Chaton's World: A Working Mom's Quest for Balance in Stilettos

A Working Mom Reflects on Father's Day: Happy Fathers Day!

2013-06-16T15:51:00.000-04:00

As a working mom, I often write about how I am overworked at work and at home and don't get all of the help that I would like. While those things are true, this Fathers' Day I have to acknowledge that Andre is an amazing father and one of the great joys of my life has been watching Andre father our daughter...

He was there when she was born doing everything it took to bring her into the world. From that moment on, he has been engaged and protective of her. He mastered swaddling because he understood that sleep was essential for baby and mommy. He quickly learned how to change diapers, feed her and clothe her. He has mastered the art of pony tails.

A Devoted Father

He has even changed her diaper in public restrooms all over the country. One of the funniest times involved the three of us visiting my alma mater, The University of Virginia. The toddler needed a diaper change. I was willing to wait until we returned to the hotel, but Andre thought the poopy diaper needed to be changed immediately. So, he took her to the restroom. The "situation" wound up being my messier than anticipated and all of her clothes were ruined. Because we're such good parents, we had been walking around grounds without her diaper bag and had no change of clothes. He had to keep her naked in bathroom while I went in search of an outfit in the bookstore. I am confident that they were a very funny site to all of the men who came in there while they were waiting for me! Now, the toddler is the proud owner of a pink UVA sweat suit that cost about $50 (highway robbery) and Andre is a dad who has proven that his daughter, and not his pride, are what matters most.

Fathers Parent With Strength and Love

When I leave town for business trips, while I may worry that the laundry won't get done, I never worry about my daughter. If she is with her father, she is happy and well taken care of. That's not to say that she gets everything that she wants though. People always assume that Andre's affection for her blinds his judgment but it doesn't. He is stern with her when needed and is committed to teaching her discipline.

He teaches her things that I might not. As her mother I tend to be more protective and nurturing. In contrast, Andre believes that often her tears can be cured with a stern word and encouragement for her to try again. "Don't cry, try!"

He teaches her how to be self-sufficient by making her clean up after herself. He teaches her to trust herself by encouraging her to climb the rock wall at the playground. He teaches her self-control by not allowing her to throw tantrums when she is unhappy (sometimes that doesn't work so well though...)

Daddy's Little Girl

It is clear from the moment Andre walks in the door and is greeted by a loud and enthusiastic, "Daddy!", open arms, and a small child sprinting towards him that my daughter is and remains, "Daddy's Little Girl".

I am humbled and honored to share this parenting journey with him, even if we disagree on a few things... :-)

Here is a link to a Fathers' Day poem I wrote a couple of years ago. It's my gift to all of the fathers today! http://chatonsworld.blogspot.com/2011/06/lets-hear-it-for-daddies-ode-to-fathers.html?spref=bl

From my Android phone on T-Mobile. The first nationwide 4G network.

Working Mom News: 95% of People Don't Wash Their Hands

2013-06-12T21:00:00.000-04:00

“The expression of wonder stands for all that cannot be understood, that can scarcely be believed.” --Stephen Greenblatt.

After learning that 95% of Americans do not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom this morning, while watching the Today Show, I now understand the above quote....

As a protective mother, a germaphobe and someone who works in healthcare, I live in a world where I am a bit obsessive about hand washing. While I recognize that not everyone is as obsessive as I am, like Andre for example, I believe that most people care about cleanliness and work to ensure that they are spared of spreading the worse kind of germs--the feces kind.

Potty Training Leads You to Dirty Places

Indeed, a few weeks ago my daughter and I were at the park in the bathroom. Potty training definitely tests my limits when it comes to dealing with germs. I generally avoid public bathrooms, especially those in parks, grocery stores and gas stations unless I am in the middle of the highway and have no other options or it’s an emergency. At other times, I will hold it until the last possible moment and search for a cleaner option like one in a nice Ritz Carlton.

Apparently, toddlers have bladders the size of nats. So, when they say they have to go, it is always an emergency. For that reason, I find myself in fast food restaurants, gas stations, and parks praying to God that my daughter nor I catch some vile disease that is on the walls of the infrequently washed walls, faucets, and toilet seats. I am tempted to travel with my own can of Lysol in my purse. As I type this, I think that I just might go buy one. Isn't that what large tote bags are for???

Anyway, I recently found myself in a park restroom during a picnic. On a scale from 1-10 it was a 3.5. It was neat, but smelled like it hadn’t had a good washing in about a decade. While I was in the stall helping my toddler I said, “Mommy has to go too, but I’ll wait.”

While I was washing our hands a woman came out of the other stall and said, “I’ll watch her.” I thought it was a generous, yet odd offer.
What I fear more than germs is someone snatching my kid. Even though this woman meant well, I couldn’t really figure out why she thought I’d let her, a perfect stranger watch my very young daughter, even if the woman did look cute in her tennis outfit... Like any good mom who watches too much Date Line, I refused the offer. After I did. she left the restroom without washing her hands. Can you say YUCK?! I dismissed this woman as a well dressed, yet disgusting, stranger who was nice enough, but didn't have enough sense to practice basic hygiene.

The Majority of Parents Don't Wash Their Hands Properly

I have since learned that she represents the MAJORITY of Americans who either don't wash their hands at all or don't do it properly. A report recently come out saying that 95% of people don't wash their hands properly. I am shocked and amazed by that. I am sharing the news with my fellow working moms (who I pray are in the 5% minority) as a reminder to wash your hands right (sing Happy Birthday or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star twice as you do it), teach your kids to wash their hands, and if you are forced to shake hands like I often am, keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse!

Now off to buy that Lysol...

Working Mom Tip: Free Family Fun

2013-06-11T07:30:00.000-04:00

Pittsburgh is a great place to raise children. There are numerous parks, festivals and program, especially in the summertime. I just learned that there is a program called "KidsPlay" at Market Square this summer on Tuesdays from 10:00AM-11:30AM.

KidsPlay will feature fun educational programs and activities complete with crafts and special guests. The activities are designed to enrich and entertain the little ones and are geared toward pre-school aged children and welcome families, caregivers, schools, day cares and camps. One week, children can plant their own tree. The next they can see how cartoons come to life and even touch a real fire truck.

KidsPlay at Market Square: Does anything beat free family fun?

Working moms, send your child down to market square with their caregiver, take a half day and enjoy the festivities yourself, or tell your day care center to bring the kids down. It's free. It's fun. And it's totally Pittsburgh!

The free program series produced by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP), introduces children to a new and exciting learning experience in one of Downtown's most popular destinations.

Highlights

June 4 - Mr. McFeely from Mister Rogers Neighborhood
June 11 - OTTO the Auto
June 18 - National Aviary
July 23 - ALCOSAN - Scholastic Outreach

Tuesdays in Market Square

For more information, please visit Tuesdays in Market Square at http://www.downtownpittsburgh.com/play/market-square/programs/tuesdays-in-the-square

Working Mom Tip: Save at The Pittsburgh Children's Museum!!! (#PGHKIDS)

2013-06-10T07:30:00.000-04:00

We have a membership to the Children's Museum and it more than pays for itself. Indeed, it is among the best money that I have ever spent. In exchange for the cost of the membership my daughter has made countless memories and experienced a million smiles!

The Magic of the Children's Museum

The management plans carefully to implement programming that educates and engages children. My daughter goes there several days a week and LOVES it! Recently they created a Clifford, the Big Red Dog exhibit. Among other things the exhibit has Clifford himself, live and in color. Nothing makes a kid happier than a big red cartoon character live and in person. As you can see from my daughter's face below, she is smitten by Clifford (perhaps less so with the camera though... :-))

If you don't have a membership and would like to save on your next visit, check out this deal from Groupon! SAVE at the Children's Museum

Toddler at the Children's Museum with Clifford, the Big Red Dog!

A Peek into the Life of a Mommy Blogger: The SmarteRita "Get Waisted Challenge"

2013-06-09T17:30:00.000-04:00

Summer is a time for cookouts, cocktails and good times. However, those good times can wreak havoc on your bikini body. So, a girl has got to be careful about how she decides to celebrate the sunshine. I try to use this blog to educate working moms about products that can make their lives easier. While I am not advocating drinking alcohol, most of the working moms I know enjoy a good cocktail. And for that reason, and because I enjoy a good, calorie friendly, cocktail myself, I decided to accept the SmarteRita "Get Waisted Challenge".

The SmarteRita "Get Waisted" Challenge

When I heard from SmarteRita, I felt like I hit the Blogger jackpot. I was asked to taste test a cocktail and to share my opinions with my readers. I like my alcohol and I know how to drink it. I began my taste test by pouring the SmarteRita over ice. I wanted to try it on the rocks, so I put some ice in a glass poured my drink. It tasted a little artificial, like it had been sweetened with Equal. However, it was sweet and appealing. As a girl who has watched her weight since 1995, tasting artificial sweetener wasn’t surprising or revolting. In an effort to give it a thorough taste test, I decided to put it in the shaker and shake it with ice to see whether mixing it up would make the flavors blend better. It did. I definitely recommend drinking it that way.

The company also sent me a bottle of Skinny Girl Margarita to compare the SmarteRita with. Since I had fallen in love with it while watching “Bethenny Ever After” and drinking it last summer, I was excited to indulge in an old favorite. I poured it over ice and took a sip. I was surprised. It didn’t taste like I remembered. While it lacked the artificially sweetened SmarteRita, it also lacked the flavorful fruity taste. Skinny Girl does however, have a much stronger taste of tequila, which makes it seem stronger. I also put Skinny Girl in the shaker, which improved its taste as well. Apparently, the shaker is the ticket!

I could not make up my mind about which one I preferred. So, I had Andre try them. He preferred the Skinny Girl hands down. I think it’s because Skinny Girl has a stronger taste of tequila. After he shared his opinion, I tried them again and was convince that this was the best blogging assignment ever! J

Upon my second taste, and it was likely influenced by Andre, I gave a slight edge to Skinny Girl. I think that it would be more popular with more people, especially men, because the tequila is what you taste most and not the sweetener. Even though I don’t mind the artificial sweetener, it’s a little strong in the SmarteRita for my tastes. If they figure out a way to tweak that part of the formula I’d buy it in a heartbeat. Nothing says summer like a good fruity drink, and what’s better than a margarita?!

I am still wondering how I got lucky enough to do this comparison. Signing off and pinching myself... :-)

Contents of Package Received from SmarteRita

A Peek Into the Life of a Working Mom: Why I Love Saturday Morning

2013-06-08T12:30:00.000-04:00

True confessions, I have not been faithful to getting up at 5:30AM. Doing that was a really tough grind, especially since I usually go to bed at 11 or 12. Still, I think that my thoughts about rising early have influenced my sleeping patterns. I usually get up at 6:30AM without prompting, which is much better than I used to do before I attended Spark and Hustle last year and met all of those women who get up at 4:30 AM.

I admire those women. I am in awe of those women. And I am more than a little intimidated by those women...

My early rising carries over to the weekend. And has led to Saturday mornings being my favorite time of the week. I prepared a video to tell you all about it. Check it out! (By the way, don't judge my appearance too harshly. I made the video right after a run!)

Bet on Your Baby Giveaway! (#giveaway)

2013-06-08T07:30:00.001-04:00

“Bet on Your Baby” is a new show that ABC, in partnership with Luvs, is airing on Saturdays 8/7c!

Here’s the premise, every parent thinks they know their baby well, but are they willing to bet on it?

Bet on Your Baby is a new show where parents play fun games with their toddlers, and try to “bet” on what baby will do next! If they guess correctly, the family wins $5,000 in college tuition money, and the chance to play for $50,000!

I caught the show a few weeks ago and concluded that it’s pure genius. Who doesn’t like cute kids doing things that frustrate their parents?!

GET FREE DIAPERS

To increase buzz about the show, ABC has decided to use bloggers to run giveaways. This is a great giveaway that all new parents and parents of toddlers can appreciate—FREE DIAPERS! What mom of an infant or toddler couldn't use free diapers?!

Would You Survive The Baby Dome? QUIZ –

How well do you know the behavior of babies? How do you think these toddlers will fare playing these games in the Baby Dome? Take the quiz to find out!

Giveaway Rules:

Sometime I run complicated giveaways. However, this one is going to be simple--old school style. The free coupons will be given to the first person who shares their score from the above "Baby Dome" quiz and this link on Twitter. Tweet: "My Baby Dome Quiz Score was ___________ @chatonsworld". Tweet that first and the prize is yours!

Working Mom Tip: Family Fun (The Triple B Farms Strawberry Festival)

2013-06-08T07:30:00.000-04:00

Spring in Western Pennsylvania means sunshine, nice weather and festivals! As a working mom, I love festivals because they are organized activities that are instant family fun! Below is information about a Strawberry Festival at Triple B Farms. There's nothing like outdoor fun to make you appreciate Spring. We'll be attending next weekend. If you see me, please say 'hello'!

The Triple B Farms Strawberry Festival

The Strawberries are Ready! Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Eat Healthy!

Join Triple B Farms Strawberry Festival for the annual Strawberry Festival - The weekend of June 8/9 and June 15/16

Family Activities include:

Strawberry Pancake Breakfast: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (Strawberry Smoothies, Strawberry Donuts, and other Strawberry refreshments.
Hayrides: Pick-your-own strawberry patch for everyone in your family to enjoy!! PICK YOUR OWN Strawberries available ---- WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!! Always come early to pick the best berries. You know the saying: "Early bird catches the worm!"
Visits from Strawberry Girl: Noon-2pm Saturday and Sunday
Children's activities Include: Liberty Tube Slide, Squirrel Hill Tunnel Slide, Rope Maze, Farm Playground, and Farm Animal Petting Zoo. Activities OPEN 10am-4pmSaturday & Sunday.

The farm market and gift shop feature homegrown and local produce, homemade fudge, crafts and gift items, jams and jellies, honey from Triple B bees, and other goodies, many strawberry related!

The bakery will turn out mountains of our famous Sky High Strawberry pies and other pies, plus cookies, muffins and more. Both pre-picked and pick-your-own strawberries will be available.

Just $5 per person for all day fun! So come on out. Smell the fresh air. Pick strawberries with the kids and enjoy a day of family fun on the farm.

SPECIAL OFFER

Buy 4 Admission Tickets, get the 5th one FREE and Save $1off Dad's Day Breakfast! - http://www.pittsburghkidsguide.com/coupon.php?bid=10880&lid=13236&dealid=979®ionid=58

More Info about Triple B Farms:

On a hilltop overlooking a beautiful Western Pennsylvania landscape, located 20 miles from Downtown Pittsburgh is Triple B Farms. Since 1967, Ron Beinlich has owned and operated this gorgeous parcel of land that once was home to a beef cattle herd and now boasts many acres of home-grown fruit and vegetables. Ron, his wife Carolyn, their son Bill and daughter-in-law Sue work together to operate this family farm where families can escape for a day of fun in the country. All summer long, enjoy our delicious fruits and vegetables, homemade pies and fudge, jams and jellies and honey from the beehives on our own property. In the Country Market, you will also find Amish butter and cheeses, eggs from our chickens, farm toys and gift items. Bring your children to see our pygmy goats, calf, chickens and peacocks, and play the day away on our farm-themed playground. In the fall, we welcome all of Western PA for "Pittsburgh's Finest Family Apple & Pumpkin Festival." We take pride in offering the region's very best fruits and vegetables, plus a fun place to kick back, play a little and be refreshed by the beautiful country. Welcome and enjoy!

(This was a sponsored post.)

Working Mom Musings: My Concern About Working Moms Being the Primary Breadwinner

2013-06-07T16:30:00.000-04:00

As mentioned in a few other posts, the Pew Research Trust has reported that the percentage of women who are primary breadwinners is steadily growing. I for one am concerned about those moms.

Anti-discrimination laws changed the workplace, but not the home

Working women have made more progress in the workplace because the anti-discrimination laws changed employment practices and policies that kept women out the workforce and largely underemployed. While we have more work to do, things have gotten considerably better. Progress at home and in our private lives is a different story.

I am one of those women who is the primary breadwinner. What I have learned is that while we have taken on more responsibilities at work the paradigm at home has not changed. So long as both parents work outside of the home who earns more money doesn't tend to influence who is in charge of the home. The assumption is that working mothers manage our careers, primarily care for our children, and manage our homes. Indeed, we are bringing home the bacon, frying it up in the pan, shopping for it, doing the dishes... We're doing everything required except slaughtering the damned pig.

Men need to do more, but women also need to let them

The dirty little secret is we cannot blame this problem on the men in our lives. Our own traditional views of gender roles runs deep. Just because a woman might make more money doesn't change that. Most women believe that it is their job to take care of everything at home. And while many men have become more helpful by taking on more duties, there is a fundamental difference between “helping out” and believing that it is your job. When you’re “helping out” you feel good whenever you perform any small task and expect gratitude in return. When it is your job you feel guilt whenever you don’t do something yourself and are responsible for making the schedule to ensure that you receive “help”. There is a different level of investment when it is your job and a much different level of responsibility.

Transforming the home will be harder than transforming the workplace. However, we have to try. As women we need to relinquish some control and allow men to do more, even if we don't think that they do it right. And men need to recognize that it takes a village to raise a child and maintain a home. So when both parents work outside of the home, both need to share in the household duties. As for now, this type of sharing is just a dream in many households, but its day can come with work and commitment.

A Peek Into the Life of a Working Mom: My Appearance on PCNC Night Talk

2013-06-06T23:45:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, tonight, I appeared on Night Talk, a talk show on the Pittsburgh Cable Network Channel. I was interviewed by Ellis Cannon. We discussed the report the Pew Research Trust recently published stating that working moms are the primary breadwinners in 40% of American households. We had a robust conversation. Ellis disclosed that he is the kind of husband who cleans the house and does laundry and I disclosed that I am failing at potty training.

All in all we had a grand time. I really hope to do it all again sometime soon. Here's hoping!

Me at WPXI

Working Mom Musings: Is the American Family in Jeopardy Because Women Work???

2013-06-06T19:30:00.000-04:00

Some believe that since 40% of working moms are the primary breadwinner the American family is in jeopardy. I disagree.

The Results from the Pew Report Were Not Earth Shattering

It's somewhat surprising that the Pew Research report has generated so much comment. First, statistics can be spun to tell almost any story that you want. As someone once said, “there are three types of lies—lies, damned lies and statistics”. Second, the statistics reported did not indicate that “women have taken over” and definitely did not indicate, “the end of men”. From a statistical perspective, 40% isn't a majority. So it’s not like the majority of homes have women who out earn their partners. Indeed, they included single parent households in the statistic, which skews the data somewhat. In some ways, this report is the equivalent of Chicken Little running around and saying that the sky is falling.

So why the buzz???

Still, it is news. And here is why.

Even if you account for the single moms, there has been a huge increase in the percentage of households that have working moms as the primary breadwinner and that has gotten people nervous. Also, during the same time period, the divorce has risen as well as the percentage of single mother, never married households. The trend, as opposed to the report, is what is noteworthy. And I suspect Pew Research skewed the headline to force this particular conversation.

They could have very easily released a report that said, “Nearly Fifty Years After the Passage of the Civil Rights Act, Fathers Remain Primary Breadwinners in Sixty Percent of all Households”. That headline would have promoted an entirely different conversation.

Many Americans are in denial about the reality of family life

In our minds, we live in 1950s America where men earn the money, women maintain the home and children play freely outside on a perfectly manicured lawn. Most of us recognize that many mothers work and some fathers are the primary caregiver. However, we like to view that as the exception as opposed to the rule. Indeed, nearly 70% of mothers with children work outside the home in some capacity. Even though 40% does not represent a majority of households, this report illustrates that we have a new normal. A lot of children are growing up in homes where mom is carrying the financial burden. And that, apparently, is news.

It makes conservatives in particular nervous, in places we don’t speak about. It clearly defies the notion that women are the weaker sex. Where having babies is distinctly female, making money used to be distinctly male. There is a fear that if women make their own money men will have nothing to contribute.

I am not concerned that this statistic indicates the jeopardy of the American family. Women in my family have always worked and our family is still standing. I am not concerned about the “end of men”, I am certain that they will be fine, they always have been. I am also not encouraged that women are taking over. Based on what I have seen at work and by looking at the Fortune 500 CEOs, we have got a long way to go baby. What I am concerned about is the working mom…

A follow up post will appear on this topic in this blog tomorrow. Also, tune in to PCNC Night Talk this evening to learn more about my thoughts on this topic.

Upcoming Television Appearance: What Does it Mean Now That 40% of Moms are the Primary Breadwinner in Their Household?

2013-06-04T23:45:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in a prior post, recently, the Pew Research Trust recently published a report stating that working moms are the primary breadwinners in 40% of American households. This report brings to light some interesting issues. What does this say about pay equity and the relevance of the ongoing conversation about women in the workplace? What does it mean for the future of the American family? Also, how, how, how are these women managing to do it all?!

Check out Night Talk on Thursday!

Tune in to NIGHTTALK on Pittsburgh Cable News Channel (PCNC) on Thursday to hear me discuss these issues with Ellis Cannon. NIGHTTALK is live weeknights at 8 p.m. on PCNC, the cable arm of Pittsburgh’s NBC affiliate, WPXI-TV.

FIOS: Pittsburgh Cable News Channel—Channel 9

Comcast: Pittsburgh Cable News Channel—Channel 35

A Peek Into the Life of a Working Mom: My Weekend

2013-06-04T07:30:00.000-04:00

"If life happens when you're busy making other plans, for working moms magic happens on the weekends."

Like all working moms I cherish my weekends. Not to sound trite but, raising my daughter has been the greatest joy of my life. And this weekend was full of lots of toddler and mommy memories? I also managed to have some time of my own...

Going to happy hour on Friday made me feel like a kid again...

I remember my first job out of college. I was barely twenty-one. I was a sales representative for a candy company. Even though I had a company car and an expense account, attending happy hour was what made me feel most like a real working woman. As a working mom I don't get to attend happy hour very often. However, this past Friday night Savoy Restaurant was hosting a free happy hour for Curran Automotive. Also, my mother was in town and she and my brother and lots of my friends were at Savoy too. So, I put on my white jeans, flowing shirt and wedges and went too. I left Andre and the toddler to amuse themselves.

It was great to be out. It brought back feelings of nostalgia when I was younger and believed that going to happy hour was the best thing since graduation!

Weekends were made to be enjoyed.

The rest of the weekend was filled with exercise, family time and fun. On Saturday morning, I went for a run. Because I had been out drinking the night before I missed running with my group who meets at 6:45 AM. Instead, I went out at 7:45 AM. It felt good to be out running with the sun shining on me.

Later that afternoon, I attended our office summer party. It was in Schenley Park and they rented a moon bounce for the kids. My daughter felt like she had hit the lottery! She stayed in there most of the afternoon. At one point she insisted that I join her. I didn't think that anyone would notice, but our general counsel saw me climbing out. Perhaps I got brownie points for flexibility???

After the picnic we went swimming as a family with some friends. It was a great way to cool off after a hot day. Because my mother was in town Andre and I were able to go out as grown ups. We had a great date at Soba, one of my favorite restaurants. If you're in Pittsburgh, you should go by to check out the new bar at Soba. It's a week old and is quite swanky. I am certain that it will turn into the place to see and be seen. So be sure to wear your most fashionable summer attire.

I can hardly believe that I made it to two bars in one weekend. It reminded me of the old days when I thought I was a hottie!

On Sunday, because my soul needed some nourishment after all of my partying, the toddler and I attended church. After church we went to the grocery store. (Andre was at his parents' house putting a door on the new bathroom. I've been told that's the final detail. Here's hoping!)

Since we were all in such a great mood we decided to host an impromptu party with our families. Cocktails and cookouts are among my favorite things. The food was good, the laughs kept coming and we had a great time!

When I returned to work on Monday I was refreshed and renewed. I'm looking forward to next weekend already. Don't judge me!

Museums Offer Free Admission for Military Families

2013-06-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

Museums Offer Free Admission to
Military Families through Blue Star Museums Program

May 24–September 2, 2013

Summer Hours Announced

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania…Admission to Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History will be free for all active duty military personnel and their families from Friday, May 24, through Monday, September 2, 2013 as part of the Blue Star Museums Program. Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh Members always visit free. Regular parking rates apply. Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History offer 50% off admission for active military personnel year-round for up to four people per military ID. Admission to fee-based Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museum of Natural History programs, such as Culture Club and pre-registered events are not included.

Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History are two of the more than 1,800 museums participating in the Blue Star Museums program, a project of the National Endowment for the Arts, which brings quality arts programs to the military and their families. The free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention Common Access Card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID Card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID Card, which includes active duty military personnel—and up to five of their immediate family members—in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserve.

Summer Hours

All museum visitors can take advantage of extended summer hours, when Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History are open Mondays 10 a.m.–5 p.m. from Memorial Day, May 27, to Labor Day, September 2. The museums are closed Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

What’s on View at the Carnegie Museums

In addition to the Scaife and Bruce galleries displaying the permanent art collections, visitors to Carnegie Museum of Art during the Blue Star Museums Program may enjoy an exceptional array of special exhibitions:

Associated Artists of Pittsburgh 102nd Annual Exhibition, through June 23
Susan Philipsz, through July 14
“Japan is the Key…”: Collecting Prints and Ivories, 1900–1920, through July 21
Teenie Harris Photographs: Focus on Hair, ongoing
Hand Made: Contemporary Craft in Ceramic, Glass, and Wood, ongoing
Past Meets Present: Decorative Arts and Design at Carnegie Museum of Art, ongoing

At Carnegie Museum of Natural History, visitors are treated to such favorites as Dinosaurs in Their Time, Hillman Hall of Gems and Minerals, Walton Hall of Ancient Egypt, and Population Impact, as well as these limited-time exhibitions:

· Bugworks, through July 28
· Garden of Light: Works by Paula Crevoshay, through August 11
· Roads of Arabia, opening June 22
· Lord of the Crane Flies, ongoing

Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Located at 4400 Forbes Avenue in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museum of Natural History were founded by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1895. Two of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, they are nationally and internationally recognized for their collections. For more information, call 412.622.3131 or visit www.carnegiemuseums.org.

(Carnegie Museums previously provided me with a media pass. However, nothing was received in exchange for this post.)

Reading on the Run: Many Working Moms Are Primary Breadwinners

2013-05-31T07:30:00.001-04:00

Even though Corporate America was designed for men there are a lot of women working and many of those women are mothers. Every working mom works hard to provide for their families. However, it appears that even without adequate support and policies, working mothers are thriving and many are the primary breadwinner for their households.

Below are some articles discussing this topic:

Working moms as primary breadwinners: why the US is seeing so many more
Christian Science Monitor
"I always thought I'd be working – not just for the financial implications, but because I love what I do," Karen Potter, a mother who works as an endodontist in California, told the Los Angeles Times. When her daughter grows up, "I hope and pray that ...
See all stories on this topic »

More moms in charge of the wallet pose opportunities, challenges for advisers
InvestmentNews
An analysis of 2011 U.S. Census Bureau data by Pew Research Center found that 40% of all households with children under 18 include mothers who are either the sole or primary breadwinner, up from 11% in 1960. There were two kinds of “working moms”: ...
See all stories on this topic »

Mothers now top earners in 4 in 10 US households
CBS News
WASHINGTON America's working mothers are now the primary breadwinners in a record 40 percent of households with children -- a milestone in the changing face of modern families, up from just 11 percent in 1960. The findings by the Pew Research Center, ...
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Mothers now top earners in 4 of 10 households
Modesto Bee
WASHINGTON -- A record number of American women are now the sole or primary breadwinners in their families, a sign of the rising influence of working mothers, a new study finds. Mothers now keep finances afloat in 40 percent of households with children ...
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More moms are bringing home bigger paychecks than their husbands
Fox 28
Working mom Kristin Lewis says a lot of negotiating has to happen. "It might take some adjustments and it might mean that men need to take more responsibility at home." While it's a societal change that may take some getting used to, Post says in the ...
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Now 14, Jacob Barnett is working on earning a PhD in quantum physics
Daily Mail
His mom, Kristine Barnett, has written a book – 'The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius' - about her experiences raising him and why she chose to ignore the experts when it came to treating her son's condition. Kristine Barnett, has written a ...
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Study says moms are the primary earners in 4 out of 10 households
Baltimore Sun
Today, a quarter of the country's households with children under 18 are headed by single, bread-winning mothers, up from 7 percent in 1960. Working moms of kids under 18 out-earn their husbands in 15 percent of households, up from just 3.5 percent in ...
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Working Mother Tip: Supermodels Are Working Moms Too...

2013-05-31T07:30:00.000-04:00

Super models may be taller than we are, richer and luckier. However, those who have exchanged their stilettos for strollers remind us that motherhood is universal and we are united in this magical journey with all other moms.

Supermodels Are Just Like You...

Whether you are a supermodel or a stay-at-home mom you toddler may turn on you and embarrass you in public. You may have a day when you rush out the house with crumbs in your hair and spit up on your shirt. You may struggle mightily with potty training your child. You may even have a few extra pounds left over from your pregnancy...

Even though you may not have their perfect skin or figures... You may also not have their fantastic Christian Louboutins, jet set life, or wealthy husbands know that supermodels are “merely” moms just like you!

Check out this article, “25 Model Moms: From Stilettos to Strollers” at: http://www.celebritybabyscoop.com/2013/03/27/model-stilettos-strollers

Future Supermodel

A Peek Into the Life of a Working Mom: Spring in the City

2013-05-30T07:30:00.000-04:00

We live in the city of Pittsburgh. Contrary to what true East Coast people think, Pittsburgh is a real city with sky scrapers and lots of traffic. Still there is a quaintness about it.

Three rivers converge here, which means that we have a lot of bridges. There was a huge steel industry here, which resulted in a lot of beautiful homes and a rich history of philanthropy. It's the city of bridges and beauty. It is also full of surprises.

Nature surrounds you in Pittsburgh

One of the things that has surprised me about Pittsburgh is the nature that exists throughout the city. When I lived on the East Side in Point Breeze when I first moved to town I saw a deer on the lawn when I returned from a party. I thought I was hallucinating until I saw several deer in the cemetery in Garfield one day. In the fall, on my way to work I routinely see wild turkeys near my office in Oakland, not the kind that you buy in the Wine and Spirits store, but the kind that run in front of your car!

Now that Spring has finally arrived in Pittsburgh I have been marveling at the beauty of the city. The trees are green and lush. The smells of Spring have filled the air. The flowering trees have blossomed. There are magnolias, dogwoods, and by Shadyside hospital there are even cherry blossom trees!

We truly enjoy Pittsburgh in the Spring

Andre, the toddler and I have been enjoying our city now that Andre has completed the seemingly never ending bathroom project... We have taken long walks, gone running and taken our toddler to the park and allowed her to snack on popcorn and ices that we buy from Gus and Yia Yia’s cart. She has enjoyed the playground and the sunshine. She has also enjoyed the animals.

The funny thing is, I am not an animal lover. I don’t even like them. My daughter on the other hand is like her father. I swear, they may be related to Dr. Doolittle!

If she sees an animal she tries to befriend it. She enjoys feeding the ducks at the pond in the park. She falls in love with the dogs she sees being walked. And tonight, she chased the bunny rabbits that she saw hopping through the park. It was a sight to behold. I was beyond grateful that she didn’t actually catch one. When she got down on all fours and declared that she was hopping like the bunny, I was worried about the dirt, but amused. Seeing how much fun she had enjoying nature was a real treat.

Times like this remind me that the joy of parenting is in the simple moments.

Toddler playing on a sculpture

The toddler climbing a tree

Toddler chasing fireflies

Working Mom Tip: Get More Sleep

2013-05-24T07:30:00.001-04:00

As working moms, we do more in an hour than most people do in an entire day. Indeed, we maximize our time. One of the ways we do that is we get by on very little sleep. We do it for so long that we start to think of sleep deprivation as normal. We begin to think that "looking good" is the same as or as good as "feeling good".

We are drawn to articles that give us tips about how to look younger, well rested, and like we worked out. We believe that looking good is as good as being healthy...

Looking Good Is Not the Same As Being Healthy

In those articles we find what we're looking for. If you have a little time, a credit card and the internet you can invest in the best eye drops, eye cream and concealer that money can by so that you can appear to be well rested. You can also purchase vitamins, drinks, and even special lights that will "give you more energy".

Given all of our demands, who can blame us???

Before I got pregnant, I subscribed to the belief that looking healthy was the same as being healthy. I believed that sincerely until I was brought to my knees by an infection that almost killed me. I ran 17 miles on a Monday and was in the ICU on Thursday. While I was sitting in my hospital bed I wondered, "how could I have become so disconnected from my body that I am considered to be in "unstable condition" and not even know it???

I paused. I reflected. And, I "found religion".

I am fortunate that I learned my lesson before becoming pregnant. By the time I got pregnant I had learned that I mattered. I understood that my health was really the only valuable thing I had. Instead of being so disconnected from my reality that I could overlook the signs that I was decompensating, I decided to be present and pay attention to how I was feeling. Now, I may be a little too conscious of my body. Any sign of malaise drives me to the internet!

Because of my own health scare I was moved by Arianna Huffington's TED Talk. She condensed success in life to one simple principle, "get more sleep". I interpreted that to mean "You matter so pay attention to your body and give it what you need. This is the only life that you are certain of..."

Arianna Huffington Tips for Success

Working Mom Tip: A Packing Checklist

2013-05-22T19:00:00.000-04:00

"Necessity is the mother of invention."

It has been proven many times, in many industries that checklists are the way to success. Creativity and thinking are necessary, but over time, a list that was created by a team who focused on the best, most efficient way to complete a task generally leads to better results. The reason is because humans are brilliant, complicated and well human. Sometimes we make mistakes.

Checklists are the secret to success, especially for working moms...

Checklists however help us, especially during our less perfect times--when we are tired, crazy busy and desperately trying to multi-task. As I write, I realize that as a working mom of a tenacious toddler I am "less perfect" more often than I'd like to be. For that reason, I am in constant search of things to make my life easier and to make me better. Because I am committed to helping other women I always share what I find on my blog.

I found a great packing checklist that I decided to share...

One recent find is a packing checklist. I am taking a trip for the next few days, without Andre and the toddler, and I have to pack. Before I pack I have to finalize some paperwork for a work presentation, which is voluminous. One would think that I was trying to convince them to hire me to speak. I was invited to do it, still there's a ton of paperwork. And because it's internal, the extra effort is merely a part of my "other duties as assigned." We all know what that's code for... :-) I also have to finalize my PowerPoint presentation for "The Mom Con". If you are in Pittsburgh, I encourage you to check it out. It's going to be a spectacular event with inspiring speakers including my girls Deb Gilboa, MD (Ask Dr. G.) and Jenn Lee (Coach Jenn Lee) and other qualified women.

In any event, there are miles to go before I sleep and laundry to do and food to cook and work to finish... So, I am signing off. Hope you find the list helpful!

Here's a link to the packing checklist:

http://www.travelsmith.com/wcsstore/images/TravelSmith/travelcenter/packingchecklist/PackingChecklist_2011.pdf

Free Car Seat Inspections Statewide in Pennsylvania

2013-05-21T07:30:00.000-04:00

Keeping our children safe is every parent's greatest priority. I learned that Pennsylvania is offering free car seat inspections this Thursday, May 23, 2013 on a fellow blogger's site. So, I decided to share that information with you.

Please see the links below for additional information.

Luv Saving Money: Free Carseat Inspections Statewide in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Car Seat Inspections: http://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/pghbop/Car_Seat_Flyer_2012.pdf

Car Seat Inspections in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
Car Seat Inspection and Education Station
c/o Special Deployment Division
312 South Main Street (West End Circle)
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Phone: 412-937-3051

The precious cargo protected by a car seat...

Upcoming Speaking Event: Issue Briefing Addressing Reproductive Health Care for Underserved Populations

2013-05-20T07:30:00.000-04:00

The Women and Girls Foundation and FISA Foundation present

Issue Briefing Addressing Reproductive Health Care for Underserved Populations:
Innovative Programming for Incarcerated Women and Minors

Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 9 a.m.
Calvary Episcopal Church
315 Shady Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Please join us to hear presentations by a panel of experts that will address efforts to improve reproductive health care for incarcerated women and also the rights of minors to access confidential healthcare.

Several years ago the ACLU introduced a new program, “Do You Have to Tell My Mom?” to address the complicated legal issues that arise for adolescents who have been sexually assaulted and want to seek treatment, but are afraid or unwilling to involve their parents. This work was incorporated into a broader initiative that clarified when minors were entitled to access confidential treatment. It resulted in statewide trainings, new practice standards and user friendly reference materials.

Last year, the ACLU of Pennsylvania issued a ground-breaking report, “Reproductive Health Locked Up,” examining policies for women in county jails across the state. The report forms the basis of ongoing work to improve conditions. Learn in particular of on-going and successful efforts in Allegheny County.

Come to hear about issues that are important to women and girls, ask questions and enjoy a lively discussion. Refreshments will be provided.

There is no cost to attend but please register as space is limited.

Speakers:

Carol Petraitis, Director
Clara Bell Duvall Reproductive Freedom Project, ACLU of Pennsylvania

Professor Alison Colbert, PhD, APRN, BC
Duquesne University School of Nursing

Chatón T. Turner, Esq. Associate Counsel
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

A Peek Into the Life of a Working Mom: Counting My Blessings

2013-05-18T16:02:00.001-04:00

There are days when I think even atheists praise God. Today is one of those days. Yesterday I heard some very disturbing news about a young woman that reminded me of how blessed I am and have been. It’s not that I haven’t had challenges, but knowing about the challenged faced by others has a way of giving me perspective.

Counting my blessings

Today, I got up and went for a run. The sun is shining, which is always a major event in Pittsburgh. As I ran along the river I really experienced the splendor of it. I noticed the geese, the smells and enjoyed the warmth of the sunshine on my face. With each step my faith was renewed. I don’t know why I am so enormously blessed, but I believe that right thing to do, the only thing I can do is to be grateful.

Once my toddler wakes up I am going to hug her hard and enjoy every moment with her—even the crying, whining and potty accidents! (We’ll see if that’s a reality. I am grateful, but I am not perfect.)

Working Mom Tips: Events in Pittsburgh this weekend!

2013-05-17T16:00:00.000-04:00

As working moms, we need support to organize our lives. One critical part of our lives is enjoying time with our children. However, organizing their activities can be time consuming! Below is a belated Mothers Day gift for my followers in Pittsburgh. It is two events going on that will be fun for children of all ages. Now, you don't have to peruse the paper looking for things to do this weekend. You can thank me later!

The Pittsburgh Children's Museum Clifford the Big Red Dog Exhibit

10:00am-4:30pm

May 18, 2013

Clifford the Big Red Dog will be roaming the Museum today to greet visitors, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Bring your camera and get a picture of you and Clifford together in the Theatre, 11:00 -11:30 am, 1:00 – 1:30 pm & 3:00 – 3:30 pm
Make art that's big and red in the Studio, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

For more information visit: https://pittsburghkids.org/exhibits/Clifford

The Pittsburgh International Children's Festival

The Children's Festival is one of the best events of the year. It's at Schenley Park and is full of things to stimulate young minds and amuse their parents. Last year we attended and had a fantastic time! (Children's Festival 2012)

For more information about this year's festival visit http://www.pghkids.org/.

Have a great weekend!!!

Striking a Pose at the Festival...

Enjoying the Festival

Celebrating Mother's Day: A Hat Luncheon

2013-05-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

"Mother's love is peace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved."

-Erich Fromm

Today, I attended the Central Baptist Church Hat Luncheon. It's an annual event and a splendid affair. My grandmother, as a Deaconess at the church, is a hostess. I love to attend to support her. I also like to people watch. No knock on those ladies who attend the Kentucky Derby, but nobody knows how to wear a hat better than a Baptist church lady.

Besides the hats there is the message. You cannot attend an event sponsored by a church without getting a healthy dose of scripture.

Every day is a blessing.

The message today was simple. Being alive is a blessing. Knowing who you are is the secret to experiencing a fulfilled life. And, if you have overcome adversity you should be grateful. And, that gratitude should give you confidence and provide you with the strength you need to endure other hardships.

The speaker made another point that resonated with me. sometimes our lives get so busy that we fail to realize that we are enormously blessed. When that happens, we need to take time to pause, reflect and express our gratitude. The speaker spends 24 hours every weekend in a spirit of gratitude. She doesn't complain. She doesn't ask for anything. She doesn't rush. Because she's a Christian she also prays.

Count Your Blessings.

I think her message is universal. In our hurried lives, we can all benefit from pausing, reflecting and appreciating what we have. On this Mother's Day weekend I am grateful for all of my blessings. I hope you are too!

Happy Mother's Day from Jenny Craig! (#TeamJenny)

2013-05-12T13:00:00.000-04:00

An Inspiring Weight Loss Story

Linda Campbell (right), 69, wanted a convenient and easy way to lose weight before taking a family cruise to Alaska and decided to join Jenny Craig. After seeing the success of her mother losing 9 lbs.* on the program in one month, Pam Campbell (left), 48, decided to join Jenny Craig herself and the two women began supporting each other’s goals and sharing their successes.

Two years ago, Linda lost her husband to a heart attack, and it deeply affected her daughter Pam as well. After suffering this loss, it became even more important for Linda to take the necessary steps to reduce her own risk of heart disease. The women met with their Jenny Craig consultant weekly and learned portion control and how to make more meals on their own. “It’s a very flexible program. You learn how to eat out, cook on your own, what to do for emotional eating…I loved my consultant,” says Pam.

After losing 22 lbs.* on the program, Linda’s BMI is now in a healthy weight range and she was able to lower her blood pressure. Pam lost 35 lbs.* and the experience of losing weight and adopting a healthier lifestyle with her mother really brought the pair closer together.

Both Linda and Pam walked on a regular basis, among other activities, as part of their weight loss journey with Jenny. Studies have shown that three, 10 minute increments of walking, or a 30-minute session, can contribute to managing a healthier weight. As part of its 30th birthday celebration, Jenny Craig is encouraging Americans to commit to walking 30 minutes a day. For free walking plans, visit jennycraig.com.

Ah Moment Contest

Are you inspired to make a change? In honor of Mother’s Day, share your “Ah Moment” to getting healthy and enter for a chance to win! You could win a trip for two to NYC to attend Jenny’s 30^th birthday party, a free Jenny program, 30-days of Jenny food, a tour of the O Magazine offices and a night on the town complete with dinner and a Broadway show!

Visit www.omagonline.com/jenny for more information on how to enter.

Plus, share your inspired “Ah Moment” on your Twitter page using #Jenny and be entered to win one of 100 Jenny prize packages!

For more information on Jenny Craig, visit: http://www.jennycraig.com/. Don’t forget to visit http://www.jennycraig.com/heart-walk to learn about how Jenny is supporting the American Heart Association’s My Heart. My Life.™ initiative. Here, you will be able to sign up for the American Heart Association's Heart Walks taking place in over 300 cities through 2013.

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