TheMommyBlog

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 Fun Finds

I laughed when this showed up in my inbox this morning, after all that about not letting promotions into my content. But this is an interesting survey: learning about how women in our demographic consume music.

The answer: voraciously.

No, seriously, this is cool. I did it. Come on, you know you want to do it too. I can see your pupils dilating.

A leading music business magazine wants to understand the role of music in the life of mums after their teenage years. If you are a mum (aged 20-45) and you could spare literally a couple of minutes to complete the flowing multiple choice questionnaire, we’d be extremely grateful.

Your answers will form part of an article which will influence high-level executives in the music industry.

Simply follow this link to the survey to have your say.

Monday, July 06, 2009 Fun Finds

Ya think? Doesn’t one follow the other? Just saying.

Thanks to the ever-delicious Reddit. Better go get more coffee, the thread is hilarious.

Wait—I meant that the thread on THIS ONE is hilarious.

Saturday, June 27, 2009 Fun Finds

Seeing this explanation of the drinking bird novelty has closed so many gaps in understanding about the world that I can safely check out with a happy heart, at least until the memory gets fuzzy and I can no longer recall the explanation, in which case I must immediately resume my frantic search for meaning in the Universe.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009 Fun Finds

“Permanent damage to the relationship may be done with a few drops of Tabasco sauce in the condom. Yes. This seems plausible.”

That pretty much says it all. But the rest is on Salon, and totally worth it.

Thursday, February 12, 2009 Family, Fun Finds

Just look at what came in the mail this afternoon, courtesy of Naturally Nora, Inc. Nora clearly knows how to get my attention. This is especially good timing considering that Monday’s Momversation was about toxins and eating naturally and things we should be aware of when choosing food for our families.

Naturally Nora’s mission is to combine fun and convenience with wholesome, all-natural ingredients and homemade taste. Naturally Nora’s ...mixes use natural compounds such as elderberry juice and spinach extract for color.

Sounds great to me, and with my daughter’s seventh birthday coming up, you can bet I’ll be trying out a few mixes. You know, to find just the right one. In the name of motherly love.

The box is sitting next to my desk, and I will have to move it because the smell is wonderfully distracting. Honestly, it smells like a freaking bakery in here. Must hide everything before the kids make like Velociraptors cornering the neighbors (for more information, visit the American Society for Velociraptor Attack Prevention).

Flipping through the PR materials, this stopped me in my tracks. I couldn’t find it on the website, so I scanned it. I think it should be no more than one click deep on their very cute, wish-I’d-thought-of-that-design site. This one’s for you, Giyen! I’ll take pictures of Daphne’s cake at her party next week.

P.S. They don’t contain any dairy or soy and are kosher too.

Thursday, February 05, 2009 Fun Finds, Moms Like Us

It’s a little early for “creative” and “original” writing, so I’m just gonna post an exchange from about ten minutes ago, mmkay? C’mon. It’ll be fun. I promise you’ll laugh.

I am a mom and actress at the Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles (http://www.groundlings.com) ... and thought you, being a creative funny mom writer might get a kick out of this 3 minute movie I made about skinny jeans, post baby belly (I call it a “booty belly”) and… SPANX!  It’s embarrassing but ..pretty funny. Please post or spread around if you like.

Thanks! Ariane

Hi Ariane,

I think I just peed myself. AWESOME! I’m posting it now! I must have four things from SPANX (which means it’s closer to eight), and intended to wear the full body one to my brother’s wedding, but was so not into my boyfriend seeing it that I went without. And in the pictures? I looked just like you, plus some. God bless you for showing what a real mom’s tummy looks like - mine is exactly the same. I think I love you.

M

Btw, I don’t think husbands like that exist in the wild. Stanislavsky would be proud.

Sunday, January 11, 2009 Family, Fun Finds

I will be the first to admit that I am not always thrilled to feature products I receive in the mail. Some days it’s like Christmas around here, with all the boxes cluttering the hallway—I have no idea what the UPS thinks I do for a living. Actually, making a living has nothing to do with it; I am never paid to talk about products or offers. I only pass them along if I would enjoy or use them myself. There is no paid content in this blog - that’s what sidebars are for. It’s not worth sacrificing integrity for trinkets.

Once in a while, though, I get so excited about something that I can’t stop talking about it. (NO—really?) The other day, a huge box came with a note from Stacia at Steven Style Group. In it were eight or so books that I could give away. Trouble is, once the kids see these, they won’t give them up. I may compromise and donate them to their school library so that more children can enjoy them longer. Besides, marketers? I hate re-mailing stuff you send. It costs time and money and always involves the post office. Got to cut down on favors that cost me out of pocket.

Getting back to the books, I want to spotlight two sea life themed books, Oceans, a Kaleidopops Book, and Uncover a Dolphin (The Inside Story on the Ocean’s Smartest animal!) by David George Gordon. I wrote back this morning to say thanks:

I am absolutely loving the collections of books you sent! …these are beautiful, extremely well-done, informative books. …My fifth grader is studying the digestive system and was able to give an highly coherent, accurate account of how it all works, using the dolphin as a visual aid. Of course the first and third graders got stuck on the elimination stage, but I was very impressed that a) he understood it so well, and b) that he was able to use every page as a talking point. Well done!

Uncover a Dolphin is a cleverly constructed tour through the anatomy of a dolphin, with each system revealed as a page is turned. The cover peels away the outer layer, and then you see the skeleton with tons of facts about how and why things are used and shaped. The next page talks all about respiration, and revels the lungs and heart. It goes on and on until finally we see a baby dolphin inside the mother’s womb. Our favorite part was the massive muscle that powers the dolphin through water. First reaction: “Whoa! Look at the size of that muscle!” Second reaction: “Mmm, reminds me of sushi!”

Oceans is a wonderful pop-up book for a slightly younger set, geared toward a basic understanding of the different ecosystems (seacosystems? I dunno, I nearly failed Biology freshman year). The pop-ups are spectacular, and we were all shouting out and pointing to things we recognized.

On the reef page, Phil commented, “I’ve eaten that! The octopus, I mean.” Daphne looked at him, unsure whether to believe him.

On the next page, I said, “Clownfish! I’ve never eaten one of those. They taste funny.” Both Daphne and Phil shook their heads and kept reading.

Three pages later, Daphne shouted, “Seahorse!”

I said, “Never had a seahorse. I wanted one, though, when I was a little girl, but mom said we didn’t have room.” I caught her eye.

“I got it, mom.” Eyeroll. Now she’s just waiting for me to shut up.

I have a feeling Monday will be caught up in exploring dragons and Medieval castles.

Friday, December 26, 2008 Other people who write, Fun Finds

Now that the end of the year, the end of one presidency, and the beginning of another (not to mention the end of the election process, thanks be to all that’s green and goodly) are all happening at once, I have a few great book recommendations.

I love history, real or imagined, and have loved going back and forth between Kenneth C. Davis’ American’s Hidden History and Real Life at the White House by John Whitcomb and Claire Whitcomb.

American’s Hidden History has the feel of an old, forgotten volume full of anectdotes and behind-the-scenes goings-on. Much of the content is derived from letters and other personal accounts, and is rich with context—particularly the bits about the war and Paul Revere’s ride. Incidentally, I’ve recently finished Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point, in which Paul Revere’s ride was compared with that of the guy covering the rest of the territory. You don’t hear much about him, do you? He didn’t know how to find the right houses and make the right connections and make the same compelling call to action, so his ride is practically forgotten while every school child knows about Paul Revere’s famous message.

All of these books taken together give a rich contextual background to this dramatic change in leadership and begs all sorts of questions about who we are now and where we’re going as a country.

American’s Hidden History
Spanning a period from the Spanish arrival in America to George Washington’s inauguration in 1789, America’s Hidden History details these episodes, among others:

• The story of the first real Pilgrims in America, who were wine-making French Huguenots, not dour English Separatists
• The coming-of-age story of Queen Isabella, who suggested that Columbus pack the moving mess hall of pigs that may have spread disease to many Native Americans
• The long, bloody relationship between the Pilgrims and Indians that runs counter to the idyllic scene of the Thanksgiving feast
• The little-known story of George Washington as a headstrong young soldier who committed a war crime, signed a confession, and started a war!

Real Life at the White House

• Real Life at the White House is more than just a probe of presidential families; it provides in-depth White House history and examines the role of the First Lady as it changed over the decades. An intriguing presentation.—The Bookwatch
• Well-written ... should be read not only to discern the personal impact of each administration on a famous residence but also to observe the evolving nature of the presidency itself and its relation to the citizenry. Recommended for public and academic libraries.—Library Journal

Thursday, December 18, 2008 Family, Fun Finds

I can’t stop grinning now.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008 Family, Fun Finds

This holiday, Tokbox is offering Video mails to Santa and video greeting cards! The service is free and they are also donating to charity for every card sent—for every holiday video greeting sent between 10th and 25th December, TokBox will donate 5 cents to Child Foundation. They do amazing work supporting children around the world, ensuring they get a great education and a great start in life.
Instead of waiting in lines at the mall to see Santa or waiting for Santa to return an old-fashioned letter, this holiday kids can record and send Santa a video mail on TokBox.com. All you need is a web cam, an internet connection, your kid and their Christmas list. You can even forward their video mail on to family and friends who are still looking for inspiration on what to buy them. In return, your kids will receive a personalized video mail back from Santa in time for Christmas which can be played over and over by the anxious little ones.  Send your video message to Santa in time to get on his list!

And if you need any more reasons to send a holiday video greeting, here are a few:

• It’s easy to do on your own, or gathering the family around the computer to quickly record a holiday greeting (all you need is a web cam and internet connection)
• It’s free.  No postage or cards purchases needed.
• It’s fun!  You can either choose to send a standard greeting with holiday border,  or position your face inside a Santa … either way, your TokBox message is sure to leave an impression.

Sunday, December 14, 2008 Family, Fun Finds, Momversation, News

Last night on CNN I mentioned that you could find hundreds of really inexpensive, fun things for kids online and have them shipped to a shelter, or charity, or anywhere in the world. For those who are interested, the web site is Oriental Trading Company.

I didn’t know I was even going to mention them, but it popped into my head, and this morning I realized why: On September 26, 2006, Asha Dornfest wrote to a group of bloggers to ask a favor. I didn’t know her at the time.

Please forgive the mass email, but I felt this was important enough to warrant it. I just received a note from a member of the US Army Corps of Engineers stationed in Iraq—a woman named Edmay Mayers. Prompted by a past discussion on Parent Hacks about where to donate used stuffed animals, she wrote asking readers to send them to her, and she would see they are distributed to children in Iraq.

Here’s my post, including photos she sent and a link to an article about her. If anyone can get the word out, it’s you. If you feel it’s appropriate, would you consider sharing this info with your readers? No obligation, of course—I just want to do what I can to help this woman. I really admire her.

Thanks for listening.

Asha

I wasn’t working at the time and couldn’t afford to donate, but then changed my mind when I saw what could be had for so little. One hundred dollars sent a hug box of things to Edmay, and she personally wrote each of us with thanks. She is a hero, and I’m so glad to have the opportunity to give her props—and to thank Asha for doing what she does best—helping people make life easier and more fun for our kids.

Get shopping! (And no, they don’t know I’m doing this, I’m not being paid, though I suppose I should send a note to give a heads-up!)

Thursday, December 11, 2008 Family, Fun Finds, Entertainment

From my buddy Sean Sanczel, the mastermind who brought you the infamous and ever-watchable “I Don’t Care” (my kids collapse into giggles whenever one of us says this), and “All I want for Christmas,” I give you “Pencilman in The Point of Christmas.”

I was watching it and suddenly thought, “UNCLE BEN?” Yep, that’s my dad’s best friend in the credits as Santa and a candy cane. That voice has been cracking jokes at me from the time I was born. I’d know it anywhere. And run.

Pencilman wants to be a great gift for the Christmas. When he discovers he’s just a “school supply” present, he tries to become something more.

Sean’s got a slew of videos on YouTube, including one that won a contest and was made into a commercial for Take Five candy bars. Don’t miss the Blues Brothers and Groucho Marx riffs. He’s the only guy I’ve ever been able to trade Groucho quotes with, rapid-fire. Sadly, I ran out of ammo while he mowed me down. Do NOT miss the Groucho Marx Rap.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 Fun Finds, Sports

Just when I’ve convinced my family that this will be a one-gift-only Christmas, the deals and promotions started coming out of the woodwork. I delete almost all of them (sorry—just can’t jump on the shopping bandwagon this year) but for the second year I’m going to feature Gold Medal Impressions, “Sports Pictures - Photos of Baseball Football Basketball Hockey & Olympic Athletes by Dick Druckman.”

Name sound familiar? That may be because his daughter writes the ginormously popular blog, On Youth and Teens Today with Vanessa Van Petten. (I featured her response to Anita Renfroe’s video of the Mom Song sung to William Tell’s Overture a few days ago. She actually sings it and looks fabulous AT THE SAME TIME.)

So! If you’d like 50% percent off any sports photo on Gold Medal Impressions, just make a phone call to Vanessa’s dad. This is her father in law’s second career and he’s a bit low-tech, so go along on this. The sale prices are not reflected on his site, but you will get them if you call.

I went through the site with my son and he was all, “This one! No—that one! Wait! Is that Pujols?” We’ll definitely be in touch. We’re happy to note that he’d love to hear more about what sports and teams you want more of—which is nice because my son was all, “Did he take ANY photos of the other team?” while looking for one of his baseball heroes in the playoffs. He’s also got some great shots from the summer Olympics.

To receive the discount price, call Dick Druckman at the gallery (609-606-9001). Remember, orders that are put through on the site will not get the promotional pricing! I just noticed, too, that you can get a series of shots to really get the feel of the action.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 Other people who write, Fun Finds

I just found the Green and Natural Mom Blog via a mention on Look Who’s Drinking the Digital Coolaid, and I loved some of the examples she’s found of positive discipline.

Jane Nelsen Ed.D. has written and co-written several wonderful books and the one I have been devouring is

Positive Discipline for Preschoolers - Raising Children Who Are Responsible, Respectful, and Resourceful…

In the Positive Discipline book, Ms. Nelsen recalls how a teacher had a time-in section in her classroom. She filled it with fluffy pillows and cuddly toys and named it Antarctica. Any child could choose to go to Antarctica whenever they need to cool off. It was really a clever way of taking the negative connotations of time-out or the corner and made it whimsical and meaningful. It also taught them a valuable skill…retreating to cool off when we are loosing our cool with someone or a situation and are about to do or say something we shouldn’t. Can I have an Antarctica corner?? LOL.

Of course, I immediately wanted to send all of this wisdom to my children’s teachers, because, shit, do you really think this stuff will work at home? More to the point, do you really think I’d ever move out of the Antarctica Corner?

Tiffany goes on to list some terrific sources for materials to make your own cool-off corner - click to read more!

I’m definitely bookmarking this blog - she has a knack for presenting useful, informative stuff in a way I can digest, and we all know what kinds of genius that takes.

Saturday, July 05, 2008 Fun Finds

Co-creator of New For Baby is celebrating the arrival of her new son, Grant, with a 20% off coupon–one-time use only–until August 1, 2008!