Working Moms Against Guilt

Goin' to BlogHer

2009-07-14T18:03:00.002-04:00

So guess what?

I (Tela) am going to BlogHer! I'm super excited. The conference has fallen on my O's birthday in past years, so I have never been able to attend. Even though I've been blogging for almost three years, this will be my first BlogHer conference--and I'm excited. Although I already feel slightly behind the eight ball.

I had assumed that this year it would be on my son's birthday again. When I realized it wasn't, it was already sold out--and had been for months!

I pretty much gave up all hope of going. But then the lovely Dawn of Room 704 hooked me up with hot Ree of Hotfesional who put me in touch with Nancy of Marie Millard. (Evidence of how hot a ticket for BlogHer is this year. It took some workin'! it! to get me there.) I only met Dawn last month at the pre BlogHer meetup organized by Shannan of MommyBits and hosted by AmyinOhio. (Hey, Shan & Amy, can we have another one of those, so I can pay attention this time--instead of stuffing my face with Yagoot?) But that's how cool this community is. A person I only met once remembered how much I wanted to go and helped me get there. And then there were two other awesome ladies who also helped me--and they never even met me!

So back to this behind-the-eight-ball bidness. I started reading about the sessions and the parties and the meetups and phew! Will I get to all the sessions I want to attend? Am I going to wander around aimless while the people who have already met "IRL" will bond over glitter?

I guess only time will tell. See you at BlogHer!

Friday Finds

2009-07-10T14:25:00.002-04:00

Tela's Find

--Our very own WMAG Sue had her baby boy today! See her tweet here.

Potty Training and the Morning Commute

2009-07-09T10:22:00.006-04:00

Oh me oh my.

Two weeks ago O decided it was time to go on the potty. I was excited. We hadn't been poking, prodding, or cajoling him. (I learned long ago this wonderful human being is about as stubborn as his mom, and as long as you give him his space, he'll make up his mind all on his own thankyouverymuch.) One day he went in a diaper, I asked him where Mommy and Daddy went to the b-room, he said "the potty." I asked him if he wanted to try going on the potty, he said yes, and here we are.

Two weeks later peeing in the potty is mastered, #2--not so much. We'll get there, though. I'm not worried.

What I might be slightly worried about is what potty training has done to our morning commute. I purposely picked a daycare that is closer to my work than home. (He's already one of the last kids there as it is, and the daycare is approximately 5 minutes from my work. All the other moms must work next door or get off work at 4 or something.) Anyway, we have about a 20-25 minute commute downtown

Today we stopped TWICE to go to the bathroom on the way to work. Partially my fault, because I didn't ask him if he had to go before we left. And I think the second stop might have been a manipulation to get more Hostess muffins.

But hey, he went both times. And I'd much rather stop and be late to work than not stop and be late due to cleaning up my car. Bonus: I get to tour all the lovely gas station and grocery store bathrooms on the way to our work/daycare. Heck! I could start a little side business: A site that lists all the bathrooms off of I-71 in order of cleanliness....

My first post would be a warning to watch out for the Speedway off the Ridge Exit. It's a little icky.

Nesting Heaven

2009-07-07T06:48:00.002-04:00

I am a crazy nesting fool, people. With 11 days till my due date and being on leave from work, (and a fabulous sitter to help me out!!!), I'm spending like 8 hours a day cleaning and organizing. Yesterday, I literally took an entire day to clean out my bathroom closet. (I know, you might think it couldn't possibly take that long, but there was about 3.5 years worth of crap in there to go through.)

I've also enjoyed watching the landscapers turn our yard into a beautiful sight to behold. Yesterday they finished a layered stone waterfall that is so pretty, it makes me want to cry. (OK, hormones may have something to do with that too.) I think they'll be done today. Can't wait for the final result!

Other random things on my nesting to-do list: de-clutter my kitchen cabinets, donate another truckload of crap to Salvation Army, organize my basement storage (again!), scrape paint off my front porch and create 3 years worth of photo albums for Cassie. I told you I was crazy.

Progress pictures to come soon. Hey, there's one more item for that to-do list ...

Less Than Three Weeks Til Baby

2009-06-30T10:34:00.002-04:00

I can't even tell you how nice the last three weeks of my Mom Sabbatical have been. While I haven't exactly been lounging poolside and eating bonbons the whole time, I have enjoyed more "me time" than I've had since my single years. Hours at home, by myself, to get things done, take a nap when I need to, go out shopping, catch up on my soap, etc.

And still, lots more leisure time with my girl, just the two of us. We are rarely rushed, so we can feel free to hang out in one of her beloved indoor tents, sing verse after verse of "This Old Man" and play at the park. No deadline or timeclock to worry me. The only thing holding me back is this giant belly I'm carrying around (and the ungodly heat, which fortunately let up this week!)

I doubt most men would understand this, but I know plenty of women do: I feel better mentally now that my house is getting in order. It was such a disaster before my Mom Sabbatical, because I had neglected it for so long, barely keeping my head above water between work and parenthood. Seeing my home in the state it was in became a constant source of stress for me. Finally, it's starting to become the house I want. Orderly closets. Steam-cleaned carpets. A yard I can be proud of (the landscapers arrived for their first day of work yesterday). Unwanted things on their way to Salvation Army.

Give me another couple of weeks (please, Baby Boy!) and I think I can really have this place in good enough shape to give you a virtual tour. I want it to look and feel nice when we get home from the hospital with our son. Then I can spend the remainder of my leave caring for him and Cassie, enjoying our expanded family.

P.S. If you're not a regular viewer of Clean House on the Style Network, you might want to tune in Wednesday at 9 p.m. for a two-hour "Messiest Home in the Country" special. Featuring a home from our very own Cincinnati! Sounds like it'll be a real doozy of an episode (and definitely will make me feel better about my own house -- it's not that bad!)

Mommy Amnesia

2009-06-26T10:00:00.004-04:00

The other night I went to Babies "R" Us to pick out a baby shower gift for my friend who is having her first child. I was looking forward to the trip since it's always fun to find a gift that you hope will get the biggest "ahhh!" at party. What I found is... I've sure forgotten about a lot!

As soon as you walk into BRU you're bombarded with baby gizmos and gadgets galore. I found myself looking at items and thinking they seemed familiar, possibly something that I had coveted once before, but no longer have in my possession. What that's for? Did I ever use one of these?

Then there were the pregnant ladies, looking very intense as they carefully scanned bar-codes with their registry zappers. I witnessed one expecting mama go off on a store employee. Something about a stroller she wanted to exchange. I stood there gawking for a moment. Then quickly walked away before she'd rip out my eyeballs. Wow, I thought... Did I ever act like that?

Mommy amnesia.

I know I've been there, done that. But, a lot of it I don't recall. Maybe I've suppressed those memories way down deep. With kids ages 4 and 6, my thoughts are elsewhere.

Sometimes I'll feel like the odd man out if I'm with pregnant women or women with babies. Conversations will turn to labor stories, feeding tactics, or dirty diapers. They'll ask me about my experiences and I'll blank out. I don't remember how much son weighed when he was born. I can't remember when daughter switched to solid foods. I'm an idiot.

Do you suffer from mommy amnesia at all?

Friday Finds - June 26, 2009

2009-06-26T06:39:00.006-04:00

Cara's Finds

-- Win a big reimbursement on BlogHer '09. The brands of Johnson & Johnson wants to pay for the expenses for 20 BlogHer attendees. If you're already registered to attend the conference, sign up for a chance to win $1,200 cash. The sweepstakes ends July 7. Good luck!

--Red, Pink, and Blue event in Cincy. CincyChic is painting the town red, pink, and blue with a health awareness event with a fashionable twist. Through Sunday there will be lunch 'n learns, health screenings, pampering, and--of course--a lot of fashion and fun. All-day passes can be purchased online for just $15.

Susan's Finds

-- Need a caregiver to help you out this summer? Care.com is offering a 50% summer discount for new members. Benefits include access to hundreds of thousands of caregivers nationwide, unlimited background checks of caregivers, and last-minute care options through Care-on-Call.

-- Create a cool kiwifruit recipe and you could win $2,500. Zespri Kiwifruit is launching a contest from now through Aug. 7 for the best "kiwi for lunch" recipe." Blog it, tell them about it and get entered to win.

Tasty Tuesday

2009-06-23T10:35:00.000-04:00

Tela here--filling in for Sara--and wanting to share with you the steps I've taken this past year to help me get a decent dinner on the table after a long day of work/daycare shuffling/whatever.

First up I wanted to share that I have started MENU PLANNING (!!). Nothing crazy, simply ideas for dinners written on a piece of paper and magneted (new word!) to the fridge. So "Mon--Chicken Feta Pasta with Spinach; Tues--Jambalaya."

I shop according to the meal ingredients, and it actually helps me save some time and money. Instead of wandering aimlessly through the aisles, I shop with a purpose, people.

I don't always follow my menu exactly, and I'll switch meals around (shuffle Tuesday and Friday), depending on my mood and what I feel like cooking and/or eating. I also make sure to include some really easy meals like homemade pizza or taco casserole (see below) for days I just don't have it in me to cook a bigger meal or when O seems especially hungry.

I usually scoff at any sort of organization or planning in my life--because I'm just.not.good.at.it. I tend to lack follow-through. But I have to admit, it does make my life easier.

And since a Tasty Tuesday wouldn't be very tasty without a recipe, here's one for Taco Casserole, although it actually might be more like a pie. Hmm... Casserpie?

Taco Casserpie

What You'll Need:
1 lb lean ground beef
Refried Beans
1 jar salsa
1 can corn (if you want)
Flour Tortillas
Cheddar, Mont Jack, or Cheddar Jack Cheese (whichever is your favorite)
Tortilla/Corn Chips
Scallions

What to Do:
Brown and drain your ground beef.
Toss in half the salsa and the corn. Cook till warmed.
In a bowl, combine the refried beans and rest of salsa. (May need to nuke the beans for a minute.)
Spray a round baking dish with non-stick spray and toss in a tortilla.
Alternate layers of beef and bean mixture, separated by tortillas.
Top with crushed corn chips, cheese, and scallions.
Cook at 350 for about a half hour or so. Until cheese is melted, but don't burn the chips.

Friday Finds - June 19, 2009

2009-06-19T09:07:00.005-04:00

Susan's Finds

-- Is the same-old same-old getting a little, well, old with the kiddos? My friend/Cassie's sitter Karen directed me to this awesome site/blog/downloadable Book of Days from Blue Yonder Ranch, chock-full of new activities and ideas to try with children. They're educational, creative and fun, all at the same time. A lot of them seem more relevant to school-age kids, but many ideas could be adapted to fit your preschooler's/toddler's needs.

-- If you're at all into the green movement, you've probably heard of Ideal Bite, a daily e-newsletter with tips about how to buy and live "greener." Now they have a newsletter especially with moms in mind, called Mama Bite. I've been getting it for a few days now and it's got some good stuff. If you sign up by the end of June, you'll also be entered to win a family vacation for four to Walt Disney World® Resort. Suh-weeet! I know we could use a free vaca this summer.

-- Breastfeeding while working is hard. I didn't do it myself, but I know lots of moms who have. At least your work clothes could make it a little easier on you, right? Enter HadleyStillwell, a new line of well-tailored clothing just for nursing/pumping women. About time, eh? The collection includes a signature dress, jacket, sleeveless crossover shirt and long-sleeved crossover shirt. Cute stuff!

-- Another fun freebie activity for your kids this summer: Cartoon Network's Get Animated Tour. Now in its fifth year, this 40-city tour is designed to motivate, energize and educate kids ages 6-14 about healthy living choices by using the power of Cartoon Network’s shows, characters and brands.

The tour will run all summer and feature interactive areas designed around select Cartoon Network series as well as activity areas for kids, including: the Crayola “Everything Imaginable” tent featuring three different Crayola activity stations; an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) area where kids will toss over-sized “nutrition label” dice and compare the two face-up labels for a prize, while learning to understand the nutrition facts label on food packaging more effectively; and a Subway section where kids will have the opportunity to compete on stationary bikes with a video game to beat a countdown clock.

Cincy folks: The tour's coming to the Nati July 25 at Coney Island.

The Secret to a Long Marriage

2009-06-16T15:25:00.002-04:00

This past weekend, we celebrated my parents' 40th wedding anniversary.

Do a little math, and you'll realize they were married in the summer of '69, man. Like when Woodstock was raging. And Bryan Adams was rockin' out in his garage and kissing his girlfriend on the porch. Of course, my folks were doing no such raging or rockin' out. They were recent college grads, very practical and responsible, and definitely NOT hippies. (This always disappointed me, but what can you do?)

When we were sitting outside in my brother's backyard after a celebratory dinner, enjoying the fruits of their labor (i.e., watching their four grandchildren playing), I asked them how they managed to stay together for so long in a time when half of all couples don't.

Mom said it was due to their unfailing commitment to staying together, as well as a constant willingness to compromise -- on both sides. "You'll resent it if you're the one compromising and the other person isn't," she said.

Dad added that from the very beginning, they agreed not to end a date (or a day, once they were married) mad at each other. They tried to work out whatever argument or issue they had quickly, rather than let it fester.

Hmm. Well, I don't see a bestselling book coming out of this discussion. Nothing earth-shattering about their "secret." But it reminded me that successful, long-term marriage is like any other lasting, worthwhile success in life. You have to just keep on keeping on, even when it's hard. And be flexible, because the world around us is constantly changing. You could apply that to lots of things: weight loss, parenting, work.

And if you do it as well as my parents have all these years with each other, you just might have something worth talking about in 40 years.

Can't We All Just Get Along?

2009-06-14T22:23:00.004-04:00

When I found out my first child would be a girl, I felt joy mixed with fear. Why fear? Because I remember how hard it was being a girl, especially when I had to deal with other girls. Girls can be mean. Girls can leave lasting scars on one another. I am still working through some of those scars, which could be a reason why I now write young adult novels.

I was prepared to deal with Mean Girls in ten years, give or take a few. So imagine my horror to find that the mean-ness starts in preschool. For the past two years, my little one has come home with stories about how, "so and so says she won't be my friend if I can't snap my fingers" and "so and so said my lunchbox is stupid" and "so and so says she doesn't like me and wouldn't play with me at recess."

Even more horrifying? Little One is also dishing out the mean. I've seen it with my own two eyes. And no matter what I do to model and encourage and even, at times, force friendly behavior, it doesn't seem to stick.

Here's what's triply horrifying: Little boys are mean, too. In fact, some of the most blatant mean-ness that I have seen has come from boys. Little guys on the playground make a game out of running away from my daughter. One little boy actually hit her in the face. Even her best little boy friend has been known to yell at her and tell her he doesn't like/want to play with her. And guess what? She does the same to him.

It's gotten to the point where I watch those PBS kid shows where all the kids share and play nicely together, and I wonder what planet they live on. Adults like to wax poetic about how kind children are at heart, but I think those adults are full of it. From what I have seen, a child's first instinct isn't kindness, it's cruelty. Forget Barney, it's Lord of the Flies out there, people. These days, when we meet children on the playground who are friendly and play nicely and include everybody, I am actually shocked.

What is a parent to do?!

I've discussed it with my daughter's preschool teachers, and I know they do all they can to foster a positive environment. But this behavior almost seems hard-wired into kids. My husband and I have called children out on the playground for getting physical with our daughter, only to catch it from the parents, many of whom seem to think kids should be allowed to "fight it out."

Well, I disagree. Kids shouldn't be forced to play with each other if they don't want to, but neither should they be blatantly excluding or even picking on others. And if my daughter were hitting other children or making them feel bad or left out, then I would *hope* somebody would let me know. I can guarantee you that I would be all over my child like white on rice. I try to stay on top of her behavior, teach her empathy and manners, and bring down the consequences if I see her being cruel.

But some days, it just doesn't seem to sink in.

Fellow WMAGs, have you experienced what I'm experiencing? How do you deal with it? Should I just gird my loins and expect to be dealing with this for the next 20 years until my daughters are out of the house? Why can't we all just get along?!

Friday Finds - June 12, 2009

2009-06-12T11:06:00.009-04:00

Cara's Finds

-- Be the match. Join the National Bone Marrow Donor registry and you could help save the life of one of the thousands of patients with life-threatening diseases who are still waiting for a match. Look for the Be The Match "Marrowthon" in your city now through June 22. Joining the registry usually costs money to cover tissue typing expenses, but during the Marrowthon it's free. In Cincinnati, it's taking place at the Hoxworth Blood Center on Weds., June 10 from noon to 5:00 p.m. All it takes is some paperwork and a quick swab of the inside of your cheek. Or you can go online and have a kit sent to you.

--Super WHY! event at Toys "R" Us. If you're looking for something to do on Saturday, visit Toys "R" Us for a super Super WHY! event to celebrate the launch of the new toy line. From noon to 2:00 p.m. stop by for story-tellings, games, activities, and a complimentary gift.

--Stop. Hammertime! Have you seen the new promo for Hammertime, A&E's new series on M.C. Hammer? It makes me want to jump up and join in.

Wordless Wednesday--My Dog Now Looks Like Falcor

2009-06-10T10:25:00.004-04:00

I got him shaved.

Mom Sabbatical: Day 1

2009-06-08T07:58:00.004-04:00

Guess what everybody? I don't have to go to work today. Or the next day. Or the day after that. Are you seeing a pattern here?

I'm still employed. I'm just on what I'm calling a "Mom Sabbatical." Six weeks off before baby comes, so I can get ready (and enjoy summer). Then 12 weeks of maternity leave. I was so desperately in need of this break (the kind academics get for a whole year, every eight years!), I actually did turn in my notice. But my employer was kind enough to work out a deal that allowed me to take my extended leave without having to officially resign. Pretty awesome, huh?

So today begins day 1 of my Mom Sabbatical. Cassie is going to the sitter's house. Hubs is going to work. I'm going to ... what am I going to do? I have so many plans and thoughts in my head, I hardly know where to start. When was the last time I had such freedom? High school?

I definitely plan to clean -- not something I would have prioritized in high school. Our house is such a freakin' mess, it's unreal. Between working full-time and being all pregnant, I've let just about everything slide. So every room in the house needs a thorough cleaning and organizing. That should take me a while.

There's also some serious redecorating to do, particularly involving our "new" bedroom, office and baby's room. Some of the work has been done, but there's still a lot to do.

I have a huge to-do list that includes things like putting together Cassie's first three years of life photo album (yikes!) and reading my book club book. Maybe I'll actually be able to accomplish some of these things, now that I have some time on my hands.

Most importantly, I plan to relax. Maybe get a mani/pedi? Nap? And instead of always having to rush, rush, rush, pushing Cassie to do this and do that so we can get to the sitter's or get to bed on time, we can go at a more leisurely pace. Hang out in a makeshift blanket tent with Barbie and Mr. Bear, giggling and tickling. When Hubs gets home, I can rustle up some dinner without feeling beat-down from a long day at work. We can eat together as a family and spend the evening hanging out in the backyard or going for a walk.

Of course, once Baby Boy arrives, all this free time will pretty much disappear. But that's OK -- I'll be ready! The house will be ready! And I can fully enjoy his arrival (when I'm not dying of sleep deprivation) and help our little family adjust to its new size of 4.

I really can't wait to get started. I just wanted to let you all know what I'm up to. OK, here I go ...

Friday Finds - June 5, 2009

2009-06-05T08:56:00.008-04:00

Cara's Finds

--Shred those bad Facebook photos. Have you been the victim of bad photo tagging on Facebook? Maybe an old prom photo? Or that picture from the holiday office party? You know the one. Shred it with Staples' new Facebook application I Shred U! The app lets you send the bad photo back to the tagger as it gets shredded by a paper shredder. Too bad it doesn't actually delete the photo, but at least it tells your friend how you feel about it.

--I (heart) Conan. I've been watching a lot of The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien on Hulu.com. Still can't stay up to watch, though he's on at an earlier time slot. Anyway, Tuesday's episode featured Conan and pal Andy Richter bringing back "In the year 2000" from way back in the Late Night days. This time, renamed as "In the year 3000." My favorite prediction? "In the year 3000, You Tube, Twitter, and Facebook will merge to form one super time-wasting website called, 'You Twit Face.'" Comedy gold.

Susan's Finds

-- Celebrate your BFF this weekend! My friend Debba (aka Girlfriendology) is hosting a cool event in honor of National Best Friends Day (June 8). If you're in Cincinnati, grab your best friend and head out to Ault Park this Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. You'll get a free portrait of you and your friend taken by a professional photographer. Get all the details here.

-- Don't forget Father's Day, June 21. What the heck do you get for dads? Moms seem so much easier to shop for. Well, if you're stumped like I am, check out this Father's Day Gift Guide from Someone Spoil Me. Get gift ideas for the corporate dad, the dad who has it all, the sports dad and more dad types.

-- FREE CHOCOLATE. Did you know Mars (the chocolate company) is giving away coupons for free chocolate every Friday? Just visit the Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act site on Fridays starting at 9 a.m. ET to register for a free coupon. It works, because we already got one at our house!

Le Freak

2009-06-04T07:20:00.006-04:00

A few months ago, O and I were making our way into the house when I dropped our mail. Irritated, I huffed and sighed as I gathered to pick up the mail that had scattered across the front porch. O told me to stop “freaking out.” Hmm.

Now, I could have stated that I wasn’t really “freaking out,” but that wasn’t really the point. I was more interested in where he had picked up the phrase “freaking out.”

I didn’t think “freaking out” was a phrase I had used in his presence, but I’ve often been surprised--both pleasantly and unpleasantly—to learn my almost-three-year-old does pick up many of his colloquialisms from me.

“Mommy’s not freaking out, O. It’s OK,” I told him. “Who told you about ‘freaking out?’”

“'Freaking out’ is not a nice word, Mommy. You shouldn’t say that,” O said. “Miss Cake (his teacher at daycare) told A it’s not a nice word.”

“You’re right,” I said. “It’s not very nice. Let’s try not to say that.”

“I think that’s a good plan, Mommy,” O agreed, and hasn’t really said it since.

This wasn’t the first not-so-nice saying from O has picked up from A—and it hasn’t been the last. There have been some other questionable things A has taught my child, but nothing worth too much of a concern—yet.

I always thought I’d have to worry about other children influencing mine when we hit the preteen years, not the preschool years.

Have your toddlers/preschoolers picked up any habits you’re not so fond of from other children at daycare/preschool/babysitters? What do you do?

Cutting a Rug

2009-06-03T15:29:00.003-04:00

Looking for a new rug? Check out WMAG's review of rugs we received from Rugs To My Door over at the WMAG Reviews blog.

Postponing Pregnancy?

2009-06-01T06:47:00.001-04:00

I had to chuckle a bit when I stumbled across this article on CNN.com: Many women put pregnancy plans on hold in shaky economy.

After all, I got pregnant on purpose right after our country went into financial meltdown last fall. I distinctly recall the discussions with friends and Hubs about whether we should wait to try for #2 until things got more stable/optimistic. But I pretty much brushed that logic aside and thought, "Screw it! Let's make a baby!" There's evolutionary instinct for ya.

Didn't take long for the premeditated babymaking to "take." And now here we are, 30-some weeks later, totally redoing our house and nesting like crazy, feeling the little man kick and wondering how it will be to raise two whole kids. The economy hasn't really improved, as far as I can tell, and I don't see signs that it's going to anytime soon. But for now, we fortunately still have the income we need to get by and insurance coverage to stay healthy (and deliver the baby). So regrets? I have none -- baby boy is coming and I'm glad glad glad.

What about you? Have you put off plans to procreate until the recession is declared "over"? Or are you all crazy like me and going for it, recession be damned?

Update: Check out my latest Watercooler column at Mommy Track'd about experiencing pregnancy the second time around.

Friday Finds - May 29, 2009

2009-05-29T11:00:00.003-04:00

Susan's Finds

-- Maybe your folks can get those lil' couch potatoes out and about this summer. Grandparents.com recently launched Go Play Outside, which includes a free guide suggesting dozens of fun activities to do outside with your kids. They're also asking grandparents to collectively spend 1 million hours outside with their grandkids this summer. Added bonus: Grandparents.com will make a donation for each hour logged to KaBOOM, a nonprofit organization who is trying to put a playground within walking distance of every child in America.

-- I can't get enough of reviews. Whenever I buy something, I almost always seek out other people's thoughts on the product I'm considering. Besides the obvious (Amazon and Google), there's another good review resource I just learned about: Viewpoints.com. It's focused on helping consumers make smarter, more informed decisions about the products and services they are buying. Viewpoints has thousands of reviews on products ranging from car seats and mattresses, ovens and exercise videos, to health websites and local restaurants.

-- Help New Moon before it's eclipsed by a crappy economy. I have loved New Moon Girls for many years, because it offers a positive, smart, alternative media outlet for tweens and teens. They're definitely feeling the economic pain lately, so they're asking fans to do what they can. If you know a cool girl who could use a little New Moon in her life, give a gift membership ($29.95), which includes 12 months of full access to the website and six print issues of New Moon Girls magazine. Trust me, they will love it!

Cara's Find

--Two weeks of meals. Sam's Club and Kraft Foods have teamed together to help you plan what's for dinner for the next two weeks. Visit the website to download the recipes and print off a shopping list.

Living in the Now

2009-05-29T07:51:00.009-04:00

Every now and then I find myself thinking about living in a different time period in my life than the present. Actually I find myself doing it a lot.

For instance, on the drive home yesterday I started thinking about my childhood and wishing I could go back just for one day to relive it all. Back in our old house. A summer day so I could take a dip in the pool, play with my neighborhood friends, hang out with my little sis (I'd be nicer to her this time), roll around in the grass with our dog, and spend the evening reading the latest Baby-sitter's Club book in my rainbow-themed wallpapered room. Not a care in the world.

When I'm not thinking about the past, I'm thinking about the future. The kids are grown and more independent, our basement is finally finished and all our home projects are complete, we take nice vacations, and I'm not stressing about whether or not I have enough money in the budget for a new pair of shoes. You know, because all of this will happen in the future... obviously.

Is this normal? Why can't I ever live in the present? I think I'm happy. I just get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of being a mom, taking care of my family, and working. Sometimes I try to remind myself to be more appreciative of the present and enjoy the NOW instead of escaping to the past or future. Because someday I might reminisce about today and wish I had it all back.

Last Day to Win a BlogHer Pass

2009-05-27T06:58:00.001-04:00

If you live within 100 miles of downtown Cincinnati (45202), you have until midnight tonight to enter for a chance to win a free pass to BlogHer this summer. Cincinnati Women Bloggers is giving away this golden ticket to one lucky local blogger, so don't miss your chance. (Unless you're planning some other big event on July 24-25, such as giving birth like I am.) Get all the details here.

And don't miss the monthly CWB meeting this Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Cincinnati Museum Center, where they'll announce the big winner! Good luck. And if you're the lucky winner, have extra fun (and drinks!) at BlogHer for me.

A Party Success

2009-05-23T08:28:00.021-04:00

There's nothing I love more than getting together with some great friends. So when Johnson's Body Care asked us to participate in their "Girlfriends, Beauty Secrets, and a Cause to Celebate" program, which would allow us to party with friends and support a charity of our choosing... How could we say no?

Recently the Johnson's Body Care team joined forces with music artist Ashanti to kick-off this charity program that allows real women to support a local charity by hosting a fun get-together with friends. Watch the video to see Ashanti's party.

On Tuesday, the WMAGs hosted our party in support of Dress for Success in Cincinnati. Dress for Success promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools women need to help them thrive at work and in life.

Party guests were asked to bring their gently-used professional attire to donate... and did they! We were able to collect a ton of great clothing.

In exchange, each person received an awesome gift from Johnson's Body Care: An adorable tote bag filled with some of their newest products, including Johnson's new 24 Hour Moisturizer and Body Wash, Be Radiant Shea & Cocoa Butter lotion, and Exfoliating Body Wash.

In order to give a little more to Dress for Success, we also raffled off some great prizes. Along with the mountain of clothes, we were able to raise $170!

Thanks to the generosity of friends we raffled off:
A $75 gift certificate for Sarah Diebold Photography. Forget the chaos at the photo studio, Sarah photographs your family in the comfort of your home or place of choosing.

A fantastic Jason Mraz basket filled with an autographed CD, 2 T-shirts, and tote bag. His upcoming Gratitude Cafe Tour might be coming to your town. Check it out!

Wee Tidings from Blue Finch Studios, the distinct line of mini cards that are small in size, but big on design. Order online or look for them in a store near you.

A $50 gift certificate from HoneyBaked Ham. Mmm... ham. Order one for your next gathering or party. It's delicious!

A Nintendo DS game prize pack filled with Neopets Puzzle Adventure, Tropix, and Unsolved Crimes.

And lastly, a beautiful Silpada necklace. Host a Silpada party and earn free jewelry.

Thanks to all who donated a prize, and especially thanks to Johnson's Body Care who gave us this awesome opportunity!

Friday Finds - May 22, 2009

2009-05-22T11:30:00.006-04:00

Cara's Finds

--Kids bowl free. When summer gets a little too hot and humid, why not go bowling? My son came home from school with a postcard for KidsBowlFree.com, which offers two free bowling games per kid every day of the week throughout the summer. Register online and every Sunday, you get an email with a link to that week's coupons. During registration they do offer the option to buy a Family Pass starting at $23.95, which would allow up to four adults to bowl throughout the summer, too. But, it's not required. Check it out and see if there is a participating bowling alley near you.

--Cincy find: Listen to everything 80s on 94.9. The station has changed formats from country to popular 80s tunes. Yay, "Rewind 94.9!"

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

A Working Mom's Work is Never Done

2009-05-21T21:59:00.003-04:00

When I got pregnant with my first child, I remember thinking I'd get bored with six weeks of maternity leave. "I'm sure I'll be able to help out with any work that comes in," I told my bosses and co-workers. "I'm sure after a couple of weeks I won't know what to do with myself."

They smiled and patted me on the back. Then I had the baby and realized just how exhausting a newborn can be. Six weeks went by in a haze. And yet I did not learn my lesson.

Just a couple of days after my new little one was born, I was on my feet trying to clean my house, on my computer trying to work on my novel, still trying to get my 4-year-old to playdates, etc. Friends and family have told me to slow down, but I'm finding it difficult. I also am easing back into work, since I can do that from home and because my husband's job is feeling less secure due to the economy. My current bosses have been great about respecting my time and reminding me to take it easy, but I still find it hard.

I was thinking today about why that is, and I don't think it's all to do with being a type A workaholic. For me, there's something about a new baby that sparks creativity. I didn't begin to write novels in earnest until I had my first daughter. And now that my second is here, I'm itching to write and create and start fresh on projects I'd put aside a long time ago.

But I do need to find some balance, otherwise I'll end up sick. That's why I'm taking myself to bed right now! Just as soon as I finish a little piece of book marketing. Oh, and as soon as I get the baby to stop crying...

Garden of Hope

2009-05-18T10:58:00.012-04:00

Just a few short months ago, the Tri-State area lost a special person. Marty Demmerle Carr was a loving teacher, devoted new mom, and loyal friend. She suddenly and tragically passed just one month after giving birth to her premature first daughter, Lily.

Marty was a third-grade teacher at John G. Carlisle Elementary in Covington, and her loss has been devastating to the students, teachers, and staff there. To add to the loss that small school was experiencing, student Christian Collins, also passed away suddenly that same month.

But the fourth-grade students there are turning their grief into something positive and working on creating the Carr-Collins Community Garden. Planned for an empty green space in front of the school, this working garden will be for both the students and the larger community to share and honor the student and teacher they miss so much.

The students have raised money through bracelets and a penny war, and are now focusing their efforts on achieving donations and grants through a persuasive letter writing campaign.

You can help the Carr-Collins Community Garden by donating through a PayPal account (button below and in our sidebar), or if you know of any gardening materials that could be donated (soil, trees, rain barrels, mulch, etc.) please contact me (Tela) at workingmomsagainstguilt@gmail.com.

There will be a ground-breaking ceremony at the end of the month, and the garden is schedule to be complete in Fall 2009.