Mutsy Week on Daddy Types!

Daddy Types blog gives the fantabulous Mutsy some well-deserved airtime usually reserved for the better-known Quinny and Bugaboo with Mutsy Week:

Crown Prince Haakon Of Norway Drives A Mutsy!!

Mutsy: Hold The Mutsaert

Mutsy, Michael Schumacher, & Maneuverability

I Forgot To Tell You: There's No Thursday In Mutsy Week

Mutsy Mutsy Spider Is Waiting To Come Out



Our Mutsy is still out rolling across the plains of Texas, or at least the walking trails of Coppell. Peanut still fits perfectly in her comfortable SUV ride. The duffle bag kept her warm during the brief and occassionally chilly winter and the hood helps to keep the sun out of her eyes. I often flip her around mid-trip so she's turned away from the sun - the peek-a-boo window at the top let's me make sure that her stuffed animal remains along for the entire ride.

Oh Lordi - the debates a Eurovision entry can cause!

At least Lordi is caused a bit more excitement than Jari!

From the New York Times

They have eight-foot retractable latex Satan wings, sing hits like "Chainsaw Buffet" and blow up slabs of smoking meat on stage. So members of the band Lordi expected a reaction when they beat a crooner of love ballads to represent Finland at the Eurovision song contest in Athens, the competition that was the springboard for Abba and Celine Dion.

But the heavy-metal monster band did not imagine a national identity crisis.

Peanut Goes to the Movies; Mama almost gets to watch 'Friends with Money'

It was the first time I'd been to a movie since Peanut was born! We went to the Cry Baby Matinee at the Angelika Theaters at the Shops at Legacy.

Dr. Baby Proofer was on hand before the movie to answer questions about making your home safer and to promote his home baby proofing business.

There were about 40 moms and babies from infants to toddlers. Everyone looked prepared with their strollers, baby car seats, Bumbos, pack&plays and baby blankets. A changing table was available on the sidelines. Our group with strollers grabbed the middle level where there was lots of space for active ones to crawl and walk around in.

Once the movie began, they only ran 3 movie trailers - thank goodness! I thought we'd better get on with it since Peanut was not about to sit still for a movied PLUS 20 minutes of pre-show commericals. They kept the lights pretty low and the sound was reasonable.

Peanut was fascinated by the screen for about 20 mins. She sat in my laps nibbling, yes, CHEERIOS, apple slices and her veggie/pasta mix. Then, that was it, she wanted to explore. We spent the rest of the time mostly going up and down and up and down and up and down the stairs in the theater. I was working up quite a sweat! Peanut had a great time and occassionally I caught glimpses of the movie - at least enough to follow along. Someone did have to tell me how it ended as Peanut was cruising up and down one of the side corridors.

I wish I would have gone MONTHS ago when she was an infant and would most likely have slept!!

Another option is Reel Moms at Loews for more mainstream movies.

And for mamas in Helsinki, there is BabyBio

Could Peanut's Mom be the next Avon, Tupperware, Southern Home Living, MaryKay, etc, etc Lady?

Probably not, but the thought has crossed my mind. Now thinking back on it, I'm not sure where I thought I'd get the time or energy for something like that.

I put out a few posts on some mother discussion boards and the answers to my question about such a business were either:

• A. Yes, you too can do it. Thanks to my job with X, I was able to make enough money to stay at home with my dear son/daughter. Just get in touch with me and I'll help get you started!
• B. I have just recently escaped the clutches of such an cult, i mean organization - don't do it. You won't earn any money, you'll spend more than you make on inventory, you'll feel humilated as you try to schlep your wares, only your friends and family will buy from you out of pity, etc, etc.

One person pointed me to The Pinking Shears organization, a sort of rehab for ex-KayBots and other MLM (multi-level marketing) survivors as some called themselves, for a peek behind the scenes.

For anyone contemplating starting such a business, a few hints that people did share with me:
> think about the product and the possibility for repeat purchases - is the product a consumable people will need to restock frequently? Tupperware, for example, is probably a one time buy and then you're constantly looking for new customers.
> consider the competition out there - other MaryKay, etc, consultants as well as eBay and other online websites through which most everything is available nowadays
> watch for what you will have to invest in inventory and the 'start up kit'
> it seems 'pajama parties' are the hottest ones going - sales consultants tastefully present lingerie along with sex toys, vidoes and other bedroom accessories and advice.