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Need to Get Your Groove Back?
Not sure if you’ve lost your groove yet?
Take our quick Groove Test below to check.
1. When was the last time you picked up a good book? If you can’t remember the title, give yourself “0”
points. If the title was Cinderella, Snow White, or The Berenstain Bears, subtract 50 points.
2. Find yourself using the word “thingamado” because the proper words for things seem to always escape
you? If yes, subtract another 10 points.
3. Seen a good movie lately? Good! Seen one without Barney, The Wiggles, a big red dog, or animated cars?
We didn’t think so. Your groove is quickly losing its power.
4. Has the word “me” evaporated from your vocabulary?
Just a few more:
When was the last time you felt SEXY? Does mommy duty keep you in tennis shoes, blue jeans, wearing a
ponytail and no make-up? Is “Old MacDonald” the only song you’ve danced to in the past year? What about
your intellectual life… Do you think Windows XP is a brand of a new washing machine? Better yet, don’t
know who the US President is but you can name all the characters on General Hospital?
Do you really need us to tell you it’s time to get your groove back? Don’t worry! There is hope, and we know
just what you need to make small, meaningful changes to begin living your life in a whole new way. We
know you love your children, but if you lack enthusiasm and focus in all the other important areas of your
life, read on to learn how to get your groove back, starting today.
SITTING PRETTY
We stay-at-home moms sometimes tend to get a bit more relaxed in our attitude towards life. Our children are
our priority, and nothing else really matters. Another Groove Test question for you: When was the last time
you bought yourself a nice outfit? So what if you don’t work in a public office in Corporate America? Did you
know that nice outfits come in styles other than just “career wear”? Remember, this (everyday) is your life,
and if you don’t take the time for yourself now, then when? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being that
mother that everyone looks at and thinks to themselves “She is so stylish.” So start getting your groove back
by visiting your favorite clothing store and bringing home something you consider “fashionable” – not simply
comfortable, not “good for playing at the park with the kids,” not necessarily black just so dirt won’t show up
– something that you actually find visually appealing. You’ll feel better the minute you see your fabulous self
in the mirror of the dressing room. Not practical, you say? Well a new outfit might be better for you than you
think. Dressing well and looking good tends to energize us and make us more confident, so you will be even
more compelled to engage in activities with your children and participate in meeting other moms when you’re
out and about on the town.
There’s no point in talking about clothing if we don’t mention hair, makeup and accessories. We hear you –
what mom has time for all of that, you ask. Our answer to you – Make time. No, not everyday for the rest of
your life, but once a week if not more, or at the least every two weeks. Ponytails are practical, and makeup
is a waste when you’re just going to the park, we know, we hear you. Remember though, what you do each
day becomes habit-forming and it will serve as a good indication of what you will be doing in years to come.
So ten or twenty years down the line if you still want to feel pretty, energetic, and fashionable, you’d better
get your groove back right now. Waking up half an hour earlier to take time getting yourself together is small
potatoes compared to the vibrancy you’ll feel when it’s all said and done.
Arwen Wilson knows a thing or two about getting your groove back. European-trained nutritionist/herbalist,
Arwen can teach you how to improve your image, even dress yourself thinner and increase your energy.
For a very affordable rate, she will give you just the energy you need to get going again –from fashion tips
and makeovers to sheer pampering – and what mother doesn’t need ALL of that every now and then?
Arwen does house calls and usually discounts her already-affordable rate for larger groups, so contact
Arwen (713-477-2915 or email aphadonin@yahoo.com) and get your girlfriends together for a treat you’ll be
talking about for months!
A NEW LEVEL
Sometimes, just “fixing” your look won’t do. Changing your look from time to time is just as important. Get your
hair cut in a new style, change its color, or better yet, experiment with wigs and hair extensions. They look
great and take only a fraction of the time it takes to keep your own hair looking fabulous. If you think of your
mom or grandmother when you hear the word “wig”, think again. Today’s hairpieces are stylish, fun, and
fashionable, and they come in varieties to suit every taste. A new look gives us a new attitude, and
sometimes that’s all that is needed to put a spring in our step. Rule #1: Rent the movie “The Devil Wears
Prada”. Although it’s not exactly the point of the movie, when you see the heroine’s looks go from horrible to
hottie, it’ll inspire you to do something fun and fashionable with your own look. Change can sometimes be
overwhelming, so start slow if you must – put your ponytail on the other side tomorrow!
What are you going to do for the rest of your life? It’s okay if you haven’t thought about it. You’re savoring
the magical moments of motherhood, and what could be better? Absolutely nothing. But perhaps one day it
might be time to move on to other things – if you decide to return to the workforce, start your own business,
or any number of options. Will you have fallen behind the times? Sure you might have been cream of the crop
at your old job, but what happens several years down the line is a different story. Don’t get us wrong, we
do learn a lot when we’re with our kids, but face it, entertaining little ones for a living is usually not the most
mentally stimulating activity in the world. If we’re not acting in a professional capacity, an office environment,
socializing with colleagues, resolving complex business issues and the like, our mind can begin to lose its
sharpness. So step out of kid zone for a while and make sure you’re incorporating some of these into your
weekly routines: reading the newspapers and/or adult-subject magazines, having phone conversations with
other adults (preferable some without kids) and talking about something other than kids, housekeeping, or the
latest toys. Once a month, read a book on a subject you know nothing about. Another good idea is to
frequently search the employment ads for jobs that are in your line of work, paying close attention to the
requirements. The workplace is changing rapidly, and it would do you good to try to keep pace by at least
reading up on some of the new skills companies are requiring.
Nevermind routine… Be Spontaneous
Sure, that’s easier said than done, but sometimes it’s worth it to just go with the flow. If you don’t have an
extra change of clothes for the baby or if the kids haven’t had a nap, don’t sweat it. You can plan out your
whole life to a “t”, but truthfully, that can get boring. Every now and then, it’s good to do things on a whim.
Go somewhere you’ve never been, and do it without planning. Guess what? If the diaper bag isn’t stocked
there’s a store on every corner willing to sell you anything you might have forgotten. The kids can nap in the
car. Doing something differently or changing your routine instantly takes you out of the norm and allows you
to shake off the things that make you feel confined.
Be a Lifelong Learner
While you’re teaching your child ABC’s, 123’s and everything else under the sun, take the time to learn
something new for yourself. It doesn’t have to be a skill that you could use for work or one that can make
your wealthy, just something that will enhance your life on a personal level. This can be a hobby such as
sewing or cooking, or something less artistic such as learning a new language or sport. In short, make it a
point to learn something new everyday, even if it’s just a new word. If you have a community college nearby
or a leisure learning school, browse through the subjects and pick out one or two classes. Again you ask,
who has time for that? No, our point isn’t to fill up your days with a ton of activities so you will no longer
have quality time with your children. The point is to maximize the time that you do have. Although it’s good to
be spontaneous at times, most times scheduling everyday items help make better use of time and resources.
Combine errands, rather than clean up the house three times a day (as we so often do, just to see our
children mess it up again within minutes), try only once a day (while of course maintaining a safe
environment for your family). If you wake up before the kids, get the most bang for your buck by tackling
tasks that would take half the time to do if they were awake.
Be Adventurous
Try something new as often as possible. That something can be as simple as trying a new cuisine, or
switching your beverage or snack of choice for the week. Trying a new venue for a family night out is a
good example, as is joining a TaeBo class. Here’s another good one: Meet other moms! If you’re new to the
stay-at-home-mom scene or if you’ve been doing it for twenty plus years, meeting and connecting with new
people with similar lifestyles can add value to your life. Even if you have more friends than you can handle
(but who really does?), or if you’re not really into having girlfriends, know this: Building a variety of different,
meaningful relationships will help shape you and your life and smooth out those grooves made by your
routine ways! So don’t be afraid to make the first move. Strike up conversation in the store, at the library or
the park, and don’t hesitate to follow-up smalltalk with “Hey, we should exchange email addresses.” Be
selective, of course. There’s no point in trying to force a friendship with people with whom you don’t click.
The idea is to simply shake things up a bit and explore something new. Another good activity: read a story or
a novel, except for the ending. Then write your own ending!
Do Nothing At All
Ahhh, our favorite. Nothing at all. Let someone else do the work for a change. The road to getting your
groove back begins with – are you ready for this one – getting an ultimate, customized massage. If you
haven’t had one lately (or never), put this on your list of top-five must-dos for February. We’ve got just the
place to try! Jilly McClure of Perfect Sense Massage is a veteran masseuse who knows just what it takes to
help the body and mind bounce back. Focusing on promoting good health, Perfect Sense Massage is located
in Spring Salons at Loutta, but worth the drive no matter where you’re coming from. Massages help improve
circulation, increase your energy, and relieve muscle soreness, among other benefits. Jilly customizes each
massage to fit your individual needs, and HoustonSAHM.com readers can take $20 off their first massage by
simply calling 832-423-6862. So no more excuses. Indulge!
Beyond the oh so relaxing massage, doing nothing means letting the dishes and laundry pile up for a day or
two, or better yet, hire some help. Having an occasional housekeeper is nothing to be ashamed of. A stay-at-
home mom is a full time job, around-the-clock job. Taking an occasional break from household duties is
equivalent to taking a sick day off at an office job. We all need them every once in a while. So get your
groove back, and start by doing nothing at all.
Then what?
Once you get back into a groove you can flourish in, keep it. Always challenge yourself with new goals, and
cycle through these “get your groove” back pointers on a frequent basis to ensure you are maximizing your
groove for a lifetime full of flavor and infinite possibilities.
Not sure if you’ve lost your groove yet?
Take our quick Groove Test below to check.
1. When was the last time you picked up a good book? If you can’t remember the title, give yourself “0”
points. If the title was Cinderella, Snow White, or The Berenstain Bears, subtract 50 points.
2. Find yourself using the word “thingamado” because the proper words for things seem to always escape
you? If yes, subtract another 10 points.
3. Seen a good movie lately? Good! Seen one without Barney, The Wiggles, a big red dog, or animated cars?
We didn’t think so. Your groove is quickly losing its power.
4. Has the word “me” evaporated from your vocabulary?
Just a few more:
When was the last time you felt SEXY? Does mommy duty keep you in tennis shoes, blue jeans, wearing a
ponytail and no make-up? Is “Old MacDonald” the only song you’ve danced to in the past year? What about
your intellectual life… Do you think Windows XP is a brand of a new washing machine? Better yet, don’t
know who the US President is but you can name all the characters on General Hospital?
Do you really need us to tell you it’s time to get your groove back? Don’t worry! There is hope, and we know
just what you need to make small, meaningful changes to begin living your life in a whole new way. We
know you love your children, but if you lack enthusiasm and focus in all the other important areas of your
life, read on to learn how to get your groove back, starting today.
SITTING PRETTY
We stay-at-home moms sometimes tend to get a bit more relaxed in our attitude towards life. Our children are
our priority, and nothing else really matters. Another Groove Test question for you: When was the last time
you bought yourself a nice outfit? So what if you don’t work in a public office in Corporate America? Did you
know that nice outfits come in styles other than just “career wear”? Remember, this (everyday) is your life,
and if you don’t take the time for yourself now, then when? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being that
mother that everyone looks at and thinks to themselves “She is so stylish.” So start getting your groove back
by visiting your favorite clothing store and bringing home something you consider “fashionable” – not simply
comfortable, not “good for playing at the park with the kids,” not necessarily black just so dirt won’t show up
– something that you actually find visually appealing. You’ll feel better the minute you see your fabulous self
in the mirror of the dressing room. Not practical, you say? Well a new outfit might be better for you than you
think. Dressing well and looking good tends to energize us and make us more confident, so you will be even
more compelled to engage in activities with your children and participate in meeting other moms when you’re
out and about on the town.
There’s no point in talking about clothing if we don’t mention hair, makeup and accessories. We hear you –
what mom has time for all of that, you ask. Our answer to you – Make time. No, not everyday for the rest of
your life, but once a week if not more, or at the least every two weeks. Ponytails are practical, and makeup
is a waste when you’re just going to the park, we know, we hear you. Remember though, what you do each
day becomes habit-forming and it will serve as a good indication of what you will be doing in years to come.
So ten or twenty years down the line if you still want to feel pretty, energetic, and fashionable, you’d better
get your groove back right now. Waking up half an hour earlier to take time getting yourself together is small
potatoes compared to the vibrancy you’ll feel when it’s all said and done.
Arwen Wilson knows a thing or two about getting your groove back. European-trained nutritionist/herbalist,
Arwen can teach you how to improve your image, even dress yourself thinner and increase your energy.
For a very affordable rate, she will give you just the energy you need to get going again –from fashion tips
and makeovers to sheer pampering – and what mother doesn’t need ALL of that every now and then?
Arwen does house calls and usually discounts her already-affordable rate for larger groups, so contact
Arwen (713-477-2915 or email aphadonin@yahoo.com) and get your girlfriends together for a treat you’ll be
talking about for months!
A NEW LEVEL
Sometimes, just “fixing” your look won’t do. Changing your look from time to time is just as important. Get your
hair cut in a new style, change its color, or better yet, experiment with wigs and hair extensions. They look
great and take only a fraction of the time it takes to keep your own hair looking fabulous. If you think of your
mom or grandmother when you hear the word “wig”, think again. Today’s hairpieces are stylish, fun, and
fashionable, and they come in varieties to suit every taste. A new look gives us a new attitude, and
sometimes that’s all that is needed to put a spring in our step. Rule #1: Rent the movie “The Devil Wears
Prada”. Although it’s not exactly the point of the movie, when you see the heroine’s looks go from horrible to
hottie, it’ll inspire you to do something fun and fashionable with your own look. Change can sometimes be
overwhelming, so start slow if you must – put your ponytail on the other side tomorrow!
What are you going to do for the rest of your life? It’s okay if you haven’t thought about it. You’re savoring
the magical moments of motherhood, and what could be better? Absolutely nothing. But perhaps one day it
might be time to move on to other things – if you decide to return to the workforce, start your own business,
or any number of options. Will you have fallen behind the times? Sure you might have been cream of the crop
at your old job, but what happens several years down the line is a different story. Don’t get us wrong, we
do learn a lot when we’re with our kids, but face it, entertaining little ones for a living is usually not the most
mentally stimulating activity in the world. If we’re not acting in a professional capacity, an office environment,
socializing with colleagues, resolving complex business issues and the like, our mind can begin to lose its
sharpness. So step out of kid zone for a while and make sure you’re incorporating some of these into your
weekly routines: reading the newspapers and/or adult-subject magazines, having phone conversations with
other adults (preferable some without kids) and talking about something other than kids, housekeeping, or the
latest toys. Once a month, read a book on a subject you know nothing about. Another good idea is to
frequently search the employment ads for jobs that are in your line of work, paying close attention to the
requirements. The workplace is changing rapidly, and it would do you good to try to keep pace by at least
reading up on some of the new skills companies are requiring.
Nevermind routine… Be Spontaneous
Sure, that’s easier said than done, but sometimes it’s worth it to just go with the flow. If you don’t have an
extra change of clothes for the baby or if the kids haven’t had a nap, don’t sweat it. You can plan out your
whole life to a “t”, but truthfully, that can get boring. Every now and then, it’s good to do things on a whim.
Go somewhere you’ve never been, and do it without planning. Guess what? If the diaper bag isn’t stocked
there’s a store on every corner willing to sell you anything you might have forgotten. The kids can nap in the
car. Doing something differently or changing your routine instantly takes you out of the norm and allows you
to shake off the things that make you feel confined.
Be a Lifelong Learner
While you’re teaching your child ABC’s, 123’s and everything else under the sun, take the time to learn
something new for yourself. It doesn’t have to be a skill that you could use for work or one that can make
your wealthy, just something that will enhance your life on a personal level. This can be a hobby such as
sewing or cooking, or something less artistic such as learning a new language or sport. In short, make it a
point to learn something new everyday, even if it’s just a new word. If you have a community college nearby
or a leisure learning school, browse through the subjects and pick out one or two classes. Again you ask,
who has time for that? No, our point isn’t to fill up your days with a ton of activities so you will no longer
have quality time with your children. The point is to maximize the time that you do have. Although it’s good to
be spontaneous at times, most times scheduling everyday items help make better use of time and resources.
Combine errands, rather than clean up the house three times a day (as we so often do, just to see our
children mess it up again within minutes), try only once a day (while of course maintaining a safe
environment for your family). If you wake up before the kids, get the most bang for your buck by tackling
tasks that would take half the time to do if they were awake.
Be Adventurous
Try something new as often as possible. That something can be as simple as trying a new cuisine, or
switching your beverage or snack of choice for the week. Trying a new venue for a family night out is a
good example, as is joining a TaeBo class. Here’s another good one: Meet other moms! If you’re new to the
stay-at-home-mom scene or if you’ve been doing it for twenty plus years, meeting and connecting with new
people with similar lifestyles can add value to your life. Even if you have more friends than you can handle
(but who really does?), or if you’re not really into having girlfriends, know this: Building a variety of different,
meaningful relationships will help shape you and your life and smooth out those grooves made by your
routine ways! So don’t be afraid to make the first move. Strike up conversation in the store, at the library or
the park, and don’t hesitate to follow-up smalltalk with “Hey, we should exchange email addresses.” Be
selective, of course. There’s no point in trying to force a friendship with people with whom you don’t click.
The idea is to simply shake things up a bit and explore something new. Another good activity: read a story or
a novel, except for the ending. Then write your own ending!
Do Nothing At All
Ahhh, our favorite. Nothing at all. Let someone else do the work for a change. The road to getting your
groove back begins with – are you ready for this one – getting an ultimate, customized massage. If you
haven’t had one lately (or never), put this on your list of top-five must-dos for February. We’ve got just the
place to try! Jilly McClure of Perfect Sense Massage is a veteran masseuse who knows just what it takes to
help the body and mind bounce back. Focusing on promoting good health, Perfect Sense Massage is located
in Spring Salons at Loutta, but worth the drive no matter where you’re coming from. Massages help improve
circulation, increase your energy, and relieve muscle soreness, among other benefits. Jilly customizes each
massage to fit your individual needs, and HoustonSAHM.com readers can take $20 off their first massage by
simply calling 832-423-6862. So no more excuses. Indulge!
Beyond the oh so relaxing massage, doing nothing means letting the dishes and laundry pile up for a day or
two, or better yet, hire some help. Having an occasional housekeeper is nothing to be ashamed of. A stay-at-
home mom is a full time job, around-the-clock job. Taking an occasional break from household duties is
equivalent to taking a sick day off at an office job. We all need them every once in a while. So get your
groove back, and start by doing nothing at all.
Then what?
Once you get back into a groove you can flourish in, keep it. Always challenge yourself with new goals, and
cycle through these “get your groove” back pointers on a frequent basis to ensure you are maximizing your
groove for a lifetime full of flavor and infinite possibilities.