So there seems to be a lot of interest in this…

So I’m just going to come right out and tell you…

It’s completely natural.

What?! You don’t believe me? Jeesh.

One West Coast mama wants to know if this streaky hair thing is all the rage in New York City. I don’t think so. I just kind of like it this way.

If I’m going to spend the money to have it professionally highlighted, I don’t want it to look all I-was-born-with-this-hair. Now what would be the point of that?

Anyway, me and my cool or maybe not-so-cool hair were supposed to be on a local New York news station tomorrow to talk about my fave eco gifts for mother’s day. I don’t get paid by these companies. I just think they’re green and awesome. I was going to talk about cool stuff from Organic Style, nunu chocolates, eco-artware, Grounds for Change, Parducci, Joy by Mel Lim, Toby + Rei and Gardenia Organic.

But then me and my artificial hair and all my eco wit got dumped.

I was sad. But I get it. That’s showbiz. Segments get changed. When I was a booker/associate producer way back in my youthful twenties, I had to frequently cancel guests. Maybe it’s TV karma coming around to me.

I used to make ridiculous requests. I once had to ask a sickly guest if he could wear his oxygen tank only during the commercials because it would.. uh… look better on television if he didn’t have tubes coming out of his nose. Seriously. The poor guy was just trying to breathe. And I asked another frequent guest if she could please not wear the same orange down vest for the third time in a row. Did she perhaps own something… well… ANYTHING else?

Yes. Obviously karma.

But I picked myself up and headed to WFUV public radio today. I, along with two other super sassy bloggers, One of those Horrible Moms and Mommy Knows Breast….

was interviewed about raising kids in New York City. We talked about breastfeeding on the subway, letting your kids pee between cars and whether you should put your child in a taxi without a car seat. You can hear it all in the New York area this Saturday at 7:30 AM on 90.7 FM or via the web. Maybe if I can get my bad ass tech self together, I’ll put the webcast on the mama bird diaries.

As for me… now I kind of want my own radio show.

Of course, then no one could see my freaky, streaky hair.

mama bird notes

Thanks to New York City Moms Blog, my piece on plastic sugery, “Don’t Judge the Mommy Makeover” got picked up by newspapers all over the country including… the Miami Herald, the Modesto Bee and the News & Observer!

Contributing mama Daphne Biener is back in Colorado and has another humorous tale about life with her girls. Warning… you will crave brownies after reading this.

Have some ideas of great vacation spots in the United States? A mama could use your help. Click on askamama and share your brilliance.

Speaking of vacations, what’s your idea of the perfect holiday? Click on the poll and give us your opinion. And here are the results from our most recent poll…

You just won a free week long trip to London! Your hubby is staying home with the kids. So which gal pal are you taking along for your vacation? The Brit comes out big and these days Hillary is even getting beaten by Marsha Brady and Lauren Conrad. Oh Hillary, I’d holiday with you! Here are the results… Victoria Beckham (35%), Marsha Brady (18%), Lauren Conrad of “The Hills” (15%), Chelsea Clinton (12%), Hillary Clinton (11%) and Diane Sawyer (9%).

FINALLY…our mother’s day giveaway! Leave a comment on the mama bird diaries this week and you are entered to win this Lavender and Eucalyptus Bath Spa Kit from Organic Style. $80 value. I wish I could give one to every mum out there. This organic set combines the aromatherapy benefits of relaxing and soothing lavender with rejuvenating and refreshing eucalyptus. Doesn’t that sound just lovely?

Mama’s Day is quickly approaching. No, wait… don’t check your calendar. I’ve got it right here. Sunday, May 11th. Now please don’t tell me this day is just a dumb, manufactured Hallmark holiday. Because commercial or not, I love having a day that’s dedicated to me and all my hard work wiping stinky bums and runny noses the rest of year.

But no need to start trashing the planet in holiday excess. Here are some green ideas that will pamper the moms in your life and the planet.

1. Organic Flowers. In New York City, Gardenia Organic only sells flowers that have been grown using environmentally and socially conscious practices. At no extra cost to you. Not in New York City? No problem. Organic Bouquet will send gorgeous eco flowers wherever your mom calls home.

2. 100% organic, handmade chocolates. Check out the ones from nunu chocolates. The salted caramels will make your mum cry with happiness. Let’s face it. The world is just a better place with chocolate in it.

3. Gee, ma, you smell nice. Treat your mother to an organic Lavender and Eucalyptus Bath Spa Kit ($80) from Organic Style and then leave her the heck alone. The spa kit combines the aromatherapy benefits of relaxing and soothing lavender with rejuvenating and refreshing eucalyptus.

4. Recycled Jewelry. Visit eco-artware for cool gifts made from recycled, reused and natural materials. One of my favorites is the 7 City Transit Token Charm Bracelet ($95). There is something so quaint, cool and fun about a charm bracelet. And eco-friendly? Even better.

5. Don’t give her more stuff that she doesn’t really need. Make a donation to the charity of her choice. Want to make sure you’re donating to a charity that uses your money wisely? Check out The American Institute of Philanthropy.

6. What tastes better in the morning than some free trade, organic coffee? The caffeine buzz without the guilt. Buy your mama coffee of the month and let her taste flavors from all over the world. Available at Grounds for Change.

7. While I’m thinking about beverages, at the end of the day, treat your mom to a glass of eco vino. Parducci Wine Cellars is committed to sustainable wine growing practices that protect the environment and support local farmers.

8. Did you think I would get through a whole green gift list and not mention one single, reusable tote? Come on’! Nothing feels better than saying, “No, thanks I don’t need a plastic bag. I’ve got my own.” But no need to make your mom schlep around some generic, ugly one. The recycled cotton tote ($29) from joy by mel lim is just super gorgeous.

9. A Bamboo Fleece/Organic Cotton robe from Toby + Rei ($127). These cozy, ultra luxurious robes will make any tired, crabby mama feel pampered and pretty and green.

10. How about a gift certificate (on recycled paper of course) for some chores around the house or maybe even a whine-free day? Now that’s a gift any mother will love.

Thank you to Notes on a Party who inspired some of these green ideas. To find out more about eco-chic entertaining, visit Notes on a Party.

I just love walking by all the beautiful flower shops in New York City. I recently noticed a new one in the West Village on Hudson Street. Even better, the flowers are organic and earth friendly. Gardenia Organic only sells flowers that have been grown using environmentally and socially conscious practices. At no extra cost to you. Plus, Gardenia Organic also sells cute gifts for adults, kiddos, babies and dogs (all free trade + eco friendly of course).