July 2008 Archives

Swirly Tree and Bird $115; Dandelion $35

Are your kids growing out of kid's decor? Or maybe you never grew into kids decor and want another option. Lewa's designs has the most charming decals for any room in your house (although if you are not in college, I would not recommend putting these in your main living areas). These are removable decals that stick to your walls but looks like paint. You get the best of both worlds. The Dandelion is 40" and the Swirly Tree is 6 feet tall! This is pretty much the only thing you need to put in your room. They can be reused but the stickiness does wear off. I have similar decals and I bought "post it" glue for those spots that don't stick anymore. Doesn't work perfectly but well enough. Get them at Poppy Talk Handmade.

Here it is the awaited second-half of our interview with the Queen Magazine MILF and founder of Magazine MILF! Her MILF-ness dishes on embracing your own MILFness, how to keep-up a smockin' bod, her fav mags, and more!

Any tips for shy mothers who are having a hard time embracing their MILFiness?
Go to Pepper at Paul Labrecque in New York. If you feel great about your hair, you can do anything.

How do you keep your body worthy of MILF?
I know it’s boring but you’ve got to eat right and exercise. I am partial to the French eating model – portion control, soup, tea and some dessert everyday. I have a major sweet tooth, so when I need to go beyond Fudgsicles, I cut back a bit on dinner.
Find healthy foods you like to cook – if you are cooking, you get to be around food without actually consuming it. Fish is delish and super-easy to make seem gourmet. Mr. MILF says my fish is better than restaurant fish; he no longer eats it out. Mark Bittman at The Times has lots of fast, easy recipes. Just make sure you get a list of low-mercury species.

More after the jump!

Personalized touches are always what sets apart good gifts from great gifts, which is why I love "The First Adventures of Incredible You". For about $30 you can get this award-winning, full-color, hardcover book containing over 20 places that may be personalized to include details about the people and places that are most special to your child. Best of all it was created by two mommies! Love mama-entrepreneurs! Some of the personalized items include your family's favorite sports team, music, vacation spot, park, and even your nearby zoo! You are also given the opportunity to include your child's parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends in the story and there is a dedication page so that the child will always remember who gave them the special book! Click here to see first-hand what you can personalize. As for the story the book tells, The First Adventures of Incredible You is described by their website as a delightful, rhyming personalized children's book about the everyday experiences and sensations of a young child. From splashing in rain puddles to cheering on a favorite team to smelling a favorite family food, the personalized storybook tells the story of this child's first several years of life.

Use coupon code -- "adventures20" -- and save 20% on all orders until 8/31/2008!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Vicki W. of Fargo, ND and Kari F. of Wolcott, NY. They are our lucky winners of this amazing giveaway!

Put some cool Rock n Roll vibes in your kids with these funky nursery rhyme rock tees. A totally adorable, sassy and clever spin on boring old rhymes - Mary and the 'Lil L.A.M.B., "This Sheep is Bananas!". Just don't tell your kids what the real Gwen Stefani lyrics are. Another fun one, "Little Miss Muffet, Drop it like it's hot!", as in the spider of course. The London Bridge is my favorite with the tag line borrowed from Fergie, "Back 2 back drop it down real low". There are so many and if you win, you get to pick from any of the Concert Series tees. The tee shirts are worth $38 (prices vary depending on style and size) and sizing is from infant all the way up to 5/6. To win, explain to me what "The Cat and the Fiddle" rhyme means. I have never understood it, it is so abstract and cryptic, especially the dish and spoon part! Put your interpretation in comments and we will select 2 winner through a random drawing from all entries. We will give away one boy AND one girl so please specify which when you enter. One entry per person please! The giveaway will close on Friday August 1st at 11:59pm EST.

Thank you Crib Rock Couture for sponsoring the prizes.

I had the chance to interview MILF expert and founder of Magazine MILF the other day to get the lo-down on what exactly a MILF is from a real-life one and daughter, she says, of the original MILF. Unfortunately her identity must be kept top-secret as she is a power player in the publishing world, but rest-assured after speaking with her, this lady most definitly knows her stuff – Read-on for Part I of Snob's tongue-and-cheek look at what it is to live the life of a MILF.

Can you explain what a MILF is?
In the most generic and G-rated terms, MILF is a synonym for a hot mom or, if you are British, a yummy mummy. The word MILF is actually an acronym whose exact meaning you can find on urbandictionary.com.
While many people think of a MILF in purely surface terms, I consider it largely a state of mind. For example, I bestowed upon Julia Child the title of Honorary MILF, after reading her amazing book, “My Life in France.” Although she never had children and she wasn’t a conventionally beautiful woman, her self-discovery and late-bloomer career trajectory are an incredible inspiration to women everywhere (and men too – my hard-to-impress husband was floored). She had such great personality and joie de vivre, you can understand why a handsome man like Paul Child was smitten.
I think MILFiness is also about taking care of yourself once you have a baby. I understand the tendency to let things go. E.g., How can you possibly perform expert makeup application when a screaming child is demanding your attention? Or exercise when you have been awake since 4am? But I think it’s a sign of self-respect, rather than indulgent vanity, to keep up appearances. If you don’t have time or energy to keep with your pre-mom routine, head to your nearest makeup counter and commission a makeup artist to devise a new routine for you. If you can no longer wear heels, invest in cute flats. If you can’t get to the gym, get a running stroller. And so on.

More after the jump!

Send the message to your kids early, the key to happiness is not getting into Harvard and then making 7 figures (6 figures is not enough nowadays, right?). I know, you are waiting for me to reveal what the key is but unfortunately I don't have a clue either, but "Laugh Often" and "Dream Big" seem like a good start. Although, I need to clarify as to not contradict myself, Dream Big to me means getting the things that cannot be bought with money, such as never-ending love, loving who you are, the ability to devote to your passion and of course kids! The plan to convert your neighbor's house into your walk in closet may sound like a Big Dream, but when it comes right down to it, it is quite meaningless (although it would be fantastic!!!). I love these 100% organic cotton tees for what it says as well as what it doesn't say, buying organic is good for the earth. There are also mom size tees like this "Stay Strong" one to give encouragement for those late nights with extreme crying. "Laugh Often" and "Dream Big" onesies are $24, "Stay Strong" for moms are $32 (one percentage of this shirt goes to the National Breast Cancer Foundation).

Custom Victorian House by Alan Mowrer for $23,400

Just to answer your first question, YES, this is a playhouse, as in, for a child. The second answer to your questions is, no I would not spend this much money on a "toy" for my kids, I want this for MYSELF!! Look at this most exquisite, beautiful and quaint little retreat for good quality alone time. It is two stories, has a kitchen, full living room and has the option of cable, running water, electricity, central air and wireless communication system. Hello!! Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes!!! Although my fantasy is to sit peacefully to read, catch up on Weeds or online shop in this house, the reality is that my 2 girls would be banging on the door wanting to evict me. Everything is customized by Alan Mowrer so you can really have anything you want. This house shown is $23,400 but is just an estimate. More details and ordering info at Posh Tots.

It looks like I have been ignoring the boys lately and I do apologize. But I am going to make it up big time with these great finds for your loyal mama's boys. I am a huge Da-Nang fan, of course living in LA I feel justified in spending $200 on pants that look a bit worn and shabby. These pants, though, are ultra chic and cool enough for your most handsome. And if you have a true rebel on your hands, he will love these dragon canvas print cargos. How awesome is it to have dragons in your life? Right now all I have are lame princesses. Da Nang cargo in estate blue is $72 (also comes in pink for BFF sis) and the Tea Collection Sakura Canvas Printed pants are $50 at Milk Shop.

My Mommy's Pockets (Full Apron) and Wee Pockets, in "Funky Punkin"
As featured on Tot Snob in May

UPDATE: Congrats to Joy N. of Valrico, FL, she is our lucky winner!

Win this adorable set of mommy and daughter apron set from Progeny with a total retail value of $87! All you have to do is guess who this adorable child actress is. She came on the scene in 1982 in a movie about a creature from out yonder. She is so incredibly cute, still! You really can't help but just love her. And you really can't help but love the My Mommy's Apron ($55). It keeps all my things on hand while I run around the house, a real helper! And of course the Wee Pockets ($32) will keep your other little helper feel involved and hopefully learn to be helpful very very soon! Please put your answer in comments by Friday July 25 at 11:59pm EST. One answer per person please and make sure to include your email address (will not be published) so I can reach you if you win.

A BIG thanks to Progeny for sponsoring the prizes!!

Celeb photo courtesy of inStyle.com

I know it is still summer and very hot but I am getting ready for the Fall, for myself and my kids. The Bag Leg leg warmers are the best things for cold weather, they may not be so relevant in my life now that I am back in sunny southern California, but they were essential when we lived in Boston. Hello! Humans should not be subjected to temperatures that are below zero much less 20 below!!! And little babies should NEVER come into direct contact with that kind of coldness. I bundled from head to toe but the pant leg opening was always a problem, you gotta shore up that gap to prevent the cold air from whisking up in there. That's one use for these. Also, when you get indoors, the heater is always cranked up to 90 degrees. Instead of stripping them down to remove leggings, these slip off easily without the need to remove the pants. I also use them at home when we're just lounging (the picture on the left is my daughter when she was 11 months old, see how cute the leg warmers are!!). They are perfect for crawlers as knee guards. I love the wonderfully bright colors and now they are available in organic cotton. Prices range from $15-20 at Baby Bella.