Snaps

Snaps.  Short for snapshots.  If you're a Delta Gamma, you snap if you like. It's the weekend. Snap. Snap. 

Have a beautiful one!

Pop Physique. Damn it felt good to get my a*& whooped (twice).
Poo Poo platter for playdates
Bright and colorful journals that are fitting for me: "Parties I Crashed and Liked", "Intuitive Pisces I have Met"
Preschool roll call  - one particular toddler missing from this picture
WIP, DIY invitations for an upcoming party

Moonlighting

I have enjoyed every breathing moment as a stay at home mom this week. 

Keeping Up with the Kidnasium

In my opinion, birthing a baby was the easy task to overcome.  The first couple weeks of sleep deprivation had it's fair share of challenges, but was manageable. It was the aftermath of seeking acceptance in LA's finest parenting circles that caused the most stress for me.  As a rookie parent, I always wanted what was best for Big D, so I couldn't help but get caught up in the hype of LA's "in crowd'.   The conversation starters when I met new parents:

What...

Hospital:  Cedars Sinai or St. John's

Mommy and Me:  Donna (Babygroup) or Jackie (Baby's First Class)

Music Class: Music Together or Toddle Tunes

Child care:  Nanny or Day Care

Gym:  MyGym or Kidnasium

And at this point, all I was hoping for was a nod of acceptance, or a "Oh yeah, loved Donna"... or "we should have our nannies set up a play date".  

By six months of age, was the time to start touring preschools...the good ones at least.  Here I am thinking, "My kid won't start preschool for another 2 1/2 years, I need to start applying to schools now?" The answer was "yes".  In order to get into a preschool with accreditation, you had to start applying for their toddler programs for a better chance of acceptance.  But even then, enrollment was not 100% guaranteed.

So here I am today, I [Big D] received acceptance for 2012 Fall enrollment to our first choice of preschool and a huge wave of accomplishment has overwhelmed me [us].  HOORAY! Thank goodness siblings are top priority for enrollment, because I couldn't bear to start this process again for Little Tyty...

Now the conversation starters go something like

What...

Preschool:  Sunshine or Cassidy**

Then 2 years from now...

What...

Elementary School:  Lawrence or John Thomas Dye

Then 11 years from now...

What...

Highschool:  Harvard Westlake or Buckley

College: USC or UCLA  (duh, Fight on!) 

Fraternity: SAE or PIKE (phi alpha)

Overall, at the end of the day, it just comes down to silly banter and an exorbitant amount of money. Raising a kid in LA is slightly out of the this world!

**we are not enrolled in either of these schools

Swimsuit Edition

I hate to admit this, but it's been about three years since I have purchased a swimsuit.  What's even sadder, it's been three years since I  have been on a vacation.  A legitimate vacation that is longer than a weekend and out of the confines of California.  In those three years, I have been either pregnant or nursing a baby. And you can imagine the toll that has taken on my body...the abs are not as taut, the breasts are not that perky and the derriere is no longer defined (but hey, I have built up my biceps carrying two kids around).  Before I turned thirty, laziness was defined as not working out every day, and gorging was eating something beyond a grilled chicken salad.  Now here I am today, haven't worked out in months and my diet consists of eating my toddler's left over chicken nuggets.  As rewarding as it is to be a new mom, I am ready to get back into bikini shape and get 'Stella's groove back'.  I have got less than two months before our very first family-of-four vacation to Hawaii.  Here are some new swimsuits I have been eyeing to buy as my incentive:

From top left:

A strapless number with eclectic print mixing by Zimmerman

This gingham checkered print reminds me of Gidget.  I like how this bottom offers more coverage hiding unwanted areas; Anthropologie

Missoni;  One of those swimsuits that never touches water, just hangs dry next to the pool. 

This one piece from Calypso is a silhouette that is the most practical for me since I will be carrying the babies in and out of the pool.  I am already sensing many blunders by the pool.

Girly yet feminine, and defines an hourglass shape with the waist cinch.  Anthropologie. 

Just Like Riding a Bicycle

The catch phrase "just like riding a bicycle" is pretty familiar to everybody.  It sparks a sense of comfort and ease. However, this holds no truth to a two year old who found his first experience with a tricycle quite daunting.  The concept of feet to pedals, pumping them up and down appeared to be too much work for D.  In fact, after a couple of tries, he forfeited and retreated to the far simpler task of playing with a sand bucket.  I know eventually he will grow to like it, but why make what should have been a fun and remarkable milestone so torturous?  

Rise and Shine

The next week off I plan on my mornings resembling this. No rushing to get showered & dressed or stressing to be at work on time.   I can take advantage of the simplest things in the morning such as drink coffee, eat breakfast and kick it with my boys.  The days will be full of catching up with girlfriends, exercising this body, and shopping without haste. Oh I can't forget relaxing too [if at all possible]!

  

Lovely image via here

Snapshots

Just when I thought we were rounding the corner last week, Little Tyty and I were stricken with ear infections.  This cold refuses to go away!  However, with the help of some much needed anecdotes such as antibiotics, a week off from work, and time with the family, we are bound to overcome this sickness.    

Snapshots of pretty things amongst a chaotic week:

pink macaroons

pink floral denim

 pink color blocked shoes

pink rhinestones

Have a pretty in pink weekend.

Tom and Drew Boys

I am always in search of fashion forward clothing for my boys.  Girls shouldn't have all the fun, right?  I recently came across this youthful and spirited brand, Tom and Drew.  Their tagline says it all: "for the sake of boys and bulldogs".  Founded by Alexia Panza, who started this line for her nephews, offers iconic boyish looks from knit cardigans, plaid shirts, to rolled up chinos.  I am dying over this spring look book and now want to buy every look for D and T.  As the tagline states, Alexia is also committed to Bulldog rescue around the country.  Find out more about this line here.

Green on Green

Top: Madison Marcus, Denim:  Free People, Shoes:  Jimmy Choo (worn on my wedding day and dyed in pink), Jewelry:  GUESS by Marciano, Mawi (gifted)

No Mom Cuts Here

Since my tenure of being a mom, the topic of hair loss rarely comes up.  No one discusses or prepares you for this, but for a small number of new moms (me included), shedding chunks of your hair is asymptomatic of post-partum, and is completely normal.  It is said that this occurs because of hormonal fluctuations that your body experiences after giving birth.  And let me emphasize, this isn't the typical fallout you see after brushing your hair, I am talking chunks.  On average, a woman sheds 100-200 hairs per day.  A post-partum mom can shed up to 1,000-3,000 strands a day.  I would spend close to 30 minutes in the shower pulling clumps of hair from my scalp so it wouldn't clog my shower drain.  After blow drying my hair, I'd shed like a golden retriever and my floor would be covered with dark hair.  I dreaded showering because I was so afraid to lose more hair and would limit to bi-weekly shampooing (thank God for dry shampoo).  And unfortunately, there isn't any preventative or anecdote for it, you just let it go.

So here I am, 8 months later, a survivor of such tragic hair loss.  Regrowth is sprouting all through out my hair, and I look like I went Edward Scissorhands on my locks.  Some question if I've done this on purpose, or if I decided to cut bangs.  Nonetheless, it's inhibited all 'fun' out of doing my hair.  I can't braid it, throw it back in a pony, wear a bun, or even twist tendrils on the side (a staple 'do of mine).  My hair was one of my favorite accessories, yet I now have to use accessories to mask these new growing hairs. Now I have come to full understanding of why a "mom cut" occurs. Desperate women have resorted to chopping it all off after having a baby.  Well, such is not the case here, I am embracing what's left of my long hair, and anxiously awaiting for it to grow back.

In the meantime,  I have include photos of beautiful hair below as inspiration.

All images via here

Nursery Accessories

Raising two kids has kept me on home decorating hiatus this past year.  Now that we have a handle on napping and feeding schedules, it's on my immediate to-do list to get this house decorated.  First on my list is finishing off Little Tyty's nursery.  

Here are accessories I am vying for to finish the job:

From top left:
Owl prints to go back to the dwell studio owl bedding from Urban tickle at Etsy.
Giraffe hook to hang bath towels at anthropologie
Plush sock monkey from land of nod

Bright poof to kick up our feet during story time from  serena and lily

Plush and luxe blankets by Little Giraffe from nordstroms

Vintage blocks to add personalization from etsy
A to Z bookends from amazon

Happy Weekend!

The week took a turn for better health for the family.  Now lies ahead a rainy Saturday full of legos, wine, March Madness Basketball and rest - a very eventful St. Patty's day!  Have a beautiful weekend. xx

From top left:

Fashion coffee table books from the bestie

Bold Stripes on a Splendid Tee

Annual spring crack addicition aka Robin Eggs

Healthy upbeat brothers (priceless)

Mega Million hopes

Update my only lottery fortune won was $2.00, split amongst 8 co-workers. I am $.25 richer!

DIY Easter Madness

Easter is just weeks away, and I am inspired by many DIY crafts as seen on Pinterest.  The following gives me enough motivation to get the mind and hands working for the upcoming Holiday. Not too cheesy, yet not your ordinary Easter decor.

Peep Bunting Banner

Entertainment for the kids during Easter Brunch

Easter Bag-skets

Chocolate covered Oreos with Marshmallow Ears

Centerpieces

Smores kits

Not your ordinary Egg Coloring Kit

Big D will LOVE these

Personalized Baskets

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Basics with a Twist

Skirt, Shirt, Handbag, Eyewear:  GUESS by Marciano Shoes:  Christian Louboutin

No Debbie Downer Here

Image via tumblr

It's been a stressful few weeks for me.  Between the car breaking down, long and cumbersome work hours and horrible sicknesses-rashes through out all family members, it's been draining.  

However, when catching up with friends recently, I find myself speaking in constant negativity.  Saying things like "it's been crazy...uuugh, it sucks...sigh here and sigh there..." Always bitching followed by some moaning. I hate that! I have become a curmudgeon (definition here, and yes, this is a part of my everyday vocabulary, often referring to angry parking attendants).  I refuse to be the girl who brings down the party. This bad habit is very unattractive, and I've come to realize that I need to shift to a half glass full perspective. So when I came across this print on tumblr, it was only fitting to remind me to stop being so grumpy!!

Fresh and Minty

Not only is it my favorite ice cream flavor, it's currently my favorite color this spring season.  Coincidentally, one of my favorite fashion bloggers, Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific, dons all over mint as seen here.  Below are my latest obsessions:


From top left:

Shoes:    Color blocking with mint and white makes these Vince Camuto heels look fresh
Clutch:   Obsessed with this green on green action as seen on this Chloe handbag.  LOVE
Nail polish:  Essie Mint Candy Apple color for my next mani, which by then, the trend will most likely be post-peak
Denim:  Another color option amongst the spectrum of pastel denim in the market by Paige denim.
Lip Balm:  A new flavor from the Rosebud Salve line
Belt:  If wearing head to toe mint sounds scary, try it as an accent such as this ASOS skinny belt
Skirt:  Fem' it up with this pleated maxi skirt from H&M

Happy Weekend

Pretty peonies for a less than glamourous week, via tumblr

One cold

Two sick babies

Many coughs, runny noses, and fevers

Many tears, hugs and love

Two unrested parents

One family

DVF for Gap

Diane von Furstenberg (center) with Molly Sims and Milla Jovovich at the Grove launch

This is why I need a little girl in my life.  Diane von Furstenberg is launching a collection for Gap kids this spring.  Her infamous wrap dresses and bold eclectic prints will be available in mini versions on March 15th. DVF is one of my favorite designers (a close second to Karl Lagerfeld) and I was star struck when I saw her while shopping at her boutique in the Meatpacking District.  I didn't have the courage to take a picture with her, or ask for her autograph...I mean, it's Diane....

Spring Cleaning

Now that I have some free time on the weekends that lie ahead, I can officially start spring cleaning and get the home organized.  These are fun and eclectic storage solutions that I've had my eye on, and most are reasonably priced.

From upper left:

Brocade Desktop File:  File away and organize school papers, insurance bills, and random invoices.  I have folders color assorted for every member of the family (the Monica Gellar in me). 

Container Store:  $14.99

Crap File Folders:  So sad, but somewhat true, do I really need to store school papers, invoices and bills?  Add some humor to the paper madness

Paper Source:  $10.50

Chevron Baskets:  Adore these baskets to store toys and books, and I cannot get enough of Chevron stripes.

Land of Nod:  $49 for 3

Alphabet Trays:  These trays are a good jewelry catch for the bathroom counter - since I tend to throw my precious jewels around when I get in and out of the shower.  The Hubs would appreciate these most since he's the one purchasing the precious jewels.

West Elm:  $8

Chalkboard Labels & Mason Jars:  A great DIY storage option for crayons, markers and pencils.

Food Container:    Prevent cereal and kid snacks from going stale with these cereal containers

Ikea:  $3.99

Nap Time for Mom

Image via here

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dora the Explorer, Team Umizoomi, and any other pertinent characters of Nick Jr. whom helped me entertain my 2 year old son this past weekend.  To each and every fictional character, you were a saving grace.  Not my proudest moments, nor something I praise publicly, but I succumbed to the TV babysitting my 2 year old while I cat-napped on the couch.  To elaborate, my sick baby was sleeping, the Hubs grocery shopping, and what I thought would be a 5 minute wink, turned into an hour nap. But before eyebrows are raised, and judgement is made, D was within arms reach at all times, with an occasional "Mama sleeping" or a toy truck dropping to the floor an earshot away.  Despite the guilt of losing all control to Dora, it was the most rejuvenating hour of slumber I have had in years, and was so necessary.  So no judgment please, this was a rare occurrence! Have any of the mothers out there resorted to such guilty pleasures?

Paris Fashion Week

Lanvin

Lanvin

Lanvin

Balmain

Balmain

Isabel Marant

Ou la la, Paris Fashion Week has arrived and I am obsessing over the jewels, sparkles and glitter all over the runways. Regardless of the fact that I have no where to wear such extravagant ensembles, I can admire them from afar as a work of art.  To the design houses of Lanvin, Balmain and Isabel Marant, the most stunning collections thus far, I bid you a merci beaucoup!

Now I anxiously await Chanel...

1, 2, 3 vía Nina Garcia Tumblr

4, 5, 6  via Glamour Tumblr, Fairchild Archive