Top 10 List - What I miss

If you missed my earlier post, I am proud to share that I am expecting my second baby!! I am nearing the twelve week point and am definitely showing. I always heard that with your second child, your body just remembered what to do - and has it ever!!

Already poured into early maternity clothes and doning a rounder face and figure (curvalicious as my hubby says), I have begun to look forward to all of the things that I can not have (but of course want).

Here is my top 10 list of what I miss and can't wait to have again. :)

10) Caffeine - all sorts!! Especially my typical morning go-to, Starbuck's Chai Tea Latte (specifically a non-fat, extra foamy chai!). Now for the rant... for years I have wished and hoped that Starbucks would come out with flavored Chais or other fun/yummy chai latte drinks. Well, my luck - they have. They have delightful new Apple Chais, Berry Chais and many other wonderful treats. I have cheated and had some sips, but am really missing starting my days with them. However, on the positive side, I am saving money and I guess my body is getting a nice detox!!

9) Diet Cherry Soda - at this point, I would go for any brand! What especially sounds good is a Diet Cherry Coke from Johnny Rockets - you know, the one where they add the cherry syrup. YUM! (I might have to break this rule and just have a small one. YUM!!)

8) Skiing - OK, so this is not for me, but my hubby is going through, "I lost my ski partner", withdrawl.

7) Sushi - I swear, the moment I found I was pregnant, I started craving sushi!! What luck. Though, I think it is more about wanting what I can't have.

6) Exercising in general - I love going to the gym, but have felt very tired and have had to take it easy due to some issues this pregnancy. I had vowed the last time, and 45 lbs later, that I would exercise throughout my pregnancy so I could stay stronger and hopefully shed the pounds faster. Things are not working out that way, so I have decided to embrace pregnancy and am enjoying eating items that I never get to eat. So, bye-bye gym and hello cookies, ice cream, and chips.

5) Flavored Waters - Specifically Aquafina FlavorSplash Grape Flavored Water. I miss this. I was drinking 3-4 of these a day for a while there. I like for my beverages to have a flavor and know that I need to drink more water, so this was my personal compromise. I miss the grape and am just hoping they won't discontinue it.

4) Salads and not eating all the time - I enjoyed eating smaller and healthier meals. I rarely snacked before and was really good about not over eating. The moment I found out I was expecting, I told myself I would workout, eat well, etc. Well, that lasted for about 5 minutes. I have not had the stomach for salads or lighter lunches and have been craving all things junk food. Help!!

3) Kickboxing - yes, might sound funny, but I really miss the exhilaration and great workout feeling you get after a good class. This is one of the only times I actually relax!

2) My old clothes - I remember with my first, that I was actually excited to wear maternity clothes. My belly was my badge and I loved showing it off. While I am still VERY, VERY proud of my badge, I miss my old, cute, smaller clothes. Also being in the in-between pregnancy stage (too small for most of my maternity clothes and too big for my pre-pregnancy clothes) is difficult.

1) Red Wine, Port, Cocktails - we went on a wine tour in Santa Barbara before the holidays. We purchased some great red wine as well as port. I did not get a chance to enjoy it, but am already planning for which bottle I want to enjoy when fall comes around.

Ziplock Home Organization House Party

I was selected to host a Ziplock Home Organization House Party. This was the first time I had hosted a House Party, so I was very interested to see how it would work and to how much people would really get into it. I was pleased on all fronts and am pleased to report that it was a big success.

Ten of us got together for a happy hour, enjoying vino (red of course), pizza and snacks and lots of cool new Ziplock products. The group was impressed by the number of products Ziplock sent and to the breadth of product offering they had in their line. Definitely beyond the Ziplock sandwich bags we all know.

It was clear that Ziplock is looking to expand its profile in the organization space and if their line up is any suggestion to their approach and future leadership, they are primed to take home organization by storm.

So, we spent our evening testing the products, talking about different uses and solutions to bring our homes, crafts, coupons, art projects, toys, clothes, offices (and almost anything) into better order with Ziplock.

Group Favorites - Ziplock Product Winners:
- No. 1 - Ziplock Flexible Totes - Rated Tops by the testers: This came out on tops. As the newest Ziplock item, it was highly coveted - as we only received one. (I was the lucky person who got to keep it!). This tote was lightweight, but still sturdy, and would be a great way to organize sweaters/clothes from season to season or even children's toys or games. As it is soft, versus hard like Rubbermaid containers, it is very pliable and flexible which we liked.

- No 2 - Twist and Seal: This plastic canister had measurement markings on the side (holds up to 4 cups) of the container, perfect for storing dry ingredients. The top did not click and seal, but instead twisted and locked. This was very convenient and a big hit. Everyone wished there were more of these samples to go around.

- No. 3 - Ziplock 100 calorie snack XS bowls: This was a favorite for the moms with young children. We thought that it was perfect for storing cereal and other foods on-the-go. Also, I found that it is a great holder for all of our extra house keys! Now the "stuff" drawer is much better organized and filled with Ziplock containers, including this one.

- No 4 - Ziplock 100 calorie snack bags: This product was more controversial with the group. They felt that the bags, while small, could be misleading to hold more than 100 calories. Also, the group thought they would be harder to reuse. Finally, the question came up about why not just fill another Ziplock you already have with less versus buying another bag.

- No 5 - Ziplock Dry Bags: While I have found some great uses for this product personally (such as putting away my lingering Christmas decorations), others did not find these as useful. They thought they would be more limiting and good for camping. I think there are many uses for them - especially after losing many personal items in our recent basement flood. These bags would have saved many keepsakes which we lost.

(PS - We all fell in love with the "goodie bags" which Ziplock sent. So cute!! Loved the design. People thought they would make good lunch bags, good to store pictures, etc. Who knew that an acutal goodie bag would be so hot!)

Comments/Suggestions:
-Good Experience Overall: Everyone agreed that it was a good experience. We had fun and enjoyed sharing organizational tips and trying out the new products. The group also enjoyed helping others to identify organization solutions to fit their needs.

- Good Materials a Key to Success: Ziplock did a very nice job sending tips, conversation starters, note pads, pens, home organization ideas (by each room of the house) and coupons! We decided that anyone who holds such a party really needs to do their pre-work and develop the best materials possible.

- House Party Web Site: Very nice site. Good layout, holding everything you need to host your party - from sending out invites, to talking with other party hosts, posting pictures, videos, etc. Very well done.

- Only Criticism: All parties are suppose to be held on one night. While this might be ideal, it is not always realistic if you have a sick child or if that already is a very busy plan filled night. We thought it would be better to have a few day/small window in which each host should have their party. This would ensure that the maximum amount of people can attend - which we thought would be better appreciated by the companies paying for House Parties.

We had a blast and I look forward to posting more of the creative, organizational ideas which the girls shared. A fun night with good friends and good products. I hope that I am selected to host another one in the future!!! Thank you House Party and Ziplock for choosing me!!!

It's Official!!!

OK, I have been quiet lately, but for good reason (and if you know me, that is a rare occurrence). I have wanted to post a teaser message or let the secret slip, but have sat on my hands and fought not to let the news out too soon. (Though, I did send one tweet saying, "I got some fantastic news today." That was all I let slip out in the twitterverse and cyberspace. I was proud of myself.)

So, if you have not guessed, I am expecting my second!!! We are very excited!! I officially found out on Christmas Eve when I was sick with a sinus infection and on some pretty strong drugs. I felt like something was different and did what anyone would do and bought three preg tests! :) (I swear, that business must make $$ hand over fist. I don't know anyone who has just purchased one test. It seems like you always purchase at least two just to be sure that the magical sticks are telling the truth!)

Back to the story... it was very early, so I got a dulled positive. I decided to take measures into my own hands (as I mentioned earlier, I don't trust the sticks) and got into my doc. I fibbed to my hubby, saying that I thought I needed more medicine to vanquish the sinus infection and off I went. Well, the news was confirmed - a big positive!! What an amazing gift!!! The best Christmas gift I would likely ever receive.

As this was Christmas Eve, I needed to think fast to determine how was I going to tell the father-to-be as well as family. (OK, I would normally NEVER share the news so quickly. The first time we waited 13-14 weeks just to be extra safe. However, with it being Christmas time and knowing this would make for the best gift to family, we had to share the news.)

With my first, we took a more elaborate approach. We took a Christmas card, with me and my hubby pictured in Barcelona and wrote something like this (taking a page out of the Mastercard commercial playbook): Time off - fantastic; Vacation in Barcelona - unbelievable, three of us in this photo - priceless. While it was funny to see our families looking for our doxie dog, they thought he was number three, they slowly put the facts together.

So, for number two, knowing I needed to act fast. I purchased a bear ornament, stating, "Baby's 1st Christmas" on it. (Hey, on short notice and not trying to draw out suspicions from my hubby, I darted to the closest CVS - had to think fast and beggers could not be choosers.) I snuck away when I arrived home and wrapped it as fast as possible.

You see, I really wanted to give the gift to my hubby to not only share the news, but also to help him replan his birthday plans for the days after Christmas. You see, we were planning to stay overnight downtown (little man would hang out with his grandparents) and we were going to go on a wine bar extravaganza tasting! Now, plans had to change. So, I gave the gift to my hubby and once he opened it .. he looked at it, not really knowing what it was or what it meant at first. After a few seconds, he put the pieces together. He was surprised, a little shocked and excited. We both agreed that it was the best Christmas gift ever.

So, I am pleased to share with my "momsplayroom" friends, the news. We are due in September and can't wait to give little man a sibling!!

I hope your holidays brought you the same joy and cheer - and maybe a little unexpected, positive surprise.

Happy Valentine's Day Mom!!

I received this poem as a forward. I typically do not pass these things along, but when I read it, I thought it summed up what it was to be a mom. So, for all you moms out there, Happy Valentine's Day!!

Being a Mom

Before I was a Mom, I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.Pooped on.Chewed on.Peed on.I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom, I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.Or give shots.I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom..

Before I was a Mom,I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body.I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache, the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom..I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom.

That Kind of Parent - Wear it Proudly

Today I have come to the realization that I AM "that kind of parent." And I'm proud to say it!!

Before having kids, I remember seeing families in stores and when the little one acted up, they would get a toy, cookie or some type of "reward". I vowed that I would NEVER be that kind of parent. (Ha! Who was I kidding.)

However, upon having a little man of my own, and now knowing the "true parent secret" behind giving in a bit here and there (Yes, Survival - it will make you do the darndest things), I proudly admit - I am a supporter. Some people may try to hide this badge or do it silently or out of the public light, but I will proudly say that there are times when you just have to give a little to get a lot. Now, I'm not saying to give little Johnny a candy bar or a huge new toy, but if letting him having a bite of a bananna (which is on your list and which you are buying already) does the trick, then go for it!

What I didn't realize before being a parent is that there are many daily battles. Battles to get little ones on the potty (and then to use it), to get them dressed (preferably in clothes - though a Wonder Pets PJ shirt is OK frome time to time), eating some breakfast (without feeding it to the dog or getting mad and throwing it on the floor - where the dog eats it - not like this has ever happened to us before), etc. With that said, the battles are much, much less than all of the wonderful time where they are beyond flexible for being carted around to stores - when let's face it, they would prefer being at home playing with their toys. If we ask them to "give a little" and haul them with us, then what is wrong with giving them a little when they need it?

Not Ready to Let the Holidays Go ...

The holidays have come to a close and last night it dawned on me that we are the ONLY house on our street that still has its Christmas lights on and trees up. I believe there are three types of people out there - A) people who take decorations down right after the holidays, B) people who let decorations linger a bit and C) people who just don't decorate.

Beyond the arctic weather, that I can surely use as an excuse, I have come to the realization that I am just not ready to say goodbye to the holidays!

I am not ready to accept the reality of no more time off, no more Christmas cookies (second thought, maybe I can give them up. Pants are feeling a little snug), idea of giving, seeing Christmas lights through the snow, counting the Christmas trees with my son as we drive home, - and accept the realization that it is going to be a long, cold and snowy winter.

I love the spirit that Christmas and the holidays bring. The sense of anticipation, excitement (even with all of the craziness of plans, visiting relatives and everything) makes me feel like a kid again. And seeing my little man, who for the first time really seemed to understand Christmas (he says "Ho, "Ho" - I still don't know where the other "Ho" went, calls everything a present - even after it's opened) I just don't want to let it all go. Not to mention that I am NOT a fan of taking decorations down.

So, I'm thinking that we may have to rethink this "Christmas is over" thing after all - just like we did twice before. You see, some folks go for World Records, but as for my family we go for records on seeing how long we can leave the decorations up. And if you are sensing from my note that we have experience here, you are right.

A few years ago, we did our first, "boycott the end of Christmas/don't feel like taking the lights down" experiment. It was January, when most respectful people have long taken down their decorations that we decided to leave the lights on the house and the tree up. We felt empowered!! Who said that Christmas had to end and that we had to put everything away on somebody else’s terms. No way. Not this year.

February arrived and we decided to decorate the tree, or what had become our house plant, in Valentine decorations. What a great red glow! When March rolled around we hardly noticed the tree was still up, if it had not been for comments from family and friends. On April 1, we decided to take the outside lights down. Our neighbor thought it was the best “April Fools” joke he had seen in years. But – we still kept the tree up. When May and the Indy 500 race rolled around, we decided to succumb and to take the tree down. I must say, that for the first time ever, we actually enjoyed ourselves.

OK, while I was glad that the tree was finally down (and we had our family room back), it felt good to somehow close the holidays on our terms. I don’t know if we will go for a repeat, but we sure enjoyed the conversation that our Christmas house plant brought through the months.

We didn't stop there... A few years later, we moved into a new house and put up a tree in the Living Room. When the holidays passed, the tree stayed up - lights and all. We then felt the need to break our own record of May. So, there the tree stood. We even turned it on when people were coming over so they could pick out our house from others in the neighborhood. I remember when my in-laws were visiting, we informed them that our house was the one with the Christmas tree! Did I mention that they were visiting in July?! We ended up keeping the tree up for the entire year. I don't know if that accomplishment will get us any awards (or maybe just strange looks), but it was fun.

While I don't think we will go for a repeat of living the tree and lights up all year, I think that leaving them up for the rest of the month will do.

So, which person are you? Did this post drive you crazy (if so you are person A)? Are you ready to put the lights away or are you like me and want to hold onto the holidays for a little while longer?

2008 Best/Worst Lists

As 2008 is coming to a close, I thought it only right to reflect on some of the best/worst lists. However, they are not what you think. I am NOT focused on best/worst dressed, but on new terms, companies, brands, products amd lasting memories.

Let me know what you think and what makes up your best/worst lists of 2008.

"Brands that hit the heights", according to PR Week:
1-Twitter (think this is so right. can't wait to see what's next for 09!)
2-Disney
3-Google
4-Toyota
5-McDonald's

"Terms we NEVER want to hear again," courtesy of PR Week:
1-Maverick
2-Bailout
3-Joe the Pulmber
4-Brangelina
(What phrases irk you?!)

Companies on their social media A-Game: (my personal list)
1-Graco
2-Dell
3-Comcast

"Companies behind the social media curve," according to PR Week:
1-ExxonMobil
2-Target (I'd add Wal-Mart too based on feedback I've received from my twitter followers)
3-FDA
4-Sears
5-J&J (this was included due to the Motrin Mom ad. I have mixed feelings, NOT because I liked the ad, but because I think they are doing some really good things with Babycenter. This would cause me to take them off of this list, but I don't work for PR Week).

"Successfully marketed movies", according to PR Week:
1-Dark Knight
2-Cloverfield
3-Sex & The City
4-High School Musical 3
5-Twilight (I have such a crush on Edward, so this gets my vote. I would have moved it right up the list if it were up to me)

Best Books of the year - according to me:
1-Twilight series (Yes, I got hooked. Plus, the Twilight mania was pretty impressive)
2-One -to-Three Magic (Yes, not one that may be on your list - by I needed some discipline guidance)
3- The Sneaky Chef (Yes, another one of my favs - as it has helped my picky little man to eat a little better)
4-I love you Through and Through (It is still my favorite children's book - any my son's too. A great read or gift for anyone having a baby)

Most memorable new product launches:
1-Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers (OK, I do work for them, but I LOVE them. My entire family, including my little picky eater, loves the Ziti and Marinara. A Must try! But, let me know what you think.)
2-Wii (it's taken over!)
3-Grand Theft Auto IV (not because I like this type of thing, but just couldn't miss it)

Favorite Toddler Toys (my personal list):
1-Thomas the Train (son has the table and many trains. He plays with it for HOURS. So worth the investment)
2-Anything dealing with art - Playdooh, markers, chalk, etc. My fav was the "Parents" easel - which was reversable. One side is a chalkboard, the other is for dry erase markers and even has a handy clip to clip paper on there (if you are lazy like me and don't want to have to deal with dry erasing everything, you can just replace and reuse paper!)
3-Thomas the Train carrying case (I know, another Thomas item - but this is great. It holds the trains - perfect for trips to Grandma's house, and has a built in track - so it is handy and play-ready!)

Worst Toddler Toys (my personal list):
1-Crazy, bizarre McD's Happy Meal toys (they just got wierd this year! strange animals with big heads - the Star Wars ones were the worst!! I thought my son might have nightmares)
THEY TAKE THE CAKE!!

Favorite Toddler Shows (my personal list):
1-Thomas the Train
2-Bob the Builder
3-Fireman Sam
4-ANYTHING on PBS Sprout (Sprout please!!)