Mother 2 Mother Blog: June 2010

Kathy Griffin Judges Kids Pageant

Imagine this 4, 5 and 6 year old girls looking like miniature adults with make up, tans, big hair and Kathy Griffin in the mix. Kinda scary isn't it. I watched Kathy Griffin's show, My Life on the D-List this morning. Kathy and her mother were judging a kiddie beauty pageant. Now I'm not much on children being in beauty pageants, seeing children made up to look like miniature adults is not something that I as a parent condone. I use the words "miniature adults" lightly, hookers would probably describe that scene a little better.

Kathy Griffin was hilarious. During a segment of the show there was a little girl, maybe 6 or 7, with tons of fake hair and getting a spray tan. She proceeded to tell Kathy that "if you can't tone it tan it" and "beauty is pain". What experience would a 6 or 7 year old have with toning or experiencing pain in relations to a beauty routine? Bikini or eyebrow waxing, lol. How sad for a little girl to be thinking that way. During another segment, Kathy stated that she was scared shitless of those little bitches, referring to the girls, because she believed they would cut you. Confirming that kiddie pageants were treacherous business, the kids were out to win. She also brought a few of her Emmys to the pageant, afterall getting a trophy was the goal.

It also showed Kathy asking a group of little girls about make-up tips. They clearly didn't have a clue about make-up, which tells me these girls can't possibly be making decisions on what to wear or how to wear it, but they did know about "cupcake hands". Now for you moms who don't know, cupcake hands is a position on how to hold your hands.

Can someone explain to me how a 1 - 2 year old can be furious competition? There was a mom who believed her daughter at that age was competition. Is this a mother living through her daughter or what? Kathy advised the mother to not have cosmetic surgery on the child anytime soon. The mother responded not before she was 6. Too funny.

This was the first time that I watched Kathy Griffin's show, it was great for few laughs this morning. I may tune in again.

7:47 AM
Categories: beauty pageants, children's beauty pageants, Kathy Griffin. Author: rmgales

Fruit Dip

Fruit Dip

Fresh fruit will be in abundance soon. Here's a delicious recipe for fresh fruit:

Whip together 1/3 cup milk, 1/3 cup Amaretto, 1 small box instant vanilla pudding and one 8 ounce container of Cool Whip. Absolutely wonderful with fresh fruit!

4:51 AM
Categories: baby shower recipes, Cool Whip, fruit dip, summer recipes. Author: rmgales

Sun Burn Remedy

Summer is here, and we will be spending hours on the beach or at the pool. Aloe plants hold the perfect remedy for sunburned skin. The gel inside the plant cools sunburn on contact. Aloe has been found to penetrate the skin 500% better than water.

The gel is inside the stalks of the plant. Just break off a stalk and squeeze the gel directly onto the burn. I've been growing an aloe plant for years. It's actually so big now it needs to be replanted. The best thing about Aloe plants is that the stalks will grow back so don't be afraid of destroying the plant.

Heading to the beach for a week, purchase a small plant and take it with you. If I'm only going for a few days, I break off a few stalks and wrap them in a wet paper towel. Place the wet towel & stalks into a plastic bag. Keep the stalks moist when you arrive at your hotel/beach house.

The plants are easy to grow. Stick them in a sunny spot and water it once a week. They're very forgiving, there are times when I forget to water mine for weeks. They look great outside in the summer, just remember to bring it in once winter sets in.

The best way to prevent sunburn is to use plenty of sunblock and to wear a hat while relaxing on the beach or at the pool. Playing in the sun can be great, but it can also be dangerous if we don't protect ourselves.

10:10 AM
Categories: Aloe plants, house plants, sunburn remedies. Author: rmgales

Kids Say the Darndest Things

My two year old grandson was visiting. Because I don't see him often, he gets to sleep with Mama when he's here. He wakes me at 7:30 am, and looks into my eyes. He says, "Mama, you have a booger in your eye".

7:53 AM
Categories: kid quotes, kids and funny sayings. Author: rmgales

Mr. Potato Head

Mr. Potato Head is still alive and just as popular as ever. I remember playing with Mr. Potato Head when I growing up, when I came across these three adorable characters I had to have them for my grandson. I found these three at Big Lots. I love that store, you never know what you may find.

My grandson spends hours putting Mr. Potato Head together and taking him apart. Did you know that there is an Elvis Potato Head? Yes, Playskool will be producing an Elvis Potato Head (below), thank you thank you very much, lol. I loved Elvis when I was growing up. There was something about his smile and dance moves that just mesmerized me as a teen.

I doubt that I will purchase an Elvis Potato Head, there are others that are more appropriate for a 2 year old, but for those who collect Elvis paraphernalia here you go.

I also purchased a slinky for my grandson. I played with the slinky on the front steps for hours. Jacks was another one of my favorite childhood games along with hopscotch. He's a little too young for these games, but I plan to introduce them down the road. We also had hula hoops and pogo sticks. These are games that can be played outside as well. Our children have lost the will to go outside and move, and as a result childhood obesity has become a big problem in this country. I refuse to allow my grandson to become an obesity statistic. I will be writing on this topic in another post.

What were your favorite games growing up? Leave us a comment, with the era that you grow up. I would bet that toy has or will come full circle and your children will play with those very toys/games one day.

4:01 PM
Categories: children's games, learning tools, Mr. Potato Head. Author: rmgales

What An Idiot?

What an idiot! You've heard the controversy with Perez Hilton and the Miley Cyrus photo, right. If you haven't, Perez Hilton placed a link on his Twitter Account that opened to a photo of Miley Cyrus getting out of a vehicle in an "unlady like fashion". I watched him on The Joy Behar show tonight trying to explain himself. His explanation, she knew pictures were being taken of her, she should be careful how she exits a car. Hello, she's 17 you fool.

I'm not a big fan of Miley Cyrus, but I am a mother. People are in an uproar over his attempt to exploit a 17 year old child in this manner. Rightfully so, I would be furious if someone posted a photo of my minor child on-line with her skirt or dress a little too high because she was struggling to get out of a vehicle. Perez went on to say he thought the photo was funny and further reinforced her provocative behavior so to speak. I saw the photo, and it appears that she just didn't think about what she was wearing, her focus was just on getting out the car. The car appeared to be a low, 2 seater. Have you tried getting out of one? Hell, I have a difficult time getting out of an SUV. My skirt probably would have been around my head if I had to get out of a vehicle that low.

I don't know of any responsible adult, that would post a photo of a child on-line and pretty much say she asked for it. She knew she was being photographed. She's no longer a child, and it seems people want her to stay a little girl on the Disney channel. Yes, she's been photographed in what some would call provocative photos. In particular, with a sheet wrapped around her, dancing up against an older man at a party and in her underwear. Lets face it, there's a new generation out there with a totally different view and manner of dress. This young lady is growing up and she'll make plenty of mistakes as we all have and are still doing. We're just not in the eyes of the camera.

There is no acceptable explanation for what is suppose to be a grown man who would post a photo of her in that position. I wonder how he would feel if that was his daughter? We as adults need to remember that children should not be the objects of ridicule for any reason. It's funny, we're suppose to be the adults and should be examples for our children. Perez Hilton made an attempt to show a 17 year old's ass, but he ended up being the biggest one.

6:25 PM
Categories: Hollywood, Miley Cyrus, Perez Hilton, scandals, Twitter. Author: rmgales

Preschool Graduation

I attended the graduation at my grandson's preschool last week-end. It was adorable. We decided to put him in nursery school last year, because he's an only child sharing was not part of repertoire. We thought it would be an excellent way for him to interact with other children and enhance his education. It's money well spent.

I met the Director, shown in the purple dress, and I have to say that I have never met anyone so involved with their children. She became emotional with her opening speech and she knew each song that the children performed. I was truly impressed with what I saw. She rented a banquet room overlooking the beach for the ceremony, presented each of the teachers with beautiful gifts and served refreshments to all in attendance. I was so proud of my grandson and all that he has accomplished in the year that he has attended, and I was able to see why he had grown so much.

As you can see in the pictures above, he's a ham. He had no problem grabbing the microphone and he knew all the words to the songs. He was adorable. He also won the Potty Training Award. Mama's baby is wearing big boy pants now. Good by diapers and potty, hello superman.

He adores his Daddy, so Daddy was the recipient of his Big Boy Award too. He moves up to the young 3 year old class in the fall. Another aspect of the school that I like is the fact that they have 2, 3, 4 and 5 year olds in the school, but each age has two classes. They integrate the younger children with the older ones gradually.

If you're considering nursery school, I would highly recommend it. I believe Xavier has enjoyed the experience as much as we have. He looks forward to going to school each morning to see his friends and teacher. That in itself speaks volumes.

8:02 AM
Categories: nursery school, preschool, preschool graduation. Author: rmgales

Fun Pancakes

Summer's here, you know what that means. School's out and you will need to keep the kids busy with lots of treats and fun activities. I found these adorable pancake molds, and I thought I would share them with my readers. My grandson loves pancakes. Every morning he asks for pancakes, so I keep breakfast exciting and special when he visits Mama by fixing a variety of pancakes for him. I found dinosaurs, barnyard, and transportation molds for a reasonable price on Ebay. He really enjoys breakfast at Mamas, and loves helping me fix the batter. Shown above is a pig and dinosaur from his collection.

Here is his transportation collection, which includes an airplane and a train. The molds are easy to use. I spray them with PAM during each use, which makes them easy to remove from the batter. I use an old ketchup bottle that I found in the cabinet for the batter, it makes it easier to control when I'm pouring it into the molds. Let me clarify, not the bottles that the ketchup comes in from the grocery store, but similiar to the bottles hair color comes in. I also use PAM on the griddle. It makes turning the pancakes and clean up a breeze.

Your children will love these fun pancakes. Order a set and get ready to make breakfast exciting and lots of memories this summer.

4:58 PM
Categories: breakfast foods, breakfast recipes, pancake molds, pancakes. Author: rmgales

Kids Put On Wrong Flight by Delta

Would you allow your child too travel alone to visit a relative? Until I read the article today about Delta airlines placing two children on the wrong flight, I may have considered it. The Unaccompanied Minor Program is used by many airlines for children between the ages of 5 - 14 who need to travel without an adult. The airline is paid to take on the responsibility of the child until they reach their destination. The person who brings the child to the airport must show identification, and the person who is at the final destination must show identification before the child is released. They airline is suppose to ensure the child gets on the correct flight, feed them, make sure they make connections and turn them over to the right person for a hefty price.

It seems Delta Airlines needs some work on their program. Somehow they mixed up the paperwork for the children and placed them on the wrong connecting flights. How the hell is this possible? This is what you're getting paid to do. My big question is, how do you mix up the paper work of a boy and girl? Did anyone ask them their name or put some kind of identification on them? Did anyone bother to check their identification? Obviously not. The little boy realized the mistake, he knew he was suppose to be in Boston and not Cleveland. Kids are so smart.

Can you imagine the grandparent's or whatever adult that was on the other end's fear. I would have been beside myself. Delta is conducting an investigation, and they are assuring parents across the country that the children were supervised at all times. Idiots! Delta has also stated that they issued refunds for the children and gave the families free tickets for a future trip. I may have accepted the tickets, but my child would never travel alone on that airline again. It's doubtful that they would ever travel alone again.

To be honest, I've had a positive attitude toward this program in the past. I have witnessed children under the Unaccompanied Minor program in my travels, and they have been well taken care of by the airline. These type of incidents are suppose to be rare, but when they happen it causes you to become fearful and a little more protective of your child.

I may change my mind in the future, but tonight my little sweetie pie will get squeezed a little harder, and he will definitely receive extra hugs and kisses. What your thoughts on this incident? Leave us a comment.

8:02 PM
Categories: children traveling, Delta Airlines, minor children. Author: rmgales

Spinach Dip

I make Knorrs Spinach Dip when I want to lounge around the house with my favorite book or magazine, for family gatherings and office parties. It's great with crackers or your favorite veggies.

1 10 oz. package of frozen chopped spinach
1 16 oz container of Breakstone's Sour Cream or your favorite
1 cup Hellman's Real Mayonnaise or your favorite
1 14 oz package of Knorrs Vegetable Mix

Thaw and squeeze dry spinach. Make sure you drain the spinach thoroughly or your dip will become watery. Add to sour cream, mayo, and vegetable mix. Mix thoroughly. Chill for several hours before serving. Yummy, I could eat it by the spoonful!

4:54 AM
Categories: Knorr Recipes, spinach dip, vegetable dip. Author: rmgales

Easy Spaghetti Salad

I love this simple pasta dish, especially in the summer. I try to turn my oven on as little as possible during the warmer months. I serve this dish at family gatherings and baby showers. It is always refreshing and a big hit:

1 package of thin spaghetti noodles
2 tomatoes
2 cucumbers
Salad Supreme
1 large bottle of Italian Dressing

Boil noodles according to package. Chop/cube tomatoes and cucumbers. Mix noodles, cucumbers, tomatoes and lots of Salad Supreme thoroughly. Add Italian dressing until noodles are wet. Refrigerate 2 hours before serving. Add additional salad dressing if needed.

4:23 AM
Categories: Kraft Italian Dressing, Pasta Dishes, summer recipes. Author: rmgales

Friendship

How many friends do you have? I can count mine on one hand. There are people that I socialize with, and there are my true friends. My friends have been just that since childhood. There's one friend that I did just about everything with in my teen years. She moved when we were in our early 20's, and we stopped communicating. I've thought about her on many occasions. I would inquire about her when I saw relatives, but we never contacted each other.

She lost a son several years ago, her son and my daughter were a few months apart. I sent my condolences, still I never called her. I didn't know what to say. Not only did she lose him, he was murdered by his girlfriend. More on this insane situation in another post.

I've thought about my far and few friendships over the course of the years. I really need to reach out more. This is something that I should have done years ago, but I put my focus on my daughter. Seriously, being a single parent can be an exhausting experience. My life and friendships went by the wayside.

Do you believe in second chances? I do! I've reconnected with the friend that I've been out of touch with for the pass 30 years. How you ask? We reconnected on Face Book. I woke up last week to a Friend Request from her. I was elated. I confirmed the Friend Request, we chatted on-line and she called me later. It's so amazing, we talked just like we did 30 years ago. We vowed to never lose contact again.

It was a great reunion. We talked about old times, our children and grandchildren, our failed marriages, and the murder of her son. We're planning to take a vacation together sometime in the near future.

I'm thankful for second chances. I intend to do better with this friendship this time around. Have you lost a friendship from neglect? Leave us a comment on how you maintain your friendships.

4:38 AM
Categories: Face Book, friendships. Author: rmgales

Fired For Being Beautiful

Don't hate me for being beautiful. Yes, it seems that's still happening in the world. Allegedly, it's happening at Citibank. They don't want beautiful women working for them because they're too distracting. Here's the story, according to Debrahlee Lorenzana, pictured above, she was fired for being "too hot". From the pictures that I've seen, she is a very attractive lady. She's 5'5, weighs 125 pounds and has a great shape. DebrahLee states where she comes from women dress up, put on makeup, and get their nails done to go to the supermarket. She's from Puerto Rico, so her dress at the office is a part of who she is. Personally, I think women should take pride in themselves regardless of where they're from. For some women its not a priority, but for those of us who do put it at the top of their list more power to them.

When I read the article I was in disbelief. This is 2010, lets get real. The world is full of beautiful women and beautiful women are now a part of corporate America. It seems that Citibank's male managers and co-workers found her to be distracting. Supposedly, male co-workers complained that they could not focus on their work. As a result, two male managers gave her a list of clothing she would not be allowed to wear. The list includes turtlenecks, pencils skirts, fitted suits and 3 inch heels. Are you kidding me. It is hard to believe that there are men that damn weak in Corporate America. It is absolutely one of the most ridiculous actions by a company that I have hear of.

As a woman in Corporate America, I have seen and experienced harassment by female co-workers as a result of the pride that I take in myself so I know dress can be an issue in the work environment. I received compliments from male co-workers, but never did I receive a complaint from a male co-worker nor was I called into the office by management as a result. Than again, I'm not built like a brick house either. Anyway because of the harassment I experienced, EEO was called into my area to do several presentations on diversity. The harassing employees were told if they continued, they would be fired from the company. The harassment stopped immediately.

Now I did not sport 3 inch heels in the office for several reasons: 1) 3 inch heels are not appropriate for the office and 2) I can't walk in the SOBs anymore. I do own a turtle neck in every color and I wear then under my suits in the winter. Gives a very polished look. Besides, what is more covering than a turtleneck? Before I gained weight, I also wore pencil skirts and fitted suits. I've had to change my style, but suits, turtle necks, pencil skirts and fitted suits are worn in the office. It seems that the real problem is not the clothing for DebrahLee, this is a cover-up, it's how she looks in these garments. She's causing hard ons, lol.

I viewed several pictures of DebrahLee in her office attire, and I agree, she has a hell of a shape on her. Go on girl, strut your stuff. I'm not mad at you.

It seems Citibank's lawsuits are piling up. Here's another interesting case, a former employee who is Jewish, Dorly Hazan-Amir, is suing Citigroup for sexual discrinination. The men in the office took bets on how much weigh she would gain while she was pregnant, she was told that she could go a business trips when she learned how to play golf, and her boss stated that Jewish girls were turned on by men with beareds.

In my opinion, this country still has miles to travel on the diversity path and we really need to step up the education in the good old USA. It looks like we really need diversity training in Corporate America too. If this is what's happening in our corporations, no wonder the country is in the state it's in. People can't make good judgements or do their job because they focusing on their erections and how someone looks in their clothing.

Would love to hear your opinion on this one.

3:32 PM
Categories: Citibank, corporate dress, corporate job, discrimination. Author: rmgales

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