May I have a Dwink, please?

Don't you love when kids start talking? Their pronunciation is so sweet! Like when asking for a drink, they say "dwink, please".

Dwink boxes are the best invention ever! For years I have sipped off the top third of the juice box before handing it over to my child. I'd always say, "Careful not to squeeze!" They always squeeze. Thankfully now I don't have to worry about the nice white shirt getting a half a box of juice spilled on it...I have a Dwink box for each of my kids. They are great! Designed to fit most individual drink box & pouches, including milk, soy milk and extra small juice boxes.

Thank you to creator Yvonne Huang for her brilliant idea!
Dwink boxes were recently featured in the September issue of Real Simple Magazine's family issue!

Moms Rock

Something new at InStyleMoms.com...Moms Rock logo tees and tanks! You'll love the adorable logo on these cool styles! The length of the tanks and tees are cut long to cover any unflattering tummy problems.

You'll also love the signature tee from Moms Rock ..."Just a Mom? I don't think so!" Get yours today!

Climbing Mountains in Stilettos

I'm loving this book! "Climbing Mountains in Stilettos, Not Your Average Trail Guide To Life" by Ann Tinkham and Carol Brunelli is a woman's kick-butt guide to life. No, they are not crazy...stilettos are not for hiking...but they believe that "climbing mountains in stilettos is a metaphor for being a strong female in our culture". I love the way they encourage women to gain feelings of confidence in this book.

One chapter in particular that spoke to me is "Trail #5, Luscious Body Hot Springs". Consider what they have to say, " If you find yourself thinking about how your body rates or doesn't rate, you are most likely involved in self-loathing and shame; you are keeping yourself small. When women keep themselves small, they don't realize their power and potential; they don't go forth and change the world."

How true is that?? Stop focusing on what you consider to be your "flaws" and start focusing your energy on making change. Teach your child how to read, go for that raise at work, learn a new skill, donate your time to charity...

I'm so inspired...more to come from this book in the near future!

FunSlides® Carpet Skates

Summertime can be challenging for Moms. Not only are the kids off from school, in many places the temperatures are too hot to play outside during many hours of the day. Coming up with activities that entertain and won't involved being outside can be hard unless you live in your swimming pool all summer.

My family was recently introduced to FunSlides® Carpet Skates and we've been having a lot of fun with them. Like socks on a hardwood floor, FunSlides® give you that same "fun-powered glide" on CARPET! These Carpet Skates™ have a friction resistant plastic base and foam foot grip with an adjustable hook and loop closure. Just strap them onto athletic shoes and you are ready to go!

My daughter is too little for the skates but she had a great time strapping in her baby doll and giving her a ride around the house.

For those of you in the snow regions, you'll also want to invest in these...winter is coming and you'll soon be searching for new, fun activities!

FunSlides® Carpet Skates come in 6 colors and are priced at $19.99.

Check out the website, they also have carpet hockey equipment...COOL!

Oh, To Be 21 Again

Recently, I took my step-daughter to Las Vegas to celebrate her 21st birthday. It was a quick trip that consisted of shopping and dancing with a bit of pool lounging (not too much...it was 108!). We had a great time and I got to experience life as a 21 year old again, thanks to my hubby who stayed home with our kiddos! Ahh, the carefree life of being responsible only for yourself, getting to sleep in and lounging by the poolside rather than spending the day in the pool playing Marco Polo! I miss those days... but having this getaway was a great refresher! (Moms, make sure you take some time to get away from it all!) Happy Birthday, Lesley! Thanks for a fun trip!

Looking Great with a Summer Time Cold

Isn't a summer time cold the worst thing ever? It's almost accepted, if not expected, in the cold winter months but in the summer??? Come on! So, what's a Mom to do when she is feeling all stuffy and sneezy during the last weeks of summer? Look gorgeous, of course!

You may think I am crazy...looking good while suffering a cold? Yes, it does take effort but it will be worth it! Here is what you do:

1. Get some rest, preferably in the sun. A light tan will help dilute the bright red nose you have (I know, you are thinking sun damage... but we are taking drastic measures to fight this unwelcomed cold and all the ugliness it brings)
2. Buy the soft tissue with lotion! You are worth it. Buy the cheep stuff when you are well but when you sneeze all day long, you need some pampering.
3. Dab on some Aquafor to keep your chapped nose and lips moist.
4. Take a shower and shave! It always makes me feel sexier to have smooth legs. Plus, the heat of the shower will open up your nasal passages so you might as well stay in a bit longer.
5. Load up on Vitamin C and Zinc. Check the labels or call a pharmacist for proper dosage.
6. If you have to go out, wear darker eye makeup and sheer gloss on the lips. This will draw attention up to the eyes rather than to your red nose.
7. Make sure your hair looks good. Don't fuss but sweep it up with a great hair clip to make it look intentional, not messy.
8. Smile. It really will make you feel better.
9. Stay Hydrated. Drink tea, water, sports drinks.
10. Beware that your normal facial products may sting your chapped nose. Anything with exfoliator, AHA, or alcohol will burn! Switch to products for sensitive skin.

All tips can be applied for Winter Colds as well, though the resting in the sun may be a bit tricky for those of you not in Sunny California!

Stay-at-Home Mom vs. Working Mom: My Baby or My Job

I so rarely get to watch daytime television but we are on vacation this week and I got to kick back and watch Ellen and Oprah while my daughter napped in the hotel room yesterday.

Oprah had a great show on about the decision: My Baby or My Job? When money was not the core issue, many new moms choose to stay home and raise their kids while many other women feel they can not give up "themselves" and continue to work.

Oprah had guests from both sides. Both made valid points and I could understand how both sides felt so strongly. For most working moms, they felt they made a better parent if they had their career and paycheck. For most SAHMs, they felt that raising their children should be the first priority and everything else, including their own personal fulfillment, can wait. Which mom makes the better parent?

The bottom line is the Mom that is present for her children when she is with them is the one that is really being the good parent. You can be a SAHM (stay-at-home mom) and be physically present all day long but if you are not engaged with your kids and attuned to what their needs are, you are not better than the Mom who has her child in day care all day long while she works.

On the other hand, a Mom (working or SAHM) who is engaged with her children and finds stimulating projects and learning experiences is doing a great job. She pays close attention to her children and creates a loving environment for her kids. It's about living in the moment: When you are with your family, give your full attention to them.

Both sides of the argument feel guilt. We want it all. The SAHM may feel that she has been put on the back burner- her interests, looks and skills have been put off until "the kids get older". The working mom feels guilty that instead of her, the daycare saw the first step or the first tooth. Having it all really means different things to different women so don't try to live someone else's dream. To read more about this guilt and how to handle it, read what Dr. Robin has to say.

As moms, we are often judgemental of moms who choose the "other option". As an In Style Mom, I encourage you to be supportive of those are in the midst of making the choice of whether or not to stay home with her kids. It is a tough decision and women often struggle even after the choice has been made. What works for one family is not what works for all families. Work with the decision you and your family have made. Find time for yourself. Live in the moment and be attuned to what your children need. Good Luck!

Faith Hill...One Hot Mama

On Friday night, my hubby and I went to the Soul2Soul II Concert Tour with Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. What a gorgeous couple! Faith looked fabulous and sang her heart out. Tim, a hottie himself, was equally energetic. They brought the house down and really catered to the crowd, giving a ton of high fives and performing at each end of the four runways that extended from the circular stage.

If you don't know, Faith is the Mom to 3 beautiful girls, Gracie, Maggie and Audrey. She and Tim scheduled the tour around the girl's school schedules so that the entire family could go on tour together. Tim and Faith also have a rule that neither of them will be gone from the family for more than 3 days. That is putting family first! Great Job, Tim and Faith!

Arizona Babies & Children Expo

Do you live in Arizona? Lucky you! The Arizona Babies and Children's Expo is coming your way. The show is dedicated to providing you with the most respected local, regional and national companies who provide products and services to enrich the lives of Arizona Families as well as the latest innovations, essential parenting tips, children safety and educational advice from experts all under one roof.

Here are the details:
Saturday 09/22/07 and Sunday 09/23/07
10am to 3pm both days

University Of Phoenix Stadium
1 Cardinals Drive Glendale AZ 85305

For more details on the show visit
www.arizonababiesandchildrenexpo.com

Enjoy!

Hot Mama

"There's nothing sexier than a pregnant woman who boldly and enthusiastically shows off her belly. (Her)Unapologetic style proved that confidence is far more beautiful than mere physical perfection..."

So, You're Pregnant...

Express yourself to the world. You're edgy. You're Hip. You're cool. You're Pregnant. You haven't changed. You're still you. Today's maternity is about being true to yourself. Don’t cover up. Show off. You want the same edgy styles and comfort in the hip fashions you love.

Becoming pregnant and becoming a mom doesn't mean you have to lose your sense of style! No one said a woman needs to suddenly become ultra-conservative, wear beige and stop looking like herself once she becomes a mom.

I encourage you to maintain your sense of self during pregnancy and after. Designers are finally realizing that women are not interested in tent-style tops during pregnancy. We want sexy, curve-showing, fashionable clothes! Shop around for styles that suit you.

Granted, once you become a mother and you are spending more time on the floor playing with baby, attending Mommy and Me classes and chasing after your kids on the playground, you'll need fashions that are appropriate for the movement you are sure to do. Pants that reveal your lacy thong are not appropriate for tumbling class, plunging V-necks are not the best choice for crawling after baby at a playdate but with good sense, you can still wear outfits that fit your style!

Don't lose your self to motherhood. You are still a sexy woman with an individual sense of style!

Win A Skull Maternity Skirt!

In Style Moms is giving away a Skull Maternity Skirt designed by Rockstarmoms! Enter to win at Mommies with Style! Contest closes at 5PM EST on August 6, 2007! Good Luck! (If you are not pregnant, you should still enter to win. I'm sure you must know a hip pregnant friend that would love this rockin' skirt!)

For more great styles by Rockstarmoms, visit In Style Moms to shop!

CONGRATULATIONS to Kari C. of Reno, Nevada! Kari won a Camo Pouch Sling designed by Tru Luv Babywear!

You have one more chance to win this great baby sling during the month of August! Sign up for the InStyleMoms newsletter and you are automatically entered to win (PLUS you receive a 10% discount code for your first order with ISM!). All newsletter subscribers are entered to win!