If you’ve landed on this post from the segment on KPRC, welcome! If you’ve landed on this post because you are a regular reader, I’m glad you decided to stop by. If you’ve landed on this post for any other reason, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy browsing through my quick and easy recipes, check out product reviews on some of the latest products for your family and enter to win some free prizes while you’re here.

If you’ve come because of the segment on Mom Bloggers, then I’m sure you’re probably wondering what this is all about, how you get started and where the heck do you sign up.

It’s true that any mom out there can start her own blog and have her own space online.  In fact, I encourage you to do so.  It’s a great way to update distant family about what’s going on and an easy way for them to see pictures of the family.

It’s also true that any mom out there can start her own blog and work with brands on product reviews.  It’s also true that any mom out there can start her own blog and make money.  It’s also true that any mom out there can start her own blog and make a substantial income to support her family.

But, please don’t think that you can start your blog today and be cashing checks tomorrow.

Unfortunately, it’s simply not like that.

My blog is almost three years old and I’ve worked incredibly hard, every single day, for the past three years to make it what it is today.

But the good news is, it can be done and if you have the hard work and determination to make it happen, chances are, it will.

Whatever reason you stopped by, I hope you subscribe to be updated on new content, join the Simply Being Mommy Community and jump into the conversations, follow me on Twitter and connect with me on Facebook.

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to be a guest on the BetterTV show as a mommy expert. When I received the invite from VTech, my initial thought was “heck no.” Not because I didn’t want to or that it wasn’t an amazing opportunity, but because I’m so incredibly shy.

But, I did it. I couldn’t pass up such an amazing opportunity because I knew that I would regret it later down the road.  While I can’t say that I was a natural and that I did a good job, I can say that I survived.

A special thanks to the VTech team for inviting to be their guest in New York to film this segment with BetterTV.

I’m pretty sure you’ve noticed an increase of activity here at Simply Being Mommy.  I’m trying to keep my posts down to one a day, but with the busy holiday season, I’m finding that even more difficult than normal.  I try my hardest to make sure everything that I bring to you is relevant, timely and something you feel is of value.

In addition to the normal craziness of the holiday season, I have some exciting travel coming up in the next few weeks.  On December 2nd, I will be filming a segment for BetterTV and VTech in New York and I’m super nervous.  I’ll be sitting in one of these chairs and then seen on over 175 networks…

In addition to filming the segment, I will be attending the Premiere of War Horse which opens December 25th.  While I’ve attended numerous premieres, this premiere is an evening premiere which means this will be a more glamorous event.  I’m not the glamorous dress type girl, so this should be interesting.

And to make things even more exciting, the Fairy Hobmother visited me the other day after I commented on a post from one of my favorite bloggers.  The Fairy Hobmother is from Appliances Online and she is visiting visitors that comment and you could be chosen as the next Amazon gift card recipient.  If you are in the market for large capacity fridge freezers, keep Appliances Online in mind.

Don’t forget, just by commenting below, you could be visited by the Fairy Hobmother.

Over the last few years I’ve noticed that I haven’t always been one to show loving kindness to those closest to me.  The ones that matter the most, are the ones who get treated the worst.

I haven’t always been like this and I know there is no excuse and no one to blame but myself.  In fact, I take full responsibility for my actions.  I can’t change the past, but I can change the future and I will.

As I’ve reflected on my past, things that have happened to influence who I am today, I’ve noticed a trend of a downward spiral.  During this time of reflection and dare I say growth, I’ve learned that it isn’t always about me. Showing loving kindness is showing compassion and grace, being sensitive to other’s feelings and loving unconditionally.

So, I’m on a — a mission I guess you could say — to stop this downward spiral and be the person I once was.  A woman who loved life, who looked forward to the future, who wasn’t held down by obligations and work, who didn’t care about her past, and just wanted the best for everyone.  I want to be that woman again.

And that begins with loving myself and loving those around me.

I want to know: What has inspired you to grow as a person?

By replying below, you will be entered to win one of two absolutely fabulous prizes! First Prize is a $150 to a Local Spa, plus $50 Gift Certificate to the CerraBoutique and the second prize is one of five $100 Gift Certificate to the CerraBoutique.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cerra. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Contest Rules.

Do you take pictures of signs with your name?  Call me silly, but I take pictures of anything that has either my name, the hubby’s name or any of the children’s names on it.

Here are two with my name from Disneyland.

I know, it’s an awkward habit but I think it would make for a cool name collage one day.

The hubby and I decided it was time for a new vehicle, so this past Saturday we went car shopping.  Did I mention how much I HATE car shopping?  No, well I HATE car shopping!  The whole salesman blowing smoke up your behind trying to sell you more car than you need… but regardless, we came home with this.

It is so much different than my last vehicle and much more stylish.  My husband was tired of driving a minivan and to be perfectly honest with you, I was too!

So far I’m loving my new GMC Acadia Denali!

Have you ever just screamed out loud “I can’t do this anymore!“?  I have, more than I’d like to admit.  

It’s not because I have a hard life.  Compared to others, I’d say I have it pretty easy.  My husband and I both have jobs, our bills are paid, we have clothes on our backs and food on the table.  The children are happy and thriving and my husband and I get along very well.

Yet at times, I still feel like I can’t do this anymore.

But, as a mother, a wife, a friend, I have to do this!  I have to press on.  I have to find a way to make this work.  All of it.  The motherly duties, my wifely duties, my friendly duties, work – I have to make it work.

When I start feeling like this, I strive to find some sort of balance by sitting down and figuring out what requires my immediate attention and what can wait.  It helps me tremendously when I make a list, sometimes more than one, with what is required of me.  There are not many things more enjoyable than being able to cross something off those lists, especially when I’m feeling overwhelmed, not in control and fearful of everything Ihave to accomplish.

Courage.

Courage isn’t necessarily the absence of fear; rather, it’s the ability to act truthfully in facing fear without backing down.

I need more courage. I need to stop letting fear of the responsibilities, emails, to-do lists and little children all calling for me paralyze me.  Instead, I need to face this fear in the face and not back down.  I need to stop throwing my hands in the air and screaming “I can’t do this anymore!”.  Because, I can do this!  I already do all this. But instead of doing it after a moment of paralyzed fear, I need to get a hold of that inner courage and do what I know I can do.

I’m curious to know: In your busy everyday life, how do you strive for balance?

By replying you will be entered to win one of two prizes! First Prize is a $150 to a Local Spa, plus $50 Gift Certificate to the Cerra Boutique. The Second Prize is one of five $100 Gift Certificate to the Cerra Boutique.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cerra. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Contest Rules.

That was the question Louise and I were asked while in San Diego for BlogHer.

Hillshire Farm had a booth set up and they wanted to know what gave us motivation to cook.  If you know me at all, you know that I’m a really shy person.  Not only am I shy, I get terrified and it’s like my mind shuts down.  So, getting anything to come out of my mouth is a huge chore.  I wasn’t going to share this, but since Louise already did, what the heck — here you go!

{No laughing though, you hear?}

There are so many reasons that I love to cook and just recently I have really learned to enjoy the time I have in the kitchen.  I love trying different ingredients and trying to create something that is healthy for my family and that tastes absolutely delicious.

So, tell me, why do you cook?

A huge thank you to the Hillshire Farm team for providing me with this fun opportunity.

The day is here.  The day I’ve been looking forward to since I left New York in August of last year. But what makes this year even more exciting is my husband is coming along with me.  We are both super excited and can’t wait to see what San Diego has in store for us.

Since I’m not a BlogHer newbie this year, I think I’ll be able to relax a little more and actually enjoy myself.  Last year I was so scared.  Little ‘ol me, all by myself in that big ‘ol city.  It was scary.  In fact, I missed quite a few private parties I was invited to because I was scared to walk the roads alone.  I totally get that it’s one big grid, but when you’re from a town of 1,200 people, well, I’m sure you get the point.

We have so much planned for our three full days in San Diego and can’t wait to see our blogging friends, hopefully meet some new ones, and connect with the brands that we use each and every day.  I’m sure we will be taking many pictures and once we get back we will share them with you not only here on the blog, but also on Twitter and Facebook.  Make sure to follow us @SimplyBeingMom and @DaddyDigest so you don’t miss a thing!

I want to give a huge thank you to Sunstar GUM for the partial sponsorship! And in celebration, use code BH20 to 20% off and get free shipping on any $10 purchase at gumbrand.com.  Get ready for back-to-school with brand new oral care products and stock up using the code mentioned above!

I received a partial sponsorship from Sunstar GUM to attend BlogHer.

This year I will be attending BlogHer along with other amazing bloggers with the hopes of building relationships, learning and just having a grand time in sunny San Diego.

After attending BlogHer in New York last year, I know all too well how important comfortable and stylish shoes are.  I left New York last year with blisters galore.  From walking the Expo Halls, walking to and from private brand parties and doing the normal touristy things, I regretted packing my favorite black strappy heels.

This year I’ll be doing BlogHer a little bit differently — packing for comfort while also packing for style.  Last year style won out over comfort and I won’t be doing that again.  But, you have to be careful and pack appropriately…you never know who you’ll meet!

And if meeting him wasn’t crazy enough…

Or…

Oh, and how could I forget…

I made so many memories at BlogHer last year, despite the blisters, and I’m totally looking forward to doing the same this year.

One of the most common scenes I remember last year was all the women with their shoes in hand.  Seriously.  Anytime we were standing still, the shoes came off to give our feet a little bit of relief.  If given the opportunity to represent Naturalizer at BlogHer, I’ll be looking for those first-timers and even those that let style trump comfort (and stalking the #Naturalizer hashtag on Twitter) to provide with their very own rescue with a pair of Naturalizer Violette’s.  Aren’t these just adorable?!?

The Naturalizer line with it’s rich leathers, soft suedes, and unique details, offers the influence of current fashion, blended with the enduring style women want and need from their footwear. This year at BlogHer I want to look good and feel good too!  Don’t you?

To stay up-to-date with all things Naturalizer, make sure you follow them on Twitter and connect with them on Facebook.

This opportunity was presented to me by Naturalizer and the Brown Shoe Company, through MyBlogSpark, and this post serves as my entry to win a sponsorship for attendance at the 2011 BlogHer Conference.