My Top Five Working "Momfinitions"

Okay, so Twitter Moms had another crazy fun contest that I just had to enter. This one is from Parents Connect and challenged moms to come up with their craziest Momfinitions, or mom definitions. I figured that since this blog is geared toward working moms that I would do my top five "working momfinitions". I hope you all enjoy, and you can see the Momfinitions article on ParentsConnect by clicking here! All of these totally apply to me as a working mom and I think you'll find that many apply to you as well. I encourage you to share your own Momfinitions with me as well! Enjoy!

1. Working Momory - noun: the amazing ability bestowed upon working moms that engages key memory items and allows working moms to somehow remember the ten thousand things that have to be taken with them each morning all while running out the door five minutes late

Ex. Luckily my working momory kicked in this morning when making sure I had everything ready for EG's first day of daycare.

2. The Pumpinator - noun: the superhero that nursing moms become when returning to work while trying to balance normal work activities and discreet, sometimes lightning fast, pumping sessions twice a day (or more) in their office, bathroom, classroom, etc.

Ex. Every day at 10 and 12 Mommy turns into The Pumpinator by locking the door, whisking out her equipment, and pumping like a mad woman so quickly that no one notices she is missing.

3. Five O'prayathon - noun: the marathon time between leaving work, picking up your child, running errands, getting home, and cooking dinner by 6:00...all while praying your child is in a happy mood and doesn't have a meltdown

Ex. On Wednesdays hubby helps me avoid the five o'prayathon by running errands himself.

4. Transcelation - the amazing feeling of elation you instantly have, that transcends any negative energy accumulated throughout the day, when picking your child up from daycare, etc. at the day's end

Ex. The transcelation I feel when seeing EG each afternoon makes everything worthwhile.

5. Check up call - noun: the call(s) made each day to childcare to check up on your child

Ex. Tammie knows to expect my daily check up calls around noon.

Funky, Personalized Clipboards for Every Personality by Slim-Digm Designs {Review and Giveaway}

Congratulations to the winner, Saving in Style!

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I am all about making ordinary items more fun and enjoyable, and that is exactly what Slim-Digm Designs has done with their personalized clipboards. My job requires me to be on the go throughout the day from classroom to classroom, and a clipboard is a great way to always have a sturdy writing surface (rather than one of the kid's desks...ick!) and be able to keep up with papers I need quick and easy access to. I also attend conferences quite often throughout the summer and throughout the school year that require me to take notes, collect handouts, etc. A clipboard is the perfect "accessory" for these conferences, but they are certainly not very stylish or popular as an accessory should be. At least that's what I thought until I found the awesome decorated clipboards and accessories from Slim-Digm! I was offered my choice of clipboards to review and I chose the ever trendy giraffe print. I loved it online, but it was even more beautiful in person! Made using a fiberboard clipboard, high quality papers, and an acrylic sealant these clipboards are just as durable as they are beautiful. Each design is original to Slim-Digm and is hand crafted just for you. I was so pleased by the quality! It is obvious that excellent materials are used, and extreme care and attention to detail is evident. Several different coordinating papers are used to create each clipboard, and designs are on the front AND the back (a feature not common with the personalized clipboards!). Also include is your custom monogram actually printed on one of the papers. Mine says "Mrs. 'mylastname'" and I just think it's too cute! My last initial is also printed on the back of the clipboard as well for an added touch. But, the icing on the cake, as they say, is the assortment of matching ribbons attached to the clip of the clipboard. This adds such a fun and funky touch! The kids at school keep asking me how they can get one...they love the ribbons! Why buy something plain when you can have the same function with the added bonus of great style and personalization? I'm so glad I stumbled across these decorated clipboards, and it brings a smile to my face each day that I see it sitting there on my desk. These clipboards would make awesome gifts for teachers, college-goers (personalized in their college's name and colors of course!), brides-to-be (to take to all of those appointments and interviews!), or anyone else who needs a clipboard for work or play...heck, it's even cute enough just to have to display! LOL Bottom line is that Slim-Digm has found a fabulous way to make an everyday item BEAUTIFUL without compromising it's primary function. You will love these beautiful clipboards, and they are certainly made to last.

To BUY one for yourself or a friend (or both): Head on over to Slim-Digm's Etsy shop and pick your favorite style (or convo for a custom design). At $16 they are a steal!

To WIN one: Follow the entry instructions below to have your opportunity to win a custom giraffe print clipboard (like mine pictured).

**Please note the new, streamlined giveaway entry rules below...all extra entries are now 1 entry each. Any extra comments will be deleted :) **

To enter this giveaway follow the rules and entry guidelines below (US ONLY):

1. REQUIRED: Visit Slim-Digm Designs and let me know what your favorite clipboard is!

To earn extra entries you may do one or more of the following and leave me additional comments here telling me which you have done:

2. Follow me on Twitter and tweet (be sure to leave me the link and your Twitter name).

3. Blog about this contest and leave me the link.

4. Follow Mommy Works

5. Subscribe to Mommy Works via reader/e-mail
6. Grab my button, place it on your site, and leave me the link where I can find it.

**Be sure to leave me your e-mail address, if there is not a visible one in your profile, so that I can contact you if you win. This contest will end at 11:59 PM CST on Sunday, May 24. The winner will be randomly chosen via Random.org and notified on or around Monday, May 25.**

Working Moms: Want to be featured? I'd love to hear your story!

Are you a mom who works outside the home, full or part time? If so, then I'd love to hear your story! I would simply like to find out how other moms out there handle every day life, and I figure we can all learn from and encourage each other. I am looking to feature one working mom a week right here on my blog. ALL working moms are elgibile to participate, as working outside of the home is the only requirement. You don't have to have an "interesting" job, be a blogger, have a website, etc. If you would be willing to participate, please leave me a comment below and I'll be in touch soon! I'd love to have some participation from and learn more about my fabulous readers out there. Thanks to all of you!

Timesaver Tuesday: Know When to Say "No"

Today's tip is short and sweet and oh so hard to do. But, it is most definitely a timesaver when you can put it into effect!

I am of the personality type that wants to please others, even if it makes me unhappy sometimes. I dont' like to make anyone upset, disappointed, or unhappy. I'm a people pleaser. I feel like, for the most part, this is probably a good thing, but sometimes I need to focus on me, my family, and our needs. On the one hand, I can get along with most anyone, can work well in a group, and tend to be one that you can depend on to help you out in a bind. Great, right? But, on the other hand, I have a hard time saying "no" when asked to help someone out, take on a new responsiblitiy, go somewhere with someone, etc., so I sometimes over extend myself to the point that everyone else is pleased, and I am stressed and over tired. Thus, the exact reason everyone should know when to say "no".

As working moms, we already do a lot by going out each day and doing our part to help support our families. Then we come home and take care of a little one, either by ourselves or with a spouse's help. I can attest that these things, in and of themelves, involve a lot of time, effort, and sometimes stress. Because of this, we need to learn to say "no" if we need to. For some, this is no problem, but, if you're like me, it is a learned process. I have learned to take time to think about a request before saying "yes" or "no". This allows me the opportunity to decide whether or not I truly have the time to fulfill the request. Previously, I would have said "yes" then later wondered, "what was I thinking??". To agree to something that you don't truly hae time for will cause you and your family extra, undeserved stress, and no one needs that. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to do what you need to do for you when you need to. It doesn't make you a worse person to say "no" once in a while; your family will appreciate it! You'll be a much better wife, mommy, friend, etc. if you know your limits!

Timesaver Tuesday: Prepare Ahead Meals - Busy Mom's Cookbook

Today I want to share with you a website that has made meal times a little easier around our house, and has definitely saved us time. I would love to eventually try to do once a month cooking in order to save money and time throughout each week. But, I just can't get it together to cook for a whole afternoon or day! However, I did want to find something that was easy to prepare ahead of time (but didn't require cooking all afternoon!), freeze, and throw in a pan to cook when needed. In searching, I came across the Busy Mom's Cookbook blog. She has GREAT recipes for everyday use, but I also found some awesome Dump Chicken recipes. Twenty one recipes to be exact! The ingredients for the dump chicken recipes are designed to be dumped (hence, the name) into a ziploc bag, frozen, and cooked when your ready. We have tried several of the recipes and have found them to be quite tasty, and super easy! To fix 4 or 5 bags of chicken takes maybe 10 minutes. Our favorites are the Chili Maple Glazed chicken and Honey Sesame chicken. We usually bake them in the oven per the instructions from the site, but you can also use your crockpot or grill. This has saved us so much time in preparing meals each night, and also cleanup. One of these chicken dishes only dirties up whatever you cook it in. You don't have to get out any ingredients, mixing bowls, etc. We love 'em! We've even tried them with pork instead of chicken also! They're great, but if you are looking for something else, Busy Mom's Cookbook has TONS of other recipes designed with busy moms in mind. The dump chicken recipes are just one of the many, many blog posts on her site. I'd love to hear your tips for saving time in the kitchen!

Back to Work!

Well, Spring Break has ended and it's back to work tomorrow. I always get so irritable and antsy the day before I go back when I've had a little break! However, I am thankful that I am in a profession where we are allowed these nice breaks throughout the year. I truly think that it is for our sanity and the childrens' safety that teachers and students get the breaks we do throughout the year...LOL.

Anyway, throughout this break I have become more aware of some things I'm not sure I would have ever become aware of were I not a working mom. I have always found that since I am away from EG all day during the work week, I truly appreciate every second that I spend with her. Now, I'm certainly not saying that stay at home or work at home moms don't appreciate the time they spend with their kids, but I know that working keeps it at the forefront of my mind all the time. The highlight of my day, every day, is picking her up in the afternoons. I am just as happy to see her as she is to see me. I also find that I try very hard to make the most of the time I spend with her in the evenings, on the weekends, and during breaks. Sure there are things that have to be done like grocery shopping, house work, etc. But, I still try to include EG in those things by taking her with me to the grocery store rather than leaving her at home (even though that would be much faster and easier at times!!) or letting her "help" me with chores around the house. I just love spending time with her! I think that maybe if I stayed at home it might be easier for me to take for granted the time I have with her, but working makes me realize how precious it is. One day maybe I'll be able to stay home with her full time, and if that day comes I know that my experience as a working mom will have done nothing but help me to appreciate staying at home even more.

Even though we were not able to go on vacation this Spring Break, it has been one of my favorites so far. Also, since my husband is not currently working due to being laid off, we were able to spend time together as a family all week. It has actually been one of my favorite Spring Breaks so far! We have had more fun together this week than in the last few months combined. We've been to the park, on walks, digging for worms, planting flowers, to the zoo (so fun!), and just enjoyed sleeping in. Loving life right now!

Just some thoughts from a mom trying to feel better about going back to work tomorrow...

I think it may have worked :)

Timesaver Tuesday: When to Work

If you need to finish working on something (that truly can't wait until tomorrow), go ahead and stay a little bit after work to finish it rather than taking it home.

Every minute I am late after work makes me feel a little more guilty. Because of this I try to leave school as quickly as possible in the afternoons. Usually, this isn't a problem as long as I utilize my planning period appropriately. Lately, though, I have had a lot of paperwork to complete, and I have more than I can finish during planning. Although I feel guilty for staying late after work, I have found that the same task that takes 30 minutes after work will take twice as long (if not longer) if I take it home. Thus, it actually takes more time away from my family when I take work home. At home, EG always ends up fighting with the computer for my attention (who can blame her?) and I end up in a bad mood because I can't get finished. Also, it isn't fair to her, when she hasn't seen me all day, to pick her up from daycare and then ignore her for an hour! It is better for all of us if I just stay a little longer at work and then enjoy the rest of the day with my family, not having to worry about work or find time to get something done.

Image source: http://hr.ucsb.edu/icons/work_life.jpg