Mom Shot #2: Mommy needs one, too!

Clipping my son's nails and hard not to notice my chipping nail polish. Time to make a manicure date for mommy, too!

Mom Shot #1: Feet Up!

Welcome to the first of what will be many of my captured homemade moments: random photographs and musings from my life as a stay-at-home and work-from-home mom!
This picture says two things:
1) Life at home can be just as busy as the workplace! Make sure to take some rest-stops and recharge!
2) Relish the fact that, at home, you can wear the most hideous shoe apparel and no one is there to criticize your choice of comfort over style!

What is on your baby's tush?!

What is on your baby’s tush?!

New LADYMAMA author and self-proclaimed "Granola Mom" Rivki Silver shares her

 journey navigating the tushy terrain of clothe diapers! 
(See her tutorial pictures included!)

"I am completely aware that this cloth-diapering 

business is not for the faint-hearted..."

I don’t really come off as super-crunchy.  Maybe that’s why whenever I’m diapering my baby in public I get such interesting reactions.  You see, I use cloth diapers.  That’s right.  Cloth.  As in they have to be washed.

Reactions I have gotten range from super-supportive (“Good for you!”), suspicious (“What, are you worried about global warming?”) to confessional (“You know, I used cloth diapers, too“).

LadyMama Fashion Finds: Winter Tights

One of the best ways to make a statement in winter is with your legs!  Here are a sampling of tights (from black print to statement tights) that would definitely add a kick to your winter wardrobe! Because, let's be honest, awesome tights make the freeze worth it!

If your expecting, search for maternity tights at mumstuff.com!

Also be sure to check out these impressionable tights at modcloth.com - there were too many to list!

Why We Don't Do Family Dinner (babble.com)

Why We Don’t Do Family Dinner

Meal-planning in a house with little kids

by Bari Nan Cohen   |  November 22, 2010

“The kids need to eat at six,” she would say, “So I always tell Robert that if he isn’t in the door by the time we sit down, his plate will be in the microwave.”When I was growing up, my best friend’s mom used to roll her eyes a bit (good-naturedly, of course) at my family’s dinner habits. Why? Because we waited for my father to get home from work before we ate. My best friend’s mom, Mrs. T, like most parents, fed her kids at 6 p.m. on the dot.

To me, the child of a family whose dinner hour was as established as a pile of quicksand, this seemed like a great policy. My mother swears we didn’t start waiting for my dad to come home to start dinner until my sister and I were old enough to hold out until 7:30, so I’ll take her word for it. But when I had my own kids and started listening to other moms discuss the gyrations they put themselves (and their kids) through in order to have dinner at an hour when everyone (read: Dad) was home, it quite frankly made me question their sanity.

Finish reading article here.

Happy Mom Tip: Books, Books and more Books!

Happy Mom Tips

By Rivkah Caroline

Books, Books and More Books!

Books make us wiser and enrich our lives. But make sure you have sufficient space for them in your home and prune regularly. 


If you are keeping a book for only a certain page, consider scanning the page and passing on the rest of the book. 


Be certain that each book has a a purpose and become creative at passing them on to other readers who can enjoy them!


-----


Rivka Caroline is an Efficiency Coach that helps moms, individuals and companies be more productive. She lives with her husband and seven kids in Key Biscayne, FL.  Visit her site www.sobeorganized.com for more great solutions on exporting stress and importing fun! 

Poll Results! What makes being modest easier?

84 LadyMamas voted and the results are in!

Being tznius (modest) with clothing is so much easier thanks to...

Women I know who rock the covered up look stylishly!	27 (32%)
A husband who prefers I follow the guidelines.	13 (15%)
Winter. 'Nuff said.	22 (26%)
Those comfy stretchy skirts (kookais, etc) that everyone sells!	3 (3%)
Easy? It's NEVER easy!	19 (22%)

Apparently, STYLE is very important to the LadyMama. Most of you felt that seeing other women dress modestly but STYLISHLY was inspiring when it came to your own wardrobe modesty.


The close runner up: WINTER. 
That's right - nothing helps "covering up" more than...having to! 
Tights and sweaters make us feel like "I can do this!"

Issue of the Week: Your Cleaning Lady

This is the first ISSUE OF THE WEEK for LadyMama! 

Read here to find out more about this new feature! 

ISSUE OF THE WEEK: YOUR CLEANING LADY

They've been called cleaning ladies, maids, "goyas" or simply "my savior."

If you have cleaning help, she's either a source of elation or frustration to you and your home! 

• Tell us what it's like for you to have a cleaning lady!
• Did you always have one? If not, how did it change your life?
• Do you have any tips on how to deal with and instruct your cleaning lady? 
• Do you have a crazy or humorous story relating to your cleaning help? 
• Do you feel passionately that women should or shouldn't have a cleaning lady? 
• Did you opt out of hiring a cleaning lady? If so, why?

SHARE YOUR VOICE!
Send YOUR response for the ISSUE OF THE WEEK to

blog@ladymama.org

A Mom's Life in Facebook Statuses

As Seen On LadyMama Author 

Becky Brownstein's 

Facebook Wall

#14. Hmm. Just almost burnt the house down. So much for today being easy.

1. Wait...Was I supposed to make dinner? Oops..  

2. Knew I forgot something at the store! I’m swaddling grapes in saran wrap. BAGGIES! Mental note.  

3. Here's a new one:
Mommy I'm starving.
Me: we JUST finished dinner.
Yeah, I know but I just pooped out all the chicken I just ate and now I'm hungry again.
Me: not really sure how to answer that one. 

Mimi Hecht: MetroImma Mom of the Week!

MEET MIMI HECHT

Mimi Hecht never really went gaga over babies. And anytime she did hold someone's little one, it would - no fail - cry and be promptly returned to its rightful and more responsible owner. As one of seven siblings, she knew she wanted to someday raise and love her own brood...even though she was utterly petrified of childbirth. Fast-forward to meeting the love of her life. Even faster forward – a quick nine months after their wedding! - she gave birth to a beautiful blue-eyed, red haired boy. Although her birth went nothing like planned, it was not the trauma she had anticipated. And being a mother was in no way like holding someone else's baby...she loved it! She quickly learned that to enjoy motherhood and raise a normal child, she didn't have to be the perfect, by-the-books, high-pressure mother she had spent nine months reading about (and a lifetime dreading!). Inspired to share her thoughts, connect Jewish women and celebrate all kinds of mothers, she started LadyMama, a growing online community where she and other women document the joys and struggles in striving to stay smart, sane, stylish and spiritual.

Read more here....

LadyMama Issue of the Week (New Feature!)

We've heard from a lot of women who want to contribute to the LadyMama community but can't find the time to commit to a feature article. Many of you have said, "I want to write, but you have to give me a topic!" Or there's those who say "I have plenty to say, but I am not a writer!"

Introducing...

LadyMama Issue of the Week!

At the beginning of every week, LadyMama will post a question/topic/issue to the blog, Facebook page (Facebook.com/JewishWomen) and Twitter (Twitter.com/JewishLadyMamas) for YOU to respond to.
It can be paragraph length or much longer - you decide!

When we post the Issue of the Week, respond by sending your 

answer, thoughts and opinions to blog@ladymama.org. 

There's no limit to the amount of responses we can post - we're looking for clearly written pieces that will give YOU a voice as well as introduce a lively discussion to the growing LadyMama community.

This is your time to shine, LadyMamas! 

[The No-Makeup Challenge] Raizel's Final Reflections

By Raizel Druxman
[See Raizel's No-Makeup oath here)

Usually, when I am tired and my eyes are drooping, I just put makeup on 
and boom, I look awake! But without makeup I was forced to use 
the natural means of looking awake: GETTING MORE SLEEP! 

People kept asking me, "What's the point of this no-makeup challenge?" and "Are you going to stop wearing makeup totally?"

But this wasn't about proving anything or quitting anything. This was about challenging my self-perception, my own notions of beauty and the role that makeup plays in all that. 

And challenge me it did.

Like It Or Not, We're Flying With You

By Mimi Hecht 

"I'm sorry we're not the angelic, no-crying mom-and-child duo that exists in your dreams."

This week, a report on the increasing demand for child-free or family-only flights was featured in the travel section of the New York Times. The article, which would have been better placed in the comedy section, details the complaints of fliers with a growing in-flight fear: babies and kids. Their suggestion? Kick the families off and give them their own flight. 


Oh, the absurdity! 

To all the travelers that can't handle even a dose of the discomfort that comes with having babies and kids on your flight, I have this to say:

1) You were once a baby. Don't forget that. Your mother once dragged your crying and dirty butt through all kinds of situations, many which involved embarrassing herself in front of non-understanding strangers while you threw a total fit because of discomfort, hunger...or simple boredom! So please, stop looking at me like you've been this old grump your whole life...we all know you wore diapers once, too.

Why Can't You Date Me?

Anonymous Contribution

You want to use my "story" as an inspirational topic to a group of 

students (how touching), but if I come up as a suggestion for your 

cousin, or your best friends brother, I'm suddenly not as interesting.

Why don't people want to date converts?

I've been dating for almost six years (since my conversion date). Though I've dated guys from born-and-raised-religious, I'm often confronted with situations where a guy is suggested to me only to find out he won't date me because of my convert status. I'm becoming quite accustomed to hearing "Oh, she's a convert? I'm gonna have to pass," or even the "He's busy right now, don't call me, I'll call you if anything changes." This always comes without even a mere inquiry or a glance at my Facebook profile.

THE M COAT

www.themcoat.com

Have you heard of "The M Coat?"

It's a 3-in-1 winter jacket for 1)Maternity 2)Mama and 3)Myself

You can wear it (1) while pregnant, then (2) bundled with your baby inside it, and also (3) as a normal coat!

What do the LadyMamas out there think? Is this stylish? Practical? Or...just plain nerdy?

Why Motherhood can be a Pain (Herald Sun)

Here's some validation for the struggling new mom!

Why Motherhood Can Be A Pain

The SAHM vs. The Working Mom

Check out these two cartoon monologues of two very differnt kinds of moms!
Found and sent by LadyMama Rochi Benjaminson from Brooklyn, NY.

Happy Mom Tip: The Real Key to Getting More Done

Happy Mom Tips

By Rivkah Caroline 

The Real Key to Getting More Done 

At some point in the evening (ideally at a fixed time each night), identify what the key 'to-do's' are for the next day.

What makes the list?

The items that would really make your next day productive if that was all you accomplished.

No more than 8 items. Write them in your PDA or on an index card. It doesn't have to be electronic to be effective. (If you finish all 8 you can get extra credit for any other key items you complete).

You've now just prioritized your priorities.

Block off a nugget of work time tomorrow. Turn off your cell phone. No internet surfing or getting busy with other projects until they are checked off.

Don't forget to cross off the tasks as they are completed. Seeing a crossed off item is a great visualization. Your productivity will soar as you incorporate this simple yet so effective technique into your days.

-----

Rivka Caroline is an Efficiency Coach that helps moms, individuals and companies be more productive. She lives with her husband and seven kids in Key Biscayne, FL.  Visit her site www.sobeorganized.com for more great solutions on exporting stress and importing fun! 

Becky's Bottom Line: The Boy Chapter of the Terrible Twos

He does still need me, but his defiance is showing me that he wants to do it on his own. His very dangerous, not-so-thought-through, wild and crazy way of doing it on his own.

The Boy Chapter of the Terrible Twos

By Becky Brownstein

I recently went on a trip with my almost-two-year-old son to California. Superman – I mean my husband – took care of all the others. Granted, I did make to-do lists and schedules for him, but he's a natural. Even though he was a little hesitant at first, he pulled it off without a hitch. Or at least I hope so. He's smart enough not to tell me.

The reason for my trip was that my sister had a baby a few weeks ago and my internal family connection was pulling at my soul; it hurt so badly that I couldn't be with her. My husband saw my anguish and we made a joint decision that I should go to be with my family. That's when the superman cape came out and my husband said "Bring it on!"

LadyMama Fashion Finds: Rain Boots

Be prepared to make a splash this winter! 

From Payless to Gucci, here's just 

a drizzle of all the rain boot options out there! 

Chookaboot.com

Gucci.com

Chookaboot.com

Raizel's No-Makeup Weekend: The Glamor of a Naked Face

Shabbos came around and I was doing just fine without makeup; I felt totally comfortable and confident and actually, it was kind of nice not to have to put on makeup, my face felt so fresh and clean. 

However, I was in Crown Heights for Shabbos and that may have had something to do with my comfort level since I cared significantly less what people think of me since it's not my community. The more significant "test" will be this coming Shabbos when I am in Washington Heights where I know A LOT more people. Since I think people perceive me in a certain way, I wonder what they will say when they see me without makeup (eek).  

Let's Talk About Weight

LET'S TALK ABOUT WEIGHT

By Rochel (Bryski) Laber 

I weighed 140 when I got pregnant and was 220 lbs when I gave birth. I spent the next couple months depressed, angry, and pissed off that everyone told me it would come off with nursing. I nursed, and nursed, and nursed and gained even more weight...

I started going to the gym at nights when I put the baby to bed. I was

exhausted, but I told myself I needed this and as painful as it was,

being 200 lbs was even more painful! 

Let's talk about weight.

It's one of those things you chose not to think about, chose not to
talk about, would rather avoid. Yet, let’s be honest…it’s on our
minds. A lot. Whether we choose to embrace it, deal with it, avoid it,
lose it or love it - it’s ours. We’ve come to terms with it in our
teen and single-hood years. Then we get married, slowly start loving
our new found appreciation for cooking (or hate for cooking and love
of husbands cooking… even better - take out!). We wine and dine, enjoy
this new-found status as a married woman- learn four and a half days
later that we're pregnant (okay, maybe a little more than that) and -
viola! - nine months go by and you find yourself tipping the scale at
220 pounds.

Happy Mom Tip: The off-radar phone call

Happy Mom Tips

By Rivkah Caroline

Not a bad investment for three minutes of your time! 

Got a never-ending list of people whose calls you need to return?

Take a moment and think of someone not on your radar who would really smile from hearing your voice. Think Grandmother. Think old school friend going through a hard time. You will make them feel good all day and chances are you'll feel nice too. Not a bad investment for three minutes of your time!

-----
Rivka Caroline is an Efficiency Coach that helps moms, individuals and companies be more productive. She lives with her husband and seven kids in Key Biscayne, FL.  Visit her site www.sobeorganized.com for more great solutions on exporting stress and importing fun! 

Dassi's No-Makeup Challenge Weekend: Embracing the Me-ness

Friday: Getting pumped for shabbos! (Even tho I'm still allowed no makeup) having 2 very close friends stay with me is exciting, and the thought of greeting them fresh-faced isn't turning out to be the daunting task I thought it would be. I'm beginning to be less aware of my bare look. But don't get me wrong; I LOVE MAKEUP. I don't plan on always going bare after this challenge, but I feel like I'm on the verge of an epiphany... About which face I choose to show the world the most, and which I face I choose to call "me."

A Baby's Response

Watch this beautiful video of a hard-of-hearing baby responding to his mother's voice after activation of his cochlear implants. The power of the mother-baby bond!

Every Mother Should Own a..... (73 Votes!)

A treadmill	6 (8%)
A luxury stroller	15 (20%)
A fancy piece of jewelry	26 (35%)
A coffee maker	17 (23%)
A key/sunglasses/etc locator	31 (42%)

Votes so far: 73
Poll closed 

For devout Jews, a zone of privacy in the sheitel (LA Times)

For devout Jews, a zone of privacy in the sheitel

Sheitel macher Chani Wuensch makes wigs for married women in the Hasidic community, who are bound by rules of modesty to cover their hair.

http://www.latimes.com/features/image/la-ig-wigs-20101031,0,7976836.story