coolstuff4hotmamas

Red red wine

2009-03-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

I'm a Cali wine girl, actually I'm a Cali everything girl at heart, but I branched out the other day and tried a Spanish red called Protocolo at the suggestion of my favorite wine guy. It's about $8, and fantastic. One for a splurge (for me, $14 is splurge) is Temptation Zin from Alexander Valley Vineyards. With an alcohol content of 14.5%, one glass of this and you're feelin' gooooood. I am slowly but surely trying every Zin known to man. It's a goal of mine.

So, after half a year, I'm back and plan to share more coolstuff for you Hot Mamas more often. Are you even out there?

~R

My New Feet

2009-02-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

I haven't been here in eons, and I'm vowing to start posting weekly. I mean, I find cool stuff all the time and I haven been failing to share.

This time, I'm sure the people at Ped Egg need me. I mean, having their product at the checkout line in every Walmart, Walgreen's and Target (?), they really need some advertising. But I got one a few weeks ago, and I have to say this little plastic and metal egg is amazing. I have tried every kind of pumice, buffer and scrub known to woman, and none have worked, really. This PedEgg thing gave me new feet, literally. My husband noticed that night. Now, if you are one of the lucky, perfect people with no rough skin on your feet, well, then good for you. But mine haven't been smooth like that since childhood.

So, I guess I just want to thank PedEgg, and I owe them the 2 people I send their way because they gave me new feet.

Next time: my Super Bargain Clothes Shopping Secrets!

~R

Plan toys

2008-10-14T13:27:00.001-07:00

A few months ago a friend emailed me about Plan toys, during the whole China-lead paint recall stuff. When i found a local store that carried them, I realized how awesome they are.

Now that some of you crazy people are starting to shop for Christmas (we don't even have Halloween costumes yet!), thought I'd tell you about them (http://www.plantoys.com). Their motto is "green toys, green company," and they are eco-friendly as well as stylish. We've been searching over a year for a dollhouse, one that isn't tacky and doesn't take over the room, and Plan's chalet is perfect. Architecturally unique aesthetically pleasing, I want one for myself. There are plenty of other things to choose from, such as pull-toys and blocks 9all lead paint-free, of course) for babies.

~R

Heart the Target Dolla Bins

2008-09-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

I am lovin the Hello Kitty paraphernalia in the dolla bins at Target lately. Hello Kitty magnetic notepads for my never-ending Ta-Do lists, grocery lists, etc., little shiny HK notebooks for Izzy, packs of little colored pens, socks, lipgloss. You namei t, it's in the Target dolla bins.
When exactly are they giving me a P/R job over there at Target?
~R

More Yummy California Wines

2008-09-09T19:20:00.001-07:00

This past weekend at a friend's house in Denver, I discovered some new wine: Benziger from Sonoma. Not to be confused with Beringer - we tried a fantastical Sauv Blanc comparable to one of the much-loved New Zealand ones, and a good and heartier than usual Pinot Noir. Paired with chevre, gouda, and swiss rye cheeses and honey, jalepeno and blackberry jellies, OMG what an indulgence.

So I'm on the lookout for Benziger, which I think I've seen around, but it will be for a special occassion for around $40 a bottle.

~R

Adorable Batik Children's Clothing!

2008-08-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

After blogging now for about eight months, I have never taken advantage of ya'll (yep, all three of ya) fellow bloggers out there for shameless self-promotion, so I figured it's about time.
No, I haven't published a book (not YET!), I just have a little Ebay store, and besides the tiny (yet super cool, right?) logo at the bottom of my page, I haven't really advertised it here. Guess I'm not exactly the shrewdest business woman. I'm more of the creative persuasion.
So the store's called RhoRho's Baby Bungalow. Every year, the MIL travels to Bali for her retail store, and a couple years ago I had her pick me up some of the adorable batik children's clothes to sell after seeing all the cute things she had been bringing back for Izzy. After selling some at Izzy's school, and having little "trunk shows," my inventory is down to almost nothing, and I'm trying to decide whether I'll re-stock when MIL goes back to Bali in January or not. Otherwise, I'm keeping my store, if for no other reason than the kickass logo my girl Kemmy in KC created for me. I'll just sell used stuff, whatever I can dig up. In my experience, that stuff sells better than new stuff anyway.
So, blogger mamas, witness this cuteness(see photos), and visit my store if you get a chance, where I'm selling the remainder of the pieces DIRT cheap! These are handmade batik fabrics, ya'll! I also have one silver rope baby bracelet in the style of j. hardy (I can't say his name on EBay or they'll remove the item). If you buy anything, tell me you came from my blog and I'll knock off the shipping, even if you only buy one thing.
(I took these shots this morning with little cooperation, and let me just say, god love child photographers, I don't know how the hell they do it.)
So, ladies and gents, C'mon over to:
RhoRho's Baby Bungalow
Danka
~R

Weleda spray deodorant

2008-08-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

I don't know bout you guys, but I've been freaked out by the whole aluminum thing in antiperspirants for years. So, after going around smelling like a hippie to caving in and using Ban when I simply had to not stink, I experimented with all of the natural deos: the chrystal, Jason, Avalon organics, and so on. Finally, I found Weleda sage deodorant spray. Costly, at about $9 a bottle, it's worth it. I got it on sale, but when I run out, I'll be back, cause I haven't had stank in months.
~R

Burt's Bees Lipgloss

2008-07-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

I am so excited, again about Target, and their ever-increasing organic-ey aisle of beauty products. I am loving Burt's Bees lipgloss, very shiny, about $7; however, Walmart finally is exploring organic territory and carries it for like $2 less. Sorry, Target, my love. At this point I'm on the consumer's side; I know both you and Wally are rich rich rich. However we can save a buck, dammit, we have to do it.
burtsbees.com

2 Buck Chuck

2008-07-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

I've been back from Cali for 3 weeks and failed to share my fleeting love, Two Buck Chuck wines from Trader Joe's. For those of us not lucky enough to live near a TJ's, it's pretty exciting to have one at your fingertips. I had tried some $2 Buck in Atlanta once, and I've been trying to scheme a way into getting myself a case or so. But they won't ship it. After about ten bottles of it, well it's not the best wine in the world but it was helpful to find some on vacation for $1.99! Saved us tons of money. Brought a few bottles home via car and they vanished within a couple weeks. They have your basic varietals: cab, merlot, red zinfandel, shiraz, chardonnay and sauv blanc. Seriously, every now and again, what a great wine for almost nothing! (it's actually called Charles Shaw, FYI.

Wat da What? Wine

2008-05-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

That other bottle of organic wine I mentioned, Our Daily Red, was another Cali one. I just recently drank it. It has a blue label. Although it only cost $6.99, It was actually better than the other Lodi one. I can't tell you why; it just was. Less sediment for one thing. Anyway, be on the lookout.
~R

Wine Alert!

2008-05-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

I finally found some new organic wines besides Bonterra and Frey. I mean I am getting a little worried thinking about all the wine I've consumed and all those damned pesticides. Right? Anyway got one called Orleans Hill Lodi Syrah (Cali). Under $9, and not bad. Next I'm trying one that's under $7 - Our Daily Red; a little leery, but will be back with my non-professional analysis:good or bad.

What Girl Doesn't Heart Target?

2008-05-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

Just and FYI: Target not only carries Burts Bees and California Baby bath and beauty products, but now they have Weleda, Jason, Alba and several others in their cosmetics section! It's awesome! I seriously got a little too excited. I know Target is going to give me a PR job soon. (see my post on their faux-Spanx on my blog momwhodrinksandcusses).
~R

Got the Think Bottles

2008-04-08T14:52:00.000-07:00

Got the Think Baby bottles - they arrived super-fast - and Beck loves them. They look good, are easy to clean (you can dishwash them since there are no harmful chemicals), and he seems to have no problem with the transition from Avent. I feel so good about it and wish I'd done it, well, a year ago, but better late...
So anyway I think they're worth the $$$. See my previous post for info...

Think and Bornfree Bottles

2008-03-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

If you're still bottle-feeding (and by the way I don't feel guilty for not snatching away my baby's bottle at the ripe ole age of one, as "good" parents do. Izzy loved her bedtime bottle til age 2 1/2, and has been to the dentist, has perfect teeth, and is not terribly damaged by any of it. Beck will be one in a week, and it is also his security blanket. No paci til 4, just a little bottle o'milk. To each his own)---ANY way to my point, my friend Heather alerted me on these two brands of bottles with out all the supposed leeching chemicals in them. I was all freaked out about it for a while, stopped running them in the dishwasher, and kindof said what the hell. But these are out there and I just ordered a set of the first ones and a trainer cup. They aren't too much more expensive than Avent at Target. Anyway, I'll report on how he likes them.
www.thinkbabybottles.com
www.newbornfree.com
Thanks Heather!
~R
momwhodrinksandcusses.blogspot.com is adding fun photos daily! Check me out.

I'm Nuts for Crackers

2008-03-04T09:34:00.000-08:00

Yes! They do have crackers for crackers like me who are looking for wheat-free! Blue Diamond Nut Thins are freaking better than regular crackers I swear. Top one with some goat cheese, walnuts and balsamic vinegar, and you have yourself a yummy little Or-derve(I haven't time to spellcheck so I'm sounding it out). Add a glass of chardonnay (parents only), and you are livin' large. I also got some Lundberg Bean & Rice Chips (pico de gallo).; they are fantastical with hummus. Kids can and will eat all of these things. If they start early eating "hippie foods," as some may call them, they will never know the difference, and they won't be asking you for a Ritz.
~R

Let's Eat (no wheat)

2008-02-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

A lotta Mamas are trying to stay away from wheat these days for their kids, either because of food allergies, behavioral issues or autism. My naturopath has suggested that I take Izabel off wheat and dairy to see if certain physical and behavioral changes occur. She's just had some dark circle that I attributed to her fair skin, and she is quite oppositional lately (see momwhodrinksandcusses.blogspot.com), but nothing extreme. So, for a kid who loves pasta and yogurt and cheese and all those yummy bad things, I am on a quest to find replacements that she'll accept. I also intend to give the same to baby Beck, although I've let him try a little regular pasta and things like cereal bars recently.

So my plan is to visit my natural foods coop (or if you're lucky, a Whole Foods), but I made a trip to Wal-Mart and found several things, and for way cheaper: The Rice Dream milk I already use for some of Beck's bottles, Cascadian Farms granola cereal, RICE Chex ( I never noticed Chex had the wheat, corn or rice option), and YoBaby! Soy yogurt, and the Baby Mum Mum rice rusks I get for Beck already. It's hard to find crackers not made with wheat, but I'm sure they exist. And I'll get Ezekiel bread and tortillas at the co-op. MMmmmmm I'm getting hungry...it's funny when you adapt yourself to certain foods, they can sound just as good and decadent as a cheeseburger used to. Yum, an ezekiel tortilla with rice cheese, salsa and plain yogurt! Let's eat.
~R

Update on M.O.M. blocks

2008-02-21T19:56:00.001-08:00

Got the M.O.M. NYC blocks today, and after telling Izabel this was a gift for BOTH she and Beck, opened them to realize there were these tiny little cars included. The buildings and statue of Liberty are probably not choking hazards, but the cars had to go. Also a note attached specifically says they are NOT toys and strictly decor. But I found the ad for them in Wondertime - in a section on toys! Anyway I think i'll put them on my desk. I heart NY.

Whaddaya feed a ten month old?

2008-02-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

Beckham, my hearty ten month old, about a month ago began to refuse to be fed by a spoon. I had just perfected making the food cubes and organic brown rice cereal from scratch. Now, I've had to devise some way of incorporating those foods in with some he can feed himself. it seems that, after he gets to handle some he'll take some bites from a spoon! So, here are some foods that seem to work well for his hands at this young age:
avocado, bananas, well-cooked zucchini and yellow squash with some butter, diced cooked potatoes or sweet potatoes, cooked carrots, kiwis, Gerber organic raviolis, penne pasta with a little tomato sauce -cut in half, kidney beans..oh, and refried beans! We learned at a Mexican restaurant last week that he absolutely loves refried beans. He devoured them, with a fresh avocado. Quite messy, but worth it. Yes, i know there is probably lard. So buy the fat free or vegetarian kind. Protein! He has also had some Quorn nuggets (not soy or meat), and dug those. I've given him some organic ground beef, and wild salmon...
I chop broccoli or cauli and stir it into mashed potatoes. Yes, a Jessica Seinfeld trick. Gee, isn't she the innovator....The Super Baby Food book taught me this way before Jessica ever got herself published (I know, she needed the money tho).
Oh, and I've invested in some organic canned green beans, carrots and peas, they are handy.
This kid will eat anything. It's just my responsibility to encourage the good stuff. In between he loves his rice rusks. I try to stay away from wheat if possible.
Through this I've learned that feeding a boy and feeding a girl are different things entirely.! I doubt I'll ever be pressuring this one to eat. ...

Museum of Modern Art toys!

2008-02-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

Ok, something else great about Wondertime magazine. I found these great new York City building blocks by Muji, for $14, available on the Museum of Modern Art (momastore.org) website. They have all sorts of stuff for grown-ups and well as toys, puzzles and other cool arty stuff for kids. Izzy and Beck and I love to build a city with blocks and drive the cars through it. We drive thru Starbucks, get ice cream, go to Target..this way, we'll have the Chrylser Building, The Statue of Liberty and the Guggenheim, among other NYC icons to add to it!

Wondertime

2008-02-08T09:34:00.000-08:00

A friend gave us a combo subscription to Wondertime and Family Fun magazines. I am really digging Wondertime. The last issue, with an article, "Confessions of a Mommy Blogger," is what inspired me to look into this blogging business. This month, "In Praise of Lazy Parenting," had me laughing, and feeling a keen connection with its all-too-honest writer. It's always great to find people like yourself, especially if you are a bit narcissistic...

Wine review!

2008-02-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

Okay, this is not organic, but a good buy, especially to wow you honey if he happens to be a cyclist. Cycles Gladiator 2006 Central Coast (Cali) Cabernet. You should be able to find it for under $10. As I said, I don't do tasting notes, and you probably don't want that anyway, right? All I can say is that this bottle has that little something, that nuance of a much better wine...much less sugar than the typical under $10 Cali reds. Just very sophisticated and drinkable for the price! And a very cool label, a naked red-haired woman floating with her bicycle. Check it out.
Drink up!~
R

Yucky Stuff in Baby Soaps

2008-02-03T07:46:00.000-08:00

If you're into using the pink Johnson & Johnson baby products like your mama did, then maybe you shouldn't read this. I will say again, I'm not an extremist, but I do believe the lovely Kevin Trudeau, author of Natural Cures They Don't Want You to Know About, when he says that if you wouldn't eat it, don't rub it on your body. Skimming his book has made me aware of a couple ingredients that you see on almost all commercial bath products: Propylene Glycol, Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates, and Parabens(there are like 4). These are all preservatives or other unnecessary ingredients used in typically inexpensive products like Johnson's. According to him, and others, they are poison. Why do you think you see products at Whole Foods or other natural food stores that state they are "paraben, propylene glycol and/or lauryl/laureth sulfate-free?"
That pink stuff, it smells good, but have you tasted it? Would you want your baby to?
So I know there are probably a lot of others that I wouldn't want in there if I knew about them, but I decided to watch out for these 3 since I can't remember them all. The Environmental Working Group's website (ewg.org) will give you a rating on just how toxic a product or ingredient is. For example, type in "Burt's Bees Apricot Baby Oil," and you'll get a rating that ranges from green(OK) to yellow(just a bit toxic) to red (a lot toxic). You may be surprised.
Anyway, I know some of you say, well, if one thing doesn't kill you another will, or something cynical like that. For you, I say go out and eat fried Jalapeno poppers, drink Cokes all day, and rub on that pink bottle of baby lotion. Do whatever you want to yourself, but your baby can't make his choices! Spend a little extra and get him a soap that you won't panic and go get his stomach pumped if he sucks the washcloth dry. Here are some that are great and not freakishly expensive:
Dr. Bronner's baby mild liquid soap, California Baby wash, Burt's Bees baby wash (smells sooooo good). They're made with vegetable oils. Feel free to check them out on ewg.org. You can even get Burt's and Dr. Bronner's at Walgreen's, and California Baby at Target!

Wine: a Mama's Valium

2008-02-01T09:12:00.000-08:00

If you read my other blog, momwhodrinksandcusses, you'll find occassional references to my end-of-the-day replacement for a prescription-drug, wine. Call me a wino, call me what you will. Anyway, on this blog I want to occassionally share great wine buys that I find with you. I love to try new, prettily packaged, mostly California wines. I am on a mission to try every red Zinfandel ever made. Think I'm dangerously close.
I also think, with all the pesticides used on the grapes, it might be a good idea to drink organic when possible. The only affordable and widely available wines I find labeled "organic" are Bonterra and Fre (or however you spell it). So here's something ya may not know. Some wineries actually grow organically but can't get the certified organic stamp for various reasons. One such, I am told by the wine "expert" (I had to ask the girl if she was actually old enough to drink, but apparently she came from Napa and she knows her stuff) at my favorite store is Fetzer. You can get a bottle for around $8 and a magnum for about $15, which I like, since between you and your husband or a friend a bottle doesn't go far, right? The merlot, cab, zin and chardonnay are great, but I'm not a big fan of the pinot noir. I'm not going to give you tasting notes here, this is for laypeople. Anyway, more to come, enjoy your vino, it's friday!

Yum Yums for baby

2008-01-31T13:05:00.000-08:00

Okay, for my first post, i need to be quick because my kids are restless and blogger is going to have an outage at 4:30! So I'll share this: Baby Mum Mum rice rusks. With all the concern lately over allergens like wheat and soy and casein etc, in the diet, especially before age one, I started reading labels a little more closely. Take, for example, good 'ole Gerber Zwieback toast. I've been giving 10 month-old Beck these for a few months, and he loves em ,and they keep him quiet for a few minutes while I make him some actual food! But I realized, duh! there's wheat in them .Then I started sharing mine and Izzy's rice cakes, and when I read that label, ugh...partially hydrogenated oils and more...I am NOT an extremest; I mean Izzy has actually eaten chicken nuggets, but that's not a regular thing! She knows it's called "junk food," not good food! Anyway, I stumbled upon these rice rusks at Walmart in the baby food section. He adores them and they practically dissolve in his mouth. And, they are under $2 a box, 12 packets of 2 per box. So there ya have it! HotMom tip number one.
Can I say visit my other blog, momwhodrinksandcusses.blogspot.com?
MomsRock!
~