FC Inner Circle

Creating a Momster

Mothers of tweens and teens, have we got a web site for you! We know it's awesome because we built it—to serve as a virtual gathering place for like-minded moms who want to make new friends, vent, decompress or all of the above. It's different from Facebook because it's not about reconnecting with people from the past. It's about your right-now life raising kids, wondering if you're crazy, hoping they're OK. You can plug into our network of mom members without judgment and share as much as you'd like. Interesting conversations about money, prayer, cell phones, chores and much more are flying back and forth. All that's missing is you! Come on over to momster.com and jump in, the water's great. /Jonna, articles director 

Making sense

A friend called the other day, all atwitter...very anxious. When she'd blurted out her current woes, which were very real to her but not in the realm of really big deals, I shared with her my little strategies for overcoming those overwhelmed moments. The very best way to deal with anxiety is to stay in the moment. And the way to do THAT is to connect with your breath, and with your senses....if you look around yourself, hear what's going on, smell what's in the air, feel your clothing against your skin or the sun on your face...you come right back to the now. Which is where every single little thing is happening, right? What's done is done; the future's not here yet (nor, when you think of it, is it ever really here!). What needs to be felt, done, accomplished, thought of, etc., is happening right this moment. So it makes sense that that's where you ned to be and the only place your mind, feelings and attention need to be. I don't know whether this idea helped my friend--I'll check in with her soon to find out--but it works for me!

Red Hot Mama

Yesterday was snow day, which I love as much as my 8-year-old. And like her, I find there's no better way to spend it than in our PJs (once we've come back from sledding, that is). This super comfy flannel set from Needham Lane has a roomy but not too boxy top, drawstring elastic waistband, pretty white piping all around and feels wonderful on your skin. The perfect Valentine's Day gift (hint, hint), that you'll wear all winter long. 

Takes the Cupcake

Who can resist a delectable cupcake? I know I can’t!

This week in the office, we received mouth-watering treats from  Georgetown Cupcakes. This DC-based bakery now delivers nationwide so everyone can enjoy their rich, creamy concoctions. They’re the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for a special someone or just a treat for you (you deserve it!). Georgetown offers limited edition flavors for every month.  January’s flavors include Toasted Marshmallow and Salted Caramel and keep an eye out for February’s flavors: Chocolate Strawberry, Strawberry and, of course, Valentine’s Day cupcakes!

Dig in! For just $2.75 per cupcake, or $29 per dozen, there is no reason not to. Visit georgetowncupcake.com to order.

—Ashley Neff, health intern

What a Workout!

A few months ago, I started taking a new workout class called Physique 57 and I have come obsessed with it! It truly has changed the shape of my body. I'm a runner/cardio lover, and have always tried (sometimes unsuccessfully) to do weights 2x a week  to tone my body. A friend of mine started taking the Physique classes, and persuaded me to join her. Now I'm addicted! The class is about an hour long, and focuses on different muscle groups (thighs, arms, abs, and butt), with stretching and push-ups in between sections. It definitely kicks my butt (especially the thigh section, when my other leg actually shakes) but I feel amazing afterwards!

The studios are in New York but they also have DVDs that teach you how to do the moves at home. It truly is a workout that everyone can do, it just takes time and practice to learn the proper technique!

http://www.physique57.com/categories/7881-physique-57-trade-workout-videos

Have you tried Physique or another similar workout class?

A Trifecta of funny

I have always been a big fan of the lovely and talented Carol Burnett. So, whenever there is a movie that I know she appears in I try to see it. Well Post Grad newly available on DVD is a sweet funny movie that not only includes Carol Burnett, but Michael Keaton and Jane Lynch. I had a smile on my face from the start of this movie until the very end. Ryan Malby (Alexis Bledel) is adorable as she navigates through disappointments that help her to discover what's really important to her. This movie reminded me that although life may not always go the way you plan it can certainly still go in the right direction.

Nuts over Nutella

  Now here's a snack to ease the bite of winter--Nutella-banana bruschetta! Slice french bread on the diagonal into long, 1/4" thick slices and toast slightly (or heat on both sides in a pan). Spread with Nutella, layer banana slices on top, sprinkle with a bit of brown sugar, then broil until just melted. Sprinkle with a tad of sea salt (salt and chocolate--what a heavenly combo). Mmm-mmm!

Tell 'em you love 'em

People so appreciate being appreciated. I just told the manager of my gym how much I love that it's so clean there always and how hard the maintenance people work...and I could tell how pleased he was. I've been on a campaign lately to tell people about the good I see in them. So many people seem so stressed, but if we just connect in a little moment like that, I think everyone's burdens are lightened. The holiday season is over, but one line from a Christmas song runs through my head..."What a place the world would be if we had that Christmas feeling all year." A smile and a thanks (or an e-mail or...support your local Post Office...even a card!) goes a long way. You know what else is true...what goes around comes around...:-) G

going with the flow

This year I decided the holidays just were not going to be perfect. They never are, but the difference is I'm lowering my expectations just enough to keep the stress quotient down. The tree is up and has lights, but only about seven ornaments (yes, I know, it's two days to Christmas). Success story: Instead of sitting down and doing the cards all at once, I just did a few each day (I have to write a note in each one...send the love all personal and nice.) And most--but not all--are done and in the mail. This morning my commute to work was all messed up...I made myself breathe and not fight it and not think about all the things I have to do and how I'll probably get home too late (commute home probably will be bad also) to do what I want. So what? I've been asking the family for help...and leaving them to do whatever their own way. Whew. This could be my calmest Christmas ever!

Purple-icious

A recent trend that I have shied away from is painting my nails with dark nail polish. But recently I saw a colleague at work wearing a dark purple that I couldn't resist. I wore it to my sister's house for thanksgiving and the compliments were endless. It's O.P.I's Sapphire in the Snow. Its such a great color that it will be making the rounds at Christmas eve, Christmas day and again at New Year's. 

Getting Carded

So here it is, Sunday evening, less than two weeks before Christmas. Never before have I pushed the envelope this far when it comes to ordering cards. (In my defense, I had major surgery in November—don't ask—and I'm only now really starting to feel like myself again.) I thought I was going to be forced to settle for something less than amazing (ugh!) but the elves at Shutterfly, my go-to site for all things photo-related, must be working double- and triple shifts or something, because I just ordered cards and will have them in hand by this Friday the 18th (thanks to 2-day shipping). In other words, despite my slow start, I can get gorgeous personalized cards out in time. There are so many stunning designs, choosing was not easy. In the end, I went with a classy angel motif, the perfect backdrop for a photo of my two angels, Jack and Cam. If you've not gotten around to cards yet, get thee to shutterfly.com right away! /Jonna, articles director