Mom Hairstyles – a slightly shallow, yet necessary conversation
One time a married friend of mine was talking about how close another woman and her husband were. She mentioned how this other woman talked with her husband about the texture of her hair and her hairstyles and how she’s never bothered her husband with something like that. I assume she only talks to her female friends about her hair. Sometimes I ask my husband about what kind of haircut he likes or doesn’t and whether you consult yours or not is up to you. Whether our husbands are interested in discussing our hair or not, our hair is something we have to deal with in one way or another EVERY SINGLE DAY. Kind of like laundry at our house. Oy. Hair isn’t exactly something that I talk with friends about all the time, because it seems like a rather...
For The Love of Rachael Ray
We really do adore Rachael Ray at our house. We’ve been watching her since before she was a face that everyone knew. Our first child would walk around carrying a large load of items from her little hands all the way to her chin calling herself Rachael Ray. Have you seen how Rachael Ray always tries to carry too much? Because Rachael Ray is very engaging and since it seems like she’s really talking right to you (the audience) so naturally, our kids enjoyed watching her at a young age. It’s like she’s a long-time friend we’re having over, just chatting while chopping in our kitchen. My only bone to pick with Rachael Ray is that the advertised 30 Minute Meals don’t really account for some cooks, like me, who have never completed...
Tips for Traveling on a Trip or Around Town with Kids
Traveling with Kids? Sometimes my first thought is more like a sigh with a groan attached. Then I take a deep breath, start mentally gearing up, and make lists for what we can do to make it as smooth as possible with the constant realization that disaster may hit at any moment. I’m not talking about an earth-shattering true disaster. I’m talking about the everyday kinds of disasters like multiple children screaming and being unconsolable in their carseats when there’s no safe place to stop or having to sit on the airplane for 3 hours while they decide whether or not the airplane is truly safe to take off. Here are some of the best ideas I have: 1. The Perfectly Packed Diaper Bag Every mom learns that it’s essential to pack well and be...
The Essential Back-up Diaper Bag
Really? 2 Diaper bags? Yes. I try to keep a small diaper bag in the car that just has wipes, diapers, extra outfits for young kids, socks, a blanket, and anything else we might need in that stage. I’ve put extra snacks, an empty sippy cup, an empty bottle, and emergency snacks in it before. I don’t want to have to lug around a diaper bag that has 7 diapers for the day, a pound of wet wipes, and my preschooler’s extra outfit if we’re stopping at a restaurant. It streamlines things every day (something should be streamlined!) yet still makes me feel prepared.
Entertaining Kids in a Pinch
Think fast. Whether you’re on a long road-trip, running errands, or get stuck waiting in a long line, a few good ideas on entertaining our kids always comes in handy. At the pediatrician’s office recently after a long appointment, we had to wait a few more minutes for the nurse to come in with the much-dreaded shot. My kids were starting to melt. They were tired AND getting hungry – the dreaded double-whammy! The window was slamming shut and I was trying with all of my might to keep it open. No food was allowed in the exam room. What now? Suddenly, I knew we needed to play a game! I revamped Simon Says into a Do What Mommy Does game and it went over beautifully. We were doing ballet, hopping on one foot, acting like elephants and then waddling...
The Perfectly Packed Diaper Bag
We all kick ourselves when we realize suddenly that we have diapers, but no wipes, or forgot our wallet in the other diaper bag/purse and we’re trying to pay for groceries. (Yes, I’ve done that.) Whatever the case, here’s a list of some basics for all of us — or maybe for our husbands or childcare providers when they’re in charge of the bag: Diapers – 2-3 (or Pull-ups, extra underwear & cover) Wipes – some in the diaper pad pouch and one baggie easily accessible for hands/face. Camera / videocamera Cell Phone Wallet Keys Sunglasses Paperwork: Map, Coupon, Grocery List? Food! – see #2 Seasonal / Optional Items: Sunscreen, Mosquito Repellant, Summer/winter hats, kids’ sunglasses, Gloves, Lipstick, Bandaid...
Only in America
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=15798327?utm_source=e&utm_medium=e&utm_term=e&utm_content=SummerTravel&utm_name=SummerTravel Okay, I’m not anti-dog, anti-animal or against people caring well for their pets. I had a dog growing up that I loved as well as other pets. The difficult part is that when I compare life in the U.S. to several other countries I’ve visited, I just can’t help but think they might feel sick about us buying our pets Christmas presents, snazzy toys, outfits, expensive food, and now – a carseat with a great view outside. I’m sure a dog-lover made it for good reasons and this is a free country and if there’s a market for it . . . . but, I still picture people...
Best Bib Ever!
I know it’s hard to believe that a bib is worthy of an exclamation mark, but is is! Finally, with our 3rd baby, I found the perfect bib. It’s the Bumkins brand SuperBib. It isn’t bulky, uncomfortable or limiting to their movement (like the baby bjorn bib with the pocket that sticks out). It’s MACHINE WASHABLE, like everything should be for young children. It’s not made of plastic that cracks (Walmart bibs) or toxic-smelling vinyl (Target bibs). It’s BPA free and PVC free. And, finally, they’re cute enough for pictures! We have a handsome blue one with circles (see Babies’R'Us site link below) and a fun Dr. Seuss print for our 2-year-old. I have run them through the washer constantly on hot with towels and...
Romantic Movies And Reality For Parents
There are so many romantic movies I loved as a teenager, a young single woman and still love now as a married mom of three. The funny thing is that most of them don’t include a toddler throwing a tantrum, children demanding more ketchup during a romantic dinner, or a child screaming for help in the bathroom while trying to kiss the one they’re in love with. We all know in our minds that romantic movies are not real. Sometimes though, we all want the movie moments – the sweet, the sappy, and the sensual. I’m finding that in this stage of my life with more life experience (more birthdays) and 3 children, that I’m drawn to the movies or shows that are more realistic and don’t pretend like everything in a marriage is tied up in a...
Genuine Blessing
Sometimes people will say a prayer or blessing at the end of a church service or gathering that they want people to walk away with and contemplate. In some ways it’s kind of like a toast at a wedding with good wishes, to put it in different terms. Here’s one that I heard recently that I really resonate with: “May God bless you with discomfort At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, So that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. May God bless you with tears To shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn...