Dry(ish) January Is Over

Dear god! Why do we pick one of the longest months of the year to withhold alcohol from our lives?!?!

Oh yeah, because the holiday drinking season pretty much ferments our bodies, and our livers need a break. Plus, it's nice to start off the year on the right foot. Sure, the first couple weeks are hell and there is lots of temptation to have a beer with NFL playoffs on TV, but once that detox kicks in, it's all worth it.

I recently read an article that said this was the largest group of Americans to try and concur "dry January" in years. In part because of the pandemic. Lots of Americans admit to overdoing the booze in 2020. According to Wine.com alcohol sales were up 217% last year. 

Of course, some hear "dry January" and automatically assume it has a negative connotation but in reality "dry January" has just as many health benefits as mental health benefits. And abstaining from alcohol even for short periods of time can improve your sleep quality 10 fold! 

Of course, when it comes to depression or alcoholism you should always seek help but for those just looking for a good detox it's okay if you didn't make it. Experts say just trying to get through the month can reap the benefits above. 

Now, I'm not gonna lie dry January was more like dry-ish January for me too. I must admit I did have 2 cocktails. One glass of Champagne when a friend's baby was born and a glass of red wine while out to dinner with my husband. Now, I can honestly say I feel so much better than I did on January 1. Not only have I been partaking in dry(ish) January but I have also recruited the help of a nutritionist at Profile by Sanford.

They customized a meal plan especially for me as a nursing mom and I feel amazing! Between abstaining from alcohol (for the most part) and taking control of my health, I have already lost 7 lbs. I am closer to my pre-baby weight than ever before.  

Sure, I will continue to have a glass of wine or a dirty martini here and there but I think I like this new feeling. When I do partake in happy hour I will be sure to try out these 3 tricks I found online. 

Stick to reds. Red wines contain resveratrol which has antioxidants. Stick to Pinot Noirs and Cabernets.

Go low sugar. Sure some wines have a lower alcohol content but that is sometimes a trap. Check to make sure you're not getting more sugar along with that lower content. Don't fall into the Moscato trap!

And finally, try a spritzer! Adding sparkling water to your wine can stretch the serving, plus it's more refreshing especially in the summer months. 

Cin Cin! That's Italian for Cheers! 

*** Remember you can always shop these deals by clicking the photos below****

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Rose All Day Momma!

"Rose' All Day"! At least that's how I cope with the mom struggle, which is so real! As most new Moms know, navigating through this new territory is tough terrain. There are new rules, new routines and most of all new friends.

Do we still like to go out with our single friends and rage? Hell yeah, but who is going to understand our struggle when the babysitter goes home and our little ones get up at 6am the next morning while we are nursing our hangovers?!?!

From the outside looking in, you might think it would be easy to make new friends as a mom. There are playdates, and toddler classes plus you're all in the same "phase" of your life, but truth be told this is the most "social"- unsocial experience I have ever had. 

As a woman who believes strong women cheer each other on, this is a big departure from the camaraderie I learn by dancing on two professional sports teams in the NFL and NBA. I have always been a girl's - girl, so I am not used to stagnant small talk that seems to go nowhere. Maybe it's because making mom friends is like dating someone new? Is it possible that we are all afraid of making the first move? Could it be that we are all trying to play it cool?

I am so sick of going to the park and other events, meeting moms, and leaving disappointed because we did not exchange numbers. I thought we had a connection! What gives?!?!? 

Our kids are around the same age, they tolerated each other on the playground (because let's be honest, they aren't exactly playing together at this age. It's more like parallel play.) and most importantly, WE GOT ALONG! 

Here's the thing Y'all, we don't have to hit on all levels. I am willing to bet most women like two things, coffee, and wine. I am also willing to bet that some days we all really just crave adult conversation because contrary to the popular belief of our children, Puppy Dog Pals and Elmo get old! 

Thus, let's be open-minded and most importantly judgment-free with each other. Let's make friends and turn play dates into coffee dates for us too! Let's grow our friendships by having Mommy Manicure Mornings and be a sounding board for each other. 

I know as Moms we don't always have a lot of "me" time but that's why we need each other. Women are the BEST multitaskers in the world, so let's turn this issue into a solution! I personally downloaded the Peanut app which is like Tinder for Moms to make friends. I am also currently stocking up on rose' for the occasion! So hit me up Moms, I'll be the one in the "Rose' All Day" shirt! 

This "Rose' All Day" short sleeve sweatshirt is on sale right now at Target (link below). I paired this top with my favorite pair of white denim shorts, and throwback Adidas sneakers for a retro look. Just add wine and you've got the perfect "Mommy" playdate! Cheers! 

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Rose' & Shine

This sweatshirt is my current mood! Rose' And Shine... although maybe it should say Champagne And Shine after yesterday's news. 

As some of you know my "nine to five job" is really "4am to noon" because I do a morning radio show here in Charlotte, NC. Maney, Roy & I have been together for a little over three years now and our current contracts expired in February of this year. Which is a little scary because we knew getting to this point would decide our future here in the queen city. Luckily, we have an amazing support team at work, who have always believed in us and for some odd reason, they want to keep our silly show around. Thus, it is with great pride I tell you that we have signed a long-term deal to stay here in Charlotte with our current station! 

I feel like I am still on cloud nine!

A lot has happened in the past three years and we have had our fair share of heartbreaks but looking back I have so much to be thankful for. A beautiful son, a husband I couldn't live without, our health and a job that I absolutely LOVE! Really, what more could I ask for? 

How about a glass of Rose' to celebrate? 

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