Why Why, KY???

It’s no secret that Moms who blog are asked to review all sorts of products. Sometimes, they are quite unusual and sometimes you wonder “what am I supposed to say about this product?” Well, last week’s pitch goes down in my book as the craziest pitch to date.

The product is KY’s Intense Arousal Gel for Her. At least they got my sex right and sent me the correct product sample. I’ve contemplated for almost a week as to what I could say about KY Intense. True, it comes in a cute little black pouch and is in a small, discreet pump container that will get through TSA’s 3.0-ounce screener…but a product review? Does that mean I actually have to use it? Isn’t that a bit too much information for my readers? I guess it’s not nearly as bad as having the box sit on my desk for a week. I wonder what my father-in-law thought when he came to my office to ask me a question. I just hope my kids didn’t see it when they stopped by the office over the weekend to leave me notes on my desk.

So the point of this blog post? I guess to laugh together. To tell you that if you are looking for Her Intimacy- search no further than KY Intense. If you need to pack for play and the TSA, this is your product. To ask future product pushers to make it easier for me and please send me products that I can really share with my readers.

Be Ready for Flu Season with a “Combat Kit”

With the start of school last week, I’ve been hearing many comments and concerns from parents about swine flu and the measures schools are taking to address the continuing threat.  So it was timely that I received information from Medisim, makers of the Temple Touch Thermometer, on how to prepare a “Swine Flu Combat Kit”  for under $20.

The Temple Touch Thermometer is quick, easy and non-invasive. In about 6 seconds, you get an accurate temperature without any of the issues of other thermometer types (probe covers, accuracy, invasive models). And if you’ve ever been awake at 3 a.m. with a feverish child, you know that the less time and fuss required, the better!

Swine Flu Combat Kit

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warned that 2009 could be the worst flu season the nation has seen in years, thanks to the infamous Novel H1N1 virus or “swine flu”. Some doctors say that last year’s flu season never really ended with outbreak of the swine flu. Regardless, the CDC expects flu activity to rise again, ahead of the regular flu season, as 55 million students and 7 million staffers head back to the nation’s 130,000 schools.

The “Swine Flu Combat Kit”, which can be assembled for just under $20 dollars, is recommended to avoid spread of the disease. Swine flu may infect half the U.S. population this year, hospitalize 1.8 million patients and lead to as many as 90,000 deaths, more than twice the number killed in a typical seasonal flu, the White House advised this week.

The “Swine Flu Combat Kit” includes:

1. Temple Touch Thermometer – Advised are noninvasive, digital forehead thermometers, like the Temple Touch thermometer available at Wal-Mart for under $10.00. These thermometers do not cross-contaminate dangerous germs like traditional digital stick thermometers.
2. Hand Sanitizer - Pocket size bottles can easily be kept in book bags and lockers, briefcases and desks. Can be purchased at any drug store.
3. Soap & Water – You should keep these items handy at sinks. School children should wash their hands every hour at school.
4. Baby Wipes – Parents and students should use these to wipe down hands, lunchboxes, notebooks and all other school supplies daily.
5. Tissues – Should be used to cover coughs and sneezes.

Other suggestions for the Combat Kit can be found at www.Flu.gov.

To keep panic and the spread of the contagious disease at a minimum, many school systems are advising students and businesses are warning employees to stay away for seven days if they exhibit any flu symptoms.
Symptoms include:

1. Fever. The number one symptom of any flu is a fever. Although, there are many similarities between the common cold and the flu, the key difference between the two is running a fever. According to the Mayo Clinic, more children miss school over the common cold over any other illness. To avoid a misdiagnosis, you should look out for a fever and then heed warnings to stay at home if a fever is detected.
2. Cough
3. Sore Throat
4. Runny or Stuffy Nose
5. Body Aches
6. Headache
7. Chills
8. Fatigue
9. Diarrhea*
10. Vomiting*
* Only reported in some cases.

While the information above doesn’t take the place of a doctor’s advice when anyone in your family is sick, it’s worth a look and a trip to the store.

A Friend’s Searching Question

Sometimes people inspire you and they don’t even know that they’ve led you to search your soul and discover something new about yourself.  You can thank, as I will, Kelby of Type A Mom.  Yesterday, we were chatting via email and I mentioned to Kelby that what most people don’t know about me is that I’m shy.  Yes, shy.  Her response was not only hilarious but challenged me.  “You shy? That cracks me UP! You have HEARD of you, right? Do you have any idea who you are? LOL. “

It made me stop and ponder the question.  The answer is, “Yes, I’ve heard of Maria and I know many others have as well, but how many of those people  really know me?”  Sure people read my bio, they see my Tweets, Avatars and some even read my books. But how many really know who I am?  I’ve always believed that actions speak louder than words.  Thus, I’ve hoped that what I do personifies who I am.  But just in case, I’ve decided to open up so you can see some of the soul of Maria Bailey.

• I am shy.  It used to pain me to go in a room full of strangers but I taught myself a skill that I practice every time I enter a room with people I don’t know. I’m far more comfortable on a stage in front of 1000 people or on TV than I am at a cocktail party of 10.
• I’m more comfortable in blue jeans, t-shirt, and baseball cap than I am in a suit. Not expensive jeans but the kind you throw on when you are going fishing on a chilly day.  Ironically, I got my first fancy pair of jeans last Christmas from the women in my office who bought me a pair of Lucky jeans. I was 44 and for the first time owned a pair of jeans over $50.
• I’m a country girl at heart who grew up in a high society environment with a tennis court and putt-putt course in our backyard.  I never fit in and was the only one of my friends who worked when I was a teenager. Sometimes it was embarrassing to work at McDonalds, but I did it because I loved to work and I loved to meet the people who came into the store everyday.
• I believe in handwritten notes, in telling people what they mean to you while you have the opportunity, following Emily Post etiquette, never reclining my seat on an airplane for the sake of the guy behind me and family dinners when I’m not traveling.
• I want people at my funeral to say I was a loyal friend.
• I have a passion for empowering mothers.  This is what drives every single thing I do.  Empowerment might come through giving moms a voice via MomTV, Mom Talk Radio, or by providing them good information on BlueSuitMom.com.  But it also comes from making companies realize the economic power we bring to the US economy.
• I worked very hard to have children. I love being a mom and strive everyday to do the best job I can with the gifts God gave me. I want my children to be independent, global thinkers who care about people and want to leave a mark on life.  I want them to find a job in life that they love as much as I do.
• I have a hard saying “no” to a mom who needs something, whether it’s help with a business plan, marketing advice or a job.
• I am very protective of my team at BSM Media.  I don’t like them to work too many overtime hours, I want others to respect them as I do and I want them to have fun when they work.  I’ve been known to turn down work when we aren’t having fun.
• I LOVE running.  Actually, I love anything that physically challenges my body. It’s one of the few times that you have to rely solely yourself to succeed.  Even when I bike 30+ miles, I feel guilty that I used tires to help me reach the finish line.  Running marathons lets me use my brain and every muscle in my body.
• My favorite part of what I do is all the friends I have all over the world.  I wish I could spend more time getting to know the women I’ve met along the way of my incredible journey called “Career”.
• From the early death of my father, I learned that it’s important to live life to its fullest every single day.  Take risks, stop and enjoy small moments, walk on the beach barefoot and feel the sand on your feet, touch other people’s lives and do something you fear every day.
• Eating is a big thing for me.  My mom had an eating disorder and I later was treated for one after college.  I try to control everything that goes into my body.  I believe in eating to fuel my body rather than to mindlessly eat.  I eat at least 2 superfoods every day and never eat airplane food.  I have a list of foods that I consider wasted calories, that’s why you rarely see me eat white rice.
• I believe God brings the people you need into your life.
• I believe that the energy we give out is the energy we get back in our life.  I follow the Dalai Lama’s advice to “Never lose the lesson in life”.  So, from every negative experience I believe there is a positive lesson.
• Finally, I believe that I’ve been truly blessed in life.  Not only do I know who and what I am, but I have friends like Kelby who remind me to share it with others.

My Work/Life Balance Tips

The lazy days of summer are quickly fading. When the back-to-school ads start popping up, many moms feel bittersweet: the kids are back in school (yeah!) but here come the school schedule, homework, fund raising events, and family obligations. Let’s remember to add in time for mom.

Here are some quick tips and thoughts to help busy moms balance the demands of work, life, family and self.

1)        Define Balance: You don’t know when you get there if you don’t know where you’re going.  Draw a picture of yourself in balance so you know how you define balance.

2)      Values vs. Priorities: Many moms have a long list of tasks that don’t always fulfill their personal values.  Make a list of your individual values and then view it against your priorities today.  Moms feel out of balance when their values and priorities are not aligned.

3)      Do a Time Audit: It works for money.  Many mothers don’t value their time in the same way that they value their money.  If you change your value mentality about time, you will likely possess it differently.

4)      Own Your Stress: No one likes to be told to do something or feel like they are unwillingly being forced to complete a task.  Look at the items on your “to-do” list and ask yourself if you are doing it because you really enjoy doing the task?  You may discover that the tasks causing you stress are actually tasks you enjoy doing. Own it!

5)      Pay it Forward: Repay the favor with other moms before you actually need to ask another mom for a favor. If you happen to be off from work, then volunteer to drive other kids with your children so when you need the same favor later, you’ve already paid it forward.

6)      Create a Good Support System: Look to high school kids and retirees to hire for an extra set of hands.

7)      Cook on Sundays: Meal planning takes a lot of time and effort during the week when you are tired.  Pre-cook meals on Sundays so during the week, you have them ready to go.  Roast a chicken, make some pasta sauce or pre-boil rice and refrigerate for later.

8)      Don’t Forget to Use Your Business Skills at Home: As a working mother, you have organization skills you use in the office. Don’t forget to bring them at home. Use an Inbox and Outbox to direct school paper traffic.  Use postem’s to label calendars with children’s needs and activities.

9)      Exercise: An object in motion stays in motion.  Get your body moving and it will produce the energy you need to juggle it all.

10 )  Don’t forget to laugh.

Baby your baby’s skin…and your own, too!

One of the most important things moms can do for their little ones is to take care of their skin. One of the best products out there – Aquaphor – now makes a tear-free baby wash and shampoo that gently cleanses delicate skin. It smells nice and clean (no heavy perfume smell) and it contains provitamin B5 and chamomile to keep skin smooth and healthy, and even help heal skin that may be chapped or irritated from two very common baby items…drool and diapers!

For diaper rash, dry skin, wind burn and almost any skin issue, also try the Aquaphor Healing Ointment. It’s a mild cream with no odor that works wonders. It comes in a handy “baby-to-go” pack – ideal for busy moms to take in a purse or diaper bag. This size is available at Target starting in August, then at other retailers in 2010.

Baby skin care is important, but I always encourage moms to take good care of themselves by taking care their own skin. In fact, I just wrote an article with tips for moms, including taking the time to apply a moisturizer right after a shower.  Eucerin makes a terrific moisturizer for moms and everyone in the family.  Pick up yours at a local grocery or drug store.

This product was received at no cost for the purpose of trying it out. Based on my reaction, I’ve chosen to post this review.

Is anyone thirsty?

Recently, I tried two drink products…but not together! I had a chance to try a Fruit2day sample and a cup of Community Coffee. Both were delicious and worth a try…

Who doesn’t wake up with a fresh cup of coffee each morning? I sipped on a cup of Community Coffee House Blend which was described as the Medium/Dark Roast flavor. It tasted smooth and rich and deserved a second cup. The company offers traditional blends (which I tried) as well as specialty coffees, chicory (read the history of it on the website) and tea.  Personally, I prefer strong coffee, so I will break open the dark roast flavor next!  The company is very interesting as it’s a 4^th-generation, family-owned company that supports worthy causes at local, national, and international levels.  Education, disaster relief, and support of deployed US troops are some of their largest projects. They have an extensive selection, as well as gifts and accessories. All can be ordered online at CommunityCoffee.com.

As often as I travel, it can be a challenge to get in the “5-a-day” of fruits and vegetables required (which I also try to exceed.) More importantly, I try to teach my kids to make healthy choices as well. So I was curious about Fruit2day, as it’s supposed to pack two servings of fruit in one personal-sized container.

The website claims, “It’s not a juice, it’s a snack.”  So when I tasted it, I was so surprised.  Compare it to ordering one type of drink and getting a totally different one by mistake. That split second when you take the sip, then jump a little because you expected something different. I still expected a smoothie-type texture, but the juice is thinner and packed with real fruit! It took me a minute to adjust to the consistency, but once I did, it was delicious. It truly was a filling “snack” drink.  I tried the Strawberry-Orange and it has big pieces of strawberry in there! Fruit2day is found is the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Check the website to find a store near you that carries it. There’s also a $1 printable coupon!

These products were received at no cost for the purpose of trying it out. Based on my reaction, I’ve chosen to post this review.

A New Find: Cute Cards, Notes and More from Paper Culture

I love stationery… from simple notepads to beautiful cards. So I was anxious to see what Paper Culture had to offer, as these cards were included in the Tony Award Gala Gift Bags. I was thrilled to break open the package and find adorable cards from an extensive collection. The notecards are on a heavy card stock with a nice feel, and the designs are bright and modern. I noticed a different name on the back of each card I received, so each card design is truly unique. The cards are also made from 100% recycled paper, so you can feel good about ordering eco-friendly products.

At Paper Culture’s website, you can choose from lots of designs and styles, from baby announcements to birthday invitations, and all can be customized.  (The website is easy to navigate, too.) And just added to the product line are thank you cards and personalized stationery to match almost all of the existing designs.  To make it even easier, you can sign up for Mail & Message service: they will address and mail your cards AND print a different personal message on every card if you choose. Mail & Message service is free until Jan 1, 2010.

These cards and notes work for any event or occasion, and personalized stationery makes a great gift for any age.  Better yet, treat yourself to your own notecards…very cute stuff here.

Our Vacation to Peru…Disney Style!

I’m going on vacation soon…a big vacation. But you wouldn’t know it by the lack of stress surrounding my family’s departure. Thanks to Adventures by Disney, I may have discovered a new way to a stress-free vacation. Later this month, my entire brood is off to Peru for a South American adventure that will take us to Machu Picchu, on a whitewater rafting trip and much more, yet I haven’t opened a map or visited a website other than www.adventuresbydisney.com. Even my kids have noticed the difference in my demeanor. They taunt me that this will be the first vacation where I won’t be looking down at a map the entire time.

If you aren’t familiar with Adventures by Disney, it’s planned vacations brought to eager adventurers in the style, fun and magic that can only be provided by Disney. Adventures by Disney takes travelers to destinations all over the world including Costa Rica, China and Europe. Here in the US, families can enjoy adventures in the West as well as historical tours on the east coast. Consult their website for a complete list of destinations. Once you’ve decided on your land of adventure, Disney assigns you two guides and pairs you with families with children of similar ages. On our trip there’s actually one other child, which will make the children’s activities very personalized to my four kids. As I understand it, the group never goes above an average of 40 people. Disney plans special sites and tours that include activities the entire family will enjoy.

Rafting on the Urubamba...we can't wait!

Here is a sample of our Peru Adventures by Disney agenda:

Day 1: Arrive in Lima, get acclimated and prepare for our adventure!
Day 2 – 4: We start our journey to the Sacred Valley and the Sol & Luna Lodge & Spa. This leg of the trip promises fun and excitement mixed with local color and history. We’ll visit an Andean culture center to experience textile weaving, a whitewater rafting trip down the Urubamba River followed by a hike to 9,000 feet!
Day 5: Train ride to Machu Picchu to explore the “lost city of the Incas” – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Day 6 & 7:  Travel to Cusco where we will stay in an 18th century colonial house, explore the streets and markets of historic Cusco and tour the Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
Day 8:  Return to Lima and depart for home.

Day 5 of our trip: we'll explore the ancient city of Machu Picchu.

I’m not one for being held hostage by a tour guide. However, I must say that I’m enjoying the lack of time I’m investing in planning out an entire family vacation. I particularly like the fact that I’m no longer responsible for each and every person’s satisfaction rating of our daily activities. There’s no room for one child to disagree on our agenda. We’re all going and there’s no debating because “Disney Said So!” I’m not worried and neither are the kids because Disney has never failed us before.

You can follow The Bailey Family as we depart for Lima and beyond on Twitter at #Perubound09.

Stayed tuned for more on our Adventures by Disney Peru trip.

Kelly Ripa Pours a Summertime Lemonade

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to interview Kelly Ripa, a beautiful and gracious lady who is doing her part to benefit women’s health. Her latest project invites Americans to “Get Cool For A Cause” by opening a Virtual Lemonade Stand, with proceeds benefitting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF), a cause that is close to her heart.

We spoke about the lemonade stand project, a partnership with Electrolux Appliances. Through the summer, you can visit Kelly Confidential or Electrolux Appliances to open your own virtual lemonade stand.  It takes less than five minutes of your time.  Once you open the stand, you can invite friends and family to visit and have a glass of virtual lemonade (make a donation). For every stand opened, Electrolux will donate $1 to the OCRF. If you don’t want to open your own stand, visit Kelly’s site to donate to an existing one.

Here’s the sugar in the lemonade…every time you open a stand or make a donation to another stand, your name is entered for a chance to win a French Door Refrigerator from Electrolux. So, not only are you donating to a good cause, there’s a chance you could win a beautiful refrigerator.

It was a privilege to speak with Kelly who is the well-known co-host of “Live with Regis and Kelly”, as well as a wife and mother of three children. With all of the mothers, sisters, daughters and girlfriends we have, this is certainly a cause we can all support.

To see my full interview with Kelly Ripa, go to MomTV.com or click on the link above.

Time for Moms (and Dads)

Someone asked me recently for a few quick tips on ways that moms (and dads) can do things for themselves that truly focus on who they are as an individual and ultimately make them a better parent.  They didn’t want the typical advice to schedule a date night or read a book by yourself. They wanted practical advice and activities that focused on doing something for yourself.

Here are a few small things I do as the mother of four, business owner and wife to keep my sanity.  I hope they make a difference for you as they have made a difference in my hectic life.

1) Take the time to update the essentials: We purge our children drawers of old socks and holey underwear, however we forget about ourselves.  Pick a day every 3 months and go through the essentials- underwear, socks, bras- and replace them with fresh sizes or varieties.  Sometimes feeling good even if it’s only under your baggy sweatpants goes a long way to how you feel on the outside.

2) Apply lotion to your skin after bathing: If we see our baby’s skin flaking or chafing we use ointments, but yet we forget about the care of our own skin. Make it part of your routine to pamper your own skin everyday.

3) Squeeze in some sort of physical exercise every day. I know its cliche’, but I am a FIRM believer that positive energy generates positive energy.  ( I run 5-7 miles every morning at 5a.m.)

4) Create a dream board.  When we have children, we forget sometimes about the dreams we had before children arrived. Creating a dream board allows you to post photos of places you’d like to visit one day or a quote that motivates you in a place where others can see and allows you to remember who you are as an individual.

5) Give yourself a night off once a month.  It might sound impossible, but the household will survive even if you take 4 hours off to meet up with friends, take a walk or go to the beach with a book.