Join us and Learn How to Set Up Your Own Service Based Business.

RSVP to the Google+ Event Here

In the sixth hangout in our series – Work At Home Moms Strategy Hour, Kelli Miller and I will be joined by work-at-home mom and virtual assistant Alyssa Avant.

During this session, we will discuss the many options for moms to run their own service based business including: editing (writing, audio & video), ghostwriting, virtual assistance, etc.

We’d love to have you join in the live chat, ask questions and share your own advice and experiences.

RSVP to the Google+ Event Here

Watch Previous Recordings

How to Find Legitimate #WorkAtHome Jobs
How to Get Organized and Productive Working at Home
How To Make Money Blogging
How To Pitch Blog Campaigns To Brands
Improve Your Business Visually – Photo Tips & Tricks

Find out more about these #WAHMStrategy sessions that we hold every other Wednesday 10 am Pacific (1 pm Eastern) at http://www.5minutesformom.com/strategy/

Thanks to Dermatology Consultants for this week’s Tackle it Tuesday post.

Everyone knows it’s impossible to keep active families out of the sun. Yet sun exposure can cause wrinkles, sun spots and worst of all, skin cancer. The doctors at Dermatology Consultants, one of the oldest and largest dermatology practices in the Twin Cities, offer these helpful tips for keeping you and your family safe from the sun’s potentially harmful UV rays.

• Keep sunscreen somewhere handy in your home so it’s easy to remember. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or higher and one that carries the AAD or Skin Cancer Foundation seal of approval.

• Make sure you’re applying the proper amount of sunscreen, about a shot glass for the whole body, 15-20 minutes before you go outside.

• Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours. Smartphone apps like nēvus have reminders that sound an alarm when it’s time to reapply.

• Remember to apply sunscreen on your ears and the back of your arms and legs, especially if you’re a runner or golfer. These are areas where we often see signs of sun damage.

• Many clothing lines like Coolibar offer sun-protective clothing and UV protection swimwear. A stylish hat with a wide brim is always a good idea.

• Don’t believe the myth of the “base tan” as protection against the sun. If you’d like a healthy glow use a self-tanner. One of our favorites is Fake Bake but there are many options available.

• Be most cautious when the sun is strongest, between 10 am and 4pm every day.

• Schedule your annual skin check with a dermatologist now and watch for any changing moles and lesions on your body.

About Dermatology Consultants, P.A. – Dermatology Consultants, P.A. was founded in 1949 as one of the first practices devoted to dermatologic medicine in the Twin Cities. Today, Dermatology Consultants provides a full spectrum of services including general skin care for adults and children, skin cancer surgery and reconstruction, and cosmetic dermatology. Dermatology Consultants has four Twin Cities’ locations in Eagan, Saint Paul, Vadnais Heights and Woodbury. For more information, please visit us at DermatologyConsultants.com or find us on Facebookor Twitter

Calling All Tacklers!

We’re looking for YOU – guest bloggers to post about your own tackles right here. If you are interested in showing off your tackles (we all need some tips and ideas!) then contact us . Thanks for your inspiring tackles!!

Mom Bloggers — what are you tackling this week?

Link up your Tackle it Tuesday post…

Tell us what you’re up to with all your other tackles… housework and otherwise… add your link to your tackle in the Linky below!

We are Tackling Our To-Do Lists Together and making housework bloggable — Each week on Tuesday, we are posting before and after pictures of a project or trouble area that we tackled this week.

Find out more about how Tackle It Tuesday began.

The project can be little or big – whatever you want.

Basically, Tackle It Tuesday is about giving ourselves incentive, deadlines and satisfaction in tackling all our tasks — whether household or otherwise.

If you tackled a project this week, just add a comment and add your link below.

Tackle it Tuesday is managed by Jennifer. You can find Jennifer blogging at Jen’s Journey and tweeting at @jennifer_sikora.

Jennifer here to share with you an exciting update about the Damon Clear braces and give you an update on the progress of my teeth. I have been compensated to write this post and received orthodontic treatment during this campaign, however all opinions listed are my own.

Today I was looking through pictures and ran across the first one I ever took right after getting my braces put on. I realized that I also took one a couple of weeks ago, so I decided to put them side by side just to see how much difference there has been made so far.

I can’t believe how much things are changing. My facial shape, my lips, my teeth — everything is really moving into place. Damon is really making my smile more beautiful day by day!

Because Damon is amazing at making beautiful smiles, they have announced that they are re-branding their name from Damon Clear to Damon Smile!  I truly feel that is fitting for them. They believe in giving anyone a gorgeous smile.

The Damon® Smile transforms smiles in less time that normal braces, with greater comfort and extraordinary results. You can use me for example. My teeth were HORRIBLE, and in just 5 short months, my orthodontist says that we are soon gonna be to the point we can start talking about the next step to my beautiful smile!

An independent study found that the new Damon Smile name encourages prospective patients to think more about improving their smiles. To everyone considering enhancing their facial appearance and correcting their teeth—young and old—there’s never been a better time to achieve a new, beautiful smile, as the Damon Smile enables orthodontists to deliver remarkable outcomes.

Treating more than 3 million patients, the Damon Smile is an orthodontic treatment, offered by thousands of orthodontists worldwide, that is proven to improve smiles and provide results that go beyond straight teeth, correcting bites, smile arcs and overall facial symmetry for smoother cheek contours and enhanced profiles. Damon Clear™ is a virtually invisible option—ideal for today’s image-conscious adults and teens—that offers clear brackets for the upper and lower arches.

If you are interested in learning more about the Damon® Smile, use the Damon Doctor Locator, an easy-to-use search tool for locating a local Damon Smile provider.

Julia, 5m4m contributor, shares her insights about Misses Dressy — a online website where you can find special occasion dresses and supplies for less. We were compensated to write this post and provided a dress for giveaway, however all opinions remain our own.

It’s been a long time since I’ve had to look for a wedding dress, and even longer since my search for a prom dress, but if I could do it all again, I would do it through missesdressy.com. Their La Femme line is absolutely gorgeous!

I remember searching store after store and rack after rack in high school for the perfect prom dress. Though wedding dress shopping was a little more fun, it was still a long search. Oh how I wish Misses Dressy had been around back then! The Misses Dressy internet store was founded in 2010, allowing you the comfort of dress shopping from home and making you only a few quick clicks away from your perfect dress.

I love how Misses Dressy is so easy to navigate. At the top of the website you can find tabs for wedding, prom, cocktail, evening, or accessories  You can even search for new arrivals and ships today, in case you need that special dress right now.

Once you narrow your search down to your occasion, you can further narrow your search by designer, style, color, or (my favorite) price. Misses Dressy makes it easy to find the perfect dress in any budget.

If you need more to complete your look, Misses Dressy carries accessories of handbags, shoes, shape wear, and even lingerie!

And if you need a little guidance in your decision making process? Misses Dressy offers live chat, where you will be given undivided attention and great advice.

No need to worry about ordering online. Each dress comes with it’s own size guide specific to its cut, so you will know exactly what will work for you. Misses Dressy also offers a price match guarantee, FREE shipping, and a store credit for any returns.

I’m in love with this site, and I’m sure you will be, too! Now if I can just find an occasion for one of these beautiful dresses. . .

Enter to win

One lucky reader is going to get to choose a dress from this selection here. Use the Rafflecopter form to enter this giveaway. New to Rafflecopter? Watch this 45-second video on how to enter!

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What will you order from MissesDressy.com?

Julia is a full time mommy and part time writer who thrives on Starbucks, chocolate, and toddler kisses. When she is not chasing a toddler around, you can find her at her personal blog, http://www.elatedexhaustion.com, or playing on Twitter @juliahembree.

This post was submitted by Kim Crossland.

Being stuck in an office can be a drag. No matter how much you love your job, sitting behind a desk for hours at a time, doing work, can make anyone feel run down and tired. To combat this, one solution many office workers turn to is working out while at work.

 The concept may seem outrageous, but innovative office workers have found new ways to increase blood flow throughout the workday. The idea of being able to get a workout in even while in the office entices busy professionals.

While you will not be able to get in the amount of cardio and weightlifting recommended by doctors, there are certain things you can do to keep your blood pumping and get in a little bit more exercise than you normally would while at work.

 Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Stand more often – Did you know that standing burns an average of three times the calories as sitting does? It also helps take a lot of pressure off your hips and back helping your body to feel better all around. In many offices, from homes to offices of major corporations, standing desks are a common sight. Getting one for your home office gives you the option to stand when you want and change postures frequently throughout the day.

• Take movement breaks – Small, short bursts of movement benefit your body more than you may realize. Set up milestones throughout your day where you will commit to doing a few rounds on the stairs, taking a quick walk around the building or doing some yoga at your desk. For example, get up after you have made 5 phone calls, or once every hour on the hour. No matter when you get up to move, it is important to set up a milestone that you will remember and commit to throughout your day.

• Walk while you work – Sounds impossible, right? But treadmill desks have surprised a number of professionals looking for easy ways to workout while they work. While you should not plan to go over a mile or two an hour if you want to stay productive, walking just a little bit can help you keep your blood pumping and body active even when you are stuck behind a computer screen.

• Eliminate your conveniences – Convenient offices make it easy to avoid getting up and moving throughout your day. To force yourself out of your chair so you can keep your body moving and somewhat active, move your trash can across the room where you will have to get up to throw something away. Create little ways that will cause you to get up and move so that your body can stay fluid.

• Change the way you sit – You have likely heard of the benefits of sitting on a large exercise ball instead of your chair. While this may look funny, there are benefits to using this or similar types of ergonomic chairs in your home office. Find one that forces you to use your core to sit up straight so that you can keep your abdominal muscles engaged throughout the workday and put less strain on your back at the same time.

 Making small, simple updates to the way you work can help you stay healthier while at the office. What have you been able to do in terms of working out while at work?

 Kimberly Crossland is passionate about fitness. She loves sharing her tips for staying healthy while at the office on blogs for busy women. Click to learn more about modern office furniture that will keep you healthier at work.

Following a cast of characters through their lives over almost forty years is a formidable task, yet it’s one that Meg Wolitzer has taken on with her new novel The Interestings. This is one of this season’s much-talked about books, and after consuming the 480 page novel in just a few days, I’m in the “loved it!” camp of readers.

In the summer of 1974, Julie Jacobson went away to an arts-themed summer camp run by two aging hippies, and at fifteen, the course of her life was set into motion as the result of one nonchalant invitation. After accepting her tent mate Ash’s invitation to hang out with her group of friends, Julie was transformed from a self-perceived “nothing” into Jules, someone who belonged in a group of irony-loving, slightly profane adolescents. The six teenagers who sat together in Boys Teepee 3 could never have fathomed the ways in which their futures were intertwined, with some relationships set to wax and wane over the years, and others to go down unimaginable paths. That first night they all crowded onto the dirty floor of the teepee, their jokes a mix of typical adolescent silliness and a budding sense of the disturbing nature of the politics and social issues of the day, they embraced a name for themselves. “The Interestings” was meant to be ironic, a stab at their perceptions of being inconsequential. For Jules, in her awe at these personalities like none she’d ever met before, the name was more than fitting:

The name was ironic, and the improvisational christening was jokily pretentious, but still, Julie Jacobson thought, they were interesting. These teenagers around her, all of them from New York City, were like royalty and French movie stars, with a touch of something papal. Everyone at this camp was supposedly artistic, but here, as far as she could tell, was the hot little nucleus of the place. She had never met anyone like these people; they were interesting compared not only with the residents of Underhill, the New York suburb where she’d lived since birth, but also compared with what was generally out there, which at the moment seemed baggy suited, nefarious, thoroughly repulsive.

Jules finds the others the most fascinating, often continuing to feel like an outsider among the group even many years later. Yet Wolitzer has made her the center of the story, with the others’ lives being described around her and her perception of them. None of them are perfect by any means, and through the course of almost four decades, they all make missteps in their own ways, and to certain degrees of significance. Through it all, though, they remain emotionally connected in a way that can often happen when people first meet at such a pivotal time of development.

Wolitzer is a masterful storyteller, taking readers from one moment in time to many years later with a seemingly passing statement, subtly foreshadowing events to come or referencing a distant time in the future. The chapters don’t always flow chronologically, but the tone is set in a way that it’s easy for readers to make the jumps in time, altering the images in their heads to account for aging or setting changes. The shifts allow for the stories to unfold gradually, and some character developments change course as stories are unveiled from the past. Personally, I loved this format, coming to expect some twists and turns from the past to be revealed to help inform the characters’ situations in the present time. I was completely drawn in by The Interestings, an incredible character-driven novel that had me openly weeping at times and utterly fascinated from beginning to end.

Have I gotten you interested? We have one copy of THE INTERESTINGS to give away today. Enter via the rafflecopter below, US and Canada shipping addresses only, please.

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Jennifer here to share with you my thoughts on the book Mommy Time: 90 Devotions for New Moms by Sarah Arthur. We were compensated to write this post and sent a book to read, however all opinions listed are our own.

I remember the first time I became a mom. I was filled with fear and excitement every time I looked at my little bundle of joy. I did my best to devour every book and talk all of my mom friend’s ears off about what I could expect. Those times spent reading and chatting with friends were some of the best, because they helped shape how I handled that first year of being a mom.

Now — there’s another book on the market to give you even more guidance — Mommy Time: 90 Devotions for New Moms by Sarah Arthur.

Every new mom experiences a myriad of emotions—joy, love, the frightening, yet terrific reality that you are now responsible for a tiny little dependent. And in the midst of all these emotions—and burpings, feedings, diaper changes, and quick naps—moms need to be reminded of God’s awesomeness. In this gift-like book, new mom and best-selling author Sarah Arthur writes about how delivering her son three weeks early reminds her of God’s timing, how her trip home from the hospital with her newborn son tucked away in his car seat points to God being in control even when she is fearful, and how a mom’s concern over friendly strangers touching her young child in the grocery store also reminds her that people are sent to help. In a fresh and contemplative style, Arthur sits alongside Mom and helps her understand that God is in control . . . even when her life feels drastically out of control. This devotional will be a great companion for Mom during the small amount of time she gets to sit and be still and think of the truths of God’s word, while relating it to her new favorite subject—her baby.

I really enjoyed reading through this book. It brought back a lot of memories of that first year (which is now long gone by 18 of them!)

The best part about Mommy Time is that I don’t think it necessarily has to only be for the new mom. This book could definitely give any mom out there encouragement.

This book would make the perfect baby shower gift anytime!

Enter to win

We are giving away 3 copies of this book. Use the Rafflecopter form to enter this giveaway. New to Rafflecopter? Watch this 45-second video on how to enter!

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What is your worst fear as a first time mommy?

Welcome to our weekly roundup here at 5 Minutes Around the Blogosphere.

As you know, you can come back all week and add a post or giveaway to our Linky. Be sure to check back often, as new links will be added daily. You don’t want to miss out on something fun.

Have you checked out the current deals featured at 5 Minutes for Deals?

What’s been going on at 5 Minutes for Mom?

•  2 Ways to Reuse Baby Blankets
• Gripped by Perfectionism
• First Time Mommy Fears and a Book that Can Help
• Teen Driving Safety
• Princess Merida’s Induction into the Disney Court
• Lemony Orzo and Tomato Salad
• 8 Secrets for Lasting Weight Loss
• 9 Easy Exercises for Busy Moms
• Mike and Sulley’s New Got Milk Ad

Giveaways

• Chick Fil A Gift Card
• Kroger BBQ Package
• Bibble Bibs
• Thrive Art Classes
• Because I am Your Dad
• Conversational Cooking
• Bokos Sandals
• Bathtime with Caillou

Giveaway Winners Announced!

Giveaways galore! We’ve got more winners to announce for giveaways that ended this past week. Congratulations to all our winners! Emails have been sent…

The winner of My Planet Book Review is Kerrie Mayans.

The winners of Cryoow Dolls (3 winners) are Jeanna, Julie and Patricia.

Please note: all giveaway winners were selected using random.org.

Link Up Your Giveaways

Would you like to share a fun giveaway? Please add it to the Linky below. You can come here any time this week to add in your link. Don’t miss out on the fun. Be sure to visit throughout the week as the linky grows, and more sites are added.


Or if you prefer the traditional linky….

Written by 5 Minutes for Mom Advertising and Communications contact, Jennifer. You can find me blogging at Jen’s Journey and tweeting at @jennifer_sikora.

Jennifer here to tell you about a brand new product I discovered — Egg Crystals. Hang on ladies, because you will not believe this review! We were compensated for writing this post and also sent samples of the product to try, however all of our opinions remain our own.

I am not a breakfast girl at all. I think the reason for that is because my husband wants a full course breakfast — eggs, bacon, toast, potatoes — you name it and he wants it. For me, that just takes way too much time, time which I do not have in the mornings.

Then, we were recently introduced to Egg Crystals and I can honestly say my mornings just got a little easier.

What are Egg Crystals?

Egg Crystals are dehydrated eggs that actually tastes just like fresh eggs. And since they focus on the fundamental processing technology itself, this company does not add chemicals, preservatives or any other additives to their products. The eggs they produce are pure and 100% natural!

The concept behind Egg Crystals is just like sun dried tomatoes or dried fruits. A fresh product is used and dehydrated. With the eggs, it leaves behind little crystals, which is how the company got their name — Egg Crystals.

So my question was — could these eggs really taste that good? I mean, c’mon — they’re powdered eggs. How good could they really taste?

I will be the first one to tell you that I was extremely skeptical — until I took my first bite. All through the mixing process, the cooking in the microwave, I had my doubts.

When the eggs came out of the microwave and my husband and I tried them, we were both floored at the delicious flavors coming from our plate. Seriously — Egg Crystals are SO good.

What flavors are available?

Right now, there are two yummy flavors available — Sea salt and black pepper, and sausage and herbs. My favorite? The sausage and herbs. These eggs taste great in a burrito, or just as a quick breakfast in the morning.

In 75 seconds you can have fluffy scrambled eggs that have flavor and taste. Simply mix, cook, and eat!

The cartons have four servings in each box. Each box runs $4.99.

Which flavor would you choose?

Enter to win

20 readers are going to get their chance to win both flavors of the Egg Crystals listed above. Use the Rafflecopter form to enter this giveaway. New to Rafflecopter? Watch this 45-second video on how to enter!
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Which flavor do you think would be your favorite to try?

This post was written by Jenny.

There are many different baby blankets available these days: blankets for swaddling, blankets for warmth, blankets for comfort, blankets for bath, and more. Not to mention the many fabric options available: Chenille, cashmere, muslin, fleece, bamboo.  The possibilities are nearly endless.

However, what is a mother to do when her baby is a baby no longer yet all of the blankets remain? Not only are they still useable, but they contain such special memories that passing them on to someone else or tossing them seems harsh. Thus, a blanket modification becomes necessary.

Baby Blanket Quilt

Making a baby blanket quilt is the perfect solution for what to do with all those old blankets.

Simply cut out large, equal-sized squares from your favorite blankets.  Sew them together.  Attach a backing, such as the elegantly soft minky fabric, which can be found at any local fabric store.

Yet another blanket fabrication that is helpful for life with babies and toddlers, is the easy-to-clean beach blanket.  Many of the blankets I have retain sand from the beach no matter hard hard they are shaken.

Make a Beach Blanket

Simply take a few of your child’s older baby blankets and an outdoor tablecloth that is vinyl and sew them back-to-back. Then flip them right side out and finish the seam.  Now you have an easy to clean, large blanket that is perfect for picnics or days in the sand.

Making your own blankets or creating new ones from treasured pieces can be rewarding and resourceful, but it is also nice to know where to purchase blankets. Check out babyblankets.com today to peruse their wide selection and find the perfect blanket for your little one.

How would you repurpose and old baby blanket?