The Poopsie Collective

RECIPE: Eat Your Greens

Written by ERICA 

I’ve always been a healthy eater. Well, maybe healthy isn’t the right word, and maybe always isn’t appropriate either. When I was younger I’m pretty sure I ate about 2 bagels with cream cheese a day and saw nothing wrong with downing a massive bag of gummy candy before dinner. (And yes, I still do the latter.) So I guess a more accurate statement would be that in my adult life I’ve become a very aware eater. I am extremely aware of what I put in my body. I’m not a crazy obsessive health nut—I would live on nothing but ice cream sundaes, cookies, pick n’ mix candy and wine if I could—but I do enjoy fresh, balanced meals. I feel better after I eat them and I feel way better serving them to my family.

And this poses a slight problem. Because typically healthy foods have zero flavor, and naturally kids are smart enough to know what tastes good. Even when Owen first tried semi-solid food at 5-months-old he knew that plain rice cereal tasted like cement and banana puree was a slurp of sweet heaven. And now, at almost 18 months, he’s got opinions. Not only does he know what flavorful, delicious food tastes like (damn you grilled cheese!), he also has enough sense to reject everything else.

So what’s a mom to do? You want to serve balanced meals to your child (and your entire family for that matter), but you also don’t want to cook up something they are going to toss back in your face, literally.

Anyway, I think I’ve found a way to solve this dining dilemma. It’s a little thing I like to call trickery. Kids can be sneaky…hiding their veggies under their legs, behind their back, even in their shirt during dinnertime. Well guess what? Moms can be sneakier.

Here’s a recipe I made recently that I can vouch is delicious, healthy, easy to make and sneaky enough that even your kids will like it. I originally found it on epicurious.com but amended it a bit to suit my needs…

Pasta with Broccoli Pesto

Ingredients:

- 1 Box of Whole Wheat Pasta (I like Barilla Plus Rotini or Penne, it’s easy for little fingers and it traps just the right amount of sauce in all the nooks)

- Broccoli (about 1 pound, cut into small florets with the stems removed)

- ½ Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

- 1-2 Cloves of Garlic, minced (fresh is best, pre-minced is OK too)

- 1 Tsp of Onion powder (or about ½ a finely chopped onion, if you’re not lazy like me)

- 1 Tbsp Pine Nuts (optional, but highly recommended)

- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese (ditto)

- Sprinkle of Chili Flakes to taste (optional, I add this after removing a portion for Owen)

- Salt & Pepper to taste

Preparation:

1) Bring water, seasoned with salt, to a boil and add the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the box’s directions.

2) About halfway through the pasta cooking process (so for Rotini, after about 5 minutes), add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cover for the remaining time.

3) While that is cooking, in a separate pan heat up the olive oil, garlic, onion (powder or minced) and pine nuts over medium-low heat until the garlic & pine nuts start to brown.

4) Once the pasta is done cooking, pour the pasta and broccoli into a colander, but be sure to use a wire mesh or fine strainer so the broccoli bits don’t fall through. Then return to the pot.

5) Add the oil mixture to the pasta and broccoli and stir vigorously until the broccoli florets fall apart and begin to mix in with the sauce. Add more olive oil as needed and season with salt and pepper. After a few minutes of mixing, the broccoli will be completely incorporated into the sauce and will look like a pesto sauce. Add the Parmesan cheese (and chili flakes if you choose), stir, serve and enjoy!

The broccoli is so mashed up in the sauce that your kids won’t be able to pick it apart, and they won’t want to because the pasta tastes so good they’ll be too busy inhaling it to care they’re eating their greens.

I told you… sneaky!

Happy Mother’s Day, From the Poopsie Team

One of the more awesome Mother’s Day cards any of us have received to date…

In honor of Mother’s Day, and all that us moms do on a daily basis, we want to give a quick shout out to the husbands and fathers who have made us feel special when we need it most. Sometimes it’s not the grand gifts (though we like those too) or the big gestures that make us smile, it’s the small moments that make our days of poop-filled fun worth it. So to get you geared up for a fabulous Mother’s Day, here are some of our favorite—and most appreciated—moments that have made us proud to be moms and able to tackle whatever chaotic kid adventures come our way.

Erica

It’s not so much of a singular moment as it is a daily occurrence, but it is widely known that I cannot function without coffee. Like, my mind is on the verge of exploding until that dreamy drop of caffeine hits my lips. I have a hard time doing anything before I’ve had coffee, let alone take care of another human being who’s tugging on my leg begging for food and attention. And because my wonderful husband understands—and sympathizes with—this, he brings me coffee every morning. Not just on Mother’s Day, but every single day. True, he only has to venture as far as the free coffee room in our condo lobby (best perk ever!), but every day I know he’s going to come back from his morning puppy stroll with a pipping hot cup of joe. And that coffee usually comes with a kiss too…though sometimes it’s served with a “I can’t believe you’re still in bed” eye-roll on the days Owen decides to sleep late. Anyway, it’s his daily gift to me. A small gesture with big returns, so that I can start my crazy day as a mom on the right (and caffeinated) foot. Bring on the poop!

Stephanie

“Supposed to” isn’t part of my husband’s vocabulary. So when it comes to Hallmark holidays like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s, he isn’t eager to fulfill wishlists. It’s the days between that mean more to him. In the early months after my daughter’s birth, while I was in the depths of laundry misery, mentally cursing everyone in my household and wondering why the F I’d had a baby, he came in and said the best thing I’d ever heard: he’d hired a cleaning lady. I was so happy, relieved and surprised, I immediately started crying (probably a hormone/sleep deprivation combination). It was the best gift I’d ever gotten and was perfectly timed. I didn’t ask for it, and it wasn’t for any occasion. He just saw that I was struggling and did what he could to alleviate it. Nice one, Alan. 

Gwen

When Izzy was just a couple days old, I vividly remember walking down the stairs of our flat thinking/freaking out to myself over how my life had changed forever and when was anyone ever going to consider me and my feelings ever again?! I had this unbelievable sense of responsibility hanging over me and couldn’t see a light at the end of my sleepless tunnel, when I would once again be deemed important to anyone for anything except my boobs. AND, with this roller coaster of emotions whirling around in my head, I reached our kitchen. At which point Adam looked at me, held his arms out and gave me a big hug. Obviously I burst into tears. It was exactly what I needed in that moment.  Not only did he make me feel loved and like he knew how I was feeling, but most of all that I was still his wife, as important to him as ever and not alone.

Brooke

My husband is practical, not romantic. This is why I love him; I’m not interested in sap (well, occasionally a little might be nice) but more importantly, I need those little things. This is why I love Aaron. I am a sleeper. I need sleep. So having a baby was hard on me. Really hard. Aaron is also a sleeper, but he stepped up when Zach was a baby and it continues to this day. In those early baby days when I am up all night and a mess of lactating exhaustion, he gets up with the baby sometimes as early as 5 am and goes in to work late just so I can catch a few extra hours in the mornings. I can’t say what a difference it makes to get those 2-3 extra hours in the morning. It makes the day manageable with a new one. Eventually we all get back into sleeping normal hours but Aaron still sacrifices sleep for me regularly. Whether it’s getting up with the kids so I can go on my 5am runs or feeding them breakfast every morning these days so my tired pregnant body can get that extra hour, he does it without complaining. I’ll take sleep over flowers any day. 

Positive Birth: What Really Happens in a Water Birth

Guest Written by Jennifer Prinzing

I grew up with positive birth stories. Two, to be exact. Every year on our birthdays, my mom tells my brother and I the story of how we were born. It’s fun and exciting to hear year after year, but as a child the story was all about *me.* How *I* came into the world. I hadn’t given much thought to my mom’s perspective. As I’ve gotten older, and especially when I became pregnant, my Mom’s birth stories grew even more significant. I learned to appreciate the amazing experience my Mom—and Dad—went through. But the stories also became incredibly sacred because I realized the gift of what she shared with me: a subconscious knowledge that birth is amazing, it isn’t scary and women are powerful. To this day, it just wouldn’t be my birthday without hearing the story and I plan on always telling Mia her story too. 

My mom had drug-free births and I was certainly influenced by her. I knew from the beginning of my pregnancy that I wanted to have a natural birth. I didn’t want drugs or to be induced unless there was an emergency. But I also had to remind myself that I couldn’t control the final outcome and I had to be prepared for that too. So instead of a birth “plan,” I wrote birth “notes.” Instead of worrying about a c-section, I decided we would call it a cesarian birth if I was taken into emergency surgery. I wanted to embrace the experience and not feel like a failure if things didn’t go the way I wanted them to. But hard work and circumstance came together that day and I was able to have a natural child birth in the water.  

“A water birth?!” you might be thinking. Yeah, that’s what I thought too. I had never even heard of water births until I was pregnant. I had so many questions: Doesn’t the baby drown? What’s the point of the water? Would I have to do it at home in my tub? But through an informational class at my hospital, I learned that as long as the baby is kept underwater, the entire birth can happen there; the transition from amniotic fluid to water doesn’t signal the baby to breathe, air touching the baby’s head does. (Amazing, right?) I learned that the water is soothing and helps you move how you need to during labor. I learned that a water birth is less messy. From the few videos I saw, the water and baby didn’t seem that bloody. (And it’s true…in Mia’s case anyway.) I learned that if you poop, they just scoop it out with a skimmer like you would a fish bowl. (Ha!) Finally, I learned you can have a water birth in any type of tub, from your regular home shower/bath combo to a jacuzzi tub to a big inflatable tub. My hospital had inflatable tubs. They regulate the temperature, but other than that it’s just your standard bath water. 

At my hospital, water births happen right there in the labor/delivery room. When you’re in the water, the nurses and midwives check you occasionally, but mostly just leave you alone if you want. When it comes time to push, the midwife is right next to you, reaching in to help deliver the baby. Once the baby is delivered, you’re able to snuggle in the water for a little bit. Then they weigh the baby and check vitals while you get out and deliver the placenta. Next thing you know, your baby’s already back in your arms.

And so this brings us to the official story of Mia’s water birth: 

It started on Super Bowl Sunday. Steelers vs. Packers, blah blah blah. Technically I was in labor for about 24 hours, but the hard part was more like 6 hours. 

I woke up around 5 am with contractions that definitely felt different than Braxton Hicks. They went away and came back all day long. Until around 4 pm, I wasn’t even sure it was the real deal yet. But the tell-tale signs started appearing; I lost my mucus plug, I had to start walking around the house to get through the contractions and the Super Bowl halftime show was making me crazy (that was probably just the Black Eyed Peas, though). 

At 10 pm I had my bloody show (such a weird term) and by 11 pm, my water broke. Luckily, I was walking around through a contraction and not sitting on the couch! We had called the hospital at 10 and 11 but since it was my first baby (and you know, us first timers take like a week to go through labor), they said as long as I was comfortable at home, I could stay there for awhile. Because my water already broke, I just needed to be there by 5 am or something. But I could really feel a lot of pressure in my pelvic floor and it was taking more concentration to get through the contractions. I knew I’d feel better if I could just get the traveling-to-the-hospital part over with. So we finally left around midnight. Until then, the worst part was that I puked two or three times during the evening. At the time I completely forgot that you can sometimes vomit during the transition phase, so we didn’t realize how far along I was. 

When we arrived at the hospital 15 minutes later, they wheeled me upstairs and I checked in. Everyone assumed my focused demeanor was because I was a first-time mom and I must be nervous. But I wasn’t that nervous—just a regular amount of nerves for going into labor for the first time. I wasn’t a wreck by any means. When I got to the labor/delivery room, they had to monitor me and the baby for 20 minutes (standard stuff) and did a test to confirm my water broke. The nurses were in no hurry. Finally at about 1:30am they checked me….and I was 10 cm dilated! We were all very surprised. I was definitely feeling pain, but I was hoping to be around 8 cm (and not only 4 or something). All the nurses and midwives were shocked and immediately started hurrying about. They were worried they wouldn’t have time to fill the tub before the baby came since it takes approximately 45 minutes, but my husband insisted and I’m so glad he did.

Around 3 am when the tub was ready, I climbed in and continued breathing through contractions. The water was warm and relaxing and my husband saw an immediate change in my demeanor. I could move freely, resting between contractions while letting the water and inflated tub support me during them. The best piece of advice the midwives gave me was to breath through the tough contractions with shorter breaths and to not push. Let my body do all the work until I got to the point where no one was gonna stop me from pushing. They said I would know when I got to that point. So because I was being patient and not pushing, I didn’t have Mia until about 4:50 am. Now I’m a firm believer in letting your body do the work! I didn’t have an episiotomy or any tearing or even swelling. The breathing through helped so much in fact, that as I finally began to push at the end, her head came out and I squealed in surprise because I didn’t even realize she was that close to coming out. And then, of course, came the quick and exciting part. I remember feeling a huge rush of relief and pride that I did it. Like I couldn’t actually believe the labor was over. Throughout the entire birth, I was calm and inwardly-focused. I wasn’t scared, I was just in the zone. I thought, “This is it. And I’m ready. I can do this.” 

I feel very fortunate that I was able to have a natural birth, and a water birth at that. And while I’ll never know how much of it was genetics, preparation or circumstance, I do know there are certain things that helped me accomplish my goal:

• Reading Birthing From Within— Though I never did any of the art exercises in the book (weird, since I’m a graphic designer), the words and coping techniques were immensely helpful and shaped my birthing experience. 

• Watching The Business of Being Born — I think every pregnant woman should see this. It was very eye-opening for me. With knowledge comes power, and that’s never more appropriate than in child birth.

• Choosing a water birth — I started out thinking it was such a weird thing, but this is why I feel education and sharing our stories is so important. Now I can’t imagine NOT doing it and I plan on doing one for the next kiddo.  

• Seeing midwives — I started with an OB/Gyn at the beginning of my pregnancy, but had to switch because I wanted a water birth. While my doctor was very nice, she always seemed to be in a hurry. The midwives were more personal, warm and relaxed. I had wonderful conversations with them, plus, they do everything they can to avoid medical interventions.

• Exercising and being in-tune with my body — I never took Lamaze or any other pain-coping class, but I think my exercise class—barre3, a combination of ballet barre, yoga and pilates—helped me be strong in mind and body, be aware of my breath and harness the power of mental focus. I’m sure any exercise could do this; yoga, running, swimming. 

• Visualization — I really do think SO much of it is mental…accepting that it will be painful (and it ended up being way less painful than I was expecting) but knowing that this is nature’s way and that women have done this for thousands of years. A favorite line from Birthing From Within is “Labor is hard work. It hurts. And you can do it. All the rest you learn about is icing on the cake.” I really bought into the idea that labor/birth is a natural process (not a medical event) and that the pain is there to guide you. Pain is information. It helps you move in ways that get you more comfortable and helps the labor progress. I also made a couple vision boards to look at during labor with visualization words and reminders of coping techniques. I did look at them during some tough moments and it really helped, but even more than that, the act of making the boards helped me to create my own personal birth philosophy. 

My vision boards full of personal inspiration and pain coping technique reminders (mostly from Birthing From Within).

One final birth story detail I can’t wait to tell Mia every year: she was born on her due date. 

Video: Rammstein Sonne by Children Medieval Band

Do you think your kid is musically gifted? Check out this sibling trio, ages 5, 8 and 10, rocking out with a solid rendition of Rammstein’s Sonne, via Dangerous Minds.

Dinner Solutions: Easy Quiche Recipe

written by STEPHANIE

Bacon, mushroom and leek quiche.

Quiche has been in my repertoire for a long time. Beginning way back when I was a vegetarian, I made my first quiche for Thanksgiving as my turkey-substitute entree. Ever since, it has been a staple because it is simple, requires few ingredients, is ready to eat in under 45 minutes (start to finish), and makes EXCELLENT leftovers. This past weekend, I spruced up my tried-and-true recipe with one from my mom, and I have to say it was a HUGE hit! It will definitely be my new go-to quiche recipe.

Ingredients:

9 inch unbaked pie shell (I like the frozen ones found typically in the dessert aisle/freezer section)

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups cream

1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese

1 T unsalted butter, melted but not hot

pinch white pepper

pinch nutmeg

salt to taste

filling: examples are sautéed mushrooms and leeks (drain liquid), sautéed asparagus cut into small pieces with shallots and butter, cooked spinach with dill, crumbled sweet Italian sausage with sun dried tomatoes, bacon, etc. 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Farh. Beat together eggs and cream. Add all remaining ingredients (except filling) and stir until well combined. Pour filling into pie shell. Pour egg mixture over filling into pie shell. Bake until set, approximately 30 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes or until egg mixture is firm. Serve.

*Double the recipe and add in another pie shell for easy meals for the week!

Product Review: Fisher-Price Apptivity Case

Fisher-Price Apptivity Case for iPhone and iPod Touch. Available starting from $19.99.

Try as we may to keep our kids unplugged, this is 2012. The effects and influence of technology and communication are practically unavoidable. If your children are anything like ours here at the Poopsie Collective, then they are constantly after your iPhone. After having two Blackberries broken by one of these little monsters, we decided to be a bit more proactive with the new iPhone (which, we learned recently, has more power than the computer used to send the first space shuttle to the moon! Something to think about the next time you are playing Hanging with Friends…).

Anyhoodles, we searched high and low for a case that would be protective yet allow the children to engage. There aren’t many options out there. A few cases, like the Otterbox Defender, offers a high level of protection. But, who wants to carry their beautiful, streamlined iPhone around in a high security prison of a case? We found an interesting solution: Fisher-Price’s Apptivity Case. This colorful plastic case allows you to drop-in your iPhone or iPod Touch, lock the back (save your fingernails and use a coin to open and close the lock instead), and your little one is ready to play safely with your device. The phone can’t be used while inside the case (the microphone and ear piece are covered), but otherwise the device is completely functional.

Another plus is that it looks like a toy to the kids. It is easy for them to hold onto, and we like that it signals to the kids that the phone is ready for them to enjoy. We’ve already noticed that they are far less interested when the phone is in mom’s plain black case. File this comment under ‘Things Yuppies Say’: We had an iPod Touch laying around, so we synched it to the iCloud, locked it up in the Apptivity Case, and now the kids have a device all their own! Problem = Solved. 

*Poopsie Collective was neither solicited nor compensated for this review. It is an unbiased product review from one parent. If you have your own review of this product, ideas for other product reviews, or products you would like us to review, please comment here or email us at poopsiecollective@gmail.com

The Only Shoe You Will Ever Need

Jordana Silver’s sapphire blue eyes sparkle with enthusiasm as she describes her next collection of bisous. Bisous, meaning kisses in French, are one part of her brilliant plan to take over your closet. The other part are ridiculously comfortable and versatile basic black flats. Her passion and charisma are infectious. Her laugh is contagious. Spend a few minutes with her and you will be singing the praises of her shoe line from the top of every mountain, and wondering what you stepped out your front door in before.

Brooke is wearing the Oversized Bow bisous in limited edition Rose Gold.

Jordana took a break from her daily craziness to chat with Poopsie about what inspires her and why every mother in America a few bisous.

Name: Jordana Silver
Age: 32
Occupation: Shoe and Bisous Designer
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Current Residence: New York, NY
Worst Job: Receptionist
Best Job: My current job: what can be better than doing what you love everyday?!
What did you dream of being as a little girl: I dreamed of becoming the next Bette Midler.  I just adored her growing up and still do.  I can still do a mean Otto Tisling from Beaches. Unfortunately I could never carry a tune so my dream was short lived.
What makes you feel proud: That I am living out my professional dream.  I wanted to make sure I did not live with regret.  I wanted to make sure 30 years from now I did not wake up asking myself why I never tried.  I feel really proud to know that I saw this idea through wherever it may go.
What can you absolutely NOT live without: Affection!  Hugs are such a little gesture with such a big reward.  Everyone should hug more.
What always makes you laugh: Everything.  I sometimes am like a laugh machine.  I often crack myself up over nothing.
Who is the first person you call when you have news to share: My pops!  I refer to him affectionately as Julio (his name is Julius). 
Who is the first person you call when you need advice: I would say I seek different advice from different people.  I have an amazing group of friends who all possess different skills  They are my sounding board and advice givers.
What’s the most useful piece of advice you were given: To keep rolling.  My father always tells me that you just need to keep moving forward.  If a problem arises, I simply find the best solution.  There is no point dwelling.  That is a poor use of energy and time.  Finding a solution always makes me feel better too.
What has driven you forward it your career: Determination and hard work.  I have always had big dreams and knew I had to work hard to make them a reality.
How did you first conceive concept or Jordana Silver shoes and bisous:  I was traveling a lot for my corporate sales position and while visiting accounts/stores across the country I would sneak away to the shoe departments to take a peak of the different selections.  I noticed everything I coveted and craved was completely outside my budget and when I did buy, I bought black and basic because they are the most versatile.  I felt unsatisfied by my purchases.  I wanted great design!  I wanted quality!  I wanted to have fun with my shoes!
Moms typically look for products that blend fashion with function. How do your shoes help them achieve this goal: My shoes could not be more perfect for moms.  You have one pair of shoes you can wear an infinite amount of ways.  They are super comfortable, space savers, and easy on your bank book while staying on trend.  What could be better?!
Now for the important question, who is your celebrity crush: Ryan Gosling.  What can I say?  He is Canadian and so dreamy! 

A sincere and heartfelt ‘thank you’ goes out to Jordana Silver for her generous contriubtion to The Poopsie Collective.
xoxo,
The Poopsie Collective Team

Wild Card Wednesday: Simplify

This week our wild card post is continuing Operation Simplify—helping you to simplify your life one random (and super clever) tip at a time. Here are couple more of our favorite “doh why didn’t I think of that” ideas…

1) Taking a family vacation or live in the land of sea and sun? Add this must-have item to your beach bag.  Baby powder! It gets sand off your (and your kiddo’s) skin easily, who knew?!

2) Planning a birthday party, hosting an over-the-top play date, or been bullied into participating in a school bake sale? Try this fun trick: bake cupcakes directly in ice-cream cones, so much more fun to look at and way easier (and more exciting) for kids to eat.

Have an idea of your own? Email us at poopsiecollective@gmail.com

Wild Card Wednesday: Simplify

In honor of a new year, fresh start, resolutions, blah, blah, blah, we are dedicating January’s Wild Card Wednesdays to clever solutions to everyday messes, aka. Simplify. 

1) How clever is this? Store sheet sets INSIDE their pillow cases. 

2) Secure a velcro strip to the wall and use it to hold stuffed animals in a crowded playroom/nursery/kid’s room. 

Have an idea of your own? Email us at poopsiecollective@gmail.com

Recipe: Giant Chocolate-Toffee Cookies

Written by ERICA

Source: Bon Appétit, March 2000

I have always loved to bake. Or let me rephrase, I’ve always loved to EAT, especially baked goods. There’s just something special about walking into a home that smells like butter/sugar/chocolate and always has a tupperware full of treats. I mean who doesn’t love TREATS!

So during this week where we share our favorite indulgences and dream gifts, here is the most delicious cookie I’ve ever made. It would make the perfect gift or party addition. And I can’t even claim credit. Gwen (well, really Gwen’s mom) introduced me to these Giant Chocolate-Toffee cookies and if I’m not eating them, I’m dreaming about them. 

YIELD: Makes about 18

EAT WITH: ANYTHING, but especially terrific with cappuccino or ice-cold milk.

INGREDIENTS

- 1/2 cup all purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1 pound bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped

- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

- 1 3/4 cups (packed) brown sugar

- 4 large eggs

- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

- 5 1.4-ounce chocolate-covered English toffee bars (such as Heath), coarsely chopped

- 1 cup walnuts, toasted, chopped

PREPARATION

- Combine flour, baking powder and salt in small bowl; whisk to blend. 

- Stir chocolate and butter in top of double boiler set over simmering water until melted and smooth. Remove from over water. Cool mixture to lukewarm.

- Using electric mixer, beat sugar and eggs in bowl until thick, about 5 minutes. Beat in chocolate mixture and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, then toffee and nuts. Chill batter until firm, about 45 minutes.

- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment or waxed paper. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto sheets, spacing 2 1/2 inches apart. 

- Bake just until tops are dry and cracked but cookies are still soft to touch, about 15 minutes. Cool on sheets. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.)

Wildcard Wednesday: Whatever It Takes…

When your baby is freaking out, what do you do? The short answer…whatever it f-ing takes. We’ve all been there: your kid is bugging out so you resort to completely ridiculous (sometimes bad) behavior to get them to calm down. Some of us have been known to let our munchkins suck on nail clippers or chew on our iPhone until it is completely waterlogged. Again, whatever it takes. This papa turns to none other than Big Poppa for help. 

Check it out and next time you’re in a baby bind, try some old school 90’s rap.

Recipe: White Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pecan Cookies

written by STEPHANIE

These cookies are one of my favorite treats of the Thanksgiving season. They are cakey, spiced and decadent beyond belief. I don’t know where the recipe originated. It’s one my mom has made for years and she shared it with me. They are super easy to make, and even easier to polish off! I recommend a bitter cup of coffee to balance their sweetness. Enjoy!

2 1/2 cups of flour
1/2 t baking soda
1 t pumpkin pie spice
2 sticks of butter — room temperature
1 1/2 c brown sugar
1 c pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1 c toasted pecans, chopped
10 ounce package of white chocolate chips

1) Mix together flour, baking soda and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.

2) Beat together butter, brown sugar, pumpkin puree and eggs. Mixture might not be smooth — it may resemble egg drop soup, which is normal.

3) Add dry mixture to wet. Mix until smooth. Add pecans and white chocolate chips. Mix until just combined.

4) Place scoops approx. 3 T size on parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake at 300 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes, until a little brown around the edges and center is set.

Baking complete!

Oh You Sneaky Mom!

Remember when Halloween was the most amazing day ever? When it wasn’t about being a slutty witch or a skanky (insert costume here)? When your biggest concern was what clever costume to sport and where you were going to stash all of the sweets you worked so hard to gather? And what would you have done if your mom told you that she ATE ALL YOUR PRECIOUS CANDY?!? Well, thanks to Jimmy Kimmel, now we know. And I think it’s safe to say we wouldn’t dare touch our kids’ peanut butter cups without permission.

Jeez, parents can be such jerks!

Wild Card Wednesday: Baby Trashes Bar In Las Palmas

Hold onto your puppets, people. This video is a doozie! Laughed so hard we cried… seriously.

Wild Card Wednesday: Suri’s Burn Book

For anyone who’s ever wondered what Suri Cruise really thinks about crocs and/or Shiloh Jolie-Pitt (barf, to both)… or anyone in the mood for a good giggle at the expense of Hollywood munchkins, this Wild Card Wednesday is your lucky day. Read the wise words of Miss Suri Cruise and thank us later. Oh, and be grateful that your children can grow up in anonymity.

http://surisburnbook.tumblr.com/