Fit For a Princess

As I turned the corner, I was overwhelmed by a mix of bright pink and yellow party decorations streaming from shelf to shelf and the swarm of miniature “princesses” donning sparkly tiaras, oversized cosmetic jewelry and even elaborate princess costumes. Did I miss the memo? It's 2pm on Saturday, no one told me Barnes and Noble was hosting a girls-only birthday party. The crowd was abuzz, chatting anxiously until the guest of honor arrived. Who might that be you ask? “Fancy Nancy”. Again, you ask, Who might that be? She's the fictional character for whom a book series is based.

I consider myself to be “in the know” with all things girly. But, this, I admit, never once registered on my “girly girl” radar. Where have I been? How did I miss the book phenom that is known by an adjective describing her fashion sense and her first name? Thankfully, Tinka donned her pink and white striped outfit with matching pretty-in-pink shades or she would've really been underdressed. Anywho, I consider this my formal introduction into the land of “all things pretty”.

I was so taken aback by the festivities, I admit to not catching the storyline of the books that were read. However, I did learn that “Fancy Nancy's” creator is taking in a pretty penny from her huge following. Apparently, the tiaras, jewels and costumes are all a part of the “Fancy Nancy” brand which can be purchased at, none other than, destination affordable fashion, Tar-je' (That's Target for all my English speakers). In-te-res-ting.

I will reserve my opinion until I read several titles from the series. While I am all for “girl power”, I need to see better ethnic diversity and representation in children's literature, toys, programming, and movies. Anybody know where the Disney film “The Princess and the Frog” is in production? Until my next post, Au revoir!

Bianca's Born

The start of 2008 has been like no other! Seven months ago my status changed from a boutique-shopping fashionista, once-a-week-salon-goer and regular-mani-pedi-enjoyer to a “professional” nursery song writer (I use this term very loosely having only three-songs to my credit), twice-a-day-milk-expresser and human burp cloth. Motherhood has definitely turned my life on its head. However, it’s been the most rewarding experience to date. And, to prove what a glutton for pain I am, my husband and I hope the stork will deliver our second bundle of joy next year. Yeah, I know, I know! I’ve heard the tales of raising ‘two under two.’ However, I must say that if our next child is anything like our first, who we’ve affectionately nicknamed Tinka, then our next can’t arrive soon enough.

I suspect the name for this blog raises a few eyebrows. If you must know, I labored over it for days, weeks, months (yeah, right?!). OK, I admit to spending all of 5 minutes coming up with it! If you’re a colleague or family member, you’d dispute the accuracy of that assertion and insist that minutes was a typo and instead I INTENDED to write seconds.

“Bianca the Bug” is my daughter’s best friend. Sing with me now…Bianca the bug, Bianca the buggggggg ,Bianca the buggggguggggg she’s my best friend. My husband came across this amazing find at a local retailer for $10 when our daughter was two months old. It’s a changing table attachment in the shape of a colorful bug with rotating wings. As the wings rotate, a nice melody plays. The patterned wings excited my daughter like no amount of swinging, cuddling or baby-talking ever could. “Bianca the bug” was an instant hit! The wings stimulated Tinka so much that she began to coo and quickly move her arms and limbs.

I absolutely LOVE the name Bianca, to the dismay of many of my loved ones. Thus, I was FORBIDDEN to use it. Thus, ‘Bianca the bug’ was born. Bianca is very-well traveled bug might I add. She’s already flown cross-country to the midwest and accompanies us on most road trips (attached to the car seat). The relationship between the two BFFs has recently reached an all-time low when Tinka began teething a month ago. Now that she’s able to reach for and remove the wings, Bianca often travelled with three out of four of her wings. To Bianca’s displeasure, Tinka also uses the wings to soothe her aching gums. Then again, what are friends for?..........