Post-Mother’s Day Pampering

Rise and shine, moms, we’ve got a wonderful day ahead!

Mother’s Day has come and gone and our families showered us with all kinds of favors and gifts. The kids cooked our favorite pancakes and our husbands did all the chores while we spent an extra hour in bed. Ah, if only it was Mother’s Day everyday!

After all the celebration, remember that you still owe yourself a big hug, and deserve a personal treat to mark the special day. Here are some activities perfect for a post-Mother’s Day pampering:

Spa treatment. When was the last time you took some time out and visited a really nice spa? Melt away your worries for a refreshed, glowing look.

Salon trip. Mother’s Day is so busy, you may not have had time to get your hair done. Now’s the time to swing by the salon. Have a quick trim, refresh your highlights, and get your nails done too!

Online shopping. Shoes, jewelry and cute hair accessories you’ve been eyeing for the past year are just a click away. The No Slippy Hair Clippy store has a great selection of trendy and classic styles for any hair type.

If you have long hair that you like to tie in a bun or ponytail, then decorate it with a delicate Ryan flower (left) whose soft silk organza lends your locks a floral feminine touch.

If you have beautiful bangs, accentuate them with a Tonya headband (center) and be confident that even a cool spring wind won’t mess up your hair thanks to the patented No Slip design.

And if you have wavy or curly hair, the Meredith clip (right)offers a touch of spring glamour.

You might also be looking for thank-you gifts for the adorable daughter who made this Mother’s Day extra memorable. Browse through our dozens of girl bows and clips to find the one perfect memento she’ll wear and remember forever.

Go on, indulge. Extend Mother’s Day by a whole week, you deserve it!

Memories with Mom

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts." (Washington Irving)

There's nothing quite like the relationship a girl has with her mother. It's a unique bond between two girls, from two different generations. One the master, the other an apprentice; one the gardener, the other a tiny bud; one the potter, the other the clay.

Our mothers are both in front of us to lead the way and beside us to support us. And every now and then, they also run behind us to catch us when we fall, dust us off and kiss our boo-boos away.

I don't know what your relationship with your mom is right now--hopefully, it's good and strong. As for me, it's a bit embarrassing to admit this but I have always been a "fan" of my mom. Seriously! I've always looked up to her and sought her opinion on everything. I hold on to her every word and to this day, I've been trying to emulate that brilliant, headstrong spirit she has.

Although I cherish my mom each day of the year, this month is extra special because we're celebrating all mothers around the world!

There are too many great memories that I've shared with my mom, but one of the many that stands out is during my graduation march. She and my dad were seated quite a distance from the graduates. So she just sent a message through my phone. She said: "You never cease to make us so proud of you." And that just made my heart swell! Even more than the medal or the diploma or the sheer joy of graduating!

How about you? What are some of the best memories that you have with your mom? Or as a mom, what are your best memories with your little ones?

I wish all you lovely mothers a Happy Mothers' Day!

PS A Mom and Me promo is in the works! Hint: how does a buy one, get one sound to you? Stay tuned!

Images from www.sxc.hu

Mommy Hairstyles

Moms, just because you have arguably the hardest, messiest job in the world (kudos to you), doesn't mean you have to look it! Being a mother has its ups and downs, and a lot of women get so wrapped up in it that they forget to take a little more care of themselves sometimes too!

Here's a little pick-me-up: a simple update in your hairstyle from Lil Sugar.

BRAIDS
Easy and stylish, side-swept braids... keep hair out of a mama's face and under control when she's out with her kids. To change up the style, consider weaving a scarf into the braid.

PONYTAILS
A staple for moms and their lil girls, the ponytail can be worked high, low, tight, or loose for various looks. A stacked ponytail looks pretty chic, while a loose and messy one adds some hipster glam to a mama's look.

Image from www.ponytailhairstyles.blogspot.com

BUNS
A bun doesn't have to look like you stepped right out of a ballet studio. Low, quirky buns look like mama put some effort into her locks, without being overdone.

HEADBANDS
Headbands can hide a host of sins, most importantly the wisps that come with postpartum hair loss.

Model is wearing a No Slippy Hair Clippy Large 5-inch Silk Flower on Wide Organic Cotton Headwrap.

For more fun and interesting articles on motherhood, visit Lil Sugar here!

Sleep? What Sleep?

You know it all too well. Once you entered parenthood, somehow "sleep" stopped being a part of your vocabulary. Even when the little critters are already in dreamland, your momma instincts keep you alert for any sound or movement. This is especially true if you have babies! And you find yourself missing what it felt like to be in a truly deep slumber.

Fret not! There is still hope! You may not be able to get back into worry-free sleep, but there are still ways that you can help yourself deal with sleep deprivation. Parents.com clues you in:

The Tired Moms' Guide to Better Sleep

1. Bright lights at night

Few things are more inviting than a home that glows cheerfully on a dark night, but switching on high-wattage lights after sundown can make it harder for you to fall asleep.

In fact, anything brighter than a 15-watt bulb may have an effect on your ability to rest, says Clete Kushida, M.D., Ph.D., director of Stanford University's sleep-research center. That's because, while darkness causes our brains to secrete melatonin—a hormone that makes us feel sleepy—light does just the opposite. It causes the brain to stop making melatonin, and that's the body's signal to wake up.

To wind down faster, lower the light level an hour or two before bedtime. And if you need to get up in the middle of the night to check on your child or because you just can't sleep, use a dim night-light that you can turn on and off.

2. Checking e-mail before bed

How could such quiet activity interfere with your sleep? "Using the computer or doing work is daytime activity," says Joyce Walsleben, Ph.D., director of the Sleep Disorders Center at New York University School of Medicine, in New York City.

Getting immersed in such tasks right before bedtime will only rev you up, and your body can't instantly switch gears. If you have the space, keep the computer and home-office equipment out of the bedroom so you'll be less likely to associate your bedroom with work. And avoid other stimulating activity close to bedtime—such as watching disturbing TV news, reading a thriller, or discussing a big issue with your spouse. These can also lower your chances for a good night's sleep.

3. Java in the afternoon

You already know not to drink a cup of coffee late at night, but caffeine consumed any time after midday can do a number on your body. And be aware that tea, carbonated sodas (not just colas-orange drinks and other sodas can be culprits too), coffee ice cream, and even decaf coffee may all contain enough of a jolt to keep you awake. Chocolate has only a small amount of caffeine but contains several other stimulants.

You don't need to go completely decaf—is there a mom out there who can do without her morning latte? But if you have trouble falling asleep sometimes, then keep caffeine to a minimum after noon.

You can find the rest of the tips here!

PONDER, PONDER, PONDER...
How are you dealing with sleeplessness so far? What tips can you share? On average, how many hours of sleep do you get? Does hubby pitch in with baby duty?

Cheerios!
Rach

10 Things from Mom

Mother's Day is still out of sight, but then again, who said we can only celebrate our bonds with our moms once in a year? :o)

I recently found this sweet article from Lil Sugar and I felt compelled to share with you: whether you're a mom or a daughter.

10 Things Mothers Should Teach Their Daughters

The relationship between mothers and their daughters is an incredibly strong one. Moms raising girls have the power to shape the next generation of women and those to come by teaching their kids important lessons.

1. That confidence and independence are beautiful.

2. That size doesn't matter, but wasting her time worrying about it does.

3. That brilliance should never be downplayed.

4. That emotions are liberating so she should go ahead and laugh, cry or scream.

5. To always have enough money to pay her own way, but to be gracious when someone else treats. And to be generous with what she has.

6. To not make age an excuse for her actions.

7. That "mean girls" are really just insecure.

8. That she has an amazing power to make a difference in life.

9. To actively pursue her dreams especially those that seem unattainable.

10. That the love she will give and receive is limitless.

PONDER, PONDER, PONDER...
What things did your mom teach you that you would pass on to your own daughters? What would you add to this list? Do you agree or disagree with the things listed here?

Cheerios!
Rach

Lose That Baby Weight

Have you ever wondered about those celebrity moms who are as huge as a house one day and then a few weeks after giving birth, is like they were never even pregnant at all? Have you ever wondered how they do it so easily? (And why you can't seem to?!)

Well, momma, here's a newsflash: it's possible! Yup, even for mere mortals like us!

In a recent article written in Just the Facts Baby, pre- and post-natal fitness expert Andrea Grace shared ways to gain that pre-baby body back:



Getting started
Depending on your fitness level before and during pregnancy, you may find that walking is all the exercise you need until your six-week post-partum checkup. "Start by walking as fast as you comfortably can for a minimum of 20 minutes," says certified trainer Andrea Grace.

Once your doctor gives you the all-clear, you can begin more strenuous exercise. "Just remember to go at your own pace and modify the intensity of the exercise, working up to three times a week of active movement for at least 20 minutes at a time," says Grace.

Try checking out your local gym or community centre for post-natal fitness classes. "Specialized post-natal classes take into account the changes your body went through during pregnancy," says Grace. "They're not necessarily less intense, they're just paced more slowly. They're also lower impact and incorporate a fuller range of motion, which is safer for your joints."

Working out comfortably
The most important thing is to get back into fitness gradually. Start by investing in a good sports bra. While it's safe to exercise when nursing, you should avoid exercises that make your breasts feel sore–it also helps to work out after feeding your baby when your breasts are less full.

You also need to adapt your fitness regimen to the changes your body went through during pregnancy, says Grace. If you're experiencing incontinence or pain following an episiotomy, pelvic floor exercises will help and you can begin doing them right away. But you should ease back into abdominal exercises, especially if your doctor has told you that you have diastasis recti (a separation between the left and right side of the rectus abdominis muscle, which covers the front surface of the belly area). Head lifts are a gentle ab exercise to start with:

1. Lie on you back, knees bent and feet flat on the ground.

2. Cross your arms across your belly button, using your hands to pull your side ribs in toward the centre of your body.

3. Press your lower back into the floor and inhale.

4. As you exhale, lift your chin slowly toward your chest while pulling your abs in toward your spine, keeping your shoulders on the ground.

5. Inhale and release slowly.

To read the rest of the article, click here!

Image from sxc.hu.

PONDER, PONDER, PONDER... How did you lose the baby weight? Did you follow any fitness regimen?

Cheerios!
Rach

A Mommy Community

One of the things that is truly beautiful about parenthood is the bond that you get to share with fellow parents. There is nothing quite like it. It's a deep friendship that is rooted on shared experiences, shared joys, shared hurts, shared everything!

That's why I feel fortunate for being a part of CityMommy Cleveland. It feels great to have a place where you know you are welcomed and valued. CityMommy Cleveland is a local message board for moms. A place to talk to other moms about just about anything under the sun!

It's a part of CityMommy, a free social networking site for moms in 45 major cities across the United States. And its "branch" in Cleveland is run by a dear friend of mine, Lisa, who has graciously welcomed me into the group even though I'm not from Cleveland! (Here's a shout-out to Lisa for her awesomeness!)

If you'd like to be a part of this warm, welcoming community, feel free to join right in! With the daily challenges of mommy life, you will need a support group that you are sure will stand by you and help you get through :o)

Image from sxc.hu.

Top 10 Signs You're a Mom

1. Sleep? What is this "sleep" that you speak of?

2. Shower? What is "shower"? It is alien to me.

3. It's 3:00 in the afternoon and you realize that you have not had lunch AND breakfast. And you're wondering why you're so cranky.

4. The front of your shirt is soaking wet. And it's not because you were sweating.

5. In relation to #4, you are no longer fazed by any form of baby excretion. ANY form.

6. You're up each day until 10PM vacuuming, dusting, wiping, washing, drying, ironing, cooking, driving, changing sheets, changing diapers, bathing, helping with homework, budgeting, pushing trucks, cuddling dolls, putting to bed, dragging out of bed, chasing, feeding... then get up at 5:30AM the next day, only to find out you STILL gained 10 pounds.

7. Your children tell you that you said "Yes." But you don't even remember what the question was.

8. You have convinced yourself that the laundry has taken on an evil nature and is out to get you. You approach the spin dryer cautiously. And with a baseball bat.

9. In the rare occasion that you do get some sleep, you fall asleep with various vocal ranges of "Mommyyyyyy"/"I'm hungry"/"No, no, no!" still ringing in your ears.

10. When you start conversations with the cashier, crossing guard, bank teller, etc. because you rarely talk to anyone over four feet tall.

Got your own top 10? Feel free to share!

Image from livingonadime.com

Makin' Over Momma

Motherhood is beautiful. But sometimes, the momma isn't! With so much to do and so little time, a lot of mothers have no more time or motivation to bring out their inner goddess. Oh, come on, you know you have it! It would be quite a shame to keep hiding your best side from the world. What a bleak world we'll all be living in if mothers aren't there to brighten it up. Sometimes, all it takes is one uniquely pretty hair accessory (a lot cuter if it matches your daughter's!) and you instantly brighten up both your mood and your look.

Well, since it is No Slippy Hair Clippy's mission to make the world prettier one girl at a time, we figured, why don't we start with the wonderful ladies that those little girls will aspire to be?

I found this article from parenting.com that is loaded with helpful and easy tips for my dear ladies to get your groove back on. Here's an excerpt of De-stress in 5 Minutes or Less:



Take a (virtual) vacation
"I close my eyes and visualize being on a luxury ocean liner," says Alisha Bush, a mom of one in Madisonville, Tennessee. "I feel the rhythm of the waves and inhale the smell of the ocean." (Try it yourself! See, the beach chair's waiting for ya!)

Crank up some tunes
Play music that brings up good memories. "Many people find they have a visceral reaction to something they heard in their youth," says Suzanne Hanser, chair of the Music Therapy Department at Berklee College of Music, in Boston. Choose anything that triggers a positive image, like your wedding-dance song or the music that played during a first date or at the first rock concert you went to as a teenager.

Laugh it off
Numerous studies show that laughter lowers your levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone. So go ahead and giggle out loud at your husband's bad knock-knock jokes-- it'll make you both feel good.

Rub the right way
No, we're not talking about getting a massage; we're talking about giving one--to your baby. Research shows that when women massage infants, their levels of the stress hormone cortisol drop, which in turn calms them down, says Tiffany Field, Ph.D., director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine.

Click here for the rest of the article.

Here's a little more from me:

Glam up! You don't have to channel those Hollywood A-listers to feel like a million bucks. As I said, sometimes, all it takes is that one little detail that makes you stand-out. It could be that heirloom necklace that your grandma gave you, it could be adding a little shimmer on your lips, it could be a unique hair accessory, it could be getting a gorgeous new manicure.

Be bold! Prettify yourself and don't be shy about it! I've noticed that ladies are a little more daring with their choices these days. Headbands with large floral designs and bold colors a la Leighton Meester are all the rage now. Ultra-feminine styles are becoming trendy once again. But be careful not to get too carried away!

So moms, go ahead and get started to beautiful, hopefully stress-free days ahead!