Ain't No Mom Jeans

The Five Gorgeous Pajama Sets I Can't Stop Thinking About...

Mamas, this post is dedicated to my husband.  And by dedicated, I mean you-want-me-to-wear-sexier-pjs-then-get-out-your-wallet-this-will-cost-you-punk.  

The other night as I was getting ready for bed, Mike informed me that he was sick of my 'ol favorite bedtime standbys.  Not his words, of course.  His words were actually something like, "Babe.  Those?  Again?"  And my words were something along the lines of "Are you kidding me?  I am the mother of your children, I have had two c-sections - TWO - I am STILL nursing blahblahblah, rant rant rant etc etc etc." 

Besides, I thought they were cute.  Aren't they?

And once upon a time, he did like them.  But....well....that was four years ago.  And after four years of near-constant wash & wear you can barely see the hysterical "Believe in this" that was written across the bum of one particular pair.  (Still cracks me up though, four years later).  So I guess we've had a good run.  And I still think they are a post-partum lifesaver.

Anywho.  So he wants we want to find sexier pajamas.  But that's tricky, right?  I mean, we're looking for a daily upgrade...something that can actually be worn to bed on a regular basis.  Which means, if I'm being perfectly honest, that lace is out.  Anything itchy is out.  

My first thought, then, was to look for cute little boxers.  Something a little flirtier than my...uh...post-c-section-panties.  (Wow - how's that for a sexy name?) 

There are tons out there, but I'm loving Maison Scotch's take:

Sexy, without being cutesy.  (The rear view is hubby-approved.)

The problem?  They are currently on sale and will only cost him $19.  So let's keep looking, shall we?

 

Mom Street Style - Vera's Fav Nursing Cover

When I finally worked up the nerve to nurse my first babe in public (instead of running to the car or planning every outing around feedings), I was daunted to say the least.  And when I faced breastfeeding my second with an on-the-go 19-month-old, the prospect of boob exposure during the regular course of lunging after my toddler terrified me, as does trying to run after a two- and four-year-old going in opposite directions whilst nursing my third bub, so I can absolutely relate to Vera, this week’s fab street style mama.  Vera just had her fourth and was thrilled with the range of motion, not to mention the style, of the DRIA nursing cover S. reviewed last year.

Vera writes:

I just want to say thank you!! I bought the Dria cover after reading your review of it and I LOVE it.  Actually, I am trying really hard not to wear it every single day.  I just had my fourth baby, and despite nursing all my kids until about 18 months, I never used nursing covers - I just thought they were awkward and actually drew MORE attention to the fact that you were breastfeeding.  I had good luck just wearing a cami and a shirt and pulling my shirt up and was pretty discrete about it.  BUT, the Dria is soooo soft and comfy and hides my huge post-c-section pooch, and actually I'm finding that I like being able to nurse in public with it.  Having a very active 21 month old boy, there have been a couple of times that I've been at Starbucks or some place nursing the baby and he decides to do something crazy and I need to react quickly - not something I can do while having my boob hanging out!

Thanks! I'm attaching a pic of the one I got - I love it, even though my hubby is giving me weird looks every morning when I pull it out after trying on fifty other things first LOL!

- Vera C.

For those of you mamas not familiar with the DRIA nursing cover, check it out.  It is the most versatile and fashion-forward piece of nursing gear I have ever encountered, and I don’t think I’ll be shelving it even after I’m done nursing bub #3.  In any of the patterns, it’s a gorgeous, lightweight poncho that’ll kick up the volume on even the most boring outfit.  It covers everything, including you, your babe, the car seat or your stroller, it wads up into a tiny ball, washes well and dries fast and without wrinkles.

Vera, you look amazing in your slouchy boots and nursing poncho! Thanks for sending in your Street Style submission—keep ‘em comin’, Mamas!

- M.

Cut the Crap: The Best Experience Gifts For All Stages of Motherhood

If you are concerned that your husband is flailing in the gift department, or if you are struggling to find a gift for your mom or your best friend who just had a baby, this is a short and sweet gift list that focuses on experiences.  Because at the end of the day, most of us have enough crap stuff, but never enough quality time.  Here's to celebrating life's simple pleasures!

 

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:  

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.

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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.

Giveaway | Win a Pair of .5 Carat Moissanite Stud Earrings!

UPDATE: 11/16/11 9:58 PM MST | Congratulations to Ain't No Mom Jeans reader Marty Hayes Owen, winner of the .5 carat Moissanite stud earrings!  Winner was chosen at random by a number generated from random.org.

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There’s not a much prettier or more classic earring than a simple diamond stud in this humble mama’s opinion.  But have you seen the price tag on those babies lately?!  We’re talkin’ $1,000 - $1,500 retail for a nice pair of .5-carat studs with good color and clarity.  Ugh.  That’s a chunk out of most any mama’s budget.  Enter Moissanite. . .

Product Review and Giveaway – The OV-Watch Fertility Predictor

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UPDATE 9/19/11 | CONGRATULATIONS to Amy Oppie, who subscribed to Ain't No Mom Jeans emails!  She is the winner of our Ov-Watch give away.

Winner was selected at random with the help of Random.org

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Well here’s something that works.  Like, um, reaaaally well.  Maybe even if you only try it once, just like your mama said . . . The Ov-Watch is a scary-accurate, no-nonsense, no-mess fertility prediction device that forecasts your fertile window a whopping 4 days in advance of ovulation—meaning, no more race to the bedroom, even if you or hubs is out of town or on the outs.

Here’s how it works: OV-Watch is worn on the wrist at night, while you sleep, from the start of your cycle until ovulation.  I took about 10 minutes to read through the instructions, 5 minutes to set it up, and suddenly I was pregnant.  Or that's how it seemed.  I only got to test this watch for one cycle because that's how good it is, apparently. 

Spring Bag Picks for Moms

Especially since having babies, I've become a bit of a handbag addict.  Bags are the one fashion splurge I've always known would fit over the past four years as I've been pregnant, postpartum, nursing, pregnant again (whilst nursing!), postpartum, nursing, and yes, pregnant AGAIN (!).  A truly fabulous bag can make any t-shirt-and-jeans with a three-days-without-a-wash 'do look amazing, and the right bag can replace esteem-usurping diaper bags if you're willing to give up a little storage space in the interest of personal style.

Not Your Father's L.L. Bean - Signature Summer Line Has Us Drooling!

I did a double take followed by a triple check when, late last week, I found myself perusing--and drooling over--an L.L. Bean catalog I'd just received in the mail.  I'm on the L.L. Bean mailing list because I've purchased everything from ExOfficio sun and insect shield shirts for my sportsman dad, and a British Slip Lead to keep our unruly dog in check, to monogrammed Adventure Duffels for both boys (they'll have them forever), and I'm pretty sure I'll score the Sea-Washed Canvas Duffel for hubs for Father's Day.  Frankly, L.L. Bean sells great stuff: for guys and dogs and kids and moms who like pleated trousers and polo shirts.  But I have never, not even once, considered purchasing something for myself (okay, maybe duck boots). Until now. 

As it turns out, the outdoor gear and polo shirt purveyor's new collection, L.L. Bean Signature (led by Alex Carleton, a veteran of Polo Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie & Fitch and Rogues Gallery, his own line) has quite a few stunning spring and summer looks.  Here are our picks:

Favorite New Nursing Cover: The Dria

As I rule, I refuse to enter any restaurant that serves Italian, Asian, American and Mexican fare.  It just never works out.  So when the gals at Rookie Moms asked me if I wanted to review the Dria Nursing Cover, a cover that could be used as a pregnancy poncho, nursing cover, car seat cover AND stroller sun-blocker...I was skeptical at best.  A bit snarky, even.  I think my initial response was a, "will it feed and burp the baby too?"

Snort.

So imagine my shock when the nice folks at Dria sent me this little number:

Whoa.  This thing was cute.  Like really, really cute.

(And I love how Raines is also posing.  Good grief - what am I teaching him?)

Anyway, the Dria cover also looks really cool belted...voila: