It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane…It’s Super Saver Girl
By metropolitanmama | January 5, 2009
I think I’ve mentioned before that I’m a “super saver.” In fact, my husband and I both feel strongly about wise money management. We save faithfully, invest dutifully, and strive to give generously. And we do our utmost to keep spending to a minimum.
We believe that “little things” add up and we talk about our money goals regularly.
Here are just a few of the things we do to cut costs and keep our money “output” low:
- We don’t have cable TV.
- We rarely eat out.
- We rent or buy movies instead of going to the movie theater.
- We save up for quality items instead of contributing our money to the Target dollar bins.
- We don’t make spontaneous purchases. We read reviews. We discuss our needs. We think about it. We talk about it some more. THEN, we buy.
- We don’t take out loans or buy things on credit.
By being intentional about our choices, we hope to model good money management skills to our daughter so that she’ll grow up without having to feel the “weight” of debt or the stress that often results from poor money handling.
This is a topic I feel strongly about so I was pleased to recently have the opportunity to review the Moonjar Classic Moneybox ($24.95), a retro tin with three separate “banks” for saving, spending, and sharing. Essentially, the idea is to encourage your child to think about where their money is going when they receive it.
I like the concept overall. The three categories are fantastic and the idea of giving your child a “piggybank” or box of any kind is a good one. Our 2-year-old daughter already gets excited about putting money into the different compartments. That said, I think I would like it more if there were different “slots” for pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters for easier calculating and transporting to the bank. I am assuming that this little box is geared to 5-10 year-olds, but it can easily be used with younger ones as well.
YOUR TURN: Leave your best money-saving tips. You can leave up to three separate tips for three separate entries.
WIN IT! One winner will receive a Moonjar Classic Moneybox ($24.95). To enter, leave a comment on this post [see above] prior to Tuesday, January 13 at midnight (don’t forget to follow the rules). * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
Topics: About Me, contests, money management, product review | No Comments »
just another perk of blogging…
By metropolitanmama | January 5, 2009
I received this assortment of dark chocolates from See’s Candies in the mail a few weeks ago.
I liked every single one that I tried - the nutty ones, the chewy ones, the fruity ones. Each piece was rich and decadent.
I should remind you that I am a chocolate snob so that statement is a weighty one.
IDEA: If you need a business gift for a former colleague (to stay in touch), a current client (to say thank you), or even your child’s third-grade teacher (to express gratitude), I definitely recommend that you check out See’s. Wouldn’t it be fun to “sneak” a box on to someone’s desk with a handwritten thank-you note…?
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Water: how much to drink + how to drink more of it
By metropolitanmama | January 5, 2009
Do you ever get so caught up in your work that you forget to eat/drink?
When I find myself with a block of time to work (because my 2-year-old is sleeping, with daddy, at grandma’s house, etc.), I work doggedly and passionately. I know that my time is short so I just work, work, work…so that I can give my daughter my all when she wakes up or returns.
It’s easy for me to “forget” to drink in those times…and, quite honestly, I have been known to forget throughout the day. I’m not really one to make New Years Resolutions (I prefer to set goals throughout the year), but - if I were going to - I would add “drink more water” to my list.
Water is, after all, a natural medicine. It is THE ultimate health drink. It clears the digestive system, boosts the metabolism, revitalizes the skin, inhibits dehydration, and more.
One simple way to keep hydrated is to carry a water bottle with you to work and/or around the house. You could keep track of the number of times you refill the bottle on paper…or you could purchase the new Intak BPA Free Hydration Bottle w/ Meter from Thermos. The rotating meter allows you to monitor your daily fluid intake so you don’t have to wonder how much you drank at the end of the day. Available in four different colors, the bottle holds 24 oz and retails for $10.99.
So, how much water should you be drinking? You can go with the “8 rule” - eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Or, another method is to divide your weight (in pounds) by two. The resulting number is the amount of ounces you need every day. So, if you weigh 135 pounds, you should drink around 68 ounces. Neither method is perfect, but those are good starting points, according to Mr. Google (a number of sources said the same thing).
YOUR TURN: How do you stay hydrated throughout the day?
WIN IT! One winner will receive an Intak BPA Free Hydration Bottle w/ Meter from Thermos ($10.99). To enter, leave a comment on this post prior to Tuesday, January 13 at midnight (don’t forget to follow the rules). * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
Topics: contests | 9 Comments »
Eye Shadow…The Easy Way!
By metropolitanmama | January 3, 2009
“Why do girls wear makeup?”
My husband asked my that question when we first started dating. He was 18. I was 16. He told me that girls looked much better without the “paint.” For the most part, I agreed.
I wore very little make-up then. And I still wear very little - although I’m finding that a touch of lipstick, a twirl of mascara, and a hint of tinted moisturizer can do wonders for my appearance now that I’m getting “older.”
That said, there are occasions when I enjoy “going glam” for an evening. Only one problem: I am not a make-up artist and things like eye shadow confuse me. So I have two options - I can call my sister Kathryn (a beauty queen and aspiring cosmetologist) OR I can use a ColorOn Professional Instant Eye Shadow kit.
“These are single-use, hygienic, hypoallergenic applicators that require no makeup skills, no brushes or secondary applicators. Imagine an eye shadow that is waterproof, crease-proof, and long-wearing that transfers to the eyelid with just a touch.”
Did you catch the part about “no makeup skills?” These applicators just scream my name. I tried them and I have to say they ARE super easy (just stick the applicator on the lid, pull it off, do a little touch-up blending, and add a little powder…) and the results are quite nice. You can make your look as dramatic or as “natural” as you like with just a little blending.
The kits, which include five pairs of appliques, retail for $25 at sephora.com.
WIN IT! One winner will receive a ColorOn EyeEnvy kit ($25) of her choice. To enter, leave a comment on this post prior to Sunday, January 11 at midnight (don’t forget to follow the rules). * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
Topics: Uncategorized | 35 Comments »
Maternity Activewear for Celebrities…and for me
By metropolitanmama | January 3, 2009
My maternity workout regime consists of walking…and more walking…lots of walking.
I would attend a prenatal yoga class, but that would mean spending extra $, driving 20+ minutes to a studio, and finding the time to go without my daughter.
I would go running, but I’m not the type to run marathons with a belly. It’s uncomfortable and I worry about all that “jostling.”
I would have a personal trainer come to my house three times a week to ensure that I stay fit and strong all the way through my delivery date and beyond, but I am not a celebrity.
So, instead I walk. I lift my 5 lb. dumbbells occasionally (…and my 20-pound 2-year-old daughter counts, right?), but mostly I just walk.
When I walk, I prefer to be comfortable and stylish at the same time since I know most of my neighbors. I want to look elegantly chic, despite the fact that I’m out-of-breath and my belly is growing bigger with each passing day.
Isn’t it wonderful that workout clothes are now available that are designed specifically with pregnant women in mind? Consider Zobha’s maternity collection - five pieces that could be classified in the “resort wear” category. Somehow I think celebrities would be proud to wear these items.
How cute is this outfit:
I have the sweater and it’s so pretty - excellent for chilly weather and it’s “versatile” too. It can easily be dressed up [to wear to the office or to your child's school play] or down, depending on what you pair it with and what accessories you choose.
YOUR TURN: If you are currently pregnant, what is your exercise routine like? How do you stay motivated?
WIN IT! One winner will receive a Maternity Brigitte Cashmere Sweater from Zobha ($195) the size of her choice. To enter, leave a comment on this post prior to Sunday, January 11 at midnight (don’t forget to follow the rules). * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
Topics: contests, maternity clothing, product review | 50 Comments »
Because Black Never Goes Out Of Style
By metropolitanmama | January 3, 2009
Pregnancy “only” lasts nine months.
Thus, it’s hard to justify buying an entirely new wardrobe for such a short span of time. I prefer to buy a few fantastic maternity items that I can wear all nine months with ease.
That’s why Maggie Maternity’s Classic Maggie Box ($195) is so ingenious. It consists of four pieces - a skirt, a pair of pants, a 3/4 sleeve shirt, and a tank - all in black. Each piece is simple, classic, and incredibly soft. No frills…but also no “frump.”
I especially love the Figure Tee ($60, if purchased “alone”). The sleeve length is flattering, the rounded neckline is pretty, and the shirt is long enough to cover my burgeoning belly. I actually wore it in our family Christmas photo this year and I’ve worn it to several parties too, not to mention all of the other times I’ve worn it as part of my regular “work week.”
The tank is nice for warm weather and/or layering…and the skirt is great if you’re the skirt-wearing type during pregnancy (I prefer jeans/pants because I have a toddler to chase and I’m constantly getting up and down, which is hard to do gracefully at almost 30 weeks pregnant). The pants are comfy and great for lounging around the house, but I personally prefer a more structured trouser for “going out” (whether to a work meeting or to dinner with my husband).
All of the items are made of the same stretchy material and can easily be dressed up or down, depending on your choice of accessories and shoes. You’ll like these pieces equally if you’re in corporate America or if you’re at home with your toddler. And you’ll definitely wear them often - from that first positive test result to postpartum. I expect that I’ll wear these pieces even after baby #2 makes her debut in March…
WIN IT! One winner will receive a Classic Maggie Box by Maggie Maternity in the size of her choice. To enter, leave a comment on this post prior to Sunday, January 11 at midnight (don’t forget to follow the rules). * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
Topics: contests, maternity clothing, product review | 53 Comments »
How to effectively use business cards at conferences
By metropolitanmama | January 2, 2009
As many of you know, I attended BlogHer ‘08 in San Francisco this past July. My husband and I had just discovered we were pregnant (much to our delight) the night before my departure…and I felt myself slipping into the land of nausea shortly thereafter. But I decided to go anyway.
I never really did give an adequate “re-cap” of my trip due to the fact that morning sickness quickly took over from there and I won’t do that here. BUT I would like to point out that I was a bit taken aback by the onslaught of business cards that awaited me.
Since there are quite a few other blogging/business conferences coming up that you may be attending (Blissdom, Mom 2.0 Summit, BlogHer ‘09, SXSW Interactive, to name a few…), I thought I’d give a brief “lesson” on business card etiquette…in the off-chance that you’re nervous about that kind of thing.
There is, after all, a proper way to use and distribute business cards in order to maximize their potential.
Here is what NOT to do:
- Hand someone your business card at the onset of a conversation and/or before you have had an opportunity to “connect.”
- Give your business card to ANYONE who is breathing before gauging his/her interest level in your product, service, or blog.
- Prepare an “elevator pitch” about your business/blog and give it with timed perfection like those guys at the county fair who sell fancy schmancy blenders that will chop up absolutely anything in under 10 seconds.
Essentially, the purpose of the business card is to serve as a “reminder,” to jog a person’s memory about you…because you were just so incredibly likable and professional. You need to connect FIRST, “sell” second.
The Golden Rule applies. Think about the other person first. Ask about his/her business/blog/interests. Say something memorable. Talk about something interesting. Be genuinely kind. THEN - after the conversation and the laughter - THEN AND ONLY THEN should you pull out a business card.
Even then, I’m not a fan of just forcing it into the other person’s hands. Good manners should still be present. Why not say gracefully, “It was so nice meeting you and hearing about XXX (your two-year-old, how you ended up at this conference, etc.). Would you be interested in keeping in touch?” There, that wasn’t so hard.
And when you accept a business card, don’t just stuff it in your pocket or purse (where it is sure to be scrunched up, forgotten, or colored on by your toddler). Write a little note to yourself on the back (”she works in the marketing dept.” or “he has a 3-year-old” or “her daughter is heading to college this fall”) so you can follow-up properly. Then, file the business card away in your pretty, professional, and pink 72 ct. Business Card Case by Rolodex (on sale at Amazon.com right now for $17.49).
Okay, you don’t have to have that specific case. But I will point out that it is a “beauty.” The faux leather is so sleek and sharp-looking. The snap front is classy and it’s a handy size - not too bulky to carry with you from session to session. Plus, it features a mini notepad and pen loop for easy note-taking.
I also have the Rolodex Resilient Pink Journal (~$20) and it is equally attractive. It includes both a large and small notepad, a place for handouts, 2 pen loops, and 5 small pockets for business/credit cards. I bring this one to meetings with me - especially when I want to leave my purse and laptop behind.
Whether you’re promoting your mom blog, your Arbonne business, your design business, or your PR company…remember that organization is crucial and friendliness isn’t optional. Consider others first. Smile. Relax. Be thoughtful. Don’t be “sales-y.” That’s the real way to win customers…and to make friends.
YOUR TURN: Are you going to any blogging/business conferences in 2009?
WIN IT! One winner will receive the Resilient Pink 72 ct. Business Card Case AND the Resilient Pink Journal by Rolodex. To enter, leave a comment on this post prior to Saturday, January 10 at midnight (don’t forget to follow the rules). * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
Topics: contests, product review, working mother | 85 Comments »
Themed Weekend: Workin’ Girl
By metropolitanmama | January 2, 2009
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: All moms are working moms.
Whether you work 9-5 outside of the home or you have your own business or you’re in the business of chasing your 2-year-old around the house, this weekend is for you.
Stay tuned for reviews, giveaways, and articles related to “work.”
Here’s a question to kick off the weekend: If you had it your way, what would your “ideal” working situation be? Let yourself dream a little. Would you work full-time or part-time? Would you start your own business or write books or go back to school? Would you want to work at a family-friendly company with on-site daycare or would you rather pass the day in the company of your kiddos? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Pictured: the Kensington heel from Sofft.
Topics: themed weekends | 20 Comments »
BEST OF 2008: Rio pants by Fit Couture
By metropolitanmama | January 1, 2009
Okay, so this is embarrassing.
I finished my “Best of 2008″ series last week with the strange feeling that I forgot something.
I just realized what it was.
I don’t know how the Rio pants by Fit Couture escaped my attention because I wear them several times a week. These pants are flattering, comfortable, and fun. The style is universally “becoming” on any body type due to the flared leg, the fitted “stretch” through the waist and thighs, and the black/espresso color options. If you’re petite or tall, you’ll appreciate that you can purchase the pants in four lengths (29,” 31,” 33,” 35″). Of course, they’re also machine-washable and the Supplex Nylon/Lycra combination really helps the material retain its shape.
I’m currently in my third trimester of pregnancy and they still fit perfectly. The foldover waistband is perfect for my “expectant state” because I can roll it over (below the belly button) or I can pull them up over my belly for added support.
Pair the pants with the Daytona top and you’ll be exercising in style…all through 2009.
WIN IT! One winner will receive a pair of Rio pants from Fit Couture ($49) in the size/color/length of her choice. To enter, leave a comment on this post prior to Thursday, January 8 at midnight (don’t forget to follow the rules). * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
NOTE: For additional information, please feel free to read my original review, published on 10-13-2008.
Topics: FitMama, contests, fashion, product review | 236 Comments »
Wordless Wednesday: I resolve to be the cutest 2-year-old ever
By metropolitanmama | December 31, 2008
She has that New Years Resolution in the bag!
Topics: Uncategorized | 14 Comments »
Tuesday Tours: What’s Happening on the Web
By metropolitanmama | December 30, 2008
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
Car seats are a true baby “necessity.” After all, it’s illegal not to have your little one strapped into one as you drive. Enter to win a Graco Nautilus 3 In 1 Car Seat over at Classy Mommy before Jan. 4.
I’m a huge fan of photo-inspired artwork via PhotoFiddle.com. Enter to win a $50 gift certificate over at Berrie Sweet Picks before Jan. 9.
Another chance to win See Kai Run shoes! Stop in over at My Family Loves It before Jan. 30.
Announcements
ATTN: Anne of Green Gables fans! There’s a new AOGG movie out on DVD! The title is: Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning. Watch the trailer and let me know what you think.
Good Reads
Are you thinking about having a “planned” C-section or inducing “early”? You may want to re-consider. Read the stats in this new Wall Street Journal article: New Research Shows Why Every Week of Pregnancy Counts {12-23-2008, Melinda Beck}.
Miscellany
Out of town without a baby monitor? No problem! Just download CodeGoo’s Baby Monitor application for your iPhone. Read more at Cool Mom Picks.
You know how I want to have a photographer follow me and my family around every 6 months? Here she is. Only one problem: she lives in Texas. Minor detail, right?
——————————————————————————————————-
*** 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.
Topics: Tuesday Tours | 7 Comments »
Christmas 2008 Highlights
By metropolitanmama | December 28, 2008
Christmas 2008 Highlights:
- Eating whole wheat cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning
- Sitting by the fireplace
- Hearing our 2-year-old daughter say “Merry Christmas” with such exuberance
- Watching her smile and “shake” with excitement when she opened her Winnie-the-Pooh characters
- Feeling the baby kick and move in my womb
- Dreaming about what next year’s Christmas will be like with two sweet little girls to love
* PICTURED: Our Little Beauty receiving a kiss from her 6-month-old cousin (who is also quite pretty and lovable…) on Christmas Day.
Topics: About Me | 10 Comments »