We all know that networking is important for business. Meeting new people, making an impression, and building relationships with potential clients is the best way to let people know you are out there. It doesn’t matter what your profession is, if people don’t know you exist, you won’t get business. One of the best ways to secure a face-to-face connection is to exchange business cards with new acquaintances.

Business cards are the best way to make sure that potential clients and associates have your contact information. They state your name and the important contact information that can easily be forgotten when you simply introduce yourself verbally. Providing a business card ensures that people will remember your name, while making them feel at ease with contacting you in the future if they are in need of your services.

Everyone expects a Lawyer or a Real Estate Agent to carry around a business card, but most people wouldn’t think of a babysitter having one. Think about how that would set a babysitter a part from the pack if she handed the moms at the gym or the preschool one of her babysitting business cards! As a mother of two young children myself, I am always on the lookout for good help and would welcome the opportunity to collect a few cards from potential babysitters. It is important to be original since a business card is a representation of yourself and holds a lasting impression. If it stands out from the crowd, clients will remember you and grab for your card out of their collection.

One day I was browsing the internet and came across exactly what I was in need of. Something to organize all of the papers. Something to keep my table clear and the papers in order. It was The Homework Caddy! This thing is SO smart! It has a dry erase board to write down important events or notes, storage for pens, pencils, scissors, ruler, glue sticks, paper clips, basically everything you would possibly need to complete any school assignment! There are large pockets for papers, library books, art projects, and whatever else you need to put in there.

It hangs behind a door or on a wall, which is very convenient, but I actually had a really hard time finding a good spot for it. It’s big, but considering everything it encompasses, it needs to be. The problem for me is that we have a 2-story house and all homework assignments are done downstairs. I wanted to put The Homework Caddy downstairs, but just couldn’t find a spot. I did find a perfect space upstairs, though, right between my 2 sons’ rooms. My boy who actually gets homework is only in 1st grade so I’m sure as he gets older and more independent with school work, it will work even better up there.

If you are having a problem with clutter and not sure what to do with all of those papers that come home from school in your child’s backpack, I definitely recommend The Homework Caddy. It’s a great product and comes in 4 different styles. Special discount for BabyTalkers readers:

For an extra 15% off, use code: BHC1011 between October 20-27!

As enticing as it sounds, this book contains no nudity. Just a bunch of sexy men offering some super sexy sentiments such as: “I told my boss I have to leave at 3:00 every afternoon so I can come home and give you a break” and “Now, remember, it’s my turn to do the midnight feeding, so don’t get up!”

Oh, Baby!!!!

1. Jeans: Denim is a must-have and can be dressed up or down. With so many different cuts and styles available, every woman can find a great-fitting pair to flatter their body. Look for jeans in a stretch fabric that feels soft and worn so they’ll be comfortable, like these secret belly slim fit boot cut maternity jeans.

2. Black Tank: Whether you layer it under clothing or wear it alone, a seamless cami like this is essential. Of course other colors work too, but our must-have pick to perfectly accentuate your bump is black!

3. Black Stretch Pants: Full-length black pants go with everything and can be worn from your first weeks of pregnancy through your first months of mommyhood. Cropped would work well too.

Maternity Dresses

4. Maxi Dress: A long, flowy, yet stylish dress is perfect maternity wear. Strapless with an empire waist looks great on stylish pregnant mamas.

5. Black Dress: Just like in every woman’s regular wardrobe, there must be a black dress in every woman’s maternity wardrobe. It’s not called a staple for nothing! A black dress like this will take you anywhere, from a dinner date with your love to an evening out with friends.

6. Bras/Underwear: Your belly is not the only thing that grows during pregnancy! You’ll need a couple of new bras to accommodate your larger-than-usual breasts. As for underwear, loose is key. There’s no need to switch to granny panties if that’s not your style. Just buy your favorites in a size or two larger and let the waistband rest under your bump.

7. A Light-Weight Sweater: Something like this jersey-knit cardigan would be perfect. The soft lines and slim-fitting bodice create a flattering silhouette.

8. Tunic: While fitted across the upper body, a tunic provides plenty of room where women need it — across the middle, to accommodate growing bellies, and in the length, to cover expanding hips and bottoms. You can go long sleeved, short sleeved or sleeveless, casual or more dressed up like this one.

9. Classic Tee: A t-shirt goes with everything from skirts to shorts to leggings or jeans. Both crew and v-neck look great as long as there’s a bit of stretch in the material to grow with you.

10. Tailored Shirt: A men’s style button-down shirt looks super sexy on a pregnant woman. You can even borrow your husband’s for a relaxed and casual look or go for a more slim-fitted one at the top with a wider shape at the bottom for a more put together feel.

Accessories are essential to snazz up your outfits as well. Chunky necklaces, funky earrings, cute shoes and hip handbags are all great choices that can continue to be worn long after your baby is born and your maternity clothes are ancient history.

1. What To Expect When You’re Expecting
2. Parenting Baby Must-Haves
3. The ABCs of Breastfeeding
4. The Nursing Mother’s Companion
5. The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems
6. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child
7. Baby Signs
8. Small Talk

Plus some others I have either read or have and have given away or still think I’ll refer to.
What do you think? Any suggestions to add to the list for age infant to two?

Then came FitFlops, the flip flop derivative from a different company, with a very do-able price tag. However, after trying them on, I was not convinced. I see women wearing them all the time and each person I questioned admits that although they are super comfy (which personally I didn’t feel), they don’t do a thing as far as fitness.

Enter Skechers Shape Ups, the newest of the bunch to claim cellulite reduction and perkier buns just by wearing them. The design makes sense and I can see how you have to work your muscles just to prevent yourself from toppling over. They are about $100 less costly than the MBTs, but will still dent your wallet a bit and I am worried that I’ll be wasting money on a very uncomfortable (and quite ugly) shoe.

Have you tried any of these shoes? What’s your opinion? Oh and Skechers or MBT, if you would like to send me a pair of sneaks so I can review them for real, send me a note and I’ll be happy to test them out!

First, for my older son, in size 4-5 year is the Pirate Line, which included a pirate raincoat (complete with detachable eye patch) and matching hanger, a pirate umbrella and a hooded towel.

Pirate Raincoat - Front View

Pirate Raincoat - Back View

Pirate Towel

Pirate Towel Back

The pirate umbrella is not pictured because it is in my car!! We have already used it several times due to the rainy afternoons when I have to pick up my son from camp. The first day that I brought it was a surprise and he was thrilled. He was so excited to carry his “sword” to the car all by himself. I got wet, but he thoroughly enjoyed himself and that’s what matters, right?!

Next, is my 10 month old son with the Frog Line in size 2 year.  This also included a raincoat with matching hanger, hooded towel and an umbrella.

Baby Frog Stuff

Froggie Towel

As you can see, these products are too cute.  The pictures don’t even do them justice because they look even better in person. The raincoats can double as costumes. They are very well made. The towels are great. They are really soft and a generous size. I love that they have a snap in the front so they stay on. Both boys have been using them for the past few days in a row after we’ve gone  in the pool. I wish they made this stuff in my size!