Plant Happy

I'm about to write something that will make thousands of happy plants shrivel at the mere thought: I love poinsettias.

Unfortunately, love is not enough to keep one alive. But (again, shudder) I will buy one (or two or three) and try, try, try. For the past year, I've kept one teetering on life support, semi-leafless and pale as a newborn. Despite its emaciated appearance, I'm proud that it still uncurls its leaf after I water it, ever hopeful that someone who can grow things will come along and breathe chlorophyll into is weakened stems.

For many years, I had a crazy cat who's sole purpose in life was to seek out flora and destroy it – and that includes the Christmas tree, which had to be suspended from the ceiling by a large eye-hook and wire every year for the duration of her 13-year life. Even though she passed several years ago I never took up the plant habit again.

But poinsettias are a different story.

Scarlet, lush, festive ... I can't resist their pointy-leafed charms and the holiday glow that seems to accompany them. Yes, I will celebrate National Poinsettia Day, which is tomorrow, Dec. 12, by speaking words of encouragement to my little guy sitting in my kitchen in its old, dry dirt and plastic green pot. And I might just (here it comes...) buy one more and see if maybe two's a charm. (Commercial poinsettias got their start here in Southern California, so I have plenty to choose from!)

Or I might just read this article by Robert Flannery, Ph.D., and try to educate myself a bit on the plant and its needs. Flannery is one of the plant-care experts for EasyBloom, a company that makes a plant sensor that might just help gardener wannabes such as myself. I'm going to try out the gadget – I'll let you know how it goes. If you hear the sound of poinsettias screaming, you'll know the results ...

Finally! A Diary for Me

By the time I get settled in for the night, I've probably generated about 879,541 words on my laptop, give or take a few. So, Oprah, tell me: How in the heck am I supposed to get motivated to write in a journal?

That's not to say I wouldn't like to jot down my thoughts or have a little "me" time wherein I get to ponder and pontificate on a wide range of topics. And I think Keel's Simple Diary Volume One - The Cloverleaf Edition is the journal for me – and the countless other busy moms who a) might struggle with what to scribble into a journal and b) might not have time to explore the deepest recesses of their thoughts and put them out there for all the world (or at least the children or the cleaning lady) to see.

This little book, created by internally acclaimed artist Philipp Keel, is as beautiful as it is, well, simple. Each page can represent a different day, and you're presented with multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank philosophical questions and statements that will not only stretch your mental muscles but also make it easy to summarize how you might be feeling at the moment. For instance, one question ponders, "Are you at peace with your hair?" Or, "Your day was (only choose one): a snack. a trophy. off track."

The perfectly sized little book, published by artsy house Taschen, has silver edges and comes in six colors. It retails for $15 but its true worth comes in how nice it is to think about something as insignificant as whether or not you think marshmallows should be grilled. Can't wait to get started tonight.

Free Wax (Museum)

Just because we're in the middle of the busy holiday season doesn't mean you don't have time to see if you're right for Quentin Tarantino's next film or help Captain Kirk keep the Enterprise on course. There might be other reasons you can't do that, but at Madame Tussauds Hollywood Wax Museum, you can do that and much more, like cozy up the Hugh Jackman in his Wolverine mode.

In fact, Madame Tussauds Hollywood is hosting a Free Kids Day on Saturday, Dec. 12. With the purchase of one adult admission ticket ($25), kids are free (regularly $18). Just download and print the coupon and present it when you purchase your tickets.

Visitors can peruse the 18 themed rooms and hobnob with their favorite actors, Hollywood icons and sports heroes at the museum, which is located next to Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. It's open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday.

Vote, and We All Win!

L.A. Parent staff hosted a holiday party with the help of the Corner Bakery. Vote for our photo at the Corner Bakery Facebook page!

Do you like baked goods? Can you recognize some fabulous party decorating when you see it? Then help L.A. Parent win the bragging rights in the Corner Bakery’s 12 Days of Catering Challenge. The I Don't Have Time For This blog was selected as one of 12 mom blogs across the U.S. to compete in the challenge, so I need your vote!

Simply go to the Corner Bakery Facebook page, become a fan, select the “Holiday” tab, and “like” the L.A. Parent photo. If I get the most “likes,” then I get to select one lucky L.A. Parent reader to win the Corner Bakery Café Holiday Catering Package, which includes tasty treats and a $50 gift card. Details are also posted on the L.A. Parent Facebook page.

Saving the World, One Sandwich At a Time

Everyday I drive by this person and just wonder what his story is, why he is there. He isn't the typical "homeless person." He just holds up his sign. People stop and give him money, but it just breaks my heart, knowing it's so cold. Where does he go? So this morning while I was making my daughter's lunch, I made him a turkey sandwich with some coffeecake. I drove to the same off-ramp. I called him over and told him I had brought him some food and handed him the bag. He was so grateful. I know some people say things like "Oh! Those guys make $50,000 a year standing out there!" But these people don't want to be there. And I'm just not going to think that way.

A fellow mom shared this story with me recently, with tears in her eyes, obviously feeling first-hand the pain and hardship that this person must be enduring. And it's an important reminder that this is the time to remember what being human is all about. By holding out your hand and entering someone else's world – even if it's only for the few seconds it takes to give them a dollar – we gain a deeper understanding of one another and rub just a small bit of polish on a dim corner of our world.

Her meaningful little vignette reminded me that the next few weeks (and beyond) should be about more than just making sure Amazon gets my order right. Her story reminded me that we can all make a big difference with any sized contribution. Even if it's just a turkey sandwich.

Every year, L.A. Parent publishes a "Get In on the Giving" story in our December issue. This year, we spotlighted firefighters, but that's just one of a million ways to make a difference. Pick your cause. Hold the hand of someone who needs it. Rescue a dog or cat. Sing holiday songs at a retirement home. Teach your children about hunger and how they can help (besides clearing their own plates). Bring a gift to a sick child – and hug the mother who is caring for her. Plant a tree. Find a family in need and collect gifts for beneath their tree.

The mom who shared this story also says (pretty regularly), "When people don't know what to do, they do nothing." So check out Volunteer Match for some good ideas on where to start.

Or deliver a sandwich to someone you see, everyday, at the same place and time. Trust me, everyone will feel good about that.