http://www.feedpublish.com/preview.php?id=13014 en-us Fri, 16 May 2008 10:33:17 CDT 5 http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?alink=103 MTIxMDk1MTk5Nw==QWR2ZXJ0aXNlbWVudDogU2xpZGUgaW4gQmFubmVyIEV4Y2hhbmdl Fri, 16 May 2008 10:33:17 CDT
Webmasters get the most from you traffic. Join our free slide in traffic exchange. ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10417 MTE5OTM0MDAwMA==UHVtcGluZyBhdCBXb3JrOiBDb250aW51ZSBCcmVhc3RmZWVkaW5nIEFmdGVyIFlvdXIgUmV0dXJuIHRvIHRoZSBPZmZpY2UgLSBUaXBzIGFuZCBhZHZpY2UgZm9yIG1ha2luZyBwdW1waW5nIHdvcmsgZm9yIHlvdQ== Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Did you know that only 10 percent of nursing moms in the US are still breastfeeding at six months? A year ago, I returned to work and sent my 4-month-old baby (we'll call her DD) to daycare, with the plan to express breastmilk for her for at least a year. Of eight babies in her class, only two had bottles of expressed breast milk at six months. Now she's 15 months old, and we're still nursing. Click here to read more: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1595 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10418 MTE5OTM0MDAwMA==RmluZCBDb3VyYWdlIHRvIEJ1aWxkIHRoZSBOZXR3b3JrIFlvdSBOZWVkIC0gVGhlIHNraWxscyBhcmUgdGhlIHNhbWUgaW4gdGhlIGJvYXJkcm9vbSBhbmQgaW4gdGhlIHNhbmRib3g= Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST As I sat with the other moms in the hallway, waiting for our little ones to awaken from their naps, my palms were actually sweating. The other moms sat chatting, happily. They all knew each other, they all liked each other. The kids played together, the moms exchanged anecdotes and advice. This was where you found out why your little one had bad breath (who knew post-nasal drip could cause that?), got the scoop on the best babysitters and schools, found blessed reassurance that your child's behavior really wasn't pathological. Here it was, right in front of me: the Mommy Network, the Holy Grail of advice and play dates and hand-me-downs, and sanity -- and I didn't have one. Click here to read more: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1589 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10419 MTE5OTM0MDAwMA==QWN0IERlbGliZXJhdGVseSBhbmQgSW50ZW50aW9uYWxseSB0byBBY2hpZXZlIFlvdXIgR29hbHMgLSBZb3UgY2FuJ3QgcmVzb2x2ZSB0byBkbyBzb21ldGhpbmcgaWYgeW91IGFyZW4ndCBjb21taXR0ZWQgdG8gZG9pbmcgaXQsIHRvby4= Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST "There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstances permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results." -- Art Turock I am not a fan of New Year's resolutions. According to a telephone study conducted by Opinion Research Corporation, more than 75 percent of US adults (18 years and older) plan to make one or more New Year's resolutions for 2008. This is despite the fact that, of those who made resolutions for 2007, more than half failed to keep them. Top resolutions that people made and failed at in 2007 include: Increasing exercise (51 percent failed), eating healthier (58 percent failed), saving money (52 percent failed), spending more time with family (57 percent failed), and enjoying leisure (54 percent) failed. Click here to read more: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1588 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10420 MTE5OTM0MDAwMA==TWFuYWdlIFlvdXIgTW9uZXkgQXMgWW91IEdyb3cgWW91ciBCdXNpbmVzcyAtIDcgdGlwcyB0byBoZWxwIHlvdSBrZWVwIHlvdXIgZXllIG9uIHRoZSBjYXNo Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST When I first started out in business, I imagined my biggest challenge would be making money. Fortunately, for me, that wasn't the case. By listening to my customers needs and responding with products and services to meet those demands, I was able to pass that test. It wasn't easy. But I can still remember how I felt when I received our first check. I had made it and now I could take a deep breath -- or so I thought. What I didn't realize was that my challenges had only just begun. Managing the cash flow, and keeping my own cash for as long as possible, turned out to be as challenging as making the money to begin with. Through the years, I discovered several lessons – some of them hard-learned – about how to manage cash in a growing business. Here's what I learned: My seven secrets to managing your cash as you grow your business. Click here to read more: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1586 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10421 MTE5OTM0MDAwMA==QXZvaWRpbmcgRmFpbHVyZSAtIEZpdmUgdGlwcyB0byBoZWxwIHlvdSBzdGljayB3aXRoIHlvdXIgTmV3IFllYXIncyBSZXNvbHV0aW9ucw== Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Are your New Year's resolutions off to a strong start, or have you given up already? Hopefully, you are committed to achieving your goals and are off and running. But many people soon forget their resolutions. There are many reasons that resolutions fail so quickly; let's take a look at the most common sources of failure and how you can overcome each one. Click here to read more: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1583 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10602 MTE5OTQyNjQwMA==RnJlZWxhbmNpbmcgYW5kIE1hdGVybml0eSBMZWF2ZSAtIFNlY29uZCBpbiBhIHNlcmllcyBmb3IgZXhwZWN0YW50IG1vbXM= Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Freelancers are notorious for not being able to "turn off" work. The talented and pretty Mir talks about this all the time -- the fact that,as a freelancer, company holidays, sick time, and even real vacations just cease to exist. To read more go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1622 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10603 MTE5OTQyNjQwMA==V2FudGVkOiBUd28gTW9yZSBvZiBNZSAtIEEgY291cGxlIG9mIGNsb25lcyB3b3VsZCBtYWtlIG15IGxpZmUgc28gbXVjaCBlYXNpZXIh Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST I have an organizational website filled with lists and planning pages. While I use these lists myself and feel ever so grateful to have them available to me, what I really need is a clone or two. Each one of us would have a full plate of responsibilities. Each one of us would squeeze as much out of our day as possible. At night, we would go to bed knowing that we had been productive, done our jobs to the best of our abilities, and accomplished much. The responsibilities would be distributed as follows: To read more go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1621 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10601 MTE5OTUxMjgwMA==QmxvZ2dpbmcgZm9yIEJlZ2lubmluZ3MgLSBIb3cgdG8gZ2V0IHlvdXIgb3duIHdlYmxvZyB1cCBhbmQgcnVubmluZw== Sat, 05 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST What is a blog? I can't tell you how many times someone has asked me this with a look of complete confusion on her face. Maybe it is a strange word but it is actually a neat concept loved by many people out there today. Blogs are becoming increasingly popular. To read more go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1626 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10596 MTE5OTY4NTYwMA==TmV3IFllYXJzIFJlc29sdXRpb25zPyBOZXR3b3JrIFRoZW0sIE1vbSE= Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST It's that time again, when we assess our accomplishments, review the to-do list from last year, and chart our paths for the next 12 months. As we do that, we need to remember to keep the resolutions reasonable and to craft a plan for achieving them. And our networks must figure prominently in those plans. To put it bluntly, our networks offer the single best resource for meeting both our professional and our personal goals for 2008. For example: To read more go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1657 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10597 MTE5OTY4NTYwMA==VGhlIEFydCBvZiBXZWF2aW5nIFlvdXIgTmV0d29yayBieSBTYW5keSBTcGFkYXJv Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST One of the best ways to keep the doors of opportunity open is to ensure the flow of prospects, events and leads. You must constantly expand your network of contacts and think of them as an investment with which you can hope to someday collect a return. This process has been recently coined “Net-Weaving” rather than networking. Help your quest to expand your woven network of prospects by following these guidelines: To read more go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1656 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10598 MTE5OTY4NTYwMA==SGVscCEgV2hhdCBJZiBUaGlzIFdhcyBBIEh1Z2UgTWlzdGFrZT8gYnkgTmFvbWkgRHVuZm9yZA== Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST You did what you were supposed to do. You learned how to write a business plan. You hired a really nerdy looking accountant. You analyzed and you brainstormed and you thought until you couldn't think anymore. You knew totally, absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt that starting your own business was the right thing to do. Now, you're terrified and weepy and snarking at the kidlets. You're overwhelmed and exhausted. You see begging for food scraps on the street corner in your not-too-distant future. You're starting to think that maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. What do you do? To read more go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1653 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10599 MTE5OTY4NTYwMA==QSBMb29rIGF0IEJsb2cgQWR2ZXJ0aXNpbmc6IEdvb2dsZSAtIEZpcnN0IGluIGEgdGhyZWUtcGFydCBzZXJpZXM= Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Let's be honest here: I'm a mom, I'm an entrepreneur, I'm a small-business owner, I'm a blogger ... I'm a lot of things, but I'm not an expert at online advertising. That said, I have experimented a lot with ads on my websites, and I get a lot of email on the subject, so I thought I'd share my experiences with you. Let's start with the King of them all: Google. To read more go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1642 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10600 MTE5OTY4NTYwMA==RGVhbGluZyB3aXRoIFdvcmtpbmcgTW9tIEd1aWx0IC0gbWVtYmVycyBzaGFyZSAxMCB0aXBzIHRoYXQgaGF2ZSBoZWxwZWQgdGhlbSBjb3Bl Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST No matter whether you're working full-time outside of the home or freelancing an article a week from the computer in your family room, as a working mom you have to deal with something that most men don't: Guilt. Our members took a moment to talk about the ways they did – or didn't – cope with it. 1.) Accept that you can't be all things to all people. It might not make you feel guilt-free, KathyHowe says, but it's a start. To read more go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1641 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10594 MTE5OTc3MjAwMA==RmluZGluZyBhIENvYWNoIGZvciBZb3VyIExpZmU= Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST In recent years, the coaching industry has grown by leaps and bounds. This is largely due to the fact that professionals and executives can see the value that coaching offers them, both personally and professionally. In a world driven by measurable results, a positive return on investment is an attractive proposition for any businessperson. Now, people outside of the business arena are seeing the value of coaching in helping them achieve their goals and create the life they desire. To read more go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1667 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10595 MTE5OTc3MjAwMA==VXNpbmcgdGhlIEdseWNlbWljIEluZGV4IGJ5IE1lcmkgUmFmZmV0dG8gUkQsIExETg== Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST The glycemic index is gaining a lot of speed as a new health trend. We are seeing more and more articles about it, and many new diet and weight loss programs are using the concept. So, what is the glycemic index? To read more go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1658 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10611 MTE5OTg1ODQwMA==Q2hvb3NpbmcgQmV3dGVlbiBBIEtpZCBhbmQgQSBDYXJlZXIgYnkgUGVuZWxvcGUgVHJ1bms= Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST It was one of those nights when my husband rolled over to my side of the bed. Usually this is the first step toward the grand maintenance of our fairly normal marriage. But this night was different. On this night I said, “I can't. It'll ruin my career.” “Huh?” He was baffled and not quite stopped in his tracks. “What about me hosting that TV show?” I said. “I can't be pregnant.” To read more please click here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1677 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10617 MTE5OTk0NDgwMA==UG9kY2FzdGluZy4uLldoYXQncyBJdCBBbGwgQWJvdXQ/ICBieSBUYW1teSBNdW5zb24= Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST What's all the hype? Well, podcasting can get confusing easily, that's for sure. But it's really pretty simple. Podcasting is a means by which to distribute audio or video files. The term is a combination of the words "broadcast" and "Ipod" (because of the popularity of the Ipod and they way it could be used to broadcast information and music). Podcasts can be radio shows or video productions; they're posted online, where they can be downloaded or listened to via a virtual player such as a multimedia player on the website itself or on a person's personal computer or handheld device, like an MP3 player or an Ipod. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1693 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10618 MTE5OTk0NDgwMA==SG93IHRvIEtlZXAgWW91ciBCbG9nIE51bWJlcnMgVXA/IEJ5IEJsb2dnaW5nISBieSBBbWFuZGE= Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST One thing every blogger finds out is that the best way to keep your blog in business is by blogging! Its a simple statement but true! Who wants to read a static blog? I sure as heck don't! I try to update Pajama Mommy as often as possible without annoying you readers! But I have a devised a plan that has helped me prepare for my future posts. To read more please go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1694 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10633 MTIwMDAzMTIwMA==NSBGbGF0LUJlbGx5IEZvb2RzIGJ5IFByZXZlbnRpb24gTWFnYXppbmU= Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST To the ancient Greeks, olive oil was liquid gold. For the Aztecs, chocolate was sacred. Almonds were prized by Egypt's pharaohs, and avocados have symbolized fertility for centuries. These can't-live-without-'em foods share more than history; they also share unique health properties. They're packed with monounsaturated fatty acids (also known as MUFAs, pronounced MOO-fahs), those good-for-you fats that protect you from chronic disease and, according to new research, can help you lose fat, specifically around your middle. That's why they're at the heart of the Flat Belly Diet, a unique Prevention-tested weight loss plan To read more please click here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1711 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10634 MTIwMDAzMTIwMA==QnJpZGdpbmcgVGVjaG5vbG9neSBHYXBzIFdoZW4gUmV0dXJuaW5nIHRvIFdvcmsgYnkgQ2Fyb2wgQ29oZW4gYW5kIFZpdmlhbiBSYWJpbg== Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST In this new era of technology, moms who decide to leave the workplace need to pay special attention to staying up-to-date in their fields. At iRelaunch, we recommend that moms subscribe to general and specific publications and websites in their fields as a first step to getting back up to speed. Of course, the publications to get depend on the field to which you are returning. For me in finance, I re-subscribed to the Wall Street Journal and read it cover to cover for a good six months before I felt I had a handle on the current business environment. I also studied finance texts and even some of my old business school finance materials to review basic terms, definitions, and especially mathematical calculations. To read more please click here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1712 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10651 MTIwMDIwNDAwMA==RGVhbGluZyB3aXRoIENyaXRpY2lzbSBhdCBXb3JrIGJ5IEppbGwgRnJhbms= Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Everyone who has been employed has had to deal with negative feedback or rejection. Because we tend to merge our identities with our career, it can be a personal blow to our self-esteem when we are criticized at work. Whether it's a job rejection, poor performance appraisal, or office gossip, it doesn't usually bring out our best side. I have to admit, I've never been a particularly organized person. I've been to so many classes that I could teach one. These issues have followed me from school to work, never going unnoticed. At one point, the work "feedback" would make me break out in a cold sweat. To read more please go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1734 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10658 MTIwMDI5MDQwMA==VGFrZSBDaGFyZ2Ugb2YgWW91ciBDaGlsZCdzIEVkdWNhdGlvbiBieSBPTkVzaWU= Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST The political campaigns of 2008 are focusing a tremendous amount of attention on early childhood education in America. These politicians are filling their speeches with promise after promise of what the government can and should do to provide universal preschool for everyone. I am encouraged by these speeches, but feel like the emphasis on universal programs is financially impossible. Historically, our nation has only been able to fund preschool for the low-income sector, and even those programs (i.e., Head Start) haven't produced the results promised. To read more please click here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1755 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10652 MTIwMDI5MDQwMA==Rm9yZ2V0IFJlc29sdXRpb25zIC0tIENyYWZ0IGEgTGlmZSBUaGVtZSBJbnN0ZWFkIGJ5IExpc2EgTWFydGlu Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Forget making New Year's resolutions. They rarely work because they are often based on "shoulds" isntead of the bigger picture of your life. What I've found does work is creating a life theme for the year ahead. Your life theme will be your overriding intention or "big picture" focus for the upcoming months. It has an expiration date of December 31, when you'll get a chance to re-evaluate your direction. Having a life theme is like having a personal mission statement for your whole life, personal and professional, updated annually. A life theme works because it takes into consideration and connects all your intentions for the year in a succinct and powerful phrase that describes what you want to accomplish in all areas of your life and cements your main priorities with intended action. Here are a few examples: To read more please click here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1747 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10653 MTIwMDI5MDQwMA==QSBMb29rIEF0IEJsb2cgQWR2ZXJ0aXNpbmc6IEFkYnJpdGUsIEZlZWRidXJuZXIsIGFuZCBCbG9nSGVyIGJ5IEplc3NpY2E= Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Last week, we talked about Google Adsense for Content. Ready for more? I ran ads from Adbrite for quite a while on my blog, Kerflop. I experimented with them a little bit on my business websites, including Very Baby, but found they slowed down the load times too much. I liked Adbrite, I was able to approve or disapprove advertisers, set my own rates, and choose whether or not to display text link ads only or allow banner ads. To read more please click here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1750 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10659 MTIwMDM3NjgwMA==Rml0dGluZyBpbiBFeGVyY2lzZSBEdXJpbmcgdGhlIENvbGQgV2ludGVyIE1vbnRocyBieSBNZXJpIFJhZmZldHRvIFJELCBMRE4= Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Do you have a difficult time fitting in exercise during the winter months? I do. It is primarily because I don't like to be cold and all the exercise I typically do is outdoors. The winter time feels more like the time to cozy up on the couch with a comfy blanket and good book. However, January is also the time for New Year's resolutions, and number one on most people's list is to get back into shape. So, if you're like me and you don't like being cold, nor do you love going to the gym, I've come up with a few simple ideas to get in some activity at home. To read more please click here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1766 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10692 MTIwMDQ2MzIwMA==SG93IHRvIFRlbGwgWW91ciBDaGlsZHJlbiBUaGF0IFlvdSBBcmUgR2V0dGluZyBEaXZvcmNlZCBieSBTaGFubm9uIEh1dHRvbiwgTS5FZC4sIE0uUC5BLg== Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Divorce can be awful, and telling your kids is a very difficult part of the process. However, there are many things you can do to prepare for the conversation and to minimize your children's feelings of uncertainty, fear, confusion, anger, and guilt. While many parents are anxious to “just get it over with,” it is very important to resolve certain issues before telling your children you are getting divorced. You need to be able to answer your children's questions clearly and confidently, so they feel safe and secure going into the monumental life changes ahead of them. Here are some of the questions you should be able to answer before you talk to your children: To read more please go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1787 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10694 MTIwMDQ2MzIwMA==UmV0dXJuaW5nIHRvIFdvcms6IFdoYXQgTmV3IE1vbXMgTmVlZCB0byBLbm93IGFib3V0IEhpcmluZyBhIE5hbm55IGJ5IFN0ZXZlbiBMYW1wZXJ0 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST New moms who work outside of the home will likely find that they need to start looking into hiring a nanny while they're still on maternity leave. There are several advantages to choosing a nanny over daycare, but the idea of hiring a nanny may also bring with it a great deal of anxiety and concern. Hiring a nanny does not need to be traumatic, however, and in fact can mean expanding one's family to include a loving caregiver for a new baby. To read more please click here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1792 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10695 MTIwMDU0OTYwMA==Q2FzaGluZyBJbiBPbiBZb3VyIEV4cGVyaWVuY2UgYXMgYSBNb20gYnkgUGFyZW50UHJlbmV1cg== Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Staying home and taking care of the kids is a tough job, but for many families it is also tough on the finances. For those who can perhaps afford to stay home, the lack of mental challenge can get frustrating. But what most women don't realize is that while changing diapers, running carpools, and fixing dinner day after day may feel like a brain drain, you're actually building skills you can use to start your own business. To read more please click here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1808 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10696 MTIwMDU0OTYwMA==S2lkcyBSZWFsbHkgRG8gR3JvdyB1cCBGYXN0ISBieSBKZW5uaWZlciBUYW5rZXJzbGV5 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST When my oldest child was born, just over 6 years ago, everywhere I went I could count on one thing: People would look at us, smile, and say, “They grow up so fast.” I knew it was true and tried my best to remind myself each time I heard it that I needed to cherish every day I had with my little one. To read more please click here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1809 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10709 MTIwMDU0OTYwMA==V29yZC1vZi1Nb3V0aCBNYXJrZXRpbmcgUmVhbGx5IFdvcmtzISBieSBBbm5lIEZsb3Jlbnphbm8= Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST I had a great experience recently with a merchant, and realized that it is a perfect example of how word-of-mouth marketing can help a company succeed. Bear with me; it's a bit of a story. I've been drinking a lot of tea lately. While shopping in December, I stopped for lunch at a local cafe. I ordered some Prairie Passion tea. It was so good -- I mean really good! After lunch, I complimented the waitress on the tea and asked if they sold it at the restaurant. She said that they didn't, but gave me the name of the company and told me I could order it directly from them. To read more please go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1817 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10708 MTIwMDYzNjAwMA==TW9tcHJlbmV1cnMgYXJlIGEgaG90IGNvbW1vZGl0eSBieSBNYW1hIFplbg== Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Once again, I have found myself on the cutting edge with no idea how I got there. At some point, while I was staring bleary-eyed at the computer and praying for naptime to last just 10 minutes longer, working at home became the next big thing. In short, “momprenuers” are hot! To read more please go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1826 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10754 MTIwMDgwODgwMA==TGV0IFRoZW0gQmUgTGl0dGxlIGJ5IE1hcnlQ Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST He was the sweetest little fellow, this tot in my daycare. Big blue eyes, porcelain complexion but for the blush of pink on his cheeks, saucy grin and impish sense of humor. Just a sweetie, all round. And then he started coming to daycare with his hair gelled. Now, I have nothing against hair gel, per se. We are a family of curly-headed people, my kids more than me these days, but we know from hair gel. To read more please go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1849 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10755 MTIwMDg5NTIwMA==TGluZHNheSBEYXZlbnBvcnQ6IFRoZSBNZWRpYSdzIE5ldyBXb3JraW5nIE1vbSBEYXJsaW5nPyBieSBTYXJh Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST The media loves its working mothers. Last year it was actress Jennifer Garner. This year, it seems that all media eyes are focused on tennis star Lindsay Davenport and her amazing run up to the Australian Open last week. True, her career “comeback” has been quite remarkable since the birth of her son, Jagger, last June. She was a stellar 19-1 until her recent loss to Maria Sharapova at the Australian Open. As a result, she's now the highest-paid female athlete – in any sport – of all time, and she's shown that for some mothers out there it's not that hard to lose the baby weight and put on the muscle. (Full disclosure: I didn't have a hard time losing the weight, but I definitely am lacking in the muscle category.) To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1858 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10756 MTIwMDg5NTIwMA==QmxvZyBBZHZlcnRpc2luZzogVGhlIHJlc3Qgb2YgdGhlIGJ1bmNoIGJ5IEplc3NpY2E= Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST I'm not an expert at online advertising, though I do play one on my blog. We've already touched on Google Adsense, Adbrite, Feedburner, and BlogHerAds -- they're the big companies who take care of all the legwork for you. But sometimes, an individual or smaller company may contact you directly and ask if they can pay you to put ads on your website. And at first you think, "Heck yeah!" because, hello, free money! But let's examine this, OK?To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1862 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10757 MTIwMDg5NTIwMA==SXQncyBHb25uYScgQmUgYSBIYXBweSBOZXcgWWVhcg== Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Shortly after we've entered January of each new year, I hear a common lament from women clients, colleagues, and friends. Here's one version (substitute in your own story and details): “Debra, help. What should I do? Last year, I vowed to be in a very different place professionally by year's end. I planned to get advanced certification. To network and float my resume. I got distracted planning my wedding. After that, I back-burnered career goals to train for a half-marathon. Then, I decided to spend more time volunteering in my second-grader's classroom vs. going after that new dream client—I'm making enough to get by, so why be greedy? There's always spring, or summer—I'll get around to my career goals. They'll wait. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1863 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10758 MTIwMDg5NTIwMA==TXkgNSBTZWNyZXRzIHRvIEZhYnVsb3VzIEZpbmFuY2lhbHM= Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Hello Work It, Mom! members. I'm very excited to have found such a resourceful community that I can identify with. Everyone has been so helpful and friendly, especially Nataly, so I can't wait to browse around and meet more of you. I, of course, am a working (single) mom who's an executive by day, a personal finance blogger by night, and a dedicated mom to my teenage daughter (aka BabyGirl) 24/7. To learn more about me, I welcome you to check out my Work It, Mom profile or my personal finance blog, Fabulous Financials. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1870 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10759 MTIwMDk4MTYwMA==UmVkdWNpbmcgeW91ciBDYW5jZXIgUmlzayBieSBNZXJpIFJhZmZldHRvIFJELCBMRE4= Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Second to heart disease, cancer is a leading cause of illness and death in the united states accounting for one in four deaths. Recent data shows one in three adults have cancer; most of us know at least one person who has fought the disease. Cancer is characterized by abnormal cell growth that can spread throughout the body, damaging internal organs and body tissue. It begins when a single cell splits abnormally and no longer functions as it should. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1884 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10761 MTIwMTA2ODAwMA==V2hpbGUgWW91J3JlIE91dCwgS2VlcCBZb3VyIEZvb3QgSW4gdGhlIERvb3IgYnkgTGVlIFRocmFzaA== Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Today in my OB's office, I overheard a 38-weeker scheduling her next visit. She could do morning or evening, she said, because she was on leave now. Lucky woman! My green-eyed monster jumped over and ate her. (Hey, at 35 weeks I'm pretty vicious.) I want to be on leave now, too! This is my second time around, so I already know the relief of not having to wear pressed pants and heels every day for 12 blessed weeks. To read more please click here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1908 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10762 MTIwMTA2ODAwMA==UXVpY2sgVGlwczogV2hhdCBuZXctbW9tcy10by1iZSBzaG91bGQgYXNrIGF0IHRoZSBob3NwaXRhbCBieSBXb3JrIEl0LCBNb20hIFRlYW0= Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST About to have a baby? Work It, Mom! members have been there... here's a list of 10 tried-and-true questions to ask and things to look for when you visit the hospital or birthing center. Print it out and take it with you! 1.) Amybow suggests asking what the hospital's policy is regarding visitors. Where do they check in? What are the visiting hours? Is your husband a visitor, or can he stay with you the whole time? If you're in a shared room, can he still stay in with you overnight? "Fortunately, my hospital allowed it," she says. "Unfortunately, they required proper PJs, so my hubby spent the night sleeping in my maternity yoga pants." To read more please click here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1909 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10763 MTIwMTA2ODAwMA==NyBXYXlzIHRvIEluY3JlYXNlIHlvdXIgUGVyc29uYWwgUFIgYXQgV29yayBieSBKaWxsIEZyYW5r Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Self-promotion isn't something you should shy away from, especially if your goal is to get ahead at work. Putting yourself in front of executives who can have a positive impact on your career is vital to corporate advancement. But make sure you do it properly. Consider the image you want to project. Do you want to be seen as visionary? Decisive? A leader? Once you've determined the image that will compliment your career goals, plan to involve yourself in a few activities to will bring you the right exposure and get you noticed at work. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1910 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10794 MTIwMTE1NDQwMA==RG9uJ3QgTGV0IFlvdXIgU2VsZiBFc3RlZW0gQmVjb21lIGEgQ2FzdWFsdHkgb2YgRGl2b3JjZSBieSBDb2FjaExpc2E= Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST The reason for and the process of divorce is as varied as the shape of snowflakes. There is however a commonality among most divorce survivors: low self-esteem. Almost everyone I have spoken to or have coached around divorce recovery have low self-esteem in common. Therefore, one of the first steps in divorce recovery should be rebuilding your self-esteem. How do you go about rebuilding your self esteem, especially during an emotionally low point such as divorce? To read more please click here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1933 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10795 MTIwMTI0MDgwMA==V2hhdCBZb3UgTmVlZCBUbyBLbm93IEFib3V0IEludGVuZXQgSG9tZSBCdXNpbmVzc2VzIGJ5IFdlbmR5IFBpZXJzYWxs Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST With over 300,000 “Internet Home Business”-related searches on the internet every month, it's safe to say that there is a lot of demand for information on how to make money on the internet. Sadly, this also means that there are a lot of shady characters preying on this group of people. To read more please click here:http://www.workitmom.com/article-1939 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10796 MTIwMTI0MDgwMA==SSBUaGluayBJIENhbiwgSSBUaGluayBJIENhbiBieSBIZWF0aGVyIE11bmRlbGw= Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST The other night my kids asked me to read The Little Engine That Could for their bedtime story. I was a little surprised, because in our house this is a "baby" book that we haven't read in at least a year. I sighed, remembering how dull and repetitive it is to read. Then we began. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1941 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10815 MTIwMTI0MDgwMA==TWFraW5nIE5ldyBNb20gRnJpZW5kcyBJcyBBIExvdCBMaWtlIERhdGluZyBieSBIZWF0aGVyIENhYm90 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST On the friend front, new motherhood seems like freshman orientation all over again. On the one hand, there are so many new people to meet. It's exciting. On the other hand, you've got a baby (or two) in tow and that makes it really hard to connect when your attention is divided between say, having an adult conversation and changing a diaper or heading off a tantrum. Not to mention that sleep deprivation doesn't do much to show off your sparkling personality! To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1945 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10816 MTIwMTMyNzIwMA==TmV3IFllYXIncyBSZXNvbHV0aW9ucyCWIEdldHRpbmcgQmFjayBvbiBUcmFjayBieSBMaXNhIE5lbHNvbiwgUkQ= Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Not too long ago, I spoke to people eager to start working towards their New Year's resolutions. This was the year they were going to lose weight! But now, their convictions have started to fade. Well, January is almost over, but there is still plenty of time to achieve your New Year's resolution. Here are some steps to get back on track: To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1948 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10817 MTIwMTMyNzIwMA==TWFrZSBZb3VyIEhvbWUgR3JlZW5lciBhbmQgTW9yZSBFZmZpY2llbnQgYnkgSmFubmV0dGUgVGliYnM= Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Each month, I seem to discover a new way to improve the simplicity of my life. Most of the time, these initiatives end up making my home greener and more efficient, so they are a real plus. It makes very good Feng Shui sense to reduce the amounts of harmful chemicals in your home, as they are considered to be low-level energy that attracts low-level energy. Replacing them with a eco-friendly alternative which has high-level energy will in turn attract more high-level energy, of course. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1949 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10818 MTIwMTUwMDAwMA==Qm9vc3QgWW91ciBOZXR3b3JrIFdoaWxlIFlvdXIgQ2FyZWVyIElzIE9uIEhvbGQgYnkgQmFyYmFyYSBTYWZhbmk= Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST After a child is born, many women decide to stop working outside the home and become full-time mothers. Playdates replace meetings, and anxiety about coughs and colds replace the feelings once brought about by an upcoming presentation. While many moms know they will return to work at some point, few create and organize a plan for re-entry and so, when they return, many women experience difficulty negotiating a salary consistent with their level of expertise or accounting for their achievements during their career hiatus. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1957 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10819 MTIwMTUwMDAwMA==QSBCcmVhc3QgUHVtcCBQcmltZXIgYnkgQm9zdG9uIE1hbWFz Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Breastfeeding is the preferred method of feeding for virtually all infants, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for at least the first 12 months after birth. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1966 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10820 MTIwMTUwMDAwMA==T3V0c21hcnQgWW91ciBGb29kIENyYXZpbmdzIGJ5IFByZXZlbnRpb24gTWFnYXppbmU= Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST In a recent study released by Tufts University, 91 percent of women said they experienced strong food cravings. And willpower isn't the answer. These urges are fueled by feel-good brain chemicals such as dopamine, which is released when you eat these types of foods and creates a rush of euphoria that your brain seeks over and over. What you need is a plan that stops this natural cycle – and helps prevent unwanted weight gain. The next time you're hit with an insatiable urge for a double-chocolate brownie, ask yourself if stress is the cause. To read more please go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1968 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10821 MTIwMTUwMDAwMA==U2NoZWR1bGUgWW91ciBMaWZlLCBGaW5kIFlvdXIgQmFsYW5jZSBieSBOYXR1cmFsc295Y2FuZGxlcw== Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST As a work-from-home mom and an entrepreneur, one of the most difficult things I have faced is balancing all the different hats I wear throughout the day. I remember when I first began working from home: I was jumping between the computer, the laundry, cooking meals, cleaning the house, taking kids to school and activities, and being a wife. It seemed that I was always hopping from one thing to another. I also found that nothing I did was accomplishing anything -- I was merely spinning my wheels. To read more please go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1969 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10822 MTIwMTUwMDAwMA==R29pbmcgR3JlZW4gaW4gdGhlIEtpdGNoZW4gYnkgQ2Fyb2xlIEZvZ2FydHk= Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Chemicals and toxins enter our bodies easily, through the air we breathe, absorbed via our skin, or ingested through our food and water supplies. They quietly -- and sometimes not so quietly -- build up inside our bodies, lodging in our organs, bones and blood stream, greatly effecting our health and well being over time. In fact, the World Health Organization says that 90 percent of disease can be connected to toxins in our environment. To read more please go to: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1970 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10866 MTIwMTU4NjQwMA==VXNlIHRoZSBTa2lsbHMgWW91IEFscmVhZHkgSGF2ZSB0byBXb3JrIEZyb20gSG9tZSBieSBBdCBIb21lIENhcmVlciBNb20= Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Whether you are a working mom with a full-time career, or a stay at home mom who hasn't been a part of the workforce for years, you have great skills that can help you be successful working from home. Many people worry about balancing their job outside of the home with a home business, or are concerned about juggling kids' schedules with working from home. But they need not shy away from the idea. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1980 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10867 MTIwMTU4NjQwMA==VGhlIFlvdW5nZXN0IENoaWxkIFN5bmRyb21lIGJ5IERlYiAtIE1vbSBvZiAzIEdpcmxz Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST My husband and I talked about having three children from the time we knew that we would be getting married. Well, initially he wanted to have six kids, but I managed to talk him down, thinking that six might be just a bit too much to afford. Three seemed like a nice number. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1985 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10863 MTIwMTY3MjgwMA==U2hvdWxkIFdlIFRhbGsgdG8gS2lkcyBBYm91dCBTb2NpYWwgQ2xhc3Nlcz8gYnkgUGFtbXk= Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Do you play into the world of social classes? More important, do you play your children into it? Here's the scenario: Junior gets invited to a classmate's birthday party. You know the child, but only know the mom by sight (from a couple of school functions). What little you do know about the family is that there are three to five kids, multiple fathers, no husband, and no one seems to be employed. Now, here's the question:To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-1992 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10868 MTIwMTc1OTIwMA==Q291bGQgYSBSZWNlc3Npb24gQm9vc3QgWW91ciBDYXJlZXI/IGJ5IFlvdXJPblJhbXAgTW9t Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Neck-snapping, vertiginous, nausea-inducing -- all appropriate descriptions of the stock market ride this week. We are dangerous close to the 20-percent drop in the market, signaling a bear market. You can't open a newspaper without seeing the "R word" thrown casually around. Yes, Virginia, we are headed for a recession. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2006 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10869 MTIwMTc1OTIwMA==Q2FuIGEgTGF3IEZpcm0gUmVhbGx5IE9mZmVyIEZsZXhpYmlsaXR5IGZvciBXb3JraW5nIE1vbXM/IGJ5IFNhcmE= Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST Most people I know don't associate the practice of law with the term “family friendly.” My mom friends who have earned their law degree have happily shelved their JDs for their MRS degrees. It seems that the long hours and the needs of clients and partners typically send a mom-to-be fleeing from the comfort of their leather-backed chairs to the plush carpet of the local Gymboree. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2010 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10870 MTIwMTc1OTIwMA==Qm9vc3QgWW91ciBTZWxmIENvbmZpZGVuY2UsIEJvb3N0IFlvdXIgQ2FyZWVyIGJ5IEppbGwgRnJhbms= Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST I consider myself lucky – I am surrounded by amazing women. They are smart, successful, witty, passionate, and more. So, I'm shocked when I listen to these very people put themselves down. How it is that someone who is so great can have doubts about their value? I (and most others) see their accomplishments and their potential while they worry about their perceived failures and shortcomings. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2011 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10936 MTIwMTc1OTIwMA==SGVscGluZyBZb3VyIExlYXJuaW5nLURpc2FibGVkIENoaWxkIGJ5IEtyaXN0aW5lIElyaXNo Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST When you have a learning disability, particularly a language-based disability, reading and interpreting informational text is difficult. It is very important for these kids to read the information many times over. Sometimes reading aloud helps, and having someone read to them is beneficial as well. One of the reasons that reading informational text is so difficult, is because they have no connection to it, and they do not form a picture in their mind of what is being read. Developing that connection and forming a picture is key to fully understanding what is being read. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2009 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10937 MTIwMTc1OTIwMA==SG93IFRvIExlYXZlIFRoZSBIb3VzZSBXaXRoIEFuIEluZmFudCBJbiBUb3cgYnkgbG9sYWdvZXR6 Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST I'm not quite sure where my week went, but I know it was busy. I've been working hard this week. I've even gotten out of the house once -- maybe twice. Go me! Even though I keep the diaper bag packed and ready to go, it still takes so much effort to get ready. Each time I get home, I immediately replenish the bag so I won't have to if I'm in a rush next time. But everything else still needs to be timed. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2014 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10938 MTIwMTg0NTYwMA==RmVicnVhcnkgUmVtaW5kZXJzISBieSBXb3JrIEl0LCBNb20hIFRlYW0= Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST It may be the shortest month of the year, but there are plenty of things to do in February. Here's a quick list of things to keep in mind this month! Feb. 1-7 Feb. 2 is Groundhog Day, and we'll all be on tenderhooks waiting to hear whether we're in for an early spring or six more weeks of winter (Spring, we've got our fingers crossed!). Many people are gearing up for Superbowl XLII on the Feb. 3 and Mardi Gras onFeb. 5 -- you can even watch events in New Orleans unfold via webcam at Mardigras.com. Do you have party plans of your own? Hit the supermarket early to stock up on treats and avoid last-minute crowds (and stress). To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2031 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10948 MTIwMTg0NTYwMA==V29ya2luZyBNb21zOiBEZXZlbG9wIFlvdXIgTXVsdGl0YXNraW5nIFNraWxscyBieSBKYW1lZSBUZW56ZXIsIEFDQw== Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Are you a multitasker? What does that mean to you? To me, it means doing more than one thing at a time in order to be more efficient. The idea is that if I use my time wisely, I will have time to do what I enjoy most -- coach! Sometimes it works; other times, my multitasking simply helps me to keep my head above water. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2035 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10952 MTIwMTg0NTYwMA==TW9tczogV2UgTmVlZCBUbyBHaXZlIE91cnNlbHZlcyBBIExpdHRsZSBNb3JlIENyZWRpdCEgYnkgSGVhdGhlciBDYWJvdA== Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST New motherhood not only saps your energy, but feels it feels like it claims more than a few brain cells, too. Every mom of young children I've met sheepishly admits to her own "Mommy Moments." You know, the times you leave your keys in the front door (at least once a week for me), or race out of the house with your shirt on inside out, or dial a number and forget who you are calling. One humbling day, a few weeks ago, I actually convinced myself that it was a Thursday when it was really a Tuesday and got a lovely $47 ticket for parking my car on the wrong side of the street. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2038 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10953 MTIwMTg0NTYwMA==VHJ1ZSBDb25mZXNzaW9ucyBPZiBBIE1pbGxlbm5pdW0gTW9tIGJ5IE1pbGxlbm5pdW0gTW9t Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Ah... the days that I longed for my entire life have arrived. I'm a wife. I'm a mother. I'm a homeowner. I have a college degree and a great job. I'm in grad school. Oh... I have two golden retrievers! I have everything I ever wanted. My life is perfect! Well... maybe not perfect, but darn close. Well... maybe not "close" in the true sense of the word. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2040 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10954 MTIwMTkzMjAwMA==TG9zZSBXZWlnaHQgYW5kIFN0YXkgRml0IEZvcmV2ZXIgYnkgTWVsaW5hIEt1bmlmYXM= Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST There is one thing that is totally missing from every diet and weight-loss program ever created. When you first start losing weight, how do you feel? Do you feel excited, proud of yourself?What do you feel when you notice that you've already fallen off the wagon? Do you feel angry with yourself, or do you feel like a failure? Do you just feel like eating even more? To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2046 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10966 MTIwMjEwNDgwMA==NSBXYXlzIFRvIE1hcmtldCBZb3VyIFNtYWxsIEJ1c2luZXNzIFJpZ2h0IE5vdyBieSBOYW9taSBEdW5mb3Jk Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Did you make a New Years' resolution to ramp up your small business? Did you make that resolution before your credit card bills came in? Here are a few things you can do right now and for little or no money to get your itty bitty business out there for the world to see. 1.) Get out of your house. Go out and find another person. An actual one, with a face that you can see and not just a screen name. Meet them. Speak with them. Get to know them. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2067 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10967 MTIwMjEwNDgwMA==SGlyaW5nIGEgTGl2ZS1JbiBOYW5ueT8gUmVhZCBUaGlzIEZpcnN0IGJ5IEplc3NpY2E= Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Working from home often seems like the Holy Grail. What could be better than bringing home the bacon without ever leaving your bedroom? I'll tell you. Bringing home the bacon without a 2-year-old perched on top of your head. I've been self employed for nearly seven years now. During that time, I've tried managing my home, children, and business in many different ways. I've had a live-in nanny, a live-out nanny, part-time mother's helpers, and a slew of neighborhood babysitters. The only thing I never tried was duct taping my children to the wall. I hear that's a very effective way to get yourself 15 minutes of free time, and also possibly a jail sentence. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2068 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10985 MTIwMjEwNDgwMA==TWFrZSBUaW1lIEZvciBZb3Vyc2VsZiBieSBNb25hd2Vh Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Is a really possible for working moms to find balance when we have so many responsibilities? I have asked myself this for at least 14 of the 15 years I have been a mother. The last few years I have struggled to find time for myself. This is not easy to do when most of my time is taken up by chores, work, family (though I love spending time with my family), and a hundred other things I have to do in a day. There were (and still are) many times I just become paralyzed because I am overwhelmed by responsibilities. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2080 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10986 MTIwMjEwNDgwMA==SWYgWW91IEhhdmUgQSBMYXJnZSBGYW1pbHksIFlvdSBBbHdheXMgSGF2ZSBZb3VyIEhhbmRzIEZ1bGwgYnkgTGluZGE= Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST OK. It's 9 a.m., and I have to go to the store -- we desperately need bread and milk. I manage to get myself showered and dressed while my 2-year-old twin daughters turn my bedroom upside down and try to get as many toys into my 9-month-old daughter's crib as possible. There is a lot of laughter going on, so I suck it up and refrain from yelling. Then I get the twins dressed, their teeth brushed, their hair brushed, and their shoes on, all while running from room to room after them. (Why is it that a 2 year old doesn't stay in the same place for more than one second?) Then it's the baby's turn -- more dressing and a couple of teeth, but thankfully no hair and no shoes! To read more please go here:http://www.workitmom.com/article-2083 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10987 MTIwMjE5MTIwMA==SG93IFRvIEhlbHAgWW91ciBDaGlsZCBXaXRoIEhvbWV3b3JrIGJ5IE15a2lkY2FubGVhcm4= Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Your child's grades are your child's responsibility, but teaching your child to care about his or her performance in school is yours. Every child is different when it comes to their personalities, their work ethics, and their level of true concern over their grades. By getting involved with your child's daily homework, you can keep a close eye on him. Talk with him regularly about what he is working on in school. Ask him for his grades each week so you can keep track of his class averages, and help him study for his tests. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2084 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10988 MTIwMjE5MTIwMA==Sm91cm5hbGluZyBZb3VyIFdheSB0byBXZWxsYmVpbmcgYnkgTWVyaSBSYWZmZXR0byBSRCwgTERO Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST I have to admit it: I love journaling, and have done it since I was a child. But writing out your thoughts can be a difficult thing for many people; they may be intimidated by worries about grammar and spelling, it may seem to be too time consuming, or they just don't see the point. It doesn't matter if you can't spell well. It can take just 30 seconds to write an entry. And it can also be a major factor in helping you to have a better sense of wellbeing, decrease stress, and get a handle on the emotional roller coaster ride. Here are a few ways to use journaling as a health tool: To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2086 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=10989 MTIwMjE5MTIwMA==RmluZGluZyBCYWxhbmNlIENhbiBCZSBBIEpvYiBBbGwgSXRzIE93biBieSBSb2JpbiBHb3JtYW4gTmV3bWFu Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Over the summer, I was thinking about doing some freelance writing, but suddenly found myself in huge crunch mode. My 4 1/2-year-old son, Seth, was off for the month of August, and I fell behind in various projects. Once he started pre-K in September, I got involved helping him transition into his new class, exploring after school pursuits, etc. Never a dull moment as a multi-tasking mom! To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2090 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11019 MTIwMjE5MTIwMA==V3JpdGluZyBZb3VyIFBlcnNvbmFsIE1pc3Npb24gU3RhdGVtZW50IGJ5IEFwcmlsIE1pbXM= Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Companies use mission statements to let people know why they are in existence. Their mission statements could include information about who they are, what they do, and how they do it. Although corporate mission statements vary greatly, each serves as a guide for the company, its employees, and the general public. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2096 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11020 MTIwMjE5MTIwMA==R2V0IFJpZCBPZiBUaGUgSG91c2VrZWVwaW5nIEd1aWx0IGJ5IEplbm5pZmVyIFRhbmtlcnNsZXk= Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Do you ever visit other working moms' homes and wonder how they keep theirs so neat? Do you ever looks around your own home -- toys strewn over the floor, laundry piles (both clean and dirty) clamoring for attention, three meals worth of dishes stacked next to the sink -- and wonder if you are the only mom on the planet who cannot keep up with her home? To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2099 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11021 MTIwMjI3NzYwMA==QWRkIFNvbWUgR29vZCBGb29kIHRvIFlvdXIgRGFpbHkgR3JpbmQgYnkgUm9zYW5uZSBSdXN0 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST I often see “eat more healthy foods” on working moms' lists of goals and, believe it or not, many weeks of the year it is on this dietitian's goal list, too. It is easy to get into a junk food rut, or simply not find the time to get to the store to stock up on fresh produce and healthy snacks (or the kids beat you to them). But with a little strategy in place, you can eat more healthfully. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2106 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11022 MTIwMjI3NzYwMA==WmVuIGFuZCB0aGUgQXJ0IG9mIEF1dG9tYXRlZCBUaW1lIE1hbmFnZW1lbnQgYnkgSGVhdGhlciBBbGxhcmQsIFRoZSBNb2d1bCBNb20= Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST It's a well known fact that, as working moms, we do a whole lot of repeating ourselves. It seems I'm always telling my kids the same things over and over again. I often hear myself saying, “How many times do I have to tell you?” or “If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times!” I sometimes wonder how many minutes I've taken off my life with all this repetition. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2112 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11023 MTIwMjI3NzYwMA==VXBkYXRpbmcgWW91ciBSZXN1bWU/IEdpdmUgSXQgQSBNYWtlb3ZlciBieSBCYXJiYXJhIFNhZmFuaQ== Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST As life-long learners, women are constantly seeking ways to improve themselves. We research the latest diet, exercise, and beauty regimens, study which fashion styles are most flattering on our shapes, and pour over articles that teach us how to be better communicators and better parents. But how many of us can honestly say that we pay attention to our careers in the same way? How many of us conduct a regular audit of our resume, the document we use to put our best foot forward in front of hiring managers? To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2114 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11025 MTIwMjM2NDAwMA==QSBXb3JraW5nIE1vbSdzIERvZyBEYXkgYnkgSmlsbCBTaGFsdmlz Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST The other day I took the dog to pick up the kids, as I always do. Ashes happily hopped into the car, all excited to be with me. Me? Completely distracted. Like everyone, I'm preoccupied with all that it's my head, but that head is fuller than usual these days, I have to admit. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2133 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11026 MTIwMjM2NDAwMA==Q3VzdG9tZXIgU2VydmljZTogQ2FuIEkgSGVscCBZb3U/IGJ5IENhdGhlcmluZQ== Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Most of the time I really enjoy my work. But some days it just gets me down. It's not the long hours or the stress of the usual things that can go wrong in any business. It's the customers. I've been in the mail-order business, selling natural baby products, for more than 22 years. And most of my dealings with my customers have been wonderful and so gratifying! It is great to know I am helping the environment and tons of moms and babies. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2141 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11027 MTIwMjM2NDAwMA==U3RhcnQtVXAgU3VjY2VzcyBTdHJhdGVnaWVzIGJ5IEthcmluIEFiYXJiYW5lbA== Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST If you're thinking of starting a business, then your timing couldn't be better. As a woman, there's more support for you than ever before, from online communities like Work It, Mom! to incubators designed to jump-start your startup. But even with all these resources, launching is daunting! More than half of all ventures won't survive year four. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2142 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11054 MTIwMjM2NDAwMA==U3RhcnQgYSBMdW5jaCBDbHViIGF0IFlvdXIgT2ZmaWNlISBieSBCdXN5IEJlZSBTdXNhbg== Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Eating lunch during a busy work day can be a pretty dismal affair. Fast food, something zapped in the microwave, or a costly restaurant meal are all less-than-ideal choices, especially if you're trying to save money or eat healthy. But I recently read about an idea which solves all of these problems -- an office lunch club! To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2148 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11055 MTIwMjM2NDAwMA==R29pbmcgR3JlZW4gQW5kIE5hdHVyYWwgV2l0aCBZb3VyIEJhYnk/IGJ5IFJlbGF4bnNtaWxl Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST It might seem like an overwhelming list of "to-dos" -- and you can be sure I reach for mainstream commercial products from time to time -- but I'm trying to use all-natural products for my baby. Food My sister recommended the book Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron, and I started making the cereals from the book a little late, but they are super easy to do and I would recommend giving them a try. I used a normal coffee grinder (not a blender) to grind the rice, oats, flaxseed, and such. In fact, I'm still using the book as it has chapters on toddler meals, too. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2151 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11108 MTIwMjQ1MDQwMA==V29ya2luJyBpdCBBbGwgT3V0IGJ5IEp1c3QgRWxhaW5l Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST So last Friday pretty much went like this: Woke up, fed and marched the kids off to school, came back and checked my email. Sorted and sifted through the usual "You've just won a colon cleanse" ads and found one hiding in there from my sister who lives in Austin. My older sister (I'm throwing that in for effect). To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2168 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11056 MTIwMjQ1MDQwMA==UXVpY2sgVGlwczogVmFsZW50aW5lJ3MgRGF5IENyYWZ0cyBmb3IgS2lkcyBieSBXb3JrIEl0LCBNb20hIFRlYW0= Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and our Work It, Mom! members have come up with some great alternatives to run-of-the-mill cards and candy. Here are a few of their great ideas! 1.) Kim Begnaud suggests gluing a heart-shaped cookie cutter with your child's picture in it to a piece of construction paper and having your child decorate the keepsake for friends and family members. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2162 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11109 MTIwMjYyMzIwMA==V29ya2luZyBGcm9tIChBIEhhcHB5KSBIb21lIGJ5IEthcmVu Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST I work from home and have three children, ages 6, 3, and 7 months. I began staying home 2 1/2 years ago when my mother-in-law and I couldn't get along (and she was our babysitter). Working wasn't worth it. Once I was home, I needed to have something to do. I love to take care of my kids, but I needed something more. Anyway, I found something that I can do where I can earn a residual income, and make our family and environment safer and healthier. I love doing what I do, but my husband was having a hard time with it. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2181 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11110 MTIwMjYyMzIwMA==QnVpbGRpbmcgWW91ciBQcmVzZW5jZSBJbiBBIFZpcnR1YWwgV29ya3BsYWNlIGJ5IEpvIE1pbGxlcg== Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Ingrid was senior manager of a marketing communications team. She and her team had been well-known as the "go-to people" for the support services they provided to other groups within her company. After a re-org, Ingrid's team was moved into a different business unit, reporting in to a new leader. As a result, nobody knew who she was, or what she was responsible for. Ingrid's new manager quickly recognized her as a star performer, worthy of a promotion, but this required selling the idea to a general manager who had no knowledge of Ingrid or her track record. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2186 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11111 MTIwMjYyMzIwMA==Q3JhZnQgQSBIYXBweSBWYWxlbnRpbmUncyBEYXkgYnkgTWFyeVA= Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST If you're already inundated with Valentine crafts and are trying not to scream at the very thought of another, you may skip this article. If, however, you're looking for a fun craft to do with your kids, with items you probably already have in the house, read on! I have done this craft with children from age 2 to 22 years. Because an iron is used, adult supervision is always required -- unless your children, like mine, are currently ironing their own clothes! To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2187 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11112 MTIwMjcwOTYwMA==Tm8gUm9vbSBGb3IgQSBMaXZlLUluIE5hbm55PyBBIEd1aWRlIFRvIEhpcmluZyBMaXZlLU91dCBIZWxwIGJ5IEplc3NpY2E= Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Balancing work and home life is difficult when you're self employed. Hiring some help can ensure you aren't burning the candle at both ends. Last week we covered how to hire a live-in helper, but what if you don't have room in the house for a nanny to stay full-time? Let's look at our live-out options: To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2199 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11113 MTIwMjcwOTYwMA==V29ya2luZyBNb21zIEFyZSBTdXBlciBNb21zIGJ5IEppbGwgRnJhbms= Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Lately, it seems that everyone wants to accomplish something -- just look at sites like www.43things.com. The ambitions posted on these sites run the gamut from wanting to get more organized to traveling the world to earning more money. If you are a working mother, you know you are just as ambitious as everyone else out there. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2201 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11114 MTIwMjc5NjAwMA==VGhpcyBWYWxlbnRpbmUncyBEYXksIFRoaW5rIE9mIFRob3NlIEFyb3VuZCBZb3UgYnkgS2FyZW4gV2ViYg== Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Today at the grocery store I had one of the typical parent/child arguments. You know, the one that goes: “But Mommy, I neeeeeeed to have this pink-and-white Valentine puppy because I already named him Marshmallow.” Through gritted teeth, I explained to my little cherub that, "No, we are not getting yet another stuffed animal to put into your room no longer to be seen after St. Patrick's Day.” On the ride home, amid one of her best pouts, I rationally explained to her that she did not need this Valentine puppy and that there were better Valentines to give. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2211 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11115 MTIwMjc5NjAwMA==RGVhbGluZyBXaXRoIEJ1bGxpZXMgSW4gRWxlbWVudGFyeSBTY2hvb2wgYnkgTXlraWRjYW5sZWFybg== Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Bullies come in all shapes and sizes. Some are really obvious -- the loud, obnoxious kids that have no problem running right over the nice kid in the next seat on the bus. We have all told our kids to just stay away from these types of mean children. But have we taught our kids how to handle the bullying that is happening right within their own circle of friends? Is your child prepared to handle being pushed around by who we think is “the sweet kid”? It's this not -so-obvious bully that often falls just under the radar at school that we need to prepare our children for -- especially our girls. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2212 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11116 MTIwMjc5NjAwMA==UXVpY2sgVGlwczogQ2hlYXAgRGF0ZXMgRm9yIFZhbGVudGluZSdzIERheSAoT3IgQW55IERheSEpIGJ5IFdvcmsgSXQsIE1vbSEgVGVhbQ== Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Time is at a premium for working moms and, for many of us, money is, too. We asked our members to pony up their favorite cheap date ideas and here's a quick roundup -- just in time for Valentine's Day! 1.) Reconnect over coffee at a little local shop, or browse the books together at a big book store. 2.) Go to the movies -- at a real theater, at the drive-in, or at home. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2220 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11117 MTIwMjc5NjAwMA==TXJzLiBKZWt5bGwgYW5kIE1vbW15IEh5ZGUgYnkgSmVubmlmZXIgVGFua2Vyc2xleQ== Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST I went recently on a brief shopping trip to our local discount store with my two youngest children. I don't know if it was the crisp January breeze or the promise of that elusive sun beginning to peek out from some clouds, but it occurred to me how great the day had been. I realized that I had calmly managed to get all three children out to the car for the quarter-mile drive to the bus stop earlier this morning, serenely prepared a dish to deliver to our monthly recipe club, and patiently gotten through a store that normally To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2221 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11150 MTIwMjg4MjQwMA==SGVyZSdzIHRoZSByZWFsIGJhcnJpZXIgdG8geW91ciBjYXJlZXIgaGFwcGluZXNzIGJ5IFBlbmVsb3BlIFRydW5r Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Happiness in your career is not as elusive as it might seem. In fact, there is plenty of research to tell you exactly how to find happiness, yet most people ignore the advice. Most people think they are the exception to the rule, but the truth is, you are no different than everyone else, and the research does apply to you. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2238 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11151 MTIwMjg4MjQwMA==SG93IHRvIEZpbmQgdGhlIEJlc3QgUHJlc2Nob29sIEZvciBZb3VyIENoaWxkIGJ5IEFzaGxleSBPJ05laWxs Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Finding a preschool can be an especially challenging task for parents. For many of us, this is the first time that our children will be spending extended time away from home, and it's natural to want that time to be special. For most children, preschool is also their first educational experience, and parents want their children to gain a love of learning even at this early age. The problem, though, is that most of us don't have degrees in early childhood education, and we aren't exactly sure what we should look for when touring the schools. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2240 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11166 MTIwMjg4MjQwMA==TmVlZCBDaGlsZGNhcmU/IENvbnNpZGVyIEFuIEF1IFBhaXIgYnkgTG9yaSBCcnVzdA== Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST With more dual-working and single parent families than ever before, parents are finding it difficult to balance life, family, and work. Families need a trustworthy caregiver who can offer the flexibility a busy family requires. One option that is gaining popularity is hosting a live-in au pair. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2241 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11167 MTIwMjg4MjQwMA==VmFsZXRpbmUncyBEYXkgVHVybiBPZmYgYnkgSGVhdGhlciBDYWJvdA== Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Forget the expensive chocolates. Forgo the flowers. This Valentine's Day, defy expectations by doing something so daring your sweetheart will be begging for more. I'm talking about a gesture so wildly romantic and heartfelt, he or she will remember it for years to come. And it doesn't cost a thing. All it takes is switching off the power. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2248 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11168 MTIwMjg4MjQwMA==RmluZCBZb3VyIFdvcmstYXQtSG9tZSBCYWxhbmNlIGJ5IERpYW5hIEVubmVu Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST It's hard! Most home-based working moms are asking the same thing: "How do I do it all? Run a business and balance a family?" The pressure of clients, busy schedules, snow days, etc., can be daunting. I know, I've been working at home since 1985 and although it gets easier, it is still a challenge. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2249 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11169 MTIwMjk2ODgwMA==RG9sbGFycyBhbmQgU2Vuc2U6IFRlYWNoaW5nIEtpZHMgYWJvdXQgTW9uZXkgYnkgRmxvcmluZGEgUGVuZGxleSBWYXNxdWV6 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST As parents, we're the first and most constant teachers our kids will have. That can be a daunting responsibility sometimes, since we may not feel entirely prepared to help them with some of the lessons they need to learn, but that doesn't mean we get out of doing it. For example, an understanding of money and basic financial ideas is something that kids can, and should, start developing within the family. Financial literacy is necessary in order to learn and develop financial responsibility. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2258 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11170 MTIwMjk2ODgwMA==VGhpbmtpbmcgWW91ciBXYXkgdG8gYSBIZWFsdGhpZXIgWW91IGJ5IEJ1ZmZ5 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Like a lot of people, weight has always been an issue for me -- I had too much of it! It affected my whole life in one way or another, including my self worth. I thought about it all the time and, by focusing on it, I only made it a bigger problem. It was a vicious cycle. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2259 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11171 MTIwMjk2ODgwMA==U3RheSBPcmdhbml6ZWQgd2l0aCBZb3VyIE5hbm55IGJ5IFdoaXRuZXkgQmFrZXI= Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Now that we're well in to the New Year, it's time to stick to those resolutions and turn over a new leaf -- especially when it comes to the organization habits in your household. If that overcrowded playroom or cabinet filled with “extra stuff” is too difficult of a task to tackle, the easiest way to start may be with your everyday routine. Make organizing a group effort -- including your spouse, kids, and sitter or nanny -- and you will quickly realize that no mountain of laundry is too big. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2263 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11172 MTIwMjk2ODgwMA==TmVnb3RpYXRlIGEgSGlnaGVyIFNhbGFyeSBieSBCYXJiYXJhIFNhZmFuaQ== Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST During my coaching sessions, the topic that generates the most questions and the liveliest discussion is salary negotiation. While most job-seekers are intensely interested in how to negotiate the best package, few realize the importance of creating their own style and developing a set of best practices for their negotiations. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2264 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11173 MTIwMjk2ODgwMA==V29yay1hdC1Ib21lIE1vdGhlcnM6IEEgQ2hpbGQncyBQZXJzcGVjdGl2ZSBieSBDYXRoZXJpbmU= Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Michael says he's going to tell everyone that I make lousy baby carriers. Michael says that then I won't have to work any more, and I'll have more time for him! I started my home business, Cuddle Carriers, in 1978. Michael was then 14 months old. Sewing was done in the living room, in between nursing sessions. Michael was content to play on the floor, by my feet. When I went to pick up supplies, Michael came along, strapped to my back. Sales calls were more successful with Michael along to demonstrate. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2265 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11179 MTIwMzA1NTIwMA==U3RvcCBDb21wbGFpbmluZyBhbmQgTGlzdCBUaHJlZSBUaGluZ3MgWW91IExPVkUgQWJvdXQgWW91ciBKb2IhIGJ5IE5hdGFseQ== Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST I recently had coffee with a woman I'd just met. (We were introduced by a mutual friend.) She has just started a new job with a big local company and as soon as we sat down she went on a complaining rant: There is too much office politics! Too many meetings! Too many rules and guidelines! To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2279 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11266 MTIwMzE0MTYwMA==RXh0cmEtQ3VycmljdWxhcnMgYW5kIFlvdXIgVG9kZGxlciBieSBNYXJ5UA== Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Craft classes, kindergym, playgroups and baby yoga. So much choice! How do you choose? Why not DO THEM ALL? It's good for your baby to be stimulated, to be enriched and learn stuff while their little minds are open to it all, right? Wrong. Like most of the experts, I believe that overscheduling is not an enrichment of the child's life. In fact, it's actively bad for them. Lylah, at The 36-Hour Day, was musing about this recently; I think that when we're talking about toddlers, extra-curriculars are unnecessary. They're not wrong, but they're certainly not essential. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2289 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11265 MTIwMzE0MTYwMA==U3RhcnQgYSBUdXRvcmluZyBSZWZlcnJhbCBCdXNpbmVzcyBmcm9tIFlvdXIgSG9tZSBieSBMYXVyaWUgSHVybGV5 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST With the economy being unpredictable these days, many long-time executives are losing their jobs as a result of downsizing. Stay-at-home moms are finding a need to look outside the home to help supplement their family's income, and even teachers are being laid off due to larger class sizes and trimming of budgets in many school districts across the country. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2288 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11268 MTIwMzIyODAwMA==SGUgTWF5IEJlIEJpZywgQnV0IEhlJ3MgU3RpbGwgYSBCYWJ5IGJ5IERheWNhcmUgRGlzaGVy Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Have you ever mistaken a 2-year old child for a 4-year old? I have several friends with children who have always been off the charts in the height department (usually boys). I remember one of my friend's frustrations over the fact that “people expect too much from him. They don't realize he's 2." For example, if he was crying a in a supermarket, she would receive disdainful looks from fellow shoppers; it seemed as if they assumed that he was too old to be acting like a baby, when in fact he was a baby. Worse, they were critical of her for “allowing” him to behave like that. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2299 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11267 MTIwMzIyODAwMA==SG93IFN0YXJ0aW5nIE15IE93biBCdXNpbmVzcyBHYXZlIE1lIE15IExpZmUgQmFjayBieSBDaHJpc3RpbmUgT0tlbGx5 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Before I went into business for myself, my life had spun out of control. We were overextended financially, miserable, and I was not giving my kids the attention they deserved. I was trapped in a marriage that had become miserable because I could not afford to leave. I know so many women in this situation… perhaps you do, too. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2295 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11269 MTIwMzMxNDQwMA==RXZlcnl0aGluZyBZb3UgTmVlZCB0byBLbm93IGFib3V0IFdoYXQgdG8gUGF5IFlvdXIgTmFubnkgYnkgU3RldmVuIExhbXBlcnQ= Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST When a family is considering hiring a nanny, one of the main issues that they face is how much of a salary to offer. The amount nanny is paid can depend on a range of factors, from the nanny's experience to the location in which the family lives. In addition, the salary will depend on whether the nanny lives in or out of the family's home. Regardless, it must always comply with the state's minimum hourly requirements and federal regulations. Nanny salaries, in general, will range from $275 to $800 weekly, with the range of $400 to $500 per week being most common, or $7 to $18 per hour. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2310 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11270 MTIwMzMxNDQwMA==V2FudCB0byBCZSBhIFN1cnJvZ2F0ZSBNb3RoZXI/IGJ5IENoYXJsaWUgV29sZmU= Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST I was a surrogate mother, and let me just say that it was the most incredible experience of my life. Giving birth to my own children was incredible, but helping that dream come true for another couple was absolutely priceless. Whether you are considering using a surrogate or becoming a surrogate, there are many questions that need to be considered and answered. For the purpose of this article I am going to focus on what to ask before becoming a surrogate mother. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2312 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11271 MTIwMzMxNDQwMA==RXNzZW50aWFscyBGb3IgU3RhcnRpbmcgYW4gT25saW5lIEJ1c2luZXNzIGJ5IE1pY2hlbGxlIFdhdGVycw== Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST A business plan is basically an outline of what you want to accomplish with your business. Every business, whether it is a brick-and-mortar store or an online business, needs a plan to keep the direction of the company solid. If you sell a particular type of product to a specific niche, do not feel pressured to add items to your inventory that do not fit that niche. You will likely sit on a huge amount of inventory that costs you money in the long run. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2317 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11272 MTIwMzQwMDgwMA==VGhlIFBvbHltZWFsOiBSZWNpcGUgZm9yIFlvdXIgSGVhcnQgYnkgTWVyaSBSYWZmZXR0byBSRCwgTERO Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Here's a new idea for heart disease prevention: Create a meal using seven powerful foods and decrease your risk of heart disease by a whopping 76 percent. No, you won't be left picking at twigs or forcing strange foods into your diet. These foods may be some of your favorites, including dark chocolate, almonds, fish, fruit, vegetables, garlic, and red wine. Researchers say you can cut your risk of heart disease by eating a combination of these heart healthy foods. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2320 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11287 MTIwMzQ4NzIwMA==V2hlbiB0byBUZWxsIFlvdXIgS2lkcyBZb3UncmUgUGxhbm5pbmcgdG8gRGl2b3JjZSBieSBTaGFubm9uIEh1dHRvbiwgTS5FZC4sIE0uUC5BLg== Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Earlier, we talked about how to tell your child you are getting a divorce. Now, let's talk about when. Before I provide this type of guidance, I want to reiterate the importance of having both parents present during this pivotal conversation. When both parents sit down to tell their children about the divorce, it demonstrates to children that the decision to divorce is a joint one, even if that is not the case. Although I understand it can be very difficult, it is crucial that parents maintain a unified position on getting divorced as opposed to blaming one parent for the life-altering decision. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2336 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11310 MTIwMzQ4NzIwMA==SG93IEJhcmFjayBhbmQgQmlsbCAtLSBZZXMsIEJpbGwgLS0gQ2FuIENyZWF0ZSBSZWFsIENoYW5nZSBieSBWZXJvbmljYQ== Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST The Presidential campaigns have been raging for just over a year now. The GOP has their candidate, even if a certain former Governor hasn't gotten the memo, and the Democrats are still in a horse race. What has been most intriguing to me during this primary is how Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton have been seen in the media. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2339 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11311 MTIwMzU3MzYwMA==Q3JlYXRpbmcgYW4gVW5zdG9wcGFibGUgWW91IGJ5IEp1YW5pdGEgRGFpbGV5 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST What makes some people more successful than others? Oprah Winfrey once stated: “I don't know if anybody really sky rockets to success. I think that success is a process. And I believe that my first Easter speech, at Kosciusko Baptist Church at the age of 3 1/2, was the beginning. And that every other speech, every other book I read, every other time I spoke in public was a building block. By the time I first sat down to audition in front of a television camera and somebody said, ‘Read this,' what allowed me to read it so comfortably was the fact that I had been doing it a while.” To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2352 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11312 MTIwMzU3MzYwMA==RmxheHNlZWQ6IE1ha2UgdGhlIE1vc3Qgb2YgWW91ciBTdXBwbGVtZW50IGJ5IExpc2EgTmVsc29uLCBSRA== Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Are you getting all the benefits you can from your flaxseed? Flaxseed is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to decreased risk of developing heart disease by lowering triglyceride levels. Most Americans consume a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids (found in things like corn oil, beef, and chicken). To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2354 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11313 MTIwMzU3MzYwMA==U3RyZXNzIEJ1c3RlcnMgZm9yIFdvcmtpbmcgTW9tcyEgQnkgV29yayBJdCwgTW9tISBUZWFt Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Want to bring your stress levels down a notch? Or do you actually have a spare moment (for once!) and want to try something new, to relax? Work It, Mom! members offered up some great ideas in several recent Q&As; we've highlighted the best of the best here. 1.) Taking a moment to take some deep breaths was at the top of nearly everyone's list. Nataly heard the advice from her doctor, and Mandy Nelson, who moonlights as a yoga instructor, has even taught her daughter the simple technique (read her member note about it!) To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2360 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11342 MTIwMzU3MzYwMA==VGhlIFJlYWwgUmVhc29ucyBXaHkgWW91IFByb2NyYXN0aW5hdGUuLi4gYnkgU2hhcm9uIE1lbG5pY2s= Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST In contrast to most advice columns, I think procrastination has less to do with fear, and more to do with hope. When you procrastinate on doing the "big rocks" in your life (finding your next career step, starting a business, writing your book, etc.) you do so to preserve hope: As long as you don't "put yourself out there," then you can hang on to the possibility that someday you will live up to your ideal of yourself and earn the respect of people important to you. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2349 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11343 MTIwMzU3MzYwMA==SG93IE11c2ljIE1pZ2h0IEhlbHAgWW91IExvc2UgV2VpZ2h0ICBieSBIZWF0aGVyIENhYm90 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST If you're a serial dieter, like so many Americans, you probably know all of the "tricks" and "miracle" plans. You've been to South Beach, spent some time in The Zone, and have become a personal friend of the late Dr. Atkins and Jenny Craig. You've sampled every regimen, including sipping gallons of maple-syrup-and- cayenne-pepper-infused lemonade for The Master Cleanse. You TiVo The Biggest Loser on NBC. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2353 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11344 MTIwMzU3MzYwMA==VGlwcyB0byBHZXQgWW91IFRocm91Z2ggRWFjaCBDcmF6eSBEYXkgYnkgVGluYTQ1NDU= Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST To be able to survive out there, you must have the know how and can do attitude. So what if people call you gung ho! Here is some tips to get you through each crazy day: 1.) Keep a calendar and use it. Always know what is going on for the next day. 2.) Get the unpleasant tasks out of the way first. It makes the day go a lot more smoothly. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2355 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11345 MTIwMzU3MzYwMA==V2hhdCBEbyBZb3UgRG8gV2hlbiBZb3VyIENoaWxkIElzIEFkZGljdGVkIHRvIERydWdzPyBieSBSZWNvdmVyeUNvYWNo Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST I have had a screaming desire to address, in a much more focused way, the family members of those addicted to drugs and alcohol. It is such another big part of my own experience, being deeply and profoundly affected by my own daughter's addiction to heroin. In fact, it has taken several years for me to be able to even speak of it. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2361 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11346 MTIwMzY2MDAwMA==SWYgWW91IENhbiBNdWx0aS1UYXNrLCBZb3UgQ2FuIFdvcmsgT3V0ISBieSBEaWFuZSBMYW5n Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST I just read the question at The 36-Hour Day: When do I get time to workout? For moms, this is tough. We might not have time to get to the gym, the gym might be an added expense you can't afford or maybe they don't have daycare. Whatever the reason, it's not a good enough reason to not add exercise into your routine at your home. There are many ways to add exercise to your day without joining a gym or spending a lot of money on equipment. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2372 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11347 MTIwMzY2MDAwMA==TWFtYSwgV2hhdCBEb2VzICJGYXQiIE1lYW4/IGJ5IERheWNhcmUgRGlzaGVy Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST Like many women, I am hyper-aware of the importance placed on being thin in our country. The pressure can be enormous and the resulting stress sometimes leads to overeating for some or under-eating for others. As an expectant mother, I made a firm decision to never use the word “fat” in my house when describing myself or anyone else. Being a thin person who as always favored the phrase, “I feel fat,” I began thinking about the negative impact such a remark could have on my future children. I never wanted my children, particularly a daughter, to think that just because they ate a good meal and were “full” meant that they had been “bad” and were now feeling “fat.” To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2375 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11348 MTIwMzY2MDAwMA==TW90aGVyaG9vZCBhbmQgU2VsZi1JZGVudGl0eSBieSBTYW5kcmE= Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST I am thinking a great deal about the idea of motherhood and self-identity. The weather's cloudy and just perfect for deeper reflections, like asking, "Who am I?" Maybe, like me, you've shed and shouldered a few tears in wrestling with these thoughts. I think we mull this one over as mothers because of the immense sacrifice we make, the image we see in the mirror, and, maybe, for the loss or understanding of who we were before motherhood. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2387 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11376 MTIwMzkxOTIwMA==QnJpbmdpbmcgSG9tZSBCYWJ5IChOdW1iZXIgVHdvKSBieSBCb3N0b24gTWFtYXM= Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST What happens when you bring home baby number two -- or, in my case, babies number two, three, and four? Adjusting to a new baby at home is often difficult for older siblings, especially children under 5 who are used to having lots of attention from Mom and Dad. One of my greatest worries when I was pregnant for the second time was how our 3 1/2-year-old daughter would feel with the arrival of three new siblings at the same time. The world she knew would be forever changed. To read more please go here: http://www.workitmom.com/article-2413 ]]> http://www.feedpublish.com/rss.php?idlink=11395 MTIwMzkxOTIwMA==Q29uc2lkZXJpbmcgQmVjb21pbmcgYSBOYW5ueT8gYnkgU3RldmVuIExhbXBlcnQ= Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST As a nanny looking for a job, you are likely to need to go on several interviews and meet with new families face-to-face. Therefore, it is extremely important to stay safe when you are setting up and going to a nanny interview and meeti