I’m having a surprise party over here at AYMB!

You see, I found out last night that one of my blog posts (THIS ONE) is being featured today over at The Secret is in the Sauce! Woohoo!

If you’re a blogger, you probably already know all about SITS. If you’re not a blogger, SITS is a wonderfully supportive community of women bloggers. It’s my favorite blogging network and I feel so fortunate to be a part of this group of fabulous women. Make sure to head over there and check it out!

I better get back to the party and start mingling with my SITStas. If you’re leaving me a comment today, I WILL get back to you as soon as I can.

Now, I think it’s time to make a batch of margaritas.

*cheers*

Just a quick update for my regular readers:

Although I will continue featuring a Mental Monday and Foodie Friday series, they will no longer be a weekly feature. Instead, I anticipate that they will be featured every other week or once a month. As much as I enjoy both series, I feel it’s best that I do not constrain myself too much with two weekly features. I have quickly learned that motherhood, and life in general, doesn’t always take kindly to blogging with strict regularity and structure.

I expect 2010 to be a fun year for Ain’t Yo Mama’s Blog. I’ve got some great guest bloggers coming up in the next few months and I’m planning on a few more give-aways throughout the year. And, of course, more rants, raves, and occasional words of wisdom.

Have any questions or comments? You can e-mail me directly at mama at aintyomamasblog dot com.

My beloved grandmother passed away on New Year’s Day. I was very close with her and I was only given one week to prepare for her death. There is never enough time to prepare for something like that. It’s only been 4 days and I am still reeling from her death. Not only am I mourning the loss of my grandma, but I am angry with the medical staff and health-care she received, or lack thereof. I will discuss these issues more in-depth in upcoming posts. For now, I need to sit with my grief.

A mere 24 hours after my grandmother passed away, we experienced major plumbing issues and water damage in our home. 48 hours and $5,300 dollars later, we’re finally able to use our plumbing once again.

It’s safe to say that 2010 has not started off very well for me. I am grieving. I am angry. I am in desperate need of a hot and relaxing shower.

I am also in need of a mental day-off. It’s good to have one of those every once in a while, especially when you have been slammed with too many stressors at once. Checking in with yourself should be a weekly occurrence, if not a daily one. I haven’t been able to check in with myself in a while, but I’m going to do it now.

I will be taking the rest of the week off from my blog in order to start adjusting my life to my new loss.

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Hello Readers!

As I start blogging my way into a 2nd month of Ain’t Yo Mama’s Blog, I have some very exciting stuff coming up that I would love to share with you all.

Gimme Gimme!

First, I have more give-aways coming up! I know give-aways are quite popular (duh) and I enjoy them, too. Just like almost every other parent I know, I am a big consumer of all things kid-related. When I need to shop for my kid, especially if it’s for a big-ticket item, I depend on other parents for product reviews and feedback.  I like to do the same for other parents. I have been a long-time reviewer on websites like www.yelp.com (two-time Elite!) and consumer websites like www.amazon.com, so writing reviews is nothing new to me. I have always loved spreading the word about an incredible restaurant, service, product, or company. I don’t believe that reviews and give-aways diminish the primary purpose and perspective of a blogger.  I believe reviews and give-aways can actually enhance the content of a blog.  To know me and my blog is to also know the stuff I like to buy and gift to others.

One final and very important note about that: in the few years I have been reviewing online, I have never ever ever been paid or sponsored in any way. Although, to be perfectly honest, I have been given free frozen yogurt as a thank you for a good review. If, in the future I am paid or sponsored, I will disclose that information. I will always be honest about the products I love and the products I despise.  I didn’t start blogging to make a few bucks or get free stuff. However, I must admit that frozen yogurt usually works well.

Mama Needs a Break Sometimes: Guest Bloggers/Writers

In other exciting news, I will be featuring some fabulous guest bloggers and writers in the upcoming weeks. My guests will be discussing a wide range of topics, from craft projects and recipes to philanthropy and therapy. There will even be a guest post from the Dude himself. I am very excited to showcase a diverse array of people talking about some very interesting things. Things that I know most parents will appreciate. I know I’m excited!

Keep in Touch

I know you’re out there, readers. I don’t know who all of you are (other than you, Mom), but I know you come from all over the world. Feel free to post a comment if something speaks to you or drop a line via the contact form on the menu bar. The readers that have already been in touch know that I will always respond. I would love to hear from you.

Oh, one last thing. For the love of all things muppets, if you love the Yip Yips as much as I do than please read and sign my petition! Our kids deserve more Yip Yips in their lives!