New Type-A Mom Editor – 50 Something Moms: Tuesday Toot

The day after Monday is always Tuesday Toot Day!

What does that mean? Well, it means every Tuesday, you get to post an accomplishment that you have done. As moms sometimes, we are quick in praising our kids and others about their accomplishments but we are “shy” when it comes to our achievements so … here is our chance.

I’m delighted to announce that I’ve been asked to become the new Editor of Type-A Mom 50-Something Moms. There I’ll be writing articles of interest concerning family issues, Baby Boomer and mature women; adult children, empty nesting, beauty, fashion and frugality.

If you aren’t familiar with Type-A Mom, it was started by a real-life Type-A Mom, Kelby Carr, and launched in April 2007.

Type-A Mom is a site designed to be created and maintained by the real know-it-alls in parenting, the moms.

On Type-A Mom you will find articles of interest for women of all ages. Categories include: 20-Something, 30-Something, 40-Something and of course, 50-Something Moms.

You’ll also find:

Moms by Stages: Pregnancy, Bed Rest, Birth, New Motherhood ~
Moms by Topic: Adoption, Breastfeeding, Beauty, Fashion, Family & Marriage ~
Moms by Types: Big Families, Blended Families, Green Families, Job Working Moms ~
Mom Buying Guide: Homemade, Kitchen, Childrens Books & More

I’ve only listed a few of the categories! All articles are written by moms, and anyone can submit an article!

Take a moment to visit Type-A Mom and see all they have to offer!

Please stop by and visit me at 50-Something Moms. I look forward to your visit, and leave me a comment on the articles that you saw my post here!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Family Fun In Kissimmee Florida – The Best Things In Life Are Free

Now that spring is here and summer is coming, I’m getting a jump-start on my Vicarious Travelers posts. My sister-in-law the snowbird, recently got back from a 2-month extended stay in Florida. The past few winters she’s rented a condo, but surprised us all on her return by saying she bought a small house!

I was invited to go down over the extended Washington’s Birthday weekend, but couldn’t make it this year. Now that she’ll be down there more often, I’m hoping I can get there this fall.

Her new home is within driving distance of Kissimmee. If I can get the Hubster to go with me, I’m sure we’ll be taking in some free activities to cut down on expenses. While it’s nice that my sister-in-law is graciously offering us a place to stay, it’s even nicer if we can contain the budget by finding free things to do!

The Hubster is an old-car buff, and up north in Connecticut we often visit vintage car shows. Kissimmee has a free rock-n-roll concert as well as a parade of over 300 vintage cars. Old Town has many affordable restaurants offering “Early Bird Specials” (that’s us for sure!) as well as retail and amusement parks rides along the brick-lined streets.

It’s definitely family fun, and usually prices go down after Labor Day.

So now that you know a little bit more about what there is to do in Kissimmee you might be ready for a care-free vacation yourself! Luckily, Kissimmee is giving away three (3) weekend getaways (3 days/2 nights) for two (2); and two (2) weeklong vacations for four (4). Drawings will be held on or around 4/1/09, 5/1/09 and 6/1/09.

Maybe I’ll see you there!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Twitter Profile Tip: Increase Your Technorati Authority

As I belong to several social networking communities, I’ve seen quite a bit of interest in how bloggers can increase their Technorati Authority.

I spend quite a bit of time on Twitter and a tremendous amount of traffic to my blogs is generated through links to posts that I tweet.   My friend Cheryl, from The Daily Blonde recently told me that she receives 80% of traffic to her blog via Twitter.

That’s quite a bit of traffic, but then again, almost 11k Tweeple follow @thedailyblonde, and I’m nowhere near those kind of numbers!

If you Tweet, another way to increase your Technorati authority and get extra traffic and exposure for your blogs is to claim your Twitter Profile to Technorati and add it to the Technorati Directory.  You will then be able to add relevant Technorati tags to your profile.  I recently did this and it was so easy!

After I followed the easy instructions, I then added a Technorati link to my Twitter Profile page so that any visitors who might want to follow me can click on it and fave me. (While you’re there ~ I’d appreciate it if you faved me! You can fave my blog here too ~ look for the banner!)

If you found this helpful ~

Hat Tip to: Digital Inspiration

Further Reading:

Why You Should Use Social Bookmarking As A Business Tool For Your Blog

The Spectacular Tricks Of Pinging-How To Get People To Read Your Blog Posts

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Blog Privacy Security Concerns: Guest Post

I have been inviting bloggers and writers to share their ideas and experiences with my readers who are interested in Working from Home.

Today’s Guest Blogger is my Twitter friend @MusingsFromMe, who will be discussing blogging, privacy concerns and her experience with social networking as a Mommy Blogger.  You can find more of her terrific posts at Mom On The Run

If you have a topic of interest that you’d like to share and be a Guest Blogger on Moomettesgram’s Musings, please contact me (see Contact tab above).

When I started my blog in 2008 I was hyper-conscious of protecting my family’s privacy. I did not want my life to be an open book on the Internet. My main concern with blogging was that a potentially unsound person would find me online and set out to harass me if my location was known or if I revealed too much personal information. Is this likely to happen? Well, no. Could it happen? Well, yes.

In order to protect my family’s privacy, I did not write about the following:

• my children
• my hometown
• my friends and my family

My decision was a sound one. I certainly was protecting our privacy, but my blog was not that interesting to read. By not including my children or information about myself I was not allowing a reader to have a reason to read. I come back to a blog for two reasons: (1) the blogger’s writing style and (2) because I enjoy hearing about the blogger and her family.

About two months ago I started writing about my family. The change to my blog was dramatic.

My blog morphed from a hodge-podge of entries to more fully formed blog about my children and our life. I have a sense that readers are getting to know me as a blogger. I have found that commenters are coming back to find out what I am writing about next.

My blogging policy is that I mention my children by their pseudonyms. So, my 13-year-old is Crafty Daughter, my 10-year-old is Sporty Daughter, and my 5-year-old is Adventure Boy. Oh, and my husband is Coach Dad. I’ve not resolved what to do about relatives and friends. I know my dad is itching to be featured on my blog. He reads my blog, so may be I should give him a nickname?

Anyone have a good name for an English “Grandad” living in America who is a former engineer. Leave a comment! I’d love to hear your suggestions.

There is one piece of information that I will never reveal — the town I live in. I list myself as living in Baltimore, Maryland. In reality I am quite a drive from the city. A reader coming to my blog would see pictures of my children, but not know what town we live in. I’m OK with this.

As bloggers we have to be comfortable with the information that we reveal on our blogs. I know that there are issues with my children that I would never post on the blog. I need to have control over the information I post.

When you get a chance check out

http://writingmylifeoneblogatatime.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer: Guest Post opinions are strictly those of the author.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Planning a Ski Trip In New England – Be Sure The B & B Has A Wood Stove

Having been a New England native all of my life one would think that I’d be used to our extreme winter weather.  Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Unless the temperature goes over 60 degrees, I wear my North Face all year long.

As I mature I find my body becoming less tolerant of the dampness and cold.  When the autumn winds come around and the leaves start turning, it isn’t unusual to see tweens and teenagers walking to school without jackets or sweaters.  Many are even wearing shorts or cutoffs!

When my children were younger, I sounded like a broken record (for those of us who still remember what vinyl records are!) reminding them to bundle up, wear a sweater, jacket, or take their raincoat to school.  My kids would turn a deaf ear, as kids so often do.

Fast forward as the situation changed and my children became teenagers and college students.  High school, college campuses and the associated peer pressure on teenagers influence their clothing choices. All of a sudden their birthday and Christmas lists started to include the latest in outerwear in every choice of color.

My charming son-in-law is originally from Vermont, and that means frequent trips up north visiting his family, taking in the scenery and checking out Vermont country stores.  My son-in-law’s niece was born on Saint Patrick’s Day and I went up for the birthday party.  His parent’s house had snow all the way up to the top of their clothesline!  I make sure the Bed and Breakfast Inn has a Vermont Castings wood stove!

While I luv the in-laws dearly, I wish they lived in a more tropical climate!

Thought I’d share some winter photos of New England for my readers who live in warmer climates!  Enjoy!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Learn How To Recognize Your Procrastination Triggers When Working At Home

Up north, we Yankees take a particular hankering to sayings.  One of my favorite’s is  “The devil is in the details.” On that rare occasion when I’ve anticipated thinking that some free time was going to be available for myself, I’ve gotten a rude awakening.

For example, when the kids were younger there was a holiday in February where I would have the day off from work, yet the kids would be in school. Then ~ wham, a snow-day.  That was the end of my productivity.

Although my kids are grown now, a new twist occurs ~ I have the day all planned out and then ~ the daycare provider calls out sick.  I end up having to put out fires for the day, and the VA work I had scheduled ends up piling up.

When work piles up, procrastination can rear its ugly head.  That in turn has me thinking that rather than being a WAHM, I should be out shopping or at least playing with the grand-kids. In reality, procrastination in essence means that you are having a hard time trying to balance work as well as your family. You compensate by saying that a little extra time with the kids or grand-kids is quality time well spent, however the lack of structure on your part can easily cripple your productivity.

Continually taking time off from your work at home job to spend time with family may seem like you’re giving yourself a mental health day, however that mindset will keep you in the procrastination mode.

Here’s some ways to recognize the symptoms and get the monkey off your back:

1. Staring at the piles of paper or product reviews that need to be done won’t get you anywhere. You know you would like to be productive yet downtime is essential for your well being.  Between ending a project and starting a new project, take the time to give yourself an “Atta-Girl.” Politicians do it all the time.  Perhaps you won’t be able to spend the afternoon at the spa, but you can certainly spend an hour or two doing something you like such as baking your favorite dessert or taking the kids or grand-kids to a museum.  Just recognizing that you don’ t have to rush head-on into the next big thing waiting on your desk will release the pent-up pressure while acting as an incentive for working more efficiently and encouraging time management.

2. A messy desk may be the sign of a savant but savants don’t necessarily get the work done. Clutter can actually be detrimental to working because you don’t want to face the mail and associated paperwork. Start by utilizing a structured filing system to organize your business. If you are in the middle of a project-diary ahead to finalize it. With a clean slate and desk you’ll feel refreshed and ready to sit down and get to the tasks at hand.

3. The sun is shining and the birds are chirping – the garden weeds are calling your name. Any suggestion of household chores or anything slightly fun that has the ability to distract you will force you out of that chair and away from work. Recognize your procrastination triggers. If weekend productivity is a trigger, it may be best to schedule throughout the week for business and leave the weekends open for family fun. The gleeful sounds of your children or grandchildren playing may also be distracting so choose your office space carefully in order to filter out other sounds when your home office is open for business. Don’t set yourself up to fail.

Everyone is vulnerable to the call of procrastination. Striking a balance in your home and workplace and recognizing your triggers are two ways to keep that monkey off your back.

Related Reading:

5 Ways to Manage Your Time While Working at Home Online

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Leaving On A Jet Plane: The Vicarious Traveler

Spring Break

To those of you who may be parents of college students or were once college students yourselves, you probably are aware that March is traditionally the month for “Spring Break.” Yes, Spring Break the annual tradition where either you or your prodigal daughter or son go on that divine right ~ the Mother of all Road Trips to get some R & R.

My last post here had me feeling a little sorry for myself. I admit it. My DD22, the college senior, is currently on a cruise in the Caribbean, visiting such ports of call as Aruba, St. Maarten, St. Thomas & more. All day today I kept getting text messages from her letting me know that it’s “unseasonably hot” (90 degrees), and how much fun she’s having in the aqua blue water, looking at coral, her tootsies in the nice white sand. She better bring me back a nice fake designer purse like I asked for.

To make a long story short (well, maybe) I always had the travel bug. When I was 17 I traveled solo to England (my one and only time to Europe) to stay with my penpal’s family for 2 weeks. I never have ever been on a Road Trip with “the girls,” even when I was single. Girls Gone Wild? Not me. Call it Baby Boomer regret.

Also, I wanted to be what was then called a “Stewardess” when I grew up ~ but they had a height requirement ~ you had to be at least 5 feet 2 inches. Ah, I never qualified.

Although I’ve been a few places in my lifetime, I don’t get out of my cubicle often and I haven’t gotten to many of the places I always wanted to visit…never been to California, Vegas, the Caribbean, and especially on a cruise. My favorite spots include water views and Palm trees, but I’m open to any new adventure.

Every 5 years, the Hubster and I normally take an Anniversary trip someplace. He doesn’t like to travel, and usually complains about some aspect of the trip, for whatever reason. Here’s what happened on the last trip we took together. This June we might make our 35th Anniversary. I don’t believe I’ll be going on any trip anytime soon.

So my point is, I’m going to be a Vicarious Traveler. I need you to help me. Help me see the world, even if it’s from behind my computer screen. I plan on doing a Vicarious Traveler post weekly.

What I’d like you to do is suggest different places that you’ve been; send me some links (family friendly only) and recommend places to see; the tourist sites you liked ~ let me go visit and report here how my trip was! This is sort of going to be my Bucket List. I’ll give Linky Luv to the person who’s recommendation I visited that week. I want to be one of those relatives or friends you can’t stand who are always showing you their vacation pictures!

Also, to help me out ~ I’m holding a Contest!

I’d like to know if you could design me a “Vicarious Traveler” banner that I could put up each week for this post, I’ll be eternally grateful and give you some linky luv and write a blog post here about your services! Winner will also receive a 5-pack of artisan Handcrafted Note Cards from my Shoppes.

My bags are packed, I’m ready to go…

More Tuesday Random Thoughts at The Un Mom

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Nothing to Toot About This Tuesday ~ Hugs Encouraged

Tuesday Toot

Today is Tuesday Toot Day!

What does that mean? Well, it means every Tuesday, you get to post an accomplishment that you have done. As moms sometimes, we are quick in praising our kids and others about their accomplishments but we are “shy” when it comes to our achievements so … here is our chance.
Last week was basically traumatic for me. Actually, it was nothing to “Toot” about. Realistically, it was more like a “Honk” into my hankie kind of week.

So, I’ll just be the straight shooter that I usually am. I’m trying to re-group and re-focus my blogs.

I’ve posted here that I resigned my position as Editor of a Baby Boomer channel that I basically built from the ground up. I “volunteered” a tremendous amount of time and effort in putting it together. Within a little less than 2 months, all that effort went down the tubes.

However, being the the over-achiever that I’ve always been, I think I’ve (sorta) landed on my feet. Several sites have offered to have me become a Contributing Writer, and one actually may involve some earning-power, once it gets up and running. (I know, here I go again.) Yet, I’m giving it some thoughtful consideration.

My plans to take early retirement went down the tubes too. Additionally, I’m seriously considering closing my Bonanzle store as all the hype about it becoming the next eBay doesn’t appear (to me) to be happening. I plan on focusing more on my writing efforts, so check it out. Most everything is on Best Offer. You just might find a good deal. I’m open to suggestions.

So….. if you know of any writing gigs that might be interested in this Baby Boomer Grandma, let me know & send them my way!

I know, it’s Spring. The longer days and more sunshine are coming. I definitely need some light therapy. It doesn’t help that my youngest DD22 is on Spring Break on a cruise in the sunny Caribbean island hopping, and I’m not. Probably never will be either.

If you’re visiting from 5 Minutes for Mom Ultimate Blog Party ~ Give me a ‘Holler’! I’d appreciate a Hug!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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It’s Hip Hop Baby: New Children’s DVD Series – Review and Giveaway

When my daughters got their drivers’ licenses, I thought my days of shuttling and transporting the little darlings about town were over.
It’s amazing how quickly time flies.  My oldest daughter returned to work full-time today after being out on maternity leave.  Baby Boomer Grandma, here, is now the “Designated Driver” to pick the grandchildren up from daycare and bring them back to my house until their parents come to collect them after work.

Since I’m not the agile young mom I once was, after struggling to put them in car-seats far more complicated (yet safer) than when their mom was little, ‘Lil Moomette asked me to put in her favorite CD.

I’ve been asked to review an audio CD and DVD of  “It’s Hip Hop Baby!”

It’s Hip Hop Baby is launching nationwide this month and will be available on Amazon.com The brand’s first four DVD programs for children ages 2 through 6 teach children to experience the joys of learning their ABC’s, animals, body parts, and numbers through fun-filled musical performances and interviews with the hip hop kids.

It’s easy to see how It’s Hip Hop Baby quickly became a favorite of
‘Lil Moomette’s!  Although she had been hearing many of the rhymes and songs before, she danced around gleefully to the captivating popular genre of music known as “Hip Hop” and said “I know that!” It was even a great exercise activity for Grandma to dance around the house with her too as I don’t have a Wii Fit!

Introduce your child or grandchildren to the music and rhythm of Hip Hop Baby! It’ll be the perfect addition if you home school your children or are a daycare provider looking to add a fun-filled educational experience to your favorite little one’s day!

Visit Hip Hop Baby at: It’s Hip Hop Baby

Moomette’s Magnificents Reviews is hosting a Giveaway! One lucky winner will win an audio CD and DVD from It’s Hip Hop Baby!

Main Rule: (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
Just visit It’s Hip Hop Baby and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and a fact that wasn’t mentioned in this post.

Now for extra entries (each task will get you 1 extra entry):

~One Extra Entry: Subscribe to my blog through my Feedblitz link (on the top of my left column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment)

~One Extra Entry: Add my banner button to your sidebar or add me to your blogroll, and come back here and leave the link (I will be checking)

~One Extra Entry: Blog about the contest on your blog linking to my blog and the site

~One Extra Entry: Favorite Moomette’s Magnificents Reviews  in Technorati and leave your name (I will be checking) in a separate comment  (the link is on my left column if you scroll down) or both.

~ One Extra Entry: Follow Me on Twitter and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment.

~One Extra Entry: Tweet about this contest, and come back to this post and leave the URL link to the Tweet so I can check.

Make sure you comment separately for each task after the required entry task so you will get credit for each one ~ and leave your e-mail where you can be contacted.

This contest will run until March 30 at approximately 11:00 pm.

Winners are chosen by Random.Org, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!

*Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.

*Include your email if it’s not enabled.
*Open to USA Only
*Rules for each entry must be followed to be valid.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

11

Timestamp: 2009-03-31 03:51:02 UTC

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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You Can Improve Your Blogger Traffic Easily While Adding Value to Your Visitor’s Experiences | Moomettesgram’s Musings

Improve Blogger Traffic

Yes you CAN install Comment Luv to your Blogger or Blogspot Blogs! Find Out How!

Now that I’ve expressed my profound, undying Luv for Comment Luv for Word Press blogs, I’ve had a lot of inquiries regarding whether it can be integrated with the Blogger or Blogspot platform.You Can Improve Your Blogger Traffic Easily While Adding Value to Your Visitor’s Experiences | Moomettesgram’s Musings, Mar 2009

Read the whole article at Moomettesgram’s Musings.

Favor to Technorati

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• 4 Wordpress Plugins to Make Your Blog a Fast Mean Machine
• Scentsy Candle Founding Consultant: Guest Post
• Custom T-Shirts for Women from VistaPrint: Get Ready for your next Fundraiser or Blog Conference!
• Link Building Through KeywordLuv: Blog Tips
• Backlinks: How to Build Solid Traffic

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