Biggest Lying McLie of all time? Balance for Women!

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December 17, 2008

Hi everyone,

What is the biggest, lying-est McLie of all time? Balance for women. You know it, I know it. And there is nothing like the holiday season to make that eye-rollingly clear.

"As we grow closer to the end of 2008 and the all important Season of Resolutions, let's talk about balance, baby. Or perhaps what a big, fat lie it is," blogged Rita Arens in this week's blockbuster post.

Ever feel that way? Me too. So here are some links, plus a virtual hug AND a virtual glass of wine (or apple juice if you prefer), from me to you. Because I know I need one! Fortunately, the silly season is bringing out the humor in the BlogHer-sphere, from Mom-jeans to the economy. Read on:

1. Biggest Lie Ever: Balance for Women
2. Single for the holidays? Start here
3. Menu for Hope: Feed the needy, win a free pass to BlogHer '09!
4. Crafts: 100 things you can do with duct tape. And knitting needles.
5. Economy: How bad economic news is making us all a little nuts

1. Biggest Lie Ever: Balance for Women
"Let's just not delude ourselves. You can bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan and never, never, never let him forget he's a man, but your kids will go to school in their underwear, your relatives will get their Christmas gifts in June and your best friend will replace you with a cat. Yeah, you, who hasn't called her in six months. You know I'm talking to you. Why is this balance bag so hard?" blogs Rita Arens in Balance is a Big, Fat, Lying Liar Lie for (Especially) Working Parents.

But wait, there's more: The advice rolling out in the comments is fantastic, controversial and irresistible. "Women have have to learn to chart their own course and not listen to folks giving them models of success," insists BlogHer Lovebabz. "We have to be our models of success. And leave the guilt at the door. AND not chastise or sit in judgement of women who make different choices..." Ahhhh...the conversation continues. Join us?

2. Single for the holidays? Start here
Single-dom at the holidays can be a yo-yo of an experience IF you're not sure you want to be single. In honor of that feeling, I recommend two terrific posts by BlogHer Contributing Editors. I started with Dating: 'Tis the Season, in which Zandria heads out on the town, saying "Bring it on!" I hope you enjoy her description of Male Online Dating Height Exaggeration, which made me laugh out loud. I too learned to translate six-foot profiles as 5'10"--tops!

The season of holiday cheer can have its dark side as well, points out Susan Mernit in Single & Over 40: Holiday Self-Esteen Survival Tips. "if you’re not in the my-life-is-perfect bucket, the holidays can underscore everything that sucks and make you feel like that half full glass is pretty damn empty," blogs Susan with her usual refreshing honesty. "Whether it’s the parties everyone else seems to be enjoying, or the intimate relationships they have that you don’t, or the general worry that casts a thin grey film over everything, the next two weeks of winter celebrations can carry a lot of sadness and angst in the joy..." Whether you've ever felt this way or not, I hope you enjoy her open letter.

3. Menu for Hope: Feed the needy, win a free pass to BlogHer '09!
Congratulations Chez Pim! It's the fifth anniversary of A Menu for Hope, an annual fund-raiser where food bloggers unite to raise money for a designated charity -- and offer fabulous prizes. And this year, BlogHer founders are donating a free admission to Blogher's 2009 Summer conference! Contributing Editor Kalyn Denny has the scoop. Thanks for giving what you can to this terrific event, a testimony to the huge hearts (and amazing taste) of the food blogging community.

4. Crafts: 100 things you can do with duct tape. And knitting needles.
Ever wonder how to knit? Do you have a New Year's Resolution to get back to a special project? Have you wondered how to fashion a dress out of duct tape? We know, us too. Which is why BlogHer's crack developers have put together a special guide to the amazing craft bloggers in our community: Hands-On Bloggers widget. We have a version for your iPhone, for your blog, for your iGoogle page. We promise, we'll wear that sweater if you make it for us...

Jen Lemen: Best handmade Gifts for the Crafty Shopper
Debra Roby: Crafty Christmas Decorations
Mom101: The CPSIA Puts Handmade Toys and Kids Clothers in Danger of Extinction. Like, Soon.

5. Economy: How bad economic news is making us all a little nuts
"I think the steady stream of bad economic news is making us all a little nuts," blogs Maria Niles in The Paradox of Irrational Economic Behavior. "Does the bad economy have your brain and emotions tied up in knots? Any sanity saving tips for surviving the recession?" Please, share!

So there you have it: Proof that we're all in this together -- with a giggle or two along the way. I hope this email inspires you to reach out to another woman in the next few days and tell her how great she's made you feel or how much she's inspired you. That's the true elixir of the season, of which BlogHers remind me every day. Thanks.

Best,
Lisa

for Elisa, Jory and Lisa, BlogHer co-founders

Biggest Lying McLie of all time? Balance for Women!

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