Tooth Fairy Topics

My 6 year old has been losing teeth like crazy lately, so we have been having many a discussion on our new favorite unseen diva, the Tooth Fairy.

I didn't realize this was going to cause me to do so very much research, but being the generous spirit that I am, I'll share my findings with you.

1. Word has Tooth Fairy clip art. This has come in mighty handy what with all the note writing. Lordy, the Tooth Fairy is about to qualify for Pen Pal Status around here!

2. The Tooth Fairy is pretty much afraid of guard cats.

3. Her favorite color is pink. She writes her notes in pink ink.

4. If a nightlight isn't left on, she may opt to pass you by.

5. Sometimes the Tooth Fairy leaves things besides money. She has been known to leave books around here.

6. Some children are more sensitive than others to items under their pillows and wake up at 3 AM and when he stumbles across a word in the dark that he doesn't know, he thinks absolutely nothing about scampering down to wake up sleeping parents to decipher words in the DARK!

7. Most websites offering gifts from the Tooth Fairy are useless because they require you to think AHEAD of the time you will actually need a cool Tooth Fairy item. These sites also take FOREVER to ship once you outlay a boatload of cash. I'm not falling for that!

8. Pot-smoking Tree huggers write too many children's books, specifically on the topic of fairies. I have read the schmarmiest crap lately on this topic. I know all of these stupid stories to be completely untrue and unfounded! They're just trying to tap into the lucrative Tooth Fairy market share. Do not be fooled! Everybody in their right Diva minds knows that the Tooth Fairy collects teeth so she can make JEWELRY!!! DUH!!!!

The funniest thing I ran across, though was the letter for an older child. Here's the link: http://dentistry.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=dentistry&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fmonster-island.org%2Ftinashumor%2Fhumor%2Ftfairy.html

Some other decent information can be found at http://www.toothfairyletter.net/

Really, the main lesson grown ups can take from the Tooth Fairy is that childhood can be a magical, fun time for everyone ... only if we believe in the magic and help it happen.

Postcard From the Kitchen

In living up to my moniker, Birmingham's Domestic Diva, I have been in the kitchen for about 3 weeks now cooking ... mostly sweets. Cooking for school meetings and family events. I'm almost done, but had to share something with you that I found in information from Publix.

Doncha' just hate it when the brown sugar gets stuck together and is about the consistency of a brick? To combat this problem, I have always just microwaved it for about 30 seconds a pop until it became workable again. Well, I found another approach ... which will work if you've got the time. Put the brown brick in a ziplock bag with a damp paper towel and leave it overnight.

Ok, my oven's beeping again. Gotta' run, Pumpkin. Later Gator!

Enough of this Health Care Reform Business, Let's Talk Turtles

You know, those thingies on tops of SUVs and minivans perched on roof racks. You put luggage in them because your car is packed to the hilt with kids' gaming / DVD equipment to entertain them the whole ride. Side Note: Who ever thought that The Highway Alphabet Game would be labeled as LAME?????

I write this at the suggestion of one of my darling diva sisters, who confided in me tonight, that she is a Turtle Virgin and was totally unsure of how to proceed with such car accessory things. As the big sister, I assured her and even waxed poetic about my soft-sided turtle and bungee cord configuration that allows plenty of legroom in my diva-mobile; admitted, truthfully, that the worst part of the turtle was getting MY suitcase up beyond the tail gate and into the protective coating of my turtle (no animals have been harmed in the filling of my turtle, but I have had to go to the massage therapist afterwards!); and gave her a list of places with automotive departments (I'm not certain she comprendo "automotive department") that would most likely carry these exterior luggage accessories. I even told her that mine was from K-Mart and cost all of about $75! I thought I'd hear the immediate faint tones of high heel shoes clicking towards the garage in a flurry of activity heading for the nearest automotive supply outlet. However, what I got was, "So, do you HAVE to have a roof rack in order to have a turtle?" Um, pretty much. But those, too, can be acquired either by factory installation or accessory add-on places.

I went into the benefits of soft sided (like mine = more flexible, can cram more stuff in them) and the con's = easy for some body builder to abscond with your belongings while stopping at Bate's House of Turkey. The hard sided turtles are basically the flip arguments of the above.

I was a little stunned to find that she had a trailer hitch installed on the back of her SUV ... especially since she's not that into doing her own construction and doesn't own a boat.

There are more options these days with the addition of trailer hitch accessory carriers.

So, dear readers, please weigh in on pros and cons of your turtle experiences. Feel free to post questions to the blog.

Happy motoring, Poodle!

Another Product Rave

Over the course of writing this blog, I have touted the virtues of several cleaning products, specifically in regards to white baseball pants (insert curse to the man who came up with that idea for little boys here).

Several years ago in Lowe's, I came across a bottle of magic that really, really worked on my white tile and white grout. I know you'll be unfazed to learn that upon my return to Lowe's in search of more, it was no longer carried and the sales associates swore by some other product that was nowhere close to the magical substance.

Taaa-Daaa! I heart the Internet. It occurred to me one sleepless night not too long ago to search for it. Lo and behold! I found it ... and am passing it along to you. It's Finazzle. I love, love, love , love Finazzle White Grout cleaner. And am orbiting to learn that they have more products. PS Are NOT expensive.

I'll share:
http://www.finazzle.com/index.html

Finally, a word about not so many postings lately. My apologies again. It's baseball season and Jack-Jack's team has surprised this hardened baseball mom's initial predictions by actually staying alive in the machine pitch tournament ... helped tremendously by torrents of rain delaying the game for 48 hours and counting.

More Susan the Songbird Musings

I am still delighted by Susan Boyle and am eagerly anticipating following her via You Tube. Naturally, I clicked on the People.com's teaser about her new look ... because any Susan junkie worth her weight knows that Susan has said she really doesn't want to change her look at all. She, of course, represents all of us with talent who somehow or another have chores that keep us from our blazing singing career. (Side note: Susan cared for her elderly parents. Not that that's necessarily a "chore", it happens to be quite time consuming).

What took me most by surprise is that the British Daily Mail was shocked to see Susan wearing pumps. Hello, boys!!! She was wearing pumps when she auditioned. While they were beige (a totally bland shoe color, Poodle), they were heels. WAKE UP! I noticed. Score her some points for matching her dress (bland, bland beige, but matched). BUT I predict this Song Diva will shortly diva-up her wardrobe. She's a girl with spunk and guts, after all!

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20274069,00.html

To echo Diva Janet's comment to the earlier post, I do hope that Susan comes to realize that plucking eyebrows is just maintenance, not so much a "change".

Dreaming the Dream

If you haven't seen Susan Boyle's stunning weekend performance on Britain's Got Talent by now, stop everything and take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnmbJzH93NU

This frizzy haired middle aged frumpy Scott is the most courageous person I have ever heard of. She had absolutely no reason to take this leap and audition in Glasgow for the show ... except she simply had nothing to lose. And look what she has gained!! Respect ... from all over the world.

Susan, you are a Diva!! I knew from the moment I saw your shoes as you walked on stage that you were a spunky girl! Your smile is radiant. I look forward to watching your transformation into the Gorgeous Creature you are destined to be. You are the celebrity that I want to watch!!! Eagerly tuning in ...
XOXO
The Main Dish

I have a theory

What if we're not really in an economic crisis? What if everyone's on Facebook and not getting their work done? Like, all across the globe. I think it's plausible. Thoughts?

Delicious Diva Gift Giving

I am compelled to share with you that DivAnn gave me such a wonderful birthday treat several weeks ago. I have not been able to stop thinking about it. She gave this diva CHOCOLATE BON-BONs as a birthday token. I must tell you ... it is so much easier to swallow a birthday when you have a bon-bon chaser.

Any other fantastic gift ideas you have gotten/given lately? Please share with the group. XOXO

Luckily, the Irish like to Party

Parties have been coming at me full force these days (wedding, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and a surprise birthday party compliments of The Main Squeeze and Katherine), so I've made a vow to be more proactive ... and be the one talking about and planning parties, therefore righting the universe back where it belongs. St. Patty's Day is next and I do love me some Irish partyin', Me Prince/ss, so I've come up with pure gold for you to get you started on your St. P's Par-tay.

If you're going all formal, start with the invitation. But seriously, how serious can you take a St. Patrick's Day party? It's all about green and beer - that's not a slight in any way, just the part that needs to be embraced. So, how about making new beer labels that you put on a beer bottle and deliver (cold, of course) to your intended guests. How fun is that?! Variations on this idea are handing out beer mugs with info inside (and bring the mug to the party to fill with green beer! You can find inexpensive mugs or frosted mugs at K-Mart) or shot glasses. Evites are my latest preferred mode of inviting folks and they have great Irish themes (http://www.evite.com/).

For decorations, you really don't have to do terribly much as your guests will be drinking and eventually won't care or remember what your decorations were. I suggest green and white balloons and fresh clover (available at supermarkets). I have noticed at the Dollar Store while picking up items for a child's school project that there are tons of things, including large felt Leprechaun hats in assorted varieties. If you want to get a little fancier, I suggest decorating with fresh flowers such as daisies, Bells of Ireland, Emerald Roses, white tulips, or white daffodils. Very shi-shi!

Your soon-to-be -intoxicated bunch need some sustenance, because as much as some people would like to think, you really can't live on beer alone (at least after college). I suggest nibbles and a meal to off-set the alcohol absorption. Start with green M&M's (won't you be the talk?!), guacamole, sugar cookies complete with green food coloring, and cupcakes with green and white icing.

Yet, we professionals realize that finger foods/ bar food doesn't do nearly as much as pure MEAT to absorb alcohol. To that end, I suggest a slow-cooked meat item you and your guests will adore. Please note this is NOT a last minute throw together as the meat must cook forever (but it is TOTALLY WORTH IT!).

Corned Beef and Cabbage
6 carrots, sliced (or baby carrots, but please use more than 6)
2 onions, chopped
2-3 lbs. corned beef brisket with seasoning
2 garlic cloves, minced (reduce if there is a lot of garlic in the seasoning pack that usually comes with the c.b. brisket)
a can of beer (See, your theme is in the meat!)
2 Tbsp. yellow mustard (you can use brown mustard, but it could compete with the seasonings that accompany the meat)
1/4 C. brown sugar
1 C. chicken stock
8 wedges of cabbage

Layer the veggies in the bottom of a 4-6 quart crock pot. Rinse the brisket under cold water. Dry with paper towels. Place meat in crock pot and cover with seasoning. Pour beer over, followed by a good mustard coating. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and water; then pour it over the brisket. Cover and cook on low for 11-12 hours. Remove meat and wrap in aluminum foil to keep it warm. Add cabbage wedges to the liquid and cook for about 30 minutes.

I suggest serving potatoes and apples as side dishes. Oh, and salad makes a great green side dish as well!

Besides your green and white frosted cupcakes, for the occasion of St. Patrick's Day, I suggest having a luscious dessert beverage .... Irish Cream, but of course!
1 C. light cream
1 14 oz. can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 2/3 C Irish Whiskey
1 tsp. Instant coffee (!)
2 Tbsp. Hershey's chocolate syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. almond extract

Combine all ingredients in a blender on high for about 30 seconds. Bottle and refrigerate. This will keep for a few months ... like it will last that long!

Busy Pumpkin, please note that these two centerpieces of your party use only two appliances/pots for cooking. Love that the clean up is minimal!

Your guests will think they've been transported to Glocca Mora after this scrumptious party and feast!

Wishing you much luck, my little Clover!

Trapped in a Cleaning Frenzy

I'm starting the New Year's off in my kids' closets. So far, it's been a Yard Bag of trash and a Yard Bag of donations per room. I haven't even gotten to my closet yet.... And the tree is still up... er ... all 4 trees are still up. The upshot of having Critically Ill Main Squeeze before Thanksgiving is that the live tree is still moist due to the fact that we acquired it later than usual. Silver linings abound.

Oh! And The Main Squeeze got his PICC line out before Christmas, so he is merry, hence so am I.

Regards from the battlefront, Poodle!