Fabulous or Not?

Suave Kids 2-in-1 Hair Smoothers Shampoo: Cowabunga Coconut

My son has grown into a full-fledged toddler, complete with a mop of hair that gets messy and dirty each day.  I  have always just used one of the all-in-one baby head to toe washes but recently his hair seemed to need  a little conditioning, er, softening, if you will.  So, I headed to shampoo shelves in search of something conditioning, tear-free, meant for children with a decent smell. 

For about $3.29 a bottle this stuff goes a long way.  I've long been a fan of Suave products for something affordable that works.  Of course, I have my higher end products too but Suave is the best buy out there for the money.  They make good products that leave me pleased.

We've been using Suave Kids 2 in 1 Hair Smoothers Shampoo in Cowabunga Coconut for a few weeks now.  It lathers quite well -- a nice improvement over baby shampoos that don't lather up much.  I can give his head a good scrub and then, being the shit-mother practical, all-purpose, multi-tasking, resourceful Mom that I am, I use all that lather to wash his hands and arms and back too, why let good smelling soap go to waste, right?  Also a requirement of mine, it must be tear free.  Verdict: No tears yet.

The real test was the next day, how did his hair smell and was it softer?  Yes!  It was super soft and the coconut smell was still there and it wasn't overpowering, just a nice fresh scent. 

Suave Kids 2 in 1 Shampoo also comes in a Free and Gentle "scent" which I'd also like to try.  I imagine being more pure and free of purfumes it would be good for an even younger baby or a girl with longer hair that needs managability. 

Fabulous: Bertolli Frozen Meals

I will be the first to say that I am not at all ashamed to admit that at least a couple of dinner-hour meals each week are not exactly something that June Cleaver would approve of serving your bacon-earning darling husband. 

Sometimes we have late play-dates, sometimes it is just me eating with Noah and sometimes I just plum don't feel like cooking.  (Control your  GASPS, modern day housewives have a little tool called take-out, or...)

I hate leaving Marc to fend for himself for dinner so when I'm not up to cooking or need to get food into our mouths in less than ten minutes I break open a bag of Bertolli Frozen Meals and toss it in the skillet to cook while I feed Noah some crackers yogurt. 

I am usually hesitant when it comes to frozen food because it is often disgusting and/or unhealthy and I prefer my food be palatable and enjoyable.  I know! High standards!   

These dishes have a moderate amount of calories and the comfort food aspect is well balanced by the veggie/protein availability.

My favorites are Chicken Florentine & Farfalle and Shrimp, Asparagus & Penne.  They cook to table-ready temperatures in about ten minutes.  I toss it into a skillet and stir a few times while it warms and sauces-up over medium heat.  I add a salad or a side of steamed broccoli when I want something extra but the Bertolli meal is usually just enough for me and for Marc.  Some soup or  garlic bread would be a great addition too.

The choices include shrimp, chicken and meat flavors and they even suggest a wine paring! 

I try to buy them on sale for $6.99 but the regular price is about $8.

As of publication there is a coupon on the Bertolli website to save $1.50 on a frozen skillet meal. 

Mother's Day Wish List

Here are some ideas for anyone in search of what to get for MOM for Mother's Day, which is coming up THIS WEEKEND. 

Personally, I'm asking for sleep, a lot of it, a personal trainer and time to use the personal trainer.  Since I'm not counting on getting any of those things, I'm sharing with you some ideas to help you choose the right gift to thank your mother for giving you her entire life for many many years, for changing your diapers, wiping your snot and spit, loving you when you were a pain in the ass and giving you  the beginning of who you are today.  So, you know, get Mom something nice, and sometimes, even a card, if it says the right thing, is "nice".

For starters, if you have elementary age kids, you can turn a piece of art work into whimsical one-of-a-kind jewelry with Totally Out of Hand.

If you live far away from Mom and she has absolutely everything and perhaps she is traditional, consider a gift of the floral kind.  Bouquets are excellent gifts, but they only last so long. I don't advise these for homes with cats, my cats eat flowers.

This Azalea Topiary can be kept inside or out and won't wilt like flowers. Cared for properly it will last for many years.  Found on 1800Flowers.Com for $69.95 plus shipping.

Perfect for a Mom who likes to cook with fresh herbs, or just enjoys the notion of something fresh and green growing nearby, the Aero Garden is a self watering, self-timed little all-in-one greenhouse.  It has its own water well and light on a timer. You don't need to do anything except add a water and nutrient mixture once and awhile, in a few weeks you have fresh herbs right on your kitchen counter!

 Most new mothers only get to be alone for those few precious moments twice (Heh.) a week when they get to shower.  Why not make it a totally invigorating and relaxing sensory experience. 
Mimosas! Margaritas! Daquirs!