SUMMARY:

In this episode of Momma-sota, host Monica Eickman engages with two mothers, Yulia and Alyssa, to discuss their unique holiday traditions. The conversation explores the shift from materialistic gift-giving to valuing experiences and community service during the holiday season. They share insights on cultural differences in celebrating Christmas and New Year, the role of the Elf on the Shelf, and the complexities of navigating the Santa myth with children. The episode emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful family experiences and fostering generosity in children. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the complexities of holiday traditions, focusing on the Santa conversation with children, the differences between Christmas and New Year celebrations, the significance of family traditions and food, and the essence of the holiday spirit. They emphasize the importance of spending quality time with family, creating meaningful traditions, and giving back to the community during the holiday season.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Parenting is a beautiful mess that varies for everyone.
• Unique holiday traditions can enrich family experiences.
• Cultural differences shape how families celebrate holidays.
• Shifting focus from gifts to experiences fosters generosity.
• The Elf on the Shelf can be reimagined for giving.
• Practical gifts can be just as exciting as toys.
• Navigating the Santa conversation requires sensitivity and creativity.
• Community service can be integrated into holiday traditions.
• Gift certificates can alleviate the stress of gift-giving.
• Creating memories together is more valuable than material gifts. Kids are curious and often ask challenging questions.
• The spirit of the holiday is about giving and sharing.
• Cultural celebrations can vary significantly between families.
• Food traditions play a crucial role in holiday celebrations.
• Potluck gatherings allow for diverse culinary experiences.
• Time spent together is the most valuable gift during the holidays.
• Creating new traditions can enhance family connections.
• It's important to focus on the spirit of giving, not just material gifts.
• Engaging in community service can enrich the holiday experience.
• Finding joy in family gatherings is essential for lasting memories.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome to Mama Soda: The Realities of Motherhood

02:52 Exploring Unique Holiday Traditions

06:11 Cultural Celebrations: Christmas vs. New Year

08:57 Shifting Focus: From Gifts to Experiences

11:46 The Elf on the Shelf: A New Perspective

15:03 Navigating Gift Giving: Practicality vs. Surprise

17:55 The Santa Conversation: Imagination vs. Reality

26:23 Navigating the Santa Conversation

31:30 Cultural Celebrations: Christmas vs. New Year

36:11 Family Traditions and Food

47:07 The True Spirit of the Holidays

GUEST RESOURCES:

Alyssa de Coup-Crank

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/WoHWuQ9vWee6v9KN/

Email: Sissa81888@yahoo.com

Yulia Carroll

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dacarrollz/profilecard/?igsh=eTVxN3NzamRvdzYy

Email: kenzollo4ka@gmail.com

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Mommasota, host Monica Eickman interviews Dr. Nneka Onuma, a mother of three who balances a full-time job, her own cake design business, and motherhood. They discuss the challenges of juggling multiple responsibilities and the importance of self-care and wellness. Dr. Onuma emphasizes the need for moms to give themselves grace and recognize that they are doing a good job. She also encourages moms to make time for activities that bring them joy and re-energize them. The episode concludes with a reminder that moms are important too and should not forget to take care of themselves.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Juggling multiple responsibilities as a mom can be challenging, but it's important to give yourself grace and recognize that you are doing a good job.
• Self-care and wellness are essential for moms to maintain their well-being and be the best moms they can be.
• Finding activities that bring you joy and re-energize you is crucial for maintaining balance and avoiding burnout.
• Remember that you are not alone in your struggles as a mom, and connecting with other moms can provide support and reassurance.
• Don't forget to prioritize yourself and make time for activities that are important to you, as your well-being is just as important as your role as a mom.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Mommasota Podcast

01:26 Guest Introduction: Dr. Nneka Onuma

02:56 Juggling Responsibilities: Finding Balance as a Mom

11:39 The Importance of Self-Care and Wellness for Moms

18:04 Finding Joy and Reenergizing Through Personal Passions

26:05 You Are Not Alone: Connecting with Other Moms

34:09 Prioritizing Yourself: The Importance of Self-Care

40:46 Final Thoughts and Advice

GUEST RESOURCES:

Facebook - @sweetheavenbynne

Instagram - @sweetheavenbynne

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nneka-onuma-ph-d-7026523b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Youtube - @sweetheavenbynne

Website - http://www.sweetheavenbynne.com/

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Mommasota, Host Monica Eickman introduces Caroline DeKrey. A Minnesota mom of three, she shares her journey of becoming a micro-influencer on

Instagram and running an Etsy shop. She discusses how her passion for art led her to open an Etsy shop, Sweet Silhouette Co., and create an Instagram page to showcase her artwork. Caroline talks about the challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood, her career as a speech pathologist, managing her Etsy shop, and being a micro-influencer. She emphasizes the importance of finding a balance with screen time for children and shares family-friendly activities and mom hacks on her Instagram page. Caroline encourages moms to try unexpected things and be willing to pivot in their journey.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Finding a balance with screen time for children is important, and it's up to each family to decide what is appropriate for their kids.
• Simple activities and outings, like going to parks and playgrounds, can create lasting memories for children.
• Being a micro-influencer on Instagram allows Caroline to share tips, tricks, and hacks for families and inspire others.
• Trying unexpected things and being open to pivoting can lead to new and exciting opportunities.
• Caroline encourages moms to live in the present and pursue their passions, even if they don't know all the details or what the future holds.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Mommasota Podcast

01:09 Caroline's Journey as a Mom and Micro-Influencer

03:25 Transition from Speech Pathologist to Micro-Influencer

05:14 Starting an Etsy Shop and Growing on Instagram

07:31 Balancing Motherhood, Career, and Being a Micro-Influencer

13:23 Promoting Less Screen Time for Children

19:02 Incorporating Professional Expertise into Instagram Content

23:48 Managing Daily Life as a Mom and Micro-Influencer

29:23 Favorite Family-Friendly Activities and Mom Hacks

35:23 Memorable Moments and Future Plans

38:40 Final Advice for Moms

40:32 Closing Remarks

GUEST RESOURCES:

Facebook - @sweet.silhouette.co

Instagram - @sweet.silhouette.co

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinedekrey

Website - https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetSilhouetteCo