bluecollarmom's Blog

When implants are in the spotlight, nobody cares. When teenage models hit the runways with no bras and hard nipples nobody cares. When a woman feeds her hungry child breast milk in public we suddenly get upset? We find it indecent? We find it offensive on Facebook?  This is absurd.

I breast fed two children because it was healthier, saved me money and that's what my boobs are for. God forbid my child got hungry in public and I had to feed them. You'd give your kid a cracker wouldn't you? Why should women be forced into dirty bathroom stalls and department store dressing rooms to hide the fact their child is hungry? Would you feed your kid crackers on the toilet?

Look the other way people. It's a part of life. Woman have mams to feed babies no matter where the day takes her and her baby. Should breastfeeding women suddenly be forced to hide? Should lactating gals live a life as a hermit becasue others are upset by our choice of feeding?

Look at the tragedies that have occurred in foreign countries with tainted formula. You should be applauding the brave babes that endure the sacrifice and pain that can accompany breast feeding. It isn't easy trust me. It can hurt trust me. It keeps you up late trust me. But it is natural, healthy and human and we do it for the health and well being of our kiddos. Next time you see a woman breast feeding in public, give her a standing ovation...trust me she deserves it.

Let me start off by saying that unique things always seem to happen to me. Either that, or I get myself into unique situations...

Last April I was sitting at LAX when I was approached by two people asking if they could use my laptop. They were polite and sweet so I said sure. Moments later I was flanked by cameras, signing a release and my computer was in the hands of complete strangers. The pair then informed me that they had no money but needed to purchase internet service. I'm a laid back gal so I handed over my ATM card and charged a $10 one day pass for them. We exchanged names and numbers after they finished and that was the last I saw of them...

Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I was online checking email and happened to notice a picture of the pair on the news...they were the brother/sister team who won the latest Amazing Race. Their names are Nick and Starr Spangler. Unbelievably, I saved the piece of paper with their numbers and called the Monday morning after the finale.

I learned they were just leaving for their first leg of the Amazing Race journey when we crossed paths at LAX. They were headed to Brazil and needed to find a sandwich shop. They used my laptop for the research and ended up winning the challenge. I couldn't have been happier for them.

I spent Tuesday and Wednesday of this week in New York and had the chance to reunite with Nick and his lovely girlfriend Monique for a drink to hear all of his Amazing Race adventures. We had fun and I wish him all the best in life and love. He is a sweet person who deserves it.

Leave it to a blue collar mom to help someone else score a million bucks...the irony.

I posted a couple of the pictures on my profile from the night..enjoy!

Looking for some last minutes ideas for your Thanksgiving menu? Check out my latest video on momlogic.com for some easy and budget friendly recipes that taste like a million bucks!
Copy/paste the link below and have a great holiday! ~Susannah

http://www.momlogic.com/2008/11/have_an_inexpensive_ele
gant_th.php

For the first time in this election, I enjoyed hearing John McCain speak when he conceded to Barack Obama just a few moments ago. I enjoyed his words thoroughly, he touched upon all the key points and people, the process and his shortcomings in that process. McCain was humble, graceful, respectful and without the usual anger or sarcasm. I voted Obama, but enjoyed watching McCain exit the process in style. Well done.

With all the junk our kids will be getting in a week, why not balance it with something that tastes just as good but is healthy! Cop/paste the link below to watch me play "Nun for a Day" while I whip up some healthy Halloween treats for the kids. (Halloween French Fries and Pumpkin Pancakes) Mmmm....

http://www.momlogic.com/2008/10/healthy_halloween_snack
s.php

Years ago, I served as an adjunct professor of Speech Communications. Public speaking is a true art form and there is much to be learned about body language and tone. Obama has this science down pat. The key to a solid public speaker is to answer questions with a clear beginning, middle and end concisely. A good public speaker must also know their audience...know the demographic of who they are speaking to.

Obama does both and he does it well. The key to this election is speaking to middle class Americans who have so much invested emotionally and physically in this economy. Obama clearly explains his answers, simplifies the process and makes the economical crisis and his plan to rescue it understandable.

McCain screams nervous. When you attack, it is becasue you feel threatened. In the debate tonight McCain has demonstrated what not to do when in a public cpeaking setting. First off, he is always defensive and accusatory. Listen, your key demographic is sick of negativity. Voters are looking for answers to key issues, not McCain's pure and apparemt dislike of Obama. I feel McCain gets personal in debates and it is ugly to watch. Particularly when you are an American who has turned on the tv tonight to hear real, honest and relevant issues. McCain focuses more on being sarcasm with his follow-ups than telling Americans what he can do for us.

What do you think?

Times are tough yet I want my home to look beautiful for Fall. It is my favorite time of the year and I love the crisp mornings and the luxurious colors of gold, amber and browns. My solution is to borrow from nature.

New England is the ideal setting to pull from nature and create beautiful arrangements in your home for zero dollars. Black Eyed Susans are still lingering in the garden, Sedum are a rich maroon color now, you may have a few Blanket Flowers left and the leaves on branches and shrubs surrounding your yard are perfect for large vases. Sprigs of pine are great as the holiday season approaches.

Yesterday, I went on a walk with my boys and noticed the array of colors in the woods and all of the beautiful plants and earthly objects for me to select from. There were acorns, pine cones, maples, and tons of other trees that I wish I knew what the heck they were. What I am grateful to to know is that they are bringing the great outdoors in for free at the Locketti household.

Times are tough and I feel this is one area we can save money. Forget about buying silks, or other Fall decor made out of plastic. Take a moment to look around you and you'll realize and appreciate the beauty that surrounds New England.

Take advantage of it and your wallet will thank you. KBut don't forget..when we borrow from nature we should also give back...put a smile on someone's face and make an arrangement for a neighbor or teacher "just because".

The debates are on at 9pm which is past the bedtime of my two boys ages 11 and 7.  There is a part of me that wants to keep them up to witness the process of a historical election in the making. Either way,we will have our first female vp or our first African American president. We are facing a major economic turning point and I want my kids to know what the issues are. Wouldn't it be cool for my kids down the road to recall watching the debate when referenced in college or beyond? Or,  is this too young of an age for my kids to be exposed to this element of the political process. Debates can get nasty, the issues may be beyond their understanding and they could get confused. Do I want my 11 year old saying "drill baby drill?"
Then again, I as a mother can take the time to explain this to my children beyond the debates so that they do understand and don't get confused. So...I ask all of you... what age do you feel children can be exposed to debates? Should they stay up late and watch? Should kids get to witness history even if the process can't be perfect?

I've spent the past week in Burbank, California visiting the great staff behind momlogic.com... and stalking Ellen Degeneres in my spare time...yes stalking Ellen. I was fortunate enough to have front row seats at today's Ellen show and then headed over to see Jay Leno and watch Ellen on her 28th appearance on the Tonight Show.

I have followed Ellen since she first appeared on the Tonight Show when was asked to sit on the infamous couch. That gal even gave me the balls to do stand-up for over two years in Boston. Thanks to Ellen I became a very horrible comedienne, suffered chronic diarrhea before every comedy show and subjected myself to shows in the basements of Chinese restaurants for crowds of about four people...and they were the waiters . Naturally, twelve years later I wanted an opportunity to thank Ellen for these lovely life experiences.

The show featured Lucy Liu, Steve Spangler and Josh Radin, a fantastic musician. Think a male Norah Jones and cute as ever! Doing the Ellen Show is like a cardio workout...I have never danced so much in my life!! If you ever are in town, this is a must-do feel good event! Ellen's wife sat directly in front of us and she is such a natural beauty...my husband was drooling. Ellen was commenting about the economy and decided to do something really nice for the audience. She bought us all tickets for tonight's Megamillions....yup a lottery ticket! The best part was, she handed me my ticket personally! Here I was ready to thank this woman for causing me almost three years of comedy anxiety and she hands me a lottery ticket....shame on me! She should start spelling her name Degenerous...the drawing is tonight and I'm crossing my fingers.

If I win, I'm going to have my people call Ellen's people. I'm going to cook for her and Portia, give her a back massage, rub her feet, clean up after her dogs, redo my kitchen, donate to cancer research, pay off my house, bills and all that horrific credit card debt. I'll get a new coffee maker, a pole for strip aerobics, take the kids to Disney, buy a vintage guitar for my oldest son, and a dirt bike for the little one. The list goes on...thanks to Ellen....

Ellen's appearance on Leno was the icing on the cake. I brought my lottery ticket and attempted to persuade security to have her bless it, but they refused....what gives? So now, I have to wait until the winning numbers are revealed tonight. Will they be mine? Will Ellen save my family from the ailing economy?

Maybe yes, maybe no, but I am grateful for one thing...I had the chance to stand face to face with the kindest, funniest and most positive person on daytime television...and maybe...just maybe those years of hell hole comedy joints Ellen inspired me to do will finally pay off....

Back-to-School Cinnamon Pancakes

Recipe Courtesy Susannah Locketti

 

This healthy recipe makes a double batch and with good reason! I make these in bulk and freeze them in ziploc baggies for the kids to just pull out and microwave on their own in the morning. This saves me time and keeps them fed and happy in time for the bus. Feel free to add frozen berries to the batter for an even heartier pancake.

 

Dry Ingredients

 

4 cups whole wheat flour

 

2 TB white or brown sugar

 

2 tsp cinnamon

 

1 ½ tsp baking powder

 

1 tsp baking soda

 

1 tsp salt

 

 

Wet Ingredients

 

4 cups skim milk

 

2 large eggs or ½ cup egg substitute

 

2 TB vegetable or olive oil

 

2 tsp vanilla extract

 

 

Method

 

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl and stir to mix. In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients. Add wet mixture to dry mixture and whisk until smooth. Allow to stand for two minutes and whisk one final time. Meanwhile, preheat a large nonstick skillet and melt 1 tsp of butter in the pan. Once the pan is good and hot, transfer the batter to a pitcher and pour the batter in the pan to make small to medium size pancakes. When you notice the tops bubbling, flip the pancakes and brown on the opposite side. Transfer to wire cooling racks to cool completely. Freeze in ziploc baggies and write the date in permanent marker on the bag with microwave instructions for the kids. Three to four pancakes will heat in a single layer in a little over a minute on high.

Watch Susannah's cooking videos on the food page at momlogic.com!

So my six year old Aidan decided he wanted to play Flag Football this year and the first practice was this week. I have never had anyone close to me involved in this activity so I was unsure of what to expect. I'm thinking the kids delightfully toss the ball to one another, have some giggles and head on home. Boy did we have another thing coming!

We arrived right on time with the coach's wife yelling instructions firmly and at the top of her lungs. Nice lady...just loud and to the point minus any cutesy comments. Once all the kids were accounted for we switched fields and the hour and a half practice began.

As the coaches yelled "eyes open and mouths shut", I realized right away this was serious business. Those kids were on their bellies counting out push-ups, on their hands and knees running around across the field, jogging the length of the field and back, walking lunges, high knee runs...the list goes on! All the while the coaches are yelling for them to shut their mouths and pay attention. One kid fell to the ground and said "Is practice over yet?" and the coach responded "Do you want it to be over?"

I know...i know...football is a tough sport and they have to toughen the kids up...it just seems so harsh when you first take part in it. I'm looking at Aidan who is the first to cuddle up with me in bed, find bugs and pick flowers. Now he's covered in grass stains doing push-ups! One poor kid got hurt and his mom had to be called on the field. The kid was mortified and although clearly upset, he walked back with the coach to take another beating. I wanted to just run out there, give him a hug, ice cream cone and a big wet kiss...but these mommy antics don't fly on these fields.

Today is practice #2 for the week and every muscle in Aidan's body is sore from the first practice. I'd love to take his place tonight. I could use the BLEEP beating by these coaches to get me working out...but I'll settle for being a silent cheerleader on the sidelines and save all the hugs and kisses for bedtime...

 

I'd love to know how all you moms and dads are handling back to school.

Ya know how I know it's back to school time? I find myself scouring the racks of Dick's in search of a black striped referee outfit to wear when I break up fights between my two boys. They thoroughly  hate each other by summer's end and I might as well look hot trying to deal with it.

My eleven year old told me if he doesn't get back to school clothes from American Eagle and Hollister this year he'll get beat up. What kid is actually checking labels in middle school and physically assaulting their classmates for this?

Just to be on the safe side, I made the trip to Hollister. This place is like walking into a bar. The lights are dim, the music is loud and I had to stop myself from raising my arm in an attempt to get a bartender's attention. My son was gawking at the sales associate in her frilly tanktop but I have to give her credit..she did get him to agree to keep his new clothes clean and carry all the bags. 

The big shoe request this year was a shoe called DC's. Doesn't bode well come report card time. Don't they make AB?'s??

Apparently backpacks are a picky little accessory for boys...the more keychains and media pouches the better. Whatever happened to the unassuming monogrammed LL Bean backpack that just held books and a lunch?

It seems just yesterday I was putting my boys on the bus for the very first time. As much as I can't wait for that bus to whisk them and their fighting away, I can't help but feel the motherly blues. My once babies are now young men...

Lemon Rosemary Grilled Chicken - Recipe courtesy Susannah Locketti

This is a quick and easy recipe that will make use of fresh rosemary in your garden. If you don't have any, stop by my place and I'll be happy to give you some right off the plants! I whipped this up at a catering gig on Saturday and was asked a million times for the recipe.

If you make this for the 4th of July, here is an easy way to determine how much chicken to buy. Estimate 6-8oz. of chicken per person based on the appetities of your guests. An easy way to stretch the meat is to cut a single breast into three pieces and pound it out thin. This way, you'll get three servings from one piece of chicken, the meat will cook up evenly and fast ,and the rosemary won't burn on the grill. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts cut and pounded thin

juice and zest from one lemon

1/4 cup olive oil

4 cloves crushed garlic

3 TB chopped fresh rosemary

Kosher Salt and Pepper

Method:  Add all ingredients to a ziploc baggie, shake it up to coat all the chicken  and marinate for at least an hour. Grill on both sides until done and plate with a lemon slice and sprigs of fresh rosemary. Note: You can substitute any flavorful fresh herb that you have on hand.

 

My husband and oldest son went salt water fishing today off Buzzard's Bay. They were armed with poles, clams, sandwiches, Twizzlers and Flips. I was depending on them to bring home supper and was already worried at their choice of brain fuel. Would the fish outsmart them?

So where was I while the fishing expedition was taking place? I spent the day at Harvard University's Blodgett Pool for the Aquatics Round of the Special Olympics. This year, I served as the Head Coach for a team of nineteen athletes. What an amazing experience. I've never played any sports and have never experienced what it feels like to be on a team...the pride, dedication, hard work and practices...what it feels like to win and what it feels like to lose.

Our team is made up of some of the finest people I have had the pleasure to meet. A few weeks ago at a practice, I was brought to tears by their progress since practices began in February. If you ever have the opportunity to volunteer for the Special Olympics, go for it! You will finsih the year a changed person. 

When I got home, my husband Chip was rinsing our little Boston Whaler out...did he hunt and gather for me in the ocean?. Low and behold, he caught three sea bass!!! Hooray...we can finally eat fresh fish!  Sea bass are really beautiful fish. They have a mild taste and a moist flaky white flesh. Be careful of the tiny bones here and there in the flesh. I did not find them bothersome because the fish tasted so good. What a difference in taste between fish you purchase in the store and the flesh of a fish that was swimming in the ocean an hour earlier.

I made this recipe up an hour ago with ingredients I had on hand along with fresh herbs from the garden. Here is the result...this would work well with any white flaky fish. We devoured it and set some aside for the neighbor that helped Chip filet them.

Fish & Chip's Sea Bass ~ Recipe courtesy Susannah Locketti

2 pounds sea bass cut into medallians

olive oil

1 tsp red pepper flakes

1 tsp minced garlic

2 TB butter

3 TB chopped mild herbs (I used chives, lime basil and parsley)

zest and juice from one lemon

salt pepper

Season sea bass medallians with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add some olive oil and red pepper flakes to a large preheated nonstick skillet. When the oil is hot, add the fish and cook on both sides until done. Place the cooked fish on a nice white platter and set aside. To the skillet, add the garlic, butter, zest and lemon juice. Stir until the sauce begins to thicken and pour over the fish. Serve immediately. Ready in ten minutes and makes four 8oz servings. Enjoy with rice and your favorite vegetable.

It is appraisal time at work…gotta love review time at the office….where you performance is evaluated and either rewarded or just noted. Wouldn’t it be nice if we applied the performance appraisal tool to our spouses? Imagine if we created criteria and goals and sat down with them at the end of the year to go over their successes or areas in need of further development? I imagine it something like this…

Independence

Unable to book own doctor appointments, prescription refills, and dental visits. Outsourced all major home renovations leaving little opportunity for growth in this area.

Inconsistent in maintaining vehicle oil changes every 3000 miles. Could benefit from not asking children to perform assigned duties.

Suggest making a To Do list everyday and actually sticking to it. Suggest you dig out that lawn mower and just use it…just pull the starter for god’s sake.

Unable to wrap Christmas gifts without assistance.

Unable to sign own name on cards; often requires assistance.

Interpersonal Communication Skills/Teamwork

Unable to speak when caught in a lie which makes conflict resolution difficult. Vulgar and explicit language during key romantic moments did not work for this reviewer.

Could benefit from asserting oneself with the neighbors and contractors. \

A reminder again for this year that this goal was not intended to take place at sporting events.

Time Management

Recommend implementing the use of an alarm clock to assist in waking day-to-day.

Recommend the use of a calendar or daily planner to be aware of what day of the week it is.

The same effort and planning you apply to tailgating would be beneficial in your personal life.

Unable to remember and plan for birthdays, Mother’s Day, anniversaries and all other major holidays.

Professionalism

Would benefit from changing shirts several times per week. When answering the telephone, would be beneficial if you did not say “Pauly’s Pizza”. Refrain from swearing in front of the children and our priest.

Keep areas clean and tidy both indoors and out as impressions are formed. Suggest lowering the toilet seat after urination, and not urinating in the shower . Do not recommend using other people’s face cloths to clean your body.