Sweet Escape

Last month, my mom, sister and niece visited. I have two daughters, so it was a house full of girls. While they were here, we ate a lot (as usual!), relaxed, and caught up. Since they live in New Jersey and my girls and I are in Charleston, SC, we don't see each other as nearly as much as we'd like!

Our girls (8, 10 and 10) never fail to get the party going by singing karaoke! We downloaded specific songs they wanted to sing, including the Burnin' Up by Jonas Brothers, No Air by Rhianna and Forever by Chris Brown. My sister LOVES to sing and she's got a terrific voice! And much to my surprise, I decided to get up and sing to Natasha Benningfield's Pocket Full of Sunshine...and I thoroughly enjoyed it, which was amazing because I've ALWAYS been self conscious about my voice. It was so freeing to sing without caring whether I hit the right key or even knew all the words. I threw caution to the wind and wound up having a GREAT time!

Time with my Girls is always memorable...and it's wonderful to be able to create memories as a mom with my mom. I remember when we were kids, the big holiday get togethers and how regardless of who was frustrated with who, we'd always come together and make memories.

So, I'm putting this out there to you because life is short and making time to make memories is really important! A Sweet Escape in January 2009 at Kiawah Island. I'm honored to have been asked to speak at the 5th Annual Event. Don't come because I'm speaking (although that would be nice). Come because the event is a Women’s Escape Weekend. . . Path to Rediscovery! A great opportunity to spend quality time with the women in your life at a 5-star Spa Resort on beautiful Kiawah Island! The weekend attracts women from all over the nation. Hope to see you there!

Fifth Annual Women's Escape Weekend
From Thursday, January 15 2009 - 8:00am to Sunday, January 18 2009 - 5:00pm Every day A weekend designed with everything women love in mind. You will enjoy informational speakers, cooking demonstration and class, and hands on workshops. Enjoy a weekend that will rejuvenate, pamper and inspire you!
Location: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort Contact: Reservations at (800) 654-2924

Event Package Includes:
Accommodations
Friday reception
Breakfast (Saturday and Sunday)
Lunch and cooking demonstration class
Martini demonstration and tasting
Author book
Dinner on Saturday and comedy show
All workshops and presentations (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
Welcome amenity and gift bag

MomMinute with Lindsay

MomMinute with Lindsay

Name:  Lindsey                

Profession: Stay-at-home mom (SAHM), Missionary, Custom Blog Designer   

Marital Status:  Married to my best friend                           

Children:  Anna Grace, 15 months old

Where do you live? Panama (about 45 minutes from the Panama Canal)

Coffee or tea? Coffee!  That sweet brown elixir makes me so happy.     

Mac or PC?   PC… for now

1.      How did you get started in your business? I needed a creative outlet.  After moving to Panama not too long ago, I realized that I needed to find a way to express my creative passions in a way that didn’t require purchasing a lot of supplies… as my access to “crafty” materials is limited here. I fiddled with digital scrapbooking, then began designing custom cards and invitations, and quickly moved onto blog design. I fell in love.

 2.       What motivates you to keep going when all you want to say is, “Calgon, take me away!”  My daily time in the Word, encouragement from my husband, and my love for graphic design. The daily tasks of wife and mom living in a developing country like Panama are difficult. I have no water during the day, and when I do… it’s slightly brown.  I do laundry in the middle of the night when the city water comes on. I sweep and mop the house at least twice each day because of the horrendous dirt that continually settles in my house.  Life is not easy here, but knowing that at some point I can sit down at my computer and design a beautiful blog for a fellow mom blogger, gives me the boost I need to continue in my tasks!

3.       What is your biggest success professionally? I am proud that I make a decision to learn all that I could about graphic design, and I stuck with it.  From down here in the jungle, I was able to access the knowledge to teach myself the software and be mentored by a good friend who taught me the ins and outs of blog design.

4.       What is your biggest success personally? Marrying the most gentle and sweetest man in the world, and giving birth to my baby girl… who is a reflection of the love that we share as a couple.

5.       What is something you do just for you…that has absolutely nothing to do with your child? Paint my toenails.

6.       How many hours of sleep, on average do you get each night? 6

7.       What did you eat for breakfast this morning?  Nothing yet

8.       What’s the most unusual item in your purse right now? A list of the shoe sizes of all the kids in village we minister in so that we can get them new shoes for Christmas!

9.       How do you relax in the evening?  I watch movies with my husband, read, work on a project, BLOG!, or draw.

10.   What’s the last book you read?  Creative Counterpart, by Linda Dillow.  On becoming the godly wife, mother and woman that I long to be.

Learn more about Lindsay at the Mom Chronicles

 

My Sleeping Beauties

So peaceful...i love them sooooo much!

OK kids, no more lost paperwork

A great way to keep track of your family schedule, events, invitations and activities is to place all information in one place. To set up what I call a Family Communications Center, try the following:

What You Need

• Bulletin board/chalkboard
• Calendar
• Pens/Pencils
• Three to four Envelopes or containers
  

Where to Put It

Carve out a zone for a Family Communications Center (FCC), perhaps on the inside of the pantry door or on a wall in the mudroom or laundry room. Maintain control of the family schedule and activities by including the following in your FCC area:

• Bulletin Board—Hang shopping lists, an invitations/activities envelope, phone numbers, hot lunch menu, etc. Be choosy about what you add to the board and routinely purge what is no longer relevant.



• Calendar—A two-month calendar is a great way to see what’s current and what’s on the horizon.



• Pens/Pencils—Use colored pencils to indicate different categories (for example, purple for baby, green for work activities, green for social activities).



• Three to four Envelopes or containers—Label the envelopes “Invites,” “Coupons,” and “Bills to be Paid,” other related categories where you keep important Active papers.



• Invitations/Activities—When an invitation is received or an activity is scheduled, write the time and name of the event on the calendar, then place the invitation in a pocket or envelope that is clearly labeled “Invitations and Activities.” Attach the envelope to the bulletin board. When it’s time to go to the event, simply pull out the invitation that has all the details on it.
  

Establish a place in the kitchen or in a common area to place a three-ring binder that can house information you refer to on a regular basis. Here are some possible sections for the binder:

• Phone lists


• Menus


• Business card holder sheets


• Running lists of the following:

Household projects to complete—Many well-intentioned projects go on the back burner when we have kids. Keep a list and consider prioritizing it so when you do have time, you can simply choose a task.

Take-out Menus—For those long days when you may find it challenging to cook a meal because of the many interruptions -- or because you’re simply too darn tired! Add a section to the binder for take-out menus. With this in mind, placing menus in the three-ring binder will be useful and helpful in those moments you’re asking yourself “What am I going to make for dinner?”

Must Have Baby Items!

Earlier today, I dropped by Sprout Maternity on Savannah Highway in Charleston, South Carolina where owner Jodi (who now has 4 children: 8-week old twins, a two-year-old and a four-year-old) runs an upscale maternity boutique with items from cribs to baby clothing to stylish maternity clothes. 

I had to share with you some great finds, whether it's a gift for someone you know or for yourself as a mom-to-be or new mom! Stop by and say hello to Jodi. Tell her Stacey Crew sent you and Jodi will give you a 10% discount on these items! 

Here they are...

Baby slings have been popular for sometime now, but these are HOT! Hotslings offers reversible slings that come in some great funky, fun patterns. Get them at Sprout or online.

 

Here are some of the funky patterns: 

and for the rocker mom...

and there are many more to choose from! 

Packin Smart containers are a GREAT way to organize and transport formula and/or snacks in pre-measured containers, especially if you have a toddler and an infant...use two containers for your toddler to place snacks, and two containers for your newborn for  pre-measured formula. 

These adorable Diaper Caddies by Sarabearbaskets.com make setting up a portable changing station a breeze! You can easily pick up your infant in one arm and the caddy in the other. 

Facebook is Fun and Productive!

Last year, one of my best friends and her husband were talking about how they posted pictures on Facebook for their family to view and how they managed to stay in touch regularly with relatives in England. I really had no idea what Facebook was all about, except that if it was anything like Myspace, I wasn't going there. My impression of Myspace has always been that it's a little seedy. Therefore, when Facebook was mentioned as an online social utility, I steered away from it thinking that it was the same thing.

However, since my friends, who are not seedy, were on Facebook, I decided to to give it a try. I signed up and quickly realized that I could adjust my account settings so that I had complete control over who saw my profile. This was a comfort. Also, the layout of Facebook is clean and organized (aha...perfect for an organizer, huh?!). I was quickly enthralled, but knew few people at the time who were also on Facebook.

This year, however, I found myself re-interested and began randomly searching for new and old friends. To my surprise, my longtime friend from 2nd grade was online and I invited her to be my friend. We are in regular contact now thanks to Facebook. I'm also in touch with her daughter (who is 17) and her older sister.

Still, my impression was that Facebook was mostly for "young" people in their teens and 20s. Recently, I spoke with Lyn Mettler, owner of Step Ahead Web Strategies, and expressed how I felt and she quickly told me that according to comScore (July 2007) that the largest group of users utilizing Facebook is the 25-34 year olds (up by 181 percent over the prior year) and the 35 and older group grew 98%. In fact, accoring to eMarketer (June 2008), 39% of the 35 to 44-year-olds use socials networks and 25% of U.S. Internet users over 40 use social networking Web sites.

So what does this have to do with organizing? Let me tell you!

• Facebook (and a digital camera) has absolutely eliminated the need for me to ever have photos printed again or email dozens of people so they can view pics. By simply posting my photos on Facebook, all of my friends can view, comment and download if they choose. Great for families with grandparents, friends and family in other states.
  
• You can set your account on Facebook to send you text messages when any or all (you choose) activity happens on your page...you can also reply.
  
• Staying in touch with family and friends takes on new meaning: The world truly is a smaller place these days!
  
• If you're a mom with small children and are part of a playgroup, you can easily send messages to the entire group.
  

The list goes on and on. I encourage you to find out for yourself. Sign up is EASY and it's FREE!

WARNING: Facebook can be addictive! Because it's so much fun and easy to use, you may find that a couple of hours after you've said you'd be just 5 minutes, you're still on. Be conscious of the time, otherwise, instead of being a productive tool it can potentially be a time suck.

More specifics coming soon on how to effectively and efficiently use Facebook and other technology to your benefit to get organized and save time!

Visit me on Facebook and add me as a friend!
Join my Expert page for up-to-date information and discussions.

Related articles:
Six Degrees = Social Networking Success, by Lyn Mettler

MomMinute with Lisa Yap

MomMinute 

Name:  Lisa Yap

Profession:  Business Owner, OYikes

Marital Status: Married

Children:  Quinton, 5

Where do you live? San Francisco Bay Area

Coffee or tea?  Tea or decaf (Dunkin Donuts)

Mac or PC? PC, but appreciate the look of the Mac

1. How did you get started in your business? After having a life changing experience of being a first time mother, I noticed a gap in the juvenile/maternity industry.  Specifically, unisex bags for active parents on the go.

2. What motivates you to keep going when all you want to say is, “Calgon, take me away!” 

Initially it was more of a challenge and interest, then it became more of an learning opportunity, and now I realize it's another way to teach my son the power of making a difference and becoming an example for him to see the importance of following your dreams regardless of the final result.

3. What is your biggest success professionally?  

Not related to my current business, but when I applied for my first job out of college as a corporate trainer, my actual interview was to create and present a 30-minute presentation. I had to create my own material and present it to the Senior VP, hiring manager, and training staff. It was a little intimidating since it was a Fortune 500 company and I specifically chose classes in school that required little front stage public speaking. Public speaking was and sometimes is difficult, but nonetheless, I did get the job and often think of that situation when I get caught up in the "little stuff." 

4. What is your biggest success personally?

Being a first time parent, you realize the impact you have and also realize how ill prepared you are when taking that responsibility. Everyday, every experience, every interaction, every comment... creates the foundation for the parent/child relationship, but more importantly it creates the foundation for that child when becoming an adult. 

5. What is something you do just for you…that has absolutely nothing to do with your child? 

I'm naturally a couch potato and used to love watching TV, but after have a child we watch very little TV so lately I've been obsessed with Sudoku. I'm hoping to get over this addiction soon. 

6. How many hours of sleep, on average do you get each night?

Lucky if it's 8, but average 6, when up against a deadline usually 2. 

7. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?

Yogurt, but wanted pizza.

8. What’s the most unusual item in your purse right now?

I don't carry a purse, funny since I have a bag company.

9. How do you relax in the evening? 

Sudoku

10. What’s the last book you read? 

"You Suck" by Christopher Moore. It's a New York Times best seller and addresses my strange interest in Vampires. My last sting of books have been written by the talented and very funny David Sedaris.

MomMinute with Lyn Mettler

MomMinute with Lyn Mettler

Name: Lyn Mettler
Profession: Public Relations
Marital Status: Married
Children: Patrick, 4, Max, 5 months
Where do you live? Mt Pleasant, South Carolina
Coffee or tea? Coffee, only in the form of a Starbucks Frappuccino
Mac or PC? PC

1. How did you get started in your business?

I worked in public relations for many years, but always hated working in an office environment 40 hours a week. After having my first son, I decided I wanted to be at home with him, set my own schedule and be my own boss. And I was at a point where I felt confident enough in my abilities and experience to open my own business, so I just went for it.

2. What motivates you to keep going when all you want to say is, “Calgon, take me away!”

I truly love what I do. There’s nothing better than finding out I got a client in a major media outlet like the New York Times or on CNN.com. And I know I am really lucky to be able to be at home with my kids and have a satisfying career.

3. What is your biggest success professionally?

Realizing the need for a company to help folks use Web 2.0 tools to promote their business and thus starting my second company, Step Ahead Web Strategies.

4. What is your biggest success personally?

Making it through my first child’s baby years!

5. What is something you do just for you…that has absolutely nothing to do with your children?

I have really gotten into hip hop dance exercise class on Daniel Island. Nothing like learning the G-slide at age 33 and burning 800 calories doing it!

6. How many hours of sleep, on average do you get each night?

7-8 total, though that’s often interrupted

7. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?

Ugh, a biscuit with jelly (I am nursing my new son, who seems to be unable to digest dairy, so that has really limited my options)

8. What’s the most unusual item in your purse right now?

Spiderman

9. How do you relax in the evening?

If I’m not working while the kids sleep, then it’s watching a movie from NetFlix with my husband.

10. What’s the last book you read?

The New Rules of Marketing and PR

MomMinute with Chris Quinn

MomMinute with Chris Quinn
Name: Chris Quinn
Profession: Mom, Own a Marketing and Design firm
Marital Status: Married
Children: Owen, age 2
Where do you live? Downtown
Coffee or tea? Coffee ( sometimes green tea)
Mac or PC? Mac

Last month, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Quinn of ehouse studio to talk about life as a busy mom, her family, her work and the move to Charleston.

Chris and her husband, Aaron, moved to Charleston from Boulder, Colorado when Chris was 5 months pregnant with son Owen, who is now 2. They love the water, especially her husband, who is an avid surfer. Chris’ visits to the beach generally include running after Owen to make sure he’s covered in sunblock. In addition to studying business and holding a degree in Interior Design, Chris is also licensed in clinical skin care.

The family settled in downtown Charleston, just blocks from their studio, that is on the cutting edge of web design, search engine optimization, as well as creating packaging, brochures and more! The company was started about six years ago in Colorado and has successfully made the move to Charleston.

Chris specifically uses her design experience in color theory and space planning (the layout part of design). She loves being a mom, enjoys spending time with family and friends, their two dogs (Lola and Anuk) and has plans of being involved in community projects, including a surfing foundation that teaches under-privileged kids how to surf. In her spare time she likes to read guilty pleasures such as murder mysteries. The last book she read was “Kite Runner,” however.

Visit ehouse studio for more information about Chris Quinn and the staff.

1. How did you get started in your business?
My degree is actually in Interior Design, but the company kind of evolved itself into a variety of design services as well as marketing.

2. What motivates you to keep going when all you want to say is, “Calgon, take me away!” Family and I’ve actually always thrived on hard work. I would rather have too much to do than too little.

3. What is your biggest success professionally?
Being my own boss, I guess.

4. What is your biggest success personally?
Feeling like a good mom and the ability to work with my husband and still maintain a healthy (and loving) relationship.

5. What is something you do just for you…that has absolutely nothing to do with your children?
I enjoy working out and treasure hunting at discount stores like Marshall’s or TJ Maxx.

6. How many hours of sleep, on average do you get each night?
8+, I need a lot of sleep!

7. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Yogurt, blueberry muffin and really strong coffee. (My husband says my coffee could pass as jet fuel!)

8. What’s the most unusual item in your purse right now?
Chapstick with no top (Owen lost it...no let’s be honest, he threw it somewhere in a tantrum.)

9. How do you relax in the evening?
Eat dinner then watch TV in bed

10. What’s the last book you read?
Snowflower and the Secret Fan. It was great!

What Only a Mom Knows

When you become a mom, you're suddenly conscious of all sorts of information that was previously unknown and truly irrelevant. For example, many woman (myself included!) figured that since they had it "all together" before baby (BB) and could manage all sorts of projects that they would then handle motherhood with the same grace and dignity. What only a mom knows is that once that little one comes along, you're world comes to a screeching halt and it's necessary to take your foot off the gas pedal and coast, for the most part.

Last night, to celebrate a friend's birthday, a big group of us went bowling. It was fun! Included in the mix were four children, ranging in ages from 7 to 11. The kids had their own lane. Why? Well, as a mom, we know about Buddy Bumpers! Great invention. It allows the kids to avoid gutter balls (what about the adults who really stink???!) and actually knock some pins down.

Well, one of the adult participants who doesn't have children, came over to me and said, "Wow, you're daughter is really good at bowling (the 7-year-old). I'm amazed at how she drops that ball and it zig zags down the lane." Okay, I thought...yes, she's all right, but without the Buddy Bumpers she wouldn't have had a score. The woman proceeded to comment on how it's like a miracle that the ball gets to the end of the lane. At this point, I realized that she had no idea there were Buddy Bumpers on the lanes. I said, "you do know that there are Buddy Bumpers that keep the ball from going in the gutter?" She turned red and put her hand over her mouth...she had no idea. It was truly funny to see the expression on her face and the disappointment that she hadn't actually witnessed a miracle.