Everything is Better on a Stick

Looking for a way to jazz up your kid's lunch? Put it on a stick!

While my son was playing a video game at nickjr.com, he stumbled upon a recipe for something called "Tang-Hulu." The recipe called for different types of fruit and a sugary glaze. However, I decided to skip the glaze (because it sounded messy) and just put my son's favorite fruits on a stick.

And let me tell you...what a difference! I asked my son if he wanted apple slices after dinner tonight, and he replied, "no." Then I asked if he wanted Tang-Hulu and he immediately started to list off all the fruits he wanted on his stick.

Now, here are the simple instructions for making skewers for your kids:

1. Purchase bamboo skewers
2. Cut up into bite-sized pieces the items you want to put on the skewer (fruits, veggies, meats, candies, etc.)
3. Place the foods on the skewer (if you think your child can handle it, let him/her place the foods on the skewers)
4. Make sure to cut off the pointed tip of the skewer so that your child won't get hurt
5. Come up with a creative name for your skewer (i.e. Tang-Hulu); maybe even let your child name your edible creation

Of course, you should always watch your child eat from the skewer to make sure they don't hurt his/herself.

And if you are having a tough time getting your child to eat vegetables, this is the perfect way to make it more exciting.

These skewers can also make for beautiful decorations at a party. My favorite party favors are candy skewers! Yummy!

Simple Solution for that Necklace Mess

Some of you may be highly organized with all of your jewelry. Well, I am not. I have a jewelry box, and all of my "finer" jewelry are kept in their original cases/boxes. But my not-so-expensive jewelry is all over the place. And most of the time, earrings and necklaces are in little plastic bags or boxes so that when we go somewhere they can be transported easily. (Oh yes, I have a travel jewelry box, but of course I don't use it!)

One of the most frustrating things about my lack of organization is how necklaces get tangled up with each other. Most of the time, I won't even both putting on a necklace because I don't want to bother with the Rubik's cube like moves I have to make to get them apart.

So, I came up with a solution. I went to Bed Bath and Beyond, bought a tie rack and hung it up right next to my husband's tie rack in our closet. (And I did hang it high enough so that my little ones' grabbing hands can't reach anything!)

I will admit, I got this idea from a girlfriend who did this in her closet as well as another friends' closet to help prevent the very same mess I was going through. It just took me two years to actually put the idea into practice!

The verdict: I love it! My necklaces are now right by my clothes and are hanging so nicely. And when I am rushing to get ready because I am late (as usual), I at least won't have to run around figuring out where my necklaces are. (I will save that rushing around for my earrings!)

Denise Richards Needs the Right Party Planner

Did anyone else watch Denise Richards: It's Complicated tonight? She was trying to plan a baby shower and got a party planner from hell (who I really hope was just an actress).

I have four words for her...

Hostess with the Mostess.

Enough said!

Image courtesy of eonline.com

Cosmos in a Bucket...How Fabulous!

Even though it's been a short week, it's been a long week. And what better way to look forward to the weekend than a bucket of cosmos chilling in your freezer for the weekend?

I heard about this fabulous invention from Jillian, Inc. who has already tried it. You simply buy the cosmopolitan freezer bucket, add a 750mL bottle of vodka and water and put it in the freezer over night.

Voila! You have frozen cosmos for 20 people! (Or 4 cosmos for 5 people. You choose the math!)

According to Jillian, she found this bucket at TJ Maxx for $4.99, but I also checked out the El Paso Chile Company website (the makers of the bucket), and you can purchase the cosmopolitan freezer bucket for $10.

Thanks Jillian for getting me excited for summer!

P.S. You should all check out Jillian's blog...she has great posts and great giveaways!

Jon and Kate Plus Eight Sadness

First, let me start by saying that I have never watched Jon and Kate Plus Eight. But I would have to live under a rock to have never heard of them before.

Yesterday, my husband was lucky enough to receive a new TV for Father's Day, and we haven't set up all the bells and whistles, so I had to slum it and just channel up and down. While doing this, I ran across Jon and Kate Plus Eight and heard Jon and Kate talking about their relationship issues. And like any good train wreck, I had to watch.

All I can say is...sad!!! That poor family. Since I had never watched the show I didn't realize how much the show is really about the kids - which made the show hard to watch because the evening is my break time from screaming kids! But the couple basically announced they are splitting up.

Here are some words to live by. Unless you are Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, you should not do a reality show about your life/marriage/family if you want that life/family/marriage to stay in tact. The fame and money may sound great...but is it really worth it?

P.S. I am not going to talk about this show or family ever again on this blog because it makes my husband and I very sad and upset.

Image courtesy of tlc.discovery.com

The Pee-Pee Teepee

Last weekend I went to a fabulous Cat in the Hat themed baby shower (pictures still to come), and as always, learned a few new things.

One gift that I had never seen before was the Pee-Pee Teepee. Have you seen these before? The fact that I hadn't makes me feel very old because I can use the phrase, "those weren't around when my son was an infant."

As you can imagine from the name, these teepees are little cones that you can place over your infant son's genital area so that his urine doesn't get all over the place (or perhaps in your eye!).

I have two thoughts about this item. First of all it is a cute gift idea, and is certainly great for a laugh among the women at a baby shower. Is it a necessary item? Not in this mom's opinion. A baby wipe worked just fine with my son, and served two purposes (protection and cleaning!).

But, if the Pee-Pee Teepee can protect one eye (or mouth in the case of my husband) from a newborn son's aim, then I guess it has served it's purpose! You can buy the Pee-Pee Teepee at UncommonGoods.

Here's a question for you to help all the newly expecting moms out there...what items did you buy or receive for your child that did work out as you thought (ie. you didn't use it or it didn't help you)? Please share!

Oh yeah, Happy Friday and Happy Father's Day!

Just Your Typical Sunday Morning...in the ER!!!

We were having a great morning. I was feeling especially industrious and had many plans of home improvements for the day.

All those plans flew out the window when I heard a chair fall to the floor followed by my 4 year old son crying and screaming hysterically.

I was upstairs in my daughter's room, where my son had just been. I ran downstairs to find him holding his forehead that was gushing blood.

Once we applied a ton of pressure and he stopped crying, we found out what he was up to. He got the brilliant idea that he wanted to get down his favorite Christmas ornament (Buzz Lightyear in the Box) from out cabinets upstairs. But his chair was downstairs, so he was attempting to carry his chair upstairs. Something that he has never attempted, and as I stressed to him a million times today, something he should never try again.

We went back and forth as to whether we should take him to the urgent care or the emergency room, and decided the ER might be better. (A couple of years ago my son split open his chin and had to have stitches done at the urgent care. They didn't numb the area and we had to hold him down. It wasn't a pretty sight.)

Because we needed to keep pressure on the wound since it was still bleeding, both my husband and I had to go on the adventure to the ER. That, of course, meant that our 19 month old daughter had to go, too. So my husband drove to the ER while I squeezed between the two car seats applying pressure to the wound.

We were lucky that the ER was not crowded when we arrived. And since we have already been the ER twice for my son, he had a profile already created and we didn't have to fill out much.

He was brought back to the ER and given his own little room...with a TV! Score! We watched Noggin and Nick Jr. while waiting to be treated. The first thing they did was apply numbing gel to his forehead. Above is the lovely photo I took of him with the headband used to keep the numbing gel in place.

Numbing gel is the best! My son watched Little Bill on Noggin while the doctor used his lovely needle to stitch up his forehead. He didn't make a peep while his four little stitches were put in.

An hour and a half later we were on our way home with our little patient all stitched up. Phew! What a relief!

T-Ball Drama

Oh, another summer, another fun season of baseball. Did I say fun? Scratch that. I meant to say interesting.

Last year my son played t-ball, and at age three, there were really only a few kids that sort of knew what they were doing. Luckily, by the end of the season, all of the kids were hitting the ball and finally seemed like they were enjoying playing.

Well, an entire year later, with no baseball playing in between, I feel like we are back in June 2008. One good clue to let me know it is, in fact, June 2009 is my almost 19 month old daughter who wants to run all over the place and get into everything!

Last summer, my son batted left-handed - which makes sense since he is left-handed. And as I mentioned in a previous post, he has loved using his Better Batter Baseball and has been swinging left handed. Wouldn't you know, today, he decides he has no idea what side he wants to bat from. He is gripping the bat like he has never done it before. Of course, my son could care less about what he is doing. However, his very nice coach (who thinks these four year olds should be playing like 10 year olds) was not so thrilled.

Luckily, my husband was able to get off work early today to take Jacob to his first practice and help out with the kids. But he was less than thrilled to get the question, "Your son played last year?" from the coach. And at one point, when our lovely son was goofing around too much with the other kids, the coach apparently told him to go sit down if he couldn't listen, so my husband pulled him off the field, walked over to me, and said he is not ready for this.

Not ready for this? Are you kidding me? He is four. This is supposed to be fun and for socialization. There aren't any Dodger or Yankee scouts in the outfield. Am I so wrong to think that coaching kids at this age is more about teaching them team work and the overall concept of the game and not how to hit ground balls vs. pop-ups?

Naturally, I would be more than happy to help coach if I didn't have to keep dirt and baseball bats out of my daughter's mouth. Not that I know a thing about baseball (actually I do), but I would like to think I know a little bit about structure and discipline. But this whole situation made my husband and I question our parenting. Give me a break! Our son is a great kid and we are good parents.

Uggghhh! This is supposed to be fun! I need to keep reminding myself (and my husband) of that. Now I need to go bake some cookies for Thursday's practice...I am in charge of treats!

True Mom Confessions: Surprise Book Giveaway Winners

Thank you to everyone that entered the True Mom Confessions: Real Moms Get Real book giveaway. And remember, even if you don't win a copy from this giveaway, you should buy it as a gift for yourself or even a friend.

Now, on to the winners.

Congratulations Molly C. from Citrus Heights, CA and Lisa Taylor from Nacogdoches, Texas. You are both our lucky winners!

Molly and Lisa, please contact us at info@housescouchesandbabies.com to claim your prize!

Stay tuned for more fun giveaways coming soon!

Restaurant.com: Worth it or Not?

Several months ago I told you about a cool way to save money the next time you go out to dinner...Restaurant.com. But finally, I got the opportunity to test it out myself last month.

First of all, let me start by saying, a $25 restaurant gift certificate for only 2 bucks sounds too good to be true. Oh yeah, because it is. In most cases, with a $25 gift certificate, you have a minimum purchase of $35, for example. You are obviously saving $23 in this example, but you aren't getting something for nothing, as I so dream of!

After my Chelsea Lately experience, we decided to check out Pane e Vino in L.A. and they had Restaurant.com gift certificates. (The girls from THE HILLS filmed a scene there, so I hoped it would be good. Pathetic, I know.) There were actually several gift certificate options ranging from $25 to $100, with a minimum purchase ranging from $35 to $200. When I called Pane e Vino about making reservations, they said that they have been receiving a few of these gift certificates a day, so people are certainly seeing the value in trying it.

Our meal there was very good. Have I been to better Italian restaurants, yes. (I lived in Italy for 6 months.) Have I been to worse, most definitely. They did make a lobster risotto that was absolutely divine. We ate on a wonderful outside dining patio that would make a wonderful spot for a big gathering like a rehearsal dinner or birthday party.

To sum it all up: I had a great time at the Chelsea Lately taping, ate at a great restaurant, and saved money in the process. This frugal, fun loving mom is happy!

Image courtesy of PaneVinoLA.com

UP Movie Review

I had the pleasure of taking my four year old son to see UP on it's opening day. He has been waiting to see this movie for quite some time (a.k.a. Disney and Pixar have been promoting the you know what out of it), and was thrilled to go see it. Usually Daddy gets to take him to the movies while I stay home with my 18-month old, so it was fun for me to sit next to him and watch how excited he gets and how he laughs out loud at the funny parts.

Now, on to the movie. In typical Pixar style, the movie is not only made for kids, but also made for adults. I was actually shocked by some of the adult themes that luckily breezed right over my son's head (ex. aging, inability to have children). I actually started tearing up in the first 15 minutes of the movie. So for my son, those first 15 minutes were a little slow, but by the middle of the movie, he was thoroughly entertained by the funny happenings and hi jinks.

Of course, this entire weekend, when people have asked my son if he liked the movie, he responded, "No, it was too scary. The bad guy tried to light his house on fire." So even though I can tell you that he enjoyed the movie while sitting there, he will tell you a different story. Four year olds!!! It will be interesting to see what he says a week from now about UP.

The characters in this movie are very charming and likable. While Russell, the Wilderness Explorer, initially adds comic relief to the movie, Kevin, the female bird, and DUG, the dense dog who is shunned by his peers, bring out all new levels of laughter.

So, from this mom's perspective, I think it is totally worth it to take your kids to see this movie because you will like it as much as they do.

Image courtesy of Pixar.com

True Mom Confessions Surprise Giveaway

For Mother's Day I received several nice things. But one gift turned out to be a humorous, highly entertaining, and reassuring gift all wrapped into one.

If you haven't checked out the book True Mom Confessions: Real Moms Get Real, you must pick up a copy immediately! The book is based on real life confessions on the website TrueMomConfessions.com, and let me tell you, there are some funny ones, some sad ones, and some bad ones.

And then there are those that I can relate to all too well. (page 54: "When I forget my Chapstick, I use my Lansinoh nipple cream instead." I actually have a previous blog post about the many uses of Lansinoh. And no, it wasn't me that confessed that!)

The book is broken into chapters that all moms can understand. Even dads can relate. My husband bought the book for me because he thought some of the confessions were hilarious (mostly because some of the confessions were things that he already does himself).

Think you don't have time to read True Mom Confessions: Real Moms Get Real? Take inspiration from the book and tell your husband you have to go #2 for some quiet time in the bathroom. It may not be a lounge chair sipping a daiquiri poolside, but it is quiet, me time.

And (2) lucky HC&B readers have the opportunity to win this fantastic book!

Here's how to enter:

• Post a comment here telling us why you would like to win this book
• In your comment, please include your name (or blogger name) and location (city, state)
• Post your comment no later than Midnight PST on Friday, June 5.

The winner will be announced shortly after June 5. The winner will not be contacted so please be sure to keep checking back.

Good luck!

Time for Better Batter Baseball

On Saturday we had the Meet and Greet for my son's T-ball team this summer. He played last year, so I feel good knowing at least somewhat of what I can expect. Last summer was a little rough because my son was definitely more into picking grass than playing baseball.

But a few weeks ago I was delighted when he saw a commercial for Fisher-Price's Better Batter Baseball and said he had to have that toy. (Sure he wants every other toy he sees on TV, but for once, I was excited about the toy, too.)

He already has a baseball tee, but he really doesn't like to use it. On the other hand, he loves to use Better Batter Baseball because it has music and it talks. It actually coaches how to get ready to hit the ball, and by the time daddy got home he could repeat all of the coaching and hit the ball with ease. And again, he liked it!

Of course, my 18-month old daughter can't be left out of the equation, so she loves shagging the balls after he hits.

So, if you want to get your little one excited about baseball, I highly recommend checking out Better Batter Baseball.

[In fair balance, there is one part of the toy that doesn't work well. The Velcro on the end of the arm (the Velcro snags the ball) detaches pretty easily, so investing in some Velcro strips is a good idea.]

You Don't Always Have to Buy It!

I sometimes (okay, a lot of the time) have buyer's remorse because I realize I really don't need that item, and should perhaps be spending the money in my kids' college funds rather than my whim. So I was very intrigued when I read in Self Magazine a nice little tip that can help prevent you from making impulse buys.

According to Judgment and Decision Making, holding an item for 30 seconds makes a person willing to pay 38 percent more for it. So the key would be to either let someone else hold the item or tell the sales person you will come back after pondering.

Now I have to just have to put this idea into practice!

Pictured above: Quantumm by Steve Madden - my latest impulse purchase!

Emotionally Spent After Two Season Finales

Okay, I will admit that I am a bit pathetic and was glued to the tube the past two nights...hence no post. But the LOST season finale was on Wednesday and last night was Grey's Anatomy. Of course, both were two hours, so there was a lot of time investment for me.

First of all, I know I was probably the only one who watched the first hour of LOST since the rest of the world seemed to be watching Danny Gokey get eliminated on American Idol (news flash: you would have figured it out when you only saw Adam and Kris at the finale next Tuesday). But I have to say that my investment in LOST the past few seasons is finally starting to pay off. I tried to explain to my husband what happened in the finale, but since he doesn't watch, he was so lost (kind of ironic) that I stopped even trying.

When I went to bed on Wednesday night, I was so mentally and emotionally connected to LOST, I had dreams about being on a plane with several of the LOST characters' family. (For example, Sun's parents' with her baby...random, I know.) And since trying to explain the show to anyone who hasn't watched the entire thing would be an entire bore, all I can say is wow! This season has started piecing things together and I am finally feeling some satisfaction from the show..finally! Now we only have to wait until 2010 for the last season to air - which is actually quite brilliant because the will get great ratings showing their cliff's notes' versions of this season's episodes to warm up to the next season.

Then there was Grey's Anatomy last night. Everyone remembers hearing that Katharine Heigl and T.R. Knight wanted out of the show, but unlike Desperate Housewives who totally let the cat out of the bag before Nicolette Sheridan's character died on the show, the producers and actors kept everything hush hush. Obviously, it seemed like Heigl's character, Izzy, was going to lose her battle with cancer, but it was nice to see that Knight's character, George, was going to go off to the Army with the chance of coming back to the show. Well, that is until he became the character that got hit by a bus!! In a show that has become somewhat predictable this season, it is safe to say I didn't see that one coming at all! But I am so sad they had to make him go like that. All actors/actresses should keep this episode in mind when thinking of crossing "Shondaland," aka Shonda Rhimes, the show creator.

Kudos to both shows...I was hooked the entire 4 hours!

Images courtesy of ABC.com

A Mother's Day Thank You Note

While I look forward to the idea of be "honored" and perhaps being pampered on Mother's Day, I feel like I also have the great fortune of being able to reflect on how lucky I am to be a mom.


Now, I will be the first to admit that I have a tendency of pointing out the negative before pointing out the positive, but I have caught myself in a rare moment, and I thought it should be documented.


Yes, my kids are draining, but I wouldn't have it any other way. People always tell you that when you have kids you will love them more than you ever thought possible. And while that makes sense, I didn't understand it until I had both my kids. I am fortunate enough to stay home with my little munchkins - something I don't thank my husband nearly enough for.


Being a mom for over 4 years now, I realize one of the coolest and unexpected blessings of being a mom is the relationship family members have made with our kids. I am so lucky to have loving parents that are willing to travel nearly 400 miles at the drop of a hat to visit their grandkids. My parents and in-laws are always there for us to take care of our kids when we need their help. We are lucky enough to go on vacations and getaways because they are willing to hang out with their grandkids. And how cool is it that my kids hang out with their grandparents?!? That is yet another blessing I am thankful for.


Just this week, I was paid probably the best compliment I could ever receive. Well, I should say, "we received" since it was sent to me and my husband. In a thank you card from my brother-in-law, he commented, "we have done a great job raising two beautiful children." Obviously, with our kids being just 4 and 1-1/2, they are no where near being raised, but it feels wonderful to know that we are doing a good job that others can appreciate.

Lastly, I am thankful for the person who made me want to become a mom...my husband. Don't get me wrong, I always thought growing up I would have kids, but my husband made me want to be a mom so that I could see him as a dad and raise our kids together. Sappy I know, but true none the less.

Now that I have that off my chest...on to the pampering!

Happy Mother's Day!

BRIDE WARS DVD & Paper Shouts' Gift Certificate Winner

Thank you to everyone that entered the BRIDE WARS DVD and $25 Paper Shouts' Gift Certificate giveaway.

Now on to the winner. Congratulations to Marlena U. from Iowa (aka socialwork4kids). You are our big winner! Marlena, please contact us at info@housescouchesandbabies.com to claim your prize.

And if you aren't Marlena, you still have time to take advantage of 15% any order from Paper Shouts. Simply use the promo code HOUSES by May 15 to receive your discount.

Stay tuned for many more fun giveaways!

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!

For all of you teachers out there...Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!

Yes, today, May 5, also Cinco de Mayo, is officially Teacher Appreciation Day. However, this week is also recognized as Teacher Appreciation Week.

So, for you parents out there, this means that it would be nice if your child brought something to his/her teacher to show appreciation for all their hard work and guidance.

Click here for some gift ideas from Activity Village.

Image courtesy of www.district196.org

See's Candies $50 Gift Certificate Surprise Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone that entered the See's Candies giveaway. Once again, you have proven that you love chocolate!

Now on to the winner. Congratulations Jenn from San Diego! You are our lucky winner.

Jenn from San Diego, please contact us immediately at info@housescouchesandbabies.com to claim your prize.

And Happy Early Mother's Day to all of you mothers out there!

My Chelsea Lately Experience

That's right, people! I just went to my first Chelsea Lately taping this afternoon and I am hopeful in saying that it won't be my last. What...an amazing show.

I will admit that I was a little bummed that Heather McDonald was not one the round table guests, but Chris Franjola, Candis Cayne and Ross Matthews helped Chelsea put together a very funny show. (Above I have included the opening monologue for the taping we attended.)

And if you listen closely tonight, you will hear my laugh. I laughed before everyone else on a joke, and according to my husband and friends, my laugh stood out. Of course, that would mean a lot more if you knew my laugh, but that is neither here nor there.

I was also a big geek and brought a copy of her book Are you there, Vodka? It's me, Chelsea. She was gracious enough to sign it. Here's what she wrote, "Leslie! Suck it! Chelsea Handler."

And I must give Ms. Handler props...she is a tiny little thing. TV really is the devil when it comes to adding weight. (Thank goodness I am not on TV!)

Oh, and did I mention when we pulled into the parking lot for the taping we saw Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David filming something involving a Porsche? Yes, I am the star struck kind.

Be sure to catch my favorite show, Chelsea Lately, at 11pm on E!.

P.S. I have included below my favorite sketch to date.

Surprise Giveaway in Honor of Mother's Day: $50 See's Candies' Gift Card

Mother's Day is right around the corner (May 10th to be exact). But what do you get for Mom?

How about chocolate! See's Candies are the best chocolates I have ever tasted and are fantastic Mother's Day Gifts. As a little girl, my grandmother and mom always took me to See's for a sweet treat. I have so many fond memories with my mom and grandma, and See's Candies were a part of many of those memories.

So in honor of that bond with my mom and grandmother, one lucky HC&B reader will win a $50 gift card to See's Candies. (By the way, you can give the gift card to whoever you want, or keep it for yourself!

Here's how to enter:

• Visit the See's Candies website and decide which candy is either your favorite or something you would like to try
• Post a comment here telling us your favorite candy as well as your name and location
• Post your comment no later than Midnight PST this Sunday, May 3.

The winner will be announced Monday, May4, so please check back to see if you have won. (The winner will not be contacted.)

Good luck and happy chocolate dreams!

Gift items shown above: Keepsake Collection, Ribbon Box

One Good Thing About a Cold

This weekend my 17-month old daughter has been suffering from the cold that my son had last weekend. She was up all night on Friday night because she couldn't breathe very well. I felt so bad for the poor thing trying to get comfortable in her crib and she just wasn't able to.

And of course, she was cranky on Saturday because she was totally sleep deprived. And when my daughter gets cranky, she likes to scream. There's no real reason to scream, she just does it. But here is the one good thing of her cold (and I am such an evil mom for saying this)...she did so much screaming on Saturday that she has pretty much lost her voice. She has the cutest raspy voice right now, and most importantly, she can't scream.

Everything else about a cold stinks. Especially with swine flu scares everywhere, I am certainly watching her carefully. But I had to laugh at this one slight upside to her cold.