WWIII: The Battle Royale

World War III has just swept through my home.  New moms and moms who can remember what it's like to raise a newborn can appreciate this.

My three month-old started the day with a full nights sleep, something I was sure would promise smooth sailing.  The sun was shining, the baby was cooing in her crib, it couldn't have been more perfect.  I should've known then that it was too good to be true.

After feeding her I was able to put her down for a morning nap that lasted longer than I expected.  Awesome!  Time to make some breakfast, clean up the house a bit and brush my teeth!

As she stirred I watched the beautiful little girl who looks so much like me as a baby on the monitor.  Could life get any better?  As with all wartime attacks, you must take your opponent by surprise in order to gain the upper hand.  In my case, surprise attack was an understatement.

As I lifted my gurgling cherub out of her crib I felt her iron fist latch onto my necklace like grim death, then my hair.  I managed to dislodge my valuables from her grasp only to have her express her disdain with sharp cries.  She's hungry.  Just a quick diaper change, throw on a onesie and downstairs to eat we go.  

I have learned to deal better with a screaming baby, but on this tranquil morning her piercing scream was almost too much to bear.

Feeding her proved to be another battle.  The war had officially commenced.

I offered one side, she refused, screaming in protest.  I offered the other side, more shrieking.  Helpless and hopeless I ran to the fridge to grab the 2 ounce bottle I had managed to pump after my breakfast that morning.  I warm it up as she screeches and writhes in my arms.  Hurry up, hurry up, why didn't I just leave the bottle out in case this happened?!  Don't drop the baby, she's wiggling so much!  Can't she see I'm getting it ready?!  Please just stop screaming!!  What will the neighbors think??  HURRY!!!

She eats furiously as the bottle quickly drains, my patience depleting.  What's gonna happen when the bottle is empty?  I don't have anything for her and if I did, she'd refuse it like she did earlier...

As expected, she pitched a fit when the bottle was through.  I carried her through the house trying to keep my cool.  Murmuring "It's ok" into her ear clearly wasn't dissipating her anger at having had her bottle taken away.  My opponent was gaining more ground, and I succumbed to fatigue.

We walk outside into the gorgeous sunshine and she gets distracted by the cars and people going by.  There's hope yet, maybe the war is over after all.  She pukes all over my arm and the sidewalk.  I've gotten so used to this I continue to hang outside for another 10 minutes.  (The old me would never recognize this unshowered, make-up-less, sweatpant-wearing, puke-covered woman.)

Little did I know she had a sneak attack planned.  She appeared happy, almost calm as we went back into the house.  I even brought her into the kitchen while I made lunch for myself and she cooed in her holding cell, the empty baby tub.

**WARNING:  I am going to be candid here, do not read if you are queasy or about to eat!**

It was then she decided to drop the bomb, figuratively and literally.  I heard it happen with force and fury.  Before I could even triage the situation her feet were in it, her legs, my hands - which were now holding her legs trying to avoid the fallout.  No luck, we were in the thick of it now.

She squirmed and wriggled as she coyly smiled up at me with those big blue eyes.  All I could do was laugh.  Clearly my opponent had outwitted me again. Well at least she's already in the tub.  But now what????

I peel the clothes off her as I hear the pot on the stove overflow.  My lunch!  So much for that.  I shut off the burner and go back to the battlefield.  I've never seen so many casualties in my life, the outfit, the diaper, the bib, e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.

Can't leave the baby on the counter to get the wipes, diapers or outfit which lie peacefully in the other room.  Can't take the baby to get these things.  Paper towels became the wipes, kitchen towels the bath towels.  Being home alone with a baby is not an easy task, especially during war.

I filled up the tub and scrubbed my heart out.  Thanks to Johnson and Johnson, five minutes later she smelled baby fresh.  I wrapped her in kitchen towels and brought her upstairs to change. I had relinquished my forces, it was time to surrender.

I choose a blue onesie and a new bib.  She wears it proudly, the victory of triumph emanating from her pores.  She smiles and coos as I pick her up.  A burp.  She's just spit up on the bib.  My husband can't get home soon enough!  World War IV is on it's way, I can feel it.

Luckily, I have some time to regroup before her forces are sent across enemy lines.   I see her eyes begin to close and she goes down for a nap!

I think about the trying years ahead and how many more times something similar to this morning is bound to happen.  Unfortunately, I'm sure this won't be the last time my opponent comes for me.  All I can do is keep pressing on...

Surviving this war will take everything I've got, and that my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!

Real Housewives, Really Something

We all have our guilty pleasures and mine happens to be watching the Real Housewives.

The RHONY season is coming to a close but it couldn't have been a better season. I was concerned when many of the tried and true women left the show (Jill, Alex, Kelly) that it would entertain me no more. Boy was I wrong!

This season was the juiciest yet! Ramona and Sonja live it up drinking Pinot, picking up men, and speaking their minds.

Sonja's sayings might be some of the best I've heard in a while.

While battling Aviva (who according to Ramona is from Planet of the Apes and went 'Jack Nicholson' on her) she has several clever one-liners:

"I can't think of anything more boring than being with your husband tonight"
"I don't want to be with other people's guys, that's like bringing sand to the sandbox"
[...like Girls Gone Wild?] "YES!!  Let's call Mr. Francis in, is he still in jail?"
"My mouth is money. You f*ing call me a double dealer, you'll see where your ass winds up.  What comes out of my mouth, you can f*ing sell it!"
"Do not say I'm a double facer"
"I have been around a long time, b****.  I'm old...I work my ass off"

And everyone's favorite:
"Can I get a return to sender?!  RETURN TO SENDER!...I'm gonna call Reid right now and tell him that he should take this package home! "


And coming up on the next episode...
"Maybe if she[Aviva] paid for her education, she'd USE it!"

On one hand I couldn't love Sonja and Ramona more.  Otherwise known as Ramonja, they are two peas in a pod who bumble around with their pinot causing havoc with other women.  They can be grossly inappropriate, highly insulting, and pretty crazy, but I love every minute of it! There's something about people who are willing to put themselves out there without any censoring that makes them endearing.  I think there is a little part of each of us that wish we could get away with what they do.

On the other hand, they live a life not many of us are privileged to have.  Money, boats, clothes, and willy-nilly visits to the doctor to receive body treatments before going on trips - this is not the life of the average American.  To their credit however, they do both work whereas many women in their situation just lounge on their fine leather chaises while men in black tuxedos serve them two pieces of lettuce and a glass of water and their personal assistant shops for the latest Chanel suit.  Perhaps they're not the best role models for young girls who can't distinguish between different types of lifestyles and personalities, however, as a guilty pleasure, they are a perfect for a show like RHONY.  If you remember the context in which these women exist - on a reality television show - you too will love them!

Grab your glass of champagne and tune in on Mondays at 9pm on Bravo for Ramonja!

Fall's Fashion Trends

We all work to stay up on the latest fashion so here's my guide to help you navigate this Fall's fashion.  

          Clothes          

Neutrals are back - soft pinks, gossamer fabric, taupe, nude and white are all back so keep that self-tanner handy!  (As a side note Victoria's Secret self-tanning lotion smells wonderful and gives instant color)

Double Crepe Trina Dress - Shoshanna

Chunky woven sweaters that look all warm and cozy.  Pair with jeans or over a peter pan collared top.  Check out this one or this one, both from Abercrombie

Bittan Sweater - A&F

Kaylie Sweater - A&F

Peplum - dresses or shirts - this look can be dressed up or dressed down depending on your accessories.  A peplum top, a trendy necklace, and a pencil skirt is a classic, work-trendy outfit for fall

Keyhole Back Peplum Top - Charlotte Russe

Sheath dresses - channel your Jackie O. and give off the mature, successful vibe. This figure-hugging dress exudes elegance and it couldn't be easier.  Throw it on and go - you'll always look put together!  Pair it with a chunky necklace (raid that summer jewely box!) and trendy heels and you will have your updated look.  Look for ones that are color blocked, ones that feature '70s prints, or ones with subtle details like a cut-out back.  Check out these two:

Open Bow Back Sheath Dress - Forever 21

Belted Ponte Sheath Dress - Ann Taylor LOFT

Ankle length pants - slim fitting and classic, these pants stop at your ankle but create quite a statement.  Pair them with cute ballet flats, a cute top and a scarf or jacket for a polished look.  JCrew has some trendy options, I like these best

Cafe Capri in Tuxedo Foulard - JCrew

Leather : jackets or dresses with leather elements (beware of the leather dress, unless it's real leather it may look cheap and trashy)  I like this one, classic yet edgy

Cynthia Steffe "Dylan" Leather Yoke Peplum Dress - Nordstrom

          Shoes          

Smoking shoes - not just for Hugh Hefner anymore!  These flats are going to be one of the it shoes of the season.  Pair them with skinny jeans or a pleated skirt for a fall-appropriate look.  And if you're really into it, score a pair in a print (animal will be all over this Fall)  Buy them cheaply here at Wet Seal or splurge here at Nordstrom. (These combine the suede trend and the smoking shoe - two for one!)

                         

Jack Rogers 'Worth' Flat - Nordstrom

     

Smoking Animal Slipper - Wet Seal

Moto mid-calf boots - rugged, edgy and tough, these shoes aren't for everyone or every outfit, but paired with a flowy hi-low hem skirt or jeans and flowy top, these shoes can make you a fashionista rather than an unapproachable tough girl!  Suede, neutral and moto, these boots from Wet Seal are perfect for Fall

Studded Faux Suede Moto Boot - Wet Seal

Suede heels and booties are a must!  Any color is great, but perhaps challenge yourself and get colored ones to add spice to any outfit.  I love them all!

MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Cynthia' Pump - Nordstrom

Steve Madden 'Buzzer' Pump - Nordstrom

Steven by Steve Madden 'Astro' Peep Toe Pump - Nordstrom

Tacetti Open Toe Pump - Nordstrom

Sorel snow boots - Maybe not for those of you in warmer climates, but for those of us who will see snow, these are the must-have snow boot of the season. Prepare for winter now, maybe you'll get a good deal!

Sorel 'Joan of Arc' Boot - Nordstrom

          Summer to Fall          
Carry these trends over from summer to stay on trend

-Color blocking
-Sheer shirts
-Chunky jewelry

Knockarounds

You've got to check out my new favorite place for cheap stylish sunnies!  Trendy, cool, and customizable designs will help you hold onto those dog days of summer.  Bright colors, lightweight frames and reflective lenses, reminiscent of the 80s, these sunglasses will last well into next summer.

These are the ones I've designed...

My husband has the same lenses with cobalt blue frames, which are equally as cool.

There are a million options to choose from and Knockaround has limited edition frames once in a while, and they sell out almost instantly! I've only been lucky enough to score a pair once, tortoise shell ones that are in transit as we speak.   (My favorite for-fun-pair was a shark frame designed by a little boy - they even came with a copy of the little boys' drawing and story of inspiration!).

If you get a chance and need a way to hold onto summer, check them out:  http://knockaround.com/
It's going to be the hottest thing since Raybans hit the 80s and made a comeback!

And that my friends, is worth some champagne!

Bmore Grand Prix

For the second year in a row Baltimore will play host to the Grand Prix Indy car race.  Who knew the little town overshadowed by D.C. and New York could be home to one of the most exciting car races around?

But the bigger question remains - how to enjoy Labor Day weekend and the races with a two-and-a-half month old??  With this being the last official weekend of summer and with meteorologists forecasting sunny, hot days I was determined to bid summer a deserving goodbye.

The days of lazily meandering the streets, covered beverage in hand, while listening to the roar of the engines is no more.  Here is my Mommy Plan to enjoy the races (those with children can recognize the humor in the idea of a "plan"):

-Pack the car first!  Don't forget the stroller and the baby bag filled with enough diapers, wipes and milk to survive the apocalypse 
-Nurse baby, burp and change baby
-Everyone in the car, pray baby falls asleep so I can create some semblance of "the old days," no matter how fleeting or unrealistic this is
-Gaze out the window remembering how simple life used to be, knowing all the while that deep down I wouldn't trade this new life for the world
-Find parking, unload, find a spot to watch the race
-Enjoy!

What really happened - 
-Packed car as planned.
-Baby needs a change.  Ok, this will be quick, I can resume the plan right after I take care of this...WAIT!  Baby peed all over the cute race outfit I spent 10 minutes picking out this morning.  
-Rushed upstairs to find a new race outfit....oh who cares, bunny onesie it is...HURRY! before the husband sits back down and starts watching soccer again...
-Change baby's outfit, feed her, burp her.  Poor planning mama, she just spit up all over your cute race day outfit!  
-Race upstairs to change(is that the tv I hear?!).  Need to pick out race friendly, nursing friendly, I-still-have-it-together-and-can-be-trendy-despite-having-had-a-baby outfit
-Change and head downstairs.
-Baby not sleeping!
-Realize a whole hour has passed and the baby will want to eat again REALLY soon...sigh
-I don't even care that much about car racing, is this all worth trying to recapture a normal day??  I'm not so sure, but all the work I've already put in urges me on.
-Leaving, finally!
-Waste 20 minutes searching for parking while baby stirs, please don't wake up, just give me 20 more minutes to enjoy some time with my husband!

Well, we found a great spot to watch the race.  Not too hot, not too loud, and I have to say despite the monumental amount of effort it took to get here, it is all worth it. 

 The cars look so light and dangerously delicate, but they effortlessly dance around the curves of the track with the sun gleaming off their shiny surfaces as onlookers watch in amazement.  

I glance around at the drunk post-college students sloppily walking the streets and realize how beautiful my family and life truly are.  And that my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!  

If you can get out to watch the races you really should, it is exciting, loud and fun, just what summer should be!

Check out the race festivities and schedule