Author Archives: Lea Barlow

Have you ever found yourself staring at a wall full of baby products and felt completely overwhelmed? There are 157 binkies in front of me. Which one will calm crabby pants the quickest?? Okay, I know I need to get a BPA-free bottle. This should be easy. Oh, shit. They are ALL BPA-free. Now what? Well, a very good friend and previous Hot Mama of the Week, found a solution to our woes. She founded TeetheMe to take all of the guesswork out of today’s overstuffed baby market. When you subscribe to TeetheMe, every month you will receive 4 to 5 of the hottest baby products handpicked by the savviest of moms and delivered straight to your door. This should save you at least a couple of trips to Target.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. TeetheMe members can also rate, review and dish all about the products with each other. Just feel like reading? Then check out their ever-clever blog, The Daily Drool. Also, coming in April, they will be launching an exclusive Teether Social Network where you can connect with other parents and share all of baby’s milestones.

TeetheMe is truly a one of a kind new business!

Join TeetheMe

Facebook TeetheMe

Tweet TeetheMe

Reader Note: This is the third fellow mom and friend this year who has had the incredible courage to follow her dreams and launch her own business. I have to say how big my heart grows when I hear of another woman who takes this leap. When we support each other, we cannot fail. Love you all!

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

Dear Jessica,

You are one of the most naturally beautiful women in Hollywood today. But why is it that you can never, ever get the red carpet right??  I am not making you review your tragic missteps to be critical. I am only asking that you please get a new stylist or if you are dressing yourself – stop. The Academy Awards are this Sunday. Let’s not repeat any of the following…

Granted, your face is absolutely flawless.

But unless you are dressing up as Loretta Lynn let’s leave the granny couture to the older set.

Bad hair. Worse dress.

A blue velvet suit. A blue velvet suit. A blue velvet suit.

Well, that just about says it.

Look, it’s Princess Vespa from SpaceBalls!

Were you channeling Judy Jetson or Wonder Woman here?

You almost got me here. Almost. I was going to excuse the ratty hair because the dress was quite pretty. That is until I realized it was see-through and you were wearing a black leotard underneath. Oh, Jessica.

To the future Mrs. Timberlake, I will be watching the red carpet Sunday. I pray this letter has reached you in time.

- H&H Mom

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

Last night, after spending a lovely Valentines Day with friends and neighbors, I snuggled up on the couch to watch me some Housewives of OC. But something kept beckoning me to the kitchen. It wasn’t my 3 year old asking for yet another cupcake. It wasn’t Mr. Sonny begging for more food. It was my brand new shiny bag of Skinny Pop Popcorn calling to me from the snack cabinet.  Needless to say, the aftermath had to be vacuumed up this morning.

I am completely obsessed with this popcorn which is bizarre because I have never considered myself much of a popcorn fan. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll eat it but if given a choice I am more potato than popcorn. Since we have taken up the tradition of Friday night family movie night, popcorn has become a staple in our house. We have microwaved and burned too many bags to count. No more. There will never be another brand of popcorn in our house other than Skinny Pop. Here’s why:

1. It is ALL NATURAL everything!

2. It has the word Skinny in it’s name. Sorry, I am a sucker for marketing.

3. It is only 39 calories per cup (I think I had 42 cups last night but who’s counting?)

4. It doesn’t taste like cardboard. Seriously. It is super delicious.

I have only seen it at our local Fresh Market but click here to find it near you. I want to hear what you have to say after you try it!

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

Name: Lynne Austin

Kids: Zac,21 Anna Rose,13 Sarah Jayne,11 Audra Grace, 9

Occupation:

Hooters Spokesperson and Original Hooters Girl

On air personality for CBS sports 1010am Hooters Nation Morning Show

Stylist for Stella & Dot Jewelry

Partner in Calender Girl Wines, LLC

Owner of Austintatious,  All things bling

Hometown:

Born in Plant City, FL. Raised in Odessa, FL.

H&H Interview with Lynne:

1.  What are the top 3 items in your grocery cart?

Organic milk, lemons, tostidos and salsa

2.  What are you reading (honestly)?

Pinterest

3.  What is your guilty pleasure when you get a break from the grind?

GUILTY pleasure?  Um, that’s TMI for your article!

4.  What would we be surprised to find in your purse?

My well used Hooters VIP card.

5.  What is your favorite reality TV show?

I have NEVER seen a reality show!

6.  What is your cocktail of choice?

Fireball cinnamon whiskey over ice.

7.  What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?

“You can’t eat an elephant in 1 bite, but, you can eat him 1 bite at a time.” – My dad.

9.  What is your most dreaded household chore?

Putting away clean laundry.

10.  Who is your favorite celebrity mom and why?

Kate Beckinsale. She’s so stinkin’ cute and has such fun with her daughter.

11.  What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

I can do the splits.

12.  What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?

My kids energy and auras, dirty jokes, sweet kisses , the music on my ipod and the love of baseball.

*Thanks, Lynne!*

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment