Tales of a Single ParentTales of a Single ParentA blog and podcast dedicated to all single parents. Articles
Bloggy Giveaway Contest Winners!!
2008-02-03 21:45:00 Congratulations to the Holladay Family, Debbie#3, Reeva and Double Happiness. They each won 2 free tickets to the Feb 23 Rock-n-Tot event to be held at the Ultra Bar in Washington, DC.Thanks to everyone who entered the contest...... More About: Contest , Winners
Giveaway Ends Tonight at 11:59pm
2008-02-02 15:57:00 The GIVEAWAY contest for upcoming Rock-n-Tot event tickets (2 for the DC event and 2 for the OH event) ends tonight at 11:59pm. If you have not entered yet, go to the TSP Show #10 posting and leave a comment. I will announce the lucky GIVEAWAY winners on Sunday, Feb 3. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile More About: Tonight , Ends
TSP Show #10 - Interview with Liz, co-founder of Rock-n-Tot / GIVE-A-WAY: 4
2008-01-30 02:48:00 Listen to Show #10In Show #10 I interview Liz Weirshousky, co-founder of Rock -n- Tot. Rock -n- Tot is for families with kids ages birth through twelve. We promise that the adults will have just as much fun as the kiddos! Everyone is invited (older siblings, babysitters/nannies, grandparents, etc.), but an adult MUST be accompanied by a child!!Grab Bag Item of the Week: Our very first GIVE-A-WAYGIVE-A-WAY: 2 Tickets to the Feb 23, 2008 Rock -n- Tot Event in Wash, DC Event will be held from 2pm-5pm at the Ultra Bar in Washington, DC2 Tickets to the Feb 9, 2008 Rock -n- Tot Event in Cleveland, OHEvent will be held from 1pm-4pm at the Velvet Dog in Cleveland, OHIn order to be entered in the giveaway, you MUST leave a comment on this post.Anyone is eligible. Tickets are in PDF format and will be emailed to the winner.Music Credits:Intro: Nobody by Ryan ShawBreak #1: Dream by Alice SmithOutro: All Fired Up by Brand New Heavies More About: Founder , Interview , Give
Happy Friday: Time for Bubbles & Bubbly
2008-01-25 11:00:00 It's time for Bubbles & Bubbly . Put the kids to bed early, mix yourself a drink and run yourself a bubble bath and relax. YOU DESERVE IT!!!!Alcoholic Drink RecipeScooby Snack recipe1/2 oz Malibu® coconut rum1/2 oz creme de bananes1/2 oz Midori® melon liqueur1/2 oz pineapple juice1 1/2 oz whipped creamPour rum, creme de banane, melon liqueur and pineapple juice into a stainless steel shaker over ice. Add whipped cream, and shake; until well mixed and sufficiently chilled. Strain into an old-fashioned glass and shoot.Non-Alcoholic Drink RecipeAcapulco Gold recipe3 oz pineapple juice1 oz coconut cream1 oz whipping cream1/2 oz grapefruit juiceShake and strain into a highball glass with cracked ice. More About: Time , Happy , Friday
TSP Show #9: Raising Kids in an Always-On Society
2008-01-25 02:28:00 Listen to Show #9The web has evolved so much that almost everything we do can be done online. Hundreds of social networking sites are popping up everyday; mobile phones are basically hand-held computers. Being online is second nature to tweens/teens. They do everything from join and participate in social spaces like MySpace, Facebook and Bebo, play online games, IM one another, play in virtual worlds like Dizzywood and Millsberry, upload their own videos and watch others on YouTube, etc, etc. How do parents cope? What things do our kids need to be aware of when posting things to their online profile(s)?This Week's Grab Bag Treat:GrandCentral: the new way to use your phones*grandcentral is still in beta. if you want an invite, send me an email*Music Credits:Intro: Nobody by Ryan ShawBreak #1: C20H25N30 by 880 SouthBreak #2: Shoes by ToussaintOutro: Queen of Me by Natalie Brown More About: Society , Kids
TSP Show #8: Reality TV & Your Kids
2008-01-25 02:10:00 Listen to Show #8There are a ton of reality television shows on the networks now. Kids are gobbling them up. Are reality tv shows giving kids a false perception of the life? Do kids understand the different between reality tv and real life? Do you allow your kids to watch reality tv shows? This Week's Grab Bag Treat: B*SH - Finally a place to get it off your chest http://www.ilovetocomplain.comMusic Credits:Intro: Nobody by Ryan ShawBreak #1: Used to Be by theFoundationBreak #2: bread by theFoundationOutro: Itaikurai by Free Trans Ensemble More About: Reality
2 New Shows for Tales of a Single Parent
2008-01-23 05:37:00 I'll be recording 2 shows tomorrow. Call the comment line (571-921-4243) or email (talesofasingleparent@gmail.com) me if you'd like to leave a question or comment on the show topics below. Show Topic #1: Reality TV & Your Kids Show Topic #2: Raising Kids in an Always On Society (your kids and the internet)Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile More About: Tales , Single , Parent
Mid-term Anxiety
2008-01-22 17:04:00 My 9th grader has mid-terms this week. She and her best friend have been studying their butts off for the last month and a half. I'm trying to remember if we had mid-terms when I was in high school and I don't think we did. I remember we had end of the year exams, but I think that was it. I'm looking at my daughter and all of her friends and man, they look totally burned out. I feel for them. On one hand I think, ok, this will help prep them for college and all the exams they'll have to take and on the other hand I think it's way too much emphasis on testing and not enough on actual learning. We already see a pattern where teachers are forced to rush through the classroom curriculum because of scheduled testing dates. Have we gotten to a place where kids are only taught to retain information specifically for taking tests? Has the focus changed from learning the material to just remembering certain information required to pass a test? What are your thoughts... More About: Anxiety , Term
TSP Show #7: Setting Goals in 2008
2008-01-14 04:28:00 Listen to Show #7It's a new year and we all have things we want to accomplish. A good way to put all those wants and desires into perspective is to set goals. More importantly; setting attainable goals is key. This Week's Grab Bag Treat:: Backpack: Keep your to-do lists, notes, ideas, and calendar online with Backpack.Life Tango: Creating, Managing, Sharing, and Accomplishing Goals Music Credits:Intro: Nobody by Ryan ShawBreak #1: Dubcity by SubCity DwellersBreak #2: I'm So Happy by BombskareOutro: My Only Friend by Minus Vince More About: 2008
Happy Friday: Time for Bubble & Bubbly
2008-01-12 00:59:00 It's time for Bubble s & Bubbly . Put the kids to bed early, mix yourself a drink and run yourself a bubble bath and relax. YOU DESERVE IT!!!!Alcoholic Drink RecipeCaribou Lou Recipe1 1/2 parts 151 proof rum1 part Malibu® coconut rum5 parts pineapple juiceShake or serve up with ice in a highball glass.Non-Alcoholic Drink RecipeEvil Princess Recipe1 oz grenadine syrup2 oz grape juice1 oz apple juice1 tbsp vanilla syrup1 tbsp lemon juicePour over ice, stir and garnish with a lime slice. More About: Time , Happy , Friday
Are Your Kids BlackBerry Orphans?
2008-01-07 00:33:00 Well, isn't this the question of the tech era? I had to ask myself this very question. I have been dubbed a 'CrackBerry Addict' and I admittedly spend a lot of time on my Black Berry (and my laptop). There have been a good number of articles talking about this and it's a little fascinating and funny to me. Although, I don't make this question exclusive to just BlackBerry; it's any type of smartphone (Treo, BlackJack, Wing, SideKick, Moto Q, PocktetPC, etc - oops, I just geeked out for a second).I may not feel the need to check my BlackBerry every 5 minutes (it's more like every 20 minutes) and I may not check it while we're eating dinner (but I do carry it to the bathroom with me at work) and I may not email and drive at the same time (I do it while at a red light), I'm still a Blackberry addict, but fortunately I don't think I've orphaned my children. I do manage to put it down while having conversations with them and when I'm at one of their performances or games, I am ... More About: Kids , Orphans
Happy Friday: Time for Bubbles & Bubbly
2008-01-04 18:50:00 It's time for Bubbles & Bubbly . Put the kids to bed early, mix yourself a drink and run yourself a bubble bath and relax. YOU DESERVE IT!!!!Alcoholic Drink RecipeMob Witnesses Recipe4 oz Amaretto Di Saronno® liqueur12 oz Dr. Pepper® sodaPour ingredients into a tall collins glass filled with ice. Stir, and serve.Non-Alcoholic Drink RecipeTriple Threat Fruit Smoothie Recipe1 sliced kiwi1 peeled banana chopped1/2 cup blueberries1 cup strawberries1 cup ice cubes1/2 cup orange juice8 oz peach yoghurtIn a blender, blend the kiwi, banana, blueberries, strawberries, ice, orange juice, and yogurt until smooth. More About: Time , Happy , Friday
TSP Show #6: Reflection
2007-12-31 02:31:00 Listen to Show #6It is so important to take time out and reflect on the past year; to look at mistakes that were made, areas where we could stand improvement; to evaluate where we could have made better decisions. The act of reflecting is like using a stepping stone to move on to the next phase in your life. To reflect is to learn; to learn is to grow, to grow is to mature.This Week's Grab Bag Treat:Retail Me NotThe online place to find and share coupon codes and promotional codes for great discounts at thousands of online stores.Music Credits:Intro: Nobody by Ryan ShawBreak: Come Back by Radio HavanaOutro: I Write the Sins by Panic at the Disco More About: Reflection
Happy Friday: Time for Bubbles & Bubbly
2007-12-28 13:00:00 It's time for Bubbles & Bubbly . Put the kids to bed early, mix yourself a drink and run yourself a bubble bath and relax. YOU DESERVE IT!!!!Alcoholic Drink RecipeCandyCane Crimbo 1 liter vanilla ice cream2 shots vodka3 shots peppermint schnapps3 crushed candy canes2 - 3 cups milkCrush three candy canes in to small bits, and place them in a blender with nearly half a 2 liter tub of ice cream. Add 3 shots of Peppermint Schnapps, and two of vodka. (Or five shots of Peppermint Schnapps) Add two cups of milk, blend. If more milk is needed add more. When it is smooth enough a spoon is no longer needed, serve in large glasses.Non-Alcoholic Drink RecipeCaptain's Choice4 oz hot cranberry juice4 oz apple juice2 cinnamon sticks2 mint leavesWarm cranberry juice and apple juice over low heat. Add cinnamon stick. Pour into glass Irish coffee mugs. Garnish with whipped cream a sprig of mint. More About: Time , Happy , Friday
Photos of My Babygirl & Her Girl Scout Troup at the Parade
2007-12-28 02:08:00 My fifth grader is in the juniors girl scout troup and they were a part of the Dumfries Day Parade on Dec 8. They had a blast and looked adorable if I may say so myself. More About: Photos , Girl , Scout
Hit Me Like a Ton of Bricks
2007-12-22 16:21:00 Yesterday morning we all overslept and I had to take my oldest daughter to school, which was fine since it was my off Friday. So, I dropped off my daughter, who is in the 9th grade and as I watched her walk towards the school it dawned on me that my first born is now in high school. It was the strangest feeling. I felt a million emotions all at once. I felt sad because in 4 years she'll be off to college and starting her own life and I will miss seeing her every single day; I felt happy because she is really turning out to be a lovely young lady; I felt scared because in getting older comes greater difficult life choices; I felt excited just wondering about the things she'll do in her life and I felt so proud just to be her mother and more than that I was in total shock realizing 14 years have gone by and my first born is really in high school. AMAZING!Time really does fly and I am glad that I made it a priority throughout my kids lives to be as involved as I possibly can because ... More About: Bricks
Happy Friday: Time for Bubbles & Bubbly
2007-12-21 14:37:00 It's time for Bubbles & Bubbly . Put the kids to bed early, mix yourself a drink and run yourself a bubble bath and relax. YOU DESERVE IT!!!!Alcoholic Drink RecipeSpiked Eggnog12 eggs3 pints heavy cream1 cup sugar1/2 tsp nutmeg1 cup bourbon whiskey1 cup cognac1/2 tsp saltNon-Alcoholic Drink RecipeChristmas Recipe1/2 cup sugar2/3 cup water2/3 cup unsweetened pineapple juice2/3 cup lemon juice2 tbsp fresh or bottled lime juice2 unbeaten egg whites4 cups finely crushed ice More About: Time , Happy , Friday
Why Must We Do This Every Morning?
2007-12-18 14:50:00 Every morning I get up at 5am and wake up my high schooler. She has to leave out with me so I can drop her off at her bus, which leaves at 6:15am SHARP! My little one gets the luxury of sleeping in since her school starts 2 hours later than my high schoolers. My oldest daughter has a ritual, where she tries on what she's going to wear to school the next the night before. She plans her entire outfit (clothes, shoes and accessories). She's been doing this since 6th grade or so. So I wake her up between 5-5:15am so she can start getting ready. Now being as though she has already played runway model the night before and knows what she's going to wear from head to toe, you would think all she needs to do is get up, brush her teeth, wash her face and wash up before throwing on her clothes. BUT OH NO. It's NEVER that easy. Every single morning I am yelling down the hall at 5:55am for her to 'move her butt' and that if we don't leave by 6:05am she will miss th... More About: Morning
TSP Show #5: ME Time
2007-12-17 01:31:00 Listen to Show #5What is ME Time ? Me Time is exactly what is says, time you spend on you just for you. Many parents do not understand the importance of having me time and have failed to put themselves on the list. As parents, we are always taking of everyone else and are so used to just going along with the day-to-day rat race, that we neglect to stop and take time to please ourselves. We must not feel guilty about taking time to do something that makes us feel good without the kids. It's not a crime to do that; it is rather important for us to carve out time to rest, relax and enjoy whatever it is that makes us feel happy. This Week's Grab Bag Treats:*Recommendations for ME Time*Books:Failing Forward by John C. MaxwellWater for Elephants by Sara GruenThe Little Lady Agency by Hester BrowneMusic:Feist (The Reminder)Jill Scott (pick any CD)Gato Barbieri (1990 CD titled 'Caliente!')Movies:Boynton Beach ClubRelative StrangersWalk The LineTV Series:Nip/TuckBig LoveWeedsFor those who...
Happy Friday: Time for Bubbles & Bubbly
2007-12-15 00:14:00 It's time for Bubbles & Bubbly . Put the kids to bed early, mix yourself a drink and run yourself a bubble bath and relax. YOU DESERVE IT!!!!Alcoholic Drink RecipeGodiva Chocolate Martini Recipe1 1/2 shots Godiva® chocolate liqueur1 1/2 shots creme de cacao1/2 shot vodka2 1/2 shots half-and-halfMix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and pour into a chilled cocktail glass.Non-alcoholic Drink RecipeBabylove1 1/2 oz coconut milk3/4 oz cream2 oz pineapple juice3/4 oz banana syrup1 bananaShake well over crushed ice in a shaker. Strain into a collins glass and fill with crushed ice. Top with banana slices, and serve. More About: Time , Happy , Friday
A Single Parent Moment: I Feel SO Alone
2007-12-14 14:39:00 The other day, I almost lost my mind. My oldest daughter (9th grade) goes to a high school that is not within our neighboring high school zone, so I pick her up from school everyday. Well, the other day she was going to stay after for tutorials for some of her classes, which she does twice a week. I usually get to the commuter lot at 5:30pm and am at her school by 5:45pm. So I called her as I normally do and there was no answer. Ok, no problem, maybe she didn't hear the phone, maybe she was using the restroom. Well, 20 minutes and 11 calls later, still no answer. Alright, now I am getting a little bothered. My daughter always answers her phone when I call her. A part of me was super irritated and mad because I had just got off work and I wanted to go home and I started to think, alright, she is 14 and she's probably doing something she should NOT be doing. BUT, then I thought, what if she isn't? What if something is wrong? Now, I am really starting to freak out internally. I get ... More About: Moment , Single , Feel , Parent , Pare
Hangin' Out with the Cousins
2007-12-11 16:52:00 My cousins and I try to go out to a new restaurant once a month, so we can chit chat, laugh and break bread together. Since we're all left handed, we call ourselves the Left Handed Club.
Dunkin Donuts Drive Thru - WTF ???
2007-12-11 04:43:00 The Dunkin Donuts my kids and I frequent has the most retarded looking setup. The order box is so close to the pick up window, my girls and I always ask "what's point of even having the order box?" More About: Drive
TSP Show #4 - Fundraiser Burnout
2007-12-10 04:15:00 Listen to Show #4If you have school aged children, you definitely know about fundraisers. You are smacked with a fundraiser as soon as kids return to school and are most likely smacked with two or three more before the kids go on Christmas break. Well, I don't know about you, but I am totally burned out. I've done 11 years of fundraising and I'm so over it. Not to mention, my family and friends have threatened to disown me if I ever call them again about another fundraiser.This Week's Grab Bag itemLadies Tools OnlineMusic Credits:Intro: Nobody by Ryan Shaw1st Break: Car Chase Theme by Big Money Grip2nd Break: Aguamala by Carne CrudaOutro: Go Fish by Big Money Grip More About: Burnout , Fundraiser , Burn
Happy Friday: Time for Bubbles & Bubbly
2007-12-07 13:00:00 It's time for Bubbles & Bubbly . Put the kids to bed early, mix yourself a drink and run yourself a bubble bath and relax. YOU DESERVE IT!!!!Alcoholic Drink RecipeMALIBU BAY BREEZE1 1/2 oz Malibu® coconut rum2 oz cranberry juice2 oz pineapple juiceBlend ingredients and serve over ice.Non-alcoholic Drink RecipeROY ROGERS4 oz ginger ale2 oz lemon-lime soda1 tsp grenadine syrupPour the ginger ale, lemon-lime soda and grenadine into a highball glass almost filled with ice cubes, and stir well. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange, and serve. More About: Time , Happy , Friday
TSP Show #3 - Holiday Spending & Budgeting
2007-12-05 03:03:00 Listen to Episode #3Tis the season to be jolly, but not go broke. Christmas is around the corner and we all love to shop and buy gifts for our kids, friends and family. It is helpful to remember to stick to your holiday shopping list and more importantly STICK TO YOUR BUDGET.This Week's Grab Bag item: Mint : Refreshing Money ManagementMusic Credits:All music in show #3 is performed by: Carne CrudaIntro/Outro: El DiablitoBreak: El Pulpo More About: Holiday , Show , Spending , Budgeting
Bubbles & Bubbly
2007-12-01 19:52:00 Bubbles & Bubbly is a day late due my internet being down last night (what a bummer). Alcoholic Drink RecipeIRISH CAR BOMB3/4 pint Guinness® stout1/2 shot Bailey's® Irish cream1/2 shot Jameson® Irish whiskeyAdd the Bailey's and Jameson to a shot glass, layering the Bailey's on the bottom. Pour the Guinness into a pint glass or beer mug 3/4 of the way full and let settle. Drop the shot glass into the Guinness and chug. If you don't drink it fast enough it will curdle and increasingly taste worse.Non-alcoholic Drink RecipeAFTERGLOW1 part grenadine syrup4 parts orange juice4 parts pineapple juiceiceMix. Serve over ice. More About: Bubbles
Upcoming Topics for Episodes #3 and #4
2007-11-27 15:01:00 I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. We sure did. This weekend, I'll be posting 2 shows. I had some technical difficulties this past weekend while recording, so now I have to record 2 shows this coming weekend. In episode #3 I'll be talking about holiday spending and budgeting. The Christmas season has arrived and so many people go into debt from holiday overspending. So this episode is dedicated to providing you with helpful holiday spending an budgeting tips. I'll also be unveiling a new online tool out the grab bag. It is a tool that could change your financial situation for the better.In episode #4 the topic will be 'Fundraiser Burn-Out'. If it's one thing all parents know all to well, it's school fundraisers. How many have you received since the start of school????? If you want to participate in either episode 3 or 4, send me an email at talesofasingleparent[AT]gmail[DOT]com or call the voicemail at 571.921.4243 to leave your comment(s), suggestion(s) an... More About: Topics , Episodes , Upcoming , Odes
Happy Friday: Time for Bubbles & Bubbly
2007-11-23 22:29:00 It's Friday !!!!!! Welcome to the first posting for Bubbles & Bubbly , where every Friday I post one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic (for folks like myself who do not drink alcohol) drink recipe. So, put the kids to bed early, mix your drink and run yourself a nice hot bubble bath and relax.Alcoholic Drink RecipeMANGO MOJITO1 1/2 oz Cruzan® mango rum3 oz club soda4 mint leaves1 lime wedgeMuddle the mint leaves and lime wedge in the bottom of an old-fashioned glass. Add Cruzan mango rum and club soda as above or adjusted to taste. Add ice cubes, and serve.Non-alcoholic Drink RecipeBLACK AND BLUE BERRIES1 cup berries1 cup soda water2 tbsp honey1 tsp lemon juicePlace all ingredients into a blender jar. Cover, and whiz on medium speed until well blended. Pour into a collins glass, and serve. More About: Time , Happy
Special Shout-Out to Cliff
More articles from this author:2007-11-19 07:03:00 The very first email I received about my podcast was from Cliff , a SINGLE DAD. Cliff has a blog/podcast over at Surviving as a Single Parent, which is really insightful. It's nice to hear the perspective of single parenting from a guy. Go check him out..... More About: Special , Shout 1, 2, 3 |
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