We continue to get to know the members of our network in our “5 Minutes” series with Nicole Aikins. Nicole Aikins is a mother of one, full time IT professional, and working towards making her dreams come true by providing moms with the tools to live life fabulously, affordably, and with all the fun their kids can stand. She blogs over at Mommies At Play and here’s what we found out about Nicole:
MamaDrama: Tell us about your blog. When did you start writing and what do you write about?
Nicole: I started my blog last February as a way to capture my journey through motherhood. As a new unmarried mom, there were so many journeys that I wasn’t prepared for, and I needed an outlet. It has morphed into a way of sharing my experiences, both good and bad, with other mommies, so that they know that they are not alone.
MamaDrama: How has being a mother changed your life?
Nicole: Oh man, how has it not?!? Being a mom of a little girl, I have become EXTREMELY conscience of the image that I am portraying to ensure that I am setting the example of the kind of woman I want my daughter to become. I am also getting fit, as I want to lead a healthy lifestyle for my little one, and I plan to be around to see her grow up. Oh, and they weren’t kidding when they said that sleep is for the weak!
MamaDrama: What is your vision of motherhood? Any comments on the recent talk of the “mommy wars”?
Nicole: I find the mommy wars battle funny, because I a lot of the articles I’ve read recently are written by non-moms, which I truly find comical. I am a out of the home working mom, and I take my hat off to SAHMs. I would tell anyone off if they ever said that stay at home moms are not working moms. They are in home working moms, as raising a family as your full time job IS WORK. Anyone who can criticize SAHMs probably never was one, or at least that good at it, in my humble opinion. I had the luxury of taking 5 months off for maternity leave, and that was 10 times harder than managing my multi-million project accounts (full time job). I hope the talks of mommy wars ends, as it is plain silly. We are united in a bond of motherhood. No need to fight about it.
MamaDrama: What have you learned about yourself through your writing?
Nicole: I’ve learned that sometimes I may be the only one who finds myself funny 
MamaDrama: What are some of the topics or causes you champion?
Nicole: I am a huge supporter of family health and wellness, especially in the minority community. With Diabetes on the rise in African Americans, I want to motivate more moms to get out and move with their families. I also am a big advocate of children’s literacy programs. I am a lover of books, and want to foster that love in my daughter.
MamaDrama: What’s in store for you and your blog in the upcoming year?
Nicole: I hope that this year continues to surprise me in wonderful ways, so that my readers can continue to grow on this journey of life and motherhood with me
MamaDrama: Lastly, your favorite theater memory?
Nicole: My favorite theater memory is when my parents surprised me with tickets to Les Miserables. I was OBSESSED with that story line in high school, and as a present for making honor roll, my parents gave me orchestra seats to the show. I literally cried when they gave me the tickets. That night will always hold special memories in my heart. From the train ride to the city, to receiving the play bill, to the opening song, I was in awe. I have mixed emotions about the play becoming a movie, but trust me, I will be the first one in line.
Be sure to follow Nicole on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with her escapades.