Top 12 Blog Posts of 2023

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Well, another year has flown by (as they always seem to do). We worked hard to consistently create quality content about motherhood, hobbies, relationships, entertainment, life, our beautiful city, and so much more!

We are so grateful to build community among Albuquerque mamas, whether it be through our blog posts, our events, our Instagram “Takeover Tuesdays,” our ABQ Mom Book Club, or our Community and Conversation Facebook Group.

We are so glad you are here, and we are proud of this positive community.

To wrap up our year, we present you with our top 12 posts of 2023. We can see why you liked them, and we hope you enjoy revisiting them as much as we do!

top 12 posts of 2020

1. Carlito Springs Open Space Reopens: A Hidden Gem

Carlito Springs

Located just outside of Albuquerque near the Village of Tijeras is the newly renovated and re-opened Carlito Springs Open Space. It is the perfect place to load up the family and let the wonder take you over for the day. This space truly feels like a mystical land that you could get lost in for hours. Pack your lunch, bring water and sunscreen, and enjoy!

2. Navigating Thanksgiving: A Native Mom’s Journey in Tradition

Navigating Thanksgiving: A Native Mom's Journey in Tradition

As a 38-year-old Navajo woman raising two incredible boys in the heart of New Mexico, my journey through motherhood has always included an emphasis on tradition, identity, and the delicate dance of existing in two worlds.

We can all agree, the holiday season can be a tangled web of emotions for many. As a Native person, my connection with Thanksgiving has always been bittersweet.

3. My Top 5 Protein-Packed Costco Snacks

My Top 5 Protein-Packed Costco Snacks

Raise your hand if you’re guilty of getting everything at Costco . . . from furniture and clothing to stocking your pantry with bulk item grocery goodies! Yup, me too! Costco became my saving grace when I decided to focus on my health journey last year. I started following a macros-based “diet” (quotes because I hate the word diet) which required more protein than I have ever had in my daily meals, ever. I rushed to the store to fill my kitchen with easy go-to snacks and light meals because life is busy. Want to know my top five protein-packed Costco snacks? Keep reading!

4. Inked: Mom’s Guide to Tattoos in Albuquerque

Guide to Tattoos

Have you ever thought about getting a tattoo? Or more tattoos if you already have some?

I have eight tattoos so far, but I’m planning more all the time. Since I have some tattoos and have been tatted here in ABQ (as well as other places), I can tell you a few things that I have learned. Here are my tips and tricks from a tatted ABQ mom.

5. Some Kind of Chocolate Pie for the Mom that Doesn’t Cook

Some Kind of Chocolate Pie for the Mom that Doesn't Cook

I don’t cook much. I usually throw the leftover spaghetti from M’tucci’s into the microwave for dinner the next day. Cooking isn’t my strong suit, but my mom and dad did teach me about dessert. They taught me about apple crisp and ice cream, but making both of those seem like a chore at this time in my life. Those are reserved for days when my kiddos are older or when I have more energy.

So, here’s a chocolate pie that everyone loves for the holidays. It is so easy to put together. Hope you and your family enjoy it!

6. I Finally Saw the Barbie Movie: A Hesitant Mom’s Review

Barbie Movie

I was hesitant to see the Barbie movie. I have never really been a fan. Barbie didn’t correlate with my parents’ instillation of wisdom–superficial beauty is fleeting; hard work, independence, and knowledge are valuable. Admittedly, I cringed when my ten-year-old daughter asked to see the movie. The cynic in me was sure it was another movie with superficial undertones. I didn’t think she needed more of the same message.

7. The Dos and Don’ts of Being a Mother-in-Law

The Dos and Don'ts of Being a Mother-in-Law

Mother-in-laws are considered to be one of the most difficult relationships ever known to womankind. In an attempt to help, here is my guide to figuring out the dos and don’ts of being a good mother-in-law. With input from the ABQ mom team (as well as my mom and mother-in-law!), I’ve compiled a list of things that will likely damage the relationship, as well as a list of things that will help you develop a strong, healthy relationship with your child’s partner.

8. Help Us Create a Home for Human Trafficking Survivors

Our Room for Human Trafficking Survivors :: The Reveal + Thank You!

The Eliza Jane Project is an 8-bedroom rental facility to house trafficking survivors as they transition into their next season of life. It’s the first 24/7 fully-staffed residential housing option for trafficking survivors in New Mexico.

Not only are we adopting a room, but this room will specifically be for a mom and her kids. The project is the first of its kind in New Mexico, and it is our privilege to help support women and children in this capacity.

9. My Journey of Healing from Sexual Assault as a Single Mom

Navigating Trauma While Being a Mom

I took nine pregnancy tests the first time I missed my period. The tests all said positive. I was pregnant. 

A little over a month before I took these tests, I was sexually assaulted. Was this child his? My mind and body felt like they were spinning. I fell to my knees and prayed–shouted–to God, a higher power . . . someone. “Please give me the strength to do whatever I need to do for this child!”

10. Shaken Baby Syndrome Shook My Life

Shaken Baby Syndrome Shook My Life

My son was born at the University of New Mexico Hospital where they have a Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention & Awareness Program.  As a part of that program, I watched a video titled “When Babies Cry” before I was discharged. It is a heartbreaking video about Shaken Baby Syndrome and how to prevent it.

I believed that something so awful could never happen to us. It did.

11. Our Favorite Albuquerque Staycation Hotels

Albuquerque Staycation :: Our Favorite Hotels

Ever get that vacation itch? Maybe you want to go on a vacation but you don’t feel like requesting time off from work or school. Or maybe you just don’t feel like going on a road trip and dealing with days worth of packing and luggage. I get it! Just stay local and enjoy some of the amazing places close to home. Here are some top staycation ideas in the Albuquerque area.

12. I’m Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea . . . and Neither Are You

I Am Not Everyone's Cup of Tea

I am not everyone’s cup of tea . . . and neither are you.

Yikes! That seems a little brutal, doesn’t it?

Yeah, it is brutal, but it is true. I am not going to be liked by everyone and neither will you. If you are a people pleaser like myself, this one may be tough for you. We feel a deep need to make sure we appease everyone around us and to make sure we can be someone that everybody likes to be around.

The reality is that not everyone will.

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