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      Heather Hopson
      January 29, 2019
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Author Heather Hopson

Heather Hopson

Vlog Mom/DFTM Creator

Not long ago, Heather Hopson hosted a television show in the Cayman Islands. Today, she's back home writing a different kind of story as a new mom. In her 15 years working as a professional journalist, this by far is her best assignment! Growing up, she dreamed of becoming Oprah Winfrey. She was the features editor for her school’s newspaper and a teen talk show host for her city’s most popular radio station. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University. After graduation, she worked as a television producer and reporter at CBS, NBC and Fox affiliates throughout the U.S. Instead of heading to Chicago to join Ms. Winfrey on her set, she bought a plane ticket to the Cayman Islands instead. She arrived five days before a category five hurricane! She lived in paradise for seven years, hosted an award-winning television show and traveled the globe with a government delegation. She also served on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters and spearheaded a Send a Kid to Camp campaign. Then, she relocated to Washington, D.C. to obtain a teaching certification and instruct 8th grade reading at a high needs middle school. She later returned to her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA to raise her daughter Caitlynn, now 4-years-old. During her 10-month-stint as a stay-at-home mom, Caitlynn inspired her to create this blog, and Diary of a First Time Mom was born on Mother’s Day 2012. Two years later, she expanded the family to include 20+ writers. Currently, Heather serves as the communications director at Allies for Children. In addition, she is the owner of Motor Mouth Multimedia, which ranked #49 in Startup Nation’s Home-Based 100 Competition sponsored by Discover Card and Sam’s Club. Recently, The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments selected Heather to receive an Emerging Black Artist award to develop Diary of a First Time Mom.

How to Improve Your Family’s Winter Gas Mileage

Heather Hopson
January 24, 2019
Uncategorized
Temperatures aren't the only things dropping in the winter. Your fuel economy can tank as well. According to FuelEconomy.gov, a conventional gasoline car's gas mileage is about 12 percent lower at 20°F...

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Pittsburgh

Heather Hopson
January 23, 2019
Uncategorized
Don't let winter send you into hibernation! You can stay active ice skating. With a short drive, you can enjoy the fresh air and exercise. Ice skating is one of the best winter workouts. It builds leg muscles,...

Seven Dating Resolutions That Lead to Marriage

Heather Hopson
December 19, 2018
Mom, Relationships
This is a flashback from 2012, but it's so fitting for the New Year I had to repost! I've since implemented a lot of the advice below. I even celebrated the holiday this year with the love of my life. I'm...

5 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Infants & Toddlers

Heather Hopson
December 17, 2018
Baby, Raising a Baby, Raising a Toddler, Toddler
Dear Diary, Tonight, I'm searching online for last-minute gift ideas for infants and toddlers. If you are the mother of a little one who has almost everything like my little girl, you're probably in the...

How Your Family Can Help Out OthersThis Holiday

Heather Hopson
December 12, 2018
Pittsburgh & Philly
You can use your car to serve your community and help neighbors in need. Rescue 412 gives drivers a way to give back by helping to eliminate food waste. Drivers redirect unsellable yet fresh, healthy food to...

Co-Parenting Through the Holidays

Heather Hopson
December 12, 2018
Baby, Raising a Baby, Raising a Toddler, Toddler
Dear Diary, This year, I'm celebrating the season solo. Oh, the joys of co-parenting! My ex is picking up our daughter mid-month. Although Thanksgiving somewhat prepared me for her time away from "mommy's...
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Contact DFTM

Contact: Heather Hopson
Phone: 412-655-1908
Email: dearmomdiary@gmail.com
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Special Thanks

This site is made possible in part by generous support from the Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh Program, a partnership of The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments.

This Site is Dedicated To

My mother Malvane, sister Farah and daughter Caitlynn.
Diary of a First Time Mom. Designed By: ABlackWebDesign