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

SUMMARY:

Jamie Waldvogel, founder of Behave your Best, shares her expertise in behavior analysis and parenting. She emphasizes the importance of teaching behavior as a skill and breaking it down into manageable steps. Waldvogel discusses the benefits of proactive teaching and role-playing to help children learn new behaviors. She also addresses challenges parents face in public settings and offers strategies for prevention and managing behavior in those situations. In this conversation, Jamie talks about the importance of prevention and teaching skills to children to avoid unwanted behaviors. She emphasizes the need to isolate teaching moments at home and use silent strategies to de-escalate situations. Jamie also discusses the power of attention and how to proactively engage with children to create a more peaceful home environment. The most rewarding aspect of her work is seeing the positive impact she has on families and helping them find peace and confidence in their parenting.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Teaching behavior as a skill involves breaking it down into manageable steps.
• Proactive teaching and role-playing can help children learn new behaviors.
• In public settings, focus on prevention and identifying triggers for unwanted behavior.
• Use strategies like distraction, redirection, and setting clear expectations to manage behavior in public.
• Be mindful of the child's light switch and teach when they are at their best. Isolate teaching moments at home to prevent unwanted behaviors
• Use silent strategies to de-escalate situations
• Proactively engage with children to create a peaceful home environment
• The power of attention and its impact on behavior
• The rewarding aspect of helping families find peace and confidence in their parenting

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Jamie Waldvogel and Behavior Best

11:35 Teaching Behavior as a Skill

18:23 Proactive Teaching and Role-Playing

26:09 Managing Behavior in Public Settings

30:42 Isolating Teaching Moments

33:11 Using Silent Strategies

37:41 Getting Their Light Switch Back On

42:51 Creating a Peaceful Home Environment

53:56 The Rewarding Aspect of Helping Families

GUEST RESOURCES:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/behaveyourbest

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/behaveyourbest/

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewaldvogel?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Youtube - https://youtube.com/@behaveyourbestllc?feature=shared

Website - https://behaveyourbest.com/

SUMMARY:

Leah Garczynski, an interior designer and mom, discusses the concept of family first design and how to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces for busy families with Monica Eickman. She emphasizes the importance of considering the big picture and having a vision for the entire space, rather than making isolated design decisions. Leah also highlights the misconception that functionality and beauty are mutually exclusive, and explains how it is possible to find pieces that meet both criteria. She shares an example of a basement remodel where she successfully integrated the family's functional needs with their desire for a high-end aesthetic. The conversation explores the importance of designing a functional and personalized home for busy families. It emphasizes the significance of basements as a second home within a home and the need to ensure that every space in the house is functioning well. The conversation also highlights the value of open communication between homeowners and designers to prioritize design aspects. It discusses the role of interior design in contributing to the well-being and happiness of a family, creating a space that feels good and reflects their personalities. The conversation concludes by addressing the balance between DIY projects and seeking professional help, as well as the emerging trends of personalization, customization, and technology in family-first interior design.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Consider the big picture and have a vision for the entire space when making design decisions.
• Functionality and beauty can coexist in home design.
• Use Pinterest and social media as sources of inspiration, but be realistic about expectations and remember that staged photos do not represent real life.
• When integrating functional needs and aesthetic desires, it is important to find a balance and prioritize what will work best for the family's current phase of life.
• Having open and honest conversations with clients or family members is crucial in order to understand their needs and wants and find solutions that meet both. Designing functional spaces in the home is crucial for busy families.
• Open communication between homeowners and designers helps prioritize design aspects.
• Interior design contributes to the well-being and happiness of a family by creating a space that feels good and reflects their personalities.
• Balancing DIY projects with seeking professional help is important.
• The emerging trends in family-first interior design include personalization, customization, and technology.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Mommasota and the Topic of Family First Design

02:10 Leah Garczynski's Background and Introduction to Family First Design

05:00 Defining Family First Design and Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics

08:17 Using Inspiration and Managing Expectations in Home Design

13:23 Integrating Functionality and Aesthetic Desires in Home Design

18:59 Example of Successfully Combining Functional Needs and Aesthetic Desires

23:45 Considering Environmental Factors in Home Design

24:09 The Impact of the Environment on the Home

25:04 The Significance of Basements in Home Design

26:01 Prioritizing Design Aspects through Communication

30:48 Having Fun and Being Flexible with Interior Design

31:16 Interior Design and the Well-being of a Family

34:01 Designing Spaces for Different Functions

35:47 Shutting Down Social Media and Enjoying Your Home

41:05 The Trend of Personalization in Interior Design

42:00 The Availability of Customization in Home Furnishings

43:25 The Impact of Technology on Interior Design

GUEST RESOURCES:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/13thAvenueInteriors

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/13thavenueinteriors/

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-garczynski-805a7340/

Website - https://www.13thavenueinteriors.com

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Momma-Sota, host Monica Eickman interviews Maddy DePaul, a mother and small business owner, about balancing work and motherhood. Maddy shares her journey of starting her own business, Grey Duck Art, and how becoming a mom has influenced her perspective on success and productivity. She emphasizes the importance of hiring help and setting realistic expectations. Maddy also discusses the rewarding aspects of motherhood, such as witnessing her toddler's growth and learning, and the joy of connecting with customers who appreciate her business. The episode concludes with the message that it's okay to show up messy and do your best.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Balancing work and motherhood requires hiring help and setting realistic expectations.
• Motherhood brings a shift in perspective on success and productivity.
• The most rewarding aspects of motherhood include witnessing a child's growth and learning.
• Connecting with customers who appreciate your business is fulfilling.
• It's okay to show up messy and do your best.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Mamma-Sota Podcast

02:10 Starting Grey Duck Art and Balancing Work and Motherhood

06:21 Managing Business and Parenting

10:58 Strategies and Routines for Work-Life Balance

15:09 The Impact of Motherhood on Business and Creativity

21:49 Advice for Moms Starting Their Own Business

27:36 Changing Perspective on Success in Career and Motherhood

36:20 The Rewards of Motherhood and Business

41:03 Embracing Imperfection and Doing Your Best

42:28 Closing Remarks

GUEST RESOURCES:

Facebook - http://facebook.com/grayduckart

Instagram - http://instagram.com/grayduckart

Website - http://grayduckart.com

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Mommasota, host Monica Eickman discusses the importance of raising confident and authentic children, especially daughters, with guest Claire Schleicher, a pediatric audiologist and mindset coach. They explore topics such as communication, the impact of social media, body image, and nurturing a strong sense of self-worth. The key takeaway is that confidence comes from being true to oneself and embracing imperfections. Mothers are encouraged to model confidence and authenticity for their children and to support their interests and passions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Confidence comes from being true to oneself and embracing imperfections.
• Mothers should model confidence and authenticity for their chdren.
• Supporting children's interests and passions is crucial for their self-worth.
• Open communication about social media and body image is important.
• Zooming out and taking a wider perspective can help mothers make parenting decisions.
• Encouraging children to get in touch with their own needs and desires fosters confidence.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

07:05 The Importance of Raising Confident and Authentic Children

16:29 Modeling Confidence and Authenticity as a Mother

25:26 Open Communication about Social Media and Body Image

35:46 Zooming Out and Taking a Wider Perspective

45:10 Encouraging Children to Get in Touch with Their Needs and Desires

47:03 Conclusion

GUEST RESOURCES:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/behaveyourbest

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/claireschleicher/

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-claire-schleicher/

Website -http://claireschleicher.com

SUMMARY:

In this episode of Momma-sota, host Monica Eickman and guest Jennifer Bourbeau discuss body image and empowering women to live their best lives. They explore the importance of holistic health and wellness, making sustainable lifestyle changes, and building a supportive community. They emphasize the need to nourish the body with enough food and reject extreme dieting. They also discuss the significance of small changes and habit stacking, as well as the role of body positivity in raising children to make healthy choices. In this conversation, the guest discusses her approach to teaching her children about health and nutrition. She emphasizes the importance of creating a positive experience around food and focuses on teaching them about portion sizes, nutrition labels, and how different foods make them feel. She also talks about the concept of capsule wardrobes and how it can help improve body image and confidence. The guest encourages parents to lead by example and prioritize self-respect and self-care.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Holistic health and wellness involve taking care of all aspects of your life, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Making sustainable lifestyle changes is more effective than extreme dieting or exercise regimens.
• Small changes, such as adding more protein to meals or choosing healthier snacks, can add up to significant improvements in health and well-being.
• Building a supportive community is essential for maintaining motivation and accountability on the journey to better health.
• Body positivity is about accepting and loving your body as it is, while also making choices that nourish and support its well-being.
• Raising children to make healthy choices involves modeling positive behaviors and creating a supportive environment. Create a positive experience around food by teaching children about portion sizes and nutrition labels.
• Help children understand how different foods make them feel and the importance of nourishing their bodies.
• Consider implementing a capsule wardrobe to improve body image and confidence.
• Lead by example and prioritize self-respect and self-care.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Momma-sota and Guest Jennifer Bourbeau

01:12 Losing Yourself and Body Image After Becoming a Mom

03:01 Challenges of Identity and Confidence as a Mom

05:50 Empowering Women to Live Their Best Lives

09:34 The Importance of Building a Supportive Community

13:11 Rejecting Extreme Diets and Nourishing the Body

16:42 Focusing on Fat Loss and Body Strength

18:40 Making Small Changes for Lasting Results

21:02 Cost-Effective and Sustainable Healthy Choices

23:00 Raising Children to Make Healthy Choices

25:19 Teaching children about health and nutrition

37:41 The power of portion sizes and nutrition labels

44:10 Improving body image and confidence with capsule wardrobes

49:19 Leading by example: prioritizing self-respect and self-care GUEST RESOURCES:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jenn.h.swenson

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/foodiefitnessflying/

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-swenson/

Website -https://www.foodiefitnessflying.com/