Chicken Nuggets of Wisdom

Fit Pitchin' Friday: On a serious note

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:18:00 +0000

Morning Nuggetiers, it's Friday.. woot! And what does Friday mean here at The Nuggets? FIT PITCHIN'! I know one of my typical fits runs more along the line of frazzled mom on the edge of sanity. This fit isn't going to be, "typical". I've decided to put on my grown up hat and get serious. I was lucky to meet so many amazing people at SITScation in Las Vegas last month. One of them was Melissa Smallwood who blogs at Organized Life By Design.

I was so impressed by Melissa, she really asked thought provoking questions and had great advice for other bloggers. What got me about Melissa, even beyond her charm, was the story she told about her struggles to pay for medication she needs in order to BE ALIVE!I know that politics isn't really something I get into here. The thing is the more I talked with Melissa the more I came to understand that this wasn't a political issue. I asked Melissa to come guest post for us today. I think hearing her story is important. No matter your party affiliation, no matter what you think you know about the subject, Melissa puts a face on this topic and I encourage you to hear her. I now turn my blog over to Melissa... (sorry for the font thing, blogger hates me today)

HEALTH CARE REFORM

There I said it. The three little words that incite anger, misinformation, partisan politics and even hate mail. Because of my experiences I feel obligated to share my story, in the hopes of opening a genuine discussion about how truly necessary health care reform is in our country. Sadly, unless you have personally experienced a health care crisis in your life or witnessed it in someone else’s you may be misinformed about what is at stake. I hope my story helps you understand a little better:

In 1999 my husband and I got custody of (and I adopted) his son, who had just turned six (an expensive process in and of itself). Jason came to us from a very abusive home and had (and still has) severe emotional and behavioral issues as a result. We knew that he would need extensive counseling (little did we truly know) and my husband did not have health insurance available through his employer. Jason went to a counselor two times a week for three years before we got insurance (I went to work full-time in 2002 when our youngest went to kindergarten). For those three years, I worked nights cleaning at the race track, worked at a daycare (so the kids could come with me) and watched other people’s kiddos to afford those appointments.
In 2001 (while we were still uninsured) I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. The biopsies leading up to the diagnosis and the surgery required put us in debt to the tune of $25,ooo. My husband worked as much overtime as he could and we made payments to anesthesiologists, the hospital, the doctor, the lab and every other possible medical entity known to man for years. As a matter of fact in 2007, we still had a $1,500 balance with surgeon and she sent me a letter that since I had so faithfully made payments she was forgiving the rest of our debt! What a blessing- We had been paying her monthly for almost seven years. While friends were driving cars that didn’t break down and living in houses with more than one bathroom, every “extra” penny we made was going to medical bills.
In 2003, Jason’s behavior deteriorated beyond what could be managed on an out-patient basis. We now had health insurance through my employer but mental health benefits leave SO MUCH to be desired. Between February 2003 and November 2004 Jason would be admitted as a psychiatric inpatient three times (twice in Towson, MD, an hour and a half away from our home) and would be in numerous partial hospitalization programs. In 2004 our OOP (out of pocket) medical expenses for his care were in excess of $17,000 WITH INSURANCE. Can you imagine what we would have been facing if my employer did not offer a health benefit (that I paid $124/every two weeks for as well)?
Then (mind you this is the very abbreviated version) a judge ordered Jason to be remanded to a residential treatment facility to the tune of $60,000/year. Do you know how much our insurance company authorized for that? ZERO, ZILCH, NADA. Know why? Because Jason had exceeded his mental health benefit (he was 11). His dad and I had to make the gut wrenching choice to sign physical custody of him to the state of West Virginia so that he could get the treatment he needed. (That was the only way he could be covered by Medicaid, to not be in our custody) You can never know what that was like if you have not experienced it.
You would think our story would be over by then but no. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in January of 2008. My hubby has great insurance through his employer now but our 20% of my EXORBITANT drug costs, hospitalizations, IV treatments, physical therapy and co-pays to the general practitioner, MS specialist, neuropsychiatrist (yes, all of this has left me a little depressed), urologist, hematologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist and pretty much every other “ologist” known to man came to over $13,000 in 2008 (and I can no longer work full time).
The bulk of my social security disability check (that I only began receiving in April of 09) each month goes to paying said EXORBITANT medical costs, which will likely continue to escalate as I was just diagnosed with systemic lupus last month.

Don’t get me wrong, God has provided for us time and time again. I am constantly amazed, looking at the $ amount going out compared to coming in, how we are not bankrupt. We haven’t lost our home, our vehicles, or our sanity. But we are fortunate.

So many people have lost everything. People that didn’t deserve to have to choose between their medicine and groceries. People that shouldn’t have to wonder if they should see a doctor or not, because they can’t afford it. People that have died because they waited too long to get medical attention.

So, what are you saying, Melissa? I am saying that reform is necessary, whether we like it or not. Both Presidential candidates agreed on that in the last election. Yes, I have read the 1000+ pages of the proposed bill, and while I do not agree with every thing in it, I am glad that the President has the courage to introduce it. Because it is necessary!

Yet still, there are some gross misrepresentations being made and fear mongering to distract people from the real issue. Which is: REFORM IS NECESSARY.

Why is it necessary? Accessibility! Affordability! Ability to have options! Eliminate pre-existing condition clauses! Not have to worry about the cost of being sick for the rest of my life- I can’t even imagine!

I urge you to educate yourself about health care reform, listen to those of us who truly know what it means to have medical expenses take over your life and stop the partisan rhetoric that is distracting the nation from the true issue at hand- people need adequate and quality health care coverage. AARP and the AMA have even endorsed the current bill. Is the health care reform bill perfect? No! But it would be such an improvement… For me…for all those out there like me and those much worse off.

I know this is a polarizing topic, heck my own mother (stark raving conservative lunatic, I say that with love and a giggle) believes that death panels will be part of the plan. My family and I are lucky enough to have great coverage. I can't even wrap my mind around having to make the choices Melissa talks about. I'm not hear to tell anybody what to do, I'd just like to hear people talk.. CIVILLY about this. If you have a story like Melissa's and you'd like to share I've wrangled Mr. Linky into this post. Link up your stories. We might not all agree on how to do things but I think we can all agree that something NEEDS to be DONE! (you can also find Melissa at Multitasking Mama and on twitter as @multitaskingme)

Be our guest.. blogger that is

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:50:00 +0000

Have you guys ever listened to blog talk radio? If you haven't you are missing out! One of my FAVS is Jen Hinton of The Classy Closet's show Chicks Who Chat. Jen herself will tell you the show is about everything and nothing. For me it's all about FUN! She does a weekly "Promote your friends" show. Listeners email in the blogs of their friends, Jen checks them out and chats all about them on the show. On last week's show I met a really fun chick and BEGGED her to come guest post for me. She finally caved under pressure so I now give you Stephanie of Life in a Blue Zoo

Hey, I'm Stephanie. I hate being in my 30's, am addicted to coffee, and lip gloss. I am a mom of 4 rowdy little boys. I have an 8 year old who thinks he knows everything (except still can't tie his shoes - and I seriously develop a tic every time I try to show him how), 5 year old twins who are sensitive and rambunctious, and an almost 3 year old who thinks he is running this show! I've been married for about 7 years to a man who I love dearly even if he is driving me crazy most of the time! I also have a very sarcastic sense of humor, which I consider to be a good thing. It keeps us all laughing around here! (Which sounds way better than the crying, pleading, begging, and screaming - believe me!)

Here is her post for US!

I can’t wait to embarrass my kids.

I’m seriously looking forward to it.

When my boys bring their girlfriends home, watch out! I’ll be busting out the embarrassing baby pictures. Probably throw in some truly embarrassing stories.

I will be the old lady following my boys around in the store with curlers in my hair. Wearing a muumuu and yelling about how I farted.

I will not feel bad about this behavior. Let me tell you why…….

When my oldest was 3 ( I call him Howler Monkey - because he is SOOO loud.) my mom had taken us out to lunch. We were in a very busy restaurant. My mom and I were just sitting there talking while the Howler Monkey was coloring when all of a sudden…..

HM- “MOM! MOM! MOM!”

Me- "What?"

HM- “Remember when you locked me in the closet and turned off the light?”

Me- "What?! I Never locked you in a closet."

HM- "Yes, you did!!" He is getting so loud. People are staring. "You locked me in the closet. Remember?"

Me- "No. Cause I didn’t. Now shush. Just color." I’m desperately shoving the crayons at him. "Shhhh!!!!"

HM- "NO! MOM! You locked me in the closet!! And shut the door!!!"

I’m seriously waiting for CPS to show up and have me arrested at any moment. My mother was so helpful. She sat there and laughed. Gee, thanks mom!

There was also the time that Howler Monkey yelled in Wal-Mart, “I LIKE HERS BOOBS!” At a very startled young blonde teenager.

Not only has my oldest embarrassed me at every opportunity now my youngest little ones are joining in.

My twins, Koala and Turtle, are 5. They are really good at getting me when I least expect it.

I once had to pee at Wal-Mart. I was alone with the little ones, so I made Turtle and Koala go into the family bathroom with me. I told them to face the wall. Big mistake! Really, what was I thinking? As soon as I sit I hear in a very loud accusing voice “You said you had to pee!! You’re going poop!! We don’t want to be in here.”

Me- "No, this is how mommies pee. Girls sit to pee."

I could hear people walking by and laughing.

K &T- “You’re sitting to pee??”

K & T- “Its cause you don’t have a pee pee mom. You only have hair…..” They were thoroughly disgusted.

And people out in the hall were no longer stifling their chuckles.

Koala and Turtle are also at that age where they announce everything they see. Like “She has a big butt.” “He stinks mom” or “Wow, her stomach looks like it has 3 babies in it.” They don’t make these observations quietly either.

My youngest son who just turned 3 is also getting in on the action. Last time we were at the store he announced to everyone in the bread aisle that “Mom-EEEEE you’re on crack!! Mom-EEEE is on crack!!!”

So you see when the time comes for my revenge I will not feel guilt. I will yell absurd things, and fart loudly with pride.

Some of my favs from Life in a Blue Zoo:

5 Tips to Getting Started on a Healthier You (I NEED to use these MORE!)
What the HELL Wednesday (DUDE this is almost.. ALMOST as good as Fit Pitchin' Friday!)
The Butt Biting Toilet Troll (I WAS the G Pig too! Oh and I think I had that 70s-super-cool-dress too!)

Christmas Stalking

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:01:00 +0000

I'm incognito here, the lighting is low, I've got on my best Witness Protection Program disquise... all for my first Vlog.. well and because I'm being followed.
(the tech department, aka my 16 year old, is working on sizing it down to fit the column)

I'm gonna be MIA

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Hey Nuggetiers.. happy Monday (bleck I think I threw up in my mouth a little). I wanted to let you know that I'm likely going to be MIA most of the week. I have a couple of guest posts lined up to keep you company though. Why oh why would I leave my Nuggetiers? Well I'm working on my All Mom Made Gift Guide. At present (ooh I made a punny!) I only have ONE of the TONS of items up.. but since I'm SO proud that I figured out how to link over there through the picture on my left side bar WITHOUT CHEAPSKATE MOM's help, I'll invite you over to the party early.

Fit Pitchin' Friday.. I wanna be a princess!

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Tomorrow is Halloween, by far my favorite holiday. What's not to love about a day where you get to dress up as anyone you want, scare the crap out of unsuspecting children and demand candy from strangers? I subscribe to a cutesy free holiday. Banned from my home are cheesy smiling pumpkins, warm fuzzy little black kitties and adorable grinning ghosts. Bring on the bad guys, that's how I roll. So it was no surprise that my favorite part of the festivities at last night's Disney On Ice was hanging out with these guys and ghouls

This scary bunch includes your very own WereNugget, my familiars + #1's girlfriend (now THAT is terrifying!), The Evil Witch Jennifer of Hip As I Wannabe, her devilishly darling boys, Mary The Mistress of both Darkness & Pajamas and Coffee plus her minions of cuteness. Not pictured here is the creepily cool Amy of Resourceful MUMMY who also brought along her goblins.

I'll admit I figured the little outing would help fulfill my holiday quota of torture. Against what is usually my better judgment, I listened to The DH. He moaned and groaned about how boring ice shows were and I bought it. Keeping with the theme I offered myself up as a sacrifice, while he stayed home watching BASEBALL! When this showed up on the ice though I knew the Evil Empire (aka the Yankees) could do without my ~~hexing~~ cheering for them.

Jack Skellington showed up with Cruella Deville, Captian Hook, Maleficent and the rest of the bad guys. BONUS! Plus #4 stood up, danced and sang the ENTIRE theme song from Nightmare Before Christmas

Here is where the fit comes in... Being full of myself and my Halloween ideals I figured as soon as the bad guys were gone I'd be on to the suffering part of the show. Yet as soon as she hit the ice I was a gonner

My desire for decaying Victorian burial garb faded in the dazzle of sequins and rhinestones. Princess after princess paraded out on the ice in all manner of bedazzling ballroom attire. Each flanked by one Prince Charming or another. Lifted weightlessly into the air and twirled around in dizzying displays of devotion by these muscled men on blades these chicks had it all! I found myself mesmerized and jealous. I want to be HER! No I make it Cinderella, who cares if she was enslaved by an evil stepmonster she still got to be a princess in the end. Wait maybe I should be Ariel. I could abandon my family, opt for voluntary genetic mutation and still land me Prince Eric. As the show unfolded a growing need for sparkly things grew inside me. I now fear that I might end up buying a tiara and *shudder* a glittery pumpkin in advance of Halloween. THANKS so MUCH Disney On Ice!

Even though I'm still sulking over the sequined smack down to my ghoulish self image, I wouldn't want any of you in the Baltimore area to miss out on the show. If you're thinking of going I've got a coupon code for ya MOM, it will get you a family four pack of tickets for $44, but HURRY the show is only in town until Sunday Nov 1st. Want to read a less fitful review of the show, check THIS out.

Happy Halloween Nuggetiers, I'm off to soak in some swamp puss, grab my fangs, don my cloak and get back into evil mode before the aforementioned unsuspecting children show up tomorrow.

(Tickets to this show were generously provided to me and my family free of charge)

What did I FORGET today Wednesday

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:41:00 +0000

Oh Nuggetiers my Nuggetiers, I'm beginning to think the old noodle has gone on vacay and failed to notify, let along take the rest of me along. Don't get me wrong I've never been, THAT mom. You know her right? She's the one who never misses a birthday, teacher appreciation day, or a single day at the gym. With perfect hair and ironed clothes she heads out to the bus stop 10 minutes early with her kids who are equally perfectly put together. This woman has floors that sparkle and not with the leftover glitter from last week's ~~diversion created so the kids leave you alone to blog~~ family craft project, they are actually CLEAN. I'm not her, and frankly if you are her well drop the Prozac babe and join the moms who blog revolution sister. We are MUCH cooler than you! And people don't talk behind our backs they just comment to our faces on our blogs (anonymously of course).

So what's my problem today? Yes I'm aware that my problem changes daily, but you love me anyway, right? RIGHT?! (momentary pause for pre-coffee insanity.. deep breath..) Turns out I screwed up, again. Today is the day for Kirstin's blog party Harvest of Friends and I almost missed it. My lovely partner Cassie of My Life With Kids was kind enough to send me an email days ago asking for the 411 on The Nuggetess, yours truly, and I spaced out. Just so you know I SUCK! My lack of brainage led to Cassie having to do her post with out golden blog fodder like what my favorite color is and what my go-to hooch is. My most sincere apologies to Cassie, who is the mom of two totally adorable guys (I offered up my daughters but no betrothal offers have been made). She blogs about being muscled into taking the kids to Chuck E Cheese, or as we call it in this Italian American home, taking the Rat up on an offer you can't refuse, badda bing! And if she weren't a Latina from Jersey I might give her crap over the fact that she has Sissy's blog in her blog roll and NOT mine, but I'm afraid she'd kick my butt! She did sort of make it up to me in her post about The Nuggets today though when she alluded to the fact that I'm a Ho for the comments. I encourage you my darling Nuggetiers to get out there and harvest the friends to be found in the blogosphere today, start with Cassie then stop by Kristin's place (you may ignore the fact that she has Cheapskate Mom's button and NOT MINE). Then might I suggest some other fine, vintage as well as new ~~wines~~ blogs:

Joy of Joy to the Blog is not only a long time Nuggetier she is my personal spell check, her kids are both talented and beautiful.. mmmm just like mom, go figure!

Jennifer of Hip as I Wanna Be who is not only my personal cheerleader she is my first BBF (Bloggy Best Friend) to become a RLF (Real Life Friend) and I heart her!

Brandee of Think Tank Momma who not only keeps me going with nearly daily comments (remember I'm a Ho for those) she gave me an award today that you simply MUST see! Brandee are those your "girls" if so I HATE YOU!

Mary Mac of Pajamas and Coffee another BBF turned RLF who by the way WARNING posts about sex, drugs and rockn'roll.. Cha rock on momma!!!

And so I don't get accused of being ~~sexy~~ sexist I send you over to one funny dude Ed of Ed's Funny Pages. You're in for a treat gang he is funny, changed his blog title for the holiday (insert awe here) and even gave it up for a quickie yesterday.

I didn't get to even a 10th of the amazing Nuggetiers out there and that is only because well.. I have to feed the kids they get a bit vocal if I don't. I'm thinking about a Mr. Linky link up so we can all mingle.. who's bringing the martinis? Let me know if you'd be up for that and I'll make it happen.. yeah I'm cool like that. Happy Hump day.. and if I forgot anything don't tell me I subscribe to ignorance as a mantra.

Stopping in with a winner and words of wisdom

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:54:00 +0000

Hey Nuggetiers I'm baaaaack.. well sort of. I've had SUCH fun blog cruising and comment dropping. If I haven't gotten to you I'm SORRY! Leave me a comment w/a link to your blog and I PROMISE to stop by AND comment!

I still haven't really gotten my mojo back after SITScation. I'm nursing a hellacious hacking cough as are a couple of the offspring and the cat, YES the CAT! He has some serious species issues. In addition to that I'm also learning how to VLOG.. yup VIDEO blog! I hope to have my first one up here on The Nuggets this week. Just in time for Halloween, my mug in all it's gory.. SCARY!

I see I've lost a few during my self imposed bloggy break, sad but it happens. I know that true Nuggetiers stick around through the good posts, REALLY bad posts and none at all, so THANKS! Now on to some fun stuff.. Congrats to Allison of Life in My World the winner of the Starbucks VIA! And Megan (who doesn't blog) for winning the Disney on Ice tickets! Are you all butt hurt you didn't win? Well get of the pity potty and get your tail over to Cheapskate Mom's pad and enter our Fabby Hair giveaway! The prize is $150 worth of hair product from Cibu (responsible for my Hair makeover for Vegas) OH there are also a couple of T-Shirts in the gift basket! PLUS there will be a gift card for international enteries! AND you don't have to do a post or put your face up there this time. The entry requirements are easy peasy! PLUS there are less than 50 entries to date SO your odds are great!

One last thing then I gotta go clean the darn fridge before the repair guy gets here.. yummo my fridge is on the fritz! I'm planning to have my Holiday Gift Guide up by Nov 1st. I've decided to do an ALL MOM MADE (plus one Dad, wait till you see his book it's GREAT!) guide. Why would I do that when companies have offered to pay me and/or give me free stuff to get their product on my guide? Because if we all buy JUST ONE thing that is made by a Mom (or Dad) this holiday season we will have given not only an amazing gift to our loved one or friend BUT we will have helped out the family of the Mom who made that item.. it's like a DOUBLE bonus! If you have an Etsy shop, know someone who does or if you make and sell anything elsewhere and you'd like to get on the guide email me ASAP! I only have a few spots left! (I do NOT charge anything for getting on the guide. Nor do I ask for a freebie. All I ask is that you submit yourself to my probing questions for a little "interview" to go with your post on the list)

Yeah I know I promised words of wisdom in the title of this post.. um.. let's see.. Never drink 3 cups of coffee before you sit down to write a QUICK blog post!

What do Goats do in Vegas?

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:24:00 +0000

Well I'm back and to be honest so much happened in Vegas that I just don't know where to start or finish for that matter. So I guess I'll start with the goat. Yep there was a goat at SITScation in Vegas. Not just any goat though one who wore chic little pink panties and enjoyed a little "play" time with some of the more grown up.. um.. toys.. from the swag bags. I'll just let your fertile little minds run with that one. If you want more details though you can ask (as seen on the right) Nanny Goats in Panties. Mar

I was over the moon to meet up with my FAVORITE twerp (that's my new twitter-ified word for persons I dig on twitter) Connie of Young and Relentless!!! And that HAWT momma on the left is Bobbi from Bobbi in La La Land. Me and Connie, we share an ~~unhealthy obsession~~ adoration of all things John Elway and coffeee. Plus ya gotta dig a SITStah who is down for a little girl on girl action

Okay so I pilfered this image from Connie's blog, lovingly though. I also got to meet the amazing Mrs. FussyPants, aka Alli Worthington also of Blissfully Domestic (pictured above) but hey I didn't get any sugar! Well I did a little.. here...

Sugar Jones, and ME, yes I felt like a total groupie!

I tweet stalked the heck out of Toni of A Daily Dose of Toni for weeks leading up to SITScation. I must have asked her ~~2147~~ 20 times if she was going to be in Vegas. I'll tell you this, SHE WAS and SHE ROCKS! I got to sit with her and the MAHvelous Melissa of Multitasking Mama! Melissa might even agree to come do a guest post for us. So go bug the heck out of her until she can't stand it anymore and caves in!

What did I learn at SITScation? Good question, for the most part I think I'm still processing it. I did learn that a group of girls can get together and do amazing things! Laurie Turk of Tip Junkie reminded me to think about all the things that we can do for each other. We can start by buying just one mom made item this holiday season helping to support each other and our families. Alli Worthington asked me to think about what my personal brand is, my first reply was DIOR, but then I realized that wasn't really what she was getting at, this one is going to take me some time so I'll get back to ya on that. Jessica Gottlieb reminded me of the power of the Prom Queen. Meaghan Edelistien of Spirit Jump moved me to tears and action with her story of beating cancer and going on to help others in their fight. Carissa Rogers of Good and Crazy welcomed me like a long lost pal and reminded me that friends can be both fast and forever. Jenn of The Classy Closet has always been a bloggy icon for me and she has now inspired me to do my first VLOG (coming soon to a Nuggets near you). There are SO many more I'm forgetting but I promise that I'll whip up another post all about them!

Then we have the girls behind the bash...

Tiffany and Heather

Of SITS are just the cool girls you expect them to be. It was truly a weekend I won't forget. And even with all the big hitters, bloggy super STAHS, great SITStahs

like my MD peeps here the LOVELY Too Fatties and ADORABLE Pareting By Dummies (seen here taking a break from bringing sexy back with the likes of Justin Timberlake and Ciara!)

I was able to narrow this group of fabulosity down the single most insparational girl at the whole event, a true reason to travel from Maryland to NYC to Las Vegas to NYC and back to Maryland in the span of four days (insert drum roll here)

Seen on the right is Renee J Ross of Cutie Booty Cakes. She started blogging in July of last year just a few months before me. Her's were among my first comments and I always looked forward to her words of support and humor. I've been missing her. Now I know where she is though and I'm SO proud of her that I can miss her less. She was a speaker at Blog Word Expo as well as SITScation. Renee travels all over the country these days talking about building your community online and connecting with others. I feel like she is my sister and she's gone on to be a super star! And she got there by doing what most of us are or have been doing, just blog cruising, commenting, guest posting, putting herself out there to become part of a larger community. So fittingly I end this update on SITScaton by introducing you to Kristin from This is the Story of a Girl she is hosting a getting to know you link up on her blog that she calls

Stop by and meet somebody new!!

For my part I'll be taking a break for the next week or so and getting back to my bloggy roots by visiting other blogs and commenting again. I started blogging to make being at home with only kids for company, less isolating. Along the way I got caught up in giveaways, ad space and traffic numbers. Don't get me wrong all those things are great and I'm not going to just dump them entirely. As Jessica Gottlieb said "You don't have to be THAT girl that sleeps with the first guy that asks you to the dance" meaning don't jump into bed with every pitch you get. I needed that reminder! That said, I want to just step back from what I have been doing and cruise the blogosphere making more friends and bringing some saucy nugget style snark to the masses!

OH one last thing, I could not have made it to Vegas without the support (both tech and chick) from my favorite BBF (Bloggy Best Friend) Cheapskate Mom. Go say hi to her and meet her featured friend for the week, spread the bloggy wubbin'! Okay I know I just sort of dissed giveaways.. BUT Cheapskate and I are PROUD to be hosting and UBER giveaway from Bubbles Salons of over $150 worth of hair products and fashion from Cibu!

Remember to remind yourself why you blog and stay true to that vision, after all it IS cheaper than therapy (trust me I know). Also it's not the size of the blog nor is it the number of followers, it's the person on the other side of your screen that counts!

What Happens in VEGAS...

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:29:00 +0000

Isn't gonna STAY in Vegas... BUT considering all the fun, food, libations and dancing going on at SITScation 09 here IN VEGAS last night I'm thinking posting about it deserves all my attention and seeing-as-how I'm exhausted, in a good way for a change, I think I'll just let your imaginations run wild until I get back home!

Let me just say this, I wouldn't be here without all of YOU! That even one person takes the time to read my rambling insanity is BEYOND me! Reading your comments is always the highlight of each and every one of my days and a simple thank you just doesn't do you justice. I think I'll go grab one of those open mike things and sing you a song... trust me if you wished you were here before, now you'll be thankful you aren't! I couldn't cary a tune in a bag!! But I'll sing for you all the same. Have a great weekend Nuggetiers.

Fit Pitchin Friday, the airborne addition

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Did you think my being on a plane on my way to a fantastic weekend with the bloggers at SITScation was going to keep me from pitching a fit? Oh how little you know me! I'm never at a loss for things to moan and complain about. Mother Nature and her evil minions PMS and COLD have done their part to ensure that if I wasn't already going to pitch it I'd be forced to now.

I should have known it was too good to be true... an A-Freakin-Mazing hair makeover from Bubbles Salons... killer new red and black patent pumps, a suite at the Venetian in Vegas with The DH and NO KIDS... bliss, nigh on heaven on earth, no? Leave it to me to be hacking up a lung, chasing around a rouge nose as it runs everywhere, and being bloated up like a puffer fish in a shark tank (I'd be the one retaining all the water from said tank as well). So sure I'm on my way to Vegas but I'm not doing it MY WAY. (this is where you insert the Sinatra and get the song stuck in your head for the rest of the day)

What's worse than flying coach? Flying coach with a head cold, cramps and no sleep.. lovely. Fear not though Nuggetiers I have found a few ways to entertain myself. For example, The DH and I were "fortunate" enough to be seated one row in front of three lovely young ladies whom I suspect may be Rosie Perez's cousins. Oh the lovely sounds of the Queens NY accent spiced up with a dash of Puerto Rican flare. I could just shove an ice pick through my temple that would be "entertaining" nes pas? Or I could, entertain the idea of standing in line with the 12 other passengers waiting for the toilet. Really why must you ALL have to go when MY bladder is full?! Food is entertaining right? Well at $6 for PB&J sammie it had better be! I don't care if Todd English "designed" it, or if you used almond butter and artisian bread... if it's got grape jelly on it people it's a PB&J and that's that!

So as I enjoy my free in-flight wifi that keeps cutting out (SHOCKER) and complementary 1/4 of a can of diet coke, I invite you to pitch your own fit. I fully expect to hear the random "shut the hell up at least you're going to Vegas comment" so hit me with your best shot.

Luck be a lady...

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:40:00 +0000

Looks like the kind of "lady" my luck turned out to be was more like a woman scorned. As you all know I'll be flying off to SITScation in Las Vegas this weekend. Well that lovely lady luck disided that in addtion to the amazing makeover I'm about to tell you about I also needed to take along with me, a head cold and just for good measure bloating and cramps!

Dear Mom Nature,

Obviously I've done something to tick you off. Though what it could be escapes me. I'm a good girl, I love Elvis and America too. Nearly all of my energy goes into raising this gaggle of kids you bestowed upon me (an honor to be sure). I take care of animals, lug around re-usable shopping bags, mulch, recycle and give to charity as though I had money! Why then, WHY, did you see fit to give me a raging head cold just before my big weekend? Furthermore what possessed you to also send along your evil minion, "Aunt Flow" to add insult to misery? That's it I'm going to go shopping, and guess what I'm gonna use PLASTIC STORE BAGS! Thank you for your support!

You know if it weren't for the fact that Bubbles Salons did a jaw dropping job making me over, I'd just stick a bag on my head and go to Vegas much like The Unknown Blogger..

As it turns out though the magicians at Bubbles Salons did such great work on me that even coughing, and hacking and cramps.. OH MY.. won't keep me away from the big event. So are you ready? Are you sitting down? Well DUH!All great makeover stories start with a REALLY scary before picture, here is mine

Yes the cup says Psycho, got something to say about it? Huh do ya? You feeling lucky, punk? Oops, having a pre-caffeine PMS moment there sorry. Enter my own personal Super Hero, Erica Ritchie, manager of the Arundel Mills Bubbles Express location.

This little pixie is proof that good things do come in small packages. Note to salon equipment manufactures, please consider making shorter sinks for the vertically challenged stylists of the world. Short people are people too (he he). Packing mad stylista skills and some serious heavy hitters from Cibu : Ancient Secrets for Modern Hair Erica went into full on hair-kung-fu mode on my frizzy, damaged, tacky-trailer-tresses.

I wanted her to make it look like I had one of those take-out swans on my head, but I think she thought I was kidding. Are you ready for the BIG reveal? On the edge of your seat yet or did you lose interest after the bad martial arts humor? Ready or not here I am

Don't I look HAWT?! I do and you can't tell me I don't so there, neener neener! Erica gave me the Bubbles Color package: cut, full color, full highlights, conditioning treatment and style. If you are near any of the 38 Bubbles Salons in the MD, DC, VA and PA area you can get a DEAL on this too just click HERE (offer good through Nov 2, 2009). Even if you aren't near a Bubbles though you can still join me tomorrow over at Cheapskate Mom's blog were you'll be able to pick up some tips from Erica, learn more about the products she used on me, see video styling tutorials... AND what would Drabby To Fabby Friday be without a giveaway? I'm not sure what that giveaway will be but it will undoubtedly be GREAT!

(Bubbles Salons provided the hair makeover featured in this post gratis.They will also be providing product for the giveaway. As always I only help to promote products or services that are of the best quality and that I personally believe in. I thank Bubbles Salons for their support and talents!)

And the Horoscope says....

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

This is what my Google horoscope said this morning (at 3 AM when I couldn't sleep!)

"Your life is simple when you just do what you are supposed to do. But on days like this, even if you know what you should be working on, you might not feel inspired to come up with the correct magical words or the right actions. Even if you aren't excited about what's ahead, keep plodding through the day. Your enthusiasm gathers momentum and will have a positive effect on everyone around you."

(insert creepy Twilight Zone music here)

I'm in a blog bog and crap storm of both bloggy and real life things that need to get done leading up to my trip to Vegas this weekend for SITScation. I've worked really hard to get there and am ~~freaked out~~ super excited about meeting all the amazing bloggers, PR reps and super chic speakers who will be there. The whole "do what you are supposed to do" thing, applies to everything from the mundane like the doing of the dishes that have been sitting on the counter for two days, to baking ~~bribes~~ bread as an offering to my in-laws for taking care of the brood so The DH and I jet. It also includes an interview with Uma Thurman this morning, on the eve of the red carpet premier of her new movie Motherhood. Not to mention I just got an amazing makeover from the super cool peeps at Bubbles Salon. I plan to share that journey with you in a post that will be filled with scary BEFORE pictures, SHOCKING after clips, tips and a giveaway teaser. With so much to get done I actually am lacking in the feeling "inspired to come up with the correct magical words or the right actions" thus my inability to sleep leading to my writing a post at the ungodly hour of 3AM! One thing the swamis at Google Horoscopes messed up is claiming I have a lack of excitement about these things. Admittedly I'm not real enthused about the dishes, bread baking, house cleaning, packing, and bathing kids things, but the other stuff I'm super excited about. I hope that I can gather that momentum and have a positive effect on everyone from the Nuggetiers to Ms. Thurman to my kiddos. Here's to the power of positive thinking and the level motivation that only comes from being over extended.. WOOT!

Love me some Disney On Ice

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:24:00 +0000

Okay so maybe I can't say I LOVE Disney On Ice just yet, as I haven't been to see it YET! But I figure with my adoration of all things Disney it's not too big of a stretch to say I'm gonna love it just as much served up on skates. After all I'm the girl who NEVER misses a single moment of the World Figure Skating Championships or Olympic Figure Staking events. Heck I even like it so much that I've started watching Brian Boitano's new Food Network show!

You can imagine my GLEE when I was contacted by the Disney On Ice people to come join them this October 29th at 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore! Those great kiddos though they didn't stop at offering me and the brood a free show, guess what.. they've offered a family four pack of tickets to one of my readers in the Baltimore area! BONUS! Plus they've also set up a sweet deal package for those who don't win.

Here is the deal:

You can get a four pack of tickets for just $44 Monday-Friday (must purchase a minimum of four tickets, more tickets can be purchased at $11 each).

Can't make it during the week? You can still get a deal. Nuggetiers can get $4 off per ticket for weekend shows.

Tickets are on sale HERE simply enter our super secret (now published on the web!) coupon code MOM. (offer not valid on Rinkside or VIP seating. Cannot be combined with other offers. Service Charges, Facility & handling fees will apply)

On to the "How do I win this FAB giveaway" part of our program... All you need to do is leave me comment telling me what your favorite Disney moment is. It can be anything from a movie to a theme park moment, a character with special meaning for you or the first time you remember Disney being a part of your child's life. Have fun with it. Contests EXTENDED TO Oct 23th at 5 pm. The winner will be announced October 24th so that you'll still have time to get tickets if you didn't win.

Not in the Baltimore area and still want to go? Check out Disney On Ice or visit Ticket Master for more cities and dates in your area.

(I am being provided free tickets to the Disney On Ice show in exchange for helping to encourage others to go as well)

I STILL HATE MONDAYS! But I've got some help now

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:08:00 +0000

Is it just me or was I REALLY a big ball of cranky pooh last Monday? I'm writing this post on Sunday night so it remains to be seen if I'll win the Monday scrimmage for my sanity tomorrow. I won't be going into battle unarmed this time though. No I STILL don't have a coffee pot!! Truth be told I'm sort of holding out for Keurig to come through for me. Cheap? Maybe, but I prefer to think of it as blogishly optimistic. So what will this secret weapon for The Vanquisher of Monday be? VIA la Starbucks... nope that's not a typo (JOY!).. Starbucks has a new product called VIA. It's handy, portable, easy to make liquid life in a foil wrapper! The kind people at Starbucks, either feeling my Monday woes or concerned for the safety of the cats in this house, sent me some free to try out and tell you all about! True to form I was most impressed with the accessory they sent, yes I'm distracted by shiny objects! Check out this bad boy!!

Yep it's a cup BUT not just any old cup Nuggetiers..it's a super-mega-carry-your-own-coffee-with-you-bullet-of-blingie-BOOYAH cup!

Via is actually and instant coffee, just add hot water and go. Which works well when you feel that, "give me caffeine or the cat gets it" moment coming on. It comes in those cool sticks you see above and you can lock and load em into that cup! Coffee to the rescue no matter where you are (I hear the cats out on the deck cheering for Starbucks).

Now though Via was tasty and did the job it's not exactly a Venti double shot skinny mocha with no whip. I'll still have to go in for the real deal there. But for a fix on the fly it's great. Guess what though it's also SUPER AMAZING in brownies! mmmmm brownies! Don't believe me? Try it yourself!! I have two three packs of Starbucks VIA one Colombian and one Italian Roast up for grabs today. Wanna win? Here is how to do it. Leave me a comment telling me what YOU hate most about Monday. Make it good too, no easy outs like "I hate going back to work".. well DUH don't we all? Be specific, say something like "I hate going back to work because the guy in the cube next to me marinates in Old Spice and hums Sexy Back all freaking day long!". The two most creative haters win! I get to pick, so there! You can get an extra entry for tweeting, well because I've got a mean twitter addiction brewing (HA I said brewing in a coffee post!) and I obsess over seeing my handle every 30 seconds!

(sticks her tongue out) So THERE Monday, I'm coming for ya and this time it's gonna be epic!

contest open through 10/19/09 winner will be announced 10/22/09.
ALSO OPEN TO ALL NUGGETIERS BOTH FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC, OLD AND SOGGY, NEW AND CRISPY!

It's FRIDAY.. and I feel a FIT coming on!

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:32:00 +0000

You didn't really think that I'd given up pitching fits did you? If you did well then hand over your membership card, you've failed the test. It was a pop quiz, I distracted you using Cheapskate Mom and my nasty feets, and you fell for it! I'd NEVER give up random rants about things that annoy, tick me off and/or puzzle me. I'm out numbered by kids and cats, buried under piles of unattended to laundry, unpaid and over worked. Heck I've got an endless supply of material to push me into daily fits of range and indignation even with out the "scandal" of David Letterman getting some on the side. Just be happy I only subject you to it on Fridays.

Speaking of Dave... word to the media.. SHUT UP ABOUT IT ALREADY! I for one consider it the 8th wonder of the world, David Letterman got some! More than once? Without paying for it? Really?! I mean have you seen this guy? This just goes to show you that money is indeed sexy. Do you think he'd be getting it on the job if he were say the manager at the local Cheap Mart? I think not.

Before you go off on me telling me it's sexual harassment and the women were taken advantage of, know this about me. At my last duty station, while in the Navy, one of the superior officers in my squadron was Paula Coughlin, of the Tail-Hook scandal. In life and during all my years in the Navy, I've rarely met a more down to earth, honest and straight forward woman. I've seen what sexual harassment can do and IF any of the women Dave got busy with were victimized my opinions on this topic will change. However, until then I say, WHAT?! This is "news"... days and days worth of it no less!

This week eight Americans were returned to their families in flag draped coffins, children went hungry, a family mourned the brutal killing of their son in a Chicago school yard. When did we become a nation of scandal obsessed prudes, falling over a cliff like lemmings and accepting this crap as news worthy? I'm with Ariana Huffington who told Joy Behar that stories like this are issues that should remain private, between a husband and wife. YES, Joy Behar has her own show now. That is a WHOLE other fit in the pitchin'. Is CNN/HLN now the Cranky Nags Network?

When did the American public become the poontang police anyway? I wonder how much could be accomplished if we demanded that the digging up of bedroom dirt on people in show biz and government stop. I know there are some people out there that make the argument that we "need" to know the character of those in office. Why? If they are doing their job and not breaking any laws I just could care less.

Dear Mass Media Outlets,

Please focus on things like bringing home our troops, feeding the hungry in this country, helping families in need, putting an end to child abuse and domestic violence, getting the economy back on track and ferreting out who exactly  those little green dudes in that craft that landed in my mom's yard when she was smoking drinking coffee on the porch were. 

In disgust,

DiPaola Momma

I now invite the Nuggetiers to a truly disturbing post.. come see me SANS both makeup and sleep.. if you DARE (insert diabolical laugh here, bwaaaha haha haaaa)

This just in, another WHAT??!!!!! moment. Our President just won the Noble Peace prize! Yeah...um...huh? Wait did I miss something? Were all the troops returned home over night? Did he persuade Iran to ditch their Nuke aspirations and install a democratically elected government? Are the Yankees and Red Socks having their own Beer Summit on the White House Lawn? Oh the committee nominated him for his "efforts to solve complex international issues through diplomacy".... See you Monks in Myanmar you're just not diplomatic enough!

Whateverrrrr Wednesday... Wordless?

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:42:00 +0000

Hum, well that says it all don't it Bubba? Dam Morans, they must be foreigners!

CRAP I forgot... the winner of the Nature Valley gift pack from The Nuggets, My Blog Spark and Nature Valley (duh) is Not The Momma.. contact me w/your 411 so I can get your prize out to ya.

Don't FORGET to watch MY LIFE on TV tonight in the form of ABC's new show "The Middle".. I swear if one of their teens ends up going to a dance I'll KNOW they are bugging my house! BTW, Mr. FTC guy.. ABC is NOT paying me to plug this show.. though I'm open to offers, or maybe they can pay my DirectTV bill (also not a plug for DirectTV).

U2 Tuesday... reliving my youth one overpriced t-shirt at a time

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:05:00 +0000

We (meaning I) made it through Monday mostly unscathed. Well save for the panic I now feel after all of you "supporting" me by telling me if I didn't get a new coffee maker STAT I was in serious jeopardy of going supernova. (note to Keurig, I TOLD you me getting a review freebie was a matter of life and death, FTC be dammed!)

To celebrate my victory over the evil that lurks in the heart of the first day of the week, I thought I'd just go full-on screaming teenager and share the SUPER-COOL-COOLNESS-OF-COOL that I got to gaze down (365 stories) upon at FedEx Field last week.

U2 STILL ROCKS! Don't believe it? Who else can erect this monstrosity,

call it a space ship and convince even the NON-partaking members of the audience that it might just be possible to take off with them?

The boys from Dublin never let you down, and even though this picture doesn't do him justice, Larry Mullen Jr is, as ever, HAWT! For his part Bono can still strike a pose remenicent of the days of The Joshua Tree videos. Is it just me or is this SOOOO With or Without You?
I suspect he's got a few more years of rock-ablity left in him, if Mr. Geriatric Hoofer himself.. Mick Jagger, is any indication. Maybe there IS something to be said for the rock and roll lifestyle, eh Music Savvy Mom?

Though I'm still a bit attached to THIS pose...
Sure he is wax, but hey a Nugget can dream right? That's okay I did have me a hot hubby for a date! Plus I got to take my son to his FIRST (as there will be MANY) U2 show. I figured it was fair play for me having to drag my old butt to Fallout Boy (don't tell but, they were a-freaking-mazing and I loved it, ssshhhh I have to play stick in the mud mommy). My hope is that he'll treasure this moment
as much as I will. That and the one where he realized that yes, I do indeed know all the words to ALL the songs! In the end the kid can at least say "I went to see the U2 360 tour with my mom and step dad and all I got was this FORTY DOLLAR t-shirt!" YES people FORTY U.S. DOLLARS for a concert t-shirt, gulp. The saving grace being U2 donates more to charity than just about anyone, save for maybe the Big Guy himself!

Housekeeping note.. yeah yeah I KNOW I don't DO housekeeping right.. okay so on a blogkeeping note.. I've TEMPORARILY removed my devoted to blog buttons and some of my feeds to make space for the upcoming 2009 Nuggets of Holiday Wisdom heretofore known as the "official" Chicken Nuggets of Wisdom Holiday Gift guide.. which of course I've done NOTHING with yet, but I will and after it's run it's course all my favorite bloggy buttons will be back in all their glory.

I don't like Mondays

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:39:00 +0000

You may think that... say, Garfield or maybe Bob Geldof, corner the market on being the haters of Mondays. I'd have to beg to differ with that one. Neither of them have to get up at 5:30 IN THE AM to wake up teenagers and get verbally abused by 10 year old girls, whilst picking up dirty socks that NEVER seem to end up anywhere but the family room floor, all before they can even drag themselves to the nearest coffee dealer as THEY HAVE NO COFFEE POT!

Nope the stinking cat gets to stay all snuggled up in his box, warm under his blankie (note to John, it's been over 20 years now buy the freakin' cat a real bed already!). As for the hip, talented, freakishly English looking, filanthropic crooner, Sr. Bob.. I don't really see him doing the early A.M. waking up thing. Not even back when Trixiebelle was an angst ridden teenager, not the hip designer of trashy undergarments she's grown up to be. The world is your oyster, you have all the money you need to do anything you'd like to daughter.. what is your heart's desire.. I want to make $200 plether thongs daddy... He must be so proud!

As I reread this post moments ago it occurred to me that maybe I'm a bit pissy today.. so I'll just stop here and put the fate of the day into the hands of the Boomtown Rats. Good luck with the whole Monday not sucking thing gang!

Drabby to Fabby FRIDAY with Cheapskate Mom

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Today marks the SECOND week of the bloggy movement to go from Drabby to Fabby... EVERY Friday! Come on stop moaning, you can do this! Heck if I can manage to shower for this EVERY Friday AND offer up my own dark secrets (like nasty feet, BTW I hate feet, they creep me out) you can play along. The bonus for YOU is that you'll be able to get yourself in the running for some GREAT swag... me I just get the pleasure of self deprecation and the occasional run-in with a condescending 20 something at the makeup counter.

Last week my my Kodak SUCKY-share camera was down so Cheapskate Mom offered up herself for our post. You could have heard my sigh of relief on the moon last week. I thought I'd dodged the foot bullet. But, NO... she couldn't let me do that could she?! Thanks babe! So here is my first drabby pic...

****WARNING MAY BE DISTURBING TO ANYONE WITH EYE BALLS****

(I realize the font is too small.. I spent THREE hours editing and re-editing.. once again demonstrating my own tech-suck-ie-ness! BUT if you click on the pic it should enlarge it for you.. if you're brave enough to get closer to these puppies!)

So there you have it my nasty, WAY DRABBY, tootsies.. you can thank Cheapskate Mom for this lovely image that I'm sure is now burned into your retinas! While you're over there, before thearapy, don't forget to enter the Drabby to Fabby contest. We now have Mr. Linky helping us out and this week's prize back is AWESOME!

ABC or KGB?

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:27:00 +0000

This just in from the experts (creepy guys) at Spy Gear For You....

"Covert Eavesdropping or Bugging Are you a potential target? If eavesdropping on anything you say, write, or do could increase someone else's wealth or influence, then the answer must be yes, you are a potential target."

Taking this obviously professional and highly credible advice and drawing upon my past life in the intelligence field I've come to the conclusion that ABC TV is bugging my house. It's pretty serious too. They haven't just tapped the phones I suspect that several of the three zillion stuffed animals in our house have nanny cams in them. The new collars I just purchased for the cats go under the MRI later today in search of nano technology. I KNOW big brother is watching! How do I know this?

I know because I watched ABC's new show, "The Middle", last night and it was MY LIFE there on the TV screen! They HAVE to be bugging my house. Sure the following can be said of most teenage boys, "He hibernates in his room coming out only to forage thorough my kitchen and make sarcastic comments".. BUT they even nailed my teenage son's habit of walking into the kitchen in nothing but his his boxers, drinking milk from the container AND making rude comments about how there are no chips in the house. That's a little to specific for mere coincidence! It didn't stop there though even the dad complained about the lack of chips, sounds familiar. I swear it was almost surreal. Patricia Heaton plays the frazzled, over worked, under organized, self doubting mom.. aka ME. I was quite literally in tears at a scene where she walks into the house with bags of fast food, tosses them on the table and announces "I made dinner". Then as her family members grab bags and walk off she says "Hey get back in here we eat as a family". AGAIN, that's MY tag line.. heck even my 3 year old said "Mommy she talks just like you". The similarities don't stop there though gang, the daughter is kind, has a big heart and no noticeable talent. Though my 10 year old is very smart and a great artist, she has quit everything from softball to ice skating and has all the coordination of a new born horse. The youngest son on the show has a habit of using a funny voice to repeat words. NO FREAKING WAY! My four year old will happen upon a word that he finds funny and assign it it's own inflection. For example he thinks You and Ewe are hilarious and he'll draw them out saying thing like "I love EEEEUUUUUU!". The kid on the show even has a thing for patting his teacher on her rather large ample bosom, um HELLO ABC THAT IS MY KID'S SHTICK! They even added a stinger, sort of a "we know, you know but no body is going to believe you" moment. The family gathers together to eat dinner on the sofa watching... DANCING WITH THE STARS note to ABC, if you are reading this post, and I KNOW you are. The results show is annoying, too long and not really necessary. I mean I LOVE Tom Bergeron,he knows this, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, I'm just sayin'. I laughed so hard that I will be out looking for grown up pull-ups potty pants today so there are no mishaps while watching next week's episode of The Middle, TMI?

We are lucky I live near the national headquarters of the NSA. I think they might be intrested in the notion that media outlets are conducting covert opperations on "normal" American families in an effort to get better ratings! I leave you with this... a clip of my life, brought to you by ABC. Hey ABC now we're watching you! Oh wait that's totally playing into their hands, it's a trap!

Oh one more thing, after last night's show my teenager said to the room "You know she is SO gonna blog the crap out of this!". ABC, if the mom on the show starts to write a blog, I'm getting a lawyer!

"I am looking for a dare to be great situation."

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:19:00 +0000

I'm still on the movie quotes kick.. what is it about screen writers that makes them so much wittier than me? Oh yeah talent, that's it, that's the ticket (insert raspberries track here). Or maybe it's just Cameron Crowe.. ?

The thing is I'm still a little star struck over my interview with Anthony Edwards last week. I've tried to clean up the audio for ya and cut it down but I SUCK at tech stuff so no go on that one for now. By the way the interview included some other GREAT bloggers, a few I know and a few I can't wait to get to know!

I was able to get the audio from Hip As I Wanna Be's portion of the interview, I guess mine was a bit long winded.. SHOCK! You can hear it HERE (I love how the host giggles at her blog title!)

The Three Tomatoes
Peeling an Orange with a Screwdriver
My REAL life buddies Jen from Hip As I Wanna Be and Joanne from Barely Domestic Mama
AND a Nuggetier I simply ADORE the divine Mrs. RAS from Optimistic Cynicism (you have GOT to ready about her hubby blowing chunks in front of Mr. Edwards!) AND Margaret of Nanny Goats in Panties (if her blog title alone doesn't get you her humor will!)

Okay back to the star struck thing. Sure he played Goose in the movie that prompted me to truly learn the meaning of Never Again Volunteer Yourself (GO NAVY!). He has shared the screen with number 3 on my list of the top 10 guys: "I'd take my coat off for and let him walk on it to to avoid glass in the parking lot at the local convince store after an all night keg party with slackers like Jeremy Piven", John Cusack (swoon). But those things aside I'm still in awe of the man who showed up for this interview.

In his newest film Motherhood , Anthony plays husband to Eliza (played by Uma Thurman) once a fiction writer, now the stay at home mom who authors "The Bjorn Identity" (that's almost as funny as Chicken Nuggets of Wisdom, cha right!) . His character is a good hearted but absent minded husband. When asked in the interview what he would say to moms if he could speak for dads, he replied with the sincerity of a guy who's been there, "I'd want moms to know it's not intentional, that we forget what you said. Sometimes we just forget". The cynic in me was saying "Sure ya do", so I sent her off for a time out and a cosmo.

See Anthony wasn't just sitting in some posh leather chair in a shiny new condo down in Chelsey. This guy was walking his seven year old down to the bike shop to get a flat tire fixed. Commence with the "awe" now. So I had to ask him how he balanced his career in film and TV with being the father of four. He didn't miss a beat, saying he copes just like we do. Prioritize! And his family is his first priority. He loves hanging out with his kids and finds going to work is the weird thing for him.

How many of us moms have found ourselves struggling with that balance? Most of us work away from home. Many of us work at home. All of us find parenting frustrating at some point in the day just like he told us he does. When asked why he took this film he said because it seemed so real. That and his wife said the character was SO him, being good intentioned but forgetful. Ha, I could just see that conversation taking place in my kitchen!

Even if I wasn't already super excited about Motherhood after talking with the director, Katherine Dieckmann and learning from her what a labor of love both the writing at directing of the film was. Even if I didn't feel like pumping my fist in the air that FINALLY the Mommy Blogger will be getting some props on screen, in the form of Uma Thurman no less! Just talking with Anthony Edwards, getting a feel for what this project, parenting, and family mean to him would get my butt to the theaters on October 23rd to see this film!

But the wooing of the DiPaola Momma didn't stop with him saying that a film with a strong female voice was one that needed to be made. He appealed to the sucker for a cause in me. Mr. Edwards will be running the New York Marathon this November in support of the charity Shoe 4 Africa. Their goal is to build the first and ONLY Children's Hospital in Africa. Always the sucker for a good cause I'm working with other bloggers to show just what big hearts mom bloggers have and how we can change the world! So stay tuned for more info on that. In the meantime join me as a fan of Motherhood the film and the state of being on FaceBook.

And hey Nuggetiers.. Dare to be great!

Drabby to Fabby Friday!

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:22:00 +0000

***Update: Cheapskate Mom's Fabby Pic for this week!***

Oooooh looks like fun!

(My #@%#* camera is on the fritz but I'm working on a fix and will post a lovely photo or two when I get it back!)

******************

"TGIDTFF!!"

Pretty soon you all will be jumping up and down yelling this! At least that is what Cheapskate Mom visualized when she came up with the idea for Drabby to Fabby Friday!

Cheapskate Mom took the liberty of posting where she came up with the idea for Drabby to Fabby and the rules to participate right HERE! Please go there and read all about it before you participate!

Cheapskate Mom admits, she is one of those moms in need of some pampering TLC! Also, DiPaola Momma, who has four kids, counts herself lucky if she can shower daily let alone get a weekly chance to spruce up! We think that there are lots of you out there just like us. Mom's who need to take time for yourself but finding that time isn't always something you have.

We're here to say "we get it" and maybe we can help each other out. Be a part of the bloggy movement to go from Drabby to Fabby! Just post your Drabby picture (Required) then post a Fabby picture before the end of the day. Show us you can do it! We'll do it right along with you!

Leave a comment with a link to your personal Drabby to Fabby story, on either of our blogs, and you will be entered to win the weekly giveaway! Add the DTFF button to your sidebar and you will automatically earn an extra entry for each DTFF giveaway you participate in!

Since we're just getting started, right now your chances are great! Be a trailblazer! Join the movement before it sweeps the blogosphere!

This week it's all about feet!

We are on our feet all day, yet we don't give them the love and attention they deserve. With sandal season fading fast those footsies are going to get even less respect. After all, why pay for a pricey pedicure if you can spend that money on a fab pair of fall boots?! Well you don't have to take a seat in that chair and fork out $40 bucks or more with the tips you'll get from our first featured beauty expert!

This week's Fabby Tip comes from our friend, Lisa over at Learning Beauty Daily. Lisa is also an Avon Rep and she is super knowledgeable when it comes to affordable beauty!

After a long, hard day, it only takes a few minutes to pamper yourself and treat your feet to a relaxing and renewing treatment before bed.

Lisa recommends using Avon Foot Works Conditioning Foot Soak (on sale this week for only $2.99) or Epsom salts with tea tree oil to a warm tub of water. Soak feet for 15 minutes and then scrub with a mix of sugar and olive oil (about 1/2 cup sugar to 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil). Rinse and enjoy your soft, touchable feet!

DiPaola Momma added this tip: You can also get a great moisture boost while getting into the fall mood by using 1/2 cup of quick oats pulsed in a blender until fine and mixed with 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp olive oil. Soak feet for 15 minutes enjoying the warming sensations and wonderful aroma therapy. Remove them to a towel warmed for 30 seconds in the microwave. Rubbing in a circular motion will help increase circulation through out your body and help you relax.

To trim nails, cut straight across, then file down corners to reduce chances of ingrown nails. It's easier to cut or trim toenails after soaking, bathing or showering. The nails are softer and make cleaner cuts. Always rinse or swab nail clippers before and after use with a rubbing alcohol to reduce bacteria transfer.

Lotion up using your favorite foot cream or lotion and put on clean cotton socks until morning. When you wake up, your feet will feel and look refreshed and renewed!

Footworks Deep Conditioning Cream is on sale for $1.99 this week.

Thanks, Lisa for those awesome tips! Please stop by Lisa's blog and say hello! She has generously contributed several items from Avon for our first Drabby to Fabby Giveaway! Lisa is also hosting a fabulous giveaway on her blog with lots of Avon goodies, so drop on by and check it out!

Check out this week's Drabby to Fabby Giveaway!

The Fabby Feet Giveaway Includes:

Avon Foot Works Deep Moisture Cream
Avon Foot Works Double Action Foot File
Avon Lovin' My Feet Pedi Set
Avon Foot Works Conditioning Foot Soak
Avon Speed Dry Enamel in Feisty
Avon Portable Nail Salon Set

(Items are being shipped so I don't have a photo yet!)

We are also giving away a Rada Pro Nail Station which is valued at $24.99!

This handy little station comes with all the accessories to make polishing your nails effortless!

Cheapskate Mom received the Rada Pro about 3 weeks ago and she really loves using it!

Here is what she had to say about the Rada Pro Nail Station:

I am used to painting my nails while sitting on the toilet and balancing my toes on the tub. The Rada Pro Nail Station is awesome because I can paint my hands and toes anywhere! It comes with a hand-foot stand which is self adjusting so I can keep my nails steady as I paint them. It also comes with two washable soft terry cloth covers! The accessory tray is perfect for keeping my favorite polishes in one place! I can keep my nail files, q-tips and remover handy in case I get over zealous while painting, I won't have to hop around to find a q-tip and remover to correct any flaws! There is also a polish holder which can hold polish bottles of all sizes and the cool part is, it swivels so if you only have half a bottle, it tilts it so you just dip your brush without having to hold the bottle in your hand!

I really am enjoying this handy nail station and I am so excited to share one with a lucky Drabby to Fabby participant!

If you want a Rada Pro Nail Station all to yourself for only $24.99 just visit Rada Pro to order! This really is genius and this nail station has made polishing my nails so effortless, it is worth every cent!

Giveaway Details

This Fabby Feet Giveaway will be up for grabs from now until Thursday, October 8th. Which means you have two weeks to get your Drabby to Fabby post up and linked up here!

So without further adieu let's get this show on the road!

Here is Cheapskate Mom's Drabby Picture:

I was nice enough to put on a bra. Normally I let my little gals roam free while at home with no where to go. I know that is TMI but I want you to know I was courteous, hehe I love my jammy pants. They are so soft and furry. My son calls them "Bozo pants" He hates when I take him to school wearing these!

I'm even going a step further and posting a Drabby feet pic. I know, I bet you are super excited about seeing my Drabby feet, huh?

Cheapskate Mom & I promised to be the leader of this Drabby pack and in order to gain your trust, so we have to show the ugly truth! Why not start with feet?

Cheapskate Mom is going to bust out her foot spa and Rada Pro Nail Station and wow ya'll with her purty feet! Oh and we both hope to have a little bit of wow factor with however we work the fabby today! You be the judge! These gals need some overhauling!

Please join in the Drabby to Fabby fun!

"Take me to bed or LOSE me forever!"

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:18:00 +0000

Did I get ya in with the title of this post? Well don't get your panties in a knot it's just another quote from a movie staring Anthony Edwards, whom I had the pleasure of interviewing this afternoon. More details on that to come.. there are LOTS. In the interim though I thought you might like to take a look at the trailer for his new movie that co-stars Uma Thurman and Minnie Driver (SUCKS that I can't figure out how to get the DAM thing NOT to take up half my blog but, cest la vie) . It's about a MOM BLOGGER! I'm SUPER excited to see it... even if I don't consider Uma the "traditional" mommy.. I mean what mom has a bod like that, really! Enjoy the trailer. I'll have a complete recap of the interview, hopefully including audio, on Monday. Tomorrow though will be TONS of fun too.. it's time for Drabby To Fabby Friday with me and Cheapskate Mom!

How's my hair?

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:28:00 +0000

Does it look all Jersey Girl? {quick Joanie grab da Aquanet!} Should I go with the black sweats or the Jessica Simpson mom jeans? I'm all twitterpated because today I get to interview a STAH! One that just happens to be one of my crushes. A crush for which #2 tells me "Mom, you are soooo weird!". For some reason the kid finds the fact that I don't swoon over the likes of Brad Pitt, both funny and proof of her growing suspicion that I am in fact off my rocker.

In honor of the palpitations and sweaty palms sure to be spotted here at the lair today I've dug up some of my favorite quotes from said STAH's film and TV career (FYI many were not actually SAID, by said STAH). By now most of you have guessed who it is but play nice for the rest of the class that hasn't caught up yet, they are "special" people. ED put your hand down already! I submitted your question... we'll see if it gets answered. Tell me who I'll be swooning over later today and you get a gold STAH yourself! Tell me the movies or shows the quotes come from and you get TWO!

"Dude! That was my skull, I'm so wasted!"

"In a few hours, we're gonna be surrounded by friends and people we love... and your mother."

"How would you like to have a sexual encounter so intense it could conceivably change your political views?"

"No one's really gonna to be free until nerd persecution ends."

"I can see how that can be a problem. You know, it's like Jung says, "The unconscious is revealed through the imagery of our dreams, which express our innermost fears and our desires".
Jung said that?
Yeah, I think it was Jung. Or maybe Vincent Price."

And to a certain someone out there that thinks "mommy" blogs aren't worth reading, I dedicate the following...

"She's lost that loving feeling.
She's lo... No she hasn't.
Yes, she has.
She's not lost that lo...
Goose, she's lost it, man.
Come on! [to himself] Aw sh... I hate it when she does that."

Win this Wednesday (in lieu of Whateverrrr cuz I'm sucking today)

chickennuggetsofwisdom@gmail.com (DiPaola Momma) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:11:00 +0000

I've got ZERO bloggy mojo coursing though the old noggin today. Maybe what I need is a salty, sweet, crunchy jolt of protein packed yummy bits. Enter the new Nature Valley Nut Clusters (slipped that in there on the sly didn't I?). I do have to say that not a single crumb remains in this house. That all FOUR of my kids liked them is testimony to their groovy granola-esque goodness. Sure they are great, I dig them, but the funk I'm dealing with today is gonna require more than just nuts. I'm thinking something also packed with, caffeine, that say prevents bloating and cures lower back pain too.

Here is the deal gang.. wanna win this?

(thanks My Blog Spark and Nature Valley for the prize pack)

First make sure you follow me because superficial acceptance from strangers on the web feeds my need to be the center of attention. Tell me you do.. bada bing, entry ONE (required! So don't just give me that "count me in" crap cuz I'll bounce your butt like one of them Big Red Balls from Wipe Out!)

Want to up your chances? Tell me what drives YOU NUTS! After all insanity loves company! Contest ends 9/30.. sometime there after my lovely in-house randomizer (known as the fruit of my loins, TMI?) will pick a random nut-job...um name.. and I'll announce it here for all the world (10 of you) to read.

UNLIMITED ENTRIES!!!YOU GET ONE ENTRY FOR EVERY COMMENT ABOUT WHAT DRIVES YOU NUTS! I KNOW YOU'VE ALL GOT A FREAKIN' NEST OF NUTS.. SO SHARE WITH THE REST OF THE CLASS!