One of My Greatest Discoveries by Brook Eneas

One of the most challenging times in my life was right out of college where for the very first time in my life, I was faced with “me.”  Here I was single, educated and confused and trying to figure out who I was seemed nearly impossible in a world that could really care less. 

It was during this time that I cried the most and prayed the hardest. 

It was during this time that I realized that I was carrying hurt from my past that had been hidden from plain sight. 

It was during this time that I came to grips with some of my fears, character flaws, idiosyncrasies and gifts. 

It was during this time that I surrendered. 

As a mother, I have come to really appreciate that time in my life because it has served as a foundation for me personally and especially my household. It helped me to prioritize the things that are most important to me, shifted my perspective on my value and it placed me on a different path toward my destiny. Over the past decade, I have spoken to countless girls and women about self-discovery only to realize that there are only a few who have really taken time to know themselves. Many women are stuck in careers that they hate, in marriages where they feel alone, and in circles where they wear masks. Teenage girls are searching for themselves too but often times get caught up in the “rebelling/exploring” cycle, the “good girl” cycle, or the “vanity” cycle all the while struggling to really figure out who they are. 

While self-discovery is a life long journey, it starts with a single step. Making time to be alone in the presence of God is one of the greatest things we as moms can do. Ultimately, He is the only one who really knows you simply because He made you. Challenge yourself to endure through this time of exploration because not only will it benefit you, but everyone around you. It’s time for you to discover the greatest you ever. 

Brook Marie Eneas @dgiinspired, has an uncommon gift to inspire women and girlsto live their dreams through her passion as a life coach, fitness coachand motivational speaker.  www.dgiinspired.com

A lesson learned from my Mommy/Daughter Day

Today it was just me and the little one. My five year old princess,Amari ans I traveled through four states today. We watched birds, marveled at the shapes and caves some fallen trees had made and finished it off with some ice cream.

Initially, this was supposed to be a pamper me day, but I am so glad I chose to skip the "me" day and spend it with my princess.

Let me be very honest, Amari is the baby of the family and she is spoiled by EVERYONE. She is the child that tends to be the most challenging because she is very vocal about what she wants and what she believes is right..,, whether she really is right or not. However today she was an absolute dream.

As always I find myself learning from my children. Today we happened to pass a playground in our travels and she jumped right in playing with the children, quickly making friends. At first I was nervous about letting her run around by herself and walked around the swings and slide with her. Just as I was getting ready to follow her to another toy she looked at me and said "Mommy, you can go and sit down."

It wasn't rude, as a matter of fact it said in a comforting tone that let me know I COULD and NEEDED to let her go just a little bit.

So I did what she asked... I sat down at the table she had pointed out. It within the fenced in playground, and was close by. I sat there and slowly let her grow up... Only a little bit though I still had a very watchful eye on her lol.

The lesson for the day was learn when to let go.... Just a little :-)

My first day as a coupon queen!

I can't really say why I never took advantage of those little pieces of paper called coupons, but I had an epiphany last week.  Last week I decided to start clipping coupons.  I will be honest it was overwhelming at first...there are just so many out there!

Making my Menu

So I went to a site called The Krazy Coupon Lady (www.thekrazycouponlady.com) and my addiction began to bloom from there.

I am still learning but I finally decided to make a menu for the rest of the month and go from there.  For example, I knew I wanted to grab some snacks like Fruit Roll Ups and Little Debbie snacks for my kids, so I decided to look up coupons for specific items.  At the end of it all I saved $50 at the store!
I can't wait to keep learning how to coupon and bust my grocery bill!

Make Up Your Face in Five Minutes!

I don't claim to be a make up artist, but I have picked up some tricks of the trade along the way with doing pageants and such.  I find that though I love applying make up, sometimes running behind four children tends to put makeup on the back burner

Over the years I've learned that if you concentrate on your Eyes, Lips, and Cheeks, you will be good to go.  This will not only add a little glamour to your life, but it will also give a natural look and glow to your overall look.
Gather a Few Items:

• Foundation
• Moisturizing Lotion (that you can apply to your face...scented lotions may be an irritant to your skin)
• Eyeliner (in the video I use a Gel liner)
• Mascara
• Blush
• Bronzer
• Lip Gloss
• Lip Stick (A few shades lighter than your lips for a nude look)

Watch this quick 'How To Video" for getting glam in five minutes!

Child's death prompts recall of window blinds

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in conjunction with Blind Xpress of Livonia, Michigan, have recalled approximately 139,000 custom made vertical blinds and 315,000 horizontal blinds. Therecall was issued due to the death of a two-year old girl from Commerce Township, Michigan. The death happened in 2009 when the toddler was strangled in the loop of the vertical blind cord that was not attached to the wall or floor.

Though it has been three years since the toddler’s death, the recall was determined to be the best course of action. According to the CPSC report, “Blind Xpress custom vertical blinds have an adjustment cord that forms a loop that is not attached to the wall or floor. In some instances, this loop has a weighted device at the bottom. The custom horizontal blinds do not have inner cord stop devices to prevent the accessible inner cords from being pulled out. A child can become entangled in a cord loop and strangle.”

Blind Xpress Recall

Photo credit:  

Blind Xpress 

The blinds were sold at various blind specialty stores in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana from January 1995 through December 2011 for between $16 and $380. Consumers are being urged consumers to immediately stop using the window coverings and contact the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) to receive a free repair kit. For more information, contact the WCSC toll-free at (800) 506-4636 anytime or visit www.windowcoverings.org. View the full recall on the CPSC's website:www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12273.html.

See this article on the Examiner: http://www.examiner.com/article/child-s-death-prompts-recall-of-window-blinds?cid=db_articles

Halle Berry wows on the Red Carpet Toronto Film Festival

Stiletto Mommy, Halle Berry was seen at the Toronto Film Festival for the premiere of her new film, "Cloud Atlas."  Berry stunned the crowd in a figure-hugging Roberto Cavalli Suit and Sheer Top with a black lace bra underneath.

Berry receives 5 Stilettos from us at Motherhood in Stilettos.  We understand that everyone wouldn't wear the outfit, but it is so rocker chic given the right time and place, and it takes a HAUTE mamma to rock this outfit...not to mention you can see that she is still in great shape.

Moms can opt to recreate this look by going with a form fitted suit, sheer top, and maybe add a camisole if you are uncomfortable with showing your bra.

Dixie Chicks' Emily Robison welcomes fourth child

Dixie Chicks' Emily Robison gave birth to her fourth child on Tuesday, September 4th at 3:01 a.m. Baby girl Violet Isabel Strayer weighed in at 8.5 pounds.  40-year-old Robison is also mom to twins Juliana Tex and Henry Benjamin, age 7, and son Charles Augustus, age 9.  The children are from her marriage to ex-husband Charlie Robison.

A representative for Robinson told US Magazine, “Mom and baby Violet are doing well and Dad couldn’t be happier.”

Violet Isabel Strayer is the first child together for Robison and her boyfriend Martin Strayer.  Martin Strayer is the guitarist for Court Yard Hounds, a country music duo founded by Robison and sister and Dixie Chicks’ member, Martie Maguire.  The band was formed during a hiatus from Dixie Chicks.

The Dixie Chicks are the highest selling female group in any genre. They are the only country group in history and the only female group of any genre to earn back-to-back Diamond Awards signifying 10 million in record sales. For more information about the Dixie Chicks log onto: www.dixiechicks.com

Read this article on the Examiner: http://www.examiner.com/article/dixie-chicks-emily-robison-welcomes-fourth-child

Jessica Simpson uses her battle with weight to inspire all women

Jessica Simpson is used to being scrutinized for her body.  The singer-fashion mogul recently revealed in an interview with USA Today that her baby weight hasn’t just fallen off like many women experience.  "I let myself indulge in everything I wanted because it was the first time I was ever pregnant,” Simpson said. “I wanted to enjoy it. I wanted to be happy and eat what I wanted." 

Simpson gave birth to her daughter, Maxwell Drew on May 1, 2012.  In March, Simpson had given information that she was already 170 pounds, with the birth of her daughter she was faced with the task of dropping weight, “I didn’t realize it didn’t all come off with the baby.”

Simpson signed a $4 million deal with Weight Watchers to be their spokesperson and help her shed the extra baby pounds. The first commercial will air next week around the same time as her September 10, 2012, interview with Katie Couric.  Simpson will be revealing her post-pregnancy figure on Couric's new show.

READ MY ARTICLE ON THE EXAMINER: http://www.examiner.com/article/jessica-simpson-uses-her-battle-with-weight-to-inspire-all-women

Watch the Full Speech by First Lady Michelle Obama

Last night, September 4, 2012, First Lady Michelle Obama gave a rousing speech at the Democratic National Convention.  First Lady Obama entered the room to a standing ovation that lasted for more than a minute before she could begin.

First Lady Michelle Obama is a true Stiletto Mommy! Take a look:

Today is Your Day by Brooke Marie Eneas

What’s really holding you back from living your best life?  We tell our kids that they can be anything that they want to be when in reality many of us are not living up to our own potential and pursuing the wildest dreams that are secretly hidden in our hearts. We settle for less by thinking about all the reasons we “cannot” instead of thinking of the possibilities of why we “can”.  What’s on your list of cannot? Is it that you don’t have enough time, money, energy, knowledge, or help? Or are you just simply afraid to step out and believe what really can be yours and the very thought of “walking on water” paralyzes you?

Listen, YOU were created to create. Everything you need is already in you.

What does not exist right now may be in your reach to develop.  I have always been different—when others told me it wasn’t possible, it really was.  When I didn’t necessarily qualify for the position, I was still promoted.  When things didn’t exist, I created it.  Here’s my bucket list of principles I used to design my life:

Vicki Sarber is crowned Mrs. America 2012

Tonight, 51 women competed for the title of Mrs. America at the Lowes Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona. Nearly two thousand viewers tuned into the three hour production on Livestream as Vicki Sarber (Alaska) captured the title of Mrs. America 2012.

The pageant was hosted by Florence Henderson from the iconic series, The Brady Bunch, and her daughter and actress, Barbara Chase. The duo kept the crowd laughing and entertained. After a high powered opening number LaHoma Caudill (California) was announced as Mrs. Congeniality, and Leah Bartos (New York) received the Publication Award.
 

Tori Spellng welcomes fourth child

From torispelling.com

Tori Spelling and her husband, Dean McDemott welcomed their fourth child, a son, on Thursday, August 30, 2012, at 5:39 p.m. "We are so excited to announce the birth of the newest member of the McDermott family," Spelling wrote on her website. "Please join us in welcoming Finn Davey McDermott."

Finn entered the world weighing six pounds, six ounces and measuring 20 inches long. Baby Finn joins Hattie, along with Stella, age four, and big brother Liam, age five. McDemott, 44, also has a son from a previous marriage

The 39-year-old, Spelling, announced the pregnancy back in March when Hattie Margaret was just six months old. Though Spelling says that she is in love with pregnancy, she announed earlier this week on her site, ediTORIal, that this would probably be the last one.

In addition to balancing life as a mother and wife, Spelling is also the host of Craft Wars on TLC. Craft Wars airs every Tuesday at 8/7 Central. For more information about Tori Spelling and family, log onto: www.torispelling.com

See this article on the Examiner: http://www.examiner.com/article/tori-spelling-welcomes-fourth-child?cid=db_articles