Appreciate the Small Things

After dropping off Lady Clara and Sir Isaac at school, I made my way to the park to take a short cut to the bus stop. I noticed that the Parks Department had cut the sprinklers on. Yes… summer is officially here! The sprouting water looked so cool and refreshing – especially on a smoking hot day as this – that I felt compelled to take a picture to remind me of the season and all it has to offer. As I was positioning my camera phone to take the snap shot, a fellow LPBS parent walked pass me with his son. Apparently, they were in the middle of a heart-to-heart conversation, when the father said, “You have to appreciate the little things.” Wow… how true of a statement that is! After all, it’s the little things that really count.

My son hugging me and telling me that I’m the best mom in the whole wide world means so much to me. My daughter fixing me a delicious salad and serving it to me means so much to me. My after-school students literally pulling at my arms all at once to get a chance to hold “Ms. Huff’s” hand means so much to me. These same students drawing photos of me with pigtails and a big grin on my face (oh how capture me so well… hee hee!) means so much to me. Receiving texts from friends just sending me a quick note to let me know that I am on their mind means so much to me. The fact that I have time (RIGHT NOW) to sit in the park and write this blog means so much to me. I take none of the fore mentioned things for granted. I appreciate them all!

Sure, we have a lot of pressures on a day-to-day basis to overcome. But, we must now allow them to cloud our hearts, minds and spirits and make us forget about the little things in life that mean so much. We need to sweat the little things in life. They are the things that truly make life worth living. The next time you take your children to the park, just watch the look on their faces as the slide down the slide or when they reach the end of the monkey bars. Their smile is an indication that their time is being spent having fun – with you. That is a little thing. But then, it’s a big thing, too. That – and many other memories – will forever be embedded in their minds.

No, it’s not going to be the $400 you spend on summer clothes or the Nintendo Wii that you buy them that will touch their hearts so deeply, but those days when all you had was you and your time to spend with them. It’s a little thing that’s really a big thing. It’s a beautiful thing, too! And, this editorial offering is a little gift from me to you that I hope you use to make big things happen for you and your children.

Until the next time I write you…. I’m just living the solo mommy life.

Love ya!

Feona Sharhran Huff
Founder & CEO
Solo Mommy Magazine
“Empowering you with savvier ways to live a simpler life”
http://livingthesolomommylife.blogspot.com

Step into Your Power!

Did you know that you had it going on? If you didn't, I'm telling you.... YOU DO! After all, it takes a special type of person to do what we do, which is make life happen for ourselves and our children. Only a powerful person can get up every morning to get the children ready and off to school, go to work and make deals happen, run side businesses, volunteer, and the list goes on. And, all of this is done without breaking a sweat (or a nail!).

But, that's what single moms do. We make life happen f or ourselves and our children EVERYDAY. We are skillful and creative. We know how to turn nothing into something. We improvise and wow people with our enterprise. All in all... we get it done. Our surroundings and the way our children live are a direct result of our powerful being.

So the next time that you think you're not doing enough or being enough, put those feelings on pause. Look at yourself in the mirror and see the strength that illuminates. Watch how your children skip about their day happy. That's you! I created my communications agency, Powerhouse Media Group, with all of this in mind. And, as the tagline goes: "When you step into your power, you become a powerhouse." I truly believe that. I embrace that concept everyday. I want you to do the same. This world needs your power to exist. So, step into it... NOW!

Until I write you next... I'm just living the solo mommy life.

Love ya,

Feona Sharhran Huff
Founder & CEO
Solo Mommy Magazine
"Empowering you with savvier ways to live a simpler life"
http://livingthesolomommylife.blogspot.com

Food 4 Thought: Step Out of Your Routine Lunch Break Eating Zone

Instead of lunching at the fast food restaurant nearby, I opted to take the B38 bus then the B15 bus to Food 4 Thought (F4T). The Bedstuy-based eatery boasts delicious dishes that are healthy too. I ordered a chicken wrap and a Flatbush. "What's the later?," you ask. It's one of F4T's signature smoothies that represents a neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. The Flatbush is made out of peanuts and bananas. It was gone before I made it to the bus stop heading back to work!

The other thing that I love about F4T is the ambiance. It has an inviting and friendly setting. People meet up to catch up on life, listen to eclectic music, play chess (oh, and they have a NICE chess set!) and get work done on their laptops. It also serves as a resource for what's going on in the community.

Venturing out of my lunch time dining norm and going to F4T today was great. Being in such a setting, I was able to partake of some good food and was inspired to write.

Consider this when you take your lunch break tomorrow. You, too, might be inspired to do something just a little different because you stepped out of your comfort zone.

If you'd like to try out Food 4 Thought, here's their info:

445 Marcus Garvey Blvd
Brooklyn, NY 11226
(718) 443-4160
www.myspace.com/food4thoughtcafe

Until I write you next... I'm just living the solo mommy life.

Love ya,

Feona Sharhran Huff
Founder & CEO
Solo Mommy Magazine
"Empowering you with savvier ways to live a simpler life"
http://livingthesolomommylife.blogspot.com

Celebrate Your Children's Scholastic Deeds

I am so proud of Lady Clara. Yesterday, she came to my after-school program smiling from ear to ear. Now, she normally walks through the door happy, but this day it was for a special occasion. My 4th grader was crowned "Scholar of the Day." This acknowledgement is awarded to the student who showcases a super positive attitude, goes a terrific job on the day's assignments (and is willing to help a fellow classmate) and actively participates in classroom discussions.

As a part of her recognition, Lady Clara was able to wear a blue and white T-shirt that was specifically designed for the 4th graders. On the back of her shirt is the no. 42 and the quick phrase "No Shortcuts." I love it! I was excited for her. She has worked diligently. She deserves to be noticed for her efforts. The proud mommy that I am, I took photos of my "Academic Diva" and promised to post them online, which I am doing now... on this blog!

If your child does something good, celebrate them -- with all the bells, whistles and photo taking! It's sure to build up their self-esteem and belief that they can "Do It!" This sets them on a path to bringing home even more honors. I believe this for Lady Clara and Sir Isaac (who, by the way, received a 100 percent on a recent "Sight Word Challenge"). I believe it for your children as well.

Until I write you next... I'm just living the solo mommy life.

Love ya,

Feona Sharhran Huff
Founder & CEO
Solo Mommy Magazine
"Empowering you with savvier ways to live a simpler life"
http://livingthesolomommylife.blogspot.com

1st Annual “PINK” Party

POWERHOUSE MEDIA GROUP

(in association with Solo Mommy Magazine)

requests your presence at its…

1st Annual “PINK” Party

Saturday, July 31, 2010
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Brown Sugar Club (Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY)
433 Marcus Garvey Blvd
Brooklyn, NY 11216

Join us at this all-things pink event, which will include live jazz music by The Brandon Sanders Band, spoken word, a fashion show, delicious dining, powerful connections and so much more.

Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the door).

A portion of ticket sales will be donated toward helping to find a cure for Breast Cancer and to the Clara Anderson Back-to-School Scholarship Fund for Single Moms.

For more information and to purchase your ticket, please contact Feona Sharhran Huff at (347) 386-9206 or thehuffreport@aol.com.

Please Note: You MUST come dressed in PINK!

We Were on Target to Celebrate The First Saturday in June!

I had a blast yesterday with Lady Clara and Sir Isaac. We enjoyed the sun shinny day and evening by hanging out at The Brooklyn Museum for Target's First Saturdays. Hundreds of others had the same idea as us: To bask in beauty of art and culture. The children ran through the grass, munched on grapes and cinnamon Teddy Grams and made new friends. I sat down and watched the African dancing.

I linked up with a fellow single mom friend who is the creator of Beautifully You Couture (FYI: Her fashions are SMOKING!). We talked a little girl-talk and watched to make sure the children didn't go to far off (Hey... that's what mommy's do -- no matter how old!).

I brought along my composition notebook (FYI: Like my Visa Card... I never go anywhere without it) so, of course, I took some time to jot down some notes. Being in the relaxing setting that I was facilitated my creative juices to flow and flow and flow. I came up with several pieces I'd like to write for this blog as well as some events I'd like to host.

In total, we stayed out for three hours. And, when we got home, we crashed. I was only able to make it to my trusty smoke gray couch. My lovely son tucked me with my favorite blanket and that was that.

Until the next time I write you... I'm just living the solo mommy life!

Love ya,

Feona Sharhran Huff
Founder & CEO
Solo Mommy Magazine

When You Take Care of Your Children, They Take Care of You!

I go hard for my children. I do so because I love Lady Clara and Sir Isaac to the core of my being. I ensure that their basic needs are met -- food, shelter, clothing and education. I nurture their talents and interests as well -- karate, golf, gymnastics, art, cooking, music and dance.

This care isn't one-sided. The children take care of me, too! One evening, I was very tired and had taken a moment to rest on the couch in the living room. Lady Clara surprised me by fixing a delicious meal: Orange sliced spinach salad with butter croissants.It was a healthy and delicious dinner. I cleaned my plate!

Sir Isaac is so attentive to me. There's not a day that goes by that he doesn't ask, "Mommy, would you like a massage?" His massages are top-notch, too. He even massages my fingers! He certainly eases my stress with the working of his tiny hands. I can recall one evening where I was completely exhausted. I passed out on the couch. When I woke up, my son had covered me up with his Spider-Man comforter.

I feel good because I know that I'm doing right by my children. That's why they do right by me. We are a tight knit trio. We look out for each other. That's how it's suppose to be.

Until the next time I write you...

I'm just living the solo mommy life.

Love ya,

Feona Sharhran Huff
Founder & CEO
Solo Mommy Magazine

I Hustle... Then Flow!

I was hustling this morning to get Lady Clara and Sir Isaac to school on time. We were doing a serious sprint-walk down Fulton Street, making a sharp left turn onto Marcy Avenue. Yes... we arrived in front of the building with two minutes to spare. I told my children that I loved them and watched them eagerly enter LPBS. Their charter school starts at 7:30 am. I released a deep sigh.

Instead of rushing to catch the train bound for work, I decided to "be easy" on this Friday morning. Besides, I didn't have to be to my summer camp office until 9 am. I had an hour and a half to enjoy to myself. So, I walked over to Restoration, which has bench areas in back of its building. I sat down, embaced the A.M. breeze and exhaled some more deep breaths. Then, I texted a dear friend, Jay, to link up for some "real talk" conversation. The vibe session was positive and helpful. It gave me great insight which enabled me to examine my perspecive on certain situations.

I feel empowered and ready to take on the rest of this beautiful day. I'm going to take it slow. I'm going to enjoy the journey -- smiling all the way to my next destination. As a single mom, it's imperative to have this mind set. As Jay so eloquently stated, "Moms -- especially single moms -- do more before 11 am then most people do all day. He is absolutely right. We have to acknowledge our output. Then, we must put something back into us. TGIF single moms!

Until I write you next... I'm just living the solo mommy life.

Love,

Feona Sharhran Huff
Founder & CEO
Solo Mommy Magazine

Memorial Day and McDonalds: I'm Loving the Peace and Productivity

It's a quiet Memorial Day. I decided to take Lady Clara and Sir Isaac to their favorite spot near our house: McDonalds. It's not so much the Happy Meal with a to that draws them to the golden arches but the "Bouncey House." That's what my son calls it. It's McDonalds' jumbo jungle gym. The children placed their oders with me then made a mad dash for the play area.

When I got to our booth with their food 10 minutes later, they came over and briefly consumed some french fries, chicken nuggests, sweet tea and soda. Then, off again they went for more running, jumping, sliding, tagging and playing.

While the enjoyed the company of their peers, I took advantage of the time to write -- this blog, in particular -- and to just let my mind wonder. And, to eat my favorite Southwest salad, of course! I am at such peace right now. The children are enjoying themselves. So am I! And, at the end of the day, that's what living the solo mommy life is all about.

Until I write you next....

I'm just living the solo mommy life!

Love ya,

Feona Sharhran Huff
Founder & CEO
Solo Mommy Magazine