Interview With Family Circle's Stephen Saint-Onge

the email went somewhat like this:

"We have an opportunity for you to interview Designer Dad Stephen Saint-Onge."  It's in 2 days, are you in?"

My thoughts went somewhat like this:

"Ummmm . . . I have a brand new baby.  I have no idea how to time this just right.  I'm not sure who this is.  Two days - no way.  I guess I could read up a bit during my nursing sessions.  Well, what do I have to lose?  Um, my dignity - I could sound like an idiot!  I'm going to try and do it - I'll just email and say yes."

And that is how I came to interview Stephen Saint-Onge for Whirpool.  His blog is awesome and he was such a good sport.  Remember, I'm still a total zombie thanks to my little J!

Enjoy!

Interview with Food Network's Claire Robinson

Do you make resolutions every January that are forgotten by February?  All of us do!  Sometimes I think we just get so excited to make changes that our goals set us up for failure.  Celebrity chef and Food Network star Claire Robinson offers tips to bloggers on how to make resolutions that you actually want to keep.  She will provide information on everything from how to make healthier eating choices to tips on establishing what matters most for your upcoming year. 

Luckily, I got to be one of the bloggers to interview her.  The following is a clip of her and I talking.  I'm on the phone, she's on camera.

Direct Link:  http://bcove.me/8om597ij

In case you don't feel like watching, here are some of Claire's suggestions for keeping your 2012 resolutions:


GET EDUCATED TO MAKE HEALTHIER EATING CHOICES-  A common mistake is that people make drastic decisions (such as instantly turning vegan) that are difficult to keep.  In order to make healthy choices last for the long-term, you must make taste a priority. 
GET INVOLVED - Make a commitment to give back to your community, focusing on an organization or project that you feel passionate about to kick off the new year.   
CREATE A BUILT-IN REWARD SYSTEM - To reinforce your long-term health goals, you should implement a built-in reward system that allows you to celebrate the small victories and keeps you motivated.  


She has great ideas - including portioning out your snacks (which I've already posted about!)  This interview was sponsored by Dove Chocolate which is hosting a fantastic giveaway that should be up tomorrow!

Rainy Day Play from Rosie Pope

 I got a chance to interview Rosie Pope, of Rosie Pope Maternity and Bravo's Pregnant in Heels, a while back.  Recently, I was able to pick her mind a little bit about kids, specifically ideas for keeping them busy when you are forced to be inside.

  This is Rosie's Rain Day Plan:

Creating a masterpiece with your wee ones

1. Get a large art board (they can be ordered online or from any art store e.g. pearl paint).


2. Buy glitter, post paint, finger paint, sprinkles, anything creative that comes to mind (we’ve even used grains and large stencils…it is great to let the kids search for unusual things to use)


3. Let your wee ones go nuts painting all over until they lose interest. The key is to then keep it and then bring out the next time it is rainy and then let them pain again. They can use their hands, paintbrushes, sponges and learn about making different textures. I of course always put down a lot of paper to avoid mess and have a lot of wipes on hand! Best though just to let them get really into it before cleaning up.


4. Over the course of months they will create a completely amazing canvas that you can have framed and put up in your apartment.


*I have three – we’ve worked on one every year since my eldest son was born
 

Yesterday was the type of day where all M. wanted to do was stare at a screen - computer, ipod, TV, movies, etc.  So, we got out some larger paper and different mediums.  She started using oil pastels and switched to water colors.

This is all we've got before a friend came over, but we'll save it and work on it a little more.  I've got sprinkles and glitter that she will be pretty excited about!

Thanks Rosie!

PS - Happy 11-11-11

Keep Kids Teeth Spookily Clean

In August, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Salzer - a renowned dentist AND a mother of four!  She provided a Crest giveaway and she is also one of the founders of Braced-lets and provided another giveaway!  This week, I was able to ask some more dental hygiene questions - it's especially on my mind as I am seeing ALL the sugar that is ALREADY around!

Laurel:  What is the best candy for kids and their teeth on Halloween?

Dr. Salzer:  Gummy candies and taffy are more likely to lead to tooth decay, particularly when they get stuck in-between teeth making it difficult for saliva to wash away. Try sticking to sugar-free lollipops and hard candies – these treats stimulate saliva helping to prevent dry mouth. A dry mouth allows plaque to build up on teeth faster, leading to an increased risk of decay and cavities. It's key to make sure they don't snack on it over a long period of time. It's better to let them eat whatever pieces they select and then get busy brushing!

Laurel:  What can I do as a parent to encourage teeth brushing, especially with the tweener age that doesn't really get motivated with gimmicks?


Tweens often have their own tastes and style so it can be difficult at times for them and their parents to see eye-to-eye. When it comes to oral care products, they no longer are interested in the children's products, while at the same time adult products can often be too spicy or too big for a tween's mouth. I've found that with my children the Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health FOR ME line really works well as it is made just for them. The toothbrushes are just the right size for their mouths and the toothpaste and rinse flavors are a good balance of minty and sweet. Giving tweens their own unique, non-gimmicky, products can help encourage independence and healthy habits.

Laurel: Any tips for encouraging independence in children's oral care routines?
Dr. Salzer: I believe the best way to help children develop better brushing habits is to instill a routine at an early age. My favorite way to keep my kids on track with their oral care is to create a “morning routine” checklist for them to follow each day. It features all the steps they need to take in the morning to get ready for school including brushing, flossing, making the bed and more. At the end of every month the one with the most check marks receives a small prize. It is a great way to help your children take responsibility for their oral care with minimal prodding from you.

Laurel's thoughts:  I., who is 9, really does like the Crest FOR ME line.  She likes the big kid tooth bushes - not adult brushes, but they also don't have pictures of Disney Princesses.  We do have a chart for our kids and it works for my girls, but my boy - who really needs it - could care less.  I'm not sure my thoughts on Halloween candy - for the most part, we try to stay peanut and tree nut free in this home, so hard candies are a bigger hit.  Maybe I'll get a bag of sugar-free lollipops and see if I can sell it to my kids!

Thanks for your time Dr. Salzer!

Interview with Executive Chef David Eisel

Chef Eisel knows how hectic back-to-school time can get and that bringing the family together around the dinnertable  can be especially stressful.  He understands the need to make this family dinner a priority.  Last week, I had the opportunity to interview him and he shared a quick meal that is definitely kid friendly:


The "bewitched" hour is definitely tricky around our home.  The only way I get around it is to plan ahead.  I menu plan for a week at a time and I try to do most of the prep work during the day.  If it is 5:00 and I'm not sure what's for dinner and haven't even started, guaranteed we are having quesadillas or leftovers!
Thanks to Chef Eisel and Bob Evans for the opportunity.

{Giveaway} Crest Dental Care Package

I love doing interviews and this one was no different.  Dr. Salzar is not only a renowned dentist, but also a mother of 4.  I loved the tips that she offered - especially teaching my son all about teeth so that he really understands what he's doing! 

From toddlers to tweens, renowned dentist Dr. Jennifer Salzer offers moms her tips on how to get children to begin and maintain healthy oral care habits. 

Along with this, Crest is offering a dental care package to one lucky reader!  This package is age and gender specific and what you will receive depends on the age and gender of your child.  It includes things like toothpaste, toothbrush, etc. 

To enter, just leave a comment and let me know you'd like to win!  Thanks

HGTV's Lisa LaPorta Interview

When I was contacted with the chance to interview HGTV's Lisa LaPorta - I jumped on that opportunity.  I loved her on Design to Sell.  Her energy is contagious.  Here is our interview:

Now for a few disclaimers.  I wasn't even sure I would post it.  If you listen closely, you can probably hear my oldest pounding out the introduction to The Entertainer on the piano and my youngest is crying for more turkey bacon.  I had spent the evening before at urgent care with my youngest who had a severe allergic reaction to something - we don't even know yet. I was spent and a tad bit distracted, to say the least!  So, there you have it!

Interview with Bravo's Rosie Pope

Have you watched Pregnant in Heels on Bravo this year? Pregnant in Heels is a docu-drama that follows maternity concierge, fashion designer, and pregnancy guru Rosie Pope as she guides expecting mothers through the joys and perils of preparing to have a baby. Rosie owns a high fashion maternity clothing boutique on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and runs MomPrep, the premier training academy for mothers-to-be. With the help of her assistants, Hannah and LT, Rosie runs the store, designs the clothing and takes on clients on a case-by-case basis to help them with all their bizarre baby needs.

I love it - I've watched the show all season and was THRILLED when I was contacted and given the opportunity to interview Rosie.  What a fun interview - talking about fashion, mothering, and designer Pampers!  Enjoy!

While I work out some technical difficulties, here is a direct link.  Pay special attention to the cute limited edition designer diapers - there may or may not be a giveaway later this week!


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Interview with HGTV's Chip Wade

Last week, I was contacted to see if I was interested in doing another HGTV interview.  You bet I am!  This time, I interviewed Chip Wade, the contractor and master carpenter on Curb Appeal: The Block.  What a fun interview.


If that isn't working, here is a link.  I am so grateful and excited for any of these opportunities!

FYI - Atlanta native Chip Wade has building in his blood. Coming from a long line of experienced carpenters and woodcraftsmen, Chip began working with his father at an early age – and over the years developed an interest in carpentry, landscaping and renovation. As the contractor and master carpenter on HGTV’s Curb Appeal: The Block, Chip explains and demonstrates the tools and processes best suited for exterior renovation, landscaping and construction. Chip also appears as the carpenter on HGTV's Designed to Sell.
After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, Chip moved on to earn his certification in residential construction. He soon developed a passion for construction as he became proficient in both the design and execution of large-scale remodels.
Chip is the owner of WadeBuilt LLC, a design and construction firm, and resides in Atlanta with his wife, Pauli, and son Mac.

Sabrina Soto from HGTV

Sabrina Soto, from HGTV's Get It Sold and Real Estate Intervention, sat down today to do a couple of blogger interviews!  I was beyond thrilled to be asked to participate and talk to her a little bit about trends.  Here's a little clip:



Short and sweet. Thank you for the opportunity!


if the clip doesn't work - try this link.