Momathon Blog

Go Green: Cool Urban Bike Gear

It's almost the weekend. I'm thinking today is a perfect time to hop on my bike for a ride and maybe even a picnic. Here are a few of my favorite bikes and accessories for making that happen.

BIKES

Cashmere bike: Divine Bikes by New Amsterdam Bicycle Company

Love this ultra-modern upgrade with all the best features: three gears, roller brakes, key lock, bicycle pump, back carrier with bungee, and auto-activating lights for safe city riding.

Green bike: Dutchi 3 City Bike by Linus Bikes

A classic Dutch bike, with a sweeping curved frame. Features a refined upright posture to make it the elegant choice for trips to the market or just riding down the boulevard.

A few other great bikes to consider: 

• PUBLIC C7 Polka Dot
• Dutch bikes by Republic Bikes
• Sonnet Bliss by Pashley Cycles

ACCESSORIES

Orange Fremonster flap pannier

This versatile bag can be carried on your shoulder or you can use the simple clips to attach it to your bike rack. The front pocket is perfect for a U-lock, and the zippered flap design plus water-repellant fabrics provide an extra bit of resistance to the elements.

Headlamp

Ultra bright. With its vintage tear drop shape, this headlamp is the perfect compliment to any bike. 

Canvas market bag

Rugged waxed canvas with oil skin leather and solid brass hardware. This bag is tough, but with looks to match. Perfect for the market or a sleep over. Carry it in with a shoulder strap or roll up the sides when not in use. D-ring's add the option of locking bag to rack. 

Asungtaba basket

When you buy a product from House of Talents you are helping crafters in developing countries. Created by talented artisans, the Asungtaba bicycle basket is woven from veta vera grass in the Northern region of Ghana. 

Nantucket oval basket

This is a solid Rattan basket with leather straps, medium sized and good for items like a hand bag or sweater. 

 

Note to Self: Dream More

Hello Weekend! Nice to see you again.

Image above created by me, Chris Olson. Want to see more Note to Self images, check out the series link or click on the posts below:

Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher | Note to Self

Love the life you live | Note to Self

Go Ahead, Be Awesome | Note to Self

Smart is the new sexy

Thursday night is DVR time. Gotta get my The Big Bang Theory fix on CBS (8/7C) and then, of course, my weekly dose of comedy on NBC--Community, 30 Rock, and The Office.

 

Photo: via fashionfucsia.blogspot.com

Find cheap holiday flights with airfare alerts

 

Shopping around for the best deals online is one way to find discounted holiday flights. Even better, why not put the web to work for you for free! Get the help of a "personal shopper" when you sign up for the fare alerts from the airlines or an airfare alert service. Recently I wrote the post about finding deals on hotels, airfare, rental cars in "Six ways to save big on your next trip." You can use many of the same online services plus some additional options, just check out my list below. 

Find cheap flights online:

FareCompare offers an e-mail fare alert service, an iPhone app, and a Twitter feed to notify you of deals.

Airfarewatchdog.com tracks low airfares to hundreds of cities worldwide. Some of my favorite features include the scoop on hidden sales, emailed news alerts for your location, top 50 low fares, and message boards. You can also follow them on Twitter and on Facebook.

Yapta.com offers two ways to save: Track flight prices BEFORE you buy. Yapta email alerts let you know when prices drop and when to buy to save money on airfare. The second way Yapta helps you save is by helping you get airline refunds AFTER you buy. If the price of your flight drops below what you paid, Yapta helps you get a refund for the difference. Follow them on Twitter.

Expedia offers a fare alert application for your computer and an iPhone app. Expedia also lets you book the plane tickets (no booking fees). 

Travelocity's FareWatcher Plus service will watch up to 10 destinations and notify you about any deals. You can also book the plane tickets.

Travelzoo.com is a travel search engine that sends you weekly emails to help you find the best deals on airfare. Follow them on Twitter.

KAYAK.com is a travel search engine like Travelzoo.com. It searches online for the best deals on flights. They have a smartphone app. Follow them on Twitter. 

Southwest Airlines is known for offering discounted fares. Now with the "iPhone app Plus with DING!" you’ll be notified immediately of discount flights. (With the app you can also make reservations, check in for flights, and access your Rapid Rewards account directly from your iPhone.) 

For more information on finding holiday airfare deals, check out

• Start Shopping For Holiday Plane Tickets Now (VIDEO) - Huffington Post
• Air fares are making double-digit gains- CNN Money.com
• HOW TO: Find the Best Fall Travel Deals on the Social Web - Mashable
• Practical Traveler - Tools for Finding the Best Holiday Fares - NYTimes.com

Photo: Kossy@Finedays

Aack! Cathy comic strip ended Sunday...

The funny, angst-filled Cathy comic strip ended on October 3rd after 34 years. Cartoonist Cathy Guisewite's autobiographical cartoon diary reminded me daily that feeling ambivalent or stressed out is normal. Even the embarrassing meltdowns in Cathy's life made me laugh with her at the struggles we shared. If Cathy survived it, then so could I. Before Cathy, who knew our neuroses could be so funny? If Cathy struggled to find the perfect bathing suit for her body, then chances are women around the globe shared many of her same insecurities about body image as well as relationships and career.

 

Thank you, Cathy! Facing problem coworkers, smothering parents, or clueless guys will never seem so daunting because of you.

Curious about how Cathy"s voice sounds? Watch this YouTube video about Cathy

(Photos: The Cathy comic strips appeared in my favorite newspapers and were created by the talented Cathy Guisewite.)

Chocoholic alert: Grow your own chocolate mint plant

 

Mmmm, chocolate. I love the taste. I love the aroma. In fact just breathing in the scent of a freshly baked chocolate cake or cookie sometimes gets me over the cravings--at least for a minute or two.

Thanks to the hardy chocolate mint plant, now you can have your own chocolate factory on a windowsill or front porch with partial sun. I love the peppermint patty flavor and scent. Use the plant to add flavoring to many drinks and foods--just add the washed leaves to tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cakes, cookies, etc. I've even heard of cooks adding it as a secret ingredient in pesto. This versatile herb adds a zippy chocolate-peppermint flavor to icings for cakes and cookies. Even if you don't want to eat the leaves, the plant is a perfect all-natural aroma therapy herb.

The chocolate mint plant grows quickly and needs a large pot so it does not become root bound. Also, be careful not to burn the plant by exposing it to full sun. If you want to create new plants, the mint propagates easily from cuttings. 

For more gardening ideas, check out Momathon gardens.

Love notes

Time to savor the remaining warm summer nights and do some star gazing.For more doodles by me, click on Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010

Photo essay: Time to unwind

I love weekends because I can slow down enough to actually see the beautiful things all around. Enjoy these photos by talented photographers around the globe.

 

A lovely flower by Strife. (UK)

 

Girl dancing on the beach by mikebaird (CA,USA)

 

Bird by Marioawsm

 

Horses on the beach in Morro Bay CA by tbchris

Daily doodle: yoga

 

For more doodles by me, click on Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010

Baby bootlegging (v): use this term when taking credit for another kid's work

We've all been there... You're sitting at the park next to the PR Mommy who can't stop bragging about how advanced her kid is. And then she inevitably adds a cutting comment: Don't worry, your child will catch up soon. 

Ouch. So what do you do? Sometimes I wish that when the PR Mommy stands up a gooey bird turd clings to the seat of her dry-clean only pants. (So far my fantasy has never come true.)

I admit I also have been tempted to try some baby bootlegging. If you don't think about what you just did it feels harmless, that is, until you get caught.

Mitch on the NBC show Modern Family in the clip below "borrows" another child's block tower in order to make his daughter look better. Everything is fine until this bad karma moment bites back. 

 

I admit it, sometimes I find awkward moments hilarious! 
 

Sex and the City 2: Glamour Gal Cocktail (Carrie's drink)

Move over Cosmo, 

the girls have a new sublime cocktail to share.

Recipe compliments of SKYY vodka.

 

2 oz. SKYY Vodka 
0.5 oz. fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz. fresh lime juice
0.5 oz. simple syrup (or 1 tsp. sugar)
Drop of Crème de cassis

1) To rim a martini glass with a bit of sweet sparkle, dip the rim of the glass in a shallow dish filled with crème de cassis and immediately place rim in another shallow dish with sugar, rotating the glass to ensure the whole rim is covered.

2) Combine  citrus juices, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. 

3) Shake vigorously and strain into the martini glass. Finish the cocktail with a drop of Crème de cassis on top.

Feels almost like spring

 

When a warm March day tempts us to wear shorts and T-shirts, spring has to be right around the corner. Today is one of those days. Walking my dogs up the "big" hill by my house, my feet feel lighter than usual. No coat is needed. Sandals are almost appropriate. My dogs are smiling at the prospect of an extra-long journey to the ridge high above us and the view of the city below. I'm not sure they ever really marvel at the view. More likely it is the gentle breeze that is a constant up there and the fact this is the epicenter of all the sounds and scents in nature. At the top, the dogs lounge in the tired, brown grass from last summer. Together we survey our surroundings and consider where we might go next.

(Image above is © Chris Olson)

Knitting for charities with author Debbie Macomber

 

 

Ever wonder how you and fellow knitters can raise funds for a charity by knitting? Avid knitter and bestselling author Debbie Macomber's book Knit Along with Debbie Macomber: Charity Guide for Knitters includes tips, knitting patterns, and guidance to help your craft bring comfort to individuals in need. ($16.95)

Book includes simple to intermediate knitting patterns that can be used to support newborns in hospitals, the military, and many more charities. Patterns include:

• knit blankets
• sweaters
• socks
• hats
• mittens
• slippers
• vests
• helmet liners

For more great reads, check out my reading list on Momathon books.

Knitting with author Debbie Macomber

 

In this unique craft series by Debbie Macomber, book lovers and knitters unite. Macomber's latest knitting book in the series, Knit Along with Debbie Macomber: Hannah's List, is the companion book to her novel in the popular Blossom Street Series. The book will be available March 8th. It includes 15 projects inspired by the characters in her book. This is her 10th book in the Knit Along with Debbie Macomber series. ($12.95)

A few of her other knitting books:

       

 
For more great reads, check out my reading list on Momathon books.

 

Ski bum mum on the weekend

A good day on the mountain starts with some carbs...

 

And a cuppa joe...

 

Nothing makes a ski day like sunshine and kids

 

And when you are tired, just follow the signs...

 

  

Photo credits: 1.  Sauce Supreme, 2. Alex-s', 3&4  Luna Blue Studio

10 reasons why this Geeky Mom loves the iPad

 

First of all, it only took me about 5 minutes to get over the name iPad. Yes, it does bring to mind all those feminine hygiene products that we giggled about when we were teens. I'm a grown-up now--at least most of the time--so I am moving on and thinking less about wings and more about apps.

The official Geeky Mom (that's me) list of iPad pros (list of cons coming tomorrow).

Pros:

--Size. Apple delivers a miracle: The iPad is compact but big. Except for the fact it won't fit easily in a purse or pocket, I love the size. The specs: 9.7 inch display (imagine your favorite video playing here), 0.5 inches thick, and weighs only 1.5 pounds. Some will complain that the iPad is still too heavy. Not such a big deal to us moms who lug around kids and pets and backpacks and groceries more than we want to admit. And don't even ask how much my purse weighs.

--Multi-touch. The multi-touch display screen acts like an iPhone and iPod. Familiar is good. After all, who takes the time to read the tech manual? This gadget is easy to use right out of the box. My kids think this feature makes all those games even cooler.

--Apps. Apps. Apps. Runs nearly 140,000 apps found at the app store. Even runs your favorite iPhone/iPod apps and you can sync them!

--iWork runs on iPad. I love Pages, a classy document creator with oh-so-cool templates and formatting on my laptop. I see one problem because the iPad lacks the multi-tasking cut and paste feature.

--Price. I was surprised by the relatively low $499 price for the basic 16GB model that uses Wi-Fi. Seems reasonable for a professional, but not really affordable for kids and teens who REALLY love gadgets. A Wi-Fi only 32GB model @ $599, a 64GB model @ $699. The Wi-Fi and 3G enabled iPad has 3 options: 16GB @ $629, a 32GB @ $729, and the fully loaded 64GB @ $829.

--3G. I admit it, I am a 3G snob. Wi-Fi is great--really great--but it isn't everywhere, yet. I know thinking I must have 3G is irrational. The 3G feature is either a decadent tech luxury or one more vice I should cut from my diet. You decide. A deal with AT&T gives iPad users 250 MB of data a month for $14.99... I'm warning you: Don't give your preteen/teens this option. The unlimited data go-ahead-and-surf-the-web-24/7-and-send-a-million-texts-a-day plan is $29.99.

--iBooks. I love books and I really love books with photos and lots of color. No, I am not talking about books for toddlers. I love photo-rich cookbooks, decorating books, travel books and--kids cover your eyes--I love textbooks. I watched the books feature on the introductory videos. Love the hi-res, LED-backlit screen with COLOR. However I read on the blogs and tweets that the iPad was introduced in a dim room. So how does it perform in normal light or sunlight? We'll see. Also, I didn't hear much talk about textbooks. I am crossing my fingers. Textbooks on the iPad is a dealbreaker in the decision to purchase an iPad for my high schooler.

--10 hour battery life while watching videos. And a month of standby. The critics are complaining that the battery is not removable. Not a big deal for me. Having a spare battery would just mean more to lug around.

--News. The intuitive NYT app is so much better on the larger iPad display. I was hoping more newspapers and magazines would be on board too. I can wait patiently for more digital news editions, but I hope they hurry.

--iPad keyboard. Of course you can use the virtual keyboard on the screen. But I also like the fact you can also use a standard sized keyboard with a soon to be released keyboard dock that lets you type and charge at the same time.

 

Web comics for dog lovers: Dog Eat Doug

 

While you drink your cuppa joe, check out Dog eat Doug and get your daily dose of canine humor by comic strip artist Brian Anderson. Web comic features the antics of Sophie the chocolate Lab and a baby named Doug. 

(Image from Dog eat Doug web comics.)

It's so Etsy: Mary J. Maalouf Designs

 

Rich vibrant fabric can turn something ordinary into something amazing. Maybe that's why I love shopping for fabric. Today through the recommendation of a friend I discovered the wonderful fabrics by Mary J Maalouf. Mary is a designer who creates beautiful fabrics and makes lovely bags and cases available at her Etsy store. Mary also shares information about her craft in her blog (see image below).

 

 

Geeky Mom: Teach Fido some basic tricks with iPhone app

A busy dog is a happy dog. An easy and fun way to keep your dog busy is to teach your dog a few tricks. 

Of course, you can get the same tricks offered on this app for FREE on the internet, but if you want a portable version you can carry with you then the $2.99 for the Dog Tricks- Best of 101 Dog Tricks iPhone app might be worth it. The app features step-by-step instructions with a demo video featuring dog trainer Kyra Sundance for 8 tricks including sit, down, crawl, roll over, shake hands, spin circles, and fetch. (Sundance also has a series of "101 Dog Tricks" books and DVDs.)

I've decided teaching my puppy sit and down are useful, but teaching him to spin in circles might not be the smartest idea. 

 

A ribbon wreath and more

 

(photo by JoeShlabotnik)

 

(photo by Tobyotter)

 

(photo by Chris J)

 

(photo by Alanna George)

 

Ooo La La! Raspberry Tiramisu

 

I can't take credit for this yummy recipe by Dorie Greenspan at Parade.com. Only 7 delicious ingredients. Looks easy enough to make with the kids. 

The fabulous red berries make this tiramisu the perfect holiday treat.

Now all I need to do is decide what to serve the desert in... Wine glasses? Martini glasses? Or just some pretty glass bowls?

Go to this link for Dorie's recipe for Raspberry Tiramisu

(Image by Bloggyboulga)

Warm mommy hugs to Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep turned sixty this year and she still gets the greatest leading roles. Has Hollywood finally realized 'older' women are still sexy and smart? I am hoping Meryl is a trendsetter and more women her age--and older--grab those coveted leads in high-profile movies.

Streep even jokes about her continued success after all these years. "I've been given great, weird, interesting parts well past my 'sell-by date," says Meryl Streep in Boston.com.

 

Meryl Streep on Vanity Fair, January 2010

Why is Streep still so successful playing the lead in romantic comedies and more? I think she is successful and beautiful at 60--and throughout her career--because she is self-confident and seems to enjoy the fact she has experience. I don't like the phrase 'she looks good for her age' because it seems terribly sexist. (No one ever says that about a man.) I think Streep is amazing and successful because she is devoted to great acting.

You can read more about Streep online in the Vanity Fair preview cover story about the January 2010 issue. Still want to know more? Grab a copy of the January issue coming out today, December 2nd. (So very glad I am a VF subscriber.)

Girl talk

"You can have more than one best friend at a time," I said.

"No, you can't."

"Why not?"

"Because best means best."

I thought about that. "What about close?" I asked.

    – from Just as Long as We Are Together, by Judy Blume

  

Friendship. Body image. Parental divorce. Dating. School. Bullies. All are Judy Blume moments--events in the lives of girl that Judy Blume captured with her funny, poignant and honest voice. Chronicling the lives of girls from Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing to Smart Women, Blume is one of those teasured writers who captures the feelings of girls growing up and makes a difference in the lives of her readers.

 

If you want to get a glimpse of how the unforgettable stories by Judy Blume influenced other women writers, then check out this collection of 24 essays, Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume. The anthology is edited by Jennifer O'Connell--another favorite author (and a friend from PPWC). It features essays by acclaimed women writers including Meg Cabot, Megan McCafferty, and Melissa Senate.

Happy reading!

Free shipping day? No kidding!

 

(image by mysza831)

Practically everyone on my Christmas gift list lives out of town. That's why I was so excited to discover December 17th is National Free Shipping Day for participating merchants (see partial list below). And shipped items are guaranteed to arrive by Christmas eve.

Check out their website for participating merchants. So far, Free Shipping Day includes 407 participating merchants and counting. On Thursday, December 17th at 12:00AM EST the Free Shipping Day promotions for participating merchants will be revealed.

Here are a few of the National Free Shipping Day merchants as of this post date:

• Aeropostale
• American Eagle Outfitters
• Apple Store
• ShopAddidas.com
• BabiesRUs
• BabyAge.com
• Bebe
• Borders
• Brookstone
• Chronicle Books
• Crabtree & Evelyn
• Discovery Store
• Eddie Bauer
• FAO Schwarz
• Godiva Chocolatier
• The Land of Nod
• Macy's
• Nike
• Nordstrom
• OverStock.com
• PetSmart
• Red Envelope
• Sears
• Sephora
• 7 for all mankind
• The Body Shop
• Tommy Bahamas
• Toys R Us
• and many more

 
Mark December 17th on your calendar. Happy Shopping.

This is how a weekend should be spent...

(image by Kamshots)

 
(image by lepiaf.geo)

 (image by JAGwired)

(image by samlavi)

Perfect Travel Cookie: Spanish Anise

Back in February I wrote a post about a yummy cookie that travels well in the mail or in your suitcase! Since so many of you might be packing your bags for a Thanksgiving reunion, I thought this recipe might come in handy again. So here is the cookie recipe from earlier this year.

Have fun baking!

 

You never know what you might happen when your kids say they need help with homework. Sometimes it's long division or pre-calc. Or maybe writing an essay on Thomas Jefferson. Or a paper mache volcano.

And sometimes it's food. These are the projects I like...as long as it doesn't involve frying anything. A recent donut-making episode for a Social Studies project would have been simpler if I have just stopped at Dunkin' Donuts.

Recently my son made a Spanish cookie for a Spanish class. I give him an A for effort and an A+ for presentation/taste. And I give him an A++ for finding a great recipe for cookies that travel well--in the car or via mail.

Here is the cookie recipe:

SPANISH ANISE COOKIES

Ingredients:

2 cups four

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

3/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup margarine

2 eggs, well-beaten

approx. 1/8 to 1/4 tsp anise extract

Preheat oven to 375

Blend dry ingredients, cut in margarine until particles are size of large peas. Stir in eggs and anise extract. Mix thoroughly with hands or use a heavy-duty mixer. When mixed, divide into two parts. Using 1/2 dough at a time, roll 1/4" thick on a lightly foured board. Cut into sticks, approx. 4 x 12". (You can also cut into squares.) Place on ungreased baking sheet. Brush with melted margarine. Bake 10-12 minutes until lightly brown on edges. Makes 3 dozen or so sticks/squares.

Delicioso!

Ski Bum Mum: Tweet deals just for you

 

(image by Robert Nyman)

Looking for region specific updates? Follow Liftopia.com at its market-specific Twitter handles. 

Liftopia: Colorado on Twitter

Liftopia: Utah on Twitter

Liftopia New England on Twitter

Liftopia: BC Alberta on Twitter

You can also follow a general feed of information on Liftopia on Twitter.

No excuses allowed... You too can write a novel this month

Thirty days and nights of literary abandon began November 1st. Over 70,000 aspiring writers have joined National Novel Writing Month. As of today, the collective word count according to nanowrimo.org is...drumroll, please...355,226,349 words!

 

No excuses allowed. 

No outline yet. No time to edit. Don't worry. The goal of this month's literary extravaganza is to write, write, write. You can edit after the month is over. Just try to get 50,000 words in 30 days!

I love this idea because let's face it, if you didn't have someone pushing you to write and write some more, nothing would happen. NaNoWriMo gives you that much needed push to get writing and keep writing. Sign up to write your novel and give weekly word count updates here. The site also includes easy writing guidelines. Plus they do offer prizes.

Why write a novel this month? According to the clever folks at NaNoWriMo:

"Doing something just for the hell of it is a wonderful antidote to all the chores and 'must-dos' of daily life. Writing a novel in a month is both exhilarating and stupid, and we would all do well to invite a little more spontaneous stupidity into our lives."

I love a challenge. And a stupid--but harmless--one makes it all the more fun. I am only at 4530 words. Long way to go to reach 50,000. Come join me at NaNoWriMo.

I want to go to there

I'm planning my next mommy escape  
 because happiness is too precious to postpone--literally in this case.

 

(image by Four Seasons Resort)

I have simple tastes.

A beach, some sunshine, and a cabana.

Unfortunately I also have very bad timing...

The resort pictured above just closed.

If only I hadn't postponed my travel plans.

Geeky Mom: What's the worst part about reading?

What's the worst part about reading? According to internet comedian Amir the answer is: the reading part.

Check out Amir's solution to the dilemma of reading without really reading in the video clip below. Warning... this is college humor. If you are seriously worried that technology is taking over our lives and spells the end of reading, then do NOT watch this video.

Jake And Amir are two friends that work together, live together, and play together. Are they best friends? Probably not. Watch more Jake and Amir video episodes to decide for yourself. 

If mom is happy...

 

Cyron

Ever feel like if you take time to shower, then your preschooler will never get into the right college?

Okay, I'm exaggerating, but you know the feeling. And this mommy guilt is toxic. The truth: the more you accomplish on your to-do list does not guarantee you will be happier. 

You know the drill. While you cook dinner/fold laundry/check homework, you still feel guilty about not spending time reading a book with your kids. 

Chances are if you feel overwhelmed, then now is the perfect time to step back and figure out what you can do to recharge your batteries. I'm not talking about a once-a-month splurge on a mani-pedi or whatever. I'm suggesting you carve out small chunks of time every day to focus on you. Scary? Maybe. But if you take a few minutes to escape and search for beauty in your life, then you will feel better.

No big commitments like training for a triathlon are required. Grab your tennis shoes and take a walk. Or find that journal you loved years ago and start writing again. Even if you just sit down and meditate for 15 minutes in a quiet room, you will feel better.

Just like my mom told me: If mom is happy, the whole family is happier.

Looking for some motivation? Check out this book: Mothers Need Time-Outs, Too by Susan Callahan, Anne Nolen, Katrin Schuman.

DIY: Sew fabric storage baskets

I am fixing up my work/craft room so I was excited to find an easy DIY pattern for making storage baskets by jcaroline creative. I love the Peapod and Flora fabric too. Sewing directions for a small and large basket here.

 

(image: jcaroline creative)

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.

Should Schools Say Goodbye to Summer Vacation?

What would you say if your local school district decided to change your school calendar to a 12-month school year? My first response is YIKES! But after some thought and research I see this not so new idea is catching on for some very good reasons.

Modified school calendars have created a big discussion around the water-cooler. Staying competitive in a global economy puts getting a good education as a priority. Here's what Babble.com writer Jeane Sager says in a recent article:

"Arne Duncan wasn't the new Secretary of the Department of Education long before he started talking big change for America's kids. The former CEO of the third largest school district in the nation, the Chicago Public Schools, wants to say goodbye to the school year as we know it."

If schools modify their  calendar to year around school, they can increase the classroom time and increase learning time. Sounds great for education but what about the benefits of relaxing bodies and rebooting brains over the summer break? Does a modified calendar spell the end of summer as we know it? Here's what Sager says:

"Regarded as a long-standing tradition, even by parents who scramble to find daycare for a lengthy ten-week period, summer break has loyal parent supporters. Threats to the traditional school year have spawned groups like Summer Matters, an information clearinghouse launched in 2001 expressly to give parents ammunition to fight the modified calendar. The site is filled with letters to President Obama that proclaim modifying the school calendar "has been tried and failed for more than 100 years."

How do you feel? I am still siding with the longer summer break as long as parents work with their kids to encourage learning over the summer too. 

Video: Roller Skating Babies

So cute. If only Evian had the same effect on me...

Fitness Fun for You and Your Dog

Looking for an outlet for your pup's endless energy? Is your dog energetic and focused? Adaptable and water loving? Confident and closely bonded to you? Check out Canine Sports & Games: Great Ways to Get Your Dog Fit and Have Fun Together! by Kristin Mehus-Roe.

This activity book for humans who like to play with their canine friends includes:

• Basic dog training principles to get you started.

• Overview of fitness, injury prevention, and nutrition.

• Sport-by-sport examination of 19 games including agility, flyball, weight pulling, and dock jumping.

• Obedience competitions, tests or instinct,

• Safety reminders, related organizations, and much more.

My family has an active dog with slight limitations due to a leg injury last year. Kristin's book introduced my daughter to many fun activities to do with our pooch to keep her canine mind and body in shape.

Let the games begin!

Lake Ness Monster?

 

Peek between the trees on the east shore of Lake Harriet in Minneapolis and you just might catch a glimpse of a mysterious lake creature. Her search for the perfect home of her own brought this elusive creature to the Twin Cities this summer. You can read more about the friendly monster at LakeCreature.com

Doubt Apple Thought About This Benefit

I like to hike with my dog. This time of year I just might end up hiking with a few animals I don't enjoy sharing the trail with. Bears.

 

I often attach a big jingle bell to my dog's collar to warn the bears that we are hiking nearby. Fellow hikers have told me tales of meeting a bear on the path, but fortunately I haven't met one except in my own backyard--climbing the swing set and also going through trash cans. Bears in general aren't looking for you for dinner unless you have a picnic basket. But the idea that an ambling bear can also charge at 30 m.p.h. does put their power in perspective.

Now when I hike I also play some music sans earbuds on my iPhone or iPod Touch to warn the bears of our approach. Let me say I am not a wildlife expert, but in my highly unscientific study the bears in my neighborhood don't like Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, and Sara Bareilles. 

Happy hiking. (BTW, the photo above doesn't feature a bear, at least that I know of.)

Go Green: Grow a Sweet Plant

This herb smells like a peppermint patty. My sweet Chocolate Mint plant flavors teas, adds a unique chocolate flavor to desserts or sweet breads, or makes a yummy potpourri.

An easy-to-grow plant, it grows well in an area with morning sun and shade after 2 p.m.  

Real-Life Positive Parenting Ideas Online

 

Parenting is a time of rewards, laughter, and love. But we all know it can also be a time of challenges. It's one tough job.

OneToughJob.org sponsored by the Children's Trust Fund of Massachusetts has been an online source of positive parenting advice since 2006.

The CTFs OneToughJob.org  offers parents information on a variety of parenting topics from birth to age 18 including:

• positive parenting
• school and child care
• nurturing your family
• health and safety
• growth and development
• parenting tips  

Summer fun

Many of the OTJ articles focus on summer topics such as selecting a summer day camp, getting your kids to help out around the house, age-specific personal safety tips, and creative activites to do with your kids.
  

Internet safety

If your kids love technology, then check out the OTJ Technology Articles including:

• helpful internet safety websites
• how to report an incident of internet crime
• internet safety--what parents should know
• internet safety--what parents can do
• my teen and myspace
• television and video games
• the cell phone dilemma
• TV and your tot

Love and Romance in Colorado

I love Colorado. It's my home partly because the Rockies are also home to some amazing animals. This time of year the majestic elk are looking for love in Estes Park, Colorado.

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

Summer Reading for Crafters

I love to make things: Sew, cook, draw, paint, knit, bead, and more. Reading a crafting book always motivates me to start a new project.

Now more and more women are turning their love of crafts into a business. Here are a few books that just might inspire you to do the same.

Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business

Meg Mateo Ilasco

Designer, writer and pro crafter Meg Mateo Ilasco offers a step-by-step guide to everything from developing products and naming the company to writing a business plan, applying for licenses, and paying taxes. 

My favorite part: In-depth interviews with such craft luminaries as Jonathan Adler, Lotta Jansdotter, Denyse Schmidt, and Jill Bliss provide inspiration and practical advice.

Country Living Crafting a Business: Make Money Doing What You Love

Kathie Fitzgerald

If you are thinking of starting a home-based craft business, this book by the editors of Country Living tells the real-life success stories of women artisans.

My favorite part: Even if you are only interested in one type of craft, the diversity of in-depth profiles featured in this book is a real plus. As crafters we can learn so much from successful women--from hand-weaving, doll making, and rug hooking to travel, interior design, and photography. Filled with great advice on how to get started, develop a saleable product, organize a company, market your goods, manage the finances, and handle staffing.

Momathon Fave: New Moon Girls Magazine

Finding a magazine for girls that isn't loaded with diet advice, popularity contests and ads might seem impossible. That is, until you discover the wonderful New Moon Girls Magazine.

"New Moon Girls magazine is about helping girls discover and honor their true selves, engage in meaningful pursuits and dialogue, and express their voices in ways that matter."

In every issue readers will find: 

• Articles about girl athletes, adventurers, and activists
• Girls internationally teaching readers about countries and cultures
• Features about women in careers that girls can aspire to 
• Life stories about fascinating historical women 
• Fiction stories about girls 
• Honest, accurate information about our bodies
• Inspirational messages from accomplished girls and women 
• Book reviews, cartoons, Ask a Girl, Dear Luna, and more 

You can read a full issue at this New Moon link.

Feeling H1N1 Cabin Fever?

If you are feeling a bit of H1N1-related cabin fever, no worries. You can travel virtually from the comfort of your own home with your laptop. Check out T + Ls gorgeous new travel website.

I want to go to there.

Feeling the Love: Instant Karma

Back in March I wrote a post about Finding Instant Karma and I mentioned that a few years ago, a friend gave me a tiny book filled with suggestions for nurturing good karma. Despite it's compact size, this book includes a lifetime's worth of suggestions--8,879 ways to give yourself and others good fortune. I keep the book by my desk and when life goes a little insane I open it on any page and read a few ideas. Sometimes the suggestions I read make me smile. And they always make me think.

From the book Instant Karma by Barbara Ann Kipfer, here are a few suggestions I like for improving your karma:

• Send your spouse a Valentine on the 14th of every month (that's today!)
• Make someone laugh.
• Forget the number on the bathroom scale.
• Put on your favorite CD and dance.
• Focus on the moment rather than dreams or regrets.
• Empty your mind during a walk.
• Remember that the best things in life are free.
• Instead of running errands, stroll them.

  

Momathon Fave: The Crafts Dept Blog

The folks at Martha Stewart have done it again. Another cool online resource for crafters or anyone who enjoys making things. 

The The Crafts Dept. blog is written by Marcie McGoldrick, Editorial Director, Crafts and Holiday at Martha Stewart.

Marcie develops new projects for Martha's magazines, books and show. Her blog is a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse of how crafts are developed for Martha Stewart. Her blog post for April 7th gave tips on throwing a girl's-night-in craft party to make headbands. What fun. 

According to an interview with Marcie on Etsy.com: 

"We thought that a blog would be a great way to share some of the other aspects of the craft department that don’t always make it onto the pages of the magazine — behind the scenes, inspiration, personal work etc. We also thought that it would be a great way to be a more active part of the crafting community as a whole. We are all pretty active as individuals but there is a different dynamic to the department as a group."

Hope They Sell Swim Diapers at World's Largest Swimming Pool

Sara Haines on Twitter alerted me to this super-sized pool at the San Alfonso del Mar resort at Algarrobo, Chile. The gigantic manmade lagoon was recently featured in the Offbeat Traveler section of the LA Times.

Sounds too cool, but as a mom and former lifeguard, I can't help but wonder just how they handle those "Tootsie Roll" in the pool episodes?

In case you were wondering, according to the LA Times: "The coast-hugging pool is all man-made with a bit of patented technology that uses water from the nearby Pacific Ocean to fill it."

Definitely a vacant stare moment. To quote Liz Lemmon of 30 Rock, "I want to go to there."

New Rubik Puzzle: The Rubik 360

In the age of iPod apps and Xbox games, can a puzzle that requires no electricity or batteries build a cult following like it's popular predecessor?

Some of us have been waiting nearly 30 years for the second generation of the Rubik's Cube that was invented back in 1974. Guess it takes a while to make a new version of this puzzle. The sculptor/engineer/architect and inventor of the original Cube, Erno Rubik, 64, says he has a new puzzle called the Rubik 360 that will go on sale in August.

"The 360 is one of the most innovative and exciting puzzles we've developed since the cube, adopting elements of my original design, challenging the solver to use skill, dexterity and logic," says Rubik according to the Herald Sun.

Looking forward to it already. Watch out Eric Akkersdijk, the Rubik Cube world champion who completed the puzzle in a speedy 7.08 seconds. A new crop of Rubik fanatics is waiting to challenge the speed record for the 360.

Not sure if Eric needs to worry about Graham Parker, 45, of England. Evidently Parker finished his Rubik Cube after 26 years.