HaleMom.Com

The first day of the #mom2summit has come and gone and all I have to say is OH! Duh! Everything is starting to click. I’m new to blogging and little by little things have started falling into place, but it’s been mostly trial and error, and talking to some pretty cool and very smart women, and of course having the chance to be involved in the Mom 2.0 conference.

Now that I’ve had time to digest everything, and get a bit of rest, I feel re-energized and ready to go, but alas it’s only about 3:30 AM, and it seems that some are just getting to sleep after all the excitement.  I can’t wait to get back to the conference at talk to tons of women about what makes them great, but what is making them successful and to learn from their stories.

I wish I had been able to update and get online more from the conference, but there has just been so many people congregating in one place try to get their dose of connectivity, that it just seems that the internet will not work for most unless you have your own dedicated mobile internet service, or are receiving paid hotel service in your room.

Right now the best thing I have to mobile internet is on my cellphone, but it’s been spotty at best.  Eh, it’s been nice to be able to soak in so much information and not feel like I have to immediately tweet it (if I’m even lucky to get a signal, or even beat the other 300 women to the punch,) or blog about it.

If I could come up with something clever and witty to say, I’d do it, but I’m just not as cool as many of the other moms that are on top of their twitter game. Props to you, avid twitter moms.

The top things I’ve learned at the #mom2summit Mom 2.0 conference on day 1:

1. Bring TONS of business cards. You never know who you will bump into, and having a card on hand with every avenue of communication you have available, because opportunities just might pass you by.

2. Ask TONS of questions. Smile, don’t stress, have fun, and ask as many questions as you have until you understand or having gotten a working understanding of the knowledge you seek.

3. Moms are smart. Never have I ever been surrounded by so many amazing women. I have to admit, it’s a bit intimidating, but it’s mostly inspiring, and a kick in the butt to get things rolling and exploring my options as not only a “mom blogger,” but also as an entrepreneur.

All I have to say (right now) about the #mom2summit Mom 2.0 conference in Houston is that there are oodles of great minds waiting to share a wealth of knowledge. If you’re shy, don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions, especially the ones that are bugging you. Take a moment to jot down a few questions you’d like to have answered, and ask some of the panelists, or just get out and talk to people outside of your comfort zone. Furthermore, don’t forget to talk to other companies that are in line with your theme or message to your site, and get your word out (if you have one.)

I’m working on video interviews of the speakers and attendees, so please stay tuned. Being overly ambitious as to when it will be ready isn’t my thing, but believe me, I have tons of great interviews and video just waiting for those eyes of yours, so check your tweets, so follow me, and I will follow you back (for you tweeters) and I’ll be rolling video out as soon as it’s all edited and ready for you to enjoy.

Day 2 of the #mom2summit is quickly approaching, and many ladies are nestled cozily in their beds, so snooze it up, and I’ll see you in the morning, if you’re there. If you’re not, stay tuned for an inside, behind the scenes look into the conference!

Cheers!

~Hale Mom

(@thehalemom)

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I have never been away from my baby for a full day until this weekend.  My parents poked fun at me after our stay was over because of the fact that I packed so many things; there was almost absolutely nothing they didn’t have.  My heart did sink a little when baby getting transferred, raised her hand at mommy as if saying, ” No more kisses mommy, I’ll be ok.  I’m going to be with grandma and grandpa.”  I fully expected cries and a fight, but there was none of that.  In fact, y father told me that she started clapping once I closed the door.

Anyway, I had just gotten out of having the best experience of my life with the Westin La Cantera Resort spa Nature Facial, so even though it killed me to see my baby be OK without me, there was hardly anything that could bother me at that moment.  I came out with an amazing glow, a smile, felt like I had new skin, and then to top it off, the staff was friendly and sincere, and it was just an overall relaxing experience.  If you have never gotten a facial with the full experience, you have to get one!  You are truly missing out.  I’m spoiled now, and now I think I need a facial at least once a year.

After my daughter left, we explored the resort, and let me tell you, that place is MASSIVE!  We got lost just trying to get back to our hotel room.  The best part of the resort was that it felt like I was in a parallel universe where all my needs where important, and my every desire was taken care of.  We felt like were were half way across the world, where there was not a responsibility to be seen.

Later we took a nap, got dressed and then off to dinner reservations at Francesca’s at Sunset.  One word: Spectacular!  The dinner was a full and separate and breath-taking experience all it’s own.  To start we enjoyed a cocktail at sunset, and got the complete experience from start to finish.  After we decided we’d enjoy the Valentine’s day menu, that’s where the experience really began.

From chocolate consomme with white chocolate shavings on to sea scallops with lemongrass, sweet and sour mango with orange- perfumed chocolate sauce, and cocao nib juiles (Bluefin Tuna Tataki with white chocolate shavings, sancho pepper, crispy rice, citrus and yuzu sauce for hubby).

For our entrees I had poached lobster tail with creamy white chocolate, lemon and verbena, over sauteed spinach (prime beef fillet with  rum marinated grapes and Tahitian vanilla and chocolate demi for hubby) .

For dessert we were graced with the delectable chocolate pillar with saffron, and sauteed pear.  Delish! In addition to all of the food, we also went ahead with the wine pairings, and it was all perfectly matched.  My personal favorite was the wine that came with dessert: Brachetto D’Acqui, Rosa Regale, Banfi, Strevi, Italy, 2007.  The way the sweet wine matched a sweet treat was superb.  I was gushing the whole time about how everything was so perfect, including the service and attentiveness of all the staff, and of course the beautiful view.

We even added a cup of coffee to the very end of the meal, which perfectly completed the meal.

After dinner, we watched a few Olympic Ice Skating races while in Steinheimer’s and then decided to go do some more exploring, and eventually made it in the whirlpool when it was freezing outside!  I don’t know if it was because it was so cold, but the whirlpool wasn’t very hot, but we still had fun.

Then I was so exhausted from all the excitement and probably the wine, that I passed out on the king sized bed that wasn’t too hard, not too soft, but just right.  I actually got to lay out and roll around in my sleep for just one night.  Some cuddling did happen, but it was sort of hard to while I was sprawled out (something I haven’t done in a VERY long time!)

We woke up in the morning, and had breakfast away from the resort, then came back to indulge in our two 50 minute full body massages.  A perfect way to spend Valentine’s day, getting an essential oil infused body rub.  My husband had never had a professional massage before, so he was a little hesitant to go, but after some convincing, he came along and after we got out, his aching back was gone, and so was his headache (just a little too much to drink!)

Upon our arrival to the room, we decided we should get one more rest in the bed, then we got up.  I took a final shower in the deluxe bath tub, which had a double shower head, and put me over the top in relaxation and pleasure.  AHHHH, I feel good. *breaks out in song*

Check in and out went smoothly and every single person at the hotel was cheery, happy, helpful and sincere.  It seems like everyone that works there truly loves their jobs, and why wouldn’t you when you have such a great view of the hill country, and are in such a beautiful resort.  Just being there made me happy, for sure.

I can’t even think of anything that I wasn’t happy with, besides the temperature of the hot tub and the lack of robes, but that may have been attributed to the temperature outside and to the Valentine day weekend.  It’s ok though, because my husband and I are already discussing when we’re going back.  Perhaps we’ll go back for our anniversary later in the year.

My special little Valentine was waiting for retrieval, but when she saw me again after a whole day, she looked at me, and sank back into grandma.  My heart sank just a little more.  That little girl almost made me cry!  She seemed to have so much fun, she didn’t even want me to pick her up!  Then after a moment, it seemed as she was just yanking my chain, then wanted me to pick her up.  I think it was only after the sight of daddy that she realized oh yeah, I remember them. *sigh* My baby really can survive without me within arm’s reach of her at all times.

I’m glad my parents were able to come and give us the chance to have some time out and enjoy ourselves.  It was a very special Valentine’s day this year, and I thank Westin La Cantera Resort in San Antonio for every minute of it.  The stay has truly opened my eyes to luxury and every place I stay in the future will be compared to our stay for Valentine’s day 2010, and the bar has been set VERY high!

*Disclosure: This review was a result of my stay from a contest I won with the Westin.  The opinions are my own and are NO way influenced by the contest, Westin’s marketing strategy, or anything else for that matter.

With yesterday’s post, I started thinking to myself how most people spend their Valentine’s day.  As for us, my husband doesn’t remember what day it falls on, or at least that’s what he says…  It’s never been a big day for me anyway, but still I wonder what makes it a special day for people.  What do people buy?  What special things do they do for their lovers?

As I continued to think, and did some research, I found some great gits and ways to spend Valentine’s day with your lover that I thought I’d share.  Bare in mind that I don’t have much experience in the Valentine’s day arena, so please feel free to weight in!

Time is a precious thing, and with today’s busy world, time is more valuable than ever.  Even though most of us have cell phone that have clocks, or there’s a clock on our computers, sometimes a nice accessory to match your outfit, or match an occasion is necessary.  Wouldn’t it be a great idea to get your loved one a watch for this Valentine’s day?

I was looking through watches for a good style, and I thought the casio pathfinder would be such an awesome gift for the husband or fiance that is into outdoor activities such as camping, and spends a lot of time outdoors. It’s pretty nifty that this style is solar powered, and has all sorts of cool features.   How awesome would that be for the man in your life?

Personally, I fell in love with the Movado 800 Series couple’s set , but it’s a little too rich for my blood right now.

Another idea that I thought of that might be something different, and maybe spice up the romance would be to get some sexy lingerie.  Yes, lingerie can be a good gift to give too.  Well, it’s not just for your husband, but it’s something to share with your husband.  Moms sometimes forget how sexy we are, and how sexy we can be, and what better way to remember with a little piece that will make your husband’s jaw drop?  Get a babysitter, rent a hotel room, get a bottle of wine, and have some fun.  You deserve it!  Even if your husband doesn’t get you a thing this Valentine’s day, he may remember this time next year and think…hey, maybe I should do something special this year!  Maybe he’ll continue the tradition?

For those that might not want to go all out and buy extravagant gifts, or even do the traditional candy and flowers, there are other inexpensive ways to show your special someone that you love them.  Think about how you can spend time with your loved one without feeling guilty about what you’re eating, or what you’re indulging in.  Valentine’s day is a special day, and there are plenty of ways to make the night go well, with still being able to make good decisions in terms of healthy food choices.

If you just want to indulge a little, get a bottle of wine, maybe slip on that sexy lingerie, and whip up a Valentine’s day dessert.

In what ways do you spend your valentine’s day?  Do you give your loved one a practical gift, a unique and memorable gift, conventional flowers and candy, or do you try to not spend much money on this day and opt for a homemade approach?

I’m very interested in finding out how people spend Valentine’s day, and who knows, you just may give me an idea that I might like to try.

To your health and lasting love!

~Hale Mom

*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, however, the opinions above are my own and were in no way influenced by sponsorship.

Another month has come and passed, and now my darling baby bear is now 8 months old.   Right now she is pleasantly sleeping in the crib, and out in record time.

We’ve had a struggle this month with sleeping through the night, but I think we’ve gotten over the hump. The 7th month was definitely trying on all of us with the holidays to boot, but we made it through it.

Looking back, we had a great 7th month, filled with many milestones reached and conquered.   A personality has really blossomed and she recognizes what her name is, and loves all the positive attention she gets when we tell her she’s done a good job.   I thought it was hilarious the first time she actually clapped; I thought it was cool when she first waved “hi” to a pretty girl in a store, but it was amazing to see her clap when everyone was cheering for her feats of strength.

I’m not really sure what else the 8th month will bring us, but it will be fun and interesting no less.  Right now we’re all about childproofing the house and trying to be one step ahead.   It’s a full time job just trying to figure out what she’ll be curious about that hadn’t even crossed my mind yet.

*sigh* my little monkey is growing up, and looking more and more like a real person with a personality.  I can’t wait until she starts talking.   I’ll finally have someone that can talk back to me during the day.   What I really don’t look forward to is the back talking, which may come sooner than I think.   Hopefully we can curb that before it becomes a problem.

I’m so happy I have my little munchkin and look forward to what the next month has to offer us.

Happy 8 months, baby girl!

~Hale Mom

Feeling under the weather today, but I was able to muster up enough energy to make some yummy stir-fry.  I even spent a good portion of the day cleaning, when I should have been in bed.  The weekend has been good, but now I must take some rest and get better.  It’s going to be a long week because it will be spent looking at houses, so I hope I feel better tomorrow.

Anyway, if you haven’t already, go make me feel better and leave a comment on my HP Tord Mini post to have a chance at winning one too!  Good luck, and good night!

~Hale Mom