A Different Kind Of Valentine

My BFF's Bachelorette Party is this weekend, over Valentines Day at what's supposed to be the most heavenly destination on the planet earth, Miraval www.miravalresorts.com There's some real irony here.  First, most of us attending are either married or in serious relationships but spending V-day bonding with each other.  Second, a day designed for women across the country to dress up, or down theoretically, in the sexiest lingerie for their MEN is going to be spent decking out our WOMAN in bras, booty shorts, bustiers, you name it for her BLACK lingerie party.  Anywhoo...I'd heard about www.yandy.com as the go-to website for decorating our lovely lady lumps.  Lemme tell you, it does not disappoint.  They've got everything from the obvious-lingerie, to the playful- dresses, costumes, stockings, shoes, wigs, swimwear and more.  They cater to standard and plus size ladies (which I love) Oh and everything is totally affordable.  So while you Haute Mommies may be scrambling to find the perfect pair of panties to surprise your hubby with on V-day, I scored these for my girl on her B-day (Bachelorette Day) 

And more...

11 Must-Haves For Your V-Day Vacay

 

V-Day is right around the corner, Haute Mommies!  That usually goes one of two ways:  1. Embrace It 2. Erase It...from our minds and the calendar, like forever. This year, we chose the former.  I wanted to show the Main (adult) Man in my life just how much I ♥ and respect him.  Scottie and I opted for an early Valentine's Day Vacay which also happened to be our first night EVER away from the little guy.  I was warned that it would be tough, I'd even shed a few tears, but seriously, I must be some cold, heartless bitch, that didn't happened.  In fact, I was ELATED simply to spend 24 hours focused on just the 2 of us.  I could actually read a magazine cover to cover...in silence!  I didn't have to look at a clock once...I could get drunk!  JACKPOT $$$  Lemme also say this: 24 hours was the perfect amount of time and the anticipation of returning home to our perfectly amazing giant bundle of PERFECTION (did I already say that??) felt like opening the BEST birthday present ever!!!  

We checked out the Ritz Carlton in Rancho Mirage www.ritzcarlton.com for our night away and couldn't have picked a more incredible destination.  From the spot-on service to the immaculate desert grounds, beautifully-apointed guest rooms (many complete with firepits) and exceptional grub gurrrrrls, this Palm Springs gem we used to visit as kids with our parents, has come full circle - becoming our 1st getaway as new parents.  I will go back again...and again....and again...until they kick my ass out  :)))  And what made our trip over-the-top-FAB were these 11 THINGS - that I hope you'll keep in the back of your mind before planning your next getaway. 

1) Fire 

2) Water 

 3) Something Boozy

4) A Hangover Cure

 

 5) Basta Bikini: Hautties, I wore this one throughout my pregnancy because the top offers great support www.bastasurf.com and it's still sexy as hell.

6) Blackout Shades, for obvious reasons

 7) Tacos  They're not too much but just enough

8) Vogue - cover to cover

9) Missoni Headscarf, because nothing screams R&R quite like Missoni at the pool www.missoni.com

 10) Something New: In my case, these Ralph Lauren brand spanking new F$%* Me heels  The hubs thanked me BIGTIME

 11) Nanny Cam- So you can rest assured it's all okay just when your mind starts to wander. We have ours hooked to our cellphones. www.summerinfant.com 

Quote Of The Day

"Find the balance between effort and ease" 

My yoga teacher said this in quote class today and it made so much sense.  I'm a fighter, a survivor, and one who believes that hard work almost always pays off.  But what happens when you work too hard at one thing?  Career, parenting, your so-close, almost-there, I-think-I-see-em six-pack of abs???  What then??  Plain and simple, we lose balance.  When we move in only one direction, we get out of balance. Our strengths may get stronger, but our weaknesses get weaker.  So I implore you to try something new, something different each day.  If your path is not leading you to the desired destination, change directions.  Anywhooo...sorry to get so heady but come on gurrrls...gotta go there once in a while ♥

I Can't Live Without...

A few things I can't live without... ♥

1) Babiators www.babiators.com $20

2) Vince Camuto "Ristin" ankle boots Most comfortable shoes I've ever owned.  A daily wearer www.macys.com $149 (you can find them less-expensive on other sites)

3) Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes www.target.com $7

4) Baby Minnetonkas www.minnetonkamoccasin.com  $30

5) China Lily all-natural body oil www.enaz.com $15(ish) **Discount if you use: HAUTE MOM upon online checkout

6) My Yiddish Vacation Book www.amazon.com $13 Best gift for your Jewish friends.  

7) NutriBullet Smoothies for me, baby food for them, super easy cleanup www.nutribullet.com $100++

8) Paige Lauren Baby Sack www.paigelaurenbaby.com  $48

9) Audra Velvet Leggings http://audrashop.com $150 

10) Halo Sleep sack www.halosleep.com $26 The best way to transition your baby out of a swaddle 

Caprese A La Costa

Dinner time can be very stressful for a new mom.  Long gone are the days of (re)creating gourmet meals; slicing, dicing, chopping and mixing.  So here's 1 quick solution that looks and tastes more Chef Bobby Flay than Chef Boyardee and will take no time at all.  The cherry (tomato) on top??  It's damn good for ya.  My take on a classic,  The Caprese Salad: 

Makes 4 Servings

4 firm tomatoes 

2 large buffalo mozzarella balls

Basil Leaves (Enough to pair with each tomato/mozzarella stack)

1 cup Arugula lettuce

6 Kalamata Olives for taste/garnish 

Balsamic Vinegar

Olive Oil

sea salt

cracked pepper

To prepare, first thoroughly wash your veggies and herbs.  Cut 1/2 inch thick slices of tomato.  Do the same with the buffalo mozzarella and then cut each piece in half.  Using less cheese goes a longer way, still packs a punch of flavor and substantially cuts down the fat.  Pull apart basil leaves placing them to the side.  Take a dinner plate and begin forming your caprese, first laying down 1 tomato slice covering it with 1 piece of mozzarella and topping off with a basil leaf.  Repeat until your plate is filled.  In the center, pile high arugula and top it off with the olives.  I'm the kinda gal who just wings it when it comes to seasoning.  Less is usually more in my opinion.  Drizzle olive oil and balsamic and sprinkle on sea salt and ground pepper.  Voila!!  Caprese is served. ♥