Erin Mantz

My Blog Now Lives at www.hybridmom.com

2008-06-04T00:40:41Z

Effective June 3, 2007, my blog moved to a new home - Hybrid Mom Magazine at www.hybridmom.com/blog.

Please visit and post a comment!

Erin

"Metamorphosis By Mud" - My Personal Essay in May's Washington Parent Magazine

2008-05-11T17:46:00Z

(Photo courtesy of Michael Palmer Photography)

In anticipation of Mother's Day, my personal essay about life as a mom of boys is running in Washington Parent Magazine's May issue. Check it out: "Metamorphosis By Mud: A Lesson In Mothering Sons" We were on a tight deadline for this photo shoot and had to do it on a cold, rainy April Sunday. Because we were shooting for the May issue, we had to appear to be in spring-like weather, and I wouldn't let Max and Zack wear jackets. I felt like a horrible mom for those ten minutes as they froze for the perfect shot!

EASIER TO BE AN ECO-FRIENDLY MOM

2008-04-28T21:30:50Z

I always feel like I should be doing more to help/save the environment, but don't know where to start. If I log onto some environmental web sites, I get overwhelmed. Finally, a site just launched for moms who want to be more eco-friendly by starting with baby steps: www.GreenMomsCoastSide.com.

Green Moms have a tag line "Start Easy, Go Greener" and they really do make it easy. I can instantly take action when I see how they break out how to be good to the environment because they relate their tips to things I do in everyday life. They also organize the action items by category, such as cleaning supplies, clothing, gift wrap, transportation and more. I will try a few of their ideas this week, but I won't make my own cleaning solution with vinegar or give only homemade gifts to my sons' friends. I will buy eco-friendly soap. I will research a hybrid SUV (the lease on my gas-guzzling Volvo SUV is up in three months). I think I can be environmentally hip. Check back next week to see if I am.

APPEARED LAST NIGHT ON NBC4 TO TALK ABOUT GREAT GIFT SITES FOR KIDS

2008-04-26T08:09:16Z

Last night on "News 4 at 5:00" here in DC on the NBC TV affiliate, I had the pleasure of appearing live to talk about great web sites for kids gifts. Click here to check it out!

Some of my favorites that I discussed on behalf of Washington Parent Magazine include:

Zia and Tia - eco-friendly and environmentally hip stuff for kids, like fair trade hand-knit puppets, each with a tag signed by the person who made it in Kenya. Through a partnership with Trees for the Future, Zia and Tia plant a tree for every product sold.
w www.ziaandtia.com

Chic Tots - run by a Bethesda, MD mom, this site features baby, toddler and preschooler products that combine convenience and coziness with chic. Check out their adorable coveralls and blanket bags.
w www.chictots.com

JuvieShop - Perfect for tweens, including a "LifeGear" shop with boombox bags with real speakers for iPods, t-shirts saying "I Love Cupcakes" and "Think Green"
www.juvieshop.com

WHAT DO YOU MEAN "MOTHER'S DAY SPENDING IS DOWN!?!"

2008-04-24T09:15:49Z

A National Retail Federation poll today says consumers will likely spend less for Mother's Day this year than last year. People are watching their wallets more closely and thinking about gas prices and other economic challenges. Hmmm. BIGresearch, who conducted the survey, says consumers will be heeding mom's advice that she doesn't need much. I must be bucking the trend. I told my husband and kids I want a nice, shiny new cell phone.

I say I DO want a nice big present. I (and all moms) deserve it! It is the one day a year that is all about me (ok, my birthday comes in at a close second). Like every year, I hope and expect my husband to buy me a great gift. (My sons are 6 and 3; I actually count on the older one to make a great suggestion/hint to dad, as he's already asking me what I really want).

I want a new cell phone - a really updated, Blackberry-like contraption. I have an old Nokia cheap version that people buy for their kids. I use it for work, and every time I check email on it (which is about ten times a day), it take me four times as long as it does for my friends who are whipping out Treos and the like.

I know gas is expensive. But Mother's Day gifts can't go by the wayside. Every other day of the year, ours is a thankless job. I want my Mother's Day gift!

TAMING OF THE CANDY MONSTER JUST GOT EASIER

2008-04-10T08:17:17Z

I spend a lot of time worrying that I am giving my kids too much sugar. Now, news reports are flying about a new lollipop that actually prevents cavities.

Dr. John Brunisma, dentist and founder of Michigan-based Dr. John's Candies, says the sucker attacks the bacteria that produces the acids that cause cavities. I am ordering some today!

Then, today's Washington Post Kids page reports on a new study showing kids who brushed their teeth and ate a cavity-fighting candy twice a day had 62 percent fewer cavities than those who just brushed regularly. While this study involved kids in Venezuela, testing in the U.S. is coming later this year. Where can I sign my sons up?!

THE WONDERS OF WHITE BREAD

2008-04-01T07:21:00Z

My six-year-old son just discovered white bread last week.

He was at a friend's for a play date and they served him peanut butter and jelly on white bread. He got excited. He'd seen it many times in the school cafeteria, but now he was about to eat it for the first time! He loved it. The next day at home, he insisted I buy it. I gave in, mainly because I was tired of having him come home from school with uneaten wheat bread sandwiches and tossing them in the garbage. And I wanted him to eat something to get through the school day.

Wandering through the bread aisle at Giant, I pondered my choices. I saw Wonder Bread, and had visions of myself as a kid, eating it for lunch. But it looked sort of different now (ok, it was 28 years ago). Words on the wrapper caught my eye:
- "Wonder KIDS" (read: my kids will like it)
- "The FIBER of 100% whole wheat"
- "Calcium - 35% DV in two slices"
- "9 Vitamins & Minerals"

OK! I felt better about buying it.

The next day, I made my son's school lunch with Wonder Bread. He was happy. This continued all week, until we hit a potential roadblock yesterday morning. My husband, who is rarely home due to a demanding campaign job, noticed the Wonder Bread! This, of all things, caught his attention. He was shocked, and he had a comment: "No more white bread!" he said. I ignored the comment. See, he'd grown up in the seventies in a house where they never had white bread - they had wheat bread way before it was fashionable. They also never had sugar cereal or any of those childhood staples. They were that house. WE are not that house. (Secretly, I wonder how his mom did it, and wish I could have, but my kids outsmarted me early on.)

Something funny happened by the time the day ended. My son went to school and happily ate his lunch. My husband came in late from work and was starving. He took one look at the Wonder Bread and excitedly announced: "I think i'm in the mood for peanut butter and jelly!" I didn't say a word as he hungrily dug into the bag and made himself a sandwich on Wonder Bread. He poured himself a glass of milk. He was happy.

Looks like Wonder Bread's debut is a success.

KEEPING OUR KIDS SAFE

2008-03-10T10:40:01Z

Whenever John Walsh (from America's Most Wanted) is behind something, I pay attention. Someone just told me about this site he developed,www.familywatchdog.us.

When you visit, you can enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as the small icon of a house and red, blue, green dots may surround your entire neighborhood. These colored dots represent criminals in your area. When you click on these dots, a picture of a person appears with an address and the description of the crime he or she had committed. You now have a visual of these community characters who may be walking or driving around your home or kid's school. I was shocked to see these dots just blocks away (yes, even in Potomac).

TALK ABOUT PROBLEMS SHARING...

2008-03-05T15:42:06Z

Did you hear the news story yesterday about two moms who got into a scuffle at a Chuck E. Cheese? Evidently, one's 13-year old son was playing an arcade game and wouldn't let the other mom's 9-year old birthday boy have a turn. The moms got into a fight and one is being charged with assault and battery! Sounds ridiculous, though i'm sure many moms reading this have wanted to punch another mom for something or other, right? Personally, I can think of a few times and people I saw just last week... But there's a difference between wanting to and doing it.

The real question is (as posed by a local DC disc jockey) - isn't 13 a little old to be at Chuck E. Cheese?

DON'T MISS: MY "HOLIDAY CHEER" ARTICLE IN BETHESDA MAGAZINE

2007-11-27T10:40:57Z

Looking for ideas on how to eat, drink and be merry this holiday season? Read my article in the Nov/Dec issue of Bethesda Magazine (sorry, they don't make it available online - the magazine is sold at area Barnes & Nobles and Balducci's and some Safeways).

Talk about fun research - I talked with top bartenders and learned how to make fabulous holiday cocktails like Sparkling Blueberry Pomegranate Cocktails and Pineapple Upside Down Cake Martinis and found unique items to decorate or gift as gifts.

And check out my "Giving Back" piece and learn how you can adopt a family for the holidays and really help those who need it.

A REALLY GOOD REASON TO REALLY WASH YOUR APPLES

2007-11-14T15:06:24Z

Water is not enough. I have never been overly concerned about pesticides in apples...until something I read in Newsweek's November 19th issue. America's Test Kitchen conducted an experiment where they cleaned apples and pears four ways: rinsing under cold tap water; scrubbing with a brush; washing with a vinegar solution and scrubbing with an antibacterial soap. They took surface samples from the fruit, grew the bacteria in petri dishes and checked back four days later. Rinsing under cold water had removed only 25 percent of the bacteria! Yuk.

Where did the other 75 percent go -- into my kids' bodies? I am now freaked out, because one eats an apple I wash with just water almost every day, and the other eats pears.

What did work, says the study? Scrubbing with a brush removed 85 percent; the vinegar removed 98 percent. They recommend people use a vinegar-and-water solution to wash produce. In a spray bottle, mix 3 parts tap water to 1 part distilled vinegar and spray away. This should work for any firm, smooth-skinned produce.

SPRINGSTEEN CONCERT - GROWIN' UP

2007-11-12T22:33:55Z

My husband came home with Bruce Springsteen tickets a few nights ago and I hesitated. These are tickets people on the streets of DC are waiting for, begging for, would do anything for. And I hesitated to go.

Concerts in big venues, like DC's Verizon Center, where we'd go, kind of freak me out. The crowds, the heat, the madhouse environment. Not for me, i've thought throughout my thirties (and started thinking in my twenties).

But I wasn't always so such a baby. When I was in high school, I loved going to concerts. Madonna's "Like A Virgin," U2, Wham, Peter Gabriel, Psychedelic Furs. But the past twenty years, I would sometimes go and not embrace it the way I thought I should. Never again, I thought.

I took my two-year old, Zack, to the Wiggles Concert last Thursday at Verizon Center. Never again, I thought -- no concerts - kids or adults.

Until last night. I went to Springsteen, sat in awesome seats and am happy to report I had a spectacular time. I loved every minute of it - even the songs I didn't know, even the crowd going wild! Bruce and the E Street Band performed like magic, totally captivating me and putting my fears to rest. It was an experience to remember.
I got home after midnight and found myself searching online for upcoming concerts. Maybe i'll become a real concert-goer, be that kind of person. My husband would be proud. He is that kind of person - a lively concert-going type who likes dancing around in place and throwing his arm up high for the chorus.

We'll see. Maybe i'll buy some concert tickets for the coming winter. Or maybe i'll visit amazon.com and buy a live CD of something. Check back here in the future to find out (I don't even know).

BOY SCOUT CAMPING TRIP - SURVIVAL AND SUCCESS!

2007-11-08T23:58:48Z

We did it! Not only did we do it, we had a great time. All my worrying and complaining leading up to Max's boy scout camping trip was almost for nothing.

Those who know me well - like my parents and my closest friends - had warned me not to go. But, seeing Max's eyes light up when he arrived at the campsite reassured me i'd done the right thing by going. Who knew roasting a veggie hot dog on a stick could be considered great meal?

I loved the tent, the campfires, the songs, the scouts' skits (well, really just the ones Max and his friends performed), the roasting marshmallows, the woods, the hanging out without rushing around or checking email.

Sleep was my only and biggest problem. Was it cold out there on that 38-degree night? Oh, yes, but I didn't realize it until I climbed into my tent to try to sleep. The layers and hooded sweater I wore helped, but my nose stayed cold. The sleeping bag (which I haven't slept in since I was ten years old) felt confining, like someone was tying me up like a lunatic or wrapping me like a mummy. Sleeping bags are not for me.

Max, Jon and I awoke (if you can call it that!) at 5:30am sharp and I declared it was time to go. They agreed. We grabbed what we could and ran, leaving our tent and bags behind to get later. By 5:55am, we were at Starbucks, sipping coffee and cocoa and feeling like triumphant but worn-down warriors. We did it.

Would I camp out in the cold again? No - not in weather this cold - but I would camp again. I look forward to the scouts' spring camping trip. I might even bring my two-year old and dog. I'm feeling very proud - and very brave.

The scouts earned a camping badge after the trip, and they deserved it. I say parents should get one, too.

MY ARTICLE IN THE NOV ISSUE OF WASHINGTON PARENT MAGAZINE

2007-11-01T09:28:20Z

Moms Making Flexible Work Arrangements Work

Imagine a workweek where you are in the office for a few days tackling interesting work, producing results and building your career. Other days, you're spending a sunny fall day at the park, pushing your son on a swing instead of struggling through a grueling commute. It is possible. Read my article to learn how moms are moving forward on the life/work balancing bar.

1ST CAMPING TRIP WILL COME DOWN TO JUST SURVIVING WITH A SMILE

2007-10-28T09:41:56Z

Next Saturday, I will set out on my first camping trip ever - against my better judgment. I am 37-years old and have never gone camping. Neither has my husband. If we really wanted to, we would have found a way to go in the past 37 years.

So, why are we going? Because of Max, our six-year-old Tiger Scout. It's his first year doing cub scouts and his first camping opportunity and we want to be good, fun parents. The other factor is this: I am the troop cub scout co-leader, so not only do I have to show up - I have to be there with a smile and upbeat attitude - even if it rains (which I just know it will)!

Did I mention we are going in NOVEMBER, when the temperature drops at night and the camping site considers it off-season and closes some key things?

There are so many things i'm concerned about, but i've tried to narrow down my worries to five main things:

#1 has to be sharing ONE bathroom with like 50 people (most of which are men)
#2 is being cold AND wet
#3 is trying to get through the night of hanging outside all night chatting without any alcohol
#4 is waking up without coffee or make-up
#5 is a nagging fear a bear/deer or raccoon will sneak up on me

Let's face it: Parenting is a thankless job. We rarely or never get awarded, rewarded or thanked by our kids. But, this time, even if Max doesn't appreciate what this takes for me to do, I will be proud of myself.

So, watch the weather forecast, wish us luck and come back to read my blog on November 4th to see if I survived!

PUGTOBERFEST IS OCTOBER 28TH!

2007-10-23T21:42:50Z

This is Rizzo. This Saturday, October 28th, we'll put on her pink bandanna, pick up her best friend Bruno (a male Pug/neighbor) and head out to Pugtoberfest 2007, at Dogtopia in North Bethesda from 12pm - 3pm.

Like other Pugs, Rizzo makes a great pet for many reasons:

She looks sad, but she's really not
Wherever she is - that's the place to be (she can always find the coziest spot)
All she really wants out of life is love, ear rubs and peas
Her snoring offers a kind of constant comfort you just can't get anywhere else (neither husband or sound machine offers this)
There is nothing like a warm Pug on a cold morning

GIFTS GONE HAYWIRE - RIBS ON THE RUN

2007-10-11T14:15:00Z

What happens when you don't really know your gift recipient well?

To my husband's surprise, a gigantic box of Kansas City ribs arrived (on dry ice) at his office yesterday. Someone he knows there sent these to him as a gift. My husband loves ribs! Great - except for one thing -- we are kosher in the house. We can't bring ribs into our house. So, he is calling around and getting me involved in calling friends last night trying to find a house where he could drop them off.

Long story short, he fell asleep early and this morning, the ribs are still in his car, on dry ice. We just tried another friend who lives near his office, and they're not home. Jon is stuck with these ribs. He is also dying to eat them somewhere. And i've spent way too much valuable time worrying about it. I have to get back to work now...

Welcome to my blog!

2007-10-11T09:13:40Z

POPSICLE STICKS PUT SHY STUDENTS IN A REAL PICKLE

2007-10-08T12:43:39Z

Teachers are using popsicle sticks with students' names on them to pick one and call on that kid to answer a question.

When I was an elementary school student, I almost always knew the answer my teacher posed to the class - but I rarely (make that never) raised my hand. I was shy kid. If I didn't have to speak up in class, I wouldn't. Nobody made me. I passed all my tests and communicated everything well through writing and that was it. I think I actually got through eight years without answering anything out loud.

My six-year old son, Max, and his first grade friends aren't so lucky. Sitting in his room during this morning's parents visiting day, I saw the popsicle stick system in action. I'd heard about it, but now it's real. Mrs. Beder asks the group a question, reaches into a canister of popsicle sticks and whoever's name she draws gets called on for an answer. I would have been mortified if i'd gone to school in these times.

I think the popsicle stick strategy is good. I think if teachers has used it back in the 70's, when I was a student, I would even speak my mind more today. Those sticks are teaching kids as young as six to speak up. They seem unfazed by the whole thing. I just sat there, grateful I was 37 and impressed when my often-quiet son shouted out his answer when called on.

WHO HAS TIME FOR ENVY?

2007-10-05T11:06:42Z

A lot of moms, I guess. Some moms say they suffer from mommy-envy, according to today's Parenting Poll on The Today Show web site. They asked moms: "Are you jealous of mothers who make parenting look easy?"

26 percent said yes.
45 percent said no - nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors!
29 percent said sometimes - it's easy to envy on a day when you're over-stressed or over-worked.

What would you say? I would choose "sometimes." Who wouldn't envy a mom who has great child care that frees her up or lets her work in peace - or, on the other hand, a mom who gets to spend tons of quality time with her kids? Or the mom who manages to swing a fabulous career and still be a great mom.

To me, the most puzzling yet impressive mom is the one who just seems so happy almost all the time, gets stuff done, and never raises her voice with her kids when she gets frustrated. This is amazing! You know people like that, right?

Mom Joyce Neave, a DC-area wardrobe consultant and personal shopper who specializes in helping moms find their stylized potential, helps moms "be that mom" with everything from playdates and PowerPoints to date nights. Read more about her and her company, That Mom, Inc., on her blog at www.thatmominc.blogspot.com/.

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