The Daily Grind of a Work @ Home Mom...

Best Asian Slaw

I LOVE asian food.  I love sushi, I love tepanyaki, I love everything a la Japansese-style.  Including salad.  I adore ginger-style dressings on my salad but also love to indulge in those rich, creamy salad toppers too.  In order to save on the calories, I invented my own, low-fat creamy ginger dressing.  Let me know what you think:

Asian Slaw with Creamy Ginger Dressing

Prep Time: 10 Minutes (maybe less)                   Yield: 2 BIG servings

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of ready-to-eat coleslaw
• 1/2C light mayo (I use Hellman's)
• low-sodium soy sauce
• minced ginger
• 1/4C sliced almonds
• 1/4C chopped cukes
• Any other veggies you like

Directions:

• Put mayo in a shallow bowl, and slowly add soy sauce to your desired taste.  Add ginger the same way, typically about 1tbsp is fine, but depending on your tastebuds, you'll either want more or less. 
• Whisk dressing until it is combined.
• Add the salad ingredients to a bowl.
• Add the dressing to the salad about an hour before serving so the flavor gets absorbed.

If you count Weight Watchers points, the dressing is about 3 points per serving.  You'll need to take into acount the walnuts and anything else you add to the salad but trust me - this is restaurant good!

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

They say that breaking up is hard to do, and make that a double if it's your therapist with whom you're calling it quits.  I know, I've been there, and it appears that I'm not the only one.  It seems that every month I hear of a situation similar to mine.

Here's what happened.  It was September of 2000 and a move to a new city prompted all kinds of unknown and unwanted feelings.  I couldn't figure it out, all I knew was that I was miserable and a misery to be around and things had to change - and quickly.  Treading in unfamiliar territory both geographically and emotionally, I opened the book of medical providers from my insurance company, flipped to the mental healthy section and picked a nice sounding name, in a location just blocks from my new apartment.  A few days later I was in her office, spilling my guts to this stranger.  

Skip to four years later.  I'm still spilling my guts in this same office, only now it's a neighborhood away from my new home.  While I had moved ahead in my personal life, gotten married, bought a house and even switched jobs, emotionally, I was still stuck.  It finally hit me - could it be that I'd hot a wall with this doctor?

So in the week before my next session, I did some research.  My anxiety level had been creeping upwards lately and while I had some idea why, I knew it would take a good amount of work to purge it.  In my research, I found a different type of therapy that could, studies had shown, potentially rid me of my demons for good. 

I was shocked that my therapist hadn't recommended this new therapy, but gave her the benefit of the doubt.  Even so, I did the unthinkable during our next session.  I called her out on my lack of forward movement and questioned whether she thought we'd hit a brick wall and if she thought this different therapy might help me.  She responded that in fact, yes, she did think it was worth a try and why hadn't she thought of it?

My sentiments exactly.

She gave me the name of a doctor with experience in the field I was interested in and sent me off with a referral and a handshake.

So, thousands of dollars later, I'm on my way to yet another doctor who maybe could help me find myself again.  It just so happened, breaking up with my therapist was the best decision I ever made because my new doctor was all that and a bag of chips.  With her, I did the incredibly hard work, got off any and all medication I had previously been on (who's not on anti-anxiety or anti-dep's anyhow?), and became the person I knew I could be.  After one year in her care, I accomplished more than I had in four with my old analyst.  Granted I had a deadline - I was pregnant with my first child and needed every bit of mental strength I could find, but the bottom line is, I finally found GOOD therapy, HARD therapy, the kind of therapy that stays with you, even when you're driving or at work or in the shower.  The kind that works.

Moral of the story - you know if it's not working in therapy just as you know if it's not working in any other relationship.  As daunting as it may be, the grass just might be greener on the other side.  And you'll never know unless you try.

  

Calling all Rookie Moms!!!

One of my favorite sayings is that motherhood is the lonliest feeling in the world.  Unbelievable to some, but completely understandable by many.  Many new moms admit to feeling isolated upon the arrival of their bundle of joy.

Two super writer-mommies (or is it super mommy-writers?) aim to dispell that maxim with their new book, The Rookie Mom's Handbook.  Written by Heather Gibbs Flett and Whitney Moss, this almost pocket-sized book is a guide to 250 activities to do with (and without) baby in those first 12 months.  Much like myself, these moms were motivated by their need to have at least one activity planned per day, lest they go insane without any routine, a phenomenon often brought on by a new little one.  But the "activities" offered by these moms isn't your run of the mill "stroll to the park and back" or "go to the mall and walk around."  It's tips, tricks, advice and recommendations no new mom should live without.

For example, #5 tells mom to "Just Say No."  Many new moms don't embrace their newly acquired right to use this often scary word, for fear of hurting someone's feelings.  These moms encourage it (as do I!).  #24 is "Join a New Mom's Group," my own personal advice to all new moms as well.  #50 instructs the frazzled new mommy just to "Let Her Be," as in, leave that kid alone for 5 minutes, she'll survive!  All the way to 250, these experienced "new" moms offer up great advice for rookies, in an honest and relatable way.  My personal favorite is #213 - "Hit On Another Baby Owner."  Hey, you both have babies the same age.  You both need friends.  Go for it. 

In addition, the Handbook also offers simple instructions for new and daunting tasks like how to make your own baby food, how to get in some exercise without running to the gym, how to take baby to a grown-up restaurant, without pulling your hair out and so on. 

I love this book.  I think you would love it too.  I KNOW your new mommy friends would definitely get something out of it.  Buy it at Amazon today!

A WAHM Feature on ME!!

Though I blush as I write this, I'm super proud to say that I've been featured on today's edition of The WAHM Spot!  The WAHM Spot spotlights a different work-at-home-mom but more than that, it offers info on how to become a WAHM, including resources and info on how other WAHMs got started in their businesses and how they juggle work and family at home.  Another wonderful aspect of the WAHM Spot is their The Spot Resource Page, which consists essentially of tools to help and guide you as you build and grow your business!  Check it out!

 

A Lady and Her Baby

I'm promoting a baby website this week.  But before you scratch your head and wonder why I would do such a foolish thing when I am the owner of a baby e-boutique myself, consider the age-old philosophy - karma.  I'm a true believer.

That said, I recently ran into an adorable website called A Lady and Her Baby and was proud to be able to say that I have some stiff competition out there in webstore-land!  A Lady and Her Baby, owned by Jennifer, carries everything needed to welcome a new baby, from onesies and blankets to burp cloths and bibs.  A great offering is the preemie size, not a feature found on all baby websites.  Her sizes go all the way up to 2T.  Another cool aspect is her wide array of slings and wraps - perfect for any baby-wearing Mamas!

Jennifer was gracious enough to send an adorable t-shirt and shorts set by Zutano so we could road-test one of her wonderful items.  Suffice to say, Zutano makes fabulous clothing - so soft on baby's precious skin, and cute as can be as well.  Simple and easy to wear, Baby S. loves her new duds!  (Tip: If you're ordering this set, know that Zutano runs big or at least true to size).

Your baby can style in a set by Zutano too!  The Daily Grind is giving away one outfit in your choice of style (Zinnia or Fish) and your choice of size (6-12, 12-18, or 18-24) courtesy of A Lady and Her Baby.  Jennifer has also offered 15% off and free shipping on any of the Pediped shoes for 3 runner-ups - only readers who indicate in their comments that this is of interest to them will qualify for this offer.  To enter, visit A Lady and Her Baby and come back here to tell us which is your favorite item in the store.  Blog it for a 2nd entry!  And remember people, comments count!  Winner will be drawn on Friday, July 11th. 

See something you'd like to buy now?  Get free shipping with promo code TDG7.

       

What do you think?

I'm on vacation with my family.  But really, has the original definition of vacation gone out the window with the invention of the Blackberry?  I'm feeling like it may have, since I have had several interruptions to my fun and relaxation since Sunday.

Here's the story.  My '

Berry b

uzzes yesterday afternoon while I'm laying on the beach with my kids.  I find I have an email from a customer that goes like this:

         "Placed an order online last week and wondering if it was received by you as I’ve never received any kind of confirmation."

I respond to the customer that something must have gotten lost in cyberspace, as I hadn't received any order from her, and I'm so sorry, but would she mind re-sending it.  Oh, and to copy it into the body of an email as well, just in case.

Within minutes, there's a new email in my inbox.

          "Never mind."

Huh?  I'm getting the feeling this customer isn't pleased, but I'm not sure how to explain that technology isn't perfect without it sounding like I'm making an excuse.  I dig in the back-end of my web-store and find her order.  So I write to let her know that I've located her order, and how sorry I am and I offer her 10% off on the order and she's already getting free shipping TO CANADA. 

Her response:

         "If you've already charged my credit card then you can ship the items that are available.  (There was a backorder on three items).  No thanks to the 10% discount, that's more of an insult than anything..."

UM, WHAT???  I don't know about you, but I've never met a discount that insulted me.  Not only that, but I'm shipping to you FREE OF CHARGE to

CANADA

.  For an error that occurred as a result of  technology??? 

My response:

          "I have not charged your credit card since I do not charge until I ship. I can't imagine why a discount would be insulting, but you are clearly unhappy with something. Unfortunately your order was delayed due to technology, no fault of my own. I will gladly cancel your order."

My husband thought that I should've taken the money, sent the order and been done with it.  To me, I felt personally offended since customer service is my #1 priority at Alex Casey Baby and I take it very seriously.  I wonder where this person thinks she will be offered a discount as well as free shipping - did I mention it was to

CANADA

??  Anyhow, I felt like this customer was not treating me with respect and honestly, my own dignity got in the way of servicing this customer as well as discounting the order. 

So what do you think?  Would you have done what I did or would you have bitten the bullet and smiled smugly as you ran her credit card?

Back to my vacation now, I promise.  J

The Daily Grind Is On Vacation!!!

It's that time of year again and The Daily Grind needs a break!!  We'll be back on Monday, July 7th with new giveaways, reviews, rants, opinions and more.

Happy Canada Day, Happy 4th of July and Happy Summer!!

And The Winner Is...

Congrats to Kristinia on winning the Slide diaper bag by Go Gaga!  With a new little one on the way, it'll definitely come in handy.

For the rest of you, now you know about this great new product so get with it and get yourself one at www.gogagalife.com and coming soon to www.alexcaseybaby.com!

Dr. Ferber is a popular guy!

I am re-visiting the issue of sleep issues and the Ferber Method today simply because so many of you readers are Googling it and The Daily Grind still gets tons of visitors searching for answers.  Also, I never really closed the loop on this topic, even though I titled my last post The Conclusion.  For anyone just tuning in, Baby S. was a great sleeper and suddenly started waking every oh, hour? as she was losing her paci.  Not good.

To avoid getting into the same pattern we are still in with our 2-year-old, we decided to actually arm this child with the tools necessary for learning to fall asleep on her own.  So at 5 months old, just as she was about ready to sleep through the night, we took the paci and used the Ferber Method to teach her to sleep.

And it worked.

We had a few rough nights, but ultimately, it worked like a charm.  We started this on a Sunday night.  By the following Saturday night, we had a baby who was waking only once to eat during the night, and going back to sleep quickly.  Within one month however, we had a 6 month old who was sleeping from 6:30pm until about 6am.

I admit, I dismissed this whole idea with Baby #1.  It was cruel, I thought.  I was adamantly against it as you can see for yourself.  But I must say, after really reading the Ferber book and understanding how to do it and how to tailor it to meet your and your child's needs, it does work.  It wasn't for our 1+ year old, but it sure was for my 5-6 month old who I deem the "world's best sleeper." 

Here's a quick synopsis of 'night 'night time in our house -

5:30pm - Dinner

6pm - Baths

6:30 - Baby S. has her milk and goes into her crib, happily cooing, hugging her peanut doll and watching the fishies in her crib aquarium.  She'll stir sometime between 5:30 and 7am.  Meanwhile, 2 year old gets in PJ's, plays for a while.

7:15ish - 2yo watches some TV (it actually brings her down).

8pm - Lights out while I lay with her.  It'll take anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes for her to actually fall asleep.  She can actually have fluttering eyelids for 20+ minutes.  It's CRAZY.

9ish - Transfer her to her own crib where she may or may not stay till morning.

See my point?

Is it a matter of nature or nurture?  Does it have to be one or the other?  I think it's a little bit of both combined with a little patience, a little luck, and a whole lot of love.

Many people have asked me for pointers on how to nurture a sleep-inclined child to be a star, so here are steps I took to help along the way:

• No rocking to sleep.  No jiggling, walking or holding to sleep.  From a young age, S. was put down awake.  If she was fussy, I'd hold her until she calmed and put her down not asleep.
• A pacifier has its time and place.  Use it early and often at the beginning.  If you choose to take it away, it is my experience that 5 or 6 months is a good age to do it.
• Don't run to your baby at the first peep.  Let her do her thing, she'll let you know if she needs you.  This is probably the biggest thing.

 

If you have any questions or need encouragement to get the job done, please email me!!  And sleep tight!

BabyLegs Have Summer Uses Too!

BabyLegs are one of Alex Casey Baby's most popular products and even though it's hot out, they are as useful as ever.

• It’s hot outside and you’ve got Baby in a onesie in the stroller. Then you go into a mall or grocery store – where the air conditioning is on and it’s about 30 degrees colder – whip out BabyLegs for Baby’s arms, Baby’s legs, and Mom’s arms, and voila! keeps the chill off and takes up no room at all in the diaper bag.
• Stop at the park on the way home so the kids can play while Mom takes a breather, and whip out the BabyLegs for their arms and legs and “Look Mom, No Sunburn!” or gravel burns or whatever…
• They’re great for playing baseball and soccer (adults, too).
• They change the look of a short sleeve shirt on anybody: adults, kids, boys, and girls.
• They’re great over casts (boo) especially for kids
• They’re great in nursing homes and hospitals, which never have the temperature right; BabyLegs go on and off so easily.
• BabyLegs make a perfect baby shower gift idea! Show them tied to a gift with a pretty bow or show them alongside baby shower cards.
• Wear your Babylegs on your arms when you’re driving to keep your window-side arm from getting sunburned.

This is such a great time to get a pair or two since Alex Casey Baby is having a Summer Sale!  Choose your own sale - save 15% off your order (promo code: fifteen) or $9.50 off shipping (promo code: shipping).  Offer ends 7/18/08.