Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Zara big and small
Zara is now available online! Structured basics for mom and unique frocks and cardis for little ones.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Missoni Lust List
Okay, folks. Tomorrow is the day Missoni for Target launches in stores and online! Get there EARLY because these things are going to fly!
Here is my shopping list:
My focus (surprisingly) are the housewares. Below are my pared down pics for fashion items.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Register like a pro!
If you are expecting, be sure to check out Joanna Goddard's Registration Must Haves.
Being a little bit of a low maintenance mom myself, I think some items are not a requirement:
Baby Monitor - only really needed for a large house, we can hear any rustling,crying etc from anywhere in our home!
Breast feeding pillow - breastfeeding is fairly easy once you get the hang of it, regular pillows work too ;)
Absolute neccessities include:
The thin, soft blankets she suggests (especially love the Aiden + Anais ones)
Swaddlers - some babies just love a swaddle and if yours is one of them, this will be a lifesaver!
Noise machine - the Sleepy Sheep is our best friend!
Being a little bit of a low maintenance mom myself, I think some items are not a requirement:
Baby Monitor - only really needed for a large house, we can hear any rustling,crying etc from anywhere in our home!
Breast feeding pillow - breastfeeding is fairly easy once you get the hang of it, regular pillows work too ;)
Absolute neccessities include:
The thin, soft blankets she suggests (especially love the Aiden + Anais ones)
Swaddlers - some babies just love a swaddle and if yours is one of them, this will be a lifesaver!
Noise machine - the Sleepy Sheep is our best friend!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Gilt City Dallas
Gilt does Dallas! The famous online deal-brokers are bringing their magic to the big D! Click for an invitation to join Gilt City Dallas and 20% off your first purchase. With deals like $30 for 3 yoga classes at Exhale Spa, you really can't afford not to pamper yourself!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Bell Bottoms
I have a distinct memory dating back to my childhood in the mid 1980's of watching a mariachi band play poolside at a Galveston hotel. The men were all clad in exaggerated bell bottoms and I told my mother I would NEVER wear bell bottoms. I was deep into jeans pegging that year and specialized in techniques for getting those bad boys as skinny as humanly possible.
In the late 90's my Mom reminded me of this as I chose a pair of slightly flared jeans as my back to school denim purchase.
I was instantly transported back to these risk taking mariachis when I first glimpsed my Angies.
Citizens of Humanity Angie Super Flare jeans $228 Shopbop or locally at Tootsies
I am completely smitten with these jeans. They are perfection. The mariachis were onto something.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Summer Shower Inspiration
A wonderfully simple baby shower via Lovely Morning.
Couples showers just seem like the way to go these days. Dads are parents too, after all!
Rustic and simple, it doesn't take much to decorate a beautiful garden.
This was the only activity - pin a pink or blue flower to your lapel to weigh in on the gender of the baby.
No consensus on the gender! What a fun surprise in store for this couple!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Confessions of a new dad
This sweet, honest post was penned by Alex - husband to Joanna Goddard. My husband frequently shares his daydreams about going camping with our two tiny ones. So sweet!
1. "I didn't bond with the baby right away."
The experience of fatherhood is thrilling, but so hard at the same time. I loved Toby from the second I saw him. But the first few months, to be honest, were pure adjustment. The baby is so helpless, and you're so clueless, and you don’t have that strong chemical, hormonal and emotional bond with the child, in the same way the mother does.
You spend the first six months of your baby's life cramming this giant rule book. You have to learn everything—how to hold the baby, how to swaddle, how to change a diaper. I had never played with dolls or even babysat, so it was totally, totally new.
I did enjoy it--it was a fascinating odyssey and deeply satisfying--but, secretly, at the same time, if Joanna had walked in and said, "My mom's going to take over for the next month," I would have been thrilled.
2. "Time alone with the baby was surprisingly profound."
Even though I felt so lost overall, I was surprised by how spending time alone with Toby felt natural and surprisingly not scary. I remember the very first night we had Toby at home. Joanna was in bed, and I had four hours alone with him. He was sleeping in the bassinet next to me, and started to stir. I realized that he had never heard music before and that I got to pick out the first song he'd ever hear. I felt like I had a hand in shaping his destiny. Choosing a song on iTunes suddenly felt profound! I decided on "Penny Lane" by The Beatles. It was bright and optimistic, like the first day of spring. It was a magical moment.
3. “My wife acted a little like she was on drugs.”
Up until you have a baby, whatever happens, you and your wife pretty much respond the same way. You're on the same wavelength. But once the baby arrives, every thing that happens, your wife has a 90-degree different take.
Joanna's highs were higher, and her lows were lower. Her general joyfulness was so high; she was starry-eyed and blissed out. On the flip side, she was more anxious. She was more inclined to take any negative thing to heart—such as Toby fussing while we changed his diaper. I figured his fussing was a small, unfortunate but inevitable thing, but it felt incredibly urgent to Joanna. She got really upset by his crying—for her, it was like an alarm clock was going off inside her. She had an extreme surge of anxiety at any possible sign of disturbance to Toby, whereas I would address his crying but it wouldn't bother me on an emotional level. I just thought, Oh, all babies cry, he'll be ok.
It's like being with someone on drugs. You're on a different plane. You look at your wife, and you have to imagine, 'What exactly are you feeling? How does the world look to you right now?' Then you have to figure out how to respond the way she would want.
Everything does come back down to earth again. Your wife no longer feels those extreme surges at both ends of the emotional spectrum and becomes more like her old self (which is a relief to her, too), and you get more acclimated and feel like your old self. By about month nine, we found ourselves settling back into our old rhythms and feeling like ourselves again (see below:).
4. "I was nervous that my wife would like the baby better."
Maybe it sounds crazy, but a great fear I always had about having children was that my future wife might like them better. In many of my friends’ families growing up, the husband was basically replaced by the kids. There's nothing more primal than the love between mother and infant. I was absolutely worried about being dropped a notch.
Once Joanna was putting Toby to bed and I heard her tell him, "You're my favorite person in the whole world, do you know that?" and I was thinking, 'Really? What about me?' It sounds ridiculous, but it was an adjustment not to be the only man in her life. But in the end, I saw that our marriage could never be replaced by a baby—it's such a different thing. That realization was a huge relief.
5. “Children's books are boring.”
I love spending time with Toby, especially when we go on walks or play the guitar. But some baby activities are s-l-o-w. Many women seem to have a tremendous capacity to step outside themselves and see things through the baby's eyes, like reading children's books. But to me, children's books are fundamentally boring. Like, mind-numbing. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is tough sledding.
6. “Everything turned a corner at nine months."
I once heard a theory that babies are inside the womb for nine months, but that they're remain in the gestational period outside the womb for the next nine months.
Everything changed when Toby was nine months old. One day, Toby didn't seem to know who I was (or care!). But the next evening, I got home from work, and Toby was eating dinner in the high chair, and he looked up at me and smiled and shrieked and did jazz hands. He recognized me! It was amazing. I felt like we had truly connected. Honestly, for the first time, he didn't only feel like my baby, but like my son.
7. “I daydream about the future with Toby.”
I often daydream about Toby growing up: listening to music, taking him on boats, teaching him how to cook a great omelet, telling stories about "the old days." I always picture us on hikes for some reason—even though I don't really go on many hikes. My father and I used to sit around for hours some nights and plan my future, and I love the idea of being on the other side of that conversation. I also look forward to imparting lessons that my dad didn't give me—like how to ask out women.
8. “I'm ready for another.”
With your first baby, it's really tough. Every day is a surprise. But now I know that I can do it. Raising a child for the first 12 months of their life is a skill I now have. Having a second baby? Believe it or not, I can't wait. :)
1. "I didn't bond with the baby right away."
The experience of fatherhood is thrilling, but so hard at the same time. I loved Toby from the second I saw him. But the first few months, to be honest, were pure adjustment. The baby is so helpless, and you're so clueless, and you don’t have that strong chemical, hormonal and emotional bond with the child, in the same way the mother does.
You spend the first six months of your baby's life cramming this giant rule book. You have to learn everything—how to hold the baby, how to swaddle, how to change a diaper. I had never played with dolls or even babysat, so it was totally, totally new.
I did enjoy it--it was a fascinating odyssey and deeply satisfying--but, secretly, at the same time, if Joanna had walked in and said, "My mom's going to take over for the next month," I would have been thrilled.
2. "Time alone with the baby was surprisingly profound."
Even though I felt so lost overall, I was surprised by how spending time alone with Toby felt natural and surprisingly not scary. I remember the very first night we had Toby at home. Joanna was in bed, and I had four hours alone with him. He was sleeping in the bassinet next to me, and started to stir. I realized that he had never heard music before and that I got to pick out the first song he'd ever hear. I felt like I had a hand in shaping his destiny. Choosing a song on iTunes suddenly felt profound! I decided on "Penny Lane" by The Beatles. It was bright and optimistic, like the first day of spring. It was a magical moment.
3. “My wife acted a little like she was on drugs.”
Up until you have a baby, whatever happens, you and your wife pretty much respond the same way. You're on the same wavelength. But once the baby arrives, every thing that happens, your wife has a 90-degree different take.
Joanna's highs were higher, and her lows were lower. Her general joyfulness was so high; she was starry-eyed and blissed out. On the flip side, she was more anxious. She was more inclined to take any negative thing to heart—such as Toby fussing while we changed his diaper. I figured his fussing was a small, unfortunate but inevitable thing, but it felt incredibly urgent to Joanna. She got really upset by his crying—for her, it was like an alarm clock was going off inside her. She had an extreme surge of anxiety at any possible sign of disturbance to Toby, whereas I would address his crying but it wouldn't bother me on an emotional level. I just thought, Oh, all babies cry, he'll be ok.
It's like being with someone on drugs. You're on a different plane. You look at your wife, and you have to imagine, 'What exactly are you feeling? How does the world look to you right now?' Then you have to figure out how to respond the way she would want.
Everything does come back down to earth again. Your wife no longer feels those extreme surges at both ends of the emotional spectrum and becomes more like her old self (which is a relief to her, too), and you get more acclimated and feel like your old self. By about month nine, we found ourselves settling back into our old rhythms and feeling like ourselves again (see below:).
4. "I was nervous that my wife would like the baby better."
Maybe it sounds crazy, but a great fear I always had about having children was that my future wife might like them better. In many of my friends’ families growing up, the husband was basically replaced by the kids. There's nothing more primal than the love between mother and infant. I was absolutely worried about being dropped a notch.
Once Joanna was putting Toby to bed and I heard her tell him, "You're my favorite person in the whole world, do you know that?" and I was thinking, 'Really? What about me?' It sounds ridiculous, but it was an adjustment not to be the only man in her life. But in the end, I saw that our marriage could never be replaced by a baby—it's such a different thing. That realization was a huge relief.
5. “Children's books are boring.”
I love spending time with Toby, especially when we go on walks or play the guitar. But some baby activities are s-l-o-w. Many women seem to have a tremendous capacity to step outside themselves and see things through the baby's eyes, like reading children's books. But to me, children's books are fundamentally boring. Like, mind-numbing. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is tough sledding.
6. “Everything turned a corner at nine months."
I once heard a theory that babies are inside the womb for nine months, but that they're remain in the gestational period outside the womb for the next nine months.
Everything changed when Toby was nine months old. One day, Toby didn't seem to know who I was (or care!). But the next evening, I got home from work, and Toby was eating dinner in the high chair, and he looked up at me and smiled and shrieked and did jazz hands. He recognized me! It was amazing. I felt like we had truly connected. Honestly, for the first time, he didn't only feel like my baby, but like my son.
7. “I daydream about the future with Toby.”
I often daydream about Toby growing up: listening to music, taking him on boats, teaching him how to cook a great omelet, telling stories about "the old days." I always picture us on hikes for some reason—even though I don't really go on many hikes. My father and I used to sit around for hours some nights and plan my future, and I love the idea of being on the other side of that conversation. I also look forward to imparting lessons that my dad didn't give me—like how to ask out women.
8. “I'm ready for another.”
With your first baby, it's really tough. Every day is a surprise. But now I know that I can do it. Raising a child for the first 12 months of their life is a skill I now have. Having a second baby? Believe it or not, I can't wait. :)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Selma Blair's maternity maxi dresses
Take a cue from Selma Blair's cool maxi dress style this summer. Casual or red carpet, long is the way to go!
P.S. Never stand next to a supermodel when you are pregnant ;)
Monday, May 2, 2011
Breastfeeding photos
Breastfeeding - nearly taboo 30 years ago and today all the rage! After seeing several totally adorable photos of nursing mothers lately, I want to capture the moment with my little one. Will it embarrass him when he's a big boy? Most likely, but what a lovely and fleeting moment to capture on film.
Miranda Kerr's nursing photos are being called sexy, I think they are a sweet depiction of a working mother (who happens to be a supermodel) making time for her little one between takes.
I've enjoyed Joanna Goddard's exploration of the subject of breastfeeding in private and public.
I love this vintage photo of her mother nursing Joanna or her sister (and her Clarks Wallabee shoes :)
Do you nurse in public? What do you think about nursing photos?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Mom book
I read this story in Real Simple and I must admit, it made me cry a little. Author Jacquelyn Mitchard details her family's tradition of writing a letter or drawing in a book for her each holiday...
"Everyone in my family calls it “the Mom Book,” though technically there are now three of them—each a thick 8½-by-11-inch book of handmade paper, 100 or so pages bound with a plain cover. In every volume, my kids have drawn pictures, written poems, pasted photos, and penned letters. Sometimes their lives and hearts are so full they consume two or three pages. Each entry is dated and signed, even if just with the mark of a thumb in tempera paint.
Occasion by occasion, year by year, the pages have filled with words and pictures, capturing the state of my relationship with each of my kids at a given moment in time. I’ll admit—it’s not always pretty."
So, I guess this Mothers Day all I want is a book for my little ones to fill with funny, sweet and sometimes not-so-sweet sentiments for me. What a treasure.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Vintage, darling
Whenever I see a girl successfully wearing vintage I give her a mental high five as well as some serious cool points. Shopping vintage takes a bit of a hunter's spirit (and sometimes, unfortunately, a 20 inch waist). This adorable website can make your little one into "that girl" - you know, the one who can pull off a clock romper while arriving fashionably late for the birthday party.
Does this one come in my size?
Boys too!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Maxi Dresses for Spring
In speaking with a fashion forward pregnant friend of mine yesterday, we discussed the viability of maxi dresses as a summer dressing choice. Sure, they've been around for several seasons now but they continue to look fresh and and exciting. As a survivor of two tediously hot Texas summers while expecting, I can vouch for the comfort level and ease of maxi dressing. Here is a rundown of some of my favorites this season.
Conversation
My little girl is perfecting the fine art of conversation. She's been a chatterbox for a while now, but lately she has begun engaging in real conversations. We are, of course, amazed with the things she comes up with.
Picture it, diaper changing time for her baby brother with Stella looking on:
Stella: What's that?!?
Me: That is a penis.
Stella: Oh, like Aiden at school!
Me: Oh jeez!
Picture it, diaper changing time for her baby brother with Stella looking on:
Stella: What's that?!?
Me: That is a penis.
Stella: Oh, like Aiden at school!
Me: Oh jeez!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Brook & Lyn
Aside from being a designer of drool-worthy jewels, Mimi Jung is also a modern style icon. Her blog is jam packed with delicious photos of her creations, spaces and herself.
I NEED this bracelet.
Gilt-y!
I love a good sale, but seldom have the time to scour the brick & mortar stores for marked down merchandise. Online retailer Gilt brings the deals to my desktop daily. Whether it is a springy tunic for me or an adorable dress for my little girl, the prices are seriously sweet! If you haven't joined up yet, here is an invite just for my readers! Enjoy!
Tucker Tunic $305 $129
Karen Zambos dress $200 $89
Friday, March 25, 2011
Tiny Dallas
I am so excited about the new tinyDallas site recently launched by several local bloggers. It is perfectly tailored to parents leading fun, fashionable and thoughtful lives while raising children! I admit to googling "what to do in Dallas this weekend with kids" in moments of desperation and boredom. Problem solved - the awesome editorial team will clue you in to good times (think more Cibus than Chuck E. Cheese) and good taste (KXT rather than Radio Disney).
Their credo:
We believe in books, Netflix, Pandora, NPR, having a “uniform” and that coffee is essential.
We believe in dining with our kids at good restaurants even if it means fellow diners give us the stink-eye.
We believe an impromptu living room dance party can rescue a gloomy afternoon.
We believe there’s no such thing as “kid music”; just good music.
We believe in DIY…and sometimes we just believe in the idea of DIY.
We believe in taking our kids to the “grown up” part of the museum.
We believe in wonky homemade cards but often find ourselves settling for the store bought version.
We believe in Zara, H&M, indie labels, vintage and the occasional splurge on a good pair of “forever” shoes.
We believe in pie crust made from scratch and take-out Thai food.
We believe in being good parents…which sometimes is all about the right bribe.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Amazon for Moms!
I just recieved an invite to join Amazon Moms! Follow this link to sign up to join the club. Basically you get free 2-day shipping on all of your Amazon purchases. Yay! I LOVE Amazon! I also love free shipping and 30% off diapers!
P.S. - Great place to do your registry; everyone just mails the items to you, so handy!
P.S. - Great place to do your registry; everyone just mails the items to you, so handy!
Amazon Mom is a free membership program aimed at helping parents and caregivers, from the prenatal days through the toddler years, use Amazon to find all the products their family needs. To join, simply sign into your Amazon account and tell us whether you are a Mom, Dad, or other caregivers of a child. By providing information about your family, you can help us personalize offers, e-mails, and product recommendations to help you find exactly what you need at just the right time. Amazon Mom members receive benefits such as 30% off diapers and wipes, FREE Two-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime, as well as exclusive offers via e-mail.
DVF = BFF
Diane Von Furstenberg, aka DVF to her fashion besties, knows how to make a girl look good. She's been doing it since the 1970's with her signature prints and iconic wrap dresses. I had to say bye bye to many of my favorite designer duds when my belly began to pop last spring, but DVF stuck with me to the end! Her fantastic silk jersey material is an honest to gosh miracle- it drapes, it camoflages, it contains and it stretches! Whether you re-work a wrap dress as a statement topper or use a beach cover up as a blouse, you won't be disapointed with your DVF.
DVF in 1976
Still looking great at 64
A few belly-friendly looks from the S/S 11 collection
Wear this translucent tunic with your maternity denim
Wrap this loosely over a white cami and skinny white maternity jeans
Perfect frock for a warm weather baby shower!
As your belly groes, this dress turned tunic will keep you company!
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