Best Buddies

"A dog naps so much because  it loves so hard." 

-anonymous

Make Your Bed.

I'm not a domestic goddess.  There are usually piles of laundry on the floor and dirty dishes in the sink.  But one thing is certain: The bed is always made.  Well, almost always.

A few months before my daughter was born, I sat down with my husband for the talk.  Sorry to disappoint, but it had nothing to do with money, sex, or in-laws.  “We need to start making the bed,” I insisted.  If I was going to demand that my child make her bed one day, then I needed to do it too. 

So we tested the widely held belief that it takes 21 days to make a habit.  Now (Drumroll, please), almost two years later, I’m still climbing into a nice, neat bed every night.  And every morning I take one minute to pull the sheets taut and straighten the comforter.  One minute.  That’s all it takes.

You’re probably wondering: Why the big stink over the bed? Because it’s never just about making the bed.  Even Michelle Obama, who has a 95-person residence staff, demands that her two daughters make their beds.  In an interview with Oprah, the First Lady spoke of her daughters’ chores: “It can’t be foreign to them to be part of a working household.”  I couldn’t agree more. 

I spent a couple of years teaching first and second grade.  During conference time, parents inevitably asked what they could do at home to help their children succeed.  Without fail, I always answered, “Read.  Read.  Read.”  If I had to do it all over again, I’d add, “And have little Suzie make her bed.” 

 

The Thinnest Wallets from ALL-ETT: BIG Father's Day Giveaway!

Ladies, does your husband have wallet butt? Is he ruining those jeans you bought that make his butt look cute?  If so, then look no further.  I have the perfect Father's Day gift idea from ALL-ETT: The World's Thinnest Wallet.

Your man may not be complaining, but sitting on a thick wallet is very uncomfortable! In fact, it can become downright painful and lead to chronic back pain. Many men remove their wallets when sitting for very long, or while driving. The trouble is this leads to forgetting it somewhere or having it stolen. 

The Original ALL-ETT Billfold can solve this problem. The Original Wallet holds up to 30 cards and has 2 pockets for cash. It will hold all of your hubby's stuff while still staying incredibly thin. This wallet makes a great gift and costs only $19.95 for nylon and $ 29.95 for leather.  

 


The unique I.D. Wallet features an ID pocket on the inside of the wallet. This design allows you to show your ID easily and quickly while still keeping it securely stored inside of your wallet. The ID wallet will hold 12 credit cards and ID and has 2 pockets for your bills and receipts. Great for those who have to show their ID for work! Only $ 19.95 for nylon and $ 29.95 for leather.

Is your husband a sailor?  The Boater's Wallet is waterproof and floats on top of the water for up to two days; it is truly amazing! The bright color helps make it easy to see for retrieval. This is a must have for boaters, kayakers, or anybody who might drop his wallet in the water. It will hold up to 10 credit cards, cash and a couple of keys while still floating. The dimensions of this wallet (empty & closed) are 3 ½" x 5 ¼" x ¼".  It can be yours for only $ 29.95.

Here's the great news!  I am giving away FIVE WALLETS for Father's Day: The Original, 2 I.D. Wallets (nylon & leather), the Boater's Wallet, and the Leather Executive.

For the opportunity to win, please visit ALL-ETT first.  Then, come back and leave me a comment about which item you would most like to win (If you are a winner, I will do my best to accommodate you.).  This giveaway is open until 5/29.  Winners will be chosen by Random.org. You must be a U.S. resident to enter.  Good luck!

If You Build It, They Will Come

I think we all have the desire to be known, to share our truth with the world.  I've always wanted to be a writer, a real one.  In hard print, on a newsstand.  Someone who writes for Parenting Magazine or Real Simple, or (dare I say it) Oprah.  I want someone to see my name in print and say, "Damn, she's good."  

A few months ago, my fabulous sister (an amazing cook who blogs about it) challenged me to enter the blogosphere.  I was hesitant.  That meant putting it all out there.  That meant opening up the door to criticism.  I was scared of the big R- rejection.  As a self-proclaimed academic and perfectionist, I've always been haunted by the "good enough" syndrome: When is it ever enough?  When am I ever good enough?  After some kicking and screaming, I surrendered.

Alas, here I am!  

Now that I've entered the blogosphere, I can't flip the switch.  I want more.   I'm impatient.  I want to be found.  Lately, I'm immersed in a whole new language: Technorati, RSS feeds, gadgets, Feedburner.  Who knew that Kirtsy wasn't just a lovely little bow from ballet?  It's all so much; I had no idea what I was getting myself into!  

This blogging community is chock-full of promotions, giveaways, and back-scratching, which has its place.  But I just want people to stop by for a visit, and leave a comment, not because it gives them another chance to win my giveaway, but because they want to.  Because here, on my blog is something that resonates, some feeling or question or belief that unites us as moms and remarkable women.    

As one of my favorite poems states: "The greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.  Only a person who risks is free."  On the other side of fear is trust.  So I've taken the plunge with the belief that . . .

If you build it, they will come. 

Catching Fireflies . . .for Mom

Remember catching fireflies when you were small? And poking holes in plastic cups? Remember running across freshly mowed grass with a carefree abandon, cupping your hands around dancing yellow lights? Those were the days . . .

This nostalgia warms my heart, much like the whimsical gifts from Catching Fireflies. With Mother's Day quickly approaching, I'd encourage you to stop by and take a peek at their wide variety of unique, stylish gift ideas. They have everything from recycled artwork to personalized jewelry to hand-crafted pewter goods.  Here are my favorites from a.i. paper design:

FOR THE NEW MOM: I've gotten countless compliments on a baby ribbon frame that hangs in my bedroom and reads "little miracle." I know what you're thinking: Not another frame! But these are different; They are handmade, sophisticated and chic- perfect for the modern mom! Look at the one below . . .irresistible!

FOR THE PROUD MOM: You can show off your child's latest and greatest masterpiece and eliminate fridge clutter at the same time. Ingenius! Below is an adorable brag board for your "little Picasso." They can be personalized too!

FOR THE BUSY MOM: Thank God for post-its. I couldn't live without them. Here is a fabulous little post-it holder that actually makes me want to jot down more!  And, always losing your keys? It takes care of that too!  So cute!


I'm a big fan of Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel, but it's the same old stuff after awhile. So head on over to Catching Fireflies, and take a trip down memory lane.  Go ahead . . .brighten someone's day!  

SAHM Seeking SAHM

On a bright, sunny afternoon, my sister and I decided to take Liza for a stroll through the historic district of a nearby walking town. While I was spending my recent Gymbucks (I love Gymboree.), my sister entertained Liza in the village square.

As I headed off to meet them, I noticed Liza hugging a big, red ball. Hmm . . .not hers. Trailing behind her was another little girl, and her mother, who looked strangely familiar. I slowed my pace and squinted my eyes to get a closer look. I know her, I thought. She had these memorable pigtails- simple and unpretentious. It was Maggie, a cheerful mom from the Hip Mamas group. Oh, crap. A part of me wanted to dart in the opposite direction; I am a Hip Mamas dropout.

I joined the Hip Mamas a few months after my daughter was born, to meet other like-minded moms, to find my match. It's not that I don't have friends, but they are all working moms, married without children, or single. I wanted and needed someone with whom I could share this wild, awesome, and also daunting task of mothering.

So I went to some mommy meet-ups, scanning the group for my mommy mate. Being shy, my "pick up lines" were few and far between: "She's only three months old? You look amazing!" Talk of sleep schedules and BPA-free bottles gets old . . .really fast. Needless to say, I did a lot of listening, and observing. Mom A dropped the f-bomb incessantly. Mom B fed her kid garbage. Mom C whipped out her boob wherever, whenever. SO awkward. I admit; I was sizing them up. Is she a potential?

I felt like posting in the Craigslist personals: SAHM seeking SAHM. Desires light and easy adult conversation, stroller walks in the park, bargain-shopper buddy. Must be fun, warm, real, and committed to genuine, lasting friendship.

I was impatient. I wanted to find "the one" (In retrospect, that's a freakishly heavy burden to carry.), someone with whom I could sit and chat over a cup of hot cocoa. You know, someone whose company has the capacity to warm my soul on days when motherhood leaves me lonely and cold.

Now back to Maggie. I didn't bolt. Instead I said with a familiar smile, "I know you! We met awhile back in the mom's group."

"Oh, yeah. I think I remember you from the farm," she replied, returning the smile.

"Do you still go to meet-ups?" I asked.

"Yeah. I'm new to the area and don't know anybody. So it's nice just to get out sometimes with other moms. How 'bout you?"

"Oh, we don't really go anymore. Ever, actually. We just got caught up in other things (semi-true)."

I couldn't tell the truth. Oh, I'm a drop-out; I didn't gel with the other moms.

For another minute or so, we talked about our daughters and then wished each other well: "Maybe we'll see you here again soon!"

As I turned towards the nearest park bench, I had the urge to reach out. What if she was sad and alone? What if she needed someone? She seemed sincere and down-to-earth. Should I give her my number? Oh my God, how ridiculously high school!

Alas, I rummaged through my diaper bag for a pen and a tissue to write on, and scribbled my phone number. Then, I ran to catch up with Maggie.

"Here's my phone number," I said, "in case you ever want to get together. We come here a lot and the girls are so close in age. We'd love to meet up."

"Thanks. Definitely."

And oh, by the way, I'm "available."

I haven't heard from Maggie. Still, it felt good to make a connection, even if only for a moment. There was something about her that felt right, something relaxed and natural. My mommy match? Who knows. That's what I get for playing the field.

Homemade Soaps for Kids

I recently read a fun article in Parent Guide News about crafting with your kids.  Anne-Marie Faiola, creator of Bramble Berry, has lots of delightful indoor soap-making activities for kids. They are perfect for rainy spring days.  Silence those little whiny voices with these super-cool crafts!

Visit Teach Soap for direct instructions on how to make these delightful soaps (and lip balms too!).  Here are just a few examples: 

• Cookie Cutter Soaps: Creating soaps in fun shapes
  
• Embedded Soap Toy: A toy trapped in soap
  
• Lip Balm
  
• Bath Fizzies
  

These make great gifts for Moms and Grandmas . . .just in time for Mother's Day!  

Click HERE to visit Anne-Marie's blog!