Author, Broadway alum, television actor and movie star, leukemia survivor, Father… in case you haven’t guessed, I am talking about Evan Handler. In honor of Father’s Day, Evan Handler (most recently of Sex and the City and his new book Its Only Temporary - The Good News and The Bad News of Being Alive ), was kind enough to write a blog post for Graco. Evan opens up about his latest wondrous moment with his daughter, what he has learned since becoming a parent and lets us in on what types of books he and his family indulge in at bedtime. I am extremely excited to introduce, Evan Handler!

What is your favorite part about being a dad?

Honestly, my favorite part about being a dad so far is seeing the gorgeousness of my wife with our child. That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the beauty of our daughter. But to see the woman I love, who wasn’t at all sure she’d have any maternal instincts, just glowing with love for her daughter, and oozing enjoyment and tenderness, is remarkable. I know a lot of women have trouble adjusting to motherhood (and, judging from my own experience, I can understand it). My wife, however, wants to open the photo album to look at pictures the minute the baby is asleep, because she already misses her.

What was your latest wondrous moment with your child?

My wife’s first language is Italian, as is our nanny’s, so our baby is getting a 2 to 1 dose, with English on the losing side (so far). The Italian word for “head” is “testa.” When I hold our baby and say “testa a testa,” she tenderly leans her head against mine, and we stand or sit like that – our private version of the Vulcan mind meld.

What is the biggest thing you have learned now that you are a dad?

Uhhh…you mean besides the fact that my time is no longer my own, or that what I used to experience as “necessary” down time – for reading, watching a game, or just chilling out - will never again exist? I think the thing that’s had the greatest impact on me has been realizing how absolute a baby’s helplessness and vulnerability is. Our daughter’s now 14 months old and starting to walk and talk. But it’ll be years before she’ll be able to care for herself in even the most basic of ways. It’s a responsibility that’s awesome, and humbling, and a privilege.

Is there a family tradition you are passing down to your child or have you started a new one with your own family?

I really don’t remember what my infancy was like, or even many talks about it. But we’re believers in a very dependable routine. There’s nothing extraordinary about it: dinner, bath, book, and bedtime. But those “end of the day” hours seem to make our little one very happy. She calls out what she’s knows comes next with a great deal of glee.

What is your favorite children’s book?

It’s in Italian. It’s called “Ci vuole un fiore.” For the English speakers, we really like a lot of the Eric Carle books. The paintings are just beautiful, our daughter took an instant liking to the images, and they’re cleverly designed to get a child following along and learning different words and movements.

What’s your favorite time of the day with your child?

My favorite time would be whatever her favorite time is- and that’s bath time. She was indifferent early on, but now she’s just in heaven. She laughs, splashes, talks to herself and her toys, and has the most brilliant time.

What is your favorite Graco product?

We’ve been blowing through them all…until recently she was in her SnugRide infant car seat, and we’re now moving her to a toddler size. The first time we put her in a Pack ‘n Play we thought she’d protest. Instead, she laughed and loved it. She loved being able to still see us through the mesh, but not reach us, or be reachable.

I love this picture.
This is excitement incarnate- the effect of watching your cousins doing cannonball after cannonball into the pool. Cheering them on with such genuine emotion. I love it.

I see this face a lot- well maybe not exactly this face- but ones very similar. I see it when I come up the alley through the front door, after work. I get it in the morning when I come in to his room, and opening the cardoor to let him out. He gets so excited- excited by the possibility of what’s about to happen- whether it’s the playground or the supermarket- it doesn’t matter. The funny thing is that- now I feel that too (well most of the time). I am excited to see the things he sees- It’s the wandering ants again or remembering how the  triangle block “REALLY” can tighten the bolts on your wagon, and that every construction sight really does look like an episode of Bob the Builder. Being a first time dad (almost second), these magic moments are the reward for sitting in gridlock traffic or designing for “the man”. For this, I thank my LittleMan- for the “powers” he grants me to do my job, strive to be successful, and most importantly- the permission to be a kid again.

Happy Father’s Day to all the Daddies out there and  BIG Shout-outs to all the Dads I know: Aaron H, Joe C, Joe S, Michael K, John M, Sean H, Todd S, Mike D (almost), Noah D, Will B… +

As a lot of you know, my husband Chris, is a stay-at-home Dad. In recognition of Father’s Day, I asked him if he would be willing to share his perspective on taking on that role in our home. After he sighed and “thanked” me for the “homework assignment,” he apparently got to work! (because he just sent me the dissertation below!) I hope you enjoy his point-of-view…

In December of 2006, I was laid-off from my Sales Rep position- during my wife’s maternity leave after the birth of our second child, B. I attempted, briefly, to find a similar job, but the market was slow at the time. Lindsay and I decided that this would be a great opportunity for her to go back to work full-time (she had been working part time) and for me to stay home and take care of the kids. Although both of us being “out of work” for 6 weeks together was a little stressful at the time, the experience forced us to make a decision that has turned out great for us.

I have been a stay-at home Dad now for over a year and a half, and I truly enjoy staying at home. I realize that I am lucky to have the opportunity to spend this time with my children. It is only because my wife is so good at what she does that I am able to do this. (I swear I didn’t make him write that!) I very easily could have been forced to get another, uninspiring sales job, been miserable and mostly likely put back on the 30lbs I shed after I stopped working- for that I am thankful. We obvioulsy don’t have as much money as we did when we were both employed, but we both agree that we are much happier (and our daughter has very rarely been sick!)

My goal each day (yes, I have a goals) is to make sure that when my wife gets home from work, she doesn’t have to worry about much besides hanging out with the kids. I take my role seriously and although I may not run my day as structured as my wife would like, I do take pride in teaching the children new things each and every day. In addition to reading stories, we do all kinds of different activities that engage their minds- things like puzzles, sidewalk chalk, number and letter games, etc. I’m also big on manners and teaching the children how to interact socially in public. In addition to all of this, we have tons of fun. We recently installed a slide off the back of our deck and once the weather got hot, I put a slip and slide at the bottom…it is awesome! (and the kids love it too) I have to say- I am constantly coming up with very cool and fun activities.

One thing I have a total appreciation for, after being a stay-at-home Dad for a year and a half now, is that being a single parent must be incredibly challenging. I experience it in short stints when my wife is away on business. I can’t imagine that being the norm. I really appreciate the simple fact that each day around 6 O’Clock, after I have had enough of my son asking me “WHY” and my daughter pleading for me to pick her up, that my wife returns from work! We are also very lucky to have both set of grandparents close-by to help us quite often. I can’t imagine what it would be like if I didn’t have that kind of support.

This is the part where he went into details about his daily chores (it seems to me that this might be a bit defensive-perhaps he’s trying to prove something  but we’ll let him continue!)

MY PERSPECTIVE ON HOUSE CHORES

Cleaning - I need improvement in this area. I need to dust the house and clean the bathrooms with more frequency. I am great (as is my wife) at straightening the house, I just need to clean it more. The best way to get to a clean house, is to invite a friend over (not too close of a friend, someone you want to impress!) Seriously, it gives you motivation. Our house is never more clean than right before company arrives (I am sure that is the case with most people.)

Vacuuming - The easiest chore there is. If your husband or wife tries to impress you by saying they vacuumed….let them know that it’s no big deal.

Dishes - Let the dishwasher work for you! I don’t do anything by hand and I run the dishwasher every single day! (my wife is working just to pay our water bill!) I try to have the sink empty at the end of the day when my wife gets home because that is how she likes it.  (this is true!)

Trash - once a week, not a big deal

Cutting the Lawn - I enjoy this. I have started to break it up into two days. A little each day while the kids are napping. The goal is to not have to do it on the weekend when we are all home.

Dogs - They annoy me! They bark too much! “Crate it up!”-this is the command I yell to alert the dogs to get into the laundry room where their food, water and crate is. Poor dogs…

Laundry - Anyone can DO laundry, that is the easy part….however, not everyone can PUT the laundry away, that is the hard part. It doesn’t help that my wife insists on hanging everything up. My suggestions are simple- stop buying clothes and let’s fold these things and put them in a drawer! It annoys me that I have a huge basket of kids clothes to put away and the closets and drawers already seem to be full. We are very lucky (and apparently rich!)

Groceries - I recommend doing this at night- alone. If you go with your kids you have to do it really fast and forget trying to use coupons or trying to save money, plus you will forget important items, like toilet paper. After a couple trips with your children, a trip alone is so very relaxing. I recommend it! I am also now super-fast at putting the groceries away!

In addition to this I feed, clothe, change, wash, teach and entertain the children, as do all stay-at-home parents and it is far more rewarding than any sales position has ever been, although I could use the company car and gas card right about now!

HOW I KEEP SANE

Excercise- I like to swim, lift and run. I do it early in the morning before the kids wake up. When I return from the gym at 7:15, I get the kids their morning “juice” and then we wake the kids up. It is a great way to start the day. (I tend to get de-motivated later in the day or at night)

Music- Each Wednesday night (except for tonight because my wife is traveling) I attend and preform at a local open mic night. I play acoustic guitar and sing. It’s fun and I have made a lot of nice friends.

Blogging- Lindsay and I started our family blog shortly after GRACO started its blog but I have since taken it over. I found it to be a great way to share our children’s lives and activities with our family and friends (and anyone who might stumble upon it) I try to post every week day but it’s getting a little harder now that the warm weather is here and we tend to be outside every waking moment.

(apparently Chris doesn’t realize that giving advice isn’t always that popular but again, we’ll let him continue)

MY ADVICE

1. Only straighten up the house once or twice a day (and make the kids help.) It got really old trying to continuously keep the house neat.

2. If you have 2 kids, have 2 of everything, it is just easier that way! (remember- we’re rich!)

3. When leaving the house, be prepared for everything. Have juice, snacks, toys, diapers and blankie’s ready. My wife is great at filling the emergency kits we keep in the car (and I always forget to refill them!)

I hope you enjoyed reading this! It took forever!!!

This is a fun Wondrous Wednesday and a first for the blog.  Marta Aebischer, who works on strollers, asked if she could post something for today’s Wondrous Wednesday - I obliged and if you read below, you’ll see why… (I could barely contain myself!) 

- How can you ever love a second child as much as the first?
- Is it true that the transition from 1 to 2 is harder than from 0 to 1?
- How is ‘Little P’ going to be as a ‘Big Bro?’

Well, my husband and I have been blessed with the opportunity to find all this out. We are thrilled to announce that we are due with our second child on December 18th of this year!

All tips and triumphs on adding # 2 to the mix are welcome – we are all ears!

Congrats, Marta!

Every Wednesday we’ll be sharing a photo showing off a little bit of wonder in the lives of our extended Graco family of customers, employees and friends.

Every parent knows the anxiety that comes when you receive a wedding invitation that says “children invited”. The first thought that rushes through your head is, how will I keep our daughter quiet during the wedding service? Now that my husband & I are experiencing life with a 2 year old – it’s amazing how many occasions arise where QUIET is required. Here are some recent situations we have faced where “peace & quiet” was required; a family funeral/memorial service, a nice restaurant with friends, an international flight for 8+ hours (have you heard of a child & parent getting kicked off a plane?!) and even a Basketball foul shooting contest.

When you think of QUIET you would NEVER think of a 2 year old.

Of course the gut response is…well don’t take your daughter. Sometimes, as we all know, that is easier said than done.

Therefore, I have created a Top 10 List of Tricks to Keep a Toddler Quiet (or at least my toddler!)
* Keep in mind, the tricks should be quiet, small, entertaining and easily done independently 

#10: Food! Of course this one is easy. But the tip is the food selection and package you use. Lesson learned from us; of course Goldfish is a sure winner but the package is LOUD. Transfer the fish to a small [quiet] plastic container.

#9: Don’t forget a Drink. WATER is ideal (no color in the beverage in case of a spill).

#8: A mini Etch-A-Sketch

#7: Save up 2-3 toys from the Happy Meal (and don’t let them see prior to the Quiet Event) Lesson learned from us on this one; make sure the toys don’t wind up or make a noise. You can imagine the scene when you take the noisy toy away from them. (yeah…we learned the hard way at a memorial service)

#6: A small ring notebook with a pen attached by a string (so they don’t drop it) and a roll of stickers attached to the front cover. Attachment is critical so it doesn’t drop during the event.

#5: Don’t forget a favorite animal or blanket. Try to by-pass on the pacifier. (there is something about a toddler in public with a binky that seems to cause the commotion you’re trying to avoid.)

#4: This one is specific for flights – but the video ipod with some free cartoon downloads is a great way to get 30-45 minutes of peace & quiet.
We once witnessed a couple out to dinner and they propped up their toddler with a DVD player on the table in front of her. That seemed quite excessive and a little too child-centered for us. Therefore, we have restricted this video ipod trick to long flights.

#3: Don’t try and switch up their normal routine in the hopes of them sleeping through the event if this isn’t their time to nap. Trust us on this one! (where do you think Bear got her nickname?)

#2: Sit at the end of the aisle, perimeter of a restaurant, or the outskirts of an event – this will make for an easy exit if things go terribly wrong.

#1: Have the “you’re a big girl” conversation before hand. It’s amazing how much children want to impress and please their parents. We talk about the need to be quiet and “you’re a big girl now”. We try to steer clear of bribery. THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS…when she makes it through a quiet event successfully – praise her!! We are so proud, you are so amazing, and you are such a big girl. On the flip side, when the quiet event goes terribly wrong…tell her she was a bad girl. It may seem harsh but how do we expect them to learn right from wrong and good manners from bad?

Of course these are just our tricks - what tricks have worked for you?

We’ve all been there: your car breaks down on the side of the road and you don’t know what to do, or you’re having a bad day and could just use some comfort food, or you split your pants before a big presentation. (ok, maybe not ALL of us have been there)

Here at Graco, this happens to the best of us. Lucky for us, we don’t just make baby gear. The Graco building also houses a tailor, a baker, and a baby blanket maker. (oh- and a car repair shop too) These aren’t just any craftsmen; these are the best in the business. (well at least at our business) These are the hidden talents of Graco- the talents that give us a sense of security, that if you are in a bind- someone here can help.

On any given day, you could come across the following scene in our parking lot during lunchtime :
Car hoods open, tools scattered about, the feet of a stroller engineer sticking out from under a car, another engineer peering under the hood, and a distressed-looking car owner standing by. The car repair team, usually led by stroller engineer Mike Dotsey and Roy Dean, will always find a solution to your mechanical problems. These guys are pure genius when it comes to making things (strollers included!) run correctly. (They’ve also saved many of us thousands of dollars.) Graco stroller owners out there- you can rest assured that you have the right guys making sure those strollers run smoothly! (because getting to work in a stroller just wouldn’t cut it!)

Split your pants? Lose a button? Need new drapes? The Graco sewing room can help. With efforts led by Vicki Kuhns, these ladies can fix just about anything in minutes. They are both talented, and efficient, all the while making you laugh about whatever mishap you may have brought to them! (Not to mention they will keep any embarrassing moments confidential!)

There are those times when things can get a little stressful around here. When the pressure heats up, in comes the comfort food! Rosemary Reppert in our fashion department is well known for her baked goods, particularly her heath crunch cookies and her banana cake. These treats have always seemed to make an intense meeting a little sweeter! For those who need something any day of the week, there is a supply of value priced candy and snacks in this building. Since this is a covert operation, I can not reveal its location or operator- but most of us know where to find it when we need to!

Given the baby boom in this office over the last few years, we’ve had a many baby shower. At these showers, we often find a special gift from Kaye Hansen- a hand stitched baby blanket. These blankets are absolutely gorgeous. No matter if it’s the first time you’ve seen one or the fifth, it always gives you goose bumps picturing the new baby wrapped in their soft new blanket. It’s the moment that makes it real.

So are we experts in baby gear? Absolutely! But I think it makes us feel that much better about our products, knowing the type of passion our coworkers put into everything they do.

(oh and before I even posted this, there have been some, apparently talented, folks that have told me this will need to be a series because they aren’t featured in this one!)

Volunteer. Give Back. Pitch in. Help out. Lend a hand. These are all synonymous terms. Regardless of how you refer to it, the opportunities abound, both individually and as a family, through businesses, faith-based organizations, government, nonprofits, school and youth groups, older adult groups, etc…

For quite a while now, we’ve been volunteering either as a family or individually because it serves a good purpose, it provides a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction (tell me you didn’t feel good the last time you helped somebody), and it can be a lot of fun. It’s a value I’d like to instill in Gus.

Some things we’ve been involved with: In addition to donations of food and such, we exercise the dogs (take ‘em for a walk) at our local Animal Rescue League. We’ve had many a Saturday afternoon go to the dogs. We sign in, and Gus picks the dog(s) for us to walk. I remember the Rat Terrier we walked in early spring, a real lovable little guy that was either cold or nervous or both – he was shaking quite a bit, so Gus nicknamed “Mr. Shivers.” The most memorable pooch tale was probably the amorous Eskimo dog that must have thought he was trying out for the Iditarod – he dragged me (all 200+ pounds of me!) about 25 yards – uphill - through the mud (at least I hoped it was mud). I didn’t even have to move my feet or shout “mush!” Sure, the dog got me all muddy, and in need of a chiropractic adjustment, but I’m sure he appreciated our time together, I mean he REALLY appreciated it - when he jumped up, he was so large he was able to hug my neck. We did a fleeting foxtrot right there in the field. It was like “Dancing with the Stars” meets Call of the Wild.  Judging by subsequent walks, he must have told all his buddies back in the kennel what a great time he had - I think mine was voted most popular shin at the shelter. But that’s a part of what volunteering gives us – memories. Plus Gus has developed a great way with the dogs and a healthy respect for animals through this experience. How we ended up adopting a kitten out of all this, I have no idea.

We’ve also recently volunteered in our area in an effort to clean up around a local landmark. The Pagoda sits atop Mt. Penn in our county. I find it ironic that most recognizable structure in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country is a Japanese style of architecture.  Anyway, the structure is in need of TLC before its 100th anniversary celebration later this year. So through my wife’s company, we joined a host of other folks who spent a day pulling weeds, painting, planting flowers and such. We met some really nice people, got to chat with the Mayor and generally had a great time. The free lunch they provided was a bonus (yes, I like bonuses, and no, it wasn’t Sushi and Shoofly pies).

I suppose Gus has seen some of the volunteer activities my wife and I have done over the years, and he’s very excited about the opportunities he has to help others and “do a good turn.” Later this year, Gus is going on a mission trip with his church youth group to Vermont to be of more service to people up there, plus he’s constantly engaged in helpful activities in our community with the Boy Scouts. I asked what he likes best about helping, expecting to hear something altruistic like “to leave this place better than I found it” or “I like to use my time and talents to be of service,” or “we’re all in this together, so we should help one another.” Nope. His response was quite simple: “It’s fun!” Quite right, my boy, quite right.

I know a lot of other parents here at Graco have done some volunteering with their families and I’m hoping to share some of their interesting stories soon as well.  I would love to hear from you too! What are your thoughts or experiences of volunteering with your family?  Let me know.

“I see good things in your future”

As the weather gets warmer, blowing bubbles becomes a favorite pastime in backyards across the country.  That is certainly the case for ”Toodles,” daughter of Kristie who is on our creative team here at Graco.  Blowing bubbles never gets old and you never get too old to blow bubbles!

Photo credit to Jennifer Breton Photography

Every Wednesday we’ll be sharing a photo showing off a little bit of wonder in the lives of our extended Graco family of customers, employees and friends.

I can’t believe it. My little Punkin’ Bear turned 3 earlier this month and while I was so caught up in the excitement details of planning her party, I’m just finally getting around to reflecting on all of the amazing developments she’s made in her first 3 years of life. I suppose it’s natural for parents to be reflective and sentimental at their children’s birthdays, which I indeed was, but what has really struck me recently is just how far she’s come in the 2 weeks since her big day! 

Ask most of my colleagues here at the office and you’ll know that potty training has been an interesting course for us. For the past 6 months, Punkin Bear has been hit or miss (mostly miss) on the training track. I thought for sure that moving into the “potty training class” at daycare with a more focused effort from her teachers would surely move the training along (plus a little peer pressure from her friends never hurts, right?). That was 6 months ago and the only thing it did was create a refusal on her part to wear baby diapers; instead only opting to wear big girl training pants.  Great if she used the training pants in conjunction with the potty training, but not so much when she decided to use them solely as diapers – especially given that they’re more expensive than diapers!

We tried everything we could think of to help the transition. We tried the reward system, potty training books, and even a potty poster where should could proudly display a special sticker each time we had success (which , by the way, she quickly learned that she only had to go a tiny bit in the potty to qualify for this special treat and that the rest could be left to her pull up!). As we got a little more desperate, we tried switching to pull ups that change temperatures to help children know when they had an “accident” and even decided to go cold turkey into big girl underwear.  Nothing worked. That is until her that magical day that happened just 2 short weeks ago– her third birthday.

 Somehow, I think due to part desperation and part “training exhaustion” on our end, my husband and I spent the weeks leading up to her birthday less focused on the instant win of potty training in the here and now; instead shifting our focus to make it more of an evolutionary process. So instead of focusing on “why didn’t you tell us you had to use the potty” we shifted to “big girls tell mommy and daddy when they need to go potty” and “when you’re 3, you’ll be a big girl so you’ll remember to tell us when you need to go”. By speaking to something she ultimately wanted – to be a “big girl” which in her mind began at 3 – we found our sweet spot which finally worked! Instead of trying to make it a process that worked for us, we found a process that works for her. And I have to tell you, success has been SWEET! Like a light switch, she has been fully potty trained since her birthday. Did I mention we’re going on 2 weeks straight?! She just decided to do it and did it. 

Amazingly, I was still fully prepared to take nighttime training as its own course – another evolution to come in the next few months. But Punkin has actually taken it upon herself to get up in the middle of the night, go to the bathroom and stay completely dry.

I’m just so proud of Punkin’ Bear. And, yes, while it is also a relief for my husband and me to have one less set of diapers to change (with BrotherSister due to arrive any day now!), I’m more thrilled about the fact that my little girl put her mind to something and did it on her own accord. It’s funny, but I’m really beginning to have an understanding and appreciation of the old cliché “It’s the little things in life”.

May Monthly Nods - Enjoy!

Lindsay Lebresco - The Silent I - About a Boy
I know. I know- this post was written almost 2 years ago. Doesn’t matter. Still applies. Especially to me. I LOVE this post. It speaks to me in soooo many ways- being the mother of a son, someone who loves being a mom every single day just a bit more, someone who always wants to freeze time and remember everything about how Jagger is right now and someone who is amazed at what such a young person can teach us about ourselves and about life.  This one moved me to tears…

Jon DeHart - Daddyology - Driver’s Ed 
A great reminder that our kids learn by example – guess I’d better start biting my tongue and eating my broccoli.

Kristin DeLoach - DC Metro Moms Blog - We caved and went to Hooters for our son’s birthday
(keep scrolling, legal- nothing to see here) I picked this post because for me, it was a good ol’ fashion laugh and just goes to show that kids’ memories are infallible so be prepared to deliver on any and all promises!

Erin McHugh - Petroville - Thirteen
My mom and I have always been extremely close. Growing up, she was a single mom and I was an only child- we couldn’t help but be buddies! As I grew up and turned into a teenager (13!) my mom and I weren’t as close. She was more of a parent than a “buddy” and of course, as the “know it all” teenager that I was, I didn’t want any advice, guidance or help from her because I thought I had it all figured out. Well, I didn’t. Every single time she tried to steer me in one direction and I took another- I ended up in regret. My mom is ALWAYS right. Now I am 24 and my mother and I are pretty much best friends. We still disagree every now again (who doesn’t?), but I know in my heart of hearts that she only wants what is best for me and I will always go to her for guidance. I wish I knew, when I was 13, what I know now.

Melissa Parlaman - Table for Five - What Memorial Day means to me
This post is very timely for me because my father is retiring from the Army Reserve after serving 38 years. He is extremely dedicated to serving our country & I know this will be a sad day for him & his co-workers. This is a great post that recognizes the sacrifices that our service people give every day in order to protect our country.

Jen Callaghan - New Jersey Mom’s blog - Family Vacation 2.0
Shelli from New Jersey Mom’s Blog wrote about vacationing with her baby. As a Jersey Shore girl, I wonder what it will be like someday with a little one. I love her insight on being surrounded by family and still spending time with her husband without feeling guilty about leaving her child. Great perspective!
 
Kim Lefko - Mom-101 - Gratitude from the Sleepless
This is an inspiration for all Type A people that become Type B parents. You see the beauty in not over-thinking and over-reacting. Just relax and enjoy the ride of life!!

Jason Arnold - Behance Magazine - 100 Tips to Improve Your Life
This month I am focusing on productivity. As a “rather-be-home” dad, I find trying to get everything I need to get done, both for work and home, a day-to-day struggle. As a result, I have been on a quest to find a better work/life balance- which brought me here. Behance Magazine posts interesting articles and inspiring work from people across the creative spectrum. However this one particular post keeps me coming back to it on the regular. This article is full of links to other productivity blogs with great ideas on how to get things done.  Now who couldn’t use ideas like that?! Enjoy- and check out some of the interesting discussions at the end of the post as well…