Day 5: Jean, who will also be enjoying a latte on me
***CLOSED*** I don't know about you guys but I'm about carnival'd out and I still have so many to enter! But I have to take the time to thank everyone for participating and Tweeting for me. I really appreciate it and I'm sure the sponsors do too. I've got new followers on Twitter and here on the blog and I hope you stick around. You won't regret it. I can be pretty funny sometimes. Moving on. Short and sweet today:
(Coffee photo from here)
***CLOSED*** Today's giveaway comes from the Liz of The Cookie Chew. I found Liz almost by accident. I was getting the mail a few weeks ago and sorted through it dropping items into the recycling. I flipped through one of the circulars looking for restaurant coupons and landed on a page with her ad on it. The cookies looked so good I read the ad and was excited to see she's a local. I sent her a message through her site, she called me back and now I get to give away some of her awesome treats to you!
***CLOSED*** My addiction to Twitter gets stronger every day. I'm following (and being followed) by some really great people. I got to meet a follower for the first time on Monday, and I just connected with a woman who lives near me and will be helping me train for the breast cancer walk. I take back everything I said about Twitter being useless and pointless!
***CLOSED*** My second giveaway is from another Etsy seller. I'm very happy to have the type of positive response from all the Etsy sellers I've worked with in their willingness to partner with me and offer such unique items!
To enter (two entries possible):
***CLOSED*** Wee! It's Carnival time! It really does seem like we just had one. To those who are here for the first time, welcome and thank you! I enjoy finding new things to bring to you and hope this round of giveaways lives up to my previous ones. I'll be giving away a different item each day (2 more from Etsy sellers!) so please check back throughout the week.
Just a quick heads up that I'm participating in the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival that starts Monday. And I hate that I have to give this great stuff away!FT. LAUDERDALE (JANUARY 13, 2009) – When it comes to motherhood, nothing is black and white. As we usher in the inauguration of our first African American President, a new study examines the behaviors and values of mothers across racial lines. The research shows that while all mothers are battling with the growing concerns facing our nation, some of a mother’s coping strategies and motivations are tied to her culture and ethnic background.
The research was conducted by BSM Media, www.bsmmedia.com, a leading marketing to moms firm led by Maria Bailey, author of “Mom 3.0: Marketing With Today’s Mothers by Leveraging New Media and Technology”.
“Moms share universal concerns for their children,” says Maria Bailey, CEO of BSM Media. “It is clear, however, that the way she reacts to the economy, rising food costs and the dreams she has for her children is impacted by her personal experiences, upbringing and ethnic background.”
BSM Media partnered with several prominent African American mom bloggers to field the research: Jennifer James, editor of Mommy Too! Magazine (www.mommytoomag.com), Melanie Sheridan from Mel, A Dramatic Mommy (www.meladramaticmommy.com), Kimberly Coleman from Mom in the City (www.mominthecity.com/), and Michele Dortch, The Integrated Mother (www.integratedmother.com).
“Identifying the specific needs of African American Moms is timely,” said Melanie Sheridan from Mel, A Dramatic Mommy, www.meladramaticmommy.com. “Companies and media need to be more culturally aware and prepared for the expanded audiences recent historic events may bring their way.”
Key Findings of the study include:
· Although the majority of all moms have made household adjustments to cope with the economic crisis, African American moms are more likely to delay major purchases (57%) and avoid stores to reduce shopping (54%). Caucasian moms are coping by using coupons and discount codes (73%) and driving fewer places to conserve gas (62%).
“It takes a lot of time and concerted effort to use coupons effectively and save money, and time is something that many African American moms don’t have”, says Jennifer James, editor of Mommy Too! Magazine (www.mommytoomag.com), “In addition, many of the manufacturer coupons found in the newspaper are not found in the retail locations in urban communities and if they are, many African American moms opt to purchase lower cost generic brands which usually don’t issue coupons.”
· African American moms are more likely to turn to clergy for support (60%) than Caucasian moms (41%). Other popular support outlets among both races included spouses, parents and other moms.
· Although moms across racial lines ranked education as their greatest dream for their children, African American moms are more likely to aspire for their children to have a deep religious commitment as adults than Caucasian moms.
“For many of us, our faith has sustained us.” says Kimberly Coleman of Mom in the City, www.mominthecity.com, in response to the importance of religion in the African American community.
· Caucasian moms named managing the desires of their children for material things as a challenge (45%), while African American moms are battling with affordable housing (35%).
· While online, African American mothers are more likely to read articles (68%) and experience music (45%). Caucasian mothers are likely to frequent social networks (45%) and message boards (43%).
“The results of BSM’s research confirm one very important fact - we may share a common bond as mothers, but each of us brings a unique approach to motherhood that must be recognized,” says Michele Dortch of The Integrated Mother.
**ETA- The little girl on the end is B and B's cousin. In my hurry to get the photos taken before the light was gone, I hadn't been introduced to her yet. 
The new tires are on the rear of the car, and the old rear tires are now on the front of the car. The front tire numbers are both 0607.
I will have Drama Dad help me check the spare when he gets home. I called Discount Tire and Matt (I think) was so helpful. He knew right away when I said that I had a question "about the numbers in the oval on my tires" what I was referring to and he confirmed the information in the video.
It's frustrating that as consumers we're responsible for seeking out and sharing this type of information. It blows my mind that a few hours ago I was completely unaware that I could unknowingly buy tires that, despite looking brand new, are a hazard and could potentially put my family and others at risk.
It is sad, shameful and maddening that any company would sell a tire known to be out of safe driving range. Please take a moment to check your tires and remember this information before buying your next set.
Other helpful links:
Book of Joe (blog)
NHTSA
SafetyResearch.net
Wall Street Journal
To all you secret repeat visitors: come on out! I'd love to get to know you. And if I haven't been by your blog please let me know so I can return the favor.
I made my way through the store and by the time I got to the frozen foods I could tell I was running late. Time check: 2:39. Crap! If I really hurry, he'll only be waiting outside for a few minutes.
