A Couple of Fun Things

A couple of fun things. The kindly Patricia of pve design just posted an interview with little ol' me — complete with darling sketch of my kids hanging out in my office. The office is fantastically accurate — if much cleaner than the real one. You can check out the interview here.



Also, John Segal, one of my favorite children's book illustrators will be the Children's Museum of Manhattan this Sunday. He'll be reading and signing copies of The Lonely Moose. Rumor has it that he may be doing a watercolor demonstration as well — sweet!! Sunday, April 6th, 1:30 pm, Children's Museum of Manhattan. If you're in New York, you won't want to miss it.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

It was a great weekend! Mostly because we were all together for the first time in awhile. And also because it was jam packed with fun stuff.

On Saturday we hit the matinee of Horton Hears a Who. The kids loved it. And it was especially fun because we know two of the animators that worked on the movie. (Blue Sky Studios, the company behind Horton and Robots and Ice Age, is based here in New York, very close to where we live.)

Saturday night was the Pinewood Derby. More on that later.

Sunday we wore green, ate green food at a church get together and then went to the Josh & Erin's for a traditional St. Patrick's Day feast. Corned beef, cabbage and lots of root vegetables (potatoes, beets, parsnips, carrots, and one other one I'm forgetting). Plus no less than 3 desserts. So yummy. I had seconds. And thirds. If you ever get the chance to live near Josh and Erin I highly recommend it.

We're all wearing green today and wishing good luck to all we meet. Including you.

Ben Blair turns 35

Today is Friday, March 14th. Which means that Ben Blair's birthday was one week ago on Friday, March 7th. Ben is 35 years old. And we still haven't celebrated this joyous occasion. Which is not good. Not good at all.

Here's the boring story: Ben was out of town last Thursday. Then I was out of town Friday through Sunday. Then he's been out of town again this week. It's kind of like playing tag — but at JFK, and with airplanes. He'll be back in the morning and I can't wait to see him.

To ease my guilt about leaving town on his birthday, Ben promised me we would pick a-date-sometime-in-March to celebrate. We want to make him breakfast in bed, and bake a cake, and wrap up some presents. I don't think he would mind skipping all of this, but our kids would be terribly offended if any of these traditions were taken lightly.

Just to be safe: March is slipping away fast — if for some reason the celebration doesn't happen, well then at least this blog post will mark his big day. Happy Birthday Ben Blair.

(I know we like to believe that God loves all his children equally, but I could make a strong argument that I'm his favorite because I get to be married to Ben Blair.)

Fashion Roundtable with Cate Adair of Desperate Housewives

Two weeks ago I spent a lovely afternoon at a Blogger's Roundtable with the stylist and costume designer for Desperate Housewives. Her name is Cate Adair and she has wonderful ideas and a gorgeous collection of handbags. Plus, she was super down-to-earth — especially for someone who dresses six of the most glamorous women on TV. I've been meaning and meaning to post about the event and today's the day.

This was my first Blogger's Roundtable and in case you're curious, this is what went down:

1) Yummy lunch — fresh fruit, salads and sandwiches — at Dream Hotel. (My first visit to Dream Hotel, by the way, and it is gorgeous and in fact dreamy.)



2) Chatting with the loveliest group of fashion & celebrity bloggers ever. I met mother-of-two Vera from I'm Not Obsessed, newlywed Lauren from Second City Style, Bryn from She Finds — recently upgraded from mere writer to full-fledged editor — she is adorable and friendly, and new-to-blogging Felissa from About This.

3) After the food, Cate told us about herself, answered our fashion questions and told us what to look for while we watched the Oscar's — and what to expect in stores this Spring (like stacked bracelets). A bit of Cate's wisdom: when shopping for a big event, try on the dress while wearing the "undies" you plan to wear — it makes a big difference to the fit.



4) As we talked, Cate had a model come into the room wearing some of her favorite lines. She introduced us to: Rare Vintage (a clothing store in Manhattan). John Hardy Jewelry. Jeanne Jarvaise Shoes. Rich & Skinny Jeans. Parajumpers Coats.

5) The whole thing was sponsored by Febreeze and Cate said her favorite time to use Febreeze is when she's working with vintage clothing — which invariably comes with a scent because a) it's old, b) it's used, and c) if it's been stored correctly, it probably smells like mothballs or cedar or both. She said Febreeze freshens her vintage collection in a snap. We were sent home with Febreeze samples — I've never tried it before and I'm pretty curious to see what kind of uses I find for it.

It really was a lovely afternoon. If you're dying for more details, you're in luck — we were videoed the entire time. Check it (2 minutes, 42 seconds):


photos from I'm Not Obsessed

Super Tuesday is Super

I'm back at my desk after a few errands: picked-up a birthday present, mailed a belated gift to my mom at the post office, and VOTED! I hope you get out there today too. It's good for you, good for the country and good for your kids to see.

Lots of super things today in addition to voting. I've got plans to stop by the NY Gift Show. There's a big parade for the Giants. And tonight there's a tech meet-up I'm hoping to attend. Every once in awhile, I crave a super busy day like this.

Report on the Red Dress Show

View The Heart Truth's map

Taken in (See more photos here)

So I have to give you a quick report on the show. I loved it, loved it, loved it. So much fun. I managed to snag myself a front row, center section seat and had one of the best views in the tent.

This is who walked the red runway:

Allison Janney, you know, CJ from The West Wing, wearing Donna Karan
Ana Ortiz, Ugly Betty's sister Hilda, wearing Badgley Mischka — adorable
Ashanti wearing Tracy Reese
Camryn Manheim, from The Practice, wearing Ali Rahimi
Cheryl Hines, Curb Your Enthusiasm, wearing Catherine Malandrino

Heidi Klum wearing Marc Jacobs. I am officially in love with Heidi Klum. She is stunning.
Jenna Fischer, Pam from The Office, wearing Carmen Marc Valvo
Joss Stone wearing Max Azria Atelier


Lisa Rinna wearing Michael Kors. Hers was probably my favorite dress — the fringe was amazing.

Liza Minnelli wearing a Halston Original
Maria Menounos for Marchesa
Mary Lynn Rajskub, from 24, wearing Monique Lhuillier
Molly Sims, from Las Vegas, wearing Daniel Swarovski. I also really, really loved this dress.
Rita Moreno wearing Lily Samii. She danced the entire length of the runway and was charming.
Sara Ramierez (Callie from Grey's Anatomy) wearing Angel Sanchez — and she was absolutely gorgeous.

The First Lady, Laura Bush, opened the show (and then sat right across from me, I'm not kidding about my really good seat) and she was lovely and gracious as well. To end the show, Liza Minnelli sang New York, New York and was just generally awesome while confetti fell from the top of the tent.

The show was great. The energy was fantastic — red outfits everywhere and the audience just delighted to be a part of it. The dresses were amazing. And it was especially fun because the models/actresses were waving and dancing and blowing kisses and interacting with the audience.



I had a great time and felt so lucky to be invited. I picked up The Heart Truth red dress pins for my daughters after the show. Hooray for National Wear Red Day!

100 Percent

So I'm back. Feeling good. Yesterday was maybe 80, 85%. Today I'm 100% healthy. And I love it. As soon as I was feeling better my appetite came back with a vengeance and happily, my friend Angela who is in tune with the entire Universe, sensed this increased hunger and brought an enormous pasta dinner for my whole family. Complete with homemade sauce from her Grandma's special recipe and a crusty loaf of bread. Yummy. And did I mention yummy? Thank you Angela!

(Side note: is there anything more wonderful than a good friend to bring you dinner when you're not feeling well? Seriously. You should probably move to New York so you can live near people like Angela.)



During the worst of the sickness, I comforted myself with sips of Glow Mama. Lucy Leahy developed a drink just for expectant/nursing Mamas (I'm not currently either, but anyway...) when she found herself a bit discouraged at her limited beverage options while she was pregnant. She sent me a couple of samples of her kiwi juice concoction and I found them light, not too sweet, subtle,and pretty darn lovely. Very gentle on my upset stomach.



And to cheer me up, Shannon from Rocks in My Dryer sent me an article her local Tulsa newspaper had written up about her great blog. It's a lovely article and was especially cheery to me because she mentioned my blog as one of her ten favorites. Thank you Shannon! You're a sweetheart.

And now here I am. Healthy, full of pasta and kiwi juice, and delighted by a newspaper mention. Life is good. I can't wait to read Michelle's guest post today. . .

Back In a Bit

Oh my. I have 3 more really good posts for today — one of them from our awesome Guest Mom, Michelle. Really. They are don't miss. But. I'm deathly ill with some sort of flue and am kidding myself if I think I can get them posted right now. This same sickness has cycled through my kids pretty quickly, so I'm crossing my fingers I'll be feeling healthy soon (oh please let it be soon). And then I'll be back at my computer.

Also. I'm feeling heart-heavy today. A great man and leader passed away yesterday. His name is Gordon B. Hinckley and he's been the leader of my church for the last 12 years. So I'm also spending time today with the rest of my peeps mourning his death and pondering and celebrating the good life he lived .

Oscar is Three

Oscar turned 3 years old last Wednesday. He is so charming it's all I can do not to eat him up. He says "bawindow" instead of window, as in "Let's look out the bawindow." He calls any body of water an "ocean of the sea," as in "Hey, there's the ocean of the sea!" when we come upon the Hudson River. Ben found this list of "Toddler Rules" and we think they fit Oscar perfectly. Especially these three:

If it does not open, it must be screamed at.
If Mommy's hands are full, I must be carried.
If it is pointed, it must be run with at top speed.

We are having a Round & Round party for him this Saturday. All about circles, polka dots, wheels, and balls. With music by JT and Dead or Alive and Ratt. I'll share details next week.

No Regrets

Halfmama just sent me a link to her amazing Chrismakkuh card. That she modeled on my own family's Christmas card. Which I modeled on the photography of Jon Von Holleben. Didn't it turn out wonderfully? I love it! Nice work, halfmama.

I confess, seeing it did give me a tiny pang of regret — after all the time we spent putting together our card, I never did get it mailed out. Not cool. And not that surprising actually — it's happened before. Clearly I love the creative part more than the practical part. Staging a photograph = fun. Addressing envelopes = not as fun.

But for realsies, no regrets. 2007 was a great year.* And now. On to 2008! Laurie (of Leap Design, Upside Up and sk*rt) captures my enthusiasm perfectly with her fabulous New Year's card:

*Although I stand by my claim that 2007 was a great year, it should be noted that at our house it will also be recorded as the Year of Infestation. Every childhood plague that relates to bugs came to our home. Lice. Lice-relapse. Pinworms. Boils. And some more I can't remember. It was ridiculous. I didn't even know what most of the ailments were until we were at the doctor's hearing the diagnosis. (What's the deal? Did we stop bathing in 2007?)

Also, as we worked to clean out our basement for the playroom conversion, at least two species of unrecognizable and slightly disturbing bugs — is it a spider? Is it an odd silent cricket? Does is have hair? — were discovered. Ben Blair said, "Our basement is the Galapagos Islands of bug evolution."

Logically, I know they are harmless, but that doesn't mean they don't completely creep me out. I owe a special thanks to Mr. Blair for being a fearless bug destroyer.

Donna Jean Pack

My sister Rachel recently posted a photo of my Mom as a young mother. Isn't she stylin? The necktie. The awesome lamp. And I totally remember the suede couch. It was gorgeous — super simple, with clean lines. Man. I have good genes.

Mom, which baby are you holding?

Happy New Year!

January rocks! I love an excuse to make goals and lists. To resolve to become a better person or live a better life. Last Sunday, we ceremoniously pulled out our trusty notebook and made our new resolutions — and several of the ones I'm looking forward to the most involved this very blog.

In fact, I better stop typing about them and get to work making them happen. In the meantime let me wish you a Happy New Year and ask you to meet me here tomorrow for an awesome beginning-of-the-year Giveaway.

photo by Annene von Durchgerockt

Baby FYI

So it's been pregnancy central for my brothers and sisters this year. My brother Salem and his wife Megan gave birth to baby number 2, last month. His name is Jared and he is beautiful. Look at that hair! Those cheeks! I can't wait to meet him.

Then. My sister Jordan and her husband Paul, plus my brother Jared and his wife Liz are each due with baby number 1 on January 1st, 2008.



Actually. I should say "were" due. Because Liz and Jared gave birth to a gorgeous little boy, Henry Wayne Stanley, on December 5th — after a crazy surprise emergency c-section. He is home and healthy and I can't wait to meet him too. Isn't that a great shot? Ben thinks he looks just like one of our babies.

And. Paul and Jordan are at the hospital as I type!

Three little boy cousins. All born within a short time. So wonderful. But labor is hard. Delivery is harder. I'll be sending up prayers for Jordan all day long.

A Few of Erin's Food Picks

When Ben and I had our weekend without kids a little while back, we asked my sister-in-law Erin for food recommendations. The New York food scene is extensive enough that no matter how many places we've tried and loved, we never come close to trying them all. Erin had wonderful ideas, keeping in mind places she knew we hadn't been to. Here they are with her notes:

For Lunch
Bouchon Bakery — Columbus Circle in the Time Warner Bldg. By Thomas Keller of French Laundry and per se fame.

Momofuku Noodle Bar — The chef was Bon Appetite's chef of the year this year. It's casual sit at a bar kind of place — think ramen noodles but totally homemade.

Rickshaw Dumplings — 61 W 23rd st. (23rd between 6th and Broadway) We love the pork and the chicken dumplings. Ben would like the chocolate dumpling.

Shake Shack — Madison Square Park, Broadway and 23rd



For Dinner
Gotham — 12 E. 12th st (between 5th and University) They have a $25 lunch prix fixe if you can't get in for dinner.

Craft — 43 E. 19th St. (bet. B-way and Park Ave. S.) Rebecca R. told me this was her favorite place they'd been, so we tried it last year. It's amazing. Same price point as Gotham.

Vong — 200 E. 54 th St (3rd Ave.) They call this French-Thai. Lots of Thai flavors but more French preparation. They have a pre-theater prix fixe that is a great price.

For Dessert
Pinkberry — This is the frozen yogurt place. There are lots of locations, all open until 11:00.
32nd street - 7W 32nd st.
Chelsea 170 8th Ave.
Columbia 2873 Broadway
Greenwich Village 177 Bleecker St.
Spring Street 41 Spring St.

Chickalicious — 203 E. 10th St. (between 1st and 2nd) One of my most favorite New York memories. You put your name in and wait in this tiny place (it seats 20) for like an hour, but then enjoy a three courses of dessert. And it's nothing like a buffet dessert, each course is simple and small and beautifully crafted. A husband/wife team runs it, the wife is Japanese and you see her influence in presentation and simplicity. It's a prix fixe menu — $21 a person. It's amazing!!

----------

What a list! Perfect for our weekend. We didn't get to every place on Erin's list, but we loved having options so we didn't have to think hard about it and could pick a restaurant close to where we were. We ended up at Gotham (classic New York) for dinner on Friday and Momofuku (super-hip, young New York) for dinner on Saturday and loved them both.

She might have different recommendations for a different weekend and a different couple. But I thought I would share this great list because I know how many people come into town for the Holidays and need food advice. Erin gives great food advice.

images from Momofuku, Bouchon and Gotham

Happy News.

My mind is spinning with so many things to report. Actually spinning. Well. Really more like pacing. I found myself pacing this morning making a mental list of things I wanted to blog about. Anyway. I'll start with 3 things.

Item number one:
Ben Blair is now Dr. Ben Blair! Thank you so much for all the comments of support on the last post. Ben was delighted and surprised when he happened to check my blog last Thursday and read all your kind words. He was really happy about it. So thank you. It's always so encouraging to imagine people out there rooting for you.

Item number two:
The weekend was fantastic. We are home and rested. We saw too many beautiful things. Ate too much wonderful food. I would repeat the exact weekend again — it was that good — with the exception of our viewing of Beowolf. Which I disliked very much.

I'll tell you more about the weekend as I post through the next few days, but I'll mention the hotel now (so that I have an excuse to add some pics to this post). We stayed at the Millenium Hilton downtown. It's directly across the street from Ground Zero. And it has amazing views across the river. Our room was beautiful. Our bed was comfortable. We were more than content.

Item number three:
We have a new Guest Mom today! More on that coming up. . .

Big Day for Ben Blair

It's true. It's a very big day for Ben Blair.

Tonight, from 5:00 to 7:00, he'll defend his doctoral dissertation. (It deals with the tensions between teachers and schools — in case you're curious.) I've read it. All 230 pages. And it's super smart and very well written. Full of interesting words and terms like: Dialectic. Institution. Discourse. Trajectory. Cultural Form. Mythos. Logos. Bracing. Phronesis. Bureaucracy. Objectifying Consciousness. Rationale. Deliberate. Conception. But mostly "dialectic." I think it says dialectic 1 million times.

He also refers to loads of interesting thinkers and philosophers. People like MacIntyre, Dewey, Rousseau, Van Manen, Plato and on and on. The whole thing is very impressive and academic, as it should be. He's worked incredibly hard on this for an incredibly long time. In fact, we originally moved to New York, over 6 years ago, so he could accomplish this very thing.

And unlike his fellow students — or even professors, in most cases — he's done this worthy thing while also adding three kids to the family of four we had when he started. While taking turns as primary bread winner and stay-at-home dad as needed. While teaching 3 of his kids to ride a bike and snow ski. While being an exceptional father. An exceptional husband.

He even sends me cool links to share with Design Mom readers. Just today he sent a link to these too-great-for-words photos by Jan Von Holleben.

Ben Blair is a good man. No doubt he will do an amazing job tonight (but feel free to wish him luck anyway). And then he'll have a PhD from Columbia University. And then I'll call him Dr. Ben Blair.

Tonight, after his defense, he is meeting me at Grand Central Station and we are heading to a hotel for the weekend. A well-deserved weekend without any kiddies. So I won't be here tomorrow. But I'll be back Monday (well rested!) with big news about my week of Holiday Giveaways.

Hooray for Ben Blair!

Stalking Santa Report

The screening last Thursday of Stalking Santa, was even more fun than I guessed it would be. The movie was great. And the question and answer session afterwards was wonderful. It was fun to hear Chris talk about working with his wife Lisa — who plays his wife in the movie. It was interesting to hear the writer and cast member, Daryn Tufts, talk about making a feature film on a teeny tiny budget. And so cool to hear how he got William Shatner involved. There is a bunch of vintage footage in the movie and it was fascinating to hear how they created it. I love when I can get some insight into how something like this was made.

William Shatner is the narrator and executive producer. He does an excellent job and lends such gravity to the whole film. But for sure, the stars are Chris and Lisa and Daryn. And they shine! I've never watched a movie before that starred my friends and I wondered if I would feel strange watching them act out a certain role on the big screen — but they were fantastic. They were perfectly cast.

We came home with the DVD — signed by Mr. Clark of course — and it pretty much played nonstop at our house all weekend. Everyone has their favorite lines — including the one where the assistant says, "How do I explain Lloyd? You might as well ask me to explain Einstein, or Alex Trebek."

The movie is just right for tweens to adults. If you're dying for more info on the film or the actors, or want to see the Santa Papyrus and Santa Cave Paintings up close, you can get your fill by downloading the press kit from the Stalking Santa site.




Stalking Santa is terrific. You've got to see it. It's hilarious. Find the DVD it here.


Olive, who thought she was very fancy to get to stay up late, pictured here with screen star Christopher Clark, at the Stalking Santa New York Premiere.

Two Great Contests by Two Great Book Companies

My friend Hailey just let me know about a great contest hosted by Chronicle Books. It's a doodling contest to celebrate two new books by Taro Gomi. Open to doodlers and scribblers of all ages. And it runs through May 15, 2008, so you've got plenty of time to enter. Grand Prize winners will be selected by Taro Gomi himself. Find out more here.



Also. Scholastic has a very cool program I just heard about. It's for all you parents of artistic teenagers. You can have your child, in grades 7-12, apply for a Scholastic Art & Writing Award. The program is now in its 85th year, and I was impressed by the list of past winners, which include Andy Warhol, Truman Capote, Robert Redford, Joyce Carol Oates, Sylvia Plath, John Lithgow and on and on.

If you think you know a good candidate, The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the nonprofit group that administers The Awards, is now accepting submissions. To find out more, visit www.artandwriting.org. And if, like me, your kids are too young for this, I suggest you bookmark the page for future reference.

Stalking Santa

We're so excited. We have these friends, Christopher and Lisa Clark. You may know Lisa from her fantastic week here as the original Guest Mom, and also as the sister of Maroon 5's awesome guitarist. And you may know Christopher from his excellent blog, The Jolly Porter, and because he's the brother of well-known bloggers Nie Nie and cJane, and because he grew up a block away from my husband.

Well. Chris and Lisa are talented in dozens of various ways, and they happen to star in a movie called Stalking Santa. The same Stalking Santa that will be featured at the Angelika Theater, right here in New York, on Thursday, November 8th. The same Stalking Santa featured in the trailer above.

Christopher will be flying out to the big premiere and we can't wait to see him. And we can't wait to see Stalking Santa. And the best part is: YOU'RE INVITED TOO! In fact, you can bring your friends, you can bring the whole family — it's going to be fantastic. Halloween will be a fond memory by that time and you'll be so ready to get stoked for the Holidays. A movie like Stalking Santa will do the trick.

Extra special bonus: the showing is free dollars and thirty free cents. Yep. It's a FREE movie, so no excuses. Put it on your calendars right away. Tell your friends.

Come to the Angelika Film Center, 18 West Houston St. (@ Mercer St.), New York, NY 10012, on Thursday, November 8th at 7:00 PM. I'll be there. My husband will be there. And if you say hello, I'll even try to introduce you to Mr. Christopher Clark himself.

UPDATE: I just heard from the Stalking Santa people. They mentioned that you can print out tickets here.

JK Rowling Report

We just got home and I wanted to report while everything was still fresh. Be warned, spoilers ahead.

The reading itself was fantastic. She read the part of Book 7 where Ron returns to Harry and Hermione (part of the Silver Doe chapter). She was great. And the audience just ate it up.

I didn't understand this until we were there, but the audience was made up of sweepstakes winners. I don't know the contest details, but apparently this wasn't an event you could buy tickets to. So the audience was made up of serious fans, which was perfect for this sort of thing. And they were here from all over the country. Georgia, Chicago, Hawaii, etc. Additionally, this specific reading was intended for an older audience. There weren't as many kids there as you might guess.

After she reached the end of the chapter, it was time for questions. Some of the sweepstakes winners had been pre-picked and were prepared with really good questions. I only took notes on a few. And I'm going to paraphrase.

Q - Why the match-up between Molly and Bellatrix?
JKR's A - Molly is a very powerful witch. Anyone that could raise Fred and George must be powerful. But sometimes that fact gets lost because her skills — like magical cooking, which is much harder than it looks, as I tried to show in the tent scenes — don't draw much attention. But I wanted to make the point that just because a woman dedicates her life to her family, doesn't mean she's not highly skilled and talented and powerful. And I liked the idea if paring Bellatrix's obsessive, disturbing love for Voldemort with Molly's maternal love. The theme of maternal love, and how being loved gives you power, was important to me throughout the books.

Q - Did Dumbledore ever have a true love?
JKR's A - Dumbledore is gay. He fell in love with Grindlewald, which sort-of blinded him to Grindlewald's true nature, and he was devastated and broken-hearted when he clearly saw what kind of person Grindlewald was. It was Dumbledore's great tragedy.

Q - Does Neville marry?
JKR's A - Yes. He marries Hannah Abbot. She becomes the next proprietor of the Leaky Cauldron. This makes Neville very popular among his students. They think it's wonderful that he lives above a pub. (You remember from that he becomes the herbology teacher at Hogwarts.)

Q - Does Hagrid ever marry and have children?
JKR's A - No. Sorry. Sorry. [Then while the audience voiced disappointment] I kept him alive. Come on!

Q - Would Snape's portrait hang in the headmaster's office at Hogwarts? And if yes, would Harry visit it?
JKR's A - Technically no, because Snape sort of abdicated his office. But Harry would have insisted. So yes, Snape's portrait would be there. And no, Harry would not visit it. Although Snape loved deeply and was brave — two qualities I very much admire — he was still a mean and vindictive person and he was not kind to Harry.

Other things I remember JKR said:
-The series is a prolonged argument for tolerance.
-Even though many people dislike the books for this reason, I think it's healthy to question authority, and important to know that the government and press don't always tell the whole truth.

Anyway. It was a wonderful evening. Carnegie Hall is beautiful. JK Rowling was delightful. Dessert afterward was delicious. And my kids got some unexpected sex ed.

JK Rowling portrait via Guardian Unlimited.

Brilliant Lego Ads

My husband, Ben Blair, sent me a link to these Lego Ads. I wonder if they're available as posters. So freaking brilliant. And beautiful.

Saab 900

I was parked at my community center yesterday and noticed an older Saab 900 parked next to me — it was a 4-door, which I like even more than the 2-door pictured. I adore the look of this car and like to daydream about buying one. It's one of my ongoing dilemmas. I develop crushes on older model cars, but I'm just not committed to the relationship. Is it possible to find a perfectly restored Saab that as easy to maintain as, say, a 2007 Honda?

The car we brought to New York when we moved here was a red, 1983 Landcruiser. Also one of my favorite cars, but too hard/expensive for us to maintain at the time, so we sold it. I still miss it.

Publicolor

Kelcey at The Mama Bird Diaries wrote to me about Publicolor.

Paraphrasing from their website: Publicolor was founded by industrial designer Ruth Lande Shuman in 1996, to push back at our nation's growing drop-out rate. Publicolor teaches innercity students the marketable skill of commercial painting, which itself can break the cycle of poverty, then helps students transform their own school's environment and that of nearby community sites. So far, Publicolor has transformed over 84 school buildings and over 100 community sites, impacting the daily lives of 150,000+ teachers and students.

I love this kind of thing. You can see before and after photos of some of their projects here.

On the Calendar

Tomorrow night:
Brandi Carlile at the Fillmore



Friday night:
Dinner at Jane.




This month:
The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze in Sleepy Hollow. The very same Sleepy Hollow that Washington Irving wrote about in The Headless Horseman. In fact, the Old Dutch Church in the book still stands there today. This will be our first year to attend the blaze. So excited.



Thanksgiving :
We won't have any family around this year and have decided we aren't up for a big flight. So we've been looking for good spots we can drive to and spend Thanksgiving weekend. Some place like a cabin in Vermont, or a farm in Pennsylvania. Then last Saturday I was getting my hair done and asked my stylist for advice on good vacation spots and she suggested Plymouth, Mass.

I was totally stunned. This will be our 7th Thanksgiving in New York, less than three hours from Plymouth, and we have never thought to visit the site. And now I am so delighted with the whole idea I can barely stand it. If you can't be with family, is there a better place to spend Thanksgiving than on Plimouth Plantation?

Mini Harvest

We planted a small garden this year. Our first since moving to New York. Although it's kind of a random assortment of vegetables — cauliflower, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, some kind of hot peppers, and lots of herbs — it has been wonderful to watch it grow and have the kids help me tend it.

I can't say we were dedicated gardeners. Weeding and watering happened sporadically at best and we never did add any fertilizer. But the earth of New York is apparently made to grow things. And we have a handy little harvest despite the neglect.

Handy enough that I keep needing to give baskets of vegetables away. But I had to take a picture first because the little harvest looks so yummy and wholesome sitting there on the kitchen counter.

Fashion Week

It's a sign.

First I met the lovely and gracious Chloe from Project Runway at BlogHer. She was a sweetheart to speak with. And she said Tim Gunn is really as wonderful as he seems. (Side note: did anyone see the premiere of Mr. Gunn's new show last night. He is a genius. The show was great.)



Then. I received an unexpected invitation to the Terexov show at Fashion Week. Never heard of Terexov? Neither had I. But of course I jumped at the chance to go to the show. Who wouldn't? He's a young Russian designer and his work is beautiful. The show last night featured his Spring '08 line. I couldn't find pictures, but you can see the Spring '07 line here.



I have to say I loved being there and immediately started scheming about how to attend more shows during Fashion Week. I found the whole experience absolutely fascinating and completely inspiring.

So it's a sign. It's time for Design Mom to step it up in the fashion department. Not on the blog so much as in real life. But first, I think I should buy this:

Design Mom was Hatched in the Hive

There are three places in the country that I feel completely at home. New York. California. And most of all, Utah. It's where I grew up. It's where I went to college. It's where I met my husband and married. It's where my first two babies were born. The beehive state is a beautiful place.

If you're a Utah fan as well. (Who isn't?) You'll love the daily blog Your Heart Out — dedicated to all things cool in Salt Lake City, the hippest town in the Mountain West. My sister Jordan turned me on to the site when it was just born and I was an instant fan. The writing is excellent and the site design is flawless. Bonus: it gives me a Utah fix when I'm feeling homesick.



And today I was blushing as I checked in at Your Heart Out. Because they wrote up the nicest little interview featuring yours truly. So here's a big thank you to the ladies responsible for the lovely site. I'm honored. Especially considering the talented women that have already been featured, like Abby of Kate Spade fame and Rachel from beloved Darlybird. (You can click the "hatched in the hive" category to see all the interviews.)

Your Heart Out, you totally made my day.

Giveaway Reminder — 3 Go Slings from Puj Baby

Don't forget! You have until tonight (Wednesday) at midnight to enter your name for one of three Go Slings from Puj Baby. Just leave a comment on that post.


And speaking of three, I forgot to tell you about the birthday celebration this weekend. The lovely and talented Erin (my sister-in-law) baked three cakes — that's right, three! — for the big party. Her son Colin, and my Olive and Ralph all share a birthday weekend and lucky for me, we live close enough to celebrate together.

The cakes were both delicious and beautiful. I loved how she used fondant for the Barbie dress. It drapes like fabric. And I especially loved that my assignment for the party was to simply show up with ice cream. Thank you Erin!

This Weekend and Last Weekend

August is a big month at our house. This weekend Olive and Ralph both have birthdays — no big parties this year, but lots of fun plans to celebrate. Then Ben starts his new job at New Paltz on Monday!



Last weekend was also super-festive. Friday night, High School Musical 2 premiered, which was the anticipated event of the summer by the elementary school faction at our house. We had the cousins over for a big party. Pizza, rootbeer floats, plus red and white snacks for movie watching. Red and white? East High Wildcat school colors, of course!



Then, Ben and I celebrated our wedding anniversary on Sunday. Actually. We celebrated Saturday night by visiting the Apple store and picking up one of these. Sadly it's still sitting in its box because I haven't set aside an evening to make the switch from old, sad, 6-year-old-dinosaur computer to new, super-fast, shiny one. It's hard to find a whole unscheduled evening.



Because Ben is a professor he got a discount on the new computer plus a free Ipod Nano. Which works out conveniently for this weekend. The Nano will be a perfect birthday gift for Ralph, who is turning 10. In fact, we picked out the green one just for him. We're going to pre-load it with some of his favorite songs before we wrap it up.

Yeah for Birthdays! Yeah for Anniversaries! Yeah for Apple! Yeah for Candy!

A few things of Note

It's the one year anniversary of Darlybird! I'm such a Darlybird fan. For those of you new to Design Mom, Darlybird sponsored my very first Giveaway. So I'm ready to celebrate! You can join the fun: enter happydarly in the coupon code field of the checkout screen and Design Mom Readers will receive 20% off their entire order! Sale ends August 20th, so shop early for the best selection.


And I've got another discount for you as well. Remember those darling baby announcements I posted about from Handsome Devil Press? Well they've also offered Design Mom Readers a discount. Type in coupon code designmom at check out and get 10% off any of their cards.


Also. You know how I can't stop talking about sk*rt? Well I'm not the only one. ComputerWorld wrote an article about sk*rt and dozens of sites have reviewed sk*rt as well. (We're tracking out publicity on our delicious page.) I'm so dang excited! I hope you're enjoying sk*rt as much as I am. Use it to find cool links and promote the blogs and websites you love!

And don't miss the latest sk*rt contest to win loot from The Silly Wagon. It's easy to enter and ends tomorrow. Find the details here.


Last but not least. In case you missed it, there is a Giveaway going on here at Design Mom right this minute. You could win a gorgeous, red handbag and planner binder from FranklinCovey valued at $240. Just leave a comment on that post.

My First Visit to Chicago.

Suitcase packed. Check.
Ferris Bueller reviewed (the first Chicago movie I could think of). Check.
Cherry red pedicure procured. Check.

It's looks like it's time to head out!

While I'm 100% looking forward to the possibility of sleeping in, and while I know it's a short trip, I haven't quite made it out the door and I already miss my wee family. Ridiculous.


polish photo via Getty

Blog Birthday

There I was. Home from vacation and excited to get blogging again. Catching up on email. Tying up loose ends from past giveaways. When I realized I completely missed my one year blog birthday while I was out of town!

July 8th, 2006 was the birth of this little project called Design Mom. And I still love it.

Thanks for reading. I can't wait to see where it goes next.


pic from Oh Happy Day

Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies!

I hope you have a wonderful Independence Day! Our schedule: hot air balloon meet, parade, hike, swim, bbq, fireworks. Perfect.

I know my kids only got out of school a week ago, but the 4th of July always feels like the smack dab middle of summer to me. I love it. I'm predicting that two-year-old Oscar is absolutely going to freak out about how cool sparklers are.

fantastic porch image from getty

I Heart Pixar

I think everyone in my family, all over the country, will see Ratatouille today. We're going to a BBQ tonight, but hoping to hit a late screening afterwards. I can't wait.

My son Ralph considers himself a Ratatouille expert and will challenge anyone he knows on Ratatouille trivia. (What trivia? The movie is only out today. . .)

Breakfast In Bed

The Menu:
Spring Strawberries with Fresh Whipped Cream
French Toast from a Country Italian Loaf
Maple Syrup
Milk
Chocolate Milk

That's what my dear children and dear husband brought me this morning — after letting me sleep in until 7:00 (lovely!) — to wish me a happy birthday.

My birthday wish is to catch up on my email. So I'm off to do just that, and I'll leave you in the capable hands of our Guest Dad, Ryan.


pic from getty

I'm Not Cool, But My Brother Is — by Guest Mom Lisa V. Clark

[ Note from Design Mom: So my friend Lisa Valentine Clark — an all-around wonder woman and the original Guest Mom blogger here at Design Mom — is related to James Valentine. James is the lead guitarist for the band Maroon5. James is also Lisa's little brother. Since we've already discussed how rock-and-roll this rad month of June is going to be, I thought it especially appropriate to get a Guest Mom post from Lisa with all the juicy details of the Hollywood hotlist party she attended last week at her brother's invitation. Thanks Lisa! ]


Last week I had the great opportunity to go to L.A. for the swanky CD launch party for my little brother's band's sophomore album. The band is Maroon5 and the album is It Won't Be Soon Before Long, and if you haven't already, go out and buy it. Or download it. But please do it legally and pay for it. Seriously.



Several days before the party, my brother James called to say he wanted to fly us out for the party. I was really surprised. I thought it would be more of a work/mingle thing for him and less of a relax/family thing. He said, "Yeah, but we talked about it. It'll be fun!" to which I replied, "If by 'talked about it' you mean when we were all joking at Christmas that we were going to show up to the party in a beat-up RV with plates from Utah wearing t-shirts that say 'we're with Jimmy V!' 'talking about it,' then, okay. . ." But the plans were made and off we went.

Well, it was quite a party. The first thing that tipped me off that I wasn't really "in" with the cool kids was the fact that while it was a cd "launch party," I would have called it a "release party" or I wouldn't have necessarily called it their "sophomore" album, but their second one. I really need to keep up on that. The second nerd-alert rang off when I read the dress code listed as "Hollywood Casual." I still don't know exactly what that is. That little term caused a lot of confusion and tension among the women in my family. My sister Gina even googled the phrase. No one could figure out what "Hollywood Casual" means, and now I have a better idea, but I still couldn't give you a concrete definition.



As to the party itself, it was really fun. There were stations for guitar hero, pool, air hockey, etc, food and drink, and a photo booth to take your photo against a green screen which was converted into a Maroon5 album cover pass. Artistically, it was very cool. There were huge photos of each boy on the massive lot walls. Projected from the high ceilings down on the coffee tables were the band's videos. Very cool.



Most enjoyably, however, was the company. I know it's hard to believe, but I really have a lot of fun with my brothers and sisters and their spouses. We all came up with a code to tell my sister-in-law if she was laughing too loud, if my sister Gina was talking about something inappropriate, or if I was taking too many hors d'hoerves. Well, I don't drink, but I eat! I'm not going to pretend the servers didn't come to know me well, but I have nothing to apologize for. Those wild mushroom tarts and mini cheeseburgers were delightful, and I honored them. And the crab-cakes.

There were a lot of random anorexic girls with "daddy issues" walking around being awesome. That was fun. One made quite a cat-walk-like entrance, stopped as if posing for paparazzi, looked Gina up and down, laughed, then walked off. My husband Topher, Gina and her husband Jonathan, my sister Amanda and her boyfriend Derrick and I laughed so, so hard. It was so random! Then Gina, in true Gina style, stood up and said, "Well, if she thinks THAT'S an entrance. . . I'll show HER an entrance!" She got up, went to the door, and came in full-force. Everyone else was incredibly nice. James introduced us to everyone. I met a friend of James who plays with Rilo Kiley, and B.J. Novak from the Office. I was a little disappointed that the news media did not want to talk to me, though. E Extra? ET? Insider? Where's the love?




My brother was so generous to treat us to a little getaway and give us a peek into his life. I know it's not very rock and roll to say it, but he's such a kind, sweet, genuine boy! Did I mention he's an eagle scout? Maybe I've revealed too much.



If you want to read more about the trip visit my blog as well as my husband's blog.

Quick Report

Two things:


1) Thank you to everyone who helped make Ask-Design-Mom-Week so much fun. I loved seeing dozens of brilliant ideas submitted by clever readers. There are still 2 or 3 questions that I haven't added my own two cents to, but I'll try as I have a few minutes here and there . . .


2) As I mentioned earlier, Friday morning I attended a fundraising breakfast at the UN for Rescue a Million. I learned a bunch. Initially, I was a bit confused by the group's focus on both children and the environment (do gooding based on PC?) but it was explained that by adding the environmental component — having in-need communities planting and harvesting fast-growing hardwood trees — that more funds became available for the children. I thought it was an interesting approach.

Also, apparently micro loans are typically offered only to the marginally poor — people who have once had a job but have fallen on hard times — who have some basic marketable skills. But one organization that presented at the breakfast was setting up micro loans with the poorest of the poor — the leper communities in India — with great success. I was really impressed.

Plus, it was lovely and interesting to be at the UN building. I had never had opportunity to visit before. Adorning the walls throughout the complex are art pieces donated by UN Nations and representative of those Nations. I wish I'd had more time to explore.

Every Child A Hero

The Stationery Show was amazing. A feast for the eyes. I'm still in the processing stage. I met many wonderful vendors who I'm just dying to tell you about. I saw many beautiful products that I can't wait to share. And it was interesting to be there with a press pass, instead of as a buyer or potential vendor as in years past — a completely different experience.

But the report will have to wait. I received a last minute invitation to a breakfast at the United Nations this morning. A fundraiser by Rescue a Million to benefit children and the Environment. So I'll be away from my computer for awhile.

But while I'm away I've got a plan. Since so many clever and industrious Design Mom Readers offered up so many clever and industrious answers to yesterday's Ask-Design-Mom questions, I'm going to try the same thing today. I've posted 4 more questions below. I've answered one of them and I'll add my thoughts to the other 3 later, but in the meantime, I'd appreciate any of your brilliant ideas.

Thanks in advance.

Design Blog Party

I'm trying to scheme a way that I can get to this party tomorrow night, but it will be a full-on miracle if I can squeeze it in. Is anyone else planning to attend?

I've never been to a blogging/design party before, but I'm imagining lots of people in black, sitting on barcelona chairs and talking about wordpress vs. blogger, challenges of keeping a blogroll and Target.

Which sounds lovely to me.

The smart blogs listed at the bottom of the notice are sponsoring it. I first saw it on Moco Loco. You can RSVP for this event at icff@theapt.com

What to Pack for BlogHer

I'm going to BlogHer in July and I'm way excited. I was able to attend one event at the BlogHer Business conference last March and loved it. I'm thinking a whole conference will blow me away. Cool people. Good ideas. And speaking of good ideas, here's your chance to get in on the action. Design Mom is welcoming sponsors for her BlogHer Conference Trip. Sponsorships are available in the following areas:

1) Airfare
A direct flight from either JFK or LaGuardia to Chicago please. Do you have a parent on the board of directors for Jet Blue? Delta? American Airlines? Other? Hook me up. I'll make [Your Airline Here] the official airline of Design Mom. Or maybe you're a smaller (cash poor) company but you have a stock of transferable frequent flyer miles? You know how I love to support small businesses. . .


2) Hotel
BlogHer has booked blocks of rooms at two fine Chicago Hotels. Chicago City Centre and W Lakeshore. While either will be lovely, I don't think I'm going to shock anyone if I say I'm more of a W kind of girl. Anyone out there have a connection with Starwood Hotels? I'll need a room on Thursday, July 26th, Friday, July 27th and Saturday, July 28th.

3) Meals
I have no idea what to expect for meals. Will I be eating at the conference? Will I be going out? Room Service? Who can tell? I assume this will need to be a cash stipend. Ask my kids: everybody suffers if Design Mom is hungry.

4) Wardrobe
I'm thinking mostly dresses. Although a good pair of jeans is imperative as well. And something to wear with the jeans. Plus luxe pjs — goes without saying. Think you have the goods to dress Design Mom? Let me know. (Do you do dresses but not jeans? I'll be happy to accept several sponsors in this area.)

5) Accessories/Jewelry
Earrings. Bracelets. Necklaces. Cocktail rings. Belts. I don't know exactly what I'll need yet. But I know it needs to be fabulous. You know everyone will be asking me where I got that gorgeous bracelet/necklace/ring — will I tell them about your company? Send me an email if you'd like to be a sponsor.

6) Shoes
Really, it will depend on how the wardrobe develops. But I'm guessing at least 3 pairs will be involved. Maybe 5. Do you own a shoe store? Or. Does your company have nothing to do with shoes, but you'd like to sign on as the shoe sponsor? Let's talk.

7) Handbags
It's true about ladies and handbags — you just can't have enough. It's an addiction. I'm going to need something really smart to carry during the day. Something with room for my laptop, cell phone and a cute little notebook. Plus lip gloss. Then, I need a hip little something to carry to dinner.


8) Luggage
Design Mom has to represent. I can't show up at the hotel with tattered, mismatched luggage. But it's really only a 3-day trip and I don't need anything montrous or hardcore. I have my eye on this Orla Kiely roller case (and there's a matching shoulder bag, duffel and handbag as well). But I would consider any high quality, of-the-moment luggage set you'd like to sponsor. In fact, almost anything from Flight 001 would be perfect. 2 pieces should be plenty — a mid-size rolling case and a largish shoulder bag.


9) Cell Phone
I've got a cell phone, of course. But it's time for an upgrade. I'm pretty clueless about phones. What do I need? A Razr? Do they come in red? And note — it's got to work with my Verizon contract. Want me to try another phone company that's got particularly good coverage in Chicago? I'll also consider a prepaid phone contract on a chic phone with enough minutes to get me through the conference. (Read: enough minutes to call home every 1/2 hour to check in on the family.)


10) Laptop
Although I'm on a destop computer at home, while at the conference I'll need to be able to blog on the go. And in style of course. A Mac Book or Mac Book Pro should do the trick nicely. Are you a tech company trying to reach women? Consider a sponsorship.

11) BlogHer registration
There's no point in going to BlogHer if I'm not registered! BlogHer has made a point of keeping registration costs low so that more women can attend. It's not unusual for a business conference of this caliber to cost $1000 or more, but BlogHer registration is only $205.93.

If you, or your blog, or your company is interested in being a sponsor (read: interested in helping Design Mom keep it real) or you know someone who might be, please send me a quick email letting me know which category(s) you're interested in supporting, and I'll give you all the sponsorship info: What you'll get. What you'll give. How cool you are.

Think I'm joking? Does Design Mom ever joke when handbags are involved? I'm absolutely, positively welcoming sponsors for this trip. Design Mom Sponsors are so the new black.

5/17 UPDATE:
So exciting!! It looks like I've got 2 categories sponsored. Only 9 more to go. I'll post with more details in a few days.

New Camera

Look what my awesome brother Jared just sent me:



A Canon Elph! I'm so excited. I have been indesperate need for a new camera for ages. Jared asked me what kind I wanted, and since he's the photographer in the family, I asked him to please pick one out for me — although I did mention that something really tiny (so that I could put it in my handbag) would be great.

The camera has arrived and it's so pretty. Tiny, just as I requested. But also shiny with lots of buttons. Mmmm. I can't wait to start using it. New toys are so fun. Thank you, Jared!

[ What? You don't have a brother that sends you cameras? Time to rethink your family members. . . ]

Baby Betty is One Today!

Amazing. Betty Blair was born a year ago today. I can't imagine an easier baby. She has been nothing but a delight. These pictures are of Betty feeding herself Cheerios this morning (and trying to share with Daddy, the camera man).

When you're celebrating your first baby's first birthday the party is fantastic. A big bash where baby is the star, eating cake and generally charming everyone, and the guests are all adults. And you can put in as much time and energy into the celebration as you'd like .

When you're celebrating your fifth baby's first birthday, you almost forget to do anything at all until your older kids remind you. Not that Betty is aware of it yet, but being a fifth baby is not always a picnic.

So Ben and I and the kids want to do something extra-fun for Betty's birthday. We're thinking maybe a party based on being the fifth. Held at our home: 5 Winslow Circle. Where we can celebrate all the good things associated with the number 5. Of course, it won't happen today: cub scouts and a daddy-daughter kickball game are already on the schedule. But it will happen soon.

And for today, these photos and a sweet little birthday cake to share with her brothers and sisters, will be just right.

Happy Birthday Betty Blair!

Beehive Bazaar

I am just itching to go to the Beehive Bazaar this weekend. Two women I adore, Stephanie Higginbotham and Hailey Liechty (our next Guest Mom), are two of the wonder women behind this event. And from what I know of Steph and Hailey, it's guaranteed to be a fun-time had by all. (Plus, I put a lot of stock in event posters, and this one rocks.)

Of course, I'm in New York and will be missing it. So I beg you: if you're anywhere in the vicinity of the lovely Bazaar this weekend, please pay a visit and then send me an email with some juicy details so that I can live vicariously through you. Three cheers for Indie Artists!

Gone to Ikea. Be Back this Afternoon.

Hello Friends, I've got some great posts for today — including another excellent one from Amy M, our guest mom — but I've got to run to Ikea this morning. It's been almost a year since I've made an Ikea trip and I am very much looking forward to it.

So please check back this afternoon, when I'll have today's posts up.

kisses, Design Mom

My Crescer Article is out Today!

Awhile back I mentioned meeting up with Paula, the Editor-in-Chief for Crescer, the big parenting magazine in Brazil, where she asked me to write an article. Well the issue with my article came out today. (Hooray!)

I can't believe I have a byline. I can't wait to get my hands on a hard copy. My kids are going to think they're famous. Since I don't read Portuguese, I'm going to need to look up the essay I sent over and remind myself what I wrote — I hope it was good.

And a huge thank you to Jeff Taylor for taking the family picture. I was imagining they were requesting the photo for a little spot on the "Contributors" page, but clearly, when they saw Jeff's amazing shot, they felt it was feature worthy. Thanks, Jeff! (It's so great to see a portrait of the Blairs without a single family member picking their nose.)

Olive Blair

Five years old is pretty charming — if you find dorkiness charming. Read about the adventures of five-year-old Olive on my most recent post at NY Metro Parents blog.

Real Savvy Moms — Part II

My blogging friend/actress/model/mother-of-two, Kristy Glass, is one of the final 5 contestants to be the next host of Real Savvy Moms TV. Hooray! This is the final round. If you'd like to help her out with a vote, you can do it here.

I'm crossing my fingers, Kristy.

New Job

Here is something wonderful that happened over my break that I haven't told you about:

My husband Ben accepted a position at SUNY New Paltz (SUNY = State University of New York) for the next academic year. Hooray for Ben!! This is his first full-time academic position, and it means he really, really has to defend his dissertation in the next month or so.

We are really excited. It's about an hour north of here, but no move required — his classes fall on 2 days, and he'll just commute. If this turns into a permanent position, we'll look into houses there. The idea of having a house and some space (maybe an acre or two) in New Paltz and then keeping a tiny apartment in the city is so appealing to me.

Again, Hooray for Ben Blair!!

God Bless America

So I'm back from Spring Break and feeling great. I read lots. Watched lots of TV. Found some excellent new-to-me blogs. But I'm super happy to be back. Because blogging is my addiction. So let's get to some new posts:

I love this picture of America Ferrera. I confess I've been half hoping Ugly Betty would tank. And quickly. Because a few months before the show Ugly Betty came to be, our lovely baby came to be and was named Betty. And if the show has a long life, like an ER long-life or a Friends long-life, my Betty will be old enough to receive and understand the Ugly Betty teasing that will inevitably come her way.

But while my Betty is too young to care, I love that America Ferrera is making it big. And I love that she gets to be glam in this shot on the cover of W. And I wish that every woman had a chance to be glam on the cover of a fashion magazine. And I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony.

found the photo on Bunnyshop

Real Savvy Moms

Kristy Glass, model/actress/mother/my-blogging-friend is a finalist to be the host of Real Savvy Moms TV. (Yeah Kristy!) There are 12 finalists and the two with the most votes win.

Check it out here. It's super easy to vote and you can vote for your favorite finalist once a day until the 20th. Her's is my favorite video by far!

Story Corps (first posted 9/11/06)

I was listening to September 11th memorials on NPR today, and one of the guests was the founder or creator or somehow connected to Story Corps. I have seen their booths downtown and in Grand Central and I know they have a traveling booth as well (pictured above).

I love this whole idea. No materials to prepare. No batteries to find for your tape recorder. Just bring Grandma, sit in the booth and speak a memory or two. What a cool thing. I'd like to go record my memories of each of my children's births — or my first impressions of them.

In addition to general-stories-from-anyone, Story Corps is also trying to collect at least one story for each victim of 9/11. I heard two. Both were beautiful and had me weaping buckets.

Spring Break

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. We had a great Easter egg hunt in the backyard, fun — but chilly. And even if the weather didn't cooperate, the family looked like Spring in their Easter clothes. I like this picture of our wheat-grass-filled Easter buckets waiting patiently down the center of the table.

As I mentioned earlier, I'll be on a blogging Spring Break this week. But feel free to check back daily in my absence to see some favorites from the archives. And I'll be here next Monday, rested and ready to post.

kisses,
Design Mom

Inventory

It's good to sit at a clean desk and take inventory every now and again.

January 9th was this blog's 6-month anniversary. I reported on my 6-month statistics here.

Monday will be this blog's 9-month anniversary, and I want to report again — especially for those who have been with me from the beginning, and write me kind emails asking about how this blog is growing.

A few stats as of this minute:
-According to Technorati, there are 449 links from 193 blogs to Design Mom.
-According to StatCounter, the highest number of unique hits Design Mom has received in one day is: 1928, with an average this week of 1646.
-According to BlogTopSites, Design Mom Blog is ranked number 11 out of 394 registered Parenting Blogs.
-According to Blogger, I have published 645 entries.
-According to Me, this continues to be a really happy thing in my life.

And so you can compare, here are the numbers from 3 Months ago:
-According to Technorati, there were 145 links from 77 blogs to Design Mom.
-According to Tracksy, the highest number of unique hits Design Mom received in one day was: 675
-According to BlogTopSites, Design Mom Blog was ranked number 33 out of 336 registered Parenting Blogs.
-According to Blogger, I had published 386 entries.
-According to Me, this continued to be a really happy thing in my life.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for sending in Ask-Design-Mom questions. Thanks for entering the Giveaways. Thanks for your kind emails. Design Mom Readers are just lovely.


All the lovely desk items in the photo available at See Jane Work.

BlogRoll Buttons

So I think I'm going to experiment with an alternative to my blogroll.

I'm going to remove my blogroll lists and instead feature more "Design Mom Recommends" buttons.

Some buttons will stay for a week, some for two, some for longer. The button featuring "Oh Happy Day," my sister's blog, will stay forever. The buttons will change frequently and there will typically be between 5 and 10 featured at any time.

I get a sense that readers aren't really using the current blogrolls and besides, I'm terrible at keeping them updated. So this new idea might be the perfect solution. Blogs that I'm loving — old and new — will get more of a day in the sun. Plus the buttons are pretty.

Watch for changes in the next week. And please let me know if this is a terrible idea.

kisses,
Design Mom

button image via Getty

EDIT: I'm also going to use this post as an archive of any blog buttons I've posted in exchanges or in this new system. Click the icon to visit the blog it represents. Enjoy:

Some Notes

Yesterday, a few lovely Design Mom Readers made me aware of a couple of kind shoutouts I had missed.


Thank you Apartment Therapy Nursery!


Thank you Superhero Journal!

Both are excellent sites — and I truly appreciated the kind words. Both have been recognized earlier here at Design Mom for their loveliness. Thank you one and all for spreading the Design Mom love.

One more thing.

I'll be taking next week off from blogging for Spring Break! I'm looking forward to some spring cleaning and organizing. Here is my list as it stands now:
1) do my taxes
2) finish prepping the silkscreen studio Ben and I have been putting together in our basement workroom
3) store the family's winter clothes and pull out the spring/summer options and see who has grown out of what
4) read another of my sister-in-law's book recommendations
5) prep a small (very small) garden plot

That's too much stuff already. But it all sounds really satisfying. If I only mark one thing off the list — the taxes — that will be fine with me. I promise to report when I get back. And I promise to have another excellent giveaway tomorrow. . .

My First (and only?) TV TeleConference

In another interesting by-product of this blog, I was invited to participate in a teleconference on a new TV show from ABC called "Notes From the Underbelly".

I confess, I called in mostly out of curiosity about what a teleconference would be like — with 90% intent to just observe and see what it was all about, and 10% intent to actually participate. They sent an advance viewing copy of the pilot episodes and I watched the whole thing. And I took some notes to prepare for the conference call.

I'll go ahead and assume you're also curious about what a teleconference is all about, and give you a quick report. I don't know what I was expecting, but I thought the call was a little odd. The invitees were all bloggers, but the teleconference was set-up like we were television critics or journalists. Now, I know that people have discussed the idea that all bloggers are "press" — that we're each our own mini-media outlet — but I don't think bloggers in general feel that way yet. So many participants weren't prepared with questions. And it turns out that's really what this teleconference was. Not a discussion, but a question-answer session. In this case, a question-answer session featuring nervous giggling by the two women being questioned during the frequent silences where nobody was asking questions.

The other odd thing, was that participants didn't know how many other bloggers were on the line. Were there two of us listening in? Or twenty? Or fifty? When someone had a question, they were announced by name and blog title, and then at least you could know who was there. The only downside to this method was that there were only 4 questions total — and mine was one of them. At the end, there was a mention that "people must be feeling shy today" which left me assuming that there were many others on the line keeping their silence. My guess is that the rest of the bloggers were there mostly out of curiosity too, just like me.

Which reminds me, I should really thank Kristin from Manic Mommies and Amy from Mommy Track'd for helping to break up the uncomfortable silence with their own questions.

Well. I'll just count that as another interesting life experience, and next time (if there's a next time) I'll pretend I'm a TV critic for the day and pound them with provocative questions.

I'll tell you about the actual TV show another time. . .

Speaking of Interviews. . .

The very kind Kristen from Shakadoo interviewed me by email. And is posting the answers at Love Shak Baby this morning.

Check it out and discover my evil plans for taking over Martha and eventual world domination.

Crescer Magazine Interview

Tuesday morning was beautiful. It was the first day of really, really good weather — which meant people were out on the streets of Manhattan in droves — and even smiling at each other. Better than that, I met Paula Perim, Editor in Chief of Crescer Magazine, at a lovely little restaurant in Grand Central Station.

Crescer is a Brazilian magazine — the equivalent of the American Parents or Child. Paula brought me a few of the latest issues and I was very, very impressed. The photography is great. The articles are important. And remember those really neat pull-out sections in Martha Stewart Kids? The ones on matte paper with a theme, good illustrations and directed toward kids? Crescer has those too — on the same lovely paper.

Paula was in New York doing research. She was meeting with Parents, with Cookie, and with Child to learn about their magazines and tell them about her's. She also met with me because she has recently started a Crescer Blog and wanted to discuss blogging-for-parents.

We were instant friends — especially after she forgave me for being 25 minutes(!) late to our meeting — and we could have talked for hours. In fact we did talk for two hours, over some of the best french toast I've ever had. We talked about the different social classes in Brazil and what she's trying to do with her magazine to bridge the wide social gaps. We talked about the nuances of breastfeeding in public in the United States. We talked about suburban vs. urban living for families. We talked about childcare. We discussed how we both feel mothers have a lot of information, but are looking for inspiration. We talked about blogging. We made plans to go ice-skating with our families when she returns to New York over Christmas.

Paula took notes because she was interviewing me for an article. And then, during the last 10 minutes of our meeting, I took notes. Because Paula asked me to write an article for Crescer to be published in May. Topic: the 21st Century Mother. 3000 characters. Due Tuesday. And I'm getting paid for it. What the. . .? (And this after I just explained to someone that I wasn't a writer, I was a designer.)

Can I say just how excited I am to do this?!! How unexpected and how much fun!

Of course. It will be in Portuguese, so no matter what I write, it will sound prettier than it is. Which reminds me, if there are any Portuguese speaking moms in the neighborhood, feel free to come by and borrow my 4 issues of Crescer. . .

Good Morning!

Hey Friends, I'll be back later today with another excellent post from our Guest Mom titled "How to Dress a Gentleman."

Plus a really, really good Giveaway that will be held over the weekend.

I'm off to the airport to pick up my mother. Can't wait to see her.

BlogHer Business

Check it. Last night I got to meet the actual Girl con Queso in person. She was just as lovely and brilliant as I expected. I was already thinking about her as a dear friend, but now it's official. We met at the opening night party at BlogHer Business here in New York. (I'm not actually going to the conference, but I will be checking in on BlogHer's main site, where there will be live updates.)

After the party, a few of us (GcQ, me and 3 BlogHer Founders) went out for some late night dinner and excellent blogging conversation. A selection of our topics that were thrown around: will the next Martha Stewart be a blogger?, authentic blogging communities vs. online communities backed by businesses, the idea that all bloggers are "press", and the '08 presidential election.

I sure do love talking with smart women.

Hanging with My Peeps

We pulled out the Easter goods yesterday, and to really seal the Easter deal we picked up some Peeps at Target last night. The kids chose yellow and a new green shade that's really quite lovely. On the way back to the car, Ralph, who was so excited to break open the candy said, "I have a feeling the green Peeps are the best tasting of all the Peeps."

Oscar, on the other hand, who is not only my husband's physical twin but apparently inherited his taste buds as well, didn't care for the Peeps.

When it comes to candy, I'm as low-brow as you can get. I love me some Peeps — but only seasonally. (I know they're available now for every holiday, but I find they really only appeal to me in the Spring.) The rest of year, I satisfy my candy cravings with things like Sour Patch Kids, Mike & Ikes and Pear Jelly Bellys.

Online Shopping Polls

So I gave a client some advice last week, and I'm curious to see if my instincts are correct. If you have a minute and don't mind taking these quick polls, I'd appreciate it.

pic from getty images

Do shipping and handling charges affect the amount of online shopping you do?
	No. They're just a fact of modern-day life.
	If the charges are $5 or under I don't mind.
	I find them really irritating, but they only occasionally drive me away from online shopping.
	Yes, I only shop at sites that offer free shipping or when I have a free shipping coupon.

If you were shopping for a small gift online, would you be more likely to purchase:
	A $15 gift with $5 shipping and handling.
	A $20 gift with free shipping.

Happy Birthday Benjamin Blair

Today is my husband's birthday. He is 34.

One of the things I love best about Ben Blair is that he only wishes good things for everyone he knows. This seems like it would be a common attribute among most people, but strangely it's not. In my experience, people often react to good news for their friends as if it's bad news for themselves. As if a success for you equals failure for me. But not Ben Blair. He totally gets that there is enough happiness and good out there for everybody.

He's so fun to share good news with because he's so happy to hear it and so sure that you deserve every bit of happiness you're receiving. If you were to win a major award, and you told Ben Blair, I swear he'd feel the same amount of happiness as if he'd won the prize himself. He would call friends and family to share the news: Hey! My friend (who you don't know and may never have heard of) just won a major award! He would walk around all day or all week on cloud nine. He would genuinely be delighted for you and not feel even a smidgen of envy. He'd just be so glad your hard work was being recognized.

That's just one of the many, many things* I love about Ben Blair.

Two excellent pictures of Ben and Oscar:
from November 2005 by Liz Fuller and
from last Saturday by Ryan Wright.


*Plus also he does a mad dolly.

Girls Night Out

Everyone has a story about wetting the bed as a senior in high school while sleeping in the same bed as two best friends, right? Read mine at NY Metro Parent's Blog.

pic from Music and Lyrics

Babysitting Poll

Lovely Design Mom Readers,

I'm working on a project and need your fine input. If you have two seconds, would you please answer these two questions? You don't need to comment, just hit the buttons below. The poll will allow each computer to vote once. You can vote through Friday, March 2nd.

3/3 EDIT: The poll is now closed. But you can see the questions and results below.

A Deliberate Home

If I was to come and take a look at your bookshelves, would their contents give me a pretty good sense of the people in your home?

Sadly, mine would give you a a kind-of pathetic portrait of who I was as a sophomore in college. You can read my ramblings on the topic at NY Metro Parents Blog.

photo from Getty Images

Music Snobs

Recently, I had to answer a few questions about each of my kids for a church project. One of the questions was: What is his/her favorite music group?

Ralph, age 9, answered: U2.
Maude, age 7, answered: the Killers.
Olive, age 5, answered: Sufjan Stevens.

Am I raising the next generation of music snobs? You can read more of my thoughts on the subject at NY Metro Parents Blog

EDIT: For those of you who've asked me how to register and comment at NY Metro Parents, this is the 411:

1) Go here to register:
http://www.nymetroparents.com/nregister.cfm

2) Once registered/logged in, go back to the blog post:
http://www.nymetroparents.com/blogs/index.cfm?blogid=641

You can also access the blog from the NY Metro Home page where is says: "Read other parents' musings in our "blogger" network.

3) Click "post feedback" and leave your comment

Morrissey pic via bex at the new awesome.

Where did the morning go?

My apologies for the lack of posts this morning. My excuse is this: I've been working on a project that has taken me so far out of my comfort zone that it temporarily ursurped my entire life.

But I'm back. And I'll attempt to put up a few posts in the next couple of hours.

Valentine's Day Revisited

My mom posted this rad picture on her blog yesterday. It made me so happy. This is me (circa 1980?) holding my baby sister Jordan. Or. For those of you who are in the blogging know, this is Design Mom holding Oh Happy Day.

This could totally be my daughter Maude holding her baby sister Betty.

A few things. . .

Laugh at this super-funny, super relateable post at Upside Up.


There is beautiful post about her Grandfather up at Oh the Joys! Really, really nice.


Very cool news: Design Mom made the top 5 finalists list in the Best Design category of the Share the Love awards. You can vote for your favorite finalist in each category anytime through February 14th. And thanks to each of you who helped Design Mom make the finals. I'm definitely feeling the love.

Also, just a REMINDER that you can enter the ArtGoodies Dishtowel Giveaway until Saturday (2/10) at midnight EST.

JT

I'm having a slow start this morning. I slept in after a late night watching JUSTIN BRING SEXY BACK!!!

He is the real deal.

Big Apple Parent Magazine

So I've been invited to be a contributor at the NY Metro Parent's Magazine group blog. I just sent over my bio and picture over the weekend, and my first post went up today. You can find it here. I'm pretty excited about the whole thing, and delighted to be associated with such excellent fellow bloggers.

I hope you'll read my posts and I hope you'll comment so that I know my words haven't evaporated into the nothingness.

kisses,
Design Mom

Have You Checked out Daysitter?

I heard from the lovely folks responsible for Daysitter, Cookie Magazine's online blog. They let me know they're adding Design Mom to their sites-we-like list.

Thanks for the shout out, daysitter, and thanks for keeping me in the know with your excellent blog!

My Brother-in-Law

Remember when your genius brother-in-law spoke at that major conference, Personal Democracy Forum, with Craig of Craig's List and Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post and Thomas Friedman author of The World is Flat and a bunch of other amazing people?

That's what you'll get to say to me when this conference is over. Click here and watch the photos change until it says: Steve will be there. Will you? And then think Steve is cool. And then check out his blog.

Go Steve!!

Share the Love Nomination

I was exploring the world wide web today and made a surprising and fantastic discovery: Design Mom blog was nominated for a Share the Love award in the Best Designed Blog Category. I am so honored and so grateful to the kind soul that did the nominating.

You can see the list of categories and nominations here. I love lists and I love good blogs so the previous link is especially good for me.

Voting starts February 1st and ends February 6th. You can find the rules here. I hope it's not too late to nominate my favorite blogs. . .