Posts tagged mom
In The District
Favorite Mom Bloggers on Instagram
Some of our favorite Mom bloggers - Bonnie Tsang and Joy Cho of Oh Joy! - share mini photography details into their busy lives as mothers and businesswomen
February 21st, 2013 | 2:29 PM
We asked a few days ago whether you were an Instagram fan – and many vividly responded “yes!” So we thought we’d share some of our favorite Moms who are on Instagram – recalling their favorite meals, projects, and afternoons spent with their little ones through the uniquely tinted frame of the Instagram app. If you haven’t found a use for this fun app (it’s now available for both iOS iPhones and Android users!) we suggest you start snapping – everyone loves to share favorite memories with their kids!
Bonnie Tsang is a professional photographer who picked up a camera after her little tot was born. She has worked with brands like West Elm, Minted.com and Family Circle Magazine, as well as regaling her fans with plethora of images through her social media accounts. Her daughter, appropriately titled “Miss V”, is a budding photographer as well, and can often be seen sitting side-by-side her mother enjoying high tea or snacking on macaroons.
Joy Cho is a colorful blogger, graphic designer and author that entertains audiences with her appealing aesthetic and personal details. The new mother often color-coordinates outfits with her one-year-old, coyly mixing fabulous brands like Kate Spade with more affordable finds. Her “Currently Snacking On” posts always make our mouth’s water, and “This & That” series pairs unique combinations that are unforgettable.
{image title via Oh Joy, Bonnie Tsang instagram, Oh Joy! instagram}
In The District
Mommy Brain Masters First Christmas with Two Kids
Dana from Mastering Mommy Brain recalls the first Christmas as a Mom of Two
December 12th, 2012 | 3:45 PM
Christmas changed once I had children. Life quickly went from worrying about what clothes to wear for holiday parties and wondering what my hubby would gift me, to doing everything I could to make my child’s face light up on Christmas morning. Now I focus on how to make my family’s holiday memorable.
Our first two Christmases as parents were magical. We had perfectly executed plans – visits to Santa, gifts for our child (and everyone else!), time with family and friends, and delicious holiday treats. Our son was elated by the sheer magnitude of the holidays, and we became confident we would rock every Christmas from there on out.
Planning Christmas number three was similar, but with one significant difference – I was planning as a Mom of two kids.
It was obvious from the start that another seamless Christmas execution wouldn’t happen a third time around from the start. We pulled up to our house after Christmas Eve Mass and heard our house alarm sirens blaring as our relatives stood wide-eyed and flustered in the foyer.
Turning to my husband, I asked, “Who set the alarm?”
It was obvious I had a serious case of Mommy Brain that wasn’t taking a breather for the holidays.
After calls to both the alarm company and impending patrol cars, we settled in to appetizers and holiday portraits. Just as everyone was gathering around for a photo, SLAM. The unsteady walker in our house, my daughter, had tripped. Blood proceeded to gush from her nose, followed by inconsolable tears and cries.
With family pictures tossed aside, it was clear everyone needed a bit of cheering up. We went outside to sprinkle reindeer dust (our own concoction of oatmeal and glitter) on the roof – at the insistence of my son. My cousin propped himself up on the ladder but thanks to a gust of wind was covered in this magical potion.
A great sight for those non-believers, but it only led to more tears as my son kept repeating, “Santa is going to land on Adam, not on our roof! Adam is going to get my cars instead of me!”
Dinner and presents followed without a hitch, until the stomach bug hit my daughter with a vengeance. Oh yes, the stomach bug. I can assure you it was the one item not on Mom’s Christmas list.
Needless to say, our company cleared out pretty quick. Our sleepless night didn’t come from dreams of sugarplums, but consisted of containing “the bug” and assembling and wrapping the last of the gifts (note: never leave to the last minute!). When Christmas morning finally arrived, my daughter’s holiday dress was shoved aside for a more comfortable, yet less photogenic, set of red sweatpants.
We had survived our first Christmas as parents of two. Looking back, it was a day full of Mommy Brain moments and some comical hiccups. It may not have been a perfect Christmas, but it was absolutely one to remember.
Meet blogger Dana of Mastering Mommy Brain. She’s a Plum District subscriber (yay!), a mother of two and an all-around master multi-tasker.
Me Time
Mom Bloggers with the Best Style
Style is about a lot more than just a wardrobe, but in this case, we'd love to raid their closets!
May 24th, 2012 | 11:30 PM
Mom bloggers are engaged in their communities, seeking useful, fun, and trendy information to share with the world. These particular mom bloggers have style (and brains!) that we absolutely adore!
Nicole Feliciano – Mom Trends
Some fashionistas refuse to give up high heels even after the kids come along. You’ll find regular tips for living well and making the most out of motherhood, profiles of inspiring Momtrenpreneurs, fashion trends, reviews and more.
Audrey Couto McClelland – Mom Generations
Audrey Couto McClelland left the fashion world of Donna Karan International in NYC to raise her brood of four boys. She’s learned that you can take the girl out of the Fashion District, but you can’t take the Fashion District out of the girl.
James Kicinski-McCoy – Bleu Bird Vintage
James encourages other moms to get up and get dressed every day. When you take a little bit of time for yourself each morning, you feel better physically and emotionally. There’s no need to give up your style just because you had a baby!
Nina – Momma Go Round
Nina offers style, on a real budget, for real women. Join her as she tackles the latest fashions, discovers what works, and what doesn’t, craft new styles and accesories, while making it all toddler-friendly!
Andrea Fellman – Savvy Sassy Moms
Andrea Fellman is a mom who hasn’t lost her style to motherhood! Savvy is to be experienced, well-informed, intelligent. Sassy is to be lively, spirited, stylish and chic.
Becki Crosby – Whippy Cake
Becki Crosby is the mom in the grocery store sporting the just-rolled-out-of-bed look with a posh twist to make you think she did it on purpose. She wears stripes with polka dots and white after Labor Day!
Me Time
Poignant Pass-Downs
The things we inherit from Mom - besides her mannerisms, her nose, and her favorite phrases.
May 22nd, 2012 | 9:11 PM
As I was frantically trying to decide what to get my mom for Mother’s Day (ended up going with a set of lobster crackers – known to fellow New Englanders as ‘lobstah crackahs.’), I started thinking about the things that she’s given to me.
For my 30th birthday, my mom gave me her red leather jewelry box, embossed with her initials. I have so many memories of scrambling underneath her bed to pull out this box so I could pile on all of the ‘sparklies’ inside of it and parade around the house, feeling like a princess. Now, it sits on top of the vanity table in my bedroom – which was once my grandmother’s! – and is filled with jewelry that I’ve acquired from varying family members over the years.
That box also contains my mother’s pearls, which she gave to me when I got engaged. I wore them on my wedding day, carefully removing them after our photos were taken so there was no chance of the string breaking. I’m clumsy like that.
It goes without saying that my most treasured possessions are items that once belonged to my mother, and when I started asking around the office, I discovered that plenty of other Plum District ladies feel the same way. From Louis Vuitton bags that are timeless tributes to your family’s stylish lineage (Anna Lipshaw: Lead District Consultant, Bay Area) to custom capes that Mom meticulously designed and created as 4-H projects (Kate Goepferd – Site Manager, Midwest Region), the most special gifts from Mom are ones that once belonged to her.
GALLERY: Treasures passed from Mom to Mom [click on photos to enlarge]:
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- Sara’s pearls
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- Shannon’s wedding rings
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- Lisa’s necklace
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- Sara’s jewelry box
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- Helen’s shoes
Shannon Vetter – District Consultant, Maryland:
“My grandmother, mother and I were all married using the same ring. When my mother was married, her mom gave it to her and she decided to use it for the ceremony. When I was married, my mom then offered it to me. How could I turn it down? It already carried 79 years of marriage in it!
It’s a simple gold band but it means more to me than anything. Its inscription, J.B.C. to P.J.A. 6-16-45, also means C.S.N. to S.J.C 12/31/66 and F.J.V. to S.C.N 5/27/95.
When my beloved grandmother passed away in 1999, as the oldest grandchild I inherited her mother’s wedding ring. My grandmother wore that ring for as long as I can remember and it is so special to me to wear it now. Its inscription is J.B.C. to A.W. Sept. 26, 1889.
When I think about the hands on which these rings were worn, all the places they have been, all the meals they have prepared, all the children’s backs they have rubbed, all the words they have written, all the music they have played, all the gardens they have tended, all the toys they have put away and all the faces they have held, I am inspired to live up to their legacy and make these rings and their owners proud.”
Helen Connor – Regional Manager, Boston:
“I have several pairs of my mom’s high heeled shoes from when she was my age. Now that I’m a mom I realize what big shoes I have to fill!”
Lisa Barnes – District Consultant, San Francisco Bay Area:
“I wear my grandmother’s diamond on a chain around my neck 24/7. My grandma was one of the most important women in my life. She treated me like I was the most amazing person in the world. Always complimented me and made me feel so loved and important. Any time I was down and needed to talk to someone, I would call her. She always know the right thing to say. She always told me that I was her “diamond” (I was born in April, and that is my birthstone) and that when she died, she wanted me to have her diamond.
She passed away four years ago, and her funeral was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. After the service, my sisters, my daughter, my cousins, and my mom all went back to her house and sat on her bed with all of her jewelry boxes. We sat there for over three hours laughing, crying and sorting out all of the “treasures” she had saved over her lifetime. She saved everything, included all the notes that accompanied the jewelry. Going through all of her jewelry that day is a memory I will never forget – it helped ease the pain of the funeral. We all choice pieces that held important, strong memories for us. Her diamond, stays on me 24 hours a day. It’s a reminder that I was so loved by such an amazing woman, and I can hear her little words of encouragement and praise still.”
Marie Kagay – Sales Operations Coordinator – San Francisco:
“I love wearing my moms old clothes, especially her summer dresses. They have an authentic vintage feel, and are a great reminder of how cool my mom used to be!”
What are your favorite gifts from your Mom?
In The District, Mom Time
Family Photos, Awkward Style
It's not always easy to get a good shot. And sometimes we look back and simply say, "Why?"
May 21st, 2012 | 8:10 AM
A few of our good staff members here at Plum District have kindly volunteered to share theirs for your enjoyment — because after all, we’re all family, right?
The photo above comes from Kerri Roggensack, a District Consultant who lives in Lafayette, California. Kerri is mother to three daughters: Clara (6), Sisi (5), and Lenie (3). In this photo, Clara (wearing the orange dress) is held by Kerri’s husband, Claus, on Halloween.
I’m curious about the person in the middle… a classic costume, I must say!
Next, we have a shot from Kate Goepferd, a Plum District Site Manager. Kate’s comment on this one? “A little bit country, a little bit embarrassed.”
Kate: Thank you for this.
The following comes from Deb Clem-Buckert, a Regional Manager in Kansas City, who’s mother to Rosie (11). This photo was taken circa 1976, and Deb (bottom right, in red) says it was one of the more awkward family moments she can remember. Let’s just say that an unpleasant smell overcame the room right before the shot.
Last but certainly not least, we have a photo from Suzanne Allen-Weise, a District Consultant from West Chester, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is mom to five delightful children (between ages 8 and 14) who were, more or less, willing to grant her her birthday wish last year for one more Santa photo. Clearly, they were thrilled. How does Suzanne feel about this picture? It’s exactly what she expected, and she thinks it’s perfect.
You can’t always get everyone to cooperate when the time comes for a family photo. The “perfect” shot is rare. Really, though, some of the best photos have each family member doing his or her own thing. At the end of the day, when hold the photo, at least you can smile about the fact that you brought the crew together and made some memories.
If you have an awkward family photo you’d like to share – and are willing to have it posted to our blog – please leave a comment and we’ll contact you! The more, the merrier. We love family photos.
In The District, Me Time
Rockin’ Hot Mom Jeans
There are plenty of jeans out there that are comfortable AND stylish. One Plum District Consultant shares her favorites.
May 15th, 2012 | 12:08 AM
Gigi is a District Consultant in San Francisco, California. She has a 4-year old son (Liam), a 1-year old daughter (Amelie), and a 12-year old Pug (Penelope).
Motherhood isn’t always stylish, and it certainly isn’t glamorous. But if you’re like most females on the planet, you know that finding a pair of jeans is critical, and is often a humbling battle with the victor being anyone but you (at least that’s my experience). Whether you’re short, tall, curvy, or straight, getting a fantastic pair of jeans is almost as good, if not better, than – well, you fill in the blank…
Being a mom and being a jean-wearing mom can be a bit tricky. Tina Fey and our friends at SNL gave us countless laughs (and a complex!) with their timeless spoof on the Mom Jean:
My favorite jeans come from a variety of brands. My criteria – aside from wanting to look fantastic – is comfort, since I’m herding kiddos and managing a household. I have no time for binding, pinching, and certainly no time for sucking it in. Believe it or not, and all laughing aside, we can be moms – in jeans – and look fabulous, glamorous… and, yes, even rockin’…
Old Navy makes fantastic and affordable jeans that not only flaunt your figure but also help keep the budget-conscience mom in a happy place.
- The Women’s Sweetheart Skinny ($29.50) is my personal fav and is great for those wanting the sassy skinny leg coupled with comfort:
- The Women’s Sweetheart Boot-Cut ($29.50) is terrific for casual days, and rest assured – no style is left behind:
A good trouser is unbeatable. The best pair I’ve found is by Level 99. They have a classic tailored cut and quality, and they look terrific dressed up with heels and a jacket, or can be dressed down for a more casual look.
- The Jerry Sailor Trouser ($55) is my favorite (accessorized with buttons at the hip – love!):
- Level 99′s Storm Wide Leg ($106) is runner up.
I was also recently introduced to the Miraclebody denim line, from the makers of the celebrated Miraclesuit swimwear. The Katie Signature Tacked is excellent, comfortable, and, I have to admit, they make my body (and booty) look pretty phenom.
In The District, Me Time
National Mom’s Nite Out is Tomorrow
Grab your girlfriends and take a well-deserved night off or grab a glass of vino and join Plum District for a fun hour-long MOM Twitter party.
May 8th, 2012 | 9:43 PM
For those of you who may not know, Thursday, May 10th is National Mom’s Nite Out. This is not a Hallmark-created event, but rather one that began five years ago after a simple tweet from Maria Baily – host of Mom Talk Radio – who said, “Mother’s Day is a lot of work for me. Anyone want to join me for a National Mom’s Nite Out?” The response was immediate and tremendous, and now, thousands of media groups, companies, malls, mommy bloggers, and social networks have come together to create events, discounts, and more, in effort to give moms a well-deserved night off.
What’s the difference between National Mom’s Nite Out and Mother’s Day, you ask? Well, on Mother’s Day, between the cooking and dinner planning and the visits to mothers-in-law and grandmothers, not that much relaxation happens! National Mom’s Nite Out, however, is meant to be a task-free evening.
So this Thursday, look out for local events and discounts from great brands, who are all looking to reach those of you who know you deserve an actual break. Grab your girlfriends and go have some fun.
For more information on National Mom’s Nite Out – and to view a list of local and online events, mom discounts, and giveaways – visit www.momsniteout.com.
Can’t get out of the house for a nite out? How about a Twitter party with @plumdistrict?! Join us from 5:30-6:30pm PT for an hour of all girl fun and prizes hosted by Plum District moms. Be sure to RSVP to be eligible for prizes! (Follow #MomMonth to join the party)
Mom Time
Can’t Buy Her Love – A Craft Mom Will Adore
Here's a craft your kids will love to make, and one you'll love to receive this Mother's Day.
May 8th, 2012 | 12:40 AM
Bonjour! I’m Bay Area mom, writer, planner, and Plum District Consultant Shari Wargo Stamps here to show you a heart-felt craft to give the mom in your life. Mother’s Day isn’t always about the sparkly necklace or expensive brunch out- it’s about showing mom that she is loved and appreciated. Every family is different, so this post has a do it yourself (DIY) craft that uses items you already have (or can borrow), and suggestions for ways to make the craft specific to your family.
Blooming Love
Even though they may die after a couple of days, there’s something special about receiving flowers from the ones you love. The Blooming Love DIY allows mom to get flowers she’s never seen before, and your child to enjoy making a simple gift for mom. Toddlers and big kids will love being able to choose which flowers to pick and what to write or create on them. This DIY idea is ideal for ages 3-16, and can be customized to fit these different ages. Fun Fact: I first created a Blooming Love gift in high school to ask a boy to prom. I’ve also used a variation of this to remember a family member who passed away (it’s a versatile DIY).
Materials:
- Flower(s)
- Ball point pen
- Stickers, glitter or stamps (for younger kiddos)
- Bottle, vase, or teacup (this is where you can make it your own)
- Ribbon (optional)
1. To start your project, choose a flower. This is an opportunity to talk to younger children about the different types of flowers and what the colors mean. If you don’t have flowers at your home, take the opportunity to go to a park or meadow with your child. When you cut your flower, be sure to leave some stem in case you choose to place your flower in a bottle or vase. Try to get any bugs out of the flower, and cut down any thorns before your child works with it.
2. Once you have your flower ready, you can decorate it for mom. Gently hold the flower in your hand and write or draw on the most visible center petals. You can tear away any petals that interrupt your pattern/message, or that maybe don’t look as great as the others if there are enough petals to work with. Alternatively, babies and toddlers can put fingerprints on the petals for a unique look, or toddlers can place heart-shaped stickers on the petals.
3. (Optional) Take your flower outside to sprinkle on a glitter which compliments the color of the flower. If you decide to use glitter, use it sparingly and remove the excess before bringing the flower back into the house.
4. Decide how you would like to present your gift to mom. There are so many ways to customize the Blooming Love gift to the special mom in your life by how you present it, but here are three options to give you some ideas. One option is to keep the stem and place it in a bottle (maybe reuse one from a drink mom loves) or vase with some water and a few extra petals (with or without writing on them). Another option would be to place your flower(s) in a bottle with some flower petals (without water) and strips of paper from different members of the family that each have a message about what they love about mom. For my last example, cut the stem of your flower so that it can sit in a teacup (or bowl) with or without water.
In The District, Mom Time
What Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day
Almost 20,000 moms told Plum District what they want for Mother's Day and we listened!
April 26th, 2012 | 12:01 AM
Last month we launched a campaign to unravel the mysteries of Mom and her feelings about Mother’s Day. Our mission was to know more about what she really wanted on her special day – and if it really did feel “special.” We revealed that Mom is looking for the perfect blend of time for herself and time with her brood on Mother’s Day.
Among the findings:
- 75 percent claim they would prefer a handmade card over a necklace from Tiffany & Co.®
- Two thirds prefer to not pick out their own gift
- 54 percent would choose to spend quality time with their own mother versus 46 percent who would have her babysit the kids
“Some of the things we discovered in our survey were pretty surprising to us, like the fact that only 56 percent of husbands/significant others always remember Mother’s Day,” says Megan Gardner, CEO of Plum District. “What didn’t surprise us is that at the end of the day, moms might crave some ‘me’ time, but their families will always rank first.”
What sort of “me” time is Mom after?
- Eight out of ten moms would choose to sleep in versus a sunrise breakfast with the kids
- One third of moms secretly want the day to themselves
- 52 percent would use an hour to themselves for a massage, while the other 48 percent would go on a bike ride
Plum District didn’t just learn – we’ve listened! We have decided that you deserve more than a day – so we’re dedicating all of May to the “Month of Mom,” or M.O.M.. Moms across the country should expect to find offers that are just for them to enjoy and indulge in, as well as fun activities for the whole family! And to really make things exciting we have partnered with Bethenny Frankel to help make your day! From Monday, May 7, through May 13, you’ll find offers in your local city that will quite literally help you plan the “Perfect Day!” Be sure to check your inbox on Friday, May 4, for a special note and video from Bethenny just to you!
Me Time
Earth-Conscious Beauty Products
Products that take care of your skin - and the planet!
April 6th, 2012 | 12:26 AM
Author Melissa Carlisle writes the blog www.MelissaStuff.com and is the mother to three boys who keep her constantly guessing about what new trouble they have discovered.
It’s that time of year . . . time to break your body out of hiding and to reintroduce your skin to the sun (and to everyone else!) But your skin isn’t ready for its close-up. Want to whip it into shape as quickly as possible but also use products that are easy on your skin and the environment? Check out some of our favorite skin care products!
Check out this Kiss My Face All Natural Facial Starter Kit ($14.99) for trial-sized versions of popular products.
Kiss My Face is one of the more established natural beauty product lines. The company creates products which are healthy, effective, environmentally friendly and economically friendly. They come in a variety of scents and products to pamper you from head to toe.
This organic body lotion with natural rose scent ($5.95) smells just like spring!
The Cream Perfume Company is known for using pure and naturally-derived oils and extracts in combination with French essential oils to combat dehydrated, sore, inflamed and damaged skin. Their products are certified to be vegan, wheat and gluten free, with no glycol and no animal testing. In addition, they smell great and don’t fade easily.
Nature's Baby products are calming and soothing, like their Organic Silky Dusty Powder ($9.95) with healing aloe and chamomile.
Nature’s Baby Organics products come in various scents to keep you and baby calm and happy. Made with the highest quality natural and organic ingredients to create a clean, soothing and luxurious experience, all products are allergist-approved. They contain no paraben, propylene glycol, sodium laureth sulfate or synthetic fragrance. This company was started by a work-at-home-mom and all of her products are family-tested.
On the go with your little one? This Birth & Baby Kit is filled with natural products like Mama Bottom Balm and Natural Nipple Butter - to soothe both Mom and baby's irritated skin.
Earth Mama, Angel Baby uses only the highest-quality Certified Organic or organically-grown herbs and oils in their teas, bath herbs, gentle handmade soaps, salves, lotions and massage oils. Their products are 100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, and vegan, as well as free from all artificial preservatives, fragrances and dyes. These products smell great, but you do need to note that they are not tear free.
Melissa and her smiling brood of troublemakers
