Learning to Say "No" - Make it Your Secret Weapon

Are you suffering from SuperMom burnout? Do you sometimes struggle just to make it through each day? Moms everywhere are breaking down and giving out because they are too chicken to say, “No.” “No” may be a tiny, two-letter word, but it is definitely your secret weapon. And you can say it.

I am dedicating this list of ways you can say "no" (and not feel guilty about it) to my good friend Robyn at One Tough Momma - she admittedly has a LITTLE problem. Take these to heart, Robyn!

• "Sorry, I’m taking a break." The number one reason why you should say, “no” occasionally is simply that you deserve a break. You are chef, chauffeur, dish washer, and more. You job never ends on any given day of the week. You deserve a break.
• "My schedule is full." We tend to jam-pack our schedule full of activities, leaving time for nothing. Cut back on your kids activities (the rule in our household is one activity per season). Start a car pool and share driving responsibilities. Do whatever you can to free up some time in your schedule.
• "I'm really slammed right this second, could I call you back tonight after the kids are in bed?" You’re headed out the door, rushing to the next appointment when the telephone rings. What do you do? Do you come to a screeching halt and answer the phone? Let’s say you do, and it’s a family member, calling to dump their latest woes on you. Do you stand, tapping your foot impatiently while you roll your eyes and listen to the sob story? This is a typical scene for many moms. Unless it is a DIRE emergency, they should understand that you have a busy life too and you will be much better equipped to help them later on after your immediately stress is gone.
• "I have another commitment that day." Say it and mean it. Regularly schedule in time with your family or time alone (and physically write it down in your planner) and if someone ask for your help during that time look in your planner and tell them you have another commitment.

Instead of rushing to be everything to everyone, stop for a moment. Ask yourself if you truly have time for whatever comes up. If not, say no by walking away, turning off the ringer on the phone, or not answering the knock at your door. Always remember that you are a mom—not a super hero. When you have to say no, people will understand; if they don’t at first, they will get used to it eventually.

Find out how to de-stress your life and regain YOU with Journey to Joy!

Benefits of Riding a Bike

Everybody rode their bike as a kid. It was a means of transportation and just a good way to get from here to there. As we age, we realize that we need some steady form of exercise and bike riding can be just the ticket! Read on to see just how great riding a bike is for your health.

It's Great for the Heart!
Riding a bike is great cardiovascular exercise and increases the health of your heart. Everybody needs a minimum of thirty minutes of aerobic exercise at least three days a week. Purchasing a bike with several speeds will allow you to increase you fitness level as your cardiovascular function improves. Begin by riding at an easy speed over even ground. If a challenge is what you desire, change your terrain.

Bicycling is Kind to the Joints!
Women often experience joint pain especially in the knees as they get older. Osteoporosis causes joint problems to worsen because of the lack of proper calcium levels in the bones. Bike riding offers exercise without pain. The aerobic benefit is comparable to jogging or running without the strain. Make sure that the seat height on your bike is adjusted to allow your legs full range of motion with each revolution. Full range of motion also promotes better circulation to the lower extremities which do the majority of the work in moving the bicycle.

You Get Great Looking Legs!
Bicycling whips those leg muscles into shape. For muscular endurance, stick to a flat terrain, but adjust the speed of the bike as your strength improves. To avoid cramping, stretch thoroughly before and after each bike ride. If you are looking to increase muscle definition, vary your terrain. Off-road biking on dirt trails helps to flex leg muscles as you keep the bicycle under control even on uneven ground. Steep hills are great for working the quadriceps and hamstrings.

The Backside Gets a Little Boost Too!
The gluteus muscles also reap rewards from bike riding. For maximum power, raise your body about an inch off of the seat as you pedal. Squeeze your butt to control the pedaling motion. After a mile or so, those glutes should be on fire.

Increases Your Balance!
Learning to ride a bike is all about staying upright. To do that, you have to find a balance between your body and the bike. Maintaining that balance strengthens the core muscles of the abdominal region. Tightening the core muscles keeps you from falling off of the bike. The lower abdominals pull your legs back towards you body from the bottom of the cycling revolution. The lower back is also kept pain free by a strong balanced core.

Riding a bike is not just for kids. I am a great testament to this because I had not been on a bike for at least 15-20 years. The last bike I had was a 10-speed in high school. My husband just bought me a bike and we have started going out as a family. Man...my legs BURN like you wouldn't believe! Even though there's pain, the benefits are great and I know this too shall pass. This is something that the entire family can do together and have fun at the same time. Get on out there and try it!

3 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Your Next Set of Bedsheets

Pop Quiz:

• Should you buy 150 count or 800 count sheets?
• Is Pima cotton better than muslin?
• What is the definition of Sateen?

How’d you do? Not very well? That’s okay – you will know the answers to those questions and more by the time you finish reading this article.

There are 3 main aspects of linens that make up the fibers you sleep on for 1/3 of your life:

1. Thread Count
2. Weave
3. Types of Cotton

1. Thread Count
Definition: the number of threads, both vertical and horizontal in a one-inch square of fabric.

Thread counts range anywhere from 80 to 1000 or even more. The thread count can be affected by the ply and thickness of the yarn used to produce the fabric.

Ply is determined by how many threads are wrapped together into a single thread. Single-ply is a thread used upon itself. Double-ply indicates the yarns are twisted together and THEN woven.

The finer threads will give a higher thread count because more threads can fit in a 1-inch space. This will give the fabric a softer feel, but will also yield a less-durable fabric.

So, what is a good thread count to purchase? Experts say:

• Greater than 100 is desirable
• Greater than 180 is ideal
• Greater than 400-500 is considered a farce due to the manufacturer’s using double-ply fabrics, which actually double the thread count

Read on for more information that will help you make your decision…

2. Weave

• Standard – 1 stitch over, 1 stitch under – this is the basic weave
• Pinpoint – 2 stitches over, 1 stitch under – this weave may not be as soft to the touch, but it is the most durable
• Sateen – 4 stitches over, 1 stitch under – this has a very soft feel, but may not be as durable as other weaves

3. Types of Cotton

• Combed Cotton – this is a cleaning process that eliminates the shorter, less desirable fibers
• Muslin – the low end of the cotton spectrum; usually used in children’s themed bedding (thread count range: 128-140)
• Percale – closely woven fibers; available in 100% cotton and 50/50 cotton/poly blends (thread count range: 140-200)
• Pima or Supima – 100% cotton – very high quality grown in the Southwestern United States (thread count range: 200-300)
• Egyptian – 100% cotton – very high quality grown next to the Nile River (thread count range: 200-400)

One last question for the Pop Quiz: True or False – the higher the thread count, the better quality the sheets.

What was your answer? If you answered “True”…go back and read #1 one more time.

Now that you have all of your bed linen facts straight, where are you going to find those sheets?

I’m always looking for great bargains and I’ve found that Overstock.com has great quality sheets at tremendous prices. You can find all thread counts, weaves and cotton types – it really just depends on your personal preference and budget.

Happy Shopping!

Confessions of a SuperMom's Obsessions

I've been tagged by Robyn at One Tough Momma to list my top 5 obsessions. What does a SuperMom obsess about you ask? Check it out...I bet yours are very close to mine!

1. Making Lists - My memory is gone after the 3 labors and deliveries took most of my brain cells. I am constantly making lists...grocery store, "to do" lists, work lists, what's due this week lists, and the list goes on and on. I take great pleasure in being able to complete a task cross something off of my list.
2. Organizational Tools - Charts, whiteboards, calendars, dry erase markers...my house is full of them and I can't get enough!
3. Checking my email - This is the plight of the WAHM (Work at Home Mom)...I wake up in the morning, check my email...I come in from an appointment, check my email...I am cooking dinner, check my email...I'm on my way to bed, check my email...you get the picture. This is a true obsession.
4. Cleaning Little Hands and Faces - I don't care if you're my kid or not. I am forever armed with a wipey or a wet paper towel (sing it with me kids - warm water is our friend) to wipe down and ward off any potential messes on my kitchen chairs, refrigerator and family room furniture.
5. Grey's Anatomy - Seriously...I HAVE to have my McDreamy fix weekly.

Thanks Robyn for allowing me to take a closer look at myself and realize that I really AM a freak!

I'm going to go ahead and tag two of my favorite SuperMoms to take part in this fun and enlightening exercise. Busy Mom and Suburban Oblivion...you're it!