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The Wine Burqa
The Wine Burqa
Just what I always needed for my wine bottles. A Wine Burqa!
No, I didn’t pick up this ironic and quirky item at Cost Plus World Market. My sister works in Afghanistan and she sent me this gift.
I’ve never seen something quite so funny and sad at the same time.
Although I didn’t actually need a Wine Burqa, I’m glad my sister sent this to me. By doing so, she brought a wonderful organization to my attention. The label says “Hand Made/Embroidered by Afghan Women” and the proceeds go to the Women of Hope Project. The items created and sold by Afghan women help them support their families and educate their children.
Please check out their website and blog.
26
Your new baby is here. No accessories included.
Aden and Anais wraps
We all know that babies don’t need much, other than lots of love, nourishment, and nurturing. But, for those of us that care for babies, we do need stuff. Lots of it.
I’ve been asked by friends about the products I use or what I think is necessary to have for first-time parents. I know there are already lots of lists of *baby essentials* out there, but this one is my own version of necessities. And, by necessities, I mean that I don’t function very well as a parent without this stuff. This does not mean that I think you need all this stuff, too.
Note: I have not received any promotional items or paid sponsorship for any of the below-mentioned items. Everything listed is something I’ve been using for the past 2 years already. Just putting that out there.
Without further ado…
Sleep:
- Binkies – because I like sleeping and peaceful shopping trips as much as you do. My kid prefers Avent. Not sure why.
- Muslin wraps – I love these Aden and Anais muslin wraps. Good for swaddling newborns or keeping your toddler warm during a walk – I don’t leave the home without one. They are also my go-to gifts for new parents.
- Babysense Infant Movement Monitor – if you’re like me, you’re an anxious mom who will watch her kid breathe at night. I would not have been able to sleep at night without this movement monitor. I used it every night for the first year until my kid started rolling off of it. (continues…)
25
Bring Back the Yip Yips!
(A Petition and Open Letter to Sesame Street)
Dear Sesame Street,
Like so many other people born in the 1970′s, I grew up with you. In fact, from the period of 1979 to 1984, I have no other television memory except for you and Mr. Rogers. Oh, and the Thriller video. But, really, most of my TV viewing was all about you.
Until my own kid started watching your show late last year, it had been a really long time since I had viewed a Sesame Street episode. I was quite impressed with all the updated features and new characters. What was even more cool was to see all the characters from my youth: Cookie Monster! The Count! Grover! Big Bird! Oscar the Grouch! Snuffy! Wow…even Gordon?!?
But, I have to ask… Where are the Yip Yips?
As the Yip Yips age quietly on a dusty shelf in your storage room, thousands (nay, millions!) of people are wondering why the Yip Yips disappeared from the show.
24
Where’s the remote?
If you’re a parent, then you already know about the one thing that is universal among all infants and toddlers:
The remote control obsession.
Just like phones, the remote control is fascinating to small children. Perhaps the fascination only applies to American children as some prelude to countless hours of future TV watching. Whatever it is, I don’t know one kid that doesn’t want to start flipping through the channels practically straight from the womb.
When my then-infant started fighting me over the remote (hello, Real Housewives is on…sorry that it conflicts with Yo Yo Gabba) I knew that I needed a plan. I had seen giant remote controls in stores before, but always laughed them off as a genius idea for people with vision problems or a gag gift. I quickly realized that they’re even more brilliant than that. Giant remote controls are one of the best toys for small children.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: Um, don’t you prefer wooden, BPA-free, and all-together non-toxic toys?
Yes. However, enjoyable TV watching without fighting a child over the remote control calls for an exception. Two things to remember: don’t put batteries in the damn thing and make sure the kid doesn’t chew on it. Problem solved.
Back to your regularly scheduled program…
23
Belly Bullies
Me @ 8 months pregnant. No, I was not carrying twins...jerk.
One of the worst things about pregnancy is dealing with people who ask intrusive or insensitive questions. And then there are those who say rude comments…or worse. Like strangers who actually put their hands on a pregnant belly without consent. You know what I call these types of people?
Belly Bullies.
Belly bullies, who tend to be other women, are the equivalent of mean girls from the 7th grade. However, they like to harass pregnant women instead.
So, who are these *belly bullies* and what do they do exactly? Let me tell you.
- They are the strangers who believe they have a right to touch your burgeoning belly. In the wise words of Billy Madison,”that’s assault, brother!” (continues…)