Ain't No Mom Jeans

Holiday Cocktail Dresses For Moms

As I was perusing the web, attempting to answer a reader's question about her upcoming holiday party (more on that later), I couldn't help but find some gorgeous cocktail dresses that would be perfect for moms.  On the off chance that some of you are living fabulous lives that involve high heels, cocktail parties, and babies that sleep...I thought I'd share my finds.

psst:  Does anyone else love this all-white look as much as I do?  It's actually this shirt and this tulle skirt from Shabby Apple.  Genius!  And also comes in black (shirt and skirt).

Favorite Blocks/Building Sets For Kiddos Under 5

We are a block-centric family here.  Partially because I was block-building obsessed as a kid, Raines is (now) block obsessed (yay!)...and partially because we've been totally committed to staying far, far away from licensed character anything and crappy, plastic toys that light up/make sounds/etc.

But I don't mean to sound smug - a large reason we have to be so careful about the kind of toys we have is because we are severely space-challenged.  We are small apartment dwellers, so any toy we buy (or allow to stay in the house) has to be multi-purpose and open-ended.  Hello, blocks.

According to the educators behind Childhood 101 (one of my fav blogs), blocks and other types of construction/building materials can help promote problem solving skills, basic science concepts (form a hypothesis/guess and then test the concept), perseverance, and good collaboration skills - all key lifelong skills any little boy (or girl!!) will need.  Read Childhood 101's full article on the topic of Constructing here.  

You certainly don't need any fancy toys to promote constructive play (Childhood 101 has a wealth of low-cost construction activities on their website - here's a few examples)...but it is the holiday season, and sometimes it's just fun to buy toys.  So if you are looking for some gift ideas, ones that will last for years and years (really!!) here are our well-tested favorites, as well as a few that underwhelmed, and a few that we have high hopes for. 

Stocking Stuffers For Moms (Cause Santa Can't Be Trusted)

DanCentury /Foter

For years, growing up, I thought there was something wrong with Santa.  Don't get me wrong - he took good care of my sister and I. Frankly, we made out like bandits.  But when it came to my parents....Santa was just a bit off.  

My Dad is an ex-hockey player, and like any good hockey player he's a little...how shall I put this??...jerky.  Funny?  Yes.  Loving?  Totally.  But at the core of this totally amazing man is an ever-so-slightly-arrogant, jerky, prank-loving, hockey player.  One who just barely walks the naughty/nice line.  My mother, on the other hand, is a saint.  Of course.

So how unexpected, for a child, when Santa would year after year after year pony up ah-mazing stuff for my smirking father's stocking, but would somehow go so. totally. wrong. for my mother's.

Candles.  She'd get candles (which she hated).  And for some strange reason, Santa would always stick a jar of this nasty, uber-strong orange marmalade (that only my Dad liked) in my mother's stocking.  I mean weird, right?  Scotti and I would be all, "Oh my gosh!  Santa got it wrong AGAIN!  Only Dad likes that!!"  And Dad would be smirking and my mother would look pissed.

The final straw, I think, was the year my mom's stocking was filled with stuff from around the house. And by "stuff" I mean everyday objects.  SERIOUSLY.  On Christmas Eve, Dad Santa literally must've run through the house in a mad panic throwing crap into Mom's stocking.  Poor mom - the stocking was so full, we were all excited.  "Maybe Santa got it right this year!!"  But out came....half-used scotch tape.  A bag of chocolate chips.  A freaking hammer from Dad's work bench.  As mom pulled out each offending item (a pair of her own socks, a candle from the previous year) her eyes narrowed further, and my Dad's shoulders were shaking with silent laughter, a huge grin on his face.

After that, I pretty much figured out what the problem was with Santa.  And Santa paid dearly for all those years of mirth.  With his credit card.  Every year at the Estee Lauder and Clinique counters, where I'd drag him every December 23rd.  It actually became a Christmas ritual. 

 So color me NOT SURPRISED when my stocking, come the night of Dec 24th, looks a little light. And my husband looks guilty.  "Uh, Babe?  You know I love you right?  I just....uh...totally forgot about stockings.  I mean, I have a gift.  I do!  I have a gift!  You'll love it!  But uh...the whole stocking thing..."

Right.

Last year, since I was worried that R might be old enough to notice (he wasn't), I actually had a small stash of treats saved away for my own stocking.  Just two or three little things.  Which Mike happily added to his random-food-gifts-bought-at-Whole-Foods-on-Dec-24th-for-wife's-stocking stash.  This year, I'm just buyin' the whole shebang.  I mean, I like a good balsamic vinegar as much as the next girl....but...

Whatever.  So.  If I were to stuff my own stocking, here's what I'd include:  

Mom Street Style - Maggie's Cream and White In Winter

I ran into Maggie outside of the Starbucks in Wayne.  Maggie was there with her youngest (who was NOT into being photographed, LOL), and was hard to miss in her gorgeous winter white against a sea of dark clothes.  

I'm always a bit hesitant to ask for a photo out here in Philly....people aren't *quite* as accommodating on the East Coast as they are in Denver....but so far, everyone has been great (I'm clearly over-thinking the stereotypes).  And happily, Maggie was no exception. THEN I found out she had moved from Denver herself a few years ago.  LOL!  Of course.

Maggie is wearing a peacoat by Calvin Klein, Lilly Pulitzer cords (so Mainline of her!), Frye Western boots, and J.Crew gloves.  (She told me the maker of her scarf, but my iPhone so helpfully auto-corrected whatever she told me to "Gansu it scarf", so...uh....good luck with that.) 

To recreate?  Throw on shades of cozy cream and white with wild abandon.  Varying the textures is a great tip for rocking a monochromatic look.  Maggie nails it with the wool coat, cords, and knit scarf.  She looks both chic and cozy.

Thanks, Maggie!  It was so nice meeting you!

xo,

S

Happy Thanksgiving | Season of Giveaways!

Mamas.  What a year.  I can't believe it's holiday season already.  It seems like S. had little P. just a month or two ago, but actually he's walking (almost running!) and talking.  Pregnancy, which seemed interminable the first time around, is wrapping up in a whirlwind as we get ready to welcome our third bub in just under four years.  S. moved cross-country, Lane hopped the Pacific.  Sara had her third babe, Jayme started her own business and Scotti, S.'s little sis, is all grown up and engaged to be married next year.  Life is moving at a fast and furious pace right now and I am so thankful for this circle of friends that has eased the way with laughing and drinks, long distance texts and sighs of commiseration.  There are so many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, and these mamas, along with my grip of boys and my own mom and dad, are chief among them.

AND, Ain't No Mom Jeans is really taking off--did you see that we won Parents.com's Best Mom Fashion Blog Award!?!?  To add to the very long list of thanks, we have you, our community of readers, to thank for our budding success.  So bless you, Mamas, during this crazy holiday season.

To thank you just a little bit more, we'll be celebrating a Season of Giveaways here at Ain't No Mom Jeans.  We'll post one giveaway a week until the end of year, so be sure to hook up with us on Facebook and enter to win--we have some fab goodies lined up for you!

Congratulations to Michelle Mossey, tonight's winner of the Naomi Gray signature twisted birthstone mini ring necklace giveaway!

 

xo,

M.

Nursing-Friendly Holiday Dresses

We've had several requests for nursing-friendly holiday dresses.  Which, as many of you know, is easier said then done.  Most festive holiday fabrics (silk, lace, anything shiny) have very little give and therefore are tough to nurse in - even if the neckline is low.  The best nursing-friendly dresses have a stretchy neckline - something with jersey, perhaps, so they easily pull down to nurse.  However, these dresses can often look too casual.  Finding something dressy (or that can be dressed up) and nursing-friendly is key.

(City of Lights dress, $178 and Miramar Dress, $368 both from Anthropologie)

Another pitfall?  The wrap dress.  These often appear nursing friendly, but in reality, many require partial unwrapping for full nursing access to 'the girls'.  Um.  Awkward.

Lastly....bras.  As in, we need them.  Milk is heavy.

So.  If you are in the market for a nursing-friendly holiday dress, keep the following in mind:

1.  Find dresses in stretchy fabrics.

2.  If you want a wrap dress, be sure that it's drapey enough to allow nursing access without having to re-tie.

3.  Be sure you can wear a bra (BTW - a strapless bra is very easy to nurse in...but be sure you have one that fits properly).

Here are some of my favorites for a bit of inspiration.....

 

Go Buy Now: Our Picks at Ann Taylor, LOFT and LOFT Maternity (40% Off Online Ends Monday at Midnight)

Gang, Ann Taylor and LOFT are having a 40% off of everything sale.  It ends Monday, Nov 21st at 11:59PM PST.  This sale is online only - use code THANKS at Ann Taylor and TAKE40 at LOFT.  Both offer free shipping on purchases over $125. 

So.  I combed through both retailers looking for the best picks for moms.  There's some amazing pooch-hiding sweaters (some are nursing friendly), a few great accessories, and some glitzy pieces that are perfect for upcoming holiday parties.

Happy Shopping!

Heartbroken

Oh, Mamas.  It is with a very heavy heart that I write.  Some of you may remember Baby Anaya, who we profiled last April.  She had been diagnosed with Krabbe Leukodystrophy and wasn't expected to live past her 2nd birthday.  Her mother Camara was desperately looking for breastmilk donations.  I know many of you donated to Anaya's cause.  I know many of you shed tears for baby Anaya, for her mother and family, and many of you sent prayers of love and support their way.  So I know many of you will be as heartbroken as I to learn that little baby Anaya has passed.

Beautiful baby Anaya passed away, in her mother's arms, on November 13th.

In her blog, Camara writes:

I held my little love for hours while she was on life support.  I kissed her face, her fingers, her toes, her lips.  I wiped her tears from her eyes.  I couldn't stand forcing her to stay.  I wanted to set her free. The hardest part was waiting for everyone to get there.  When the family was united we made the decision unanimously.  We removed her bi pap mask.

She was so relieved she gave one of her "Thank you" sighs.  We each took turns holding her.  The mask came off at 12 noon.  We gave her a bath - her favorite thing!  Her sister read her a book.  I played with her hair.  Daddy played with her toes.  As her breathing became more laboured we knew the time was drawing near.  I lay down on the bed and placed her in her favorite spot over my heart.  There became long pauses in her breathing.  Then she would gasp a huge awful breath and let it out in a long sigh.

I love you mama
I did my best mama

I told her how proud I was of her.  How many lives she touched.  How many babies she is saving.  How many parents love their children even more because of her. I told her she needed to go.  To stop fighting and allow herself to be carried away by the light. I told her I was sorry I didn't get her to the sunshine.  I opened my heart as wide as I could and envisioned the sunshine of my soul enveloping her and keeping her warm.  She took her last deep breath and let out the most beautiful baby sigh I ever heard.  There was no pain in it. It was the sound of freedom, relief, joy.  It was the sound of my baby crossing the rainbow bridge.  Her heart stopped and she was gone.

 

There are no words, Mamas.  I can't imagine the strength it took to say goodbye.  There are times when I realize how much I don't understand.  This is one of those times. 

Camara, I am so grateful to you.  For taking us all along with you on this insanely difficult journey.  I certainly count myself as one of those parents who love their children even more because of baby Anaya.  Your words have inspired us, your pain has humbled us.

Camara finishes with, "Please give me the strength to carry on and do what I have to do."

Readers, let's do what we can.  Send Camara and her family your thoughts and prayers.  Leave a message of support on Camara's blog.  But most importantly, remember that life is so very short.  And that the vast majority of us are very, very, very lucky.  I find that it's impossible to lose perspective when thinking of baby Anaya and Camara's journey.  And for that I will be forever grateful.

xo,

S

ps.  If you'd like to do more to help, I believe Camara has something up her sleeve in regards to setting up a foundation to end Krabbe Leukodystrophy.  Follow their Facebook page for current information.

Giveaway | Naomi Gray signature twisted birthstone necklace

UPDATE: 11/23/11 10:10 PM MST | Congratulations to Ain't No Mom Jeans reader Michelle Mossey, tonight's winner of the Naomi Gray signature twisted birthstone mini ring necklace giveaway!  Winner was chosen at random by a number (31) generated from random.org.

***

Hey mamas!  We thought we’d kick off the holiday season with another giveaway! 

This week, we teamed up with Naomi Gray to bring one lucky reader a fab, customizable birthstone necklace.  Inspired by the month you were born, Naomi Gray signature twisted birthstone mini ring necklaces are sure to be a unique and symbolic treasure. Each twisted miniature ring charm is a personal expression that represents you or the people who are important in your life. 

Here are the deets on the bling: the winner will receive an 18” chain and may choose either sterling silver or gold vermeil (gold-plated sterling silver) and one birthstone charm (additional charms can be purchased at cost).

Here's how to enter to win the Naomi Gray giveaway, up to a $75 value, compliments of Naomi Gray: just “like” this post on the Ain’t No Mom Jeans Facebook page and leave a comment below letting us know.  Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the US or Canada.  Winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday night, November 23rd.

Good luck, Mamas!

- M.

Librarian Style For Moms

Gang, remember Amy of BiblioMOMia?  Last time she wrote for us, she schooled us in Southern Gal Style.  But she's also an academic working on her PhD in literature.  (SO freakin' cool!!)  So when we recieved Shannon's Mom Street Style submission and read that Shannon defined her style as "punk librarian"...well.  I knew BiblioMOMia would get a kick out of it.  And, if we were lucky, be inspired.

And she was.  And we are.  So here's Amy....

********** 

I might have spit out my coffee when I read “punk librarian.”  So cool!  And, I must say, Shannon totally rocked the edgy nerd vibe in her mix of floral and leather, especially with those amazing purple tights.  The floral dress is definitely something a librarian might wear, but she makes the whole outfit more interesting with the moto jacket and tough boots - yet keeps a quirky feel with the bright tights.  But her email made me start thinking - what is librarian style?  Why do I love it so much?  And how can it work not just in my professional life but in my life as a mom too? 

Like “secretary” with its pumps and pencil skirts, “librarian” has definitely evolved into a style inspiration.  Somehow, even adding one or two of these elements makes the whole outfit feel just a bit more bookish - a bit buttoned-up, a bit feminine, a lot intellectual.   Try adding one of these things to your style arsenal!  A little goes a long way, so don’t wear too many of these at once - you’ll look like you’re wearing a costume instead of a cool outfit.  

Librarian Style Elements

• Floral prints.  Sweet and old-fashioned and feminine, floral prints always remind me of dusty books (in a good way).
• Textured fabrics (lace, tweed, leather, velvet).  Very Victorian, and very librarian.  And, most of the time, very soft!
• Librarian shoes (t-straps, oxfords, loafers, granny boots).  If it looks like a teacher might have worn it in 1915, it’s a librarian shoe.  Luckily, there are tons of these styles out right now, to fit every taste and budget.
• High bun.  Have you ever tossed your hair high on your head (and maybe used a pencil to keep it there)?  I dare you to do it and not feel like a librarian!  It’s an easy and flattering hair style for pretty much every face shape, too.
• Glasses.  Ummmm...obviously.  Any kind of glasses, from tiny wire rims to chunky black frames.  Even better if you put them on the tip of your nose and peer over them.
• Structured jackets.  Wool blazer.  Velvet jacket.  Tweed vest.  All of those jackets are definitely librarian-ish.  A flattering and structured jacket is totally feminine, too.
• Funky legwear.  I don’t know why I associate patterned tights and great leggings with librarians - maybe because all of my library science friends in school had great tights?  Either way, they’re often a great way to add some funky and whimsical style to an otherwise classic outfit.

There are a million ways to incorporate librarian style into outfits you’re probably already wearing, and things you probably already own.  A little goes a long way!  Shannon mentioned “punk librarian” as her style aesthetic - it’s amazing what happens when you add floral and leather to the same outfit.  However, it’s just as easy to add some bookish flair to jeans and tees. Here are my favorite options, with some outfit ideas.