Do you hear that…?

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Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

Hey Mama…where you been?

Oh, you missed me?!

Why, yes…YES, I did! 

Well lucky for you…Mama is back because…do you hear that? It’s silence! Yes, Mama has exactly 30 minutes left of silence before the rat race starts again or until CeCe realizes that she’s nodded off to sleep and begs to picked up again. Mama won’t lie to you — whoever said having three kids was easy (or four, or five, or nineteen…!) was totally lying to you. LYING! Mama never has a free hand anymore. Someone always needs something. Except for right now and it’s like bliss. Mama can actually form a thought…actually, Mama is having trouble concentrating because it’s TOO quiet. Everyone needs a little noise in their life!

So what has Mama been up to? Oh, just that…you know, being a Mama! CeCe is now 10 weeks old and Mama wishes every minute that one could freeze time. This very well could be (almost, 100 percent positive about this) that this will be Mama’s last newborn baby to cuddle and coo at and it’s making Mama very, very sad. You know how much Mama adores babies — especially Mama’s very own — so as Mama packs away the newborn clothes (almost time for three months!) and goes up a size in diapers…the tears start to flow. How could this be? It’s exciting and troubling and then Mama thinks that she should stop and document everything…however, the other two missed out on that because Mama was too busy, too disorganized or too distracted. So this time Mama is determined to take every minute and drink it in — thus, why you haven’t heard from Mama as often as you like!

And what else? Hmmm…the volunteering, the baking, the party planning, the carpooling…it all takes up so much time these days. It’s rare to get to sit, sip a latte and write like one used to. Oh Mama has plenty of ideas to share with you…it’s just getting the time to write them — that’s the issue…always the issue of time. Mama needs a dictation machine that writes it while Mama shouts it over the screaming kids in the background. And the styles…so many styles for the coming spring to share with you that are so, so adorable. However now it’s all about…can Mama nurse in that? Won’t that get ruined by spit-up? Do I need a tank top under that?

One needs to think about these things in order to look and feel like a regular human being instead of a constant milk machine. Which is exactly what nursing Mamas are — according to the hubs. REALLY DUDE? So here’s Mama’s latest quest for “milk-friendly” styles that not only look and feel great when you wear them but it makes nursing a breeze (imagine that)! Oh and you can also wear these even if you’re not nursing…which most of you probably aren’t so style away!

First one must start with the basics. Mama wears a tank-top underneath EVERY single top these days — it’s just one of those things that you just have to do. It’s personal preference but the Bravado! brand is just great and even holds in us large-chested Mamas…plus you can buy it at Target, $49!

Once you have that covered…then you can really start shopping for the styles. This is right on trend for spring and is a perfect for nursing! It’s a cardigan and a circle scarf in one…Mama is officially in love. More the Merrier Top, $69.99, at modcloth.com.

Same with this one…you can never have too many stripes in your closet this season. Creative Thesis Defense Cardigan, $49.99, at modcloth.com.

This top will go with everything in your wardrobe and is easy to work. Ever Placid Top, $68, at anthropologie.com.

We need a little COLOR up in here! Try this one for a bit of spring milking…AE Floral Wrap Top, $29.99, at ae.com.

Need a dress? Try this coral-colored one for brunch, work or just because you don’t want to wear sweats again today! Tinley Road Long Sleeve Wrap Dress, $49, at piperlime.com.

Happy Feeding!

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Categories : fashion;, nursing, Shopping
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The SAHM Curse…!

By admin · Comments (0)
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Let Mama start out by saying that one is extremely lucky to in the position to be a SAHM (stay-at-home-mama). It’s one of life’s most rewarding and most difficult jobs but it’s nice to have that time to be there to see your children each and every day discover the ways of the world. They are the future of the world and as a SAHM you have a large part in how their future turns out as well. However, all stay-at-home Mamas are cursed. HOW? Well, let Mama explain…

People seem to forget that we were once working women — “career women” — at that. At least Mama was…correction IS! Most people that don’t know Mama’s ins-and-outs don’t realize how much Mama does besides just being a Mama. Mama besides taking care of the three littles, also runs a PR and event business, is a freelance writer for several other sides besides this one and manages to volunteer at Lily-girl’s school. It’s okay – Mama loves to busy and use her talents to the fullest. Being a SAHM, people assume that it means that Mama can sew, cook and vacuum better than the next. Not true in this case….Mama does everything that a working mom does except Mama is lucky enough to be able to do it from the comfort of home in pajamas if needed.

Mama can plan a champagne-taste event from A to Z on a Two-Buck Chuck budget in half the amount of time as someone without this experience. Mama can is quite crafty and can usually come up with something to make the centerpieces with in no time flat. Need tickets for an auction? No problem — let Mama call in a favor from one of the many PR people in town that Mamas knows. This is stuff Mama can do…however, most people don’t know this. They assume that all Mama does is be a Mama and this…this is the curse of the SAHM — People assume that it’s all that you are.

So while some Mamas are quite happy to hand out “mommy cards” touting their cute e-mail addresses and phone numbers above the self-given title “Jack’s Mama,” Mama rather go beyond that and find out who they really are and what they can bring to the table. Mama learned the hard way of the SAHM curse earlier this year when volunteering at Lily-girl’s school…is Mama not vocal enough about what Mama can do other than bake cookies for a bake sale and be a member of the carpool (of course, Mama does not want them to find about Mama HERE…yikes!)?!

Then there’s the thought that other Mamas are afraid of being overshadowed in their own social circles by a newcomer Mama. If one has planned the dance/auction/graduation/whatever event it may be previously and this new Mama does a fabulous job and everyone raves about it — now what?! She feels bad and is pushed out for next year…maybe it’s best not to let anyone else do anything. Mamas are always competing against other Mamas. When we dress-up, it’s not for our husbands or partners — nope, it’s for the other women to show them how good we CAN look beyond the carpool! Men could care less…especially when you’ve married as long as most of us have been.

Or it could be that once you actually speak up about your talents and people catch wind…you’re wrangled for EVERY event and function to coordinate and execute — that is NOT what Mama is volunteering at this time. So it really is a curse to be a SAHM or a WAHM. Believe Mama…there are many days when working from an office far away from the kids sounds so amazing but in the end, Mama knows that she is a much better time manager when juggling three kids. It takes talent to be able to multi-task like that and just because Mama rather write and land a great media hit than trying out a new casserole recipe doesn’t mean that anything but that…however, Mama is still cursed!

Do you ever feel like your talents are overlooked as a SAHM?

By the way, that is a REAL doll that you can order and Mama thinks it’s a great gift for any Super Mama! SuperMom Action Figure, $16, at happyworker.com – just to remind yourself how wonderful you are at multi-tasking.

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Categories : Rant;, Rant; parenting
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New discoveries…!

By admin · Comments (1)
Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

Hi there! It’s Mama again…popping in for an appearance! While yes, one of Mama’s resolutions was to get back to daily updating…so far, it hasn’t happened because well…you know…the poop, the feeding, the carpools, the napping (not Mama, them!), the other styling job and the other writing jobs have all gotten in the way but soon enough you’ll have Mama back…soon enough. Then you’ll wish that Mama just went away again (HA!). Not for lack of ideas though…boy, does Mama have a ton of them!

But first let Mama do one little rant…just one Mama promises! Why is it that every time Mama turns on the news or the Internet to find out what’s happening in the world, in Mama’s country and around the city we dwell…why is it that there is another baby, toddler or child gone missing? Stolen in the night from their home or disappeared into thin air? WHY IS IT? It’s not only heartbreaking that Mama can’t really do much to help when they’re across the country but it’s depressing too. Has our society gone mad crazy to steal and kill these babies? Mama doesn’t remember hearing about all these stolen babies when Mama was growing up. We just played in our neighborhood and didn’t really worry about strangers stealing us off the street. The other day Mama explained “stranger danger” yet again to Lily-girl, who is now old enough to be dropped off by herself at dance, gymnastics, etc. but in the end, Mama is petrified to leave her there alone. Last week she decided not to wait inside for us but OUTSIDE! EEK!! Mama was a’ freakin’! Mama is contemplating a cell phone for her that calls only Mama, Daddy and one other emergency number for when she does get dropped off. It’s called the Firefly Phone, $49.99 — is Mama being overly dramatic about this or are you a little petrified too? Is six too young for an emergency cell phone?

Okay, now that Mama has gotten that out…let’s do some sharing of some FUN new finds that Mama has found that are just fabulous and that Mama needs and you need too. Happy Wednesday Mamas!

Mama has TONS of friends with new little babies (and a lot that don’t) but this, this my friends is just an awesome gift that will last and last in either a nursery, home office or just as everyday decor with a purpose. Green Your Air is an eco-friendly plant company that helps Mamas create clean spaces in their home with air-filtering plants. Not only that but they come in CHIC little pots (with chevrons…swoon!) and are a super budget-friendly gift, $35, and it will last forever…not like that onesie that only lasts a few months (but Mama loves onesies TOO!!). There is NASA research behind each of the plants that they actually do filter out chemicals from the air you breathe. Right now they’re offering a limited time discount at 25 percent off using the code: MILKFRIENDLY, it expires January 22, 2011. What a great way treat for yourself or someone you love for the new year!

Speaking of cleaning, Mama is on a mission to get this house in tip-top shape for the new year. So far, it’s slow-going but we’re getting there. So Mama is getting in the mood to get some more storage bins for the toys and everything else that seems to make it’s way to the floor. Mama is loving the new storage designs at Serena & Lily but they are a little pricy at $24 each (Pandan Bins) but The Container Store also has some adorable ones for $7.99 right now and they’re Polka Dot! Now that is enough to get Mama started on her organizing…

Okay so this is something that Mama has never seen before and can’t wait to try…because you know how much Mama loves accessorizing…have you heard of Origami Owl Custom Jewelry?! Why, yes it’s something of a home jewelry party but it’s better than that…you can do it with your kids! You start by choosing from a ton of charms that tell something about your life, your personality…really anything! Then you choose a locket — they even have vintage-styles and ones with diamond bling. Then you choose a chain, some dangles for extra bling and style or even a hand-stamped plate…and, viola…custom jewelry that tells the story of YOU. How adorable and a great idea to do with the littles. If you’re an Origami Owl rep in Mama’s area — look Mama up — let’s do a PARTY! You can also order online but Mama doesn’t think that is as fun as doing it with a bunch of girlfriends and their kiddos. Check out: OrigamiOwl.com.

Now that Baby Boy’s birthday is done and gone (although, Mama is still cleaning up the aftermath…), it’s time to move onto Lily-girl’s party planning! Mama is thinking of a Candyland theme this year…you know a BIG Candy Bar (Amy Atlas style of course), Lollypops hanging down…just one big sugar high! In the search for everything perfect, Mama has happened upon Layer Cake Shop — an awesome site with cute decorating items and baking. Mama is thinking these striped bags…are a must-have because they’re only $4.25 for 24 and they come in black and yellow too! SWEET — a must PIN!

Speaking of jewelry…the spring 2012 Stella & Dot spring line is out…it’s cute and very springy…who’s ready to party with Mama and wear some beautiful baubles?! There’s even a necklace named after Pippa Middleton (look left, $69)…AWWW!

Do you have a favorite find? Do tell!


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Categories : decorating;, must-haves, odds and ends, Shopping, shopping; Web site
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January Must-Haves…

By admin · Comments (0)
Friday, January 6th, 2012

Be still Mama’s beating heart, are we already in new year?! And to top it off, Mama has only made it here three times this week…better than not at all these days. Let Mama back track…because for some reason people think that Mama can do it all. While Mama tries her hardest…sometimes Mama does fail. It doesn’t look that way on the outside but on the inside — in the “inner circle” — we know that Mama didn’t make those holiday cards or the birthday invitations. Nope, not in the least. Did Mama bake that bundt cake? Nope, not this time.

But you know what? Mama is okay with that. For now. Letting little things slide in order to get more quality time with the kids is worth it. For now.

However, it’s now time to put the holidays behind us (and the birthdays…for now) and head into a new month, a new year and a new way of living because isn’t that what January is all about…a clean slate and all that jazz?! So here’s a few things to cheer you up this BLAH-U-ARY and make this month go by a little bit faster so we can rush into hearts, lollipops and lots and lots of XOXOs in February!

Must-do — Mama can’t believe that so far this one hasn’t been leaked to the masses and well, Mama was kind-of keeping it a secret because it’s one of the secrets to Mama’s success…well at least in the DIY craft world. This is how Mama and Lily-girl made Christmas this year — via the Web site, PickYourPlum.com. It’s fabulous and well, a must-do to start your year off right. PickYourPlum.com is a discounted craft site that sells one item a day until it sells out…and believe Mama, they sometimes sell out in minutes. For teacher gifts Mama picked up personalized “desk” stamps for $6 each, bought hair clips and flowers for $10 (and it made like 50!), and bought these amazing scarves for $6 each (high-quality too!). Doesn’t cost you anything to sign-up so be glad you did and you can thank Mama later! The only thing that worries Mama now…is more competition on the things that Mama wants to buy mass quantities of…

Must-have — did you know that girls are supposed to wear shorts underneath their uniform skirts (and everyday skirts for that matter…)?! No, either did Mama! Probably because when Mama was going to school, they were built-in (hey, it was the style way back then). Well, not wanting to leave Lily-girl up to humiliation because she wears Barbie and Princess underwear, Mama just found MonkeyBar Buddies. They are specifically made to wear underneath skirts and come in tons of colors to match the skirt they’re wearing. Buy a few pairs to keep on hand because you never know when they might come home crying because some little boy or girl saw their underpants (devastating…). MonkeyBar Buddies, $16 for shorts.

Must-read — this month’s book club pick is Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein. It’s just what it says and it’s actually frightening when you think about how American Girl, Disney and toy companies shape the way our little girl’s think about themselves. It’s pure marketing genius all engineered to make a quick buck based on adult/parent behaviors. This gives you an inside look at how the “girlie-girl” culture we live in could have a negative impact on our daughters as they grow up including pre-mature sexualization and self-esteem issues. Definitely a must-read in today’s world! Cinderella Ate My Daughter, $10.19, at amazon.com.

Must-do — if you’re like Mama you’re probably thinking — what am I going to do with all those beautiful holiday cards we received? Never fear…there’s always an answer from Mama! Yesterday Mama’s friend said she takes them all and wraps them up in craft paper like a present with twine, labels with the year and puts them away in a box for safe keeping. Then one day the kids can look at them or she can or maybe they may never find their way to light again…however, Mama thinks it’s a brilliant idea. So thank you Nancy for one of this month’s to-dos! Other things you can do with them — make ornaments by cutting them into shapes, hole-punching and adding ribbon to hang for next year’s tree; taking pictures of them and adding them to your phone as their contact photo; and making a photo collage. What do you do with the holiday cards?

Must-have — Speaking of memory keepers, Mama is ordering this memory box from PaperCoterie.com that commemorates 2011. It’s a great place to put in the photos of the year and display on a coffee or side table where you can look through it. You can also put the holiday cards in there…brilliant! Memory Keepers, $38, at papercoterie.com. Now through January 23, 2012 use the code REMEMBER2011 and receive 40 percent off the Remember When Memory Box…SWEET!

Must-wear — And because Mama always says get something for yourself to start out the month…how about something in Pantone’s color of the year, Tangerine Tango, to start off the year right. All Mama’s picks are at StyleBakeryMom.com today but this is the one Mama is betting on…Accidentally In Love Long Sleeve Chiffon Dress, $64, at piperlime.com. While it’s not quite the reddish orange of Tangerine Tango, it’s a great orange color for the winter season!

Happy January!

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Categories : must-haves, shopping; Web site
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The “B” in Breastfeeding…

By admin · Comments (5)
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

Mama may be starting a firestorm with this but you know…Mama’s not really one to hold back. So here goes…

Yesterday as you know it was Baby Boy’s third birthday. We decided to celebrate (along with the rest of Southern California) with a family trip to Disneyland. Disneyland is hard enough with on your own with toddler and school age kids but with a newborn — it’s not exactly a picnic. One of us takes turns standing outside the line with the baby while the other parent takes the kids on the rides. However, for a birthday Mama will make this sacrifice and brave the crowds. The crowds were ridiculous so Mama and CeCe took to the Disneyland Baby Nursery to hide out for a little bit.

Mama loves it when places are family-friendly — a nursing center should be available once every 10 blocks as far as Mama is concerned. They are so handy and well, it would solve a lot of this “public breastfeeding” controversy that keeps popping up. In fact these days it’s impossible not to be discreet when breastfeeding with all the cute covers available. Mama wishes those were around with Lily-girl…it would have solved a lot of uncomfortable back-of-the-car feeding moments. Mama is modest when it comes to feeding and always uses a cover BUT Mama also understands those who don’t and won’t — to each their own.

So yesterday as CeCe and Mama were in the Disney nursing room, Mama noticed something. There were five chairs and one pumping station. The pumping station was covered. WHY? Good question…perhaps the pump is too loud and distracting for the nursing babies?! In the four other chairs Mama noticed what the other Mamas were doing while their babies nursed.

Two were on the iPhone — one on Facebook and one playing solitaire.

One was taking a quick cat nap.

And one was looking at and holding her baby’s hand.

Now tell Mama…which Mama had it right? Who was actually doing what you’re supposed to be doing while breastfeeding — BONDING.

Yes, Mamas one of the main reasons that people tell you to breastfeed is so that you can share that special bonding time with your child. Not that you can’t bond if you don’t breastfeed, it’s just that they DO state this as a reason to do it. Stroke your baby’s head, hand and feet, cradle them and talk to them as they feed. Let them hear your voice and soothe themselves into a food coma…

And then there’s reality…the reality of the multi-tasking Mama. The other day Mama read an article on a VERY popular blog about what people actually do while breastfeeding…they catch-up on phone calls, blogging and eating (babies look adorable with crumbs on their heads). Mama has been known to do all of the above…YOU HAVE TO! However, one must also take the time to set down the phone, look your baby in the eye and talk to her/him…there’s nothing more soothing then their Mama’s voice.

What have you done while breastfeeding?

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My philosophy is simple: just because you're a mom doesn't mean you have to forgo style or your life. You can do it all with a little help from Mama. Mama makes life easier by doing all the shopping, crafting and ranting for you because really...what Mama has the time for that?! Mama will not lie, I can bake but if you're looking for cooking tips you might be better off going someplace else!

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