Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Even cool monuments and tons of history can't erase the fact that it was HOT!
“Hot” and “small children” don't go together, especially on vacation. When we went to Disney in August some years ago (because it was cheaper at that time of year), the 109 degree temperatures were made bearable by the many waterparks we visited. On this year's trip to Washington, DC, with the real-feel temperature above 109, it was especially tough. Sure, we were in one of the most beautiful cities in the United States with history surrounding us. And yes, my 11-year old son was prime to learn the meanings of what we were seeing. OK, even the 5-year old was interested in Abe Lincoln and the “guy who came after him, Barach Obama” (apparently there was no one in between). But hot weather doesn't help one concentrate, even when feeble …
Friday, February 18, 2011
Daughter has a problem. And this time it's Father & Son to the rescue!
"Mom, my tushy itches.” Those words stopped our typical family dinner. By “typical” I mean that I’m up and down from the table at least four times getting various items for the family (ketchup, seltzer, Cheerios and yes, admittedly I do regularly forget forks). On this night, just as I was finally about to sit down and eat, the 5-year-old made that announcement. Then, to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that her posterior did, indeed, itch, she came in and mooned the dining room. I looked at hubby; he looked at me. There was palpable tension at the standoff. I, being an inciter, increased it by digging my heels in and saying, “I am NOT getting up.” We looked at each other, then looked to the 10-year-old who was done with his meal and …
Friday, February 11, 2011
Looking for some heart to heart? We found special places in Livingston to reconnect with your sweetheart.
When you think of romance, you might think of Paris, Tahiti, Hawaii, but Livingston? Don’t laugh. Livingston has some very romantic places where a couple can reconnect ... with or without kids. Here are just a few: ♥ Il Ripasso. Chances are you’ve noticed the lights in the charming greenhouse windows of this cozy, pleasant little restaurant. Dress is casual and it’s BYOB. Lest you think it’s too fancy for kids, I brought my little one there and, even though they didn’t have a kids’ menu per se, she was able to get a lush plate of buttered noodles that had her giggling with delight. The staff is also quite willing to work with your child to find something he/she will eat (chicken fingers and French fries, spaghetti and meatballs…
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Here are some suggestions for quick, cheap, EASY party fare!
For some, the Super Bowl is about the game. For others, it’s about the food. Here are some suggestions for quick, cheap, EASY party fare: Lastly, when considering beverages, remember there’s a better choice than chemical-laden soda. Offer your guests seltzer spritzers by mixing flavored seltzers with juice. You’ll cut calories and sugar. Then sit back and enjoy the game (or commercials and half-time show)!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Her children are learning that just because something is sick, you shouldn't give up.
My husband and I are pet people. But while we love them, we try not to go overboard. No birthday parties for hamsters, no weddings for dogs, and while the beagle was fixed, we refrained from calling him “circumcised.” OK, so when I first gazed into the amazing eyes of my newborn son, my first thought was, “My God! He’s human!” let’s chalk that up to a moment of afterbirth insanity. Like what had I been carrying around those nine months? A litter of puppies? Anyway, we try to be balanced, responsible pet owners. So when Kelsey, the guinea pig, developed an infection in her eye, we took her to the vet. He gave us some cream and told us to bring her back in a week. Took the animal home, gave her the cream, and the next morning, as I ate …
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The challenge of having family conversations
My family went out to dinner the other night. The kids were thrilled because Red Robin is one of their favorite restaurants, offering “bottomless fries” and corndogs. I was overjoyed because I wasn’t cooking. My husband was also happy, probably because I wasn’t cooking. After ordering, I looked around. There were the standard posters on the walls with Tvs mounted around the restaurant showing A football game (Sorry, but to me, most televised football basically look the same: "man gets ball, other man knocks him down, ref blows whistle, man gets up” with a bunch of beer commercials showing attractive women thrown in to complete the caveman attraction. "Violence, alcohol, sex … GOOD!"). Anyway, I was surprised by the number of families…
Friday, January 7, 2011
We introduce a new column on motherhood by L. Klonsky, a Livingston mom of two whose goal is 'to minimize the amount of therapy my children will inevitably need.'
I’m startled awake by a UFO landing on my chest. Bam! It’s my Blackberry, still plugged into its charger. “Can you PLEASE shut the alarm clock off!” hollers my 10- year-old-son. Huh? I’m not even sure where I am! Our family plays a nightly game of musical beds. Since I have a cold, I’ve banished myself to The Boy’s room (it was a pre-emptive move – usually my husband banishes me to the shed). Junior, being a heat-seeking missile, traveled from my bed back to his for snuggles. I, being too hot and tired of him playing soccer in his sleep, went to my daughter’s bed which was empty because she’s sleeping on a mattress on the floor. Don’t ask. After getting dressed, I have a 2-second bonding session with my husband who’s bound for the train …
Charu Bansal
7:55 am on Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Hillarious article! Reminds me of my day, every day, in our household. The article sort of inclines towards mommy being overworked, and has no time for a sit down meal. It's important to remind ourselves on a day to day basis that mothers are humans, and they do need to find time for themselves; which obviously; is something I've not gotten around to yet. Am all ears for suggestions. more ›