Tag Archives: mom

Living A Life Unplugged Featured On Mom It Forward

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Several weeks ago I was contacted by a writer for Mom it Forward and asked if I would be willing to interview for the segment,  Moms Making A Difference.  I wasn’t sure what qualified me to be lumped into the same category as the many admirable women who’d been featured prior to me, but I was flattered and agreed to the interview.

On the day of my interview, I had a huge smile on my face as I realized the direction the interview was going to move in. I didn’t blog very much last summer because I was too busy living unplugged. We had such an amazing summer traveling, hiking, biking, and being outside together. We don’t even have cable television anymore. Thanks to Mom it Forward, I now have pretty darn good documentation of what the best summer of my entire life was like!

Click here to read my story, The Bantering Blonde Unplugs

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How Do You Choose a Preschool or Kindergarten? ~ Mommy & Me Mixer at Primrose School Littleton, CO

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We will livestream our MomTV special Primrose Schools, Mommy & Me on Sunday June 27th from 2-4pm Mountain Time (4-6pm EST).

MomSelect and Primrose Schools will host a special Mommy & Me Mixer at Primrose School of Littleton 7991 SouthPark Way Littleton, CO 80120 and YOU will have the opportunity to learn more about “the Primrose Difference”.  I’ll be interviewing the director, teachers, and parents.  The MomActive show format is interactive and you will have the opportunity to ask questions at any time during the program!
We’ll learn about the core of The Primrose Schools philosophy, the Balanced Learning curriculum, that places special emphasis on literacy instruction, hands-on learning activities, building a foundation for understanding mathematics, the integration of technology to support learning, and on, what we all desire for our children, the development of confident, happy children.  I’ll be bringing my 4 year old daughter along and am very interested in finding out more about this program!
For those that attend in person, this will be a fun and interactive event, complete with refreshments, and activities for all of the children. Because Primrose is known for being a leader in early childhood education, the activities will be geared towards children ages two to six years old.  Moms will have the opportunity to explore and engage with other Moms in the  area, and casually learn a little bit about Primrose while the children enjoy fun activities.
I hope you’ll tune in to MomTV on Sunday from 2-4pm Mountain Time (4-6pm EST) – as always MomActive is an interactive program and we’ll be fielding questions from YOU, our audience, so come and have all of your questions answered on Sunday!  (Can’t make it on Sunday? Access the recorded program here)
See you there!
If you are interested in receiving an invite to this or similar events, email amy@bsmmedia.com

*I was not compensated for this post, however I will be compensated for my time broadcasting this live event.

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6 Ways to Save: Reinventing Yourself

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By Nancy Kalish

In a tough economy, the tendency is to hunker down at your job — if you still have one — and hold on for dear life. But the truth is, now might be the right time to branch out and learn something new that will boost your employability. “For many people, especially those 40 and up, new training helps them compete with younger workers who are assumed to have the latest skills,” says Tory Johnson, CEO of the career-coaching firm Women for Hire and co-author of Will Work from Home: Earn the Cash — Without the Commute (Berkeley 2008).

You might even consider training for a new career in a field that’s in-demand more than your current one. But before you do, consider the costs of retraining. Just because you invest time and money doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a job. Ask about a program’s job-placement assistance — and track record — before signing up.” Here are four great ways to gain more skills without spending much: 

Explore the possibilities Check out a current list of the 50 most in-demand occupations, learn how much they pay and exactly what training is needed at Career Voyages, a Web site run by the Department of Labor. There, you’ll get an in-depth overview of many growth industries, such as health care or homeland security, and can even see videos of what being a pharmacy technician, for example, is really like.  

Fill in your gaps Do you want to work in an office, but your computer skills are rusty — or nonexistent? Take a class to catch up. Find free or cheap courses at your state’s unemployment office, community college or YMCA. CareerOneStop, a government program, also offers free skills development workshops and training courses. You can also find free online tutorials for Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and many other popular office products at the Microsoft Web site.

Take online classes at top universities — for free Learn how to create your own iPhone app from Stanford University, market yourself and your business with Web 2.0 tools from Utah State or explore Introduction to Computer Programming, Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging or any of the other 1900 courses offered by MIT. You can find many other free courses at the Open Courseware Consortium. You won’t get academic credit, but these classes are great things to put on your resume or mention at a job interview.

Get your degree online If the lack of a college diploma is holding you back, you can complete it from home, at night, on weekends or whenever it’s most convenient for you, with an accredited online college or university. Bonus: A virtual school is much less expensive than a brick-and-mortar one, and many offer financial aid. You’ll find several hundred listed at eLearners, offering degrees in almost every field. One caveat: Before enrolling, check out the university’s career services program to make sure they actually place students in companies you’re interested in.

Consider an externship If you’re able to work at little or no pay for a short period, an externship (an internship for people who are no longer students) could be your foot in the door at a company or industry that’s new to you. Simply go online and search “externship,” and you’ll find thousands of listings in almost any field. Most externships last from three to six months. In that time, you’ll gain valuable experience to add to your résumé, new contacts and an idea about whether this industry is right for you in the long run. Also consider targeting a particular company you’re interested in and pitching yourself as an extern. 

Temp while you train In this case, you can earn while you learn. Some temp agencies provide great afterhours training to their workers. For example, Kelly Services, one of the biggest temp agencies in the world, offers registered temps online courses such as “Basics of Selling,” “Mastering Cold Calls” and “Presentation Skills” through its Kelly Learning Center. If you’re an accounting or finance professional, the Robert Half recruitment agency provides free continuing professional education to registered candidates (aka temps). It offers hundreds of online courses covering accounting, financial analysis and budgeting and financial management. 


Copyright © 2009 Studio One Networks. All rights reserved.


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Training Your Inner Monologue

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sunrays“Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they
become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your
habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your
destiny.”-Unknown.

2009 was a good year for me. I lost the rest of the babyweight (finally), I ran a half-marathon and I did a triathlon. For someone who doesn’t even really like to run, I call that crazy. I learned a lot in 2009. I learned about fear because apparently I fear open water swimming (and the prospect of sharks) and I learned about facing it (aka the jelly fish swimming right into my face). My husband ran right alongside me through all of it and we inspired each other to keep upping the ante. I learned I have strength.

In reflecting on 2009, like most people do, I started thinking about what’s in store for 2010. 2009 really surprised me, so what will 2010 be like? Will I fail? What will I accomplish? How will I change? What will I face? And then I ask myself the really deep questions like, will my skivvies fall out of my backpack and onto the floor in the middle of the gym again? (Hopefully not.)

One of my biggest demons, as I’ve known for quite some time, is my own head. My inner monologue. And how dire a seemingly innocuous situation can turn when those thoughts of mine become negative. Because negative self-talk is a downward spiral and it’s like quicksand.

I am a positive person and I still often fall victim to the negative self-talk and here’s how it happens. First, the negative thought enters your mind. Then, just because it’s there, you actually start to believe it (even if you didn’t at first!) Then, it follows through and becomes a reality.

The scary part is that if you’re not careful, the process begins all over again.

The negative self-talk can start by merely not being able to accept a compliment, something that I have struggled with myself. (“Oh, this old thing?”) Or questioning whether you can actually do something.

The minute I think about swimming in the open water and the fear I have surrounding it, I try to banish it. Because what inevitably follows is that I make the mistake of mentioning it to my swim partner, and now it’s out there. It’s tangible. And then because I’ve thought it and subsequently said it, I ultimately play the part and do not do well. And just so you know, panicking in the ocean is pretty much the worst thing you can do. (You know, on account of the possibility of drowning and all.)

But the key here is to listen to what your inner monologue is saying and see how often it speaks
to you negatively. Think about how often you question yourself in your head or say that you can’t do something (lose weight, win Powerball, move to a chalet in the Swiss Alps – not necessarily in that order). And then reverse the cycle by finding the positive, by highlighting your strengths in your mind instead of your weaknesses, and by using positive words in your mind. Write them down. Say them.

And then rinse and repeat.

Because 2010 is here. It’s a nice, fresh, new beginning, and a time to think about what you want to take with you from 2009 and what you want to leave in 2009 (like perhaps, a certain embarrassing skivvies situation).

What we are each capable of is entirely up to us and it all starts with our thoughts.

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Keeping It Healthy While Traveling For The Holidays

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1105898_vacationThis time of the year, many people spend a lot of time traveling on road trips to see extended family. I know from my own experience that traveling can really throw a monkey wrench into a family’s healthy eating habits. I implement a few simple ideas in our household which helps to keep us away from junk and fast food as well as keeping the anxiety of traveling with children to a minimum.

Get small insulated cooler to travel with. I have a small, soft sided cooler similar to this that I keep right next to me in the front seat. That way I can easily access a snack when little tummies begin to rumble. It is also a great idea to invest in a water bottle for each child to carry a healthy drink along. Our girls’ drink of choice is milk, so I also choose insulated water bottles to keep the milk fresh for a couple of hours.

Pack a selection of snacks for the children to choose from. We pack a variety of healthy food:

Cut vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, celery, etc.)
Small bowl of a dip (hummus work great as it is thick enough not to spill in the car.)
Small cut up sandwiches (can be peanut butter, ham & cheese or some other favorite) It is a good idea to cut into quarters to make easy for little fingers to handle.
Wraps work well for this too. Make some roll ups and cut into child sized pieces.
Granola bars.
Fruit: grapes, apples, orange slices (pre-peel to save a mess in the car).
Crackers, rice cakes, popcorn, pretzels, etc.
Cut cheese

I try to avoid any snack that takes a spoon (yogurt, applesauce, etc) or that might be messy or crumby (muffins, etc.) However, if you will be eating in the car, make sure to keep a large tub of wipes handy for cleanup.

Prepare and pack the cooler a day or 2 ahead of time. All of the foods I listed can be assembled a day ahead to alleviate stress on the actual day of the trip. And, if your children are anything like ours, you will want to make enough of each snack for each child, since what one wants- all others will too.

These tips really aid us in keeping the peace during our long road trips and also keeping us out of convenience stores and fast food restaurants. There are many studies linking convenience store foods to the pediatric obesity epidemic and we all know the downfalls of eating calorie and fat laden fast food. Most people are already lax on their nutrition during the holidays with snacks and desserts, so following these tips will help keep some semblance of a wholesome diet while on the road.

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Passing of the Holiday Tiara

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tiaraIt is that time of year again.

Just like clockwork.

Sleigh bells ringing, Holiday cheer, Santa’s little helpers, lighting of the Menorah, a time of good will towards all…

SCREEETCH!!!

Flash that RED nose Rudolph!

This single handedly has to be the MOST stressful time of year – for anyone!  (Unless of course you are the Easter Bunny, a Leprechaun, or the Tooth Fairy….oh that’s right you are.)

Case and Point…

The Holiday’s arrive, no matter what holiday you celebrate or decline to participate in – they fashionably come storming in like Brüno in Funkyzeit.

There you are, standing in the kitchen with your wife or husband, contemplating the upcoming catastrophic events bound to happen over the next eight weeks.  What are we doing for Thanksgiving?  Who’s hosting Hanukkah?  Where are we flying for Christmas?  Is there enough alcohol to make it to New Years?  Silently, the two of you raid the left over Halloween candy stashed in the back of the cupboard staring vicariously into each others eyes.

Now that you have asked these questions….fast forward to the ‘implied’.

Why didn’t you already know?  YOU are supposed to host Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years!

Not too mention, both sides of the family are coming to town and staying three whole bloody eggnog sucking weeks!  Along with Cousin Mary, Uncle George, your sister’s new fling of the month and your neighbors are heading out of town so they asked you to watch their pesky animals! *bark* *bark* *meeeeow*

Quick…start pricing airfares, hotels, rent-a-cars – we are escaping the madness!

Wrong…

Reality…

You are married now.  You have spent a wonderful decade together, enjoying the perks of hand selecting which Holiday’s you will partake, where you want to go, and who you want to visit.  The winds of change are upon us.  It is your turn.  You have the child(ren).  The Holiday traditions are now your responsibility.  Parents of both sides are retired.  Everyone else is gallivanting across the world in joyous excursions.  No one gives a flying hoot that you both work full-time, both attend Uni. at night to finish your Masters Degrees, raise a toddler (of which the three’s are Chucky’s revenge!), and have absolutely no life whatsoever!

You need to slave in the kitchen preparing a 7 course meal, host the holiday extravaganza’s, catering to everyone’s lasting want and need.  It is YOUR turn kiddo!

At least that’s how my mother has implied this year’s holiday events….

The Holiday Tiara has been ever so BLUNTLY tossed into the hands of the Mrs. by a majority Mom rule – that is politely insinuated – EVERY holiday gathering is now her responsibility.

SCREEETCH!!!

Back that sleigh Santa!

Who says you must spend each and every waking holiday minute as one big drunken family mess?

Seriously, as I have stated to both sides of the family, “I married my wife, not all of you!”

Nor do I expect the Mrs. to be slaving away her Holiday time in a freaking hot stuffy kitchen, while everyone else gets smashed blabbing on and on….”when you were a child…..I remember when…..So and So did….”

I’m still pricing those tickets to Breckenridge, London, the middle of nowhere for Christmas!

Concluding, the Mrs. and I had this realization moment the other morning, the Tiara is now in her court.  Which undoubtedly means….my mother handed her over the matriarch title of the family.

I told you….she’s the BOSS!!

*SCORE!*

Peas Out!

~daddy b.

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5 Reasons You Can’t Be a Stay-At-Home Mom

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The choice to stay home is not always an easy one to make.  Moms face a variety of concerns when determining what the best choice for their family is.  These issues weigh heavily on our minds and are worthy of discussion.  Let’s explore 5 of the most common reasons women say they can’t stay at home….

1. My household depends on both incomes.
It’s true. It probably does, these days. The cost of living has greatly increased since women have largely stopped being stay at home moms. Have you sat down, and looked at all of your expenses? If you really analyze it, you might see many areas that can be changed or cut out completely.
Do you really need premium cable? Seriously, non-cable television networks have really juiced it up…there’s no reason to pay for profanity or nudity anymore.
Downsize to one car, do your own gardening, get rid of that gym membership you haven’t used since the “Rachel” haircut was popular, stop eating out, etc. You get the idea here.

2. I need to work to keep the health insurance.
Well, if that’s the case, you have some options. Ask your hubby to talk with his boss or human resources department. Perhaps his plan can cover dependants, see what can be worked out. It never hurts to ask. If that’s not an option, look into individual health plans, more and more are becoming pretty affordable, and there are many options out there.
Take a look at the Health Insurance Resource Center , they offer comprehensive consumer info on health insurance for any state. If you’re pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, check out the American Pregnancy Association for affordable healthcare.

3. I don’t have the resources or know-how to start a home business.
Yes you do. You just think you don’t. It really only takes drive, hard work and a little motivation, and maybe a good idea or two. There are so many profitable business ideas that require little to no start up costs.
What are your talents and or hobbies? Really think about it. We all have something that we can do, that others cannot. Are you creative? Start an Etsy business, sell on EBay, be a virtual assistant, dog-walker, party-planner, blogger…the list is infinite, just do a little research.

Or you can become a work-at-home-mom by convincing your boss that you are the be-all, end-all of your position and it would be in the best interest of the company if you did your magic…from home.

4. I worked hard to get where I am.
And? So what. Being the most important person ever, to the peeps in your home is sooo much more important and gratifying. Need I say more?

5. I Would Be Bored.
Oh right, like work isn’t a total yawn-fest most of the time. Let’s face it, life just isn’t that exciting all the time. I’m sure your kiddos wouldn’t find you boring, nor your hubby, when he walks through the door each night to a warm and happy home filled with love, because you make it that way.

You have a lot to think about, take the time to think it through and sit down with your spouse to figure it all out. Remember though, when you do what’s best for you and your family, everything else will work itself out.

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