I really like this article

By: Christine Larson source-workingmother.com
Like so many of us, Lisa Glover makes a lot of the right money moves. This 40-year-old single mom pays her bills on time, puts a little cash aside each month for retirement and saves for her 4-year-old daughter's education. But that's as far as she gets. The bigger goals, like buying a two-bedroom condo and building an emergency fund—well, the money never seems to stretch that far. "I've been living in financial denial," Lisa admits. Like Lisa, most moms find the money for ballet lessons and iPods but forgo building an investment portfolio. A 2005 survey by OppenheimerFunds found that women usually do their household's budgeting and bill paying but leave the investment decisions to someone else. Lack of confidence is one reason: Fourth-quarter results, interest vs. yield, compounding—who has the time or energy to learn all that jargon? In a 2006 study by Prudential Financial, two thirds of women graded their financial literacy a C or below. "But if we really want to take care of our families, we need to become smart investors," says Georgette Geller-Petro, a financial planner with AXA Equitable. The good news is that we're
already better at investing than we realize. Men tend to chase the market, buying and selling impatiently rather than buying smart investments and holding them for a long time. One study showed that married men traded 45 percent more and earned 1.4 percent less in average annual returns than married women. To help more women gain confidence and know-how, we introduced three working moms to financial planners from some of the country's most respected firms. What they learned can educate and inspire families at every income level.Single MomLisa Glover, 40, Newmarket, NH Job: Researcher/planner for efficiency programs for a power company Child: Gillian, 4 Household income: $61,000 ($55,000 salary plus child support) Retirement savings: $14,000 in her 401(k) College savings: $1,000 Outside investments: None Emergency fund: None
Goals
Buy a home
Build an emergency fund
Save for retirement
Save for Gillian's college education.
Lisa Glover thought she was doing just fine—until her car broke down. Her $61,000 annual income went a long way in her affordable New England town. But when her vehicle needed $500 in repairs last fall, she didn't have any money to cushion the blow.
What she did have was $2,000 in credit card debt, plus student loan payments. Lisa dreams of buying her own home and of having enough money to contribute to her daughter's college tuition and to retire—but she keeps experiencing small setbacks. "I know I could be doing so much better," she says. We asked leading financial planners Georgette Geller-Petro and Beth Botti of AXA Equitable in Stamford, CT, to come to Lisa's aid. The duo analyzed Lisa's spending patterns and long-term goals and came up with some surprising findings. First, it was clear that Lisa was spending too much: She had only about $50 left at the end of each month. While her $700 monthly day-care expense was a necessity, her constant impulse buys—usually toys and clothes for Gillian—weren't. She deposited 6 percent of her monthly salary into a retirement plan and another $50 a month in a college fund, but she invested those savings poorly. She poured the retirement money into aggressive growth funds rather than diversifying the account, which would have offered more protection. Worse, she had no estate plan, no emergency fund and only minimal life insurance. In other words, Lisa had no peace of mind. Here's what her advisors recommended:
Will Lisa must appoint a legal guardian and make financial provisions for Gillian in case something unexpected happens.Life insurance A 20-year term life insurance policy with a death benefit of $325,000 (cost: about $50 a month) will provide for Gillian in the event of Lisa's premature death.
Housing If Lisa bought an inexpensive apartment, she would be able to reduce her housing costs and pay less for a mortgage than she now pays for rent. She'd diversify her investments, add to her tax savings, realize her dream of home ownership and build equity to help finance her daughter's college tuition. Retirement savings Lisa should move the money currently in her 401 plan's S&P 500 index fund into its "Lifestyle 2030" fund. Lifestyle funds, also called target date funds, are now offered by many companies, including Vanguard and Fidelity. They automatically allocate assets based on a target retirement year. There's nothing wrong with S&P 500 index funds, but most of us need more than just large U.S. company stocks in our portfolios. Advisors usually recommend mixing large and small domestic stock funds, international stock funds and bonds. Some advocate mixing value and growth funds.
Choosing a variety of bonds and funds can provide growth with less volatility. For someone more than 20 years from retirement, lifestyle funds pick relatively aggressive investments. But the best part for Lisa is that she can "set it and forget it"—she won't have to keep checking her portfolio to make sure she has the right mix of investments. "In an ideal world, we'd all manage our own portfolios, but the reality is that our kids have runny noses, our offices get crazy, and suddenly, two years later, all our money is still in the S&P 500," says Geller-Petro. "The more you put on autopilot, the greater your chance of success." College savings/Emergency fund Lisa should create an emergency fund with three to six months' salary. When that's done, she can restart her contributions to Gillian's college account.
The bottom line
Talking to the advisors was a wake-up call for Lisa. "I felt shocked to see I was only saving fifty dollars a
month," she says. "And I was surprised that they recommended I stop saving for Gillian's education. But I see there are more important things to do with our money right now." Within days, Lisa started checking real estate ads. "I thought we'd just keep getting by like everybody else," she explains. "But this shows me that I can do so much better. I can make choices that will make us much more comfortable and stable than we are."

Just for fun!

Craft By: Christy Ezelle

For a cute Easter egg "Chia Pet," make a hole in each end of a raw egg with a needle, piercing all the way down to the yolk. Turn the needle back and forth to gently swish the yolk and break it up. Using a small drinking straw, blow air through one end of the egg until all the contents are out. Carefully remove and discard the top quarter of the eggshell, then gently rinse the shell and let it dry. Draw a face on the shell. Place three damp cotton balls inside and sprinkle a pinch of alfalfa seeds over the cotton. Keep the cotton damp, and in two or three days the seeds will begin to sprout. As the sprouts grow, kids can give their pet a "haircut."

Helping our bright kids flourish

I love this article. Why? Because it's related to a point that a lot of moms don't know how to handle or even recognize.
By: Susan Gerstenzang
At preschool pickup, you've noticed your child uses a lot more words and complete sentences than her peers. On the way home, she runs your mind ragged with questions and wants to know how to do everything. And oh, that wild imagination! Precocious, yes, but is it more? If you suspect your child is gifted but think it's better not to make too much of it, you might want to rethink your stance.
When you find out a bright child is gifted, you can manage her life and learning in a way that helps her thrive, says Barbara Klein, PhD, the author of Raising Gifted Kids. And if, like some gifted kids, she's anxious or hyper due to intense feelings or bored due to lack of stimulation, early testing can help you understand and accommodate these behaviors. "Try to have a child tested by age five," advises Dr. Klein. "Early testing may be more accurate since the child hasn't been in a formal school setting where she might have begun downplaying strengths to fit in."
Be sure to have your child assessed by a psychologist who specializes in testing gifted
children. Ask your pediatrician or preschool director for recommendations. The test will not only identify strengths, it will also reveal weaknesses—kids can be gifted in some areas and not others. "Knowing what your child is good at and also where she might need support helps you plan her education," Dr. Klein says.
If you're worried that identifying your child as gifted will turn her into a social outcast, Dr. Klein suggests the opposite may be true. "Many gifted children get along well with peers, while some have trouble making friends because of their maturity or intensity." If interactions are a problem, testing your child can lead to her being placed in programs or schools with peers more like her, and that will foster interaction.
To flourish, a gifted child needs to be in the right school. "Her originality must be cultivated so she can develop into her true self," says Dr. Klein, who recommends parents search for preschools and elementary schools in which children learn not through conformity but through independent and group proj-ects. This proj-ect-based-learning approach keeps talented kids engaged and relating to others through shared activities.
With a gifted child, you may be in for a wild ride of heightened emotions and perfectionism. So don't go it alone. Busy as you are, find and join a gifted-children parenting group to share ideas and offer support. Like every child, yours needs to be embraced and nurtured for who she is, so she can explore the depths of her talents and abilities. Signs of Brightness
From American Mensa, a membership organi-zation for the highly intelligent, here are some indicators of giftedness in young children. For more, go to www.us.mensa.org/giftedchildren.
Talking at an early age, with a minimum of baby talk.
Unusually retentive memory, including vivid early recollections and memorization of trivia lists.
Interest binges, like nothing but dinosaurs for a solid month.
Intense curiosity—and thousands of questions—about many things.

Moms, take care of yourselves!

You may be eating plenty of food, but your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs to be healthy. Nutrient-rich foods have vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients but are lower in calories. To get the nutrients you need, choose foods like

Vegetables and fruits are high in vitamins, minerals and fiber — and they’re low in calories. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables may help you control your weight and your blood pressure.
Unrefined whole-grain foods contain fiber that can help lower your blood cholesterol and help you feel full, which may help you manage your weight.
Eat fish at least twice a week. Recent research shows that eating oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids (for example, salmon, trout, and herring) may help lower your risk of death from coronary artery disease.

Important tip all women should keep in mind to keep fit

Use up at least as many calories as you take in.

Start by knowing how many calories you should be eating and drinking to maintain your weight. Don’t eat more calories than you know you can burn up every day. Increase the amount and intensity of your physical activity to match the number of calories you take in. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week or — best of all — at least 30 minutes every day. Regular physical activity can help you maintain your weight, keep off weight that you lose and help you reach physical and cardiovascular fitness. If you can’t do at least 30 minutes at one time, you can add up 10-minute sessions throughout the day.

Awesome vacations for the family!

Six active & awesome vacations that will thrill every member of your family
By: Susan Gerstenzang, Caroline Howard, Abigael Maryan, Abigail Mitchell, Teresa Palagano and Alison Whittington, Photo: Tom Bol Photography
Adventure: an exciting or remarkable experience. We took this definition to heart as we explored active—and inspired—family getaways. Where did our search take us? To exquisite mountain paradises and stellar seaside settings. From kayaking to cavorting with dolphins, from hiking to hunting fossils, these adventures are worth traveling for.
Sarasota, Florida
Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Grand Teton National Park Wyoming
Acapulco, Mexico
Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center
Park City, Utah

Smart nutrition tips for women

You may be eating plenty of food, but your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs to be healthy. Nutrient-rich foods have vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients but are lower in calories. To get the nutrients you need, choose foods like vegetables, fruits, whole-grain products and fat-free or low-fat dairy products most often.

Vegetables and fruits are high in vitamins, minerals and fiber — and they’re low in calories. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables may help you control your weight and your blood pressure.
Unrefined whole-grain foods contain fiber that can help lower your blood cholesterol and help you feel full, which may help you manage your weight.
Eat fish at least twice a week. Recent research shows that eating oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids (for example, salmon, trout, and herring) may help lower your risk of death from coronary artery disease.
Eat less of the nutrient-poor foods.
There is a right number of calories to eat each day based on your age and physical activity level and whether you are trying to gain, lose or maintain your weight. You could use your daily allotment of calories on a few high-calorie foods and beverages, but you probably wouldn’t get the nutrients your body needs to be healthy. Limit foods and beverages that are high in calories but low in nutrients, and limit how much saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium you eat. Read labels carefully — the Nutrition Facts panel will tell you how much of those nutrients each food or beverage contains.
As you make daily food choices, base your eating pattern on these recommendations:
Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.
Select fat-free, 1 percent fat, and low-fat dairy products.
Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.
Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Aim to eat less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol each day.
Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.
Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. Aim to eat less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.
If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That means one drink per day if you’re a woman and two drinks per day if you’re a man.
Follow the American Heart Association recommendations when you eat out, and keep an eye on your portion sizes.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

A drink my family loves and that I would love all moms to try!


Ingredients


1 cup skim milk, divided 1/2 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries2 tablespoons honey1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract1 ripe banana, peeled
Pour 1/2 cup milk into an ice cube tray, and freeze until firm. Combine milk cubes, remaining 1/2 cup milk, strawberries, and remaining ingredients in container of an electric blender; cover and process until smooth, stopping once to scrape down sides. To serve, pour mixture into individual glasses. Yield: 2 (1 1/4 cup) servings
Per serving:
Calories
179
Protein (gr)
5
Carbohydrate (gr)
41
Fiber (gr)
3
Fat (gr)
1
Saturated fat (gr)
tr
Cholesterol (mg)
2
Sodium (mg)
65
150 milligrams of calcium

tropical oils

Moms, be sure to keep this in mind when feeding your kids, I always try to!
What are "tropical oils"?
This term refers to coconut, palm kernel and palm oils. Like all fats and oils, these three oils contain various types of fatty acids. But unlike other plant oils, they contain a lot of saturated fatty acids. Coconut oil contains 92 percent, palm kernel oil has 82 percent and palm oil has 50 percent.
These oils are found mostly in commercial cakes, cookies and salty "snack foods," and need to be eaten in moderation.
Many questions remain about how various fatty acids affect blood fat (lipid) levels and the formation of blood clots. The American Heart Association continues to monitor this research.
Recently many companies have taken tropical oils out of cookies, cakes and crackers, but often in their place they've added vegetable fats high in trans fatty acids.

Join this!

By joining the Go Red For Women movement, you become part of the fight against heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women in America. Your involvement can help save lives of mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters, grandmothers, best friends, and other women just like you!Signing up is free, and you’ll get these great Go Red For Women benefits:
A red dress pin that you can wear proudly to show you are part of the Go Red For Women movement
A monthly e-newsletter (opt-in below) filled with heart-healthy tips, events and programs, news, recipes, promotions and more
Access to Go Red merchandise, special member programs, and local events
Shipping discounts from our sponsor Macy’s when you Shop Go Red
To join click here

yoga for the kids

It appears that yoga may be good for yet another thing that ails us. An intriguing study shows that children with mild attention problems were able to increase the amount of time they were engaged in a classroom lesson after they did 30 minutes of yoga. Researchers observed ten grade schoolers with attention problems (though not diagnosed with AD/HD) and compared them with their classmates without attention issues. They found that before yoga, the attention-problem kids were on task 20 percent less often than their peers. However, during the yoga period, that difference almost disappeared, and after yoga, attention continued to be sustained, although not as fully as during the yoga phase of the study. Researchers stress that more research is needed before yoga can be labeled a potential remedy for AD/HD, but this study shows that the idea is worth further investigation. And then there's the fun factor, says lead study author Heather L. Peck, PhD: "The kids loved it."

great site!

Looking to mix a killer mojito? Not sure how to replace a blown fuse, clean ketchup from the carpet or find your true bra size? Since it's the little things that can trip us up, www.video jug.com has hundreds of instructional videos that help problem-solve. Log on and learn how to cure the hiccups or beat your kids at computer games. There's no clip, however, on being the perfect working mom. Some of life's challenges are still too big for an Internet how-to.

Chicken Soup with Leeks and Corn

When April showers are in the forecast, this comforting soup will warm the whole family.

Prep Time:
18 minutes

Cook Time:
30 Minutes

Calories:
220

Servings:
4

Recipe adapted by: Jen Sperazza

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)1 garlic clove, chopped8 ounces skinless boneless chicken breasts, diced1 large or 2 small leeks, washed well, chopped and separated into whites and greens2 medium unpeeled potatoes, chopped (about 11/2 cups)6 cups chicken stock3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried2 bay leaves1 cup yellow corn kernelsSalt and pepper to taste

Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a 3-quart or larger saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, chicken and white leeks, and cook gently over medium-low heat about 8 minutes. Add potatoes, stock, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and cook 10 minutes. 2. Add corn and cook 5 minutes longer, then add green leeks and cook another 5 minutes. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves, season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Correcting bad behavior in toddlers

By: Barbara Turvett, You're back to work and settled into a routine with your baby—feeding, sleeping, quality time, child care, schedules and all. But soon your innocent babe is all personality and pluck, crawling and getting into things, grabbing at the window shades and banging every object in sight. Is it time for some discipline? And just how do you discipline a baby or toddler?The key is to see discipline as guiding and teaching rather than punishing or penalizing. You can do this with a baby in two simple ways, says Edward R. Christophersen, PhD, a professor of pediatrics at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City, MO, and the author of Parenting That Works: Briefly interrupt an activity if it's unsafe or unsuitable, and offer attention when she does things right.For instance, if your baby pulls your hair or pinches you, set her down on the floor for several seconds and then pick her up before she starts to fuss. "This shows her she gets removed from Mom's attention if she does something unacceptable," explains Dr. Christophersen. "It's like a tiny time-out from positive engagement." Should you squeeze or even
gently slap her hand? No, Dr. Christophersen counsels, because it sends the message that when someone does something we don't like, we slap. You could take her hand away and say, "No," and she may or may not get the message. But she will understand when you interrupt the positive for a moment.If an active baby gets into something she shouldn't, never slap or spank, Dr. Christophersen reiterates. Just pick her up, move her to a safe play area and offer playthings to engage her. "A young child who often gets into things needs more attention when doing what you allow (and occasionally more toys to occupy her)." So try the "catch 'em being good" method. Spend more time paying attention during appropriate behavior. Occasionally signal approval to your happily playing child with unobtrusive gentle contact—a brief pat or touch—so that good behavior is reinforced without interrupting her activity. And get your caregiver on board for consistency. This positive, quiet contact is the kind of attention that will help your baby learn to enjoy independent play and even to soothe herself—no discipline required. Attention Getters From Dr. Edward R. Christophersen, healthy ways to show your child that misbehavior won't win your attention but good behavior will. If your baby acts up in her high chair, blowing food at you or dropping it on the floor rather than eating, turn her chair away from the table—and from you—for a few quiet seconds. When your young toddler won't stop crying, place her in her playpen and walk away. When she's quiet for just five seconds, bring her back to where the action is. Five seconds of calm is all that's needed to show her what works.

Secrets to finding great child-care

To help you assess a family-based or larger day-care center, make sure it meets these criteria:

Checklist for Quality Day Care
It's licensed by your state, which sets minimum standards for health, safety and caregiver training and may do yearly inspections.
It's accredited, meeting certain established standards. (Accreditation may be hard to find in some areas.)
There's enough staff to manage the children.
Optimal staff-child ratios for family-based care, no lower than:
1:3 for ages infant to 3
1:6 for ages infant to 5

Optimal staff-child ratios for day-care centers, no lower than:
1:4 for infants
1:5 for ages 1 to 2
1:7 for ages 2 to 3
1:10 for ages 3 to 5
1:15 for over age 5

The facility is bright, clean and welcoming with age-appropriate toys and equipment well organized into quiet and active play areas. There are strict guidelines about washing of hands, toys and surfaces.

It has an age-appropriate, fenced-in outdoor play area on-site or nearby.
Caregivers enjoy the children and have had training in CPR, first aid and child development in the specific age group for which they are caring.
There is a written policy outlining social-development goals as well as programs and curriculum, plus policies on sick-child care, discipline, snacks, and, for younger children, toileting, naptimes, parental visits, etc.
There is ongoing communication between parents and caregivers.

Capellini Soup

A hearty enough recipe to warm the whole family on a late-winter's weeknight—and simple enough to make Mom smile! To turn this recipe into a one-dish dinner, toss in your family's favorite frozen vegetables when you heat the broth. Substitute angel-hair pasta if you'd like.

Prep Time:
10 Minutes

Cook Time:
15 Minutes

Calories:
410

Servings:
4


Ingredients
8 ounces capellini 4 cups prepared chicken broth2 cups (10 ounces) cooked chicken meat1/4 cup roughly chopped flat-leaf parsleySalt and pepper to taste3/4 cup grated ParmesanRed pepper flakes (optional)

Directions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to package directions or until al dente.2. Meanwhile, heat broth in a separate saucepan over medium heat.3. Shred cooked chicken by hand and combine with chopped parsley, salt and pepper.4. When pasta is done, drain and divide among 4 soup bowls. Spoon chicken-parsley mixture over pasta, then add broth and serve immediately, topping with Parmesan and red pepper flakes (if using).

Coping with a depressed tween

Suddenly, it seems, your happy-go-lucky kid is a different animal: moody, sullen and argumentative or uncommunicative. Are the holidays to blame? Is it winter blues? At this age, probably not. Boy or girl, your tween's cognitive development and pubescent hormones are colliding, causing a confusing behavioral traffic jam. Her mental and physical identities are cruising into uncharted territory, and at the same time the boundaries of her world are expanding, yet still very limiting. No wonder she's grumpy.

Should you just take it and wait it out? Yes and no, says Libby Cleveland, coordinator of mental health services at the Teen Health Connection in Charlotte, NC. Yes, accept that this is a normal phase of preteen life, and help your child find ways to express pent-up thoughts and feelings. No, moodiness and being impolite are not acceptable, and you need to make that clear.
To rekindle civil conversation, build a communicative friendship by finding avenues of discussion, suggests Cleveland. "When my son was ten or so, we began watching TV shows like Gilmore Girls together and talking about the characters. It really helped us connect."
If it seems all your child
does is argue, consider that she's thinking, challenging the norm, growing. Which isn't to say it's easy for you, Mom. So help her channel authority-challenging behavior into an ability to question ideas and come up with new ones. "To turn argument into discussion, ask questions and solicit solutions," says Cleveland. Praise your child for her new ideas. If they're questionable, research them together and praise her work, even if her theories are disproved.
Raging hormones or not, there's no excuse for rudeness, and you need to draw the line. Rather than scolding, explain consistently that rude behavior is hurtful to others and absolutely not allowed. If it seems that your tween is mirroring a peer's bad behavior, counter blind conformity by affirming your kid's unique qualities. Beyond the usual "that's good" or "you're smart," use details: "You solved these math problems in a creative and clever way." As for that foul mood, this, too, shall pass.
Say "Choose"Looking to keep some peace? As he did when he was younger, your tween will respond when offered a limited choice—and you'll deflect arguments, too.Pick a flick. On video night, give your tween three choices. You'll avoid the indecision that free choice can bring, but he'll still get his way.Choose chore time. Have him decide on a time frame for putting the dishes away, like 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. No reminders, less stress.Decide on dinner. Let him plan the menu a day or two a week—then stick to his choices.
By: Joanne Ko

Why we are not in the mood

Read entire article here

By: Lisa Armstrong

Like most working moms, Elizabeth, a sales associate and mother of two, has a detailed daily list of things to do to keep her northern New Jersey household running. Walk the dog. Buy laundry detergent. Take Nichole to ballet. Juggle a conference call. Have sex. Sex on the to-do list? Has it really come to this? For Elizabeth, the sad answer is yes. Even sadder, it's at the bottom of the list. Though she and her husband are trying to get pregnant, the only time they can squeeze in some lovin' is at 2:00 a.m., while they're both half asleep. "Sex is always at the top of my husband's list, but I have so much to do that I'd have to bump something off my list to find the energy," says Elizabeth.
While men are purportedly the ones constantly thinking about sex, chances are it's on your mind, too—whether you're wondering how to have more of it or calculating ways to fight your husband off so you can just sleep, damn it! We asked 800 working mothers about their sex lives and got responses like "Sex? What sex?" and "Three words:
just so tired." A whopping 73 percent said that they're unsatisfied with either the quantity or the quality of sex they're having. One woman said she and her husband were intimate so infrequently that she felt like she had her grandmother's sex life. Yet studies show that—yikes!—our grandmothers had more sex than we do. "Fifty years ago, there was a clear division of labor, and one of the wife's responsibilities in tending to domestic affairs was to fulfill her husband's sexual needs," says Scott Haltzman, MD, author of The Secrets of Happily Married Men: Eight Ways to Win Your Wife's Heart Forever. "Back then, the average woman had sex at least twice a week. Two thirds of today's young wives say they are too tired to match that rate."
Okay, admittedly we're exhausted. But is that the only reason our libidos get less attention than the dog and the laundry? It's not merely a matter of energy, said respondents to our survey, it's also a matter of time. More of us hold jobs that are demanding, partly because they're more fulfilling, and yet we still shoulder most of the cleaning, cooking and child-rearing responsibilities.

Interesting Question

This is a very interesting article, I had wondered the exact same thing!

Q: I have been home since the birth of my second child, but would like to get back to work—hopefully with a home-based business. I see a lot of "Work at Home" advertisements online that look like they could be scams. Are any of them legitimate? And what should I look for when approaching such a company?

First of all, if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Make $10,000 per month with no training and only 5 hours per week? Hummmm. While there are a lot of legitimate "Work At Home" business concepts around, there are also a lot of scams. The most dangerous involves opportunities where you pay for a distributorship, an affiliation, or just to buy into a pyramid, though since they are illegal, the pyramids are often cleverly disguised."Envelope Stuffing" is a common front for such a scam. In this type of scam, you send them money and instead of getting the 'envelopes' to stuff, you receive instructions for placing an ad similar to the one you answered to recruit others into the program. Again, these types of scams are illegal
and should be reported immediately to either the Better Business Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission. There is also a website called the "National Fraud Information Center" (www.fraud.org) which contains a complaint form and tips for not getting duped by an internet scam.In general, you should never respond to an unsolicited e-mail offering quick or easy money. You should also never pay for anything you have not thoroughly researched. A couple of points to remember when researching an advertised "Work At Home" opportunity:

Get and talk to references of other people that are doing the work. Talk to more than one and make sure you ask questions about working with the company offering the assistance. An online testimonial is not good enough - talk to real people.
Research the company, including checking with the Better Business Bureau and Internet Fraud websites mentioned earlier in this article.
Know what you are paying for and how you get your money back if you don't like what you see. Some companies only claim to train you and help you find customers, but the rest is up to you.
Just like any business, you need to research your market.
source-workingmother. com

Attitude counts!

The latest secret to getting the most from your workout: your attitude, according to a study from the University of Michigan. Researchers found that women who broke a sweat just to lose weight or tone up did almost 40 percent less exercise and walked 2.5 times less than those who worked out for pleasure to energize, improve well-being or enjoy themselves. "Those who exercise to get into shape or fit into a size six may feel it's something they're 'supposed to do,' which is a lot less motivating," says lead study author and psychology researcher Michelle Segar. To get yourself more psyched about your workout, start experimenting with different types of physical activities like kickboxing or body sculpting, working out with a friend or a personal trainer or heading outside if your workouts are usually confined to the gym.We're Healthier! Listen up, working moms: A new study shows that mixing work and motherhood may be good for your health. Researchers assessed women at age 26 and again at 54, checking health and body mass index (a measure of body fat based on height and weight). In addition, the women were asked roughly every ten years about their employment and relationship status and whether they had kids.
The results: Working mothers in a steady relationship reported having fewer health problems and being in better shape than other women. "Our findings suggest that good health is more often the result of combining work and family roles," says lead study author Anne McMunn, PhD, MPH, a senior research fellow at University College London.

Vacations and Working Moms!

Planning (and often funding) a holiday or vacation can be difficult when you are a working mother. It can often seem easier to keep on working rather than attempt the task of organising a family holiday. Further challenges are often created when both parents are working and/or children are attending different schools. Planning a vacation may require you to think outside of the square a bit. You may need to consider such questions as: what kind of family are you? Do you want to vacation together? Do you want one long holiday or several more frequent weekenders? Do you want to camp or would you rather stay in a hotel? The logistics of fitting work, school and leisure together can be pieced together by working out what type of holiday you want. Maybe your children want to go to holiday camp for a few weeks and you can go and visit them their for a few days. Whichever choice of holiday you decide on, you should make sure that you actually go.

Vacationing whether as a family or alone is an importance leisure practice - especially for working mothers. In his book Leisure Life: Myth, Masculinity, and ModernityTony Blackshaw writes, 'Today we may only occasionally be able to identify happiness by felicitation; to make the leisure life-world manifest and enjoy it for what it is. We might not have accepted this contingency, but we have adapted to it, and have coped with it' (2003, p.93). Leisure is such an important part of working peoples lives and should be taken as seriously as work. Leisure time - such as holidays and vacations - are needed to allow people to dislocate themselves from their work. In a casualized working environment leisure activities are needed as part of our identity formation and to make sure that all parts of life are lived.