A Whole New View
Aug 18, 2008 Whatever
Welcome to Mom Unplugged. If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
I have been wanting to change the look of Mom Unplugged for sometime now. I love browns and earth tone colors but that last theme was just not inviting enough for me. Yesterday I spent the day searching for a theme I liked, uploading, and making some changes so that Mom Unplugged has that “Welcome” look I want it to have.
With my recent changes in life, my view has changed so much and I love where God has me right now. I want everything I do to reflect who I am and to show the awareness of understanding the value of loving yourself and living authentically.
You will notice that this theme is totally different than the last one. I took away the header and replaced it with a more serene one. I love water and everything it represents: cleansing, purification and peace; so I knew I wanted something with water. Now I cannot swim to save my life but I love water…go figure! I wanted to add a bit of nature because nature is so healing.
The grass is representative of life and how we need to be nurtured to grow strong. It is growing in water because water is a natural nurturer and it helps us all to thrive. The pebbles are just pretty and add a certain sort of ambiance to the scene.
This is why I created the header that you see. I am a very simple girl and my life is not all that complicated. So why have a header that is complicated and says way too much. Just keep it simple is my mantra!
I plan on blogging more about how women can live more authentically and have a life that is peaceful. I will be very real as I have been for the last year, so hold tight to your hats and get ready for it real, raw and to the point. In order to reach that level of authenticity that one may want to reach they have to open up that trunk and get out the junk. This will be the approach here are Mom Unplugged: Showing how I have removed and still do remove the junk so that I can live a more authentic life…out of the socket.
You are getting the same package, I am just adding some more stuff to it.
Yes I talk about God and the fact that He is the source of strength and the strength of my life on this blog and will continue to do so. I hope this does not turn you away from what is being said. There is a reason for everything and a reason for everything.
So what do you think of what you see?
What Is Your Family’s Weird-O-Meter List
Jun 23, 2008 Whatever
My friend Jo Jo Tabares added an interesting blog post over at the Pink Collar Club. She created list of what might make her her family weird in society’s eye and I just had to jump right in. After I replied to the post, I thought it would be interesting to come on over here and post my list.
This is my list of what makes my family weird:
- We homeschool
- Love being with my kids and family
- Started vaccinating Brehane but stopped at the age of two after I did some research. My husband was against it from the start but I fought it.
- We own our own business and homeschool our children to know how to own their own.
- I made all my own baby food
- We are totally into natural remedies and home care.
- We are Sabbath Keepers -which means we worship on Saturdays
- We don’t attend “normal” church on a regular basis because we are looking for something outside of the norm
- We do house church and will build upon that once we relocate to Oklahoma
- Watch movies like “Call of the Wild” and nature stuff
- Are mainly vegans ( my oldest son and I still eat a little meat about four times a month)
- We write our own worship songs
- We are looking forward to growing our own food
- My youngest son only watches PBS and movies we pick out.
- I make my teenager wear pants that fit and a belt.
- Oldest son has no girlfriends but is allowed to talk to girls.
- Encouraging and supporting him to stay pure until marriage -really strange for a boy
- We eat things like bamboo shoots and sea weed.
- We are fascinated with simple things like watching the actions of and feeding the squirrels outside of the house.
Ok is that enough to make you think we are weird? So what is your Weird-O-Meter List.
Grateful To Be In Need and To Be Needed
Jun 16, 2008 Whatever
Another week, another opportunity to talk about why I am grateful to be a work at home momma. This week I want to focus on one main reason.
Last week it came across my mind that I need some help with my little one. I was finding that my days were getting beyond me and I couldn’t keep up with my work. The idea of a Mother’s Helper came across my mind and I started praying for direction on who to approach.
Well my grandaughter’s name came across my mind. For those who don’t know, my husband, Rupert, has 4 grown children and they all have babies so that makes me a grandma. My oldest grandchild is 11 and she is the one that I thought of.
We contacted her mother and told her we needed her two days out of the week. Turns out that his worked perfectly for everyone. My granddaughter’s mother works security and her shift is 3 to 11. That means that there may have been times when no one was available to watch Kiandre and she would have to go to work with her momma or there was a time when she had to stay home alone. Unfortunately there are many latch key kids in America.
When we told Taniesha the days we wanted Kiandre to be my Mother’ Helper, she was thrilled because on the days that we don’t need her, Taniesha happens to be off from work. Kiandre will be picked up the day before we need her and dropped back to her momma on the days we don’t. And she gets paid $10 a day, so she is loving that.
I am grateful that I had a need and through the fulfillment of that need, I was able to fill a need. That is the beauty of being at home. You can adjust your schedule a bit to do things that those who work outside of the home may not be able to do.
Now we don’t have to worry about Kiandre is and her momma does not have to worry either. She is a good momma but she is also young and there are somethings she will not hear when we talk to her. So it is through prayer that we have been able to remedy this problem.
All because I work at home and need some help with the little one.
You Just Gotta Get Involved
Jun 16, 2008 Whatever
My buddy Jen over at Boutiques Bargain challenged us to take a pledge to help others in need. I won’t sit and explain too much, just watch the video and take the pledge.
Hey, pass the word!
Which Sports Car Are You?
Jun 10, 2008 Whatever
I’m a Chevrolet Corvette!
You’re a classic - powerful, athletic, and competitive. You’re all about winning the race and getting the job done. While you have a practical everyday side, you get wild when anyone pushes your pedal. You hate to lose, but you hardly ever do.
Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.
Welcome All Mommy Fest Participants
May 12, 2008 Whatever
Welcome to my blog. I am excited to be participating in the 5th annual Mommy Fest! I want to invite you to take a while and peruse through Mom Unplugged. You will find information on natural living, living a more authentic life, and learning to shed that “Supermom” image and just be you.
While you are here sip on some fresh iced herbal tea
photo credit: su-lin
And grab and oatmeal bar or two. They are homemade, all organic and yummy for your tummy.
photo credit: tofutti break
Or if pie is your choice then try some my “Cynthia’s Sweet Potato Pie Vegan Style”. My momma’s recipe but veganized!
Oh and I am having a give away so be sure to check it out.
Just a little bit about me before you head off to party.
I am a WAHM who has been married for almost 6 years with two boys ages 16 and 4,and 4 step-children ages 15 to 26. I am also a grandmother, but I still look good and plus I always tease my husband and say I am a granny by default.
My primary work is online as a podcast host, vegan cooking and natural living coach. Vegan Family Living is my main hub with The Vegan Meal Helper and The Natural Writer as a part of my entrepreneurial endeavors.
I started this blog out of a necessity to share with others the beauty of a life unplugged and moving in an authentic manner. God has so much in store for us but we truly hinder our walk when we plug so deep into the issues of life that we have no control over and allow life to control us instead of us taking taking control of life. So Mom Unplugged is really my own journey from a plugged up cluttered life to a life that is liberated in Christ.
There is so much more that I could share but I really don’t want to bother you with too much information because there is plenty here to read and soak up. Be sure to come back often because I am going to add a little music for the week.
Have a Great Time during Mommy Fest 2008!
Why Michelle May Not Smile and Some Other Political Stuff
Apr 18, 2008 Whatever
I was listening to Moms Morning Show today and the topic of Wednesday Night’s debate between Obama and Hilary came up, which led to an entire conversation about politics.
There was a comment about Michelle Obama not smiling, and you know what, that is true. But is it because she does not like people or because she is concerned about what all this means for her family? Does she worry that her husband will be a target because of his race? Let’s get real here, not everyone in America wants a black man as President; as far as we may have come, there is still a lot of hatred and racism that exist.
It was Michelle that pushed for her man to receive Secret Service protection because of all the threats he was receiving. Who knows whether or not she cries at night because she sees something Obama doesn’t? Who knows whether or not those frown lines are worry and deep concern? REALLY….who knows.
I don’t think that Michelle is a woman who does not like people. I think she is woman who is very cautious; and sometimes that means she will not smile. She won’t always be on que with a grin and you know what neither am I. Shoot the woman is human.
Now please don’t think that I am playing the race card. I am far from that, but I also deal with reality just as it is. I pray for Michelle because I see the worry in her face, and as a wife and mom I feel the sistah!
I don’t talk about politics often because it leads to too much conflict and judging. Can’t stand it. I have been a Democrat ever since I started voting. For many reasons it was the best choice for me. I don’t talk to people about my views because sometimes it is just not worth the hassle when it comes to politics.
I think that Obama not wearing an Americam Flag pin or saying the Pledge of Allegiance is irrelevant. I don’t say the Pledge of Allegiance and I have my reasons: The first being that this nation, in my opinion, is not a nation under God because of all the junk going on. Plus there are so many who do not believe in the God that the Pledge is referring to. Oh boy I could really “go there” on that alone, but I will leave it alone.
I am proud to live in America but I am not proud of the fact the foundation it claims to stand on is crumbling right under our feet.
Ok, time to shut up. Maybe I will get more political next week or some other time the desire to do so comes to mind. I know I may get some flack for this but again, my opinion and I have a right to that.
The Ultimate Blog Party Is Live and Poppin’
Mar 9, 2008 Whatever
Welcome to my corner of the Ultimate Blog Party Sphere! You have found Mom Unplugged, a blog about a mom who has removed her Superwoman cape and is living a more abundantly authentic life.
Here at Mom Unplugged you will laugh, cry, think and think more. It is my hope that you leave here encouraged to live life on the authentic side.
OK so I am supposed to introduce myself so that you can get to know me a little better. Well, I am LaTara Ham-Ying: Wife, homeschooling mom, podcaster, entrepreneur, coach, writer, ministry leader, and always God’s Child. I have been married to Rupert for five and a half years. Alexander and Brehane are the two boys at home and my step-kids live across the globe from America to Italy.
We are a naturally vegan family. That means that we live as naturally as we can in Chicago and we follow a vegan diet. As-a-matter-of-fact, both of my sites, Vegan Family Living and Natural From Home, are dedicated to these subjects.
I have been writing for over 25 years, with Christian non-fiction, book reviews, devotions and poetry being my main genres. I also write about natural living and vegan cooking. Currently I am a book reviewer for Hope for Women magazine, an expert writer over at Moms Talk Food Network and I have a story published in an anthology titled “Skydiving for Parents”. You will also find a much of my writing over at the that Pink Collar Club where I serve on the Executive Board as the Natural Living Coach.
I want to invite each of you, as you peruse and find out why I am out of the socket, to have a slice of my key lime or sweet potato vegan pies and a cup of my lavender lemonade with fresh mint sprigs.
photo credit: stshores24
While you are here, you may want to check out a few of my favorite posts:
I have to give thanks the gang over at 5 Minutes for Mom for organizing this event: The Ultimate Blog Party.
When I checked out the prize list I was very impressed. Of course I did not join the party just for the prizes; I love meeting new people and that is my number one reason for coming to the party. But oh, the prizes!
In looking over the list, I think my top three picks would be:
1. A Blog Customization from Sweet and Simple Designs for Mom Unplugged.
2. The Web cam donated by Liz over at This Full House
3. Since I love all things natural, my next choice would be Burt’s Bee’s Naturally Ageless Skin Care line donated by Geggie .
We are live and poppin’!
Scratch My Back
Feb 14, 2008 Whatever
A part of what I do online is Affiliate Marketing. I follow a few people who I think are the best at what they do or have done in the Affiliate World, like Alice Seba and Kelly McCausey . I also follow Shawn Collins blog for a few reasons. I understand what he is saying, his site is very interactive, he has a fun podcast, and I love his headers 
Really, he is good and I have learned even more about making my own Affiliate Program fit me. I noticed that every time I go to Shawn’s site I would see a Top Spot widget. So I decided to check it out. I liked what I saw.
Not because you can earn a buck or two but because it gives folks a chance to be seen for their efforts. There are many mom blogs, WAHM businesses, and unplugged women who I want to highlight, but gosh that would mean dedicating a lot of my time to Mom Unplugged. So I think this Top Spot thing is pretty cool.
It’s advertising with a Social Networking spin! It is also a way to tell a blogger or site your love, thank you and “have a cup of joe or tea on me”.
Now why didn’t I think of that.
Anyway, you can find out more about this cool concept over at Scratchback.com . It is in the Beta mode now but I think it will definitely catch on. And while it is in Beta you can have them design a widget for you for FREE…way cool! They even have a program you can download and make you own Top Spot widget (note -they have to approve the final design).
So you wanna Scratch My Back and buy me a cup of Chai Tea? Check out the Widget on the sidebar and get on my Top Spots. All links will be approved! So tip at your own Risk.
Fab 4 List
Jan 10, 2008 Whatever
So I was tagged yet again. I love this because it helps me to create content for the blog. Hey and that keeps you coming back….RIGHT?
Ok so Alyssa over at Life From My Lifetop tagged me to share what I am calling my Fab 4 List. I have to list four of my favs in the following categories:
- 4 jobs I have had
- 4 Movies I could watch over and over again
- 4 places I have lived
- 4 favorite TV show
- 4 favorite foods
- 4 websites I visit everyday
- 4 places I would love to be
- 4 favorite colors
- 4 names I love but/could not use for my children
- and finally 4 people I am tagging
Ok so I bet you wanna know what my Fab 4s are, so let me share:
4 jobs I have had
- Day Care Owner
- Senior Member Services Rep for a Financial Institution
- Project Coordinator
- Customer Service Trainer
4 Movies I could watch over and over again
- Love and Basketball
- Cooley High
- Steel Magnolias
- The Five Heartbeats
4 places I have lived
- Los Angeles, CA
- Inglewood, CA
- Hawthorne, CA
- Chicago, IL
4 favorite TV shows
- Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
- ER
- Wife Swap
- Law and Order: SVU
4 favorite foods
- Homemade Mac and Cheese
- Dressing
- Corn Tortilla Soup
- Key Lime Pie
4 websites I visit everyday
4 places I would love to be
- The Bahamas
- Back in Los Angeles
- at the beach
- in my bathtub
4 favorite colors
- apple green
- butter yellow
- mocha
- maroon
4 names I love but would/could not use for my children
- Maxwell
- Tiara
- Chandra
- Joshua
4 people I am tagging
