A fabulous review from Mommy Vents

12/10/2008    

Check out this review!  Thank you Mommy Vents :)
Mommy Vents says....

"I was lucky enough to receive a copy of the children's book Mommy's High Heel Shoes. This book is written by Kristie Finnan, who is adorable and a true go getter. I recently had the pleasure of meeting her, and honestly she is dynamic. The beautiful illustrations were done by Pat Achilles.

When I received the book I didn't realize it was about a working mom. I instantly thought, oh I guess I might give it to my sister since she works. But then I read it to my girls and I was so happy that this book was really for ANY MOM. The daughter questions all the different shoes her mommy has, only for the Mom to be able to explain that Mom's have many different jobs hence all the shoes !! The daughter tries to walk in Mommy's high heels and realizes they are a bit tricky to manage. Yes being a Mom is tricky !!! The daughter asks why she wears these tricky, hard to walk in shoes. The answer is because they make me feel good and when I feel good, I am a better Mommy. My friends and I will always chat about how we need some me time, whether it be the gym,or lunch on our own. We always say if we feel good it helps us be a better Mom. I also know my working Mom friends realize that they are better Moms because they prefer to work.

The illustrations are beautiful. I describe them as not as harsh as Pinkalicious, but not too frilly like Fancy Nancy. They are the perfect in between. The Mom is illustrated doing REAL MOM things, on the treadmill, food shopping, wiped out on the couch.

The favorite part of this book for my girls is the hidden ladybug, cupcake and heart on every page. They have the best time looking for each item on each page. As a Mom who has to read books over and over, this is a great way to make the book a bit different each time. These two ladies really thought of everything.

I absolutely recommend this book for ANY Mom. Trust me, this is the perfect book to get your kids for the holidays, they will love it. I adore the author and she was kind enough to let me offer my readers a discount. Use the code momvents when ordering and get a 10% discount. Pass this along to friends and family, and trust me this lady is going to be a big name, be on the cutting edge and get this book now!!!!"

Mommy's High Heel Shoes Makes It's Debut!

If you are wondering which retail shops carry Mommy's High Heel Shoes, CLICK HERE!
The book is making a splash in fun bookshops and boutiques across the country. To mention a few- Kitson Kids in Hollywood- CA, Auntie Barbara's kids in Beverly Hills- CA, O'Doodles in Chestnut Hill, PA, Doylestown Bookshop, O'Bambino and Busy Bee toys in Doylestown, PA, Farley's Bookshop in New Hope, PA....

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN BUY!

or Buy an autographed copy online!

Courier Times and Intelligencer Article.

12/3/08

Here is the latest about Mommy's High Heel Shoes in the NEWS. It's in the Bucks County Courier times today and the Intelligencer this Friday 12/5/2008.

CLICK LINK

Piper Palin Loves Mommy's High Heel Shoes!

11/30/2008

So tonight, I was shuffling through the stack of mail that has been sitting on my desk since before Thanksgiving and found a review card which made my night! How cute is this review from Piper Palin in Alaska?

When I got my early review copies back in September, I saw Piper Palin on TV during the election being so sweet taking care of her little brother on her lap while watching her Mom up on Stage. Then, I noticed the very cool high heel shoes that Sarah Palin was wearing and thought, "that little cutie pie needs a copy of my book!" So, I googled the governors office in Alaska and found the address. Since it was going to the governor's office, I didn't package it too fancy just in case they would be scared of something packed in pink crinkles or with a feathered boa. I thought, "If I were opening Sarah's mail, I would make sure she got my book!" So thank you to the mail person for getting my book to Sarah Palin's family safely! Here is Piper's review! Thank you Piper for sending this along :) I am so thrilled you loved my book and I love how you put a heart over the i in your name!

Here is the cute clip of Piper taking care of baby brother!

Don't you just love her :)

And if you haven't seen this interview with Matt Lauer- take a peek!

A Podcast of my interview with Brad Segall for the Philadelphia Agenda Show- 98.1 WOGL

November 25th, 2008

On October 26th, I did an interview with Brad Segall for the Philadlelphia Public Agenda (98.1 WOGL). I finally figured out how to download the interview and make it a podcast! The interview gets better as it moves along. I think I was a little nervous in the beginning.

or CLICK HERE

to download a podcast of my interview!

New Jersey Moms Blog Launch Party

After a fun ride in the drenching rain on Saturday night, Mary Fran and I arrived at the New Jersey Moms Blog Lauch Party. When we first arrived at the gallery I thought, "hmmm....where the heck are we?" It was a dark night and the Gold Medal Impressions Gallery in Princeton, NJ. was tucked off the main highway behind another building. After figuring out we were in the right place by seeing the party balloons blown down on the lawn, we got out of the car and sprinted through the rain to the door. What a warm welcome we got from the New Jersey mommies and from Dick Druckman the photographer that owns this gem of a gallery.

After grabbing a drink, I was swooped off with a couple other moms for a tour of the gallery. So, for anyone who didn't get the tour, here are some of the highlights that you missed! Remember this is my first adventure with my video camera. I'm just thrilled I figured out how to get it uploaded!

The Baseball Room....

And a very cool picture of Joe Torre with a great story!

More than just sports at the gallery....thank god!!

Which picture did you bring home?

Thank you ladies for setting up this wonderful event at the Gold Medal Impressions Gallery. It was great to get the invite to your NJ Moms Blog Launch party! I wish I got more footage of us Moms....next party- I promise. Mr. Druckman was just too cute.

I did get Mary Fran though....

ps. If I didn't say goodbye to you at the party, it's because I couldn't tear myself away from my foot massage :) It's a rare opportunity that my wide feet get attention.

An awesome resource for self publishers!

November 17th, 2008

Fun at Building Blocks!

November 16th, 2008

Click Picture to see how cute this is!!!!

This makes all the hard work worth it.  I got this adorable poster from Mrs. Myers' Pre-K class. It says: "Dear Mrs. Finnan, Thank you for visiting our class and sharing Mommy's High Heel Shoes.  It was a lot of fun!  

Love, Mrs. Myer's class at Building Blocks."  

Thank you so much for this beautiful poster!  

Please tell your kids it is hung up proudly in my office!

A Review from Mama Neena

November 15th, 2008

Here is what Mama Neena had to say about Mommy's High Heel Shoes!

"I love books.  I have never made any bones about the fact that I am a book freak!  I have this weird obsession with owning books and having them surround me at any given moment.  I swear my decorating style is Early American paperback.  My children are the same way.  We have shoved reading and books down their throats since each of them was a fetus.  They love books and my son can read in the bathroom like seasoned old man!  

That is partly why I was so excited for the chance to do a book review.  Not only is this my first review here on MamaNeena, but it is also my chance to review a new children's book.  Books and kids - I'd say I've got that covered pretty well, wouldn't you!?

The book is called Mommy's High Heel Shoes by Kristie Finnan. She was gracious enough to send me an autographed copy and the kids and I all felt like we were opening a present when it arrived.    

This is the story of a young girl named Cakes. Cakes uses the time her mommy is at work to try on the many shoes her mother has in her closet.  It is during this playtime that she discovers the many different roles and jobs her mommy must have.    I was immediately struck with the originality of the story.  It was such a nice change to see a book that looked beyond the role of 'mommy' to show that women fill many shoes throughout their day and their lives.  They work, garden, cook, socialize, and take care of their families all while still attempting to takes care of themselves.  

It did a great job showing how a mother can do more for her family by taking a little time and doing something for herself.  Wearing fancy shoes makes Cake's mommy feel good and that helps her to be a better mother.  I felt drawn to this particular idea because I think one of the first things mothers tend to do is put themselves on the back burner for the sake of their children.  We often struggle with guilt when trying to do things for ourselves.  But, this book makes a point to show that taking that time for ourselves is better for our children in the long run because it makes us better mothers.  

The artwork for this book is bright, colorful, and full of little details that make it pop.   It definitely had a traditional feel to it with the details within the pictures adding a modern twist.  Think of it as 1950's art meets 'have it all' mom of the new millennium.   The book also includes hidden pictures on each page so that my children and I could find them together.  

After I read the book I turned my children lose on it.  My four year old daughter immediately pointed out all the things I do just like Cake's mommy.   She did ask me if the daddy in the book stayed home while the mommy worked.  I told her I didn't know, but she informed me that he probably did because somebody needed to take care of  the kids.  I suppose in her eyes all families have a parent that stays home.  But, I was comforted in knowing that she didn't find it even a little bit strange for the traditional roles to be reversed.  My son was fascinated with searching for the hidden pictures.  I guess that is expected considering his nickname used to be 'Waldo.'

I can honestly say that this book was not only enjoyable for me to read, but also entertaining for my children.  That, alone, is worth a pretty good review.  The author was also kind enough to offer my readers a 10% discount when ordering the book.  Just enter the code mama on the website when your purchase the book.  Offer expires 12/31/08.  This would make a great gift for any working mother and child for the upcoming holiday season.  

Now I just need to see if I can fit another book on to the already overcrowded kid bookshelf. For this one I'm sure I can make room!"

I'm glad you all loved it.  Thanks Mama Neena!!  To see Mama Neena's blog click HERE!

Press! The Bucks County Herald....

11/13/2008

Mommy's High Heel Shoes: 

Check out this article that was just written in the Bucks County Herald.  

Okay, I admit it...I sometimes speak at a "frenetic pace"  

A smiling review!

November 12th, 2008
So, this review I just received from Aimee- the smiling mama brought tears to my eyes. The struggle all Moms feel when they are being tugged in two directions- one way at home and another with their career and their identity "before children". And even on the toughest days at work, it is important to remember why it feels good to be working- whether it's the income, career satisfaction, that we are helping others, benefits or even just the social aspect. If we remember and find a way each day to feel good about working, our kids will only benefit from our positive outlook and happy balanced disposition. Check out the smiling mama's review! She is also giving away her autographed copy to her readers! Thank you Aimee :)

Fan Mail

November 12th, 2008
I received a sparkling bit of fan mail last night. This one also put tears in my eyes!! Thank you Katherine for confirming that all of my hard work with this book was/is worth it!!!
This is what this Full Time Working Mommy wrote:

"Hi Kristie, I LOVE your book! And my daughter LOOOOOVVVES it! (Wish I could think of an endorsement that was a little more creative - but, hey you're the writer not me!)

Just to let you know this book has become "one of those" books that my daughter wants to read over and over and over. Now she's memorized most of it (in just about two weeks - I'm not lying, we've read it a lot...) and will read it to me, her father, her kindergarten class when she brought it for show and tell... She loved searching for the cupcakes, hearts and ladybugs too.

As for me, it was so great to read something that positively conveys the many roles a working mother takes on without being preachy. I love reading it to her and I love it that she's started talking about my high heel shoes. I do have closet envy for the mother in the book, however!

The only criticism that my daughter would like to offer is that on the page where it says "shoes for going out to the movies" she thinks it should say "date night." She tells me that every time,
whether I'm reading it or she is "You know mommy, it really should say 'date night' because the mommy and daddy are going on a date." So, maybe in the next edition... haha.

Anyway, now that I've practically written my own book - I have two questions:
1) There are a few people I would like to give this book to for Christmas (like my boss for one!) If I sent you a list would you mind autographing them as well when I order?
2) Would you mind if I sent out an email with a recommendation and a link to your website to some friends here that I think would really enjoy this book?

Hope you're having a good week. As for me, I'm looking forward to reading "Mommy's High Heel Shoes" again tonight!
Katherine

Tech Savvy Mama includes my book in her holiday shopping guide!

November 9th, 2008- 11:08 pm

Great news!  I just wanted to let you all know that Leticia-Tech Savvy Mama who blogs for DC Metro Moms is including my book in her holiday shopping guide!

Here is her review for Mommy's High Heel Shoes:

"This fall I hung up my hat as a SAHM to become a PTWOHM.  Unlike so many life events that are depicted in stories, I had trouble finding a suitable book that I could use to begin a discussion with my children about me going back to work.  The brand new book, Mommy's High Heel Shoes is a delightful story that discusses why parents work while celebrating working moms, family bonds, and lots and lots of shoes!  The modern tale has charming illustrations that my children love to look at as they search for the ladybug, heart, and cupcake hidden on each page." 

Thank you Leticia!  I'm so thrilled you loved my book!

Blog Talk Radio

November 9th, 2008

So here I am at 1:30 in the morning with my sleeping daughter digging her feet into my side.  I was clicking all around the internet and somehow came across and interesting site (link below)   It looks like I blog in the same circle as this Mommy, Beth Feldman.  Since I was just on the 98.1 Philadelphia Public Agenda program to talk about my book, talk radio is particularly interesting to me at the moment!  Check this out....

So many mommy networking sites....which ones to choose?

There are so many Mommy sites that I enjoy visiting. How do we decide which ones to spend time on? I mean there is only so much time in a day. My curfew lately has been 2:00 a.m. That is crazy! When I get to bed at midnight, I feel like a new woman in the morning....less wrinkled and find myself needing less makeup. Anyway, I have many favorites, but here are two that come to mind. I'll list more at a later date. As my curfew is approaching. First, I enjoy Cafe Mom...very fun and a great place to not only meet other moms, but to join groups with other moms that have the same interests. Connect with other moms at CafeMom. Share photos, stories and so much more. If you sign up...join my working mommy group: Mommy's High Heel Shoes and add me as a friend. Cafe Mom is sort of like facebook for Moms.

The working mommy site that I enjoy is Mommy Tracked which is such a fun site for working moms! I get their newletter too where you'll find fun articles and information that will keep you smiling.
Then, of course, I must give a shout out to the new Philly Moms Blog. I started out subscribing to the NYC Moms Blog, since it was the closest in proximity and because I love that city. When I found out they were launching a Philly site, I was really excited and have since been invited to blog with them. I'm really having fun meeting so many moms through this fun group already! Check it out! You can also find out what moms are chatting about all over the country through their sister sites. I hope you love it like I do!

10/27/2008

Mommy's High Heel Shoes is now at the Doylestown Bookshop!  

Find out HERE where else it is available.   

Happy Anniversary Honey!

10/26/2008 Today is my Anniversary, #6! This is the year of the toast. Happy Anniversary Honey! At least it's not burnt! Anyway, if you haven't seen Jib Jab yet, you need to check it out. While not all of their invitations and cards are my style, some of them are so funny I about pee my pants! Did I just say that? I mean they are funny like Pirates of Penzance.

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

And since my husband just had his 20th High School Reunion last weekend, I thought this one would be fitting. Although, I seemed to have cropped the mouths wrong so I look like I have a mustache!!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

How to Self Publish a Children's Book

I have been getting so many questions about how to publish a children's book so I decided to post an article to make it easy for all of you to access.

1) The first thing I recommend is that you do a search for all other books with your title and then search for all books in your subject matter. Search Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble, libraries & etc. You don't want to publish book that is already in a saturated subject matter or with the same title as another book. It is important to be different, unique, modern, current, kid appealing, and fresh (unless you are a celebrity or well known author and people will buy your book just because you are you!) If you don't have young kids, hang out in Barnes & Noble, Borders or small independent Children's bookstores to find out what sells.

2)Second, there is one book that you all need to get if you are thinking of self publishing. The book is called: Dan Poynter's Self-Publishing Manual. This book is step by step guide on how to self- publish. It will give you an idea if self-publishing is right for you. (I also have more very helpful books on the slide show below.) This book will also help you figure out the differences between going with a major publisher, vanity publisher, print on demand and truly self publishing.

If you aren't willing to sell your book and put forth a ton of effort and time, you may want to stop reading here. If it is your dream to self publish a children's book, then I would suggest that you keep reading so you can make it happen! Note: if you have a "type-A" personality, self publishing will come easy to you. If you don't, you can still do it- the work involved may be just a bit more challenging.

3) The other important thing to do is to join the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Membership if fairly in-expensive and well worth it. This group will help you network with other writers and editors online and live/in person.

So the process of self-publishing goes like this...

1. Research and learn your market: What are parents buying? What do they need? What do kids want?
2. Hang out with Kids!
3. Write what you know and/or what you love. Your passion will shine through.
4. Join a children's writers group (if you are not already in one) The critiques of fellow writers are so very important. Edit your manuscript and have it professionally edited if the other writers in your group aren't particularly gifted in this area.
5. Read your book to kids! Read it aloud! Read it to parents of your target age group! Read it to teachers and to anybody who will listen and give you honest feedback.
   
6. Once you have decided to self-publish- Get a website domain! Try to get your book title and your name (for when you get famous). If your title is too long, pick something catchy and easy to remember. You need to start thinking about how to sell your book now. Your website will brand you. Go to www.GoDaddy.com to do this! Just start typing in possible domain names and find one you like. The help desk there is awesome if you decide to host your site there. Also, you can set up a free blog through google, wordpress or typepad. This blog is a blogger blog through google. It's easy to use and completely free. I point my domain name ($10/year-www.kristiefinnan.com) to this blogger address (www.mommyworkshop.blogger.com) I can also host my domain name here, but just haven't gone through that step yet as I know my blog will have to be down for a day or two.
   
7. Set yourself up as a publishing company. Decide whether you would like to become a Sole Proprietor or an LLC (I chose LLC for a few different reasons) I really had no idea what to do and a friend of mine recommended The Company Corporation- thank goodness! They were truly awesome. And since you are self publishing- you need to set yourself as a company so you get the many benefits of being a small business owner. At first, I tried to figure out how to do this on my own and wasted many valuable hours googling. The company corporation will walk you through every step and for under $500- they do everything and are awesome to work with. Here is a link:
   
8. If you are not an illustrator yourself, have 3 illustrators do samples for you and give you their estimates to do the job. I paid $50 a piece for each sample.
9. Choose your illustrator and have him/her begin the sketches. Make sure when choosing your artist, that he/she is somebody you think you can work well with. This is an important relationship! There needs to be great communication.
   
10. Show your illustrator examples of styles of art in other books that you like before she gets started. And if you have any ideas of what the pictures should look like in your head- include illustration notes. Also, it is helpful if you have your manuscript broken out into pages. Your artist may be able to do this for you or you can work on it together as well.
    
11. The most important part of your book is the COVER! Have your artist work on this first. First the artist will do some sketches. Then make any changes and any more changes until you love it. Put on your best pair of art director shoes. Once you love it, work with the artist to pick out eye catching colors and fonts for the title. Your book needs to pop out on a shelf and talk to buyers. This is the most important part of the book! Did I mention that?
    
12. Next you will start getting your sketches for your interior pages. As you receive the art, make notes on any of the pages that you would like altered. Once all of the sketches are way you like them, it's time to move on to the painting. Let your artist know if there are any particular colors you are fond of. Show her other books that you like as examples.
    
13. While your artist is painting or digitally coloring the artGet your ISBN #, bar-code, register with the library of congress (step by step instructions in Dan Poynter's book for this tedious task) Also, hire a website designer or you can go to several different hosting sites where you can set up a website with your registered domain name with a template yourself. If your budget is an issue, try www.freewebs.com.
    
14. Decide on whether you want a hardback or paperback book and on the size.
15. Research printers in the US and Oversees. Submit specifics (paper weight, size, binding) for quotes and ask free sample books. By doing this, you can touch and feel the paper and tug on the pages to see how well they are bound. You will be surprised in the difference in quality with different printers. I got one set of samples that wreaked of Moth Balls. I ruled them out right away for fear of receiving 3000 books that would stink up my whole house!
16. Hire a book designer. Ask around so you can get a few different quotes. The designer scans the original artwork into the computer, lays the artwork out in a design program, adds your words to the pages. The specifications are given to the designer from your printer. The designer will be in communication with the printer. Then the files are uploaded to the printer or sent on a CD.
    
17. Once the book is all together in a computer program like Adobe InDesign, it's time to print out the .pdf files and mark them up. If the text placement doesn't look right, have your designer move it. If the colors are off from the original art, have them adjusted.
    
18. Next, you will receive color proofs of your book from your printer. This usually happens a few weeks after the final files are approved by the printer. You will get to mark them up and make notes of things that need to be changed. Pay special attention to the colors. Make sure they are like your original art or that your are okay with the differences.
    

(More important steps to come, but this should get you started- stay tuned!)

Helpful Books that I highly suggest!

Some helpful websites:

www.parapublishing.com

www.scbwi.org

www.pma-online.org

www.publishingbasics.com

www.wbjbradio.com

www.copyright.gov

www.bowkerlink.com

Quick and Easy tips for a Fast and Healthy Dinner.

Combining my degree in Nutrition and previous career as a Registered Dietitian with my busy mommy life, here is an article I posted on grumpymoms.com a while ago.  As I struggled with what to make for my kids tonight, I thought it would be a great post!

"When your a working mom or a mom on the go we can all use some quick cooking tips!

Like most mommies, our days may start at 2:00 am. We are either up nursing a baby, getting a child a glass of water or being kicked in the side by a 3 year old who somehow snuck into our bed in the middle of the night. The alarm goes off at 6:00 am so you can get your shower and get dressed for work. We then rally the troops…feed them breakfast, get them dressed, get their backpacks packed, etc. Then, off we go to work or into our home offices. The last thing on your mind is what to feed your kids for dinner.  So here are a few tips and ideas on how to make your dinners quick and healthy.

• Annie’s organic bunny pasta just takes 12 minutes to make and feeds two kids! They also make organic pasta in quick and easy single serve packets- 3 minutes in the microwave and it’s done!

• Green giant frozen vegetables take 3 minutes in the microwave, are low fat and loaded with vitamins. Broccoli with cheese sauce is our favorite (regular cheese- not “zesty” – check the package) and also “Healthy Weight”…soy beans, pea pods, carrots…

• Barilla makes a barilla plus pasta that has more protein and nutrients. This is especially great for those kids who won’t eat meat. 
  

• Here is an excellent site for some quick recipes for your family and picky eaters:www.familyfun.go.com
  

• Carnation Instant Breakfast is loaded with vitamins and minerals for kids. The vanilla flavor can be incorporated into a smoothie with bananas and frozen strawberries for an even more nutritious shake. This is great for dessert for that picky eater. Let your kids add the strawberries and bananas to the blender. Kids who help prepare their food, are more likely to eat/drink it. This works also for a quick and easy breakfast.

• Healthy takeout once a week is a great option! Don’t feel bad about it especially if you choose healthy options: Chinese- steamed vegetable with chicken- sauce on the side like garlic or sweet & sour.

• Pizza night- tomatoes/Cheese and another vegetable on top (if your kids will have it). Carrot sticks/celery/snow peas on the side with the option to dip in a low fat ranch dressing is a great way to up your vegetable servings.

• Orange Yogurt: My daughters favorite…Add pureed baby carrots to vanilla or banana yogurt and let them put a few ice-cream sprinkles on top!

• Rotisserie chicken picked up from your local grocery store is a great option and healthier than chicken Nuggets or frozen chicken strips.
  

Make play dates for dinner with other working moms you know through work or your daycare program. You’ll enjoy the company and can get some great ideas from seeing/talking to other families about what their kids eat! Bring PJs so they can sleep in the car on the way home if the night rolls into bedtime.

If you are a planner, Crock pots can be started in the morning so dinner is ready for you and the kids when you get home. One of my favorite cookbooks is: How to Make Love and Dinner at the Same Time (although that has never quite happened at my house….sorry honey).

For adult conversation with your spouse during dinner, occasionally try feeding the kids first and then give them an activity or game to do while the two of you eat.  Maybe even allow a ½ hour of tv while your at the dinner table uninterrupted by, “Mommy can I have?” or “Mommy, can you get me…”

Remember, research says that it takes a child 19 times to adopt a new food! All you can do is offer healthy options and let them adopt the foods at their own pace."

Kristie Finnan

Working Mother & Author of Mommy's High Heel Shoes

Mommy's High Heel Shoes are PINK

Hi everyone!  Mommy's High Heel Shoes is now available to purchase!  

I am excited to announce that for each book sold with the coupon code: PINK through our online store we are donating $1 to breast cancer research.  

Since it is breast cancer awareness month and so many moms, women & families are greatly effected by this disease- we thought we would pair the launch of Mommy's High Heel Shoes with donating to this great cause.  

So think PINK, tell a friend and help us contribute to finding a cure for breast cancer.    We will also continue to donate .50 from each book purchased through our website to working mom entrepreneurs through kiva.org.

real birthday

Happy "real" Birthday Cakes!  Mommy loves you.  I'll be home tomorrow night.  You can sleep in my bed so when I get home late- we can snuggle!  Give your brother a kiss for me!

kisses & hugs!

Mommy

Website Makeover

So my website re-launched last Thursday evening.   I LOVE it!  (Thank you Paula for doing such a fabulous job on my new site).  We are also taking pre-orders on books through the site- they will ship the second week of October!

Check it out:

www.mommyshoes.com  

or

www.mommyshighheelshoes.com

Fake Birthday

So today was my daughter's "fake" birthday.  What do you do when your daughter's birthday is the week of your business trip? Her "real" birthday is the 25th.  Luckily this year she can't read a calendar so we pulled it off fabulous.  On Friday, her teachers happily celebrated her day early for me so I could bring in the snack and I even read my new book (Mommy's High Heel Shoes) to her class which was adorable.  I picked her up from school and we had a special mommy/daughter shopping trip.  We ran to the grocery store to get last minute things for her birthday party, picked out tinkerbelle plates and went to buy her soccer cleats.  She wore her birthday tiara the whole time smiling from ear to ear as strangers wished her a happy birthday.

So here is my little girl just a day old- almost 4 years ago.  How does the time fly by so quickly?  She is still my snuggly buddy and sweet girl, but everyday she is getting so grown up.  Sometimes I get all teared up looking at these pictures.  I've also recently gone through some of the baby clothes and have given some to friends.  For some reason, I can't give them all away. 

So I feel good about making her birthday a special one, even though we did it a few days early.  I think her real birthday is going to be harder for me.  Maybe I'll put my calendar away this week.....

 

Honest Tea....better than a fortune cookie!

So once a week our family goes out to our favorite Pizza Place.  And once a week I look forward to getting my inspiration from a bottle of Honest Tea.  Honest tea is more fun and inspirational than a fortune cookie, honest!!   You see, on every lid there are words of wisdom.  Tonight my lid read, "Vision without action is a daydream; action without vision is a nightmare." - Japanese Proverb.

Wow! 

leaps of faith

I am up way too late again, but thought I would quick post a wonderful quote a friend sent me.

Now while this quote doesn't apply to everything in my life (like my marriage or riding a bike)

It's just wonderful to take leaps of faith and risks in our lives to keep them fun and exciting!

  

"I need to tell you that I would much rather fail at something new than succeed at something old"- Ben Cohen

Making your child feel special

So I have been working my full time sales job all day and prepping for the launch of my new book all night. Sometimes, I find it very hard to slow down and relax. I really try hard to ignore all work from the time I get home until the time the kids go to sleep so I can give undivided attention to the kids, but it doesn't always happen. This article on babycenter came across my e-mail the other day. It reminded me of how important it is to make my kids feel special in this busy world we all live in!!!

Article below!

http://www.babycenter.com/0_simple-ways-to-make-your-child-feel-special_3657925.bc?page=1&articleId=3657925

Book Status

The books are on their way!!! I'll have 200 advance copies next week :)

It's Divalicious!

 

So I am thrilled that my blog has a new look!!  Thank you to the amazing job of Candy at Divalicious Designs.  If the name of her business doesn't draw you in, take a look at her awesome website http://divalicous-designs.blogspot.com and extremely unique, modern & fun templates.  I e-mailed Candy last night about updating my blog and she had it up by this afternoon.  She is speedy, professional and a gorgeous work at home Mom of two little girls.  If you think you can't afford a professional looking website for your blog, you are wrong!  Contact Ms. Divalicious for a new update & blog makeover!

Now, I will say- I edited my blog Title artwork a smidge tonight.  (I hope you don't mind Candy).  There was cute kitty cat sitting on the top of the sofa, which I loved, but my husband said it was bad luck because we don't have a cat.  Being superstitious as I am, I erased the poor cute kitty in paint and added artwork from my illustrator, Pat Achilles, of my doggy George (a character in the book as well).  George is in heaven so I thought having him on my title banner may be lucky!

I hope you all like my new blog!!

Kristie

A New online Shop for Working Mother essentials

Here is a new online shop for working mother essentials. This online shop offers everything from breast pumps, baby bjorns, diaper bags, books & gifts for those important people like teachers or nannies who make such huge differences in our lives. More products coming soon...
Here is the link: http://www.mommyworkshop.com/mwsamazonstore.htm

Mommy Workshop helping Moms on Kiva.org

We are thrilled that Mommy Workshop will be donating .40 cents from every Mommy's High Heel Shoes book purchased through their online store to Kiva.org. On Mommy Workshop's charity-helping moms link, they will feature different entrepreneurial working mothers around the globe who are in need of small business loans. Click the link below to find out how you can make a difference! Find out who you can help!

http://www.mommyworkshop.com/charityhelpingmoms.htm

Mommy's High Heel Shoes will be available for purchase Aug/Sept 2008.

We LOVE Pinkalicious the musical!!! A Hot PInk Review!

So tonight we took Katie and Cole to see Pinkalicious the musical in Doylestown, PA with some friends. Let me start by saying that Pinkalicious is one of our favorite children's books and if you can't tell by the color of my blog site, I have a bit of pinkititis myself! And since my daughter's nickname is "Cakes" because of her own love of cupcakes, of course we had to go! First, I feel lucky that we were able to go to this show completely free. Thank you to all that sponsored the show. Apparently the show is touring in Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, Iowa, and Illinois. So if you are lucky enough to live close enough to any of it's stops..Go Go Go! It really is a show that I would have bought tickets for and would highly recommend to others. The stage was bright and beautiful. If I worked at Pottery Barn, it would be my inspiration for my next line of girls bedding! The songs were fun and catchy for kids, the actors were extremely talented and had a great time getting the kids involved! My two year old son even sat through the show which ran about an hour or so! I give the show a HOT PINK REVIEW!

Warning:
My girlfriend just sent me an e-mail with the subject "Pink Problem" It read as follows:
"I have to tell you my poor girl was a bit traumatized in the car. Mostly our fault of course! She kept looking in the mirror and then asking her brothers if she was pink. After some investigation and interrogation, we figured out that she thought that the “pink cupcakes” were going to turn her pink. Too bad I’m not as evil as I appear, I could have had her eating green food for days!"

The show will also be in New York City and opens Saturday August 2nd- September 21st. Check out the website for more details on tours and shows: http://www.cupcakesforall.com/themusical.htm

ps. Thanks to Wegman's (AKA-by my kids "the train store") for giving out free pink cupcakes after the show!!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom on Youtube

If you have little ones, you'll love this! Also, an awesome bit of entertainment from your iphone, blackberry or wireless device on the run.




Let me know if you all like this as much as my family does!!

Summer weekend beach trips...fun or foe?

When you think of the beach do you think of a cool ocean breeze, that yummy coconut smell of sunscreen, reading magazines & sand between your toes? I have been having trouble with this lately. Not that I don't love the beach, because I do and always have. If you ask my husband- he wouldn't know that. When I think of the beach lately, I think of STRESS- not stress relief.

I come home after a long work week to pack up the kids (3 1/2 & 2), dog, clothes, diapers, toys, food, loveys, bathing suits...then my clothes and stuff. My husband who is an amazing dad helps load the car, but I do all of the planning and packing. Then there are the thoughts of leaving at the right time to beat any traffic we may hit. Then unpacking our stuff...kids...dog & etc. into my husband's sister's beach house. Thank you sis for always being a wonderful hostess and even handing me a much needed marguerita upon arrival!! Then, I hope my kids will eat anything for dinner or all weekend besides bowls of chips and juice boxes. Then there is the sunscreen process the next morning before we hit the beach & the lugging of everything to the beach and making sure we haven't fogotten any of our necessary beach items. My magazine...always in the bag, but somehow never gets read. Then there is the umbrella set up and the monitoring of kids running on our towels and those towels of beach goers around us. Now there are those moments once we are there that I really do have fun playing with my kids in the sand or just even sitting and watching them be silly or in wonder of everything around them. And there are times that I can smell the coconut sunscreen and pull out my magazine. Usually, once I am all set up with my magazine, I hear "Mommy, I've got to go potty". So up through the hot sand I lug my daughter piggy back with a full bladder to the public restroom, "yuck- don't touch anything!"

After a few hours of sun and tired kids, we head back to the car to ride back to the house to get two sleepy sandy kids out of the car into the shower. Then again...fingers crossed they eat dinner in a strange place with unfamiliar foods and go to sleep soundly in an unfamiliar bed. Then on Sunday to find and pack all of the trail of things we have left to head home where I can un-pack the tired kids, worn out dog, dirty toys, sandy everything, wet bathing suits, damp clothes & did I remember my??? Where is my??? What do I have scheduled tomorrow? Uh oh...

But is all of this work worth it for a few stolen moments of relaxation on the actual beach or with family at the beach house? I think it is and couldn't imagine not giving my kids these weekends with their Aunties, Uncles and cousins, but just not every weekend of the summer. It physically drains me! Then off I have to go to work Monday in a sandy car missing my kids who I feel I didn't even get to snuggle or relax with all weekend. Is it selfish to feel this way? Is is selfish to want just stay home and relax...putter around in my garden with my kids watering behind me with there cute little cans? I just want to make plans with friends and relax at home on most weekends. Don't get me wrong- I love going to the beach and love our family- just like I love Christmas. But sometimes too much beach is like too much Christmas. I think I would much rather take a week's vacation at the beach and spend most of my weekends home. Does anyone else feel this way?

Something to make everyone smile!

http://www.youtube.com/user/fleembrittle

Way too much fun!

Mommy Blogging Cartoon!

http://www.achillesportfolio.com/index.htm


I just love Pat's latest cartoon!

So who am I?

I am a full time working mother of two children (Katie: 3 1/2 and Cole is almost 2), the daughter of a Mom who worked when I was a child, and lucky to be friends with many other working mommies. I graduated Penn State with my BS in Nutrition and got my RD (registered dietitian) cerification up in Boston, MA. However, I did switch careers and have been a sales professional for 12 years and wear high heel shoes to work everyday! I am lucky to work for a company on the top 10 list in Fortune magazine for "Best Places to Work" and a company that was voted in the top 20 for best companies for working mothers by Working Mother magazine. I will say that I am very grateful and blessed to work for a company that truly encourages work/life balance. In addition, I have written a children's book called Mommy's High Heel Shoes. It is a book that workng mothers will love to share with their children and will be available in September 2008. I am also an active member of the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and the Womens Business Forum (Doylestown, PA) where I am thrilled to make so many connections with smart, talented and fabulous women! Most importantly, my children are my inspiration and have made my books and MOMMYWORKShop.com my passion! Last, but not least, I am married to an extremely caring husband and amazing father. Thank you to Chris for putting up with my late hours at my computer and being so supportive! I am also thrilled to be a columnist for www.grumpymoms.com My goal is to give quick/easy everyday tips for the busy working mommy. I will try to have relevant "today" topics and hopefully my advice will help us feel less grumpy! Post a comment,send me a message, tell me what you want and need information about and I'll do my best to find it! Please visit MOMMYWORKShop.com for more working mommy information!

Cell phone in the lunch box!

So the other morning, I called my girlfriend Yolanda. Yolanda is really an amazing friend! She is the kind of friend that always has something wonderful to say to you when you call like, "I was just thinking about you!". You can hear the smile in her voice. She is the kind of friend that sends her friends chocolate cakes on mothers day-just because. She is also a co-worker and a busy working mom with two young kids. So back to my call...Well, no answer- all morning. Very unlike Yolanda not to pick up. So she finally calls me back laughing hysterical telling me that she lost her phone and was searching everywhere all morning. Of course, being a working mommy in sales you are pretty much just lost without your phone! It's your lifeline. She then proceeds to tell me that she gets a call from her son's school. No problem with her son, but his lunch box was ringing! Apparently, her son was playing with her phone that morning and it got packed in his lunch box!

This song just makes me happy...thought I would share!

About Me

3/1/2010

Hello! About me, let's see....

I grew up and now live back home in beautiful Bucks County. I openly admit, I am a coffee addicted too busy Mommy with a "Type-A personality." I graduated from Penn State with my degree in Nutrition and went to graduate school in Boston where I became a Registered Dietitian.

Currently, I work as a Clinical Specialist in BioOncology and have been working in sales for the pharmaceutical/Biotech world for the past 14 years. Most importantly, I LOVE being a Mommy and have three kids: 5 year old daughter, almost 4 year old son and 7 month old baby girl. My kids are my biggest blessing in life.

When I'm not working, I enjoy having fun with my husband, kids & silly English Setter, being outdoors, gardening, taking pictures, baking, social networking, meeting new people and trying new things. My creative outlet is blogging and writing children’s books. Writing really makes me smile. My first children’s picture book: Mommy’s High Heel Shoes was published in October 2008. Mommy's High Heel Shoes is available on my website, these stores and on Amazon.

In addition, I am...

• a contributing writer for the Philly Moms Blog (which has been a great experience getting to know so many other mommies all over the country.)
  

• an active member of the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators)
  

• on the board of the Women's Business Forum (Bucks County, PA) an have been appointed their social media point person (AKA twitter girl) @WBFBucks.

• the founder of Real Mommy Reviews
  

• an expert at promoting and selling products I am passionate about.
  

• sleep deprived!
  

I hope you follow my blog and daily adventures on Twitter @MommyshhShoes. I can't wait to get to know you!

Favorites

Where Real Mommies Review Really Cool Stuff

Mommy Tracked:

Mommy's High Heel Shoes is on the

See Mom Works Book List and a book review!

My Blog Designer:

Celebrate being a working mom!

We "work" for many reasons: we love our jobs, need the income, need the benefits, enjoy making a difference in the world, etc. No matter what the reason, let's try to feel good about life. Let's Feel good about working! Instead of feeling guilty or sad for not being with our children all day, let's focus on the great times we have with them! Instead of putting our focus on what we don't get to do with our kids or get done in a day, let's celebrate how much we accomplish and how successful we are! Let's All Celebrate Being Mommy! Let's celebrate being a working Mommy!
Tell us about you! How many shoes do you wear?

www.mommyshighheelshoes.com