FAB Mommie of the Week Award

It is definitely a refined art to be able to be a FAB Mommie.  As Mothers we do so many things at the same time, taking care of the kid(s), taking care of the hubby, working, cleaning, cooking, and the plethora of tasks we accomplish like it's second nature.  What makes a Mommie a FAB one in the World of Mommie O' is being able to do all these things, while also taking care of yourself, and looking great doing it.  
This week, the Mommie who seemed to accomplish this in grandeur style is Blue Ivy's Mommie, Beyonce.

Credit: Beyonce.com

Whether you love her or not-so-much, the 2 things I'm sure we can ALL agree on are that:
1. She is a Mommie
2.  She is Fabulous
That being said, Mrs. Beyonce Knowles-Carter took some time off to relax and rejuvenate in the waters of St. Barts.  We all know how stressful, and hectic those first months (years) of motherhood can be, even if you have help.  As mothers we know the importance of being able to have some "me" time, so we are not mad at "Queen" Bey for getting hers in this week. 

Credit: beyonce.com

Credit: helloblueivycarter.tumblr.com

The crowing criteria for Beyonce's FAB Mommie Award is her confidence to hit the beach in a swimsuit only 3 months after having her daughter.  I don't know about you, but 4 years later a swimsuit is still my nemesis!  We might not all be able to take have our Mommie Moments in St. Barts, on a yacht, or even in a swimsuit on the beach, but we all need to take a page from Beyonce's book and remember to take those much deserved breaks.  

This week Mrs. Carter showed us how to do so, and do it well!  

So whether it's at a movie, dinner with the girls, a spa day, a weekend in Paris, or a trip to Miami, ALL Mommies must take of their capes sometimes and take a break. 

A Blazing Trend

According to the reliable source, Wikipedia, blazers got their name from the "blazing" RED color of the coats originally worn by the Lady Margaret Boat (rowing) Club of St. John's College, Cambridge, in 1825.  They seemed to blaze their way right into the world of fashion and prestige.  To this day blazers are still a staple in private school uniforms across the globe, military uniforms, college sports clubs, and even prestigious sporting events, such as the (golf) Masters.  Blazers signify a hybrid of style, prestige, and class.  Since its debut in Cambridge blazers have become a hot trend today, transcending its place in men's wardrobe and becoming a fashion accessory for all, women and children alike.






Blazers can be found in varying styles, materials, colors, and prices, making it a piece that can be worn year round, and are accessible to all.  A nice blazer can easily take a professional outfit into a night outfit with a simple change of shoes or bottoms.  They can be worn with jeans, a dress, a skirt, or some slacks.  There is no limit to the versatility of a blazer!  We have seen this fashion trend on the very streets we walk all the way to the fashion pages of magazines and red carpets.  Some of our most FAB celebrities have been spotted wearing blazers, Queen Bey, and even the Princess of Cambridge.  Kim Kardasian makes it a part of her daily wardrobe, whether dressed up or  in casual attire.  

There's something about adding a blazer to an outfit that makes one feel like he/she is dressed for success.  It adds that sexy yet classy edge to a casual look, and gives a very glamorous look the option of being played down.  We can't help but love Blazers for our current FAB fashion trend.  Mommie Onassis suggests a pair of sexy heels to take that look over the top.  If you are just getting into the trend experiment with a suit jacket to get the hang of it, then start with simple, cost efficient blazers at GAP, H&M, or Banana Republic.  For those already blazing the trend get versatile with it, and add color and different styles.  Make sure to follow me on Pinterest to see the Blazing looks I love for this season.  No matter how you wear it you cannot go wrong, so go ahead and BLAZE your own fashion trail.
Click the link below to see varying blazer styles and their retailers.
http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/top-five-blazers/

Pink H&M.com Blazer

              

The Little Gym

My daughter has been going to The Little Gym since she was 9 months old.  We started with the Mommy (and Daddy) & Me classes, and we absolutely LOVED it.  Now my daughter is 4, going on 5, and LOVES The Little Gym more than I ever imagined.  She wants to spend every waking moment there.  She's in the Giggle Worms gymnastics class; she attends EVERY Parent Survival Night; she's had her last 3 birthday parties at a Little Gym; and she's recruited several of her friends to attend as well.  Most recently the Giggle Worms walked on the Saint Patrick's Day Parade, down the middle of DC, and will soon perform at the Washington Wizards Pre-game Show.  These are excellent opportunities for these children to gain confidence.

What we love about The Little Gym is that it helps the children build their confidence and coordination.  The staff their are very nurturing, and patient; their love for children is evident.  That makes me feel secure having my child in their care.  We have visited the Little Gym in Smyrna, GA, and are family members at The Little Gym in Clinton, MD.  I truly got the sense that no matter which Little Gym you attend you will have the same inviting, caring, and learning experience.  In addition to the mommy and me and gymnastic classes my daughter is a veteran in, they also offer ballet & tap dance, karate, dance and sports.  The Little Gym also has camp options for the summer time and days when students are out of  school, they host birthday parties, CPR classes, and the infamous Parent Survival Nights, where they keep the kids on a Friday Night so parents can have some time to themselves.  Elle begs to go every Friday (actually every day), and we do no object.  She comes home happy, yet worn out, with an art project in hand, and pizza (her favorite) in her tummy.  All are happy!

I could go on forever about this wonderful treasure that is The Little Gym.  I'm there so much I'm THE MAYOR on their FourSquare (wink, wink).  I would suggest parents look into joining one in their neighborhood, because it truly helps the young one with their motor skills, agility, and social interaction.  They offer a monthly payment plan as well, because we all have to be conscious in this economy (I know).  

If you are in my neighborhood, visit The Little Gym Clinton's page at http://www.thelittlegym.com/ClintonMD/Pages/default.aspx or 'Friend' them on FB at https://www.facebook.com/TLGCLINTONMD.
If not, find the one closest to you at http://www.thelittlegym.com/Pages/default.aspx


MommieO' is sure you will NOT be disappointed!

Mommie Migraine

I was working on product reviews for Elle's Christmas toys when this migraine became determined to take me down.  I must relent and take something before my head explodes.  So tomorrow I promise to have that  Christmas toys review for you, plus 1.

In the meantime I also wanted to say, thanks for the LOVE Mommie O's world is receiving.  I truly appreciate it, and hope to keep giving you information you can use and will love, so bookmark the page.  If you have any tips for intense migraine PLEASE share, because I have things to do!!
Even though I try to play Super Mommie, divas get sick too.  : (

*Check out my theme song I left you in the Videos page.

Kids' Dental Health

So today, we made our bi-annual trip to the dentist. I must say, I LOVE where Elle goes to the dentist, and she does too!!   
* The waiting areas are very child-friendly, with clean toys
* The staff love children and are patient with them. They are SO Friendly.
* The experience is fun and not scary
* Everything is made easy to understand for parent and child


If you are near Waldorf, MD than I suggest giving any dentist at http://www.wemakekidssmile.net/ a call.  If not, then these are a few traits you want to look for when looking for a Pedia-Dentist (coining this term now).

Our very own Dr. Jessica Rubin gave us a few Tips for Kid's Dental Health.
I learned a few things myself.  Here they are (in no particular oder):

1. No more than 4-6ozs. of juice a day, and ONLY at mealtimes.


2. Brush 2 times a day, morning and night.  Parents should brush until age 8.


3. NO GUMMIES/ STICKY FOODS!! (this will be the death of Elle; she LOVES a fruit snack) Anyway, this includes gummy vitamins, gummy candy, fruit snacks, etc.  
Foods that melt off the teeth are okay, such as puddings, popsicles, etc.


4. Drink LOTS of water!!!  This means Pure water, not flavored water, sports drinks, and especially not sodas.


5. Kids should see the dentist around 12 months or 6 months after the first tooth erupts (whichever comes first).  They should visit the dentist TWO times a year.


6. Parents should start flossing kid's teeth as soon as teeth are in contact with each other.  (Let the flossing begin!!)


Thanks again Dr. Rubin.  See you in July.

Since Elle was such a big girl today she got a goody bag (another great perk), and a picture with Flossy the Parrot.  She actually looks forward to going to the dentist.  So I appreciate "We Make Kids Smile" giving my daughter such a positive experience,and helping to keep her teeth healthy!


Feel free to share your kid's dental experience, and any healthy teeth tips.


Happy Brushing (and Flossing)!!!

Introducing Babie Onassis- ELLE

Gabrielle Ashley (ELLE), my daughter and only child provides the inspiration for everything I do.  This child makes me laugh, inspired, and overall just happy beyond measure.  I wanted to take a moment to introduce her to you, as you will hear her Chronicles often.  You will also go on a journey with me to figure out how to be the best Mommie I can be without losing my sense of self (That's what this blog is all about after all).
As mothers, I'm sure you know the feeling of intense love; love that you never knew was possible.  That's the joy this child brings.  So join me as I navigate through the joys and plights of being Gabrielle's mother, among other noted titles I possess.  I'm going to need your help figuring out many things, so feel free to chime in with your advice and experiences.

I introduce you to my "Babie Onassis..." Gabrielle (Elle) Ashley
Age: 4
Sign: Virgo
Favorite Colors: Pink & Purple
Hobby: Gymnastics (LOVES The Little Gym)
Loves: Pizza, Ravioli, Dora, The Lion King, Mommy & Daddy
Dislikes: Getting her hair done, "Being told what to do" 

Babie O' & Mommie O'

The Elle Chronicles (MLK Edition)

The ELLE Chronicles: (after her intro to MLK) 

E: Mommy & Daddy I want to say grace for Dr. King. Let's hold hands. 
Us: ok, why don't you pray. 
E: "Thank u God for taking care of us. I appreciate it. Thank you for taking care of me when I was a baby. And thank u for Dr. King in heaven." AMEN
(Thats an exact quote! That's my girl!!!)