A Must Read - The Care Crisis

A baby is born. A child develops a high fever. A spouse breaks a leg. A parent suffers a stroke. These are the events that throw a working woman's
delicate balance between work and family into chaos.

This is how the article The Care Crisis by Ruth Rosen begins. You can read it in its entirety at The Nation.

It's a really interesting article and touches on many topics that we often talk about, discuss, and experience. My favorite part of the article would have to be the following paragraph:

Men in dual-income couples have increased their participation in household
chores and childcare. But women still manage and organize much of family life,
returning home after work to a "second shift" of housework and childcare--often
compounded by a "third shift," caring for aging parents.

I say that's my favorite part because I can completely relate. That is exactly how I feel most days. Yes, my husband pitches in and does a really good job in being a "team member" when it comes to the housework and such, but I still feel highly overwhelmed most days and like I'm at a second job. I haven't yet dealt too much with having to care for aging parents, but I see hints already that this will one day fall on my lap also.

After reading the article, let me know what you think.

technorati: the care crisis, ruth rosen, the nation, parenting, aging parents, motherhood, working women

Video of WAHM Tips

Take a break from your daily activities and watch this cute video of work at home tips. You'll be sure to get a good laugh. After watching the video, my first thought was, she doesn't even have kids around her! That would definitely be even more distracting!

Enjoy and have a great Monday!



technorati: WAHM tips, work from home

I'm a Moms United contributor!

I'm definitely excited, honored, and just blushing, because I am now a contributor for the Moms United in Business Blog!

The Moms United site explains their concept best:

We are not merely a business community, promoting WAHMs and their
businesses. We are a community offering inspiration and support not only as
a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and/or friend, but as a woman in your own
right!

Go on over and check out my introduction to their community and my first post. The blog has a lot of good topics - business advice, inspirational posts, and parenting - just to name a few.

technorati: moms united in business, wahm, motherhood, business, women

New Site for Business Moms (and dads)

The owner of MommysCompany.com has recently launched a new site!

Called BusinessMom.net, it can probably be best explained in her own words.

From the site:

Welcome to BusinessMom.net, the social and business networking site designed
especially for mother entrepreneurs.

All are welcome to join

BusinessMom.net is a place for you to meet other business oriented moms,
network, trade services, and much more. Getting the word out about your fabulous
business is easy!

Go take a peek!

http://www.businessmom.net/

technorati: business moms, business dads, mommys company, entrepreneurs

Mommy (and daddy) Resources Part III

Back when, I started a series of parenting resources and I still have two more parts that I haven't posted! I'm such a slacker. Anyhow, here is part 3 of the four part series.

These are various sites with information on pregnancy, parenting, ways to connect with other moms (or parents), newsletters, free tools, etc.

1. Clubmom
2. PregnancyandBaby.com
3. PregnancyWeekly
4. Savvy Mommy
5. Parents.com
6. Connecting Moms

technorati: pregnancy, motherhood, parenting, free, newsletters, clubmom, parents, connecting moms, parenting resources

There is just not enough time!

I came across a new site the other day for WAHMs appropriately called All WAHM. It's got some pretty good tips and advice. The latest posting was about Balancing Work and Family.

It got me thinking that these are not only good tips for those who work from home, but also for those who work outside the home. I know that working full time, spending time with my lil monkey, being a wife, and taking care of the household (plus a gazillion other everyday tasks), takes a heavy toll on me. I feel like there is just not enough time to get everything done. And on days when I am extra productive, I feel overly-stressed, tired, and grumpy. I'm glad I was productive, but my head feels fuzzy and clouded. I then need to re-organize my thoughts and breathe, but of course, the next day is just as busy if not more.

The endless cycle begins all over again.

How do you manage to balance your family, work, and everyday life?

image via petertheta's flickr page

technorati: work from home, wahm, sahm, organization, stress, balance, family, work, life, no time

Mommy (and daddy) Resources Part II

As promised, here is the second part of my list of resources:

Baby Food - they all mail (or email) coupons

1. Nursery Water - http://nurserywater.com/home.html
2. Gerber - http://www.gerber.com/home
3. Beechnut - http://beechnut.com/

Gerber also has a separate site for their clothing items at http://www.gerberchildrenswear.com/.

Did you use the Nursery Water for your baby's milk? Or, did you boil your own water?

technorati: pregnancy, motherhood, parenting, samples, coupons, free, baby food, gerber, beechnut, nursery water

Mommy (and daddy) Resources Part I

Throughout my pregnancy, I collected a variety of websites that offer free information, newsletters, samples, coupons, etc. Some of them, I still keep up with as they also have great parenting information. Now that my sister-in-law is with child, I decided to compile a list for her so that she too can reap the benefits. Since I'm such a nice person :ahem: I decided to share this list with everyone. Now, you might already know about these, but maybe, just maybe, you'll find one you didn't know about yet. ;)

Here, the first part of my list:

Formula and diaper companies - they all mail out free samples and coupons, so I highly suggest you sign up with these companies.

1. Similac - http://welcomeaddition.com/
2. Nestle - http://www.verybestbaby.com
3. Enfamil – https://www.enfamil.com/
4. Pampers - http://us.pampers.com/ - I really like Pampers because they have a rewards program where the wipes & diapers all have points you can collect & redeem for toys and other products
5. Huggies - http://www.huggiesbabynetwork.com
6. Luvs - http://www.luvs.com

Next time, baby food.

What formula did (or do) you prefer for your baby? How about which diaper brand?

technorati: pregnancy, motherhood, parenting, samples, coupons, free, baby food, diapers, formula

South Beach, Weight Watchers, NutriSystem - Oh what's a girl to do?

Ok, so everyone seems to be losing weight, except for me of course. Plain Jane Mom is on the South Beach diet and has already lost 6 pounds! Oh, The Joys has lost weight with Weight Watchers. Some of the folks at my job have also started various forms of dieting and/or just eating healthy. I know it's a popular New Year's resolution and it makes sense, but I just haven't jumped on the bandwagon. I really need to get my act together, gain some motivation from these fine folks and decide how I will lose this weight.

What seems to work for you? Is there a particular diet you like?

technorati: diets, plain jane mom, oh the joys, weight watchers, south beach diet, new year's resolution

Just how old is too old to have children?

I came across this posting at VivirLatino.com and then an article at Scotsman.com about a 67 year old woman in Spain who gave birth to twins after undergoing fertility treatment (she is now the oldest mother on record).

Now, I don't want to be mean and I do think it's great that this woman was able to have children (it is her first birth), but I'm just not sure this is fair for the babies. This woman might not even live to be around for their teenage years. Is there a point where one needs to step back and think - Ok, I might be physically able and science may provide me the means to become a mother, but maybe I shouldn't? Is there a point where one becomes too old to enter into motherhood? Actually, this applies to men also, since they too can become fathers at a late age. But, should they?

What do you think? Just how old is too old to have children? Or, is there no age limit?

Image via stock.xchng

technorati: world's oldest mom, 67 year old mom, vivirlatino, motherhood, too old

Success For Work At Home Moms

I have yet to find my calling/business for becoming a WAHM, but am working on it. Hopefully with the new year, I will be able to dedicate more of my time and effort to developing my business. Things are just too hectic right now with the holidays and such. However, I still like to be in-the-know and read up on tips for being a WAHM (or SAHM for that matter - since these tips can apply to any mom).

Here I share with you 7 tips for success for the WAHM:

7 Ways To Guarantee Success For WAHM (Work At Home Moms)
by: Kara Jankowski

Are you a WAHM (work at home mom)? Or maybe you’d like to be one?

You’ve made a great decision. As a work at home mom you get the best of both worlds. You are home with your kids so they are being raised by you instead of a daycare worker, and you also are making an income to support your family. Work at home moms have it all – the joy of their children, the mental stimulation of a career, and a stress-free, comfortable work environment.

“Wait!” You say, “WAHM jobs are not stress-free!” Well ladies I’m here to tell you it can be done. Consider me your personal WAHM resource for solutions to your work at home problems. Follow these simple steps to create an organized and effective work at home environment.

Key to Success #1: Create A Flexible Schedule

Babies need to be on a schedule right away. In fact they thrive and actually cry less knowing that they can count on their needs being met regularly.

For most babies you can follow a simple schedule of feeding time, followed by activity time, then sleep time. The length varies for each step depending on the age of your child.

Activities also vary according to age. Your baby could be staring at a mobile turning above her, playing with brightly colored toys, reading a book with you, or banging away on a drum and singing.
Here’s the key – your baby needs to learn how to play on their own as well. So during part of activity time you should allow your baby to enjoy playing alone. This will give you a little “you” time. You can keep a watchful eye on them from across the room, or depending on their age and if they are in a safe area, you can use a baby monitor.

Be sure to watch for signs of your baby getting tired. If you delay putting them to bed you can actually miss the window of opportunity and you’ll have a very fussy baby who won’t go to sleep. At the first sign of a yawn or face and eye rubbing, it’s time to put them down for a nap.

Then you can knuckle down and accomplish your work tasks. It’s very important for you to list your goals and action steps and do the most important tasks first. That way if baby wakes up early you have already done the most important thing for your day!

Repeat this schedule throughout your day so you and your baby know what to expect and when. They won’t adapt to this overnight, be patient and keep at it. And remember that the length of each cycle will continually change as they grow. Stay flexible while still maintaining the cycle of feeding, activity then sleep.

Key to Success #2: You Can Only Do What You Can Do

This is so important for WAHM work at home moms. Think about it a second. You can only do what you can do. There is no sense in worrying that your day didn’t go as planned and you didn’t achieve this or that. Get used to it!

You have an important job here, and that is taking care of your little one. Work is important and has its place but you have a responsibility to keep yourself healthy and sane. If your baby has a meltdown and you’re unable to get to your work for another hour, so be it. Don’t waste energy worrying or fretting about it.

If you’re going to be successful you’ll have to work at odd times and make sacrifices here and there. Maybe you’ll do a little work after baby is in bed for the night, maybe you skip some TV time. Do what you can, when you can, and feel proud that you are taking steps every single day towards your goal – a happy baby and a successful mommy!

Also, consider working for yourself in a home business instead of working an at-home “job”. You’ll have much less stress because you’ll answer to you, not your boss, and you won’t feel like you’re trying to compete with the others at the office. Plus, you’ll be earning money for yourself and growing your business instead of working to make your boss rich.

Key to Success #3: Practice Good Self-Care

During your baby’s alone activity time and his sleep time you can get a lot of work done. But don’t forget that you need to take care of YOU! Without you at your emotional best even the smallest thing can turn you into a walking time bomb.

Take the time to relax in a hot bath, read an inspirational book, get a massage, take a walk alone, or whatever helps you to clear your mind and focus on you. You are the most important part of this equation!

Key to Success #4: Ask For Help

So often we think we’re alone, or that we’re weak if we ask for help. This is a time in our lives that we need help more than ever. We just can’t possibly do it all.

So ask your family, friends and neighbors to assist your efforts. Whether it’s for babysitting (even if you’re there at your desk working) or buying groceries, enlist the support of others so you can have a break or accomplish a task. You deserve it!

Key to Success #5: Exercise

It doesn’t matter if you do yoga, go to the gym, walk the neighborhood, hike the trails or use a climbing wall. Be active every day. Exercise keeps you young, stimulates those “feel good” hormones in your body, refreshes you mentally, and helps get rid of those pregnancy pounds too.

Don’t beat yourself up with an unrealistic exercise program. Just work it into your day. You can even space it out. Studies show that 10 minutes of exercise three times a day is just as beneficial as 30 minutes at one time. The important thing is to do it regularly, and preferably every day.

Key to Success #6: Be Grateful Every Day

This is so important. Do this in the morning while you brush your teeth, shower, or even while feeding baby. Run through in your mind everything you are grateful for.

You can begin thinking “I am so happy and grateful that…my family is healthy, we have this roof over our head, we are warm and safe, my parents live close by, we have food in the pantry, I have the ability to work from home, I have the skills I need to succeed, I have access to the internet to maintain a business” etc…

Don’t skip this step. It will put you in the right frame of mind to accomplish your goals every day.

Key to Success #7: Maximize Your Work Time

As a work at home mom your attention is constantly being pulled in many directions. It’s so important that the time you spend working is maximized.

What do I mean by maximizing your time? I mean be sure that your efforts have a clear and substantial reward. It makes no sense to take time away from your children if you’re not well compensated. In my business I make at least $1000 per transaction, so I always know my time is well spent.

You also want to utilize the concept of leverage in your business. There should be a system in place so that you do the work once, but keep benefiting from those initial efforts later on, without more time or input from you.

Using these keys to success will create a happier and healthier you and baby, as well as a more productive business. As a work at home mom you need to be so careful to maintain balance in your life. Using a WAHM resource such as this, as well as other books or articles, can help you eliminate stress and accomplish more each day. For more information visit http://www.FollowALeader.com/wahm. Remember these keys to success to protect your sanity and live at your best, and your personal and business success will grow every day.

technorati: WAHM, SAHM, work at home, keys to success

Speaking of memory loss...

To go along with that last post...

I have been having a major case of forgetfulness. I have lists everywhere and for everything and I still can't seem to get everything in order or remember everything. Perfect example - my husband's company Christmas party was this past weekend.

He went to work for a while and I was to meet him there in time for the party. He asked that I buy him a sweater and bring it with me so that he could wear it to the party. I bought him a nice sweater and put the bag next to the counter in the kitchen, so I wouldn't forget it. Guess what? You got it! I forgot the stupid bag and only remembered as I'm 2 minutes away from my husband's job. Luckily it wasn't very cold that night, so he was ok, but still, I forgot. And, I've been like that for a few other things lately.

Ok, I'm done whining now. I'm sure there are more important things to worry about, but being a person who used to remember everything and who was very organized, it's hard to realize you can't keep up with everything anymore. All this from just having a baby???!!! lol

technorati: forgetfulness, lists, organized, whining, motherhood

Mommy Poem

I was browsing around and found this poem about losing your memory once you become a mom. As I read through it, I couldn't help but think that's how I feel. I certainly have "lost" some of my memory and at the same time have gained so much more. I have a new perspective on life and see everyday things as mundane. Well, anyway, enjoy the poem and try not to cry. ;)

From http://www.thelaboroflove.com/prose/poems/lost.html

Lost Some Memory

I think I've lost some memory
since Miranda was born
I don't remember sleeping late
on a lazy Sunday morn

I don't remember quiet dinners
with candlelight and wine.
Or getting up and ready for work
and making it there on time.

I don't remember summer days
just lounging on the beach
And those memories of "girls' night out"
are somehow out of reach.

I don't remember long warm baths
with bubbles and a good book
Or my favorite TV program
or a movie worth a look.

I can't remember all those things
I spent time on yesterday
And I can't remember life
being any other way.

And as I lay her down at night
and kiss this little girl
I can't remember so much happiness,
such love and joy in my world.

(c) 1997 Juli All Rights Reserved

technorati: memory loss, motherhood, lost memory, poem, life

You know you're a hot mama!

With all the madness and chaos I currently have going on in my life, I certainly don't have much time for pampering and pretty-ing myself up. But, I definitely need to take some time to take care of myself, because let's face it - I am too young to be a frumpy mama! Also there's that other little fact that if I ever want to have another child, I will need to entice my husband! ;)

So, I came across the Hot Mama Makeover! I think I'll be following these steps to get myself ready for the holidays and the new year. I think you'll enjoy it too. Let me know what you think and how your makeover goes! Looking forward to meeting all the hot mamas! lol :D



Oh, and for other tips on health, money, pregnancy, children, free offers, etc. and a mom's forum, check out this site.

technorati: hot mama makeover, hot mama, frumpy mama, pampering, makeover, motherhood, free offers

What would you do?

What do you all think? Motherhood Uncensored posted about the recent incident involving Delta airlines where a breast feeding woman was asked to leave the flight.

I found myself thinking - What would I have done? I know I wouldn't use the blanket, especially because it would be even more uncomfortable and very hot for the baby. But, would I have taken the blanket just to shut the flight attendant up, even if I didn't use it? Would I have told her off for even suggesting I needed to use it? What about my husband? What would he have done?

According to the article, the woman was being discreet and her husband was sitting next to her. I gotta admit, it doesn't seem very likely that anyone could even have seen anything to even have the chance to be "offended". And even if they saw something, why would that be so offensive? She is merely feeding her kid. I see plenty of people wearing jeans so low that when they bend, I can see their ass crack hanging out. Isn't that much worse?

If you wish, you can sign a petition against Delta. Let me know - What would you have done?

technorati: delta, motherhood, breastfeeding

10 Tips for Balancing Work and Motherhood

Great article I found on MSNBC.com - I think I need to do some of these things myself.

*********************************************
By Lisa Druxman
Entrepreneur.com

Although there’s no secret recipe to balancing work and motherhood, there are thousands of women out there who have learned to do it successfully, women who’ve taken on this challenge before us and have come out on top.

I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to interview many, many entrepreneurial moms. And without fail, at some point during our conversation, they all say the same thing: “When I’m working, I feel like I should be with my kids. But when I’m with my kids, I feel like I should be working.” But that guilt doesn’t stop us from striving for success in both work and as a mother--we want to be able to do them both and do them both well. And if you ask any mom entrepreneur, they’ll probably tell you what they’re doing now is the most rewarding thing they’ve ever done. It’s certainly not easy, but it’s worth it.

I know for a fact that any one solution won’t work for everyone. But I’ve found some common themes among the successful working moms that I know, and here are their 10 tips for being both a terrific mom and business owner.

Read full article

technorati: motherhood, balancing work and motherhood, entrepreneurial moms, working moms, wahm

Milk & PMS

What a great milk commercial! Make sure to watch it below, then read on.

Is that not the funniest? Who would have thought that men would ever care for milk so much!

Milk reducing PMS symptoms. What do you think? Lately milk (and dairy products in general) are advertising the great benefits of drinking milk. Like losing weight for example. Now they are helping men worldwide in dealing with PMS.

I just couldn't stop laughing when I saw this video. My husband also appreciated it greatly. Too bad I already drink a lot of milk! ;)

What do you think ladies? Does milk help with PMS?

PREVIEW Call 2: September 27 – Loral Langemeier

Just a heads up that tomorrow night's Womens Power Summit Preview
Call features Loral Langemeier, a well-known Geurilla
wealth tactics trainer and coach. By the time she was 34,
Loral had established a multi-million dollar portfolio of
properties, businesses, and gas & oil notes. Loral's going
to be sharing some of her success strategies on this call.

The call is tomorrow night at 6:30pm PST and will run for 45
minutes, plus you'll learn even more about this exclusive event -
for businesswomen only.

If you want to get an idea of what kinds of information
they'll be providing at Womens Power Summit 2006 event in
Atlanta this October, definitely get on this call.

--> http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~me483020/wps_call.html <--

Just like last week's call with Jeanette Cates, this call is
absolutely free and you won't want to miss it.

Space on the call is limited, so reseve yours now. I would
hate to see you miss it.

--> http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~me483020/wps_call.html <--

I look forward to "seeing" you on the call.

Melanie

***********************************************

Become one of 101 Women who attend the Women's
Power Summit at the Atlanta Waverly Hotel on October 26th!

Just click on the link below to register now!

--> http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~me483020/wps.html <--

Women Play to Win in Business and Life

Have you seen this happen to a woman you know?

She gets very close to success - then turns her attention in
another direction.

She has an opportunity to "shine" at a meeting, but turns it
over to someone else.

You compliment her on what a great job she did and she gives
credit to the team instead.

She has a million-dollar idea, but decides to take the safer
route and get a steady job and pursue the idea "later."

These are examples of "playing not to lose" and it's often a
common ailment of women in business. It's taking the safe
option instead of really going for it.

While part of this may be a result of our culture, we still
have choices. And that choice can be to "play to win!"

There are five principles for a "Play to Win" attitude.

1. Be Decisive. In business there are opportunities that are
time-sensitive and if you delay in making a choice, you may
lose the chance. From ordering lunch to signing contracts to
choosing the ideal outfit, you need to learn to trust
yourself and make decisions quickly. Start with the menu at
lunch tomorrow. Make your choice in less than a minute, then
enjoy more time for your lunch and the conversation.

2. Live with a Commitment to Learning. Part of the learning
cycle is recognizing and admitting that you don't know. Be
open to asking questions and give up the need to be the
ultimate authority. You'll enjoy a confidence that it's okay
to be you.

3. Learn from Mentors with Experience. Successful people did
not achieve their success alone, yet we sometimes think we
need to do it all ourselves. Seek out a mentor and absorb
their guidance and advice. It doesn't make you appear less
capable by asking for help. It evokes thoughts of "Winner"
when you are willing to ask for mentoring.

4. Be Resourceful with Daily Activities. Women are naturally
good at multitasking, so we tend to be very efficient. But
what that talent does yield sometimes is a lack of focus. So
learning to balance the focus and the multitasking is key to
the Play to Win attitude.

5. Join a Team of Like-Minded Players. In the famous book
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, the power of the
Mastermind is emphasized. It is important to align yourself
with others who are on the level to which you aspire. So be
cautious in your associations with people, organizations and
even what you read and watch! Be sure they are on the same
winning level.

Learning to Play to Win is a process which can be learned
and practiced on a daily basis. Start now to stomp out that
"playing not to lose" attitude and start winning!

Put that principle into action and click this link to
get registered now:
http://WomensPowerSummit.com/cmd.php?af=491957

Here's to your Power -

--> http://WomensPowerSummit.com/cmd.php?af=491957 <--

Are you a Woman of Power?

I just made special arrangements to get you
into a powerful seminar - for women only.

You see, only 101 Women will be allowed to
attend - and I wanted to ensure you had the
chance to be one of the select few at the
Womens Power Summit on October 26th in
Atlanta, Georgia.

I've made special arrangements with my
friends Alex Mandossian and Dr. Jeanette Cates,
who are co-hosting the one-day event. They're
holding a slot open for you, but only if you sign
up before the event is filled.

> > > Save This Date On Your Calendar < < <

On October 26th, a group of decisive, action-oriented
women will gather at the Atlanta Waverly hotel for a
power-packed day. You will want to be one of them.

If you're in a big hurry, click the link below and
get registered now.

http://WomensPowerSummit.com/cmd.php?af=491957

> > > What To Expect On October 26th < < <

Meet your four 'Play to Win' Trainers:

* Dr. Jeanette Cates will begin to transform
what you already know into your most reliable
recurring revenue.

* Loral Langemeier will help you discover how
to manage,multiply, and protect your new profits.

* Business systems expert Barbara Hemphill,
inventor of the Paper Tiger software, will show
you how to win with your Business.

* And internationally known expert Jody Colvard
will show you how to expand your Message through
podcasting and other innovative tools.

The Summit's emcee, Alex Mandossian will lead
you in three powerful mini-workshops - each
designed to increase the effectiveness with which
you integrate what you've learned.

In addition, a luncheon will be provided as well as
many other surprise effects which will make this a
memorable day.

> > > Should you plan to attend? < < <

If you're a businesswoman who wants to create
her own successful enterprise without the guesswork
that most entrepreneurs face - then you need to
attend.

If you want to accelerate your learning curve and
learn to monetize your Expertise - then you need
to attend.

If you are ready to multiply your Money and
maximize your wealth - then you need to attend.

If you want to see how to expand your Personal
Brand and accelerate your Business Growth - then
you need to attend.

If you're tired of 'playing not to lose' and are ready
to 'Play to Win' - then you need to attend.

Only Women are allowed to attend the Womens
Power Summit. The entire day is devoted to
helping you take your business and your skills to
the Summit to achieve your maximum potential -
and to be a Woman of Power!

Are you ready to take advantage of this rare
opportunity and join 100 other sharp, creative,
decisive, 'play to win' women?

> > > Take Action Now < < <

Of the five 'Play to Win' principles that will be
revealed, the first is - Be Decisive.

Put that principle into action and click this link to
get registered now:
http://WomensPowerSummit.com/cmd.php?af=491957

Here's to your Power - Register Now!
http://WomensPowerSummit.com/cmd.php?af=491957