lilSugar -- Mommy's little helper.

Mom-Me Time: Mani and Nanny

babysugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:00:27 -0700

The good old days of dropping into your local salon are over, or are they? Mani and Nanny makes having a tot and nail touch up possible.

The swank nail salon caters to mothers who are in need of sprucing up their pretty appendages with the kids in tow. Starting at $10, a well–trained nanny will watch one child while mama has her fingernails polished. If she's got another babe, it's an additional $5. Pampered moms can relax as they watch their children on a flat screen television or through a one-way mirror. Not too shabby. The actual manicure runs $20 while the pedicure is $30. The ability to conveniently do it all at once in your child's company may be worth the extra dime in the bucket.
Source

Mom–Me Time: Spa Babies

babysugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:00:00 -0700

An afternoon of spa escape is heaven for most moms. Bringing baby along sounds interesting, but not the least bit relaxing. Unless, you're going to the Thermes de Spa in Belgium and its L'Institut Maman-Bébé in Belgium.

The retreat prides itself on offering new mothers and their wee ones (age two to seven–months) a five–day course of postnatal massage treatments and exercises. While the mom focuses on rejuvenating her body and skin, the baby spends some time with caretakers. No indulgence lasts longer than an hour so mommy guilt — be gone! This spa even brings babe in for some of the mum's activities allowing the two to soak up the pleasures together.

To see how much such a package will cost you,

Mom-Me Time: BlackBerrys for Mommies?

babysugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:01:34 -0700

All of us at Sugar are attached to our BlackBerrys — they keep us on top of the news, and your comments, day and night. But, as lilsugar mentioned the other day, unplugging from the office is important.That is why I was struck when a friend, who did not return to work after the birth of her baby, told me that more than half of the women in her mommy group have BlackBerrys. When I asked if they worked part-time and needed to check into the office, she told me that none of them worked, but that they wanted to stay on-top of their emails and Facebook friends. They use the devices to arrange play dates, check-in with dad and text their friends. In short, they have become the must-have accessory on the playground.While I am sure this was not the intention of the people at RIM, they may have a new clientèle to market their wares to! Do you keep your handheld handy while on mommy watch? Source

Mom-Me Time: BlackBerrys for Mommies?

Sure, why not? I'm as busy as any working parent and need to be on top of things.

Sounds good to me, but I would limit my time.

No way! One of the reasons I did not return to work was to avoid such handcuffs!

Other - I'll share my answer in the comments below.

Mom-Me Time: Margarita Mama

lilsugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:31:51 -0700

Even those with expanding tummies like to tie one on once in a while. Since babies-to-be and booze don't mix, expectant mommies can now reach for a mocktail. Serving up over one hundred of nutritional libations for moms in the making, Margarita Mama: Mocktails for Moms-to-Be ($11) can be put to good use at a baby shower or summer barbecue. Pregnant women can party it up with the Bed Rest Banana, Big Belly, Raging Hormone, Nothing Fits Fizz and Materni-tini.

Mom–Me Time: I am Danica Aromatics

babysugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:00:40 -0700

L'eau de Mama? The scents of motherhood — dirty diapers, spit-up and spilled milk — can overshadow the woman wearing them.

A dab of scented oil by I am Danica Aromatics ($29) will freshen a mom up. The line of perfume has 11 different scents from "I am wild" to "I am naked" and one is sure to capture your personality. "I am peace" happens to be my favorite as it has hints of tuberose, peony and jasmine in it.

Perfect for women on the run, a quick dab on the wrists is all they need to be refreshed. And, the airy scents aren't too odorous for babe.

Belly Worship: Win a Much Deserved Spa Day!

lilsugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 07:00:00 -0700

We are kicking off Belly Worship, our celebration of moms (soon-to-be and current!). So take advantage of this chance to win a relaxing, solo day at the spa to pamper yourself with $450 worth of treatments on us!

To enter, YOU MUST LOG IN and take the quiz below. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just by completing the quiz once you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member and log in before you take the quiz. If you're not already a member, just register here for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored.

The contest is open to US residents only and ends on May 8, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. For Official Rules click here.

Cell Phone Free or Chat It Up?

babysugar — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:00:00 -0800

A friend of mine was walking down the street the other day pushing her tot in a stroller. As she ambled along, she made a call to her mum on her cell phone. A stranger walking alongside her caught her off guard when she blatantly said, "Get off your phone and talk to that baby!"There are some parents who are constantly on their phones with babies in tow. Obviously the more time spent chatting with your own babe, the better, but aren't mamas entitled to a lil mommy–me time every now and then? Do you talk on the phone when walking your wee one? Source

Cell Phone Free or Chat It Up?

Bluetooth, headset, walking talking mommy.

Occasional walk n' talk.

Step away from the phone.

Other — leave comment below.

Mom–Me Time: Wine and Whiners

babysugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:00:53 -0800

As it seems we are entering into another baby boom, toy makers and stroller manufacturers aren't the only ones trying to make a buck. Vino Rosso, a San Francisco wine bar, is pandering to wine consuming parents in need of a lil wine o'clock.

Every Wednesday night they offer "Wine and Whiners" from 4 – 7 p.m. so thirsty folks can enliven their palettes and enjoy each other's company while junior pals around with his friends.

Check out the wine bars near you to see if they offer such a treat. Just remember, no drinking and driving. And that goes for strollers, too!

Mom–Me Time: When Is It Inappropriate?

lilsugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:00:55 -0800

Nicole Richie certainly isn't leading the simple life. The new mama who is famous for being famous has been out on the town since she brought lil Harlow home from the hospital. According to US Magazine, she was recently sighted at Teddy's nightclub in Los Angeles. The article said:

When Britney Spears' "Gimme More" came on, Richie even climbed atop her booth and "danced crazily," the second clubgoer told Us.

To hear about another mother who let her postpartum hair down,

Mom-Me Time: Mommy Makeup

lilsugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 06:00:43 -0800

Brushing your teeth can be a task once you have a baby, so finding time to put on a lil make-up is almost impossible. But, one relatively new line of make-up was specifically developed for moms in a pinch.

Debra Rubin-Roberts, an award-winning makeup artist who had worked with Nars, Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier, created Mommy Makeup out of necessity after the birth of her daughter. After much trial and error, she developed two kits and a six-minute routine using five to six multi-tasking products that create a “Clean-n-Casual” or “Pretty-n-Polished” look.

To learn more about the kits,

Stroller Ban in Brooklyn

babysugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:00:00 -0800

Do babies belong in bars? A recent article in the New York Times discussed the hot topic.

The Union Hall bar in Brooklyn put a ban on strollers, setting off a firestorm from angry motherly patrons. To learn more about the ban,

Mom-Me Time: Who's on Duty?

lilsugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:00:40 -0800

The folks at Wry Baby are no strangers to creating fun and quirky clothes for newborns. But for 2008, they are expanding their wit to adult products with this fabulous pillowcase set ($30) for new parents.

How many times have you pretended to be asleep so your partner would tend to your crying tot and you could sneak a few extra minutes of sleep? These reversible pillowcases will let your spouse know that you are “off-duty” when the 3 a.m. feeding rolls around without ever having to open your eyes or mouth.

Prior to these pillowcases, how did you and your partner decide who woke up with your babe?

Mom-Me Time: Flashcards Lend Mama a Hand

babysugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:00:42 -0800

If you're in need of a break, but your kid is running around — I've got a game for you. I play it with my babe when I am wiped out. It keeps her interested and both of us interacting. To see my trick,

Mom-Me Time: Phone Your Friends

lilsugar — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:19:45 -0800

A mom can catch a break without enlisting the help of her partner or a babysitter — all she needs is the phone. Whether you miss your friends or crave adult conversation, you can have both in the comfort of a pair of sweats on your couch.

Blow off the dishes and let the laundry pile up. Once your children are sound asleep, grab a glass of wine and dial a friend's digits for some uninterrupted conversation. Catching up is a great way to reconnect with those you care about and if you have a cell phone plan with free nights it may not cost you a dime!

Source

Mom-Me Time: Strollometer

babysugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 07:30:03 -0800

They say that the average person gains anywhere between five and ten pounds over the holidays. As a new mom, that's pretty much the last thing you want to hear. So we thought, why not combine exercise with fun activities like walking with friends or shopping?

While you're out running around looking for those post–Christmas bargains, keep track of how far you are walking during those strolls with this nifty strollometer that's on sale for $32. The gadget tracks distance, speed, time and temperature. So get to the mall or hit the sidewalks.

Pumpkin pie and candy cane treats be gone! We're starting our New Year's resolutions early!

Mom-Me Time: Tumble & Tea

babysugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 06:00:47 -0800

Having lunch with your mommy friends can be challenging – especially if you've got kids tugging on you every five seconds begging for attention. Tumble & Tea is a cafe where moms can eat and relax and kids can go bananas. Tumble & Tea Cafe was started in Oakland, CA by two stay–at–home moms who were tired of separating mommy lunches with play time. Genius!
The cute cafe has stimulating play areas for Junior and a tasty menu the entire family can enjoy. They also have a story–teller, a music teacher, and a clown who are scheduled during the weekdays for the kids' enjoyment. On top of all that, they offer birthday party packages which even include clean up! Now if we could just get these crankin' in every city, moms could really get that break they deserve.

Mom-Me Time: Girlfriends

lilsugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:00:27 -0800

If there's one thing every mother needs, it's a break! Between raising kids, finding time for your spouse and just dealing with every day life — gabbing with girlfriends is no longer something you take for granted. In fact, you live for it.

So grab a calendar and call the girls to coordinate a brunch, a dinner or weekend away. It gives busy moms something to look forward to when life gets monotonous or too hectic.

Let your husband and kids fend for themselves — the well deserved rest and relaxation will only make you a better mother.

Source

Mom-Me Time: Stroller Strides

babysugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:00:02 -0800

Are you already thinking about the postholiday weight gain? Or, still trying to get that stubborn baby weight off? Stroller Strides to the rescue! Considered an expert in pre- and postnatal fitness, Lisa Druxman started Stroller Strides in 2001 after she had her son. Lisa wanted to get back into shape, but didn't have time to get to the gym so she began working it off with her stroller.

With hundreds of locations nationwide and different types of classes both indoors and out, moms all over the country are enjoying a little Mom-Me time without having to leave baby behind.

Mom-Me Time: Wishful Thinking

lilsugar — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:45:02 -0800

So you've got a hamper full of dirty clothes and a laundry list of errands to run. Remember those Calgon, take me away! commercials? In that same vein, let's do some wishful thinking. If you had one day (without your spouse or kids) to spend anyway you wanted, what would you do?

I haven't finished my itinerary yet, but it includes — sleeping in late, a trip to the spa, a very small purse, dry-clean-only clothes, uninterrupted conversation, and going wine tasting with my best friends.

What is your ideal day?

Source

Mom-Me Time: Citibabes

babysugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:00:48 -0800

New York seems to reign superior when it comes to things that are hip and cool. And, they've done it again with an amazingly convenient and luxurious club for moms, Citibabes. Started by two women, Tracey Rensky and Tara Lipton, the club opened a little over two years ago in downtown Manhattan. And, it has been hugely popular — currently has over 500 members. The membership is a whopping $2,000 a year but apparently it's worth every penny.

Moms and dads can drop off children ages three months to five years, for some babysitting which is only $8 an hour, while they relax in the club's lounge, workout, get a mani-pedi or their hair blown out. The caregivers at the club have been background checked extensively so the parents can rest assured that their lil one is in good hands.

To learn some more about Citibabes,

Mom-me Time: Look Well Rested

lilsugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:00:49 -0800

Whether you've got one babe or a brood, motherhood can rob you of your beauty sleep. So fake the healthy glow you used to take for granted by applying a dab of highlighting pen to your inner eyes.

It will make them look wider, brighter, and refreshed. And, create the illusion that you've been sleeping like a baby.

Source

Mom-Me Time: Wine O'Clock

babysugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:00:00 -0800

At big family get togethers growing up, whenever my cousins and I acted up, our parents would say, "If it's whine o'clock, then it's wine o'clock!"

I think they were drinking boxed wine in those days. Ahhh...the 70s.

Fast forward to the 21st century and now there's a Pinot Grigio made especially for Mama. It's aptly named, Mommy's Time Out.

So when your kid is in the crib and sleeping soundly, pull out a bottle and pour yourself a glass.

Did I mention that it's only around $9 a bottle? Mommy guilt, be gone!