Girls Night Out for Postpartum Support!

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Seattle Mom Prom was this weekend, and we had a BLAST for an amazing cause. This was the 4th annual event organized by a local mom Myla Rugge (@SeattleMomProm). She is amazing, and does all of this out of the goodness of her heart for an organization--Postpartum Support International--that she … [Read more...]

Call for Photos: Mental Health Month

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Mental Health Month is all about breaking down barriers, changing perceptions, and fighting stigma. So I'm working on an upcoming post that I hope will do just that. But I need your help!! I'm creating a photo collage in honor of May as Mental Health Month." I'm inviting those of you who battle … [Read more...]

Just Keep Swimming…

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Yesterday I admitted my mental health is suffering. I felt so fortunate to get a quick appointment with my psychiatrist today. I truly am lucky that I can reach her quickly and schedule an appointment when I really need it. I know lots of mental health treatment does not go so smoothly. So with … [Read more...]

Wahl Hot/Cold Massaging Gel Pack {Review}

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Disclosure: This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. I received a Wahl Hot/Cold Massager for the purpose of this review.  Oh my aching back! I have had low back issues since high school, a herniated disk discovered in my teens from playing softball. … [Read more...]

A Message of Hope for PPD Mamas

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Finding HOPE in the midst of postpartum depression can be so very trying . I know, I've been there. I understand the isolation, the guilt, the desire to run away. Right now--today--are you struggling? Do you feel like no one will ever understand?  Do you feel like a terrible … [Read more...]

May 2013 is Mental Health Awareness Month

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Mental health is obviously a big theme around here. Not just the nitty gritty details of mental illness and suicide, but the impact of motherhood on mental health. The every day stuff, as well as the hard to read and hard to think about topics.  This May 2013 is Mental Health Awareness Month … [Read more...]

Sunny Day Zoo Style {Lee Jeans Spring Sale}

Lee Jeans Style

You know I had thoughts of running away from my life this week. And when I'm THAT stressed out I know how important it is to get out of the house and enjoy the good things in life, like the fact that the weather turned suddenly warm and sunny.  We had a park play date with Ronin's … [Read more...]

Celebrating Success with Therafit Shoe {Giveaway CLOSED}

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Its no secret that this year I've decided to to stand up for mental health and commit to a huge suicide prevention goal. I'm really just so passionate about this as you may have noticed. I'm walking 16 miles overnight (they just announced the route) this coming June in the nation's capital … [Read more...]

Marketing Sexy to Girls

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Have you guys seen this Change.org petition asking Victoria's Secret to Pull "Pretty Young Things" line from VS shelves? Its gotten a ton of recent media attention, and a friend of mine Diana is the mom of 4 who started it. She was even on CNN last week, which is amazing. The power of social media … [Read more...]

A Wish for You on This Day of Balance & Renewal

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Today is the Spring Equinox (in the Northern Hemisphere), the date of equal day and night--a day of true balance. Its also the beginning of Spring, a time of growth and renewal. I know it may not feel like Spring in many parts of the world ... there may be snow, or hail, or wind but today the … [Read more...]

Seattle Mom Prom 2013 for #Postpartum Support

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Attention women of the Seattle Area! The Seattle Mom Prom an annual celebration of moms (a ladies-only, not moms-only event) is scheduled for May 18th, 2013 at the ​ Fremont Abbey (4272 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA). This event is a benefit for Postpartum Support International of Washington, a … [Read more...]

Minted Custom Cards [Giveaway Closed]

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Are you guys familiar with Minted.com? Minted is an online retailer of personalized printed cards, invitations, paper products and fine art prints. They offer an exclusive assortment of holiday cards, baby announcements, thank you cards and wedding invitations (just to name a few) where the … [Read more...]

The Power of Words

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Words truly have power. The words we tell ourselves, but also the words we use with others. Words can hurt. AND Words can heal. Its up to us to choose wisely. The way we talk to ourselves--our own inner dialog--and the way we express our thoughts to others truly makes a … [Read more...]

Stress Saver Tips for Traveling with Kids

GUEST POST: Elaine N. Schoch is an avid traveler who is busy exploring the world, usually with her two kids in tow. She shares her adventures, travel advice and tips on CarpeTravel.com and @elaineschoch. Traveling is stressful enough but adding kids to the mix completely adds another level of … [Read more...]

Media, Moms & Medication #MentalHealth

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Last Thursday I received a phone call from a producer at Anderson Live daytime TV show. "Hi Cristi. Would you be interested in being a guest on our show next Tuesday about the Parenting.com story Xanax Make Me a Better Mom." The story had gone viral and was making news. After panicking for a bit, … [Read more...]

Suicide Prevention Legislation Update: WA State

Just an update to Washington State Suicide Prevention Legislation Bill (HB1336), introduced by WA Representative Tina Orwall that I posted about last month. From Rep. Orwll's office, 3/4/13: "Rep. Orwall’s troubled youth bill, ESHB 1336, passed the House today with bipartisan support, … [Read more...]

Last Day to Enter Handmade Silver Jewelry Giveaway!

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Today is your last chance to enter to win $50 for your very own one-of-a-kind handmade silver jewelry from Lauren Nicole! Entries are less than 100 as of 11pm EST Thursday February 21, so you have a great shot at winning. I just ADORE my own custom creation with Ronin's adorable artwork and a … [Read more...]

Custom Silver Jewelry from Lauren Nicole Gifts {Giveaway}

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Last month I discovered Lauren Nicole Gifts one-of-a-kind personalized jewelry on a friend's blog Rave and Review. I immediately got excited because my Dad's 70th birthday was coming up and I had found the perfect gift. My Dad is a tough nut to crack in the gift-giving department. He is SO hard to … [Read more...]

Suicide Prevention Advocacy Action Alert WA State

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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention just emailed today about a suicide prevention advocacy opportunity in Washington State. Being from the Seattle Area, I've taken action and wanted to share with you as well. WA Representative Tina Orwall has introduced a suicide prevention bill (HB1336) … [Read more...]

A Few of Her Favorite Things

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So Ellie's birthday was this Sunday. Sadly she came down with the croup on Wednesday night and we had to reschedule her party for next weekend. BIG bummer! But we still tried to make her time special. And even though she was a little extra grumpy on occasion, she still had fun. On Saturday we … [Read more...]