OpinionRated

Author and illustrator: Leslie Patricelli

2009-03-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

I love books! When Leslie Patricelli's new books arrived at my door my toddler son asked hopefully "are those for me?" We sat down to read them...and again...and again...and again. I finally had to beg off because my throat was getting sore from reading so long!

The books we were reading were Higher! Higher! and Baby Happy, Baby Sad, both written and illustrated by Patricelli. My favorite of the two was Higher! Higher! The main character daughter is swinging with her daddy, pleading to go higher - and ends up higher than you would probably expect!

Both books were a fun read. The best part was certainly the illustrations - colorful and cute, they are beautiful and enjoyable. They are a bit short on story line, but the pictures tell quite a bit of story by themselves. I enjoyed asking my toddler if he knew what was going on just by looking at the pictures.

There are definitely books written by a real-life mom, and I hope you enjoy them as much as we are.

New Artist: Corneille

2009-03-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

I had heard him described as "acoustic-driven R&B." As "Motown," as similar to John Legend, Tracy Chapman, and Marvin Gaye. That's not exactly my style, but I was intrigued enough by Corneille to give him a try.

Because I had also heard something of his life story. His parents and family members were killed in the 1994 Rwanda genocide. He was the only one in his family to escape. The more I read about his history and what he had to say, the more interested I was to hear his music. Deep experiences often make for deep artistry.

Genre preferences aside, the first time I listened to The Birth of Corneille I couldn't help but perk up a bit. The second time through I was swaying and humming. By the third time I was singing along and now I've got the songs running through my head even when the CD isn't playing.

So...not what I thought was my style, but you learn something new everyday. If you'd like to learn more, head on over to his website.

Aquadoodle!!

2008-10-15T11:33:00.001-07:00

Have you ever heard of the AquaDoodle Draw 'n Doodle mat? Now this is a fun toy. All it entails is a mat (which can be easily rolled up and stored away) and a "pen" that you fill with water. When you draw on the mat with the water-pen, it appears that you're drawing in blue ink. When you draw on yourself or your furniture or the floor or the toys or the walls - your mom doesn't get mad, because its just water!

I have to say, this is about the best possible toy for my mischievous son. He loves to draw, but no matter what the consequences are he just cannot seem to keep the crayons off the walls and furniture. I've had to hide all pens and crayons (and we'd never think of allowing markers in the house!), but I hate to do so when this means his creative drawing skills aren't allowed to blossom.

The mat itself is much nicer and higher quality than I expected. We spent about an hour when we first got it, drawing pictures and writing out letters and numbers. And clean up? Just let it dry, and roll it up!

The only downside is that it comes with only one pen; I'm looking in to getting a few so we can draw together, or with friends. That shouldn't be too hard.

I love it.

Bath Bubbles from the Bath Blizzard

2008-10-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

We recently received the "Bath Blizzard" by Kid Kleen - a bubble making machine that hangs over your bathtub and spills bubbles into your tub while your little one bathes.

The point, of course, is to make bath time fun. My son would think bath time was fun no matter what was or wasn't in the tub with him, but he was still excited to try it out.

Its easy to use, and it does indeed produce bubbles. It comes with a small container of bubble bath, and you can use it with whatever bubble bath you prefer. The bubbles we got disappeared quickly - I assume that's due to the quality of the bubble bath, rather than the Bubble Blizzard itself. It also requires C batteries, which happened to be the only kind we didn't have in the house.

Its a gimmick, to be sure! But sometimes with toddlers you need bath-time-gimmicks. And this one is pretty fun for everyone.

Sesame Street....K'nex!

2008-09-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

I was first introduced to K'nex during the year that I worked as an Au Pair in Switzerland. My 5 year old boy was a K'nex fanatic, and together we built some truly amazing structures. As soon as I had a boy, I began to look forward to his K'nex stage (well...it wasn't foremost on my mind as soon as I had him but...you know what I mean).

So, I'm happy to say that K'nex has recently started a new line, just for 2-5 year olds...Sesame Street K'nex!

Our set is "Ernie and Bert" and it has all the pieces for his little hands (or, Mommy) to put together Ernie and Bert, with enough extra pieces to allow for some creativity. The plastic pieces are a bit on the cheap side, but they are big, colorful, and chunky to allow him to begin building. He loves it!

You can go here to find out more. Have fun!

K'nex and win!

2008-08-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

Remember K'nex?? Here's your chance to do some playing...and some winning! Three lucky builders will win a $10,000 savings bond - check it out!

Passover By Design

2008-04-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

I'm not Jewish, but I have recently been looking into following a Kosher or Halal eating lifestyle. So I've been very interested in Susie Fishbein's Kosher by Design cookbook series. And since my friends and try to do a Passover seder every year or so, I jumped at the chance to take a look at her new cookbook Passover by Design.

This really is a beautiful cookbook stuffed with recipes that could be used for Passover or really any other meal. In March it made the top 100 book list on both Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. Below I'll post some questions/answers with Susie, as well as some pictures of completed recipes and table decor. Happy cooking and eating!

(From her website)

The author of the widely popular Kosher by Design series of cookbooks speaks about her unique project for Passover.

Q – Passover by Design is the fifth in your cookbook series. How is this latest one different from all your other cookbooks?

A –This cookbook is solely focused on Passover. It includes so many helpful suggestions for preparing dishes that are as eye-pleasing as they are delicious. Kosher by Design cooks know that simple elegance is part of what has made this series unique. That aesthetic theme carries over into Passover by Design as well. Also, you’ll notice a blend of both familiar and brand new recipes. I painstakingly went through the previous Kosher by Design cookbooks and completely reformulated over 100 recipes to be thoroughly kosher for Passover.

Q – What’s the benefit of a Passover-centric cookbook?

A - First, everything you need is presented in one complete cookbook. You won’t have to shuffle through several cookbooks, marking pages with sticky notes, to plan your meals. Secondly, you won’t have to go through the cumbersome effort of calculating and substituting kosher for Passover ingredients. It’s not a matter of simply substituting one cup of potato starch for one cup of flour. I spent scores of hours refining the measurements to get them right for each recipe. That’s a huge time saver.

Q – Beside the reformulated recipes, what else is new in Passover by Design?

A – There are over thirty brand new recipes, with some exceedingly simple to prepare. For this book, I teamed up with Moshe David, a rising star in the kosher catering circuit, to design over twenty unusual recipes not normally seen on a Passover table, such as Teriyaki Chicken Satés and Thai Sole Rolls. We also present some very healthful cooking techniques that are useful year round.

Q – Does Passover by Design include tablescaping ideas for holiday decorating?

A – For sure. My team and I really shook things up for this holiday looking for ways not only to decorate the table but to enliven the Seder itself. John Uher shot the beautiful photography as he has for the previous books. The visual effects are stunning and people will be able to adapt them for their own moods and settings.

Q – When and where will Passover by Design be available?

A – Passover by Design is scheduled for release on Feb. 28, 2008. Like the other books in the Kosher by Design series, it’ll be available through ArtScroll.com, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com and certainly at any good Jewish bookstore near you.

Littlest Pet Shop

2008-04-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

We've come a long way from the Strawberry Shortcake dolls and My Little Ponies I played with in elementary school.

When I received my own dolls and toys from the Littlest Pet Shop collection, I was certain of two things: 1. My friends and I would have loved this when we were kids; and 2. Its been a lo-ong time since I was a kid.

These cute stuffed animal pets come with a code that you can use to log in online - hence, their status as Virtual Interactive Pets or VIP's. You play with the toys at home just like in the old days. But when you log in online, you can adopt and play with your toys in a whole new world. (Click here for a video about the fun that waits online).

There's also high-tech accessories that are certainly up a little girl's alley. Like this digital pen. You know we would have loved this back in the 80's!

So there you have it - cute, colorful, stuffed animals and toys just like we had when we were kids - that comes with digital accessories and interactive tools online. Check it out!

Points: Women have them, Men need them

2008-04-13T18:38:00.000-07:00

This book isn't quite my style, but it might be yours. Its written for men who are slightly domestically challenged. I'm not a man...and my husband is a specimen of domestic perfection (he cooks, cleans, and shops much better than I do!). But if your husband is not quite so talented in these areas, it might be a good one for you...or him! Its a fun one so check it out!

(From the Publisher)

Points
Women Have Them, Men Need Them
By I. Glebe
Published by Running Press
December 2007;$12.95US/$15.50CAN; 978-0-7624-3052-9

For years couples have been at war: Who left the seat up? Who dented the car? And all this time, unbeknownst to men, women have been keeping score.

Until now. Intrepid researcher and lazy relationship partner I. Glebe reveals the secret formula that has kept relationships off-balance for years.

Sometimes taking out the trash gets a guy "points" and sometimes it doesn't (Is it actually trash night? Did he leave it on the curb or on top of her car while he shot some hoops?) The accrual of these nebulous points has determined everything from whether a guy gets to watch the game in peace, or attend a bachelor party. In Vegas.

Points is both a handbook and a cheat sheet. Guys are guaranteed* to find some helpful point-gaining ideas. (Don't worry, she'll never suspect you got them from a book!) And women are guaranteed** to learn new methods of profiting from the inevitable blunders.

If bestselling titles like He's Just Not That Into You helped you narrow the field, The Rules brought you together, and Why Do Men Have Nipples explained all the weird quirks and smells, Points will make you and your partner (this one or the next one) winners for life!

*Not Really **Of course.

Author
I. Glebe is an ordinary guy. It is from this unique vantage point that he was able to uncover the secrets of relationships and how to make them work for you, even though you may not want to. Having experienced the best and the worst of seven marriages (including two of his own), he can safely say that he is as close to an expert in this stuff as anyone walking the planet.

For more information, please visit http://glebespoints.com.

Only Child

2008-04-12T18:22:00.000-07:00

Only Child: Writers on the Singular Joys and Solitary Sorrows of Growing Up Solo, edited by Deborah Siegel and Daphne Uviller is a collection of essays by writers who also happen to be only children. But this is a book that will appeal to anyone interested in stories of real life - sometimes hilarious, sometimes poignant, sometimes moving, this book is enjoyable no matter your sibling status.

There are 20 stories, which chronicle the adventures of being an Only from childhood into adulthood, depicting life as only those have lived it can do. Each story is unique, each captivating.

On Amazon.com, 25 of 26 readers have given this book a full 5 stars - and the 26th went with 4 stars. That's pretty high praise, if you ask me. The weather is warming up at last - I'd choose this one as a pool-side or vacation book for summer reading. Enjoy!

Cute lil' Knut

2008-04-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

As the subtitle says, Knut is the story of How one little polar bear captivated the World. And so it is. Amazon gives a good summary of the story:

When Knut was born, the first polar bear cub at the Berlin Zoo in more than thirty years, he was no bigger than a snowball and unable to care for himself. His mother, a rescued East German circus bear, didn't know how to take care of Knut and rejected him. Knut would have died if it weren't for Thomas Dorflein, a zookeeper who nurtured Knut, feeding him, sleeping with him, and giving him the love and attention Knut needed to thrive. But Thomas wasn't the only one who adopted Knut. The adorable little polar bear captured the world's attention, and now Knut is loved around the globe.

My first impression wasn't too positive. The edition I have looks a good 15 years old, though the book was written just this past year. But my son loves the book. He's too young to get into what really is a fascinating story of a young polar bear cub, but he can't get enough of the pictures. He can even say "Knut!"

So, this book is a hit. Cute lil' Knut...though he's probably big enough to scare me away by now. :)

The Cake Thief

2008-04-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

The Cake Thief, a new children's book by Sally Lee, is a fun and uncomplicated story of a boy named Clarence who has a bad habit of stealing cakes. In the story, his community surprises him by showing grace, and he learns not only to make friends, but to make his own cakes!

As simple as the story is, I found myself saying "that's a lesson I could stand to learn myself." Ok, I've never even been tempted to steal a cake, but it does often seem that we go to great lengths to find a short cut - when just learning to do things the right way may have taken much less effort.

This is the lesson of The Cake Thief. Its not complicated or destined to be a classic, but I liked it. And the illustrations? They're yummy enough to eat. Besides telling a good story, Sally Lee has created some enchanting illustrations. Check it out for yourself!

Snapple always = Yummy

2008-04-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

I've always been a big fan of Snapple. One of the highlights of my beverage life was when I babysat for a family who worked as distributors and they literally paid me in Snapple.

So when I heard about the new Snapple Anitoxidant Water, I was up for giving it a try. At first, I was skeptical. I've tried a lot of jazzy, snazzy, fadish drinks and waters lately - they all seem too syrypy...or something.

Snapple didn't dissapoint, however. This is good stuff! My son and I fought over who got to drain the first bottle but, luckily, there was a second.

According to Snapple, this new drink is more than just yummy.

Snapple Antioxidant Water features seven unique flavors inspired by
nature’s “superfruits,” including pomegranates and acai berries. The
antioxidants, vitamins and electrolytes in each flavor provide one of four
distinct benefits for the body:

The Power to PROTECT:, Vitamins A and E, electrolytes and a complete dose of Vitamin C help protect the body against free radicals. Available in Tropical Mango and Orange Starfruit flavors.
The Power to DEFY: Vitamins A and E, Grape Seed Extract, plus electrolytes assist in refreshing the body and mind. Available in Raspberry Acerola and Grape Pomegranate flavors.

The Power to AWAKEN: Vitamins A, E and B, Caffeine, Guarana, Ginseng
and Ribose, plus electrolytes will awaken your senses. Available in Strawberry Acai and Dragonfruit flavors.

The Power to RESTORE: Vitamins A and E, plus a double dose of electrolytes assist in restoring the body after any endurance and strength activity. Available in Agave Melon flavor.

So move over, Gatorade. Next time, I'm going for Snapple, for sure.

More BabyJamz!

2008-03-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

Edited to add: This just in! I just took my toddler on a 1,500 mile round trip in the car...and this toy was a lifesaver. So, if you're heading the road, this might be a good thing to pack in with you...

Its time for more Baby Jamz! I mentioned awhile back how much my toddler was enjoying his Hip-Hop nursery rhymes and cutting on a rug on his Baby Jamz dance mat. And now we have the Baby Jamz Jammin' Microphone to add to the collection.

I sing in a worship team at church, so my son knows all about microphones and is all about having one of his own. He holds it, puts it to his mouth, and starts to dance. The microphone plays music which you can slow down or speed up and, of course, sing along to. You should also be able to record the baby's voice as he sings along.

I'm not as big a fan of this toy though. It looks rather cheap to me, and after days of trying I still haven't gotten it to record or play back anything (maybe its broken? maybe its just me?). It strikes me as a classic case of a cheaply made, loud with batteries toy that will fall apart before you know it. But for now, we're jammin'.

Your Pregnancy Week by Week

2008-03-15T08:49:00.001-07:00

Let me begin my assuring you - I'm not pregnant. But I have been in the past, and I hope to be sometime in the future. So I'm always interested in a new and potentially fantastic book on pregnancy.

I'm a huge information person. I research and study almost anything that intersects my life, and many things that don't. When I was pregnant it was important to me to soak in as much information as I could - I was fascinated to learn anything and everything about the miracle happening in and to my body and my baby. But most pregnancy books I picked up I put right back down. While admonishing me to enjoy this time and rid my life of stress and anxiety, these books (most of them written by men) outline all the possible things that might go wrong during each week. While this information is helpful in its place they just don't have the tone I'm looking for in a pregnancy guide.

So I was excited to receive a copy of Your Pregnancy Week by Week by Glade B. Curtis, MD, MPH and Judith Schuler, MS. The first thing I noticed was that one of the two authors was female - that's a step in the right direction, at least.

For the most part, I'd say that this is a perfectly good pregnancy guide. Prenatal exams are brief, and this book gives plenty of week by week information, beginning pre-conception and going through the baby's first birthday, for mom's to have at home at their fingertips. It seems very comprehensive, and I was impressed that it included lifestyle topics such as a woman's rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) when she is pregnant or after delivery.

I can't say that this was a departure for the previous books I've read in tone, though. It is very definitely a medical book, and its emphasis includes the myriad of things that might lead to infertility or miscarriage if they are present or absent or in the wrong amounts. The authors are also coming from a particular philosophy which they stick to, coming down against home births and other things in a "natural" perspective. Some might also be disappointed to see that the pictures in the books are sketches of the unborn baby in the womb, rather than actual photography.

For some pregnant moms, this is definitely the book for you. If you're looking for a comprehensive medical opinion on each week and stage of your experience, you'll pour over this book and be better for it. If you're like me and would like to know the risks and dangers while dwelling on the miracle and wonder of it, this will be a helpful tool in the box but will need to be supplemented with other perspectives.

If you've used this book, let me know what you think. What do you like in a pregnancy book?

Gloves in a bottle

2008-03-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

When I was offered the chance to try a new hand lotion called "Gloves in a Bottle" I jumped at it. Wintertime is dry to begin with, but then add in a baby/toddler and all the germs they create. Gloves in a bottle sounded exactly like what I needed.

The lotion itself is pretty good. Not too oily, not too watery. I'm picky about my lotion. I don't want it to feel like I've just rubbed water over my hands, but I don't like greasy either. This rubs in well and my skin does feel soft afterwards. I wouldn't say its absolutely My Favorite Ever, but its good.

The makers of Gloves in a Bottle claim that it does something most lotions do not. Instead of just replacing your natural moisture with artificial moisture (which then washes or rubs rights off), the ingredients need to get below the second layer of skin where it can actually add to your natural moisture level. They claim that their lotion will not wash off, but will come off naturally with exfoliated skin cells.

This sounds good in theory, but with all the news of contaminants and poisons getting into our bodies, I wasn't sure that I wanted something going deeper in than it already is. I contacted the company to see what they had to say.

They explained that the lotion is not actually entering your skin, but is bonding with it, helping it to do its job as a barrier, then coming off naturally in a few hours. This does seem like the best of both worlds - a lotion that doesn't wash off, but still comes off on its own, while not actually penetrating below skin level. They even sent me a link to a page listing and explaining their ingredients, as well as a material safety sheet. I really appreciated their willingness to publish this information and make it public and available.

So there you have it. Gloves in a Bottle.

Breastfeeding is Green contest

2008-03-11T10:41:00.001-07:00

This contest looks like a lot of fun! Click over and check it out...

Who's ready to party?

2008-03-08T17:45:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the party! 5 Minutes for Mom is hosting their annual Ultimate Blog Party - a great time and a fun way to meet other bloggers. To thank you for stopping by, to give you a chance to see what I do here at OpinionRated, and in the spirit of party favors I'm offering links to my two favorite books of all time, my two favorite books from 2007, and a book I've read recently.

Favorites of all time
These two are easy - definietly C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces and David James Duncan's The Brother's K (no, not the Russian classic, this is a different one). Have you read them? If so, let's talk!! If you haven't...get reading!

Favorites of 2007
This one's really hard to narrow down since I read so many great books. But I'll go with Yann Martel's Life of Pi and...of course... JKR's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Same question - Have you read them? If so, let's talk!! If you haven't...get reading!

Favorite recent read
This one's the hardest of all, since I'm in the middle of so many great ones. But one absolutly fantastic book I'm reading right now is The Soul of Christianity by Huston Smith. Read it? Read it!

OpinionRated is primarily a review blog; I also do giveaways and post links to other giveaways I know about. Subscribed to OpinionRated if you'd like to keep tabs on the giveaways, and if you have a giveaway you'd like me to post a link to, just email me at lyricpoetry at gmail dot com. You can also party hop over to my personal blog, everyday life as lyric poetry.

I love to hear from you in the comments section. Thanks for coming by, and nice to meet you!

And the winner is....

2008-03-08T13:01:00.001-08:00

The winner of The Post Birthday World is....Hollibobolli! I have to say, the competition wasn't very stiff, but I guess that's what I get for giving mixed reviews to a book I was offering. It really is a fascinating book, so I can't wait to find out what you think of it, Hollibobolli!

One book I loved. Two books I didn't...or did I? Plus, a Giveaway!

2008-02-28T15:39:00.000-08:00

For those of you who read all the way to the bottom, there's a giveaway on this post!

"In the hundreds of books you've read since we've been married, I've never seen you respond to finishing a book like this." So said my husband, five minutes after I finished reading Amanda Eyre Ward's Forgive Me.

I've said many times what I like in a book: a story that uses a narrative to teach me something I don't know, to take me someplace I haven't been. A story that shows both the beauty of life and the pain of life, together as one. In Forgive Me I was drawn into a story that taught me of South Africa, of Apartheid, of pain, of forgiveness. Of history, of those historical events that have taken place in my own lifetime. And most of all, of this incredible, life changing journey of motherhood I'm on.

I have friends who are South African, a sister-in-law currently living in South Africa. And it is through the eyes of Nadine, an American journalist both running away and running home, that we see this beautiful, hurting country during its most pivotal current day moments.

I can't say enough about this book. I also can't say it is light or easy to read; it is neither. But it is excellent. I won't say much more, lest I give anything away. The Denver Post said of Forgive Me: "Compulsively readable...a fascinating journey to salvation." That about sums it up for me.

Suffice it to say, five minutes after I finished the last page, I'd had a good cry, kissed my husband, checked on my sleeping toddler, and considered starting the book a second time.

-------------------------------------------------

I tried to avoid reading Anne Patchett's Bel Canto for months. The back cover told of a story of political terrorists and hostages...not my kind of tale. In fact, when I actually read it and described the plot to my husband he was incredulous. That's not the kind of book you read! he insisted. And yet, every review I read was raving, and every Audible/Amazon injunction declared "People who love the books you love also love Bel Canto." I finally gave in, but just a little. I got the audio book.

To be honest, I thought the book was totally over-written, unrealistic, and ostentatious. Not to mention it was about political terrorists and wealthy hostages. I listened to hours of NPR to put off continuing my audio book. I watched in dismay the growing piles of books that had to wait until I managed to finish it.

Then, I finished it. And the end was amazing. Obvious, predictable and yet...somehow so stunning I'm still a bit in denial. The underlying themes were so piercing and vividly portrayed. (See, now I'm becoming over-written, unrealistic, and ostentatious. *sigh*)

I think I recommend this book. Give it a try. Tell me what you think. People who love the books you love also loved Bel Canto.

---------------------------------------------

Another book I surprised myself by reading was Lionel Shriver's The Post-Birthday World. Again, the back cover described a book that was entirely not my type, but the reviews were calling it the best book of 2007. I gave in.

In The Post-Birthday World Irina is caught in a moment, the moment where she chooses between remaining with her husband or kissing another man. After coming to this crossroads in the first chapter, the rest of the book follows both paths in alternating chapters.

This is a fascinating concept, and the author pulled it off spectacularly. The characters became so real to me, I entered so easily into their world. But I just got so tired of reading about marriage people hurting each other; the strength of character development worked against me. My worldview slanted a bit towards suspicion. I couldn't make it through.

But when I skipped to the last 50 pages to gain some resolution before giving up, the endings caught me back up into the story and I found myself reading further and further back. But finally, I put it down. Its just not my kind of tale.

And yet - the storytelling was so artfully good, so creative; the characters so real and suddenly important to me. I'm almost tempted to read it again, start to finish. Or, to never read another page.

So...here's your chance to give it a read and tell me what you think: I have a copy of The Post Birthday World to give away! Just leave a comment before Midnight on March 7th to enter. If you have a blog, please link back to the contest, and be sure to stop by again to see who wins. Make sure I have a way to contact you if you're the winner!

Dawn Direct Foam

2008-02-17T12:32:00.001-08:00

When I was sent a sample of Dawn Direct Foam dish soap to try, I was happy and skeptical. Happy because I love trying new products. Skeptical because I figured it would be...well...dish soap.

Thinking it was fun to pretend to be like the people in the commercials, we decided to really give it a run for its money. We had just deep fried fish for dinner, and had a very oily pan that needed washing. We squirted "just one pump" as they say, and got to work.

I have to say, both my husband and I were very impressed. That one pump of foam actually cut through all the oil and grease and cleaned our pan much better than we had hoped. And it gets better. Not only did we realize that "one pump" promises to clean an entire dishload, we realized we had only used about half the quantity that typically comes out in a pump!

So, dish soap, fish mope, I know. But this stuff is pretty cool. And I'm not even on a commercial. :)

More babywearing giveaways!

2008-02-13T16:21:00.000-08:00

This is a giveaway you shouldn't miss!

Fun Stuff

2008-02-06T10:12:00.001-08:00

Check out this website for new puzzles & printables for the entire family: www.WuzzlesandPuzzles.com

Let's vote!

2008-02-05T16:41:00.000-08:00

Online book club!

2008-02-05T12:34:00.000-08:00

If you want to join an online book club, visit "Everyday I write the book Blog" for details.

Baby Jamz!

2007-12-15T17:44:00.000-08:00

My son loves anything with a melody or a rhythm. Cars with stereo blaring, mommy humming around the house, even the steady drumming of the washing machine or the pepper grinder - they all start him dancing. So when I heard of Baby Jamz I knew he would love it.

Created by Beyonce's father and sister, this new toy line includes a CD of favorite nursery rhymes "with a new hip-hop adaptation" as well as a Baby Jamz cell phone, dance mat, key chain, boom box shape sorter, and mix master chair.

My husband and best friend love hip-hop. My music tastes fit better with candle light than with flashing lights, but even I admit this is fun. My son enjoys "dancing" on the dancemat and hearing the fun sounds he can add to the songs (and I love that there's an "off" button when I'm ready for some quiet!). The CD of lullabies-turned-hip-hop is creative and fun, and great to dance to with your kids.

I think this line from Hush Little Baby sums it all up "and if that mockingbird don't sing, Papa's gonna buy you some new bling-bling."

The Vaccine Book

2007-12-07T08:09:00.001-08:00

As soon as I read this book my first thought was: Where was this 16 months ago!

While I was pregnant I researched many things about parenthood, and vaccines topped the list. But try as I might, I was not able to find any information that I felt was helpful. There were definietly two sides to the issue, but they offered data in direct opposition to each other while each claiming that following their advice over the "propaganda" of the other side was a matter of life or death. This was insane, and utterly unhelpful.

So I turned next to friends, but found essentially more of the same. Some were strongly on one side, and others were strongly on the other. Many felt like throwing their hands up as I did.

Next, I turned to my Doctors and Chiropractor, all of whom I respected. They walked me through some of the pros and cons, and told me what they had done for their own children.

But in all of this, I never felt that I was being given well researched data. Opinions, repeated opinions, and some helpful perspective, but not what I'd been hoping for. We made the decisions we made, and I'm happy with them. But I was thrilled to now have Dr. Sear's The Vaccine Book.

Sears bends over backwards to not give parents yet another guilt trip and list of "shoulds." Instead, he speaks openly to both parents and doctors, acknowledging the limitations in all our educations regarding this issue. For each vaccine he gives a description of the disease, the risks of the disease before and after vaccination became standard, the ingredients and production method of the vaccine for each manufacture, any controversy regarding the ingredients, production methods, or side effects, as well as detailed information about the risks of each. Sears does not come down on either side of the vaccine debate, but does wrap each chapter up with a helpful summary, and documents his research thoroughly.

As I read, I did not feel that I was being pushed one way or the other, simply being given access to the data I've been wanting all along. With this information in hand, my options have increased. I now know specifically which vaccines I think are important, and why, and which brand I would prefer, and when I would like to get them for my child.

If you have a child still in the vaccination stages, I highly recommend at least a perusal of this book, if not making it part of your parental reference library. I wish I'd had it 16 months ago, but I'm grateful to have it now.

There's a whole book club discussion going on here if you'd like to know more about what others think of the book. Also, the Chicago Moms Blog and our sister sites had a fascinating discussion about breastfeeding yesterday; I posted my own story among others - come check it out.

More contests to enter!

2007-12-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

So a Blonde Walks Into a Review is hosting a fun holiday contest where you can win an autographed copy of Merry Christmas, America! Megawatt Displays Across the USA by Bruce Littlefield along with a vintage, Christmas treasure!

Deadline to enter is December 19, so click on over and enter quick!

Its almost Advent!

2007-11-30T18:09:00.000-08:00

Its almost Advent! So come try to win the Children's Christmas book my best friend is giving away on her blog.

Here comes Santa Claus...

2007-11-07T13:57:00.001-08:00

Feel like decorating already? Here's an interesting giveaway...

What about BOB?

2007-11-06T18:34:00.001-08:00

Check out this very cool giveaway on Chicago Moms Blog. If you've got kids, and television/internet - this is for you!

You won!

2007-11-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

Congratulations are in order for Joanna (no blog listed) and Angela, who are the winners of a copy of The Other Mother. Congrats, and happy reading, ladies!

The Other Mother - Review, Book Club, and Giveaway!

2007-10-28T13:26:00.000-07:00

Gwendolen Gross' novel The Other Mother, in my opinion, does an excellent job of describing what it means to be a mother, and the bizarre "Mommy Wars" we inexplicably wind up in. The story is narrated by two moms - Amanda, a brand new mommy about to head back to her corporate office, and Thea, a stay at home mom of three. The two women happen to be neighbors, and while their common journey through the throws of motherhood bring them together, their different career choices hold them at a distance. And it doesn't get any easier when Thea ends up acting as a nanny for Amanda.

I always feel stuck in the Mommy Wars. I stay home with my baby, but I do have two jobs which I do part time, mostly from home. While in some ways I know I have the best of both worlds, it often works out to be the worst of both worlds, and judgment from both sides to boot. I've also been a nanny and I know what it means to be the person caring for the lives of another mother's child.

These issues are so complicated, not as cut and dry as they appear to be when looking from only one perspective. Having at least a foot in the Stay Home World, the Career World, and the Nanny World, I believe that Gwendolen Gross has nailed all sides of this issue. Her perspective is nuanced and insightful, right on.

Over at ChicagoMoms, we're doing a book club featuring The Other Mother this week. And right here at Opinionated I've giving away not one but two copies! So, enter to win by leaving me a comment anytime between Monday, October 29th and Friday, November 2rd. I'll choose two lucky winners at random and announce on Saturday, November 3rd.

This Giveaway is also in conjunction with Fall Y'all Giveaways, so once you've left me a comment, surfed over to ChicagoMomsBlog.com for the book club, don't forget to check out the other giveaways going on! (And if you don't win one, stop by Amazon to buy your own copy!)

Oh, and stop by everyday life as lyric poetry for my main blog and my other giveaway...and click here, where my best friend is giving away a ring sling baby carrier!

The latest from Barefoot Books

2007-10-19T20:26:00.000-07:00

The perfect choice for storytime, bedtime or anytime!

Receive a FREE copy of Storytime with any purchase of $30 or more until October 31st!**

Following the success of The Story Tree and in response to our customers' demand for a comprehensive preschool collection, this anthology brings together a cast of characters that kids and adults will love - from the Gingerbread Man to The Ugly Duckling and The Three Little Pigs. While it is tailored for two- and three-year-olds, this collection will entertain everyone with its dynamic storytelling and vivid illustrations.

**It will be automatically added to your order when it is shipped from the warehouse. It will not appear in your basket when you check out.

Thank you!
Rebecca
www.mybarefootbooks.com/happywillow

At Barefoot Books, we celebrate art and story that opens the hearts and minds of children from all walks of life, inspiring them to read deeper, search further, and explore their own creative gifts. Taking our inspiration from many different cultures, we focus on themes that encourage independence of spirit, enthusiasm for learning, and sharing of the world's diversity. Interactive, playful and beautiful, our products combine the best of the present with the best of the past to educate our children as the caretakers of tomorrow.

And the winner is...

2007-10-18T12:24:00.001-07:00

...BreeniBooks! But the rest of you should still read this if you get the chance...

Broken: My story of Addiction and Redemption

2007-10-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

When I received William Cope Moyers' book BROKEN: My story of Addiction and Redemption I picked it up before bed to read a few pages. My intention was to read the first chapter and be asleep early. 150 pages later when I first set down the book, it was after midnight and I was entirely hooked.

William Cope Moyers - the son of the famous Bill Moyers - tells a vulnerable tale of his brokenness, his lifelong addiction to cocaine, and the long hard road to redemption. I dare you to make it to bed on time once you've begun!

I'm giving away a copy, so if you'd like to enter leave a comment by midnight on Wednesday, October 17th. One lucky, soon to be sleep-deprived winner will be chosen at random and announced on Thursday. Don't forget to leave your email address or website so I can find you if you're the winner, and a link back to this post would be nice too!

To peak your interest, read the excerpt reprinted below:

The following is an excerpt from the book Broken
by William Cope Moyers with Katherine Ketcham
Published by Penguin Books; August 2007;$15.00US/$18.50CAN; 978-0-14-311245-7
Copyright © 2006 William Cope Moyers and Katherine Ketcham

Prologue

October 1994

There was a sharp rap on the door, followed by a muffled but unmistakable command from a voice outside in the hallway.

"We want the white guy, just the white guy. We know he's in there. He comes out now and there's no trouble for anyone later."

I was the "white guy." I knew in that instant that my family's desperate search to track me down had ended at this decayed two-story apartment in a violent pocket of Atlanta's inner city. Terrified, I rushed around the room, trying to warn the other crack heads to sit still and keep quiet.

"Don't panic," I whispered. "They'll go away." But nobody was listening because everybody was as high and as scared as I was. We bumped into one another as we tried to find a way out, but there was nowhere to go, nowhere to hide. We were like wild animals trapped by a wind-whipped forest fire.

Who was out there banging on the door? Was it my father? My mother? My wife? My mind flashed back to the morning four days earlier when I left my house in suburban Atlanta. I remembered kissing four-month-old Thomas and two-year-old Henry good-bye. It was a Sunday afternoon, and I told Allison I needed to run some errands before dinner. I drove to the parking lot on the corner of Boulevard and Ponce de Leon, approached a drug dealer with a thick scar running from his left ear to the corner of his mouth, and paid him one hundred dollars for six marble-sized rocks of crack cocaine. I held them in my hand and thought, "These will keep me going for a day or two." They were gone in four hours.

The knocking became a relentless pounding that shook the door frame. I thought about escaping out the back porch door to the vacant lot and just running, running, running. But where could I go? They would find me, just like they had in Harlem and St. Paul. I'd been running for five years. Now I had run out of options.

I sat down at the old wood table in the kitchen, the place where the deals were made, the pipe was fired up, and the crack was consumed. I couldn't run anymore -- my legs felt weak and shaky. I couldn't hide -- there was no place left. I couldn't think, but I could still react, and with the instincts of the addict I did the only thing that was left to do. I reached into my sock and pulled out the cellophane cigarette wrapper with the rocks carefully stored inside like precious stones. My hands were shaking and I noticed for the first time that the tips of my fingers were scorched and blistered from lighter burns. I loaded the pipe, flicked the lighter, and inhaled deeply.

The sizzle of the crack and the euphoric rush exploding inside my head were suddenly all that mattered to me. The banging on the door was like thunder on the horizon. I heard the warning, but I didn't feel threatened anymore because I was back in my element, that faraway place where nothing on this earth could touch me. The rush hijacked my brain, and the knocking, scurrying, and fear disappeared. The memories of wife and children were gone. I was gone.

I tried to grab on and hold tight to the high, and for a few moments time stood still. I was a Roman candle on the Fourth of July, bright colors and showers of sparks. This, I thought, is what it's all about -- stopping time, going higher and higher, explosions of light and heat, one after another after another. The rapture filled me for a minute or two, and then it began to fade, the sparks died down, the flame became a dying star far, far away.

I folded my arms over my chest, longing for comfort, for peace. I was so sick. So sick and tired of it all. In that moment I realized the hopelessness of my situation, and in a sudden, brief flash of clarity, I asked myself: Now what? I stared at the filthy wood floor littered with half-empty beer cans, cigarette butts, and used syringes. The answer wasn't here in this room anymore. It was all over. I was done.

I stood up and made my way past BJ, the Old Man, and the other addicts with whom I was living and slowly dying for the last four days. My steps were deliberate but out of my control as I walked into the hallway and out the front door, flanked by the two armed off-duty policemen who were part of the intervention team hired to get me out of the crack house and back into treatment.

A hard, steady rain was falling as we approached the gray van parked on the curb. The sliding door opened, and I collapsed into the backseat.

My father was sitting in the front passenger seat. Turning around to look at me, he saw a thirty-five-year-old crack addict who hadn't shaved, showered, or eaten in four days. A man who walked out on his wife and two young children and ditched his promising career at CNN. A broken shell of a man, a pale shadow of the human being he had raised to be honest, loving, responsible. His firstborn son.

Silence.

"You're angry," I said. I didn't know what else to say.

"That's hardly the word for it." His voice was harsh and cold, like the rain outside.

More silence.

"There's nothing more I can do," he said. "I'm finished."

All these years later, he tells me that's where the conversation ended. But whether I imagined it or not, I heard him say something else.

"I hate you."

And I remember looking in his eyes and speaking my deepest truth.

"I hate me, too."

Copyright © 2006 William Cope Moyers and Katherine Ketcham

And the winner is...

2007-10-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

...Jodee, you're the lucky lady!

More good news about Barefoot Books

2007-10-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

As if I weren't already excited about Barefoot books, I've recently gotten to know a local seller right here in Chicago! To contact her about stocking your child's bookshelves, click here.

Now, scroll down to read more and enter to win!

Giveaway! Barefoot Books: Celebrating Art and Story

2007-10-01T01:55:00.000-07:00

If you know anything about me, you probably know that I love to read. It won't take much for you to guess that I already love instilling this same enjoyment into my son. And if you've been paying any attention to the kinds of books I enjoy, it will come as no surprise to you that I'm head over heels in love with Barefoot Books.

Their website says it perfectly: Taking our imagination from many different cultures, we focus on themes that encourage independence of spirit, enthusiasm for learning, and sharing of the world's diversity. I couldn't have said it better myself.

I wish I had a whole bookshelf full of barefoot books. And maybe someday I will. But right now I have two and, in the spirit of Mama Panya's Pancakes I'm excited to share one with you.

Here's what to do: To win a copy of Elephant Dance: A Journey to India written by Theresa Heine, illustrated by Sheila Moxley, and published by Barefoot Books, sign in using Mr. Linky below, and link back here on your blog between Monday, October 1st and Wednesday, October 3rd. Once the contest ends, I'll choose one winner at random. If you don't have a blog, just sign Mr. Linky. Be sure that I can contact you via email or your blog!

Then, tell all your friends to visit this contest, and start reading Barefoot Books I know I will be. :)

Name your tune!

2007-08-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, I loved to have things with my name on them. Pencils or bookmarks or wall hangings - I couldn't get enough. My favorite was a set of books my cousin bought me for a birthday present - the publisher had come up with a great idea - tell a story, and insert the name of the individual kid into the story. The main character in my copies shared my name, my town, my age. I loved them, and I've kept them to this day!

While I didn't have an unusual name, most Catherine's went by Cathy, or spelled their name with a "K." It was the rare item that was marketed to "Catherine." So when it came time to name my son, I kept this in mind. Ironically, the name we settled on is much less common than mine was.

Which is why I'm so excited about Name Your Tune. Now, you don't have to rely on what's popular - you can have items custom made with your child's name. You can purchase a CD full of favorite children's songs, specifically with your child's name inserted! Instead of McDonald having a farm, its your child. There are fourteen fun songs on my cd, and the best part is seeing my son raise his head curiously when he hears his name being called out from the speakers.

If you'd like to buy one yourself, or get more information, here's where to go!

Name Your Tune

info@nyt.ca

http://www.nyt.ca/

NAME YOUR TUNE The Personalized CD for Children is an iParenting Media Award Winner for Outstanding Product 2006!

i heart my in-laws

2007-08-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

i (heart) my in-laws: falling in love with his family - one passive-aggressive, over-indulgent, grandkid-craving, streisand-loving, bible-thumping in-law at a time. By Dina Koutas Poch

The cover of this book promises "a practical, laugh-out-loud guide to adopting your man's family" and I couldn't think of a better description.

Laugh out loud? Definitely. I lost count of how many times my husband said "what's so funny?" or how many times I said "OK, I just have to read this to you!" Practical? Well, yes and no. On the one hand, if I'm really struggling to forge a relationship with my in-laws, I probably already know not to dye my hair purple and wear a short, tight skirt to the first meeting. And if I'm wondering how to broach the topic of a pre-nup, this is not exactly the information source I'll turn to.

But "his family" really is something we all need to learn to adjust to, learn to love, learn to understand, learn to make yourself understood. And it can be a complicated and intimidating process. Poch discusses real troubles and real fears and real disappointments in such a light-hearted and disarming way that you feel safe to evaluate what you need, what you hope for, what you've lost out on, and what mistakes you may have made. And you realize once and for all that you're not alone.

Its a quick and easy read, not a lot of deep wisdom or new ideas, but you'll feel encouraged to keep learning and loving your in-laws.

Babywearing!

2007-07-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

A ring sling is something I recommend to absolutly every parent, without exception. This one piece of baby-gear has been a life saver to me again and again. When my baby was a newborn, this was a place he could sleep, or just hang out, close to my heart and curled up tight and close to me. During a stage of colic that he experienced, it was the only place and time that he would not cry. Whether he was awake or asleep, he was cared for, we were close, and I still had my hands free to do other things.

Now that he's older, we use it differently. It helps to carry him long distances when my arms are tired, gives him a place to hang out when he can't be running around (like in church!), or a place to sleep if we don't make it home for naps.

At any age, I really can't imagine what having a baby would have been like without my sling.
My friend Farrah makes and sells slings like the one I have. She sells them near and far, so don't worry if you live far away. If you are pregnant, have a little one, or even a bigger one, or just know someone who does, click here for more information.

Media update

2007-06-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

Books

Life of Pi. by Yann Martel
This book was referred to me by my friend Mary, and it blew me out of the water (please scroll down for my disclaimer on referrals). In so many ways, this fictional narrative met my criteria and surpassed my expectations. Throughout the pages you find yourself swept away by a well told story, beautiful at times, difficult at times. Only within the final few pages do you realize that there was so much more going on. The punchline hit me like a...well, a punch, and it stayed with me for months. I laid in bed for weeks ruminating, and re-read the book before finding peace. This book was just what I needed, just when I needed it.

Eat, Pray, Love. by Elizabeth Gilbert
This book was also referred to me by Mary, and it did not let me down. This is the true story memoirs of a thirty-something woman who spends a year traveling in Italy, India, and Indonesia searching for pleasure, devotion, and balance. Her honest, witty, and insightful writing kept me glued to my seat. It also reminded me deeply of who I am, and why, encouraging me to be true to this and not to lose sight, ever. I savored every page of this book like a ripe nectarine on a cool summer day (can you feel it?). Again, just what I needed, just when I needed it.

So Much More: An Invitation to Christian Spirituality. by Debra Rienstra
This book I actually found on my own (although, only after my friend Ashley got me hooked on the author). While neither fiction nor narrative, this book served as the perfect completion to the trilogy of Life of Pi and Eat, Pray, Love. Debra, an English professor/author I've grown to love summarizes her faith and the impact it has on her beliefs and lifestyle in the tone of voice you would expect to hear from a friend. As a theology buff, I typically approach books like this with a gleefully critical eye; Debra, however, is winning me over with every point. It is both a casual, easy read and a deep and impacting explanation of Christian faith. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in, new to, or old-and-comfortable-with Christianity.

Music

The shadow of your wings: Hymns and sacred songs. by Fernando Ortega
I've always been a Fernando fan, but he has really outdone himself on this one. It only took one listen through to fall in love with these songs. Grace and peace to you, from God our Father. Listen to it, if you can.

Film

An Inconvenient Truth (Documentary)
Whether you are "into" documentaries or not, this is absolutely one you must see. It is well done, informative, never boring, compelling, factual, without manipulative techniques. Inconvenient, yes. But true. Watch this. Visit this website for more information.

Baraka
One review I read stated that this movie is a "sensual and spiritual experience" and it is certainly that. There is no language or spoken word in this movie, yet you sit spellbound throughout and wish it would continue when it is over. Created in 1992, I managed to live 15 years without knowing of it; I am grateful to have found it at last. HBM writes of "puncture"; there is no better way to describe this movie, and puncture is what it is from start to finish. Breathtaking. Beautiful.

2006 Summer Book Report

2006-08-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

While I haven't had much ability to move or think this summer, I have had the opportunity to read. Here's a few I've read recently.

Great with Child - by Debra Rienstra
This book was sent to me from a friend, who said "stop reading all those overwhelming statistics about pregnancy and meditate on this instead." What excellent advice! In this book, the author writes a memoir of her third (and final) pregnancy, and the first year of baby's life. Her reflections on life, female-hood, pain, joy, faith, identity, and the experiences of longing for pregnancy, experiencing pregnancy, fearing labor, giving birth, and struggling through the first year is profound, honest, and beautiful. I would recommend this to any woman, regardless of life stage or season.

The Great Giveaway - by David E. Fitch
This non-fiction book takes a look at how various aspects of our culture (for example, individualism, capitalism, etc) have impacted our understanding of and expression of Christianity. While books like this seem to be growing on trees these days, I found Fitch to have a deep and unique perspective. He was able to stimulate my thoughts in a way that was encouraging and inspiring -- and not the "same old thing." If you are interested in culture, theology, or ecclesiology, I'd say give this book a try.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - by Betty Smith
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is one of those classics that I missed earlier in life and don't know quite know how. It is a fantastically written story of a young girl and her family who come of age around the turn of the 20th century. While it has much to teach about the era it is set in, the core story line and messages are timeless, deeply impacting, and beautiful. I'm sorry to have missed years with this book and its characters, but very grateful to have found it now. If you are like me and never got around to this one -- now is most definetly the time!

The Red Tent - by Anita Diamant
When this book was recommended to me, I protested with a "I don't like that kind of book" - meaning, fictional books that are written about actual people or events. I did go ahead and read the book - and I'm glad I did - but my original opinion still stands. The story line of Rachel and Leah, and ultimately Leah's daughter Dinah caught and kept my attention. I especially appreciate the opportunity to explore what the silent voices of women might add to our historical understandings. But the narrative failed to take into account a number of important cultural dynamics, and a few times went directly against the narrative found in the Biblical account. As a result of a few key changes made by the author, I felt that the entire concept of the Covenant (among other things) was undermined; considering that this is the point of the original story, it did not strike me as a worthwhile trade.

The Giver - by Lois Lowry
This was actually a re-read of one of my all time favorite books, which I have read many times. Lowry does a suberb job of subtling describing a very different society than our own - while making profound points that can apply to us all. I highly recommend this to anyone, or any age!

My Story as told by Water - by David James Duncan
DJD is one of my favorite authors, having written one of my two favorite books, The Brothers K (not to be mistaken for the better known classic, The Brothers Karamazov). Since I loved the two novels he wrote, as well as a few essays I've found, I decided this book of memoirs would be a sure bet - and I have not been dissapointed. As he unpacks the stories of his life, beauty, wisdom, and insights abound. As I read about the author, rather than the characters he created, I see how much his own life is reflected in the fictional characters I already love. While I would recommend his novels be read first (to put this book in perspective) I highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates a different point of view. If you enjoy fishing or nature - even better!

OpinionRated

Author and illustrator: Leslie Patricelli

New Artist: Corneille

Aquadoodle!!

Bath Bubbles from the Bath Blizzard

Sesame Street....K'nex!

K'nex and win!

Passover By Design

Littlest Pet Shop

Points: Women have them, Men need them

Only Child

Cute lil' Knut

The Cake Thief

Snapple always = Yummy

More BabyJamz!

Your Pregnancy Week by Week

Gloves in a bottle

Breastfeeding is Green contest

Who's ready to party?

And the winner is....

One book I loved. Two books I didn't...or did I? Plus, a Giveaway!

Dawn Direct Foam

More babywearing giveaways!

Fun Stuff

Let's vote!

Online book club!

Baby Jamz!

The Vaccine Book

More contests to enter!

Its almost Advent!

Here comes Santa Claus...

What about BOB?

You won!

The Other Mother - Review, Book Club, and Giveaway!

The latest from Barefoot Books

And the winner is...

Broken: My story of Addiction and Redemption

And the winner is...

More good news about Barefoot Books

*Giveaway!* Barefoot Books: Celebrating Art and Story

Name your tune!

i heart my in-laws

Babywearing!

Media update

2006 Summer Book Report

Giveaway! Barefoot Books: Celebrating Art and Story