Momathon Blog

To make excuses for why your child hasn't done his homework, press 2

At least a few people working in public education have a sense of humor... 

Not sure if the answering machine message below is fake or real, but I do think it is very smart and, perhaps best of all, this message points out not so subtly how parents AND their kids need to 'wake up and smell the coffee.' Automatically blaming the school for all of their problems is just as ridiculous as this phone message sounds.

This answering machine message below was allegedly voted unanimously to record by the staff at Maroochydore High School, Queensland, Australia. 

  

When I grow up I want to be an old woman

This Kaiser Permanente commercial has been around for a year now, but it still makes me smile. Although I sometimes feel almost invincible, the ad reminds me to take care of myself and get the proper medical screenings if I want to grow up to be an old woman. 

We live in a youth obsessed society. It's refreshing to see examples of how wonderful and healthy you can be when you grow up into an old woman. Kudos to Kaiser. 

Grab your pom poms and sing along to the song by Michelle Shocked.

"When I grow up I want to be an old woman

 When I grow up I want to be an old woman

 Oh, an o-o-o-o-old, an old, old woman."

    

The older I get, the more I wonder when are you ever old? Is it just a state of mind? If I could do a cartwheel at 70 like the woman in the ad, then I will be doing much better than I am doing now!

Take good care of yourself. Remember to get your mammogram!

DIY Bean Bag Chair

Kids and adults love to sink into cozy bean bag chairs. My favorites are the ones with interesting fabrics. Now you can create your own comfy place to read a book with the bean bag chair tutorial by Joanna Armour. Check out the tutorial here.

The sewing directions look easy. You only need 3 yards of lining fabric, 3 yards for the outside cover, hook and loop tape, and bean bag pellets. Great photos included to help you complete your project.

image: bean bag chair made by Joanna Armour with michael miller fabrics

You can check out more sewing projects at the Making It Fun blog by Michael Miller Fabrics. Thanks also to the clever editors at the blog Apartment Therapy Ohdeedoh (home design for children) for featuring this sweet sewing project. You can view more cute fabrics for sewing projects at MichaelMillerFabrics.com

Lions, tigers, and bears... oh my

Let me grab my ruby slippers because a good pair of shoes even on the worst of days makes a girl feel so much better.

image: Mykl Roventine

I'll admit it up front, the movie The Wizard of Oz still frightens me. It all started when I was a kid. My older brother and I were both afraid to watch the flying monkeys swoop down on Toto and Dorothy in the movie. The only reason I watched the movie as a kid was the fact my brother threatened to kidnap my Barbie doll collection unless I would watch the movie with him. 

Fortunately I don't think about Dorothy stranded in the strange land of Oz very often. But just the other day my daughter noticed how much our new puppy with his long silky hair and twinkly eyes resembles Toto, Dorothy's beloved little terrier. 

I am fine with that celebrity connection until I remember that Toto in the L. Frank Baum books was able to talk. Maybe this explains why some people think I am such a nut when I have lengthy conversations with my dogs. Please don't tell my dog trainers this bit of pet trivia because evidently personifying your dogs is never ever a good idea. 

Toto was a fiesty, yet lovable dog in the Wizard of Oz. My pup is a wiggly, crazy insane, yet happy pooch. At his very young (and truly stupid) age, he acts invincible even when large unfriendly wildlife walk out of the woods and amble into my yard in the dark looking for handouts of the birdseed and garbage variety. There's no place like home...

Lions, tigers, and bears--which one of these large wild animals normally seen just in a zoo does not visit my backyard birdbaths for a drink at midnight?

Women Deserve a Living Wage

How many minimum wage jobs must a mom work just to afford basic needs such as food, housing, and health care? Sadly, many women working full-time jobs in America must also face the reality that even though they work full time they are still forced to live in poverty.

image: Evil Erin

If a mom works a 40-hour week and still lives in poverty, this is a problem we can't ignore. We all know about the minimum wage, but did you know that a minimum wage is not the same as a living wage? A minimum wage is a standard set by law, but it does NOT guarantee the worker will be able to afford basic needs such as food, utilities, health care and housing.

If a worker receives pay below $10 an hour and she (or he) does not receive benefits such as affordable health insurance, then the worker and her family members may decide not to get even basic healthcare such as vaccinations, mammograms, pelvic exams, and other screenings.

Employers that pay below a living wage force their workers to rely on food stamps and Medicaid. Plus that employer is probably not even paying their workers enough to rent an apartment.

A mom in Illinois would need to make over $15 an hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment according to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. In Illinois the minimum wage is $7.75 and will rise to $8.25 in 2010. That's why the The Good Jobs Chicago Coalition is pushing for wages of at least $10-$15. (You can hear more about living wage coalitions and grassroots organizers in Chicago at this Chicago Public Radio link.)

Mega chains receive tax dollars when they establish stores in a community. At a very minimum, I believe receiving these tax dollars should obligate them to truly help the community by offering a living wage. Sure, big box stores provide low-cost products, but the major problem of full-time workers living in poverty in America will never be solved by selling low cost items. 

Will Chicago and other cities approve big box ordinances that would require Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot and other mega-chains to pay workers a living wage of at least $13 an hour and also provide affordable benefits?

Are you making a living wage? You can check out the living wage in your community or region using the Living Wage Calculator.

Classic Cold Remedy: Easy "Homemade" Chicken Noodle Soup

Fall officially starts today. Celebrate the autumnal equinox with a heartwarming and cold-chasing bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup.

image: BitchBuzz

Chicken noodle soup works double duty by minimizing the symptoms and duration of a cold. If you are a busy mom like me, making homemade soup means improvising on Grandma's recipe. Turns out that if you start with Knorr's chicken noodle soup (the best chicken noodle brand according to researchers at Nebraska Medical Center) you can add nutrient rich ingredients to make your own "homemade" version.

Almost Homemade Chicken Noodle Recipe:

1) Start with 2-3 cans of chicken broth OR use chicken broth packet(s) and add water as directed. Adjust amount of liquid broth according to the number of servings needed.

2) Bring chicken broth to a boil. 

3) If you have cooked chicken on hand, add about a cup of shredded or diced chicken

4) Add  a few of your favorite chopped frozen (or fresh) veggies that offer healthy benefits as defined by MensHealth.com and Everynutrient.com:

• carrots include beta-carotene to help the immune system
• peas are a good source of carotenes, vitamin C & K, B vitamins, magnesium and protein
• green beans are a source of vitamin B6, fiber, folic acid, and magnesium
• celery contains phytochemical compounds known as coumarins that can enhance the activity of certain white blood cells and celery juice helps maintain electrolyte levels
• onions and garlic are antivirals
• bell peppers is a salicylate w/ anti-inflammatory benefits

4) Add your favorite spices to taste such as thyme or cayenne pepper (this hot spice can multi-task and works as a decongestant)

5) Add egg noodles or vermicelli noodles (approx. 1 cup)  OR add rice

6) Simmer until veggies are tender, about 30 minutes or so.

Bon appetit!

No Botox Beauty Mojo

I am at that age where I won't deny that I have considered Botox. I probably could use something... My "mature" skin with freckles definitely gets too much Rocky Mountain sun year around. I don't follow a complicated beauty regimen. I never find enough time for beauty luxuries with kids, pets (including a puppy) and a husband. Sleep is the one nutrient I crave and my face shows it.

Just heard a great tip to at least fake that healthy and rested look in photos:  Raising your brows for a photo gives you the appearance of a instant face lift.

Sure, the temporary rested look is pure fantasy.
No worries. I say whatever works. 

image: Wee-Peng

"All right Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up." 

. ,

(Beautiful photo of Louie the cat thanks to Wee-Peng.)

Casual Fridays

You might have heard of the phrase: normal is just a setting on the dryer. It's also the title of a book by San Francisco Chronicle columnist Adair Lara.

Over coffee today, my friend Cathy quoted the phrase and shared the simple idea that our lives by nature are complicated and unpredictable. Normal is highly overrated. So why not just celebrate you and all your uniqueness.

image: le vent le cri

Homemade Lattes

Image: Stephen Cummings on Flickr

One of my favorite crafters, Lauren at Etsy, writes a cute blog called Lost Mitten. Today she writes a post about making homemade lattes: 

 "I do love my grande vanilla soy latte, but I've found a reasonable substitute that can be made quickly and easily at home! Not only is this a tasty recipe, but it will surely save tons of $$$. Plus, I can choose to use my own organic soy milk, don't have to worry about wasting a paper cup/plastic lid, and don't have to drive to the Starbucks to purchase one, so this is a much "greener" option as well!" 

 You can see Lauren's easy recipe at: Lost Mitten

Easy DIY Fixes for Worn-Out Floors and More

I love my house, but if you checked out my tired wood floors and kitchen cabinets you might not believe me. This morning when I saw the clever folks at the Today Show tackle restoring worn-out kitchens, I nearly cheered out loud. (Yes, my life is really that boring.) 

Here is the scoop on simple--and cheap--fixes to bring your beloved kitchen back to life:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Tap Your Inner Girl Scout: You Can Do It

The title and the book cover art remind me of my childhood and my beloved Girl Scout badges, but this book is a self-empowering resource to help women of all ages realize their dreams. 

According to Chronicle Books website:

"You Can Do It! is the vision of Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas, a heroine of United Flight 93 and a woman who was an inspiration to all who knew her. Lauren's dream was to create the ultimate self-empowering resource, a book to help women of all ages realize their dreams. Inspired by her beloved Girl Scout badges, nurtured to publication by her family and friends—led by Lauren's two sisters, Vaughn and Dara—You Can Do It!is the merit badge handbook for every grown-up girl who's said, "I wish I could..." Jam-packed with practical advice, here is step-by-step instruction and kick-in-the-pants encouragement for achieving 60 exciting badge activities."

You Can Do It!:
 The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-Up Girls
$24.95 : Chronicle Books

Rachael's Picks: Music To Cook To

I find dozens of great cooking ideas and more in each issue of the Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine. Sometimes the odd bits of trivia are the most fun. Take September's 2nd Annual Food A to Z...

Keep yourself company in the kitchen with playlists 
 for Rachael's favorite 30-Minute Meals:

MUSIC TO CHOP TO

When you're making Caponata Frittata
 with Grilled Panettone

The First Cut Is the Deepest
 by Sheryl Crow

Cuts Like a Knife
 by Bryan Adams

Another One Bites the Dust
 by Queen

Into the Groove
 by Madonna

EverY Time I Eat Vegetables It Makes Me Think of You
 by the Ramones

....The September issue also includes:
Music To Stir To and Music To Grill To

Paying Tribute to the Victims of 9/11

flickr image: di_the_huntress

September 11th will forever be a very sad day. We lost so many in the tragic attacks. At times I feel like it happened just yesterday, yet today marks the eighth anniversary of the attacks.

Americans are encouraged to honor the victims and heroes of the 9/11 tragedy by pitching in today and serving their neighbors and communities. Today marks the first-ever federally recognized 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. To find out more go to Serve.gov.

In the image above, visitors to New York look out at the site of what had been the World Trade Center. 

The Flu That Arrived Early

image: Lee Coursey

This summer when the sunny days spent at the pool never made me think twice about swine flu, my teenage son developed a sore throat, chills and a fever. I thought he had strep, but a trip to the doctor confirmed he had the flu. The week he spent feeling lousy was not fun for him or anyone in the house. I kept wondering if he would get worse. And I braced myself for caring for more sick people at our house. 

We were lucky. The flu passed. My son is fine now. I know he missed out on a chunk of his short summer vacation, but he managed to squeeze a great deal of fun into the remaining weeks.

Frequent hand washing, sanitizing frequently touched household surfaces, loads of laundry, and quarantining my son seemed to help the rest of the house stay healthy. In the weeks that have passed since his recovery, I have stocked up on some necessities that would help out if the rest of us gets sick this fall. 

Today I read an interesting article by Tara Parker-Pope in the NYTimes.com: Preparing for a Stressful Flu Season.
 Check it out for helpful information on swine flu symptoms, flu shots, and tips on when to seek medical help for the flu.

• • Well - Preparing for a Stressful Flu Season - NYTimes.com

What Do We Eat When No One Else Is Around?

BusyBrain

Do our solitary snacks reveal something about our souls? Are your eat alone dishes a civilized meal or do you just find whatever works from your pantry? Do you eat differently when you are alone than when you are with someone? If you ever wonder what others are eating when they are alone, check out the new book by Deborah Madison and Patrick McFarlin: What We Eat When We Eat Alone: Stories and 100 Recipes

When I am alone I love a LARGE bowl(s) of cereal. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner---cereal is my favorite. If I have already had enough cereal for the day, then I make a salad and pile on the cheese, cashews or walnuts, and my favorite creamy peach dressing.

Makes me think that I could use a snack right about now.

It's So Etsy: Sweetie Pie Tutu for Babies

Love, love this Etsy tutu:  

Teeny, Tiny Sweetie Pie Tutu for ages newborn-24 months. 

You choose the color. FREE coordinating soft headband. $16.75 

image via ny-image0.etsy.com

How Safe Is Your Metal Water Bottle?

Reusable water bottles are a green option. You probably feel good about using them. However, all plastic bottles are not equal. Some plastics contain BPA (bisphenol-A) and could pose a health risk. Thanks to consumers who demanded healthier baby bottles and water bottles, many plastic bottles are now BPA free.

You might think metal water bottles would be a good option. But before you shop, do your homework first. Did you know some metal water bottles have a plastic liner with BPA?

According to Lori Bongiorno's blog featured on Yahoo! Green:

"However, all metal bottles are not created equally. Aluminum bottles typically have epoxy liners, which may contain BPA and other unwanted chemicals. In the past, Sigg would not reveal the ingredients in its liners, claiming that it was "proprietary."

Now, the company admits that the epoxy liners in its bottles used to contain trace amounts of BPA. Sigg says it switched to a new "EcoCare" liner in August 2008"

Many aluminum bottles have epoxy linings, but some companies sell stainless steel water bottles that do not have liners and they are BPA free:

• Kleen Kanteen
• ThinkSport
• Nalgene

The FDA has not banned BPA. However, citizens can take matters in their own hands in an effort to ban BPA. According to Sarah Newman at HuffingtonPost:

"The Chicago city-council earlier this year outsmarted the FDA, which continues to argue that BPA is safe, by voting to ban it. There is now pending legislation in California to do the same statewide."

BPA is currently banned in Canada, Minnesota, Conneticut and under scrutiny in several European nations. Why should you be concerned about BPA? When exposed to heat or wear and tear, the BPA in plastic can leach into foods and liquids. BPA is a synthetic estrogen found in some types of plastic and can create havoc in the human body's own hormones.