MommyBrain

Kristie and Emily discuss techniques and practice hitting that sweet spot between passive and aggressive known as assertive. They even discover how a kayak can make you look like Heidi Fleiss - it's not pretty (clearly).

Between the MommyBrain activities of surfing and graduate school and 5 children between them, Kristie and Emily have given up trying to get together to podcast and are resorting to Skype once more. This episode they retell mothering jokes from some of the worlds funniest mothers. These women can make even Flinstones glasses hilarious. http://seejanesoar.theadventurouswriter.com/funny-quotes-and-sayings-by-women-paula-poundstone/

Funny thing, about the time you turn 40, so do a bunch of your friends. Kristie, Emily and Birthday Princess Shannyn record from the road in their favorite sound studio - Kristie's minivan - on their way back from a celebratory weekend of food, shopping, food and more shopping.

Kristie and Emily are hooked; there will nary be a day they stoop to cook without Academie wine (except when whipping up some Mac n' Cheese). In this episode the girls get schooled by Casey, the man who figured out that if you make delicious wine in pretty bottles and tell Moms what and how to cook with it, we will follow you to the ends of the earth. Spoiler alert: Emily takes Bethenny's Skinnygirl advice and eats green beans of her own volition. http://academiewines.com/

From the small screen to real life, Emily and Kristie had an absolute blast meeting Bethenny Frankel, the “realist” of the Bravo Real Housewives, New York. Bethenny signed a copy of her brand new book, Skinnygirl Dish for a lucky listener (listen for giveaway details). Skinnygirl's a state of mind, not a number on the scale (thank goodness) and Bethenny’s book is entertaining and full of great information. On a side note, Kristie and Emily declare a showcase showdown with Officer Ex-Lax, but can laugh even after bogus parking tickets. http://bethenny.com/

It's clearly been too long since Kristie and Emily had a good chat. The result: a double dose of MommyBrain, back heavy with Celebrity Rehab recap. Substance wise (not to be confused with substance abuse), the girls explore affair indicators with Dr. Bonnie. Smart Girls Who Surf put big, happy, well-moisturized smiles on Kristie and Emily's faces. You too can smell and look extra "Smart Girls" beautiful - listen and win! http://www.doctorbonnie.com/cheatsheet.html

This week Kristie and Emily discuss Simple Abundance by Sarah Breathnach focusing on joy. "With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony, and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things." - William Wordsworth. Don't worry, Kristie's deep so you don't have to be and there's a fair amount of levity-generating birdwalking as well. Congratulations to our winner of fun, Fanny Meritt!

Kristie shares the stimulus overload that is Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor with is drums, player piano and giant whistle. Emily shares her brother's find, Pandora.com with a warning, "Fireflies radio is so sad." Kristie and Emily discuss Ways to Enrich Your Brain Experience including dancing and travel. A new prize is announced.... http://www.ratracetrap.com/the-rat-race-trap/25-ways-to-enrich-your-brain-experience.html

Fashion or function, what does it take to push Kristie over to the dork side - cold, rocks, a great white? While she contemplates, Emily and Kristie discuss the brilliantly written article, The Real Gift of Parenting, about the best gifts we give to our kids and the process of healthy sacrifice. Amber Dessel is this week's big winner and a new (loosely, very loosely) Pee Wee Herman-inspired give-away is announced. http://www.mompack.com/mothernurture/dec2005.htm

Moms = stress? Could it be the shot time line between the "ask" and the "do", trips to CostCo, blow drying snow, the dentist or lasagna thawing in the trunk? Kristie and Emily experienced all of the above in one short day and take on a guest co-host, 3-year-old Jack. Congratulations are in order to winner Carri Hunter! Another give-way is on order! http://stress.about.com/od/parentsunderstress/a/mom_stress.htm

Kristie emerges from the bottomless pit of research paper writing and finals to surf once again. She's been sorely missed by Emily who's dealing with big changes in her little girl. Kristie and Emily discuss blended families from the parent and kid perspectives - the keys being realism and patience. Melody from 2GodChicks.com is the winner winner chicken dinner of the big prize from ImCharmed.com! There's another prize in this podcast so get your emailing fingers ready... http://www.helpguide.org/mental/blended_families_stepfamilies.htm

Feeling overwhelmed, out of sorts, ready to foam at the mouth? Try a half-hour and a double scoop. Kristie and Emily explore 10 Ways to Lose Yourself hoping to find they fit none of the criteria. We have the first in a string of giveaways! We have beautiful silver jewelry from ImCharmed.com, an great site full of jewelry as far as the eye can see with special Christmas deals! Listen to find out how to win - hint: it’s super duper ooper cooper easy. http://developmental-psychology.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_lose_yourself_in_10_ways

If you're having a tough day, come here about Kristie's daunting day including AAA, puke boy and lost kids. Just when you think it might all be too much to handle, Kristie and Emily learn 10 Ways to be Gracious and Giving this Thanksgiving. All hope is not yet lost. http://fun.familyeducation.com/slideshow/thanksgiving/54723.html?page=1&detoured=1

From school to surfing to stalking, when you're feeding your MommyBrain, how badly do you want it? Are you on or off your leaf? Deciding or doing? Don't be shy to pursue your passion with a vengeance! http://www.amazines.com/Motivation/article_detail.cfm/1048625?articleid=1048625

This week Kristie and Emily come at you from the Manic Mommies Escape in Napa, California fueled by fun sized Snickers, karaoke and new friends, Rebel from South Dakota and Teri from Minnesota, kindred MommyBrain spirits. Warning: Can contain trace amounts of country music.