The format may be reminiscent of another talk show hosted by a group of women, but The Talk has a different angle. It premiered on October 18, featuring 6 women of different ages, ethnicities, and religions – all mothers. Actress Sara Gilbert, who created and produces the show, envisions it as a sort of national mother’s group.

While the execution and popular success of the show remain to be seen, I like the idea because women trying to mix motherhood with careers have a lot in common — and we need all the support we can get! Particularly for entrepreneurs, learning to integrate our work time with the needs of our families can be difficult. Sometimes flexibility can seem to make balance even more challenging.

Finding a support network of others in our situation is critical – other working mothers may be the only ones who can understand and sympathize. And equally important, together we can pool our wisdom. Since you probably spend as much time on your computer as I do, here are some interesting sites and communities that may be worth checking out:

● Homebased Working Moms – an online community and professional association for mothers working at home. The site offers a wide range of resources including both professional and personal items.

● Mothers Work at Home – If you’re looking to start a home business or are interested in business opportunities that won’t take you away from your family, this is the site for you.

● WorkitMom! – With a diverse set of bloggers, and articles touching on the work place and family, this site offers community and support to all kinds of working mothers.

● The Integrated Mother – what a great name – and with the goal “to equip, teach, and support mothers to effectively manage their life and their work so they can enjoy the best life possible” it is well worth a visit.

I’ll stay tuned to The Talk occasionally to see what kind of insights these women have. Have you seen this show? What do you think? Have you found good communities of working mothers — online or offline? Please do share in the comments below.

It seems almost every day that Apple, Google, or Microsoft announces a new mobile device, a new technology feature, or a new application. Some are designed to simplify life when you’re on the go – and others are just fun – but there are many apps today that can help your boost your business – whether you are using an iPad, an Android or other smart device. (Currently I’m using a combination of my Blackberry and an iPod Touch). Here is a small sampling of apps worth checking out:

1. Goodreader – Need to read lots of files on the go? Here is your solution for PDFs, Word, Excel, Google Docs, and more. Better yet, you can download documents from URLs. The reader handles heavy documents without a problem and can even unzip files easily. Its clear management system makes it easy to find what you are looking for quickly and to store all your professional documents with just a finger tap. Available for iPhone, iPad, $0.99

2. Bump – Gone are the days of exchanging business card. It’s not good for the environment, they are easy to lose, and you will ultimately want the data in a digital format anyway. This app allows you to simply bump hands with your colleague while you each hold your devices and Voila! you can share contacts, calendars, and even connect via LinkedIn and Facebook. Available for iPhone, iPad, free

3. Evernote – Their motto says it all: “Capture anything, access anywhere, find things fast.” Record a conversation or lecture at a conference, snap a photo, capture a web clip and more. This handy app will ensure you never forget any piece of important information. Available for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, free

4. Mobile Defense – Do you carry sensitive, private information on your mobile device? To protect your client information in case you lose your phone– or better yet, lock your phone remotely or locate a missing phone, sign up on their website to be notified of the next release for this powerful app. Available for Android, free

5. ClockIn – Keeping track of time while working as a freelancer with multiple clients, or billing by the hour, can be difficult, especially while you’re on the go. This app, with just a tap or two, makes the whole process simple. Not only that, but the data is easily exportable in other formats and can be sent out via e-mail. Available for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, $2.99

There are many more apps that seem to do magic – stay tuned for follow-up posts with more reviews. Have a favorite app that has revolutionized your professional or personal experience? Please comment so we can all benefit!

It begins innocuously. You hang on to a pair of jeans that will fit again someday, financial documents from the 1980s, and business magazines you still intend to read. Before you know it, clutter invades your home and workplace and your storage space needs storage space. In addition to feeling physically uncomfortable, you get pulled toward the past, your energy is lowered, and even your weight may be affected.

I have always loved — needed! — order. Even so, I often find myself overwhelmed with stuff that simply isn’t necessary. In August, I went on a cleaning and organizing spree around my house. Before and after, my space reflected the state of my mind, spirit and body.

Returning to a state of simplicity can improve your professional and personal life, but it isn’t always easy. Even if you can’t devote an entire week to organizing your space, here are 5 practical tips for getting started:

1. Commit to 15 minutes a day – Take it slow. The clutter didn’t accumulate in one day. Don’t try to get rid of it all at once. Every day, clear off one shelf, empty one drawer – you’ll feel an immediate sense of accomplishment and feel motivated to continue.

2. Donate – Give away whatever you can. You’ll feel less guilty for acquiring unnecessary stuff in the first place. What’s excess for you may be needed by someone else. Your local shelter, Goodwill store, or school rummage sale will be grateful recipients. Also in the spirit of doing good, be sure to recycle your old office papers.

3. One-year Rule – Are you convinced that one day you’ll find a use for that knick-knack or that those jeans will fit? If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably won’t miss it. If there are items you are unsure about, put in them in a box with today’s date and check it next year. (The lifespan of legal and financial documents is often longer, so check before recycling those).

4. Ask for Help – Recruit a trusted friend or coworker. He or she won’t have emotional attachment to your possessions. Outside perspective can support you to make rational decisions about what to keep and what to toss.

5. Limit What Comes In – The most effective way to keep order is not to let clutter into your house or office from the outset. New jeans coming in? Old jeans must go out. Establishing a “One In, One Out” habit will stem the tide without active effort on your part and help you avoid difficult decisions later on.

Committing to just a few of these steps can help you declutter your home and office in minimal time. You’ll be amazed at the difference in your quality of life. When I let go of what I don’t need from my surroundings, my mind feels clearer, my connection to Spirit feels more direct, and my body feels lighter.

Have you managed to change chaos into order? Different personality types are attracted to different solutions. I’d love to hear what works for you! Comment here to share with the connect2 community.