Mombuzz
Fun & Fulfilling Stuff for Moms A Momventures Newsletter
February 9, 2009 |
Hello and Happy February, moms!
We hope that 2009 is treating you and your family well, and that you're not too hard on yourself if you still have a few green, red, or Santa-themed paraphenalia not quite stored in labeled boxes in the basement. Or maybe they're still on the mantle and you battle with that wreath every time you go through the front door. Understandable too might be lights on your house or even (ahem!) a tree in your window. (Is that why your blinds have been shut for five weeks??)
Life is busy, the holidays-to-New Year transition always seem like a blur, and now school, extracurriculars, and even Valentine's events are upon us. You're not alone. So proscrastinate just a few minutes more to enjoy this issue.
In this issue find information on worthwhile events upcoming, articles written by fellow Calgarian moms, and a few mommy muses.
If you'd like to submit a short article sharing something you think will interest other moms, special recipes, unique craft ideas, great book ideas for kids or moms, or inspirational quotes or poetry, we'll choose a few of each to feature in an upcoming Mombuzz.
Christie Schultz
Calgarian mom of 3.5-year-old Mitchell and 1.5-year-old Spencer
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 MomWorthy Events
Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 11:30am-1:30pm
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) presents an AWE-Inspiring Women Luncheon featuring Eveline Charles, entrepreneur and creator of Eveline Charles Salons and Spas. Visit AWE for more information and registration. 
Thursday, February 19, 2009, 7:00pm
Entrepreneurial Moms of Calgary (EMC) presents its February Meeting: Are You Ready to Realize?
Tipperary's Irish Pub- 2002 16 Avenue NW -Calgary
Features Tracey Scarlett, CEO of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) will discuss the opportunities for women entrepreneurs to access free business services and will outline various financing options available to enable you to realize success in your business. You will leave this session inspired by the success stories of other women entrepreneurs and will be well prepared on how to move forward with your business venture.
Green Plan-It presents Goin' Green for Parents at the Strathcona Community Centre. Learn facts and statistics and then be given several practical strategies and tips for integrating earth friendly ideas into your daily family life. $25 registration includes a reusable grocery bag. EMC members save $5. Visit Entrepreneurial Moms of Calgary (EMC) or contact Kerry Kaufman (403.969.7020) to register.
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March 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 7:00pm
Entrepreneurial Moms of Calgary (EMC) presents its March Meeting: Wellness Wake Up Call for Entrepreneurial Moms- Don't Pay for Your Wealth with Your Health at the Chronos Apollo Clinic - 518-922 5 Avenue SW. Features Dr. Natasha Iyer, M.D. and Founder and Medical Director of the Chronos Apollo Anti-aging, Wellness & Medical Aesthetics Clinic, who will speak about health and wellness for moms who want it all, and how to get it without sacrificing ourselves.
Thursday March 19, 2009. 7:00-9:00pm
Wednesday, April 1- Friday April 3, 2009
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is excited to present the Innovative Approaches to Success Conference, featuring beloved home decorating icon and award-winning television producer Debbie Travis, Ben Barry, Founder and CEO of international model consultancy Ben Barry Agency Inc., and driving force behind the groundbreaking Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, and Dr. Valerie Young who will facilitate her popular workshop designed to provide resources, tools and perspective about following your dreams of a more fulfilling work life. Visit AWE for more information and registration. Early bird registration ends February 13, 2009!
Friday, April 3, 2009, 9:00-11:00am
momcafé presents What Do You Crave?. Visit momcafé for more information over the next weeks. Entrepreneurial Moms of Calgary (EMC) members save 10% on all momcafe Calgary event registrations.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 7:00-9:30pm
Green Plan-It presents Goin' Green for Parents at the Strathcona Community Centre. Learn facts and statistics and then be given several practical strategies and tips for integrating earth friendly ideas into your daily family life. $25 registration includes a reusable grocery bag. Entrepreneurial Moms of Calgary (EMC) members save $5. Visit EMC or contact Kerry Kaufman (403.969.7020) to register.
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October 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009 8:30am-5:30pm
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 TOP 5 REASONS TO SIT ON THE FENCE
by Patrizia Hampton and Laura Flood of Mortgage Intelligence - Get 'Er Done Girls
What a great month! Rates are at historic lows (do you know how many times I have said that over the past 7 years???). People have started jumping off the fence and saying...."ok-let's roll". We did a refinance for a client today where he took out 40K and ended up with payment slightly less than his current one.
TOP 5 REASONS TO SIT ON THE FENCE FINANCIALLY:
5. Why not? You father did it, his father did it...your mother did....If I risk nothing, I gain nothing and ...
4. The fence is comfy....the air is great. (and freakin cold!)
3. I will wait until rates go down further. (BUT you might lose the product you want....not worth the risk!) oh...and what part of 3.8% don't you like?
2. I just want to keep paying off my debts-the visa will be paid by 2025....
1. CNN said everything is going to hell and I believe them.
One of the reasons to sit on the fence...how do we know when we've hit the bottom (lowest house prices, interest rates). Haven't it been that when you know you're at the bottom it's too late? That will happen in this market. In fact we could be at the fuzzy bottom right now.
Patrizia Hampton and Laura Flood are mortgage specialists with the Get 'Er Done GIrls of Mortgage Intelligence. Contact them today for a free mortgage assessment! (403)478-0775.
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Staying on Track with Your Goals for 2009
by Jackie McKay of Deliberate Wellness
Are you determined this year to achieve your goals? Would you like your life to be a little easier, a little less struggle and a little more fun at the same time? Deep down are you wondering - "how can I get it all in and keep my life sane?" This article may be what you've been looking for.
In the last little while I've have a few clients ask me "How do you get everything done?" "Jackie, how do you get so much accomplished? You have a full schedule of clients, a busy fifteen month old, and get your workouts in. In addition, you write newsletters, are creating a coaching program, adding new value-added features to your massage practice attend networking events and are taking a coaching mentor program. You have a great relationship with Joel, are still able to visit with friends and family, and play with Molly - what's the secret?"
Phew, after reading this, I'm realizing how full my life really is. I guess it is a lot. But before you think I've mastered some secret, I have to admit I don't have it all figured out and don't have a magic wand (though it would be nice!). My inbox is often on the full side and there are things that fall through the cracks, and at times get missed.
What I have learned and have gotten really good at is creating clear boundaries for myself around time, family commitments, business commitments and the things that matter most. I'm learning to find balance with my family and business, and have fun without feeling frantic and overwhelmed.
I guess if there were a secret it would be to be hardnosed about time management and know your boundaries. Furthermore, you have to stand by your boundaries - only you are responsible for honoring them.
Some of the tips I've put into practice that have helped me get more accomplished in less time are the following:
Create goals: Connect to what is important to you and what you would like to accomplish around what is important to you. Some examples are losing weight, volunteer; spend time with family...What are your goals? Be specific with a time and date that you would like to attain these.
Schedule: Create a yearly, monthly, weekly, daily schedule. Block out time in your schedule for the important goals. Make this time sacred! This includes business, fitness, family, fun, work, break times. And yes I write "break" times in - this helps me honor my balance. I also have a menu planner on my fridge. We use this weekly to plan our grocery shopping, as well, we know what needs to be pulled from the freezer the night before.
Lists: Create daily priority lists and label the activities A, B, C, and D ... don't move on until you have accomplished the first. If you have too much on your plate think about out-sourcing or delegating...perhaps delete?
Boundaries: Most important and critical point. This one requires strict discipline. Develop your muscle in saying "no" and stick to your plan. The first time may seem hard. As your muscle gets developed you won't think twice about saying no.
Connect your actions to your goals: Take an inventory of your actions and make sure that they're on track with your goals. It's easy to get off track when searching the internet or during phone conversations.
Resist the phone and emails: There is no rule that says you have to answer the phone and emails immediately. Take a half day or make a rule that states when you have accomplished A, B and C you will return phone calls and emails. Create an auto responder to emails that let your clients know they're important and you'll get back to them within 48hours. This way you'll stay focused.
Minimize in person meetings: Driving takes up a ton of time. Think of the environment ;) The phone and email are effective forms for communication.
YOUR ASSIGNMENT: Start applying some of the steps listed above. I guarantee that the number of PRODUCTIVE hours. I guarantee you'll get more done, feel more focused and in balance with all areas of your life! I know I do.
Jackie McKay is the founder of Deliberate Wellness. She uses her life to mentor, support and inspire other mom entrepreneurs to honor all areas of their life while building the business of their dreams, faster and easier than they thought possible. |
 Increase Your Income with a Professional Headshot
by Jana Miko of Miko Photography
In today's market, a professional headshot is a business essential. With more and more competition in the marketplace, consumers are often overwhelmed and looking to find the most comfortable buying position.
The same truths apply to your website and other marketing materials you are using to attract customers to meet with you. Seeing a photograph makes you more personable. Future clients will see you as a real person and be able to envision themselves doing business with you.
Remember, you are not only selling your product or service, more importantly, you are selling yourself. From your clients perspective, they have almost met you face to face have an idea of what to expect and will recognize you when meeting you for the first time. Your photograph is appealing to another of your clients senses. Even after you have met with this person, your picture will work for you, helping them remember who you are and perhaps the conversation you had.
As consumers we like to be comfortable and feel like we are in control. Giving your future clients the benefit of having your photo will help them achieve this, making you more memorable and enticing them to seek out your services over your competition. A picture brings a thousand words to our minds. In business, your headshot can bring thousands of dollars to your pocket.
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 Morning Sickness Protects Mother and Child
courtesy of HealthLink - Medical College of Wisconsin
In the June 2000 issue of The Quarterly Review of Biology Samuel M. Flaxman and Paul W. Sherman report that NVP (for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, as morning sickness is known in medical terms) actually serves a beneficial function. The finding helps explain why many pregnant women develop an aversion to meats, as well as to certain vegetables and caffeinated beverages, in early pregnancy and prefer bland-tasting foods instead.
Acknowledging what most women already know, Sherman points out that the term morning sickness, "is a complete misnomer...NVP doesn't occur just in the morning but at any time during the waking hours, and it's not a sickness in the pathological sense." He adds that, "we should change the name to wellness insurance." Sherman and Flaxman believe their exhaustive analysis and synthesis is the first to gather compelling evidence that morning sickness protects both the unborn and the mother-to-be.
The analysis of hundreds of studies covering tens of thousands of pregnancies suggests that morning sickness and the aversion to potentially harmful foods is the body's way of preserving wellness of the mother at a time when her immune system is naturally suppressed (to prevent rejection of the child that is developing in her uterus) and has reduced defenses against food-borne pathogens. By creating food aversion, NVP also protects against toxins from microorganisms and other teratogenic (fetal organ-deforming) chemicals, Sherman says. "At that same time, in the first trimester of pregnancy, the cells of the tiny embryo are differentiating and starting to form structures. Those developing structures and organ systems -- such as arms and legs, eyes and the central nervous system -- at this critical stage of a new life could be adversely affected by the teratogenic phytochemicals in some food plants," Sherman says. These chemicals are secondary compounds that plants make to defend themselves against disease and insects. Although phytochemicals have no known nutritive function for humans, most people tolerate their presence in food. (Small amounts of these chemicals might even be beneficial because of their antioxidant properties and trace elements.) But during pregnancy, women with morning sickness are shielding the developing unborn from the harsh chemicals by vomiting and by learning to avoid certain foods altogether until the fetus develops beyond the most susceptible stage. Their other findings include:
Among women who experience morning sickness, symptoms peak precisely when embryonic organogenesis (organ development) is most susceptible to chemical disruption -- between week 6 and week 18 of pregnancy.
Women who experience morning sickness are significantly less likely to miscarry than women who do not. Women who vomit are significantly less likely to miscarry than those who experience nausea alone.
Aversion to and avoidance of certain foods also peaks during the first trimester for many pregnant women. The most-observed aversion was to meats, fish, poultry and eggs -- the foods that were more likely to carry harmful microorganisms and parasites before the advent of modern refrigeration and food-handling processes. Strong-tasting vegetables, as well as alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, also are disliked by many women.
In seven traditional societies with virtually no morning sickness, animal products are not a dietary staple. Plant-based foods -- and corn, in particular -- were found to be the dietary staple in six of seven societies with little or no morning sickness. The edible parts of the corn plant, the kernels, have very low levels of phytochemicals.
Previous researchers have proposed parts of the embryo-protection hypothesis, and other alternative explanations for morning sickness have been advanced. These include hormones, mother-offspring genetic conflict, or communicating to nearby males and kin that women are pregnant (resulting in decreased sexual activity and increased help from family members). However, Sherman says, intercourse during the peak period of morning sickness, the first trimester, generally is not harmful for pregnant woman. The genetic-conflict hypothesis predicts more morning sickness later in pregnancy (when the embryo is able to take resources), but, the biologists observe, morning sickness actually peaks early in pregnancy. Regarding the hormone hypothesis, Flaxman and Sherman say they are not disputing the role of these influential chemical signals from the mother's endocrine glands; rather, they are interested in why maternal hormones have the effect they do -- prompting nausea and food aversions -- instead of some other symptom, such as headaches. The Cornell biologists emphasize that their findings on the usefulness of morning sickness should not alarm women without NVP. "Our analysis of thousands of pregnancies shows that most women in Western societies bear healthy babies whether or not they experience morning sickness," Sherman says. "The lack of NVP symptoms does not portend pregnancy failure any more than experiencing NVP guarantees that the pregnancy will have a positive outcome." Pregnant women and their physicians should derive a two-part message from the large-scale study of pregnancy outcomes:
Attempting to alleviate the symptoms of "normal" (not severe) NVP probably will not improve the outcome of a pregnancy and could have the opposite effect if treatment interferes with the expulsion or avoidance of potentially dangerous foods.
Encouraging women to eat foods they dislike during pregnancy will not improve the pregnancy outcome and could increase the embryo's exposure to pathogens and harmful chemicals.
"We are not suggesting that pregnant women cut meat and vegetables out of their diets. In other words, listen to your body," Sherman says.
HealthLink - Medical College of Wisconsin
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Top 5 Shoe String Marketing Ideas for 2009
by Sharole Lawrence of Glow Marketing
2009 is going to be a challenging year for many companies. Where do you turn when margins are tight and all signs say "proceed with caution"?
Here are Glow Marketing's Top 5 Shoe String Marketing Ideas to help you market to Mom in a cost effective way to stay afloat in 2009:
1.Make the Customer #1. Forget new customers for a moment and focus on the ones you have. Treat them well and ask them what they want to see your company provide them in order to meet their needs better. A customer survey will reveal where you need to improve and possibly shine a light on new products or services that you could be offering. Customer retention and developing "greater share of customer" are more cost effective than acquiring a new customer. A happy customer will bring you more business in word of mouth referrals and has the potential to spend more if you offer more of what they need.
2. Strut Your Stuff with PR. Don't be shy, use PR to get noticed and put your company in the spotlight. As scary as it sounds, the media are looking for innovative new products to share with their readers, interesting business people to feature and even articles to publish from industry experts. Dollar for dollar, PR can generate the awareness that a company needs at a fraction of the cost of advertising.
3. Pound the Virtual Pavement. Social Network Marketing is the use of online groups and discussion forums to get the word out about your company or product. Sites like Facebook and Twitter Moms offer great opportunities to talk about your company via starting a group, joining other groups or discussions.
4. Partnership Power. Partnering with complimentary companies can create a new source of customers for very little cost. Find other companies that have similar clientele and see how you can work together to build a larger customer base. Perhaps you exchange ad banners on your website, or trade prizes for draws. Their customers could become your future customers.
5. Plan Ahead. Lack of marketing planning leads to reactionary tactics that lead to ineffective or short-term results. Reactionary decisions are based on emotion, not reason. Planning ahead gives you the confidence and ammunition to say NO when "opportunities" present themselves that are off strategy. A one-year marketing calendar will allow you to prioritize when, where and how you will market. A template is available to download on the right hand side of our screen. Without a plan, you may spend all of your marketing dollars before you need it most and you may also miss opportunities and deadlines. It's not too late to create your plan now. Consider adding the above activities to your plan as part of an overall marketing strategy.
If these ideas are foreign to you, please contact Glow Marketing to see how we can help your business shine in 2009.
Sharole Lawrence is the founder and President of Glow Marketing- Marketing to Moms in a meaningful way.
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Green Goals for February 2009 
by Kerry Kaufman of Green Plan-It
We are giving you this month to apply these 9 ways to live greener in 09. Remember to take it slowly and incorporate each habit change into your daily routines.
The Goin' Green for '09 Countdown#9 Rethink your method of transportation - and really rethink your vehicle idling. Can the kids walk/bike/ski/snowshoe to school? Create a walking school bus? Drive part way and walk the rest. Encourage car pooling instead of all the neighbors driving. Don't sit idling in front of your child's school. The emissions wreak havoc on young, vulnerable lungs. #8 Create less waste. Calgarians produce the most waste across Canada. try to create Littler-less or zero waste lunches and snacks. avoid individually packaged snacks. Buy from companies that package wisely. NO Bottled water - Stainless steel Otterbottles are the way to go! #7 Shop Smart. Think before you buy. Vote with your dollar! Wants vs. needs (want - really pricey trendy boots, need - great shoes for walking, running to work/school). Swap sports equipment with friends and neighbors. Rent before you buy...kids change their minds easily. Support companies that give back to the planet (1% for the planet) or the people creating the products (Fair Trade certification). #6 Be Energy Wise. Help each other as a family turn out the lights, unplug electronic devices. Go unplugged and avoid phantom energy loss. Use a programmable thermostat - you actually have to program it for up to 15% cost savings. When buying electronics look for the Energy Star symbol or at least the Energy Efficiency rating. You will save money and CO2 emissions in the long run. Change a light bulb. One CFL bulb can save you $50 and loads of carbon dioxide emissions. #5 Green up your kitchen. Compost! Vermicompost! Incorporate green chores and explain the impact. Out with bad plastics (the resin code will tell you) and in with healthier storage alternatives. Water buckets. Keep the leftovers to water plants. #4 Breathe easy...clean up you indoor air quality. Environmental asthma and respiratory issues are on the rise. Our indoor air can be far more polluted than what is outside. #3 Know what you are putting on your body and your children's. Go with a "Less is Less" philosophy. Know the "Dirty Dozen" of cosmetic chemicals. What products should be no where near your body and what are some great products that are healthy and safe for your family and the water, air and soil. #2 Choose organic anything when possible. you are supporting healthier environments for the farmers/pickers/laborers you are reducing your family's exposure and the planet's to toxic chemicals. #1 Get outside and read nature books to your kids. The studies being done on children and "nature deficit disorder" emphasize the significant positive influence nature has on growth and development. Get fit while having fun. Explore local natural spots. Make a pact to go somewhere new every week/month. 
Oh, wait.....another #1....Email Green Plan-It today for a Goin' Greener Session. Get some friends and family together and participate in a Green Plan-It workshop. We will provide tips, statistics and lots of ways to green up your 2009! |
Play Grounds Coffee Playhouse Headed to the Oscars!
by Robyn Whissell of Play Grounds Coffee Playhouse
Congratulations to a great friend of Entrepreneurial Moms of Calgary and Mombuzz, Play Grounds Coffee Playhouse.
Play Grounds is very excited to announce that we have been nominated in 4 categories in the Calgary Oscars for business!!! We appreciate any votes our friends and business partners would like to cast on our behalf!!! Click here to vote- it only takes a minute to do! We also appreciate your spreading the word around town. Voting closes on Feb. 13th and the Oscar Awards ceremony is on Feb. 21st. If anyone is interested in purchasing a ticket or table for the event, please let us know!
The categories that we've been nominated in are:
Best New Business
Best Kids Venue
Best Public Attraction
Best Customer Service |
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February Entrepreneurial Mom Spotlight: Meet Lori Pilling... and Enjoy! 
Lori Pilling has figured out how to enjoy her life. As the mom of two boys aged 4 ½ years and almost 3 years, the owner of Enjoy!, an eclectic retail boutique in Calgary, and COO of the Pilling Family, her plate is full. Still she manages to cater to her clients' schedules while maintaining her own brand of balance.
Q: What do you do in your down time?
A: I don't seem to find a whole lot of downtime between the kids' busy schedules, my husband's busy schedule and my own. (But) I love playing ringette and still play a few times a week. I really enjoy a good book and a great mindless TV program. Oh, and board games - I am a little too competitive for my own good most of the time. Q: What's the most embarrassing thing (mentionable in a worldwide audience, that is!) that's happenned to you since you became a mom?
A: There are lots. I'm fairly clumsy and the kids tell everyone about all the mishaps even when I tell them it's just our secret. I also get busted by my kids regularly for not eating veggies, or they see me pick them out of my meal and add them to my husband's while he's not looking. Nothing is secret around here.
Q: What are three of your favorite products that Enjoy! carries?
A: Three things that I would consider favorite products that I carry through Enjoy! would be the large ceramic vases - they are so beautiful. The bracelets from the hand-made glass bead line and some of the large picture frames - I can't get enough family pictures.
Q: What is the founding principal for your company?
A: I believe everyone should get a chance to enjoy! their life, their family, their friends, and their home.
 Enjoy! carries a wide variety of ever-changing home decor products, gifts and jewellry. Lori also does in-home consultations to help you make your home more enjoyable for you and your family and can guide you through putting those ideas into place.
Member Spotlights are one of many benefits of Entrepreneurial Moms of Calgary Membership. Visit the EMC Membership page to find out more about EMC Membership benefits.
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 Fertility Hope
by Desiree Rodgers of Candy Creations
I am writing on behalf of the Images of Hope 2009 Organization Committee and as a volunteer for the Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Fund. The Images of Hope event has been held for the past three years and last year raised net proceeds of more than $45,000 with more than 400 attendees.
Since 2005 Generations of Hope has raised more than $500,000 by this and other events. To date, Generations of Hope has assisted 55 couples faced not only with the emotional struggle of infertility, but the substantial financial burden, and the need is growing. For 1 in 6 Canadian couples, the joy of having a baby is a serious medical challenge and their last remaining hope of having a child is through In Vitro Fertilization ("IVF"), a procedure that costs thousands of dollars.
I hope you will find the time to consider this worthy cause amongst the many you likely already give generously to. Please visit the Generations of Hope and Regional Fertility Program websites for additional information.
Next month we will celebrate our daughter's first birthday. She is the successful result of the Regional Fertility Program and we will be forever grateful to the Generations of Hope Fertility Assistance Fund. With your help we can make other couples dreams of a family come true. 
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 Eggplant Bruschetta
by Andrea Undseth of The Urban Chef
-2 firm eggplants
-extra virgin olive oil
-white wine or herb vinegar
-2 sprigs of parsley
-handful of fresh mint
-1 clove garlic
-salt & pepper
Spray your grill with cooking spray and heat up the grill. Lay down your sliced eggplant side by side and cook on med-high until it is slightly charred. Mix the rest of the ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. When the eggplant is grilled, slice it up and add it to the dressing mixture. Toss together and let it stand until it's at room temperature. Spread over toasted baguette slices or crackers and serve.
Andrea Undseth is the creative genius and founder of The Urban Chef, the Busy People's Culinary Solution. The Urban Chef provides interactive cooking for lessons for adults and children, adult dinner and cocktail parties, children's cooking parties, couples or girls nights out, and everyday meal preparations for busy families. |
Mom Knows Best!...
A Poem by Jean Turner, Wise Grandmother of Mitchell and Spencer Schultz
Untied Shoelaces
"Tie your shoe laces or else you will fall,"
Is what my Mother would always call.
I was always in such a hurry
And did not want to worry.
Everyday I left with my laces just flapping
Catching my steps and zigging and zagging.
It was raining one morning on the way to school;
I had not obeyed Mother's important rule.
On the way up the steps, my shoes laces tucked under,
I slid down on my back and crashed to the floor like thunder!
The next thing I remember was they were carrying me
On a long white stretcher to my Doctor McGee.
He said, "Too bad you did not follow your Mother's advice;
'Cause now I must put your arm in this device.
"You will wear it for six weeks because your arm is broken.
From now on, always listen to your Mother's words spoken".
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