Golden Moments

Okay, so in homage to my former life, I'm going to step into my entertainment writing shoes (wow, they feel so comfy, even though I haven't worn them for soooo long!)

I'm sitting her on my basement couch watching the Golden Globes -- Ricky Gervais, cutting, offensive but also wickedly funny -- gorgeous gowns, beautiful people, a bevy of talent, some of whom may be worthy of the awards they receive. And in case you are wondering what business I have blogging about these awards, there is a tie-in, believe it or not! (wait for it).

You might have missed it. After all, it's the cutaways -- the unscripted moments before the show fades into a commercial -- that are really most fun to watch. In these short clips, we get to see all these big name celebrities talking amongst themselves, exchanging cheeky kisses, chomping on gum, laughing at each other's jokes, fixing their partner's tie (hello Angelina!). Do you really think for one second that most of them would rather be home in their sweats watching the festivities on tv? Honestly, if I'm ever nominated (hey, it could happen), I promise you I will not join the throngs of those who make this claim.

Before I get to the offending moment, can I just make up my own category -- And the award for cutest mama-to-be goes to a glowing, expectant Natalie Portman who gushed over her win (for "The Black Swan"), sending love to her grandmother (who she thanked for giving birth to her mother), parents and husband-in-waiting in such a genuinely sweet speech. Indeed, it was a night where nearly every winner took time to thank their kids and their own parents as well (a nice touch).

Okay, here's the mama moment in question: During her acceptance speech for her win as best actress in a drama series, Katye Segal, ("Sons of Anarchy") thanked her kids. No, that didn't offend me -- it's what she said in the way of thanking them that I take issue with. She said "Thank you for having such patience with a mommy who works." Now, perhaps I'm being harsh. People do tend to get flustered when put on the spot during these ceremonies and I will assume she didn't mean it the way it sounded to me. But, I couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to shout out to enlighten her to choose her words more wisely because all mommies work. Whether they work in the home, at an office, or on a film set, let me say it again a bit more strongly-- ALL MOMMIES WORK. Her sentiments should have been short and sweet and more PC, like Annette Bening (winner for the awesome film,"The Kids are All Right") who simply thanked her kids "for all their love and support."

There, now I feel better. I'd like to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for letting me get that off my chest.

Words to live by

For those of you who missed the President's remarks tonight at the memorial in Tucson, AZ, here's a quote that stood out to me. Whether you are a democrat or republican, you can't argue with this sentiment. And I think, for parents, the message has unique resonance.

"So sudden loss causes us to look backward — but it also forces us to look forward, to reflect on the present and the future, on the manner in which we live our lives and nurture our relationships with those who are still with us. We may ask ourselves if we've shown enough kindness and generosity and compassion to the people in our lives. Perhaps we question whether we are doing right by our children, or our community, and whether our priorities are in order. We recognize our own mortality, and are reminded that in the fleeting time we have on this earth, what matters is not wealth, or status, or power, or fame — but rather, how well we have loved, and what small part we have played in making the lives of other people better." -- President Barack Obama, speaking at the memorial in Tucson, AZ.

Sad News Sunday

So sad to hear the news that one of the innocent victims in the Arizona shooting over the weekend was a nine-year-old girl. How horribly ironic that she was born on another terrible day in our nation's history -- September 11, 2001. After her birth, she was featured in a book called "Faces of Hope: Babies born on 9/11."

Christina Taylor Green had just been elected to student council and had gone to this "meet and greet" to learn more about politics. How incredibly unfortunate that her brief life was bookmarked by the tragedy of domestic terrorism.

Yet another innocent victim. When will it end?

What a bright idea!

Eco, meaning economical AND good for the environment is the word of the day at Danish furniture retailer, IKEA. Kudos to this company for no longer carrying traditional light bulbs in any of their stores and replacing them with a more energy efficient variety.

Even the most lazy environmentalist among us can surely manage to swap out their incandescent bulbs for the more eco-friendly ones that use up to 80 percent less energy and last much longer than their old-fashioned predecessors. When we moved into our house three years ago, this was one of the first changes we committed to making. Yes, these lights do cost more at the get-go, but they quickly pay for themselves when you see how infrequently you'll find yourself replacing them.

This is not the first time this mass retailer has rallied for the earth. All wood products used by the company are garnered from responsibly harvested forests (meaning all products are certified as originating from wood overseen by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).) All stores themselves are moving toward reliance on 100% renewable energy sources. The company also minimizes the use of chemicals in the production of both their textiles and their catalogs. Many products also use recycled materials in the manufacturing process. All glass sold is lead-free and many food items stocked are organic with more healthy offerings in the works.

Hopefully other major companies will follow IKEA's example. The next time you're in the market for some inexpensive household goods, make an effort to support stores like this that are committed to more than just their own bottom line.

Great Expectations

Another new year is upon us and I, like everyone else, can't help but set some personal goals for 2011. I don't think I've ever actually written down resolutions but I figured perhaps if I put them out there for all to see, maybe I'd actually follow through on a few of them. None are earth-shattering -- I have no desire to bike across America, learn to speak Mandarin or compete on "Top Chef." Feel free to borrow any of my admittedly modest goals, or add your own. Perhaps I will revisit this next December 31st to see which ones I actually made good on!

-- I'd like make a concerted effort to cut down on the whining and yelling in my household (from both parents AND kids).

-- I need to focus on my own health and well-being as much as I focus on that of my kids.

-- I'd like to actually do something with the book proposal that has been sitting on my computer for almost a year now.

-- I need to clean out my closet/garage/basement (in no particular order).

-- I'd like to figure out a way to cut down on the constant clutter that seems to litter our house.

-- I need to resist buying my daughter more clothing just because she says she'll wear it and I think it's cute, when in reality, it will sit in her closet or she'll complain it itches after we cut the tags off.

-- I need to treat this blog more seriously and endeavor to write more frequently and learn how to maximize its potential.

-- I'd like to find out a way for my husband and me to have a day or two away from our kids so we can reconnect as a couple.

-- I'd also like to reconnect with some select old friends with whom I've lost touch (and I don't mean through Facebook)

-- I'd like to take a "girlfriends" trip.

-- And no matter which of these resolutions are realized and which fall by the wayside, I need to practice being "in the moment" and appreciating each day rather than just looking ahead to the gazillion other responsibilities, priorities and overall activities still to come (now, bow your head and chant "Namaste").

As you can see, everything listed above begins with "I" so it's pretty obvious who needs to take responsibility to make these things reality. Wish me luck....and Happy New Year!

Portrait of a Lady

Just wanted to acknowledge the passing of a woman who seemed to be such a devoted wife and mother -- Elizabeth Edwards. She died of cancer today at age 61, surrounded by her family (including estranged husband, John).

She endured more than her fair share of suffering in her final years -- the death of a teenage son, an ongoing battle with cancer, her husband's infidelity and subsequent child-out-of-wedlock -- but she seemed to weather these storms with grace and poise and I admired her for that.

While I never knew her personally, as a mother, I mourn her loss and am especially saddened that her youngest two children (ages 10 and 12) had such little time with their mom. I can only hope their father steps up to the plate to fill the parental void and keep her memory alive within their family.

Rest in peace Elizabeth.

Spend less green for a green clean

Flu Shot?                          Check

Tea and honey supply?        Check

Humidifier and new filters?  Check

A dozen boxes of tissues?    Check

Our house is pretty much fortified for cold and flu season, but today I found out about a fabulous deal that will help us keep the germs at bay AND save some money while we're at it.

If you know me, you know I'm a huge fan of Cleanwell products (alas, I am not a paid spokesperson). Their products are totally chemical-free, non-irritating wipes, sprays and soaps that kill germs using an all-natural blend of thyme. I was first introduced to them through my work as a host mom for Baby Loves Disco when Cleanwell came on board as a sponsor. Since then, I've fallen in love with their fantastic array of cleaning products that aren't as harsh on my poor winter skin AND they do the job without that cough-inducing, lung-damaging, doctors-office antiseptic after-smell.


So, for all you like-minded, germ-conscious, green people out there, consider this my holiday gift to you: Through the remainder of the year, you can save 25% on all Cleanwell items available online through this link, using the code "healthychild" at checkout.

http://shop.cleanwelltoday.com

Yes, you'll pay shipping, but it's minimal and it's more than recouped by the discounted savings. Plus, many of these products are not readily available in stores. 

Happy Holidays! And happy cleaning!