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Must-Have Timeless Fashion Pieces For A Busy Mom’s Wardrobe

December 7, 2020 by

Basic wardrobe essentials for business attire

As a busy mom, you probably don’t spend a whole lot of time flipping through fashion magazines. Between shutting your kids for dance class and soccer, making sure there’s dinner on the table that has some nutrients, and dealing with the constant tidal wave of dirty laundry: comfort trumps style. 

Shopping for yourself is probably a rare occasion, and you try to quickly pick up something for yourself while shopping for your kids. The word ‘fashion’ conjures up images of skinny teenage models on billboards and runways, none of which we can relate to. We likely have teenage daughters who’d know much more about what’s trending in the world of apparel. 

Let’s face it: we have those moments of accidentally glancing at a mirror and thinking, “Who is this old lady? What happened to that fun, college girl?”. We all feel frumpy sometimes. 

Our personal style can feel vintage and not in a good way.

But just because we’re busy doesn’t mean we don’t deserve to be well-dressed! And as a mom, you’re not looking to wear the season’s latest trends. 

You’d much rather build a wardrobe full of good-quality, re-wearable, timeless, stylish pieces that are comfortable and never going out of style.

You’d be surprised how what we wear decides how we feel. I’ve always noticed that dressing myself (even for a grocery trip!) and getting a few compliments from friends/colleagues can fuel me throughout the day. When you feel good about yourself, you go about your day with newfound strength and confidence. 

You’ll get done with work better and be happier around your family! They’ll notice the difference as well. 

So, let’s get right into it!

Building a Wardrobe

If you look at your closet and all you can see is worn out and faded clothes that you’ve worn for years, it’s probably time to revamp your entire wardrobe. 

If you have the objective of getting a new wardrobe and go shopping, chances are you’ll spend way too much and buy lots of unnecessary pieces. 

To do this, you’ll need a very systematic approach. 

  • Let’s divide your entire wardrobe into two categories. Basics and Statements.
  • Basics are pieces that are your everyday wear. This doesn’t just mean white t-shirts, but it expands over all the essential items a wardrobe would comprise. That’s T-shirts, Blouses/Tops, Jeans/Trousers, Dresses/Skirts, and Coats/Jackets.
  • Statements are quite self-explanatory. These are prints and eye-catching pieces that you’d occasionally wear to impress and look your absolute best. 

It always makes more sense to spend money on Basics. 

Basics are elevated everyday wear that you can create different outfits with. It adds subtle style without being recognizable. 

For example, those jazzy bright red flare pants you own look great but are instantly recognizable. You can’t wear them more than once without it seeming like you wear the same thing all the time.

We all have a terrible habit of going shopping and spotting that one absolutely stunning dress that costs a bomb, and you have no idea when you’d wear it. 

We feel like spending on that one dress because it’s beautiful, but for the same money, we could buy 4 Basic items that would help us look stylish and put-together every day. 

Think of it as junk food. When you take your kids grocery shopping, they want to pick up the sugary cereal and candy, but you know that you have to buy vegetables and fruits for them to eat for every meal. 

Get New Jeans

I know we tried hopping on the trend of skinny jeans some time ago even though it was uncomfortable, but I have good news for you now. Those tight skinny jeans are no longer in fashion, and we can go back to wearing the comfortable baggy high waisted jeans we wore in college in the 70s and 80s! 

The latest jeans are called “mom jeans”! All the kids wear them these days, but they look dignified and polished at any age. Loose jeans can upgrade your daily look and be comfortable enough to run errands and do daily chores. 

Black jeans or black trousers are also a staple that should be there in your wardrobe. This is an excellent example of a comfortable outfit with black jeans.

Basic Blouses

Blouses are the best way to seem elegant and well-dressed while also being comfortable. These days, when I’m shopping, all I seem to see is crop tops. Now I have nothing against crop tops, but they feel too teenage for me to wear myself. I’d prefer blouses with stylistic elements, like a bit of frill, cuffs, or pockets that make it look simple but stylish. 

Go for colors that will go with everything. You must have a few ‘whites,’ which are a range of light-colored blouses. Look for cream, off-white, blush pink and other light and breezy colors that you can pair with anything. 

Try to also get solid dark colors like a good navy blue and black. 

This is a simple pinstriped blouse that has a stylistic element: the collar. The woman looks fashionable and polished. Her bright orange lipstick gives the look a ‘pop’. 

I love this blouse because it’s so feminine and flowy and yet simple. You could wear this thrice a week, and people wouldn’t really notice, as long as you wore different pants each time. 

Plain white blouses are so versatile. This woman pairs it beautifully with a creased midi skirt. 

Don’t shy away from Dresses and Skirts!

I used to feel awkward wearing dresses as an everyday outfit. I felt like I was quite literally “dressing up too much” or trying too hard. But wearing a comfortable, well-fitting midi dress makes the day such a breeze. It’s just one item to wear, so you don’t have to fuss around too much while getting ready. 

You also look like you have refined taste! Shop for dresses that have structure and are of good breathable quality. Try to buy linen!

This is a perfect example of a statement piece. It’s a beautiful vivid print, yet something that’s can be worn on a regular weekday. 

A beautiful sundress that will make you feel your best without feeling over-dressed. 

What a comfortable yet fashion-forward outfit! The asymmetrical silhouette definitely makes her look posh and elegant while in solid plain colors. 

Coats/Jackets

Coats and jackets can be the most expensive item to stock your wardrobe with. The key is to stick with neutral colors that can go with virtually anything. 

To start off, make sure you have a black and beige coat. Warm browns and taupe are perfect for the autumn and winter seasons. 

Longer coats always give a more sophisticated look. 

Have fun!

Shopping for a new wardrobe can be really fun. You’re doing this for yourself, as self-care. Clothes can only be a reminder of how we feel on the inside, so make sure you dress yourself like a million bucks — because that’s who you are!




How many zeros are in a million

December 7, 2020 by

A million is equal to 1,000,000. That’s a lot of zeros!




Gluten-Free Banana Oatmeal Pancakes for Christmas Morning

December 3, 2020 by

It’s December already, and if you’re anything like me, that means you’re wearing multiple fluffy socks and ditched your shower playlist for Mariah Carey’s Christmas album. 

Let’s face it: we were in the Christmas spirit the moment Thanksgiving was over. (Maybe even before!) And with 2020 almost wrapping up (but not quite!), it’s probably been the most challenging year of our lives, surviving a global pandemic. We all need to celebrate this holiday season. 

If you live away from family: you might be reconciling that you won’t be going home for Christmas this year. Traveling across states (or countries!) can be unsafe, and we don’t want to irresponsibly put our elderly parents in danger. Getting the whole family together may only happen over video calls this year.

And without family, I know that if I start making chocolate chip cookies, I will be the only one to binge eat them at 3am. Last year my favorite joke was, “What did I get for Christmas? I got fat.” 

This year, I don’t plan to ruin all the progress I’ve made following Chloe Ting’s workouts on Youtube, but I still want to feel as much in the holiday spirit as I possibly can. 

That’s why eating healthy versions of your favorite Christmas foods can lift your mood and not the number on the scale.

And pancakes are no exception. 

A trip to IHOP could have been the perfect Christmas morning when we were kids, but we’re well into the territory of watching what we put into our bodies. 

Christmas morning brunch menu ideas

Pancakes aren’t particularly festive on their own; they’re usually a childhood Sunday breakfast favorite. I absolutely adore pancakes but hate how they make me feel. 

A breakfast of stuffing your face with fluffy pancake slathered with butter and drowned in maple syrup? Delicious, but gives you a sugar high that crashes pretty quickly. You’re left with a mild headache as you squint at your laptop screen, trying to get some work done.

Not the best way to start the day. 

I began searching for a way to enjoy pancakes for breakfast without feeling like crap in an hour. I also wanted to incorporate some complex carbs into my diet. With a gluten-intolerant roommate, I turned to GF rolled oats for a solution. 

This recipe is incredible because it requires no added sugar, and it can all be made in a blender!

Plus, it uses up those overripe bananas lying on your kitchen counter. 

They’re healthy because they have more than 10g of protein per serving and tons of fiber. This recipe serves one person with a huge appetite, but feel free to double it up! You could even quadruple it to feed the family something nourishing and decadent on Christmas morning.

Keep reading till the end for my healthy home-made ‘Nutella’ recipe! The perfect topping to make pancakes Christmas morning worthy.

Here’s how to make it

The Ingredients you’ll need

  • ¾ cup of gluten-free rolled oats/instant oats
  • 1 overripe banana (it should be very ripe and mushy, with the black spots on the peel. However, if it’s releasing fluid and has fruit flies on it and smells fermented, it’s way too overripe. Don’t use it!)
  • 1 egg (I add it for the protein, but I’ve replaced this with a flax egg, and it worked wonders. You can do this if you want a vegan alternative.)
  • ¼ cup of milk or plant milk
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (you could use a vanilla bean for some extra fanciness!)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon flax meal
  • A pinch of Kosher salt
  • Butter for greasing your griddle/pan. You can use oil instead of a vegan alternative.

Method

  1. First, add the dry ingredients to your blender. That’s the oats, the baking powder, the cinnamon, the flax meal, and salt. Grind it for a few pulses until it’s a coarse powder. It doesn’t need to be too fine.
  2. Add all the wet ingredients. The egg/flax egg, the banana broken into chunks, the milk and vanilla extract. Pulse a few times until everything is relatively smooth and looks like pancake batter. 
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  1. Heat your non-stick flat pan or griddle with a little bit of butter/oil and pour! I love making smaller pancakes so that I can stack them. Cook until you see the pancakes rise a little bit. When you see bubbles, it’s time to flip. They should be dark golden brown. 

You can really dress up these pancakes to get into the holiday mood. I stay away from the maple syrup because they’re honestly sweet enough already. The overripe banana makes the pancakes super soft. 

You could cover it in strawberries and (more) bananas and organic peanut butter. I like putting some homemade ‘Nutella’ because it’s still in the healthy territory when you make it yourself. 

Homemade Nutella

  • 400g 2 1/2 cups of hazelnuts
  • ⅓ cup oil (coconut/olive oil or even hazelnut oil)
  • ⅓ cup sweetener (this can be maple syrup, brown sugar, or even regular white sugar)
  • 3 tablespoons dutch process cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons milk powder (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

You can also add some melted milk chocolate to make it tastier but I want to keep it healthy so I generally don’t.

  1. Roast the hazelnuts in an oven. Then take off their skins by rubbing them in a kitchen towel. 
https://unsplash.com/photos/AEYdJTleZc0
  1. Grind them in a food processor. First they’ll turn into hazelnut meal which is a coarse powder. Keep scraping the sides down with a spatula and it’ll soon release oils and become creamy like peanut butter. When you can see no pieces of hazelnuts it’s time to add the oil and sugar while the motor is running at a slow speed.
  2. Add the cocoa powder and vanilla essence last. Your nutella is ready!
https://unsplash.com/photos/L_7VYLQ5BO8

Whatever the toppings you choose, don’t forget to do the tiniest dusting of icing sugar on top. It’s going to be less than a teaspoon by weight, and it looks beautiful like snow. 

You’re never too old to enjoy a little bit of dusted sugar. 




The Donor Egg Process: Top 5 Facts You Need to Know

December 1, 2020 by

Thanks to incredible innovations made by doctors and scientists, couples facing infertility now have a wonderful array of family building options available to them. Some of these options include IVF, home insemination, and intrauterine insemination (IUI) – all of which have very different costs. 

Traditional IVF may be a woman’s first option, but this route may not be possible when the issue stems from the quality of her eggs. Fortunately, donor eggs offer the same amazing benefits of conventional IVF (carrying and giving birth to your baby) while removing the potential egg-related complications. 

But what can you expect from the process? 

From helping you understand the differences between fresh and frozen donor eggs to highlighting some of the emotions you may face during your fertility journey, we explore the donor egg process below. 

1. Finding an Egg Donor

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is choosing your egg donor. Frozen egg banks offer access to an expansive pool of diverse potential candidates. You can have peace of mind in your choice since all donors must meet rigorous screening criteria before being accepted. You may choose your donor based on shared physical characteristics or opt for someone who possesses admirable qualities you’d love for your child to inherit. The choice is completely up to you. 

On the other hand, you may opt to choose a close relative or friend as your donor. While, this may initially provide some comfort, it’s worth exploring how your relationship with your donor will be affected once you have your baby. 

2. Choosing Fresh or Frozen Donor Eggs

If you’re using donor eggs to start your family, you’re also given the choice between using fresh or frozen donor eggs. Despite both processes being relatively similar, it’s worth noting the former takes significantly longer than the latter. 

Why? 

Fresh donor eggs require the synchronization of your cycle and your donor’s cycle. This adds to the overall expense, provides a significantly smaller choice of possible candidates and offers less flexibility when it comes to your cycle start date. Overall, this route can take six months or more to complete. 

In comparison, a frozen donor egg cycle can fit into your schedule and happen on your own timeline. There’s no need for cycle synchronization with your donor. Further, you can choose your donor from a much wider range of donor candidates since their eggs have already been retrieved and you don’t need to worry about your donor’s geographical location. With frozen donor eggs, your cycle can be completed within just four weeks. 

3. Understanding the Physical Process

Once you’ve settled on your donor, your body needs to be prepared for your embryo implantation. This involves taking a course of hormones to help prepare your womb. This is followed by the thawing and fertilization of your eggs. After several days in an incubator, one mature embryo will be implanted into your uterus. 

Two weeks after implantation, you’ll return to your clinic for a blood test (to detect the pregnancy hormone, HCG) and an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy. 

4. Preparing for the Emotional Impact of Using Donor Eggs 

Undergoing any fertility treatment can take a huge toll on you physically – but it’s important to appreciate how it can impact your mental health, as well. 

Initially, you may be overwhelmed by your infertility diagnosis and the different options your doctor presents. You may grieve for the natural pregnancy you’ve lost, feel disillusioned, and will probably wonder why this is happening to you. 

All these thoughts and feelings are completely normal. But as you start to explore the new avenues available to you, feelings of hope will start to warm you from within. Then, when you finally receive the news you’ve been waiting for — you’re pregnant! — that warming sensation of elation will wash over you. 

Whatever emotion you feel, high or low, it’s important to acknowledge each one as it comes. Speaking to a professional (a counsellor, your doctor, or someone at your fertility clinic) can help you come to terms with what’s happening, too.

5. Egg donor problems 

After riding a rollercoaster of emotions throughout your infertility journey, you may have some concerns about how you’ll feel after using donor eggs. 

Will you struggle to bond with your baby knowing they don’t share your genes? What kind of relationship will they have with their siblings? Will people be able to tell your baby came from donor eggs? 

Again, these thought processes are entirely normal. Nevertheless, many of the concerns you may have before undergoing a donor egg cycle are likely to vanish once you know your baby is growing inside you. From their first kick to seeing them on the ultrasound, there’s no question this is your baby. 




Busy Mom – Stylish Mom! How to Always look good with your Little one in tow

November 26, 2020 by

Being a mom means compromise. The time we once spent on our hair, makeup and wardrobe is now spent dressing our children, getting them ready for school and making sure they have everything they need. While being a parent is incredibly rewarding, it can take its toll on your confidence and your sense of self. 

style

Many mothers confess they struggle to maintain their identity once they become parents. The truth is that your identity isn’t gone, it’s just hidden underneath all those other responsibilities, toys and dirty clothes you have to sort. Being a mom doesn’t mean you have to compromise your style and your sense of self. Here we’ll explore how you can look and feel good with your little one in tow. 

Update your eyewear

You’re a busy mom, which means you don’t have time to mess around with contacts in the morning or in the middle of the night. You need to get up and go. This is where updating your eyewear comes in. Glasses are no longer just a way to correct your vision, they’re also a way for you to express your personality and your style. It’s not easy to look good when you’re covered in milk and poster paints, but a stunning pair of glasses can change that. Striking styles such as these Oakley eyeglasses will highlight your beautiful features and complement your skin tone and your face shape. Designer frames are always made with the wearer in mind, so you can expect comfort and practicality from your eyewear – something which all busy moms need!   

Focus on your skincare routine

Bright, dewy skin looks good on everyone and even though you might be struggling with night feeds and a lack of sleep, giving your skin a helping hand will leave you looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Remember to cleanse, tone and moisturize in the morning and evening. Neglecting to take off your makeup (if any) will clog your pores and leave your skin dull, oily and prone to breakouts. 

Mascara and concealer are your new best friends

There’s very little that these two products can’t cover-up. And as a busy mom, you don’t have time for an extensive makeup routine. A freshly cleansed, toned and moisturized face is the perfect canvas for a little concealer and a quick swipe of mascara. 

Being a mom fun and exhausting

There’s nothing that will drain your time more, than mourning that pair of jeans you can no longer fit into. You don’t have time for this! It’s also incredibly bad for your mental health. Get rid of any clothes that no longer fit, or items that make you feel bad about yourself. Only choose clothes that fit your body shape and boost your confidence! 

And finally, take a moment

We mentioned above that being a mom means compromise, however that shouldn’t come at the cost of your wellbeing. Always remember to eat, keep hydrated and move your body. Reach out for help if you need it and you’ll always look and feel a million dollars.




What essential oils are good for sinus infections

November 23, 2020 by

When it comes to the natural remedies that can help with sinus infections, there are many options available. Jojoba oil is one of those great choices as it has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties which make it a powerful ally in fighting off colds or other viruses that may be causing an infection. Adding peppermint essential oils to your diffuser provides you relief from congestion while helping you breathe easier throughout the day. Eucalyptus oil is another good option for sinuses due to its ability to fight bacteria and fungal growth inside them. Finally, neem oil should not be overlooked because of its antiviral qualities against flu virus strains like H1N1 and others coming on strong this season.




Internal temp of ribs when done

November 23, 2020 by

There are many different opinions on the internal temp of ribs when they’re done. The consensus is that it’s best to cook them at 300 degrees and not let them get too hot, but your personal preference may vary depending on what you want in a rib. We recommend cooking for 20 minutes per pound or until an instant-read thermometer reads 175 degrees Fahrenheit deep into the center of the meat.




When can i rent captain marvel

November 22, 2020 by

It’s a little tricky to find out when you can rent Captain Marvel. The movie is now available on Netflix and HBO, but it will be awhile before it appears elsewhere. If you’re interested in finding more information about the film or want to watch it as soon as possible, take a look at our full list of release dates for any other platforms where Captain Marvel might appear sooner!




How to Dominate Gift Shopping Year-Round

November 20, 2020 by

Do you stress out about gifts for birthdays and various holidays? There’s no reason to let gift pressure ruin any celebration. Most people are truly just happy when you recognize and appreciate them, whatever the occasion. But gift-giving is a significant cultural tradition, so it’s often unavoidable. It can be especially frustrating to feel like the presents you give never match up to those you receive. Give yourself a break by following these tips that can lead you to satisfying success.

DIY

One-Stop-Shop

Don’t waste precious time and energy running around to a different store for each person on your list. There are easier options. Plan ahead and limit yourself to one or two stores for everyone—or even better, do all of your shopping online at one site designed specifically to make these kinds of purchases easier. My Gift Stop knows that even online shopping can be frustrating and complicated if you’re buying everything from different sites. Don’t make this task harder than it has to be. Find somewhere that specializes in gifts so you can knock out your whole list all at once.

Get What They Want

While some people are excellent at coming up with creative presents to surprise their loved ones, it’s often better to just get people what they’ve asked for. They’ll never be upset to get something that they explicitly said they wanted, so it’s guaranteed success, whereas a creative gift has the potential to miss the mark entirely. You might accidentally buy them something they already have or something they have no interest in. Don’t feel like you have to come up with the perfect idea on your own. Just ask your family and friends what they’d like. They’ll appreciate this conversation because it means they won’t be disappointed. Or, if you enjoy the element of surprise, pay close attention to things they mention in the months preceding the holidays or their birthday and listen for things that they need but won’t buy for themselves.

Unusual gift goods

Your gifts don’t have to be things. While getting stuff can be great, sometimes presents end up cluttering the recipient’s home, unused and taking up space. Or maybe you know someone who is impossible to buy for because they have everything they need and can afford to get themselves anything they want at any time. Instead of trying to find a movie they’d like or buying yet another scented candle, look for experiences they’d enjoy instead—such as concert tickets for their favorite band or a camping trip. Give them the gift of a fun experience and a wonderful memory. These kinds of gifts tend to get a more emotional response and have a more lasting impact on a person. It’s even better if the experience is something you can do together, as you’ll then also be giving them the gift of your time and a memory you both can share for years to come.

Set Limits & Budget

If the holidays stress you out because of how much you spend on presents, try something different this year. Make a budget before you start shopping. It’s okay to talk to friends and family to let them know that you’re being careful about your spending. If you’ve given extravagant gifts in the past, these conversations will help to manage expectations. You can also suggest everyone in your friend group or family stick to a similar budget so that everyone saves money and so that the exchange feels balanced and on the same level. A budget doesn’t have to mean cheap gifts either—consider setting a budget that allows everyone to make things for each other. It may seem cliché, but homemade gifts are especially touching because they represent the time and effort you put into making something for your loved one. Maybe you like to sew, in which case you could find fabric that matches each person’s personality or interests and make pajama pants for them. Or maybe you’re a writer or musician, and you could write a song or poem for someone, or you could learn to play their favorite song and perform it on the occasion.

One thing that all of these suggestions require is a bit of planning. Don’t wait until the last minute to get a gift, regardless of the occasion. Give yourself time and plan ahead to get the most out of these tips for success. Go easy on yourself and don’t make the process harder than it has to be.




What do Russia eat

November 16, 2020 by

It turns out that Russians have a varied diet, with some traditional dishes and many Western influences. They enjoy delicious foods such as borscht, pelmeni dumplings, and caviar in addition to more typical American fare like pizza and burgers. With all these great options there’s no need to be picky!




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