March Madness

My son spent a week in Hawaii with his dad. Then, I gave him about 24 hours to adjust - not only to the time change but to the climate before he and I jumped on a plane to Minnesota.

I had to go there for work, but took advantage of the fact that my family is there to spend a few extra days and bring my son along.

He spent plenty of time with his grandparents, aunt & uncle, and his cousin, who is going to be a big brother pretty soon.

It's always nice to see Cinimod so happy and excited to spend time with family. He literally jumped up and down when he learned he'd be spending time with his cousin again. They had a blast together and little JT cried when they had to say goodbye after the two of them spent the entire day together (with Grandma).

Today, though, before we got on the plane to return to San Diego, my son tried a couple of times to hug JT goodbye. I think he was sad to see Cinimod go. He wouldn't hug him and refused to give him a high-five (he gave everyone else one).

It's nice to know we'll be missed but I know it'll be that much sweeter as the boys get older and are able to really hang out and spend some much-needed male bonding time together as they grow up together.

Corporate Greenery

Yes, I realized I stole the idea from the first collage that inspired me, but I think it's safe to say that I took the Go Green fad seriously...

New Addiction

I have found the website of my dreams. A cool way to create a colorful collage of material things. How creative and fun - and addicting - is this?

I can't wait to share more...

First Kiss

It's your first kiss and several questions might come to mind:

Is it the right time?


Is anyone watching?


Does your partner even want to?


Is your breath fresh?


And... Should you use some tongue?


Then you lean in and just go for it!

Contest Winner

Congratulations, Monique! You are the winner of the autographed copy of Susan Carrell's new book, Escaping Toxic Guilt. I first announced this giveaway a week ago and have since had several inquiries from people interested in learning more about parenting workshops that cover this same topic.

Unfortunately, I don't have anything that specific, but we do offer great workshops and classes based on the Practical Parenting Program which encourages and produces positive attitudes and beliefs among parents and children, while decreasing the negative (guilt is just one of them). Of course, I also work one-on-one with parents to focus more on their specific parenting challenges. Please contact me for more information.

More contests and giveaways are coming so subscribe today to enter. New prizes will be announced weekly. Weekly newsletters are coming as well featuring News Parents Can Use so be sure to register today for these exclusive tidbits of information brought to you by Happy Healthy Hip Parenting.

San Diego Women's Networking Event

I attended a networking event over the weekend, where I met many wonderful business owners from the area.

Julie's Party People

Zi Design

Interestingly enough, many of these companies were those I'd have recommended to others, had I discovered them on my own.

Busy Nest Cards

The Closet Party

Having met so many successful business-owners at this event, I'm even more inspired now to share my services through Happy Healthy Hip Parenting.

I was thrilled to be talking to others about my company and to discuss the importance of family with parents like myself and to encourage them to see the value of investing in the most rewarding relationships they will ever have - the relationship between parent and child as well as the relationship between co-parents.

Discovery Toys

Already, after marketing and advertising for only six months I have received a number of inquires, enrolled several people in the parenting workshops scheduled at Java Mama in La Mesa, and have witnessed amazing moms and dads with unique family dynamics learn to work together and welcome into their lives a new way of communicating and growing as a family.

San Diego Bargain Mama

Pigtails & Crewcuts

There are many unique and wonderful family-owned businesses in the San Diego area. I encourage you to check out the companies listed here and include any comments you may have about these, or other locally-owned businesses that you support.

Design Time

Excuse me? Do you have the time?

No matter what your taste - or budget - may be, these contemporary, modern, unique wall clocks not only tell your guests what time it is, but also tells a bit about your sense of style. Fun and functional!

Guilt-Free Giveaway

Do you feel responsible for everyone around you? Do you value the feelings of others more than your own? Do you have unrealistic expectations of yourself? Then you may be trapped by toxic guilt - and the book, Escaping Toxic Guilt by Susan Carrell, RN, LPC, may be for you.

Trying to win the approval of others - parents, spouse, coworkers, friends, children - can strain your relationships, drain your energy, and dominate your life. The five easy-to-follow steps in Escaping Toxic Guilt can liberate you from self-defeating patterns and put you on the path to living life fully, joyfully, and on your own terms.

Send me your email address today and you could win an autographed copy of Susan Carrell's new book! Feel happy, healthy, hip - and guilt free - every day! Drawing will be held in one week, on March 19th.

Susan Carrell is a licensed counselor and therapist with more than twenty years of experience. She is also a registered nurse, with a specialization in psychiatric nursing, and a former hospital chaplain.

Top Ten Travel Destinations

I am still in San Jose, waiting for the afternoon to fly by so I can finally head over to the airport to head home. I'm surprised that San Diego is not included in the following list - the Top Ten Travel Destinations. I'm really looking forward to sleeping in my own bed but I suppose heading to any of the ten locations mentioned here wouldn't be that bad, either, as long as I wasn't working!

#1. New York
New York Hotel Deals!

#2. London
London Hotel Deals!

#3. Paris
Paris Hotel Deals!

#4. Orlando
Orlando Hotel Deals!

#5. Rome
Rome Hotel Deals!

#6. San Francisco
San Francisco Hotel Deals!

#7. Barcelona
Barcelona Hotel Deals!

#8. Berlin
Berlin Hotel Deals!

#9. Stockholm
Stockholm Hotel Deals!

#10. Miami Beach
Miami Beach Hotel Deals!

Travel: San Jose

I'm in San Jose on business but I have been able to experience some great dining out at pleasant restaurants. What's great about working at the Convention Center is that there are numerous hotels either connected (ours is one of them) or very close. The restaurants that we've eaten at have been within walking distance which makes for an even better travel experience overall.

Yesterday, we headed out from our hotel and ended up at Bijan Bakery & Cafe - one of San Jose's most Premier European Bakeries known all over the Bay Area for the finest quality pastries, cookies, European style croissants, and hand made sandwiches. I enjoyed a great grilled vegetable panini which was absolutely delicious.

For dinner last night, we headed over to Paragon Restaurant & Bar - South Bay's destination for lively, casual dining. Located in downtown San Jose within the beautifully renovated Hotel Montgomery, the restaurant features American Brasserie cuisine by Executive Chef Philippe Breneman, a stylish dining room and live jazz, as well as an outdoor lounge and dining areas that invite guests to relax under the olive trees. I enjoyed the chef's special - whole wheat spaghetti with meatballs - along with a side of applewood smoked bacon brussels sprouts. The meal was amazing and I'd definitely go back again.

And finally, tonight we enjoyed Vietnamese cuisine at 19 Market. I was a bit disappointed with the mojito I ordered, but the asparagus soup was fantastic as was the eggplant and tofu curry.

Even though I am satisfied after this last meal, I can't help but think about tomorrow evening, when we will sit down at the Italian restaurant, Il Fornaio to enjoy yet another fabulous meal before we head back to San Diego Saturday afternoon.

Mother Earth

It's just been brought to my attention that the many brands behind Mothers Work produce many eco-friendly products and organic clothing - Made with the Earth in Mind.

Palmers Organic
Massage Lotion


Organic Cotton
Flannel Receiving Blanket


Otopia Bump To Bub
Pre/Postnatal Stretch Mark Oil


The Complete
Organic Pregnancy

Organic Hoodie

Raising Baby Green

Onesie/Pant

Gift Set

Toy of the Year Awards

12 toys, and their makers, were honored for innovation and creativity at the Toy Of The Year Awards (TOTY) ceremony hosted during the International Toy Fair in New York City. The winners were:

• Toy of the Year: Air Hogs Havoc Heli Laser Battle from Spin Master.
• Most Innovative Toy of the Year: Smart Cycle from Physical Learning-Fisher Price.
• Infant/Preschool Toy of the Year: Moon Sand Adventure Island from Spin Master.
• Electronic Entertainment Toy of the Year: Power Tour Electric Guitar from Tiger Electronics.
• Educational Toy of the Year: Smart Cycle from Physical Learning-Fisher Price.
• Activity Toy of the Year: LEGO City from LEGO Systems, Inc.
• Game of the Year: Rubik’s Revolution from Techno Source.
• Specialty Toy of the Year: Snap Circuits from Elenco.
• Outdoor Toy of the Year: RipStik Caster Board from RipStik U.S.A.
• Girl Toy of the Year: Little Pet Shop: Display & Troop Groovy Girls from Manhattan Toy.
• Boy Toy of the Year: Transformers Movie Deluxe Figures from Hasbro, Inc.
• Property of the Year: Hannah Montana licensed by Disney Consumer Products.

Boys Boys Boys

I took a few days off this week. I highly recommend it. I currently have three jobs - besides my role as Mom. I only took a few days off from blogging here but I'm feeling refreshed and ready to share some exciting news.

My sister had another ultrasound this past Monday. She'll be having another boy! I'm so excited. In fact, the past few days have kept me busy researching companies and clothing designed especially for active boys.

It's not always easy to find hip clothing for boys in the stores but I've found some great websites and specific outfits and gear to list in this posting.

by Diesel Kids


Knuckleheads Ranger Jacket
from Twilite Moon


Black Sweater
from West Village Kids


Fire Dept. USA Rain Boots
from Western Chief Kids


Sleeveless Onesie
from Coccoli

What Boys are Made of Tee
from Lucky for Baby


Small Paul Brian Sweater
from Genes


Posh Baby


Racer Shoes
by Formula Magic


from Mini Moppit