Steady Days Review & Giveaway

January 26, 2010

If you read any of the blogs I read regularly, most of you are probably already in the know about the release of Jamie Martin's new book Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood.

Since the official launch two weeks ago reviews of Jamie's book have been featured at Small Notebook, zen family habits, and Simple Mom. Now I'm adding my voice to the chorus of mommy bloggers in praise of this book.

A few months ago I had a conversation with a friend about baby schedules, the toddler years, setting the tone in your home and general at-home mommyhood. I shared with her all I could remember of those years; establishing a routine, how to get stuff done around the house, toddler friendly activities and my overall mothering philosophy.

But I was wishing I could recommend a book to her. Something that could encourage her in her career as a mother and give very practical tips for making it work. This, my friends, is that book.

Book Review

If I was going to write a book with a "you can do it" message and "here's some hands-on ideas to help you" this is what it would look like.

Having been a mother for almost 12 years myself and choosing from the beginning to make this my profession, I have already learned and applied many of the organizational principles Jamie discusses. But I was very encouraged by her overall message and especially appreciated the wisdom found in the retaining enthusiasm section of the book.

Jamie wrote this book in forty, very short, easy to read chapters that are divided into 4 overall sections:

• Getting Organized
• Retaining Enthusiasm
• Learning Together
• Making Memories

In each of these sections she generously gives both inspiration AND very practical tips for becoming a better mother, regardless if you are a SAHM, work outside the home mother (don't know the short hand for that one) or some combination thereof. If you are a mom getting started on this exciting journey, wanting to know how to mother in a more joyful, organized, and meaningful way I highly recommend this book.

One of the messages I took away was the reminder to feed my own intellect and creative spirit. To seek those things that inspire me as a person and professional, that I may then inspire these three beautiful people whose education and upbringing I am largely responsible for.

Another thing I really appreciated about this book was the affirmation that I am the expert in my home; not a magazine article, a parenting book or my favorite mommy blogger.

To conclude this short review, that doesn't quite do the book justice, I'd like to leave you with a quote from the book, "Professionalism is not about achieving a desired result but is about living with purpose and focus. When we live with intention, we invest in our future and the future of our children."

If you want to be purposeful about motherhood I think this book is a great place to start.

Giveaway!

Want to get your hands on a copy? You can buy one at Amazon , or you can enter a giveaway here for one signed copy of Steady Days.

To enter your name please leave a comment saying one thing you appreciate about your own mother. Mothers, fathers, children; anyone is eligible to enter and this book would make a great gift for a mother of young children in your life.

Giveaway ends Sunday, January 31st at 9pm E.T. Comments will be closed then and I will randomly draw a name. Giveaway now closed.

PS. I forgot to mention that Jamie blogs (on the same themes as she presents in her book) at Steady Mom. Good stuff, you should check it out.