I stumbled across an article today about a hospital in Norwalk, CT who runs what they call a "Fourth Trimester Program". This program is for moms for the first three months of their child's life. By joining this program you get the support of the hospital while building a moms network that can continue after the program.
I thought this was a fantastic idea! I myself had to search around Toronto and found only two programs and it was not local. I had to drive myself 30 minutes across the city to get to it. In the end I was lucky enough to have been contacted by one of my fellow prenatal class members for a playdate.
It would have been great to have been offered a program like this by the hospital. The Norwalk program is facilitated by a nurse and it is great that these new moms not only get to talk about their days to other moms and commiserate but if they have actual medical or developmental questions there is a professional there to answer.
Here is the link to the actual article if interested http://www.norwalkplus.com/nwk/information/nwsnwk/publish/health/New-moms-meet-in-group-and-continue-to-be-there-for-each-other_np_7262.shtml.
Me and my girls
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
What is your toughest time as a parent?
Today is day four of a stomach bug that has gone through our household. I was sick a week ago and it took me 6 days to start feeling normal again. Juliet came down with the illness on Friday night and the poor thing was sick all night. She is slowly getting better and is starting to eat food. Ainsley was sick twice Sunday night but seems to have recovered quickly.
I find it very tough as a parent when my kids are sick. I feel so badly for them when they are sick and the only thing you can do is comfort them. Last night for the first time since Juliet was just born she slept with us in our bed. We as a rule don't sleep with our children because I find that I don't sleep well and they don't sleep well. However, last night Juliet could not be consoled and for the sake of my sleep and her sleep I caved and we slept. I just hope she doesn't expect this to become a routine.
I am starting to see the end of this illness which has put a strain on our washing machine and my husband is thankful that we had a ton of sleepers for Juliet as we definitely needed them!!! I hope that we now will have a period of health for awhile.
Each time they get sick I find that I am able to deal with it a bit better but it's tough. It's emotionally draining and it's tough not being able to leave the house for days. At least Brett and I are a pretty good team and work well together to get our kids back into fighting form.
I find it very tough as a parent when my kids are sick. I feel so badly for them when they are sick and the only thing you can do is comfort them. Last night for the first time since Juliet was just born she slept with us in our bed. We as a rule don't sleep with our children because I find that I don't sleep well and they don't sleep well. However, last night Juliet could not be consoled and for the sake of my sleep and her sleep I caved and we slept. I just hope she doesn't expect this to become a routine.
I am starting to see the end of this illness which has put a strain on our washing machine and my husband is thankful that we had a ton of sleepers for Juliet as we definitely needed them!!! I hope that we now will have a period of health for awhile.
Each time they get sick I find that I am able to deal with it a bit better but it's tough. It's emotionally draining and it's tough not being able to leave the house for days. At least Brett and I are a pretty good team and work well together to get our kids back into fighting form.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tea Party for Two
As Juliet gets older (she's almost 13 months) the interactions between her and Ainsley are getting more involved and it is so cute!! Yesterday they had their first tea party. I was doing some work on the computer and they were playing in Ainsley's room and were being very quiet so I popped my head into the room to make sure all was well.
They were sitting on the floor together and Ainsley was pouring the "tea" into the cup Juliet was holding and Juliet actually then pretended to drink it. So adorable!! Ainsley then poured herself some tea, drank and repeated. This tea party lasted for about 5 minutes which is impressive. It was great to see them playing together.
I can't wait to see what else they start doing together. I know they will also get into trouble together but hopefully they will continue to enjoy each other as they are doing now.
They were sitting on the floor together and Ainsley was pouring the "tea" into the cup Juliet was holding and Juliet actually then pretended to drink it. So adorable!! Ainsley then poured herself some tea, drank and repeated. This tea party lasted for about 5 minutes which is impressive. It was great to see them playing together.
I can't wait to see what else they start doing together. I know they will also get into trouble together but hopefully they will continue to enjoy each other as they are doing now.
9 Powerful Social Networking Sites for Women Entrepreneurs
I came across this article today listing 9 Social Networking sites for Women Entrepreneurs. I haven't checked them out yet but I will. So far I have had a lot of success with social networking so I am always on the lookout for other avenues.
9 Powerful Social Networking Sites for Women Entrepreneurs
In Business Development and Infrastructure on January 20, 2010 at 10:00 am
What is the real power behind women entrepreneurs? A study by the Center for Women’s Business Research shows that women now own 40 percent of private firms, women-owned businesses generate about $3 trillion in revenue and employ 16 percent of the workforce; making them significant players in the national economy. In addition, the study found that 85 percent of women surveyed do not believe being a woman is detrimental to their business success, and 32 percent believe being a woman is beneficial.
There is power in being a woman entrepreneur. There is even more power in the collaborations that are formed among women business owners. Whether your product or service is exclusively for women or not, you simply cannot deny the intrinsic inclination to support each other and champion each other’s cause. Why not use that to our advantage? The real power in women entrepreneurs lies in our ability to connect, support and encourage each other straight to the top!
Below are 9 powerful social networking sites for women entrepreneurs. CAUTION: Your business could increase and expand if used wisely.
1. Empower Me! – From blogs to websites to networks and everything in between, there is something for every woman. @talentdiva
2. Diversity Woman – Executive network for women of all races, cultures and backgrounds.
3. International Black Women’s Collaborative – The perfect platform for creating new personal and business connections. Live Local and Think Global!
4. Ladies Who Launch – Find information on successful women entrepreneurs as well as resources for women. Ladies Who Launch is an online and offline social network that provides opportunities for women to move their businesses and personal goals forward. @ladieswholaunch
5. Minority Women on the Rise – profiles successful women entrepreneurs from coast to coast, who are successfully running thriving businesses. @sylviabrowder
6. Pink Magazine – PINK represents more than a color. It´s a badge of honor celebrating a global mission of equity and opportunity – a movement acknowledging all that women are today and will be tomorrow.
7. Savor the Success – is a social network that connects entrepreneurial, professional, and creative women while helping to build big dreams in a real way @savorthesuccess
8. Women Owned – information, tools, networking opportunities and advice that has helped hundreds of thousands of women. Women just like you – starting or growing their business.
9. Women’s Peer Network – Only join if you want to improve your business contacts. @thebizwoman
Remember, use these networks to help develop your personal support team, strong collaborations and collective influence. Connect with the appropriate people, your ideal potential clients, those who serve your ideal potential clients, decision makers and be sure to make a few friends!
Be mindful of the time you spend networking. Have a purpose, listen twice as much as you speak and give until your heart is content. Girl Power!
Do you know of more sites? Please add them to the comments.
WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
A.Michelle Blakeley is the Founder and CEO of Simplicity, Inc.; a progressive small business development firm. She manages her clients’ business expectations and prevents information overload via Micro Business Therapy™ and Micro Business Action Plans. She is also the host of Simple Truths: Intelligent. Insightful. Informed. on BlogTalkRadio.com.
9 Powerful Social Networking Sites for Women Entrepreneurs
In Business Development and Infrastructure on January 20, 2010 at 10:00 am
What is the real power behind women entrepreneurs? A study by the Center for Women’s Business Research shows that women now own 40 percent of private firms, women-owned businesses generate about $3 trillion in revenue and employ 16 percent of the workforce; making them significant players in the national economy. In addition, the study found that 85 percent of women surveyed do not believe being a woman is detrimental to their business success, and 32 percent believe being a woman is beneficial.
There is power in being a woman entrepreneur. There is even more power in the collaborations that are formed among women business owners. Whether your product or service is exclusively for women or not, you simply cannot deny the intrinsic inclination to support each other and champion each other’s cause. Why not use that to our advantage? The real power in women entrepreneurs lies in our ability to connect, support and encourage each other straight to the top!
Below are 9 powerful social networking sites for women entrepreneurs. CAUTION: Your business could increase and expand if used wisely.
1. Empower Me! – From blogs to websites to networks and everything in between, there is something for every woman. @talentdiva
2. Diversity Woman – Executive network for women of all races, cultures and backgrounds.
3. International Black Women’s Collaborative – The perfect platform for creating new personal and business connections. Live Local and Think Global!
4. Ladies Who Launch – Find information on successful women entrepreneurs as well as resources for women. Ladies Who Launch is an online and offline social network that provides opportunities for women to move their businesses and personal goals forward. @ladieswholaunch
5. Minority Women on the Rise – profiles successful women entrepreneurs from coast to coast, who are successfully running thriving businesses. @sylviabrowder
6. Pink Magazine – PINK represents more than a color. It´s a badge of honor celebrating a global mission of equity and opportunity – a movement acknowledging all that women are today and will be tomorrow.
7. Savor the Success – is a social network that connects entrepreneurial, professional, and creative women while helping to build big dreams in a real way @savorthesuccess
8. Women Owned – information, tools, networking opportunities and advice that has helped hundreds of thousands of women. Women just like you – starting or growing their business.
9. Women’s Peer Network – Only join if you want to improve your business contacts. @thebizwoman
Remember, use these networks to help develop your personal support team, strong collaborations and collective influence. Connect with the appropriate people, your ideal potential clients, those who serve your ideal potential clients, decision makers and be sure to make a few friends!
Be mindful of the time you spend networking. Have a purpose, listen twice as much as you speak and give until your heart is content. Girl Power!
Do you know of more sites? Please add them to the comments.
WANT TO RE-POST THIS ARTICLE ON YOUR BLOG OR USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, E-NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
A.Michelle Blakeley is the Founder and CEO of Simplicity, Inc.; a progressive small business development firm. She manages her clients’ business expectations and prevents information overload via Micro Business Therapy™ and Micro Business Action Plans. She is also the host of Simple Truths: Intelligent. Insightful. Informed. on BlogTalkRadio.com.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
"Baby's First Journal" wins PTPA Award
**See below for today's Press Release from PTPA Media***
PTPA Winter Media Awards
We are pleased to share a press release sent to us today …
Innovative products lead the way in Parent Tested Parent Approved Awards!
Consumer Product Winners include Shark Steams Pocket System, Disney’s Toontown, VTech Bugsby System, Corel Digital Studio and Painter Essentials and Crayola Digital Camcorder
Toronto, Canada, January 13th, 2010 - A video camera for children, a teddy bear that teaches CPR, a book that reads aloud to your child and a Cruizer that helps lug heavy car seats around are among the innovative new products that have just won the PTPA seal of approval from North America’s parents.
Consumers looking for practical, high-quality products and services can rest easy knowing that products bearing the PTPA Media “Winner” Seal are all “Parent Tested, Parent Approved.”
Because independent parents evaluate these products in their own homes, PTPA winners are chosen based on merit and consumer experience – not on commercial considerations. As a result, the PTPA Seal has quickly gained recognition as an international leader in certifying consumer products for quality, effectiveness and value.
“As a working single mother, I go to PTPA for unbiased and ’safe’ advice… from parents, not marketers pushing a particular product,” says actress and author Josie Bissett, former star of Melrose Place and now a mother of two school-age children. “PTPA makes it much easier to find products that enrich my children’s lives. Who better to trust than other parents who have done their homework?”
Companies ranging from Johnson and Johnson and McCain Foods to Wells Fargo and Cisco all submit their products for testing by PTPA’s network of over 20,000 volunteer product testers. Only those that receive high marks from PTPA’s unbiased, knowledgeable testers are awarded the PTPA Seal of Approval.
Here are just a few of the innovative new products to receive the PTPA Winner Seal of Approval:
* Glow Baby’s First Journal: a baby care log book where parents can track the feeding, sleeping, diapering, and special moments from their baby’s day. A great keepsake for the child.
* Safestarts Safetygate: Prevents unwanted restarts of appliance after power outages for safety and allows local power companies to use less energy when bringing power back on.
* MimiTens: Mittens that stay on with no strings attached. Thanks to extra long cuffs, mittens don’t fall off and don’t get lost. Features Thinsulate and Bamboo fleece.
* Your Baby Can Read: This interactive multi sensory program teaches infants the written language as well as spoken language and was shown to be effective.
* Wonder Bumpers: The only vertical bumpers that help reduce the risk of SIDS, Increases crib airflow and has a reversible design to fit with any nursery décor.
* Book Sox stretchable fabric book covers: Stretches over hard cover books for protection. No cutting, folding or taping required. Recommended by schools to protect costly textbooks.
* Jumstart Escape from Adventure Island: A game that challenges kids to use their smarts to find a way off a mysterious island Parents will love that this game helps kids master math, reading and critical thinking skills through action-packed challenges
”At PTPA Media, we are proud to play a role in certifying innovative new products that parents can trust,” says Sharon Vinderine, president and founder of PTPA Media. “It’s win-win. By improving communication between manufacturers and consumers, we are helping companies serve their market better, and helping families identify products that have been tested and recommended by their peers.”
For a complete list of Winter 2010 award winners, check our Winners Announcement
About PTPA: PTPA Media provides an objective framework for appraising and promoting new products designed to enrich family living. The company’s mission is to marry innovative companies with discerning consumers, to improve families’ access to quality products and services.
PTPA Winter Media Awards
We are pleased to share a press release sent to us today …
Innovative products lead the way in Parent Tested Parent Approved Awards!
Consumer Product Winners include Shark Steams Pocket System, Disney’s Toontown, VTech Bugsby System, Corel Digital Studio and Painter Essentials and Crayola Digital Camcorder
Toronto, Canada, January 13th, 2010 - A video camera for children, a teddy bear that teaches CPR, a book that reads aloud to your child and a Cruizer that helps lug heavy car seats around are among the innovative new products that have just won the PTPA seal of approval from North America’s parents.
Consumers looking for practical, high-quality products and services can rest easy knowing that products bearing the PTPA Media “Winner” Seal are all “Parent Tested, Parent Approved.”
Because independent parents evaluate these products in their own homes, PTPA winners are chosen based on merit and consumer experience – not on commercial considerations. As a result, the PTPA Seal has quickly gained recognition as an international leader in certifying consumer products for quality, effectiveness and value.
“As a working single mother, I go to PTPA for unbiased and ’safe’ advice… from parents, not marketers pushing a particular product,” says actress and author Josie Bissett, former star of Melrose Place and now a mother of two school-age children. “PTPA makes it much easier to find products that enrich my children’s lives. Who better to trust than other parents who have done their homework?”
Companies ranging from Johnson and Johnson and McCain Foods to Wells Fargo and Cisco all submit their products for testing by PTPA’s network of over 20,000 volunteer product testers. Only those that receive high marks from PTPA’s unbiased, knowledgeable testers are awarded the PTPA Seal of Approval.
Here are just a few of the innovative new products to receive the PTPA Winner Seal of Approval:
* Glow Baby’s First Journal: a baby care log book where parents can track the feeding, sleeping, diapering, and special moments from their baby’s day. A great keepsake for the child.
* Safestarts Safetygate: Prevents unwanted restarts of appliance after power outages for safety and allows local power companies to use less energy when bringing power back on.
* MimiTens: Mittens that stay on with no strings attached. Thanks to extra long cuffs, mittens don’t fall off and don’t get lost. Features Thinsulate and Bamboo fleece.
* Your Baby Can Read: This interactive multi sensory program teaches infants the written language as well as spoken language and was shown to be effective.
* Wonder Bumpers: The only vertical bumpers that help reduce the risk of SIDS, Increases crib airflow and has a reversible design to fit with any nursery décor.
* Book Sox stretchable fabric book covers: Stretches over hard cover books for protection. No cutting, folding or taping required. Recommended by schools to protect costly textbooks.
* Jumstart Escape from Adventure Island: A game that challenges kids to use their smarts to find a way off a mysterious island Parents will love that this game helps kids master math, reading and critical thinking skills through action-packed challenges
”At PTPA Media, we are proud to play a role in certifying innovative new products that parents can trust,” says Sharon Vinderine, president and founder of PTPA Media. “It’s win-win. By improving communication between manufacturers and consumers, we are helping companies serve their market better, and helping families identify products that have been tested and recommended by their peers.”
For a complete list of Winter 2010 award winners, check our Winners Announcement
About PTPA: PTPA Media provides an objective framework for appraising and promoting new products designed to enrich family living. The company’s mission is to marry innovative companies with discerning consumers, to improve families’ access to quality products and services.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The work at home woman - Great Resource
As a fairly new mompreneur, I have had a lot to learn about starting my own business. One of the greatest resources I have found in my journey has been other mompreneurs. The support and willingness to share information is astounding. To Pay It Forward, I want to pass some information on a new relatively new website geared towards the woman working from home to help other mompreneurs starting out.
The website is http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/ and it has a wealth of information for women starting up. This site has information on a wide variety of topics from Blogging and social networking to marketing and financing your business. The goal of the site is "to help women and moms acquire the knowledge and skills to be able to successfully work from home or to become self-employed while providing support, inspiration and motivation."
At the moment this fabulous website is offering to list Women owned businesses for free so if you are a women who owns their own business I would definitely check them out.
The website is http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/ and it has a wealth of information for women starting up. This site has information on a wide variety of topics from Blogging and social networking to marketing and financing your business. The goal of the site is "to help women and moms acquire the knowledge and skills to be able to successfully work from home or to become self-employed while providing support, inspiration and motivation."
At the moment this fabulous website is offering to list Women owned businesses for free so if you are a women who owns their own business I would definitely check them out.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Product Spotlight - Medicine Pad
This holiday I was unfortunate enough to get my tonsils out. It has been a long time coming and I was supposed to get them out over a decade ago but I couldn't find the time and my tonsils started behaving again. Since having children, I've been getting strep throat almost monthly so I finally decided it was time.
I have been using my medicine pad for the antibiotics I had been using for my strep throat but I was so glad that I had this tool for the medications I had to take after my surgery. I was on two different pain killers and anti-nausea medication. Since I couldn't swallow any of my medications I was using children's tylenol and children's gravol. As I wasn't quite with it, my husband was nice enough to convert the dosage amount for the children's formats to what I would need as an adult and we wrote it down on the medication pad. Thankfully we did this as I did not have the brain power to do this calculation every time I took my medication.
Now the real beauty of these pads became evident as I was taking 3 medications at once and each one had a different timing. By writing down when I took my medication it made it really easy to keep on top of my pain managment and at the same time ensure that I was not over-medicating myself.
I am very happy to have finally been able to create this product as it has been in my head for awhile. You can check these pads out on the Glow Baby website at http://www.glowbaby.ca/Medicine_pad.html.
I have been using my medicine pad for the antibiotics I had been using for my strep throat but I was so glad that I had this tool for the medications I had to take after my surgery. I was on two different pain killers and anti-nausea medication. Since I couldn't swallow any of my medications I was using children's tylenol and children's gravol. As I wasn't quite with it, my husband was nice enough to convert the dosage amount for the children's formats to what I would need as an adult and we wrote it down on the medication pad. Thankfully we did this as I did not have the brain power to do this calculation every time I took my medication.
Now the real beauty of these pads became evident as I was taking 3 medications at once and each one had a different timing. By writing down when I took my medication it made it really easy to keep on top of my pain managment and at the same time ensure that I was not over-medicating myself.
I am very happy to have finally been able to create this product as it has been in my head for awhile. You can check these pads out on the Glow Baby website at http://www.glowbaby.ca/Medicine_pad.html.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Canada Am
I am very excited that "Baby's First Journal" had its television debut on Canada Am last week. It's horrible that I am just posting this now but its been a crazy couple of days. You can catch the spot via the link below. It is so rewarding that the journals have struck a cord with other parents.
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/top-picks/fave-products/#clip250617
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/top-picks/fave-products/#clip250617
There is more exciting news on the horizon. Here's to a fabulous 2010!!!
Monday, January 4, 2010
New Product - Babysitter Notes
I am proud to announce our next product in our line: Babysitter Notes. These notepads are printed on FSC paper with a magnetic strip on back. This is the perfect place to write down all the information your caregiver will need to look after your child(ren). These stylish pads can be purchased at http://www.glowbaby.ca/. Check them out!
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