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Katherine's Working Moms Blog

SOTW: Working Moms Against Guilt

Friday November 6, 2009

When I was casting about for support in my new-working-momhood, one of the first sites I discovered was Working Moms Against Guilt. And like my well-worn copies of Adele Faber's parenting books, the Web site has remained a resource -- a voice for women (and men) who believe there is more to our identity than just mommy. Who challenge the notion that mom should automatically be the one to stay home with a child.

So belatedly, I'm making Working Moms Against Guilt my site of the week. The group blog has four authors, so it can have a bit of a grab bag feel. First you're reading easy recipes, then a piece about mental health and then some personal photographs of kids or an upcoming charity run. It's like a mommy group with an open door, welcoming you to pull up a chair and join the conversation.

If you visit the site, please let me know what you think!

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Thrifty Thursday: Start Early to Save on Holiday Gifts

Thursday November 5, 2009

I'm in Singapore this week, and since there's no Thanksgiving here, the Christmas decorations are already going up! While this may seem crazy in early November, it is the perfect reminder for me to start trolling for great holiday gifts at bargain prices.

I know that Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) is traditionally seen as the bargain opportunity of the year, as well as the kickoff to the U.S. holiday season. But throughout the entire year, you can save money on holiday gifts by strategically shopping for the people on your list. As you hear them mention a book they'd like, or a kitchen gadget they need, write it down and keep an eye out for that item in your usual rounds of shopping.

I also do this with birthday gifts. If I find a great, inexpensive gift for a 5-year old, I buy two because I know my daughter will inevitably be invited to more than one birthday party. The only trick is keeping the kids out of my "gift closet" since they tend to wander in and drool over all the goodies.

What's your method for holiday gift shopping? Far in advance or last minute? Or perhaps somewhere in between?

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More Thrifty Thursday advice from About.com:

  • Browse Thrifty Thursday Ideas
  • Hand-Me-Downs for Teens Are Trendy
  • Save With Toy Store Price Matching
  • Check for a Senior Discount on Groceries
  • Throw a House Party to Get Free Goodies
  • Inexpensive Preterm Labor Teaching Tools
  • Work Travel Can Be a Relief

    Tuesday November 3, 2009

    Recently, a friend went on a work trip to Paris. I instantly imagined the scene: beautiful wide boulevards, enticing cafes, clean hotel sheets and a full night's sleep without a single child demanding water, a blanket or comfort for a bad dream. Yes, I was jealous. Even the packed days of meetings and conference events would be a nice change of pace from the draining, every day trudge.

    Still, work travel can disrupt your family routines. As much as I like to get away, I miss my children and husband fiercely. And sometimes it seems that the effort of preparing the family for a trip -- from setting out clothes to setting up playdates -- creates as much work as you escape.

    How do you make work travel easier on yourself, and your children?

    Photo credit: Stockbyte/Getty Images

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    How Was Your Halloween?

    Monday November 2, 2009

    This Halloween was torture for me because I was separated from my kids. I asked my husband and dad to videotape their expressions and take lots of photos, but the two-dimensional experience just wasn't the same.

    So I'm asking, as a favor, please share your Halloween experiences with me and the About Working Moms readers. I'm trying to store up all the Halloween fun and excitement from a distance, to make me less homesick. (Or should I say, kidsick, since I miss my kids?)

    I hope it was a great one for you! I am just keeping my fingers crossed that there's some candy left for me when I return home.

    Photo credit: Will Patton/Getty Images

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