Having it All

When tuning into NPR on my way to a meeting yesterday, Sonia Maria Sotomayor, Associate Justice on the Supreme Court, was on the Diane Rehm Show discussing her new book on the market. I was sort of zoning out, an activity I like to partake in when the baby is not in the car, but one part of the interview I did listen in to was when Sonia Sotomayor was asked by a caller, "How do you have it all?"

I think as mothers, wives, friends and colleagues we aim to have it all. The perfect work-life balance, a packed social calendar, the ability to tuck our children in every night and see them every morning, and still satisfy our own needs. 

Sonia said it herself, "You cannot have it all, all the time." She continued to describe the working mother who spends time with her children, but thinks of the pile of work on her desk. Or, the stay at home mom, who thinks about wanting a pile of work on her desk to get back into the adult world.

Instead of focusing on having it all, at the same time, she suggested we give ourselves a break and realize that what we are doing is hard and not always enjoyable. 

To hear such a powerful and successful woman state this, made me feel a little bit better about the fact that I was happy to have a 25 min car ride alone. 

So, the next time you are feeling down or think one of your girlfriends has it all - the house, the husband, the kids and the job - just remember, she really doesn't and that is okay.

Here is to enjoying kid-free car rides, reading to your kids, making dinner, meeting that deadline and getting 15 minutes of extra sleep :)  To me that would be having it all!

Winter Blues

Winter getting you down? Me too!

I don't know what it is about this winter but it really has me falling into the winter blues. I haven't even had the urge to shop! Well, that's not entirely true:) 

With a few more months to go, I'm deciding here and now to fully embrace all this winter has to offer and remember that it could be worse. We could be living in Alaska! (No offense to any Alaskan readers - I know there is at least one of you.)

So, let's get into it - what makes winter bearable?  Warmth? Heat? Enticing Aromas?

The Red Flower Spanish Gardenia Candle is just what I needed to get me out of my funk. The smell is amazing and the warmth of the candle makes it all better. 

Curl up with this candle and a great book! I just finished The Twelve Tribes of Hattie. It's a great read!

Eye Cream? Help!

Hi Ladies, 

Instead of highlighting a new product or trend, I am writing to your for help. I am looking for input on how to better take care of my eyes. The lack of sleep and hydration is giving me dark circles and crazy crows feet. 

I have done some research online and it seems there are some roll on options that are supposed to help with the "puffy" eye, but does that also hydrate? 

Should I be using some sort of cream at night?

Any insight you have would be extremely helpful!

Currently, I use a daily moisturizer by Aveeno, Positively Ageless, SPF 30. I like it but find I need to apply multiple times to feel hydrated. 

What's your hydrating regiment?

Out with the UGG

Do you use the UGG as your go-to footwear? Are you wearing them with leggings? Are you as lazy as I am? Maybe. 

I tend to throw on my UGG boots everyday because it is easy. I don't have to think about if they are comfortable or can I chase Gray around in them. I can and they are. 

Unfortunately, I am putting the UGG boots in the legging category - lazy. 

So instead of wearing these:





I am in search of another option that fits the same description of comfort and easy to maneuver. 

The Betsey Johnson 'Kinderr' Boot is really comfortable and stylish. I found wearing them with jeans and a sweater gives you an edgier look with the subtle spiked hardware on the boot. 

The Betsey Johnson 'Kinderr' Boot

So the comfort was a check but the easy to maneuver was not quite fulfilled. They are tie up, so in the time it takes me to tie them, my son is across the apartment. 

I'm keeping my eye out for the perfect pair. Any suggestions? 

3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute Cosmetic Case/Clutch

The freedom of a clutch can be exhilarating! Leaving the clunky, overstuffed and, often a little smelly, diaper back at home for the sleek, sexy feel of a compact leather clutch is amazing. I found this 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute Cosmetic Case at Neiman Marcus on the sale table and proceeded to swoon over the soft leather and trendy gold/black exterior.

I know it has "cosmetic case" in the name but who says you can't use it as a clutch? It fits my phone, keys, lipstick, ID and credit case easily and looks really cute with any night time attire.

I ended up wearing it last night to dinner with this Diane von Furstenberg Turtleneck dress in black. It was a hit! 

Mama's Got a New Face!

Metallic Creme Eye Colour - Alloy

Tinted Moisturizer

Black Karat - Baked Eye

I have never been much of a makeup kind of gal. Spending hours in front of the mirror always sounded more like a nightmare than a beauty routine. Now with even less time on my hands, I had completely written off the idea of ever wearing it again.

In an effort to get back to my stylish self, I have reconsidered this decision. 

MAC, Chanel, Bobbi Brown, Lancome, Urban Decay, all great brands, or so I've heard. I had no idea where to start. 

I decided to head over to the Laura Mercier counter. There was no loud music blaring, MAC, and no pretentious looking makeup artists, Chanel. The woman who helped me could tell I was in need of some serious assistance. 

First thing she noticed about my skin was that it was dry. Causes of skin dryness: 

• Lack of sleep - Check!
• Dehydrated - Check!
• Not eating right - Check!

It was amazing how well she already knew me. I told her that chasing around a 9 month old did not leave me much time to apply make up. So she decided on a few items to give me the new face I desired. 

The tinted moisturizer is a great product. Apply with your fingers all over your face and into the neck - it looked like I had a bit of a tan, but without the skin damage. 

The eye creme is my favorite item I purchased that day. Again, you apply with your finger all over the eye and use it as a primer before you add on eye shadow. Slap on some liner and mascara and I was good to go! 

Here is me before my big meeting - with my new face.

  

New Acquisition: Reed Krakoff Atlantique

Those who know me best may say that I have a bit of a shopping addiction. The urge to shop ceased when I got pregnant, due to my increased size and discomfort any "normal" clothing. After the baby, I did go on a bit of a shopping spree. It was summer and I could not wear any of my summer clothing - nothing fit yet. 

Another big issue seemed to be the rubbing of the thighs. I consulted many of my friends on this topic. Why were they rubbing together? Why did it hurt so bad? Will I ever be able to wear a dress again?

Don't worry, my legs did return to their before baby selves.

So now that the post baby leg tangent is over - the point of this post is that my addiction has come back to the surface. Trying to curb the need for a summer bag, I ended up sealing the deal with this Reed Krakoff Atlantique in kelly green.

I decided as my last big acquisition of 2012, this little beauty was the winner!

The Reed Krakoff Atlantique has classic lines and flaunts a structured yet sophisticated frame. The bag is deep and wide enough to carry a laptop for work, and the occasional diaper/bottle if you so choose. 

I cannot wait for Spring so I can break in my new bag! 

Note: Best to buy off season - got a great deal on this little beauty!