Sorry Mama was silent yesterday! But Mama has been plenty busy writing stories all over the Internet and well…we decided to take a little vacation south-of-the-border as we enjoy Lily-girl’s spring break. And you know that what means…swimsuits. Ugh…!


Mama is no sunbathing beauty as Mama learned long ago that staying under the shade reading a book is the best way to enjoy any vacation. However the kids have a different idea of fun — spending long hours in the pool and sunshine. Mama’s bikini wearing days went out the window a long time ago as Baby Boy gave Mama some nice stretch marks that aren’t for the faint of heart. Once upon a time Mama swore laser surgery was in order. Now, it’s more like bring on the Bio-oil (love that stuff!).


While the best sun accessory is a big huge umbrella that blocks any sort of ray that may come your way, Mama packed a few things that also are fashionable and help keep the sun at bay. Oh, and two cute suits that even those with stretch marks will be happy to wear!


Happy swimming!

Hands-down Episencial is the best sunscreen for families. It not only doesn’t have all of that nasty stuff that EWG says sunscreen shouldn’t have, it also actually rubs in easily and stays on. We all use it on our faces and bodies. It’s also great for those with sensitive skin. Baby Boy breaks out using the “cheap” sunscreens or even some of those labeled “sensitive” — with Episencial, never a spot on him.

Last night’s Golden Globe Awards officially kicked off award season in Hollywood. Next it’s the Grammys and Oscars…Mama hears Black Swan, The King’s Speech and the The Social Network are the three of the must see movies of the year. But more important then the movies itself is the fashion and who is showing up with who…that’s why they really have awards televised in Hollywood, right?!


The minute someone steps onto the red carpet, their dress is immediately being replicated by designers around the world for resale to the masses in slightly varied forms — cheaper materials, less embellishments and modified design to flatter the average women not just slim Hollywood stars. Who do you think brought it last night? OR better yet, who do you think didn’t consult their stylist?

Photo Courtesy of: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

Not to mention that half of Hollywood announced they were pregnant last week, it was interesting to see everyone’s baby bump style. Who knew that Kate Hudson was even dating someone? But Mama must admit that Natalie Portman is looking glowing…her pink satin Viktor & Rolf dress was beautiful! Why can’t Mama find a maternity dress like that…?!

Photo Courtesy of: Getty Images/Jason Merritt

Then there were a few misses…Helena Bonham Carter was going for a bohemian look but completely missed the mark with this ensemble but it could just be the sunglasses that throws the outfit off…?!

Photo courtesy of: Getty Images/Jason Merritt

Photo Courtesy of: EPA/Mike Nelson

Oh and then there was Ms. Love Hewitt…you think she would have learned her lesson with those bathing suit photos. She is by no means overweight but wearing a full length dress of white, with bulky fabric at the chest is not going to give the illusion of slim either. In fact, white makes you look so much bigger than you are. So Mama is sorry but Jennifer Love…return this dress to the “No” pile and pick something in black next time!


Ever since becoming a Mama to baby Louis, Sandra has really bounced back. She’s always glowing and is like “Jesse…who?” Mama loves her spunk and her Golden Globes dress pick by Jenny Packham was FAB! However, Mama is undecided on the new bangs she was sporting…Mama gets the long bang look but it really looked like she couldn’t see…at all!

Photo Courtesy of: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

There actually wasn’t that many red carpet misses this year. Everyone picked classic dresses in black, cream and jewel tones like Angelina Jolie’s emerald Versace dress. However, Mama is going to give the Best Dressed award to Jennifer Lawrence, who was nominated for a best actress award for ‘Winter’s Bone’. Her makeup, classic but fun hairstyle and dress were perfect for a Hollywood awards ceremony…because if you can’t have fun in Hollywood…where can you have FUN?!

Photo Courtesy of: Getty Images/Jason Merritt

Runner-up goes to Oliva Wilde — in a gorgeous Marchesa gown and of course, love those gold Louboutins girl! Now that’s what Mama calls style…


Who do you think was best dressed?

All of this got Mama thinking — what will Mama be remembered for? You know the drill that they make you do in high school English class, write your obituary of what you’ve accomplished, goals and the great things you will be remembered for years from now. To this day, this drill is still hard as it’s hard to see yourself in the eyes of others. 


So today is about inspiration — what inspires you to do better…dress better…and live better? Be inspired today by the first thing you see — a milk carton, a car, a dress or a neighbor….or just take a look below and start there!

Inspiration: Peacock Feathers (tree, $26.99, at amazon.com)

photo credit: aceshowbiz.com Inspired: Crewcuts Rosalie Dress, $68, at jcrew.com

Mama knows she’s been doing a lot of fashion lately and less kid stuff but sometimes…you just have to let the kids take a back seat to the great pair of boots you saw at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Mama did see some great boots and more…


Sure it’s way too hot to think about buying sweaters and over-the-knee boots but when else are you going to get the fall/winter fashions you need at a quarter of the price?! Exactly, only in the summer time when back-to-school sales start and that is NOW. And because Mama loves lists, here’s a few essential lists for you on what to wear. Happy Shopping!


Top 5 items that every Mama should own:

1. Black classic heels — they can be dressed up or down and should be quality enough to last you for years to come. Mama loves these from Enzo Angiolini (and they’re on sale!) at Nordstrom.com, $59.90. 
2. Dark wash boot cut jeans — any type you like that fits the shape of your body and makes you feel good is the best choice. Mama loves the Paige Denim Laurel Canyon Bootcut Jeans, $179, at Piperlime.com.
3. Feminine blouse — nothing like solid or floral top with ruffles to make you feel pretty! There are so many good choices that it’s hard to point out just one. Browese ModCloth.com for some of the best and most reasonable choices. 
4. Solid jersey wrap dress — remember you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a good, quality dress. The wrap dress is classic and timeless — Studio M Jersey Wrap Dress at Macy’s, $69.98.
5. A pair of dress pants — when it comes to dress pants, Mama prefers black because you can wear it with everything. But pretty much anything that is NOT a jean, cargo or crop pant will work in this case. Just make sure it transfers between seasons (read between the lines: not white!). Mama loves her Old Navy Trousers in Heather Grey, $19 (on sale!).

Okay, Mama has been putting off this post as long as possible. Mama doesn’t know why but for some reason rompers remind Mama of an old co-worker that lived in 70s fashions — rompers being one of them. You would walk into the bathroom and see the romper splayed across the floor as she went potty — not a pretty memory. So Mama has been ever so slow to catch on to the romper trend. Adorable for little girls BUT finally Mama will give in and go with the trend. 


Mama hates to admit how comfortable and cute they can be for a hot summer day. Mama has yet to sport one in public but if I did, here’s my top picks!

Long romp — Mama loves this casual, capri length romper for casual days and summer BBQs. Just make sure no-one sees it splayed on the bathroom floor! Available at anthropologie.com, $78.


Denim romp — dressy, yet casual at the same time this denim romper from Trina Turk makes even the latest trend seem timeless. Available at zappos.com, $188.


Black tie romp — perfect for a summer wedding or summer formal fundraiser, this Karen Kane Belted Jumpsuit will be the talk of the party (in a good way, of course)! Available at nordstrom.com, $78.90.

Pool romp — leave it to Juicy Couture to make the terry romper that you want to wear to the pool or beach this summer. The hot colors make it perfect for summer and this romper will surely outlast any other summer trend. Available at zappos.com, $138.


Anytime romp — simple, classic with lace detail this romper is not only super comfortable but also can be worn day or night — just add accessories! Available at shopruche.com, $33.99.


Mama has thrown in the towel and purchased one of these — can you guess which one? What’s your favorite romp?