by Melissa Ackerman

Who knew that a prime time mindless television attraction like “America’s Got Talent” would expertly illustrate an important message for the whole family and through such an unsuspecting act as The Glamazons? But there it was for the world to see, women with a dream proving self confidence, determination, and ultimate self acceptance teaching us all that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

Giving in to mindless pleasures, my husband and I became hooked on the latest “America’s Got Talent’s” group of performers. Whether for the true talent being showcased or morbid fascination, we discovered the final performers to be inspirational characters realizing their dreams. In the midst of all acts was one in particular that made me as the mommy of a six year old girl stand up and cheer, The Glamazons. These talented women entertainers broke all the stereotypes; they were large and sexy and exuded self confidence that is so elusive for women in our culture. The key was in my husband’s words, “These women are beautiful and sexy because they are comfortable in their own skin.”

Mommies are given many titles by virtue of who they are in the whole scheme of their children’s lives. We are breadwinners, nurses, cooks, and housekeepers but the hardest job is loving ourselves in order to teach invincible confidence to our children; especially to the girls. The Glamazons represent that confidence and love in their attitude and athletic performance on stage.
As the mommy of a young girl, I worry about presenting a healthy image and hope that my words match my actions. The controversy created by images promoted by the media is only one issue. A mother’s most difficult road block is her own self image and acceptance of herself despite size and shape. Eating healthy and exercising demonstrates proper health but how we talk about our bodies and minds subtly teaches invaluable lessons to our children about who they are and gives them unbreakable positive self esteem.

However, even the healthiest of influences in the home does not necessary insure that solid self esteem we’d love our children to exude. According to Nancy Zucker, director of the Duke University Eating Disorder Program, “A parent’s body image never solely determines their child’s body image. Life is not that simple. Many factors influence a child’s body image.” The influences outside the home are innumerable and have an impact on children of all ages. So how do we handle our home front and the one place where a child should feel safe and supported aside from duct taping our mouths to prevent negative body talk?

• Make sure your child understands that weight gain is a normal part of development, especially during puberty.
• Avoid negative statements about food, weight, and body size and shape.
• Allow your child to make decisions about food, while making sure that plenty of healthy and nutritious meals and snacks are available.
• Compliment your child on her or his efforts, talents, accomplishments, and personal values.
• Restrict television viewing, and watch television with your child and discuss the media images you see.
• Encourage your school to enact policies against size and sexual discrimination, harassment, teasing, and name-calling; support the elimination of public weigh-ins and fat measurements.
• Keep the communication lines with your child open.

*Visit this website for supportive reading material. Another issue I have been working on with my own daughter is inner beauty. My grandmother always said, “Beauty is as Beauty Does.” At the risk of sounding like Forest Gump, I used that phrase to begin teaching her that actions speak louder than words and how one behaves can determine his or her beauty quotient. Nancy Zucker says, “When we are comfortable with ourselves, we exude an inner confidence that colors how others perceive us – and makes us more attractive. Confident individuals have a magnetism and attractiveness that cannot be denied, irrespective of their physical shell.” So how do The Glamazons fit into all of this? It is obvious that they have accepted who they are and possess an inner comfort that is attractive and exemplifies inner beauty making many of us want to cheer.

Web Sources:
http://www.4woman.gov/bodyimage/kids/
http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/family/story/1746318/

About the Author: Melissa Ackerman is an Arbonne consultant and and Business Mom! You can find out more about Arbonne here and you can read Melissa’s blog here!

by Kirstie Freimuth

Hey there fellow techies! Fall is almost upon us and the kids are back to school, geared up in their new outfits. Well how ‘bout something new for mama?? Last month we took a look at some cool computing gadgets. This month we’ll examine some stylish storage options for those gadgets.

First up is JanSport’s LiveWire+, a backpack fit for the funky! For all you moms who wouldn’t dream of stepping out without your iPod“, Livewire+ is your must-have. This backpack has a five-button keypad built into the shoulder strap allowing remote control of your iPod“. It also includes a universal headphone port, cord manager and a protective pocket so your iPod“ travels safely.

Ultra-techs, JanSport didn’t forget you! Check out the LiveWire BT. In addition to the super-cool features of the LiveWire+, the BT includes Bluetooth“ wireless capability with a built-in microphone. Look Ma, no hands!!

The LiveWire+ comes in four different designs: Granite, Cooler Party – great for use as a diaper bag with it’s insulated cooler pocket (or perhaps you’d rather something other than formula, who am I to judge?), Thundervolt and Superbreak Live (show above). LiveWire BT comes in only one design and color at this time, the Alt. All of these packs will allow you to tote your laptop with room to spare. Basic black seems to be JanSport’s color of choice but fashion divas never fear – Superbreak Live (shown) is sporting a couple of hip prints. Perhaps if JanSport hears from enough Fashionistas, they’ll up the options.

Next up is a personal favorite because it’s just so darn cute and practical at the same time. Belkin has come out with the Mouse Trap, a small tote that doubles as a mouse pad. I just love those ‘two-fers’!! What Tech Mama worth her salt isn’t constantly in search of those elusive double-duty products? The Mouse Trap stores your mouse and any other small peripheral you chose to tote, snaps on to your bag of choice and then unzips to be used as a portable mouse pad. Available color combos are Jet/Cabernet (shown), Dove/Tarragon and Chocolate/Tourmaline (otherwise known as dark gray & orange, light gray & green and brown & blue). This product isn’t yet available but for a price tag of about $13.00, they can definitely add me to the list!

Following the line of peripheral vision (sorry, I couldn’t resist) and for lovers-of-all-things-pink (you know who you are) here is the Pink PC Kit. This storage tin comes complete with a pink wireless mini-mouse and pink mouse pad. And don’t worry!! This kit is compatible with PCs and Macs. Spread the love!

Wish List

Here it is ladies! Hopefully the hubbies are taking notes. You did bookmark this page, didn’t you?? Allow me to introduce the Butler Bag! If you haven’t seen it already, you’d better sit down because this baby packs a punch! The picture says it all. A place for everything and everything in its place. The Butler Bag is “the world’s first compartmentalized handbag.” How this masterpiece can be categorized as something so common as a handbag, I’ll never understand. Maybe the Butler “Bonanza”….perhaps if we sponsor a renaming contest, they’ll give me the person with the best name one for free. But I digress.

The Classic Bag measures 13”x5.5”x5” and the Hybrid Bag comes in at 15”x9.5”x6”, just perfect for us workin’ mamas! With top grain, hand stitched leather in colors like crème brulee, black licorice, coffee, espresso, iced plum and toasted almond (is it just me or is anybody else hungry?) who can resist? With a price tag of $95.00 and $150.00 respectfully, I consider that a very worthwhile price to pay for organization!

The Odd and Intriguing

This month’s winner for “odd” and in keeping with our fashion theme, I give you the ETS Motorola S71 Sunglasses with Headphones. Mustn’t.forget.the headphones. With a Bluetooth© adaptor, you can “enjoy wireless hands-free communication.” Evidently there are some ‘2fers’ I can do without.

In the category of “intriguing” is the Doorganizer which looks pretty handy. Hang it on the door and the next morning everything will be right there where you need it. Just don’t forget to fill it the night before!

That’s all for Tech Mama this month. Got a tech question you need answered? Have a product you’d like me to review? Drop me an email and I’ll see what I can do! (Can you tell this mama’s been reading lots of Dr. Seuss?)

About the Author: Kirstie Freimuth, wife and mother of one, started her home-based business in order to spend more time with her family. She is the owner of Xpress Assistant and BILLINGxpress, providing varied virtual support to small businesses and client billing services to legal professionals.

Kirstie is also the author of Xpress Tips, a blog of productivity tips for solopreneurs, small businesses and SOHO professionals. Prior to launching her business, she spent over 10 years honing her skills by providing administrative support within a variety of industries including legal, non-profit, manufacturing and retail.

Email Tech Mama at techmama@mommyscompany.com.

by Kirstie Freimuth

This month’s Tech Mama column is devoted to mom’s who compute. Portable, frugal, traditional and stylish are the keywords for August so read on and enjoy!

    We’re all familiar with LeapFrog but how many of you knew they had products for the tech-savvy mommy? LeapFrog’s FLY Fusion Pentop Computer is tagged for ages 8 and up but why should the kids have all the fun?? If your work takes you outside the office on occasion or you’re like me and have lost a post-it or two, take note – literally! Here’s how easy it is: write with the pen, upload to the computer. Viola! The text is automatically scanned, digitized and converted. And you didn’t even have to go through the hassle of transcribing what you wrote on that tiny, little, ketchup-stained piece of paper! Cool, huh?

Serious use for a serious toy but it also plays music and does all kinds of neat little tricks! For instance, you can draw a calculator and then actually use it!! The FLY Fusion Pentop Computer comes with a price tag of $79.99 USD, which is a pretty reasonable price for grown-up games and gadgets. Included with the FLY Fusion is a rechargeable battery, memory expansion slot and the rest of typical gear. The downside: all the writing has to be done on the FLY paper but hey, carrying a notebook is a lot easier than lugging around a laptop! You can find more information on the FLY Fusion Pentop on LeapFrog’s website.

As entrepreneur moms, we want to be as cost-conscious as we can, right? So I would imagine that many of us have gotten on the VOIP or Internet calling bandwagon. I chose VOIP instead of Internet calling because I just didn’t dig the whole ‘headset scene’. Though it may appear otherwise, I’m a traditional kinda gal! (Just between you and me, my REAL headset fear is that I’d try to walk away with it still attached, Greek Wedding style!!) The Geekland Powers That Be must have caught some similar flak because Lexon has created the Lexphone, a USB telephone. Seems simple, doesn’t it? Just plug it in to your USB jack and Skype away! Us habitual handset users will feel right at home! When you’re done with your call, press end and put it down – no need to file for workman’s comp due to a phone-related injury. The Lexphone is compatible with Skype and MSN. It retails for approximately $70.00 USD and can be purchased here and at other online retailers. Oh yeah, and the Lexphone comes in black or aluminum – a girl’s gotta have a choice!

Wish List

     Every month, Tech Mama’s going to highlight that “must have if we could have” gadget, gizmo or toy. In keeping with our CompUChick theme, this month’s to-die-for is Intel’s Mobil Metro Notebook. Weighing in at 2.25lbs and only 0.7 inches thick, this silver fox (with gold trim) is a beauty! It comes already accessorized with a magnetized wrap-around folder that has detachable straps. No need for a laptop case! This folder comes in five, count ‘em, FIVE different colors. If that isn’t enough, it’s got a peek-a-boo window so you can check your email without even opening the computer. Wait, it gets better - the folder acts as a wireless charger! As of this writing, there’s no release date but production may start at the end of this year. Santa, baby I’ve been an awfully good girl!

The Odd and Intriguing

Wrapping up regularly will be “Odd & Intriguing” tech gadgets I’ve come across while doing my research.

Starting off the “Odd-BUT-Intriguing” category is the USB Fragrance Oil Drive. Freshen the room while using your computer. Now that’s multitasking! And in the category of “Intriguing and Practical”, for you mom’s working at home with the kiddies underfoot, here’s the Rear-View Computer Mirror. With this attached to the monitor, Mom really will have eyes in the back of her head!

See you next month when we’ll figure out where to PUT all these new toys!!

About the Author: Kirstie Freimuth, wife and mother of one, started her home-based business in order to spend more time with her family. She is the owner of Xpress Assistant and BILLINGxpress, providing varied virtual support to small businesses and client billing services to legal professionals.

Kirstie is also the author of Xpress Tips, a blog of productivity tips for solopreneurs, small businesses and SOHO professionals. Prior to launching her business, she spent over 10 years honing her skills by providing administrative support within a variety of industries including legal, non-profit, manufacturing and retail.

Interview by Brianna Young

Having twins can be mind-boggling at times. How do you tell them apart when they’re naked? Which one was fed how much? It’s all too overwhelming! But it doesn’t have to be!

We talked to fabulous Mom, Carmen Kraft, author of the DoctoRx Me Book to get the scoop on how to handle multiples. Moms of multiples, stress no more!

Read on to find out what she had to say.

MC: What is the DoctoRx Me Book?

Carmen: Let’s face it, having a child is one of the best gifts in life, but it is also hard work, stressful, and mentally and physically draining! I created the DoctoRx Me Book as a comprehensive records journal that serves as a communication bridge for parents, caregivers, physicians, or anyone involved in a child’s life! After all, we organize our businesses, schedules, and meetings…this is the way to organize our kids!

MC: What are some practical ways that moms can use the DoctoRx Me book?
Carmen: In the medical section you can keep track of immunizations, height, weight, dosage requirements, drug interactions, doctors appointments, pharmacies and prescription details. Most importantly, you can tell at-a-glance which child just got what dosage of medicine and when to give it again. No guessing, no doubting and no double dosing!
Any of the details that are spilled out in a Pediatricians visit can be easily written down and quickly recalled, even at midnight! When the physician asks you, “What was the last antibiotic they were on? Are they allergic to any medication? Are they current on their immunizations? When was your last dosage of medicine?” Any of these details are easily recalled! If you have one child or eight children, one book is all you need.

MC: What inspired you to develop the DoctoRx Me Book?
Carmen: I developed DoctoRx Me because a few years ago we came home with twins. During the first 2 weeks, we could barely tell them apart from each other, let alone who got that last dose of Tylenol. After 2 weeks of sleep deprivation going through 18 hour “shifts,” (and with only 3 hours sleep!) I thought there has to be a way to handle all of this information. I found that I had to communicate everything that I had done with the twins for the last 18 hours to the person who was going to take their “shift,” be it my husband or my mom. So I started jotting the specifics down, dosages and such, to pass onto the next person.
It evolved into a series of organized family records that can help you manage everything from dosages to doctors, pharmacies to phone numbers, all in one place that can easily be passed to the various care-givers in your child’s life. It’s peace of mind that’s a piece of cake!

MC: How did you make your vision a reality?

Carmen: The vision has been in the works for 4 years. We have been using a very rough version of the book in our house the entire time!

About a year ago, my husband and I were very tired, and with twins, things were hectic. We were putting them to bed and we grabbed the easiest thing we could find, the clear dosage cup that comes on top of medication, to give our 3 year old some Benadryl. I asked him what he gave her, he responded “a tablespoon and a half of Benadryl,” as I was writing it down in the book. Then we both paused, looked at each other and knew instantly it should have been a teaspoon and a half. At the bottom of each medical page is the Poison control center toll free number. We used it immediately!
At that instant, I was relieved not to just have the number right in front of me, but to know almost as fast that my daughter was going to be fine! I knew that I wasn’t the only parent who has needed that phone number, but if I could help at least one mom or dad not overdose their kids or give them the peace of mind we just had; I knew I had to make this book!

That’s when the wheels started turning….. Through our own experiences and some great feedback from friends who are using it, we formally put the book into print in August 2006. In October 2006, the first 500 books came off the press! We are self-published under Two Sisters publishing and the business is formally incorporated. I merged my promotional products company in with a larger firm the end of 2006, and I am now promoting and speaking about this book full time.

MC: What other products are you developing?

Carmen: I am writing several other versions all under the DoctoRx Me title: Pet Care, Senior Care ( for when our parents find themselves taking care of their parents), Hospital Stay, Everyday Adult, Fertility and many more. I am compiling information on a Special Needs version to launch in the future. This one will be purple and dedicated to my best friend’s son, who passed away at the age of 3 ½ of a rare aging disease called Progeria. It will be dedicated to all the families who have special needs people in their family to take care of. It will have an extensive medical history and care section.
In the end, I currently have 12 titles to work on, so this should keep me busy!
All of our progress is constantly being updated on our website, so visit us often to see what we are working on!

MC: How can we get one of these awesome books?

Carmen: You can always visit our website and we currently have retail locations listed on the site.

MC: Anything else you’d like to share?

Carmen: I am curretly available to write articles or speak to groups. about my book and its relevancy to a mother’s life, my experiences, and research on the importance of documenting your child’s medical history.

We are entrepreneurs and moms! That makes for a hectic life, but there is a peace of mind that comes with writing all of the information down.

Raising a child is a wonderful challenge. After all, you’ve always wanted an owners manual, at least now you have a maintenance record.

To find out more, or to get one of your own, please visit www.doctormebook.com.

You can also get updates and news on the Doctor Me Blog.