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Mrs. Softie

2009-06-24T00:03:00Z

I just got back from watching The Hangover with my much younger brother. More than funny, it's one of those movies that inspires your reckless side - or at least makes you fondly remember the time the floor fell out of your roommates car on the way to Nick Tahoes (Home of the Garbage Plate) and everyone in the back seat had to pile on top of each other while keeping from tipping off the seat.

So I had all this energy and not enough time to stop for a Moolaté on the way home. On the front porch were my kids with my father. They had that bored, punished look like they'd been locked out of the house in 85 degree temps.
"Mom, the ice cream truck came by!" my son anxiously exclaimed. "It was the good one, the blue one...and Papa didn't let us get anything."
My father puts up his hands defensively, "The truck was white."
"But did it have blue trim?" I ask.
Again on the defense, "Everything I ever hear about the ice cream truck is, 'no, no, it's bad.'" He is right. There is an ice cream truck that comes by at all hours, circling our neighborhood like a rabid pet. It looks like an old school bus with a cooler in the back. It sells Popsicles in the shape of a foot or Sponge Bob. Bad, very bad. Almost shady in my opinion.

My father takes his orders from me and I totally appreciate that. And, in fact, I do appreciate that he is on the cautious side. "Dad, both trucks are white. One has blue trim and came one time last year. The other is white with green and orange trim: that one is bad." I could see guilt and desperation take over a man who, if it were up to him, would grant the children an endless supply of junk food and amusement parks.
So I'm pumped from the movie, and like trying to find a lost groom, I had to find Mr. Softie who passed my house 15 minutes prior. I couldn't wait for my dejected father to pull out of the driveway so I could put the kids in the bike carriage in search of the white truck with the BLUE trim.
I couldn't hear the truck as I loaded them in, but as I got to the end of the driveway the music box chimes were detectable. Like a mirage I saw the truck coming down the cross street. The bike seat, that's set for my husband, jabbed my butt as I extend my waving hand into the air. Then he turns down my street - that never happens. It's like Dave Matthews playing Crush twice in one set. But then I see my father's car cow plowing the truck back to our house. It was way more exciting than just catching it the first time. The driver is practically taken hostage by my father's damaged reputation.

The children got their soft serve, my father got his respect back and realized that, yeah, there's a story to tell even on a Tuesday night in the burbs.

BTW, for Easter my grandmother gave us a $6 gift certificate to DQ (insert confused expression). I took the boys there soon after and ordered two small cones and a baby dish - all with sprinkles. The total came to $6.06. Cones with sprinkles from the beloved, now slightly freaked out, Mr. Softie are $1.50ea. Can you see now why it's worth hijacking?

Trimming the Blue Hairs - a novel

2009-06-08T19:39:00Z

In the time between my single life in Chicago and my married life in Buffalo, I spent almost two years delighting in the company of the elderly. It wasn't a conscious choice or pursued goal, I just found myself in their company, listening to their stories, trying to not to stare at their dentures.

The experiences were truly rewarding...so much that I dedicated a year to pulling them together in a fiction novel titled Trimming the Blue Hairs.

If you're looking for a good summer read or find yourself in a position of playing parent to your own parents, you'll commiserate with my story. If you'd like to know more, please visit my website - www.cristinfrank.com - where you can view the video trailer and read more.

It's been out for several months so you can get a great deal on it on amazon.com!

Diamonds are not forever

2009-06-05T13:39:00Z

My older son was born almost six years ago. His birth came two days before my 1st wedding anniversary and 10 days before my @#th birthday. For this I decided I deserved diamond earrings.
Honestly, I'm a simple woman. I drink day old coffee and am not too proud for hand-me-downs.

I asked for diamond earrings more as a step toward simplification. I put them in my ears at the hospital and wore them every day for almost six years (with the exception of cleaning them, of course).

A couple weeks ago, sitting in my sister's driveway, I reach up, toughed my earlobe and gasped. My earring was gone. Really gone. I combed through the grass in my front and back lawn. I got on my hands and knees with my face to the floor, scouring my carpets like an anteater. With every passing room the stabbing pain in my stomach worsened.

Then my husband offered some perspective...it's just a thing. And though there was also a huge dose of sentiment, it was again, just a thing; something to be replaced on another magical event to come in my future. Or, I'm tossing around the thought of buying fake ones - a fraction of the price and 0% worry.

On second thought, I'll take my chances and wait for another great accomplishment and reason for a treasure.

The Balance Buddy

2009-05-29T18:52:00Z

I made a commitment to my son and myself that I would teach him to ride a 2-wheeler...sans training wheels. A few weekends ago my husband took off the training wheels and attached the Balance Buddy. The Balance Buddy ($16-$20) is a long U-shaped bar that attaches to the axle of the bike's back wheel. This has made my neighbors, who had to run along holding on to their kid's bike seat, jealous.

We went in the street, me in my flip-flops and my son focused on burning rubber. I ran down the street and back up, gripping and panting...say nothing of my physical stamina, because no matter what, mentally I couldn't let go.

The woman who introduced me to the Balance Buddy never let go. She ran around our neighborhood like a crazy person, almost being dragged by her son on his bike - but she never let go and he never fell. She looked ridiculous, I knew, but I could understand. How was I going to let go knowing he would be faced with crashing, skidding along the pavement? It was the most metaphorical moment of motherhood.

With sweating brow and an aching bunion, I knew I had to do it; I had to let go.

When I was four I asked my mom if I could buy a 2-wheeler from my friends for $5. She didn't believe me when I said I knew how to ride it. I walked her down the street and showed her how I could ride it and indeed a sale was made.

On Thursday I told my five-year-old that I'd buy him a water bottle holder for his bike if he learned how to ride. On Saturday I was out purchasing one.

Believe in them...push their limits...and they'll delight you.

Melon Masterpieces

2009-05-22T21:17:00Z

For decades, women's magazines have been showing pictures of carved melons that look like baskets or Jaws or fancy flower blossoms. I like to bring such arrangements to picnics but struggle with the craftsmanship. Let's face it, you cannot cut into a watermelon rind with a pairing knife. Nor can you cut scallop shapes with your serrated bread knife.

So this is when you go down to your basement tote of Halloween goodies. You know, the one with the orange lid that lets you know it's the Halloween one, wink, wink. In there you'll find your pumpkin carving kit with little serrated knives that could kill a horse.

I've found this kit more useful throughout the summer for my picnic pizazz!
Go for it - make them think you're Edward Scissorhands.

Psst...The other really great thing about bringing a carved melon (besides showing off) is that you don't have to worry about leaving behind a serving dish at the hostesses house!

Color Me Happy

2009-05-15T21:03:00Z

I was out a couple weeks ago with some lady friends when the weather was nice.
One said, "I need a new summer wardrobe!"
The other said, "I need to loose weight!"
I looked at my reflective white skin and exclaimed, "I need a spray tan!"
I've never tried the spray tan, though I've seen the infamous Friends episode (am I dating myself?) where Ross gets repeatedly sprayed on the same side.
I have to say, I like the idea - instant gratification - you get a safe, even tan in minutes without redness, blisters or orange hands. I challenge you moms, me included to try it out.

Get a fresh look for between $15 - $30! They last up to a week.

If you'd feel more comfortable sticking to the lotions, I highly recommend the Jergens Natural Glow Firming lotion. The color is more controlled because it layers on. It'll take a few days to notice results but you won't get hard edges of color like the one-time applications. Ohh, and I specified the "Firming" one because of the smell, not the results. One complaint I heard from others on these lotions is the smell. I've worn the Jergens Firming daily moisturizer JUST for the soft, pleasent scent. These come in 7.5oz tubes that cost around $8.

What do you have to trade?

2009-04-28T16:42:00Z

Have you every been to a regifting party right after the holidays? It's a great time to get rid of the stupid gifts you got in exchange for your friend's "stupid gift."

In honor of our awareness of over-consumerism due to the economy and green initiatives, these types of parties are becoming more popular year-round - especially for moms!

If you're interested in organizing one, tell your mom friends to get out their gently used toys, clothes, household items or holiday gifts that have found their way to a dark corner in the last 5 months. For each item that a guest brings, give them a poker chip. Then they can use their poker chips to "buy" something they want that another guest brought. Win win!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-04-22T12:44:00Z

May 10th is Mother's Day!
If you know of a new mother in your life, give the gift of style and convenience!

http://www.prlog.org/10209010-this-mothers-day-moms-want-timesaving-organization-mominvented-cargot-organizers-deliver.html

Cheers to bridesmaid gifts!

2009-04-08T13:01:00Z

We just received a large order for Toiletry Cargot's from a bride-to-be. She wants all the girls in her party to get ready at her mother's house on the morning of the wedding. How fun is that? "It reminds me of my younger years with my Caboodle - except these are classy!" she said.

If you're interested in an order of 10 or more, contact me at cristin@carrycargot for a "group rate."

Also, if you're still looking for Bachelorette Party ideas, check out:
http://bestpartyever.com/ideas/show/820-A-Wine-Tasting-Bachelorette-Party

This is a great site with party ideas for any theme or budget.

Cheers!

Spring Cleaning - dread or delight?

2009-04-01T12:49:00Z

I spent the weekend cleaning my windows (1 point dread) while listening to all the podcasts I've downloaded since January, but hadn't had time to listen to (1 point delight!).

Check out the article Melissa Chapman-Mushnick wrote for sheknows.com, which I contributed to. There is some great advice for spring cleaning, specifically talking the stress out of it (10 points delight)!
www.sheknows.com/articles/808040.htm

Enjoy your home, enjoy the Spring!

Give it up for Lent

2009-03-17T22:18:00Z

I lived in Chicago around the turn of the millennium. At that time, Wheaton College (in Chicago burb) was looking for a new name for their sports team. Their current mascot was "The Crusaders." Since the Pope had apologized for the conflicts of a religious character which occurred in the years 1095-1291, know as the Crusades, Wheaton College felt their team name was less honorable.

A Chicago radio personality suggested they rename their team, Lent. "That way," he added, "at the games, fans can cheer 'Give it up for Lent!'"

I always struggle to think of something realistic that I can give up for Lent. Honestly, chocolate and ice cream is not going to happen.

This year was an exception. I knew exactly what I was going to give up: this black box that I'm hunched over right now. From the hours of 6:30 - 8:30 pm, I have committed to doing something other than Googling, e-mailing, blogging and the worst of the worst, obsessively hitting "get Mail."

I've filled my two hours playing Wii with the kids, sending "thinking of you" cards and housework. I feel so organized and much less stressed. Come to think of it, it's the opposite of a sacrifice, it's a relief I've given myself.

Think of how you'd feel if you cut back on something. I know too many people who give up sweets - and that's great, if you need nutrition help, but really think where you need help. For me, it's time, and I've just given it to myself. Identify the need...arrive at the solution.

Cheers! Let's give it up for ~~Lent~~ life now.

Cargot at the WNY Baby Expo

2009-03-15T21:09:00Z

Yesterday was the WNY Baby Expo! My boys spent most of the day jumping in the huge bounce house (except for the seconds it took Dad to snap this photo) while I talked up the great features of the Cargot organizers. We received such positive feedback on the look of the Cargot from Moms, and Dads love the functionality. The overwhelming interest from Dads has put a Dad-Style Cargot at the top of our new product list. I even had a woman tell me she wanted one for her mother's Depends.

Other exciting news for our up and coming brand is that we will be sold at Discover Organization in Pittsburgh. For those of you in the Buffalo area, you can pick up both the Diaper Changing Cargot and Toiletry Cargot at USA Baby on Sheridan in Amherst.

You've got fun mail

2009-03-06T22:50:00Z

I recently contributed to an article for SheKnows.com on how to wow people with your organization skills. Since I left out a really good idea in their story, I thought it best to at least share it with my readers - sorry, SheKnows!
So the totally great idea is pretty simple and many of you may use this or at least have intentions to. Alright, alright, I'll just say it already! E-Vites.

Sending invitations to guests, even if it's just a dinner party, this sets guidelines and expectations that sets the event up for success.

We had a party once and my husband verbally invited his brother. My brother-in-law got only part of the message - our house at 4pm. When he an his family showed up to see it was a birthday party for our youngest son, and he didn't have a toy in his back pocket, it was awkward for everyone.

As a hostess, invitations can include an ending time, too. This way guest understand when it's appropriate to leave. Win, win.

After going through the pain of hundreds of wedding invites, most of which I needed to manually contact to get a response from, I love E-vites for their ease of RSVP. One might even use the expression, "click of a button!"

And lastly, something dear to me, it's paperless. Nothing is printed, packages, shipped, stocked, or mailed (that boils down mainly to paper, time and gas savings).

If you have not used this free service, try it out. They have really cute graphics to choose from and hey, they might even inspire a party!
Cheers!!

Guest Blogger: Pediatric Chiropractic

2009-03-04T22:34:00Z

Today's special entry is from Dr. Donna J. Hedgepeth, DC, DACCP
Diplomate in Pregnancy and Pediatric Chiropractic
Raleigh, NC

Pregnancy is like an Olympic event for your body – at least that is what I always tell my patients. This incredible transformation places a lot of stress on your spine and muscles from all the changes that occur in such a short period. Changes in weight and center of gravity cause your posture to shift and therefore your joint and muscles must work differently to compensate. Also the hormonal changes, both during pregnancy and after delivery, cause the ligaments in your body to soften and therefore loosen or make the joints more pliant which leads to a greater potential for injury or aches. With all that going on; even simple activities such as getting dressed, getting in and out of chairs, and even reaching for an item off the cabinet shelf can become an exercise in patience and creativity.

And after your little bundle of joy is here, a different set of postural stresses arise.
Even though the handling of a child could be considered “light” lifting by some, the repetitive nature of these challenges on the body can result in various difficulties and pains. It is important to protect your back while caring for your child. A few simple ways you can help yourself is to learn to organize your must have items and keep your carrying load to a minimum. Consider the strains of feeding positions, use pillows to protect your back and don’t slouch or slump forward. Also, be mindful of a heavy, oversized diaper bag; learn to use baby carriers and slings to distribute the weight of the baby evenly and to decrease the time lugging around the awkward car seat. Please shop around and know that there are organic and eco friendly options for all of these products; so you can be kind to the environment and kind to your body all at the same time.

Considering the situations mentioned above; Chiropractic care is a logical place to receive help for such strains and stresses on your posture during pregnancy and for both mom and dad after the baby is born. Some common complaints Chiropractors work to get relief from are neck and shoulder tension and burning, numbness into the arms or legs (sciatica), pubic symphysis pain and round ligament pain. The techniques may vary with different chiropractors and whether or not you are pregnant during care. But the purpose and outcome is always improved function and spinal placement through the chiropractic adjustment which in turn relates to pain relief and improved movement and energy for you. Chiropractic has long been studied as effective and safe for pain relief and is a wonderful option for many people to find help with their health concerns.

Chiropractic is an ultimate all natural, holistic, and even eco-friendly treatment; since we treat the body as a whole with no medications, surgeries or other invasive procedures and produce practically no waste products (in my office we are recycling maniacs from run of the mill non-confidential paper, toilet paper and paper towel rolls on up to the face paper we use!). So it is great for the person that wants to do good while feeling good!

   Contributed by Donna J. Hedgepeth, DC, DACCP
           Diplomate in Pregnancy and Pediatric Chiropractic
           Raleigh, NC

       www.CarryMeClosely.com

Growing Gratification

2009-02-26T14:50:00Z

Where I live, the ground is still frozen, the snow is mostly melted and the litter that's been trapped underneath is exposing itself. A couple times I've put on my polka-dot rain boots to pick up sticks and trash in the yard. I've visited the plot where we buried our pumpkin last fall and the soggy parsley and strawberry plant remains.

Last summer we had a very robust garden. If you recall, it was at the time that gas was $4/gallon and food prices were on the rise. I read an article that interviewed a woman who said she would shoot a turkey to keep food on the table for her family. I thought, "Is this the new meaning of 'survival of the fittest?'" Me and my overzealous children went to the farmers market and bought two carts full of starter vegetables, herbs and fruits.

We were picking cucumbers and hot peppers well into September. At Halloween, we used our dried up corn stalks as a porch decoration.

We are so anxious to get the garden going again that we recently planted cucumbers and tomatoes with the Backyardigan indoor garden set. I've never experienced such instant gratification with growing! The cucs sprouted in 3 days and the tomatoes not much more after that. We also planted Christmas wheat from seeds my mother had been carrying in her purse since before Christmas.

Every morning we "make the rounds," which it a summertime term we used when referring to checking on our garden progress. Now we visit the vegetables at the living room window then move through to the dining room to check on the wheat.

For something that took less than an hour to plant, it gives us a little something to look forward to each morning.

The Emotional Helicopter

2009-02-20T23:43:00Z

I recently corresponded with a Redbook Magazine contributor who is working on an article about Helicopter Moms. I just get a kick out of that expression because in the younger years, I can physically spot these mothers, hunched, waving their arms above wobbely toddlers. Much later in life these are the mothers who are balancing their kids checkbooks. My aunt used to handle my cousin's "books." A day came when she noticed thousands of dollars had been pulled from his account. Her natural conclusion was drugs, of course. He's a professional hockey player. She hysterically called him to confront his drug addiction.
"Ma, I'm marrying Julie. Thanks for ruining our surprise!" he fired back.

I have no problem losening schedules and allowing independent choices. I have no plans to do their homework, write their checks or pick their college. However, I cannot help myself when it comes to hurt feelings. When my son made straw-bead necklaces for the older boys on the bus in hopes that they would sit with him, I walked him to their house and stood there, knowing they wouldn't be cruel in front of me.
I've called PTA members to solicite phone numbers of kids in my son's class to arrange play dates to help build his friendships. One friend is a girl. I debated whether it was appropriate or not. Her parents accepted on the condition that the date had to be at their house. During the drop-offt, her dad pulled me aside to let me know that my son has repeated tried to kiss his daughter. She even told her parents that he is in love with her and wants to marry her.

The helicopter has landed. No matter how much I hover and stay in site his heart will go in whatever direction it wants.

What I like about you

2009-02-19T22:01:00Z

When people ask me for my opinion on the clicking noise in their jaw or the subtle swelling in their left thumb, I kindly remind them that I went to art school. And though I cannot assess fractures or growth milestones, I can offer my artistic eye. This comes in handy when my kindergartner brings home a disheveled folder full of work. Anything that is simply colored in or has no color at all, goes neatly into the recycling bin. The rest finds a spot on the frig for the 30 seconds it takes me to critique and choose the best work. Many items find their way into a portfolio I keep for him, but others - a very, very select few - actually get framed.

I had the privilege of eating at a new restaurant in Chicago before it opened to the public. It was one of those trial run events where everything's free and you get to talk to the owners and give your opinion. Yes, free food and soliciting opinions, "Right this way, Mrs. Frank."

I cannot tell you what I ate, who brought it to me or even the friends I sat with. I will tell you that every piece of art on the walls of that restaurant was original. I spoke to the owner at length about the scout who purchased them. The pieces were found everywhere from galleries to garage sales. And regardless of origin, they were all beautifully framed.

I think it is so important to recognize what is truly good, empower the artisan inside our little ones and not to clutter our homes with coloring book pages. Try it. When you save everything, it all seems mediocre. When you highlight one - even if it looks like another storm cloud of blue paint - there is genuine recognition.

PS. I did get rid of a boyfriend because in his bedroom he'd framed 1) money (from other countries, but still!) and 2) a huge map. What is more unoriginal and mass produced that those?!

"A cake, Franck, is made of flour & water" -Father of the Bride

2009-02-16T23:34:00Z

My especially green sister (think cloth diapers) hosted a party for her son's first birthday this weekend. She specified that no gifts could be made in China, and spent the previous day making three cakes from scratch.

I took a chunk of cake home, taking the risk of my husband throwing it in the garbage because he does that when he sees excessive sweets sitting around the kitchen. This cake, however, lasted through the night. When the junk food Nazi came home he pulled out the cake plate and a fork. "That cake is actually all natural," I added hoping to preserve the remains for another day.

It worked. The man who lined up all the sweets in our house on New Year's Day, before throwing them all in the garbage, let the homemade cake "live."

I had a thought, I should make cake from scratch, how hard could it be? So I cracked open good 'ol Betty Crocker and had a looksee:
flour- sugar- butter (I totally have all of you) - milk - baking powder - salt - (yep, got it) - vanilla & eggs (yeah, covered there)
So what I'm saying is I basically could whip up an "all natural" cake any day of the week. There's no search for vanilla beans, crème fraîche or figuring out yeast packets.

See, scratch just sounds difficult. Try it. It'll look good on you.

If the Shoe Fits - you dont have to buy it

2009-02-13T23:34:00Z

So last night I had a dream where I was in a store looking at rain boots. I saw a pair of pink ones on sale for $2.50 - like that would ever happen. These are my most disappointing, reoccurring dreams: mega sales on clothes I'm in love with, only to wake up without them.

Later in the dream I not only have pink boots, I have yellow Converse sneakers and green, knit clogs. I'm digging through a suitcase to find clothes that will match all these crazy shoes I bought. Do you know how hard it is to match yellows? On top of that, I'm pulling this stuff out from under my bed because, what, my closet is full of other thrifty items I don't need.

This dream is a repressed issue I've recently overcome in my "real" life: Cristin, don't buy it just because it's on sale. Cristin, when you buy someone a birthday gift, don't buy a duplicate for yourself.

I once bought a Liz Claiborne sweater for ten dollars and wore it to paint a room. Where's the respect?

I've found that items that I want no matter the cost or inconvenience are the ones that I wear the most. The fastest way to clutter your home is overbuying - I can't part with it because I paid money for it. I can't give it away because I haven't worn it yet - or there's a chance I might wear it to that Mary Kay party I don't want to go to.

Stop it. Don't do it. Be selective.

Portion Control Your To-Do List

2009-02-13T00:00:00Z

My doctor told me today, "You have too much on your plate."
The more I thought about this in a non metaphorical sense, it made me remember the dream I had last night.

I was at a buffet and I reached for a plate. Instead of taking one from the stack of wet, ceramic ovals, I leaned down and pulled out a huge platter in the shape of a fish. Another customer protested that I couldn't use that as a plate. I reminded them that I was at a buffet and I could take as much food as I wanted. When I sat down to eat, all that was in front of me was a small bowl of salad.

As overachievers, moms have the availability take on endless amounts of causes or work within those causes.

I think we all can portion control when it comes to the environment (for our own sanity): the light bulbs, hormones, chemicals, gas emissions, etc. It can be overwhelming.

My thought for today is to think about what you can realistically do, write it down and actually do it. I'm not asking that you go all Ashton/Demi on me and make some righteous pledge. No one has to hear about it or see it. Just you will know you're doing what you can for our earth, your family and yourself.

For those of you who are also feeling a bit overwhelmed, my doctor assured me, "this is a problem that smart people have. Dumb people get hit by cars, smart people have too much on their plate."