Mommy Diaries – Sleep is Overrated! – Carmen Brown

This week has been a tough one. My mother’s eye has had an infection and we had been trying to figure out what was wrong with it since last Thursday. We went to her family doctor Friday, the hospital Saturday, a specialist Sunday, and a plastic surgeon. Yesterday the doctor lanced it and let it drain. So now, she is feeling a bit better, her eye is still swelled up. Hopefully she will be back to her better self by the end of this week. Anyway, between all the family stuff going on, I have not slept a lot. Little man is doing well, he is getting his shots today. Ahhhhh! I hope it doesn’t hurt that bad. Wish us luck! Today calls for a good nap and maybe a big steak!!

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

Ready to Wrap this One Up!

Last week I was on vacation, so you know it’s always hard to get back into the groove after a week out. I have to say after a week being away from my boys, I kind of missed them. They grow on you like the plague (ha-ha).

Anyway, the beach was fabulous. It was perfect weather, we had one big storm… it was time to come in anyway, so it all worked out. It was so funny, Tyson was scared of the ocean and the waves crashing. I was traumatized. I had visions of us running around in the sand and playing in the water. So, we found this area called the point where the sound meets the ocean and the water was almost like a big wading pool. He loved it there. My friend got a really cute picture of his foot prints in the sand. Maybe next year he will like the waves!

Have a great weekend and as always, make it a good one! Carmen

Sean's "Hangover" Movie Review

Everybody has told me that the Hangover was going to be the funniest movie I ever saw in my whole life. I was prepared to need stitches in my sides from all the laughter.

Ok. It was funny. The characters are great. We can see some of ourselves in all of them.

Our mischievous side is Phil. Phil does what he wants and laughs all the way.
Our weirdo side is Alan. He knows that tigers hate cinnamon.
Our low self esteem side is Stu.
Our boring side is Doug.
Our tiny side is Mr. Chow. (I couldn’t see it at ALL!)

I do recommend this movie, but be warned. There is a lot of male nudity in it. I’m no prude, but just can’t endorse all the MALE nudity. There’s one shocking moment at the end that I’m not sure they can actually get away with. It might be edited out for video release.

Hangover was not the funniest movie I ever saw, but it’s top 7. I give it three thumbs way up. As Alan would say, “It’s not your fault.”

Mommy Diaries (Fun Fourth of July!) Carmen Brown

Just want to say BIG THANKS to everybody who came out to the Fourth of July Festival in downtown Greensboro. It was so much fun. The parade was a trip, we actually designed a float this year. If you missed it, the float was designed like a beach. It was so funny, the people that lined up behind us had 2 dogs. One was an older female small dog and another younger dog that had lots of energy. The people asked me if we could put the older dog on our float because she would get tired walking. I took the little dog and she rode in my lap throughout the parade. Between Matty in a hotdog suit and a dog on my lap, it was a huge success. People were laughing hysterically at the hotdog suit. Everybody wanted a picture with the life size hotdog. Check out the pictures at 987simon.com. They are great!!! Thanks again for those who came out and Happy Fourth of July!!!

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

Mommy Diaries (Birthday Day!) Carmen Brown

So here we are, July 1st, 2009, and one year has already passed. It is so hard to even wrap my head around it. Today is little man’s official birthday. We had our BIG celebration this past Sunday… a huge cookout with family and friends. We could have not been more blessed. The weather was wonderful, the crowd was warm and fun… just an all around a great time. So, thank you to everybody who came out! Tyson racked up. My house is now full of toys that light up and make sounds, it’s like a 3 ring circus!

Today I am getting out of here early to go do something fun with little man. It’s really hot, so I was thinking we could go play indoors for a while, then maybe go to the park later… then out to dinner!!! He loves to go out to eat just like his mama. I am so full of energy and life to know that I brought such an incredible little person into this world. What a gift from God. God is GOOD!

As always, make it a good one. Carmen

More of Skip's Ramblings...

What's up with paying to park at theme parks etc.. What service are they providing for the 8 to 12 dollars. It they were going to wash the car I would feel better. They need to offer some type of service like an oil change. Get with it.

MOMMY DIARIES (BEACH TRIP!) Carmen Brown

Hope everybody is having a great week…not too much drama, right! So, this past weekend, I went to the beach with Skip’s family and we had a great time. It was a much needed break… there was just one little roadblock that we had to overcome… and well, let’s say we handled it well!

We got down to Skip’s condo at like 10:30 Friday night and it was scorching hot inside, so we checked the air-conditioning… well…you guessed it… it was BROKEN!!! The temperature just kept going up, then it hit like 85 degrees and Skip’s wife started flipping out because management never called them to report the problem. They have people that help them take care of the property and rent it out. The people could not do anything that late, so we had to wait until Saturday to get it fixed.

So all in all it was a great vacation, just a little roadblock! We went to the pool early Saturday morning until the people came out to fix it, and all was well! We ended up having a fabulous time. Nothing like a cold pool on a hot day!!! I am ready to go back tomorrow! As always, make it a good one! Carmen Brown

MOMMY DIARIES (Boating We Go!) Carmen Brown

Hello to all!!! This past weekend was a blast… Tyson and I had such a great time. We kicked off Saturday with a boat ride around High Rock Lake. The weather was gorgeous. It was little man’s first boat ride, and he looked so funny in his life jacket. He just seemed to take it all in and enjoy the peaceful water. I also took one of my friend’s little boys. He enjoyed ‘helping drive the boat’. He felt like such a big man. I thought at first Tyson may be scared, but it did not faze him. He’s not really scared of much… he is my child for sure.

Then on Sunday, we went to ‘Art on Sundays Series’ Festival downtown in Winston Salem. It was tooooo cool! There were African drummers and Latino bands playing… a little flamenco guitar…dancers. Ahhhh… it was incredible! Tyson really go into it…dancing around and stomping. Ha-Ha… I wish I had a video camera. They also had this piñata where the kids lined up with a blindfold on. They were going crazy. Then when one of the kids busted it, they all came running on top of each other grabbing the toys and candy. I thought for one minute a kiddie fight was going to break out!!! Ha-Ha… so serious about their candy! Anyway, what a great weekend and today I think we may take a trip to the pool. Whoahhhhhh… It’s HOT!!!

As always, make it good one! Carmen

Another Random Thought... from Skip

Well its hot outside and that means pool time. I don't know what it is about a pool, but it feels great. It relaxes you. Make you feel great. But I hate sitting on the sides of pools like I am now, writing this blog from my Blackberry and getting splashed. Don't they see me working a delicate device? Do they know how important this is. It can ruin my Blac

Mommy Diaries (Come on Out to Downtown Winston! by Carmen Brown

Just a heads up, this Sunday, June 7th, bring the whole family out to downtown Winston-Salem for ‘June Fest’. It’s on the corner of 6th and Trade Street. It is part of the ‘Arts on Sunday Festival’ that my non-profit group has been putting on all through out the month of May. (Since one got rained out in May we are re-celebrating this Sunday) Sunday’s theme is Multicultural Music, Arts, and Entertainment. Lots of FUN!!!! The best part… it’s free. If you can’t make it out this Sunday, check out the afasgroup.com That is the website for the non-profit board I am on. We love to promote and help artists of all types. See you on Sunday!

As always, make it a good one! Carmen Brown

Mommy Diaries (Gone too soon) Carmen Brown

After getting off the air this morning I got a phone call… the phone call you never want to get. A very dear friend of mine was killed in a car crash this morning in Winston Salem. I can’t even began to describe how much of a loving soul he was… he is…and I am still in disbelief this has happened. He was engaged to be married in October to a beautiful woman with a heart as big as his. He has now gone to God, and heaven will have a new ray of light watching over us.

To his family and many friends who may be reading this, know that everybody is praying for you… As you are reading this… to anybody reading this… let your loved ones know how much you love them and how much you appreciate them. I wish I had one last conversation with him…..letting him know this, but I think he always knew. He has had a major impact on many people’s lives. So I ask we pass that on… be kind, be gentle, and open your heart…God Bless.

Carmen

Mommy Diaries (Guilford County Animal Shelter Needs Your Help!) Carmen Brown

Hello! I just visited the Guilford County Animal Shelter this week and there are so many sweet, loving animals ready to be adopted. We are in the process of updating the website with all the dogs and cats up for adoption (even a bunny too!). There is also a bio of each animal so you can find out more to get the right fit for your family. Go to my page ‘Carmen’, scroll down and you will see a pic of me and a dog that takes you to all the pets up for adoption. May 23rd-31st they have a really cool promotion where any dog or cat 1 year or older can be adopted for HALF price. Check out the information below and help out while getting awesome stuff for you!!!

Plan ahead to attend a HUGE yard sale to benefit ALL the animals of the Guilford County Animal Shelter.

DATE: June 6th
TIME: 8am – 1pm
(NO early birds please)

LOCATION: 5300 Wayne Rd. Greensboro
Sedgefield Area off High Point Rd.
If you are an animal lover, support the yard sale. If you love to go to yard sales, be sure to drop in. Like to just get out for a ride, the yard sale makes a great stop. You will find a treasure, and the animals will be the beneficiary.

Mommy Diaries - Alive After Five by Carmen Brown

It’s that time of year again to get outside, dance, and hang with other peeps in the Triad.

Tomorrow night (Thursday May 21st) the first ‘Alive After Five’ kicks off in Winston Salem. So everybody come on out to Corpening Plaza in Winston Salem. (where the waterfalls are) The party starts at 5 and the first band starts at 5:30 and goes till 8:30.

Every year has been a blast, and as far as I’m concerned the weekend starts on Thursday, right? Ha-Ha!!! Look for the Simon Van and stop by and see us. Don’t worry about pulling out your wallet…IT’S FREE!!!!! See you there!

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

You Tube's Hottest Talents from Skip

Here are some of You Tubes hottest talents that we talked about today on the show:

(click on the name to check out the video)

01. Numma Numma song

02. Fat Guy

03. Chocolate Rain

04. Turtle Boy

Mommy Diaries - Why Babies Do What They Do by Carmen Brown

So, I get home today, and Tyson is crying in his highchair. I’m looking at him like ‘did something just happen or are you on a hunger strike today’?

Trust me, we are going through a phase of I don’t want to eat, all I want is my ‘crunchies’, as I call them. He was such a great eater before, and now…bang…boom…nothing. Oh, he will take a couple of bites and then he is over it. Once in a while in the past 2 weeks I have been able to get him to eat without a problem.

The more the teeth are budding through, the more we are having food dilemmas. Now that I think about it, if my mouth was hurting like that, I may not want to ‘gum’ a lot of food either. The good news is that he is in the 90 percentile for other babies his age, which means I have no fear of him starving anytime soon.

He is really tall, which I can probably credit my dad for considering he is like 6’4. Little man has the genes to be a pro basketball player. The jury is still out on that one. I will never be one of those lunatic mothers who force their kids into certain sports…I am going to let him play around in different sports and see what HE likes. As far as I’m concerned, he could anything from a soccer player to a famous actor on Broadway. Whatever makes him happy. That was how I was raised and it allowed me to experiment with different hobbies/interest…etc.

Anyway, I figured out I liked to talk a out, and well here I am. ha-ha….Back to the eating thing, little man just woke up and it is time for our ba-ba, as he likes to call it.

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

A Message From Skip...

Here is Carmens weekend job at the winston salem childrens museum. Eat more chicken.

Mommy Diaries - Finally... VACATON WEEKEND by Carmen Brown

This past weekend I took a trip down to Skip’s beach condo…much needed getaway!!!

I think it was the first time I have taken a vacation since I was like 3 months pregnant. WOW – that’s been a hot minute. Although it was a quick weekend getaway, it was very relaxing. I thought I was going to be paranoid the entire time (first time away from my son out of town), but I was able to kick back and enjoy myself. I did call 50 times to check on him though (ha-ha). I’m like that annoying parent with my phone on speed dial.

It was bike weekend at Myrtle Beach, so that was interesting. I saw a lot of cool bikes with cute boys and some not so attractive (well at least the drivers – ha-ha –that’s so bad to say). For the most part, we just chilled on the beach, which now I have a sunburn on my back because I insisted on only using a 15/30 sun block. I’m not sure what I was thinking at the time.

Anyway, if you ever get down to North Myrtle Beach and really want to treat yourself to a nice dinner, check out Greg Normans. It’s at Barefoot Landing….triple yummy…a bit pricy, but worth it. Alright, I must return to reality now!

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

Mommy Diaries (NEW FACEBOOKS!!!) Carmen Brown

Good Morning to all! Check out our new Facebook Pages - - Just go to facebook.com and look us up. Soon we will also have a new, more exciting website also!!! Lots of cool stuff coming your way. For now, become our friends and we can chat on facebook!!!

As always, make it a good one. Carmen

Raising money for Make a Wish Foundation- Skip

I will be at the hungry Howies in adams farm shopping center tonight raising money for make a wish from 5-6. Please call 333 3340!

Mommy Diaries (More and More Babies!) Carmen Brown

This must be the year of extreme mating (ha-ha) because half of my girlfriends have been popping out babies. My best friend is in the hospital right now being enduced…ouchhhh. I remember it all too well!

I just called her to see how things were going, and she said the contractions were coming on and the cramping was starting in her back. Ok, my first thought was, girl you better get that epidural... QUICK! If I learned anything from the beauty of labor… ask for the epidural BEFORE the real pain hits. It takes the edge off. Ok, not completely, but it sure makes it a lot easier. I am heading to the hospital to see her in a minute, and maybe, just maybe, I can witness a birth at some point. I’m sure I will be kicked out of the room by that point, but it’s worth a try.

Oddly enough, I really loved giving birth. I know that sounds insane, but it was such a wonderful experience. Yes it was painful, was it unbearable? No. Once I got focused and realized I had a job to do, I was ok with it. It did not freak me out anymore. I think it’s the anticipation that gets us the most. We imagine this horrible, unbearable experience. I’m not saying it does not happen to certain women, God bless the women who have been traumatized! The hardest part of birth I think, for me, was wanting to know that I had a healthy child and that everything was going to be alright. It took a while, but we got there.

So, wish my best friend luck, and to all the mommies out there… go ahead with your bad self! Oh, and Happy Mother’s Day!!! I hope you got some time to relax and get some quality time with your children.

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

Mommy Diaries (AHHHH…I’m Scared!) Carmen Brown

Ok, there are only a few things in this life that scare the "you know what" out of me. One of those things would be tornados. Terrified!!! There is a tornado watch posted on the TV right now, and it makes my stomach turn. I don’t know what it is, but my hair stands up on my arms. You think I would be over storm phobia at 30-something, but oh no…no…no! How do I overcome these fears? It’s not like I have control of Mother Nature, or that I ever would like to have control of Mother Nature. That would be one hell of a job! Ok, so I really need to get over this.

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

A message from Skip...

Its so nice to see that we seam to be getting better with our economy. Gas prices below 3.00 a gal. Families buying homes. Stocks looking better. Now I hope that many business hire back people that were laid off.

MOMMY DIARIES (Cleaning Up Our Act – Literally) Carmen Brown

First of all I would like to say HAPPY EARTH MONTH!!! Thank you to everyone who is making a difference one step at a time!

Yesterday I caught part of the Oprah show. She did a special on Earth Day. WOW…it really opened up my eyes big time. She spoke with an activist about how much trash is dumped into the ocean. If you can take just a few moments out of your day, PLEASE go to oprah.com and read the story ‘Do you really know where your trash is going?’ It’s under the heading ‘IT’S EASY BEING GREEN’. There are multiple stories that all have great informative information, but this is SHOCKING. Currently scientists believe the world’s largest garbage dump is not on land… it’s in the Pacific Ocean. It is called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch which stretches from the coast of California to Japan… estimated to be twice the size of Texas. It is absolutely disgusting. A catch 22, because we are the ones who produce and consume so much… so MUCH!

It makes me sad, mad and guilty all at the same time. I really am on the path to changing my ways EVEN MORE today. There were many pictures and video on the show and I think there are some pictures on the website. The saddest part of the waste land is the poor animals that are living without choice in this environment. One pelican (I think it was a pelican) had died and when it was cut open, it had a cigarette lighter in his stomach along with other trash. It also showed other fish and animals caught in nets and trying to eat what they believe is food, but is really toxic material and they do not know the difference. Ultimately the toxic waste/plastic that ends up in the ocean… then is absorbed into the water, fish and animals… THEN ends up back on our plates. Think about it.

After reading the article I guarantee you it WILL change the way you view your habits. It WILL make you more conscious about what to do with waste and certain things you should avoid. This is not hard, it’s very EASY… do not be overwhelmed… one step at a time. It was so disturbing to look at all the waste PILED up and the long stretches it covered. We are talking about the size of Texas doubled. You HAVE to visit her website… oprah.com.

On that note, please read…please educate yourself…and MAKE IT A GOOD ONE! Carmen

Mommy Diaries (Ways to Keep the ‘C’ Word Away) Carmen Brown

I’m always interested in reading articles and researching different foods/vitamins that can help your body stay strong and healthy. The News & Record had a great article on cancer and ways to prevent and treat cancer.

Green Tea never fails. It has always been linked to good health and a great way to detoxify your body. Also interesting enough, mushrooms have a super power. They contain lentinan - a compound that stimulates the immune system, which in turn can slow tumor growth. Pretty cool huh! There’s nothing like making a huge stir fry with a bunch of mushrooms. Yummmm….As far as green tea goes, it is recommended to drink 2 to 3 glasses of green tea a day. Drink up!

As always, make it a good one. Carmen Brown

All about Carmen

Here are some interesting facts about myself that my best friend told me I should share with you guys. I thought these things were completely normal, but it apparently she thought were kind of odd!

First off, I would rather go out for wings and a cold beer than eating in an expensive fru-fru fine dining. (she says I’m like a dude?...I beg to differ) Also, I have an unhealthy obsession with Chef Ramsey from Hell’s Kitchen (ahhhh…he is sooooo hot!) I don’t like my drinks filled all the way to the rim. As far as shopping goes, I can only go for 2 hours or less (everything starts looking the same and I get a headache). I wash my hands over 15 times a day… not OCD… just feel like that makes my world a little cleaner. Ok, Just a couple of things that I find normal.

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

Mommy Diaries (Can I Take a Shower?) Carmen Brown

Ok – Parents, especially my mommy’s out there, do you find it hard these days to take a shower or do anything without taking your eyes off your little one??? My little man is into sooooo much, and the world is his playground as he learns more and more... like how to climb up on everything! Sometimes it can be really hard to get anything done at this age (9 months old), so you just go with the flow. I am getting used to taking my showers and house work after he goes to bed. I know most parents put their babies to bed around 7 o’clock or so, but Tyson does not go to bed until 9 o’clock. He is a late night baby. I have tried everything to push his bedtime back, but his clock says 9. My entire family has always been nocturnal.

Anyway, he is napping twice a day and that works well. He will nap for an hour or an hour and a half. By the time I get home, I am more than happy to nap with him and do not feel guilty about it at all. I used to feel guilty, like I had to get everything done when he naps. Now, not so much…I fall asleep on demand! It’s a whole new world these days.

Oprah had a really good show yesterday about true confessions from moms. Some of the comments were so funny. One woman did not want to pull over to go to the bathroom because her two children were sleeping in the back, so she grabbed a diaper out of the diaper bag, and well, you can use your imagination! Ha-Ha!!!

As always, make it a good one. Carmen

Mommy Diaries (Moving Around!) By Carmen Brown

Already 'Little Man' is pulling up on everything and crawling full speed. It is a whole new world with surprises everyday! He is trying to take off and walk with no fear what so ever. It is so funny, I have to catch him about 20 times a day as he starts ‘walking’ before he hits the ground. It will not be long, get ready mommy!

We also like playing with all kinds of different musical instruments. He has his own bongos, a big drum, a shaker, and a little piano. No big surprise he loves music, right! When I play music he also likes to sing along. He makes this humming noise and shouts out loud to the beat. OMG It is sooooo cute. I never know what’s next because every day he does something new like making gurgling noises or saying ma-ma (not sure if he knows what that means). He’s really good at saying ‘ba-ba’ also. Up for debate, I’m not sure when to start giving him anything other than regular baby food. Some of my mommy friends have told me they have given their children ‘table food’ at 9 months. It just seems a little young to give him that yet. We have so many spices, salt, and preservatives in our food, I just think it’s too much for his system right now. I feed him Earth’s Best and Gerber Organic Baby food. Maybe for now, I’ll just keep on doing what I’m doing. Anyway, it seems to satisfy him!

As always, make it a good one! Carmen Brown

Mommy Diaries – St. Patty’s Celebration - By Carmen Brown

Just wanted to take the time to thank everybody who came out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at M’Couls. It was a BLAST! As always, there was a great crowd and the staff was incredible. Got to give a big shout out to the owner Simonne, for being the hardest worker in Greensboro. She is the owner and just had a baby girl 2 weeks ago. Her little girl is sooooo precious. Congratulations!

Also, got to give a BIG shout out to the best bartenders in G-boro for holding it down – Ross and Mike! Moo-moo from the Globe-Trotters did a great job in kicking Skip’s butt – that was the highlight of the morning (ha-ha). Every year they do a great job, so thanks for having us out to crash the party!

As always, make it a good one! Carmen

March Madness- Skip the Prize Guy

I love march maddness. This is the best time of year! I like to root for the underdog. I love the upsets. This the day these teams have work there life for for this game and to send a giant home is what it played for. I would love to see a radford win it all. Don't get me wrong, I want to see WAKE or UNC go to the final four, but I enjoy seeing the small teams work hard and play there best and go far!

Mommy Diaries (Oprah Show on Wednesday) Carmen Brown

If you caught the episode of Oprah last Wednesday, it really put America’s situation in perspective. If you have not been directly affected by the recession, we know someone who has. Lisa Ling went out and reported to cites around America, including her hometown in California. It was shocking to see what many Americans are going through. Families that once lived in comfortable middle class homes, living the American dream. Now that dream has turned upside down in a blink of an eye… loosing their homes, relying on food banks to eat, trying to find a warm place for their children and so on. It is shocking, unbelievable, and hard to wrap my mind around. I know and realize at any time I COULD BE in that situation. Nothing is for sure right now, it does not matter where and how hard you work. It made me look around at all the ‘things’ in my house that I am thankful for…it made me realize how much of a blessing it is to have running water and a roof over my head. Over the years I have been the preacher of ‘well, be grateful that you have running, clean water and clothes on your back’…but now it is not out of sight and out of mind. It is your next door neighbor, it is your coworker, it is your best friend, and it’s the family that you saw on Oprah. If you have a job right now, count your blessings and be happy to wake up every day. There is a silver lining to the situation at hand and it is that WE will prevail. Americans have always proved to be strong and help one another through hard times. If you have an extra can of food in your pantry, take it to your local food bank. Something that I have been able to do, is to recycle some of little man’s clothing items and other items to women in need. Let’s step up our game Triad and really get down and dirty. Every little bit counts, so don’t think the small stuff does not make a difference.

As always, make it a good one!

Here are some money saving tip from Skip the Prize Guy...

# Combine your cable, internet and telephone service. Companies now offer combined services that not only cost less, but offer the convenience of a single bill.
# Slow down your internet service. I went to the slower internet service option with my cable company and saved $15 per month. And I haven’t noticed a difference when surfing the Net.
# Send away for and follow up on rebates. After you buy a product with a rebate, send in the form that day. Then mark your calendar to remind yourself to follow up with the rebate company if the check hasn’t show up.
# Buy a refurbished Mac: I’ve written about this before because it is a great way to buy not only computers, but iPods and iPhones as well. You can check out the details on how to buy a refurbished iPhone here.
# Convert to a gas water heater. They are more efficient and will save you money in the long run.
# Request a reduction in the interest rate for your home equity line of credit. I did and my mortgage company agreed to reduce the rate by more than 0.50%. And if you are looking for a home equity loan, LendingTree Home Equity Loans is a great place to check out available options.
# Request a reduction in the interest rate on your credit cards. As with home equity loans, credit card companies sometimes are willing to reduce the interest rate. It can’t hurt to ask.
# Refinance you mortgage. If you can reduce your interest rate by one percent or more, it is often beneficial to refinance. This is particularly true for those with high rates due to less than stellar credit scores. If your score has improved, you may qualify for a better rate. I would start by asking your current mortgage lender about lower rates. Here’s a refinance calculator to help you determine if refinancing is right for you.
# Get rid of Private Mortgage Insurance. If your down payment was less than 20%, you are probably paying PMI. Once you have a 20% cushion through reducing your debt and home appreciation (yes, prices do go up from time to time), contact your mortgage company to start the process of removing the PMI.
# Get your books from the library. I love books and read every day. While I buy some of the books I read, most come from the library. Simply put, it’s hard to beat free.

Finally! A blog from Skip

This sounds like s fun. Wake Forest Athletics is seeking a President of the Tie-Dye Nation to lead fan support of the men's basketball team during 2009 post-season play. The ideal candidate would be responsible for leading all Wake Forest Faithful in Demon Deacon pandemonium at the ACC Tournament and potentially the NCAA Tournament. The candidate selected as the President of the Tie-Dye Nation will receive two tickets to all Wake Forest sessions of the ACC Tournament as well as two tickets to any Wake Forest NCAA Tournament games.

I may do it!!!!!!!

Mommy Diaries (Make Mine a Million) Carmen Brown

Have got to tell about a networking group that has become one of my favorite! It’s Make Mine a Million. It’s for women business owners connecting with other women business owners to help them reach their goals and succeed to their full potential. You can find out more by going to makemineamillion.com. You can also listen to our community show that airs every Sunday from 7-8 a.m. and find out more. Look for a brand new interview with Jan on Sunday March 1st!

As always, make it a GOOD One! Carmen Brown

Mommy Diaries (Hello…7 Months!) Carmen Brown

Can you believe it, can I believe it!!! Little T is now 7 months old now and is getting bigger by the minute! In the past month he has learned to sit up on his own. Ahhhh…it is so much fun watching him sit up on his little blanket and playing with his toys. The ‘jumpy’ is not a favorite of his anymore since he is mastering other skills. It came and went as quick as that swing did! He also has a walker that he is starting to use. He does not quite understand it yet, but he is really trying. I’m not a big fan of the walker because of the dangers that go along with it, but as long he is being monitored and not around any stairs, I can handle it. Some people say it also delays their walking. The jury is out on that one as far as I am concerned. Also, we are enjoying so many new toys. He has a new ‘flip’ cell phone that makes noises and lights up. He ALWAYS tries to grab my cell phone when I’m talking. I think he’s actually hung up on a couple of people! So, if you call me and I hang up on you, it’s not my fault *wink *wink - -Make it a Good One! Carmen

MOMMY DIARIES (Biggest Loser Challenge) Carmen Brown

For those of you who are just chiming in, Skip and I are participating in ‘The Biggest Loser’ Contest, sponsored by the YMCA of Greensboro. It’s based on the TV Show.

We went the week before last and started our first personal training session. Let me tell you, it is HARD! I have been working out since I was pregnant. With that being said, my trainer Wendy took me to a whole different level. Before I would swim a lot, jog on the treadmill, and do upper body weights. She put me on the elliptical machine, which I hated before, but now I love it! I can double the amount of calories lost in way less time. Every week I have been trying to work out at least 3 days, cardio, upper body, and mid section. Let me tell you, women who have had a baby or maybe a couple…it is HARD to get that belly off. How are all these celebrities looking so tight and lean 2 months after delivering? How is this possible? Plastic surgery? Around the clock trainers and chefs? Can I sign up for that? No, just kidding, I would rather do it the old school way, no needles involved. That’s just creepy!

So, wish us luck and if you ANY suggestions on how to get the weight off in a HEALTHY way without starving myself, diet pills…you know where I’m going. Any work out routines you suggest, or any cool recipes that are good for ya! Tell me your story. You can respond to this post or email me at Carmen@987simon.com As always Make it a GOOD One!

More thoughts from our Skipper...

As you can see I'm not much of a blogger. But there are somthings that make me upset.

Puppy Bowl 2009!!!!!!!

This is an outrage.....

The poor puppies that subjected to the trainning and violence . They were just born!!!!!

The drugs that they force the puppyies to take to stay comPETitive. Steroids , Diet pills etc..... An outrage!!!!!!!!

What has to happen to stop this evil sport, Kennel cough, a bad case of athletes paw.

MOMMY DIARIES (PLEASE HELP!!!) Carmen Brown

Please HELP!!! If you have any extra blankets or sheets, please drop them off at the radio station (98.7 Simon – National Service Road in Greensboro), or at The Guilford County Animal Shelter (off Wendover Avenue)!

This past Friday, I visited the animal shelter and they are in desperate need of blankets for all the many animals they take care of. Winter can be REALLY cold and you know how comfy it is to snuggle under your covers! I met one little dog that was older (about 10 years old) and she loved to have a blanket in her cage. It meant so much that they brought this tiny little dog a blanket to climb under. I could not imagine how much in meant for the little dog to have that comfort! They also need other items as well: dog/cat food, cat litter, cleaning supplies, dog bowls, leashes, collars, anything you can think of that you would need for your pets. I know that times are tough, but remember they are tough everywhere. The beauty our community is that we all stick together. We know what it is to help one another out.

If you have any questions or concerns email me: Carmen@987simon.com Also, check out our website under the ‘Wicker Show’ and if you scroll down to my page ‘Carmen’ you will see the animals that up for adoption right now. You can see their bios and what they look like. Please pass this information along to friends and family and as always Make It a GOOD One! Carmen

MOMMY DIARIES (Life at the Grocery Store!) Carmen Brown

So, last night I had to make a quick stop at the grocery store. Ok, take that back, none of my stops are ‘quick’. Having a baby changes that! When I was strolling down the baby aisle, I heard this woman just yelling at her kid. It was beyond obnoxious. First, I could not even understand half of what she was saying (aka trash). She was just drilling this little girl. I tried not to turn around and give her a ‘go to hell’ look, but after it kept going on I could not stop myself.

Now, why do people have to act like this in public? If this mother does this in public, then what does she act like at home? Oh, I don’t want to even imagine.

Anyway, just had to get that off my chest. I’m sure everyone has experienced this at some point, but now that I have a child - -ahhhhh - -it gets under my skin to know that people act like this. To that lady, give yourself a round of applause for mentally screwing up a 7 year old. You must be proud of yourself. Other than that, my week has been great! Alright, who’s ready for the weekend!!! Wheeeeee As always , make it a good one! Carmen Brown

Mommy Diaries (Busy Busy) Carmen Brown

This has been a crazy week, and it’s only Wednesday! Do you ever have weeks that run together and you’re trying so hard to keep up before you collapse in bed by 9:00 p.m.? Between work and my little bundle of joy, I stay very busy! It is a very fulfilling life that I would not trade for anything.

For example, Monday I did not sit down once from the time I got home (around 1:00) until 9:00 p.m. that night. Let’s see…laundry (at least 2 loads a day), cleaning house (where dogs come in and out of house all day), vacuum, making bottles…cleaning bottles… washing dishes, cooking dinner, preparing lunch for next day, bath time, play time (the most important), and on and on. Ahhhh…a woman’s job is never done! The happiest part of my day is when I get on the floor and roll around with my Tyson. He is learning how to roll from one end of the room to the other. It is amazing, but I can’t turn my back for one minute. Soon it will be time to child proof the house. It will be a great way to get rid of all the junk that I really don’t need, right?

I know everybody runs busy days, and I hope you take time to really enjoy something you love. Many times I have to stop myself from trying to be superwoman and just say, "you know what, it’s just playtime for the next hour"!

Another piece of advice I would like to share with you is do not let exterior factors out of your control…aka drama…to effect your peace of mind at home. There are so many things that already consume your life to begin with, so let the "Debbie Downers" wallow in their own misery. No matter what, some people just need to get a life… let go… let flow! Anyway, you know what I’m talking about…enough said.

It is 2009, a time to bring out the positive energy, the good vibes, a time to learn, a time to share, don’t let anything get in the way of your happiness!!! Today is your day to shine. Oh, speaking of great house keeping chores, I just bagged up 2 bags of clothes to the Goodwill. That always feels good. When I was pregnant, I had TONS of clothes stacked up that I could not wear. So, many of my clothes ended up disorganized and was driving me crazy! Done…taking care of that and helping others out as well. Alright, keep on keepin’ it. As always, make it a good one! Carmen

MOMMY DIARIES - -WHAT A GREAT HOLIDAY VACATION! - -Carmen Brown

It has been an incredible holiday vacation, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and everything else that has happened in the past 2 weeks. Now granted, I worked over the holidays, but it was pretty chill. Most everybody was out of the office, so I dimmed the lights and enjoyed my natural element of peace and energy.

My biggest smile came from Tyson’s first Christmas. He was amazing. I was sure there would be a melt down at some point, but he handled him self so well. I was sure he would be overwhelmed by everybody ahhing and goooing over him. Kind of scary right? Like 10 people starring you down and speaking in a funny language. Ha-Ha - We went to around 4 or 5 family gatherings, and he only got upset once. We figured out why later, it was the onset of an ear infection. He was acting different than normal and pulling on his ears, holding his hands over them, and refusing to eat all of his bottles. I took it as teething, but still called the doctor just to be safe. Come to find out his right ear was infected - -ouch!!! So, he started his meds and is back to being hyper and happy within 24 hours. What a tough little boy he is!!!

One thing I have to say I am so proud of, is that I actually lost a couple of pounds over the holidays. Everyday I have been working out for at least 30 minutes. It has been really hard to stay away from all those lovely deserts. Ahhhhh - -cheesecake with strawberries! Yummy! The holidays are always a funny time, we see people that we normally only see once a year. Like the yappy cousin or drunk aunt. Those are always the best (ha-ha). But the best is to catch up with loved ones that we miss and rarely get to see. It’s great to enjoy the company of others, a time for fellowship, watching Grandma hold the baby and play, and find out what’s new and great in other peoples lives. It’s a reminder of what really matters and how much we take for granted.

Every day caught up in the hustle and bustle of everything with work and running against the clock. I remember on Christmas night just sitting outside and looking up at the stars. Just for a moment, time stood still. I took time to notice how beautiful it was. Wow… taking time to notice beauty… simply… well simple. Hope you had a wonderful holiday season and many more to come.

As always, make it a good one! Carmen