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Educators Use Award Winning Bur Bur's Boating ABC's Children's Book as Part of Pre-School Curriculum Posted: Sep 04, 2010 2:12AM Recently educator Mandy Swan of the Kinderberry Hill Child Development Centers in Plymouth, Minnesota , used the very popular Bur Bur's Boating ABC's children's book as part of curriculum for her pre-schoolers. Below is an interview about how she built upon the theme. The book is the ... And Then There Were Five Posted: Aug 31, 2010 10:42AM
Taking your kid to college sucks. That's the big secret no one tells, because you wouldn't believe them. But I sure wish I was warned.
Friends with children who already flew the coop did not aptly prepare me for the extreme pain and heartache that accompanied taking kid ... Mama Friendships - Are Yours At Risk? Posted: Aug 30, 2010 3:53PM Maintaining friendships when you are a mama can be a tricky business. Often already juggling a hectic home life, work and children, while also trying to carve out a bit of time with Daddy-o, can leave little room for your girlfriends.
The way I see it, there are a ... Am I a Worrywart? Posted: Aug 27, 2010 6:56PM I always thought I was a good parent. I have three adult children, 34, 33 and 28. Compared to some of my friends, raising them was a piece of cake. We rarely argued. There were no drugs, alcohol, wild parties, car wrecks, illness, pregnancies or, sadly, in more than one ... Tech-NO Vacation Posted: Aug 17, 2010 5:59AM Kids are not bringing their cells to our favorite corner of the world. Nor their ipods. No text zone -- I called it. Told hubby too. Just fishing and reading and bocce and birdwatching; then swimming, eating, line dancing, kayaking and foursquare. Lots and lots of foursquare.
... What's the Deal with Blogging? Posted: Aug 16, 2010 12:24PM Just back from BlogHer ’10 in New York City and quite frankly am feeling like I need a bit of a holiday. So much squealing and excitement on the first night left me with a nasty case of laryngitis. I spent the rest of the conference struggling to speak. But, ... Convincing a "Young Invincible" to get health insurance. Posted: Aug 13, 2010 6:38PM
My daughter is just home from two years in Paris, where she was getting a masters degree.
Her health insurance through the university ended the minute she left France. If something happened to her, like a car accident or serious ... Take the Long Way Home Posted: Aug 10, 2010 11:23AM I was proudly pedaling away in spin class (not proud because I was kicking it in class but because I’d actually managed to pry myself out of bed on a Sunday morning) when the instructor put on an old Supertramp song, “Take the Long Way Home.” I flashed back to ...
Our Bipartisan Party Posted: Aug 10, 2010 11:17AM With back-to-school preparations, Labor Day get-togethers and summer-to-fall gear shifting, politics may seem like the last priority for busy working moms. But midterm elections for the senate and house of representatives are right around the corner, and getting your voice heard with a simple swoosh of the voting booth lever ... Is family vacation a hassle? Posted: Jul 29, 2010 1:50PM One of my sons is an Army Reservist. Nine months ago, when he was still in Iraq, he sent an email asking if we could vacation at Lake Tahoe one more time as a family. He wanted to go to the same lakefront home we had rented when they were children. ...
Hooray for Books: "Creative classes where kids look, cook & devour good books!" (tm) Posted: Jul 19, 2010 8:37PM In her former life, Mary Murphy was a longtime Kindergarten teacher, making learning fun for young children. Now, as the founder of Hooray for Books (HFB), she offers “Creative classes where kids look, cook & devour good books!” ™
After the birth of her third child, Mary left her ... Oscar Mario: An Update Posted: Jul 19, 2010 11:33AM Two years ago, our family sponsored a child in Costa Rica named Oscar Mario. He was the chosen one for very specific reasons – at the time, our family was a bit light in the boy department so we thought a male would even things out nicely. My eldest son ... Do you share more than the diaper changing? Posted: Jul 16, 2010 2:27PM I have more than a few friends who are clueless about household details. Insurance. Investments. Bills. Outstanding loans. Taxes. Bank accounts. Wills and last wishes. They just let their husbands handle all of that stuff. (It works until the husband can't or won't do it anymore because he's disabled, dead ...
CoachingSantuary.com - helping women gain perspective, increase confidence Posted: Jul 14, 2010 7:52PM Bettina Jetter, owner of CoachingSanctuary.com , has a soothing voice, a positive outlook and an inspirational message. Through her new website, which launched in early 2010, she’s helping women gain perspective, increase confidence, meet their personal goals and become happier.
Her innovative new site provides an interactive, life coaching ... Scrapbooking the weekend away Posted: Jul 14, 2010 2:09PM I am so excited! I get to go to a weekend-long scrapbooking event full of scrapbooking for 3 days straight! So, why am I procrastinating? I always do this. I am so excited to go, but I find every excuse to put off getting ready – organizing my tools and ... Things I Can't Remember Posted: Jul 05, 2010 2:39PM When you’ve been changing diapers for almost 11 years straight and you have been pregnant for about 250 weeks, it is fair to make claim to a bit of brain mush now and again. Sleep deprivation can make a mama foggy at times. Going to the grocery store and leaving ... Is Daddy Safe? Posted: Jun 21, 2010 11:42AM I sat down to write a nice blog about Daddy-o, because really, he is a fantastic father. But it’s not really my style to write a mushy post about how fabulous he is, so instead I thought I’d talk about how he almost broke the baby this week.
Daddy-o ... Yvonne's Invitations & Favors: Unique online business offers "red-carpet personalized service" Posted: Jun 16, 2010 11:17AM Yvonne’s Invitations & Favors is a Long Island home-based online wedding invitations and favors company, fulfilling orders nationwide.
Shirley Yvonne Vitelli, the company’s founder, operates a unique online business model, offering “red-carpet personalized service” that impresses even the most demanding brides. The company’s customized, friendly service takes the fear out of ordering ... Most Powerful Moms in the Military Posted: Jun 15, 2010 12:50PM Today we published our exciting list of the Most Powerful Moms in the Military. When you read about these military moms you will feel, I suspect, like I did when I gave my balance seekers workshop to the women of the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard a week ago: ... TrueBlueMatch.com, a free online site that helps people make new friends Posted: Jun 08, 2010 1:25PM When Christine Cook had her first baby 14 years ago, she felt lonely and isolated but had limited time to meet people. She was looking for friends on the playground and other kid-friendly spots, but wasn’t making “true blue” connections with anyone. For 13 years, she had an idea brewing ... Nice Things You Say That Annoy Me Posted: Jun 07, 2010 11:52AM When we have our babies, it is natural to transform into “mama bear”, stopping at nothing to defend and protect. For the mama who has a child facing additional challenges, this instinct goes into overdrive. Having a child with autism has made me respond to certain comments irrationally. I can ... Make Just One Veteran Smile... Posted: May 31, 2010 11:38AM Whether you agree with U.S. involvement in foreign wars or not, please consider displaying a flag on your home today. It shows your support of the men and women who have served and are still serving our country in the military.
My son, an Army Reservist, just returned ... My Bad Posted: May 25, 2010 2:23PM Can you imagine saying something mean to that cute face? I did and it didn’t feel good.
Mornings around our house are always hectic. The other day, my five-year-old woke up excited that the long awaited kindergarten trip to the fire station had arrived. The best part – I ... The Mother's Day Gift to Give Yourself Posted: May 10, 2010 12:21PM Mothers can have bad days – kids misbehave, work gets on top of you, the house is a dump, your husband is being useless, etc. Mothers often tell me that when they are having a bad day, they think of me and they instantly feel better. The chaos in my ...
Distractions? What Distractions? Posted: Apr 26, 2010 1:14PM A year and a half ago, when I launched my family organizer website, I planned to work at home for the first few years. Why not? The kids were off. The husband's office was downtown. I would have the place to myself.
So I turned my daughter's room into ... Giving Kids What They Don't Want Posted: Apr 26, 2010 11:01AM I posted a blog recently about the value of saying “No” to kids. The gist was:
1) Your kids will be fine if they don’t get what they want all the time.
2) If you’re going to say “No” then be sure to follow through – unless you like ... Making It Look Easy Posted: Apr 12, 2010 3:31PM
People often tell me I make things look easy. I think the reason I make things look easy is because they often are. A perfect example is the neighbourhood Easter egg hunt I recently organized. Please note that when I ... Awakening the sleeping self within... Posted: Apr 07, 2010 7:15PM
When I was in high school, I was a fireball of poetry, black & white photography and song lyrics. I had notebooks full of arousing verses, binders full of inspired negatives, and sketchbooks full of tattoo designs created by me and other close friends. I’d stay inside ... And so it begins... she's 'growing up' Posted: Apr 07, 2010 2:15PM So the other day, I got home from work, and arrived at home to find my oldest daughter with a stick on jewel on the side of her nose. You know, the sticky jewels that 'back in my day' that little girls used to pretend their ears were pierced with?! ...
It's Eggciting! Posted: Apr 07, 2010 11:57AM Lest you think that I live, breathe and sleep health policy, this blog is on an entirely different topic. Several people have asked me what I did to celebrate the passage of health reform. To some it has seemed that we have not taken a breath between health reform passage and ... Yes, Mommy is a big girl now! Posted: Mar 30, 2010 7:05PM
So, many months ago, while working on potty training my youngest daughter, a funny thing happened:
I made the mistake of not locking the bathroom door on a Saturday night as I ran to take a pee. Shelby runs in, stops dead in her tracks and says ...
Palin Politics Posted: Mar 29, 2010 6:45PM
I’m visiting Rapid City on a short book tour this week. Since my book is about how the skills you learn as a parent are the same skills you need to be a good boss, ...
Health Reform That's Good for Kids Posted: Mar 23, 2010 9:19AM During one of the most crucial weeks for action on health reform, I am spending the week at the home I grew up in with my Dad and my 4-year-old-son. Between lots of game show watching, work in the yard and doctor’s appointments for my Dad, I have not had ... Do working mothers care about polka dots & posies? Posted: Mar 22, 2010 5:19PM I offer home management and family organizing tools on my website, Habitudes.info . The checklists, charts and record keepers appeal particularly to working mothers, so that's where I concentrate my marketing. But the website was designed to be used by both mom AND dad, so I chose a "unisex," family-oriented ... The Maternity Leave Talk Posted: Mar 17, 2010 5:02PM In my last post, I talked about, probably ranted about a bit, maternity leave and how am I hoping to work at home some after my medical leave is over. I had the talk today with my manager and VP. While it is not completely unheard of at my work ...
Surviving the Move Posted: Mar 15, 2010 2:15PM
You spoke and thankfully, I listened.
To all of you who commented with moving advice on my blog post over at www.thebabymachine.com – if I could reach through this computer screen and give you a big squeezy hug, I would. I owe you my sanity. What those comments ...
The Buttons Made Me Do It! Posted: Mar 05, 2010 6:03PM My office is at home. I have a website that offers household organizing tools, including checklists and record keepers.
Because I store peoples' personal information online, they want assurance that their data is secure. So I decided to write an article on home computer and internet security to include ... Maternity Leave Posted: Mar 05, 2010 11:29AM My original plan for blogging on Working Mother was to blog about pregnancy and the working mom, and those challenges that come along. Well, that was last June when I started and unfortunately, we lost that pregnancy. I blogged a bit more, but when I found out that I WAS ...
Faking It For the Kiddos Posted: Mar 01, 2010 12:44PM
I’m not always completely honest with my kids, and it is done in the best interests of all parties. It’s not like outright lying to them – more like faking it. These top the list:
1) I fake that I like food.
Don’t get me wrong – I ...
Emerging from Snowpocalypse Posted: Feb 22, 2010 10:21AM As you may have heard, the last week and a half has not been a picnic in the DC-area. We got hit with two successive major snow storms. For those of you who have ever lived in the DC-area, you know that this amount of snow results in everything coming ... The Birth of a Superstar Posted: Feb 16, 2010 2:54PM
50 years ago my Aunt Joan was born. Hers has not been an average life. She arrived prematurely, possibly having an unfortunate run-in with the umbilical cord on the way out. Regardless of the cause, she has had a special place in our family because she did not develop ...
Blended Families and The Winter Blues Posted: Feb 02, 2010 1:19PM The weather is cold and you’re sometimes stuck in the house, with nothing to do. It’s time to work on blending your stepfamily! Blended families get to know each other better by doing things together.
Plan a few family projects.
It’s time to clean out the ...
Resolutions Re-visited Posted: Feb 01, 2010 2:46PM So we’ve made it to February, which is usually the time when folks have either fallen off the New Year’s resolution wagon or take a step back to assess how they are doing.
I am happy to report that I am doing great! OK, it might have something to ...
Wonderful Happenings Posted: Jan 29, 2010 5:22PM Sometimes wonderful happenings just fall into place. I received an evite from Dee Dee Mendez to a party to meet her 4 month old baby, Mercedes Eve. I really wanted to go. Dee Dee is a Feng shui expert who helps companies and individuals. Vivacious and smart, I wanted to ... Embrace the joy in life Posted: Jan 19, 2010 1:00PM
I know people say this all the time, but life is so very very short. Most people don’t realize it, but it is always in the back of my mind. Almost thirty years ago, as my brothers and I were entering adulthood, our father’s kidneys started failing. He ...
Haiti - What is Your Family Plan? Posted: Jan 18, 2010 11:44AM This week I was feeling a little glum. I had a few close calls with the kiddos that really threw me off my game.
One kid didn’t hold the bus buddy’s hand on the way to the bus stop the other day. She stepped onto the road but jumped ... Getting Organized in your Blended Family for the New Year Posted: Jan 06, 2010 4:03PM It’s a New Year, and time to get organized in your blended family. You may have a spouse, kids who live in your house, and step kids who visit, and other relatives who visit occasionally. It can get pretty complicated in blended and stepfamilies homes this time of year.
...
Things Are Not So Bad Posted: Dec 28, 2009 11:24AM Around our house, we have great fun celebrating Christmas. This year was also fantastic, with one exception. Nagging at me all day was how baby boy was breathing. Not good.
At 7:30pm I couldn’t take it anymore and made the trip down to the hospital. Before getting admitted, they ...
Keep Your Cooties to Yourself! Posted: Dec 23, 2009 6:48PM I've been sick for ten days. I can't be sure, but may have gotten the respiratory infection from one of the singers in my jazz octet. We had holiday performances coming up, so a couple of weeks ago she dragged herself to rehearsal in spite of not feeling well. As ... Fun in the Snow and in the Senate? Posted: Dec 21, 2009 3:37PM It seems the blizzard of the century in DC that slowed metro, closed schools and churches had the opposite effect on the Senate. The morning of the blizzard I woke up to the news that the Senate had the votes to move the health reform bill to a final vote ... Things I Do Well: Fatigue Posted: Dec 21, 2009 11:11AM
So this baby of mine has been a chronic bronchiolitis guy. I’ve never had a bad breather so it’s all new and exciting. In fact, I’m just home from a few days in the hospital with him. Throw some pneumonia into the bronchiolitis mix and you’ve got yourself a ...
Rosanna who? Posted: Dec 18, 2009 1:07PM Occurred to me recently I'm old. I wasn't aware of it, regardless of constant reminding from teen-offspring who say I'm not nearly as hip as I think I am. The fact that I say 'hip' on a regular basis attests to that. But I am (old, not hip). And I believe ...
What do you want to be when you grow up? Posted: Dec 17, 2009 1:07PM
I have been asking this question of myself lately because I feel as if I have been scattering my efforts in all directions. Yes, I have to take care of my family and my home. Yes, I have to take care of my existing writing clients, but what ... J-O-B Posted: Dec 17, 2009 9:41AM I got a job. The kind where they pay you on a regular basis with a check that clears and a boss and an email and responsibilities and for christssake I may get a business card. I shit you not.
Woops. So edit me. Censor me. I ...
A Grown Up Christmas List Posted: Dec 14, 2009 1:23PM I love this song, especially as sung by Jane Monheit. This year the words are especially bittersweet, with one son serving in Iraq and my daughter living in Paris.
Here's an excerpt:
"Do remember me? I sat upon your knee.
I wrote to you with childhood ... Have a Very Cheesy Christmas Posted: Dec 14, 2009 12:20PM There are a few things that are irresistible about the Holiday Season:
1) Dressing your kids like idiots. Yes, I dressed my daughter in a Santa suit dress for her violin recital. Why? Because I can.
2) Elf Yourself – really, we can spend hours doing this using ... Why Tiger Woods Should Put His Family First Posted: Dec 10, 2009 10:02AM The golf legend should take a page from "The David Letterman Handbook on Extramarital Affairs" and come clean. By refusing to speak out publicly, he’s inflicting even more pain on his family and allowing the media circus to escalate.
I can see the TV Movie of the Week: We ...
Planning Travel for the Holidays Posted: Dec 08, 2009 11:55AM Have you ever sat down, the week before Thanksgiving, and figured out no one talked about visitation? You don’t know who’s staying with whom, or how many are coming for Thanksgiving meal? It’s just crazy to not plan ahead!
Coordinating the Schedules
Planning ... 14 Not Forgotten Posted: Dec 07, 2009 10:31AM Today marks the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre.
I was 18-years-old when the 14 women were gunned down. As an earlier adopter of feminism, I had already done much of the reading required of a budding feminist and had some very decent mentors in place.
When the ... An easy alternative to "hors d'oeuvres" Posted: Dec 02, 2009 6:03PM For years, I was a SAHM and had plenty of time to prepare for the holidays. Martha Stewart would be proud. But, since returning to work, I just get annoyed at "helpful" articles featuring preparation "count downs" involving a week or more before the big event. I don't have that ... Surviving Birthday Party Season Posted: Nov 30, 2009 5:44PM
Within the last month, three of my six kids have had birthdays. It’s a very lean month in our household – topping up RESPs along with throwing a few birthday parties can take its toll on anyone’s budget.
In addition to not liking birthdays’ financial implications, I think ...
Moving House Posted: Nov 23, 2009 10:20AM So we finally bit the bullet and are moving house. The thought of it is overwhelming – so much crap to be sorted, packed or purged. With six kids, I know you can imagine just how much crap we’re talking here. Adding further stress is the prospect of making our ... More Tips for Balancing the Supermom Act - part 2 Posted: Nov 20, 2009 1:11PM This post is part two in a series of three posts about Balancing the Supermom Act. If you missed part one, click here...>
Last week, we learned about Lucinda Cross and her new book Corporate Mom Dropouts . This week, Lucinda talks more about the book and the mom ...
Waging the War on Wrinkles Posted: Nov 18, 2009 7:14PM Got wrinkles? It’s cute for dogs and babies to have them, though the lines and creases are not so attractive on adults. With mom entrepreneur's faces constantly ending up in photos and on video in today’s technology-driven culture, we should all be looking for ways to improve our skin.
...
Custody Wars Posted: Nov 17, 2009 10:18AM Working moms say they’re facing their worst nightmare in today’s custody hearings. Are they getting a raw deal? Many lawyers and judges think so.
When we hear about custody battles, we pretty much take it for granted that the mother is going to wind up living with her ...
Anyone Out There With Healthy Kids? Anyone?? Posted: Nov 16, 2009 2:01PM
As all you mamas know, once one kid is down, it’s just a matter of time before they all start dropping like flies. I’ve got a lot of flies, so things can drag on for quite some time. In fact, with so many flies, the whole little germ fest ...
5 Tips for Balancing the Supermom Act - part 1 Posted: Nov 13, 2009 1:15PM This post is part one in a series of three posts about Balancing the Supermom Act. I know that this is a topic all mom entrepreneurs can relate to.
Lucinda Cross is a speaker, mom and the founder of Corporate Mom Dropouts. She also runs a ... 5 More Thrifty Tips for Taking Care of Your Skin Posted: Nov 13, 2009 1:13PM Two weeks ago, we shared five thrifty skin care tips with you from skin care guru Celeste Hilling, CEO of Skin Authority .
By popular demand, Celeste is back this week with five additional thrifty and simple tips for achieving radiant skin. This is especially important for busy moms ... If Grandma Can't Come to Thanksgiving, Bring Thanksgiving to Her. Posted: Nov 10, 2009 6:22PM My mom was like the Energizer bunny. But by the age of 94, the years caught up with her. I had invited the entire family to our house for Thanksgiving dinner, but she just wasn't up to it. There was no way to get dinner to her on Thanksgiving Day, so ... Spreading the Love Posted: Nov 09, 2009 3:19PM We can all give in little ways that make a huge difference. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want their children to be kind and generous people who grow up with a desire to make contributions. There is no question that the best way to teach kids is through role ... 5 Ways to Help Women Advance Posted: Nov 09, 2009 11:07AM Women are poised to outnumber men in the workplace—so what’s it going to take for women to hold more of the country’s top jobs?
I believe most people in the country are equally comfortable hiring a female lawyer, meeting with a female financial adviser, and being interviewed by a ...
Adding It Up Posted: Nov 05, 2009 3:11PM This week my colleagues and I added up the pages of health reform legislation we have read. Can you tell we were trying to avoid focusing on the most recent 1,990 page bill released by the House of Representatives? The tally adds up to 53,148 pages of health reform bills ... Hallowe'en- Mama Style Posted: Nov 02, 2009 3:37PM I’m not a fun person. Let me qualify that – I’m not fun in the traditional sense.
I don’t dress up for Hallowe’en and I have never met an April Fools Day prank that I didn’t think was stupid. When people send me funny jokes by e-mail, the joke ... 5 Thrifty Tips for Taking Care of Your Skin Posted: Nov 02, 2009 9:16AM Have you heard about the upcoming Beauty Workout Holiday Boot Camp Tour happening in November? It is being held in 12 states across the U.S. by Skin Authority, the leading skin care lifestyle company.
Top beauty and lifestyle experts will be working with participants to design a beauty ...
Why does every LLC need an Operating Agreement? Posted: Nov 02, 2009 9:14AM In celebration of Women’s Small Business Month, we are continuing our series on Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and how to protect yourself in business. If you missed part 1, click here…>, and for part 2, click here…>
Protecting yourself and your business is very important and should not be ...
What I'm Thankful For Posted: Nov 02, 2009 8:56AM Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, but this year, Thanksgiving is tugging at my heart. It’s been such a difficult year in so many ways for so many people that I want to pay extra attention to thankfulness. Here’s my Top 10 list of things that make me say ...
Labor of Love Posted: Oct 30, 2009 11:23AM Jack is turning 5 this month— and he wants the world to take note. When people lean in and tell my son, “You’re so cute,” he no longer smiles coyly and says,
“Thanks.” He corrects them: “No, I’m not. I’m big.” Jack wants to put growing up on fast-forward; I ... This is Lovely, But... Posted: Oct 26, 2009 11:43AM I have people send me this link regularly:
I’m always so chuffed when people take the time to forward something that might be of interest to me. Have a look – this clip is a beauty. A lovely teenager with autism gets his chance on the basketball court ...
White House as Sorority House? Posted: Oct 26, 2009 10:47AM The high-ranking women in the White House are the real barometer of the advancement of women--not the number of women playing basketball with the President.
Feels like a very slow news day when The New York Times runs a front page story criticizing President Obama for hosting a basketball ...
Is "Trick or Treating" Extortion? Posted: Oct 23, 2009 5:41PM Like the last 29 years, our neighborhood will be teeming with scarecrows, goblins, ghosts and fairy princesses on October 31. But this year there will be no pumpkin to carve, no friends and family over to share dinner and door answering duties, and no children climbing the stairs to our ... Is it worth it? Posted: Oct 23, 2009 12:52PM Last night, I had to miss my mother’s weekly Roni Night. I had a backlog of work due to a computer crash and a week of mishaps. She called to ask if I enjoyed the meal she sent home with my family, complete with a piece of pie, some pumpkin ...
What about the biracial blended families? Posted: Oct 20, 2009 12:21PM A bi-racial couple, who is going to get married soon and become a blended family recently asked how to respond to people who stare or say rude comments to them.
Your extended family
You can talk with your extended family, and prepare them for the future marriage of ... A Different Kind of Remembrance Day Posted: Oct 19, 2009 11:07AM Last week on October 15th, many mamas were lighting candles in remembrance. That day has been designated as National Pregnancy Loss & Infant Loss Awareness Day.
I had a miscarriage soon after my first child was born. My loss was accompanied with some guilt too – finding out I ...
Win an LLC formation, an LLC Operating Agreement and $500 for your business! Posted: Oct 17, 2009 6:15PM In celebration of Women's Small Business Month, The Mom Entrepreneur has partnered with myLLCagreement .com to sponsor an exciting new Contest.
Here are the details...
MyLLCagreement .com is giving away the formation of a Limited Liability Company in any U.S. state. In addition, they will create ...
How do I form an LLC? Posted: Oct 17, 2009 6:14PM In celebration of Women’s Small Business Month, we are continuing our series on Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and how to protect yourself in business. If you missed part 1, click here…>
I chose to form an LLC in order to have better protection. As a business owner, you hope ...
Ah Guilt! Posted: Oct 16, 2009 1:18PM Why does guilt rear its ugly head in so many different ways? A few weeks ago, I went along to a field trip to the fire station with my daughter's preschool class. While I enjoyed seeing her in her element, I felt a couple of different kinds of guilt: 1. ...
Isotoner's Storm After Firing Nursing Mom Posted: Oct 14, 2009 12:26PM
With hate mail pouring in and thousands of bloggers calling for boycotts of Totes/Isotoner umbrellas, gloves and galoshes, the Cincinnati, OH–based company has had a stormy start to the rainy season.
In an Internet minute, the company learned the speed at which its largely female client base could ...
This time I suggest you a great movie... Posted: Oct 14, 2009 11:53AM Last night I was watching a movie. The cast was great. Players were playing really well, they really seemed cut for the roles they were playing. I laughed so much! There was one scene in which two small children were fighting for a piece of bread. Both of them wanted ...
When Our Children Grow Up Posted: Oct 13, 2009 2:47PM I was miraculously alone in my car the other day tuned into CBC, hoping to catch the dreamy voice of long- time crush, Jian Ghomeshi.
Being interviewed was Shane Earle, Mount Cashel Orphanage survivor. Something he said really resonated with me: the way we live each day as an ...
Would You Hire This Person? Posted: Oct 09, 2009 4:46PM To bring more people to my new website, I've been looking for a "search engine optimization" (SEO) consultant. The site, Habitudes.info , offers home management software - a collection of household checklists and record keepers designed to help dual career families stay organized. Here's one of the responses I received when I ... The facts about forming a Limited Liability Company - 1 of a 3 part series Posted: Oct 09, 2009 2:35PM Recently, members of The Mom Entrepreneur Online Support Group were discussing forming a Limited Liability Company or LLC . The women in our group wanted to know why they should form an LLC , and can it be done at an affordable price?
Members all agreed the process was ...
Biological Mom alienates kids from Biological Dad Posted: Oct 08, 2009 3:00PM A stepmom asks:
We are having quite a lot of trouble with the biological mom. My husband has been divorced for 5 years and we have been together for 3 years. I have an 18 year old and 14 year old. He has an 11, 7 and 5 year ...
Sales Guy Survives Run In With Mom Posted: Oct 05, 2009 10:27AM I have wrapped up my maternity leave and am now enjoying my official Mabel duties. One of these duties includes overseeing the Sales Department, which is kind of funny since I almost killed a sales guy this week.
The other evening I was nagged by the sound of a ...
Match Point on Health Reform Could be a Long Way Off Posted: Oct 01, 2009 1:41PM At the same time that Congress returned to D.C. and started volleying health reform back and forth, I started a month long regime to prepare for a tennis match with a colleague. I played competitive tennis in high school, but that was a long time ago. I am happy to ...
rules and future leaders Posted: Oct 01, 2009 4:32AM Choosing what to do with our children and know that it is the right thing to do, is really hard. Maybe, if we are lucky, after a long time, we are able to understand from results if our past choices were the right one. Fortunately, sometimes science comes in our ... Have Breasts, Will Travel Posted: Sep 29, 2009 2:54PM I have this friend Steve who was recently on a flight. Across the aisle was a new mama with her babe and a very elderly man, who from here on in shall be called ‘old dude’.
As the airplane was taking off, mama started breastfeeding babe. As any travelling ...
Letting Go, in More Ways Than One. Posted: Sep 27, 2009 3:21PM
I'm a type A. So much so that last week, when it was time to spend a week at our country house in the Napa Valley, I didn't want to go. I wasn't finished updating the links page on my family organizing website. But off we went.
I ... Announcing the Working Mother Best Companies for 2009! Posted: Sep 22, 2009 9:20AM I am so thrilled to launch the Working Mother 100 Best Companies for 2009 today. This is the 24th year of our list, and I am proud to say that I remember when we launched it in 1986. We wanted CEOs to pay attention to the urgent needs of working ... Elia Posted: Sep 21, 2009 10:45AM I go to the Mabel’s Labels HQ about two and half days a week and work from home the rest of the time. I like going to the office for the obvious reasons – it’s quiet, no one interrupts me to say they want a snack, and I get to ...
Mom Fired for Breastfeeding Breaks Posted: Sep 18, 2009 8:39AM Companies used to think a broom closet made for a perfectly fine lactation room, but we've come a long way since then, haven't we? I thought so, until I learned that working mom LaNisa Allen's employer, Totes/Isotoner, had the right to fire her for taking unauthorized 15-minute breaks to pump ...
What do you do . . . Posted: Sep 12, 2009 6:46PM when your child develops an interest in something you do not enjoy? or like? or even thought you could tolerate?? As a mother, we apparently have to learn to tolerate it, at least enough to stand behind the camera to take a photo or video of your child embracing their ...
National Grandparent's Day Posted: Sep 11, 2009 3:35PM Grandparent's Day is Sunday, September 13th. This day was founded by Marian McQuade, a housewife who wanted to recognize and appreciate the grandparents in nursing homes. National Grandparent's Day was proclaimed by Jimmy Carter in 1978 to be celebrated, each year, on the first Sunday after Labor Day.
... Was This Sexual Harassment? Posted: Sep 09, 2009 1:50PM Years ago, at twenty-something, I was a writer at a major ad agency. I was excited to be assigned to their biggest account. When introduced to the client as the newest member of his creative team, he grabbed me, planted an alcohol infused kiss on my cheek, and said ... Summer in the Suburbs Posted: Sep 08, 2009 2:41PM Several years ago, I reluctantly moved to the suburbs. I missed my life as an urban mama cruising all the mama haunts with my three babes loaded up in a triple stroller. Suddenly every outing involved a mini-van. Since the move, my kid crew has doubled in size and like ...
Summer's End Posted: Sep 04, 2009 10:37AM Like many children across the U.S., my oldest son is making the most of his last week of summer vacation before the start of a new school year. In between spending days at the beach building sand castles and boogie boarding, he’s getting mentally prepared for another year of reading, ... Celebrate National Step Family Day Posted: Sep 03, 2009 4:54PM
Celebrate National Step Family Day on September 16th. Founder, Christy Tusing-Borgeld created the first National Step Family Day on September 16th, 1997, almost thirteen years ago.
... Taking Julia to College Posted: Aug 28, 2009 11:16AM
My daughter Julia went shopping in my attic, my barn and all over my house to find "stuff" for her first-ever apartment. This morning as I left for work I wondered what item she had taken that left a gaping hole in my bookshelf. Was it Henrietta, the fat porcelain ...
Walk Like a Man, Talk Like a Man? Posted: Aug 27, 2009 5:35PM In early spring we hired a contractor to update a small room and bath on the first floor of our home. The job was to start on May 1 and be done in a month and a half, when my son would finish business school and move home for a ...
New Member to the Family Posted: Aug 25, 2009 11:19AM The newest member of our family came home last Friday afternoon. Prior to the last pregnancy, my husband and I discussed getting a 2nd dog to replace our Nala, our sweet Alaskan Malamute who passed away March 2008. We decided immediately after her passing to wait until we at least ... Doggie Love or The Bark Blog Posted: Aug 24, 2009 12:46PM A Special Blog from Julia Rose, my daughter and guest blogger:
Once your family decides to get a dog, the quest begins for the right one. There are hundreds of breeds for all different types of needs and wants. Small, big, hairy, hypoallergenic, smart, lazy... the list goes on. ...
You Get What You Get Posted: Aug 24, 2009 10:54AM Since most parents are not particularly fond of whining, “you get what you get and you don’t get upset” is a common mantra in many households. It is most often heard immediately following annoying requests such as “but I wanted to sit in THAT chair” or “no, not the blue ...
Grandparent's Guidelines for Blended Families Posted: Aug 21, 2009 3:52PM You and your new love have decided to blend your families. Now it's time to help your Mom and Dad with some tips on how to respond to your newly blended family.
1- Treat all children the equally and fairly : Treat your step grandkids as if ... You make time for their outside activities...what about yours? Posted: Aug 20, 2009 5:01PM You already hold down a job and run a household. It's hard to find time or energy to do art, yoga, read a novel or do anything "just for fun." But you enable your family's activities. You deserve yours, too.
I love to sing. Besides lullabies, I didn't sing ... Lions and Tigers and... Chipmunks? Oh My! Posted: Aug 17, 2009 11:45AM
Like any kiddos, mine are big fans of critters and creatures. They are particularly fond of chipmunks, and at the cottage they spend a lot of time feeding and basically domesticating these little creatures.
Turns out they have made fast friends with the little critters at home as ...
Return from Vacation Posted: Aug 16, 2009 4:27PM We spent last weekend in a resort in the Wisconsin Dells with my husband's family -- well, most of it: 33 members! It was nice to reconnect with the extended family and Maggie had a blast playing with her cousins. She was very very sad to say goodbye to them ...
Isn't Getting Kids The Right Health Care at the Right Time an Emergency? Posted: Aug 13, 2009 5:29PM Earlier this month, I spent my youngest son’s birthday at a local fire station. The entire party got a tour of the fire house, trucks and a demonstration of the fire poll. Seeing all of the resources and infrastructure that we have ready for emergencies got me thinking about how ... Guidelines for the Divorced Parent Posted: Aug 13, 2009 3:10PM
1- Keep contact to a minimum . -One phone call a day is excessive, several text messages a ... How to Make Cleaning Out Your Closet (almost) Fun. Posted: Aug 12, 2009 2:18PM You'd think I could handle organizing my own closet. I'm notoriously organized. (I founded Habitudes.info, a family organizing website.)
But there was stuff in my closet that hadn't been worn since Reagan was in the Oval Office. Just the thought of cleaning it out was exhausting.
So ... Out of the Mouths of Babes Posted: Aug 10, 2009 1:39PM
My cousin just had her first baby, an adorable girl named Claire Maeve.
It was discovered at an early ultra-sound that the baby was going to have a cleft lip. Although minor on the scale of things that can go wrong, it is still news that parents need to ...
Preparing for School Posted: Aug 05, 2009 9:03PM Summer is almost over and it's time to prepare my blended family for the school year.
Purchase a Calendar
I purchase a large calendar and a pack of markers.
Each child is assigned a color. I then take the various school calendars (we only have 3 ... When Mom Drives Drunk Posted: Aug 05, 2009 1:18PM We've all heard about Mothers Against Drunk Driving but not so much about mothers who drive drunk. In fact, 5.3 million women in the U.S. drink in ways that threaten their health and safety, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Sadly, the case of Diane Schuler, ...
Glamming Up! Posted: Aug 04, 2009 11:53AM I was in Chicago last weekend, attending the BlogHer conference for the first time. In the world of mama blogging, this is the biggie. I was in the company of 1,500 amazing women bloggers — attending great seminars and fabulous parties. It was great fun to see online relationships transform ...
cost benefit analysis Posted: Aug 03, 2009 7:45AM On our Shabat table (the Jewish lunch of saturday), we had a friend. he was relating us of his intention to leave his job (he has a very good position in a bank) and to become an independent consultant. He is sick of seeing others, who are less scrupolous then ...
Hubby is going to be OK, until I wring his neck! Posted: Aug 01, 2009 6:05PM Every summer, my husband takes off with the "guys," while I have a couple of friends up to our summer place for a long weekend with the "girls." Last Friday, minutes before my friends arrived, I checked my email.
This one was from Alice: "Robert said they took your ... Milano by summer Posted: Jul 30, 2009 3:28PM End of July. Milan is a desert as the sahara one. you don't have trafic, you have a whole sidewalk close to which you can park your car, slides are only for your kids, no rows in the supermarket, no endless waiting at the butcher. to find an open pharmacy ... States Budget Pressures Squeeze Children's Health Programs Posted: Jul 30, 2009 2:15PM As the pace of health reform movement at the federal level slowed down over the past week, action in the states heated up. Since my job entails work on federal and state policy, this resulted in a pivot from a focus on federal health reform 24-7 to an intense effort ...
Quality vs. Quantity Time Posted: Jul 27, 2009 11:12AM Growing up the in the 80s, the buzz-word for parenting seemed to be quality time over quantity time. The idea was/is that it is much more important how you spend time with your children, rather than just how much time you spend with your children. I think about that every once ...
Life Reminders Posted: Jul 21, 2009 5:32PM It's strange. But humans, to remember what are the real priorities in life, need periodical 'recalls'. Try to remember the first time you heard a bad news. To me it happened when an old dad's uncle passed away. I didn't want to eat anymore, I felt stupid, as I was ...
Disconnecting to Reconnect- (Complete w/links to help plan YOUR OWN trip) Posted: Jul 21, 2009 1:32PM My parents used to take my sister and I camping, every summer, at Prairie Creek Redwood State Park when we were growing up. I have cherished memories of tall, gorgeous trees, stars in the sky that seemed fifteen times brighter than the stars I watched back from home, beach ... Out of the Closet Posted: Jul 21, 2009 10:37AM
As some of you know, my oldest kid has autism. We take this autism stuff pretty seriously and as a result he has made remarkable gains. Indeed, to the untrained eye he is indistinguishable from his neuro-typical peers.
Last weekend four of the kiddos did a triathlon. When ...
The Child Care Crisis Posted: Jul 20, 2009 3:56PM This weekend as I was enjoying my Sunday Paper, the headline in the Parade Magazine caught my attention: The New Push for Quality Child Care . We just received notice from my daughter's day care provider that monthly costs are going up and even though she will be moving to ...
Realist. Not Moralist Posted: Jul 16, 2009 5:38AM
We do not have television at home. Since my husband and I got married, we decided that television had more negative aspects than positive. During our holidays sometimes it happens that we rent an apartment and we don’t touch the television. Suddenly we are pulled ...
Unpredictable like a Working Mother's Life Posted: Jul 15, 2009 9:56AM You know how you can plan your day to the smallest detail and still something can come up that will completely throw your entire day off. Just last week I dropped my sons off at preschool and camp and headed into work for what looked like a relatively quiet day ... Vehicle Grief Posted: Jul 14, 2009 10:25AM
I’ve been doing a bit of complaining about having to find a car that suits our family. I was whining about this on my other blog (www.thebabymachine.com).
The biggest issue has been that it seemed like no one wanted to help us out. I e-mailed contacts in the ...
I am as I am (i.e. I love my physical defects!) Posted: Jul 13, 2009 7:52AM
I open my preferred magazine and a perfect model, with a perfect face and a perfect body, smiles to me from the second page. No wrinkles, no fluffy stomach, no capillaries on the legs. Not a sign of human defects.
I close the magazine and I look ...
Special Days Posted: Jul 12, 2009 6:30PM
As the economy crunched budgets at my office last fall, our CEO encouraged the executives to take more time off to keep our vacation time from accruing.
I jumped at this idea! I started a tradition that I will maintain long after our country is ... Let the kids play with toy guns, or not? Posted: Jul 10, 2009 4:50PM My first two were boys. I was SO happy there wasn't a draft anymore, and I was determined not to let them play with toy guns. No matter how imaginary, I considered that to be a form of violence.
But boys will be boys. Before long they were ...
Summer Survival- Week One Posted: Jul 07, 2009 10:40AM One week down, eight more to go.
This week four of the kiddos were enrolled in a little tennis camp in the neighbourhood for two hours a day. The plan was that in those two hours I would have enough time to clear out my e-mail inbox, update my ... Engage! Posted: Jul 06, 2009 6:24PM As I anticipate jumping back on the pregnancy wagon, I am also watching changes to my company's benefits very closely -- and working in HR, I have a front row seat. For many years, and like many other companies, my company spent pretty much every dollar that came in. And ...
Becoming Her Own 'Hero of the Day' Posted: Jul 02, 2009 12:59PM Today, while walking up the steps to drop my kids off at my mothers’ house (before heading off to work), we noticed an earthworm squiggling around on the sidewalk, crazed in the morning sunlight. It was being cooked alive on the pavement that was once its cool, sunrise retreat.span ...
2009 MBA Women's Conference Posted: Jul 02, 2009 11:20AM This is me enjoying the Forté Foundation’s annual MBA Women’s Conference last week with Ana Duarte McCarthy (left) and Deb Elam (right)! The "Perfect" Work Family Balance Posted: Jul 02, 2009 9:33AM Since becoming a mom I had tried everything to establish the perfect work and family balance. You know the kind of balance that relieves you of any guilt about choosing to work outside the home, allows you the flexibility to be in your work zone when you need to be, ...
Bur Bur and Friends Blog Nominated Nickelodeon's Parent Picks Posted: Jul 01, 2009 7:40PM Many of you know I am an author for the award winning children's book series, Bur Bur and Friends. The series is based off of real life children, including my own. Recently, our blog, Bur Bur and Friends Blog, was nominated for Best blog Minneapolis / St. Paul in Nickelodeon’s Parents’ ... How to Ruin the Fourth of July... Posted: Jul 01, 2009 3:30PM
To escape San Francisco's summer fog, my in-laws used to rent a home in Marin County for a few weeks during the summer. One year we decided it would be fun for the kids if we brought sparklers and a couple of small "safe and sane" fireworks to their ... Trying Again Posted: Jul 01, 2009 12:58PM A few weeks ago, I started looking for books to ready about miscarriage. I didn't find a lot, especially books on just miscarriage. There are many books that include miscarriage in with stillbirth and infant death. While all deal with the loss of a child, a miscarriage, especially an early ...
It's Summer, but Nobody Told Congress Posted: Jun 30, 2009 11:03AM
Ahhh — sitting by the pool is one of the best things about summer. This year, instead of reading some light fiction I am trying to digest an 852 page health reform bill. Somehow I have become the weird Mom with the huge stack of papers ...
Moms or Flops? Posted: Jun 30, 2009 8:45AM As an analytic therapist for over 30 years, I’ve heard the following types of comments from working mothers. Sandra: “My mom stayed home with the kids. She doesn’t think I should be working at all until they’re in middle school.” Traci: “We need the money but I can’t use it ...
Don't wake "THAT BABY"! Posted: Jun 30, 2009 8:42AM So, I think I got a little too adventurous this past weekend for my two year old’s liking! My husband had planned to be away on a ‘guy’s trip’ this past Saturday, so I planned for my mom and my two daughters (ages 2 & 6) to retreat to Pacifica ...
The Best Laid Plans Posted: Jun 29, 2009 4:23PM
When you have kids, making plans is hard work. Even if you only have two kids, it seems that as soon as you are walking out the door, someone comes down with fever. Plans are never made with complete confidence.
When you have a bunch of ...
Summer camp tears...don't worry, be happy! Posted: Jun 25, 2009 12:31PM When my daughter was 11, she begged to go to "sleep away" camp. We're city dwellers, so we looked for a camp where she could "experience the great outdoors" AND learn something besides how to make a macramé bracelet.
My niece was once stuck on a boat with a ...
The Career Path Posted: Jun 24, 2009 10:55AM I have been in my current position for 2 years. I've been on my current career path for about 10 years. My path has been winding and has included several moves across country, several different industries (I am an HR professional), a lay off and a few "do-overs." I'm currently ... Anchors of My Life Posted: Jun 23, 2009 10:29AM When I was in high school I spent every spare minute with my friend Leslie in my 12 foot sailboat tacking in and out of every corner of the Newport Beach Bay in Southern California. My boat was called a Kite and it had a self-bailing feature that proved to ...
Father's Day vs. Mother's Day Posted: Jun 22, 2009 10:05AM
I’m never quite sure what to do about Father’s Day. Is it a time when daddy-o is supposed to spend the whole day bonding with his kid crew, or is it a day he should get a break from them?
After pondering the question for about five seconds, ...
High temperature and a promise Posted: Jun 20, 2009 5:16PM I promised, I will never complain again. I will not shout when, taking my first nap in two weeks, somebody will try with all the strenghts to open my bedroom door. I will not yell at two fast running creatures taking down in their race my precious new orchid plant. ... Camp Health Reform Posted: Jun 18, 2009 11:37AM However, 50 children from across the country are starting their summer vacations in a very meaningful way by attending the 2009 N.A.C.H. Family Advocacy Day on June 18. The children — all current or former patients of children’s hospitals — will travel to Capitol Hill to advocate national health reform ...
universal langauge Posted: Jun 18, 2009 8:17AM I am very excited to be here. Since I was small, my dream was to come and live in U.s. Now, I can virtually transfer there every time I write for our wonderful blog. I was reading many of the posts and what impressed me was the common thoughts that ...
Family Pets Posted: Jun 15, 2009 12:13PM
The picture you see is of my beautiful nephew Emmett with his dog, Magnum. A picture of our family pet does not exist because we do not have, nor will we ever get a furry friend. My kiddos often complain about how difficult it is having a mean mama. ...
The Secret Society Posted: Jun 15, 2009 11:30AM My original thought for this blog was how fun it would be to capture my pregnancy, and the challenges of being a working mom on top of that, week by week. I kind of did it with my first daughter on our yahoo website, but we started running out of space and I had to delete, and ...
Top Ten Signs of a Wicked Stepmother Posted: Jun 12, 2009 1:22PM 1. You ask your husband to choose between you and his kids
You see the kids as competition and you’re determined to win.
2. You don’t know much about your stepkids
You spend all of your time focusing on your own kids and your ... The Voices of Indian Women Posted: Jun 10, 2009 2:35PM Jackie Glenn from our Vision Sponsor EMC and Wim Elfrink from our Host Sponsor Cisco opened our Advancement of Women India Conference with warm words of welcome to 200 women from dozens of companies. The setting was stunning in Cisco's gleaming headquarters.
One of India 's most powerful marketing ...
"Anna Goes Hiking" Featured in "What's Cool in Our School" Kare-11 NBC Minneapolis Posted: Jun 08, 2009 11:31PM Tune in to channel Minneapolis NBC affiliate Kare-11 on June 11th at 6:20am and 4:00pm to see Kakie Fitzsimmons , co-Author of the award winning Bur Bur and Friend’s children’s books, as she reads the fourth book in the series, “Anna Goes Hiking” to the kids from St. Vincent DePaul ... The Mabel Lifestyle Posted: Jun 08, 2009 8:53PM I was recently sitting around with my business partners chatting about our Mabel journey. We realized that over the last few years, the Mabel lifestyle has at times been a bit crazy. We have certainly found ourselves in some pretty wacky situations. So entertaining was the discussion, it’s worth ...
6 Weeks Pregnant Posted: Jun 08, 2009 10:37AM The count down to the first ultrasound (dating ultrasound) is 9 days. I know the first ultrasound won't show much more than a small blob that will look more like a tadpole than a baby, but I'm still excited. We have told a few people, but not many. I kind ...
Grow Up But Don't Give Up Posted: Jun 08, 2009 10:31AM Growing up and appearing in the world of adults is a nice experience. You learn new things, you develop intelectualy, you become more mature, you see the world with new, wiser eyes.
Yesterday I brougth home a brochure that was advertising toys. Hundred of pictures of cars, castels, policemen ...
How Did I Get A Book Deal? Posted: Jun 07, 2009 1:16PM Now that my book is getting more press , people have started asking me how I got a book deal. I'll share with you two things I did.
1. I bought Write the Perfect Book Proposal by Jeff Herman and Deborah Levine Herman. Then I wrote a ... The Dance Fever Posted: Jun 04, 2009 2:23PM After a full day's work at the Diversity Best Practices Global Symposium we left Cisco in a big bus to go to the Taj Hotel, where our friends from Sodexo hosted a dinner party for speakers, sponsors and important guests.
The Taj is a magnificent, brand new hotel that ...
Sari Envy Posted: Jun 04, 2009 8:40AM I stared at my clothes hanging in the hotel room closet and wondered if I had brought anything appropriate to wear to our first event in Bangalore. All I saw was black, white, gray and tan options. I've been living in New York for too long! I picked my fanciest ...
A Touching Ceremony Posted: Jun 03, 2009 5:05PM
My husband retired from the Navy last week. I am still absorbing that fact. He is only in his mid-forties, so he has not retired in the conventional sense, but he will no longer be wearing his Navy uniform or reporting to a Navy base. We will not ... Keep Our Kids Healthy Posted: Jun 02, 2009 2:16PM Did you know that Congress is discussing changes to the health care system right now that could impact how your children get health care coverage and the quality of that care? The President and many in Congress are committed to enacting major health care changes this year to provide health ... Time for Mom Posted: Jun 01, 2009 9:17PM Being a mom is tough… being a stepmom in a blended family is really tough. You want to keep your husband happy , his kids happy, your kids happy (if you have some biological kids) and usually anyone else that comes within 3 feet of you happy. Admit it… you’re ... Maternity Leave Posted: Jun 01, 2009 10:28AM
If you commented on the Name Game blog entry, keep watch on Caitlin’s “Mabel Files” (www.blog.mabel.ca) where she will soon be posting the winner of the Camp Pack. Caitlin takes care of all the official stuff and I get to have the blogging fun. Heck, I’m on maternity leave so ...
WM Goes to India Posted: Jun 01, 2009 8:59AM We have traveled 10,000 miles to Bangalore India to host our Global Advancement of Women Conference with EMC and Cisco. The conference is on Wednesday, but we are here 2 days early to adjust to the 10.5 hour time difference.
What a first day we have had! I woke ...
Summer Giveaway Posted: May 31, 2009 8:27PM I'm in the middle of a regular/crazy blended family weekend. Kids in and out of the house, laundry, groceries, errands, and did I mention also working on my blended family website ? I posted a special "Summer Giveaway."
I waited, and waited, and No-One was sending in their entries ... Hello Working Moms! Posted: May 28, 2009 5:19PM Its exciting to be a part of Working Mother's Blogging moms! I am a blended family mom- with 5 kids. Two are biological and three are step kids. They range in ages from 14-21, boys and girls, and ALL of them have very different personalities. I've included a photo for ... Planning a Blended Family Vacation Posted: May 28, 2009 2:35PM Summer is coming and you and your new spouse are wondering what to do about a vacation…
Do you have the idea of taking your newly blended family on a 3-week car ride all around the United States? Uh Oh… maybe you haven’t thought this through.
Your spouse ...
Sotomayor and Palin Posted: May 28, 2009 10:59AM
“Supporters of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin didn't agree on much, but neither group liked watching male politicians diss
women.”
“Is Sotomayor Getting Palin-ed?” By Elaine Lafferty, The Daily Beast Elaine Lafferty
I have no idea if my preference for a jurist ...
The Name Game Posted: May 25, 2009 12:10PM
I know a woman named Iona Dick. Go on - say it out loud. The kicker is she took her husband’s surname when she married so actually decided to become Mrs. Iona Dick.
I have a friend whose little boy is named Owen Vary. Nice name, lovely kid. Two ...
Keep Your Friends Close and Your Stapler Closer Posted: May 20, 2009 9:44AM Katrina Carefoot, Mabel BlogHer correspondent, from Fickle Feline , is guest blogging while Julie recovers from the birth of her 6th baby - welcome Finian Aloysius! Julie will be back next week (talk about a whirlwind maternity leave!).
I probably shouldn’t admit this in such a public forum, but ...
Babysitting Woes Posted: May 14, 2009 4:25PM I am a military wife . As such, I have lived away from my family most of my oldest child’s life and have always had to either pay for childcare or deal with rambunctious (aka “healthy”) boys while trying to do my work. Work happens to be writing and I ...
Working Mom Breadwinner Posted: May 14, 2009 1:33PM The unspoken outcome of the recession is that more dads have lost their jobs than moms—but they’re not picking up the slack at home.
For the first time in history, women are poised to outnumber men in the workforce. That’s right—we’re at 49.1 percent of the workforce and counting. ...
Blogging My Fishtank Posted: May 12, 2009 10:11AM
My siblings, dad and I have a running joke. “Is mom cleaning the fish tank?” This is short hand for, is mom so overwhelmed with all the things she needs to be doing that she is doing none of them and is, instead, cleaning (or re-cleaning at really stressful times) ...
Ten Things I Learned My First Week Back at Work Posted: May 11, 2009 4:55PM Katrina Carefoot, Mabel BlogHer correspondent, from Fickle Feline , is guest blogging for the next two weeks while Julie recovers from the birth of her 6th baby - welcome Finian Aloysius!
Me at the beginning of my 1st week back at work.
I survived my first ...
Walls, Moms and Interruptions Posted: May 08, 2009 5:23PM Today the mason came to build the retaining wall. It fell down a while back and I’ve been praying the rain would stop lest the pool slide into the neighbors’ yard. I was ecstatic he was here. I have been waiting for him. There is only one problem: I am ... Shedding the Mommy Uniform Posted: May 04, 2009 2:54PM Katrina Carefoot, Mabel BlogHer correspondent, from Fickle Feline , is guest blogging for the next two weeks while Julie recovers from the birth of her 6th baby - welcome Finian Aloysius!
Blink. Is it over already?
After spending the past year on maternity leave with baby ...
Mom Ambition Posted: Apr 30, 2009 2:43PM "Everywhere I go I get the message that if I'm really into my career, I can't possibly be a good mom," Julie railed.
I was making my daily commute in to Manhattan when my friend Julie started her rant. Turned inside out by a comment made by another mom ...
Welcome Finian! Posted: Apr 27, 2009 11:11AM
It is with great excitement that Julie Cole and “daddy-o” welcome their sixth beautiful child into this world, proving that six c-sections is possible!
It’s a boy!
Name: Finian
Weight: 7lbs 6oz.
The sibling team of brothers Maginnis and Clancy, and sisters Posy, Spencer and Jessamy ...
Stay in School Posted: Apr 22, 2009 8:29AM
Will work for food signs on the off ramps often tug at my heartstrings. And those poor saps holding the festively designed Going-Out-of-Business, Everything-Must-Go signs outside Macy's or Linens 'N Things or Circuit City or Home Depot or Foot Locker or Domain or .... well, the list is way, ... Are the Biggies Ready for Baby? Posted: Apr 20, 2009 12:20PM
One week today and my baby is going to be here. Is it just me or has this been the fastest pregnancy known to mama-kind? Usually it is only other women's pregnancies that go quickly. I have now officially run out of time and it looks as though, among ...
The Pitfalls of Trying to be Mother of the Year Posted: Apr 13, 2009 10:49PM
I likely view my childhood through rose colored glasses. Even with that acknowledged bias, it would be hard to find anyone in my hometown who would disagree that my mom and dad were great parents and contributors to their community and church. My mom stayed home with the four of us, ... The NYC Autopsy Posted: Apr 13, 2009 12:03PM
I am attempting the autopsy of my journey to NYC while nursing a hideous chocolate egg hang-over, so excuse any oversights or omissions. I have a sugar high and the creature invading my uterus is going bananas.
In a nutshell, the trip was ...
Coping with the Spotlight Posted: Apr 10, 2009 9:23AM I find myself thinking about First Lady Michelle Obama a lot lately. It starts with wondering if I could, at 44, pull off sleeveless in the workplace. (Nope.) And then, I quickly move to wondering how she is handling a phenomenon that I struggled with mightily while serving as Governor ...
Start Spreading the News Posted: Apr 06, 2009 12:22PM
I find myself in New York City, which is generally a great place to find oneself. I get to the Big Apple regularly for work and it always feels a bit like Sex in the City meets The Mom Show - glamour and motherhood collide (which is a very rare ...
Always Learning Posted: Apr 01, 2009 1:46PM
I attended Women in Business panel the other night at a local community college. The panel featured six businesswomen, from entrepreneurs to Human Resource Directors, all there to impart their wisdom to the students. After the list of questions on the line of where they found inspiration, how they ... The Celeb Factor Posted: Mar 30, 2009 11:17AM
Yes, Chachi loves Mabel (indeed, we like to think he ditched Joannie for Mabel).
If you don't know this already, I'm hopeless with pop culture. Here is my list of admissions/confessions:
- I don't own an i-POD, MP3, and don't really know what ...
Craigslist SVU Posted: Mar 23, 2009 9:16AM I, like everyone else with a pulse and empty wallet, am cruising craigslist for that great paying, local job that somehow passed by those more qualified than I. So far, not so good.
As of late, I’ve been applying to many not even close to my qualifications, ...
NAFE Honors Top Companies for Executive Women Posted: Mar 23, 2009 8:59AM I'm incredibly excited about our event (March 18). Once again, we will honor the NAFE Top Companies for Executive Women---companies that have moved women into top executive positions and created a culture that supports and nurtures women. This year we are honoring 50 companies, with more than 350 people to ...
The Childless Aunt Posted: Mar 22, 2009 6:03PM
I'm currently writing an article for Mother's Day about mamas who don't have their own mothers around. It's fascinating to me that people can raise children when their own moms are not retired, living locally, emotionally involved or alive. So, you have that happy read to look ...
One Amazing Woman Posted: Mar 18, 2009 5:08PM
Creations of Grace ~Giveaway~
Well, we're another day closer to the Ultimate Blog Party and I have yet another amazing giveaway for you. I hope you're paying attention...I don't know that there's an end in sight to these fabulous giveaways.
If you do anything ...
Artscow - Free Photo Goodies Posted: Mar 16, 2009 3:59PM Ummm...can you GET anymore free photo goodies?? This site is amazing!! Just by signing up and entering one promo code, look at what I currently have in my account:
1 Photo Calendar 11 x 8.5
1 8x8 Photo Book (20 pages)
1 8x8 Photo Book (20 pages)
1 Photo ... Wings of Their Own Posted: Mar 16, 2009 1:33PM Now that my kids are out of the toddler stage, I don't pay particular attention to store aisles touting the latest and greatest in baby products. However, with a new Target in town (one of only two in the entire state of Alaska), I find myself wandering the store just to savor ...
The Old Hag With the Babe Posted: Mar 15, 2009 11:10PM I felt young when I had my first baby. I was in my late-twenties but had always imagined I wouldn't get started until I was in my thirties. You see, I just had too much to do and didn't need a baby slowing me down. Turns out, sometimes they don't ...
Birthday Parties - On the Cheap! Posted: Mar 12, 2009 11:20PM So, I have to admit, while I strive for frugalness in everything I do, there are a few general areas of weakness - and one would be birthday parties. I LOVE a good party and I'm usually willing to go all out. BUT - the truth is - you CAN ... Reading - It Changes Lives Posted: Mar 11, 2009 8:43PM
If you have a preschool aged child and you're not signed up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, DO IT NOW! This is one of the best free programs I have ever seen! We have been receiving free books for the past year and they are ALWAYS high quality, hardback books ... Beat My Price Posted: Mar 11, 2009 8:39PM If you know anything about me, you know I'm all about deals. Miranda with Schwartz Communications, Inc, sent me an email requesting I try out www.beatmyprice.com . It's a website that helps you locate specific products at the lowest prices. You have to put in what you're looking for, the ... Upromise - To Save Money for Your Child's College Degree Posted: Mar 11, 2009 4:04PM I set up a Upromise account for my son when he was only an infant. I have to admit, I really neglected my account, failed to use their promotions, didn't update my information when I moved, etc. I've been looking into how much others are earning with this and the ... Happy Birthday Barbie Posted: Mar 11, 2009 3:49PM Don't miss out on the Barbie Birthday Bash - this Saturday, March 14th from noon - 2:00pm at Toys R Us locations. Just call your local store to verify and hop on over. They'll be having:
Barbie Coloring Fun
Decorate Your Own Barbie Hat
Giveaways
Sweepstakes
And lots of ... Daylight Saving Time Posted: Mar 11, 2009 1:02PM
Is anyone else messed up by the recent switch to Daylight Saving Time? I am! At the beginning of the day, I am exhausted because my body thinks it’s still an hour earlier. The problem comes at the end of the day. After an entire day ... Saving in Style...or...SIS Posted: Mar 11, 2009 9:40AM Saving in Style is a blog that was started to help moms and families spend less and save more without sacrificing personal style! You’ll find everything from coupons and store deals to free offers and rebates. I am always in search of the best deals and I love sharing them ...
Win a new HP Officejet Pro 8500 Wireless All-in-One (printer, scanner, fax and copier) Posted: Mar 09, 2009 7:40PM This month, HP, the world’s largest technology company, unveiled three new families of HP Officejet inkjet printers that allow small and medium-sized businesses to create professional-quality color documents.
The Mom Entrepreneur was offered the opportunity to hold a contest for an HP Officejet Pro 8500 Wireless All-in-One (printer, ... Observations From the Sick Bed Posted: Mar 09, 2009 10:58AM
A week of battling illness has provided the opportunity to make some observations:
1) Very strange and seemingly unconnected symptoms occur as the result of pregnancy. In my case, a simple head cold morphed into a serious sinus infection. Apparently pregnancy and sinuses ...
Am I completely insane? Posted: Mar 04, 2009 3:03PM
Since I lost my part-time job, things have been pretty tight around here. To compound matter, I am a freelance writer, so checks do not arrive at regular intervals. As result of all of this is that I cannot afford to attend a conference I have been dying to ... One of the hardest working mom entrepreneurs I have ever met Posted: Mar 03, 2009 4:57PM Kristina Reiko Cooper is an amazing mom entrepreneur. In addition to being an awesome client, she is the epitome of a mom who is always on the go and truly balancing it all, including a hot musical career, international travel and a newborn.
I had the opportunity to meet ... Are They Ever Safe? Posted: Mar 02, 2009 11:43AM
A few nights ago, we had a little incident that I can't stop thinking about. Quite frankly, I'm still feeling a bit sick about it.
I put the kids to bed. My three little ladies sleep "Little House on the Prairie" style all in one room. With ...
Honesty; a Lost Policy? Posted: Feb 26, 2009 2:31PM My parenting authority is becoming severely challenged because of famous people.
Baseball players, governors, bankers, the list goes on and on. Oops, another one got caught for drug use, tax evasion, blah blah blah. Headlines talk about initial denial then contrite "stupidity" of said individuals after their story is ...
Biting My Tongue Posted: Feb 24, 2009 5:28PM
Yesterday, I was a lady who lunched. Three of us went; they had salad, I bit my tongue off, and the inside of my cheeks and my nails. We’re the only two friends this woman has anymore, and here’s why. Our lunchtime, um, discussion:
Couldn’t ...
Ready or Not, Here Comes Baby! Posted: Feb 23, 2009 9:12AM
I just received an e-newsletter from a pregnancy website that I didn't sign up for. My subscription could be the result of one of my hilarious Mabel's Labels co-workers thinking I should be following this pregnancy of mine a little more closely.
My first ...
Valentine Grief Posted: Feb 15, 2009 4:47PM
There are only a few things that I like about Valentine's Day, and when I say 'few' I actually mean one. I fondly remember my mom sneaking a little chocolate and note into our lunch boxes on Valentine's Day. It was memorable because we were not the kind ...
Where The Mamas Are Posted: Feb 09, 2009 11:43AM
The picture you see is of my 92-year-old grandma with two of her countless great-grandchildren. She looks a pleasant woman, and indeed she is - but truth be known, she is a woman of great power and everyone should be a little bit afraid of her. For me, ... Didn't I elect that official? Posted: Feb 06, 2009 1:44PM I was taken aback the other day when I testified on behalf of a bill. This was the first time I went to my state on behalf of anything and felt like a complete yokel. Luckily, I am old enough to know there is no shame in asking, so I ... Gettin' Some Posted: Feb 06, 2009 9:34AM
In my town, if you start to look good, really good, it is assumed, rather accurately, you're having an affair. Men or women, this is universal suburban slander for anyone over, oh, say 40. Forty is such an easy target.
Too thin, too fit, good hair, ...
Discussing differences in biracial families Posted: Feb 03, 2009 1:29AM February is Black History month . I want to honor it with my son because when I was young, we didn’t learn much about black history in school. My son is biracial and I want to be sure he gets it not just because it is his history, but because ... Mommy Brain Times Six Posted: Feb 02, 2009 11:07AM I remember the birth of my first child quite vividly. The other deliveries tend to blend a bit. I've been known to say things like "during one delivery, my blood pressure was really low" or "one of my babies had low blood sugar after birth".
Which baby? What delivery? ... On WNBA star Candace Parker's Announcement Posted: Jan 29, 2009 4:32PM I was at the same time cheered and chagrined to read an article in the New York Times Sports Section last weekend (January 24) about WNBA star Candace Parker’s effort to balance career and family.
I was pleased to read yet another example of a high achieving woman making ...
Win great prizes at our Twitter Party Tuesday night Posted: Jan 26, 2009 10:10PM If you are a member of Twitter then you have probably seen the reminders about The Mom Entrepreneur's Twitter Party to launch our new Co-op Shop .
Tuesday the 27 th from 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm EST, we will be introducing the new Co-op Shop , offering tips ...
I want to eat everything in sight Posted: Jan 26, 2009 10:09PM Wednesday marks my first official week on the new Weight Watchers Momentum plan . The first week is always the hardest. I went from eating anything I wanted, cleaning my kids plates if they did not finish and late, late night eating.
I had to STOP!
... Join Me at BlogHer! Posted: Jan 26, 2009 2:33PM C'mon , you fancy a weekend in Chicago with me, don't you?
In July, I'll be heading to the BlogHer conference to hang out with some very cool bloggin ' women. But I don't want to go alone so you should join me - compliments of Mabel's Labels!
... Old? Who you Calling Old? Posted: Jan 26, 2009 11:19AM
With layoffs looming with every LinkedIn and Facebook request, I’m not sure whether I just know more people, or if I’m at “that age” where my demographic is the one quickly targetted for immediate, efficient cost-savings.
Fired. Outsourced.
...
CEO Mom Goes to the Ball Posted: Jan 26, 2009 10:55AM I made it to four Inaugural Balls in Washington last week. The first and the largest was the Latino Ball on Sunday night at Union Station, where J Lo introduced Marc Anthony to an adoring crowd of thousands and everyone danced in their fabulous glittery gowns. I met a man ... Where were you for the inaugural ceremony? Posted: Jan 22, 2009 8:32PM I called my son’s school and asked what they would be doing for the inauguration. The teacher was really happy to hear my voice and invited me to come to the school and watch the ceremony with the class. I called my mother and asked her to join us, which ... The economy and my job Posted: Jan 22, 2009 4:37PM Recently I took an editorial job that involves a lot of advertising sales. I did this so I could keep my business afloat while I ride out this economy. Many of the magazines are not assigning stories lately, so I have branched out into marketing and corporate writing. When the ...
At the Inauguration! Posted: Jan 20, 2009 11:35AM It is bright and sunny and so cold! I am happy that I'm wearing Robert's long underwear that he wears skiing! I got to my seat a little late because someone fell off the train platform on the red line so the shut it down. I walked to a different ...
Where were you for the inaugural ceremony? Posted: Jan 19, 2009 11:05AM The moment: I didn’t feel this was something I wanted to watch alone in my living room, so I called my son’s school and asked what they would be doing for the inauguration. The teacher was really happy to hear my voice and invited me to come to the school ... Help others and you will be rewarded Posted: Jan 18, 2009 8:10PM "It has been great getting to know you. Just wanted to say you are doing an amazing job with the group. Thanks for all your help and suggestions."
These kind words were written in a card that accompanied a box of chocolate brownies. They arrived from Diane Walker who ...
Don't Mess With the Mamas Posted: Jan 18, 2009 4:29PM Can anyone ever forget that creepy feeling they got when watching Rebecca De Mornay's nanny character breastfeeding the baby in 'The Hand That Rocks the Cradle'? Well, kinda creepy. Those of us with chronic milk supply issues have been known to scream out "where's that crazy breast-feeding nanny when you ... Early Valentine's Day gift to one mom entrepreneur from her husband Posted: Jan 18, 2009 12:21AM I recently learned about a blog entitled More Than A Housewife written by a woman named Mandy. Even more interesting than this new find, was the email conversation I had with her husband Chase.
Chase emailed me directly after reading about The Mom Entrepreneur in a feature story on ... Lemons to lemonade feature #30: Danielle Hughes Posted: Jan 17, 2009 11:08PM Baby Fish Mouth is the brainchild of two friends who met in college and always talked about doing something big together. But soon real life intervened - careers, marriages, children. Even though life took them in separate directions after school, they held on to their friendship and their dreams to ... Award Winning 'Anna Goes Hiking' Teaches Kids About Nature and Outdoors Posted: Jan 14, 2009 2:19PM
Book Review: As we were writing the award winning children’s book, Anna Goes Hiking (ages 2-8), it brought up memories of our first hiking trips as children and the family values it gave us. The book was written by us, JoAnne Pastel and Kakie Fitzsimmons . We are two ... Is This a Joke? Posted: Jan 12, 2009 2:04PM There have been a couple of recent incidents that made me wonder if I was the victim of a practical joke. Apparently not. Apparently I just have a life where ridiculous things happen. Do you ever feel like maybe you are the punch line? Three events come to mind for ... Finally--a real shot at pay equity for women! Posted: Jan 09, 2009 8:44AM We'll have plenty of reasons to cheer if the House votes for two bills that would combat workplace sex discrimination. Rep. Rosa DeLauro first introduced her Paycheck Fairness bill a dozen years ago. It attempts to close loopholes in the Equal Pay Act. The House passed it last summer along ...
Lemons to lemonade feature #29: Stacey Kannenberg Posted: Jan 08, 2009 8:40PM Stacey Kannenberg is a serial entrepreneur. She is an author, publisher, motivator, consultant, spokesperson, successful blogger and most importantly...a MOM. In 2004, she established Cedar Valley Publishing, 2006 Stacey Kannenberg Unlimited, 2007 Mom Central Consulting and in 2008, Mother Talk.
This mom entrepreneur is the epitome of the phrase..."if ... A poem for helping kids stay in their beds at night Posted: Jan 07, 2009 10:46PM
In June, I started The Mom Entrepreneur Online Support Group . We now have over 350 members and discuss everything from potty training to how to use Twitter .
Recently, a member posted an email about a problem she was having trying to get her three year old ...
Lemons to lemonade feature #28: Shannon Wilburn & Daven Tackett Posted: Jan 07, 2009 10:44PM Mom entrepreneurs Shannon Wilburn and Daven Tackett are the founders and owners of Just Between Friends , which offers children's, teens, and maternity clothes on consignment at seasonal events around the country.
They started the company in 1997 with the hope and dream of making a little extra money ... Award Winning 'Anna Goes Hiking' Teaches Kids About Nature and Outdoors Posted: Jan 06, 2009 10:39PM
Book Review: As we were writing the award winning children’s book, Anna Goes Hiking (ages 2-8), it brought up memories of our first hiking trips as children and the family values it gave us. The book was written by us, JoAnne Pastel and Kakie Fitzsimmons . We are two ... The Mom Entrepreneur's goals for 2009 Posted: Jan 05, 2009 2:29PM Today is my birthday and the day has already presented a unique challenge. My Twitter account was hacked and sent a phishing message ("look at this funny blog") to all 850+ of my followers.
I have spent the last hour sending out apology messages through Twitter, I changed my ... Lemons to lemonade feature #27: Susan Levine Posted: Jan 03, 2009 10:08AM Susan Levine, mother of two, and grandmother of two, is the owner and creator of 50somethinginfo.com , which she established in 2008. 50somethinginfo.com is the one stop source of pre-screened information dedicated to the 50something lifestyle.
Sue's idea was to create a website where information wanted by 50somethings could ... Personal Popcicles; It's Cold Up Here! Posted: Jan 02, 2009 4:10PM Did you know that it was 30 below zero in Anchorage this morning? I found this out when I was dumb enough to actually go to the NOAA Weather Web site in the hopes that the temperature would have risen , not fallen.
Dang. We had snow for Christmas ... The Mom Entrepreneur's Top Picks for 2008 Posted: Jan 01, 2009 3:36PM
2008 is a year most people want to forget. In reading through the year's current events , I saw listings of key news events, which included deaths, suicide bombings, government corruption, war, economic devastation, job losses and more.
Yet as crazy as 2008 was, the year marked historic ... Looking Backwards and Forwards - New Years Eve Traditions and Teachable Moments for our Kids Posted: Dec 31, 2008 11:42AM This was originally posted at the Bur Bur and Friends Community Blog
A while back, we had a post here on the Bur Bur and Friends Community Blog called “Putting Family First, How do we Make it a Priority? . The article talks about the importance of family rituals ... Lemons to lemonade feature #26: Lisa Flynn Posted: Dec 30, 2008 12:18AM Whippersnappers Studios is a boutique children's photography studio. Owner and founder Lisa Flynn, mom to two boys, admits the idea was born from her wanting a better way to get her children's' pictures taken.
Lisa and her husband opened their first studio in June 2006 and decided to ... Questioning Santa? What do you think? In need of mom support Posted: Dec 26, 2008 12:51AM
My little guy is 8 this year. This morning after opening presents he said "I have a secret that I know but I don't want to say" and right there my mother interupted him and said, "Then don't say it" so he clammed up.
She and I exchanged ... Lemons to lemonade feature #25: Cathy Bennett Posted: Dec 23, 2008 11:12AM When my first son was born eight years ago, I was a consultant for Creative Memories, a scrapbooking company. Like this next mom entrepreneur, I soon became a scrapbook dropout after my son turned one. My second child who was born three years later has no scrapbooks or picture albums. ... Myth-Busting the Big Red Guy Posted: Dec 21, 2008 7:16PM As your kids get older, it gets more and more difficult to live the jolly ho-ho lie. They start asking about the logistics of Santa covering so much territory in so little time. There is also the issue of time zones. If you're not super sneaky, your little detectives soon ... Lemons to lemonade feature #24: Roxanne Beckford Hoge Posted: Dec 21, 2008 12:41PM Roxanne Beckford Hoge, owner and founder of One Hot Mama , a site for parents and parents-to-be, and her husband recently committed to rebuilding their business after three years running it as a small, solo shop. The decision to keep the operation small was due to the birth of their ... The Tale of Despereaux and a gift of healing power through our children Posted: Dec 20, 2008 1:07AM
This post is the story of some people very special to me and I had to share it
Three years ago my husband accepted a new job in another state. We have three children and the plan was to put our house on the market in Minnesota and ... A challenging week to be a Mom Entrepreneur! Posted: Dec 19, 2008 3:56PM I have missed bringing you our awesome "lemons to lemonade" marathon. But it is hard to type with no power. We will be back with our inspirational stories this weekend.
Since Thursday, December 11 th , many people, including my family, have been without power due to what Public ... Military Spouses Make The Best Employees Posted: Dec 18, 2008 1:39PM Well, they do when they decide your salary, but what about when you don’t receive a salary? In this difficult job market, some of us cannot get a job in our field and sometimes in any other field. We are over-qualified or do not have a traditional work history. If ...
Boy or Girl? Posted: Dec 14, 2008 10:25PM I quite accidentally had my 20-week ultrasound this week. Because I am overseas at the moment, I was just going to give the whole thing a miss. Minor complication came up so the Doc ended up sending me for an ultrasound here. All is well and I enjoyed what will ... Lemons to lemonade feature #23: Stacey Corbett Posted: Dec 11, 2008 4:36PM Stacey Corbett, mother of twins, and owner of One Tiny Suitcase , is confident that she can survive this recession if she thinks creatively and continues to look for new opportunities.
One Tiny Suitcase , established in 2006, is a baby equipment rental company serving the ... Shades of a Gray Economy Posted: Dec 11, 2008 2:53PM I am fond of saying there are no completely new ideas, therefore if I am thinking about something, so is someone else – or “a bunch of someone elses.” I may be late to the party with regard to this idea, but I have noticed something. Fashion trends seem to ...
Lemons to lemonade feature #22: Rebecca Rodskog Posted: Dec 10, 2008 5:37PM In this current economy there is one thing we can be certain of...change. It may be good change or bad change, but we can expect to experience lots of changes. Mom entrepreneur Rebecca Rodskog is the owner of Rodskog Change Consulting . Established in 2007, the company helps people grow ... Lemons to lemonade feature #21: Kristi Jensen Posted: Dec 10, 2008 12:26PM Mom entrepreneur Kristi Jensen started selling Stampin’ Up! products and conducting workshops in 2004 as a way to meet new people. In May of this year, she hosted a Pampered Chef products party and had a great turnout. She decided to sell their products as well.
Kristi, mother of ... Lemons to lemonade feature #20: Natalie Caine Posted: Dec 09, 2008 12:01PM Empty Nest Support Services helps anticipating empty nesters and empty-nest families through the joys and challenges of a new life chapter.
Mom entrepreneur Natalie Caine, M.A. started the company in 2002 when her only daughter was a senior in high school. She realized that as a soon-to-be “empty nester,” ... Lemons to lemonade feature #19: Pamela O'Leary Posted: Dec 08, 2008 1:40PM Mom entrepreneur Pamela O’Leary is the owner of O’Baby Gear , which she started in 2005. After the birth of her first daughter, people would ask "what is your son's name". I think we have all experienced this as moms. Even when my son was dressed in blue people would ... Recession Babies Posted: Dec 07, 2008 11:38PM I was interviewed this week by a reporter doing an article on whether the economic recession would effect my decision about having another child.
Quite clearly, the short answer is no. I don't let little things like common sense, birth control, and economic disaster stop me from having ...
Lemons to lemonade feature #18: Kristine Berger & Colette Melancon Posted: Dec 04, 2008 9:31AM In 2008, Kristine Berger and partner Colette Melancon who are clinical social workers, founded Fundamentals, LLC. The company works with people suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.
Prior to starting their company, they were working at the family's furniture store. However, after the birth of their daughter, and the ... Gold, Frankencense, and, Tomato Juice? Posted: Dec 03, 2008 4:24PM Here it is, the week after Thanksgiving, and our church is preparing for yet another Sunday School pagent at which children of varying ages and stages reinact the blessed events of Christmas to songs sung by wobbly angels and reticent shepards wearing bathrobes. A rite of passage for most of us, the annual Christmas Program has been ...
Lemons to lemonade feature #17: Jerrilynn B. Thomas Posted: Dec 03, 2008 2:09PM Jerrilynn B. Thomas, mother of three daughters, two currently in college, had to restructure her business in order to thrive in this troubling economy. She decided to shut down a business that was started in 2002, refocus, and launch a new business this year: WomenPartner International.
This relaunch ... All is Calm Posted: Dec 02, 2008 12:55PM We did it! Twenty-six guests: kids, cousins, sisters, aunts, a boyfriend, uncles, buffers, the Reverend-Doctor, a couple in-laws, friends, grandparents, and even an estranged Great-Aunt Thanksgiving crasher and still, Thanksgiving was great! Kids connected, turkey was eaten, pies were baked, cards were played, memories mocked, photos taken, and it ...
Lemons to lemonade feature #16: Dani Gurrie Posted: Dec 02, 2008 6:22AM Dani Gurrie is a mom entrepreneur who is taking the economy bull by the horns so to speak. Dani, owner and founder of Kidspot (Australia) established in 2005, and Tots2Tweens (USA) established in 2007, is still charging along at full speed. Tots2Tweens is a directory for parents encompassing everything from ... How to Easily Keep in Touch with Your Network Posted: Dec 01, 2008 1:42PM Have you heard of the company Send Out Cards ? I like the concept. A website that allows you to pick and personalize a card, add a gift if you want and then the company takes care of printing and sending. As a mom entrepreneur, I have a large network ...
Lemons to lemonade feature #15: Keely Shaw Posted: Dec 01, 2008 8:11AM Kiddie Winkles Designs, a company that sells hip babywear, designer diapers and woven wraps, was born out of one mom entrepreneur's quest to improve on the things she and her baby used every day. Keely Shaw also had a strong desire to find a business she could operate from her ... Leaving on a Jet Plane Posted: Dec 01, 2008 1:37AM I just survived the day I spend two years dreading. Yes, two full years of dread for one day. There are others that I don't particularly look forward, but they don't even come close to this one. Second place goes to that day at the end of February when we ...
Lemons to lemonade feature #14: Lori Mackey Posted: Nov 30, 2008 9:27AM I am particularly fond of this story since I am a firm believer about teaching children of all ages, the younger the better, about financial literacy. Lori Mackey, founder of Prosperity4Kids , Inc believes that our current economy is a perfect excuse to start teaching children and parents about money.
... Lemons to lemonade feature #13: Kelly Henderson Posted: Nov 30, 2008 9:25AM Kelly Henderson, mother of two and founder and owner of Iwearitwell.com , has been making lemonade from lemons for many years. In addition to surviving what the current economy has thrown her way, she has also survived cancer.
Kelly was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in October, 2006. ... Lemons to lemonade feature #12: April McCray Posted: Nov 26, 2008 11:25PM For April McCray and her family, the dream of owning their own business became a reality in 2008 due to major sacrifices they were all willing to make. You could say they decided to trade one dream for another.
Color Me House, which was inspired by a passion for ... Lemons to lemonade feature #11: E. Kelly Fitzsimmons Posted: Nov 25, 2008 11:28AM E. Kelly Fitzsimmons is a well-known entrepreneur who has built and sold several companies. Currently, she is the co-founder and CEO of Comic Wonder LLC, the first competitive arena for joke-telling online. However, the company was feeling the strain from the economy so Kelly decided to refocus her energy and ... Lemons to lemonade feature #10: Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff Posted: Nov 24, 2008 3:07PM I have noticed that several of the mom entrepreneurs I have featured in the past few weeks started their business in 2008 despite the bleak economy. Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, mother of three (ages 10, 7 and 1) and a writer, producer and marketing consultant, is no exception.
This ... In For a Penny, In For a Pound Posted: Nov 24, 2008 10:04AM
I like to say I'm making the world a more beautiful place, one baby at a time.
Reading through the lines, what I'm really saying is yep, baby #6 is on the way. I think I'm about 16 or 17 weeks ... Lemons to lemonade feature #9: Stephanie Azzarone Posted: Nov 23, 2008 12:26PM Child's Play Communications specializes exclusively in public relations and marketing communications for products and services targeted to moms. Founded in 1988, by Stephanie Azzarone mother of one, the company is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Prior to starting Child's Play Communications, Stephanie was a freelance ... Lemons to lemonade feature #8: Hope Katz Gibbs Posted: Nov 22, 2008 7:48PM Hope Katz Gibbs, a freelance writer and journalist since 1993, recently left her job as a PR director for a futurist research firm to start Inkandescent Public Relations. She had decided to make this move long before the financial world came crashing down.
She admits that the downturn has ...
Lemons to lemonade feature #7: Amy Adams Posted: Nov 21, 2008 4:00PM Amy Adams, mother of three - ages 21, 19 and 10, is a partner in the professional junk removal company 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Atlanta South franchise. Amy and her husband started their franchise along with Amy's father, Jerry Grayson, in May of 2006. Since then they have been helping people remove junk ... Lemons to lemonade feature #6: Kristi Naelitz-Thomas Posted: Nov 20, 2008 5:29PM Each morning, Kristi Thomas spent a few moments adding a special touch to her daughter’s school lunch bag. Some days, it was a love note or words of encouragement. Other days, it was a brainteaser, joke or fun fact. Whatever the theme, Kristi always took the time to hand print ... Lemons to lemonade feature #5: Marlynn Jayme Schotland Posted: Nov 19, 2008 1:30PM Today, we meet Marlynn Jayme Schotland who owns Mamapreneurs, Inc., Urban Bliss Design+PR, and Mama Lit. Marlynn, who is mom to two kids, ages four and one, has a history of starting successful companies. Urban Bliss, LLC, a design studio, started in 2005; Mamapreneurs, Inc., a resource and support organization ... I'll Take Hibernation, Thank You Posted: Nov 19, 2008 12:56PM Hibernation is underrated. If you ask me, the bears up here in Alaska are right on. Eat all summer, lounge around in the grass, take care of the kids, then dig yourself a hole and take a nap for about 100 days.
I guess the election hoohaah had me ...
Censorship & BJs Posted: Nov 19, 2008 8:24AM A word about censorship. I was recently hired to blog for a women's placement firm because they liked my tone and ease with language. Apparently, I'm a little too easy.
I was writing about how while working from home, it's difficult to tune out the 103 lb. gagging dog, ...
Lemons to lemonade feature #4: Leanne Deister Posted: Nov 18, 2008 4:45PM Leanne Deister, owner of Supper Solutions, Inc. meal assembly kitchens is our next "lemons to lemonade" feature. Leanne, mother of a son, nine and a daughter, six, started the company in 2003. She has used these rough economic times to make her franchise of kitchens into a unique business within ... Lemons to lemonade feature #3: Misty Gibbs Posted: Nov 17, 2008 12:55PM I am getting some great feedback from readers in regards to our 30 day "lemons to lemonade" marathon. The mom entrepreneurs we are featuring are truly inspirational. Today you will meet Misty Gibbs of My Inspiration Lounge, a new online portal connecting women to the best content on the web, ... Lemons to lemonade feature #2: Sarah Laufer Posted: Nov 16, 2008 10:32PM We continue our 30 day "lemons to lemonade" marathon with Sarah Laufer, founding partner of Play Outdoors, which was established in 2008. Play Outdoors is an e-commerce site that sells high quality outdoor clothing and accessories for children ages 0-12. The company is also a resource center for families who ... Would the Real Tinkerbell Please Step Forward Posted: Nov 16, 2008 9:17PM
About six months ago I told my friends at Disney Canada that they'd never catch me dragging my kids into an amusement park the size of Ottawa, Ontario. They rubbed their hands together as though given a dare. They welcomed the challenge of my anti-Disney sentiment and ... Lemons to lemonade feature: Karen Bullard Posted: Nov 15, 2008 10:58PM Today begins our 30 day "lemons to lemonade" marathon. Karen Bullard of karen cole paper and karen cole design started her business in 2004 while staying at home with her two children, a daughter who is 10 and a 6 year old son.
Karen cole paper is a lifestyle ... One Less Posted: Nov 14, 2008 12:41PM There’s one less middle school student in my town today. One less Boy Scout, one less baseball player. One less swimmer. One less brother. One less son.span style="mso-spacerun:
A boy died and our hearts broke. Time stood still while moms, dads, neighbors, teachers, coaches, and friends ...
Would you like a glass of lemonade? Posted: Nov 13, 2008 11:22PM Tomorrow, November 15th, marks the start of our 30 day "lemons to lemonade" marathon . After sending out a query, I was so inspired by the stories I received from women capitalizing on the down-turned economy that I decided to highlight 30 of the best stories.
These mom ... What to Wear Posted: Nov 12, 2008 1:12PM I am looking for an outfit for my best friend’s wedding this weekend. Can you help me? It has to have the following features:
* be made sometime in THIS century, not from the 90’s b.k. (before kids),
* cover the pounds that have accumulated from said kids and ...
Happy Birthday to a Very Special Eight Year Old Posted: Nov 11, 2008 11:04PM I never knew how much my life would transform after having a child. I had no idea I would be writing children's books eight years later. He was just five pounds when he was born prematurely at 36 weeks. What a blessing he has been . I took him out to ... A Mabel Give-Away! Posted: Nov 09, 2008 7:37PM
Now that we have our ADORABLE Holiday Gift Tags out at Mabel's Labels, I was thinking it would be a great time to do a give-away!
If you want a shot at winning these little beauties, just e-mail caitlin@mabel.ca with the subject line "Mabel Give-Away". Be sure ... I've Adapted Posted: Nov 07, 2008 5:24PM A heartfelt thank you to all who brought perspective to my slightly whiny post regarding nap time in our house. Or rather, the lack of. Since grieving over the loss of a few hours of precious work time, I have brought myself into a new dawn of working mom-dom with the ...
Spin Cycle Posted: Nov 07, 2008 10:34AM One evening, (okay, perhaps more than just one) after dinner when the kids neglected, yet again, to clear the table, I lost it.
"What’s your deal?” I yelled at no one in particular. Ranting and raving I went off on the deal we had, Dad and I cook, ...
Do Your Job Posted: Nov 04, 2008 11:49AM
The energy was palpable at 7:30 this morning when I cast my vote for Obama. No long lines, but a constant whirlwind of people coming in, going out. All exercising their voting right, all walking with a purpose, all driven.
I heard that earlier, at 6:00 ...
How Are You Going To Vote? Posted: Nov 03, 2008 8:22AM I live in a county with exclusively mail-in voting procedures. As I prepare to cast my ballot for our next leader, I’m reminded how sad this makes me as a parent.
I remember election days when I was growing up. My parents would take me and my sister to ... The Mom Entrepreneur to recognize inspirational women Posted: Oct 31, 2008 11:21PM Blog will highlight 30 “lemonade from lemons” stories in 30 days
Barrington, NH: The down-turned economy has left many small business owners wondering what the future holds for them. The fear of losing their business has encouraged several mom entrepreneurs to look for opportunity while others cut spending ...
Nap Schmap Posted: Oct 30, 2008 8:46PM Please, dear God, let it not be true. There are no more naps in this house, at least not by the children. And I am devastated. It seems before the purple frosting could stain his clothing and self, my now four-year-old declared himself "too big for a nap". Nooooooooooo!
...
Bubble gum & braces Posted: Oct 30, 2008 11:39AM Number 2 just got braces put on her top teeth. And she's happy about it! How lucky are kids these days. They want braces, Harry Potter made glasses cool, bra straps can show, and you can wear your pajamas to school. It's so un-1970s.
Remember the girl with the ...
Happy Mama Posted: Oct 26, 2008 10:56PM I had a speaking engagement this weekend at the Healthy Kids Expo in Toronto. The headline speaker was that Dr. Oz fellow who has a regular gig on Oprah. Needless to say, I was not the headline but Dr. Oz aside, there didn't seem to be much of a draw ... What Would You Not Do For a Buck? Posted: Oct 24, 2008 12:36PM I thought I got a small freelance gig recently, b ut then this smart, smart woman asked me a grand slam question:
Who span style="font-family:
wouldn't I work for? What’s off limits? span style="font-family:
I immediately replied, no one. Nope, can’t think of anyone I wouldn’t work for. ...
Pretty Perfect Posted: Oct 20, 2008 2:32PM My almost four-year-old wanted to help set the table for a party at our house last weekend. Pleased to have his assistance, I handed him an end of the tablecloth and told him to hold on to it while I spread it across the table's surface. As most plastic tablecloths ...
Her First Real Job...Paper or Plastic? Posted: Oct 20, 2008 9:30AM
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Kid # 1 starts her first R-J today. Her first real job. I tend the think the $15/hour she got tax-free for math tutoring was an RJ, or the exorbitant amount of cash desperate parents force into her pockets each weekend — again, under the ...
Divide and Conquer Posted: Oct 19, 2008 9:54PM I spent the morning at the pumpkin patch with four of my five kiddos. There were many families there spending the sunny autumn day together. Most families looked pretty nuclear - a mom and dad with a kid or two. Often when I rock up to places alone with a ... How to start socializing online Posted: Oct 19, 2008 9:45PM I am writing several proposals this week, and I completed one last week, for potential clients who are looking for my marketing and PR company, Bisson Barcelona , to assist them with getting started in the world of social media.
For those who have not ventured into this online ...
Where do you find your identity? Posted: Oct 17, 2008 2:34PM Where do you find your identity? Is it through your job? Through your kids? Through your charity works?
I recently returned to my home office on a full-time basis after working for a non-profit. Though I enjoyed the fact that my work really meant something and had an effect ...
Whaddya Do? Posted: Oct 16, 2008 4:59PM So you’re schmoozing and the inevitable question arises, “Soooo, what do you do?” I often answer: "I stay home," which gets all-knowing, humpf!, freeloader-type nods from one side of the aisle, and looks of relief and exuberance from the other.
Sometimes I answer “just a mom” and the patronizing, ...
Kids crack me up sometimes! Posted: Oct 16, 2008 11:36AM We had a long weekend recently. When Monday rolled around, my husband and I decided to do take the kids to a dinner at one of those kid-friendly buffet restaurants. My 4-year-old is a bit of a handful lately, and he and my 8-year-old cannot be together very long without ...
Back in the Saddle Posted: Oct 15, 2008 9:32AM On-ramper is the new term for moms like me. It means I’m returning to work after a stint at home, a sabbatical, or more likely, caring for whomever needed it. Old people. Sick people. Little people. For me, the stint lasted, um, 10 years. Not a typo. Four kids, one ...
Hunger Action Month Posted: Oct 15, 2008 9:24AM September was Hunger Action Month in Illinois and I pledged to survive on $25 worth of food from Sept. 22-28.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Illinois Food Bank Association sponsored the challenge.
According to the organizations, thousands of our neighbors are trying to put balanced meals on ...
Being Thankful Posted: Oct 12, 2008 8:57PM I love going around the table and hearing what the kids are thankful for. The big kids are a bit boring because they know what they should be thankful for so give all the standard answers such as family and good health. The little kiddos come out with the real ... There's No Place Like Home? Posted: Oct 05, 2008 9:02PM We just dragged our Mabel display and other assorted bits and pieces back from a conference to our Quebec City hotel in the rain. Sitting now in the hotel room, I can reflect on a couple of self-realizations I made during my week of on-again/off-again travel.
The first is ...
Mom starts business despite challenges Posted: Oct 05, 2008 12:38AM It’s tough starting and running a successful business. It's even tougher however, when you have started two companies, balanced work and family and battled Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Betsy Rich, mother of two, is typical of women who dream of working for themselves, owning and running a business, but scared ...
Mom entrepreneur adds fun to dinner time Posted: Oct 05, 2008 12:35AM As a busy mom entrepreneur , it can sometimes be difficult to gather the family together at dinner time. Client projects, swimming lessons, PTA and other things can distract from this important time of the day. My family tries very hard to stay faithful to the tradition of eating together. ... Diary of a Twitterholic Wannabe - part 3 Posted: Oct 05, 2008 12:32AM This is the final post in a series of three about the phenomenon we call Twitter . If you missed part one, you can read it here and for part two, click here .
After everything that I had learned about Twitter , I now wanted to find ways ... Honesty and Politics; Do They Go Together? Posted: Oct 03, 2008 12:42PM After watching last night's much-anticipated Vice Presidential debate, I found it fascinating that immediately afterwards, all media outlets turned to their sources for "fact checking".
Phrases like "is that true....", and "so, was he/she telling the truth there....." rang over and over. Hmmm, was anybody really honest last night? ...
Paying the Bills Posted: Oct 01, 2008 11:19AM This is the first full week in a while that I have worked from home full-time. I recently ended a non-profit writing job after deciding to concentrate on building my own business. I have to say, I love working from home. I am here for my family, I answer to ...
A Mother's Ultimate Sacrifice Posted: Sep 29, 2008 6:47PM The small community of Port Angeles, Washington is grieving today. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Olympic mountains, and home to Olympic National Park, the community was also home to our family until 2004. With its remote wilderness areas and expansive road system, the area relied heavily on its law enforcement ...
When Mama Goes Away Posted: Sep 28, 2008 10:46PM I've got an exciting week ahead of me. On Tuesday night I'm heading out for a 24 hour stay in NYC for a Mabel show. I love getting to that city because I went to grad school at NYU and it gives me the chance to pretend I'm leading that ... Diary of a Twitterholic Wannabe - part 2 Posted: Sep 27, 2008 12:24PM This post is number two in a series of three about the phenomenon we call Twitter . If you missed part one, you can read it here .
After learning how to use Twitter Search , I decided to search-out and listen-in on conversations that mom entrepreneurs were having ... New scout begins planting seeds of knowledge for life Posted: Sep 26, 2008 12:16AM
Last winter I was at a business conference where we broke off into small groups for a discussion about personal growth and what has shaped us in our lives. There were at least three men at my table, all over the age of 40, and every one of ... Twit, Tweet, Twitter...Diary of a Twitterholic Wannabe Posted: Sep 24, 2008 8:21PM This post is one in a series of three about the phenomenon we call Twitter . Many people in The Mom Entrepreneur Support Group I run, and clients, have been asking about this form of micro-blogging . What is it? Why should I care? How do I use it? My ... People Get Ready Posted: Sep 23, 2008 7:04PM Our family awoke this morning to snow creeping down the mountainsides. Resplendent in their yellow dress for autumn, nearby peaks nonetheless are slowly being covered with winter's whiteness. Are we ready?
Winter in Alaska comes early; this year seems especially so because of our crummy "summer", where only a handful of ...
Over-programmed Kids Posted: Sep 21, 2008 9:31PM There is a lot of chit chat going on out there about the number of extracurricular activities a child should be enrolled in. With all the talk of free-range children and the importance of unstructured play, parents are re-thinking whether Johnny should be in soccer AND piano, and if ballet ... How do mom entrepreneurs spend "me-time"? Posted: Sep 20, 2008 5:31PM A few weeks ago, I was driving home from a workout at the gym...by myself...which is rare. I was enjoying a strawberries and creme Frappuccino and listening to 70s music on satellite radio; Boston, Sweet, LedZeppelin, Aerosmith, Rufus and many more. It was a great ride.
So I ... A tribute to my friend Garmin Nuvi Posted: Sep 20, 2008 8:53AM They say diamonds are a girl's best friend. As a mom entrepreneur however, my best friend is Garmin Nuvi .
On Friday, I really put my friend to the test. I was traveling to Dedham, MA to meet with a client. As I made the 1.5 hour drive down, ...
It is the small successes in life that count Posted: Sep 15, 2008 11:22PM Over the past several weeks, I have had to measure small successes as I work towards achieving my goals. I am not a very patient person, so being forced to take smaller steps has been an interesting learning process for me.
Several weeks ago, I blogged about how I ...
Birthday Parties Posted: Sep 15, 2008 1:51PM I recently had someone ask if I had any birthday party activity suggestions. Just thinking about that question exhausted me. In the last eight years I have had countless birthday parties. Actually, it's not countless - just adding up my children's ages tells me that by the end of next ... What is Voting, Then? Posted: Sep 10, 2008 4:10PM
Every morning when I grab the paper from the front porch, I see yet another photo or headline about Sarah Palin. Now that the initial hoopla of her fiery speech and shock-value selection has calmed somewhat, the media appears to be on a mission to keep that fire alive. ...
What to know when approaching investors Posted: Sep 09, 2008 3:30PM In The Mom Entrepreneur Online Support Group , I recently posted a topic on how to secure investment money to start or grow a business. There is a speed venture summit coming to our area hosted by the NH High Tech Council and I am considering presenting my business plan ...
Mom Entrepreneurs Posted: Sep 08, 2008 11:30AM Last week I had the pleasure of welcoming National Parenting Columnist for the CBC, Karen Horsman into my home where she interviewed me on the topic of striking the work/life balance. When we were arranging the date, I thought it was cute when she asked if there would be suitable ... The Mom Entrepreneur Support Group starts its membership drive Posted: Sep 06, 2008 5:52PM September 1st marked the beginning of our first membership drive. We currently have 150 members and over 300 discussions. We are looking to double our size by the end of the year. Several members have been generous enough to donate prizes for the winners. For the month of September, the ...
Alaskan's View; We're all Buzzed on Palin Posted: Sep 05, 2008 8:06PM After Sarah Palin's historic, although not particularly substence-laden, speech this week, my cell phone and email inbox were jammed with out-of-state friends and relatives trying to elicit my reaction and subsequent input. My mother echoed many with the first words out of her mouth. "Wasn't that just precious when her little ...
Go For It, Palin!! Posted: Sep 05, 2008 12:55PM Why doesn't it cross anyone's mind to ask a male candidate whether he could still be a good Dad if he was elected? She will do her best, as I suspect she has always done, and her husband will have to be the main parent for a while. So? Why ... From Rumor to Reality: Palin Views From an Alaskan Posted: Sep 02, 2008 6:55PM Boldface type on the front page of Anchorage Daily News is becoming rule rather than exception these days. With the fallout and fodder stemming from John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate, the media in Alaska are about ready to have a coronary. Before last week, few voters in the Lower ...
Back to School With The Bickersons Posted: Sep 02, 2008 2:30PM Back to school is upon us and we mamas all have different feelings and emotions about that first day back. Summer goes by quickly, and if you are sending your first child off to JK you suddenly realize that a little life goes by quickly too. Some mamas have a ... Washington DC Comes to Minneapolis Pre-RNC Posted: Aug 31, 2008 8:14PM My son and I attended Civic Fest in downtown Minneapolis over the weekend. Here we are waving to the cheering crowd. If you are a lover of history and seeing really cool things this is for you. They have traveling artifacts from the Smithsonian.
Here are some of ... A date with my four year old Posted: Aug 30, 2008 11:12PM Tonight I enjoyed a special evening with my four year old son. Very rarely is it it just me and him spending quality time together. We shared a chicken parmigiana dinner at our favorite restaurant, Millo's Pizza, then we hung out at the playground and went to the library to ...
What You Need To Know...Live From The DNC Posted: Aug 29, 2008 11:09AM I am at Invesco Field, sitting in a seat in the shade. It's 4:30pm and the stadium is filling up with very excited people coming from all walks of life to participate in this historic day.
I went to the Women's Caucus today and I was so glad I ... DNC Stories Posted: Aug 27, 2008 10:52PM My second day at the Democratic convention has been an amazing experience so far, and its only 5:30!
Right now all of the Democratic women representatives in Congress are on the stage, and eight of them are speaking--Nancy Pelosi, Rosa DeLaura, Nita Lowey, Hilda Solis, Louise Slaughter, Maxine Waters, ... Hillary Speaks Posted: Aug 27, 2008 9:58AM "We love you!" shouted a man in the audience. He wanted Hillary to know, at the beginning of her speech, that we really do love her. I wanted to shout with him, but I was already misbehaving terribly for a press member. I am here as press, but I couldn't ... Dispatch from Denver Posted: Aug 27, 2008 9:57AM I spent Monday night flying in to the convention so unfortunately I had to miss the big speech of America's new favorite working mother- Michelle Obama. I heard that she was amazing.
I spent the night at my best friend Jan's house in Boulder and of course we stayed ... Working Grandmother Wisdom Posted: Aug 27, 2008 9:49AM Tuesday night.
The hall is really full now. Its 7:40 and I've been here since 5:00 or so. I love Lilly Ledbetter, the working Grandmother from Alabama who just spoke. After working for Goodyear for 19 years she found out that she had been paid less then men doing the ...
Democratic Convention Posted: Aug 26, 2008 9:35AM I am writing to you this week from the Democratic National Convention in Denver. When I first signed up to get my press credentials I thought I was going to be reporting on the first working mother and the first woman to be nominated by either party for President. The ... The Olympics? Nah, I'm Good Thanks Posted: Aug 25, 2008 3:09PM My kids like sports and do a lot of them. Mostly I like that sports tire them out so they go to bed early and don't bug me during the night. Last weekend they did a kiddie triathlon (see pic!) and they just wrapped up two weeks of a fantastic ... I need a hobby... Posted: Aug 20, 2008 7:40PM I had a conversation with my eight year old this morning, who seems to be involved with every activity and sport he possibly can, about the fact that I need a hobby. I asked him what he thought I should do for a hobby in order to get my mind ...
Daddy Does it Better Posted: Aug 20, 2008 6:15PM I am away this week, off on a trip to visit our oldest son. Husband stayed behind to manage the dog, the preschooler, and the Chore List. Inevitably, when I go out of town, my husband scrubs things. Usually the bathroom.
Perhaps this is wishful thinking on his part; after ...
The Little Things in Life Posted: Aug 18, 2008 10:59AM It's the small and uncomplicated things in life that really contribute to happiness. The best moments I've had with my kids don't involve fancy trips and expensive adventures. The times we've shared over a Popsicle or while feeding stale bread to ducks are the most meaningful to me. Some might ... For the love of seven year olds boys Posted: Aug 14, 2008 1:17PM Now picture this: The shooting and explosion noise sounds from the mouth during a 15 minute ride home after dinner at a friends. Needless to say, guess what movie he enjoyed during our visit?
Seven year old boys don't just watch StarWars, they Become StarWars
and someday, we're gonna miss ... Going to the Cottage Posted: Aug 11, 2008 11:46AM A few years ago, four women did something a few people thought was a bit loopy. I got together with three gals and we dropped out of our professions, cast aside our collective eight or so degrees and designations and started Mabel's Labels. We also made another big decision and ... Seven Random Things About Me Posted: Aug 10, 2008 1:10AM We all have quirky things that many others don't know about us. Recently I was asked to share seven random things about myself. I can't wait to hear your thoughts!
1. I took my sister to kindergarten for show and tell
2. My favorite color ... Join The Mom Entrepreneur Support Group Posted: Aug 08, 2008 5:25PM So many of our readers have offered comments, questions and advice that I feel would be very valuable if shared with the mom entrepreneur network we have attracted.
Therefore, I created a Google Group where we can all interact and share our tips, advice and other resources for balancing ...
To blog or not blog Posted: Aug 08, 2008 5:18PM Entrepreneurs find many benefits in personalizing their online presence.
(By Traci Bisson, as seen in NH Mirror , August 2008)
”Does a blog have something to do with a computer?”
Even though the concept of blogs and blogging has been around for nearly 10 years, small business ...
Are you for or against a four-day school week? Posted: Aug 08, 2008 5:17PM Last night on our local news station in New Hampshire, I learned that one school district is considering a four-day school week during the winter to save on heating costs.
After doing some research, I learned that a school in Minnesota, Nevada, Virginia...are all considering a four-day school week ...
My Social Moxie Posted: Aug 07, 2008 6:34PM Last week I posted my impressions of the book "The Maternal is Political" by Shari MacDonald Strong for MamaLit, a great book discussion/review site created by fellow MomBlogger Marlynn Schotland. The featured August read for their Online Book Club, "The Maternal is Political" gave me pause. Big Pause.
In the ...
Stating the Obvious Posted: Jul 27, 2008 3:19PM Do you ever find yourself saying stuff you just can't believe you have to say? Things like "please stop giving scissors to your baby sister to play with" or "no, we don't drink bleach because it is not meant for children". Mama sometimes has to verbalize the completely obvious.
... Recipe For Aggravation Posted: Jul 25, 2008 11:56AM What do you get when you mix: two cranky boys, one article deadline, one pool filter in desperate need of cleaning so as to get the “stuff” off the bottom of the pool, one mom on a diet who made a great dinner for everyone else, and a messy house ...
The Miley Cyrus Show Posted: Jul 25, 2008 9:28AM Miley Cyrus is here! The crowds are awesome. In fact, I've never seen so many girls awake at 6 AM.
I was booked on the Today Show to do a segment on e-learning, but little did I know I was really booked on the Miley Cyrus Show. Move over ... The Bus Stops Here Posted: Jul 23, 2008 7:49PM As a family, we have been pretty successful at trying to cut our fuel costs as they rapidly rise above $5 a gallon for our VW Jetta Wagon. My husband rides his bike to work, I have a "no drive day" once or twice a week, and we try to ...
Shhhh....Don't Say It! Posted: Jul 21, 2008 4:27PM It's funny how just speaking about a subject makes it happen. I suppose that is why people often scan the room for some wood to knock as they are about to share some information. Well, it would seem that I should have been knocking on wood with one hand and ... A letter to a lie: What if we wrote letters to lies? - What are your thoughts Posted: Jul 19, 2008 5:08PM Dear Lies:
Isn't it funny how sometimes we are afraid that the truth will hurt us....................
So we lie to ourselves, resulting in more pain than the truth would have given us in the first place?
If we wrote letters to ... Mama Medicine Posted: Jul 14, 2008 2:58PM At Mabels we have a couple of safety products that make a lot of sense. Our "Allergy Alerts" and "My 411 Wristbands" are a great way to notify folks that your kid has a medical condition or allergy. Clearly it brings piece of mind to mamas whose kids are going ... Nothing More Than Feelings Posted: Jul 13, 2008 7:19PM I mentioned in a previous blog entry that our oldest son is one of the thousands in the U.S. grappling with Asperger Syndrome, a disorder on the Autism Spectrum. Although classified as fairly "high functioning", his grasp of certain aspects of self-awareness is very "non-functioning".
Feelings. We all got 'em. We embrace, ...
Smells Like a Double Standard Posted: Jul 09, 2008 10:44PM I am now on day seven of the twenty days that daddy-o and the two big kids are in far off lands visiting my in-laws.
Over the last week I have repeatedly heard "how are you enjoying the break?" and "does it feel like a holiday?" Truth is, it ...
I've been to Siberia! Posted: Jul 09, 2008 12:35PM And it is called the F Terminal at the Philadelphia International Airport! And it is not a place I recommend to anyone! Being geographically challenged according to the airlines, I have a feeling I will be in Siberia again soon. The Philly airport seems promising enough - plenty of exciting ...
My 2 Cents Posted: Jul 05, 2008 9:03PM Alaska Airlines announced last week that they will no longer be accepting cash for drinks, food, or those Digiplayers onboard for in-flight pleasure. VISA or Mastercard, please. Big deal. No mamas I know have any cash anyway.
Cash? Oh my yes, that. The thing that keeps my oldest son awake ...
A Few Freelancer Secrets To Saving Money Posted: Jul 03, 2008 11:13AM If you are a freelance anything, you carry all the costs of doing business. From paper clips to dues for professional organizations, it is all on you. You are your own IT Department, Accounts Payable (and Receivable :) ), and the person who makes the coffee in the morning or ...
A Little Travel Humor...New Airline Rules Posted: Jul 02, 2008 11:49AM Okay, I really couldn't resist sharing this... NEW AIRLINE RULES
Attendant: Welcome aboard Ala Carte Air, sir. May I see your ticket?
Passenger: Sure.
Attendant: You're in seat 12B. That will be $5, please!
Passenger: What for?
Attendant: For telling you where to sit.
Passenger: ...
To blog or not blog Posted: Jul 01, 2008 11:05PM
Entrepreneurs find many benefits in personalizing their online presence.
(By Traci Bisson, as seen in NH Mirror , August 2008)
”Does a blog have something to do with a computer?”
Even though the concept of blogs and blogging has been around for nearly 10 years, small ...
Vacation - for real? Posted: Jun 30, 2008 3:25PM To connect or not to connect - that is the question! Our family spent the last week on a much-needed vacation - cruising the Caribbean. I opted to bring the blackberry and the laptop as the cruise guidelines said there will be access. I thought I'd be safe bringing, really schlepping ... Momma Talk Posted: Jun 30, 2008 1:50PM My ninety-two-year-old grandmother has given birth to a lot of babies. She had babies in the 1930s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. She was collecting the baby bonus and old-age pension at the same time. Grandma is as wise as she is old, so when she talks, this humble creator of ... My Silly Little Addiction Posted: Jun 29, 2008 11:34PM No, it's nothing bad or unhealthy. It's the show "Army Wives." I can't say it's completely accurate, and I am sure the writers have run with the idea and not stuck to the book, but it's fun. Some of the issues that have come up on the show don't always ...
Picture Day! Posted: Jun 27, 2008 7:05PM "Discover new products designed exclusively for our customers!" The headline of the Totally Silly Photography Company's flyer, handed out at the end of soccer practice, blew my mind.
My youngest child decided he wanted to play soccer with his best buddies this summer. As mere three-year-olds, I assumed that ...
New blog talks about enjoying life with kids in NH Posted: Jun 24, 2008 5:40PM Whether you live in New Hampshire, are considering moving here or are planning a visit, you should know about a new blog called Kids in NH .
This is another blog created by The Mom Entrepreneur . New Hampshire has been my home for most of my life. It ...
Take time for yourself first thing in the morning Posted: Jun 21, 2008 12:04AM Sometimes its 30 minutes, sometimes its two hours. It all depends on how ambitious you are in those early morning hours before the children wake. This is usually the only time I get to myself when the space around me is quiet and my kids are not machine gunning questions ...
Be present with your kids Posted: Jun 20, 2008 9:09PM I attended a teleseminar today hosted by Lisa Druxman of Stroller Strides . She conducts monthly forums called the Mommy Owned Business Open Forum where she speaks to mom entrepreneurs and answers questions.
The topic of this teleseminar was Choosing the Right Business. This was the first forum that ... Tim Russert's Reminder Posted: Jun 20, 2008 9:57AM Married women all over America are reading the details of Tim Russert's tragic heart attack with dread. "It could have been my husband," we are all thinking. Who among married women of a certain age doesn't have a husband with an extra tire around his waist? Whose husband doesn't have ...
Travel Woes Posted: Jun 19, 2008 12:36PM So what exactly is happening with business travel??? Long gone are the days that I could book a flight for a few days later, it would cost less than $200 and I would zip in and zip out of O'Hare airport effortlessly. I totally get how 9/11 has had a ...
Saving the Planet; One Blade of Grass at a Time Posted: Jun 18, 2008 3:18AM I saved the planet tonight. The Kirkland Carbon Footprint is a size smaller thanks to me. And Mo.
I don't always make the right decisions regarding that Global Warming thing. I still drive a car just about everywhere, I use aerosol sprays occasionally, and my woodstove continues to belch smoke ... Is peeing on the post office floor a federal offense? Posted: Jun 17, 2008 9:34PM When training anyone to learn a new task, whether it is an employee or your child, you have to be ready to reward for a job well done and offer more training and support when the job is not done correctly. So what do you do when potty training your ... Creating a Big Boy Chart Posted: Jun 10, 2008 4:40PM My youngest son, who will be four years old in August, has shown no interest in potty training or doing anything that a four year old should know how to do. He explains that he does not want to be a big boy, he wants to stay little. Usually I ... A Box of Puppies Posted: Jun 10, 2008 3:29AM I just returned from a week with a group of 13 and 14 year olds helping at a small summer camp in Southeast Alaska. Part of our church's youth group mission, the trip was, for many of them, a first opportunity at working hard for the sake of someone else.
I thought ... As the school year comes to a close, our kids new yearbooks stir up old memories for us Posted: Jun 07, 2008 2:06AM In many houses like mine, the "High School Musical" movie is a HUGE hit. I think this is why my son got his first yearbook ever and just could not wait to show me. I picked him up from school and he was talking nonstop, eager to show me his picture ... I am disappointed Posted: May 29, 2008 12:25PM This past weekend, my husband attended church in uniform. We sing in the choir. I was amazed at the outright disrespect and cluelessness of its members. One person kept asking which parade he was going to march in, one waved the flag and marched, and he said he heard a ...
Are You This or That? Posted: May 26, 2008 3:57AM As the school year winds down and the summer writing season blows up (at least up here in Alaska, when gigs about outdoor activities abound), I am faced with the definition of my identity. Handing out business cards the other day to an editor of our local newspaper's community blogs, I was ... Will I ever catch up? Posted: May 22, 2008 3:26PM I can’t imagine I will ever get to the point in my life where everything is done. I’m not talking about the “Life List” - type of things. I am talking about the day-to-day tasks - with my family, home and business – that I never seem to accomplish. The ... Does anyone else feel like a fraud? Posted: May 16, 2008 3:54PM I feel like a fraud sometimes. When I am at a reading of my book or teaching a writing class for Adult Education, I wonder when someone will reveal me. It is inevitable, isn’t it? You work very hard to be good at whatever you are good at, then doubt ...
How to Turn on a Woman Posted: May 16, 2008 2:10AM I found this gem of an article in my morning newspaper, as my darling husband and I were taking a few minutes to sip our coffee in bed with the local headlines. It seems that a group of women from Cambridge, Mass, who call themselves the Women's Pornography Cooperative, have ... Happy Momr's Day (A letter from my 7 year old) Posted: May 13, 2008 2:25AM I think I got the best mothers day gift from my 7 year old. The first page says this (I will spell everything they way he spelled it)
Dear mom, I Love T he way you look. I hope you fin D a Job. I Love You. I ... The Morning Sickness - Sickness Posted: May 09, 2008 7:09PM Not really morning sickness; but that is the best way to describe the ill that has been sweeping among our friends and family this past week. Since last Saturday I have been relegated to the confines of the bed, couch, and on one occasion, the floor as the nasty bug ... Diversify Your Writing Business Posted: May 08, 2008 12:39PM I was sitting in a grant writing seminar today, thinking about how far I have come in the past year since I got serious about my business. I now do much more than write novels and articles for print. I have expanded to corporate writing, writing for the web, blogging – ...
No Nighty Night? Posted: May 01, 2008 5:38PM Sixteen hours, five minutes, forty-nine seconds. That is the amount of daylight available to Alaskans today. Spring has finally, sort of, arrived in Alaska, and with it comes the famous midnight sun. From now until late August, families will bag the bedtime and spend as much time as possible in the great ... Do What You Gotta Do Posted: Apr 24, 2008 6:28PM While down in Homer last weekend, I snuck in a little time to have dinner with a good friend and former co-worker, a woman whose strength and balance makes me swoon. The mother of a four-year-old, my friend has found herself this past year in the middle of a tornado of change, change ... Find Your Way Home ? AT NINE! Posted: Apr 24, 2008 1:33PM This comes from the "Just When I Thought I Had Seen It All" file. It is sure to promote a discussion, one way or the other.
Lenore Skenazy is a contributing editor at the New York Sun and founder of FreeRangeKids.com . I don't want to give her any ...
The Nurture of Nature Posted: Apr 18, 2008 12:35AM Tomorrow afternoon I am headed down to Homer, Alaska on assignment to discover Nature with my children. The Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is hosting a "Kids in Nature" program based loosely on the ideas covered by Richard Louv in his book, "Last Child in the Woods".
... Try a Mile in His Shoes Posted: Apr 10, 2008 1:42PM "Why don't you just spend a day in my body." That was the parting shot from my oldest son this morning as yet another stressful transition between home and school took place. Despite our planning, yoga breathing, and attempted calm ways every transition, in every situation, looks similar.
... I'm Making You What!? Posted: Apr 02, 2008 5:28PM Last week, after completion of a fraction of the errands I needed to run, my youngest son sighed deeply from the depths of the backseat. Thinking that he was simply worn out from pacing with me back and forth across town in pursuit of dog treats, a sale on fat-free ice ... Unspoiling our kids - the negotiation process Posted: Apr 01, 2008 12:14AM This is no April fools joke. The other day, I received an email from Amy Bowllan at the School Library Journal . Amy has this amazing blog over at the SLJ website which I subscribe to. Last November, she interviewed my business partner JoAnne and I about our children's book series, Bur Bur and Friends . ... Keeping Our Husbands Alive Posted: Mar 31, 2008 8:49AM After years of vigilence that expressed itself mostly in nagging I was finally vindicated about my husband's health.
I had been saying for years and years that he was too heavy. He was 20 pounds lighter than he is now when I began nagging about this, and as his ... Just Do It Posted: Mar 27, 2008 1:25AM Yeah, yeah, we all know that athletic shoe company coined the phrase first. But have you ever thought about what "just do it" really means when it comes to pushing yourself beyond a comfort zone?
My editor finagled me into writing the guide for an Alaskan Kayak Symposium ... Blogging and the Milspouse Posted: Mar 26, 2008 10:00PM The military spouse community is slowly becoming more of a force unto itself. Before blogging and all of the handy website-building sites became commonplace, we had to rely on word-of-mouth or our local base facilities to get information and find help. Now we can simply go to a message board ...
The Counterfeiters Posted: Mar 24, 2008 8:47AM If you haven't seen The Counterfeiters yet, rush out and see it while it’s still in the theaters. This film won the Academy Award for Foreign Film, and until I saw it I was sad that Persepolis didn't win. But having seen them both I agree with the Academy voters, ... Work Perks Posted: Mar 20, 2008 6:22PM It is no secret that I am not a rich writer, at least not in the financial sense. When I made the choice to return to freelancing, a prime motive was to allow our family more opportunities in Alaska through my writing assignments.
There are so many options for recreation of ... How are you at managing your time? Posted: Mar 19, 2008 12:30PM Aside from being Spunky Old Broads Month and Sweet Potato Month, February was also National Time Management Month. Since time is always my enemy in that I never have enough of it, I decided to research simple ways to make the most of my time. As you can see, I ...
Roots Posted: Mar 13, 2008 6:04PM This week my sons and I are in the small town where I grew up. Rather, it used to be a small town. A victim of the suburban sprawl of Seattle, our once-rural community is now the bedroom for Bellevue and Seattleites.
In my parents' backyard stands an ... On Literary Agents Posted: Mar 12, 2008 1:58PM I am a firm believer in having a literary agent. After all, I am just a writer in the publishing world. Yes, I am also a businessperson, but I am not a businessperson in the middle of the publishing world. A literary agent, on the other hand, is exactly that. ...
Do you underestimate yourself? Posted: Mar 05, 2008 2:05PM I went for a job interview the other day and finally felt good about my performance! Even though I am the consummate professional at these occasional interviews, there is always that insecure feeling deep down inside. I wonder if I look professional enough or if my “mommy-ness” is evident. I ...
V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N Posted: Mar 05, 2008 1:26AM How did it get so darned difficult to just "go" on a vacation? When I was a kid, we packed up kit and kaboodle in the old Volkswagen bus and took off. I don't remember my dad ever checking in with the office, his people, or his stock portfolio while we ... To Agent or Not To Agent Posted: Feb 27, 2008 2:00PM Many new writers are getting into the self-publishing business. Through companies such as Author House and iUniverse, people with something to say have an easy way to say it. They simply write their book, pay the publisher, and get it out there. Of course, this is the simplified version that ...
Let's Get Physical Posted: Feb 27, 2008 2:03AM I digressed from my usual writing time today in order to get my lazy self back on the exercise bandwagon. With our freezing cold snap (-20 etc) of a few weeks ago, when it was too cold to exercise, and subsequent warm spell during which all the snow melted ... Is Anyone Out There? Posted: Feb 19, 2008 6:07PM Perhaps I am too old fashioned, too high in my expectations, too literal to expect people to respond back when left multiple messages to please, please, do so.
Most of my interviewing is done via telephone or email, due to our remoteness and difficulty with arranging (or ... A Day With Alex Posted: Feb 14, 2008 5:48PM There are several topics to write about today. I could write about how aggravating it is to have two seconds to squeeze in some work ? in between the time when dinner is ready and the potty-training ?incident? ? and having another computer problem. Or I could always talk about ...
Supermom Underpants? Posted: Feb 12, 2008 6:12PM Last week while I was in the middle of making dinner, perusing my older son's half-completed homework, and trying to listen to election returns on NPR, Owen took off his pants. At three, this is not an altogether unheard of occurrence, but this time he did it with such purpose that I ... The challenges that parenting can present Posted: Feb 12, 2008 12:39AM Recently someone I know blogged about being fullfilled as a parent and how sometimes it is really hard. She shared the fact that she doesn't see many people have discussion around that. I agree with her. We find ourselves in the midst of trying to figure out our best definition of ... 'Ever Get Stranded in a Blizzard? Posted: Feb 07, 2008 4:56PM I did! The Blizzard of ?78 has turned into somewhat of an urban myth at my high school. You see I went to Sacred Heart Academy , a small all-girls Catholic high school in Hamden, CT. That day, Vicky, Elisa and I schlepped down the hill in our uniform skirts, ...
TrueNorthMom Posted: Feb 06, 2008 2:05PM Anchorage, Alaska, the Last Frontier and home to 250,000 people who thrive on their ability to outlast the tourists when the temperature drops below 30. That's 30 below zero , by the way. Only a resident for two years, I have nonetheless adapted to managing the long, dark winters, succumbing ... What is Left Besides the Right to Vote? Posted: Feb 04, 2008 9:31AM Voting in a primary has never before been this exciting. Even when I was a politically active college student, the thrill of possibility did not seem this real. I am voting for Hillary Clinton tomorrow in the New York primary. It will be a historic moment that I will record ... Traveling Manners Posted: Jan 31, 2008 3:39PM Do you leave your manners at home when you travel? I just had a quick Disney ?sneak away? with my husband and was once again amazed. I mean I was aggravated at the general public in the park when I was there with the kids this past September, but did ...
A Movie Worth Seeing Posted: Jan 29, 2008 9:27AM If you are lucky enough to find Persepolis playing at a theater near you run tonight and see it. What makes this film remarkable is not the amazingly beautiful black and white animation that dazzles the eye with its gentle technique but the story of the coming of age of ... Grey's Anatomy of a Marriage Posted: Jan 22, 2008 9:34AM I wish there was one solid marriage somewhere on Grey's Anatomy . Every marriage is in ruins! Christine and Burke's dissolved even before their vows could leave their lips. George's happy days with the bone crusher ended before I could get used to their mismatched bodies being together. The gorgeous ... Awards and rewards for writing children's books Posted: Jan 16, 2008 4:31PM This week the American Library Association announced the winners of their awards. So many people think of an award as the pinnacle of success or a final destination. What they don't see is the journey that continues. Our journey has been filled with ongoing financial, emotional and intellectual investments. They ... Productivity and This Mom Posted: Jan 16, 2008 2:54PM Sometimes adding more to your pile of responsibilities makes you a more productive writer. It?s true! I just read a blog entry on Copy Blogger that spoke about how having a baby can make you more productive. I agree.
When I had my first son, I had ...
Frack the Cat Posted: Jan 11, 2008 9:37AM
I've always been a dog person. Dogs have spunk and humor. They're straightforward and exciting. I wonder at all the years I lived without dogs when I was a young adult: how did I stand it? But now a cat has come creeping into my heart. And into my house. ... Top ten ways to teach values to your kids..... Posted: Jan 09, 2008 10:50PM I started a business with a good friend which we named "Farmer's Hat Productions." We are a children's product company and the idea is that farmers plant seeds, nurture them and the plants give us nutrients and feed us. It is a metaphor for the parent-child relationship. We do the ... The Hillary I Know Posted: Jan 09, 2008 10:02AM I am so proud of Hillary's perseverence in winning in New Hampshire. Not just because I'm celebrating this historic first of a woman winning a U.S. presidential primary. Just last week I celebrated the historic first of an African American man winning a U.S. presidential primary. But to me Hillary's ... Iowa, Iowa, That's Where the Tall Corn Grows Posted: Jan 03, 2008 9:32AM
I'm excited about the Iowa caucuses today. It's not just because of the tight races and the mystery (and possible importance) of the outcome. It's also because I'm from Iowa, way back. Both of my parents were raised in Hudson, Iowa, a small town where they were 2 out of ... The Benefits of Outsourcing (even just a little) Posted: Jan 02, 2008 8:10PM It is January again, but this year is different. This year I am not spending hours entering receipts onto a spreadsheet. Yes, I have a few to insert, but not the seemingly hundreds of bits and pieces of paper I have had every January since I started freelancing in the ... Support moms who write - see MamaBlogga's Group Writing Project for December. "The best time of the year" Posted: Jan 02, 2008 12:52AM This year I participated in a group writing project from the site below. The theme was "The best time of the year." Please show support for these other moms by going out to read their stories and comment on them on their blogs.
MamaBlogga's Group Writing Project- December
... No time to get sick! Posted: Dec 28, 2007 9:15AM
I can't believe it! It's not fair! I've been working my butt off all year. Traveling a lot, hosting dozens of events, meeting new readers, new clients and new friends. Finally, I'm looking forward to 11 days off in a row because of how the holidays land this year ... Kakie's Write; Gettting our kids to appreciate the outdoors in the winter Posted: Dec 19, 2007 1:17AM
I recently had a business conference where all my co-workers flew in from all over the country to the Twin Cities Metro area. One of them said to me; "I can't believe you have parades in the winter time in Minnesota. That's crazy, why do you do that?" Newsflash! ... Kakie's Write; The best event of the year - A mom's observation of youth basketball Posted: Dec 18, 2007 10:18PM It was a cold day in December and on a whim I decided to bring my video camera along. The battery was low so I had to keep turning it off until it was his turn to shoot the ball. He has been working so hard at basketball drills and ... "Kakie's Write;" The Role of Coaching in Children's Sports; More Than Just a Game Posted: Dec 15, 2007 8:16PM Basketball: The new sport in our lives. Two days a week my son and I head down to the gym for drills and skills. The team is called the Jaguars and right now they are learning the fundamentals of the game. Dribbling, chest pass, bounce pass, overhead pass, shuffling down ... Guilty Pleasure Now 50% Less Guilty Posted: Dec 14, 2007 2:59PM
I fancy myself a highly educated, hardworking, professional, executive mommy. My monthly reading list includes The Economist, Working Mother Magazine, The Puget Sound Business Journal, Fast Company and Parenting. Except when I'm at the grocery store. Then, I devour People Magazine. I always find the longest line at the ... "Kakie's Write" Why do I blog? Posted: Dec 13, 2007 10:08PM The other day, someone posed a question to me. "Why do you blog?" I thought that was interesting and reminded me there are still so many people out there that don't understand what blogging is, why people do it or what is the pupose of blogging whether it is for business or personal ... Productivity and This Mom Posted: Dec 12, 2007 8:42PM Sometimes adding more to your pile of responsibilities makes you a more productive writer. It?s true! I just read a blog entry on Copy Blogger that spoke about how having a baby can make you more productive. I agree.
When I had my first son, I had ... Kakie's Write Posted: Dec 10, 2007 10:07AM I wear so many hats in our household. I have big dreams and high expectations of myself. I am a well educated single mom who works fulltime in financial services and is an award winning co-author of four children's books who also manages its blog . I am Vice President and ... Musing at the Cleveland Airport Posted: Dec 04, 2007 1:45PM I am sitting here in the Cleveland airport after my flight was diverted due to snow. This always happens to me when I fly. I can be flying in the middle of August and somewhere, somehow, there is going to be some sort of storm with my name on it. ... I Can't Believe I'm Knitting! Posted: Dec 02, 2007 10:39AM
I just finished knitting a "prayer shawl" for Julia Rose. She was very excited about it and picked out the yarn when we were visiting my best friend and talented knitter Jan Smith in Colorado. Julia picked a dark gray yarn with soft white blending. What makes the prayer ... Military Spouses Face Unique Challenges Posted: Nov 29, 2007 2:39PM I live in an area that is about an hour from base. Needless to say, people here are not familiar with the military subculture and do not know much about our unique challenges and advantages. Many of my experiences have been good, but there are many things we deal with ... Giving Thanks Posted: Nov 26, 2007 12:01PM Thanksgiving has just passed and there is much to be thankful for in my home. The main things are healthy children and their daddy who is here and not in The Sandbox. There are many families who are not so lucky, and we need to remember them during this holiday season. ... SpouseBUZZ Live Posted: Nov 18, 2007 12:34AM SpouseBUZZ Live is coming to Fort Bragg/Pope Air Force Base December 1st. The event is an opportunity to meet other spouses, learn more about subjects such as blogging , and enjoy a laugh or two about our shared experiences as military spouses. SpouseBUZZ Live is free and open to military ...
Pee with the Door Open Posted: Nov 10, 2007 9:35AM
A colleague was recently telling me about her experience potty training her young son. "I can't believe I actually told my husband he needs to start keeping the door open when he goes to the bathroom! We are both modest people, so we naturally keep the door shut when we ... Heart of a Giver Posted: Nov 07, 2007 1:32PM If you are a parent, you know that your kids teach you every bit as much as you teach them. During my ten and one half years of motherhood, I've learned a lot from my children and am a better person, not to mention mother, for it. My son has ... Worry Posted: Nov 06, 2007 12:00PM I admit it. I'm a worrier. Why do I worry? I've thought a lot about why I worry... or I should say, I've worried a lot about why I worry. Because for me, the boundaries that should exist between worry and thought are not well defined. But, before we delve ... Are there gremlins in my house? Posted: Nov 02, 2007 11:38AM As I waded through the toys and bits in my living room this morning, I began wondering if clutter reproduces itself. Does the missing Lego under the couch wink at the yellow dump truck across the room and make a date? Does the Harry Potter dvd invite the fake ketchup ... Things Unspoken Posted: Oct 29, 2007 12:31PM
The Christmas that my son was two and a half there were lots of things on his Christmas list. A few of the items were actually things he, himself, added (anything remotely related to Thomas the Tank Engine, Scooby Do slippers, a firetruck, a construction truck Lego set). Being his ... Mama Mia Hamm Posted: Oct 25, 2007 4:21PM My daughter LOVES soccer. I mean, it is her passion. I'm often jealous... how nice must it be to know your passion at seven instead of just beginning to uncover it at forty? Being one the year her brother began his soccer career, she waited for three and a half years on the sidelines. That equates to five seasons, fifty ... Tolerance Is Grossly Underrated Posted: Oct 25, 2007 1:25PM tol Mysteries of Life Posted: Oct 24, 2007 12:56PM Since reentering the workforce 4 years ago, I've really struggled in the area of stress reduction. For me stress is related to my perfectionist side. Looking back, the whole reason I gave up my career at Hewlett Packard after my son was born was because of my unresloved issues with perfectionism. After ... Career Aspiration Posted: Oct 20, 2007 6:15PM Okay, I admit it. I secretly think I'm smarter than most of the population. Please don't hold that against me, I truly am pretty humble with the rest of my self image. I know that while I feel 20, I look 40 (yes, its a FOUR before the 0... I'm ... Bikini Wax? Posted: Oct 19, 2007 12:34PM From August until the first week in November and then again from February through April is soccer season at my house. Between the two kids, we have three practices and two games a week. On Thursday nights, both my kids practice at separate locations with their start and stop times offset by ... Do you get the Big Picture? Posted: Oct 19, 2007 11:20AM I was recently listening to my husband complaining about the laundry that needed to folded. It was a beautiful, sunny day. Yes, there were things that needed to be done around the house, but, again, it was a beautiful, sunny day.
While it stresses me out, too, ... You Think You Could Have Mentioned That? Posted: Oct 17, 2007 6:44PM I think all of us are pretty amazed at some of the stuff that comes out of people's mouths (our children's included). In fact, if you're like me, you're also amazed at some of the stuff that comes out of your own mouth (often helped along by one too many ... What I Hope To Teach My Children Posted: Oct 16, 2007 6:55PM 1) Pokemon Trainer is not a real profession. 2) There is no profession I will approve of that includes a pole. 3) Tithing is a gift you give yourself. 4) Sometimes the only way out of something is through it. 5) Life isn't fair, but you've gotten a better start ... Another Day Posted: Oct 16, 2007 3:31PM Yesterday was another day for ridiculous questions... one from each of my children. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE the fact that my children feel like they can talk to me. Having my children feel this way is very near the top of my "Things I Want to do Differently ... Step Three- Check Posted: Sep 28, 2007 2:26PM
When the thought hit me that I wanted to publish a book, I researched the process and came up with these six simple steps: Step one: think of an idea Step two: write a proposal and send query letters to lots of agents Step three: get an agent Step four: ... Are You Kiddin' Me? Posted: Sep 20, 2007 11:01AM
I just received an e-mail from the publisher of a newsletter whose title will remain anonymous (to protect the guilty). Once again, I am being asked to work for free. This makes me crazy! Here is what happened. I e-mailed them to ask if they could use my services ... Every Executive Should Leave Posted: Jul 17, 2007 12:17AM
What I mean is.... well, I am currently preparing for my FMLA leave (aka maternity leave). The doctor has said that baby number three can come any day. Knowing that you will be gone for 12 weeks forces you to look at what you do and ask yourself "who else ... FMLA Threatened! Posted: Jul 02, 2007 10:18AM
We should all be keeping our eyes and ears open for potential attacks on the FMLA act . FMLA is the only law in this country that ensures women can take the time off for having a baby, dealing with family crisis or helping aging parents. The following quote, taken ... You Must Have Kids Posted: Jun 24, 2007 11:24PM My husband was working with a new production company when he overheard one side of this phone conversation.
"Right. Well, I told him no." Long pause.
"The point is, if you tell him yes whenever I tell him no, he is going to come to you every time".
Another long pause...
"OK, whatever"
The employee ... The working mom edge Posted: May 31, 2007 12:15PM We had an emergency crisis meeting at work today. One of my colleagues was getting annoyed. She was frustrated that so-and-so did not come to the meeting with more answers and recommendations.
This evening, as I was cutting grapes for Lex, my mind wandered back to the day. I thought ... My "Green" Kid Posted: Mar 22, 2007 11:53AM Julia was an early adaptor of an environmentally friendly practice: she insisted on bringing cloth bags to the grocery store so we wouldn't waste the plastic or paper bags. It was a small effort, and she moved on from that to a serious vegetarian commitment-even insisting on buying shoes, bags ... Missing My Mom Posted: Jan 22, 2007 10:18AM Here I am wedged in the middle seat between two large men on the express train to New York, missing my mom. She died two years ago today, and I have been thinking about her and imagining her all weekend, and looking forward to devoting some time to her memory.
She ... Lost Child! Posted: Dec 04, 2006 2:33PM If you ever want to know just how much you love your children, have one of them get lost for one hour and you will realize that your entire world depends on their well-being.
The first time I lost a child was at Caldors in Bedford Hills. I was shopping with ... The Dress Advantage Posted: Nov 24, 2006 11:10AM Men have such an advantage over women in business. I'm not talking about their pay and promotion advantage-I'm talking about their Dress Advantage. Getting out of the house is so much harder for a business woman than a business man that it gives men a head start every single day, ... |
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