For the last few weeks much of America has been watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta (although no one likes to admit it); it is for sure an entertaining show.  As for the validity of their lives, I pass no judgement; perhaps the show is a good representation of their lives and perhaps it is not, but it is not the life of any housewife that I know, and certainly not mine.  

 What’s with the word “housewife” anyway?  It actually makes my skin crawl, but I’m not sure why.  I guess that it conjurs up images of June Cleaver in her pearls and heels and perpetual cheerful demeanor.  

Or maybe since the Women’s Movement, any reference to being in the “house” is a reminder of more oppressive times for women.  And frankly “wife” can be a dirty word to some women as they furiously protect their own identity after marrying.  More neutral terms like “partner” or “spouse” don’t carry as much possessive weight as a man saying “you’re my wife.” 

“Stay-At-Home-Mom” is more acceptable to most because the label infers that the woman is at home for her children, and only for her children.  That label becomes a bit stickier as the children get older and go to school.  ”Homemaker” is even a preferred term because Martha Stewart has made it chic to make cooking, decorating and cleaning–homemaking–a life’s work.  The catch is, you have to do it like Martha or it doesn’t count.

Even in discussing the show The Real Housewives of Atlanta, many people were quick to point out that 2 of the women weren’t even married and the majority of them focused on other things besides their families and home.  Clearly, even in 2008 people still have traditional ideas of what a housewife is and isn’t.

Look at me: Do I look like Beaver’s mom?  Or one of The Real Housewives of Atlanta?  Nope!  Too funki for the first, not fabulous enough for the latter.

Well, I am Funkidivagirl (you know, saving the world from mediocrity) and I am taking back the label HOUSEWIFE to mean smart, educated, fun, interesting, fascinating, creative, savvy, strong, funki women who understand the importance of making family and home life a priority and who work hard to make their lives flexible enough to make this a reality.  I believe that this definition is inclusive of a broad spectrum of women: women who don’t work, work at home, own their own businesses, work outside the home part-time, flex-time, or anytime that family life allows.  This housewife understands the importance of being available for her husband, children, friends and community but also that she needs to give equal priority to taking care of herself physically, emotionally and doing things that nurture her soul.  She’s no Sandra Dee wimp, she’s fierce!

Here’s a little interview with myself, talking about what it is like to be a 4 Real Housewife:

Look for more profiles of other 4 Real Housewives really soon.  You would want to subscribe to my blog via email or RSS reader so that you don’t miss a thing.  In the meantime housewives, mop on!

Just kidding  

Wow, I have gotten so much positive feedback about my blog post Funkidivagirl: A 4 Real Housewife.  It seems that many women can relate to my story and would like to tell their story as well.  I’m excited for Funkidivagirl.com to be a platform for women to express themselves!  You can read all The 4 Real Housewives’ profiles here.

Meet another 4 Real Housewife, Renee Mack Jones.  Just look at that beautiful family!  Watch Renee’s video and learn how she feels about being a 4 Real Housewife:

Want to know more about Renee?  You can read her blog here.

Are you a 4 Real Housewife?

…..smart, educated, fun, interesting, fascinating, creative, savvy, strong, funki women who understand the importance of making family and home life a priority and who work hard to make their lives flexible enough to make this a reality.  I believe that this definition is inclusive of a broad spectrum of women: women who don’t work, work at home, own their own businesses, work outside the home part-time, flex-time, or anytime that family life allows.  This housewife understands the importance of being available for her husband, children, friends and community but also that she needs to give equal priority to taking care of herself physically, emotionally and doing things that nurture her soul.  She’s no Sandra Dee wimp, she’s fierce!

If that sounds like you, here’s your chance to tell everyone “I’m a 4 Real Housewife!”  You can read the submission guidelines here.  Come on, the world is waiting.

Wow, I have gotten so much positive feedback about my blog post Funkidivagirl: A 4 Real Housewife.  It seems that many women can relate to my story and would like to tell their story as well.  I’m excited for Funkidivagirl.com to be a platform for women to express themselves!  You can read all The 4 Real Housewives’ profiles here.

Meet Latoicha Givens.  You may know Latoicha as the woman behind Luxetips, a very popular fashion and beauty blog.  Did you know that she is also a lawyer, owns her own business and writes IP Law 101, her Intellectual Property Law blog?   She does all this while still putting her family first; Latoicha is a 4 Real Housewife!  

Why is Latoicha a 4 Real Housewife?  In her own words:

What about you? Are you a 4 Real Housewife?

…..smart, educated, fun, interesting, fascinating, creative, savvy, strong, funki women who understand the importance of making family and home life a priority and who work hard to make their lives flexible enough to make this a reality.  I believe that this definition is inclusive of a broad spectrum of women: women who don’t work, work at home, own their own businesses, work outside the home part-time, flex-time, or anytime that family life allows.  This housewife understands the importance of being available for her husband, children, friends and community but also that she needs to give equal priority to taking care of herself physically, emotionally and doing things that nurture her soul.  She’s no Sandra Dee wimp, she’s fierce!

If that sounds like you, here’s your chance to tell everyone “I’m a 4 Real Housewife!”  You can read the submission guidelines here.  It’s fun and easy–promise!  

Just want to learn about other 4 Real Housewives?  Subscribe to Funkidivagirl.com and join the YouTube and Facebook groups so you don’t miss a thing.