Lauren Ellerman, Author at Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

I am exhausted just thinking about the average young Mom’s day. Wake. Work. Eat. Out the door. Daycare. School. Home. Eat. Clean. Engage. Educate. Sleep. Repeat. And it appears that most of my friends are not just average young moms. They are super moms. Working full time, part time, two jobs, reading food labels, planning activities, talking…

I am a huge fan of New Years celebrations. Not the kind that involve make-up, short dresses, bubbly liquids and loud music. But the kind that involve self reflection, quiet time, goal setting and peace. And this year, I had the most marvelous NYE . On New Years Eve, my husband and I and our…

Christmas 2009 Gracie and Atticus

Issue: How do you as a parent, a consumer, balance the craze of the Holiday season while keeping the actual meanings of these Holidays at the forefront?

If you can believe it, we are already through 7 days of December. I have no idea what happened to the months prior. I think I recall at least two events in November and a weekend or two in October.. but the last two months have flown by. And frankly, I don’t like the speed…

The holidays are coming, don't stress.

My husband and I received the most unusual and intriguing dinner invitation this weekend.

And the dog.

We are dog people.

For years my husband has subscribed to, or purchased Runner’s World Magazine. As a result, we have had trim, scantily clad (in workout gear of course) individuals gracing our counter-tops and coffee tables most months. Despite its constant presence, I have rarely opened the magazine. My lack of interest comes from the fact that I do not consider myself a…

Yesterday, I attended an all day long event where a group of church leaders discussed change, vision, and how to thrive and serve in a down economy. I watched a group of invigorated community leaders gather to discuss purposeful projects, plans and ways to make our communities stronger. I witnessed people I care deeply about light up when…

The list, the inconsistencies, go on.

I had a conversation with a friend this week, who admitted that she only did one thing every week for herself. She met for 30 minutes, two times a week at lunch, with a personal trainer. Everything else she did was work related, for her precious child, husband, family, volunteer organizations, etc. Do the Math…

Sometimes, life if tremendously difficult and complicated. People stop loving you, they leave, they get sick, they die. Life plans are disrupted by chaos, financial hardship, tragedy, illness. Days are spent in loneliness and isolation though surrounded by others. New parents must balance work, kids, money, kids, work and that leaves no time for each…

I am a list maker. If it doesn’t get written down on a legal pad, or a small piece of scratch paper, it is not worth doing. Or so my warped mind tells me. Yesterday’s list was pretty tame. 1. Court (I had a long hearing of sorts in local state court) 2. Run 3…

I believe in seeking professional help when you need it. I do not engage in any of the following alone: Eye brow waxing Tax Filing Electrical work Running Races Yes. I require professionals to help me run. Its true. The nice folks at my local running store helped me years ago with my first few…

It is time to plant your fall vegetables. Go get them. Right now.

Albert Einstein allegedly said (according to the interwebs), “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” I was not looking for the secret to life when I read those words. I don’t generally think life or its purpose…