Working Moms Against Guilt

Dear Rev W. Awbry

2008-08-06T09:49:00.004-04:00

When you were creating the Thomas the Tank Engine series, did you not think about how the name "Percy" would sound coming out of a two-year-old's mouth? Not to mention, you made Percy the smallest engine. Did you think about the phrase "Percy's small. Percy's small."?

Not cool, Rev Awbry, not cool.

Tasty Tuesday - August 5, 2008

2008-08-05T20:30:00.003-04:00

It's been a busy day, and I'm just now getting around to posting. But I'm glad I waited because now I can tell you about the awesome dinner I just made.

For the past few months, I've been in a culinary rut. No time or energy to be creative. Nothing inspiring at the grocery store. Then I remembered when I used to work at the ad agency and did some updates to the La Choy website. I remember looking at the recipes and thinking they seemed yummy, but I never got around to trying one out. Until tonight. I made the Pepper Beef Stir Fry, and it was delicious! It only took about 20 minutes and my 4-year-old loved it. Best of all, it's pretty darned healthy. You only use a couple of tablespoons of oil, and though the sauce is made from soy sauce, ketchup and brown sugar, you don't use tons of it.

No, this isn't a commercial for La Choy (I actually used the store brand soy sauce). But I did purchase their sweet and sour sauce and I plan to use it later this week for sweet and sour chicken. Yum! For more delicious-looking recipes, check out www.lachoy.com

Friday Finds - August 1, 2008

2008-08-01T09:00:00.010-04:00

Susan's Finds

-- Have you hugged your friends today? Today is National Girlfriends Day! I know this because my new friend and blogpal Debba has a website dedicated to female friendships called Girlfriendology. She came up with these 10 idea-starters for celebrating the wonderful girlfriends in your life.

(Pictured here: Me and my best friend since the sixth grade, Andrea, taken by Jay just weeks before Andrea had her first baby. For one shining moment, I weighed less than her. Victory was fleeting. She's already well on her way to being skinny mini again.)

-- Share stuff with other parents, get prizes! We've written about Zwaggle before (the online network of parents who get points for giving gently used stuff and can "buy" more stuff with those points). Now, Zwaggle is celebrating its 1st birthday with double "Zoints" in August, plus "party favors" each Sunday evening.

-- Make work fit your life. The newly launched Life Meets Work offers ideas, resources, community, and jobs for people who want a more flexible job. While ideal for working moms, it also aims to help retirees, SAHMs who want to make some dough, and anyone who craves more work wiggle room.

-- Are you a textbook example of a successful working mom? Me neither. But I could be in a textbook anyway! The Hot Mommas Project is a research endeavor of George Washington University business professor Katherine Korman Frey and her team of researchers (some of whom I met at BlogHer '08). They want to capture "the best practices of women leaders in professional AND personal realms." Could you be one of their case studies? If yours is selected for the textbook, you'll get the glory plus cash and prizes. Learn more on their main site or their blog.

-- Goettafest! If you're a Cincinnati reader--or you live elsewhere but REALLY love goetta--don't miss Glier's Goettafest this weekend at Newport's Riverfront Levee. I'm talkin' goetta pizza, goetta reubens, goetta burgers, goetta omelets, goetta fudge (what the ...?) Need a little goetta 101? Check out my previous Tasty Tuesday, including Grandma Wenner's classic goetta recipe.

Cara's Finds

--Tell 'em nicely... and anonymously. Want to give a co-worker some friendly advice without hurting their feelings? Try NiceCritic.com, the anonymous way to send a helpful message. Choose from nine different message categories, from personal hygiene to office behavior. If only they had a "Dear Cubicle Neighbor, hacking up luggies in your office trashcan is NOT cool" message. Now that would have been handy a few years ago.

-- Houshyourdaddy? Cincinnati Bengals fans will enjoy seeing TJ Houshmandzadeh on MTV Cribs. I did; although he gave no love to his fans back home. Grrrr... That's OK, I'll still sport my #84 jersey this year. He's my favorite "Bungal."

Piano for Preschoolers Review & Giveaway

2008-07-31T08:00:00.003-04:00

Want to introduce your preschooler to the piano or keyboard? Check out my review of Piano for Preschoolers. Plus, enter for your chance to WIN one over at the WMAG review blog.

Missing Him

2008-07-30T10:22:00.002-04:00

I was sitting in a meeting when suddenly, it hit me. Tears sprang to my eyes, and it felt like someone punched me in the gut. I suddenly missed O more than anything in the whole wide world. I wanted nothing to do than to sprint from the conference room, run out of the building, and go get my boy.

I don’t know what caused the sudden burst of emotion, but mang, it took me by surprise. I’ve been able to rationalize to myself for a long time the reasons O must go to daycare and I need to go to work. I thought I had come to peace with it, as much as I could, anyway.

But lately, it’s been harder, and harder, and HARDER to drop him off in the mornings. Yeah, his clinginess doesn’t help matters, but my boy is growing up, people. He just turned two, and he’s blossoming (can I use that in reference to a boy? How about bulldozing?) into quite an incredible young man. We can hold mini-conversations now, giggle uncontrollably over a case of the hiccups, and pal around like we never could before. Mom and son. Son and mom. Us against the world.

I enjoy my job, and I really like the people I work with, but they don’t hold a candle to my son. And sometimes, I want to spend more than just the weekend conquering the world with my two-year-old. I want to spend every hour, every MINUTE setting up train tracks, reading books, and holding drum and kazoo concerts for our dog and cat.

So when I read tweets, twitters, and blogs about how SAHM moms can’t wait for their children to head back to school? I want to throw things. And it makes me sad.

I understand, I do. I probably feel like I want to spend every waking moment with my son right now, but if I actually had the chance? My tune might change. Or it might not. I'm not sure. But right now? I sure do miss him. And I wish I had endless days and nights to spend with him.

A vacation might just be in order.

Tasty Tuesday - July 29, 2008

2008-07-29T09:17:00.000-04:00

Last week I posted about BLTs, those awesome sandwiches that perfectly meld the flavors of bacon, lettuce and summer-fresh tomatoes. Then, this weekend we went to a friend's house for a small get-together. She served the most amazing Italian sandwiches, and it got me thinking how under-appreciated the sandwich is as a quick and easy dinner food. I'm so used to slapping together PB&J or balogna and cheese for my daughter's lunch every day that I forget it's possible to make a dinner sandwich that's nutritious, satisfying and not just an attempt to cram some protein and fiber into a kid-friendly, portable package.

The secret to my friend's sandwich is fresh, quality ingredients. If you work near a deli, you could pick these items up over lunch. The bread is especially important--she uses a nice, long crusty/chewy loaf. Cut it through the middle so you have two long pieces, then slather on a bit of mayonnaise and/or some pesto. (I usually have fresh pesto on hand in the summer, but you can buy it ready-made.)

Next, layer salami with a soft, mildly aggressive cheese. My friend recommends havarti or provolone. Add some thin slices of red onion and red bell pepper (roasted red peppers from a jar work well). The final touch--the one that really makes this sandwich, I think--is fresh basil leaves in place of lettuce. We grow basil on the back patio since it's so low-maintenance but, again, you can always get it at the store. You only have to use a few leaves to get a wonderful spicy, fresh flavor.

Cut your long sandwich into pieces big enough to hold, and then serve with a bit of ready-made pasta salad. Summery, satisfying and simple!

Schooool's (Still) Out for Summer!

2008-07-25T15:08:00.007-04:00

How do you keep the last month of summer going strong? Get a faux hawk and crank up the tunes...

Friday Finds - July 25, 2008

2008-07-25T09:00:00.009-04:00

Cara's Finds

--WMAGs are passionate about ice cream. Just take a look at the comments over on the Ice Cream Social Giveaway! But, thanks to Carrie who mentioned Graeters, a Cincinnati favorite, is giving away free ice cream until the end of the month. Just print the coloring page and turn it in for a free scoop. Any age can enter the coloring contest, so don't feel silly getting your crayons out. Free ice cream is a serious matter!

--More Michael Ian Black. Susan brought up his book awhile back. I just discovered his new show. Michael Ian Black hosts Reality Bites Back on Comedy Central. Comedians compete in a series of reality parodies, including American Gladiator, Biggest Loser, and more . Last night they parodied Rock of Love. It was hilarious! Watch it Thursday at 10:30pm/9:30c.

--Coupon know-how and more money saving tips. Looking to save at the store? Who isn't!?! Check out Little Miss Know It All, a local blogger who really knows how to work the coupon system and save you big bucks. Seriously. This lady makes out like a bandit. (Thanks, Carrie! She found this "find," too!)

Susan's Finds

-- Old-school Cabbage Patch Kids are back! This September, the Kids will be celebrating their 25th "birthday" with a limited edition series of 1983-style dolls. According to the PR dude, these $30 keepsakes will include "Xavier Roberts signature, a 'silver anniversary' baby spoon, commemorative silver-stamped 25th Anniversary Birth Certificates and Adoption Papers."

My mom still has my old CPK doll AND preemie (what a weird phenomenon), which my daughter sort of plays with. They're all grody though, so maybe I need to get the new keepsakes.

-- Who couldn't use a new wardrobe? With 48.5 pounds gone and 39.5 to go, I sure need some new threads. That's why I'm entering the How to Look Good Naked Sweepstakes--prize is $5,000 for a shopping spree. Now if only Carson Kressley could be my personal shopper ...

-- BabyCenter gives birth to a whole new community. If you are/were a fan of Maya's Mom, you'll notice this new community looks very similar. That's no accident. BC bought the site out last year, and now they're incorporating the Maya's Mom functionality into the content-richness of BabyCenter.

Ice Cream Social Giveaway!

2008-07-23T08:48:00.005-04:00

There's still time to celebrate National Ice Cream month! Yep, in case you didn't know July is the official month of everybody's favorite frozen treat. And in case you didn't get your fill, now's your chance to go out with a Baaaaa!

Read more about Laloo's ice cream and enter for your chance to win an Ice Cream Social Basket on the WMAG review blog!

Winner Update: The winner of the ice cream basket is SJ. Congratulations!

Tasty Tuesday - July 23, 2008

2008-07-22T13:34:00.003-04:00

Hey, folks! I'm super-busy today and don't have much time for Tasty Tuesday. Fortunately, I need only three letters to recommend a quick, easy dinner sandwich that makes the most of summer's flavors:

BLT

Leaving the BlogHer Bubble

2008-07-21T00:20:00.003-04:00

I'm hangin' at the San Francisco Airport right now, waiting for my red-eye flight to start boarding. I remember how I felt last year at this time, at the end of BlogHer. It was like post-Christmas letdown. All that buildup to a big moment, then deliriously awesome times, then BAM. Back to regular life. Just like that. Post-BlogHer letdown.

Fortunately, I do have something to look forward to and keep my spirits riding high. Not only will I get to see my sweet girl and hubs when I get home, but also I will have the whole week off from work to spend with them. (Jay is still working, but Cassie and I will play our days away.) I'm so grateful to have a job that offers such generous vacation now. More time with my kid = happy, loyal employee.

Anywho. I think the best way to wrap up my top moments of BlogHer '08 is with a list. I love lists.

Recording a video segment with the real Abby Cadabby on a Sesame Street set, especially for my Cassie. (I wish I could post the video on here, but I'm not smart enough to figure it out without hubs' help. Check back later.) This was simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience that filled me with joy and will be an amazing gift to my daughter. Plus, talking with a Muppet made me laugh like a giddy 3-year-old.
Having lunch with Rocco DiSpirito and getting to meet him. What can I say? He was hunky and famous, and I got to be all chatty and charming (I hope?) with him. Yet another once-in-a-lifetime moment. What are the odds?
Rooming with my Nati/NKy friend Shannan, AKA MommyBits. We didn't know each other very well before BlogHer, but I figured we'd get along famously. Indeed, we did (along with Amy in Ohio, Meghan in Santa Barbara, Kendra the Headless Mom, and many other BlogHers). Shannan was considerate, helpful, laidback, and downright hi-larious. The perfect roomie and drinking companion. Also, I'm not just saying this because she went and got me Starbucks two mornings in a row. But it helped.
Getting pampered for free. As an attendee of this conference, I was showered with ample swag (some of which I had to ditch -- not enough room in my suitcase!). I also got a free chair massage and a Bare Escentuals makeover, making me feel and look fabulous. (The free food and wine were pretty sweet, too. But they may contribute to a lousy weigh-in this week over at Mr. and Mrs. Get Fit.)
Partying with Interweb supastah Guy Kawasaki. Dude and his house are niiiiice.
Meeting and/or reconnecting with bloggers I read regularly and adore. Carmen, Jennette, Sarah, Devra/Aviva, Jenny, Liz, Kim, Robyn, Georgia, and many others I am forgetting at this moment because I am so freakin' tired! (Sad I missed a few in all the hubbub. BusyMom and Absolutely Bananas, for instance.)
Networking with shiny new (to me) bloggers and a few industry folks I had never met or read before the conference. I absolutely loved our conversations between sessions, during cocktail parties, in hallways, or riding on the elevator. Everywhere I went, I met a new friend and discovered a new blog to check out!
Spending my last day in San Francisco sightseeing with Christina from A Mommy Story. While I had originally planned to attend the UnConference today, I decided last night that I was blogged out and would rather see a little of this rockin' city before I flew home. Fortunately, Christina happened to be in the same boat and we paired up to ride the cable cars, lunch on fresh seafood, tour the bay by boat, and pal around. We even discovered we went to the same university at the same time--but never knew each other. Weird, huh?

So there you have it. No deep thoughts. No LOL drunk stories. Just my honest, slightly sentimental lovefest after another killer BlogHer conference. If this post was too much for you, all I can say is, sorry for partyin'.

Mamas on the Town

2008-07-19T12:32:00.005-04:00

I'm cruising into my third day here in San Francisco at BlogHer '08 and going strong.

If you could tap into the boundless collective energy of these awesome blogging women, you probably could power a medium-sized nation. I've met so many cool chicks who are away from their kids for the first time in years. Years.

And while we all miss our lil' tater tots (as MommyBits calls them), ain't no party like a West Coast party of hot mamas on the town. Last night, I met up with an old friend for dinner at a fabulous fusion restaurant, Triptych. Then we joined up with my BlogHer crew plus a few new friends and had drinks and dessert at Scala's. After a long day of networking and learning, we still had plenty to discuss--and laugh/cry about.

Pictured above: Amy in Ohio, MommyBits, yours truly, our honorary Nati girl Meghan who happens to live in Santa Barbara, and Phototrade Krista.

More good times to come, including a progressive party at Macy's on Union Square tonight.

Workin' It at BlogHer

2008-07-18T14:39:00.004-04:00

Just a quick note to say "hi!" from BlogHer '08 in San Francisco. I am thrilled and grateful to be able to attend this rockin' conference, which brings together women bloggers from all over North America (including a nice little contingent from Cincinnati -- WOOT!)

So far, I've mostly networked. As in, collected more business cards and traded "elevator pitches" with more people than I have in the entirety of 2008. Conversed with all manner of bloggers, PR people, and even Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street (will post a video of this little puppet chat later!) Enjoyed the first wave of free booze and swag. Bonded with my awesome roomie and my BlogHer posse.

Now, I'm headed to lunch with none other than Rocco DiSpirito. Yeah, that's right. Check ya later!

UPDATE: I heart Rocco. So cute, witty, genuine, and kind enough to sign a copy of his book and pose for not one, but TWO pictures with yours truly. Swoon. (Thanks for being my photographer, Shannan.)

Friday Finds - July 18, 2008

2008-07-18T09:00:00.006-04:00

Cara's Finds

--Capture your family's true personality. Tired of stressful photo shoots at the mall, fake backgrounds, and awkward poses? Check out, Sarah Diebold Photography. Our friend Sarah takes natural, beautiful pictures of children and families in comfortable settings, like your home, backyard, or at the park. Whether you want photos of your children or of your whole extended family, Sarah will meet you in your location of choice and start snapping away. Check out her portfolio at SarahDiebold.com.

--WMAG PHOTO SPECIAL! If you live in the Cincinnati tri-State area, give Sarah Diebold Photography a call and get 10% off your session fee. Tell her WMAG sent ya!

--Need a sitter? Check out SitterCity. The subscription-based website lets you search babysitters, pet-sitters, senior caregivers, tutors, and more in your area. To help you select the right sitter for you, you'll find sitter reviews, references, as well as free background checks.

--Hate this blog? You better not! Now you can wreak havoc on the websites and blogs you hate with Netdisaster.com. Go there and select the website you'd like to destroy and the method of disaster from dog poop to a dinosaur stomping. Sweet revenge!

Puppy Parenthood: A New Kind of Guilt

2008-07-17T12:16:00.003-04:00

We love our Happy dog. She's been doing really good since we got her on Saturday. The kids were pretty surprised. Not "jump up and down surprised." More like "are we dreaming?" surprised. It took a good couple minutes for my son to ask, "So... this is like our dog, right? ...Forever?"

Most people usually have a dog before a kid. We had the kids before the dog. So this puppy-parenthood is all new to us. I can already tell I'm putting too much pressure on myself to raise the most perfect dog. I've read almost everything I could about house-breaking. I've asked other dog owners for recommendations on everything from dog food to obedience training. And I've been to PetSmart already too many times.

I don't remember being this stressed out over having a new baby! Or, maybe I'm just having new mommy amnesia?

I'm also fighting a new kind of guilt. Pet-owner guilt! I feel bad putting her in her crate while I'm working. She has this pathetic little howl she does when she's sad. Aww... poor puppy!

Any other WPAG (working pet-owners against guilt) out there?

Getting Ready for the Big Show

2008-07-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

I can't believe BlogHer is almost here. I've been anticipating the "Big Show" for BlogHers since, well, BlogHer '07 ended. Talk about a buildup of excitement!

In less than 24 hours, I'll be leaving on a jet plane for San Francisco, hanging out with my Nati blog pals Amy and Shannan, and entering a world where my total blog dorkiness is not only tolerated, but embraced.

Meanwhile, I'm totally not ready. There are bags to pack, naggy lists to make for my hubs, brochures to print, laundry to finish, and oh yeah, time to be spent with my family before I leave them for five days. As Cathy would say, hands thrown up in the air like she just don't care, "ACK!"

I CAN'T WAIT.

Tasty Tuesday - July 15, 2008

2008-07-15T09:11:00.002-04:00

So last week I wrote about how more moms are relying on caffeinated beverages to get through their day. We had a chuckle at a quote from Sarah Kripal of Lincoln, Nebraska, who said she needs "about four energy drinks, three cups of coffee and a six-pack of soda every day." Wow! That's a lot of caffeine! (I think she must have been exaggerating.) The article quoted doctors as saying that consuming large amounts of caffeine might give you the shakes and keep you from getting a decent night's sleep, but there are habits worse for your health, such as smoking.

But then, a couple of days later, I found this story online. Apparently poison control in Boston has seen a huge spike in reports of teens with caffeine poisoning. Seems kids are already loading up on energy drinks, coffee and soda. But on top of that, it's being added to gum, mints, candy bars and even lip balm.

Ew! Now I'm not going on an anti-caffeine crusade here. I like a shot in the arm from Dr. Pepper every other day or so, and Starbucks mochas are my treat of choice. But come on! Why do kids feel like they need so much extra energy? And why is caffeine so en vogue as a food additive? Is it a legal high? Are kids that overextended and worn out? I never drank coffee or Red Bull when I was in high school (I don't think Red Bull even existed then) and I was an honors student who did a crapload of activities and pulled frequent late-nighters to keep up my GPA. I remember being tired, but not desperate for caffeinated gum.

So what gives? I'm willing to give harried moms a pass, but I'm confuzzled about the kids. Moms of teens, I'd love to know what you're seeing, and what you're telling your kids about caffeine consumption.

All About You

2008-07-14T08:59:00.007-04:00

I’ve always admired Cara for figuring out what work situation worked best for her as a working mom, then going for it. After the birth of her second child, she realized she wanted to go part-time, and she made it happen. Then a few years later she decided she wanted to do freelance, and made that happen, too.

She paved the road for a lot of different people to take on flexible working arrangements throughout the company. I’m one of them—I work one day a week from home. Of course, it helps to have a great employer (there is a reason we’ve been named Best Place to Work three years running) to help make flexible working arrangements a reality.

But it got me thinking, what would your ideal work situation be? If money wasn’t an issue, if job advancement wasn’t an issue, etc. I’m going to be completely honest here (even though my employers read the blog!): I'm not sure working home one day a week is my ideal work situation, but I sure do like it.

So what about you—would you work at all? Would you work part-time? Would you work full-time? Part-time from home? Lemme know.

Friday Finds - July 11, 2008

2008-07-11T08:00:00.003-04:00

Cara's Finds

--Funny reads. If I could pick my next best friend, it be Chelsea Handler. She is hilarious--and a great writer! Over vacation I read Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea, a collection of funny short stories from Chelsea's life. I loved it so much I bought another copy for a friend who needed a good laugh. Now I'm now reading My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One Night Stands. If you're a David Sedaris fan, you'll love Chelsea's style of dry, sarcastic humor, too. You can also watch her on In the Motherhood, a series of webisodes I've written about before. And on Chelsea Lately, her own talk show on E!

Susan's Finds

-- Check out these new summer TV shows (if you have cable, that is). TNT's The Closer starring sassy Kyra Sedrick premieres Monday, July 14, at 9/8 Central, followed by Saving Grace with the hellacious Holly Hunter. On TLC's new Must Love Kids (July 15, 9 p.m. ET), follow three single moms who want to re-enter the dating world as they search for a soul mate, while balancing their lives as working parents. USA's Monk and Psych return on Friday, July 18, at 9 and 10 p.m. ET. Week after next, find out How to Look Good Naked from everyone's favorite gay man, Carson Kressley, on Lifetime, July 22 at 10 p.m. ET.

-- Five moms lose a staggering total of 539 pounds. These women tackled their excess weight with a variety of methods (no surgery, though). Now they look and feel fantastic! MomLogic features the inspiring stories and before/after photos of these hot skinny mamas.

-- Is your kid's artwork piling up? ART:Archives offers one ingenious way to preserve those precious works digitally. Definitely a good solution for clutter!

-- If you love Michael Ian Black as much as I do (for reference, I love love love him!), you must read his hilarious blog AND buy his sure-to-be-hilarious book. My Custom Van: And 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays that Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face goes on sale next Tuesday. Right now, he's got a serious one-way feud going on with David Sedaris that is getting out of control. (Thanks to Meg for alerting me of MIB's online presence.)

Guess Who's Joining the Fam?

2008-07-10T22:31:00.012-04:00

Shhh... Don't tell our kids, but we just adopted a dog! Our new puppy comes home Saturday morning and we can't wait. She's a Bluetick Coonhound and she's absolutely adorable.

We're not sure how we're going to surprise the kids yet. But we know they're going to love her. The shelter named the puppy and her sisters after The Judds: Naomi, Wynonna, and Ashley. Although I love a theme, Ashley (who we adopted) isn't the name we want to call her. Right now we're tossing around the name "Happy."

We found her on Petfinder.com, where thousands of dogs, cats, and many other types of animals are waiting to find a loving home. If you're looking for a new pet, I encourage you to search Petfinder.com or visit an animal shelter in your area. More than likely you'll find the type of breed you want. Many of the adoption organizations on Petfinder.com save the animals from overcrowded, high-kill shelters and then foster the animals out of their homes until they can find an adopter.

The dog we adopted was dumped off at a pound in Indiana by an irresponsible breeder, who didn't want to mess with additional female pups. Luckily, Three Sisters Pet Rescue was able to obtain The Judds and bring them to Cincinnati where they can now live long and happy lives. Aww... Happy!

I'll share new pics of our pup once we bring her home. Today I'll be hitting the pet store to pick up all those dog-gone necessities!

Tasty Tuesday Part Deux

2008-07-08T17:16:00.004-04:00

So, remember way back when, when I urged everyone try some Orville Redenbacher's Tender White popcorn? Well, if you haven’t yet, I’m ~~quite angry at~~ disappointed in you.

BUT! Maybe it’s just the cost of food is astronomical anymore, and you don’t really trust me enough to spend your hard-earned dollars on something I reco’d. You don’t really know me, after all. Well, fine. But I'll prove you wrong! I don't give up that easily. How about if you got some for free? Check out our review blog for the deets.

Is It Hot in Here?: How Burnout Led to Cool New Job

2008-07-08T07:30:00.000-04:00

Check out my latest Watercooler column on Mommy Track'd. You can find out just how unaware I was of my state of job burnout -- and how the Universe helped a working mom out.

Tasty Tuesday - July 8, 2008

2008-07-08T07:00:00.002-04:00

Usually I use this space each week to talk about quick, easy and relatively healthy foods that working moms can feed to their families. But this article got me thinking about how we feed ourselves - or, rather, the things we put into our bodies in order to accomplish all that needs doing each day. The article's called "Caffeinated Moms Drink Up to Keep Up" and it's about how moms are drinking huge amounts of caffeinated beverages. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 65 percent of moms rely on coffee, soda and energy drinks just to make it through the day.

"I can definitely say without a doubt that I am addicted to caffeine," says Sarah Kripal, mother of two from Lincoln, Nebraska. "I need about four energy drinks, three cups of coffee and a six-pack of soda every day."

Um... ouch. I hope she's exaggerating, because my heart is racing just thinking about that! Now, I enjoy coffee, but I'm not addicted. A mocha at Starbucks is more of a treat every other day or so. If I'm getting addicted to anything, it's a glass of wine before bed to help me wind down. (OK, I realize I just made it sound as if I'm a budding alcoholic, but I swear it's just a little yummy Cabernet, and not every night - it's not like I've got a bottle stashed under the bed or anything.)

I can always use an energy boost, however, and my method seems to be pigging out at lunch and dinner, then riding a carb high until I crash in the middle of the afternoon or evening. Then I'll reach for a soda to help drag my butt to the finish line. Healthy, right? Great for the waistline, no? Yeah. It's going to catch up with me sooner or later, but filling yourself to the gills with Red Bull and Americanos isn't healthy, either.

The article suggests proper diet and exercise can help boost our energy levels naturally, as can taking time out each day to refresh and rest. But I suspect many of us wouldn't be looking for a caffeine fix if we felt we had the time to eat better, exercise more and take a few minutes of "me time" each day.

So I'm curious: What do other moms do to get a bit of extra energy on a hectic day when a jog or a nap is out of the question? Any special snacks you keep in your desk drawers? Have you discovered an all-natural energy drink? It's OK if you want to admit you're a Starbucks junkie or that you're strung out on Diet Coke and Smarties. Commiserate or offer advice--I'm cool, either way. I'm just looking for something that won't leave me resembling Jabba the Hut by the time I retire.

Queens of the Road

2008-07-07T07:25:00.001-04:00

Now THIS sounds like fun.

Having met 80 percent of the participants in this Moms Road Trip (haven't had the pleasure of meeting Meagan--yet), I can say that with some certainty. These hilarious, smart, interesting blogging mamas will undoubtedly tell fabulous stories along their week-long journey from Washington, D.C., to San Francisco. Follow along with them (on Twitter and their road trip blog) as they hit the road and blog about it.

See you at BlogHer, ladies! And remember the motto of a maintenance guy-by-day, biker dude-by-night I once knew:

"Live and let live, and ride free."

Friday Finds - July 4, 2008

2008-07-04T08:52:00.006-04:00

Susan's Finds

-- My friend and Cassie's sitter Karen makes super-cute reusable canvas grocery bags AND the most adorable matching ribbon jeans and t-shirt sets for little girls. (She made one of these sets for Cassie's 2nd bday, and I've gotten raves from strangers whenever she wears it out.) Karen took my advice and put them up for sale on Etsy--they're way too good to limit to the local craft show circuit. Check 'em out here.

-- Looking to flex your work options? Employers, employees, and stay-at-homers can get a little help from MomsRising's newly beefed-up Open, Flexible Work section.

-- Get a sitter, STAT! BabysitEase serves the Cincinnati, Columbus, Lexington, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore areas with babysitting services. Tell them the who, what, when, and where, and they'll hook you up with a qualified sitter for your night out.

-- Imagine a YouTube just for little kids (and their parents, too). OK, you don't have to wish for it. TotLOL is here! (Love the name.) Currently in beta (testing phase, for you non-geeks), TotLOL touts itself as "a brand new community-moderated video website designed to be enjoyed by those between the ages of 6 months and 6 years." Now if I can just get my kid to STOP SMASHING ALL THE KEYS on my laptop, maybe we can watch a few entertaining videos ...

-- Get expert and mom advice and ideas with NewBaby.com. Best part about this new site? You watch videos to get the info--no reading required. Ask burning questions and get real experts to answer them on video.

Cara's Finds

--Want your mortgage paid for? Or how about some free gas? Visit Classmates.com and simply add or update your profile picture. You'll automatically be entered in the Mortgage and Gas Giveaway. 10 people will win $30,000 to help pay their mortgage. And 100 people will win a $500 gas card!

--Happy 4th! Looking for last minute 4th of July parties games or something to bring to the cookout? There you go.

HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY from us at WMAG!