The Mother of All Babyshowers - Recap!

Okay, I am fully aware of how far behind I am on my blogging and how late this post is. BUT! Better late than never, right?!?! Between all the blogger events, oil classes and Halloween activities and parties these past few weeks, there is never a dull moment!

Let's talk #MOABS!

This event was incredible! It had everything this mommy blogger could ask for! We are fans of the Young At Art Museum and let me start with saying they completely transformed the place! There was everything from celebrities, to an expert panel of certified pediatricians and lactation consultants, as well as mommy lifestyle blogger Modern Boca Mom (my fave)!

The variety of different panels had their thumb on the heartbeat of all the issues all the new mommies and mommy-to-be's were facing. There were no shortage of questions regarding nursing, lactation, feeding and even sleep issues that were addressed.

As soon as we walked in we were greeted by the lovely "mompreneurs" Alicia Ybarbo and Mary Ann Zoellner, authors of "The Sh*tty Mom". They were super sweet and hilarious guest speakers on the "Mom Panel". Some of the excerpts from their book were down right hysterical! Although I'm an advocate for attachment parenting and couldn't pull of some of their "mommy hacks", the main premise for the book is to poke fun at something we all deal with, Mommy Guilt! An empowering message to women to do the best with what you've got, laugh at what you can and move on. #YaYa!

They shared a table with the adorable NFL Network host and new mom-to-be Jenn Brown. She was absolutely gorgeous and gracious enough to send me home with an autographed picture for the hubby! #CoolestWifeEver!

I was curious to see some new vendors so after a quick photo-op with my favorite mommy blogger and guest panel speaker Modern Boca Mom, we hit the ground running!

Thanks to Jennifer Reina Photography for the awesome photo booth!

The first vendor that really caught my eye was the Nuroo Pocket booth! This is an absolute MUST HAVE for any baby wearing mom! The benefits of skin to skin contact with babies are endless! From accelerated brain development, soothing, lowered stress levels, improved sleep, weight gain and even building immunity! Not to mention the benefits for moms like increased milk production and lowering your risk of post partum depression, and the liberty of being hands free! There is a ton of scientific research supporting these facts and you can learn more about hormone stimulation and the soothing effects of skin to skin baby wearing on the Nuroo Baby website.

Nuroo Baby also had an adorable selection of swaddlers (with babys hip development in mind), as well as some fashionable nursing scarves. Where were these when I had a 15 month old and a newborn to care for? This was my mantra at just about every booth I encountered at #MOABS. 

Next on my list were the lovely people at the Soothe Jewels table, turns out were Instagram besties!

I used teething jewelry with my youngest son, but boy has it come a long way! Their selection was gorgeous! Fashionable and safe jewelry for a purpose, I was in love. Such a great find for new moms!

This event had something for everyone, even dads! I decided to hit the "Dad Zone" and check it out. But first, let me explain. MOABS was catered by Whole Foods Market, I was surprised to see a table with a  wonderful selection of  pasta salads, dips and even cake! 

How cute is this???

Needless to say the line for this table was filled with pregnant bellies and hungry moms as far as the eye can see (myself included)!

Which is one of the reasons I went to check out the Dad Zone, which was awesome! There was virtually no line and they served beer! I treated myself to some fine Pumpkin Ale and scarfed down a few of the tasty Swedish meatballs served by Ikea.

Now, you notice there are no photos of this area. That's because what happens in the Dad Zone STAYS in the Dad Zone! 

I moved on to my next favorite table, the folks from Kuddle Coat! Can we just say, perfection??? This recovering germophobe was thoroughly impressed!

This germ resistant coat gives nervous new parents peace of mind knowing that there is a protective barrier preventing transmittal of harmful bacteria and allergens. If you have one of these handy you can simply ask your guest to put it on before holding your new bundle of joy, GENIUS! No need to feel as though you are inconveniencing your guests by constantly making them change or worrying if your precious little one is at risk, this coat protects from strong odors like pet hair, pollen and perfume as well as carcinogens from cigarette smoke. You can check out their website for more info on all potential effects on newborns and young infants.

(photo credit: Sandy Smith, CEO of Kuddle Coat)

I strolled past the folks at Blankie Pillow on the way to retrieve "alleged meatballs and beer" and had to double back to take a look afterwards. They were so soft and so comfy I wanted to take one home for ME!

Having survived severe acid reflux with my firstborn I couldn't help but wish I had this on those tough nights. This comfortable plush pillow is not only great for propping up your infants while relaxing or for tummy time, it doubles as a toddler pillow as they grow! This is a win/win in my book, I can't tell you how many time my little guys toss and turn at night looking for a cuddle, these arm rests are great for that as well as ensuring they don't take a tumble turning over! A wonderful comforting pillow for children of all ages.

MOABS was a complete success! There was no shortage of new and interesting vendors. It seemed every time I turned a corner there was a new section I hadn't seen with new and interesting products. Couple that with some awesome raffles and giveaways and this event is aptly named. It was quite truly The Mother of ALL Baby Showers. 

It only adds to the appeal that the founder of MOABS, Amy Lundy is a "mompreneur" herself. She's a mom first and decided that moms needed a place they could go to find out about all the top notch products geared towards babies and children. It's easy to get overwhelmed as a parent in a market that is over-saturated with products that either don't work or you do not need. I heard she's already busy with big plans for the next Mother of All Baby Showers, I can't wait!


I'll be sure and keep you all posted!


Essentially Yours,

Erika

Guess Who's Back in Town... It's Green Baby Fair Time Again!!!

We're fresh off the heels of the Mother of All Babyshowers event from last night, but we're ready to jump on in again!

The Green Baby Fair is in town once a year and it is taking place once again at the Little Haiti Cultural Center in Miami! I will be there for sure getting the scoop on all things baby AND green! General Admission is $15 if purchased online or $20 at the door. Children 13 and under are free. But of course you know I had to sneak in a last minute ticket giveaway! Enter now until midnight to win a pair of tickets to the greenest fair in Miami! Only a few hours left to enter! You can qualify by following us @EssentiallyErika on Instagram and tagging a friend, it's that easy! The winner will be announced tomorrow before 10am, which is a good thing because that's when the festivities kick off! a Rafflecopter giveaway Good Luck! Remember, if you don't win tickets you can still purchase online by clicking here.
In the meantime, check out our visit to the Green Baby Fair 2013!

Essentially Yours,

Erika

Everybody Loves A Good Yard Sale!!!

I'm a self-professed #ThriftyMom, if there's a deal within fifty feet I can find it!

The Boca Raton Children's Museum is hosting it's yearly community Yard Sale and yours truly will be there talking oils! 

Come support this wonderful local museum and bring the kids along for some fun!

Pssst... There may or may not be a free giveaway!

Hope to see you there!

Essentially Yours,

Erika

Mother of All Baby Shower Ticket Giveaway Winner Announcement!!!

Congratulations to Sarah Winslow on winning a pair of tickets to The Mother of All Baby Showers being held at The Young At Art Museum!

If you don't have tickets yet, it's not too late!

Tickets are $15 for regular admission (the first 50 regular admission guests will also receive a swag bag), $25 for couple admission, $25 for VIP admission or $45 for VIP couple admission. Click here to purchase tickets to the event and use coupon code MOABS for a $5 discount! All proceeds go the The Young At Art Museum. The festivities begin tonight at 6pm!

This evening is going to be full of fun AND prizes! NFL Network's Jenn Brown and Emmy Award winning producer's and authors of the NY Times bestseller "Sh*tty Mom" will be there!

Not to mention our favorite guest panel speaker Michelle Olson-Rogers from Modern Boca Mom!

Hope to see you there!

Essentially Yours,

Erika

Big Announcement - Essential Oils at The Salt Suite!

The rumors are true! Essentially Erika is bringing Essential Oils to The Salt Suite!

Our newest collaboration is so exciting I couldn't wait to share with you! My obsession with essential oils is well documented, along with my obsession for anything all natural or organic. What could be more natural than SALT? We currently use salt lamps in our boy's room as their night light (It's known to reduce allergens, moisture, pollutants and emitting negative ions), and also Pink Himalayan salt for seasoning.

Let's talk Dead Sea Salt people... It's found at the bottom of a deep valley in between Israel and Jordan 1300 feet below sea level. It's long been considered a healing place, historians dating back 2000 years made notes about the special properties contained in the water. The unique, un-polluted air and warm climate providing a healing environment unlike any other in the world. For years visitors would bottle some up and take it home with them.

According to The Salt Suite, modern science has proven the therapeutic and rejuvenating characteristics of Dead Sea salt with its unique composition of minerals. Dead Sea Salts contain 21 minerals including magnesium, calcium, sulfur, bromide, iodine, sodium, zinc and potassium. These essential minerals are lost throughout the day and as they naturally occur in our bodies they must be replenished.  These minerals are known to treat, detoxify, and cleanse our bodies. To learn more about the contents of dead sea salt and its benefits visit The Salt Suite.


The Salt Suite opened its doors this year in both Delray Beach and Lake Worth bringing those healing properties to you fine folks. If you haven't been there yet you need to book a session, the first one is FREE! Owner, and new friend Jessica Helmer has even been featured as a Mompreneur on our fellow bloggin' mama's site  Modern Boca Mom.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Once a month Essentially Erika will be bringing essential oils to The Salt Suite and teaching essential oil education classes! We will be breaking down the components of essential oils, where they come from, how they are processed and how they can help you! We will be covering all types of uses for essential oils in your home and how to incorporate them into your life. Classes offered will be:

• Medicine Cabinet Makeover

• Pregnancy & Childbirth

• Essential Oils for Babies

• Kids Health & Wellness

• "Make & Take" classes

And More...

Classes are FREE and will be held monthly in the Yoga Room at The Salt Suite, our very first class is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11th at 6pm. To register for the class you can call (954) 770-0861 or RSVP via email at EssentiallyErika@gmail.com. Classes will be interactive and there will be products there for you to try and sample.

Registration for classes will include a brief tour of The Salt Suite where you can get more info and even maybe a quick salt session! (wink, wink)

Hope to see you there soon!

Essentially Yours,

Erika

Last Minute Giveaway! Enter To Win a Ticket to the Mother of All Baby Showers!!!

It's not too late!!!

Hurry and enter below for two free tickets to The Mother of All Baby Showers!

If you haven't heard already this event is the talk of the town and yours truly will be there with some awesome Mommy Bloggers.

Just enter to win below and I'll see you there! The winner will be announced Thursday before noon and can pick up their tickets at registration at The Mother of All Baby Showers.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

When Life Gives You Bruised Bananas... Make Banana Bread!

Some days I wake up wondering exactly how I am physically going to accomplish everything that needs to be done. It seems there just aren't enough hours in the day, I'm programmed to tell myself this. Now I stop myself and think, "There are just enough hours in the day to accomplish whatever it is I need to get done". The former control freak slowly loses this battle as I become more and more aware of my words and the power they hold.

As I get older I realize that I cannot do EVERYTHING all of the time. I simply cannot be EVERYTHING to all people in my life, and I'm finally okay with that. I feel as a society we get wrapped up in "yes" and don't realize the wonderful power in the almighty "no". Being okay with however things turn out and accepting them as if they were chosen to be that way has been a power struggle for me. There is no such thing as "perfect", only how your mind chooses to perceive the way something should be. Anything outside of that is okay too I've come to learn. It's ALL okay and is going to be just fine. The belief in this is what has lead to my peace and stillness while things seem chaotic or overwhelming.

There is a certain surrender that happens when you have children (especially if you have them close in age) that helps you understand that at the end of the day it's not all under your "control". A surrender I feel is necessary to be able to enjoy the "bruised bananas" so to speak. Let me elaborate...

Last week was a doozy! A busy week where it seems we just couldn't seem to catch up. An endless rotation of dishes, laundry, packing/unpacking snacks and lunches, groceries, meals on the-go and rushing through our bedtime routines. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my job. I call it a job because it is the hardest work I've ever done in my life. Although it is my greatest pleasure to raise my boys and be able to witness the constant evolving miracle they are, it's a round-the-clock, never-ending, no-lunch-break-having, lucky if you get a shower in before racing out of the door kind of job. Still, I consider myself a very lucky woman, whose husband is not only capable of providing for his family but wouldn't have it any other way. I am well aware of the struggles that working mom's go through as well, I couldn't imagine working a full shift and only getting a few stolen moments with my boys each night before rushing to do it all again the next morning. I also know working moms who couldn't imagine pulling off what work-at-home moms do all day without a break or much adult interaction.

I feel as though sometimes mom's compete in this arena. DON'T! We ALL have our struggles, no matter what we choose. What works for you may not work for other moms. What you may be willing to sacrifice could be unimaginable for some. We come in ALL shapes and sizes and so do our families! The more comfortable you are with your decisions, the less you need others to be comfortable with it. So do what works for you and your family un-apologetically and move on! (That's all I have to say about that) I can only speak from my own experience and my experience is this:

Some days I look at my house and have no idea how I am going to pull it all off. Last week I looked at dishes piled high (the price you pay for being Eco-friendly and refusing to use paper products AND cooking everything from scratch) and decided I was going to skip the frantic cooking/cleaning mom bit and do what makes me feel good in the midst of chaos, BAKE!

I had some old spotty bananas and remembered I had pinned an awesome banana bread recipe that called for some fresh blueberries. I decided to round up my two favorite assistants and get to work!

The joy that they get from helping me bake is endearing, all they have to do is hear my Kitchen Aid stand mixer turn on and they race from the playroom to the kitchen with bright eyes eager to help. These baking breaks we take are fun and informative. They are allowed to add and mix the ingredients and following recipes all on their own as I stand by and facilitate for safety and the good chuckle I get from their little conversations. I enjoy showing them the process of cooking / baking from scratch and using whole ingredients, teaching them the importance of using real food instead of canned / boxed items. I stop and embrace these simple special moments knowing that all too soon they will be in school and a new phase of our lives will begin.

It still doesn't take away from the nagging pressures of everyday responsibilities, sweeping, mopping etc... I used to have internal meltdowns or hustle until the wee hours trying to get it all done, only to start again each day. I often see new or young moms struggling with the same pressures and figuring how to juggle it all. I've since learned to stop in these moments I feel overwhelmed and get back in touch with what really matters. To center myself and be fully present in the moment, no matter what it may be. My boys won't remember how clean the kitchen floor was growing up or how dinner was always promptly at 5pm. They will remember those times their mom threw caution to the wind and "changed the dance" so to speak. Those evenings she left the laundry on the couch and took them for pizza at the park on the inter coastal to watch the boats go by at sunset. Or the time she used all the bananas in sight to bake the best Blueberry Banana Bread known to man in a kitchen that would scare Cinderella.

Having lost a parent I know all too well the memories that stick with you the most and get me through the toughest moments long after they are gone. If all I'm doing is dishes and laundry what sort of memories will I leave my boys with? What will I teach them about coping with life and learning to let their freak flag fly? How will they learn to be silly and draw laughter and perhaps a bit of grace from those tense moments life often offers.

So if you come on over and the floors are a little sticky, or the tables, windows and counters aren't polished. You must excuse us, we are baking memories...

Buttermilk Banana Blueberry Bread Recipe

Essentially Yours,

Erika