Just say NO to mom jeans!

Don't let this happen to you or anyone you love and care about....6 fashion mistakes moms' make.

Yes, as our little ones become our top priority our fashion standards slip.  One day you are in a pencil skirt and stilettos and the next thing you know you have left the house in pj bottoms and your husband's T-shirt which is covered in baby stains - what happened?  We may not be able to get back into looking like the pages of VOGUE but we can definitely get our act together and look like a yummy mummy!

1.  The backpack - yes it's easy and can fit everything you could ever need and more but it's sloppy and very junior high.  You can do better!  Get a stylish baby bag that is still very functional.  Some of my favourites : pinky and company, skip and hop and petunia picklebottom

2.  Whacked out work pants - stained, stretched, faded or creased one or all of the above these have got to go!  You may not care what you look like at work but others do and it can have an impact on your future career.  But it's understandable not wanting to spend a lot of money on work clothes (especially when baby clothes are so cute!)  So, where ever you buy look for the right fit - fit is key a $20 pair of pants look so expensive when they fit properly!  Some of my favourite stores for great deals : old navy and reitmans.  Another great option which works for workday, casual evening or running around - trouser jeans.  Get a dark wash. 

3 - 80's aerobic running shoes - these are not flattering on anyone!  And if they are falling apart they are even worse.  These shoes just scream "I don't care".  We know you cannot walk around in stilettos while running around doing groceries or walking the dog - but you can invest in a pair of vintage canvas sneakers in a neutral colour try : converse or keds - they are timeless, comfortable and look a million times better then your old Jane Fonda sneakers.

4- Mom jeans!!! Tapered, light washed, high waisted, cinched or leather braid belt - that won't work on any body.  Everyone can wear jeans you just need to know what to look for.  When in doubt opt for a dark wash (goes with everything, looks a little more up scale and slimming).  Mid-rise or just below the belly button (high waisted can be very uncomfortable and very unflattering especially if you have a bit of a hip and bum).  A slight boot cut or straight leg works on everyone (it balances out the body).  Flare, skinny, super distressed, whiskered - those are very trendy and very young looks - keep it clean and classic.  Wear our jeans with cardigans, tees, leather jacket - it goes with everything.

5 - Baggy tees and sweatshirts.  Comfy - yes! Flattering - No!  I am guilty of this too.  I got into this habit towards the end of all three of my pregnancies.  I was huge and just needed to wear something - so into my husband's side of the closet I went and I still find myself wearing his tees every now and then.  But this comes down to fit again.  If you wear a top that's fit you will look so much thinner.  When you look better you feel better.  So let your husband have his tees back and get some of your own.  Check out lulu lemon for some figure flattering tops and sweatshirts.  If you are a real team player or fan, many professional sports teams have women's sizes and styles in team gear.

6 - The ponytail.  OK, so I don't really take issue with ponytails but I do if that's your only hairstyle.  It is easy but every woman deserves an incredible hairstyle.  I know you won't have time everyday to blow it out but you should have that option (especially on date night).  I recommend seeing a stylist and getting an honest opinion.  They won't hack it off but they can give you some shape and some great and easy tips to style your hair.  Colour can also do wonders.  I had very long hair to the middle of my back and I always wore it in a ponytail.  I decided I had had enough so I went and saw a stylist who added some highlights and gave me a great bob - I loved it AND so did my husband.  It was flattering and so easy!  If you don't have a stylist ask around - friends, family or someone walking by with great hair.

When you look good, you feel good - that's true not just a line.  Every mom deserves to look and feel her best everyday

I need a babysitter!!

Everyone needs a break and it's healthy too!

It doesn't make you a bad mom or dad - it makes you human.  We ALL love our kids but we ALL need time off.  Not everyone is lucky enough to have grandparents near by to pitch in,

So how do you find a babysitter? 

Ask around - if your neighbours have young children ask them if they have a recommendation.  Ask your colleagues, some of them may have teenagers who are interested. Ask other parents at playgroup or the park

Check out your local college or high school.  If the college has a teacher, educational assistant or early childhood education program that's where I would start.  Go to the high school guidance counsellor and see if they would help with your search.

Still not having any luck? Trade off with a neighbour.  Offer to take her kids in one night so she and her partner can have an evening out and see if she is willing to do the same.

Nervous ? Do a trial run after an interview.  Do some work in the home and have the babysitter occupy the children.  This is a great way to get an idea of what he/she is like with your kids but this is also a great way to get your tasks done around the home.  I have my caregiver in every Tuesday to play with the kids while I do a thorough clean of my home.

Even if you are not fortunate enough to have family close by there are great alternatives

Most wonderful time of the year!

Yes, it is the most wonderful time of the year - back to school - but not everyone feels that way. 

The summer is so fantastic - sleeping in, days at the beach, BBQ and lots of carefree time with family and friends.  No one is really looking forward to getting back to the routine but it's the reality.  Here are some great ideas to make the transition 'back to reality' easier on everyone.

First Day Chaos - lockers won't open, what do they really need on the first day, what to wear etc...it can be really overwhelming and especially if your child is at a new school. 
Try to plan ahead with a tour before your child starts school. 

Get organized - Pre-pack lunch and the backpack, lay the first day outfit the night before - this will make the last minute scramble and set a calmer tone on the first day

Get a routine - before school starts, create your family nerve centre, have a family calendar, know and explain where the kids are to put their forms and notices, backpacks etc...a solid routine takes time so practice!  Also think about when (right after school? after dinner?) and where (dining table? bedroom?) homework should be done.

Get involved - take a look at your school's website and see the activities/sports that are offered.  If you can get your child connected with the extra curricular activities they are more likely to buy into the academic program.

Homework, already? - Don't be surprised at the amount of mommy and daddy homework on the first day there is always a lot of administrative work which falls on mom and dad to complete - it is really important that it is done and handed in - get it done asap - putting it off will only increase the chance that it doesn't get done.  As for your child, depending on the grade and course load they may have homework on the first day.

New emotions - the first day of school offers a buffet of emotions ranging from excitement to nervousness to shyness.  If after a few days your child is still experiencing these emotions it might be a good idea to just check in with the teacher to see what is going on.