ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gif ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Cooking Rocks Challenge: Week 11 - Fun-due Dips for Cookies, Fruit or Cakehttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/cooking-rocks-challenge-week-11-fun-due-dips-for-cookies-fru/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/cooking-rocks-challenge-week-11-fun-due-dips-for-cookies-fru/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/cooking-rocks-challenge-week-11-fun-due-dips-for-cookies-fru/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Back on track with the Cooking Rocks Challenge, my son Nol and I decided to try a fun dessert - and what kid wouldn't like one called Fun-due. We made two sauces for dipping fruit instead of the suggested shortbread cookies. Not that I'm a anti-sweet freak...I just didn't want sugar overload so close to bedtime.

Nol's getting really good at measuring ingredients. He handled this task for the semi-sweet dark baking chocolate, unsalted butter, light corn syrup sugar and heavy cream. He also tossed all in these ingredients in a small pot while I handled the stirring on the hot stove. At the same time the chocolate was cooking, I made a peanut dip using the same ingredient but substituting peanut butter chips for the dark chocolate.  It took about five minutes to melt and viola, dipping time. We used strawberries, blueberries, pineapple and cantaloupe. The chocolate was clearly better than the peanut butter, but the dessert  was a perfect treat after a day stuck indoors thanks to continuous rainy weather.

Total prep and cooking time: 13 minutes for both sauces, including time to chop the fruit.

Next week: Mexican Rice Bowl and Cookie and Ice Cream Fill-Your-Handwiches.

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]]>cooking rockscooking with kidsrachael raysRachaelRaysCharlene Prince BirkelandFri, 14 Apr 2006 18:02:00 ESTCooking Rocks Challenge: Week 11 - Monte Cristo and Elvis French Toast Sammieshttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/cooking-rocks-challenge-week-11-monte-cristo-and-elvis-french/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/cooking-rocks-challenge-week-11-monte-cristo-and-elvis-french/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/14/cooking-rocks-challenge-week-11-monte-cristo-and-elvis-french/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

After last week's fiasco, the Cooking Rocks Challenge resumed this week to test out Monte Cristo and Elvis French Toast Sammies. Since Nol was on Spring Break, we picked this recipe for a lunch treat instead of the suggested  breakfast or breakfast for dinner.

Nol really enjoyed this dish because he was able to help out more than usual. After I sliced up the bread, he assembled the sandwiches. The Monte Cristo sammies were first - a blend of swiss cheese, turkey and ham. Next up, the Elvis sammies - peanut butter and bananas (sliced by Nol). We grilled these up an pour a touch of warm syrup on them.

Total prep and cooking time: 10 minutes

Overall, this recipe was too sweet for mom, but a hit with my son. Other suggestions that we'll try include using peanut butter and jelly or peanut butter and bacon as ingredients. But very easy to make and a nice variation from the regular grilled cheese or PB&J.

Next up: Fun-due Dips for Cookies, Fruit or Cake

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]]>cooking rockscooking with kidsrachael rayRachaelRayCharlene Prince BirkelandFri, 14 Apr 2006 16:04:00 ESTMartha Stewart Kids magazine ceases publicationhttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/13/martha-stewart-kids-magazine-ceases-publication/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/13/martha-stewart-kids-magazine-ceases-publication/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/13/martha-stewart-kids-magazine-ceases-publication/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I was surprised to find out today that Martha Stewart's magazine, Kids: Fun Stuff to Do Together, has ceased publication as of the Spring 2006 issue. And just when the editors were starting to include crafty activities I could actually complete. Damn. Rest assured, you can still can get previous MS Kids content online. I also received a nifty postcard in the mail today sharing the news and letting me know that Kids magazine subscribers will be receiving Everyday Food for the rest of the year. Can't say I'm all that excited.

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]]>craftskidsmartha stewartCharlene Prince BirkelandThu, 13 Apr 2006 18:32:00 ESTTell us your Easter & Passover stories or traditionshttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/08/tell-us-your-easter-and-passover-stories-and-traditions/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/08/tell-us-your-easter-and-passover-stories-and-traditions/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/08/tell-us-your-easter-and-passover-stories-and-traditions/#commentsFiled under: ,

As many of us begin preparations for Passover or Easter, we'll be sharing stories about traditions, tips and activities on how to take part in these celebrations with children.

 But we also want to hear from YOU.

Have a fun Easter Egg hunt idea? Tips on how to color eggs with preschoolers? How do you teach your children about the Sedar Meal or Good Friday? How will you be celebrating Passover or Easter? Did your kids have to give something up for Lent?

If you'd like to share your story with Blogging Baby, send us the details through our Tip Line. Or if you have a blog, write a post with your story and send us the link along with some details. The Blogging Baby team will review every submission and determine if we can include your story on our site.

We're looking forward to hearing from you!

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]]>Charlene Prince BirkelandSat, 08 Apr 2006 14:02:00 ESTCooking Rocks Challenge: Turning to "old reliables"http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/07/cooking-rocks-challenge-turning-to-old-reliables/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/07/cooking-rocks-challenge-turning-to-old-reliables/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/07/cooking-rocks-challenge-turning-to-old-reliables/#commentsFiled under: ,

As I've told my Blogging Baby colleagues, daylight savings sent my family into a sleep tailspin this week. Besides sleeping in too late, nap (or no nap) insanity, and general crankiness, both of my boys have been going to sleep as early as 6 p.m. - which is not a bad thing. But it did limit the crazedparent household from participating in Week 11 of the Cooking Rocks Challenge. I had to turn to some old reliables this week. In place of  recipes from Cooking Rocks,I thought I'd share a favorite I made from an old copy of Bon Appetit : Black Bean Vegetable Burritos.

The chopping of bell peppers, tomatoes and an onion is quick. To speed up the prep time, I chop the carrots in my mini food processor. I also omit the the hot peppers from the recipe to eliminate any possibility of Nol claiming the burritos are too spicy. After a quick saute of the veges I added the spices and black beans. While the beans warmed in the veges, I heated up the flour tortillas in a cask-iron skillet. When ready, I layered on the black bean filling and topped it with Monterey jack cheese, avocado, cilantro and sour cream.

Here's the secret that ensures Nol will eat the Black Bean Vegetable Burritos every single time I make them: I wrap them in aluminum foil, restaurant style. He loves peeling back the foil after each bite and showing me the empty wrapper when he's done.

What I really love about this recipe is the leftovers...enough to make burritos for lunch or dinner the next day. Instead of using flour tortillas, I substitute corn tortillas and make a quick taco.

Next week I'll be back with our second attempt at Week 11 of the Cooking Rocks Challenge with Monte Cristo and Elvis French Toast Sammies and Fun-Due Dips.

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]]>black bean burritosrecipesCharlene Prince BirkelandFri, 07 Apr 2006 17:02:00 ESTThe Busy Body Book: Keeping a calendar-challenged mom on trackhttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/06/the-busy-body-book-keeping-a-calendar-challenged-mom-on-track/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/06/the-busy-body-book-keeping-a-calendar-challenged-mom-on-track/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/06/the-busy-body-book-keeping-a-calendar-challenged-mom-on-track/#commentsFiled under:

Something happened to my brain when I gave birth to my second baby. That little chip that used to help me maintain a meticulous family calendar apparently moved on.  In its place is nothing but an empty space that's caused me to miss doctor's appointments and a birthday party, and overschedule myself to no end. I've always been a big fan of the Franklin-Covey day planners, but it wasn't working for me this time around. I've tried different tools, like Yahoo! Calendar, but I'm a paper gal. I want to hold the calendar in my hand and have it available for quick notes or additions.

The folks who make the family organizer, Busy Body Book, recently contacted Blogging Baby and I signed myself up to test out the product.  It's a week-at-a-glance calendar that includes five columns to keep track of family members, activities, or something like meals slated for the week. It's light enough to keep in medium size purse or diaper bag.

I'm on week three with Busy Body Book and it's been incredibly useful in keeping track of the fam. I have a column for me, my husband and my two sons. I used the last column for family activities, like birthday parties, road trips or dinner parties (well, maybe just dreaming of the day we can resume dinner parties). I put bills that need to be paid in the back pocked of the book and jot down their due dates in the calendar. And, I keep the Busy Body Book in the kitchen where I can easily spot it.

Continue reading The Busy Body Book: Keeping a calendar-challenged mom on track

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]]>Charlene Prince BirkelandThu, 06 Apr 2006 19:02:00 ESTNew Dad business cards from Event Blisshttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/03/new-dad-business-cards-from-event-bliss/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/03/new-dad-business-cards-from-event-bliss/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/03/new-dad-business-cards-from-event-bliss/#commentsFiled under:

I recently wrote about calling cards for moms. One commenter asked if we knew of any calling cards for stay-at-home-dads. It turns out that the folks at Event Bliss had Papa Calling Cards already in the works. Marlynn Jayme Schotland, the mama of Event Bliss (and a son), let me know that the cards are now available in three styles - the Ethan, the Alain, and the David. I can't see a dad handing out the David design but I do like the Ethan and the Alain. And like the mom calling cards, these are also pricey, starting at 100 cards for $50. But they have a simple, clean design.

Stay at home dads  - what do you think of papa calling cards?

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]]>stay at home dadStayAtHomeDadCharlene Prince BirkelandMon, 03 Apr 2006 09:02:00 ESTMom Fight Club: Let's get ready to rumblehttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/01/mom-fight-club-lets-get-ready-to-rumble/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/01/mom-fight-club-lets-get-ready-to-rumble/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/04/01/mom-fight-club-lets-get-ready-to-rumble/#commentsEarlier in the week I wrote about an apparent surge in teenage fight clubs, which included some statistics showing that young girls are increasingly showing signs of aggressive behavior. I initially was appalled at many comments that encouraged this type of unsupervised fighting. I spend my days teaching my preschool son that hands are not for hitting. Why would this change all of a sudden when he's a teenager? Surely we could find other ways for youths to express their emotions. Yet I couldn't deny one thought - throwing a good punch is definitely a stress reliever.

Teenage angst is troublesome. But motherhood angst? Sometimes insufferable. Mom cliques, mommy wars, just being mom day in and day out - often never leaving the house for 24 hours straight.  If anyone needs to get rid of bad juju, it's a mom. I started to wonder, would a little time in the ring make moms feel better about themselves? I asked a few of my friends if they'd be interested in starting a Mom's Fight Club - not a back door, dark alley fight club, but an organized club using a professional facility where we could spare with each other to release a little crankiness. The rules - only those invited could come;  no sharing the deets with the husbands; and no photos or digicams allowed. The consensus? Hell yeah.

Prekids, I trained as a kickboxer and studied Kung Fu (Sung style), so I contacted my "sifu" and asked if he'd let us use his facility in the evening for a few rounds in the ring. I also asked if he'd spend some time showing the moms a few basics of boxing and let us use the safety gear. He was game, and so on Thursday night the Mommy Fight Club had it's first gathering.

Continue reading Mom Fight Club: Let's get ready to rumble

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]]>Charlene Prince BirkelandSat, 01 Apr 2006 14:02:00 ESTCooking Rocks Challenge: Week 10 - Absolutely Fabulous Five-Minute Fudgehttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/31/cooking-rocks-challenge-week-10-absolutely-fabulous-five-minu/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/31/cooking-rocks-challenge-week-10-absolutely-fabulous-five-minu/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/31/cooking-rocks-challenge-week-10-absolutely-fabulous-five-minu/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Only dessert could save Nol and me from our dinner fiasco in this week's installment of the Cooking Rocks Challenge. The obvious pick was Absolutely Fabulous Five-Minute Fudge. What could be better than chocolate fudge? In five minutes?

This recipe is easy peasy. Nol prepped the cake pan by covering the surface with softened butter while I started on the cooking since it required stove time. I mixed sweetened condensed milk with my new favorite - Nestle Toll House Swirl chips...this time semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate. The recipe called for a mix of butterscotch chips and chocolate chips, but I'll never use butterscotch again so I opted for the swirls. I cooked this on the stove until the chips melted. While this was happening, Nol covered the leftover can of milk with plastic wrap and put it in the middle of the cake pan.

When the chips/milk mixture was thoroughly melted, I added nuts and raisins, then poured the mixture into the cake pan. We then let it chill in the refrigerator until the fudge was firm, then pulled the can out.

Calling it Five-Minute Fudge is misleading. It takes five minutes to make, but about 30 to fully chill.

Total prep and cooking time: 45 minutes, including the wait to eat the fudge.

The can in the center is not necessary - it's more for presentation. Next time we'll leave this step out.

Next week: Monte Cristo and Elivs French Toast Sammies and Fun-Due Dips

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]]>chocolatecookingfudgerachael rayCharlene Prince BirkelandFri, 31 Mar 2006 18:01:00 ESTToy Recall: Magnetix Magnet Building Sets by RoseArthttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/31/toy-recall-magnetix-magnet-building-sets-by-roseart/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/31/toy-recall-magnetix-magnet-building-sets-by-roseart/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/31/toy-recall-magnetix-magnet-building-sets-by-roseart/#commentsFiled under: , ,

RoseArt is voluntarily recalling its Magnetix Magnet Building Sets in the U.S. since 30 children fell ill -- and one died -- after swallowing small magnets that fell out of the toys

I wrote about the toddler that died as a result of ingesting two Magnetix pieces back in December. Since then, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, three children, ages 3 to 8 years, "had intestinal perforations that required surgery and hospitalization in intensive care." The added that.a 5-year-old child aspirated two magnets that were surgically removed from his lung.

The CPSC also added: "Tiny magnets inside the plastic building pieces and rods can fall out. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract to each other and cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal."

The CPSC suggest that if you have a Magnetix Magnet Building Set, you should visit the RoseArt website for more information about returning the product. But as of 3:37pm EST, the company had no information about the recallposted to its Magnetic-specific site. Contact RoseArt customer service at 1-800-272-9667.  [via CNN.com]

[Thanks to Thordora for the tip!]

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]]>magnetixproduct recallproduct recallsProductRecallProductRecallsrecallCharlene Prince BirkelandFri, 31 Mar 2006 17:32:00 ESTCooking Rocks Challenge: Week 10 - Chicken Parmesan Sub with Warm Tomato-Basil Salsahttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/31/cooking-rocks-challenge-week-9-chicken-parmesan-sub-with-warm/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/31/cooking-rocks-challenge-week-9-chicken-parmesan-sub-with-warm/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/31/cooking-rocks-challenge-week-9-chicken-parmesan-sub-with-warm/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We're in  Week 10 of the Cooking Rocks Challenge and Nol and I had a complete disaster in the kitchen with our pick: the Chicken Parmesan Sub with Warm Tomato-Basil Salsa.

The recipe calls for you to cover thinly sliced chicken breasts with shredded parmesan cheese, and then fry them for a few minutes in a medium-hot non-stick skillet. Here's the catch - even in a nice non-stick skillet, parmesan cheese melts and sticks to the pan. Even when you add olive oil, or any other non-stick ingredient to help it out. Instead of turning out like nicely crusted cutlets, the parma stayed int he frying pan and we just had plain chicken. Once I started to see the cutlets going awry, we tossed the whole recipe. Instead  of having sub sandwiches I made a little basil orzo and veggies and we ate the greasy, lightly salted chicken with whatever parmesan cheese it had left on it.

If you've tried this recipe and were successful frying a parmesan-only crust on the chicken, let me know. I'd love to know how you did it because on the surface, this looked like a good one. But the execution? Not so good.

Next up: Dessert with Absolutely Fabulous Five-Minute Fudge

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]]>chickencookingrachael rayCharlene Prince BirkelandFri, 31 Mar 2006 16:31:00 ESTSchoolFolio for storing endless artworkhttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/30/schoolfolio-for-storing-endless-artwork/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/30/schoolfolio-for-storing-endless-artwork/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/30/schoolfolio-for-storing-endless-artwork/#commentsFiled under:

There have been several stories about storing your children's artwork on Blogging Baby. I dream of having a dedicated art room. Irene Nam wondered if it was necessary to keep every single piece of artwork from her boys. Even if you don't keep all of your child's masterpieces, you'll still have some you need to store. The question is where? Over time, all that paperwork adds up.

I think I've found a solution: the SchoolFolio by Save the Art. SchoolFolio are bright, plastic containers that hold paper up to 24" x 18" in size. You can get the single, which they say is large enough to hold art from elementary school. Or you could go for the Taj Mahal of SchoolFolios - the All-in-One...you can store art from preschool through high school. Enough room for forty pounds of paper. And believe me, you'll fill it up. The front flap has a spot for your child's photo and a handle to easily move it around.

The box is acid-free, so no worries about causing the artwork to disintegrate. And it's fairly priced - the single SchoolFolio runs US$27.95 and the All-in-One is US$74.95.

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]]>bloggingbabyCharlene Prince BirkelandThu, 30 Mar 2006 07:33:00 ESTMake-Your-Own-Card Kit from Cricket Magazinehttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/27/make-your-own-card-kit-from-cricket-magazine/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/27/make-your-own-card-kit-from-cricket-magazine/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/27/make-your-own-card-kit-from-cricket-magazine/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Like my colleauge John Watson, the crazedparent fam is on the birthday party circuit this month. Nol, my four-year-old, has been having a fun time creating wrapping paper and birthday cards. But as much as he likes simple construction paper and a mix of crayons and markers, I can tell he's in the mood to start getting a little fancier with his card making. Maybe it was his asking for me scrapbooking gear? I like this Make Your Own Cards Kit that I saw in Cricket Magazine. It appears it's targeted for girls based on the packaging, but the paper colors and designs are fairly unisex.  (And why is it that they target just girls with a product like this? Cricket Mag, Boys can like trucks and crafts you know.)

The kit comes with 20 blank cards and envelopes and 500 pop-out shapes. That's a whole lotta paper making fun. It retails for US$14.95.

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]]>Charlene Prince BirkelandMon, 27 Mar 2006 09:03:00 ESTTeenage fight clubs?http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/27/teenage-fight-clubs/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/27/teenage-fight-clubs/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/27/teenage-fight-clubs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ABC News ran a story this weekend about teenagers kicking each other's arses - just for fun. These teenage fight clubs are "popping up all over the country," or so says ABC. I've never heard of them in my barrio but then again, I'm a little removed from the high school scene. The story says the teens participating in these fight clubs are also videotaping them and posting the battles online for your viewing pleasure, or a quick 15 minutes of fame.

And it's not just limited to the boys. Check out the video that ABC News has posted with the story - it's two girls throwing some pretty vicious punches. The video accompanies a story from March 11 about  girls becoming more aggressive and violent. They cite a statistic that says nationwide, arrests for aggravated assault by girls rose by 68 percent from 1987 to 2003. Yikes. I got in my first and only fistfight when I was 13, but it was only after years of putting up with a schoolmate bullying me.

Parents of teenagers - what's the word with these teenage fight clubs? Are they happening in your kid's schools? And moms to teen girls - are you noticing that young ladies are not concerned about being "tough"?

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]]>Charlene Prince BirkelandMon, 27 Mar 2006 07:01:00 ESTBath time Pirate Adventures by Right Brainhttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/26/bath-time-pirate-adventures-by-right-brain/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/26/bath-time-pirate-adventures-by-right-brain/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/26/bath-time-pirate-adventures-by-right-brain/#commentsFiled under: ,

I keep seeing cool bath time toys for my oldest son. Only now he's into showers - go figure. The latest pick is Bath time Adventures - Pirate Adventure by Right Brain. The foam shapes can be built into a pirate ship for water adventures, complete with an island and buried treasure. Prune toes guaranteed.

The set sells for US$11.99.

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]]>Charlene Prince BirkelandSun, 26 Mar 2006 15:02:00 ESTMy preschool son is crushing on Laurie Berknerhttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/25/my-preschool-son-is-crushing-on-laurie-berkner/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/25/my-preschool-son-is-crushing-on-laurie-berkner/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/25/my-preschool-son-is-crushing-on-laurie-berkner/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When my older son started his new preschool in the fall, he fell in serious crush mode with Princess. He's moved on to an even older woman: children's singer Laurie Berkner.

We don't own a television (yes, you read correctly, no t.v.) so I had no knowledge of this thing called "Noggin," or Laurie Berkner. A few weeks ago we received a review copy of the new DVD "We are the Laurie Berkner Band."  I popped it into my laptop for Nol and me to watch and he. was. hooked.

We both loved the music.  But my sweet four-year-old son? Crushing on Laurie big time. And why not? The video sets are simple so he gets to focus on his lady dancing are around with her band. His favorites are "We are the Dinosaurs," "Victor, Vito," and "Moon, Moon, Moon." And her really digs the "Telephone Song" because "Laurie's being silly, right mama?" He talks about her bright clothes, her funny dance moves. It's terribly sweet. And now, when  we see the DVD at Starbucks (who is selling the video), he see's it and says "Mom! There's LAURIE!" for everyone in line to hear. Nol asked about the band. I read up about them and told Nol that Brian Mueller was her husband, like Daddy is my husband. His response? "NO Mama! He is NOT her husband. She doesn't HAVE a husband."

Laurie Berkner? My son *hearts* you. Your fan numero uno.

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]]>Charlene Prince BirkelandSat, 25 Mar 2006 09:39:00 ESTMaternity clothes: The favorite sweater I still wear...a year post babyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/24/maternity-clothes-the-favorite-sweater-i-still-wear-a-year-po/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/24/maternity-clothes-the-favorite-sweater-i-still-wear-a-year-po/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/24/maternity-clothes-the-favorite-sweater-i-still-wear-a-year-po/#commentsFiled under:

It's been nearly a year since I had baby Q. And today as I went out for a walk, I tossed on a black poncho sweater...a maternity black poncho. When I was pregnant, I realized it would stay in my closet because although it was maternity wear, it wasn't overly large or stretchy. In fact, if I didn't tell you I bought it from the Old Navy maternity line, you'd never know. And it's become a wardrobe staple.

Do you have any maternity favorites that you still use post baby...by choice?

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]]>Charlene Prince BirkelandFri, 24 Mar 2006 15:43:00 ESTCooking Rocks Challenge: What's worked so far...http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/24/cooking-rocks-challenge-whats-worked-so-far/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/24/cooking-rocks-challenge-whats-worked-so-far/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/24/cooking-rocks-challenge-whats-worked-so-far/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We're at  week nine in the Cooking Rocks Challenge, where my four-year-old son, Nol, and I are testing out every single recipe in Cooking Rocks - Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals for Kids.  The goal? To see if having Nol help pick out and cook these supposed kid-friendly meals would put an end to his picky eating habits. So far the crazedparent test kitchen has tried 14 recipes. Our results are mixed.

The recipes that were were quick to make and met with eating enthusiasm were:

Continue reading Cooking Rocks Challenge: What's worked so far...

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]]>Charlene Prince BirkelandFri, 24 Mar 2006 15:02:00 ESTRetro baby announcements by Posh Bettyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/23/retro-baby-announcements-by-posh-betty/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/23/retro-baby-announcements-by-posh-betty/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/23/retro-baby-announcements-by-posh-betty/#commentsFiled under:

Have you heard of Posh Betty? It's an online store for retro-hip paper gear - invitations, business cards, party favors, greeting cards, and announcements among many others. While they only have three birth announcements available, they all are so swank  that it makes me want to announce something, anything, about my boys. Since Nol is into the spaceships and the solar system, I particularly like the "Rocket Baby" announcement. But I guess I'll be rational and wait to use it as an invite for birthday party.

Posh Betty birth announcements come in printed for you and come in packs of 10 for US$19.99. They ship overseas.

And you'll want to check out their baby shower invites too - simple and very cute.

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]]>bloggingbabyCharlene Prince BirkelandThu, 23 Mar 2006 16:30:00 ESTOverheard: Props to a mom for not blogging about her childrenhttp://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/23/overheard-props-to-a-mom-for-not-blogging-about-her-children/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/23/overheard-props-to-a-mom-for-not-blogging-about-her-children/http://www.parentdish.com/2006/03/23/overheard-props-to-a-mom-for-not-blogging-about-her-children/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One of my favorite reads in the San Francisco Chronicle is a tiny box called "Public Eavesdropping." Bay Area residents send columnist Leah Garchik snippets of outrageous, humorous or atrocious statements they've overheard in public.

Today's tidbit was most amusing. Isa Polt-Jones, a mom to twins, and her friend were having lunch when the friend said:"Thank you for not blogging." I speculated that it was a reference to Isa blogging about her kids. I wanted to confirm my suspicions so I tracked Isa down and sure enough, I was right! Isa was updating her friend on the latest happenings with her twins when her child-free friend made the blogging reference, later adding she would have heard about every diaper change and everything-else-baby online.

With the proliferation of parents blogging, I hadn't realized how assumed it was that if you have a child, you likely have a blog where you divulge every last detail about your kids. We all know that's not the case, parent bloggers still tend to be in the minority. 

Nonetheless, the comment made by Isa's friend made me wonder: are friends and family getting tired of family blogs?


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]]>Charlene Prince BirkelandThu, 23 Mar 2006 16:01:00 EST