Friday, December 31, 2010

Reflections ...


Happy not quite yet 2011, everyone. It's the end of another year, and as we move forward to a new one I, like many others, like to take a peek back at the year that we leave behind us.

I started off 2010 with a list of goals over here. Let's just say I did cut my hair, I did meet some bloggy friends (though I actually didn't know them at the time) in real life, and I managed to keep my kitchen table
mostly clean. I mean, it's not like we use all four spaces, so that last one can be a little bit cluttered as long as we have room to eat, right?

I read A LOT of books this year. A handful or two more than I completed last year, so that was kind of cool.


I hit 100 followers back in January. I never imagined I'd actually get to that point, let alone beyond it. You can check out my surprise and glee at noticing it!


I reviewed old friendships, without even touching upon the new ones I've made here in NC, or in bloggy-land.


I laughed ... You know you're a mom when ...


I cried ... A Year Later.


I laughed again ... Things I never thought I'd say ...


I cried some more ... We miss you, Neo.


I flashed back to new motherhood and I advised.


I cooked ... (kind of!) Lazy Mom Recipes


Did I mention how much I read? Here are some of my faves for the year ...


The Help


The Ice Cream Theory


Inconsolable: How I Threw My Mental Health Out With The Diapers


So that was my year - in a little bit more than a nutshell. I know, I know, it's kind of a lame way to end things, but rather than complain that my daughter has the flu, and has had a crazy a$$ high fever for days, and I'm so stuffed that I can't breathe through my nose, and that we may not get to to head to the bookstore tomorrow ... I figured I'd do this.


Tomorrow (or whenever) I'll bring you some pictures to flashback, and maybe some goals for the coming year.


To everyone in Blognia, and most especially my crazy supportive friends out there, I wish you health, wealth and happiness, loads of love and strength to get you through any hurdles, and a reminder that I'm here for you - as you are for me, just with a quick click of the keys (cause who uses a mouse anymore, anyways?).


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!


Monday, December 27, 2010

Where am I?


I totally thought about this last night and said to myself ... Self, you must remind everyone where you are posting tomorrow.


And then I fell asleep.


Not really, then I putzed around on the iPad. And lest I keep rambling and TOTALLY forget the point of this post, you can find me over at my friend's house today ... so head on over to Single Mom in the South and give her a HUGE hello! And tell her I sent you, if you'd like. She's a sweetheart who is out of town for the holidays. And to ensure that her blog is hoppin' I volunteered to talk traditions. Go on over, you won't regret it!


And in the meantime I'll sit here, cozy and warm, trying to convince my daughter to watch the rest of Toy Story 2 instead of head outside, because -- well -- I DO want to play out there, I'm just so not ready to get all wet and cold. YET.

Ehem ... I see you, dilly-dallying ... GO NOW!

Friday, December 24, 2010

'Twas the Morning of Christmas Eve Day


With Mommy in the kitchen and Daddy at the lap (top),
The child settled in with a yelp and a clap!


What are you doing? she asked, sly as a fox.

Making pumpkin muffins, straight out of the box!


A box, you question, your eyes full of fright.

But the taste and the flavor was exceptionally light.


Muffins for breakfast, not one, two, but three.

Can we leave one for Santa when he comes to our tree?


For Santa? A muffin? Really? I said.

But of course, said the child, digging into the bread.


And cookies, too, with gingerbread lumps.

That we decorated yesterday, with fresh icing bumps.


Can we make more today? asked the child with glee.

But of course we can, honey, said the quite tired me.


And the errands we ran, as the morning progressed,

Then we came home to eat and to get a little rest.


And Daddy ran out, back to the store,

For stockings must be stuffed and that we can't ignore.


For tonight is Christmas Eve, and with the blessing of being a Jew

Daddy is in charge, not me and not you!


Of course somehow I end up being gift wrapper extraordinaire.

And shopper, and baker, and whatever I dare.


To myself I count the hours til you crawl into bed,

With visions of Santa Claus dancing in your head.

And I'll say to myself, Hey, what do you think?

And my answer shall be - my G-d, I need a drink!


So to all out there celebrating Christmas today,

Where the parents play Santa and kids hide away,

I suggest you pretend to hear Santa's sled,

So that your children shall hurry to bed,


And then as their eyes roll into their heads,

You can break into your own stash of cookies and bread!


And once you do that, well, what else do you think?

You should all pour YOURSELVES something to drink!


Cheers to all and a Merry Christmas!


And yadda yadda yadda ...



Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Trip Down Memory Lane

I was sorting through some boxes in the garage the other day, and came across a few small baskets. I pulled one out and immediately took a trip down memory lane.

What was in there - you ask?


Was it old letters? Journals? Diaries? Photographs?


Nope, nope, nope and nope.


Matchbooks.


Matchbooks?


Yes. Matchbooks.


I used to collect them. Every now and then I still do, but they're a rare find these days, with all the no-smoking laws and whatnot. Or maybe it's just that I don't get out quite as much as I used to? [Oh, hush! I know that's probably it!] Either way, it was a stroll down memory lane like you'd never imagine.

And now, today, I got an email from a friend of mine with the saddest news. One of our favorite old bars is closing its doors. If you've ever been to NYC you've surely seen a bar like The Stoned Crow. But if you haven't been TO The Stoned Crow, well - you can't imagine what you're missing.

I'm so sad. I told my husband and he said that he would seriously consider driving up to New York just to raise one last glass there. They're closing after New Year's Eve, so if you're going to be in NYC over the coming week or two, check it out here. I can't even believe they have a website! Geez, times sure have changed, huh?

Anyway, I took a look through my stash of matchbooks, and don't see one from there, but I can picture it clearly. Yellow with the bar's name on front. I'm sure I have one stashed away somewhere. I'd surely grabbed enough of them over the years. Funny thing is, I don't even smoke. And I've never have been a smoker. But I've definitely taken a drag or two from a friend around the pool table, grabbed a few tootsie roll pops from Betty while she sat and watched us play, and lifted many a glass of cider at the old place.

I had breakups end there - running out onto the street and into a rehash of the past, hid from the ex-boyfriend as he dared walk in with the new girlfriend, talked the future with my not yet boyfriend (who ultimately became my husband), cried many a drunken tear, watched a friend meet his future wife, ate way too much popcorn at the bar, done a few too many shots and put back way too many beverages to count.

It's the end of an era, and I'm not even within 500 miles of the joint, haven't been for years. My husband and I spent one of our last nights out with the same old friend who told me about the closing before relocating to NC. Many a farewell party was held there, along with many a reunion. These are the moments life is made of.

Makes me peek at my matchbook collection and rethink using them up. They're just small ways for to remember stopping in at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, many trips to Serendipty 3 for frozen hot chocolates in Manhattan, Baluchi's for Indian food (lawd, how I miss Indian food!) and some random New York City bars like Telephone Bar and Grill, Mustangs or another old favorite, Polly Esther's. Ever been to the one on the Upper East Side? I used to live like two steps away from there. The convenience of Manhattan living when you've had one too many.

Anyway, that's where my mind is today. I was thinking about a matchbook post, and when I heard the news about the old bar closing its doors, I figured, what better way to pay tribute. So, to Betty and the crew at The Stoned Crow, I raise a glass to all of you. I'll remember those nights forever -- even the ones I forgot long ago!

**Those bartenders were generous. And some were kind of hot. Whew.**


Cheers!

I'm linking up today with Shell's Pour Your Heart Out over at Things I Can't Say. I'm just too lazy to grab the button right now.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Sharing a Spoon: Oreo Cookie Balls

They are my new addiction. We made them last year, but I got reminded of them this holiday season when I was over at my friend Lisa's place at Two Bears Farm. I decided to make them the other day, and they're amazing. Oh, geez, they're SO good. I went shopping yesterday and bought two more packages of Oreo cookies, several packs of baking chocolate and loads more.

If you clicked over to Lisa's place you don't even need me to give you a step-by-step here, but I will anyway. So I can join in (late - but better late than never) on Share a Spoon with Think Tank Momma. This Thursday's theme was Holiday Cookies, and what better (or simpler?) way to make treats for those you love, like, or just have to give something to than these treats?

Think Tank Momma

What you need:
36 Oreo Cookies (filling flavor of your choice - I opted for original)
1 pkg softened cream cheese (I used neufatachel - sp? - for less fat - tastes the same!)
Melting/Dipping chocolate

Get those cookies in the food processor. If your processor sucks, like mine does, you may have to do them in shifts, but otherwise just get them in there and ground 'em down to Oreo crumbs and shavings.

Put in bowl with softened cream cheese and mix together. Easier to be thorough with your hands. Messy, but better mix, in my experience. But I don't mind getting my hands dirty. I'm Dirty Jobs that way. Hmmn. I wonder if Mike Rowe would come over to make these with me? Sigh ...

Where was I? Oh yeah. Cookie balls. Right. Lost me for a minute.

Roll into a batch of teeny tiny balls. Cool in fridge for 1 hr.

Take out and melt chocolate dipping squares in microwave, or warm on stove. Careful not to burn. Use toothpick, or spoon to roll ball around and coat with chocolate.

Complete batch and set in fridge for 1-2 hrs.

Viola! Delicious.

Also, if you desire you can use decorative icing, etc. on them, or just leave them be. Perfect for gifts or for a party or just to eat. I currently have a block of neufatchel (?) cheese softening right now for the peanut butter Oreos my kid and I just pulverized, and we also just beat the heck out of some candy canes, as we're thinking of dipping the chocolate covered cookie balls into the crushed candy cane debris. And I mean, truly, how much more holiday can you get than broken candy canes ... right?
Oh, and if you want to hate (LOVE, I love her, really!) Lisa even more, just check out the variety of dessert recipes she has on her site. Ugh. It's horribly disgusting, see, cause she runs MARATHONS. And someone who does that can eat all of these treats. Someone like me, who got a mile in on the treadmill this morning and that was it? Not so much.

But hey, whatever. Tis the season! Enjoy!


Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Simply-Bags: Product Review

I was approached a while ago to review a monogrammed bag from Simply-Bags and time and my brain cells drifted away from me and I never got in touch with them.

Fortunately, when I did reach out regarding their offer, the bag they wanted me to review had been switched. What kind of luck was that - I wound up with this cute
Monogrammed Tote Bag! My "A" is in silver, but this is the stock photo they have on their website - perfect, right?
This bag is really pretty. And super soft. The velvet-y feel is so cozy I want to lay down and nap on it. Which, to be honest, I probably totally could do! It's way bigger than I expected, which is perfect to hold pretty much anything and everything you could dream of putting in there.

We all know that even though we moms are thrilled to get rid of the diaper bags we still carry the army of motherhood supplies and then some in our bags. I know for me, without showing you everything, I can easily tell you that I carry wipes, an extra pair of pants/underwear (sometimes a shirt) for my daughter (oh, what? You thought it was going to be for me!?!), a reusable sandwich bag that is my not-really-cosmetics case, keys, glasses, contact lens case, pens (900 but never one that works!), sometimes a book, sometimes my iPod. Should I go on? The bag holds it all. And seriously, I could probably fit the iPad in this tote.

It's really roomy and thus far seems pretty stable. I'm normally not one to go for monogramming, but that's one thing about this site, it's not going to cost you extra to have whatever product you choose monogrammed. How great is that? I'll tell you - it's pretty great. And that is huge down here in the South, as monogramming is alive and well, in a big way!

I will admit that sometimes I wish the straps were a little bit longer. But that's mostly me and my indecisiveness when it comes to bags. I'm addicted, you know, and always on the search for the perfect bag. The one that I'll use forever. And on my search I must have more and more test runs to ensure I don't miss anything ...

I'm totally eyeing this travel bag (what's with me and red, I know! But looks like they only have brown left ... chocolate is nice, definitely ...) right now because it looks like something I would love to have.


And this large tote is also really cute. And only $29.99!


Anyway, if you get the chance you should definitely take a look at their website. If you take a look you'll see that most items take 2-3 business days to ship, which is amazing. And that means you could totally order one in time for Christmas ... as a gift for someone, or for yourself! And if you can't decide before the 25th you can totally find yourself that perfect New Years Eve bag just for you. So head on over to http://www.simply-bags.com/ today!

I received a tote bag for use and review from Simply-Bags.com. All opinions in this review are my own. I was not asked to post about other products on their site, just to honestly review the one I received, but their stuff is so cute I couldn't help myself!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Happy Holidays!

I am making it in just under the wire to join the ladies of SITS to link up my holiday cards and celebrate the 12 Days of SITSmas!

My cards have started arriving at the homes of friends and family, so I'm good to go without making this post be a spoiler for anyone.

As always, I have found a way to hide the face of the husband. He honestly doesn't care if I show him off at this point, but it's almost too funny to do it this way. Check out the cool "art" I found on picnik.com ... doesn't he look great?

As always, my cards are done through Shutterfly. The place I go for all my photo needs.

Enjoy! And Happy Holidays!


Monday, December 13, 2010

Being a Mom Means ...

... Waking up with your glasses on in your daughter's bed, with the inability to recall exactly what time you relocated there. (I think it was after 3!)

... Waking up in the middle of the night to find yourself still IN your daughter's bed, as you fell asleep next to her at "bedtime" and that was that.


... Having to *play* even when you're not quite awake yet and still have goopies in your eyes.


... Giving someone your shirt to wipe their nose with. When it's still ON you.


... Stealing a small glance at your child and noticing how she isn't a baby anymore.


... Putting this little being above all others.


... Trying to remember the last time you washed your hair.


... Never being allowed to finish something you're eating without sharing. (Sharing is good. Sharing is good.)


... Putting your foot down when your child wants to dip their Cheetos in your soup.


... Being able to get a drink for free since they come with the kids' meals and you don't want YOUR kid drinking a soft drink or sweet tea!

... Enjoying the holidays through another pair of eyes. The wonder. The excitement. The sugar high ... yeah, maybe that last one isn't just the kid ... Cookie, anyone?

Friday, December 10, 2010

A Blended Holiday Household

Today is my SITS Day. If you do not know what that means I am not going to tell you. I kid, I kid. (If you're new here, you will soon learn that I like to tease!)

SITS is an incredible community of bloggers that you can find
here nearly every single day. Some days I slack off and don't head on over, and I'll tell you what - I always regret it.

Anyway, a little bit about me, which, after all, is why you're here, right?


I'm a
Jewish Mama in the South, who craves NYC bagels and my dad's matzo ball soup. I also really miss NYC pizza, which I can't even begin to explain ... though I have tried.

We're a blended family household here, in that I am Jewish, and as my husband defines himself, he is nothing. This makes for one
somewhat confused little three-year-old.

So for my SITS post today, I'm going to tell you a little bit about how we actually blend the holidays in our home, especially when Chanukah ended yesterday, and it's XX shopping days til Christmas. (Forgive me, I really don't know how many days it is, as I did all my shopping in time for Chanukah this year, which started wayyy early. You know you're jealous!)

This year we have not yet gone for a tree. It's been a few years since we have had one, as we normally travel on Christmas, but we'll be local this season, so we probably will get one this weekend. But in years past, we've had a Christmas tree, and we're sure to incorporate Chanukah into the theme of our
decorations.

Case in point:


You may not be able to tell, but that yellow ornament mid-tree is a dreidel! In fact, there is an entire string of Chanukah lights that covers the tree. There are some other ornaments, as well. I guess more and more people are celebrating both holidays these days, as it seems like more ornaments are available that celebrate Chanukah, but are ornaments, which, well, you get it, belong on a Christmas tree!


Of course, we let our house explode with more Chanukah decor, as I always have a tablecloth to celebrate the meal (this year we have a coloring tablecloth. You can't imagine how much fun that has been!). And yes, that is our old man cat (may he rest in peace) trying to sneak onto the table and steal the turkey!

And so I know this isn't your typical "how to" post, but I am proof that there is a way to celebrate BOTH, Chanukah and Christmas, together, and bring forth the delight of your little ones by decorating your homes full force. I have a variety of printable coloring pages I found online that celebrate both holidays, and my daughter loves them all. And they make instant decorations, too!
They're even more fun to color in with these cool dreidel crayons we gave her this year!

Anyway - that's me, in a nutshell. I'm Jewish, my husband's not, my kid is, but celebrates Christmas with Chanukah - and as tough as it might seem or as crazy as that sounds when the holidays are literally weeks apart on the calendar, all you have to do is find a way to use both sets of cookie cutters, hang the dreidels and menorahs on the tree and find a way to make both holidays a true festival of lights, love and family time!

So to all of you, I wish you a happy and a healthy holiday season. Hope to be seeing lots more of you around here. And many thanks to the SITStahs who brought so many of you my way today.


P.S. Before you go, feel free to enter my holiday giveaway! I'm hosting a $50 GC giveaway for Novica, right here! The winner could be YOU!

Monday, December 6, 2010

MommyParties ~ Sponsored by Episencial


I was lucky enough to host one of the MommyParties sponsored by Episencial and given some of their incredible products to try out, and hand out to many of my friends. The image above is of the tremendous box that I received for the party. What a surprise when that arrived on my doorstep!

I put the goodie bags together to include the product samples, including one FULL SIZED sample, as well, along with coupons, product information and more. I couldn't fit them all into the box once they were filled up!



Personally, my daughter and I are absolutely in love with one of the products we were given to sample. It's the Episencial Sweet Dreams Bubble Bath. We use it for her before bed bath, or even at other times, and it's relaxing, bubble-filled, and smells great. And I know it's 100% safe for her skin.
So far the feedback I've gotten from friends who have tried the product samples has been great. We haven't had a chance to use the sunscreen yet, but a new staple that stays in my not-exactly-a-diaper-bag-anymore-bag is their Protective Face Balm.
It's become a staple for my daughter, AND for me. It's great when it's windy out, or when your cheeks are just starting to feel a little raw. It's also great before and after swimming, which we do every week. And protects her delicate skin from the harsh chemicals that the pool needs to be functioning for all swimmers.

I'd like to thank Episencial and MommyParties for giving me an opportunity to host this party. I'm sorry I don't have more pictures, but when the kids got to playing and the moms got to chatting, my camera was the last thing on my mind!


**I was given a variety of products to review from Episencial Skincare via MommyParties. I was also given a substantial selection of samples to give to my friends who attended my "party" (which for us was more like a playdate) so they could take them home to try out. I was not compensated for the review or for hosting this event.**

Sunday, December 5, 2010

A Holiday Giveaway!


Okay, everyone, this is the time of the year that we buy and buy and buy for everyone else. Or we try to budget as best we can and buy them (the kids, the spouse, the grandparents, etc.) smaller items, use coupons and freebies and go above and beyond to surprise everyone else in our worlds.

I'd like to offer you a chance to win something that is just for you.


Yes, YOU! (GASP!)


Okay, okay ... you can also use the GC to get that perfect gift for someone on your list, but I really hope you use it for yourself!


I was recent given an opportunity to pick something to review from NOVICA,
one of the leading fair trade artisan websites. They work with National Geographic to give talented artisans around the world a place to express their artistic talents and provide access to the world market. They have thousands of top fair trade corporate gifts and home decor items on their website.

And while choosing something for myself (review to come later!) I fell in love with their products. The jewelry. Oh, the jewelry.


They also have loads of items to choose from in their Corporate Gifts collection. And pssst, guess what? They have a jewelry section there, as well. Go look!


They have a beautiful assortment of green items. Unique items, even a section of things for under $30! You can buy something for yourself AND a gift for someone else!


And on top of all these incredible items that help people across our great world, Novica also has a Microfinance program, where you can help to loan money to people -- loans as "small" as $25 -- to help them get themselves started as a
business. You can apply for or contribute to a loan here.

So Novica has offered me a $50 gift card to give to one of my loyal readers. I'm so excited! Keep reading to find out how to enter:

MANDATORY ENTRY:

-- Go over to NOVICA.com and let me know one item you are totally interested in.

OPTIONAL EXTRA ENTRIES:
-- Follow me through GFC
-- Follow me on Twitter @Goodgirlgonered
-- Follow Novica on Twitter @Novica

-- Tweet about this giveaway (you can copy and paste if you'd like) and provide a link:
Head on over to @goodgirlgonered to enter a @Novica #Giveaway today! http://bit.ly/i97ywC

-- Tell me one Charitable thing you have done this past year (2010)! This is on the honor system, but an extra entry if you can *prove* it (show me a link to the post about it, etc.)!

Winner will be drawn the morning of Monday, December 13th.
Thanks for playing and good luck!

** I borrowed Novica's logo for this Giveaway. I was not compensated for hosting this giveaway, but will be posting an item to review from them. That upcoming review was not in payment for hosting this giveaway. It was my choice to split the available credit to a review and giveaway for my readers, at their offering.**

Congrats to Commenter #5, royaldixie who said:
I follow in GFC, newmommyin08 AT yahoo DOT com

Friday, December 3, 2010

Mom Does Dinner ... the super easy way!

So it's far from a traditional holiday dinner, but I just tossed BBQ-Cranberry chicken into the CrockPot for tonight, and it's so simple I figured what better time to share?

See, when your kid is trying to decorate your entire house, even though most of your decorations are already done, you don't have time to prepare and cook a true holiday dinner. And sometimes you think, well, it's just for the three of us, anyway, so why go all out, right? So, here ya go.


Lazy Mom's BBQ-Cranberry Chicken Recipe:


1 package of chicken thighs (boneless)

1 can of whole cranberry sauce

1/2 bottle BBQ sauce (you can use a whole bottle, but I used half today!)


That's it. Toss all of that into your slow cooker and keep it on low for 6-8 hours. If you're crunched for time you can turn it to high for a little bit.


You can throw some veggies in there, but I prefer them on the side. Frozen, canned or fresh, it's a perfect accompaniment. On top of that I've got some crescent roll dough I can get into the oven about ten minutes before serving time and we've got ourselves a meal.


With some Star of David cookies for dessert, of course! Enjoy!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

A Chanukah Poem ...



Twas right before Chanukah and the house was a mess ...

I said to myself, Thank goodness no guests!

I dragged out the crayons and the holiday tablecloth,

But it's nearly impossible to color, even I'm feeling lost!
(bad rhyme attempt there!)


I tried really hard to find our menorah,

But no luck just yet, so don't dance that hora. :(


That's really okay because I realized last night,

That I only have about 3 candles to light!


The sparkly Star of David hangs up on the wall,

With a snowman to stare at, oh-ho, what a ball!


The dreidels are missing, nowhere to be found.

Now wait just a minute, what was that sound?

Ah, of course. Christmas music. Why that? - you might ask.

If I have to search for Chanukah songs any longer I might need my own flask.

My daughter just approached with two Santa hats,

and a Merry Christmas she shouted, though her tidings fell flat.

I think our next step will be to bake,

And sugar cookies shaped like Jewish Stars we will make.


Then tonight, best of all, latkes made from potatoes.

I'm using a box mix, but nobody knows!

And lastly we'll sit on the phone or on Skype,
To talk to my family and share in the hype.

We'll gather together across all the miles,
Singing the blessings and sharing the smiles.

Because no matter how far we live or how near,
Sharing holiday moments with loved ones so dear,

Tis the only way we'll celebrate,
Candles are at sundown, now don't be late!

HAPPY CHANUKAH TO YOU AND YOURS!