Womens Forum - The Place For Moms

As if Hallmark and/or your mom hasn't reminded you already, May holds a very important holiday: Mother's Day is May 13th and from these hard-working mamas to all of you others, we deserve it! For now, instead of obsessing and stressing about what to buy your own mother, sister or best friend for Mother's Day we have decided to make this blog all about you. Our first list in May is five things to give or do for yourself this Mother's Day (great gift ideas for others will come later). And, don’t feel like you’re being self-indulgent reading on or partaking—on every other day you put yourself before everyone else. This is a day to dote on yourself, and if you have to make yourself feel better about it, remember a happy mom makes a happy home. 

April is here and that has many of us scrambling to book last minute spring and summer getaways. Deciding when, where, and for how long you'll be vacationing is stressful, especially when you have a budget. Taking a vacation does not have to cost as much as you think, especially in this rough economy.  You can start saving by knowing how to shop around for hot spots, asking the right questions, and being flexible. This month at The List we are sharing tips and advice on how not to overpay when planning a spring family vacation (or one at other times of the year).  

Happy March—it’s one of our favorite months since it's almost spring and who doesn't love St. Patrick's Day (who cares if you're not Irish)? There’s good food and an excuse for good times without all the stress of a normal holiday (buying, wrapping, cooking, stuffing, etc). While you are either picking up your cornbeef, Guiness, shamrocks, and more or making ressies at your local pub that will be packed with flavor, why not stock up on the eco-friendly green essentials for your home. You know the non-toxic, formaldehyde free formulas that will clean your house after the party is over, but are safe for your kids to be breathing in and will leave you in good graces with Mother Nature.

It's that time of year again-–love is in the air, and before you start stressing over reservations for a romantic evening with your guy, stop and think about the other loves in your life. Valentine's Day is not just about romance, it is about sharing the love with all the special people in your life. And who do you love more than your children? So instead of buying them the paper cards and candy they will get in their classroom parties anyway, put some thought into their gifts. 

The List is here to help with 10 different themed Valentine’s Day creative gift ideas that you can put together for your kids, no matter if you have a houseful of boys or that one complicated teenage girl—and maybe you’ll even find an idea or two for a basket for your man too!

A new year is upon us and to get your mind off obsessing over your winter waist line, stop and think about what really matters. The New Year is a reminder of how fast time goes by. What a perfect opportunity to focus back in on the most important people in your life, and make the most of 2012 together. The latest edition of The List is full of activities that will bring your family unit closer, and create some new memories along the way.

It’s that time again! You’re nearly ready to don your red suit or spin the dreidel and shower your little darlings with holiday gifts (albeit fewer and cheaper this year). But before you wrap those treasures and stuff them into stockings or by the (unlit) menorah, take a minute to make sure your family has not lost the spirit of the season in the madness of all the list-making and shopping. Be sure you’re kids have experienced some giving themselves. With the economy at an all time low, now more than ever, teaching our kids about charity really matters. It’s a fulfilling gift itself to know we have helped those in need.

Just like you were psyched when potty training was a success, you will be thrilled when your kids can do some stuff (albeit somewhat assisted) on their own. It’ll free you up (okay, just slightly but during the holidays a little goes a long way!), give you something extra to be thankful for next week, and also, although they won’t realize it right away, benefit them too.

As mothers we obsess about the safety of our kids. Since birth, we have placed them into empty cribs, buckled them into their car seats, and held their hand before they crossed the street. But before we know it, they are getting bigger and letting go of our grip as they are quickly on their way to the tween and teen years. They jump at any chance of independence and activity outside the safety of home—which generally begins with them reaching for a cell phone. Luckily for them but scarily for us, communicating via text messaging offers this newfound freedom at their fingertips.

A new school year brings new teachers, new subjects, and new friends. With the kids’ latest besties changing up, this means new families for you to become familiar with, because pretty soon you’ll be seeing them everywhere: PTA meetings, carpools and most importantly, play dates. New friendships are great for your little ones and play dates are wonderful for you as they can offer up some extra mommy time to run errands or the chance to get to know their new friends (depending on whether at your place or theirs).

Pumpkin lattes, crisp air and bright school buses scooping up our little ones each morning so we have some free hours--yay! Fall has arrived and while the leaves are changing, so are everyone’s schedules. Now that you’re in full-hectic-mode, you might need some help being everywhere at once. Keyword: babysitter or nanny. Ever thought of turning to that adorable neighbor who is always so sweet to your kids in passing and seems oh-so capable to help you out as a babysitter? Not only is she or he conveniently located down the street, but he or she might be looking to earn some extra money, so the situation is ideal for you both.

Moms are famous for following their to-do lists, but it doesn’t do much good when they don’t have everything on there that needs to be ticked off! Amy Nebens and Jara Negrin of PoshMom.com know what it’s like to be overextended and harried by motherhood, but they also know how to get out of the trenches and get organized!

Their book “Living the Posh Mom Life” showed moms that “posh” does not mean perfect but actually means “put together”—and not just on the outside but on the ever important inside as well. 

About The List

Now they bring you The List, which provides the must-know info, from lifestyle to life-saving, in order to keep details both big and small from going unknown and unnoticed. They'll keep you at the top of your game, whether that game is caring for the kiddies or caring for yourself!