Family Hootenanny

One of my favorite gifts of the holidays is my Detroit Family Hootenanny CD from April Mydol.

The CD is a compilation of songs from bands who have played April's Family Hootenanny concerts, including the Mydols, of course.

My son and I love to rock out in the car and we're always looking for good children's CDs. This has become an instant hit.

Verick loves Stuck in the Playpen (Again) by Dan Miller of Blanche. My favorites so far are Get Up Already by Candy Band, Knock Knock Banana by The Go and Cereal by Happy Tom.

The CD also includes Run Crazy Baby by the Mydols, Freight Train by the Salt Miners (Johnny Mydol's old band) and Baby Duck by the Come Ons.

We'll be playing at the next Family Hootenanny concert on Sunday, Jan. 25. Stay tuned for more details. In the meantime, you can sample the CD by clicking here.

Happy Holidays!!!!

Mydols X-Mas Video!

I am so excited about the Mydols new Christmas video, Winter Wonderland. It was so fun shooting it at CMN TV studios (above), and the final version, edited by Joe Johnson, came out so cute!
Verick and Violet both make adorable appearances. They're stars already!
Check it out here ...
http://mydolstv.blogspot.com/

Mydols Dream Babysitter

Okay, I found the perfect sitter. She's not only great with kids, but she's a photographer, painter, fashion stylist and all-around artsy gal.
For her first job with our family, she watched Verick and Violet during the Mydols video shoot for White Christmas at CMNTV studios.
Then, she took our photographs. She shot one set for Daisy Rock guitars, showing off the adorable pink axes we got for being Daisy Rock Featured Artists, and another using frames of now-precious Polaroid film (shown here courtesy of Lauren Montgomery).
Of course, Lauren has tough shoes to fill (former babysitters Meryl and her sister Leah are studying for a year in Japan). And the other problem is we stole her from the Jones Gang, so we have to tread lightly ...

Christmas Cookie Party

Our nextdoor neighbor Chris hosted the most wonderful cookie decorating party for the neighborhood kids yesterday.

She doesn't have any children of her own, so she spoils the kids that live around her. Every year she throws an Easter egg hunt in her late husband's memory and more than 100 little munchkins come.

For the cookie decorating party she baked mounds of sugar cookies using her grandma's special recipe. The kids had a blast piling on different color sprinkles and sugars, then taste-testing their creations.

They burned off their sugar buzz playing with the toys Chris had stuffed in their goodie bags.

So much fun!

Fieger Times

Last night Jeff and I were honored to attend Attorney Geoffrey Fieger's annual Christmas party. For the first time it was held at Meadowbrook Mansion, and I think it was the best ever.

The historic house was beautifully decked out for the holidays, and the festivities included a Beatles tribute band, DJ, caricaturists, psychics and horse-drawn carriage rides - not to mention an endless supply of free drinks and gourmet food.

We ended the night lounging on couches in a room draped with red velvet, where a man hand-rolled cigars for guests and an electric violinist played to rap songs (don't ask).

Needless to say, I haven't partied like that in a long time.

Happy Holidays!

My Dolls: Rockin' Rag Dolls

I was inspired to make these MyDolls after reading Knitted Icons by Carol Meldrum. The adorable little book features Meldrum's homemade dolls of Jimi Hendrix, Madonna, Marilyn Monroe and dozens of other stars and rockers.

I don't knit, so I sewed these versions of me, April and Judy Mydol.

The dolls will star in the Mydols video for Winter Wonderland, set to air on CMN.

Jeff Von Buskirk: New Work

Jeff just completed his three new paintings for CPopportunity, the group show opening Saturday night at CPop in Detroit.

He used our former babysitters, sisters Meryl and Leah, as models for the pieces!

From the Archive: Joan Jett

When Superbowl XL hit Detroit, I was lucky enough to score a ticket to cover the Playboy Party. As one of the reporters granted access to the star-studded event, I had the opportunity to interview and photograph celebs like Kanye West.
My favorite guest was Joan Jett, accompanied by a few Blackhearts.
Although I dressed for the party, I never made it past the media corral. Instead, I suffered in my gold high heels, hobknobbing with jet-lagged sports guys from across the country, all of us trying to figure out a way to get inside.

C Pop Art Show

My husband Jeff will unveil three paintings in CPop Gallery's latest exhibit.

The show features dozens of artists who have never exhibited at CPop before. The opening reception is 6 p.m. Saturday night.

I can't wait to see the paintings myself!

Walkin' In A Winter Wonderland

If my beautiful family weren't enough to get me into the spirit of the season, the Mydols are cooking up even more holiday cheer. Our band, with new lead singer April Boyle on the mic, will be filming a Christmas video this Friday for CMN TV.

Our inspiration is the Del Rubio Triplets.

Their video on YouTube (click live link above) proves you're never too old to rock, and legs are the last thing to go!

Cheers!

Rosh Sillars Photography Exhibit

I am so excited to go out this Saturday night for the first time since giving birth six weeks ago. I am meeting some friends from the Daily Tribune for drinks at Dino's in Ferndale and then we're going to the opening reception of Rosh Sillars' photography exhibit at Octane Photographic Studios.

Rosh's art is truly incredible and he is hands-down Detroit's hardest working photographer. I worked with him at the Tribune, and when I left for the Observer & Eccentric his photographs helped me launch the award-winning fashion section PINK.

I can't wait to see his latest work.

Rosh was a good sport and shot this album cover for my former band The Basements.

Although the band broke up before we finished recording, the photo of my stiletto descending into the Tribune's basement ended up in one of Rosh's exhibits, as well as on my dining room wall.

Thanks Rosh!

Santa Baby: My Style Wish List

Okay, I know there's a deep recession going on, but my thought is if you're going to buy something, buy something of value and quailty that's going to last. I just got the cutest little book out of the library that encapsulates fashions that never go out of style.
I already have some of the pieces in Nina Garcia's The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own.
A trench coat? Check. Havaianas? All summer. Frye Harness Boot? Bought my pair at a cute boutique Up North. Cocktail ring? I'll count the gigantic birthstone emerald Jeff bought me last X-mas.
Other things must be earned over time. Investment pieces a young woman can't expect to have, unless her rich parents bought them.
1) Sunglasses: Aviators or Wayfarers will never cease to look sophisticated in any decade.

2) Hermes scarf: Channel a Paris beauty with the classic colorful silk. There are million ways to tie on this simple luxury to adorn your hair, neck or handbag. and tie one of these classic silk scarves to your handbag.

3)

Hair Fashion Music

I just got a cut and color at Flip, the official salon of the Mydols. Irene, the owner, and her assistant, Chelsea, are great, and I get all kinds of compliments on my 'do.

The big news at the salon is an upcoming hair show they're staging to benefit Freedom House Detroit, an organization that helps political refugees assimilate.

Hair Fashion Music, 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 at Cliff Bells in Detroit, will feature three hairstyle segments - retro, modern and fantasy.

Entertainment includes EsQuire, The Haunted Beat Band, The Hentchmen and DJ Anytime.

Clothing will be provided by Mother Fletchers, House of Chants and local designers Femilia and Wound Menswear.

The setting, styling and performers are sure to be shagadelic, in keeping with the Flip's retro vibe.

The Mydols are looking forward to pairing with Flip to host an event in the spring. In the meantime, we're hoping to make this one a mom's night out!

X-Mas Shopping Made Easy

My sister-in-law is one of those insane shoppers who thinks Black Friday is great fun. This morning she was at Target by 4 a.m. standing in a line that wrapped around the building. When the doors opened, she literally ran for the sale merch, laughing all the way.

I have never been one to take pleasure in elbowing my way to a bargain. I would rather pay extra to avoid just such a scene.

When it comes to Christmas, I have settled on 'theme shopping' to take the stress out of the process. I give almost everyone on my list a variation of the same thing, from engraved fragrances one year to personalized ornaments the next.

Last year, I sewed vintage-inspired aprons for all the girls in the family. The year before that, my husband illustrated a wine label and we made a batch of Merlot at Vine2Wine in Northville. We ordered a case to share with family, and the bottles made great hostess gifts for holiday parties.

This year, I plan to do my theme shopping at the book store, but I'm going to wait until long after the dust settles from today's shopping stampede.

Obama Mama

I am so excited about our next president. Even before officially taking office Barack Obama is already holding press conferences (something Bush hardly ever did), and being honest and straightforward with the American people.
I have never been a Bush-basher, but I have been
Listening to him speak today, I am reminded of the Myers-Briggs Personality Type of the "mastermind." It's someone who is a true leader, a critical thinker who takes the best ideas regardless of where they come from, and discards those that don't work. It's an 'anything to get the job done' mentality. INTJs don't have

Robert Shefman Art Exhibit

We recently attended the opening for painter Robert Shefman's art exhibit Politics and Religion at Robert Kidd Gallery in Birmingham.

Robert is one of my husband's teachers at College for Creative Studies. His work (including "Politics," above) is masterful.

We got to speak to Robert briefly during the reception, and although he was the star of the evening, he graciously paid my hubby (also an artist) the highest compliment, saying Jeff will surpass him one day ... Judging from the quality of Robert's work, Jeff will have to spend a lot of time at his easel to achieve that!

Politics and Religion runs through Jan. 10.

Daisy Rock Sponsorship!

Don't hate.

I'm now a Featured Artist for Daisy Rock Guitars!

To make it official, Daisy Rock has generously given me a guitar!

It arrived at Mydols Headquarters earlier this week and Judy then delivered it to my house. It was like early X-mas as we stood in the kitchen and tore open the packaging to reveal a champagne pink, left-handed Rock Candy bass!

Daisy Rock guitars are designed to be functional for female musicians (lightweight, narrower neck), yet super stylish at the same time. Plus, they sound great. I can't wait for our next band practice so I can give my new bass a full road test.

As a Daisy Rock Featured Artist I am in the company of some amazing women rockers including The Donnas, The Bangles, Joan Osborne, Lisa Loeb, Nancy Wilson, Nina Hagen, Avril Lavigne, fellow journalist Katie Couric, and of course, Mydol Judy Davids.

I promise Daisy Rockers, I'll do you proud!

Violet's Namesakes

Okay, I know Bennifer II (Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner) have a daughter named Violet, but that's not where we got the name.

Our little girl, who turns one month old today, is actually named after Violet Parr of The Incredibles, whose superpowers include turning invisible at will and creating indestructable force fields. Cool.

But Jennifer Garner is cool too, and I'm stoked every time my friend Fayrouz tells me I look like her!

Violet's middle name Jacquelyn is after her paternal grandmother.

First Lady Fashion

A week after Barack Obama's acceptance speech, the black and red Narciso Rodriguez dress Michelle Obama wore is still a topic of conversation. People either loved or hated it.

I, for one, thought it was stylish and splashy, and moreover, completely appropriate for the occasion. The entire Obama family always looks impeccable, with the girls dressed to complement their parents. I can't wait for the pageantry they'll bring to the inauguration.

Speaking of that, the Plymouth Township Historical Museum just staged the most interesting Inaugural Gowns of the First Ladies exhibit. It was a walk through American history via recreations of the garments each first lady wore to her husband's inaugural ball.

I wrote an article about it, which unfortunately contained one of the most embarrassing errors I've ever made in a story! The sidebar, a rundown of "First Lady Fashion Facts," contained this sentence:

"The poor health of Ida McKinley (1847-1907) confined her to bed during her husband’s pregnancy, where she knitted slippers that were auctioned for charity."

Obviously, you can see I had pregnancy on the brain. The worst part is that I caught the error before the paper went to press and had a laugh with my co-worker before I corrected it on my computer screen.

To my horror, I came into the office the next day to find several phone messages from amused readers. Somehow the error crept into about 130,000 copies of Observer & Eccentric Newspapers!

Detroit Fashion Gathering

I am on the board of Fashion Group International's Detroit chapter, and one of my responsibilities is to create invitations for our various events, including our monthly mixers the second Tuesday of every month.

I have been using Jeff's artwork for the invitations. Here's a sample. The next Creative Connection is at 6 p.m. tonight at Small Plates, Royal Oak. If you're interested in the fashion industry in Detroit, please be our guest!

Need A Photog?

My friend, photographer Jeff White, just launched a new website that includes a beautiful gallery of his work.

Jeff specializes in photographing people for commercial, advertising and editorial clients. You will recognize many of his images from the cover of Real Detroit.

I modeled for him once at the Masonic Temple and was flattered to find that he featured a couple of photos from that shoot on his new site.

I was blessed to be captured by such a talented photographer before having two babies. His work serves as my inspiration to get back in shape! It is possible!

Jeff also took the photo of me at the top of this blog. My sci-fi hairstyle is by Trevor Von Buskirk, and my makeup is by Robert Ruffer.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Here's a photo of me as an infant, circa. 1970s, compared to a photo of Violet at 3 days old. See a resemblance beyond the hair? Violet's getting off to a much cuter start in life than me.

Mydols Pirate Radio

The Mydols song Roller Derby Queen has been featured on the airwaves, podcasts and ringtones. Now it can claim pirate radio exposure too.

Artist Gregory Green (pictured) recently rigged a pirate radio station at MOCAD on Nov. 7, comandeering a frequency on the FM dial somewhere between WRIF and WDET.

Among the audio Green played that day was a piece on the Detroit Derby Girls - featuring Roller Derby Queen - that my husband created for his Sound Design class at College for Creative Studies, taught by Frank Pahl.

The piece also featured 'nat sound' from the Detroit Derby Girls' season opener Nov. 1 at Masonic Temple, when the Detroit Pistoffs beat the Devil's Night Dames.

Trick or Treat

Spiderman and Catgirl got plenty of loot on Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

From Wensdy, Verick, Violet and Jeff Von Jack O Lantern!

Verick's Skateboard Lesson

Mydols drummer Johnny Miller stopped by today to meet Violet. Johnny and I were in another band together, the basements, before the Mydols, so we go way back. I remember him stopping by soon after Verick was born. This time, he gave V. a skateboard lesson.

VIOLET (Pink) PICKS

My staff - Stephanie Angelyn Casola, Lana Mini and Susan Steinmueller - surprised me by turning one of our newspaper's features, Pink Picks, into 'Violet Picks.' Here's how it appeared in Observer & Eccentric newspapers Thursday, Oct. 23.

The PINK staff congratulates Features Editor Wensdy Von Buskirk and her husband Jeff Von Buskirk on the birth of their second child, and first girl, on Friday, Oct. 17. Violet Von Buskirk was 8 pounds 12 ounces and joins big brother Verick, 3. With warm wishes, we’ve compiled a list of fun, fashionable Violet Picks in her honor:

Wear It!
A “Born to Rock” pink body suit with a vintage Pebbles Flintstone graphic by Baby Gap

Kick It!
Amarissa satin strap shoes in purple by Ralph Lauren Baby

Tote It!
Kate Spade’s Zermatt Stevie Baby Bag in eggplant, with a yellow changing pad included

Mane It!
Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash, tear-free formula made with coconut and sunflower oils

Smell It!
Mother Nature’s Sweet Violet Baby Lotion

Hear It!
Wensdy’s band, The Mydols. Hear them at myspace.com/themydols

See It!
Barney and Friends on PBS Kids - he’s a purple dinosaur

Ringtone It!
Violet by Hole on ringtonematcher.com

DVD It!
Harold and the Purple Crayon with narration by Pete Seeger

Click It!
Violetgumdrop.com where you’ll find personalized baby gifts by West Bloomfield’s Darcee Matlen

TiVo It!
It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, showing 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 on ABC

Drink It!
Earth’s Best Infant Organic Formula

Eat It!
Yummy Spoonfuls Mushy Yummy Mashed Organic Blueberry and Banana Cereal - when she’s on solid food!

Experience It!
Baby and Me Yoga at Namaste in Royal Oak

Read It!
Where is Baby’s Pumpkin by Karen Katz

Violet Is Here!

Violet Jacquelyn Von Buskirk was born 11:31 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 at the University of Michigan Health Center in Ann Arbor.

She weighed in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces with a full head of dark hair.

The whole household is smitten with this peaceful little flower.

Castor Oil Quandary

So as of today, Violet is 4 days past due. Friends are starting to recommend castor oil. Supposedly you take 2 tablespoons and within hours, voila, baby is born!

I've done some online research, and it seems the oil causes stomach cramps and intestinal spasms (not to mention severe bathroom problems), which in turn stimulate contractions. By all accounts it seems to work.

Why am I more scared to try this foul concoction than schedule a C-section?

I see Dr. Z today at 5 p.m. so I'll find out more about my options. I would love to hear about other moms' experience with castor oil.

Treats from Japan

Verick got a special delivery a couple days ago. His beloved babysitters, Meryl and Leah, sent him treats from Japan, where they are spending a year studying at Kansai Gaidai University.

I've heard that everything in Japan is 'cute' and these little candies are no exception. They're shaped like mushrooms with cookie stems and chocolate caps. Inside the packaging is a drawing of the mushrooms rockin' out, just like V. is known to do.

Meryl and Leah are blogging about their experience at "I Think I'm Turning Japanese."

Ultra Violet

Well, two days past my due date and still no Violet. I went to the doctor on Friday and he sent me in for an ultrasound at UofM to see how she's doing in there. Turns out, she's estimated to weigh 8 pounds 15 ounces already!

But she looks cute! Check out those Angelina lips, and those haunting eyes! (In case you can't read the ultrasound, it's a close-up of her face.)

Verick was nine days late, so I'm bracing for Violet to take her own sweet time. This is definately the most uncomfortable time of pregnancy though. It's hard to sleep, she's got a foot jammed into my diaphragm, and even my maternity clothes feel confining.

Help!

Pumpkin Patch Video!

Here's Verick at the George Farm Pumpkin Patch in 2006. We visited again the other day with John Heider and filmed a video for the Northville Record. Check it out at http://www.hometownlife.com. Verick has gotten so big - and I've grown so wide.

Daisy Rock Bass!

I just got some great news from Judy! Daisy Rock, which specializes in making guitars for girls, has offered to sponsor yours truly.

Judy has been sponsored by the company for some time, and has done a great job promoting the brand. You'll see her playing her pink flower-shaped Daisy Rock at all of our gigs, and she has a baby blue acoustic Daisy Rock slung over her shoulder on her Rock Star Mommy book cover.

As for me, just as my daughter Violet is gearing up to burst into the world (due this Friday), Daisy Rock has offered me a left-handed Stardust Elite bass in "Violet Burst" - a sparkly purple pearloid finish.

It's yet another sign my Libra baby will be born to rock!

To learn more about Daisy Rock, visit www.daisyrock.com.

Top 10 Maternity Must-Haves

1) Jeans. At the start of your pregnancy, purchase jeans a size or two larger than normal. After that, move up to maternity. Whether you like them under-the-belly or over-your-bump, you'll get use out of them while you're downsizing post-baby too.
2) A-line Skirts. I'm still wearing my pre-pregnancy elastic waistband skirts in my 9th month. Skirts do wonders to keep you fabulous and flirty whether you're going to work, or walking around the neighborhood. Just remember to pair flared skirts with fitted tops so your proportions stay balanced.
3) Leggings. The fact that stretch pants are back in style is great for pregnant ladies. They are so comfy and look great under tunics and dresses.
4) Tunics/Dresses. Stock up on flowy dresses and tunics to show some leg or wear with slim pants. Don't buy your baby shower dress until the event is just a couple weeks away to ensure proper fit.
5) Message Tees. Message tees are essential maternity wear, especially during the stage when strangers can mistake your pregnancy for a paunch. But instead of 'Baby on Board' try 'Future Rock Star,' 'Bun in the Oven' or 'October Baby.'
6) PJs. Splurge on a cute new pair, with a matching robe. They'll keep you looking pulled together for your hubby while lounging at home, as well as at the hospital when all your visitors show up, camera in hand.
7) Ballet Flats. It's easier to wear heels while your pregnant than when you're toting around a toddler, but an adorable pair (or two) of ballet flats will keep you chic and comfy until your due date and beyond.
8) Pumas. Sporty Pumas are the trendiest athletic shoe to wear with jeans and tees while preggers. The way they feel on your feet will encourage you to stay active too!
9) A Great Haircut. Take time for yourself and book an appointment, but beware of making any drastic changes to your hair at this point. Your body is changing enough!
10) A Fab Bag. Since you can't buy any 'normal' clothes for yourself for nine months, splurge on a signature handbags. A big bag will balance your ever-growing bulge, and you can use it as a diaper bag after the baby comes.

Maternity Style

I get so disappointed when I see pregnant women out and about who don't pay attention at all to their appearance. It's true, I like to lounge around the house in my husband's T-shirts as much as the next mom-to-be, but in public I like to prove that pregnancy is a beautiful time of life.

The worst fashion offenders are often at my doctor's office, where I've literally seen women show up in overalls, sweat suits and ill-fitting shorts. The physician's assistant, in her adorable French Kitty scrubs, is better dressed than many of Dr. Z's patients!

So, in order to offer my humble contribution to the world of maternity style, I'm going to spend the rest of the week blogging about it. I plan to share my Top 10 must-have maternity picks. Then, I'll tell you about the best places in Metro Detroit to find them.

Stay tuned!

Mydols TV

The Mydols signed a contract today with Bob Brown of Charity Island Pictures to pitch a reality show about our lives.

The working title is "Rock Star Mommies."

This isn't the first time a producer has approached the Mydols about reality TV, but Bob seems like he could actually make it happen.

Bob lives in Farmington Hills, and has made several films with Jeff Daniels, including Escanaba in da Moonlight. Now, he has his sights on creating reality shows based in Michigan, and he thinks the Mydols would make for good TV. This is even after he saw us play live!

The contract gives Bob six months to pitch the show to various networks.

I have my reservations about being in a reality show, that's for sure, but I have to admit there's plenty of small screen drama in the lives of the Mydols.

My favorite angle would be a Mydols Fit Club that would get me in shape after the baby!

Rock Star Style Tip

Judy’s pink go-go boots. April’s blonde bangs. Wensdy’s red lipstick.

These simple elements of style help the Mydols infuse a little stress-free glamour into their everyday lives.

What is your fashion signature?

Whether it’s a pair of retro glasses or a chunky strand of pearls, find a trademark to call your own and rock it, mama!

Rock Star Mommy-To-Be

What's a Mydol to do when she's nine months preggers?

Rock, of course!

I joined the Mydols in January and found out I was with child just a few weeks later. I was terrified to tell the girls. Afterall, I was supposed to be a hot mama, not an ever-expanding mom-to-be.

I kept my morning sickness to myself when we flew to New York City to appear on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. But when I finally shared the news, the Mydols couldn't have been happier.

Judy immediately started brainstorming ways to exploit this ultimate symbol of motherhood.

How about an album cover with the umbilical cord plugging into my amp? A simulated birth onstage? At the least, a photo shoot to capture my bump in all its glory.

Being in the Mydols has certainly made this pregnancy fly by. I've performed in Chicago, Minneapolis and Sandusky, as well as countless local gigs-with-child.

Last night, with less than three weeks to go, we played at Four Green Fields. I am ridiculously huge, but once I managed to squeeze myself past the drum kit, I sat on a stool and rocked out quite comfortably. If J-Lo and Gwen can do it, why can't I?

I'm proud to represent the small but oh-so-sexy demographic of rock star mommies-to-be!

Remarkable Women

Today I attended Florine Mark's Remarkable Women luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dearborn. Every year, Florine (pictured) invites great keynote speakers. This year, it was author Jackie Kallan and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

Kallan is from Detroit, and inspired the movie Against the Ropes, starring Meg Ryan, about her award-winning career managing boxers. Before that, she worked as an entertainment and sports reporter. My favorite story was how she broke into the business.

As a teenager, Kallan went to see the Rolling Stones in Detroit in the '60s, during their second U.S. tour. During an interview, she asked Mick Jagger over for dinner. He accepted, and the entire band ended up eating mom's cooking at her family's kitchen table. I love it! Her message was that if you have the courage to ask for what you want, chances are you'll get it!

Then it was Worthy's turn. As the one responsible for prosecuting Kwame Kilpatrick, who resigned from his office as Mayor of Detroit today, Worthy has been in the press all year. I have to admit I've made assumptions about her based on what's been written, but today she blew them all away.

As the first African-American, and first woman prosecutor in Wayne County, she has a tough job. Worthy said she felt, based on the evidence, she needed to bring the case against Kwame.

Worhty has an 11-year-old daughter, and she reminded the audience that our children are watching, imitating and learning from us all the time. She also talked about discipline, and how as mothers we have to reinforce the little things over and over and over again with our children, so someday they can grow up to face all the big things in life with values and integrity.

It was an inspiring lunch to say the least, and of course, since Florine Mark is president of Weight Watchers, healthy too!

Pregnant Camping

I just got my photos downloaded from our camping trip last weekend. It was our third time visiting North Higgins Lake State Park this summer.

Talk about roughin' it ... tent camping is even tougher when you're pregnant! The first two times we went I slept on just a mat, but since I am now in my eighth month and growing huger and more achy by the day, we brought a big inflatable air mattress last weekend.

We also pitched our tent close to the bathrooms.

One of the great things about our camping trips is they've made the summer fly by. Plus, they've kept me active - between packing and unpacking gear, hiking and swimming in the crystal clear lake.

With our matching yuppie REI tents and our camp box stocked with gear, we're all set for next summer. I won't be pregnant anymore, but I imagine camping with an infant will be even more challenging!