Autumn Cartagena

Autumn Cartagena
32 POSTS 2 COMMENTS
Does it involve good conversation? Will it leave people thinking and feeling connected? Is there a chance of diet Coke? Then count me in! I’m a relationship-building, student-advising, psychology-teaching, craft-making, food-experimenting wife to Jensen (July 2007) and mama to Leo and Louie, the two most handsome, dark haired, long-lashed little men I’ve ever met. My current hobbies include finding awesome take-out restaurants, convincing everyone I know that the best party is a THEME party, and adding books to my “to read” shelf on Goodreads.
It's Great to Be a Kid in Ames: Spring Edition | Des Moines Moms Blog

It’s Great to Be a Kid in Ames: Spring Edition

We love Ames. Just a short drive from Des Moines (approximately half the Frozen soundtrack, or if you're in our car, Zootopia's "Try Everything" on repeat about nine times). And while we love everything Des Moines has...
My Social Media Fast: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly | Des Moines Moms Blog

My Social Media Fast: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

This spring (I tend to think of life in terms of semesters, not weather-guided seasons), I decided to take a social media fast. I love social media. I am an extrovert with a pretty strong case of FOMO,...
Fun Ideas versus Good Ideas: Lessons from an Overflowing Toilet | Des Moines Moms Blog

Fun Ideas versus Good Ideas: Lessons from an Overflowing Toilet

We have two kids under four. This was bound to happen eventually. But admittedly, we had never had an explicit conversation about it. You know, about what should and should not go down the toilet. All and all,...
Creating Space for Self-Care: Loving Yourself As Much As You Love Your Kids | Des Moines Moms Blog

Creating Space for Self-Care: Loving Yourself As Much As You Love Your Kids

Last semester was brutal. After some scary life changes in the spring, I made some choices out of fear that really loaded up my schedule. In addition, some awesome opportunities came my way. But they came...
How to Thrive When Your Co-Parent Is in Grad School | Des Moines Moms Blog

How to Thrive When Your Co-Parent Is in Grad School

Admittedly, it’s been a few years, but back when I was in grad school, my responsibilities went as far as keeping my apartment clean enough so as to not annoy my awesome roommates and...
Dear Second Child: Some Christmastime Apologies | Des Moines Moms Blog

Dear Second Child: Some Christmastime Apologies

Dear Second Child, As you know, mama has been writing for Des Moines Moms Blog this past year. It’s been so much fun getting to tell central Iowa about the shenanigans in our house — the...
Connecting Your Family's Hearts with Your Community's Needs | Des Moines Moms Blog

Connecting Your Family’s Hearts with Your Community’s Needs

Mama, are you just ever overwhelmed by need? The needs of your family. Your work. Your community. The world. When I think about need (and am left to my own devices and headspace), I seem to go one of...
Me & My Cell Phone: Time Spent or Time Invested?

Me & My Cell Phone: Time Spent or Time Invested?

One of my mentors recently challenged me to think through the difference between time spent and time invested.  We all get the idea that money invested is often better than money simply spent. We...
The Quest for Strength: Dealing with Limitations

The Quest for Strength: Dealing with Limitations

This summer, I joined a wellness clinic at my workplace. Since the clinic is conducting longitudinal research, they provide the opportunity for an in-depth fitness assessment. This allows them to collect valuable data, and...

Mooshu Trainers Sponsored Post + Giveaway

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Mooshu Trainers, but all opinions are personal. We only share brands and products we love and believe in. Ready or not, fall is just around the corner here in central...