Dianne Bright's Blog - Posts Tagged "parents"
Sexy Mamas
Parenting Tip: Accentuate the positives because you are pretty hot, Girlfriend!
Sexy mamas are those who know themselves well and who like what they see in the mirror. Sexiness is a subjective trait. To one person, bigger breasts would be the ultimate goal. However, to another woman, she'd feel sexy if she could just get down to a size seven. Maybe for you, it's your teeth; if you just had straighter and whiter teeth, you'd feel amazing.
Since sexiness is in the eye of the beholder, it's important to focus on what's already in the cards. Maybe you have fantastic abs or a sixteen-year-old butt. Could it be your naturally dark and glowing skin tone?
The goal should be to lower your own unattainable standard, so you can focus on what’s already great. You’ve heard of the adage, “Don’t miss the forest for the trees,” so don’t get lost focusing on the things you don’t have. Instead, try to see the bigger picture.
The sexiest moms are those who are confident. They radiate a sense of calm about who they are on the outside, but even more so, by knowing who they are from the inside. One way to exude self-assurance is to be proud of who you are and of what you've accomplished.
If you've given birth, then you know there's basically nothing you can't do. Furthermore, think of the miracle– that you created a human being. To me, that's the coolest thing I'll ever be able to post onto my list of credentials.
Will my stomach ever return to its natural sleek shape, as in my college days? I don't think so... because even though I frequent the gym and am at a healthy weight for my height, it just feels different (you totally know what I mean, right?). Do I still feel sexy in light of this bodily change? Absolutely! And you should value your body too, in spite of its changes over the years.
Moms have the potential of being some of the hottest women out there. If you believe that you are sexy, other people will see it too. In college, I remember a very average looking girl in my photo class. She was so enamored with a self-portrait she'd taken. She expressed to the class how she loved the picture simply because it was of herself.
It seemed odd to me back then, but several years later, I've forgotten her name, but still remember what she looks like, glasses and all. Her self-confidence made me believe she was special. We as moms need to believe we're special too. When we own that belief, sexiness follows. Own it, Ladies! Believe you’re okay just the way you are!
Excerpt from: Mommy's Hiding in the Treehouse--- With a Glass of Merlot *new cover on Amazon
Bright has written for a variety of magazines and professional blogs, including Scholastic's Parent & Child. Her first novel, SOUL READER, came out April, 2015.
Sexy mamas are those who know themselves well and who like what they see in the mirror. Sexiness is a subjective trait. To one person, bigger breasts would be the ultimate goal. However, to another woman, she'd feel sexy if she could just get down to a size seven. Maybe for you, it's your teeth; if you just had straighter and whiter teeth, you'd feel amazing.
Since sexiness is in the eye of the beholder, it's important to focus on what's already in the cards. Maybe you have fantastic abs or a sixteen-year-old butt. Could it be your naturally dark and glowing skin tone?
The goal should be to lower your own unattainable standard, so you can focus on what’s already great. You’ve heard of the adage, “Don’t miss the forest for the trees,” so don’t get lost focusing on the things you don’t have. Instead, try to see the bigger picture.
The sexiest moms are those who are confident. They radiate a sense of calm about who they are on the outside, but even more so, by knowing who they are from the inside. One way to exude self-assurance is to be proud of who you are and of what you've accomplished.
If you've given birth, then you know there's basically nothing you can't do. Furthermore, think of the miracle– that you created a human being. To me, that's the coolest thing I'll ever be able to post onto my list of credentials.
Will my stomach ever return to its natural sleek shape, as in my college days? I don't think so... because even though I frequent the gym and am at a healthy weight for my height, it just feels different (you totally know what I mean, right?). Do I still feel sexy in light of this bodily change? Absolutely! And you should value your body too, in spite of its changes over the years.
Moms have the potential of being some of the hottest women out there. If you believe that you are sexy, other people will see it too. In college, I remember a very average looking girl in my photo class. She was so enamored with a self-portrait she'd taken. She expressed to the class how she loved the picture simply because it was of herself.
It seemed odd to me back then, but several years later, I've forgotten her name, but still remember what she looks like, glasses and all. Her self-confidence made me believe she was special. We as moms need to believe we're special too. When we own that belief, sexiness follows. Own it, Ladies! Believe you’re okay just the way you are!
Excerpt from: Mommy's Hiding in the Treehouse--- With a Glass of Merlot *new cover on Amazon
Bright has written for a variety of magazines and professional blogs, including Scholastic's Parent & Child. Her first novel, SOUL READER, came out April, 2015.
To Caff or Not to Caff?
Parenting Tip: Do what it takes to get the job done. Coffee helps.
"To be, or not to be, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles..." and yadda-yadda-yadda. Shakespeare was going somewhere deep with his existentialist quandary in Hamlet.
But my question as a mom of three school-aged kids is way more simplistic: "To caff or not to caff?" I've gone back and forth you know, switching between caffeinated coffee and decaf.
And I've concluded that I really do need at least one big mug of strong caffeinated coffee to make it through the morning. By the afternoon, I'm pretty good with a tall glass of ice-filled Coke (which my dentist dissuades me from drinking) or unsweetened iced tea.
Let's face it Moms and Dads, how else are we supposed to get through the day without the caffeine? When I try to switch back to decaf, I feel like my brain goes on vacay to some tropical island, which sounds pretty pleasant except for the fact that I actually have to stay awake to do laundry, taxi-cab, create snacks, and help my kiddos with homework.
Oddly, my husband noticed a personality change when I stopped drinking so much coffee between graduate programs. I think he liked the decaf-me better, but like I said, it's pretty much a non-negotiable.
My doctor encourages me to limit my caffeine intake as well, since too much caffeine adds a lot of stress to our bodies, as evidenced by the low that hits around eleven o'clock when the body and brain cry out for a refill.
Plus caffeine can of course make you a bit jittery too, which has personality changing implications. Then again, if it makes you more animated and enthusiastic, that could be a good thing, right?
For some of the active thinkers out there, also known as "worriers," also known as “moms” (dads are off the hook on this one and could stand to worry a little bit more), caffeine can keep you awake at night, if you drink coffee too late in the day. But, if you're like most parents of younger kids, you're so tired that you can hardly even keep your eyes open by the time you collapse into bed around midnight.
The real question is whether or not caffeine makes you happy. For me, it's not possible to quit drinking caffeinated coffee at this point in my life. I'm happier when I drink it because I feel more normal. For example, it helps me to keep my checkbook up to date and keeps my mind going so I can actually finish editing a plethora of current writing projects.
Coffee's bold aroma makes me sing a joyful tune as I hear the drum beat of my coffee maker in the morning. Those first few sips of hot brew are gentle reminders that each new day starts with a clean slate, so I can let go of yesterday’s shortcomings.
Just like most things in life, you have to weigh the pros and cons. For me the pros for drinking caffeinated coffee outweigh the cons, so I'm going to keep on brewing the caff. “To caff or not to caff?” is up to you, but for me, it's a no-brainer.
Dianne Bright spent two years writing for Scholastic's Parent & Child mag and blog and published SOUL READER in April, 2015. For more essays like this one, check out
Mommy's Hiding in the Treehouse--- With a Glass of Merlot
"To be, or not to be, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles..." and yadda-yadda-yadda. Shakespeare was going somewhere deep with his existentialist quandary in Hamlet.
But my question as a mom of three school-aged kids is way more simplistic: "To caff or not to caff?" I've gone back and forth you know, switching between caffeinated coffee and decaf.
And I've concluded that I really do need at least one big mug of strong caffeinated coffee to make it through the morning. By the afternoon, I'm pretty good with a tall glass of ice-filled Coke (which my dentist dissuades me from drinking) or unsweetened iced tea.
Let's face it Moms and Dads, how else are we supposed to get through the day without the caffeine? When I try to switch back to decaf, I feel like my brain goes on vacay to some tropical island, which sounds pretty pleasant except for the fact that I actually have to stay awake to do laundry, taxi-cab, create snacks, and help my kiddos with homework.
Oddly, my husband noticed a personality change when I stopped drinking so much coffee between graduate programs. I think he liked the decaf-me better, but like I said, it's pretty much a non-negotiable.
My doctor encourages me to limit my caffeine intake as well, since too much caffeine adds a lot of stress to our bodies, as evidenced by the low that hits around eleven o'clock when the body and brain cry out for a refill.
Plus caffeine can of course make you a bit jittery too, which has personality changing implications. Then again, if it makes you more animated and enthusiastic, that could be a good thing, right?
For some of the active thinkers out there, also known as "worriers," also known as “moms” (dads are off the hook on this one and could stand to worry a little bit more), caffeine can keep you awake at night, if you drink coffee too late in the day. But, if you're like most parents of younger kids, you're so tired that you can hardly even keep your eyes open by the time you collapse into bed around midnight.
The real question is whether or not caffeine makes you happy. For me, it's not possible to quit drinking caffeinated coffee at this point in my life. I'm happier when I drink it because I feel more normal. For example, it helps me to keep my checkbook up to date and keeps my mind going so I can actually finish editing a plethora of current writing projects.
Coffee's bold aroma makes me sing a joyful tune as I hear the drum beat of my coffee maker in the morning. Those first few sips of hot brew are gentle reminders that each new day starts with a clean slate, so I can let go of yesterday’s shortcomings.
Just like most things in life, you have to weigh the pros and cons. For me the pros for drinking caffeinated coffee outweigh the cons, so I'm going to keep on brewing the caff. “To caff or not to caff?” is up to you, but for me, it's a no-brainer.
Dianne Bright spent two years writing for Scholastic's Parent & Child mag and blog and published SOUL READER in April, 2015. For more essays like this one, check out
Mommy's Hiding in the Treehouse--- With a Glass of Merlot
There's Always Time for One More Kiss
Parenting/Marriage Tip: Never turn down a hug or kiss from a loved one.
As I raced off to my step class, already ten minutes late, my husband allowed the kids to run out to my car for one more kiss. I begrudgingly puckered up my lips as each one of my three kids excitedly craned their necks up to my window (this was back when they were little; now my son is taller than I am). My youngest could hardly reach my lips, as I giraffed my neck out to meet hers.
After driving off one minute later, I realized how silly my attitude had been. I was ashamed that I'd felt too busy to accept enthusiastic kisses from my kids. Life is way too short to postpone hugs or kisses from anyone important to us. There's always time for one more kiss.
If your spouse wants to snuggle for ten more minutes, the other stuff can wait. If your kids want to kick the soccer ball out in the backyard for five more minutes, it's worth holding off on dinner for a little while. Even if your dog just wants to extend playing fetch in the morning before you head off to work, try to indulge her with the meaningful attention.
Love. Family. Laughter. These are the things we need to invest in—and what better way than through a hug or a kiss? They sort of just happen during serendipitous moments throughout the day. So if we don't slow down long enough to capture them, they disappear like time itself.
Some moments are priceless. When a butterfly floats by and we're too focused on the red light in front of us, we miss seeing the miracle that the caterpillar underwent. Or if we can’t make time for five-second kisses and one-minute hugs, especially with plump and expressive two-year-old lips, we miss out. The moment is gone!
As moms, we juggle so much that it's impossible to embrace every single special moment. Otherwise, tons of stuff wouldn't get done.
However, it's important to make time for one more kiss or one more special hug because someday, we may not get as many unsolicited offers. Let’s capture them now, so we can store them up in our treasure trove of memories.
*This essay is from Bright's book of parenting essays: Mommy's Hiding in the Treehouse (With a Glass of Merlot). She wrote for Scholastic for 2 years and published her first novel, SOUL READER, in 2015. She recently finished writing her second novel, BLOOD TOWERS (coming soon), and enjoys reviewing James Patterson books, via his assistant, Sean.
Mommy's Hiding in the Treehouse--- With a Glass of Merlot
As I raced off to my step class, already ten minutes late, my husband allowed the kids to run out to my car for one more kiss. I begrudgingly puckered up my lips as each one of my three kids excitedly craned their necks up to my window (this was back when they were little; now my son is taller than I am). My youngest could hardly reach my lips, as I giraffed my neck out to meet hers.
After driving off one minute later, I realized how silly my attitude had been. I was ashamed that I'd felt too busy to accept enthusiastic kisses from my kids. Life is way too short to postpone hugs or kisses from anyone important to us. There's always time for one more kiss.
If your spouse wants to snuggle for ten more minutes, the other stuff can wait. If your kids want to kick the soccer ball out in the backyard for five more minutes, it's worth holding off on dinner for a little while. Even if your dog just wants to extend playing fetch in the morning before you head off to work, try to indulge her with the meaningful attention.
Love. Family. Laughter. These are the things we need to invest in—and what better way than through a hug or a kiss? They sort of just happen during serendipitous moments throughout the day. So if we don't slow down long enough to capture them, they disappear like time itself.
Some moments are priceless. When a butterfly floats by and we're too focused on the red light in front of us, we miss seeing the miracle that the caterpillar underwent. Or if we can’t make time for five-second kisses and one-minute hugs, especially with plump and expressive two-year-old lips, we miss out. The moment is gone!
As moms, we juggle so much that it's impossible to embrace every single special moment. Otherwise, tons of stuff wouldn't get done.
However, it's important to make time for one more kiss or one more special hug because someday, we may not get as many unsolicited offers. Let’s capture them now, so we can store them up in our treasure trove of memories.
*This essay is from Bright's book of parenting essays: Mommy's Hiding in the Treehouse (With a Glass of Merlot). She wrote for Scholastic for 2 years and published her first novel, SOUL READER, in 2015. She recently finished writing her second novel, BLOOD TOWERS (coming soon), and enjoys reviewing James Patterson books, via his assistant, Sean.
Mommy's Hiding in the Treehouse--- With a Glass of Merlot
Never Give Up!
Most people haven't heard of me as a mainstream author yet, and I'm okay with being an indie gal. But sometimes, it's just nice to feel noticed.
This happened after one of my Barnes & Noble book signing events for my first novel, SOUL READER. A lady came up to me in the bathroom asking, "Aren't you the lady from that book signing event?" I almost died from shock, giving a shy, "Yeah, that was me."
Occasionally someone who isn't from my extended family or my local friend-base will bump into me, sharing, "I really liked your book," which is cool too. But, the truth is, for the most part, I'm just that gal who blends in with the crowd.
Are you connecting with me now? Do you ever feel small and insignificant, like "What big accomplishment can I even do/make before I die?"
But hold on, what was the title again? Oh yeah... my point for fellow readers and authors: NEVER GIVE UP! Whatever you're doing in life. Regardless of what you earn. No matter where you live. Or what you look like. Or how smart you feel. Or what you believe other people think about you.
This especially applies to moms--EXCLAMATION MARK! I love to remind us that our lives matter too. Just for bringing little people into this world and raising them with a smile most days.
Sometimes, amidst the piles of laundry and dishes, our dreams get set on the back-burner. We get behind on our to-do lists and our reading piles as well.
As a line from my upcoming young adult novel says, "Dreams fuel the world." The mom tells her son those words to remind him she believes in him. So, don't let your dreams fade too far away. Sure, it's okay to put them off for a while. But if you wait too long, they might never resurface.
What if they could have been possible, if you simply hadn't given up? It's a message we need to pass along to our kids as well. But, is ANYTHING actually possible, or is that an unrealistic message to pass on to the little ones we love? "Here, kids-- drink the Kool Aid," even as chaos and destruction seem the only constants in our world.
Well, even if some things may not feel possible, I'd rather teach them to reach for the stars, instead of doing nothing to make it a better place. Seeking the impossible could be the very thing each one of us needs to get started on the right path.
We can even shoot for the stars by starting off small; then, we can reach for the next one; then the one after that. All of a sudden, we might just see a sky full of wishes, lighting our way.
"But, writing a whole book?" you might ask. "That's so many words." My upcoming young adult novel is 68,470 words, but it never felt too overwhelming, because I simply wrote one word at a time.
One more thing--NEVER GIVE UP! Oh wait, I think I said that already. :0)
*Dianne Bright is the author of SOUL READER and SOUL JUMPER. She has written for a variety of magazines, including Scholastic's Parent and Child. For similar essays, check out her digital parenting book: MOMMY'S HIDING IN THE TREEHOUSE (With a Glass of Merlot).
Soul Reader
This happened after one of my Barnes & Noble book signing events for my first novel, SOUL READER. A lady came up to me in the bathroom asking, "Aren't you the lady from that book signing event?" I almost died from shock, giving a shy, "Yeah, that was me."
Occasionally someone who isn't from my extended family or my local friend-base will bump into me, sharing, "I really liked your book," which is cool too. But, the truth is, for the most part, I'm just that gal who blends in with the crowd.
Are you connecting with me now? Do you ever feel small and insignificant, like "What big accomplishment can I even do/make before I die?"
But hold on, what was the title again? Oh yeah... my point for fellow readers and authors: NEVER GIVE UP! Whatever you're doing in life. Regardless of what you earn. No matter where you live. Or what you look like. Or how smart you feel. Or what you believe other people think about you.
This especially applies to moms--EXCLAMATION MARK! I love to remind us that our lives matter too. Just for bringing little people into this world and raising them with a smile most days.
Sometimes, amidst the piles of laundry and dishes, our dreams get set on the back-burner. We get behind on our to-do lists and our reading piles as well.
As a line from my upcoming young adult novel says, "Dreams fuel the world." The mom tells her son those words to remind him she believes in him. So, don't let your dreams fade too far away. Sure, it's okay to put them off for a while. But if you wait too long, they might never resurface.
What if they could have been possible, if you simply hadn't given up? It's a message we need to pass along to our kids as well. But, is ANYTHING actually possible, or is that an unrealistic message to pass on to the little ones we love? "Here, kids-- drink the Kool Aid," even as chaos and destruction seem the only constants in our world.
Well, even if some things may not feel possible, I'd rather teach them to reach for the stars, instead of doing nothing to make it a better place. Seeking the impossible could be the very thing each one of us needs to get started on the right path.
We can even shoot for the stars by starting off small; then, we can reach for the next one; then the one after that. All of a sudden, we might just see a sky full of wishes, lighting our way.
"But, writing a whole book?" you might ask. "That's so many words." My upcoming young adult novel is 68,470 words, but it never felt too overwhelming, because I simply wrote one word at a time.
One more thing--NEVER GIVE UP! Oh wait, I think I said that already. :0)
*Dianne Bright is the author of SOUL READER and SOUL JUMPER. She has written for a variety of magazines, including Scholastic's Parent and Child. For similar essays, check out her digital parenting book: MOMMY'S HIDING IN THE TREEHOUSE (With a Glass of Merlot).
Soul Reader
Gratitude
I wake to the sound that excites the average three-to-seven-year-old boy in his flannel PJs. He runs to the front window to check on his favorite big truck making its weekly rounds. Still in bed, I ponder the growing pandemic that shares a name with many people’s favorite beer. You may know it better by the emotions it inspires: FEAR and PANIC. But regardless of social distancing (necessary and smart), the trash guy shows up to empty my three bins out front. His familiar truck is a beacon of hope, reminding me that people are still working hard. THANK YOU to the trash collectors out there who keep our cities clean.
Many have been transitioning to homeschooling and working from home. During the start of this pandemic, my hubby’s contact lens gets stuck in his eye. We try all the tricks, but it still won’t come out. So, I call my optometrist (whose office is close to our house). “I know he’s not one of your patients, but is there any way you could squeeze him in?” I ask. Within the hour, she fits him in. Her assistant removes the unruly lens, and they won’t let him pay a penny. This simple act of kindness reminds me that humans are still good. THANK YOU to the small businesses who keep their calm, even when they could make another buck instead.
With recent UTI symptoms, I know I need an antibiotic. To avoid germs in the medical office, I call my doctor instead. One of the nurses calls me back pronto, offering a tele-visit instead. Within two hours, the medicine I need is called in to my local pharmacy. To anyone who needs medical help quickly, you get why this means a lot. THANK YOU to the nurses and doctors working around the clock to keep us healthy.
Our school district announces we will be off for a few weeks in addition to our regular spring break. A second call reveals it will actually be a few weeks beyond that, based on newer guidelines. Virtual tours, online learning sites, and e-books can keep our young people busy. But it reminds me how much teachers do year-round to provide engaging activities for our kids. THANK YOU to all the teachers who work so diligently to invest in our children.
This person helps and serves without an award or an annual raise. The smiles, laughter, and crumbs on the plates serve as adequate accolades—but with COVID-19, the days feel a little bit longer. Picking up dirty socks and stacking cups into the dishwasher are part of the routine. Cooking meals with whatever is in the pantry gets trickier, but we make it work because it’s who we are. We wear a smile, even when things get tough. THANK YOU to the caregivers who work around the clock, rarely taking a day off.
Members of our society who struggle with mental health issues know this FEAR and PANIC well. It’s nothing new, because it’s a daily part of life. With this new pandemic, these people take a deep breath thinking, “OMG, how will I survive this when my anxiety and depression are already high?” But they stay strong using their mental toolbox; likewise, they keep taking the medication prescribed by their doctor. For people like us, it’s already about taking it one day at a time. THANK YOU to those with mental health disorders who can offer perspective to their neighbors and friends during this difficult time. And THANK YOU to the mental health professionals who help us cope and find gratitude (even on the hard days).
This post is dedicated to my counselor, Michelle, and to my psychiatrist, Dr. S., who have been teaching me to practice daily gratitude.
Dianne Bright is a book author and freelance writer with Reader's Digest and The Healthy. Her parenting book: MOMS KICK BUTT, comes out this summer with CrossLink Pub.
Many have been transitioning to homeschooling and working from home. During the start of this pandemic, my hubby’s contact lens gets stuck in his eye. We try all the tricks, but it still won’t come out. So, I call my optometrist (whose office is close to our house). “I know he’s not one of your patients, but is there any way you could squeeze him in?” I ask. Within the hour, she fits him in. Her assistant removes the unruly lens, and they won’t let him pay a penny. This simple act of kindness reminds me that humans are still good. THANK YOU to the small businesses who keep their calm, even when they could make another buck instead.
With recent UTI symptoms, I know I need an antibiotic. To avoid germs in the medical office, I call my doctor instead. One of the nurses calls me back pronto, offering a tele-visit instead. Within two hours, the medicine I need is called in to my local pharmacy. To anyone who needs medical help quickly, you get why this means a lot. THANK YOU to the nurses and doctors working around the clock to keep us healthy.
Our school district announces we will be off for a few weeks in addition to our regular spring break. A second call reveals it will actually be a few weeks beyond that, based on newer guidelines. Virtual tours, online learning sites, and e-books can keep our young people busy. But it reminds me how much teachers do year-round to provide engaging activities for our kids. THANK YOU to all the teachers who work so diligently to invest in our children.
This person helps and serves without an award or an annual raise. The smiles, laughter, and crumbs on the plates serve as adequate accolades—but with COVID-19, the days feel a little bit longer. Picking up dirty socks and stacking cups into the dishwasher are part of the routine. Cooking meals with whatever is in the pantry gets trickier, but we make it work because it’s who we are. We wear a smile, even when things get tough. THANK YOU to the caregivers who work around the clock, rarely taking a day off.
Members of our society who struggle with mental health issues know this FEAR and PANIC well. It’s nothing new, because it’s a daily part of life. With this new pandemic, these people take a deep breath thinking, “OMG, how will I survive this when my anxiety and depression are already high?” But they stay strong using their mental toolbox; likewise, they keep taking the medication prescribed by their doctor. For people like us, it’s already about taking it one day at a time. THANK YOU to those with mental health disorders who can offer perspective to their neighbors and friends during this difficult time. And THANK YOU to the mental health professionals who help us cope and find gratitude (even on the hard days).
This post is dedicated to my counselor, Michelle, and to my psychiatrist, Dr. S., who have been teaching me to practice daily gratitude.
Dianne Bright is a book author and freelance writer with Reader's Digest and The Healthy. Her parenting book: MOMS KICK BUTT, comes out this summer with CrossLink Pub.
