She was inspired by you, now you can be inspired by her!

About once a month I find myself asking the same question,  ”Why I am blogging and does anyone care?”. Each time I think about how I will find the inspiration to continue updating my website I hear from a reader. About a month ago, my neighbor and I were walking home from dropping our kids at school and she started talking about my site.  She was reading up on the amazing moms who are featured on my site which, got her to thinking about her own dreams and goals.  When she read the article about writing down goals she picked up a pen and paper.

She read about Jania Fox running a half marathon and Beth Armstrong doing the Ironman- but realized as much as she likes fitness- the desire to run anything more than 3 miles wasn’t creating that fire in her belly.  She wasn’t burning to start her own business or create a charitable organization.  Then she remembered a dream that had occupied her in the past but never quite got off the ground.  Lisa had written a children’s book when her daughter Lauren was just over a year old.  She sent it out to a few publishers- but when those publishers passed on the story she let the project die.

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Count your blessings.

I often think about how lucky I am to have 3 healthy children. I’m sure many of you reading this right now are nodding your head and counting your blessings too.  At my 20 year high school reunion, I was catching up with a friend who mentioned in conversation, that she has a 5 1/2 year old son who is severely autistic.  I was caught a bit off guard not knowing if I should ask questions or nod in sympathy.  We exchanged phone numbers and I looked forward to talking to her more in-depth once we had a quiet moment.

I want to share Keri’s story because I think we can all find something important from her experience. (more…)

You never know which decision might change your life forever.

On September 11th, 2001 Denise Berger made a decision that would end up saving her life.   At 8:46 that morning, Denise was working in the South Tower of The World Trade Center on the 103rd floor, when she saw an airplane crash into the North Tower.  At the time, nobody in her building was aware that the collision was a terror attack.  Denise said she saw the plane crash as if it was in slow motion.  Her vantage point was such that she could make out figures sitting in the cockpit.  After the initial impact, she heard several explosions and was fearful that the Tower she was in would catch fire too.  She made a split second decision to get out of the building.  Denise followed her gut and figured she could always go back to her desk later if there was no need to worry.  In addition, Denise was newly pregnant with her second child. (more…)

My Life On Time

As a mom it is critical to be organized.  If you don’t write things down, you are likely to forget something extremely important- like donuts for the kindergarten class on “Dad’s donut day” or your day to drive the carpool to swim lessons.

That’s why we could all use a great calendar or planner to help family life run smoothly and eliminate the likelihood of getting the dreaded call from school that your child is sitting  in the office because you forgot to pick them up!  Laura Marusa, a mom of two kindergarten girls, had a hard time finding the right calendar to fit her needs.  As a result, she dreamed up the perfect calendar then created it using her own computer and design skills.   She named her creation My Life On Time.   (more…)

Finding the silver lining.

Imagine getting the news that you have cancer.  Now imagine that this is the second time in your life that you have heard this news.  Is it easier to process the second time?  On the one hand, you have experience and you know what to expect.  On the other hand, your past experience may lead you to fear what is to come.

One of my childhood friends (pictured with me on the left), Bryn Colvin, is fighting cancer for the second time in 20 years. (more…)

Erin Condren- remember that name.

I have been wanting to write Erin Condren’s story from the day I launched the inspired mom.  She is an incredible role model for mom entrepreneurs.   She was the person who actually got me started dreaming about “possibilities”.  Her success has been an inspiration to me and I hope you find some inspiration too.

Erin’s journey to success was hard fought and included some setbacks that might have have caused many-a- woman to throw in the towel.  The lesson to be learned from Erin is that sometimes disappointment is part of the actual journey on the road to success. (more…)

A mom who isn’t afraid of anything!

Mani Pedi Cutie in Hermosa Beach is one of those places you have to visit in order to appreciate. When I walked in, I was both impressed and curious. At first I thought MPC was just a gorgeous salon. Then, I noticed an area designed with young girls in mind and learned that the salon uses non-toxic beauty products. When I heard the proprietor was I mom of two kids, I knew that I had to interview her for my website.

Fearless, intelligent, determined are just a few adjectives that I would use to describe Ally Conley, the owner of Mani Pedi Cutie. With two children ages 3 and 6 she created an upscale nail salon that is both eco-friendly and child friendly. When you read her story, you will understand why I chose the adjectives above to describe her. (more…)

“No matter what you do, there will be critics.”

Don’t be afraid to pursue your own dreams based on what others say when you share your idea. Use criticism to strengthen your resolve and refine your goals.

If you are brave enough to share your vision with others you might hear some popular and expected responses. Of all the moms that I have met and interviewed each one has had their critics. Statements such as, “it has already been done”, “how will you find the time” or “what happens if you fail?” Instead of allowing any doubts to stop your pursuit, use the criticism to refine your focus.

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Three moms join forces to establish Baby2Baby.

If you have young children, you likely have gear. Clothing, toys, highchairs, strollers, swings; all of which are items we feel fortunate to have as our babies morph into toddlers and children.  Eventually, the day arrives when those items are no longer of use to our families, yet the question presents itself: what can I do with all of this wonderful clothing and equipment that looks practically new? A couple of years ago three inspiring moms confronted this issue over dinner and came up with a plan to put their baby gear and clothing to good use.

Friends for several years, Karis Jagger, Marnie Owens and Lee Michel began to research how best to execute their mission. Familiar with “Baby Buggy,” an established organization in New York that collects gently used baby gear and clothing and redistributes it to local charities, the friends decided to model their own organization with similar goals in Los Angeles. Thus, in 2006 Baby2Baby was born as a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of impoverished families with children ages 0-4 years.  Their inaugural drive was an appeal to local friends that resulted in three garages full of baby gear and clothing. After cleaning and taking inventory, they loaded the items into their own cars and drove them to three local organizations: Beyond Shelter, 1736 Family Crisis Center and St. Anne’s. (more…)

She did it! The amazing Beth Armstrong.

This past Sunday, Beth Armstrong completed the Ironman in 14 hours.  She swam for 1hr 37min, she biked for 7hr 10min and ran for 4hr 49min.  The 14 hours included transitions- that is why the time doesn’t exactly add up.  I was thinking about Beth when I rolled out of bed at 6:30am.  She was getting ready to start her swim.  When I was ready to head off to bed at 9:30 she had just finished.  Beth, you are a great inspiration!

My interview with Beth is posted to the right if you want to read more.