Ain't No Mom Jeans

A Hauntingly Beautiful ABC Book (and Wall Prints)

Mamas, I know I said we'd be taking it easy for a while, but I just came across this and had to share.  It's something so jaw-droppingly stunning and unique and wow.  Just...wow.

Kim Krans (who happens to be my mom's BFF's daughter...follow me?) is an amazing artist.  She recently created an ABC book for kids.  Instead of primary colors and juvenile B is for BORING BALLS and S is for SNOOZEFEST SNAKE (or whatever)....Kim's book is filled with black and white illustrations that strike a perfect balance between sophistication and whimsy.  The result is hauntingly beautiful.  Each page is, quite literally, a work of art. 

Here are a few of my favorite prints from her book:

 

Each letter is available as a 12" X 16" print (pictured above) or collectively in Kim's book, aptly named ABC Dream.

ABC Dream can be purchased on Kim's website, The Wild Unknown, for $25.  I can't imagine a more perfect gift for a new mom, a budding artist, or a curious, inquisitive toddler on a rainy summer day.  (You can see more of the book in this charming video.)

And I'm dying for the LOVE set of prints ($120).  Awesome for a nursery, and cool enough for a living room.

xo,

S

ps.  Mamas, thank you SO much for all of the love and support regarding my recent travel woes.  Your comments seriously cracked me up.  Life is funny, no?

We're Just Takin' Some Time....

Happy start of summer, Mamas!!  As most of you know....M and I get rather lazy over the summer.  Like...maybe we'll post, maybe we won't...kind of lazy. 

But, you know, we will.  From time-to-time.  Or perhaps all in a bunch, if we're feeling inspired. No rules, Mamas.  No rules in the summertime.

After all of my self-proclaimed expertise on flying alone with kids....I am still recovering from my flight on Saturday.  Which involved me sitting topless on an airplane.  There are really not enough drinking hours in a day to make up for that one, Mamas.  If you really want to suffer through the full story, you can get it here.  Thankfully, I was wearing a cute nursing bra.  Which, speaking of, we rounded up our favorite cute nursing bras for summer over at Mom.me. 

Also on Mom.me?  M and I whipped up a little celebrity-mom style inspiration.

We hope you had a fabulously relaxing Memorial Day Weekend Mamas!  Personally, I am SO ready for summer.  I can't wait to roast marshmallows, or squish sand between my toes...even kiss a greasy, sunscreen-covered baby!  Or...watch for lightning bugs, blow dandelion fluff, make popsicles, pick berries, get a bright pedicure, and -- best of all? Sit on the dock with a beer.  Ahhh....bliss.

What's your idea summer bliss, Mamas?  I'm always up for new ways to get my summer-happy on.

xoxo,

S

 

 

 

Reader Question | Swimwear for Thin, Large Busted Mamas

Reader Question:

Hi ANMJ, 

I've been desperately searching for some swimwear for the fast approaching summer season.  I have three little girls (ages 4.5, 3 and 8 months) and since they will be decked out in the cutest matching swimwear available this year, I feel like I need to be able to keep up with them too.  I have finally lost all of the baby weight (and then some), yet my body just isn't the same after 3 c-sections.  I'm looking for a fun/trendy tankini, if that even exists.  On top of all that, I'm still nursing.  Are there even nursing-friendly bathing suits out there?  If it helps, or is of any consideration, I'm 5'5" and about 121 lbs, but the real zinger is that I'm a 32DDD on the top.  Being so top heavy and still nursing has made finding suitable swimwear a nightmare. 

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer!  I love your website and read it almost religiously.

- Alison

p.s. if it's of any consideration, the only thing I've been able to find online is this splendid tankini which I've ordered but wish I could find more options since I'm afraid I may not squeeze into the top! 

Answer:

Oh, what these babies do to us!  Alison, I feel for you, really feel for you, because I'm five months out from my third c-section (no, even when you do lose the weight, it's just not the same, is it?), I'm nursing, and I've been there, squeezing the girls into too-small suit tops, combing the internet for separates since the top and the bottom don't match and generally dreading (while dying for) pool time. 

I've reconciled myself to just owning my slightly (snort!) looser tummy and keep wearing bikinis.  Ironically, they're a great option for a nursing, postpartum mama whose boobs are off the charts because you don't have to worry about tankini/bandini fabric being too loose around the middle, or falling out of a one-piece that fits on top but is roomy on the bottom, or (worse?) vice-versa.  Talk to me again when I've been asked for the umpteenth billion time when I'm due.  Or, since we'll be swimming at the gym's pool this summer, whether I need a trainer. . .

Now, while I do love the Splendid bandini you ordered, and I do think it will be nursing-friendly, I have to say that, given your measurements, and looking at the woman who is modeling it, I believe there's a chance it might not work out.  I hope I'm wrong, because it's flippin' adorable, but unless the triple "D" part of the 32DDD portion of your email was a type-o, I'm thinking the girls may need more support than this suit seems to be offering. 

This leaves you two options, the first of which is a little crazy, but I'm not sure why I've never heard of it until, both on our second pregnancies at the time (why don't maternity suits have any support!?), a friend and I invented the swim bra.  Here's what you do: layer a strapless or halter bikini top (depending on the cut) under your suit of choice, and voila, you have a swim bra.  Warning: this doesn't always work out.  I have not personally tried the combination I am showing here, and it's definitely not a science, just a suggestion if you find that you are in love with this suit and cannot let it go, but want a little more support.

 

Swim Bra! by dynamama featuring bandeau bikinis

Splendid
$67 - splendid.com

 

Mix Match bandeau bikini
$14 - target.com

 

 

Ten Tips For Flying Alone With Kids (Including What to Wear & Carry On)

Gang, I (mostly) stay at home while my husband works.  And we live far, far from family.  This may not be a forever arrangement (both the staying at home or living far from family...) so I'm taking advantage of it while I can.  So Raines and I?  We flew.  Lots. And now that Pax is here...we three fly.  Lots. 

In preparation for our first few flights, I did a ton of research online about flying with kids - what to bring, how to get through the gate, etc.  Most articles were a bit overwhelming and...scary, actually.  I felt as though I was embarking on a fool's mission.  Something only a cah-razy-person would attempt.

Thankfully, I am a crazy-person.

But honestly?  It's not that hard.  I mean YES - kids will poop, tears will flow, flights will be missed...but IT'S NOT THAT DIFFERENT FROM YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE.

My philosophy?  Focus on the fun.

Here are my favorite tips for flying with kids...especially flying solo with kids:

Mom Street Style | Miss Cassandra's Chic Head Wrap and Non-Maternity Wear

Do you know one of those mamas who somehow, no matter what, always has a huge smile on her face, never raises her voice and always looks good?  Like, even though she works with 15-20 little kids ages 2-1/2- to 5-years-old, five days a week, then goes home to her own family of five (soon to be six!), and takes care of them, too?  No?  Yeah, they're kind of few and far between. 

Meet Miss Cassandra.  H's fabulous preschool assistant teacher.  She is kind.  She is patient.  She is invariably (but not gratingly!) cheerful, and she always looks amazing, but ready to play.  Even at 32 weeks pregnant in non-maternity wear at the end of a loooong day.

Our Readers Weigh-In! The Comfiest (and Most Stylish) Shoes For All-Day Exploring

Back in February, we posted this Facebook question to our readers:  

What are the shoes you reach for when you know you'll be walking around all day long? These would be the shoes you bring to explore a new city, or when you're out exploring your own city. Any thoughts?

And Mamas, you didn't let us down.  Since the summer travel season is almost upon us (and a looong weekend just around the corner) we thought this would be the perfect time to reveal your picks for the most stylish and comfortable shoes for all-day toolin' around (in any climate).  Each pair of shoes in this article has been rigorously tested -- by you.  

Here's the list (starting with warm-weather picks and getting cooler....)

Reader Question | Can This Boot-Obsessed Mama Wear Her Boots All Summer? (Without looking ridiculous)

Reader Question:

I am writing in with a little style quandary that was inspired by your recent Style Rules for Moms part 1 – “if your bag is big and dark and leather, rethink the bag”.

It got my wheels turning, and made me realize I may be breaking a similar carnal sin - Wearing too wintery of a boot once the ice cream trucks are in full swing and the Hydrangea's start a-blooming.   While I always pack away the non-negotiably winter boot (black, over-the-knee, etc) I have one pair I just can’t seem to let go of for a whole season.  I invested in a pair of Fryes a few years ago, (specifically, the Carmen Harness Tall, in Brown), and ever since,  I think I may be guilty of wearing these bad boys a little TOO often.  I seldom put them away, even in the summer, and have been known to pair them with little sundresses  (even though I suspect the “boots + sundress” look might be slightly too Lilith fair 1994 for me to pull off at nearly 35 years of age..) 

Anywho,  I LIVE for these boots.   I wear them with EVERYTHING.  In the attached pics, you will see them worn last April (when I was 8 months pregnant):  

You will see the Frye Boots on the BEACH, in the sand,  in MAY.   Gasp!  I KNOW. 

See? I think I have a boot problem.

I have had my eye on ANOTHER version of the SAME boots, the Carmen Harness short, in a sand or buff color, in the hopes that maybe that would be a little more acceptable in the warmer months to come?   

Is this terribly misguided?  Am I boot blinded?   Save me.  Can I wear this kind of boot with a summery dress?  I love the way the slouchy distressed boot adds balance to my 5’10, size ten footed, size 12-14 bod.  And while I love the look of the shoes you posted last week, I fear the look might not work on my frame.  I tried the Madewells Whistlestop sandal you featured, they don’t work for me.  Not enough heel maybe, and I felt like they made my legs look stubby.  I need a little more of a heel, or else I feel like I walk like Shrek.     

- Sarah

 

Answer:

Little Girls Swimwear (As Chosen by a Boy-Mom)

I see this scenario play out a lot at the pool playground: the adult swim whistle blows.  A collective cry of "awwww!" goes up from the kids as moms breathe a sigh of relief that they'll finally be able to get the babes out of the water to go home for nap, eat lunch or take a bathroom break.  The remaining kids erupt onto the pool playground, where mayhem ensues, with little damp-dry people running, climbing and sliding to great delight. 

Then I hear a weird screeching, which is invariably the sound of some swimsuit-clad little girl's bottom ripping down a hot slide.  It probably feels something like your first bikini wax, and this is one of the many, many moments--though I obviously would have cherished a daughter (who wouldn't!?)--that I count myself lucky to have boys (three!).

How Did I Live Without This Backpack-Kid-Carrier? (A Kokopax Carrier Review and Giveaway)

Mamas, you know those hiking backpacks?  The big ones?

Hi, Dad.

Yeah.  They are heavy.  I bought this one (after trying on, like 10 others), simply because it was the only backpack I found that didn't make me feel like I was going to fall backwards, turtle-like (It's MEC, btw. WOOT WOOT Canada).

Notice, however, the date. Raines is juuuust over one.  And he was in the 7th percentile for weight.  7th, Mamas.  THE SEVENTH.

How much use do you think I've gotten out of that pack since?  Yup - you guessed it:  Nada.  And certainly not with Pax.  Not. Even. Once. 

I could eat my brother for breakfast.  75%, baby.  75%.

I had pretty much abandoned back-pack use.  The Ergo I love, and used it quite a bit with Pax...but in the last several months, the kid is just too big.  Even with the Ergo on my back, I can only wear him for 20-30 minutes.  And my beloved Belle baby carrier in leopard?  Running errands (in and out of the car) only. 

Which is too bad, because Pax loves to be carried.  Like the big, 'ol baby he is.  Sorry buddy - your Mum is just too small.

Enter the Kokopax carrier:

 

Reading | Ain't No Mom Jeans on Mom.me

The days have been busy here at ANMJ HQ, Mamas, and this blog has opened up some amazing opportunities!  We're now writing articles and putting together galleries for Mom.me (mommy?), the newest (and best, besides ANMJ ; ) sanity break for moms. 

Mom.me is produced by BermanBraun, the company responsible for magazine-like, glossy digital lunch break reveries à la Wonderwall.com (the cah-razy-good celeb news hot spot), and Glo.com.  My fav current Glo gallery is a toss-up between The Hot List - 8 Steamy Page-Turners (I'm half way through 50 Shades of Grey and now realize that, with three babes four and under, a mama may need some inspiration from time-to-time), and the drool-worthy Great Escapes.  (While Kasbah Bab Ourika may be a dream-come-true destination, the Postcard Inn at St. Pete's Beach in Florida seems a tantalizingly attainable getaway treat.)

We've created a bunch of content, but what's out there now includes How to Hide a Postpartum Pooch, Beauty Essentials for New (and Tired) Moms, and Handbags that Double as Diaper Bags.

We can't even begin to tell you how lucky and honored we feel to be included in a project like this.  The level of sophistication and variety of content are a testament to how far the culture of moms has come in the past few years and we're proud to be a part of it.  We hope you'll check it out!

- M.