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February Must-Haves…

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Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

Oh dear Mama…where does the time go?! Everyone has moved on from Apres Ski clothes to hearts, flowers and love. Yes, it’s time to celebrate Valentine’s Day, have a four day weekend to celebrate our past U.S. President’s birthdays, do a little Mardi Gras, start the season of Lent and give up something that you L-O-V-E (if you do that sort of thing), and have one extra day in the month this year. It’s Leap Year so that means if you’re lucky enough to have your birthday on February 29th, you actually get to celebrate it this year. While February is such a short, short month…it seems that there is so much that actually happens. Not to mention the Superbowl but really, since the Chargers weren’t playing…Mama just let that one fly right on by.

As always in Mama’s life….there is so much to do and just never enough time. Mama is still working one-handed these days and while at times feels like a either a cow or an octopus, we’re still managing to remain sane. Mama is still trying to organize the house a little better and get rid of all this paper that seems to be piling up everywhere. Mama for some reason can never quite get a handle on going paperless…Mama loves her paper….it’s either that or dig through e-mail to find things and Mama can’t imagine having to do that either.

And have you not joined Pinterest yet?! Well, Mama has been on there for awhile now and while Mama adores it in every single way…it now seems that everything Mama makes or does is never a surprise anymore. This is the new quote, “Oh, I remembered you pinned that on Pinterest!” Isn’t that a party spoiler?!

Speaking of parties…Baby Boy has been three for a month now and no updates on the potty training front…at this point, Mama would pay someone to do it — a lot of money if there’s any takers out there! Oh and the party planning has begun for Lily-girl’s birthday for next month…one can never plan too much in advance, right?

So here we go again, into February and everything we must, must, must have to make our lives complete this month…what are you craving?

Oh and tomorrow is some FAB V-day ideas so come back…okay?!

Must-Have: Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?! They come in six vibrant colors and Mama wants one of each color…for what…who knows but it’s a must-have for sure! Zig Zag Strapping Baskets, $49 for set of 3, at landofnod.com.

Must-Do: Know someone that needs a haircut? Well send them on down to Quality Social in Downtown San Diego tomorrow night, Feb. 9th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to sign-up to be a part of the 4th Annual St. Baldrick’s Shave-a-thon to raise awareness and funds for children’s cancer research. What could be better than getting your head shaved for a good cause?! Details are below…are you brave enough to look like Sinead O’Conner?! For details check out the St. Baldrick’s Facebook Page…give them a like too while you’re at it!

Must-Have: Mama is always on the search for the perfect pair of shoes, the perfect hair tie and the perfect skin regimen. It’s true, something is always wrong. Now that we know that it matters what we put into our bodies and that organics are, of course, better for us. Same is true for what we PUT onto our skin as well! Why wouldn’t a holistic, organic approach to our skincare be better for us?! So now Mama is two weeks into a 30 day challenge to prove just that. Sponsored by Naturopathica, the holistic health skincare regimen has proved wonders for Mama’s winter dry skin making ruddiness something of the past and giving Mama a glow that only seemed to come during pregnancy (seriously). The 30-day regimen kit comes with everything you need to give your skin a wake-up call and Mama loves that it comes with a Plant Stem Cell Serum (which Mama is obsessed with!) and an Oat Facial Polish that gets rid of all the dry, flaky skin of winter. Mama has never looked better (well, maybe when Mama was 18 but we’ll never get those years back…). Mama challenges you to give it a try the challenge and see if it makes a difference in your look. Naturopathica, $65 for 30-day regimen kit.

Must-Wear: What must one wear in February…RED, of course! Not only is it the color of love and hearts but it’s also Heart Health Month so eat your oatmeal for breakfast while wearing this fabulous gem. Pleated Chiffon Crochet Blouse, $49, at piperlime.com.

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Categories : fashion;, fashion; shopping, must-haves, Shopping

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New discoveries…!

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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

Tags : accessories, decor, must-haves, shopping

January Must-Haves…

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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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December Must-Haves…!

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Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

Before you go…”OMG, December is almost over!”…there’s still time to treasure and cherish the last few weeks of 2011. Once December 1st rolls around it seems like a whirlwind of activities and no-one ever takes the time to stop and enjoy life as it is. That’s exactly what Mama is doing these next few weeks — taking it easy because really, life with a newborn hasn’t been as EASY as Mama thought it would be. While Mama still manages to get a lot done in the day, it seems Everyday Mama has taken a back seat — SO SORRY — but in 2012 there will be plenty of time to enjoy the funny, whimsical parenting and fashion advice Mama has to throw your way. WHY? Because Mama can and well…she will, regardless of being asked (don’t you know that Mama loves to share her opinion about anything and everything).

So while December seems to be a flurry of shopping bags and holiday cookies, Mama is giving you this one piece of advice — don’t try and do it all because you can’t attend every party, make every cookie that Martha tells you to make and you don’t have the budget to shop to you drop (unless you do — then Mama wants your number). Take it easy and just enjoy being a family and loving the simple things this December like your child’s face when they step on stage to perform in their holiday play, the first snow of the season, going puddle jumping in the rain, making and delivering cookies for a neighbor, and making simple crafts with what you already have around the house. It’s these things that you’ll actually remember next holiday season — not the million toys that you bought the kids and all the parties you attended.

With that being said…here’s a few of Mama’s must-haves, must-dos and just MUSTS for December…Enjoy!

Must-have for the kids: Remember when Mama told you there’s no such thing as too much electronic play this month because well, there’s only one of Mama and three of them…Well, Baby Boy has noticed this and has taken it upon himself to claim Mama’s iPhone all to himself. In fact, Mama thinks he knows the password to the iTunes store to download his own games because now there are four more that Mama never had downloaded before — EEK! However, one that Mama did download was the new HappiTaps from Infantino, available at iTunes.com and at Step2.com for FREE (always a bonus). It’s toddler perfection because there are so many different functions that it keeps them interested rather than just one game that after five minutes they cast aside. Mama had also received the cute little protective HappiTaps Bear Case in the mail because it keeps little fingers from breaking and drooling all over the precious phone, $19.99 (and ships FREE – great stocking stuffer for the tot), at step2.com. It’s no wonder that Baby Boy has claimed the phone as his own! The games include: a sing-a-long, peek-a-boo, expressions, rattle and fun, ABCs, story time and bed time — each of them providing a fun and interactive experience but also teaching them an important lesson. Little CeCe is going to love this thing in about 10 months — Mama just knows it. A definite must-have for the kids during this busy time of year of plane rides, road trips and strolling through the sales at the mall.**

Must-wear: Mama only has one word for you — SEQUINS! It’s all about sparkle this month and you can work it in many ways whether you dress casually or fancy. Of course, Mama’s favorite online store, Piperlime.com, has the most bang for your buck this month and has some amazing sales happening. Here’s two picks that you can’t go wrong wearing: Theme Sequin Sweater, $69, and Greylin Embellished Elastic Waist Dress, $158.

Must-read: What’s better than all your favorite stories piled into one giant book?! Pretty much nothing…so Mama is recommending (and loving) The Family Storybook Treasury, $12.91, at amazon.com. The Family Storybook Treasury is a collection of your most well-loved picture books and poetry, in one beautiful keepsake volume with bonus audio CD (we know how kids love to be read to…even when you can’t do it). Stories include: Curious George and the Firefighters by Margret and H. A. Rey; Martha Speaks by Susan Meddaugh; Lyle Walks the Dogs by Bernard Waber, illustrated by Paulis WaberSheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw, illustrated by Margo Apple; Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinge; Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow; The Great Doughnut Parade by Rebecca Bond; Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton. Oh and Mama is GIVING AWAY 2 COPIES of the book!! Enter below…

Must-do: give back — any way you can! Mama has her own favorite charities as Mama is sure you do in your own area. Buy an extra toy or two for kids in need, volunteer at the food bank, or make cards to send over to soldiers fighting for our country that can’t be with their own friends and family this holiday season. Although the economy has taken a toll on everyone this year, there’s always someone worse off than yourself and that’s when it’s time to be thankful and give back whether it’s time or money you can donate. If you’re here in San Diego, Mama recommends helping out Promises2Kids with their annual toy drive providing toys to foster children that have been displaced from their families — for more information visit, promises2kids.org. If you like to SHOP to give back, Mama thinks your kids will love these Pet Balloons (great for kids that want a pet this holiday but you’re just NOT willing!) that give back to the organization, Canines for Disables Kids, every time a balloon is bought. Mama is loving the PUG, $14.95, at myownpetballoon.com — check it out!

What’s on your MUSTS list this month?

**I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Infantino HappiTaps and received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

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Categories : fashion; shopping, gift ideas, must-haves

Tags : fashion, gift ideas, must-haves, shopping

November Must-Haves…!

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Friday, November 4th, 2011

Yipee…it’s November…one of Mama’s favorite months of the year. One because it’s Mama’s birthday month and two, my favorite holiday comes this month — Thanksgiving! There’s something that is so wonderful about gathering around the table with your closest family and friends and enjoying a delicious meal together. It’s a month where people also take the time to reflect on the past year, what they are thankful for and how they can give back more to others during this season. It’s the perfect month!

Mama is also excited for it to get a bit colder so we can finally pull out those sweaters and start wearing them. Plus there’s pie…tons of pies this month. Nothing is better than a slice of pie…except when it’s a la mode! However since Halloween is over, Thanksgiving often gets lost in the hustle and bustle of that December holiday. Everything is red, white, green, blue and silver…hold on retailers…we still L-O-V-E Thanksgiving. In fact after taking down all of the Halloween decor yesterday, we counted six plastic tubs of decorations for Halloween, one that was only half-full for Thanksgiving, and 15 for Christmas. It’s the holiday that gets left behind but not by Mama — not this year! So stay tuned for lots of crafts, thankful projects and must-haves to make your November full of thankfullness…

Mama had such a hard time narrowing down the MUSTS for this month but here’s a few to start with..what are you craving this month?

Must-have: Everyone needs to have a Tom Turkey in their house to celebrate Thanksgiving — even if they are vegetarians! Mama was at Cost Plus World Market today and couldn’t resist this big gobbler. He’s the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving decor! Large Twig Turkey, $29.99, at worldmarket.com.

Must-drink: Don’t show up to Thanksgiving dinner empty handed! Show your hostess a little appreciation and bring the season’s most stylish bottle of wine — a limited edition Banana Republic for Clos Du Bois Holiday Wine, $18.99 for the Cab and $16.99 for the Chardonnay, at closduboiswinestore.com.

Must-do: Mamas this is important — make sure you familiarize yourself with the new Safe Sleep Guidelines that the American Academy of Pediatrics released two weeks ago. Go to AAP.org and review the guidelines that include the recommendation NOT to use any crib bumper (including the mesh ones) in the crib, breastfeeding is recommended to reduce the risk of SIDS, as well as all infants should be immunized to reduce the risk of SIDS by 50 percent. Thanks goodness Skip Hop has just introduced a solution for those parents looking to eliminate their crib bumpers that is both budget-friendly and stylish! The Complete Sheet won’t be available until December but here’s a sneak peek…looks like a bumper set, huh?!

Must-wear: Any day now Mama will go from maternity wear to post-partum wear and well…this Thanksgiving Mama is looking to sparkle even if it means a little bit of baby spit-up ends up on it! This shirt is a must this holiday season…perfect with skinny jeans or a midi-skirt, Sabine Sequin Zig Zag Top, $89, at piperlime.com.

Must-eat: Remember Mama doesn’t lie to you so here’s the honest truth…Mama makes the BEST pumpkin bread around. It’s DEEELicious and the neighbors can smell it baking and come running over. It’s made from a mix and it’s worth every penny of the $2.99 it costs at Trader Joe’s. Get it now and stock up for the whole year to come…Mama does and makes it year-round! You’ll thank me and love that it’s homemade without the mess and the time suck.

Must-make: Photo props for holidays are so fun — especially when you make them yourself. Try it freehand or try it the easy way with the Pilgrim Hat Kit, $14, at paper-source.com, it makes one pilgrim hat, one Indian headress, and one bonnet.