Monthly Archive for August, 2010

Back to School = A Time of Firsts

Back to School

Back to School

I’ll be honest, this back-to-school season is extremely overwhelming for this mom. I have crazy-emotions right now, mostly because this is a season of many important firsts for our family:

First day of Kindergarten: My daughter is starting Kindergarten on Monday. You’d think I would be okay with this concept; after all, she has three years of pre-school under her belt. But this time, in my mind, it’s different. Kindergarten is the first step toward graduating high school. The school is big, and there are tons of older kids to influence her. This Mama Bear is nervous. First day of Kindergarten also means…

First day of public school: I mentioned the three years of pre-school, well, they were small private schools. And these schools were small, high-security schools with strict rules. I don’t know enough about the new school to have an opinion, but I’m sure I will in no time. The teachers and parents seem great, so I am very hopeful and positive.  First day of public school also means…

First day of no uniform: Yes, my daughter went back-to-school shopping for the first time. My daughter now has choices and opinions about what she wears to school. While she is excited, I am not. I love school uniforms. I miss school uniforms. I am frightened by some of the clothing options for little girls. I guess I’ll have to create (and enforce) my own rules. The first day of no uniform means…

First day of marketing over-load: I loved the fact that my daughter’s private schools did not allow branded clothing or merchandise in the classroom. No SpongeBob lunch-boxes or iCarly backpacks.  The kids brought bags with solid colors, simple designs and no logos. Luckily, we found an appropriate backpack and lunch box for Kindergarten. Of course, this means I totally over-spent on my kid’s backpack, but it took persuasion for her to select the brightly colored (and pricey) backpack over the “Princess” option. And to top it all off…

First day at a new school in a new city: Yes, we just moved to this state, city and school district. Lots of big changes for my small family. But, I am so proud of my little girl. She is handling all of these changes with grace and tolerance… which is more than her mom can say.

– LTV Mom

This post was inspired by participation with the Yahoo! Mother Board, where 80 amazing women share thoughts on a single topic each month.  While Yahoo! is my client, these thoughts are mine and I did not receive compensation for writing this post.

Photo credit: My Stock Photos via Flickr

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on August 20, 2010
in Family, Laptop Television, The Kid and Yahoo! Mother Board
. 3 Comments

The Next Food Network Star Season 6 Winner: Aarti Sequeira

The Next Food Network Star Aarti Sequeira

The Next Food Network Star Season Six Winner: Aarti Sequeira

This foodie loves Indian cuisine. I can devour a plate of Gobhi Aaloo and butter chicken (with a side of naan, of course), but the thought of actually cooking the meal is down-right frightening. Thanks to the winner of The Next Food Network Star Season Six, I think I found my solution: I will stick to ordering my traditional Indian food at my favorite restaurants, and will simply try infusing some Indian flavors into my everyday cooking at home.

This culinary point-of-view is the vision for chef — and now TV star — Aarti Sequeira, who won Season Six of the competition Sunday night. Aarti was an early fan favorite due to her bubbly personality and infectious smile. But I believe she won because her new show, called Aarti Party, is interesting, unique and inspirational. She can certainly teach wanna-be chefs like me how to enjoy some Indian flavors without tackling full-flown Indian cuisine.

On Monday, I was fortunate to speak with Aarti and discuss her victory. Here are highlights from the call:

Q: What most excites you about making your new show on Food Network? A: Aarti’s answer was both simple and poetic. She said she wants to really live up to her full potentia and “go boldly into [her] future.”

Q: Will you continue your online cooking show and blog? A: Aarti wants to keep blogging and is not sure about her online cooking show. She openly admits that food-blogging “is an art form for sure.” She also added “the blog stays, the blog got me here, and it gave me a sense of who I am.”

Q: At any point during the competition, were you star-struck? A: Aarti gladly admitted she was star-struck when she met Paula Deen because “she’s so relate-able” and overcame her fears to live out her full potential. I liked that about Aarti, but then again I like anyone who stays humble and appreciative of what she has earned.

Aarti was a total joy. Her telephone persona is as charming and vibrant as her television persona. I would invite her over for dinner (and a few glasses of wine!) without hesitation. Aarti’s new show premieres on Sunday, August 22 at 12 noon EST on the Food Network.

Food Network SVP Susie Fogelson

Food Network SVP Susie Fogelson

Now, let’s talk about my personal highlight of the call: talking to Food Network SVP of Marketing, Creative Services and Brand Strategy Susie Fogelson. In all honesty, Susie is a stud. I want to be her when I grow up. She is smart and just pain cool.

Susie joined the call for a Q&A and spoke about the business decision of hiring Aarti. Here are highlights:

Q: Throughout the competition, what did you see in Aarti to vault her to victory? A: Susie quickly answered that Aarti was “interesting on so many levels right out of the gate.” If you watched the show, you know she had to work on confidence at times, but Susie said it was no surprise, she kept poise and professionalism throughout the competition. She finally added that “her light never dimmed.”

Q: When did you see Aarti break away from the pack? A: Susie quickly quipped that “Aarti had me at hello.” She added that Aarti has “a great spirit” and her “accent and smile are beautiful.” A true story-teller (that is a fancy term for marketer), Susie said she was intrigued by her background and personal story. Susie also spoke broadly about the competition saying “you have to be confident in this job, if you can’t maintain and sustain, it’s the kiss of death.”

I truly loved these conversations. This mom appreciates the opportunity to speak to two wonderfully smart, talented, driven and successful women. I’ll tune-in and watch Aarti Party… and dream of having Susie for dinner some day.

– LTV Mom

Photo Credit for Aarti Sequeira: Food Network

Photo Credit for Susie Fogelson: Food Network

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on August 18, 2010
in Food and Laptop Television
. 0 Comments

From Silicon Valley to Silicon Hills

Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas

Well, it’s official. I am an Austinite. For those of you who you did not hear the news from me, I am so sorry. The whole thing happened quickly and quietly for many reasons. Quickly: we wanted to be somewhat settled before The Kid started Kindergarten in late August. Quietly: the entire process has been extremely emotional and stressful, and I really didn’t want/need the added attention. Plus, I hate goodbyes, and these goodbyes were just too hard.

Jon and I lived in California for 16 years, and they have been some of the happiest years of my life. We finally found where we belonged, built great careers, discovered new hobbies, bought a home, brought our daughter into the world, and met amazing friends… no, built a family… in California.

Since I left with unanswered questions, here is a quick Q&A:

Q: What? You moved?! A: Yes. We moved to Austin, Texas this week.

Q: Um, why? A: Job opportunities and closer to family.

Q: Are you leaving Voce? A: Thankfully, I will continue to work for Voce and service my clients from Austin. My colleagues at Voce have been very supportive of this change, and I am so appreciative. I am also beyond thankful that my clients are so supportive, which is a relief and a joy.

Q: Will you be visiting California? A: I will be in the Bay Area once a month for work. This actually is pretty cool because I will return sans family responsibilities, so I will have time for happy hours in Santana Row, dinners out in Palo Alto, and maybe even karaoke with Glennia.

Q: Was it hard to say good-bye? A: Oh yes. Beyond words. The hardest person to hug good-bye was my beautiful goddaughter. Well, I didn’t actually tell her goodbye, I told her good night. I am a chicken.

Q: How have people responded to the news? A: It’s been a mixed bag but mostly positive. Those who have been to Austin are excited or even jealous. Of course the Silicon Valley loyalists think we are crazy.

Q: Do you know anyone in Austin? A: Thankfully, yes. We have friends there; in fact, our first friends in California are now in Austin. Also, my cousin (and possibly my daughter’s favorite person on Earth) lives not too far away in Dallas.

Q: Who had the most surprising reaction? A: My mom-blogger friends. I was touched and humbled by their support, surprise, sadness and (in one case) tears. You have no idea how much you touched my heart. [Note: second runner-up goes to four-year-old Olivia who cried for 30 minutes when she heard the news. I love that kid!]

Q: Can we come visit you? A: Absolutely! Please! We will have a small apartment at first, but hope to be in a house by the time SXSW hits (because apparently we will have a houseful, so make your reservations soon!) Just make sure you give me enough warning so I don’t have to cancel playdates with Sandra Bullock’s kid or postpone my regular bike rides with Lance Armstrong.

Q: Are you going to buy a pickup truck? A: No.

Q: Are you going to wear cowboy boots? A: No.

Q: Are you going to start yelling “Hook ‘em Horns?” A: Hell no.

Q: Will you fly your Iowa State flag on game day? A: Hell yes. Even on Oct. 23 when the Cyclones roll into town for their annual slaughter.

Q: Do you blame UT for ruining the Big 12 conference? Q: Well, I would like to actually make friends here in Austin, so I will quickly move to the next question.

Q: When can we see you? A: You can see me every day on Facebook on Twitter or here on Laptop TV Mom. I will post updates and photos as long as you do the same!

Q: Are you excited? A: Actually, we are excited. Change is good. This much change at one time is stressful, but it can be good. But I will only accept change – and be excited – as long as we can continue friendship with the people we love.

- LTV Mom

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on August 13, 2010
in Family, Laptop Television, Life in Austin and The Kid
. 20 Comments

From Left to Write: Staying Married and Personal Evolution

Author: Maddie Dawson

Author: Maddie Dawson

Despite the name of my blog, I really do more than work and watch TV. I actually love reading all sorts of books, from Paulo Coehlo to Barbara Kingsolver to Dan Brown. Luckily, I recently was invited to join a virtual book club with some of my favorite people. The newly formed club, called From Left to Write, is a collection of avid readers and writers, and we collectively read and share thoughts on a variety of books. This club is not designed to review books, rather we write about thoughts and feelings inspired by the books.

My first book-reading with this club is “The Stuff that Never Happened” by Maddie Dawson. The book is a reflection of marriage and parenthood, choices and mistakes, and personal evolution. The book explores infidelity, love, and the complexity of marriage.

I’ll be honest with you, I had a hard time getting this post started. Marriage is such a personal thing; no two marriages are the same and every couple handles their challenges and triumphs differently. That said, I am one of the lucky ones. I will proudly say — even at the risk of sounding smug — I might have the best husband ever. And I really mean it.

As I read this book, I felt a variety of emotions, randing from anger to compassion. I guess the constant emotion was my best life-lesson: no matter who you marry, you and your spouse are going to evolve as you age, just try to evolve on a parallel track.

My husband and I were married young. He was 26, and I was 23. Looking back, I would never advocate getting married that young (and will probably freak-out if my daughter wants to marry that young).  But, I was madly in love and I got married.  Sixteen years later, he’s still the love of my life.

As cheesy as that sounds, I have to say that he and I are both very different than when we married. How could we not be? We married so young. And since that time, we experienced a variety life-changing events both together and individually: we moved to the West Coast, built our careers, made new friends, traveled the world, had a child, dealt with deaths in the family and more.

I am a different person than when we met. And so is he.  Honestly, that’s how it should be. I’m glad that I have evolved into a happier (and hopefully) wiser person with experiences and memories shaping who I am. But I am even happier that my evolution was parallel to my husband’s. We both have grown and changed, and luckily, we stayed in-synch and together. The opposite could easily be true, and possibly the norm for people who married at our age.

– LTV Mom

Photo Credit: Maddie Dawson Web Site

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on August 7, 2010
in Books, From Left to Write and Laptop Television
. 3 Comments

I was the perfect mom before I had a child.

Perfect mom... until I had a child.

Perfect mom... until I had a child.

I recently started re-posting some of my favorite articles I wrote for the Silicon Valley Moms Blog over the past years. This one seemed to hit a nerve, and it’s the post closest to my heart. Please enjoy:

Before I became a mom, long before I was pregnant, I knew exactly how I was going to parent. My husband and I would watch other parents, sometimes in wonder and often times in horror. We would discuss what we saw and how we would handle kids when it was our turn to parent.

Luckily, we were on the same page (most of the time) about how we wanted to raise our family. Of course, we also knew we had no idea what we were talking about and would end our conversations in jest saying “it’s a good thing we are such perfect parents” even though we had no kids. (Even then, we kept our sense of humor!)

Flash-forward to today, and our baby is a sassy and beautiful five-year-old girl. Even after five years, we have have finally come to the conclusion that we have *no idea* what we are doing. My husband and I still laugh when we recall how weknew exactly how we were going to behave when we had a kid, and then we look at our reality:

Then: Why do people bring a screaming baby to a restaurant? I am trying to enjoy a meal with my husband. Now: Oh man, I wish I could help that poor mom and rock that baby so mom can try to eat two bites of food.

Then: I am absolutely going to spank my kid when she is naughty. Spare the rod, spoil the child. Now: I could never hit my child in anger, it would break my heart and her spirit.

Then: I cannot believe that mother would let her daughter go out in public wearing that outfit! Now: My daughter is so proud when she dresses herself, and I think she looks beautiful in her pink tutu, sparkly shoes, glittery headband and Princess sunglasses!

Then: I will never use the television as a babysitter! Now: Sigh, I just need 30 minutes to make dinner. Exactly how long is an episode of iCarly?

Then: Ugh, I hate flying coast-to-coast when little kids are on the plane. Why can’t get the parents stop their kid from kicking the back of my seat? Now: Oh, that poor dad looks exhausted. Should I offer to play with that kid for 15 minutes, so he can eat his lunch?

Then: I can’t believe some parents let their kid’s toys take over their house! It’s a home, not a Toys-R-Us. Now: I have toys in every room of my house. Silicon Valley home = no basement = no storage. Oh well, she’s only a kid once (and she is admittedly spoiled and has way too many toys.)

Then: I am shocked by how that mother just spoke to her child! I would never use that tone of voice with my kid. Now: I wonder if that mom is having a really bad day, I hope something terrible didn’t happen. Or maybe she is just exhausted and is heading home to a pile of dirty laundry and an empty refrigerator.

Then: I am going to practice tough-love at bed-time, and my kid will learn to go to sleep by herself. Now: My kids needs to get her sleep before school tomorrow, and I will do whatever it takes. Plus, she is so pretty when she sleeps, and I know one day she will be horrified if I want to cuddle with her at bedtime.

At the end of the day, parenthood made me more understanding and empathetic toward other parents. It’s amazing how I anticipated what I would do as a parent, only to be overwhelmed (and overjoyed) by the reality of it all. I try not to judge or second-guess other parents, rather I try to remember that we are all in the same boat, just trying to raise good kids while keeping our sanity.

– LTV Mom

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on August 5, 2010
in Laptop Television
. 2 Comments

Wordless Wednesday: My Sweet Girl

My Sweet Girl

My Sweet Girl

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on August 5, 2010
in Family, The Kid and Wordless Wednesday
. 2 Comments

Dear Tina Fey,

Tina Fey

I was a proud contributor to the Silicon Valley Moms Group for three-plus years. I was part of a network that produced amazing content, I worked side-by-side with amazing women and smart writers, and I was fortunate to make life-long friends.

Those who follow the industry know the network has stopped publishing new content, and the founders and writers have gone their separate ways. In my own personal tribute to my beloved site, I am going to highlight some of my favorite contributions to the blog. And this one might be my all-time favorite, mostly because I adore Tina Fey. Here it goes, please enjoy:

Reposted from Silicon Valley Moms Blog on May 27, 2010:

I have never written a fan letter in my life. I went to high school in the 80s, so I was tempted to write letters to Tom Cruise; in college, where I studied journalism, I wanted desperately to meet Dan Rather.

Today, as a working mom, I really don’t have time for fantasy lunch dates or dreams of meeting celebrities. I have a daughter, a husband, a job, a house and lots of responsibilities that need my focus and dedication. But, I finally found somebody I’d like to take the time to publicly thank: Tina Fey.

Now, I typically don’t like it when commoners like me praise celebrities. After all, we don’t really know them as people; we know their work, their public persona and the stories we read in the press. Even so, I am inspired to write my very first fan letter. Here it goes:

Dear Tina Fey,

Even though I don’t know you, I adore you. I know this letter might sound creepy and stalkerish, so please know that I am just another working mom who thinks you are a genius. I want to thank you for many reasons:

  1. Thank you for being smart: I respect the wit and candor in your writing. You have more than proven your ability and sense of humor; you have shown that smart writing leads to quality entertainment.  If you ever have any doubts about your gifts, just count your Emmys and Golden Globes.
  2. Thank you for being brave: Your writing and acting, namely on 30 Rockand Saturday Night Live, is fearless. I loved your stint on Weekend Update, as you always took the “did she really say that?” approach to your commentary. You don’t go for the easy laugh; you take a topic and smother it with your own brand of sass and wisdom. (Plus, any woman who takes on Tiger Woods, Tiki Barber and Jesse James — and theirmistresses — in a single segment is awesome in my book.)
  3. Thank you for writing what I feel: The opening monologue from your most recent SNL appearance was both brilliant and real. It also taught me that we actually have something in common; I too receive the same two questions time and time again: 1) Are you going to have another baby? and 2) How do you juggle it all? (Your answer was classic: And that’s how I juggle it all, Bitches!)
  4. Thank you for Liz Lemon: Even on the days I feel my most cool; I always have a little Liz Lemon in me. I work too much, I fear having fun, and I obsess over minutia. Like Liz, I too need to figure out how to have fun and not “Lemon” my life.
  5. Thank you for dominating: I tell you what, it is so refreshing to see a woman at the top of her game (and earn the recognition she deserves.) You are in an elite class. I love that I can watch your shows and movies, point to the woman who created them, and tell my daughter the actor and the writer is brilliant.

Even though this letter is addressed to you, I highly doubt you’ll ever find it or read it. And I’m sure someone will laugh at my note and tell me I am lame. In reply, I’ll simply quote the great Tina Fey and tell my critics to “SUCK IT!”

Sincerely, Stacy in Silicon Valley

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on August 4, 2010
in Silicon Valley Moms Group and Trying to be Cool
. 0 Comments