M.O.M Blog (Masters Of Multitasking)

Oh!Baby... Have You Met New M.O.M Tia Mowry?

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:22:00 +0000

Sophisticated and savvy, engaging and entertaining, and an all around sweetheart, actress Tia Mowry is one of the most sought after talents in the entertainment business today.

A talented and versatile actress in both movies and television,Tia can now add, producer, MOM, and Author to her M.O.M resume!

We all fell in love with Tia the first time (almost 2 decades ago) in Sister Sister. Not only has she captured the audience in the BET comedy The Game, but we again fell in love with Tia in person last year with her Style Network's hit reality series, Tia & Tamera.

Of course back by popular demand this summer will be season 2, so stay tuned to follow along Tia's journey of being a Master of Multitasking (aka M.O.M)on the Style Network!

We also have the opportunity to read how Tia embraced her first pregnancy with open arms but like all women who have gone through pregnancy, there are many things you never knew until you were pregnant (well there may be no more secrets if you read Tia's book).

Tia accredits her new found esteem for fellow woman and moms out there to being pregnant and becoming a mom. Tia's Book, Oh!Baby is on sale now, so let her guide you into Mom-hood!

Now...Let's Meet M.O.M Tia

photo credit Diana King

As a M.O.M., we wear many 'hats', what is the 'hat' you have been wearing lately?

Oh my gosh, I've been wearing quite a few hats lately! I am a mother, a wife, a sister, an actress, an author, and an executive producer!

photo courtesy of Persona PR

Was it hard to go back to work after having Cree?

It was very hard going back to work after I had Cree! It was so hard to adjust from being there with him every day to then suddenly having to leave him for work.

Do you think your career priorities have changed now that you are a mom?

Yes! Everything that I do now, I am doing for Cree and with him in mind. I want to do everything I can so that he can have a better life.

Being a working actress, what have you found to be your biggest M.O.M. struggle? Any advice for us M.O.Ms on how you can handle working and raising a family? By the way, how did you find time to fit in writing a book, too?

The biggest struggle is trying not to feel guilty about leaving your child! I cannot put in to words how hard it is to leave Cree when I have to work.

We all got to experience how you handled pregnancy on Style's "Tia & Tamera", tell us what your book, "Oh, Baby!" is going to share with readers, and of course, moms and mama's to be.

My book is all about tips and advice about the things that happen during pregnancy that a lot of people don't tell you about. I have a 'Hot Mama Style' chapter in the book, which basically tells you how to keep your hot mama style throughout your pregnancy.

I have a list of my top 10 go-to's to stay stylish as a pregnant mom, too -- I truly believe that just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you have to give up on your style.

You're pregnant for a long time [almost a year!] so I hope people come away from my book knowing that even though pregnancy can be scary, it is empowering. There's nothing more amazing than bringing life in to this world, and having life grow inside of you.

Do you want to share a favorite quote or M.O.M. motto you live by now?

Never give up! You are stronger than you know.

Tia is a great inspiration and role model to all of us M.O.Ms out there. You can follow M.O.M Tia along socially as well!

Twitter: @TiaMowry

Facebook: Tia Mowry

A Big Thanks to M.O.M Tia for chatting! Welcome to M.O.Mhood.

photo courtesy of Persona PR

Mid-Week Must Have with iTunes ~ Giveaway!!!

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:11:00 +0000

Whether it's time to entertain the family or work time... we all need a little help with passing the time listening to music or finding a show or movie.

This is why I turn to iTunes for all my music requests and shows.

This week it is my MUST-HAVE while working. I need some background tunes while I work and it so easy to set a work playlist {or fun-time playlist}.

I also saved myself and my company (Kt Steppers) a lot of $$ by finding 2 TV show episodes featuring my product. So, this is a great resource for promoting your biz and product by capturing it's TV/Movie debuts and sharing with your customers, stores, audience and more!

I loved seeing on the Tia & Tamera Show, Tia Mowry receiving the stepper we made for her (at the time) soon-to-be baby boy Cree! (plus from this promo you can see Tia folding her Hot Mama Gown)

That episode was 'Sisters Under Pressure': http://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/sisters-under-pressure/id450804955?i=467197028

From that episode I was able to capture amazing shots of Tia Mowry Loving Baby Cree's Stepper:

Then last week's Bethenny Ever After episode my stepper was seen there too. So, of course, I clicked iTunes and looked it up, sure enough there it was in scene with Bethenny Frankel and her husband Jason!

Bethenny Ever After episode: 'Grab Your Balloons'
http://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/grab-your-balloons/id500353715?i=525233389

So in honor of getting some good press and promotions for a small business at a low cost... we are giving away a $10 iTunes Card.

So, please share with us your mid-week must have to keep you moving through the work week. (this is one entry)

Share on Facebook (another entry into the drawing)
Share on Twitter (another entry into the drawing)

We will announce the winner Friday morning, so you have Today(Wednesday) and Tomorrow (Thursday) to spread the post for your chance to win the $10 iTunes Card.

Be sure to comment below and mention where you shared it as well!

Good Luck and happy promoting with iTunes!

Taste It Thursday with a Little Help From Martha

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:33:00 +0000

Ok M.O.Ms... here is a great recipe and idea for .. ahem... the 'dad's to pull together for your Mother's Day brunch!

Who else to turn to for some holiday inspiration and ideas but Martha!

Easy and anyone can whip this up:

Spinach & Gruyere Quiche

This outstanding quiche relies only on a few simple elements: a creamy egg custard, buttery homemade crust, and flavorful Gruyere cheese and spinach. This quiche will be a standout at your Mother's Day brunch.

photo courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
3 shallots, minced
3 bunches flat-leaf spinach, thick stems removed and leaves roughly chopped
Coarse salt and ground pepper
8 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
1 recipe Basic Pie Dough, fitted into two 9-inch pie plates
8 large eggs
3 cups half-and-half
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Read on for the directions HERE

Enjoy and Happy Mother's Day to all you M.O.Ms!!!

It's A MommyUnplugged Monday - Get Plugged In!

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:58:00 +0000

If you haven't plugged in yet... follow MommyUnplugged for your daily dose of M.O.M reality!

I thought this fitting today for MommyUnplugged Monday!

Follow MommyUnplugged.com

Twitter: @mommunplugged
Facebook: MommyUnplugged

Mid-Week Must Have for Busy Working M.O.Ms

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:55:00 +0000

Well, I've learned the hard way...not having my computer files, pictures, information backed up or saved elsewhere is a 'No No'. It was a sad day when my computer died and I LOST EVERYTHING.

The Geek Squad, Staples, friends who are computer guru's couldn't help either, my laptop was toast! Pictures of my kids, events,and so much more that I needed for working just gone overnight.

So, this week our MUST-HAVE for any busy M.O.M is:

This is online back up and fool-proof recovery tool!

Hard drive failure DOES happen ( and I know first hand) and it might not be an if it happens but when it happens scenario you need back up. At the office important files are backed up from the server, so why not take the same precautions at home (since this is where most of us M.O.Ms work).

Simple setup, automatic backup,
foolproof recovery.

1. Install Carbonite
Carbonite is a small program that automatically manages your online backups and helps you keep track of what’s backed up.
2. Back up
Whenever you create new files or modify existing ones, the Carbonite online backup software sends encrypted copies of those files over your high-speed Internet connection to a Carbonite data center.¹
3. Relax — your backup is secure
Your backups are transmitted using secure socket layer (SSL) security technology, and they’re stored at a state-of-the-art data center on highly reliable disk arrays.
4. Restore lost files easily
When you need to get your files back, the Carbonite online backup software walks you through an easy-to-follow process that restores your backed up files to the right place on your computer.
5. Access your files anywhere
Not at your computer? You can get to your backed up files from any computer connected to the Internet — or even from your iPhone^®, Android^™ or BlackBerry^® smartphone.

Read More on Carbonite HERE

Good Luck and Back it Up online or buy a portable hard-drive!

Friday Festivities... Jump in the 'Tank' with Lori Greiner Tonight!

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:47:00 +0000

Lori Greiner (www.LoriGreiner.com) is a well-respected inventor, entrepreneur and organizational expert. Regarded as the most prolific inventor of products for women of her time, Lori started with one idea and turned it into a $500 million dollar brand. A familiar face on QVC for the past 14 years, she has launched over 350 products and holds 110 US and international patents. Known as the go-to girl for clever solutions to everyday problems, Lori’s practical inventions have transformed overcrowded kitchen cupboards, organized cramped wardrobes, and untangled jewelry boxes for millions of people across America. You can now check out Lori on ABC’s hit television show, Shark Tank, in which Lori demonstrates her keen entrepreneurial sensibility and achieves results no other shark has achieved before!

Let's Chat with Lori

What is your best advice to a budding entrepreneur?

Make sure you are realistic about your product and that it is truly something a lot of people want and need. Do some market research and ask people outside of your family and your friends what they think of it.

What is a must-have site or resource all entrepreneurs should know and follow?

I don't think there is one main resource. There are great books out there and shows (Shark Tank being one of them). I think doing a lot of research to educate yourself helps a lot. Read, Google search, and investigate topics that are relevant to your market and product. Today with the internet, there is so much information out there that's so helpful and accessible. You can ask almost anything and get good answers and direction. I love Google search.

Has Shark Tankchanged your opinion of the everyday entrepreneur?

Not particularly, because I have been working with budding entrepreneurs all along trying to help them get their products out there. I think we all have a lot of similar characteristics. We all believe our items are the best out there and we are all passionate about our products.

Favorite quote or book ‘to live by’?

My quote and philosophy is: “There are no no's, just how can I!”

Make sure to tune into Shark Tank Friday night(TONIGHT) on ABC at 8 pm EST.

There's a great 3-in-1 nail polish like nothing ever done before! I'm not saying which Shark makes the deal, but it's going to be sold on QVC the next morning at 10am EST!

Follow Lori here:

Twitter: @LoriGreiner

Facebook: Lori Greiner

site: www.LoriGreiner.com

Taste it Thursday with Campbell's Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:04:00 +0000

Never fails to turn to Campbell's Kitchen for an easy family friendly meal. I usually have some sort of Campbell's food product in my pantry, so I know I will complete a meal that my family will love by clicking www.campbellskitchen.com

Tonight enjoy

Chicken & Stir-Fry Vegetable Pizza

A pre-baked pizza crust is coated with Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup and topped with stir-fried veggies, chicken strips and Cheddar cheese for a deliciously different pizza.

What you will need:

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup(Regular or 98% Fat Free)

1 prepared pizza crust (12-inch)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

3 cups frozen vegetables

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1 package (about 10 ounces) refrigerated cooked chicken strips

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)

Dried oregano leaves or crushed red pepper

Read on for directions making HERE

Follow Campbell's Kitchen

Twitter: www.twitter.com/campbellkitchen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campbellskitchen

Monday's M.O.M to Mention ~ Sara Blakely, THE {under}Cover Billionaire

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:56:00 +0000

If you are like me, reading such amazing success stories like Sara Blakely's are hard not to revisit or pass along.

As we all know 'SPANX' is somewhat of a household name now, did you know who, what, and how it all began?

Well, for me I got my copy of Forbes in the mail and I couldn't stop reading and then looking up more about this amazing M.O.M Sara, whom can inspire all of us to turn $5k into a Billion!

Sara Blakely, who took a simple idea of a footless pantyhose and turned it into a $1 billion business. The inventor of Spanx is now the youngest self-made woman(41) on the Forbes rich list. So, of course I had to make her our M.O.M to mention!

Working Mom, Wife and from "Working as a sales trainer by day and performing stand-up comedy at night, I didn't know the first thing about the pantyhose industry (except I dreaded wearing most pantyhose). Also, I had never taken a business class which made the process even more challenging. As a result, I had only one source to operate from...my gut."

Sara also shares on Forbes.com her top 5 Startup Tips or five lessons for would-be entrepreneurs HERE so read on...

courtesy of spanx.com

Thank you Sara for inspiring all of us M.O.Ms to conquer and not give up!

Lessons About Women in Biz ~ via WSJ

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:13:00 +0000

I came across this article that I thought was important to share.

Five Lessons About Women in Business

Taste It Thursday for Earth Day ~ Mother Nature Never Tasted So GOOD!

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:49:00 +0000

In honor of Earth Day, we decided to go with a fun and kid friendly treat to share. Thanks to Disney's Family Fun site, it wasn't to hard to find fun and amazing snacks and treats!

Bug Mountain Cake!

Ingredients

1 dome cake (baked in a 2-liter bowl, such as Pyrex)

1 baked 13" x 9" x 2" cake

3 to 4 cups chocolate icing

2 to 3 cups crushed chocolate cookies (we combined chocolate graham crackers, fudge cookies, and chocolate wafer cookies)

Plastic bugs, spiders, and snakes, washed and dried

For directions on assembly and more go HERE

Taste It Thursday ~ Jeffrey Saad's Global Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:05:00 +0000

What is your best advice for M.O.Ms who want to plan a healthy family meal?

Use as much fresh produce and locally sourced product as possible.

Consider a hearty salad topped with just 4 oz of chicken or steak for a perfectly balanced meal and a great way to use up random items in the refrigerator. Surprisingly, my kids love salads. Doing a chopped salad (cutting the lettuce thin) makes it even more interesting.

What is the key to prep meals for the week?

Make a big batch of tomato sauce on Sunday using canned tomatoes. This is easy, tasty and it becomes the base for two or three meals for the week.

For example, pasta one night; a chicken or pork dish with a touch of mozzarella cheese, basil and bread crumb topping another; and then it can be used as the soup base for a tortilla soup or tomato soup.

Kitchen must-have or book ‘to cook by’

For the basics - Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything is a great book to refer to as a jumping off point for your own creativity. He does a great job of defining the base recipe. You can go from there or just follow his recipes.

My favorite is The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg. It lays out what tastes good with what and really gets your creative juices flowing.

From Jeffrey's New Cookboook, Jeffrey Saad’s Global Kitchen: Recipes Without Borders (Ballantine)

courtesy of Jeffrey Said's cookbook

Enjoy:

Meet our M.O.M Cook Contributor

Jeffrey Saad (www.jeffreysaad.com) is a chef, restaurateur and host of Cooking Channel’s United Tastes of America. His insatiable appetite for ingredients and flavors and encyclopedic knowledge of spices allows him to create “food without borders.”

On March 20th, he released his first cookbook, Jeffrey Saad’s Global Kitchen: Recipes Without Borders (Ballantine). The book features 10 chapters with 100 unique, easy-to-prepare dishes (and the spices that define them) that stand as a diary of his international adventures. He currently serves as a partner and executive chef of The Grove in San Francisco.

After moving to Los Angeles and continuing to explore international flavors during his downtime, Jeffrey auditioned for the Next Food Network Star and went on to win the title of the fifth season’s “First Runner Up,” which lead to his current hosting job.

Follow Jeffrey
Twitter
Facebook
www.jeffreysaad.com

Buy His Cookbook HERE

M.O.Ms Boredom Busters ~ Thank you Tip Junkie!!!

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:30:00 +0000

If you are like me and the kids are about to take off for Spring Break or are already off this week, we found a great resource for you to turn to with not one but 38 Boredom Busters from Tip Junkie!

38 Kid Crafts and Boredom Busters for Spring Break

by Laurie

Spring break is around the corner and it’s time to start planning some fun boredom busters and crafts to do together! Therefore, I created a mega list of kid crafts, sewn activities, and boredom busters all complete with pictures tutorials. Happy playing!

Boredom Busters read on...

Business Integrity... do you have it?

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:07:00 +0000

I couldn't help but share this and agree completely with this article on Forbes!

"In order to succeed as an entrepreneur, you need to have a good idea and the leadership to make it happen, and you need to demonstrate integrity at all times. In the words of President Eisenhower, “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionable integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office”. Or as Alan K. Simpson said, “If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.”

Integrity must start at the helm, and then it can percolate down through the deepest layers and become the heart and soul of the company’s culture. If the entrepreneur who runs the company does not have integrity, a startup usually falters.

Only people who don’t have integrity think it’s hard to detect. Lack of integrity is one of the easiest qualities to detect in people and companies you meet. It only takes a few actions or choices to set, but it will take many actions to reset if you go wrong. In business, it’s one of the most sought after qualities by customers and vendors."

Read on... 5 Ways to See If Your Business Integrity is Showing

Busy M.O.Ms Must-Have...

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:49:00 +0000

I (Katie from Kt Steppers) was so incredibly honored to have been named Mompreneur of the Moment on Tori Spelling's site ediTORIal!

One of the questions Tori asked was

"What are your top mommy must-haves for busy moms on the go?"

Since we are all busy M.O.Ms,I thought I'd share my response:

1. Not until last year did I own a ‘Smartphone’ and my goodness is it smart! I don’t really know how I functioned without it… it helps run my biz when I’m not at home (HQ) and also is a meltdown stopper for the kids (Angry Birds is a fave app).

2. The Crockpot for sure! After a busy day out and about or just working at home, to know that dinner will be done and ready with little or no effort is a lifesaver!

3. Having an organized ‘home-based’ calendar. My husband travels often for work, so knowing his schedule, the kids’ activities and my meetings all in one place is how we function and know where everyone is!

4. Lastly, I would have to say… having a supportive partner. If it wasn’t for my husband, we wouldn’t be as successful as we’ve become. He truly is my #1 fan and supporter!

What are your Must-Haves as a M.O.M (master of multitasking)? do share

Five Myths About Social Media & Small Businesses

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:01:00 +0000

By Chris Wallace

So you haven’t taken the plunge into the fast-paced, confusing world of social media. Or maybe you have dipped your toes in the water and then wondered what all the fuss is about. Either way, you might be thinking social media marketing isn’t worth the time and effort.

Don’t give up so fast. With the dizzying amount of information and opinions about social media, it’s easy to get the wrong idea. Here are a few common myths about social media that should be put to rest.

1. Social media marketing is a waste of time.
Social media let users quickly connect and communicate with other people -- lots of other people. Suddenly people are catching up online with their third-grade teachers, finding soul mates and connecting with others who share their interests.

Related: How to Turn Facebook Fans into Paying Customers (Video

So why does that matter? A fundamental shift has occurred in the way people communicate and make decisions. Simply put, they talk and they listen to what other people say -- and those people are your potential customers. Don’t you think your business should be part of that conversation?

2. My business is too small to benefit from social media.
Social networks revolve around communities of people with a connection to one another. Most likely, numerous communities would be relevant to your business, no matter how small, niche-oriented or local it is. If you show an interest in and appreciation for some of the people in these social groups, chances are good that you’ll win some loyal customers. What’s more, these new customers won’t be quiet about it because social networks thrive on people passing the word along.

For example, if you just opened a coffee shop, you should connect online with as many of your customers as possible. Later when one of them comes into your shop, leave a Facebook comment or a tweet, asking if you made the coffee the way he or she likes it. You’ll be surprised how quickly you build a reputation for caring about your customers as people talk about you in their online communities.

3. Social media activity isn’t going to affect my bottom line.

Nearly every purchasing decision people make is based on two things: what they’ve heard from other people and what their own research has revealed. And where do you think people do most of their research and talking today?

Whether it’s finding the name of the freshest sushi bar, the car dealership with the most polite salespeople, or the hotel with the hottest hot tub, everyone turns to social media these days to decide where to buy. If you aren’t engaging with the people who provide those answers, how likely is it that they’ll recommend your business?

4. Social media marketing is too complicated and time consuming.
Keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of sites and services that make up social media can be daunting and complicated. Luckily, you don’t need to. Start simple: Set up a basic Facebook page or Twitter account and focus on creating quality interactions with your customers. You needn’t become a social media guru or hire a full-time employee to send out superfluous tweets and status updates every 10 minutes.

continue reading this article HERE

Related: How to Engage Fans on Facebook (Video)

This article originally posted on Entrepreneur.com
Copyright © 2012 Entrepreneur.com, Inc.

about the author:

Chris Wallace
Chris Wallace is co-founder of The SuperGroup, an interactive-marketing agency based in Atlanta.

Maintaining a Positive Attitude ~ A 60second Solution from Entrepreneur Mag.

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:17:00 +0000

If you haven't been checking out the Entrepreneur.com 's videos of 60second Solutions, tune it now.. they share some Ah-Mazing tips and solutions for all of us busy M.O.Ms!

Here is one that hit home with trying to Maintain a Positive Attitude as a Business Owner.

by Jen Groover

The most positive entrepreneurs are often the most successful. There often are just too many obstacles facing business owners to let negativity get in the way. Serial entrepreneur Jen Groover offers this advice for fellow business owners needing help in the optimism department:

Train your brain to see the good in what happens so you can learn from your setbacks.
Make these lessons a learning tool to help you forge forward.
Surround yourself with positive people and draw inspiration from how they've overcome challenges in their lives

Watch the video here

A Celebrity M.O.M Bump Watch ~ Molly Sims

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:28:00 +0000

We've been following Molly for years, she is a true Master Of Multitasking (aka M.O.M) who is about to become a MOM too. Molly balances it all now with a career in acting, modeling, fashion, blogging, philanthropy and has her own jewelry line! We can't wait for her to add Mommy to her list of careers!

Check out her site and blog and follow along as Molly journeys into this most amazing job of conquering M.O.Mhood!

From Molly Sims.com:
It’s hard for even me to believe, but as of last week I’m officially five months pregnant. The baby just started kicking and at this point it’s only a matter of weeks until life as I know it is going to completely change—and I can’t wait!  Last month I told you about my idea to document my growing baby bump each month on the site. I’ve updated the Bump Watch album on my profile with the latest picture of my belly, but you must be a MollySims.com member to view it. So sign up if you haven’t already, and then take a PEEK.  It’s crazy to see the difference from just a month ago, isn’t it?  
Love, Molly

Stay connected and follow this M.O.M to Be!
twitter: MollyBSims
Facebook: MollySimsOfficial
Site: Molly Sims

Monday M.O.Ms to Mention ~ Get Your Vote ON!!

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:08:00 +0000

Well, it's Monday and we have some amazing M.O.Ms to share and mention that need some support and votes!

We all know how important it is to be nominated and exposed as a small business to help us grow and build our brands, so I ask that you take a minute to help your fellow M.O.Mpreneurs become a 'Reader's Choice' and/or to 'Get on the Shelf' and to win the coveted 'Cribsie'.

our M.O.Ms to Mention:

Hot Mama Gowns for About.com's Favorite Labor Product!

Who Makes the Best Baby Tutu? Cutie Pa Tutus!!! Up for About.com's Readers Choice as well

Get Busy Breathers 'On the Shelf' at Walmart!!

2012 Cribsie Awards - Play

Nicest Toddler Paints That Don't Require A Gas Mask

2012 Cribsie Awards - Gear

Cutest StepSools for Tots in Climbing Mode

Do show your support and follow and spread the word on these fellow M.O.Mpreneurs and small businesses!

Head over to Twitter and tweet it for all to vote:

M.O.M Katie Up For the 2012 Cribsie Awards!

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:01:00 +0000

The M.O.Mblog founder and M.O.Mpreneur Katie O'Neill of Kt Steppers has some exciting news!!!

Kt Steppers is a 2012 Finalist for the Cribsie Awards! We were nominated in the ‘gear’ category for Cutest StepStools For Tots in Climbing Mode.

Voting Open for the 2012 Cribsie Awards in Partnership with The Honest Company vote and donate diapers to families in need.

The 2012 Cribsie Awards, the definitive award program recognizing the best products, brands, services and websites for babies and tots, announce this year’s partner, The Honest Company; an eco-friendly line of family essentials (diapers and wipes, bath and body care, and household cleaners) available through a monthly subscription service at Honest.com.

"The Honest Company has responded to the needs of today's moms by offering a super convenient way for parents to get safe, affordable, beautiful products - all arriving at the front door - from eco-diapers and wipes, to all natural home cleaners to pure bathing essentials" says Christopher Gavigan, Founder and Chief Products Officer. "And we are thrilled to partner with the Cribsie Awards 2012, since they too understand the importance of listening to what parents want most and responding accordingly.

For every Cribsie vote cast this year, The Honest Company will donate one diaper to Baby2Baby, a LA-based organization that provides essential baby gear and clothing to families in need.

"Our partnership with the Cribsie Awards goes deeper than just listening to what parents want and love," says Jessica Alba, Founder. "It's also an opportunity for us to give parents what they need. For every vote we receive, we'll be donating diapers to children in poverty, so this year's awards are a win for everyone."

So, we are officially half way through the voting period and it is still anyone’s game. In fact, ONE vote separates 1st/2nd place for step stool!!! The last days are the most exciting days to promote. There have been some super fabulous and creative promotions as well as some great mentions in the press.

Just to mention a few:

We have Celebrity Moms promoting the Cribsies on Twitter
~ Jessica Alba - @jessicaalba Hey tweeples Vote 4 your fav products @cribsies awards & @Honest will donate diapers to @baby2baby!

~ Jessica Capshaw - @JessicaCapshaw RT @Christopher_Gav: Vote for your fav products @cribsies awards and @Honest will donate diapers to charity! cribsieawards.com

~ Jenna Elfman - @JennaElfman : @ktsteppers @cribsies @honest Thanks! Easton will be 2 on March 2nd. Brown, orange, turquoise white, lime green. You ladies are awesome!

~ Sarah Jane Morris - @fromsarahjane: Vote @ktsteppers as Cutest StepStools 4 Tots In Climbing Mode in @cribsies & @honest will donate diapers http://bit.ly/Ana4Hf SO cute & cool

We are up against some bigger brands and would love to come out proving this mom-owned biz has what it takes to WIN!

We’ve made it easy to help spread the word and would love your support outside of 1 click to vote:

Vote here: http://cribsieawards.com/category/gear/cutest-stepstools-for-tots-in-climbing-mode

Tweet it: Vote @ktsteppers as Cutest StepStools 4 Tots In Climbing Mode in @cribsies & @honest will donate diapers http://bit.ly/Ana4Hf
Facebook: Vote For Kt Steppers in the Cribsie Awards for Cutest StepStools for Tots in Climbing Mode : http://bit.ly/Ana4Hf

Cast your vote for Kt Steppers and get those diapers donated {voting closes on March 16th}!

Taste It Thursday with Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops!

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:51:00 +0000

Ahhh, thank you Food Network for sharing this delicious recipe!

Soak thick-cut chops in a sweet-and-salty brine for a few minutes, then stuff with provolone cheese and an escarole-garlic mixture. Serve with sage-infused cannellini beans on the side.

courtesy of Food Network Magazine

Photograph by Antonis Achilleos

What you will need
Kosher salt

1/4 cup sugar

4 bone-in, thick-cut pork chops (6 to 8 ounces each)

1/2 medium head escarole
2 cloves garlic

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

Freshly ground pepper

4 slices provolone cheese (about 2 ounces)

4 fresh sage leaves, chopped

1 (19-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

For Cooking Directions {read on here}

Tuesday's Tips from Entrpeneur.com ~ 10 Social Media Tools You Should Be Using

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:11:00 +0000

If you don't subscribe or follow Entrepreneur.com (especially as a M.O.Mpreneur) you are missing out. There is so much valued information from this site and magazine.

So, with that and with this social media driven society to grow businesses, here is your Tuesday Tips:

10 Little Known Social Media Tools You Should Be Using -- Now

Social media is everywhere. It's in our homes, places of worship, schools and, of course, our businesses. Everywhere you look, people are using social media and are talking about it. And it seems that every week a new type of social site pops up.

And as the number of social networking sites grows, so does the number of services that are created to measure, track and monitor those services. What's a marketing professional to do?

To help you cut through the clutter, here are the 10 must-use social media tools that can not only help you make sense of your social media efforts but make them more effective.

Read more....

Taste It Thursday with Fresh Rosemary Lemon Chicken & Asparagus from Shop.Cook.Make

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:13:00 +0000

We came across this amazing blog with amazing recipes and food, Shop.Cook.Make

Here we wanted to share a quick, easy and family friendly meal.

courtesy of Shop.Cook.Make

Rosemary and Lemon Chicken

(serves two) Do continue to follow Shop.Cook.Make

You'll need...
2 Chicken Breasts, in bone, without skin
14 Asparagus Spears
1 Lemon, cut into 5 rinds
2, four inch Rosemary Sprigs
2 tbsp Olive Oil
3 tbsp Butter
1/2 cup Chicken or Vegetable Stock
Salt and Pepper

How to...
-In a small pan, melt the butter in the oil with the rosemary and lemon. Over low heat, cook the seasoned chicken breasts for about 50 minutes (until done), covered. Turn a few times, to cook well in both sides. You may need to add a few pours of stock, only if necessary, to create a bit of a sauce for the chicken to cook in.

-After the chicken is cooked, remove from the pan onto a plate ad cover with foil. Let it rest.
-Cook the asparagus in the leftover sauce.
-Serve.

twitter: ShopCookMake

Not Only Presidents Day.... but B-Day! M.O.M Fave Bethenny is Back Tonight!

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:42:00 +0000

We all fell in love with Bethenny it seems many years ago on RHONYC, but she has proven to be such an inspiration to woman and now M.O.Ms by proving her strong work ethic and her ability to Master being a Mom Multitasker.

So, us M.O.Ms here couldn't be more excited to enjoy our Holiday evening with seeing Bethenny back on Bravo TONIGHT and before-hand hosting a chat!

Bethenny.com Hosts A Chat Leading Into The Season Premiere Episode of “Bethenny Ever After” on Bravo

On Monday Feb 20 at 8:30 pm ET/5:30 pm PT

The Original Skinnygirl Also Reveals Skinnygirl News

On Her Website Today!

On Bethenny.com today, Bethenny Frankel says, “Let’s talk. Seriously, I want to hear from you. Join me in my "Bethenny Ever After" LIVE Chat on Monday, Feb. 20 to celebrate the premiere of the show!   You all know I'm an open book, I'll be here to answer your questions on Bethenny.com starting at 8:30 pm EST/5:30 pm PST, until the show begins at 9pm Et/6pm PT.    

And, check out Bethenny.com today for an exclusive announcement from Skinnygirl!

More Information on the chat will be posted at http://www.bethenny.com/

Friday Festivities with Singer, Songwriter, Producer M.O.M Extraordinaire, Louise goffin

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:16:00 +0000

‘Tis the season to sing of joy and family.... meet Louise Goffin, a true M.O.M {master of multitasking} building a career as a multi- instrumentalist, singer, composer, lyricist, and producer.

Louise Lynn Goffin has lived and breathed music since the day she was born. With a level of excellence in the work her family does, a bar set high by her parents work.

According to Goffin, “Singing is like breathing. Songwriting a spiritual, emotional necessity and it keeps her young. However, producing is brand new to her but she didn’t let that hold her back from producing her mom (Carole King’s) first ever holiday album, ‘A Holiday Carole.’

According to Amazon, Goffin created excellent arrangements and co-wrote three tracks on the album. The mother-daughter duo {Goffin-King} is in the running for best holiday album against pop star Justin Bieber.

Let’s Hear What The Inspiring M.O.M has to say!

M.O.M Katie ~ You’ve had a lot of inspiration growing up to live your dream, what is the most important lesson you’ve learned or have followed building your career?

M.O.M Lousie ~ That other people don't make you who you are. I used to think that I needed a record deal to be an artist, a recording studio to be making a record, a wedding to be in love. It takes more self-belief when the outside props aren't there, and especially for moms who are one minute subservient to the needs of others, and the next exhausted and having to recharge their battery. Over the years I've met people who seem to have the outside affirmation, and yet are more fearful than the people who don't because they've not yet found out they are still who they are with or without kudos from a crowd. Children are the least likely audience to say "yay, job well done!" I have to do it for myself to keep building on my vision.

M.O.M Katie ~ Can you tell us what inspired your to produce you’re Mom’s Album and choosing a Holiday Album?

M.O.M Louise ~ I've always loved being in the recording studio, and making records. By the time she and her (then) manager, Lorna Guess, asked me to produce this holiday record, I'd already recorded five entire albums of my own as a recording artist. I knew a lot about the process of putting an album together. I had some recent losses in my life at the time, and it was the perfect uplifting theme for me to throw myself back into work after primarily focusing on raising my two boys, who are still in elementary school. It did a lot for my confidence to apply my multi-tasking skills at home to an array of musicians, songs, supporting my mother, Carole, in feeling comfortable back in the studio, and listening to my radar as to whether each song was presented in its best form for her to sing over.

What is your favorite song? Having just performed "Christmas In The Air" in Rockefeller Center for the tree lighting, the song being a hat tipper to the Jackson Five arrangements (and being about New York, and EVERYDAY being a gift I get to open up) that's now one of my favorites. I treat all songs on an album as a mother would her own children - every one is special in his/her own unique way. They each have their own calling. This is a great record to give friends and family as a gift as it is so chock-full of great uplifting cuts you wouldn't usually hear on a Christmas record.

M.O.M Katie ~ What can we expect from you in 2012 (as I’m sure you are not ‘laying low’)?

M.O.M Louise~ I hope to lay low between Dec 25th and Jan 1st. Other than that, I plan to write, record and produce new artists. And any ones that have been around for awhile who want to come see me, I'll send some mojo and enthusiasm their way. That's one of my strong suits. Enthusiasm, play, creativity, and empathy for one's artistic nature.

The organizing of the players and recording part is much easier than capturing the lightening bolt of desire and believing it can be done. I'm there to be the believer for the artist and keep excitement and enthusiasm up for making dreams come true.

Thanks for sharing your wisdom and this amazing new Album for the Holidays!

Here is where to buy Louise and Carole’s ‘ A Holiday Carole’ Album:

http://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Carole-King/dp/B005DJ62M8

Follow Louise Socially Here:
https://www.facebook.com/louisegoffinmusic
http://louisegoffin.com
http://twitter.com/LouiseGoffin

'Tis The Season To Get Involved ~ Balloon Send Off To Support Canines For Disabled Kids

noreply@blogger.com (M.O.M) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:23:00 +0000

At MyOwnPet Balloons, we understand the bond between child and pet. Loyalty, friendship and fun create a special connection comparable to few other things. This meaningful interaction helped inspire this MyOwnPet balloon line, allowing children to simulate that experience (using a little imagination!) with any animal, whether penguin, pig or pony.

Canines for Disabled Kids (CDK) is a non-profit organization connecting children with disabilities to canine-assistance programs and resources. The CDK mission is twofold, first, to help families with disabled children obtain service dogs through education, financial aid and advocacy and second, to make families aware that these resources even exist.

There are approximately 52 million Americans with disabilities in the United States and about one percent use service dogs. With a higher demand than supply, canine assistance programs often impose disability or age-specific requirements along with waiting periods of up to 10 years. Children with disabilities under the age of 12 are often the ones denied training assistance dogs.

Seeing the challenge, Canines for Disabled Kids began to bring awareness to families with special need children, encouraging the placement of assistance dogs with these children. Since 1998, CDK has sponsored over 130 assistance dogs and provided services to more than 15,000 individuals.

Canines for Disabled Kids is helping children with disabilities gain independence and participate more fully in society. We want to bring this program to the thousands of families who are unaware that help is out there.

How we’re helping:

For every MyOwnPet balloon purchased here, $5 will go directly to help Canines for Disabled Kids.
How you can help:

Visit http://www.caninesfordkids.org/ for additional details
Donate directly to Canines for Disabled Kids here

Spread the word! And get involved along with friends and family

Follow Socially too:
myownpetballoon.com

facebook.com/MyOwnPetBalloons
twitter.com/My_Pet_Balloons