Dear Santa:

Kate Moss’ new book is out . . . . and it’s on my list. Don’t you just love her? Even when she’s been out all night smoking cigarettes and drinking and whatnot, she still looks gorgeous. She’s a rock-star.

Merry Christmas Hot Mama!

Have a Delicious Weekend!

 

 Caramel apples are a gift from heaven!

Happy weekend my girlfriends, what are you up to? The Hot Mamas will be on the rocks Saturday morning from 8-10, come join us if you are in the area! It’s so much fun to work out with a large group of women — especially such athletic and tough girls! Truly a group of Hot Mamas!

I plan to completely relax this weekend, go to a movie and just hang out at home. I can’t wait! Here are some interesting finds on the web for your viewing pleasure. I’ll see you back here on Monday.

Check out these amazing wedding photos. Her gown and jacket are amazing.

I love this bedroom for sisters.

Love this kitchen conversion chart . . . would be perfect in my kitchen!

Oprah-fy yourself.

Flat-chested girls unite!

What exactly is a Twinkie made of?

I’m making these this weekend.

Remember this funny commercial? I think my grandparents had one.

Photo and recipe from Cupcakes and Cashmere. I love her blog.

Light Drinking Said OK for Pregnant Women?

 

 

A new study out of the UK finds that light drinking is OK for pregnant women. Wow. What do you think about that? I have to be totally honest . . . with my first child, I think I had a wine spritzer at a wedding and that was it. But, with my second, I probably had a glass of wine once a week.

But I’m not sure how I feel about the general public getting the green light on drinking during pregnancy. I know the study wanted to focus on “light drinking” but so many people have different definitions of what light drinking really is. As an educated women, I know that an occasional glass of wine won’t harm my baby . . . but let’s look at people who don’t have the ability to discern what really might be common sense to the rest of us. I get why our dear government has limitations and standards in relation to things like this . . . it’s to protect those people. I’ve heard that American doctors are angry about this new study, and I get why. Can you imagine what they are going to have to deal with now? (Of course maybe the people they worry about the most, won’t actually hear about this study) At least that’s what they’re hoping.

So, what do you think about this? Do you or did you drink during your pregnancy? Do you think this study will even have an effect on the general public? I’m just curious.

Also, did you see this study? This one comes from ACOG. I’ve always known this . . . but I always recommend that you drink a glass of water in conjunction with the cup of jo. Caffeine is a diuretic — and dehydration is what may cause a miscarriage. So, if you do indulge in coffee while pregnant, make sure you are drinking plenty of water.

Ok, my brain is hurting now. I’ll talk about fall bags and jackets tomorrow!

For love of the leotard

I dedicate this post to one of my favorite clothing items . . .  Look at Kate rocking that leotard . . . with boots!

Right now the best place I’ve found is American Apparel at least for variety. When I lived in NYC, you could find them in all sorts of little corner shops. In Denver, not so much. Would you wear a leotard? If so, would you work out in it? Or wear it out dancing?

Here are some other great women in leotards . . .

Taking care of your hands . . .

My favorite blogger, Garance Dore’, moved from Paris to NYC recently (can I please be her?). And she recently posted about getting a manicure in New York. Women there are ALL perfectly manicured, I’m not kidding. You can’t help it — there’s a salon on every street, and they are dirt cheap.

When I moved to Denver, I noticed far fewer nail salons — and only OPI polish! In NYC, Essie rules. But, I still haven’t left my routine of the weekly manicure. Weekly??? you say. Yes, for me, I have to do it.

All of this to say that a manicure is so important — even on the tiniest, mostly bitten nails. Nothing looks or feels better than manicured hands. It finishes you off, gives you polish.

I have lately fallen in love with Heaven Nail Salon in Denver. I find them to be so friendly and the atmosphere is fun and relaxing all at once. I often bring my daughter and they couldn’t be nicer and more attentive and, more importantly, the manicures are great! I love that I can just walk in and usually sit right down. My kind of place. If I close my eyes, I feel like I might be in New York again

If you are already like me, you are looking at fall nail colors — love them! I am currently wearing red — so great even if you aren’t going to a special event. I’m posting some colors tomorrow for you to try. In the meantime, go get a manicure! It’s one of the few guilty pleasures that I won’t let go of — even in a bad economy.

Illustration is by the wonderful Garance Dore

Hanging on to summer

Happy Friday Hot Mamas! One of my girls found this song for me . . . I’m loving its slow-jam appeal. Good end of the summer tune. Plus I love how even on a slow tune, those girls can move their hips! Looks like one of my classes!

Stress Free Mornings . . .

Is this you?

This is my goal.

Einstein said “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result”.  And next to that quote is a picture of me every morning before getting my kids to school and myself to work.

Really the only thing you should do in the morning is to get yourself ready, children dressed and have breakfast. Everything else needs to be done the night before. Period. And, as much as I love to sleep, I need to go to bed earlier and rise earlier.

So, here’s my plan. I hope it inspires you to do the same. And, if you are still home with little ones, God bless you. Take these little tidbits and stow them away.

• Lunches will be made the night before.
• School clothes (and mom’s clothes) will be laid out.
• Alarm set for 6am
• Meditate for 10-15 (not sure about this one yet)
• 6:15 -6:30 Check emails, read the news.
• 6:30 Shower
• 7:00 Wake the children & go prepare breakfast.
• 7:20 Breakfast time
• 7:45 Brushing teeth & gathering things to be taken to car.
• 7:55 Out the door!

There it is. My plan for a peaceful morning. I don’t want another year of stress in the morning . . . it’s a horrible way to start the day. Wish me luck!

Hi Hot Mamas, sorry about the sparse postings. I am on a much needed vacation. And truly, a vacation should mean not bringing your phone or computer — I’m really trying to shut my brain down so I’m fresh when I get back to Denver. My kids are away with their father in NYC, and I miss them terribly. But, it’s something we do every year and it’s actually a time that I now really look forward to.

Miami is one of my most favorite places in the world. I love the Latin vibe and the international feel of this city, the heat & humidity, the beautiful people, the food. And being close to the water feels so good, I could just stare at the ocean all day. I actually surfed a little yesterday (almost took someone’s head off) and enjoyed South Beach. Had a great sandwich at Sandwicherie (with lots of peppers and vinegar, yumm!) Went to The Standard for drinks (a pitcher of vodka cherry limeade is the way to go) — the bar sits right on the water– it was such a beautiful setting! Then we took off to The Mandolin Agean Bistro for dinner. I had my first gyro and a greek salad with the freshest feta I’ve ever had. Then it was off to Bardot for dancing. Needless to say, I am a bit useless today. Who cares though, I’m on vacation! Aha hahaha!

Working out has been a little touch and go so far. But I plan to turn it up a notch or 2 once I really settle in. I’ll keep you posted. And, I’ll post an exercise video tomorrow.

And now, back to my nap.

Hasta manana

Friday Giveaway!

Today’s giveaway is from Denver company, Snug Organics! They are offering their summer sleepwear set which is made of 100% organic cotton rib knit.

I think we all understand the benefits of organic — but we still put those crazy chemical-filled pajamas on our kids. Think about how long your kids are in their pjs . . . it makes sense that we would want the best possible fabric against their skin. And if you are worried about the flame retardant thing, close fitting cotton is just as effective.

I’m also loving the Snug Blog — Erin (co-owner and Hot Mama!) writes about so many important things that we need to incorporate into our lives for the health of our families.

For a chance to win, visit Snug, and also leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen at random. Good Luck!