Synopses & Reviews
Kathy Ireland communicates with moms every day: online, at the grocery store, at church, at speaking engagements, and on her company website. She is grateful that her conversations don't center around beauty tips or requests for autographs or advice on how to dress. Rather, she has the honor of hearing from real women who struggle with balancing the responsibilities of marriage, raising children, managing a household or career or both, and finding any time left to take care of themselves.
As the involved mom of three very active children, the supportive wife of an emergency room doctor, and a dynamic businesswoman, Kathy knows of these struggles firsthand. She credits her strong faith in God and her parents' love and support for any success she has today and dedicates her days to finding the solutions that can make life easier for busy moms in all phases of life. As she tackles the tough financial concerns families feel today and many other issues, Kathy offers empathy and encouragement. She shares stories from her own life and wisdom she has gained through her years from teenager with a paper route to successful supermodel to mom to entrepreneur with a dream for big business big business which was realized by building what Forbes now calls the "Billion Dollar Brand."
Review
"I love Kathy. She's brilliant. Kathy's important new book helps moms, grandmothers and all leaders! Once you become a mom, you never stop. Kathy's kindness must not be mistaken for weakness. Her strength and wisdom are helpful in solving any problem." -- Elizabeth Taylor
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"Real Solutions for Busy Moms: Your Guide to Success and Sanity is on our kitchen table. We love Kathy and we love her book. It talks about the tough stuff. It helps every parent keep kids safe and reminds us to communicate, communicate, communicate. Thank you, Kathy for sharing so much love and wisdom. If you buy one book on parenting this year, make it this book." -- Erik and Nanette Estrada
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"Kathy has produced an invaluable resource for moms who struggle with real life issues. Her wisdom and insight are reflective of her genuine character. A great mom giving great advice!" -- Britt Merrick, lead pastor and founder of Reality Carpinteria
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"Kathy Ireland's life is noteworthy not only for her long-standing career as a successful model and businesswoman, but for her balance of that, along with her home life. This book is a real winner for busy moms! Who wouldn't want to get balance and order back into their lives? Kathy will show you how to do that in every area no matter your starting point, age, or educational background. When our life's activities are managed in the right perspective, the intention God has for our lives can be more fully realized." -- Nick Vujicic, president and founder of Life Without Limbs
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"Kathy Ireland has more irons in the fire than Ironman. She should be called Ironwoman. I admire how she does it all and does it all so well." -- Kathie Lee Gifford
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"Working women are always looking for support and tips for prioritizing family, without sacrificing career. Kathy Ireland is a great example to all of us who seek that balance." -- Patricia Heaton
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"The education and development of our youth is our most vital responsibility. Since 1990, Kathy Ireland has provided support to the single mothers facing the challenges of teen pregnancy. I applaud her efforts to keep youth on a positive track. Please accept my best wishes for every future success." -- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Review
"Beautiful and successful Kathy Ireland wows us again with this new book. It is such a joy to watch Kathy Ireland share her unwavering commitment to marriage, family, country, and faith. Kathy Ireland has kept as her top priority the role of wife and mother. She is a unique and dynamic role model for all of America. We are proud to call her a loving friend." -- Arvella and Dr. Robert H. Schuller, founding pastor of the Crystal Cathedral
Review
"Kathy Ireland not only poses unique personal gifts...she encourages us to help others and to inspire. Follow her leadership, you who are pioneers for change." -- Eunice Kennedy Schriver
About the Author
Kathy Ireland communicates with moms everyday: online, at the grocery store, at church, at speaking engagements and on her company website.
UCLA names Kathy one of the Top Ten Women's Health Advocates in America today. Kathy is named the mother of the year by the National Mothers Day Committee. Kathy is a Christian, wife and mother of three children. Kathy balances the responsibilities of building a brand with five Good Housekeeping Seals and what Forbes and the Wall Street Journal report as a 1.4 billion dollar design business. Honoring her priorities of faith, family and career are critical to Kathy.
Reading Group Guide
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Both financial success or failure can cause stress to marriages, some evern to fall apart. Based on Kathy's suggestions in the book, what strategies can you use to safe guard your marriage? What strategy can you share that you have done already?
2. Kathy is a very successful business woman, but her faith and family always come first. Share a time when you struggled with achieving success as a mom and a business woman.
3. Credit card debt has huge effects on our society. What are some ways you can monitor your credit card debt? What are ways you can teach your children how to be responsible credit card users?
4. Most Americas equate happiness with material possessions. What makes you happy?
5. God is pleased when He sees His children happy, but he rejoices when He see them act in a holy way. Do you agree with this and how do you live it out?
6. Share one thing you have done to your personal space to make it personal?
7. Try the recipe on page 111 for dinner one night. Share how your family responded to it. Was it easy to follow?
8. Protecting our children is a job most moms take very seriously. What has changed in your lifetime that make you feel that your children are not as safe as you were as a child?
9. Without getting paranoid about it, write down some things you could do to make your home a safer place to live.
10. Are you willing to be "uncomfortable" as Kathy suggests to insure your child's safety while being around other families? How have you handled the dilemma of "checking out" a child's family your child wants to go visit?
11. Do you still have dreams that you haven't fulfilled? Share one with the group. What keeps you from going after your dream? What steps, even if small, can you take toward accomplishing your dream?
12. Tell about your faith-journey. Who was the most influential person in your life? Do you desire to pass your faith on to your children? If yes, what steps are you taking to make this desire a reality?