This Month our Mom of the month is our own CaryMom's founder-Jennifer Varner. We decided to introduce Jennifer to use July as the kickoff month for many new programs at CaryMoms.com. Introducing Jennifer allows us to bring our CaryMoms community full circle. Jennifer is also the owner of www.Pure-Ecommerce.com .

Where did you get the idea to start CaryMoms.com?

I actually obtained the domain name while I owned another online company.  I loved the idea of starting a community where women could meet and get to know each other while learning about their community.  I have lived a lot of places in my life and Cary, NC is my favorite. I am so thankful to be living and raising my family here, so owning CaryMoms.com is just a natural progression.

 Tell the CaryMoms community about yourself and your family.

I am the mother to 3 children.  I have a 7 , 6 and 4 year old.  I am married to a very patient and supportive husband.  I also work as an ecommerce consultant and am the founder and owner of www.pure-ecommerce.com. I am a partner in 2 online retail businesses. And, I am also in the process of completing my first book www.wahmonlinebusinessguide.com. I love to travel and do anything outside.  I recently took up jet skiing and hope to enjoy lots of time on the lake this summer.   

What are your plans with CaryMoms.com?

I hope that CaryMoms.com grows to be a strong community of women sharing ideas and offering support to each other.  I also hope that it becomes a valuable resource for women looking for local family friendly events to share with their family and children.

Where did you get the idea for the CaryMom of the month? 

To be a mother is a tremendous job and I think taking each month to honor a local Cary Mom is an excellent way to highlight some incredible women.  Having been through quite a bit in my 8 years as a mother I understand the journey we all go through and I really want to focus on strong inspirational women.. We all have our storys of courage and inspiration that other carymoms want to hear.  As a result the Cary Mom of the Month has become the most viewed section on the site.

Is it hard for you to focus on several businesses and 3 kids?

I have a husband who helps out along with my mother who lives in Amberly.  I am so grateful that I get to stay home with my children while doing what I love-teaching others how to rule their life and own their own business and of course running CaryMoms.com. But yes it's hard and certainly at times can be overwhelming and stressful.  When you own your own business it is like having a 4th child and can be very stressful. But the end result is so worth it and I feel very good about the fact that I have something for myself.   

 Do you ever get to the point where you are just overwhelmed?

Of course, and when I do try to take a day off and just relax.  I also started taking riding lessons and that has been a tremendous outlit for me. On the flip side the stress I feel from my companys excited me and fuels my soul.  It is who I am meant to be and it fells good uncovering and living that.  It took a lot for me to admit I am not and never will be a pure stay at home mom and that's ok.  It''s ok to want this level of sucess for myself and I can still be a good mom and wife.

What do feel is the biggest obtacle in the lives of Cary Moms?

I would say to stay away from gossip. I have lived in a neighborhood where all I witnessed was gossip and people taking plesure from others misfortune. Support those around you, stay away from gossip and focus on making your life the best life possible. 

Try not to compete or overwhlem yourself with mounting meaningless tasks.  Take time to focus on yourself.  You are more then just a mom-underneath all those layers and responsibility’s is an incredible women with desires and aspirations. Don't forget those and continue to set goals for yourself and stay away from other's that don't lift you up. 

What are your plans for the future?

 I just hired some great girls for CaryMoms.com and I am excited about the future of the site.  I hope that it becomes a strong community of outstanding women supporting and uplifting each other. I also hope to launch ApexMoms.com in September so keep an eye out for that great site.

To email Jennifer directly email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

To email Jennifer directly email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Amanda Lamb -Carys Mom of the Week!

Can you explain to our Cary Moms what exactly you do?

I've been a television reporter for 18 years, the last 13 I've been at WRAL where I primarily cover the crime beat in Wake County. I am also an author with one book published so far, "Smotherhood: Wickedly Funny Confessions from the Early Years," (Globe Pequot/August 2007). I also have a true crime book coming out soon called "Deadly Dose: The Untold Story of a Homicide Investigator's Crusade for Truth and Justice," (The Berkley Group/June 2008). I am working on another installment of "Smotherhood" about the early childhood years. But my primary job is being a mother to two spirited girls, Mallory, 8, and Chloe, 4. 

You seem to have a really busy job-how do you manage the book signings, your job, and being a mom?

It's not easy, but I work four days a week and spend the majority of my three off-days doing things with my girls. This often means that laundry doesn't get folded, the dishwasher doesn't get unloaded and beds are unmade, but that's the trade-off. I also set aside time in the evening before my girls go to bed to spend one-on-one time talking to them about their day. I don't do any work until they are asleep- which makes for some long nights!

Do you ever get to the point where you are just overwhelmed?

All the time. I think we're are the first generation of women to acknowledge that we can't have it all, at least not at the same time. While our mothers may have pioneered the ability to be a working-mom, we have realized that it takes a lot of sacrifice, balance, and energy that we don't always have.

What do you do at that point?

I try to step back and prioritize. I'm very organized, so that helps. I tend to be a Blackberry addict, so I try to put it away when I'm at home so I can focus on my kids. But most importantly when things get crazy we go roller-skating, or for a walk, or to a movie, anything that allows me to re-connect with what's really important, what I was put on this earth for, to raise these two beautiful, amazing people.

Tell us about the book-what is it about?

"Smotherhood" is an honest, raw, unfiltered look at motherhood in the twenty-first century. It combines the pragmatism and humor of Erma Bombeck with the edginess and sarcasm of David Sedaris. It's about being real as women, saying this is a really hard job, and that it is okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes, we all do. I think if women share their stories they will realize they are not alone- that everyone goes through the same stuff. For me parenting has been one of the most profoundly humbling experiences of my life. I approach it with tenacity, love and a whole lot of laughter.

What inspired you to write the book?

I was inspired by the changes that occurred in our family after having multiple children. All of a sudden it was 24/7, unlike just having one child. It was cathartic for me, and it was a way to give my daughters a written history that I hope they will read someday with an open mind and understand their mother loved them fiercely even though she made mistakes.

Why do you choose to do it all-work and being a mother?

I choose what's right for my family at the moment. I am always re-evaluating their needs and how my career affects them. Honestly, I would like to work less out of the home, and more from home. That is a goal I am working towards. There is a belief that children need you less as they become more independent, I think that's not the case, they need me more and I intend to be there. Working is part of who I am and being able to follow my dreams, especially as an author, I think makes me a more content mother. That being said I support women making their own choices, what's right for them and their family. I abhor how women criticize and judge one another for making choices that are different than their own. I have plenty of friends in both camps. We all have challenges, I try to be mindful of that in my friendships.

Any advices for Mothers who are trying to balance it all and are having a hard time doing so?

I would say step back, take a deep breath, talk to your spouse and figure out if there are changes you can make that will make your life operate more smoothly. In 2006 we hired an after-school nanny to help with activities and dinner. It was a small change that made a major difference in the ability of our family to have a calm, enjoyable evening together. Remember choices don't have to be permanent. Don't be afraid to change your focus for a period of time if you need to-quit work, go part-time, go back to work. You can always change your mind.

Where can Cary Moms purchase your book?

At most major booksellers and independent book stores, the Cary Barnes and Noble and Quail Ridge in Raleigh for example. They can also purchase it online from Amazon and other online retailers. To do this go to my website: www.smotherhoodbook.com.

Thanks Amanda! And I have to say I loved the book!

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This week we interviewed Amy from Petite Soles in Cary.  Amy is a working mom and the owner of Petite Soles .  She and her husband have one child.

You are a working mom-how many kids do you have?  

I have a 3 ½ year old son named Fletcher Devlin Port 

How long have you lived here in Cary and what brought you here? 

As my son approached his first birthday, my husband and I decided to move south out of the Philadelphia suburban area in search of warmer weather, a slower lifestyle pace and beautiful surroundings.  We found all that and so much more having moved to Cary 2 ½ years ago.

What do you do? 

I used to sell radio advertising for nine years in Philadelphia and in Raleigh with WRAL FM (Mix 101.5).  However, once my husband and I decided in 2006 to open a children’s shoe store, I dove into the daily routine of having fun measuring little piggies and operating a business full-time.

Is it hard balancing work and family? 

For me, yes.  Period.  My daily struggles are usually put to rest by mid-morning when I’m at the store and I can check on Fletcher via the Internet site that his daycare provides parents.  I see him learning or playing and I know that he’s in a safe and caring environment.  Yet I still crave to understand how to practice that “perfect balance of work and family”.  But I believe that the lifestyle I have right now is the best fit for my family.  My husband Jason is a loving and adoring husband/father so he helps a great deal to keep thing in check.  We’re truly a team when it comes to this balancing act.

What is the hardest aspect of being a working mom? 

Petite Soles Stylish Shoes for Little Angels

Amy Port, Owner Email Us
Location:
Stone Creek Village
309 Ledgestone Way (Click here for map)
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 466-1141

Hours:
Monday - Thursday & Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Friday: 10am - 8pm
Sunday: Closed