Tag Archives: heat

Haute Mom: Kristen Hewitt

Screen Shot 2016-01-19 at 4.13.37 PMName: Kristen Hewitt
Children & Ages: Lila 6, Emylia 4
Hometown/Current Location: Minnesotan sweating it out in South Florida
Quick Bio: Kristen Hewitt is a two-time Emmy Award winning Television Reporter, Host, and Producer in South Florida for Fox Sun Sports and the Miami HEAT. (But she tells everyone she’s just a mom who talks on TV sometimes!) After struggling with infertility and finally having two daughters via IVF, she decided to work part-time. She chronicles the misadventures of working late nights in sports broadcasting and early morning with the kids on her site mommyinsports.com. Her work can also be seen on the Huffington Post, Scary Mommy, TODAY Parents, She Knows, and Mom Babble to name a few, and is continuing to produce her webshow Playtime. She strives everyday to find that elusive balance between work and home with grace, gratitude, and Pinot Grigio.

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: THIS TOO SHALL PASS. Seriously, I should have tattooed this on my wrists when I first became a mom. The late nights, the teething, the potty training, it’s hard. But before you blink they’ll be six and so independent you’ll miss the baby stage like crazy. Hug em’ tight, hold them often, and and cherish every second that you can.

Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: Finding time between work and kids is TOUGH! I tried to get up before the kids to workout, but let’s be real….mama needs her sleep! I’ve found when things don’t add up, it’s time to subtract. If you can’t find time to work out, you need to cut something out to make the time. It’s crucial to your well being both physically and mentally. I work out at a park with a trainer 2-3 times a week, and often bring the girls. It’s so important that they learn to love fitness at an early age, and who better to teach by example than mom!?

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Q: What’s your most memorable Mommy moment to date?
A: My daughter at 4 said she didn’t like anything about herself. I realized my own self image was spilling over into her. I worked with her on complimenting ourselves and about 6 months later she told me she loved herself. She probably didn’t know what it meant at the time, but in that moment, I knew I had to teach self-love, kindness, and pride in ourselves more than anything. I wrote about it here and called it “My Best Day as a Mom So Far”…it’s my favorite piece to date I’ve ever written.

Q: Share something you have learned about yourself since you became a Mom.
A: How much time do you have? Seriously, I am who I am today because of them. When you look at our children it’s like looking at your own reflection. They make me want to be the best version of myself everyday. I truly believe we discover who we are supposed to be in our kids…they are the best gift in the world. They are the ones that are really teaching me who I want and need to be.

Q: Describe your “Haute Mom” (fashion) style!
A: Ummm…I’m a HAUTE mess when it comes to fashion! Seriously, I’m a mid-westerner trying to survive among the glamorous in Miami! I prefer flip flops and maxi dresses, or baseball hats and leggings, but when I work, I usually pick dresses. (Now that my friends have taught me what to wear!) I like simple pieces with fun and colorful shoes and accessories. But not too high! Three inches are good for walking around a basketball arena all night!

Q: What’s the best surprise you’ve ever done for your kids/family?
A: Sunrises at the beach. Let’s face it, the kids wake up early, before the sun sometimes. So a couple times a year we pack up early and head to the beach for a sunrise breakfast. It’s always so much fun!

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My Babies, My Womb and the NBA Finals

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The NBA Finals are upon us and I can’t wait for tip off tomorrow night at Oracle Arena in Oakland when the Golden State Warriors host the Cleveland Cavaliers in game 1. You may wonder what professional basketball has to do with my babies, and more specifically my womb, so please…allow me to explain.

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Professional basketball, specifically the NBA has always been a big deal in my house. My ethnic heritage is Filipino and well, if there’s a blanket statement you can make about Filipino people, it’s safe to say that they love basketball. Watching basketball and growing up around the game has always been a part of my life. When satellite and cable systems came out with NBA League Pass, my family did not hesitate to purchase it and every night you could bet we would watch every game that we could…we were constantly plugged in. Then, once I graduated from college I went on to dance professionally for an NBA team, the Sacramento Kings. And so, basketball – the game and entertainment, took on an even bigger role in my life. Eventually, I would cover NBA-related stories in my work as a television reporter and interview many of the league’s stars for my sports lifestyle and entertainment TV Show, On The Flipside.

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Fast forward to why any of this matters and how it all relates… I moved to Miami in the summer of 2006, right after the Miami HEAT got their first championship, and then, both of my boy’s’ births directly coincided with NBA Championships for the Miami HEAT. Not only were they both born in Miami-Dade County, but their father was also working for the team at that time, and as a result he was given a championship ring for each season.

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In 2012, I recall being at the huge victory celebration as a parade weaved through crowds of people in downtown Miami, and I waited for the caravan to enter American Airlines Arena. I had squeezed into my championship shirt at 38 weeks and put the hospital bag in the trunk, just in case we had an early entrance.

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In 2013, there I was once again, 9+ months pregnant, and while I didn’t make it to the championship parade and festivities that time around, my not yet 1 year old baby was IN the parade, riding high atop a double-decker bus, getting his first taste of all the fanfare and attention that comes along with being champions.

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In 2014, the Miami HEAT did make it to the Finals again, but this time it didn’t result in a Championship. I was neither pregnant and had just moved out of Miami… Coincidence?? LOL!

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So this year, 2015, I am getting the family ready to move once again. It’s almost like the NBA Finals mark important moments in my life! And this time, not only are we moving, but it’s a homecoming for me, to my original stomping grounds, the Bay Area. It just so happens, the Golden State Warriors – a team I grew up watching, is in the NBA Finals for the first time in 40 years! So, all this to say, there has to be a real connection here, right? There is no doubt we will be pulling for my hometown team and while I have an empty womb this time around, you’ve gotta believe there’s some kind of direct correlation, ya know? And – if it takes me to have another baby to spawn a championship for my  city…it’s not out of the question! JUST SAYIN’!

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My Boys are fan FAVORITES of Many Teams…

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I think my boys will grow up confused when it comes to picking their favorite sports teams… I mean I hope they develop a good appreciation for different teams and different sports, and I’ll let them know Daddy won’t mind if they want to just go with all of Mommy’s favorite hometown teams! Okay, yeah, I don’t think “Daddy” will have any part of that.

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I’m from the Bay Area, California…my teams are the Oakland Raiders and the Golden State Warriors, but I also worked for the Sacramento Kings. My other half is from Chicago. He’s all about the Chicago Bears, the White Sox, the Bulls and Blackhawks. I let Daddy choose Bears when Isaiah got his Doc Band wrapped…I mean he won’t even remember it when it truly counts! Then, we met in Miami, so it’s been Miami HEAT, Dolphins, Marlins for the boys. They have worn sports gear from all the various teams and while they really don’t have a say at this point, their loyalty is to whichever team Mom or Dad dressed them in! haha

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Hmmm…is there a rule of thumb? I think many times a child’s team ends up being whatever Daddy’s team is because sometimes the Mommy’s don’t care for sports…but not in my house. While I’m not over the top crazed about which team my kids need to root for…I would like them to be on my side. Maybe they’ll go with their South Florida roots since they were born into that sports culture..it all remains to be seen.

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So, let me know if you’ve ever dealt with any of this in your house? How have your kids gone about pledging their allegiance to a team!?!?

 

Haute Mom: Jenni Croft Badolato

10304787_10204438431669343_6294829994847539711_nName:  Jenni Croft Badolato
Children & Ages:  Gio William Badolato – Almost 3 years old!  & Taio Croft Badolato – Almost 1 year old!
Hometown/Current Location:  Wichita, KS/Scottsdale, AZ
Quick Bio: I am a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Miami Heat Dancer and Phoenix Suns Dancer. I was Final 2 on Season 11 of The Bachelor with Brad Womack – his first go around when he didn’t pick anyone! Well, I’m so thankful that everything happens for a reason! I’m now married to the most amazing man on this earth!  John owns his solo Family/Cosmetic Dental practice in North Scottsdale, Studio B Smiles – www.StudioBSmiles.com. He is also the Team Dentist for the Phoenix Suns, as well as the Official Dentist for Extreme Weightloss where he donates anything from teeth whitening to full mouth veneers to each of the participants to help change their lives. I work full time in Corporate Relations for Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. I also have managed to start my own It Works Wrap business while juggling a husband, 2 kids and a full time job! I promote my B Fit Wraps on social media! The products are Amazing! Especially after have 2 babies I needed to firm tone and tighten my tummy! These Wraps are truly amazing. If you haven’t tried them you really should! Go to www.jennicroft.myitworks.com and browse around! If you would like to join my team I am always looking for motivated mommy’s that could use some extra cash! I’ve been doing this for 6 months now and I’m Double Diamond. All I do is post a few times a day on Facebook and that’s it! Feel free to text me at 480-225-7764 if you are interested or have any questions about the products!!

Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: I do a few things for myself here and there! My absolute favorite thing is to go get a massage! 1 hour of heaven! Keeps me sane and gets my back up and running again! I don’t have much time for the gym during the week, but I do get to go every Saturday and Sunday mornings! As a former professional dancer I prefer to take the ballet barre classes and the Zumba and Hip-Hop Classes!  Makes me feel sexy!!

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Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: My advice to new moms is to trust yourself. You know what is best for you, your baby and your family! Be the mommy you want to be and never let anyone get you down!

Q: Share something you have learned about yourself since you became a Mom.
A: I have learned that I am NOT super woman but I sure can do a lot! I’ve developed more patience for people as well, which is something I feel really proud of. I’ve learned that being a mommy is super hard and never to judge anyone!

Q: Describe your “Haute Mom” (fashion) style!
A: I have to say I am not stylish! I love my sweatpants and stretch pants! However, I do love me some high heels too. Dresses that are flowey are my favorite! Nothing too tight! I’m a mom now! HAHA!

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Haute Mom: Janet Jones

Janet Jones
Name:
Janet Jones
Child & Age: Ava, age 4
Hometown/Current Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Quick Bio: Creator of The Vixen Workout and Leader of The Vixen Army, Janet Jones began her professional dance career as one of the Miami Heat Dancers. Janet has worked on projects such as the MTV VMAs, Latin Billboards, Latin Grammys, HipHop Source Awards, Vibe Awards, Premios Lo Nuestro, Premios Juventud and the American Music Awards. She has had the opportunity to work with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Nsync, Brian Mcknight, Diddy, Mase, Ashlee Simpson, Jessica Simpson, David Bisbal, Olga Tanon, Alejandro Sanz, Usher and Pitbull to name a few. In 2012, Janet created The Vixen Workout, a cardio dance fitness class, to give women everywhere juggling the work-life balance an opportunity to cut loose in a club-like atmosphere, but with in a secure environment.  The Vixen Workout is the latest fitness craze that is spreading across the country with sold out classes for more that require a waiting list in South Florida and New York.  For more information about Janet Jones and The Vixen Workout visit, www.vixenworkout.com

Connect with Janet:
Facebook – http://facebook.com/Vixenworkout
Twitter – @Vixenworkout, @JanetJonesDance
Instagram – @Vixenworkout, @Janet_Jones

Q: What is your “go to” snack/toy/show/trick when your kids start to fuss?
A: Chocolate milk and a fuzzy blanket or a “mimi” as she calls it, are my daughter’s comfort items. So, in our fridge I have reachable sippy cups with milk and a chest with all her “mimis.”  I also keep a “mimi” in every car just in case she gets sleepy in the car ride.

Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: Because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you need to give up the things you love. I used to be a dancer, so dancing was definitely part of my identity. The Vixen Workout helps me scratch my performing itch while getting a killer workout. Keeping your sense of self makes you a happier person and in turn a better mommy.

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: Accept help. Talk to your friends about feeling overwhelmed (all new moms are), and don’t feel guilty if you are. Catch up on sleep every chance you get. You are not a bad mom if you take time for yourself. As a new mom, simply getting a mani-pedi can be the equivalent of a weekend getaway. Enjoy every second, as cliche as it sounds THEY GROW SO FAST!

Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: I incorporate “me” time, fitness, and girls night all in one hour of Vixen.

Q: How would you describe your parenting style?
A: I’m pretty easy going, her daddy is definitely the disciplinarian.

Q: Share your best or favorite place for a family vacation and tell us why.
A: We have the best memories just spending the day at the beach. Ava enjoys it so much.

Q: What’s your most memorable Mommy moment to date?
A: The first time Ava said “Mom, I love you”…. I died.

Q: As a Mommy what is it that you feel you do “right”?
A: I make sure she feels so much love from everyone she’s around.

Q: Share something you have learned about yourself since you became a Mom.
A: I always imagined myself as being the strict disciplinarian because that’s the role my mom had with me.  I’m the opposite, Ava runs me!

Q: Describe your “Haute Mom” (fashion) style!
A: The same style I had before baby.  Heels, great jeans and a tee or tank. All because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you have to dress like one. I’m still Janet, just much more fabulous because I have a baby now.

Q: What’s the best surprise you’ve ever done for your kids/family?
A: Surprise road trip to Disney!