Motherly Law

The List: The Social Media Addict’s Christmas List

You might be a Social Media Junkie if you have any of these items in your or on your Wish List. If you don't understand what these gifts are or why anyone would want them, you aren't a key Social Media Player {sorry to break it to you}. Either way, if you or someone on your Christmas List is Social Media Consumed then you're going to want to check out this List. If for nothing else, it's worth a chuckle. I, for one, think these items are Fabulously Social Media Geeky Chic, which is the look I'm going for these days!

Check out these ultra cool finds: 

1. "Follow Me" Tights by tattoo socks. These cool tights come in several shades and lengths and each with the familiar tweeting bird and "Follow Me" request are good for a laugh and probably a few follows on Twitter too. The other tights on this site are really cute too {in case you haven't been bitten by the Social Media Bug}, but my heart belongs to Twitter.
2. Twitter Handle & Hashtag Jewelry by Survival of the Hippest and Blend Creations *See Discount Code Below. Find necklaces in several styles at these links. I like the SATC "Carrie" style the best, but it all depends on your style. Use @ plus handle or # plus handle, word or phrase at both sites. Hmmmm....let's see simply @MotherlyLaw or @Motherlylaw <3 @Will_OpenDoorSM, perhaps or maybe #PhoneDownEyesUp...
3. QR Code or Emoticon Cufflinks by Blend Creations. So debonair; so dashing; something every #SM gent should have. To me, the QR Code links offer a more sophisticated look. These tiny barcodes are actually encoded with a secret message of your choosing too. *See Discount Code Below
4. Social Media Icon Throw Pillows by Craftsquatch. I love these colorful decorative pillows. Whether outfitting your office, game room, bedroom or play room I would think that every Social Media Addict would have a room for these soft icons.
5. MiFi from Novatel Wireless. This handy gadget allows you to have a wireless internet connection anywhere you happen to be. In fact, you can connect up to 5 wireless enabled devices at one time, including cameras, computers, music players, game players, etc. It's small; it's safe; it's great for travel; working remotely, etc.
6. Tec Touch Gloves found at Dick's Sporting Goods and other locations. For those of us in the colder regions of the planet, these warm gloves allow for tweeting, phoning, texting, game playing and any other touch screen application necessary for smartphones and/or tablets. The special "pods" on the thumb and index finger of these gloves allow for easy operation of touch screen technology without taking glove off. Nice!
7. EatTweet, a Twitter Cookbook (in photo above) available locally at Kitchen in the Market or at eat-tweet.com. All recipes are in the form of tweets; that is, 140 characters or less and were originally tweeted out by the cookbook author, Maureen Evans who goes by @cookbook on Twitter. Very cool and a bit challenging; one must be careful not to get lost in the translation.

What's on your list?

*UPDATE: This just in...Blend Creations is offering Motherly Law readers 15% off orders of $50+ until 12/31. Use the promo code: MotherlyLaw (not case-sensitive); Crazy Cool!

I just had to get this posted even though I ran out of time on Sunday, cuz I like this stuff, but I will be posting a Recipe from my #VirtualCookieRecipeExchange later today. Over and out...

Anna

 

Beauty is as Beauty Does: Parenting Magazines Sending Mixed Messages {On a Soapbox}

Pretty Woman

On some days I feel like I've got it going on. Maybe it's the way my jeans fit on that day; or maybe it's the gorgeous earrings I'm wearing; or maybe my hair looks especially cute; or maybe it's the pretty shoes I'm wearing; or maybe it's the way my scarf brings out the green in my eyes; or maybe I simply woke up sassier than usual that morning {See how sassy I look in the photo}, but whatever the reason, some days I feel pretty cute. And even on those days I am not a model; not even close.

I am a mom. I am an almost 37 year old mom of two young boys who works to make ends meet, get dinner on the table and ensure all the needs of my family are met without completely losing myself. I may not be a model, but I do keep myself presentable and try to be fairly trendy. You'll never catch me without makeup outside my house. I NEVER wear "mom jeans." I have some fabulous shoes {sitting alongside my practical eccos}. I have a stylish haircut. I pay attention to the newest styles.

I am not alone in trying to hold onto my own sense of fashion, refusing to put away the heels, the mini-skirts, the beautiful jewelry and amazing handbags. There are lots of moms like me {and many who are even more cutting edge and fabulous} from 22 to 48.

Model Moms

So, this is what bothers me, why must parenting magazines use tiny size 2 absolutely perfect, young, perky, completely rested, totally blissful models to stand in as the "mom" in the photo spread. And for that matter, why do the "dads" always look like a Ken doll with impeccable style and perfectly toned bodies?

Of course, we want to see stylish, good looking, healthy people in magazines. It's the ideal we have come to expect. But I have recently found that it's increasingly irritating to me to see these standards in parent magazines. In fact, I noticed that I rarely even look at the people in these staged photos or read the articles associated with the flawlessly coiffed, totally made-up, superbly spotless, perfectly pressed, brilliantly smiling, pretend moms.

The only thing worse is when these magazines feature a celebrity. If I wanted to read about celebrity parents I would pick up a tabloid magazine. Celebrity moms cannot possibly relate to this Midwest, middle class, overwrought, completely exhausted, working mom. I expect more from a parenting magazine.

I subscribe to both Parents and Parenting. I enjoy perusing the pages of these magazines each month, finding interesting recipes, parenting tips, trends and resources. I enjoy seeing real parents get made-over or telling their stories or working on an issue as a family. I do tune into the season's fashions and the best options based on body-shape, etc. I scan the beauty pages, best toys, etc. and read the reviews of products tested. I do find useful information in these magazines, both as a mom and as a writer.

Mixed Messages

So, why do they need celebrities and models standing in for no-size-fits-all, totally unique, beautiful, honest-to-goodness moms? We are told as little girls and then try to instill this in the next generation of little ones that beauty comes in many shapes, sizes, colors and combinations; beauty is from within. These magazines write about these positive messages.

We fret over the influences of Disney princesses, Barbie dolls and teen idols. We talk about the incorrect message these perfect, shapely, long-haired beauties are sending to our young girls. Then, we pick up our parenting magazines and see the same types of images represented in those pages.

The Reality of Beauty

As little girls, young ladies, college students and now adults, we have bought into the idea that beauty means no fat, no cellulite, no wrinkles, no gray hair, no signs of aging. This is not reality. I have friends who are moms who range from late 20s to late 40s and they are more beautiful than these models could ever be.

These women have beauty that radiates out from deep within as only those who have lived full lives with happiness, sadness, love and worry can. This beauty is in the little lines, creases and wrinkles that grace their faces. This beauty is in the depth of their eyes that have watched their tiny babies grow into amazing people. This beauty is their personal style, developed over time by gaining confidence in one's body and soul. This beauty is in their strength, for there is nothing stronger on this earth than a mother's love and devotion.

The Scoop

So, take it from me, oh ye parenting magazines, I think moms would rather see beautiful, fabulous, strong, amazing real moms on the covers and in the photo spreads. After all, there is a universal connection between moms. And personally, real moms looking great is more impressive and inspiring than pretend, model moms looking showered, glamorous, fat free and wrinkleless {both skin and clothes}. And that's my two cents worth. Over an out...

Anna

Rules of Etiquette: Devotee or Renegade?

Tasty Chicken

Last spring my mother-in-law came for a visit. At that time, Darling 1 was not a fan of chicken {he has since reformed his eating habits}. The first night "Bebe" was here, we served grilled chicken for dinner. Once we sat down and said a prayer, Darling 1 went to work eating his chicken. I noticed right away, but didn't say a word.

After a few bites, Darling 1 said, "This chicken is delicious. Thank you so much for making this nice dinner, mom and dad!" We thanked him and kept eating. A few minutes passed and Darling 1 said, "I don't really like chicken, but I'm just saying that since Bebe is here."

We had a chuckle over that statement, but again I thanked him for eating the dinner and being nice about it rather than making a fuss and refusing to even take a taste.

Please, Thank you and Excuse Me

"Remember your manners!" This simple phrase is a piece of basic wisdom gained from many years of experience as a social being that every well-intentioned parent imparts upon his or her child when the child is off to school or visiting grandparents or having a playdate at a friend's house, etc. A parent hopes these mere three words will be impressed upon the heart of the child even though the parent's shrewd words often fall on deaf ears. This phrase has been repeated for many, many generations and is often one of our first lessons in life.

"Please", "thank you" and "excuse me" are among the first words a child learns to say. A child quickly learns that a sweet as honey "pease" earns him or her a special treat from a proud and beaming parent. A "thank you" gets an impressed and pleased reaction from grandma or the lady giving out the free cookie at the grocery store or the waiter at the restaurant or mom or dad. And "scuz me" generally earns an amused response

When teaching children to be polite it's all about a trained response. If you ask and respond nicely, you'll usually get what you want whether it's a turn with a toy, a bit of chocolate, a big smile, a new trinket, etc. With toddlers it's as simple as that. It gets more complicated as a child ages.

Variable Manners

My mom's family comes from rural Oklahoma and good manners meant a warm greeting, an invitation to dinner and a good conversation. My dad's family is most immediately from very urban Dallas, TX, and further back than that from deeper south where etiquette was more important and more formal.

I grew up with very different sets of manners and rules, depending on the company. My parents were firm and set rules for us to follow. My brother and I were always polite and followed the rules {well, except when being sassy to our parents for which we were disciplined for, but it never really did much good. I'm still sassy}, but our home was a casual environment.

We were not especially schooled in the proper way to set a table or etiquette at a fancy restaurant {because we never went to fancy restaurants}. It mattered not whether our forks or spoons were on the wrong sides of the plates or whether we put our glasses on the coffee table without a coaster or whether our beds were properly made or whether we used a salad fork to eat our chicken. I doubt we even knew the difference between the two. In fact, I doubt we even had two different sizes of forks with which to eat with.

We were well versed in how to act in public and while visiting grandparents and while at school under the care of our teachers, etc. We did not play in and around the clothing racks in stores. We were not loud or out of control hanging off carts at the grocery store. We were quiet, respectful and obedient while at school. We were on our best behavior while visiting grandparents, being careful to follow the rules set there.

As adults, my brother and I are still a mix of being down home comfortable, relaxed and warm and being polite, respectful and doing our best to follow the rules of etiquette appropriate for the moment. I think my parents did a good job.

Subjectivity of Etiquette

Good manners are subjective in my opinion. There are many schools of thought regarding proper etiquette for any situation. Regardless of whether you follow Miss Manners, Judith Martin, or are staunchly loyal to Emily Post or another etiquette evangelist, there are also regional, cultural, professional, political, and even religious rules of etiquette to consider.

Frankly, I think following any set of rigid rules of etiquette can actually have the opposite effect than what is intended by the one so intently being well-mannered. That is to say that often the etiquette follower conveys an air of stiffness or inflexibility or even haughtiness about them. This, in turn, can make others feel uncomfortable or confused or even ashamed.

I think that proper etiquette, or good manners, in general, should mean that you're making those around you feel welcome and included regardless of their appearance, their own manners {or lack thereof}, their interests and knowledge {or lack thereof} or anything else about your guests that may not fit within your idea of what is proper. And that is something which comes easily to some and awkwardly to others, but in this instance it truly is the thought that counts; the trying to be warm and inclusive that matters.

The Scoop

Believe me, no one will remember whether you set the table correctly, but they will remember your big smile, hearty laughter, firm handshake, gentle hug and genuine spirit.

Tomorrow I'll be reviewing a new book on basic etiquette and simple grace, Where Is Your Mother? by Ava Carroll-Brown and on Wednesday I'll have a Q & A interview with the author. Over and out...

Anna

Revive Yourself with Jewels: Stella & Dot Giveaway

Tax Day Despair

So, it's tax time. For many of us, that means digging deep into our mostly empty pockets to pay our share to the government. Generally, tax day is April 15^th each year, and I thought it would be fun to give away a beautiful piece of jewelry to help chase away the tax day doldrums.

Alas, thanks to my friend, Anna, I now know that because Emancipation Day, a holiday celebrated by the District of Columbia falls on April 15^th this year and is treated the same as a federal holiday for governmental purposes, 2010 taxes are due on Monday, April 18^th {which means I have 3 extra days to do my taxes}.

Stella & Dot

Regardless, I'm still having a fabulous Giveaway sponsored by Stella & Dot Stylist {and my friend} Jennifer Allen. If you don't know Stella & Dot Jewelry, you're in for a treat. Their new spring collection is full of beautiful, fun and dramatic pieces. Stella & Dot also has cute and whimsical pieces for young girls too. You can check out Jennifer's page and the new collection here.

Jennifer has graciously offered the Revival Bracelet for the Giveaway. It's described as "Reconstituted ivory beads combined with crystal pave balls in hematite, silver and rose gold." It's a fantastic bracelet to wear alone or stack with other interesting pieces. Take a look through the Stella & Dot collection for inspiration on how to wear this and other pieces of jewelry. The Revival Bracelet retails for $34.00.

Jennifer is a vivacious and stylish HR consultant, mom and wife, in addition to being a Stella & Dot Stylist. I'm blessed to call her a friend. I met Jennifer through my MOPS {Mothers of Preschoolers} group in September, and we instantly bonded over our love of local eateries. If you are interested in ordering jewelry, attending a trunk show or hosting a trunk show with Jennifer, you can contact her here.

The Rules

To enter this Glam Giveaway, just leave a comment about something beautiful you have seen this week. It could be a tree budding out, your kid picking up his toys, a perfectly prepared meal, a piece of art, a piece of clothing or jewelry, a person or anything else you come up with. Our world is full of beauty, and I can't wait to read your comments.

Wait, there's more. For additional entries, you can:

• Tweet about the Giveaway
• Share it on Facebook
• Follow @MotherlyLaw on Twitter
• Subscribe to a Motherly Law feed
• Like Motherly Law on Facebook
• Follow @jpoallen {Jennifer} on Twitter, or
• Book a Trunk Show with Jennifer

If you choose to do any of these extra things, just be sure to leave a comment here for each bonus entry, in addition to the original comment.

The Giveaway will end and be randomly selected by www.random.org at 7:00 PM CST on Friday, April 15, 2011. I will email the winner at that time.

The Scoop

Good luck to you. Please stick around and check out my many interesting, informing and sometimes amusing posts if you are new to Motherly Law or just need to get caught up on your reading here. Thanks for stopping by. Over and out…

Anna

Divine Designs: Circle Line Studio Giveaway

Spring Cleaning

Looking for an easy way to spruce up your interior this spring without paying a bundle? I've got just the thing for you... a $50.00 Shop Credit Giveaway from Circle Line Studio. Connie Norsworthy's vinyl wall decals are chic, fun, interesting and adorable!

Aren't these examples just fabulous?

If you aren't familiar with Connie's designs, please go right away and check out the endless possibilities for making each room in your house uniquely yours, whether you rent, own or like to frequently change the décor.

Contact the Artist

You can access Circle Line Studio by clicking on the ad in the right sidebar or going to http://circlelinestudio.bigcartel.com/ or http://www.etsy.com/shop/circlelinestudio. You can find Connie on Twitter at @Circle_Studio.

How to Enter

To be entered in this Giveaway, you can:

Leave a comment telling me your favorite thing about this week;

Follow Motherly Law on Facebook;

Follow @MotherlyLaw on Twitter;

Subscribe to a RSS feed for Motherly Law {in the box on the top, right sidebar}

Follow @Circle_Studio on Twitter;

Tweet about the Giveaway; or

Post on Facebook about the Giveaway.

Just be sure to leave a comment for EACH of the things you do to be entered multiple times for this Giveaway!

On Sunday at 7 PM CST I will pick the winner of the $50 Shop Credit to Circle Line Studio using www.random.org. Good Luck! Thanks, Connie, for sponsoring this Giveaway!

Anna

Rock the Red Pump: Women & Children HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Add Some Color to Your Wardrobe

I'm going to make selecting your outfit for tomorrow a little bit easier whether you are off to the library with your little ones; going to the office, lunching with a friend or heading to a meeting. Whatever clothes you grab to put on choose red shoes, pumps if you have them, to wear on your feet. That's right, I want you to "Rock the Red Pumps" tomorrow, March 10^th, in recognition of National Women and Children HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Rockin' It With or Without the Pumps

So, if you're lucky enough to have gorgeous red pumps like the ones in the photo, wear them and tell people why you're wearing them. Unfortunately, those aren't mine. They belong to my friend. My red shoes look like this:   (Clearly, that's not me wearing them, but Darling 2 looks pretty good rockin' it too!)Yeah, they don't have the same impact, but I'll be wearing them tomorrow anyway, making as much impact as my red flats can. And I'll be tweeting about it and posting reminders on Facebook too.

The Red Pump Project

The Red Pump Project started in 2009 by Luvvie Ajayi and Karyn Watkins who believe if HIV affects one, it affects us all. The Red Pump Project™ raises awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. Their mission is to promote HIV prevention through education and open dialogue about the issues that surround sexual and reproductive health.

They use the red shoe as a symbol of empowerment to represent the strength and courage of women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The incorporation of fashion into the message of HIV prevention is their contribution as we hope to show that Awareness is Always in Style!™

A Few Sobering Statistics

While progress has definitely been made in the areas of AIDS prevention and treatment, women still represent 27% of all new AIDS diagnoses, with African-American women accounting for 66% of that group. This year focuses on this statistic, "Every 35 minutes, a woman tests positive for HIV in the United States."

If you want to get involved, get more information or find events in your area, go to The Red Pump Project. Now, go ROCK IT and bring awareness to this all too common devastating epidemic! Over and out....

Anna

In Search of a Suit: My Personal Shopping Experience with Fabuliss

Shopping

I remember when shopping was fun, lasted all day and ended with lots of shopping bags being hauled to the car. Alas, those days are over.

These days a shopping trip usually means running into a store grabbing a few pieces of clothing, usually sale items, and briskly heading to the dressing room. After rejecting most of the pieces, I go back for one more round and try again. I can usually find a couple of great deals that I like; mostly jeans and black sweaters and tops.

I have given up shopping at department stores, besides Kohl's and Target. They are just too overwhelming, stocked with so many brands and styles. I simply do not have that amount of time to devote to shopping anymore. I usually go to Ann Taylor, Loft, Banana Republic and Gap where the selections are limited and the sales abound as of late.

Panel Member

When I was invited to participate in two panel discussions in the month of March {one on Monday in New York sponsored by Consumer Reports and the U.S. Department of Transportation on the subject of distracted driving; and the other here in the Twin Cities on March 18^th at the Social Media Breakfast on the subject of Social Media and the Law}, I knew it was time to REALLY shop.

Personal Shopper

I contacted Sasha Westin of Fabuliss. Sasha offers several services including personal shopping, closet makeovers, seasonal updates, remote styling, private style parties, etc. I chose the personal shopping option to help find a professional, yet stylish suit for my panel engagements.

It has been six years since I had a need to wear or shop for a suit. In fact, in December, at a private style party with Sasha, hosted by my friend, Molly Snyder of The Snyder 5, I gave all my "old" suits to Sasha to donate to Dress for Success Twin Cities.

I had no idea where to start. I knew I needed a suit, but other than that, I was open to whatever Sasha presented to me. Sasha and I met at an Ann Taylor. I promptly went to the dressing room and waited. Sasha proceeded to bring suits of various colors, styles and sizes. I tried on, gave a thumbs up or down and she kept coming and going with a steady stream of clothes. We also went to Macy's, but were both fairly disappointed with their suit selection.

The whole process took a little over two hours. It was really nice to have someone who had a professional opinion about style, fit and color helping in the dressing room.

  

  The Suit

Instead of just a photo of me in my suit, I decided to do a video blog (vlog) for the 1^st time showing you my whole outfit. I do have a few disclaimers: 1) I say in the video that by the time you see this I will have worn it in NY, but that's not true. I decided to go ahead and post it now rather than waiting until Monday. So, if you don't like the suit, keep it to yourself, please; 2) I talk with my hands...a lot; and 3) I'm fighting a cold hence the coughing, etc.

  

 

Things I Learned

• Check petite sizes if you seem to be stuck between two sizes and you have a short waist or short legs, etc. It might work. It did for me.
• If you are "cool" wear silver rather than gold when it comes to jewelry.
• You can wear a deep red/burgundy shoe with almost anything.
• Metallic is great paired with just about anything.

The Scoop

Do you have some styling needs? Spring fashion is making its way into stores now...better call Sasha at Fabuliss to get a jumpstart on this season's wardrobe. And remember, Sasha can do remote styling using a photo. So, if you are in need of professional style help whether you live in the Twin Cities or somewhere else, contact Sasha. You can also access Fabuliss by clicking the ad on the right sidebar.

I'm getting ready to go to New York today, and I'll be posting about the event, distracted driving and what I'm taking to read on the airplane on Sunday. On Monday, I'll be posting the points I hope to cover during the panel discussion. How did you like the vlog? Do I look Fabuliss? {If your answer is anything but yes, shush!} Over and out...

Anna