Contest Ending Today!

Have you entered the contest for a chance to win this adorable baby outfit from Born Hip? Visit our contest page for details. The outfit is a $32 value, someone will get it for FREE!

Many thanks to Born Hip for their generous donation for our first contest at the MOBs Lounge.

Everyone that enters wins a little something, so get moving ladies! You can't win if you're not entered. Funny how that works, huh?

DIY ~ Stinky Baby No More

Jen Casey, owner of Munchskins Skin Care, has independently launched a fabulous book and has sent us a copy for a future contest!

'Homemade Baby ~ *The guide to making your own baby care essentials. The Natural Way!' is a handy new resource guide, full of information on potentially toxic chemicals found in some baby products on the market, and alternative recipes that you can create at home from ingredients found at the local market!
From natural Diaper Pail Deodorizer pucks to laundry products to bath fizzies, parents can now learn how to make pure products for their own children, using ingredients found in nature.

Now, I must confess. I am one who is much more likely to go out and buy things instead of make them naturally, because I'm a bit lazy and unadventurous. After reading Jen's book, I can say that I will definitely be trying some of her recipes. I've always wanted to make a bath fizzie and we certainly could use some Diaper Pail Deodorizers around our castle!

Now, exclusively through the book's independent site, receive a FREE Munchskins 'Kiss Me, Baby!' 100% natural lip balm with each purchase of the book! The lip balm is completely unscented, perfect for mom's lips and baby's cheeks, and clips on to the diaper bag for easy access with a handy key ring.

Visit Jen's site and buy a few books. They are going to make fabulous gifts for new mom's, and even seasoned moms like myself.

Happy Memorial Day!

I hope everyone in the land of the Lounge is having a wonderful holiday weekend. We've been quite lazy, never getting around to those projects that once seemed such a good idea. No cleaning the garage, painting the stairwell or putting away winter clothes for us. We're enjoying our boys and the Midwest heat/humidity.

Need something to do today? How about taking the boy/s to a park you've never visited. A walk around a nature trail is always full of great bugs to catch!

We have two contests going on at MOBs Lounge. One in the forums and one on our site. Be sure to enter both.

Thanks to all who are spreading the word about the newest, hippest place on the web for mothers of boys! You girls rock!

This is the Queen Mum signing out...cheers!

Sale at Versamae Luxe

I was running out the door then realized I'd forgotten to give you your Friday Fab Find. I was so excited to not only find a FAB Find, but a quick one too.

Our friends at Versamae Luxe are doing some Spring cleaning and giving you fabulous discounts on great bath and body products. Versamae Luxe carries some great brands that you need to get to know. Like the BPure Bubble Bath, regularly $12 is now just $5! What a steal.

And I LOVE bath bombs. Try the Jillian With a J's tiramisu or wedding cake bath bombs. Yum yum. Nothing like smelling like a fabulous dessert! Reg. $5.50, now just $3.50.

I love a good sale and the one going on now at Versamae Luxe is certainly worth checking out. Summer time is hard on us mommies. I know several of my queen friends with some funky feet. Do us all a favor girls...get some great body products at Versamae Luxe and treat your feet before you start showing off your new sandals. Ciao!

Thurs. Musings ~ Mommy Brain

Typing on Tuesday, posting this today...so go back in time...

it's Tuesday afternoon. I just got back from taking my oldest to school, however I couldn't leave him there because school is done for the kindergarteners. WHAT?!? No, no, no. Last day is supposed to be Wed. the 24th. Right? Wrong mom.

So we drive up and the parking lot has about 1/3 of the normal amount of cars. But the marquee still says "Wed. 24th Last Day of School". I'm safe. The sign says so.

I decide to walk in with Son #1 to find out the scoop. The scoop is, Sons, your mom is a big freakin' idiot. I guess that explains why they had a graduation ceremony yesterday that I also did not know about. I lost brain cells when I lost my placenta.

This news made my hubby laugh, yet didn't surprise him. After all, I'm the one who brought Son to school a day early at the beginning of the year.

Wednesday Review & a FREEBIE too!

It's the pits.

Two leading competitors go head to head in combat to win the favor of the Queen Mum. Today the competition hits above the belt and under the arms. It's Arrid ExtraDry clear gel vs. Degree Ultra Clear Pure Satin.

First, Arrid. To credit their claim, yes it does go on clear and stay pretty clear. But who has time to put that on and then walk around the house for a few minutes while her under-arms dry? Certainly not this mother of three. So I'm irritated that I paid money for this stuff. Plus I lost the cap and the way the residual gel has hardened on the top...ewww. THUNK. That's the sound of it hitting my trash can. Hey, the Morning Clean scent was nice. Now my trash smells just like their 'stylish fragrance'.

Ok, so maybe it's not fair comparing a gel to a solid. Oh well. I'm the Queen, it's my party. Plus, the Degree stuff came in the mail for free and I'm not paying for another useless gel that causes me to walk around in the 'I surrender' position for at least 5 minutes (it looked less stupid than the 'chicken dance' position).

Degree has won my favor again. I used to use the spray and somehow switched to solids a while back (probably a coupon, who knows). So I'm using my cute little sample size to take to the gym. No one is squishing up their faces around me, so I'm guessing the deodorant part is working. It doesn't seem to be leaving marks on my clothes, yet I can't say I've had an opportunity to wear my little black dress to a play date or the petting zoo recently to test it. I can say that it goes on dry and does the job.

Best news of all? You can get a free sample too! Click FREE SAMPLE to get yours now. Let us know if you get your freebie and how you like it. No more chicken dancing for this mama!

Forum goodies

Check out our forum and find a generous discount by our mom friend, Shari, of Bonnin Designs. http://www.mobslounge.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=51

Tuesday, Boy Stuff - Great Summer Toy!

School isn't out for two more days and already I'm desperate to entertain the boys. Sunday was hot here and we needed something for the boys to do that involved outdoors and an umbrella. Off to Toys R Us!

I was prepared to spend $100 because it had to be a large toy. I was thrilled to find a sand/water play table WITH umbrella for $80! Of course we had to buy extra toys for the baby, extra fish and boats for the water side of the table, and therefore spent over $100, but I think it's going to be worth it. They have logged at least 2 hrs a day on the table already. Even the baby loves it! The table comes to his under arms so he can reach in and splash, grab toys, etc. The umbrella is large enough to keep them relatively covered and cool so they can play longer. That's worth the $80 right there!

Now I can sit outside and get a tan...ahem..I mean work, while the kiddos (and half the neighborhood) play safely in the yard.

Monday, Mum's Musings - Karma

Today started like any other, a brief fog followed by a more conscious awareness that the baby was whining, the older boys were somewhere other than their room - probably elbow deep into a box of cereal again. Then I must have earned some bad karma because something happened that really frustrated and annoyed me. Today was a gym day and I started to hesitate, but knew going would be best for my channeling my frustration, instead of projecting it on to the boys.

Thank goodness I got off my tail because I LOVE my gym class called Nia. It's a form of dance that honors your body. It's like the dancing form of yoga for me. It's hard to describe Nia, you truly have to experience it. As described by the Nia creators on their site:

"We say that Nia is a lot like the Tao. It cannot be defined by any one word or by a single phrase. It cannot be limited to a single way of thinking or perception because it is always evolving and changing, uniquely touching each and every person who experiences her.
Nia is personal. It is a sensation that can only be felt. It's like Chocolate. You have to taste it!" (from Overview of Nia at www.nia-nia.com).

Our last song we danced to was truly karma knocking on my door telling me which direction to take my frustration. It's lyrics say "treat me like a lady," and "what comes around goes around" (I couldn't understand the rest). It's a fun, funky song and I was truly jamming and smiling all the while knowing that my good karma was back. (Really, I was jamming - you should have seen me, I was HOT!)

At the end of our class is usually meditation. I often skip it because it relaxes me too much and I feel dozey when I pick up the boys. For that I need to be on top of my game. Today I needed meditation to un-focus on today's negative events and focus on the positive. Our instructor guided us to live today with passion. Passion in living full of joy. She suggested taking something simple, like smiling at a stranger and them smiling back. To take that moment and really feel it. Acknowledge the emotion and harness the joy. On the flip side, if something frustrates us, to acknowledge that emotion, then let it go to instead find joy. Quite a challenge to do this in every day life. For today, I'll try. I hope you will too. And find a Nia class to try. It's amazing! For an hour, twice a week, I sweat and don't even mind it! I get to focus on me and forget about the clogged toilet at home, rotting mystery stuff in the back of the van and the fact that there are three days of school left.

Cheers friends!

Friday Fab Find - Pure Boy Clothes!

Finding great shops for boys is always a challenge. Rely on the MOBs Lounge to searching the net for you.

Meet our friends at Pure Boy Clothes. These groovy duds are definitely pure boy material. I love the colors and cool prints.

Check out the super hero cape/towel. My boys are always taking blankets off beds, towels out of the linen closet and even a plastic garbage bag once (I know...not a smart day for them) at an attempt to construct the perfect cape. Pure Boy Clothes has the solution. $45 is s steal if it saves my house from destruction and my boys from suffocation!

Pure Boy Clothes owner, Ellen Wolpin, is familiar with busy boys! She's a mom of twin boys, a fellow MOBster. She's generously offering a 15% discount to you! Just use code MOBSLOUNGE, expires 12/31/06, plus free shipping on orders over $100!

Check out her groovy little shop on the web catering to Toddler and Kid sized boys.
P.S. Do not attempt flying with cape!

Score Some SWAG!

We need to spread the word about the MOBs Lounge - so the Queen is making a challenge. Get your friends to join our MOBs Lounge. The person with the most referrals wins a goodie bag from the Queen. We're always getting goodies and samples sent to us for review. We'll share some with one lucky winner.

Ok, here's the scoop:
Any qualifying, active member of The Lounge forum is eligible. (must be 18+, void where prohibited...all that jazz)

Your friend registeres in our forum, The Lounge. Then she emails us at info@mobslounge.com to let us know you sent her here. Easy as that!

The friend can also get in on the fun by referring more friends. The person with the most eligible referrals wins the goodie bag (worth over $100 retail). Every eligible, active member referring 5 or more friends also will receive a small gift. (Active means you have posted at least once)

So get emailing and spread the word. Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. May 31, 2006!
Info as to what is in the goodie bag will be posted soon. Think jewelry, baby apparel, body products and more!

The Cat is Away

This is going to be short and sweet. The cat is away on business and the mice are totally playing me up. The prince who is usually quite chilled was a monster yesterday. He has a secret supply of sugar hidden somewhere in the castle. I'm sure of it.

On the flip side...the oldest prince, usually the wildest, was so sweet yesterday. He fixed breakfast for all of us! He's only 6! My breakfast was cereal (mushy because it sat so long). The middle prince had a gourmet meal prepared for him - waffles with sliced strawberries. I'm serious! I'm going to try submitting my order ahead of time. I'd love fresh strawberries.

I have to go do some cleaning now. My 3 yr old prince is making some headway on potty training, which means there is pee everywhere BUT the toilet bowl right now. Perhaps I should lock the bathrooms, leaving just one for the boys. That would cut my cleaning time down by 75%! Brilliant!

How Low Do You Go?

I've been shopping today, looking for a fun outfit that helps me fit in with an artsy crowd on Friday night. I hit Old Navy first. Usually I can't fit a darn thing in there to fit me, but I got lucky with these gouchos for only $14.50! Mine are black (in photo is artichoke).

This belt, also in black, to accompany the outfit. Added bonus, belts were 30% off in the store!

All this is to match my camouflage-print tube top. I never, in a million years, thought I'd get into a tube top. But I gotta make the most of my temporary assets due to being a nursing mama. ;)

Now I want to know what is going on in the fashion world that makes all designers feel the need to see my c-section scar. Really! Do the pants and shorts need to be THAT low? So does no one wear underwear these days but me? Luckily the gouchos are a fold-over top, so I don't have to show off my battle wounds. Everything else I've seen in the last two days of shopping are labeled "LOW", "Hipsters", "Ultra Freakin' LOW LOW LOW". Just how low do you go?

Well, it's nearly 3 o'clock - time to load up the little one's and pick up the oldest prince from school. I'm going to pay close attention to the other moms and figure out how low they go. Then it's off to find some shoes. I know...it's a rough life, but a Queen has to do what a Queen has to do.
Can you believe that the whole time I was in Old Navy I forgot to get those cool swim shorts for the boys? :) oops.

Boy Stuff- Swimwear Sale!

Old navy boys shorts are on sale! Some of my favorite words to hear.

As predicatble as it is, I still love Old Navy for great boy clothes. I'm always on the lookout for boy-ish colors, non-pastels. Old Navy always has them.

Check out these cool swim shorts. Designed with old-school plaid, cool color-blocking, and sporty piping give this pair individual style. Built-in mesh briefs. Secure fly and lace-up tab closure. Leg hits the knee. Elasticized back waist. Cool price too, $10.50 on sale.

Stock up on other great sale items and Old Navy and have one cool boy (or three in my case) this summer.

Movin' & Groovin'

The MOBs Lounge is taking on a grassroots-type campaign for awareness and public participation. We want to put the power in the hands of our members because word-of-mouth news travels faster than any high-speed internet connection.

We already have friends in cities all over the US spreading the word about MOBsLounge. And we want more! Moms everywhere want to be a part of this hilarious and helpful web village. We put our literature where busy moms can spot it - in coffee shops, children’s museums and more.

Do you want to help the MOBs movement? Just let us know!

Make sure to register in our community forum, The Lounge. Registering give you privileges to more topic boards that the public can't see. So get registered and see what's going on in the Lounge. Make some friends and carve out your spot in our friendly little village.

Happy Queen's Day!

A quick note to say "Happy Mother's Day" to all my royal friends out there. Have a day filled with delicious treats and children who are sweet!

Friday Fab Find - Chic Blvd.

The journey through life is a lot more fun with good friends by your side. The MOBs Lounge mums are honored to have friends like the gals at Chic Blvd.

Chic Blvd. is the "girlfriends guide for the road of life". I love traveling Chic Blvd. for getting my girly-fix. Their emails always make me smile and I love checking out their boutique.

It's wedding season and Chic Blvd has a fantastic Wedding guide. Tips for the Bride, gifts for the wedding party (even the guys) and more. Your one-stop on the web for wedding planning. Be sure to follow the Diary of a Bride-to-Be as she plans for her Big Day.

Have an ipod? Grab some ChicBuds earphones adorned with sparkling Swarovski crystals. Definitely girly!

Chic Blvd - thank you for partnering with MOBs Lounge. We look forward to 'traveling' with you!

My 6 yr old teenager

I'm sucking down coffee and doing my best to type/think coherently. Princes 2 & 3 were up early this morning. Both happy, yacking away and demanding food. Pleasant. Then I hear the stomping which, lately, always precedes the arrival of Prince1 in the a.m.. Scowl on his face, head down and walking rapidly to avoid all life forms here in the kitchen. Prince1 rounds the corner and dives straight down to the basement to watch TV. I do my best to put on a cheery 'hello'. It is ignored.

I'm a little worried as he's just had surgery last week to take out adenoids and put tubes in his ears. Yesterday his ears were hurting. Maybe they are hurting now? I'll save you the details of the conversation. All that came from him were a few NO's anyway.
I'm left to wonder, where in the Guidebook does it mention turning 6 equals turning 16?
Cranky, prefers isolation, ignores everyone, scowls often. I'm quite positive Mr. Webster uses those words exactly to define a teenager.
Oh dear. Does this mean he'll be asking to shave soon? Borrow my car? (No. I have a mini-van...the keys are safe. Note to self: own a mini-van until kids are out of the house.)

I must consult with my Royal Queen friends in the forum to find out if this is a behavior typical of a 6 year old, or if there is evil magic at work in our kingdom.

To end positively and cheer myself a bit, I'll share a few of my "reasons boys are great" with you:
~gum in the hair is easily solved by a quick buzz-cut
~people expect boys to be dirty so cleaning isn't mandatory
~bed head is cool
~they don't usually care what color clothes they wear
~they LOVE their mommas!
Cheerio!

Follow the Queen

We're officially launching this Friday! Please tell all your friends about it and get everyone on over to our Lounge to meet other Moms of Boys, post your funny boy stories and have a good laugh.

We at the MOBsLounge know you don't have a lot of time in your day. We sincerely appreciate the time you take to visit us each day and hope you'll call us your Castle on the web!

Bottoms Up - Prices Down

One of my favorite places on the web for skin care is closing it's doors. Swaddle Spa has fantastic body products that are made with natural products from mother earth.

One of my favorite products for the baby is Owie Balm. I used it often for my baby's sore bottom.

I also love the Baby Butter for dry baby skin. A little goes a long way!

I'll throw in my mommy favorite too...Pucker Up lip balm. This little tin fits perfectly in my purse pocket and goes with me everywhere.

Get it all on sale now.

Why, why, why?

The endless comments questioning my authority as Queen often lead me to a large glass of wine promptly at 5 o’clock.

“Wash your hands”
“Why?”
“Put on sunscreen”
“Why?”

Then there are the questions I can’t always answer intelligently because I’ve not slept for 6 years and converse mostly with 3 children under 6 all day:
“What is thunder?” “Why does it rain?”

I’ve finally found the answer at our local bookstore. “The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents)” by Judy Galens and Nancy Pear. I was tickled to find that these women both have boys and are familiar with the “questioning years”.

The “Handy Answer Book” is a fantastic tool for you and your kids. I encourage my oldest son to read the answers himself. He loves it!

You will often find me taking advantage of this new reference tool as well.
“Why do I have wax in my ears?”
“Why do we get diarrhea?”
"Let me just tell you my dear, inquisitive boy." The Queen is now the all-knowing!

The “Handy Answer Book” is my new shield for the barrage of questions my subjects shoot at me like arrows. I highly recommend it to Queens everywhere.

MOBsLounge - Our own Friday Fab Find

We've been getting overwhelming support and rave reviews about our boy-ish corner on the web! Thanks to all who have taken the time to email us your kind words.
We have web stores lining up to donate items for our contests, so keep checking back and maybe score yourself some free stuff!

If you haven't checked out our community forum, please do! We call it The Lounge. There are some wonderful moms already there waiting to meet you. It's a low-key place, worthy of your presence my Queen.

We are putting the final touches on the 'castle' here at MOBsLounge in preparation for our big launch. Keep spreading the word to your friends about this unique new place on the web for mothers of boys!

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

More Mum's Musings:

Can I just say..Thank goodness for school nurses!...?? Had it not been for the care and concern of my son's school nurse, he could be suffering from permanent ear drum damage and some hearing loss. At her insistence, I kept on the pediatrician about my eldest son's ears. Fast forward a few months to today.

Surgery day! My son just got home from the hospital. He had adenoids taken out and tubes put in. A fair trade I suppose. (I'm hoping to negotiate a similar trade with a plastic surgeon in the future - 'take some booty and give me some boobies')

I had no idea that adenoids could be such a bother. They can swell, preventing drainage and result in ear infections. They can also cause snoring. Worst of all, the doctor can't see them on a regular ear check. So be your child's best advocate if you feel it's more than just 'a little cold'.

Ok..so the funny bit. I'm doting all over my son making sure he feels ok, throat doesn't hurt, isn't going to throw up on my nice couch, etc.
Mum: "You ok bud?"
Prince1: "mmm, hmmm."
Mum: "Do you hear better now?"
Prince1: "I dun no"
Mum: "Oh, well I just wondered if things sound differently or if you hear better yet."
Prince1: "HUH?"
LOL. Cheeky little monster looks up at me with a sheepish grin.
I guess he's feeling fine and I don't have to feel guilty about getting some work done now!

Reuse & recycle

If you've ever purchased used kids clothes from a reputable store, you are familiar with the accompanying addiction you acquire.

That is why I love Adorable Again, gently used kids clothes. Kristen, owner and mom of two boys, knows what choosy moms want when purchasing clothes for their wee one's. Selling previously worn clothes is a tough biz, but not when you have a meticulous eye like Kristen does. She only resells the best of the best, plus she always offers free shipping for orders over $75. This is a double bargain in Mum's opinion.

I'm loving the clothes she has in the 12 & 18 month old boy category. Don't be surprised if it's empty when you get there because I think I'm going shopping!

Hand It Over

Today's is a quick review because we're still working on some final touches for our new Lounge, one of the boys is running around with just a pull-up on for some reason, and the baby keeps wiping his nose on my leg.

I'm sharing an old favorite because year after year, it's still one of the best hand lotions for my skin. Bath & Body Works' Glove Potion #9. Shea butter is such a treat for skin. Nourishing, moisturizing and it smells good too. Glove Potion #9 has a light citrus scent that doesn't linger for too long. It may feel a little greasy at first, but in my opinion, that is because it has GOOD ingredients. Unlike the watered down versions you get from the local discount store that are full of a bunch of mysterious ingredients. Click the photo to view the B&B Works site and sign up for their newsletter for great discounts delivered right to your inbox.

P.S. Glove Potion is great for the feet too...hint, hint my friend with the nasty feet..you know who you are! ;)

How much material do you need?

No you haven't been transported to the local fabric store. I'm talking material for the blog. How much material can one mum possibly expect to obtain from one day with her darling boys? Oh my lord...PLENTY!

It started like a normal day. The two older boys awake before me (and the sun), chilling in the family room, both with their hands elbow deep in a box of cereal. Which, by the way..no food allowed in the family room. Baby demanding something..never sure what. Put something crunchy on his high chair tray, shove some mush into his mouth. Etc.

Then it happens without warning. My sweet boys are quickly possesed by something mean, evil and down-right naughty.

I wanted to write about my first day back to the gym in 9 months. I wanted to rave about this dance class I am in. I wanted some sweet story to recount to you in my first post as Queenmum. I did not want to write about naughty boys, poop in places it shouldn't be, and a mummy who decided she would be retiring early from being a SAHM.

But this is real life my friend. No pretending, no making up things to be better than they seem. Oh we have great days! Don't worry about that. This won't be a downer. On the contrary...I imagine you'll be purchasing Depends to keep from messing your chair because you'll laugh so hard at us some days. All the while thanking the lord that it isn't you!

Needless to say, I've got plenty of material from today to last me a few weeks. So keep checking back and enjoy my tales of being a mother of boys. (Three, six and under, by the way).

The Daily Dose calendar is your guide to what's up on the Queenmum's blog. So you can check in on certain days if you'd like - but hopefully you'll be here every day. I promise fun, great products to check out, and even some super shopping deals just for my mommy friends!