Momference 2008

New Momference Make-Over Starting in the Spring of 2008, Momference will present events geared toward truly changing and empowering the lives of women everywhere! Events will focus around the areas of: Divorce Special Needs Families Domestic Violence Parenting Teens Child Safety Mompreneurs Visit our new online Momference events calendar to see a complete listing of online tele-conferences and webinars lead by leading experts in the fields of parenting and women's coaching.
Calling all Divorced Women Are you divorced, going through a divorce, or know someone who is getting a divorce? Everyone does! The April 9th and 12th Momference event, sponsored by Laura Campbell of the DSpot, "Divorce: Passion, Power, and Play," is the ideal way to help yourself or someone you love deal with the issues surrounded the break up of a marriage. As the perfect gift of healing for yourself or a way to help a loved one struggling with the pain of divorce, the small registration fee of $39 includes both days of the event, a special virtual goodie bag, and podcasts of all of the sessions to review at your leisure! The keynote speaker of the "Divorce: Passion, Power, and Play" event will be Dr. Pepper Schwartz, the author of Prime: Adventures and Advice about Sex, Love and the Sensual Years. She is a renowned author, lecturer and authority on the subject of sexuality and relationships. Pepper wrote the column “Sex and Health” for Glamour magazine for seven years. She has appeared on such television programs as The Oprah Winfrey Show, Dateline and Dr. Phil, and on programs for the cable television network Lifetime. If you have not signed up for the upcoming FREE "Divorce: Passion, Power, and Play" event with Dr. Pepper Schwartz or Linda Ward (or both--they are FREE right??), then do it now before all the spaces are taken!
Addressing Special Needs Did you know...1 in 5 families in the United States have Special Needs children? If you have a special needs child or know someone who does, then you can fully understand the trials and tribulations associated with caring for their needs. In our April 26th "Special Needs: Managing STRESS with a SMILE" event, sponsored by Stephanie Haber of The Special Needs Family, special needs families are given the best tips and tactics finding happiness in the chaos. Whether you join the Momference "Special Needs: Managing STRESS with a SMILE" to bring peace to your own home or provide sanity to a loved one struggling to manage, the small registration fee of $39 includes a full day of tele-classes and webinars, a special virtual goodie bag, and podcasts of all of the sessions to review at your leisure! NOTE: This event qualifies for a special discount for groups of 5 or more! If you have group that would like to register for the "Special Needs: Managing STRESS with a SMILE" event, then please contact marketing@momference.com for details. If you have not signed up for the upcoming FREE Special Needs: Shut Up about your Perfect Kid event with Patty Konjoian, then do it now before all the spaces are taken!
Getting Bloggy with Momference Through connecting moms across the blogosphere in our Momference community and sharing valuable articles with tips from Momference experts, the Momference blog is a gathering place for moms to share their experiences and help each other promote stronger families. Stop by today by leaving a comment on our blog at http://momference.wordpress.com!

Backseat Driver

It'll be a few years until I need to worry about my son being out there on the road, driving, but he'll have a hard time being patient waiting for that day to come, I have a feeling.

Just the other day, as I was sitting behind four or five cars at a red light, he calls from the back seat, "Mom, you're not driving the right way." I looked up to make sure I was on the correct side of the road (just recently he and I were driving on the incorrect side of the road - but that's another story).

As the light turned green, I started to move forward behind the other cars. I was still trying to figure out what he had been referring to, when a second later he yells, "Both of your hands need to be on the steering wheel."

I took a quick glance back at him and smiled. "You're right, Dominic," I said, "I was driving wrong way."

Instead of telling me it was OK - as he's said before when I have admitted to doing something wrong, he says to me, in a very matter-of-fact voice, "I'll show you how to drive."

I will be a nervous wreck once he actually does get behind the wheel for the first time. Although by then, there will hopefully be some new technology that will allow me to have a GPS tracking system on the car so that I can make sure he hasn't been run off the road or fallen asleep at the wheel - or worse - lying about where he is.

Thinking back to my own years and the first years of freedom, it was much different then. My mom was excited to learn that I purchased a pager for myself. (Note to self: Must check to see if people - besides doctors - still use them.)

My mom would page me when I was out too late or past my curfew or didn't come home the night before. I can't say that having a pager made her life any easier. I would either ignore the page and not call her, or call her back and casually explain why I just had to spend the night at my boyfriend's house - again.

Being young and having freedom is exciting. It's just as exciting - if not anxiety-inducing - for parents.

That's why, when I heard about this new system, I wanted to know more. Will this be something that is going to be even more technologically advanced when the time comes for me to really have a use for it?

I don't usually think that far ahead, but when it comes to the safety of our children, what a parent wouldn't do...

What do you think? Is this GPS Tracking System too invasive? Do your teenagers have the right to total independence when they get their license to drive?

Great Goods

This is long overdue since these companies were actually discovered back in September at the ABC Kids Expo held in Las Vegas every year.

While there are many trade shows and conventions dedicated to children's furniture, fashions and toys throughout the year, the ABC Kids Expo is by far the must-attend event for companies looking to promote their products to independent retailers.

Kid's Hooded Towel by American Terry Co.

Supercharged Pillow by Pixel Organics


Kid's Messenger Bag by Fleurville


Diaper Wallet by Pineapple Cove Baby


Dazzle Stroller by Silver Cross


Picadilly Car Seat Cover by Pure Joy Collection


Cashmere Blanket by Jesse Walker


Bounce-A-Bye-Baby from Luna Lullaby




Blankie Bungee by Z.Daisy


Metro Hooded Towel & Washcloths by Baby Dry Goods


Twin Shoppers by Clean Shopper


Tooth Fairy Pillow by Petunia Petunia


Ruby Janes by Pedoodles


Children's Bookholder by Jack and Jill Furniture


Savannah Nursery Set by Sozo


"I'm Pooping Right Now" Onesie by Rebel Ink Baby



Dinosaur Rubber Boots by Hatley


Toad Stool by Levels of Discovery


Maternity Shirts: Astrology by Little Baby Signs


"Couldn't Wait" Preemie Onesie by Fig Leaf Baby

Flo Water Deflector by Boon


Munchlers by Built NY

More to come this September...

Play Based Learning

My 4-year old son has a much different childhood than mine already. He not only knows how to work the DVD player and his own DVD remote controlled video game, but he can text message (the ABCs) and can work the mouse - and my computer - better than I can. Which is why I'm thrilled that he will be going to school next fall - Pre-K - which is play based. It is so important for children to explore, discover and learn through hands-on projects, experiments and work together to create.

There has been much research on play based learning and, just recently, I have been introduced to the concept of playtime and just how much children benefit from the non-structured activity that I grew up with outdoors, indoors - in the winter - and throughout my youth.

Now, I don't know about the rest of you, but I was one of those people who chose to have kids because I enjoy playing. I still do and I - hopefully - always will. A recent study done in the UK was quite disappointing to read, although it didn't really surprise me. The Pica Perspective sums it all up quite nicely.

And, because I feel play is so vital to today's youth, I dug up some quotes related to play to inspire the child in all of us to remember what it was like to be young and having "nothing to do."

"Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child's soul." - Friedrich Froebel

"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." - Plato

“Play is the highest form of research.” - Albert Einstein

"We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw

"You've achieved success in your field when you don't know whether what you're doing is work or play." - Warren Beatty

"If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play." -John Cleese

"The parent who gets down on the floor to play with a child on Christmas Day is usually doing a most remarkable thing -- something seldom repeated during the rest of the year. These are, after all, busy parents committed to their work or their success in the larger society, and they do not have much left-over time in which to play with their children." - Brian Sutton-Smith

"It should be noted that children at play are not playing about; their games should be seen as their most serious-minded activity." - Michel de Montaigne

Organic Milk

I'm trying to stay healthy and keep my son interested in fruits and vegetables. He has no idea that he's eating right although occasionally he'll ask for "junk food" and never really puts up a fuss when I say, "No."

For a while we were both drinking soy milk and then I realized that it might not be the best choice for a growing little boy. And, since he and I are together for only 60% of the time - and most of that time he's in school - I've decided to switch us both to Organic Milk.

Horizon has a cute little logo and a bright red (at least the kind we buy) carton so I can't miss it in the dairy section.

More information on raising organic families can be found in Kiwi Magazine, another new favorite of mine.

Baby Love

Just when you thought I had gotten over baby fever, the situation gets worse. I find out in less than a week if I will be welcoming a new neice or a new nephew. I am so in trouble, either way. I'm planning an all-out shopping spree once I get the word.

2-cute
9 Months to Grow
Addys Closet
Adriana Primadonna
All About Savvy
A Sweet Pea
Avannabel Baby
A-Sweet-Life
Baby Bendiksen
Bare Babies
Babies Buddies
Baby Bella USA
Baby Browns
Baby Center Store
Baby Island Boutique
Baby Oliver Boutique
Baby Splendor
Beautiful Wishes
Bebe Cakes Boutique
Bella and Blue
Belly Bump Maternity
Birth and Beyond
Blue Moon Gift
Bosom Buddies
Bumble Boutique
Busy Bodies Boutique
Busy Mommi
Buttercream Baby
Carlapie
Charlynn Belly n Baby
Chic Baby Gift Baskets
Chic Blvd
Childrenz Corner
Ciao Bella Baby
Cloth Babies
Cozy Babies
Craftsbury Kids
Cutiepie
Dedes Doodles
Diaperbags
Diapergrams
Doodles by Diane
Doody Baby
Embellished Mom
Fairies Frogs
Gift Habits
Gifts n Creations
Hands Free Baby
Hip Mom and Baby
Honeydew Babies
Hotsie Totsies
Innovative-Baby
Inventive Parent
Itty Bitty Ideas
Jennie Jean
Just Multiples
kbmac
Kismet Maternity
Lets Go Strolling
Little Buttercup
Lollipop Kisses
Mama Gaias
Mama i bebe
Marriage and Carriage
Maternal Secret
Melina J
Missfitz Inc
Mod Mama
Mom and Baby Sport
Mom 4 Life
Mommy 2 Reese
Mommys Thinkin
Mom Ready
Monkeemoos
Mothers Joy
My Letter Design
My Retro Baby
My Sweet Dreams Baby
New Mother New Baby
One Red Hen
One Stop Baby
Pincinella
Polkadot Whale
Polka Tots and What Nots
Poshie Tots
Precious Personalities
Puddle Ducks
Rubys Kids
Sassy Tots Boutique
Scribble Scrabbles
Shop 61 West
Shop Planet Kids
Shower Your Baby
Snazzy Tots
Starlight Baby
Stay My Baby
Stone House Boutique
Stroller Mama
Super Momz
Super Kid Smart
Swanky Slings
Sweet and Simple
Sweet Baby Boutiques
Sweet Noelle
Sweet n Sassy Boutique
Takeout Baby
Tattletail
The Bag Lady
The Blissful Baby
The Organized Parent
Tikesville
Two Funny Girls
Two Hip Moms
Two Little Elves
U the Mom
Vitas Boutique
Waddle and Swaddle
Whateverz
Whimsy Baby
Y Not Shop

Zack and Zoe

More to come later.

Giveaways

I've been in touch with at least two different companies who plan on working with me to set up a few giveaways to readers. I'm hoping to have these offers finalized in the next few weeks so be sure to subscribe now so that you won't miss out on the opportunity to receive some hip new products, or books, or merchandise. I won't give away what the items are just yet. You'll have to wait and see for yourself.

Hip, Hot Products for Babies & Tots

bebe POD From Prince Lionheart



Designer Baby Booties From Baby Bella Maya

Birthday Tees from Madison Rose, Inc.



Steal of the Day:
Stan by Vincent

Fun Dinner Spoons by Juvenile Solutions




Independent by Tomat Kids

Lessons for Life

Cultural Anthropologist Angeles Arrien says there are only four rules in life:

1. Show up
2. Pay attention
3. Tell the truth
   
4. Don't be attached to the results.

How I wish this were as easy as it sounds. She offers plenty more thoughts and ideas - found on her website - to get you thinking and reflecting.

Birth Order Compatilibity

Ready for relationship advice you can really use? To get your instant birth order analysis and find out the most compatible guy for you, just select the option that best describes your sibling situation. They'll take care of the rest!

Birth Order Compatibility

I'm the youngest and have one older sister which means my results claim:

Feminine is your middle name. You can flirt along with the best of them, and no one has a better imagination, especially when it comes to romance. In fact, sometimes you surprise yourself with the amazing, offbeat, creative ideas that pop into your head. If you could put even a fraction of your brainstorms into practice, you’d quickly become a millionaire. And speaking of money, it’s more important to you than to other women. Not only should you be sure to find a career that will satisfy you, but you should pair up with a guy who will help you achieve your dreams. Together you’ll take big risks and aim for the stars—the financial stars, that is. Your best match is an older brother of sisters, although he may feel you’re not as feisty as the younger sisters he grew up with. An older brother of brothers could also be a good match, even though he might not understand your feminine side as much as you’d like. A younger brother of sisters could keep you amused and entertained, but he might annoy you at times with his lack of attention.

If you've already found someone to spend the rest of your life with - this article discusses the importance of keeping your relationship emotionally healthy in order to keep the individuals involved physically healthy - a must-read.

Parenting Workshop Schedule

Join us for one or more of the following Happy Healthy Hip Parenting Workshops held at Java Mama in La Mesa, CA:

All workshops are part of the Positive Parenting Program. We encourage you to come and meet other parents committed to enriching their relationship with a child. There will be an early childhood educator on hand to supervise children in the play area.

Balancing Love & Discipline
Thursday, April 3, 6 - 7:30 pm

Introduces the concept of firm and kind, unconditional love, and the value of more action and less talk.

Handling Sibling Rivalry
Thursday, April 24, 6 -7:30 pm

There is a difference between sibling rivalry and sibling conflict. Learn how to identify and correct each behavior.

The Terrific Twos
Thursday, May 15, 6 - 7:30 pm

Use developmental information and the mistaken goals of power and attention to make this challenging time wonderful.

Parenting Workshops are $30 per person or $45 for two enrollments. Enrollment forms are available via email. Please contact Happy Healthy Hip Parenting with any questions and please subscribe to our weekly newsletter, coming in April and featuring News for Parents to Use.

Love is All Around You

I have been astonished that men could die martyrs for their religion - I have shudder'd at it. I shudder no more. I could be martyr'd for my religion Love is my religion And I could die for that. I could die for you. ~ John Keats ~

And think not you can Direct the course of love, For love, If it finds you worthy, Directs your course. ~ Gibran Kahlil ~

To get the full value of joy You must have someone to divide it with.
~ Mark Twain ~

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, While loving someone deeply gives you courage. ~ Lao Tzu ~

In literature as in love, we are astonished at what is chosen by others. ~ Andre Maurois ~

Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within. ~ James Baldwin ~

A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous. ~ Ingrid Bergman ~

Book Review - The Four Man Plan

The Four Man Plan:
A Romantic Science

by Cindy Lu

A friend introduced me to the idea behind this book so I had to pick up a copy just to see what the heck she was talking about. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it and interestingly enough, I realized that I've been implementing The Four-Man Plan (with slight modifications) my entire dating career.

Cindy Lu's no scientist. She's not a doctor and she's not a math whiz, either. But one thing that can be said for her is that she is courageous in talking so openly about her past relationships, the mistakes she made along the way, and sharing her discovery that the best way to form a healthy relationship is to be honest, open, and willing to forgive yourself first.

This book will speak to women (or gay men) of all ages and stages: from those of us who have been married before and want to rediscover dating - and how it's done these days - to those who have been single for a long time and no longer want to be alone.

Put your feet up and enjoy your beverage of choice when reading this book. You'll laugh out loud, find yourself nodding in agreement and asking yourself why you ever dated what's-his-name, all while discovering a new way to look at love and relationships with this outrageously inventive way to enjoy dating once again.

www.thefourmanplan.com

What is Love?

From an Early Childhood Educator:

Today at circle time we talked about love. I asked the children, "What is love?" Here are some of their answers.

Love is....

• when you love a girl and you buy her a Sleeping Beauty dress.
• when you buy the boy you love shaving cream.
• when you kiss a bunch.
• when you put on a ring and kiss.
• when Mommy and Daddy watch Monsters Inc. with me.
• a sleepover with my brother.
• a snuggle with my mommy.
• love is when your heart gets happy.

I also asked, "What does love feel like?"

• It feels good...really good!
• It feels like a happy heart that is smiling.

It's Only Temporary

Temp Tatts

You can also design your own, custom made tattoo to include your partner's name! Now won't that be a surprise this Valentine's Day?

All For the Little One

Alphabet PIllow
At Three Potato Four

Monster Placemat
At Modern Twist


Paper Roll Children's Table
(Sized to fit most train sets as well!)
At 2Modern


Transportation Rug
At Grow Modern


Viking "Feed Me" Bib
At ittikid

Click Here

I love sites that truly help others by having users simply click here or there. I have two sites like this to share and I'm equally excited about both.

FREE RICE is a site which not only helps feed the hungry but helps increase your English language vocabulary.

For every word you correctly define (you get four choices to select from), Free Rice will donate 20 grains of rice through the United Nations to help end world hunger.

I know, 20 grains of rice doesn't really sound like much, but this site is as addicting as solitaire once was.

I'm proud to say that I donated at least 200 grains of rice during my first 4 minutes on the site. I learned many new words and correctly defined even more.

The site does come with a warning, however: This game may make you smarter.

It can also help you:

• Formulate your ideas better
• Write better papers, emails and business letters
• Speak more precisely and persuasively
• Comprehend more of what you read
• Read faster because you comprehend better
• Get better grades in high school, college and graduate school
• Score higher on tests like the SAT, GRE, LSAT and GMAT
• Perform better at job interviews and conferences
• Sell yourself, your services, and your products better
• Be more effective and successful at your job

After you have done Free Rice for a couple of days, you may notice an odd phenomenon. Words that you have never consciously used before will begin to pop into your head while you are speaking or writing. You will feel yourself using and knowing more words.

The Breast Cancer Site is a shopping site like many others, however, each and every purchase you make goes toward the donation of a mammogram for women in need.

They have something for just about everyone on your gift list: your sister, girlfriends, mom, kids and even pets.

International shipping options are offered on select products so take advantage of these low-cost gifts (check the SALE section) and help raise awareness and support a great cause.

Not in the mood for shopping? That's OK. Just CLICK HERE to donate mammograms.

302 Designs

302 Designs has released 3 new creations!

USDA Organic - even better!

Modern Momma

For the modern Momma (or Daddy) in your life, here's some trendy boutiques to give you some great gift ideas for Valentine's Day - or any day!

The Succulent Wife

RETROMODERN

MatchMaker

I don't claim to be a matchmaker but I do enjoy seeing people I know find someone to spend their time with - and possibly the rest of their life.

Several of my girly-friends are getting married this year. I can't wait to celebrate - and witness their union.

And to those that are in search of that special someone - please read the warnings first - there are several online dating services to handle just about anyone's requirements.

Love Hurts

This time of year, when happy couples are getting ready to celebrate Valentine's Day, it can also be a sad reminder of love gone wrong for those who will be spending February 14th alone.

I have been known to be pretty sarcastic in my time - and certainly never been accused of being very romantic - so I thought I'd take this quiz to find out just how cynical I really am.

Your turn! I'm not telling what my score revealed.

And for the true cynic, here's a lovely parting gift for the holiday.

Maternity Madness

Maternal America