LilSugar

The Gifted Mother: What Mommy Wants, But Won't Ask For

LilSugar — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:00:54 -0800

Moms are so busy this time of year, the last thing they have time to do is make a wish list. Preoccupied with playing Santa and planning for holiday festivities, mothers often forgo getting gifts for the sake of time and money. But if you're wondering what the woman in your life really wants, check out these options!

Jeans That Make Her Look Lean: When she's trying to shed those postpartum pounds nothing makes a mama feel better than a pair of comfortable dungarees that lengthen her legs and aren't obscenely low. Made with a bit of elastan, Hudson's boot cut "Gemini" jeans ($176 plus 30 percent off) hug her curves. She probably wouldn't spring for these on her own, but they are perfectly practical since she can sport them at the park or pair them with heels for a night out.
A Bag That Doesn't Scream Diapers: Give mommy an upgrade with a sassy satchel. This oversized handheld croco bag from Maxx New York ($230) is as functional as it is fabulous. She can use it to carry her laptop to work and it is roomy enough to double as a diaper bag. It is available in red, chocolate and black.
Housekeeping: Allow her to retire her housekeeping duties...well, at least once a week! Having someone come in to deep clean the house and organize the clutter will enable mom to have more quality time with the kids.

To see some more economical options, read more.

Babysitting I OWE YOU: Take the kids off mommy's hands for a few hours so she can get her hair done, run errands in peace, go out with her hubby or simply finish a good book. The gift keeps on giving since she can cash it in at her convenience.
Laundry Duty: She's up to her elbows in suds, so take a load (or five) off her shoulders and offer to do the laundry for a day. While you rinse and fold, mama gets a lil rest.

The Gifted Grandmother: Grandma-To-Be

LilSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:43 -0800

Her baby's having a baby and she's having a ball. A grandma-to-be bursts with excitement while she awaits her first grandchild and can't stop herself from going on countless shopping sprees at Babies R Us. Turn the tables and shower her with a few gifts for the holidays.

It's true, "When a child is born, so is a grandmother." Fill this quotable frame with an ultrasound picture to melt her heart.
Grandmama is consumed with buying gifts for the new baby, but a Jo Malone candle will warm her up. The limited-edition scent creates a festive house as she prepares for family gatherings.
Grammy's going to want photographs of the lil one all over her house, and the Polaroid PoGo Portable Photo Printer allows her to print pictures from her phone or camera at the touch of a button.

The Gifted Mother: Seasoned Mommy-to-Be

LilSugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:11 -0800

A mom who's expecting her second (third, fourth, etc.) bundle of joy has more experience than those pregnant with their first. Forget books on what she should expect and potions on keeping stretch marks at bay; she's already been there, done that. Sure she'd love a few extra hours in the day to catch up on her sleep or a moment's peace, but here are some gifts that will keep her plugging along during pregnancy.

Great Expectations takes the seasoned mom through 24 true stories of labor and delivery. Since she's already experienced the joy of childbirth, she'll appreciate reading other tales from the hospital bed.
The 3G iPhone is modern-day mom's brag book. The seasoned mommy-to-be will love being able to share pictures of her little ones, in preschool and in utero, with the touch of a screen.
She's already got a closet full of maternity clothes from her previous pregnancy, but she still likes to keep her look current. A fabulous pair of flat boots such as the Paige Boots from Frye will rev up her existing wardrobe.

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The Gifted Mother: First Time Mommy-to-Be

LilSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0800

She may be having a baby, but you're having a fit over what to get her for the holidays. Since you can't get her what she really wants, her baby, you can wrap up a few things to make the waiting a bit easier on her.

Stretch marks are every woman's enemy, but when you've got a bun in the oven you'll try anything to try and keep those pesky spots from appearing. Mustela's Maternity Program Gift Set, which aims to make her skin less vulnerable to permanent marks, will be a welcomed part of her beauty regime.
A good pair of comfy pants will bring a smile to any new mommy-to-be's face, especially after a long day in the office. She'll live in these super soft lounge pants from Splendid.
Not quite ready to give up her chic style, a newly pregnant mom will love the Mia Bossi Caryn Diaper Bag. Sure, it's pricey, but she'll probably start carrying this gem around well before her baby debuts.

The Gifted Grandparent: Grandma

LilSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:00:43 -0800

Grandmothers must have the toughest job buying holiday gifts for their own children and their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren and others. Don't let her get swept under the rug with another pair of raggedy old slippers. Show her some love with one of these thoughtful gifts.

Nothing says lovin' like cooking with Grams. And chances are, nobody cooks better than her, either. Create memories in the kitchen (and grab a few tips) using the festive gingerbread man tray and enjoy yourselves as you decorate the lil brown fellas.
I never met a grandma who didn't have a stash of candy around her house somewhere. Lure her tasty treats onto the pretty silver platter and out of that old outdated crystal dish.
I'm sure your Granny knows who the Queen Bee of the family is, but just in case she needs reminding, the gold charm bracelet with the tiara charm will let her know how much she is celebrated and regaled in her family ranks.

The Gifted Mother: Pamper Mommy

babysugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0800

Whether you're dropping hints for yourself or you're hoping to find the perfect gift for your mommy friend or own dear mom, here are a couple of ideas to get the hamster running.

Every mom totes around water or milk bottles for their wee ones. Keep her hydrated with her own sassy SIGG bottle ($22) so she can keep up the pace with all of the pitter-patter around the house. Babies aren't the only family members that should be BPA free!

For a special night out on the town or a festive New Year's Eve bash, help mama sparkle with a black sequined jacket ($86). Paired with blue jeans and a white tee, it's just enough to spruce up a casual ensemble.

Almost every new mother can tell you the luxury of baby soft skin from cuddling their newborn for hours on end. Unfortunately, the fountain of youth is yet to be found so we are still searching for man-made remedies to keep our skin buttery soft. Instead of constantly forking over cash for facials, invest in the Clarisonic Skincare Brush ($195). My girl BellaSugar can't get enough of it! Pretty soon, daddy will have a hard time telling the difference between the baby's bum and mama's mug.

For more ideas, be sure to check out HolidaySugar for all of our holiday coverage and gift guides.

50 Things All Moms Should Consider

LilSugar — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 06:00:14 -0700

It's impossible to give life and not feel that your own has been affected. Each mother has hopes and dreams - for herself and her children. Part of that list may be something she wishes to reclaim and other aspirations are born of responsibility, but there are lots of things every woman should consider. Here are 50 of them!

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Do You Prop Your Baby's Bottle?

LilSugar — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 05:00:16 -0700

Lots of mothers consider feeding baby essential bonding time. Others (especially those with older children or multiples) who bottle-feed and need to be on their feet will resort to a bottle prop on occasion or routinely. Using a blanket or specific product made for the purpose the mom frees up her hands while her babe eats uninterrupted. Do you ever do this?

OnSugar Blog: I'm Sorry Honey, I'm All Touched Out

OnSugar Blog — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 03:55:43 -0700

Lots of moms think out loud, and Celestialkat does too. I'm sorry...I'm all touched out right now comes From the Mind of a First Time Mom blog at OnSugar.

Last night, my husband was wanting to be...affectionate. I was not. This was something I had read about on new mother forums and the more realistic parenting books and swore this would not happen to me. I love my husband; he's intelligent and attractive, a geek, as well as an enabler to my geekiness, and he can dance (East Coast Swing, Lindy and Blues). I love being the focus of his attention. I love when he wraps his arms around me and kisses my neck while I'm trying to cook. But last night? Not so much. And (I utterly hate to say this) this wasn't the first time since the baby's arrival that this has happened.

This had been my day:
After a semi-bad night with Kara, my husband wakes me up to let me know I need to take him to work (he had left his car at work the day before because we were celebrating his birthday). The rest of the day revolved around walking and bouncing Kara, becoming a human burp cloth, feeding her, soothing her, becoming a human burp cloth (again), changing my shirt and repeating the cycle. Four of my shirts resembled a Jackson Pollock painting. Then I had to cook dinner. So, by the time 10:00 PM rolled around, all I wanted to do was crawl into bed and announced such to my husband.

"When would be good to turn you on?" Huh? That phrase seemed so foreign to me at that moment, I actually had to have him clarify. Then I thought back to while I was cooking, he had been his usual affectionate self. I had to ask a stupid question (even worse that having to ask him to clarify), "Were you trying to turn me on tonight?" Awkwardville, population: me. "I'm sorry, but I just want to sleep. I've been thrown up on more times that I was able to count and even the thought of bodily fluids is so unappealing." Fortunately, my husband is wonderful and understanding and agreed that maybe we need to go the completely unromantic route and schedule turn on time.

Want to see more? Start following OnSugar blog From the Mind of a First Time Mom or start your own OnSugar blog. We may just feature your content on LilSugar.

Lil Links: Activist Dresses Her Baby Like Hitler

LilSugar — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:11:50 -0700

Danish activist dresses her baby like Hitler and other evil dictators - Parentdish
Will celeb kids pay a price later in life for being the paparazzi's prey? - Celebrity Baby Scoop
Stay-at-home mom does not equal a free babysitter - MomLogic
Now Winnie Cooper and Kevin Arnold will both have kids! - Celebrity Baby Blog
Seven easter egg kits your kids will love - Babble
Jessica Simpson plans to procreate with Ken Paves? - Modern Mom
Putting the "good" back in goodie bags - CafeMom
Is it OK to get vaccinated while pregnant? - The Bump
Just the two of us, great ways to bond with your baby - FitPregnancy
Walt Disney launches wall paper collection - CasaSugar