Metropolitan Mama

New Look, New URL - Same Great Site

2008-03-28T21:00:00.004-07:00

* NEWS FLASH *

Metropolitan Mama has moved to www.metropolitanmama.net.

Go ahead. Change your bookmark. I'll wait.

At the new site, you'll find the same great community - plus reviews, articles, and giveaways galore to help you as you travel along baby boulevard and toddler trail.

Come on over - you're invited to be a part of the fun!

Pears & Bears: Sophisticated Sweetness for Little Girls (and their mamas too)

2008-03-27T09:34:00.011-07:00

Springtime just might be my favorite season. It's full of flowers and sunshine, cool breezes and blushing cheeks, open-toed sandals and barefeet. It's also a great time for dresses. I've been putting my daughter in them at least a few times a week - usually with jeans underneath (it's very chic, I assure you).

I prefer dresses for little girls that are whimsical and modest, playful and childish - yet with whispers from years past. I'm not particularly fond of the tween/teen look modified to infant and toddler sizes. I tire of seeing spaghetti straps and mini skirts, tube tops and "Spoiled" t-shirts in 6M and 2T sizes (or maybe at all, but I'll leave that for another post). That's not really my thing.

So, you can imagine my delight when I found Kayce Hughes' Pears and Bears Children's Collections.

I bet you'll swoon over these beautiful dresses for dress-up or playtime.

Melodie Dress ($68)

Melodie Dress ($68)

The women's collection is equally chic.

Ruffle Wrap Dress ($160)

Ruffled Shirt ($74)

The "Sale" section offers items from past seasons at slashed prices.

Daisy Dress ($32)

Kayce Hughes has seven children - ranging in age from 2 and 14. She lives with her family in Tennessee. Prior to opening Pears and Bears, she worked for Ralph Lauren in the Women's Design department.

WIN IT! One mama will win her choice of either a dress from the Spring 2008 Children's Collection or a dress from the Spring 2008 Women's Collection! To enter, simply leave a comment on this post prior to Thursday, April 3 at midnight (don't forget to follow the rules). The winner will be announced and contacted on Friday, April 4. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.

Win See Kai Run Shoes!

2008-03-27T00:05:00.002-07:00

Tangled and True is giving away 3 pairs of See Kai Run shoes. You have to comment before tomorrow (Thursday, Mar. 27) at 8 a.m. so run on over there before it's too late.

Working Mom Wednesday BONUS: DCR Design

2008-03-26T14:38:00.005-07:00

Do you need a makeover? I'm giving one away here today. No, not the hair, make-up, and clothing kind (although that would be fun - maybe I'll do that in the future). The Blog Kind!

Maybe you're a new blogger who wants to make a name for yourself. Or perhaps you're a more experienced blogger who has been admiring the snazzy designs of your blog friends from afar. Or perhaps you are a power blogger who is tired of your old design. Whoever you are, you really have to check out DCR Design.

DCR Design is the brainchild of Jo-Lynne - a humorous, fun-loving, fashionista and mother of three who blogs at Musings of a Housewife (a blog that I read almost every day, by the way). Jo-Lynne recently launched DCR Design as a way to generate income for handbags and new shoes (er, her household...) and as a way to get in touch with her creative side.

Her designs are fun and fabulous. If you take a look at her designs, you'll think she's been doing this forever. But her biz is actually really new (she opened for business in early March). Her prices are reasonable and her talent is obvious.

If you're looking for a brand-spanking-new blog design, check out DCR Design.

WIN IT! One mama will win a Complete Blog Makeover from DCR Design! To enter, simply leave a comment explaining why you should be the lucky winner on this post prior to Wednesday, April 2 at midnight (don't forget to follow the rules). The winner will be announced and contacted on Thursday, April 3. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.

Working Mom Wednesday: The Working Gal's Guide to Babyville

2008-03-26T13:24:00.004-07:00

The title of Paige Hobey's book - The Working Gal's Guide to Babyville: Your Must-Have Manual for Life with Baby (De Capo Press, 2006) - is actually a bit misleading. It sounds like a book exclusively for the suit-wearing, briefcase-toting, high-heel-stepping mom - the 9 to 5er who leaves her baby in daycare (a la Michelle Pfeiffer in One Fine Day).

But that picture of working motherhood is actually extremely outdated. After all, all mothers are working mothers - the SAHM, the WAHM, the PT work-outside-the-home mom, the FT work-outside-the-home mom, the freelance mom, the writer mom, the entrepreneurial mom, etc. Working motherhood in the 21st century is much more varied than ever before. Hobey acknowledges this and her book is geared to all mothers.

She gives excellent tips about everything from what to register for to how to care for a newborn to how to make that emotional and gut-wrenching decision about what to do with your career post-baby. Hobey's guide is actually extremely comprehensive and is along the same lines as any "what to expect the first year" guide - except that it's better.

I love Hobey's matter-of-fact and entertaining writing style. It's easy-to-read in that it's not overly scientific or jargon-laden. At the same time, it's factual because the book was written in conjunction with Allison Nied, a pediatrician.

My only criticism of the book is that the chapter on breastfeeding provides a bit of skewed information. For example, the author writes, "Given recent improvements, formula almost replicates mother's milk (most pediatricians believe it's a good, if not perfect, alternative)." Um, that's not exactly true. There are actually significant differences between breast milk and formula. I understand trying to make moms not feel guilty if they choose not to (or are unable to) breastfeed, but you have to stick to the facts.

That small criticism, though, is minor compared to the wealth of strong advice that moms can glean from the book's pages. Not surprisingly, the chapters that focus on work decisions - "Guide to Making the Hardest Decision of Your Life," "Loving Life as a Working Mom," and "Today's Strategic, Temporary Stay-at-Home Moms", etc. - were my favorite. They were packed with helpful information that any mom would find useful.

At one point in the book, Hobey writes, "the ideal blend of career and momhood remains elusive. We all know what we want: a comfortable household income, intellectual stimulation, social interaction, and quality family time. The question is, how do we get it?" She then goes on to attempt to answer that question - it is THE question that constantly plays over and over again in my head like a broken record. Of course, Hobey doesn't give a cookie-cutter answer (nor does she claim to - if only it were that easy!). What she does do is provide guidance and possibilities to moms.

I recommend this book to all mothers-to-be and/or mothers of babies under age two. Whether you're flying straight up a corporate ladder at 90mph or taking a break to be at home with your little one or anywhere in between, The Working Gal's Guide to Babyville has something to offer you.

WIN IT! One mama will win a copy of The Working Gal's Guide to Babyville: Your Must Have Manual for Life with Baby by Paige Hobey. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post prior to Wednesday, April 2 at midnight (don't forget to follow the rules). The winner will be announced and contacted on Thursday, April 3. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.

Tuesday Tours: What's Happening on the Web

2008-03-25T15:18:00.006-07:00

Welcome to "Tuesday Tours: What's Happening on the Web" where I serve as your tour guide and showcase the best contests, freebies, deals, and reads for moms on the web...all in one convenient location.

Contests

Rebecca from Fun and Free Give Aways is giving away a $50 gift certificate to Nikki Knits - a mom-owned company that specializes in matching pajamas for moms and their little girls. Leave a comment before Mar. 27.

See Kai Run - I'll say it again - they make the best toddler shoes. Enter to win a pair at The Opinionated Parent before Mar. 28.

There are not a lot of "necessities" when it comes to baby gear and supplies, but a car seat is one thing you can't do without. Win an Evenflo Triumph Advance Convertible Car Seat over at 5 Minutes for Mom by leaving a comment prior to Mar. 28.

I drink Horizon Organic milk. Do you? Either way, you can enter to win free coupons for Horizon Organic products from CPA Mom. Leave a comment before Mar. 28.

My husband would be positively ecstatic if I won $15,000 worth of Bass Pro Shops Gift Cards. Actually, so would I! It's a sweepstakes so you're chances are ridiculously low, but you might as well dream, right? Enter before Mar. 30.

Do you want a "portable diaper change pad pad that is unbelievably luxurious"? Enter to win an Ah Goo Baby's Plush Pad at 5 Minutes for Mom before April 3.

Pregnant or TTC? Enter to win a $100 gift card to Ann Taylor LOFT Maternity over at 5 Minutes for Mom before April 4.

Susan and Janice asked me if I wanted "a new pair of truly perfect fitting, ultra-hot designer jeans"? My reply - YES, YES, YES! Oh, you want them too? Leave a comment before April 4.

Do you want to go organic and shop more healthfully, but you're not sure how to go about it? Enter the Grocery Makeover Contest with Chef Domenica Catelli. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a day with Chef Catelli in their kitchen, which includes a trip to the grocery store for a full pantry, refrigerator, and freezer makeover with FREE organic groceries and a cooking lesson! Submit your entry before April 30.

Good Reads

Read this practical and fun article from Real Simple Magazine, entitled "How to Be Nice." It gives lots of "action tips" for how to be a kinder and more thoughtful person.

Announcements

If you check the Making Memories blog tomorrow (Mar. 26), I hear that there are going to be a lot of giveaways happening throughout the day.

Colorado Mama has All in One Diapers for sale on her blog.

Miscellany

Kristen McLane must be the coolest mom in her daughter's class! Check out these book-themed cakes.

Girl genius reads at 17-months-old.

Look 10 lbs. lighter instantly! Read a few tips from Parenting Magazine.
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*** If you have a contest or an announcement that you think might be a good fit for Tuesday Tours, e-mail me at stephanie@metropolitanmama.net.

Book Review: Peculiar Treasures

2008-03-25T08:07:00.006-07:00

When it comes to reading, I'm mostly a non-fiction girl. I'm kind of the nerdy type in that I love learning. Every once in awhile, though, I love to pick up a fiction book - to get lost in a great story and to be sucked in by the characters that the author creates. When I do, I usually consume it all in one sitting (at least, that's what I did pre-baby). Now, if I read through an entire book in under two days, it means I REALLY like it - that I stayed up way too late reading after baby's bedtime. Such was the case with Robin Jones Gunn's newest book.

Peculiar Treasures is the first book in the Katie Weldon series, a book about a college freshman who is struggling to understand herself, her relationship with her not-yet-boyfriend, and her future. The text is easy-to-read and captivating. The scenarios are believable and capture that "window of life" perfectly. Although it is designed for the teen/college audience, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

If you haven't heard of Robin Jones Gunn, then I feel it is my duty to inform you that you are seriously missing out. Gunn has written 63 books (most notably - the Christy Miller series, the Sierra Jensen series, the Sisterchicks books, and the Glenbrooke series) and has a knack for drawing the reader into funny and heartfelt situations.

I first read the Christy Miller series and the Sierra Jensen series in high school - and my friends and I often described people in our lives by using the characters in the books (a.k.a. "I can't wait to find my Todd," "That's something Christy would do!", etc. - I warned you that I was the nerdy type!). My 4 sisters and my mom all eagerly read the books cover-to-cover (and multiple times) as well - and I should note here that they're not nerds - they're very cool.

When I heard Peculiar Treasures was coming out, I knew I had to read it. Katie Weldon, the book's star character, made "appearances" in the Christy and Sierra series so this book had some tie-ins from previous series (a very fun quality about Gunn's books). That said, you could read it as a "stand-alone" book.

If you're looking for a fiction book that is light, easy-to-read, and that will make you laugh-out-loud, you should check out all of Gunn's books. Buy them for your little sister, your cousin, or your mom.

As a side note, I actually just bought Peculiar Treasures for my sister's 18th birthday. When I called my mom yesterday, she said my other sisters (who are married) are already fighting over who gets to read the book next. The name "Robin Jones Gunn" has that kind of impact in our family.

WIN IT! One mama will win a copy of Peculiar Treasures (just released this month!) by Robin Jones Gunn. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post prior to Sunday, Mar. 3o, at midnight (don't forget to follow the rules). The winner will be announced and contacted on Monday, Mar. 31. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.

Creating Reading Nooks w/ P'kolino

2008-03-24T21:54:00.015-07:00

One way to foster a love of reading in your child is to make reading convenient. Provide special reading nooks and spaces for your child to read - make it comfortable, make it playful, make it creative - design areas that invite your child to relax with a book in hand.

You don't need a huge space - even just a little corner or two will do. Imagine the possibilities - a warm throw rug, a mini table and chairs, a lamp, a bookshelf, a stack of books, and perhaps an upholstered child-sized chair of her own.

P'kolino's Little Reader is *PERFECT* for this purpose. Designed for the toddler set, the Little Reader is "optimized for little readers. Comfy foam, supple fabric, arm rests and book pockets creates the prefect environment for relaxing with a good book or just a little down time." Plus, it is "feathery light so with the aid of the handle your little one can tote this chair to their favorite quiet spot."

P'kolino (pronounced pee-ko-lee-no) offers colorful, stylish, well-made play furniture for kids. Two dads created the company in 2004 and they've been adding to their collection ever since. P'kolino's items are one-of-a-kind and have that chic European feel.

J.B. Schneider, one of the founders of P'kolino, believes that "it is important to have young children 'read' on their own even before they can read. Books where the pictures tell the story are a great start. They let the child create the story in their mind (as if they we reading)." Creating a space for them to do that is key...and, if you want to add a piece or two of play furniture to your area, P'kolino might be just what you're looking for.

Want to purchase a Little Reader of your own? You can buy one for $95 on the P'kolino site (you can get free shipping on your order right now).

Need more info? Watch the video about the Little Reader, but beware - I guarantee you'll want one.

Meet the Author: Alison McGhee

2008-03-24T20:54:00.006-07:00

Please welcome Alison McGhee to Metropolitan Mama this evening. Alison has written 13 books (including Someday, which I reviewed earlier this evening) and is an associate professor of creative writing at Metropolitan State University. She resides with her family in Minnesota.

ME: How many children do you have and what are their ages?
ALISON: I have three children. My son is 17 and my daughters are 15 and 12. I also have a cat and a dog.

ME: What inspired you to write children's books?
ALISON: Despite my reverence for children's literature, especially perfect picture books (e.g., Goodnight Moon and Where the Wild Things Are) and novels for children, I initially only wrote for adults. But after writing and publishing several novels I got a little restless and wanted to explore something new. I've kept journals about each of my children since they were born - one journal per child per year - and one of my sisters told me I had some great picture book ideas contained within them.

"Write a picture book about a girl who's afraid to go to kindergarten because she doesn't know how to tie her shoes," she said, which is an idea lifted directly out of my older daughter's life.

Eventually, in my continuing restlessness, I sat down to write it. Sadly, I was laboring under the common, extremely patronizing and false delusion that since a picture book is tiny, with so few words, it surely must be FAR easier to write than a novel, which is not tiny and contains many, many words. Yeah, right.

Three years later, I finally had a draft that I was not ashamed of. Yes, it took me that long. Picture books are fiendish little puzzles, to me, anyway, and I'm still working away at the craft.

ME: What advice would you give to an aspiring childrens book author?
ALISON: Write and write and write and read and read and read. Don't think about the market, or trying to shoehorn your idea into some pre-determined notion of length and character and conflict. Rather, write what you yourself are drawn to. No matter the form, focus solely on making your work as good, and true, and essential, as it can possibly be.

ME: What advice would you give about how to successfully combine a writing career and motherhood?
ALISON: Hmm. This is a tough one. Combining any career with motherhood is hard, isn't it? If only I had a magic answer to give you, then maybe I wouldn't have struggled so hard, especially when my children were small. The obvious answers are easy: set aside time for your work that is inviolate, allow yourself to want something for yourself, learn to get great at juggling (sadly, this is equally important when your children turn into teenagers). The answers are easy, but putting them into practice is incredibly difficult.

I always wanted my children to feel as if they had a stay-at-home mother. (Why I wanted this I'm not sure, since my own mother had a career and I never felt neglected.) My children have told me that I succeeded in this goal. But I'm not sure, now, whether it was the wisest thing to do. Why shouldn't a mother have her own big life in addition to being a mother? If I try to downplay something that's of huge importance to me - being a writer - then what does that teach them? We do best that what we love to do. I love being a mother, and I love being a writer. Shouldn't all of us be free to follow what we love?

Readers, don't you just love Alison's idea of keeping one journal per year for each of her children? What a great way to capture all of the precious moments and seal them up in a timeless form.

Alison's newest book - Little Boy - comes out on 4/15.

WIN IT! One mama will win a copy of Little Boy, written by Alison Mcghee and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post prior to Sunday, Mar. 30, at midnight (don't forget to follow the rules). The winner will be announced and contacted on Monday, Mar. 31. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.

Children's Book Spotlight: Someday

2008-03-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

Someday (Athenuem Books, 2007), written by Alison McGhee and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, is a nostalgic picture book from a mother's point of view as she watches her baby become a child, then a young woman, and then a mother. The book's tone is sweet and serious, gently reminding parents that time passes by in the blink of an eye. It is, in many ways, a picture book for adults.

Reynolds' illustrations are charming and fit well with the tender tone of the text. Even the font - the scribbly, almost-cursive handwriting - reminds the reader that the book is really a heartfelt letter from a mother to her daughter.

81 Amazon reviewers give this book a solid 5-star rating and I can see why. It's sentimental and moving (but, I should add that it might be a little too tragic/frightening for wee ones since the book ends on a rather sad note).

WIN IT! One mama will win a copy of Someday, written by Alison McGhee and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post prior to Sunday, Mar. 30, at midnight (don't forget to follow the rules). The winner will be announced and contacted on Monday, Mar. 31. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.

Meet the Author: Jenna Glatzer

2008-03-23T22:21:00.004-07:00

Jenna Glatzer is here with us today to share about her journey to becoming a writer. She also willingly proffers up some excellent tips about combining writing and motherhood and about authoring children's books...read on, aspiring writers!

Jenna has authored 17 books, including Hattie, Get A Haircut! (a book I spotlighted yesterday) and has also written hundreds of magazine articles. She has an 11-month-old daughter and she blogs at Hot Diggity.

ME: Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a writer.
JENNA: I graduated from Boston University with a degree in communications. Straight out of college, I got the job of my dreams: acting in a children's theatre. How cool is it to get paid to play Cinderella? BUT... then I got a panic disorder, which quickly progressed until I was housebound with agoraphobia. I had to find another way to make a living, so I turned to writing.

I've now written 17 books and a few hundred magazine articles, plus more than a hundred greeting cards and slogans for doormats, mugs, aprons, and buttons.... it's been an interesting ride.

ME: Ooh! "Greeting cards and slogans for doormats, mugs, aprons, and buttons"...that sounds fun. How can a mom break into that market? What tips can you share?
JENNA: I actually wrote an e-book on the topic, though I'm hesitant to mention it because the contact info is a bit out of date. It's here: www.absolutewrite.com/greetingcard.htm. Essentially, you write up a batch of ideas and send them out to companies that buy freelance work. Normally, you're not expected to turn in artwork, just the text. There's a wide range of payment for this sort of work, from a pittance to a few hundred dollars for a greeting card verse.

ME: How did you get into authoring children's books?
JENNA: Even before I had a baby of my own, I've just always loved children's books. I would often revisit my own childhood favorites, so it seemed natural to write for children. It's actually tougher to sell children's books than adult books, in my experience, because so many people try that format because they figure it's "easy"-- it's shorter than writing a full-length adult novel, for one thing. But it's probably harder to do well.

I was hired to write a couple of educational books for children, but it took a while before I sold a picture book manuscript. It's a competitive field. Essentially, I just kept sending out my work until someone said "yes."

ME: When it comes to children's books...do you write the text and submit your manuscript without pictures or do you find an illustrator first?
JENNA: Glad you asked, because there's a lot of confusion about that. The writer is not expected to find an illustrator. You just submit the text, and the publisher will hire the illustrator they want to match your book. There are rare exceptions when the author is also the illustrator, or there's a husband and wife team, for instance, but don't ever submit second-rate artwork with your manuscript because you have a marginally talented cousin or something. You need a professional children's book illustrator whose work can match the style of your book, and most people don't just happen to know one of those.

ME: Do writers and illustrators typically split the profit from a book?
JENNA: I'm not sure what the illustrator typically gets paid, because I've never asked-- it's separate from my agreement with the publisher, so I've always felt like it's not really my business.

ME: Do you currently work outside the home?
JENNA: No, I'm a full-time writer and have been for a little more than a decade.

ME: What are your top three tips when it comes to combining writing and motherhood?
JENNA: I don't think I have all the answers for this yet-- I'm still very much feeling my way around, trying to find a way to be a full-time mom and still write lots of books. The way I'm making it work so far is to write mostly after she goes to bed, and to do interviews and research when she takes her nap during the day. My priorities have obviously shifted tremendously, so I know I'll never be quite as prolific as I was before, but I'm trying to learn how to work differently. I used to have the liberty to sit at the computer all day and night, hopping back and forth between eBay and e-mail and my current manuscript. Now I need to be much more disciplined about my computer time.

Anyway, my quasi-tips are:
1. Write short stuff. Sometimes it's easier to work on articles, greeting cards, etc., rather than books, when you have short spurts of time.
2. Get it down. Don't worry about making it good. You can go back and edit later.
3. Keep a mini-notebook handy. You never know when inspiration will strike. If it strikes in the waiting room of the pediatrician's office, you're going to forget your big idea before you make it home unless you have a little pocket notebook to carry with you.

Thanks so much, Jenna! I wish you all the best as you balance new motherhood with your ambitions for your writing career!

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T21:02:00.004-07:00

You probably have heard many things about HIM. From the media, the church, people you like, and people you can't stand.

Today, I urge you to consider Him aside from what people say, to wonder freely - what if it is true? What if Christ is indeed real? What if He rose from the dead? What if He really does offer you unimaginable love, joy, and peace?

One day a long time ago, I considered those questions and (for the record) I believe.

For your clicking pleasure, I direct you to:
* an Easter music video.
* an Easter movie.
* a book to help you wrestle with questions.

Children's Book Spotlight: Only You

2008-03-22T20:25:00.009-07:00

Some children's stories are so simple, sweet, and timeless that they become "classics" - passed down from generation to generation. Only You (Harcourt, 2007), written by Robin Cruise and illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine, reminds me of that kind of book. It is superbly written - the text is poetic and flows off the tongue. Literary mamas will love reading the words aloud. The text also happens to be extremely concise - the words are limited to only a few per page - so even the smallest of babies will enjoy this precious tale of the love of a parent for his/her child.

The pictures are captivating and really quite lovely with splashes of color and design in unexpected places. It's important to note that the book features three different parent/child "pairs" - an Asian mother and baby, an African-American father and baby, and a Caucasian mother and baby. The pictures provide a glimpse into a variety of different worlds and many parents and children will see themselves reflected in the book's pages.

The story itself warms the heart and is the perfect choice for bedtime, naptime, or morning snuggle time.

WIN IT! One mama will win a copy of Only You, written by Robin Cruise and illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post prior to Saturday, Mar. 29, at midnight (don't forget to follow the rules). The winner will be announced and contacted on Sunday, Mar. 30. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.

Children's Book Spotlight: Hattie, Get A Haircut!

2008-03-22T19:59:00.004-07:00

Books are fun and entertaining (in our house, we like them even more than toys). They are also useful for sparking your child's imagination and for preparing your child to learn how to read. Finally, books can also be extremely helpful in teaching "life lessons" to kids. Reading about "issues" that affect your child's life (potty training, manners, bedtime, going to the doctor, etc.) can be a great way to calm your toddler's fears and to answer questions that might be floating about in their little minds.

If you have a little girl who needs a haircut, but who is frightened by the thought of it or who is just plain obstinate about the whole thing, then you might want to consider reading Hattie, Get A Haircut!, written by Jenna Glatzer and illustrated by Monica Kendall.

Hattie, Get A Haircut! (Moo Press, 2005) stars Hattie, a blonde-haired preschooler who says that she will, "never, no way, NOT AT ALL, let someone cut [her] hair!" In the story, Hattie falls asleep and dreams that her hair grows longer and longer until poor Hattie can't play or even see through her bangs - and animals eventually take up residence in her hair! When she wakes up, Hattie tells her parents that she does indeed want to get her haircut, after all - and the experience ends up being fun (she even gets to donate her hair to a child who needs it).

The book has rhyming text (I love rhyming text!) and fun illustrations. There are between 2 and 8 lines per page. It's probably ideal for the 2-6 age range, but littler ones and older ones will likely enjoy it too.

What's your favorite children's book that teaches a "lesson"?

March 22-24: All About Books

2008-03-22T18:16:00.004-07:00

I introduced "Themed Weekends" - a new feature here at Metropolitan Mama - last weekend.

Our very first Themed Weekend was "All About Toddlers" and a fun time was had by all (well, I had fun anyway...what about you?).

In honor of "Love of Reading" month, this weekend's theme is "All About Books." Stay tuned for lots of great articles and giveaways to help you foster your child's love of reading. Plus, there might be a book or two thrown in for you too!

Fit Mama Friday BONUS: Win a Pair of MyFirstShades

2008-03-21T22:48:00.003-07:00

Remember my review of MyFirstShades from two weeks ago? Rebecca won the pair that was up for grabs on my site, but...

Lisa from Workout Mommy is giving away a pair on her blog this week. The deadline to enter is tomorrow night at midnight and there are only 14 entries so far! Your chances are good...

Fit Mama Friday: Fabulous Athletic Bra

2008-03-21T21:38:00.008-07:00

I'm a - let's just say "well-endowed" - woman and it can be a challenge finding a sports bra that is supportive, comfortable, and that minimizes bounce. I can't just head down to Target and pick out a $20 bra and call it a day (can anyone relate?).

Thus, when I was recently given the opportunity to try out the Fabulous Athletic Bra®, I jumped at the chance. The Fabulous Athletic Bra® was designed by a husband and wife team - Martin and Barbara Marx. Martin's background is in mechanical engineering (he worked for 30 years in the field) and he also has an MBA. Barbara has a masters degree in Organizational Management and owned her own bridal shop prior to inventing FAB®.

Fabulous Athletic Bras® are "engineered and designed to be the most supportive, comfortable and stylish sports bras on the market. These perfectly designed sports bras fit women from size 30B to 40DDD and they are engineered to support and control bounce during moderate to high impact activities such as soccer, running, basketball, horse riding, tennis, softball and golf. Fabulous Athletic Bras are sports bras that have been designed for comfort and engineered to Keep the Bounce in Check®."

When I talked to Barbara by phone, she was enthused about the benefits of the Fabulous Athletic Bra® and she willingly shared her mission to help women work out in comfort - supported by a good bra. I was impressed by her confidence and her passion for the product.

When the bra arrived, I tried it on and was immediately impressed by its "snug comfort." When I ran in it, I felt supported and even had my husband do a quick "bounce test" where I jumped up and down in this bra and in my other favorite bra. The FAB® minimized bounce just as well as the other one - and actually it was a bit comfier because it didn't have the front hook opening.

Now when I head out for a run, I reach for my Fabulous Athletic Bra® first. It lives up to its promises and - what can I say? - it really is fabulous.

You can purchase a Fabulous Athletic Bra® of your own on the FAB website.

WIN IT! One mama will win a Fabulous Athletic Bra®! To enter, simply leave a comment on this post prior to Friday, Mar. 28, at midnight (don't forget to follow the rules). The winner will be announced and contacted on Saturday, March 29. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.

Ask Dr. Sears: Stopping a Vaccine Series Before It Is Complete

2008-03-20T13:58:00.003-07:00

Please welcome Dr. Bob Sears back to Metropolitan Mama.

Sears is a nationally known pediatrician, father of three, and author of The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child. Sears has graciously offered to extend his expertise about vaccines through a monthly column where YOU ask the questions...and he answers them. See the bottom of this post for details about how you can submit a question.

If you want more information now, you should really just buy his book (read my review here). It's comprehensive, objective, and the only one of its kind on the market.

Today's question was sent in by Leigh, the mother of a 13-month-old little girl.

QUESTION: I started the MMR (or any other vaccine) series and then read your book/researched the topic/talked to friends...and now I don't want to continue with the series. Can I decline the vaccine at my child's next appointment or do I have to move forward now that I already started the series? Is there any harm in only having "part" of a full series?

ANSWER FROM DR. SEARS: Good question. No, there is no harm in stopping a vaccine series before completing it. Parents often change their mind about a particular vaccine mid-series, and they have every right to do so. Realize, however, that by not completing the whole series, your child won't have very good immunity to that disease. And any immunity they did gain will wear off more quickly. The exact amount of immunity gained, and how long it will last, varies greatly depending on how much of the series is completed and what type of vaccine it is. Parents should ask their doctor for more specific information regarding any vaccines they don't wish to complete.

If you have a question about vaccines for Dr. Sears, send an e-mail with "Ask Dr. Sears" in the subject line to stephanie@metropolitanmama.net.

Working Mom Wednesday: Mom Corps

2008-03-19T14:20:00.006-07:00

Are you a professional who is...

looking for a job that will allow you to spend more time with your kids?
looking for a job that is part-time, flexible, from home, or virtual?
trying to get back into the workforce after an extended time away?
taking some time off, but wondering how you can stay connected in your field?
trying to conceive and wondering how having a family will impact your career?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, then Mom Corps just might be your ticket to where you want to be.

April Whitlock, the Senior VP of Marketing and Programs at Mom Corps, is here with us to share about the Mom Corps story and to explain how Mom Corps can benefit you.

ME: How old is Mom Corps and why was it created?
APRIL: Mom Corps will be three years old in July of this year. It was born out out of a dilemma of a working mother. Allison O'Kelly, the CEO of Moms Corps, was a Harvard graduate and a CPA. She was on the fast track, but after she had her second son, she realized it just wasn’t working anymore. Mom Corps launched in Atlanta and D.C. and the word quickly started spreading. We began to get attention from major employers and we were inundated with potential candidates - women who were either looking to keep their toe in the door or to come back to work slowly after an extended time away. We started as a staffing/recruiting agency, but then decided to tap directly into the talent pool and we launched the job board in December 2007.

ME: How does Mom Corps work?
APRIL: Mom Corps works to match professionals with flexible job opportunities suited to candidates' qualifications and scheduling needs. Candidates fill out a detailed profile specifying their professional experience and needs for flexibility. Once registered, candidates can search and apply directly to active jobs. In turn, employers search the database for candidates matching their qualifications and notify the select candidates they wish to have apply. Since Mom Corps also performs contingent or project searches for contracting clients, a Mom Corps recruiter may also contact a candidate directly about a job opportunity.

ME: Are the posted jobs truly "flexible"?
APRIL:  YES - employers working with Mom Corps offer a variety of flexible employment opportunities. You choose when you work, how long you work, and how much time you take in between projects, and our database matches you with jobs suited to your scheduling needs. The more flexible you choose to be, the more opportunities you will find.

ME: How much does it cost?
APRIL: It's FREE! To register (upload your resume, search, and apply to active jobs) - it costs you nothing. However, if you are actively seeking a job, we encourage you to add our premium 'Featured Listing' service to your account for just $9.99 per month. 'Featured Listing' ensures that your resume will come at the top of the list of qualified candidates when an employer performs a search.

ME: Is it possible to get a job with the free listing?
APRIL: Oh, yeah! Definitely! Especially now because the job board is so new. Sometimes it does take time to make the right match, but the entire process is designed to empower the candidate. You can be as aggressive if you want to be.

ME: Are there virtual job opportunities available?
APRIL: About 90% of our contract work requires the mom to go in to a brick-and-mortar location once a week or once a month for a meeting, but 90% of their work is from home.

ME: I searched for a job in my city and the search was void. What are your geographic “hot spots” and are there plans to expand listings?
APRIL: Without a shadow of a doubt, we are east coast heavy, but we are national and continuously expanding.

ME: Tell me about “Own Your Life” and “Coffee Club.”
APRIL: One of the things that we started seeing is that there is a need to have a personal component for what we are doing. As great as it is to be virtual, women definitely have a desire to be around other women who are experiencing doubt, guilt, and multitude of emotions that come with the career decision-making process.

As we grew, we launched the Coffee Club series. We encouraged moms to come out and meet the Mom Corps staff in their area, to get tips about updating their resume, and to learn how to rebuild their network or their confidence to return to the workplace.

The Own Your Life events are very large conferences. We had 500 attend last May in Atlanta and we expect 500 to attend this April in Atlanta. We have 4 Own Your Life events planned for next year and there will likely be even more beyond that.

ME: What does the future hold for Mom Corps?
APRIL: As a start-up company, we grew really fast in that first year. 2007 was all about hyperspeed growth. 2008 is all about figuring out best practices. In 2009, when its time to expand, we will be able to do it quickly and efficiently. There is unlimited potential for how we can grow and it is absolutely thrilling to be a part of this.

Mom Corps is an excellent resource for moms - and east-coasters are lucky to have the company based there. I will eagerly await expansions out here on the west coast.

Tuesday Tours: What's Happening on the Web

2008-03-18T21:07:00.008-07:00

Welcome to "Tuesday Tours: What's Happening on the Web" where I serve as your tour guide and showcase the best contests, freebies, deals, and reads for moms on the web...all in one convenient location.

Contests

Win a $25 gift card to Outback Steakhouse at Lookit! I Spy... The deadline is Mar. 19. You can also win the same prize on the Musings of a Housewife blog (Deadline: Mar. 21). Double the chances of winning!

Win a Glamourmom Nursing Bra Tank of your choice over at SuperMomz. Leave a comment before Mar. 20.

Amanda is giving away an On Tray over at her blog. It's a mom-invented product that attaches to the shopping cart's handlebar. It's hard to describe, but you should check it out. The deadline is Mar. 20.

Interested in running, but not sure where to start? Win a 12-week Novice Running Plan with Coach Al Lyman on the Fitness for Mommies blog. Simply post a comment before Mar. 22.

Win a sweet little Kimono Wrap and Hat from WestcoastBaby on the Peekaboo Picks Magazine site. The deadline is Mar. 23.

Win a $25 gift certificate to Earth Mama Angel Baby, an organic line of baby and skin care products over at Peekaboo Picks. Leave a comment before Mar. 23.

Amanda is giving a way a $25 gift cert. to SlickSugar - a totally cool children's clothing shop (I totally want my daughter to sport the Stars and Guitars Sweatshirt). Enter before Mar. 25.

Fisher Price recently released a new Zen Collection - baby gear that features "earthy tones and beautiful wood accents." You can enter to win the Zen Infant Seat on the mom logic website. Fill out the entry form before Mar. 25.

Want to be able to tote cupcakes and muffins around without messing up the frosting or having them slide off the plate? Check out this cute cupcake courier - up for grabs on the superdumb supervillain site. Leave a comment before Mar. 26.

Good Reads

I like the conversation that is happening over at Toddler Planet about "provisions" (nursing lounges, childcare, etc.) for new moms at professional conferences.

A new study says that bad baby names won't necessarily scar a child (but seriously - they can't help, right?). Read this 3-11-2008 NY Times Article, entitled "A Boy Named Sue, and a Theory of Names," and be appropriately horrified by some of the names listed.

Freebies

Run over to iMommies to find out how you can get a free copy of "The Ten Year Nap" by Meg Wolitzer. You snooze, you lose.

Announcements

Peekaboo Picks Magazine is looking for "a few fresh voices" to bring on to their "editorial staff." It's an unpaid position ("for now"), but it sounds like the editors will receive plenty of free mommy and baby booty. Interested? Here's how to apply.

Kristen Mclane is hosting "Growing Readers" week on her website between March 17-21. Stop by for giveaways, guest bloggers, and tips to help you pass your love of reading on to your children.

Miscellany

*This is the BEST thing from this week's Tuesday Tours.* Go watch this powerful video about how parents impact their children. I can't stop thinking about it.

I wish I could scrapbook like this. If only it weren't $7.50 per page. [Hat tip to Ashlynn]

I love Deviled Eggs and can't wait to try the recipe that Marissa from Mama Sparkles posted on her blog.
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*** If you have a contest or an announcement that you think might be a good fit for Tuesday Tours, e-mail me at stephanie@metropolitanmama.net.

The Learning Tower by little Partners, Inc.

2008-03-18T10:25:00.004-07:00

I love letting my daughter "help" me make dinner, bake cookies, blend up smoothies, and wash the dishes. Up until recently, the hardest part about letting her help was that there was nowhere for her to stand. I ended up either holding her on my hip (which didn't work very well) or letting her sit or stand on the counter top (always with supervision, mind you). Some of my friends choose to pull up a chair from their dining room table for their little one to stand on, but that can be slightly dangerous too because toddlers aren't always the most graceful people.

This dilemma is one that Carol Gamble faced with her daughter and so she created a solution - The Learning Tower by little Partners, Inc.

Designed for children 18 months+, The Learning Tower is a step stool with a 15" x 18" adjustable height deck. Surrounding the deck are four sturdy sides which provide support while climbing on, or standing in the Tower.

Check out these incredible features:

Provides a secure environment for a child's imagination to be stimulated and blossom
Nurtures a child's innate desire to be dependent and inquisitive
Welcomes the child as a helping participant alongside parents and siblings
Sturdy platform adjusts from 11" to 19" in height
4 sturdy side supports
Fits flush against average counter tops

My daughter stands in her Learning Tower every single day now without exception. It truly is a practical and functional and fabulous invention. The only downside is that it is rather large so it can't easily be "put away" or stored, but the various wood finishes are very classy and don't detract from the traditional "look" of modern kitchens. We keep ours out all of the time because we use it so often.

Interested in purchasing one for yourself? Find a retailer near you or shop for a Learning Tower online. The Learning Tower usually retails between $180 and $185.

WIN IT! One mama will win a Learning Tower of her own! To enter, simply leave a comment on this post prior to Tuesday, Mar. 25, at midnight (don't forget to follow the rules). The winner will be announced and contacted on Wednesday, March 26. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.

Metropolitan Mama's Contest Rules - Revised

2008-03-18T10:19:00.002-07:00

Prompted by discussions with Jeremiah (of Prizey) and Stephen Saunders (a loyal male reader), I have decided to open up contests to a broader audience. If you're a parent or a grandparent of either gender, you are more than welcome to participate. Pull up a chair, join the community, and engage in the conversations. I'm glad you're here.

Remember - the other rules still apply. :)

Metropolitan Mama

New Look, New URL - Same Great Site

Pears & Bears: Sophisticated Sweetness for Little Girls (and their mamas too)

Win See Kai Run Shoes!

Working Mom Wednesday *BONUS*: DCR Design

Working Mom Wednesday: The Working Gal's Guide to Babyville

Tuesday Tours: What's Happening on the Web

Book Review: Peculiar Treasures

Creating Reading Nooks w/ P'kolino

Meet the Author: Alison McGhee

Children's Book Spotlight: Someday

Meet the Author: Jenna Glatzer

Happy Easter

Children's Book Spotlight: Only You

Children's Book Spotlight: Hattie, Get A Haircut!

March 22-24: All About Books

Fit Mama Friday BONUS: Win a Pair of MyFirstShades

Fit Mama Friday: Fabulous Athletic Bra

Ask Dr. Sears: Stopping a Vaccine Series Before It Is Complete

Working Mom Wednesday: Mom Corps

Tuesday Tours: What's Happening on the Web

The Learning Tower by little Partners, Inc.

Metropolitan Mama's Contest Rules - Revised

Working Mom Wednesday BONUS: DCR Design