I must admit, I forgot about the Golden Globe Awards this year. I don't know how how. I live in LA. They were held about 20 miles from my house. I just flat out forgot.

I don't actually watch the awards show anyway. I only watch the preshow and see what the nominees are wearing. I like to form my opinion on the ensembles before the "experts" weigh in. 

I never agree with them anyway. Seriously, they are so annoying. You cannot tell me some tiered, feathery, looks like someone just threw up on it, ball gown is beautiful just because it's a vintage Chanel or House of Dior. I could care less. Don't care who designed it or how many people it took to sew.

If I wouldn't want to wear it, then it's ugly (why would i want to wear a ball gown though? I don't go anywhere except PTA meetings and mommy/me class).

So, of course I get really excited when the mom celebs look hot, and I'm glad that my 2 favs are both moms.

Halle Berry took a risk, and although I though it was a little skanky for the Golden Globes and for a woman with such obvious beauty (why show so much skin?), she's so radiant and confident that she made it work. She's 43 years old and has a toddler. Her dress is by Kaufaman Franco.

My other fave is Kate Winslett. Not a big Kate Winslett movie fan, but she's a mom, 34 years old, has 2 kids, and she looked amazing. I loved the chic simplicity of her (Yves Saint Laurent) dress and the Tiffany jewels were classic and breathtaking.

Everyone's kid "tests" them at some point or another out in public.

If it hasn't happened yet, it will.

It could be at the grocery store when you get in the checkout line and your kid starts whining about how they want a chocolate bar that is so convienently placed at kids eye level.

Or at restaurant after you order him a pizza and he declares he wanted chicken nuggets.

Or at park when you say it's time to go home and he decides to do a public meltdown in an attempt to get 5 more minutes of playtime.

What do you do? Do you give in? Do you ignore them? Do you beat their azz? lol....just kidding

I have been pretty lucky in this department. Mo and Bronson haven't really had major incidents. BUT, on a recent airplane trip, Mo finally did it to me....

We were flying 20,000 feet in the air when the beverage cart came wheeling down the aisle. Mo's eyes got really big when he saw the color assortment of soda cans, especially since he had just mentioned how thirsty he was.

Perky flight attendant (to me): What can I get for you today?

Me: I'll have an apple juice please.

Perky flight attendant: And for your child.

Mo (interrupting): I'll have a Coke.

Me (looking at Mo like he just slapped me): Excuse you....

Mo (giggling): Pretty mommy, can I PLEASE have a Coke?

Me (oh no he didn't pull the "pretty mommy" card): Um, NO!

Slightly agitated flight attendant: Ma'am what should I get for him?

Mo (grinning): COKE

Me (clenching my teeth): you can have apple juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, or cranberry juice.

Mo: Well, my DAD lets me drink Coke all the time. You're mean.

Me (is my kid trying to make this a good guy/bad guy thing): Do I look like your dad? Do you think I have a penis?

Mo (giggling at my use of a potty word): No mom, but it's really not fair that dad gives me soda and you don't.

At this point, all the passengers around us have diverted their attention from their in-flight satellite tv monitors and Mo and I have become the feature presentation...

Me: Here's your choice Mo, either apple juice or water.

Mo: That's not fair. Before you said I could have all those other juices.

Me: Oh well, you lost your privielege. In a minute, it's only gonna be water, and then nothing.

Mo: You're the meanest mom in the world.

Me (to the now annoyed flight attendant): He'll have a water.

Mo: OK, OK....I want apple juice.

For a split second, I almost caved. I had visions of Mo throwing a tantrum and our flight. Then our plane being escorted to the ground by two federal B-57 bombers and Mo taken into military custody and sent to bootcamp for his behavior.

It definitely would have been easier to just say yes and give him the Coke. But, what kind of message would that have sent to him? In the end, it would have done more damage than good because the next time he wanted something I disapproved of we would have gone through the same process.

Stick to you guns folks. Remember WE are the parents for a reason.

Living in California, makes me very conscious to earthquakes. I've been through a few minor ones, but none the magnitude of the 7.0 earthquake that shook Haiti on January 12, 2010.

I can only imagine the devastation to a country that is desperartely poor and politically unrest.

Without the help from other countries, it would be incredibly challenging to coordinate mass relief efforts from such a major natural disaster.

Haiti might be a small country, but it is mighty. The Haitian Revolution (1791-1804), the successful slave revolt against the French, established Haiti as the second independent country in the Western Hemisphere. There is no doubt the Haitian people are resilient, but international help is essential for a new beginning.

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, 80% of Haitians live below the poverty line. It also has the highest rates of infant, under-5 and maternal mortality. 

As a mother, seeing pictures of children alone and scared really resonates with me. That could easily be me or my kids. Perhaps one day me or someone in my family could be in a position that we could benefit from the kindness of strangers.

For those interested in helping, something known as "text donations" have been popular. You simply type a code in a text message to a number and the dollar amount is added on to your cell phone bill. I have done this and it is highly efficient and very easy.

You can do this with The Red Cross and Yele (an organization established by entertainer Wyclef Jean).

Text "Haiti" to the number 90999 to make a $10 donation to the Red Cross. 

Text "Yele" to the number 501501 to make a $5 donation to Yele.

Other organizations and sites to make donations or get information are:

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross, which is almost three-times bigger than the next-biggest charity listed here, is providing support to Haitians affected by the earthquake. 

Food for the Poor Haiti Earthquake Relief

Food for the Poor is providing emergency relief to earthquake victims.

World Vision Haiti Earthquake Relief

World Vision is distributing relief supplies – including food, clean water, blankets and tents to children and families impacted by the earthquake and aftershocks in Haiti.

Care Haiti Earthquake Relief

Care is sending helping to rescue people from the rubble, and providing food and water.

UNICEF Haiti Earthquake Relief

UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is providing immediate support, even though its own offices in Port-au-Prince were devastated by the earthquake. At this writing, the UNICEF USA donation page is down, though.

Samaritan's Purse Haiti Earthquake Relief

Samaritan's Purse dispatched a team just hours after the quake to help with water, shelter, medical care and other emergency needs. We will focus on medical help, shelter, clean water and hygiene supplies.

World Food Program Haiti Earthquake Relief

Friends of World Food Program works in the U.S. to support the U.N.'s World Food Programme, which is supplying food to Haitians during the crisis.

Global Giving Haiti Earthquake Relief

Global Giving has launched an emergency earthquake relief fund that will provide emergency assistance.

Fonkoze  is providing emergency relief to earthquake victims.

Fonkoze is Haiti’s alternative bank for the organized poor. It is a family of three institutions working together towards a single compelling mission: building the economic foundations for democracy in Haiti by providing the rural poor with the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty. 

Partners In Progress

Partners in Progress help the organized poor of Haiti help themselves to increase human capacity for living with dignity by promoting and advancing a Fondwa community  model of (sustainable) rural development through educational outreach and resource networking.

Since I live in California, it's pretty much bikini season 10 months out of the year.

As wonderful as it is, it can also get costly and painful. Help is here!!!!

Treats For The Face is the only place I go when it comes to body waxing.

Many women hate going for a bikini wax, me included. But, Treats For The Face truly make the experience as painless and unintrusive as possible.

In addition to being endorsed by tons of LA celebs (Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale are regulars), they have been featured in Allure, People, and US Magazine. They have earned Citysearch's "Best Place to Wax" for 3 years. They definitely deserve it. Here's why:

2. They use a low-heat Chocolate Gummy Bare wax. Let me tell ya, this wax is amazing. It's oily and they don't use the paper strips to remove it. They just peel the wax off by hand. It is way more painless than ripping it off with those paper strips. It also makes the treatment go by so fast. I was in and out in less than 4 minutes.

3. Veronica, the owner is so professional, yet nurturing. I remember once I went and was a "little" dramatic (gasp...imagine that) and let out a toddler scream...she looked at me sweetly, and said polietely, "Honey, relax and take a deep breath", and before I could exhale, I was finished. She is such a warm person with a calm and friendly demeanor that she puts you at ease in a situation that can easily be uncomfortable (especially for someone shy like me :-) ).

4. Their prices are reasonable at $60 for a Brazillian wax. And because I love you, here's a $5 off coupon.

5. They offer much more than waxing services. They do hair extensions, hair color, eyelash extension, airbrush tanning, and facials. They even have a boutique that sells cute/hip clothes, beauty products, and cool fun fashionable must haves.

No waxing is 100% painless, but Treats For the Face makes it as pleasant, quick, and painless as possible. Besides, when you're looking and feeling great in your swimwear or whatnot, it is totally worth it.

Wow! Times sure have changed, especially when it comes to flying. I'm typing this entry on the plane en route to my hometown, Atlanta, Ga.

I've heard so many complaints about travel, but I am loving this. 

Mo is sitting quietly (relatively speaking) watching Harry Potter. He should be content for the next 2.5 hours. That's $6 well spent.

And me? I'm on my laptop tapping away while listening to my stripper music playlist (R. Kelly if you're wondering). So, the in air wifi cost $13. I paid it, but will be searching for an online coupon for my return flight internet connectioon. 

We just helped boost Delta's economy by purchasing every snack available from the mobile food cart: hummus, fruit, Pringles, Peanut M & Ms, cheese plate, PB&J, turkey crossaiant. They even threw in a deck of playing cards. I wonder if anyone on board is up for a game of Spades. 

Yeah, everything comes at a price, but with entertainment options limited in the friendly skies, I'll gladly pay.

Ok, back to facebook. Air travel gets 2 thumbs up from me. For today.

It seems that everyone is really excited to put 2009 behind us. But, don't we say that every year? Is there ever a time someone says "Oh, I'm not looking forward to the new year? Let's stay in this year?" I don't think so.

But, I do think many people actually mean it this time. 2009 was a tough year for the economy which had a huge residual effect on many people's lives.

2009 was an interesting year for me. I'm the type of person that doesn't like to mope around and dwell on the negative. I try and learn something from all experiences, no matter how much they test my sanity or patience. So, after the roller coaster ride I was on in '09 I should be smarter than a Harvard grad.

Here's what I learned:

1.  Trust myself

2.  Go with my gut

3.  Don't try and change people

4.  My kids don't see the imperfections I see in myself

5.  My kids inspire me and give me strength to inspire them

6.  Don't wait too long to go to the dentist if one of your crowns crack

7.  I will never remember to take the reusable shopping bags to the grocery store

8.  Mariah Carey is the greatest female singer of all time

9.  Brett Favre wants me

10. You can't make someone happy who isn't happy with themselves

11. Be my true self, those that really love me and matter will accept me no matter what

12.  Do what makes you happy and everything else will fall into place

HAPPY NEW YEAR

MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE IN 2010

I am a sucker for: shopping and supporting a good cause.

Mo's school had a fundraiser selling lunchskins.

I had no idea what they were, but bought quite a few just to support the school.

Boy, did I get lucky! These things are amazing. They are reusable cloth pouches designed for sandwhiches and snacks. They are made in the USA, dishwasher safe, kid and adult friendly designs, and help to replace the use of plastic baggies.

But, my favorite thing about lunchskins is that they are designed by a team of 3 Hot Mamas. These moms are beautiful, smart, and making money off of me.

They have other great environment conscious items and do fundraisers for schools. Check them out.

When Mo said he wanted a Lego Death Starfor Christmas, I almost fainted. $400 for legos and almost 4,000 pieces!? No thanks, I'll pass.

Then, I heard about the gold plated Playstation 3. It a PSP unit plated in 24K for the bargain price of $5,000. Please note, this does not include the blinged out hand controllers. That's extra. 

I guess it could be worse, Mo could be asking for one of these pimped out gaming units.

Thank goodness we're a wii family. Looks like Mo could possibly be getting his Lego Death Star afterall. 4.000 lego pieces should keep my little guy busy for a couple of hours. Santa, hope you're listening.

Mo was out and about and ran into Joe Jackson, the father of Michael, Jermaine, Tito, Randy, Janet, Latoya, etc...

Give me your best photo caption:

Recently I talked to a mom that said she wasn't sure if she was gonna continue to do the whole "Santa thing" with her kids. She was a little down about the economy and said she didn't think it was right that Santa get the credit for her hard earned money and gift giving.

For me, it's just the whole essence of giving my kids something to believe in.

I can remember how excited I got around the holidays and the magical feeling of waking up Christmas morning to see the tree lit and filled with presents underneath. (I won't mention the one Christmas where I complained about the gifts and called them "crap" only to be sent back to bed until I was a little more appreciative for Santa's efforts).

Anyway, I realize what that mom was saying, but once you grow up and have kids, you really appreciate the efforts your parents make to help you feel special. And I'm sure your kids will feel the same way.

Whether it's giving "Santa" credit for the gift giving or the Tooth Fairy credit for the money. Just as adults need distractions from things such as the economy, relationships, job situations, etc, children need the same. They too get frustrated with life's little curveballs: making friends, doing well in school, excelling in sports, fitting in, etc.

So, I choose to let the holiday season be a happy time for me and the boys. It's a time to celebrate togetherness and c

reate traditions and happiness to remember for years to come. I can only hope that when they get older they will look back and appreciate the efforts just as I do now with my own folks and them giving me the gift of something to hope for and believe in.

Here are a couple of cool sites I found the kids might enjoy:

Claus.com: The coolest thing about this site is the "Naughty and Nice Rating". You type in your name and get a report from what Santa has concluded about your behavior. Here's what Santa thinks about me:

Overall, niceness outweighs naughtiness. Was good a lot last month! Politeness often good, but has room for improvement. Could help around house more instead of watching so much TV. Expected to move even higher up "nice" list.

Hmm...Guess I better get my butt in gear if I want to get that new Chole!

SantaClaus.com: For $9.95 you can get a personalized letter from Santa with a stamp "Mailed from the North Pole". For $6.95 your child can get a phone call the big guy personalized with their name. This sounds like a Flip worthy moment for when your kid is on his way to the Senior Prom. I'm sure his date will get a kick out of his excitement in the years to come.

NoradSanta.org: Wanna know Santa's exact location right now? This site can pinpoint Santa's location as well as a detailed countdown til the thrilling day. There is an amazing FAQ's section that answers your kid's most common questions that we seem to make up the dumbest answers for:

How does Santa get down chimneys?, How old is Santa?, When will Santa arrive at my house, etc.

So in between your holiday shopping and baking, hop on over to these sites. I've gotta go work on raising my niceness quotient!