Mom and salesperson of the world - a message from Ali

As an independent sales representative for a multi-national corporation, last year Ali A. sold more new business than any other salesperson or office ~ so I enjoy referring to her as "salesperson of the world". And, I know that Ali is an outstanding mom as well as being a high achiever outside of her home.

Wouldn't it be great for women to receive more encouragement and recognition as moms? Although I know we appreciate the implicit rewards of motherhood, an occasional bonus check or an awards ceremony with a meal cooked by someone else (and no dishes to clean) would be ... nice. Until these gestures become new family traditions and then social norms (be patient!), we can still find ways to encourage and recognize each other today.

How? Some simple ways to recognize and encourage each other include listening to the stories of the women who surround us, offering words of support and sharing our own stories. Since part of my mission is to give moms a public voice and to develop understanding among women who are living similar and different life circumstances, I asked Ali for a "message to moms" based on her perspective of the life she is currently living.




Here is what Ali wrote ... in her own words:

I always picture myself wearing 2 distinct hats. The domestic (taking care of household, kids, husband) hat and the professional/career hat. I remind myself that if you are wearing two hats at once you look really silly and accomplish nothing well. But if you take the time to separate the times you wear each hat, you can wear them proudly and be successful.

I make conscience decisions daily, weekly and sometimes monthly about which hat I am wearing and when. And to help with the guilt when I wear the professional hat more...I remind myself that I am even doing that part for the kids. There is the obvious that the paycheck is a great benefit to the kids and family as a whole but also by demonstrating a strong work ethic, showing them that I can be successful in my career, I teach them such important values they will use as they grow. I also get to look forward to summer when I can spend extra time with them! They know I work hard because I love them and want to take care of them and I know that is 100% the truth. It is what drives me.

I was still in high school when I was working as a nanny. The children's father told me I was going to be a great mother, I asked how he knew that and his answer was so simple, "all you have to do is love them and you are so good at that." When I have a tough day I hear those words..."all you have to do is love them"

Thank you, Ali, Mom & Salesperson of the World, for sharing your perspective and encouragement ~

To contact Caron:
caron@studio22azwa.com

To return to Studio22:
http://www.studio22azwa.com/

To return to Fun Moms:
http://www.funmoms.biz/

Fresh Start Women's Foundation

There is an amazing place ... a place just for women in the center of Phoenix. Fresh Start Women's Foundation and the Women's Resource Center is available for any woman ready to improve an aspect of life; whether you are surviving or abundantly thriving, this organization may offer just want you want or need.

Here is a list that summarizes what Fresh Start offers:

Personal Development

Education Series (e.g. financial fitness, life skills, personal growth, relationships etc.)

Family Law Support Services

Library Services

Career Services

Self Esteem

Support Groups

Mentoring

If you are looking for a place to volunteer or make a donation (money? professional clothing?), please also consider Fresh Start. One of the things I love about this organization is that it provides us with local opportunities to both serve and grow. I learn on many visits to Fresh Start and I also volunteer once a month as a Career Coach.

How can you assist?

What do you want/need?

To find out more about Fresh Start Women's Foundation and the Women's Resource Center:

http://www.fswf.org/

To return to Studio22:

http://www.studio22azwa.com/

To contact Caron:

caron@studio22azwa.com

Plant a Pot or Fill a Garden & Watch Our Children Grow

Plant a Pot or Fill a Garden & Watch Our Children Blossom:

Nationwide, restaurants have pulled tomatoes from their menus, but at our home we harvested our largest crop of (safe) tomatoes! We picked them along with one lone pepper and a few basil leaves; it was exciting to produce more than a garnish from our mini-garden.

If you are in the mood for a brief return to the past where most Americans worked with their hands and either worked on a farm or had relatives who did, how about visiting your local garden store for a bargain purchase of herbs or vegetables? You will probably pay less for a whole herb plant than you would if you were to buy fresh herbs in your grocery store’s produce section. And, whether you grow herbs, vegetables or even edible flowers, your children of all ages can enjoy planting and harvesting; you will have an opportunity to work side by side and watch your children blossom through a hands-on learning, bonding & fun activity. This can be as simple or extravagant as you choose.


Why might you want to plant something?

1) Have Fun
Isn’t is great that “having fun” together is enough of a reason in itself? Maybe today is a day to laugh & play with each other over a little bit of dirt and plant.

2) Save Money
Some of the herbs like basil and mint grow very quickly; if you use these items in your kitchen, you really could save a few dollars by planting them and growing them yourself … you wouldn’t even have to pay extra for “organic”! And, if gas prices are keeping you home this summer – family activities together can be memorable whether you are in an amusement park or the fun environment of your own home; gardening is a bargain and if it is unique for your family, it is likely to create lasting memories.

3) Values Lesson Opportunity
If your children are hooked on toys & trinkets during most trips to the store, say “no” at your usual stores and say “yes” to the garden store letting them choose a plant to care for; reduce buying “things” and increase buying “experiences”. Talk about how you spend your money demonstrates your family values.

4) Learning/Developmental Opportunity
Older kids can plan for what to buy based on season, climate and where you will be doing your growing (e.g. inside in a pot, outside with an Eastern exposure etc.), younger children can practice reading or letter recognition based on plant labels and infants can play in the dirt and practice their fine motor skills with pebbles they find (but don’t eat!).

If you want to design a lesson, you could share a family story about your farming relatives or teach children about how technology has changed our lifestyles. Based on your children’s ages, you can adapt planting & growing to any developmental stage. Be creative – what would you like for your children to learn today?

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Speaking of dirt … remember that Mighty Mud Mania in Scottsdale is coming up on Friday, July 18th. This event is great for all ages and will be pure, clean, muddy fun! See your Fun Place to Go with Kids in Metro Phoenix book or www.funmoms.biz for more information.

Go Love! Look for the Yellow Bug in your Neighborhood!

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Fun in the Grass

According to AmericanLawns.com there are a lot of different grasses that you might like to plant based on your geography and the season. Some of them include Buffalograss, Bahia, St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysiagrass and Fine-Leaf Fescue. I don’t know what kind my sister-in-law and brother-in-law are growing in Texas but, whatever it is, it has great color and the lawn provided a relaxing place to laugh and play with my daughter as we waited for a taxi to take us to the airport. Even waiting can be fun!

Three Grass Ideas for Today or This Weekend:

1) Find a lawn at your house or in the neighborhood park – lay down, smell it, feel it, close your eyes and take a few deeeeeeep breaths … you will feel more relaxed ... ahhhhhh.

2) Get a blanket and have a picnic on the grass nearest you. Gourmet, PB & J or your favorite fast food will do.

3) Visit a big stretch of lawn and take some fun family pictures. Dance, make a pyramid, make faces or lay down and create a circle with your heads before having the person with the longest arms take the picture from above! Be creative … what else could you do for a spontaneous family photo collage?

For more information about the best grass for your yard:
http://www.americanlawns.com/

For photography ideas:
www.exposeuresonline.com/ExposuresOnline/ExposureStyle/How_to_Photograph_Life_Events.aspx

If you need help making a PB & J J:
Visit PB Loco at Scottsdale’s Fashion Square or http://www.pbloco.com/

Go Love! Look for the Yellow Bug in Your Neighborhood!