Peek of the Week: The Hip Hostess

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to start planning for holiday entertaining.  No matter what’s on the menu this year, make sure you look good making it with a gorgeous apron from The Hip Hostess!

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Get Organized Before Thanksgiving

It’s starting. The next few weeks will be a mad dash to get things ready for the holidays. If you thought Black Friday and beyond were bad, you have no idea.

Part of becoming a parent means suddenly traveling is harder, and you’re now a family unit . . . the family unit who becomes part of the Thanksgiving rotation. And when everyone comes piling into your house for that meal, not only will they expect heavenly smells wafting from the kitchen but places to sit in your house that are free of toys, Danimal spills and the remaining detritus of parenting.

It’s time to get organized.

If you think that’s easier said than done with a kid around the house, I’ve got a secret.

It’s called hidden clutter.

My daughter’s playroom has taken on a new life thanks minimal investment in the Joey and Jane Kids Toy Boxes from KangaRoom Storage. The sturdy canvas boxes are foldable, wipe-off-able and able to withstand a 3-year-old’s tantrums or a spilled sippy. Trust me, there’s not much out there that can do all that.

The Joey and Jane Toy Boxes feature a flip-lid made of thick, firm canvas, so there’s never a worry that little fingers will be pinched. Box after box can be stacked to maximize space, and small handles on either side make for easy pick-up and hide in the closet when someone’s coming.

Kangaroom’s Corky Wall Organizer can be hidden on the backside of a closet door, but with sleeves across the top for your favorite snapshots, it can just as easily double as an art installation on the wall. Made of similar canvas, KangaRoom’s Corky is the organizer that keeps track of all those “always go missing items.” Pockets are embroidered with pictures of a key, glasses, cell phone and MP3 player because it’s the little things that count – and you can never find.

For things you don’t want anyone to find (think dust bunnies), there’s a new vacuum that won’t require dragging around the house. The Vroom Solo installs right inside a cabinet – all you drag out is the hose. And that will reach just about anywhere . . . anywhere kids shove their crumbs we mean. One of those lucky ducks who has a central vac system in the house already? Don’t rub it in. But keep reading – because the Vroom Central will work with those too.

We always wish we could be better at something. But there’s no use crying over spilled sippy when you have the Couldah Bin and Shouldah Bin from The Organized Parent.

The cubes require no assembly (if you can zip a zipper, you’re fine), and they’re just as easy to break back down when you’re low on junk. Lined with a funky black and white pattern or a basket weave, the material is water-resistant and wipes clean of jam hands and muddy paw prints. The difference between Couldah and Shouldah is merely the size – but you’ll have to pick one up to see what your house could look like with one less pile of magazines precariously perched on the edge of the table.

Stephanie at the Organized Parent is helping Peekaboo readers get organized in time for the holidays! Enter the Code PEEK25 at checkout and save 25 percent off of your entire order!

And about all those spilled sippies . . . maybe you need to try a new one? Playskool’s baby care line is now available at any CVS! They’ve got some new flip top goodies that hold juice like nobody’s business. And their cottony cloths . . . oh, the luxury for these baby butts . . .

But that’s another column (coming soon to Peekaboo, I promise!) So leave the holiday stress to me and just get ready!

Jeanne Sager is a freelance writer and mama (on the move) to Jillian. She lives in upstate New York, works as a newspaper reporter and let’s it all hang out all over the Web including the Mother of All Parenting Blogs, Babble’s own Strollerderby, at her site Inside Out, over at Burbia and of course here on PeekabooPicks. With Jillian in tow, she interviews Grammy nominees, big time authors and the farmer up the road - and she shares her juggling secrets every Monday here on Peekaboo Picks. To be featured in Mama on the Move, send an e-mail her way (mailto: jeannesager [at] gmail.com).

Funky, Fabulous, and One-of-a-Kind

How cool would it be if you could take a piece of yesterday, a part of tomorrow, all the dreams you had as a kid, add a little bling, some funk and fabulousness, and… Viola! You end up making those dreams come true. That is exactly what Jessica Wiswall, Founder and Designer of My Vintage Baby did. This Mama in the Biz is living her dream through her children’s clothing and accessories business and doing it quite well.

My Vintage Baby began at Jessica’s dining room table, like many mom owned businesses do. As word spread and the moms were loving her unique, one-of-a-kind designs Jessica knew that she was on to something. She now offers several different lines. Her couture line is “Collections by Jessica” which is inspired by vintage materials creating a one-of-a-kind look. She uses reproduction feed sacks, hankies, chenille, aprons, and tablecloths to embellish the clothing. Yes, I said feed sacks. There are also several other collections that do not focus on vintage inspiration but offer glitz and glam. In Spring/Summer 2008, My Vintage Baby introduced a boys line to the collection, “J”. And let me tell you, I am one boy mama who loves this fun and funky line of boys playwear. Adorable.

Now that you know a little about the company, time for a little Q&A with this vintage lovin’ mama…

PP:  How did you come up with the name and brand for your business?  How long have you been in business?

JW: I actually started the business with vintage room décor. Most people don’t know that. I was designing children’s vintage room décor and the name just fit. I quickly realized, however that my passion was clothing and that was what sells.

PP: If you knew then, what you know now, what would you have done differently?

JW: Cloned Myself.

PP: Who is the one celebrity that you would want to have lunch with? why?

JW: Oprah- she has such marketing power that could do wonders for My Vintage Baby.

PP: What has been your best business moment thus far?

JW: Probably winning the Earnie Award for Design Excellence in 2T-6x girls Sportswear in 2007. Being selected out of all the brands out there and recognized was such an honor. One of the most exciting moments was being at the Boom Boom Room Golden Globes Gifting Suite and getting to personally give our diaper bags to celebrities like Angie Harmon and Grey’s Anatomy’s Chandra Wilson.

PP: What magic piece of advice would you give to a fellow mom thinking about starting a business?

JW: A few things. Be ready to work 24/7- there are no breaks. Remember your family. Have a financial plan make sure you live by it.

PP:  Who are you?  Vanilla or chocolate?  Martini or beer?  Heels or flats?  Minivan or SUV?

JW: Hmmm…. That’s tough. Chocolate, definitely. Martini or beer? Can I choose a margarita? Heels or flats? I prefer Uggs… where do they fall? Definitely an SUV, hands down.

PP: What or who inspires you?

JW: My daughter was my original inspiration…today inspiration for me can come from anywhere- that’s what keeps it exciting.

PP:  If you had three wishes, what would the first one be?

JW: To find the cure for diabetes; my 9 yr old son and my husband both have Juvenile Diabetes- I pray that my daughter and new baby boy don’t get it as well. That is my serious wish. A fun wish is that I will open my People Magazine and will find a picture of Suri Cruise or Shiloh Jolie-Pitt wearing My Vintage Baby!

I am a big fan of My Vintage Baby and Jessica’s collections are fantastic. I am one of those girls that will see an old bedspread or a quilt and think to myself, “wow, that would make a great something”. Jessica knew what that something was and three years later, she is no longer at her dining room table but in her corporate office in McKinney, Texas creating lines that truly inspire. Well done, Jessica!

You can check out Jessica’s collections at www.myvintagebaby.com and be sure to find a store near you!

Linda Shapiro is the Co-founder of Moms-for-Profit, now Hybrid Mom Consulting & Media Group, Hybrid Mom magazine and www.hybridmom.com and she is the Director of Operations for http://longislandny.citymommy.com where hip Long Island moms meet.   Linda lives on Long Island with her husband and two boys.  She loves spending time with her family, the beach, children’s laughter, a good shoe sale, planning parties, and the thrill of the chase!

Do You Drink Enough Water?

We all know that we’re supposed to drink eight, 8 oz. glasses of water each day, but there’s a difference between knowing what you’re supposed to do and actually doing it. Forcing this amount of water down your gullet each day is inconvenient, to say the least, not to mention side-effects like running to the bathroom three times an hour and feeling like a walking water balloon! And even if you’re able to drink this much water each day with ease, how do you keep track of how many ounces you’ve drunk each day? Use the following tips to make drinking your 64 daily ounces a whole lot easier!

Start Off Slow

If you drink considerably less than 64 ounces of water a day, it would be a good idea to slowly increase your water intake, rather than push yourself to get the full 64 ounces right off the bat. Every two or three days, increase your water intake by eight ounces, and you’ll be at 64 before you know it!

Measure Your Glasses:

You might be drinking 64 ounces a day already and not even know it! Or, you might think you’re getting enough water when you really aren’t. Measure your glasses at home to discover just how many ounces you’re getting when you drink. Many coffee mugs are only six ounces, and some of the drinking glasses in my house are 12 ounces!

Adjustment Period

Yes, when you first start drinking the amount of water that you should be drinking, you’ll be uncomfortable. You might feel waterlogged, bloated, and irritable. You will definitely have to pee just as often as any pregnant woman would. But after a week or two, your body will slowly adjust to getting the proper amount of water. You’ll still pee fairly often, but you won’t feel bloated any more. In fact, your body will know when you don’t get enough water, and it will send you signals, like dry-feeling mouth and skin, and a killer thirst. It’s pretty amazing!

Make it More Palatable:

If you get bored with plain old water, try adding a slice of lemon or orange to your water. For real variety, add Crystal Light On the Go Drink Mix to your water.

Adjust the Temperature:

If you have a hard time stomaching all the water you’re supposed to drink each day, try drinking water at a different temperature. Most people find that they can drink larger quantities of water if it’s very cold. If that’s not for you, try your water lukewarm or piping hot.

Get Your Glow On

There’s a fantastic product out now that’s made just for moms. It’s called Glow Mama, and it’s a drink that’s free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, alcohol, and caffeine. Instead, it’s packed with the essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that we moms need to keep us going. With it’s great kiwi taste, Glow Mama will help keep you hydrated, healthy, and happy!

Keeping Track

Now that you know all the tricks to help you get 64 daily ounces under your belt, you might need a way to keep track of all the water you’ll be drinking. My favorite way is really simple. Buy an eight ounce glass or, if you’re on the go a lot, sports bottle with a lid. Next, buy at least eight rubber bands that will fit snugly around the bottom of your glass. Start each day with eight rubber bands around your glass. Each time you drink the contents of the glass, fill it up and remove one rubber band. When all the rubber bands are gone, you’ll know that you’ve finished your allotted 64 ounces. This also works with other size glasses. For example, if you have a sports bottle that holds 20 ounces, just use three rubber bands. After the rubber bands are gone, make sure you remember to drink at least 1/5 a bottle of water, and you’re good to go! If you use a lot of different glasses throughout the day, the same system can work in a different way: place the bands on your wrist, and remove one band each time you drink a glass. Or, place pennies in one pants pocket. Each time you drink a glass, move one penny to another pocket. When all pennies are in the other pocket, you’ll know you’ve drunk enough water.

I hope these suggestions help you to attain your daily water intake goals. Happy drinking!

Andrea McMann tries valiantly, and sometimes fails miserably, to keep herself and her family active and healthy, despite her insanely busy schedule as a wife, mother of two, freelance writer, and blogger. In addition to writing for Peekaboo Picks, Andrea writes for Inhabitots, and blogs at Chocolate Fingerprints.

Vintage Ideas for the Nostalgic

Nothing says vintage to me like handmade crafts….and bright orange, plastic covered couches. I have a box tucked away in the back of my closet that is full of little cross stitch samples that I did as a kid. While not technically vintage, they certainly have that, um, hand crafted quality. But there is a sophisticated side to vintage too. This style of clothing and décor is making a big comeback and there are some seriously super design ideas out there.

Take for example, this site called Reusable Art. They have a wonderful collection of out of copyright images from old vintage books. These terrific works of storybook art would make beautiful décor in a vintage nursery or child’s room. My good friend found images of Dick and Jane and had them framed for her daughter’s nostalgic nursery. They have a wide assortment of vintage images, including monograms, landscapes and storybook themes.

Do you sew? How great would it be to have a pantry full of vintage aprons? What about some cute little frocks for your kids? Check out Repro Depot Fabrics. They have a fabulous variety of reproduction vintage fabrics. They also carry unique buttons, ribbons and other textiles. Pair these with some of their patterns to create some super cool hand sewn items for your family. Okay, you don’t have to sew them yourself; you can have Grandma do it if you must.

Vintage Craft Patterns has a huge selection of…you guessed it…vintage craft patterns. Are you a sewer, knitter or needlework artist? How about a dabbler? Try your hand at these old school ideas to add that touch of nostalgia to your craft basket…or that memory box hidden in the back of your closet.

You know I wouldn’t be finished without some scrapbooking shout outs. Holla! Scrapbooking guru, Becky Higgins wrote a book, Family History Scrapbooking, which contains everything you need to document and preserve your amazing family story. What says vintage better than grainy black and white photos of your parents as babies or at their high school prom? I’ve mentioned this book before because it’s awesome. It includes tips on interviewing your family, organizing your memorabilia and cute layouts for your scrapbook using vintage colors and design ideas.

This book is currently on sale over at the Creating Keepsakes website. Check it out before it’s gone!

Happy crafting!

Rachelle is an all around craft-alholic with a major in scrapbooking.  A mama of three, she is very busy staying home all day.  She also blogs every hilarious thing her children say here, http://happyhothead.livejournal.com/ and other family happenings here, www.powersalaska.blogspot.com

Editor’s Fall Must-Haves!

As the Editor of an online magazine for hip moms, I try hard to keep myself and my family, well, hip.  But let’s face it, with two babies and not a whole lot of leisure time - I’ve learned to stick to what works.  Here’s a few of my fave places on the web that always deliver the hip and fabulous finds for my fam:

I am LOVING the new online boutique, Ashley York.  Touting itself as "the perfect place for people with more taste than time," it is everything I could ask for in a boutique and more!  I love that I can search for a pair of Joe’s Jeans for myself while picking up a handmade bib set for Ireland and a new cuddly creature for Aiden.  Ashley York is where all the hip moms are hanging - check it out at ShopAshleyYork.com.

If you’re looking for hip, modern wardrobe staples for your children, then take a spin over to Modern Me - featuring "hip clothes for baby."  The designs are some of the best I’ve seen (and trust me, I’ve seen A LOT of onesies) and the quality is superb.  I love that they offer a nice selection of organic clothing too.  Stock up at ModernMeBaby.com.

Recently I picked up a pair of Rufflebutts for my daughter, Ireland.  I have to say, I get more compliments on these little bloomers than almost anything else in her wardrobe…and she has quite a cute wardrobe if I don’t say so myself!  But Rufflebutts really do take the cake when it comes to adorableness.  No wonder all the celebs are snagging up these fun and frilly bloomers with the funny name!  They come in a variety of colors and styles - every little girl needs a pair of Rufflebutts!  Pick yours up at Rufflebutts.com.

Those are some of my faves…now I want to know what are some of yours?  Share with us in the comments.

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