Mom's Talk News

Mom’s Talk Network Updates for Monday, August 18th

Christina — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:35:19 +0000

From Kelly:

I got a lot of encouragement and agreement in the comments section for my day dream about getting a cabin on a lake to chill out at for awhile next summer Thanks so much everyone!

I chatted about the possibility of renting a cabin for at least a week with my brother this weekend. They usually camp at campgrounds every year and he is open to switching things up a bit. I think my goal will still be for a whole month - but I would love to have some friends and family come and go for a week at a time too.

I’ll let you know if I decide to go for it, ok?

Meanwhile - I blogged last week about feeling like I’m in a funk. I just didn’t feel like working at all! I spent a lot of time this weekend away from the computer. My brother and his family had dinner with our two elderly aunts on Saturday and Sean and I went to the movies on Sunday. I continued to watch a ridiculous amount of the Olympics

So it’s Monday and I’m wondering if I can break out of this funk or not. My email inbox would certainly benefit!

Do you have any tricks for convincing a funk that it’s time to move on? If so, please do share!

From the Editor:

How are you surviving Back To School season? Have your kids started the old routine yet?

My kids go back on September 3rd and we’re still anxiously awaiting the team assignment for my oldest, who is starting middle school. Can’t get supplies or even go to the walk through/open house before getting that schedule!

My youngest is starting first grade and is thrilled because she got the teacher she wanted. Little does she know that this is the toughest first grade teacher who assigns the most homework! We’ll see how long the love lasts!

For those of you who start school before Labor Day, why do they start early? I heard of some schools starting in early August, which to me is still summertime. I’m really curious about the rationale of when schools start and why. Feel free to share in the comment section below.

From Our Featured Guest Blogger at Mom’s Talk Network:

Jennifer Cangelosi of Boutique Bargains shares practical tips for being productive when making ebay your full time job.

Other Tidbits:

This week is the last session of the Hot Seminar Series. Our Speaker is Lynn Terry of ClickNewz.com.

September will be here before you know it and that means that Moms Affiliate Expo is coming up fast. Attend the free live webinar expo September 11, 12 and 13th. Register for free audios and webinar access today!

What’s Happening Over at the Mom’s Talk Network Forum:

Come on moms! We know you have lots to say! Come share your opinions at the forum and make some new friends! Share your thoughts about:

Want To Write For Us?

If you have a blog or website and would like to contribute a guest blog post, we would be happy to give you some link love in return! Please review our Guest Blogger Guidelines and submit your ideas/posts to christina@momstalknetwork.com

Have a great week!

Updates for Mom’s Talk Network for Monday, August 11th

Christina — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:21:49 +0000

From Kelly:

I think I have a serious case of the summer doldrums. I have very limited doses of motivation to work with each day and it runs out fast.

What I’d really like to do is get a little cabin on a lake and chill out for about a month on a comfy lounge chair with nightly bonfires and lots of juicy novels.

Anybody up for it? LOL! I do believe that this little day dream of mine will become a goal for next summer. Michigan is peppered with beautiful lakes and little cabins to rent

How about you? Are you getting lost in summer day dreams? I’d love to hear them.

From the Editor:

Do you moms get much time away from the kids? Do you have time for lunch with girlfriends or even just time to chat on the phone with your best gal pal?

I’ve read many articles about the importance of these female relationships in our lives yet many of us get so wrapped up in our kids or family or work that we let these opportunities pass by.

Tomorrow I’m headed to Connecticut with one of my best friends from NJ. We both turn 40 this year (her birthday was Feb and mine’s in Dec) so we figured we would treat ourselves to a special treat this summer. Even though CT is hardly the hot spot for partying, it will be a joy to have uninterrupted conversations and dinners that don’t involve chicken nuggets!

This week do something fun for yourself. Call a girlfriend and spend time catching up or grab a coffee or lunch. Treat yourself special…you deserve it!

From Our Featured Guest Blogger at Mom’s Talk Network:

Elizabeth Ashe of Internet Marketing Strategy Diva shares the benefits of writing special reports and how they can boost our business.

Other Tidbits:

Did you see Kelly’s post about the open casting call for the reality show, Wife Swap? Participants can earn $20,000! WOW!

What’s Happening Over at the Mom’s Talk Network Forum:

Come on moms! We know you have lots to say! Come share your opinions at the forum and make some new friends! Share your thoughts about:

Want To Write For Us?

Have a great week!

Updates for Mom’s Talk Network for Monday, August 4th

Christina — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:40:39 +0000

From Kelly:

I posted on the blog Friday about starting Weight Watchers. As you can tell, I haven’t hopped and skipped into this diet with a big grin on my face - but I am determined nonetheless and as day four begins, I’m feeling better about things.

The truth is that I like everything fat, fried, sugared and creamed. I like healthy food too - just not nearly as much. So far so good though. I haven’t broken my points limit and haven’t had to starve myself at all.

Weigh ins are on Thursday evenings. I’ll let you know how it’s going

On the Web - this week is busy as usual. Class three of my SparkplugU Podcasting Bootcamp run tonight. Tiffany Washko will be speaking this Wednesday night at Hot Seminar Series. Her topic is Profitable Mommy Blogging. I hope you can join us!

Are you ready to be a Mom Mastermind?

This Friday, August 8th marks a big change for my membership site, Mom Masterminds. Those who join before the end of the day will be grandfathered into the ‘Founding Club’ which means that after 18 consecutive months of membership, they will be inducted into lifetime free membership.

Starting on Saturday, new members will be able to join MM at a lower monthly price - just $24.97.

If you have a business that you want to grow using the internet - MM is the place for you! Come on over and check out our seven day free peek. No strings - just free access to the forum and some great resources.

From the Editor:

We are officially in the Back To School season! If you are sending your kids to a new school this year, are they nervous or stressed? Excited? How are you helping them through the transition?

My oldest starts middle school and is very excited, which helps me stay excited for her. I went to Catholic school grades K-12 so the idea of her going to a very large public school is scary for me. However, these are the SAME fears I had 6 years ago as she got on the kindergarten bus for the first time and she did beautifully.

And I’ve heard from a number of other parents who are thrilled to bits with the middle school principal and teaching staff.

Hopefully this time next year I’ll be laughing at myself for ever worrying!

From Our Featured Guest Blogger at Mom’s Talk Network:

Shawn Kiraly Corry of Blue Skye Baby helps parents-to-be purchase the safest crib for their newest addition.

Other Tidbits:

Did you see Kelly’s post about going to Weight Watchers? What are some of your tips for making these lifestyle changes a bit easier? Feel free to leave a comment below or at the post.

What’s Happening Over at the Mom’s Talk Network Forum:

Come on moms! We know you have lots to say! Come share your opinions at the forum and make some new friends! Share your thoughts about:

Want To Write For Us?

Have a great week!

Updates for Mom’s Talk Network for Monday, July 28th

Christina — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 08:10:06 +0000

From the Editor:

How’s your summer going so far? We’ve been pretty busy with plans, although you’d never know it by looking at my kids moping around the house if I don’t let them plug into the computer or tv. Geesh!

My kids will end up doing more traveling this summer than anything else. My mom took my eldest to Washington, DC last week for 5 days to tour the city and see the monuments. This week we traveled down the east coast from New York to South Carolina and in August the kids will be spending a week with my parents in Connecticut. Plus we’ll visit friends in New Jersey and Pennsylvania before the summer is over.

And yes, I cringe every time we have to fill up for gas…

From Our Featured Guest Bloggers at Mom’s Talk Network:

Christina Havens from Pure Baby Living helps new moms with 10 Remedies To Relieve Colic.
Patricia Garza of Little Bytes News gives Tips and Insight For Life As A Stay At Home Mom.
Jan Ferrante, the Queen of KAOS, shares tips for regaining that calm, serene life you had before kids.

Other Tidbits:

Have you participated in our Artsy Mom Blog Party? It’s still underway (actually, I’m not sure these things have an end date!) so share a blog post with us about what makes you creative and unique. Click here for more info and the list of links.

What’s Happening Over at the Mom’s Talk Network Forum:

Seriously? You haven’t visited our forum yet?? Stop over today and share your thoughts or ask a new question. We’re nice there, honest…we don’t bite!

Have a business question? Post it here under Moms Talk Biz!
Need some relationship advice? Post here under Relationship Talk!
or share your favorite recipes in the Moms Talk Food category!

Want To Write For Us?

Have a great week!

Updates for Mom’s Talk Network for Monday, July 21st

Christina — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 08:09:38 +0000

From the Editor:

As you read this I will (hopefully) be fully recovered from our 16 hour car ride to Hilton Head, SC. We haven’t traveled this far by car, especially with two kids in the backseat, but we have never been to Hilton Head and we wanted an adventure.

Of course, we had the hotel booked long before the gas prices got so high but we still think it will be cheaper than flying.

From Our Featured Guest Bloggers at Mom’s Talk Network:

Jan Ferrante, the Queen of KAOS, shares some healthy tips for Moms Who Want To Be Sizzling Hot this summer.
Carrie Lauthfrom Natural Moms Talk Radio shares tips for Green Cleaning Your Refrigerator
LaTara Ham-Ying from Vegan Meal Helper doesn’t mince words when she says to Get the Junk Food Out Now!

Other Tidbits:

You can still participate in our Artsy Mamas Blog Party! We’ve gotten some great posts and want to read about what makes YOU unique and interesting. Read the directions and grab the graphic here.

If you need a morning break from your routine, check out Mom’s Morning Show! Every weekday morning at 10:30am ET the MMS crew chats about mom stuff and they give out great business advice, too!

What’s Happening Over at the Mom’s Talk Network Forum:

Come on moms! We know you have lots to say! Come share your opinions at the forum and make some new friends! Share your thoughts about:

Want To Write For Us?

Have a great week!

Updates for Mom’s Talk Network for Monday, July 14th

Christina — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 06:58:13 +0000

From Kelly:

I blogged today over on Mom’s Talk Network. The post is called God and the Grocery Store. I hope you’ll pop over and leave a comment for me. (Do you think I’m nutty for seeing God in small things?)

I’m a happy mama this late, late night as I put the finishing touches on a few things.

My eighteen year old man-son is sleeping on the couch just a few feet away from me here at my nieces. He just came home from a three day trip with his dad and just wanted to come with me to hang out. (Hanging out didn’t last long - but it is the thought that counts.)

I love it that he missed me and likes to be with me. I know the time will soon come when three days away from mom will be nothing to think about, so I will cherish it while I can.

It’s a busy week coming up! I have something going on for the next three nights.

Monday Night: Listen to me and Patti Serrano on Entrepreneur Club.
Tuesday Night: Register for the free Blogging for eBay Seminar with Heidi, Jenn & I.
Wednesday Night: The 2008 Hot Seminar Series with Leslie Truex.

I hope you can join me

From the Editor:

What do your kids love to do during the summer months? Since both of my girls are dancers, summer is a time to take a break from dance and learn something new.

My youngest took golf lessons last week (she also took them last year) and after 5 days of hitting golf balls “like Daddy” she wants to join the LPGA tour! Not exactly, but it’s cute to see her enthusiasm for something new.

So we bought her a putter and a 6-iron and she went to the driving range with her dad yesterday. Come to find out my husband’s regular golf buddy has a full set of kids’ clubs that he’s willing to give us so they may be on the links before summer’s end.

What are your kids excited about this summer?

From Our Featured Guest Bloggers at Mom’s Talk Network:

We’re Having A Party! It’s summertime, the weather is nice, so kick back your heels with a favorite drink and join us for some blog hopping! Simply visit Mom’s Talk Network and take a peek at some of our artsy mamas! Thanks again to Mandy Ray-Jones from Artsy Mommas who thought of the idea and created our cool graphic! If you want to participate, simply write a post on your own blog about what makes you creative, unique, and fun-loving and add your link to our list.

Other Tidbits:

Moms are usually on the run during the summertime but that doesn’t mean you can’t follow you’re favorite mom podcasts. Simply visit Mom’s Talk Radio for dozens of mom-produced podcasts and load up that iPod!

If you love blogging and have always wanted your own business, check out Kelly’s Blog Evangelists membership program. You get 12 months of Kelly’s coaching which will help you create and market your own blog design business.

What’s Happening Over at the Mom’s Talk Network Forum:

Come on moms! We know you have lots to say! Come share your opinions at the forum and make some new friends! Share your thoughts about:

Want To Write For Us?

Have a great week!

Mom’s Talk Network Updates for Monday, July 7th

Christina — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 02:58:06 +0000

From Kelly:

It’s been a good week - minus one night spent in the ER getting checked out for blood clots after my leg swelled up rather unattractively. (Don’t worry - turned out to just be cellulitis, and the little pills they sent me home with are taking care of that just fine.)

I’ll be a mom of few words today because Christina has a let to let you know about. But - this week’s Work at Home Moms Talk Radio has a couple of great announcements, I hope you’ll pop over and give that a listen.

From the Editor:

Welcome to July!

Lucky for me, the northeast is experiencing cooler than usual weather. The less this air conditioning runs the better

But lately I’ve been thinking of other ways to conserve energy, mostly because on these beautiful, cool mornings when I have every window in the house open, I still hear my neighbors’ air conditioning unit turning on. That seems like an incredible waste but it’s not my place to say anything, yet now I feel like I have to double my efforts to save.

AND I just got price quotes last week to lock in our home heating oil prices. YIKES!! Let’s just say my family will learn to love layering and wearing lots of sweaters this winter! (I know, it’s only July)

What are the ways you conserve energy? I’d love to hear your thoughts so please leave a comment.

From Our Featured Guest Bloggers at Mom’s Talk Network:

Aurelia Williams from Real Life Coaching shares ways a life coach can help women develop positive self-esteem.
Mandy Ray-Jones from Artsy Mommas shares her list of all-important natural products that she can’t live without.

Other Tidbits:

Are you ready for a summer blog party? We’re hosting an Artsy Mommas Blog Party next Monday, July 14th. All you have to do is write a post (or two!) about kids’ craft ideas, your own crafting hobbies, your hobbies prior to having kids, what keeps you young at heart…the topic is pretty open but share something that helps you to be creative!

Once you’ve done that, stop by Mom’s Talk Network next Monday morning and post your artsy momma blog link on our link list and go blog hopping to see what gets the creative juices flowing for other mommas! Should be lots of fun and a great way to become inspired and to even meet new friends!

We’ll have a graphic button soon and more info coming about where to find Mr. Linky.

Thanks to Guest Blogger, Mandy Ray-Jones from Artsy Mamas for the idea and help coordinating this event!

What’s Happening Over at the Mom’s Talk Network Forum:

Come on moms! We know you have lots to say! Come share your opinions at the forum and make some new friends! Share your thoughts about:

Want To Write For Us?

Have a great week!

Mom’s Talk Network Updates for Monday, June 30th

Christina — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:12:10 +0000

From Kelly:

My son turned 18 this week in the midst of a family crisis and I never did get around to baking his birthday cake! Now, today we have both started a diet and birthday cake is off limits. (At least a WHOLE birthday cake is - maybe I should go buy him a single cupcake from the bakery?)

Life sure comes at you fast doesn’t it?

I remember when Sean was about 12, I looked out at the teen years with a lot of fear. Would he go wild in his teens like I did? Would he be rebellious and hang out with other teens who were drinking, smoking and having sex? I felt so inadequate for the act of parenting a teen.

Raising kids seemed easy. Raising teens was scary business.

But now - suddenly - it’s all over. He’s an official grown up. A young man in charge of his own destiny.

(Oh man… what a sap… can you believe I’m getting bleary eyed over here?)

I asked Sean on Saturday (with no risk of retribution) if he had truly kept as clean as I thought he had as far as sex, drugs and alcohol goes. I’ve always felt confident on this - but I’m sure many of my friend’s parents were equally confident and shouldn’t have been.

He grinned and said “Yeah mom, I really have arrived at 18 without sex, drugs or alcohol - unless you count the ’swigs of beer’ my dad gave me at weddings.”

Can I believe him? I think so. I know some parents will think I’m probably deluding myself but that’s ok. I know how unusual it is for a teenager today to grow up without doing those things.

If only you could cap things off here. Place the blue ribbon on his chest and display him proudly on my shelf forever. LOL! (I wish!)

No, the real deal has only just begun. What choices will he make from here on out?

Will he keep himself sexually pure for his someday wife?
Will he continue to say no to drugs?
When he is old enough to drink, will he practice moderation and not let it ruin his life like so many men in our family have?

It is his life and this mama sure ain’t done praying yet

From the Editor:

Another school year has ended and once again I find myself saying, “Where did the time go?”

My oldest is headed to middle school in September and her 4th and 5th grade years are a total blur. Between homework and after school activities (for 2 kids) I guess the time just got away from me. But this weekend she was telling us about her dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer and my husband very casually told her it’s great to dream but don’t wish your life away.

I find I do that a lot, and have done so from a very young age. I get excited about my goals or dreams and don’t pay attention to what’s happening TODAY. While it’s great and important to have goals, especially if you own a business, don’t forget to appreciate the moments of today because before you know it, too many moments will have passed and you’ll only have distant memories.

From Our Featured Guest Bloggers at Mom’s Talk Network:

Aurelia Williams from Real Life Guidance shares some ways to reconnect with your family this summer.
Elizabeth Ashe from Internet Marketing Diva explains the basics of search engine optimization for those starting an online business.
Pat Fenner shares some common challenges of homeschool parents who also work at home.

Other Tidbits:

Depression can become debilitating and it can appear out of the blue for a variety of reasons. There is no reason to suffer in silence and Mom’s Talk Network has a new section of articles dedicated to helping moms overcome depression. There is hope to turn your depression into joy so if you or someone you know suffers from depression, please review our resources and seek help.

What’s Happening Over at the Mom’s Talk Network Forum:

Come on moms! We know you have lots to say! Come share your opinions at the forum and make some new friends!

Share your thoughts about:

Want To Write For Us?

Have a great week!

Mom’s Talk Network Updates for Monday, June 23rd

Christina — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:24:09 +0000

From Kelly:

How can anyone expect me to get anything done with this sort of distraction?

Are my little great nieces and nephews not total preciousness times five?

They’re all sitting up and sleeping through ‘most of’ the night. I just hang out and snuggle them through a night time bottle most nights.

My role on the Quad Watch team is helping to soften the blow that is coming this Wednesday: My own baby is turning eighteen! Zowie! How did that happen?

Nothing is really changing. He’ll be living at home for a couple more years while he goes to college. Still… he’ll be a man. I wonder how this man will like it when I still ask him to take out the trash? LOL!

Back to Business!

The Hot Seminar Series continues this week with Lynn Terry of Self Starters Weekly Tips and ClickNewz. To make sure you get the login info, just subscribe on the site.

Have a great week!

From the Editor:

Thanks for understanding about my time management issue last week! That has always been one of my struggles, even before I started working from home.

As moms, we are pulled in so many different directions and have so many responsibilities. How do you manage your time? Do you have gadgets that help you meet deadlines or are you flying by the seat of our pants? How does your schedule change now that your kids are home from school?

I’d love to learn some new strategies so please feel free to leave a comment below!

From Our Featured Guest Bloggers at Mom’s Talk Network:

Sommer Poquette from Green & Clean Mom shares her infertility struggles and asks Does Living Green Improve Your Fertility?
Jenn Cangelosi from Boutique Bargains shares her Journey To Work At Home Success.
Carrie Lauth from Natural Moms Talk Radio tells us about some Natural Depression Treatments for Mothers.
Aurelia Williams from Parenting My Teen tells us Why We Must Talk To Our Kids About Sex, Drugs & Alcohol.
Deb Gallardo from The Story Idea Virtuoso finishes her homeschool series about Creating A Life Routine That Works For You.
Cara Mirabella from The Household Helper shares quick and Easy Bathroom Cleaning Tips.

Other Tidbits:

Mom’s Talk Network has a new section dedicated to helping moms overcome depression. With increasing awareness in the media, there is no reason to suffer in silence anymore. If you or someone you know suffers from depression, please review our resources and seek help.

What’s Happening Over at the Mom’s Talk Network Forum:

Come on moms! We know you have lots to say! Come share your opinions at the forum and make some new friends!

Share your thoughts about:

Want To Write For Us?

Have a great week!

Mom’s Talk Network Updates for Monday, June 16th

Christina — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:41:19 +0000

From Kelly:

Last week I gabbed about the noisy joys of living on a main street in a small town. Would you believe that they started construction on this very street this week? Talk about testing my ‘main street gene’ ;) This should prove to be interesting.

Do you notice that these updates are dated for Monday but they’re being published on Wednesday? Oy! Christina and I both have time management challenges apparently. Mine come in the form of four little nine month old cherubs who ran fevers and wanted to be bounced or rocked all night for three days in a row. (That’ll take a bite out of your work schedule.) I’m so glad they are feeling better!

It’s Hot Seminar Series Time!

I’m pretty stoked about tonight’s kick off of the 2008 Hot Seminar Series. This is our fourth annual event and it promises to be better than ever. My first speaker is Wendy Piersall of Sparkplugging (formerly eMomsatHome).

If you want to get access info to attend, just sign up on the website. The conference room can only hold 100 people at a time so come early to secure your seat.

Speaking of Sparkplugging, I posted some great stuff over there this week:

From the Editor:

Phew! Only 1 more week of school for my girls! Seems like we’re the last ones in the country still in school.

I’m really enjoying having all the after school activities ending so we don’t have to run anywhere before/during/or after dinner each day. More time to just relax and reconnect as a family. I’m even more inspired to try cooking dinner rather than grabbing something frozen! Amazing

What do you have planned for the summer? Feel free to share your plans or vacation getaways in the comments here or on the Mom’s Talk Network Forum!

From Our Featured Guest Bloggers at Mom’s Talk Network:

Kristine McKinley from Beacon Financial Advisors shares some tax tips for work at home moms.
Deb Gallardo from The Story Idea Virtuoso continues her series about preparing a homeschool experience that will benefit the entire family.
Vanessa Van Petten from On Teens Today gives parents six ways to bond with their teen or tween.
Aurelia Williams from Real Life Guidance shares some low cost family entertainment ideas for summertime fun.

What’s Happening Over at the Mom’s Talk Network Forum:

Come on moms! We know you have lots to say! Come share your opinions at the forum and make some new friends!

Share your thoughts about:

Want To Write For Us?

Have a great week!