I was watching my girls laughing and interacting on the floor, while I was sitting on the couch with my laptop in front of me and phone in my hand, so it was very fitting when I came across an article that almost brought me to tears.

How to Miss a Childhood by Hands Free Mama. This post was really a slap in the face, a wake up call, because I knew I had to change my ways so that I could be a better mother to my girls.

I have always said that our world is so incredibly driven by technology, that it seems like we are watching our kids lives more through a photo lens, an iPhone, or a computer, than in real life. I have definitely been guilty of allowing my phone or computer take priority over my children, and when I put those words together in a sentence, it really makes me want to throw up. That just sounds horrid.

I have said multiple times to my husband, we need to change, we need to put down the electornics and interact more as a family, and he agrees, but somehow, we both go back to our electronic world, be it the computer, phone, iPad, kindle, or television.

May I add, that we have the two most adorable girls in the world… so how can we possibly be staring at an iPhone when we are sitting on the floor playing with these girls? It just makes me so angry, that I have let myself fall into this pit of electronics.

I would like to share an excerpt from the Hands Free Mama blog; it is a recipe that you may want to take out of your cookbook.

And unfortunately, as much as any parent of a special needs child hates to think about it, there will come a time when they are physically unable–or perhaps no longer alive–to oversee their child’s care.

That’s why it’s so critical for parents to plan ahead and make sure they have the right legal tools in place so their child remains physically and financially protected in their absence. To achieve this goal, I recommend creating a short and long-term game as soon as possible with these 3 strategies in mind:

1. Name Guardians- It’s important for parents to name short and long-term guardians who can not only raise their child, but oversee their long-term care if something unexpectedly happens to mom or dad. Without such designations in place, the child could end up in a lengthy custody battle–or worse–be placed in foster care if the unthinkable happens.

2. Set up a Special Needs Trust- A special needs trust is a legal tool that ensures a disabled child’s needs are taken care of and their quality of life preserved if something happens to mom or dad. Without this critical tool in place, an inheritance left outright to a disabled child could interrupt their eligibility for Social Security or Medicaid in the future (which is often the only health care option available for children on the spectrum!). Instead, a trust helps to ensure that the child receives such financial benefits without actually having assets in their name–thus leaving all government benefits intact.

3. Build a Team of Support- It’s never too early to start building a team of trusted caregivers and advisors who can immediately step in and help the child if a crisis occurs. Such team members may include the child’s legal guardians, a trusted doctor, financial advisor, estate planning attorney and dedicated family or friends. Building a team now also helps to ensure you have the right people in place, as opposed to someone who will prey upon your child’s weakness in an emergency.

The most important thing a parent of a special needs child can do is to plan ahead as though their child will require a lifetime of care. Fortunately, with early detection and new aggressive therapies this may not be the case, but at least parents will have the peace of mind knowing that their child will be physically and financially cared for if something happens to them.
Focusing on the areas of wills, trusts, estates, guardianship, and special needs planning, today Darlynn and her associates at Morgan Law Group help parents create great plans to ensure
their kids are protected now, and always.

You don’t have to travel to Spain to learn how to cook Spanish Tapas. The Savory Spice Shop, home of the most exotic spices in Orange County, is hosting a Spanish Tapas class in Corona del Mar. Last month I took a Moroccan cooking class at the Savory Spice Shop that inspired me to explore cooking in a way that I never thought was possible.

On May 17 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Chefs Linda Elbert and Michael Bretall, owners of The Basement Table at the Laguna Culinary Arts Cafe, will be creating a Spanish Tapas-style dinner, highlighting some of Savory Spice’s most intriguing spices.

Chefs Elbert and Bretall’s demonstration and menu will include a white gazpacho soup with tomato bread, orange and fennel salad, chicken brochettes with spices and honey, vegetables with saffron rice and will finish with dark chocolate cake.

Cost to attend this class is $40 per person and includes learning how to prepare these dishes, generous tastings of each item and the recipes to recreate the delicious dishes experienced at this class. Attendees are required to bring their own beverages. Space is limited and reservations can be made by calling (949) 717-7776.

Savory Spice Shop
928 Avocado Ave.
Corona del Mar, CA 92660

Enter the Mesh Soap Saver:

Photo credit http://www.thegourmetrose.com

I stumbled upon one of these at Big Lots for a little over a dollar. At that price, I figured it was worth a shot. I took it home, grabbed my brand new bar of face soap and cut off a slice about the size of a matchbook. It lathered up wonderfully with just a bit of water. Some days I use just my hands and the lather, and others I like to actually scrub a little more using the mesh. Either way, I get a great clean. With twice-daily washings I’ve been using my same 4oz bar of soap since February, and I still have a nice little chunk left. Each time the little piece in my soap saver runs out, I cut off a new slice and add it in. The bar itself stays safe and dry in my medicine cabinet.

You don’t have to stop at face soap, though!

Have you been eyeing that amazing-looking herbal soap on Etsy? Or maybe a shampoo bar that you’re just not sure how it would work. Maybe you have a cream-based soap that doesn’t lather well in your hands.

At anywhere from $1 to $5, this is not a product that’s going to break the bank. They are available at most stores that sell bathroom or home products, or you can always look online as well. I found tons of different sites that had them. Even hand made ones!

Do you use a mesh soap saver at home? Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments.

Okay, we all know I have a problem when it comes to wine. I can’t get enough of it. Growing up near the vineyards of Sonoma County, I think that my body needs wine – it’s in my blood. I plan many of my days around wine and many of my vacations around where I can find and experience new varietals, new blends. Wine has become something of a hobby (some may call it an obsession) for my husband and I. We are passionate about learning when it comes to all things wine. Truly understanding the process, the time and the art that goes into wine making makes you appreciate wines that much more. And while our collection of wine is a little absurd, we enjoy sharing our finds with friends, because good friends+good wine=good times. Enter SeaLegs Wine Bar.

When I found out about a new wine bar opening only miles from my house I was more than giddy…I was down-right anxious. I would stop by almost weekly, put my face up to the glass doors and pound with my fists while repeating, “open, open, open.” Well, after passing inspections and putting on all the final touches, SeaLegs Wine Bar is set to open on May 21st and you can bet that I’ll be there, glass in hand. I have had the unique opportunity of touring the venue in its early construction or ‘dream phase’ and now to see the dream come to fruition is amazing. The place is beyond beautiful and while elegant, sleek and trendy, it still somehow elicits that relaxed HB vibe that us Surf City locals treasure.

The beachside wine bar (located at 21022 Beach Blvd.) will house a robust wine cellar featuring an international selection of boutique wine and champagnes, as well as craft beers on draft with plenty more to choose from by the bottle. SeaLegs will also feature a menu of California-style tapas, seasonal fresh rotating dinner specials, and decadent deserts to finish off the night. At SeaLegs, owners Alicia Whitney, Jennifer Dubourdieu and Lisa Nonemaker plan on transporting guests to a time when the conversation and laughter would flow as liberally as the wine, bringing people together for unforgettable memories and good times by the beach.

Visit SeaLeg’s website and make sure to like SeaLegs on Facebook for all the latest announcements, info on special events, live entertainment and more.

M.O.M SERIES GIVEAWAY: Comment on this post by sharing your favorite wine or a favorite wine quote. One lucky winner will be selected at random to receive a $50 gift certificate to SeaLegs Wine Bar. Comment by May 22nd. Winner will be contacted via email. Good luck.

“I’m sorry,” I’d say [cue my pity face]. “The correct answer is t-r-o-u-b-l-e.”

Then I like to show off a little by using it in a sentence: “You’re really having trouble with that word, aren’t you?”

I realize this feeling will only last as long as his multiplication tables are under 10 and his spelling words are two syllables or less. I’m already struggling with finding the “theme sentence” in a paragraph. I suspect this is actually a moving target created by an English teacher, just for giggles.

To be honest, there were even a couple of times in kindergarten when my son would have to correct me: “Mommy, I don’t think that is the right hat for the fireman. I think it’s the red pointy one.”

“Just testing you,” I’d say. “I knew that.” (Everyone knows that yellow hat = construction worker. Red hat = fireman.)

I’m grasping. Doing first-grade homework is really the only mom superpower I have left, aside from timing banana ripeness and knowing how to fold a fitted sheet. I gave up the notion long ago that I could do it all and have dinner on the table promptly at five.

I guess that’s why this month’s issue theme, “Super Moms: Behind the Mask,” (read it here) is so important to me. It’s a chance for moms to get real and show us exactly how they do what they do. I personally know most of the moms who are featured. They have inspired me and taught me how to be a better mother, proving time and again that the true superpower of a mom is love.

Got Meat? The Meat House is a one-stop shop for the BBQ lover. The store resembles the traditional butcher shops that slowly got replaced by the major grocery chains. The store has every possible cut of desired meat, chicken and seafood. From the moment I walked into the door for the first time, I was greeted by the kindest staff.

They just don’t stop with meat at The Meat House. There is also a vast variety of wine, beer, spices, and grocery items. It is a one stop-shop for all your cooking needs. There is also a large gluten-free section located right within the store for allergy sensitive shoppers.

Looking for something different to cook tonight? The knowledgeable staff will help provide you with recipes and tips for creating an unforgettable meal for your family. The staff encourages shoppers to try different cuts of meat, and experiment with their taste buds.

Want to give The Meat House a try? We are happy to offer one OC Family reader a $35 gift certificate for visiting their closest The Meat House. To enter to win, just leave a comment below.

There are locations available in Brea, Costa Mesa, and Mission Viejo. Giveaway will be closed on 5/25.

I have a copy of “All About Grandmas” and the little book called “Mom, You’re the Best!” up for grabs. Bonus! Get a sneak peek at one of the books I am featuring next month (June issue) called “Perfectly Perilous Math” — something to add to your kid’s summer reading list.  Tell me how you spent your Mother’s Day in the comments section and be entered to win.

Events

Tonight at 7pm, Join Barbara de Marco-Barrett for her monthly writers salon. The evening features memoirists Claire Bidwell Smith, James Brown and Dinah Lenney. The authors will talk about their memoirs, and about the process of writing memoir. There will also be a Q&A session. The “Pen on Fire Writers’ Salon” takes place at the Scape Gallery, 2850 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. For more information visit: http://www.penonfire.com/speakerseries

This one’s for the kids -

Local author Chris Fonseca, author of “Meet Bear” will have a book signing at Izzy’s Bagels, 17060 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley on May 20th, 11am-1pm. The book is about how Bear has to find a new home and how he learns about nature’s balance.

(photo credit: Laguna Niguel Patch)

Highlights that Whole Foods Market Laguna Niguel shoppers can look forward to enjoying include:

• In-store demo kitchen will offer a series of different cooking classes taught by our executive chef and well-known local chefs. There will also be regular wine and beer tasting events held to highlight different selections that can be found in the store.

• Seasonal and locally sourced conventional and organic produce

• Full in-store bakery with a team of dedicated bakers creating freshly made breads from scratch, muffins, scones, cakes, pies, tarts, cookies, and special diet selections like vegan and gluten-free treats.

• A large bulk and raw foods section featuring heirloom beans, sprouted nuts/grains/flours with a focus on unique ingredients for cooking nutritious meals from scratch.

• In-store kitchen that features handcrafted pizza, in-house chips and dips, custom-made sandwiches, rolled-to-order sushi, organic salad bar, hot soups, meals-on-the-go and Weekday Deals.

• Whole Body section with a focus on sports nutrition as well as personal-care items to care for the whole body along with nutritional supplements and vitamins. There will also be six local vendors with baby related products featured in the department.

• Café seating for 150 with free Wi-Fi, 12 checkouts and plenty of parking.
  

You can also enter to win a Whole Foods chef-prepared dinner and wine pairing for you and 9 friends on their Facebook page, a $595 value. Somebody’s got to win, why not you?

Here’s to healthy shopping, healthy OC families.

Hang onto your hats, it’s going to be a culinarily exciting week.  And I’m pretty sure I just made up the word culinarily.  Do I get something for that?  Anyway, I’m thrilled about what’s been coming out of the kitchen lately so stay tuned!!

What’s cooking this week?

I’ve got some pasta, a heavenly sweet, salty and creamy pizza…and a soup that requires a little simmering love but is SO worth it so plan ahead!  Ok, I’m going to back off the exclamation points now.  I’m just really stoked…can you tell?  And can I still use the term stoked considering I’m a 30+ year old woman living in the year 2012?

Well happy eating!

Dinner #1:

Creamy Sausage and Tomato Pasta and a Simple Side Salad

Prep and Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total: $6.80 + estimated $2.00 for the salad

Dinner #2:

Potato Frittata with Rosemary and Feta and Seasonal Fruit

Prep and Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total: $2.55 for the frittata + estimated $2.00 for the fruit

Dinner #3:

Bacon, Pear and Mascarpone Pizza and a Simple Side Salad

Prep and Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total: $5.78 for the pizza + estimated $2.00 for the salad

Dinner #4:

Italian Sausage and Peppers on Asiago Polenta with your Favorite Veggie

Prep and Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total: $8.17 for the sausage and peppers + estimated $2.00 for the veggie

Dinner #5:

Bandera’s Macho Salad (possibly deconstructed slightly for the kids)

Prep and Cooking Time: 20 minutes (after chicken has been cooked)

Total: $12.25

Dinner #6:

African Chicken Peanut Soup and a Crusty Baguette

Prep and Cooking Time: 2 hours (most of that is simmering time for the soup, so plan accordingly)

Total: $11.80 + estimated $2.00 for bread

Total for 6 nights of dinners:  $57.35!  That’s about $2.05 per serving!

Shopping List:

Meat

• 3 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (use breasts for the soup instead of thighs)
• 2 pounds italian chicken sausage
• 4 strips bacon (I like turkey)

Produce/Herbs

• 1 head garlic
• 3 onions
• 1 russet potato
• 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary
• veggie of choice
• 1 red onion
• 1 pear
• fruit of choice (to accompany frittata)
• 1/2 cup basil
• 3 tablespoons fresh ginger
• 2 pounds sweet potatoes
• 1 bunch cilantro
• 2 heads romaine or butter lettuce
• 1 avocado
• 2 roma tomatoes
• 1 cup corn
• 16 dates

Pantry

• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1 fresh baguette
• 1 cup cornbread (to make croutons)
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 pizza dough
• 1 pound spiral or bow tie pasta

Dairy/Eggs

• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 6 eggs
• 1/4 cup feta (for frittata, can sub goat or asiago cheeses instead since there are quite a few this week)
• 1 cup goat cheese
• 1/4 cup asiago cheese
• 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese
• 1/2 cup cream or plain yogurt

Need more meal plans?  I’ve got plenty more to share if you need inspiration in the kitchen!

Browse more plans (with shopping lists!) here.