Chick Chat

Some of my favorite people on the Internet are in their 20s. It is not really hard to understand why. They often make me laugh with their over-the-top, F-yeah! posts focused on love, friendship, and working for the man.

For this week's Chick Chat, we are taking a trip around the blogosphere to visit a few of these 20-something bloggers. What do they want to be when they grow up? How connected are they? What do they look forward to during the next several years and what scares the crap out of them? Ben from No Ordinary Rollercoaster, Cheryl from Confessions of a Twenty Something Year Old, Severina from The Lifestyles of Sevi, Jessica from The Everyday Adventues of Me in the City, and Lilu from Liv it, Luv It will tell us.

In preparation for this post, I sat down with Giancarlo and recorded a segment too. I figured he is going to experience life as a 20-something a lot sooner than I will again.


-Francesca

When in Doubt, Sound it Out

Last night, I watched the Scripps Spelling Bee, an annual tradition for me. Ever since I watched Spellbound, the documentary about eight teenagers and their parents' quest to win the 1999 National Spelling Bee, I've been completely hooked. I love that finally the smart kids get the attention they deserve and it's truly the only day on TV when it's cool to be so uncool.

If you haven't watched the Spelling Bee, you're missing out on these great moments. Get a good laugh on a Friday.



Here's one of my favorite Spelling Bee bloopers from last year:



Join me in celebrating N-E-R-D-I-N-E-S-S.

-Thuy

Talk to Me Tuesday with Laurie Turk

With so many resources on the Internet offering tips and creative ideas, it is difficult to know where to begin. However, Laurie Turk, the woman behind the Tip Junkie, offers you a solution. The Tip Junkie inspires its readers by promoting blogger’s new and creative ideas. On Laurie’s site you will find amazing ideas, ranging from crafts and home décor suggestions to party and gift ideas. The Tip Junkie also promotes Mom-prenuer products, giveaways, and swaps. Through Laurie’s efforts, women are able to get a daily dose of creative energy and inspiration.

Laurie’s passion for promoting women bloggers and Mom-preneurers is evident in everything she does. Today, we take a moment to get to know the woman responsible for bringing together some of the best ideas in the blogosphere.

Q. From what I have read, the Tip Junkie blog will be celebrating its 2 year anniversary next month. Congratulations! What are you plans to celebrate this milestone?

A. I am really excited about the anniversary. I’m planning a Tip Junkie Birthday Bash with lots of prizes from Mom-preneurs, just like I did last year. I’m also currently having the Tip Junkie site redesigned, so that it will load faster with uber-fabulous new features. I would love to launch the redesign during the Birthday Bash. However, I’m not sure if it will be done on time.

Q. You are a woman on the go. You manage both the Tip Junkie and Executive Homemaker sites, as well as contribute to Creative Bliss. How do you manage? In other words, how do you juggle the demands of family, friends, blogging, and one of your true loves, throwing a great party?

A. Good question. To be honest, keeping up with my on-line admin responsibilities takes most of my time. I have several systems in place to maximize my efficiency, and I try to keep everything clean and neat. In real life, I do the laundry all in one day, I trade carpooling with the kids to their activities so I’m not a constant chauffer (or have my man do it - hehe), I don’t really talk on the phone (I’m more of a texter), and I don’t cook. I should really say that I’m a terrible cook, so I usually end up microwaving dinner. We also eat on paper plates, which means less clean up and more time for moowah! It’s those kinds of simple time saving techniques that give me extra time during the day.

Q. The Tip Junkie is one of four blogs that participates in the influential network, Chic Chick Media. How was this co-op initially formed and what do you collectively hope to accomplish in the future? The idea of women promoting women is truly fantastic.

A. Thanks! Chic Chick Media came about after I received a few e-mails from blogging friends announcing that they were going to start selling sponsored ads. I was planning on doing this myself, but about 6 months to a year down the road. I realized that if we didn’t work together, then we would be competing with one another. My love language is quality time, so I would much rather do something with a friend than by myself. I suggested to Cindy from Skip To My Lou and Kim from Today’s Creative Blog that we combine our readership and stats. We also invited the fabulous SITS girls to join us.

Chic Chick Media was later created from Cindy’s amazing brainstorm and my man’s web skills. However, we kept coming across the same problem over and over again; we wanted to promote women on a next-to-nothing marketing budget and give them a way to promote themselves to the masses. That’s how the Visit Our Peeps widget was born. Going forward, we have BIG plans for the women participating in the Chic Chick Media network. The widget is just the beginning. We’re developing cool and more efficient features every month.

Q. Spending time with your kids creating art is such a great way to connect as a family. Tell us about a project you recently worked on with your kids.

A. My boys really love art. I have been amazed at the power their art teacher has over them. {{Yep, I’m a bit jealous.}} My oldest son has won several 1st place awards all thanks to his art teachers who have not only inspired him to do his best, but also submitted his artwork to county fairs and to other local contests. I even decorated their cowboy bathroom around Davis’ armadillo picture he drew in Kindergarten.

Over the years, I have framed several of my kid's works of art, but ultimately wanted a wall to display their current pieces too. Our local craft store was having a ½ off sale on frames, so the boys and I framed a couple of their favorite pieces. Next, I bought two iron finials, grabbed some wire, and made a clothes line (so to speak) for their new art work. I also painted some clothes pins and attached robot stickers to the front of each of their drawings. I told the boys that if they completed their art work at school and did their best, then I would hang their artwork on their special art wall. Since then, the boys have brought home such beautiful pictures! I never would have guessed that it would further motivate them to create such masterpieces.

Q. What’s your creative outlet? How are you are able to make time for yourself and incorporate being creative in your own life?

A. To be honest, since my back surgery, it’s been tough. However, I have really enjoyed “project days” when my friends and I get together and each work on a project that we were trying to finish. I also work well under a deadline; an imminent birthday or upcoming event usually gets me motivated several weeks in advance to get those creative juices flowing.

Other women really motivate me to learn new techniques and try out new products too. In the fall, I’m planning to organize my own craft club or craft night out. Basically, it will work like a mini-class, so that when you show up, you’ll have your kit with everything you need to finish the project that night. Each person in the craft club will have their turn to host. This way I can learn something new each month, but not have to do all the work. {{evil laugh}}

Another creative outlet for me is painting. I find that when I’m stressed out, I paint. It may sound a bit weird, but it helps me to have complete control over something like the color of a wall. I am especially proud of my pink powder room. Since I have 3 boys, the color pallet in my home is a bit redundant. Therefore, I created an over-the-top girly bathroom. It has become my official time out spot when I get overwhelmed and a favorite bathroom in the house! I copied the towels to make the canvas artwork and my iron banister to make the scrolls near the ceiling.

Q. Do you have any favorite art projects that you recall from your childhood? Have you ever tried something similar with your own three boys?

A. When I was a kiddo, I liked to play bank, secretary, and boss my siblings around. {{cracking up!}} I wasn’t very creative. However, my Mom is an entirely different story. She can do anything from painting murals, to sewing wedding dresses, to decorating beautiful cakes, but was always busy making things for and serving other people. As an adult, I have made sure that I do things for my boys first. For example, my boys’ rooms are painted beautifully in their favorite theme.


We have had a great time planning out their rooms (they drew out the floor plan), ordering their accent pieces, and trying to plan it together.

Q. Do you have any specific tips that you typically offer to new bloggers? In your opinion, what is the ultimate goal for a blogger?

A. I think it depends. If you blog to gain traffic and a following, then my advice is always to be consistent and comment, comment, comment. Really get to know people on a “real” level and reach out to bloggers you look up to. The more genuine blogging friendships you make via e-mail, twitter, and blogging, the more success you’ll have. Networking with the right people is key.

If you are interested in reading more about creative women, check out Tip Junkie today. Laurie is featuring an interview between Francesca and Johanna Wright, a children’s author and illustrator. You may have heard of Johanna. Her debut book, The Secret Circus, is one of the prizes for the We Heart Art giveaway!

What's In A Name?

It is Friday, finally, and I am picking up Giancarlo from pre-school. I hear my son talking before I actually see him.

“That’s not my name. It’s Giannn-CAR-looooo.”

He speaks slowly and loudly so that the mother of his pre-school playmate can understand him. He is looking at her, waiting for a response, but she says nothing. I know what Giancarlo will say next and, because I am on the opposite side of the room, there is nothing I can do to stop it.

“Say it, please. Say my name. You can do it. It’s Giancarlo.”

The Mom does as she is asked and Giancarlo turns to me and says, “Mama! Did you hear? She finally said my name right.”

Long before I ever had kids, I knew that I wanted them to have Italian names. And while Giancarlo’s name maybe the equivalent to Bob Smith in the Italy, it is still different from the norm here. At age three, Giancarlo has been referred to in a variety of different ways, including Jean Carlo (in French), Juan Carlos (in Spanish), John, GC, and Carlo.

Dear Abbey advises her readers to try not to be embarrassed when people mispronounce your name. She recommends simply correcting them and moving on, knowing they probably won't make the same mistake twice. Since Giancarlo has been old enough to talk, he has been correcting people, loudly…even when I don’t.

After a lifetime of facing this issue myself, and ultimately resorting to “just call me Fran,” maybe there is something to be learned from my son.

-Francesca

Don't Be Cruel-ella

Driving home from the grocery store last week, I was cut off by another driver on the freeway. It wasn't anything major, but being tired and annoyed, I laid on the horn and did my best impression of an angry Italian who has just learned of a pasta strike. I yelled, I waved, I glared. My kids, of course, were in the backseat.

Later, after arriving at home, Giancarlo looked at me and said, "Mama, you are just like that wady in the puppy movie." Hmm, I thought. Puppy movie? Of course! My son must be referring to the lovely Anita in 101 Dalmatians; a genteel, nurturing, animal lover. I can see how he might think that I am just like her.

However, it seems that I was mistaken. Giancarlo explained, "No, Mama. Not that wady. You are like the crazy wady."

Crazy wady?

Yes, indeed. My son was actually referring to Cruella DeVille.

After considering this comparison further over the weekend, I must concede that maybe Giancarlo is onto something. Let's look at the facts:

1) I can sometimes get a bit agitated when driving.

(In my defense, this situation could be avoided entirely if the rest of the world would just get out of the way.)

2) I am not a huge fan of those who do not listen to me.

To say that I am intimidating is not quite accurate. I just appreciate it when people listen closely to my words and obey quickly.

3) I do like fur and leather.

Even during the current economic downturn, what girl doesn't still look with loving eyes on a bag from Marc Jacobs or Gucci? (I am even giving you the links today, ladies, so that you too may share in my love affair.)

Perhaps I should make a mid-year New Year's Resolution to try to be a bit less like Cruella. Instead, I could channel my inner, benevolent princess side...

Don't laugh. It could work.

-Francesca

Just Call Me June

I'm a girl that likes her routine. Having certain days of the week dedicated the different activities helps to pass the time and keeps this Mom happy.

In our house, Mondays are dedicated to playdates. Each week, Giancarlo and his best buddy get together for a few hours. During the weeks that I play hostess, I usually try to get the kids outside to a local park, the zoo, the toy store...anywhere they will be sure to burn energy and take their almighty afternoon nap later in the day.

I always feel so accomplished when I travel around town with my posse of three kids. We hold hands, sing songs, run, yell. There is nothing that I can’t achieve as a Mom during these times. I AM June Cleaver…the woman who can cure most any boy problem with her cookie jar.

Given that, like June, I am able to realize Mom perfection during our Monday playdates, I am always surprised when people ask me, “Are they all yours?” or “Exactly how far apart are your boys?” What? Are you serious? Aside from the fact that the children you see before you are not all crying, didn't you notice the apron I’m wearing? Even if the kids are not all mine, I am a dedicated family woman. I have ladylike pastimes, such as needlepoint, cake decorating, and arranging tea roses. What’s more, after any playdate, I can usually be found in the kitchen chopping salad vegetables, basting a roast, or icing a cake.

After a conversation with a complete stranger at the park last week about how I could possibly manage three kids, I thought back to a comment exchange with Helene at I’m Living Proof that God Has a Sense of Humor. In an "interview" with Ellen DeGeneres, Helene described how she is questioned repeatedly by strangers about her two sets of twins.

After reading Helene’s post, I responded with the following comment:

I love people. Especially ones I don't know that ask incredibly dumb questions. Here is my suggested response for your next encounter with stupidity:

Stranger: Are they all yours?
Helene: No, no they are not. I just let them live in my home and devote all my money and every waking moment to them as part of my public service to humanity.

However, in light of my own recent experiences, I feel that I should do more for Helene and Moms to multiple children everywhere. Depending on your mood, the next time a stranger stops to ask you if your kids “are all yours,” here are a few suggestions.

If you are feeling positive, try these on for size...

1) I am proud to say, yes. I really think that Nadya Suleman is a reproductive miracle. I am attempting to follow in her great footsteps.
2) They are, but I am willing to deal. If you’ve got cash, I could rent them to you for a day or two.
3) They are. I am a recovering sex addict and had a lot of trouble with steps 1-11 of my 12 step program.

On your not-so-positive, extra sarcastic days, give these a whirl:

1) No, they are not all mine. I was thinking that you and I could flip a coin for them.
2) No. I thought they were yours. What kind of parent are you, leaving these beautiful children unattended? You should be reported.
3) Biologically, yes, but most days I am just really their unpaid household servant.
4) No, definitely not mine. They came with the package when I became a trophy wife.
5) I’m not sure. Let’s ask them.
6) Let’s play a game. I’ll answer your inappropriate questions only if you answer mine. Ready? I’ll go first. How many times do you have sex a month?

After thinking about it further, maybe I am more June Cleaver circa 2009, rather than 1957.

-Francesca

I'm Too Sexy For My Shirt

M has finally started talking. Primarily it is either in gibberish or Vietnamese, or in most cases, Gibnamese. Actually, he knows three English words, two of which are quite handy, gentle and bus, and last but not least, sexy. Yes, you read right, sexy.

I didn't mean to teach him the word sexy. Sometimes when we strip him down for his bath, I jokingly say to my husband, "Oh, someone is getting sexy." Well, of course he picked that word up right away. It's a fun word to say, I suppose.

Last week, when M saw me change my blouse in front of him, he exclaimed, "Sexy!" (I guess I am too sexy for my shirt.) Of course, my husband and I got a big laugh out of it and thought maybe we should phase out the word "sexy" because it is indeed strange for a kid with a limited vocabulary to say. We thought we'd phase it out slowly and just correct him whenever he used it.

Who knew I wouldn't get the chance? Last Saturday, while in the middle of our local library's story time, the little girl in front of us spilled juice on her t-shirt. While her mom was changing her shirt, my son proceeded to say "Sexy!" I was absolutely mortified! I was fully prepared to give an excuse that sexy is somehow a new Vietnamese word that M just learned. Luckily for me, no one asked. The look of shame on my face was apparently enough.

We aren't bringing sexy back, that's for sure!!

-Thuy

All the Single Ladies

Although I am older than my sister, Gianna, by nine years, we are very close and incredibly similar. I like to think that it is because I am super cool and hip, but know in reality that this is probably not the case.

Our relationship has only grown stronger since I had kids. Gianna is always willing to lend a helping hand and babysit, listen to my rants, and point me in the right direction.

And, oh my, does she ever make me laugh.

Last week, my sister came over to watch the kids while I ran out to school for a short while. Upon my return home, I discovered that she had attempted to prepare my three-year old son for his Valentine’s Day party at his pre-school by teaching him the chorus lines to Beyonce’s, “Single Ladies” and Naughty By Nature's, "Hip Hop Hooray".

Tragically, Giancarlo was only able to remember parts of what he learned.

What started out as "Ho...Hey...Ho" and "All the single ladies" was ultimately translated to "Hey, single wady ho's."

Awesome! Thanks, Gianna.


Somehow I do not think this is going to further our quest for a playdate pal.

-Francesca