It is no secret that motherhood is the toughest gig in the world. Whether you work inside or outside the home, moms need, deserve and require a break.
Okay, so what kind of break? Where do you turn for sound advice? If you're talking big-time TV goddess-like advice, you have two choices: Oprah and Martha. We'll let Martha have a little more time to adjust to life on the outside again and focus on Oprah for now. How can Oprah alleviate some of the daily stresses of motherhood?
If you're like me, caught between awe and tears during her twice-a-year "Favorite Things" show, then by all accounts, spending a whack of money on face goop and soft comfy clothing will cure all that ails ya.
I turned to her website for insight into the latest "Favourite Things" show (December 2004) and to see exactly what I could expect to buy and spend to make my life complete.
As instructed I decided to "Print this and hit the stores". I printed. I did not hit the stores.
The list itself is a mouth-watering combination of lush Oprah-worthy indulgences on a very basic level of Oprah-wealth. Out of the 21 items listed I have chosen the five must-haves for the busy Sea to Sky Mom.
First, the Dell 30" Wide-Screen LCD TV. Big-ass TVs? Not just for the guys anymore. I would love to watch Desperate Housewives with as much clarity, popcorn and chilled chardonnay as the next guy. And at $2,200US it's rather a bargain. I will pencil that onto my shopping list. Does Extra Foods carry those?
Next on my list of five? Well, we have to look good while being a Yummy Mummy, so the Eileen Fisher Hooded Waffle-Weave Merino Stretch Zip Cardigan and Merion Stretch Drawstring Pant (other known as "sweats") is a must-have at around $550US.
Let's recap: we've got a big-ass TV, a groovy pair of sweats in ash, petal and celery, or if you're so inclined, gray, pink or green.
Time? It is of the essence for us busy Moms. Even if we're usually to busy to master the day, month or year. We can cover "time" with The Movado Museum Automatic Arte Watch (www.movadoboutique.com), a stylish clean-faced watch with a dot representing the "12" and two arms, held on your dainty wrist with a silk scarf - $865US.
The next item I thought was perfect for those five minutes of solitude while watching my big-screen TV would be one of Oprah's fave snacks. At www.wetakethecake.com you can have a Key Lime Bundt Cake for $26US - and heck, they'll deliver it to you!
Or you could also put a Ding Dong - sorry that's old school - King Dong in the microwave for 15 seconds on an oversized white plate, a dusting of icing sugar and voila, a chez chic epicurean feast. I hate to admit it but the fourth item I would choose on my "money is no object" Oprah shopping spree is the Maytag Neptune Washer and Dryer set (www.maytag. com) - at around $1500 apiece, the Rolls Royce of laundry applications.
Lastly, after a hard day of Oprah envy, you can settle into a hot bath to rejuvenate yourself with my final Oprah list pick. The Lollia Lifestyle Collection Hand Cream and Foaming Bath (www.lollialife.com) with its ingredients of honey, avocado oil and apricot. I am not quite sure if this should be spread on a cracker or put on the pamper side of the list.
If the $30-a-bottle price is too dear, a squirt of your Sunlight Dish liquid beside that ever-present stack of dirty dishes will do the trick. Trust me.
The entire list of 21 would total an approximate (U.S. funds) $17,985. Tonight, as I dream of world peace and more than five minutes in my hot bath, I will hold my nightly candlelit vigil for the successful reintegration of Martha Stewart into society: three Ikea tea lights beside an unopened bottle of Mr. Clean on the side of the tub should suffice.
Retail cost? $10.95 Canadian. Eh.
