Please come by and visit me at my new home http://thefashionistaandbaby.com.

The new site is still a work in progress, so please bare with me.

This site will remain for intact, but please, please up date your bookmark and blogroll.

Thanks for your support.

Best,

Traci

There was something warm and inviting about her blog that kept me coming back, and when she admitted to being a Jane of all trades but master of none, I was grateful for her honesty because it felt great knowing I wasn’t the only one. As a mom, sometimes we need all the inspiration we can get and a gentle reminder that we do what we do for the benefit of our children. Dee is that inspiration for me and that’s why she is the Domestic Diva of the Week.

Dee, a stay-at-home mom of three living in Texas; blogs, sews, knits, crochets, and admits to being an occasional college student. I found a little of myself in the answers she provided to the questions I emailed her, and I hope you will too.

What are the challenges you face being a SAHM? For one, isolation. Though we live in an area full of SAHMs, I have trouble meeting people. I try and have tried, but I’m not a playgroup person. I’m a bit of a loner, so that doesn’t leave a lot of options for me. I also live far away from family and I really wish I had someone nearby sometimes. Another issue for me is keeping the kids entertained without getting bored myself.

How do you overcome those challenges? I talk to my mother [on the phone] often. I also have this fantasy in my head where we moved back to New York and go away every weekend while the kids are with the grandparents (heeey!). The isolation, I’ve kind of gotten used to. I have a few friends kind nearby and a larger support system I can reach online and by phone, and so that helps. To entertain the kids, I do things with them that we all find enjoyable, whether it’s going to the movies, a visit to the library, or some type of local cultural event or museum. Even vegging out on the couch and watching movies is a blast when we’re all together.

How do you maintain balance? I’m not sure I do, heh! I go out a few times a week sans kiddos. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy like a spa day. Even simple activities like going to the library and thrifting (two of my favorite things) help me maintain my sanity when done alone. And when mommy is happy, everybody is happy.

What motivates you to keep going? My family. The kids are um, boisterous, lol, and pretty much keep me going all day until they’re in bed. I don’t have the option of stopping.  They depend on me. My husband is very supportive. He thinks that whatever I want to do, I should do it! He just wishes I would pick one thing and stick with it…

Girlie: 4, Bebe boy; 2, and ZB boy is just about 7

What are your hopes and dreams for your children’s future? Wow. Well, I hope my husband and I raise them into adults with as much of their mental health intact as is possible first of all, lol. After that, I hope that they are kind, happy, strong, compassionate and successful in whatever they set out to do.

Tell me one thing you do for your kids to further their future success and give me one parenting tip. I read to them and try to instill in them the importance of a good education, especially as children of color. Parenting tip: When you want to cry or scream, try to laugh or smile instead. It really helps, I promise.

What are you passionate about? I would have to say dance. I don’t dance anymore (lack of classes in my area), but it’s the one thing that has the power to excite me and also, to relax and sooth me.

What are your fashion and beauty tips for other moms? Beauty tip: drink lots of water. People always tell me I’ve got great skin and no matter what else I’ve done to it, I always drink water, oh, and moisturize! Fashion: Find your style. It may take weeks or months or years, but you’ll get there. When it comes to trends, take what you like, and leave the rest. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Any effort is better than none.

Be sure to stop by and say hello to Dee at tifiblogs.

And, if you’re a working mom or know one contact me to be featured as a FAB mom of the week, or if you’re a stay at home mom or know of one to featured as a Domestic Diva of the Week email me at fasionistaandbaby@gmail.com.

I remember vividly the day I received my first gems from my grandmother. I think I was around the age of twelve when she gave me a ring with rubies, July’s birthstone, surrounded by diamonds and a pair of owl 14K earrings. My eyes dazzled at the owl’s brilliant diamond filled body and shiny ruby eyes. I felt like a princess whenever I wore them. Falling in love quickly ensued, and I’ve been a gem enthusiast ever since.

My love affair with gems coupled with a desire to incorporate them into my living space has led me to some fabulous discoveries.So get a pen and paper to take notes on how you too can bring a little fashion to your home. 

These chandeliers from Zia Priven’s couture collection and table lamp pictured above are absolutely gorgeous. The gem pendants add a touch of unrivaled elegance and sophistication.

About Zia Priven:

Founded in 1999 by the husband and wife team of Marcia Zia and Paul Priven, Zia-Priven Design was born out of a shared passion for dramatic lighting and a love of ‘40s Moderne.

 In 1997, Zia and Priven met while working on a film in Los Angeles. After discovering their mutual love of lighting and design–not to mention each other–the pair opened a boutique where they specialized in restyling and restoring vintage lighting. Despite the boutique’s success, Zia and Priven felt dissatisfied with the lack of creativity they saw in the lighting market, so they set out to create their own line of unique lighting for the contract and residential industries. Leaving their careers in Los Angeles behind, Zia and Priven packed up and moved to New York, where they now live and work.

Their debut line, The Salon Collection, appeared in the fall of 2000, introducing the market to Zia-Priven’s modern interpretation of classic lighting. With the additions of The Moderne and Extraordinary Collections, Zia-Priven Design cemented their reputation as a studio specializing in modern glamour.  

Experimentation with new materials such as Ping Pong Balls, Faceted Nickel Beaded Ball Chain and lengths of luxurious, yet modern crystal chains, has taken the line to a new level. The 10ft Troy Ping Pong Ball Chandelier caused quite a stir at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, 2006, resulting in a feature story in the NY Times, The NY Post and a live interview on The Today Show

I can barely keep my eyes open. I’m so tired. I haven’t been able to get very much sleep lately for reason I may disclose at a later date. For now, I’m posting something random.

I thought this bag, designed by Marissa Vandersee, was funny. It reminds me of something Weird Al Yankovic would do, make a spoof of a popular song. Marissa does something similar with her “I’m not a smug twat” bag. Not that I would walk down the street carrying the bag. I’m just saying it’s a funny concept that appears to be making money. [Thanks, Marvina]

Out of the 14 years I’ve been shopping at Wholefoods Market, I’ve never gotten excited over their products until a few days ago when I was given two free yogurts to try (I love it when they sample the whole package, meaning I get to walk out with something free). To make a long story short, Rachel’s is the best darn yogurt…period! I swear to you it is. And, it contains DHA which is good for healthy brain development, probiotic for the digestive tract, and omega 3, an essential human need that is not produced within the body. 

I love the exotic flavors offered by this company.

My favorites so far are:

• Pomegranate Açai 

• Berry Jasmine with Zinc

• Plum Honey Lavender 

• Orange Strawberry Mango

• Pomegranate Blueberry

• Cherry Black Currant

Go to Rachel’s Dairy to find a retailer near you.

I am continually amazed at my lack of motivation to work out even though the thought of weighing 15 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight bugs the heck out me. Long gone are the days when an active metabolism alone staved off the unwanted poundage. Now, it seems the inevitable has occurred, my metabolism has slowed down. And so it is, I must not only watch what I eat but also exercise on a regular basis.

Though I walk three days a week, it’s not enough to get my body back on track. According Bob Greene’s book The Best Life Diet, muscle plays a vital role in your ability to lose weight. Because muscle is a high-maintenance tissue - meaning that your body must burn quite a few calories to keep it in good working order - it’s to your benefit to retain and even gain muscle tissue. Muscles keep the rate at which you burn calories (metabolism) running at a significant level; therefore, you should avoid severely cutting calories because it leads to a loss of lean muscle and you definitely don’t want that.

I not only want to look gorgeous at 60, but my 20th high school reunion will be rolling around next year and you know I must look good for that event. So I figure it’s time to get my act together by exercising more to build those muscles. And it won’t hurt to exercise in style; in fact, it just may even add an ounce of motivation.

All clothing by OMgirl available at Barefoot Yoga Co.

I apologize for the sporadic posts this week. I was having some technical difficulties and lost a few posts. If this is the first thing you’re reading, I’m currently working on a post and will publish it around 11 pst. Until then, please take the time to enjoy the archives.

Hope you had a fabulous weekend!

As a teen, fall was my favorite time of year; with it came another school year, which meant I would get the opportunity to unveil my brand new fall wardrobe. My clothes were cute; different from what the other girls were wearing. I must say, the first few weeks were pretty exciting. But each year I had to step my game up and come up with something hotter, more stylish than the year before. It wasn’t a diffcult task as long as I began searching my preferred fashion magazines; Mademoiselle, Bazaar, and Elle, well in advance. 

Though it’s been nineteen years since I’ve been out of high school, I’m still thrilled by what fall brings in terms of fashion, especially this fall. Designers have made it so easy for you to step your game up this season with the bold, sophisticated, and uncommon ensembles they’ve designed.  

Balenciaga

Balenciaga leaves me feeling a little nostalgic, reminiscing about my fashionable high school days with this unique line. You can check out the entire line here at Elle.com.

M. Missoni

Striped Boucle Coat & Pointelle Dress 

Milly

Giraffe-Print Wool Coat

Metallic Mini Dress

Once a term reserved for lovers of modern jazz, mod later identified the hot fashion trend of the 1960’s. Milly revisits the mod era with her fall collection.

Last night, during her performance, Beyonce wore a $100,000 gold pair of Balenciaga leggings. (Can someone please tell me where I can get that wig?) 

I admire women like Beyonce who possess the ability, bravery, and confidence to push the fashion envelope by starting something new or taking a trend to a place where it becomes their own. 

Most of all, I love the designers who design clothes that allow women to be feminine yet unique and express their individual personality. Balenciaga is one of those designers.

Once called “the master of us all” by Christian Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga opened his first showroom in 1937. His odd, feminine designs inspired designers such as Ungaro and Givenchy. Balenciaga died in March of 1972. Though the House of Balenciaga is now apart of the Gucci Group, his spirit is still apparent in every design.

[Beyonce source]
[Balenciaga source]

I love the artwork of internationally known, Debbie Marie Arambula. Mainly, because of the beautiful way love is conveyed. Debbie is an artist with no formal training who began painting twelve years ago. She is known for her buoyant heart paintings.

While it is my strongest desire to possess one of her works of art, I can’t afford to do so. If my husband and I didn’t have children I would pay the hefty $3000 price tag carried by the painting Labyrinth of Love pictured above. But for now, the only alternative is to purchase a giclee. But here is the crazy thing…

I am a geniune art admirer and what you would call an art snob. Like a fake handbag, I simply refuse to buy a giclee (pronounced zhee-clay), a digital reproduction of an original work of art. Digital reproduction allows an artist to increase their collector base by offering a less expensive alternative to the original, making their work widely available to a larger group of people. It is also translates into quick money for the artist. First, let me clarify before I continue. I am not referring to cheap poster prints that give giclees a bad reputation, but rather reprints on high quality paper or canvas that are sometimes embellished by the artist; nevertheless, I don’t want to own one.

Let me warn you, the price of a giclee is nothing to be sneezed at. A limited edition reproduction of Labyrinth of Love cost around $1600 and looks just as good; however, there is nothing like owning an original. There is no comparison really. Besides, I am unwilling to purchase a reprint equally as expensive. I’d rather go without. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll come across a giclee I can’t leave without. But for now, I only want original artwork.

For those of you who are not snobs like me and want to enhance your living space or purchase art purely for aesthetic reasons then you should purchase limited addition giclees that have been numbered and signed by the artist, which increases the value. The more reproductions available on the market decreases the value of the work.  

Wrap Teddy

Part two of my original post, Sleeping Beauty takes me right back to Kiki De Montparnasse, one of my favorite lines of lingerie, epitomizes feminine elegance and sophistication.

About Kiki:
Kiki De Montparnasse is a luxury fashion and lifestyle brand that celebrates intimacy and inspires the romantic imagination. Our lingerie and fashion collections appeal to a range of tastes, settings, and moods, from daring to darling. Beautiful and provocative, they can be worn inside the boudoir or flaunted in public, bringing a sense of excitement to both special occasions and the everyday. Our erotic wares encompass visionary design, modern materials and undeniable functionality, proving that glamour can permeate every aspect of life, even the most intimate.

Capelet

Kiki de Montparnasse will ensconce you in luxury, woo your every sense, and remind you that few things are as profound as love and beauty. Once you have experienced it for yourself, you will know the transformative power of erotic license. Such freedom is intoxicating…and addictive. Because love is all there is (and love is enough).

Amen.

Jersey Wrap top, Crochet Bed Jacket & Shorts, Jersey Bodysuit