Heart & Soul

Valerie Carey has help for those days when you feel bloated, irritable, cranky and the girl’s voice sitting next to you is about to make you scream. The next time “mother nature” calls and all you want to do is crawl up in your bed and eat some chocolate, grab TOTM!, a monthly planner for your Time of the Month that helps documents mood swings, irritability, cravings and more during your menstrual cycle.

“Everyone who has a menstrual cycle can benefit from this book,” Carey said.

The author, publisher and illustrator was inspired to create the planner after wanting her daughter Shelby to feel comfortable talking about her menstrual cycle.

“It started out as a single project for her to track her cycle, but then I made it into a book,” Carey adds.

TOTM! is a good way for mothers and daughters to relate with one another and can also be a valuable resource during visits with the gynecologist. Along with tracking the menstrual cycle, there are tips on preventing cramping and recipes that minimize bloating. Carey hopes that women and young girls will gain a better understanding about their time of the month especially the range of emotions associated with a woman’s cycle.

The book is also a lesson in entrepreneurship for the first time author who self-published the planner and leads the marketing efforts. Mugs will be available in September, an i-Phone app is slated for November and the TOTM! clothing line will be expanded with new designs T-shirts and a line of boxer-panties that are ideal for the menstrual cycle.

A woman’s body is something to celebrate and now mothers and daughters can easily bond with the TOTM! planner.

The 12 Month and 19 Month planners can both be purchased at Amazon.com, Brownstone Books, The Flying Tig and at www.totomtimeofthemonth.com – Diasia Ellerbee

Tell us: How did you mother prepare you for your menstrual cycle?