The following is a guest post from momAgendaCOMM blogger Leticia Barr.

Moms who work hard need gadgets that can multitask and work just as hard as she does, whether she’s keeping tabs on the family schedule, reading, or capturing family memories.  Here are 5 essentials that every mom needs along with where to go to find a stylish bag to keep everything in its place.

Tablet— Whether you’re a fan of iOS or a die hard Android user, there’s a tablet for everyone.  Apple lovers swear by their iPads but Android users love devices such as the Galaxy Tab that come in two sizes- an ultra portable 7” size or an easier on the eyes 10.1” version.  Even Blackberry users can get in on the tablet action with the 7” Blackberry Playbook with either16, 32, or 64 GB of storage.

eReader— More affordable than tablets but just as portable, the current models of eReaders are a great option for book loving moms who want to be able to check email, browse the web, and use apps.  Kindle Fire and Nook Color are two great choices for less than $200.

Camera— Moms want to capture every moment, so a user friendly camera that takes fantastic photos which can be taken everywhere is a must have.  Point and shoots are easy to pack but for great high resolution shots that can be cropped without compromising quality, the Olympus PM-1 is my favorite since it’s a compact DSLR with 12.3 MP and the ability to take HD video and interchange lenses based on your photographic needs.  It comes with a standard 14-42 mm lens but I have my eye on a zoom lens that will allow me to capture special moments even when farther away.

Stylish Laptop Bag— Laptop bags have gone beyond the black and nylon and now come in a rainbow of colors, patterns, and stylish designs that make them more of a fashion accessory that allows them to transition from day to night and work just as well for commuting as a tote for family vacations.  Franklin Planner features totes in every style, color, and material to suit every need while shutter bug moms will love Epiphanie’s gorgeous styles that work just as well for cameras as they do for laptops.

Wireless Mouse— Since everything is wireless these days, moms don’t need to be tethered to the computer with a corded mouse.  These days, wireless mice are available to match everyone’s office décor and personality. The Logitech Global Graffiti prints found in the M325 and M310 wireless mice ($20-30) incorporate the hottest local trends and fashions while fitting comfortably in the palm on one’s hand thanks to the ergonomic design making them a great tech accessory. If mom prefers solids to prints, Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500 (less than $20) come in gorgeous limited edition colors that are sure to brighten up anyone’s day.

What are your must have tech gadgets?

Leticia Barr is the Founder of Tech Savvy Mama, a site that assists parents in navigating the ever-changing world of technology. Connect with Leticia on Twitter and Facebook.

The following is a guest post from momAgenda COMM

I remember the first computer we had in our house. My Dad has always been a techie, so we had an Apple II very early.  At the time we thought it was small compared to the computers that took up entire rooms in companies. I never imagined that in my lifetime, I would carry in my hand more power than that first Apple we ever had.

Because technology is smaller and more mobile, we have access to a world of information no matter where we are.

I love that.

Many feel that the technology takes over our lives, but I like to think of the technology as an enhancement to my life.

For example, I live in the Washington DC area which is rich with history. I wish I could say that I know everything about American history, but I don’t. As we drive around the area, my kids will ask me a question about a historical marker we see. Instead of saying, “let’s look that up when we get home,” and forgetting about it and losing a teaching moment, we look it up immediately on our phones.

That teachable moment was enhanced with technology and I think that is what makes mobile technology so exciting. Technology will continue to be more powerful and smaller which I see as a great thing. That means more information right at my fingertips.

Another benefit of mobile technology is having our own schedules and information with us at all times. As a mom of 4, it is really important for me to be able to have instant access to my schedule even when I am away from my planner. Using the momAgenda iPad App  mobile planner along with my paper planner keeps me on track and always on time.

How has technology and going “more mobile” enhanced your life?

Michele is CEO of Mom Geek Media and creator of Scraps of My Geek Life. Connect with Michele on Twitter and Facebook.

The following is a guest post from momAgenda COMM

Earlier this year, fed up with having an ad-hoc home office, I decided to turn our never-used dining room into a true home office.  We sold the dining room table, and purchased shelves and a brand-new desk, just for me!

While I absolutely love having my office in such a prominent part of our home, it’s now essential that I keep it organized and decluttered.  Here are 5 tips I follow to make sure my office isn’t cluttered or messy which you can easily follow, too:

1.     Scan it and file it.  I invested in a NeatDesk scanner to scan all receipts, documents, and business cards right to my desktop.  Then, I can put these documents away in boxes in storage, rather than in my home office. This saves a ton of space in the office itself, keeping unwanted clutter away.

2.     Keep important “stuff” at your fingertips.  I love my momAgenda Kitchen Folio because I keep essential paperwork, like the kids’ school health records and important phone numbers in an easily accessible spot. This saves the office from becoming a paper infested space and the Kitchen Folio is a sanity saver when you need to reference that important “stuff” in a snap.

3.     File all bills.  I purchased a bill book at my local office supply store, and I store all of our bills by month.  Then, when I’m ready to pay bills, I just pull out the book.  It’s a great way to make sure I don’t accidentally misplace a bill or forget to pay a bill. Again, the clutter stays away considering all bills and necessary paperwork are contained in one area.

4.     Designate a place for everything.  My home office, like most home offices, has a lot of office supplies such as printer paper, pens, binders, and folders.  Having a dedicated spot for everything helps keep my office looking neat. Purchasing some organizational resources to help you set up a functional and organized home office is a great way to maintain the space.

5.     Keep the desktop clean.  While it’s easy to pile everything on top of the desk, I try to make sure the desktop is nice and clean before I’m finished for the day. This means throwing out unnecessary papers and placing important information where it belongs – whether that’s in an organizer or a compartment within the desk. Taking a few moments at the end of each day to keep this area clean will help you maintain a clutter-free space.

How do you keep your home office uncluttered and organized?

Jodi has been blogging since 2007 and is the founder of the popular mom review blog Mom’s Favorite Stuff. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

The following is a guest post from momAgenda COMM blogger Jill Krause.

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and this is a great time of year to dust off your crafting supplies and fabric stashes. You know, before it gets too hot to move in a few months.

Here are few of my favorite Pinterest-inspired crafts for spring:

The No-Sew Knotted Headband

Pinterest link here

Original tutorial link here

I love this craft for 3 reasons. You can upcyle old t-shirts (because who out there DOESN’T have several that need to be tossed?). It’s amazingly simple, yet produces a very intricate result. Plus, you learn how to tie cool knots which I’m sure you and your little helpers could utilize in many different ways this summer!

Fathers Day Tie Wreath

Pinterest Link here

Original link here

With Mothers Day behind us, it’s time to start focusing on Dad. Now, I don’t recommend raiding Dad’s closet and robbing him of all his ties for this project (though he may be happy to see them all go), but there are plenty of ties to be found at local Goodwill and Salvation Army shops. This would be a great craft for small hands to help with, too.

Stacked Flower Pots

Pinterest Link here

Original link here

Of course, spring means flowers and gardens and beautifying your outdoor spaces. I love this simple idea so much I’m going to have to steal it! What a great way to create a substantial arrangement without spending an arm and a leg on one large pot and plant!

Embroidery Hoop Organization

Pinterest Link here

Original link here

If you’re in the mood for a little spring cleaning and organization, try putting together some of these fabric covered embroidery hoops to help organize and prettify your wall space. This is one craft I’ve already conquered. I made a hair bow organizer for my daughter out of an embroidery hoop!

Link to blog post here

Link to image here

What crafts are on your to-do list for spring? 

Jill is mostly known on the web as author of the blog Baby Rabies. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook and of course Pinterest.

The following is a guest post from momAgendaCOMM blogger Beth Anne Ballance.

After six years behind a desk, I found myself at home with a two-year-old and a new gig at Microsoft as a Product Manager. I always dreamed of working at home and with the new opportunity, I was determined to succeed. I knew that I needed time to devote to my work, but I also wanted more time with my son. I still had a house and husband that needed my attention (plus a blog and several social media partnerships). I had a lot on my plate and knew it was time to get organized.

1) Get a good planner. I live, swear, and die by my momAgenda desktop planner. I keep my schedule up top and then give my husband, son, and blog the “children” sections below. I run my to-do list on the left side of each week and menu plan at the bottom.

2) Childcare is a must. If it’s a full-time gig, get childcare. Our nanny lived with us for the three meatiest weeks of my gig where I was logging 7-14 hour days. When it settled into a more part-time job, I was able to work during nap, evenings, and outside play time.

3) Be smart about multitasking. It’s beautiful outside, your kid is going nuts and you have a metrics report due in an hour? Grab a blanket and head outside! On the nice days, Harrison played in the backyard while I sat on a blanket and fired off emails for an hour. He was happy to be outside, I was booking hours and we weren’t locked in a power struggle of misery.

4) Take advantage of the small moments. I eat faster than my son, so while he finished his lunch, I cleaned up the breakfast and lunch dishes. While he watched 30 minutes of Curious George in the morning, I made the beds and tossed in a load of laundry before settling down to my Outlook account. If I was waiting on a response to an email, I’d write while waiting for my email to ping a new message.

5) Keep a family planner. We keep the momAgenda home office planner in the kitchen, laid out the same way as my personal desktop planner. That way, my husband can always see what’s on tap for the coming weeks. He can also add in his golf tournaments, days he’ll work late and any requests he has for dinner.

5) Sometimes being alive & employed at the end of the day is good enough. The kid is filthy and ate junk all day – and spent way too much time in front of the Disney channel? It’s cool. He’s still alive. My email is full and I had to shut myself in the bathroom to take a conference call? It’s cool. I’m still employed. Tomorrow is another chance to do great things!

6)  Dare I mention to enjoy?  The best time of my life was spent in the mornings laughing over breakfast with my little boy, and then opening up my laptop to delve into a challenge.  Working at home is full of obstacles, but nothing that a little planning and organization can’t contain.  It truly is the best of both worlds.

I am so thankful for the time I spent at home this past spring, working while being home with my little boy.  I’m forever indebted to the skills I gained at Microsoft and the confidence the position brought.  Recently, I went back to a full-time office position that I love, but I will always remember those spring afternoons in our backyard, laptop in hand and momma-eye on my little boy.

Beth Anne Ballance is a born and bred Southern Belle. She blogs at The Heir to Blair using words and pictures to celebrate the challenges of motherhood and the joy of life. Connect with Beth  Anne on Twitter and Facebook.

The following is a guest post from momAgendaCOMM blogger Toni Patton.

Spring is here which means it’s time to put away the heavy coats and sweaters and bring out the sandals and fun colors. Having grown up in Florida, I am a big fan of Spring and Summer so today I want to share with you three looks I think are great for busy moms. Whether you are looking for a daytime simple, but fun look or nighttime ensemble, chic spring is the time to get back into the “spring” of things!

First up for a daytime casual are jean shorts and tank tops. Pair it with the shoe of your choice and some fun bright accessories and you’ll look casual with a side of fabulous.

Check out this look I shared on Pinterest doing just that:

Next up is possibly one of my favorite clothing articles to bring out in spring…the sundress. Cute, comfy and casual – It’s perfect for around the house or Sunday morning services. I love to pair my sundresses with just a few accessories, sandals and a floppy hat (when out in the sun). It’s such an easy look to create and the possibilities are endless with sundresses. You can even take the look and make it appropriate for night time by adding heels and vamped up accessories.

Check out this fun daytime look:

Finally, a mom needs a night out. This is the time of year when we all come out of winter hibernation with a fresh look on life. Whether you and the special someone in your life want to have a date night sans kids or you need that girl time with your friends, it’s fun to get a little gussied up! Whether you are going to hit dinner and a movie or hit the hotspot in town, a touch of gold is perfect for springtime fun.

And sometimes, it’s not the outfit itself that does the talking but the shoes and accessories as seen here:

No matter if you are staying home, hitting the beach for a stroll, or heading out to have some fun, Spring is one season where you can really shine in the fashion department! Don’t forget to use your momAgenda Desktop to keep track of the sales! What’s even better than donning cute looks this spring is getting them on sale of course!

What are some of your favorite fashion tips for spring?

Toni shares stories about parenting, life and everything in between on her blog A Daily Dose of Toni. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.

He stood at the front of the classroom, crowded with 3^rd graders and their parents, and with an impish grin, stated the name of his poem: “Jenna – A Rapping Poem.”

And then he started swinging his hips wildly back and forth while reciting his “rap” about his beloved older sister, Jenna. The whole room burst out laughing so no one could hear the words of his poem, but that was ok, because the words didn’t really matter. I laughed so hard that my video is messed up… I could not hold the camera still. I could see the pride on my baby’s face. He was original and real, and he made everyone laugh.

It was a precious, priceless moment for me. I was so proud of my little guy for being himself up there. We sometimes joke about the slightly different expectations of him, given he’s the 4^th child. I can admit that while he is good enough student, he is not particularly serious about school, and you know what? I am totally ok with that.

So when one of the moms approached me afterward and made a snide comment, which I will not repeat here because she might read this blog, I was flabbergasted.

So let me go on record with something. If my kid being funny in the poetry slam doesn’t fit into your mold of what a “good student” looks like, then listen… I don’t give a crap. I have never heard of a study in which 3^rd graders who were serious about poetry went on to find success, happiness and love later in life.

Here are my desires for my kids: I desire for each of them to be themselves, to live with open hearts, to find happiness and love, to find success as they define it.

If my 4^th kid is funny, if he makes light of the poetry slam, you know how that makes me feel? It makes me feel proud. It makes me feel like celebrating him. Because he is not afraid to be himself. He is not afraid to look silly. Having fun is an important part of life for him – imagine that! In my opinion, we need more people like Jamie in our stressed-out, perfectionist world.

There was a time in my life when I thought the most important qualities in my kids were their intelligence, and their ambition to succeed in school and in their extracurricular activities. I now know that was a projection on my part; if they were successful, that meant I was successful as a mom.

Now I know that nothing is more important than my kids learning to be themselves. Their imperfect, sometimes silly, sometimes smart, sometimes funny little selves.

The following is a guest post from momAgendaCOMM

Having two sets of twins that are three years apart, it is no easy task to find a summer program that fits our needs.  Last year, the camp that we chose turned out to be a disaster! My kids hated it. They were completely bored and they affectionately nicknamed it “prison camp.” Now, whenever we drive by they close their eyes and frown at the camp.

Because lots of programs in the area do not accept kids under 6 and my boys were only 5 at the time, we tried a church based camp. It was free, but they did not live up to our expectations. My kids have warned me that I better not send them back to that camp. And that is fine with me because I just want them to be happy. The girls attended a couple of awesome camps that I will look into again this year since the boys will be 6 and they will easily be admitted.

However, since I am no longer working a 9-5 job I am considering finding a flexible camp that will let them come only part-time since I will be able to spend more time with them. Of course, the challenge then is finding things to keep busy. Since my own schedule is so busy, I plan to actually schedule time to get things done with my kids. Yes, appointments with my own kids are necessary. If your schedule looks like mine, think about these 3 simple tips to help you find balance:

1. Schedule time with your kids and put it on your calendar now. To keep track of my own schedule and my kids summer schedule, I plan to use my http://www.momagenda.com/products.cfm?cID=21&pID=90” momAgenda Desktop to plan some fun things to do on my calendar. Of course plans might change because scheduling things over a month in advance can get tricky. But, at least it can be used as a guide.

Some things that I have planned (in my head, so far) to do with the kids include:

• A train ride downtown to Millennium Park
• A trip to the Brookfield Zoo
• A trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo
• A boat trip up the Chicago river and around the lake front
• A trip to Six Flags Great America
• At least 3 days to hang at the beach
• And maybe even a weekend road trip

2. Make sure that all of your own appointments are up to date. There are many things coming up that we might know about a month or more in advance. RSVP early, and get it added to your calendar right away so that you will not forget. Summer time in Chicago is a busy time for events and outings. I already have things on my calendar into August. And that is just the beginning!

3. Coordinate time with Daddy. Make sure that planning family outings matches up to Daddy’s schedule, too. Add it to his calendar and remind him often. There’s nothing worse than having a great day planned, then having to change it because you did not know about the “xyz meeting” across town.
Besides outings and fun, I have several things that I would like to get done around the house and I want the kids to help me. The two main areas are to clean out the garage and the basement. There is so much valuable space there that could be used for fun rather than storage. We have lived in this house for almost six years. Some items got banished to the basement never to be heard from again. My kids think it is fun to hang out in the basement (go figure), so I plan to make a day of it. We can hang out down there if we get the job done.

And of course summer means that there has to be fun for Mommy! Although I have a very busy few months planned with hosting events, I also have some fun planned. This July/August will be my 20 year class reunion. Yes, 20 years! At the beginning of August I will be on a cruise to the Bahamas to celebrate. I am very much looking forward to relaxing under the sun without 4 kids calling my name. I will plan to get a massage and just try not to think about my to-do list.

Ahhh….

What do you have planned for your family for the summer and what’s your secret to keeping the family organized this time of year?

Kris Cain is a member of the Council of Media Moms at momAgenda. She writes about technology and her busy life on her blog, Little Tech Girl. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

The following is a guest post from momAgenda COMM blogger Kim-Marie Evans.

 It’s no secret that we travel a lot – or as my husband says, “Too much.”

I’m often asked how we do it.

Am I a closet crack addict? Do I have a team of secret nannies that I never talk about? Why would I want to be constantly on the road with small cranky kids? Am I on the lamb?

We travel because we can, because it makes memories, because you only get one life.

Do you remember what you had for breakfast? What you wore yesterday? What you did in the afternoon?

Me neither.

But I vividly remember the night I woke up my then 7 year old daughter, carried her down the beach in our hotel robes and watched a midnight lunar eclipse.

The first time my littlest slept through the night? That would be in his car seat in a closet in a Puerto Rican hotel (I will deny this if you call the authorities). The time my son started a vomit domino effect while I was driving to the ski resort in a snowstorm? Yep, remember that too.

The memories aren’t all sunshine and roses, but they are almost always funny, at least in retrospect.  Family travel is one of the few times we are making collective memories. We have dinner together every night, we try new things; snails, parasailing, the Tower of Terror…

We talk.

We nap.

We fight.

But for that moment in time, we are suspended from reality, all sharing the same little bubble we’ve created together and writing the story of our family that will be re-read for years to come.

Kim-Marie Evans is a New York area mom who writes about tips and tricks to make traveling with a large family easier on her blog The Luxury Travel Mom. Connect with Kim-Marie on Twitter and Facebook.

Heather Reinhard

The following is a guest post from momAgendaCOMM leader, Heather Reinhard.

If you’re a Mom, you know the drill…

Sometimes, Mother’s Day is unlike any other day. It often doesn’t feel super special because somehow, we *still* end up still chasing after the kids, changing diapers and cleaning up the meal we slaved over a stove to make. There have been certain years in which I remember not getting out of the kitchen and there’s something very wrong with this picture, especially when we find ourselves doting on the men on Father’s Day which is their special day.

But what about us?

We may be lucky enough to get the day off from having to do the laundry on Mother’s Day, but somehow – those men in our lives don’t always pamper us the way we should be pampered, especially on our special day.

Mother’s Day is the ONE day a year we get a free pass.

A free pass to do absolutely nothing.

And of course, let’s not forget we do love to receive gifts and we would never say no to that little blue box from Tiffany’s, a fabulous designer handbag or a new pair of heels because we are women – we love and DESERVE some shiny new jewelry, a fabulous new bag or those designer pumps.

But what we love even more than perhaps the latest fashion trend is to be appreciated.

We want to feel valued for the absolute hard work and sacrifices we make for our children and families every single day.

We want to be respected for the job we do as moms – whether we work in the home or out of the home, ALL moms work 24/7. And we work hard.

Damn hard.

It’s *the* toughest job on the planet.

And you know what we want even more than some respect and appreciation?

We want some damn help.

And now, we’re speaking directly to the MEN in our lives:

That’s right, on Mother’s Day, we want YOU to scrub a toilet, take the garbage out and clean the dishes. We want YOU to fold the laundry, make the kids lunches and help with their homework. We want YOU to plan, shop and cook for a meal – and even clean up afterwards.

We want YOU to take charge when it comes down to making all of the appointments, calling the teacher and shopping for that birthday party gift.

We want YOU to do it all for one day.

One measly day, so we can put our feet up and do absolutely nothing.

That’s what moms REALLY want on Mother’s Day – so guys, skip the jewelry and those fancy shoes because the fact is, giving us a 24 hour much needed and well deserved break is worth its weight in gold.

Heather is the Leader of the Council of Media Moms and owner of the popular parenting blog Theta Mom. She also owns her own business at Theta Mom Media. Connect with Heather on Twitter and Facebook.