Spawned Parenting Podcast: Latest Episodes
The latest from Spawned, our award-winning parenting podcast
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More coolness from recent weeks…
We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Barbies
Thanks to my mother-in-law, that 36-22-36 blonde doll made an unwelcome entrance into my toddler’s toy gallery this holiday season. But that doesn’t mean I’m giving in to all future Barbie requests so fast. It just means I’m going to have to find something ten times cooler than her royal plastic majesty.
Sometimes a Mama Wants to Feel Like a Princess Too
We tend to shy away from the "designer" diaper bags on Cool Mom Picks. When it comes down to it, the thing is going to tote around leaky bottles, ripped bags of crushed Cheerios, and good old poop. But let’s be honest, beautiful accessories make you feel good, especially during those postpartum days when you need all the feeling good you can get.
Oh Lord, Won’t You Buy Me a Mercedes-Benz. Or Maybe a Jag.
Why do car manufacturers leap to the conclusion that moms and minivans are synonymous? Do they think that we all just turned in our sense of style and adventure along with our placentas?
B.Y.O.G.
I’m not sure which I’m dreading more — the pain of labor and delivery, or the pain of labor and delivery in one of those hospital gowns that would clearly be too big for a 450lb linebacker.
A Poncho for North of the Border
One of the few trends I’m happy is sticking around is the poncho. It’s just easier to wrangle my squirmy little girl into her mild-weather outerwear when there are no sleeves to deal with. And frankly, she looks cute it it. (Not that she wouldn’t look cute wearing a garbage bag.)
Princesses Climb Monkeybars Too
Unless it’s time for soccer practice, my daughter won’t get near a pair of sneakers. With her active day at preschool in mind, I try to persuade her to try on funky hi-tops or sporty slip-ons, but she always gravitates toward the sparkly, princessy shoes. Finding something we both like is a minor miracle.
Music For Your Eyes
When we we reviewed the Little Bird CD from singer Elizabeth Mitchell last Fall, it was hard to decide which we loved more–her amazing tunes or the stunning album cover from talented New York City artist Ida Pearle. Now lucky parents (and their immensely lucky kids) can own both.
A Star is Born
When I first heard about Hello Beautiful Films, I swooned. Who wouldn’t want a professionally written, edited and produced video of your children that blends your own photos and home video footage with new footage shot by a pro cinematographer?
The Rockin’ Ballerina
After spending part of the holidays with my girlie-girl nieces, I was trying to come to terms with the inevitable fact that very soon, my own toddler daughter will be asking for princess this and ballerina that.
One Outfit You Won’t Return To Sender
I like to dress my son in clothes that are stylish and contemporary, but I have a soft spot for anything kind of campy or retro. And what says campy and retro better than early seventies Elvis of the rhinestone-studded jumpsuits and white platform boots?
Take That, Shiloh You Poser
It’s difficult enough that I get mobbed every time I walk down the street these days–Oh my God, you’re Liz from Cool Mom Picks! Oh my God!–but when my daughter’s with me, it really presents a challenge.
Fortunately I’ve found the perfect foil in the blinged-out shades from mom/designer Jennifer Olivas
I Dream of Genie
Let’s admit, there’s been quite a bit of dvd-watching over the last few months. How else are you supposed to get the gifts wrapped, the holiday cards sent, and the cookies baked–or at least ordered through a handy toll-free number?
All the Stuff You Convince Yourself You Need
I think I can safely say that I was not alone in my amazement that something so small and helpless as a new baby could possibly need so much stuff. I didn’t know what gear was necessary and what was merely clever marketing, and after factoring in all the unsolicited advice from well-meaning veteran moms about bouncy seat A versus bouncy seat B, I was overwhelmed to say the least.
A Sling for the Coordinationally Challenged
I’ve always appreciated the benefits of a baby sling. Although as someone with fluctuating weight combined with a lack of manual dexterity that keeps me from adjusting my own belt properly, let alone a ring on a sling, I have yet to find my perfect match.
Future Alex P. Keatons: We’ve Found Your Gift
I’ve never been a fan of giving money to children as a gift. It just seems so…well, you know. It’s money. But for the kid who truly has everything–or at least expresses a bizarre interest in the Nasdaq pages of the paper–we’ve discovered the perfect alternative with GiveAshare.
Announcements Not Only a Mother Could Love
As much as I love written correspondence of any kind, I’ve never sent a single announcement – not for graduations, my engagement, marriage, or the births of either of my children. Mostly because, to be blunt, the pickings are pretty slim. Or to clarify, the decent pickings.
We are the Knights Who Say “Maaa-aaaa.”
My dear friend’s son loves playing dress-up. Unfortunately, while his sister has a trunkful of beautiful princess outfits with handmade flower garlands and gauzy accessories, he’s stuck with cheesy plastic costumes leftover from Halloween after-sales. What’s a budding knight to do?
Peace, Love, and Shhhhhhh….
Withbaby #1, I was all about dressingher in bright happy lively colors. And she was lively alright, all hours of the day and night. For #2, I’m going to try a different tact and see if it has any impact. And no, that doesn’t mean pastels.
Ooh-La-L’Alphabet
Although I’m a straight-up English speaker (with a little French thrown in on those really bad days — ahem), I’ve always thought it would be wonderful for my daughter to learn another language. Most folks say that starting early is the best way to go but the idea of toddler language classes has always seemed just a bit…much for me.
From the Land of Great Beer, Great Hockey, and Now, Nursing Pillows
I can always trust my neighbors from the North when it comes to comedy, a cold brew or some "throw your gloves down" hockey. But who knew the Canadians were cornering the market on must-have nursing pillows to boot?
Thanks For the Um…the Thoughtful Uh…
The holidays are over, and if the commercials and billboards and return lines at the mall are any indication, a lot of us received a whole lot of stuff. But whether we loved the gifts we received – or we just pretended to – handwritten thank you notes are always a good idea.