Category: Mommy Stuff

So you want to work from home? We’ve talked before about some resources to get you started working from home … but what if you want to start working with a company that’s established and you don’t have to do a whole lot to get started … meaning the marketing strategies are in place, the websites are pretty much created, and it’s kind of plug and play?

That would be a direct sales company. But there’s a lot out there. And everyone knows about Avon, Partylite, Silpa, and Mary Kay … what if those aren’t you? What if you want something a little … different?

Check out these three companies that are different but fun and totally fall into the direct sale category.

Celadon Road: This company offers a line of eco-friendly products for the home and body. The cost to get started averages around $100 and the reported earnings per party (on average) is around $160. The products are not only green, they’re packaged super-cute so it’s easy to sell them as gifts as well. Plus, the company donates 1% of each consultant’s yearly sales to the charity of his/her choice.

The Clever Container Co.: What a concept! A home-based business that sells organizational products? If I didn’t already have something I loved doing, I suspect I would be all about this. The demand for organizational stuff is huge … and growing by the year, so I suspect there’s lots of potential here. The start-up costs run about $150 and consultants earn an average of $125 per party.

Initials, Inc.: Personalized products are another winner. People love to stamp their ownership on just about everything … this particular company caters to that need. Selling everything from home decor to accessories, Initials, Inc. takes customer feedback seriously and constantly changes their line-up according to customer demand. Start-up costs are roughly $140 and the average reported earnings (per party) coming in around $125.

Have you ever considered a direct sale business? Which one? Did you have any success?

photo credit: a small sampling of products from The Clever Container Co.

Moms Night In with your girlfriends should be a regularity in your schedule. I’ve talked before about putting together a Bunco Night or a Pokeno Game or hosting an intimate Raclette Dinner Party because I think time socializing with someone other than your toddler or testy teen is important. And sure, your dear husband might be fun to visit with too, but there’s just something to be said about time with your girlfriends.

Another fantastic option for getting together is a wine and cheese tasting. It allows for lots of chatting, eating and the discovery of new wines and appetizing dishes. Truth be told, this party could be done with girlfriends or with couples, so run with it how you choose; just make socializing a priority!

There are a variety of ways you could do this. You can host the entire event yourself if you thrive in the creativity of that planning, or you can have guests bring items and it can be a potluck type event.

Self-Hosted Wine & Cheese Tasting

If you love to have the creative control of an entire event then here’s what you need to see this event through on your own:

• Have a white wine glass and a red wine glass for each person attending. Provide wine charms and rinsing water for ease of changing out wines.
• Choose 4-6 wines, half of which should be white and half red to meet the interests and palates of all attending. You may want multiple bottles of each wine depending on the number of guests…and whether or not you have lushes in your midst.
• Once you’ve chosen your wines, do your research as to which foods pair nicely with them and create your menu accordingly.
• Set up your spread with wines next to their complimentary dishes. Include labels next to wines and food items so attendees are aware of what they are getting and can make an informed decision both with dietary and personal taste in mind.
• Provide pre-printed score sheets with wine names and lines for personal notes. This will allow for guests to go home with their own reminders as to which wines they might like to purchase again in the future.

Pot-luck Wine & Cheese Tasting Party

• Instruct each guest to bring their favorite wine and cheese/appetizer pairing to the party.
• Provide blank label tents for guests to use for labeling their wines and food items on the food table.
• Have enough red and white wine glasses for each guest as well as wine charms and rinsing water.
• Provide pens, blank templates for scoring/notes for guests to make notes of what items they enjoyed for future reference.

Nearing the end of either of the gatherings, a discussion of which wines and food items went together well can happen based on the score sheets.

At the close of the evening, you’ll have had a relaxing evening with friends and you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle the kids again.

**Please enjoy your wine responsibly and have a designated driver – or a cab.

Websites for Inspiration & Pairings:

Rachel Voorhees is a blogger who is nearing the end of her wine connoisseur training (i.e. Sommelier School) and her website is chaulk full of information on wine pairings, wine destinations and all things wine, wine and more wine. She is also a wine columnist as Momtastic  – keep tabs on her and you have a one-stop resource for your  Moms Night In party.

Pinterest is great for menu inspiration!

Can’t Make it Out? 

Have Wine, Will Drink is a newly launched site that aims to provide you with information and socialization all centered around wine. So, if you can’t get out for wine time with your friends, then have a Mom’s Night In with your online gal pals.

Have Wine, Will Drink hosts regular twitter parties using the hashtag #winebuzz. So if you can’t make it out for a wine tasting party, head over to their website and mark your calendar to meet up with the gals for a glass of wine and giveaways! It’s always a ton of fun!

Would you host a Wine and Cheese Tasting or attend one? 

Image: meetusinghal

How many times have you seen a print or color that you love but you leave it behind at the store because you just aren’t confident enough to take the risk and wear it? Accessories are a great way to try out some of those trends and colors while accomplishing the goal of adding a little extra punch to an outfit.

Today, we’re talking about clutches – a fabulous accessory that can accomplish your fashion experimentation goal.

When you’re used to carrying around a large handbag filled with items that meet the needs of your children, it can feel exhausting to carry around and less than stylish to say the least.

But what about those times when you actually get out for date night with your significant other or some fun with your girlfriends? Well ladies, it’s time to forgo the oversized bag and spruce up your outfit with a rockin’ clutch.

What Is a Clutch?

A clutch is  a small handbag that fits just the necessities for an evening out – identification, money, cellphone, lip gloss and small compact. There are larger clutches that fit more, so depending on the look you are going for or your needs, you can choose accordingly. Most clutches do not have straps, some come with handles.

Take a Fashion Risk with Your Clutch

So how do you choose a clutch that works for you? It depends on the outfit and personal style, but trust me when I tell you that accessories are a great way to take risks with fashion and try something new, so don’t play it safe my friends.

Not sure if you can pull of animal print? Pick up a clutch like the snakeskin bag pictured. Love the idea of the peacock feather trend we’ve seen a lot of lately? Pick up a cobalt wrap dress and pair it with the clutch we found.

Have a lot of solid prints in your closet? Add a pop of magenta or mustard yellow to your little black dress or chocolate brown maxi sundress with these clutches we found over at Polyvore.

Finally, a silver and black clutch are solid investment pieces, so don’t hesitate to pick both of these up. Consider them in a textured material for a little extra interest and you’ll go back to these pieces for years to come.

Fashion risks don’t have to be bold choices taken only with your clothing, start with your accessories and build into bigger pieces, or simply stick to the accessories – that’s ok, too.

Would you purchase any of these clutches? What accessories do you love to take fashion risks with?

Image: Polyvore

Finding Kind is a documentary that is bringing attention to what Lauren and Molly, the creators call, “The Mean Girl Phenomenon.” In 2009, these two inspiring girls, along with their mothers, packed up and began a cross country trip with the hopes of establishing a national school program that would work to end the ongoing mean spirited bullying that tends to happen among girls.

Call it a “girls will be girls” thing or “right of passage” – I call it bullying and I think that Finding Kind is a breath of fresh air. What a fantastic way to open the doors of communication for our daughters. I have three and I’m a woman who remembers what it was like to be young and in the path of mean girls.

I also know what it’s like to see and be around mean women, because mean girls can grow up to be mean women. So this campaign is a fantastic opportunity to work with our daughters to engage in change and perhaps we can be the change we want to see.

The girls from the documentary are now seeing their idea through to fruition and are hosting Kind Campaign Assemblies at schools around the nation. They are engaging in open conversations with girls in those schools. Exercises are conducted during the assemblies which involve the girls becoming accountable for their actions.

One example, given in a news report, shared that the girls were asked to write an apology to someone in the room along with something kind and it was an activity that really resonated with many in attendance. It was clear through the various interviews that the activities had the potential to lead to social changes within those schools.

The premise behind Finding Kind is fantastic and it really has a wonderful message and the potential for great growth for all who participate in the assemblies and view the documentary.

If you can’t bring an assembly to your area, consider hosting a movie screening. Movie screenings are being hosted privately around the nation where schools and families are taking a proactive approach to solving this well known, yet swept under the rug “mean girl” trend. They are using the viewing of this film as a catalyst for discussion, and it’s a consideration for all who are looking to help their daughters be the best versions of themselves.

I find it very encouraging to see so many documentaries focusing on the bullying epidemic that is occurring with our children. We simply shouldn’t have children feeling so hopeless that they are willing to harm themselves. Period.

By bringing to light what is happening in our schools and neighborhoods, rather than pretending it’s not happening, we have the potential for real change. By holding our children accountable, providing them with real tools for change as well as advocating for that change – we will see a difference, I am confident of that.

Interested in knowing more?

Watch the Trailer

Head to the Finding Kind Website

Would you take your daughters to a screening of Finding Kind?

image credit: Kind Campaign

I’m digging the Real Housewives of Orange County and their approach to girl time this season. From Glamping with the girls to painting parties, I think they’re making it fun to get out of the house and get together.

More recently, in episode 9, they featured what Heather Dubrow called a “Champs Bowling Party” which is basically getting together for some healthy bowling competition and instead of drinking flat beer out of a red solo cup, you sip champagne. Brilliant!

Granted, you’d have to find a bowling alley that would serve the champagne – but that’s entirely possible. Locally, we have a Cinebistro which is a movie house that serves food and it also has a full bar AND bowling lanes. So, I’m betting they would offer the ability to have a “Champs” bowling party.

Another option in addition to a place like Cinebistro are gaming houses where they have full service bars and bowling alleys. And, you never know until you call your bowling alley if they can work it out for you by making advanced plans.

Once you know your local bowling alley can make the champagne happen, have each person in attendance pitch in for the bottle (or three) of champagne unless you’re comfortable covering the cost yourself.

Run a tournament of games and to add another fun element have prizes. You can keep it as simple or as complex as you’d like. Add in a dress code where each person has to wear a sparkle top or hot pink boas for an added element of fun and you have yourself a fantastic evening with the gals!

Would you participate in a champagne bowling party?

Main Image: Parapluie

Image: gorgeoux 

Postpartum depression is a heavy topic and one that has a stigma of shame attached to it – although, when you discuss it among a group of mothers, I think you’d find more often than not, genuine empathy and support rather than judgment.

In recent years, more and more celebrities are coming out and discussing their battles with this sometimes debilitating disease. Courtney Cox, Amanda Peet and Brooke Shields – all of which have experienced varying levels of PPD following the birth of their children have all opened up about postpartum depression and it’s paralyzing affects.

Gwyneth Paltrow sat down recently with Amanda de Cadanet for a new Lifetime series The Conversations with Amanda de Cadanet to discuss her battle with postpartum depression – a fact not unknown to the general public since releasing the news as a part of her GOOP newsletter back in 2010.

During the conversation, Gwyneth shared that she felt very disconnected from everyone following the birth of her son Moses in in 2006. ”I just didn’t know what was wrong with me. I couldn’t figure it out. It never occurred to me,” remarked Paltrow, when discussing her realization that she might be dealing with postpartum depression. It was her husband, Chris Martin, who brought it to her attention that it might, in fact, be PPD.

When when she looked up the symptoms of the condition (see below), she realized that it was in fact the condition she was dealing with. “I couldn’t connect with my son the way that I had with my daughter and I couldn’t understand why. I couldn’t connect to anyone. I felt like a zombie. I felt very detached.”

What I found most encouraging about this interview was what she had to say regarding the stigma and the judgement attached to things like postpartum depression and motherhood in general:

“We think that it makes us bad mothers or we didn’t do it right, but it’s like, we’re all in this together,” Paltrow said. “I never understand why mothers judge other mothers, like, ‘What do you mean you didn’t breastfeed? What do you mean you didn’t do this?’ It’s like, ‘Can’t we all just be on each other’s side?’ It’s so hard anyway. Can’t we all help each other get through it?”

I am so encouraged that celebrities are using their voices to open the discussion on important topics such as these. This, my friends, is what we should focus on when we hear and see friends going through the months following the birth’s of their children because it is not an easy time. We know when they are struggling – we see the signs – and when we do, we should offer them an olive branch, not a bunch of judgement.

Do not make it harder on them by making them feel bad about not choosing to breastfeed or for struggling to make it through the day with their newborn. Offer to babysit while they take a shower and have some time to themselves.

Offer them a listening ear and let them know that the parenting path they take is ok because it’s the right one for them. Make them feel normal for feeling overwhelmed at times. Perfection in parenting is not reality and we need to allow mothers the comfort of knowing, living and finding peace with that. Sometimes, it’s ok to be good enough.

Additionally, if you or a friend is experiencing what you think is PPD, work together to get help. Below are the signs and symptoms of this sometimes debilitating condition – it should not be ignored. PPD often requires therapy and medical intervention to remedy, along with emotional support from family and friends.

The signs and symptoms of postpartum depression according to the Mayo Clinic website:

Postpartum depression symptoms
Postpartum depression may appear to be the baby blues at first — but the signs and symptoms are more intense and longer lasting, eventually interfering with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Postpartum depression symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Intense irritability and anger
• Overwhelming fatigue
• Loss of interest in sex
• Lack of joy in life
• Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Severe mood swing
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby

Untreated, postpartum depression may last for a year or more.

If you or someone you love is showing active signs of PPD, please be proactive in pursuing help so all involved can work towards getting back to a sense of happiness and normalcy sooner rather than later. This isn’t a journey that should be taken alone.

Photo: PR Photos

Quote Source: OTRC

I believe I am evolving with my fashion sense because I am in love with ModCloth. It is a vintage inspired fashion and accessory site that began simply as a reseller of vintage finds. At this point, they’ve grown and they sell both authentic vintage clothing and also carry lines that are inspired by vintage looks.

And they are simply fantastic.

I love the girly feel, the clean lines and the overall refined look. What I also love is they keep in mind all body types. You will find petite through plus size models on their sites, making all women feel welcome and beautiful while shopping, and I love that.

So why Modcloth? Well, let’s get real, when it comes to fashion in the last ten years, there has been a decline. Jeans, tees with flip-flops (complete with muffin tops and plumbers) and don’t even get me start with the words JUICY written across velour bums! It’s been a sad state of fashion affairs folks.

But in the last few years, things have started looking up again. I’m seeing variety, and I’m seeing refined looks coming back into trend – Modcloth being a site that taps into that, which I love.

It’s not to say I think we should be walking around looking like we are the stepford wives, but as mothers, being put together is a good thing. Taking care of ourselves and finding a sense of personal style is a good thing. It makes us feel more confident within ourselves which then permeates all that we do – plain and simple. Good enough reason to shop for me!

I get that we’re busy moms. I get that spending days in stretchy yoga pants makes sense when we’re chasing after toddlers, but why not spruce up your look a bit every once and a while when you head out on that lunch playdate with other moms? Why not feel great when you’re sitting at your desk at work?

I realize it’s not for everyone, and if this isn’t your cup of tea, then it’s not your cup of tea. But, personally, I know that I like to feel and look my best when I’m trying to work amongst my peers. I like to get my head in the game and part of that is presenting my self in away that makes me feel like I’m at my best. BUT, I also don’t dig the drab, traditional suit. So, Modcloth has me inspired with their new nine to five line.

Add in some of their flirty finds for this summer as seen in the main image and I am smitten with this company. Truly smitten. I want to throw away the jeans and tees (Yes, I own and wear them all too often. I didn’t say I had not fallen prey to the drab mom look.) in favor of a fun dress on occasion.

Sure, maybe it will only be for date night or a girls afternoon out when I’m not with my kids – I get the logistics of being mom and unloading a stroller out of the minivan, but I’m not dead and neither is my fashion sense. So, Modcloth may just be my new splurge, because splurges are allowed.

What are your favorite clothing sites to find unique fashions? 

Images: Modcloth & Polyvore

Social media is an interesting place, isn’t it? It’s one place that you can catch up with everyone all at once, view lots of photos from all sorts of places, share your thoughts, join groups of people with common interests … the possibilities are endless.

Which is also one of the biggest problems.

It’s easy to share photos of your kids, your home, your vacations … and also your political opinions, religious beliefs, and possibly even your opinions about your employer.

The downside to sites like Facebook is that they change their privacy settings so frequently that it’s difficult to keep up. If you’re not careful, information that you post may become public without you even realizing it. This could jeopardize your relationship with your employer or even put photos of your children into the hands of a stranger.

And, with an influx of employers wanting access to social media sites before they’ll even hire you, it’s also important to keep these things in mind if you’re planning on changing jobs or reentering the workforce.

So, do yourself a favor and make a note on your calendar to check your social media sites once every month … or ever six weeks. Make sure that your privacy settings are sealed up tight and keep prying eyes out.

photo credit: statepress

Andrew Weaving’s new book Playful Home: Creative Style Ideas for Living with Kids is a blast of colorful fun, with many many ideas for incorporating your kid’s world into your world without actually stepping over their cast off toys. That’s not the kind of ‘incorporating’ I’m talking about.

The book, published by Rizzoli and out this month, is also not one of those fussy, ‘that looks nice but it’ll never work in my home’ type of picture books. Well, except maybe the photo with the slide that delivers you from one floor of the house to the lower floor’s playroom. That’s not gonna work for me. I’d venture to say that’s not gonna work for most people. Oh, but if it could.

Incidentally, that is my older daughter’s favorite page!

The book includes 12 case studies – homes that have been designed with kids in mind. Like the slide. That’s definitely a kid centric house. But, like I said, not everything is outta reach.

In looking through the book, I am inspired to add more color into my girl’s room. We just bought a house (yea, finally!) and while we haven’t closed yet, haven’t moved in yet, I found this book to be an amazing jumping off point to dreamland. I cannot wait to get my hands on that house and a few cans of paint. Watch out hubster, we’re gonna be painting!

Of particular brilliance is a custom made bunk bed/storage system that I’d kill to have in our house. It’s so simple. So useful. So beautiful. The ladder up the left of the unit doubles as a deep book shelf. Amazing!

There are portions that deal with outside play areas as well. Inspiring, too, but these projects seem a little over my head. It’s not like I can just slosh around a few buckets of paint and call it a day. Still, interesting idea factory.

But, saving the best for last…the end of the book has one of the best, all purpose, a little high- a little low-brow crafting ideas. It’s not a crafting book, though, so nothing is complicated or needs too much in the way of directions.

Take, for instance, the box aquarium. Here’s the their information page – see how little you actually need to know. Of course, here’s our attempt which is slightly less lovely.

Professionals

Me and my DIY. Needs work, yes, but it’s still fun to play with my girls.

Also, I should mention, that my 2 year old keeps taking it off my bookshelf and putting it in her book bin. She has a little reading corner where she can ‘read’ her books and this is among her favorites. Seriously. I’m not exactly sure why.

For adults (he he) The Playful Home is great for thumbing through to get inspiration for having a house that is lived in without looking rumpled. You know that saying, ‘rode hard and put away wet’? I’m not certain but I think it has something to do with not properly taking care of a saddle, but oh how it fits so many scenarios (and sometimes people).

Some houses where children live look like that. But they don’t have to. Truth be told, though…I’d get this book for the fun projects in the back!

So, a big thanks from me to you, Rizzoli. Thanks for sending me the book so I could share it! You’re very thoughtful that way.

photo credit: Rizzoli for book cover; Modern Home Modern Baby for the rest

I was watching the Real Housewives of Orange County the other evening when they showed an episode with the ladies go “Glamping” and I thought to myself, “what in the world is “Glamping?!”

Apparently, “glamping” is when you go camping…but you don’t really “rough it.” You enjoy the great outdoors, but you have amenities….like the ability to call someone up to light your campfire for you.

Where can I sign up?

And who can teach me how to make my hair look this cute when I go? Read more…

Well, they’ll think of everything, won’t they? Pottery Barn. Just when I think I’ve gotten all that I can out of them – my storage boxes, bookshelves, glider, play kitchen(!) – Pottery Barn Kids draws me back in. It’s like I don’t want to look at their catalogs anymore. But. I. Can’t. Help. Myself!

So, here’s what I found for ME (yes, me, not my young lovelies) at Pottery Barn Kids. I’m telling you this in case you still have hints to drop for upcoming Mother’s Day. Or you’ve got to get your mother something from the grandchildren and G-Ma, as a woman and mom, might just love some jewelry! Read more…

Maybe you’ve heard of the latest diet craze? I first heard about it on the news but now have seen countless stories on it. It’s called the K-E diet or more descriptively, the feeding tube diet. And yes. It involves an actual feeding tube.

I suppose adding my opinion to the mix won’t really matter here – it seems like people are appropriately up in arms about this diet, about the doctor who is promoting it and about the women who are on it.

Oh, and about the society we live in that might give rise to such behavior. I support any and everyone who thinks this goes way beyond drastic and thinks that it is a wildly bad idea. Read more…

As a mother, it’s hard to justify spending a significant amount of money on ourselves. We often will have our children dressed far better than we dress ourselves, which is a shame. I see kids all over the place looking all kinds of fashion forward with their frumpy mama following behind them.

This is unsat my friends.

I’m here to tell you it’s time to balance things out and invest in yourself a bit, too. Pick up a few key pieces that are timeless when the budget allows to pair with those trendy pieces that are less expensive to spruce up your look, because you’re worth it. Read more…