Heather (at Home With Heather) has an excellent blog with tons of useful information for work at home moms. (WAHM’s). She also happens to be one of the first bloggers that I networked with, and she probably doesn’t know it, but has given me a lot of guidance - via her blog - on my foray into the world of blogging.

Last week Heather was talking about meme’s, which is sort of a blogging game where one one blogger “tags” a bunch of other bloggers - which means that the “tagged” bloggers are asked to write a post about themselves. The subject of each meme is a little different, but you get the idea.

To add a fun, new twist to the traditional meme, Heather has started something called a “cross blog conversation”, where she has asked specific questions of a few bloggers. We will answer in a post and ask her a question back.

So, Heather has asked me for my best tip to other WAHM’s (work at home moms) for juggling a busy life. Definitely not an easy question. Perhaps a Letterman list of ten is the best way to handle this:

• 10. Time Management
• 9 . Lists, Lists, Lists,
• 8. Carpools
• 7. Meal Planning
• 6. Scheduling every detail, including household chores
• 5. Keeping a well stocked vehicle
• 4. Sunday planning time for the week ahead
• 3. Make your kids lunches the night before
• 2. Make dinner early in the day so it is ready at dinner time
• 1. And the number 1 tip (drumroll, please) - No stress, improvise, and be flexible! Do not expect perfection from yourself or you will be disappointed.

Unfortunately, many of us WAHM’s expect to be able to do it all perfectly and feel a sense of failure when we don’t get it done. Setting priorities and attainable goals is key.

Heather’s question was actually very timely, because I recently wrote a post called How to Increase Productivity While Working from Home on my other blog - Blog Resources Online.

Now, Heather, my question to you is this:

I love success stories and you are obviously one of them. As a new blogger, I am wondering how long you have been blogging, how much time you devote to blogging, is blogging the only business that you run from home, and at what point did you feel comfortable enough to make the switch from corporate America to working at home.

Okay, I know, that is more than one question - just write your whole biography while you’re at it! Actually, an answer to any part of that question would be fine.

And sorry it has taken me so long to reply to you. You see, my time management (#10 above) has been rather efficient lately, but the problem is that I need more time to manage - and I can’t create that!

The color of the day is purple.

Actually, I missed my flowers. And the pink was a little shocking.

But I am having trouble customizing the header. So for now just purple, no flowers.

Which theme do you like better - pink or purple?

Shopping at warehouse clubs is convenient - but I’m not sure that I actually save money there. While buying in bulk can be cheaper, shopping the sales at grocery stores and taking advantage of double coupons might actually yield a better price.

However, with a big family, it is easier for me to buy large quantities of something all at once. I even appreciate something as trivial as the bigger cart at the warehouse stores. If I buy warehouse quantities at the grocery store my cart is full before I even get halfway through!

But what bugs the heck out of me is the membership fee. In my mind that negates any savings earned. I grudgingly pay it for the convenience but believe me, I make the most of it.

How?

Well, typically a membership lasts for one year. As you near the end of your membership you get tons of reminders from the club to renew, renew, renew.

Of course I don’t do this.

The week before my membership is due to expire I go to the warehouse club and do a huge shop. I get enough detergent, paper goods, batteries, and other nonperishable, non-expiring stuff to last a few months. Then I let my membership expire. Two months later, when I need more stuff, I go to the store and renew my membership for another year.

So now my 12 month membership has lasted 14 months. If I can stretch a dollar - I will!

If you happen to be anywhere near New York City next week, you will have to stop down at the Littlest Pet Shop VIP Boutique pop up store. This is something you won’t want to miss!

Hasbro has taken their very popular Littlest Pet Shop line and brought them to “life”. Enter Littlest Pet Shop VIP’s. These are adorable stuffed animals (my kids can’t put them down!) that have an online persona as well. Each animal comes with a secret code that allows you to set up their online version. I haven’t thoroughly explored their online world, so I will write about that next week. But I wanted to spread the word NOW about the pop up Boutique in New York City.

What is a Littlest Pet Shop VIP pop up Boutique, you ask? (I did, too.)
It is an actual hands on playspace and store dedicated to the Littlest Pet Shop VIP’s. When you enter the Boutique you will get a “Kibble Card” with activities you need to complete as you travel through the store. The activities are fun things like playing with the VIP’s online at one of the computer stations, having your picture taken with the VIP’s, and playing a real life version of the Super Sundae game. You then turn in your Kibble Card for some really cool prizes. And, of course, you can shop for your VIP’s here as well. But here’s the catch! The Boutique will only be there for a limited time. Six more days to be exact.

When:

• Today thru Sunday October 21, 2007
• And next week on Thursday October 25, 2007 to Sunday October 28, 2007

Where:

• 587 Fifth Avenue, New York (Between 47th and 48th) - an easy walk from Grand Central Terminal.

If you can’t make it to the boutique, not to worry, the VIP’s are available at HasbroToyShop.com, Amazon.com, and at major retailers in New York City area.

To see my complete review of the Littlest Petshop VIP’s read my post called LittlestPetshop.com

Moms love L.L. Bean. And it’s that time of year again.

According to their catalog L.L. Bean is offering free shipping is from now until December 21. The best part? No minimum purchase!

Just thought I would pass it on.