Flip Out Mama

Surviving the Holidays with Heart: A Chill Guide to Self-Care Hey there, friends! The holidays are supposed to be all twinkly lights, good vibes, and cozy moments, right? Well, not for everyone. Sometimes, they're a stark reminder of what's missing, and grief hits a bit harder during this season. So, let's talk about it and share some self-care tips to make it through. 1 . Reflecting on Loss: First things first – it's totally cool not to feel the holiday cheer 24/7. Seriously, who made those rules anyway? If you're like me, missing loved ones for decades, guess what? You're not alone. Embrace your feelings, and forget about feeling guilty. I gave that up a long time ago. My parents are gone, and even though it's been over 20 years, it SUCKS. I think that's totally normal, and I no longer feel bad that my grief isn't on anyone else's "timeline".  2. Set Those Boundaries: Boundaries are your holiday BFFs. If you're not feeling that of...

Hey, lovely souls! 🌟 Let's get real about the holidays, shall we? While the world is busy wrapping gifts and decking the halls, some of us are wrestling with a different kind of jingle – the one that comes with the territory of being a parentless parent. It's not all cocoa and cozy vibes, but fear not! I've got some tips to help you find comfort and sail through this season with your sanity intact. 1. Roll with the Feels: First things first – it's totally legit not to be the holiday cheer captain 24/7. If the nostalgia hits hard, embrace it. Cry, laugh, or do a bit of both. Your feelings are your feelings, no judgment here. You definitely don't have to be perfect all the time!  2. Create Your Own Cheer: Who says traditions are set in stone? Craft your own rituals that bring warmth to your heart. Maybe it's a solo dance party to your favorite tunes, a movie marathon in cozy PJs, or even an impromptu karaoke session with the cat. Make it yours. There literally ar...

Our trip to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg was already packed with excitement, but Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies turned out to be the unexpected star! I confess, I doubted the aquarium's appeal initially – being more of a "zoo" person – but boy, was I in for a delightful surprise. The Spectacular Start: A Building Beyond Expectations First things first, the aquarium's building itself is a marvel, even in the daytime. It's not just about the glow; it's a genuinely cool place that sets the stage for an extraordinary experience. It's an amazing place all around, and perfect for getting some pictures outside! Friendly Faces and Hassle-Free Entry Picking up our media tickets at the friendly ticket desk was a refreshing start. The warm customer service was a welcome change, setting a positive tone for the entire visit. Make sure to check out the multi attraction discount if you are planning on visiting any of the other great Ripley's attractions in town! (We...

It's that time again y'all!  HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2024 WORLD TOUR Tickets are now on sale! Save up to 20% with Promo Code: USFAM HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2024 WORLD TOUR - PRESENTED BY JERSEY MIKE'S SUBS Where, WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!? happens all the time! Don\'t miss your chance to be a part of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters global tour as they take the court with moments of extreme basketball innovation and unparalleled fan FUN! See the Globetrotter stars LIVE as they DRIBBLE, SPIN, SLAM, and DUNK their way past their relentless rivals, the Washington Generals! You'll be amazed by new levels of mind-blowing trick shots, expert ball-handling skills, and BIG LAUGHS with unrivaled opportunities for pre-game, post-game and in-game fan engagement! Save up to 20% with Promo Code: USFAM Bringing world-class basketball showmanship to arenas all over the U.S. https://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/world-tour/schedule (Discount valid on tickets purchased at least One Week Pri...

I'm sitting in my car, in the parking lot across from the arena. I think the cost to park here was $27.00. Outrageous, but I paid it anyway. I want him to know where I am when the show is over, and this was the closest place I could find to park that has a direct sidewalk from the exit door. Technically, he has my Life360, so he could track me down even if I parked a mile away, but why risk it? There's half of a personal pizza in a greasy box on the dash. I'm gonna be here a couple more hours, so I'll finish it off before I get to head back home. There's a spiral notebook beside me- I'm trying to make a grocery list, but I can't focus. My Kindle is on the seat next to me. I was going to use this time to catch up on a great book since I always complain about never having time, but I'm not doing that either. I can hear the music seeping out from the walls of the arena across the street. My baby is in there, him and 25,000 other people. I wonder, is anyone ...

 You guys. I started this blog thirteen, almost fourteen years ago. I cannot even believe that it has been that long. When I first started blogging, my oldest son was only four, and I was pregnant with my baby boy. If I'm being completely honest, my blog started during a time of immense turmoil in my life. My mom had been dead for right about ten years, and my dad for about six years. I was in a horrible place in my life, relationship-wise, financially, even the home we physically lived in was falling apart, just like my heart.  I was yearning for something, some sort of outreach, some connection with the outside world, to help me realize that I wasn't actually alone. When I think about that time in my life, it breaks my heart for the girl that I was back then. I was really incredibly lost and I really just needed someone to save me. It would take me almost a decade to come to the realization that no one was coming, and that I would have to find a way to save myself.  Now...