Category — Mommy Toys

The wife has finally given me the ok to jump into the digital age. We have been spending time at a friend’s house who has a nice HD TV and Mommy Bacchus has finally seen what all the fuss has been about. I have had plans to start getting some for the house, but not until next holiday season. Fortunately for me, she has loved watching TV in HD and wants to contribute funds to the cause. So off I went to the internet and did my research. Talked to some friends and a good buddy developed the below list that I found very helpful.

• Darkest blacks possible
• 120 Hz is better
• DLP is the best for the price
• LCD is the best picture
• Plasma has a better picture but they’re about to be discontinued because of problems
• Mitsubishi probably the best big screen maker
• Measure how far your seat is from where the TV will be and get that distance away at the store
• Go HDMI – go digital its worth it but don’t buy expensive cables because digital is always digital – a 1 is a 1 and a 0 is a 0
• Fry’s is a good place to shop – online is a better place to buy
• Go with the picture you like the most and pay few hundred extra if you have to. You don’t want to be stuck with a TV you’re not happy with a year down the road and you could’ve spent just a few extra bucks.
• The TV will look bigger in your house than it does on the show room – trust me on that one

We were limited in the size that we could get, but got the best we could afford and fit in the space we planned for it. MB had been talking with her friends and decided that because of the two active kids we have, she made one hard requirement.

The Ultimate Mommy Toy: HD Flat Screen TV Wall Mounting

Because a couple of MB’s friends had children involved with some type of accident with the flat screen TV, she insisted that the TV be mounted on the wall. Initially it didn’t bother me because the mounts I saw in the stores cost a $100-200, but the real problem was the cost to get someone to actually do the mounting for you. Wow!!!! It was almost the cost I paid to buy the TV. I bit the bullet and got someone reputable. MB knows that I am good for finding a friend of a friend, but mounting a TV is not something you want to trust to just anyone. I decided to go with Circuit City Firedog service, and hopefully everything will go well.

Now What???

Since we needed the TV mounted and the existing TV stand would have to be taken down, MB thought that I would just leave the TV in the box and wait until the installers came. Nope, not gonna happen. I had the TV out of the box within 30 minutes after we got it in the house. Put it in the bedroom for the time being and watched my first show on fuzzing regualr TV. Oh, did I forget to mention that I now need to get a new satellite box that will bring the HD signal to the new TV. Oh, and you need to purchase HD wiring, Oh, and you need HD package for your satellite service……..IEverytime I looked up there was another “Oh.” I just hope everything will turn out ok. If anyone can think of anything that I missed, please share what you know.

The winter months usually has my skin feeling like a brown paper bag in the mornings. For years I have searched for a more affordable solution that has an acceptable smell and convenient to purchase. Because my skin gets so dried out during the winter I am usually forced to purchase an expense over the counter moisturizing product that is hard to find. The one sure thing I have used is the bath and body works body cream products but that works well for the wife and kids but the scents don’t go well with my personality, if you know what I mean. Plus paying $ 12 for 8 oz of a product.

Last year I ran across a new Gold Bond product that came in a small travel-like container that I used primarily for my dry hands. Once they came out with a larger version of 14 oz for body use I was sold. No more dry skin in the morning and I still use it for my hands. I have shared it’s use with friends and some men use it after shaving as an alternative to after shave balm. My oldest son uses it for his dry skin and the wife looks for it when she runs out of her products. Overall its a product I highly recommend and suggest its use. It can be found at any drug store or discount super store. You may have trouble finding it so look on the top and bottom shelves.

Good Luck my fellow dry skin people.

I have been ordering Greenberg Smoked-Turkeys for about 5 years.  It takes the hassle out of cooking the big bird and makes a wonderful gift item to send to family members who are unable to be with you during the holidays.  I usually order a 8-10 lb bird and now have a separate frig in my garage to store it, because once you open it, everything in your frig will have to smoked favor also.   It is a family run business located in Tyler, TX and they don't take credit cards or payment until after the holidays.  It usually costs $3.65 a pound and you can eat it right out of the bag once delivered.  Order your today to insure Turkey Day delivery. You can order online or contact one of their "like-family" staff will assist you. (903) 595-0725.

I took advantage of a free promotion to get a satellite radio for my new car.  My commute to work is at least an hour each way and music and radio options are very critical for me. So why would I recommend this very trivial radio device as a parenting toy? 

Disney Radio in crystal clear digital sound

We get disney radio in Dallas, but it is an am station and well, you know how am sounds.  Pitiful

This has been a wonderful option to listen to with BJ in the car.   MB (Mommy Bacchus) has gotten on me too many times for playing my advanced musical tastes while he is in the car, especially since he is able to memorize the words. Black-eyed peas is an example….

Once I got it set up and installed, (cost me an extra $80 because I broke my ac vents it was supposed to sit on) having so many musical options will be just like you switched from regular to cable TV.  When I got cable, I remember staying up all night just switching through the channels.  Satellite radio will give you the same experience.

Admittedly, I drove around the city for an hour just trying out all the various options and became giddy with glee….

So I highly recommend you consider this option for the kids at least, and Oprah and Friends, Disco dance, 1980's, 1990's, Jazz, hip hop and about 200 other options.  I am sure you will find something that will suit your tastes. 

If we can put a man on the moon, develop wireless phone technology, and give people the abilityto pause live television, why can't we create a single machine that will wash and dry a load of laundry???

It's been a wonderful week for me and I'm in a great mood.  I got some work done on the design of the site, downloaded some new software to help with my pictures, and BJ didn't hurt any of his friends at school. Yes, Life is good.  I was looking at a list of my comments Parenting Toys has received and noticed that most of my loyal commenters are mothers or mother-like figures in their families.  So as a thanks for their support I want to honor each and every one of them for putting up with all of us hard-headed men.  You love us, feed us, take care of us and put us in our places.  You are the true jewels of God's great earth.  So to express my gratitude, I want to thank the following supporters. Since Miss Lady Ma'am was the top commenter, she received 250 BE credits for her support.   Happy Mother's Day to you all. 

Miss Lady Ma'am

Tricia

Cat with a Pen

Jaws was a Lady

Michelle–Jazz Coffee 

Mellisa–Jetting Through Life  

Izzy's Mom

Wander

The Flip Side

Shelly–Dramedy of Life 

TLC–Send Chocolate  

Yellow Dog Granny–You gotta check her site out  

Beth 

I apologize if I left anyone off, but my list of comments only goes back so far. 

Several years prior to BJ being born the wife and I were at a restaurant where we witnessed a group of 5 ladies eating at a table with 5 plus infants/toddlers.  The first thing we noticed was how poorly behaved the children were acting, and the parents acting as that type of behavior was cute.  The kids had complete control of the table and got to do whatever they pleased.  (Keep reading, this post is not about the kids behavior, but the inconsiderate nature of the parents.) 

We have all witnessed similar scenes, but what really got our attention was the lack of concern when the party left their table.  See, the children left a small mountain of food, utensils, paper-products and a lost toy on the restaurant floor. Once the restaurant staff of four(4) pulled out the chairs, we could see the scope of the damage. It looked like the kids were underneath the table building a sand castles.  The parents divided up the bill, got up and left without any attempt to apologize or clean up the mess.  I promise you, this was a total disaster that required multiple carpet sweepers and a vacuum cleaner.  At that point in time, I made a mental note to never be so inconsiderate and at least attempt to clean up my child's mess.

Since BJ's birth, I have always tried to be considerate of restaurant staff and at least attempt to clean up any mess we have left.  At home it's a must because there's no wait staff to do it for you, so why not make it easier for yourself. It's hard to keep a toddler entertained while eating out or at home, but the Piggy Platter Placemat is here to help.

(Click to enlarge)

It's a shatterproof, stain-resistant plastic mat that allows you to insert material to keep your child's attention.  The option I love the most is the removable plastic gutter to catch "run-away" cheerios.  Although this is more suited for dining at home, the concept is fantastic.  As an alternative, you could always bring the family dog to the restaurant to catch your droppings.  I love this product and highly recommend it.

The much anticipated Blackberry 7130c has made a unofficial appearance on the internet. The photos of the unreleased Blackberry 7130c have been leaked on the internet.

read more | digg story

Yes, my wife is doing something I never thought she would do. Mommy Bacchus has a boyfriend. Due to privacy concerns, I will refer to this other man as “Mr. Black.” There were several clues that revealed this relationship. Mommy Bacchus talks to Mr. Black every free moment she has, in the car, on the elevator, or waiting for take-out. She is constantly holding his hand and touching his face. Mr. Black is small compact, colorful and re-charges his batteries each night. How can a guy compete with that? Below is a picture I took of him while he was sleeping. I blacked out his face to protect his identity.

Mr. Black makes my wife laugh, cry and scream. Yes, I said, scream. One morning we were heading out the drive way and Mommy Bacchus tells me to stop the car and bolts out the door. She runs back into the house yelling and calling his name. What’s up with that????

Fortunately for me, I think they have developed what most young relationships encounter; a communication problem. One morning Mr Black told her to be at a certain place, at a certain time, but had his facts all wrong. This made Mommy Bacchus furious and she threatened to trade him in for another model. (Yes!!!!) Since I realized this was my perfect opportunity to break them up, I started doing little things to add to the relationship tension. I would un-plug Mr. Black’s charger in the middle of the night hoping he runs out of juice in the middle of the day. I have been having my own conversations with Mr. Black and giving him false appointment/calendar entries hoping she will get mad at him again. I have also been cutting out advertisements for Mr Black’s adversary, Mr “T” (Palm Treo 650), and leaving them lying around the house. Unfortunately none of these tactics have worked so far. It appears that I am left with only one choice.

I see Mr. Black all around town with other women. He can be found at soccer games, the grocery store and even on the highway while some people are driving. I think my only alternative is to play on Mommy Bacchus’ jealous nature and email her pictures showing Mr. Black for the TRUE SLUT that he his. I know it may sound cruel to used Mr. Black’s designed functionality in an effort to destroy him, but a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. Hopefully the next chapter will be “Mr Black gets sold on eBay.”

My wife traded in her SUV for a Mini-Van this weekend…….My co-workers tell me that since I now drive a “loser cruiser” my cool points = 0. 

I went to the dealer kicking and screaming, but soon changed my tune.  She had a Honda Pilot and wanted something more family friendly. I found that the Odyssey did have more room and is longer than the SUV.  It also has more storage compartments and plenty of cup holders.  So I give it two thumbs up…..Plus the sliding side doors are “Daddy Cool.” If I had any complaint, it would be that some of the cup holders are not deep enough, but I can live with that.