no, i am not talking about mine (for once!), what i am talking about is creating something wonderful and useful, out of practically nothing!  if you are like this modern mama, your life is consumed by party after party, each and every weekend…now, unfortunately i am not talking about fabulous charity benefits and jet-setting around the world rubbing elbows with the rich and famous – these parties are more of the pizza and punch variety, rubbing kneecaps with the tired and cranky.  if your wee ones attend daycare or are already in school, your weekends most likely revolve around kids’ birthday parties.  i know mine does. times two!  at the conclusion of each party, besides leaving home with tired, sugar-infused wee ones, your precious offspring usually also get a goody-bag full of ‘stuff’.  this stuff ranges from candy, snacks, trinkets, and everything in between…  so what is a modern mama to do?!  here is my advice:  create a ‘pirates chest’, and after each party, let you child pick one item out of the goody bag and then put the remaining ‘booty’ into the chest for later.  then, each time you want to reward your wee ones for doing something above and beyond, let them pick out something from the pirate’s chest!  this works wonders for the little ones – think pirates chest at the dentist’s office…my 4 year old went tearless through a root canal because all he could think about was - afterwards, he got to pick out a treasure from the pirate’s chest at the dentist’s office!  this idea also helps keep your house organized and trinket-free for the most part since you won’t have a million bouncy balls roaming recklessly around the floors of your house. …now if only i can lose my own ‘booty’ as fast as the pirate’s chest!

*(originally featured on poshmama.com…in addition to my full-time job, the kids, the house, and my blog (and my blob!), i have taken on the role as a feature contributor to the fabulous and ‘haute’ site, poshmama.com) …yes, i am crazy, but i think we had established that already a long time ago!

as i mentioned in an earlier post about ‘normal’ weekends…three-day weekends are a double edge sword.  love them. hate them.

on one hand, it is great that you get an extra day off from ‘work’, but with most of us working for global corporations, do you really get ‘three days OFF from work’?  you may not have to drive in to the office, but chances are, you are still working.  …but this time, the kids are home – for all three days.  and most likely, there is some crucial 3-hour sporting event on at least one of those days that your husband/sig other will glue himself to the TV for and render himself completely useless to you and the kids during the entire time. even during commercials thanks to direct tv.  for those newlyweds reading this – this is called a ‘blackout’, as in ‘honey, the game is on – i can’t go to billy’s birthday party or put the dishes away, i’m on a blackout.” 

now, i have heard it is a lot different with a house full of boys vs. a house full of girls, and who knows if that is true – all i know is that come sunday night, my slogan is ‘TGIM’, because i can’t wait to get the kids back in daycare, the house back in order, and some or at least part of my sanity back into place.

so now here we are again, at that ever crucial paragraph and you are wondering – so what’s your point?! and my point is this:  the only way to make three-day weekends a win-win situation for everyone in your household, including you – is by using advanced planning and negotiation.  plan get-togethers with friends or family who have kids similar in age.  this way, your kids can blow off a lot of steam and have fun, while you can engage in some adult conversation and have fun yourself.  in addition, plan a family event that your kids WANT to do – and leave the blackberry at home for those 3-4 hours or so.  YOU’RE not that important, but your kids ARE  – so get over it.  finally, negotiate with your husband so each of you have a little alone time.  most likely, he won’t want to waste his 3-hour hall pass watching the game, and you can actually get some time to regroup and re-energize to get you through the long weekend.  now that’s a win-win situation for any modern mama!

ps. happy turkey day - let me know how your upcoming FOUR DAY weekend goes (thanksgiving + 3)!

as promised, and just in time for black friday and holiday shopping - here is the ultimate christmas wishlist for any modern mama - from practical to fabulous, this list has it all! …and to fit any budget (or behavior!) - whether you have been naughty or nice!

just leave this little list in plain sight for your hubby, significant other, or family to see and you are good to go! …and, just like the modern mama’s brain, it is in no particular order or sequence!  enjoy!

white house/black market cocktail dress - $178 - a perfect lbd for the holiday and can be also worn throughout the year - and this one is a bit more ‘forgiving’ with its flattering cut and swing to it - now you can enjoy the eggnog AND look fabulous doing it!

roxy light as a feather scarf - $22 - this scarf is as fun as it is functional - not to mention, love the bright bold color in the dead of winter!

wall candy arts – rococo chalkboard - $36 - i featured this treasure in a previous post…need i say more - this is a must have for any busy, modern mama!

harajuku lovers perfume - $45 - how cute are these?!  how cute are you with them?!  i say VERY! …and they are by the uber modern mama herself, gwen stefani!

dirt devil kurv handheld vacuum - $50 - i know the last thing you want under the tree is a hint that your housecleaning skills are not up to par, but this cute little gadget caught my eye due to it’s functionality and form! …bonus points if the gift-giver charges it beforehand, so you can quickly spring into action and vacuum up all the ripped paper and bows from the gift-opening frenzy.

dvf ‘catwalk’ luggage collection – prices vary - for any mama on the go, these ruffled numbers won’t ruffle your feathers or your wallet when you travel for business or pleasure.  …and what an easy way to spot your luggage since who else but the uber modern mama would have luggage so unique?!

prada crispy tote - $715 - it’s black. it’s waterproof. it’s handsfree. and, it’s PRADA…need i say more?!

nadri pave crystal bangle - $158 - every haute mama needs a little bling-bling in their lives, don’t you agree?!

juicy couture ‘angel’ logo boots - $198 - of course, no list would be complete without something from juicy couture.  these boots were made for walking…and shopping!

blackberry bold (prices vary) - your brain in a box.  a cool, electric box…it’s kind of like having your own personal assistant tucked in your handbag and with you 24/7 - and who couldn’t use that?!  (note: men would much rather shop for gadgets/electronics for women than shoes, purses, and handbags!)

sex and the city ‘the movie’ dvd - $17 - for those of us who grew up and had babies watching sex and the city (thus having less sex and venturing less into the city) - this finale movie is a keeper.  love the story. love the clothes. love the ending.

maybelline 50 second nail polish - $4 (in pink shock, berry boucle, plum intense, and mocha blast) - because what modern mama has more that a minute to do their toe nails?!

ipod shuffle - $49 - size doesn’t matter…at least with your ipod! this cute little number carries your favorite tunes on the go - you can even engrave it!  the only drawback is it is so small, it may be hard to find amongst all the crap in your gi-normous handbag!  (see note on blackberry bold!)

talking pedometer - $22 - we may all need this after having ‘too much christmas spirit’ this year!

kensie matte silver cropped jacket - $26.40 - no, i didn’t omit a ‘0′ - look like a million bucks with this adorable jacket that costs under $30!

hello kitty toaster - $25 - if you don’t cook, and even burn toast (like me!), why not have your toast be as cute as possible with the help of hello kitty?!

juicy couture ‘iconic’ pop top mittens - $55 - yup, another juicy item made the list.  i like how these convert from fingerless gloves to mittens…how else would you be able to dial your blackberry bold with mittens on?!

suddenly slimmer body wrap – prices/packages vary - i was a bit skeptical about this, but it really does work!  don’t get me wrong - it is no miracle pill (or wrap), but it does work. …not to mention, your skin feels silky smooth for days!

tiffany&co starfish pendant necklace - $265 - it’s always nice to get something in the little blue box - and this elsa peretti classic is one of their more iconic pieces that doesn’t break the bank.

dooney & bourke ‘giraffe’ wristlet - $75 - love the giraffe print and again, size doesn’t matter - this baby is big enough to just hold your phone, credit cards, $20 cash, and your car keys…priceless!

recently, there was an article online indicating that lipstick sales have historically been a financial indicator as to the plight of our economy.  the rationale being, women will pass on a pair of pricey shoes, or a handbag, but still need a way to satisfy their urge to shop and treat themselves.  i have heard this is true with chocolatier’s as well - especially those located within a high-end mall or shopping center.  women spend all day ‘window shopping’ and may not make a purchase (or as many purchases) due to the economy, so they decide to treat themselves to a $3.00 piece of decadent chocolate instead.  i know i am more cognizant about purchases i make these days.  so, my question is - what have you given up or changed from your lifestyle due to the current state of our economy?

…and speaking of lipstick - have you seen the show lipstick jungle?!  this has become my new PG-rated replacement of sex and the city, since that era came to a close with their movie finale.  i actually think i like this version better (written by the same author candace bushnell) because this show has a lot more diversity within its character mix, and is more about love and life - than just life and…well you know!