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

Chicken Soup for Mom

It seems like every time I turn around, I see a new member of the popular series, Chicken Soup for the Soul, lining the shelves at the bookstore.  I can even remember when these books became all the rage 15 years ago.  15 years!  Seems like yesterday that everyone was clamoring for a copy of the original.  And since then, the popular series has garnered over 200 titles, has sold over 112 million copies, with titles translated into more than 40 languages.

Pretty impressive.

One of the most popular segments are the books in the For Moms series.  Chicken Soup has included Mom in over 15 books - andwith good reason.  Moms are the bane of our children's existence.

Ok, maybe not exactly the bane.  But moms do rock (if I may say so...).  And the newest member of the group is about moms and their daughters.  Chicken Soup for the Soul: Like Mother, Like Daughter is a compilation of 101 stories about moms and their daughters.  Any mom can relate to some of these anecdotes.  Some are heartwarming, others sad, while some are just true.  No matter what, any woman who calls herself a mom will find something that hits home.  And any mom of a daughter will recognize that this series of short stories speaks to the inherent bond that exists between them.

Have a son?  There's one for you too.  Chicken Soup for the Soul: Moms & Sons is also a compilation and honors the relationship between moms and their boys.  A different type of relationship, moms of sons will be able to find something relatable in this book. 

Just in time for Mother's Day, you can Win It!  We are giving away a copy of one of these books to two lucky readers!  Just let us know which you'd like to receive and why you would like to receive it.  Is it for a gift?  Something you'd like to share with your own kids?  Just let us know!  The winners will be selected on Monday, May 4th.  Only open to US residents.  One entry per person please!

Handle With Care

Can you love a book and hate the ending?  I mean, if you plow through the story, all 496 pages of it in record time, ingesting every page, feeling each emotion, then SCRE-E-E-E-CH!  It's the last chapter and you finish reading and you're like, WHAT?  Did that really happen?

I think that's just a chance any Jodi Picoult fan takes when reading one of her twisty stories.  Typically, the unexpected ending is a delight, but in this case, it was just reminiscent of another of her stories and a bit of a disappointment.

But the first 493 pages were sheer bliss. 

Picoult's 16th book, Handle With Care, is about a young girl named Willow who was born with a severe bone disease which ultimately means she will suffer hundreds of broken bones as she grows, as well as lifetime of pain.  Throughout the course of her life, she will grow even more disabled and subsequently need extensive medical care as well as expensive medical devices to help her maneuver through life.   

Willow's parents are blue-collar people and struggle to make sure Willow has what she, and her older sister Amelia, need.  So when her mother, Charlotte, hears that she has the opportunity to get her hands on enough money to ensure a seamless financial future for her family, she goes for it.  Only catch is that she has to sue her OB (and best friend) for "wrongful birth" which basically means the doctor should have offered termination as an option for dealing with her impaired fetus, and failed to do so.  In English, this means the mother is saying that had she had the choice, she would have chosen to abort the fetus.  Keep in mind there are children to bear witness to this claim, and fragile emotions to balance.  So the crew goes to court and hashes it out before a judge - Charlotte blaming her friend for medical malpractice and her friend wondering how this could have ever happened.  In the meantime, adolescent Emily is wading through her own lonely life and Willow continues to break bones.

The story is compelling.  It arouses moral and ethical questions in any reader's mind, as do all of Picoult's awesomely written novels.  Seriously, Jodi Picoult is like a Goddess of words, and her imagination and attention to detail is second to none.

But I just didn't like the ending, m'kay?  

Wordless Wednesday

 

  

Happy Birthday, Baby!

The Trampling of Twitter

It used to be that Twitter, a simple social networking site that allows users to "micro-blog" in 140 characters or less, was a sacred spot.  Its uses were arbitrary, unlimited, and often very different among users.

But once upon a time, most users had one thing in common - we were on Twitter to make connections.  To "meet" others who either shared some commonality with us or offered some interesting angle.  I was introduced to the site after a Facebook friend constantly included Twitter in her status updates, causing me to check it out.

It was clear from day 1 that this no-frills social website held some great opportunities for me, as well as the potential to meet interesting people.  In no time at all, I had new customers, was introduced to new products for my store, I was finding stimulating new blogs to read, and in general, just networking with people I wouldn't otherwise meet.

And then the celebrities descended.  And now it's a lot of picking through the rubble to find the content that matters.

Just don't follow the celebs, you say?  As an avid consumer of all things Hollywood, I only wish I had the willpower to stay away, but I can't.  Plain and simple.

So last week, Oprah decided to put an @ before her name and suddenly all hell broke loose.  Since Friday, @Oprah has amassed 400,000+ followers and updated just 13 times, beginning with an etiquette-breaking all-caps tweet, celebritweeting, tweets about her day, and the ice cream she would consume.

YAWN.

Then to top it off, Twitter, now being a house-hold name, was virtually unusable Friday night after everyone and their mother decided to check it out. 

Other celebs do it too.  Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) tweeted this last week:

Good morning!

2:56 AM Apr 16th from web

 

And P Diddy (is that his name this week?), whose Twitter bio reads: King Combs (narcissist much?) constantly tells his followers - Let's Go! as if the king himself is really going to motivate people to get off their regular, everyday asses and go out and buy a Bentley and  act all above it all and if we're being really honest, ridiculous (ever see Making of the Band?).  See, this is the problem - I actually liked Diddy before he brought his ego to Twitter!

But my problem isn't really with these celebs, per se.  Often I'm actually particularly amused by their everyday mini-troubles.  For instance, @KimKardashian recently got a crazy hilarious sunburn and posted a pic of it on Twitter -

 

  

Funny, right?

 

 

 

 

And @HeidiMontag of Speidi fame constantly tweets things like this:

thank you God for every second im alive!

about 19 hours ago from mobile web

Uh, Heidi?  Based on the goings-on on your "reality" show, all you have to be thankful for are those ginormous boobies you paid for because your "fiance" is a first-class douche-bag and EVERYONE knows it (even you). 

Lastly, why do celebs join Twitter then follow only each other?  What's the point?  Couldn't they just chat one another up at the next gifting suite?  I mean, seriously?

Despite the intrusion, Twitter is definitely picking up speed.  Because of its famous users, the word Twitter is now a as commonly used as say, Facebook (or getting there).  Of course, the first time I heard of Twitter, I thought it was some kind of perverse new sex act...

Swaddle Me This, Swaddle Me That

Anyone who knows me IRL ("in real life") knows that if you ask me for my one best piece of parenting advice after having a baby, it's swaddle early and swaddle often. 

"But my baby hates it!" is a common complaint.

Your baby does not hate being swaddled, your baby hates being maneuvered into a straight-jacket-like position by you.  But once he's in it, he'll love it, and he'll sleep more soundly.  Promise.

"But my baby breaks free from it!" is another.

If your baby breaks out of your swaddle, you're simply not swaddling tight enough.  Suffice to say that my own mother used to worry that I was torturing my babies when I swaddled them, it was that tight.  Studies actually prove that swaddled babies sleep longer and are less likely to wake up spontaneously.  Additionally, swaddling may reduce the risk of SIDS.  What more does a new parent need to be convinced that swaddling is best?

Nothing.  All that's left is getting the proper swaddle blanket and this, my friends, is no easy task for a rookie swaddler.  But be assured, a proper swaddle blanket is not that tiny flannel blanket you got at the hospital.  Well, maybe it is for the first week of baby's life until baby starts growing fast and furiously.  A real swaddle blanket is a large piece of material that has a little bit of stretch to it, is durable and will not over-heat your baby. 

Look no further - the perfect swaddle blanket is like the muslin wraps fabricated by Australian moms, Eden & Anais.

Made from soft, breathable cotton muslin, Eden & Anais wraps are the just the right size,  just the right texture, and just the right cuteness to be considered the "perfect" swaddle.  They have single-layer styles, perfect for the warm nights of summer, as well as double-layer wraps for colder days.  And with more than 20 adorable designs to choose from, there's bound to be one to suit your baby's little personality.

SALE!  Eden & Anais is offering customers a chance to stock up on their delicious Winter Warmth Swaddles, normally $49.95, for just $29.95.  And their Dream Blankets are on sale for $39.95, down from $59.95.  To take advantage of this discount, simply visit www.edenandanais.com and enter promo code “wintersale” at checkout.

Win it!  A lucky reader will win one Winter Warmth wrap from Eden & Anais.  Just visit their site and let us know which is your favorite iem and design.  A winner will be chosen on Friday, April 24th.  Only one entry per person, open to US residents only.

 

Caramelized Thai Chicken

I know this sounds a bit crazy, maybe even slightly humorous.  But last week, I saw Nicole Richie tweet about a recipe she had made and posted on her blog.  Curious, I checked it out and I have to say, it looked like something my family would LOVE.  So I printed it and headed to the stor to pick up whatever I was missing.  Though I followed most of the instructions on her recipe (originally from Food & Wine), I tweaked it to make it more to my liking.  I also re-named it to what I think is more representative of what came out of my kitchen - hope no one minds!!!

Caramelized Thai Chicken

4 Servings

INGREDIENTS:

1. 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
2. Approx. 1/2 cup fish sauce (A Taste of Thai)
3. 1/2 cup water
4. 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
5. 2 teaspoons minced garlic
6. 2 teaspoons minced ginger
7. 2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
8. 2 fresh Thai chiles, halved, or dried red chiles (I used 3 teaspoons of chili paste) or to your taste
9. 1.5 tablespoons canola oil
10. 1.5 shallots, thinly sliced
11. 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1/2 lb of butterflied chicken wings 
12. 4 cilantro sprigs

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, fish sauce, water, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, pepper and chiles.
2. Broil chicken wings until browned.
3. Heat the oil in a large deep skillet. Add the shallot and cook over moderate heat until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the fish sauce mixture and the chicken and simmer over high heat until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. To thicken, add corn starch (according to the package).
4. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with the cilantro and serve over rice.

Really quick, really easy, REALLY delicious. 

Save It

There's a lot of really bad stuff going on in the world right now.  It seems everyone is affected by the economic crisis on some level.  Either you yourself have felt the impact or else someone you know is experiencing the aftershocks of the Bush disaster era.  No matter how you see it, it's here, it's real, and it's not going away any time soon.

So what better time to find new ways to save - both money and time.  Chances are if you're a mom (and most of you are if you're reading), you need more of both.  So here are a few of my favorite ways to save:

Coffee - I LOVE my coffee in the morning.  I actually could drink it morning, noon, and night if the thought of trembling through my day wasn't an issue.  I am a Starbucks fan but have found that those little $3.19 drinks really do add up throughout the week.  So I've found a way to make my drink at home.  Start with a cup of freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee).  The secret to my favorite is in a tablespoon of powdered Nesquik and a cap full of Starbucks Sugar-Free Vanilla flavoring.  Waaaaay cheaper and just as delish.

Designer Clothes - Ok.  This might be a touchy one based on the current state of the economy.  But we do have a birthday party coming up so we needed some little clothes that would do justice for this special occasion.  Yup, I'm talking kids clothes!  My best secret?  Bloomingdale's (nope, you read right!) ALWAYS has crazy sales in their children's department, particularly on just out-of-season clothes.  We recently scored a little dress by the famously fabulous (and EXPENSIVE) Flowers by Zoe for $25.  Originally $72.  I've been known to get mini Diesel jeans for less than the cost of Gap jeans.  Stop laughing and just look.  I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Restaurant Deals - While on the treadmill last week I opened up a local mag and found that about five of Boston's finest restaurants are offering meals for a fraction of what they typically cost.  Fine eateries like Ruth's Chris (deal: $39.95 pp), Morton's(deal: dinner for 2 for $99, a $50 savings!), even my favorite - The Palmhas a filet mignon dinner for just $39 pp with this printable coupon.  And these deals are going on in every city!  Who says you can't enjoy good food even during a recession?

Books - Obviously the library is the best way to get books on the cheap.  But another way to get your hands on brand-new bestsellers for less?  Join Borders Rewards and you'll receive coupons each week in your email that will entitle you to a certain % off a book.  It's often up to 40% and typically you can use it on any book in the store.   

And my best time-saving tip?

Cleaning - I HATE housework.  Specifically, I abhor bathroom cleaning but hey, someone's gotta do it.  Recently I discovered Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber.  Essentially it's a disposable scrubbing pad with soap in it that attaches to a grip you can easily hold.  You then scrub the tub with it.  It typically has enough suds to touch up your sink and toilet too.  It's quick, smells pretty good, and makes the task a little less daunting.

I Scream, You Scream...

We all screamed after trying the new Haagen-Dazs line of all-natural ice cream.  Of delight, that is.  I mean, what better time to road-test a new treat than during the holidays while my house was flowing with people, all with a sweet tooth?

So after a big family dinner, I was spared having to bake dessert, and I served 4 of the new flavors appropriately called Five, since they're made with just 5 wholesome ingredients.  The test subjects were more than a little enthusiastic.    

The comments ranged from "the best ice cream I've ever had" to "I wonder how they made it so rich and flavorful with only 5 ingredients."  And it was true.  The Brown Sugar was just sweet enough to satisfy me, while the Ginger really did taste like the spice for which it is named and was perfect after a sushi meal.  The Mint was refreshing and the Passion Fruit was, well, fruity and made for a really nice after-dinner treat.  Other flavors are Milk Chocolate, Coffee and Vanilla Bean.

As a mom constantly seeking simple whole foods to feed my family, the best part of this new ice cream is that it is made with only milk, cream, sugar, eggs and its flavor (like mint extract, coffee, brown sugar, etc...).  Also, they're mainly a natural white or beige color, no crazy artificial colorings.  They passed the test in our house!

Want to have a taste test in your house?  One reader will receive 5 gift certificates, each good for a 14oz pint of ice cream or a package of delicious Haagen-Dazs Bars.  Simply let me know which flavor appeals to you.  A winner will be chosen on Monday, April 20th.  One entry per person, open to all.

  

Are You Afraid of Monsters?

If you are, you haven't seen the adorable stuffed do-it-yourself Monsters coming from CurlyQCuties!  I have to say, as a mom of two young girls and the owner of a children's store, I see a lot of "new" products hitting the stores but these Monsters take the cake! 

Kids can create their own monsters using the simple "Monster-maker" and a little imagination.  They choose their new friend's body shape, eye shape and color, mouth details, body color and more.  There are literally over 150 million possibilities!  And they are SO CUTE!  My daughter put an A on her monster's tummy (for Alex) and an adorable crooked smile.  It arrived just days later and "Monster" (we're lacking in originality around here!) quickly became her new favorite stuffie!  (and subsequentlyy, monsters are no longer feared in our house.)

Started as an Etsy store in 2008 by mom Stephanie Estrin, Monsters have quickly become popular among the sandbox crowd.  And the coolest part?  They are just $25!  The perfect birthday present amount!  And you can easily give a gift-certificate so that the recipient can create his/her own monster to their own specifications.  I assure you, this is the gift that will stand-out from the others.

Win it!  The clever folks over at CurlyQCuties are giving away a gift certificate for one monster including shipping to one lucky reader.  Just visit their website and create your very own Monster - you can even save it in case you win or want to buy it later.  Come back here and tell us what features your Monster has and you'll be entered.  For a second entry, subscribe to this blog's feed (or let us know that you do).  For a third, Tweet it!  A winner will be chosen on Friday, April 17th at midnight.  Open to US residents only.

Spa Week April 13 - 19, 2009

Don't you just love the spa?  I'm a proponent of a spa day every so often since I think everyone should pamper themselves from time to time.  I know, it's expensive, time consuming, and, well... expensive!  Especially now!  But listen closely because this may just be your chance to treat yourself like a queen for a day - without so much as a twinge of guilt!

SPA WEEK!!

Essentially the same idea as Restaurant Week, the concept of Spa Week is simple: full service treatments, normally costing from $100 to $200 dollars, for just $50 dollars. The brainchild of founder Cheryl Reid of SPA WEEK MEDIA GROUP, LTD., Spa Week originally started in New York in 2003 has since spread to over 29 cities across North America with over 700 participating spas.

Spa Week starts NEXT WEEK so hurry!!  For more info and to see if spa's in your city participate, visit http://www.spaweek.com/index.php.  I've already booked my appointment!