Tag: mom

Why All Moms Are Super Moms

By Kristen Bandy

On May 11, 2019

In Customer Testimonials

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “Super Mom”?

Maybe you think of the mom who always has a clean house and enjoys having people over.

Perhaps it’s the mother who volunteers for every available opportunity at school.

Or you could be picturing the mom in the pickup line who looks like she just stepped out of the pages of a magazine.

If these are the moms you had in mind, you’d be right. They are all Super Moms.

In fact, all moms are Super Moms.

Society (and our own inner voice) had us believing that everything should be put together and perfect at all times to be a “Super Mom.”

We must juggle all our responsibilities with a full face of makeup, a clean house, and impeccably behaved kids.

Well, I’ve got news for society: Life isn’t always Instagram-perfect. It just can’t be. I know mine isn’t, and if you follow me on my blog, you’ve seen firsthand my imperfections in all their glory.

Even the mothers you look up to have something in their lives that isn’t perfect.

That’s right, guys. We all have something that keeps us up at night.

It’s time we realize that being a Super Mom doesn’t mean having kids who are dressed to the nines, looking like they stepped out of a magazine or a catalog.

It doesn’t mean having a house that always looks like it’s about to be photographed for Southern Living magazine.

and it sure doesn’t mean looking beautiful 100% of the time, and definitely not for school drop off at 8am.

So what is a Super Mom?

The essence of a Super Mom lies in all the little things that no one notices. It’s the things they do day in and day out to keep their families afloat.

Maybe it’s remembering to pick up your kids for early dismissal, even if you have to set 6 alarms.

Sometimes it’s as simple as putting a snack in your child’s backpack, even if it’s not the healthiest option in the pantry.

Maybe if you’re like me, it’s stumbling out of bed at 5:30 a.m. everyday to help your kid prepare for school (thank heavens for coffee, right?).

Most days, being a Super Mom entails small everyday stuff: Things like getting up for the umpteenth time to look again at what they made in the sandbox, even if it’s the first time you’ve sat down all day.

Super Moms are the ones who, despite clinging to their last threads of sanity, still show up for their kids.

Being a Super Mom entails embracing the not-so-picture-perfect reality of motherhood in every season, especially the hard ones.

All these seemingly insignificant things make us Super Moms. And these means all the mothers in our lives deserve to be called a Super Mom.

I have been blessed to have so many Super Moms in my life.

Moms whom I look up to.

Moms whom I text in the middle of the night when my kids have a weird sickness.

Moms who let me vent to them at the end of a long day and never judge me.

I am lucky to have a fantastic mom who worked so hard to provide for herself and her three girls, despite so many obstacles. She always went without so that we could have what we needed. Was she perfect? Nope. But she definitely is a Super Mom.

I have a wonderful stepmom who welcomed her new husband’s three girls, loved them like her own, and never made them feel unwanted. I think of how old she was when she became an instant mom, and I don’t know if I could have done the same thing. Was she perfect? Again, no. But she is also a SuperMom.

My two sisters, both Super Moms, have a lot on their plates but still manage to be amazing mothers.

I am surrounded by a small but mighty tribe of friends with different parenting styles, whom I turn to whenever I need someone who understands why I can barely form a sentence at the end of the day.
They listen. They empathize. They know what it’s like. And supporting your fellow moms makes you a Super Mom.

You know what else makes one a Super Mom?

Admitting that sometimes, you just can’t have it all together.

It’s important for mothers to share their real, unvarnished experiences as much as they share the perfect moments. My blog was conceived upon this thought. I love my life and every moment is worth sharing, even when things aren’t the best.

Your mom friends, especially, need to know that things will not always be sunshine and roses. Being open with the truths of motherhood makes you a Super Mom, and it helps us all to know that we are not alone in our struggles.

On more days than I care to admit, I go to bed thinking that I have been the worst mother. I lay in bed and list all the ways that I have failed my children in just one day. Can you believe that? All it takes is just one day for me to screw up the future generation.

This is how my brain works. And I know I’m not the only one who thinks this way. I get so many messages expressing these same doubts and insecurities. You all know it fills the pages of most mom-centered books.

During these moments of uncertainty and doubt, I take a minute to look through the pictures on my phone. I see my kids’ smiling faces, and I know that they are okay. That I am doing okay. And that things will be okay.

My calm-down ritual is even better now thanks to my Nixplay frame, which lets me take this moment one step further. As I’m going through the days’ pictures to remind myself that I’m not as terrible as I think, I move them to the Nixplay app. While I’m getting some much-needed sleep, the pictures are uploading to my frame.

In the morning, while stumbling bleary-eyed to the coffee pot, the first thing I see when the sleepiness fades away is a beautiful reminder that, on my worst days, my kids still think I’m awesome. How could I believe otherwise when I see their big smiles flit across my Nixplay frame’s screen?

Having my phone pictures on display is an effective reminder that my kids are loved, happy, and thriving. It’s such a simple thing, but it brings me so much joy.

I am doing the very best I can, and this is what makes me a Super Mom.

You may have no makeup on, a messy house, and the same black yoga pants as yesterday. But if, at the end of the day, your kids go to bed knowing that they are loved, cherished, and that you would do anything for them, guess what? You are still, and will always be, a Super Mom.

Mum’s The Word: 10 Quotes To Celebrate Mothering Sunday By

By Mars Salazar

On March 29, 2019

In Holidays

Mothers are some of the strongest, wisest, kindest, and toughest people in the world. Their seemingly endless ability to nurture, nourish and love makes them superhuman, and we don’t know what we’d do without them.

As the U.K. celebrates Mother’s Day this March 31, let’s take a moment to honor our mums with these inspiring quotes.

“When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth.” – Mitch Albom

“It’s a funny thing about mothers…Even when their own child is the most disgusting little blister you could ever imagine, they still think that he or she is wonderful.” – Roald Dahl

“My mom is the No. 1 person who has taught me to be courteous towards women, to always be respectful and polite to them, and to always lead with your heart.” – Zac Efron

“The clocks were striking midnight and the rooms were very still as a figure glided quietly from bed to bed, smoothing a coverlid here, settling a pillow there, and pausing to look long and tenderly at each unconscious face, to kiss each with lips that mutely blessed, and to pray the fervent prayers which only mothers utter.” – Louisa May Alcott

“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” – Maya Angelou

“My mother taught me that there are more valuable ways to achieve beauty than just through your external features. She was focused on compassion and respect, and those are the things that ended up translating to me as beauty.” – Lupita Nyong’o

“A mother is always the beginning. She is how things begin.” – Amy Tan

“My mother…she is beautiful, softened at the edges and tempered with a spine of steel. I want to grow old and be like her.” – Jodi Picoult

“Nothing can really prepare you for you the sheer overwhelming experience of what it means to become a mother. It is full of complex emotions of joy, exhaustion, love, and worry, all mixed together. Your fundamental identity changes overnight.” – Kate Middleton

“You never again have a day where you don’t think of your kids first…like, ‘How are the kids doing? What do they need?’ That’s my first thought when I wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night. I’m always thinking of them.” – Zooey Deschanel

This Mother’s Day, surprise and delight your mum with a Nixplay Frame for her favorite memories. Get up to 25% off selected frames, only until March 31!

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

7 Presents you Can Buy Mum For Mothering Sunday

By Nixplay Team

On March 22, 2019

In Gifting Guides

For all the sacrifices she has made for the family, you’ll definitely agree with us that mum deserves only the best. With Mother’s Day coming up in the United Kingdom, make it an extra special holiday with these gift suggestions.

A Spotify Premium Subscription

A Spotify Premium Subscription lets her enjoy all her favorite songs, on the go. Set up her account for her, and while you’re at it, make a playlist of her favorite songs, as well as some musical gems you’d dedicate to her like “More Than A Woman” by the BeeGees, “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion, and “Mama” by the Spice Girls.

A Nixplay Frame

A Nixplay photo frame pre-loaded with mum’s favorite photos will make for a touching gift. It’s a timeless present that will delight her for years to come. Just make sure to keep it updated with your family’s latest photos!

PS: UK residents can get up to 25% off selected Nixplay Frames, only until March 31!

A flowering plant

Does mum have a green thumb? A pretty plant that’s easy to care for will make for a lovely gift that will last a long time. Some orchids, perhaps, or a succulent in an adorable pot

Customized birthstone jewelry

A pretty trinket with birthstones of the members of your family will make for a delightful gift. Make sure to get jewelry made of non-tarnish metal so your mum’s skin wouldn’t be irritated!

A framed personalized print

Found an artist whose work you adore? Commission him or her to create a piece for mum! It can be a portrait of mum or an adorable illustration of your family. Make sure to get it professionally framed so it’ll last for a long time.

Scented candles

While some may dismiss scented candles as frivolous fire hazards, you have to admit that they add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any room. For Mother’s Day, splurge a bit on designer scented candles—the better for mum to relax with.

Great cookware

If mum loves to cook, spoil her with excellent cookware. A Le Creuset cast iron casserole, preferably in her favorite color, will ensure that you’ll be her favorite in the family (of course, your new status will be a secret between the two of you).

How To #GiveLikeMum On Mother’s Day

By Mars Salazar

On March 16, 2019

In Holidays

March 31 is a big day for our readers who live in the United Kingdom. This is the day when you’ll be celebrating one of the most important women in your life: your mother. Your mum has likely made so many sacrifices for your family, and this is the best time to let her know just how much you adore her and appreciate everything she has done for you.

This Mother’s Day, #GiveLikeMum with these simple yet meaningful gestures.

Surprise her with flowers.

Get mum a bouquet of her favourite blossoms, and give it to her first thing in the morning. Her day will be off to a great start!

Help out with the household chores.

At one point or another, we’ve all been asked by our mums to do the dishes, sweep the floor, take out the trash, and do other chores. Impress your mum on Mother’s Day by doing all of these chores without her prompting. This is bound to bring a huge smile to her face.

Take her out for some pampering.

Bring mum to her favourite spa and treat her to a day of relaxation and pampering. Get her a massage, a manicure, and a pedicure, maybe even a haircut too!

Compile your family’s favourite memories.

Take out your photo albums, gather all your favorite photos, and compile them in a scrapbook. Even better, scan your photos and display them on a Nixplay Frame! This will also allow her to see your latest family photos in real time.

This Mother’s Day, make your mum smile with a Nixplay Frame! Get up to 25% off selected Nixplay Frames, only until March 31!

Get her something she really wants but would never splurge on.

Most mothers think twice before purchasing something they love, willingly forgoing some luxuries for the sake of their families. Show your mum that you appreciate all the sacrifices she has made for you by surprising her with a thoughtful present, like a well-made bag she can carry to work or concert tickets to see her favourite musician.

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

5 Simple Yet Brilliant Gift Ideas Any Mom Would Love To Get For Mother’s Day

By Mars Salazar

On May 6, 2018

In Gifting Guides, Holidays, Special Moments

Mother’s Day—the day we get to celebrate the original Wonder Woman in our own universe—is coming up in a week. If you already have a gift lined up, good for you! If not, this is your cue to start scrambling for the perfect present. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be meaningful. These five Mother’s Day gift ideas are easy to pull off—add a bouquet of her favorite blooms and a handmade card to make her feel like the queen she really is:

Offer to do her chores.

No one—not even Mom—truly enjoys doing housework, especially on Mother’s day, a day when she’s supposed to be treated like royalty. Take the weight off her shoulders for a day by offering to do the cleaning in her stead: It’s a simple, priceless gesture that’ll truly make her day.

Make it better: Mothers need a break, too. Create “chore vouchers” that Mom can cash in so another family member can do a chore for her. Better yet, ditch the vouchers altogether and voluntarily take on a chore she usually does, like shopping for groceries or doing the laundry, for the rest of the year.

Let her spend uninterrupted quality time with the family.

Moms are some of the busiest people in the world: They’ve got children to chase, food to prepare, homes to clean, pets to take care of, and spouses to love. It’s not easy juggling all these in addition to her career and hobbies, so giving her the chance to bond with her family without worrying about her other obligations would be great. Remember to take lots of pictures!

Make it better: If the kids live away from home, it shouldn’t be a problem. A Nixplay frame can help bridge the distance: help Mom set it up so she can have her precious memories at her fingertips. Take advantage of Nixplay’s Mother’s Day offer to get 20 percent off on all Nixplay Wi-Fi Cloud Frames and 15 percent off on all NIX Digital Frames until May 13. Buy your own frame here.

Get the kids to clean up after themselves

A mother’s unconditional love for her children gives her the willpower to make sacrifices for them. She’d willingly forego vacations and shopping trips, just to be able to secure her kid’s future. The least the little ones can do is to help her out by minimizing the mess they create at home.

Make it better: Make tidying up more fun for the kids by making a game out of it! You can time them doing a specific task like organizing their toys, and you can give them small prizes if they beat their best time. Or you can sneakily get the tots to help during laundry day by making them race against each other to gather dirty clothes in a certain color. Do it regularly, and you’ll soon be surprised at how eager they’ll be to clean up.

A gift card for her favorite spa or salon.

If there’s one day in the calendar when Mom deserves to be spoiled, it’s Mother’s Day. Treat her to a massage at her favorite spa, or accompany her to the salon for a haircut and a mani-pedi date.

Make it better: Mom deserves to feel her best the whole year round. You can take her to Sephora or Ulta and have her pick out a product she’d really use and love. That way, she’ll remember you every time she uses it.

Treat her to a delicious home-cooked meal.

Give Mom a break from cooking, even if it’s just for one day! Get the whole family to help out in the kitchen: the younger kids can help prepare the food and set the table, the older kids can cook, and dad can do the groceries. Don’t forget to wash the dishes after!

Make it better: Why stop at Mother’s day? Set aside time every weekend to prepare a meal in Mom’s stead. Aside from being a great way to hone the little ones’ culinary skills, it’ll also give Mom some much-needed “Me” time.

What will you be giving Mom on Mother’s day? Share it with us below.

Join our contest for a chance to win a Nixplay Iris for your mom!

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.