Browsing Articles Written by

Jill Amery

Jill Amery is a mom of 2 small boys and the Publisher of UrbanMommies, a stylish digital lifestyle magazine filled with fitness, style, health, recipes and savvy mom advice to help you through pregnancy, birth, and raising your kids.

Felicia: What’s the Point??!

Uncategorized By April 5, 2011 Tags: , , , 2 Comments

Why are we so hard on ourselves? When did weight become so debilitating that it can actually change the way we live our life? Talking to people about the #MommyFit 2011 Competition I have learned that many people who are unhappy with their weight actually avoid social situations as they are uncomfortable in a room of “thinner people!”

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Kirsten: Reaching Out

Uncategorized By April 4, 2011 Tags: , , , 1 Comment

So we nearly at the end and I am still struggling.  I asked for help, something I’ve never been great at, but Mama-hood has many things to teach me, and I wish I had asked sooner. We simplified the meal plan to something I can handle and share with Tiger Cub, and while I still try to get in a workout here and there, I have a goal of being active with the baby at least once a day.  When I started this journey I really didn’t think it would be so difficult or take so long, often it’s felt like walking on sand; sliding back a little each step, so a mile feels like five. I’m glad I did this now, because the support I received was really incredible and made it so that I didn’t give up.  Also getting a good grasp on what my challenges are has helped me to find ways to overcome them. I’m by no means done either, it’s probably going to take 16 more weeks to get to where I want to be, but I feel like I have the tools to get me there.

-Kirsten Sikora

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Caroline: I Can See Clearly Now…

Uncategorized By April 4, 2011 Tags: , , , , 5 Comments

This week I went to a little park near our house with my daughter, we never go there because there is no swing for little ones, only a tire and the slide is big but she’s getting bigger and I thought, why not. There is a little grassy hill and Coco was running down and I was running after her, it was perfect blue sky, the sun was warm and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. She was laughing so hard as I ran behind her, she loves being chased, I caught her and threw her in the air, she was delighted, nothing beats kids laughter and squeals. I turned around while hugging her and looked up the little hill over her shoulder at the cherry blossoms trees and the park bench, I was suddenly overcome with so much joy and happiness my eyes welled up and I couldn’t control the tears. Last year at this time I was finally recovering from serious postpartum depression.

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Kirsten: The Good, The Bad, and the Moderate…

Uncategorized By March 29, 2011 Tags: , , , 1 Comment

Okay so this week gets a 5 out 7. I began the week with a lot of determination and renewed intention, I was making the meals, doing the workouts – even some extra. But Friday night I fell apart, got lazy and ate a crappy dinner. Then Saturday I let myself snack on junk food and I had no energy to do anything. It amazes me how little it takes to send my energy plummeting, and yet when I was doing more the exercise and healthy food was giving me energy.

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Felicia: That Five Letter Word…

Uncategorized By March 29, 2011 Tags: , , , , 2 Comments

You know the one I’m talking about… the one that doesn’t allow you to buy new clothes when your child is asking for a bike? The one that makes you cancel the babysitter because the baby is teething?
Or how about the one that makes you sleep on the couch when the kids have had a bad dream and there’s no room left in your bed?
Yep, that’s the one. GUILT.

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Taking care of YOU with a new baby

Taking care of you with a new baby

FAM, self By March 28, 2011 Tags: , , , , 1 Comment

Although having a baby is a normal and natural event, it is a time that requires a lot of adjustments. Consider these practical “post-partum” suggestions for taking care of you with a new baby so that you have the energy and desire to care for your newborn and your household in the way that you would like.  It can be difficult to make yourself a priority during this time, but you must care for yourself before you can nurture others.

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Mont Tremblant Tourtiere

EAT, family meals By March 21, 2011 Tags: , , , , , No Comments

This tourtiere recipe originated in Quebec and is frequently enjoyed in the winter months – especially on ski vacations and during special holidays.  After enjoying the expansive terrain and fresh Tremblant air, you’ll need a piping hot, hearty pie to warm your bones.  So pop off the skis, make some cocoa for the kids, and wrap yourself in cashmere as your Mont Tremblant Tourtiere warms in the oven.

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Sun Peaks Maple Syrup Candy

EAT, snacks By March 21, 2011 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

Sun Peaks Maple Syrup CandyEasiest, funnest (is that a word?) most perfect thing to do with kids in the winter.  Sun Peaks Maple Syrup CandyKid’s Part: Fill a roasting pan with snow.  Use a spoon to carve thin lines/troughs in the fluffy white snow they have collected.  Adult’s Part: Place a pot on the stove and pour in your desired amount of  pure Canadian Maple Syrup. Never leave the syrup unattended as you bring to a near boil.  (It can come to heat very quickly and you never want it to boil over.)  Once it is near boiling, have the kids stand back, and gently pour the syrup into the troughs they have made in the snow.  Wait one minute while the syrup begins to harden.  Using a teaspoon or a popsicle stick, begin at one end of the first trough and roll the candy onto the spoon.  Voila!  You have a maple syrup candy popsicle.  Now for the lesson in teeth brushing..

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Caroline: A Positive Plateau

Uncategorized By March 21, 2011 Tags: , , 4 Comments

I have been talking about the mountain I am climbing and I think this week I have reached a plateau on that mountain. I have worked out hard with only one day rest, counted every calorie and my measurements and weight haven’t changed very much. I must admit it is a little disappointing and really deep down inside me, I would rather be on a mountain in the Alps skiing hard every single day, eating cheese fondue and drinking French wine. But my always wonderful and supportive husband reminded me that every week is different, that I shouldn’t be disappointed, that I should be proud of myself for working so hard and that my mood, my attitude, my life has changed for the better.

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