Random Thoughts | Real Tech Mom

Happy Halloween!

October 30, 2008 By erincarrasco 1 Comment

Halloween is one of my favourite times of the year! Everyone get’s dressed up and little kids look SOOO cute in their outfits!

I always have gone all out decorating our house for Halloween, and year after year I only get about 10 kids. It’s sad really. I also dress up, the Cat in the Hat has been my costume for the past 3 years and even though it’s not scary I manage to scare the little kids with my big hat. some are brave enough to touch it. Last year I couldn’t fit into the actual body of the outfit because I was 5 months pregnant!

So this year I’m in a predicament. I want to take my son out for his first Halloween (to friends and family) So I probably won’t bother putting that cob webbed stuff all over the trees and I’ll forgo the caution tape, BUT I will still be carving the pumpkins i got at the corn maze! (all 4 of them)

Hubby and I are working on two pumpkins tonight (I’ll post pictures later this evening) and two tomorrow with our son.

I’ve decided to enter our little on in a Halloween costume contest! So if you feel like voting for him please please do! Click here!

Filed Under: Babies, Current Events, Mom, Random thoughts

Use what you learn or stay in bed.

October 26, 2008 By erincarrasco 1 Comment

We have all heard of the saying, “you learn something new everyday.” Now it’s probably true, but the truth in the saying comes with what you do with it. We can learn so many things everyday, but if we don’t apply what we learn we might as well have stayed in bed.

What likely happens is that (and for those of you—who like me, love infomercials) we get excited at the time at this fantastic information we’ve learnt and we can’t wait to apply it, but then when we get out of that environment or away from the TV infomercial our motivation is thrown out the window.

Below is a banned Pepsi commercial, it shows application of the a recent learning experience: -How do you apply what you learn?

So my challenge to you is this. Is there something that you have learned recently but have not taken action on? Is there a challenge that you have been facing but cannot seem to overcome a wall in your way? Take the first step, write it down!!!! The more you see it the more you will do to achieve it. The next step, surround yourself with like minded individuals. You are only as good as those you surround yourself with. I’ve heard time and time again, that if you take your five closest friends their average salary should most likely equal that of your own. I’ve also heard the same thing about your friends weight. If you hang out with overweight people, there is more chance you will be overweight. Now I’m not suggesting not to befriend overweight individuals or cut of friends who don’t make as much money as you as long as they are a positive influence in your life.

You’ve heard of the saying misery loves company? It’s true, how good do you feel about yourself if one of your “friends” calls you and complains the whole time (usually those who do this—always do this, you know the type and probably dread those who call to “dump” on you)— you usually feel crappy afterwards.

Think of this, for negative people, life happens to them. The positive people create their life. Which do you want to be?

Filed Under: Advice, Random thoughts, Uncategorized

Free Hugs? Mitch Joel in the flesh!

October 17, 2008 By erincarrasco 3 Comments

This week I had the privilege of attending a Power from Within conference. The keynote speaker of the event was Anthony Robbins. He was the actual reason that i bought the tickets in the first place, but I can actually say that all 6 speakers brought something important to the table. So I’ll do a little blurb about a few that I found the most inspiring.

When Mitch Joel came out, I didn’t really know what to think, I’m not in the business of marketing in the professional world-although after hearing him speak, you could argue that we are all in marketing, we all sell ourselves to every person we meet, even if it is unconsciously.

When Google wanted to explain online marketing to the top retailers in the United States (including Wal-Mart, Costo, Sears and Sephora), they brought Mitch Joel to the Googleplex in Mountain View, California. Marketing Magazine dubbed him the, “Rock Star of Digital Marketing” and in 2006 he was named one of the most influential authorities on Blog Marketing in the world. Mitch Joel is President of Twist Image – an award-winning Digital Marketing agency based in Montreal, Quebec. He is a marketing and communications visionary, interactive expert, community leader, Blogger, Podcaster and believer in doing the impossible. He is also a passionate entrepreneur and speaker who connects with people worldwide by sharing his marketing insights on digital marketing and personal branding.-From the Power Within Website.

I have to say I was impressed. He spoke a lot about the power of conversation and expanding your social network. One thing he said that I thought was neat was that as children we are taught to “never speak to strangers” and as adults it’s so engrained in us that we tend to shy away from people. How many times do you look down when you’re in an elevator so you avoid having a conversation with someone else?

He also played this video. It’s interesting that the more “connected” we become (in terms of technology) the easier it is to be disconnected from each other. I’m sure some of you have seen this before, but for those who haven’t, take a look!

He encouraged everyone to attend 3 social networking events by the end of this week, and as most people groaned he reminded us that it can be as simple as turning around behind you and introducing yourself.And no he wasn’t giving out free hugs, that’s Juan Mann’s job!

The Bottom Line

Mitch’s message was clear, stop being afraid to have a conversation with someone you don’t know. There are so many free tools for us to use to market ourselves and our business, don’t be afraid to use them.

With the advent of the internet, we all have the same ability to market ourselves to millions of people, without footing a huge PR bill. So with that being said, if you’re into social networking sites and you want to hear more about my ~~boring~~ amazing life, follow me on twitter! Mitch also wants you to follow him scroll to the bottom of this page and find out where you can find him!

Even if you don’t believe a word I’m saying in this post, you have to admit that this video is pretty amazing! Juan Mann is the man in this video, and has appeared on Oprah! So go out and hug some one, it’s free.

Filed Under: Product Reviews, Random thoughts, Videos

Tag you’re it!

October 13, 2008 By erincarrasco 3 Comments

I think my life has definitely become enriched by my online community of friends and mommy blogger’s. For those of you who read this blog, and think I’m crazy for holding so much respect and awe for people I don’t even know, let me assure you, you haven’t been part of a fantastic community that speaks to you—there are many good luck in finding yours.

Since becoming pregnant last year, and meeting so many wonder women on BBC.ca (most of which were March Mommies like myself) it has opened me up to a fantastic community of support.

Many people look at me a little strangely when I say something I heard from my ladies online or some other mommy blogger’s but I don’t care, I have learned so much from so many intelligent women, it rocks! Ok but I’m getting off topic, god I tell you baby brain never goes away-quite sad really.

So back to my point, I’ve been tagged! Organic Yoga Mom has been kind enough to tag me in this online blogging game much like the idea of paying it forward. She is also the wonderful lady who introduced me to the MiEssence products that were reviewed a few weeks ago. The idea is to

Link to the person who sent this to you
Share 7 random/weird facts about yourself
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and link to them
Share the good news with those people!

My Randomness

1) At Starbucks my preferred drink is: A double tall, one pump hazelnut, non fat, no foam, latte. If it’s Christmas time: tall, non fat, half sweet peppermint, with whip hot chocolate.

2)I cannot play the guitar on rockband 1 or 2 but I rock out to the drums and can hold a tune-no one has told me differently. yet.

3)I’m obsessed with “The Simpsons” and quote it quite regularly. (ie. “latex condo, boy I’d like to live in one of those”—Grandpa Simpson)

4)I met my husband when I was 16 but we didn’t marry until I was 23. Gosh doesn’t that sound like I’m a redneck.

5)I’m a computer gaming geek. I was really into the Sims, and am now learning how to play spore, I’ve also been known to stay up until 5 am playing Civilization and rockband.

6)If I was single, I’d be the crazy cat lady from the Simpsons and probably house at least 10 cats. Also one of my cats pays hide and seek with me.

7)My husband and I spend hours on the computer across from each other, and use instant messaging to talk to one another when we’re blogging.

Here’s to you fellow bloggers!

1)Moomette’s Magnificent’s

2)Junction Mama

3)The Young and Relentless

4)Soapbox Mama

5)A cup of Coffee and a story

6)Travels With Children

7)Being healthy for busy people

Sorry I have to add one more!

Healthiest Life For Me—coming soon!

There you go Pay it Forward, and even if you don’t, I hope my readers read some interesting posts by some very interesting ladies!

Filed Under: Mom, New Mom, Random thoughts

My little man is growing up!

October 8, 2008 By erincarrasco 1 Comment

So my little man is just over 7 months, wow how the time flies. I remember the first few months going by so slowly! Just two days ago, my husband was taking care of my son and when I came home he told me he’d rolled over front to back and back to front!

I’ve been waiting for 7 months for this to happen!!! But the next day i tried it again, and he did it again! It’s only taken 7 months LOL

He’s also sitting up so well, and today, he tried to share his soother with his stuffed animal the sleep sheep.

When we first started solids, It was a chore to feed him, now he opens his mouth and wants all the lovely food I’ve been making him…aside from the peaches lol

It’s funny, how I thought id be one of those moms who would want to go back to work as soon as possible, and now I’m enjoying being home with him so much it’s going to be hard to go back.

It’s not that I don’t love my job, but I love watching my son grow. I’ve got a great place for him to go to when I return to work ( my MIL will be watching him) but it will be hard to turn the reins over.

Nowadays most families have two working parents, so there are fewer and fewer SAHM’s (Stay At Home Mom’s). I’m sure I’m overreacting and it won’t be traumatic to my son for me to go back to work, it will just be an adjustment.

It will however be nice to have a “life” outside of my little home, and my son. Right now the biggest concerns are nap times, my son’s bowel movements and baby food. *sigh*

Filed Under: Mom, New Mom, Random thoughts

Happy Halloween!

Use what you learn or stay in bed.