MOMMA KNOWS… the importance of child friendly furniture

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When your little one gets mobile – its all about finding child friendly furniture – rounded edges and cushioning are key (and they look a lot better than those foam baby proofing corners)

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!

West Elm sectional sofa

West Elm sectional sofa $2096 – $2346

Barboy

Barboy $1600 (at home bar)

Hayden armless chair

Hayden armless chair $189.99

Bevin tufted ottoman

Bevin tufted ottoman $524.25

Martini side tables

Martini side tables $149 (each)

Jaxx Cabbagetown chair

Jaxx Cabbagetown chair $299

Lyre chesterfield sofa (comes in an array of colors)

Lyre chesterfield sofa (comes in an array of colors) $2498

Kos coffee table

Kos coffee table $1380

Essex upholstered bench - child friendly furniture

Essex upholstered bench $299 – $449

Harmony console table

Harmony console table $1099

Bartlett armchair

Bartlett armchair $1579

Walsh side table

Walsh side table $499

Anthropologie pouf

Anthropologie pouf $158

Brentwood coffee table

Brentwood coffee table $399

Old Hickory Tannery sofa

Old Hickory Tannery sofa $1424.25

Jonathan Adler side table child friend furniture

Jonathan Adler side table $929

Tulip chair

Tulip chair $799

Tapestry console table

Tapestry console table $1599

Tufted ottoman

Tufted ottoman $400

Donald dining table

Donald dining table $655

Noblesse dining chairs (set of 2)

Noblesse dining chairs (set of 2) $195

Orion nesting tables (set of 2)

Orion nesting tables (set of 2) $290

Chesterfield sofa

Chesterfield sofa $2299

Riverstone cocktail table

Riverstone cocktail table $1699

Kira armchair

Kira armchair $439

MOMMA KNOWS… its time for summer skin and hair care!

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Applying sunblock may not be the most fun – but it IS extremely important – yes it will prevent wrinkles but it will also prevent cancer! Its time to review some summer beauty tips to see you through the season.

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.

Shiseido ultimate sun protection lotion

Shiseido ultimate sun protection lotion $39

Neutrogena ultra sheer sunscreen

Neutrogena ultra sheer sunscreen $6.99

L"Oreal invisible protect sunblock spray

L”Oreal invisible protect sunblock spray $7.19

Supergoop city sunscreen serum

Supergoop city sunscreen serum $42

Neotrogena body mist sunblock

Neotrogena body mist sunblock $9.99

Peter Thomas Roth instant mineral spf

Peter Thomas Roth instant mineral spf $30

Coppertone Sport sunblock

Coppertone Sport sunblock $7.99

Supergoop mineral sunscreen

Supergoop mineral sunscreen $28

And for our little ones:

Babyganics sunblock spray

Babyganics sunblock spray $9.99

California Baby sunscreen

California Baby sunscreen $19.99

Neutrogena sunscreen stick

Neutrogena sunscreen stick $7.99

Banana Boat Kids sunscreen mist

Banana Boat Kids sunscreen mist $8.89

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.

Lancome sunscreen

Lancome sunscreen $39

Coppertone sensitive skin faces sunblock

Coppertone sensitive skin faces sunblock $7.59

Lavanila sunscreen

Lavanila sunscreen $28

Sunology natural sunscreen for face

Sunology natural sunscreen for face $15.99

summer skin and hair care

Clinique clear skin kit $36

Neutrogena acne therapy kit

Neutrogena acne therapy kit $19

Murad clarifying cleanser

Murad clarifying cleanser $26

Biore pore unclogging scrub

Biore pore unclogging scrub $5.49

Murad acne and wrinkle reducer

Murad acne and wrinkle reducer $58

Boots no & blemish defense serum

Boots no & blemish defense serum $14.44

Kate Somerville oil free moisturizer

Kate Somerville oil free moisturizer $65

Cetaphil oil control moisturizer with SPF

Cetaphil oil control moisturizer with SPF $12.99

Murad clarifying wipes

Murad clarifying wipes $18

Clean & Clear facial cleansing wipes

Clean & Clear facial cleansing wipes $4.99

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.

Bliss lemon and sage body scrub

Bliss lemon and sage body scrub $36

Abra body scrub

Abra body scrub $11

Clinique sparkle skin body exfoliator

Clinique sparkle skin body exfoliator $25

Earth Therapeutic exfoliating gloves

Earth Therapeutic exfoliating gloves $4.09

Fresh exfoliating soap

Fresh exfoliating soap $16.50

Josie Maran ultra hydrating body butter

Josie Maran ultra hydrating body butter $35

Shea body butter

Shea body butter $9.09

Clinique deep comfort body butter

Clinique deep comfort body butter $29

Aveeno moisturizing lotion

Aveeno moisturizing lotion $6.29

Bliss fat girl slim firming (anti cellulite) cream

Bliss fat girl slim firming (anti cellulite) cream $36

Nivea skin firming cellulite cream

Nivea skin firming cellulite cream $9.99

St. Tropez fake tanner

St. Tropez fake tanner $42

Banana Boat self tanner

Banana Boat self tanner $8.99

Sephora gradual self tanning body lotion

Sephora gradual self tanning body lotion $16.99

Tarte face and body self tanner

Tarte face and body self tanner 439

L'Oreal self tanning gel

L’Oreal self tanning gel $7.99

Clarins face self tanner

Clarins face self tanner $36

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!!!

Arm & Hammer baking soda

Arm & Hammer baking soda $6.60

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.

Rene Furterer protective summer oil

Rene Furterer protective summer oil $23

Neutrogena recovery mask

Neutrogena recovery mask $5.99

Phyto intense hydrating mask

Phyto intense hydrating mask $39

L'Oreal damage erasing balm

L’Oreal damage erasing balm $5.99

Alterna fade proof finishing gloss

Alterna fade proof finishing gloss $25 (a leave in gloss that helps protect hair from uva and uvb)

Agave healing oil treatment

Agave healing oil treatment $40

Shea Moisture damage repair serum

Shea Moisture damage repair serum $12.99

Alterna color protection and hydration mask

Alterna color protection and hydration mask $26

Carol's Daughter restorative cream

Carol’s Daughter restorative cream $12

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!

Bumble and Bumble surf spray

Bumble and Bumble surf spray $26 (hair stylists use this all the time to add texture and give the look of beachy hair)

John Frieda curl defining spray

John Frieda curl defining spray $5.39

Kerastase curl defining cream

Kerastase curl defining cream $40

Deva Curl styling cream

Deva Curl styling cream $25 (enhancing curls while controlling frizz)

Samy get curls reactivating lotion

Samy get curls reactivating lotion $4.99

Ouiad climate control anti frizz

Ouiad climate control anti frizz $23

Bumble and Bumble curl conscious shampoo

Bumble and Bumble curl conscious shampoo $24

Bumble and Bumble curl conscious conditioner

Bumble and Bumble curl conscious conditioner $26

Shea Moisture curl and shine shampoo

Shea Moisture curl and shine shampoo $9.99

Shea Moisture curl and shine conditioner

Shea Moisture curl and shine conditioner $11.99

John Frieda Frizz ease collection

John Frieda Frizz ease collection $5.09 – $8.99

MOMMA WANTS… fantasy furnishing that kids & adults can love!

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Our apt in London the day we were moving out… we left everything behind…

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Our home in LA dominated by our little one…. The big question – can we find a middle ground – a grown up home that can also feel like a very cool playground…

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:

You design studio canvas shaped sofa

You design studio canvas shaped sofa $3499

Ludlow meda console

Ludlow meda console $1299

Pottery Barn tripod/photog lamp

Pottery Barn tripod/photog lamp $349

Anthropologie cabinet

Anthropologie cabinet $899.95

Missoni floor pouf

Missoni floor pouf $1440

Dirk Vander Kooij chair

Dirk Vander Kooij chair $498

Blown shelves (set of 3)

Blown shelves (set of 3) $150

Anthropologie velvet settee

Anthropologie velvet settee $1498

Bear shelves

Bear shelves $2400

Moroccan pouf

Moroccan pouf $199

Seletti side table

Seletti side table $249

Home Hills side chairs (set of 2)

Home Hills side chairs (set of 2) $215

Teacup lamp

Teacup lamp $155

Brigitta dresser

Brigitta dresser $498

Studio du Monde sleeper sofa

Studio du Monde sleeper sofa $299.99

Vintage storage lockers

Vintage storage lockers $2495

Lumisource puzzle ottomans

Lumisource puzzle ottomans $62.99

West Elm glass jar pendant lights

West Elm glass jar pendant lights $99 (each)

Alphabet dresser

Alphabet dresser $999

Swarm Antwerp chair

Swarm Antwerp chair $2298

Duffy London dining table

Duffy London dining table $41,000 (I mean insanely expensive but pretty cool)

and some fantasy furnishing for the little ones:

Kid Kraft princess bed

Kid Kraft princess bed $139.99

Step 2 corvette bed (with lights)

Step 2 corvette bed (with lights) $299.99

Circo beanbag lounger

Circo beanbag lounger $44.99

swivel chair and ottoman

swivel chair and ottoman $171

Land of Nod dollhouse bookcase

Land of Nod dollhouse bookcase $299

Teamson dinosaur toy box

Teamson dinosaur toy box $158

Storage beanbag (perfect for storing old clothes - multi-tasking furniture!)

Storage beanbag (perfect for storing old clothes – multi-tasking furniture!) $149

Alex creative creative center

Alex creative creative center $198.99

Kid Kraft vanity table

Kid Kraft vanity table $188.99

Land of Nod rug

Land of Nod rug $259

Pottery Barn Kids cottage loft bed

Pottery Barn Kids cottage loft bed $1499

Pottery Barn Kids speedboat (with trundle) bed

Pottery Barn Kids speedboat (with trundle) bed $1099

Fatboy toddler stool

Fatboy toddler stool $159

Batman recliner

Batman recliner $149.99

 

MOMMAS WANT… great mothers day gifts

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Whatever I get from my little one for Mother’s Day I will treasure forever… I’m hoping it starts with a hug.

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)!

Jennifer Fisher 'momma' cuff

Jennifer Fisher ‘momma’ cuff $515

Santa Barbara Design mug

Santa Barbara Design mug $12

Pottery Barn  silver leaf hand and footprint frame

Pottery Barn silver leaf hand and footprint frame $52

Gorjana locket necklace

Gorjana locket necklace $70

Eberjey PJ set

Eberjey PJ set $97 (and maybe she gets to stay in them all day and get breakfast in bed..)

Second Nature By Hand dish towel

Second Nature By Hand dish towel $10

Pearhead babyprints frame

Pearhead babyprints frame $42

Jennifer Meyer ring

Jennifer Meyer ring $275

Primitives by Kathy pillow

Primitives by Kathy pillow $18

Missoni Home candle

Missoni Home candle $88

Sippy Cups Are Not For Chardonnay book

Sippy Cups Are Not For Chardonnay book $15

Roberto Coin necklace

Roberto Coin necklace $600

Primatives by Kathy picture frame

Primatives by Kathy picture frame $25

Gucci tote bag

Gucci tote bag $1350

Sarah Chloe engravable bangle

Sarah Chloe engravable bangle $129

Chan Luu scarf

Chan Luu scarf $205

Georgetown Cupcakes (box of 12)

Georgetown Cupcakes (box of 12) $45

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!

Thea Jewelry - custom made jewelry

Thea Jewelry – custom made jewelry – prices vary depending on design.

A Picture of our little ones in a statement tee declaring their love in a nice frame never hurts…

Pottery Barn chalkboard frame

Pottery Barn chalkboard frame $39

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Gap onesie $12.95

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Gap onesie $12.95

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Old Navy tee $8.94

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Old Navy tee $8

MOMMA NEEDS… beautiful bedroom furniture

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Max, I love having you here and you’re always welcome – but momma is reclaiming her bedroom!

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Of course, there is always going to be a little space where you can keep your stuff too…

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…

Pottery Barn headboard & storage platform bed

Pottery Barn headboard & storage platform bed $899- $1999

West Elm dresser

West Elm dresser $934

West Elm storage bench

West Elm storage bench $399

Vince Camuto sham

Vince Camuto sham $29.99

Anthropologie ombre pillows

Anthropologie ombre pillows $188

Ombre dyed rug

Ombre dyed rug $129 – $849

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams lamp

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams lamp $431.99

Eduardian tufted velvet bed

Eduardian tufted velvet bed $549 – $649

West Elm nightstand

West Elm nightstand $211

Barnes modern chair

Barnes modern chair $299

JR by John Robshaw decorative pillows

JR by John Robshaw decorative pillows $199

Lisa Golightly picture

Lisa Golightly picture $189 – $299

Delacy rug

Delacy rug $75-$925

Palla table lamp

Palla table lamp $229

Winchester bed

Winchester bed $2498 – $2998

1960's Raymond Lowey style dresser

1960′s Raymond Lowey style dresser $995

West Elm mid-century modern nightstand

West Elm mid-century modern nightstand $239

The Modern Home picture

The Modern Home picture $149-$229

The Modern Home daisy hide

The Modern Home daisy hide $615

Nostalgia home duvet cover

Nostalgia home duvet cover $99-$149

Perch table lamp

Perch table lamp $79

Malinda headboard and rails

Malinda headboard and rails $399 – $899

Devon Campaign bedside table

Devon Campaign bedside table $249

Redford end of bed trunk

Redford end of bed trunk $699

Moresque chair

Moresque chair $498

Blissliving Home throw pillow

Blissliving Home throw pillow $135

Poetic Wanderlust pillows

Poetic Wanderlust pillows $49.99

Hudson Park ikat ogee collection

Hudson Park ikat ogee collection $74.99 – $279.99

Source Kudu table lamp

Source Kudu table lamp $169

Ellis nail bed

Ellis nail bed $699

Storage bench

Storage bench $249.99

Mirrored nightstand

Mirrored nightstand $1098

Kantha coverlet + shams

Kantha coverlet + shams $29-$189

Velvet Ikat pillows

Velvet Ikat pillows $39

Parsons floor mirror

Parsons floor mirror $549

Mid-Century table lamp

Mid-Century table lamp $149

teepee

Land of Nod teepee $159

land of nod teepee

land of nod teepee $159

West Elm teepee

West Elm teepee $249

MOMMA NEEDS… kid friendly furniture (that looks great)

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Soft furnishings with rounded edges makes the living room a little more safe.

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…

Pottery Barn chesterfield sofa

Pottery Barn chesterfield sofa $1899

West Elm side table

West Elm side table $119

Anthropologie chair

Anthropologie chair $498

Pearl River Modern NY side table

Pearl River Modern NY side table $119

Nora round tufted ottoman

Nora round tufted ottoman $999

Leo console table

Leo console table $2199

Hayden armless chair

Hayden armless chair $189.99

West Elm dining table

West Elm dining table $399

Griffin nailhead dining chairs (set of 2)

Griffin nailhead dining chairs (set of 2) $259

Anthropologie nightstand

Anthropologie nightstand $278

West ELm ainslie sofa

West Elm ainslie sofa $1149

Pottery Barn trunk
Pottery Barn trunk $799
Anthropologie pouf

Anthropologie pouf $158

Semisfera coffee table

Semisfera coffee table $1898

Valetta tufted bench

Valetta tufted bench $299

Gemma cinch accent table

Gemma cinch accent table $279

Pottery Barn rectangular ottoman

Pottery Barn rectangular ottoman $999

tufted chaise settee

tufted chaise settee $479.99 

Anthropologie dining table

Anthropologie dining table $998

Pearl River Modern NY dining chair

Pearl River Modern NY dining chair $165

Pearl River Modern NY coffee table magazine holder

Pearl River Modern NY coffee table magazine holder $329

Moroccan pouf

Moroccan pouf (comes in various colors) $199

Anthropologie sofa

Anthropologie sofa $1998

The Great Room dining table

The Great Room dining table $919

Clarissa dining chairs

Clarissa dining chairs $248

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…

west elm ottoman

West Elm ottoman $299

target futon

Target Futon $189.09 (comes in black and white)

mosaic occasional table

One Kings Lane mosaic occasional table $299

west elm chair

West elm chair $381

Chintaly Dahlia Parson dining table

Chintaly Dahlia Parson dining table $612.04

west elm dining chair

West Elm dining chair $489.99 – $989.99 (depending on how many you want)

anthropologie ottoman

Anthropologie bench ottoman $1298

west elm sectional

West Elm sectional $1783

cusp lounge chair

Cusp lounge chair $599

respite console table

One Kings Lane respite console table $499

Pottery Barn ottoman coffee table

Pottery Barn ottoman table $999

west elm pouf

West Elm pouf $199

target accent table

Target accent table $56.99

one kings lane pair of dining chairs

One Kings Lane pair of dining chairs $329

anthropologie dining table

Anthropologie dining table $5998

JAckson wingback chair

Jackson wingback chair $195.99

Monarch side table

Monarch side table $104.99

pottery barn tufted bench

Pottery Barn tufted bench $699

west elm coffee table

West Elm Coffee Table $349

sydney stool

Sydney stool $449

west elm livingston sofa

West Elm livingston sofa $1249

piper ottoman

Piper Ottoman $339

deco side table

Deco side table $549

safavieh bench

Safavieh bench $345

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.

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My little girl when I first got her back in New York in 2002 – her ears were so darn big and she was only 1 pound!

Gucci in Marie Claire

Gucci’s first modeling job for Marie Claire – she became the house model for a period of time… I mean, with that face she was in demand!

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She really was such a little love bug and when Simon and I first got together I think she thought he was her boyfriend…

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Simon and I married in 2006 and we had to have Gucci there to celebrate with us… She may have been the biggest hit of the night!

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Following the wedding and the honeymoon we moved from New York to London where Gucci met her new Rhodesian Ridgeback sisters, Shelby and Chili, for the first time. Make no mistake – she made sure everyone understood there was a new queen in town.

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This is her – you are not putting me in that bag – look. I though Gucci in Hermes would be quite fabulous…. But really she was tougher than that – she was “The Guch”

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Listen, i’m a stylist, and the cold weather in London meant Gucci had to wear a lot of sweaters, coats and the occasional elf costume.

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2010 Gucci got back on that long journey across the pond – this time to sunny Los Angeles – she settled in nicely, worked on her tan and lost the winter weight happily spending plenty of time basking by the pool.

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Always glutinous – she was the first one to alert me to dinner time – with this look and stance….

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Max’s arrival might have been a bit confusing… A new little person meant less attention for all the pups – but then again, he was a secondary source of food – so she always kept close to the little man.

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She has always shared our bed… And when Max arrived she was kind enough to share some of her bed space with him when he would join us in the middle of the night…

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Max loves his car – Guch simply wanted to see what all the fuss was about… she just couldn’t reach the gas pedal…

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Max’s sidekick. She always knew wherever he was, we were, and we have 2 hands – one to play with him and one to pet her… often times we had both Gucci and Max on our laps at the same time..

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One of my all time favorite pictures… She was a real personality – for a small dog she sure could entertain, dominate, endear…. and I miss her like crazy.

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!

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First week of Max’s life and I’m not sure if the glider was rocking him or my poor sleep deprived husband to sleep!

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.

monte glider

Monte glider $995 – this is the actual glider I bought and I LOVE it! Comes in varying colors…

Eddie Bauer chair and a half rocker

Eddie Bauer chair and a half rocker $399.99 – amazing if you have twins or just want extra room for you and your little one!

dylan swivel glider

Dylan swivel glider $764.15

Monte rocking chair

Monte rocking chair $995

Little Charleston swivel glider

Little Charleston swivel glider $499.99

Pottery Barn rocker

Pottery Barn rocker $699-$999 depending on color

Stork Craft glider with ottoman

Stork Craft glider with ottoman $187.99

West Elm glider

West Elm glider $949

potter barn slipcovered wingback glider

Pottery Barn slipcovered glider $1199 (amazing – because its washable for all those accidents that come with babies)

Babyletto Madison swivel glider

Babyletto Madison swivel glider $349.99

Pottery Barn tudor rocker

Pottery Barn tudor rocker $799