Two

...the number of nannies Heidi Klum told Us weekly she has to keep everything together. This is quite reassuring on days mothers without nannies may feel as if they could never get around to that list of ten things to do.

Hurry Up and Finish This Book!

As you all may know I've been writing a book about being a first time mom. For two years I've penned away at the ups and downs of motherhood. The book started from the day I found out I was pregnant to sweet pea's first birthday, but then I stopped. What's that about?

Well, anywhoo after perusing the parenting/education books at my local Borders my little Jimmy Cricket that sometimes sits on my shoulder warned me about putting off the editing process one day later. "Finish your book." The little cricket urged.

So, I'm off to editing this book...the harder part of writing and then I will hand it over my to my editor who will tear it up..I'm quite sure.

But no blog entry would be complete if I didn't tell you of one product that I am absoultely loving for kids.


My book of the week is Grace For President by Kelly Dipuccio. Here's what the publishers had to say about the book.

"Where are the girls?" When Grace's teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace decides to be the first. And she immediately starts off her political career as a candidate the school's mock election. But soon, she realizes that she has entered a tough race. Her popular opponent claims to be the "best man for the job"--and seems to have captured all the male votes--while Grace concentrates on being the best person . In this timely story, author Kelly DiPucchio not only gives readers a fun introduction to the American electoral system, but also teaches them the value of hard work, courage, and independent thought--and offers an inspiring example of how to choose our leaders.

Classic Toys

I love these classic toys at Hearth Song (www.hearthsong.com). I miss children using simply designed toys that doesn't require batteries but yet keeps them engaged throughout the day.

The toy above is fantastic because you use marbles and you watch as the marble slowly makes it way down each colorful step, but you can replace the marbles with larger balls to prevent the choking hazard.

I Heart This Book

I noticed this book (Bebe Goes Shopping by Susan Middleton Elya/Illustrated by Steven Salerno) on one of my visits to the library. The illustrations are so fun and the picture book is an ideal way to introduce your little pumpkin to foreign language.

Outfits That Work While Traveling With The Kiddo

I learned early on while carrying sweet pea in one arm and a car seat in the other that there are some outfits that aren't kid friendly. Unless you want to be extremely uncomfortable while chasing around your kid on three inch heels, or always having to be conscious of showing your derrire while puting him in the stroller, we mothers have to figure out what works early on in the game.

I love sandals with long flowing maxi dresses.

What is your mommy style?

Fashion Faceoff?

The Obamas have taken Europe by storm, but it is the pairing of First Lady Obama and First Lady Carla Bruni Sarkozy concerning their possible fashion choices that is making headlines. Ironically, they wore similar pussy bows which I tend to like because of the way it hints to playful formality, but Michelle took it home with the amazing shift underneath the coat. The problem I do have with both women, however is their hesitancy to throw on some heels. Michelle usually wears kitten heels and Carla wore ballet flats to offset her husband's >ahem< lack of height. Hey, why should tall women apologize for their height?



In other news across the pond, one of the cutest couples Jamie and Jools Oliver welcomed a new child, Petal Blossom Rainbow who will be a sister to Poppy Honey and Daisy Boo.

I'm still puzzled by their choice of names, but who am I to judge?

What to Do With One Year Olds?

A host of things!!! Below you'll find some activities for your bouncy 1 year old:

1) Finger and hand painting
2) Give your child chunky crayons to make marks on the paper
3) Get stackable toys and nesting toys to teach your child the relationship between various objects
4) Make a collage with knick nacks collected on a nature walk

The best part of it, you can do these activities on a high chair, a low table, or easle. With any creation your sweet pea designs, make sure you date it so you can look back on the artwork years later.