I’m thrilled that I don’t look too much like a granola-loving, hemp-wearing spoiled suburban helicopter mom in this story from Associated Press about me and my family. The article shows that herbal meds are more popular than ever because of the crappy economy.

See, honey for a sore throat is cheaper than Tylenol. Honey is also cheaper than the co-pay at my pediatrician’s office. Honey is even cheaper than the gas it takes to get to the doctor’s office. And it tastes nice, too.

So, to support us in our 15 minutes of fame, please read the piece. And ignore the second to last paragraph. My pediatrician okay’d the fritillary syrup I use. Wait, does this piece make me look like a homicidal maniac who is trying to give my kids cancer?

Dan Zanes is a really cool children’s artist who mostly performs in New York City–and around the world–but lives right here in Montclair. Lucky for us, he’s doing a local show very soon. This just announced:

Grammy Award-winning children’s artist Dan Zanes will be at the Wellmont Theatre on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 3 p.m.

He’ll donate all the proceeds to the Montclair Pre-K. Tickets are $27 per seat, and you can buy them here.

Now, if only he could hit fast-forward us to March. I don’t mind January or February, but I do mind this cold weather. Not fun getting my car-cicle out of the driveway this morning. Also, you might notice a slow Weekly Events listing because there just isn’t much going on around town. Know of a kid or family event? Send it my way.

Two of my favorite local kids’ stores are having 50 percent off sales this week. If you’re looking for super stylish clothes, head to Minnow on Glenridge Ave. and Baby Boom on Valley Rd.

I buy funky AC/DC shirts at Minnow, and I love their Tea line of clothes. (See my daughters in outfits from Minnow, left. I bought these on sale.) Baby Boom carries Paul Frank and Lilly Pulitzer and other brands you need to have a stylish baby.

Anyway, I don’t know about you, but I love to dress up my kids and save money. I’ve got twins and a baby, so I can rarely pay full price.

Have you seen some good sales around town? Or are you on a post-holiday spending freeze?

I’m cramming to get my baby boy into more activities this winter. I just found out there’s still room in a few classes at the Little YMCA, and he can also get a spot in Music for Aardvarks, my personal favorite. Even better–he loves it.

We have a blast listening to owner Alisa Harmon, at left, and her talented staff sing cool baby songs and play live instruments. It sure beats Barney.

Alisa recently gave an interview to MontclairKids about her local franchise.

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I hope you’ve had a vacationy, wintery and warm holiday. We have here on Bloomfield Avenue. MontclairKids (read: Kristen) has been off having fun and making merry for the last two weeks. But I’ll be posting regularly again starting right now. Stay tuned for info on local sales, dance classes for preschoolers, and ice skating info. It’s all coming up this week.

I love my kids, really I do. But I could not be happier to get them back in school tomorrow (especially the naughty 3-year-old at left) and get myself back to work.

May all your New Year’s Resolutions come true.