Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Start a Momtourage and Snatch a Copy of Coming Unglued

What is a momtourage? Quite simply it is a play group for moms.

Have I piqued your interest?

I started a mom's group in my development. It is for moms and their babies to get together. A momtourage is a little different. It is a chance for women to get together as a social outlet- sans kiddos. I'm all ears! As i have read in many mommy blogs- it is that precious time away from our kids that often helps us to be better moms.

The brain behind the concept of the momtourages is author, mother, and an avid scrapbooker Rebeca Seitz. As the founder of SistersInk.net, she has harnessed the power of female networks through scrapbooking. She sees scrapbooking as a way to bring moms together for support. Seitz learned just how important a female support system could be after finding out her first husband had been unfaithful. It was her momtourage, the women in her life, that helped her push past the deception and move on. She is now remarried with two children. She is also the creator of Sister Ink.net and brings women scrapbookers together.

I've said it before, life as a mom can be quite isolating. I am a strong believer that moms need to get out there and socialize! As a new mom I have relied on the strength of female friends to get through some tough times. There are tons of common interests that bring women together. It might be a sewing, reading, crafting, babywearing, going green, or playing Bunko. It's the getting together part that is key.

Want to start your own Momtourage?
Seitz offers five steps for getting a Momtourage started.

Momtourage 101

1. First, identify a common thread. Motherhood? Love of scrapbooking, books, sewing? Obsession with chocolate or coffee?
2. Carve out a space in your home like a spare room or game room where girlfriends can join you in your craft, or secure a space at a public facility like a library or community center.
3. Establish a schedule and take turns hosting, or determine to schedule each consecutive meeting at the current meeting.
4. Connect. Make certain your time together allows for the most important thing - conversation!
5. Stick with it. Remind each other that you are better moms, wives, daughters, women because you’re connecting with other women. No need for guilt!

The Book! Coming Unglued (B &H Fiction July, 2008)
The second book in the Sister Ink series, Coming Unglued is a story about love, family, faith and the strength of friendship. It deals with infidelity through the eyes of the "other woman".I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is light reading and written from an interesting perspective. The main character, Kendra, deals with some tough choices in the book. She relies on her scrapping sisters to help her see what is right . How does it turn out? You'll just have to read to find out.

Luckily...
I am giving away a copy of Coming Unglued by Rebecca Seitz. In order to win reply with one reason your why momtourage rocks! Contest Ends September 21st.
I will give my shout out! Not that I have a real momtourage (YET), but I do have my girls who I go to when times get tough! Thanks ladies for being there when I want to pull out my own hair. I hope I have been here for you as well!

11 comments:

Dana said...

you have ALWAYS been there for me.. love you, eliza, and pete soo much!!

Anonymous said...

I have a group of friends that are into various crafts and we get together once a month. I'll tell them that we are officially a momtourage. janicez4@comcast.net

Miss Spoken said...

I'd never heard the term momtourage before but love the concept. It's essential for women to come together in groups that don't focus on their children.
gkstratos@yahoo.com

windycindy said...

Hello! I have read many good things about this book and author. Our church has a Friday morning Mom's Group. Daycare is provided and we meet from 9:00am - 11:00am on most Fridays. Sometimes, we have funny mom guest speakers, study the Bible, go to garage sales, etc. There are always great food sponsored by the church! I have met many good friends via this Mom's Group. Please enter me in your delightful book giveaway drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I have never heard this term before, but I think that a book discussion group I belong to would qualify. We discuss books, not children; have a potluck and just fun!
digicat @ sbcglobal.net

megan said...

Most of my girlfriends are childless so I don't have a momtourage but you've inspired me to meet some new fiends and moms.

Jacqueline in Atlanta said...

There are several of us who get together every few months for a girls night out. We are at different stages in life, but we all need to stay connected and support each other. One of us has already lost her husband even though she is young. It is so good not to be Mommy for awhile!

Thanks for having the giveaway!

Mary512 said...

Since I am a young mom, most of my friends don't have kids yet, but my friends who do, we are especially close because we know we are the only ones who truly understand each other! Great giveaway, thanks.

kaylee8 said...

Because they offer so much support and encouragement when I need it the most!

Anonymous said...

I have a group of friends that are into various crafts and we get together once a month. Thanks!!

Audrey B said...

Our mom's group has a great momtourage, monthly game nights and moms evenings out and about, sometimes for food and fun, movies or even ceramics and other crafty nights. It's so much fun and we all try real hard to make the time to get together.