The Phenom | The MSU Experience

First I'm going to say in no way am I an expert in the field of what to do as you travel to the road of D1 or any other college experience for your student athlete.  I'm just a mom that loves my kid and wants to make sure his dreams become reality.  I also want to share what I'm learning so that if you have a kid with the same desires they can begin to reach their goals.

Lots of people have asked, "How did your son get to attend a camp at one of the top colleges in the land?"  That's the subject we'll tackle today.

Fortunately for me I have friends that know and love that my kid has this desire to play D1 basketball.  I received a Facebook inbox message from a friend that attended Michigan State informing me that another friend's son attended a basketball camp there the previous year. Knowing that MSU is one of Kyle's top selection of schools I immediately contacted my other friend to get the low low.  The process was very simple, wait for the information to be posted on the website and register.  That's it, simple huh?

Photo Cred: m.trendspig.com

Now if your son has ever been to a camp and they headlined several high profile athletes or coaches to attend you might have been let down.  Some camps definitely don't deliver on their promises but I found out that this was not the case at the MSU camp.  Not only did my son get to meet Coach Izzo but received instruction from Spartan players and other coaches on the Michigan State University coaching staff.  It was a great experience.  So much so that I recommend all my Momagers explore it as an option when you have determined which schools are on your players "wish list".   Kyle made his wish list out 1/2 way through Freshman year and I told him that I would try to get him on each of the campuses for a camp so he could see what type of program each offers.

So far we haven't gotten any recruiting information from MSU but he had a solid camp performance. He earned the Hardest Working camper award presented to him by Coach Izzo and Travis Trice.  His travel club coach has also mentioned that he sees some improvement from the camp on his jump shot. More than anything I think his confidence soared.  Mentality is 90% of this game, without it you are going to struggle.

There are tons of camps out there for your player but you have got to do the research.  Find out what is going to work for you economically and most importantly for your players development.  If they aren't ready for some of the larger camps look for camps hosted by NBA players, former and retired. They tend to be some of the smaller ones due to popularity and costs aren't necessarily as high as you think.  Unless you are KD....his camp was like $5,000???  Sorry I pay enough for his shoes.  You can also talk with your players coach and find out about invitational camps.  Camps aren't required but they are essential in my personal opinion to let players experience something they wouldn't get by playing in tournaments with travel and school teams.  Do you need to send your player to 5 camps a year...no! One it's expensive and two I think they will get worn out.  Pick 1 maybe 2, trust me they will get what they need.

Boogie has told me that he wants to return to the MSU camp next year and I plan on letting him go

again.  I did emphasize that he needs to attend one of the other schools from his list as well.  MSU is definitely his top pick but putting all your basketballs in one basket (if you will) isn't necessary smart.  Besides the Momager has done a little research and found out that they are interested and potentially signed a PG for 2016.  Depending on who is still on the current roster MSU might not need another guard but time will tell.  Camp won't hurt though because if they saw something great in him this year it's a given if he keeps at it they will only see more.

Good luck finding a camp for your baller.  It can be difficult with the amount of selections but just pace yourself, do the research and don't overspend!  Remember we still need those Single Mama Dollas for new kicks!




The Curvy Momager

Williams Sonoma Cooking Classes | The Mogul

Talia had a great experience this weekend at the Williams Sonoma kids cooking class.  We had no idea they even had classes at our local store but found out via a random flyer I saw at work.  Since she is the best cook in our house I knew I had to sign her up.

Each week they have a different selection they teach the kids how to make.  This week was Summer Salads and she received recipes for two salads even though they only made one in class that day.  The class was an hour long and they chopped, diced and served up an amazing fresh salad with homemade dressing.

These classes are free, heeey Single Mama Dollas, and teach them about nutrition as well.  They use lots of tools from the store so it's also a great way to get a demonstration on that lemon squeezer you might have been looking at.  Wait is that what they call it?  Yep you can tell I'm not the cook of the house.

Visit the Williams Sonoma website for classes in your area.  You might also see information for a summer cooking camp too.  We are out of town and won't be able to make the next class Slushies and Shakes (boo boo boo) but will be there in August for some other great selections.  Happy cooking with your little chef.


Curvy Momager

Curvy Momager Fitness | Hip Hop in Heels

Always mixing up the workout routine.  I'll be sure to post video and pictures after the event. 

Curvy Momager Fitness | 10,000 steps

I finally kicked off my return to fitness this weekend.  I swear if hotel gyms existed at my home I'd be a work out queen.  There is something is really enjoyable about waking up early at a hotel and hitting their fitness room.  Maybe it's the fact of it being a different environment but whatever it is I need to bottle it up for when I return home.

I've heard a lot about a step challenge and thought it would be a good way for me to continue

GameFitNation.com - Photo Cred

working out.  10,000 steps is not an easy fete although we may think we do plenty of walking in a day to accomplish it.  Normally I have about 5,000 according to my trusty pedometer.  Talking to several friends that have the fancy Fitbits they also tell me they average between 3 - 5 too.

Even though I've been on such a huge kick to RUN THIS 5K, walking can prove to help me increase my time as well.  I started out walking with a combination of running to get to my first mile on the treadmill.  Let's face it there are days where this momager doesn't want to lace up the running shoes and pound the pavement....it still hasn't become a love of mine to run.  So on those days, walking is a great option for me.  Burning an average of 300 calories for a hour walk that feels much better on the knees is fine with me.  I'm not going to give up on my 5K goal but think I want to try this 10K step challenge over the next month (still including some runs) to help whittle the old waistline down.  If you are interested in changing it up a bit here is a great resource to use to plan a walking workout, How to Start Walking for Exercise.

BU.edu - Photo Cred

Remember to get in 10K a day you are going to have to do a little more than just walking around work.  Plan to park a little further AND getting in a minimum of a mile walk each day.  If you fall short on one day, don't sweat it try some of these suggestions to help you reach your goal:

• Walk your four legged friend

• Stairs...yep, they can get your steps increased in no time

• Walk.To.The.Store.  Yes it's a foreign concept in this day and age but remember when you were 12 and couldn't drive.....

• Find a walking group.  Some groups meet at local parks or even at the mall.  You could get some "window" shopping done.

• Play outside with your kids

• Clean out the garage.  I wonder how many times you have to walk to the dumpster?

• Create a great playlist.  Refresh it every other week!

Makeover Monday | Sephora Masks

Whew....whew....whew

Yes I'm breathing hard.  The kids are still on vacation and I'm trying everything possible to fill the time.  One thing I have discovered is I really enjoy visiting Sephora.  I mean it's so pretty, sparkly and smells so cutesy!  On my last visit I picked up two facials by Sephora that come in these colorful little packs.  They have like 5 different kind and I selected Honey and another called Ginseng.  I tried Ginseng first thinking it would help me hide this devious wrinkle in the middle of my forehead.  That was a lot to ask I know and it looked good for a while but it returned.  I really recommend this mask...it gave my skin a serious glow.  Look for my video tomorrow on the YouTube Channel for results on Tequila Talk Tuesday.  This product is definitely Curvy Momager approved!  Run and get a few, for the price of $6 they fly off the shelves.


Enjoy Momagers,



The Curvy Momager

Thursday Maunin DJ | A Lil Workout rachetness

Just added these to my Run Girl Run playlist.....YEAH!

Sorry couldn't find the "official" Trophies video but this music is on POINT!  What have you added to your playlist lately?

Whatchu Doin Wednesday | Blog worthy images

Have you ever tried to find the perfect image for a blog post?  One that reflects cultural diversity and actually shows the topic you are trying to convey?  Well look no more!  There is an awesome new gallery of images on Getty Images that will give you just that.  Created by Sheryl Sandberg the Lean In Collection offers over 2500 stock images that provide a wider spectrum of cultural images in a modern, positive light; especially professional women.  You can visit the link here: Lean In Getty Images  Images are a bit costly but definitely impressive.





Here are a few more images that I "copied", Photo cred:  Getty Lean In Partnership