On the Scene

Feb 4, 2012

Go Red for Chicago Connection – Interview with Rebecca Ortiz for B96

This week we chatted with Rebecca Ortiz, a sassy On-Air Radio Personality for B96 Radio about Go Red for Women and the Second Annual Girls Night Out Event on February 29th.

Tune in Saturday, February 4th to 96.3FM B96 from 5-6pm

-AND-

Sunday, February 5^th on 104.3FM K-HITS from 5-6pm

LISTEN TO OUR INTERVIEW HERE

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You can hear Rebecca on the weekends and MEET HER in person at Girls Night Out Go Red for Women on February 29th at Alhambra Palace!

Connect with Rebecca!!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadioRebeccaOrtiz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/radiobecchicago

Jan 26, 2012

Mom Biz Retreat Chicago – January 27-29th

I’ll be headed to the Mom Biz Retreat at the Almalfi Hotel tomorrow for three days filled with one on one coaching and training by Lara Galloway (@Mombizcoach) and Shelagh Cummins (@biztrainher). I’m really excited because this is unlike any other conference out there. It is intimate and designed just for mom entrepreneurs. Here’s why I can’t wait to pack my bags for a little “me” time!

Sassy Moms in the City is a proud supporter and will be tweeting LIVE so be sure to follow us @SassyMomChicago @MomBizRetreat #MomBizRetreat

Did you know that 80% of mom owned businesses will fail before they reach their 3rd year? It’s not because they don’t have great ideas, aren’t smart marketers or don’t have enough money.

It’s because mom entrepreneurs are trying to do it all themselves, because they don’t have a plan, they haven’t figured out how to make more money by working smarter, they don’t know how to provide what their audience needs, and they are scared of their competition.

Want in on the action? We have just a few more spots open just for you!!

Don’t be a part of the 80%. Sign up for the Mom Biz Retreat Chicago January 27-29th 2011. When you come home on Sunday, you will have in your business toolbox:

A killer Time Map to provide clarity around when you are actually available to work.
A clear picture of the viabilty of your business and a better understanding of what to modify to make it more sustainable
A rockin’ elevator pitch that gives you the confidence to market yourself and qualify clients
An EASE Mindset designed to help you do only the work you love with clients you love to serve.
A proven, well-designed business model that leverages your expertise and keeps your customers coming back.
A tight engagement marketing strategy showing you where to find your target clients and how to build lasting and profitable relationships with them.
Specific systems and support structures to allow you to grow and prosper.
Your one page business plan for the year.
A weekend away to work ON your business, not IN it!
Incredible memories and relationships with 20-30, inspired, incredible women who have been where you are and totally get you.

Invest a weekend in making your business successful and enjoying some “me time” away. Hosted by Lara Galloway (@Mombizcoach) and Shelagh Cummins (@biztrainher), you will be working on your business in a supportive and nurturing environment where you will receive individualized coaching and training to accomplish much in the short time away from your family. In return for all your hard work, you are pampered with delicious food, wine and spa treatments – all in the company of amazing women who understand and live in your world.

Best of all, this return on your investment is guaranteed! If at the end of the weekend, you have done all the work and you don’t walk out with the tools, knowledge and strategy that you need to make money in a business you love, we’ll give you 100% of your money back. Guaranteed.

Nov 25, 2011

Best Toys for Kids 2011 & Building Blocks Toy Store Media Event

The holidays are just around the corner and today is Black Friday!!! Before you head out in search of the best deals, be sure to review The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association’s (ASTRA) 2011 Best Toys for Kids and our Top Picks (see below).

Sassy Moms in the City was invited to Building Blocks Toy Store for an inside preview of ASTRA’s 2011 picks and to meet toy inventors Peggy Brown & Bruce Lund (creator of Doggie Doo). Shop owner Katherine McHenry shared her vision and passion for unique toys and why she opened her doors over 15 years ago! Kathleen McHugh – President at American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), Mary Couzin-Founder/President at Chicago Toy & Game and Mary Kay Russell-Director of Marketing at Chicago Toy & Game answered our questions and explained the importance of supporting local shops and toy inventors.

My sassy kids had a blast exploring the store while I mingled with the experts and shopped for upcoming birthday presents. Leaving that evening was challenging. My girls love books and babies and were very happy with the area they claimed for themselves.

This was my first visit to Building Blocks Toy Store but it will definitely not be my last. The knowledgeable staff, enormous inventory and access to unique toys is invaluable. Shopping for 3 birthday gifts, all I had to say was boy, girl, age and budget. I was immediately provided two options for each. So easy and such a time saver.

**Get 20%* back by shopping at Building Blocks Toy Store Thanksgiving weekend**

SASSY MOMS TOP PICKS FROM ASTRA’S 2011 WINNERS

Active Play

Freestyle Spooner Board
by Spooner Inc.
For ages 3+
Using the Spooner Board, riders of all abilities can pretend they are catching a wave, riding the slopes, or burning up the asphalt without leaving the comfort of the family room. Designed for beginners, kids 3 can simulate spins, twists, slides, and wobbles, while getting a workout, stabilizing their core and improving their balance and coordination.

Classic Play (0-7 Yrs)

Teaching Cash Register
by Learning Resources
For ages 3+
Cha-ching!! Playing store comes to life with this talking, interactive cash register that rewards transactions with lights, sounds and voice messages. Holds actual-size money and includes a built-in scanner, scale, coin slot and volume control. Engaging play helps kids practice basic math skills and recognition of coins and bills. Requires 3 C batteries, not included.

Perplexus Rookie
by Plasmart
For ages 4+
6.5 Inches in diameter, the Perplexus Rookie by Plasmart is filled with layers of detailed maze structures. It’s a brainteaser puzzle with facets kids and adults find both fascinating and mind-bending. Flip, twist and turn the sphere to solve the puzzle. Easy to play but challenging to complete. Great for improving eye-hand coordination and spatial relationships.

Scientific Play

Big Bag of Science
by Be Amazing
For ages 8+
This giant kit by Be Amazing whets the appetites of budding young scientists. With more than 70 hands-on science activities, it guarantees hours and hours of science fun. Make water disappear or flow uphill! Create a soda geyser or grow fake snow! Science is fun with activities using chemistry, physic, magnetism, weather, biology, geology, and flight.

For the complete list of 2011 Winner visit http://www.astrabesttoysforkids.com/2011-winners.asp.

Sassy Moms in the City was not paid for this post. We were given a gift bag at this event.

Oct 18, 2011

Oprah’s Lifeclass and My A-Ha Moment

Two weeks ago I was invited to preview Oprah’s Lifeclass with a group of Chicago mom bloggers at Harpo Studios. The following week I was invited to return for a live webcast session with Oprah, in person!!

I was beyond excited and tried to contain myself for the next 6 days. Having been to several tapings of The Oprah Show, I didn’t give too much thought about seeing her in person. I was familiar with the drill and access to Oprah is never part of the experience.

Arriving at the studio that evening was surreal. To be honest, I was devastated when I was unable to obtain tickets to the last taping of The Oprah Show or any taping for that matter during the final season.

But here I was, 6 months later invited to Oprah’s office. Twice in 2 weeks!!

Upon arrival we were greeted by Sadie (Oprah’s #1 dog) and directed to a lounge area just outside Oprah’s office and instructed to speak quietly as people were meditating in a room just steps away. None of the four bloggers gave this much thought until the door opened and a group of staffers spilled out into the lounge followed by none other than Oprah!

I almost died.

She was so kind and came over to shake our hands and thanked us for coming. Can my life get any better than this?

My only regret – I did not ask for a picture. I couldn’t, it just felt so intrusive. Looking back, I will probably regret not asking for a quick photo for the rest of my life! However, it will never overshadow the fact that meeting Oprah was a dream come true. A dream that has been on my vision board for years!

There’s always Photoshop. Clearly I need help in this department.

But on to my a-ha moment…

During the live webcast as I was taking notes, tweeting and posting comments on Facebook, Oprah made a comment that resonated strongly with me. She said the only way to be authentic and live a true life is by eliminating the people that are toxic. That you may need to clear out these relationships.

After the webcast and the cameras stopped rolling, Martha Beck (Life coach and O, The Oprah Magazine columnist) and Oprah continued to chat with us. I knew this would be the last chance I may ever have to ask someone that I regarded so highly, the question that was burning deep in my soul. I confidently raised my hand hoping Oprah would notice. And she did.

Me: You mentioned that we need to eliminate the people from our lives that are toxic. How do you eliminate a member of your family who wants a personal relationship with your children?

Martha Beck: Why are you afraid to eliminate this person from your life? What do you think will happen?

Me: I’m afraid other family members will turn away from me and my kids will miss out on those relationships.

Martha: You are assuming this will be the outcome. You’ll never know if you don’t test the waters. What advice would you give your daughters if they came to you with the same question? Would you want your daughters in a relationship with someone that was toxic?

Me: Well of course not.

I departed Harpo Studios invigorated and energized more than ever!

As I was driving home I contemplated about how I would go about the elimination process.

Would I call this person and say: Hey I’m over you, hasta la vista baby. Peace Out!

Should I write them a letter – Dear Toxic – you’ve made my life miserable and enough is enough.

Would I post it in on Facebook status– Alison is clearing house and will no longer be engaging with @ToxicPerson. PS I am unfriending you too!

Then it hit me…My A-HA moment!

It’s not about elimination, it is about setting boundaries. While I may not want this person in my life, I need to practice and get better at setting boundaries.

My focus needs to be on cultivating and nurturing the healthy relationships I have with other family members and my friends. Rather than focusing on what I don’t want in my life, I need to focus on what and who I do want in my life.

For me, living an authentic life is about surrounding myself with people who allow my light to shine and stepping away from the people who don’t support me. I don’t need to reciprocate spiteful behavior, what a waste of time and energy!

If you haven’t participated in Oprah’s Lifeclass, the world’s biggest classroom, I highly recommend jumping in now! The show airs Monday – Friday 7:00 pm CST, following Rosie on OWN.

You can catch a glimpse of me during the live webcast fr0m Thursday, October 13^th in the first 5 minutes below or HERE. I’m to the left of Sheri Salata, Executive Producer-Oprah President-Harpo Studios, in the green shirt!

Watch live streaming video from oprahslifeclass at livestream.com

oprahslifeclass on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

If you missed the live webcasts from last week, you can watch on Facebook, Livestream or Oprah.com.

Have you been watching or experienced your own A-ha moment recently?

Oct 16, 2011

5 Minutes with Teresa Giudice

Teresa Giudice rolled into Chicago for Fashion’s Night Out and hosted an intimate Fabulicious! book signing for her fans. We caught up with Teresa and had literally five minutes for a brief interview. Whether or not you watch RHONJ, one thing is for sure, Teresa’s fan love her, waiting anxiously for almost 2 hours to meet her in person.

SMITC: What are your 30 min go-to meals for your family?

TG : I have to say all the recipes in both books are really simple to make except for the homemade pasta. A few of my favorite go-to recipes are Tagliatelle with Peas and Ham (Skinny Italian), Devil Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta (Fabulicious!), Steak Pizzaiola (Skinny Italian) and Gorgeous Garlic Shrimp (Skinny Italian).

SMITC: What are you most excited about Fabulicious! and how is it different from Skinny Italian?

TG: Skinny Italian, the recipes are all calorie counted. Fabulicious! is more traditional, hard core Italian and what my family is known for. My favorite recipes in this book are Devil Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta, Stuffed Eggplant and Holy Cannoli Cupcakes.

SMITC: As a mom raising four young impressionable daughters, what are your strategies for dealing with mean girls?

TG: Third grade was a tough year for Gia and she experienced problems in school with her classmates. I was so proud because she would tell the teachers and let the school guidance counselors help resolve the issue. They were fighting over the silliest things.

SMTIC: How do you deal with the mothers?

TG: I don’t get involved with the other mothers. I think the moms that get involved it’s not good. Kids fight today and the next day they’ll be friends. I tell Gia to always do the right thing and be respectable. Her principal loves her and not because she’s my daughter. I try to stay out of it.

SMITC: What would we always find in your handbag?

TG: Lip gloss and lip liner

SMITC: What’s your must have beauty product that you can’t live without to look fabulicious?

TG: Mascara and lip gloss and I’m good.

For the cast of Real Housewives of New Jersey it has been an extremely tumultuous season. US Weekly reports that Caroline and Dina Manzo are currently not speaking because of the what transpires on tonight’s RHONJ reunion. Considering their older brother escorted Teresa to Chicago, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

No matter what your opinion may be of the series, one thing is for sure, these “real” housewives sure know how to bring on the drama when the cameras are rolling!

Oct 9, 2011

Sneak Peak at Oprah’s Lifeclass – Are you Ready to Change Your Life?

Oprah’s back! Do you want to know what Oprah was really thinking during some of her greatest and most memorable interviews? The OWN Network is kicking off their fall season with the debut of Oprah’s Lifeclass packed with lessons learned from 50,000 stories told over the past 25 years.

This week I headed to Harpo Studios for a sneak peak at Oprah’s Lifeclass series that starts Monday, October 10th and airs five nights a week 8:00 pm EST/7:00 pm CST.

When Oprah calls, you go or in my case hyperventilate, hire a sitter, then run to Harpo! I could not have been more thrilled or flattered to be invited along with all of my favorite Chicago bloggers, to chat directly with Executive Producer Jill Van Loekren and her team, the stars of Season 25: Oprah, Behind The Scenes. You may recognize a few below.

Diehard fans (like moi) who have been feeling an “Oprah” void since The Oprah Show last aired in May, prepare yourself to be filled with joy and insight like never before. Non Oprah viewers will be enlightened by funny, heart warming stories that could be told or shared like no one BUT Oprah.

You’ll cry, you’ll laugh and have many, many Aha moments. Talk about filling a void! If you’ve been feeling the Oprah blues or just need to make a change in your life, you are going to love this series!!

“When you know better, you do better”. Oprah’s mission is to share with us the lessons she learned from specific interviews, what she was actually thinking and discuss the principles that matter most in our lives.

The first week (October 10-14th) an interactive online session will be hosted immediately following the show at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Oprah will be live on camera for an hour, chatting online with fans and answering questions about the series, via OWN’s and Oprah’s Facebook pages and on Oprah.com. Join me on Thursday, October 13th from Harpo Studios where I’ll be reporting and tweeting LIVE!

Don’t miss this exciting journey scheduled to air over the next five weeks beginning October 10th on OWN.

Find OWN on your TV here: www.oprah.com/channelfinder

Register for class here: https://www.oprah.com/own/lc_login_reg.html?cc=US

Joining class provides direct access to the online companion course, featuring exclusive videos, articles, quizzes and advice from leading experts to get your life on track and moving in a new direction.

Can’t watch it LIVE? Download The Oprah Lifeclass iPad App available for download in iTunes starting Monday 10/10/11.

Oprah would LOVE to hear from you! Connect on Facebook and RSVP to be part of a groundbreaking event! https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=257934047585389

POST your QUESTIONS on Facebook in advance. Immediately following, join Oprah for a LIVE webcast and chat on Facebook at 9p ET/8p CT!

Monday’s show is all about “The False Power of Ego”.

Disclosure: Sassy Moms in the City was not paid for this post. We were provided with lunch and sneak preview at Harpo Studios. All opinions are authentically my own.

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