I clearly remember holding my daughter in my arms for the first time 5 and half years ago. I know it is one memory that will be with me forever.

Being a mom is one of the greatest joys we experience. It’s life changing. We experience a Passion Shift the moment we hold our child in our arms. Everything changes.

However what I have come to realize on my journey into motherhood is that there is NOTHING that can prepare you for the profound shift that happens in your life when you become a mom. 

Back In The Fight by Sergeant First Class Joseph Kapacziewski, his wife Kimberly, and Charles W. Sasser is an incredible story of perseverance and determination. Through Kimberly’s eyes the reader is able to gain insight to her job not only as a wife and mother, but also as Joe’s motivator as he faces the new challenge of his wounds and recovery.

People, I’m about to make you all millionaires. Over the last seven months I’ve been making note of all the baby products and services I wish existed to make life easier and you lucky people are getting the exclusive. OK, millionaires might be a stretch but I can guarantee you at least one loyal customer.

It really does take a village. Balancing roles of mom, wife, home manager and worker bee can push even the most energetic woman over the edge. In order to get it all done (or at least make a good attempt) sometimes you need to ask for help, a favor or for advice…or all three!

Reluctance to ask for someone’s help can be rooted in a misconception that needing help is a weakness. Wrong. Asking for a favor or for advice is a sign of maturity and self confidence. You are saying to the world:

Most of you only know me as a Spa Travel Gal, but I am a mom too even though my kids are almost grown.  I have had so many transitions in and out of the work force, I thought it would be great to share with you some of the issues when I went back into the work force.  I have done it all – full time, part time, part time temp (working full time), job sharing, work from home, part time jobs while the kids were at school, and probably almost any other way you can think of. I have worked three jobs outside of the home in one day before.

If I wanted to hear first day of work horror stories, I’m sure there are many of you who may have at least one to tell.   Some may be too embarrassing to tell.  In any case, starting a new job can be exciting and stressful all at the same time.  Getting to know new co-workers and managers, feeling like you have to prove yourself worthy of

Would you describe yourself as an “Opt-Out” mom if you decided to leave the workforce to stay at home with your children?

A recent article in the New York Times highlighted the stories of a number of women who made the choice to leave their high paying careers to stay at home when they became moms.

They have been giving the title the “Opt-Out Generation.”

Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, the start of a new school year signified opportunity, a fresh start, and a chance to do things differently.

I’ve been searching the web trying to figure out who first said, “Done is better than perfect.”  Long before it became synonymously attached to “Lean In” author Sheryl Sandberg, it was a phrase that perfectionists and endless tweakers used to break them of crippling, obsessive behavior.

Best selling English author Elizabeth Haynes is coming to the US in September when she attends Bouchercon, the mystery/thriller fan convention in New York as well as signings at the Rust Library and One More Page Books in Virginia.