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

Am I Doing This Wrong?

I dropped A off at pre-school this morning and was greeted at the door by her teacher (whom I love, btw).  In keeping with my request that she tell me even the embarrassing things my 3-and-a-half year old spews out of her 3-and-a-half year old mouth, the drop-off went something like this:

Me: G'morning!

Teacher: Hi, Jill.  Oh, I have to tell you what happened yesterday.

Uh, oh.  My mind starts racing.  Did my typically gentle child push someone on the playground?  Get pushed?  Or more likely, recite the entire periodic table of the elements?

Just kidding...

Me: Oh God, what happened?

Teacher: So, A told me she had to go to the bathroom and I told her 'just a sec' because I was holding something and needed to put it down.

I nod. 

Teacher: So she tells me that she can't wait because her dr. said she shouldn't wait to pee or she'll get a boo boo in her tussy.

Uh, something like that...

Teacher: So I take her to the bathroom and she sits down and starts telling me that her daddy doesn't pee sitting down, he pees standing up.

Oh. My. God.  Now I'm not sure if this is a cute story or if I'm in trouble or what but I do know that I asked to hear the embarrassing things she says and well, here they come!

Her teacher smiles, puts her hand on my shoulder and says, "isn't that cute?"

Cute.  So cute.  All this talk of anatomy and bathroom rituals rolled up into one small girl who has  the vocabulary to communicate if aliens had entered her room overnight and kidnapped her favorite teddy bear. 

Am I even doing this right??

'Tis the Season...

...to save money..."

...to get creative..."

...to be... how does it go - jolly??"

Last week I learned how to accomplish all these things (and more!) in a mere 2 hours at a lovely luncheon put on by the wonderful folks at Stop and Shop.  In the year since I was introduced to the money-saving and customer-oriented culture of Stop and Shop, I have had the opportunity to learn many great things about their stores, and the fact is, they have won me over. My favorite though, is their Scan It! program which allows customers to scan, bag, and pay for their groceries all without speaking a word to another living soul.  Socially inept as I may sound, this does allow for quick shopping and money-savings opportunities I might not otherwise have.    

And now I come bearing some new ideas from Stop and Shop's own Consumer Adviser, Andrea Astrachan, that might help the cash-poor but richly creatively gift-giver get by on not much more than a few dollars and a few minutes this holiday season.

Seriously, I want you to know about the grocery giant's Holiday Rewards program which essentially allows you to earn up to 20% off a grocery order of your choice until December 25th (think turkey!  think apps!  think desserts!).  But I also want to share some of their awesome gift-giving ideas that will simplify, and cheapify (is that a word?) your holiday season so that you can actually relax and enjoy it.

Idea #1:

Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: 

What you'll need -

• A bag of long pretzel rods 
• Chocolate chips for melting
• Decorations such as sprinkles, cookie crumbs, crushed candy canes.

Melt the chocolate in a pot.  Dip the pretzel rod into the chocolate (use a knife to help apply it if the chocolate is not deep).  Roll the pretzel in your decoration of choice.  Let them cool, then place them gently in a cellophane bag and add ribbon and a gift tag.   

Idea #2:

Cookies in a Jar:

What you'll need -

• The makings for whatever cookies you choose (chocolate chip, oatmeal...)
• A mason jar
• Ribbon 
• Recipe card

Layer all ingredients in the jar, separating by color.  Be sure to pack down ingredients so they fit!  Close the lid and decorate the jar with ribbon or whatever you choose.  Attach the recipe card (which should include the wet ingredients recipient will add themselves).

How easy is that?

We want to help you buy your holiday treats!  The Daily Grind along with the wonderful peeps of 360PR and Stop and Shop are offering one lucky reader the gift of food - a $100 gift card at Stop and Shop!  To enter, simply comment below with your favorite aspect of the store.  The winner will be selected on Saturday, November 14th at midnight.  Only one entry per person.

Luncheon, gift-idea samples, parking and gift card were provided by Stop and Shop.  All views and opinions reflected on this blog are my own and were in no way influenced by any outside party.   

To Vaccinate, or Not to Vaccinate, That is the Question.

So everywhere you turn there is information being thrown at us regarding the H1N1 Flu and the vaccine.  And at every turn is a parent asking, "are you vaccinating?"

We did.  On Monday, both my kids opened their nostrils real wide to accept the H1N1 vaccine.  And while this was ultimately my decision, it was not a decision I came to lightly.

I am not a person who buys into media hype.  I n fact, as the public becomes increasingly panicked about any particular media-induced issue, I tend to become more cynical.  Maybe it's the journalist in me, but I don't trust "frenzy."

Bu I do trust facts from people in the know.

I asked doctors their opinion.  And I asked more doctors.  Then, just to be sure, I asked again.  Every single solitary doctor I asked- from an Internist to a GI specialist to an ER doctor and a Pediatrician - every last one of them not only assured me the H1N1 vaccine is safe, but urged me to vaccinate my children. 

Every last one of them.

They told me that the H1N1 vaccine is prepared no differently than any other flu shot I've given my children and that the hype over the pandemic is what separates it from the regular flu.  As a matter of fact, the H1N1 strain of flu has been included in your regular seasonal flu vaccine each year since 1977, but since this is a new strain, a separate vaccine is being administered.

And yes, people in the high risk groups should get both the H1N1 vaccine as well as the flu shot.  While my instinct was not to administer both the vaccines simultaneously, many doctors do (if they have it - there's a supply and demand issue with both vaccines right now). 

I was reluctant to accept a "new" vaccine for my kids.  But after doing the research, asking health care professionals, finding out how the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine are similar and different, my reluctance was to wait to vaccinate.  And now that I have, I feel like my children are protected from what I understand to be a horrible, complicated illness.

No matter what you decide is best for your family, there are ways to protect against getting sick - make sure your family washes their hands constantly.  We've been going through that anti-bacterial stuff like crazy around here.  At the very least, you'll be teaching your kids good hygiene, right?

Making the Most of "Mommy & Me"

Everyone will tell you: when you have kids, you'll make new friends.

Kids come with a seemingly unending calendar filled with events such as school, extracurricular activities, birthday parties and more. But the first encounter most mothers have with the mommy contingent comes in the form of "Mommy & Me" classes.

Starting as early as just days after returning from the hospital with your bundle of joy and lasting well into the preschool years is the phenomenon known as Mommy & Me. Typically this involves some group setting intended to be together-time for mom and tot in a social environment where kids can be with other kids and by default, moms can socialize with other moms. Sounds simple, right?

Well, not necessarily.

Moms can be one of the most difficult groups to penetrate, especially if you are a newcomer. But if you are looking to make the most of Mommy & Me, making mommy friends makes running after your child week after week slightly more palatable.

It's almost like dating. You meet in group, you see them a few times a week, but how do you take it to the next level? How do you know if they like you? It seems like they do, but how do you really know? Do you just put yourself out there and go for it?

Actually, you do. If you feel a bit of a connection with a mom, ask about what her child's schedule is like. Could you plan a play-date? A coffee date?  You do the inviting. Ask the duo to come to your house or if the weather is good, plan a neutral park date. Feel like stepping it up a notch? See if she wants to meet at a local ice cream parlor where the kids can play and have a treat while the two of you, well, get to know each other a bit.

It's intimidating. Why is that? Any mom will agree that dating other moms is reminiscent of the high-school scene, where everyone is just a little self-conscious and a lot socially awkward. But if you forget all of that and just go for it, chances are you'll be Queen Bee in no time at all.

And hey, your new friends may even come with tolerable daddies to keep your child's daddy company during football season. 

This post was originally published on Savvy Source on October 14, 2009.

I Have A Dream

Ok, so maybe my dream isn't quite so selfless and world-changing as MLK's was in 1963.  But it's my dream, and I'm waking up to a pretty clear memory of it.

I had a dream last night that I went back to a full-time job outside of the home.  In the dream, the people were cool, the office was great, and my job was perfect.  In the dream, there was a party the first day, a meeting where the boss related to the employees, and women who weren't bitchy (I know, but one can dream!)  But all through this perfect scenario dream, I felt, even in my dream, uneasy about something. 

In the dream I hadn't had a formal "offer", hadn't been told my hours, and never actually agreed to anything.  Probably because in my real-life, though I'm getting itchy to re-join the outside of home workforce, I'm not looking to spend 40+ hours a week away from my babies.

But I want to work.

But I  also want to be that mom who dispenses 3 meals per day and is there for playgroups and school events.

I'm certain I'm not alone in this.  I know I can't be the only former working woman to daydream about getting dressed in more than Lulu Lemon's in the morning and having people ask me about more than what time preschool drop-off is.  But at the same time, I need to ensure that I am the one who is present at drop-off (and pick-up) at least most days.  What to do.

I've been sending out resumes for opportunities that offer contract and part-time hours.  My specialty is writing, but isn't everybody's these days?  (and the fact that I actually have a university degree stating this doesn't seem to separate me from the sea of wannabe's...)  And since I'm self-taught at the art of social media and the use of online tools for effective marketing and promotion, I'm advertising myself as an asset to any social media team.

Only catch is, I don't do full-time.

This is a struggle at best.  I mean I'm committed, I'm ready, and the money would be awesome (running an online store and freelancing is fabulous, but isn't the fabulous source of income you'd think it might be).  But not at the cost of sacrificing 40+ hours per week with my daughters.  And as I snuggled close to the warm body of my 3-year-old this morning, this fact became crystal clear.

But it's 8:37am, and I'm wearing my Lulu Lemons...  

Sabrina accompanying Mom to a Stonyfield Farm blogger event, September 2009.

The Dash

I was in synagogue on Sunday night for a service called Kol Nidre, which is part of the Yom Kippur service. The Jewish high holy day is also called The Day of Atonement, during which Jewish people all over the world are meant to spend time atoning and repenting for their "sins" of the previous year.  It's also a good time for self-reflection. 

During Sunday evening's service, the rabbi read the poem, The Dash, aloud, then talked about how each of us could add quality to our "dash".  It made me think about my own life of course, and the quality with which I'm living it, and the effort I put into making every day count.  Without getting too heavy and personal, I urge you to read the poem and decide for yourself what your "dash" should look like, and whether you're living a "dash" you can be proud of.

The Dash
by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

© 1996 Linda Ellis

The Circus Wants YOU!

Or, your family that is.  Because fall wouldn't be fall without a trip to the circus, right?  And the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey circus is doing just that - bringing their "Over the Top" show to 6 states including 3 venues local to Boston!  Catch an action-packed performance:

• DCU Center, Worcester - Thursday, October 8th though Monday, October 12^th.  Click here for tickets.
• Verizon Wireless Arena Manchester, NH - Thursday, October 1^st though Monday, October 4^th.  Click here for tickets.
• TD Banknorth Garden, Boston - Wednesday, October 14^th through Sunday, October 18^th.  Click here for tickets. 

The good people of the circus are giving New England families a special opportunity to visit the circus by offering a special deal on tickets -

Purchase a 4-pack of tickets for only $44 for weekday shows, or receive $4 off weekend tickets by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com and entering the coupon code: MOM.*

But wait!!  In conjunction with Mom Central and the circus, The Daily Grind is offering readers the chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets to the Boston opening night performance on October 14^th at 7pm.  Simply comment below with your favorite circus act and be entered to win.** 

*Get 4 tickets for $44 Monday - Friday matinee or $4 off weekend tickets by entering the code “MOM” in the MC promotion code box on Ticketmaster.  Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each.  Not valid on VIP Gold, VIP, and Circus Celebrity seats or combinable with other offers. Service charges and handling fees will apply.

**The contest is open to all but tickets are valid ONLY for the show on October 14t^h at TD Banknorth Garden at 7pm.  Contest will run through Saturday, October 3r^d at midnight.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday. Hungry Anyone?

I've been cooking for the Jewish holidays which were last weekend.  They resume again in the form of Yom Kippur Sunday evening into Monday so I need to get back to the kitchen, but before I do, check out what I've been making...

Banana Cake with Chocolate Streusel

Spinach & Artichoke Palmiers

Marinated Bell Peppers*

K, so I didn't exactly *make* these cupcakes but I sure wish I did!

Marinated Bell Peppers

• 10-12 Bell Peppers (whichever colors appeal to you - I use all but green) 
• 1.5C White Vinegar (Apple Cider Vinegar works too)
• 2TBSP Vegetable or Canola Oil
• 1/2C Water
• 1C White Sugar
• 2 Cloves Chopped Garlic
• 6TBSP Ketchup

Put the peppers on a baking sheet and broil in the oven (or bar-b-q) until skin is blistered and brown.  Keep turning them, cooking about 10-12 minutes.  While peppers cook, combine all other ingredients in a large bowl with a cover. 

When the peppers are done, remove from oven, put them in a bowl and cover tightly (or a plastic bag).  Allow them to cool about 20 minutes.  Once cool, peel the skins from them, they should peel right off.  Combine peppers with the marinade and refrigerate overnight.

More Reasons to LOOOVE My New Appliances by Frigidaire

So I've been the proud owner of my hot new Affinity washer/dryer for about a month now, and aside from its undeniable beauty, I'm actually noticing that its beauty is not just metal deep.  These machines might be nice to look at, but they're also doing a fabulous job and they are helping my family save not just money, but also time and energy.

We are an increasingly environmentally aware family and as such, I was thrilled to do away with our previous energy-draining top-loading washer/dryer to replace with this front-loader.  What I learned in my research is that this front-loader meets or exceeds the stringent efficiency standards* put forth by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.  Without using all kinds of fancy language, front-loaders use about a third less water than conventional top-loaders, since the clothes are dropped into the water and use gravity to move them around.  There's also no agitator in a front-loading machine (a part typically found in a top-loader) so there's room for more clothes.  And the Affinity dryer is 7.0 cu.ft, making it the largest capacity dryer in a standard size**.  So you dry more in one round. 

Speaking of agitators, if you know anything about laundry machines (which I didn't), the mere fact that this machine doesn't have one is great news.  Agitators do exactly that to your clothes - agitate them.  They result in quicker wear and tear on your stuff, so a top-loader will treat your cute clothes (and linens) better too.

The only real downside to this is that front-loaders are typically more expensive to purchase.  But here's the thing - if you invest in a solid front-loading machine now, you are GUARANTEED to save money (not to mention energy and water) over the course of the life of the appliances.

And the last cool feature for today - you can save your settings on the machines so you don't have to fiddle with them every time you throw in a load of laundry.  I admit that this is my favorite feature in my car as well (re-setting my seat each time I get in is annoying!). 

Stay tuned for more on my fabulous Affinity appliances as they get more use.

*According to the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star qualified appliances conserve 20 to 30 percent in energy costs over the course of one year. An Energy Star qualified washer uses 16 to 25 gallons of water per load, compared to 40 gallons used by a standard machine. Top loading energy efficient qualified washers can save 10,000 gallons of water per year and Front Loading energy efficient washing machines can save up to 12, 584 gallons of water per year.

** Based on dryers 36" or less in height and 27" or less in depth

Super Why! A Children's Show for Smart Kids (and the adults who watch with them).

Sometimes, as a blogger, I get to do very cool things.  Like recently, I was invited to a behind-the-scenes look at one PBS Kids most popular shows for preschoolers, SUPER WHY!  So as a mom that lets my kids watch television (boo!  hiss!), I was stoked to learn more about what goes into kids' programming and, as a celebrity stalker, to meet the creator of the show, Angela Santomero.

Ok, maybe "celebrity" is pushing it, but not if you ask my kids.  They LOVE SUPER WHY!  and as a parent, it was interesting to hear the details about why a new children's show even gets created, and what type of research goes into it.  Here are some interesting facts I picked up:

• A new series gets built as a result of a need.  Like, when there was a need for programming with a literacy curriculum, SUPER WHY! and Martha Speaks were created.  Sid the Science Kid obviously covers early science exploration, and (betcha didn't know this) Curious George's curiosity introduces preschoolers to key concepts in math, science and engineering. 
• Ever want to pull your hair out because the kids morning show is THE SAME episode as yesterday?  And last week?  This is actually done purposefully since repetition is good for young kids. 
• Oh, and funding is most definitely a problem.

And you thought they were losing brain cells while watching TV.

I was duly impressed with the amount of research that goes into making these shows.  Focus groups, expert consultations, testing - you name it.  Nothing happens by accidentand it shows.  To hear Ms. Santomero talk about the characters and story-lines, you'd think she was discussing a Shakespearean play - that's how well-thought out the plots are, and when I got home, I tested this all out on my 3-year-old.

She named every character and explained their "powers".  She and her not quite 2-year-old sister can sing the re-invented alphabet song (see below if you're not familiar with the tune), and she can even name some of the letters she sees on the screen.  Not bad for 3.

I was not one of those parents who didn't let their kids watch tv until the recommended age of 2.  I am, however, a parent who enjoys watching with my kids, even if I'm doing other things as we watch.  And it seems I'm not alone.  Many of the parents in the session were thrilled to invite Super Why!  into their living room each day because it's a) entertaining for kids and b) NOT ANNOYING FOR ADULTS!! 

To learn more about Super Why!, visit the PBS Kids website and join their Facebook group (and then you can say you're a Super Why! groupie... ;).