Honoring Moms Category
Celebrating Mothers Day: Mom to Mom
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the caring, courageous and beautiful women that all mothers are. It is also an opportunity for these women to celebrate and recognize each other.
Kolcraft Moms Take on Chicago
Moms at Kolcraft Headquarters
Kolcraft was abuzz with excitement to welcome 4 Kolcraft Mom ambassadors to our corporate office in Chicago. We had talked with these moms via blog, social media and on the phone, but never met in person. Their time in Chicago was a time for us to get to know them & them to get to know us.
We started the Kolcraft Mom Fest with spa treatments at the Red Door Spa. We know moms don’t get much time to themselves, so we wanted to pamper them after their travel to the Windy City. That night we dined Chicago style at the locals’ favorite pizza spots – Lou Malnati’s. Then if was off to see some fireworks on Navy Pier and walk the Mag Mile before drifting to dreamland at The Drake.
The next day came bright and early with breakfast at Kolcraft corporate offices. Here the moms got to meet 3 generations of Koltuns – Sandy Koltun, CEO (son of the founder of Kolcraft), Tom Koltun, President, and Anita Koltun, social media intern. They also toured the offices and saw our test labs. The day was spent showing them products in various stages of concept and development. It was exciting to see their reaction to “first looks” at products and to get their feedback. We ended the day with a limo tour of Chicago sites.
Friday was the end of our time with our Kolcraft Moms. We met them for breakfast and were serenaded by A Nation of Mom’s son who played the violin like a little Itzhak Perlman. It was hard to say goodbye, but we are grateful for the time we had with them.
See our Chicago memories with the moms
Read more about these 4 amazing moms at:
- Kolcraft Moms Tour Chicago
Your Olympic Mom Moment
As we watch the Olympics we see that behind many of the Olympians are dedicated moms and dads. We see the sacrifices and support these parents have given their kids from the start. While Olympians and their parents definitely have sacrificed and gone the extra mile, we know that many of you as moms and dads have made daily sacrifices for your kids that you just do because you are mom or dad. And your children have Olympic moments – you know those moments of gold when a brother looks out for his sister or when a big sister shares her favorite doll with her little sister or your child overcame some odds…
Stop for a second and think about your child’s “Olympic moment”. That moment when your child’s actions were worth more than gold & you were able to embrace it and celebrate it. Share it with us & celebrate your Olympic Mom Moment!
End the Mom Guilt – Today is ‘No Judgment Day’
Think about it – when was the last time you judged another mom or judged your own parenting skills? Was it this morning at the school drop off? Really, how could that mom let her child out of the house looking like that? Maybe it was yesterday when the mail arrived? Seriously, she sent her holiday cards out already? She has way too much time on her hands! She doesn’t cloth diaper? The horror! Or perhaps like me you ran out of the house with your child in a pink onesie and a “My First Thanksgiving” bib on her, only to arrive at daycare to see the other baby in a cute red and green holiday outfit complete with a hand knit sweater. I started to seriously question my parenting skills because I can’t coordinate an outfit for my child at 5am. So, yes, I judged myself.
No more judging! Ok, baby steps. No more judging for today. Redbook magazine is declaring today “No Judgment Day” in an effort to end mom guilt because judgement and guilt go hand in hand. We applaud this effort and hope that every day can become “No Judgement Day”.
What do you wish moms wouldn’t judge you for? Let us know!
Pregnant and Craving a Drink?
Bottoms Up While Sporting A Baby Bump
Pregnancy brings hope and joy over a new little life, but it also means giving up a few things along the way like drinking. Have no fear, Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-to-be by Natalie Bovis Nelsen is here to help you through the holidays and beyond.
We love this book because it gives you options for liquorless drinks that include health benefits for the pregnant mom. The drinks are divided by trimester and includes one of our favorites – the Fruity Folate Shake! It also has ideas for Preggatini Parties- a modern spin on a baby shower and recipes for “de-virginized” drinks for dad.
Weigh in – were you pregnant over the holidays? What were your drink alternatives especially if you didn’t announce yet that you were pregnant?
Meeting a Kolcraft Mom and Grandmother
This Sunday we celebrate Grandparents day. Grandparents are those wonderful people who help children learn and love in a very special way. Today we meet Corinne, one of Kolcraft’s friendliest faces and a member of the Accounting department. Corinne is the grandmother to 3 year old Aiden and 1 year old Nicky.
What is your favorite part of being a grandma?
When I come over to visit, Aiden is so excited to see me. Having him on my lap, and he gives me hugs and kisses, is so special. He tells me he loves me and I just melt. Nicky is just learning to give little “hugs”. That is special also.
Has anything surprised you about being a grandma?
My time with my grandsons is one-on-one. I don’t have to worry about cooking and cleaning and giving baths and bedtime. I don’t think about “then they just go back home.” I love when Aiden spends the night and can’t wait until Nicky will join him. Now so many special memories of my children growing up come back to me so I get to relive those times. It helps me to appreciate what my own children have become.
What is your favorite thing to do with your grandchildren?
I just love being with them. They make each other laugh and giggle. Aiden and I love sharing popcorn in the evening when he is visiting me. Visiting at my house is special for both of us.
Quick Qs
What is the one thing that never gets checked off your “to do list”?
Balancing my checkbook
What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas. If we could only capture the love and spirit and spread it out over the whole year.
If you had a “free day” with no commitments or obligations, what would you do with it?
I would take a long, hot bath, and just relax and not think about anything.
What is your favorite book?
I have no favorite, but I love mysteries and especially books written by Mary Higgins Clark.
Mom Fitness
It’s week two of Mom Fitness with Cassandra from Active Moms Club. Her fitness tip this week is perfect for moms who are pregnant and for those who are not! The best part is, you can do Cassandra’s fitness tips anywhere. No fancy gym required!
Don’t forget to leave a comment on what you learned from Cassandra or tell us what feature of the Jeep Overland Jogging stroller will help you on your fitness journey. Your comment will automatically enter you to win the Jeep Jogging stroller. Contest will end July 25th at midnight CST.
Mom Memories
Your child’s first steps, first words, first smile – these are precious memories you always have with you. Some people scrapbook these memories, others journal them, but how about a way to not only keep these memories but share them with family and friends?
My Mom Memories website is a way to share your memories with others, but you can also save them in your own personal memory archive as well! The best part is you can’t misplace this, it can’t get damaged by water or other household disasters!
How do you keep your mommy memories alive?
Every Mother Counts
Did you know that a woman dies every 90 seconds from complications of pregnancy? 90% of these deaths are preventable if these moms could only get the care they need.
The movie No Woman, No Cry and corresponding website Every Mother Counts is dedicated to raising awareness and funds to help improve maternal care in the US & other countries. This movement is trying to do everything from raise money to build clinics for safe delivery in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to sponsoring Midwife training in the Middle East and improving maternal care in the USA.
The movie No Woman, No Cry will be shown on OWN Saturday May 7th at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Check out the website for a free Watch Party kit!
Will you be watching No Woman, No Cry?
Mom’s Night Out
Every mom needs time to recharge her mommy battery. We have done Tip Tuesdays in the past about building a mom cave, tips on mom relaxation and have had contests to win mom time at a spa.
Since supporting moms is part of who we are at Kolcraft, we were very excited to hear about National Mom’s Nite Out and had to share it with you.
National Mom’s Nite Out is the first nationally organized celebration of motherhood intended to bring together today’s moms – physically and virtually! The nite will consist of local events held across the USA , as well as mom-organized parties and virtual activities.
The event will take place Thursday, May 5th. Check out the website for ideas on how to host a Mom’s Nite Out, how to participate virtually or how to be part of local Mom’s Nite Out events. You deserve the night off!
How will you be participating in Mom’s Nite Out?
