Though August in Houston is more brutally hot than anywhere else I’ve lived, it’s also time for my daughter’s marching band to begin their drills.  For as many as 12 hours a day she and more than 250 bandmates alternate between workshops inside and rehearsals outside, always keeping an eye on their water intake and [...]

Since becoming a Test Drive Mom for Yoursphere, a social networking site for kids and teens, I’ve seen my 11yo daughter’s enthusiasm for the site infect my 13yo daughter and 9yo son.  Now they all have accounts and enjoy surfing through the different interest-based spheres, as well as spending time in Yoursphere’s social gaming corner called [...]

This summer kids will keep learning beyond the classroom, thanks to Champions Summer Science Adventures.  Champions – national education leaders with programs for after-school, reading and math tutoring, and more – offers four Summer Science Adventures for kids ages 5-12 (click on each to learn more): Mystery of the Pharoah’s Treasure Go Wild Gizmo’s Robot Factory  and Space and Rocketry The [...]

Earlier this month I announced that I am an Official Test Drive Mom for the social networking site for kids and teens, Yoursphere.  Together my 11yo daughter and I are having fun getting to know the site and its features, among them the idea of “Spheres.” “Spheres” are areas of interest in one of many [...]

I first heard about Yoursphere, a social networking site for kids and teens, at last year’s Type A Mom Conference.  One of the attendees was particularly enthusiastic about the safe, supportive, entertaining environment of this site, considered “social media on training wheels.”  Kids and teens can create profiles, start blogs, share pictures, play age-appropriate games, [...]

Last year, businesswoman and social media superstar Maria Bailey organized the inaugural National Mom’s Nite Out, “the first nationally organized celebration of motherhood intended to bring together today’s moms, physically and virtually[;] The National Mom’s Nite Out [united] over 150 social media groups, companies, local playgroups, mommy bloggers and mother social networks in giving moms [...]

Before my trip to visit eBay headquarters last week, I had to sign a Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement.  (note:  I wonder what was so “mutual” about it?  Maybe if I promised not to divulge trade secrets they would promise not to comment on how many bacon-wrapped scallops I ate at Monday evening’s reception?  I dunno.)  Because [...]

Whose mouth doesn’t water just a little at the mention of Cinnabon? Their tasty treats are a nice break from the ordinary, enjoyed anywhere there’s a Cinnabon kiosk or counter out and about in malls, stores, or retail centers. To celebrate 25 years of tasty tradition, Cinnabon has created something NEW for everyone to enjoy… Cinnabon bakers [...]

I’ve just written four failed drafts of the Most Boring Trip Recap Post Ever, so I’ve decided to tell you about my trip to eBay headquarters (to learn about their online classifieds site, Kijiji) in a less traditional fashion. Instead of conjuring memories of the low hum of a slide projector as a friend, family member, or [...]

EN. FUEGO. Yes, that’s right – I feel ON FIRE with an enthusiasm for all I’ve seen, done, heard, and learned today at eBay headquarters about eBay itself, and its online classified service, Kijiji.  It’s all because of the infectious passion people behind the scenes have for these brands and how they can improve and [...]