http://www.mommyq.comMommyQ
Navigating the Wild World of Motherhood
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Oh, the feud between “frenemies” Angelina and Jennifer continues thanks to cameras at the Oscars. While Jenn was trying to be funny on stage with Jack Black, they panned to Angelina who laughed at all of her jokes. And of course she did. What were they expecting to capture? Angelina glaring at her or possible pretending to gag herself? Come on, people. Angelina is an ACTRESS – she was obviously ACTING for the camera. Or maybe she was smiling for real. After all, Brad is hers now. I’d be smiling too.
Jenn and Angelina were seated just rows apart. Who plans that, by the way? I was wondering what Jenn would’ve done had Brad won the Oscar. My money is on lots of tears. There is no way she wouldn’t have broken down over that little victory for the ex. Let’s face it, she may loathe Angelina, but I’m sure she still has a soft spot in her heart for Brad.
What cracks me up is the so-called fashion experts have declared Jennifer’s metallic gown to be more smashing that Angelina’s black dress. (Hmmm, did Jenn’s face full of fillers also outshine Angelina’s fresh face?)I’m not sure what’s wrong with an elegant black dress. And I just love the bright green jewelry. Trust me, you’ll be seeing lots of it now. Black with green accessories is the new black with silver accessories. I guess it’s just me who doesn’t get how Angelina’s outfit was drab. I mean, she is the gal who plays with knives. What were people expecting. Fuchsia? Aqua? Ruffles?
I’ve written about this dynamic duo before and practically received death threats for siding with Angelina. I’m just not a fan of Jenn Although I did sport the “Rachel” hair style for a number of years and that was fun. Anway, my vote is for Angelina. I like style that suits the person, not a person trying to suit a style. Sorry, Jenn. You lose again.
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Colorful is so overrated! Take a look at eight clean, crisp and sophisticated crib bedding sets in black and white. From tasteful toiles to fun prints and stripes, you’ll surely find one that suits your baby’s style. One organic solid white set is included because simple is beautiful too!
Tadpoles 4-pc Crib Bedding Set – $150 – Target
Chic Swirls 4-pc Crib Bedding – $490 – Kool Roomz
Black French Toile 9-pc Crib Bedding – $170 – JoJo Designs
Versailles 4-pc CribBedding – $160 – Laurens Linens
Maddie Boo Amanda 4-pc Crib Bedding – $586 - JRenee
Baby Toile Black 4-pc Crib Bedding – $311 – Carousel Designs
Bright White Organic 4-pc Crib Bedding – $599 – Kitsel
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These playful wooden letters can be upper or lower case and measure 10″ H. All of the letter are hand-painted in black and white with either a red or black ribbon. Expect 12-14 weeks for shipping, so order early to make sure they arrive before baby! Retails for $78 at Post Tots. If you’re the creative type, keep reading…
I decided to do the letters in my son’s room myself. I found some big wooden white letters at Michaels and bought a bunch of paint colors. The hardest part was deciding what to paint, not how to paint it. I couldn’t get too creative because my painting skills aren’t that great. I also decided to do it all free-hand instead if drawing on the letters ahead of time.



I chose camo because it matches his existing wall art and then went with a few things my son likes. I chose flames to represent NASCAR and lightning bolts for Lightning McQueen. And so on for a few more letters. It took a while and I struggled with the cheapo paints. I suggest buying the good paint, not the tiny little sets.
But there’s something to be said for buying them too. They are quite beautiful, especially the black and white. Either way, you and your child will certainly enjoy them!
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I came across this unmistakably chic HP last month. It has been featured in Elle, Decor, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire and many more. It’s the HP Mini Vivienne Tam Edition and to quote Paris Hilton, it’s “hot!” The eight-color Peony design has a matching sleeve for easy, safe and stylish transport. You can’t beat the 10.1″ display; just 2.45 lbs and a mere 1″ thick. It retails for $800-$1200 depending on where you find it. Love it, love it. L-O-V-E.
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MommyQ attended a wonderful luncheon today hosted by the Austin Chapter of PRSA. It was a huge success based on the turnout and although the food was late making its appearance, the Butternut Squash Ravioli was yummy enough to make you forget.Anyway, the focus was the Austin fashion scene and it’s thriving. Thanks to all of the creative souls living in Austin and all of the good karma, the ATX has carved out its own little paradise in the fashion industry.
The panel of experts did a great job offering helpful advice to all of us overly confident, chatty PR folks. One panel member stood out to me, as one often does. Lance Morgan, founder of Brilliant Magazine, was quick to respond with some funny quips and a few requests for cash and cashmere. A definite crowd pleaser!
After an array of questions from the audience, including one “panel stumper,” I decided to take advantage of the fashion expertise sitting stylishly at the font of the room. I had a burning question that just had to be addressed…
I asked Lance Morgan and Lauren Smith Ford, Managing Editor of Tribeza, the big question, “What are the rules about wearing white shoes?” They laughed at first, but offered a thorough answer.
If you don’t what I’m talking about, it’s the whole notion that you should never wear white after Labor Day. I’m not sure where that came from and I’m too lazy to Google it. Anyway, I grew up knowing two things. #1. -You can’t fly down a flight of stairs no matter how much you think you can. #2 – You can’t wear white shoes after Labor Day.
But celebrities do it and they’ve done it for years. Doesn’t that mean the rule no longer applies?
According to Morgan, the rule does apply. The only time you can circumvent it is if you live somewhere tropical. But Austin is like 105 degrees most of the year. Doesn’t heat have something to do with it? Morgan added that last year it was around 100 degrees in September (in Austin), so in that case you could wear white shoes two weeks beyond Labor Day. Miami and LA, however, are immune to this rule. But that’s an entirely different slice of cheese.
If there is a pair of white shoes in your closet, imagine an expiration date and wear them accordingly. And thanks to Lance and Lauren for enlightening us all! (Told ya so!)
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Last night my 4-year-old son rode a bike. It probably doesn’t sound like a huge accomplishment to most parents, but it was a pretty special moment for us.
This time last year my son wouldn’t touch a bike. He hated all moving things – swings, tricycles, scooters, wagons, etc. We just thought he was scared, but it turns out most kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have balance problems resulting in motion aversions. It doesn’t feel right and they don’t fully understand what’s happening. Our OT therapist explained it to us as an uncomfortable feeling – like an itch you can’t scratch. ASD kids also have trouble with activities that require sequencing of little events like getting dressed, potty training or riding a bike.
My husband got home from work early yesterday, so we took the kiddos for a stroll. And a certain someone got to ride his bike. He can pedal and steer and stays on the road, although he thinks off-roading is much more fun. Watching him ride his shiny red Lightening McQueen bike (with training wheels that look like tires) and even steer it without any help, was kind of like watching autism pedal out of our lives.
Sure, he needed help from his daddy along the way when he would start going fast downhill and couldn’t quite figure out the brakes. From my perspective, he was just a normal kid riding his bike and were just a normal family enjoying a beautiful evening. These are the small triumphs that give us hope. We look forward to many more.
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Ready for bright cheery prints and vibrant colors? You can take a peek at spring fashion in Austin, TX, Thursday, February 19th at 8 p.m. at Molotov Cocktail Lounge. A fashion show and party benefiting the Easter Seals Central Texas – what a great way to celebrate a fantastic organization… and fashion!
Amy Schalk, owner of Soigné Boutique, promises an exciting look at the incoming styles for this spring. “As far as style goes, it is really across the board,” Schalk says.
The show will reflect this diversity, with more tailored European styling of London-based Ben Sherman and more whimsical flair via L.A.’s Voom, just to name two of the designers in the show. Schalk does offer one hint on style: “The asymmetrical kind of look is still in; the one-shoulder or off-shoulder things are still very popular.”
One color that has been hot everywhere else, but hasn’t crossed over into the fashion world, is green. Another hint from Schalk: this could be the year that changes. Learn more about the event here.
And speaking of fashion…when will tights be done? My friend and I were out last week and saw a girl wearing a short green and brown dress with brown tights. They looked totally wrong and my friend exclaimed, “I can’t wait for tights to be over with!” I couldn’t agree more. What’s wrong with exposed legs? Uhm, nothing. I saw this pic of Gwyneth from the Grammy Awards and all I can say is YUCK! Why would she decide to wear those hideous silver tights, especially with open-toe heels. Sorry, they just look so stupid. The outfit would’ve been amazing had she ditched them. Too bad, Gwynny. Major fashion faux pa!

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I’m not sure if a more sophisticated mobile exists. This colorful piece of airy art is handmade to order by artist and designer Heather Frazier. The mobile is made of heavy stock white paper in a variety of colors. A beautiful and unique addition to your nursery! Visit Frazier & Wing.



