Fact:

That business? You’re looking at it. Metropolitan Mama.

Every once in awhile, I get the message from other bloggers that if you’re trying to make money or review products or sell advertising or any combination of those activities, then you’re a sell-out. I disagree adamantly.

Business is not a bad word. On the contrary, businesses can be run with integrity. Businesses can do good in the world. Businesses can turn out excellent products. Businesses can be the foundation for strong relationships. And – yes – businesses can help put food on the table.

Just because I am seeking a profit as a blogger does not mean that I sell out my voice or compromise my content. In fact, I protect both things unwaveringly (my husband would say I protect them a little too much sometimes). Example: a notable popsicle brand recently invited me to be a part of a paid campaign. I declined because they have “high fructose corn syrup” in them (an ingredient my family tries to stay away from).

That being said, I eagerly enter into partnerships with brands that coincide with my family’s lifestyle and philosophies. I sell advertising spots and have sponsorship campaign packages (feel free to contact me if you’re interested). I enjoy public speaking, being an ambassador for products I believe in, and attending conferences. I have tens of thousands of readers from all over the United States, Canada, and beyond.

I certainly respect that blogs exist for many different reasons. Some are journals; some are photo-logs. Some are meant for family & friends. Some have tens of readers; some have thousands. Some bloggers don’t want to maintain a business; some do. And all those reasons for blogging are good.

My particular blog exists as a business. I’m in the business of encouraging, inspiring, and challenging mothers. I’m in the business of writing, publishing, and creating relationships. I’m in the business of changing the world in the best way that I know how.

I am *also* bringing in an income for my family…and I’m cool with that. I hope you are too.

Do you blog? If so, do you consider it to be a business or would you like it to be?

If you are an entrepreneur of any kind, what are your favorite books, websites, and/or conferences?

There is so much waiting (for the plane to take-off/land, for the stoplight to turn to green, for the car to get filled up with gas, etc.)…and so much sitting still.

If you are under three feet tall, waiting and sitting still are two things that are not on your list of favorite things to do.

As a parent, I think it is wise to extend a lot of grace to small children when traveling…and to be very, VERY prepared with food, activities, and break stops.

One idea is to purchase a TravelKiddy for your trip. Invented by a mom of four, the activity kits are packed with fun toys, crafts, and games to keep kids entertained.

We took the BASIC TravelKiddy for ages 3-6 on a recent road trip and our 3-year-old kept asking for the “green bag.” You can refer to the website for the kit’s entire contents, but her favorite things inside included the stickers, the measuring tape, the toy animals, and the hand sanitizer wipes (go figure…who knew germ-killing could be so much fun?).

I think the kits would be best-suited for air travel since some of the contents work better with a tray or flat surface, but it was great in the car too.

Available in four different age categories (toddler, ages 3-6, ages 6-9, and ages 8-adult), the kits retail for between $21.95-$44.95.

WIN IT! One winner will receive a TravelKiddy in his/her choice of age category. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, February 1st at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

* I received a product sample for review purposes.

*UPDATE* The winner is #30 liz m. Congratulations!

When we announced that we were going to Disneyland, she talked about it for weeks. Truth be told, she is STILL talking about. In fact, I am still talking about it too. I’m ready to go back. I love that place.

She also still talks about the plane. Lately, she’s been wanting to pretend that we’re on a plane several times a week. She always want to cook me food on the plane – steak and potatoes, vegetable lasagna and cheesecake and peach tea. If only REAL food service on planes was that good.

Anyway, from my limited experience, I think 3 is a very good age for jet setting. She can sit still for a longer period of time, she can be distracted, and she can have full conversations. She was the picture of good behavior during both of our flights.

Here are four things that helped:

1. Lollipop, Lollipop. If you are traveling with a preschooler, never underestimate the power of a lollipop. Lollipops are wonderful for two reasons: (1) they take a long time to lick and will buy you a good chunk of time, and (2) they help little ones to “pop” their ears during take-off and landing.

2. Drink Service. Our 3-year-old was totally excited by the prospect of getting a special drink to put on her tray. We normally never let her drink soda (In fact, she only had her first soda this past summer – a neighbor’s home brew of root beer), but we made an exception for the trip. She drank Sprite happily out of a straw and felt quite proud of herself.

3. Snacks. DO bring a variety of snacks – dried apricots, trail mix, crackers, fruit snacks, etc. Chances are the airline won’t serve anything (which stinks, by the way…I remember the good ‘ol days when you got a sandwich and chips and a cookie) so be sure to have your own on-hand for any “I’m hungry” moments.

4. My Airport Busy Kit. The My Airport Busy Kit is a a genius little kit designed by two California moms. The kit is priced at $15.99 and includes markers, crayons, stickers, a measuring tape, a laceboard, scissors, bendable craft sticks, and much more…all packaged in a see-through mini suitcase with two smiley faces on the front. When I used the word “genius” above, I meant it. This kit is packed with just the right variety of products to keep a preschooler busy for a long time. In fact, we didn’t even make it through all of the contents over the course of our two flights. Surprisingly, she probably loved the kid-shaped measuring tape best (it’s the blue elephant in the picture, see above). She “measured” the seat and her arms and her baby sister and all kinds of things.

At $15.99, I actually think the kit is priced very fairly. On a previous trip, I went to Michael’s and bought stickers, a sketch pad, and other odds-and-ends…and I spent at least that much. And the items weren’t as plane-friendly or as packable.

Needless to say, I think these kits are great for plane rides, road trips, waiting rooms, and any time when sitting “still” is required by a small child. I already have the kit tucked away for our next journey.

YOUR TURN: How do YOU keep your small children occupied on airplanes and on long road trips?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a My Airport Busy Kit ($15.99) by My Busy Kit. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Saturday, December 12th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

* I received a product sample for review purposes.

*UPDATE* The winner is #6 MaryBeth @ FourSillySisters. Congratulations!

And I do mean everything.

She is super curious about the world around her: reaching and rolling and moving across rooms like nobody’s business. And if she finds anything, she’ll immediately put it in her mouth.

When we venture out-and-about, I try to remember to bring a teether or toy, but…sometimes, I forget.

Now, however, I wear my bronze teething bling pendant {pictured, $21.20} by Smart Mom Jewelry. It’s a necklace that also functions as a teether…brilliant! The pendant material is non-toxic, latex-free, and food-safe (oh, and it’s dishwasher-friendly too!). I really am lovin’ the rich bronze color I selected because it’s equally perfect paired with dressier clothes or every-day clothes.

Two mamas – Kendra & Amy – started Smart Mom Jewelry in 2002. And I have to say…they really are Smart Moms! Even my husband was impressed by the concept (and he’s a pretty tough critic).

YOUR TURN: How do you help your teething baby? What products do you recommend?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a teething bling pendant of her choice by Smart Mom Jewelry. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, September 21st at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #1 Deborah. Congratulations!

What’s that, you say? You don’t know what Etsy is? Well, I’m more than happy to introduce you. It’s “your place to buy & sell all things handmade.”

I absolutely adore Etsy. In fact, I “window shop” on Etsy at least once a week.

For example, I just took a peek around Etsy and found these wonderful things (click on each picture to see larger image):

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Perhaps you have a great talent that you would like to share with the world (Do you make Soap? Cards? Cookies? Tutus? Paintings?).

Perhaps you would like to make some money doing what you love.

Consider Etsy.

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Danielle Maveal – an Etsy associate – about how to start up an Etsy shop and I thought you might be interested in our discussion…

Q. I have a great product that I make (candles, clothes, jewelry, artwork, etc.) and would like to sell. What are the advantages of starting up a shop at Etsy as opposed to starting my own store/website?

A. Setting up your Etsy account and shop is free! The low overhead cost is probably one of the most enticing advantages to selling on Etsy. You can set up your account, put up a banner and avatar, and get the feel for Etsy and the community without having to put a single dollar in. Once you set up an account, you can hang out in Etsy’s Virtual Labs (our online classrooms) or converse with other community members on the forums. So, you really can get a good feel for Etsy and once you’re ready to start your shop, you can fill it up with products for under a few dollars, since it only cost $0.20 to list an item.

Another great thing about having an Etsy shop vs setting up your own web-based shop is not having to worry about being the sole traffic driver to your own website. Think of Etsy like a 24 hour, global craft fair, with tons of shoppers looking for the most unique handmade and vintage items.

Q. Okay, you convinced me. Where do I go to get started?

A. Etsy can walk you through the shop set up process. First thing you need to do is think of your Etsy shop name (your username and shop name are the same). Once you have that decided, check out our Sell section. It will walk you through each step of setting up your shop. If you happen to hit a bump in the road, we have FAQs and Help Guides to get you back on track!

Q. How easy is it start an Etsy store? Do I need web design experience?

A. The great thing about starting a shop on Etsy is that you do not need web design experience! This gives you more time to focus on your products. I’d say you could start and stock an Etsy shop in an afternoon. How easy is that?

Q. Does Etsy take a “cut” of my profits? Is there a monthly fee? What kind of expenses am I looking at?

A. There is no monthly fee. Here’s how it works: for each item you list $0.20 is added to your monthly Etsy bill.  When you sell an item your bill is charged 3.5%. So if you sell a $50 item on Etsy, your bill will be charged $1.75.

Q. Do I have to have a business license or pay taxes as an Etsy shop owner?

A. This is a question I get asked often. Think of Etsy as a space for rent – we give you the platform to sell your goods and you are responsible to follow your own state laws and regulations. It’s hard for me to give advice in this area since every state and country has different requirements when it comes to licenses and taxes. My advice is to give your local small business center a call and ask a few questions.

Q. How do I get my shop featured on Etsy’s home page?

A. My biggest tip here is to have great photos. You also want to make sure you are getting found – not only by the Etsy Admin who select the images featured on Etsy’s homepage…but by buyers as well. You can do this by listing new work often and keeping your shop fresh! I also want to give you a bit of information about the way search works on Etsy.  Search is directly related to the keywords you attach to your items in the listing process, these keywords are called “tags.” Using the right tags can help bring more traffic to your Etsy items. Make sure you are using every single one (we give you space for 14) and include specific colors, styles, and motifs found in your work. This article on tagging is the very best resource on that subject.

BEST WISHES…and happy Etsying!

YOUR TURN: Do you have an Etsy shop? If so, leave the link. If not, do you shop at Etsy? What are your favorite stores?

Oh. Oh. Oh. Aren’t they oh-so-cute?

The birthday shirts are handmade by a mom of two from Cincinnati, Ohio and retail for between $20-$26.

If you choose to make a purchase, you will:

1. get an adorable shirt that is “photo shoot ready.”
2. be supporting a talented mom who makes her goods after her kids are tucked in for the night.

Sounds like a win-win situation. Don’t you think?

P.S. Olive & Ollie also sells custom birthday sets and the sweetest little peasant dresses.

WIN IT! One winner will receive a custom birthday shirt of his/her choice from Olive & Ollie. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Saturday, September 5th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #83 ReggieMann. Congratulations!

The reason I don’t forget is because I automatically say “no.”

No offense to Mary Kay, Arbonne, Premier Jewelry, and Gold Canyon – I just don’t like to go to a party where I know with 100% certainty that I’m not going to buy anything. Yes, I realize buying something isn’t obligatory, but it always feels a bit awkward to walk away from those parties empty-handed. Besides, I don’t like going to an informal “get-together” with friends, only to realize that I have to listen to a sales pitch about why this foundation is revolutionary for my skin or these candles will last for eight hours.

Note to friends:

• I rarely wear make-up and, when I do, I buy my “favorite” drug store brands – you know, like Revlon lipsticks and Maybelline mascara. The $7 variety.
• I rarely wear jewelry and the pieces that I do have are handmade, personalized, and/or simply silver. My ears aren’t pierced and I don’t wear rings (other than my wedding ring). Bracelets are beautiful (but a nuisance when you have a toddler). So I usually stick to simple necklaces with special meanings.
• I don’t buy candles. Especially ones that retail for over $10. Even if they smell wonderful and will burn until pigs fly.

I love YOU, but not the products. capiche?

Oh, and I totally don’t mind being invited (thank you for thinking of me). Just know that I’ll say “no” about…oh…98% of the time.

I might change my mind, however, if you were selling something else, like homemade soap or locally grown produce or…chocolate (which brings me to the reason for this post).

If you’re the kind of person who would enjoy working in a direct sales capacity, here’s an idea:

DOVE Chocolate Discoveries offers you a way to “Eat Chocolate. Make friends. Make $$$.” Essentially, you host a DOVE Chocolate Discoveries™ Tasting party and invite your friends to try…chocolate. Serve chocolate martinis, 5-minute chocolate mousse, chocolate-covered graham crackers, truffle fudge brownies, or fondue.

DOVE Chocolate Discoveries is the first direct-selling company just for chocolate (and it’s a new “start-up” company, which is why you may not have heard of it until now). The base commission is 25%, but there is potential for earning up to 40% with additional bonus opportunities as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Chocolatier, you may want to watch the “Chocolate Advantage” video for more information. From there, you can get up and running by purchasing a $149 Business Kit. The kit gives you everything you need to hold your first four to six Tasting Parties.

As with any direct selling company, the amount of money you make (or if you make any money at all…) depends on how often you want to host parties (and how much people buy, of course). I, myself, am not really a direct-selling kind of gal, but this opportunity sounds like it has potential for fun for the right kind of person.

Note: If you invite me to a chocolate tasting party, I probably won’t R.S.V.P. quite as fast as I would for other direct selling parties…because I’ll be checking my calendar. Will you do me a favor though? Hold the sales pitch. Chocolate pretty much speaks for itself.

I’m pleased to offer one of you an opportunity to become a Chocolatier!

WIN IT! One winner will receive a $149 DOVE Chocolate Discoveries Business Kit (pictured above, valued at $300). To enter, leave a comment stating why you would like to be a Chocolatier and/or why you would make a good Chocolatier on this post prior to Monday, June 22 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

NOTE: Unlike most of my contests here at Metropolitan Mama, the winner of the DOVE Chocolate Discoveries Business Kit will not be chosen randomly. I will carefully select a winner based on the quality and creativity of your entry. My goal will be to select a commenter who clearly demonstrates her potential to be a Chocolatier. Convince me!

*UPDATE* THANK YOU to everyone who entered to become a Chocolatier! There were so many fantastic entries – it was hard to choose! But the winner is…#116 Marina. Marina, you gave a compelling case about why you would make an outstanding Chocolatier and I wish you much success with your new business endeavor! Best wishes!

In a parent’s dictionary, the words “bedtime” and “peace” would probably be synonymous.

The late afternoon is a blur of activity for us – making and eating dinner, going on a family walk, bathtime, push-ups and sit-ups by the bath, pajamas, brushing teeth, brushing hair, nursing the baby.

By 8:00 or 8:30 – 9:00 at the latest – the girls are both asleep on most nights. My husband and I sigh contentedly and soak up the silence.

Then, we settle into our nightly routine, which generally consists of working on projects and business ideas in a frenzy (there’s something oddly comforting and relaxing about that…), talking about anything and everything, eating a late night snack, and – on a few rare occasions – watching one of the two TV shows that we watch (LOST and Fringe).

We finally – happily, sleepily, with a million thoughts rolling around our restless and creative minds – crawl into our bed at around 1 a.m.

I’m actually quite picky about what I sleep in. It has to be comfortable (and I have high standards for comfort when it comes to loungewear). The material has to be “just so” – soft and lightweight. And, it has to provide easy nursing access – so easy that I don’t have to deal with bunched up material or lots of fabric.

Right now, I alternate between two pajama sets and, ironically, they are both by the same brand: Majamas.

On any given night, you’ll likely find me in either my Majamas Pajannaman PJ’s ($63 – see my previous review of these pajamas):

Or my Majamas Lace Sleep Set ($82):

Pretty, don’t you think? But, I promise they’re not solely pretty. They’re pretty comfy too. I might sometimes even wear them past the noon hour, but that information is strictly confidential.

Made with a unique combination of 92% polyester and 6% spandex, the material is positively sultry. It glides right over my frame and is perfectly flattering for a mama because it shows off my shape, but DOESN’T “cling.” There’s even extra room for your tummy so either of these sets would also make for a perfect “coming home outfit” after baby’s birth.

Nursing or not, brand new mama or not…you will LOVE these pajamas.

Want to buy either of the above sets? Consider purchasing them from Better Mommy Fashions, a mom-owned online boutique that “specializes in high-quality and fashionable nursing clothes.” Owned and operated by Ruby, a stay-at-home mom with an almost-9-month-old little girl, the shop features items that she has hand-selected to help new mamas feel their very best. As a former international model, she knows fashion. As a nursing mama, she knows practicality. Shop with confidence, knowing you’re supporting another mom – AND knowing that you can return any items that don’t fit for a full refund within 30 days (now, that’s customer service…a few big name brands could do well to learn from Miss Ruby…ahem, Motherhood Maternity).

YOUR TURN: What do you wear to bed on most nights?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Better Mommy Fashions. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, June 16 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #7 Spoodles. Congratulations!

Snikiddy prides itself on making snacks that are: “Simple. Wholesome. Real.“

And I might add “delicious” to that tagline.

I’m not a pro at reading food labels, but these snacks do appear to be healthier and more “natural” than other similar snack items (If you’re a nutritionist and you want to weigh in, please do!). Best of all, they really are “kid-friendly” and fun to eat, not to mention that they can be eaten one-handed (a plus for moms with small babies!).

Check out all 7 of their scrumptious flavors:

Snikiddy snacks can be purchased online or at a variety of health food stores and grocers.

If you want to “keep up” with all of the latest Snikiddy promotions, feel free to follow Snikiddy on Twitter.

WANT TO GET A FREE $1 OFF COUPON? Anyone who fills out the Snikiddy contact form will receive a $1 off coupon for any Snikiddy product.

But wait – there’s more! – the first 30 people to fill out the Snikiddy contact form will also receive a Snikiddy Art Kit (a little kit with crayons, colored pencils, and stencils, enclosed in a 5 x 4 plastic case that looks like a little suitcase). Just put “metro mama” somewhere in the comment section!

WIN A SNIKIDDY SNACK PACK! One winner will receive a fantastic Snikiddy Snack Pack, a box full of Snikiddy snacks to enjoy. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at midnight. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

* This is a sponsored post.

*UPDATE* The winner is #82 Marcy Strahan. Congratulations!

But I’m exactly the opposite.

I sleep so much better with my baby by my side, feeling the gentle up-and-down rhythm of her breaths, knowing that I can protect her from anything and everything. I love looking at her in the dim lighting, watching her sleepy smiles and expressions as she dreams about something that is apparently rather wonderfully funny. I like to watch her little eyebrows dance up and down, to notice when she starts rooting – before she cries. In blissful slumber, I pull her to my breast and we both settle into sleep. It seems so natural, so gentle, so perfectly right.

It may sound crazy, but I feel fully rested in the morning yet I also feel like I was awake – watching over her – the whole night. I feel as if we were breathing in unison. In my sleep, I comfort her and feed her and put my hand lightly on her chest to feel the rise-and-fall of her breaths. I was asleep, yet I was awake – protecting her.

For our family and for this baby, cosleeping works best. I can’t imagine it any other way.

I am not so naive, however, to say that everyone should sleep with their babies. There are, in fact, some situations where parents should not sleep with their babies. But – for many families – cosleeping is the optimal sleeping arrangement.

If you want to cosleep, but you would also like the baby to have a space of his/her own and/or you’re a first-time parent and nervous about the whole thing…you may want to consider the Supreme Snuggle Nest.

Designed by a mom, the Snuggle Nest allows baby to come into bed, while giving you peace of mind about your baby’s safety. The nest features a firm, waterproof mattress, an incline wedge, side air vents, sleep positioners, and a built-in nightlight.

The nest is designed for newborns, “from birth until they begin to push up or rollover” and retails for $59.99.

WIN IT! One winner will receive a Supreme Snuggle Nest by Baby Delight ($59.99). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, April 28 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #59 Michelle. Congratulations!