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About Me Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Stephanie Working Mom Wednesday: Mom Corps
I enjoy endless sunshine and
spectacular sunsets in southern Are you a professional who is...
Arizona with My Hero (my husband)
and my Little Beauty. Contact me at looking for a job that will allow you to spend more
stephanie@metropolitanmama.net. time with your kids?
looking for a job that is part-time, flexible, from
View my complete profile home, or virtual?
trying to get back into the workforce after an
extended time away?
taking some time off, but wondering how you can
stay connected in your field?
trying to conceive and wondering how having a
family will impact your career?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, then Mom Corps just might be
your ticket to where you want to be.
April Whitlock, the Senior VP of Marketing and Programs at Mom
Corps, is here with us to share about the Mom Corps story and to
explain how Mom Corps can benefit you.
ME: How old is Mom Corps and why was it created?
APRIL: Mom Corps will be three years old in July of this year. It
Links was born out out of a dilemma of a working mother. Allison O'Kelly, the CEO
of Moms Corps, was a Harvard graduate and a CPA. She was on the fast track,
http://prizey.blogspot.com but after she had her second son, she realized it just wasn’t working
http://www.askdrsears.com anymore. Mom Corps launched in Atlanta and D.C. and the word quickly
http://www.beyondthebusstop.co started spreading. We began to get attention from major employers and we
m were inundated with potential candidates - women who were either looking
http://www.easylabor.net to keep their toe in the door or to come back to work slowly after an
http://www.pregtastic.com extended time away. We started as a staffing/recruiting agency, but then
http://www.seemommyrun.com decided to tap directly into the talent pool and we launched the job board in
http://www.thevaccinebook.com December 2007.
http://www.threelollies.com
ME: How does Mom Corps work?
APRIL: Mom Corps works to match professionals with flexible job
People to Meet opportunities suited to candidates' qualifications and scheduling needs.
Candidates fill out a detailed profile specifying their professional experience
http://amominredhighheels.com
and needs for flexibility. Once registered, candidates can search and apply
http://ashlynnmitchell.blogspot.c
om/
directly to active jobs. In turn, employers search the database for candidates
http://fitnessformommies.wordpr
matching their qualifications and notify the select candidates they wish to
ess.com
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http://melissagarrett.wordpress.c
om have apply. Since Mom Corps also performs contingent or project searches for
http://musingsofahousewife.typep contracting clients, a Mom Corps recruiter may also contact a candidate
ad.com directly about a job opportunity.
http://www.5minutesformom.com
http://www.adventuresinbabywea ME: Are the posted jobs truly "flexible"?
ring.com APRIL: YES - employers working with Mom Corps offer a variety of flexible
http://www.sevendogsandababy.c employment opportunities. You choose when you work, how long you work,
om/ and how much time you take in between projects, and our database matches
you with jobs suited to your scheduling needs. The more flexible you choose
to be, the more opportunities you will find.
Places to Shop
ME: How much does it cost?
http://www.brooksrunning.com
APRIL: It's FREE! To register (upload your resume, search, and apply to active
http://www.enell.com
jobs) - it costs you nothing. However, if you are actively seeking a job, we
http://www.myprotectabed.com
encourage you to add our premium 'Featured Listing' service to your account
http://www.oisellerunning.com
for just $9.99 per month. 'Featured Listing' ensures that your resume will
http://www.robeez.com
come at the top of the list of qualified candidates when an employer
http://www.seekairun.com
performs a search.
http://www.skippinghippos.com
http://www.skirtsports.com
ME: Is it possible to get a job with the free listing?
APRIL: Oh, yeah! Definitely! Especially now because the job board is so new.
Sometimes it does take time to make the right match, but the entire process
Find What You're is designed to empower the candidate. You can be as aggressive if you want
Looking For to be.
Ask Dr. Sears (2) ME: Are there virtual job opportunities available?
baby care (7) APRIL: About 90% of our contract work requires the mom to go in to a brick-
baby events (1) and-mortar location once a week or once a month for a meeting, but 90% of
baby registry (16) their work is from home.
baby shower (7)
baby-friendly places (6) ME: I searched for a job in my city and the search was void. What are your
babywearing (4) geographic “hot spots” and are there plans to expand listings?
beauty/cosmetics (5) APRIL: Without a shadow of a doubt, we are east coast heavy, but we are
book review (21) national and continuously expanding.
breastfeeding (24)
childrens books (5) ME: Tell me about “Own Your Life” and “Coffee Club.”
co-sleeping (1) APRIL: One of the things that we started seeing is that there is a need to
contests (105) have a personal component for what we are doing. As great as it is to be
discipline (3) virtual, women definitely have a desire to be around other women who are
fashion (6) experiencing doubt, guilt, and multitude of emotions that come with the
FitMama (33) career decision-making process.
freebies (12)
green living (1) As we grew, we launched the Coffee Club series.
home organization/decoration (4) We encouraged moms to come out and meet the
interacting with your kids (2) Mom Corps staff in their area, to get tips about
labor and delivery (18) updating their resume, and to learn how to
mama time (4) rebuild their network or their confidence to
maternity clothing (6) return to the workplace.
Meet the Author (3)
mom blog spotlight (8) The Own Your Life events are very large
Mom-Owned Business (10) conferences. We had 500 attend last May in
newborn care (6) Atlanta and we expect 500 to attend this April in
nutrition for toddlers (12) Atlanta. We have 4 Own Your Life events
older sibs (7) planned for next year and there will likely be even more beyond that.
polls (3)
pregnancy (15) ME: What does the future hold for Mom Corps?
product recall (2) APRIL: As a start-up company, we grew really fast in that first year. 2007 was
product review (31) all about hyperspeed growth. 2008 is all about figuring out best practices. In
recipes/healthy eating (18) 2009, when its time to expand, we will be able to do it quickly and
sleep (14) efficiently. There is unlimited potential for how we can grow and it is
TrendAlert (5) absolutely thrilling to be a part of this.
Tuesday Tours (17)
vaccines (5)
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Working Mom Wednesday (11)
Mom Corps is an excellent resource for moms - and east-coasters are lucky to
working mother (20)
have the company based there. I will eagerly await expansions out here on the
west coast.
Blog Archive Posted by Stephanie at 2:20 PM 1 comments
Labels: Mom-Owned Business, Working Mom Wednesday, working mother
▼ 2008 (108)
▼ March (32)
Working Mom Wednesday: Mom Corps Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Tuesday Tours: What's Happening on
the Web
Tuesday Tours: What's Happening on the
The Learning Tower by little Partners,
Inc.
Web
Metropolitan Mama's Contest Rules -
Revised Welcome to "Tuesday Tours: What's Happening on
Froose Juice Giveaway...and the Grand the Web" where I serve as your tour guide and
Finale of "A... showcase the best contests, freebies, deals, and
Mom-Owned Business: SensoryEdge reads for moms on the web...all in one convenient
Cooking With Your Toddler - A Fun Way location.
to Connect
Meet *the* Sneaky Chef
Contests
How to Have The Happiest Toddler on
the Block
Book Review: The No-Cry Discipline
Win a $25 gift card to Outback Steakhouse at
Solution Lookit! I Spy... The deadline is Mar. 19. You can
Ketchup, Grape Juice, and Berries - also win the same prize on the Musings of a
Beware! Housewife blog (Deadline: Mar. 21). Double the chances of winning!
Just DROPPing in to Help You with Your
Laundry Win a Glamourmom Nursing Bra Tank of your choice over at SuperMomz. Leave
March 15-17: All About Toddlers a comment before Mar. 20.
Photo Shoot - Just Me and My Baby Girl
Fit Mama Friday: Lindsay Brin's DVD Amanda is giving away an On Tray over at her blog. It's a mom-invented
Workouts for M... product that attaches to the shopping cart's handlebar. It's hard to describe,
Fun, Modern, Fresh Photos of Your but you should check it out. The deadline is Mar. 20.
Baby, Your Famil...
BabyLegs Sale at Baby Bella
Interested in running, but not sure where to start? Win a 12-week Novice
Working Mom Wednesday: Meet Susan
and Janice from ... Running Plan with Coach Al Lyman on the Fitness for Mommies blog. Simply
Tuesday Tours: What's Happening on post a comment before Mar. 22.
the Web
Great Gifts for New Moms: Win a sweet little Kimono Wrap and Hat from WestcoastBaby on the Peekaboo
GourmetStation Picks Magazine site. The deadline is Mar. 23.
Great Gifts for New Moms: Julian & Co.
Managing Nausea During Labor Win a $25 gift certificate to Earth Mama Angel Baby, an organic line of baby
Book Review: Hypnobirthing, The and skin care products over at Peekaboo Picks. Leave a comment before Mar.
Mongan Method 23.
Choosing A Midwife - A Primer for
Moms-to-Be
Amanda is giving a way a $25 gift cert. to SlickSugar - a totally cool children's
Fit Mama Friday: My First Shades
clothing shop (I totally want my daughter to sport the Stars and Guitars
Nutrabella Presents Bellybar Chews
Sweatshirt). Enter before Mar. 25.
Book Review: Superfoods for Babies
and Children
Working Mom Wednesday: Baby on
Fisher Price recently released a new Zen Collection - baby gear that
Board features "earthy tones and beautiful wood accents." You can enter to win the
Tuesday Tours: What's Happening on Zen Infant Seat on the mom logic website. Fill out the entry form before Mar.
the Web 25.
Book Review: The Happiest Baby on
the Block Want to be able to tote cupcakes and muffins around without messing up the
"White Noise" May Help Baby to Sleep frosting or having them slide off the plate? Check out this cute cupcake
Better courier - up for grabs on the superdumb supervillain site. Leave a comment
Pillow Talk - A Weekend of Sleep before Mar. 26.
► February (44)
► January (32) Good Reads
► 2007 (212)
I like the conversation that is happening over at Toddler Planet
about "provisions" (nursing lounges, childcare, etc.) for new moms at
http://metropolitanmama.blogspot.com/ 3/20/2008
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professional conferences.
A new study says that bad baby names won't necessarily scar a child (but
seriously - they can't help, right?). Read this 3-11-2008 NY Times Article,
entitled "A Boy Named Sue, and a Theory of Names," and be appropriately
horrified by some of the names listed.
Freebies
Run over to iMommies to find out how you can get a free copy of "The Ten
Year Nap" by Meg Wolitzer. You snooze, you lose.
Announcements
Peekaboo Picks Magazine is looking for "a few fresh voices" to bring on to
their "editorial staff." It's an unpaid position ("for now"), but it sounds like the
editors will receive plenty of free mommy and baby booty. Interested? Here's
how to apply.
Kristen Mclane is hosting "Growing Readers" week on her website between
March 17-21. Stop by for giveaways, guest bloggers, and tips to help you pass
your love of reading on to your children.
Miscellany
*This is the BEST thing from this week's Tuesday Tours.* Go watch this
powerful video about how parents impact their children. I can't stop thinking
about it.
I wish I could scrapbook like this. If only it weren't $7.50 per page. [Hat tip to
Ashlynn]
I love Deviled Eggs and can't wait to try the recipe that Marissa from Mama
Sparkles posted on her blog.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------
*** If you have a contest or an announcement that you think might be a good
fit for Tuesday Tours, e-mail me at stephanie@metropolitanmama.net.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:07 PM 5 comments
Labels: Tuesday Tours
The Learning Tower by little Partners,
Inc.
I love letting my daughter "help" me make
dinner, bake cookies, blend up smoothies, and
wash the dishes. Up until recently, the hardest
part about letting her help was that there was
nowhere for her to stand. I ended up either
holding her on my hip (which didn't work very
well) or letting her sit or stand on the counter
top (always with supervision, mind you). Some of
my friends choose to pull up a chair from their
dining room table for their little one to stand on, but that can be slightly
dangerous too because toddlers aren't always the most graceful people.
This dilemma is one that Carol Gamble faced
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with her daughter and so she created a solution - The Learning Tower by little
Partners, Inc.
Designed for children 18 months+, The Learning Tower is a step stool with a
15" x 18" adjustable height deck. Surrounding the deck are four sturdy sides
which provide support while climbing on, or standing in the Tower.
Check out these incredible features:
Provides a secure environment for a child's imagination to be stimulated
and blossom
Nurtures a child's innate desire to be dependent and inquisitive
Welcomes the child as a helping participant alongside parents and
siblings
Sturdy platform adjusts from 11" to 19" in height
4 sturdy side supports
Fits flush against average counter tops
My daughter stands in her Learning Tower every single day now without
exception. It truly is a practical and functional and fabulous invention. The
only downside is that it is rather large so it can't easily be "put away" or
stored, but the various wood finishes are very classy and don't detract from
the traditional "look" of modern kitchens. We keep ours out all of the time
because we use it so often.
Interested in purchasing one for yourself? Find a retailer near you or shop for
a Learning Tower online. The Learning Tower usually retails between $180 and
$185.
WIN IT! One mama will win a Learning Tower of her own! To enter, simply
leave a comment on this post prior to Tuesday, Mar. 25, at midnight (don't
forget to follow the rules). The winner will be announced and contacted on
Wednesday, March 26. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:25 AM 107 comments
Labels: contests, Mom-Owned Business
Metropolitan Mama's Contest Rules -
Revised
Prompted by discussions with Jeremiah (of Prizey) and Stephen Saunders (a
loyal male reader), I have decided to open up contests to a broader audience.
If you're a parent or a grandparent of either gender, you are more than
welcome to participate. Pull up a chair, join the community, and engage in
the conversations. I'm glad you're here.
Remember - the other rules still apply. :)
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Posted by Stephanie at 10:19 AM 3 comments
Labels: contests
Monday, March 17, 2008
Froose Juice Giveaway...and the Grand
Finale of "All About Toddlers"
Stacey Kannenberg over at Cedar Valley Publishing is giving away a 4-
pack of Froose Juice. These little boxes are perfect for toddlers -
and it's simple to enter. Just leave a comment on her blog before
midnight tomorrow. Right now, there is only 1 entrant so your
chances are good. I'll race you over there...
But WAIT! - Stay tuned for the BIG finale giveaway for
the "All About Toddlers" themed weekend (did you enjoy
it?). It'll be up by tomorrow morning...possibly sooner.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:33 PM 1 comments
Labels: contests
Mom-Owned Business: SensoryEdge
Alycia Shapiro began SensoryEdge, an online
shop "dedicated to providing great kids products
at super competitive prices," in 2003 after she
realized that her son had a speech disorder and
sensory integration issues. She began by offering
educational toys and therapy based kids products and has since expanded her
line to include "child size table and chair sets, carpeting, and other items
that fit in schools, homes, daycares and lobbies."
Some of my favorite items in her shop are:
the Decorative Wood Letters in Pastel and Primary Colors
the great selection of Upholstered Kids Furniture and...
the Pretend Play Toy Food
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SensoryEdge products are hand-selected by a mom - and it's always great to
support moms who have the tenacity to run and maintain a business. Go check
out Alycia's website...
WIN IT! One mama will win her choice of either the Plastic Play Food -
Vegetable Basket, the Deluxe Cooking Toy Set for Kids, or the Shape Matching
Wooden Puzzle. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post prior to
Sunday, Mar. 23, at midnight (don't forget to follow the rules). The winner will be
announced and contacted on Monday, Mar. 24. * Winner must provide a U.S.
mailing address.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:39 PM 25 comments
Labels: contests, Mom-Owned Business
Cooking With Your Toddler - A Fun Way
to Connect
One fun way to spend quality time with your toddler is
to put on an apron and cook a few meals together. Get
out the ingredients, assign a few tasks, and enjoy
whipping up some kid-friendly creations.
I have to admit that when I received Annabel Karmel's
newest book - The Toddler Cookbook - I was hoping to
find some ideas for the younger toddler set (12-24m).
The book, though, is geared more to the 2-5-year-old
set. The kids in the photos are in this age range and
are seen grating cheese, chopping bell peppers, and
adding ingredients into a hot skillets (all tasks that my
18-month-old daughter isn't quite ready for).
That said, Annabel Karmel's cookbooks never fail to disappoint me when it
comes to the quantity and the quality of the photos - and the "fun factor" of
the finished food items. After all, what kid wouldn't want to eat lettuce
boats, little pita pizzas with smiling faces, salmon fishcakes (shaped like little
fish), and peanut butter bears? So cute!
The author writes to the toddler, which is a bit odd since most toddlers don't
read very well (if at all), but it does add to the child-centered "feel" of the
book.
Also, the book only features 19 recipes - which is a little skimpy by adult
cookbook standards - but perhaps perfect for the toddler. This book stays on
my daughter's bookshelf instead of with my cookbook stash. It truly is geared
to the child rather than to the parent.
My daughter may be too young to follow the directions in this book right now,
but I already love "cooking" her and I bet we'll end up pulling this book out
together sometime very soon. :)
WIN IT! One mama will win The Toddler Cookbook by Annabel Karmel. To
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enter, simply leave a comment on this post prior to Sunday, Mar. 23, at
midnight (don't forget to follow the rules). The winner will be announced and
contacted on Monday, Mar. 24. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:09 PM 23 comments
Labels: book review, contests, nutrition for toddlers
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