As soon as your little one starts crawling you realize – your home is a death trap its time for consider child friendly furniture – so that you can keep your home chic without having to bubble wrap the living room. Baby proofing can be overwhelming – it seems everything in your home can inflict harm on your beloved little ones – which is why child friendly furniture is so desirable. Its normal furniture we know a love with rounded edges and softness that allows us to keep our big girl home while feeling comfortable that it won’t cause injury to our little girls and boys… This does not, however, mean you can rest easy and take your eyes off of them for one minute – newly mobile infants and clumsy toddlers can always find trouble – it just means that you can rest a little easier. Check out some of my favorite child friendly furniture to keep your home safe without sacrificing your aesthetic!
MOMMA KNOWS… its time for summer skin and hair care!
The sun is out and hotter than ever, so it’s time to start thinking about summer skin and hair care. Summer time means more time outside at the beach, by the pool or just out and about – but the heat and sun can take its toll on our appearance. Summer skin and hair care is all about protection, maintenance and a certain amount of giving into the elements and enjoying it. Getting a little color (as safely and slowly as possible) gives a healthy glow, embracing your slight wavy or incredible curls can be gorgeous and caring for our largest organ (our skin) is not just an aesthetic concern, it is ultimately best for our overall health and well being. Yes, summer mean spending lots more time outside. It means vacations, the beach and generally enjoying the great outdoors – so check out some of my top tips and products for summer skin and hair care to get the most out of the season looking and feeling great!
First and foremost – sunblock is not just a suggestion – it is a MUST for everyone in your family (including you)! Yes, it keeps wrinkles and other signs of aging (like dark spots) at bay but most importantly it protects us from harmful UV rays which can ultimately cause skin cancer. Always wear minimum of spf 15 (preferably higher) even if you’re just in your car, remember to reapply and for your little ones be extra vigilant for that precious delicate skin – I use SPF 50 on Max – he hates it – but it’s not up for negotiation.
And for our little ones:
One of the biggest summer skin issues are break outs. Being outside in the heat means we sweat and our pores can get clogged leading to unsightly acne. I always use a different sunblock for my face which is oil free to help ensure that dirt and oil don’t get trapped. I also always use a higher spf on my face – I would rather have a pale face that I can add some bronzer too for that summer glow than have the wrinkles and brown spots that come with any kind of tan… Then I opt for a skin care regime that is geared towards fighting break outs while still keeping my skin moist (in order to fight the aging process) – remember, a lot of acne treatments are drying so make sure to compensate with an appropriate moisturizer.
Exfoliation and moisturizing are incredibly important for making skin look supple and silky. It you are working on your tan (hopefully gradually with plenty of spf and no burning) or using fake tanners it’s all about exfoliating first and then maintaining your glow with plenty of moisture.
PS – extra tips – Max was born in June and it was hot hot hot and I found he was prone to heat rashes – a luke warm bath with baking soda is a miracle at treating heat rash (as well as bad diaper rash or most skin ailments). Also, if you of happen to burn (we’ve all missed a spot when applying sunblock or neglected to reapply after being in the water) I have found dairy products are great for soothing red skin – a cloth dipped in milk or even just applying some yogurt to those hot spots can help provide relief. But please be vigilant with the sunblock!!!
We do tend to be more conscious now a days of protecting our skin but we mustn’t forget out hair! The sun and heat depletes moisture, lightens it and can ultimately lead to dry unruly hair… If you can, opt to accessories with hats or scarves to protect your follicles, but also give your hair some extra moisture treatments.
Salt water and pool chemicals are also not great friends to your lucious locks. I like to try to keep my hair out of chlorinated pools and take a nod from the surfers and go with the flow allowing salt water to add texture to my hair. Giving into your hairs natural curl can be fun and easier than trying to fight it. Your hair will get enough heat damage from being outside so try to lay of styling tools like hair dryers and straightening irons. Use products that enhance your natural texture and work with it. I call it my vacation hair (because I always leave those styling tools at home when I travel) – I apply curling balms, scrunch my hair an even put it in little buns around my head to give it extra curl (my hair is naturally straight with a slight wave that actually became kinkier post baby) so I have to work a bit harder to emphasize the curl and get those fabulous tousled waves. You can still control the frizz but enjoy a new summer look by embracing your curls!
MOMMA WANTS… fantasy furnishing that kids & adults can love!
Let’s face it our lives are dominated by our children – it’s their home and we’re just living in it… Well, fantasy furnishing are those pieces you love that can transform your home into a cool space for both you and your kids. Often modern or simply unique pieces that you can properly get a kick out of, that your little ones will absolutely love, and can transform your home into a place you won’t be embarrassed to invite your grown up friends to… These fantasy furnishings are the perfect additions to every home – they provide both form and function while also being great talking points (admittedly some of it is so whimsical and expensive we would never buy it – but I think it’s always fun to see it). Check out some of my favorite fantasy furnishing options that will allow your to reclaim your home (as well as some great pieces for your little ones’ rooms too).
First for us:
and some fantasy furnishing for the little ones:
MOMMAS WANT… great mothers day gifts
May 11th is just around the corner so it’s time to start thinking about Mothers Day gifts. Whether you’re shopping for your mom, sister, friend or even for yourself (let’s face it men and babies need a little help with these things) I will help with the mission! Mothers Day gifts don’t have to be extravagant but they don’t have to be thoughtless either – it’s time to show the mommas out there how much you care. Sentimentality goes a long way, so the key is to get something that they can look at and feel a connection. It could be personal jewels or art, something funny or just something that you can enjoy together, but this is the time to show appreciation for all these incredible ladies do all year round. Check out some great Mothers Day gift to put a smile on Mom’s face (PS – ladies feel free to pass this on to the gentleman who need some assistance)!
I am OBSESSED with this Thea Jewelry where you can design your own ring (or bracelet) in yellow, rose or white gold with or without diamonds (black or white) and do things like have your child’s name, initial, birthday spelled out in jewelry… yes please!
A Picture of our little ones in a statement tee declaring their love in a nice frame never hurts…
MOMMA NEEDS… beautiful bedroom furniture
So my little boy is the most amazing thing on earth, BUT he has taken over my home – so I’m taking back my sanctuary with some new bedroom furniture and furnishings… That’s right, he can have the living room, the office, the kitchen, dining room and of course his own room – but I’m reclaiming mine! We have started with a new bed and mattress and it is starting to feel like a big girl room again. Some great new bedroom furniture and dressings is transforming my room back into a space for me and my husband and not another play space for my little one. I’m not saying its a no go zone for Max – this is his house, we’re just living in it! No, in order to have a beautiful space for me I have some beautiful bedroom furniture that can also hide his toys. We actually got a teepee for him that sits in the corner that is his little fort (and hides his toys). It actually looks very cool and modern so, not an eye sore for us – and a fun spot for him. Other alternatives are beautiful storage benches for the end of the bed or other potential pieces of bedroom furniture that look great but can store his mess! Moms and Dad’s need a sanctuary – a place to remember that they’re not just mom and dad but they’re also husband and wife, grownups that want a grown up space to call their own. I’m not saying go out and spend a ton of money – but if your bed is tired it might be time to treat yourself, even with just a new headboard – or perhaps just some new throw pillows, a bedside table or just a fun accent piece that makes you happy… The key with creating a little oasis is keeping the furniture pretty neutral (taupe, grey, cream, navy) and then choosing an accent color or 2 that work together and popping the room with accents – throw pillows, lamps, rugs, decoratives etc… Check out some of my favorite bedroom furniture and furnishings that give you the escape from all the barbies, legos, tucks and everything else that Toys R Us threw up in the rest of the house…
MOMMA NEEDS… kid friendly furniture (that looks great)
One of the things I’m always on the hunt for is furniture that looks amazing but won’t serve as a potential death trap for my little one. That’s right, kid friendly furniture that isn’t an eye sore… I want my living space to be chic and presentable but still safe enough for my little one to explore and climb without having to be hovering over him on toddler watch the whole time. Short of bubble wrapping the living room this seemed like an impossible mission – but its not. Kid friendly furniture simply means choosing rounder pieces and softer options. And, yes – plush furniture without corners doesn’t have to mean living in a gymboree – there is so much incredible kid friendly furniture out there at varying price points that will allow you to reclaim your gorgeous home while also keeping your little ones safe. Always remember – that nothing is entirely injury proof (besides a padded room) there are just safer option – always keep a close watch on your little ones – these furnishings will simply allow us worry warts to relax… a bit…
MOMMA NEEDS… furniture without corners
I have a wild child. He is 19 months, a boy, and ready to conquer the world. He runs, climbs and knows no fear. He also trips, falls, bumps his head and gets stuck multiple times a day as he explores and learns. My job as a parent is to limit the liability – child proof and keep a watchful eye. Still, accidents happen and one great solution I have found is furniture without corners. Forget the ugly foam corners ruining all our formerly chic furniture – they look hideous and he’s now figured out how to rip them off… I can’t wrap him in cotton wool or lock him in a padded room, but I can invest in some gorgeous furniture that I love and won’t serve as baby booby traps. Furniture without corners is a concept almost too good to be true – I might actually be able to cook in the next room while he plays happily in the living room knowing that he is safe. Will he still trip, fall and bump his head? Sure, he’s a toddler, but soft and rounded edges are the next best thing to bubble wrapping all my furniture and it sure looks better! We would go to the greatest lengths to keep our little ones safe, yet we want them to explore and climb and investigate the world around them – so get rid of all those sharp edges and put your mind at ease – here are some great furniture without corners options for the home…
MOMMA HURTS… dealing with the loss of a pet
So, yesterday, I love one of my best friends. My beloved, adored, cherished companion, Gucci, my 11 year old Chihuahua. We’ve been through so much together – she was always by my side – a model for Marie Claire on multiple occasions, a first class passenger on several cross atlantic flight, she approved my simon and was there for the wedding. She was patient following the birth of my beloved Max. Very sadly, she was diagnosed with mitral valve disease about 4 years ago which sent us into a tizzy. We did all the research and saw multiple cardiologists and had her on a cocktail of medications to keep her healthy, reduced her stress levels to make sure her heart never went into over drive, reduced her salt intake to literally nothing (which meant max never ate anything with any salt since it would end up on the floor) and monitored her breathing several times a day every day over the last 4 years. We would have done anything for her. In fact, she died during a routine vet visit. We took her and her 2 sister dogs in yesterday morning for their routine check up and she ultimately passed during her chest x-ray simply from the stress of being at the vet. They did everything to save her, but to no avail. She passed away because her heart was simply too big. This is the truth.
I wanted to share this because I have just done a post on heart prints and love – and she was my first baby and one of my greatest loves. Also, because I wanted to share some advice on dealing with the loss of a pet that I got from a fellow mom not too long ago. The advice was how to deal with children and the passing of a pet. Max is truly still to young for a lot of this… But her words were wise…
1) When your pet passes, have an open conversation with your child. It will probably be the first time your little one ever becomes aware of the concept of death.
2) After your pet has passed use definitive language. This means, don’t use words like: “gucci has gone away” “gucci is in a better place” or “gucci is no longer with us.” This is too vague and could insinuate that she might come back… Or that when you say you’re going away (lets say a business trip or what not) there could be the confusion that you might not come back.. Using words like “gucci died and we loved her very much and miss her” are fine, if you want to say “gucci went to heaven and she is with the angels” and then explain what heaven is and that’s where people go when they die (if that is what you believe) then that is fine too. The key is to make sure to use finite language to avoid any misinterpretation..
3) Its okay to cry in front of your little one. Expressing emotion and sadness is good and therapeutic. Its show your children that its okay to mourn and be sad. But, also explain to your little one why you are crying, “mommy is crying because she misses Gucci and is sad. Being sad is okay and crying is okay because its how we deal with losing someone we love.” This is important because it tells your little one that expressing emotion and handling grief is not something to bottle up or hide.
4) Do not let your little one see you break down completely. Believe me, in the last 18 hours my husband and I have been in and out of hysterics – its important to remove yourself from your child if this is coming on. While it is okay for them to see you shed a tear, they don’t need to see you melt down. As much as your heart is breaking over your loss – a break down could scare a child and make them feel very uneasy and scared. If you feel like you can’t control the emotion, go to the bathroom or into another room until you can pull yourself together.
I will be honest. I am broken right now. I wish I cold stop my hands from shaking, my heart from racing and my legs from wanting to give out from under me. A friend of mine sent me this link about losing a pet that’s basically explained by a 6 year old. To sum it up a family has to put their beloved family pet down and they decide it would be okay for their 6 year old to be with them when they did it. Once the dog passed they were talking about how unfair it is that animals live such short lives and the little boys says that he knows why. He says that we as humans are put on the earth to learn how to love and be kind and good and that dogs already know all of those things so they don’t need to stay as long… Profound, true, beautiful and somewhat comforting. My plan is to keep going and keep myself distracted with my 2 dogs, my darling baby boy, my husband and my work, allowing myself to cry and waiting for the total distress to eventually pass. In the meantime – I wanted to share some photos of my beloved girl. Dealing with the loss of a pet is one of the hardest things because all they ever want is to love you – they may be the only ones truly capable of unconditional love. They enrich our life and teach us how to love. Please feel free to share your comments below, thoughts on a pet that you may have lost and miss, or ways that you dealt with the loss of a pet and how you you managed it with your children. Thank you for reading and never miss a moment to tell those close to you just how much you love them.
DIRTY TRUFFLE – a hot new blog for all you foodies!
For all you foodies – you HAVE to check out dirty truffle a fabulous new blog my dear friend (and fellow mom) that will seriously have you salivating! Whether you’re an amateur chef, a lover of food porn, a health nut or just someone that appreciates some great recipes this is a site you can’t miss! Kristen shares her favorite recipes in this hot new blog which will have everyone excited about what’s for dinner. As a mom one of the struggles I have every day is deciding what to cook for my family that is both delicious and healthy – these recipes are both and they look pretty gorgeous too!
MOMMA LOVES… glider or rocking chair – nursery essential!
A friend of mine came over the other day with her 3 month old and, as babies do, she started to fuss. My friend removed herself from dinner and went into Max’s nursery and came out 5 minutes later (without baby – who was snoozing happily in Max’s crib) proclaiming “I need to get one of those rockers!” Absolutely she does – without a doubt having a great glider or rocking chair is a MUST. We spend so much time breast feeding, reading to our little ones, snuggling and rocking that is absolutely a nursery essential for both you and baby! I confess I still rock max to sleep and its one of my favorite pieces of furniture in the house. While pregnant (and going through my nesting phase) I searched high and low for a glider or rocking chair that wouldn’t just serve purpose but in the long run was a beautiful piece of furniture. My Monte glider will be with us for the long haul – Max will now climb onto it himself when he’s tired and just snuggle up happily. The glider or rocking chair has come a long way in recent years – they’re not the old fashioned style from days of yore – they’re chic, modern and incredibly comfortable! Check out some of my top picks for a glider or rocking chair that will transform your child’s nursery and your life helping you soothe them to sleep in stylish comfort.