Mom2Mom Lounge

Back in the city…

Elle — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:56:26 +0000

Yes, it’s me, Elle. Where have I been? Well, I guess that statement could best be summed up as where haven’t I been? While I love to wax poetic about the ever elusive work life balance equation, lately I certainly haven’t embodied it. Being a working mom is proving to be the hardest challenge of my life. While the obvious answer would be: Quit and stay home with your children, I am unfortunately not in a financial position in which to do so. So where does that leave this busy mommy?

Well let’s see, sometimes it leaves me in a plane, in a lonely hotel room, in a boardroom, in an office, in traffic, but more often than not, it leaves me EXHAUSTED and ALONE!!! This is not the mommy that my little ones deserve.

When you picture motherhood, you imagine yourself being there for you children every step of the way. Yet in my scenario, I rush from one scene to the next. Gather the troops in the morning for 5 mins of cuddle time, two warm sippy cups, and then I’m dressed and out the door leaving my husband behind to complete the morning ritual. Before you say ”ahh…” wait. This arrangement was something that we agreed upon in order for my employer to accomodate their version of so-called flex time. In other words, I’m now supposed to arrive in the office at 7:30 am in order to be able to leave at 4:30 am. Seems doable, right? So how often does this little scenario play out as planned? I guess the fact that I’m whining about it, uhhh…I mean writing about it, means rarely!

So then what? Well, I started sending out my resume and campaigning myself from interview to interview. Trying to find some employer out there who understands exactly what it is that I am looking for. A bit of a tall order when you consider the fact that not even I truly know the answer to that question. Yup, I’m 35 and still asking myself, “what do I want to be when I grow up?!” What a time to have an identity crisis. I thought we were supposed to have all the answers by now. BTW on a side note - Can I just say how much I hate interviews? Just the process alone makes me want to jump ship!

Anyways, while I normally come up with a solution by the end of my blog posts, today I am at a loss. They say that if you do what you love, then the rest will follow. So let’s see… I love being with my family, travelling, writing and eating. Now how many jobs are out there for a Family food critic? Or how about a Family Travel correspondent? Or maybe I could be the next Tony Bourdain for the family set? Oh sure, all of these jobs exist, but they’re not exactly a dime a dozen.

Consider this my shout out to the world. I want to land that dream job that lets me have it all!

Reality check: Okay, I’ll be satisfied if I can just have a little more time with my family and the finances with which to support them. Come to think of it… I just want what any responsible parent wants.

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Mommy Pampering Products up for Grabs

Bee — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:16:30 +0000

I just had to let you know about this moms, a whole slew of products to pamper YOU mom!!! How can you get your hands on them, it’s very very easy, just show your Glow!

Glow Mama (one of our past featured mompreneurs) is giving away over $250 worth of gorgeous mommy pampering products to one lucky mom or mom-to-be this Labor Day who enters a photo of herself. Whether you works all day with crayons, a camera, a blackberry or a dirty diapers, you deserve these premium gifts, which come from high-end mommy-run businesses, how divine is that? Just for sending in a photo of yourself doing what you do, in glowing fashion of course!

For more details on how to enter and to see the prizes, visit the Glow Mama blog.

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Domestically Challenged Boot Camp Starts Soon

Bee — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:57:06 +0000

Come one come all, you know you need it, you just don’t want to admit it, aren’t we all a little domestically challenged…I know I am. I always have good intentions and plans for every room, but somehow I rarely get there…maybe I need boot camp too. Who am I kidding, I know I need it. This is a boot camp tailored to moms who need some serious help getting things together on the homefront.

Less than fiver years ago Cara Mirabella was little more than a slob when it came to her home. Now her personal story of transformation into a capable home manager is inspiring thousands through her website and weekly podcast. As TheHouseholdHelper.com celebrates its first anniversary, Mirabella is rolling out an online boot camp-style program to help others make the same turnaround in their own lives.

“Women tend to be real sensitive about their homemaking skills,” says Mirabella, founder of TheHouseholdHelper.com, “so if you feel like your sinking it can be very hard to take the first step and say ‘I need help’. Domestically Challenged Boot Camp provides a level of privacy that is hard to find in most coaching and mentorship programs.”

After realizing how much more peaceful and fulfilling life became after getting a handle on her own house, Mirabella started looking for ways to help others overcome organizational challenges within their homes.

“With all the supermom images that we’ve been exposed to over the years, it can be really difficult for women today to admit that they are overwhelmed so it’s been a goal for me to create a comprehensive program where everyone feels comfortable rather than judged.”

“Many online programs provide steps and suggestions for improvement,” explains Mirabella, “but the problem is that they don’t help connect these wonderful new habits to a step by step process of integrating those good habits into real life.”

Domestically Challenged Boot Camp is delivered completely through email and takes a participant six weeks to complete. “At that point habits are established and you’ll have a plan that can take you through almost any occasion or challenge,” says Mirabella, who developed the program based on her own experiences and credits for her ability to deal with the premature birth of her son and the often tumultuous schedule of her shift-working husband. Continued support and encouragement is provided through weekly emails after the course is completed.

For more information on the Domestically Challenged Boot Camp, visit DomesticallyChallengedBootCamp.com and sign up to be on the notification list. Come on, it won’t hurt a bit I promise, and signing up for notification is FREE!

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Back to School with Corduroy

Bee — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 15:08:27 +0000

It’s back to school time, or starting school time for some of us. Yes…my Big Boy starts kindergarten in just a few weeks…WOW! Hard to believe the time has come, he’s going to be getting on the bus all by himself and going off to school. It’s a little scary isn’t it and anything that can help make this a little less scary and more fun and exciting is always welcome and helpful.

Just in time for the exciting time of year for kids, comes Corduroy’s 40th anniversary. You know the loveable bear’s quest for a home and a friend to love him has been a cherished childhood favorite for generations of children. We have several Corduroy books in our collection and they always seem to sit at the top of the reading pile. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Corduroy and to bring the loveable character to life once again, Applause™ from Russ, has partnered with the Penguin Young Readers Group to create a line of adorable products to introduce Corduroy, in his signature green overalls, to a new generation of youngsters. So if your kids don’t know Corduroy yet, now is the time to introduce them.

Hum, Read Along Corduroy sounds like a perfect Christmas gift for Baby as he gets into reading more and more…

The new 2008 Corduroy line includes:

READ ALONG CORDUROY
(Approximate retail price: $39.99)
Corduroy really reads you his story! Dressed in his famous green corduroy overalls, this touch-activated Caress™ plush gently moves his head back and forth while he reads aloud the enchanting story of Corduroy in a sweet, childlike voice. A perfect bedtime – or anytime – companion, children will love to listen to this irresistible character’s heartwarming tale over and over again. Corduroy paperback book included. Three AA batteries included.

CORDUROY BEAR
(Approximate retail price: small: $9.99, medium: $14.99, large: $19.99)
With his bright eyes and adorable face, Corduroy Bear comes in three different sizes, small (9”), medium (12”), and large (15”). No matter the size, Corduroy Bear is a perfect pal to cuddle with. Each size features the beloved bear dressed in his green corduroy overalls with Velcro™ straps.

CORDUROY BACKPACK CLIP
(Approximate retail price: $6.99)
Kids can take Corduroy with them wherever they go without having to carry their full-size Corduroy with them. The Corduroy Backpack Clip features a miniature version of the doll and can be fastened to a child’s school bag, bringing the adventures of Corduroy wherever their imagination takes them.

CORDUROY PAW PEN
(Approximate retail price: $5.99)
Record all of your adventures with Corduroy with the Corduroy Paw Pen! Perfect for a child’s small hand, the Corduroy Paw Pen features a miniature Corduroy, complete with his adorable outfit and cheerful smile.

CORDUROY BOOKMARK
(Approximate retail price: $5.99)
Mark your page in your Corduroy book or any book with the Corduroy Bookmark. Corduroy’s adorable face peeks out the top of your book as a friendly reminder of where you left off the last time you read.

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Banana Splits

Bee — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:37:33 +0000

No, I am not talking about the ice cream here…I’m referring to a new kids musical group/website/tv show. The Banana Splits were a children’s hit in the 60’s and they are back, completely made over for today’s kids in mind. Music video and shorts will start airing on Cartoon Network in September and their brand new, super fun, interactive website is now available. The group consists of a dog, lion, gorilla, and an elephant.

After exploring this site, I gotta say, the music is good. Yes, seriously with a definite 60’s vibe to it, lyrics for kids, music for parents! The website features jokes and games and music videos and is bright and busy…perfect for the kiddos. It’s groovy!!!

Now, I’m not quite young enough to remember these guys from the 60’s, but I will say, I think the Doodlebops, must have seen the show and based themeselves on these guys, a poor imitation. This Banana Spplits music is MUCH better, a real 60’s vibe which I personally like.

Be on the lookout for the Banana Splits clips on Cartoon Network and be sure to check out the website with your kids, play a few games, download the lyrics, and listen to the music.

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Nursery Know How

Bee — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:31:12 +0000

Nursery know how is part one of a series on how to choose the best furniture, bedding, gliders, and much for the nursery of your dreams. So sit back, relax, and let the baby planner do all the work.

Planning ones’ nursery for their new bambino is one of the biggest parts of getting ready for baby. What are your colors, neutral or gender specific, modern or classic furniture, mural or rag rolling? Many design decisions are going to be made, but before you become the next Candice Olsen, let’s bring safety into the picture.

Purchasing a crib is at the top of most expectant parent’s list. There are many styles and colors to choose from in this day and age of design. Before you are set on the crib of your dreams, take these tips into consideration.

12,000 children are hospitalized every year with crib related injuries and an average of 35 children die in unsafe cribs. Because of these numbers, the safety standards for cribs were first enacted in 1973 and again in 1976, then revised in 1982 and again in 1999.

All cribs made sold in the United States must meet government safety standards, JMPA, Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, www.jmpa.com . Without this, do not even consider how beautiful it is, it is not safe!

The slat space must be 2 3/8” apart; a soda can should be able to fit through the slat. Cribs made before 1990 should not be used because the slats are wide enough to injure a child or were built too wide to accommodate a current mattress and may have lead paint concerns.

The cribs must have smooth corners and no corner post extensions more than 1/16th of an inch or decorative cut-outs on the headboard or footboard are allowed due to choking hazards and clothing getting caught.

Most cribs are 27 ¼ “to 25 5/8 “wide. The mattress must be a snug fit in the crib. The mattress support hangers must be secured. Look for metal springs or wood slat platform for mattress support.

Crib entrance is important to consider when you have sleeping baby in one hand, is it easy to maneuver? Static or stationary sides do not lower. A knee push side allows you to lift up and push with your knee and is a quiet option. The hardware is hidden inside the crib posts. The next two options are not as inviting. The foot-bar sides lift up and depress with a foot-bar. This feature is not used as much anymore. A double trigger uses two hands to lower the top portion. A bit cumbersome when trying to lay down the sleeping baby. Also, The plastic hardware can crack when the wood shrinks and toddlers can climb out of the lowered portion if not engaged.

CRIB FYI

A wonderful website, www.productamerica.com has replacement parts for discontinued cribs.

CHECK DELIVERY TIME ON ALL FURNITURE!!!

Tune in next time when we will talk about changing areas, dressers, gliders & rockers. Happy shopping!

Special thanks to Shawn Kiraly Corry from Blue Skye Baby for this information. Visit Blue Skye Baby for all your baby planning needs!

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Book Review: Beyond Time-Out from Chaos to Calm

Bee — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:31:37 +0000

Beyond Time-Out: From Chaos to Calm aims to send parents on the correct path to dicipline, calming fears, taming tantrums, instilling good sleep habits, ending food battles, and overcoming pottytime problems. I liked this book, right out of the gate, it really makes you take an honest look at your parenting techniques and see either the right or wrong in them. Let’s face it, we can all use a little help when it comes to figuring out this parenting thing, it sure isn’t easy! The thing is, a lot of this book is really common sense once you read it and realize it, but with all the different advise coming from every direction and everyone trying to out do eachother and have the BEST kids we have kind of lost sight of the basics of parenting and really need this reminder. Beth Grosshans Ph.D. is a child psychologist and a mom with a good grasp on the family dynamic of today. We’ve become parents with children who rule the roost, and it’s not just those families you see on SuperNanny either, I know, you watch that show and think, ”WOW, thank GOD my kids are not THAT bad!” Well maybe they are not THAT bad, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t running the show in your house, chances are, they probably are and you don’t even realize it. Honestly, I thought I was doing pretty good, till I read this book and realized, wow, they sort of are taking over slowly and sending me to the looney bin or something!!!Dr. Grosshans breaks down the 4 parenting styles and many people don’t fall into one particular style, but are a combination of several of them. She outlines what is good and not so good about each parenting style. She goes on the present a “ladder system” that can be used to turn the balance of power in the family back over to the parents in a gentle way.

This book actually really compliments the last parenting book I reviewed, I Just Want My Kids to be Happy by Aaron Cooper Ph.D. Both books present the fact that we should not be striving to be our children’s best friends, but be their parents, and hey, it’s ok for them to be sad or angry with us once inwhile. Kids need us to be parents and to be in control, they really don’t have the capacity to be the ones in control.

Beyond Time-Out: From Chaos to Calm gives you the tools to turn things around and take control making a much more pleasant home life, but it’s not easy. The system and steps are straightforward and seem simple enough, but putting into practice takes a serious effort and willpower to stick with it. I’ve yet to manage the stick-with-it-ness part of it, but it really has not been a great time to start it either. I do believe if you can stick with it, this system can and will work, probably in just a few days time. I’m mapping out a good chunk of time when I can really put this into action full-throtle with my boys. I shall be back with more once I succeed.

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Mother of Invention Contest

Bee — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:35:54 +0000

Whirlpool brand has recently kicked-off the fourth annual Mother of Invention Grant Program. In the past three years, Whirlpool brand has recognized and helped moms turn their innovative ideas into reality. What a great opportunity for moms who have an idea for a fabulous product and don’t know where to even begin!
The Whirlpool brand Mother of Invention Grant Program provides seed money and expert guidance to moms to turn their invention, business or service ideas into full-fledged businesses.

Contest winners receive:
A $20,000 grant for the grand prize winner
$24,000 in grant money for the four runners-up
Appliance prizes
Invitation to business boot camp where winners will receive guidance from Whirlpool and industry experts.
This year, the program is being greened by adding a new category focused on moms who create an environmentally friendly product/service or use natural/recycled materials to create their invention.

More information about this contest and entry forms can be found at www.whirlpool.com/moms . Entries are being accepted through July 31, 2008.

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Seapals, Huggies, and then some…

Bee — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:35:28 +0000

Summer is here and in full swing, we’re back from a fabulous vacation at the beach during a heat wave, yes we do have heat waves even here in the NorthEast and it was a doozy! The beach was a great place to be for the heat wave, although keeping the kids from getting burned when they wanted to be playing in the surf all day long was no easy task. In steps Huggies Little Swimmers Sun Sensors with these new little patches or sorts that you put on your child, a little fish sticker and it changes color, and goes solid organge when it’s time to replay the suncreen. Gotta say, these came in pretty handy and my kids made it through a week at the ocean, in complete sun, not a drop of rain, without so much as a red splotch on them. Me on the other hand…I should have put a little fishy on myself. Oops. So be sure to grab some of these when you are getting the Little Swimmer diapers, always a savior with wee ones, who can stand those big soggy fat diapers???

Russ, maker of all things plush has a new line of plush toys out, Seapals! These are really cute and pretty timely with our recent trip to the ocean. Big Boy just got a Manta Ray and loves it, even though he didn’t actually see a Manta Ray in Cape Cod. LOL So they little stuffed creatures are just $11.00 and come with a code you take with you to their website, the code gets you points and gives your sea creature a home when you sign up for an account, which is free and easy to do. Then, you and your child can decorate your pals aquarium and SeaPad and the points are used to “buy” more stuff to decorate. You can earn more points by playing games online and they even have interactive ones for slightly older children where they can play against other kids online at the same time. It’s pretty neat really, I had to play the games for my son, he’s not that into video games and that sort of thing yet, but he sat with me and we tried all the games and he picked out a lovely plasma tv for his Seapal. Wonder where he gets that from???

Need some more tidbits of info, check this out…if you live in or near or are heading to the New Hampshire area you probably want to know about this Fun Pass. We’re about 3-4 hours away, not quite close enough, but the Fun Pass sounds great, it’s a $25 discount coupon book with discounts to over 100 New England attractions. It includes coupons for Story Land, Canobie Lake Park, 13 ski resorts, museums, theatre, sporting events, and much more.

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Hot Seminar Series is Back!

Bee — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:04:02 +0000

It’s that time again moms, time for the Hot Seminar Series! Kelly McCausey from Work at Home Moms Talk Radio hosts this years event featuring some pretty incredible work at home moms. Come learn and be inspired! The seminars are every Wednesday night at 9pm. Topics scheduled for this summer include, Wendy Piersall, Nicole Dean, Lynn Terry, and Aurelia Williams, to name but a few.

Attendance live is always free, but if you can’t make it every Wednesday night, you can get the entire series Season Pass for a low price, just $29.97 for all the recordings and printable transcripts. These seminars are always a good time with an interactive chat room and fabulous topics for work at home moms. Consider it your continuing education.

I had so much fun attending these last summer, it’s a little harder for me this year to get there every Wednesday night, so I am planning on getting the season pass and filling my iPod with good listening.

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