The other morning I picked up a book from my bookshelf that reminds me to slow down and take time for me. “Meditations For Women Who Do Too Much,” is a daily journal to guide women through life without being “workaholics, rushaholics, and careaholics.”

I particularly like the entry for March 15: Alone Time.

Alone time is absolutely essential to the human organism … My alone time is as essential to my spirit as food, sleep, and exercise are to my body.”

Each day tackles a new topic and can be read in about two minutes — who doesn’t have time for that?

Related:

• Use ‘Power Thought Cards’ For Positive Thinking

This topic of working or staying at home comes up all the time for moms. Here’s an article talks about the ups and downs for working moms — and those who want to go back to work after significant time off.

It also gives a few tips on how to negotiate a part-time or flex-time position so that you aren’t putting in full-time hours.

The full article, from SouthCoastToday.com is here.

I just found a Twitter page that lists Web sites that are offering free (yes, FREE) products. The Twitter writer is Stefani from Mommy Enterprises. She’s created the page just for the free stuff she finds.

I’ll be writing more about Twitter in the future, but for those who’ve never used it, it’s a micro-blogging tool that people use to convey short messages. You don’t have to register in order to read someone’s Twitter page. Just go to the URL and read away.

Stefani’s Freebie Alert contains what seem to be some interesting links … like the Barnes & Noble offer where kids earn a free book when he/she reads 8 books. Another … 20% off Gymboree.com - Coupon code 517545342820. And another … free sippy cup from Juicy Juice.

Related:

• Freebie Alert on Twitter
• Twitter home page
• Mommy Enterprises Blog
• Balancing Motherhood’s Twitter page

I got a press release today about an interesting contest (grant) for innovative moms. Here’s the official release:

This Mother’s Day, May 11, Whirlpool brand will kick-off the fourth annual Mother of Invention Grant Program – just in time for the 100th anniversary of Mother’s Day. In the past three years, Whirlpool brand has recognized and helped more than 15 moms turn their innovative ideas into reality.

The Whirlpool brand Mother of Invention Grant Program provides seed money and expert guidance to moms to turn their invention, business or service ideas into full-fledged businesses. Contest winners receive:

• A $20,000 grant for the grand prize winner
• $24,000 in grant money for the four runners-up
• Appliance prizes
• Invitation to business boot camp where winners will receive guidance from Whirlpool and industry experts

This year, we are greening the program by adding a new category focused on moms who create an environmentally friendly product/service or use natural/recycled materials to create their invention.

More information and entry forms can be found at www.whirlpool.com/moms, May 11. Entries are accepted through July 31, 2008.

Last year’s grand prize winner “created the Quick Change Crib, which gives parents direct access to the crib’s mattress so that sheets can be changed simply by sliding the mattress out and back into the crib.” Sounds pretty cool.

Maybe the invention you keep telling your husband about could be next.

Related:

• Read about the grant here.
• See the list of past winners.

Here are some sites of interest for your Friday, pre-weekend reading:

• BogHer is capturing ideas of the best things your mother told you. Contribute here.
• The 10 Talents of Parenting: Balance. It’s about finding emotional balance.
• Does parenting help in running a business? Read about it in “The Parent Preneur Edge” book.
• Read 43folders.com’s take on clutter.
• Bedtime stress busters for kids.