I Dare You: Empowering Women (Especially Moms) to Be More Than a Housewife

May 9, 2018

A good friend called one morning and expressed her desire to produce a play, mind you she has been a part of a theater playgroup for a few years and wanted to bring light to her community theater.

I encouraged her to do so, yet she was still uncertain. As fellow mom, where would she find the time and was it even worth it? She expressed interest in wanting to do something outside of her comfort zone. I continued to encourage her and say, “do it, you have a passion, pursue it.” Little did I know she would soon take me out of my own comfort zone.

Josie, my friend, asked if I would be in her play if she produced it. My response… No, No & NO!

Okay, let’s back up for a minute, first off I have zero acting experience, second I have stage fright and third, I have the worst memory! Even if I agreed, my kids and husband dominated my life, where would I find the time to rehearse?

Another friend, Serene, was also asked to be in this play and promised that this experience would not only empower me, but also be something that I would be glad to cross off my bucket list. True, the thought of being on stage once crossed my mind growing up, but the fear of stage fright made me think twice. Despite my anxiety, I decided to go for it, for myself and also to show my children that I had other interests and roles outside of Mom and wife.

Two weeks and a million rehearsals later, I finally learned my lines and understood my character. I realized that I experienced more than just memorizing lines and relating to my character; I experienced the bond with other characters that I would be sharing a stage with. I discovered that I had found a new and different type of confidence after a long time. To act like someone else was a release that I needed from my day-to-day life. I felt alive and felt lighter like I hadn’t before.

Showtime

Three months later it was show time! For the first time I felt a rush and adrenaline that was like no other. The connection I felt with both the cast and audience was priceless! The show was called Smalls Talk and we performed it at the Parker Playhouse.

The truth is we are all scared to try something outside of our comfort zone. Had I not been pushed I wouldn’t have experienced something so fun and break that stage fright out of me.

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Its not too late to take on a challenge and make it a goal, do something different and encourage your friends to do the same. Experience something outside of your daily routine. Go ahead I DARE YOU!

Read more about what is means to be a #MomOffDuty here!

Your Chick,

Avani

Lifestyle

#SCCon18 : Secrets To Running a Successful Blog and Building A Blog Community

May 8, 2018

Growing up with many female influences in my personal life has generally made me gravitate towards smart, creative, and interesting women as a whole. Joining the Style Collective was one of those no brainer decisions I made after watching founder, Annie Spano, week after week hustle as hard to achieve her dream as I was to achieve mine. I knew that being around her energy would rub off on me. She not only recruited me, but many like me. These women were like minded motivated females all trying to change their story.

When the Style Collective announced that it would be having its first conference I dare say I was the first to register. I was thrilled at the prospect of being around other women, mothers, and bloggers that were all trying to navigate a new industry that allows women to authentically share themselves with the world.

Last month we all met up in the beautiful Cannon Room in the heart of Raleigh. NC! A beautiful space that inspired and enthused us. The agenda was filled with women that I wanted to hear and learn from and best of all, they were willing to share! Among many highlights from the conference, here are my top three.

The Venue

The Cannon Room was named after the first female Mayor of Raleigh, Isabell Cannon. With that as a backdrop it was just the perfect vibe and space, intimate yet spacious and generously lit with its large windows. It made for an inviting space that made us want to network in. Lucky for us, this room has already been booked for next years conference!

The Influencer Panel

With our blog, we try to be open and honest about our journey as women and as mothers. At the conference, we were lucky enough to hear from mother to be Holly of @MakeTodayAHollyDay, Courtney of @CourtEInk, and Keke of @StyleYourSelfie and they were wonderful! Each shared their story, journey, and ideas generously with all of us. I recall chatting with Holly and discussing giveaway ideas! I really appreciated that!

The Agenda

Generally we had a lot of information that we needed to cover during sessions, so by Sunday afternoon we were tired. The agenda, however, anticipated that we would need creative breaks. We had the chance to play in a live photo booth and network in a beautiful corner space. The agenda also included a cocktail hour on Saturday night and a trolley ride surprise on Sunday! Everything had been thought out and considered. The team at Style Collective did an amazing job putting it all together (Thank You!).

I, along with my fellow chicks, am truly grateful for the camaraderie and the learning and I am looking forward to next year. Here is a peek at all the fun!

Your Chick,

Rina Puri

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food, Lifestyle, Party

5 Minute Frosè: The Hottest Way to Keep Cool This Weekend

May 4, 2018

Hello Chicks!! If there is one thing you know about us, its that we love to host our friends over and help women take a moment to themselves. With a gorgeous weekend ahead, and a pool party on the horizon we could not help but pull out the blender and strawberries to make some our favorite 5 Minute Frosè!!

We have perfected this super easy summer cocktail for you!

The Recipe

Ingredients:

1 Bottle of Rosè (Our Favorite is the Luna Nuda Rosè – only $13 at your local store)

1 Box of Strawberries

1/2 Cup of Sugar

1/2 Water

1/2 Cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

All you need to do is plan ahead a little. The night before, freeze one bottle of rosè by pouring it into a freezer safe bowl. Then slice the strawberries and boil them with the water and sugar and chill in a bowl over night as well.

When you are ready to serve, just blend the rosè, syrup ONLY from the strawberries (use a strainer), and the lemon juice you squeezed. Pour and enjoy! Garnish with Mint leaves or strawberries.

Pro Tip: Save the simple syrup soaked strawberries for a smoothie later.

Did you like this recipe?? Comment below!

Your Chick,

Rina

Lifestyle, Motherhood

Dear Mom, You Kept Us Close To Your Heart When You Did This

May 2, 2018

There is not a day that goes by without the thought that everything I do and feel for my children, my Mom most likely felt for me at some point. It is such an overwhelming realization when you squeeze your child and smother them with kisses to know that the intensity of that moment was once felt towards me by my own mother.

Small Gestures and The Circle of Life

As I look back, and appreciate, all the “little things“ my mom did for my siblings and I, the one “thing” that stands out was when she would reach back and grab my hand while driving. It was the smallest gesture that literally meant the world to me! I am tearing up as I am writing this because I’ve carried this tradition on with my own children. It wasn’t always fun and games with my Mom. Just like most mothers, there were good days and there were bad bad days, but every time my mom would reach back for my hand, it was our reminder that she, and I, were going to be okay. I can feel that same energy when I reach back for my own children’s hands.

Let’s be honest chicks, the reality is that one day our kids will grow up, go to school, get married and then settle into lives of their own. With each stepping stone in life, a Mom begins to miss their child a just little more. I recall how hard the first day of school was for me, I can only imagine what an emotional mess I will be when they move out.

Keep The Kids Close To Your Heart

For Mother’s Day I wanted to find a way to be with my kids all the time and I came across a personalized collection by Landon Lacey jewelry. I love the idea of keeping my kids close to my heart when they are away at school by wearing this adorable necklace. The necklaces from Landon Lacey look good when layered or make a statement all by themselves.

The designers at Landon Lacey jewelry also use their pieces to inspire adventure by weaving travels of their own into each piece. These Chicago based ladies hand make all their jewelry and are super affordable (the set I am wearing is on sale for less than $20 right now and it is 14k gold)! They even use colors and stones from around the world to inspire their customers. Their minimalist designs make the perfect addition to any event day or night. I am personally obsessing over my kids first initials on this necklace.

To all the Mothers out there – you are amazing, you can do anything, and you will find a way to do it right. Don’t second guess yourself, trust your instincts, and always believe that the glass is half full. I’m hopeful that the little “things” that I have carried on from my Mom will be just as meaningful to my kids.

Happy Mother’s Day to you all! Keep your kids close to your heart this Mother’s Day with these adorable personalized pieces!

Your chick,

Sonia

**Thank you Landon Lacey for this beautiful and heartfelt collaboration.**