It’s only been two days since we left Mini-Me at college, and the care package already arrived. How I know this is because of the ALL CAPS text I received this morning, “OMG, THANK YOU SOOO MUCH! I LOVE IT! YOU’RE THE BEST!” I won’t argue there.
In addition to phone calls and texting, sending a care package with a cute, upbeat note inside is a good way of reminding your child you’re thinking of them. And for moms, that we’re still needed. It’s also a great way to make friends in your dorm (words spread faster than mono when there’s free food). So instead of feeling sorry for myself and my new empty nester status, I spent half a day finding things she loves to send to her. What you don’t know is that I’ve been waiting years to do this. She didn’t go to sleepaway camp. Now is my chance!
Here are the contents — I call it “Party in a Box”: Read More »
Lots to talk about before Mini-Me leaves for college. Even though she’s heard the speech, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I didn’t say it, yet again. I cringe as the words come out of my mouth, knowing what’s coming, “Mom, you don’t have to tell me this. I’m not stupid.” But, I say it anyway.
We have “The Talk.” You know, the one about the birds and the bees, alcohol, drugs, parties, the buddy system at parties, boys, boys & safety, safety in numbers, safety in general, grades, classes, friends, roommates, and laundry. (Click here for my Health & Safety Tip Post List:What Every Freshman & Parent Should Read Before College) How do you go from holding your baby in your arms that you’ve loved, nurtured and protected to dropping them off, ALONE?! It feels unnatural to let go, but I must. It’s just the worry I can’t let go of.
You want to make sure they remember every piece of advice you ever gave them. No matter how big or small. (Look both ways before crossing the street, don’t run with food in your mouth, stay way from mixed drinks, wash your hands…) In college they will be making just about all their decisions themselves and it’s scary no matter how good a head they have on their shoulders. They will make mistakes. You just pray they’re not big ones. Read More »
Bathing suit shopping isn’t for the faint of heart. It involves nudity, bad lighting, and the awareness of your every flaw. But I’ve found a few tricks to making bathing suit shopping less painful.
Go to your nearest department store, I usually prefer Bloomingdale’s, a day (or two, at most) before you need the bathing suit. It is imperative that you’re slightly desperate and short on time. This helps with decision making.
Head straight to the restroom. You must pee. Any bloat can and will work against you. Then make your way to the cute dress and t-shirt section of the store. Choose a few t-shirts and some pretty flowy dresses that you know will fit. Maybe even a beaded number. Anything sparkly. The key is to divert attention to the task at hand.
Then, and only then, approach the bathing suit section. Pick out a few cover-ups or caftans. They’re a safe bet. As you head towards the bathing suits move quickly and grab larger sizes than you think you’ll need. Asking the sales lady for a smaller size later will only boost your confidence. The reverse will bring nothing but tears.
Go to the dressing room and try everything on, except the bathing suits. Leave them for last. You will need some successes before you strip down to your skivvies in front of a three way mirror under fluorescent lighting.
Once in the suit, give yourself a fifteen second look-over (no more!) and decide. If at first glance it’s not that bad, buy it and never look back.
And that’s what I did today. I opted for the sassy sailor one-piece.
It’s only been two days since we left Mini-Me at college, and the care package already arrived. How I know this is because of the ALL CAPS text I received this morning, “OMG, THANK YOU SOOO MUCH! I LOVE IT! YOU’RE THE BEST!” I won’t argue there.
