GMA all the Way!

Okay, I have been working on a scientific study. It started during the election. I'm not trying to bring up politics because we know who our President-Elect is and I support our President. However, when I was watching the Today Show for the last couple of months during the election, I noticed a complete biased when reporting on the two candidates. It was pretty obvious. Then Al, Ann, Matt and Merideth, WHATEVER! They try to make you feel like an outsider in their high school clique. With their inside jokes, slapping and childish flirtation, they act like a bunch of frat boys. Then the stories, it's either the disappearance of Caylee or the Cyber Bully Mom or the recession, or the bad housing market, or the unemployment rate or gas prices and then they throw in a concert to balance out the negativity. I mean I know there is death out there and a recession, but you don't have to remind me every morning about how the world sucks as I'm trying to raise a little human.

I couldn't take them, especially after I saw Matt Lauer in Sara Palin's kitchen. He had done nothing but rip on her, her family, and show Tina Fey's impersonation every five seconds. What, does he feel guilty or do they need her to keep their ratings going? Hello, SNL! Your over.

So one day, I switched the channel. It was scary. I was disrupting my morning routine that I have had for as long as I have been getting up in the morning. I turned to ABC and found Good Morning America. I walked into a new morning world of positivity and happiness. It was a breath of fresh air. Almost every story had a positive spin to it. No Caylee, no cyber bullies, no murders, no drama, just heartfelt stories.

The week I started watching, each reporter was in "The Hot Seat". You learned about their lives, background. It was nice to get to know who was reporting the news. Instead of them reporting from a remote location like, "Where in the World is Matt and who really gives a crap?" They also started a World Wide job fair and are actually making a difference helping people get jobs instead of reporting on how there are NO jobs. "Matt, what are you really doing to make a difference in this world? Calling for hair and make-up."

So my experiment was, one day I tried GMA and the next I tried Today. After GMA, I found my morning to be more positive and productive. After Today, I was sad and annoyed and if you make it to Hoda and Kathy, your morning will suck even more.

So try it. Take a chance. Through these tough times, it's nice to see there is still some goodness out there.

Black Friday

I am boycotting Black Friday this year. I know I should be contributing to the economy, but I honestly don't have much to contribute. Besides after working 8 year's of Black Fridays, the mall is the last place I want to be. I think I'm having my own Black Friday anyway. I was up at 5:45am and I have been fighting with my child's frustration to nap. She is working on so many milestones at once, I think her 95% range head might explode.

Really, the only reason to go out and deal with the 4am lunatics is to purchase a laptop, Wii, Guitar Hero and an ipod or anything with an i in the front. I want all of these things of course, but do I really need all of these things. In my other life, yes.

How to treat Motherhood.

So I went to the doctor to get a checkup last week and as I walked into the waiting room I muttered out loud " Wow, it's empty in here." As I turned the corner, I see one patient sitting in the room. He looked up at me and I nervously smiled and said "Hello". I signed my name in and went straight to a chair wondering, if he had heard me. I sat down and thought did I actually say that out loud. While debating whether I said it out loud or whether he heard me, my name was called into the office. Thank god!

Now later that day, I was at Publix and found myself talking and singing to my daughter as we cruised down the aisles. I spouted off my list to Jameson saying, "we need milk and butter. Where is the butter?" A customer looking at yogurt looked at me like I was crazy. Did she think I was talking to her? I wasn't. I was talking to Jameson or was I just talking it out or was I losing my mind or was I trying not to lose it?

I started paying more attention to saying my thoughts out loud. I realized I talk out loud all the time with or without my daughter around. I guess I'm trying to focus on what I am doing without being distracted, but could it be a sign of something else. So I Googled www.WEBMD.com with this symptom and "Motherhood" kept coming up. After reading the signs and symptoms, I self diagnosed myself. When I first caught symptoms of Motherhood, I had happiness, nausea, hunger pains and sleepless nights. Then after 9 months I really showed signs of being lethargic, cranky yet still happy all at the same time. Then the Momnesia kicked in. I couldn't remember where I put the car keys, my wallet or what I had for breakfast. Now I'm talking to myself. That's the next symptom. It then listed pure joy, starting family traditions, adding to your family, along with denying your husband and Facebook addiction (that is apparently a new one). These symptoms will never go away, but they can be treated with a spa day, a glass of wine, or the husband getting up with the kids. Once I read the treatment, I felt much better.

So I have decided to treat myself, this Sunday at the spa using my gift certificate that is due to expire. At least for 55 minutes, I will be in remission.

Twilight, Twilight, Twilight, heeheehee hahaha

It's Monday and the anticipation of Twilight is over. I feel as if I have ended a long term relationship that could have been something beautiful, but deadly. I did see him though. Oh yes, my sweet Edward. I felt a little bit like a stalker when I was watching him. Every time he showed those golden eyes on the screen (which was most of the movie), I found myself just staring and picturing myself as his Bella. But then I would come back to realty, interrupted from the screams and woos coming from the peon section of the theater. I am a Muvico snob. I only do Premiere of course. I mean is this whole situation considered statutory since he's only 17. 21 in real life though. Is the whole nation turning into one big Mrs. Robinson? I guess nothing happened and I didn't even get a chance. So, since the relationship is over and there are no more books to read, I won't be writing of Edward again.

I am going to see it one more time though. heeheehee

2 more days to Edward

It's hard to write anything really important or interesting when all I can think of is:

3 days until Twlight!

That's all I have to say. But go on and vote my new poll.

4 days until Twilight Premiere

"I can't believe the Twilight Premiere is Friday." "Oh, I can't believe the Twilight Premiere is Friday." (Picture me skipping around the house like a 13 year old school girl. It scares even me, to picture it.)

If you have not heard of Twilight, then you must have been living under a rock or you are the smartest person on the planet. Twilight is the most exciting and erotic adventure I have been on in a long time. I was transported back to David Cowles, the love that could never be, but the lust that was there. He was beautiful, hot and could kick a soccer ball. "Sigh!" We dated for a brief time, but he was so dumb I had to break up with him. It broke my heart to do it. Now for those of you who have read Twilight, you must be thinking, "WHAT THE HELL IS SHE TALKING ABOUT?" Well, the book has nothing to do with David or kicking a soccer ball. But when I read this story (in one day by the way), my heart was racing through each page like when I would see David at the lockers or in the lunch room. I was transported back to high school and relived all of those awkward feelings of trying to find out who you really are and yearning after the hottest guy. Those of you who have read Twilight know what I am talking about.

It's kind of like going on Facebook. Everyone tells you to do it, but don't. You cannot stop going online to check it out. It's a waist of your time, but a chance to look at someone else life. WARNING: don't read this book, if you are not prepared to lose sleep for the next 3 nights. (Give or take a night or 2 depending on work distractions, your reading comprehension and overall state of mind.) Beacause once you start, you can't stop. You just want More, MORE, MORE! Whew!

So the premiere is this weekend. I am going and I can't wait. Count down to Edward.

Movie Night -How much do you want to spend?

I've been stuck in all week with a sick child and a husband who is getting impatient for some attention. The loving and thoughtful wife that I am decided to create a date night. Instead of: getting a sitter for $12.00 an hour, paying $24.00? for 2 movie tickets, $20 for popcorn, coke and candy, dealing with the obnoxious public around here and sitting in an uncomfortable seat, I decided to have movie night in.

Our movie time was 7:30pm. So, I put my child to bed by 7:00pm. I cooked a really easy dinner: Chicken sausage in diced tomatoes over zucchini ribbons, roasted eggplant and onions, and a bottle of Pinot Noir. We sat on the couch in our comfy clothes and ordered an On Demand movie for $4.99. I finally saw Iron Man and I might have a little crush on Robert Downy Jr. Gwyneth Paltrow I could live without. So I spent $20.00 on dinner and wine and $4.99 on a movie. You can't beat that in this economy.

The movie ended at 9:30pm and I strolled into the bathroom, washed my face and went to bed. A perfect night for me, not so sure about my husband.

Saturdays are for me!

As the CEO of my house and owner of my own business called "The Family", I decided after a few weeks now that Saturdays are for me. On Friday, I make sure that my job expectations are fulfilled so that Saturday I can play. When it's naptime, I find my shows from Monday that I have DVR'd, fix myself some lunch and relax. (Maybe some Facebook time). No errands, no bill writing, no worrying about schedules, just letting things slide for a day.

Macaroni and Cheese made sneaky style!

I found a great recipe for homemade Mac and Cheese off the Food Network. It's made with frozen pureed squash and it's delicious. It comes out really creamy and you can sneak a veggie in there for your little ones. Personally, I needed to add just a little more salt for taste. Definitely buy the extra sharp cheddar for that kick. Depending on the size of your family, I was able to freeze and make 2 more meals out of this dish. We have our mac and cheese as a side dish. I just grill some chicken to go along. Enjoy!

* Cooking spray
* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen pureed winter squash
* 2 cups 1 percent low fat milk
* 4 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (about 1 1/3 cups)
* 2 ounces Monterrey jack cheese, grated (about 2/3 cup)
* 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon powdered mustard
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 2 tablespoons unseasoned bread crumbs
* 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
* 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender but firm, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.

Meanwhile, place the frozen squash and milk into a large saucepan and cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally and breaking up the squash with a spoon until it is defrosted. Turn the heat up to medium and cook until the mixture is almost simmering, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the Cheddar, jack cheese, ricotta cheese, salt, mustard and cayenne pepper. Pour cheese mixture over the macaroni and stir to combine. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the baking dish.

Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, then broil for 3 minutes so the top is crisp and nicely browned.

From Freezer
Place in a preheated 450 degree oven for 25 minutes.

Cottonwood should go back where it came from?

I had the chance to have a CNO (Couple's Night Out) last night. I had been telling my husband what he was doing wrong all day, so I thought it would be a nice treat to go out and sort of apologize. Well, I was excited to try this new restaurant called Cottonwood Restaurant and Cafe located in Royal Palm Plaza in Boca Raton. I had a girlfriend tell me about it. She said it was delicious and the restaurant is a chain from Boston. So when I got my Clipper coupon Magazine in the mail, I saw the Cottonwood ad with a coupon for dinner. (By the way, I am a coupon whore now that I am a stay-at-home mom) So the ad stated "reservations required". I was really nervous we might not get a table, so I made a 7:30 reservation for two.
We pulled up to the restaurant and noticed the outside seating. Nice, but no customers. We walked inside. I looked up at the vaulted ceilings and as my head lowered I noticed 1 couple in the restaurant. Yes, 1. There must be 25 tables on the first floor and upstairs were another 25. The hostess bounced over with delight and asked, "how many?". I told her somewhat laughing that we had a reservation. She actually started to check the computer. Hello! It doesn't really matter at this point now does it. She seated us at our table and the couple behind us gets up and leaves. Now we are the only patrons in this restaurant. It was so bright, the music was cheesy and the only people to people watch were us. So we made the best of it. The menu was interesting. It was a southwestern/tex mex/shrimp/not really sure type of restaurant. We ordered 2 Dos Equis and the chips and dips. The dips tasted like they were from a jar: green salsa, red salsa, cheese dip and guac. Andy ordered the Chicken Diablo. It was chicken tenders mixed with beans and it was too spicey. I had a taste and my throat was on fire. I had the Steak Enchiladas. It had a strange flavor. Maybe it was cooked in wine, I'm not sure. It was wrapped in a soggy red tortilla. The beans and rice had a strange flavor too. They smelled like nutmeg or cinnamon Let's put it this way, for $73 bucks, I think I should have loved it. I mean how can you screw up an enchilada?

My favorite boutique in Boca!

In this economy, I am all about supporting the small businesses. They are the back bone of this nation. One small business in particular is an adorable boutique located in Boca Raton called Vintage June. This boutique has unique and interesting items for women and children. The store carries the most amazing handbags from oversized quilted patent bags to woven baskets trimmed with ribbon. She has a beautiful assortment of unique jewelry and candles. For children, the owner features a collection of different books about manners for ages 3 and old. Start them young moms. She also has dolls, puzzles and games. The other great thing about this boutique is I can walk to it from my house.

Well, Vintage June has been open for a year and they are throwing a first anniversary party this week serving cocktails, hors d'oeurvres and shopping. It's Thursday, November 13th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. To RSVP or for more information call 561.338.7735.

Read your bills!

You go to your mail box and get the mail. One of the many tasks we do as women. You throw it on the counter and scan through it hoping to find the latest J. Crew catalog or some Baby's R Us coupons. Instead you find nothing but bills. Doesn't it seem like you just paid that one and that one. So you put them aside and tell yourself, you'll go through them tomorrow.

So tomorrow is here. You break out a calculator, maybe and your check book. Some of us are ahead of the times and pay by computer. Do you take the time to read your bill before you write the check? Well, you should. Look at it and ask questions. Read the paragraphs they add in between sections of your bill. You could probably save yourself some money.

For example, Bellsouth, which is the new At&T, is such a monopoly and in my opinion very greedy. It started with my long distance. I had a flat rate plan. So I could make as many calls as I wanted a month. I started noticing how many minutes I was using. It was next to nothing. It would be cheaper for me to switch to $.10 a minute or whatever it was. Did I do anything about? No, I let it go.

Next month, get my bill. I start reading between the lines. I notice that they are going to start charging me in advance for my long distance. So that means I would be getting charge $27 plus another $27. HELLO! What the hell do they need to do that for? I am good for the money.

So that really ticked me off. I found out that my dad got rid of his long distance and now has Big Red Wire for Florida they charge $.6 in state and $.02 out of state. You give them a credit card and they charge it monthly. If you can get someone else to join that's long distance. They give you $5.00 worth of long distance.

So then I started thinking, maybe that would work for me. And then how could I lower my bill even more? I went on the AT&T website and looked through their plans and bundles and all that crap. I noticed the plan I had gives about 15 features, but only 9 showed on my bill.

Now I am pumped. So I call my lovely AT&T rep, who was helpful, and asked him about my plan and my features. I told him it looks like I should have 15 and I only have 9. He says "Oh yeah, some of those are just not activated". WHAT!!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING?!! Needless to say, we worked that out. I added some features left a few stupid ones off. We then moved on to the long distance. Basically I cancelled it. Done!

Well, just got my bill today and you would not believe what they did. They charge me $10 for making changes to my service. They charged me $2.00 for canceling my long distance. Whatever! So I picked up the phone and called my lovely At&t rep , who was still nice by the way. And inquired about the $10 charge. Wellllll, would you know it. That should have been waived. Thank my lucky stars I called because that could have been a deluxe box of Pampers wipees with a coupon or 12 jars of baby food.

It's ridiculous. So all I can say is read your bills and ask questions. That's what customer service is there for.

What's on your ipod?

My husband was out of town this weekend on a guy's fishing trip. After a long day of unsuccessful fishing, they sat down by the water having some tasty beverages. One of the fisherman brought his ipod and a player down to where they were sitting, so everyone could hear the music. The fishmerman set his ipod to shuffle so they could hear a nice selection. One of the fisherman's friends said he hoped he had not set the ipod to shuffle otherwise they would be listening to a bunch of Wiggles songs.

I couldn't believe they were talking about the Wiggles on a fishing trip. My husband told me that all of the guys had heard of the Wiggles. If you have not heard of them, they are 4 guys on the Disney channel that make up songs about fruit salad, dancing dinosaurs and drinking water.

You know you have entered a different point in your life when you are downloading Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5 and Toot, Toot, Chugga, Chugga, Big Red Car.

Go ahead and join the cult!

Sleep-Part 2

I think this is the number one topic among moms. Should I co-sleep? Should they be in their cribs? How can I get my child to sleep through the night? Well, my new issue is how do I get my 7 month old to nap? We had been on somewhat of a schedule. Now she is getting over a cold and napping is all over the place. For the last 3 days, she has taken 2 to 3 naps at 30 minutes a piece. No morning nap. Yet fighting me through it until the next nap. I am a little at my wits end, especially since my husband was out of town all weekend.

I am trying to decide if she is teething, hitting a milestone or just out growing naps. Ugghhh! I wish they could talk and tell us what is going on.

Of course, I am looking for answers and I read in the American Academy of Pediatrics that by 8 months, sleeping starts to change again. "Her separation anxiety starts to intensify and she may start to resist going to bed and wake up more often looking for me." It's frustrating because I fell like I am on a roller coaster ride of napping.
I used to see her yawn and could put her right in the bed. Now I see her yawn and put her to bed and she cries until I get her up.

So two minutes ago I tried another strategy. I started a bedtime ritual like at night. I gave her 2 ounces of formula, red her a quick story and put her to bed with a little blanket buddy. I also left the door open more than usual. We shall see.................................................

Well, there is no crying, but the hour is almost up so I may have to try it again for the 11:30am nap.

Calgon take me away!

I think we might be super heroes.

If you could have any super hero power, what would it be? Mine would be that I wanted the ability to fly. I thought if I could fly, I could get things done so much fatser. I think deep down I have always wanted to be a super hero with super powers. I did have Wonder Women Underoos and a Batgirl bathing suit growing up. Scary!

Then the other night I realized, I might be a super hero. My husband and I were sitting in the living room with the TV blasting (he's deaf). I was cooking dinner. The dryer and washer were going. And I was talking away on the phone. All of the sudden, I asked him if he heard that. He said, "what?". I said, "the baby". He said,"I didn't hear anything." I told him to turn the TV down. Sure enough, my munckin was talking away in her bed. He was amazed at how I could hear her from the other side of the house. I realized I must have a super power. I think I might have a Bionic Ear. Then I started thinking about the other special abilities I might have.

Speed
I can be in REM sleep at 3am and go from laying horizontal to standing vertical within the 1 second after hearing the baby cry out.

Strength
I can hold my child in one arm, a purse, her toy, the groceries, a cell phone and the car keys while unlocking the front door.

Stamina
I can get up at 1am, 3am, 5am and 7am and still love my child.

Sight
I can find anything his keys, his wallet, his belt, the ketchup.

Singing
I can sing any song from the Wiggles show when needed during a rough car ride home.

But the sad thing about being a super hero is, their identities have to remain a secret. So my family will never be able to know that I have these special abilities. However, I am sure my husband wouldn't mind me dressing up as Catwoman or Wonder Woman every once in awhile. HAHAHA

Be present to the moment.

This was sent to me by a Word of Mouth Mom. Take sometime to really read this. It's a little long, but so true. Brought tears to my eyes.

Your on ramp

Sleep-a favorite topic

Just stumbled upon this website. A very interesting video about sleep.

Oh my aching car!

I was talking to Cricket this morning and we were both agonizing about how much our bodies hurt. Our shoulders were tight, our lower backs were stiff and we didn't have a good night sleep. I realized I had not done any kind of real physical activity in a week other than picking up and putting down Jameson.

I decided when I put her down for her nap, I would take 30 minutes and do a yoga tape. Five minutes into it, I can feel myself breathing deeply. It hurt to breath and it hurt to move. Ten minutes later, my body becomes limber and my shoulders are loosening up. Fifteen minutes into the tape, I am contorting my body in different directions and starting to push myself. Twenty minutes, I am in the zone really feeling good about working out and how I need to do this more often.

As the class is winding down and I am supposed to be resting my mind(impossible), I realize that my body is like a car. (By the way, I would like to be a a sleek and slender looking jaguar). If we don't get a tune-up or maintenance once in while, we are going to breakdown. We need to replace parts, rotate things and keep things clean and in good condition. Men have no problem maintaining their cars. They take them fishing, hunting, golfing, to a sports events, to the gym or to a guys night. They don't think twice about it. They just do it. (Before checking with us first of course). So why is it that women have such a hard time taking care of their cars. If your car isn't working properly, you never know when it will strand you on the side of the road.

So basically maintenance is key.
If you need a workout, go!
If you need to get your hair colored, do it!
If you have a toothache and you have been putting off the dentist. Don't!
If you stopped taking your prenatals because your not pregnant anymore. Don't!
If you need to lock yourself in a room and take 10 deep breaths, do it!
If you need to go back to bed after you put your child down, do it!

Remember no one is going to take care of your car except you.

It's Sale Time!

With everyone watching their wallets right now, it's always nice to get a good deal on spring clothes. More retailers are putting merchandise on sale early this year because of our fluctuating economy. Here are a few places to shop for spring styles on sale.

Nordstrom started their Half Yearly Sale 2 weeks early this year. They are taking 40% off merchandise women and children's clothing and will probably mark down to 60% off in 2 weeks or so.

Neiman Marcus is having a Men's Sale already with 25% off. Wait a week or two and you will probably find more off for a father's day gift.

Bloomingdales is having their Big Brown Sale taking 40% off already reduced merchandise.

Saks is having a Women and Men's Sale with 30-40% off.

Summer merchandise will probably go on sale at the end of June early July to start making room for the fall clothes.

Happy Shopping!

Are you allowed to be happy?

I am cooking dinner, having a glass of wine and realizing what a long day it's been. Jameson barely slept today with 45 minutes here and 45 minutes there. She wasn't fussy though. She is was happy almost every time she got up. But it's been a long day.

Then I look at the monitor and realize how much I miss her. It's 8:35pm and I've been up since 5:45am and I actually miss her. At that moment, I realized I am the happiest I have been in a long time. I have always been so career driven, trying to get promoted, working too many hours, missing holidays and putting family and friends aside. Having a baby puts your marriage, your life and your purpose in perspective. I did take motherhood for granted during the first 3 months she was alive due to exhaustion. But now that I am seeing her develop as a person, it's pretty amazing.

So I thought about what my husband said to me on Sunday. We had Jameson baptized. She was so great in the church. You know talking up a storm being the loudest baby. Then photographs, relatives and the heat. She handled it all so well. At the end of the day, he leaned over to me and said, "are we allowed to be this happy?". I thought about the day I got our negative IVF results back. I remembered how we sat on the patio with two Coronas and cried about how unfair it was. To see your husband cry, it can literally break your heart. So I looked at him and said "Yes, we are allowed to be happy."

Fashion Forward?

I recently saw a picture of Angie Jolie and her girls all dressed in black. They looked so cute. Am I crazy to think that? Should I not want to dress my precious daughter in a little black sundress? Well according to my multiple on line searches for a little black dress size 12 months, I am crazy! Society, or at least the children's clothing industry says that all little girls should be in bubble gum pink. Uggg, I am tired of pink! It is not my signature color any more. Where oh where is that little, and I mean little, black dress?

I found a gas buddy.

I just heard about a website that tells you what the gas prices are in your area. GasBuddy.com is great. I just check my state, county and city and found the cheapest gas in town.

With gas almost $4.00 for Memorial Day weekend, I am sure this will help evryone save a few etxra cents.

Playgroups are good for the mind and soul.

Being a mom is a difficult job. Your home office doesn't employee other mom's where you can meet in the conference room and talk about ideas. That's why I think playgroups or mommy groups are really important. You need that sense of belonging whether you are a stay at-home mom or a working mom. Having a support group is beneficial to your mommy mind and soul.

It's a time to be with other moms and vent, laugh, cry or just watch how your child interacts with other kids. You can create your own group or if you want to join one here are a few places to try
1. South Florida Moms
2. South Florida Moms Groups/Parentzone

Blackheads, pimples and zits oh my!

Having a baby does a number on your body. After 6 months, I realize I have what they call "love handles". My boobs have shrunk to an A-cup and for years I was actually a B-cup. My hair was once luxurious, full and shiny like a Pantene commercial. And my skin, what happened to my skin. Between the red splotches to the clusters of pimples, I have tried everything to clear up my skin. Until now....ladies I have found an amazing product Jason's Red Elements™ Antioxidant Skin Care.

I stumbled upon it at Whole Foods. I first bought the Red Clay Masque for all skin types. It made my skin look clean and gave it a glow. I went back and bought the Hydrating Lotion Cleanser. It's not too expensive and I saw my skin clear up immediately. What a relief?

I had spent about $300 on Cauldelie skin care at this great boutique in town. But the line just didn't work for me. Worked for my mom though. I ended up spending about $50 on the Jason products.

Sometimes you don't have to spend a fortune to look good.

4 hours to myself

So I went to the spa and had an amazing afternoon. In the middle of my pedicure, I realized this was the first time in 6 months that I had 4 hours exclusively to myself. No errands to run, no laundry to fold, no baby, no one asking what's for dinner. It was a strange feeling. I realized how tired I was. Between the painful pregnancy, to the 25 hours of labor ending in a c-section, to a baby. It's been an a wild ride.

I saw on the news the other night that if mother's were paid a salary they would be worth $117,000. I think that's fair. Too bad it can't really happen. Maybe someday. Oh and for mother's who work they would be worth about $68,000 plus their salary.

I could use a day off.

I cannot believe I have been a mom for 6 months. Where does the time go? You have your mom friends that tell you having a baby will change your life. And when your 6 months pregnant you cannot even comprehend because you are too busy wondering what your eating for breakfast lunch and dinner and it's 3am.
But it's true. You not only have to feed and change a baby, but you also have to help them grow as a person. No pressure.
But with Mother's Day approaching, I have realized that we are pretty amazing people. It's a 24 hour job that never stops and you basically run your own company called Family Inc.

My husband had the day off the other day and I found myself snapping at him. More like managing him. I told him that he was in my office (my house) and we have a schedule to maintain like feedings, naps and errands. I have to keep my company running. But like any job, you have to take a day off. We do or at least I do have a tendency to become the martyr. No one will do it as good as I will. But you can burn out.

So this Mother's Day, I am going to the spa. And I am going to enjoy it. I think you should go to. So I have listed some of my personal favorites and some Word of Mouth Favorites.
1. Boca Raton Resort and Spa
2. Eleven Day Spa
3. PGA National Resort and Spa
4. Mandarin Oriental
5. spa finder

Happy Mother's Day and a job well done.

Love Vintage June-Find of the Week

I found a new boutique tucked away in downtown Boca Raton this week. It's called Vintage June. Great gift ideas for girlfriends, moms, kids or gifts for yourself. If you don't live nearby, she has a website.

I just bought the Funktion Home Apron for my girlfriend's birthday. She loves to cook. It's so bright and colorful. She loved it.

I also love the Boho dessert plates. So cute! Would make a great house warming gift.

Going green for Jameson

Yesterday was Earth Day. It was also "get all of your errands done, while your parents watch the baby day". I tried to make a difference in the world. So I bought those Publix shopping tote bags a week ago while grocery shopping. I used them all day for all of my purchases at Target, Whole Foods, etc. It's a new habit that I need to get used to. When I got to Publix, I actually forgot the totes in the car and had to run back out to the parking lot and get them. But as the Oprah show said yesterday, baby steps.

Not that Oprah is the end all be all. But I am a stay-at-home mom for now, so it's easy to get caught up in the Word According to Oprah. Anyway, Oprah had on this eco-friend of Julia Roberts, who wrote a book about going green. She touched on beauty products and certain bad chemicals and other toxic compounds that are in our everyday products. She to talked about phalates. Now, this was the second time I had heard the word phalates in recent months.

Phalates are in our lotions and shampoos. They make plastics soft and they also act as endocrine disruptors and can be harmful to babies and their reproductive systems.

The first time I heard about phalates was on the TODAY show. I immediately Googled all of the products that were phalate-free. The only two brand names listed were Burt's Bees and Aubrey Organics. After Anne Cury freaked me out, I emailed my closets girlfriends. I saw one of my girlfriends later on that week who had received the email. She asked me if I had switched to Burt's Bees. Feeling really guilty, I told her no. I was still using Johnson and Johnson. She looked at me and told me I got her in a panic over nothing. I felt like I had cried wolf . That I was passionate about it for a moment and didn't take the time to really react only through email.

Then a couple days later, when the Gospel According to the TODAY Show was on. I overheard during my ritual cleaning of the baby bottles, the scare over biphsenal-A in plastics and plastic baby bottles. It made me think of my phalate email and I needed to do something today. So I went to Whole Foods and bought the Burt's Bees Shampoo and bath gel.

I am glad I finally changed brands. The eco-friend on Oprah yesterday showed the only 2 phalate-free products on the market and they were Aubrey Organics and Burt's Bees. I felt reassured about my decision.

I am not here to make you feel guilty or panic. But it is something to think about. I guess I am worried about Jameson and her chance to have a child. It took me 4 years, 1 failed IVF and a lot of heartache. I don't want her to go through what I went through. If there is something I can do now to protect her, why not? She is worth a few extra dollars. But I just need to remember baby steps.....

Hi my name is Droolie!

So my child is teething like mad. Have you ever seen Turner and Hooch? Well, that's my child. Drool is everywhere. Her neck is soaked, her clothes are soaked, the burp cloth is soaked, and I'm soaked. But where are the teeth is my question?

I don't feel any nubs or bumps. This could go on for another couple of months. Right? Agghhh! The only thing that seems to work is a couple of teething tablets. Jameson pops them back like tic tacs. When she sees the bottle, she gets excited. Great, my child is a teething tablet junkie.

I decided to try one last night. It tastes like chalk, but I guess anything is better than stinky formula and bland oatmeal cereal everyday. Oh well, they will come sooner or later. That's when they really start to grow up. I'm not ready yet!!!!!!!