Featured Mom - Stacie Haight Connerty

Stacie Haight Connerty, is the mother of three children, lives in Atlanta plus is a nationally published writer/author/editor for a variety of magazines, blogs and online publications. She just has her own blog called The Divine Miss Mommy where you can find the latest products reviewed, fabulous giveaways and stories about her family. And she's the amazing Beauty and Fashion editor at Type-A Mom.

I have been a fan of Stacie for awhile now! We met for the first time (for real) this past summer at BlogHer - and then at the T.J.Maxx sponsored trip in Boston, MA immediately following BlogHer. She's funny and witty and smart and just an amazing, amazing woman! I am so excited to feature her on Totsy today!

What one word best describes your current state of mind?

Frazzled. I am always behind and playing catch up.

What TV household does your family most resemble?

Brady Bunch - we even live in the Brady Bunch house (everyone calls it that)

What term or phrase do you most overuse?

I say "absolutely" a lot but I overuse a lot of terms. I am a very passionate person so there are things that I say all of the time.

What are the five things/items you think that new moms (parents) can’t do without (sanity savers)?
Babysitter (just someone that you feel comfortable leaving your child with)
Time Outs (for Mom & Dad)
Pacifier (for Baby and Vodka for the Parents pacifier)
Great, Stylish diaper that carries everything
A Good Breast Pump (this can give you so much freedom)
Family photos – best tips for getting kids to pose vs. fighting, making faces, running away?

We have phrases that the kids say instead of cheese that always brings a smile. A lot of times they say "Cheese Marble Pizza." Sometimes we make things up and it almost always makes them laugh. The other day we said "Daddy has stinky feet" and I got some great shots of them laughing.

My other tip is not go for poses. My most favorite pictures of my kids are not posed. They are just candid shots from a time when I grabbed the camera and started shooting.

What songs and/or books have worked best for bedtime?

We have been doing kid yoga the past several weeks and my kids are loving it. It is really fun and different.

How many miles (of driving duty) have you logged in the past week?

I have been pretty lucky this past week. My husband takes the kids to school every day and I pick them up in carpool plus one trip to my sisters house so around 50 miles.

One thing you want for yourself this year?

I started a great weight loss program last year and I want to continue it this year. It is more about changing my lifestyle and being around a little longer to annoy my children.

What celebrity best describes your personal style?

Angelina Jolie - but only the black, yoga pants, monotone colors, dark sunglasses wearing version of her.
Best parenting resource you would recommend?

Online mom's forums. I found a local one and it literally saved my sanity after the birth of my son. I could ask question at any time and get great answers. I also found fabulous play groups and made some really amazing friends.

Follow me on twitter:

@StacieinAtlanta
Current projects that have you engaged and excited:

Last year I co-founded The Product Review Place and it has really taken off. One of our goals is to really help out new bloggers when it comes to review. Everything from pitch letters to writing a good review. It is really fun and a great place.

Get Her Look: Kate Moss

Kate Moss made her mark in America by modeling. She was Calvin Klein's "break-out" star in the 1990's. I remember seeing her in fashion magazines, on billboards and on TV commercials. When she became a mother, we all got to see another side of the "supermodel." We got to see her as MOM. One thing about Kate Moss... her style is always evolving. I may not always agree with her fashion choices, but she sure does always look the part of the for-ever-and-ever fashionista. When I saw this photo of her, leaving her London home... I have to say - I fell in love with the laid-back, casualness of her outfit.

Get Her Look -

Long White Blazer - New York & Company $27.98
Light Gray Tunic - Newport News $17.99
Destroyed Denim - Express $88
Shearling Boots - Steve Madden $82.00
Oversized Sunglasses - Topshop $18.00

Wordless Wednesday: Warm Weather Trends

Models: Vacationing Kids
Location: Atlantis Resort, Bahamas

What models are wearing: Pink seersucker shorts from Vineyard Vines and Kiwi St. Tropez shirt our lady model is wearing the latest in pink beads.

Why I loved it: Pretty in pink is the theme for this photo essay.  Fashions for kids should be fun and colorful at the beach.  The young man looks comfortable AND stylish in his togs.  For her the pink hair beads are a fresh and flirty accessory.

Classics for your Children

Each year, right around this time... shopping is just INSANE. There are sales and deals everywhere (including on Totsy!). This is the time of year I do most of my back-to-school shopping for the boys. I like to make sure they each get a few new and special items... but I always go a little "crazy" on my oldest son, William. After all - he is the oldest, and from him... most of the clothes are passed down from brother to brother to brother. I don't mind investing in "essential" items, if I know they are going to last, and stand up to the test of time. I also make sure I'm stocking up on classic pieces. With boys - it's a little easier, the trends and styles aren't as "visible" as they are with girls clothing. In looking through the sale racks this past weekend, it was evident that ruffles and leggings where a BIG HIT this fall/winter for girls. (And there's tons left!)

I'm always asked by mothers, "What do you consider classics for boys?"

This is what I consider classic pieces:

Crewneck Sweaters - solid or stripe. Boys always need sweaters. There's nothing more classic and essential as your basic crewneck.
L/S Polo Tees - solid or stripe. My sons LOVE wearing these. And again... these never go out of style.Button Down Dress Shirts - Boys need to dress up... whether it's for a holiday, school photo time... or just for FUN! Denim. Go CRAZY with the denim. My sons go through a pair of jeans so fast. It never ceases to amaze me. I stocked UP this past weekend.

Outerwear. I'm telling you, if you can find any coats/jackets/fleeces that fit your children that are on sale - GO FOR IT! Always needed... always amazing to find on sale!

Luxury Family Vacations

Luxury family resorts have to deliver great service and plenty of family fun to get my seal of approval. If the winter is starting to get to you and you’re looking for a warm-weather getaway for your crew, consider heading to Atlantis--the land of sandy beaches and warm service.

Jet Blue, Lego and The Atlantis resort recently flew a team of journalists and bloggers to  Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Jet Blue wowed us with the ability to turn air travel into another enjoyable aspect of travel, not something to be simply endured.

Once we arrived we were treated to tons of Lego fun as we made our way around the property, but the big enticement was the wet stuff. The resort boasts twenty pools and enough water slides to keep your kids soaked and happy for days.

If you've got the typical busy modern family this is a wonderful getaway. Start the day with the kids with water slides and splash time and then steal a few moments of adult time later in the day while your kids are blissfully entertained at the brand new Atlantis Kids Club. Arts, cooking, video games, music can more this kids-only space is a dream for kid and parent alike. You can drop the kids off guilt-free as you head to an adults only dinner at Nobu or the casino.

Overall I was thrilled with the water attractions and the entertainment. The dolphin experience (though pricey) is a can’t miss opportunity to get up close and personal with these amazing animals. The property is also dotted with aquariums at every turn you’ll get to peer at sharks and coral fish. There is never a dull moment at this resort.

Meet the Moms: Latham Thomas

Trying to find a bit of zen and calm this year?  Busy parents would do well to connect with Latham (HHC, AADP, RYT). This Columbia grad and single mama is the mastermind behind Tender Shoots Wellnesss, a yogi, chef and health advisor. In her words, she tries to help moms by providing, "nutrition awareness, yoga, green culinary arts and plant medicine." She's one of the most connected and generous women in the world of yoga and parenting--we advise you get to know her better.

Any resolutions for the new year? My resolution is to take more time for myself, hence my trip to Tulum, Mexico next week! Mama needs a dip in the ocean and some sunshine.

What are your tips for finding a bit of calm as a busy mom? Keep your inspiration in your back pocket- whatever it is you love to do- knitting, jump rope, photography etc- if you make time for your passion on a regular basis you will get that much needed respite and feel more calm.

Get out and exercise- if that's putting a yoga mat on your living room floor and stretching it out, taking a jog outdoors, or taking a cool group exercise class at the gym- just do it. Exercise releases endorphins into the blood stream, activates your relaxation response and helps you to chill out! I recently tried a class with fitness guru Patricia Moreno- IntenSati and there were tons of mothers in class shouting affirmations while moving to the rhythm.


Breathe deeply- in through the nose, feel it deep in the belly- this helps me calm down right away when I feel myself starting to get stressed.

Best at home yoga dvd's or podcast?
Transform yourself with Jivamukti yoga- DVD, Be You. tv- www.beyou.tv- over 250 exercise videos online. A great resource for moms who don't want to invest in dvds, but wants a varied practice. There is always something new to discover.

Favorite spot for a winter playdate with your son?
This is a toss up, its a tie between Natural History Museum, and Moomah Cafe (161 Hudson). They have these do-it-yourself art tables where you and the little ones can engage in an instant art activity, have a healthy bite to eat, and stay cozy while avoiding the Jack Frost. The decor is gorgeous there as well.

What are some good resources for single moms?
Issa Mas's blog SIngle Mama NYC is great- www.singlemamanyc.com. I think Thebump.com has some great resources, Yoursingleparenting.com, also Realbirth offers single mother support groups which is a great way to meet other mamas raising their cubs in the big city.

Where do you shop for chic yoga gear (you always look so cool!)? Thank you! I love Hyde Yoga--, they make organic yoga apparel that is hip, comfortable and good for the planet. I love their colors, I'm a big fan of bright colors!

Follow me on twitter:  @TenderShoots

Current Projects: Raw Abundance Wellness Retreat- at Sivananda Yoga Ashram, Bahamas with Latham Thomas  May 3rd-5th, 2010 Sivananda Yoga Ashram, Nassau Bahamas.  I'll be leading a three day journey into the cleansing and healing benefits of raw food. You'll take home a recipe packet and practical tools to help jump start your raw diet and improve your health. For more details on course information, flight, accommodations, and more CLICK HERE

Get Her Look: Julie Bowen

Julie Bowen.

Maybe it's because I have a "thing" for moms of all boys... wink, wink. Or because she's a fellow Brown Alum... double wink, wink. I just have always loved Julie Bowen. I was a huge "Ed" watcher in the day. I never missed any episode. Then I love love loved her on "Boston Legal." She is truly one of those actresses that can do serious, that can do romance, that can do comedy... and be really, really good at it. Julie gave birth to twin sons, John and Gus this past May. That brought her boy total up to 3 sons... all 2 and under. Do you see why I love this girl? And every time I see photos of her, she's smiling... she's glowing... she's happy. She's got that mom-happy-glow.

This photo just really leaped off the screen for me. I love this color on her... and I adore the earrings.

Get Julie's Look:

Silk Top: Top Shop $70
Tweed Pant: Kohl's $21
Earrings: Kohl's $8

Designer Baby Deals for Moms

NOM Maternity on Totsy

When I was pregnant with each of my sons, there were a few must-shop destinations for me. NOM Maternity was one of those places. It's funny, I was pregnant with my son William at the exact same time Kate Hudson was pregnant with her son Ryder. I will never forget seeing a photo of her with a Nine (9) Months Maternity tee from NOM. I had to have it. I mean, I had to have it. It was that much of an attraction for me! And it's on TOTSY now!
(Jennifer Garner also rocked the tee while pregnant with her daughter Serafina!)

And then I truly just fell in love with NOM. I wanted to dress hip, chic and fashionable throughout my pregnancies, it's not always easy to find truly stylish clothing. NOM was a mecca for me. From their dresses... to their tops... to their skirts... to their leggings. I was working in high-end fashion, I needed to make sure I looked good... and I felt truly at ease with everything NOM offered. As a matter of fact, my 1st Mother's Day gift from my "baby" was a shopping spree to NOM.

So... I am beyond excited to have NOM on Totsy this week. Their clothing is high-quality, stylish and versatile. Seeing the many fashions offered today... it was very cool.

Here are my TOP 3 Fave Picks: (And I'm still shocked at the amazing prices!)

AVERY Top:
Stylish swiss dot v-neck top that ties in back. Wear it on its own or layered over a tank. Machine wash, 100% cotton, dry flat.

ROSALIE Dress:
Dress up in style with this dress. Break away from basic black with this perfect special occasion dress. Stylish and comfortable. Made in the USA.

NINE MONTHS Tee:
(Of course!) As seen on Jennifer Garner and Kate Hudson, a NOM classic with fun nine months graphic. A sure bet in any season. Long length and fitted style. Machine wash cold, tumble dry low in 100% cotton. Comes in both purple and pumpkin. Made in the USA.

ENK Show Review

As a Totsy Mom, it's my job to scout out trends and fashions.  This means heading to all the local and national trade shows to see what fashions will be hot for your family.  Last week I headed to the ENK show in New York City to look at Winter Fashions for children.

Here's my take on trends:

• Purple remains a hot color.
• Faux fur trim turns the ordinary into the extraoridnary.
• Get ready to be mad for plaid!

As I toured up and down the aisles.  These were a few standouts I spotted along the way:
One Kid--They've always made quality coats--loved to see the brand heading fashion-forward.
Oilily-The name Oilily has been sold back to Willem Olsthoorn (after a messy private equity deal) and the brand is poised for a colorful comeback.
Lassig-Moms are already keen on the kiddie packs for school lunch.  I was craving the quilted diaper bag and I adored the BellyBand--printed sashes to wear over your bump.
J.A.C.H.S.--Wonderful (and affordable) shirts for boys and girls made from funky plaids.

Go Gently--Green continues to be hot, but it's not enough to just use organic cotton.  This new brand combines chic with consciousness.

Meet the Moms: Jo-Lynne from Musings of a Housewife

Jo-Lynne was one of the first blogger's I started to follow and read. I loved her honesty and her approach to life, it was comforting and just wonderful. I am so excited to feature her today on Totsy!


Jo-Lynne, mom to 3 school-aged children, writes at Musings of a Housewife where she discusses everything from motherhood to fashion to nutrition to reality TV and anything else that crosses her mind. She absolutely adores the smart, encouraging community of women who read and laugh and cry along with her. She knows that blogging would be meaningless without them. Let's find out more about Jo-Lynne...

1. What one word best describes your current state of mind?

Muddled. LOL. I just got back from an overnight trip to NYC, and re-entry is always a bit rough.

2. What TV household does your family most resemble?

3. Brady Bunch
4. All in the Family
5. Brothers & Sisters
6. Army Wives
7. The Good Wife
8. Other -- I guess I'll go with F -- maybe Growing Pains? We're a fairly traditional modern family.

3. What term or phrase do you most overuse?

Okay. When I edit my blog posts, I see that I start almost every new paragraph with Okay. I guess you could say I have an issue with transition?

4. What are the five things/items you think that new moms (parents) can’t do without (sanity savers)?

Omigosh, this is hard. I hardly remember being a new mom.
1.Swing. (I didn't use it a lot, but when I needed it, I NEEDED IT.)
2.Lansinoh cream. (No explanation necessary, I hope.)
3.Swaddling blankets. (Swaddling my babies helped them immensely with getting to sleep and staying asleep.)
4.White noise machine. (We used to do a lot of entertaining, and the white noise machine was great for drowning out the noise from downstairs.)
5.Coffee. (Well, DUH.)

5. Family photos – best tips for getting kids to pose vs. fighting, making faces, running away?

Try to plan the photo shoot when they are fresh and in good spirits. Make sure they aren't tired or hungry. Don't spend a lot of time posing and making demands. And when all else fails, bribe them with something fantastic.

6. What songs and/or books have worked best for bedtime?

I used to walk the floors, singing hymns and lullabies to get my babies to sleep. I absolutely love Big Red Barn.

7. How many miles (of driving duty) have you logged in the past week?

Believe it or not, with three kids ages 4, 7, and 10, I actually don't do a lot of driving duty. We try to keep our kids' activities limited, and close to home.

8. One thing you want for yourself this year?

Get a facial!

9. What celebrity best describes your personal style?

a. Jennifer Garner
b. Sarah Jessica Parker
c. Nicole Richie
d. Gwen Stefani
e. Angelina Jolie
f. Victoria Beckham

Maybe Jennifer Garner

10. Best parenting resource you would recommend?

My mother! :)

11. Follow me on Twitter

@dcrmom

12. Current projects that have you engaged and excited:

The Tastemaker competition and my Vlogging Panel at the upcoming Blissdom conference. :-)

Mom's Week Twitter Party 1/18 9 EST

Now that the holidays are over, we've come up with another reason to celebrate.  Starting January 18th, Totsy.com is devoting a week's worth of exclusive private sales to moms and moms-to-be. We've nabbed access to MaStyle Jewelry, Ingrid &Isabel, Mommy Makeup, and NOM maternity at "dealicious" discounts.  In honor of the sales event, Totsy.com is hosting a Twitter party, Monday, January 18 at 9 pm EST, to kick off Mom's Week on the site.

Join the fun by RSVPing below and following #totsyparty tonight. Hosts will be Nicole Feliciano @Momtrends and Audrey McClelland @audreymcclellan--the two Totsy Moms that blog about the intersection of fashion and motherhood. We'll be talking about ways to stay chic through and beyond pregnancy.  We'll be tweeting with makeup advice, styling tricks and did we mention the prizes?  We'll be giving away goodies from all the participating brands.

Join the Party

Please join the hosts Nicole Feliciano and Audrey McClelland on Monday night from 9 to 10 p.m. EST on Twitter as share our top gift picks for the season. But you've got to enter to win. Click here for your invite code. You must be a Totsy member in order to win so sign up now and leave a comment or a linky for us.

How to join in:
* Become a Totsy.com member (it's free!)
* To join us chat with the hashtag #TotsyParty
* Follow the hosts for the night @MyTotsy, @AudreyMcClellan and @momtrends
* RSVP below and enter to win one of fab prizes including essentials and fashions from Ingrid & Isabel, two MaStyle necklaces, two gifts from Mommy Makeup and a swank top from NOM maternity.

Bonus Entries:

1. Follow @MyTotsy on Twitter
2. Become a fan of Totsy on Facebook.

Get Her Look: Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek is an extremely beautiful and ultra-feminine woman. She has always been one of my favorite actresses. She is a true beauty... I mean - from head to toe - she is just fabulous. Her style has always been elegant and pristine sophistication. She loves to wear luxurious clothing... cashmere, couture dresses, leather. She knows how to dress well, and it certainly shows. When she was pregnant with her daughter, she exuded elegance. She always looked immaculate. What I absolutely adored about this photo above was that she is still pulling off pure chic and classic elegance... while pushing her daughter. It's Hollywood beauty. Classic and real.

Get Her Look:

Newsboy Cap - Nordstrom $24.00
Silk Scarf - New York & Company $4.00
Green V-Neck Sweater - Talbots $119
Green Tote - Tommy Hilfiger on Endless.com $168
Dark Wash Denim - BlueFly.com $99.00
Ballet Flat - Endless.com $79.95

Wordless Wednesday: Parisian Style

Models: Various Chic French Kids
Location: Streets of Paris and Lyon

What models are wearing: Starting from the top.  How I loved this little boy's lady bug hat.  His mom had paired it with a thick corduroy/down puffy coat with little teddy bear appliques. The middle girl was wearing a pretty gray wool coat what caught my eye was the subtle Hello Kitty hat (Hello Kitty is HUGE in France with the preschool set) and her dusty rose scarf. The final shot was of a girl wearing a pretty gold coat.  Her hood was trimmed in fur and she had on chic leggings and flat boots in chocolate.

Why I loved it: French children seem to embrace accessories from and early age. They wear hats and scarves with ease and their accessories always seem to coordinate effortlessly with their clothing.  The first two tots were so cute it was hard to resist snapping a picture.  The last shot shows the transformation from tot to independent dresser.  I had the feeling the little girl in the gold coat dressed herself and she really pulled together a great look--she looked perfected kid-like, but also tres fashionable.

Fitness Apparel for Kids

It's that time of year! New beginnings, New YOU! I have been inspired to put my running shoes on and get myself into shape. The treadmill and the swimming pool have become my January new best friends. As I'm getting myself geared up... my sons have been wanting to come to the pool and go to the "kids gym" at our local YMCA. Keeping them moving and active is so important... plus, I love how they are seeing that fitness can be fun and exciting.

Just as I love to get a few new "workout" things for myself in the clothing department, it's special for your kids, too.

Here are some of my favorite "recognizable" places to find some fabulous Fitness Apparel for Kids:

GAP Kids -I saw my nieces in these yoga pants and just melted. The GAP is one of my favorite places to go for lounge-wear... yoga pants being on the top of my list. They are comfortable, cozy and extremely functional. How amazing to have them in smaller sizes! These get a complete thumbs-up from me!

Hanes -

Hanes isn't just for the "big" people... they have fabulous selections for Kids and Infants. Hoodies, sweatpants, tees, socks - you name it, they have it. The perfect "fitness" apparel for kids. They're warm, comfortable and toasty. Truthfully, it's exactly how you want your children to be.

Lands' End -My sons love to swim. They're in swimming lessons 2 times a week and just can't get enough of the water. I love seeing them learn to kick and takes strokes and truly become little swimmers! Lands' End is my go-to destination for bathing suits. The quality is superb and the selections are endless. Whether your child needs a suit for pleasure, swimming lessons or swim practice - you will fall in love with Lands' End.

Children's Place -
Tees! There's one thing every child needs for playing, running, biking... it's a good tee. I have had so much trouble with tees that shrink down to nothing. The one place I know I can always rely on is Children's Place. They have the best quality tees. The color lasts. The sizing lasts. And the fit is super comfy!

Best Fitness Gear for Moms

Many moms start off the year with the resolution to lose weight and get fit. One way to stay motivated and help meet your goals is to have the right gear on hand.

In the winter months you'll need a good warm-up jacket to keep off the chill when exercising outdoors. The breakaway jacket from lucy. This close-fitting jacket ($88) can be a great cover-up when you drop the kids off at school on your way to the gym.

When it comes to workout bras, I’m a huge fan of Lululemon. Many of the tops come in a length that will safely cover your mid-section and they offer plenty of support. I suggest the Super Y Tank ($52). Runners may want a bit more support, in that case, I’d try the Moving Comfort brand. These bras are made to support women taking on high-impact sports. No one wants to flop through a 10k!

Workout bottoms come in a wide variety of styles. Loose-fitting yoga pants are wonderful for achieving a zen-like calm. Try the Hyde Yoga Ryder Pant (on sale now for $44). For pilates, you’ll want something a little less flowy. Rese Pilates has a terrific pant called the Christine. It’s even got a little yin/yang logo in the center to remind you to focus on your core.

Runners will adore the Adidas Supernova tight ($70) this winter to keep them warm. Moms to be can take the Ingrid & Isabel Belly Legging to yoga class or to the gym.  This high waistband keeps your belly covered and comfy as you work out.

Maternity workout wear is finally as hip and cool as the rest of the maternity wear on your closet. Shop at Born Fit for a complete collection of Maternity workout gear. The Totsy top picks include the Elyse Maternity Jacket ($88) and the Rudy Maternity Tank ($44)

As for the little things, I like having my hair pulled back when I work out. In addition to a good elastic band, I keen on the cotton headbands from American Apparel. The headbands cost $4 and come in a wide assortment of colors. I keep three or four on hand and coordinate with my outfit. These are washable and wide keeping all the little loose strands of hair off my face.

With the right apparel stocked in your closet, you’ll have fewer excuses for skipping your workout. Here’s to a fit and fabulous 2010.

Meet the Moms: Danielle Friedland

Danielle may just be one of the most successful mom bloggers we know. The savvy mama started the Celebrity Baby Blog in 2004. She spent a few years following the bumps of the A-listers when People Mag/Time Inc. took notices and snatched up the site. Did the sale send Danielle into retirement. Nope. She's still super active in social networking (she's a tweeter extraordinaire) and recently became a Certified Lactation Counselor. She's one of the most generous mom media experts we know.

1. What one word best describes your current state of mind?
Frazzled! Our son Asher was born November 20th and we're trying to acclimate to being a family of four now. There are no time outs for mama and dada since one of us always has a kid. I don't know how single moms or parents of multiple kids do it (like Audrey!) because these two are kicking our butts.


2. What TV household does your family most resemble?
a. Brady Bunch
b. All in the Family
c. Brothers & Sisters
d. Army Wives
e. The Good Wife
f. Other: _______


Well, we're definitely not the Brady Bunch or All in the Family and I'm not familiar with these other shows since I pretty much only watch criminal justice and forensic science shows like Law & Order, Bones, CSI, etc. and we're definitely not like those families!

3. What term or phrase do you most overuse?
I definitely overuse "definitely."


4. What are the five things/items you think that new moms (parents) can’t do without (sanity savers)?
1. Sling or baby carrier - I love our BabyHawk Mei Tai and Hotsling pouch but lately I've been using the Baby Bjorn Synergy and Cybex 2.go carriers a lot lately.
2. Swaddling blanket - we're getting a lot of use out of our Swaddle Designs and Aden + Anais blankets. Asher's starting to wrestle his way out of them so I think we'll transition to sleep blankets soon like Halo's Sleep Sacks and Gro-Bags (just ordered one from Amazon).
3. White noise machine or other recording. The White Noise app on my iPhone calms Asher in the car or at home when nothing else works. It's the best $2 I've ever spent. In his room, we have Graco's Sweet Slumber Sound Machine which is one of the least expensive white noise machines I've come across plus it has nature and womb sounds too (my favorite).
4 Nursing pads - if you're breastfeeding like I am, there's a tendency to leak like crazy in the beginning. I'm using the Lansinoh disposable ones which I like because they're super thin. Because I hate to add more crap to landfills, I occasionally use Bravado's cloth pads but since I've got such an oversupply I frequently leak through them.

5 Gowns for the baby - Since breastfed babies poop A LOT you're always changing diapers. I was getting so sick of unsnapping and resnapping the crotch on the footie sleepers so now we keep Asher in the gowns whenever they're clean. Unfortunately they ride up (like nightgowns) so I put BabyLegs legwarmers on to keep his legs from getting too cold.

BONUS I'd like to put a plug in for cloth diapers. We used disposables exclusively with Anya but I really wanted to try cloth with Asher but was skeptical that they would be way too much work -- they really aren't. I just dump the whole load in the machine along with the cloth wipes and don't touch any poop because breastfed poop is water soluble. I actually look forward to washing them every few days because they're so cute and soft. My favorites so far are the Bum Genius All-in-Ones, Thirsties Duo Pockets & Happy Heinys Pockets.

5. Cabin Fever relief-tips to entertain the kids during the frigid months?
Craft projects (I get them at Michael's and Target) and a Roku Player/Netflix membership! Anya also loves creating Mii characters on our Wii -- she would do it all day long if we let her. It's not even a game!

6. What songs and/or books have worked best for bedtime?
Anya listens to the Wonder Pets soundtrack every night when she goes to bed.

7. How many miles (of driving duty) have you logged in the past week?
Very little because my husband has been driving our daughter to/from school since our son was born 2 months ago and since I was on modified bedrest during my pregnancy.

8. Any resolutions for 2010?
To use my iphone less when I'm with my kids and really be with them. It's something Marcia Cross told me she does- to be with her children fully, not talking on her phone or texting.

9. What celebrity best describes your personal style?
a. Jennifer Garner
b. Sarah Jessica Parker
c. Nicole Richie
d. Gwen Stefani
e. Angelina Jolie
f. Victoria Beckham

Jennifer Garner because she's so casual and slightly sporty. She's the closest a celeb mom may come to your typical suburban SAHM so I think a lot of moms identify with her style and I'm no different!


10. Best parenting resource(s) you would recommend?
Kellymom.com is the absolute best web resource for breastfeeding moms. I also love Alphamom.com versus the way-too-mainstream Babycenter. Mothering.com also has some fabulous forums.

11. Follow me on twitter: @that_danielle

12. Current projects that have you engaged and excited:
Besides having my son in November and completing our family (yes, two is IT for us!), in October I fulfilled a dream I've had since having my daughter and became a certified lactation counselor. It is my passion to help women learn more about how important breastfeeding is and to help them achieve their goals. I have been helping moms on twitter and will be helping moms in my area.

Wordless Wednesday: City Chic in NYC

Model: Manhattan Mommy
Location: Chilly Union Square, NYC (it was 17 degrees)

What model is wearing: Black knit cap from Dolce & Gabbana. Shearling jacket Dolce & Gabbana. Louboutin boots.

Why I loved it: Baby was nice and snuggled in a bugaboo stroller with a wind shield, and mom wasn't letting the cold weather slow her down.  The trim jeans and flat boots told me she wasn't just posing as a mom, she was active and involed.  She looked great and pulled together while keeping mighty warm. I'm not surprised all the brands were designers.  This mom looked like a million bucks.

Toy Organization

Santa visited my 4 boys on Christmas Eve and left lots of toys...

Under our tree were puzzles and Legos and cars and trucks and games... all for the boys to enjoy and play with each other.

I don't know how it is in your home, but in my home... toy time is the fun time and clean up time is the not-so-fun time. As a matter of fact, it usually turns into "Mommy" picking all the toys up while the boys are in bed. Well, not anymore. I was smart this Holiday season, I purchased some toy organization "stations" for the boys. After all, the New Year is all about starting anew and getting organized - well, here is my attempt on the toy front.

Here is what I recommend for your toy room, living room or child's bedroom:

1. Collapsible Toy Box and 4-Cubby Organizer available at One Step Ahead:


I love the ruggedness of this toy box. You can fit so much stuff in here... not to mention, I love the natural hue. You can also monogram it, too.

2. Lift and Hide Bookcase Storage Chest available at Target:

This chest is plastic, so it's extremely lightweight. I love that this is small enough for your 2 yr old to really use. It's easy and accessible and can fit anywhere. Also - it's very easy to clean, just wipe with a damp cloth.

3. Children's Storage Bench available at Toy Boxes & Storage:

This is a show piece within itself. I fell in love with the artwork and beauty of this toy chest and bench. This is ideal for your child's bedroom or playroom.

4. Whitney Brothers Toy Storage Box available at Walmart:
What I love about this toy storage box is that it's see-through. I think that is so perfect for young kids. Ideal for I Spy games!

5. Pottery Barn Kids Canvas Buckets:


Hands down... my favorite. I love having buckets for different kinds of toys. Trucks. Trains. Blocks. Crayons. Everything is neatly organized and out away for the night. Plus, they are so adorable to have around your house.