Career advice columnists and well-intentioned mentors will always tell you to dress not for the job you have, but for the job you want.  Remember Melanie Griffith in Working Girl?   If we could see beyond the sexist and class-based stereotypes, the movie clearly made the point about the importance of image (clothing, grooming, even speech patterns) in the workplace or, at least, some workplaces.  Granted, I would never want to work somewhere that placed so much emphasis on image, especially if image took precedence over hard work and productivity.  Oh, that

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.

“Watch out for Balls” reads the sign in the private, ocean-front, golf-course that I pass through on my long runs. In addition to posting a sensible fear, this sign is also a signal for me to literally speed up.  My mom’s best friend was once struck in the hand by a golf-ball as she ran through this course. Her hand swelled and was black and blue for weeks. The warning sign reminds me to train at varying intervals and not be lulled by the beautiful scenery into a slow trot.

After the birth of her first son, CT certified English teacher and successful Social Media Marketer and Blogger, Julie began taking part in the Silk City Striders 2010 Wickham Park Cross Country Series. Now a mom of two, Julie found that this same Running Series jump-started her exercise routine. Although I’m familiar with Wickham Park, I had never taken part in this particular race before. I knew that it would be enjoyable to attend the event with another local teacher, writer and runner.

This is a post by Girliemom Guest Blogger, Alex White.

The Hot Iron Holster is one of the most fabulous beauty finds we have come across in a long time.  Finally, you will have a place to put your hot curling iron, flat iron or any other hot styling tool without putting them directly on your counter top, potentially burning a child.  The Hot Iron Holster will save you some counter space!

Planning a birthday party for a loved one? Stew Leonard’s in Newington, Connecticut makes the planning process extremely easy, and offers a wide variety of options both in the store and for catering off the premises. We recently held our daughter’s third birthday, and first ever kid-party in the store’s smaller party-room. Since she is only three, the vibrantly decorated room easily accommodated her small number of close friends and her beloved teenage sitter. Cooking parties and other events for children over five and adults are held in a larger room.

I'm out of touch with what's "cool" for a mother of four in her early 30's. My husband calls me a grandma and my kids think I'm boring. It's time for a mommy make over. I'm looking for style trends for mothers in my age group. Where do you shop? What are some outfit staples? What should I try? I want to be hip but I don't want to look like I'm trying to hard.

Do I look like a frumpy sunflower? And let's talk about the hair. It's in a twist everyday. (And yes I took this picture in the bathroom at work- potty time it the only time I have these days).

If you predominantly work from home and very rarely have to physically go into the office, you may get jitters when the time comes to make an actual appearance in person. This happened to me recently. I literally work from home about 90% of the time, but recently I was asked to come into our New York office for training. Oh well, there goes the bunny slippers! I immediately went to my closet to take inventory. It's been 7 years since I've actually worked around other people and unfortunately my wardrobe reflected it.

One is the perfect number for our family, and happily for us, one precious girl arrived three years ago this month. As an only myself, I’m prepared to pave the way. Although only children are now ubiquitous, negative stereotypes about them persist. The stereotype that I find the most natural and the least inconsiderate to live up to is that of “immodesty”. My manicure, stylish top, statement necklace and even my eye-makeup are often a joyful shade of lemonade. My only girly-girl child dons her own lemon and white striped dress and matching hair accessories.