The Daily Grind of a Work @ Home Mom...

The Hills Sinks to The Valley

So I just got done watching this week's episode of The Hills.  And The Hills Aftershow.  Actually, this is the first time I've ever watched the Aftershow, simply because the hosts of the half-hour gossip rag annoy the crap out of me.  But this week was different.  It's almost like I watched it and I couldn't believe what I saw so I needed a little clarification.  A little perspective.

In a nutshell, I continue to be bewildered by the Speidi union (which has officially become a union since they were married last week in Cabo with no friends or family around).  He is such a douche-bag.  Not only that, you never ever see even a hint of a tender moment between them.  Even his welcome home to Heidi when she walks through the door at the end of a day drips with sarcasm and condescension.  There's absolutely nothing redeeming about Spencer.  He's not cute (matter of fact those chin pubes make me gag), he's not employed (though he sure knows how to spend cash), and he's not nice.  Granted we don't know what goes on behind closed doors, but more importantly, we doknow what goes on in public - for the WORLD to see - and none of it demonstrates even the least bit of respect or love for his fiancee (now wife).  Another fishy thing is that this girl looks NOTHING like she did a few years ago.  Her hair is 40 shades lighter than it was, her boobs 40 sizes bigger, and her face looks distorted (what's up with those balloon lips?)  This transformation alone reeks of unhappiness.

May they live happily ever after.  I guess.

Then there's the Audrina story line.  Does she seriously believe that Lauren, who has made no bones about her feelings for Justin-Bobby (none too complimentary), would go and "hook-up" with him?  (does that mean sex, btw?  not sure.)  I mean FO REALZ??  I'm sort of glad Lauren told Audrina that he's a vile, disgusting human being because Audrina is GORGEOUS and can do so much better.  The funniest part oft he episode was their "talk" in the bar with like 10 other people sitting there.  Really girls?  Did'ja think you were going to accomplish anything in that setting?  Come on now.

Then there's my initial concern about the "reality" of the show.  I mean, did Audrina wait till the camera crew got there to leave that message for Justin-Bobby?  Or do they lure her (with money I guess) into throwing them a bone?  It just all seems unnatural.  Did Heidi really just walk away from Spencer when she clearly caught him not telling her that her sister had been looking for her?  I wanted to scream - HEIDI - HE'S A LIAR!  AND A LOSER!  AND HE HAS CHIN-PUBES!  But it seems that Heidi ain't looking for opinions about her new hubby.  Probably because she's perfectly aware of the general concensus that he's a first-class asshole.

The simple fact that Heidi and Spencer got married when ALL we see is them fighting is testament that my concern is valid.  I have to say, I think The Hills should run for them before they sink so low, they'll have to re-name it The Valley...

This post is dedicated to my sister, Karyn.

Frecklebox Personalized Gifts for Kids

 

Win it!  The good folks over at Frecklebox are giving away ANY product from their store to a lucky reader.  Simply visit www.frecklebox.com, and come back here to tell us what strikes your fancy.  A winner will be selected on Saturday, November 29th. 

A Season For SHOPPING!

I know it's shameless self-promotion but somebody's gotta do the dirty work!!  I woke up this morning to TWO Alex Casey Baby hits - just in time for a big week of shopping! 

Our Crayon Caddy hits it in Tot Trends Weekly's Holiday Gift's section!  See #4.  Check out the link for a discount at ACB.

And Kids Trends weekly included our AWSEMOE Slide Diaper Bag by Go Gaga in their Family Holiday Gifts section!  Again, 15% off with the code.

  Alex Casey Baby
Gift for Dad- The slide tote bag was designed with Dad's in mind. They are stylish, versatile, and best of all, comfortable to carry. The ergonomic strap spreads the weight of the bag across your back and shoulders. Our favorite feature is the fully-lined bottle pockets that make reaching for a quick drink a snap!

This bag is not just for Dad, treat yourself to one as well. Great for workout gear, with yoga mat strap and plenty of room for sneakers and more. Will also fit a 14" laptop - great for a work/school bag as well. Now that is versatility for $95!
Enter code:TTW5 for 15% off all orders through 12/31/08

Elements in Nutrition

A week or so ago, I was perusing one of my favorite shopping sites, Onegoodie.com.  One Goodie is a website that features one product per day at a discounted price.  Really novel idea.  Anyhow, last week I ran into a product I hadn't seen before, and I was curious.  It was called Element Bars and upon first glance, they appeared to be a protein bar with a twist.  So I wrote the peeps over there to see if I could test their product and tell you about it.  I mean, something about this product drew me in, so I thought it would you too.

I wasn't wrong.

Element Bars are, well, whatever you want them to be.  These are customizable bars made to suit your nutritional needs.  Ok so I guess they are protein bars, but they're not your everyday, supermarket-brand bars.  What you do is visit their website and build your own protein bar based on your needs.  First you choose the texture: do you like your bars chewy?  Oaty?  Crispy or datey?  You can add some fruit to it, like cranberries or apricots.  Feeling nutty?  Toss in some flaxseed or peanuts!  I'm more of a junkie so I liked the ones with m&m's but feel free to add honey or brown rice syrup to sweeten the deal.  Then comes the all-important "boost."  Choose from ingredients like whey protein, fiber, soy protein and Omega-3. 

I tried a few of these bars and I must say, they were DELICIOUS.  For real.  I loved the oaty one with m&m's (how'd they know I'd go for that??) and I super-loved Chocolate Nut Pie which had the datey core (chewy and rich), chocolate chips, walnuts and whey protein.  The textures were all perfect, the taste really right-on, and truthfully, it tasted more like a snack food than a nutrition bar.  BUT - these bars are not low-calorie or low-fat (compare to some other protein bars).  They begin with at least 147cals based on your core and go up from there.  If you are looking for a substantial bar with fewer cals, I'd suggest adding lots of fiber.  But I'm certain the folks at Element bars could help you customize something to suit your diet.

But so here's the thing - you won't know till you try.  Check out www.elementbars.com and customize your own bar.  Or wait!  Have a nutrition or health food nut on your list?  Build them a box of bars and stick it in their stocking.  How's that for one-of-a-kind?

Our First Thanksgiving (with PIE!)

I'm making my first Thanksgiving dinner.  I mean, we've lived in the US for 8+ years now but we typically use the 4.5 work-free days during the holiday to travel.  After all, we're not American and no one invites us!!  But truthfully, cook that I am, I have been dyingto prepare a traditional feast for years, but I am perpetually reminded by my husband that a 12lb turkey is a bit too much for two people.  This year is different though.  A) I have a daughter in school who is learning (by decorating cut-outs of turkeys) about Thanksgiving and B) a close friend who is about to give birth and can't travel to her in-laws as is the tradition.  Two PERFECT reasons to begin what I hope will be our family tradition. 

More importantly - planning my menu is such fun!!  I admit, I was nervous about the prospect of making a turkey.  How many horror stories have I heard, all pertaining to the turkey that wasn't?  So I was thrilled when my reasonably culinary-oriented husband said he'd take care of it.  He has always wanted to attempt to fry a turkey - after I researched and learned this seemingly sinful cooking method is just 25 cals and 4g of fat more than roasting (per 3.5ozs), I was sold.  How good does that sound?  Gravy, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole and mashed potatoes on the side.

Another great side I'm making are artichoke and spinach palmiers (it just sounds fancy).  Essentially, puff pastry filled with artichoke and spinach mixture - SO GOOD and not hard!  On the tail end of the meal, we're having German chocolate pecan pie, a yummy twist of the traditional dessert, also super easy.  So, because I've been pestering everyone else for recipes, I thought I'd share these two with you, since they're prefect for the holiday, easy to make and simple to make in advance and freeze.

So:

Artichoke & Spinach Palmiers (courtesy of my FAVORITEcookbook, Kosher By Design - Holidays, by Susie Fishbein):

• 1 10oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 1 14oz can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1/2c mayo (I use light)
• 1/2c grated Parm cheese (I use fresh)
• 1tsp onion powder
• 1tsp garlic powder
• 1/2tsp black pepper
• 1 17.3oz package frozen puff pastry, thawed

Squeeze the water out of the spinach.  In a medium bowl, mix the spinach, artichoke, mayo, cheese, and spices.

Unfold the pastry sheets and place each one on a sheet of plastic wrap.  Spread half the mixture on each pastry sheet evenly.

Roll each long edge of the pastry sheet into the center of the rectangle, making sire it's even and tight.  Finish by wrapping it in the plastic wrap.  (At this point you can freeze it for up to a month and take it out when you're ready).

Freeze for 30mins so the roll will keep its shape when cutting.  Take it out, let stand for 10mins or until a sharp knife can slice it without compressing the shape.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Cut roll into 1/4inch thick slices.  Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet.  Bake for 20mins or until golden.  Yield: about 2 dozen palmiers.     

German Chocolate Pecan Pie(courtesy of Rachael Ray, though her recipe includes making your own dough while this does not):

• 1 12-inch store-bought pie crust (cuz really, who wants to make one?)
• 5tbsp's unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2C light corn syrup
• 1/5tsp salt
• 2.5C pecan halves, coarsely chopped
• 3/4C sweetened coconut flakes
• 3/4C semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Thaw the pie crust. 

In a bowl, whisk the eggs.  In a heavy, medium saucepan, combine the butter, salt, brown sugar and corn syrup.  Stir until melted and smooth.  Whisk the sugar mixture into the eggs slowly.  Stir in the nuts and chocolate.

Spread the chocolate chips in the pie shell.  Pour in filling and bake until set, about 25mins.  Cool, slice and enjoy!!

Miss Gigi-Mae Saves the Day

My youngest daughter has a horrible habit of enjoying a book or toy or snack for a minute or two, then tossing it out of the carseat or stroller or high chair that she happens to be sitting in.  This is not a passing phase, it happens weekly, daily, hourly.  It's a frustrating habit, both for her and I but one with a solution - finally!

Introducing the brand-new Miss Gigi-Mae Tether System by Paw Prints of Illinois.  This adorable ladybug fastens to anything, a stroller, shopping cart, baby swing, exersaucer - literally anything!  It features six retractable tethers, some with Velcro loops and others with large plastic clips.   Parents can attach toys, books, sippy cups and snack traps to the tethers so baby can enjoy without losing his or her things.  If you're currently using loops to hang things from your stroller, consider this - Miss Gigi-Mae is, in itself, a stimulating toy.  The design is adorable (what kid doesn't love ladybugs) and the retractable "arms" make a fun sound when released.     

The mom-in-charge over at Paw Prints thought of it all.  She even designed a first book for babies with a plastic ring that attaches to the tether system.  Book A is the first in their planned a-to-z series and I'm thrilled to have gotten a first look!  But really, anything can hang from this adorable ladybug.  

The Daily Grind is thrilled to be giving away a Miss Gig-Mae Tether System along with an attachable book to one reader.  Simply visit the website and let us know why you would like to own this product, or why you'd like to give it as a gift.  Additionally, you can save 20% off any order at Paw Prints - just enter Alex Casey Baby Discount in the special instructions text box on your order. 

Contest closes on Saturday, November 22nd.  Open to US residents only.

Mommy Mania

There's some mania in mommy-world today - and it's mainly about the Motrin mega-mistake that appears below.  But here's the thing; it's not just mama's who have their panties in a twist over this.  It seems this marketing blunder is of interest to pr people, marketing folks and the ad world at large, in addition to the irate moms.

Not typically one to harp on topics that will likely disappear from the radar screen as soon as I'm done writing about them, I'm writing this post as an addendum to yesterday's words.  And it's not because I feel so deeply about this ad (truthfully, I don't).  It's that I feel strongly about the reaction to the reaction about the ad.  EVERYONE is talking about this.  People are exchanging harsh words with one another on the topic.  Social media sites, comment sections, emails, IM's - all are going crazy in reference to this ad error.  #motrinmoms is the #2 trending topic on Twitter right now (it was 1st until very recently).  Personally, I've said my piece, which in short is exactly what I stated in my comments on a piece in today's NYT's:

"...You’d think a company like Pfizer/McNeil Consumer Healthcare would know their audience a bit better. It was pure laziness on their part and they’re now reaping the rewards of NOT having a mom-panel, of NOT testing their pricey ad in the market they were looking to hit.

As a Twitterer put it last night: hell hath no fury like a mommyblogger scorned."

In other words, after deciding that being offended by an advertisement doesn't do it for me, my interest in this debacle is mainly from a marketing perspective.  In a How could this happen? kind of way.

But commenter's and bloggers (who clearly are interested too for whatever reason), are slinging mud from their living rooms (or offices or whatever) which speaks volumes about the true nature of well, "adults" in this online community.  One commenter wrote "Americans are big fat babies and moms are the worst kind."  Um really?  Not only is this commenter American anda mom, she wisely decided to build on her traffic ranking today by, you guessed it!  Blogging about Motrin!  And commenting every and anywhere she could in order to include the link to her post.  But see, then there are people, industry peoplewho share worthwhile opinions that are unbiased and not fueled by animosity toward the very group they may or may not be part of.  Todd Defren hit the nail on the head today in his take on this situation:

"If you’re targeting MOMS you ought to know that there are ~14,000 of them with strong opinions in the Social Media sphere.  Maybe you could ask a few of ‘em to check out your expensive new advertisement before you release it?"

I saw tweets that said that any moms who care about this are losers.  Yes, you read right.  So does that mean if they (we) loved it they're (we're) losers too?  Or only if they (we) don't share your opinion that this ad was genius?  (I'm thinking the people responsible for this ad are no longer thinking they're geniuses.  At least not for today).

Another recent tweet read: "have a sense of HUMOR. For fucks sake. It isn't like Motrin slept with your husband... all this drama is fucking NUTS." 

Is it?  Isn't that what advertising is supposed to do?  Shouldn't it hit a nerve of some kind?  Isn't it meant to generate some sort of reaction from the consumer?  And since this ad is directly targeted toward mothers, is it really that lame that the direct targeted audience is reacting?  Are they (we) really just bored losers?  Or are they (we) intelligent, sophisticated people who don't accept everything they're (we're) told at face value and actually have the confidence enough to voice it?

Food for thought... Oh - and just another thought for today:

 

 

Why aren't Moms being paid the big bucks?

After all, had I been on a panel assembled to provide feedback on the new Motrin ad, I could've told the suits over at McNeil Consumer Healthcare that moms wouldn't be drawn to their product after viewing their newest creation.  Truth is, whoever gave this baby the two thumbs up should be fired.  Immediately.

Go ahead, take a minute to check it out:

Ok, so I'm not an extreme person by any means.  I'm a self-proclaimed realist, as opposed to an idealist.  I know I'm not always going to like what I see nor will others always agree with me and vice versa.  That said, I'm not sure that this ad will force me to abandon a product that works for my children, just because they have a bunch of asshats doing their ads.  It doesn't even really offend me personally, per se.  But it sure does make me wonder how the copy for this ad got by any woman who has ever even considered wearing her baby.  Or any person who has any respect for the decisions made during one of a woman's most vulnerable times in her life - after having a baby. 

I had a sling for my first baby.  We used it a bit, not as often as I would've liked given the three-digit price tag associated with it.  But when baby #2 came just 18 months later, I would've been LOST without my baby-wearing apparatus.  I wore her in order to play with my older daughter, thus not neglecting her.  I wore her to get dinner ready, lest my family go hungry (or eat unhealthy take-out).  I wore her so she'd settle, and this made me settled as well. 

So, Motrin ad-people, babywearing is a great idea in REALITY, as well as "in theory."

Oh, and it's called a SLING (say it with me) not as you so condescendingly put it, "schwing."

It's a pretty good bonding experience, not for everyone, but I'm sure for some it is as powerful as nursing your baby. So, I'm not sure I'd use the word "supposedly" in my ad, since it just makes your company sound totally archaic in the area of mothering.  Millions of new mom's wear their babies.  Get with it.

My baby didn't necessarily cry less because I wore her, but she sure did stop crying the minute I put her on.  Not only that, she often fell asleep against the warmth of my body.  And if wearing her made me cry more, it was just as a result of the strong emotional connection being formed before my eyes.  But how could you know that?  You're just an ad company who clearly didn't ask any moms before airing your asinine remarks about this "trend."  Oh, and if your back is hurting from wearing your baby, after reaching for the ADVIL or TYLENOL, I'd suggest going to your nearest store that carries these things and getting properly fitted.  It shouldn't hurt much.

Putting my baby on me definitely made me "look like an official mom."  But not as much as the spit-up on my shirt, the bags under my eyes, and the weary smile I wore on my face incessantly after having given birth to my girls.  But if I looked "crazy" post-partum, I wouldn't chalk it up to my perfect new baby and the insinuated hardships associated with carrying her, I'd chalk it up to insanity caused by having to share the street with morons who get paid LOTS of money to think this stuff up.

Shame on you, Motrin people.  You should take a lesson from savvy companies like Disney and Wal-Mart who have assembled Mom-panels to help them avoid major mis-steps, like this one you just made.  Your ad doesn't just spread propaganda about baby-wearing, it positively alienates the person in the house who controls 85% of the spending.     

Now I bet you're looking kind of crazy right about now.

A Few of my Favorite Things.

This post is sponsored by me.  What I mean is, there was no free product, no dangling advertiser, no contact made with any of the manufacturers of the products I'm about to feature.  This post is all about things I love, things my family loves, things we just can't don't want to live without.

The Magic Bullet - I wanted this every time I saw the infomercial with the woman in the summery dress (even in the dead of winter).  Those sauces and dips and batters she whipped up - in seconds flat - just looked to good to be true.  Finally, when my oldest was about to eat baby food, I found a good enough reason to buy this gadget.  I could make home-made organic (or not) baby food for my daughter all with a push and twist.  To this day, this is my #1 most used kitchen appliance.  I use it for pancake batter, salad dressings, to puree soups and so much more. 

My Mighty Brighty - Sure, it's under the "Gifts To Get Grandma" section on Amazon.  But who cares!  My mini book light has come in handy SO many times, I'm willing to overlook that it's meant for senior citizens.  Other than lighting my book during a midnight reading session (especially now that I'm into the Twilight series and can't put it down!), it also provided just enough light for middle-of-the-night nursing sessions when my daughters were infants.  It clips on to the book or your clothes or whatever, and has a super bright LED and a twist-able head so it shines just where you need it to (or doesn't shine where you don'twant it to - like in baby's eyes!)  Seriously - if that's not reason enough to recommend it, I don't know what is.

  Hanky Panky's- K, so now you know what kind of undies I'm sporting these days, but ladies, if you haven't treated yourself to a pair of these perfect panties, you MUST!  After being pregnant for almost 2 years consecutively I promised myself I'd toss all my underwear post-baby and get some new, more attractive pairs.  Super comfortable (words not typically synonymous with "thong") and pretty damn sexy if I may say so myself, Hanky Panky's are not cheap, but hey - neither are you!! 

C. O. Bigelow Lip Stuff - I keep one in my car.   I keep one in my purse.  I keep one in my nightstand, in my husband's glove compartment and in my gym bag.  This is "the" lip stuff and it comes in different minty flavors, tints and scents.  It's also really cheap - $7.50- per tube!!

Lululemons - These fantastic quality yoga pants have become my uniform!  It started with one pair of pants, acquired as a gift.  It continued with four additional pairs of pants, a zip-up hoodie or two, even a winter hat (it's soooo cute!).  Sort of pricey, but able to withstand not one but two pregnancies and still not lose their shape! 

The Twilight Series - I'm only halfway through but I am addicted.  My goal is to finish all four before seeing the movie (it'll be months before it hits On Demand anyhow, who am I kidding!).  If you're looking for an AWESOME read or a holiday gift idea for the avid reader on your list, you won't regret this purchase.

The Melting Pot - As a self-proclaimed semi-foodie, I know this is a strange pick.  Especially in a city like Boston, which is brimming with first-rate restaurants.  But I cannot tell a lie.  I love fondue and The Melting Pot rules.  The perfect spot to hit with a group, if you're going to go all the way, go for the s'mores chocolate fondue for dessert.  And when it comes to fondue, go big or go home.

DVR - The best invention EVER, sliced bread be damned.  Live tv is for suckers, it's ALL about selective viewing, when I want, where I want.  Seriously, I took in the entire Dawson's Creek series (that's SIX seasons people!!) in a matter of months.  Imagine how much time I will save over my lifetime if I just watch when I want to and do away with the rest!  It's almost miraculous!

My Uggs - I don't care if you think they're hideous, they're the most comfortable, coziest shoes EVER!  i own the classic boots and the crocheted boots and OMG - I'd be nowhere without them. 

What are your faves? 

Twitter vs. Facebook

Sorry I haven't done much posting lately, I've just been so busy.  Truth be told, I got a scanner a few weeks ago and since then, it's like I have a second spouse.  Seriously - I have thousands of old pictures that are begging to be scanned and posted on Facebook.  I mean, isn't that what Facebook is for?

For me, it is.  I admit, I don't love it when someone who is not a personal friend sends a Facebook friend request.  Typically these people are Twitter followers (or people from high school who I have to squint REALLY HARD to picture).  But why isn't Twitter enough?  Why does our relationship have to be dragged to the next level?  It seems to happen ALL the time though, so maybe I'm the only one who feels this way.

It's my contention that Twitter and Facebook are completely different animals.  Sure, they are both social media networks.  Sure, both allow us to communicate with others in a simple way.  But while I enjoy getting to know others using Twitter and learning about them and their endeavors (both professional and personal), it doesn't mean I necessarily want them to see every picture posted of me on Facebook.  Nor do they need to know my birthday.  Or my favorite tv show.  Not that it's a problem if they do, I just don't see the necessity.  And the opposite it true too.  While I might be interested in reading what your blog covers today or what's going on in your day, it doesn't really interest me to see your family albums or read your "wall."  Doe that make me anti-social?

I use Twitter as a networking tool whereas Facebook is more like a virtual get-together, or reunion if you will.  My Twitter followers are privy to my professional tasks, my store promotions, my newest blog posts, and sometimes more personal antics, like my dinner menu, or my mood.  On Facebook, you're likely to see images of me from when I was 18 at summer camp, 22 partying at a bar on Halloween, 33 at home with my family.  If we've never met or had any sort of physical social interaction, why would you want to see these things?  Why would you care?  No offense, but I don't!

It does sometimes happen that a relationship formed as a result of a professional platform somehow morphs into more.  I can honestly say that I have made real friends on Twitter.  People who began as peers, as fellow mompreneurs or bloggers who, over time, became actual friends.  But they are the exception. 

So if we follow each other on Twitter, but we aren't Facebook friends, don't be sour, m'kay?  We are still friends, just not that kind of friends.