5 Tips to Staying in Love

Falling in love is easy, but staying in love requires effort. Our philosophy is that prioritizing our relationships is just as important as motherhood. But we know that is easier said than done when we have young children who need us constantly.

Here are our 5 quick tips on how to stay in love!

1) Keep Dating Each Other: As much as you can, try to keep date nights with each other. Bricia says, “My husband and I love going to the Yardhouse and watching a movie whenever we can.” Even if you can’t leave the house for a date often, you can have dinner and a movie at home when the kids are asleep. It’s also about taking time to surprise each other in small ways like, ordering take-out from their favorite restaurant. Remember how you acted in the beginning? Keep that magic going as the years go by. It’s about not taking each other and your love for granted.

2) Pick Your Battles: This is easier said than done. We know. But give your partner a break. No one likes to feel like they are being criticized by their partner constantly, so prioritize what you will express and when you will do it. We are not encouraging you to stay silent about things that bother you, but always make sure you express concerns respectfully and at the appropriate times. Keep in mind the things you love about your partner rather than focusing on the things you don’t like. That goes a long way. You can’t change the other person but you can change your attitude and perspective about the behavior you find irritating. 

3) Choose Joy: Remember before the kids, before the house needed work done? When it was just two people in love? Keeping that feeling is all about your choice and attitude. One of our sisters, @TwoPlusLuna, recently told us about how she has a daily dance with her husband and sometimes their daughter joins in on the fun too! We love the idea of reconnecting with your partner through joy on a daily basis.

4) Create Things to Love Forward To: The same way that you plan ahead for retirement, you should plan ahead for things that excite you as a couple. Whether it’s taking a weekend getaway, or even dreaming about the places you want to visit together. Having dreams that are just yours is one way to keep your connection strong! Again remember, that aside from being parents you are still a couple and once the kids are grown and gone you will still be lovers. 

5) Forgive, Forgive and then Forgive Some More: We believe that long lasting relationships are not accidental or a matter of being “meant to be.” They are the product of effort from both parties, a decision to work on your relationship every day. A choice to disagree respectfully, and to always prioritize your partner above everything else. Forgiveness, is an integral part of this as your partner is on his/her own journey of self-discovery too. Recognize that you aren’t perfect and always focus on the good aspects of your relationship. It may not always be easy but it will always be worth it!

Super Mamas 2017 Holiday Gift Guide

The holiday season is here! This means it's also time for our Super Mamas Holiday Gift Guide! It's like Oprah's gift guide, except we want these things for ourselves too. Find something for everyone on your list in the suggestions we curated especially for our Super Mamas! We also took the time to highlight creations and suggestions by some of our favorite #mombosses.

Enjoy and don't forget to share with your friends and family. Don't forget to create your own wishlist too! Santa knows you were good this year. (wink, wink) 

1. Blankets from Sueño Shop - These blankets are a dream come true, warm, fuzzy and perfect to cuddle up with your babies and your honey after bedtime. Created by Natalia Koegen, these blankets pair authentic Mexican serapes with the softest sherpa. They are available and toddler and full size. Perfect gifts for the family. Purchase it here.

2. Hija de tu madre Bandera Jacket- Patty Delgado’s creations have been all over our Instagram feeds lately and we can’t get enough of them. We love this bandera jacket that is also available in kids size! But her shop Hija de Tu Madre features so many adorable items that celebrate the beauty of being immersed in two cultures. Find the jacket we love here.

3. Spanglish Threadz Bebe Pullover- This is the perfect shop for the kids in your life. These t-shirts will keep your childhood memories alive while promoting bilingualism. These bilingual bebe pullover is the perfect lightweight hoodie kids can wear alone or under a warmer jacket. Find it here and make sure to check out the rest of the selection.

4. Lil’Loteria from Lil' Libros- Our Super Mama faves Ariana Stein and Patty Rodriguez are at it again. This time with a new version of the game we all grew up with -Loteria. This bilingual game is child friendly, beautifully illustrated and will help you create new memories for years to come. Kids can play in English or in Spanish. This will be a hit at your family’s Christmas for sure! Get it here.

5. Sofia Boots from m4d3 Shoes - If shopping for a cause is your thing, look no further than the M4D3 shoe brand. For every pair of M4D3 Shoes purchased the company donates two books to underserved children. But you don’t have to compromise style either, we love the sofia boot which can be worn with your favorite jean, skirt or dress this winter. But you can also find shoes for every lifestyle from sneakers, to ballerina flats. Find our favorite boot here.

6. Yumi is a subscription based service that delivers 1000’s of fresh and organic fresh and organic baby meals to homes across the country. You can hear more of their story in one of our recent episodes. We tested the food ourselves and we actually couldn’t get enough! This is a perfect gift for an expectant or new mommy. They will be so grateful for you and Yumi. Learn more about their subscription delivery plans here.

7. Fuchila Fresheners- These fresheners tap into the nostalgia and icons of our culture through artwork and scents. Featuring conchas, luchadores, Frida and an array of cute designs we can’t get enough of these but our favorite “Viva Villa” was named after one of the most prominent figures of the Mexican revolution. Plus, the vanilla scent reminds us of the sweet deserts of our childhood. Perfect stocking stuffer!  Find it here

8. Westcoast Crewneck Sweater- Our girl Rachel Gomez the founder of Viva La Bonita wowed us with her story earlier this year. She is the epitome of #momboss. Her brand embodies her L.A style that is is also comfortable and easy to wear. Her collection of long sleeves, tees, and sweaters comes in sizes for every body type. She also carries a collection of bags, and accessories that will help you check off everyone on your list. Of course, we are Westcoast girls for life so this crewneck was our top pick.

9. Virgencita Crewneck Sweater- La virgen morena looks beautiful in a powder blue background in this Bella Dona crew neck sweater. You can also find cute Virgencita phone cases, t-shirts, and more great pieces from patches, to pins, to kids apparel. Style that makes a statement is just what we want from Santa Claus this year! Find our favorite sweater here.

10. Virgen Mexican Blanket- It rarely gets cold in L.A but that won’t stop anyone from rocking this Mexican sarape. Get this for those on your list who pull out their coats when it hits below 70 degrees. Find it here.

11. The Triangle Bralette from Wear Lively - We’ve told you how much we love these comfortable bralettes that you can wear under your favorite tank or tee. These bralettes will be your new go-to this Holiday season. Oh yeah, we forgot to mention you must get a few for yourself too! Check out our fave’s here

12. Oh so luxe Statement Earring gift set - For the fashionista in your life this box from Baublebar features two pairs of statement earrings in a ready to go gift box. All the thoughtfulness without the hassle. These will also pair well with all the comfy leggings you will wear while you chase your kids at the park. Find them here.

13. Tre Pink Studio Sweden Earbuds- Tired of your headphone cable getting tangled at the bottom of your purse? We have the perfect solution, these pink, wireless earbuds are cute, functional and are designed so you can still hear outside noises. Once you gift these to yourself and to all your mom friends there will be no reason to miss one single episode of the Super Mamas podcast! Get them here.

14. Red Roses Mesh Socks- Socks used to be considered a boring gift, but these red roses socks are the exception to the rule. These are cute, comfortable socks that will please everyone on your list. Pick from an assortment of designs. Find them here.

15. Mary Carillo is a Super Mama we met earlier this year who got us into Doterra oils that can be used for everything from preventing illnesses to calming fussy babies. We are obsessed! Great gift for your tia who is into remedios caseros! You can get started with the basic kit here.

16.Essential Oil Diffuser - Now that you have your oils you need a diffuser. We love to diffuse the scent of lavender after a long day. It comes with an LED light and is perfect for your nightstand. Get it here.

17. Wish by WeVibe - You all remember our sex-ed episode with Samara Fabrick right? In it, we spoke about sex toys and the importance of reaching sexual freedom.  Well, we couldn't close out our gift guide without adding our favorite toy of the year. Gift it to your bestie, she'll thank you.  Trust us.  

Happy Shopping!

Tell us what you loved in the comments! 

Celebrate Family this Thanksgiving with Disney-Pixar's COCO

Photos by LilyRo

Earlier this month we had the opportunity to watch Disney-Pixar’s COCO along with a few very lucky Super Mamas! The film premiered in Mexico on the Day of the Dead to much acclaim and celebration. The film opens today in the United States and we give it enthusiastic Super Mama thumbs up! 

The movie has an amazing Latino cast that includes Gael-Garcia Bernal, Edward James Olmos, and Anthony Gonzalez. It is full of Mexican folklore and depicts the Day of the Dead a tradition that is very special to many of us in a beautiful way. Director Lee Unrich delivered a visual masterpiece of color and beauty that evokes memories of our childhood celebrating the day of the dead. The story written by Adrian Molina who was also a co-director tells a story that honors the history and importance of the holiday for families like ours.

The film tells the story of Miguel Rivera, a boy growing up in the town of Santa Cecilia, Mexico who wants to play the guitar and sing but is part of a family who has banned music. His ancestor Mama Imelda instituted a ban on music because of a great-great-grandfather who abandoned the family to be a musician. The name of the film “COCO” comes from Miguel’s great grandmother Coco who is elderly and increasingly losing her memory, except for when she speaks of her father.

But Miguel is keeping a secret from his family. Despite the family ban on music, he longs to sing and perform, he teaches himself with the music of deceased singer Ernesto de La Cruz and learns some of his greatest hits, including the song that frames the movie, “Remember Me.” He longs to be a musician like his idol despite his family's objections.

He develops a plan to sing at the plaza on the day of the dead but when his family finds out they destroy his guitar. It is then he sneaks into the mausoleum of his idol Ernesto and steals his guitar. On the day of the dead you are supposed to give to the dead not take away from them and so his actions set off a curse that sends him to the land of the dead.

This is when the movie gets even better. 

He takes us to the land of the dead where we are treated to a visual treat filled with color, animation and vivid imagery. Miguel is soon reunited with his deceased ancestors including the family matriarch Mama Imelda, it is here he learns more about the history of his family and the ban on music. 

Eventually, Miguel teams up with Hector a man who cannot cross over into the land of the living on the day of the dead because no one is displaying his photo. Hector pledges to help Miguel lift the curse so he can return to the land of the living and in exchange Miguel promises to bring his picture with him and display it in his altar. They set off on a musical adventure that will mesmerize kids and adults alike! The featured song, “Remember Me” ties together the central theme of the movie, that those who have left us live on in our memories. They even run into characters you might recognize like Frida Kahlo, Pedro Infante, and even Miguel’s idol Ernesto De La Cruz!

The original music and renditions of classics like La Llorona transported us back to our childhood’s in Oaxaca and we could not be more proud of this movie. Seeing our culture highlighted in this way was a moving experience for us and for the Super Mamas who joined us at our screening in Los Angeles.

Anyone will relate to the tale of piecing together their family history while trying to find their own way in the world. Bring tissues, bring abuelita and bring your kids. This has already sparked some beautiful conversations with our own family about love and honoring our ancestors.

Thank You Disney-Pixar for this film. We can’t think of a better way to spend Thanksgiving.

Thank you to all the Super Mamas who attended our special screening!

Tells us your favorite part of the movie in the comment section below!

Disney-Pixar's COCO: A Love Story to Mexico and Day of the Dead

Getty's Images used with Permission from Disney-Pixar

We were invited to attend the Global Press Conference for Disney-Pixar's 'Coco' at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. We were so blessed to be there and hear directly from the cast and makers including living legend, Edward James Olmos, and Super Papacitos Gael Garcia Bernal and Benjamin Bratt It was an emotional event that began with traditional folklorico dancers and a mariachi performance.

The film’s director Lee Unkrich called the movie “a love letter to Mexico.” He addressed the extensive research that went into making sure that they treated the film topic with respect by traveling to Mexico numerous times and spending time with families that celebrate the Day of the Dead. Care was taken into every element of the film from set designs, to the depiction of the Day of Dead celebrations and even the music that accompanies the film. Benjamin Bratt who lends his voice to one of the main characters of the film talked about referencing Mexican legends like Pedro Infante, and Jorge Negrete for his larger than life character Ernesto De La Cruz.

Getty's Images used with Permission from Disney-Pixar

Edward James Olmos expressed that when he first met with Unkrich,  Producer Darla Anderson, and writer Adrian Molina he wasn’t sure what to expect but that as a Mexican man he felt that they were treating the theme and culture with the respect it deserved. He added, “I could not be more proud of the film which I know is going to have impact around the world and make people of all cultures reflect on how they honor the memory of those who came before them.” Edward’s character (insert name) has a brief but important appearance as it is through him that we learn the true significance of “Dia de Muertos.” For Olmos he said this one scene is, “one of his proudest moments in the art form.”

Members of the press asked about what message they felt they wanted the film to give young kids. Alanna Ubach who plays the role of the matriarch, Miguel’s great-great-grandmother Mamá Imelda explained that she is so excited to share this film with her own child one day. (Her baby is just a few weeks old now) “I am excited to give my child this perspective on death that isn’t about sadness but about celebrating life and honoring our ancestors by keeping their memory alive.”

Gael Garcia-Bernal who lent his voice to "Hector" chimed and mentioned that to him this is an important film for children growing up in a political climate where they can hear people in power say negative things about people who look like them and that he hopes this film “empowers them to see beyond that narrative and be proud of who they are.”

The film opens nationwide on November 21st. Check for theater times and purchase tickets here. 

8 Binge Worthy Television Shows To Watch this Holiday Season

Now that the weather is a little cloudy, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a blanket for some rest and relaxation and some good television! We encourage you to take advantage of the short days and put the kids to bed a little early to catch these binge worthy shows. Just remember don't stay up too late because the kids will get up early no matter what!  

There is something for everyone on this list.

Handmaid’s Tale: This one had us the edge of our seats the whole time! Based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name, this show has been one of Hulu’s biggest hits this year. It tells the story of a totalitarian society that takes over the United States through the eyes of a woman forced into living life as a “handmaid.” Season 2 is coming in the Spring of 2018 but you can catch Season 1 on Hulu.

Game of Thrones: It might take you a while to watch all 7 seasons of this HBO medieval fantasy filled with intrigue, and drama but it is well worth your while. Sure there’s lots of names to remember but the story and cinematics will capture you immediately. The last season is coming sometime in 2018 so you have plenty of time to catch up!

Pretty Little Lies: This show gives us a great glimpse of the life of some interesting Super Mamas but it also has a big mystery at the heart of it that comes with some surprising twists. We love seeing a show with so many cool women at the forefront. We love seeing complicated women trying to figure out motherhood, love and careers. Get ready for some playground drama with this one. Catch Season 1 on HBO

El Chapo: If you liked Narcos you will love this series which is dramatization of the real rise and fall of Mexico’s most notorious drug lord El Chapo Guzman. This biographical thriller co-produced by Univision released a second season earlier this year. You can catch it on Netlfix.

Club de Cuervos: This was Netflix’s first Spanish language show and it’s like the novelas we grew up watching except you can’t watch it with the kids are around. It tells the story of two siblings who inherit a soccer team after the death of their father. It has intrigue, soccer rivalries and so much more fun. Catch all 3 seasons on Netflix.

The Defiant Ones: If you need some inspiration to get out there and build your dreams this is for you! This HBO mini-series tells the series of the unexpected partnership between Dr. Dre and and Producer Jimmy Iovine. They take us from their beginnings with some of music legends like NWA, and Patty Smith to their ground breaking partnership with Apple. Seriously, this was one of our favorite things and we might just watch it again to get us pumped for 2018.

Veep: Politics lately can be quite depressing and so we like to balance our hard reality with some political fun courtesy of this HBO hit. The show tells the story of Selina Meyer who becomes VP and later the first female president of the United States. Her staff is hilarious and show us a side of politics we don’t often see. Get ready to LOL.

This Is Us: Unless you have been living under a rock lately you have definitely heard of this show. We haven’t stopped crying since the show started. It’s just a perfect watch for those of us deep in the trenches of motherhood and life. It shows the up’s and down’s of the Pearson triplets as they go through various stages of their lives. We won’t tell you more because we really want you to watch it! The second season is currently airing weekly NBC and you can catch the replays on Hulu.

Tell us your favorite shows in the comment section!

SISTER SPOTLIGHT: MODERN FIESTA, THAISHA PEREZ

Photos Courtesy of Thaisha Perez

Welcome to our monthly Sister Spotlight! We are excited to share with you the stories of the inspiring women who make up our Super Mama Squad! If you would like to be featured or would like to nominate someone to be featured please email us at hello@supermamas.com

Thaisha Perez is the founder of Modern Fiesta an online party supply store which features a curated selection of party decor. Thaisha is also a non-profit professional in the education field. She is raising her family in Oceanside, California. Her life is very busy these days as she works her job during the day, spends time with her daughter in the evenings and works on her business after her daughter falls asleep.

“I would listen to the Super Mamas podcast every morning and hearing from all these women who started their own business while being moms helped me know that I could do it too! “

Many great business begin when people find a gap in the market and this one is no exception. The shop was born when Thaisha started planning parties for her own baby girl. She found that stores were missing cute and curated pieces. She realized that many moms wanted unique decor that couldn’t be found in most online and brick and mortar shops.

Never underestimate the power of a Super Mama on a mission! She started her business with $1000.00. She bought her domain, set up a website, and bought products from all over the world to sell in her U.S based store.

She told us, "It’s important to celebrate, even if it’s only day, the memories are going to last forever. The person you are celebrating will appreciate that special day." 

"With everything going on in the world it’s important that we carve out opportunities for joy."

Her goal is to open a brick and mortar shop and expand her online store in the near future.

Of course, we also had to talk about parties!

Her daughter’s birthday parties always inspire Thaisha to create beautiful things and purchase amazing party decor and supplies! For her daughter’s second birthday she chose a Safari Theme complete with pony rides, and reptiles! She’s already deep into planning her daughter’s 4th birthday next January. 

She shared with us her best tips for a successful birthday:

1. Pick A Theme: Pick ideas from Pinterest but don’t feel like you have to do it all. Think about the child and their unique preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative.

2. Budget: Pick featured items to splurge on. Thaisha likes to splurge on cake and centerpieces and tables.

3. Decor Trends: Unicorns are huge for children's birthdays, Boho theme is big for baby showers

4. Use color. Purple and gold are huge, so you can make a theme out of colors too.

Check out Thaisha’s online store at ModernFiesta.Com and on social @modernfiesta. 

We are always so inspired by our amazing Super Mamas! Don't forget to nominate your favorite Super Mama to be featured by emailing us at hello@supermamas.com. 

Simple Emergency Preparedness

Emergency preparedness has been on everyone’s minds lately. But it can be hard to know where to start. It’s essential that parents have emergency kits, and plans in place in case the worst occurs. We put together a list of quick tips to be ready in case of an earthquake, hurricane, or other disaster.

 We also want to incorporate our kiddos into our plans. Prioritize establishing a communication plan for your family. If you are not at home when the emergency hits, where will you meet after? Explain to your kids what will happen if something happens while they are at school or with their babysitter. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends establishing a family communication plan and talk to your children about what will happen during an earthquake, or another disaster. You can download their kit here.

Once you have that out of the way, we recommend you put together an emergency kit, for your home and a portable one for your car.

Lucky for you, one of our amazing listeners, photographer Alejandra Rodriguez did all the hard work for you!

Here is her list of emergency kit essentials:

• Water - Bottles, pouches of water, or gallons (3 gallons per person) and or a LifeStraw which is a purification straw you can drink water through.

• Food - three days’ worth of nonperishable food: ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola, peanut butter, dried fruit, canned juices, non-perishable pasteurized milk, high energy foods, food for infants, more food tips here

• Light - Wind-resistant matches, flashlight with extra batteries, tea candles, or Black Diamond Headlamp

• Whistle - a basic whistle will do or this HEIMDALL Safety Whistle

• Dust mask - you can buy a pack

• First aid kit - this one is for 50 people

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities - something you can easily find in your garage

• Moist towelettes

• Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Paper maps of your area

• Scissors

• Duct tape

• Cash in all ones to easily pay for things since ATMs will not be working and people probably won't be able to make change

• Jackets, ponchos, and blankets

• Medications/ extra glasses or contact lenses/ Epi Pens for kids with allergies  

Tips:

• Always keep shoes near your bed so you can put them on during an earthquake to avoid stepping on broken glass and other objects.

• Have a pack in your homes and another in your cars.

• Have copies of important documents in your emergency kit or other safe place.

• Always have your car at at least half a tank. Gas stations shut down during these kind of emergencies.

• Develop a map of resources around where you live and work.

• Communicate with others about what you each will do to support one another in an emergency.

• Make sure you have access to important documents and if you trust the cloud, store copies there.

• Always keep your gas tank full in case you need to evacuate or if a long term emergency affects gasoline supplies. 

• You can also just order emergency kit on Amazon or Costco!

Follow Alejandra on Instagram @junesoulbyali and check out her amazing photography here www.junesoulbyali.com

Tips for A Healthy Halloween from America's ToothFairy!

Halloween is a time of fun and celebration but momma’s can get a little anxious about the amount of sweets that kids consume this time of year. And with good reason, did you know that children between the ages of 2-8 consume the most candy on Halloween? 

While we want to definitely enjoy the holiday with our kids, we want to make sure they have healthy teeth for years to come. Tooth decay affects many children in our community. Not only is this a painful condition, but in many cases, it also affects their lifestyle and school performance (children with poor oral health are 3 times more likely to miss school as a result of dental pain).

We reached out to America’s ToothFairy to get the scoop on how to set healthy boundaries with our kids. She wasn’t available, as she has a lot of children to visit, so we spoke with her official representative, Madeleine Ritchey, America's ToothFairy's spokesperson and dental hygienist. She has partnered with America's ToothFairy: National Children's Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) an organization that works to increase access to oral health care by supporting non-profit clinics and community partners delivering education, prevention and treatment services for underserved children.  

She answered a few of parent's top concerns below! 

1. How can parents set healthy boundaries around Halloween candy consumption?

Balance is key! Instead of denying treats at Halloween, we recommend parents to teach their children about moderation. For example, parents can limit the consumption of candy to once a day during the Halloween season, as well as the number of sweets to one – instead of many at the same time.

2. How should we set limits at various ages?  The younger your children are, the more you should teach them about moderation and positive oral health behaviors for a lifetime healthy smile. We've found that the majority of parents (87%) do not limit candy consumption at home and, as a result, two-to eight-year old kids are the ones that consume most candies on Halloween.

3. The majority of our listeners have children who are in the toddler and preschool phase, how much candy should kids be allotted at this age?

For a healthy smile, I’d recommend replacing candy for sugar-free snacks, fruit, cheese or yogurt. For those parents that would like to treat their children with candies we suggest:

• Choosing dark chocolate which contains less sugar than other candies and has health benefits - such as being a wonderful antioxidant.

• Having their kids drink water while eating candy. Water will keep them hydrated and help remove food residues from the mouth, preventing the proliferation of bacteria that can cause cavities.

• Encouraging their children to eat some cheese or drink milk after eating candy will help neutralize the acids left by food and prevent cavities and tooth erosion.

• And of course brushing their teeth and flossing is the best advice.

4. How do we politely address friends/family on the subject of candy limits?

At America’s ToothFairy, we know that children want delicious, while parents want to provide what’s good for them. For that reason, we encourage them to promote moderation at home, regardless of their age.  Today, there are also many alternative, healthy options for our teeth that parents can choose to satisfy their kids preferences, such as sugar-free lollipops or gums, no sugar added applesauce, prepacked snacks, among others. Products made with natural sugar, such as Xylitol, are also good options for your children’s smiles.

Sharing this information with family and friends will be beneficial to our kids and will help creating more awareness about oral health in our community.

We are so grateful to America's ToothFairy for sharing her tips with us!

Below you can find more information about NCOHF! 

About the Organization: Founded in 2006, America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) Work hard to educate families about dental health and increase access to dental services. The America’s ToothFairy Southern California Oral Health Zone (SoCal OHZ) program focuses on improving children’s oral health outcomes through education and community engagement initiatives in Los Angeles and Orange County. The SoCal OHZ program supports more than 300,000 children and caregivers in the area with oral health education and resources every year.

Check out their website, Instagram, and Facebook to learn more!

Photo: Shutterstock

 

How To Start A Podcast

The Super Mamas Guide to launching your own podcast in 8 easy steps. 

When we started Super Mamas back in 2015, we didn’t know much about podcasting, but we loved the idea of being able to share our stories about parenting, and womanhood with people from all walks of life. Two years later, we are so happy we took on this adventure.  We've received many emails asking us for our own tips on how to start their one podcast.   We know it can seem overwhelming, so we put together our tips to how you too can create your own podcast.  So great ready to press record and begin this wonderful podcasting journey with us!

Prep Work-

Develop a concept for your show. What topics do you want to cover? Are you doing an interview show? Will you have local guests or remote guests? How often will you release an episode? What is the length of your show? We are big advocates of doing a weekly show since this helps you create rapport with your audience, and gets you into the groove of recording. This is like a new mini-job you are taking on so make sure that you adjust your schedule accordingly. We recommend you pick a day of the week to release your episodes and be consistent about that schedule. This is also a good time to find background, or theme music for your show. Here is a site where you can free music to download.

Step 1- Name & Artwork

Whatever image you choose needs to be about 1,400 x 1,400 pixels (3,000 x 3,000 pixels maximum). We suggest you find a local designer who could help you with the design and branding of your podcast. You can find helpful info regarding artwork here. We suggest is that you don’t use the word ‘podcast’ in your name. Like us, our show is called “Super Mamas” the word ‘podcast’ isn’t on the title.  It just seems a bit redundant given that it is already listed on a podcasting app. I mean, it’s not like Television shows have the word “show” at the end of every tittle, right?

Step 2- Equipment 

Sound quality is one of the most important elements of your podcast. Your content can be amazing but if your sound quality is poor, it makes it less likely that they will come back for more.

Here are the essentials:

• MICROPHONE: This is the one we like that is also affordable for most podcasters and is a great option that even major podcasters use. But you can also invest in other microphones like this one that we purchased for our guests.  The microphones we use for Super Mamas is this one

• HEADPHONES: We highly recommend you invest in a good pair of headphones and don’t just use your regular Iphone buds. Why? Because these will help you listen to the quality of sound when you record. They will also help you listen any echo, or noise pollution that will affect your final product. They will also be useful for editing. These are the ones we use HD 280 Pro.

• LAPTOP: You will need a computer to edit, and upload your episode to a host, and set up your podcast.

Things That Are Nice to Have But Not Required:

MIXER: A mixer is not required but this is how we combine audio when we are recording multiple people. Higher quality microphones can be plugged directly into your mixer. Here’s a site that explains other reasons to consider a mixer.

POP-FILTER -A pop filter is just as the name implies, something that you place in front of your microphone to prevent harsh sounds from penetrating your audio. Here is the one we use.

DIGITAL RECORDER-You can use this to record at events or to record guest when traveling. Here is the one we use.  

Here is a video where one of the experts we like talks about equipment: Watch here

Mixer and pop-filter seen here

Step 3- Record! 

If possible, choose a quiet environment to record. Large spaces and high ceilings can create an echo. Test your sound before doing a full recording. Be patient, you got this! 

We use garageband to record. We suggest you get a USB microphone that can plug directly into your computer or if you have a mixer your microphones will connect to your mixer, which you will then connect to your computer through the USB outlet. Think about the format of your show and how many microphones you will need. Here is a really good YouTube video that explains more about recording on Garageband and putting your show together:

How To Record TUTORIAL: Watch here

Step 4- Edit 

Garageband allows you to edit your recording and listen to any things you might want to erase. For example, long pauses, or background noises. You can also mix in music at this time and create your introduction. Again, don’t overthink this! It’s okay if your first episode isn’t perfect. In terms of editing and production. Be patient. It will take some time, but once you get the hang of it you will wonder why you didn’t start sooner. Here are some tips to get you started with editing.

Step 5- Choose A Podcast Host

Think of this as the place where your podcast lives. From here it will stream on places like Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others. We chose to host ours with a Soundcloud account but you can choose other services like Podomatic. With Soundcloud we recommend you start with a free account and upgrade to “Pro” once you see a need for more stats and upload time. Remember that the most important piece of information here is the RSS Feed.  Don’t get scared by the name. It’s basically just a URL you need to copy and paste in iTunes. 

*EDIT* - Most recently, we have migrated our hosting to Libsyn. Their customer service is superb and they can help in getting your show published in Youtube, Spotify and even iHeartRadio! 

This link is your RSS feed. Make sure to also check privacy settings to make sure your RSS is public that's how it will update with Itunes and other streaming services.

Step 6- Open your account on iTunes

On the main Podcast iTunes page you will see a link that says “submit podcast”.  It will take you 3 minutes to do this.  It is so easy.  All it will ask you for is your Apple ID, some basic info about your show and the RSS feed code  (you will get this from Soundcloud).  However, it does take up to 7 days for iTunes to approve your podcast link.  But just be patient.  

This is where you enter your RSS feed to have your podcast stream on Itunes.

Step 7- Upload  

We suggest you upload your first episode on soundcloud prior to you getting your account approved on iTunes.  That way once it is approved, you already have an episode published.  BUT, don’t promote it until it is already on iTunes. it will just be easier for people to find you that way. You can stream it on various places like Spotify and Stitcher.

Step 8- Promote Your Episode

Tell your friends and family about your new project. Use your social media channels to promote. Encourage people who do listen to leave you a review and subscribe. Create social media channels for your podcast, and if you want to go the extra step, purchase the domain for it.

If you have more questions don’t hesitate to ask! We are always here to support our sisters in making their dreams come true.

#TalkReadSing Moments

During the month of August, we asked our Super Mamas to share with us their Talk.Read.Sing moments for our August campaign in partnership with First 5 California!

First 5 California is an organization that educates parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers about the critical role they play during a child’s first five years. Since their creation in 1998, they’ve supported millions of families with programs and services designed to help more California kids grow up healthy and ready to succeed in school – and in life!

We know that talking, reading, and singing with young children every day and throughout the day helps build important connections in the brain that can change their lives forever. 

Thank you to everyone who submitted a post using #talkreadsing. We enjoyed learning all about how you are nurturing your little ones’ minds in everyday life.

Below is a sample of some of the tips we loved! But really, we thought they were all fantastic.

Image by: @raisinglilhumans

@Raisinglilhumans is a #supermama who makes amazing eats for her babies and she showed us how everyday activities can be a perfect time to engage with your kids. She said, "Homemade baby food at its finest. Get your kids involved. Talk to them about what they are eating. Have fun with it!" #talkreadsing

Image by @capturingcultura

Nadia Hernandez @capturingcultura. “It’s #Nationalbooklovers today and I just had to share this photo. If you’ve met my daughter, you will know that she loves books. This was my daughter’s genuine reaction when she saw these Lil Libros books. She’ll say wow to everything she likes so I knew that these will become some of her favorites. I have been reading to her since the womb. I have #talkreadsing to her I have seen how this has helped her development.”  Nadia even shared a blog post with helpful tips on how to start your reading journey with your children. Check that out here!

Image by @lifeoftorres

Nessa from @lifeoftorres shared how they spent their time this summer singing along to their favorite Disney Jr. songs and listening to the storytelling of Snow White and Brave!

Image by @veronica.rmrz

Veronica @veronica.rmrz shared all about how her daughter Ximena is choosing her own books and they happen to include little books with cute images that teach her about accomplished women like Maya Angelou, Amelia Earhart and Frida Kahlo. What an amazing way to #talkreadsing and learn about #girlpower at the same time.  

Image by: @brendah21_

Brenda aka: @brendah21_ told us how she started to #talkreadsing to her son Elijah during her pregnancy. She says, “It feels good, when we get to witness Elijah responding or repeating something we have been teaching him.” Here he is practicing doodles while momma reads to him! 

During the month of August our Super Mama guests also shared with us their favorite #talkreadsing moments! You can visit our show notes to see more of their tips. Miriam Carrillo of Episode 115 shared how she sings to her infant during diaper changes, and other guests shared their favorite books or apps they use to encourage talking, reading, or singing. 

We were so happy to partner with First 5 California for this campaign! We hope you learned as much as we did. 

Visit www.first5california.com for more information! 

You can also find more tips and resources on First 5 California's social media channels: Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and listen to their Pandora station.

SISTER SPOTLIGHT: REDEFINING MODERN FATHERHOOD WI/ MICHELLE OLVERA

LatinoDad.Co offering a special discount code for our Super Mama listeners. Enter Supermamas_Rock at checkout - 25% off the ticket price. They are also asking for donations -to pay the way for other fathers to attend, and exhibitor booths are still available. Visit Latinodad.co for more details! 

Michelle Olvera is the founder of LatinoDad.co a culturally-relevant, trusted source and digital media platform for Latino fathers that seeks to provide support to modern dad’s.

The idea for this platform started when Michelle realized that the Latinx/multicultural father was not being addressed at-all, especially the younger millennial father. She told us,

"Somehow the GQs, Esquires don’t cut it after you become a father, right? There is a lack of ‘modern’ parental resources that speak to Latino men/fathers. I did my due diligence, found an underserved market gap, surveyed about 50 fathers on their pains, problems and wishes, then built the minimum viable product platform myself using a simple Wordpress theme and my own design, technical skills and knowledge of lean startup application. It’s not perfect yet LatinoDad.co a parental resource and content platform was born and has been well-received so far."

In countless with conversations with young fathers Michelle realized that what they wanted was tips and knowledge on how to adapt fatherhood by breaking away from being generational, traditional father approaches that tend to emphasize a rigid father figure. This is why as part of their launch, they are putting on a first-ever LatinoDad Summit 2017 on September 9th in Los Angeles that will cover topics ranging from race, toxic masculinity to wellness. 

"Men as caregivers are the real game changers in our community.”

Michelle is a serial entrepreneur and this work is closely aligned to her path in life. She believes her mission on this earth is to solve problems in our community. She is also the founder of SupaDaily.com a site that celebrates the individual & collective power of Latinas and multicultural women as feminists & culture makers. They cover politics via commentary and journalism, race/identity, pop culture and personal ‘brown girl’ narratives from influential writers, to help readers make sense of the world around them. She believes that we cannot change conditions for women without including men and their role in the conversation. 

“if I can change hearts and minds through the power of storytelling, mind shifting content products and user experience - then I found the problem I was meant to solve.”

One of Michelle’s main motivations is being a SuperTia to three Latino nephews. She helped raise two nephews, now young men 18 and 20 years old. She is now, helping to raise Joshua, the youngest at 8 months old. I have a small immediate family - so the nephews are the next generation - all boys!

She believes many factors indicate that the timing is here for LatinoDad.co. First, from a marketing perspective Latino male spending is increasing as dads become more hands on in their role as caregivers. She also alludes to an important crisis of masculinity. She explained:

 “Globally, there is a crisis of violence, manhood, gender politics - a renewed feminist movement for gender equality has triggered more men into growing in their capacity to support women, but there is still a lot of work to do with men of color.”   

She is excited about bringing the conversation to “real life" with their first offline event in Los Angeles next month, LatinoDAD Summit 2017. LatinoDad.co wants to give fathers the space to explore offline and online what it means to be a father today and of course, work in synergy with the trusted brands who align with LatinoDad.Co’s mission that want to reach them.

Michelle believes a paradigm shifting happening and that we can move the needle by supporting Latino men as fathers and caregivers to raise the next generation of children with gender quality. She believes if we do that, "we will see more liberation in them and therefore, in us as females." 

We couldn’t agree more!

You can follow the conversation on Latinx fatherhood on social media:

• Twitter: @joinlatinodad

• Facebook: LatinoDads

• Insta: LatinoDad_Media

• You can sign up for their newsletter

SISTER SPOTLIGHT: SARA QUINTANAR, MUSIC WITH SARA

Welcome to our monthly Sister Spotlight! We are excited to share with you the stories of the inspiring women who make up our Super Mama Squad! If you would like to be featured or would like to nominate someone to be featured please email us at info@supermamas.la

Sara Quintanar is the founder of Music with Sara, her mission is to make early childhood music education accessible to more families and educators. She is a bilingual early childhood music educator based in Los Angeles, California. She teaches music in Spanish to hundreds of children each week. She is also a mother of 3 children ages 12,10 and 5. Her family comes from East Los Angeles, and from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, México. Her husband is from Zacatecas and Jalisco. 

Sara Quintanar started “Music With Sara” after her first child Celia was born. After trying various mommy and me classes around LA, she wanted to have a class with music in Spanish and music parents could really vibe to. So after attending a few, she decided to start “Music With Sara”, bilingual ‘grown up and me’ classes for children. She told us, “I saw a direct need for early childhood music classes AND music in Spanish.”

When her oldest started school at a Dual Language Magnet, Sara started teaching in her classroom. By then she had a broad understanding of how music impacted learning, and how it facilitated learning a second language and improved fluency. A parent, who she now considers a great friend recorded her so the kids could practice, and that recording became her first album “Canciones en español”. She now has 4 albums of music in Spanish. Her latest collection of songs was published by Scholastic for First 5 CA as a bilingual songbook.

“Children learn through whole body activities how to move, make music, follow rhythm patterns, and explore. In my classes children learn to share, make friends, listen, and improvise. I had no idea what a huge impact these classes would have on the families or my own career. “

Currently, she teaches music in pre-schools, Head Start and Childcare Programs, and at the Elementary level. She has published 2 books for children and makes bilingual videos and music for children.

She wants parents to know how each rhyme they learned as a child helped them grow. She told us,“sometimes as parents we forget the simple things our parents and grandparents did for us, like sing those little songs, playing games like “A la riki ran”, or “papas papas para mamá” These are so important to a developing brain.”

In fact, she shared that children who enter kindergarten knowing at least 5 rhymes tend to have higher literacy levels. Those rhymes connect our children to their traditions and culture and are their first forms of storytelling. They build a child’s vocabulary and creativity.

Music has now become a family affair. Her children have been learning music along the way and her daughters play Latin Percussion. Her oldest learned to play violin, guitar, and drums but now plays mostly clarinet and vibraphone. She believes learning to play music is like learning a language. She shared, "It just takes practice but anyone can do it!"

While entrepreneurship found her, now she is grateful for the opportunity to know that she didn’t have to follow someone else’s footsteps. “My parents worked pretty much in the same jobs for their entire working careers. I look up to them. They showed me what it was to have a very strong work ethic and to work hard. But I wasn’t always that good at following rules, so doing my own thing suits me.” She wants to share with others now that you can make your own way too. She was candid in sharing that is still trying to figure things out too.

Since she is musician we asked her about her musical inspirations. Her favorites include René Colato Lainez, a children’s author from El Salvador that has inspired her to continue to create while continuing to teach. Other influences have been José Luis Orozco, whose music has been so influential in the world of bilingual music for kids, and Ella Jenkins. More than anything she is continually inspired by the children she teaches. “They push me to do better, be funnier, and keep going,” she added.  

Sara is not done maximizing her impact! She is hoping to reach more people by creating more content and working with parents and teachers. She wants to empower parents and educators too.

“We ARE creating the future based on how we treat children in our society. So we have to give them our best.”

As her business has expanded Sara has also expanded her giving. In the Fall, Music With Sara classes will be part of family activities at Ascensia in Glendale, which offers transitional housing and homeless services. 

You can connect with Sara online and on her website. 

• @musicwithsara – instagram

• @itsmusictime – Twitter

• facebook.com/musicwithsara

• Musicwithsara.com

Thank you for sharing your story with us! 

How To Get Stuff Done As A New Mom

Life after a newborn can be filled with beautiful moments, and endless hours of taking in that new baby smell. But it also means learning a whole new way to balance our time.

We’ve often wondered what we used to do with our time before kids!

This week’s guest Rachel Gomez talked to us about how she managed to keep her business going after having a baby! She told us how she would work when the baby sleeps! She said,“You’ll be surprised how much you can get done during those one-hour spaces.”  

We know that staying active is another way to keep our brains sharp and focused, we still remember our previous guest Ana Guerrero’s tip, “I wake up early to work out. I teach a spin class at 5:30AM. If you get it done before the day starts you won’t have to worry about fitting it into your day.”

Here’a few things we recommend to make some time in your day:

Take In Inventory of Your Day: Often we will say that we don’t have time for something. But sometimes what it means is that we aren’t making it a priority. Think about how much time you spend scrolling social media or other ways in which you spend your time on things that are not of highest priority. It is definitely harder to get things done after a child but you can always carve out pockets if you set goals about what you want to prioritize. Don’t fixate on the limitations on your time but on how you can maximize 10 minute intervals.

Make “Me” Time A Part of Your Routine: Whether it’s waking up early or having time for yourself after the kids are asleep make time to decompress a part of your life. You’ll be surprised how much more you can accomplish if you give yourself time to refuel and be more relaxed. You can also use this time to nurture your next big idea!

Spend Time With Friends In a New Way: Another thing we like is the idea of having phone dates with friends if you need a session to vent, laugh or cry. (All normal emotions after having a baby). Just because you can’t meet for happy-hour like you used to ,doesn’t mean you can’t foster your friendships. These friendships are important for your mental health and will keep you emotionally strong for your kids and your life.

Encourage Your Kids to Play Independently: We are big proponents of teaching kids to play on their own and foster their imaginations. Recently, we talked about creating spaces for our kids to play. Paulina even created a space for the girls to play “dress up.”

Say No To Mom Guilt: One of the biggest reasons why we have a hard time getting things done after a baby is that we feel guilty to carve out time for ourselves or things we are passionate about. We believe that children are happy when mom is happy so our biggest tip is to always make time to keep your dreams going!

Tweet: Dream bigger than your ancestors

SISTER SPOTLIGHT: SONIA SMITH-KANG, MIXED UP CLOTHING

Sonia Smith-Kang is the founder of Mixed Up Clothing a line for kids that aims to build friendships through fabrics. They encourage the exploration of culture and family through fabrics from around the World! Her mission is to showcase and celebrate cultural diversity.

Her clothing has been seen on the Today show, The Real, NPR, Huff Post and the clothes have been worn by celeb children including Modern Family’s Lily, Zoey from The Little Couple, Tia and Tamera’s little ones and many others.”

Sonia was born to an Afican-American father, and Mexican-American mother in Puerto Rico, and spent much of her childhood in Hawaii.

The idea for her business stemmed from her own mixed-race background and her multicultural family. Her husband is Korean-American and together they have 4 children (2 boys & 2 girls) ages 9,11,18 and 25. She told us about how her clothing line started. 

“Clothes struck an emotional chord with people. There was a need for them to have a piece of their culture that they could wear daily and not just during cultural ceremonies or special occasions. They wanted to represent who they were in a mainstream way but didn’t know how?

She told us that she thinks of her kids as “mini global citizens” because they represent the changing face of America.

“We teach them that just like being ambidextrous is using both hands, they can be ambi-cultural in that they can straddle all of their cultures without having to assimilate or lose out on any one culture.”

Her children are being taught children English, Korean and Spanish. They eat all foods and listen to diverse music. They code switch like champs and they understand the benefits of being multi-cultural.

But her life could have gone a very different way. She went to the University of San Francisco and became a critical care registered nurse. Even then she used her multicultural background to become an RN that brought a holistic, cultural and family-centered philosophy to nursing and she made sure she took patients and their caregivers’ religion and cultural needs into account while patients were in her unit. For instance, she would move hospital beds toward Mecca, have prayer rugs available, bring in Chaplains, have translators on hand all in hopes of improving the family’s stay, "which (hopefully) in turn helped the patient get better care." 

Being a RN was stressful and a hobby was encouraged for self-care. This is how she started first sewing clothes for her children finding ethnic fabrics sourced from around the world that represented their cultures.Then she started mixing and matching prints and silhouettes in a fun way that would have folks stopping her on the streets to ask what culture was represented on the fabric and where they could buy the clothes.

She noticed that in their exchanges people loved sharing their cultural stories as well. She was fascinated listening to them and learning about other cultures.

She was also building friendships and using the clothing as a vehicle to teach about culture and diversity through the fabrics. It was a comfortable way to discuss topics that can be difficult to talk about, especially in our current climate.

Then the proverbial light bulb went off!

After 15 years as a RN, she took a leap of faith, resigned from nursing, borrowed and took out her savings, took an entrepreneurial business class, got all the necessary licenses and permits, made a payment on a downtown LA studio, sourced fabric and contractors to help get my clothes from idea to distribution and voilà, Mixed Up Clothing was born.

Her children are her motivation each day. She herself struggled with my identity and grew up feeling that she wasn’t Black enough, Latina enough or American enough.

She promised herself then that her children (and multicultural children like them) would not have the same experience. She works hard everyday to dispel the cultural myths and breakdown the barriers that prevent inclusion.

Her kids are not only her motivation; they help her package, sort, take inventory, and ship each clothing season. They make public appearances with her too!

“It’s all hands on deck and they know that they may not always want to but family jumps in and we are there to help each other succeed. It’s a family thing!”

But her greatest success was leaving the comforts of a regular career as a RN in exchange for one that is unknown and she considers herself a small business owner living her dream.

Being an entrepreneur has allowed her to be the mama, wife, daughter, amiga, granddaughter, sister, tia, nina, etc. she wants to be.

With so many projects and things to keep track of she plans her day the night before so that when she starts the morning after morning kid/school drop-offs, she can just hop on the treadmill without wasting time looking over my calendar. While on the treadmill she listen to the news and read emails that have come in overnight and looks over social media accounts and puts out fires as needed.

But behind every great woman is another great woman! She counts her mom as one of her greatest inspiration. And her abuelos who taught her about her “Mexican cultura.” and to respect everyone whether they are a CEO or anyone else.

One of her tips is to “culture-proof” a home is by having toys/dolls/books/movies that LOOK like your kids and reflect their reality.

She lives and breathes diversity in her numerous projects aside from Mixed-Up Clothing that include: MultiCulti Corner: a community group that explores the ethnic enclaves here in Los Angeles to bring cultural awareness to children, Mixed Heritage Day: which a day (9/23/17) where she partners with the LA Dodgers to celebrate those of mixed heritage, in interracial relationships, or are transracially adopted.  This is a day of community and celebration held at Dodger Stadium. She also volunteers as Vice President of a non-profit organization called Multiracial Americans of Southern California (MASC). It is a 501c3 that advocates and educates for the multiracial community.

“I wanted to be the change that I wanted from this world.I needed to be a part of it. So I jumped without a parachute.”

Her commitment to shedding light on multiculturalism has led her to contribute to major websites like Babble, Huff Post, Medium, Mash Up Americans and The Mixed Up Blog and as a multicultural expert who has spoken on different panels about race and identity around the country. She also still uses her medical knowledge as an advisor to a non-profit organization called Mixed Marrow which helps encourage and sign up more bone marrow donors or color and multiracial heritage to become donors on the bone marrow registry.

We are in awe of Sonia and all that she is doing to create a better world for all children. You find her clothing on her website, www.mixedupclothing.com and on Amazon. You can learn more about Mixed Heritage Day on her site.

You find her on social media @mixedupclothing.

5 Birthing Methods You Should Know About

If you are an expectant mother it can be overwhelming to sort through the numerous birth options available to you. Below you will find a few of the options and methods available!

We are strong advocates of women taking charge of their births in consultation with their health care providers, midwives and doulas. 

Read on to learn more! 

Bradley Method:This is a 12 week course in which expectant parents learn how to give birth without the use of epidurals and with minimal interventions. A doula or midwife will normally deliver the classes, and create a plan for you. This method focuses on the wellness of the mother, baby and partner. Please note these classes should begin around your 5th month of pregnancy. Learn more here.

Hypnotherapy Method: As the name implies, this method teaches mothers a form of self-hypnosis that reduces pain and stress during labor. Think of it as meditating through labor. It helps mothers learn how to reduce anxiety in your mind and your body and how to get through painful contractions. Learn more here.

Lamaze Method: This method was commonly taught by hospitals and includes pain management techniques as well as breathing and relaxation methods to help women during delivery. The Lamaze approach and birth classes aim to“increase women’s confidence in their ability to give birth.” Lamaze classes also provide information about unmedicated and medicated births. Learn more here.  

Water Birth: Water births are known as the “gentlest of births.” Mom’s are immersed in water during delivery. This environment replicates what babies experience in utero. The warm water also helps moms manage pain. However, Parents Magazine cautioned that “if your baby is breech, if you've been diagnosed with excessive bleeding or maternal infection, if you're having multiples, or if preterm labor is expected, you'll have to discuss with your healthcare provider whether you're a candidate for a water birth.” While not many hospitals offer the use tubs, you can find a birthing center, or rent one for use in your own home. Learn more here.

Home Birth: This method allows you to deliver your baby in the comfort of your home with midwives and doulas on-site to support you. Home births are mostly recommended for women with low-risk healthy pregnancies. Decide if this plan is for you only after consulting with medical professionals, midwives and discuss it with your partner too! Learn more here. An alternative option is to use a birthing center that has a homelike environment.

For more discussion on this topic check out these episodes that focus on birth and delivery.

• Together in Birth With Marisol Garcia- All about doulas

• Homebirths With Pear Mama- One mother’s experience with hospital and home births

• Midwifery with Madre Luz- All about midwives

• Bricia’s Birth Story - Relive how Bricia’s baby made his debut!

• Paulina’s Birth Story- Paulina tells us about her labor and about what she put in her hospital bag!

Labor and delivery are joyous occasions for families. However you choose to experience them, you should feel supported and respected! Don’t be afraid to speak out and assemble a team that makes you feel empowered!

Happy Labor Day!

HOW TO TEACH YOUR CHILD TO NAVIGATE DIFFICULT EMOTIONS

This week on the show our guest Lesley Yadon, talked to us about how meditation and mindfulness can be great tools to become more calm and peaceful mothers. But mindfulness isn't just for adults. Mindfulness is a skill you can start teaching kids from a young age to help them develop resilience and the ability to deal with their emotions. But it can be hard to know where to start. Which is why are so excited to share an amazing resource that can help you.

Stop, Breathe and Think is a mindful games app designed specifically for children ages 5 - 10. With this app kids can check in to how they are feeling using fun emojis and try recommended mindful missions tuned to those emotions. Stickers reward their progress and keep the activities engaging.

Mindfulness and meditation are tools to help children better deal with the variety of emotions they experience. It develops coping mechanisms and strengthens their emotional intelligence, which helps them avoid being overwhelmed by their emotions.

.The app was created by two moms, Julie Campiston and Jamie Price who wanted to address what they feel is an "emotional crisis with younger generations."

"Stress and anxiety are on the rise, and are more prevalent with 18-34 year olds than any other generation. Suicide is the #2 cause of death for that age group. "

They are big advocates of having an "emotional wellness hygiene" and taking 5 minutes to Stop, Breathe & Think. They are excited to extend their mission to younger kids.

The meditations and mindful missions in Stop, Breathe & Think Kids were developed in collaboration with activity-based mindfulness expert Susan Kaiser Greenland, creator of the Inner Kids program and author of Mindful Games and The Mindful Child.

STOP, BREATHE & THINK KIDS FEATURES:

• Meditation & mindfulness for kids:

• 15 free mindful activities for every situation

• Fun video animations

• Stickers to reward progress

Julie and Jamie have the following tip to create an emotional hygiene routine. 

"Pick a time in the day, like right when you wake up or at bedtime, when you take a few minutes to Stop, Breathe & Think. It helps create a positive routine for the whole family and integrate mindfulness in your daily life. "

The app is super interactive and includes mindful missions to deal with common emotions like: sleep, over excitement, stress & worry, disappointment & sadness, caring & connecting.

"We want to raise our kids to be able to handle whatever comes their way. Whether they need to mellow out before bed, develop positive relationships or simply have a peaceful moment, Stop, Breathe & Think Kids offers children a fun and easy way to identify and process their emotions.

From counting breaths to friendly wishes or frog jumps, each activity brings fun rewards to keep them engaged. The activities in the app are a great way for grown ups to spend time with their children and create a positive daily routine.

Jamie and Julie are both mothers themselves and hope to inspire other moms to know, "they can take on risky and demanding adventures like founding a startup." 

They are both excited that they have had overwhelming support for their venture and even won the People’s Voice Webby Award for Best Health App this year.

Keeping true to their vision for a more peaceful world they donate 10 percent of their proceeds to a non-profit. 

We are happy to highlight them and their mission to lead a mindfulness revolution that will result in happier kids and moms! 

Learn more about them by visiting their site. You can also download the app! 

You can also follow them on Instagram. @SBTbreathe

Tips to Overcome Obstacles & Reach Your Goals

This week our guest Cristela Alonzo the voice of Cruz Ramirez in Cars 3 gave us valuable insights on how to overcome obstacles. We’ve been feeling so inspired after the movie that we wanted to share some tips that previous guests have shared with us about how to push through and make your dreams come true, and how to deal with setbacks and sorrow.

• Deal with bullies by proving them wrong. Cristela tells a powerful story of how she dealt with her high school bully. Don’t forget that success is the best revenge. Keep focused on what you want.  

• Be Grateful Everyday. Even when things are very difficult you can always find something to be grateful for. Our guest Mary Carrillo taught us valuable lessons on how she has found gratitude in the midst of losing her son to cancer. You can listen to that episode here.

• Understand the some people will not be supportive of your dreams. Accept that it has nothing to do with you and more to do with them and where they are in their life and mindset. Cristela also shared that is how she deal with online bullies or people who weren’t supportive of her pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.

• Surround Yourself With Positive People. The people who you surround yourself will play a tremendous role in the person you become. Tony Robbins who we love often talks about how your group informs the expectations and beliefs you have about yourself. Check out our experience with him here.  

• Understand that Mistakes Are Normal. It’s ok to not know everything all the time. Don’t pressure yourself to be perfect. If you talk bad about yourself to yourself then you will start to believe it. Forgive yourself for having a bad day. If you know someone who has a resources or information that can help you don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many of our Super Mamas Guests have shared with us how their biggest projects began with them making mistakes and building things as they went along. Beatriz Acevedo from Mi Tu, was a perfect example. Check out her episode here.

• Choose Happiness Everyday. Jacqui Saldana of Baby Boy Bakery shared with us all about how she has learned to choose happiness after losing her son. It doesn’t mean she doesn’t have grief or sadness but she tries not to let that overpower every element of her life.

There you have it! Tell us a piece of advice that has helped you overcome obstacles or difficult times in your life!

SISTER SPOLIGHT: CARMEN LOPEZ, CURRENT BOUTIQUE

Welcome to our monthly Sister Spotlight! We are excited to share with you the stories of the inspiring women who make up our Super Mama Squad! If you would like to be featured or would like to nominate someone to be featured please email us at info@supermamas.la

Current Boutique, is a shop for fashionistas with an eye for vintage gems.

Carmen Lopez founded her shop in 2007 with the notion that the modern woman’s busy life needs a revolving wardrobe that can keep up with that schedule. It began with her own love of designer pieces, that kept her fashionable, current and on trend. She also had a thirst for recycling her pre-loved designer gems.

Current Boutique operates by accepting lightly used women’s clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry and other accessories from people who want to sell. They take pieces they they can sell in stores and online and then split the proceeds with the seller if its purchased. But soon after starting the business she noticed that this could be something bigger! 

Current Boutique is known for innovative events and for making connections. They collaborate with the hottest influencers, up-and-coming fashionistas and style-novices alike. We browsed her site and instantly found some Vintage Valentino and Jimmy Choo we would love for our closets. (Wink, Wink) 

She soon saw an opportunity to develop a community for fashion lovers!

My goals was to create A community where women could bring their pre-loved designer gems and recycle them into, new-to-them designer outfits.

She started the business by pulling together her entire life's saving and investing it into her business. There were skeptics but she believed so firmly in her idea that she signed a ten-year lease on her first store in Alexandria, Virginia. Her business now generates million dollar profits each year and boasts thousands of devout sellers and buyers. 

She is also the mother of a 14 month old daughter, Annie who is named after her mom.  She told us that her husband and family are a tremendous support system, "I have a wonderful father who is the greatest babysitter on the planet and two older brothers who have always looked out for me.  Oh yes, don’t forget my nieces, nephew, aunts, uncles and my cousins (LOTS of cousins!). " Her husband also runs the business with her. 

 “My family is the heart of everything I do and I love them all.”

 One of the things she likes about being an entrepreneur is that she gets to create her own schedule and spend her mornings with her daughter Annie and she couldn’t image starting her day without the quality time they share.

 “I get to work with a sense of determination – knowing I need to work hard every day to keep the life that I’ve grown to love.”

 She is proud of  launching our e-commerce site and challenging herself to venture out of her comfort zone.  She told us that “moving into the online space was a whole different animal. I surrounded myself with great people that new the industry.  All I had to do was teach them about what made Current Boutique great.  From there, we built an amazing online experience.  It was my biggest challenge but my greatest reward!”

 She has been an entrepreneur since she was 28 years old and she likes that everyday is like an adventure.  

 “I am betting on myself and my team to get things done every day to keep the ball rolling and making new discoveries and improving processes as we go along"

 We asked her about her secret weapon and she noted that she can’t live without exercise.  

“Stamina is important for running your own business and chasing your little one - staying in shape is key.”  She also enjoy reading books about professional development. Her favorites are, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” and “No Thanks, I’m Just Looking.”

We love that through her business she is also creating a more sustainable world. For over ten years, they have donated tons of clothes! They also donate to Suited for Change, a DC based charity that helps women in need of professional attire, mentoring, and job-readiness education.

They are also working on a functionality that allows consignors to donate a portion of their earnings to charities.  

Style with a conscience at the click of our fingers? We love it!

Learn more about Carmen and her boutique by visiting their social media @current_boutique or their website:www.currentboutique.com

5 Ways to Support A Mother After A Loss

When someone we love has suffered a loss it can be hard to find the right words to say, and it can be difficult to know how to behave. The loss of a child or a miscarriage can be particularly devastating to mothers. 

We put together a list of some ways you can support those you love when they are faced with this tragedy. Thank you to our previous guests for all their wisdom and advice on this emotional topic. 

1. Be There and Let Them Know You Are Thinking About Them- We can sometimes instinctively shy away from people during this time but sometimes being there in the immediate aftermath can be helpful. Gabrielle Kauffman has decades of experience supporting women after a loss and she suggests that you are there for your loved one and keep them company. She also suggests that you make sure and say, "I am here if you want me to be but I won't be offended if you want me to leave." Leave the door open for them to decide how they want to grieve. 

2. Remember that Grief Doesn't Have An Expiration Date- Once the first weeks have passed remember that your loved one is still grieving. Former guest Mary Carrillo who lost her son to cancer in 2014, told us that she appreciates those who will send her Mother's Day messages even if it is just a simple, "Thinking of you today." Make sure you show your love and appreciation and follow your person's lead. Often, we think that people don't want to discuss the topic but in fact, they may love to keep their child's memory alive. Again, follow their cues. Check in with them after the initial loss when it is more likely other friends and family will be around. An idea we like, is to send flowers or a simple card on the birthday of their loved one with a simple, "Thinking of you" message. 

3. Sometimes Less Is More- Gabrielle. also cautions about saying things that you think you should say but that are especially hurtful to mothers. She advises against saying things like, "Everything happens for a reason" or "God wanted it this way." While these might be your personal beliefs and the mother might eventually develop her own clarity around the loss, in the immediate aftermath these words do not honor the pain the mother feels.  If a mother suffered a miscarriage or still-birth, refrain from saying things like, "Don't worry you can get pregnant again." Instead assure her this was not her fault. Hold space for the mother and her grief, do not try to minimize it or shame her for feeling sad. If you don't have the words, it's ok to to say, "I don't know what to say, but I am here for you."

4. Offer to Help In Any Way You Can- Another suggestion if you can't physically be there is to send food, offer to get their groceries or help with errands in some way. They might have difficulty carrying on with some basic functions like grocery shopping or preparing food. Particularly, if your friend has other children it can be helpful to offer to help with caregiving. Grieving is physically and emotionally draining so creating a space where they can rest is helpful too. For example, offer to take the kids to the park so she can take a nap or have a hot bubble bath. 

5. Withhold Judgment or Comparison- Maybe you went through a loss and it took you months to smile while your friend is smiling a few weeks after the loss. Understand that everyone is different and that smiling doesn't necessarily mean "they are over it" and we can "move-on." Grief is like a roller coaster and the important thing is to listen more, say less and put yourself aside for the one you love. 

Remember that mothers can experience feelings of grief and loss after a miscarriage, a still-birth, or even due to infertility issues. Be sensitive and tailor your support accordingly. 

If you or someone you know needs helps dealing with a loss here are some groups that can help: 

MissFoundation.org- Peer led support group for mothers who had a loss

Stillbirthday.com- A pregnancy loss is still a birthday

If you or someone you know suspects they are suffering from depression or need someone to talk to after losing a baby please call 1.800.944.4773 or visit postpartum.net

SISTER SPOTLIGHT: MARILYNN RENTERIA, MADRE TRIBE

Welcome to our Sister Spotlight! We are excited to share with you the stories of the inspiring women who make up our Super Mama Squad! If you would like to be featured or would like to nominate someone to be featured please email us at info@supermamas.la

Marilynn is 21 years old and the Founder of Madre Tribe a community where mothers meet, connect, and inspire. Marilynn is a graphic design student at FIDM, a military wife and mother. 

"I am still a work in progress.  But motherhood turned me into the person that I always hoped to be."

Marylinn created the group after the birth of her daughter, April Renesme who is now 14 months old. She explains that, "Loneliness is often a feeling that is felt by first-time mothers, I experienced it first-hand, and I told myself that I did not want anyone else to feel like that."

She wanted to create a group of women, who could stand tall and deal with the challenges of motherhood together. Her mission was to create a safe community for mothers. A place where they could be honest about all aspects of motherhood. Specifically she wanted to talk about the side of motherhood that she feels is often not talked about like: loss, postpartum depression, and other topic that are often,  "thrown under the rug."

Marylinn also wanted to create the antidote to the Instagram version of motherhood, "I want women to stand up strong while accepting that they are not perfect and that there is way more going on behind the pretty photos on Instagram." 

But she wanted to create a space that demonstrated different perspectives about mothers too. This is why she regularly highlights other young, hip mothers on her site.  In her interviews, they talk about everything from dealing with the regular challenges of motherhood, to their favorite song lyrics and foods. 

She hopes that mothers will connect with each other and maybe develop friendships and networks of support. "Social media is amazing and if you use it wisely, you can meet great people," she says. 

Like many members of our sisterhood, she credits her daughter as the reason for her drive and motivation. "This whole project revolves around motherhood and because of her I get to be part of this amazing community."

She also shared with us how her daughter has allowed her to step out of her comfort zone.  

"Motherhood made me strong and emotionally raw. I was always being what others wanted me to be. That all changed once I had my daughter."

In fact, after having daughter she left community college and decided to go after art. She did it to be a strong role model for her daughter.   

We asked her how she starts her mornings. She likes to start with music and fresh air.  Her and her family spend their free time eating ice cream, hanging out with loved ones, or running errands.Her number one book would be: You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero. 

She is currently working on arranging a small get together for the Los Angeles members of her tribe. 

"Motherhood gave me the confidence that I was missing my whole life. I realized I can do anything I want if I set my mind to it."

She is very excited about the future of her site! "I have so many visions and ideas that I want to bring to life and although it feels overwhelming at times, I know that it is possible. I already took the first leap of faith and now it is time to take ten more. "

We wish Marilynn much success in all of her endeavors! We can't wait to attend a Madre Tribe event ourselves! 

Keep up with her and her tribe of cool mom's on social: @madretribe / @marilynncristine

Visit her site: Madre Tribe