I'm blaming it on the vodka sauce

I'm still fighting through a post-Cabernet haze, but there are so many wonderful announcements, that I am going to persevere.

First off, our friends at Hallmark are giving Sarah H. and Jeanellen V. some awesome greeting card gift packs for Mother's Day, Father's Day and everyday. Thanks to them, and to all who entered.

Secondly, the reason I had so much Cabernet was because last night's Suburban Diva Pizza Party at Vincenzo's was so delicious, I just couldn't help but linger over the food and company. The winning selections (which will be featured on next week's menu as the pizza specials) were a chicken Picatta pizza (yum) and a vodka sauce, prosciutto, arugula. But seriously, we tried so many delicious entries--it was a tough call. Here's a picture before the 4th bottle of wine.



We had so. Much. Fun. We had door prizes and Twitter fun, too. It was so enjoyable in fact, that perhaps I should start planning a Suburban Diva cocktail or entree contest next. (Hint: it won't be Cabernet...)

What's on my mind this Wednesday

So I think after tonight’s party at Vincenzo’s (which I will be Twittering live so you can tune in there and win some swag if you aren’t able to make it live and in person--follow me @Subdiva) and tomorrow night’s Mom’s Nite Out event at Tyrone Square Mall, I may just be done with the fun media events for a couple of weeks. Hmmm...maybe I’ll clean a closet or something.

But I probably won’t. Instead, I think I’m going to turn my attention to getting a new computer. Not a new pc, but a new...do I dare say it aloud? Apple.

Yep, I’m going to become one of those annoying tech nerds that spouts off about the technical superiority of the Mac. So please don’t hate me, but I need the foodnetwork.com to load in less than 87 minutes and not shut down every other open window.

I can’t help it. Right now, after an exhaustive update on all virus, anti-spy ware, defragmenting, sweeping, and oriental massages that are illegal in 28 states; I have some sort of bug that only allows me to cut and paste every other Thursday and no backspacing at all. Apparently, Vista demands not only perfect typing skills, but a non-fickle mind as well. It seriously takes all of my finite patience not to rip the stupid thing from the wall and hurl it into the pool after every. Single. Email. I’ve got your clean disk right here.

So when I think about all of the time I’m going to save not fighting with this ridiculous OS, well, I just might be able to clean that closet after all.

A So Unlike Me Weekend

On Laundry Monday, I did...laundry. I was trying to come up with an alternative punchline, but I couldn't.

But before Laundry Monday, there was Go to the Mall Sunday and Make Your Own Crayon Saturday. The latter two activities are so unlike me, that they deserved a whole day name dedicated to the novelty of the occurrence in my house. And pictures because I know you don't believe me.

First, we took all of our broken crayons and mixed the colors in a mini muffin tin after spraying with cooking spray.



Then, we baked them at 275 degrees until they molten mini cupcakes of hot wax.

We placed in the freezer for just a second to harden and to spill on the frozen pancakes, and voila! Weird little discs o' crayon.



They were fun for about 4 seconds before they realized it was awfully difficult to color inside the lines of any other drawing than a large open sky or ocean. An orange-razzmatazz-Burnt Sienna sky.

The mall outing was significantly more fruitful since I spent $700 at Build-A-Bear. And $19 on the greatest T-Shirt ever.



But I did have to brave the haunted house-esque of Hot Topix--the most macabre retail outlet ever created this side of Hell, so the Sonic T-shirt's actual value is similar to the Build-A-Bear bill.

But I got a free birthday gift of lip gloss at Sephora, so it's all good.

P.S. Keep those comments coming on the gifts from Hallmark, and t-2days until Vincenzos. What's on your pizza?

It was my birthday, but I'm giving you a gift

You know all of those wonderful cards you all sent me for my birthday revolving around drinking and sparkles? Well, right back atcha!

Hallmark is providing two of you lucky readers with some beautiful greeting card gift packs. These include those wonderful recordable cards for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and some of their redesigned 99 cent everyday cards.

I have to tell you, I sent my Grandpa a recordable card of the kids for Valentine’s Day, and when we came up to visit he pulled it out from the drawer he keeps by his chair. He loved it and listened to his great-grandchildrens' voices over and over.

So leave a comment here or Divamail me by Wednesday, May 6th, and we’ll have a drawing for the winners just in time to get you hooked up for Mother’s Day.

Ready, set...Comment! (I even included a picture of my birthday cake to inspire you. Jerks.)

The Day After Tracey I guess

Day one of the last year in my thirties and the last year I tell the truth about my age...

So here we find ourselves on May 1st wondering how that happened. I know for me, April was pretty crazy, and while I certainly had some experiences I won't soon forget, May is looking pretty sweet. The countdown until the end of school officially begins even though I've been marking my calendar since Christmas.

My birthday was wonderful, thank you all who made that so with your kind wishes. The girls took me out for sangria and red velvet cake for lunch. I think there was other food involved, but who really cares after those two stars? Certainly not me. Dinner was at Vincenzo's which reminds me to invite you locals there for our Suburban Diva tasting on May 6th. Divamail me for details on that. And Sean and the kids got me some fabulous outdoor furniture to rest my old legs, and the Intern selected some wine for me to sit on said furniture and drink. Very, very nice. Matty had his whole class sign a card for me, and then made a wonderfully flowery art project that is very un-9-year old like. He even suggested crepes for dinner and he hates crepes.

So cheers and thank you dear friends.

An early gift for me

Tracey Eve

It's Tracey Eve.

That's what we call the day before our birthdays. Actually, only Matty does because his joy for all things birthday-related is not limited to his own. He is sweet that way.

I've worked my tail off the last few days, and so this afternoon I'm going out to lunch with the girls. Tonight is dinner out at Vincenzo's because I love it and I'm gearing up for the pizza party in a week. (Have you sent in your toppings entry??) But other than that, my birthday wishes are simple and few.

1.) I really wish Amy would play soccer at her game tomorrow. Sitting on my lap in her cleats from the sidelines is no fun for either of us.

2.) Intern solves foot issue.

3.) Husband solves unrelated foot issue.

4.) The prolific and talented writing fairy completes my next assignment by deadline brilliantly.

5.) Ditto on arrival of grocery store fairy.

6.) A long, solid night's sleep.

7.) A good hair day.

8.) Lots of laughter, but not the awkward kind.

9.) Book report fairy, please join your pixie brethren.

10.) Sangrias have no calories.

Picnic with A Purpose

A home for runaway girls in Virginia Beach. An abused women’s shelter in Atlanta. A soup kitchen in Detroit. A resort for terminally ill children in Orlando.

A boy’s home in Safety Harbor.

These are just some of the small charitable organizations around the country that are benefiting from Hebrew National’s “Picnics with a Purpose” this summer.

Actually, our Picnic with a Purpose actually had a dual one. To kick off the summer with a family BBQ with our friends, but also to benefit Attention Home--a local group home for disabled boys and young men. For almost 30 years, they have taken in some of the victims of Florida’s worst cases of child abuse, giving them not just shelter, but a home.



My family and I have worked with Attention Home for almost ten years now. Once we heard their stories and met the boys, turning away wasn’t an option. We have helped organize toy drives every year since, but their need truly knows no season. On Sunday, we gathered with our friends for family food, fun and games, but instead of asking our guests to bring the potato salad, we asked them to bring a new summer toy instead. Nothing expensive--a pack of sidewalk chalk or a new playground ball. We also got a park bench that we decorated, and invited some of the boys over to enjoy the day with us--playing games and making crafts.



It wasn’t a benefit gala or a silent auction raising millions, but supporting a charity doesn’t have to be on that scale in order to be hugely effective. On the contrary, small local community events like a simple outdoor picnic can be the most meaningful way to support a charity that is important to you and your family. We’ve compiled a kit of all of our party instructions, games and recipes to host your own “Picnic with a Purpose” on TheMotherhood.com, but you could certainly get creative with your own. Couple a Sunday BBQ with a summer toy drive or Memorial Day with a canned food drive. And the next Girl’s Night Out could be an opportunity to collect toiletries for your local homeless shelter.



The gestures don’t have to be large to make a huge impact, especially now.

We had a really wonderful day together enjoying the simplest of summer’s pleasures. 2009 will not be defined as what we give up, but rather what we give back.

No words, but pictures!

I am still searching for the right words to adequately describe this weekend. All of the ones that I thought would apply--wonderful, awesome, fun-filled--seem inadequate now. Our Hebrew National "Picnic with a Purpose" to benefit Attention Home was indeed all of those things, but so much more.

So while I look for more awe-inspiring appropriate superlatives, I'll give you pictures.

Who took the 25th hour I needed today?

Good Saturday morning to you.

The first batch of cupcakes are in the oven (it's only 8:15 for the love of God) and I'm sitting here waiting for the coffee and Internet distraction to kick in.

It's going to be a busy day with picnic preparations, but we also have 2 birthday parties and a dinner engagement as well. And I really, really, really need for the this cold to vanish is a puff of a vitamin C cloud.

And if one of the side effects of Sudafed could be curing a case of general grouchiness that has descended upon this house last night, that would be appreciated, too.

Thanks.

Suze Orman's Financial Advice for Mothers

I really hate to start out anything by saying, “These are really tough economic times we’re in.” That’s like saying Bruce Springsteen plays leads vocals for the E Street band. Duh. Now let’s just hear a rousing rendition of “Born in the USA” and move on please.

But because we are living in the times That Shall Not Be Named, there is a need to be extra vigilant with our personal finances. Enter Suze Orman.



In a recent interview sponsored by Avon, Suze talked specifically about women--mothers--taking control and empowering themselves financially. She says that as mothers, one of our many jobs is to serve as responsible examples financially to our children. “There is nothing wrong with making money,” and we must teach them to take care of themselves by first taking care of ourselves.

Is now the time to start your own business? Maybe, Suze says. “If it’s a service of needs versus wants,” it may be viable now. She advises to do your research, and make sure that you have the funds to not only start the company, but keep it going.

But don’t use up all of your savings as initial capital, she warns. Nor loans on 401(k)’s, home equity, or severance packages if you don’t already have an 8 month cushion of savings in the bank. Instead, she says to try to get a small business loan or a government subsidized funding if available.

The biggest startup mistakes women make are underestimating the ongoing costs of business and paying everyone but themselves. Be sure to determine if you need additional liability insurance as well.

What can you do now? After you get your eight month cushion, pay off the IRS and any outstanding student loans. These are two dangerous debts because the government can legally seize your assets at any time, and most students loans compound and can’t be absolved even through bankruptcy. Suze still thinks 529 are the best way to save for college.

She doesn’t see this unsteady market calming completely until 2015. She estimates that there will be some rebounds and slides in the interim because “the economy is like a football field, and the players are on financial steroids.” Once those steroids wear off or the players (like banks and corporations) become injured again, we’ll be right back where we started.

So she says to play “Risk” by planning for the worst while things are still okay. Don’t underestimate your power to control your spending and savings, and she’s offering some tools to get there.

In addition to a “Save Yourself” no fee, high return account which she offers on her website SuzeOrman.com, she is also offering another powerful tool that all women (and men and families) should have. For the next 24 hours, you can download for free the legal documents you need for a “Will and Trust Kit” that is valid in all fifty states. She estimates it is about a $2500 value, but could be priceless toward protecting your family’s financial future. Just go to suzeorman.com and click the "Will & Trust Kit" link in the blue bar on the left-hand side of the home page. Click the orange "Gift Code" button and enter "Moms Rule" into the gift code field. This gift code will be valid until 12:00PM EST on Saturday, April 25th.

But the most important lesson of the day?

“Remember, you are a powerful woman because of who you are rather than what you have.”

Stick another case in my Bad Mommy file...

...because I actually bribed Amy to play her soccer game with this:

If you play in your game, you can have candy for dinner.

She must really hate soccer or particularly craved broccoli tonight.

Thursday

Midweek Update:

Picnic: I have secured all of the craft materials, and might I say, I am pretty proud of my efforts. I’m not much by the way of non-edible crafts, but I’m going to have a house full of room Moms, and so the bar has been raised. The kids will be making summer scrapbook pages and decorating aprons.

As far as the menu, I’ve perfected my cupcake prototype. Here’s a sneak peak.

I swearz if cupcakes were an Olympic sport, I’d medal in it. Since Hebrew National is providing us with plenty of their 100% beef no artificial anything hot dogs and veggie dogs, I’m keeping my sides simple as well. A red, white and blue potato salad which has received rave reviews in the past, and a pasta salad made with orzo, pine nuts and a simple lemon olive oil vinaigrette. After some fruit skewers and lemonade, I think we should be good.

Sean’s foot: Still broken, but at least he has a walking cast as of this morning and has lost the walking aids. He is traveling today, so at least he won’t have to check his crutches through security.

Date night: has officially changed to Wednesdays for the next 8 weeks as soccer for Matty and Amy now occupy our Tuesdays. So last night we did our errands until a dinner of Nyquil croquettes and Sudafed risotto because I’ve got a killer of a cold starting and I am screaming to the Vitamin C gods, “Please, please, please, not this week!”

I'm chatting with Suze tomorrow

Do you have a money question for the gura of greenbacks, Suze Orman? I'll be asking her your questions tomorrow during an interview, so if you have a question you'd like answered, please leave a comment or divamail me!

A little Earth Day fun with the kiddos

Looking for a great way to help celebrate and educate Earth Day with your little ones? PBS’s Sid the Science Kid will air its Earth Day-themed episode, “The Dirt on Dirt,” on April 22.

We just recently discovered Sid in our house, and I have to tell you, my kids and I really like this program. It’s produced by The Jim Henson Company, so you know you are getting quality content in your kids’ entertainment. This episode in particular was particularly informative and entertaining.

So watch the show and learn what makes dirt so dirty and then go online with your kids for more Earth Day related activities on www.pbskids.org/sid.

You won’t have to look much farther for good clean fun.

Picnic with a Purpose

I refuse to define the summer of 2009 as what I give up, but rather what I give back.

That’s why I am honored to partner with Hebrew National to host a "Picnic with a Purpose," this Sunday.

Actually, it’s a picnic with dual purposes. One is to kick of the summer with good friends as we focus on quality time together--getting the kids together to play some games, make crafts, and of course feast on the quintessential quality summer classic--Hebrew National hot dogs.

But we’re also going to give back some summer love. You’ll remember from my annual pleas for Christmas toy donations, that Attention Home, a group home here in Pinellas County for disabled boys and young men, is a special place very near and dear to our family. We began working with Attention Home almost ten years ago when we first moved here after we heard about the wonderful work they do to care for some of the worst child abuse victims in the state.

Every Christmas since, we’ve helped to organize a toy drive for the boys, but their needs are truly year round. So as our guests gather this Sunday for some summer fun, each will be bringing a new summer toy to donate to the home. I’ve also invited Attention Home residents K. and B. to join us, and we will also be able to present them with a new park bench that they can use at their new lake property. They have been working every weekend for a couple of years to get the place ready for the big move.

I’ll be talking about the picnic plans all week, but the very best part of this whole project will be that all of the activities, recipes, and ideas (including hot dog cupcakes!) will be available to download from TheMotherhood.com so you can host your own Picnic with a Purpose this summer. Choose a charity that means something to you and your family, and then share the joy with your friends.

Together, we can make this summer one about giving back instead of giving up.

I won a Pulitzer!*

*Well, not yet, exactly.

But the fine newspaper, The St. Petersburg Times, in which I regularly contribute non-Pulitzer writing did win 2 this year, so I figure perhaps that means that I can vicariously celebrate in a non-contractual, contributing freelancing sort of way.

Congratulations to the real writers out there.

Monday again

I dropped half of them at school. J is still sleeping off Easter vacation and Stevie is home sick after scoring the tying goal in his last hockey game of the season. I hope anyway--please stomach gods, let it be something he ate...

It feels as though we've been out of our routine for about six years. It's really been 2 weeks, but I'm fumbling around this morning trying to recall which uniform they are supposed to wear on Monday and why I didn't buy more watermelon for Amy's snack. But we did manage to squeeze in a whole lot of fun during this vacay, including 2 birthdays--Matty's 9th rounding out the week last night.



I don't know if there has ever been a child that loved birthdays more than this one. I hope he never grows out of that.

There's no easing into this week--we're hitting Monday running. At least I am because Sean can't run anywhere with his foot in a cast. He's traveling so I don't exactly know how that's going to work, but what can you do? I personally think he's secretly enjoying getting out of all of my ridiculous tasks I have set up for him during Week o' Crazy.

The Intern is going to be busy.

A funny thing happened on the way to the volleyball courts

Well, hello. Looking for a post-holiday wrap-up, are you? Well, okie dokie.
Settle back, this one might take a while.

When last we left my pre-vacation self, I was standing in line at Fresh Market waiting for my butterflied leg of lamb with the rest of central Florida. That Easter Eve, I managed to get the house cleaned, food prepared, (including homemade bread, mind you) get to the wine store and fill some baskets in time for our Easter feast. But these four looked so tasty that I could have gobbled them up.



After church on Sunday, we shared our meal with some great friends and most of the wine I purchased the day before. We played Kingers, and Danny somehow ended up winning even though I do not remember him coloring any of the eggs...I think this one might end up with an asterisk in the record books.

After vacuuming up the eggshells on Monday morning, we high-tailed it over to Orlando to spend some quality time with one of my all-time favorite hotels, the J.W. Marriott. Oh, how I love this hotel.

We spent Monday afternoon becoming reacquainted with its lazy river and poolside lounge chairs. Which ended up to be a good thing, because Tropical Storm Fun-Killer rolled in on Tuesday and we were quarantined to our high thread-count beds watching movies in between wandering the hotel. At one point, I was staring at the typhoon coming down and noticed it had even started to hail.

Not missing a beat, Amy exclaimed, "That means we're in hail??"

Yes, actually. Orlando in the rain can be described as exactly that.

Wednesday was much better. The sun appeared early and so did we. Camped out on the lazy river, we spent the day swimming, laughing, and playing.



We waded. We floated.



We racked up a mean tab from the waiter because who wants to leave this?



Amy declared that we should "stay here forever" as she gobbled up the chocolate on her pillow, and I really, really, really agreed.

And perhaps we would have if Sean hadn't got all jiggy on the volleyball court and broke two toes and three bones in his foot.

But it was an amazing shot, and that girl who he kicked going down was 10, not 8, thank you very much.

It occurs to me that I left the blogosphere with nary a word of explanation.

It is our spring break so for the next few days, if it van be handled from an iPhone on a loungechair near the Tiki bar, I will attend to it. If not, I'll check back with you on Friday.

Thanks.

Happy Birthday Jessie!

Our little messo Jesso turned two today.



Two. I'll admit to having trouble grasping this one. It doesn't seem possible that this baby isn't much of a baby anymore. She's a little girl with likes (Yo Gabba Gabba) and dislikes (mornings). She wants to do everything by herself now--she has to climb up in her car seat by herself which literally adds 25 minutes to every outing. She needs to be with her brothers and sister if they aren't at school, and she's starting to shun her highchair.

Sigh. At least I can still hang on to her betwixt request she still makes several times a day. When she wants to be held because sometimes being big isn't all it's cracked up to be, she'll toddle up to me with arms outstretched and say, "Ma, I carry you."

You absolutely do, little one. You absolutely do.

Day One

Spring Break Day 1 Report:

We woke up after the sun came up.

What happened after that is basically irrelevant.

Let's repeat this schedule tomorrow.

At long last

The last bell has rung for a while at school, and now I have home field advantage.

Bring it on, Spring Break. I am sooooo ready.

I wish I would have gone just to see his face

Although it was only Matty and Sean who attended Wrestlemania this weekend, we all lived vicariously through them by seeing pictures, watching the $55 pay-per-view event here and choke-slamming each other at every opportunity.

They are scheduled to arrive back home any minute, but I think this was pretty much the highlight of his eight year existence.



And that's about as good as it gets.

Suburban Diva pizza?

I've got the coolest contest for April. If you are local, or even if you plan on visiting the Tampa/St. Pete area in your lifetime, then we want to give you dinner at Vincenzo's restaurant--my personal favorite.

Simply come up with the toppings for the "Suburban Diva" pizza, and you'll win 1 of 2 $50 gift certificates to one of the best restaurants in town.

We'll play like this: submit your topping ideas to me at Divamail@SuburbanDiva.com and at the end of the month we'll have a big tasting party at Vincenzo's with the top topping recipes. Winners will receive the gift cards, a book, a great dinner and any other prizes I can come up with. (If you are not local, play along anyway and I'll make sure you win a tasty treat as well.)

Keep in mind that I am a pretty adventurous eater and love all things food related except broccoli. The winning pizza could end up on the menu, so start emailing those ideas! I will pass along more details on the big party as we move closer.

No April Fool's

So I suppose I should post some miscellaneous miscellaney while I am waiting for the perfect ending to my current article to appear magically on the document whilst we chat. It seems as though I've left some few loose ends over the last few weeks that I should tie up or something. So in no particular order except the randomness of my thoughts:

~Sleepover/Campout went well. Half of them made it in the tent until about 2 a.m. when it started raining, then everyone stayed awake until 5 giggling. Except Sean who was pretty tired after sleeping on the lanaii waiting for the rain. I made cupcakes which officially qualifies me for anti-psychotic drugs and 42 cats.

~A couple of weeks ago I signed up for one of those fancy wind inspections that Florida insurance companies are offering. I waited until the last minute because frankly, I thought this was just another scam to bilk me for the $150 inspection, and then sign up for $25,000 worth of wind shutters in order to save .47 cents on our homeowners insurance. Um, hello, was I wrong. Our annual premium dropped by over $2000 dollars. Hello, bonus. That's some serious fat stacks we just saved.

~Matty and Sean are off to Houston this weekend for a little Wrestlemania action. You have never seen such a happy child. It is so sweet to see how excited a ladder match can make an 8 year old.

~We've all got a lot of things in the hopper right now. New projects, new opportunities and general newness. And it's really exciting. I don't know what will be there after the sorting process, but I think it will be an adventure. And that can't be bad.

Bedtime Stories for the whole family

This is a scene from the newly-released movie, Bedtime Stories, starring Adam Sandler. And I just have to say that if you like family movies, or even just like families in general, then this is the perfect film for you.

Seriously.

The summary on the box is pretty accurate. “Skeeter entertains his niece and nephew with elaborate, original bedtime stories that transport them to exotic locales, including ancient Greece, the Wild West and outer space. When he tries to help his family by telling one outlandish tale after another, it’s the kids’ unexpected contributions that turn all of their lives upside down. Full of imaginative special effects and good-natured hilarity, Bedtime Stories is a winning combination of comedy and adventure.”

I loved this. We watched it together last Saturday morning, and each of us laughed aloud in different places. And not out of stifled embarrassment at something inappropriate, but honest laughter because it is just very clever.

The movie even received an even more dubious stamp of honor the very next day when eight third-graders camping out overnight watched together the entire time captivated and completely entertained.

So if you are looking for a great story, at bedtime or otherwise, I highly recommend starting with this one.

Flowing into the weekend

I'm in the ebb cycle of my posting this week. Blech. I hate this bimonthly lack of inspiration that seems to plague me.

However, after a weekend camp-out with six 3rd graders tomorrow, I'm sure I'll have plenty to talk about. That's right, the Intern left last night for a weekend furlough back home, so to fill the dead space with boy squeals and smells, M. has invited his posse over for a sleepless half-night in the backyard.

It will be a mere hour before they can't take it and we'll move the party inside, but the boys are looking forward to this with unbridled enthusiasm, so we will attempt tent set-up 101 for the cause.

I'm off to target for supplies--marshmallows, batteries for the flashlights and a gross of Advil.

Are you sure we don't need milk?

Ah, Tuesday. My little mid-week Spongebob respite. How I've missed you...

This Tuesday's date night which is usally filled with errands, eyebrow waxing, HOA meeting dramas, grocery store runs sans "help," and the ocassional appointment has none of those things on the agenda this evening. Weird. I hardly know what to do.

So I think after hitting the gym someone should meet us out for cocktails.

Who is in?

Please send help

I know I need to seriously step away from the cupcake book now.

How to get into the salon when they are already completely booked:

Just repeat what your 8 year-old said to you that morning when looking at your head.

"Mom, you look like a skunk."

Female humiliation is universal, they will squeeze you in.

I wonder what mammel I'll be compared to today.

If I've ever asked you to pick one up in car line, I didn't mean you...

Sunday's paper. My first feature. Happiness.

I need to clear up something here because it's come up with my friends and I feel bad--this article wasn't directed at you! It's for the strangers that feel the need to comment on my ovary production at every flippin' inappropriate moment, not to people that actually know me. So, really, I wasn't talking about you--just the creepy guy behind you. :)

I'm just now catching up on all of the very nice emails and comments I have received. Yesterday, I was in an ibuprofen-induced stupor because of some crazy shoulder thing that has the right side of my body paralyzed. It was either from swinging a baseball bat the day before with the kids, or all of the worry I've had over this piece concentrated in a large knot in my hypothalamus.

Friday the 13th, squared

Because this is the second month in a row with a Friday the 13th, my luck is pretty good today. Consider:

1.) I completed the 5th major assignment of the week. Boy, are my synapses tired.

2.) Mint chocolate-chocolate chip ice cream from Coldstone doesn't have meat in it so I can eat it all day.

3.) I almost beat Sean in our marathon online Scrabble fest.

4.) The proof-reader liked the story running on Sunday and NOT because it was a professional challenge.

5.) It may be the 13th, but it's FRIDAY.

Any good luck befall you?

What I've been doing in my spare time

I haven't been ignoring you on purpose, I've just been busy in other non-cupcake pursuits. And so help me, I do hope I never have to write that tragic sentence again.

But I have been writing other sentences. Lots and lots of them. And if the publishing gods residing on Mt. St. Pete smile upon me, my first feature will be printed in the Times in this Sunday's Floridian section. A little lighthearted piece on big families.

And now this big family is shuffling off to hockey practice.

Sweet Things

I love cupcakes. No, seriously love them. I love them so much that if Florida recognized confectionary unions, I would marry them. That’s a lot of love.

So imagine my elation when perusing the selections at the Scholastic Book Fair at my childrens’ school, that amongst the Diaries of Wimpy Kids and paperback Spongebob episodes, was a sexy little tome in the adult section: Hello, Cupcake, Irresistibly playful creations anyone can make, by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson.

Hello, yourself, sweet thing.

Inside its colorful pages was the cupcake lover’s manifesto. In the introduction it teases, “All this is easy: honest. Forget the complicated pastry techniques and expensive decorating supplies. You can find almost everything for these projects at your local grocery store, drugstore, or even a gas-station convenience store.”

You had me at gas-station.

There were dozens of cool cakes to choose from. Sleeping children with fruit roll-up blankets for a slumber party, a candy corn turkey for Thanksgiving. There were dogs, horses, and even a T.V. dinner sculpted mostly from cut-up Starburst for April Fool’s Day. Decisions, decisions.

We ended up choosing the highest degree of difficulty to begin--the 3-dimensional penguins because that’s how we roll. After I procured all of the ingredients at the grocery store (except for the black food coloring which I found Michael’s) my kids and I set to work.

We used a regular cake mix, although there are recipes for homemade cupcakes and frosting in the back of the book. We baked them and let them cool and then began assembling them according to the books’ clear directions.


And you know, it worked. It actually worked.

In less than an hour (after baking time) we had these adorable penguin cupcakes complete with coconut-snow covered icebergs for the Swedish Fish. They looked pretty close to the picture, and using the candy pieces instead of something infinitely more complicated liked marzipan, made this a very kid-friendly project. The only trouble I had was dipping the cupcakes, which probably could be solved after a few practice runs.



I’d like to report that they taste as good as they look, but I can’t honestly say because no one is willing to bite the head of those penguins to do a taste test.

So the fires of my love affair with the cupcake have been stoked once again.

Wow.

It seems my light post about Tattoo Barbie has drawn some anger from some folks.

Um...okay?

I’m not sure why a humor piece poking fun at a tattoo “machine” (not gun as I’ve been admonished) marketed to five year olds would draw so much ire, but apparently there is a section of the population that believes that the comedic protest of children’s toys mimicking something that’s illegal for minors to get in 38 states to get is really, really offensive to them.

Um...okay?

As I stated, (twice in fact) have at whatever you want to do to your consenting adult body, that’s not the issue. But why on earth would a toy manufacturer go in this direction? If a kid wants to put a tattoo on her Barbie, there’s a pack of Sharpie’s in the drawer. We need no additional accessories than that.

So, to conclude from the insightful comments I’ve received:

1) Don’t you worry--this Barbie was never on my shopping list anyway.

2) Hepatitis inoculations are available for types A and B and not C.

3) Thanks for the concern on the elasticity of my buttocks, but I think I’m just fine in that department.

4) All those who looked for offense where there was none might want to refer to number three.

Thanks.

Going National

Although it wasn't about my doll protest, CNN ran a story this morning on the new tween Dora doll that another Mom blogger wrote of earlier this month.

It was a great mention with a very generous screen shot of Whoa Momma! and I'm tickled to be a part of that.

Even though I have a feeling the haters will be out in full force this weekend...

Mixing it up in 2009

What’s new for hungry foodies in 2009? While going out to dinner thoughtlessly is out, the re-appreciation of cooking at home is in.

A recent conversation with famous food blogger and author, Pim Techamuanvivit, reveals that it is the adventurous home cook’s time to shine.

In addition to eating out less often, the influence of food-related television, blogging and online resources have changed the way we eat. “These have really expanded our food horizons and brought the world to our living rooms.” She notes, “people are cooking more at home, playing with flavor.”



And she should know a little about exotic flavors. Her blog,Chez Pim has recently been named by The Guardian as one of the top 50 blogs in the world. She has served as a guest judge on Iron Chef America. She has recently published her first book, The Foodie Handbook: The (almost) Definitive Guide to Gastronomy, and continues to write for food magazines like Bon Appétit, Gourmet, and Food and Wine. She recently partnered with Rachel’s Wickedly Delicious Yogurt and Cottage Cheese because she appreciates their ingredients and unique flavor combinations like pomegranate acai and pear mangosteen.








She says fellow foodies can look forward to a number of exciting food trends emerging this year.

-Lavender. You’ll see this in everything from chocolates to cocktails.

-Already popular in Latin America, look for more U.S. chefs to use cactus in their dishes.

-Exotic produce, especially from Southeast Asia, becoming more mainstream and available.

-Mixing unexpected flavor combinations in familiar foods and products.

She advises adding surprises to traditional comfort foods is a great way to encourage adventurous eaters. This may help to introduce new foods into even the pickiest repertoire.

Like her food philosophy, her writing is just as varied. Today’s entry may feature “Thai scallop ceviche,” but one of her most popular posts was her homemade “Pop Tarts” recipe.

So dare to be a little different this year and mix things up in the kitchen.

Any way you slice it, 2009 will be deliciously different.

Scrapped

I just set aside yet another post into the draft pile, deeming it not blog-worthy.

This was on Lent, and after I wrote an entire manifesto, I thought my personal convoluted journey through Lent is probably not something that both readers of this blog would be interested in.

I have several of such partially-written, harshly-judged documents in my repetoire at the moment, and I really am hoping to push past this particular writing phase shortly.

Please stand-by.

And the winners of paint are...

What a colorful world this will be...

There were so many wonderful, touching, humorous and general fabulous comments left for this Olympic paints and Exterior Stain giveaway, that I was very glad to select the winner by random drawing rather than have to choose among the stories.

I could totally relate to the seemingly endless home redecorating projects like Alter Ego Jenny’s 100 year old house or Jenna’s 11 month Master bedroom redo.

I could see the color swatches gone terribly wrong in Shel’s “eggs and ketchup” kitchen or the “you know the color of the nurse's office where you went to elementary school?” mint green of Becki’s basement.

I was also touched by CatalystMom’s efforts to decorate after IVF, “the birth and now life with our three year old toddler and the birth of my new business.” And Sdurviage’s needs after Hurricane Dolly gave them extensive damage to their homes.

So as you can read, it was good thing this contest was random. And the two randomly selected names out of the hat are Mikki W. from Tampa and Karianna. Mikki will receive enough Olympic paint of her choice to “transform our kitchen…I am dreaming in shades of gold and cranberry with little toy chefs accenting around. Kind a like elf on a shelf…” (or whatever project she likes) and Karianna will receive exterior stain and cleaner to get her deck, fence or Tiki hut ready for spring. (Not sure if they make a purple stain or not…)

Congratulations to our winners, and thank you all so much for sharing!

Greening Our Schools

They turn off the water when they brush their teeth. They shuffle the recycling bins to the end of the driveway. Paper or plastic? How about canvas?

With help from the kids, your home is getting greener by the day.

But what about that other place where they spend their days? Is your child's school as green as it could be?

Terra Wellington, author of "The Mom's Guide to Growing Your Family Green: Saving the Earth Begins At Home," says the effort "starts in your home and moves outward from there." Much like the anti-litter campaigns of the seventies, our children need to integrate good recycling habits by learning it culturally.

She outlines a complete "green school action blueprint" in her book, but shares these tips that parents can help implement in their child's school.


~Homework: Ask your child's teacher if some assignments can be printed on both sides of the paper. Paper consumption is automatically cut by 50%.

~Use and donate recycled paper rather than virgin paper. According to the Bureau of International Recycling, recycled paper not only saves trees, but the manufacturing of recycled paper generates 70% less air pollution and 35% less water pollution.

~Assign a "light monitor" to make sure lights are turned off and computers are in standby mode. A standby setting can reduce power over 90 percent, helping to conserve energy.


~Encourage "litter-less lunches" by packing lunches in reusable or recyclable material like aluminum foil which is endlessly recyclable. Ideally, any food waste should be composted and then used in a school vegetable garden maintained by students.

But perhaps the biggest impact for greening our schools is how we get there. By using the school bus we save energy and money. According to Wellington and the American School Bus Council (ASBC), diesel school buses:

~Take 36 cars off of the road per bus.

~Are 8 times safer than passenger cars and use more green diesel technologies.

~Save 3.1 billion gallons of fuel every year.

~If another 10% more children rode school buses, another 300 million gallons of fuel could be saved annually.


~The daily fuel cost to transport a child to school is $3.68 for a private vehicle but only $.73 if that child rides a school bus.

And to help your school get greener, IC Bus is sponsoring an essay contest for students to win a $3000 scholarship and a hybrid bus for their school. Students are asked to submit a 500 word essay on how their school is going green. Go to AmericasGreenestSchool.com for more tips, contest details and to enter.

Entries are accepted until April 30, 2009--just in time to celebrate Earth Day.

Good green habits are great lessons for homework and in the classroom.

I'm surprised there aren't more "Sangrias"

OhmyLord.

Kirsten over at The Norwindians posted this fun little tool called Wordle that picks out the words you frequently use in your blog and posts them in a word bubble.



All of the Dexatrim and meat references are disturbing.

Wrapping up the week

Let's take care of some housekeeping business first, shall we? After all, I don't do that around my own house so I might as well do it here.

We've got contests going! First, don't forget to leave your comment here on TheMotherhood.com to be entered into the Olympic paint giveaway. Second, my friends Thom Flicia and Kimberly-Clark are still hosting the Room-A-Day giveaway, so keep entering for a $25,000 room makeover!

I've been busy this week in between trying to get Jessie strapped in her car seat without rupturing my spleen,and interviewing a bunch of interesting folks which I will post next week. One of whom is the fabulous Pim of Chez Pim, who discusses all things foodie related. I was in heaven.

The agenda for the weekend? Right now we're negotiating who is going to the Harlem Globetrotters tonight and who gets to stay home. It's a silent argument since Sean is in bed from his 411th mouth surgery in the past 2 weeks.

Which probably means I'm going to watching the Washington Generals tonight.

I wonder who wins...

Ah, Michigan...

So now that I've had this Ash Wednesday to get organized, I can tell you about our trip to the lovely and completely forgettable, Midland, Michigan.

No, I'm kidding. We really had a great time, it's just an odd vacation destination is all. But we went there to see my Grandfather and so he could these great-grandchildren of his. Jess did not disappoint and gave him one of her nonsensical diatribes across the breakfast table complete with hand gestures and finger-waving. 90 years separate those two, and I cannot help but dwell on all of the love and life in between.

Much to Sean's gastric chagrin, we began our Michigan vacation with a trip to Big Boy--that culinary wonder.



He does not care much for this pleasant peninsula classic, but as I bit into that Slim Jim combination, I was taken back to many a day of my youth, and I swear I could smell my Mom's Cachet perfume sitting next to me.

After, we finished the drive up to our luxurious accommodations--the Holiday Inn. Now you know that I am admitted hotel snob, but I have to tell you, I was impressed. Not so much with the paper thin bed sheets, but for the mere fact they had a game room, indoor play place, pool and racquet ball courts. We had some fun getting our back-to-basics freak on with pinball and Ms. Pacman.

That night, after a quick visit with Grandpa and a not so quick trip to 37 different stores in search of boots and mittens, it started to snow. And snow. And snow. It was beautiful.

By the time we woke up the next morning, there was about 6 inches of fresh snow on the ground, and still coming down.



My Dad and Mary Anne came up, and we spent two days playing inside and then out. We tried sledding for the first time,


catching snowflakes on our tongues and generally figuring out this whole snow thing. Colleen came up on Sunday and we did the whole thing all over again with her. It was big fun.

I think after the kids had 36 hours of snow the consensus was that it was a great natural phenomenon to visit, but we wouldn't want to live there.


We ended the long weekend being almost late for the return flight because we had to make a stop at Bronner's and turkey jerky.



I wish we were going back this weekend.

Make Your Dream Room Come True with Olympic Paint and Exterior Stains!

Maybe your dream home doesn't include 6 to a bathroom and avocado green couches and macramé, but everyone sure can have a bunch of fun coloring our individual castles. For two lucky readers who share their dream indoor and outdoor spaces, Olympic paint is going to help make that happen.

Simply leave a comment on SuburbanDiva.com, here, or TheMotherhood.com and you could be eligible to win enough paint or stain to transform a room in your house or an outdoor deck.

Leave those comments by midnight on Sunday, March 1, 2009 and we'll announce the two winners on Monday.

Use the tools on Olympic.com to help you get inspired. Paint a virtual room with different color combinations and find tips on how to make all of your painting projects look beautiful.

Let's hear all about your dream rooms.

With or without the Astroturf.

The Biannual Brady Bedroom Shift

I've been trying to take my decorating cues from Carol Brady.

Not necessarily the pane-less sliding glass doors or the orange Formica countertops, but I'd really like to be able to fit six kids in two bedrooms with a half a dozen single beds made perfectly everyday.

Actually, I'd settle for two kids in one bedroom and an Astroturf back lawn.

Because this weekend marks the biannual bedroom shift--that event in which I believe that I can successfully redecorate and transfer the kids' stuff from one room to another and somehow pick up 200 square feet and clutter-free dressers in the process. I have never been exactly successful with this pilgrimage, but we attempt it regularly nonetheless, much like playing the lottery or remembering my recyclable bags when I go to the grocery store.

To fit two kids in one multiple-age appropriate newly-decorated bedroom is no small task. We will make untold trips back and forth between the two rooms. Argue about paint color. Donate several dozen bags of outgrown clothing. Compromise on who gets the right side of the room and who the left. Conduct dicey negotiations on who gets the top bunk. And no doubt reinstate the "No food in bedrooms" rule after cleaning up a cereal-aisle's worth of Froot Loops under the bed.

But I do think ultimately it is a necessary exercise. Not only to redistribute the clothes in the drawers and the furniture impressions on the carpet, but it changes up the dynamics of the house a little and gives everyone a chance to stretch their quickly-growing limbs and even faster-growing imaginations without leaving town.

So unlike my Brady Bunch inspiration, hopefully, we'll be mixing it up a little more than Greg moving into the den or sharing the attic with Marcia.

Anyone know where Cousin Oliver slept?

Off to snowier pastures

I'm not quite packed yet, but bright and early tomorrow we're heading to Michigan for a long weekend of snow and family.

This also means I will have to board a plane with the whole crew, something that does not make me at all comfortable, but I hope to amply self-medicate on Dramamine to get me through.

Next week is going to be crazy fun and busy, and we'll have lots to discuss via blog, but for now my worthless, tired fingers will leave you with some green projects to keep you busy while I'm gone. I love the crayon thing.

What's playing?

You all owe me mad 21st century props.

I have seen two non-animated movies this week and it's only Tuesday. First, I saw "Juno" on Sunday, and while I know it isn't exactly a poppin' fresh new release, I did see it in the decade it was made so that's progress.

Second, I saw a movie in an actual theater tonight. And while it certainly wasn't the screenplay genius as Sunday's film, it did not star Woody or Buzz so I think "Mall Cop" counts in my thin cinematic resume.

Go me.

Our Valentine's Day

Last night we braved the 72 degree elements and Sean's aching mouth from oral surgery and headed downtown (Safety Harbor) to the Italian Festival.

Usually I love these Safety Harbor outings--it's a party-loving little town we live in, it seems we Safety Harborites loves us festivals for any occasion.

However I don't think this was 100% authentic Italian. Sure, there were green, red and white Mardi Gras beads as you walked in, but by the time we got down to the zeppoli booth, they were out. Of zeppoli, cannoli and wine.

I've never been to any establishment of Italian descent that ran out of food. Or wine.(?!)

Somehow the gyros and french fries that were aplenty just didn't seem as appetizing.

Winners

Okay you crazy readers, I've got the envelope right here to announce our Valentine's Day winners...

First, our generous friends at Hallmark are giving the five recordable cards to Jodi, Kathy T., Kirsten, Chris and Natalie. If you don't live within a 10 mile radius from my house, please email me your address and I'll send you some recordable love!

Next, chocolate...The See's Valentine's chocolate heart will go to Marcy S, from Michigan. Marcy, the entire divaverse is soooo jealous right now.

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Chocolate....

How about some chocolate to go with those Valentine's? My favorite chocolate supplier has some Valentine's Day chocolates for you!

See's Candies is going to give one random reader a pound of their yummy goodness if I don't rifle through the box before we draw a winner on on Wednesday.



Divamail me or leave a comment and you'll be entered to win.

I heart you, See's.

I kid you not

Inspired by the theme, "Denim and Diamonds," Sean made his own outfit for the auction last night.




I know people will think that this is a sure sign that the retirement/hiatus project is taking a new and disturbing turn, but I think it's more that he's a Dad who loves his kids and has some more time to show it.

Strange Days Indeed

We're getting ready for our school's annual auction tonight.

Sean is bedazzling his jeans.

Will post pictures later.

(Keep entering the contest below!)

A Valentine's Giveawy from Hallmark

I blog. I Twitter. I am Linkdin and my Face is Booked. I shop, bank, connect, learn, and am entertained online. I can even write my own basic HTML code. Even though I don’t know what that stands for nor can I figure out the remote control, I am pretty technologically savvy comparatively speaking.

However, there are just some things that cannot be replaced by technology, and one of them is getting a good, old-fashioned card in the mail.

But maybe they are not so old-fashioned. Hallmark has introduced its new line of recordable greeting cards that allows the sender to record a 10 second message in their own voice that plays when the recipient opens their card. No plug-ins, no websites, no codes to enter to retrieve. It’s absolutely awesome.

For Valentine’s Day this year, my kids recorded a special holiday greeting to their great-grandparents. A simple message, but the fact that it was in their own sweet voices made it extra special. It’s something that can be played over and over again.

I can see this making any occasion that much more special--a thank you more thankful and Happy Birthday more sincere. At $6.99, it’s an affordable way to give a smile to your special someone.

I’ve got 5 of these cards to give away to YOU. Leave a comment that could be recorded into a 10 second Valentine’s wish, and you can win one of these fun cards.

Wish someone a Happy Valentine’s Day the new old-fashioned way.

I found the keyboard!

Today I'm going to rehab.

Doemstic rehab, that is.

After weeks of home renovations, parties, guests, crazy schedules and general insanity, this house is unfit for higher functioning humans.

Not dirty, just disorganized to a point of handicap. We have clean clothes, they are just not in the drawers. Today, I couldn't find M's school shoes and S. left his homework on the counter. J-Dog hasn't slept right in days. We just need to not only clean up, but clear out.

So I'm putting all of my other stuff on hold for the day and getting to work on the house.

Maybe I'll find some inspiration underneath the pile of towels.

Interview with a winner

Have you seen any of the wonderful Generation Huggies videos yet?

Amanda L, one of the winners from Florida, offers this piece of advice for new moms: “When you are a first time mom bringing home a newborn there will be good days/nights and bad. Just know that you are not alone! Everyone goes through hard times when you think you just can't do it, but you can and you will!”

Amanda is “a former teacher turned stay-at-home mom. I have a very active 2 year old little girl and I am currently 5 months pregnant with a boy!” She, along with 29 other moms from around the country will be featured in an upcoming national ad campaign for Huggies talking about their experiences as mothers.

So take a minute to watch, and think about your answer to that timeless question, What does motherhood mean to you?

Groundhog's Day

I am absolutely useless today.

I'm "Special to The Times"

It doesn't happen often, (okay, just one other time that I know of) but occasionally the print edition of the newspaper finds some of my work on the online side, and likes it enough to print it. Like today when they ran my Thom Filicia article on the front page of the Homes section.



The funny thing is, I never know when these occasions are. They just run a piece without a word and I get this nice little surprise when I read my horoscope or the latest local politician scandal.

I gotta tell you how much this warms this old heart of mine. I'm positively giddy.

Kicking off Super Bowl Weekend

I put in a solid 17 minutes of work today which includes 4 minutes of overtime, so I’m ready to start the Super weekend’s festivities.

While some of the fam actually have terribly-overpriced tickets for the game on Sunday, I am watching at home with my children, the Intern and mother in-law and anyone else who wants some empanadas and guacamole. And beer.

So tonight we'll kick things off by going to the NFL Experience and dining at the restaurant that serves hamburgers and cupcakes that I cannot remember the name of, but dream of its tasty offerings nightly. Cupcakes...

But in the mean time, I’m putting this out there: how about a little contest? Email me if you are interested in getting game squares (no cost) this Sunday, and I will email you back with your numbers. It will work like traditional squares, I'll draw the numbers randomly. We'll have prizes for each quarter plus a game winner. (And if anyone wants to donate some prizes, well, email that too.)

Happy Super Weekend!

Florida Winners in Generation Huggies

The Generation Huggies project that rolled into town a few months back has made its selections for the national ad campaign featuring real moms from across the country sharing their perspectives on motherhood.



Of the 30 winners, seven are from the Sunshine state! All of the winning entries can be seen on GenerationHuggies.com, but take special note of these Floridians:

~Amanda L.
~Carrie M.
~Jennifer E.
~LaTriece L.
~LeQuyen M.
~Maite C.
~Patricia G.

Among other candid perspective you’ll see real moms talk about what the definition of "me time" has become, what issues are forefront of our minds, and just what it is being a mom today.

I loved watching the videos individually, but I have to say that it was quite powerful to watch the entire mosaic of motherhood.

So check out all of the winners on GenerationHuggies.com, and thank you to all of the mothers who took part in this wonderful project.

Good thing we're redecorating...

The painters are here! The painters are here!

They are currently painting some bright mustard-yellow and cool brick over the red walls. Last night Moo told me he was happy we were painting.

"Why?" I asked, because I really liked the red.

"Because this room scares me at night. That's why I always run through it. It reminds of blood or something."

Dang, if that doesn't bring on the maternal guilt. Here I thought it kind of looked like a house of ill-repute in Amsterdam, but it turns out it is a house of ill-repute in Amityville.

Poor kid.

Can I do it?

I only have 3 days to do a complete top-to-bottom cleaning of the house in the midst of a remodel project, make appointments and take 2 kids to the doctor, complete the weekly assignments as well as update a gazillion websites, grocery shop, 2 basketball games, laundry, and set the Super Bowl plans.

That leaves precious little time to drive my husband crazy.

I better start now.

Writer's block

I'm stuck on this particular assignment--can't seem to generate anything about Barbie turning 50 except Haiku.

Barbie at fifty
40-20-32
Stretch Armstrong's Unknown.

Fine. I'll get back to work.

The old floor is out

I have forgotten how much I hate the home improvement process. I love the before and after, it's the during I could live without.

You'd think that the complete remodel of two rooms we barely use wouldn't be such a hassle, but when you have to move everything out of those rooms and a fine film of sawdust settles on everything else, the whole house is in complete chaos. It's throwing me all off balance.

Where's my BFF Thom and if you win the $25,000 RoomADayGiveaway would you spot me a grand so I could hire someone to finish this? Please???

1/20/09

I am happy and hopeful today, and if you need me I'll be watching television.

That is all.

17 years ago today....

I think I read somewhere that the traditional gift for the 17th wedding anniversary is taking the kids to the mall so the husband can work on home improvements and then returning during football for a nice homecooked dinner and a rousing game of Blokus.

I'm nothing if not a traditionalist.

Happy Anniversary, honey.

Speaking of redecorating...

...I wonder if I'm eligible for that $25,000 Roomadaygiveaway makeover with my new BFF Thom Filicia, because methinks I might need it after this conversation with my husband this morning as he embarks on the next home improvement project--re-painting and laying new floors in the living room and dining room. Yes, we are replacing the bordello red...

Sean: I am going for small, attainable goals. Today, I'm just going to remove the baseboards in the dining room. (And make a huge mess, and then try to burn said baseboards in the fireplace causing toxic smoke and all the fire alarms to go off on the street.)

Me: Do you think we can be all finished by the Super Bowl before your parents come for their visit?

Sean: (Shrugging shoulders.) Why? What does it matter?

Me: (No words, just silent sobbing.)

Help me.

So I was chatting with my friend, Thom Filicia...

Sometimes when I browse through those glossy pages of design magazines, I think, sure they’re beautiful, but not exactly practical for a living, breathing family with a penchant for Italian food and Crayola products. Those white sofas and glass carpets wouldn’t last a minute in my house--or in anyone’s I know.

So when I got an opportunity to ask celebrity designer, Thom Filicia (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Dress My Nest) how to practically decorate a family home with kids, pets and husbands, he offered some very helpful advice.

His design philosophy begins with the concept that everyone’s “interior should tell your story.” Your home should reflect your personality and “what makes you unique and authentic.” So decorate with those family photographs and mementos from vacations, and anything else that makes you happy.




And what to do with all of those Legos? “Embrace the idea that kids are there,” he said. You’re going to have toys in your home--the key is organization.

~Look to Kindergarten classrooms for organization ideas. Teachers are masters of having to organize lots of different materials for many different kids.

~Use inexpensive bins and cubbies to keep the clutter under control.

~Make it fun--Make kids part of keeping their own space organized. Thom loves to use a stopwatch for a fast pick-up or to sort things by color in a matching game while picking up.

~No room should be “off-limits” to children, but do explain that certain rooms serve different purposes than others. The living room isn’t the best choice for coloring, but the playroom or kitchen table is.

~For kid’s rooms, he warns not to invest too much into trends or specific interests. Kids grow out of things faster than you think, and it may be Barney this year, but karate the next. Keep the backdrops neutral so the room can mature with the child.

And as we Mommas already know, frugality is going to be a top decorating trend of 2009. Thom assures us that’s a good thing. “Be honest with yourself about your budget and your goals.” He says we should definitely “reuse and repurpose what you already have.”


~Move things to different rooms to change the look.



~Add a coat of paint to older furniture or to make odd pieces coordinate.

~Shop at flea markets, Craigslist and tag sales, but also be on the lookout for really great bargains at traditional stores. You may be able to pick up a great deal on good quality pieces that will last for years.

~Don’t be afraid to “mix the timely with the timeless.”

And if you still need help? How about a $25,000 room makeover? After revealing his redesign of the dressing rooms on ABC’s, “The View” on Monday, Thom announced the Room-A-Day Giveaway sweepstakes to award 16 lucky winners $25,000 each for a room makeover sponsored by "The View" and Kimberly-Clark. Enter online daily through March 6, 2009 at RoomADayGiveaway.com or http://www.abc.com. Winners will be announced daily on “The View” beginning on February 2nd.

For more of Thom’s tips, pick up his new book, Thom Filcia Style, or check out his blog.


Maybe we’ll make it onto those glossy magazine pages yet.

(Photos Courtesy of Thom Filicia)