Three weeks ago, I started biking to work.

It’s a 20-mile round trip and I am a New Woman. Liberated from My Car (on most days, anyway).

I’ve never been very steady on a bike. My husband, who both bikes and skates, is the guy with the wheels. I prefer to have my feet to the ground, running and walking.

It took a few things - some directly related, some not - for me to get my bike out of the garage and brush off the cobwebs.

1) The Biking Doc

Last winter, I did a story about Tom Kottke, a St. Paul cardiologist who faithfully bikes to and from work, even in the winter. When it snows, he rides a bike with studded tires.

He also has a foldable bike that he sticks in a suitcase and takes around the world, allowing him to see new countries from a perspective different from that of a car window. Closer to the people, and all that. What a fabulous idea, I thought. Just not for me.

2) The Car Crash

Last spring, I totaled my trusty Honda CRV (the one with the MLF plate, which Kay kindly pointed out (almost) stands for something naughty. Gee, thanks, Kay). The other car ran a red light. Everyone was fine, but both cars were pretty bashed up. 

In the slow-motion moments (it really happens like in the movies) after the crash and before the car fully stopped, I looked down and saw my fleece glove burn up on my palm from the effect of the airbag. Funny what your mind registers at these moments.

Anyway, like I said, I was fine. But after the crash, I didn’t want to drive much. The insurance company paid for a rental but when that ran out, I started taking the bus. The weather was warming up and I appreciated the quiet reading time to and from work.

Mentally, it also helped me give up the idea of driving everywhere.  (more…)

I swear on a tub of OxiClean that I started this post last week prior to the untimely death of pitchman Billy Mays. So now, in his honor - let’s talk about products that have been pitched on TV that you recommend (or not)

Curious questions of the day:

As busy parents, are there any products that you’ve seen on a commercial or info-mercial products that have made your days a little easier?
Did Billy Mays’ (RIP) shouting sales pitches ever convince you to pick up the phone or run to the computer to order something that will certainly make your life better? And did it?

I have a few products to mention - and I am proud to share these not-so-guilty pleasures with you.

The Smart Spin: I received one for Christmas a few years back (yes, it was on my list) and yes it changed my life. Still love it, still use it daily. It is my one space where I truly have some semblence of organization. With little ones and constant leftovers these are perfect. The smaller containers are perfect for carrying stroller snacks too. The lids are ALWAYS the right size, it doesn’t take up much space in the kitchen cabinet and keeps everything together - we never lose the lids. Love that!

The Total Gym I purchased it second-hand from a friend who had a late night spontaneous 1-800 calling spree. It was great when we had the space (and the inclination). Now it’s in storage replaced by a train table. (Sorry Chuck and Christie, I’ve let you down.)

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

Yoga Toes: Okay, actually I bought the Flextastic knock offs. These were a curiousity/impulse buy at a store endcap. I honestly think I can feel the blood running up and down each toe when I have these on. They do stretch out the tootsies and circulate the blood. But truthfully, they don’t seem like much more than glorified toe separators that you can get free at the salon. Eh, not worth it. Do the real (and real expensive) Yoga Toes work?

So do you think the ShamWOW is a sham or a WOW!? Does your family toast marshmallows outside wearing SNUGGIES? Did you flip for Flipfold and organize your toddlers tees? Do you unwind to your TIME/LIFE Romancing the 70’s box set after the kids have gone to bed?

Please share in comments below (operators are standing by…)

Even though it may feel like an eternity; you’re in maternity clothes for such a short time, why spend a fortune on a new wardrobe?
Or do you have a closet full of nice maternity clothes you are never going to wear again? Here’s you opportunity to cash in!

John Ewoldt shares info on consignment stores that focus on dressing the growing belly. Check out these stores that John profiled in his Dollars & Sense column.

Bellies to Babies (6638 Penn Av. S., 612-869-0164)
(Plus Bellies to Babies has special occasion dress rental! Genius. I sure could have used that when I was pregnant instead of spending my money on a dress I wore once!)

And

Nine (5456 Nicollet Av. S., 612-827-8144)

You can read his article here and learn about more about other consignment shops that feature maternity clothes.

What are/were some of your maternity clothes favorites or staples? And where did you shop?

Vintage style isn’t just for adults. And at these recession-friendly prices - you can’t go wrong. Here are two golden opportunities for you to get retro-duds for your little ones this weekend.

1) Make it a fun outing - not only is it the Edina Art Fair - there is also a vintage kids clothing sale at Fashion Avenue near 50th & France - Sara Glassman has details here:

2) There is a yard sale from the former owner of “Oh Cool Baby” a vintage kid’s clothing store in NE Mpls that sadly closed up shop.

She is clearing out her old inventory, so you have a second chance on these second hand items. (I used to shop there and I guarantee you’ll find treasures.)
If you’re on Facebook - you can view details and images here.
Otherwise the details are below:
There are literally thousands of pre-90s pieces of vintage clothing for boys and girls, ages newborn to 12yr. Clean, unique, amazing and CHEAP!!
This Friday and Saturday, June 5 and 6, starting at 10am.
2535 McKinley Street NE Mpls.

I was a cloth diaper baby. Tydee Dydeee Diaper Service was a regular visitor at our house back in Illinois.
My siblings still tell me to this day about that stinky diaper pail and those pokey diaper pins.
Well - these days cloth diapers have vastly improved.
We were just discussing cloth diapers and day care last week.
In today’s Star Tribune you’ll find this article by Sarah Moran about the resurgence in the popularity of cloth diapers.
May and I both were/are “disposable” parents and learned how prevalent cloth diapers were becoming last year when we visited the Parenting Oasis in South Minneapolis.
One woman showing us around told us “We have regular diaper swaps.”
May and I asked “Oh you mean, like when you just buy a new jumbo case of size 3 diapers and your kid starts blowing out of them and you need to start buying size 4 and you have all of these leftovers?”
“No. We have a cloth diaper swap.”
“Oh.” and we instantly knew our kids would probably be in the minority for having Sesame Street characters on their diapers.
Are you are a cloth diaper user? - Which ones do you recommend? Pros? Cons?

Take the StarTribune.com Poll: Which diaper is best?