In the corporate world, you often have to be smart about the work life and mom life balance. As a woman, you do need to be smart about charging your own ‘batteries” and finding out the best way of doing that for yourself. Perhaps it is a run early in the morning or a latte in the afternoon. As a Mom, I need to be smarter than my son: putting a lock on a cabinet the day before he pulled it open or moving a glass vase the hour before he learned to grab.

The Energizer brand resonates with me because it is a smart brand.  Not just because we have more battery operated gadgets in our house since our baby boy was born, but because the company has a spirit of innovation.

The three brands under the Energizer company (Energizer Battery, Schick and Playtex) have played a vital role in technology and communications for more than 100 years. Whether it is the battery in your child’s bouncer, the liner in his bottle, or the razor you have sitting in your shower (and if you had 5 minutes to yourself would be able to use), Energizer as a whole has been on the cutting edge.

The company has also led the industry in “green-ness”. From eliminating yucky metals from batteries, supporting battery recycling programs and introducing rechargeable batteries. It was the first company to introduce those little on-battery testers in 1995. (Remember how you would press down on two points on the battery and a line would light up letting you know if there was any “juice” left in the battery…loved that!)

The innovativeness of the company is not limited to the batteries. From introducing the FIRST electric razor to the FIRST plastic tampon, the Energizer brand is known for its innovation. As a blogger, my role is innovation: searching and striving to be on my game while being a mom, wife, and dog sanitary crew member (aka pooper scooper); otherwise known as a Wominnovator.

In addition to those facts, here are the reasons why I would rock it as an Energizer Smart ChargHER at this year’s BlogHer conference.

My Worst Nightmare

1. I can rock a bunny costume, though a T-shirt works too.

2. I am already going to BlogHer. (Helpful isn’t it)

3. I am a Facebook Fan of Energizer PowerSource. (Oh, sorry…I am a Facebook “Liker” of Energizer PowerSource)

4. I have been tweeting my little tweet-out as Miss “The3Ts” (I also tweet as Metrowestmama and TwittinontheRun)

5. I don’t have any other sponsor. (<Sniff, Sniff>)

6. I kicked butt in the Energizer Bunny Beats (Have you played)

7. I can do battery interventions so other women don’t have a large bag of used batteries in their garage. (Ahem…)

8. After my BlogHer expenses, I will be donating $1000 of the $2000 to Children’s Hospital Boston so they can use buy Smart Chargers for the toys they have for the children. (Proof of donation will be submitted.)

9. I came up with this catchy poem: Toys, music and tv remotes, Energizer will rock your boat. (And as result of that poem will keep my day job.)

and Drum Roll Please….

10. I have the qualities that “make up” a great EnergizHer….

Effective · Noteworthy · Energetic · Responsible · Grateful · Innovative · Zealous · Efficient · Reliable

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There are many honorable women and posts in consideration for this sponsorship opportunity.  I chose to participate in order to have my costs covered to BlogHer and to give to charity. Thanks for your support!

The circus is called Circus Smirkus and every summer, a company of talented Smirkus Troupers go on a two-month performance tour around New England. The troupers are all kids (ages 12-17) with adult performance coaches on hand. They are from around the world and after a tough audition process, learn their routines and head out on the only full season American youth circus tour under their own big top – an European style one ring tent. During the season, these youth also learn about responsibility, teamwork and giving as they work together traveling in the Circus.

Circus Smirkus is presented in most towns by a local non-profit youth or community organization. The ticket sales and sponsorships they raise through the Circus Smirkus performances provide a major souce of income for their programs.

Limited tickets at the door so best to buy in advance, though there are some fine print details to review on their website regarding online ticket purchases.

Massachusetts performances are July 23-25, at Gore Place (Gore Street, Waltham). Performances on Friday and Saturday are at 2pm and 7pm. Performances on Sunday are at 11am and 4pm. Adult ticket prices are $25, which may be steep for some though similar to an IMAX ticket price for others. Kids under 2 are free and kids from 2-12 are $18.

http://www.smirkus.org/htm/tickets/ma_waltham.html

Image from Event Organizer

Then you will love the Family Fun Fest and Huge Yard Sale this Saturday, July 17th from 9am-3pm at the First Congregational Church of Milton. There will be over 20 families selling gently used children items and household items: Everything from baby gear, children’s clothing, toys, books, cds, videos, decorator items, electronics and more. (Cash only though.)

There will be great fun for adults too: silent auction, artists and crafters, local businesses, chair massages and more. For the kids? Where to begin…. There will be demo classes from Mama’s Move Center like Itsy bitsy Yoga (baby or toddlers) at 10:30am, Lil Sports (2yrs and up) at 11:15am and Musical Movement (walkers and up) at 12pm. There are a lot more exhibits and activities for the little ones.

There is plenty of free parking too!

Image from nps.gov

This Friday, July 16, 2010, enjoy a free roundtrip ferry ticket to the Boston Harbor Islands – The Georges Island or Spectacle Island! Pack a lunch and enjoy a day at one of these great state parks.

Here are the specific details:

Tickets must be obtained at the Boston Harbor Island’s ticket kiosk located on Long Wharf North (near the Aquarium, and just up the dock from Christopher Columbus Park, next to Marriott Long Wharf).  There will be signs directing people to the correct location.  The ticket kiosk will officially open at 8:00 a.m. and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Due to capacity constraints, each adult will be eligible to receive a maximum of 5 tickets.

The first ferry leaves Long Wharf at 8:30 a.m. The last ferry leaves the islands at 8:30 p.m.

(Note: Once tickets have been distributed for all seats on all boats, they will offer up to 2,000 vouchers for $8 boat rides for those turned away.  The Children’s Museum will also offer 50% off admission for those turned away.)

Spectacle Island

Just 15 minutes from downtown Boston, Spectacle Island features hiking, swimming, boating, and learning. Stop in at a “green” visitor center with exhibits about the history and evolution of the island. Go swimming on a sandy beach supervised by trained lifeguards, with a new rinsing area and changing station.  Rangers provide daily tours of the island. Walk on 5 miles of trails and take in panoramic views of the harbor and city from the tallest hill on the Boston Harbor Islands. Enjoy a brand new shade shelter at the top of the North drumlin, picnicking gazebos and more. Spectacle Island has Summer Shack food service and refreshments, toilets, and drinking water.

Take the opportunity to enjoy some great activities on Spectacle Island on the 16th:

· Morning Hatha yoga on the beach: 9:30am

· Face painting artists on the Visitor Center porch: 10:00am – 2:00 pm

· Ranger guided tours: 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm

· Swimming at the life-guarded beach

· Evening Jazz with David Ehle on the Visitor Center porch: 4:00- 7:00pm

Georges Island

Georges Island is a 25 minute ferry ride from downtown Boston.  Georges is dominated by historic Fort Warren, a Civil War-era fort known for its graceful granite archways and reputed ghost, the Lady in Black. The fort and its grassy parade ground are a popular place for a scenic low-stress walk. Take a ranger-guided tour. Picnic under a shade tree, or grill using one of the islands many grilling areas. See the ramparts, fish off the pier or talk a walk on a rocky beach. Get exceptional views of the surrounding islands, Boston Light and Massachusetts Bay. Georges Island has new visitor center to greet day trippers, a new children’s playground, Summer Shack food service and refreshments, drinking water and toilets.

Events on July 16:

· Ranger guided tours of Fort Warren: 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm

· Civil War lawn games and costumed tours

· Plays in the Park: 11:30am and 1:00pm on the Fort Warren Stage

· Explore camping islands or take a boat ride via the interisland shuttle for $3/pp

Enjoy!!!

Each day offers a great list of activities. See my post on the schedule for Tuesdays and Wednesdays here.  For the rundown of the activities planned for the other days of the week, check this out (through August 18th unless otherwise noted)!

THURSDAY

Bounce House Fun (11-12pm): The kids can have fun bouncing away in the North Marketplace area of Patriot Place.

Balloonist (1-3pm): Have balloons made into flowers or a special hat in the North Marketplace area of Patriot Place.

Face Painting (12-4pm): Have the kids’ face painted and/or make sidewalk art with chalk outside Life is Good.

Parachute Games and Obstacle Course (1-3pm): Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Center’s Rehabilitative Medicine team will utilize a parachute to play a variety of games while giving your arms and core a great workout. The obstacle course is designed for kids to test their speed, jumping, balance and climbing skills against the clock. Recommended for children age 2-12. Take the time to also take advantage of Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose screenings for you.

FRIDAY

Bubble Show (11:30-12:30pm – July only): See a Bubble Show Music Party with music, bubbles and interaction! Best for kids 3-8 and weather permitting outside of Life is Good. (If raining, it will be in the 2nd floor lobby of the Showcase Cinema.)

New England Revolution Clinics (1:30pm – Friday July 23rd only): The New England Revolution Coaches will be hosting a free soccer clinic for kids 5-12 years old. Chances to win autographed goodies and tickets to a Rev game! Weather permitting so check in advance at 508-203-2100.

SATURDAY

Kidtoons (12pm): On the 2nd Saturday and Sunday in August (08/14 & 15) enjoy a G-rated, animated movie for the kids: Strawberry Shortcake Glamberry Ball! Tickets are only $3.50.

Face Painting (12-4pm): Have the kids’ face painted and/or make sidewalk art with chalk outside Life is Good.

Rock the Plaza (times vary): enjoy some shopping and catch a concert or two throughout the day.

SUNDAY

Rock the Plaza (times vary): enjoy some shopping and catch a concert or two throughout the day.

Enjoy the fun!

Yet, because of my reverence for cupcakes, I am a bit of cupcake snob. The cupcake needs to have the right amount of frosting on top of moist cake. I also like extras on my cupcakes for a crunch, extra chocolatey-ness or a burst of some other flavor. Cupcake nirvana if you will.

So when I heard that there was a new cupcake bar in Needham, I nearly jumped in cupcake joy. Plus, it is a bar. One that, since having a baby, I have not seen in awhile.

Okay, it is not that kind of bar, but you can design your own cupcake from scratch: order one up!  Pick your cupcake flavor, your frosting and your treats to mix in, and you are in cupcake heaven. Seriously.

It is called the Treat Cupcake Bar. From cupcake flavors like the traditional yellow and chocolate, with marble, vegan and gluten free options, to frosting choices like classic, vanilla (gluten and dairy free), chocolate buttercream and cream cheese, it is a cucpake frenzy. But wait, the mix-in treats? How about blox tart candy or pop rocks? Peppermint patties or M&Ms? Coconut or gummy worms? There are over 20 options. In a cupcake conundrum? Pick from their pre-made options like Needham Cream Pie or Red Velvet.

Want to host a party? Treat Cupcake Bar can host birthday parties or other events up to 10 children/people. Having a party at your own house? They do custom orders too.

Located right in Needham Center (1450 Highland Avenue), Treat Cupcake Bar is just steps from Route 128, Route 135 and more. They are open from 10am-9pm EVERY DAY.

So what the heck am I doing still writing this post? See ya people. I am off to ‘treat’ myself to a cupcake from Treat Cupcake Bar. Yummy!

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“Like” Treat Cupcake Bar on Facebook too!

The Joslin Diabetes Center (Boston) has a special showing for the movie, ”Despicable Me” at the Legacy Place movie theatre (Dedham). All proceeds from the evening will support Joslin’s High Hopes Fund.

The High Hopes Fund supports Joslin’s efforts to improve the lives of people with diabetes—young and old—and to prevent and cure the disease. The High Hopes Fund gives them—and their families—hope of a world without this disease.

The special showing of Despicable Me is this Thursday, July 15th at 6:30pm. Tickets are $15 and are limited so call 617-309-2531 to reserve.

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The Joslin Diabetes Center is a teaching and research affiliate of Harvard Medical School on the front lines of the world epidemic of diabetes — leading the battle to conquer diabetes in all of its forms through cutting-edge research and innovative approaches to clinical care and education.

Each day offers a great list of activities. Here is a rundown of the activities planned for Tuesday and Wednesday this week (and every Tuesday and Wednesday through August 18th)!

TUESDAY

CBS Scene Restaurant (11am): A costumed character will make an appearance and a special guest reads a story, with a short movie to follow. The event is free and filled with surprises.

Kidville (12:30-2:30): For guests who enjoyed the CBS Scene Storytime, enjoy a special rate of $8 ($5 for each additional child) for your child to run, climb, slide and tumble at the Kidville Playspace!

Kidville (2pm): Each week, Kidville offers a fun craft.  For July 13th, enjoy playdough bins with tools and trucks. The event is free and located outside the store. July 20: Paint the Wall, July 27: Paper Mosaics, August 3: Balloon Painting, August 10: Rubbing Plates, August 17: Mystery Project!

Life is Good (12-4pm): See the Putt Putt Golf and Dog Bowl Challenges while enjoying free balloons and stickers. (Free)

Bass Pro Summer Camp (12pm): Visit the Bass Pro Summer Camp website to see the list of demonstrations and events this store has to offer for kids. Lots of free fun.

WEDNESDAY

Red Robin (9:45am):  Enjoy the reading favorite children’s stories each week followed by great activities for the kids with everyone’s favorite character… Red! Bring the family and be treated to a free kids meal (up to 2 per family).

Showcase Cinema (10am): Kids get free admission to a select children’s film when they present a book report. (Note: accompanying parents/guardians and children under six receive free admission and do not need to submit a book report.) For an official book report entry form, visit the theatre lobby or logo onto showcasecinemas.com. The movie schedule: July 14 – Charlotte’s Web, July 21 – Hotel for Dogs, July 18 – Bee Movie, August 4 – Monsters vs. Aliens, August 11 – Over the Hedge

Old Navy (2-4pm): Stop by Old Navy to have some fun with arts and crafts activities, and great summer sales.

Baskin Robbins (12-2pm): Visit the pastry chefs and learn the art of making frosting flowers and how to decorate a cake! Space is limited so please reserve your space by calling: 508-543-9031. Sessions will run: 12-12:30pm, 12:30-1pm and 1:30-2pm. If cake decorating is not your thing, stop by to enjoy a FREE Baseball Cap with a purchase of a 2-Scoop Sundae and a bottle of water!

Too busy on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this summer or are you looking for more fun? Then stay tuned for a listing of the fabulous events scheduled for Thursdays and Fridays this July and August!

A local company called TaskRabbit may be your answer.  Especially since the by-line of the Boston-based company is,”Life is Busy. We can help.”

The first part of the byline is an understatement. The second part? Help they do. You name it, they do it.

This is a great service for anyone and everyone, but I immediately think of new moms. Probably because I am, relatively, a new mom. After having a baby, the thought of running around with a newborn, after giving birth, was not appealing to me.  Let alone the fact that if I had a spare hour or two, I wanted to sleep – not go grocery shopping. Fast forward a few months; I now have a crawling baby, a work-from-home job, and a not-handy husband (sorry honey, but it’s true) and would love to pass along some of the little ‘to-dos’ on my big list. Ok, maybe a big to-do like cleaning the garage.

How it works is fairly simple. You sign up for free account on their website and post any task you need completed. Next, you set the price you are willing to pay or allow Runners to bid on doing your task. Then, your task is accepted and assigned or you choose the bid you think is most fair. Generally though, the fee ranges from $10-$15 for their time and mileage.

Have a small car and need to pick up a large item at Home Depot? Don’t have time to drive to the post office to mail a package? Need your dog dropped off at the vet so you can go to a school play? TaskRabbit is your answer and new best friend. Don’t live in Boston? They can help with virtual stuff too.

What is the catch? Well, there is a service fee that ranges from 12%-30% that goes on top of what you pay the Runner. The fee goes to TaskRabbit itself (because how else can they run the website)? The website has live online chat support, email support, or if you are a people person there is phone support, for any help you need while using the site. Tasks generally get a fast response from Runners who are given a thorough background check by Acxiom. (Runners are often stay at-home-moms and dads, young professionals, retirees, and college students.)

Other cool things?

You can post a Task that you haven’t paid for yet. For example, if you want a Runner to pick up your dry cleaning, but you still need to pay the dry cleaner.  The Runner can front the money for your items, leave the receipt for you and then you can reimburse your Runner through the site. Since I never seem to have cash on hand to pay for anything, it is great to use the online payment option.

You don’t have to be at home to meet your Runner.  For example, you are at work when school/daycare calls looking for a medical form from the doctor – now! And you have a big meeting in the office. Crap – what to do? Post it on TaskRabbit! The Runner can head to the doctor’s office, pick up the form and then head to the school to drop it off. When a Task is assigned to a Runner, you will get the Runner’s contact information so you can give authorization to the doctor’s office and/or school.

Oh, and any problems (there are reported few) can usually be worked out directly with the Runner, but if there is one, TaskRabbit is there to step in.

Needless to say, it is a pretty neat service for new Moms who need a diaper run, to Dads who have growing “Honey-Do” list, a great idea for a baby shower or birthday gift (they offer e-gift cards), or for people like me who just want a clean garage. (Hint, Hint Honey…our anniversary is coming up….)

*Image courtesy of TaskRabbit. Many Thanks to TaskRabbit for helping me with the details of their business processes and for an e-gift card to try them out! If you would like to try them out, leave a comment here on what task you would have completed if you could win a $25 TaskRabbit e-gift card from Metrowest Mama! Contest is open until 5pm, Friday, July 16th. The winner will be selected through a drawing by Random.com, and the winner will be notified by email.