RockStar Mom

I admit it. I completely got caught up in the Hunger Games craze. I am finishing up Book 2, Catching Fire. AND I saw the movie on the first day with my 12 year old—it was a must! Although this is a young adult novel, many moms can learn a few things from this series. Here are the top 5 things that a mom can learn from Hunger Games:

1. You need to be in top shape to win the Family Games: Like Katniss, you have to have stamina to deal with the arduous tasks of family life–carting bags of groceries, heaving stacks of laundry, running after your kids, yard work, and having sex with your spouse. Weekly workouts and proper nutrition is a must. If you don’t take care of your self, you could end up completely defeated like the losing tributes.
2. Simplicity is the key: Katniss wasn’t an ostentatious or extravagant person. Like her, you can pare down your wardrobe and beauty routine to your key necessities. Find your fit and proportion to wear your clothes appropriately. Find a hairstyle that can be performed quick and in a hurry. At bare minimum, used tinted moisturizer, lip gloss, and mascara.
3. Form friendship circles for support and guidance: Just as the tributes had to form alliances to protect themselves from outside attacks and inner vulnerabilities, you need to have a core circle of family and/or friends that can support you during your darkest/weakest moments. You would be surprised at who actually has your back.
4. Sometimes you win by giving up: In a twist of fate, Katniss and Peeta’s failed suicide attempt actually became a symbol of rebellion to stir the Districts into a full force rebellion. When your are sympathetic and compassionate in your actions towards your kids/spouse, you may have to “give up” your position of power or “lose” the power struggle. Often when you do this, you can actually gain more respect. Mommy can’t win every fight. Pick your battles wisely.
5. Have something that your really really really good at: Katniss was a superb archer.  Although she at first hid her talent, eventually it became very obvious and she was lauded for her superior skills.  From that point on, if those skills were needed, she was the expert. Be an expert at something that you DO or MAKE.  Whether it is a school project, community event, bake sale, ministry event, family gathering—have something that everyone can count on you to bring or perform, i.e. chocolate cake, organizing the meeting minutes, sending out reminders, getting permits, etc.  Everyone is an expert at something.

Happy me and my wonder boy Nasir

Other than being a jack-of-all-trades, cook, chauffeur, counselor, teacher, maid, et.al, you have to keep your own mind right. We, as mothers, tend to put EVERYONE ahead of ourselves, thus driving us crazy in the end. Don’t complain or blame others when you put yourself last and look/feel like hell in a handbasket. Reclaim your happiness!

According to Dr. Meg Meeker, there are 10 Habits of Happy Mothers. The first five are:

1. Understand your value as a mother.
2. Maintain key friendships.
3. Value and practice faith.
4. Say no to competition.
5. Create a healthier relationship with money.

I’m learning how to master these habits. It’s one tiny step at a time. If I didn’t have a Kindle App on my Tab and iPhone App, I doubt that I would even have the time to read. Truth be told, I’m currently reading multiple books on my Kindle when the kids are sleeping,while waiting in the car, while in line…wherever! I have to get my mind right at all times because when momma isn’t happy, neither is anyone in the house.

For the other 5 tips, pick up or download the book.  You deserve to be happy!

I love saving money. Between buying shoes and food, a chunk of our budget disappears. I spend any free time scouring for deals and steals. I haven’t become a coupon diva yet, although I really wanna learn.

On my most recent thrift store run, I found some great finds for my dining room. We are in the process of painting our dining room black to be coupled with a black/white design scheme. I had set my eyes on this dinnerware set from Martha Stewart:

And it was recently on sale:

So, on sale, 8 dinner plates would cost $94.41 (as opposed to regular price $128) and 8 mugs would cost $31.96 (as opposed to regular price $48).

I found this similar set at a local thrift store:

And I spent a grand total of $37.51 for 8 plates, 4 mugs, 3 kitchen containers, and a kid’s toy (for a whining 3 year old—yes, I bribed him:). I couldn’t get 8 mugs—they only had 4—but, I did pretty good!  I spent about $15—a savings of nearly $116!!!

Rockstar Mom: 1

Martha Stewart: 0

Score!