Strollerderby : Valentine's Day

Birth Control Best For Families in This Economy?

JeanneSager — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:33:00 GMT

The economy's in the toilet, but guess what's still flying off the shelves?

Let's just say Valentine's Day conceptions are expected to be more of a sigh than a boom this year.

Sales of condoms rose five percent in the fourth quarter of 2008 over the same period the previous year. The hike was six percent in January '09 over the frosty first month of 2008.

A spokesman for the ad agency that represents Durex condoms told USA Today that condoms are "recession resistant." Still, to boost the figures, they've been stocking newspaper circulars with coupons - another nod to the downturn in the economy. Clipping coupons might have been reserved to suburban housewives in the nineties, but it's back in full force in '09.

Ironically, some of the other condom makers are talking about a focus on "nesting" in their advertising campaigns. Maybe it's just me - a mom - but I thought nesting-focused advertising always showed a mom, dad, dog and the requisite two point four kids? You know, the whole ideal that birth control is just kinda, sorta, designed to prevent?

Then again, if we're talking families who have to cut back, with all of the entertainment options outside of the home cost-prohibitive because they require paying for entrance for the whole family, maybe the answer to saving money is making fun for just Mom and Dad.

Image: More4Kids

What They're Babbling About: Love Is in the Air

JeanneSager — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:28:00 GMT

In honor of St. Valentine, Cupid and all the love, we offer up a hard look at some parent love this week in What They're Babbling About.

Wondering what a parent who has adopted thinks the hardest part of parenting is? Being told she's not the child's "real mother." Rita Laws puts the obnoxious and ill-informed in their place with a break-down of the different kinds of parents. For the record, she's a real one. - Family Bliss

The Observer's Rachel Cooke thinks parents who write about their kids are boring, smug and selfish. Guess what, Ms. Cooke, Babble's own Catherine Connors offers us up a piece of her mind on behalf of all of us who dare care about motherhood. Rock on Catherine! - Her Bad Mother

Think your parents loved your little sister more? You might be right - the youngest ALWAYS gets away with more. - ParentDish

Recess might be on its way out, but Moms and Dads still hold a fond place in their hearts for hopscotch. - Parent Dish

But while they're skipping down the pavement, they're not skipping out on birth control. Turns out there are a lot fewer illegitimate children out there. Think one in twenty-five kids born out of wedlock. - Jezebel

Keri Fisher's Kitchenista posts here on Strollerderby have gotten your mouths watering, so how about something for the little monkeys? Monkey bread makes for a sweet family treat this Valentine's weekend - Dancing Meatballs

Image: Dancing Meatballs

When the Kids Are Your Valentines

Jen Chaney — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:32:00 GMT

Remember when Valentine's Day was all about negligees and jewelry and candlelit dinners with the one you love? Well, not anymore. Apparently like Christmas, Easter, Halloween and, of course, Arbor Day, this holiday is all about the kids.

The Detroit Free Press recently ran this story announcing that Valentine's Day has been "reinvented as a day to celebrate the love of family." According to the article, all of us parental folk now spend the red-and-pink-colored occasion throwing "family love parties," baking Valentine's Day goodies, buying valentine-oriented gifts for the kids and enjoying meals of heart-shaped pancakes.

"There's a kid-centricity in our culture today," business professor Kit Yarrow tells the Free Press, adding, "It's a completely different holiday than it was for the parents of today's kids."

I'm not going to deny that Valentine's Day is focused on children. It's kind of hard to do that when I am currently faced with the prospect of writing valentines for every child in my two-year-old's daycare class. But I'm not sure I buy into the notion that this is a new phenomenon.

Maybe my childhood was unusual, but I remember my parents making a big deal about Valentine's Day, putting up decorations, giving us small gifts and baking cookies. It seemed to me the event was just as much about us as it was about the romance between our parents. Of course, my perception of all this could be understandably biased. But that's my recollection.

Besides, if Valentine's Day hadn't always been a child-centric thing, would the greeting card companies have been selling all those kiddie valentines for as long as they have? Would there have been a Charlie Brown Valentine special? Would Ralph Wiggum have been able to "choo- choo-choose" Lisa Simpsons in that classic Valentine's Day episode of "The Simpsons"?

Sure, there may be more Valentine's Day products available for kids these days than there were when we moms and dads were young, but I think that's just a fuction of companies doing what they always do: take advantage of the bump in commerce that holiday shopping inevitably brings. The same increase in commercialism has happened with Halloween and almost every other holiday you could name.

But maybe it's just me. Do you think Valentine's Day has radically transformed into a family-oriented affair? And will you be focused this Feb. 14 on your significant other, or the kids?

Image: Meta Dad

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Review: My Wubbzy Little Valentine

JeanneSager — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:24:00 GMT

The hottest game on NickJr.com might wow you. It's not Dora. Not Jack and his musical pals.

It's Wubbzy.

With some two hundred sixty million plays, the game featuring the little yellow critter of indeterminate origins (is he animal, mineral, vegetable?) has captured our kids' hearts. Now he's looking to keep those hearts pitter pattering with a DVD release timed for the Valentine's season.

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! A Little Help from My Friends hits stores today, to go along with the recently launched second season of the show. Split into episodes about the value of friendship, it's a movie that highlights just why I've let Wubbzy worm his way into my daughter's heart.

It's creative.

When Wubbzy gets tired of his friends doing everything for him, he decides to bake up a chocolate doodle-berry cake all by himself - only to let things get out of control when he goes hog wild on making it extra fantastic. When the cake batter blows up and out the door and on through Wuzzleberg, buddies Widget and Walden save the day - doing for their little yellow buddy as they always do.

What's going to come next from Widget's tinkering or Walden's scientific explorations is anyone's guess; and the humor that ensues is just right for the pint-sized. Silly, but still sweet, Wubbzy's worth watching so they can learn the value of trying something new and doing it with good friends.

Image: Amazon

No More Sugar Mama

Amy Kuras — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:03:00 GMT

When I was a kid, Valentine's Day was a great excuse to overdose on sugar, chocolate, and red dye #40. School parties featured cupcakes and punch and candy hearts while my parents usually had some kind of treat for us at home. It was second only to Halloween in terms of the deliciousness level, not to mention the sugar high.

How times have changed. Last night, for my daughter's preschool party, I made not cookies, not cupcakes, but plain, lightly salted popcorn. Other choices on the sign up sheet included red apples, snap peas, strawberries, and bagels.

All perfectly wonderful and tasty food, but party food? Come on now.

My daughter's school has a "healthy lunch policy" that carries over into celebrations. Anything sent to school has to be free of added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and food dyes. And it seems more schools are going this way. One, in Georgia, calls itself the first sugar-free public elementary school in the country.

I know, and fully support, all the good reasons to do this – not least of which is not creating the association between "celebration" and "junk food." And heaven knows I would not want to be the teacher that has to handle 25 energetic preschoolers after they've been all amped up on sugar. Dealing with the one I have when she gets to have, say, a brownie can make me wish for a child-safe tranquilizer dart. We try to stay away from processed and junky food at home.

And soon enough, she'll know the small thrill of a pink-frosted heart-shaped cookie.

Photo: NoSugarAddedShop.com

Old Car Seats To Get No Love This Valentine's Day

Amy S.F. Lutz — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:22:00 GMT

Who wants to be dumped on Valentine's Day? No one - except for ratty, antique car seats with fraying straps and rusty buckles.

So, in honor of these deathtraps, Colorado officials are sponsoring a "Get Dumped" event at the Colorado State Patrol post in Fort Collins, where parents can take their old and unsafe car seats for disposal.

Officials also want to remind the public that accepting used car seats can be dangerous, especially if the seats have been handed down through several children. Most manufacturers recommend trashing car seats that are 5-8 years old, because of the constant evolution of new technologies and safety features, such as tethers and air bag warnings. If you're not sure how hold your car seat is, check the seat for a sticker with the date of manufacture on it. The date might also be stamped right into the plastic.

Kitchenista: Sweet Cheesecake Love

Adrienne Martini — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Warning: the following recipe is not for anyone who is a) dieting, b) taking cholesterol-lowering drugs or c) lactose intolerant. Seriously. You've been warned. Also, if you have problems with hypoglycemia, don't read the interview that comes with the recipe. It's full of sweet gushings -- no, not like that -- from chef Jamie Oliver to his wife Jools.

Anyone left?

The interview, which is full of heartwarming gems about Malteasers, Tom Jones and Italian mums is here. But if the idea of Oliver swooning about on the Amalfi Coast doesn't make your knees weak, the cheesecake recipe certainly will.

Just think how good it would be to swan about in bed with your sweetie and eat this on Valentine's Day...mmmmm.

Valentine's Day Is Dead; Long Live VD (Valentine's Day, Silly)

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 18:07:00 GMT

In third grade I handed out Valentine's Day cards just like the other 30 or so members of my class, making sure everybody got one -- even the dork nerd dweebjobs. I praised myself for thinking of the little people. Then I returned to my desk, counted my bounty -- a handful -- and came to a sudden and very sad conclusion.

When I was in middle school, I received a Valentine's Day gold chain bracelet from the first girl I french kissed. I must not have been a good kisser, because a few days later my wrist turned green. We broke up not long afterward.

On our first Valentine's Day together, I drove Dana to a strip mall, pulling into a parking space just in front of a dingy, plastic-chair Chinese restaurant that we had come to know as our own. "I love your sense of humor," Dana said. "So really -- where are we going? Some place romantic?" I was 20 and didn't know any place romantic. So I called a restaurant in Napa she had heard about, praying and stepping on the gas at the same time. We waited an hour and a half to share a seat at the bar.

For some reason, I've never quite enjoyed Valentine's Day. Maybe it was the bad memories or maybe it was the silly notion that true love comes in the form of an electronic dancing hamster purchased at Walgreens. I'm not sure. But I was still hoping to make yesterday a special one, because it would be our first as a couple with a child - our first as a new family. I wanted to let Dana know that despite the hardships and happiness a baby can bring into your life, our relationship was as strong and loving as ever.

Things didn't start out as I planned. A little after midnight, Dana woke up with a terrible, hacking cough which, in turn, woke me. Together we tossed about for the rest of the night, waking too early to the sound of Emmeline's cries. "Happy Valentine's Day," I said. Dana coughed, "Can you get her?"

After Dana went to work, I strapped Emmeline into her stroller and we spent the morning checking off our shopping list. Dinner. Dessert. Chocolates. Check. Check. Check. I put Emme down for an early nap, eager to start preparations for a big night and maybe catch a nap myself. Emme woke up a half hour later with a fever. For the next three hours, she wanted to be held. I gave her some Motrin and after awhile stripped her down to her diaper and brought her into our bedroom. We sat in front of an ancient floor fan, drifting off to sleep together as a dusty breeze tickled our noses.

Dana came home early. "I don't feel so well either," she said. "Do you mind if, maybe, we have Valentine's tomorrow night?" Instead of making dinner together, we gathered on the living room floor. Emme crawled between us, lumbering over our legs or tumbling into our arms. Occasionally she would open her mouth and burrow her burning face into our necks, laughing at her own antics while I slowly came to a new conclusion: If an exhausted, hacking, feverish new family can still enjoy a few laughs together, maybe Valentine's Day isn't so bad after all. I don't know about you, but I can't wait until next year.

A Very Special Valentine's Day

JasonAvant — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 23:40:00 GMT

Nothing like waiting until the last minute to buy a gift. Valentine’s Day, and I’m spending my lunch hour doing a little shopping for the wife. The name of the venerable establishment – Dr. Love’s – should tell you all you need to know about the merchandise found on the shelves. (I just went in there to buy a card. Honest.) Now, despite the impression you may have of me based on the posts I’ve written for this site, I am a grown man, a mature – ok, mostly mature – adult. I have a kid, who is biologically mine, so I have had sex before. Nevertheless, I was a bit…uncomfortable at the thought of walking into Ye Olde Dildo ‘N Lube Shoppe in broad daylight. The place is a few blocks away from my office, on a very busy street, in a neighborhood frequented by people I know. And I’d left my trenchcoat, fedora, and mirrored sunglasses at home.

So, one small step for a man, one giant leap for letting go of ridiculous hang-ups. I stroll into the store, head held high, like I have a Frequent Buyers Card (I don’t, by the way. Honest.), fully expecting to be in the company of gray-haired guys in Member’s Only jackets who reek of cheap cigars and Aqua Velva. (I’ve heard people like that frequent these types of places. Do they really? I wouldn’t know. Honest.)

That isn’t the case.

The store is crowded. With women. I am the only guy in the place.

Fighting the urge to hold my left hand up and proclaim “MARRIED! HAPPILY SO! JUST LOOKING FOR A CARD! NOT A SINGLE LONELY GUY ON HIS WEEKLY PORN RUN! AND NO, I WAS NEVER A SINGLE LONELY GUY WHO MADE WEEKLY PORN RUNS! HONEST!”, I stroll up and down the aisles, looking for that card, feeling more than a bit silly that I was getting all weirded out by this. I mean, come on, it’s just sex, right? Good, clean, harmless, ass-beadin’ fun.

Then, as I’m walking down the Edible Body Cream aisle (where the hell are the cards, anyway?), I narrowly avoid running right into…a stroller. A stroller containing…a toddler, no, an actual KID. Being pushed by a mother.

So – bringing the kid to the adult “bookstore” (why do they call them that when they don’t actually sell books? Or so I’m told.). A good idea? Discuss.

Valentine's Day Around the Blogosphere

Stefania Pomponi Butler (CityMama) — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:01:00 GMT

Happy Valentine's Day, Strollerderby readers! Whether you are spending the day dealing with kids coming down off their school party candy highs or hiding in kitchen eating chocolate-covered marshmallow hearts...um...anyway, let's take a look at how parents around the internet are spending their Heart Day.

Mary Tsao's daughter went to school in a "blazer" of glory to collect her loot. Keyoot. San Francisco Mom of One discusses "Valentine's Equity." The Other Mother celebrates a V-Day twofer; it's her beloved partner Marcia's birthday. (Happy Birthday, Marcia!) Two Peas No Pod is baking cute, pink cupcakes. Jen writes " in praise of the heart." And Parent Hacks shares a tip for making a quick 'n cute last minute Valentine's Day t-shirt.

Happy Valentine's Day!

[photo credit: Parent Hacks]

Quickie Craft: Valentine's Treat Bucket

Patti — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 13:05:00 GMT

If you got the same note from school that I got from my four-year-old's preschool teacher, you're probably going to be up late tonight slapping together some kind of treat receptacle for Wednesday's big event. Decorate a box? Good lord, boxes go straight to the recycling bins in our house. I'm lucky I am allowed to keep the Triscuits in their boxes until I eat them, much less do I have a spare shoe box or tissue box lying around, waiting to be drenched in glitter glue.

This idea from Knit and Pearl is a pretty freaking good one: take an old bucket and glue cutout pictures onto it (she recommends pictures from a damaged book, which is genius if you ask me--magazines are also a good idea, or this could be another use for the Sunday newspaper ads), then slap on a few coats of Mod Podge and trim it with something pretty.

If you do this now (right now! Get to decoupaging, you, we're on a schedule!) and if you go easy on the Podge, it'll be dry in time for school on Wednesday. Make sure you inspect it when it comes back, in case there's any yucky candy that needs to be eaten by a grownup.

(via Kiddley)

Lock Away the Kids and Try the "Wall Kiss" ... If You Dare

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 19:57:00 GMT

By now you've blackmailed an unsuspecting teenager into babysitting. You've made dinner reservations. Maybe you've bought some jewelry, some roses, a bottle of wine. You're ready to spend some quality time with your spouse while your kids get high on sugar and late-night TV. You're ready for Valentine's Day ... at least you thought so.

Mom blogger Susie J. recounts the so many ways I don't know how to say I love you. "Behind the Veil" -- a kiss that involves a sandbox. The wall kiss, movie star kiss, the hot breath kiss, cherry kiss, mafia kiss. I need to start renting better porn or go back to middle school, because none of these are ringing any bells.

That's not to say I don't know a few of my own. Parenting provides fertile ground, so to speak, for a wide range of kisses:

The middle-of-the-night feeding kiss -- which usually lands on the forehead or elbow, as your spouse rolls over for another hour of precious sleep while you trudge into the nursery.

The date night kiss -- a hurried, torrid coupling before you drive the $15-an-hour sitter home. (The coupling is with the spouse, by the way. Get your head out of the gutter -- sheesh.)

The hall pass kiss -- a very quick peck on the cheek before your sprint out the door for a few beers with the guys.

I'm sure I'm missing more than a few. Any others?

Top 5 Unusual Valentine's Gifts: West Coast Style

Rachael Brownell (Redsy) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 17:41:00 GMT

Valentine's Day has parents everywhere calling babysitters and making dinner reservations, but what should one get the husband or wife who has it all, except sleep? This year, stay away from the usual chocolates and flowers and make this a memorable holiday. Parents these days, those selfish bastards, strive for individuality in gift-giving as much as anything else.

Bellingham may be one of the best cities in which to conceive a child, but it isn't known as one of the country's most romantic hot spots. Nevertheless, one of our local stores is loaded with unique Valentine's Day gifts even hip urbanites might enjoy:

1. Pacific Northwest Native American Art - Masks. Great for playing "dress up" and also for decorating walls.

2. Magnetic Pendulum - Very relaxing to watch ("you're getting very sleepy") and as the site says "hours of fun with magnetism."

3. Coriander Goat Cheese - Handcrafted and made with love. After eating this, your darling will be worshiping your brilliance in all the little sweet ways you used to share.

4. Tibetan Teas - Not just the usual Starbucks fare, these teas are created by Tibetan monks, baby. And if that doesn't get you hot, just mix with some vodka.

5. Flutes and Singing Bowls - Great for your sweetie's meditation practice and soothing to boot.

Gift-giving, especially the contrived yet high-pressure kind frequently practiced by tired couples with children, requires a certain confidence and creativity. With these gifts, you'll at least be able to claim a sense of humor.

Cheap Valentine's Day Craft: Making Cards from the Sunday Paper

Stefania Pomponi Butler (CityMama) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 12:32:00 GMT

Does your preschooler have to bring Valentine's Day cards to school this week? Mine does. Fifteen of them. And rather than buy the pre-packaged, uncreative, licensed-character-adorned ones (which I freaking LOVE, don't get me wrong), yesterday's Sunday paper inspired me to create a crafty project on the fly. It goes like this:

1. Fish the newspaper out of the recycling.

2. Flip through the drugstore, department store, big box store, and supermarket flyers and look for Valentine-y photos and graphics (flowers, hearts, teddy bears etc.) to cut out.

3. (Cut them out.)

4. Take the opportunity to discuss Whitman's Samplers with your children. Explain that they are full of shiteous chocolate, and they are to kick to the curb any future boy- or girlfriend who calls that crap a "gift."

5. Have your child use the pile of cut-outs plus a glue stick to embellish her or his homemade Valentine's Day cards. (The red hearts in the photo were cut out of the Dish Network flyer.)

[Photo credit: Citymama]

Valentine for the Mother-With-Everything: The Nursing Mother in Chocolate

Karen Murphy — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 14:19:00 GMT

Okay, so call me a bit of a militant nursing mother. After all, I nursed all four of my children with varying degrees of success. And I'm all for nursing mother's rights, and I totally honor the beauty that is contained within this simple yet basic action. But. A nursing mother rendered in chocolate? Okayyy....

Question: where do you start eating it? The head? Because a headless nursing mother is, like, so wrong. The leg? Nah. The, uh, "milk pillows"? Uh, no. And what about the baby??! I cannot eat a chocolate baby. No. Way.

However, this would make a lovely shower gift, as well as a highly unusual but welcome Valentine. After all, it IS chocolate.

Valentines Day Gift Ideas: Enamel Pendants from Orange Peel Enamel

Patti — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 14:16:00 GMT

Every time I wear one of my two Orange Peel pendants, I get massive compliments--they're eye-catching, unique, and fun. Jenny crafts each pendant to order and fires them in vitreous enamel, making them as durable as they are beautiful. Because they hang from a thin steel cable, they're totally kid-proof, making them a great necklace for a mama who's been avoiding dangly pretty things for fear of getting yanked by a grabby baby.

Check out the sold items at this Etsy.com store as well--Jenny will gladly remake a past design and is even willing to customize the colors to your recipient's taste or make them in a different size than previously offered. She gets them made and shipped with breathtaking speed, and the packaging is stunning, making the process of opening the package as much fun as owning one of her lovely little works of art.

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: "Sweet Treats" from Mahar Dry Goods

Stefania Pomponi Butler (CityMama) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 13:02:00 GMT

Do you know Mahar Dry Goods? If not, you should. Owner Robert Mahar seeks out the most whimsical and wonderful artisan-crafted toys and gifts for kids of all ages. For Valentine's Day, check out their selection of crafty "sweets" for your sweeties.

Nilla Sammies are a tub-time tribute to the almighty ice cream sandwich. These special edition soapsicles are not only beautiful, they're deliciously scented like vanilla and chocolate. Roll one up in your little Valentine's bath towel as a sweet suprise. Use your imagination and feel the love!

Fresh from the bakery of Ana Paula Rimoli, a dessert so sweet that you just want to give it a squeeze! Tuck a Cuddle Cake in Junior's lunch box to remind him just how much you love him, or stick a toothpick flag in the frosting with a special message to greet Little Miss at the kitchen table.

Feeling fancy? Practice a little civility and enjoy a proper tea with Lilly Bean's new tea service: crust-less cucumber sandwiches, delicious quilted cookies and an everlasting cup of Chamomile. Now sit up straight and no slurping when you sip!

Happy shopping!

Because You Want To: Cool Stuff for Valentine's Day

Karen Murphy — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 12:51:00 GMT

Before you know it, the most pressure-filled of all holidays will be upon you (thank you, Hallmark). Will you be ready?

Sending flowers again this year? (yawn. Or as I like to say: it's a start.) At least make them organically-grown, like these from Organic Bouquet.

Feel compelled to send a card? Support social justice with these uber-cool hemp cards from the Organic Consumer's Association.

What about the kids? The Groovy Mind has this set of Five Finger Puppets made from wool spun on bicycle wheels! How can you not buy this, when you can give a toy and inspire guilt at the same time? My kids are each getting a weird-what-is-it rechargeable Candeloo light from Progressive Kid, combining form and function with whimsy. Can't find the perfect gift? Have a look at the large Valentine's collection from Magic Cabin, with vintage Valentines, magic fairy hearts, and bubble wands.

They say the way to a lover's heart is through the stomach, and few things say romance better than food. If you're into cooking, why not try this Vegetarian Valentine's Menu For Two from Wild Oats?

Had enough hearts? I couldn't resist this simple, recycled glass heart from Greenfeet.com

The second-to-last item of the night must involve chocolate. I think it's actually a law. While I look that up, have a look at these organic chocolate truffles from Sweet Earth Chocolates, or perhaps a selection from the Sweetheart Assortment from Lake Champlain Chocolates.

Valentine's Day Gifts That Don't Suck: Keepsake Journals

Stefania Pomponi Butler (CityMama) — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 23:02:00 GMT

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and you may be thinking, "What can I get my loved ones besides kisses and a bootleg copy of Blood Diamond?" From now until V-Day, Strollerderby bloggers will be passing along tips for gifts that don't suck. Here's one:

If you hate journaling and scrapbooking because you can't think of anything to write or feel you are uncreative, Sand Dunes Publishing's "Between Me and You" Relationship Keepsake Journals are for you. You give them to your "Honey" (or friend or family member), and she or he fills it out using the writing prompts as a guide. When it's completed not only do you have a piece of their heart, but a beautiful, lasting keepsake as well.

This unique and personal gift can be ordered directly from the publisher for about $15. Which is cheaper than anything you can get at Tiffany's.

Where Do You Hide Your (Blank) When the Babysitter Comes Over?

Stefania Pomponi Butler (CityMama) — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:03:00 GMT

Valentine's Day is coming up and that might mean that you and your partner get to sneak away for a little winey-diney while a babysitter watches the kids. And you know what that means.

When I was a teenage babysitter, I snooped the shit outta some houses. I tossed places like a DEA agent looking for llello. Now that I am old enough to have a teenage babysitter of my own (but not so old that I've forgotten what teenage babysitters do as soon as the adults leave), you best believe that my (blank) is locked up tight.

No, it's not under the mattress or in a coat pocket or in the freezer. My (blank) is definitely not in any drawer or in the medicine cabinet. In fact, my (blank) may not even be in the house. Maybe I keep my (blank) off-site, and retrieve it when needed.

If my babysitter were to snoop, she'd find my X@n@x, my birth control, and a bottle of marked vodka, but my (blank) is safe. Where do you stash your (blank) on date-night?

Strollerderby : Valentine's Day

Birth Control Best For Families in This Economy?

Smackdown: I Need a Time Out!

Will Toy Tie-Ins Destroy Sid the Science Kid?

New for Mom: Spa Treatments on the Maternity Ward

They Say: Kids Might Not Doom a Marriage

What They're Babbling About: Love Is in the Air

New Edition: What They're Babbling About

Celebrate the Holiday - It's Bake Pizza Week

When the Kids Are Your Valentines

Review: My Wubbzy Little Valentine

Review: My Wubbzy Little Valentine

Review: Olivia the Pig Comes to Nickelodeon

Babble Talk: When It's Too Cold to Play

What Could a Baby Really Do in Four Hours?

Sasha and Malia See Hogwarts with Harry

No More Sugar Mama

Old Car Seats To Get No Love This Valentine's Day

Kitchenista: Sweet Cheesecake Love

Valentine's Day Is Dead; Long Live VD (Valentine's Day, Silly)

A Very Special Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Around the Blogosphere

Quickie Craft: Valentine's Treat Bucket

Lock Away the Kids and Try the "Wall Kiss" ... If You Dare

Top 5 Unusual Valentine's Gifts: West Coast Style

Cheap Valentine's Day Craft: Making Cards from the Sunday Paper

Valentine for the Mother-With-Everything: The Nursing Mother in Chocolate

Valentines Day Gift Ideas: Enamel Pendants from Orange Peel Enamel

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: "Sweet Treats" from Mahar Dry Goods

Because You Want To: Cool Stuff for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Gifts That Don't Suck: Keepsake Journals

Where Do You Hide Your (Blank) When the Babysitter Comes Over?