Rolemommy

Undercover Mom

Bill O'Reilly & Jennifer Aniston Face Off

Over the past 24 hours, the Internet has been abuzz about what Bill O'Reilly said about Jennifer Aniston. Or was it what Jennifer Aniston said about single motherhood? No matter - in a nutshell, Aniston, who was busy promoting a new film said that she thinks that women who don't find the right guy to marry and raise a family should just do it on their own - they don't need a man to help them if they really want to have a child. Could that be a hint of what the future may hold for Jen?

No matter, within hours after she made those fateful comments, conservative talk show host Bill O'Reilly came out with guns blazing. Shouting above a din of female panelists who I believe were on hand to defend Jen but didn't get the chance, O'Reilly reasoned that Aniston's comments were destructive to men because it marginalizes how dads are involved in the child-rearing process. He then said that 12 and 13 year olds are getting a bad image about motherhood through Aniston's comments. The only problem is, Jennifer Aniston isn't a role model to 12 and 13 year olds - most tweens and teens I know don't even know who she is - then again my daughter knows her as the mom in "Marley and Me." In reality, Jennifer Aniston is a role model to 30 and 40 somethings and last I checked, I didn't think she was setting such a bad example for my generation. She's all that and a bag of Baked Lays.

In fact, if Jennifer Aniston decided to raise a child on her own, I personally would be thrilled for her and that baby because he or she is going to be raised by one of the most beloved actresses on the planet who still has the best hair known to womankind.

To find out more about the O'Reilly vs. Aniston debate, check out Naughty but Nice on AOL Pop Eater...they've got the inside scoop and much more! And, to find out Jen's response to Bill O'Reilly's comments, visit our friends at HaveUHeard.

Posted in: Blog, Undercover Mom on 08/11/2010

Sweaty Days and Wednesdays Always Get Me Down

Was having a fabulous day - worked out of my virtual office near Grand Central Station where I typically freeze for about five hours in a heavily air conditioned office. Then at 3:30pm, zipped over to the Plaza hotel where I got to see some of my favorite bloggers from Chicago and New York City at a fabulous event sponsored by Dyson. Incidentally, as we dined on tea sandwiches and caught up with friends, we were introduced to Dyson's latest creation - an air multiplier with no blades...amazing! We even found out we'd be receiving one to try out at home and while I was psyched by the news, I didn't think much about how it would impact my life at that moment because I was comfy cool chilling out at the Plaza.

And then I had to leave and catch my train. Did I mention I was wearing heels, a summer dress and a light sweater? I started walking and looked everywhere for a cab but sadly, they were either off duty or occupied. And so I kept walking.

In my heels.

Carrying a 40 pound purse that contained my flats, laptop computer, files, keys to my house and a few sticks of lipstick...which reminds me - I still need to get to Sephora to pick up foundation and eyeliner but that's a whole other story.

So I keep walking. And still there are no cabs in sight. I contemplate opting for a pedicab but I'm low on cash and figure I can make it there by foot as long as my train is on a decent track (anything from 35-42 will suffice). I arrive with four minutes to spare and as fate would have it, I'm on track 110 or is it track 112 or was that 114?

No matter, I run like the wind in my heels, carrying my two ton bag as I think about the havoc I'm wreaking upon my back, neck and shoulder. But I keep going. Up two flights of stairs, walk another 1000 feet, down an escalator, shoving myself through the crowd.

I get to the bottom of the escalator and I'm on autopilot. I race up to track 114 and the conductor gives me a smile. I heave a sigh of relief, hurl myself into a seat, check my emails and hurriedly get back to work.

Except it's now 6:20 and the train isn't moving yet. And so I ask the tell tale question: Am I on the right train? Well, that depends. If I had planned to take a trip to Dobbs Ferry tonight then "Yesirree Bob you have come to the right place!" But I need to get to Scarsdale. Uh oh. Wrong train!

I grab my laptop, throw it in my bag, along with my heels, fling my 4 ton purse over my shoulder and run as fast as I can. Did I mention my feet are now covered in blisters? I walk down two flights of stairs and discover my track is in what seems like Guadalajara.

And so I hoof it.

Up 75 stairs.

Trudging at least a half mile.

Dripping in perspiration.

While I began my day feeling cool and refreshed in a pretty Ann Taylor Loft sun dress, I've now morphed into a sweaty hot mess and stink to high heaven.

I finally arrive at my destination and wipe myself off with the lone napkin I grabbed from the water lady who was selling her wares next to Track 36. I collapse into my seat. Take a deep breath, flip open my laptop and start sharing my tale of woe.

And now I'm almost at my stop. The sweat rivulets have finally stopped trickling down my neck and while I still smell pretty awful if I wave my arms, I feel like a human again.

Nothing like a wrong turn to make you appreciate a fancy new fan.

Posted in: Blog, Role Mommy Confessions, Undercover Mom on 08/04/2010

Plane Drain

I just figured out why comedians get so much great material while they're flying to their next destination. The humor quotient aboard airplanes is so incredibly high - probably because hundreds of people who don't know each other are crammed together for several hours, battling choppy winds, secretly praying they land safely, while infants, two year olds and other individuals and pets who can't control themselves cry, whine, bark and kick incessantly.

In fact, right now, I am sitting aboard a plane equipped with everything you can possibly imagine and while the technology is divine - love the wifi, music, TV and film selections from the air, but nothing can drown out the toddler seated behind me in row 25F. Granted, I have two children of my own but at this stage of the game, they are model flyers. If they so much as tap the seat in front of them, they get an evil eye from me and they instantly apologize to inconvenienced passenger. Plus, when we hop on board a plane, we've got additional reinforcements - from DSi's, to my laptop, iPod's and an iPhone. Of course, there are books too, but who has time to read when you're knee deep in gadgetry?

By some stroke of fate, I was seated in a row where my chair doesn't recline as far back as anyone else's. Which means while seat 23F is enjoying a fully reclined experience and has practically pushed my laptop into my abdomen, I pressed my recline button and my seat moved about an inch and a half. And here's the kicker...I'm taking the red-eye back tomorrow and if I'm in the same seat, I'll pretty much be sleeping standing up.

Meanwhile, over in seat 25F, I had to voice a complaint to the father of a toddler who would not stop kicking my chair. He instantly told him to cut it out and so far, I haven't felt his tootsies jabbing into my back so at least we're all clear on that front. About 10 rows ahead of us is a baby who I think finally knocked herself out after wailing incessantly for a good 30 minutes. Oh wait, she just woke up. WAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!

I know since I'm a parent, I shouldn't complain about other people's kids. I mean, I was in their shoes just a few years ago. I know how stressful it is to fly with little ones. The amazing thing is is that once you've passed the baby and toddler years, your threshold for tantrums and uncontrollable outbursts is significantly lowered. There's an unspoken rule about plane rides. Keep it quiet and everyone will be happy. But throw a kid under 3 into the mix and trust me, your peaceful plane adventure will go out the window, like a pigeon being sucked into an engine. Oops - maybe I shouldn't say that while I'm actually in the air.

Incidentally...some tried and true methods to keep your kids quiet on a long flight:
1. PACIFIERS - I don't care if you think that using a pacifier will cause your child to develop an overbite. When they are screaming because their ears hurt and they haven't yet mastered gum chewing, a paci works like a charm!

2. DVD PLAYERS - Bring their favorite selection of shows - from Dora, Yo Gabba Gabba, Sponge Bob, whatever it takes - there's nothing like a TV show or movie to lull a kid into a catatonic state.

3. EAR PLANES - I discovered this magical product at the counter near my airplane gate. Stick some rubber gadgets in your ears and Voila, the pain you encounter when the cabin pressurizes your head and it feels like it's being shoved into a vice, instantly disappears. They have Ear Planes for kids too...trust me, they work so stock up on them!!!

4. COLORING BOOKS, CRAYONS & MODEL CLAY - This activity will buy you at least a good 15-30 minutes depending upon your child's attention span. Of course this won't work with toddlers so instead, stick a Leapster in their hands and have them draw and play games to their hearts content.

5. FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD - There's nothing like snacks that'll get a kid to pipe down. Stay away from sugar though - you don't want you're toddler bouncing off the ceiling while everyone else is trying to nap.

So there you have it - flying with kids can be pleasant - all you need to do is have the right reinforcements. Or, you can always hold off on taking long flights with your kids until their at least 5 or rent an RV and drive cross country.

Time to say another few prayers to the airplane Gods, my grandparents, aunts and uncles who are always watching over me as I look forward to landing in the land of glitz and glamour. Hollywood, here I come...and watch out - I'm bringing a handful of screaming kids with me!

Posted in: Blog, Role Mommy Confessions, Undercover Mom on 03/25/2010

The Skinny on my Princess Cruise

I had been looking forward to this vacation for months. One week away, on a cruise, hitting some of the most beautiful islands in the caribbean. And then I caught a cold. Which meant the food that I was going to be enjoying on the high seas was going to be tasteless. And the strawberry margaritas I was dreaming of...again...nothing.

So here I am on our way to St. Maarten where all the women will be shopping but I will be joining my family on a beach excursion to the French side of the island on a beach offering partial nudity. Lovely. While my mom and her friends shop for diamonds and tanzanite, I'll be wincing at some topless women lounging on the beach while I cover my kids' eyes.

So the vacation. What have I enjoyed? Let's see. The Princess Cruise line offers great entertainment - from comedy shows, to bands performing in their side bars to a karaoke experience where you can sing with a band; and a piano bar called Crooners featuring a piano man who sounds like a cross between James Taylor and Billy Joel. Okay - not quite, but he is pretty awesome. What I absolutely love are the Movies under the Stars option. You get to sit on a lounge chair and cuddle up with a blanket and popcorn as you watch movies that have recently been released on DVD (This is It, Night at the Museum II, Harry Potter, Mamma Mia and many more).

As far as the food - it's not as amazing as some other ships I've been on - like Celebrity and Royal Caribbean - but then again, I do have a cold so I can't tell whether or not my taste buds would have been delighted by the culinary creations on the ship.

Things that are missing from our cruise experience - the midnight buffet. While food is plentiful, there are no ice sculptures or masterpieces in the pool area featuring mouthwatering creations. I mean seriously folks, how could there not be a chocolate fountain on board? There is a pizza and ice cream bar, two restaurants that are not part of the meal plan (we loved Sabatini's) and a dessert cafe, plus there's a wine bar with sushi and tapas and a cafe with cappucinos, latte, smoothies and tons of desserts.

I've also found that everything - except our dining room reservations, are first come first served. Which means if you don't get your butt to a lounge chair by the pool at the crack of dawn, well you're pretty much going to be sitting behind a pole in the shade for most of the cruise (that would be us).

The staterooms are very nice. While our room isn't that spacious, the kids are loving their bunk beds and I am loving the bed linens. Each bed comes with a cozy comforter with a soft duvet covering (no scratchy bedspreads). Plus, the chocolates and cookies left in the room by the steward each night aren't too shabby either.

As far as the cruise staff, let's just say that even though this is technically the "Love Boat," you will find no Captain Steubing, Doc, Issac, Gopher or Julie the cruise director on board. You will find Mark from England, a long haired girl from France whose nickname is 'Frenchie,' another guy from Australia and several more from Italy, Macedonia, Chile, Zimbabwe and many more countries around the world - I just haven't had a chance to read all the name tags. I guess Americans aren't applying for jobs aboard cruises. Instead, they're the ones lining up for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee and drinks.

The girth of the passengers onboard is what truly troubles me the most about this vacation. Now don't get me wrong. After this trip, I'm hitting the nearest Weight Watchers center to shed at least 15 pounds. But the people onboard who I've encountered on a daily basis are so grossly overweight that some need to lose an entire person in order to reach their normal size. It's actually kind of ironic. During this trip, I'm reading a book called "The Power of Half" which shares the story of a family who took half of what they owned and donated it to charity. I say, if these people donate half of what they eat to the malnourished, the world would be a better place and they would be a whole lot thinner.

The other major gripe I have is that I constantly feel as if someone is trying to sell me something. It's fine when I walk off the ship and a woman comes up to me asking if I want my hair braided, but onboard, every day and night, there are options to spend more money even though this is an all inclusive trip. $30 for Bingo cards. $45 for a spa manicure. $25 for a wine tasting and another $9.50 for a follow up wine tasting. $25 for a shopping guide filled with over $400 in savings. $4 for a shot glass with limoncello in it. $6 for a tall beer glass that lights up. The only thing I have purchased which has proven to be economical is a beverage card that charges me $4.95 per day for unlimited Coca Cola beverages. And I've been using that card to quench the thirst of my entire family.

And one more thing. I also sat through a shopping show with the ship's expert who could also double as a QVC host. Except here's the difference. On QVC, you usually get a ton of great deals. Not so much in the places this expert suggested we shop. I was particularly interested in checking out one of the stores because she said we'd be blown away by the prices. You could say that again. While trying on a pair of blue diamond earrings in St. Maarten, I casually asked the price and the man behind the counter grabbed his calculator and proclaimed...$995 dollars. Bargain of the century? I think not. I left the store deflated and empty handed.

Now for the burning question - would I ever go back on a Princess Cruise? Drumroll please. Probably not. While the entertainment is quite good, there are too many things that did not live up to my expectations. I also think that this ship is best for older cruisers (50 and older) not families traveling with kids. While there is a kids' camp on board, my kids opted to stay with us and attended comedy shows and watched movies under the stars. They also ate...a lot.

All in all, while the cruise was enjoyable, it was certainly not one of my favorites. I still have incredible memories from our Celebrity cruise to Bermuda and that one by far stands out as the best experience we've ever had on board a cruise ship. And while we may decide to cruise again in the future, I think we'll be giving the sea a rest for a long while. Better run - I've gotta hit the gym and work off the tire that has now comfortably settled in around my midsection.

Posted in: Blog, The Girdle Chronicles, Undercover Mom on 02/21/2010

GMA Can You Hear Me?

Today's Twitter and news postings are all abuzz about Charlie Gibson officially announcing his decision to step down from his evening anchor post and Diane Sawyer finally getting the chance to be the first solo female anchor of ABC World News Tonight. Times they are a changin' and that means Diane will be going head to head with Katie Couric. Personally, I hope she doesn't change her wardrobe and hair - it's about time the suits loosen up at that anchor desk - you can still look great while you're reporting on health care summits and the state of our economy. It's all in the delivery and if you're wearing Donna Karan or Diane Von Furstenberg while you're reading the teleprompter - I say, go girlfriend - you're smart and you look like a million bucks!

It'll be interesting to see whether Brian Williams will be odd man out or King of the Hill over at NBC, but more importantly, I want to know who is going to take Diane's place. You see, I take my morning news very seriously and have to admit that I've become a major GMA fan these last few years because I adore Diane Sawyer. I particularly loved today's special concert with Whitney Houston and Diane's genuine concern for her well being - you can't fake that kind of stuff. But now that she's gone, what's a television viewer to do?

Well, I say, why not offer them the ideal replacement? Of course, if they're looking for someone genuine who has made a few appearances on TV and would love a shot at the big time, then, hello, people, I'm right here out in the burbs! I'd be pretty low maintenance if you take me on - I'll catch an early morning Metronorth train, can do my own make-up and have been known to style my own hair - yanking my ceramic flat iron right out of my massive Michael Kors hobo bag.

If you want to know about my interview skills, I can assure you that I'll chat up all the major box office stars you have on deck this season and promise to croon right along with the country artists who will be performing this November at the CMA Awards. For hard-hitting news, I'll punt it over to Robin Roberts or I'll just ask the questions that happen to be on everyone's minds. Like - come on Sarah Palin - why did you really quit your job? Was it because of all those mounting wardrobe, travel and make-up bills you had to pay back the GOP or the massive book and TV deal you're probably going to be getting once you become a private citizen? As far as today's appearance by Whitney Houston, I would have loved to have asked her if her vocal chords have taken a beating over the years due to her battle with drug addiction and her stormy marriage that finally ended in divorce. Then again, who am I kidding? I probably would have just stood there with a big grin on my face, smiled and waved.

When it comes to road trips or travel to exotic locations, heck, I'm game - as long as I can bring my family with me wherever I go (that's because life is all about memorable experiences and I don't want my kids to miss the good stuff). And if you need me to do an exclusive interview with I don't know, say Julia Roberts or hmmm, George Clooney, I won't go "ga ga" over them - I promise. I'll politely ask for their autograph for my kids (wink, wink) and then get back to our conversation. I also come quite cheap - in fact, if you gave me the chance to chat with friendly celebrities (nasty stars and equally mean personal publicists would be banned from the set), politicians and maybe even Michelle Obama, heck, I'd work pro bono. Okay, maybe not pro bono but you'd save a lot of shekels with me.

And if you're concerned that people may not know me - hey - did anyone really know Susan Boyle until her punim made it onto YouTube and she started singing as if she had been performing on Broadway her entire life? Everyone is capable of having their 15 minutes of fame (just watch America's Got Talent) and I think I'd be able to stretch it to at least 30 minutes on a really good day.

So ABC, if you're on the lookout for a fresh face for GMA, I'm right here. A Brooklyn native who continually struggles with her weight (the entertainment rags will love me) who currently resides in New Rochelle, NY with a husband, two kids, two cats and two hermit crabs. I'm a quick study, have a pretty good sense of humor, can chat like it's nobody's business and am willing to dye my hair blonde if that's a deal breaker.

If you need to find me, there's always email, twitter, facebook or skype. Or if you'd rather go with someone more famous, then don't worry, you won't hurt my feelings. Well, maybe it'll sting just a little, but I can take it. Either way, it's going to be hard to find someone to fill Diane's shoes, so I say, don't. Get someone completely unknown, green, and likeable - who won't become jaded after she becomes super famous and gets to hang out with Oprah.

Aside from the obvious choice (me), who do you think should really replace Diane Sawyer?

Posted in: Blog, Undercover Mom on 09/02/2009

The Moon, the Stars & Louis Vuitton

It's not every day that you get invited to an event where you get to see astronauts - especially ones who have walked on the moon, so when I got the chance to attend last night's gala reception hosted by Louis Vuitton which celebrated the 40th anniversary of the lunar landing, I was totally onboard.

You see, 1969 was a big year for me. It was a time when truly amazing things happened - men walked on the moon, the Mets won the World Series...and oh, a little blip on the radar screen...I was born.

I've always been fascinated by astronomy and while I never aspired to join the space program, I have to admit, I have always been amazed by the feats of a few brave souls who have left the earth to explore our universe (I can't even set foot on a plane without being freaked over the turbulence). So imagine my surprise when I stood amidst a sea of New York elite marveling at two space pioneers - Buzz Aldrin and Jim Lovell. The event was held in honor of The Climate Project, an organization founded by Al Gore to educate the public about climate change and it was sponsored by Louis Vuitton.

While you may be wondering what NASA has to do with luxury handbags, the president of the company, Daniel Lalonde explained that the company, which has been around since the 1860's, is synonymous with memorable travel adventures. Their ad campaign - which could double as a work of art - was photographed by Annie Liebovitz and features Jim Lovell, Buzz Aldrin and Sally Ride in a truly inspiring image as the trio gaze at the moon from a beat up truck. Of course, a classy Louis Vuitton briefcase is expertly positioned by Sally Ride's feet - further evidence that a woman always knows how to travel in style.

While we spent the first hour and a half people watching - trust me Role Mommies, the crowd could have doubled for the cast of characters who were featured regularly on "Sex & the City." There were also a bevy of TV journalists and personalities in attendance - from Bryant Gumbel to Dan Abrams, to "Inside Edition's" Deborah Norville, to tons of CNBC financial reporters - my husband effortlessly rattled their names off as well, but I was pretty clueless on that front. We even noticed Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly in the crowd. Then, my husband spied several more influentials in finance - again lost on me. I did notice a woman wearing a really tiny black hat and a few more dressed to the nines in fabulous cocktail attire - one woman even wore a bluish space-like swing dress that was actually quite stunning. But I digress. We were here to talk about space - not cocktail frocks.

And so, at 8:30 pm, the astronauts took center stage on a flight of steps above the Rose Hall center at the Museum of Natural History. From there, we heard Jim Lovell recount the triumphs of the early days of the space program. You may remember that Lovell was portrayed by Tom Hanks in the blockbuster film, Apollo 13 and uttered the historic phrase "Houston, we've had a problem" during that ill-fated mission to the moon. Next, Buzz Aldrin recounted his experiences in the NASA program as well as the lunar landing. "Walking on the moon was the high point of my life," said Aldrin, as he reflected on that moment in time captured 40 years ago. I'm sure the image of Armstrong and Aldrin planting a flag on the moon is still a high point in the lives of many who watched the events from their television sets or from the ground at the site of the historic rocket launch. Incidentally, today's NY Times has some incredible retrospective articles, videos and photos of the first lunar landing.

As the event drew to a close, we were presented with reproductions of the New York Times front page story from 1969 with the memorable headline: Men Walk on the Moon. Sure, I would have loved to have also received a handbag or key chain, but I have a better idea. Perhaps as future generations of astronauts embark on a mission to Mars, I think they deserve to travel in style. Nothing like a set of Louis Vuitton luggage to make any journey unforgettable.

Posted in: Blog, Role Mommy Confessions, Undercover Mom on 07/21/2009

The Great Spray Debate

Had an unexpected run-in today at the gym. While I was minding my own business on the elliptical machine watching a really intriguing Michael Jackson special on E!, I was snapped back into my own reality when a woman who I thought was one of the maintenance workers began spraying down the machine right next to me and I started inhaling the fumes.

I gave the woman the dirtiest look I could muster and then flat out said to her - "You know, that's really dangerous. You shouldn't be spraying a toxic cleaner while the rest of us are trying to work out and get healthy." To which she replied, "I don't care. I got sick twice here and I'd rather inhale fumes then touch someone else's sweat."

And that's when it hit me. That woman didn't work at the gym, she was about to workout herself! Which means, she took it upon herself to find the spray cleaner and some paper towels and proceeded to spritz down the entire machine until she felt it was completely germ free.

Now I am all for cleaning machines once you've gotten your flop sweat all over them, but what I am vehemently against are spray cleaners in public. My own mom has had two instances where she breathed in toxic fumes from spray and aerosol cleaners and actually wound up with bronchitis from it! Would it really be so hard to use an anti-bacterial wipe to clean those machines? Do I really need to be subjected to some kooky woman's extreme position on cleanliness in my neighborhood gym?

Honestly, am I over-reacting or do you think there's a better way to clean gym machines that don't involve toxic sprays? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Meanwhile, over at the Swiffer SocialLuxe Lounge site, where I'm one of the co-hostesses, we're in the process of hosting a fabulous cleaning giveaway (how ironic is that?) If you share your best cleaning disaster story you can win the brand spankin' new Swiffer redesigned WetJet which allows new moms to better clean their floors while the Antibacterial Solution leaves their floors hygienically cleaner. The comments are coming in fast and furious and you've got to be in it to win it so hop on over to the SocialLuxe Lounge and start sharing.

Posted in: Blog, Undercover Mom on 07/10/2009

The Movie Popcorn Blues

It's the day after Xmas and we're taking the kids to the movies. And while I've officially re-started my diet, I was planning on ordering a tub of popcorn for all of us to share. That is, until I saw this ! If you've ever wondered how many calories all those overpriced foods contain, now's your chance. Hate to break the news but a large popcorn has over 1500 calories and a package of twizzlers...600!

Insane, but a hot dog in a bun has the least amount of calories along with a box of gummi bears. So proceed with caution when you head out this weekend to see Marley and Me or Bedtime Stories - your ever expanding hips will thank you for it.

Posted in: Undercover Mom on 12/26/2008

Twitter for Dummies

Guess I've learned the hard way, but I'm starting to figure out the ins and outs of Twitter - that social networking site that competes with Facebook. Even though I am incredibly faithful to my FB friends, I have to admit that Twitter can be addicting - especially when you see people with several thousand followers who literally hang on their every mini blog. And so, this week, as I neared nearly 500 followers, I did a dumb thing. I made a plea on Twitter asking for a few more so that I'd reach my goal and guess what? I was un-followed.

So for those of you blogger mom novices who are new to twitter, here are my ten twitter tips from a fellow newbie.

1. Don't ask people to follow you. If you only have five or six followers, some people may take pity upon you, but if you start reaching the hundred mark, let people who want to follow you do it - don't force it or risk being un-followed.

2. Post a link to a blog you might think Twitterers will find interesting but do not post every blog on your site. Again - if you shamelessly promote, you will be ignored.

3. Follow the connected ones. From the momisphere they are: Resourceful Mom, Katja Presnal, From Dates to Diapers, Family Eden, Twittermoms and several more but even if you follow these moms, you will be up to speed pretty quick.

4. If you find an interesting post out on the blogosphere, share it with your twitter friends - especially if it's related to what interests you. Sharing up to the minute information is fair game. Sharing useless information will get you a passport to being un-followed.

5. Comment on your friend's twitter posts. Even if you are ignored by the top mom Twitterers, have no fear - find your own friends and twitter away with them.

6. If you sell a product and would like to offer it as a giveaway during a Twitter-athon session, make sure you reach out to the mom directly and let her know you've got the goods and are happy to share your products with them.

7. Meet Twitter-ers in person. This is not like a dating service - you are not meeting a serial killer. You're probably going to meet an incredibly well connected and savvy blogger - if you're nervous, bring a friend. In person networking is key to making it both on and offline.

8. Don't spend your entire day Twitter-ing. Even though the temptation is there, you do have a life and make sure you take a break from Twitter. Of course, you could always head right over to Facebook, but that is your call entirely.

9. What you post on Twitter is different than what you post on Facebook. Twitter-ers are more Internet savvy - your Facebook friends may never have even heard of Twitter so don't start posting a message about your Twitter friends - they'll think you're from another planet.

10. Always check your Twitter account a few times a day and if you are looking to get the word out on a blog post or product, proceed with caution. As I said, shameless promotion will ruin your street cred - be yourself, be in the know and you'll be a Twitter superstar.

If you'd like to follow me on Twitter, I'm at Rolemommy or Momauthors. If you'd like to un-follow me, it's the same handle.

Posted in: Undercover Mom on 12/21/2008

Secretary of State Clinton & My Personal Dream Team

According to the NY Times, it appears that Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is thisclose to accepting President elect Obama's offer to become Secretary of State. And in a matter of days, he'll be announcing his cabinet. Frankly, I wish he consulted with me - because I think I have some great prospects he should totally add to the Obama dream team. Here are some of my picks:

Mike Bloomberg - put him in charge of all city budgets
Colin Powell - give him any job he wants. He deserves a second chance with a way better President.
Steve Jobs - Official White House IT guy
Whoever is running Blackberry - since Obama can't send emails, they can act as his official email reader and responder - just need to come up with a cool name. How about BIC (Blackberry in Chief)@gmail.com
The guys at Google - they could launch a government search engine that makes us money back and helps reduce the deficit.
The other guys at Twitter - they can host private tweet ups with cabinet members sponsored by major corporations. First tweet up sponsored by Motrin.
The kid from Facebook - He could launch a page to re-connect past presidents, VP's and world leaders.
The marketing teams at Disney and Nintendo - can help plan all social gaming activities for Malia and Sasha and create mini events and screening parties at the White House (my kids would like to be on that list)
Emeril Lagasse and the guys from California Pizza Kitchen - White House Chef and family friendly restaurant team.
The dog whisperer - official dog walker and trainer - once that puppy is adopted, the first family is going to need help pronto!
George Clooney - official MC at state dinners and fundraisers - I'm sure you'd get tons of attendees and if you auction off a date with George, just imagine how much more we could reduce our national debt?
Sarah Palin - Governor of Alaska - psych!!!

Do you have any suggestions of your own for Obama? Make a comment and win a holiday gift pack from Klutz.com

Posted in: Undercover Mom on 11/22/2008

Older Entries

11/19/2008: 10,000 Staples Shoppers to Win Up to $5000!

11/18/2008: Behind the Scenes at the Macy's Parade

11/16/2008: Motrin Gives New Moms a Headache

11/13/2008: Subway and the Traveling Pants

11/06/2008: Real Kids in the White House!

11/04/2008: Barack Obama Wins the Presidency!

10/26/2008: Clothes Don't Make the Candidate

10/19/2008: OMG - I Am Lynette from Desperate Housewives

10/19/2008: Sarah Palin on SNL

10/08/2008: Just Say No!

10/04/2008: My Fair Palin

10/01/2008: Katie and Sarah on the Campaign Trail

09/26/2008: Who Won the Debate?

09/21/2008: Things that Make You Go Hmmmm...

09/16/2008: Things Barack Obama Can Do to Save Money on the Campaign Trail

09/14/2008: Legally Brunette

09/09/2008: How to Drive Safe in the Rain

09/07/2008: Etiquette 101

09/01/2008: Britney Spears' Mom for Vice President

08/29/2008: The McCain Touche

08/28/2008: Joe Biden - I Hardly Knew Ya

08/26/2008: Michelle Obama - I Think I Like Her

08/17/2008: Bad Behavior - Co Comment Challenge Week II

07/21/2008: The $200 Latte

07/17/2008: Rickshaw to the Ritz

07/06/2008: Rudest Parents Ever

07/03/2008: You Scream, I Scream

05/27/2008: Excess Baggage

05/25/2008: Summer at Snob Hill

05/25/2008: Don't Quit Your Day Job

02/17/2008: Nobody Puts the Feldmans in a Corner

02/04/2008: My Candidate is Better Than Yours

01/19/2008: Searching for Becca Fisher

01/09/2008: The Uninvited Guest

12/27/2007: Was it Something I Said?

12/13/2007: Old Feet and Other Commuter Pet Peeves

12/09/2007: The Sanitation Mom

11/19/2007: Old Yeller

10/28/2007: DATE NIGHT AT A KID FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

09/18/2007: HOME TRUTHS - A New Blog by Judy Epstein

09/11/2007: My Night with a Cheetah Girl

08/28/2007: THE DUDE RANCH

08/10/2007: Tennis Revisited

07/02/2007: Fanny Packs & Sticky Buns

06/14/2007: Gezunga Cars

05/31/2007: The Knitter

05/19/2007: The Playroom

04/21/2007: Gucci Diaper Bags, Wine and the Green Eyed Monster

04/10/2007: Destination Disney...what to do...what to avoid!!!

03/25/2007: Blowout at the Bagel Store

03/03/2007: The Travel Nightmare

02/23/2007: Customer Disservice

02/19/2007: The Family Circus

02/08/2007: My Kingdom for a Pen

01/28/2007: PARTY ANIMALS

01/14/2007: The Waiting Game

12/27/2006: The Gold Mine

12/17/2006: Things that Annoy Me During the Holidays

12/17/2006: Observations on the Train

11/25/2006: Tennis Anyone?

10/31/2006: The Oblivious Factor

10/12/2006: PANDEMONIUM AT THE PEDIATRICIAN

10/04/2006: THE LINE

09/21/2006: Kiddy Brawl at Kid Friendly Bistro

09/12/2006: The Witches of Preschool

09/10/2006: How Am I Driving?

09/07/2006: Bratz at Dunkin Donuts

09/02/2006: A Cheesy Experience

08/28/2006: The Family Bed

08/12/2006: Color Me Stupid...

08/06/2006: Drowsy at the Drugstore

07/30/2006: Tar-jay Oy Vey

07/20/2006: THE INVISIBLE FELDMANS

07/09/2006: Picnic on My Jetta

07/05/2006: Equi-Not

07/03/2006: THE BASKETBALL DIARIES

07/02/2006: SHOELESS JANE

07/02/2006: SAFETY LAST

07/01/2006: No Kicking Please