I posted freely.

Nowadays e'rbody and their momma (and their momma's momma) is on Facebook. If you're not on Facebook, you're a loser. Just kidding. But really, in some sick way, it really has become the way of the world, and it's totally commonplace for people to find you on Facebook. Isn't that the first thing we do after meeting someone new? Stalk Look 'em up on Facebook? No? It's just me? Oh... okay. Moving on.

I'll be finishing grad school in May (*fingers crossed*) and entering the real world again. Only this time, Facebook is not restricted to only college kids. So I should expect potential employers to look me up on Facebook, right?

Plus, I'm becoming Facebook friends with more and more grownups. Like real grownups, not just my college buddies who are growing up with me.

I don't want these people to stumble upon pictures of me looking (slightly) crazy, for lack of a better word. And get the wrong idea.

And I don't want to miss out on important networking opportunity. I haven't missed out on anything yet (I think. I hope), but being proactive is what it's all about. Right?

So instead of changing my Facebook name to "Alicia crazysexycoolbaby HarperHotness," alas, I'm putting my big girl pants on and untagging myself from some of my earlier Facebook pictures. Oh the sacrifices we make as grownups.

If this is what real adulthood is, it kinda sucks. Just kidding.

What sacrifices have you made once you put your big girl/boy pants on?

Smooches,

PS: If you're not part of the Mommy Delicious community on Facebook, then you should totally "like" the page and join!

WINNER! Bliss Spa Gift Card Giveaway

Hey Lovelies!

I want to thank everyone who entered the giveaway, but I mostly want to thank you for your support in helping a fellow delicious mommy Alex aka @YoungFabMama move one step closer to living a healthier lifestyle. For all of those who didn't enter the giveaway, but still voted... you rock! Thanks.

Keep your fingers crossed because Alex finds out this week if she was chosen to be the next Mamavation Mom.

Chosen via random.org, the winner of the $40.00 Bliss Spa Gift Card is: CT MOM!

Congratulations. Please provide me with your contact information ASAP.

Smooches,

Weekend Reads

Hey Lovelies!

Here are some good reads for this weekend's link roundup.

I really like that Shiny Brite gives us tips, tricks, and recipes (yum!) for picky eaters.

Found! Chic, black diaper bags from Mom Finds.

Who in NYC doesn't have a therapist? I mean, even the therapists have therapists! NYC Single Mom shares her therapy story and how it all began.

If you haven't done so, you should TOTALLY enter Mommy Delicious' giveaway -- it's a giveaway with a purpose.

Have a great weekend!

Smooches,

In It To Win It: BLISS Gift Card Giveaway!

Hey Lovelies!

I have a HUGE favor to ask of you. This is epic, ya'll. 

My buddy, blogger friend, and fellow delicious mommy, Alexandra, was chosen to be a Mamavation Mom finalist this week. And she NEEDS our help and support to win. Let me first tell you a little bit about Mamavation. Then a little bit about Alex. Then a lot bit about this awesome BLISS GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY! 

Mamavation is an online resource for mothers that enables them to live improved lifestyles. The two winners of this competition will go through a seven-week boot camp involving nutritional counseling and use of fitness equipment. The entire process will be showcased online for all to see as these two Moms go through their struggles and successes to achieve a healthier self. Mamavation empowers moms to be all that they can be. Point blank Period.

Alex is the beauty and brain behind the awesome blog Mommy Glow. You can also follow her on Twitter @YoungFabMama. Alex is a single mom who wants to make a difference to both her and her 5-year-old daughter's life. She brings a new meaning to the term Super Mom because she works full time and attends Northeastern University as a full time student. She is truly a fantastic example of the motivation that so many young, single mothers are missing out on. Alex feels that her weight has been holding her back in her life from achieving even more. In fact, she is convinced that being slightly overweight is a major part in her struggle with sleep apnea.  

                                                                   

Alex honestly states, "being a Mamavation Mom will allow me to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle, which in turn, will make me a better Mom, a happier woman, and will give me the confidence to become who I want to be. I want to be an inspiration to other young, single mothers and show them that anything is achievable when given enough time, effort, and support." Well said, Alex. Well said.

So here's the deal.

I cannot even begin to express how much I want Alex to rock it out and win this competition. She is truly an amazing woman and I am so honored to have gotten to know her over the past few months that I've been blogging. She is not just my fellow blogger. She has become my friend and sister. Like, I've-shared-my-deepest-secrets-with-her type friend. And she listens. Every time. And offers NOTHING but support. Amazingness? I think so!

Here's how much I want her to win. I'm giving away 1 (one) follower of Mommy Delicious a fantabulous $40 Bliss gift card WHEN YOU VOTE FOR ALEX. 

I absolutely love Bliss Spa because their treatments are amazing and truly the cream of the crop. And their products? Wowsa! Besides the spa treatments, my personal at-home faves are the Triple Oxygen Energizing Mask, and the Vanilla and Bergamot Body Buff and Body Butter. What will you get with your Blissertificate? 

1 (one) follower of Mommy Delicious will WIN a $40 Bliss gift card

Here are the deets:

Mandatory:

• Visit this Mamavation link to vote for Alex aka @YoungFabMama. Voting takes less than 1 minute and there is NO registration and NO log-in required to vote. 

Extra Entries:

• Tweet about this giveaway:  "I just entered to win a $40 BLISS SPA GIFT CARD #giveaway from @MommyDelicious: http://bit.ly/ee0Csn" -- You can do this a maximum of 3x. 
• Share this giveaway on Facebook: "I just entered to win a $40 BLISS SPA GIFT CARD giveaway from @MommyDelicious http://bit.ly/ee0Csn" -- You can do this a maximum of 3x

Rules:

• YOU MUST COMPLETE THE MANDATORY ENTRY BEFORE THE EXTRA ENTRIES!
• This giveaway ends SUNDAY JANUARY 16TH @ 5PM.
• 1 (one) follower of Mommy Delicious who VOTED will be chosen via random.org
• Please leave a separate comment with each entry so that it can be counted
• Please leave your contact info so that I know how to reach you if you win

Please, please, puh-lease spread the love. This is much more than a competition. It is about healthy living. And forward movement for a young, single mom. Even if you do not want the bliss gift card, please VOTE! Again, it takes less than one minute and there is NO registration and NO log-in required. It's THAT simple.

Good Luck Lovelies!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. I simply think that Alex is that amazing and I really, really want her to win. For herself. For her daughter. For single mothers everywhere. Now, please, go vote!

Gimme Some More

Some more Mommy Delicious, that is!

I was honored to write a guest post for The Young Mommy Life this week. Visit the post and see why I think motherhood is so dope... to the third power.

You'll be happy that you did. Plus, I'll love you forever!

Smooches,

Single Momma's Gone Crushing

I have a crush on someone. That can't-stop-thinking-about-him, makes-me-smile, ooh-I'm-getting-butterflies-in-my-stomach, aww-he's-so-cute type crush.

But it's totally innocent. Kinda like the one we all experienced in high school with the cute guy sitting across in our English class. And I'm not expecting this to lead to anything at all... just some good ol' fashioned, innocent daydreaming.  

But here's the thing: this crush is really not about the guy. Well, it is. But it's not. Let me explain. I'm really not all that concerned with the guy, but the fact that I can have feelings for someone after breaking up with, err, the other parent. 

When I decided to end things with my son's father, I told myself this: Self, there was a time before him, and they'll be a time after him. But I'm not so sure that I truly believed it since it was my typical post-breakup pep talk. 

I mean, I knew that I had to pick myself up, learn a lesson, and move forward. But at the time, I didn't feel as though I would be able to like someone again. 

Until now. The crush. The can't-stop-thinking-about-him, makes-me-smile, ooh-I'm-getting-butterflies-in-my-stomach, aww-he's-so-cute type crush. Mr. Eye-candy. 

Guess it's true what Robert Frost says -- "In three words, I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."

Word! 

Life has proven to go on... and on... and on for me. 

I couldn't be more at peace with my situation than I am right now. In this moment.

And in case you were wondering, having a crush takes Facebook stalking to a whole new level and makes it that much more fun!

Smooches,

Resilient Women Learn The Lesson... And Move Forward

I can't take credit for those words. They are the words that I read from Angela Burt-Murray, the Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine a few months back.

But they resonate with me. And they have resonated with me since I first read them.

Today I read these words and, not surprisingly, I think of the not-so-great relationship with my ex. I think of how I stayed in that relationship although I knew it was not working. I think of how I stayed because I didn't want to feel as though I failed at it.

For so long I felt as though I had to stay in the relationship because it had altered my life in so many ways. Hello, Aiden! I felt as though I had given up so much of myself just to be in the relationship. Goodbye young, single, carefree lifestyle! 

But what about all of the things that I would be giving up in my future if I stayed? What about my happiness? What about my emotional, mental, and physical well-being?

The second that I began to picture things in my life to be better than they were, I knew it was time to move forward. Learn the lesson. And move forward.

I met a man, started a relationship, did the deed, and birthed a son. And that part of it was good. Great even. So I can not criticize myself for having tried to make things work with him. Even when it seemed as though it was not, well, working.

But at the same time, I can not criticize myself for finally ending the relationship once I came to the realization that it was just not going to work.

What happened, happened. It is no longer in my control. But how I choose to move forward is completely within my control.

The only thing that I can do now is learn the lesson. And move forward. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, I will empower Aiden to focus on the positive things as well.

Life is so uncertain and it hardly ever goes as we plan. But even with all its uncertainty, twists, turns, and stumbling blocks, there is always a silver lining. I believe that. Wholeheartedly. A silver lining where you can learn the lesson, whatever that may be. And move forward.

So here's to 2011 -- a year where we can all learn more lessons. And bravely move forward.

Smooches,

Mommy Goes Clubbing

Hey Lovelies!

A few months back, my buddy Tara wrote a post on her blog asking if mommies should go clubbing. Needless to say, the post was quite controversial as many people made really strong points for either side of the argument.

This single NYC mama was all over the "HECK YEA!" side of the argument. Here's why. Read on, my friends...

I think motherhood is amazing, great, and full of the total awesomeness. Like really, nothing compares to me being a mother.

But in the words of Miranda from the Sex And The City 2 movie, "motherhood kicks your ass." Period. Motherhood takes up all of your time, energy, money, niceness, and patience. It's the one TRUE total-body workout, and works every. fiber. of. your. being. WORD! It is all-consuming. And then some.

My two-sense is this: whatever mothers feel that they need to do to get some "me time" in or to burn off some steam, so be it. If that means a glass of wine, a bubble bath, SLEEP!, or going for a run (my fave!), so be it. And if that includes an occasional girls night out, so be it.

So yes, I do go clubbing. And by clubbing, I mean out dancing with my girlfriends. But I do it in moderation. I go out. Occasionally. I have one or two alcoholic drinks. I weight 112 pounds so most of the time that's all I want to handle in order for me to rise and shine and function in mommyland the next morning. But I digress. I dance. A lot. But only with my gals. No bumping and grinding with creeps strangers for this mama! I wear something sexy. Yes, sexy. Check out my picture from New Years Eve. I love the sparkles!

I take lots of pictures. Sometimes the ones with the booty pose. Oh, you don't know the booty pose? Let me school you. It's the pose where you position your hips/booty to look slightly bigger than it actually is. Like this picture of my girlfriend and me on NYE.

And this shot of another girlfriend and me at restaurant/bar.

(By the way, M and T, you gals are pictured on my blog).

I have fun. FUN! Lots of it. But most importantly, I remember that I am a woman first. First. Motherhood is just a delicious bonus to that.

Then I take my cute little self home, wake up the next morning SOBER and not hungover, head over to Starbucks for a caramel macchiato (love 'em!), pick up my son, and take him to his swimming lessons on time. Or to the Gymboree. Or on a play date. Whatever activity I have planned for him on that day doesn't get interrupted because mommy went clubbing the night before. Just like that, I'm back at it. Doing the mommy thing. And we have fun. FUN! Lots of it.

This post is not to encourage moms to join me at the club. Well, maybe a little bit. Any takers? No, really. Who's game?

This post is to demonstrate how important it is for me to continue to do something that I liked/loved before I had Aiden. So although I modify how often I go out (let's face it, my income is no longer disposable), I don't want to get rid of it altogether.

All work and no play makes Mommy Delicious one sad, sad momma. And not that delicious.

And just so you know, Aiden parties too. It looks something like this Christmas morning picture.

And this one.

According to him, he was having a "Rock N' Roll Show." His words, not mine.

Smooches,

If You Don't Know, Now You Know

Happy New Year Lovelies!

As this new year begins, I find myself pondering upon the things that I want for this cute lil blog and this community. And in doing so, I find myself reflecting on why I started this community in the first place.

As some of you may know, my pregnancy was not planned. At all. In fact, becoming a mother was the last thing on my 20something mind. I had goals, plans, and dreams, and motherhood was nowhere in site. Basically, it wasn't supposed to go down like this. Or was it...

For a while I struggled with accepting my new life as someone's mama. I longed for things to go back to the way they were when my life made sense. But alas, I adapted. When I finally felt like I learned to swim instead of sink in this thing called motherhood, Mommy Delicious was born. Then a few months later, I adapted yet again. I went from being a "young mom" to a "young, single mom," loving, fighting and finding my way through it all.

And if I can do it, then baby you can too!

Mommy Delicious is a metaphor for a blog about motherhood. Mothers like me. Mothers like you. Mothers who found themselves in unexpected situations -- being young, being single, not finished with school (undergrad or graduate), not where they were "supposed" to be career-wise, not living in that "dream home" .... the list goes on and on.

Mommy Delicious stands for mothers who, in spite of it all (or because of it all!), have still learned to find the deliciousness in motherhood. And in life.

This year, I wish that we can build an even stronger community on this place and space. I wish that I can do a good enough job paying it forward -- inspiring you as much as you inspire me. I wish that we can encourage one another through our comments and dialogues alike.

I wish that we can share, and share often. Share trials and triumphs, predicaments and praise. Share stumbling blocks, laughter, stress, and success. Share on Facebook. Share on Twitter. Help others join our community of support and acceptance.

I wish that if nothing else, you leave here saying, "If so-and-so can do it, then I can too."

Because motherhood ain't easy. And a little encouragement goes a long way.

Oh, and in case I haven't told you yet, I wish you all peace, joy, and a little more PINK this year!

Smooches,