I am no stranger to driving buzzed. I’ve done my share of them, I am ashamed to say. When you’re young and think you can do anything, driving buzzed is not unusual; sometimes it is even a badge of honor of sort. Forward a few years later, I’m older, a little wiser and more importantly I am now a mom and I realize what an idiot I was!

I was lucky I never got caught driving buzzed or, god forbid, got into an accident. Some of my friends were not so lucky though. A number of them were cited for driving under the influence and some got into minor fender benders. However, I remember at least two incidences when catastrophic events/accidents occured and my friends were never the same after that. One is paralyzed for life and the other is now mentally impaired. Sure, people will say, it could have been worse; they could have died or worse, killed someone. Regardless of how you look at it, buzzed driving IS drunk driving!

With another holiday looming, St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow and you know how we all love a reason to celebrate! And there is nothing wrong with celebrating, my mother has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day for as long as I can remember and she’s not even Irish! Anyway, as a public service announcement, here are a few things to remember when you’re celebrating and are out and about for this holiday or any other holiday:

SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE DANGERS OF BUZZED DRIVING

• Designate a sober driver before you leave for your event.
• Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi. Have the phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.

keep in mind that in 2008, 1,179 people in other vehicles were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers.

Global Influence is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council as they continue their efforts with the Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving PSA campaign. Buzzed drivers drink and drive, but do not consider themselves a hazard on the roadway because they have had ‘only a few’ drinks. The campaign hopes to educate people that consuming even a few drinks can impair driving and that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

To learn more about the impact buzzed driving can have on a life, please watch this important video about the financial and personal repercussions of getting a DUI: http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org/sign.php#video

It’s 2:00 a.m. and your three month old is crying…a lot. You’re a first time mother, and while you’ve got a ton of questions, you called your mom at 2:00 in the morning last night about that crazy looking diaper, so you’d really like to get through this one on your own.

But where can you turn?

Hasn’t a scene similar to that happened to most first time moms? Except that for me, I didn’t call my mom not because she has been called on too often, it’s that early in my motherhood, I wanted to listen to ‘expert’ advice and not mom’s.

Sometimes some of the ‘generation gap’ that reared during our teens lingers into our early motherhood. You know what I’m talking about, that sense that mom is old fashioned and out of touch with the new ways of mothering. I don’t know about you, but I’m guilty of that. I would almost listen to anyone else who claimed to be an ‘authority’ before I would listen to my own mother. Then I realize that they were telling me the same things she tried to say. The only difference is that ‘they’ charged me for their advice and my mother’s is usually free and even came with bonuses.

But, that’s life… and that’s motherhood. We learn as we go along. True. But we don’t have to learn by stumbling from one mistake to another. Even in this modern world, or perhaps because of it, we can still find the ‘village’ that sense of community to tap into for help.

Mamapedia is a new site that takes the wisdom of thousands and thousands of moms and makes it searchable! You can head to the computer with that screaming infant in your arms and type, “Why does my baby cry so much at night?”

And this is what you’ll find - an article about a mom who asked a question titled “Sleepless Nights with a 13 week old” and the responses of forty-four moms. You can read those forty-four answers while bouncing your baby, and with a little luck by the time you are through your infant will be fast asleep and you will feel better as well.

To launch this new mom resource, the Momfluence network and Resourceful Mommy are throwing a party. Join us on Twitter this Friday, May 8th, from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. eastern time along with mom experts in a variety of parenting areas: multiples, kid crafting, health and safety, potty training, home schooling and more!

During the party, details about a “What Can I Learn Today?” contest will be revealed…along with the incredible grand prize.
Join us by “RSVP’ing” here!

This event brought to you by Momfluence: rocking the cradle and shaping the world.

Featured Products

	Chic and Carry Wristlet - Make mom’s quick trips out with baby much easier with this great product.		Miessence Organics Mothers Day Set - Every mom deserves to be pampered once in awhile, and these organic body products allow her to do just that.
	Sara Lee Simply Sweets Pies - Sara Lee’s Simply Sweets line gives you a delicious way to treat Mom this Mother’s Day with a fast, easy and delicious dessert.		Children Should Come With Warning Labels- Patti McKenna offers a humorous take on motherhood, giving mom a chance to laugh, cry, and identify with her tales.
	Roundhouse Designs Desktop Mobile - Roundhouse Designs origami mobiles and wall art are handcrafted creations that make a unique Mothers Day gift.		Roundhouse Designs Jewelry - Roundhouse offers a wonderful selection of handmade jewelry, with styles that are perfect for every mother on your list this Mother’s Day.
	Heart of A Mother - Heart of a Mother is a gift book filled with touching tributes to Mothers and Grandmothers, inspirational short stories, poems, proverbs and quotations.		Protect-A-Bed - Protect-a-Bed waterproof mattress covers provide protection from allergens, dust mites, and bedbugs, helping to extend the life of your mattress and mom to sleep a little sweeter.
	Ultimate Woman Vitamins- Make sure that mom is getting everything she needs to stay healthy and active with the Vitamin Shoppe’s Ultimate Woman vitamins.

More Great Gift Ideas

April Cornell Shoulder Bag

BabyPlus System

Not Just Any Old Day Keyrings

Menu For The Week Subscription

For My Mother Reflection Journal

Vintage Body Spa

No Throw

Me Time Sportswear

Peek-A-Boobs

Kind Notes

Aventine Hill Bath Products

Treadlight Eco Snack Kit

Name Your Tune CDs

Things Remembered Charm Stories

Diaper Clutch

Pedometer

Lia Sophia Riverside Necklace

Lia Sophia Beaujolais Necklace

Lia Sophia Mandalay Bay Necklace

Lia Sophia Athena Necklace

Lia Sophia Love Dust Set

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The Mom Maven

MomECentric

All reviews listed in the Momfluence gift guide were product provided. 

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