LilSugar

Family Ties: Baby Steals the Show

babysugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:00:25 -0800

My sister–in–law got engaged last week (hooray!) and visited us for the weekend. Anticipating the engagement, I made an appointment at one of the more posh wedding dress showrooms in San Francisco. Unable to drop my daughter off with a sitter, we brought her with us.

To see what happened, read more.

When we pulled into the shop, they asked me to leave my soda at the door, which clearly made sense, as we'd be surrounded by white silks and organzas. Not anticipating the food and beverage restrictions, my baby arsenal became somewhat limited leaving me with note cards and books, which usually do the trick. Not this time.

From the moment she laid her little eyes on the mirrored wall, she was in love. Not with the dresses as most would be, but her own reflection in the mirror! Cute at first, she acquainted herself with the mirror and the "stage". But as other brides–to–be and my sister–in–law were ready to test drive the gowns, I had to drag my lil one off the platform.

Feeling accomplished from her successful jaunts up and down the step, she proudly took her place in the limelight every time a bride stepped off. The only thing that saved me from having to pin her down were the tall windows overlooking the downtown shopping traffic. All I have to say is thank goodness for distractions like rain, umbrellas, buses and cars. And most of all, thank God I have a VERY patient and sweet sis–in–law.

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Baby Bump: Maternity Wedding Gowns

babysugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:00:01 -0800

"First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage." Since that's not always the case and shotgun weddings are a bit dated, expectant couples can share the news and get hitched without hiding the bride's burgeoning belly thanks to the folks at Isabella and Oliver.

The designers have a special treat for blushing pregolicious brides - the fashionable maternity line is introducing wedding gowns that will flatter engaged mothers–to–be at more than reasonable prices.

Brides can choose from spaghetti strap, halter style and crossover necklines. As each frock has an ethereal glow, it's hard to believe the prices are so down to earth. The least expensive wedding gown runs a mere $240. At that amount, brides who aren't pregnant may want to order it!

Flower Girl Tutus

LilSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:00:58 -0700

Add a bit of whimsy to your wedding procession by dressing the flower girl in an age appropriate outfit. A tutu paired with a delicate tank or simple leotard and some ballet flats is a way to keep lil ladies comfortable and looking darling for the big day and beyond. The tulle tutu is also a wonderful wedding party gift. Click through these fabulous child friendly frocks. For more wedding planning fun, check out IDoSugar.

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Flower Girl Dresses

babysugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0700

Wedding bells are about to ring so make sure the lil ladies are covered. Check out these adorable flower girl dresses and see which one you like best! For more wedding planning fun, check out IDoSugar.

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Simple or Swank: Black Maternity Dress

babysugar — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:00:23 -0700

Whether it's for her own baby shower or a Summer wedding, baby mama has got to outfit that beautiful bump in something comfortable and flattering. The little black dress does the trick and will work for more than one occasion. The wrap function will take her into her postpartum nursing days, too!

Simple: The cotton and Modal blend Old Navy dress is machine washable and hardly looks like a $25 bargain.

Swank: The polished DKNY cap-sleeve frock has a more fitted look thanks to the spandex and viscose components. The $345 garb may turn heads, but unfortunately it's dry clean only.

Delilicious: Picture Perfect Pumpkin Treats

babysugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:00:08 -0700

The possibilities of Rice Krispies treats are endless when mama's got food coloring, candy and gloves at her disposal. The red apples were such a hit that I figured we'd go for broke on some savory orange pumpkins. Take a platter full of these delectable delights in for the classroom Halloween soiree and mama will be the toast of the tots.

To see how to make these lil jack-o's, just read more.

Like any old Rice Krispies dessert, mommy will use the same ingredients plus food coloring and bits and pieces of candy for added decor. Before mixing the cereal to the bowl, it is necessary to make the marshmallow mix the desired orange color, which can be done with a tiny squirt of red and a heavier amount of yellow dye combination. Once the hue is achieved, it is time to add the Rice Krispies and stir. Allow the mixture to cool a bit, as it is tough to manage the heated ingredients. A pair of water rinsed gloves can be used to aid in the shaping of the pumpkins once the mixture is ready for molding. Make round balls and use your thumb to indent the top of it for a leaf and a stem. To make them look like realistic gourds, use quartered caramel squares and add a green sugar coated leaf on top. To dress them up like jack-o-lanterns, add mini chocolate chips for eyes and a grin. This treat is sure to get spooktacular reviews!

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Timeless Sibling Themes For Halloween: Daisy and Bee

LilSugar — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:30:07 -0700

What's cuter than a child dressed up in costume? His or her sibling in a complementary one! Themed Halloweens were popular in my household growing up. We'd choose what we wanted to be and then my grandma and aunts would get to work making my mother's vision (she couldn't sew) come to fruition. In the 80s plastic costumes were the only ones available for purchase, but today lots of retailers sell affordable outfits for children to wear out trick-or-treating. After shuffling through some old photographs, I came across some pictures of timeless attire for fellow parents to use as inspiration - no trip to the fabric store or thimble required!

Celebrate the spooky holiday by dressing your babe in a sweeter than honey bee costume and the older tot as a darling daisy or her favorite flower. These getups are a salute to mother nature and will have fellow night owls buzzing!

Have you snapped fantastic photos of your kids in comical Halloween getups in the past? Join our Sugarbabies group over in the LilSugar Community and share your pics and costume tips. They could be featured on the site!

Heidi Klum Shows Off Her Third Trimester Knockout Body

LilSugar — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:30:27 -0700

The glitz and glamour of a black tie affair is enough to get any mama giddy about a night on the town. Trading in the sweats for a beautiful gown and primping in front of the mirror – be it for a fancy wedding, a charity event or a school function – can make a mom forget the bickering tots she leaves at home for the evening.

Though Heidi Klum makes it look effortless, finding a maternity dress that flatters an expectant mama's assets and hides her growing bump – especially in her last trimester – is no easy feat. The supermodel and mom of three, who looks to be due any day now, showed off just how sexy pregnancy can be at the Emmy Awards. Forgoing the traditional black empire-waist maternity dress, the Project Runway host opted for a custom black strapless Marchesa gown, remarking, "I wanted something simple because I'm so big."

How have you survived a black-tie affair in the late stages of pregnancy?

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Something Blue For the Expectant Wedding Guest

LilSugar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0700

What is cooler than sporting a shade of blue for Summer weddings? While it's easy to blend in by slipping on a black dress, expectant mamas should strut style and their burgeoning bellies in beautiful hues. Take a cue from the wedding theme, "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" and select a stunning azure gown that will have fellow guests doing double takes. With dresses available in all shades from blueberry to midnight and flattering maxi, empire, wrap and tank styles – the only hardship you'll have is finding equally stunning, comfortable shoes!

Mommy Dearest: Black Tie Required Wedding, Even For Tots?

LilSugar — Wed, 06 May 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

Our family was invited to a black tie wedding, which we will attend in a few weeks. Understanding that it's a formal affair, I purchased a long gown to wear and my husband is renting a tuxedo. But, I think the bride's request for even our 2-year-old son to wear a tux is ridiculous despite my offering for him to wear comfortable chinos and a button-up shirt. He's not even in the wedding. Should I tell her that my child isn't going to abide by the required pricey attire in advance or just dress him the way I see fit?

- Black Tie for Tots Is Beyond Reason

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Black Tie For Tots Is Beyond Reason,

While you raise valid points about your son's comfort level and the expense of renting or buying a two-year-old a tux, it's the bride's day and as a guest it's best to abide by her rules. Since you already addressed the issue and she wasn't accepting of your offer to dress your child in slacks and an oxford shirt, your only real option is to outfit him in a tux or not bring him to the festivities. You may also want to consider how kid-friendly this formal affair will actually be or if your youngster would be happier staying home with a sitter.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.