From High Heels to Bunny Slippers Surviving the Transition from Career to Home Capital Lifestyles
May 31, 2009 by Stay At Home Mom · Leave a Comment
From High Heels to Bunny Slippers Surviving the Transition from Career to Home Capital Lifestyles
Psychotherapist, mother, and author Christine Conners never doubts that the decision of a professional woman to stay home with her young children is the right one. In From High Heels to Bunny Slippers, she supports their decision to personally care for their children with compelling new research on childcare and its potential negative effects on young children, as well as her own firsthand experience as a co-founder of the NASA child development centers. Unlike previous books aimed at this growing readership, Conners recognizes and addresses mothers
A Stay at Home Moms Complete Guide to Playgroups
May 29, 2009 by Stay At Home Mom · Leave a Comment
A Stay at Home Moms Complete Guide to Playgroups
Packed with practical advice and step-by-step instructions, “A Stay-at-Home Mom’s Complete Guide to Playgroups” covers everything a stay-at-home mom needs to know to start and maintain a successful playgroup for herself and her child! Various options along the way help the reader tailor her playgroup to her individual needs and those of her child’s. It also addresses the unique concerns of working parents, at-home dads, homeschooling families, and parents of children with disabilities. Additionally, the book suggests ways in which the Internet can help at every stage of the process. Written by a stay-at-home mom of four and “veteran” of five successful playgroups, “A Stay-at-Home Mom’s Complete Guide to Playgroups” provides valuable tips that can be used when starting a new playgroup or rejuvenating an old one!
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Wonderful Book!
This book takes a common sense approach to organizing a playgroup. Helpful tips and suggestions cover how to find other moms to join, how to handle common (and not so common) problems, how to set up rules, etc. I’ve used it to start a playgroup in my neighborhood, and I’m so glad I did! I was very anxious about starting a playgroup, but this book has given me confidence and has been so helpful in the whole process. I highly recommend it.
5 Stars A book for every mom
I recently read this book and was amazed at all the useful information I found! This book is full of ideas for getting a playgroup off the ground. It covers everything from getting started to entertainment ideas. It has a whole chapter devoted to how to handle problems that might arise. I am a working mom of a 10 yo and 6 yo, but still found some great ideas for children’s church and nursery. I am also going to use some of these ideas for summer while the kids are home and wanting playdates.
Who Got Peanut Butter on My Daily Planner Organizing and Loving Your Days as a Mom
May 28, 2009 by Stay At Home Mom · Leave a Comment
Who Got Peanut Butter on My Daily Planner Organizing and Loving Your Days as a Mom
Seven years ago Cindy Dagnan and her husband made the decision for her to leave a teaching position and stay home with their girls. To this day, she is thankful for the sacrifice they made and is filled with advice and encouragement to help other moms
- handle the identity transition from career mother to at–home mom
- streamline meals and at–home projects and enjoy the saved time
- connect with others to create a vital network of friends
This gathering of inspiration and practical steps will lead at–home moms—and those considering the decision—to transcend the daily grind and draw closer to the One who shaped the concept of home in their hearts.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Who Got Peanut Butter On My Daily Planner
I have to say that this has been the best book I have read for stay at home moms. I am the stay at home mom of 5 children and found her book encouraging not just as a parent, but also as a wife. She really balanced this book between children, husbands, friends, and spiritual growth.
5 Stars helpful aid for moms
the biggest complaint about this book has been that it focuses too much on spiritual things; well for those who don’t know, the auther writes christian books and so quoting scripture and using the bible to help inspire moms just goes w/ the territory:) i found her refreshing as she both acknowledges the challenges faced by moms and then through a variety of suggestions, helps tackel those difficulties. At the end of each chapter there is a section of questions for personal reflection, a section for an action plan dealing w/ that chapters’ topic (ex. over-commitment or perfectionism or stress issues) a section for a journal topic (should you choose to keep one through the book) and a verse from the bible to inspire and memorize as preferred. My only problem has been wanting to take on every suggestion she offers all at once…
2 Stars Not the best
This book focuses way too much on religon and not enough on giving practical tips on organization and time management. I would not recommend, there are better books out there.
5 Stars Wonderful!
As a new stay at home mom that previously had a very demanding career, I found this book to be full of fun, insightful information. Love it!
4 Stars Encouraging book for mothers
The life of a stay-at-home mother, filled with laundry, dishes, finicky taste buds and too little adult interaction, can be an overwhelming one. It can also be a joyous time of laughter, pretend, sticky kisses and stolen moments. The trick is in choosing the joy over the mundane.
Cindy Sigler Dagnan pretty much summed it up when she said, “All of us want to be there for our children–we just don’t want to lose ourselves in the process.” With sections covering the supermom syndrome, time management, financial management, personal growth, spiritual growth, and marriage, she provides realistic goals and solutions to make the most of our years at home. She even finishes out her book with recipes that are kid-friendly, yet adult palatable.
It has been a long time since I’ve picked up a book on “the life of a mom” that has been so helpful and encouraging. There were chapters that made me want to pat myself on the back–Look! Something I have achieved!–and chapters that made me want to be a better person.
My biggest complaint is that I would be in the middle of a chapter and would feel inspired to put the book down to go forth and do. She gave me the inspiration to “Relax in the rhythm that causes [me] to dance, not trudge, through life.”
Armchair Interviews says: A wonderful, encouraging book for mothers!
MomWorks A Spiritual Journey Through New Motherhood
May 27, 2009 by Stay At Home Mom · Leave a Comment
MomWorks A Spiritual Journey Through New Motherhood
Many Christians believe that God uses times of transition, such as that of becoming a mother, to illustrate His character and refine our perception of Him. In “MomWorks: A Spiritual Journey through New Motherhood,” a new mother shares her journey through the challenges and rapid changes of new motherhood that led her to a greater understanding of God’s plan for her as a new mom. Her reflections promise to inspire and equip young new and expectant mothers to serve God to the best of their abilities as they complete the tasks and trials of motherhood. With a lighthearted and upbeat tone, this book expresses truths about being a godly woman and mother such as how to use time at home wisely to serve God and family, how to find contentment as a new stay-at-home mom, and how to honor your husband in the midst of life’s hectic pace.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars MomWorks is a Great Book!
I recently read MomWorks by Megan Lagoy and loved it. It’s a great book based on Christian principles, not just about being a first time Mom, but also about acceptance of yourself (Ch. 7 Beautiful Momma) and who you become after becoming a Mom. It’s lighthearted, a really fast read, (about 2-3 hrs) and filled with a little humor and a lot of honesty about the author’s feelings about her journey through motherhood. I think my favorite chapter was “Romance Shmomance”. As a mother of one, it reminded me how important it is to continue to cultivate your relationship with your husband and she gives some great ideas (inexpensive ways too!) on how to do that. Throughout the text the author quotes bible scripture to help support and reinforce her beliefs on how God plays a role in a mother’s life. I would recommend this to not just first time Moms, but all Moms AND Dad’s!
5 Stars A very refreshing read….
I’m not yet a mother, but I enjoyed the book so much! Many of the life lessons talked about apply to our lives in general, even without having kids–spiritual leadership, broken expectations, self-esteem, relational dynamics…. It’s refreshing to read a book that deals honestly with difficult issues but also maintains a light-hearted flavor. I’m thankful to have this resource to give to friends who are expecting, as well as to refer to when I someday become a new mom.
5 Stars Great preparation for being a mom!
Even though I am not a mom yet, I found this book very helpful in trying to prepare myself to be the best mom I can be! I greatly enjoyed the personal stories mixed with the reminders about the importance of Christian faith. I sincerely appreciated the honesty and clarity I found in this book and feel like I am beter prepared to be a great Christian mom after reading it. Thanks!!!
5 Stars Humble and humorous reflections on new motherhood
As a mother of two toddlers with a third baby on the way, I can relate to the many joys and trials of being a new mom. The author is sincere and open with her struggles and shortcomings, and her personal stories are funny and heartwarming. She is honest about her faith and how her perspective and strength come from God. Overall, I found the book an insightful and pleasant read, full of relatable situations and little gems of wisdom!
5 Stars Delightful for new moms or new Christians.
Reading this book is like visiting with a good friend. Pour a cup of coffee and enjoy the author’s honest sharing of the realities as well as the joys of first-time motherhood and some practical ways to cope and grow as a mother, a wife, and a Christian while maintaining one’s own identity.
How to Help Your Husband Make More Money So You Can Be a Stay At Home Mom
May 26, 2009 by Stay At Home Mom · Leave a Comment
How to Help Your Husband Make More Money So You Can Be a Stay At Home Mom
“A highly valuable resource… will surely help mothers fulfill their dreams.” — Jeanette Lisefski, founder of National Association of At-Home Mothers
“The information presented is accessible, and Schraf is a good cheerleader for getting started.” — AudioFile
This program is highly recommended to most libraries collecting self-help materials for people seeking to further their careers. — Library Journal, May 1, 2003
User Ratings and Reviews
2 Stars Some good tips but nothing earth shattering.
It has been several years since I read this book, but I do remember that I was not incredibly impressed. I was expecting some really strong powerful ideas, but rather remember coming away with a few luke warm tips and ideas. I do believe the book is strongly geared towards helping husbands who are in a traditional job in the corporate world. My husband works in the corporate world but is not in a traditional job so it wasn’t to helpful for us anyway. Good luck in your quest to be a SAHM!
1 Star Waste of my money
Unless you are looking for a way for your husband to get a new higher paying job or get a pay raise, this book is not for you. I am currently a stay-at-home mom and absolutely love it, but am looking for a way to boost our income a bit. The whole book is about techniques to find your husband a better job or to ask for a raise if he is underpaid. There is one chapter on small jobs for extra income, but that’s it.
5 Stars Helped me
I thought this was a great book. It was easy to read and It had lots of helpful techniques and resources including websites and phone numbers to make it easier to increase your income. My wife and I used the info and I did get a raise. I would definitely recommend it. I think the people with negative comments haven’t actually read the book or if they have maybe they are too jaded by life to have hope…
1 Star Agree with the concept- male view absent, poorly written…
This book isn’t for women that want to help their husbands make more money. This book is written for women who are wishful thinkers.
As much as women may not want to hear it- supporting their husband means being an effective and productive household manager. It means being willing to defer gratification “wants” in favor not only of more income, but a steadily growing net worth which is the ultimate foundation for financial security. Women (and men) who are a bottomless, insatiable pit of “need” for destructive assets like automobiles, which the whole time you’re making interest payments on them, are rapidly depreciating will never get ahead with mere “cheerleading” which seems to be where the advice begins and ends in this book.
Sorry, ladies but telling your husbands daily that they’re “Smart enough, good enough, and doggone it- they’re worth it” isn’t a strategy. It’s wishful thinking.
5 Stars Don’t let naysayers keep you from reading this book
Obviously a lot of the reviews written here are about people’s objections to stay-at-home moms, not the book itself. I am a feminist, and there is nothing wrong with helping yourhusband or partner earn more money (man, if you don’t like the idea of staying home with your kids, than don’t do it– don’t tell people to earn thier own money and let the husband stay home! Geez! Feeling a little insecure about your own choices?)
This book is really a great idea, and not a new idea either. This is the attitude my grandmother had about her husband’s work, and she was much more financially stable than most women today. Obviously you want to have your own work skills, bank account, savings account, in case of death or divorce, but for many women who can not possibly do any more penny-pinching, and who either don’t want to use up thier time with thier children running a business from home, or are already doing so and could use more money, this is agreat resource.
Good job to the author! Thank you for writing a book about something that us women have been thinking about.
I think this book is worth its price, even on a stay at home mom budget!
Kids have the right to be cared for by people who love them, and I think any book that helps a women or man stay home with thier own children is a great addition. I am going to recommend to my library that they buy this book.
As for the folks who review this book and criticize moms at home, why are you reading tis book in the first place? Seems thou dost protest too much………….
Happy Housewives
May 24, 2009 by Stay At Home Mom · Leave a Comment
Darla shine asks desperate housewives everywhere: What have you got to complain about? Here’s a modern-day guide to keeping house, raising kids, and loving life.
After leaving her glamorous, high-profile job when her son was born, Darla Shine quickly learned what it’s like to be home with a baby. It was absolutely the hardest job she’d ever had — but it was by far the best choice she could have made.
At first she refused to admit that she was “just an at-home mom” and employed babysitters and housekeepers to take care of her home and family while she went to the gym, the salon — anywhere to keep from turning into a “frumpy housewife.” But one day she made the mistake of complaining to her mother, who called Shine and her friends a bunch of spoiled brats. Her mom told her to wake up and start enjoying her family — before it was too late. It was just the dose of reality Shine needed.
Once Shine finally allowed herself to let go of her “ridiculous” expectations of having it all, she was able to truly embrace motherhood, marriage, and homemaking. She got herself into shape, put herself on a schedule, and began to realize that being an at-home mom was the best gift of her life.
Shine’s brutally honest — and hilarious — ten-step program helps moms everywhere realize that they can be hot mamas, they can rekindle the romance in their marriages, they can reinvent themselves — and they can do all this without getting desperate. She includes daily and weekly schedules to show how she pulls it all together, fast and easy recipes for even the most kitchenphobic, and online and magazine resources to help you embrace your inner housewife.
Says Shine, “Let’s start promoting the good mother, the happy homemaker, the woman who has her act together, the woman who takes pride in being a housewife. Let’s lift our spatulas and start demanding some respect!”
User Ratings and Reviews
1 Star Not quite sure about this bigotted attitude
Shine seems to criticize other women who don’t agree with her. That is Bigotry any way you look at it. Very disappointed that “Sisters” of all races and stations in life cannot love, respect and support one another. I gave the book to goodwill, maybe someone else will benefit–
5 Stars A fresh breath of air for stay at home moms
I am fairly new to being a stay at home mom and struggled with all that means. This book was a fresh breath of air about how to be proud of my decision and to embrace my new career. It is perfect for those who are struggling to find happiness and meaning as a stay at home mom.
5 Stars YES, YES, YES!
Loved this book. Absolutely, completely, totally love it. She completely gets it. I am a SAHM/WAHM by choice and completely fed up with condescention from women who prefer to shove their kids off to daycare. I’m tired of women telling me how they can’t afford to stay home, only to then hear of a million things they are spending money on that they could give up if they were actually motivated to stay home. I’m tired of seeing SAHMs referred to or portrayed as Rich Women, when many make significant financial sacrifices to stay home. I’m tired of the idea that women who stay home have checked their identities, priorities, and brains at the door. This book is the antidote to all that. You might want to add “Home By Choice” (Brenda Hunter) and “What Our Mothers Didn’t Tell Us” (Danielle Crittenden) to your reading list after this one. THANK YOU to the author for sticking her neck out there, telling it like it is, and then sharing her thoughts on how to live gracefully and joyfully in what is STILL the Most Important Job out there: keeper of the home. AMEN SISTER.
5 Stars Happy Housewives by Darla shine
I highly recommend this book. As an over 50 wife, mom, student, teacher and perfectionist former work-aholic, I agree with much of her wisdom. At first, the message seems to only be “be happy with being a stay at home mom”, but then she shows you where the balance can be. I enjoyed her first person accounts and quips. It’s an easy read, and as an added bonus she’s included some of her favorite recipes - easy ones too.
It’s refreshing to find a wise voice in the wilderness of our society that tells it like it is. I’ve been there, done that, and years ago had to decide that guilt would not be my master. Darla shows you how.
2 Stars So-so.
Honestly, I think the book is so-so.
She wants housewives to feel proud that they are doing the most important job in the world - raising productive adults. I agree with this completely. She wants SAHMs to cook homemade meals every night, take pride in their appearance (VERY IMPORTANT!), and run a clean and neat home efficiently.
So far, so good.
Where I have a problem is with the holier-than-thou attitude. More times than one, she puts down her sister and her sister-in-law, some of her girlfriends and women in general about how they don’t have their act together (and she does) and how they should do X, Y and Z (because she does) and how it’s all their fault if they don’t. Personal accountability is important, but taking ALL the blame when a household does not run smoothly is not. It takes two to make a marriage, two to run a family and two to make anything work within the confines of home. I don’t like her patronizing tone and her rants at women in general who don’t do things HER way.
This book is a one-time thing - save your money and borrow it from your local public library. No need to spend $$$ on it. Most likely, you won’t want to read it more than once.
The Daddy Shift How Stay at Home Dads Breadwinning Moms and Shared ParentingAreTransforming the Twenty First Century Family
May 23, 2009 by Stay At Home Mom · Leave a Comment
—Miriam Peskowitz, author of The Truth Behind the Mommy Wars and co-author, The Daring Book for Girls
—Shira Tarrant, Professor of Women’s Studies at California State University, Long Beach, author, When Sex Became Gender
—Jason Sperber, blogger, Rice Daddies
Can I Have Some Money Please Kash Kids
May 21, 2009 by Stay At Home Mom · Leave a Comment
Can I Have Some Money Please Kash Kids
“Can I Have Some Money Please?”" will move our children’s world and bless them taking them to a new preparedness for life. I love it!” -Bob Larsen (Owner & President of The Rushmore Group) –The Rushmore Group
“Giving back is a vital key to a life of prosperity. In this simple mas terpeice, Twyla teaches that the road to wealth and abundance is paved through giving. This book is a must read for people of all ages who ever asked- How can I get more out of life?” -Gregory Scott Reid (#1 Best Selling Author of The Millionaire Mentor) –Gregory Scott Reid
“Money is one of life’s most important issues. Twyla teaches kids how to master giving their way to get wealth and abundance. I love this book! Mark Victor Hansen (Co-Author of Chicken Soup for the Soul/One Minute Millionaire) –Mark Victor Hansen
The Stay at Home Moms Guide to Making Money from Home Revised 2nd Edition Choosing the Business Thats Right for You Using the Skills and Interests You Already Have
May 20, 2009 by Stay At Home Mom · Leave a Comment
Increase Your Family?s Income While Taking Care of Your Children! — Review
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Yes, you can make money from home
This is a great book for those who want to look at various options of making money from home. Very sound advice with samples and guidance to various career options. I highly recommend this book.
5 Stars This is the one book that will really help
This book is great. I am a new mom that has been looking for a way to stay home and bring in some income at the same time. This book told me everything I needed to know. From a guide on how to start a business to managing your family and home. There are also many different profiles of moms who have their own business. How they got started, what they needed, how much money they make and how they manage their business and kids. This book was worth every penny.
5 Stars Want to start your own business???
well this is the one for you…with or with out being a mom, i am a mom, but not to a child…i have 2 dogs and a cat. and i am seriously thinking i want to build a business from home so that if the time comes that i am pregnant or have a child that i can be there for him or her…
this book will help you find the job you want, then find ways to market it, make it legal and give you ideas to make it better/more productful. it also gives you different peoples stories of what they started and how it has worked for them.
You have to check it out!
5 Stars Real life wahms
When I first wanted to work at home, I remember finding Liz’s website Bizymoms. The first edition of her book hadn’t yet been published (1998) but already she had a list of viable home business ideas with real-life stories to back them up. For me, reading about real moms who had found a way to work-at-home was a huge help. It brought the theory from “how to” books into the real world. Liz offers other great tips but for me the real life stories and ideas were the most valuable part of the book. Now I know working at home does happen…I’ve been a wahm since 1998!
3 Stars Way Too Vague to Be Beneficial
The profiles contained within this book are enjoyable reads, but the information is simply not comprehensive enough to be of real value.
For instance, a proofreader is profiled - she proofreads manuscripts for major publishing houses, including bestsellers. The odds of landing this type of work, unless you have an “in” (you used to be in publishing, for instance) are nearly impossible. While it’s understandable that the author wants to sound optimistic, the simplicity of some of her advice is misleading.
Another woman profiled is an attorney, who obviously has the contacts from her working days that bring her work to do at home, as well as the ability to offer a service that is in demand. The average SAHM doesn’t have a law degree, and can’t just run out and get one.
The truth is, if you don’t have work experience or a formidable skill that somehow make you in-demand, this book will do you no good. If you do have the experience or skill, then what you need is a book on marketing your services…simply posting flyers, as suggested in the book, is not going to lead you to 30,50, 80K a year!
If you just want to make money while you’re home with your child, but have no real skills or experience, then try selling on ebay or having merchandise parties in your home. If it were so easy for people to make tens of thousands out of their homes every year, everybody would be doing it.
All Mothers Are Working Mothers A Devotional for Stay At Home Moms And Those Who Would Like to Be
May 18, 2009 by Stay At Home Mom · Leave a Comment
All Mothers Are Working Mothers A Devotional for Stay At Home Moms And Those Who Would Like to Be
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Great messages for moms… and dads!
Six months ago I went from being a full-time medical professional to an around-the-clock SAHM. Not being familiar with the range of devotionals available, I looked to the reader reviews to help me choose a book that would provide me perspective and encouragement, and would help me incorporate a time of spiritual reflection (no matter how brief) into my daily routine.
I have been reading this book daily for almost a month now, and I have not been disappointed! Laura Sabin Riley’s devotions are poignant, relevant, and warm my heart each day. I often share her message with my husband when he gets home from work as it is relevant for him too. His contribution to this review is that her message is not at all “cheesy” like some devotionals can be. I plan on buying a nice supply of these books to have on hand for when my girlfriends and sisters-in-law become moms too.
5 Stars A Must Have for Stay At Home Moms
Laura Sabin Riley has truly touched my life with her wonderful book. It got me through my first year as a SAHM. Her insight is right on target and she makes you feel like she is your new best friend. I would DEFINITELY recommend this book to other moms! I promise, you won’t want to put it down!
5 Stars Useful and Real
I’ve read alot of devotional books over the past twelve years as a mother. This is one, if not, THE best. Laura packs each day full of encouragment–I truly felt refreshed after reading each days thoughts and challenges.
You won’t be disappointed in this book, and it won’t collect dust . You’ll be using it far to often and then passing it along to another mother you love.
5 Stars A meaningful book of simple spirituality for busy moms
You know how toddlers and preschoolers often have a favorite blanket or plush toy that they use as a comforter? That’s what I want to do with the pages of this book: Wrap them around me until I feel better.
Laura Sabin Riley has crafted a meaningful book of spiritual simplicity for busy women and maxed out moms. The easy-to-read devotionals remind me daily not just of how important motherhood is, but also how important my relationship to God is! Each is contained on a single page and consists of a relevant Scripture, a real-life example from Laura’s own life and a short but honest prayer. No where is there a condeming word or pointing finger. Every where, there is a brief brush with grace — just enough to make me feel that a really good friend has patted my hand and told me that yes, the orange juice will come out of the car upholstery and no, these intense days of parenting won’t last forever.
All Mothers Are Working Mothers is divided into twelve sections (one for each month) that address “home-is-my-workplace” issues. I especially like November’s theme: “Job Security — What Do You Mean I’m Not Replaceable If I Decide to Quit?” If you’re a mom, get this book. If you know a mom, get this book for her. The benefits of reading it could literally be felt for generations to come.
5 Stars A break for busy moms
Laura Sabin Riley offers a quiet moment away from the challenges, joys, and duties of a working mom. After all, all mothers are working moms and need a breather to enjoy a quiet word from God to boost their day. It’s right by my bedside where I can start with a daily devotion each morning.
