I am following Oprah's "Live Your Best Life" week. For the past year, I have not lived my best life. I have drank too much, thought more negative thoughts than positive, gained WEIGHT (a TONNE!!) and neglected my family for the sake of the magazine.
Looking back over this past year, I see things about myself that I don't like. So what's my plan? Well, this week, I plan on watching Oprah and learning as much about living my best life as possible. Each day I will try to incorporate a new good habit. I am desperately trying to manage my time better so that I do have family time.
On Sunday, I planned my family's meals for the week. I made my shopping list and followed it to a T! Last night we had roasted Lemongrass chicken (super YUMMERS!!) and tonight I am making Thai Coconut chicken soup with the leftovers. Even Big Daddy noticed my babysteps to a better me.
I know I won't implement every change I want to make but I will try! My health, my sanity and my family depend on it.
So there you go.
Step one: set goals
Step two: make a plan
Step three: believe in me :)
I'll keep you posted!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Happy New Year...
So what's your resolution? Got any? It's 2 days away from the "big day" that is suppose to change your year... do you care?
Me, not so much. I have a list of things I need to do but the stroke of midnight isn't going to automatically kickstart that list.
What a year it has been ... we were named Marketer of the Year by the Spruce Grove & District Chamber of Commerce, we are coming out every 2 months, our new image was launched, I completed my first year on the board of directors for the Spruce Grove chamber... the team has also changed. Jody went on maternity leave in November and Daina gave her resignation in December. As Shrek says, "Change is good, Donkey!"
Dawn, Tyla and Alison have taken on some big roles with the magazine and I look forward to their enthusiasm and spunkiness!
2009 is going to pose it's challenges but this is one badass publisher who eats challenges for breakfast! I like the idea of starting the Hear Me Roar feature and look forward to reading more of What Really Pisses You Off!
Personally, I truly plan on cutting up my day into chunks and taking some of those chunks to regain my life. I miss my old self and need to get some good mental breaks in between all of the craziness that is MOM Magazine.
I am thankful for the last year but as always, look forward to starting fresh in 2009. I don't hold on to the past ... I never have and don't plan on starting now.
The Jan/Feb issue hits the streets next week and I am so pleased with it because, design-wise, it is our best so far. I say that every issue but we continue to evolve and improve in every aspect.
I did cut some columns and will continue to do so as the year progresses. I want to inject some fresh content to keep you interested and it is the only way to do so. If there is a column you want "saved" then let me know. If there is a column you want cut, do the same.
As always, I look forward to chatting with you. If you haven't already, join our Facebook group to keep up to date with what we do!
Cheers!
Tamara
Me, not so much. I have a list of things I need to do but the stroke of midnight isn't going to automatically kickstart that list.
What a year it has been ... we were named Marketer of the Year by the Spruce Grove & District Chamber of Commerce, we are coming out every 2 months, our new image was launched, I completed my first year on the board of directors for the Spruce Grove chamber... the team has also changed. Jody went on maternity leave in November and Daina gave her resignation in December. As Shrek says, "Change is good, Donkey!"
Dawn, Tyla and Alison have taken on some big roles with the magazine and I look forward to their enthusiasm and spunkiness!
2009 is going to pose it's challenges but this is one badass publisher who eats challenges for breakfast! I like the idea of starting the Hear Me Roar feature and look forward to reading more of What Really Pisses You Off!
Personally, I truly plan on cutting up my day into chunks and taking some of those chunks to regain my life. I miss my old self and need to get some good mental breaks in between all of the craziness that is MOM Magazine.
I am thankful for the last year but as always, look forward to starting fresh in 2009. I don't hold on to the past ... I never have and don't plan on starting now.
The Jan/Feb issue hits the streets next week and I am so pleased with it because, design-wise, it is our best so far. I say that every issue but we continue to evolve and improve in every aspect.
I did cut some columns and will continue to do so as the year progresses. I want to inject some fresh content to keep you interested and it is the only way to do so. If there is a column you want "saved" then let me know. If there is a column you want cut, do the same.
As always, I look forward to chatting with you. If you haven't already, join our Facebook group to keep up to date with what we do!
Cheers!
Tamara
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
What really pisses you off?
It's a new rant feature I'm introducing and holy crap has the feedback been GREAT! I know that there is a tonne of shit that makes me mad... don't even get me started on women who pee all over a public toilet then leave it for the next person to clean up! WTF is up with THAT?!
Anyway, I think this feature will be a hit! Since I sent out the message on our Facebook group this afternoon, I've had 10 responses. And I didn't even have to offer a fantabulous prize in return! Hot damn!
If you didn't get the message about our new feature, here's your chance! Email me and let me know what really pisses you off?!!? Be sure to include your name, last initial and town/city where you are from.
I look forward to reading your rants!
Merry Christmas!
t.
Anyway, I think this feature will be a hit! Since I sent out the message on our Facebook group this afternoon, I've had 10 responses. And I didn't even have to offer a fantabulous prize in return! Hot damn!
If you didn't get the message about our new feature, here's your chance! Email me and let me know what really pisses you off?!!? Be sure to include your name, last initial and town/city where you are from.
I look forward to reading your rants!
Merry Christmas!
t.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Super Sonic Gin & Tonics
Wowzer, Bowser! I had my very first (of a few) Super Sonic Gin & Tonic with our new sales diva Dawn at the Joeys in Sherwood Park. It was a luncheon that turned into a crazy-ass bonding session. You know those sessions... the ones where you and your new BFF share every detail of your life? The one that bonds you together forever because you know too much about eachother?
Yep, it was awesome! An afternoon I truly needed. Thanks Dawn! :)
Most moms I know don't get the opportunity to be - as my 3-year-old says - "just girls," or take an afternoon and do something completely gratuitous and selfish and inappropriate.
Any mom - working or not - knows that a weekday afternoon of indulgence is nearly impossible but if the opportunity presents itself, I say GO FOR IT! Your stress levels will drop, your coping skills will increase and you can reminisce about goofy things you did when you were dirrty and single!
Because when you get home and there's loads of laundry, a mountain of dishes and supper to prepare, you will be thankful you took some time for yourself to be "Just girls."
Try it! You might like it.
:O
t.
Yep, it was awesome! An afternoon I truly needed. Thanks Dawn! :)
Most moms I know don't get the opportunity to be - as my 3-year-old says - "just girls," or take an afternoon and do something completely gratuitous and selfish and inappropriate.
Any mom - working or not - knows that a weekday afternoon of indulgence is nearly impossible but if the opportunity presents itself, I say GO FOR IT! Your stress levels will drop, your coping skills will increase and you can reminisce about goofy things you did when you were dirrty and single!
Because when you get home and there's loads of laundry, a mountain of dishes and supper to prepare, you will be thankful you took some time for yourself to be "Just girls."
Try it! You might like it.
:O
t.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Busy weekend ahead
There are a couple of major events that MOM Magazine is promoting!
Straightline Funiture and Interiors is having it's 5th Anniversary TODAY! Saturday, Nov. 22! Join them for fun, prizes, music by a jazz pianist and be sure to check out their AMAZING stock! I reccomend those Wood Wick Candles... only$34.99 but save $5 with a coupon from the Holiday Madness issue of MOM Magazine.
The Tri-Community Festival of Trees is this weekend! Kick off the holiday season with some time at this kid-friendly event. Save $1 off admission with the coupon from the Holiday Madness issue of MOM Magazine.
These are two events I highly reccomend you check out.
In Sherwood Park, there is a Women's Wellness show at the Chamber office. Shop for all things that make you a hawt mama! This event runs from 1-4 p.m. TODAY ONLY!
I've got 19 work days before we go to press again so if I start updating my blawg and it isn't making sense, I will apologize in advance!
Have a great weekend and be sure to check out these events!
t.
Straightline Funiture and Interiors is having it's 5th Anniversary TODAY! Saturday, Nov. 22! Join them for fun, prizes, music by a jazz pianist and be sure to check out their AMAZING stock! I reccomend those Wood Wick Candles... only$34.99 but save $5 with a coupon from the Holiday Madness issue of MOM Magazine.
The Tri-Community Festival of Trees is this weekend! Kick off the holiday season with some time at this kid-friendly event. Save $1 off admission with the coupon from the Holiday Madness issue of MOM Magazine.
These are two events I highly reccomend you check out.
In Sherwood Park, there is a Women's Wellness show at the Chamber office. Shop for all things that make you a hawt mama! This event runs from 1-4 p.m. TODAY ONLY!
I've got 19 work days before we go to press again so if I start updating my blawg and it isn't making sense, I will apologize in advance!
Have a great weekend and be sure to check out these events!
t.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
It's heeeerrrrreeeee!
So, how have you been? Daina and I have been stoopid busy with the last issue BUT it's finally available! WooHOO! Feedback so far is good... I've noticed a couple of minor editing things that we didn't catch but I have now delegated a good chunk of the work and will have more time for the little things that need to be caught. Bear with us as we grow!
I'm a pleased to announce three new additions to the MOM Magazine team! Welcome to Dawn Jones-Pilgrim, Tyla Thomsen and Jen Mackenzie... these three wonderful ladies are now on our sales team and we look forward to their input and involvement of the magazine! I'm so pumped to have them on board!
On a very sad - but sort of happy - note, our sales superstar Jody Tailleur will be taking maternity leave :( I love Jody and am super happy for the new addition to her growing family but very sad to no longer have her on the team. We hope she comes back if those kids start to drive her nuts! LOL
Daina and I are already prepping the Jan/Feb issue because we have LESS THAN A MONTH to get it to the printers! (insert frantic scream here!)
There's lots to do but no one wants to work over the holidays, and quite honestly I have always believed that the last two weeks of December should be for family and friends - not for work.
I wanted to give a special THANK YOU to Mary deBruin for being such an AMAZING cover MOM for the holiday issue. She was so much fun to shoot and was very animated, making it easy to use the pics for the section.
I am setting aside some time to focus on my blawg and to update the site on Fridays so be prepared for more fun web-exclusive content.
Happy Holidays everyone! Even tho, there's no snow (yet!) get into the spirit by doing something nice for someone you don't know. A pleasant smile or a friendly, "Happy Holidays!" to a cashier will surely brighten their day!
Gawd, I have GOT to stop working when I'm PMSing because I get all sappy and sentimental - Don't tell anyone... I am actually sweet sometimes. :O
Later!
tamara
I'm a pleased to announce three new additions to the MOM Magazine team! Welcome to Dawn Jones-Pilgrim, Tyla Thomsen and Jen Mackenzie... these three wonderful ladies are now on our sales team and we look forward to their input and involvement of the magazine! I'm so pumped to have them on board!
On a very sad - but sort of happy - note, our sales superstar Jody Tailleur will be taking maternity leave :( I love Jody and am super happy for the new addition to her growing family but very sad to no longer have her on the team. We hope she comes back if those kids start to drive her nuts! LOL
Daina and I are already prepping the Jan/Feb issue because we have LESS THAN A MONTH to get it to the printers! (insert frantic scream here!)
There's lots to do but no one wants to work over the holidays, and quite honestly I have always believed that the last two weeks of December should be for family and friends - not for work.
I wanted to give a special THANK YOU to Mary deBruin for being such an AMAZING cover MOM for the holiday issue. She was so much fun to shoot and was very animated, making it easy to use the pics for the section.
I am setting aside some time to focus on my blawg and to update the site on Fridays so be prepared for more fun web-exclusive content.
Happy Holidays everyone! Even tho, there's no snow (yet!) get into the spirit by doing something nice for someone you don't know. A pleasant smile or a friendly, "Happy Holidays!" to a cashier will surely brighten their day!
Gawd, I have GOT to stop working when I'm PMSing because I get all sappy and sentimental - Don't tell anyone... I am actually sweet sometimes. :O
Later!
tamara
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Holy crap, another month has past!
I don't know if I'm just wasting away my days but I am baffled by how quickly time is passing. I remember as a kid how time would DRAG on forEVER and go so... slowly... especially during math class, I could never figure that out!
Anyway, life is a blur lately. I just looked at my last post where I promised to update the site more regularly... but I seriously do not know what happened this past month. The magazine will be late this month, too, because I was swamped with Spruce Grove & District Chamber of Commerce stuff which ended up pushing back my press day. So, sorry about that!
The files are at the printers so we will get the mag to you as soon as we have it!
I am starting a new feature in the magazine to get us back to our roots of Wife, Woman, Friend, Mentor, Goddess. It's called Hear Me Roar... it will feature women who have overcome adversity in their lives and gone on to live stronger lives in spite of the situations they have faced. It will be a feature that focuses on the strength of women!
It is similar to a book that was published three years ago called Standing Together. I had a story that was in that book, which was published by the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters. The book was launched the day after my daughter was born and I truly felt like that book changed the course of my life.
Since it was published, I have been on a path towards publishing this magazine. The magazine is meant to empower women in a fun, fierce and slightly devilish way, reminding women that LIFE AS A MOM DOESN'T MEAN LIFE AS A WOMAN HAS TO END!
We need more stories that reflect that mantra. Are you a woman who has gone through something in your life and come out the other side STRONGER!?!
Email me and let me know. I want to tell your story! It can be any challenge you have faced. Stories like these empower other women and that's what we need to do!
Sure, it's fun to act like jackasses and take time for yourself but the FOCUS of the magazine needs to get back to my original intentions.
Let's do it, girls!
Don't get me wrong, there will still be great sections in our mag like Big Daddy, Diary of a Mad Publisher, Do You Spit or Swallow, Spice it Up, CheckTheseOut.com, Barb-isms, Dollars and Cents, and Gifts for the Goddess BUT our content will focus on YOU and your stories.
Call me. We'll have coffee and talk.
This magazine is about you and for you. Let's tell your stories.
I look forward to slowing my life down this month and spending some time with you!
Chat with ya soon!
Tamara
Anyway, life is a blur lately. I just looked at my last post where I promised to update the site more regularly... but I seriously do not know what happened this past month. The magazine will be late this month, too, because I was swamped with Spruce Grove & District Chamber of Commerce stuff which ended up pushing back my press day. So, sorry about that!
The files are at the printers so we will get the mag to you as soon as we have it!
I am starting a new feature in the magazine to get us back to our roots of Wife, Woman, Friend, Mentor, Goddess. It's called Hear Me Roar... it will feature women who have overcome adversity in their lives and gone on to live stronger lives in spite of the situations they have faced. It will be a feature that focuses on the strength of women!
It is similar to a book that was published three years ago called Standing Together. I had a story that was in that book, which was published by the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters. The book was launched the day after my daughter was born and I truly felt like that book changed the course of my life.
Since it was published, I have been on a path towards publishing this magazine. The magazine is meant to empower women in a fun, fierce and slightly devilish way, reminding women that LIFE AS A MOM DOESN'T MEAN LIFE AS A WOMAN HAS TO END!
We need more stories that reflect that mantra. Are you a woman who has gone through something in your life and come out the other side STRONGER!?!
Email me and let me know. I want to tell your story! It can be any challenge you have faced. Stories like these empower other women and that's what we need to do!
Sure, it's fun to act like jackasses and take time for yourself but the FOCUS of the magazine needs to get back to my original intentions.
Let's do it, girls!
Don't get me wrong, there will still be great sections in our mag like Big Daddy, Diary of a Mad Publisher, Do You Spit or Swallow, Spice it Up, CheckTheseOut.com, Barb-isms, Dollars and Cents, and Gifts for the Goddess BUT our content will focus on YOU and your stories.
Call me. We'll have coffee and talk.
This magazine is about you and for you. Let's tell your stories.
I look forward to slowing my life down this month and spending some time with you!
Chat with ya soon!
Tamara
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