General Registration is now open for our most anticipated holiday program at the Museum.

Gingerbread Architecture Extravaganza!

Gets your hands sticky as you and your child build the yummiest house you can imagine. Sign up now because spots go fast and are selling out quickly!

$25 per gingerbread kit.
Pre-registration required.
Register online.

.... cross posted from our sister site, 50-Something Moms Blog.

This past weekend, Motrin – a well trusted household brand came under the attack of one of the most talked about groups in the world of advertising and marketing today; the mom bloggers.

The odd thing about this story was that the catalyst was not a danger to children but instead the tone of an online ad. In trying to reach out and relate to young moms, it alienated them. It was initially viewed as condescending and insulting. The discussion surrounded baby wearing, the use of a carrier to hold your child. The concept is to keep the baby close to you while allowing you to use your hands. Simple, right? If only! The language was viewed as disrespectful and online hell broke loose.

A single 'voice' heard around the world prompted thousands of moms to unite and have their voices heard. Amazing? Sure, but what followed was not so pretty .

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING ON 5o-Something Moms Blog.....

Brief Bio -

Vijay "the big Fijian" Singh was born the 22nd of February, 1963 in Lauoka, Fiji, and grew up in Nadi. His name meaning victorious lion, Singh learned golf from his Father and is well know for his careful planning and attention to every detail of every shot. Financial troubles occurred for Singh after a score doctoring allegation hit two years after joining the PGA but he has managed to move past it and is still playing in good form today in 2008.

Where He Is Now -

Now, Vijay Singh is a goodwill ambassador for Fiji. His goal is to better civil relations in Fiji, as there are conflicts and deterioration in race relations within the country. He is playing considerably less now, but is still golfing and has been seen at several tournaments this year. He played enough tournaments in the European tour in 2006 that he was listed on the European Tour Order of Merit title for the first time in more than ten years. Since he turned 40 years old he has won 22 times, allowing him to beat the record that was previously set by Sam Snead. He is also the second man to have reached $60 million dollars in career earnings from the PGA Tour, second only to Tiger Woods. He has won more PGA tour winnings than any other non-American player and continues to do quite well for himself.

Career Highlights -

Vijay Singh has a surprising total of 57 wins to his name, of which 34 are PGA Tour wins. Among these, he has three major championships under his belt - He won the PGA Championship twice, once in 1998 and then once again in 2004, and he won the Masters in 2000 as well. Over the span of the 15 years that he has been professionally playing, he has managed to score a total of 34 PGA victories. Within the European tour, he has thirteen wins over twenty years. He also has 14 wins from tournaments in Asia and Africa.

Vijay Singh is the second professional golfer, after Tiger Woods, to earn 60 millions from PGA career winnings. Overall, Singh's 34 PGA wins is the most by a non-American player, and he is placed thirteenth of all time in the PGA.

Interesting and Inspirational Quotes -

- "The ones that I do make mistakes, they are not as bad as the bad ones I used to do, so my bad is not that bad and my good is pretty good."

- "Maybe because I've hit a million balls? And because I've been out there forever, and maybe because I'm dedicated and want it more."

- "Sometimes it's harder to play with a big lead. I've found that out myself. Instead of trying to win the golf tournament, you don't want to lose it. If guys are catching up ... you kind of start to get nervous."

Believe it or not, the type of hook that you are using can have a big impact on your success rate with catching fish. While we all understand that big fish need bigger and stronger hooks, there are many different styles that can be used. Certain species of fish, such as large mouth bass, will need a very specific type of hook if you want to successfully catch one. Let's take a look at the different types of hooks that you can use and their intended uses.

Circle Hooks -

These are very popular in some circles and when used properly, they can be very effective. While they are not the easiest to bait, they are perfect for fish with large mouths. Instead of being able to grab your bait and run, that circle will impale their mouths and make it much harder for them to get away. This is a great type of hook to use on bass, as well as some trout. When you do get a nibble, don't immediately pull back on the line, since this will yank the hook right out of the fish's mouth. Let them do the work for you and you'll have a live one on the line.

Artificial Bait Hooks -

If you have been using your regular hooks with artificial bait, you may end up pretty frustrated at the end of the day. That is because artificial bait requires a specific type of hook in order to work effectively. The hooks for this type of bait are normally on the larger size and the point of the hook will be spaced further away from the body of the rest of the hook. You can usually find these located in the same section as artificial bait in most tackle stores.

Saltwater Bendbacks -

These are essential for saltwater fishing and can help you increase your success rate exponentially. This type of hook will have the point that bends out a little from the rest of the body and the shape is usually a little warped. This is ideal for larger fish that will have of course, larger mouths. By using a bendback, you should be able to hook your saltwater fish with a lot less effort.

These are just a few examples of the different types of hooks that are available. There are thousands more, but this should get you started. Remember, there is no such thing as "one size fits all" when it comes to hooks. Each different type of fish may require a different type of hook. Read up on the different species you're after and find out ahead of time which hooks will be able to get the job done for you. This step can save you hours of frustration and you'll be much more likely to reach your take limit in a lot less time. Try out several different types of hooks to see which ones will work best for you and the fish.

Photo Credit: 1

Take a walking day - go out and discover!

As a traveler, you may only have so much time allotted for your vacation and a huge list of things you want to do. This generally means drawing up a schedule to fit everything in. Although this is a common practice, most travelers find it impossible to visit every place of note in a city, and it is rare to be able to cram in everything you want to do in a limited amount of time.

This can create some stress, especially if you have your family with you and everyone wants to be able to do different things. Before long, you may find that your schedule is ruining your vacation, as you attempt to get everything done in a very short period of time. Instead of enjoying where you are at any given moment, you end up thinking about how to get to the next spot before your time runs out.

By staying a slave to your schedule, you may be missing out on some incredible opportunities to learn more about the culture of the place where you are staying. In addition, trying to get through a tourist guidebook of places to see generally means that you’ll be missing out on discovering some great hidden secrets. Although a schedule can be important, if you want to get off the beaten path, you’re going to have to throw that schedule out the window, at least for one day.

It is best to find a way to spend one day just roaming about, instead of making any set plans. You can do this on your first day in a city, or as one of the last things you do before you go home. Instead of following a rigid schedule on these days that you’ve set aside, allow yourself to sleep in, enjoy a late breakfast and then set your feet to wandering.

Forget about the tourist traps and spend this day visiting local pubs or cafes. In fact, just simply taking a long walk through part of a city can open up numerous new opportunities for fun. You can discover hidden restaurants that aren’t in the guidebooks, as well as unique stores. No matter what you’re interested in, just start wandering around and see what you can find.

If you’ll be staying in a large city, or if you have difficulty with directions, you may want to consider using a handheld GPS system. This will give the safety net of being able to easily find your way back so that you can just focus on having fun. You can even program your hotel in and get exact directions back from wherever you are. This takes a lot of the stress off of wandering around and will give you a chance to see just how many new places you can discover.

On your next trip, give this plan a try and see how much fun it can be to travel when you’re not held back by a schedule.

Photo Credits: 1

Whether you have a vacation home that will not be in use for the winter, or you will be gone from your home for an extended period of time this season, it is a good idea to properly close up your home for the winter. This is not difficult and the steps you take here can save you thousands of dollars by preventing burst pipes, water damage and other damage. Here is a quick checklist to help you get prepared.

1. Drain the water heater and the pipes.

This is something that many homeowners forget, but it is the most important step to take and should be done before anything else. If you don’t get rid of excess water in your pipes, plumbing and water heater, there is a chance that they could freeze. Since you won’t be at the home, you may never know what happened until it is too late. If you are not used to flushing your home’s plumbing system, you can easily hire a plumber to help with this job. Once everything has been flushed, double check to make sure that the main water line to the house has been shut off.

Some people recommend adding antifreeze to toilet water, but this is a hazard, particularly if you have pets and small children. It is best simply to flush the house system and close down the water line for the winter.

2. Seal all the windows.

In order to keep the temperature at a constant level, it’s a good idea to seal up and winterize all of your windows and doors. This can save you money on heating an extra home throughout the winter and will help keep the interior less dusty. You can purchase window and door sealing kits at your local hardware store and do this on your own.

3. Set your furnace to the desired level.

If you don’t mind heating the house all winter long, or if you haven’t completely flushed the house water system, you will need to make sure that you leave the heat on. Most people prefer to set the heat at about 50 to 60 degrees to keep it above freezing. This should reduce the cost for heating the house throughout the winter. If you prefer to just turn everything off, double check and make sure that no water is left in the pipes before you do.

4. Turn off the electricity.

If you will not be using the heating system, you can simply turn off the electricity for this portion of the year. Many people feel more comfortable doing this, since they won’t have to worry about electrical fires if something happens when they are not at the house. Talk with your power company about shutting down for the winter. If you have propane or natural gas lines in the home, you should also have those shut down for the winter.

These easy steps will help you make sure that your house is safe and sound for the winter and will be ready for you next spring.

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Having a garage door opener makes life a lot easier and it can add safety features to an existing door. There are numerous kinds of opener and more kinds of doors, but for the sake of brevity, we’re going to cover installing a garage door opener that mounts on the wall above the door. This type of installation allows for more head room and can be a lot safer. The type of door for this opener is usually the type that will either fold up, or that can be raised on a track.

First, you’ll need to follow the instructions that are included with your opener. All openers are different, and while we can supply some general tips, you’ll need to make sure you are using the right tools and techniques for your particular opener. Keep these instructions in a safe place when you’re done in case you ever need to repair your opener.

Ok, let’s get started. Before you go any further, disconnect the power to the garage. First, you’re going to need to mount that opener above the garage door. Make sure that the wall is sturdy enough to handle the weight since some openers can be quite heavy. Using countersunk screws, attach the provided mounting brackets to the wall. You will need to make sure that you are attaching these brackets to a stud and that the screws are firmly in place.

Attach the wires in the motor to the switch on the wall. You may need some additional help from a qualified electrician if this is a brand new installation. If you’re just replacing an opener, follow the instructions to hook up the wires correctly. Make sure that you do everything correctly - wiring is not something you want to mess with. IMPORTANT: make sure that you properly hookup the emergency disconnect device. This will save a life if someone gets trapped under the door.

Now, attach the motor to the brackets, taking special care to make sure that it is secure. Attach the motor to the door using the provided belts or chains. Again, all openers are different, so at this point you will need to refer back to your instructions. Set that emergency disconnect device to MANUAL before going any further.

Raise up the door until it is completely up and then put it back down until it is completely down. Make sure that there aren’t any hitches in its movement. It should be fluid and as noise free as possible. Keep in mind that belt attachments are usually much quieter than chains.

Plug in the opener and then set up the remote control. Follow your unit’s instructions. Clean up the area and double check all connections. Turn the power back on and test the unit. Please note that it’s best to be outside of the garage during testing to avoid getting trapped inside. (It does happen.) Once you’re sure everything is working properly, you’re all set - go have a cold drink and celebrate!

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If you are interested in learning how to play tennis, there are a few things you need to know before you get started. By having the proper foundation in this sport, you can be assured that you’ll learn properly and be able to play better as a result. Although this game is a lot of fun, it can be a bit difficult at first. These tips will help you get through that frustration and learn to enjoy the game.

The first step is to make sure that you have the right equipment. While entry level rackets can be expensive, it is best to buy the gear that is going to last. Many rackets that are budget priced will not be durable enough to take you to the next level and they may actually hinder you from learning properly. It is better to spend a bit more and get a quality racket. However, if you are not certain as to whether you will really like the sport and you don’t want to invest a lot of money, a budget racket may be the best choice.

You’ll also need to get a good pair of actual tennis shoes that will support your feet and legs. This can help reduce the risk of injury and give you that strong platform to develop as a player. You can find these on sale if you shop at a few stores and keep your eyes open for bargains. It is best to buy actual “tennis” shoes, and not running or athletic shoes, since these will not have the kind of support you need.

Once you have all of the right equipment, it’s time to think about working with an instructor. Again, this is an added expense, but it is a good investment. If you’re not in a position of being able to afford lessons, it is best to get an instructional DVD that will walk you through the basics of the sport. There is no real replacement for an actual teacher, but DVD lessons are helpful especially for those that are on a budget.

The key to getting better as a player is practice and you should set aside a few hours a week if you are serious about the sport. If you just want to have fun however, playing once a week is usually sufficient. Just remember that the more time you devote to practice, the better you will get in a shorter period of time. Get training gear and practice tennis drills often to get the basics down pat before moving into actually playing against another player.

This will help you keep your confidence levels up and you’ll have the right moves down pat when it comes time to actually play against someone else. Remember, tennis should be fun, and shouldn’t be a chore. By keeping the right mindset, you’ll be much more likely to get more out of the game and you’ll be able to stay mentally fresh and ready for new challenges.

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Have you ever tried skiing before in your life? If you are thinking about exploring everything that this popular winter sport has to offer, then the first step in your process should be to equip yourself with all of the necessary and relevant information, including the most basic do's and don'ts of the sport. For example, first and foremost you should make sure that you are being closely guided by a skiing instructor the first few times that you hit the slopes. You cannot and will not be an expert the first day you strap skis on, so prepare to face falls and the struggle involved in getting back up. A really important skill that you can develop when learning to ski is simply learning how to curb your embarrassment after you fall in the snow. Everyone has to learn from their falls, however, so make each fall a learning experience.

It is also vital that you have the right clothes and the right gear in order to get the most out of your skiing experience. You should wear warm clothes, and when possible you should avoid sweat pants, jeans or other similar clothing. Thick ski pants that have an appropriate amount of padding are definitely the best buy to make. Pile on as many layers as you can, and make sure that your jacket and gloves fit snugly. Your boots should also be a comfortable fit, because too tight can cut circulation off but too loose can make it difficult for you to control yourself and your skis while descending a mountain. Try your boots out a day before you need to wear them, and break them in a little before you ever climb a mountain.

When you are first setting out, make sure that you choose the best slopes and the most ideal conditions for skiing. Conduct a little research on the best ski resorts, and look for areas that are designed specifically to accommodate beginning skiers. Keep track of the weather forecast, and avoid icy conditions because they pose the greatest possible risk of injury when you fall.

When out on the mountain, make sure that you keep moving all the time. You need to be able to keep yourself warm when the conditions are so cold. The only way that you can accomplish this is to be mobile. Keep your eyes, your nose and your ears as covered as possible. Make sure that you are wiggling your fingers and toes and flexing your wrists and ankles. Move around as much as possible and you should have no difficulty keeping your body warm from head to toes.

Brush up on the most basic techniques before you get too far in your instrument. The primary step that beginners learn is called Snowplow, and involves pointing your skis toward one another so that they are slightly inclined. This will teach you how to control your speed because parallel skis increase speed. Master this technique and you should be able to keep from falling.

Photo Credit: 1

Chardonnay Lakes Meadow Golf Course is located in:

Phone:  (800) 788-0136

Website: http://www.chardonnaygolfclub.com

Course History:

The Lakes-Meadow course at Chardonnay was developed to give golfers of all skill levels a challenge. The course stretches out over 6700 yards and while it can be a bit difficult, even novice players find that it is a lot of fun.

What You Need to Know: 

This beautiful course in Napa Valley features an incredible amount of wildlife and rare birds that make playing here a true treat. The 130 acre complex is vast and scenic and has quickly become a local favorite. Lessons are available from the club pros and feature private instruction as well as group rates.

The staff at this course are incredibly helpful and the facilities are top notch. The View Bar and Grill is particularly good and also hosts dinner parties and other social events. The Moonlight Grove reception area can be rented out or just enjoyed.

Playing Hints:

This course is fairly easy and straitforward and should not present too much of a challenge for any golfer. The main issue is of course the Lakes for which this course was named. Each hole has its own water hazard, be it a pond or a creek, so it is a good idea to keep in mind your shot at each tee. The first hole overlooks the entire Napa valley and the beauty can be a bit distracting at first.

On the Meadows portion of the course, you'll have to contend with gigantic trees that seem intent on blocking your shot. Once again, some careful consideration at the tees should help you avoid most problems. The final par 4 and 5 are killers, but if you go about it the right way, you can really improve your score. The par 5 is a bit easier than the par 4 and it should be easy for most players to at least birdie this hole, if not double birdie with the right clubs. No matter how you finish, you can at least relax in the fantastic club house when you're done.

View Larger Map

Green Fees:

Peak Season Rates - April 2008 through Nov 2008

Lessons are available at the following rates:

LRP: I just read Market For Love and I was impressed by your details of the work atmosphere. Granted I have no background in finance America, you could have said anything and I would probably buy it, but that’s not the point. What you did write was entirely believable for me as a reader. So my question for you is how do you go about researching topics like corporate America to be able to include it into your writing?

Jamaica: —–I actually worked in Corporate America as a professional writer and editor for many years—including in Chicago’s LaSalle Street financial industry—-so it is actually very easy for me to write books in that setting.  I mostly wrote Market For Love based on my own experiences as a single woman working in the man’s world of finance, so very little independent research was needed for this particular book.

LRP: There were some pretty hot and heavy sex scenes in Market For Love in which your writing never faltered. I take it you’re pretty comfortable writing about it. In your opinion what makes a great bedroom scene?

Jamaica: —-I think a great bedroom scene (or sex scene, since very few of the sex scenes I write take place in actual bedrooms) involves three major things.  First, there has to be a lot of dramatic and sexual tension leading up to the scene itself, and you have to establish that through the story’s plotline and characterizations.  Second, you need to describe the sex acts in great detail, frankly, and without embarrassment.  Third, there needs to be a payoff—-and not just in terms of giving the characters orgasms.  There has to be a satisfying sexual payoff for the reader as well.  A well-written sex scene is really a ménage a trois between the man, the woman, and the reader.

LRP: That’s a very savvy statement! I’ll back you up on that one! Now Miranda and Max are some pretty solid names, easy to get behind because they’re not so far off the wall. Plus the alliteration helps I think. How did you decide their character names and naming characters in general?

Jamaica: —-You know, I usually just name my characters at random.  Whatever names pop into my head are usually the ones I use.  I also am pretty lucky in that I seem to have a talent for writing characters that live up to their names, too.  On the rare occasion that I find myself looking up names in a baby book or something, it’s usually to name minor characters.  I never have any difficulty naming my heroes and heroines.

LRP: I like to ask authors this question about the genre: what do you think is the most abused aspect of or in romance novels?

Jamaica: —–I think a major weakness of most “sweet” romance novels is the fact they leave the sex out.  One reason I’m so drawn to writing erotica is because it leaves the sex in without asking the reader to fill in their own details.  Don’t get me wrong—-I still like a good non-erotic romance novel—-but there still needs to be at least some sex and/or sensuality in order for it to appeal to me.  Even Jane Austen understood the importance of sex in romance—–all of her heroines are quite sensual, even though her books make no direct mention of sex.

LRP: Now it’s time for a really tough question, no answer is wrong here so don’t be shy. How do you define love?

Jamaica: —-I define love as an emotion that has no conditions.  Someone who truly loves you accepts you just as you are, warts and all, and doesn’t expect you to “change” for him/her.  And true mutual acceptance is an important part of sex, too.

LRP: Why did you decide to write romance instead of writing in another genre?

Jamaica: —–I actually do write in other genres besides romance.  I write romance more than anything else because I love the genre.  But more than that, I just love a good story.

LRP: What are some challenges you face when writing romance?

Jamaica: —-I think the biggest challenge is the inaccurate perceptions many people have of the romance genre.  So many people dismiss romance as “trash” when in fact 53% of all the books published every year in English are romance novels.  The entire publishing industry is dependent on the revenue generated by the romance genre, in fact. And that’s quite enlightening, considering too many writers in other genres think they are somehow “above” it.  Romance (and indirectly, erotica) go all the way back to Jane Austen, and anybody who disses Jane Austen answers to me!

Plus, there’s a very time-honored literary tradition when it comes to erotica as well—-D.H. Lawrence, Anais Nin, Henry Miller, even James Joyce wrote erotica. The longstanding literary tradition of erotica is what I focus upon whenever people try to criticize me for choosing to write it.  There’s also a pretty vocal subset of romance authors who really look down upon erotica authors, even treat them with open hostility—-which I don’t think makes sense at all when you consider how intertwined sex is with romance.

LRP: What do you hope your readers will gain from your books?

Jamaica: —-I hope they enjoy a good story, have their hearts set aflutter, and get a little turned on.  And also learn something in the process.

LRP: What do you do to relax and get away from writing? Is there something that really gets you away from it all?

Jamaica: —-I enjoy spending time with my husband and 1-year-old son.  I also enjoy reading, working out, sewing, painting, and gardening.

LRP: What would you say to aspiring writers about the whole process?

Jamaica: —–”Just Do It!”  Make time to write every day.  Make writing an integral part of your life.  Because if your goal is to become a working novelist, you will have deadlines and financial obligations that will require you to write every single day in order to make a living.  Career novelists usually have to write about 2,000 words a day to make their deadlines.  And writing 2,000 high-quality, PUBLISHABLE words a day, every day, takes time, commitment, and a hell of a lot of stamina.

LRP: Thank you so much for joining with us today Jamaica, I really appreciate your time! I know my readers will be grateful for all your insights and advice! Good luck with all your future writing projects!

Jamaica keeps a blog and you can get all her updates at http://jillelainehughes.blogspot.com/ or catch up with her on her author website.

Weber fine acoustic instruments are manufactured by Sound to Earth in Logan, Montana. The company has steadily grown, moving from Bozeman recently to accommodate its expansion. The 25 employees make mandolins by hand in an old Logan schoolhouse. The move was necessary because Weber plans to expand their product line to include guitars in the near future. Currently, about 15 mandolins are produced every week at the Logan location. Each instrument is handworked by over a dozen people before it leaves the shop.

The initial move to Montana occurred in 1996, after the Gibson guitar company decided to relocate its Flatiron mandolin division from Belgrade to Tennessee. Bruce Weber, president of Sound to Earth was the manager of the Flatiron division at the time and did not wish to move to Nashville with the rest of his division. He went back home to Montana, along with five other Gibson employees and opened up their own mandolin shop. Because of Weber's burgeoning reputation as a master craftsman, and desire to promote business growth locally in Montana, he was able to easily find bank financing to launch the company. Now Weber has a booming company in a gorgeous location, with his wife working right alongside as a detailer. Weber instruments have become known in the music industry for their handcrafting and top quality.

Because they are a smaller company, the personal touches are important to Weber. Every Weber stringed instrument is covered by a lifetime customer service warranty. Almost all of the work is still performed by hand, except for one machine that carves the Weber logos and other decorative markings. Each employee is responsible only for a certain part of the instrument, allowing them to specialize and to ensure that there is expertise behind the fabrication of each aspect of the mandolin. Even the lowest-priced model is made with the same level of care and individual attention. The lower-end mandolins may not be as intricate and ornate as the top of the line models, but each one carries the same assurance of quality.

Maple, mahogany, and spruce arrive directly to the shop, where employees place it on the shelf to age until it is ready to be used in manufacture. The wood must have exactly the right moisture content so that it will not be too pliable or brittle. Being a smaller, independent company also allows Weber to experiment with modifications that would never have been permitted by a large company like Gibson. The innovative ebony bridge invented by Weber engineer Vern Brekke is a great example of the benefits of this freedom. The Brekke Bridge uses ebony wedges instead of screws, which makes it easier to adjust the string tension and improves the overall tone of the instrument. A new type of tailpiece is now being developed by Weber and it is expected to revolutionize the world of acoustic musical instruments in much the same way as the Brekke Bridge. If the growth continues as expected, Weber will most likely be expanding again and hiring additional employees to keep up with the workload.

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One of the first romance novels that I ever read was the Gamble by LaVyrle Spencer. I snuck it out of my mother’s collection because I was curious about all the fuss. I am glad I did, because it rates as one of my dearest favorites, set during the Temperance movement.

Scott Gandy dresses smartly, behaves politely, and smiles cheekily at Miss Agatha Downing. She can’t stand him! Scotty Gandy owns a saloon, sells alcohol, promotes gambling, and why he even hangs nude portraits over his bar! Ever proper, Agatha is a touching heroine because she is handicapped.

Made lame by an abusive alcoholic father, Agatha has come to terms with the sorry little life she leads; dinner every night at Perry’s down the street, a slowly dying millinery shop, and Miss Violet Parsons as her only friend. She isn’t expecting a man or any children in her future, but that doesn’t keep her from dreaming.

Then one day that infuriating Scott Gandy brings three saloon singers into town and nothing is dull again. Agatha is given a job that just might save her business. She is to make each of them a can-can dress. What follows is a colorful tale about friendship, love, and one woman’s fight against alcohol. Agatha is determined to see Kansas dry, save the little boy Willy Collinson from his abusive father, and to not fall in love with Scott Gandy. She will succeed at all but one of this goals.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

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Happy Readings!

I've been holding out on you, Cookie-readers. I neglected to inform you of some pretty big news around these parts. We've decided to add a brand new member to the Crabfamily. Even though we don't necessarily have the space, nor the spare cash a new addition to the household requires, we decided to take the plunge anyway. And so I'm proud to announce to you all that Crabmommy is...

...the owner of a crock pot!

Yes, I do love my crock pot in an almost fiercely maternal way. And yes, there is something pathetic about getting super-excited over a crock pot. Believe me, dear readers, I never thought it would come to this. I never thought I'd ever see the day when I'd be getting jiggy over an appliance. Had I looked into a crystal ball and seen myself engaging in crock pot talk in my thirties, I am quite sure I would have drowned myself in a vat of lychee martinis rather than continued my search for true love and a baby daddy.

But life changes, and here I am, digging my crock pot like nobody's business so as to provide easy sustenance for the hungry little Crabfamily when it's my turn to cook. Granted, I haven't deviated much beyond basic crock pot fare, but I have purchased Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker, which jazzes up such standards as corned beef and cabbage, and offers schmantzy alternatives to traditional crock potting. I highly doubt I'm going to be become so crock-pot-obsessed that I will be making overnight oatmeal, crab cioppino, and "steamed" brown bread, but I am flirting with upping the ante by attempting Chinese poached chicken, high as I am on a successful stint with the "lazy day" pot roast.

But, really, if I never use this crock pot except to make pulled pork sandwiches it will be worth it for that alone. Crabhubby is back in love with me since I started pulling pork and I don't mean that in a sexy way. The recipe comes from my good friend, Karen:

A shoulder of pork rubbed with various BBQ-esque spices, some apple-cider vinegar poured over it. Cook all day on low. Pull it with a fork, add BBQ sauce if desired and slap on a bun or make some mash. Unbelievably good.

The above is what I love about the crock pot. It makes even recipes sound lazy. Quantities are vague. How much cider vinegar? Who cares! Trust me, it will all taste good. But okay, I use about a 1/2 cup cider vinegar and a 1/2 cup of water. Ish. And I use mixed BBQ spice from QFC and throw some cumin at the whole thing and it is divine. I hope if you're not enjoying the crock pot yet my unabashed endorsement will give you the encouragement you need to get your crock pot on.  Have no shame—all the cool moms are doing it! It's retro-chic! And, like my cheapo-cool Thanksgiving party picks for you this week, it's truly recession-fabulous, turning a cheap cut of meat into a sumptuous evening meal of a wintry day.

Snort at me if you must, but I am am proud to be a crockmommy, though thankfully am not as zealous as this blogmommy, who made a 2008 New Year's Resolution to use her crock pot every day. She's going crazy over there. She even makes candles in the dang thing! I guess it's a slippery slope...

Got a crock pot recipe to share? CROCK ON, sisters!
(Or if you prefer, just make fun of me. Crabmommy can take it!)

p.s. Please swing by my personal blog to win a Tedde this weekend. Teddes are alterna-teddies for the modern kid and are deliciously, funkily handmade. Swagstastic!

The spill occurred in Richardson Bay between 5:30 and 8:30 this morning (2/1/08).  It is thought that the sewage did not contain chlorine which is used to treat sewage.  They currently do not know how the spill occurred.  Do not come into contact with the water.  There is a picture of the spill at abc7news: 2.7 million gallon sewage spill in bay

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