1. Multipurpose, multipurpose, multipurpose: The number one key to creating an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere in a small space is to avoid what I call empty pieces. This is anything that takes up space and doesn’t serve more than one purpose. Choosing coffee tables, end tables and TV stands with drawers are a great way to utilize the space they take up. There are  some tutorials on our Pinterest “Home” board for how to turn an old dresser into an awesome TV stand, along with some great decorating inspiration! Another tip is to skip the coffee table all together and opt for a large tufted storage ottoman. This serves the same purpose as a coffee table and doubles as extra seating when you need it.
2. Keep it light: This applies to both lighting and your color theme! Darker colors will make your space feel smaller, so choose a light neutral color for your walls. Choosing a neutral color for your walls also allows more freedom to play with pops of color in your décor. While paint and furniture color are key, it is equally important to make sure that your space is properly lit. A dim or poorly lit room can give the impression your space is smaller than it really is while well placed lighting can have the opposite effect. You should have several lamps (floor and tabletop) throughout your room in addition to overhead lighting.
3. Don’t over do it: When you’re decorating any size space, it’s easy to get carried away. You have to be particularly careful about this in a small space. When it comes to décor, less is more. Having a few tasteful, well placed decorations makes a big impact. Adding too many decorations can make your space look cluttered. Once you find a good balance for your space, never add a new decoration without taking one away!  A good way to keep yourself from going overboard is to think of how long it will take you to dust whatever surface you’re decorating!
4. Be picky with your pics: Be selective when it comes to photos. I know this is a hard one, especially when you have kids! Having too many framed photos can make a space look crowded and overwhelming. Pick a few of your favorites and switch them out regularly. This allows you to keep your photos up to date and your guests will love to see new pictures!
5. Fake it ‘til you make it: These are some of my favorite tricks for creating the illusion of a larger space. Hanging floor to ceiling curtains gives the impression of having large picture windows and makes your ceiling appear higher. This small adjustment makes a huge difference! (Click here to see for yourself!) Another way to accomplish this is by hanging a large, framed mirror on a blank wall. I love finding old mirrors at auctions or goodwill and painting the frames. Old frames have a lot of character and can add a lot of charm to your space. It’s a huge money saver and you have complete creative control when you paint it yourself!

I hope you found some of these tips for decorating a small space helpful! Leave your tips for decorating a small space in the comments below!

The post How to: Decorating a Small Space appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

Relay Foods is giving away a Local Bounty Share full of seasonal produce pulled fresh from some of their favorite farms. The content of the box changes weekly, as the freshest harvest in Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina changes.

The post Relay Foods GIVEAWAY appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

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The post Be Kind to Yourself… You Never Know Who is Watching appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

If I had a super power it would be the ability to stop time. That’s it. That’s all I want is just the power to make it possible in my life to sleep, exercise, clean, work, write, do vocal warm-ups everyday, meditate, and then push play on the rest of the day that includes other people. This is a perfectly reasonable desire I think. I am eternally hopeful – each day is an opportunity for “them” to find several more hours for me to work with. There is so much to be done so let’s get to work on that plan.

I have been told that I take on too much. I guess if I wanted more hours in my day I could just do less – but then what’s the point of living. “You make me tired” is something that has been said to me before. Have you been told that? I’m sure some of you have. It’s not that I am not crazy (debatable) but I am extremely optimistic. I expect the best of people and circumstances every time. It has caused pain and confusion in some instances; but it has also caused me to have faith in people that everyone else has given up on. I hope to never lose this – only to continue honing what I consider a great and powerful skill. I am not always served by that optimism, but what I can tell you, is that I would rather meet each day excited by the possibilities that lie within it, than with a sense of futility and an unwillingness to try. I have a lot of years left on this planet, to be giving up now.

Optimism is very often a choice. I spent a large part of my young life being very cynical. I have been hurt and disappointed. I have made enormous mistakes in my life. I have been afraid and I have failed. An optimistic point of view did not come from a life of sunshine and rainbows it came from the realization that if I decided to meet every situation from a place of defeat then I would never get, be, or do the things I wanted. I wasted a lot of time in my young life struggling with myself. One day I woke up and it became apparent that I had a choice – I could find a way to be more positive or I could become resigned to being disappointed. The time for a change had arrived.

It is through service to others, working to build a stronger community, creating art, and teaching my children about the great wide world beyond their eyes that I feel the weight of the world lifting. It is completely impossible for me to stay alive and not work on these things, but they take time. A few years ago I was giving a talk on women’s emotional wellness and I came across a story by Buddhist teacher and psychologist Sylvia Boorstein that changed everything for me, “…I think about all the…storms happening in the world. I think about storms made by weather, and the extra storms of war and strife… I wonder what it will require for the world to realize that we are all sharing a monumental, ongoing storm, although we cannot change the course of hurricanes with our thoughts, by reaching out in comfort and support and consolation, we could change the world.”

Now that is optimism. It is so easy to spend our time focusing ourselves inside. I want to be one of those people who always believes in the power of individuals to change the world. That’s the hope I want to hand over to my children. Do your work, drink water, kiss your people, get rest, and don’t sweat not getting everything done today. Just keep showing up. 

Until next time,

Erin

The post The Time for Optimism appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

Me and My Mom-1994ish

Around the time that I started college I came to terms with the fact that I am a writer. When things happen to me or around me, my first instinct is to put pen to paper. Something about creating something tangible with my thoughts makes them easier to understand. For as long as I can remember I’ve written about everything that’s happened in my life, big or small. Most of the time I don’t even keep the things I write, but in the moment it helps me to process. A little over a year ago my mom’s mom passed away and for the first time since I’d begun this practice, I couldn’t write.

I loved my Gram so big. She always said that we had the same heart. As much as I’d like to claim that, it’s not true. Nobody has a heart like hers. She was brave and fiercely independent. She was bold and sassy and unapologetically honest. The older she got, the less filtered she became and I loved that. She was the wisest lady I knew with a head for business and heart for people. She was quietly generous and at the ground floor of her identity was a desire to help.  She never asked permission to be who she was.

Instead of writing another paragraph describing my mom, I’ll just say that she is exactly like my Gram. Except the part about getting older… my mom doesn’t age (Yes, I still seek brownie points at 24 years old).

My mom is my best friend. My dad jokes that we’re attached at the hip and although I never admit it, he’s not wrong. We’re always on the phone or texting each other. I rely on her for everything. She listens when I need to vent my frustrations and mirrors my enthusiasm when I’m feeling inspired. She’s my sounding board, my outlet and my confidant.

My Gram was my moms best friend. She meant everything to my mom that my mom means to me. They talked on the phone several times a day and my mom would make the 7-hour trip to see her as often as possible. Sometimes once a month.

My Grandparents were a huge part of our lives growing up. I was very close with my Gram so I was baffled by the fact that I was having writers block when it came to her. It took me over a year to understand why I could never write about my Grams death. There was this mental barricade that wouldn’t allow my thoughts to escape in the way I had grown accustom to. Finally, over a year after her death, I experienced a rare moment of complete clarity and I latched onto the truth that it wasn’t my loss that I was grieving. It was my moms. I wasn’t able to get my feelings onto paper because I had never experienced what it felt like to grieve for someone else.

I got 23 years with my Gram, and they were 23 years well spent. I made so many memories and learned enough lessons from her to last a lifetime. I’m able to find peace with the amount of time I had with my Gram, but I don’t think I’ll ever feel like I’ve had enough time with my mom. I think my mom probably feels the same way.

I’m so thankful for the relationship my Mom and Gram shared because it laid the groundwork for the relationship I share with my mom. I don’t know if I’ll ever stop grieving my mom’s loss, but it’s okay if I don’t. It reminds me to cherish every second I get to spend with her.

“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.” – Cardinal Mermillod

The post My Mom and Her Mom appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

Day Five Winner: Maggi Barnes, nominated by Stephanie Espinosa

Here is what Stephanie told us about Maggi: Maggi is a mom who rocks because she is an amazing single mom, who works hard to make sure her little girl has everything she needs and is always smiling! She is a great mom and great friend!

Congratulations Maggi! We’re so happy for you and hope you enjoy the giveaway!

What Maggi Won: $185 gift certificate worth of services and product including: 60 minute Deep Tissue Massage with Aromatherapy and Hot Stones, 60 minute Essential Anti-Aging Facial, 16 oz jar of epsom salt & Himalayan sea salt blended with choice of essential oil.

Day Four Winner: Martha Lawson, nominated by Jamie Thomas

Here is what Jamie told us about Martha: My mom is amazing. Shes battled mental illness her whole life while enduring quite a story of a life. Shes gone through three marriages, had three kids, and now lives alone after years of working and taking care of everyone else all the time. She has a little peace in her life but she deserves a huge thank you for raising me and my sisters and making it through what she has. Shes a nanny to all three of our 6 grandkids now. She would give you the shirt off her back, cancel her own plans for yours, and give you the last she has in her pocket. Shes a lover of all, but doesnt have enough love for herself. I feel this would really help with that!

Congratulations Martha! We hope this will help you to take a little time for yourself!

What Martha won: The Ultimate Wellness Prize Package: Nutrition Consultation + Fitness Coaching

Day Three Winner: Patricia Troy, nominated by Tyosha Mitchell

Here is what Tyosha told us about Patricia:  I know my mom rocks because of enduring love for me and my younger siblings. Through it all my mom has been strong and stood firm to keep our family together, even when I know shes hurting she keeps a smile on her face. I love her strength and determination and it is keeping me closer to my moms heart. She always helps others and never ask for anything in return even if she needs it! My MOM ROCKS!!!!

Congratulations, Patricia! We’re with Tyosha on this one… We think you totally rock!

What Patricia won: Gift certificate for 3 private infrared sauna sessions at Purify.

Day Two Winner: Desire’ Bennett, nominated by Shannon Dowling

Here is what Shannon told us about Desire’: My sister, Desire’ had a mastectomy and reconstruction this past week to win her second battle with cancer in just two short years. She is a single mom of three kids, one of them is dyslexic and another has Type 1 Diabetes. She works full-time as a pediatric ER nurse, always putting her own children and the children of RVA above her own needs. She fights tirelessly for those with juvenile diabetes, it is her calling to bring attention and awareness to the disease. My sister is selfless and has the biggest heart of anyone I know. It would mean a lot if, after all she’s been through, I can help bring a little sunshine to her day.

Congratulations, Desire’! We hope that you can use this giveaway to pamper yourself a little…you really deserve it!

What Desire’ won: A Gift Box containing a full size Berry Wins Soy Candle, a Tropical Breeze Body Butter, a Sweetsop and Hibiscus Body Scrub, a Travel Size Ambrosia Body Lotion, a Travel Size All Natural Deodorant, a Peppermint Lip Balm, a Green Tea Loofah Soap and  Lavender Lilac Bath Salts.

Day One Winner: Stephanie Slatner, nominated by Elizabeth Allums

Here is what Elizabeth told us about Stephanie: In October of 2013, Matt and his wife, Stephanie, started to notice that something was very wrong. Matt was experiencing intense neck pains and headaches, extreme exhaustion at all times of the day, and his muscles felt like they were getting weaker. Over the course of a year and half, with Stephanie by his side, he visited with numerous doctors, endured expensive neurological tests, MRIs, and CT scans all while getting weaker by the day. Matt eventually lost all of the use of his right hand and arm. He couldn’t lift things and had trouble doing everyday tasks like buttoning his shirt or simply holding his phone and began having difficulty walking. As hope of a diagnosis was fading Matt and Stephanie kept their faith and remained positive. Sadly, in January 2015, a neurologist at an academic medical center in Richmond, VA delivered devastating news; Matt had Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. An incurable neurological disease which attacks nerves commonly known as ALS. They were told that Matt would be in a wheel chair by December 2015 and that he would likely die through asphyxiation because his body would not be strong enough to conduct the basic life sustaining function of breathing. Matt and Stephanie were told that the sooner they accept that he was going to die sometime in the near future the better they could position their family for life after he was gone. He was 37 years old, married and the father of two daughters and a son. With all that Matt and Stephanie are dealing with, not one of us can deny what an inspiration their family is to everyone they know. Matt is always positive, uplifting, manages to have a sense of humor, but most of all, never ever complains. Even with the new challenges they face they continue to be more than willing to help anybody out. Matt and Stephanie happened upon each other in 1998. It was love at first sight. They married in October of 2000 and recently celebrated their 15-year anniversary. They have three of the most beautiful and amazing children. Their oldest daughter Caroline, at age 9, is a fair and natural born leader like her parents. Their son Isaac, at age 6, is as gentle and as caring as his father. Lastly their youngest daughter Lindsey, at age 4, warms the hearts of everyone she meets with her kindness and compassion; just like her mother. They love their family and friends fiercely and are widely respected as an open home family willing to extend themselves to help anyone in need. They are known to throw some of the best neighborhood parties – especially the glow in the dark disco parties that are not just fun for kids but also fun for adults that want to be kids again if just for one night. Even as they are starting to lose everything Matt and Stephanie would still give you the shirts off their backs. They work very hard for everything they have and throughout these past two years, even when Matt could barely move, they both continued to work. Both Matt and Stephanie started their own businesses shortly before Matt got sick. Stephanie owns Hoot Media, a growing photography company maintaining high demand for weddings and weekend activities. She’s amazing, you should look her up. Matt owns a technology startup developing an intelligent next-generation data management platform. Matt and his team can unscramble and optimize the most complex data environments in a blink. Need to gain some IT efficiency? He’s your man to bring everything, and everyone, together. They both work upwards of 10 to 12 hours a day, sometimes 7 days a week. All the while raising three children who have no idea that their father may not be there to see them grow up, get married, and have their own children. As Matt’s condition has continued to decline, Stephanie continues to work to earn for her family, manage dr appointments and Matt’s feeding tube and medications while taking care of the kiddos and house pretty much by herself. She remains positive, hopeful and keeps her sense of humor. She amazing – a total rockstar!

Congratulations, Stephanie! We would have to agree with Elizabeth… you’re a total rockstar!

What Stephanie won:  May Mother’s Day Box or Sweets & Treats Box (winner will choose) from Lemon Drop Gifts and another Lemon Drop Box of her choice in the future to send as a gift or receive it herself.

The post And The Winner Is…. appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

It Runs in the Family – the brainchild of RVA performing artist Erin Mahone – will host the fifth in a series of songs and stories from a life well lived, on Thursday, May 19th, 2016  at 7 pm.  Mahone has made her life’s work building understanding within communities, through the arts and as an advocate for underserved populations – and It Runs in the Family is building upon that legacy. Life is hard but it can be made a little easier with stories, love, music and food!  Erin will be singing songs and telling her own stories as usual, but for this show she will be joined by some Richmond superstar performers and personalities – Roben Farzad of NPR’s Full Disclosure, Justin Laughter of Flashlight Tag, Betzi Hekman of Disco Lemonade and more!

Every show has a theme and this time their theme is Otherness. What is Otherness? Well that’s really up to you. Is there something(s) that make you feel separate from the world? That’s Otherness. Everyone experiences this and the reason we feel “other” is because we think the world will reject us. But maybe not – let’s try saying it all out loud and see what happens. If we don’t die from saying (or singing) the painful things maybe they aren’t so bad after all – at least maybe they don’t have to be things we let hold us back. Who knows…let’s try it.

A portion of the proceeds from every show are donated to a local organization doing important work. This time they will benefit Safe Harbor Shelter – an amazing organization helping victims of sexual abuse rebuild their lives. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at http://www.inourfam.com/upcoming-events/ and will also be available at the door.

The post Tales From Otherness – Coming Soon! appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

These videos are the perfect way to kick off a week of celebrating Mom’s here at Richmondmom. If you’re looking for a unique way to tell your mom you care, enter her in our Moms Who Rock Contest! Monday May 2 – Friday May 6 we are doing a giveaway a day for a mom who rocks! Click here to find out more.

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A few smoothie tips before we get started!

• DON’T USE ICE! Often times adding ice will cause your smoothie to loose flavor. Instead, freeze your ingredients.

• If you’re counting calories, use the Tropicana 50 or any other low cal or sugar free juice option.

• Freeze your kale for green smoothies. It lengthens its shelf life tremendously and I’m convinced it tastes better!

• Classic Fruit Smoothie

This one is my personal favorite. This smoothie becomes my go-to breakfast every summer. It’s delicious and so easy!

¾ cup Frozen Mixed Berries

½ Orange Juice

½ cup Frozen Kale

 

• Green Smoothie

These can be super intimidating. It took me a few years before giving it a try. I had to play with different recipes and find what worked best for me. Here is what I’ve been doing!

1 cup Apple or Pineapple juice

1 cup Frozen Kale

½ cup Frozen Pineapple

½ cup Frozen Mango

 

• Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie

Not much to say about this one. It’s just delicious!

½ cup V8 Fruit Juice (I like the strawberry kiwi)

½ cup Frozen Strawberries

½ cup Frozen Blueberries

1 Kiwi

• Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Smoothie

Okay, technically this is a shake, but it’s so delicious and it would have been cruel of me to not include it!

1 cup Almond, Soy or Coconut Milk

1 Scoop Chocolate Protein

1 Tbsp. Justin’s Almond Butter

1 Frozen Banana

The post 4 Summer Smoothies with 4 Ingredients or Less appeared first on RichmondMom.com.

Image from lewisginter.org

It feels like giveaway season here at Richmondmom! We’re so excited to launch our newest giveaway for a family 4 pack of tickets to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for their newest exhibit, Butterflies LIVE! Summer is right around the corner and Lewis Ginter is the perfect place to spend a day with the kids….and hundreds of butterflies!

Butterflies LIVE! is an exciting opportunity for you and your family to to have a once in a lifetime experience with hundreds of butterflies! The exhibit is packed with tropical butterflies for you to explore and interact with. They release new butterflies every day and if you schedule your trip around 10am you could be there to see it! There is also a special place where you can take a peek into the butterfly nursery!

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has put together an awesome guide with the top 10 tips to read before visiting the butterflies that you can find right here! While you’re there, make sure you take time to check out A Million Blooms (you can read more about that, here). If you place your trip before June 10^th, make sure you pack a bathing suit and hit up the Children’s Garden on your way out for Water Play!

If you don’t win, don’t worry! You can grab tickets at the Garden, or you can click here to find out about a membership so you can visit as often as you’d like!

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is open daily from 9am-5pm year round. The Butterflies LIVE! exhibit is open until October 9.