At the beginning of the summer I lost something. I had taken my children for a special lunch with their “bonus” grandma and parked my SUV wannabe across the street from the restaurant because I am allergic to valets. I read the street sign and loaded the meter with two hours worth of quarters.  Read more>

Every year when we started back to school, my mom and her friends had a party on that first day. For THEM. There I was walking to school or in class, thinking about what a tough day I was having and she was off chugging down the Asti Spumante (big back then, go figure) with all the neighborhood moms. Didn’t they know WE knew this meant they were glad we were gone?! Now as a full on partying adult, I too jump at any occasion to down some bubbly…but this year I want the kids to get in on the excitement of going back to school. Impossible, you say. Not with these tips:  Read more>

Have you ever noticed that Target seems to have its own gravitational pull, particularly the “super” version? And that it’s SERIOUSLY strong? Back in the pre-teen years, it was the opposite.  Read more>

Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-To-Be is the first book from Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, aka “The Liquid Muse.” It’s officially a cocktail guide for pregnancy but really it’s a book for everyone. Who hasn’t hosted a dinner and suddenly realized that one (or more) of your guests doesn’t drink? What are you going to offer them? Water?  Read more>

Question to guys: Would you be okay with your wife being the sole bread winner and being a stay at home dad?  Read more>

It’s all about our health! When that’s gone and someone else is taking care of us, our toast will never be buttered properly again. We just need to live with that fact. And, in the words of Jack Kevorkian, “We’re all terminal.” The time will come sooner or later when you will get sick or have an accident – are you ready for that? Are you ready for your parents to get sick? Have you thought through the realities of this situation before it occurs?  Read more>

Dear Case,

I have been estranged from my father for more than a year. He barely had a role in my childhood and I didn’t see him much until I was an adult. He has been manipulating, juvenile and toxic, forcing my decision to cut ties. Saddened, my mother and stepfather have been my saving grace. Their encouragement has helped to keep me sane and supported during this difficult time. In stark contrast to my father, my stepfather has been an active participant for most of my life.  Read more>

Extra baby weight. I thought I could get rid of it. It would never happen to me. I would schedule jogging stroller trips with my newborn and iPod in between breastfeeding and doctor visits. I envisioned people running up to me and telling me about how quickly I lost the pounds, that I never even looked pregnant. And then my sweet cherubic child was born.  Read more>

Perfectly Preppy for an Outing with the Kids!

This is what a mother needs to take with her on a typical excursion to the playground:
• Scooter (fold up kind)
• Ball (soccer, basketball, football, doesn’t matter, it just has to be round-ish)
• Food (Goldfish, Cheerios, crackers, Coq Au Vin in Tupperware; kids today require food on demand)
• Environmentally safe bottle (for beverage of child’s choice or perhaps a nip of something special for Mom)  Read more>