WELCOME TO MAMAVALUES.COM

Self Care and Motivation for Busy Moms

As mothers, we often find ourselves juggling countless responsibilities, from nurturing our children to pursuing our careers. Almost daily overwhelmed by our never-ending effort to successfully fulfill our “duties” towards our families, our employers, our social circle, we often deprioritize self-care, wellness and personal growth, even though they are essential to thriving in our multiple roles.

Join me as we explore practical tips, inspirational home-making and effective strategies to help us maintain a healthy work-life balance, embrace wellness routines and grow personally - all while being the awesome moms we are. Let's embark on this journey together and remind the world (and ourselves) that…mama values!!!

Get In Touch

Home: Welcome

From Greece to Quebec: Embracing the Four Seasons

Hey there friends! People often ask me: “How does it feel to have emigrated from Greece to Quebec, Canada, in terms of climate?” After answering this question hundreds of times, I’ve realized that most people expect me to say something like: “I hate the cold. Greece is paradise. I wish I had never left.” And yet, my answer surprises them every time: “Of course, I miss my country of origin and my family. But I am deeply grateful to be here, because I have the privilege of expe

Dec 15, 20252 min read

How to Make the Most of “Dead Time” for Your Self-Development

Hey there mamas! How many times have you caught yourself thinking: “If only the day had 24 extra hours…” Or maybe you’ve sighed, muttering the classic: “I just don’t have time.” Meanwhile, the world seems to be shouting at us with motivational speeches and Instagram-perfect quotes: “You create your own time!”“If it matters to you, you’ll find a way!” Sounds great in theory, right? But let’s be honest. Picture this: a full-time working mom of three, balancing on a tightrope be

Dec 11, 20253 min read

Are You Taking Yourself Out for Coffee?

Hello valuable mamas! Let me share a little secret—a survival trick I recently added to my mommy life. Ready? Solo coffee breaks. Yes, just me, myself, and my cappuccino. Ever since I became a mom, I’ve been glued to my daily plan like it’s the Holy Grail. Call me a control freak—I’ll own it. Because honestly, when things go off track (and you know how often that happens), it feels like climbing Everest to get back on schedule. My days are packed: full-time job, cooking, lau

Dec 8, 20252 min read

Saturday Night Lights: Our Family Adventure at Festilumi, Montreal

Hey there friends! Last Saturday, we traded Netflix for actual magic . Yes, we bundled up our family of five (three kids, two semi-frozen parents) and headed to Festilumi , Montreal’s newest winter wonderland at Marché Central . And let me tell you—it was like stepping into a glowing fairytale… with a side of churros. What is Festilumi? Think 1.5 km of pure illuminated bliss, sprinkled with over 20 million LED lights and 13 themed worlds that make you feel like you’re traveli

Dec 4, 20252 min read

Montreal’s Arctic Chill? Warm Up with This Cozy Salmon Soup!

Hey there mamas! So, how’s the weather where you are? Because here in Montreal, let me tell you—it’s brutal . The cold hit us like an uninvited guest who showed up early and refuses to leave. We’re talking about a freezing wave so intense it feels like winter skipped the polite “hello” and went straight to “surprise, I’m moving in!” When the thermometer starts flirting with negative numbers, my brain immediately switches to survival mode : warm socks, fuzzy blankets, and—most

Dec 2, 20252 min read

Braces, Confidence & Kindness: Helping Your Child Face School Comments Like a Pro

Hey there mamas! “Mom, will they laugh at me?” That question can tug at your heartstrings. My 12-year-old is about to get braces, and while I’m thrilled for his future smile, I can’t help but remember my own school days—when a shiny set of brackets could spark teasing. Times have changed, but kids’ curiosity (and sometimes bluntness) hasn’t. So, how do we prepare and protect our children from bullying or hurtful comments at secondary school? Here are five practical, heart-cen

Nov 27, 20252 min read

A Sunday Affair at Atwater Market: Where Glowing Pumpkins Meet Cozy Vibes

Hey there friends! One of the latest sunny Sundays, before snow starts hitting hard in Québec, we decided to take profit of the golden crisp weather and make a stroll to the infamous Atwater Market . Picture this: three kids bundled up like mini marshmallows, their father playing the role of chief navigator, me clutching my reusable tote like a warrior heading into battle and the promise of buttery croissants guiding our steps. Atwater Market isn’t just a market—it’s a sensor

Nov 24, 20252 min read

When 4 PM Hits and Your Willpower Packs Its Bags…(A Mama-Friendly Banana Bread That Saves the Day)

Hey there mamas! How often do you promise yourself you will cut, or limit drastically, sugar? You start your day promising: avocado with egg whites for breakfast, lettuce with chicken for lunch. By midday, you’ve already drunk almost 2 liters of water, so the target for three seems achievable. You are so proud of yourself: your skin will glow and those last few kilos from pregnancy will finally go away. And then… it’s 4 pm. Your energy levels start to dip after the early wake

Nov 21, 20252 min read

Deck the Halls Naturally: 5 Gorgeous Christmas Decor Ideas Straight from Mother Nature

Hey there mamas! Every year, I tell myself the same thing: This Christmas, I’m going simple. No glitter explosions, no plastic overload - just the kind of décor that feels warm, authentic and smells like a walk through a winter forest. If you’re craving that same cozy vibe, you’re in the right place. These five ideas are not only beautiful but also budget-friendly and easy to pull off. So grab a cup of hot cocoa (or mulled wine, no judgment!) and let’s turn your home into a

Nov 18, 20253 min read

Liver: One Word, Many Emotions (LOL)

Hey there mamas! Let’s be honest: liver is the Marmite of the food world. People either love it or hate it—and I’m pretty sure the “hate it” camp is winning by a landslide. But here’s the twist: if your doctor says you need it (hello, anemia!), you can’t just ghost liver forever. Its nutritional value is undeniable. So… what do you do when you must eat liver but the thought makes you cringe? Confession time: I’m not a liver hater. But my kids? Oh, they’d rather eat homework.

Nov 14, 20252 min read

My Athens, Part III: A Romantic Farewell

Hey there friends! Here comes my third suggested itinerary—a way to see Athens through the eyes of someone who calls it home. After two long, beautiful walks through the heart of Athens (check out my previous posts!), I still couldn’t get enough of the city I grew up in. Even though I spent part of my vacation on the Greek islands—soaking in the crystal-clear sea, breathing the pure Mediterranean air, and indulging in irresistible local flavors—Athens kept calling me back. Li

Nov 10, 20253 min read

Clear the Decks Before the Holly: 5 Tips to Declutter Your Home in November

Hey there valuable mamas! November is that sneaky month that whispers, “Relax, Christmas is still far away,” while secretly plotting to ambush you with twinkle lights, gift wrap chaos, and a sudden urge to bake 47 kinds of cookies. Before you dive headfirst into garlands and gingerbread, let’s talk about the unsung hero of holiday prep: decluttering . Because nothing kills Christmas cheer faster than trying to hang stockings in a living room that looks like a storage unit. S

Nov 6, 20252 min read

Meal Prep Heroes… and My Tuna-Salad Lifeline

Hey there mamas! If any of you are prepping lunches for the week ahead, first of all: I admire you. Deeply. You are the real MVPs of domestic organization. Me? I’ve never managed to do that. Cooking for me depends entirely on the day’s inspiration—like a diva who only sings when the mood strikes. Which, I admit, is neither time-efficient nor cost-effective. So, no, I don’t recommend my method unless you enjoy living on the edge of “What’s for dinner?” panic. But here’s the go

Nov 3, 20252 min read

My Athens Part II: Athens After Sunset

Hey there friends! Just one day after my first big city tour (see my previous post about Athens), I felt a surge of excitement—an irresistible urge to rediscover my beloved city. Athens, with all its layers of history and emotion, was calling me again. This time, I stepped out around 7 p.m.. The heat still lingered, the temperature hovering in the high thirties, but the golden light of the late afternoon sun softened the atmosphere. A whisper of breeze made the walk more bear

Oct 31, 20253 min read

Why Turning 40 doesn’t suck

Hey there wonderful mamas! For those among you who are hitting, have recently hit, or are about to hit the milestone of your 40s— first of all, welcome . Let me take a moment to reassure you and share my own perspective on this fabulous age. Yes. Fabulous . I know, years ago, turning 40 sounded like the beginning of the end. Like the moment you’d start collecting cat figurines and saying things like, “Back in my day…” But let’s be real—who actually feels like that anymore? Wi

Oct 27, 20254 min read

Soufflé Macaroni with Sausages: When Comfort Food Saves the Day (and Your Sanity)

Hey there mamas! Let’s be honest, mamas. There are days when the fridge stares back at you like a passive-aggressive frenemy, and your brain—bless it—is too fried to invent another quinoa-spinach-avocado miracle. You want to be the wholesome kitchen goddess, but sometimes… you just want peace. And carbs. Yesterday was one of those days. After spending (the day before) my precious free time crafting a gourmet salmon-lentil salad with vinaigrette (yes, I tried ), my family gre

Oct 24, 20252 min read

My Athens, Part I

Welcome friends! Last summer, I had the joy of returning to my homeland—Greece—for a long-awaited vacation. Naturally, my first stop was Athens, the city that shaped me. It’s where I was born, raised, studied, worked, and lived until my early 30s. Athens isn’t just a place on the map for me—it’s a mosaic of memories, emotions, and stories. After a few slow, sun-drenched days reconnecting with my parents, brother, nephews, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends, I found myself

Oct 21, 20254 min read

5 Ways to Build Trust and Keep Communication Strong with Your Pre-Adolescent Son

Hey there mamas! There’s a quiet shift that happens when your little boy starts growing into a young man. One day he’s asking you to tie his shoes, and the next he’s choosing his own outfits and managing his allowance like a mini adult. Welcome to pre-adolescence — a time of change, curiosity, and the beginning of independence. As moms, we often find ourselves caught between wanting to protect our sons and needing to let them explore who they’re becoming. The key to navigatin

Oct 17, 20253 min read

From Orchard to Oven: A Cozy Apple Crumble Recipe for Fall

Hey there mamas! There’s something magical about fall in Quebec. The crisp air, the golden leaves, and the joy of bundling up for a family outing to the apple orchard. If you read my last post about our apple-picking adventure, you’ll remember the overflowing basket of McIntosh and Cortland apples. We came home with hearts full and a kitchen bursting with possibilities. And what better way to celebrate the fruits of our labor than with a warm, comforting apple crumble ? This

Oct 14, 20252 min read

From Greece to Quebec: How Apple Picking Helped Me Feel at Home

Hey there friends! When you move to a new country—especially a whole new continent—it’s like being handed a blank canvas. Exciting, yes. But also a little intimidating. You bring your colors, your stories, your habits, and your flavors, but the landscape is unfamiliar. Even if you fall in love with the place right away, like I did with Canada, it still takes time before it truly feels like home . For me, it took about five years before I could say, “Yes, this is my homeland n

Oct 10, 20254 min read

Home: Blog2

CONTACT

Home: Contact