PARTY REVIEW - The Internet Mommy Book Launch

The Best Internet Mommy Party Ever

By Mini Mommy Blog Expert

Note:  All photos by Mini Mommy Blog Expert or her mom, Janis Brett Elspas, Mommy Blog Expert

What a super fun party The Internet Mommy Book Launch event at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica, California was! I can’t tell you how exciting it was for me to attend this with my Mom – my first event -- and to cover it for this, my very own new column on Mommy Blog Expert. That's me and my mom  you see here.

From the minute we arrived at this meet-up it was non-stop fun. First, we received Pump Station gift bags filled with lots of nice items including a stainless steel, nontoxic water bottle by Safesport, a Born Free plastic training cup for babies, and a 12 ounce bag of whole coffee beans from One Harvest Project, a wonderful organization that connects individual farms and co-ops around the world with those of us -- like my Mom, and sometimes me—who are java lovers.

But wait, there’s more!! As I continued digging through all the goodies, I found a copy of Kimberley Clayton Blaine ‘s brand new book The Internet Mommy.  Mrs. Blaine is also the author of What Smart Mothers know: Affirmations for Mothers With Young Children.  Other treats inside the bag were a sweet smelling bar of One With Nature Lavender Soap with Dead Sea Salts, Boob Tube (a bust and neck firming skincare product by Mama Mio), Susan Kay Wyatt’s The Twelve Gifts of Birth CD with 14 songs inspired by a best-selling book by Charlene Costanzo, and some gentle saline wipes for stuffy noses that were appropriately called Boogie Wipes. There too was another CD, a funny and kid-friendly one for toddlers and older kids called It’s Hip Hop Baby, with all the kiddie favorites like “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and 11 more tunes. 

You may be thinking, “WOW! You got so much stuff in your gift bag.”  Although you may be right, there’s more to tell. I also received a pink and black rubber “Empathy” bracelets that TheGoToMom.TV donated in honor of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There was also a 16 fluid ounce can of Steaz, a new kind of organic iced tea with green tea, blueberries, pomegranate, and acai berries, and a whimsically patterned Carolina Pad & Paper purse-size spiral notebook from their Prints Charming Collection designed by Jacqueline Savage McFee.  See the picture for all the goodies we received.

While the food was prepared, all the women attending had the chance to mingle, have a cold drink, and share with each other about blogging. Everyone was very friendly and I was impressed how each person was introducing themselves to others. Actually, no one seemed shy and all seemed to be enjoying them selves. Several of the evening’s sponsors had booths ringing the main room. First we stopped at the Invisalign table where I met a lady doctor who knows my orthodontist because she was a student his, believe it or not.  We also visited online community Momslikeme.com 's information area where we received an eco-friendly reusable carrying bag, water bottle, T-shirt, change purse, and an adorable book by Sandra Boynton with DVD called One Shoe Blues starring B.B. King with special guest – Momsock -- the famous sock puppet.

Now, back to the party and the important 411 on the food. Sony sponsored the venue and many Hors d’oeuvres including chicken with cheese quesadillas, salmon, and some entrées were served. There was a hosted bar with wine for the adults; luckily they had several types of soda for me as I was by far the youngest guest there.  For the main course there was an elaborate taco bar with all the fixings in an adjoining room.


And, to top it all off, they had the tastiest-looking dessert display you see here of treats courtesy of Yummy Cupcakes. My mom and I only had salad and sodas (since we keep kosher) but I still think everything looked really delicious.

Here I am with the author.  After chatting with guest of honor Kimberley Blaine, who I felt privileged to meet, she signed my copy of her book The Internet Mommy.  Many  of the other women who contributed to this book flew in from all over the U.S., so we were able to interact with some of the top mommy bloggers in the business and got lots of other autographs too.  BTW: Please watch this blog for a separate The Internet Mommy book review, co-authored by my mom and me coming soon.

Then, they announced a surprise giveaway: if you had a star, square, triangle, or heart on your name tag then you won a prize. Guess what? I had a square on my tag, so for my door prize I received a super-cute polka-dotted, pop art style lime green, baby blue, and turquoise made by
Go Green Lunchbox that you will be able to read about in a separate product review I am writing to be posted soon.

The Go Green Lunch Box sure was a real hit, and, obviously, so was this celebration. I can’t wait until my next event invitation arrives so I can do another Party Review for you!

Mini Mommy Blog Expert is the middle triplet (Baby B) of Mommy Blog Expert. She lives with her family (a total of four kids) and parents in California and has been writing creatively since first grade. In addition to doing party reviews for MommyBlogExpert, she will be blogging on other topics. An actress and violinist, this talented young lady already has appeared in a number of films, television shows, and print ads and is currently writing and illustrating her first children’s book, which she hopes to have published when it is completed.

Frugal FAMILY Fun for Halloween Nationwide & in So. California

NATIONWIDE:
ToyRUs is holding the Geoffrey's Trick or Treat Parade, October 31st Noon - 3 pm. New Parade every hour & pick up FREE treats along the way with the FREE eco-friendly Halloween treat bags they are giving out. Event for kids 3 years and old + up, while supplies last. Distributed to children only.  At participating locations only, so calling ahead to your local store is suggested.

IN CALIFORNIA:
FREE Trick or Treating Event at The Grove, Los Angeles. on Sat. 10/31

Wanted to see what other fun events you know about to add to this list for Southern California? Events I'm looking for need to be either free or inexpensive and family-oriented, anywhere within L.A., Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Please post a comment here with a link to your favorite Halloween Hangout for Kids, including the link to the event information.

See MommyBlogExpert's other Halloween Posts:

• FREE & Frugal Stuff from Retailers & Online for Halloween
• FREE & Frugal Best of Halloween Crafts & Snacks to Make With Kids - Links to directions included

FREE Parenting Guides from Various Sources

FREE downloadable Parenting Guides:

"The ABCs of Playdates"

COMMUNITY: Hannah's Socks Holiday Drive Begins

MommyBlogExpert Encourages Everyone to Help
My entire family, including DH and my 4 kids (Triplets, 12 & Big Brother 13) will be joining me in this wonderful effort to lend a hand to those in need.  Please consider joining us.


Hannah's Socks is a charity that began with an inspirational story. During Thanksgiving 2004  four-year-old Hannah Turner helped her mom serve food at a local homeless shelter. While there, she saw a man with holes in his shoes and no socks.  Hannah asked her mom if she could offer the man her own socks. The next day, Hannah’s mom took her to buy/distribute socks to local shelters. 

Soon mother and daughter had collected and donated over 100 pairs of socks in their Midwestern town. Two years later, Hannah -- with the help of her Mom, family, and friends -- distributed 10,000 donated pairs of socks to shelters.  To date, Hannah’s Socks has collected 100,000 pairs of socks for homeless and domestic violence shelters. Now, the organization has kicked off the 2009 Hannah’s Socks Holiday Sock Drive to collect socks and funds for the upcoming winter and holiday season.

Inspired by Hannah’s story, The Clorox Company became a sponsor of Hannah’s Socks this season as the non-profit's goal is to gather and donate 10,000 pairs of new socks to underprivileged children’s programs in addition to continuing to help the shelters it already works with. As adults, this is not only a great way for us to help people who really need some assistance right now. It is also an opportunity to teach our kids about giving back to the community.

Please spread the word to your community to collect socks at home, school, work, or church for this great cause. Families can also donate funds and find out more about Hannah’s Socks and the Holiday Sock Drive at www.hannahssocks.org. In addition, a pair of socks will be donated in the names of the first 200 Moms who sign up here.

We also hope to spread the word on Twitter with Tweets about Hannah’s Socks by using the hashtag #HannahsSocks and to follow the charity on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hannahssocks and Twitter at www.twitter.com/hannahssocks. Please email Allison at aparker@momcentral.com if you have any questions or feedback.

Looking forward to you joining me in helping to make the world a better and warmer place during this holiday season!

Content is King, Whether It's for Traditional Media or Blog

This is the response of Janis Brett Elspas of MommyBlogExpert to the story that appeared in Advertising Age October 26, 2009, As Media Market Shrinks, PR Passes Up Reporters, Pitches Directly to Consumers

It's not whether the media is earned or not.  In many cases, it's not even about who is writing it -- traditional media, independent blog or a brand that seeks direct communication with its audiences.  In a single word it's about something much bigger: Content.

As a PR pro w/ several decades of corporate and agency experience, I am now transitioning to full-time professional Mommy Blogger as I raise my triplets & one more, all born within a year.

During my PR career I learned early on that you must have a compelling story to tell if you want to get substantial media to produce meaningful coverage. If the story you are trying to place just gets "face time" with a local throw away (or even with a media outlet that's off target for the audiences you seek to reach)...it's just a waste of time and money.

Through the new experience of writing my own blog MommyBlogExpert.blogspot.com now,  I can see that the same principle still applies. You've got to be providing information readers want and need and nothing less, AKA content.

Too many bloggers in almost every niche right now are over dosing the public with self-serving material.  I, for one, have made it my mission to ensure that my blog first and foremost provides substantial original content that is not brand driven. Then, I complement those stories with straight forward (but entertaining) product reviews, book reviews, movie reviews etc, being sure they don't read like consumer product news releases.

Whether it's traditional or new media, it is not about who is writing.  It's WHAT is being written, and reaching the desired audiences with true content, not chest-beating about a company or brand's view of themselves.

I look forward to hearing everyone's take on the original Ad Age story as well as on the opinion I've expressed above.  Please leave your thoughts in the comment box below.

FREE Fun Expert Troy Corley in upcoming Time Warner Segment

  Free Fun Expert Troy Corley, editor & publisher of Free Fun Guides (pictured at right) will be featured on a segment of the Time Warner Cable Show 28:30, November 10, 2009, airing on Channel 36 WEHO.


Corley publishes Free Fun Guides for Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco. I am currently reading all three guides and will be doing book reviews on each book on my blog, so bookmark this page now.  The first book I'll be reviewing on MommyBlogExpert is The Free L.A. Fun, 2nd edition, which features 400+ fun free things to do in the Los Angeles metro area.

Watch MommyBlogExpert for upcoming Reviews on each of the books in the Free Fun Series

FREE PRODUCT SAMPLES - Direct from The Manufacturers

FREE sample of one of the Simplestick Wall Stickers Pictured Above

FREE Halloween STUFF: Treats, Food & Other Goodies for Everyone

Readers: Definitely Bookmark this page now, and keep coming back as more freebies will be added as I discover and confirm them with each offering company up until Halloween.

THIS IS NOT A Halloween TRICK:

  NO PURCHASE IS REQUIRED FOR ANY OF THESE GREAT DEALS!

For retail store giveaways, it's highly suggested that you call your local location to be sure they are offering these great giveaways as some may be at participating stores only.

RETAIL STORES, RESTAURANTS & FOOD

• FREE Black Jack Halloween Taco at Taco Bell on October 31, 2009 from 6 p.m. till Midnight. One per person, while supplies last at participating stores.
• FREE Boo-Rito (AKA Burrito) at Chipotle restaurants if you come in costume dressed as a Burrito, Burro, Taco, or Taco Bowl on Halloween, 6 p.m. till closing  
• Coupon for FREE YoCrunch Yogurt  
• FREE Earth Friendly Reusable Trick or Treat or Shopping Bag w/ Cut Pug Dog on it from Centinela Feed & Supplies, Los Angeles locations, while supply lasts. Must present coupon from Sunday, L.A. Times 10/25/09; offer while supplies last until 11/1/09. 
  

ON THE INTERNET - GREAT Last-minute Ideas & Resources

• FREE downloadable Halloween Masks, including high resolutions pictures of such recognizable faces as Sarah Palin, from HuffingtonPost 
• FREE links to Halloween Pumpkin Carving Templates including faces of Heath Ledger and others are listed on Pinkraygun
• FREE Downloadable Halloween Screensavers & Wallpapers
• FREE Alvin Pumpkin Carving Stencil offered as a promo for upcoming release of Fox's new movie Alvin the Chipmunks, The Squeakquel, which opens December 25, 2009

Don't miss MommyBlogExpert's other Halloween Blogpost on FREE & FRUGAL crafts and food to make with links to all the directions

Should All Brands Be Using Twitter, Facebook & Other Social Media?

In answer to the question is social media (Twitter, Facebook, et al) always a good thing for B2C and B2B brands to use?  I'd say probably not.  I tending to agree, instead, with a piece in the online edition of a major advertising trade that I have read for decades, and that I continue to read daily now, even though I am no longer working in advertising and public relations as I transition to full-time professional mommy blogger through this blog MommyBlogExpert

Here's my opinion, which also appears in Adweek's comment section responding to the original article:

Brands -- and their advertising and PR agencies back in the stables -- need to really think things through before jumping on the Facebook, Twitter and other social media bandwagons. Various promotional tactics work for different types of B2C and B2B businesses, and may indeed share occasional overlap with each other's brands on some concepts when it comes to marketing.  Yet, we all must constantly remember that social media is not the one-size-fits answer to every marketing challenge.

Benjamin Palmer presents a strong case along these lines in, "Is Silence Golden?"  See the October 22, 2009 digital version of Adweek for Palmer's full story.

MOVIE REVIEW - In Motherhood, a 6 year-old Says It Best

by Janis Brett Elspas
Mom of triplets, plus one more, all born within a year
Mommy Blog Expert

Motherhood, opening today in L.A., is the latest feature by Killer Film's Writer-Director Katherine Dieckmann (of Diggers and A Good Baby fame) and her partner, Producer Christine Vachon (Poison and the critically-acclaimed, Academy Award winner Boys Don't Cry).

Starring powerhouse A-list actresses Uma Thurman (as Eliza) and Minnie Driver (as Sheila, Eliza's best friend) with ER's Anthony Edwards playing Eliza's DH (dear husband) along with a wonderful supporting cast, this indie film has good cause to have been chosen as an official selection at prestigious film festivals such as Sundance, Woodstock, and Mill Valley.

I'm sure you're wondering what qualifies me, a rookie movie reviewer, to analyze Motherhood just because I attended the Los Angeles screening Wednesday night.  Actually, the story's premise is something I can relate to and speak about with some authority as I am both a real-life mommy blogger and a much-involved mother of four children.

But, before I get ahead of myself,  let me return to the subject at hand.  The drama-comedy that emerges so naturally in Motherhood revolves around the events in a single day in the life of Eliza, a WAHM (work-at-home-mom), who is desperately trying to return her pre-baby professional writing persona to her soul.

While on the road to establishing herself as a respected mommy blogger, she wears many other hats: A+ personality mom, pack mule, wife, elder caregiver, dog walker, and party planner, to name just a few.  Thanks to tremendous comedic and improvisational performances by a wonderful leading lady duo, Eliza and her sidekick Sheila, the latter who is pregnant and single as the story unfolds, both come off as interesting, funny, and poignant characters caught in the complex web of everything it means to be a mother: the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Albeit, two women who find themselves in contrasting (but equally challenging) states of motherhood.

Yet, as all adult actors know and sometimes fear, a child can sometimes steal the show, shifting the spotlights with their smaller presence buoyed by a powerful message.  In Motherhood, it is Eliza's daughter Clara, played by the very talented child actress Daisy Tahan (wearing a birthday crown in the picture above with the cast in a scene from the movie), who accomplishes that feat.

By chance, I was sitting next to Daisy and her mom Elly at the screening -- who like me, I learned, are both Jersey girls.  Conversation came easily to mom and her bright-eyed, animated, yet very typical, little-girl-next-door daughter.  So, just before the lights went out and the film began rolling, I had a feeling that the Clara character would have a more important role in this movie than anyone in the audience might have anticipated.

Just thinking about her accomplishments to date, make me exhausted because seven year-old Daisy is an amazing young lady beyond her years with a portfolio that many adult actors would envy.  She has only been working several years, but already has eight features in the can and is currently in L.A. shooting Little Fochers, the sequel to the comedy The Fochers, at Universal Studios.  Not only that, but she has appeared in eleven episodes of the television show Nurse Jackie and has a credit for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

But, first and foremost remember this bright young star is real and down-to-earth, a cute young girl who in reality has a pet hamster that she had to leave in the car to watch herself on screen tonight.  Indeed, few would dispute that this little lady is someone just about anybody her age could relate to.  And, what she brings to her Clara character is so important to the plot from the perspective of Eliza, her mother.

As is the case with most films starring major adult talent, the young people often seem to have the lesser number of lines and scenes in which they have the chance to demonstrate their craft; Motherhood seems to follow that norm.  Toward the end of the story, in one of the picture's warmest mother-daughter moments, Daisy's character steps outside the family's double walk-up Manhattan apartment in the middle of the 6 year-old birthday her mommy has nearly bent over backwards to throw for her.  There, she finds her mother seeking to find herself again through her writing and typing an essay for a "Motherhood Is" contest.  Her lines are innocent, naturally and professionally delivered. Yet, the words drive home the core thought of what Eliza has struggled throughout the film to articulate.  "Mommies do everything, " says Clara, as Eliza holds her close in her arms.  "Daddies only do some things."

As always, I enjoy getting comments from my readers, so definitely leave yours with this movie review.  Additionally, I encourage you to see the movie yourself, then to come back here as I'd love to hear your own reactions.

Motherhood is rated PG-13 and the movie's banner warns "Parents Strongly Cautioned."  In observance of October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, from now through November 6, 2009 in select metro areas and cities (New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston), for every ticket purchased on Fandango $1 will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

About Janis Brett Elspas, writer of this exclusive Movie Review for MommyBlogExpert
Brett Elspas delivers family-friendly content, movie & book reviews, product reviews, and giveaways for MommyBlogExpert that enhances living for every member of the family: parents, kids, and/or extended family.  She is always on the look out for good subject matter for this blog.  Whenever possible, she attends screenings and premieres of films and television and cable shows so she may produce critical reviews that are suited to the readership niches that she serves.  She is a mom of triplets plus one more who were all born within a year and lives with her hubbie and kids in Southern California.  Brett Elspas has also been involved heavily in community service for several decades, continuing to be regularly involved in Big Sunday Los Angeles and Strides Therapeutic Riding Center (both with her family) as well as with Triplet Connection Convention where she has volunteered as national media relations director since 2002.

FREE FAMILY EVENT - Apple Harvest Faire - Beverly Hills, Sun. Oct. 25th

The Apple Harvest Faire is sponsored by the Beverly Hills Education Foundation and co-sponsored by the City of Beverly Hills. The fundraiser takes place Sunday, October 25 from 12:00-5:00 on the front lawn, Beverly Hills High School in Beverly Hills, California

• Something for everyone of every age, young and old
  
• Food, rides, activities and live entertainment
• Funds raised support academic, athletic and artistic programs at Beverly Hills schools
  

Fun activities this Sunday that are scheduled include:

• Texting contest to win the newest LG phones
• Pumpkin decorating
• Apple pie eating contest
  
• Hay rides & bungee jumps
• Carnival Games
• And much more
  

Don't miss the entertainment on the LG Stage

• Eric Baines of the "High School Musical" Concert Tour
• Rod Lightning and the Thunderbolts of Love featuring Michael J. Libow
• BHHS Marching Band and DJ Brandon Adams of 310 Entertainment

There will be prizes given away all day long and food available for purchase from some of the best restaurants in town such as the very cool Grilled Cheese Truck

Remember, Admission is free and all-day ride bracelets will sold on the day of the event

For more information on the Apple Harvest Faire, visit Beverly Hills Education Foundation 

THE GIFT BAG - The Fragrance Collection By Glade

A lovely gifting boutique (pictured left) and cocktail party hosted by The Fragrance Collection by Glade popped up for the evening on the rooftop at Thompson Hotel in Beverly Hills in September.  Beautifully orchestrated and accompanied by perfect Southern California weather, the event marked the roll-out of the newest scented additions to Glade's home fragrance line  Jasmine & Wild Orchid, Pomegranate & Cranberries, and Fresh Pine & Cedar.

A separate MommyBlogExpert product review highlighting the newest fragrant soy based candles and oil scented reed diffusers for the fall and winter seasons, as well as some of my own family's personal favorites from the entire grouping is forthcoming soon.

Each guest attending received a bag filled with luxury items, including a choice of any two of The Fragrance Collection by Glade products, and some other gifts of indulgence.  My choices were Glade's Pomegranate & Cranberries 10 oz. candle for me and Lotus Bamboo 2 oz. candle for my hubbie

The gift bag, coordinating perfectly with the theme & colors, also featured

• A three dollar store coupon towards another The Fragrance Collection by Glade item
  
• Nail Lacquer by OPI, Ate Berries in the Canaries shade
• Green Tea Glee Bath Salts by Joyful Bath Co.
• Shiny Metal Growth Stone
• A Ribbon-wrapped Cookie

The Fragrance Collection by Glade brings affordability to simple luxuries for the home.  For more details visit FragranceCollection.com

CONTEST - Baby Dipper Bowl GIVEAWAY, Now till 11/3/09

Follow the EASY instructions carefully to be eligible to win the Baby Dipper Bowl pictured at left, including the coordinating specially-designed spoon.  Baby Dipper was a major sponsor of the goody bags at The Triplet Connection Convention in July 2009.

The contest runs now until November 3, 2009.  Entering this giveaway contest is FREE and simple.  To be eligible, follow the EASY directions below exactly.  Baby Dipper is supplying THREE (3) prizes and contestants are limited to U.S. residents only.

For the MANDATORY ENTRY, comment below to tell your baby's (or babies') ages and why you would like to win a Baby Dipper Bowl.  Also, include your email address (in the comment form sign-in prompt box which is not visible to the public) so that we may contact you should you be one of our lucky winners

For EXTRA CHANCES to WIN: Remember to do the Mandatory Entry FIRST, then if doing any extra entries, also be sure to leave separate comments below for each extra entry in order for them to count

• Become a Follower or Subscriber to Mommy Blog Expert then post a separate comment in the comment box to say you are now following this blog
• Follow @MommyBlogExpert on Twitter, then post a comment telling us your Twitter Name in the comment box
• Follow @BabyDipper on Twitter, then post a comment telling us your Twitter Name in the comment box
• Become a Fan of Baby Dipper Bowl on Facebook, then tell us you are now a fan of Facebook and include your Facebook name in the comment box below
  
• Become a public follower of Baby Dipper's owner Barbara Schantz's Baby Dipper My Double Life blog, then tell us you are now a follower and include your follower ID in the comment box below
  
• Tweet and RT (Retweet) on Twitter by copying + pasting the following exactly (to avoid errors): I just entered to Win a Baby Dipper Bowl @MommyBlogExpert at http://mommyblogexpert.blogspot.com/2009/10/contest-baby-dipper-bowlspoon-set.html
  
• Note, you may Tweet the message above 3 times per day, no more often than once every 4 hours and be sure to post a comment below immediately after each tweet (within an hour) and include your Twitter ID in the comment box below
  

Look! The Triplet Mom pictured below is feeding TRIPLETS, with just one hand.  Just think how much easier it would be to feed even a single baby with this no-tip, well-designed Baby Dipper product. See the Baby Dipper Product Review which was just featured on MommyBlogExpert for more information about this wonderous sanity-saver for baby's caregivers.

Entry Deadline & Winner Notification:

This Baby Dipper Giveaway ends on Thursday, November 3, 2009 at midnight PST.  Shortly after all comments submitted have been verified, three random comments will be chosen. Each winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to reply with their name and shipping address. If a response is not received from a winner within 48 hours, that winner will forfeit the prize and a new winner will be selected. Sorry, no exceptions.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

TWINS Casting in Los Angeles for TLC - Shoots 10/18

Just heard about this TWINS casting opportunity from my friends, Debra + Lisa Ganz of Twins Talent.

CASTINGS - LOS ANGELES
TLC/DISCOVERY HEALTH
Looking for African-American twins (preferably identical) that are under 10 lbs.and at least 15 days old - shooting this upcoming Sunday 10/18 in the Los Angeles
area.
MUST BE LOCAL TO THE LA AREA
IF INTERESTED EMAIL Twins Talent billywonka@aol.com 

Be sure to include childrens names, DOB, and your contact info, along w/ babies' weights.
must have a recent photo
MUST HAVE WEIGHTS

PRODUCT REVIEW - Baby Dipper Bowl & Spoon Set

GIVEAWAY CONTEST Now till Nov. 3, 2009

Have you seen the Baby Dipper?  No, don't look up in the sky.  Mr. Big and Mrs. Little Dipper didn't just deliver a newborn.  The Baby Dipper I'm talking about is a space-age feeding bowl and spoon set for babies and toddlers down here on earth who are starting to eat baby food, learning to hold a spoon, or beginning to feed themselves.

Barbara Schantz, an Alabama mom of two sets of twins.  No, that's not a typo as you can see from a recent picture of Barbara and her hubbie at right with her pairs of daughters and sons.  In fact, I first met this mother of invention while organizing goody bag products as a volunteer for the annual non-profit national Triplet Connection Convention.  Thanks to her generosity, each 2009 convention family with triplets under 3 years old went home with Baby Dipper bowl sets in their convention gift bag.

As a mom of triplets plus another child born within a year, this would have been a big help for me.  To think, had this gem been around back then, it would've made feeding my four look less like the food fight scene in the comedy film "Revenge of the Nerds." Sorry folks, I don't have a snapshot of me feeding my own babies back in the late 1990s, as I was busy cleaning up the mess instead.

As this doubly-super mompreneur tells it, the idea for her creation came when the elder set of girl twins were six months old.  Needing to have one hand free while feeding two very young children, not to mention finding a better way of cutting down on the mess, Barbara tried other bowls, but nothing worked.  Finally, her Eureka! moment came and the unique Baby Dipper bowl was born: not as another constellation of stars but as an innovative feeding tool.

Though its been about twelve years since my own babies first sat in feeding chairs, I'm still amazed at all the ingenious products and services that keep coming out to simplify the care of young children. Whether bringing home a singleton, twins, triplets, or higher order multiples, new parents and caregivers today definitely have no idea how much things have improved just in the last dozen years alone. 

Left: For this picture, I gave three Baby Dipper bowls to a Chicago family with 7-month old triplets. While dad snapped the pictures, mom is shown not only feeding all the babies at the same time, but she is doing it using just one hand!

The Baby Dipper is a sanity-saver not only to parents of twins, triplets, or even several little ones of different ages all in high chairs at the same time, it is just as handy for feeding a single child, both able-bodied and special needs.

With a 4 ounce capacity, this bowl (see close-up picture below) measures 4" long x 3" wide x 1-3/4" deep and comes with a coordinating spoon sized for little hands which will remind you of one of the Dippers in the sky.

Thanks to its distinctive patent-pending triangle shape that allows the spoon to rest inside the lower corner of the bowl, along with the contoured interior design that guides food easily to the spoon,  it is well-suited both for a parent to feed a baby just starting on soft foods as well as for toddlers who are learning to eat on their own.  An added plus is that the bowl's vertical sides are transparent that allows clear view of the food inside.

Featuring a rubber non-slip underside that helps prevent sliding, the Baby Dipper is lead-free as well as has been tested for phthalates and meets the CPSIA standard, according to Schantz.  It is microwave safe, however microwaving of baby food risks scalding, so it is not recommended.  To maintain the integrity and grippiness of the soft rubber base, the bowl should be hand-washed.

The Baby Dipper is already sold in select stores in Alabama, Colorado, Kansas, and Texas. It is also available for $9.99 and up (plus shipping) direct from Baby Dipper and also from online retailers such as Amazon and Baby And Me Gifts.

J. Paul Getty Museum, FREE HOMESCHOOL Day 10/28

I'm bringing my kids to this event, hope to meet as many of my L.A. area readers there as possible.  We go here often and they have a wonderful variety of art and things to do there.  This is definitely a world-class museum and they will have a full day of homeschooling activities at NO CHARGE -- a great opportunity to teach our home schooled children about the arts.

Homeschool day at the J. Paul Getty Museum is Wednesday, October 28, from 10-3.

Go to the link below for more information and print out a FREE parking pass.
FREE PARKING PASS

HALLOWEEN DIY Crafts Foods for Kids

Halloween

Fun Crafts, Treats to Make for Halloween

Lots of creative projects will be posted and I look forward to hearing your comments after you try them. To Left and Below: Homemade costumes for my young kids (Bumblebee w/ our beloved Boxer and The Teletubbies) that I made w/ purchased Simplicity Patterns  & my own Janome New Home Memorycraft Sewing Machine.

Keep checking back here as this list of original ideas grows for making Halloween fun for everyone: kids, adults, and families.  

Keep scrolling down for links to directions for 20+ Halloween DIY crafts, food, and other fun stuff to make with kids.  I have pooled together a list of the most creative (and inexpensive) ideas from a variety of sources on the Internet for EASY things to make for your kids or with them.

Enjoy some time baking and decorating cookies throughout fall for Halloween and Thanksgiving. I made these cookies (see picture below) with my own children using the basic Sugar Cookie recipe out of my antique 1950s Betty Crocker cookbook that my mom made for me when I was a little girl. I found a similar to old-fashioned sugar cookie recipe you can try here. Then, we decorated them with Martha Stewart's Royal Icing Recipe which uses meringue power (dry egg whites) that harden like the fancy giant decorated cookies I've seen selling for upwards of $18 each.

Equipment used to make these cookies include my solid maple wood rolling pin that I've had since before I was married.  The pumpkins are made with a large tin vintage cutter from my own collection, while the maple and oak leaves and acorns were cut from the Wilton 9-piece Leaves & Acorns Cookie Cutter Set I bought at a specialty cake decorating store in Los Angeles years ago for $5.99 (pictured at right). I also use a variety of decorating tools like pastry bags, an assortment of tips, and color gels made by Chefmaster and Wilton, as well as sprinkles and confetti by DecACake and CakeMate.

Other Fun Ideas to Make With Kids, Parents, Grandparents, and Great Grandparents:

California Raisins Spooky Spider HEALTHY Snack
Directions

Make a Working Robot with a REAL Pumpkin
Directions

Pumpkin Cupcakes/Cake from Kraft
Directions

Witches Bloody Finger Cookies
Directions

EASY, Kid Costumes from Old Adult Clothes
Directions

Monster Brownies & Other Scary Treats
Directions

Mouth Clever "Recycled" Kid Scarecrow Costume Using Thrift Store Clothing
Directions

Eco-Friendly Pumpkin Seed Necklace
Directions

Salt Dough Ghost Family
Directions

Martha Stewart's Marshmallow Ghost Cake
Directions

Severed Cheese "Fingers"
Directions

Pumpkin Painting (instead of carving - great for little kids)
Directions

Pretend Halloween Lantern Made w/ Milk Carton
Directions

Cute Kids' Pumpkin Shape Fabric Trick or Treat Bag
Directions

Martha Stewart's Glitter Skulls and Bones
Directions

Glittered Pumpkin Centerpiece by Martha Stewart
Directions

Add your own Halloween Craft, Sewing or Food Project by leaving a comment below w/ link to the directions. All posts must be G-rated and Family-friendly so please leave appropriate ideas only, otherwise they will be deleted. Hope everyone has the happiest Halloween ever!

Also, don't forget to BOOKMARK this page, as there are many more unique (and cheap) ideas to be posted here between now and October 31st!

4,000 Pumpkins GIVEAWAY - THIS SUNDAY, Oct. 11th

Free Event & Pumpkin GIVEAWAY in Farmers Market in Los Angeles, California

THIS SUNDAY - DON'T MISS IT!

Celebrate Fall with free pumpkins, live music, a petting zoo, animal races, and MORE!

The Great Pumpkin Giveaway is back by popular demand! Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 11 from 12-2pm and join the Radio Disney Road Crew on the Plaza for arts and crafts, music, games and 4,000 lbs. of FREE pumpkins!

LOCATION:
Third Street and Fairfax Avenue (next to CBS Studios and The Grove) in Los Angeles

FREE LIST of Resources for Busy Moms

Websites That Make Easier and More Productive all Moms

from VocalPoint

If you are a Mom (or a Dad) with the bulk of childcare duties in your household and have one or more children from newborn through high school, your middle name should be BUSY!  Believe me, I understand what you are feeling because I have 4 kids born within a year (including triplets) and they are now all tweens. Yes, life is a wee bit hectic here.

Few among us would disagree that all of us moms are busier than our own moms probably were.  Whether we work full-time as stay-at-home parents or we are  career professionals working outside the house with kids at home, we hardly have time for ourselves.

Vocalpoint.com has an excellent list of websites that help make life easier and more productive for all Moms (and childcare-giving Dads, to be politically correct). Just two on their list that I am already familiar with and want to share with you are: DinnerTool and SlickDeals


DinnerTool, which I mention on my blog in a post called The Answer to I Don't Know What to Make for Dinner, is another great resource. Here, you'll find all kinds of ideas that will help you to make dinner for your family just by using things that you already have on hand.

SlickDeals is another website that I often check out when looking to stretch my family's dollars.  This is a FREE user-driven deal sharing site where consumers have the freedom to collaborate and share information through posts that fan and vet the best deals both online and off. In addition to finding info on the best deals right now, there is also a section where you can find out about what money-saving coupons are available and where to get them.  I will be mentioning them periodically in my blog posts when I talk about saving money.

These two sources here are just the tip of the iceberg.  I for one, know I will be looking into several of the other 14 sites on Vocalpoint.com that I think are G-d sends to busy parents everywhere.  I hope you will check them out as well.

CONTEST - Math Book GIVEAWAY, Now till 10/31/09

Unlock the Mystery of Math - Autographed Book Contest GIVEAWAY

WIN one of 3 books to be awarded (autographed by both the author and illustrator), currently selling for  $18.95, unsigned.  See the BOOK REVIEW on this acclaimed text for the reasons why this book is the answer for anyone (child or adult) who is "allergic" to mathematics.

With lots of entertaining pictures, this math learning aid comes to the rescue of anyone who is having trouble in math.  It will make your budding math whiz smile, no longer afraid of the imaginary math monster.  This book might even leave them loving math. Ideal for ages 8 to 80, both traditional and homeschooling students.

It's easy as 1-2-3 to enter and win. Giveaway winners will be contacted by email sometime shortly after the contest ends on October 31, 2009. THREE prizes will be awarded; limit of one book per winner.

Your Choice of Up to 3 WAYS To Enter The Contest Daily

***enter with one, two or all three of the entry methods once per day until the giveaway ends***

1. Visit MommyBlogExpert's product review post on the book here and in the comment section briefly tell why you want the book Unlock the Mystery to Math and who it will be for if you win a copy.

2.  For a 2nd chance to win (for those of you with a Twitter Account) simply  copy the message below EXACTLY and retweet (RT) by sending it out to all your followers from your Twitter home page.

RT Got MATH ANXIETY or know someone who does? WIN Unlock Mystery to Math book http://tinyurl.com/yelqnsv #contest #giveaway #math

3. For a 3rd chance to win, all you have to do is mention the contest on your own blog being sure to include the original link about this contest which is http://mommyblogexpert.blogspot.com/2009/10/unlock-mystery-of-math-book-giveaway.html Then, email the link to your blog post about our contest within the text of an email to janis@janiselspas.com (being sure to include Unlock the Mystery to Math in subject line)

HURRY CONTEST ENDS on October 31, 2009 -- enter NOW to win an autographed copy from the publisher of Unlock the Mystery to Math, by RJ Toftness

Give a Day Volunteering, Get a FREE Disney PASS!

by Janis Brett Elspas,
The Mommy Blog Expert

This VOLUNTEERING is the perfect content for  a family-oriented blog like mine.

So glad to hear about this program under the auspices of Hands On Network to get more people to give back by giving their most precious gift to the community: their time.  Receiving passes in exchange for a day's volunteering is very generous and I hope it gets even more people to help out. My family, including hubbie and 4 tweens (triplets + 1 all born w/in a year) have always given time to many different organizations locally and nationally -- and we do it because we love to.

We not only have a great time doing the physical (and sometimes emotional) work but it bonds us as a family.  Sitting back to see how we are helping other people, animals, and all living things is an amazing reward for such little effort.  It's a great feeling to give back and make a difference in some way...everyone's got a special talent or gift that they're good at, including both young kids and all adults.  We've been doing it as a family with our kids since they were able to walk so they've grown up with the joy that only comes from volunteering. I think that is a wonderful legacy to pass on to the next generation.

Public Relations Volunteer Opportunity Oct. 10

Public Relations Practioners: give back to the community!

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Los Angeles Area Chapter Presents ...
Last Call for PR Pros to Help Give Back and Be Part of Something Special! "Quality Time With PR Minds"
A one-day community service event for area nonprofits and community-based organizations
sponsored by Kaiser Permanente and RAND Corporation Go to http://www.prsala.org for details.

THIS Saturday, October 10, 2009

Simple Strategies for Increasing Your Blog's Traffic

In answer to newbies who are asking: How to increase traffic on your blog?
by Janis Brett Elspas
The Mommy Blog Expert
Follow me on Twitter @MommyBlogExpert

In two words: Hard work and persistence.

Some of the most important things to do are to carve out a niche that is not being served by someone else. Stay focused and confine yourself to your specialized area--become an expert in it, don't give up, be positive and only aim to build bridges (not burn them). Know what kind of readers you are trying to attract. Write often about subjects your audience wants and needs. I have learned so much from the top bloggers and professionals out there.

Also, follow as many people who are where you want to be and subscribe to their blogs. The blogging community, in my own experience, has been so giving and willing to share. In fact, I try and tweet and blog about resources for bloggers that I read about in the PR and advertising trades I still read even though I'm transitioning from former public relations executive (corporate and agency) and journalist to full-time Mommy Blogger.

Above all, keep posting great questions like the one you've asked here while you are learning. Then, be ready to give back to the newbies who will soon be following you! Good luck and know that YOU CAN DO IT!

The Mommy Blog Expert
http://MommyBlogExpert.blogspot.com

PARTY REVIEW - Glade, The Fragrance Collection, Beverly Hills, CA

Glade, The Fragrance Collection Party and Product Celebration

by Janis Brett Elspas

The Mommy Blog Expert

Judging room from these pictures and narrative of last night's pop-up boutique at the Thompson Hotel Rooftop Bar and Lounge on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, California, The Fragrance Collection by Glade event was all about elegance.  Sponsored by Glade, the gala was staged by The Buzz Girls, along with a camera crew shooting for Angeleno Magazine.

As a former PR executive myself, now working primarily as a Mommy Blogger, I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the behind the scenes Chicago and Los Angeles teams from Edelman, the public relations agency selected to lead this event:  your professionalism was front and center, down to the last detail. The poolside party on Thompson Hotel's rooftop is shown above.

Left:  The Fragrance Collection by Glade, Jasmine and Wild Orchid, strategically stacked atop the rooftop merchandising table under the stars in Beverly Hills  Photo by Laura Seitz

The stage was indeed set upon arrival and everyone's hard work in organizing this was apparent.  Joining as my guest for the Glade get-together was Laura Seitz whom I met when I recently did a product review spotlighting her one-of-a-kind USA-made Cheeky Quilts.   I think you'll agree that Laura, who gets full credit for the photography associated with this post, took some wonderful shots that captured the event's essence beautifully.

My party partner for this girls' night out and I, both A-personality, creative types, worked primarily in public relations, writing, and marketing in past lives.  So, I speak with some authority when I say that we both appreciated the artistic attention to detail from the beginning to end of the evening.  With a 360 degree view backdrop of the city lights of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles beyond, plus Southern California's perfect weather, the merchandising and ambiance literally broke through the ceiling of this classic hotel in the prestigious 90212 zip code.

Right: Lotus and Bamboo evoked a feng shui at the event that was both spiritual and back-to-nature  Photo by Laura Seitz

I won't go into a breakdown here on the many special touches I noticed that succeeded in eliciting a range of emotions and moods.  What I will say is that six different scent combinations in The Fragrance Collection by Glade were on display:  Sheer White Cotton, Currants and Acai, Lotus Bamboo, Jasmine and Wild Orchid, Pomegranate and Cranberries, and Fresh Pine and Cedar.  The latter three scents are the new to the existing home fragrance line, with the last two specially formulated for the upcoming holiday season.  

A rather unique detailed and separate product review on the Glade's full line of candles and reed diffusers will be forthcoming on my blog.  These will feature interviews with, and impressions from my in-house focus group: including my hubbie and kids, after they've each put the entire collection's nine-piece lineup of sensational smells to the test for themselves.

Each scent experience had its own smelling and viewing alcove around the pool as its centerpiece and all staged areas were masterfully done.  Just to give you an idea of how several of the varieties were presented, here are a couple of vignettes about some of my favorite scent arrangements. 

The presentation table that spelled the most luxe to me was, without a doubt, Currants and Acai, which was one of the last stops on the mini-circuit at this boutique.  The deep red of royalty of this candle style was set on fire here with red roses, similarly-hued lip gloss and nail polish juxtaposed among the products.

Another area I loved was the Sheer White Cotton display, which seemed quintessentially California. Glade's clean, fruit fresh scent with woody notes like freesia and lime, were paired here with all white flower arrangements such as tulips and hydrangeas. Hemp baskets generously filled with lined up rolled white terry hand towels accessorized this station, setting off the tasty array of beckoning platters laden with decadent white chocolate-covered fresh strawberries and fluffy white-as-clouds meringue cookies beside it.

How nice to have some time out of the house, away from my kids for a few hours.  Thanks to my dear hubbie for serving the dinner I almost forgot to make for my family before running off to this party.  Surrounded by beautiful merchandise served up pool-side, natural moonlight shining above,  just-perfect air temperature, and not-too-loud background music, this is my idea of a relaxing evening out and a fine example showing that mixing business and pleasure can be fun.  Just imagine:  really nice people mingling while eating crunchy arugula sushi and sipping champagne garnished with jewel-like pomegranate seeds served in sparkling tall fluted stems.  Surrounded by all that, in such a elegant, yet peaceful setting, can you think of an evening that could be more splendid?
 
More on Glade's The Fragrance Collection Soon!
Watch for additional Mommy Blog Expert posts on Glade's home fragrance line.  The next post in this topic will give the 411 on the lovely put-together goody bags given to those of us who were lucky enough to be invited.  These parting gifts were simply the icing on the pomegranate topped cupcakes (the ones that I passed up after reaching my daily calorie intake limit) that were luciously displayed alongside the Pomegranate and Cranberries Fragrance Collection by Glade products. That will be followed by a Product Review highlighting the entire collection.

Above: Here I am, playing the role of Mommy Blog Expert, taking a time out from note-taking to enjoy the ambiance at The Fragrance Collection by Glade's Beverly Hills, Calif. product roll-out event.   Photo by Laura Seitz

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