TUNE IN: Jackie Talks "The Talk"

Unlike my false Today Show alarm (apparently the trashy doll segment never aired), I am said to be appearing on today's episode of The Talk (CBS, 2pm ET / 1pm CT/PT).

My relationship with The Talk began a few months back when I was invited -- along with several other southern California bloggers -- to attend a taping and luncheon with the hosts. Given my pre-kid experience working on talk shows (including Sharon Osborne's show back in 2003/2004), I was excited to merge my two professional worlds -- daytime TV and 'mom' blogging.

It was a fantastic experience. The show had a great energy, the hosts were engaging and the episode was just one example of the difference they're trying to make, in addition to entertaining viewers. But it was after the show that made The Talk stand out. Every one of the hosts was genuinely interested in hearing what we thought of the show and how we thought it could be improved. It was refreshing to be around personalities who understand that without viewers, the show cannot succeed. (Keep reading)

Tune In: Jackie Talks Trashy Dolls on Today Show

UPDATE: Tuesday's Segment Bumped for Bully Story Check back for updated day/time.

As I mentioned in the last post, my pal Jennifer Brandt hooked me up with the Today Show for a segment about the latest trend of trashy dolls. Have they gone too far or no big deal?

I have to say, I have never paid too much attention to them. But I'm starting to see how quickly kids these days can go from Dora to Hannah Montana - so my eyes are wide open. Sure, I've seen pics of the controversial tarts online, but until the producer brought some examples, a couple being from the Monster High collection, I really didn't know what to expect. 

You can hear my opinion Tuesday at 8:09 am on NBC. Until then...  

Tell me: What do you think of these dolls? Are they any worse than Barbie or Bratz? Would you allow them in your house?

I've Missed You!

Well, it's been one crazy week! I've traveled the blogosphere, guest posting about aging, single parenting, men, and relationships. Thanks so much to my blog-in friends Charles, Cheryl, Jackie and Gwen!

But who knew that writing here was the one thing keeping me out of trouble? I stirred up a little controversy this week. After hearing the very single Ryan Seacrest give a married father of four advice on his show, I wrote a post expressing my not-so-subtle thoughts, angering the one and only Ryan Seacrest himself! He invited me to "discuss" it on his morning radio show on KIIS FM. Click here to hear us go head to (perfectly-coiffed) head and read my original post.

Click here for audio!

Then it was up before dawn, talking with the guys of Boston's Cool102 this morning, promoting Mom's Nite Out -- a HUGE national event happening next Thursday 5/7 both through hosted events and online -- the momlogic community throwing the biggest virtual event of them all! Did someone say six hours (6-midnightET) of giveaways, live chats with experts and really cool moms, all coming together to celebrate motherhood? Yup! My friend, chef Susannah Locketti -- you may know her from the Food Network -- is giving away a VERY cool Pandigital Kitchen Technology Center. Check it out!

On a more serious note, I came across an article yesterday written by CNN's Mike Galanos, based on my recent CNN appearance, talking to him about the latest issue to hit teens. UGH, can someone tell me how to freeze my kids at this age?

Happy to be back here! What have you all been up to? Let me know!

Do I Have Something On My Face?

We were having a fantastic family day out recently when it suddenly occurred to me that I was getting a few double takes and head tilts from those who happened to look in my direction.

Could it be they recognize me from my ten seconds on Good Day LA?

Nah, that's not it.

Maybe videos I've done on momlogic: car seat safety? drinking on playdates? spanking?
parenting teens? nannies gone wild? throwing a simple party?

Nope. Nope. And definitely nope.

Oooh, maybe my blog has become this overnight success and I'm finally about to break into the stay-at-home-and-make-enough-to-support-my-family world!

Uh, not quite.

It didn't take me long to discover that people weren't staring at me because they might know me, it's because my daughter is Asian.

Oh right, I forgot!

I joke but it's true -- It actually exits my mind that she would be seen as different from her practically translucent, freckly, reddish-haired mama. She's just such a part of us now that her physical appearance is less of what I notice, and more of who she is has taken it's place. Ask her brothers how she's different and they'll look at you like you have two heads. In fact, I thought I would play the whole 'everyone is special' game with the boys tonight after reading their bedtime stories. My creative way of addressing it was flipped on its head when my four-year-old pointed out if was me who was distinct in our family -- uh mom, no one else has blue eyes.

You can't argue that one.

So while it might take a little while to adjust to this newfound attention, I totally get it. Because I think most of us (definitely more than maybe some care to admit) take notice when we see situations that aren't the usual. I can live with that.

Just be warned, I may stare back.