Archive for shopping

February Must-Haves…

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.

The philosophy of shopping…

Take it from Mama…shopping is completely a mind game on the part of the retailers. Perhaps it’s just because Mama is fuming today over another shopping fiasco (believe it or not…it did not involve Mama’s children) but Mama has had enough of these mind games. It’s time to beat them at their own game. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Free Shipping Weekend…it’s all a gimmick to get YOU and MAMA to believe that you’re getting a great deal when in fact, you’re not. Let’s dissect the shopping world for a few minutes so you begin to understand how to beat them at their own game…

Group Deal Sites — aren’t you sick of them yet? Everyday there is a new one popping up promising you the BEST and most DIVERSE deals in your area. Yeah right…Mama has seen it all from deals on tattoos to things that Mama loved buying like the one from Shabby Apple (from which brings this fuming post by the way…!) to buy wonderful and beautiful clothing at a deep discount. Here’s the problem — the expiration dates and the hoops one must jump through to redeem them. Mama is one of those last minute deal users. For example, Mama tried to redeem her voucher for Shabby Apple on December 31, 2011. The expiration date was for December 31, 2011. YES…Mama made it! Oh…not so fast or so easy…coupon code says it’s already expired! GRRRRR!!!! This is not the first time this has happened when trying to redeem a voucher on the said expiration date (what can Mama say…Mama lives for deadlines!). So Mama e-mailed the deal company for which it was purchased from…their response, “Not our problem, contact the company!” Huh?! So Mama e-mails the company and doesn’t hear back for almost a week. They extended Mama’s coupon which ended  January 31, 2012. Mama tries to redeem it on the deadline that it was extended to and guess what…YOUR VOUCHER HAS EXPIRED appears on Mama’s screen! GRRRRRRRR….does one give up or keep trying in this instance. So companies, if you give a deadline — STICK TO IT!!! **Mama must say that after contacting Shabby Apple’s customer service again, they did honor Mama’s vouchers — great customer service on their part…not so much on the deal site’s end. Moral of the story — don’t stock up on the deals just because it’s a good deal — they will come again and only buy things you know you’ll use immediately!

One more left in stock — impulse buying! This is totally psychological. Flash sale sites are notorious for this method labeling things like only 4 in stock or putting a 15 minute time limit on your cart. It makes you just push the BUY button instead of taking the time to decide you don’t actually need it. Mama fell into this trap last week buying a diaper bag that was so not needed but there was only ONE left. Mama is trying so hard to be good and not fall into the limited quantity trap but it’s so hard! Moral of the story — don’t fall into the limited quantity trap. If you find it one place, you’ll find it at another too and maybe even at a better price!

The season before it’s needed — this is where Mama always gets into trouble. We’re still in the middle of winter and yet, spring clothing is upon us and so is Easter decor and it’s not even Valentine’s Day yet. So when you go to Target a week before Valentine’s Day, you know that there won’t be anything left. So you stock up and stock up and then…you can’t remember what you have already bought so you end up with so much stuff. It’s the story of Mama’s life! It’s no wonder we’re busting at the seams. That and well…Mama intends to make all these crafty-crafts with Lily-girl and then time always slips away from us. Moral of the story — take inventory before you shop…do you NEED IT? Do you WANT it? Usually it’s always WANT!

How else do they get you to spend? Well, it’s the sale thing…25 percent off, 40 percent off, FREE SHIPPING, Clearance…it’s everywhere all the time and you always think you’re getting a good deal…unless, they actually mark-up the price before the sale?! Ha, that’s how they get us, isn’t it!

So what did Mama buy anyways that sparked this lovely little rant…well, let’s see…

With Mama’s deal coupons…Bon Voyage Dress, $78, at

And this one too…because one wasn’t enough! El Mar Dress, $66, at

Then there was the diaper bag…OpenSky.com is great at getting you to impulse buy (only one left!), Yummy Mummy Diaper Bag from Pink Lining UK, marked down to $69 from $129! Although, they are having a pretty good sale :)

What have you bought lately that you just couldn’t resist because of the great price?

Do you hear that…?

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!

New discoveries…!

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!


January Must-Haves…

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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