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Review of Thai Basil - Denver, Colorado

I had the misfortune of craving Thai food on Sunday - a day when my favorite Thai restaurant in all of Denver and Colorado Springs was closed -- WILD GINGER in Littleton, Colorado.  So, I did the next best thing.  Plugged in Thai in my search engine on google maps and Thai Basil along with its neighbor Swing Thai on Alameda in Denver popped up.  I decided to try a new place since I frequent Swing Thai in the Highlands. 

From the beginning... the waitress was ... well, less than friendly.  The Thai veggie egg rolls, another review stated on yelp, were nothing but rice noodle and cabbage- that's true but I was hungry.   The entrees are a whole 'nother story.  SPICY!  Their sauces are pre-made so don't expect a mild Thai dish.  Sure, maybe I shouldn't expect that from a Thai restaurant but I have been to well over twenty Thai/Asian Fusion restaurants in the Denver area and I have to say, I have never had a problem with getting a dish the way I want it.  I did at Thai Basil.  If you have even a mild reflux or other condition, watch out!  Order wisely!

The prices are comparable but I think the lure to this place is its prices on beer/wine --- they are $0.50 for beer and $2.00 for wines.  The CATCH:  5-9pm and you have to buy a dinner entree.  I had the panang and it was not as flavorful as other panangs I have had elsewhere but their Asian Chinese dishes in regular soy/Chinese schezuan looked not so spicy- of course, I did not try them so I cannot vouch for it.  I will probably not return for the food but like I said, their drink specials I am sure are tempting for those who wish to drink a bit but not pay the big price tag.

The biggest disappointment of the night - I had a ton of left over curry but no rice to go with it so I asked for more rice.  At most other places, they provide this in your to-go bag without charging extra.  Thai Basil was ready to charge me $2.00 for it.  I was a little disappointed and surprised by this as I just wanted enough to eat the next day with my left over panang.  In any case, maybe if we had a different server... or maybe if I had just gone to Swing Thai next door.  In any case, after three could've, would've, should'ves,  GetCluedIn gives Thai Basil a BIG Question Mark.  Out of all the Thai places in the Denver metro area, I do not recommend Thai Basil.  If you want to go for drinks, then this may be the place for you but if you are looking spectacular Thai food and/or great service, then this is not the place for you. 

And the winner is....

Well I have a new blog name. Coming soon: a link to my new blog and more postings.

And the winner of the lottery for all those who provided suggestions: Sara!!!
I'll be sending out Starbucks your way soon. Yum! Thanks for all your suggestions and voting for my new blog name.

Exciting things to come soon....

Vote, Vote, Vote!

It's time to VOTE!  I received a bunch of suggestions, and came up with a few of my own.  For the folks who sent in suggestions, I just plan on doing a random drawing for the Starbucks gift card so you will be notified soon and your first name posted if you have won.  I will then need your address.  Thanks for all your help everyone!

I need one more bit of support--- please, please vote for one of the blogs listed below.  Voting buttons are  above but here are the FINAL TWO:

(1)  Get Clued in! Formerly Clueless in Colorado, a working mom's consumer blog & perspectives
(2) Clueless in Colorado is … “Going Vogue!” Same great consumer/mommy blog with a more “vogue” look.

Please vote for one of the names above:  Either GET CLUED IN!  Or GOING VOGUE - hurry!  voting ends on Friday, November 19, 2010.
 
Again, thanks for all your help and stay tuned for more exciting changes coming next weekend!

A Cartoon to Start the Weekend



photo courtesy of Parade Magazine- Cartoon Parade (c)
All copyright rights reserved by Cartoon Parade & Parade Magazine



I thought this was hilarious... blogging is becoming all the craze.  It seems like everyone has a blog these days (case in point- yours truly)... it's gotten to the point where this cartoon is actually true:  bloggers are blogging about blogs.  Have a great weekend! 

Souper Salad! A great value & fresh food

Yesterday, because the crowds and lines were so long at Chili's and Applebee's due to Veteran's Day, the family and I went to Souper Salad.  With two kids below the age of 5, I forget what a great value this place really is!   Both my husband and I got buffets for $4.99.  See the coupon attached.  Between now and December 31, 2010, you can use this unlimited number of times and you do not even need to buy a drink!  Now, that's cool - no strings attached.  You can have an unlimited salad bar which is quite good at this place, or a baked potato, or soup, nacho bar, pasta bar... OR, just eat all of the above for the same low price.  If the kids are under 4, they eat for free!  That's a great deal.  All four of us can eat for under $12.00!  

Anyway, I just wanted to share this "Souper" deal with you.  Happy eats!

Veteran's Day- a review of places that Honors Those who Serve

It's only fitting that a consumer review include a spot for those business who honor military.  I have compiled my own list and along with this article from http://www.military.com/ I think there are plenty of businesses that do, in fact, honor military.

The article above discusses some of the deals on Veteran's Day for Vets and their families:  For example, Vets receive a free meal at Applebee's (no purchase necessary) on the 11th.  Golden Corral is giving Veterans and their families a free meal on November 15 (Monday), and Outback Steakhouse is offering a free bloomin' onion and a beverage to the Vets.  Of course, there is much, much more.  You can read the article to find out great deals near you including a free car wash on Veteran's Day.  That would be great in a locale where it does not snow on Veteran's Day.

Over the years in Denver and Colorado Springs, I have also started keeping a list of places that give amazing Military discounts year-round.  The article above discusses Home Depot's and Lowe's.  They used to do 10% off to active military and their families on Veteran's Day.  Well, that deal is now all the time.  Just present your ID and get your 10% off!

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science offers FREE admission to the regular museum portion to all those sporting an active military ID (this includes active reserves).  You get reduced rates to IMAX and special exhibits.  What a deal!  Children's Museum in Denver offers reduced rates for military and their dependents and you can also apply a discount to a yearly family membership at the Museum.  Nice!  Botanic Gardens, and the Denver Zoo offer military discounts year-round as well on both memberships and daily admission. The Aquarium offers discounts as well but their discounts are not as hefty as the venues discussed above. At the wildlife experience in Parker, you get in free- your first visit through December 31, 2010 is free with your ID and your family too!  Wow!  That deal ends so go check out that museum.  It is a great museum.

Some eateries in Colorado Springs like Leon Gessi pizza, Schlotzky's and Chipotle offer military in uniform or if you show your ID, discounts too!   10% off is the norm.  Three Margaritas in the Springs does 20% off!  Chipotle gives you your drink for free.  What a nice way of saying, "thanks for serving!"   This just in:  Rubio's is offering a free taco (no purchase necessary) for Vets who bring in this coupon and their IDs.  Rubio's is simply delish.  Also, Red Robin is offering a free appetizer with the purchase of an entree.  Not as a good as free with no strings but nonetheless, a great deal if you bring your family to Red Robin on Veteran's Day.  Now that you have eaten your way through Veteran's Day.... go watch a movie!

 

Movie theaters are great too - even some AMC theaters are NOW honoring military with a $1.00 off.  The best theaters for military discounts are United Artists, and Kerasotes.  Regal offers a great discount too to military as well.  Check your local theaters and wherever you go, always ask... it never hurts to ask!

If you know of a place that offers military discounts year-round please share in the comment section.  I want our readers to know where Veteran's and their families are honored.  Happy Veteran's Day and thanks to those who served, and continue to serve including the families that sacrifice as well!

Review of West Denver Dentist & Dr. Mike Unser - Going to the Dentist is not that bad!

Dr. Mike Unser of West Denver Dentistry was referred to me by a friend more than a year ago and I have to say, he is the best dentist I have EVER had.  I have had dentists in the military and since then, I have been shopping around for dentists because it seems I always met quacks.  There was one near my house (can't defame them) but horrible!  Same thing with this other lady I tried in Lakewood--- she was horrible and their billing practices literally made my stomach turn. 

Dr. Baumgartner and Unser of West Denver Dentist are on the corner of Wadsworth and 20th and I have to say, not only are their hygienists knowledgeable and well-trained, the entire office atmosphere is amazing.  You are welcome from the beginning, billing issues are handled by Darcy and she is fabulous!  I have to say, in my years of experience with dentists in the military and outside of it, this is the best dental office I have encountered.  I would recommend them in a heartbeat! 

They also see kids and put them at ease.  Dr. Unser is a proud dad and makes all patients feel welcome.  Show them this and print out the below coupon, and tell them that Clueless in Colorado sent you to get a $20 credit as well.   You won't regret it!  

Going to the dentist does not have to be all bad.... sure, some of it is bad- the drilling, the vibration of the drill, etc., but if you have a dentist that warrants his work and stands behind it with confidence, it sure does make it a whole heck of a lot easier!

NAME GAME- Re-name my Blog!

Okay, the buzz has been created, and you have all patiently waited for ..... The NAME GAME!   Well, the wait is over.  Here is your opportunity to help me re-name my Blog and re-create my blog image.

I need your help!  Please email to me your name ideas for my blog.  To get you started, for example, here is one I thought of but not sure I like it, "Going Vogue" (a block about a working mom, her life and experiences and consumer reviews).  Get it ... Vogue instead of Rogue- ahhh - ya see why I need your ideas.  I got nothing!

Send me your ideas between now and November 19 and if your suggestion is picked, you get a 
$10.00 Starbucks Card!   Please email me your name and your suggestion to:  ratnajag@gmail.com
If your suggestion is the winner (and I will hold a vote-off of the top 3), then you get the giftcard.   I'll need your address only if you are the winner so no need to send that just yet.

Thanks for helping me re-name my blog and give it a fresh jumpstart!

P.S. --- Have a great New Year too!

Noodles & Company Review - small portions, expensive price

trademarked logo of Noodles & Co.

In a pinch tonight, we decided to pick up food at Noodles & Company.  We realized why, despite its proximity to our home, we do not eat there more often.  Compared to other places like Tokyo Joe's, Chopstix, and Olive Garden, Noodles is quite expensive for what you get- NOT MUCH.

I felt like I was back in France with portions and the hefty Euro price tag to boot!  For example, a kids bowl of buttered noodles was $3.75.  The size was small!   No bread accompanies the dish either.  My husband wanted a penne pasta and wanted to add chicken.  Chicken, Tofu, and any add-on is $2.25 extra added to the $5.25 base price- WHAT?!   That would have been almost $8.00 plus tax.  Then you think well, maybe the portions will be enough to last a couple of days.  But they are not.  For $7.50, you can do a Trio which includes your base dish (SMALL) Plus an add-on like chicken and a side salad or soup.  I told my husband I'd eat his side salad.  This salad was the size of my fist!   I kid you not.  I had to come home and eat another meal.  I'm still hungry and I'm a pretty small person.  Wow!  I remember getting a salad last week for an office luncheon at Abrusci's that lasted me two days - it was $5.95. 

I promised I'd blog about consumer issues including a bad value when I see one so here you go.  Noodles & Company is also one of the few companies that you don't always see coupons on like Qdoba or other fast food.  It was a disappointing experience but you have positive ones please do share- would love to hear from you!  

A New Year, a New Look For Clueless in Colorado - HAPPY DIWALI TO YOU ALL!

This week marks another fun-filled week of Diwali- the Indian celebration called festival of lights, it signifies an important change in seasons for Hindus and a celebration of the return of Lord Ram (reference: Ramayan) after defeating Ravana (evil).   It's traditionally a 5-day festival and a great time to gather with family, friends, and celebrate. 

In honor of Diwali, I wish you all a very Happy Diwali 2010, and have decided to not just take on a new look for Clueless In Colorado, but also solicit ideas for a new blog name.  Alas, 'tis true, I am moving on with the move.  With change comes the revelation that it may be time for a new blog name as well.  I started with the name CLUELESS IN COLORADO in 2004 when I first moved to Colorado, and really was clueless, learning a lot and trying to find my way and direction in life.   More information to follow in the next posting.  Winning name will win a $10 Starbucks card.   In the meantime... please review my blog and if you have ideas, feel free to email me instead of posting it in a comment:  ratnajag@gmail.com

Looking forward to all your name suggestions for a new, improved BLOG!

All Hallow's Eve 2010, Review- Meltdowns, Candy, Costumes, and Boorito 2010

Office Party - Clowns, Tears, and more Tears!
So my office had its yearly Halloween party for kids.  Of course, my little one was having a meltdown.  All she wanted to do was eat all the candy.  She did not want to go office to office to trick or treat.  Maybe I should have done more to prepare her.  But, both kids were just so excited to see baskets of candy and goodies lined up in the hallway they could hardly contain themselves or bring themselves to eat -- anything but candy, that is!  My little one was melting down at every juncture- there was the candy incident (this happened three or four times), the cantaloupe incident and the tomato incident.  All of them were quite unnerving for me because at the time they occurred, I felt like all eyes were on me even though other kids were there.  Of course, when one kid cries, it seems all the others stop and stare and start behaving.  Mine was the one crying.  :(

The clown outfit - bad idea.  Bad!  Great in theory, not in execution.  The giant clown tie lasted longer than the rainbow colored wigs.  On my 20-month old, the wig would not stay on more than a split second.  My 3 year old kept hers on for about 10 minutes before she said it irritated her head.  So, for most of the party, my kids looked like they were just wearing pajamas with polka dots and flowers on them.  Nice!  The clown car (the prop extraordinaire) is the only thing that lasted.  You can see it in the picture.  When they get older, maybe separate pieces work but not when they're under the age of 5.  My costume was the best of all because I am convinced now that I am in the wrong profession- for the comfort of the clothes alone, I should be a doctor.  Ha!  The long hours are not good nor the holding your hand still so you don't cut the wrong piece out, but hey, the scrubs are quite comfortable.  Being an ordinary doctor is always fun but being Dr. Sanjay Gupta was a blast! 

The School Costume Parade & Halloween parties

We had a blast with the girls' school costume parade and parties.  The girls dressed up nicely at their school and pre-made, easy to put on costumes were the trick.  The Ladybug and the Pilot did quite well in their school parties and all the kids were so adorable.  Cute Fest 2010 was fun for us and we videotaped the entire thing.  I have to say, that as a parent, I do not get to attend too many things at my daughter's school and going to these things helps us meet the other parents and see how our kids are doing in their respective classrooms.  I'm a big proponent of being involved in my child's life and a big part of that is being involved in their schools.  I hope I can do that when they start grade school and beyond.

Boorito at Chipotle 2010 and Halloween Night- Simply fun!

We ditched the clown costumes and the girls kept their same outfits from their school parade for Halloween night.  It worked out great!  Of course, it's a family tradition to do Boorito at Chipotle and this year was no different.  Okay, well, a little different.  This year's theme was to dress up as processed food and the Burritos were $2 with proceeds going to some Food Revolution.  That's fine.  I'm okay donating money but the fun part is always seeing the other costumes and having people see yours.  This year, we walked in, there was no line around the block, and we ordered and left.  There were not that many in costume in the restaurant.  It was odd and a bit disappointing but as a family we had a blast nonetheless.  The girls were chicken nuggets.  One was dipped in honey mustard, the other in ketchup, and my husband made a fries cape.  It was adorable.  I used my costume from last year and went as a swirly milkshake.  I wanted to eat my husband's cape and drink myself. Yum! 

In any case, Halloween ended, delivering a little more stress than anticipated especially on the costumes front.  Finally, we can all use November to de-stress, get some exercise, and lose weight.... until.... of course, Thanksgiving!  Oy!

The new face of mommies in America

I've been very curious about this new phenomena in America- having kids after 30.  While I look around at my friends who have kids and are my age, some of them are almost done with their parental duties.  I see 37-year old moms like myself who have 13 and 14 year olds.  They are almost done!  Me, though, I am just starting out.  I wanted to find out whether I was the rule or the anomaly.  Did I wait too long to have kids or are more and more new mommies in America over 30?

I had to do some research and found that since 1990, the face of new mommies in America has shifted.  For example mothers in 2008 were more educated and older than those mommies two decades ago. (1)  More and more women are considering these days in vitro and other fertility options, and not necessarily with partners  - women are adopting and having babies without marriage or a partner.  Also, homosexual partners are deciding to adopt or have children as well.  This significantly changes the face of the American mom or dad.  I do not think any of these changes are a bad thing, I am simply amazed that two decades can make that big of a difference!

Two decades ago, women over 35 were less likely to have a child than a teenager, but now that has shifted.  In 2010, more and more babies are born to women over the age of 35 and less and less to teenagers.  This may be a result of better education on issues like birth control, abstinence, and sex ed. in schools and at home.  Moreover, as a result of better education, and better birth control, it seems that even women in their 20s and early 30s are waiting longer and longer to have kids.

Of course, it is also a sign of the times.  As we evolve as a people, with advanced medicine, advances in technology, it is no wonder that we are becoming more selfish as a society too.  There are so many constraints on our time with TV, media, technology, and social constraints that more and more women are waiting until they are done with school, established in their careers, and frankly, just have a better handle on their lives, especially balance in their lives, to have kids. More and more couples are also choosing the path of no children but decide to have pets instead.  After all, there is just too much to do, let alone raise children and feed more mouths.  This is a decision I also celebrate because it is important for everyone to make the right choice for their lives and lifestyles.

I got these statistics from this article at http://www.livescience.com/health/american-moms-older-more-educated-100506.html. 

•The percentage of teen moms and moms over 35 has just about flipped. In 1990, 13 percent of births were to teens while 9 percent were to women over 35. In 2008, the percentages were 10 percent to teens and 14 percent to women over 35.


•The percentage of single moms grew from 28 percent in 1990 to a record 41 percent in 2008.

•More than half of moms, 54 percent, had at least some college-level education in 2006, up from 41 percent in 1990.

•Birth rates for women aged 35 to 39 increased by 47 percent, and rates for women aged 40 to 44 increased by 80 percent over the time period.

•The overall number of babies born has remained relatively stable, rising from 4.2 million in 1990 to 4.3 million in 2008. The country saw a dip in the total number of births coinciding with the recent recession.

Of course, these statistics are interesting to me.  Even among my friends, I am one of the few that is married and has kids.  Then, among the people I have met in my groups like Bunco, Mile High Mammas, I may be slightly behind the power curve but not by much.  It just depends on which group I am with.  In my professional life and among my best friends, it seems that everyone had kids later in life or are still waiting, and among other groups especially mommy-type groups, I am the anomaly (i.e. had kids too late).  So, again, there is no right age or wrong age but I just know I am exhausted.  I cannot imagine having a kid in my 40s or 50s but women are doing it more and more and doing it just fine!   I say whatever choice you make, just stand by it and be okay with where you are because the new face of Mommies in America is not the same as it was for your parents' generation or their parents and it is changing very rapidly- who knows what the new face will be in another decade!

Halloween- Be afraid, Very afraid!




courtesy of everythingscary.com

 

Halloween is one of those seasonal holidays that can spook even the most perfect moms.  You can be the best mommy in the world but yet Halloween can be daunting and terrifying.  And I’m not even talking about the ghosts and goblins and ghoulish costumes that can be seen this time of year.  I’m talking about the proverbial, yearly worry that starts sometime in August and goes until about October 28^th:  What will I dress up my kids up as this year?  What are they going to be this year?  

  

If you’re a parent, you know you struggle yearly with this made-up little holiday where custom requires your kids to dress up – at school, at your office party, at a friend’s house party, and then again on Halloween night to go door to door.  Everyone’s watching, waiting, and judging…. “what will her kids be this year?”  And the worst part is that once you have a great costume one year, you have to come up with an even better idea the next year.  No joke!  It’s a competitive mom’s worst nightmare!  She has to out-do her colleagues at work, her friends on the block, and definitely cannot be outdone at the kids’ school  - now that would be bad!  So, the stress sets in sometime in September and by October 22, if there is no costume idea or purchase in the works, some moms may even experience severe stress. 

Last year was easy, my kids dressed up as Dora and Boots- my little one was only 8 months old and the older one barely knew who Dora was.  So, it was easy.  Getting creative on my costume though every year has gotten progressively harder.  Last year, my husband had a great idea and made my costume.  You can see it in the picture to the left.   Yes, I was an ARRA-cone or construction cone funded by the Recovery Act (stimulus funds).  Being in the construction law arena, this was hilarious to my colleagues.  No one in my neighborhood got it though.  In previous years I was an 8 Ball because I was pregnant and before that, I was a flower and my little one a bumble bee.  I was nursing then - how appropriate.  Before I had kids, I was once a TSA officer- I even had my own wand to scan people!  If my office didn't have such great Halloween parties at the office, I wouldn't even bother to dress up.  But alas, I work in an office that boasts nice social events and promotes morale.  Just great!  

This year, I was able to make a stop at a thrift shop (ARC in Lakewood, Colorado on Colfax Blvd) to get ideas and mainly to scrounge what I could for the kids’ costumes and mine.  I think we are well on our way to looking cute enough but still I wonder… what will others come up?  Will our outfits be okay?  What will the other kids at my child’s school be wearing?  Will I be cool mommy or bad mommy?  Well, I guess we will find out – all I know is that Halloween is scary for moms and parents in general --- it is spooooooky, not because of the decorations or the scary things associated with it, but because of this arduous task of having to find a costume not just for yourself but for your kids as well.  Often, the kids need to match or there is some family theme.  Oh good lord!  In a month when mommies are doing so much and also trying to figure out what the Ballot measures and initiatives are, come on!   Do we need all this pressure?  Well, stay tuned for our Halloween pictures and review of the thrift stores in the area.

Technicolor* Fall- my favorite season of all!

Last week we returned from our trip to Virginia and I marveled at the beautiful fall colors as we drove into our neighborhood.   The best place to view the fall colors in Colorado- my own front and backyard!  I have to say Fall is my favorite season in Colorado – even though I love every moment here, Fall just captures my heart.  From the beautiful rustic-colored leaves, to the crisp autumn air, Fall in Colorado is breathtaking!  

Fall is also a great time of year to entertain because you can still have days when you can run outside and Bar-B-Q, and yet still be able to drink hot cocoa at night.  It’s that perfect time of year when your wardrobe can match the amazing scenery right outside your own home and reds, yellows, and oranges brings out  just about everything!   Even our home looks beautiful set behind the red-leafed tree.  Another beautiful thing about Fall and its colors is the back drop of the harvest moon… when it shines on you, and the spooky tree with fallen leaves waves in the wind in your neighbor’s yard on Halloween eve, you can’t help but know that the holidays are right around the corner.

Oh, technicolor fall in Colorado- my favorite season of all! 

*Technicolor is the trademark for a series of color film processes pioneered by Technicolor Motion Picture Corporation (a subsidiary of Technicolor, Inc.), now a division of Thomson SA. reference:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technicolor

Signs of the Times Part 2, Children's Cartoons

My original blog posting, or part one Signs of the Times, Children's Cartoons was about a few cartoons or shows I had seen when my older daughter was a bit younger.  Of course, now there are a plethora of shows out there, all very interesting in my opinion, and a good reason why kids should not watch too much TV. 

picture courtesy of google search

Anyway, in my original post, I talked about Sesame Street and how much it has changed, Dora the Explorer and Spongebob.  In this update, I want to talk about Max and Ruby.  Several of us have talked about how odd this show is from a parent's perspective.  Of course, all the cartoons are make belief and about imagination and that is how we end up with 5 and 6-year olds running through the woods with adventures but this one is about two bunnies- a brother and sister.  It's odd for the first few times I saw this show, I thought Ruby (the one with the yellow apron on) was the mommy and Max was the son. Presumably, I assumed Ruby was a single mom since a daddy never enters the picture.  That was not the case as I watched the intro credits one day.  Ruby is the big sister and Max is the naughty, little brother.  It was interesting to all of us that Max & Ruby live alone, and Ruby is the parental figure to this younger kid.  Rarely is an adult present and only the grandmother comes to visit sometimes.  When she comes, it seems like Ruby is running around trying to make the place look nice and cooking.  The entire show is odd but I guess is supposed to show the kinship of siblings and the love between them including what happens in our society often these days:  an older sibling guiding and taking care of a little one.  It's interesting to me because Ruby never attends school and neither does little brother Max.  I just hope Ruby is over 12 'cause they shouldn't be home alone!  :-) 

Stay tuned for future children's cartoon posts and if you have any thoughts please share them here... I always love to see what other parents think of the children's programming these days.  It sure has changed since when we were growing up.

The Gender Gap- still alive and well in Children's Books

If you're a parent, you are used to the routine of buying good books and reading to your kids.  It's a great time to share with your child and see their reactions.  Our little one just started day care/school and she currently loves scratch and sniff books - in fact, she loves a couple of her books so much, she wants to cuddle up with them in bed before she sleeps.  I've read this book in particular a few times along with the Usborne series of books.  What most interests me in a book as an adult is not the stickers or the pictures but rather the political messages and in particular, the gender stereotypes that are still prevalant in society. 

I'm very amazed by the stereotypes I still see in Children's books - these are more dominant these days for gender than race.  I could write this blog for pages and pages but this is just a sampling of some of the books I have encountered that I believe contains stereotypical behaviors.  For example, the one book my little one likes is titled The Gingerbread Family.  This book is cute and all the pages smell yummy enough to eat.  But to me, of interest was the page where Mr. Gingerbread is fishing on blueberry while the Mommy is baking a cake.  I know, I know... I need to relax... after all, mommies bake and daddies fish right?  But what was neat was my reversal trick on my kid.  So, I was reading and changed their genders so mommy was fishing on blueberry lake and daddy was baking the angel food cake, and my older daughter immediately pointed to my "mistake":  She said, "no mommy - daddies fish and the mommy is the one baking the cake.... you said it wrong!"  I asked her why mommies could not fish.  She immediately and urgently pointed out, "that's just not how it is mommy! Daddies can't bake and mommies just don't know how to fish!"  It was quite interesting and made me realize the stereotypes she is already learning.  What next?

Another one of my favorites is the Usborne Books (First Experiences), wrought with gender stereotypes.  But I gotta say, out of all the children's books where parents are depicted, the parents in the Usborne books look the most realistic - tired and often, exhausted.  In the Usborne (First Experience) book, Going to the Doctor, you see the Jay Family.  Mrs. Jay does not work and looks exhausted the entire book.  She is responsible for three kids, a dog and a cat.  She ends up taking the kids to the doctor.  Joey needs immunizations while Jack has a broken arm.  Mrs. Jay looks like she is on lithium the entire book- exhausted, somewhat alert but not really.  In any case, the best part of the book is the last few pages.  Mrs. Jay has her feet up on a recliner and looks absolutely wiped out after dealing with three kids, two of whom are sick, and two pets all day.  You see Mr. Jay returning from a day at work peering around the corner (assessing damage most likely) and again, the biggest gender stereotype is enforced which is not alive and well in today's society:  Daddy works hard all day to bring home the bacon, goes to work all day, and comes home in the evenings, praying the kids are wiped out.    Hopefully, mom will get a break after daddy gets home but who can be sure?  

In the Usborne First Experience book, Going on a Plane, the Tripp Family goes on a plane trip.  Mr. Tripp has 2 glasses of wine on his international trip while Mrs. Tripp does not.  I think the stereotype is that men drink and women don't.  Come on, with three kids and 2 pets at home, Mrs. Tripp should have gotten her drink on in this book.  You get a slight glimpse of the stereotype here but it's a lot more subtle than Going to the Doctor. Of course, the counter argument to my entire blog is "hey, lighten up! It's just a children's story!"  That would be correct.  There are plenty of books who depict things they way they are and plenty of books on little girls growing up to be President.  I completely get it but wanted to point out how gender stereotypes tend to be more slanted towards women than men even today.  When in fact, in many households across America, there has been a significant role reversal.  Granted, mommies tend to (on average) take better care of kids and nurture them but that does not mean they do not do so many other things like work (often more than one job), fight in our nation's military, cook dinner, and take care of the household chores and let's not even forget about the single moms out there.

As a working military mom I tend to think these books are the most likely to paint a picture that mommy is the caregiver and looks after the house and dads go out and work.  As a mother of two daughters, I plan on doing my best to ensuring that my daughters do not believe these stereotypes.  As they progress from grade school through high school, I am sure they will experience and encounter countless stereotypes- both gender and race and it's my job to disspell those.  Right now, they are far too innocent to see what I do in these books and that's a huge relief but I do hope that one day they realize that they can be anything they want despite of what gender stereotypes there may be out there - alive and well in society. 

Clueless In Colorado goes to Virginia!

The girls and I visited my parents in Virginia Beach.  What a relaxing trip!  It was nice to not have to deal with worrying about what to feed the kids because my mom is an amazing cook and grandma.  The park is nearby and we made a few trips there along with the beach- yes, we got lucky in October and got to visit the beach earlier in the week.  We had a few cultural events because October generally marks Navratri- a Hindu celebration in honor of the Goddess Durga.  It involves prayers, dance, lights, singing, and getting dressed up and ends on the 10th day which commemorates the Ramayan and the defeat of Ravana (evil) by Lord Ram (good).  Of course, there is always food involved - if it's an Indian celebration, there's always food and sweets involved.  It is always fun to celebrate such events with family and friends. 

Here are just a couple pics of our trip to the beach.  I have to say the weather was amazing and we got to enjoy the beach twice during our trip! The 10-day trip ended with a visit from my friends in Richmond, my brother from D.C. and my husband who came out to hang out with us and make the long trek back to Colorado. 

Next post: Back home blues :-)  Kidding.  But it was really great to have this time for R&R, fun with family, and celebrate festivities with my folks.  The girls looked adorable in their Indian outfits and they had a great time with their nana and nani (maternal grandparents).  Stay tuned for more fun-filled blogs! 

I've gone pink! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

It has to be done!  I fully support finding a cure.  It seems that almost every household across America is affected in someway by breast cancer.  So, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, and the beautiful color that pink is, Clueless in Colorado is going pink to support a cure for breast cancer.  Any donations this month sent via pay pal (see donate button- bottom right corner) will go to National Breast Cancer Foundation instead of children's charities. 

Spread the pink... spread the word.... it's time for a cure!

Shutterfly- great customer service & great products!

logo courtesy of shutterfly.com(R)

I love Shutterfly- specifically, I love to make photobooks on there since I no longer have time to scrapbook.  Shutterfly is a great website along with other sites like snapfish and others but I like the specials that Shutterfly often has.  I tend to get free photobooks for just buying diapers too!  Pampers rewards always lend themselves to free photobooks.  It is hard these days as a mommy to do a lot let alone scrapbook.  Once the kids are older I think we will have to set up a scrapbooking station because they will be into crafts and photo memories are so cool to make!  But, til then, I have shutterfly.
In any case, my recent experiences with Shutterfly were quite good and even though my album was lost in the mail - somewhere in Denver with UPS, Shutterfly asked no questions and replaced my album.  They even sent it to a different address since the girls and I were visiting Virginia Beach. We have our album now and can even create a website on shutterfly.com(R) to share the album or post it so family can see it and order it for themselves too.   I can share the albums on Twitter, Blogger, and Facebook if I want the world to see it!  It's quite simple and easy to use.  Thanks, Shutterfly, for making this mom's life a little easier!