The Perfect Educational Fit for the Busy Milspo Mom

Picture this: it's 2010.  Side bangs were definitely a thing.  Everyone wore Etnies and DC shoes even if they couldn't skate (me), Rihanna wanted to be the only girl in the world, and we were first introduced to the yellow, annoying oblong being known as a "minion" (I didn't realize how big of a deal these guys would become in my life a few years later), and it was time to begin my freshman year in college.

Foundry College gives me the ability to further my education
from the comfort of my own home--even surrounded by the
tasks of motherhood; unfolded laundry for example.

I like to think I was a fairly typical college kid; loved my major, spent tons of energy drink-fueled late nights studying, participated in clubs on campus, and survived on copious amounts of pizza and lattes.  That is, until I fell in love.  Sure, lots of people find their soul mate in college, but I didn't find mine in college, I just happened to be a student when I married this hunk in a schmedium who caught my eye the first time I saw him (because he scared my horse and I needed to drop a very well placed F bomb). My true love was a soldier in the US Army, which changed my course of education from the time we said our "I do's."  

I spent more time than normal completing a bachelor's degree from my alma mater, just to find it really wasn't as useful as a transitioning military spouse as I thought it would be.  For three years, I felt lost.  I felt like all the sleepless nights cramming in studying between feeding a new born, reading babies the theories of Freud, Skinner, and Pavlov, caffeine-frenzied writing sessions at Panera Bread, and even reading textbooks in my children's first few hours of life just weren't adding up.  The stress of looking into other programs, costs, knowing the demands of a mother of a 2 and 5 year old, and the ever lingering possibility of a PCS (thanks, army) made returning to school seem impossible. I was on the verge of giving up returning to school when I read about Foundry College.

Visit Foundry College on Facebook!
Graphic credit: Foundry College  

Foundry College was the exact thing I needed!  This start-up college was offering a different type of post-secondary education.  While researching the college, I learned that all of their classes are completed in real-time, interactive lecture format and did not require any outside reading, outside homework, or the purchase of textbooks.  No way! Was it too good to be true?  I decided I might as well apply and decide for myself.  After interviewing with Foundry, I knew their new approach to learning was the perfect fit for me.  

The program takes a different approach to post-secondary education.  They believe that the focus should be on providing students with real-world knowledge and skills that employers are seeking right now.  Their associate's level programs ensure that students are prepared to enter the workforce with an applicable and relevant education that fits smoothly into the current employment atmosphere.  The courses are refreshing, educational, and perfect for those with transient lifestyles; especially military spouses like me.  Each student is provided with an educational coach to help guide student's on their collegiate path, tutors, and a very competitive cost without any excess like textbooks, access codes, or meal cards.  Students have the ability to attend class from anywhere there is a WiFi connection--from a Starbucks before household goods arrive....from the motel during PCS...from the Starbucks parking lot because the power is down...

For those who may be searching for the right college fit, check out Foundry.  As a means to better the educational experience they offer, those who apply for the Foundry College second class will receive free tuition!  This is an exciting and limited offer, so if this sounds like something that would be a good fit, make sure to visit them at Foundry College to learn more and apply before the March 31st deadline for the limited-time, tuition-free program.  

Photo Credit: Foundry College

Bougie on the Bottom Shelf

It's probably no secret by now that I enjoy relaxing after a chaotic day with the kids with a nice, refreshing, glass of Mommy Juice.  As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of the bottom shelf, I have found some nice wine options that taste good and don't break the bank!  I am definitely no sommelier, but there are plenty of great reviews about the best wines, pairings, etc. You know what there isn't a lot of? Reviews of the bottom shelf.  Reviews for the budgeted moms scanning the bottom shelf while some one screams in the cart about candy and another child watches some other kids playing with toys on YouTube as you frantically get the shopping done praying your daughter doesn't lick the cart this trip, then you, my friend, have found the review for you.

Here's the thing about wine.  It doesn't have to be expensive to taste good, to get you a little happy buzz, or to be enjoyed.  If you need a wine that pairs with tantrums and Goldfish, welcome.  If you need a wine that pairs with "I should be vacuuming, but meh" welcome.  If you need a wine that goes with "the dog shit on the floor again," welcome.  If you are simply looking to try some different wines to find your taste, while keeping it under $10 a bottle check it out! Some may be amazing...some might be down right nasty...what will the weekly Bougie on the Bottom Shelf reveal?  So, without further ado, what am I drinking tonight?!

This week's selection: Barefoot Rose.

Barefoot cellars describes this wine as "a refreshing wine with aromas of ripe raspberries and juicy watermelon.  Flavors of cherries and sweet citrus compliment the smooth, crisp finish."  It is delightfully sweet according to the label, and is a California rose sporting 10% alcohol per volume (winner, winner, chicken dinner!).

That's great and all, but here's my mediocre review of this under $10 wine.  It definitely fits in that sweet category, without being overpoweringly sweet or super "sugary."  It was a nice, smooth rose.  I definitely got the raspberry notes the maker talked about as well as the citrus and cherry finish.  I didn't really pick up on anything watermelon-y, but that may have helped cut some bitterness that can sometimes be associated with raspberry anything.  I chose to drink it room temperature tonight, and it was nice that way, but is also a good chilled wine as well.  The mom pairing recommendation is that this wine pairs very well with "my kid needed 10 snacks and 30 gallons of water before bed" and leftover, cold nuggets remnants that looked too good to waste, and "can Sandra Bullock come teach my kids how to be quiet for longer than 2 seconds?"  While drinking this wine, I feel happy, calmed from a hectic day, and relaxed for bedtime!

Bottom Shelf Steal or Cheapo fail? Bottom Shelf Steal!  This is a lovely Rose for those who enjoy a lighter, fruitier, sweet wine without the overpowering sweetness.  A great wine to buy in the large bottle and share with friends, or, ya know, enjoy during a Netflix binge.. Try it out and let me know your thoughts!

Disclaimer: I am by no means a professional sommelier, just a mom who likes to try new wines and is frugal while doing it.  I did not receive any compensation for this review; it is my real, fun, take on a product I purchased and tried at my own discretion for no compensation.

Always drink responsibly.    

Eat MO!

We are food people.  Now that our kids are self proclaimed chicken nugget connoisseurs, we have so much more freedom to go try all of the family owned restaurants we have been eyeing since moving to South-Central Missouri!  It's not that we don't like chain restaurants, but Applebee's is Applebee's pretty much across the board.  Sure, a good chef makes a big difference, but the menu is the same no matter which one you visit.  Trust us on this one, our son is probably Applebee's biggest fan and we frequent the ones in our area way more than I would like to admit.  Thank God there are cocktails.

As our time here winds down to just one more year (give or take, let's be honest it's the army so...), we have challenged our family to take our "Selfie Sunday" (what my husband aptly named the day I don't cook and we fend for ourselves in the food department) up a notch and knock a TON of local eats off the bucket list! The truth is, we get stuck in what's familiar.  Chains are familiar.  But where is the excitement in that?  Discovering the flavor of any place is part of the fun!  There are so many one-of-a-kind eateries in Missouri and they are all so worth it.  Follow us every Sunday as I highlight where we will be dining as a family!

Feel good, family food is what we are all about.  Be sure to watch for our restaurant reviews each week!  This isn't your run of the mill review--of course it will have a Mediocre Mommy spin!  We will give you the skinny (or....maybe not so skinny? yea, I'm going to need to hit the gym a lot more) on the food, price, and atmosphere of each location we chose to Eat MO this year!  There will also be a "nugget report" from our resident picky eater, who will give me some kids menu insights.  He's a pretty cut throat critic--Gordon Ramsey doesn't have anything on him! Have a suggestion? Tell us! Where is the "place to go" in your MO hometown? We want to go there! We want to try ALL OF THE FOODS!  I am so excited to Eat MO, Eat sooooo much MO this year!

Verizon Makes Homecoming a Little Sweeter

Fort Leonard Wood, MO- One of the best moments in the life of a military family is the feeling felt during homecoming.  Its like the calm after the storm.  Deployments separate thousands of army families every year.  Service members miss many major life events from band concerts and first days of school to the birth of their babies.  Thanks to advances in technology, these moments are experienced by more service members than ever before.  Video chatting, instant messaging, live videos, and social media have helped service members to be there "in the moment" even when they are oceans away from their families.  

Verizon Wireless has helped make homecoming for one military family just a little bit sweeter by gifting them a $1000.00 tech makeover!  Staff Sgt. Hamilton and his family were surprised to receive their tech makeover at their homecoming ceremony on Fort Leonard Wood presented by The Mediocre Mommy.  After returning from a six month deployment to Afghanistan, Hamilton was ready to see his wife and daughters; none of who knew what was about to happen!  The Hamilton family was selected out of a group of candidate families across the Midwest to receive the makeover.  Verizon Wireless's #WelcomeHome campaign focuses on giving back to service members returning from deployment to thank them for their selfless dedication to service, and to the family members who support them.  Upon receiving their tech makeover, Mrs. Christina Hamilton said to her husband, "now you can finally get a new phone!" 

Homecomings always hold special memories and emotions for service members, their spouses, and their children.  Thanks to Verizon, this first homecoming for the Hamilton family was even more memorable.       

What's in the Woods? Nicole's Thirty-One!

As many of my readers know, I really love to support small mom-owned businesses!  However, it takes something memorable for me to chose to shop with any business, be it brick and mortar or home-based.  I know many people have a "bag-lady," but I wanted to share why Nicole is mine!  I am all about a unique, fun, and special take on any direct sales business and let me be the first to tell you, that shopping with Nicole Forguson of Thirty-One Gifts is a complete and total blast!


Nicole is a former military spouse turned over-the-road truck driver wife upon her husband's separation from the military.  Together they have 3 kiddos who definitely keep Nicole on her toes!  She wanted to help contribute to their income and do something for herself and decided to join Thirty-One Gifts; a direct sales company offering organizational items, bags, thermals, totes, home decor, and even a line of jewelry and accessories!  Nicole fell in love with the quality, style, and morals of the company and has been hooked ever since.

She loves that the company has something to offer everyone.  Nicole offers both online and in home parties--and I must say partying with Nicole is such a unique experience!  She puts so much time and effort into each party and it shows.  I have been invited to a TON of Thirty-One parties and they pretty much go exactly the same.  Then I was invited to a party hosted by Nicole, and wow!  Talk about a memorable experience.  She takes the time to interact with each guest and make a true connection.  It's obvious that Nicole values a connection and friendship over just a "sale" and I absolutely love that about her!  She is so much fun.  Her energy, positivity, and fun is so obvious in all of her posts in her VIP Group!

Nicole is always expanding her business and finding great niche markets perfect for Thirty-One.  She is available to do fundraisers for a charity of your choice, school programs, etc., and also offers personal shopper and registry services for expecting mamas and brides.  Thirty-One is such a great giftable company for those times; I use my Thirty-One stuff daily; it is definitely durable with two toddlers doing their best to destroy ALL THE THINGS that belong to their mother.

Shopping with Nicole, whether at a party or a vendor show, is like shopping with a friend.  She engages you.  She talks about things aside from Thirty-One.  She values you.  She always remembers you--Nicole will say hello to you no matter where she sees you, and I value that in a sales representative!  Nicole is very active as a vendor at local community events and has participated in events to support local charities such as Kitten Division and the Fort Leonard Wood Navy Detachment fundraiser event.  Giving back to the community also helps set her aside from others.  Supporting Nicole is not just buying another bag, its supporting a mom, a former military spouse, a woman owned business, a community member, and most importantly, a friend.

If you would like to connect with Nicole, the official Bag Lady of the Woods, check out her page, shoot her an email at nicoleforguson@yahoo.com, or send her a text to (573)-433-6574; tell her the Mediocre Mommy sent you to earn 10% off your order of $35 or more; an offer valid only for Mediocre Mommy readers!

Disclaimer: The Mediocre Mommy received no compensation of any form for this publication.  All views are all unbiased opinions of the writer.  This publication is meant for informational purposes and not as a form of advertisement for monetary gain.  All photos used are property of Nicole Forguson. 

What's in the Woods?: Sugar Rush Essentials

As a mom, I have come to realize the importance of self-care.  Whether it's doing a face mask in an attempt to mask the years of no sleep and crow's feet, or relaxing in a nice bubble bath with a beautifully scented bath bomb, finding a few moments for self-care is so important.  So naturally when I heard of a great local business with all hand-made products to help make me feel refreshed and relaxed, I had to check it out!  When asked "where in the Woods can I find pampering goodies without driving for hours or waiting on a Lush order?" I always respond with "Sugar Rush Essentials!"

If you are looking to pamper yourself or a loved one, Jayce Williams, owner of Sugar Rush Essentials has something for you.  Jayce is a mother and military spouse local to the Fort Leonard Wood area!  Her product offerings include handmade bathbombs, sugar scrubs, essential oil rollers, bath salts, shower jellies, shower soothers, artisan soap dipped loofahs, foot spa tablets, charcoal masks, coffee exfoliator, hydrating honey oat exfoliator, shaving cream, Origami Owl Charm Bombs, and Pokebombs.  She works on new creations all the time, so there is always something exciting happening.

Sugar Rush Essentials is such a great addition to our area!  Jayce uses a variety of essential oils and is able to cater to individual's needs as necessary for allergies, sensitivities, or personal preference.  Her items are produced in small quantities with excellent quality control standards--and each item is handmade by Jayce!  With the holidays approaching, be sure to check out Sugar Rush Essentials for your holiday gifting.  These items would make perfect stocking stuffers, and Jayce is offering a $10 discount on all basket orders placed before Christmas! Be sure to contact her for further details.  She also offers discounts on bulk orders.  To learn more about Sugar Rush Essentials, check out the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SugarRushEssentials/ and be sure to join her VIP Group! 

Pictured are (top) bath bombs, (center) charcoal peel off mask, and (bottom) artisan dipped loofahs.  How great do these products look?

Disclaimer: The Mediocre Mommy received no compensation for writing this business showcase. The opinions shared are based on an interview with the business owner and are an unbiased publication of the owner's response.

Photos are property of Jayce Williams and Sugar Rush Essentials.

New Traditions; Old Roots

It's been five years since my husband and I were back "home" for Thanksgiving.  As a military family, traveling a long ways away (and any army base is a LONG ways away from Wyoming!) just isn't always that doable.  Plus, spending 17 hours in the car with two toddlers is frankly quite nauseating.  Like most military families, we have learned to bend and change to make holidays special for our children, and ourselves so we spend them among our new found family wherever we are. 

As I was explaining the history of Thanksgiving to my son, who was convinced there would be presents involved of some sort, I was thinking about how our new tradition these past few years of spending this particular holiday with friends is not unlike the roots from which it sprouted.  In a
nutshell, Thanksgiving was a time when people from different backgrounds who have shared different cultures, customs, and ideas with each other came together to celebrate that.  They were thankful for the differences that made them a community; they were thankful for friendship; not unlike military families.  The ultimate traditional Thanksgiving is among friends.  There's kids playing and laughing, tons of food, plenty of wine, more than plenty desserts, warmth, love, and memories.  The kinds that can really only be made among friends. 

Military families are especially unique.  It doesn't take us long to form very strong bonds.  Finding "your kind of people" in a field of less than two percent isn't always that easy but somehow we don't let that stop us.  We just jump right in and find them.  We find the people who like coffee and wine.  The people who are in our same or similar life stages; newlyweds, parents, people who live life in leggings, people whose big kids love our little kids tagging along with them, empty nesters...the list goes on and on.  Bonus points if the husbands' get along, too!  Seriously, though. That can be the toughest part sometimes.  I am so thankful that our thanksgiving was spent with delicious foods, lots of laughs, some tasty wine because mommy's kind of need that to be nice sometimes, and pies.  There may have been 16 pies...who's counting, right?  Holidays are best spent in the company of those friends that feel just like family.  For those friends who will always be like family, I am thankful.  Our new traditions in this life have grown from the old roots planted so many years ago.