Happy Halloween from the Hannemaniacs

Happy Halloween! Halloween is one of our favorite holidays here at the Hannemaniac house... And, though a stomach flu almost sidelined B, this year did not disappoint. We've created a few little traditions so far and one of them is sitting the kids down for some Halloween specials.

This year we found a few goodies on Netflix that I hadn't seen before... The kids were excited to mix it up a bit after watching the Great Pumpkin about 20 times earlier in the month.

This year we found a few goodies that were new to us: Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest, Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkin From Outer Space, and episodes of Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated.

Netflix, popcorn, and a dip into their Halloween candy stash made for three happy munchkins.

This year we had to skip our usual chili (in case the stomach flu continued to take down victims in our house) and opted for a pizza party with friends.

We do love us some holiday specials... And now it's time to start digging around the Christmas specials. Stay tuned!

Disclosure: I am part of the Netflix Stream Team. All opinions are my own.

Brain Melt? Netflix Helps Keep Us Sharp

With all of our kids in the pre-kindergarten age group we're not quite at the stage of being concerned about brain melt during summer break. It's not that we don't work at it - it's just that our kids have so much to engage their little brains every day. Their summer days are perhaps more stimulating than the rest of the year.

In a normal day they wake up between 5 am (yes, early birds!) and 6:30 am. They get to watch a show on Netflix (lots of negotiation about WHAT show since it has to be appropriate and appeal to all three of them) like The Magic School Bus, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Stories, and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, for instance. Then they have breakfast and play for a bit with each other. Once the happy play time turns into scrappy play, W heads to camp or swimming or plays with a friend and the younger two get a trip to the park or lake or tag along for errands. After it's lunch time and naps for the little kids and W practices piano, does some reading, and then gets a "show on Netflix that the little kids can't watch," like Monster Math Squad or Clone Wars (ugh). Then it's back out to the park or a walk or scooter ride around the block or plans with friends. The kids have been thriving this summer.

W has started to read, as in really READ. B has mastered his knowledge of songs, colors, and numbers. A is talking up a storm. Summer her been good. They're moving full steam ahead.

Disclosure: I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team.

Currently Streaming On Netlfix: Orange Is the New Black

The other day we were hanging out with friends who wanted to discuss some of their favorite tv shows, but we could only say we heard they were great but hadn't seen them. They looked at us rather shocked. And then asked about when we decompress and we couldn't really answer. We're not big tv watchers around here. Mostly because we binge watch and can't control ourselves and get a little obsessed. We get through a show and then feel guilty and wait a while... Dexter was our last show, but then between renovating this house and moving we just never had time for tv. We have a really long list of shows to watch, but I didn't want something too heavy. Sometimes life just feels heavy enough. So, we started Orange is the New Black two weeks ago.

We're both busy at work and have house stuff piling up. Bedtime can take an hour. AN HOUR. And then we have to clean up and get some real stuff done. Get stuff ready for the next day, catch up on work, laundry... do all the adult things we do every night.

So, we came to an agreement... After an hour of getting stuff done, we watch an episode... or two. But never three. We just wait for 9:00 to roll around the next night and get to watch it again. We're bingers, what can I say?  It's been nice to decompress.

Flashback to Care Bears

My super hero-loving boys are suddenly into Care Bears. And I love it. Totally love it. Honestly, I sometimes get tired of super hero cartoons and the like. I can't preview everything before they watch it and I'm tired of hearing them run around the house play fighting each other. The easiest answer for me was to introduce them to the cartoons that I remember from my childhood on Netflix... Like Care Bears.

My expectations weren't high, but they actually liked it and asked to watch it again. It's not an every day thing, but hearing them sing some of the songs later in the afternoon is pretty sweet. Since then they've watched Robin Hood, Strawberry Shortcake, and Dragon Tales. Is it just me or are these blasts from the past a little sweeter than what kids are watching today?

Here's your opportunity to introduce your kids to your favorites... I'm giving away a THREE MONTH NETFLIX SUBSCRIPTION! Cool, right?

Here's how you can enter the Netflix giveaway... Tell me your favorite old school show! It's that easy.

If you want to be nice and follow me on twitter and Facebook and all that jazz, then cool. But, I'm just more interested in hearing new ideas for shows I can look for on Netflix!

A random winner will be chosen on May 21st.

Disclosure: I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team.

Why I Stopped Watching The Following

Do you watch The Following? I love me some Kevin Bacon, so tuned in for the first few weeks and loved it. Then it started to feel too violent. Sometimes unnecessarily violent. And then it felt like while I was watching and snacking on a bowl of popcorn some psychopath in the US was also watching with more sinister intentions. As the show continued it just seemed like the life of sadistic killers was becoming too sexy and exciting. But, I kept watching.

Then Sandy Hook happened and I told Matt I just couldn't watch anything violent and we just needed to turn off the tv for a while. And then the bombs went off in Boston. It was all so terrible and heavy and made me realize how vulnerable each of us are as we go about our daily lives. I haven't watched The Following since. It's scary to realize the fragility of life, which is the single most frightening aspect of being a parent. The Following made me feel like anyone could be a target, but I was able to remind myself it was a tv show. The shootings and bombings were suddenly real life. You can't escape reality (well, you can, but I'm not really into psychedelics).

We can't stop leaving the house and taking our kids to school and going to the grocery store, I know this. So, I wonder if this is our new reality... Are tragedies like Sandy Hook and attacks like the Boston bombings just part of life? I don't want to admit that could be the truth.

While reading A Constellation of Vital Phenomenon I was reminded of the charmed life most Americans live compared to the majority of the world. I had to keep reminding myself that much of the book took place in 2004 in Chechnya. In 2004!!! As in when I was living the care-free existence of a 20-something in the city. Yet one of the main characters in the book was likely the same age and returned to her ravaged homeland after the start of a promising medical career in London. Fear of landmines, living in a seemingly lawless land, and the devastation that surrounded them was a reality... The fragility of life an actual concern every moment, not just something on television or the news.

I'm still not planning to watch The Following anymore. I'm sorry, Kevin Bacon, I love you and your skinny ties, but the world doesn't need any more ideas on how to hurt each other.

This post was inspired by the novel A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra. In a war torn Chechnya, a young fatherless girl, a family friend, and a hardened doctor struggle with love and loss. Join From Left to Write on May 20 as we discuss Anthony Marra's debut novel. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.

Words of Wisdom To Get Through The First Few Weeks With An Infant

The first couple weeks at home with a new baby are wonderful and shocking and emotional and a little scary and amazing... And there is no way you can prepare yourself for it. My BFF just had her first baby and I thought of a few things for her (and other new moms) to keep in mind in the first couple of weeks:

Hit the TV for some reality shows in the wee hours.
I made the mistake of holing up with W in his nursery during his nightly feedings, where it was too quiet and the hours seemed to drag on. It was just really isolating. I know it's recommended to stay in a quiet, dark place for the baby - But, seriously, I was a much happier mom the second time around when I filled the DVR up with reality TV and spent my overnight feedings catching up.

I used to turn my nose up at all of these shows, now I credit them with helping me avoid baby blues. You need something fluffy, fast paced, with a good dose of drama, and awesome sounds bites.

Here are my recommended shows: 

• Real Housewives: Any city, any season. These ladies never disappoint. Never.
• Tori & Dean: You somehow find yourself feeling "wow, stars are really just like us" and then are quickly reminded that "oh, no, they aren't.
• NY Ink: I'd never seen a reality tattoo shop show, but I especially enjoyed the drama from Chris Torres and comic relief from Robear. And, seriously, Ami is kind of adorable. And these people are serious artists.
• Tabatha Takes Over: Love her. Not great when you're totally exhausted, because it has slow moments. 
• Bethenny: Entertaining, but not my favorite choice.
• Shahs of Sunset: This show has major late night potential. 

Shows that may seem innocent enough, but should be avoided:

• Intervention: STAY AWAY! Suddenly every drug addict becomes someone's baby and you realize how precious and innocent everyone starts out in life and you start to get really depressed. DO NOT WATCH!
• Hoarders: Also a show that makes you wonder how people can go from the sweet baby in your arms to someone so incredibly broken. Stay away from the sad!
• A Baby Story: Might seem like a good idea, but it just isn't. Trust me.

Stay hydrated.
Your schedule is all over the place. You're often stuck sitting, whether nursing or holding a sleeping baby. You're uncomfortable from the whole birthing thing and the thought of standing and walking is a little too much. Many, many reasons you're not going to refill your water glass. Remember: staying hydrated makes a huge difference with breastfeeding.

Expect to cry.
Get used to crying. Randomly. It's normal, but it's shocking. The crying sneaks up on you just about anywhere. It starts innocently... when you're holding your baby and imagine some kid making fun of them on the playground... And then it starts creeping up just about anytime, like in mid-conversation at dinner. But, we've all been there and it's ok. And then one day it stops.

I often found myself in full tears, ugly crying, and repeating "I don't know why I'm crying. I just don't know why I'm crying." You're crying because you're postpartum. Accept it.

It goes fast.
Sometimes when a baby is crying or won't sleep... or doing some other stressful infant thing it's really easy to get caught up in the moment. Focus on the big picture and remember these moments pass and the weeks fly by in the blink of an eye.

It feels consuming sometimes, like you can't see the forest for the trees. But, focus on the moments and know it goes by fast. This is the only time you'll have with your child when you are totally devoted to holding them, cuddling them, and just being their mom. Savor those moments, even when you're exhausted, because they go so fast.

Having an infant isn't easy, but it's something you'll quickly look back on and recall as being some of the sweetest, most loving moments in your life as a mom.

Any other words of wisdom to add?

My Take Away From the Oscars: Damn, Penelope

I watched the Oscars last weekend. And thanks to Penelope Cruz I have a whole new post-baby complex. Didn't she look good? Ridiculous. The woman had a baby like two minutes ago.

Anyway, I'm writing for the Technorati Women Channel and our gal Penelope gave me inspiration for my first post. Check it out here.

My WGN Chicago Spot

A couple of weeks ago I did a little spot on WGN. They all could not have been more pleasant. Dina Bair was sweet and made me feel really comfortable.

In case you didn't catch it, here you go:

Is It Just Me Or Did I Look Eight Months Pregnant on WGN?

Did you see my little spot on WGN? If not, you can check out the video on the WGN site. I'll get the video and post it here soon, too.

I'm glad I did it. I had a lot of fun, wasn't nervous, and it was a good experience over all. But, holy cow, I looked about eight months pregnant. I totally pulled the under belly hand clasp and was trying to stand up super straight. After all, I'd rather look pregs than like a mom who enjoyed too much merriment over the holidays. I think I pulled it off -- And then some.

For the record, I'm five months pregnant.

Family Travel Safety Products

Thanks for stopping by! I'll feature some great, mom-created products to help ensure safe travel for the family on WGN's Thursday Midday News.

I wish I could say we're going to personally try these out on a tropical get-away, but we'll see... In the meantime, here are some reasons I think the items are cool.

Baby B'Air
http://www.babybair.com/
$34.95 *The great thing about traveling with a little tyke is that you don't have to pay for their seat, the bad thing is they have to sit on yours and you have to hold down a squirmer. This harness helps keep your kid in place and safe in any moments of turbulence.

Magic Sleep Suit
http://www.magicsleepsuit.com/
$39.95



*When traveling with a little one, there is a TON of stuff to pack to ensure you're prepared for everything, including various temperatures and bedtime items. This gem keeps the babe warm without having to worry about blankets or ac on too high. Plus, it's quite soft and cuddly.

Air Tamer
http://www.airtamer.com/
$59.95

*You know when you're on a plane, trying to relax, thinking about your upcoming travels and someone sitting behind you coughs? Suddenly you realize just how little the air around you is being purified. Unless you're wearing this little thing. Purify the air around you to create a clean zone for your family, then no colds when you arrive at your destination!

Mouthwatchers
http://www.mouthwatchers.net/
$3.99

*Brushing your teeth eliminates germs in the mouth, but what about the germs on the toothbrush? This toothbrush keeps itself free from germs, so when your toothbrush is on a hotel sink or gets loose in your bag you don't have to worry about what icky things it might have on it. At least not quite as much.

Baby Briefcase
http://www.babybriefcase.com/
$29.95

*This is great for people, like me, who can use a little help with organization. It's a handy way to keep all your kiddo's important documents in one place and it's compact design means it's good for easily bringing along any information you might need in case of emergency.

SimpliSafe
http://www.simplisafe.com/
$199/$15 per month

*Portable, wireless, easy to set up home security system. Going on vacation, but want to be sure your family is safe in the place you're renting? This is your answer. Or it's a good option if you want your house to be secure while you're out of town without having to enter into a contract or have a home security system installed. Pretty cool, huh?

Hope you all have some travel plans coming soon, check these items to make them a little safer.

Note: I received all of these items complimentary for doing the promotion on WGN-TV, however I was not paid.

Another TV Spot, Another Break Out

I'll be on the WGN Midday News tomorrow to show some great mom-created travel items. (Which is funny since our travel plans are currently on life support due to the cash we just had to throw down the toilet, kinda literally).

So, while this should all be fun, a little piece of this summer's history is repeating itself. Remember when I did the NBC Chicago Morning News in June? Remember my face exploded? Well, what do you know... Six months later, different station, same story. My hormones continue to make a mockery of my face.

A fellow blogger recommended I try tea tree oil, witch hazel, and aloe. At this point, it can't really get any worse. So, I dragged my butt to Whole Foods in last night's frigid temps and invested in a non-toxic, fresh way to handle this. Not that the stuff my doc prescribed before can even be used by a pregnant lady, but I'd rather go natural at this point. And I drank about a gallon of water yesterday to try to flush my skin.

Anyway, here we are again... Showing some cool mom-created items (and my broken-out face) to Chicago. Regardless, I'm super excited, and if you're one of the few people I know who won't be at work, I hope you'll tune in and send me good vibes tomorrow. And, no matter what, tell me I looked ok.

Gun Control and 90210

I've always been completely against having a gun in my house. The idea of it freaks me out. Guns make me uncomfortable, period.

Today I've been doing a lot of work from home, playing catch up, and decided to put on the Saturday Beverly Hills 90210 block on Soap Net. I found this weekly marathon when I had the flu a couple weeks ago and it's my new go-to on a Saturday afternoon. The early years of 90210 were the best. I was the perfect age for its cheesy acting, over-the-top 90's fashion, and cliche story lines. It was the focus of my television watching back then.

That being said, the episode when Scott (David Silver's dorky friend) shoots himself and dies was on today. I half watched it, but remembered watching it the first time it aired, the hype it created. It was major. Is 90210 the reason I'm so opposed to guns in the house? I mean, besides all the other obvious reasons.

Netflix: A Lesson in Sharing (for me)

We've been Netflix members since July 2004, which is before we were even married. It's been a great relationship for the past six years, a good amount of give and take. Some months may pass and our three dvd's sit unwatched, other months we're racing through seasons of a television show. (I think the most dvd's we made it through in one month has been eight. We can do better, I'm sure.) All in all, it's been a nice component of our life.

The other day I was updating our already stuffed queue of 424 videos. (That's what happens when you have a tendency to save every movie and show you want to see in your queue and can easily spend an hour hopping from one recommended video to the next.) But, I digress...

As I was moving around the order of our movies, I realized that someone else in our family is ready to get in on the action. I pulled him onto my lap and flipped through a few kid-friendly options. I added the videos he seemed the most excited about, but then it came down to moving them around in the queue and here it is... I didn't want to share. I want to get all the Dexter: Season Four discs as soon as possible. The Buzz Lightyear movie was clearly the most exciting option to William, but is it worthy of putting us back a disc?

I don't think so. It's in position number three... He won't know the difference, right? Sharing has been a stretch for William these days, clearly he's not learning better habits from me.

Wordless Wednesday: Cars Obsession

A special prize for the person who finds the most Cars items in this photo. Tell me the number.

My NBC Chicago Spot

After a few mentions and an unfulfilled promise that I would post the video, I finally have the ability to share my few minutes of on-air exposure. I had a lot of fun that morning. The people at NBC 5 are the best and made me feel really comfortable. And they thought I did a solid job, which made me happy.

So, here you go... I give you my tv spot. Not the best quality, but you get the idea. I was totally unprepared for how much screen time my hands were going to get. Notice I made the good decision to get a manicure the day before this! (Please let me know if you'd like to book me for a hand modeling job.)



And, may I remind you, this was only the first activity of a long day that included hosting a bachelorette party... on a bus... at a Jimmy Buffett concert. Man, it was a long day.

For the record, Nesita Kwan is one of the smallest women ever, which might explain my giant appearance. (I even wore very low wedges and offered to take my shoes off, but she was cool with it.)

For more information on the items I reviewed, check out the post I did on them.

Disclaimer: I received all of these items complimentary and am not a paid commentator for NBC 5 (yet!).

SYTYCD Best Dance of Season 7

So, you know my favorite show is So You Think You Can Dance and I like to share all of my thoughts on its greatness, but this season has been tough since I spent so much of July out of town. It became the last thing I had time for, so I'm playing catch up...

Wanted to share the best dance I have seen in a long time, by far the best of the season. Travis Wall is a GENIUS. I've rewatched it too many times to count and there may have even been some tears... I don't think it's because I'm a mom and it's about a son taking care of his mother through a medical crisis. You'd have to be a stone not to react to this amazing dance.

Check it out.

Outdoor Family Fun

Welcome NBC 5 viewers... If you are here because you saw my segment, I'm impressed by your early morning ways. Pat on the back!

If the weather in Chicago stays the way it was yesterday, then we'll have plenty of reasons to use some of these great items below, so check them out. I think they're all pretty neat.

Here is more information about the items I showed, how you can get them, and why I like 'em:

Snack Trap (snacktrap.com)$4.99

Kid needs a snack, mom's hands are full, kid can feed himself

Minimizes wasted food and wasted time spent cleaning up while developing self feeding skills for infants to toddlers

Slits in the lid allow children to see and retrieve food, but automatically closes when the toddler removes their hand

Portion control - no handfuls shoved in the mouth (I mean for kids, can't be responsible for adults)

Thermacell Outdoor Lantern (mosquitorepellent.com) $31.99

• Applying bug spray or lotion is on the list of my least favorite mom tasks
• Non-toxic, portable, safe, non-intrusive, and, can I repeat, NON-TOXIC (no need to worry about what you're rubbing into that little skin)
• Keeps insects away for a 15 x 15 area and is 98% effective
• Doubles as a lantern for a romantic dinner when the kids go down and the mosquitoes get sick of trying to feast on you

My Royal Heinie Daypack (myroyalheinie.com) $34.99

• Compact diaper bag instead of the huge one I'm used to dragging around town
• Awesome built-in Smart Wipes Dispenser that allows mom to deal with wipes one-handed, so the other one can hold down squirming, pantless child
• Love the stroller attachments, changing pad, and well-designed pockets
• It can fit in mama's big ol' purse
  

Potty Flip (pottyflipusa.com) $24 for 12-pack

• When nature calls you might just be in nature... No public bathroom, no problem
• Full size, safe, portable, disposable, and biodegradable
• Just flip it out and then fold it up and dispose
• No more holding kids over freaky public toilets
  

Speedminton (speedminton.com) $29.95
Kinda like if tennis, badminton, and racquetball had a baby without tons of rules

• Easy, portable, fun all wrapped up in a compact carry case
• No need for a net or a strict-sized playing field
• Includes special lights to play at night
• A little more refined than bags at a BBQ, no?
  

Sport-Brella (sklz.com) $69.99

• Instant protection from the sun, wind, or rain in 3 seconds
• Fits the whole family for a picnic or hanging out at the beach
• Top air vents and side windows for efficient air flow
• Convenient carry bag for taking it to and fro

The park, pool, Ravinia, beach, tailgates, BBQs... The list goes on and on for awesome places to use any of these items. Seriously, I think these are all pretty great. Check them out and let me know what you think.
Disclosure: I received complimentary samples of these products for the NBC 5 review. I was not compensated in any other way.

So You Think You Can (insert talent here)

Since this is *the* show that I like to blog, so I wanted to share my thoughts on the new All-Stars format. I love it. I really do. Some of my absolute faves are back, like Twitch, Catherine, Ade, Pasha, and the beyond amazing Neil. Love them. Love, love, love them. But, man, it's crazy how much better they all are since they were on the show, isn't it? They were good before, but now they're gooo-ooood.

That's what's great about this format. All of these All-Stars were once in the shoes of the contestants: They were outstanding. They did the show and then went off, matured, honed their skills and now they're extraordinary. (Just imagine what Billy and Alex are going to be like in a few years.)

And that is what has struck me the most: the opportunity to see what this show creates and what a young dancer looks like compared to a real, polished professional with the knowledge that they will have that same opportunity. And each and everyone of them are someone's child. They started out as fresh and innocent, as full of life and wonder as William is right now. (What is it about becoming a mom that makes you see the little kid in everyone?)

I sit here on my couch and think of all the things W has ahead of him. What will be his talents? Where will his passions lead him? I never had a passion like that. Sure, I had plenty of talent, skills, and interest in all sorts of things, but not enough to follow one serious, singular dream. Matt has that. He's an artist. It's the way he was born, he sees the world in a different way. I only wish there was a show called So You Think You Can Draw. He'd seriously kick some sketching ass.

How exactly do you make sure you give your kids every possible opportunity to do something great without being pushy? How do you encourage them to take their talents seriously without being the crazy parent?
 
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by XFINITY by Comcast. I was compensated.

Crime and Punishment - William Style

Crime: Staying up until (gasp) after 11:00 pm gorging on Dexter. (Just finished the first disc of Season 2 - Feels different from Season 1, not necessarily in a good way.)

Punishment: 1:00 am wake up call from a certain toddler insistent on joining us in bed, followed by three hours of kicking, hitting, and hair pulling, until his 4:00 am decision that he needed to "See Howie" and 45 minutes of wrestling to get off the bed until we finally gave in and let him tear out of the room. FAKE walking down the hall followed (no kidding, he marched in place) to see if we would chase. We did.

No trial. No jury. This is my kid's idea of justice, I guess. Not a fan. I can't believe that the crime warrants such a harsh punishment.

A Little Taste of So You Think You Can Dance

Apparently, So You Think You Can Dance was in Chicago this week holding auditions for the next season, which will start in May. Matt walked by on his way to work and saw the early morning line of dancers waiting for their big break. Cool, huh?

Knowing that I would find this to be incredibly exciting, he reported that as he walked to the train at the end of the day, he walked by as a girl came flying out of the theater, shrieking, and jumping up and down with her friends... Apparently, someone was going to Vegas!

"Isn't that cool?" he said.

"Yeah, but did you see Cat Deeley???? Were there cameras? Will you be in the background of the audition episodes?" I asked. The answer to all these questions: No.

Oh, Cat, how I've missed you.