Rub a Dub Dub, No Toys in My Tub

There's nothing like anticipating that glorious, uninterrupted, naptime shower only to have to spend an extra ten minutes emptying out all the darn bath toys that are scattered around the bottom of the tub. And the net thing? Please. That holds one rubber duck and my scrub brush, if that. ... [More]

Good Thing They Didn't Name It For Its Real Use

I'll never forget the morning of The Big Meeting at work, when my little girl Rosie was about 6 months old. I was just about to walk out the door -- when suddenly she horked all over my best suit. I had protected my shoulder with a burpcloth, but still ended up with a line of spit-up dribbling down my back and all over my clean pants which of course I didn't notice until I was already at the office. ... [More]

The Toaster with the Most-er

I'd love to be one of those moms who makes cool Jello jigglers and star shaped sandwiches. But alas, my sole attempt at creating a Mickey Mouse pancake for my daughter ended up looking more like someone had just spilled... ... [More]

Feeding Your Brain

With all the scary stuff in the news about lead in lunchboxes, I'm leaning towards the old reliable brown bags when my daughter hits "bring your lunch" age. But little did I know, today's lunch bags can be just as good for your kids as the food you put inside it. Cheetos not withstanding. ... [More]

Crafting for Compliments

Growing up, I rarely saw my mother without knitting needles in her hands. Whether we were on long car trips or visiting family and friends, the needles clicked away endlessly. The lesson I took from it: Great way to stay entertained while visiting the in-laws. ... [More]

The Sheriff is in Town

I can't pinpoint the exact moment it hit me, but I remember feverishly rummaging through my daughter's drawers trying to find the bibs I had buried during my misguided early "this child will never ever be caught in a bib" days. And then I saw the awful bibs I actually owned and quickly shoved them back. ... [More]

There's a Future Johnny Cash in There

Masterpieces To-Go

Considering my daughter can spend upwards of two straight peaceful hours a day drawing and coloring, it would be great if I could find something to help us take her artwork on the go. Oh how much I would pay for a quiet restaurant meal! ... [More]

If I Tattoo Vincent on My Butt, You'll Know Why

Forget the smell of the new leather -- just hearing the crinkle of tissue as I pull it from the toes of a brand new pair of shoes makes me pant. And so of course I couldn't wait to take my daughter shopping recently for her first pair. ... [More]

It's All About the Belt

It wasn't until after I had kids and lost most of my baby weight that I started needing a belt. I looked in the mirror one day and realized I had left my butt somewhere on the delivery table. But considering the style of belts that remind me more of what I wore in 1987 with my pegged leg jeans, I've invested instead in long shirts and resigned myself to the constant tug. ... [More]

Skip*Hop Goes Domestic

My kitchen is overflowing with useful but highly unattractive items designed to clean, sanitize, and organize baby feeding paraphernalia. I'm sure visitors wonder what kind of illicit chemistry lab we're running with all the clinical looking gizmos and gadgets covering every inch of counter space. Fortunately, our friends at Skip*Hop – yes, makers of those great diaper bags – have brought harmony back to the kitchen. ... [More]