Introducing The Financial Mama Series

Before going on maternity leave we made some attempts to save for the income we would soon be missing. We definitely could have done a better job. We had to live very tight during my time from work... Sometimes uncomfortably so.

I am back to work now and have many "what could have been done differently" thoughts. I want to be financially secure, provide for our daughter, go on a vacation once a year.... And oh yeah.... Retirement is not to far away.

On Mondays we will be posting the "Financial Mama Series". I will share with you what I'm doing to get my financial house in order. I would love for you to follow... Maybe we can all do this together. I would love to hear about what you are doing in terms of money in your household. Any tips or suggestions? Please share.

So before I enter 2014, let me introduce you to my first challenge:

Can you track how you normally spend your money?  In some aspects this may be a piece of cake for me.   I have a spreadsheet that states unequivocally where my money goes in terms of my fixed expenses.

Fixed Expenses: The bills that are paid out at the same time and are a fixed amount.   ie: rent,  car payment, daycare

I also have listed my variable expenses.

Variable Expenses: Money that is spent on  any particular day and at any total.  ie:  groceries, vehicle gas,  hair appointments

I do an OK job at tracking my variable expenses. I have a cute pink notebook (and it is cute) in my bag.  Flip through and you will see a section of vehicle gas.  My budget is $240 per month.   Whenever I fill up I subtract what I spent and am aware of how much money I have left.  Same for my $75 clothing budget and $400 grocery budget.

I get in trouble with the variable category I call "Miscellaneous".  Why am I calling this miscellaneous anyway?  This is the money that goes to STUFF.  Could be coffee...  a movie...  a blouse....  Wait! !

I HAVE A CLOTHING BUDGET!!

See what I mean? You will probably find that you have a hard time finding out what happened within your variable category.

Like me, you may think this first task is a difficult one.  (why am I envisioning Jack Nicholson yelling that I can't handle the truth?)  This task is just to give you a visual heads up about where your money is going.  Easy peasy.

It is usually advised that you look over 6 months of expenses.  I am using two as I have been collecting a full paycheque during this time.

A Mamalicious Year In Review

A year ago Missy Miu was 4 months old and I was one lonely Mama.   I knew there were groups of Moms who were getting out and keeping each other company.   I was experiencing so much despair that the thought of being sociable would paralyze me.  Many of the Mom outings were a bit of a commute.   Going to work entails a 52 km drive one way.  The long trips to mingle with the baby became another excuse not to get out.

I soon realized that at this point maternity leave was going to be sad experience.  The only way to get around this was to create my own group.   I mean surely I would be a social butterfly if it was my group.   If I planned events in my area then the excuse of a long commute would be removed.

Thanks to Meetup.com I was able to get some great ideas and form a mommy group Scarborough Pickering Mamalicious Mamas.   Almost a year later we have over 200 Mamas.   Many going through the same predicament of loneliness.  

We are all excited about being a parent, but were not really forewarned that sometimes it would be difficult to find other children for our little ones to mingle with,  peer support and things to do. It's pretty exciting to know that we had Mamas participate in almost 200 events.   I would like to thank the volunteer Mama's who host many of our outings.

Our group has evolved.   We have new Mamas and Back to work Mamas.   We are listening.   Even though Moms are returning to work they still want to keep in touch with each other.  They had lots of baby questions and they have now turned to toddler questions.

I'm excited about out first Weekend Mama event taking place next month on a Saturday.   Any member can attend however it is a great opportunity for back to work Mamas to catch up with each other and for their toddlers to mingle.

We have accomplished a lot with the Mamalicious Mamas and would like to continue.     We have some great ideas and are looking forward to working with businesses in the community.

I am back to work,  juggling family life but excited about upcoming developments for the Mamalicious Mamas.

Contest: The Go Anywhere Booster Seat

Now that we have a child getting ready to head out can be quite an experience. Now when we pack a few essentials, it looks like we are going on a major excursion. We have a mobile high chair which can be a bit of a hassle to carry. This would be why I'm very excited to blog about the Go Anywhere Booster Seat by A Parent Company.

On a trip to England Phil and Vanessa Carrington they came across the Go Anywhere Booster Seat; a product not offered anywhere in North America. They became the exclusive distributors for the North American market and it is now available here through their business, A Parent Company.

When folded away, it has the look of a stylish messenger bag with a handle and shoulder strap. I love the fact that it is very light to carry. In fact it weighs 1.5 lbs.

The Go Anywhere Booster Seat has three sets of adjustable straps that secures to a chair. It is a quick and easy setup which is a major highlight for me.

Missy Miu is so actitive, but I am able to secure her in with ease

Other selling points:
- It's a wipe clean seat
- BPA & Phthalate free
- It's stylish and hip
- great for traveling and everyday use
- Boasts a 5 point restraint harness
- Ideal for children who are able to sit unassisted up to 40 lbs

I am so excited that our Mamalicious Mamas are eligible to win a Go Anywhere Booster Seat. It will be posted on our event board on Dec 16th, 2013. All they have to do is visit A Parent Company's Facebook Page, Like it and make a comment on the selected photo with chair why they would like to win one. 

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.**

Cookie Exchange Event

We will be at Creative Play Indoor Playground for our Cookie Exchange.

While our little ones play we will get into the Holiday Season exchanging small tins of cookies.

You may bake em', buy em, then savour em. (nut free food is allowed on premises).

It will be a great opportunity to share secret recipes or the favourite secret spot you bought them.

Please RSVP by Monday, December 2nd. We will contact each Mama with her picked Mama name on Tuesday, December 3rd.
Shhhh.... It's a secret....

http://www.meetup.com/Scarborough-Pickering-Mamalicious-Mamas/events/152394092/

Mama Melanie will be your host for this event.

Our Holiday Diaper Drive Event

Hi Friends, we are excited to announce our First Mamalicious Mamas Holiday Diaper Drive.All Diapers collected will be donated to the Pregnancy Help Center of Durham (Ajax Location) located at 572 Kingston Rd., W., Pickering Village. www.pregnancyhelp.ca.

Diaper need is the struggle to provide babies and small children with clean diapers. Diaper need is defined as having to cut back on essentials, like food, utilities, medicine and child care in order to afford enough diapers for one’s children.

Did you know:
- 3 in 10 Canadian Mamas know a Mom who cannot afford disposable diapers
- Daycare facilities typically do not allow cloth diapers
- Many public laundry facilities cloth diapers to be washed in their machines for sanitary reasons
- In households experiencing diaper need, babies may be kept in wet, dirty diapers for extended periods of time- Mothers cut back on basic essentials, like food, utilities or child care in order to afford enough diapers for their child

We will be accepting new packages and opened packages of Disposable Diapers. These can be dropped off at Treehouse Play and Café.

All sizes are appreciated however there is a need for sizes NB, 5 and 6.

How else can you help?
-Spread the word.... Let your contacts know via Twitter, Facebook (and groups), and other forms of social media.
- Let family and friends know verbally, text or email..
- Deliver your friends donations to the drop off site.

This event starts Sunday, November 24th - Sunday, December 22, 2013. We have an alternate time and drop off site for Sundays which will be announced soon.Need more info? Please contact us in the comments area.

Thank you.

Going To The Zoo, Zoo, Zoo

Mamalicious Mamas had an awesome time at the Zoo! Zoo! Zoo! It was a nice sunny day.

We enjoyed a pleasant walk and of course the animals too. Thanks to Mama Melanie for being our host for this event.

Wordless Wednesday

A beautiful scene to come home to.

Mama Networking

Hi My pic of Corktown Commons

So I am back at work and Missy Miu is approaching 14 months. While this blog is a behind the scenes look at the Mamalicious Mamas and the Mamas behind it, I still want to write about what was important to me before and right after I had my little girl.

How to find stuff to do on a rainy day.  This applies to Mamas on mat leave and Mamas now.

It's my third weekend after being back at work and it's raining and gloomy outside. I just don't feel good about keeping Missy Miu in. The hubby is cool about being indoors, but today takes me back to my mat days where if I stayed in....

It was time to take charge. Hubby's like, "It's gloomy out... Where can we go?"

So what do you do?

Reach out to other Mamas.
- There are many Facebook Mom Groups with moms ready to share advice
- Meetup.com. You can find many Mommy Groups like Mamalicious Mamas. They may have a weekend activity or you can post a what to do question in the discussion area
- Your smartphone. Made some Mama friends? Save their contact info so you can touch base while on the go

- Local newspaper sites. I refer to Snap Pickering. They always post what's happening in the area
- Community activity sites. I love Melanie OTG - a site on what to do with kids in the GTA.

As I write this, a Mama contact came in that she was at Pickering Town Centre. Another Mama owns Treehouse Play and Café and let me know that as of October they will be open every weekend.

We ended up a play centre that was (sigh) a bit too old for Missy Miu  - 2 years and up. But I would like to thank my Mama network for the great advice. I will definitely use my contacts in advance if I'm in a pinch.

So Mamas, how do you find activities for the little ones?  

Back To Work After Baby

Photo from SheKnows
Decide on child care
We found one 3 months prior to my return to work. Two weeks before, I hung out with Missy Miu for two to three hours over a few days. The following week... it was project "cold turkey". I dropped her off for six hours. The first two days were tough. On day three, I was shown pictures of her playing. (insert angels singing here)

Have a back-up plan
With little one going to child care, there is no doubt they will get sick. Make arrangements between you and your partner about how vacation and sick days will be managed. We also made arrangements with my Mama to take over on occasion in case Missy Miu becomes ill.

Share responsibilities
While at home on maternity leave, it made sense that I take on most of the household responsibilities. Now it is an even playing field. Well sort of. Negotiate a chore list and discuss what you and your partner can handle. You'll be less stressed.

Prep! Prep! Prep!
Get as much ready the night before. This is one rule I live by. Baby's and my clothing is picked out the evening before. Diaper bag is packed and my lunch is made. I have created a meal plan since I have less time to stop for fast food and (sigh) less money to spend on it. I have to work on a housekeeping schedule as it is no fun doing all the chores on the weekend. Uhm... I even make two days of breakfast so I can pop it into the microwave oven at 4:30 am. (I am aware that you just rolled your eyes)

Get some sleep
It was in the news the other day that once our little ones sleep through the night, we don't sleep through the night. Momsomnia (look it up). Getting back into the work routine will be hard on the mind and body. Try to get into bed at a reasonable hour. Establish a routine where you can grab a shower, change into some comfy sleep wear and get into bed. You don't have to sleep at that point. Grab a book, watch your favourite program. You'll probably fall asleep in your relaxed state.

Keep your Mama friends
No doubt you probably made some Mama friends while you were off. Make a pact to keep those friendships when you return to work. We compared notes on baby during maternity leave... You still have things in common as your little one grows and /or as your return to your career.

Now that you're back
Embrace your new role- You are providing for your family and showing your little one that Mamas can wear many hats. You also benefit with fulfillment that comes with your job. I more empowered being back at work. Especially now that I am bring more money our household.

Use you lunch time for time to get some time yourself.

Don't feel guilty if you enjoy the work / life balance.

Focus on the positives. I really cherish the time I spend with Missy Miu and now we can easily save for our first vacation with her.

So Mamas... Do you have tips to add?

Thankful Friday

Now that I am back at work I can honestly say I am thankful for my job and the money I make. Through heavy duty saving and planning we made it through my 1.2 years off of work. But we could have planned better.

Going forward I would like to demonstrate my gratitude by not being as frivolous as I once was with my money. It is important (especially now that we have a little one) that my husband and I provide more responsibly our family.

We have created a budget that will build our savings and all things emergency. And of course I would like to have fun with my family through vacations etc, but I look forward to it being paid in full.

What are you thankful for today? 

Wordless Wednesday

Can't wait! 

September Happenings

I Maternity leave is now over for Lexi and myself. As we now juggle with our little ones, work, school and family life - - we are determined to maintain The Mamalicious Mamas Social Network. Currently we are 157 Mamas strong.

September is jam packed with Mamalicious events:

* Get Mamaliciously Fit with Heike
* PYO Tropical Vegetables
* Java / Tea Adventures
* The Zoo
* Anything FroYo
* Lots of Walks
* Indoor Playdates
* Bellydance Workshop ( Mama Only)
* Menu Planning Info Session

Are you a Mama or a Mama-to-be? Then The Scarborough Pickering Mamalicious Mamas is for you. Let's venture out of the house and enjoy the day.

Starting A Meal Plan

In September we have arranged for the Mamalicious Mamas to attend an information session on Meal Planning at the Loblaws Cooking School. I will not be able to attend, but I've decided it would be a good idea to explore for our own household.

I have been Googling various sites on the topic and so far I like the concept of theme dinners. This is what I have written for the week:

Monday: Pasta and left over chicken
Tuesday: Steak
Wednesday: Wraps steak
Thursday: Stir Fry
Friday: Take-out
Saturday: Barbecue anything goes
Sunday: Chicken

I also read that you can repeat your detailed menu bi-weekly. So if you have lasagna on Monday, then feel free to serve it in two weeks.

Returning to work is leaving me a little overwhelmed with time management. An area I always have trouble with. Yeah… Yeah…. I have been told I have a tendency to over think things. But my commute is 55 kilometers from away. I need to feel that my time after I get home is quality time with my family. Not to mention I have to spend time behind the scenes of the Mamalicious Mamas.

Oh. And there is my hobby of cake decorating that garners me an order every so often.

Hubby and I used to spend a pretty penny on take-out. Yes, I am back to work getting (thank goodness) a full wage, but daycare takes a chunk out of it. Meal planning for dinner will also provide for lunch the next day.

Most importantly, I would like Missy Miu to eat healthy. I am looking forward to seeing her assist with dinner after daycare. Right now she eats the paper napkins. It will be pretty cool when she actually places them on the table.

So Mamas… Do you do any form of meal planning in your home?

Wordless Wednesday

Missy Miu and Dad

Adventures in Babysitting

We have secured a spot for Missy Miu in a daycare for over a month now. I've had a few Mamas ask me about my experience. So I thought I would share.

When Missy Miu was 4 months Hubby and I started to look around for daycare. We were surprised  at how expensive it would be. The costs were from $68.00 to $73.90 per day. (say what?). We were looking at possibly paying almost $1500 per month! A friend pointed out that it was a mortgage payment. (crap!)

Unfortunately we do not have any family to help with Missy during the day. Paying for a provider was our only option.

I decided to check out a licensed home daycare provider. After doing some research, this seemed to be the best option. Monitored by the Ministry of Education the cost was less expensive due to the fact that this was in the provider's home. We were looking at a cost of $48.00 per day / $960.00 per month.

I filled out the online application and received a call within two days from the Scarborough franchise owner. I let them know the area we were interested in. It had to be easy accessible for Hubby so he could continue on to the GO Station. I was told that there were four providers within our area of interest and that I would receive a call back in April, four months before Missy's official start date.

April came fast and the in home daycare and I connected (actually in May). I paid $50.00 for the setup of the interviews. They set me up with two. Even though there was supposed to be four. We went to one and the next day the other. This one was perfect. It was across the street from The Rouge GO Station. We knocked and rang the doorbell for ten minutes . No answer. We were not impressed. On the way home I left an irate message on the answering machine of the main office.

I received an apologetic call the next morning from the office. Turns out the provider said she was unable to do any interviews because her daughter was ill. She had told the office previously, but they had forgotten.

I accepted the apology and waited for another opportunity for the interview as well as others. Two weeks passed. I followed up and left a message. I received a voice mail back that they would contact me when the provider could accept interviews.

The next day the main office called and told me the provider had decided not to offer daycare in her home anymore. Hmmmmm... I thought so. I asked about upcoming interviews. The person seemed a bit flustered on the phone and I was told I would receive a call.

I decided to phone on my own the next day. I expressed my disappointment that $50.00 got me only one interview. I hinted that perhaps I receive some if not all of that money back. They didn't bite.

Later I received a call back. They had a provider by the GO Station in The Guild. We visited her and she was very nice. Missy Miu liked her. But she was not looking after any other children. It is important for us that Missy interact with other children her age... Not hang out with an adult all day.

Sigh... Now up to two interviews we did not receive any follow up calls.

A bit miffed I called the office back. I told them that they had a lot of nerve to assume that I have decided to go with them. I am a parent who has to plan and was returning back to work soon. I ended the conversation with "well my husband will give you a call soon."

Within minutes I received a call from the franchise owner. She told me of another provider who was located between The Rouge and Guild GO Stations.

We visited, but not still not quite impressed. We received another call from the franchise owner asking me what we thought of the last interviewee. It seemed like she assume that we decided on the last provider. I told her we liked her but had other interviews.

Hubby and I went on a site www.godaycare.com. We found a babysitter by the Guildwood GO Station. She was very nice. A former teacher and she had a resume. She charged $45.00 per day. We just felt that she didn't have any structure to the day.

We finally came across a daycare that charged $73.90 per day. They were five minutes from home. We toured the facility and liked what we saw. They had two infant rooms that would hold 10 babies each up to 18 months.

It was a spacious facility with a couple of empty areas. This
daycare had space due to the full-time kindergarten brought in by the Liberal Government. All daycare centres had to close down spots that had children in this age range. Full day kindergarten was affecting the business of daycare. Because of this we lucked out. This daycare provider matched the daily rate of the licensed in home provider.

We were relieved that Missy Miu would benefit in a centre and interact with many other babies her age.

I would advise you to :

- start looking for a provider at the 4 month mark
- put your child's name on as many lists as you like. When you decide on one call the others to remove your child's name
- if a provider doesn't offer good service from the get go... walk away

So Mamas... Do you have any Adventures in Babysitting to share?

Wordless Wednesday

Missy Miu and Nana

Strollerfit In The Park

The Mamalicious Mamas are so excited about the free workouts hosted by two wonderful mamas in our group on Mondays!

They sure make us work hard though. We power walk, squat, jump around, work on our abs, and sing and dance with our babies. It leaves us painful at the end, but its well worth it! And the babies get a good nap (usually).

M cried through the whole workout today though... She just didn't want to sit still. I didn't give in though! I distracted her with fruit snacks and managed to get through the workout.

We are so excited how big our group is getting and how the mamas are volunteering to help us host events. As you all probably know, Dee and myself are going back to work soon! Meaning we could use all the help we can get. Thanks awesome mamas!

M started her Montessori today (two weeks before I go back) so I can get some stuff done and hopefully get rid of old baby things. She did great for the hour she was in today.

On another note, Dee and myself have been frantically preparing for our picnic on Friday! We can't wait to have a Mamalicious picnic, but the sandwiches and cupcakes aren't going to make themselves. Of course with Dee's awesome baking skills, the cupcakes are guaranteed to turn out great. Hope we have lots of you join us Friday!!

Until next time...

GIVEAWAY! Out To Lunch Snack Bag

Scarborough! Pickering! Are you a Mamalicious Mama? If you are visit our meetup board for your chance at our latest giveaway compliments of Norwex sales consultant Cascindra Kawcynski. You will have the chance to win an "Out To Lunch Snack Bag".

This REUSABLE Snack Bag is ideal for toting pretzels, fruit, veggies, cheese, crackers and other finger food. A $9.99 value.It comes in a whimsical owl design and is an environmentally friendly food storage solution. It has an easy velcro closure. 15cm x 16.5cm / 6"h x 6.5"w.

VERY easy to clean and air dry. Not intended for hot foods. Do not heat or microwave.

This is great for back to work Mamas, or bringing snacks for the little ones Mamas.

You MUST FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW AND THEN RSVP back on our event board to win. Contest closes August 21 at 6pm. Winner will be announced Thursday, August 22, 2013. Good luck!

- To win visit Cascindra's Facebook page and LIKE it.

- YOU MUST comment on the PRODUCT here.

Budget Wardrobe Rebuild

I will be returning to work in three weeks. Clothing is not usually a priority but I desperately need to go shopping. For the last year and a half I have been wearing maternity apparel or loose and very casual clothes.

I have tried the work clothes I have. Either do not fit or they feel outdated.

My back to work clothing budget is $300 and what I pick up must be:
- machine washable
- on sale
- transitional (can it take me from end of summer into winter)
- bold and classic

I love shopping, but hate wasting time. For the most part I like to head out to stores where my trip may be successful.

Today it was out to Loblaws Joe Fresh. The plan was to look at their summer fashions on sale. I went into the fitting room and came out with six pieces.

I like these ($14.94) red jeans. They have spandex. They're great as a summer or fall pant and would look great with boots come winter. The grey two tone tank ($6.94) is fun with these jean and I can't wait to try it with my black blazer.

The tan pants ($19.94) are a size 8. They are a tad big but are comfy. I walk quite a bit at work. Once I drop some inches I will take them to a seamstress. The cement print top looks very professional.

I love the way my arms look in this halter styled dress ($19.94). It's fully lined.

And my favourite piece.... This navy and white sleeveless dress. I love pockets on a dress! ($14.94).

For six pieces I spent $91.64!

So Back-To-Work Mamas.... Where do you shop to fall into style?

Infant and Toddler Nutrition

Missy Miu and I were shopping one day at Loblaws in Pickering. Before leaving I went upstairs as I usually do to feed her. There was a lady in a white coat outside the Cooking School door. Being one who is always looking for an opportunity for the Mamalicious Mamas, I approached her.

She introduced herself as Lisa Ireland a nutritionist with Loblaws. I asked her if there were any topics that would be of any interest to my Mamas.

JACKPOT!

Turns out that she would be happy to present an educational seminar for my group. We arranged and set a date for a presentation on Infant and Toddler Nutrition. We had twenty-one Mamas in attendance.

Lisa informed us of:
- the nutrition requirements of breastfeeding moms
- various types of infant formula
- introduction of solids to baby
- sample meal plans It was very informative. I look forward to setting up more educational events for the Scarborough Pickering Mamalicious Mamas.

posted from Bloggeroid

Gasp! You're A Toddler Now?

Missy Miu turned one.

It means she is now my little girl.  She has personality.  She has preferences (don't talk to her when Baby Genius is on).  And you only get one shot on the change table with her.

I could handle all of this no problem.  But then I received the weekly email from Babycenter titled "Your Toddler 1year 1 Week".

WHAT?!  My baby is no longer a baby?

I was not prepared for that news.  In fact it was a tad upsetting.  I think what is difficult for me is the thought of her gaining independence and not needing her Mama as much.

I know... make up my mind right?  Yes... I want Missy Miu to chill on her own so I can catch a break.  I want to put an end to the boob nap.  I want to pee without her wanting me to pick her up at that particular moment.

But sometimes it's nice to feel needed. It's nice to feel when she grabs me and snuggles into my neck at the frightening sound of a car door closing. It's nice to see that bright smile when I rescue her from her car seat.

Sigh... Being a glass half full kind of gal, I will embrace my little one's new found independence. I will clap with her when she reaches the top of the stairs. I will gladly accept her coloured out of the lines art that she will present to me from daycare. And I will joyfully open the weekly email from Babycenter and read about Missy Miu upcoming adventures.

We've Been Featured!

We had an awesome opportunity from Lovable Labels.

Once a month they do a feature on local women run businesses. Hear is the one they did on us, Mamalicious Mamas Social Network.

Lovable Labels creates a line of labels that include Regular and Slimline Stickers, Shoe Labels, Iron-ons and Bag Tags.  They are not only bright, fun and colourful but also met the high standards that parents have come to expect.  The Regular and Slimline labels are microwave and dishwasher safe, the Iron-on labels stay put in the washer and dryer, the Shoe Labels have an extra strength adhesive to ensure they won't come off and the Bag Tags are made of a durable and flexible plastic.

Thanks again Lovable Labels!

posted from Bloggeroid

Strollerfit at Thomson Park

We have two awesome Mamalicious Mamas.... Mellisa and Heike. They have volunteered to lead our group for exclusive Mama Strollerfit routine.

We have had a very good turnout at Thomson Park where we meet every week.

Mellisa and Heike are friendly Mamas, but they worked us hard. They would even check our posture during some of the excercise routines.

The hour long excercise session wraps up with weight resistance and ab routines while holding our babes in arms. We then sing songs to them while Heike blows bubbles.

I enjoyed the workout and my newly toned arms.

posted from Bloggeroid

Events - Week of June 10th

Mamalicious Mamas has 4 events events scheduled this week.  You will find us:

- walking and strolling at Pickering Town Centre
- indulging in some FroYo at ci gusta
- having fun with the little ones at a weekly playdate
- learning Infant / Child CPR

On Mondays we get our exercise on with Mommy and Baby Fitness.
Unfortunately I will have to miss this week's class.  Hubby and I went biking with Missy Miu.  I lost my balance, and flew off my bike head first into some rocks on the side of the path.  Yes I wore my helmet.  I actually landed on my left leg.

Missy Miu ate grass while we waited for the paramedics.  She was really concerned.

I went to the hospital.  Nothing  broken,  just severe bruising. 

I will live. Orders are that I stay off my feet for a few days. Did I mention that Little One is crawling? This should be interesting.

Busy... Busy

We haven't updated for awhile.  Mamalicious Mamas has had many events and the members are so involved.  It is difficult to find time to post on our blog, plan and run our events with babes in arms.

My hubby has been rolling up his sleeves when it comes to Missy Miu.  Hopefully that should allow for me to update more often.

Mamalicious Tea Party

Mamalicious Mamas would like to thank Hy-Tea Teahouse for hosting our Mama Tea Party.  We had 19 Mamas and babes in attendance.

They arranged stroller parking for us out front.

We savoured the flavour of a warm scones, whipped butter, tasty deserts,  fruit, sweet Devon cream, delicious jam and delicate finger sandwiches.

Of course we drank from fancy china too!

We took a walk on the board walk.

And some of us wore fancy hats.

A Brief Update

Whilst on maternity leave I met Lexi who is Mom to an 11 month girl.  Together we organize our Mamalicious Meetup events.  Being like minded we have decided to move the group forward together.  I guess that is my official introduction.  Look out for blog posts by her.

Our new logo is just about ready.  We have 77 Likes on the Facebook page and our Twitter account is now shared.

I would write more, but it was a tough day at the (baby) office.  Missy Miu has her two top teeth coming in and she has a cold.  

I am going to sign off and research infant pain relief.

The Babytime Show Spring 2013

The Mamalicious Mamas have 100 members!  Awesomeness!  I decided to pound the pavement, approach exhibtors at the Babytime Show and see if they would be interested in offering perks to the Mamas.

Knowing hubby would be taking Missy Miu to swimming, I decided to go to the salon to polish up my look.  I got a haircut.  I have learned now that we have a baby, having the time to do hair and make-up is not optional.  Since they were hanging out today, I was able to touch up my hair and wear makeup.  It has been awhile since I adorned a professional look.

Large earrings since baby girl  wasn't around to snatch them out

The show was hopping. I missed Missy Miu, but she would not have had the patience to hang with me today. It was a slow pace, and I stopped at many booths.  I had some business cards printed and purchased off of Vista Print and I presented them to each vendor.

The response was favourable. Everyone I had approached were interested in The Mamalicious Mamas. Here are some of the booths visited.

I cannot wait to negotiate and post perks on our meetup board.  This is so exciting.  I feel like I can make this venture really successful. 

Facebook Page Is Up

I am loving my Meetup Group Scarborough - Pickering Mamalicious Mamas.  I love Missy Miu (my daughter) with all my heart, but sometimes maternity leave can one feeling a bit lonely.  I created the group not only to gain some company for Missy Miu and I, but to also exercise my creativeness.

We love the playdates, but sometimes Mamas want some social time and new friendships. I would hope that in my Meetup Group, a mother would say, "I met some great people and attended some interesting events while on mat leave."

Lately I have been wondering if event planning for Moms could turn into a full-time gig.  

I have decided to stop imagining, and see what I can accomplish within the next 4 months.

This week I created a Facebook Page - Mamalicious Mamas and the response has been positive.  Some of the Mamas and my Facebook friends have liked the page.  Within 24 hours the page accumulated 54 Likes.

I hope the concept of Mamalicious Mamas expands from its current area.  In order to do
so,  I need to create a following through social media.  I have a Twitter Account as well.