Surrendering to Motherhood

Zombie Momology

It’s been Official Huffman Family Policy for a while now: TV and computer games are banned on school nights. You heard me right. So long “SpongeBob Squarepants” and “That's So Raven.” Buh-bye DisneyChannel.com and Neopets.com.

Yeah, I know. We’re the meanest parents in the world. I’m over it.


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Congratulations Miss America 2009!

PlanetClaire gives herself a pat on the back for picking two of the top three finalists in tonight's competition!
Congratulations Miss Indiana, although I was really digging Miss Georgia. And how about Miss Iowa making it to 2nd runner up! As second runner up she wins a $20,000 scholarship, and Miss America wins a cool $50,000.
Who said glamor doesn't pay?

Miss America Top 10

Our night is here, my Miss America Sisters! The crown awaits its new owner in Las Vegas, where 52 young women woke up this morning, all with the same thought: 'Let it be ME!'

Speaking of crowns, I liked the reality show "Miss America: Countdown to the Crown."
Sure some of the "games" were a little, OK, a lot, cheesy. But it was a fun way to get to know the girls and maybe get a little glimpse into their personalities. Miss Indiana seemed a front runner, and even Miss South Dakota (That's for you Michelle K) got a nod from the judges, earning one of the desired gold sashes. And we all know that nothing goes better with a sparkling tiara than a golden sash.

Each covets the crown, but who shall wear it home tonight? Here are my top 10 picks.

Miss Indiana
Miss New York
Miss Vermont
Miss Delaware
Miss Georgia
Miss Mississippi
Miss Kentucky
Miss Michigan
Miss California
Miss Hawaii

And my top three:
Miss Indiana
Miss Georgia
Miss Hawaii

Who's going to trade her state crown for the real deal? Tune in to TLC at 5pm EST and find out!

Coming soon - Miss America!

My dear Miss America friends, with the crowing of America's Loveliest only two nights away, PlanetClaire has sharpened her pencils to begin her annual coverage of La Affair de la Crown.

Let us begin by feasting our eyes on this royal bling.

Aren't they fabulous? I may already own the official Miss America crown pin and earrings but these beauties may need to come home to Mama some day soon.

Sadly, PlanetClaire must tear herself away from hourly monitoring of the Miss America website to return herself to the drudgery of homework, laundry and dinner. I shall return with my annual Top 10 candidates by Friday evening. Until then.

Playing card games

Every year before the holidays approach, I boldly make the same declaration — the Huffman Christmas card shall be the first of all such greetings that our friends and family receive.

This is my vision. The day after Thanksgiving, recipients will open their mailboxes to find our special envelope awaiting them, as if to announce: “Let the holiday fun begin!”

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Sandals in January!

Woo hoo! It's 75 degrees here in Napa today. Break out the summer sandals if only for a day.

Pearly whites

Check out these chunky monkey faux pearls at Talbots. Mama Mia! Coco Chanel on steroids!
At $85 I don't think I will be buying them but aren't they something?
Modeled by one of PlanetClaire's junior readers.

Chilling out in the car.

When I tried to turn on my car heater one morning in late October, I got a little confused.

It seemed like only cold air was blowing through the car. The next morning, I tried again. Sure enough, more cold air.

“I think my car heater is broken,” I told my husband.

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More muff

PlanetClaire readers know how much I enjoy vintage accessories. Grandma Tootie has a winner here -- a real leopard fur trimmed muff. It was her mothers and she has the original plastic storage bag with price tag: $65. She also had a leopard fur leather belt that was about a size 2.
Great-Grandma Nelda was a USO party girl and entertainer in the 40s and 50s. Her first husband, and Don's Grandfather, was an Air Force pilot in WWII. He was killed over North Africa shortly after Don's mom was born.

As seen at McCallou's department store in Napa...

Shoe cake server.
Note pink fuzzy liner with zebra stripes. How cute is that?

Did you know? McCallou's department store is home to the only escalator in Napa County. Yup.