Posts filed under 'hip mama'
Move over Laurie Berkner… there’s a new gal in town at our place. My tinies are loving the tunes of Little Miss Ann, aka Ann Torralba, a hip 5’2″ mama from Chicagoland who makes great music for kids and plays live shows. (She’s also a former Chicago public school teacher and current Old Town School of Folk Music instructor.)
We’ve been digging her latest CD “Clap for Love”—it’s her second—on the dance floor at home and as we travel to and fro in our hot set of wheels (read: minivan). Her style: overall fun and engaging, a little bit folk infused with some lilting melodies, rocking-out songs, world tunes, and even indie aspects, too, for parents to love (I swear I feel some Wilco, my fav, chaneling on one song). She’s reworked some traditional songs, and also has several originals, and many songs are more than just fun: they feature great messages for kids (be your own bird—i.e., be an individual!) My 4-year-old loves the “Counting by Fives” song, and my 3-year-old loves “Around the Kitchen” (cockadoodle-doodle-do). And, they’re both smitten with “Good Morning,” featuring a call and answer with Torralba’s daughter, Olivia. Pretty much, my kids are just smitten with the whole album. Me, too.
You can listen to some of her tunes on Land of Nod’s web site (and purchase both albums there). Be sure to visit Little Miss Ann’s web site directly to purchase either of her CDs or check in on her performance schedule (Chicagoland and Wisconsin gigs) and read-up on the hot, thumbs-up reviews she’s gotten in the music press.
—Mama Kate
September 26th, 2009
The fabulous designer at Amuse Me that makes those great nursing covers with ribbons inside for your baby to play with, has launched adorable Mommy and Toddler aprons in some gorgeous fabrics.
These aprons are totally reversible, chic and whimsical! What little girl doesn’t want everything that mommy has? And what mommy doesn’t want to rock some serious style while in the kitchen or garden?
I absolutely adore these aprons and so does my daughter! You’ll want these aprons hanging in a prominent place in your kitchen. They are a decoration in themselves…
Mama Jen
September 3rd, 2009
I’ve been riding the same bike for 18 years. It’s an “urban mountain” bike, and it weighs a ton. But, it’s not even close to worn out because I simply don’t ride much. But, just the same, inspired by Madison’s “Ride the Drive” today, I thought I’d take a look at what’s out there in stylish-yet-can-haul-kids category. It may finally be time for me to update.
Friends rave about their Madsen “Precious Cargo Bike.” The kids sit in a bucket right behind you, and over the back tire. That way, they’re not way off back yonder enclosed in the chariot (as we call it) and you feel like a singular unit. It feels like you’re keeping them a little tighter to your chest—a good thing especially when riding roadside. And, when there are no kids, you can haul stuff. Very utilitarian. I’m ruining my own chances by telling you this…but you could WIN a FREE bike from Madsen. The company gives one away each week. My friends purchased their new ride at Williamson Bicycle Works, here in Madison, WI.
I also like the looks of WorkCycles bikes, a company known for making “Dutch city bikes.” They’re made in Amsterdam, but there are a few dealers stateside. Dig the Fr8Family bike, with the seat tucked snugly between you and the handlebars. This model can be fitted to carry up to three kids. Rear seat options available, too. Also like the looks of the Onderwater Family Tandem (pic of dad + 2 tinies). Please, let me not have the need for the company’s 12-seater extralong cargo bike.
WorkCycles has other cool child transport bikes, too. And just cool-looking bikes in general. Maybe it’s just that anything Euro or Scandinavian (except the pop music) appeals to this modernist mama.Like this one, the Secret Service ladies bike. 
Wow, and look. I can look ultra stylish on any of the bikes, sporting a skirt instead of something to sweat in. This makes me want to trade in my yoga pants for a wardrobe from Boden, complete with hip trench coat, don some Dansko clogs, and decorate my home with Marimekko patterns.
— Mama Kate
August 30th, 2009
So, what is Mama Jess—one of MomAppeal’s original founders—up to these days, besides chasing around her busy 4 year old? Exploring one of the best careers you’ve probably never heard of! She’s launched a virtual assistance business from her Madison, WI, home. We’re proud to say that Jessica Maes is fast becoming a guru and has just published a book on the subject, Exploring A Career As A Virtual Assistant and she is currently on virtual tour to promote it!
The book is drawn from Jessica’s own experiences as a virtual assistant, as well as the class she’s taught on the subject via the University of Wisconsin’s Minicourse department. A virtual assistant provides professional administrative, technical, or other specialized assistance to other businesses from a remote location, such as a home office; most have previous administrative experience. The book explores the industry, examples of successful practices, and how to make the leap toward starting your own Virtual Assistant practice.
If you’re looking for an outlet for your skills, one that allows you flexibility a busy mom needs, or maybe looking for a new career, then read a free sample from Jessica’s book by clicking here; to purchase in downloadable eBook format or hard copy, click here. To celebrate the book’s launch, Jessica has a few goodies to offer us. The first is a 20% discount off the purchase of the book. Simply use the promo code THANKYOU during check out.
Also, as part of this tour stop, Jessica is available to us today to answer your burning questions about the Virtual Assistance industry! Post your question by leaving a Comment below. Jessica will respond in the Comments section so be sure to check back!
The second goody from Jessica is that one lucky MomAppeal reader will receive a free copy of the eBook version of the book! To be eligible to win, you simply need to post a question about virtual assistance in the comments section of this post. She’ll choose the winner at random and announce here in a couple of days.
Kudos Mama Jess!
—Mama Kate + Mama Jen
August 3rd, 2009
I gotta say, I am digging Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP website/newsletter, whose mission is to “nourish the inner aspect.” It’s filled with lots of ideas, both hip and helpful (well, and some not so at the moment—though I do love anything foodie oriented, I, sadly, don’t envision I’ll be lunching with the kids in Barcelona or London any time soon, or purchasing any designer fashions until my next life …). About every week or so, I get a nifty, conversational email about the idea of the week (and hey, it’s from Gwyneth, no less!). GOOP is wrapped around six main categories: Make, Go, Get, Do, Be, See. And, Miss GP includes plenty of family- and mommy-friendly ideas. GOOP features expert advice aplenty. And, there are lots of celebrity hooks—recipes and restaurant ideas from GP buddy Mario Batali, Cameron Diaz’s “green list,” DJ AM’s party jam picks, gal pal Madonna’s fave books, and so on—and that’s kinda fun. Essentially, though, I find it a great resource and collective of ideas—info on things alternative (healing modalities, for example), travel ideas (for my future files…), general food for thought (parenting ideas from experts). Back on that foodie note, I absolutely love the recipes GOOP features—a great variety that runs the gamut from family friendly to vegan, dairy-free, meat-free, super healthy deals that sound truly delicious. One friend had great success with Gwyneth’s detox diet (minus 6 lbs in one week) … that’s one aspect of GOOP I’ve not yet checked out, but hope to soon!
—Mama Kate
July 3rd, 2009
Have your baby rockin’ the hippest bibs around with a bib from Rock a Bib Baby!
Conjured up by a crafty mom who was tired of the same old cutesy designs found all too often on baby items, Rock a Bib Baby adds much needed rock and roll to the baby world!
The bibs have some amazingly hip patterns and reverse to a soft chenille side as well. Double the use! Functional, soft on baby’s skin and very rockin’!
When your little drooler wears a bib most every waking hour to catch all that is dripping, these bibs add a load of style and function!!!
Enter Promo Code ROCKON for a 20 percent discount!!!
Mama Jen
June 15th, 2009
Do you find your little girls attracted to body products that smell of candy and youth but are loaded with synthetics that are harmful for their skin?
Sparklehearts bridges the gap between the amount of all natural baby products you can find and the all natural beauty products for women. Somewhere in there, natural based companies seem to have forgotten about the needs of young girls. They need youthful qualities in their products—smell, packaging, maybe a sparkle or two…and please can it also be healthy???
Sparklehearts says “”No way,” to the icky chemicals and toxins that make up the majority of make-up, bath and beauty products, and say, “Yes” to all natural, all safe, practically edible, but seriously glamorous.” You’ve got to love that!!
And—the lotion SPARKLES–with wonderful all natural mica!! Not only does it feel fabulous ( I got to feel it after I had to pry it from my daughter’s hands!!) it has subtle youthful sparkles…not ala Halloween…very hip and subtle! It also smells like dessert which is a bonus!
Sparklehearts currently carries a fun line of hair and body products that are priced right, “rocking some serious style in 100% recycled packaging,” and are made in the USA by two moms!
Thank you Sparklehearts, for recognizing such an important product consumer who also deserves all the health and glam that natural products can bring!!
I posted on this a few weeks ago and for some reason, it has disappeared, so if you feel like you are having deja vu…that’s why 
Mama Jen
June 8th, 2009
I have never felt like I wanted to spend a lot on a stroller, but in the search for a stroller that would allow my tall husband to push comfortably , I have been led to the Maclaren Techno XT and Techno XLR. Two fantastic strollers that have handles that are adjustable in height. They move wonderfully, are well made, hold resale value should you want to sell it when finished, and they are fab looking!
I also stumbled upon the slick Grand Tour promo from Maclaren and wow!!!! They refer to it as a “crossover” stroller…they also refer to it’s “chassis” and “dashboard.” A real baby vehicle and I can’t help but think of Ralphy in “A Christmas Story”since it also has “this thing that tells time.” When I watch this I do feel like Ralphy probably felt when he laid his eyes on the famous Red Ryder B B gun for the first time. Looks like an amazingly fabulous stroller!
You certainly can tell how these strollers began in the mind of a former aeronautical engineer who became a grandfather and wanted his grandchildren and their parents to have a functional, safe, durable and well designed strollers.
Okay—I am going to go wipe the drool off of my face…
Mama Jen
April 15th, 2009
Recieve your mail online? Yes, it is possible with Earth Class Mail.
Maybe you have personal mail needs that this could solve…paperless, available to you while traveling etc.
Or maybe— just maybe, you’d like your small business to have a Park Avenue address in NY!! Earth Class Mail lets you choose street names with that certain panache that will reflect so well on your business. “Street Cred!” Imagine handing out your business card at a mixer somewhere in the middle of America with that business adress on it!
You could also escape to a nice getaway, say, at a beach house on the Gulf—and not miss that important letter you are waiting on…
There are endless possibilities with this amazing tool that solves so many snail mail issues in this “on the go” portable world!!! Now that has some MomAppeal!! Thanks for sending this my way Mama Jess!
Mama Jen
February 26th, 2009
Two parents, who were having trouble getting their 5 yr old to want to eat anything other than hot-dogs and macaroni and cheese (we’ve all felt those struggles), came up with the aptly named Food Game to banish their mealtime issues!
This game is easy to use, teaches kids the different types of food (proteins, starch, vegetables…) and keeps kids engaged and not bored while eating —they get to spin a spinner and find out what to eat next! Kid’s love that! Also, look at the great way the board fits into mealtime. There is an orange spot where your child’s plate sits on the gameboard !
After using this game, many parents who could not get their kids to sit at the table, or eat broccoli have been amazed to see that this game actually has helped their child to do just that. I bet this game would absolutely keep my daughter eating the whole variety of foods offered to her as well as keep her wanting to stay at the table for longer periods of time.
Phenomenal!!!
Mama Jen
February 18th, 2009
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