I was doing some research to update my media kit and found this great stat:

81% of moms own a mobile phone and 45% own a smart phone

http://blog.insightexpress.com/2011/07/smart-moms-smartphones/

Smart Moms Using Smartphones

by Joy Liuzzo July 11, 2011

I know a lot of Moms who can’t remember how they got through the day before owning a smartphone.   Seems like the only thing these devices can’t help with is actually cooking food but, who knows, someday there may be an app for that too.

In my last post, I promised to share data on these interesting “smartphone Moms”; specifically, the what, where and how behind their usage and behaviors.  This information was garnered from the most recent installment of our Digital Consumer Portrait study, in which we surveyed Moms between the ages of 25 and 54, all with children under 18 living in the home.

It turns out that Moms are heavy smartphone users, which is logical given the number of jobs on their plate.  They often tasked with managing everything from extensive family logistics to their own careers.  We found that 81 percent of Moms own a mobile phone, and a solid 45 percent own a smartphone.  Today, it seems smartphone Moms are leaning slightly more toward Android (17 percent), with Blackberry (10 percent) and iPhones (7 percent) not far behind.

One of the most significant findings is that the majority of smartphone usage among Moms happens in the home.   It begs the question “Does this discovery take the ‘mobile’ out of ‘mobile phone’?” because these devices have traditionally been seen as something used on the go.

Probably not, since the term “mobile” is relative.  It seems that for many Moms smartphones are becoming more like pocket computers, replacing the communications capabilities offered by their laptop or desktop.  For example, why text your soccer-playing son from the computer in the den when you can do it in the kitchen while prepping dinner?

(Click chart to see detail).

Many of these smartphone Moms are actually quite well rounded in their mobile behaviors, demonstrating much more than just texting savvy.  In fact, they over-index not only in their use of text, but also in their use of the mobile Internet, games, apps and social media (see the chart below).

Rather than one trick ponies, smartphones are becoming command central, if you will, for Mom’s practical needs as well as her entertainment and social outlets.  This is good news, because everyone knows that a happy mom = a happy family.

If you’d like to know more about these smartphone Moms, please send me an email at jliuzzo@insightexpress.com.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Becky is a Utah native and proud of it. She has Swedish blood and married a Norwegian. (Shhh..don’t tellGrandpa Erland.) Whether it’s scoping out a local bakery to try their signature item, attending an art exhibit or joining the nearest CSA, she loves to support local. Becky authors two sweet-centric blogs: Utah Loves Cupcakes and Project Domestication, which chronicles her journey in baking, cooking and all things domestic. Becky recently completed every single recipe from what she deems ‘the best baking cookbook of all time’ by Dorie Greenspan. It took her 3 years and 3 months and it was completely delicious! She loves using high-quality, local ingredients, especially if it means learning something new and being able to enjoy a special treat with those she loves.

Tell us a bit about your Scandinavian heritage.
I was not raised in Sweden, nor been to the beautiful country. Yet I feel such a connection and pride by having Scandinavian heritage. I supposed this comes from my mother. As a child she shared memories of her father speaking Swedish, and her mother’s authentic Swedish meals. She decorated our kitchen in blue and yellow and talked and taught us how to celebrate St. Lucia. I always felt special knowing I had ancestors from Sweden. It made me feel unique.

As I’ve gotten older I seek out experiences whether they be through music, food, family history, clothing or design to bring me closer to my ancestry. To me there is something so special about connecting past and present. It makes us stronger and gives us more purpose in life and in family.

What was the most surprising moment as a parent?
I had to keep this question in here even though I am not yet a mother. When we lived in New York City I made it a point to visit the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater. It had to be fate, because they happened to be showing, Pippi, the sneaky red-headed Swedish character.

I knew I wasn’t leaving my time in NYC without going inside the Swedish Cottage and seeing that marionette production. So I called to make my reservation and this was how the conversation went. You’ll see that nothing can stop me from celebrating my Swedish-ness.

Ring, Ring, Ring…
SMT Employee: “Hello Swedish Marionette Theatre, how may I help you.”
Becky: “Hi, I’d like to make a reservation and reserve a ticket for Pippy this Thursday at 11am.”
SMT Employee: “Wonderful, for how many?”
Becky: “Oh, just one.”
SMT Employee: “Okay ma’am. One adult and one child?”
Becky: “No, just one adult.”
SMT Employee: “So no children?
Becky: “Right, just one adult.”
SMT Employee: “Are you with a school group?”
Becky: “No Ma’am.”
SMT Employee: “This show is just for children.” {read puzzled}
Becky: “I was really hoping to see this…I love marionettes…{continue babbling…}”
SMT Employee: “Well, we have a kindergarten group coming today.” {now annoyed}
Becky: “Is there any room?”
SMT Empolyee: “Ok. Just sit in the back and make sure the kids can see. What’s your credit card number.”

And if you’re wondering if I felt silly sitting all by myself in a room full of 4-year olds. Not in the least. I loved every minute of it!


What is your favorite children’s story or fairytale?
I love Sleeping Beauty. As a little girl, I remember twirling around our living room, holding my night shirt up as if it were a large ball gown and singing “Once Upon a Dream.” Of course, this is all Disney’s rendition, but a fairytale is a fairytale. One of 2012 must-reads is select works from Grimm’s Fairy Tales, which happen to include the original “Little Briar Rose,” the predeceasing story to Sleeping Beauty.

This past Christmas, I became amused with the mischievous Tomtem and surrounding folklore. We see these little farm creatures a lot in Swedish holiday decor and literature. I really enjoy the illustrations and story,  in Astrid Lindgren’s, The Tomten, albeit a tad creepy if you analyze the story. But hey, it’s a great addition to my Christmas book collection.

What is your favorite Swedish food?
I oogle over my mother’s Swedish meatballs, rice pudding, pickled cucumbers and our family recipe for dop-i-grytan. We devour these dishes every Christmas Eve, and if we’re lucky, sometimes in between. I have never actually made my mother’s Swedish meatballs and I feel a bit guilty. Aren’t they always better when Mom makes them?

Today, I’m inviting all you Danish Mamma readers over to my blog, Project Domestication, as I share my grandmother’s Swedish Pancakes recipe and begin an open discussion on the joys {and pains} of family recipes. These Swedish Pancakes are delicious. They’re a sweet and light breakfast, and perfect with a bit of lingonberry jam and a dusting of powdered sugar.

What favorite Swedish experience you want to share with your future children?
I want them to know their heritage. In the end it doesn’t matter to me if they acquire a taste for stinky cheese or know greetings in a different language. I want them to know who their ancestors were and their stories. I feel so blessed to have grandparents, great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents who were honest, hardworking individuals who sacrificed all they had to do what they knew was right and give their families the best life possible at any cost.

What are your favorite Scandinavian companies or stores?
IKEA and Hemslojd. IKEA is only a freeway drive away and I always find something to help me stay organized, decorate my home without spending thousands of dollars and finding cool gifts for myself and friends.

Hemslojd is one of my favorite catalogs and my go-to for authentic Swedish gifts and decor. I dream of the day I can purchase a giant Dala Horse to place near my fireplace, but for now my tree ornament-size will do.

What advice would you give to a new blogger?
Be authentic. Everyone has a story to tell. Don’t force your posts. Share what you are passionate about and what makes you, you. By all means expand your horizons, learn new skills, try new hobbies and be inspired by others…but never ever forget who you are and why you love to blog.

Connect with Becky:
Blog: Project Domestication
Twitter: @DomesticBecky
Facebook & Pinterest

http://projectdomestication.blogspot.com/
http://utahlovescupcakes.com/\