In this week’s edition of Buzz a Mom, we talked to Alyssa Avant of A Writer for Hire, for tips on which social networks she uses and why. Alyssa is a successful writer, author, speaker, talk show host, business owner and mom. (Whew!)

I’m breathless just reading about all that you do and accomplish. How do you use the web to help you manage your life?

It is true I do a lot online and I have my hands in many things. Ultimately the web is a part of my daily life, at least the weekdays. There are many applications and tools that I use daily to keep myself and my businesses on track. [Read more...]

While cities can be invigorating and exciting, they can also make your brain turn to mush. Ever feel worn out after an afternoon of shopping or exhausted after running a few errands? And then wondered why you felt so tired? Or why some kids have a hard time staying focused at school?

New studies show that our brains work full-time just to process an overload of stimulus in urban settings. Your brain doesn’t get a break. From heavy traffic to flashing crosswalk signs, to watching people walk across a street before you make a turn, your brain is always taking in information and processing it. If you feel ovewhelmed with the number of stores and sales and special discounts, it’s your mind being literally unable to take it in anymore.

When a child is complaining about school, he or she may be bothered by the lights, the noise, by other kids wiggling in their seats, or by someone bouncing a ball outside. So what’s the solution? Learn new reasons why trees and nature are vital to our own and our families’ mental and physical well-being.

photo credit: Per Ola Wiberg (Powi)

CVS Caremark All Kids Can and TwitterMoms have created an opportunity  to get moms blogging about supporting children with disabilities. You can win an Amazon gift card for participating and you could be selected to choose a nonprofit to receive a $1000 grant from CVS Caremark All Kids Can!

March is Disability Awareness Month. Do you talk to your children about disabilities? Do you have tips about promoting inclusion to your family? Inclusion must begin with each of us, one family at a time.

To participate, just write a post on your blog about how you talk to your kids about disability and the importance of inclusion and reply at Twitter Moms. The only requirement is that your post include at least one link to http://www.cvscaremarkallkidscan.com

The first 15 mom bloggers to post about talking to your child about disability and the importance of inclusion and include the link will receive a $20 Amazon gift card.

The blogger who receives the most comments will receive a $100 Amazon gift card.

In addition, 5 bloggers selected by CVS Caremark will get to choose a nonprofit serving children with disabilities to receive a $1,000 grant from CVS Caremark All Kids Can.