Moms Getting Organized has moved to http://staceycrew.blogspot.com

Sweet Escape

2008-10-06T16:42:00.000-04:00

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

2008-09-26T12:01:00.006-04:00

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

2008-09-16T23:34:00.000-04:00

So peaceful...i love them sooooo much!

OK kids, no more lost paperwork

2008-09-08T13:44:00.008-04:00

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!

2008-09-02T14:14:00.013-04:00

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!

2008-08-22T15:28:00.007-04:00

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

2008-08-20T10:35:00.005-04:00

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

2008-07-06T13:46:00.010-04:00

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

2008-07-02T08:09:00.003-04:00

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

2008-06-30T10:10:00.005-04:00

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.

MomMinute with Sunny Gray

2008-06-15T13:13:00.004-04:00

MomMinute with Sunny Gray

Profession: Publisher
Marital Status: Married
Children: Stella, 3; Garrison, 10 months
Where do you live? Downtown Charleston
Coffee or tea? Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon, sweet tea on the weekends!
Mac or PC? PC

1. How did you get started in your business?
~ the desire to give busy women valuable information
2. What motivates you to keep going when all you want to say is, “Calgon, take me away!”
~ the glass of wine that I have at the end of the day!
3. What is your biggest success professionally?
~ helping women find reliable resources through The Little Black Book
4. What is your biggest success personally?
~ my healthy, loving family
5. What is something you do just for you…that has absolutely nothing to do with your children?
~ Read books and magazines
6. How many hours of sleep, on average do you get each night?
~ six (often interrupted)
7. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
~ Kashi Cereal or oatmeal
8. What’s the most unusual item in your purse right now?
~ what’s unusual in a mom’s purse? Toys, wet ones, Kleenex…
9. How do you relax in the evening?
~ Get in bed and try to read before conking out
10. What’s the last book you read?
~ Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

Backyard Summertime Fun

2008-06-03T10:05:00.000-04:00

So, school's out for summer and it's time to occupy our little ones. When I was a kid, we loved to use the garage as a performing arts center. Ha ha. We had fashion shows and plays. It was a great way to pass the time. My kids now do the same thing when they visit their Grammy. The cousins band together, plan all week and put on a show for the adults at the end of our stay. We've created great memories that way!

Here are some tips for fulfilling your role as Special Events Coordinator for the summer:

Set up a schedule. Kids like to know what's happening. Even if they can't read yet, place pictures of the activities on a calendar using stickers. This is a great opportunity to introduce children to the concept of time and a calendar.
Break your day into two parts: Morning and afternoon. Plan a morning activity that will involve something creative. Have a picnic lunch in the backyard, then head to the pool or beach in the afternoon. Plan in some downtime too.
Trade child care. Do you have a friend who you can "help out" by watching their child one day and your watch her child another. This gives you both the opportunity to get some me time.

Backyard Fun
Water fun...If you don't have access to a pool or the beach, have some water fun in the backyard. Set up a sprinkler, use water pistols, even a wading pool for older children can be fun to splash in.

Paint fun...Worried about paint spilling in the house and kids tracking it all over? Set up paints outdoors. Get washed up outdoors too that way you're not tracking the mess indoors.

Reading time...Gather some favorite books, throw down a blanket, and enjoy some reading time together.

Lemonade Stand As soon as my children understood that they could earn money to buy something they wanted, a lemonade stand was on the agenda. Now, we live in a cul-de-sac so you can imagine their disappointment when not too many people showed up to buy lemonade, but the idea as lots of fun. We set up a table with an umbrella, an ice bucket, a pitcher of lemonade, cups and a "cash box." We also had fun making a sign for the stand!

Rainy day activities
Consider setting up an Arts & Crafts center in your garage. The garage, you ask? Yes. This is the perfect place to put down a drop cloth, roll out paper (you can use brown paper that's made for packaging mail items), put the kids in clothes than can get dirty, use washable paints and have the kids go to it! They'll love creating a masterpiece that you can then hang in the garage.

Movie Time
Make watching a movie an event. Have a "carpet picnic" with snacks, cuddle with your kids, and enjoy a rented or pay-per-view movie that they haven't watched before.

More ideas coming soon...
Please share with us how you keep your kids occupied during the summer months!

MomMinute with Yvonne Noisette

2008-06-03T08:10:00.010-04:00

MomMinute

Name: Yvonne Noisette
Profession: Program Leader at Trident Technical College and Airforce Reserves
Marital Status: Divorced
Children: Nicholas Noisette, 9
Where do you live? Ladson
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Mac or PC? PC

1. How did you get started in your business?

Worked in Training for the private sector and this was a natural progression

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

Paying the mortgage and paying for our fun trips.

3. What is your biggest success professionally?

Completing my Masters Degree

4. What is your biggest success personally?

Planning my family’s first family reunion

5. What is something you do just for you…that has absolutely nothing to do with your children?
Have a glass of wine after my son is in bed

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

Five to six (insomnia)

7. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?

Banana and chocolate chip granola bar

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

I don’t have anything unusual

9. How do you relax in the evening?

Watch my son practice for baseball. Read.

10. What’s the last book you read?

Happier, by Tal Ben-Shahar

MomMinute with Ginny Carson

2008-05-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

MomMinute with Ginny Carson

I've known Ginny Carson since 2003 when I started my business. At the time, Ginny was just returning to work after her first child was born and I was her first client when she returned. Today, Ginny is successfully running her own business (Decorum, a Graphic Design and Marketing firm) and now has two children. Just like most moms, she is busy! We spent a minute with Ginny to get to know her a little better...

Name: Ginny Carson
Profession: Art Director/Owner of Decorum – design for marketing
Marital Status: Hitched
Children: Amelia (4) and Sam (1)
Where do you live? West Ashley Chas SC
Coffee or tea? Usually Coffee, sometimes Tea
Mac or PC? PC

1. How did you get started in your business?
I started as a single freelance designer trying to bring in some money and be close to my kids at the same time. As business came my way I began to seek the help of other freelancers, and voila – now we have a great team and we offer many services.

2. What motivates you to keep going when all you want to say is, “Calgon, take me away!”
I know that hard work builds good character, and if I don’t do it no one will. Sometimes it just comes down to survival.

3. What is your biggest success professionally?
Professionally I think that my biggest success is building a living, viable business from scratch that supports my family.

4. What is your biggest success personally?
Being present and accessible for my husband and my kids everyday – and maybe a VERY close second is running the Cooper River Bridge Run in under one hour when I was 8 months pregnant!

5. What is something you do just for you…that has absolutely nothing to do with your children?
I have regular dates with my husband – we go out and do wild and crazy things like finish our sentences and eat warm food.

6. How many hours of sleep, on average do you get each night?
Maybe 5.

7. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Kashi cereal mixed with a little Raisin Bran.

8. What’s the most unusual item in your purse right now?
A 2” x 4” plank of cedar (designed to keep moths away – it fell out of my husband’s wool suit pocket last weekend at a wedding and I stashed it in my purse).

9. How do you relax in the evening?
Wine and DVRed Oprah.

10. What’s the last book you read?
Probably Baby Wise or The Starbucks Experience or The Other Boleyn Girl… with a one-year-old it’s been between one and two years since I sat still for more than 20 minutes, and stayed awake and had my hands available to me - scary.

MomMinute with Amy Maddox

2008-05-21T09:30:00.000-04:00

MomMinute with Amy Maddox

Name: Amy Maddox
Profession: Registered Dental Hygienist
Marital Status: Married
Children (Names, Ages): Luke Maddox, 10 months old
Where do you live? Mt. Pleasant, SC
Coffee or tea? Unsweetened tea
Mac or PC? Mac

1. How did you get started in your field

I wanted to go into dentistry since I was in middle school, after having my braces removed

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

My 10 month old keeps me going, since he never seems to slow down!

3. What is your biggest success professionally?

Completing my Bachelor of Health Sciences at MUSC

4. What is your biggest success personally?

Having my son, after struggling with infertility for 4 years!

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

I enjoy scrapbooking and sewing

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

Eight

7. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?

Raisin Bran Cereal

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

A sippy cup

9. How do you relax in the evening?

I read a favorite magazine before going to bed.

10. What’s the last book you read?

Raising Boys by James Dobson

MomMinute with Amanda Bunting Comen

2008-05-12T08:15:00.002-04:00

MomMinute with
Amanda Bunting Comen

Profession: Program Coordinator at the Center for Women
Marital Status: married
Children: Harrison Stuart Comen, 3 months
Where do you live? West Ashley
Coffee or tea? Sweet tea
Mac or PC? PC

1. How did you get started in business?

I started as an intern at The Center for Women through the women’s studies department at the College of Charleston and never left!

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

Seeing my son smile

3. What is your biggest success professionally?

Meeting Oprah and being honored as one of this year’s Charleston Regional Business Journal’s Forty Under 40

4. What is your biggest success personally?

Learning how to balance motherhood, work and community involvement

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

My community work and I haven’t had one yet, but I am looking forward to regular mani’s and pedi’s!

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

My son has started sleeping through the night most nights so I am getting around 7 hours.

7. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?

Granola bar and yogurt

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

One can never have too many diaper coupons!

9. How do you relax in the evening?

Curling up on the couch with my husband watching a DVD

10. What’s the last book you read?

Dorothea Benton Frank’s Land of Mango Sunsets

5 Simple Solutions to Car Organization

2008-04-27T10:55:00.000-04:00

According to a survey of women, 62 percent say their car is like another living space. For moms on the go, we know that to a certain extent, this is true. I can't tell you how many times I've picked up my children from school and they are immediately requesting a snack. Warehouses like Costco and Sam's allow you to buy snacks in bulk. Consider a container in the trunk for snacks and water bottles for those days when kids MUST have a snack immediately after stepping foot into the car. Here are 5 simple solutions to eliminate trash, store papers, and contain stuff:

1. Trash containers that are accessible (and emptied on a regular basis) can help reduce dirt build up and the need to vaccuum more than necessary. Try this one from Target that even holds water bottles. Hang on the passenger seat head rest facing the back seat so you can easily reach over and drop trash in the bag. Backseat riders will also easily be able to access it too!

2. Paper Organizer: Try using a labeled container that can live in the door pocket of your car that holds: Coupons/Gift Certificates, Receipts, Bank Deposit slips, and other paper items that you need to have on hand AND would be helpful if they were organized so you could easily put your hands on them.

3. Trunk containers are a great way to contain items such as first aid kits/jumper cables and more. Consider adding flash lights, a small tarp to place in the back if you're transporting items that may leak on the floor, bungie cords in the event you need to strap something to the top of the car. Also, consider a divided container that holds groceries and shopping bags to keep them from spilling over while driving. Something that most people also have to maintain are items that need to be Returned. For example, a platter that someone brought to a recent party or an item that needs to be returned to the store. Use a canvas type container to transport these items from the house to the trunk and use on of the compartments in the "trunk organizer" to hold this bag.

4. Kids paraphenalia: Create a storage space for the kids where they can contain their stuff. This covered container works well to hold items such as water bottles, electronic games, crayons and paper, and more. This particular model comes in blue and red (click on the picture for more information). Incorporate a "no stuff on the floor" rule and teach them how to sort through and organize what's in their container so they can keep "their space" neat and tidy.

5. Driver Organizer: Here's a way to contain your water bottle, phone, sun glasses, miscellaneous papers and more. Best of all, it's easily removed when you have a front seat passenger. Avoid stuffing the container with items that could be kept elsewhere. For example, owners manual and tire pressure gauge can be kept in the glove box since these items are used less frequently. Designate one compartment for a specific use to avoid being unclear as to what is kept in that particular place.

Dual-purpose Organizing Solutions

2008-04-15T16:10:00.006-04:00

Need to organize your makeup and brushes? Consider a utensil tray. Traditionally used in a kitchen drawer, these containers make great drawer organizers for the bathroom too. If your vanity drawers aren't as wide as a utensil holder, try interlocking drawer organizers that allow you to customize to the size of your drawer.

Organize your children's hair bows in a clear jar. Use two or three jars filled with hair bows, costume jewelry and Polly Pockets. Not only can you easily see what's in the containers, they can be colorful decorations for a child's room.

Girl's Night Out!

2008-03-21T09:13:00.004-04:00

It's not too often that I get to spend time with my girlfriends, so when I do, we like to do something a little special. This weekend we'll venture out for Mexican food, including Margaritas, then hop over to a local hot spot and listen to some music. Other times, we've done a spa day or gone to lunch and a movie, or simply browsed the bookstore.

In November, my mom, sister and I met in Florida for a wonderful weekend retreat where we ate, had spa treatments, napped and shopped. It was glorious!

Here are some suggestions on how to get your time:

-Manny/Peddy day—set up a spa session for a Saturday afternoon. Start with lunch at a restaurant where you can be waited on and stay seated. No self-serve on this day out! Often new moms are on their feet fetching this and that, so make sure you choose a restaurant with good service so you can sit and have uninterrupted conversation with your friends.
-Visit an art gallery—Purchase a postcard of a painting you like as a remembrance of the outing.
-Paint pottery—It’s a great way to create something and have conversation and laughs with your gal pals.
-Browse the bookstore—You’ll have both hands free to pick up a book and flip through. Unless, of course, you’ve got your favorite coffee drink in the other.
-Go to a show or a movie—Get lost in the latest release of a movie.
-Take a dance class—Try a jazz class or Nia…or a strip tease class!
-Go window shopping—or better yet, buy yourself a new outfit!
Call one or a few of your friends right now and make a

The key to getting out with the girls, is planning. Choose a date well in advance so you can line up the appropriate childcare and make it happen!

No more excuses: There's a way to get fit with baby

2008-03-07T10:32:00.008-05:00

Don't miss out on a great way to get fit while you stroll your baby!

Melissa Gaddy of Mt. Pleasant, SC recently purchased Stroller Strides, a stroller-based fitness programs for moms. Melissa's group meets nine times each week around Charleston, including Daniel Island, Downtown and Mt. Pleasant. For more information, click here.

On April 18th, I'll visit with the group downtown to talk about organization for new moms. I look forward to meeting the moms who come out and will report back after my visit.

Melissa is owner of Stroller Strides Charleston and ran her first 1/2 marathon on February 16 in Myrtle Beach. Her most important role is mom to 18-month-old J.T. (affectionately named after both of his grandfathers: Joseph and Thomas).

Get a good quality picture of your baby!

2008-02-28T14:04:00.004-05:00

Baby's First Photo Shoot

You may already have a photographer in mind, but if you don’t, here are suggestions on choosing one:

Ask friends for recommendations for reputable photographers whose style you like.
Search the Internet for Web sites of local photographers. This way you get to preview their style and offerings.
Ask the studio/photographer for references and meet the photographer in advance to be sure you click with his or her personality. You want to be completely comfortable and feel like you can clearly communicate with the photographer.

According to Karen Leach, a professional photographer in Los Angeles, California, a good photographer can get a great photo no matter what. She says that she has never done a shoot where she didn’t get something she and the parents liked. In the end, carefully choosing the photographer determines what you wind up with in the end.

Consider the following when choosing a photographer:

Film versus digital
Color versus black and white
Studio versus natural light
Artificial background versus natural environment
Is there a location fee?
How do they handle an uncooperative baby? This is important in the event baby becomes irritable and needs a break.
Can he do mother/baby photos and family photos at the same time?
Will the photographer incorporate one of baby’s favorite toys?

Leach also says that it’s important to get baby’s portrait done as soon as possible. In fact, schedule sessions in advance to capture baby at one-month, three-months, six-months, and one-year. The key is to not miss the important shots and keep in mind these photographs will become family heirlooms one day.

Ask the photographer if you can “shadow” them to get a record of Baby’s first photo-shoot. This could be a fun way to record baby’s first photo shoot experience or at least get one or two photos.

Once the photo shoot begins, there is the possibility that baby will become uncooperative, for good reason. She may just need a short break to eat or a diaper change. Take a few minutes and relax, keeping in mind baby takes her cues from mom. Photographers who take baby pictures not only know that this can happen but anticipate it and build extra time into the shoot.

Some babies will naturally be comfortable around unfamiliar faces, and others will scream at the top of their lungs if they don’t recognize the person. If your baby is stuck to you like glue, capturing a professional photograph can be challenging. To maintain your sanity and stable blood pressure, keep expectations low, be willing to go with the flow, and know that the experience you have with the first photo shoot is one that you want to make memorable no matter how frustrated you might get.

Here are some additional tips for making the experience a good one:

Schedule the photo shoot just after baby’s naptime or when baby is at her best.
Wait until you get to the studio or photo location before dressing baby in her photo-shoot clothing. Also, immediately put a bib on her until it’s time to have the photo taken to avoid spit-up on her outfit.
Stay close by so baby is comfortable, but stay out of the shot.

Good Idea! Bring one of baby’s favorite toys for the photographer to hold near the camera to get baby’s attention.

Excerpt from Stacey Crew's The Get Organized Guide for New Moms, available on amazon.com.
Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Photographer, Karen Leach http://www.karenphotographs.com/

MORE Time Savers for New Moms

2008-02-27T08:27:00.005-05:00

As a new mom, time savers are always necessary. Here's an article from the editors of a new web site, our365.com, who interviewed me for the article. Happy reading!

Time Management: A New Perspective

2008-02-04T09:45:00.000-05:00

Time is finite! You can't get more than what you've got. Unlike finances, where you can make more money, you can never truly get more time.

Managing finances has always been a challenge for me; a challenge that has frazzled me just like getting organized frazzles others. As I assessed my situation, I asked myself, "how come I can organize myself, two children, a business and a roster of clients, but have trouble getting a grip on my finances?" This was a tough question to answer, but not wanting to have this issue looming over my head constantly, I decided it's time to "get real" and work toward a solid solution.

As with time management, I started with what I've got, i.e. my monthly income. Then I made a list of all my expenses. Following so far? (For some this may seem elementary, but sometimes a new perspective can help you see what you didn't once before). Well, after making the list of expenses, I realized that I needed to earn more money, which means booking more clients. Okay, so I can do that.

Now with time management, you'll want to make a list of all the commitments and activities you are committed to each week, including food shopping, laundry, sleeping, time with family, etc. (factoring in your ability to multi-task, for example, running the washer and dryer while grocery shopping online...again, this is a perhaps part of the new perspective). After making this list, it may become truly apparent that the reason you're only getting 4 hours of sleep each night is that your over-booked and in order to get 7-8 hours of sleep (ladies, this is important to maintain that youthful glow), you may need to either delegate, farm-out, multi-task to get more done within a shorter period of time, or consider letting go of something.

It's difficult to admit that we cannot be Superwoman. I don't know about you, but I'll gladly leave that job to someone else these days. My kids will remember me for being there (or not) and not how wonderfully I showered hundreds of people with my presence at an event that means absolutely nothing to them. Don't get me wrong, my ego is not completely in check: I get my beauty sleep because the thought of growing old gracefully is something I resist on a daily basis.

So jot down your responsibilities (with time frames attached) and see where you can optimize your time. Perhaps you do laundry on Sunday's and while the washer and dryer are going, you pay bills and return phone calls. Or consider enlisting the help of your children and have them empty the dishwasher (the initial training could take some time and patience, but benefit you in the end).

Make time for you!

Overwhelmed, disorganized, and exhausted!

2008-01-15T11:14:00.000-05:00

Dear Stacey,

Organized? What's that? I'm disorganized from one end of my life to the other. From business, to car-office, home-office, home living space, nursery and space in my brain! I'm suddenly faced with getting everything done and quickly! I don't even know where to begin! And on top of all of that I'm exhausted! Any and all advice is appreciated!

-Anonymous in Summerville, South Carolina

Dear Exhausted,

I completely understand! And your timing is perfect! Starting off a New Year is a great time to incorporate new habits and behaviors, as well as let go of what's not working. Feeling burdened by the daily responsibilities of upkeeping a house, a family and a lifestyle can put one in a state of feeling over burdened and unfulfilled at times, which can then lead to guilt and frustration.

Dictionary.com defines guilt as a feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, crime, wrong, etc., whether real or imagined. These days, most women carry around a lot of guilt because they are generally over-committed or wanting to do it all that nothing gets done perfectly. But really, who is perfect, and who really wants to aspire to do everything perfectly? Then we wouldn't be human.

Embrace the human experience and understand that there's a finite amount of time in the day and nothing will ever be finished or truly completed. The raising of children is an on-going responsibility and although one day your little ones will be off to college, you'll still be concerned for them. I asked my mom one day recently if she was worried about me regarding a recent decision I made. She responded by saying, "I'm always concerned about you. It doesn't matter what it is."

Look for specific information on organizing your car, home office, nursery and more in upcoming blogs.

Here Comes Santa Claus...with more toys!

2008-01-02T09:45:00.000-05:00

Santa has come and gone and you're likely left with a heap of toys and no where to put them. Well, hopefully not, but if you are, consider the following:

Donate or give to a friend the toys that your child(ren) obviously no longer play with
Store some items and rotate them with existing toys in a few months. It will feel like Christmas all over again.
Consider alternative containers for toys that more easily fit the game pieces
Sell gently used toys on ebay or craiglist.com to fund future purchases

Keep in mind that physical organizing is about deciding how much space you will give to a thing.

Have another idea? Send me an email: stacey@gopack.org.