Diary of a Fashion Mommy

Domestic Diva Doing Her Best

2012-01-31T23:37:00.001-05:00

My Blueberry Bread Pudding...see the recipe below!

I'm scaring myself as of late. I already came to terms years ago that I'm like my mother, but lately I think I'm morphing into my Mother-In-Law - GASP! Don't get me wrong - I totally love her and I'm not just saying that because this is public and she can read this...I really do love her. It's just that when I first met Manny's mom - I thought of her as the iconic June Cleaver. A work-out-of-home version that is sugar, spice and everything nice. Literally.

I mean she was, and is, THE BEST baking goddess ever - how was I ever tocompete in satisfying Manny's sweet tooth? She bakes the wickedest (yes - I just used '90s slang of my youth) chocolate cake, sugar cookies, apple pie, lemon charlotte... I mean, jeez! I didn't even know what the heck lemon charlotte was until my first Thanksgiving dinner at her home over 13 years ago. Years later, despite trying my best at the art of baking, I found myself blaming the little Timbits for the bad batch of mis-shaped chocolate chip cookies. Until one day - I was honoured with the family recipe for Grandma's Butter Tarts, and I began to hone in on my baking skills.

I'm no Sweet Genius (...not a fan of that Food Network show...), but I have been getting lots of "Yums" and "Mmmmm...mommy this is good" type comments over the recent years. I've even found myself experimenting...like when I ran out of eggs the other day and had to substitute with a banana and baking soda for my blueberry bread pudding. Needless to say, I've really come to enjoy whipping up delightful and indulgent treats for Manny and our Timbits.

I know I'll never be able top my mother-in-law's scrumptious baked creations, but I'm happy to take on the roll of a domestic diva doing her best!

Here's my Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe - perfect comfort food on a cold winter day! Maybe I'll share Grandma's Butter Tart Recipe with you...they really are THE best butter tarts ever!

xoxo

Blueberry Bread Pudding

8 slices of bread (I use whole wheat, but it can be white or french bread)

butter both sides of the bread or melt 2 tablespoons butter

frozen or fresh wild blueberries (optional and quantity to taste)

4 eggs, beaten

2 cups of milk

3/4 cup of suger

1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg

1 teaspoon of vanillla
2 tablespoons of brown sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Rip buttered bread into small pieces into an 8 inch square baking pan. If not buttering slices than drizzle melted butter over bread.

Sprinkle with blueberries and gently toss.

In a separae bowl, combine eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Pour over bread, and lightly push down with a fork until bread is covered and soaking up the egg mixture. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle top with brown sugar.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top springs back when you touch it lightly.

Now You Know My Secret

2012-01-20T12:06:00.003-05:00

So I have to tell you: I stole the headline of this post from one of the moms I met at Timbit's school. I thought it was the funniest email that I got from her, and I totally GOT IT. As my mommy-dom of 3 Timbits began to sink in this week - I reflected on all the secrets I keep as a mom. I started thinking, as moms we often put up a front as we strive to become the iconic version of the perfect mother. We'll give you glimpses of what motherhood is like, and it looks all peachy-keen on the outside. But behind closed doors, let's be honest - it can be chaos. As a matter of fact, it's perfect chaos and we love it, don't we? Well, I love it. It's what makes us moms.

So what was her secret? Without going into specifics it was this: she emailed to thank me for returning a casserole dish that she had forgotten about since it was left in her laundry room. She went on to write that she often leaves things there for hours or days before putting them away. OH-M-GEE! When I first read this, I nearly fell off my chair laughing and wanted to share my some of my own secrets with her. So here goes...

Dear Mom From Timbit's School:

Secret #1: I do this too! Except, I don't have a side door entrance - we use the front door. So you can imagine where I leave my stuff. Yup. At the front door. And even though it's plain in sight for me to see, I suffer from CRSS - Can't Remember Shit Syndrome. So I walk past it every day, think to myself "I need to put that away", but then forget...and then it miraculously disappears on its own. It's either Manny who's put it away, or the Clean-Up Fairies have come for a visit. Must be the latter.

Secret #2: Remember when you came to my house for coffee and the island in my kitchen was spotless and sparkling? That's because I sat Toddler Timbit in front of the TV, threw on Toopy and Binoo, and cleaned like a madwomen 30-minutes before you came over. It's usually riddled with mail, schoolwork, and a collection of paper products. But you wouldn't have guessed it...I was just thankful you didn't open up the cupboard where I had stashed all this junk.

Secret #3: I should preface this point by saying, I'm a clean person. Really. I am. I shower, brush my teeth...you know, the usual stuff. But today I'm wearing Lululemon pants that I've already worn a couple of times this week. I figure I'm home all day and don't see anyone, so what the heck. I'll just wear them again. As a matter of fact, Toddler Timbit just stood behind me and tried to pick off dried Play-Doh from my butt. Gross, eh? But I'm too damn comfy to find a clean pair of pants.

Secret #4: I currently have a standard "Running Errands Outfit" if I'm doing more than just dropping the older Timbit off at school. So for example, if you see me on Monday at the grocery store, and then again on Wednesday picking up more groceries - you'll notice I'm wearing the same outfit. Why is this? Because it's the only pair of jeans and shirt I can fit right now that isn't made out of stretchy material or have an elastic band waist.

Secret #5: I wish elastic band waists were cool, trendy and hip because they are freaking comfortable.

Secret #6: I'm probably going to get a call from my mom for writing this one, but here goes...Toddler Timbit ate cheerios for lunch today. Sorry Mom - but he didn't like the left over fried rice I made. So I figure - Hey! It's multi-grain and he ate two bowls. He thinks I'm a culinary master for pouring food out of a box, and kept on saying "Mmmmmm...mum mums!"

Secret #7: My laundry is piling up. No like...really piling up. It's mountainous. I feel guilty that I'm writing this post and not doing the laundry. Oh but wait! Ah, yes. That feeling of guilt I just had? It only lasted a few seconds - I'm going to continue writing.

Secret #8: We bought Timbit a Nintendo DS. GASP! "But he's only five!" Everyone cried when they found this out. I did it because 1) I thought he'd like it; and 2) I wanted to play Super Mario Kart.

Secret #9: I love doing art with my Timbits and I like playing cars with them. Really. I do. But a lot of the times, when I'm super tired (and lazy?!), I grab a snack for Toddler Timbit and me, and we sit to watch a fantastic episode of In the Night Garden. Yes. He gets to watch his favourite show of odd looking characters mumbling "Maka Paka" at one another, and I get to rest my eyes for 20 minutes.

Secret #10: I have many more secrets, but you already knew that! ;)

See you at 3 o'clock in the schoolyard. I'll be wearing my Lulus with the Play-Doh stuck to my butt, but it'll be my secret as I thank the fashion world for designing extra long winter coats.

xoxo

Style for a Steal: Staying Warm!

2012-01-09T13:37:00.002-05:00

Multi-quilted Coat in olive, reg. $290.
I bought this one in black of course!

With the cold weather upon us, I usually go into hibernation mode and avoid going outside (with the exception of school pick ups and drop offs for the oldest Timbit). But I desperately needed to get out of the house for a bit (after being couped up for over a week) - and what better way than to hit the mall! I love successful shopping trips, and this morning I scored a Bianca Nygard Quilted Down-filled coat from The Bay for $114 (including taxes!!!!) - regularly priced at $290. Woot woot!

Head out to The Bay if you're looking for new outerwear - they have 30% off the lowest marked price up until January 12th. Happy shopping!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T13:37:00.000-05:00

Well...Happy New Year everyone! Better late than never! I haven't been blogging much - or doing much of anything - except for breastfeeding, changing poopy diapers, and not getting enough sleep thanks to the arrival of Timbit #3! He came 3 weeks early and was a fabulous late Christmas gift for us. Baby Timbit made his way into the world on December 27th at 3:21pm, weighing in at 6lbs 5oz.

Everyone is so excited, and we're all adjusting well...stay tuned for some candid posts on my new title as hockey mom of three!

xoxo

12 Days of DFM Favourites: Life in the Moment Photography

2011-12-20T20:26:00.002-05:00

Today is Day 12 of Fashion Mommy Favourites! I'm giving away a 30-minute Mini Session for 4 people from Life in the Moment Photography (must be in the Greater Toronto Area). Tell me a favourite moment in your life that you’ve been able to capture in photos – could be a wedding, birth of your child, Thanksgiving dinner…anything! Don't forget to like both Facebook pages for Diary of a Fashion Mommy and Life in the Moment.

Today is the last day of Fashion Mommy Favourites, and I want to share a passion of mine – photography. It all started when I was 14 years old and my father let me play around with his Canon 35mm SLR. I was hooked and started snapping up photos: landscapes, people, cityscapes… I loved the creativity and seeing the end result when the photos were printed. But it remained what it was – a hobby, while I finished off University, headed into the corporate world, started a family and moved to the ‘burbs.

A year after Timbit was born, I decided that sitting in a 6x6 foot cubicle and the technology industry was not my cup of tea. Instead, I made the decision to make my hobby more than just that, went back to school part-time, and gave birth to two more babies: Toddler Timbit and Life in the Moment Photography.

We all live extraordinary lives and yet, we’re so caught up in the rush of things, we don’t even realize it. A young couple holding hands as they walk down the street, a smile shared between two friends over coffee, the hug your son or daughter just gave you – these are all everyday moments. But I see something more and it’s my job to capture these experiences – to remind you that it’s the small intricacies of life that make it remarkable.

There’s that saying: “Pictures are worth a thousand words…”; but in my opinion, a thousand words doesn’t even begin to describe what a photo is all about. Photography is powerful and there is nothing humble about it. It speaks all languages and shows every raw emotion. I love having the ability to stretch myself creatively, and sharing in these unforgettable moments of joy, humour, curiosity, and intimacy. They happen in an instant, but they’re captured for a lifetime.

Someone once told me not to pursue hobbies as a profession, because it would eventually fall into the realm of a “job” as oppose to a source of enjoyment. But I am thankful to be able to say “I love my job” – and actually mean it.

This is why my passion is my business, and my business is my passion: Life in the Moment Photography.

Tell me a favourite moment in your life that you’ve been able to capture in photos – could be a wedding, birth of your child, Thanksgiving dinner…anything! You’ll be entered to win today’s giveaway – a 30 minute Mini Session for 4 people with Life in the Moment Photography! (Includes a CD with up to 10 hi-resolution images). Must be in the Greater Toronto Area. Photography will take place after April 1st, 2012.

12 Days of DFM Favourites: Stella & Dot

2011-12-19T09:23:00.001-05:00

Today's post is Day 11 of the series “Twelve Days of Fashion Mommy Favourites”. Read the post, “Like” Diary of a Fashion Mommy and Stella & Dot GTA Stylists on Facebook and tell me what your favourite Stella & Dot piece is for a chance to win today's giveaway: Stella & Dot bling! Please send an email to info@littleblackdressaffair.ca after you leave a comment, so I know how to contact you!

Ask me two years ago if I wore jewellery, and I would tell you my wedding rings and diamond stud earrings. That all changed when Mirjana – friend and former corporate co-worker turned stay-at-home mom, invited me over to her place for Stella & Dot Trunk Show. I had no idea what I was getting into. What I did know, was that I had a 4 year old adjusting to the idea of becoming a big brother, a colicky 3 month old who had a strong set of lungs on him, and Mama needed a glass of red wine!

Today’s Fashion Mommy Favourite is luxe jewellery line Stella & Dot!

My fav: The Leona Pendant Necklace, $108

I arrived at Mir’s, headed straight for the Lindemans Shiraz and poured myself a glass of wine with really no intention of buying anything except maybe a pair of earrings. Or at least that is what I Manny. But I’ll be honest, I was hooked the minute I saw the fabulous spread of sparkling jewels on the kitchen table. I desperately tried not to take a peek inside the glossy Look Book - acting nonchalantly and randomly leafing through the pages. But I could not stop myself from picking up the jewels and trying them all on. First it was Natasha, then it was Jenna...I remember the names of those fabulous necklaces because they became part of my collection and are the two pieces that I will never part with. They are reminders of why I fell in love with Stella & Dot.

I placed my order and left for the evening, only to arrive home to stay up until 3am perusing the jewels and reading about this little jewellery company based out of Burlingame, California. I couldn't sleep. Something drew me to Stella & Dot - Jessica Herrin, Blythe Harris, a company created by women for women, the ability to style my own life, make it as big or small of a business as I want to...

When Manny woke up the next morning, I announced that not only were the jewels that I purchased from Mirjana on its way, but I signed on to be a Stylist and had a BIG BOX of other jewels coming too! It was a small investment of $199 to start a home based business – which included $350 in free jewellery samples and all my business supplies. It was an easy peasy decision and I thought to myself: "If anything, I get to keep all this gorgeous jewellery."

And, here I am almost two years later - I have never looked back...except maybe to mull over the regret of not having finished my glass of wine at Mirjana’s house.

This is why I love Stella & Dot!

Tell me what your favourite piece is from the Fall/Winter collection and you could win today’s giveaway – fabulous Stella & Dot bling! xoxo

12 Days of DFM Favourites: Savoury Epicure Selections

2011-12-16T10:02:00.000-05:00

Today's post is Day 10 of the series “Twelve Days of Fashion Mommy Favourites”. Read the post, “Like” Diary of a Fashion Mommy on Facebook and answer the question below for a chance to win a scrumptious gift pack with three mixes and spices from Epicure Selections! Perfect for a hostess gift or for your entertaining needs this holiday season!

I love good wine (ahh…can’t wait for my first glass in January after Mini-Timbit is born), and I love good food. I decided last winter to throw a “Tasting Party” with my girlfriends to snack on good eats and enjoy each others company. I brought in Patricia Roselli from Epicure Selections, and what I didn’t expect was for me to become a die-hard fan of all the herbs, spices, and mixes that I tried out that night. You see, in my house you just don’t use throw-it-into-the-crockpot-recipes. Oh no, I grew up with homemade, home cooked, mom or dad slaved-over-the-kitchen-stove-type meals. Although, I love good ‘ol home cooking and using fresh ingredients, sometimes schedules just don’t permit.

Today’s Fashion Mommy Favourite is Epicure Selections!

Lemon Dilly Mix, $7.95

I didn’t know what to expect at my Tasting Party, but Patricia was a dream. I basically cleared my Timbits’ art work off our kitchen table and counters, and left her to her own devise. Out came mulled cranberry cider, ooey-gooey warm three cheese dip in a brie dish, creamy lemon dill, savoury bacon and chive, just sweet-enough chocolate pudding…ohhhh the list goes on. Before I knew it, I had a beautiful spread of appies and a room full of wine-drinking women (and one hungry Timbit) in my kitchen indulging in the sweet and salty flavours of Epicure Selections.

We were in heaven that evening, and Patricia made prepping and cooking look and sound like a breeze. I placed my hostess order – love that I got $100 in free product just for having my girlfriends over (!!!) – and less than a week later arrived my box of goodies. Since then I’ve been regularly ordering some on my families’ favourite mixes and dips to add a little spunk to our meals. Need a quick quiche? Easy peasy: whip up some eggs, add some cheese, and a couple teaspoons of Epicure’s Cheese, Chive & Bacon mix. Having the guys over for SuperBowl? Get yourself a pork roast, throw it into the slow cooker with Epicure’s Pulled Pork Mix and you’ve got yourself tender meat for sandwiches; and for good measure, throw in a side of coleslaw by mixing Lemon Dilly Mix with sour cream and mayo with shredded carrots and cabbage. It is seriously THAT easy.

The best part of it all: Epicure Selections is a Canadian company helping women (and men) build successful home-based businesses. They have created a health-conscious line of kitchen pantry favourites that are all natural, with little to no preservatives, no additives, no trans fats and low in sodium. I’ve continued to use Epicure’s spices, herbs, and mixes to create some fantastic healthy dishes at home that reflect the global flavours we love in this house.

This is why I love Epicure Selections…and Patricia Roselli!

To book your tasting party (what a fun way to entertain this holiday season!) and/or to place an order, please contact Patricia at patricia.roselli17@gmail.com.

For a chance to win a fabulous hostess gift pack with three delectable Epicure spices – even suitable for vegetarians (!!) - tell us: what is your favourite dish to cook?

xoxo

12 Days of DFM Favourites: Come Bake with Me

2011-12-15T01:14:00.000-05:00

This post is Day 9 of the series “Twelve Days of Fashion Mommy Favourites”. There is no giveaway today, but there is one tomorrow! Next: Find out why I love Epicure Selections for a chance to win something yummy!

For some baking can be therapeutic - it's soulful, relaxing, and can lift your spirits by filling your house with delightful yummy smells. The creaming of butter, kneading of dough, and icing of cupcakes, all become a fine art as they each culminate into the final scrumptious creation. This is exactly what baking is NOT like in my household - save for the house smelling really delicious afterwards. Although baking with my Timbits isn't exactly "relaxing", I can honestly say it's truly soulful and absolutely lifts my spirits. Today's Fashion Mommy Favourite is baking with my kidlets.

If you ever visit while the Timbits and I are baking, then you had better take cover just in case flour, sugar or even cake batter goes flying anywhere. During a baking extravaganza, my antique brown granite counters (they had to give black a fancy name) are shiny no more - and instead look like they've been dusted with a light snowfall of sugar and flour. I'm generally picking out eggshells from the cake mix, making sure any fingers that were licked do not go back into said cake mix, and that there's still enough mix to even bake a cake after the kids have been eating it by the spoonful. So you're probably wondering how this described chaos can be spirit lifting and "soulful"...but it is.

The delightful smiles, bright playful eyes, and mischievous giggles all contribute to filling me with warmth and love. Though we bake on a regular basis together, Christmas is the season when the Timbits and I really take it up a notch and bake batches of shortbread, sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, lemon squares, and what have you, to share with friends and family over the holidays. Each chocolate chip is carefully placed and each shortbread cookie is lovingly sprinkled...well...more like lovingly dumped...with green and red sparkles. They put their hearts into the recipes that have been shared with me by the Timbits' grandmother and great-grandmother from Manny's family. There's something to be said about recipes passing from generation to generation, and it really goes to show that the kitchen is indeed the heart of the home. It's the place where we make bread and break bread together.

When the frantic baking sessions are done and the goodies are all wrapped up, it fills my soul knowing that the Timbits loved the time spent in the kitchen, and then they share the love by giving out these sweet treats to our friends and family. The cookies we share however, do come with a warning: that the cookies given may have been from the "double-dipped-licked-fingers" batch. But hey, we just consider it as the Timbits showing you some extra love.

This is why I love baking.

Take some time today and bake with your kids. And afterwards, take the time to thank them for filling your soul up with love.

xoxo

12 Days of DFM Favourites: Liv & Lily Boutique

2011-12-14T02:56:00.002-05:00

Today's post is Day 8 of the series “Twelve Days of Fashion Mommy Favourites”. Read the post, “Like” both Facebook Pages for Diary of a Fashion Mommy and Liv & Lily Boutique and answer the question below for a chance to win a $60 Liv & Lily Prize Pack filled with goodies for your little girl!

A few weeks ago I posted about Liv & Lily Boutique, and I am still ranting and raving about Melanie Pereira’s beautiful handmade to order accessories. Which is why: 1) I ordered more delectable goodies this past weekend, and 2) Liv & Lily is today’s Fashion Mommy favourite.

The Olivia, $18.95

This yummy mummy of two and former corporate professional, has been creating fabulous pieces since her daughter was born just over three and half years ago. It wasn’t until this past year, when along came her adorable baby boy, that the opportunity arose for Melanie to launch into the world of entrepreneurship. There came the birth of Liv & Lily, an online boutique specializing in unique, high-end accessories for mommies and their little girls – or in my case, my little nieces. A little birdie has told me that fashion mommies of boys will be delighted to hear that Liv & Lily will be launching a new boys’ line in the near future!

The Delilah, $18.95

Whether it’s The Olivia ($18.95), featuring raw silk rosettes and a beautiful crystal accent placed on a delicate, satin wrapped headband; or The Delilah ($10.95), stunning soft petal silk peonies with a stunning shiny rhinestones center placed on a beautiful stretch headband, each piece is handcrafted at the time of order from the finest materials. No two items are the same, and this is what Melanie refers to as “handmade to order: from picking the fabrics and embellishments to designing, she has personally hand selected, chosen, and thoughtfully considered all aspects of the final product. When you order a Liv & Lily accessory, you are not receiving something that has been mass produced for retail – instead, it’s a piece that’s been carefully constructed and put together by Melanie herself. Check out more of my fav pieces below, like the The Avery and Everly Hairclips (both $9.95).

The Everly, $9.95 each

The Avery, $9.95

How exactly does she do it? While juggling mommyhood, maintaining the household, crafting pieces, and dreaming up new delicious concepts, Melanie finds her source of inspiration to be her children. Not to mention she’s extremely driven, full of business savvy, and seriously fashionable. What she is creating with Liv & Lily is a brand with sensibilities based on passion, the love of upscale quality goods, and exceedingly personal service. Melanie has seen much success since the official launch in October of this year – and I’m looking forward to seeing her new product designs, along with her brand new website in the New Year.

This is why I love Liv & Lily Boutique.

Where to buy: Liv & Lily is available online across Canada - watch for her new website coming January 2012.

Enter to win a Liv & Liy $60 Prize Pack filled with gorgeous accessories for your little girl! Simply like both Dairy of a Fashion Mommy and Liv & Lily Boutique on Facebook, and let us know what your favourite design is, by commenting below or on Diary of a Fashion Mommy's Facebook page.

xoxo

12 Days of DFM Favourites: Joe Fresh

2011-12-13T00:43:00.002-05:00

This post is Day 7 of the series “Twelve Days of Fashion Mommy Favourites”. There is no giveaway today, but there is one tomorrow! Next: Find out why I love Liv & Lily Children's Boutique for a chance to win gorgeous accessories for the little fashionista in your life!

If you asked me 10 years ago where I loved to shop, I would have told you Club

Monaco

- a fav of mine since middle school. Yes, I shopped at other stores – Gap, Banana Republic, Mendocino, Holt Renfrew, and I even had some luck with The Bay. But I was never disappointed with the tried and true, CM. As a matter of fact, I even put in some time at my fav store when I worked as a sales associate with them during my first year in University. That was over 16 years ago.

But Labels-Girl I am no more. Now, I – along with every Fashion Mommy out there – am guilty of picking up a piece or two of fashionable finds while carting around groceries and a screaming toddler. Oh, you know what store and line of clothing I’m talking about. And the irony of it all, is that this line of clothing I so adore these days, was launched by the same designer and entrepreneur who launched Club Monaco those many moons ago. I’m talking about Joseph Mimran’s uber cheap and uber chic Joe Fresh – today’s Fashion Mommy Favourite.

Yes, you can call me Brand-Girl now. I love companies that know how to brand themselves – they create style, build an image, and represent it whole-heartedly. Just take Joe Fresh: the line is all about “Fresh Style at Fresh Prices”. Not only is it extremely affordable, but the philosophy of “Fresh” in the line means that it has been built around making it easy for shoppers to mix, match and coordinate pieces in a single shopping experience.

There is nothing complex about Joe Fresh. It’s convenient, stylish, and has a great price point – making it a no brainer when it comes to guilt-free shopping. I will admit to this, what I am guilty of doing is letting the ice cream melt while shopping for cute easy-wearing pieces. These are some of my fav Joe Fresh finds this season:

Ladies' Nordic Sweater Dress, $49

Ladies' Embellished Skirt, $39

Ladies' Bow Cardigan, $39 NOW $29

Men's Nordic Sweater, $79

Men's Hooded Parka, $109

Boys' Skull Sweater, $29

Toddler Boys' Fleece Cardigan, $16

Girls' Plaid Skirt, $19

Girls' Embellished Tee, $12

Toddler Girls' Sweater Dress, $22 NOW $12

12 Days of DFM Favourites: Ohhh Canada

2011-12-12T07:30:00.001-05:00

Today's post is Day 6 of the series “Twelve Days of Fashion Mommy Favourites”. Read the post, “Like” both Facebook Pages for Diary of a Fashion Mommy and Ohhh Canada and answer the question below for a chance to win a Tantus Little Secrets Spoon Vibrator and Blossom Organics Moisturizing Lubricant!

I happen to think Santa's naughty OR nice list is overrated. Isn't it nice to be naughty sometimes; and can't naughty be nice? Today’s Fashion Mommy favourite is all about being both, and I know Katrina McKay absolutely agrees with me. She’s the smart, savvy (and sexy) entrepreneur and owner of Ohhh Canada, a Toronto-based online adult toy store specializing in safe luxury products for yummy mummies, fashionistas, and distinguished gentlemen. This holiday season, we think you should indulge something naughty and nice that you can share with your partner!

Tantus Little Secreets Spoon Vibe, $22.99

I first met Katrina when she launched Ohhh Canada just over a year and a half ago. Since then, business has sky-rocketed thanks to her sex positive philosophy, uncompromising personal customer service, and extremely discerning taste in hand picking high-end products. After trying in vain to find an online sex store that catered to Katrina’s fun-loving fashionista self, she realized there wasn’t one on the market that met her needs. I would have to agree – the market is saturated with cheap novelty products, not-so-fashionable lingerie sets made out of vinyl (soooo not breathable!), and for me -clear platform heels just don’t cut it as sexy shoes (no offence to any mamas out there that own any). Visit Ohhh Canada to peruse Katrina’s selection of adult toys and sexy lingerie, and you’ll immediately notice it’s full of upscale and classy finds that will fulfill your naughty (and nice) desires.

Blossom Organics Lube, $12.99

Take the Tantus Little Secrets Flirt Spoon Vibe ($22.99 CAD): It’s cute, bright orange and fun for one or both, whichever you decide! Don’t let the small size deceive you – this vibrator packs a whole lot of power in its tiny little package, and is perfect as a first vibe or as a nice addition for the collecting connoisseur. Then there’s the Blossom Organics Moisturizing Lubricant ($12.99 CAD), so safe and gentle that women trying to conceive are able to use it. Free of parabens, petrochemicals, silicones, glycerin, alcohol, artificial dyes and all that other yucky stuff you wouldn’t want to be putting into your body. Clearly Blossom Organics Lube was designed by a woman for women! Not to mention, if you’re looking for luxury vibrators, Ohhh Canada has that covered. Same goes for sexy burlesque style lingerie. You won’t find cheesy outfits, just cute babydoll dresses, sexy lace bra and panty sets, and feminine lace boyshorts (who doesn’t love boyshorts?!?!!).

Clearly, Katrina knows there are fashionistas and fashion mommies out there with discriminating taste – and she has created the perfect online shop that meets (and exceeds) our needs.

This is why I love Ohhh Canada.

To shop online visit www.ohhhcanada.ca. Katrina McKay is also a freelance marketing consultant, writer of erotica (her first work is to be published in March of 2012 for Kindle), and is soon to be a certified sex and orgasm coach.

Answer today’s question and enter to win a Tantus Little Secrets Spoon Vibe and Blossom Organics Moisturizing Lubricant: What is one ingredient you WON’T find in Blossom Organics Lube?

12 Days of Fashion Mommy Favourites: Meringue Inc.

2011-12-09T07:30:00.004-05:00

Today's post is Day 5 of the series “Twelve Days of Fashion Mommy Favourites”. Read the post, “Like” both Facebook Pages for Diary of a Fashion Mommy and Meringue Inc., and answer the question below for a chance to win your choice of Giclée print on fine art paper shown below!

Back in April, my brother and sister-in-law welcomed my beautiful niece Eloise into the world. As part of her one-month birthday gift, I searched for something meaningful to give them and finally decided on a personalized Giclée print by Meringue Inc. When it arrived at my doorstep, I opened it up to take a peek and fell in love.

I mean, doesn’t Meringue Giclée prints just sound scrumptious to you? That’s because these pieces of art are delicious creations by Helen Billett, artist, designer, creative director, owner of Meringue Inc., and mum of 2. This Toronto-based company is a Fashion Mommy Favourite, because the woman behind it, is what the brand itself embodies: bright, whimsical and sweet! Helen’s passion and love for the arts shines through in each of her creations, and your home will be transformed by her must-have wall candy.

"Spread Your Light to the Planet"

How does this Fashion Mommy do it? After leaving the corporate world to be with her children, Helen decided that she needed a creative outlet and to get back to her roots in visual arts. And so, in the basement of her Upper Beaches home, Meringue's art studio was born. Balancing life as a stay-at-home-mom and a running a successful business under the same roof is a fine art, but Helen has managed to keep a harmonious household.

"Sing Your Song"

Her love for all things bright and bold, began in second grade when Helen’s drawing was chosen as the cover for the spring concert program. Don’t we all remember what it was like in grade 2? Clearly Helen hasn’t forgotten, as she draws her inspirations from her own two children – sometimes pulling from their art textures, colours, and patterns, and incorporating them into her designs. When you see a Meringue Giclée print, you’ll notice the richness in colour, the joie de vivre, and just get that overall “I-feel-good” feeling – which is exactly her intent. As Helen puts it, “I really believe in surrounding oneself with beautiful images and positive messages.”

"You've Got It, Flaunt It"

This is why I love Meringue Inc. Simply beautiful!

Meringues’s canvases for kids are now available, made-to-order through CC aRt and can be found at children’s boutiques across Canada. Contemporary works can be found at home décor stores nationwide, such as HomeSense.

The winner of today’s giveaway will get to select from the three giclée prints on fine art paper featured in this post! Printed on 400 gsm textured watercolour paper and ready for framing. Prints measure 12" x 12" with a 2" white border and fit perfectly in the Ikea RIBBA frame with mat. (20.5" x 20.5").

Please answer the following question for a chance to win your choice of the above prints: Tell us which Giclee print is your favourite - "You've Got It, Flaunt It!", "Sing Your Song", or "Spread Your Light to the Planet"!

Post your answer below or on my Facebook Page, or BOTH for additional entries. Are you on Twitter? Then RT my tweet for more chances to win. You have until 12pm Saturday afternoon, to enter!

12 Days of DFM Favourites: Second Harvest

2011-12-08T07:30:00.006-05:00

This post is Day 4 of the series “Twelve Days of Fashion Mommy Favourites”. There is no giveaway today, but there is one tomorrow! Next: Find out why I love Meringue Inc. for a chance to win a Giclee Print on Paper by artist, designer, and owner of Meringue Inc., Helen Billett!

‘Tis the season for over indulgence and excess. And I think to myself: It’s just too much. Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing my Timbits’ faces light up when they’ve received something they’ve been coveting for. But I sometimes feel like I’m creating little monsters of consumerism with little value for what they have.

Which brings me to today’s Fashion Mommy Favourite: Second Harvest, a food rescue program that picks up donated, excess food (which would often end up in waste) and delivers that food to over 200 social agencies in Toronto. It all started a few months ago when we were de-cluttering our basement, and (GASP!) came across tons (like - a ridiculous amount) of toys and clothes that we had accumulated over the years. Here we were planning two birthday parties for the Timbits – and it would just mean accumulating more of what they didn’t need.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love teaching my kids about philanthropy and giving back to the community. So we proposed to Timbit (he also speaks on behalf of the non-verbal Toddler Timbit), that friends and family donate to the charity of his choice instead of giving presents. Without any hesitation, he said yes. So Manny and I researched some organizations and came across Second Harvest. What caught our eye: their mandate, principles and transparency. It costs them just 50¢ to deliver enough food for one meal; and their administrative, fundraising, and program costs remain low despite not receiving any government funding. In 2010, Second Harvest delivered over 6.4 million pounds of food which translates into 17,000 meals per day.

We picked another charity and asked Timbit which of the two he’d like to support. He listened to all the information we gathered – purpose of the charity, who uses the services, how much of our money will go towards the actual program and not administrative costs (you see why it’s hard to remember he’s only 6 years old!), and he chose Second Harvest. What caught Timbit’s eye: the fact that 40% of Second Harvest’s food recipients are children and youth.

The Timbits raised $380 – 100% was donated to Second Harvest providing 760 meals to Toronto’s hungry. They’re a little behind their goal of $500, but they’ll keep plugging away to achieve it. Yes, my kids went present-less for their birthdays – and they didn’t even care. So while you’re the in midst of holiday indulgence, consider asking for a donation instead of gift or make one on behalf of someone. Teach your Timbits that not every kid has a Nintendo DS game on their wish list – but that some kids are just wishing for a nice warm meal.

This is why I love Second Harvest.

For more information about the organization, please visit www.secondharvest.ca.

12 Days of DFM Favourites: 4Cats Art Studio

2011-12-07T07:30:00.057-05:00

Today's post is Day 3 of the series “Twelve Days of Fashion Mommy Favourites”. Read the post, “Like” both Facebook Pages for Diary of a Fashion Mommy and 4Cats Art Studio, and answer the question below for a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate towards a workshop at the 4Cats Meadowvale/Mississauga location.

My kids love art. Tired of the uninspiring community programs, I began looking for classes that involved more than just paint poured into a cup plus a brush. That's when I met Jody Pillo, owner of 4Cats Art Studio Meadowvale located in Mississauga. Around the same time, I was looking for a venue for Timbit's upcoming birthday and decided to give 4Cats a try. Naturally, Timbit decided on the "Paint Splatter Party" (PARENTAL WARNING: It's exactly as it sounds. Make sure your kids wear old clothes - 'nuff said). It was a fantastic time for kids and parents alike - even those who aren't major art enthusiasts like my Timbits are. Timbit enjoyed it so much, he's taken a workshop class (making a polymer clay penguin in a snowglobe) and will be attending a winter camp over the holidays.

Timbit's Paint Splatter Birthday Party!

So what exactly is 4Cats? It's "The Best Most Fun Art Studio Ever"! If your Timbits enroll in Artist of the Month classes (11 weeks for the Winter Session), they're likely to learn about Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keefe, or Leonardo da Vinci, etc. through age-appropriate stories and activities that will keep them engaged. Perhaps your Timbits have a particular interest in Drawing, Clay and Sculpture or Mixed Media, then 4Cats offers weekly classes that allow them to use their imagination and create. If your kids are still in the exploring stage - then consider a 1-2 hour workshop like making a Polymer Clay Penguins on painted canvas board, Gingerbread Man clay ornament, or a clay Self-Portrait on a 7"x9" painted canvas board, to give them a taste of what 4Cats has to offer. Whatever you decide, your little artist will be using professional quality art materials to create imaginative works!

What I love about 4Cats is that my Timbit loves 4Cats! He's engaged, gets to socialize with other kids (of varying ages), adores Jody and her staff of curators, and gets to explore his creative side - whether it's with clay, painting on canvas, or paper mache.

This is why I love 4Cats Art Studio.

Polymer Clay Penguin
Snowglobe - made by Timbit

There are 4Cats locations across Canada. To find the one nearest you, please visit www.4cats.com.

Program Offerings:

1-2 Hour Workshops - $20-$45

2-3 Day Camps - $99-$140
11 Week Classes - $200

11 Week Artist of the Month Winter Session - $200
(Artists for the winter session are Horace Pippin and Tamara de Lempicka)

For a description of individual programs available at 4Cats Art Studio Meadowvale, please visit www.4cats.com/meadowvale.

To enter to win a $25 Gift Certificate towards a 4Cats Workshop at the Meadowvale location, please answer the question: What are 2 types of materials your little artists can work with at 4Cats?

If you are participating, please make sure the Meadowvale location is suitable as this gift certificate is not redeemable at any other 4Cats location. Post your answer below or on my Facebook Page, or BOTH for additional entries. Are you on Twitter? Then RT my tweet for more chances to win. You have until 12pm tomorrow to enter!

We'll be announcing the winner on Facebook, so remember to"Like" 4Cats Art Studio and Diary of a Fashion Mommy.

12 Days of DFM Favourites: TheBalm

2011-12-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

This post is Day 2 of the series “Twelve Days of Fashion Mommy Favourites”. There is no giveaway today, but there is one tomorrow! Next: Find out why I love 4Cats Meadowvale Art Studio & for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate towards a workshop!

I've been wearing make-up since the seventh grade. I'd rather not talk about my teased bangs, blue eyeshadow, and very rouge lips stage, so instead I'll just say when I hit my late teens, I definitely established a good makeup routine. And I have a secret: even when I'm not heading out somewhere special, I still put a little on... Go ahead and judge! But I don't spend hours in front of the mirror - no! It is literally a 2 minute routine to hide the dark circles, add some colour to my cheeks, and make those short straight eyelashes of mine long and curled (if you're Asian, you totally know what I'm talking about re: eyelashes).

In under 2 minutes my dreary dark under-eye circles disappear...which brings me to my Fashion Mommy Favourite for today: TheBalm timeBalm Concealer. LOVE THIS STUFF.

I switched over to timeBalm when I noticed a few years back that my old concealer (by a very popular make up company) was starting to feel like cake on my skin, would crease, and leave my eyes feeling heavy. It was partly because my skin was changing, partly hormonal after childbirth, and partly because of age...eeek! I'm getting old! Anyway, I stumbled across timeBalm in Sephora when a young 20-something sales associate who's face was flawless recommended it. "But you don't understand", I protested, "I'm way older than you, I need something for mature skin so the concealer doesn't crease or sit on my wrinkles and extra eye baggage." But Flaweless Face insisted I try, and so I did.

That was how many years ago? My memory gets worse with babies and age, so I can't remember - but I do know that I've been using timeBalm for YEARS now, and I love this stuff. It's lightweight, provides awesome coverage, and I sometimes use it as a primer for eyeshadow. It comes with a convenient sponge applicator - or you can pick up the handy-dandy concealer brush. With my old concealer, I use to have to reapply mid-day because those damn dark circles would start to show through. But timeBalm is packed with power that lasts. It is absolutely worth the $24 CAD - which is A LOT less than what I was paying for the caked-between-my-wrinkles-concealer.

If you're looking for a concealer to include in your 2 minute makeup routine - I definitely recommend trying timeBalm.

This is why I love timeBalm Concealer.

xoxo

12 Days of DFM Favourites: Generation Seven Wine

2011-12-05T07:30:00.033-05:00

This post is Day 1 of the series “Twelve Days of Fashion Mommy Favourites”. Read the post, “Like” both Facebook Pages for Diary of a Fashion Mommy and Chateau Des Charmes, and answer the question below for a chance to win the giveaway: A Generation Seven prize pack, including a T-shirt, valued at $55 CAD. Open to all Canadian residents – MUST BE OVER THE AGE OF 19.

Earlier this year, I tweeted out to the world that I was looking for a fabulous new red wine to try. A @MBosc, aka Michèle Bosc of Niagara-on-the-Lake winery Chateau Des Charmes – mom and Director of Marketing with a passion for wine, tweeted back about trying Gen Seven Red. And then I stumbled across a retweet with the hashtag #GenSeven; and then another, and another, and another… (For those who aren’t on Twitter, a retweet is when an original tweet is so good – it is shared with others; and a hashtag is a keyword in a tweet that is preceded by #.) Being the nosy Fashion Mommy I was, I had to find out more about number-sign-gen-seven.

I can honestly say – my interest was peaked by the philosophy of Gen Seven: seven generations of the Bosc family have been born into the business; the fifth and sixth generations are building a legacy which they hope the seventh will eventually want to be a part of; a strong commitment to “seventh generation sustainability” – the ecological concept of living sustainably and working for the benefit of the seventh generation into the future; and they’ve partnered with Meal Exchange – a youth-driven charity addressing hunger in our communities.

What’s this?! A family with a passion for wine, ecological sustainability and community - I was sold. I picked up a bottle of Generation Seven Red (LCBO #198036) to try out that night, and you’ll now find that it has been assigned a permanent spot on our wine rack. This easy drinking red is perfect for sipping before, during and – if you’re like Manny and me – after dinner too. Can’t decide between Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Pinot Noir, Merlot or Gamay Noir? Who needs to choose when Gen Seven blends them smoothly with blackberry and raspberry flavours with a hint of spice. Not much of a red wine drinker? There’s also a Generation Seven White (LCBO #197988) that’s light, fresh and fruity. I love having both of these wines when we entertain, and I’ll pick up the pair when I’m heading out to a friend’s place for dinner and drinks as a quick and easy host/hostess gift.

This holiday season, definitely try Gen Seven and responsibly enjoy these easy-drinking wines. Every time you purchase a bottle, 50¢ will be donated to Meal Exchange to support their efforts – for the month of December that donation bumps up to $1 per bottle.

If you’re on Twitter, then you won’t want to miss the Generation Seven Twitter Party For Meal Exchange this Thursday, December 8 at 8pm. Log on to your computer, grab a glass of Gen Seven wine, and join @MBosc, @MealExchange and the rest of Twitter world for a fantastic fundraising event. It’s fast-paced conversation, tons of fun, and there are great prizes to be won. Cases of Generation Seven ordered during the Twitter party will be delivered to your home and office in time for the holidays at no extra cost (must be 19 years of age or older and delivered to Ontario addresses only).

This is why I love Generation Seven.

Please answer the Twelve Days of Fashion Mommy Favourites question to enter the giveaway: Which Niagara winery does the Generation Seven brand come from?

Have fun everyone and good luck!
xoxo

My Pie Has Eggshells In It

2011-12-02T07:30:00.009-05:00

I'm a complete control freak. I want to make sure everything is running smoothly and going as it should be. You might also want to label me as a perfectionist. Ah yes - the world according to me.

I fully admit to these things. I've tried fighting it, until I woke up one morning and realized I was fighting a losing battle. Everybody talks about "change" and changing who they are. But I think it's not about change at all. It's about being different and choosing to be a certain way. This is almost too deep for me, but I was thinking about this because of the eggshells I was picking out of my pie filling yesterday morning.

Yes...I'm THAT domesticated. Toddler Timbit and I made pumpkin pie yesterday morning because he, like his older brother, LOVES baking and cooking. He actually takes my spices, opens them up and dumps them all over his play kitchen. I know you're probably wondering where I'm going with this, so just keep reading...

While we baked, I started reminiscing about my first baby Timbit who's in grade 1, a big boy now and at school all day. I miss him. What I miss the most is not being able to really see him in his toddler stage. I missed nearly 3 years of his life while I worked out the house, save for those few vacations when we spent time baking, travelling and doing all things fun. But this morning I started to remember - how mean I was to him and then my heart started to ache. Here I was letting Toddler Timbit wildly crack (or rather smash) eggs with goo running everywhere, while I happily picked out the eggshells from the pie filling. What a great time. Honestly - I loved watching him watch the eggs slide through his fingers. And yet 4 short years ago, I stood in the same spot with Timbit and scolded him for ruining my cake batter with all the shattered eggshells. Sigh.

When I look back, it's not even guilt I feel - no, it's worse than that...I feel shame. Shame on me for shattering the heart of a little boy because of a few stupid eggs. How many times did I do this to him? How many times he must have felt that he was disappointing me? My god...he was just a baby and only 2. I'm not making excuses for myself, but Timbit is such an old soul - and I think all those times I mistook him for a grown up. He still is the same way - full of insight and giving me life lessons. So when he does "act like a kid" it's such a weird phenomenon for us to see him doing silly, goofy things that 6 year old boys do.

So, you would think I would beat myself up for being this pefectionist control freak...but I didn't. My eyes watered, I choked back a few tears and then -- I acknowledged and let go of the past about 20 seconds later, when I realized Toddler Timbit was whipping cream all over the counter. You're probably thinking - what a heartless bitch. But I'm really not. After feeling the shame, I am actually okay with how I behaved. Not because I think I was right in doing what I did - but because I realized I didn't know how else to be at that moment. This perfectionist control freak may be WHO I am, but what counts is HOW I am towards my Timbits. I can either choose to let it define me; or I can choose to acknowledge when I'm being that way, let it go and decide it's time to be "______" BLANK.

I love fill in the blanks...because I get to fill it in however I choose. So it's times like yesterday morning when cracked eggshells are "ruining" my pumpkin pie, that I see myself cringing and then take a step back -- to acknowledge and see myself becoming the perfectionist control freak. And instead, I choose to be different. I choose to help Toddler Timbit pick out the eggshells in that moment of ruined pie-dom, and decide to be a kind, loving, caring, gentle, sharing, expressive, mindful, thoughtful, fun, and flexible mom.

And then I remind myself to give my big Timbit a hug, and let him know just how fantastic I think he is.

(Just something to remember: always be authentic and have integrity when filling in the blank, and eggshells don't actually harm you if you find them in a baked good!)

What I Love: Twelve Days of DFM Favourites!

2011-12-01T07:30:00.001-05:00

"Deck the Halls": My Martha Stewart creation.
I started decorating WEEKS ago!

Getting into the holiday spirit yet? Well, you better be baby 'cause it's December 1st! Whether you celebrate Hannukah, secular Christmas (ie. what I celebrated with my family growing up), a Christian Christmas (ie. what Manny celebrated with his family growing up), Kwanzaa or any other occasion - this time of year is all about good times and good cheer.

(And high stress perhaps? Watch for a future post on whether we've lost the meaning of Christmas...but let's not get all Debbie Downer-ish right now - sheesh!) Before I digress --

I LOVE the holiday season and the spirit of giving. So I've compiled my personal list of fabulous favourites that I think you'll really appreciate too. Just like my "What I Love" posts, I'll tell you all about why I can't get enough of the company or its products, and you'll have a chance to win some of my favourites!

So consider this post the launch of "The Twelve Days of Fashion Mommy Favourites!" I have a seriously awesome line up and can't wait to share with you! Watch for the first post on December 5...you won't want to miss it!

To participate and follow along, "Like" me on Facebook, spread the holiday cheer by suggesting your friends "Like" me too, and if you're on Twitter then send me a tweet!

I'm looking forward to celebrating the holiday season with you in style! xoxo

Social media info:

Facebook - Watch for postings titled "Twelve Days of DFM Favourites".

Twitter Handle - @Fashionmommies

Twitter Hashtag - #DFMFavourites

What I Love: Belly Jelly by Matter Company

2011-11-30T07:30:00.001-05:00

Stretch marks. Every women dreads them. There are a few lucky gals who's bodies will remain unmarked; and then there are the rest of us whose bodies will scar - telling tales of growing bellies and weight gain in all the places that make wearing a sexy swimsuit a complete atrocity. Here's why I love (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE) Substance: Belly Jelly by Matter Company, a Toronto-based company that has created a line of scrumptious natural skin care products.

I ♥ Substance: Belly Jelly by Matter Company.
Available at select boutiques across Canada and the US.

I was lucky my first two pregnancies: not one mark, not one scar, not one bit of change in the elasticity of my skin. I was a believer of using Vaseline Petroleum Jelly - and used it on my belly as a moisturizer. The controversy of using this petroleum jelly is an entirely different post, so I won't get into it. The point is, since it worked while Timbit and Toddler Timbit were growing inside of me, I thought it would do the same miraculous stretch mark prevention for this pregnancy with Mini-Timbit. WRONG. WRONG. WRONG. Three-months into the pregnancy I suffered from itchy, dry skin and, despite trying various products to help with my growing issue, sadly ended up with light markings on my belly.

I am not a fan of the wildly popular and gimmicky "stretch mark" creams that are out on the market, and I was hestitant when my sister-in-law gave me a jar of Belly Jelly by Matter Company. But here's my honest to goodness experience: after a week of using this stuff, I was hooked. I religiously applied this belly balm everyday after every shower - and still do! Not only did my stretch marks disappear but it prevented more from appearing as my belly grew bigger. I'm 7 weeks away from delivering Mini-Timbit, and there are no visible marks on my belly at all.

I love this belly balm - it's smooth, velvety, and packed full of vitamin E and essential oils that help prevent and reduce scar tissue, moisturize, and calm the senses. Most creams are heavily perfumed and give me a headache when I use them, but Belly Jelly smells delightful and is completely soothing thanks to lavender. Yummy shea butter promotes elasticity in the skin and helps to moisturize. And I have palma rosa essential oils to thank for helping to reduce scar tissue. The bonus - Belly Jelly is a completely natural product.

Despite its name, I plan on using Belly Jelly postnatally as an intensive moisturizer and to restore elasticity in my breast, hip and bum regions - all the places where stretch marks can occur. I love this stuff and think its perfect for pampering that growing belly!

Substance: Belly Jelly can be purchased across Canada and the US at select boutiques and online retailers, or directly from Matter Company's online store at www.mattercompany.com.

What I Love: Liv & Lily Boutique

2011-11-28T07:30:00.001-05:00

If I had a little girl, I'd spoil her with accessories from Liv & Lily Boutique, and then borrow them for myself! This new online boutique is run by Melanie Pereira - total Fashion Mommy of two and creative entrepreneur. I placed an order this past week for Christmas gifts for my neice and received the goodies this afternoon.

The pieces are absolutely gorgeous! I ordered: The Olivia Three Rolled Silk Rosette Headband in Blackberry, The Adele Luxe Silk & Organza with Swarovski Crystals in Platinum on a black stretchy band, and The Chocolate Baby Beanie with detachable Silk & Organza Flower in Violet. I'm almost tempted to keep the headband for myself since my neice is only 7 months and I intended for her to wear when she's older. The Adele and the detachable flower from the Beanie can be worn as a hairclip on its own, and fashion mommies can even wear it as a delicate brooch.

The line ranges from $4.95 for cute button hair ties to $22.95 for The Olivia - Three Rolled Silk Rosettes adorned with Swarovski crystals.

Facebook Fan Page! Like Me...Pretty Please?

2011-11-28T01:40:00.001-05:00

I've started a Facebook Fan Page for Diary of a Fashion Mommy! Please like it! Pretty please?!

I love sharing my honest (and cheeky) perspective about pregnancy, motherhood, and parenting on this blog...but I also love hearing about YOUR perspective on things, and would like to create a social forum for AUTHENTIC and REAL experiences. Soon-to-be moms, new moms, seasoned moms, all moms alike...can sometimes feel alone in their journey through motherhood because we are so often bombarded with sugar-coated stories about what it means to be a mom.

We hear about the Desparate Housewife, the Frumpy Mom, the Granola-Crunching Mom, the Perfect Mom, the Hockey Mom...the list goes on. My thought on this: I don't really give a shit about what "mom" label anybody puts on me. No matter what you call me, I'm a MOM. Period. And just like every mom in the world, I wasn't given a handbook or guide to raising my kids - I'm just doing the best that I can and making mistakes along the way.

On my Facebook page I'll keep you up to date on new blog postings, my favourite uber chic finds, and share crazy antics that my Timbits are up to. Feel free to post your mommy experiences or thoughts - just note I reserve the right to remove anything that is offensive.

xoxo

The Ten List: Things You Never Thought You'd Find Yourself Doing

2011-11-26T15:56:00.003-05:00

I was a better parent before I became a parent. It was easy to watch from the sidelines and criticize what parents did or didn't do with their kids. I would "tsk, tsk" in the grocery store at the mom who opened up a not-yet-paid-for box of cookies to give to her screaming children to snack on. And there were many times when Manny and I rolled our eyes and talked about how "we'd NEVER let our kids get away with whining, crying and tantrums!" But then the Timbits came along, and I realized very quickly that parenting is about trying your best and stretching your limits by doing some of the things you never thought you would allow yourself to do. So here's my Ten List of Things You Never Thought You'd Find Yourself Doing - in no particular order:

1. You will reminisce about the good 'ol days of partying hard, boozing it up, late nights, sleeping in, and zero responsibility. Your life after kids will be about falling asleep at 9pm on New Years Eve, late night feedings, and getting up before the sunrises even though you or baby haven't slept at all. You will find yourself staring in the mirror looking at your dark circles and suddenly realize: your life is better than the good 'ol days - because you've got kids.

2. Remember that mom I 'tsk-ed' at the grocery store for opening up the unpaid box of cookies? Yah - that's me. So when you see me pop open the package of Oreos and give my screaming kid one because I forgot his snacks at home, "tsk" me all you want. I don't give a damn...and you aren't going to give a rats-ass either when someone tsks you.

3. No matter how hard you try not to, you and your baby-daddy are going to inspect your kid's poops. You'll examine the colour, compare the texture, and sniff it. You are going to wonder why it has turned blue (that would be blueberries); or orange (that would be carrots, sweet potato and squash); or why it smells funkier than usual (if it's wet and green too, it may be time for a trip to the clinic). It’s a fact - you're going to have serious conversations about shit without breaking out into laughter.

4. Now that we've talked about your baby's poop - let's talk about YOUR poop. Since having kids, taking a dump in my house is no longer a luxury I spend time doing on my own. No, no - if I need to take that massive shit when Manny isn't home, it's a group experience as I leave door open to keep an eye on Toddler Timbit. The dog even pops her head in from time to time and runs off. If anyone over the age of 6 happens to be home, I get to shut the door - but make no mistake: having the door closed does not mean my shitting experience becomes a zen moment. Timbit has been told to knock only when it's an emergency - apparently asking where his Nintendo DS is qualifies as one.

5. I used to be germphobic. Take note: I said "used to be". With Timbit, I disinfected everything - his toys, the shopping cart, the table at a restaurant...I even carried his own set of cutlery with us. As for Toddler Timbit, well...ummm...he's eaten kibble from the dog's bowl, can be found with food crusted to the side of his face (usually from breakfast), and has licked just about everything from the grocery cart to a parked car to the wall of the Bat Cave at the Royal Ontario Museum. Germs shmerms - you will find yourself picking up the soother that just fell onto the ground and popping it back into your kid's mouth.

6. Your child will have a tantrum, throw himself to the ground, and you will continue shopping calmly, sipping your latte while people stare and think one of the following: a) Wow! That kid's a brat; or b) Wow! She needs a lesson on parenting; or c) Wow! I'm right with you sister: Enjoy your latte and all mommies unite!

Hey you! Yes you - chicky with the boyfriend and no kids! I know you were thinking A or B, or both. I saw you roll your eyes at me and call my kid a brat. Make no mistake - when you look at me, you are looking at your future self. I know this, because I was once you. I hope you like lattes because they make the world a better place.

7. Are you going to breastfeed or not? Decide now. No just kidding. Do what YOU FEEL is best. I never intended to breastfeed and thought it was weird having a kid suck on my boob. But one month after Timbit was born, I cried for 2 days straight when I was told to formula feed him because he was underweight. Ironically, I ended up successfully breastfeeding Timbit until he was 8 months. Meanwhile, I formula fed Toddler Timbit through a tube attached to my boob; pumped for 30 minutes after EVERY feeding - until at 3 months, Timbit asked me: "Mommy, why do you have to exercise your nipples so much?" And THAT my friends, marked the end of breastfeeding with the Toddler Timbit. So don’t fret if you start out thinking and trying one way, and end up doing the opposite.

8. While we're on the topic of breastfeeding, I might as well tell you: I never imagined tasting breastmilk. That is, until some dripped on my finger one day, and I automatically licked it off like it was chicken mcnugget sauce. Yup. I inadvertantly tasted my own milk. Don't ask me what it tastes like - I was half asleep and have tried to erase the 2am feeding moment from my mind. This just might happen to you...don't say I didn't warn you.

9. You will eventually give up trying to maintain your once coveted lifestyle, and settle for regaining it once the kids are older. I will admit maintaining our pre-child lifestyle was entirely possible when Timbit arrived. He was an easy baby and still is. When Toddler Timbit came along, he threw us for a loop and we had to say: good-bye to dinners out and hello to take-out; good-bye weekend jaunts around the city and hello to smack-right-in-the-middle-of-the-day-please-do-not-disturb-me naps. Oh yes. Trying to maintain your "lifestyle" is like riding a bike with square wheels - it just doesn't work with kids. My advice: find the wheels that fit and enjoy the ride.

10. It's just a fact of parenthood: yes it's your house and you pay the mortgage, but you might as well move your crap elsewhere, because the kids don't care how much you paid for that cream-coloured couch - they just want to sit on it, eat their chocolate chip cookies, smear their hands all over it, and watch Toy Story 3. No matter how much you attempt to keep your house in a pristine state...you will find yourself doing what I do: searching for the banana peel that Toddler Timbit decided to shove between the sofa cushions. Thank goodness for leather.

And that my friends are the things I never thought I'd find myself doing before I had kids. What are some of the things you found yourself doing after parenthood that you never imagined yourself doing?

The Ten List: Signs I Suffer From Mommy Brain

2011-11-17T00:10:00.003-05:00

There's a whole lot of air in there. But at least I remembered to accessorize
with my Prada Sunglasses & Stella & Dot Rio Chandelier Earrings.

Believe it or not - mommy brain exists. I know it does. It may be the only thing I know at this point in time after having lost brain cells following the birth of Timbit and Toddler Timbit; and I am bound to have little to none left after Mini Timbit arrives. But like I said, if there's one thing I know, it's that mommy brain exists. Wait. I already said that right? Okay, where was I going with this again?

Anyhoo...this whole thing about mommy brain - I recently read a Discovery.com article about how women's brains grow after giving birth. I'd tell you about all the scientific research that was conducted but I'm drawing a total blank, so just read the article yourself on Discovery.com. That is if you remember to in between feedings, diaper changes, house cleaning, taking care of yourself...etc. You know - doing whatever moms do, that makes them forget about whatever it was they were suppose to do at the beginning of the day.

Now where was I? My Ten List! Right! So despite the whole "Your brain has grown since giving birth to children" thing, I have proof that mommy brain is very real and I've lost the functionality of some of my brain cells. I better get to my list before I forget, so here it is:

I went to Starbucks and ordered a Grande Vanilla Latte for myself and a Child's Hot Chocolate for Timbit. Timbit proceeded to tell me his hot chocolate tasted funny, and I replied: "Really? Hmmm...weird because Mommy's hot chocolate tastes just fine." Whoops.
I scanned a blank piece of paper and emailed it to someone. Oops.
I like new fashion trends - I'm just not sure wearing clothing inside out is one of them this season. Luckily, when I have attempted to pull off this fashion statement I generally have nowhere to go.
Last week, since it was our turn to bring snacks to hockey (only God knows how I even remembered that...oh right, Manny reminded me), I went shopping and decided to pick up a few other items. I thought I'd be a smart cookie and leave the hockey snacks in my environmentally friendly reusable grocery bin for hubbie and Timbit to take to hockey. So I left all the items - including milk, yogurt drinks, frozen food, etc...you know things that require refrigeration - in the bin, which sat in the hallway all afternoon waiting to be taken to hockey practice...which wasn't until the next morning. Not such a smart cookie after all.
We send Timbit to school with lunch every Thursday. And every Thursday, it's pizza day.
I sometimes respond to emails twice. I sometimes don't reply at all. It's random. So please don't feel insulted if I haven't written you back lately.
I don't have a cleaning lady and I refuse to hire one. For one, I'm a control freak - no one will clean my house as well as I do. And second, it's fun to play games with the family like: "Guess why the tupperware is in the bathroom?" or "Russian Roulette with the mugs: is the one you pull out from the cupboard clean or dirty?" Serious fun. Seriously.
The other day, Manny asked me why I was wearing a particular pair of black socks. I responded: "Like, duh...I'm wearing them because they're mine." Except that they weren't - they were Manny's socks. The best part about me wearing his socks that I thought were my socks: I bought them for him.
Sometimes I forget what day of the week it is - they all kind of meld into one.
After 20 minutes of frantically searching for my car keys, I called upon Manny and Timbit to assist in the quest to find them.

Me: "Where are my keys? I can't find them! Where are they?"

Manny: "What's that you're holding in your hand?"

Me: "Oh nothing - just my keys."

Silence.

And there you have it - The Ten List: Signs I Suffer From Mommy Brain. I'm surprised I even remembered ten!

Aren't You Suppose to Learn From Me?: Learning From Our Children

2011-11-11T17:45:00.003-05:00

I LOVE THIS TWEET...

@sprogsca: "You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance." ~Franklin P. Jones

This is Timbit - who has knowledge beyond his years.

I'm on Twitter and most of the time it's hit or miss, as I juggle Timbit's school drop-offs, playtime with Toddler Timbit, cleaning, naptime, work stuff, more playtime, more cleaning, school pick-up, meal prep, time-wasting on Facebook...you get the point. But I found it fitting, and as if the stars were aligning for me, that I just wrote "Losing Patience With Losing Patience" a few days ago and then came across the above tweet this morning.

Whoa. Talk about having an epiphany. As parents we let our egos get in the way and automatically assume a position of authority as we attempt to raise our children into well-balanced individuals. Afterall, we are suppose to lead, be role models and teach our young. But we have a tendency to take for granted how much we can actually learn from them. I learn so much from my Timbit crew everyday - including how much patience I have (or rather don't have).

In particular, I realized how closed shut my eyes were - even though I thought they were wide open - to Toddler Timbit's behaviour. My ignorance was brought on by my "having-to-be-right/needing-to-be-in-control/my-kids-are-going-to-listen-to-me-dammit" perspective, that I completely misunderstood him and couldn't see that all he really wanted was to be heard.

It's easy to talk the talk and walk the walk: Smarty-pants me knew he couldn't communicate, so I picked up a sign language book to help us out. Ah ha! Problem solved...er...sort of...? I knew that communication was an issue with us, but did I really know it fully, completely, truly, without letting any of my ego get in the way? If I did, I probably wouldn't be faced with all the frustration and losing patience with him. The bottomline is this: I didn't truly know. I didn't completely get it. And I wasn't fully listening.

How many times have you said: "I know." And yet, out of habit, you behave the same way, make the same mistake, yield the same results, and then say "I know" all over again? Be honest with yourself. Because in this job called life, the bosses we answer to are ourselves; and like any company, we need to fire ourselves for repetive bad behaviour, and rehire our brand new selves who have taken on a fresh and different perspective.

I am learning the valuable lesson that my kids may actually be smarter than me when it comes to parenting (or maybe everything?!): Timbit came up to me when I was in a rage this week with Toddler Timbit, put his hand gently on my forearm and said in a quiet soothing voice: "Remember Mom - he's just a baby. He doesn't get it and he really wants us to understand him."

Hold up. He's six years old. Something has gone amiss. Or perhaps they haven't? As adults, we carry so much weight from our past, make assumptions, create stories for ourselves, and complicate life with all the drama that we have a hard time leaving behind. Yes. That's right. Adults are all about the drama - every single one of us and we love it, because we love being right and we love to think that we know it all. Of course, you'll read this and say: "Nah, maybe you, but not me." But believe it - because like Oprah says: we're all human and we're all the same. Seriously, my kid, your kid, your neighbours kid, they only have a couple years on their backs and because of their innocence they don't complicate life. They see things in the simpliest and most quintessential light - the way things actually are instead of letting their egos get in the way, by creating something that isn't really there.

Timbit gets the Double T-Man. Their struggle is the same - to him Toddler Timbit is just another kid like him who wants to be heard, seen, and understood by his parents. He hasn't let life (or his experiences) get in the way of of how he sees things. Life is simplified -as it should be - and there's nothing more or less to what is exactly happening at any given moment in time.

While I see this: 'Gawd! This kid isn't listening to me. What is his problem? It must be that he's a difficult child. I can't get him to listen. Why won't he listen? Just listen to me dammit!'

My patience has peaked and is non-existent.

And instead, Timbit sees this: 'My little brother is trying to tell my mom something; she is getting upset because she doesn't understand him - they are misunderstanding each other. My mom needs to be patient and they'll understand each other in time.'

So he tells me exactly how he sees it.

And that my friends - is exactly what is happening. Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing in between. My patience has been reset, and I have the insightfulness of a 6 year old to thank. Reality has been checked and the lesson has been learnt.

What insight and life lessons have your children taught you?

Losing Patience With Losing Patience

2011-11-09T14:37:00.003-05:00

Is it hormonal? Is it the "terrible twos"? Is it my high expectations? Or maybe a combination of all three? Whatever it is, I'm losing patience with...well...losing my patience. Rewind a few months ago, and I could easily calm a whining and tantruming Toddler Timbit. I really felt like I got him at that time - but now I'm feeling...overwhelmed, stressed, and (to be honest) resentful that I have to listen to his constant moaning and groaning 24/7. Top all of this off with his limited verbal vocabulary...and yet very developed language comprehension...and you've got yourself an extremely frustrated Fashion Mommy and Toddler Timbit.

Do not let that cute face deceive you...notice the little monster ears on his hoodie?

Though I'm not a first time parent, this is the first experience that I'm having in dealing with the so-called "terrible twos". Timbit was calm, laidback and easy to manage - he never screamed, tantrumed or cried, and his language was extremely advanced when he was TT's age. I could negotiate, reason, and explain things. I could tell him that eating the dog's kibble was gross and he would come to the table and eat human food; TT on the other hand, seems to enjoy the kibble more than my cooking. Serves us right for thinking parenthood was so damn easy after we had a breeze with number 1.

Toddler Timbit is the exact opposite. He's stubborn. He's determined. He's got gumption. And (Oh. My. Gawd.) he's a replica of ME. As of late, I've been losing my patience with him. Since we've been having a hard time communicating, I decided to take up sign language for toddlers - I have a book and I'm looking into starting some classes (mental note to self: write another post on his language development). So far, he's taken up signing very quickly, enjoys the videos we've been watching online, and generally uses sign language along with an attempt to verbally say the words.

However, when TT is focused on something, he just won't let the thought, idea, object, etc. go. Like this morning - he wanted to play with the parking machine in the parking lot of the obstetrician's office, he literally threw himself onto the pavement when I attempted to get him back to the car. It's seriously like the world is crumbling before him. Explaining that we had to leave didn't work. Diverting his attention didn't work. Making it a game didn't work. Time out didn't work. Yelling definitely did not work (he screams just as loud as me). And because I'm just as stubborn, determined and full of gumption as he is (and the fact that I just wasted 20-FREAKING-MINUTES) - I refused to give up and dragged him away in tears with my angry face on. Not exactly the ideal resolution or positive reinforcement of behaviour that he or I was looking for.

And, just as a side note - I cannot stand when people stare. Like STARE...as if they've never seen a preggo lady hoist a 30-pound screaming toddler over her shoulders like a sack of potatoes. Before I digress...

I'm seriously at my wits end. Each day I lose a little more patience and feel like I'm becoming the angry mom that is about to give up. It bothers me to know that I'm allowing myself to become something that I'm not. That I let anger get the better of me forgetting that he's only a little boy who wants to be heard and understood. As parents the impact we have on our kids is so powerful - they are watching us; learning from us, and will eventually become us...the good, the bad, and the ugly angry face too.

In a way I have my stubbornness to thank because I won't give up on him or me, and allow myself to become an angry patientless person. I remind myself that he's a sweet kid who knows how to melt my heart, and that this is just a little bump in the road we're trying to get around. What I need to figure out (and fast) is how I'm going to get us to the other side.

Have you experienced the "terrible twos"? Are you going through them now? Did you ever think you'd parent the way that you do now?

Giving Up Cool

2011-11-06T16:10:00.002-05:00

We didn't purchase a Toyota Sienna - but I still classify my Honda Odyssey as the "swagger wagon".

Video Courtesy of Toyota.

On Saturday, I officially became a "hockey mom". I use to shudder at the thought of it, but I'm just going to put it out there: I like the status despite my uber-cool points diminishing by the minute. Or rather, I've lost points according to my single friends, friends who are DINKS (dual-income-no-kids), and some of my friends who are parents of 2 or less children (with no additional babies in the future landscape). What am I talking about? Well after years of battling out the SUV versus mini-van debate (you can guess which side I was on), I finally caved to the pressure and purchased a not-so-uber-cool mini-van.

Yes. I did what I told everyone not to do. Ironic isn't it? On Facebook, when I've seen the question posed on my friends' walls: "Should I get a mini-van or SUV?" I chirped up with my oh-so-expert-and-biased-smartass-advice by saying: "SUV...'cause parenting doesn't mean having to become the ultimate soccer or hockey mom."

And yet, here I write about how excited I am to have purchased my huge-ass bus to tote around my growing family of Timbits. Seriously? Am I the same woman? Why yes! I am! I've kicked coolness in the gnads for something more uber-chic: a sleek, shiny, suped-up family-friendly-mobile.

A couple of weeks ago a few things occurred to me that with a third child on the way, giving up my small SUV to drive around in a bus (errr...I mean mini-van...) is actually way chic-er than driving around in a full-sized SUV for the following 5 reasons:

1) Sliding doors are way sexier than regular car doors. I live in Canada. Trying to battle inclement weather while carrying a not-so-happy Toddler Timbit, a bag of groceries in the same hand of the arm tucked under TT's waist, my other hand tightly gripped to the big Timbit, while crossing a busy parking lot of a big-box grocery store, finagling with the keyfob to unlock doors to an "uber-cool" SUV, then trying to open up said doors by freeing hands from clinging children with dishevelled wind-blown hair... IS NOT SEXY. However, the same scenerio only with the click of a button to open power sliding doors on the mini-van, safely placing children into their seats, and not dropping a carton of eggs (or F-bombs in front of my children) in the middle of the parking lot... IS SEXY.

2) Creating an obstacle course for your children to get in and out of the third row seating is not a substitute for physical activity. I'll soon have two carseats in the second row, but with the stow away middle seat in my new uber-chic Mama-Mobile, Timbit will easily be able to get in and out of his booster in the third row. No climbing over anyone. No removing or sliding of carseats over to accomodate extra passengers. Just easy peasy, walk down the middle to get to the third row. "SUVs have a third row!" the uber-cool moms are yelling at me. Yes they do, and after checking out the configuration (and convenience) of the seating, it just didn't make sense for us. Plus, my choice in vehicle was confirmed after reading an online forum for SUV owners: one SUV-driving parent, who's second row was taken up by two carseats, thought it was "so cool" that her 5 year old daughter loved climbing through the back power liftgate to get to her seat in the third row. I honestly have nothing to say about this.

3) The third-row seating of a mid-sized vehicle should be inhabitable by human beings and not garden gnomes. Space is luxury; and my new mini-van has loads of space - enough to fit eight full-sized human beings comfortably. I read somewhere that one family put 3 carseats- COUNT 'EM - THREE CARSEATS- in the second row of their oh-so-stylin' SUV because it was hard to get another child into the third row, and because there just wasn't enough room. But according to that SUV driving family - it was worth it. Which left me to ask: exactly what was the third row being used for? Do only people the size of garden gnomes fit in the third row? Did they really mean to say: "Who needs practical third row seating, when you've got style!" It just doesn't make sense for us to sacrifice practical space for a cool image. Style or no style, no one can argue that my hot-hockey-mom-mobile is lacking head, shoulder or leg room in any of the rows. And specifically, the third-row seating has enough space to stretch out and enjoy a cup of java while you watch your favourite movie on the in-car entertainment system. Yup. My third row is almost the size of a living room, and it rocks. Speaking of rocks - keep your garden gnomes in your garden, not the third row of your vehicle.

4) Packing bags into a trunk after a mall shopping spree should not involve removing seats. I can pack all my precious cargo (and crew) into the van without having to remove any seats. The stow away seat option is pretty cool and convenient when needed, but if you're having to stow them away to fit stuff into your car every trip you make, then what's the point? I've got enough space in my trunk to store a stroller, Timbit's and Manny's hockey gear, loads of goodies from my fav stores, and more - all in a single space with 8 passengers in the car! Can I get a woot, woot? Woot, woot!

5) Cool parents in SUVs spend their money on gas. Cool parents in mini-vans spend their money on gas and uber-chic gear. SUV's may have a cool "style" factor, but how cool is it to be spending money pumping gas into a gas guzzler and nothing else? No matter how you cut it, my new mini-van yields better mileage than my neighbour's road tank - which means I can spend extra dollars on me, Manny, and our Timbits on uber-chic clothes. That's right, my family is going to change the face of cool when we step out of our Sexy Mom Vehicle (SMV) in style, because we'll be getting more bang (and mileage) for our buck.

And there you have it - my top 5 reasons why I gave up uber-cool for uber-chic. I'm not going to lie: if I was single, DINKS, was only having 2 kids and no more, or if my kids were older, then this whole blogpost would have a completely different spin.

What I Love: Cable Knit Dress

2011-11-01T09:47:00.000-04:00

I am loving this knit dress from H & M (yes I have thing for H & M, because it's so cheap 'n chic). It's soooo different from what I would usually choose out for myself - especially because it's not black, and I ended up purchasing the cognac brown shown below (also comes in light beige).

It's a regular-sized dress, but it absolutely works with my 7 month pregger belly. Plus I'll be able to wear it afterwards because the knit is so stretchy and comfortable! I've paired it with Stella & Dot's Leona Pendant and the Heiress Hoop Earrings.
xoxo

H & M Cable Knit Dress in Cognac Brown, $24.95

Leona Pendant Necklace, $108

Just Eat It, Dammit!

2011-10-28T10:07:00.001-04:00

Found this on Kaboodle.com

We eat all sorts of food in our house - pasta, crockpot dinners, Indian, Chinese, casseroles, and even Sushi. Yes...Timbit eats sushi and use to ask if we could eat "Nemo" for dinner since the Disney character was the same color as salmon. Anyway before I digress as I have a tendency to do...

I always imagined that I'd be like my mom and tell my kids they had to eat whatever I made. Which worked up until Toddler Timbit arrived. This kid has a mind of his own, won't sit at the dinner table, eats when he wants to and what he wants to, and doesn't have any interest in trying anything new. My older Timbit never ate McDonalds, chocolates, undiluted juice, sugar cereals, etc., etc. - we ate healthy and wanted to introduce him to different cultures by way of eating. How wordly of us. And here I am with Toddler Timbit, who ate Chicken McNuggets as soon as he had teeth, drinks chocolate milk (thanks to my current pregnancy addiction to Nesquick - reduced sugar, iron added version of course), and is helping me reduce the Halloween chocolate stock in the house (even though Halloween is still 3 days away).

I assumed Toddler Timbit would be open to trying different types of food just like Timbit was. Nope - he's not. He'll eat naan bread and have nothing to do with butter chicken; edamame beans but won't try the sushi; and garlic bread but not the pasta if it's not Kraft Dinner or smothered in tomato sauce. I find it so frustrating because - DAMMIT! I slaved over the friggin' stove making that damn bacon carbonara sauce for 45 minutes, and he didn't even try it! The audacity of him!

I'm hoping this is just a phase. That he'll eventually open up to trying new foods and eating proper meals - but for now, Toddler Timbit is a grazer. And though he does eat more junk food than his brother ever did, he surprised me one day when I fed him a hotdog, chips and apple for lunch: he finished off the apple and asked for another, ate the bun, drank his milk, and left the all-beef-don't-ask-which-part-of-the-cow-it-came-from meat product and chips. (Seriously...who leaves chips?!?!)

I guess it goes to show that despite the early introduction of craptacular foods, he has still picked up the healthy eating habits that do go on in our house. I've decided to pick my battles and not force the food onto him. I do make sure there's something in the meal that I know he'll like or at least try. If he's not digging the homemade turkey burgers, then I offer him his favourite - corn on the cob; but only when everyone at the table is ready to eat theirs as well. We have a "safe list" of go-to foods if we find he's not interested in what were eating - but we never give him the impression that he's getting a different meal from everyone else. That's what I grew up with - we all had the same thing for dinner regardless of whether we liked it or not.

Will Toddler Timbit's taste buds eventually match our own? I sure hope so, because I have this insatiable craving for butter chicken right now.

How do you get your kids to eat what you make? Do you cook only what they like or different meals for each? Do you make them try other foods?

The Double Dilemma

2011-10-26T10:42:00.002-04:00

Thinking about the impending arrival of Mini-Timbit, I spent yesterday morning shopping for the dreaded double stroller. Why am I dreading this? For one, I feel like I've already spent a fortune on both Timbit and Timbit Toddler (aka Double-T) despite being able to re-use all of our baby gear. Second, we've managed to build a collection of strollers consisting of a full-sized Graco travel stroller system, two lightweight strollers (long story about how we ended up with two), and one sit'n ride stroller (graciously donated by a family member, which we never used). Third and last but not least, I'm really evaluating whether a double stroller is actually a necessity or more of a convenience, enabling us to keep Double-T strapped down and from running away from us. (Hmmm...perhaps I should consider why he tries to escape us all the time...but I digress...)

So yes, double stroller shopping poses itself as a dilemma because although I've lost most of my brain cells to my children, I still have a little bit of my former corporate-geek-self that causes me to think about my return-on-investment (ROI, or dollars per use in this case). This is how I see it -

Will we get as much use out of a double stroller to make it worth "investing" in one?

When I consider the cost of the double strollers we're looking at (anywhere from $400-$600, pre-tax), my gut wrenches at the thought that I will not get as much use out of it as I expect. I feel like in a year, I'll be selling this puppy on Craigslist or during our neighbourhood "street" sale for a rock bottom price. Phft. So is this "investment" really worth it?

The reality is, I'm never going to re-use it after Mini-Timbit - he's number three and our last. I can say this definitively. I was totally digging having another boy (I'll write another post about that), because we've been able to save the clothes and all the gadgets that the other two Timbits have worn, drooled, and crapped all over. I thought we were pretty well equipped until I considered how I was going to truck around my spirited 27-month old toddler and a new born baby. Spending my dollars on things I'm not going to get much use out of is not cool or uber chic. I already learnt my lesson with the other two, as I look back at the accumulation of useless items over the years (like the loads of designer clothes which were worn maybe once or twice).

My first Timbit was an easy-going-strap-me-into-the-stroller-kid, who would sit patiently while I strolled the mall, Ikea, and the park with a latte in hand. I cannot say the same for Toddler Timbit - at age two, he acts like his six year old brother. He has no interest in sitting in a stroller for more than five minutes upon entering the mall, park, zoo, or museum. Right now, I'm fine with having him "walk" (errr...run) while were out; but it's getting difficult being almost seven months pregnant, and I can't imagine it will get any easier when Mini-Timbit arrives and I've got three to keep track of.

The more I debate this with myself, I see my ROI declining and the usefulness of that double stroller is pretty much nil. I'm a fan of baby-wearing, but will I be able to manage Double-T while wearing Mini-T? I dream about the convenience of a double stroller: I can "control" (there I go trying to control my kids) Toddler Timbit while were out, and he won't be able to make his escape while at the mall. Which I guess boils down to a safety issue too. But dreaming about convenience does not equate to necessity, nor does it mean I'm going to maximize my ROI.

Oh, what to do? Are you a stroller mama with advice? Feel free to share your thoughts!

What I Love: Leggings, Jeggings & Treggings

2011-10-24T07:10:00.000-04:00

I am obsessed with leggings. I can't help it. I wore them like crazy when I was a teenager, and now that I'm at home and pregnant, I can't get enough of them. I was even more excited when Jeggings arrived on the scene; and now I'm getting myself acquainted with Treggings (the twill pant version of the legging). If you're wondering how or what to pair them with...I'm a mom and no hooch, so I like keep my ass-ets covered with a long sweater or tunic. Be bold and try them with a dress.

I'm heading out sometime this week to pick up the sweater and tregging below from H&M. I've paired them with the Air Joey Short Boot from Cole Haan and my new favourite handbag - the Waverly Three Way by Stella & Dot. And like the name implies, you can wear the Waverly Three Way...three different ways.

Interestingly enough, I've dumped all my Coach purses in favour of toting around Stella & Dot because I love the look of their new handbag line!

H&M Sweater, $24.95

H&M Treggings, $29.95

Cole Haan Air Joey Short Boot, $298

Stella & Dot Waverly Three-Way Bag, $268

What I Want: Kobo Vox Colour

2011-10-20T07:30:00.001-04:00

Kobo Vox Colour e-Reader, $199
Available from Chapters Indigo for pre-order

Oh. My. God. I just got the best email in my inbox from Chapters Indigo yesterday afternoon! Well I love getting emails from them...but this one tickled me pink! I thought I loved my Kobo Touch...but I'm fickle that way, and I'm getting ready to toss it to the side to grab a hold of the new Kobo Vox Colour (now available to pre-order from Chapters Indigo). Yes, that's right. I am a tech nerd - why are you surprised? Not everything in my brain relates to babies, fashion, and jewellery.

This puppy rocks with a multi-touch 7" LCD screen and 8gb of storage (expandable to 32gb by simply adding a SD card), plus access to the web, email, music, video and free apps for Android. As I "Ooooh and ahhhh" over this, my handsome husband is trying to break me down by asking: "Why an eReader? Why not a tablet then?" Okay, well I suppose with that sort of funcationality, you're probably asking the same thing.

In that case, why not read on my smartphone or computer? (For one, I squint while I read emails on my BlackBerry; and second, my computer screen makes my eyes feel strained most of the time...but I digress.) It's not just because I love my Kobo Touch, it's because plain and simple - the Kobo is an e-Reader, I spend the majority of my time reading on it, and that's what it was built to do. The new functionalities above just increase the coolness and uber chic factor, and add convenience perks. And who doesn't like perks?

Do You See Yourself Clearly?

2011-10-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Love this eye chart from Keep Calm Gallery! More often than not, it's the habits and behaviours that we don't want to admit to having, which are the ones that we rarely see in ourselves - even though they are in plain sight of us.

"You rarely see what is right in front of you"
Eye Chart from Keep Calm Gallery

A Letter of Apology

2011-10-18T07:30:00.003-04:00

Dear Neighbour,

So sorry our first encounter was such a fuck up. I misunderstood what you were trying to do in your car. Silly me, I thought you were going straight since I didn’t see any left-hand turn signal. I can only assume that perhaps you had intended to signal, but that your light is broken? If that is the case, I can recommend a great mechanic – my dad has an automotive shop not too far from here, and I’m sure I can get you a deal on parts and labour. After all, what are neighbours for?

Please don’t take this the wrong way, but it was only 8:20 in the morning and it was such a shame that you looked like a crazy-ass mad-woman. I’m sure if we met under different circumstances – like maybe at the school parent council meeting, your hair wouldn’t have been so frizzy, your hands wouldn’t have been flipping me the bird, and I don’t think your nostrils naturally flare out like that. If they do, you may want to consider corrective surgery if there is such a thing for flared nostrils.

Another reason for me writing you is that I couldn’t make out what you were yelling at me through your rolled up window. I really want to clarify, because I don’t want to seem rude and have you think that I was ignoring you, but I think I made out the words: “You have an itch?” Or perhaps it was "twitch"? I’m not sure, but I can’t possibly imagine that you were saying: “You’re a bitch”, seeing as your pre-teen daughter was sitting next to you.

Now I was trying not to judge you, but human nature is funny that way - and I sincerely apologize, because I did. Oh yes! Boy, did I judge. If it makes you feel better, it wasn’t because of your erratic driving, or the fact that you allowed yourself to act the way that you did in front of your daughter. Oh no. It was because I just couldn’t get over the frizzy hair - so I just wanted to let you know that I have this great hairdresser that I go to. I don’t mind sharing, so I'll pass along the number if you'd like it.

On another note, I wanted to know if you’re daughter is feeling better? It’s just that when I saw her sitting in the passenger seat next to you, she looked pale, sickly, and almost like she was shrivelling away. You know how quickly these kids pick up the sniffles from school. Anyway, I hope she didn’t catch anything and that she is feeling better.

Oh and by the way, please don’t feel like you have to apologize for our craptacular meeting. After all, we’re entitled to have bad days and act like assholes sometimes. I totally understand! I mean shit. I am not a perfect role model for my kids – I have terrible habits (I swear a lot), I'm a control freak and perfectionist that puts pressure on people, and I like being right all the time. Although, I'll be honest - I've never allowed myself to act like all crazy-ass like you did in public – let alone in front of my kids. But hey, we’re different people, I deal with things differently, and I get that - so don't worry, I won’t hold our first meeting against you.

So I guess I’ll be seeing you at the usual time when I drop my Timbit off at school, when I’m walking the dog, shopping at the local grocery store, or maybe even at a school council meeting – who knows. Whenever we do meet, I’m looking forward to a fabulous time chatting with you and getting to know the real you – instead of the 8:20am-having-a-shitty-day-you.

Well ta-ta and all the best,

Stephanie xoxo

I Love You Just As You Are

2011-10-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

On Sunday night we spent the evening prepping for Timbit's "Star Student" of the week presentations for his grade one class. For each day of the week, he's been given the task to share about himself, tell his favourite jokes, read an excerpt from a book he loves, and bring in items of importance that represent who he is. While filing through photos that were going to be included on his "All About Me" collage, I started thinking about the type of person my little boy is. And then it hit me: He's awesome.

I know - I'm biased being Timbit's mother and all; but really he is, and I'm only publicly acknowledging it now because I have never acknowledged it before in front of other people. I've heard it from his teachers, hockey coaches, friends, and other parents - and they're not just being nice, because there's a sincerity in the way that each person has told me how amazing my little boy is. It's not that I didn't believe them - it's more that I have been caught up in the worry of him becoming what I don't want him to be, than actually seeing him for who he already is. And so instead of saying thank you when receiving a compliment about what a great kid my son is, I'd guffaw and reply with: "Oh you don't see him at home when he's really being himself."

Admitting that he's this great kid is tough for me. I struggle with not wanting to be the mom that brags about her children, while at the same time not wanting to be the mom who bitches and complains either. I've come to realize that I've been blinded by my fears of what he may or may not be, driven by my ultimate fear of what people will think of him and how he will be treated. Timbit is sweet, well-mannered, mild tempered, and super nice. As a matter of fact he's so nice that during baseball, he would say excuse me and run around the opposite teams' players to get onto the bases.

So instead of relishing in moments of pride, I've been so focused on trying to make sure he's not too nice, not too mean, not too talkative, not too quiet, etc...instead of just letting him be. In some ways, I know he's not like other six-year old kids - especially when I see him on the playground or at school before the bell rings. Timbit has this naivety about him when it comes to his peers, and yet he's got this old-soul that makes him so aware of the needs of others. On one hand, he believes in the absolute goodness of other kids that he doesn't understand when they're being mean; and yet, on the other, he has decided to give up his birthday presents to have his friends and family donate to a charity that feeds the poor.

At the end of the day, all these fears that I have boil down to worry. Something that all parents experience from the first moment we meet our children - and something that doesn't ever leave. We all worry about how our kids will turn out, whether we're doing the right thing, or if we've done it all wrong; and whether they will be happy about themselves and who they are. In all this frenzy, we often lose sight of what our purpose is as parents, which is simply to provide acceptance - something that every single one of us wants, needs and deserves.

So instead of trying to create perfection in my kids, I think it's about time I just accept how awesome they already are.

Moms: Superheroes without Capes!

2011-10-13T13:47:00.002-04:00

Every male in my household is obssessed with superheroes. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM - including the big one I married. I have never thought of myself as a superhero, but I guess I do try and save the day if my kids are having a rough one. And I've been thinking...if I were to battle Sandman - one of Spiderman's arch enemies, I think I would win. I mean really...didn't anyone think about breaking out the vaccum to suck this guy up? He's made out of sand for goodness sake!

Photo courtesy of Photobucket.com

If June Cleaver Did It - Why Can't I?

2011-10-12T21:49:00.001-04:00

So I'm starting a new project - because that's just what I need on top of everything else that I do. I am a mom of 2 (with 1 on the way), wife, domestic goddess, photographer, Stella & Dot Stylist, parent council member...etc...etc. And like what my blog description says, these are my rants as a suburban mom where I'll share with you the things that we think but never say.

This whole idea started a few weeks back after dinner out with friends when I was inadvertently called a desperate housewife (no offense taken...but I had a good chuckle); and then after reading an article referencing "Supermoms" as working moms, who juggle full-time jobs and all the responsibilities that mommyhood entails. Where I have a bone of contention is how we define desperate housewives, supermoms and working moms - which led me to a series of questions:

June Cleaver cleaned her house all dressed up - so why can't I?

Am I really a desperate housewife just because I drop my kids off and pick them up at school wearing skinny jeans and tall boots? June Cleaver minded her children and cleaned her house all dressed up - so why can't I? Are only women with careers considered supermoms or working moms because they struggle with achieving the demands of mommyhood and work-life balance? Does staying at home mean I get to nap all day long with my sweet, darling baby? Working moms is such a misnomer - don't ALL moms work? And have we forgotten that dads have the same struggles?

Still photo from the movie, I Don't Know How She Does It.
Sarah Jessica Parker plays career mom Kate Reddy.

On one side we've got Sarah Jessica Parker as Kate Reddy, in the movie I Don't Know How She Does It, trying to achieve work-life-balance as a career woman; and on the other, is the epic June Cleaver who did it all - housework, gardening and cooking - in party dresses and perfectly coiffed hair.

Is there really a debate out there as to who has it easier, or who is the epitomy of a supermom? The politically correct will say: "Of course not. We all know how hard all moms work."

I'm not politically correct, so I'll just lay it on the line: YES! There is a debate. Most are going to say that career moms have it the hardiest, and stay-at-home-moms eat bonbons all day long. Trust me - I've been in this debate before, when I had a male friend ask me if all I did all day long was watch daytime television while the kids played. Men judging? Well, there's a long history of women fighting for equal rights and trying to debunk the traditionalist thinking about a woman's role - so in a way, the attitude I got from my friend wasn't unexpected. And, before I get everyone up in arms, I do recognize there are many forward thinking men who know I don't eat bonbons and watch tv all day long (like my husband).

The real kicker is women who judge. Yup. I said it. Women judge. We judge each other by what we wear, whether we work or don't work, cook or do take out, how we raise our kids, and generally compare ourselves to each other. We call each other desperate housewives, tear down June Cleaver's perfection, and tell working moms that they should learn to balance their lives.

Career moms tell me how easy staying at home is - that I must love being able to take naps with my baby. And stay-at-home moms use to tell me when I was a career woman, how nice it must be to get away from the kids while I'm at work. To be honest, I've been on both sides of the fence, and regardless of whether you're a mom who works out of the home, in the home, or stays at home - we all struggle with balancing mommy-hood and accepting the imperfections that come with it. Neither is easier or harder than the other - just different.