The Momma Moment

Final Episode - Leftover Love Dec 22, 2023

The final episode of The Momma Moment show, with a small feature from 'The Dad' in my life! The most important thing I want you to take away from this show is that being a successful and happy mom really means being something more than a mom! What will you do that is different in 2024?

Best Books of 2023 Dec 11, 2023

This episode is LOOONG! But here are the cliffs notes! Books that have ** were not described in today's episode, because I couldn't ramble on any longer than I did!! Links are provided only so you can read a review - yall know I love FREE BOOKS from the library!

Catch-all Category (novels not falling somewhere else!)

Remarkably Bright Creatures (Van Pelt) https://amzn.to/3GBczN2

The Invisible Life of Addie Larue (Schwab) https://amzn.to/3uVgRMM

Where'd You Go Bernadette (Semple) https://amzn.to/3NoKGeP

Hello Beautiful (Napolitano) https://amzn.to/3NizxMF

The Little French Bistro (George) https://amzn.to/3RzZOIO

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (Reid) https://amzn.to/3uXuhYk

Hotel On The Corner of Bitter & Sweet (Ford) https://amzn.to/47RRha2

The Wishing Game (Shaffer) https://amzn.to/47Nc0M8

**Extra Recs:

Pachinko (Lee) https://amzn.to/47Nc0M8

American Dirt (Cummins) https://amzn.to/3sZrXje

Cutting For Stone (Verghese) https://amzn.to/41ctJKr

Mysteries/Keep Us Guessing

Mad Honey (Picoult/Boylan) https://amzn.to/4863304

Silent Patient (Michealides) https://amzn.to/48aLkEy

None of This is True (Jewell) https://amzn.to/41cVqCQ

Drowning (Newman) https://amzn.to/3RzFmrD

**Murder Rule (McTiernan) https://amzn.to/3GGYflX

Historical Fiction (ish)

The Nightingale (Hannah) https://amzn.to/3NkVNFs

The Things We Leave Unfinished (Yarros) https://amzn.to/3RvLroR

The Codebreakers Secret (Ackerman) https://amzn.to/3TiEIzZ

The Only Woman In The Room (Benedict) https://amzn.to/3ThZ3W5

Before We Were Yours (Wingate) https://amzn.to/3uNAV3r

Rose Code (Quinn) https://amzn.to/3GBzvvB

Orphan Code (Wiseman) https://amzn.to/3Ri3Eou

Fun Stories/Rom-Coms/Somewhat Lighter

Mrs Nash's Ashes (Adler) https://amzn.to/3NjXF1p

Part of Your World (Jimenez) https://amzn.to/3TiuEXI

Yours Truly (Jimenez) https://amzn.to/3Tb3n9E

** 3 Other Jimenez Books: The Friend Zone, Happier Ever After Playlist, & Life's Too Short

Pineapple Street (Jackson) https://amzn.to/41e6zTO

Romantic Comedy (Sittenfeld) https://amzn.to/41eFJLf

** Jojo Moyes Trilogy: Me Before You, After You, & Still Me

Ready to give memoirs a chance in 2024?

Year of Yes, by Shonda Rhimes is fabulous place to start! Extra stars for the audio version.

https://amzn.to/4a4USTs

Self-Help Books

Ikigai - The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life https://amzn.to/4aaxrbs

If you make any purchases from these links, they could send some spare change my way. But like I said, GRAB THESE FOR FREE at the library!

Improving Our Gift Giving - Our Self Help For December Dec 04, 2023

Join me for a quick chat about ideas to up our gift giving game this holiday season!

Key Phrases For Our Relationships Nov 27, 2023

Taking a quick look at some specific phrases to use in communication with our spouses and childrens for the most successful conversations.

The 9 Phrases from today's show comes from this article.

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/07/harvard-psychologist-if-you-use-these-phrases-your-relationship-is-more-successful-than-most-couples.html?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook%7Cmain&fbclid=IwAR27hLrxpQnAcG35oPk06HAiT_I_fbwQseEw-bJeylHciat45ypKxAad_xM

Thank you to Dr. Cortney Warren and CNBC Make It!

"According to this Harvard-trained psychologist: If you use any of these 9 phrases every day, ‘your relationship is more successful’ than most"

Tune in to hear the phrases and my ideas on how we can use these with parenting as well

A Quick Look At Gratitude Nov 20, 2023

Taking a look at increasing how we feel and show gratitude, just in time for Thanksgiving! Here is the full description of the Iceberg of Gratitude as mentioned in today's show:

Sansone & Sansone (2010):

"Often when we consider what we are grateful for, overt and profound life experiences, circumstances and events come to mind. We may feel grateful for our upbringing, family, job, good health and the opportunity to gain an education. While recognizing and being grateful for these experiences is important, our gratitude practice must also venture below the surface. Below the surface we find simple every day pleasures that often go unnoticed. This may be a great book we read, laughter with a friend, or even the joy of eating ice cream in the sunshine. Whatever the simple pleasures may be, consciously expressing our gratitude for them can help us grow our daily gratitude practice beyond the surface level.”

Final Thought For Today's Show:

Gratitude turns what little you have into abundance.

Gratitude is so much more than saying thank you.

Gratitude changes your perspective of the world.

Judgements We Made Before We Were Moms Nov 13, 2023

Let's laugh at ourselves a bit as we reflect on judgements we made or the things 'we'd never do' before we were moms!

Improving Cooking Skills - Our Self Help For November Nov 06, 2023

Self Help for November is IMPROVING OUR COOKING!! Let's get ready for the holidays by leveling up our skills in the kitchen!

Here are a couple links for items mentioned in today's show.

3 Helpful Knives:

https://amzn.to/479iGU1

Knife Sharpener (Actually makes your knives SAFER to use!)

https://amzn.to/3Q8BATW

Plastic Cutting Boards

https://amzn.to/3FDi0dQ

Article on 11 Spices Everyone Should Have In Their Pantry

11 Spices Everyone Should Have in Their Pantry | SELF

2 Salad Dressing Recipes:

https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/cilantro-lime-salad-dressing/

Everyday Salad Dressing - Gimme Some Oven

Please note that if you purchase items from my links above, I may get a little kickback from Amazon. This does not impact the items I select to share with you. Happy Shopping!

Happy Halloween - Spooky Books & Scary Movies Oct 30, 2023

Happy Halloween! Here are some Spooky Books and Scary Movies to get us in the Halloween Spirit!!

Books:

Behind Closed Doors

https://amzn.to/49b8JqW

Stillhouse Lake

https://amzn.to/49dlh0Y

Sadie

https://amzn.to/3tSeHNk

Watching You

https://amzn.to/40e8Xta

Classics that are Books & Movies

Exorcist

The Shining

IT

3 others in Rotten Tomatoes' Top 5 Scary Movies

Hereditary

Texas Chainsaw Massacre

The Conjuring

A few other rec's from friends:

Orphan

(Prequel to Orphan) Orphan First Kill

The Strangers

A Couple Netflix Options for Something Scary

It Follows

Cam

YouTube (or TikTok) Sam & Colby - "Surviving A Week at the Real Conjuring House"

Celebrating Our Un-Perfect Oct 23, 2023

Letting go of false or unrealistic expectations for ourselves and starting to feel joy in all that we accomplish every single day.

Parenting Books For All The Ages & Stages Oct 16, 2023

Glad you came to check out the books mentioned in today's show! Please leave the show a rating or review while you are here! Parenting Books: The Whole-Brain Child https://amzn.to/3ZJSfSl What to Expect The First Year https://amzn.to/3Q7l9IK Happiest Baby On The Block https://amzn.to/3rJRXOJ Happiest Toddler On The Block https://amzn.to/3rylkDO Precious Little Sleep https://amzn.to/3RU6thx On Becoming Babywise https://amzn.to/46kjaqt Raising Good Humans https://amzn.to/3Q7oyHx Good Inside https://amzn.to/3LRA7jE How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk https://amzn.to/46nawHu (Also A LITTLE Kids Version of How To....) https://amzn.to/3rJ5Aha Siblings Without Rivalry https://amzn.to/3Q8EkC3 Puberty Books: The Boys Body Book https://amzn.to/3FawWzK Also Guy Stuff, The Boys Body Book https://amzn.to/3QaPSoB The Care & Keeping of You: Book 1 for younger girls: https://amzn.to/3rKNjQI Book 2 for older girls: https://amzn.to/3RL5pfW Untangled https://amzn.to/3RL5xMs 14 Talks By Age 14 https://amzn.to/46jt8Z5 The Gift of Failure https://amzn.to/3PQLZUe Grown & Flown https://amzn.to/46yakVS

Best Cell Phone Apps Oct 09, 2023

Thanks for coming to check out the notes for today's show. Please leave a rating or review while you are here!

Best Cell Phone Apps Fall 2023

LastPass - Helps you stay on top of all your passwords/logins ToDoIst- Organize Tasks for your work or organizations Instasize - Photo Editing App - Make your social media pics AMAZING Artkive - Store and Organize kids' schoolwork and artwork without all the clutter Pocket - Save articles you find on your phone for reading at a later time Chat GPT - Not just for essay writing! So many ways to use it Calm & Headspace - 2 separate Meditation apps to check out Google Fit- Manage Fitness Goals and general health My Fitness Pal - Track your exercise and log food easily with the ability to scan specific foods in your kitchen Waterllama and Waterful - 2 separate Water Tracking apps Dr. On Demand - Online health and therapy services Mint & Digit - 2 separate Budgeting apps (Insert your favorite fast food restaurant) App - Start getting bonuses for your spending and save a ton of time in the drive thru Marco Polo - video messaging app (feels super weird at first but an awesome way to connect with friends) Vivino - Wine app to help select and rate wines, creates a profile based on your likes and dislikes and

Improving Our Sleep Habits - Our Self Help For October Oct 02, 2023

Kicking off each month this semester with a self-help topic and a challenge to improve ourselves in one area of life. This month we take a look at sleep habits and see if we can start getting better Zzzzs! Stop using motherhood as an excuse for your fatigue and do the work to improve both the quantity and quality of your sleep.

When Your Wardrobe Needs Change Sep 25, 2023

Seasons are changing. Time for a little closet cleanout and prep for Fall with a few new additions to our wardrobes.

Worries, Stress & Anxiety Sep 18, 2023

As the school year get's busy, maybe you are noticing higher stress levels for yourself or increased worries in your children. Today we take a look at the differences between worries, stress and anxiety and what we can do to combat each of them.

Let's Chat About Wine! Sep 11, 2023

Join me for a quick chat about wine. We'll look at selecting a new wine for the first time or getting out of your comfort zone (aka rut!) and finding an inexpensive wine that doesn't skimp on the flavor. Links below for articles I mentioned and some of the specific wines reccommended by YALL! Cheers!!

How to Choose a Good Wine | Learn More (marketviewliquor.com) Trader Joe's Wine! 2023 Guide To The Best Wines at Trader Joe's (reversewinesnob.com) 10 of the Best Cheap Wines That Still Taste Good - Delishably A Few Specifically Mentioned Wines: TJ Phigment Phigment Red Blend – Truly Tasty • Reverse Wine Snob

Psyche Sauvignon Blanc

Prophecy Sauvignon Blanc

Cote De Roses (Rose)

21 Crimes (Cali Red and Cabernet Sauvignon both mentioned)

Cell Phone Habits - Our Self-Help for September Sep 04, 2023

I'm starting off each month this semester with a self-improvement topic. Today we take a look at cell phone habits (err addiction in my case!) and see how we can make some positive changes.

Goals For The New School Year Aug 28, 2023

Today is our first day of school in Houston! Time to get our minds right for starting a new school year! Let's look at some ideas for new goals we can set for ourselves and our families to better our households.

Summer Lovin Series - August Aug 22, 2023

Here are the links and details for some of the things mentioned on today's show! Please leave a rating or a comment while you are here!

Books:

Hidden Pictures (Rekulak)

https://amzn.to/3QO9BLx

Before I Fall (Oliver) https://amzn.to/45itRt2 All The Light We Cannot See (Doerr) https://amzn.to/3qGYKrX Snacks: Sanders Sea Salt Caramels https://amzn.to/3siQQWe Jenna’s Recipe for Protein Ice Cream: 2 T Chocolate Instant Pudding 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder 1 cup of skim milk *switch out pudding and protein powder flavors if you want. Mix items in a blender. If you have a mini ice cream maker, throw your single serving in there. You can double/triple the recipe if you need to use a full size ice cream maker. Or you can freeze the single serving mixture until it is mostly solid and then put back in the blender or food processor to make it creamy. PJ's New Orleans Coffee - see if there is a location near you! PJ's Coffee Of New Orleans (pjscoffee.com) Shopping: - Summersalt Swimwear https://amzn.to/45jIwUD - Nutrafol https://amzn.to/45nHp6v - Goodr Sunglasses https://amzn.to/3OHicgh

Summer Lovin' Series - July Jul 24, 2023

Here are links for a few of the things we are lovin' in July! More details in today's show! Please give the show a rating or leave a comment while you are here!! Books Go As A River (Read) https://amzn.to/3pXq8l8 Necessary Lies (Chamberlain) https://amzn.to/3DrH5Y9 Baby Teeth (Stage) https://amzn.to/3XZVDYs Woman on Fire (Barr) https://amzn.to/3OpXkeE *Not mentioned on the podcast: Sarah’s Key https://amzn.to/46RvpeC Pachinko https://amzn.to/43DeZUu Hysterical (Bassist) https://amzn.to/3q3Yymb TV Shows - Thriller: Hijack on Apple TV - Family Friendly: Awake on Netflix Snacks Love, Corn Variety Pack: https://amzn.to/3O5EKXC Amazon Finds More (Different) Pool Floats: https://amzn.to/3Dnytl9 Booty Shorts: https://amzn.to/3Dp5WMc Leggings: https://amzn.to/3O2zQL1 Cell Phone Charger: https://amzn.to/3Op4gZh Stain Remover: https://amzn.to/3pX2Uvo

Summer Lovin' Series - June Jun 26, 2023

Welcome to the Summer Lovin’ Series June Edition! Here are links to check out a few of today’s mentioned items: Books: The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise (Oakley) https://amzn.to/3Jyg8VY The Cabin in the Woods (Alderson) https://amzn.to/3PqgYIh Kids Bowl Free Program Link: kidsbowlfree.com Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long!

High Noon Vodka Seltzers:

highnoonspirits.com High Noon | Sun Sips Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen - This is a nice size mini bottle to try for the first time. https://amzn.to/44hn1D5 ** Definitely stayed tuned for the end of the show to hear the fun list of road trip snacks I received with my social media poll!

Introducing The Summer Lovin' Series May 29, 2023

Taking a break from weekly episodes this summer and straying from our original 4 week topic schedule. Instead I hope to bring you occasional episodes of The Summer Lovin' Series where I can share things TheMommaMoment is lovin this summer. Here is today's short list to get us started!

BigJoe Pool Float https://amzn.to/3WFRZSF
Brownie Brittle (Note - This is a 6 pack!) https://amzn.to/3N0xblH
Luke Combs' version of Fast Car
CupShe Women's Swimsuit Coverup https://amzn.to/3MGh4Z7

Can't wait to see what you other Mommas are lovin' this summer!

Travel Tips May 22, 2023

Some of you have already started summer and some of us are counting the final days of school! To help us get ready, today will will talk about all kinds of travel tips that can help make your next trip fabulous.

I only mentioned a couple of items in today's show, but here are the links in case you want to check them out.

Traveler Tray (for little ones):

https://amzn.to/3WjmTjA

Suitcase/Luggage Scale: https://amzn.to/3Iu1nmO Packing Cubes: https://amzn.to/3q0vpIw Traveling Sound Machine: https://amzn.to/3q0vpIw Pillow/Blanket Combo: https://amzn.to/3Iu1nmO

A Mental Health Check In May 15, 2023

Before we jump into the craziness of summer vacation, let's do a quick mental health check in!

Pet Peeves & Mindfulness May 08, 2023

Join me for a quick laugh about pet peeves that drive us crazy and a very brief look at using mindfulness strategies to not let them ruin our day.

From the Episode - Here are the descriptions of 2 Mindfulness Strategies that can help lower anxiety and frustration.

PEACE

P- Pause before you have any reaction

E- Exhale a slow breath and then inhale a slow breath (maybe repeat!)

A- Acknowledge/Accept the situation

C- Choose what you want to do next (or how you will let it effect you)

E- Engage (thoughtfully) with those in the situation

5-4-3-2-1 Rule:

Thoughtfully go through each of your 5 senses in this way as a way of grounding yourself in the moment and finding calmness when you have control.

Focus on 5 things you can see.

Focus on 4 things you can touch.

Focus on 3 things you can hear.

Focus on 2 things you can smell.

Focus on 1 thing you can taste.

Conversation Starters for Kids/Teens May 01, 2023

We know our children have a lot to say, but sometimes we need help getting them going. Today we'll look at conversation starters that can get the whole family chatting.

Summer Reading Lists for Moms Apr 24, 2023

Summer Reading Lists aren't just for kids! Whether you are putting them on hold at the library or organizing your kindle, it's time to select some lighter books for the warmer months that are coming our way.

EMILY HENRY BOOKS:

- Beach Read

- Book Lovers

- Happy Place

JENNIFER WEINER BOOKS:

- Big Summer

- That Summer

- The Summer Place

AMANDA EYRE WARD BOOKS:

- Lifeguards

- The Jetsetters

ALI HAZELWOOD BOOKS:

- Love Hypothesis

- Love On The Brain

TESSA BAILEY BOOKS:

- Too Hot to Handle

- Too Wild To Tame

CHRISTINA LAUREN BOOKS:

- Soulmate Equation

The Getaway Collection Books:

- The UnHoneymooners (Christina Lauren)

- Twice in a Blue Moon

- The Honey-Don't List

Nora Goes Off Script (Monaghan)

Last Summer at the Golden Hotel (Friedland)

28 Summers (Hildebrand)

Chicken Sisters (Antonia)

Fast Meals To Avoid Fast Food Apr 17, 2023

It's 5:00, there's no plan for dinner - don't panic! Let's chat about some ideas for meals that can be prepared very quickly on the busiest of days.

A Closer Look At Apologies Apr 10, 2023

The art of apologizing is something developed over time and impacts all of our relationships. Join me for a very brief look at apologizing and I hope you will start to give more intentional thought to the words "I'm Sorry"

Neflix Family Time Apr 03, 2023

Give your screen time limits a break and use Netflix as a way to spend time and connect with your kids! Here are the specific shows mentioned today:

**Don't forget to give the show a rating or leave me some comments while you're here!**

Comedies (shorter episodes): The Mindy Project Never Have I Ever Kim’s Convenience Oldies But Goodies: Gilmore Girls Full/Fuller House The Babysitters Club Modern Family Friday Night Lights Dramas: Wednesday Anne of Green Gables Atypical Umbrella Academy All American Competition/Game Shows: Awake: The Million Dollar Game The Mole (new version!) The Floor Is Lava The Circle Cheer (Reality documentary) Glow Up One Time Watch Shows: Speed Cubers Spelling The Dream The Hidden Lives of Pets (4 part series but a total of 2 hours) High Score

Favorite Amazon Finds! Mar 27, 2023

I am super excited to tell you about these great Amazon items!! Before you shop - PLEASE take a moment to leave a review of the show if you can!

Here are the links for all of today's items:

CRZ Leggings https://amzn.to/3FRpI4C
Feather Duster https://amzn.to/3LP3tQo
Folex Carpet Cleaner https://amzn.to/3FRJ35D
Laundry Baskets https://amzn.to/3z67ecY
Plastic Organizer Bags https://amzn.to/3TF7YPC
Swimsuit https://amzn.to/40ePgkl
Ice Cream Scoop https://amzn.to/40wQZ4i
Paint By Sticker Books https://amzn.to/3FPfGAW
Ostrich Neck Pillow https://amzn.to/3LQ5lbS
Amazon Sheets https://amzn.to/3JLvW7i

11 (BONUS!) Laundry Fragrance https://amzn.to/3ZfYZ8z

Memory Strategies for Mommy Brain - Updated! Mar 20, 2023

Let's chat about organzing our brains and remembering ALL THE THINGS! Updated this morning after a glitch occurred in the original episode! Sorry folks! ;)

Best Marriage Advice Mar 13, 2023

One friend said her best advice was 'Don't Do It'! Kidding of course! Join me today for a quick chat about the best advice we can receive and pass on for successful marriages.

Our Kids & Their Phones Mar 06, 2023

Let's Get This Party Started! Feb 27, 2023

Holidays, Birthdays or for no reason at all - let's talk all about party ideas!

Getting A Handle on Meal Planning Feb 20, 2023

There is nothing worse than 5pm without a plan for dinner. Let's get you going with a plan to make sure that doesn't happen!

Friendships in Motherhood Feb 13, 2023

When I was a Daisy in Girl Scouts, we sang "Make New Friends, Keep the Old, One is Silver and The Other Gold!' Let's revisit all of this as we prioritize friendships in our motherhood years.

Kids and Money Feb 06, 2023

Chores, Allowance, Debit Cards and More! Let's chat about kids of all ages as they earn and spend money.

Episode 2 - Learning To Read In My 40s Jan 30, 2023

Whether you love to read or hate it - this episode is for you! Books have changed my daily life in the past 5 years and I must tell you all about it!

Episode 1: Finding That Moment Jan 24, 2023

Don't think you have time for a podcast?? I'm going to help you find it! Seriously, I feel so strongly that you take a moment for yourself today and I'm going to highlight all the parts of the day where a few extra minutes could be hiding.

Intro to The Momma Moment Jan 12, 2023

Get an idea of what this podcast is all about!

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