I’m super excited this morning because I can finally give you a sneak peek at my pregnancy book, which is coming out in March!

The cover was recently posted on Amazon and while it doesn’t tell you what’s inside, suffice it to say that if you or your friends have been craving a more modern, practical, realistic, lighthearted, and frank perspective on the wild and wacky road to motherhood, this is it.

You can learn a tiny bit more on The Real Deal Guide website, which will be more robust once the book launches, but what I really want to know is what do you think of the cover? What does it say to you about what’s inside? Inquiring minds want to know!

Also, while I’m on the subject of books and shameless self-promotion, if you’re entertaining this season and need last-minute recipes and ideas, grab The Last-Minute Party Girl…or drop me an email on my party-girl website. I’ll be happy to brainstorm with you.

Erika Lenkert

Technorati Tags: pregnancy book, hip, modern, practical, guide, best, easy, entertaining, books

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Since I work a lot, I always try to make the most of the three days a week that I get to play with my two-year-old daughter Viva after I pick her up from school. As a result I regularly try to dream up the next great activity sure to create opportunities for us to bond, explore, laugh, and share memorable experiences.

Last Friday was no different. I found myself pondering driving 45 minutes to the beach in San Francisco for a quick run through the sand before dusk, dashing out to a nearby children’s museum to see the Halloween festivities, and paying a visit to her grandmother’s house, also 45 minutes away.

Then it hit me: EVERYTHING is special, fresh, and memorable to a two-year-old–especially if it’s done with the full attention of a mommy that loves her.

Suddenly, the world–and even our own backyard–was our oyster.

Our Friday activity turned out to be one of my personal favorites–making chocolate chip cookies. (The ridiculously adorable toque and apron she is wearing in the photo above is by Sassafras and available here.)

It was Viva’s first time. She stirred the flour, scooped the dry ingredients out of the bowl and onto the floor, ate gobs of dough (if you’re going to do it, you might as well do it right!), and patiently watched her creations plump in the oven before downing a few after they cooled. It was magic–hopefully as much so for her as it was for me.

Today when I picked her up from school my mind was not cluttered with grandiose notions.

A few blocks from our house I pulled over at a nearby playground. Fallen leaves coated a large, damp stretch of grass and an impressive pile of them were clustered at its center.

After a few gos with the slides and swings, we found ourselves gravitating toward that pile, running aimlessly at first, and then spinning in it until we fell with dizziness, and finally throwing armfuls of leaves into the air so they drifted down onto our heads like giant fall snowflakes.

Then we stretched out in the grass and looked up at the sky–and then ran around some more.

It was a truly rich afternoon.

Now when I think about special ways to spend time with Viva I remind myself that I can–and do–experience them all the time.

Tickling her, chasing her around the house while screaming like a monster, reading books, drawing with chalk on the pavement, watching ants, dancing like crazy to Van Halen, sitting at her tiny table and talking to her while she eats breakfast…I’m awestruck by the possibilities–and the realization that the only essential element for creating a magical moment with my child is truly being present in the moment with her, whether that moment is five minutes or five hours.

Incidentally, the same theory and activities are optimal bonding opportunities for the adults in your life, too.

Erika Lenkert

Technorati Tags: children, baking, parenting, playing, ideas, tips, bonding

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I know a handful of men who were actually as excited as their partners to read about the ins and outs of pregnancy when they found themselves in family ways. But most of the guys I know never got past the front cover when presented with a classic paternity book.

However, if any of those dads were handed Todd Barrett Lieman’s new ABCs for Expectant Dads, they probably would have enjoyed learning the difference between placenta and pre-eclampsia.

A dictionary of pregnancy and new-parent terms, it’s not touchy-feely, overwrought, or voluminously imposing. A concise 116-page A to Z resource guide, it’s packed with basic essential information couched in male attitude and wit.

Take the opening lines of the following definitions for example:

“CRYING, WIFE OR PARTNER: Unlike the crying baby, who cries because something is wrong, your wife will cry because everything is right. Or she’ll cry because the stoplight didn’t change fast enough. Or because her food is cold. Or because the baby is cute. Or because the sky is blue….”

“GLIDER: It’s just a freaking chair!…”

“MATERNITY CLOTHES: Repeat this phrase, ‘Honey, you look awesome in that outfit’….”

“NURSING BRA: Where the hell was this when you were dating or first married?…”

I’m not sure there is any amount of humor that can inspire the deadbeat dad-to-be to race to Borders to snatch up the hottest new pregnancy book for beaus. But guys with even the mildest interest will love this fresh, funny, and informative book—and their gals will get a chuckle out of the oh-so-paternal perspective, too. And the cost for all of the wisdom and wisecracks is a measly $12.95.

Also, FYI, you can get more of Todd’s parenting musings by visiting his blog.

Erika Lenkert

Technorati Tags: pregnancy book for men, father, maternity, paternity

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When I was thrown a baby shower I ended up with enough onesies that my daughter would never have to wear the same one twice, despite the fact that I’d registered for very practical presents with nary a onesie in the mix.

Afterward, it occured to me that people, experienced parents included, really like to give cute gifts, even if they aren’t as useful as a diaper bin.

So when I told the fabulous Brooke Showell of UrbanBaby my plight and she agreed to offer up her top 10 baby shower gifts, I was excited to see what she’d come up with. Turns out I’d have been extra psyched if my baby booty had included her recommended loot. See for yourself with Brooke’s great guest blow below.

10 Great Baby Shower Gifts
By Brooke Showell

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The baby world has traded ducks and bunnies for serious design – as in David Netto’s nursery line, Lela Rose’s new Quinny stroller and all that mini-me fashion. A baby shower is the perfect time for glam goodies. But how do you make your carefully chosen gift stand out in the heap of blankies and burp cloths? At UrbanBaby we’re always looking for the latest gear that’s cool and practical. Here are some of our picks for shower gifts with “wow factor.”

1. Bloomers Baby Diaper Cakes

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You can never have too many diapers, and this couture diaper cake does the trick. It’s tied with beautiful ribbon and wrapped in tulle, and looks good enough to eat. People on the subway actually stopped me on my way to a shower to ask where I got it (Note: Do not ride the subway with a giant diaper cake).

2. Build Your Own Box from Sophia Bean

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Soledad O’Brien tipped me off on these custom gift sets, and I’ve passed on the tip to my girlfriends – one even sends them overseas to colleagues in Hong Kong. You choose all the onesies, blankets, bibs and hats your heart desires, and they’ll wrap them up in a cute little cardboard box.

3. “This is” books by Miroslav Sasek
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It’s never too soon to start building baby’s library. This series of travel books for little jet setters offers an inside look of cities like Paris, San Francisco, New York and Rome in the 1950s and 1960s. The books have been reissued for modern babes, and the illustrations still hold their charm.

4. Hushamok hammock

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New Zealand is the latest epicenter of cool baby gear. This new Zen-like swing/cradle is perfect for nature-loving parents – you can use it indoors or outdoors, and it travels well.

5. Puella Petit

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We just cannot resist the ruffled bloomers and sweet little tops in this girls’ collection, inspired by its LA-based women’s line, Puella (Kate Hudson is a fan).

6. Pastel Toys
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With all the noisy, plastic electronic gear out there, any new mom will love an old-fashioned twist on toys. These charming wooden trucks and trains are handmade in Israel by adults with special needs.

7. Skip Hop Splash bottle drying rack, Chow baby food organizer and Toolbox diaper caddy

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The design of these accessories is so modern and cool – not to mention space saving – that you won’t mind keeping them out on display.

8. Serena & Lily Crib Bedding

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There’s a lot bedding out there. But Serena & Lily’s prints are simple and sweet yet not too cutesy. And we love the coordinating eco-friendly paints.

9. Mama Mio New Mama Kit
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A shower is all about the baby, but Mom’s got some hard work to do, too. These luxe creams keep a beauty junkie satisfied while her skin is going through some major changes.

10. JJ Cole Changing Pad & Tote

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This portable pad fits into a larger diaper bag, or can be carried as a tote. The pad’s modern stripes and cool color combos don’t scream “diaper.”

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Still want more ideas? Visit UrbanBaby. It’s an ultrahip source for all things parent and child.

Technorati Tags: designer, baby shower, gifts, diaper, bag, crib, chic, trendy, furniture, swing, handmade toy

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Now that I’m a mom I truly understand how hard it is to juggle childrearing and a career. I also understand the emotional, practical, and financial allure of taking a break from the workplace to focus on the hardest and most underrated job of all: raising children.

While my workaholic tendencies, passion for my job, and steep mortgage deter me from going on a permanent play date from the workaday world, I know plenty of woman who have done just that–and also found it hard to find their professional footing once the kids are in school and they’re ready to launch their own lives again.

Enter YourOnRamp. This supercool site, which I’ve featured before, is a one-stop shop for “onramping,” or getting out of the playground and into the boardroom or wherever you’d like to be.

YourOnRamp cofounder, mother of four, and self-professed OnRamper Catherine Clifford has generously agreed to offer 10 tips on how to get back into the game–with a career that may allow you to clock out in time for the afternoon’s Little League game.

Welcome, Catherine…..

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Guest Blogger Catherine Clifford on How to Get a Family-Friendly Career
When Erika asked me to do a guest blog for Glam.com it didn’t take long for me to figure out what to write about: my favorite topic, OnRamping. The challenge was communicating how Glam-orous, fun and hip OnRamping can be. Here goes…

The kids are headed back to school. Is this the year you’re ready to OnRamp? I know you love sitting in car line, making lunches and endless hours volunteering at your child’s school, but maybe you’re ready to take a journey that’s yours alone. No one said you have to go back to your 80 hour/week investment banking career. Maybe you’re ready to write a book, pursue that career you always wanted, or make a difference at a nonprofit, The choice is yours. Explore the range of possibilities–this should be fun, not scary! It is worth the effort! BUT, You’ll need a plan…

YourOnRamp recommends:

1. Clear the decks! Deliberately set aside time and space where you can focus without the multitude of interruptions that often cloud your days. (Mom, I forgot my homework…!). Spend focused time every day on YourOnRamp “project.” That means dodging the e-mail black hole, saying no to volunteer requests that do not contribute to your effort, and outsourcing non-essential chores.

2. Gather the right tools. If you don’t have the cool new iPhone, Blackberry or the equivalent, now is the time to invest in one. You want to be organized, efficient and up to date on the technology that is now ubiquitous in the workplace.

3. Devote time to complete a Self Assessment. This is often the deal stopper. Don’t let it trip you up! This is a valuable opportunity to recognize what you enjoy doing and when you feel the most successful and fulfilled. We have great tools to help you understand yourself, how you define a balanced life and where you will best contribute.

4. Develop an Elevator Pitch. This is your 1 to 2 minute description of yourself and your job objective (if you have one). It is an essential tool for networking.

5. Build a Network. This is the most important aspect of your onramp effort. Your chances of getting a job are much better when you know someone at the company. We make networking easy.

6. Get Educated. Research ideas, industries, companies, people, you name it, there is unlimited information available with a few key strokes. YourOnRamp, is a great place to gather information. Learn about Back to School programs at top business schools. Visit our newsroom and library. Our blog and discuss topics are all designed to help you get up to speed.

7. Compile your Resume. Need help presenting your work and volunteer experiences in a meaningful and effective way? We can help turn this chore into art. You should also compile a list of references.

8. Craft Cover Letters. Yes, you need them! They go hand in hand with your resume and are an essential communication tool, persuasively matching your prior experience to your future career goals.

9. Prepare for Interviews. Preparation is the key to successful interviewing. What questions will I need to answer? How should I explain my time away from the workplace? What if my skills are outdated? Look the part. Ditch the 1980s Brooks Brothers suit and update your wardrobe (what a great excuse for that new fab outfit!)

10. Ask for the Order. E-mail a prompt thank you highlighting your interest and qualifications for the job. If you want the job, ask for it and tell them why you’re the one for the job. Don’t be shy.

Follow our plan and in no time you’ll be on your way to a new flexible career that works for your life.

For more ideas on how to onramp, offramp or just manage your day-to-day at home or at work please come visit us at YourOnRamp.

Technorati Tags: motherhood, career, jobs, flexible jobs, youronramp, how to, tips for getting a job, family-friendly jobs

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