#MommyMondays

Mondays used to be the most-dreaded day of the week...until it became my FAVORITE.  After a long weekend catering to the little ones- cooking, cleaning, spit-ups, slip ups, this errand, that birthday (oh don't even get me started) I've turned Monday into MY day.  At least some of it.  I still cart one to camp and the other to....oh well let's face it, the second child always gets shafted.  But point is, I make sure after a long kiddy-filled, overloaded weekend that I take time for myself.  CorePowerYoga.com followed by a nice, long, warm shower is a start.  Calls, catch up, writing, talking (to adults), manis, pedis, even lunch -- sitting, not standing- yep it's all about me/us.

Oh and get this-  I may even Netflix and Chill...by...my...self while the lil ones are passed out.  Wait, that came out wrong but you get it.  Whatever your situation may be, please take time for yourselves.  Working moms, this means you too!  Maybe you leave a little early to the office on Mondays to "work" uh I mean, sit in your car uninterrupted scrolling the gram and or Nordstrom.com or whatever your guilty pleasure may be. 

It's time to enlist a friend, neighbor, mommy's helper, family member, nanny - ANYONE - to give you some much deserved rest and relaxation.  

Mama's Note:  Disregard all feelings of guilt.  Remember, oxygen mask - right - oxygen mask :)

OH, IT'S GETTING REAL

Life and style as we know it was totally revolutionized for the savvy shopper when high-end consignment website, The Real Real launched in 2011.  It wasn't until July 2016 that our fashion cherry was popped!!  We placed our very first of many orders to the online retailer.  2 pairs of (never-before-worn, mind you) Giusepeppi Zanotti heels - one oxblood suede fringed bootie - super ladylike...The other more Lady Gaga; Nude platform wedges with a dainty little ankle strap. 

Since then we've been a walking billboard for the company.  Literally, people are like "Do you get a kickback from them?"  Nope - but we probably should.  It's just honest to goodness enthusiasm for these guys who've cracked the fashion code -- at least in the minds of frugal suburban moms who crave couture but once settled for copies.  

Top designers at up to 90% off!? Sounds too good to be true.  Oh but it isn't. Theory, Tibi, Alexander Wang, Brian Atwood, Vivienne Westwood - they line our closets now - marked down from thousands to hundreds easily.  And they're all in pristine, very good, or good condition as the website so eloquently puts it. 

They've got 90+ in-house authenticators inspecting thousands of items daily ensuring the authenticity of every piece it sells -- at a fraction of the original price.  Economic? Check.  Environmental? Check, Check.  The Real Real gives new life to pieces and is leading the circular economy for luxury.  Ya know that whole, "One person's trash is another ones treasure" thing.  Only, there ain't nothing trashy here.

Ok so we sorta buried the lede in this story but it's only because the site is just so overwhelmingly satisfying and BEWARE, time-gobbling :) The Real Real has taken it one step further by opening their second brick and mortar store -- landing in LA at the corner of Melrose and La Cienega.  

Sure it makes sense that with prime real estate like that, the retailer would flex their muscles showcasing the best of the best from the site.  That also means, most of it'll set you back a pretty penny.  Speaking of which, the space isn't just pretty, it's IMPECCABLE! -Like what you'd imagine Anna Wintour's closet to look like (with a splash of Jlo)  Sky-high walls lined with the chicest Valentino, Chanel, Gucci...Racks stacked with Marni, Missoni, Balmain - "Hey, isn't that the bejeweled micro-mini Kim K just wore to the MTV awards?"  

And if that's not enough, well - there's this:

• Men’s Store - First-ever men’s store features a sneakerdome, watch bar with rare watches, and a suiting and tailoring area.

• Handbag Vault - The store boasts a 1,500 square foot vault with wall-to-wall luxury handbags, curbside consignment drop-off, and a cafe serving up fresh juices, snacks and coffee.

• Free Valuations - Via the Luxury Consignment Office, The RealReal’s team of expert gemologists, horologists and authentication specialists are available – in-store and by appointment – for complementary fine jewelry, watch, and handbag valuations.  

• Seamless Consignment Drop-offs - Curbside and in-store consignment drop-offs offer ease and efficiency.

• Personal Styling Services - Select items from the site available to view in person, or pulled for shoppers by expert styling team.

• Expert Workshops - Workshops and master classes provide consumers with expert content in authentication, styling, design, and current trends.

• Luxury Services - Item repairs, alterations, and authentication of all luxury goods.

And when you're totally cashed, there's the Real Real Cafe - The cafe serves up coffee, pressed juices, salads and pastries.  No wine??  :) 

So while most of the time you'll find us sitting down, scrolling up for the latest deal of the day, perhaps we'll get our lazy butts off the couch and down to the Real Real for some in-store inspo. 

****The store's doors are open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more details please visit: www.therealreal.com/la   

50 Shades Of Shades

If there's one accessory that's got every Haute Mom "covered" rain or shine, day or night, inside and out- it's the perfect pair of shades. Whether you're popping bottles or in this case, pumping bottles, a great set of sunnies will have you looking your best on 2 hours rest.

My go-tos are Raybans - affordable-ish ($150-$250) timeless, chic, cool, hip -- all the adjectives and never too"trendy" which is kinda what I loathe...ya know, those styles that are here today - and everyone obsesseses over - and gone tomorrow!?  Put it this way, if you're going to look at a picture 10 years from now and say, "What the hell was I thinking" you shouldn't wear em.  

When it came time for my push present, I opted for the BIGGEST, BlACKEST pair I could get my paws on A) They'd shield me from the rest of the world B) They'd shield the rest of the world from me.

I splurged, well actually, my hubby splurged - On a pair of over-the-top Chanels, perhaps a little too pricey but let's make one thing clear, I am one frugal bitch. You'll definitely find me strolling the aisles of TJ Maxx before Intermix.  That said, a few things are absolute MUSTS: Amazing heels, Amazing denim, Amazing bags and AMAZZZZING shades. That's not to say you need to spend next month's rent on a pair of Prada but these are items we wear all day errrrayday, so spending a little more goes a long, long way. Think of it as an investment if that makes you sleep better at night. Anyway, point is, if you want to look your absolute best, at your worst - well you know the drill.

Cat Eyes

These are those super trendy shades I was talking about - If they're your thing you can find Le Specs --like these-- for $118. 

A few more mommy faves- not cheap but totally chic.  Tom Ford All The WAY!

STARS IN SHADES:

QUEEN OF ALL SUNNIES 

Victoria Beckham Sunglasses ($400-$500) 

Moms Need Moms

When I first had babies, life changed tremendously but my group of friends didn't.  I was one of the first to become a mom but that didn't stop me from calling my girls, spending time together, going out, essentially, living life as a single when we expanded into a Quadruple.  

Truth is, I thought I didn't need a new group of friends, certainly not boring suburban mom-friends who'd talk endlessly about spit-ups, slip-ups, poop, patty-cake, sleepless nights, sexless days bla bla bla.  Oh, and trying to find the time to get together-- not just coordinating my own kids' schedules but now having to work around another family's naps and routines too??  Uh, no thanks.  

Well, all that changed once I (reluctantly) began a mommy-and-me class with my first, Gibson.  Within moments, I knew this was the place for me/us.  Moms were sharing their own stories -- yes about potty training and nap times but also we shared laughs...lots and lots of laughs...about things only a mother can relate to.  It became a safe and hilarious environment for us to have adult conversation and feel normal again during a whirlwind time in life.  Cherry on top - my kid wasn't yanking at me to come play with him - he actually had other little people to connect with.  Victory!

Over time, this tribe of mamas who I literally met day one has become a hugely important part of mine and my children's lives.  We chat at drop-off, workout, have afternoon (I-want-to pull-my-hair-out) drinks, do playdates, and most of all, lend love and support to each other when others just don't get it.  And while my new community of mommies has even hung with my "old" friends it's been nuttin but love...mainly, because they each bring something totally different to the table.  Initially, I was anti finding a circle of moms to make my own but I've learned over time they are the final puzzle piece in helping me love life as a parent - poop and all.

25 Things We Should Say To Our Children Everyday

My mom sent over this article from Red Tricycle the other day.  Usually she'll email me the latest clippings of local murders, man-who-falls-overboard-for-taking-risky-instagram-photo or some new finding on why parents today suck and can't have it all.  "Adrianna, your generation thinks you can just go to work all day and have nannies raise your children.  What kind of success are you setting them up for?  Don't be surprised if you end up with a wild partier on your hand who loves bad boys and refuses to follow rules."  Oh, you mean me???  Wait, Weren't you a stay-at-home mom??  Ok right, just checking"  

Anywhooooo so when I came upon this link she sent over I was pleasantly surprised because it felt like such a departure for her.  Red Tri does a stellar job of breaking down the 25 Things We Should Say To Our Children EveryDay.  A lot of it seems basic, mindless in fact but that's just it.  These things are so part of our normal conversations - often with adults, that it's easy to skip over and forget when dealing with children.  

Here's one- "How Are You?"  Literally, how often do you ask your littles that? Seems like a decent start to any conversation but when your day begins before the sun rises, it's easy to forget.  So, check out the list below and hopefully we can find a way to incorporate a few into our daily routines.  Perhaps this will help "our generation" raise kind and adjusted children...even IF we work long hours :)

1. Eat something healthy with your snack. Because let’s face it, not all snacks are healthy. Dr. Katharine Kersey, professor of early childhood education at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., suggests reminding kids that we all need to eat healthy so our bodies will be strong.

2. Tell me one good thing that happened today. Focusing on the positive helps keep the bad stuff at bay.

3. Tell me one bad thing that happened today. It’s important to talk about the bad stuff too.

4. I’m proud of you for doing XYZ. Something about a kiddo hearing someone is proud of them has a big impact. Think of one positive thing and tell your little one about it.

5. How are you? Asking your kiddo how she feels shows that you are interested in them. Brandi Russell, pediatric occupational therapist and parenting coach, recommends checking in with your little ones just as you would a spouse or friend.

6. What would you do? This is a great response to kids always asking for help with things. Empower them while giving yourself a break.

7. What nice thing did you do or say today? Encourage kindness by reinforcing it daily.

8. Nothing will change my love for you. This phrase may seem self-evident, but sometimes kids need you to state the obvious. Rebecca Eans, bestselling author and founder of positive-parents.org, believes you can’t go wrong with this loving reminder.

9. I like it when you … Even when the kids are driving you crazy, there’s always at least one thing they did that made you smile.

10. I like you. Kids may hear the words “I love you” on a regular basis, but do they know you like them too?

11. Please. If we want respect as parents, then we need to show that same behavior to our kids. Dr. John DeGarmo, a national foster parent coach, advocates parents should always say “please” and “thank you” to to model respectful behavior.

12. Clean up your toys, dishes, or whatever is left out. Encourage kids to take ownership for cleaning up their belongings, said Maureen Healy, author of Growing Happy Kids. Even if it’s just one or two items a day, it will help you in the long run.

13. That’s smart thinking. Sometimes hearing you’re smart is even more powerful than telling a kid they look cute.

14. Don’t let mean people define who you are. There will always be bullies in life. This simple phrase helps kids know the negative voices are not the most important.

15. I’m proud of you. They know you love them. But do they know you’re proud of them too? Dr. Sherrie Campbell, clinical psychologist and author, believes those words are just as important as affirmations of love to kids.

16. Thank you. Social skills and courtesy are important in the home and outside of it.

17. I’m sorry. We all lose our temper or make mistakes. Dr. Alison Mitzner, a pediatric specialist, believes what’s important is how we react.

18. Just be yourself. Teach your kids they’re enough, and they never have to be anyone else.

19. Do your best. It’s not about the result. It’s about how you get there.

20. Always tell the truth, even if it’s not great. The sooner kids know you’ll still love them after hearing the truth—even if it’s not great—the more truthful they’ll be as they grow.

21. I’m listening. What do you want to say? According to Katie Hurley, LCSW, 57% of girls say they don’t always tell their parents certain things about them because they don’t want them to think badly of them. Show your kids you do care what they have to say by demonstrating you want to listen to them share information with you.

22. You don’t have to eat it. It’s tough to deal with picky eaters. Instead of fighting with your kids to eat their veggies, give them the power to say no and be in control. But don’t provide an alternative meal choice or dessert either.

23. I love being with you. Amy McCready is a parenting educator who believes encouraging words and phrases go a long way to help your kids feel safe and secure. Telling your little one how you love being with them is a great positive affirmation they’ll never tire of hearing.

24. You make me happy. Because everyone wants to feel like they matter to someone else.

25. I love you. They may be simple, but Jennifer Wolf, a PCI certified parent coach, believes there’s really no substitute for these powerful words.

— Leah R. Singer