tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78160890245546454522024-03-13T08:45:22.299-07:00Save MamaKris Cabe's guide to surviving motherhood. Because, let's admit it, it's not for the fainthearted. Not quite crunchy, not quite mainstream.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816089024554645452.post-68291666650847234912009-11-20T22:33:00.000-08:002009-11-20T22:33:46.800-08:00Airbrushed Face<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My latent search in life is for makeup that will make my skin look flawless. Maybe its because I've always had freckles and dreamt of porcelain smooth skin. Maybe it's because my own mother's skin is so incredible. Maybe its because I want to be pretty- darn it!</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuJJQQTZXxo/SweHT0cmvjI/AAAAAAAAAis/MEmW-PwT8ao/s1600/foundation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuJJQQTZXxo/SweHT0cmvjI/AAAAAAAAAis/MEmW-PwT8ao/s320/foundation.jpg" yr="true" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So upon purchase of some fancy-shmancy-guaranteed-to-give-you-flawless-skin-and-last-all-day makeup (aka Illuminare semi-matte foundation), I found myself struggling to get that same pristine finish I got in the store. You see, I decided after spending way too much on foundation- I should skimp on the application tools. I like to be cheap 99% of the time. In this case, I might have picked the wrong time.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much personal research and discussion with make artists ensued. And ultimately, I've come away with my two favorite tips for foundation application.</span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Apply moisturizers generously immediately before the foundation</span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuJJQQTZXxo/SweHU7CvQSI/AAAAAAAAAi0/HTpbzsAw_sc/s1600/foundation+brush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuJJQQTZXxo/SweHU7CvQSI/AAAAAAAAAi0/HTpbzsAw_sc/s200/foundation+brush.jpg" yr="true" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Use a foundation brush like this one from Sonia Kashuk (available at Target for $15) </span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not only will you get a smooth and poreless appearance, but it's kind of fun to paint on your foundation. It feels like a craft, and I love feeling crafty.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Any brush will work, as long as it is small, synthetic hairs (to keep from absorbing the product) and is somewhat flat with tapered bristles. Hey- us mamas have to have a way to stay fresh. You know, in case hubby ever decides to take us out. Or the new UPS guy is cute!</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay Sane,</span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kris Cabe</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">keywords: mommy, mom, motherhood, mama, parenthood, tips, tricks, strategies, health, beauty, makeup</span><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816089024554645452.post-82658192604144610312009-11-20T22:16:00.000-08:002009-11-20T22:16:28.866-08:00A Lady Of A Certain Age<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whenever I think of <em>shapewear</em> (think: girdles) I remember this scene from Steel Magnolias:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Truvy</strong>:Well, these thighs haven't gone out of the house without lycra on them sice I was 14. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Clairee</strong>: You were brought up right. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was only 9 when the movie was released, but for some reason that scene stuck with me. You know how it is when you're young and watching a movie that dispenses advice on womanhood. You absorb every scene and store it for future reference. (Wait, maybe that's just me).</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I got older I realized that (at least in California) girls don't wear girdles. Teens don't wear girdles either (or pantyhose!) In fact, young nubile hotties have no need for support garments. They have no need to worry about VPL (visible panty lines) or the jiggle exposed by a thong. Those worries are for much, much <em>older</em> women.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, that was then. Because I'm here to tell you that either I've gotten old*, or the rules are changing (or haven't you heard). Even size fours are wearing the latest and greatest in shapewear (<em>size 4s- didn't you hear?)</em> Well, at least the celebrities are...</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shut, up. It's how I get through the day.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I broke down and purchased my first Spanx.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>See look, I told you skinny women wear them</em>.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm a believer. These things are perfect with my new favorite jeans that cause mommy-muffin-top. They smooth me out under my new navy dress that is so very <em>Mad Men.</em> They substitute as panties- eliminating the VPL <strong>and</strong> the jiggle. And they do this all with a discrete crotch opening that allows for answering nature without emerging sweaty from the bathroom tug of war.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In fact, I love them so much... that I'm awaiting the chance to purchase its cousin:</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mama Spanx!</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">... Hey, you know you dream of the perfect "all baby" baby bump where the rest of you looks so svelte and so impossibly un-bloated.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Just stick with option 2</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay sane,</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kris Cabe</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816089024554645452.post-82558702176624336232009-11-20T17:57:00.000-08:002009-11-20T18:00:06.056-08:00Keeping Clean<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All our darlings eventually decide they no longer need our help, or our spoons thank-you-very-much. When that day comes, it is what I like to call "the end of the outfit".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, I'm by no means a neatnik. Promise. I let the dogs do most of my prewashing. But every now and then you actually dress Little Man in an outfit you <em>don't</em> want marinara sauce to permanently turn orange. And that is when these little babies are a God Send:</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuJJQQTZXxo/SwdIDm6egVI/AAAAAAAAAiU/ghcPDDNAmDg/s1600/ikea+bib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuJJQQTZXxo/SwdIDm6egVI/AAAAAAAAAiU/ghcPDDNAmDg/s400/ikea+bib.jpg" yr="true" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In case it's not quite clear- these are bibs. But really, they're more like smocks. Just long enough to cover to the forearms, and they velcro around the neck. They're made of a water-repelent material which means- NO WASHING MACHINE NEEDED! I can honestly rinse them and re-use them. (Okay, if I'm being <em>really </em>honest- I mostly shake them out and lay them over the highchair).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know what you're thinking- they look ridiculous. They must be a pain to put on. They must be expensive. And to that I answer: yes, no, and NO! A two-pack is only $3.99 which is amazing when a regular old plastic bib will run $7 at your local Babies R Us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My BFF would recommend it to me again and again.... and I finally relented. Rach, I'm so glad I did. You were right. They're amazing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Stay Sane,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Kris Cabe</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">keywords: mommy, mom, motherhood, parenting, tips, tricks, strategies, help, bibs, ikea, cleanliness, housekeeping</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816089024554645452.post-65009128988527596482009-11-20T17:42:00.000-08:002009-11-20T17:45:49.156-08:00Baby Carrying<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First off, I KNOW many of you have your favorite baby carrier. There are many, in all shapes and sizes- to fit all lifestyles and phases of "crunchiness". Don't email, I get it. (Or maybe do email, but don't be too bossy- okay?)</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To simplify things for those of you who are lost, I'm gonna break it down into my personal favorite methods of carrying baby- from birth to 40lbs! Ready? Go!</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For tiny babies that love to snuggle and feel warmth- you can't beat the Moby. It allows you to wear your baby close to your body in a variety of ways. The fabric is soft and stretchy and all around you just feel like you could be one with nature while wearing it. See?</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuJJQQTZXxo/SwdDEvblXmI/AAAAAAAAAh8/qV2EkwUzLtk/s1600/moby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuJJQQTZXxo/SwdDEvblXmI/AAAAAAAAAh8/qV2EkwUzLtk/s320/moby.jpg" yr="true" /></span></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That said, you will be VERY one with nature if you try wearing this to your local Babies R Us... excuse me, I mean... uh- CO-OP. As in, the almost 10 yards of fabric will find every pebble, puddle and chewed gum piece on the sidewalk.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, if you'd NOT like to introduce your newborn to every piece of bacteria in the parking lot. I highly recommend the tried and true Bjorn for the early months. My personal favorite is the Bjorn synergy- which offers lumbar support AND breathable fabric. It costs more but is so worth it in my opinion. Especially in the hotter months, or if you have a delicate back like I do.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even this dad likes it. And the baby looks happy so it must be good. I should tell you now that all these photos are snatched shamelessly from their prospective websites. Yes, I'm breaking the law. But I'm giving them a plug- so I figure we're at least even.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where was I? Oh yes- the Bjorn will serve you well until you reach about 17 lbs (which if you are my blessed son means approximately 2 months of age). Then you'll need to call in for reinforcements....</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After months of searching- I have found it: The Ergo</span><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuJJQQTZXxo/SwdDHvNS_PI/AAAAAAAAAiM/IIwL4tIrdeU/s1600/ergo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuJJQQTZXxo/SwdDHvNS_PI/AAAAAAAAAiM/IIwL4tIrdeU/s320/ergo.jpg" yr="true" /></span></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you can see from this picture, it allows you to carry the heavy not-quite-babies-but-still-my-baby on your back. Up to 40 lbs to be exact! I've even heard it's been lab tested up to 90lbs. But why anyone would carry a 12 year old is beyond me.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, it allows back carrying (yeah! Free hands!) or front. Both are comfy thanks to that hip belt that distributes the weight on your luscious child-bearing hips- and not on your tense shoulders!</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In case you'd like more general information about babywearing at all- I recommend you go to </span><a href="http://www.wearyourbaby.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. And I assure you, its not just for the crunchiest moms. Would I steer you wrong?</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay sane,</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kris Cabe</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">keywords: babywearing, infant lead weaning, attachment, ergo, bjorn, beco, moby, parenting, mommy, mama, mom, motherhood, tips, tricks, strategies, time savers, parenthood</span><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816089024554645452.post-39719862376496422022009-11-20T17:25:00.000-08:002009-11-20T17:25:55.862-08:00Baby Hipster<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, it was time for Little Man's first real haircut. *sniff*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh don't misunderstand, he's had mama snips here and there- especially as his hair morphed into the skunk mullet. It had to be done. But once Little Man reached mobility (aka- walking) he has decided that sitting still for mama is sooooo last month. I had to call in reinforcements.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And you should be glad I did, because I've discovered my SaveMama tip of the day! For a 100% natural, pure and safe hairgel, you can't beat pure..... Aloe Vera Gel!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Who would have thought? But sure enough, my Aloe Vera left over from the summer is gonna get a lot of good use. Its gentle, contains no alcohol or other harsh chemicals, and doesn't cause his sweet babyhair to break. A little water, a little aloe and a comb= the perfect faux-hawk (yes, you knew I had to do it.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But tell me this isn't adorabe:</span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See, you can't do it, can you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maddox better watch out....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay Sane,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kris Cabe</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;">Tags: mom, mommy, mother, sanity, childhood, children, hair, boys, hairstyle, tips, tricks, motherhood, parenting</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0