A Hane's representative contacted me recently to ask if I'd mention their new site for moms: hanes.com/kids. The rep hooked me when she mentioned Jackie Mitchard, who is one of my favorite authors and columnists and a huge inspiration to me as a mom.
If you're not familiar with Jackie, she's got seven children and has managed to pursue her writing dreams at the same time, with much success. Not long ago I read her memoir, The Rest of Us, and gave it away here. She's really my hero!
Hanes.com/kids has lots of organizational tips, pre-made packing lists, a crafts section and online games. The "Parent News" section will feature a monthly article written by a high-profile mom. In October (i.e., now), author and mom Jackie Mitchard talks about Halloween. For November, Travel Channel co-host Tracy Gallagher will write about family travel, and in December, actress Holly Robinson Peete writes about getting through the holidays with joy, cheer and sanity.
The rep also sent me a bunch of Hanes goodies, and I have to admit I was surprised. I hadn't realized that they make more than sweats and underwear. Their kid's clothes are cute and cozy.
So, without further ado, here's a Q&A with Jackie that the Hane's folks fowarded on to me. (See how I call her Jackie now? It's like we're buddies, only, you know, we're not.)
On issues concerning moms these days…
We’re all wondering about rationing TV and computer time, and about the hours of homework and huge numbers of books our kids carry all day long. It seems that our children are little executives with day books and lunch dates, and that the blissful unplanned space of childhood is being squeezed out of existence. We worry that media idols are encouraging the idea that it’s okay to grow up too fast and become a parent too young.
On advice for parents…
Stay calm and do more listening than talking in a crisis. Most things that you fear come to pass if you have the patience to wait out a child’s “phase” rather than rush to panic. This goes for anything from tantrums to tattoos.
On how the Internet is affecting parenting…
It’s [the Internet] very important to ME. I can look up anything from a series of symptoms and find out if my child needs rest and juice or antibiotics. I can get ideas for creative projects and play. I can talk with other moms about their own experiences and issues with toddlers and teens, which is very reassuring.
On favorite sites…
Zappos.com, Amazon, eToys, Hanes.com, MomSense, About Parenting.com and Mom’s Café on MySpace.
On what’s going on and coming up…
Writing and working with Hanes.com/kids to help spread the word about the brand’s new site just for moms and kids! My novel, “Still Summer” about four friends fighting to survive after a pleasure cruise turns into a nightmare was just published, as well as my second dyoung adult novel, “All We Know of Heaven.” I’ll be writing two more young adult mysteries and I HOPE they’ll become an enduring series! I continue to raise funds for MS, which affects the life of my best friend from childhood and teaching a fiction seminary this spring in Fiji!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
A Blogger in Need
Sorry to have dropped into the ether. Two sick kids plus one sick mom plus one freelance writing deadline equals no time for blogging.
However, I've been following Angela's blog this week and want to point you in her direction. Her brother was in a horrific accident this weekend. The moped he was driving exploded and he has severe burns over most of his body.
He is a husband and the father of three young children. Angela has set up a collection for the family, and she could also use any words of support you have to offer.
Sometimes life just sucks.
However, I've been following Angela's blog this week and want to point you in her direction. Her brother was in a horrific accident this weekend. The moped he was driving exploded and he has severe burns over most of his body.
He is a husband and the father of three young children. Angela has set up a collection for the family, and she could also use any words of support you have to offer.
Sometimes life just sucks.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Procrastination Station
Things have been going well for me lately. I've kept up with excercising, cut down on drinking and eating, and started getting up earlier and hitting the to-do list harder.
Yet, I have lagged in one area. Over the years/months/weeks, I've agreed to feature/review/give away many things. But I haven't followed through on several of them.
I realize this is a red flag that, when someone asks me to feature/review/give away something, I should Just Say No. But the flesh is weak, and I have sinned.
So. In a few days, I'll begin a little feature/review/give away marathon. I figure if I churn them out one after another, I can get them over with and clean out 3 cubic feet on my desk at the same time. Not to mention the mental space I will regain.
I hope.
Yet, I have lagged in one area. Over the years/months/weeks, I've agreed to feature/review/give away many things. But I haven't followed through on several of them.
I realize this is a red flag that, when someone asks me to feature/review/give away something, I should Just Say No. But the flesh is weak, and I have sinned.
So. In a few days, I'll begin a little feature/review/give away marathon. I figure if I churn them out one after another, I can get them over with and clean out 3 cubic feet on my desk at the same time. Not to mention the mental space I will regain.
I hope.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Conversation at Check-out
On Friday, I got stuck behind The Coupon Queen at my local grocery store. Being childless, I had nothing to do except read through the headlines on the gossip rags and "women's" magazines.
As the cashier began to finally ring up my stuff, the woman behind me let out a loud, "Ha!"
I turned to her. "Let me guess: 'Lose 85 pounds by Christmas?'"
"Unbelievable!"
"Gee, how did I know?"
As the cashier began to finally ring up my stuff, the woman behind me let out a loud, "Ha!"
I turned to her. "Let me guess: 'Lose 85 pounds by Christmas?'"
"Unbelievable!"
"Gee, how did I know?"
Sunday, October 14, 2007
It's OK to Have No Belly*
Congrats, Scissorbill! You have won a copy of Friends & Mothers, by Louise Limerick, a novel that is getting rave reviews. Please send your address to me at clouth@gmail.com, and I'll get it right out to you!
I was looking at fitness videos on ebay tonight when my 2-year-old daughter crawled onto my lap.
"Mom! Is that lady on your 'puter?"
"Yup, it's a lady."
"That lady has no belly."
"She has no belly?"
"No. Why that lady have no belly, Mom?"
"Not sure, honey. But if you ever meet someone who looks like that, remember, it's not polite to stare."
*I have a prize for the first person who correctly guesses which children's book I pilfered this post's title from.
I was looking at fitness videos on ebay tonight when my 2-year-old daughter crawled onto my lap.
"Mom! Is that lady on your 'puter?"
"Yup, it's a lady."
"That lady has no belly."
"She has no belly?"
"No. Why that lady have no belly, Mom?"
"Not sure, honey. But if you ever meet someone who looks like that, remember, it's not polite to stare."
*I have a prize for the first person who correctly guesses which children's book I pilfered this post's title from.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Late to the Breast Fest
The folks behind League of Maternal Justice have taken up the cause of breastfeeding in public. As in, our right as moms to breastfeed our children anywhere we want to without some schmuck hassling us. Yesterday they hosted a Breast Fest, and though I'm late, I can't resist joining in.
I have nursed in bathrooms, in cars, and in the living room at family gatherings. I've also nursed in the dining room of crowded restaurants, freestyle, without draping a 10x10 canapy over myself.
Of the three venues, I prefer the latter, despite any stares or gasps that I missed because I didn't care what anyone thought. I was feeding my baby. Get a life.
I'm glad that no one ever asked me to stop nursing in public. I'm glad not to have an assault conviction on my permanent record, because I think that's how I would've reacted. With violence.
Oh c'mon! Wouldn't a pacifier jammed up the offender's nose be fantastic? Then an insincere offer to squirt some breast milk up there to help it heal? Let's chalk it up to the "mama bear response."
Here's a picture of my first baby, Ben, nursing at two weeks old:
I would really like to flash you all. However, being flat chested, my entire boob is in the child's mouth when I nurse.
This photo was taken in 2000. At the time, Breastfeeding.com hosted a photo contest, and I entered this photo fully expecting to win. I thought it was the cutest, most beautiful image ever captured on earth, amen.
Looking at it now, I can see the harsh lighting, the unfortunate red-and-yellow Boppy, and that big shadow on the left. Also, Ben's hair looks greasy, probably from my inability to stop running my hands over it. The photo reminds me that Ben looked like a 50-year-old man, hairwise, for his first year of life.
In all, this photo's not an award winner. But, oh, how I swoon, even today. Those knuckles, that button nose, that grapefruit-sized head. His eyes get me the most, the way they look straight up into mine, counting on me for sustenance, for love, for everything. Counting on me to feed him when he's hungry, and not make him wait until we get home, or to the (filthy, disgusting) restrooms, or to the parking lot.
In the end, all the things wrong with this photo don't matter, because Ben's the star. And, in this "debate," the flashing of a nipple doesn't matter. The prudishness of restaurant patrons and the lack of braincells possessed by MySpace administraters don't matter, either. All that matters is the baby, the mom, and their freedom to be out and about, to function in the world just like everyone else does.
There are times when the rights of the many trump the rights of the individual. Does that apply here? Hmmm, let's see: moms feeding hungry babies/toddlers vs. annoying people harrassing said moms.
No contest, right?
What I'd like to know is, when do we start arresting these anoying people?
Tags: breastfeeding in public, League of Maternal Justice, Breast Fest
I have nursed in bathrooms, in cars, and in the living room at family gatherings. I've also nursed in the dining room of crowded restaurants, freestyle, without draping a 10x10 canapy over myself.
Of the three venues, I prefer the latter, despite any stares or gasps that I missed because I didn't care what anyone thought. I was feeding my baby. Get a life.
I'm glad that no one ever asked me to stop nursing in public. I'm glad not to have an assault conviction on my permanent record, because I think that's how I would've reacted. With violence.
Oh c'mon! Wouldn't a pacifier jammed up the offender's nose be fantastic? Then an insincere offer to squirt some breast milk up there to help it heal? Let's chalk it up to the "mama bear response."
Here's a picture of my first baby, Ben, nursing at two weeks old:
I would really like to flash you all. However, being flat chested, my entire boob is in the child's mouth when I nurse.
This photo was taken in 2000. At the time, Breastfeeding.com hosted a photo contest, and I entered this photo fully expecting to win. I thought it was the cutest, most beautiful image ever captured on earth, amen.
Looking at it now, I can see the harsh lighting, the unfortunate red-and-yellow Boppy, and that big shadow on the left. Also, Ben's hair looks greasy, probably from my inability to stop running my hands over it. The photo reminds me that Ben looked like a 50-year-old man, hairwise, for his first year of life.
In all, this photo's not an award winner. But, oh, how I swoon, even today. Those knuckles, that button nose, that grapefruit-sized head. His eyes get me the most, the way they look straight up into mine, counting on me for sustenance, for love, for everything. Counting on me to feed him when he's hungry, and not make him wait until we get home, or to the (filthy, disgusting) restrooms, or to the parking lot.
In the end, all the things wrong with this photo don't matter, because Ben's the star. And, in this "debate," the flashing of a nipple doesn't matter. The prudishness of restaurant patrons and the lack of braincells possessed by MySpace administraters don't matter, either. All that matters is the baby, the mom, and their freedom to be out and about, to function in the world just like everyone else does.
There are times when the rights of the many trump the rights of the individual. Does that apply here? Hmmm, let's see: moms feeding hungry babies/toddlers vs. annoying people harrassing said moms.
No contest, right?
What I'd like to know is, when do we start arresting these anoying people?
Tags: breastfeeding in public, League of Maternal Justice, Breast Fest
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Helping a Young Child With Anxiety
My son Ben just started second grade and he's doing great. First grade, though, wasn't so wonderful. He loved it, but his teacher grew quite weary of having to remind him to do his work eight times in 15 minutes. By February of this year, she requested that I bring Ben to his pediatrician to evaluate him for ADD.
In my heart, I didn't think Ben had ADD, and the jury's still out on that. However, I did know that he was often afraid. For example, we have a playroom in our basement. His younger brother John goes downstairs to play by himself all the time, but Ben can barely go downstairs to grab a toy and run back up. Ditto for his bedroom, on the second floor. He never wants to play in his room alone, and sending him to his room for a time out is simply out of the question.
Ever the optimist, I chalked up most of Ben's fears to his age and personality. But one day last May, I brought him to Barnes and Noble, and we almost had to leave. We were looking at the same rack of books, but when I took a step out of his view, he'd run to me and grab my arm. After that happened a few times, he was in tears and desperately wanted to leave. In that moment, I realized that Ben's fears fell outside of "normal."
While we are definitely at the beginning of our journey to help Ben, I thought I'd share a few things that have helped so far:
1. Recognize the problem. It took a while for me to realize the depth of Ben's fears and that he needed some extra help. Once I understood that, it changed my whole way of dealing with him. I used to kind of dismiss his fears or just insist to him that they were baseless. Now, I encourage him to talk about his fears (without dwelling on them). I still try to ease his fears, but am careful not to discount them. Before I might have said, "Ben, you're safe! There's nothing down there to hurt you. That's ridiculous." Now, I'll say, "Ben, are you feeling afraid? It's OK," or "Those thoughts must make you feel awful." I think that just having his feelings recognized has done a lot to ease his anxiety.
2. Find a savvy therapist who specializes in kids and play therapy. I interviewed a couple of therapists before settling on one I liked. The first one suggested that I ask Ben if he could play outside while I stood on the deck, then work up to having me watch out a window. Another therapist said, if I did that, Ben would realize that him playing alone in the backyard was important to me, and he might resist based on that. I found that to be rather insightful. He's also the first professional so far who has not suggested medicating Ben. He's the guy I stuck with, and Ben loves him.
3. Decrease the sugar and increase the protein and good fats. Looking at Ben's diet, I realized that he ate a lot of fiber and carbs and a fair amount of sugar, but not much protein. I haven't cut candy out of his diet, but I've tried to eliminate hidden sugars. Some spaghetti sauces, for example, have up to 10 grams of sugar per half cup. I've switched brands with no added sugar, which have about 6 grams of sugar per half cup. We drink soy milk, and I realized that the brand we were drinking had 13 grams of sugar per serving, even though it is "plain." Now I buy a brand that has 3 grams of sugar per serving, and the kids haven't noticed. For protein, I started buying spelt pretzels, which have protein and fiber, and I switched from granola bars to protein bars, although I'm still looking for a good low sugar one that Ben will eat. Thankfully he's started eating eggs again, and I buy the ones with 200mg of omega-3s per egg. My next step will be to add flax meal and oil to his foods without him noticing.
4. Read up. I've purchased a few books: one for Ben, What to Do When You Worry Too Much, and one for me, Freeing Your Child From Anxiety. They were both recommended by Ben's therapist and have great reviews on Amazon, so I have high hopes for them.
5. Help him master some skills. I'm sure most parents do this, but Ben is afraid to swim without a floatie, and afraid to get rid of his training wheels. I have him in swimming lessons, and we've started the process of teaching him to ride a two wheeler. I'm gently pushing him to learn these things despite his fears. As he masters these skills, I know he'll become more confident in himself and his abilities.
A few weeks after school started, I got a call from Ben's teacher who wondered if we had started him on ADD medication. We haven't, although if Ben needs medicine in the future, he'll get it. I feel grateful, though, that Ben's responded well so far. I'm sure maturity has played a part in the improvement, too. Who knows? Maybe if things keep going well, Ben will be able to swing in the back yard or play with his castle in the basement, by himself. I believe that he will.
For more ideas, visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer, host of Works-for-Me Wednesday.
Tags: [works for me wednesday], [anxiety], [kids' anxiety]
In my heart, I didn't think Ben had ADD, and the jury's still out on that. However, I did know that he was often afraid. For example, we have a playroom in our basement. His younger brother John goes downstairs to play by himself all the time, but Ben can barely go downstairs to grab a toy and run back up. Ditto for his bedroom, on the second floor. He never wants to play in his room alone, and sending him to his room for a time out is simply out of the question.
Ever the optimist, I chalked up most of Ben's fears to his age and personality. But one day last May, I brought him to Barnes and Noble, and we almost had to leave. We were looking at the same rack of books, but when I took a step out of his view, he'd run to me and grab my arm. After that happened a few times, he was in tears and desperately wanted to leave. In that moment, I realized that Ben's fears fell outside of "normal."
While we are definitely at the beginning of our journey to help Ben, I thought I'd share a few things that have helped so far:
1. Recognize the problem. It took a while for me to realize the depth of Ben's fears and that he needed some extra help. Once I understood that, it changed my whole way of dealing with him. I used to kind of dismiss his fears or just insist to him that they were baseless. Now, I encourage him to talk about his fears (without dwelling on them). I still try to ease his fears, but am careful not to discount them. Before I might have said, "Ben, you're safe! There's nothing down there to hurt you. That's ridiculous." Now, I'll say, "Ben, are you feeling afraid? It's OK," or "Those thoughts must make you feel awful." I think that just having his feelings recognized has done a lot to ease his anxiety.
2. Find a savvy therapist who specializes in kids and play therapy. I interviewed a couple of therapists before settling on one I liked. The first one suggested that I ask Ben if he could play outside while I stood on the deck, then work up to having me watch out a window. Another therapist said, if I did that, Ben would realize that him playing alone in the backyard was important to me, and he might resist based on that. I found that to be rather insightful. He's also the first professional so far who has not suggested medicating Ben. He's the guy I stuck with, and Ben loves him.
3. Decrease the sugar and increase the protein and good fats. Looking at Ben's diet, I realized that he ate a lot of fiber and carbs and a fair amount of sugar, but not much protein. I haven't cut candy out of his diet, but I've tried to eliminate hidden sugars. Some spaghetti sauces, for example, have up to 10 grams of sugar per half cup. I've switched brands with no added sugar, which have about 6 grams of sugar per half cup. We drink soy milk, and I realized that the brand we were drinking had 13 grams of sugar per serving, even though it is "plain." Now I buy a brand that has 3 grams of sugar per serving, and the kids haven't noticed. For protein, I started buying spelt pretzels, which have protein and fiber, and I switched from granola bars to protein bars, although I'm still looking for a good low sugar one that Ben will eat. Thankfully he's started eating eggs again, and I buy the ones with 200mg of omega-3s per egg. My next step will be to add flax meal and oil to his foods without him noticing.
4. Read up. I've purchased a few books: one for Ben, What to Do When You Worry Too Much, and one for me, Freeing Your Child From Anxiety. They were both recommended by Ben's therapist and have great reviews on Amazon, so I have high hopes for them.
5. Help him master some skills. I'm sure most parents do this, but Ben is afraid to swim without a floatie, and afraid to get rid of his training wheels. I have him in swimming lessons, and we've started the process of teaching him to ride a two wheeler. I'm gently pushing him to learn these things despite his fears. As he masters these skills, I know he'll become more confident in himself and his abilities.
A few weeks after school started, I got a call from Ben's teacher who wondered if we had started him on ADD medication. We haven't, although if Ben needs medicine in the future, he'll get it. I feel grateful, though, that Ben's responded well so far. I'm sure maturity has played a part in the improvement, too. Who knows? Maybe if things keep going well, Ben will be able to swing in the back yard or play with his castle in the basement, by himself. I believe that he will.
For more ideas, visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer, host of Works-for-Me Wednesday.
Tags: [works for me wednesday], [anxiety], [kids' anxiety]
Monday, October 08, 2007
MotherTalk Blog Tour: Deceptively Delicious
This review is part of a MotherTalk Blog Tour. For more opinions from moms about Deceptively Delicious, visit MotherTalk.
Recently, the astute editors at MotherTalk sent me a copy of Deceptively Delicious, Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food, by Jessica Seinfeld. (Yes, she's Jerry's wife.) When I took the book out of it's package, I had to stop and admire the retro design, the useful hardcover-and-spiral-bound construction, and the gorgeous color photography that accompanies almost every recipe.
As the title implies, this book offers ideas for slipping nutritious foods into the recipes of foods kids love. Yes, it involves making purees. However, the purees are all simple, requiring just one ingredient. And many of the recipes are flexible, allowing you to use whichever puree you happen to have on hand.
Despite my experience with this kind of cooking, the boldness of some of these "deceptions" took me by surprise. For example, my five year old likes buttered noodles. So I tried Seinfeld's "'Buttered' Noodles," which have yellow squash puree mixed in with the trans-fat-free margarine spread.
And John loved them.
Ha! Hahahahahaha!
Another blatant misconception is the chocolate pudding, which contains an entire cup of avocado puree.
And my kids liked it.
Ha! Hahahahahhaha!
Avocado's one of those foods I had tried to get my kids to eat without success, and this book puts it to use in many recipes. A few of my other favorites so far are:
• The Frozen Yogurt Pops, which use pureed berries, yogurt and confectioner's sugar. Now, why didn't I ever think of adding confectioner's sugar?
• The chocolate chip cookies, which contain whole chickpeas but my boys consumed them so fast they didn't even notice. Whole chickpeas. In cookies. And my kids ate them. It's almost afraid of Seinfeld's deceptive healthy-cooking prowess.
• The fruit punch, which contains whole-fruit and carrot purees and just 1/2 cup of sugar. Yummy, and cheaper than some of those smoothies sold at the grocery store.
One thing that would have made this book better for me is a more robust index. This is kind of a pet peeve of mine, but it would be great if the index listed where the ingredients are used in the recipes. So, if I have some ricotta cheese left over from making one thing, I could quickly look in the index and find another recipe to use it in. But maybe that's just my anal retentive index-using habits.
I heartily recommend this book to parents who have to cook for ungrateful, picky, obnoxious ... Um, you know what I mean. It can be hard cooking for kids, young ones and teen ones, and this book will make it easier and more enjoyable. Some of you may remember I reviewed a book that uses similar techniques a month or so ago. I think the two books complement each other nicely and that owning both gives the cook the most ideas and flexibility.
After all, this isn't just a cookbook. It's a new way of eating that I think extends beyond kids. I love these foods too, and I feel good knowing when I'm scarfing down a couple chocolate chip cookies that I'm not going to feel like crap afterwards, because there was actually some protein and fiber in the things. So even if you're not cooking for self-centered, sweet-toothed short people, if you're just looking to increase the fun and healthfulness of your own food, I recommend this book for you, too.
Cooking this way is so fun, much more so than sweating over the stove only to have your kids spit the fruits of your labor back in your face. I'm grateful to this book for opening my eyes to more ways to feed my kids vegetables and other healthy foods, in a way that doesn't require me to make PB&Js for everyone, then swear as I scrape pounds of rejected food into the trash can. Because, there definitely is something wrong with that.
For more information on the book and its methods, check out Seinfeld's Web site.
Tags: [Deceptively Delicious], [MotherTalk], [book review], [cookbook review]
Recently, the astute editors at MotherTalk sent me a copy of Deceptively Delicious, Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food, by Jessica Seinfeld. (Yes, she's Jerry's wife.) When I took the book out of it's package, I had to stop and admire the retro design, the useful hardcover-and-spiral-bound construction, and the gorgeous color photography that accompanies almost every recipe.
As the title implies, this book offers ideas for slipping nutritious foods into the recipes of foods kids love. Yes, it involves making purees. However, the purees are all simple, requiring just one ingredient. And many of the recipes are flexible, allowing you to use whichever puree you happen to have on hand.
Despite my experience with this kind of cooking, the boldness of some of these "deceptions" took me by surprise. For example, my five year old likes buttered noodles. So I tried Seinfeld's "'Buttered' Noodles," which have yellow squash puree mixed in with the trans-fat-free margarine spread.
And John loved them.
Ha! Hahahahahaha!
Another blatant misconception is the chocolate pudding, which contains an entire cup of avocado puree.
And my kids liked it.
Ha! Hahahahahhaha!
Avocado's one of those foods I had tried to get my kids to eat without success, and this book puts it to use in many recipes. A few of my other favorites so far are:
• The Frozen Yogurt Pops, which use pureed berries, yogurt and confectioner's sugar. Now, why didn't I ever think of adding confectioner's sugar?
• The chocolate chip cookies, which contain whole chickpeas but my boys consumed them so fast they didn't even notice. Whole chickpeas. In cookies. And my kids ate them. It's almost afraid of Seinfeld's deceptive healthy-cooking prowess.
• The fruit punch, which contains whole-fruit and carrot purees and just 1/2 cup of sugar. Yummy, and cheaper than some of those smoothies sold at the grocery store.
One thing that would have made this book better for me is a more robust index. This is kind of a pet peeve of mine, but it would be great if the index listed where the ingredients are used in the recipes. So, if I have some ricotta cheese left over from making one thing, I could quickly look in the index and find another recipe to use it in. But maybe that's just my anal retentive index-using habits.
I heartily recommend this book to parents who have to cook for ungrateful, picky, obnoxious ... Um, you know what I mean. It can be hard cooking for kids, young ones and teen ones, and this book will make it easier and more enjoyable. Some of you may remember I reviewed a book that uses similar techniques a month or so ago. I think the two books complement each other nicely and that owning both gives the cook the most ideas and flexibility.
After all, this isn't just a cookbook. It's a new way of eating that I think extends beyond kids. I love these foods too, and I feel good knowing when I'm scarfing down a couple chocolate chip cookies that I'm not going to feel like crap afterwards, because there was actually some protein and fiber in the things. So even if you're not cooking for self-centered, sweet-toothed short people, if you're just looking to increase the fun and healthfulness of your own food, I recommend this book for you, too.
Cooking this way is so fun, much more so than sweating over the stove only to have your kids spit the fruits of your labor back in your face. I'm grateful to this book for opening my eyes to more ways to feed my kids vegetables and other healthy foods, in a way that doesn't require me to make PB&Js for everyone, then swear as I scrape pounds of rejected food into the trash can. Because, there definitely is something wrong with that.
For more information on the book and its methods, check out Seinfeld's Web site.
Tags: [Deceptively Delicious], [MotherTalk], [book review], [cookbook review]
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
10 Blogging Tips From a Mediocre Mom Blogger
Before launching into my brilliant blog advice, please notice the button below. That's right, it's The Great Mofo Delurk today, according to Schmutzie. Don't question it, just comment please. By the way, my birthday is Saturday, so if you don't drop me a line you should feel extra guilty.
I particularly like the name of this delurking event because, driving home last weekend, I saw a billboard with something like "MOFU" in huge letters. So I said to Brian, "Is that like mofo?" and chortled. Yes, I chortled. And he gave me the blank face and said, "What's "mofo?" Then I felt all brain dead, and began questioning my knowledge of the term "mofo." Was it real? Did I misunderstand all these years?
I'm just so glad to know that "mofo" means what I thought it did.
In other birthday news, blogger extraordinaire Darren over at Problogger is hosting a slew of giveaways this week in honor of his blog's birthday. To enter today's giveaway, I am writing this post offering blogging tips. I was going to just write about blogging while chopping gum out of your child's hair, but then I remembered an email I recently got from Bonnie, mother of the cutest baby on earth (along with my babies, and YOURS, of course):
"How do you get so many people to read your blog? I love to write, and I would love to have more people than just my family read my blog! Any tips or advice that you can give would be greatly appreciated!"
I wasn't sure how to break it Bonnie that I have, um, 20 readers, and three of those are relatives. However, in the past three years of blogging, I have picked up on a few things.
1. When you write a post, think of your reader. What can you offer them? A laugh? Some information? A unique perspective? While your relatives may hang on your every word about mundane daily stuff, random readers will not. You've got to give them something, even if it's as simple as a glimpse of the real you. Yes, honesty goes a long way.
2. When I say be honest, I don't mean too honest. Assume everyone you know now, knew years ago, or will know in the future will read every word of your blog. Don't dis the people in your life because it will come back to haunt you, and you may end up pulling the plug on your blog.
3. Related to No. 2, do not use your blog as a place to complain or vent your daily frustrations. People have their own problems and don't want to hear it. Once in a while is fine, of course. But don't make it the regular menu.
4. Decide what you want from your blog. Do you want a ton of traffic so you can make money? Do you want to meet some like-minded people so you can commisserate? Do you want to kick-off a writing career? When you figure this out, you'll be better prepared for No. 5.
5. Write a blog mission statement. I hate mission statements, truly I do. They're so Covey-esque, which brings back bad memories from my first management job. But when you sit down to write a post, and when you begin investing time checking stats and trying to garner readers, or when you start crying in your coffee because so-and-so got 30 comments and you got three, it's good to know why the hell you're bothering with any of it. Maybe you want to earn ad dollars, maybe you're just having fun messing around. Either way, it's good to know, to keep things in perspective.
6. Socialize. Visit bloggers who you admire and who you think may like to read your blog. Follow links around the Internet and develop a list of your favorite bloggers. Leave comments. Try a social networking platform such as MyBlogLog. Chances are, the bloggers you visit regularly will stop over to your blog, and if they like what they see, they may keep coming back.
7. Participate in blog "events," such as Works-for-Me Wednesday hosted by Rocks in My Dryer. A few others I've seen are the Thursday 13 and Wordless Wednesday. It's a good way to meet new bloggers and get some traffic coming in to your blog.
8. List your blog in directories. Delightful Blogs and The Mom Salon are a few that come to mind. Better yet, join Blogher Ads, and earn some ad money while you generate traffic.
9. Jot down ideas as they come. Ideas for blog posts can pop into your head at any time. Write them down immediately because despite what you're brain wants you to believe, YOU WILL NOT REMEMBER THEM. This I know. Also, act on the idea within a week or two, otherwise it will go stale. You'll be like, "Audrey at the grocery store with nachos and that green shirt? What the hell kind of post idea is that?"
10. Have fun with it.
OK, you delurkers. Do you have any advice to offer Bonnie?
Of Crockpots and Lunchboxes
Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer is mixing things up a bit for this week's Works-for-Me Wednesday:
"Today is Backwards Day at Works-For-Me Wednesday. Instead of sharing a tip that has worked for you, you'll throw out an issue or question that has stumped you (preferably not something like quantum physics, y'all). Keep it short and keep it specific, and watch (hopefully) the suggestions come flooding through your comments sections."
I have two questions for you:
1. Do you have a favorite non-beef crockpot recipe, and will you share it? I had high hopes for my crockpot. Throw it in! Flip the switch! Dinner at five! So far, it hasn't worked out that way. We've had dry chicken, undercooked vegetables and lots of chili. Several of my recipes don't seem all that easy, and involve too much time at the stove. What's the point of that? My cookbooks have loads of beef-centered crockpot recipes, so I need some ideas. Please tell me there's hope.
2. Do you have any lunch box ideas for a picky 2nd grader? My 7-year-old son Ben is .... um ... a challenge. He will eat yogurt with frozen blueberries thrown in, or Spaghettios. That's it, and based on his track record, he'll refuse to eat even those by next week. He won't eat PB&J, bologna sandwich, tuna fish, cheese sticks, or meat of any kind. I tried cereal, which he loves, but no. Apparently that's something the cool kids don't do, so he's not going to do it either. That's part of the problem: He doesn't want to be different, but he doesn't like what the other kids like. Plus, he's playin' me. I know it. I'd appreciate any suggestions for dealing with him and his picky palate, especially ideas for healthy lunches that taste like candy. Yeah, didn't think so.
For more bloggers looking for wisdom, visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer, host of Works-for-Me Wednesday.
[ works for me wednesday], [crockpot recipes], [lunchbox ideas]
"Today is Backwards Day at Works-For-Me Wednesday. Instead of sharing a tip that has worked for you, you'll throw out an issue or question that has stumped you (preferably not something like quantum physics, y'all). Keep it short and keep it specific, and watch (hopefully) the suggestions come flooding through your comments sections."
I have two questions for you:
1. Do you have a favorite non-beef crockpot recipe, and will you share it? I had high hopes for my crockpot. Throw it in! Flip the switch! Dinner at five! So far, it hasn't worked out that way. We've had dry chicken, undercooked vegetables and lots of chili. Several of my recipes don't seem all that easy, and involve too much time at the stove. What's the point of that? My cookbooks have loads of beef-centered crockpot recipes, so I need some ideas. Please tell me there's hope.
2. Do you have any lunch box ideas for a picky 2nd grader? My 7-year-old son Ben is .... um ... a challenge. He will eat yogurt with frozen blueberries thrown in, or Spaghettios. That's it, and based on his track record, he'll refuse to eat even those by next week. He won't eat PB&J, bologna sandwich, tuna fish, cheese sticks, or meat of any kind. I tried cereal, which he loves, but no. Apparently that's something the cool kids don't do, so he's not going to do it either. That's part of the problem: He doesn't want to be different, but he doesn't like what the other kids like. Plus, he's playin' me. I know it. I'd appreciate any suggestions for dealing with him and his picky palate, especially ideas for healthy lunches that taste like candy. Yeah, didn't think so.
For more bloggers looking for wisdom, visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer, host of Works-for-Me Wednesday.
[ works for me wednesday], [crockpot recipes], [lunchbox ideas]
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