Cardstore Giveaway — Two Winners!

Today's Giveaway has perfect timing. Cardstore is offering 2 winners each a $100 gift certificate good towards Holiday Cards and Invitations. Lovely. I know cards are on your mind. Because it's late November. And because our clever Guest Aunt Lyndsey has been showcasing beautiful stationery selections all week. And now two of you will be able to order your holiday cards for free!



I think you'll love Cardstore's vast selection. Tons of greeting cards. Tons of photo cards. Tons of invitations. You'll find exactly what you need. Leave a comment on this post and you're entered to win. Have a fantastic weekend! I'll announce two winners next week.

Oscar + Betty + New Clothes = Rad

This post is for Ben Blair. Who is out of town. And missed the darling-ness that was Oscar and Betty dressed for preschool this morning.

Ben, these clothes arrived from Toobydoo yesterday. I probably should have saved them until Christmas and put them under the tree, but they were too cute to wait even a minute more in those (admittedly stylish) boxes.

Also. You don't have to believe me, but I did not pose either one. I pulled out the camera and they were instantly in rockstar mode.



I love all the details. The leather zipper pull. The fringe on the skirt. The ruffled cuffs and collar on the blouse.

A Paper Holiday: Best of the Press — by Guest Aunt "Papergirl" Lyndsey

Hello again friends! Today’s my last day posting here on Design Mom, so I thought I’d go out with a bang. I’m a major sucker for anything letterpress, so here’s a little roundup of some of the cards that have really caught my eye this holiday season.

The awesome holiday postcard, pictured at top, is a chic alternative to your typical folding card. Parrott Design Studio prints these using vintage wood type and hand-mixed ink onto the recycled chipboard card; the back is printed with an old-fashioned postcard graphic to add a little extra fun to your seasonal greeting.



I also love the luxe designs of Hammerpress. They’ve got plenty of multi-faceted holiday cards, saying everything from “Happy New Year!” to “Feliz Navidad” to “Merry Christmas.” This Hanukkah card is simple and pretty with its one-tone color, but still has a fun holiday design.

Egg Press has always been one of my favorite stationery companies — their cards are so colorful and fun. Love this offset printed Peace card with a letterpressed message inside.



Delphine Studio offers a bunch of great holiday cards, but this stunning polar bear card takes the cake. The detail is amazing – and best of all, you could send it any time throughout the winter, not just for a holiday.



I’m also a fan of this sweet and simple snowflake card from 12fifteen — gorgeous. I’d almost want to keep this one for myself and display it with my Christmas decorations!



To close, just wanted to leave you with this festive, cute owl greeting from Short Stack Press — I really do hope your holidays are a hoot!

I hope I’ve made your holiday card shopping a little easier this week!

Swing by The Stationery Place any time for extra inspiration and stationery ideas. Even in the midst of all the holiday craziness, don’t forget to focus on the true meaning of the season no matter what you’re celebrating — and be sure to send a stylish, well-designed card to let your loved ones know you’re thinking of them.

Here’s to a happy, healthy and chic Christmas and New Year! xoxo

Find more from Lyndsey at The Stationery Place.

Spread the Word about Alt

Have you heard about Alt? It's possible — because I posted about it a couple of weeks ago. Basically, Altitude Design Summit is the first conference geared toward Design Blogs and Lifestyle Sites. And it's going to be amazing. It's happening the same weekend as the Sundance Film Festival in Salt Lake City — which means attendees will be able to go back and forth between the two events — and fit in some (free!) world class skiing in their spare time. : )

The speaker list is pretty fantastic — Design*Sponge and OhJoy! just signed on — and the list of superstars grows all the time. But Alt needs your help spreading the word about the awesomeness. So they made a simple plan:

Spread the Word About Alt and You Could Win Big

There are lots of social media forums out there. And alt knows everybody has a favorite. So they made this easy for you. There are 4 prizes and 3 ways to win them:

1) Follow @altsummit on Twitter plus tweet something about the conference — please include this link to the Alt website: http://www.altitudesummit.com — and you're entered to win prize number 1: Your very own copy of the gorgeous, brand new book, InStyle's New Secrets of Style. Plus. A super easy to use Peek handheld email device (in fashionable cherry red, of course). For those of you who think design = fashion & style.



2) If you're a Facebook Fan of Alt Summit you're in luck. We'll pick the winner of prize number two among our list of fans: an InPlace Organization Kit designed by Peter Walsh — plus a copy of Peter's book, Enough Already! Easy peasy. For those of you who feel design = organization.

3) Post an Alt Button on your blog or website (you can grab one here), or write a post where you link to the Alt Website and you're entered to win prize number 3: a Neat Receipts scanner for Mac. For those of you who think design = a clean desk.



You can enter all 3 ways or you can enter 1 way. Or you can even pick your 2 favorite ways. But. If you do steps 1-3, you're automatically entered to win the Huge Grandprize #4, a photography lovers package which includes:

- A Free Agent Go storage device (for Mac) so you can back up and store all those big photo files.

- An Eye Fi photocard for your camera, so you can automatically upload your photos.

- A 1 year pro-account with Flickr, so you can easily share all those photos.

For those of you who think design = beautiful images.



That's over $500 in prize-a-licious prizes. And it's so easy to enter. So let's get the word out!

Two more Alt things:
1) Find more info by checking the Alt Blog and subscribing to the Alt Newsletter.
2) There's a substantial early bird discount that ends on Friday (this Friday!) — $100 off your registration. If you're thinking of attending, grab your registration quick!

A Paper Holiday: Eco-Friendly — By Guest Aunt "Papergirl" Lyndsey

Hello friends! I’m back and ready with a slew of new and different holiday cards to inspire your imagination. Today, let’s talk about being green.

Of course, when I say “green,” I don’t mean your holiday cards need to be printed in forest or lime green ink – I mean finding an eco-friendly card solution! We all know how important it is to protect our environment even in little ways, and a great way to contribute is by sending green holiday cards this year.

I adore the woodgrain cards and gift tags by Night Owl Paper Goods (pictured above). This is a real wooden card, made from eco-friendly sustainably harvested yellow birch — and each one comes with a 100% recycled kraft envelope. They’re easy to write on in either pen or pencil, and are so unique and classy.



Another option for a green holiday card is this beautiful letterpressed card from Smock Paper. Smock Paper is powered by wind energy and prints all their stationery on paper made from sustainable, renewable bamboo — they’re actually the first company in the US to do so! This innovative artisan paper is the result of tons of research and work, and it shows.

Fugu Fugu Press is a letterpress studio based in my hometown of Pasadena, Calif., and they have a delightful little holiday offering this year. Fugu Fugu’s cards are printed on recycled white paper using soy-based inks, like this cute reindeer-bear.



Bird Dog Press is another eco-friendly company — their cards are printed on tree-less and post-consumer paper — some of which is even plant-able, so cool! — with soy ink, and they utilize alternative energy. Love this kraft paper card with metallic ink.



Of course, the greenest way to send holiday cards is to skip sending paper altogether — I DO love getting snail mail, but if you’re in a pinch [or run out of time] you’re still sure to show some style by using Paperless Post. You personalize a digital card, and your recipient receives an email link to digitally open a swanky envelope and read the card. Even on a computer screen, the stationery looks luxe and beautiful. I think it’s a great, quick way to send a nice card.

See how easy it is to be eco-chic this holiday? Be back soon with some of my all-time favorite holiday cards… xoxo

Find more from Lyndsey at The Stationery Place.

Childbirth Story from Amber Johnson

Hadley Johnson's Stork Report

On May 25, 2004, my daughter Hurricane Hadley graced the world with her presence. Her birth...and subsequent life have been a WILD ride (and I'm not just talkin' about them thar stir-ups....)

Monday, May 24th, 2004 — More than one week before Hadley's due date. Busy making final preps on our brand new house until late. Husband Jamie is incredibly stressed with projects at work and yearns to skip out. His final words to Hadley before bedtime: "If you come tomorrow, I'll buy you a car when you're 16." Daddy's final lesson before becoming a parent: be careful what you wish for. It may actually come true.

Tuesday, May 25th-1, 3, 5 and 6 a.m. — As usual, Amber waddles to the potty.

7 a.m. — Waddles to the bathroom. Discovers something unusually wet — her water possibly broke! Calls the doc who tells them to come in. Jamie rejoices about starting his two-week "vacation." The reality of his car pledge later hits him with great force.

9 a.m. — Meet with the doc. Performs various tests. Bag of waters is ruptured with a leak but is not broken. Evil woman sends Amber and Jamie home.

10 a.m. — Amber and Jamie go on long walk (a.k.a. waddle), hoping to kick things into motion. Steady leak continues but no real progress.

11:45 a.m. — Decide to grab a sandwich at Einstein Bagels. After eating, Amber blows her nose. Suddenly, the flood gates open. In very public booth #3 at Einstein's. At lunchtime. Amber hisses at Jamie to discreetly grab her some napkins to cleanup. Jamie obliges and brings back two napkins, not understanding that bag of waters is in actuality, plural. Meaning many.

12:30 p.m. — After operation "Cleanup in Booth 3," Amber casually strolls (a.k.a. waddles with soaked pants) to the Jeep. They rush to the hospital. Jamie drops her off with a grocery bag of personal items. He proceeds to park the car and bring in the suitcase.

12:45 p.m. — As Amber stealthily walks up to the nurse's station, she notes her appearance: soaked black sweats, unruly hair and a Wal-Mart bag for luggage: White Trash Incarnate. Jamie arrives with the rest of the luggage, announcing to the nurses: "Has anyone seen a strawberry-blonde with wet pants?" They chortle delightfully, later avowing his statement will go down as the funniest entrance in Birthing Center History. What a crackup.

1 p.m.-5 p.m. — Amber put on Pitocin (also known as "Pit") to induce labor. Later discovers it is actually the "pits." Light contractions begin but she can barely feel them and spends the afternoon watching Dr. Phil and Oprah with Jamie. Wonders what all those wimpy women have been whining about for centuries re: the "pains of childbirth."

5:30 p.m. — Discovers what those "wimpy women" were talking about. The hard way. Now wonders why women would knowingly choose to do this multiple times.

6 p.m. — Excruciating Pain Con't. Jamie compares Amber to Jekyl and Hyde. Cracking jokes and delightful…until the contractions hit. Jamie does a fabulous job as coach. Is instrumental in helping Amber Hyde maintain her composure.

7 p.m. — Amber's best friend Mimi the Epidural Lady arrives. About 7 excruciating contractions later than requested. Amber practices the Miracle of Forgiveness. But not until after the drug kicks in.

7:30 p.m. — Amber is a new woman and plays the waiting game until full dilation. Jamie and Amber have a delightful time talking travel with the doc and nurse. Amber ponders the mysteries of life i.e. why anyone would chose not to get an epidural. Equates it to the lunacy of climbing Everest without oxygen.

10:15 p.m. — Starts pushing. Ouch.

11:05 p.m. — Everest attained. With oxygen. But the views are nonetheless spectacular! Beautiful Hadley arrives pretty and pink. Mom Amber now understanding why women do this multiple times. Dad Jamie still worried about that new car he owes his obedient daughter.... And thus began our tale of living "Happily Ever After!" (or would that be sleepless?)

From Amber of Crazy Bloggin' Canuck and Mile High Mamas. Amber is 1 of 5 semi-finalist bloggers in Microsoft Office's Winter Games Contest — you should totally go vote for her!
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Note from Design Mom: for the duration of my pregnancy, I'll be posting advice, memories and stories about pregnancy, childbirth, adoption and growing a family on Wednesdays. You can find them all by clicking here. I'd love to hear your story or memory or advice, feel free to submit it to gabrielle@designmom.com.

Reflection on Motherhood from Miranda Anderson

When my six-month-old Milo was only 4 weeks new I took a few minutes to reflect on his arrival. I am so glad that I did. I posted it on my blog back then, and thought it would be fun to share with you:

Friday May 29th, 2009
One month and I can't even remember what it was like to not be a mom. The process of becoming a parent is fascinating and progressive. I remember back last May when Dave and I decided to begin preparing to have a baby. Our preparations included eating healthy and exercising to be in optimal shape, ensuring our daily, weekly, and monthly habits were intact and would not be lost in the whirlwind of a new child. Also, observing solid financial practices to allow for a comfortable transition to parenthood with all the necessary accoutrements. After a couple months we were ready, and I was pregnant. The look on Dave's face when I told him reflected the excitement, anticipation and joy that we shared at that moment, and through the remaining 34 weeks of pregnancy.

Pregnancy. Now there is an interesting process. Mine was full of new feelings, white and tan foods (like cheerios and bagels...daily for 16 weeks!), weight gain, wiggles in my belly, trips to the bathroom, Dave saying "thank you for carrying our baby," counting down the days until the next appointment and doppler, long walks, borrowed maternity clothes and wondering and waiting and waiting. I have never felt more unlike myself than I did while I was pregnant...until, all of the sudden (somewhere between weeks 20-30) I was pregnant, and I couldn't remember being anything else!

Then, at around midnight on April 30th, I awoke for a usual trip to the bathroom and I noticed a crampy feeling in my belly. Convinced that the beginning of labor would be somewhat more spectacular, I spent the next hour eating a snack, doing dishes, and taking a bath to see if these contractions would subside. When they had increased in intensity and frequency I woke Dave up and told him that we may be on our way to having a baby. I called the OB, who said to spend a few hours at home to make sure labor was real, so Dave and I watched A League of Their Own in bed, made sure the bags were indeed packed, then returned our library books and DVDs on the way to the hospital at 4 am.

After 1 hour of triage and a monitored strip showing contractions 3 minutes apart, I was admitted...I was having a baby! We walked the halls for a little while, pausing to squat against the wall and relax during contractions. I found that method not quite as comfortable as I wanted, so I opted for a hot bath in my room's jacuzzi tub. Dave sat next to me on the floor and coached me through each contraction. He held my hand and timed 30 seconds from the start of each so he could tell me when it wasn't going to get any worse. I sipped iced cranberry juice and nibbled graham crackers to maintain hydration and energy over the following 8 hours. Because I had a natural delivery, I was unencumbered by tubes and lines and was able to move around freely, which became less and less important as contractions intensified.

Labor was a dance of forced relaxation in the bathtub, on the birthing ball and side lying on the bed. About 10 am I was dilated to 6 cm and though contractions were painful, I realized that this pain meant progress. At 12 pm I was 8 cm and I felt fatigued but focused. At 1 pm when I was only 8.5 cm we decided to break the fore bag to allow a little more pressure for dilation. When Julie, the midwife, broke the bag we discovered that there was meconium in the water...and for the first time I felt anxious about the process. My concern for Milo's welfare was overwhelming. I was ready to get him quickly, and safely into my arms.

Instead of increased frequency of contractions, after breaking the water mine spread out to every 5 minutes. We needed to find a good position for direct pressure. Turns out the right position was sitting on the toilet, not a very relaxing or comfortable place to experience the most painful and intense contractions of the whole labor. Dave's role as labor coach became vital as I struggled through transition. I was able to close my eyes and listen to him encouraging me to relax every muscle and envision myself floating...just floating through the pain.

Finally, around 2 pm the contractions didn't just peak with pain, but with an overwhelming feeling to push. I felt weak and shaky but excited to be approaching the time in the labor when I could DO something rather than using all of my energy NOT DOING ANYTHING. Every muscle in my body went into those pushes, first sitting on the birthing stool, then lying up in the bed. Pushing was fun! Contractions stopped hurting and spread out to allow some rest. I have never put more physical effort into anything else...ever.

After about 30 minutes I could see Milo's head. After 29 more minutes I pushed my last push. When little, conehead, purple Milo shrieked with vigor my still worried heart settled and the specialists who had been called in case of meconium aspiration quietly left the room. Then I held my son for the first time. He was slimy, wiggly, warm, swollen, tiny, and PERFECT. I counted ten little fingers and ten little toes. He opened up those huge eyes and looked around his new world. Dave cut the cord, took some photos and then snuggled up close to Milo and me. Over the next hour I nursed Milo and talked with Dave as the midwife and OB repaired my battle wounds.

It was amazing how fast we went from two to three, and how incredibly natural the transition. I have heard that there is no way to prepare for being a parent, but somehow even in those first moments I felt like my whole life was preparation, and this was what I was made for.

I love watching Dave as a dad. He is so excited to spend time with Milo, even if it's just holding him while he sleeps. Having my husband become a father adds a whole new dimension to our relationship. I didn't know I could love him more, but I do. Every day for the last month Dave and I have been blessed to care for our little miracle. He eats, squeaks, sleeps, stretches, grunts, snuggles, and learns as he looks around with his wide eyes. I have found my joy in life, and it is being a wife and mother. Nothing could be better.

From Miranda of Mr. Milo Goes to Washington.

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Note from Design Mom: for the duration of my pregnancy, I'll be posting advice, memories and stories about pregnancy, childbirth, adoption and growing a family on Wednesdays. You can find them all by clicking here. I'd love to hear your story or memory or advice, feel free to submit it to gabrielle@designmom.com.

Say Hello to the Kirtsy Book

It's a big week, friends. So big that all I want to do is blog about the bigness. And so big that I am finding it hard to squeeze in blogging time. Which is just how it goes, isn't it? In this post I'll just cover 2 of the big things.

1) Ben Blair is out of town.
Sunday through Sunday. And the bed's too big without him.

2) The Kirtsy Book is here.
It's really here. Laura Mayes (you may know her as Girl Con Queso) conceived of the idea one billion years ago. And started working on it day and night. At some point I stopped asking her about it because I thought she might cry. Then suddenly: the book exists.



And my oh my. In true Kirtsy fashion, it is gorgeous. Full of wonderfulness from cover to cover. Featuring over 100 of your favorite bloggers and writers. I can't believe I get to be included in such an illustrious bunch.

You will love this book. I promise. You can pick up your own copy of Kirtsy Takes a Bow here. Or (bonus!) get a signed copy by ordering directly from Bright Sky Press.

Need more convincing? Watch this trailer for the book:



The trailer was made by brilliant author Katherine Center. She wrote the introduction essay for the book — and it's her voice reading her essay in the video. That's just the kind of cool the Kirtsy Book inspires.

Want to celebrate? There are 8 (and counting) Kirtsy Book parties happening around the country. The first one happens in Houston tonight. And then the celebration starts traveling around the country. Yay! It's even coming to Denver!! You can find all the info here.

A Paper Holiday: Photo Cards — by Guest Aunt "PaperGirl" Lyndsey

I love getting holiday cards. As a kid I’d pore relentlessly over the hundred Christmas cards my mom received each year, studying family photos, analyzing card layouts and even reading every word of those oft-criticized Christmas letters (some people hate them, but I love ‘em!). I think there’s something so fun about getting to catch up, via snail mail, with long-lost family and friends each holiday season.

However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten a little more picky in my holiday card taste. Sure, I still love receiving and reading cards — but it’s like a little Christmas bonus gift if the card is designed well and piques my creative interest. It really doesn’t take THAT much more effort or money to pick out a cute, well-made holiday card — but I think it definitely makes the recipient appreciate your coolness factor a little more!

I’m here this week to show you how easy it can be to find a great-looking, contemporary holiday card — one that will look way better than the ones you pick up from Costco :) We’ll start out trying to stick close to the norm — cards that make it easy to include family photos.

The card at the top of the post is from the HelloandCo — love the way the snowflake border blends into the photo! You’ll learn pretty quick with me that I’m a huge fan of the handmade, crafty movement — how about ordering cards off of etsy this year? Your cards are sure to be unique, plus, you’ll be supporting a DIYer!



-I also love this card from Hello!Lucky — they’ll print your photo directly onto the card for super-high quality.

-I’m kinda obsessed with letterpress (in fact, you’ll see many more letterpress cards pop up in my other posts this week), so here’s a great letterpressed card from Armato Design that allows you to easily attach your favorite photo.



-Tiny Prints is another good place to go if you can’t bear the thought of a holiday card without a printed photo.

-And just for good measure, one more printed photo card from the etsy world. I love the non-cheesy religious message of this card from Lille Barn Too.

Hope you’re feeling inspired already! I’ll be back soon with some more holiday card ideas. xoxo

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Note from Design Mom:
Lindsey will be Guest Posting here this week (our second Guest Aunt!) with some fantastic ideas for Holiday Cards. Turns out knowing and loving stationery and cards is her special expertise. You can find more yummy paper goods at Lindsey's blog, The Stationery Place. Lindsey, we're glad you're here!

Ask Design Mom — Embroidery on Stockings

Ask Design Mom Question:
I've made felt stockings for Christmas and want to embroider our names on the top. Any suggestions for how to do this without an embroidery machine?? I want a chic style (I think I have the ability to do a satin stitch on my machine though...) Thank you so much. — Carissa R



Design Mom Answer:
Sounds like fun! I haven't personally done much embroidery since my tween years in the 4-H, but I've noticed a couple of inspiring embroidery images on my sister Jordan's blog. I'm not sure that they are the styles you have in mind, but both the ribbon embroidery and the negative space embroidery seem super chic to me.

What do you suggest, Dear Readers? Any embroidery experts out there that can offer advice, ideas or source links?

Fruit & veggie image here. Hello image here.

Ask Design Mom — First Christmas Present

Ask Design Mom Question:
So, here is my dilemma. Because of when my baby is due — and the latest date my doctor will let me go before inducing — the little guy's first Christmas will be when he is at most a few weeks old and at least, 3 days old. So what to do? What kind of gifts do you get for a brand new baby? I, of course, want it to be special since it will be his first Christmas but it seems silly to buy a bunch of stuff that he will be too young to use or even know exists. Any feedback you or the readers could give would be great! Thanks. — Jennifer

Design Mom Answer:
Early Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your baby, Jennifer! How exciting. I think many mothers with babies born in December stress about the closeness of the birthday and the holidays. I don't blame them — it's a lot to think about in one month.

But for this first Christmas, you're super lucky. I agree that it's "silly to buy a bunch of stuff that he will be too young to use or even know exists." Instead think "heirloom" and look for something more commemorative that he'll appreciate when he's older. For example, when the new millenium was coming, I had two babies and wanted to give them both something to mark the event. For Ralph, I had a sterling silver yo-yo engraved with an R. For Maude, I had a sterling silver star-shaped pendant engraved with her name and "2000." My thinking was that they'll be able to tell their grandkids they were alive (just barely) when the new millenium arrived — and pull out their souvenirs to make the story more interesting. : )



Julian & Co. just introduced a product that might be perfect for this. It's a 6-sided pendant that can be engraved on each side — and further used as a wax seal imprinter. Very cool. You can read more about it here.

What about you Dear Readers? What would you do to celebrate a newborn's first Christmas?

Ask Design Mom — Dinner Help

Ask Design Mom Question:
Dear Design Mom, dinnertime and menu making is my nemesis. How do you handle your dinner planning? — Margo

Design Mom Answer:
Oh Margo. This is a question I should be asking. Dinner is my nemesis too! Tonight we ate spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread — so exotic. I have a few suggestions, but I'll mostly leave this to my Dear Readers, who no doubt will give you excellent advice.

1) Look for blogs and websites that post weekly menus. My lovely sister-in-law Erin posts hers occasionally (all menu links are in her sidebar). And there are other great menu sites as well.

2) Look for recipe books that focus on fast or simple dinners. Martha Stewart just published one called Dinner at Home. Her company sent me a copy and the first recipe I tried was #3:

Roast Salmon and Potatoes
Mustard-Herb Butter
Haricots Verts with Tapenade

We used green beans instead of Haricots Verts and skipped the Tapenade, but otherwise, made it as directed and it was a big winner with the whole family. Plus, it really was easy and fast. Plus also, since it's a Martha Stewart book, it's really beautiful to look at.

Dear Readers, how do you handle meal-planning, menus and dinner ideas?

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Note from Design Mom:
Hey Friends! My inbox is still crazy full of Ask-Design-Mom questions. So instead of waiting a few months and then hosting another Ask-Design-Mom-Week, I thought I'd try dedicating Mondays to your questions. If I get feedback that no one is into it, I'll definitely rethink. — kisses, Gabrielle

Tiny Sprouts Giveaway

Another generous Giveaway today — from Tiny Sprouts. Where the lucky winner will receive a whole lotta goodies. (As in $486 worth!) Take a look at the list of prizes:

-Grow With Me Chart
-Take Me Home Outfit & Blanket
-Hand Embroidered Hand Prints
-Crayon Tote
-Nightgown & Booties set

Plus.
-A $200 gift certificate to Tiny Sprouts — to pick out whatever you'd like. For you. Or for a friend. (But it's okay if it's for you.)



How sweet are those goodies? How sweet is that hand embroidery? And don't you just want to eat that baby right up? Leave a comment on this post and you're entered to win. I'll announce a winner next week.

Suggestion: while you're waiting to see who wins, you can get your fill of newborn eye candy by browsing the Tiny Sprouts site. If you see something you love, type in designmom09 to get 10% off of your purchases through November. Sweeet!

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Congratulations to Aaron and Karrie! You are the lucky winner. Won't it be so fun for you to receive your big box of goodies? Happy shopping.

Book of the Week: Archie & The Pirates

Marc Rosenthal — who I became a fan of when I discovered Phooey! — sent my kids his latest book, Archie and the Pirates, a few weeks ago.




It is adorable. Resourceful Archie finds himself stranded on an island but doesn't despair. He cleverly uses what he finds to make a trim little house, all the while making friends with the locals — even an intimidating tiger. All is well. Until the Pirates arrive...



Along with the book, Marc sent an Island-Survival-Kit — a small bag filled with bandaids, a snack and Archie's favorite recipes. I'm such a fan of smart, creative marketing solutions. I thought the Survival Guide was brilliant.

How I Spent Yesterday

Before Noon:
-Clean the house.
-Shower and get pretty.
-Entertain Oscar & Betty.



Noon - 3:00:
-Welcome the crew from DECA to our lovely home — director Kyle and cameramen Josh and Dave.
-Work with the crew rearranging furniture and displays to make our home even more lovely (at least from certain camera angles).
-Run a couple of errands while the crew gets the lighting and cameras set up.



3:00 - 4:00:
-Ben Blair picks up Chez Jose quesadillas for everybody (thanks for the meal, DECA).
-Ralph, Maude & Olive get home from school.




4:00 - 7:00:
-Participate in what will ultimately be a 60-second online spot showing how my family uses the new HP Touchsmart Printer.
-Ralph is assigned to get behind-the-scenes photos for this post.



7:00 - 8:00:
-The crew clears all the equipment out.
-I try to talk Ben Blair into picking up more quesadillas from Chez Jose because I'm hungry again. And those quesadillas are good. Dam good.

You can find more of Ralph's photos here.

Also. Corey from Life With Little Ones posted an interview of me last week — it's part of her Inspirational Interviews Series. And I was honored to be included. Not related to yesterday at all. But I've been meaning to tell you and I keep forgetting...

Crewcuts Catalog

Did you see the cover of the latest Crewcuts catalog?

I am in love. For your next family pictures, promise me you'll fly to Chile and pose the shots in a red row boat in the middle of a snowy forest. Then cross your heart and hope to die. Stick a needle in your eye.

The stylists have outdone themselves with this catalog. Every shot is delightful. And the clothes. The clothes!