Category Archives: Self Care

Take the Trip…

Posted on by Posted in Birthdays, Health and Wellness, Money Momma, Opportunities, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Self Care, Services, Things to Do!, Thoughts.., Travel .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

A little while ago, I posted about how I am done giving gifts of “things” and am moving toward gifts of time and experience.  I am about to turn 40. I don’t only believe in time and experience for others, I do for myself too.  I’ve always dreamed of traveling, especially to Europe, but everywhere.  For one reason or another it just hasn’t happened.  Well with 40 knocking on my door I decided to do something about it.  

EDIT TO ADD:  I wrote and was supposed to post this article early fall, but I am kind of glad that I didn’t.  Due to normal “Life” situations, I am more glad than ever that we got a chance to do Disney this year as well as to have taken this trip myself.  I do not know when the next time I will be able to take the family on a trip or go myself might be able to happen.  Those who know me know that I am not exaggerating, my new advice…..When you have the chance, Do it.  I intend to try to figure out how to continue to travel, and bring the family along, but its going to take a whole lot more work now.  

Due to unforeseen circumstances RNYD was not available to travel (which is cool anyway cause he’s much more of a home body), so I begged my bestie Michelle to come with me.  I gave her a list of places on my bucket list and let her choose.  I also wanted to hit up a cruise if possible because I have never done one.  She was game, and she choose Greece.  Perfect for a cruise, and really one of my top two trips.

We picked a cruise and booked it, since it left and returned to Rome and neither of us knew when we would be back, we decided to take 2 days to explore there as well.

Here’s what I’ve learned.

  1.  I will never book a trip with a travel agent other than Scott Walters (sorry dudes say what you will, he’s bailed me out 2x now).
  2. Cruises are great because you don’t have to pack up your stuff every day to move, you have a home base.
  3. You can make friends on cruises, which is neat for when you are done sightseeing for the day you can meet for dinner/drinks/dancing later.
  4. Get the drink package (just saying)
  5. Try all the different foods
  6. Clarks are the best sandals ever (and yes you can find some that don’t look like your grandmothers shoes).
  7. Greece is REALLY HOT in the summer so May or September may be better.
  8. I AM OBSESSED WITH TRAVEL.

At each of the islands we went to Scott sent us 2-3 excursions that he thought we would like based on our “profiles” and we chose 1-2 for each.  The tours that we took were so complete that I actually don’t think we missed anything, BUT we didn’t have tons of time so it was more like a taste test, I may have a list of places that I’d like to get back to if I ever check off my list the other trips I want to take.

Travel Agent Extraordinaire Scott Walters helped  me out immensely on this trip, and I am so grateful.  I have just reached out to him again, about a possible trip for 2021, that I would like to start saving for.  I am so excited, and hopeful that we can make it happen despite our challenges.  He’s been super helpful in understanding and helping us with the physical needs of our family, and I am hoping that his expert advise will help us to be able to make the trip happen for our whole family.

cott Walters (845) 558-1225

scott@goawayoftentravel.com

http://www.goawayoftentravel.com

A full service travel agent specializing in family vacations to amazing destinations. From simple weekend getaways to multi generational once in a lifetime bucket list filling journeys, Go Away Often Travel can get you there. It’s YOUR VACATION, let me do the work!  Worth noting here that I always thought I couldn’t afford a travel agent.  Turns out that you don’ t pay one, they are paid by the people they book your trip with.  The few times I have reached out to him to see if he should be consulted about a trip and he couldn’t help me with a deal, he encouraged me to book on my own to save the money.

What do you know about Pillows?

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Items, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Self Care, Shopping, Specialty Items .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.

We have the honor or welcoming SPRY Therapeutics to our “For the Home” Directory page, where we have services and products for the home that we love and endorse.  Spry has two special types of pillows that have us reeling;  one “Recovery” which is absolutely perfect for RNYD who has had 8 back surgeries (his most recent cervical), and anther “Pure” which is perfect for my asthmatic and allergy afflicted (E). 

Deep down I think we all know how dirty our pillows become, but reading the information available on their website was a real eye opener.

Here is some background info for you to check out, full review to come.

https://sprytherapeutics.com/ 

At Spry, it is our mission to make your everyday life healthier and more comfortable. All Spry products are designed using innovative technologies that are created to give you customized comfort and better solutions to improve your health, whether you’re looking for relief from allergies and asthma, pain relief or a comfortable support pillow.

about Spry Recovery®

Made with our patented Flo-Form® technology, this pillow uniquely contours to your specific shape and curves to help support proper body alignment.

The size of the pillow makes it easy to carry and store, and its versatility makes it the perfect companion for any situation. It comes with a soft, breathable cover that can be easily removed and washed. Add a hot or cold pack to the Spry Recovery to help soothe muscles and dull the sensation of pain.

about Spry Pure®

Waterproof and breathable, Spry Pure’s PneumaPure® filtration offers full protection from viruses and bacteria, allowing only clean air to pass through. Spry Pure is the perfect solution for asthma and allergy sufferers. Plus, the pillow never requires laundering — simply wipe down the water-resistant exterior with a mild solution to sanitize the exterior.

Spry Pure is currently available in memory foam and polyfill. For children specifically, our polyfill pillows are a great option.

Helping People with Disabilities Prep for Parenthood

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Rockland Babies, Self Care, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored informational post.  Ashley is a mom with first hand experience, who wanted to get some great information out to our readers. Feel free to send her questions.

Ashley has severe scoliosis. She created DisabledParents.org to provide information and resources to fellow parents raising their children while living with disabilities.

Photo by Pixabay

Bringing Home Baby: Helpful Tips for Disabled Parents

There are plenty of books and online articles touting advice for what to expect when you’re expecting and how to prepare your home for your new arrival. However, what many of these articles lack is what makes your situation unique – your disability. It hasn’t stopped you up to this point, and it certainly won’t prevent you from being a wonderful parent, but it would be nice to receive some helpful advice with you in mind. Parenting with a disability will look different from family to family, but the following tips are helpful nuggets of knowledge for everyone.

Get the House in Order

One of the most important things you can do is make your home more accessible for you and safe for your little one. Zero-step entrances, widened doorways, and slip-proof flooring make it easier to safely navigate your home with your baby in tow if you have mobility issues, not to mention it can decrease the chance of injuries once your child becomes mobile. Set up a one-stop shop area in your home complete with baby and parental essentials so that you aren’t constantly getting up and down – this can serve as a play area too. Baby-proofing is a must too, especially if you aren’t able to respond to a loud crash (or lack of noise) as quickly as you’d like. These infographics (courtesy of the Bump) will make sure all the rooms in your home are safe.

Find the Parenting Tools That Work for You

With a little research and online browsing, you’ll find that there are several baby products made specifically with disabled parents in mind. There are cots with an open side for easy access to your baby from the comfort of your bed, walking wings so you can experience the magic of helping your child learn to walk minus the bending, and even bathtub sets at the perfect height for parents in a wheelchair. Keep in mind that the tools you need are unique to you. For example, Verena Cristofaro-Frydberg, a mother of two with MS, has live-in child care and gets creative with her parenting hacks, such as making the bed with three layers of sheets to make changing easier and keeping the car stocked at all times to avoid the “I forgot it” moment.

Plan for the Future

A new baby is in your future, but adding to your family means planning beyond that as well by putting safety nets in place. First and foremost, it’s time to update the will. This is where you designate who will inherit what, as well as choose a guardian (and an alternate) for your child. Rather than a joint will with your spouse, it is best to create separate wills so that the survivor can make changes without having to jump through any legal hoops. While you are dealing with the not-so-fun stuff, considering purchasing burial insurance. Similar to a life insurance policy, the benefit is used for funeral-related expenses, which can ease the burden and stress on your spouse and family members should you pass away earlier than expected due to medical issues. On the opposite end of the spectrum, don’t forget to add your baby to your life insurance policy. You typically have a window of 30 to 60 days to enroll your child, and coverage will begin on the date of birth. The birth of a child is full of new experiences (and plenty of newborn doctor’s visits), so having that coverage offers peace of mind.

Take Care of Yourself

For parents, self-care can’t be emphasized enough. Not only do you need to stay on top of your health, including doctor’s appointments, medications, and exercises, but you need time to relax too. Make time to read, drink a cup of coffee, or simply ask a friend to watch your little one so you can eat lunch in peace. The bottomline: Don’t be afraid to treat yourself and ask for help. Look for support from your family, friends, and partner. Even something as simple as having someone take over baby duties for one afternoon each week can free you up for self-care. Your support network likely wants to be as close to the baby as you are. There’s a good chance they won’t mind spending some quality time with their littlest family member while you tend to your own needs for a change.

Congratulations on becoming a parent! New experiences await you, and you’re more than ready to handle them. Parenting is challenging, but your disability has prepared you for the challenges you will overcome, making success that much sweeter.

Need some help with home adjustments?  WE have a directory for that (for the home) and Chris Kissik Painting and Construction

Moms Gone Wild- An Unlikely Girls Day Out

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, Items, Out and about..., Reviews, Self Care, Services, Shopping .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post.  We had a noteworthy experience, and sometimes that means you just have to share.

**WARNING- NO NUDITY- BUT WE TALK ABOUT BREASTS AND BRAS HERE**

We went shopping… but not just any shopping. We went BRA shopping.  Yep that’s right, C, K and I went shopping FOR THE GIRLS.  Three of us friends were bitching about ill fitting undergarments and finally decided to do something about it.  Determining that there was safety in numbers we made a date and went.

Not only did we go, we went for the gusto.  SO three frugal (large chested) mommies who hate spending money on themselves, went to Nordstrom at the Garden State Mall to tackle over the shoulder boulder holders.  Yes this is worth mentioning because we usually shop at wherever has a sale on bras just like everyone else.

So a crazy unlikely girls day out ended up being one of my favorite mom dates ever.

We found the lingerie section (in the basement) and were at once greeted (perhaps we looked lost?).  The three of us aren’t skiddish- so we took a dressing room together.  Kathy went right to work asking who wanted to go first.  She measured all three of us and left.  Upon her return she had several different bras for each of us to try on.

Here’s what I love- she made note of some super interesting info about each of us that I am not sure everyone would pick up on right away- my love of earthtones, Chelsea’s love of the dramatic, and Katy’s sensibility- and brought bras that appealed to each.  There were of course bras that were sensible- but I gotta be honest, I haven’t bought a PRETTY bra in quite some time, and even my “sensible” purchase was pretty.

Some of them weren’t right, it was trying on and required some work.  But those that did.  Dude- I am a 34 DD and I don’t feel like I am wearing a BRA.  Also, the girls don’t look pointy, aren’t hanging out, nor do they cut into my shoulders or sides.

Yeah yeah yeah lets get down to the nitty gritty for those of you who don’t really wanna hear the romantic parts.  Like how I took dressing room selfies to compare how they looked in my shirt :o)

Facts:

  • Despite my greatest fears the bras were not that much more than ones I’ve purchased at Kohls.  I was certain they would be $200 a piece and they were not- more like $60-70 for mine the most expensive I considered being $84.
  • No tax it’s Jersey so “whew”.
  • The larger band sizes (40 and above) have less options, and although the overall fit is much better, they do still feel like a bra is on.
  • Didn’t love their panty selection- so even though I really wanted new ones to coordinate and go for the whole shebang, I am heading elsewhere to find some.
  • Splurged on a lingerie bag to wash them in so that I can keep them in good shape.
  • I learned valuable fitting and care information (shared below).  Guys- I’m 38 and I didn’t know any of this stuff.
    • You should have a minimum of 4 bras that you alternate, not including your strapless or special occasion one.
    • Bras should be replaced every year (whoops).
    • When you are purchasing you should be on the last hook as over time they will stretch and you will have to move it in.
    • They need a day to rest in between wears.
    • They should be washed every 2 wears on a normal day, more often in Summer and more like 3 in the Winter if you aren’t sweating.
    • Bras should be laundered in a lingerie bag, clipped together, on the gentle cycle and hung dry (yeah I’ve never done ANY of that).

We wore new bras out of the store (yep chucked the one I wore in right then and there) then finished our outing with a nice lunch at the mall.  Being super proud of ourselves we even shared photos of our new organization, and disposing of our old ones.

I can’t speak for everyone- but overall everyone is happy.  It was a nice afternoon with ADULTS, and we did something for OURSELVES.  I feel comfortable and pretty.  I constantly try to remind myself to do something for me every now and again and this fit the bill.  We DID promise to go again in a years time to be measured and purchase new as we should- focusing on the fun and scheduling more girls time.

I don’t care where you go- but go and get fitted.  Spend some time on you.  If you are anything like me you have extreme guilt when doing so.  RNYD constantly tells me to go ahead, to get what I need, to do something for myself.  I hold myself back from doing so most often.  This felt good.

**Dads if you’re reading this, you can help them by purchasing a gift card and taking the kids for an afternoon.  Heck, call her friends and arrange it.  Once RNYD scheduled a date for me and my BFF to go to a show and it was awesome, anther time he surprised me with a GC to my favorite salon.  I never would have done it for myself.**

Moms with larger band sizes- where would you suggest a momma who need a 40+ go for a GREAT fitting and nice look?  Also- Favorite place to get some cute (but functional) undies to coordinate with my new bras??? Love to hear your thoughts.