That's What Friends Are For

Last night I went to a friends birthday party. We laughed, we cried, we shared stories, we drank wine and we ate nachos. Today I feel happy, almost giddy, with a positive outlook on life. Why? It's actually scientific. While being with my girlfriends, my brain released the feel-good hormone oxytocin which lowers blood pressure, protects against dementia and ruduces the risk of depression. Not only is girl-time fun, it's actually healthy. So, get out there - even if it's out of your comfort zone. Spend some time with friends, spend some time on yourself. Happy Birthday Erin!

A Little Film About Amy Bakes Cupcakes

Amy Bakes Cupcakes is owned by a friend who makes the most delicious cupcakes baked by hand and made to order. Amy uses quality ingredients like organic chocolate, homemade vanilla extract, and local seasonal fruit and spices. She perfectly describes each cupcake as "a tiny present just for you." Without a doubt, all of Amy's cupcakes are little treasures that are thoughtful, unique and fun.

I love Amy's new short film. It expresses her personality and really makes me want to eat a cupcake! You can view it here:
A Little Film About Amy Bakes Cupcakes

Me Time - For Me

Our lives are busy. Sometimes, I feel that I’ve completed an entire days work - and it’s only 9:00 in the morning! In a world of go-go-go, it’s important to stop-stop-stop. That’s what I did a couple of weekends ago at Replenish Massage & Skin Care in Paso Robles, Ca. Replenish is now selling A Little Gratitude jewelry and it was my pleasure to hand deliver ten beautiful necklaces. Of course, since I was there, I had to indulge in a little pampering.

Heidi, the Esthetician and co-owner has set up the spa beautifully. My shoulders relaxed as soon as I walked thru the door. I loved the zen-ness of the decor. As for my treatments, Heidi did a great job in shaping and waxing my eyebrows perfectly. My facial was divine. I absolutely loved the lemongrass scented hot towels she used to open my pores, the warm rolled towel she placed under my neck and the lip exfoliation that left my lips kissably soft.

Are you in need of Me-Time? As women, we give so much to everyone else. When we take time for ourselves, we are better for it. "Replenish" is the perfect name for a spa because I truly felt I had replenished my energy, soul and spirit after spending a little time on myself.

Ideas for the Greater Good - Last, but not least - Number SEVEN!

This is a continuation of "7 Ideas for the Greater Good." I got these ideas from a brochure that my husband brought home from an event he went to at UC Berkeley. The brochure had been buried on a bulletin board for over two years.
I LOVE THIS ONE:

7. Allow yourself to experience awe and wonder.
When you do, you'll gain a deep sense of unity with the world, and of our common humanity.

These words are so powerful. Last weekend, my family joined two other families on a trip to the snow. We stayed in a beautiful log cabin, ate delicious food and played in the perfectly powdery snow. In our group, was an adorable 4 year old boy. As all the other children were racing down a hill on sleds, this little boy was lying on his back looking up at the sky with his mouth wide open. I noticed him and looked up to see what could be so interesting. It was beautiful! The snow falling gently against the dark grey sky - I was in awe. I would of never looked up, if it wasn't for that little boy. A perfect gift.

Whisked Away For the Afternoon

My friend Aimee called me at 7:50 a.m on Friday just as I was frantically hurrying my kids out the door for school. When I briskly answered the phone, Aimee asked what I was doing for the day. A million things ran through my head. Really A MILLION things. It was my day to do everything that I didn't get done the last two weeks. When she asked me that simple question, I really didn't know where to begin so instead I said "why."

My kind and thoughtful friend had been intending to do something special for my birthday for the past couple of months and today was the day for my something special. The word "not today" was on the tip of my tongue when I took a deep breath and out came "Yes!" I immediately felt my shoulders relax as my brain anticipated some girl time with my friend.

After much shuffling of kids, packaging jewelery and paying bills, I found myself ALONE and driving to San Luis Obispo. I was so happy that I said "yes" to Aimee. I was so glad that Aimee thought of me and asked me to spend time with her. We had a delicious lunch at Palazzo Giuseppe and played with makeup at Sephora. Just writing about our day now, makes me feel more peaceful. Saying "yes" to an opportunity almost always leads me to a good place.

7 Ideas for the Greater Good - Number SIX

This is a continuation of "7 Ideas for the Greater Good." I got these ideas from a brochure that my husband brought home from an event he went to at UC Berkeley. The brochure had been buried on a bulletin board for over two years, and I was so glad to uncover it and reflect on the list again.


6. SLOW DOWN
Savoring good experiences can heighten positive emotions.

Slowing down and being in the present moment is something I strive to do. It can be really hard in this fast paced life, but worth the effort. I like to go for a run (or walk) a few times a week, and I try to focus on my body and the world around me. It takes effort to train your brain, so I concentrate on feeling my feet hit the ground, my lungs fill with air and the quiet that surrounds me. It's bliss.

The Martha Stewart Complex

I was just interviewed by Beth Levine, an author for Woman's Day Magazine. She interviewed me about an article that I wrote called "The Martha Stewart Complex." Very exciting!  Here it is. You can also check out my other articles at: Ezine.com

The Martha Stewart Complex, by Paula Mathias Fryer

The Martha Stewart Empire began around the same year I had my first baby, (at least that's when I became aware of Martha Stewart and her beautiful, meticulous world). This was unfortunate for me because it nearly ruined my first few years as a new mommy. Why? It set an unachievable standard for women who thought we could do it all.

I went from working girl in San Francisco with a career as an Events Planner with up-to-date clothes and money to burn - to - a stay at home mom in the burbs COVERED in spit up and sweat and scraping by on one income. Ouch!

I searched for a way to gain control of my life again and found it one day at the grocery store checkout. There it was, a glossy magazine with photos of beautiful Swedish furniture, an article on "Cleaning Toilets 101", and a photo shoot of the quaint nanny's quarters of a famous publisher. "I can do this," I thought to myself. "I can be the best wife, mother, maid, volunteer, and chef ever!" I purchased the Martha Stewart Living Magazine and quickly sent in my $19 check for a year's subscription. Big mistake.

I rapidly developed a bad case of the Martha Stewart Complex and I was exhausted, unhappy, chubby, and failing miserably at being perfect. The pressure was immense, the fun was infinitesimal. My lemon meringue pie was lumpy, my husband's shirts looked like they were ironed by a monkey, my knitted cap was crooked, and I could never make a hospital corner adequately. Worse of all, the fun and excitement had evaporated from life, just like the glaze l'orange sauce that I attempted to pour over my Poulet Parfait.

I had a beautiful daughter who did not care if her toys were arranged by theme, or her blanket was made of the finest cashmere. She wanted to explore, get dirty, look at books, play Polly Pockets and most of all, be with her mom and dad. It was time to get rid of Menacing Martha and have some fun again!