January 2009 Archives

Want a new look in your tot's room without any commitment? Maybe for a birthday or special celebration, you can get these Wallies Murals that stick on and come off without a trace. Or maybe you want to keep it on but don't want the hassle (or have the skills) of painting it yourself. These murals done professionally can be hundreds if not thousands of dollars! And you don't know how it'll turn out. I love the life size images and you know you're tots will go bonkers to see his or her favorite objects all over the walls! They come in separate pieces so you can design the look to your space. The Out of this World Olive Kids Space Big Mural by Wallies is $34 and WALLIES Big Murals Fairyland Castle Girls Fairies is 32.50. Also comes in smaller decals for furniture and toy bins.

This is a high chair you can begin using from birth. This does not sound useful until you have a floppy tiny infant who cannot sit anywhere and is constantly on the floor or in a bouncy thing that is on the floor. The little tot get's no face time unless you're holding her. This chair reclines to acts as a cradle carrier so she can finally see body parts other than feet! There is a 5-point padded harness so it is perfectly safe to sleep in. This is a great way to begin socializing her so she can look at faces, see what you're doing when having a meal or just hang out while you chat with other people. Of course, this is a super functional high chair for mealtimes when that time comes and even when she get's older and needs to pull up to the table for a real meal with the family. The tray and center bar is fully removable. The chair swivels a complete 360 degrees and there is a pneumatic-assisted height adjustment (like a barber's chair!). It is very specific in it's modern design but if that's what you have already, this would be the perfect addition to your lovely home. At Giggle.com for $400. Comes in a variety of colors and to glam up 2009, there will be silver and gold. The cushion is removable and washable, which means you can also change out the color if you want.

Fresco Chair

The last thing I need in my bag is a camcorder the size and weight of a brick. That is why I only have video of my tots at home. Yeah yeah, call me lazy or whatever but it just is not convenient. For Christmas, my sweet hubby and even sweeter daddy to his girls, got me this Flip Video camcorder. It records in HD, easy to download to your computer (with a USB plug) and is smaller and lighter than your phone!! It is 3.3 oz and is 4" x 2". The quality is incredible, so much better than converting the HD tapes into a digital file, which is annoyingly time consuming to do. I bring this everywhere now and on our recent trip to Legoland, I got video of my 3 year old on her first roller coaster ride! It is super easy to use, there is a big red button for record and stop. Each time you take a video it is saved as its own file so it is really easy to organize and find the clip you're looking for. Oh, did I forget to mention that this is super well priced? Only $169 at Amazon.

Did you know 3 year olds need to get their teeth cleaned? Well, I was scolded by my pediatrician when my answer to that was, "no" so I immediately scheduled an appointment with a pediatric dentist. Definitely find a pediatric specialist because it makes the whole experience go down much smoother. In fact, it was quite pleasant for my tot. The place was decked out in a safari jungle theme with waterfalls and fish tanks, there were toys, play areas and a really great goodie bag that goes home with you. The doctor explained everything and let her touch all the instruments. My normally squeamish tot sat there and happily had her teeth cleaned (as in, with those metal picks!) and polished without a peep. I was so impressed already and then I find out that this doctor developed her own toothpaste that tastes like Vanilla ice cream! It does not contain saccharin or artificial colors or flavors and it is free of sodium lauryl sulfate which has been suspected of causing canker sores. It uses Sorbitol which is a natural sweetener from fruits and vegetables. I tasted this, it does taste exactly like vanilla ice cream so I don't need to convince you that your tots will love it! This is a fluoride toothpaste so make sure your tot knows how to spit before you start on any toothpaste with fluoride. Banilla Bling, $6 for 4.2 oz tube. Also comes in Cha Cha Chocolate.

One of my favorite sites, The Beans Closet is having a Friends and Family event, 25% off site wide. Everything in their amazing collection will be reduced by 25% for 3 days, starting today, Jan. 27th until Jan. 29th. This is the time to get those gifts that you need to get anyway or to stock up on adorable Summer clothes! Shop The Beans Closet now.

My very serious back problem has led me on a hunt for a mattress that has equal amounts of give and support so that my spine stays absolutely straight while I sleep. This search has led me to Hästens, the absolute most high end of beds, in fact, the King of Sweden sleeps on one of these. The prices range from a steep $6,500 to a whopping $67,500. It sounds ridiculous but these beds are so amazingly comfortable that I am about to sell all my worldly processions to buy one. The prices vary depending on thickness of mattress, thus amount of material used. Everything is 100% organic (genuine horsehair for absorption of heat and moisture and allows proper ventilation), and it's all handmade and comes with a lifetime guarantee. It is hard to justify the price tag without first hand account - it is like sleeping on a cloud! They make a crib mattress that has all the benefits but is only $700. They offer this without a markup because they understand the importance of proper sleep for babies and kids (and well, to get them hooked while their young!). The children's mattress cover is machine washable. I would seriously consider this if you are in the market for a crib mattress because you are getting something really extraordinary for a high but still accessible price. Go to their website for store information.

If you're having one of those mornings and can't seem to get yourself together, you can still get your fabulous face on in only a few minutes. When I interviewed Heidi Klum's makeup artist Linda Hay, she gave me tips for a 3 minute look and a 5 minute look. Now, we all have that to spare no matter how crazy our day is!

In 3 minutes, you only have time for concealer, bronzer, mascara and lip gloss. But you would be surprised how much that will do, especially the bronzer or blush because it suddenly makes you look flush and awake.

The Sue Devitt Triple Touch Light Reflecting Bronzer ($30 at Barneys New York) has 3 shades to give your cheeks a full spectrum of sun kisses all in one swoop. You can swish some on your eye lids for a quick touch of color in seconds.

And to make the few quick strokes count, get a mega mascara like the Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara, $27.

We all have a favorite lip gloss, mine is Lipfusion $50, it plumps, moisturizes and glosses!

Go to the next page for the 5 Minute Look!

Valentine's Day is when moms get to settle the bill so that we can regain balance for the rest of the year as we continue our work as Supermom and Superwife, and if you are also a Super Career Woman, well, this list might need to be more extensive.

The most obvious gift is a bag, which is really an extension of our womb if you think about it - this is where we carry our most precious! There are so many to choose from, Bag Snob has a nice list, but I like this bright red Miu Miu Crinkled Patent, $1295 at Net-a-Porter. It is functional and big enough for moms but more importantly it is on-trend and not the typical mommy bag. Dear god, never wear mommy jeans and NEVER walk around with a diaper bag when your kids are no longer in diapers!!

Another expected option is the sentimental jewelry. I love Jeanine Payer for the customization, I have the Shirley Necklace with my tots' names engraved on it and I wear it daily (it has not left me since I got it, it is small enough to layer with other jewelry). This Rosa photo necklace is an updated version of a locket. You can also have the plate engraved with your tot's name, birthday and well wishes. It is $730, the plate is 18k gold.

All moms deserve divine beauty products. If you are skipping facials to attend PTA meetings, it is an absolute must! If your skin needs serious nourishment, Créme de la Mer, $230 at Saks Fifth Avenue, will restore your moisture and keep your skin supple and happy. But make sure you need that degree of moisture. Chantecaille and Natura Bisse are other great options for essential luxuries.

No one need sexy shoes like moms! We have to try harder to get our groove on and look sexy and nothing does that the way a pair of killer high platforms will. The YSL Tribute Sandals $760 at Saks Fifth Avenue (also black and navy) will take you through many seasons and will certainly spike any outfit you have on. That not so extraordinary black dress will now bring your sweetie to his knees! Email me if you need me to not so subtly email these suggestions to whom it may concern! =)

Get $5 off of Stride Rite's Natural Motion System shoes. Print the coupon here or use the code 5OFFNMS, valid until March 31, 2009. This coupon is only good for the Natural Motion System collection but those are the best shoes from them anyways!

This sounds great, I'll do all 100 right now!! Now and again (and again and again), we have to remember to take care of ourselves, as well. No one likes a grumpy mom, right? I have "Leave Me Alone" time when my husband takes over and pretends I am not home so I can do the things like take a quiet bath, read a magazine (or 3) and play stupid games on my phone. A total time suck you say? That's what makes it so amazing! This new book out April 7th have 100 ideas to rejuvenate your mind and spirit so you can get back to your tots with a happy grin. Pre-order now at Amazon for $11.53, which is over 30% off list price of $16.95. Get a couple, we all have a girlfriend who needs a copy of this!

For 2009, I am starting a new series called "Mom Snob Quickies" with great ideas to make you, your family and home more beautiful in 5-10 minutes. These will include beauty tips, wardrobe ideas and even recipes to fit into your busy lifestyle from me and my fashionista friends (stylists, designers, make up artist, hair stylist, etc)! Look for the first story this Friday!