Monthly Archive: March 2016

We all love our moms, or at least I hope we do. So in honor of International Woman’s Day, I’m sure it’s no surprise to anyone that I would choose to write about my mom and how she has inspired me to be the person I am today.

I could write a million stories about my mom and the things she has done for me personally, however this comment I am about to share with you struck a chord. Last Friday I was at a gathering where I saw some women I hadn’t seen in years. My mom wasn’t in attendance, but she somehow got brought up. Perhaps for her keen sense of fashion or her vacation she was leaving for the next day. I’m not really sure. I was too busy talking to hear the whole story!!! Haha. At any rate, one of the women who had previously worked with my mom said to another woman, “have you met Alissa’s mom? She is one of the most selfless and giving people I have ever met. Both of her parents are, they are awesome.” I mean I know I have always thought my mom is amazing but when you hear someone say it that is merely an aquaintance at this point of life, you feel pretty darn honored to be her daughter. Just as an example, my mom once covered a leave at the grade school in the small town I’m from. The woman had breast cancer(I believe), a 4 month old, and needed to take time off to get her chemo treatments. At the end of the leave, my mom donated her entire paycheck for the time she covered her classroom to the woman. I don’t care how much money you have or don’t have in this world, it takes a pretty special person to donate their time and money to anyone. This is just one example that came to mind when I decided to write about my mom. To be honest, the school asked to interview her regarding her donation and she politely declined. It wasn’t about her, it wasn’t about giving the money, it was about the woman getting better and having the financials to pay for all of her medical care.

So today when I saw this quote everyone was posting, “here’s to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.” I felt inspired, inspired to share this story about my mom. She sure did raise my 2 brothers and I, and if I turn out to be half of the mother she is I will consider it a SUCCESS!

“Playing dress up begins at age 5 and never truly ends!” -Kate Spade

I heard this quote recently, of course I’ve heard it before but it hit home a little more with me this time. I’ve always liked this quote but quite honestly I don’t really like to play dress up! Ironic? I think in this rushed world we live in, “playing dress up” simply takes too much time. Or maybe it’s that I always think I need something brand spanking new. Maybe a little of both. At any rate, I left my full time job recently to be a SAHM(stay at home mom), the most under-rated Job in the world. I can say this because I’ve now seen both sides, maybe even judged a time or two. I mean this is a safe zone, right???? In between feedings, 67 diaper changes a day, nap time, play time, work outs, Instagram, and everything else, I’ve found myself with a little more down time….just a smudge. I’m sure it’s because my commute to work is a lot shorter!!! I’m saving like 10 hours of my life per week. My mom came over the other day, God bless my mother for many reasons but the woman CANNOT sit down!!! So my one window of opportunity where Max was sleeping and I could possibly relax turned into a “lets go through your closet” session. All of a sudden she’s trying everything on and this quote pops in my head! I’m thinking, she actually loves to dress up still, it almost felt like we were kids again playing dress up. Finding outfits for potential events and swapping items out. So naturally I join in. I’ve had serious FOMO(fear of missing out) my whole life. My poor little 8 month old has it now. Lol yup-he really does! It was SO much FUN though!!! I paired outfits together that I wouldn’t even have tried on, ever, they would have possibly been dust collectors in my new “walk-in” closet. I quote the walk-in because it’s hardly a walk-in and simply not big enough!!! I think it’s kind of comparable to the saying the more you make, the more you spend? The bigger the closet, the less room??? Right?? I have never been one to set out my clothes the night before(only exception-first day of school every year). I just wake up, think about what’s in my closet, and let my mood decipher what I’ll wear on any given day. This trusty method has worked so far! But I’m thinking this new game of dress up is a game changer! Maybe even a wallet saver?!?! Probably not. Ha! At any rate, I’m ready for this Midwestern weather to change to Spring for good so I can shine bright in this new found wardrobe of mine???