A MUMS’ SELF-RELECTIVE MOMMENT

May 16, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I had a bit of a well-deserved tantrum at the end of Mother’s Day- because basically mine was awful. It was not about ME at all. Although I am well aware that most people think of Mother’s day as just another one of those “Hallmark Holidays”, this is one of “those” holidays that does mean something to me. As “saccharine” as that sounds, I do take a huge amount of pride being a mother and most of the time I think I do a pretty good job.

But mine was awful and so I had a minor tantrum: We had dinner with my mother-in- law the night before to celebrate “her” Mother’s Day and it was suppose to be for me too, but somehow, big surprise, it did not feel that way. Sunday we drove even farther to have lunch with my own Mom, again this was not about me at all. The gift my husband gave me was beautiful, but there wasn’t even the hallmark card attached. So by late Sunday night, I actually teared up: I was angry that I let another holiday go by just appeasing everyone else. Even though I actually felt more like a child at this moment than a mother, it reminded me of how often we, as Mom’s, don’t really ask well for what we need.

Next year, my husband promised that we would have everyone at our house for a brunch (this way we would not have to travel). I thought to myself, what about if I don’t want to have to celebrate with “everyone”? All I really want are my two children and husband for this particular holiday… that would make it about ME, the MUM.

Nourish yourself well this week inside and out!

Here are my must have’s and must do’s for this week:

TRACY WATTS party and sample SALE this is a must! The hats are chic and hip and Tracy is a doll of a Milliner. Friday, May 16th 3pm-9pm
119 8th Street Studio 201, Brooklyn, NY email: tw@tracywatts.com

Pick up Five Star Iris ’s self-titled CD on amazon.com- I love the song “Luckiest Man”

Susan Ciminelli Spa- Algae Deep Cleanse- a daily face peel incorporates algae oils and the essential oils of lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint to gently remove dead cells. I use this product once a day from Susan! www.susanciminelli.com or 212-872-2650

Posted by Deana | Filed Under Deana's Dish

It is our job to teach our children morals: NOT Hollywood’s.

May 2, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I am not one to usually react positively or negatively to the gossip surrounding the likes of Hollywood- not much surprises me. I can be a bit jaded probably because I have worked with many of these types in the music industry, but this story really has made me ponder a young celebrity’s responsibility to her “fans”. Here are my two cents for what it is worth.

The pop sensational singer, Disney Actress ,Miley Cyrus is getting a lot of flack for her recent Annie Liebowitz photo shoot in Vanity Fair Magazine, for being too racy. I saw the photos. In my opinion. they are beautiful artistic shots of her. Once again the incredibly talented Liebowitz shows “another” side of a young actress.But why were so many people outraged because an actress is draped in a sheet WITH NOTHING exposed except her shoulder for a photo shoot?

Yes, I know very well that she is a role model for young children, my own daughter watches her on Hannah Montana. YES, I understand that she is on The Disney Channel and there are certain “moral” responsibilities and standards that go along with that, but shouldn’t we be teaching our children our own moral standards and showing them HOW to be good people rather than sticking them in front of the television and expecting these actors to be our children’s role models? Holding any celebrity up to this task is only going to lead to disappointment and eventually disapproval.

I would love to hear your thoughts, please e-mail me.
Be kind to yourself this week.

Here are my must haves and must dos for the week:

Kimberly Sayer’s of London Slimming and Contouring Lotion- A natural and contouring body gel and moisturizer which utilizes highly active extracts to tighten and firm the skin instantly without harsh chemicals- great for post-pregnancy skin . Available at Whole Foods Markets or www.kimberlysayer.com

Metropolitian Museum of Art, New York City- check out a balloon dog, a chocolate heart wrapped in shiny red wrapper and a silhouette of Piglet from “Winnie The Pooh”- by the pop artist Jeff Koons-your kids will love it.

HAND CRAFTED in UGANDA-Get this very cool necklace made out of thin pieces of recycled magazine by the women in Uganda who have been forced from their homes by years of violence and conflict. You will be HELPING these women earn wages to sustain their families. At least $2.00 from each sale goes to CARE- go to : care.org/necklace

Posted by Deana | Filed Under Deana's Dish

My guilt free night out…

April 17, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Last week, I was out for dinner at a neighborhood restaurant here on the Upper West Side (which to the rest of Manhattan (besides the upper East Side) is the “burbs” of New York City, with a college friend of mine. Across from us were two Wall Street Trader types- I kept feeling that one of the men was giving me way too many stares. This was confirmed when my Pasta Bolognese arrived with my second glass of wine and he said to me, “Would you like some help eating your pasta”- I turned to my friend and said, ” And people they wonder why Wall Street is crashing- with lines like that, no wonder these guys can’t close a deal”! She proceeded to choke on her wine with laughter.

Yet, to be honest, even happily married with two children it still feels good to be noticed (though wouldn’t it be great if the guy who noticed me was not so embarrassingly cheesy?) I think it is healthy for a modern mum ego too- but as a mom there really is NEVER any downtime. But no good ego moment goes unpunished. After sharing a great evening out with my friend by talking about her new house, decorating and even gossiping about some of our “old” NYC skeletons (hook-ups, qu-sai boyfriends) that we have run into post marriage and children, I realize I had left my make-up bag in the cab. Must have been the two glasses of Pinot Noir I consumed- I am very out of practice . Then our new babysitter informed me that an entire hamper full of the children’s laundry had been ” mistakenly” taken from our laundry room. So the cost of that evening with wine and “cheese” was replacing all of my make-up, most of my children’s undergarments, and my baby’s FAVORITE Cookie Monster Tee-shirt.

Here are my list of my haves and must dos for the week:

Check out lilipip!Mobile Media for kids. Go to lilipip.com to discover content for your kids that will educate, entertain and inspire them on the go!You can watch their website, or download them to your iPod, Blackberry, Motorola Q or other portable devices.

From manicurist to the stars Deborah Lippmann’s long wear formula,lippmann collection, has less chemicals than regular polishes plus green tea in their formulas I LOVE all of the colors . The polish honestly does not chip /. Check out two of my favs.: “Smile” created with Sarah Jessica Parker and “Kiss From A Rose”.You can find them at: www.lippmanncollection.com, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom

Susan Ciminelli( I use all of her products) this week I am recommending her Hydrating Gel Mask- it is a must( I even sleep with it on some nights) I see the “glow in the morning”. It is great after a cold day outside or a day at the beach. I also HIGHLY recommend Susan’s Book, The Ciminelli Solution: A Seven Day Plan for Radiant Skin which suggest an amazing diet for perfect complection.www.susanciminelli.com or 212-872-2650

It’s spring time- drink Hint Water (hintwater.com)- HINT WATER is a totally sugar free and naturally flavored bottled water. The purified water is accented with a hint of natural fruit flavors.My daughter says it is: “very yummy” . I love the taste too and like knowing there is NO sugar in it.

Posted by Deana | Filed Under Deana's Dish

“Who is working for whom?”

March 27, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Having a nanny or babysitter is a very difficult relationship to “manage”. But let’s face it- it is the most important and meaningful job in any household… since nannies are the people who spend as much if not more time with your children than we do on certain days.

I have had the same nanny for my two girls since my 5 year old was 8 days old. Than this fall, rather dramatically, I had to fire her. AS a working mom, I basically got tired of re-arranging my schedule for her ”Dr. appointments”. But underneath it all, my husband and I felt that she really was just burned out from being a nanny ; she was loosing her enthusiasm. I really loved this woman, she cared for both of my girls since they came home from the hospital. But you know when the writing is on the wall: it was time for her to go.

I had a very difficult time finding a new nanny. No surprise. Its the subject of many books, many coffee clatches and many late night huddles with the hubby. While looking, I kept thinking to myself,really who is Enough to look after my children other than me? I finally chose a woman from an agency. It has been 5 months and I have already had a few confrontations with her and my 5 year old has had a bit of a hard time getting use to her as well. Again, no surprise- but what is always a surprise to ME is how i react-passive aggressive or fear??? For example, my current nanny seems to think it is more important to walk around the apartment with my 2 year old eating a snack to look for quarters for the laundry than to strap her into her booster seat so she does not choke. So- Why is it at work, if there is a problem with one of my projects I address it immediately and speak up about it? Whereas, with my own nanny I mull through in my mind , ruminating so painfully- exactly how I am going to address a problem?

I truly believe that we should not put our children in the middle of our nanny “mafia” grapplings, but as I have witnessed children have their own-and often more emphatic- opinions too.Walking my 5 year old to school today,she said to me if “O”(current nanny) is mean to me one more time, “She She”(past nanny) has got to come back! We should treat our children’s care givers with a copious amount of respect. In my mind they are the zenith of the household while they are caring for our most prized possessions. I just wish the relationship was not so complicated at times and I had an easier time with the entire dynamic.
Nourish yourself well this week.
Deana

Here is my dish of my must do’s and must haves this week:

Log onto: ebeanstalk.com for mom-tested,expert approved, lead-free learning toys!(tell ebeanstalk that you heard about them from modernmums)

Treat your self at the Susan Ciminelli Day Spa with Susan’s Hydrating Formula( I love this glow!) Essential Oils of chamomile,sandelwood,lemmon,lavendar and geranium. This oil softens, hydrates and reduces the appearance of fine lines.Visit her tranquial spa on top of Bergdorf Goodman in New York City or go to: www.susanciminelli.com

For all you “soon to be moms” you must pick up a copy of the book ” The Complete Organic Pregnancy” by Deidre Dolan and Alexandra Zissu. This must have book covers all you need to know from the nail polish you wear ,to the bed you sleep in, to the water you drink. It also has some fabulous truly organic recipes for any type of mum!

Posted by Deana | Filed Under Deana's Dish

Sometimes, You Just Have to Roll With It

February 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment

How many mums feel at times that no matter what you say in your house, “the only thing that is listening to you are the walls.”

Take my husband for instance: My 5 year old daughter told him a few weeks ago that she wanted pom poms to watch the SUPERBOWL. He asked a few of our family members where to find pom poms- I say a toy store around the corner while his very hipster sister living downtown says, RICKYS. He goes to Ricky’s and alas he finds pompoms BUT with these pom poms come as part of an “erotic” cheerleading outfit. No sweat he says, and purchases this outfit (for $65.00).

My daughter tried on the outfit as soon as her Dad came home with it -thank goodness my daughter can not read yet because the word “erotic” was all over it- The cheerleading outfit top fell open cleavage to her belly button (think Jennifer Lopez’s green dress 7 years ago!)

We all cheered for the Giants that night and her Pom Poms brought us New Yorkers a victory.

My very innocent 5 year old daughter will never know that her cheerleading outfit was $65 of “erotic” fashion, but what she does know is her dad came through that day by finding her pom poms … What I realized after chuckling with my husband about having to purchase this entire “getup” is I that I would not have gone to the “adult section” of Ricky’s for my daughter and I would NEVER have paid $65.00. But these are the situations for me that teach me that I should lighten up a bit with my “rules.” And realize that Daddy’s will do what they can for their “little girls” even if they don’t hear a word we say.

Nourish your self well this week and don’t forget to have some laughs with your kids.

-Deana

Here are my must, must haves and must do list for this week:
Music: Lenny Kravitz’s new album: “Love Revolution” – amazing, spiritual Lenny is back with another classic rock album. . There are two anti- war songs on this record. One is entiled: “Back in Vietnam” which address the Iraq conflict. I also love the track, “If You Want It”.

Blueberry Mint Shave Cream (for ladies) by WHISH BODY. This cream is formulated with essential oils of pressed blueberries, which leaves skin ultra smooth and radiant, as well as essential oils of mint leaves to cool and soothe aching muscles. I love this product it really does leave my legs soft and it smells scrumptious (I have caught my husband in the shower using it to shave his face too) You can find WHISH BODY products at fine retailers nationwide or www.whishbody.com

Preserve the Little Footprints in your life, call photographer Cheryl Korneich. She shoots the most amazing, “real” photos of children; she really has a great aesthic sense for capturing a child’s special features in their environment whether it is at the beach or on a big red tractor. www.littlefootprintphoto.com. E-mail: Cheryl@littlefootprintphoto.com Phone: 917-488-1282

Posted by Deana | Filed Under Deana's Dish

Mums, Let’s Have A Say

February 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment

All I have to say right now is I am very nervous for this up coming week for a few reasons…

Yes, I am one of those parents that is ANXIOUSLY awaiting Kindergarden acceptance and rejection letters from 12 Manhattan private schools. But you know what, I have done everything possible for my daughter to get in and if she doesn’t than I have to believe (talk to me about this logic on Feb. 15th ) that the school is not the right fit for our family. I know eventually this nightmare school process will end, I DO also know that accepting or rejecting a 5 year old based on a 15 minute “meet and greet” and a test score is ludicrous, but as my husband said to me the other night,” We got in this game, we have to play it out”.

BUT I think to myself Super Tuesday is coming up and here is something else I deeply care about: the fate of our country. And I do have A VOTE. I know who and why I am voting for, but as I have been watching the coverage and talking to my friends and family I have noticed this: Democrat or Republican, people have very strong and passionate opinions about not just their party but also each candidate in their party. So I pose a few questions: Who is voting for whom and why- I mean are women going to vote for a woman? Are men going to Not vote for a woman? Is it all about religion? Skin color?

No matter what the outcome on Tuesday, history will be made . Just cast your vote so you do have a say (unlike this damn school process). I would love to hear your feelings on who and why you choose a particular candidate.

Nourish yourself well this week,

Deana

Here are my “dish” of must haves, must dos for the week:

Bring your children to see the Royal Water Colors Show. Your kids can see beautiful flowers and vegetables growing in a REAL Prince’s Garden. Free admission and single or double decker stroller –friendly. This exhibit is open until April 12,2008

New York School of Interior Design
161 East 69th St. New York City
Gallery Hours Mon-Sat. 10am-5 pm,, closed Sunday and Holidays

Conscious Jewlery (I LOVE, LOVE my crystal point necklace, I am constantly being stopped when I wear it) My friend and amazing stylist Danna Weiss has designed these eco –conscious , crystals and gem line of necklaces, earning and bracelets. This jewelry may help you breathe more clearly, digest food more fully and even fight depression. I really do feel more “balanced” when I wear my necklace. www.consciousjewelry.com or call 212-721-3073 to order

Go to: www.Tonichome.com to check out their new OLY Studio line of furniture- I just adore this line because it is very nice classic pieces with clean lines. They also have some more “whimsical” throw pillows and tables which makes the entire line together a nice blend.

Posted by natalie | Filed Under Deana's Dish

Mom Wars & The Daily Dish

January 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I thought since it is a New Year we should discuss a topic that every mother thinks about and NO mother talks about - the silent but deadly competition between working moms vs. nonworking moms . It takes place everywhere -it is the way we women are wired, - we compare, we analyze, we question- we are thinkers.

Let me affirm that I do believe that some moms- working or not working -are completely satisfied and fulfilled in whatever role they have chosen, but for the most part I think every mom wants to climb over to the other side of the fence once in a while. So let’s take our gloves off and be real:

Why does this issue create so much tension? Do YOU think that the mom’s at “drop off “ or the moms in grocery store have it more together than you do? Have you ever turned green with envy because you are the main bread winner of your family and you would rather be in line at Starbucks with your “Bug A Boo” Stroller on the way to the park? Would your life be much more relaxed this way?

Or are YOU the mom at the park with your “Bug A Boo” Stroller checking your blackberry wishing you were checking work messages instead of e-mailing a mom to schedule the next play-date?

Is there a balance that we moms can strike or did we just get screwed when society said, “we can have/do it all?”

Here is some thing to think about: If we did open up to each other and showed some vulnerability as women and as friends would we really care if the woman next to us was a working mom or a stay at home mom? I believe we all must feel the same way many times during the day, working, non working – and maybe even the spa going, lunching moms. I think : better to struggle TOGETHER as just “moms” collectively. So let’s “bond” as moms and enjoy the journey. Note to self: My kids give me much more long term satisfaction and laughter than any of my clients ever do; even if the client does approve the video the first time I present it to them.

Nourish yourself well this week.

Posted by Deana | Filed Under Deana's Dish

Welcome to Deana’s Dish!

January 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment

“Deana’s Dish” is all about the politics of birthday parties; Super Tuesdays, the politics of our own careers and making your household tick PLUS the must haves, must sees must dos and how to look good doing it! Got a tip or idea? Email us!

Posted by Deana | Filed Under Deana's Dish

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