self-care | PlatinumSitters

Resources for Mothers: HER Circle

June 5, 2022June 5, 2022platinumsitters

Here at PlatinumSitters, we understand that motherhood can be challenging, which is why we are here to help. We want to provide mothers and their families with helpful resources to make their lives a little easier!

We are excited to collaborate with HER Circle by HER Health Collective, which is a supportive and welcoming community for mothers. Members of HER Circle will have access to exclusive, member only events, resources, and discounts at their Perk Partners!

Becoming a member of HER Circle will give mothers the opportunity to have fun and build a community both in person and virtually.

Here are some of their upcoming events that YOU should add to your calendar:

Ice Cream Tour:Howling Cow

Thursday, June 9 -6:30pm. Family Adventure @ Howling Cow Ice Cream

Grab the family and join a fun group of families for a nice cool treat at one of our favorite ice cream spots in Raleigh.

Enjoy your ice cream while overlooking the beautiful Howling Cow dairy farm and spending some time making some new mom friends!

This event is for members only. Please RSVP by emailing info@herhealthcollective.com

Climb Out of the Darkness

Saturday, June 25 -9:30am. Climb Out of the Darkness – Family Friendly Yoga, Walk, Games & Fundraising for Postpartum Support International @ John Chavis Park

Join us at John Chavis Memorial Park, Shelter 2. We will gather together to bring awareness to perinatal mood challenges, help end the stigma, and raise funds for Moms Supporting Moms and Postpartum Support International.

We will have games for the kiddos, music to celebrate, a yoga class, vendors, and we will “climb”/walk at 10:30AM. Come and join your village! We welcome all.

If you would like to officially join our team (not required to attend the event), please do so here:

https://climbout2022.causevox.com/team/team-raleigh

In addition to their fun events, take a listen to their Mama Needs a Moment Podcast by HER Health Collective, which was the winner of the WRAL Voters’ Choice Award for best podcast in the Triangle!

Have a listen as the hosts, Crissy & Cindi, dive into topics moms truly care about and learn from top-notch experts. From mental health to women’s health, gentle parenting to raising neurodiverse learners, sex after baby to battling burnout, no topic is off-limits.

To join the waitlist to become a member of HER Circle, visit their website at https://herhealthcollective.com/her-circle/

Natural Energy Boosters for Moms on the Go

June 24, 2019platinumsitters

Maybe it’s the go, go, go pace of summer break or the fact that my baby is up at 5:30 every morning but I have been on the hunt for ways to keep my energy up so we can do all of the fun things, I can keep my house somewhat clean and get dinner on the table. Here are a few ways to get a natural energy boost:

Exercise — I know, I know. Don’t hate me. But it’s true. An early minute walk/run or even chasing the kids around the yard with the sprinkler on is a great way to get your blood pumping, adrenaline running and even burn a few calories. It’s a win/win and the hardest part is usually lacing up your shoes. Try it!
B Vitamins– Most of us mamas are putting our own nutrition behind everyone else’s. Its important to supplement those B vitamins which are integral to turning your food into energy.
Water– Proper hydration boosts your metabolism and in turn combats that sluggish feeling. Pair that with outdoor activities that can leave you feeling drained and getting in those daily ounces is more important than ever.
Essential Oils– They’re all the rage for a reason. A few dabs of peppermint or orange can boost your mood and give you a little energy!
Chocolate–Cocoa contains stimulants that act like caffeine. Break off a small piece of dark chocolate to savor during nap time!
Distractions– A lot of time that afternoon slump comes from ruminating on stressful things. Take 5 minutes to meditate or journal and distract your mind from turning the same problems over and over. You’ll feel refreshed!
Coffee– While this may sound obvious, you may be surprised to know that the specialty drinks we tend to gravitate towards as a “pick-me-up” actually contain less caffeine than regular drip coffee.

8 Great Summer Reads

June 10, 2019platinumsitters

I am seeing a ton of talk around the best book to take to the beach this summer. I thought I would compile a list of books I have loved in the past that would make great reads when you are able to make some time for yourself. Any books you would add to the list?

Where the Crawdads Sing

I would argue that this is THE book of the year. I have seen so many people talking about it–and for good reason. I thought it was slow to start but about a quarter of the way in I could not put it down. I devoured the final third of the book over two nights and was genuinely sad it ended. Think: love story, beautiful writing about North Carolina landscapes, mystery.

This Will Only Hurt a Little

Busy Phillips has been a favorite Instagram follow of mine for awhile. She’s funny, refreshing and offers a unique glimpse into her celebrity life–all while seeming like a mom you would be glad to run into at school pickup. Her book is an extension of her instagram persona. Think: behind the scenes celebrity stuff, early 00’s nostalgia, parenting laughs.

The Middle Place

I devoured this book last summer at my parent’s place in Hilton Head. Sometimes being with family can drive you crazy and summer vacations are ripe for the opportunity to be annoyed–but this book gave me such great perspective. I laughed. I cried. I felt grateful. Think: great perspective on motherhood, camaraderie, memoir.

Seat Arrangements

Beach reads are supposed to be guilty pleasures: slightly dramatic, indulgent and full of love stories. This one checks all of those boxes. It’s set in New England and takes place as a wedding unfolds. It contains all of the romance, betrayal and family dynamics you need to keep turning the pages. Think: rich people, family dynamics, wedding drama.

Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar

I love this book. I have purchased and gifted it several times because its one you’ll want to share. Cheryl Strayed has such a way with words and her life experience offers such great perspective on a variety of situations. Think: advice, affirmations, quick read.

Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give

If you’re married or thinking of getting married, this is a fantastic read. It is so real and raw–a telling of Ada Calhoun’s marriage without falling into the trap of being cliche or overly glossy. She tells the good, bad and ugly while somehow reminding how truly wonderful it is to be married. Think: marriage, humor, essays.

Hanna Who Fell From the Sky

I am a sucker for anything about cults and religions so I was drawn to this novel about a young girl coming of age in a polygamist community. I was rooting for her the entire time and couldn’t wait to find out what happened–and was truly shocked when I did. Think: page turner, coming-of-age, romance

The Engagements

This is one of my favorite books of all time. It tells the story of a singular engagement ring as it travels through generations of couples. The perfect beach read because its romantic, fun, and engaging. Think: historical fiction, all of the reasons we fall in love.

The Daily Details: An Afternoon of Self-Care

April 7, 2019platinumsitters

a beautiful day for some beauty treatments

Hey friends!

I wanted to share my afternoon adventure with you all! I went uptown to The Daily Details for a little self-care after working all morning. It has been a busy week and it was so nice to have this to look forward to on Friday afternoon!

I booked an appointment for an eyebrow wax and tint on the Daily Details website. I love that it’s easy to see what services they offer, pricing and availability right online.

The staff at the salon was really helpful–I was even able to call and adjust my appointment when I realized I was a little ahead of schedule. The girl who answered the phone was friendly and even helped me navigate parking (because let’s be honest–parking uptown is the opposite of relaxing!).

Once I arrived, I was greeted and offered something to drink–they have Prosecco and wine, in addition to wine and soft drinks. They brought me to the back where they do waxing and tinting.

Danielle introduced herself and immediately told me what to expect from the appointment, as I told her I was nervous since my brows had gone quite awhile without any attention! She was thorough and knowledgable–even asking about what skincare I use to avoid any potential interactions. I appreciated how–no pun intended–detailed she was.

Additionally, Danielle is a mom, too. We talked about our kids and how hard it is to balance work/home balance. She was super cheerful and fun and I felt like I spent half an hour with a friend!

I do not typically tack something for myself onto the end of my baby-free time but I knew Mae was in good hands and it felt great to do a little something for myself! The best part was The Daily Details made scheduling an appointment super easy and Danielle was so fun to work with.

Interested in trying The Daily Details for yourself? For the month of April, the Daily Details is also offering $5 off brow services! Stay tuned–we will have an exciting announcement on our Instagram Monday morning!