Showing posts with label Mothers Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mothers Day. Show all posts

Sunday, 14 May 2017

Mumma, Love Yourself - A Survival Guide for All Mothers

Amidst all those mother-centric articles to rejoice Mother's Day, I settled on writing something that is a forgotten concern since forever and yet so vital. 

Having gone through motherhood myself and after watching many other women around, I can assert Motherhood is a constant hard work. We, the women, take great of ourselves during pregnancy because we know that it directly affects the little baby growing inside us by what we eat, drink and do. But once the baby is no longer a part of mother's body, women easily forget that there is a close association between a mother caring for herself and caring for her children (and family).
Why moms should take care of themselves?
Most women see a direct correlation between placing everyone else’s needs above their own needs each day and many of them even find it 'selfish' to take away time from kids and doing something exclusively for themselves. But I believe women are the center of the home and are worthy of self-care and respite. A mother who is well-rested, well-fed and mentally relaxed is far more equipped to be a 'better mother' than the ones who 'escape' doing these things.

With that in mind, let me suggest how moms may take care of themselves ...
Post delivery, it's a real joy to have visitors to congratulate you and meet the new born, but remind yourself to let someone else take care of all responsibilities to entertain guests and feel free to excuse yourself for a nap to comfort your body when needed. It certainly makes a big difference.

Go for easy but heartier meals when you are the one who has to cook and you don’t have energy for elaborate cooking. Avoid exhausting yourself due to long n stressed cooking times.

If you feel isolated and depressed being at home, avoid clinging to the TV or internet; plan a short meet up with close friends at your place to cheer yourself up.

Meditate, chant or pray for a few minutes every day for your mental well-being.

I understand it's almost impossible to spare an hour or so in one go with little ones in house. But you can certainly break your self-care habits into smaller chunks and do one each day. Spending a few minutes under shower to soothe, refresh and energize yourself is a great option. Make sure you use a gentle body wash for added detox and relaxation. I personally recommend Mama Earth Calming Body Wash that is enriched with goodness of Coconut based cleansers and Jojoba Oil to nourish your skin. The Allantoin & Vitamin E in the bodywash help skin to lock in moisture and promote healthy cell development thus preventing dull and sallow skin. Above all, I loved how instantly it uplifts my mood, lessens fatigue and promotes emotional wellness. 
While your new role as a mom takes up most of your time, do not ignore your skin looking dull due to stress and tiredness. Think about investing in a quality body lotion and spend a couple of minutes hydrating your skin. Mama Earth Nourishing Body Lotion comes handy in this situation for its protective, moisturizing and skin strengthening properties due to all-natural ingredients like Shea Butter & Cocoa butter and Jojoba Oil. The product is clinically tested in Europe, hypoallergenic and free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil and synthetic fragrances etc. This body lotion also forms a barrier to external irritants and prevents any skin problems like eczema.  
Getting back to shape and attaining that natural glow is a desire of every new mom. You may not be a makeup freak, but little time for quick beauty fixes need to be taken out for 'feel good' factor. Using a multi-functional product like Mama Earth C3 Face Mask is the key to flaunt brightened skin. It's a Charcoal, Coffee and Clay based mask with a boost of fruit extracts like papaya, mulberry and cucumber. The skin rejuvenation comes easily as the mask works towards curing irritated skin, inflammation, pimples, acne & other bothersome skin concerns. The mask has antioxidant properties which help remove toxins, unclog pores, even skin tone. Sounds promising ;)

Now, after talking at length about health and beauty concerns, I would strongly stress upon the point Do not expect to win any awards for checking off all the items on your long to-do list at home. Lighten your burden by eliminating unessential responsibilities and don't fall for praises at the cost of your health. Because moms need to take better care of themselves while taking care of their babies. Only when a mom is healthy and happy will the baby and family be happy. 
Celebrate  the spirit of motherhood by shouting out loud #MamaLoveYourself

Monday, 8 May 2017

My Real Mommy Vs Reel Mommy

Citing the examples of on-screen mothers and finding the closest match to my mom seemed easy to me when I decided to write about #MyFilmyMom, but brought back many episodes flashing instantly in front of my eyes that declared she is an iconic mom who blends certain characteristics of our fav Bollywood mothers.

Since the day I could remember, I've recognized a saree-clad humble woman as my mom who has inevitably essentialized what an Indian mother ought to look like. With her typical motherly features and prominent value system, my mom ideally exemplifies the Golden Era's mothers like Nirupa Roy and Waheeda Rehman.

Irrespective of the socio-economic class my family belonged to, my mom supported me despite all odds. Be it the matter of pretty dolls, frilly frocks or my higher education; she's been a key player in getting me all those without being asked. I would always feel mom has a supernatural power to read my eyes. And now when I live far away from her, she still catches up with my feelings over a phone call. That's the reason I lovingly sing to her "Tujhe Sab Hai Pata, Meri Maa."

Something what hurts me about her is that she’s the kind of mom who refrains from expressing any emotions. She loves her children to bits and stands by us when it’s most needed; but never shares her grief or worries with anyone. Her worrisome personality at times reminds me of SriDevi of English Vinglish who give up everything for the happiness of her children.

There has been no day in my life when I don't thank her from the core of my heart for allowing me tying a knot with my beloved despite it being an inter-cast alliance. Truly, the emotional weight of this divine relationship of mother-daughter got raised that day to infinite when she battled the society for my happiness and changed my fate for the 'better'. I honestly cannot ask for anything else being blessed to have a mom like her who stood like a pillar of strength in all my #BigSmall decisions. For me, she embodies a mother who believed in her kids beyond and above everything else... Just like sacrificing filmy moms Jaya Bachchan and Rakhee.
Mom & Me
On this Mothers' Day, I consider myself privileged since she plays the mom who every daughter dreams of having. To reiterate the emotional journey with my mom, I would love you all to meet my gracefully ageing mom who is the most selfless woman I have ever met...
Mom Dad
Do surprise your loving mom with a token of love, Visit Bigsmall.in for fantastic gift ideas.
This article is the entry for Mother's Day Bloggers Contest by Bigsmall.in, unique gift store in India.

Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Celebrate Mothers' Day With #PlumAndMum Giveaway

Mother's day is around the corner! It's the time when you all will be planning to gift a token of love to the most affectionate woman of your life. I am soooo excited to choose the best gifts for my mom and apparently decided to send some love to other great mommies out there too ;) Sounds exciting !!

I present a cute Mothers' Day Giveaway in association with Plum that lets 3 lovely mommies win a Green Tea Renewal Shower Gel ...yippie :) 
Read the rules below--
  • Follow Plum and Alive n Kicking on Facebook. 
  • Follow me and PlumSpeak on Twitter. 
  • Subscribe to my blog via email. (Don't forget to verify by clicking on the link received in your email)
  • Post a mother-child duo picture on my Facebook timeline and answer in not more than 3-4 lines, "Why do you think is Plum as loving & caring as mum?" Tag both the pages with hashtag #PlumAndMum while posting the pic. (Posting only 1 pic is allowed) 
  • Share the giveaway on your Facebook timeline tagging the pages n hashtag. 
  • Retweet the giveaway post link on twitter tagging the pages n hashtag.
  • Don't forget to leave all your details including email id in the comment section of this blog post after doing all the steps. 
  • The giveaway is open to all male and female residents of India above the age of 18. It starts on 6 May,15 and ends on 21 May,15. 
Winner Selection Criteria:
There will be 3 winners, each of those will win an awesome full-sized skin care product from Plum. And this is how we will choose them...
  • 1 winner for Best answer to the question.
  • 1 winner for the most adorable picture.
  • 1 winner for maximum interaction on the blog.
So get into the groove..We are waiting to see your lovely pictures :)

P.S. Its a sponsored giveaway and the prizes will be sent by the sponsors directly to the winners addresses.