Every mother who has bowed out of the work force upon having a child (or was forced out due to the recession) has thought about how great it would be to have her own business.  Just imagine: work from home and be near the kids, choose your hours and create a product or service that would be at once fulfilling and profitable. Maybe everything has already been invented or thought of...why didn't I think of Spanx? God knows I need them! Well one mom has actually succeeded in launching a business after baby (and her products just might make those Spanx necessary). 

    Sara Leand, creator of the tasty Sara Snacker treats (try the Chipn’etzel, a genius combo of pretzel and potato chip) has done just that. After a career in television production Sara took time off to have her baby girl, and then decided to take her lifelong hobby of baking to the next level. It required a ton of work and research, but it has paid off with her Sara Snacker Company now thriving. What makes her products unique is the flavor combinations she invents, often turning traditional snacks on their head to create yummy treats with a twist.

    Sara encourages others to follow their passion and turn entreprenuer, but cautions it's not an endeavor to be taken lightly. "It wouldn't have been easy when you didn't have a child, now it's ten times harder because you have a baby." Good point Sara, this is true for EVERYTHING after baby! But obviously the hard work is paying off, with stores like Gourmet Garage, Zabar's, Amish Market, Garden of Eden and many more all carrying her goodies.

    Now we all have something delicious to bring to playdates that supports a fellow mommy too!



    

    Ever since my baby bump became a baby mountain, I wanted to have professional pictures done to memorialize that special time. But alas I never did because I just couldn't justify the ridiculously high rates, I mean why so expensive??!! Then around the time of my son's first birthday, my fellow UES mommy friend Wendy dropped this gem of a find on me: his name is Christopher Auger-Domínguez and he is an amazing photographer. He made my family look beautiful and was able to capture our joy and love. He was amazing with my baby (he has a young daughter himself so knows exactly how to get through to the little ones). And he isn't one of those pushy photographers, always looking at the clock or getting impatient when your baby is having a meltdown. And the best part is that he isn't trying to rob you blind! 

    I think we spent maybe 1 to 2 hours in his Hamilton Heights studio (he will come to you or almost any location too), which is more than enough time to get great shots, then he gives you a few prints in different sizes (you choose from the online gallery he posts) and then he GIVES YOU A CD WITH THE IMAGES!!!! All this for around $350 (price varies depending on location, time alloted, etc), which is the best deal you will find in the city, believe me I've done my research. And he isn't the type that just plunked down some cash for a killer SLR and decided to call himself a professional photographer. The man is published and shoots for corporate clients aplenty. 

    So don't deny yourself the pleasure of sitting for portraits with your baby bump, husband, children, pets... or just getting a hot glamour shot of your gorgeous mug before growing old and shriveling up like a raisin ( i know, so sad, but it will happen to all of us eventually, botox or no botox). 

    Visit his site for all you need to know or contact him directly: 917-355-0962 christopher@auger-dominguez.com

    
    If you find yourself traveling to LA with baby anytime soon (to visit family, friends or to run away from the snow) you must visit this site beforehand. LAMomMagazine.com is THE new online destination for evrything LA and baby. Okay I'm a bit biased, a couple of genius friends are behind the site, but just check out the amazing resources provided and you'll be on the next flight to California to partake of all the baby-friendly wonders the City of Angels holds for your little angel.

A brief description from the founders:
"Los Angeles Mom Magazine is the only local, online magazine for our community. Our mission is to empower moms to feel self-confident about the decisions they make for their families.  Lamommagazine.com offers an easy search engine for all of their needs.   Lamommagazine.com aims to help thousands of moms find the products and services they need to make motherhood easy and fun. Through the different directories, moms will have lists of everything they need from the right kid-friendly restaurant in their neighborhoods to the perfect party people for their children's birthday parties."

    

    Back when my son was just a pea in my uterine pod, I had a baby shower to organize and no clue where to start. A friend told me about a great party decor catalog that has everything party-related under the sun and I was saved.  The party was a success and guests oohed and ahhed about the mini plastic babies topping the cupcakes, baby bottles filled with candy and the life size chocolate bust with milk fountain nipples (okay this doesn't exist but it should!). Since then more shops, websites and catalogs have popped up on my radar, all offering great ideas for parties and party favors. Here is a list of a few that should be a great starting point for that baby shower, 1st birthday, holiday party and more.


Oriental Trading: This site literally has anything and everything you could possibly want to theme up your party. Everything is affordable, but sometimes quality can be a little cheap. Doesn't really matter since you will probably throw away most of the stuff after the party anyway (but to be eco-conscious try to save the best pieces for friends or future parties).  


Outrageous Party Favors: This site is great because they personalize party favors, which is a great touch.


Birthday Express: Everything for a kid's birthday party: decorations, favors, wall decals, plates and cups, invites and so much more in every theme imaginable.


Party City: Not just for kids, this store is a great place to pick up fun party stuff for your little one or a boozy adult bash.


Beaucoup: This site has great party favor options and is great for when you want to splurge a little on your guests.


Party Express from Hallmark: This is where you find the cake plates with characters from the latest Pixar film all over them.  


    Don't forget, Target and dollar stores can also be great places to find decor basics, just use your imagination and get creative. 
    
    Know of a great resource I left off the list? Please post in the comments!

 
    As another Valentine's Day is upon us, I'll share my mixed feelings on the holiday. It was great when we were in elementary school and made fun cards with construction paper bedazzled with glitter and dry macaroni to hand to mom and dad. We bought Garfield Valentine's cards from CVS and gave one to every kid in class, then stuffed our mouths full of candy hearts with random sayings on them (be mine! too cute!). Then in high school we sent our crushes and BFFs carnation-grams in home room, and maybe if we were actually dating someone we went to dinner to the "fancy" restaurant in town and the guy gifted a charm bracelet with a heart dangling from it. Then in college it was all a drunken blur. Our twenties were probably angst-ridden, spending the dreaded day with our girlfriends face down in mojitos. lamenting the lack of decent men in the city (where were OUR Aidens??!). And now in our (cough) thirties, Valentine's Day is all about deciding with your spouse if it's even worth the effort to actually celebrate the dumb, manufactured, corporate holiday.  Finding a sitter, getting a rez at a good restaurant when every other couple in the city is vying for the same, trying to choose an appreciated yet not corny gift... it's a lot of pressure when your kid is teething and NEITHER of you has slept through the night in 2 weeks. 

    Well! I say it's really easy to be cynical about Valentine's Day, and no, we don't need a designated day to let our loved ones know we love them and they're special. But since it's staring us in the face and not about to fade away anytime soon, I say embrace it. Be cheesy and wear red, go out and buy a corny gift for your honey and celebrate this ridiculous holiday in all it's commercial glory.

    Dining out: If you listen to anything I write here, let it be this. DO NOT GO TO ONE IF BY LAND, TWO IF BY SEA!!! I read somewhere about this being a really romantic spot with great food... well FAIL on both accounts. We went last year for some occasion and were both very disappointed. Ambience was very lackluster, as was the meal, so just skip it and thank me later.
    Instead opt for one of these great spots: L'Artusi, Bobo, or the newly reopened Casa La Femme where you can avoid PDA by dining under a private, tented table.

    On another note, if you're tempted to revisit a restaurant that holds great nostalgia for you (where you had your first date, where he proposed, etc) resist the urge. Chances are you will be disappointed because it will be very difficult to relive those magical moments from long ago, especially since in the interim years you've romanticized them to a level where it becomes much more amazing in your head than it actually was (no one's doubting it was great tho, I'm sure you looked stunning!) And yes I'm speaking from experience. So pick a new place to make brand new memories (heed my suggestions, trust me!) and have an awesome time without the pressure of needing it to be "just like last time." And yes, it's totally acceptable to bug the waiter or the people next to you to take a pic of your glowing faces with your smart phone, just please don't run and post it on Facebook because I'm sure you have a few friends for whom Valentine's Day is not a fun holiday, but instead a horrible 24 hour period that must die, so spare them the gooeyness of your love fest.

    Gifts: No need to break the bank on this one. Something creative or thoughtful is so much better than just buying a random piece of jewelry (ok, I can't believe I just said that, all jewelry is welcome!). But seriously, putting together a photo book filled with your best memories or an embossed, leather-bound journal  in which to jot down plans for the future are the kinds of gifts with a personal touch that will really be appreciated. But if you don't have the time and just want to grab something, Muji and Terrance Conran have super cool gadgets and doo dads the guys will love (a light saber a la Star Wars? check!) And guys, if a last minute trinket is what you frantically end up running for, Henri Bendel has the best selection of accessories and little gifts; you can't leave the store without finding something sparkly and shiny for her to gush over.

    Flowers and chocolate never go out of style either, just make it special: the same flowers as her wedding bouquet, custom engraved chocolates... you get the idea... Enjoy!

    By now I'm sure you've seen Bloomingdale's new 1st floor layout, full of cosmetics, perfumes and accessories. But the best part of the renovation is the addition of the Bumble & Bumble Styling Bar. The concept is pure genius: their amazing stylists will do your hair in almost any design you like, for only $35. Updos, waves, chignons, super straight... they will find a way to make it happen, and for a great price (fyi - they don't accept tips). They don't wash your hair, but they have all the tools, spritzes and creams to turn your boring ponytail/ scunchied mess of a head into a glamourpuss 'do. And right next to them is the MAC makeup counter, where you can also get your makeup done FOR FREE!!! Yes, you're encouraged to make a purchase, but the makeup artists don't' do a hard sell, and big deal, what's the price of a lipstick for an amazing makeup job?

    So next time you have a date night or girls' night out, get dressed and hit Bloomies before your outing, Get dolled up for pennies and make your hubby swoon or girlfriends die of jealousy!


Tip: stylist Sloan is amazing, very talented AND a sweetheart. And Gina the manager (tall blonde with gorgeous SJP hair) is also super nice, great service without the 'tude!

To make an appt (they take walk-ins but weekend late afternoons are super busy) call 212-705-2899.

    Preggers and clueless? Got a newborn and going nuts? Then Mommies 2 Be is for you. My friends started this super helpful group in an effort to spread the wisdom they accumulated over the months with their own pregnancies and children. The goal is to impart no nonsense advice and guidance to the knocked up and and new parent set, like the best friend you wish you had to cut through the bs and tell you what you really need to know.

They are having a great event on Dec. 15th, so if you're pregnant or a new parent you should really go and hear some great tips and fun stories about the adventure of bringing babies into this world (not for the faint of heart!).

Here's the invite, or you can go to their facebook page for more info:

We would like to invite all of you (and your significant others) to our first "Mommies(Daddies) 2 Be/Already a Mommy (Daddy)" Holiday Party on Tuesday,December 15th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Cinema Cafe on the corner of 70thStreet and 2nd Avenue. 

Fern Drillings RN, MSN will be joining us from 6:15-6:45 to answer any questions you may have.  

Also,we will be raffling off great prizes including a Coach Diaper Bag, a photo session and 8x10 enlargement with photographer Nina Drapacz,massages, facials, children's books, clothing, accessories, and much more...

The cost is $40 for one person or $60 for two people, which includes the cost of food and soft drinks. Please let us know by December 9th if you will be able to attend.

It will be a great opportunity to meet both new and expecting families. If you had the baby, bring pictures to show off your bundle of joy and please feel free to bring your baby with you as well!

Happy Holidays,

Sheri & Michelle

mommies2be@gmail.com

    Last night DIvalysscious Moms founder Lyss Stern held an event hosted by Ivanka Trump at her jewelry shop on Madison. I've often walked by the store but never stopped in, so last night was my first glance at the baubles, and they are gorgeous! I'm not sure what was prettier, the diamonds or Ivanka (that chick is stunning), but the jewelry is for sale while Ivanka is taken (congrats Mrs. Kushner!).
         The collection is very classic: everything looks as if it is antique/estate art deco, and in a very good way. It's all black and white with the occasional dash of coral thrown in for fun. I fell in love with the diamond-beaded tassle earrings, but alas, the earrings are start to finish diamonds, so you kind of have to be a Trump to afford them. There are some rock crystal, onyx and enamel items in the collection as well at lower price points, so it's not like you're wasting your time visiting. I highly recommend stopping by the boutique and taking a peek, especially with the holidays around the corner. The staff are very friendly and helpful, not snooty, so try on a bunch of pretty stuff and feel like Ivanka for an afternoon!
 
       The host was also there to sign copies of her new book,  The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life, which is all about about how to be successful in every part of your life. Haven't read it yet but look forward to being inspired by one of the The Donald's progeny. 

    Okay, back to the goods. Here are some of my favorite pieces from the collection:

Diamond Hoops $3,300 Pave Beads $13,500   Gold Cuff $18,000         Onyx Ring$5,000

   
Are we still in a recession? If so here are some other options...


Rock Crystal Beads $750 Onyx Drops $1,650 Gold Link Ring $1,600 Rock Crystal Clips $1,200

    Apparently, the precious little fingers of children all of the world who are shuttled around in Maclaren umbrella strollers have been at risk for amputation or laceration this whole time! Maclaren has a announced a voluntary recall of any and all strollers beginning tomorrow, Tuesday November 10th. This means you can be sent a pair of "elbow joint covers" to attach and make safe the finger-chopping strollers.

    Do I really think this is a dangerous situation that needs to be rectified immediately? No. I'd like to think parents and caregivers aren't opening and closing the strollers while junior is clutching the sides. That said, why not get a pair of nifty elbow joint covers for free? This has stocking stuffer written all of it... You can contact Maclaren at 1-877-688-2326 to get them. Below is the response from Maclaren about the recall, in case you were interested in reading a response that doesn't really tell you anything:

Maclaren Recall Email:

Thank you for your email requesting elbow joint cover for your Maclaren Strollers.

 

The voluntary recall program is being launched by Maclaren in co-operation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) tomorrow, 10^th November.

 

From tomorrow you can obtain a set of covers for your stroller by registering your details on our website at www.maclaren.us/recall or contacting us toll-free at 877-688-2326 between the hours of 9am – 5pm Eastern Time. Once we have your details we will send you a set of covers through the US Postal Service.

 

The voluntary recall involves all Maclaren single and double strollers. It does not relate to a specific model or year of purchase.

 

Further information about the recall and a video on fitting the covers can be found on our website.

 

Kindest regards and thank you again for contacting us at Maclaren,

 

Important Safety Tips from Maclaren

 

Always read the operating instructions before use—don’t force the mechanisms—stop and check the instructions.

Keep children clear of the stroller during opening and folding.

Never leave your child unattended in a stroller – even with the harness fastened.

Always use the safety harness.

Don’t overload the stroller. Heavy items hanging from the handles can cause the stroller to topple over.

 

Customer services team

Maclaren Europe Limited
Station Works, Long Buckby,

Northamptonshire NN6 7PF

United Kingdom
Tel:  +44(0)1327 841320
Fax: +44(0)1327 841395

maclarenbaby.com