Working Mothers Want to Stay on the Job, Reporting Favorable Work/Life Balance, Survey Finds

An overwhelming majority of working mothers report that, if there were no obstacles, they would continue working, and most say that their work/life balance is always right or is right most of the time, according to the results of new Accenture research.

In an online survey of more than 700 working mothers in mid- to senior-level management positions, nearly 90 percent of the respondents reported that, if there were no obstacles, they would work either full-time, part-time or under a flex-time arrangement (reported by 31 percent, 26 percent and 33 percent of respondents, respectively). Just 11 percent said they would not work at all.

Additionally, almost three-quarters (74 percent) say that their work/life balance is always right or is right most of the time, and nearly seven in 10 respondents (69 percent) believe that women can “have it all.”

According to respondents, flex-time, part-time and a modified work week are the three most commonly offered flexibility programs (cited by 61 percent, 51 percent and 44 percent of respondents, respectively). But, while 37 percent say their companies offer telecommuting as a work option, that program (at 50 percent) tops the wish list of respondents to whom it’s not offered.

Other programs that respondents want but that are not offered by their employers include flex-time, employer-provided alternative day care and a modified work week (cited by 47 percent, 44 percent and 40 percent of respondents, respectively). Just 17 percent report that their employers do not offer any flex programs.

Today’s working mothers want the ease and convenience of shopping at home, and expect great selection, quality and service. ZaraBella.com delivers all of these, as well as rewarding loyal shoppers with discounts on shipping and future purchases. ZaraBella.com’s mission is to provide visitors with an extensive selection of high quality, designer baby clothes and hip children’s clothing, all in one place.

New school rules help, but kids must learn to choose good foods

Has it happened in your school yet? Have apples and carrots replaced ice cream and brownies on your lunch tray? Have teachers told you not to bring cupcakes on your birthday? If you answered yes, you're not alone. Schools across the country have made tougher rules about food over the past several years. The changes reflect concerns about kids' eating habits and health. Two-thirds of Americans are now overweight, including nearly one in five kids ages 6 to 19. Doctors and parents are worried. Being overweight increases a person's chances of developing serious health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease. To combat the obesity epidemic, states have passed laws requiring schools to develop lunch programs that are nutritionally balanced. Read the full article.

Toy Awards Guide

Remember when toys were just for fun? Now a stroll through the aisles feels like a product Olympics -- rows of fierce opponents lined up trying to outshine and outwow each other. Simply picking out a gift is tricky, when so many of them are boasting various gold and platinum seals as some sort of proof of their superiority over the others. What's the difference? This article from Cookie Magazine deconstructs the four most popular toy awards, along with recent winners.

It’s No Trick: Kissy Kissy’s Halloween Line Is A Treat!

Your little one will look absolutely bewitching dressed in Kissy Kissy’s new Pumpkin Patch line! Made with high quality, 100% Soft Pima Cotton, this print is comfortable, stylish and scare-ific! This line would also make a great gift for your favorite little ghost or goblin.

Be sure to check out the Spooktacular selection at ZaraBella.com, but hurry, since quantities are limited!

Shower Your Baby: 10 Gifts As Useful As They Are Cute

It's just so much fun creating your wish list of baby gear. (Also, it helps take your mind off morning sickness and swollen ankles.) Bedding sets in adorable themes, wipe warmers and baby cleansing products, humidifiers, sleep positioners, Boppies and Bumbos ... with so much merchandise out there, how do parents-to-be decide what they need? And how do well-meaning friends and relatives choose the perfect baby shower gifts? This article presents 10 gift ideas, most of them new to the marketplace, that aren't the same-old, same-old. (Because, really, how many receiving blankets and onesies can one little baby go through?) And don't worry, Dad hasn’t been left out -- he deserves some thoughtful gifts, too.

Back to School Guide: Keeping Kids Healthy

It is that time of year again – back to school time, which for many kids, means their health may be affected. Whether your child is in daycare, preschool, or beyond, this useful guide from Parenting Magazine, tells you what you need to know about how to protect your child and keep him or her well this year. Topics covered range from adjusting to new sleep schedules, school bus tips, better school lunches, not-so-usual ailments and a guide to common illnesses.

Understanding Your Kid’s Distinct Play Style

You know every child is different in looks, temperament, abilities, and so forth. Yet in this mass-market culture, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that those differences extend to the unique ways in which each kid plays. While conventional wisdom might say that “every kids wants a [fill in the most-hyped toy, shoe or electronic product here],” that’s simply not the case. In fact, kids have play styles as unique as their fingerprints. Understanding that will not only help you foster a great play environment that introduces new experiences but also give you ideas for gifts and shared activities.

http://www.kiwimagonline.com/articles/articlepage.php?art_id=63&cat_id=18

Strollers: Fold-up-and-go or baby SUV?

It has pneumatic tires and shock absorbers for an oh-so-smooth glide. There’s a cup holder for Mommy and adjustable handles so she won’t strain her back. To keep the sun at bay and the bugs away, Mom can clip on a nifty parasol or mosquito net for you.The cost for this beautifully bodacious baby buggy? Just $900. A far cry from the bucket-on-wheels that poor Victorian moms pushed, these strollers have big, fat tires so modern moms can stroll off-road on trails and beaches. They have rain covers, cargo pockets, weather thermometers and iPod hookups. That’s what you call fully loaded — some strollers call themselves “SUVs for babies” — and it’s what mommies demand, some retailers say. They want strollers that are compact, lightweight, easy to fold, easy to wheel over curbs and fit through doors, and have at least, at least, one cupholder. As seen in celebrity magazines, strollers have become just as hot an accessory as the babies themselves. The Dutch-designed Bugaboo has been the favored “power toy” of the Hollywood set for several years.

But is it a good idea to buy a stroller just because a supermodel pushes one? The editors of American Baby magazine don’t think so. American Baby’s bottom line on stroller buying? Any model safety-certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association will do.

http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2007/aug/21/strollers-fold--and-go-or-baby-suv/

Alpha Moms: Tuned In

Marketers and businesses have been courting a new breed of do-it-all moms. These "alpha moms" are the leaders of the pack, keeping up on the newest products and trends and passing the word on to their mommy peers. "Alpha moms are incredibly influential," says Isabel Kallman, CEO of Alpha Mom TV, a new cable TV channel that targets moms. She says if alpha moms believe in a new product, they'll become advocates in promoting it by word-of-mouth. That's why Nintendo tested out the Wii on alpha-mom focus groups months before its release.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2007/september/183020.html

Kissy Kissy’s 2007 Fall Collection has arrived!

Kissy Kissy’s 2007 Fall Collection has arrived!

Your little one will love Kissy Kissy’s new lines for Fall! The Touchdown and Pom Pom Prints are perfect for back to school and football season, and any child dressed in these pieces will score extra points in the cute department.

Kissy Kissy’s new Wee Woof Collection makes anyone forget the dog days of summer and break into a smile – they really are doggone cute!

One of the best things about Kissy Kissy’s lines – besides the great prints - is that they are created with the softest Pima cotton, making them both comfortable and stylish. These high quality pieces also make very popular gifts.

Be sure to check out the latest in these collections at http://www.zarabella.com/

Mom Surfs the Web Surprisingly Often

DoubleClick Performics recently unveiled data resulting from a search usage study targeting the "moms" segment and completed in cooperation with Microsoft and ROI Research, "Searcher Moms - A Search Behavior and Usage Study." The data illustrate heavy search engine usage in support of online purchases, offline purchases, coordinating travel and many other planning activities among moms.

Interesting findings of the study include:

- 70 percent use search engines to gather information before making any online purchase
- 57 percent use search engines to gather information before making any offline purchase
- 64 percent use search engines to find out where to purchase products offline
With regard to purchases made in the eight product categories included in the study:
- 92 percent said search engines were helpful in providing valuable information prior to purchasing
- 79 percent said search engines were helpful in providing valuable information prior to purchasing offline specifically

Regarding consumer packaged goods, respondents reported using search engines:
- To compare prices (72 percent)
- To find retail locations (71 percent)
- To gather product information (71 percent)

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070821/20070821005346.html?.v=1

Top 20 Items To Pack In A Diaper BagBy Danielle Hollister

Top 20 Items To Pack In A Diaper BagBy Danielle Hollister

1. Diapers (5 -7 is a fairly safe supply)

2. Wipes

3. Cream (like Desitin, A&D ointment, Vaseline)

4. Baby Powder

5. At least one bottle of juice or milk

6. A few jars of baby food

7. At least one clean outfit

8. A few bibs

9. A few cloth diapers to clean up spit and other spills

10. Items to entertain your baby (rattles, books, toys)

11. Baby thermometer

12. Teething rings

13. Biter biscuits or similar type of crackers

14. Medicine for fevers, colds, related symptoms

15. Any prescription medications

16. Measuring device for medications

17. Baby Nail Clippers

18. Phone number of Baby's Physician

19. Any stuffed animals or favorite blankets your baby needs to fall asleep

20. Any parenting books you refer to frequently to find answers to unexpected questions

Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine - A free newsletter for quote lovers featuring more than 10,000 quotations in dozens of categories like - love, friendship, children, inspiration, success, wisdom, family, life, and many more. Read it online at - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Hollisterhttp://EzineArticles.com/?Top-20-Items-To-Pack-In-A-Diaper-Bag&id=3160

Etiquette for Baby ShowerBy Randy Wilson

Etiquette for Baby ShowerBy Randy Wilson

Etiquette for baby shower used to be quite rigid, but rules have relaxed in the past several years. Etiquette is a word that strikes fear in the heart of many party planners. You don’t want anyone to get upset or think that you are being rude. There are several rules of that you should be aware of. Whether or not you follow them is up to you.

It used to be that etiquette for baby shower said that mothers of the new parents should not plan a baby shower. Some people may have viewed this as a gift grab by the family. Even sisters were not supposed to plan the baby shower. However, in past years this rule has fallen by the wayside. If you are related to a new mom, go ahead and plan her baby shower to your heart’s content.

The next etiquette for baby showers rule you need to consider is whom to invite. If you know the new mom well, most of the guest list will be obvious. However, you should show her the list to make sure that no one has been left out.

If the shower is a surprise, run the list by a few people that are close to her. This way they might notice some names missing that you may have forgotten.

Invitations don’t follow any sort of baby shower etiquette rules anymore. People still enjoy receiving baby shower invitations in the mail, but you can phone guests or email them as well. Just be sure in the case of email that guests actually check it regularly!

Etiquette for a baby shower says that you should not ask guests to bring anything. You should not even imply that they are to bring a gift. This is obvious, but no one likes to be directly asked to spend money. If you are asking people to pitch in for a large gift, this is considered acceptable.

You should also not ask people to bring food with them. Most people will feel insulted that they are expected to bring a nice gift and now make some food as well. This is your job as the hostess. If you are doubtful that you can make all the food yourself, ask only close friends and relatives. Be sure to make them feel appreciated.

Etiquette for a baby shower also says when the best time to have the baby shower. Typically you should have it one to two months before the baby’s due date. This allows the mom time to put gifts on her registry. She can also have some time to purchase anything that she did not receive at the shower.

Party favors used to be expected. This is not at all necessary anymore, but still a lot of fun for the guests. Consider a small bag with baby related items, especially edible ones! You can find adorable chocolates and candies that are perfect for baby showers.

A final note on etiquette for a baby shower. You may be wondering if it is considered insensitive to invite someone who has recently miscarried. While attending a baby shower may be difficult for her, you should always give her the option of coming.

Baby shower etiquette is important, but not so much as with other events such as bridal showers. If you take other people’s feelings into consideration you will probably follow all necessary etiquette. Every group of people is different and something that offends one may not offend another. Try not to let etiquette determine too much of what you do, but listen to common sense. The perfect baby shower can be a piece of cake.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.
Randy has dozens more baby shower related articles such as Baby Shower Centerpieces and Diaper Cake How To.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Wilsonhttp://EzineArticles.com/?Etiquette-for-Baby-Shower&id=48206

Rules of Thumb for Selecting Great Baby Shower Favors!

Rules of Thumb for Selecting Great Baby Shower Favors! by Cheryl Salto

As if there aren’t already enough details to tend to when hosting a baby shower, one final touch is selecting an appropriate baby shower favor. But it doesn’t have to be a chore with these few simple things to consider and basic rules of thumb that will help you pick great shower favors for your guests.

First, who is coming to the shower? Is there a favor that would be perfect for this particular group of guests based on something that you all share? Perhaps you were all sorority sisters or went to the same school or work in the same industry? This might be a cute angle to consider when choosing baby shower favors. One shower hostess recently used the common bond between guests when selecting their shower favors – they were all hair stylists, several who worked with the mother-to-be currently and the others from her previous salon – the baby shower favors were customized mint tins that exclaimed “Our newest stylist arriving soon!” with the baby’s name. Everyone loved them and commented on how unique they were.

The age of the guests is another thing to consider. Usually all age groups are represented at family showers and so a favor can be chosen with this in mind. However, if at your particular shower all the guests will be in one age range, this is yet another area that can play into your baby shower favor selection. One age range might appreciate something a little funkier and trendy than another; all simple things just to keep in mind when making your choices.

So with those areas considered it’s on to actually selecting your baby shower favors. Three categories that are always appreciated are a great way to approach your selection. Something edible, something usable or something personal – and sometimes if you’re lucky, your favor will fit all of the above!

Something edible – always a successful favor because well, it can be eaten! Who doesn’t enjoy an exquisite chocolate treat or delicious bakery cookie? From the simplest and most traditional favor of Jordan almonds in a lovely Italian bonboniere to a beautifully decorated cookie that corresponds with your shower theme or the sex of the baby if it’s known, you are bound to find something edible that could be the perfect baby shower favor.

Something usable – it seems these days that everyone is simplifying and they don’t want clutter to add to their homes -- so something that serves a purpose rather than a knick knack for a shelf or to get put in a drawer, is often most appreciated. A perfect solution for a special baby shower favor in this category is a lovely candle. With different scents to choose from as well as the many different shapes and sizes, your choice is sure to delight the guests as they remember this important day and the little one on the way when they burn their candle at home. Other options in this category are things like unique bookmarks, a picture frame or something gaining popularity are seeded favors that can be planted – what a delightful addition to someone’s garden or in a pretty pot on their windowsill. Something personal – in these computer times there are so many wonderful customizable or personalized baby shower favors available that this is a great area to choose from. You can use a picture of the mom-to-be or if the sex and name of the baby is known you can use them on virtually any type of baby shower favor to everyone’s delight. From a beautiful picture frame with the date of the shower to the mint tins mentioned earlier that can be customized with virtually any pictures, thoughts or designs that you wish, with just a touch of creativity, a beautifully personal favor is the result.

With these ideas in mind, keeping to these categories and putting in just a bit of thought and creativity, your baby shower favors are sure to be a success, just like the shower itself! Remember to enjoy yourself too as hostess as you honor your special friend at this important stage of her life. It’s these precious times and the celebrations that go with them that build the memories we’ll cherish long into our future.

Copyright 2006 AllInOneFunFavors.com

About The AuthorCheryl Salto loves helping to make celebrations personal and meaningful as the owner of AllInOneFunFavors.com specializing in providing an extensive online selection of baby shower favors for life’s most precious celebrations.

http://www.allinonefunfavors.com/baby-shower-favors.html

Article Source: http://add-articles.com/

Table Decorations for Baby Showers by T. Brandt

Table Decorations for Baby Showers by T. Brandt

Planning the table decorations for baby showers is one of those details that can often stump even the most coordinated party planner. There are so many choices that it can be overwhelming to make a choice. There are some unwritten rules that may help out a person who just can’t figure out what to use as table decorations for baby showers.

Usually the size and shape of the table makes a big difference on how the table is decorated. Round or square tables usually have a centerpiece, where rectangular tables usually have a runner. Round or square tables are smaller so the idea is to keep space for guests to eat and such without having the table decorations overbearing. That is why centerpiece style decorations often are used. Rectangular tables allow for more choice. There can be a long runner table decoration down the middle of the table or a few different centerpieces can be used down the center of the table. Many times favors double as decorations so they are each set at each place setting. The decorations usually follow the theme of the party, so once a person decides the type of decorations they want to use they can move on to choosing the particular decorations that match their theme.

These general ideas can really help a person to figure out exactly what they need for table decorations for baby showers. There are many options for table decorations for baby showers online and a person may also find more tips when looking.

This article is brought to you by The Baby Shower Zone - your experts on all baby shower related topics. For more information please visit The baby shower zone.
Article Source: http://add-articles.com

Baby Shower Etiquette – Information and Guidelines by Bill Pool

Baby Shower Etiquette – Information and Guidelines by Bill Pool

Whether you’ve hosted baby showers before or not, possibilities are you’ve got some questions regarding the right baby shower etiquette. You would like to generate a truly awesome time for the guest of honor without any unintended blunders. This guide was exclusively made to help you get there.

Take the needs of the mother-to-be into account at every level. That involves all other aspects of the baby shower including games, food and the invitation list.

Baby showers can either be before or after baby is born. Commonly, they’re held 1 or 2 months before due date. But they are also held after baby arrives due to medical or other reasons.

These days, it is flawlessly ok for a close relative or even the couple themselves to host a shower. The rules stating only non-relatives or friends only hosting a baby shower are rather dated now days.

Before deciding on the type of baby shower you plan to hold, girls-only or coed, theme or no theme and so on, you should consult mother-to-be and find out what she prefers.

What guests do you invite? Generally, anyone the mother-to-be thinks she should call. She’s the optimum guide here.

Do you constantly need to send written baby shower invitations? It is generally the more appropriate option. Using a written invitation, guests have all details at his or her fingertips and need not rely on memory. Plus, you can and often should include directions describing where to go.

At the same time, it's fine to merely tell people on the phone. Tell them well ahead of time, though. So they'll have acceptable time to buy gifts, arrange for a baby sitter, etc. Leave your contact number with each one so they can contact you easily if they need any direction or other information.

Holding a surprise baby shower can be a great feeling for the expectant mother. But do consult a person close to her that knows about her preference wishes in all situations.

Send out shower invitations at minimum 3 to 4 weeks in advance. Send them earlier for out of town family or guests. Make sure they respond by a date two weeks before the baby shower will be held.

If you’re holding a coed shower, you might turn the guys off if you send frilly baby pink invites full of baby talk. Send neutral, trendy invitations.

Register for gifts at only one site. Else mother-to-be may end up getting duplicate gifts she may have to return. Guests may be disappointed if they find that another person has chosen the same gift they have.

While giving gift suggestions, include items at a variety of prices, not merely high-ticket items. You can suggest that guests can get together to acquire more expensive items.

If there's older siblings, make sure they receive a gift each. They may be feeling a little left out with a new baby on the way, so this is a wonderful idea.

Also whether it’s a coed baby shower or not, buy a gift for the dad-to-be. He will be happy that he was remembered too.

Write down who gave each gift. Important information when it comes time to send out the thank you cards! It's important baby shower etiquette to send out thank you cards.

Hand gifts to mother-to-be for her to open and take it from her once she’s completed with it. This'll save her the hassle of continually getting up to pick up gifts.

Occasionally, some guests may need to leave early. They’ll enjoy it if mother-to-be will open presents while everyone is eating.

Food and related arrangements deserve exclusive attention. Remember, expectant mothers can’t eat everything they ordinarily would.

Begin the baby shower on time and keep it fairly short. Be conscious of mother-to-be’s level of energy and any signs that she's may be tiring. Bring the party to an end if she’s starting to feel run down. Be sure to thank guests for coming as they leave.

Don’t expect that the party will go as planned. No baby shower will ever go perfectly. There’s constantly the unforeseen, power goes off merely as gifts are being opened, you forgot to dust one corner of the room, the pack of baby shower favors you opened before the party, turns out to be a different color than you ordered and so on. Sometimes things will and can be out of your control.

Once you’ve understood these very easy baby shower etiquette guidelines, you’ll be far more confident about hosting a baby shower. Have fun, and make a special time that will live on in everyone’s memories!



For more Baby Cake Shower tips visit http://www.babycakeshower.com.

Article Source: http://add-articles.com

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

www.ZaraBella.com

Spring is in Full Bloom at Zarabella

Spring is in Full Bloom at Zarabella Children & Baby Boutique and zarabella.com . We have a plentiful selection of Beautiful Spring Dresses from which to choose. Baby Lulu Spring and Summer Collections are here featuring Bright, Colorful Florals and Prints. Little Mass Dress Collection Le Pink offers sophisticated styles featuring dreamy tulles, organza skirts, and novelty fabrics. Little Mass Dresses combine the detail of European Creations and combines them with hip, trendy styles of Hollywood. Victoria Kids Delightful Dresses are made from 100% petal – soft Pima cotton and adorned with intricate hand embroideries on every outfit capturing the fashion of a bygone era. Shop zarabella.com today for the best selection of coveted clothing for the children we love!

Spring is just around the corner

Hard to believe Spring is just around the corner, when we are all freezing, but everyday we are reminded of warmer days ahead as our Spring & Summer Clothing Lines arrive at the store. Here now are Little Mass collections Cabo San Lucas, Razzle Dazzle, and Marmalade featuring a unique blend of funky and trendy, yet still girlish style in two piece sets and Baby Lulu featuring beautiful floral print dresses and skirted onsies. Both Little Mass and Baby Lulu are available in girl’s sizes infant to 6X. Other Spring Collections arriving soon from Kissy Kissy, Le Pink, Victoria Kids, Toni Tierney, Jade Jeans, Wes & Willy and more!

Just in time for Christmas!

Just in time for Christmas! Beautiful Christmastime White Velour 4 PC outfit and 100% Pima Cotton Blanket from Kissy Kissy Premier Collection in 0-3mos, 3-6mos, & 6-9mos.
This is the perfect, comfy, warm, and stylish outfit for Baby’s First Christmas! Moms & babies enjoy the comfort and style of Kissy Kissy Premier Collection which combines the softest 100% Pima Cotton and the sophistication of hand embroideries. To purchase the Christmastime outfit or other items from Kissy Kissy visit Zarabella Children’s & Baby Boutique at Zarabella.com.