tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36228808709761254712024-03-05T20:07:33.450-08:00Lucky #9Finally Over '9th Child Syndrome'Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-53327633060886296242015-11-18T10:09:00.000-08:002015-11-18T10:09:23.565-08:00Empowerment at every age.<br />
Kol started acting up yesterday afternoon while we were on our way home from school. It has been a month since his last serious tantrum and I kept chalking it up to the fact that he loves school and is doing so well there. At first I assumed he was really tired, but then I took a minute to watch my son cover his face and kick his feet in the air while he screamed and I realized he is trying to tell me something. At 3 1/2 years into this job, I am seasoned enough to know that though sometimes the screaming and yelling are just because he can, most of the time it is an expression of emotion, and clearly Kol was having some serious BIG emotions!<br />
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Before getting Nava out of the car, I went to Kol's side and asked if something happened in school today that he wanted to tell me about. His eyes filled with tears and he choked out that his friend punched his project. Following mommy protocol, I asked him to tell me about it instead of yelling out "that F***in a**hole" which is what I really wanted to say. </div>
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I heard the story. It sucked. His friend ruined his project. This little punk made him car and Kol's teacher sat with him to make a new project to take home.<br />
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This specific kid has been an a**hole, oops I mean "problem" for Kol last year too. I would hear stories of Kol being hit, of toys being taken away from him in the classroom and bike's being taken away from him on the playground. Doing what all moms do, I alerted the teacher, often. She kept reiterating how sorry she was and how this child was a bit of a problem child and they were working with the parents to try to fix things.</div>
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Every time there was an episode Dov and I would talk to Kol and after reminding him to always find a teacher to help and to speak up for himself and tell the boy in his loud voice, "Stop it, I don't like it." Or, " Don't hit me, it doesn't feel good." We would practice using those words and practice empowering him. Most of the time we would end up in giggles after yelling inside with our "outdoor" voices. </div>
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Before we had kids, Dov and I discussed what we would do if our kids were ever bullied/bothered by others. Dov believed in the power of speech and how talking to the parents or the mean child himself could really change a situation. On the other hand I always expressed the wonders of intimidation. After all, when my baby brother Cobe was in 3rd grade, there was a kid who would bully him in the yard and after a week of Cobe coming into my car crying, I decided I had enough and the next afternoon I went into the school yard and took matters into my own hands. I had Cobe point out the kid, I went over to him, and with my 18 year old confidence I looked him straight in the eye and said "if you ever both my brother again I will have bring our older brothers here to beat you up" (I am not entirely proud of this, yet I am also not ashamed). Needless to say the kid never looked Cobe's way again so from my calculations that method worked really well! </div>
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And up until recently Dov was against this approach. But there is something that happens when you become a parent. There is a deep overprotectiveness that comes with creating a child. As of late, we have <i>both</i> had enough. My gentle loving husband keeps saying he is thinking of using my method on this kid. We both know he is only joking, but there is a natural urge to do everything in your power to stop anyone from bothering your kid. Stop pushing him, stop being nasty, stop ruining his projects and making Kol feel small and sad. </div>
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We are in touch with Kol's teacher and we are so proud that he does not hit back, he does not push out of anger or take revenge and destroy the other kid's work. Rather, Kol's emotional reaction is directed at me. It comes out in tantrums and I am grateful that I am in tune with my son enough to know to ask what happened in school today. Every time there is an incident, I remind him that he can stand up for himself with his words. He can empower himself to say "NO" and that at the same time it is ok to cry. Because honestly it doesn't matter if your 3 or 33, we all still cry or want to cry when someone destroys our work, or is mean to us for no good reason. </div>
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I have a fantasy of walking into the school yard, staring down this 3 year old and scaring him just enough to stop bothering my son. But I will not do it. Firstly because they may kick us out of the school and I ADORE my sons school and teachers! And secondly, because unfortunatly this is part of life. We have bullies in every aspect of our childhood and adulthood. As a child it can be anyone on the schoolyard or even a teacher or principle (that story is for another time). As an adult in can be anyone from family members, co-workers or unfortunatly sometimes friends.<br />
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I believe the only way to deal with a bully is head on. We must speak up, for ourselves and in turn teach our children to speak up for themselves. Some days Kol comes back with tears in his eyes telling a story of hurt and I cuddle him as he expresses how bad it made him feels But somedays, and I hope for these days more often as he grows, he comes home to let me know that he stood up for himself, he put his hands on his hip and yelled "stop it! I don't like it"!! He tells me this with the biggest smile and we slap each other high five. On those days I know that Dov has been right all along. The power of speech empowers us and we need to pass it on so our children can empower themselves, because though we may <i>want</i> to step in, we will not always be around to fight their battles or their bullies. </div>
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Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-12566644433724250342015-11-13T09:30:00.003-08:002015-11-13T09:30:59.907-08:00Healthy by Nature.<br />
Eating healthy has always been part of my life. I grew up in the healthiest, crunchiest hippiest kosher home. Just so you understand the level I speak of; a treat in our home was a carob rice cake. Oh yes, you heard me correct, carob rice cakes. I mean, after all, the carob looks like chocolate....right?!!<br />
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So of course I did what all healthy children do, I rebelled. I was the junk food queen! I knew every closet, and drawer in friends' homes that hid the arsenal of chips, cookies, twizzlers and my favorite - sour belts. My mouth even waters now as I type that last treat. As I get older I have been able to curb the constant sugar craving and only find myself stealing into my kid's treat bag on rare<br />
occasions.<br />
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Though this health conscious upbringing may have had the reverse effect on me, the benefit is that I know how to cook healthy! For the most part I have a healthy home but we are huge lovers of cheese and bread and of course wine (and more wine please.)<br />
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As the Fall roles in, Dov and I have decided we wanted to kick our healthy habits into high gear. We have been back at the gym , and it feels so good. And more importantly, I have been trying to keep dinners delicious while still maintaining real nutritional value. After the usual go-to dinners of Fish, Grilled Chicken and lots of greens, I decided to add to my repertoire and perfect a great tofu dinner.<br />
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I'm pretty sure Dov never had Tofu until he moved to LA and met my mother. Yes, I'll admit, tofu is pretty bland. But, with a little oven top roasting, a great marinade and a poached egg on top (or a flat poached egg, or a half omelet, half poached egg) you really can't go wrong!<br />
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[Picture disclaimer: I know you all feel me when I say I was too tired to make it truly instagram worthy.]<br />
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<b><u>Tofu Stir Fry</u></b><br />
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<b>Ingrediants:</b><br />
1 carton of Firm Tofu cut into cubes and drain between two paper towels.<br />
3 scallions chopped up<br />
4 small bell peppers sliced<br />
1 head of broccoli chopped<br />
1 handful of shredded carrots<br />
1 egg<br />
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<b>Marinade: </b><br />
3 Tablespoon honey<br />
3 Tablespoon soy sauce<br />
2 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar<br />
1 Tablespoon minced garlic<br />
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*To make it a more filling meal use one Near East rice box. <br />
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Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-7533789276067917742015-10-28T11:36:00.001-07:002015-10-28T11:36:41.756-07:00Indian Summer<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Today </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">was a great day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Yesterday</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"> was a long, exhausting day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Yesterday Nava peed down the length of my body. It
covered my shirt starting at my hip and continued down to the bottom of my
white pant leg. This was not the small circle of pee some of us moms are the
lucky recipients of when holding our babies on our hips, noticing a light
leaking through the diaper. This was Full. On.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I know better than to walk around the house with a naked
baby, but this was different, we were at the doctor’s office. Nava has been
teething and not sleeping and not sleeping and did i mention yet how she’s NOT
SLEEPING. And so of course I assumed she had an ear infection because why else would
my perfect child not be sleeping?!?!? The only appointment was for the afternoon,
after I pick up Kol from school and so I booked it and shlepped both kids with
me. Juggling two kids when one is crying the whole time and the other
decides the Doctor's rolling seat is better used as a race car, is not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so</i> easy on the nerves. Needless to say I
got frazzled and it took me a little too long to retrieve a new diaper after
Nava was weighed. By the time I grabbed it, it was too late. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">If this was my first baby, I probably would have
headed home immediately for a much needed shower and a change of clothes, but
of course I had already told Kol that we were going for pizza on our way home. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did what all moms do and calculated the pros
and cons in seconds and decided the pros of going for pizza were much greater
than the cons of not going for pizza and dealing with a major tantrum. So
I went, urine soaked clothing and all, with both kids, for some f*ing pizza. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">My pants dried on the way, ironically while listening
to the Police sing “a hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore” 700 times
in a row – thank you DJ KOL. Our time at the pizza shop went so smoothly that I
cheered my decision in my head. And Nava must have heard the Dr. say ‘it’s only
a cold’ and felt relieved because she was calm again. The rest of the night was
without incident --until she woke up at 10:30pm juuuust as I was drifting into
sleep and she decided to stay awake till midnight. Have you ever had to
take care of a baby just as you are in between the sleep and awake states?
It is really rough!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Long, Tiring, Exhausting. That pretty much
sums up yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">And then we got a day like today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I picked up my nephew Dovid for the day b/c his mom
was away for 2 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is such a
pleasure I did not mind taking him on my errands and to the farmers market. Of
course we stopped in at Real Food Daily for a cupcake for lunch. Yes,
that is the only thing we had for lunch. I'm his aunt and not his mother so it
is a legitimate mid-day food.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">After my errands we went to pick up Kol. Kol and
Dovid have become such great friends over the years and their excitement to see
each other was so contageous that Nava stopped kvetching and started to giggle
with the two of them in the backseat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">The day just kept getting more and more glorious.
First there was the Jam band that graciously invited Nava to participate
with a shaker in hand. Then it was outside for bikes, baby pool and hose. It wasn’t
long before everyone's clothes (except mine) came off and there were mini naked
Olympians doing running lunges into the pool landing on the grass. Dinner.
Painting. Bubble bath. Done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I shared some photos of the afternoon activities with
my sisters and they reminisced about how we all used to play outside for hours
with our siblings. Spraying each other with the hose and riding bikes until the
sun would go down. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">It is amazing how drastically disparate our days could be from one to
the next. I’ll admit that my mood sometimes swings with that of my
childrens’. And that I’m well aware that this is a poor precedent. There are
too many sleepless nights and tired tantrums to have your feelings dictated by
the whim of a 9 month old or 3 year old. For every pair of pee soaked
pants I walk around in I need to remember there are also the Indian Summer days
that one day my children will reminisce about with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">their </i>siblings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Tomorrow</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"> is another day!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-13682614533043825652015-10-16T11:01:00.002-07:002015-10-16T11:01:36.013-07:00I Leave only to ReturnI just returned from a 3 day girls weekend in Vegas.<br />
It was a wonderful weekend in honor of my friend Toby's 40th birthday. It was one of those weekends that you laugh so hard for so long tears spring from your eyes and do not stop. It was the kind of weekend that leaves memories to last a lifetime and stories that will keep you the main entertainer of a party, any party. I would share it all but, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...right?!<br />
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My baby girl Nava is almost 9 months old. We have been attached at the hip since her birth. I have been doing what all moms do to keep new babies alive, healthy and happy. Nursing, changing, playing, napping and repeat, and repeat, and repeat! I also have a 3 1/2 year old who somehow seems to eat less than Nava even though he is twice as tall as her. He also needs to be dressed in the morning for school. Though he loves to put on his velcro sneakers, that is about all that he can do by himself and his school really frowns upon a 'Sneakers-only' fashion statement. He plays longer and harder than his sister and as of late wants me to join in for every bingo/zingo game and puzzle playing activity. As far as napping goes, it has been a year since I have successfully gotten him down for a nap though I still do try time and time again. <br />
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With all this mommy business, I get so much joy from little miss Nava and her big emoji cheeks and sideways smile. Kol is full of jokes and songs and makes me smile daily and I am consistently fascinated by the way his mind works. He loves numbers and will drop everything and anything to have a jam session with his dad. He humors me when I offer to jam and tries not to look too annoyed when I can't seem to get the right drum beat. I in turn thank him for his kindness.<br />
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The love between the two of these loves makes me giddy. Every morning Nava gives me a great big smile and as I lift her out of her crib she whips her head around and around until she sees Kol who says in a high pitched voice "good morning Nava", then she squeals and swats at his face. He squeals back at her in a similar sound and I am pretty sure they are somehow communicating in their own language like seals or dolphins.<br />
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Despite all this happiness and love, I was still quite excited to go away for the weekend. It was time. I needed a break because everyone needs one. As wives and mothers, we manage to get breaks where we can. It can be in a cup of coffee, in a square (or bar) of chocolate; while hiding from your kids in a pantry or behind the kitchen door. In a walk by yourself while the housekeeper watches your napping baby. Even with all these mini breaks, we still need the great big break every once in a while.<br />
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Even though I believe this to be truth I have friends and acquaintances who completely disagree with me. There are so many mothers I know who think, they do not deserve a break. Or that it is not right for a mother to leave her children overnight when the kids are young. They get so wrapped up in being the main caregiver that they can not see what a toll caring for others can really take on oneself. When you are tired and have not given yourself any time or love then your toddlers stories of his class room seem to become dull. The sound of your babies gurgling at nap time is not cute anymore but exasperating because, "honestly when is she going to fall asleep"??!!<br />
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I come from a home of 11 siblings. I come from a home of a mother who understood she needed to take a vacation to keep her sanity in order to keep the rest of us healthy. So, I went on a 3 day break to Vegas and it was glorious. <br />
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I am lucky enough to have an incredible partner who not only sent me off with his blessing but did not call me once to complain how hard it is to care for two kids alone. And we all know that it is really hard!<br />
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I returned last night when Dov was in the middle of putting Kol to sleep. I walked in and the feeling that surrounded me was cozy. Kol was in our bed as Dov was singing songs to him. Kol sat upright when he saw me and a smile spread across his face and lit up his eyes. I attacked him with thousands of kisses and he never tried to pull away as he giggled into my cheeks and ears. We spent the next 10 minutes recapping his weekend and he asked me questions about mine. He glowed when Dov sang his praises for being so well behaved and I glowed from being rejuvenated to really enjoy every word of every story he told me.<br />
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Today I woke up to Nava babbling at 6 am. Without a grunt, I got up and gave her a bottle. She gave me a bit of attitude; no smile, no squeal but then as I lifted her up she lay her head on my shoulder and that's when I knew she was glad to have me back since I usually only get a cuddle when she is too tired to keep her head upright.<br />
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Today was beautiful! It was full on, no housekeeper, and with Nava teething and a cold working its way into Kol's system both kids were a bit cranky. And I was here, I was present. Able to give love and comfort and loving discipline when needed. My greatest excitement when I go away is the thrill of my return. To be surrounded by my family is my greatest joy and yet I still need to get away sometimes, and that is okay. The happiness and relaxation that stays with me long after the memory of sleeping-in is gone, is something that I and my entire family benefit from. And so I leave only to come back as a better version of myself.Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-79650454298569899962015-10-15T11:45:00.000-07:002015-10-15T11:47:06.244-07:00Malka Nava<i>Written 2 months ago.</i><br />
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My daughter is 7 months old. My goodness, my daughter is 7 months old. Did you know I had a daughter? Well some of you may have seen one of the multiple pictures I have posted on instagram. But really did you know? I have not written about it yet. And in this day and age with every one of us blogging, we ask ourselves, did it really happen if we have not written about it? Well, Yes, this really happened. I had a baby girl named Malka Nava and she is wonderful. With Kol as you know, I could not seem to write fast enough about the trials and tribulations of first time motherhood. How wonderful and yet insanely difficult it was to be a new mom. And now....nothing. I have been writing plenty in my head, mind you - just hadn't been able to make it to paper...or computer.<br />
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There is a reason I have not written anything about little Nava. Quite simply, she's been an easy baby and who wants to hear how about someone else's wonderful baby?! And then I think - what if one day my children grow up and read these blog posts (I know, I know that will probably never happen). How will Kol feel when he sees all this drama about him and just butterflies and unicorns about his sister Nava? So I have held back.<br />
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Today is the yartzait (the date of the passing) of my grandmother Bubby Martha (Malka), our Malka Nava's namesake. My grandmother was the sweetest, most wonderful human I have ever known. She and my little Malka Nava have come to show me that although some of us think there needs to be conflict in any great story, this is not necessarily true. There was never conflict surrounding Bubby Martha and yet we have many wonderful stories about her. So on this day, my Bubby Martha has inspired me to write about my Malka Nava. I am sure I will have more trying times, especially in the teenage years, but for now I am enjoying every moment.<br />
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I can't describe the joy I get from this tiny child. From day one she has been angelic, she came so fast and so easy I barely made it to the hospital in time. She is happy and sweet and easy going. Two kids are definitely hard to balance, but this little love of mine makes it so peaceful! She reminds me of my grandmother who was adored by all and who I never heard say a mean word about anyone. I hope she grows to have a long and happy life as my Bubby Martha did. And as Bubby Martha always said to me, "stay as sweet as you are." I pass that sentiment along to little baby Malka Nava.<br />
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Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-16673664558348700122014-10-02T10:03:00.001-07:002014-10-02T10:03:02.381-07:00Fall 2014 Beauty Trend<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the rush of fall. </div>
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Summer always seems so lazy </div>
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and then fall swings around and the long days swoosh</div>
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right into the active bustle of September. </div>
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And it all collides - the Jewish High Holidays and High Fashion. </div>
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Fashion week usually falls out on Rosh Hashana, but I never really miss out on discovering the trends because all I need to know about Fall beauty and clothing, I already learned early last February. And a side benefit of the season's looks being revealed months before September is that as I'm picking out my shoes to wear for the holidays, I already know the <i>it</i> shoe. I've already purchased the right eyeliner that will last for the 3-day holiday (I am loving <a href="http://www.urbandecay.com/24-7-glide-on-eye-pencil/122.html" target="_blank">Urban Decay's 24-hour colors</a>) and I even know whether it's <i>in </i>to be putting the weight of the eyeliner on my top lid or under my bottom lash line. In this year's case, you can go either way ala "Cushnie Et Ochs " (exhibit A) on top of the lash line with an exaggerated flick, or, my Fall eyeliner favorite by "Nicholas K" - a dramatic opposite cat eye underneath your bottom lash line (exhibit B). With both looks you want to keep the rest of the make up light and natural. To spice up the liner look, you can try using some liquid and pencil liners in various deep colors. Navy blue is always a safe bet to add a little extra something and still keep the look natural.<br />
Colorful liquid liners also seem to be all the rage right now - just check out your October issue of In Style for some fun options (pg.262).<br />
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Big brows are another fall favorite look of mine that seem to be classic and talked about every season, but hardly put into practice. It is such a great look since it's so powerful yet understated. Below, I show you how you can get the look (exhibit C), though I must warn you: your friends and family may think you just stepped off the Jason Wu runway. The look is also quick to do, which is key when you're rushing out the door, trying to get kids dressed in their holiday finest while making sure the table is set, etc.<br />
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We must not forget the ultimate Fall beauty trend which comes around each year with a slight twist, mostly to the color and not much else...the Bold Lip! Each Fall, the fashion houses showcase their bold beauty lip. This year it has taken on a burgundy hue. I really liked the color featured at Rebecca Minkoff, which was a Stila 'Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick' in Amore. Another lip look that really inspired me was Naeem Kahn's Fall look: an ombre lip! Yes, that's right, an ombre lip. Try it with Nars lipstick in 'Fire Down Below' and then [here's the trick they don't tell you at the store] use a brown <i>eye</i>liner pencil lightly as your <i>lip</i>liner to give that 'ombre glow.' (exhibit D)<br />
This strong lip looks pretty with a very clean face, but if you want more bold and fashion-forward, it works well with a strong brow too.<br />
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Try one or try all of these beauty tips over this holiday season. And remember, whatever you do, the most important part of beauty is being content with your beautiful self. Have a happy, sweet, beauty-filled new year!<br />
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Exhibit A</div>
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Exhibit B<br />
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Exhibit C</div>
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Exhibit D</div>
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*This blog was posted on <a href="http://fabologie.com/">Fabologie.com</a></div>
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<br />Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-69510412093898547552014-09-29T19:23:00.000-07:002014-09-29T19:23:52.986-07:00What Masks Do You Wear?<br />
As seen on Fabologie.com<br />
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I wear many masks. I particularly like ones made with dead sea mud. But I also wear imaginary masks. I imagine I am confident sometimes when I feel otherwise. I imagine I am in a great mood sometimes when all I really want to do is collapse from exhaustion. I imagine I am a fashion icon when I am going out for drinks with friends. Masks are a great way to beautify (see dead sea mud comment above) protect, hide, and express ourselves.<br />
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The Jewish holiday of Purim is this week. It is a holiday that has a strong, brave woman at the center of its story. The story of Queen Esther is about a woman who pretends to be someone she is not. She hides her identity from the King until the opportune moment and then takes off her figurative mask and proudly proclaims her true identity - as a Jewess. Queen Esther was not sure how the King would respond. The King fully accepted Esther as her true self and she became a great Queen...oh yeah, and saved her people from annihilation. Minor detail.<br />
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We all hide behind masks. Like Queen Esther, we hide until we know we are safe to reveal our true selves. We build layers to show the world what we wish to show and nothing more. In this day of complete access via social media we still get to tell the world the story we want them to see and not necessarily our true selves. (My husband always jokes that nobody ever posts a selfie of themselves 'having a blast' doing taxes!)<br />
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For many women and girls, the opportunity to show our true selves may seem to not show itself. Sometimes we need to break out of our "masks" and let our true selves shine through even if we are at risk of being vulnerable. The outcome of being a real individual will only lead us to greatness as it did for Queen Esther. In the joy and light of Purim, let us make opportunities to show the world our true wonderful selves!<br />
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Now, until you truly shine from the inside out, here are some facial masks to help you shine from the outside in.<br />
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<a href="http://www.burtsbees.com/Intense-Hydration-Treatment-Mask/01686-00,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Treatment Mask </a>- $15<br />
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<a href="http://www.sallybeauty.com/mineral-repair-masque/SBS-385214,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Pure Mineral Anti Aging System Repair Masque</a> - $14.39<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Glycol-Lactic-Radiance-Renewal-Mask/dp/B00132O442" target="_blank">Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask</a> - $46.70<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/AHAVA-Time-Hydrate-Hydration-Cream/dp/B007D6MDA4/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1394655107&sr=1-2&keywords=ahava+mask" target="_blank">Ahava Time to Hydrate Hydration Cream Mask</a> - $30<br />
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/moisturizing-cream-mask-P374575?skuId=1424225" target="_blank">Caudalie Moisturizing Cream Mask</a> - $40<br />
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<br />Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-38717558854204670012014-09-20T20:56:00.000-07:002014-09-20T20:56:48.994-07:00Spring BackThe timing of fashion week in reference to the season's products we use and the clothing we wear always seems funny to me. In the fall, fashion week shows us the clothes and make up we will be wearing in the spring. In the winter, when Spring is just around the corner, fashion week shows us the new fall looks. Technically, I understand why the fashion world must run like this. The fashion houses need time! Once the last model's slender legs steps off the runway and the last bottle of champagne is uncorked at the after party, they go straight back to work to make sure all the fabulous clothes that we just got to experience are heading in the right direction to the stores and websites so that we may purchase them when spring actually comes around. The make up lines are also making sure the production of their new spring products will be finished in time for the hungry beauty mavens in all of us. When fall fashion week presents itself in February, celebrities and fashionistas across the world peer back to the looks of September's fashion week to see what clothing and beauty trends they should follow to reflect the upcoming spring. For example, model Coco Rocha wore a bright orange lip to the BCBGMAXAZRIA Fall 2014 Runway Show. I am guessing she was influenced by Rag and Bone or DKNY spring 2014 shows.<br />
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Model Coco Rocha</div>
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Rag and Bone Spring 2014</div>
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DKNY Spring 2014</div>
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Another favorite look of the Spring 2014 runways was a minimal make up heading into the rosier family. You may wisely ask, 'Does minimal make up really head into any color family?' to which I would simply answer...'Yes, yes it does.' Over the many years of fashion weeks, minimal make up has appeared and reappeared time and time again. To the regular, or uninterested eye, this look may seem the same across the board. Yet, someone who loves color and texture can see the quiet differences from one look to the next. And so, this year's spring minimal make up seems to have a rose colored hue. The constant across the board for spring, whether you are doing a strong orange colored lip or an all-over minimal make up look, is the attention to blush detail. On both looks the cheeks are really featured and the color is in the same tribe as the lip hue. Even though the blush can be subtle if you like, it is still a must-have product come spring.<br />
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Isabel Marant Spring 2014</div>
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Michael Kors Spring 2014</div>
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Olivia Palermo at Peter Som</div>
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Being the self proclaimed beauty and fashion lover that I am, I decided these two spring looks need to be tried and true, or truly tried, or...however you say it, I decided to give them a go in my #dailylooks using once again my favorite app <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pic-stitch/id454768104?mt=8" target="_blank">picstitch</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSniCRU7xH0awhdqJKZ9U9pYvdcLJMOBAJ6NBcKBn06vB5Y4kCRaHzJzK1rHz59Kn1CIl0_KF2Dv0o_nrgNgA9c4heWyfSjFlkIutqmCdRyjdKh7bkfoT6rhnHPCOh2_j2_I3qvblHMhn/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSniCRU7xH0awhdqJKZ9U9pYvdcLJMOBAJ6NBcKBn06vB5Y4kCRaHzJzK1rHz59Kn1CIl0_KF2Dv0o_nrgNgA9c4heWyfSjFlkIutqmCdRyjdKh7bkfoT6rhnHPCOh2_j2_I3qvblHMhn/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Skin:</div>
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Chantecaille <a href="http://chantecaille.com/product_makeup_detail.cfm?cat=4&pid=77" target="_blank">New Stick in Ivory</a></div>
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Cover Girl truBLEND Fixstick concealer in <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/face-makeup/concealer/truBLEND-FIXSTICK-Concealer" target="_blank">Light</a></div>
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Eyes:</div>
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Mac Eyeliner Powerpoint eye pencil in <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/151/476/Products/Eyes/Liner/Powerpoint-Eye-Pencil/index.tmpl" target="_blank">Industry</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/product/EYELASH-CURLER,default,pd.html?gclid=CJTXkrzLwLwCFUVlfgoddDMACA" target="_blank">Shu Uemura lash curler</a></div>
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Cheeks:</div>
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Mac Powder Blush in Godess (discontinued) </div>
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Blush Substitute is Nars Blush in <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/cheeks/blush/blush/gina" target="_blank">Gina</a></div>
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Lips:</div>
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Orange/red Nars lipstick in <a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=NARS%20Lipstick%20P2865&skuId=220335&productId=P2865&_requestid=181110" target="_blank">Heat Wave</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFDh253DBd5EX53_F8_YzHrCngYUaloLl4j59N_nLW68FHS-9YrWNgVN7skxEzVsPKRXbGiqOyfEtDIar8avQ14fuK_hxXijvBV43iVrkFP_PFzyNPEQ8PVYqu1e1Ju7ue0HqJ7ajX9m3/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFDh253DBd5EX53_F8_YzHrCngYUaloLl4j59N_nLW68FHS-9YrWNgVN7skxEzVsPKRXbGiqOyfEtDIar8avQ14fuK_hxXijvBV43iVrkFP_PFzyNPEQ8PVYqu1e1Ju7ue0HqJ7ajX9m3/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Skin:</div>
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Same as the photo above.</div>
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Eyes:</div>
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Chantecaille <a href="http://chantecaille.com/product_makeup_detail.cfm?cat=9&pid=762" target="_blank">le stylo ultra slim</a> liquid liner</div>
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Lancome Hypnose Mascara in <a href="http://www.lancome-usa.com/Hypnose/990519,default,pd.html?dwvar_990519_color=Black&cgid=volume#start=20" target="_blank">black</a></div>
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Cheeks:</div>
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Tarte Amazonian clay blush in <a href="http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-Amazonian-clay-12-hour-blush" target="_blank">exposed</a></div>
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Nars blush in <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/cheeks/blush/blush/deep-throat" target="_blank">deep throat</a></div>
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Lips:</div>
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Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/lips/lip-pencils/velvet-matte-lip-pencil/bolero" target="_blank">bolero</a></div>
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Nars Lip Lacquer in <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/lips/lip-gloss/lip-lacquer/chelsea-girls" target="_blank">chelsea girls</a></div>
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<br />Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-57604361417854273102014-03-10T23:41:00.001-07:002014-03-10T23:41:08.827-07:00Do You Apply Morals To Makeup?As posted in <a href="http://hellogiggles.com/apply-morals-makeup?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=HGFB&utm_campaign=post" target="_blank">Hello Giggles</a> on 3/4/2014<br />
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I am thinking we are in serious need of new names for some of the make up products out there. "One Night Stand," "Bad Gal Lash", and "Hot Slut Nail Polish" (yes, that really exists!) are not names that inspire me to buy a product!<br />
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Let me clarify - I do not judge a "one night stand" because I understand the human desire to connect physically, especially when a long term relationship is not an option. But, it's not something I espouse nor is it something I want teenage girls to be learning from their beauty products.<br />
Nars make up (one of my all time favorite brands) just came out with a blush palette that has 4 of my favorite blushes in the 6 blush palette case, but it's called "one night stand" -- so do I not use it??Why did they have to ruin with that name? The product is so great that people would love it even if it were just called 'Blush.'<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgb2jYCUr5FGbBSpoXPSpNA1GPaue9cU52avA6UXCjPQtIDkY01s_LPddrmkx0mPOE9Oq8JKF8KPhxMOohaI2vKVX_CMtvsIcyyHpO9foDBMJKlK8Vpn9K4zwEjxytE1Ai1k9JdJAUtuu/s1600/imgres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgb2jYCUr5FGbBSpoXPSpNA1GPaue9cU52avA6UXCjPQtIDkY01s_LPddrmkx0mPOE9Oq8JKF8KPhxMOohaI2vKVX_CMtvsIcyyHpO9foDBMJKlK8Vpn9K4zwEjxytE1Ai1k9JdJAUtuu/s1600/imgres.jpg" /></a></div>
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Beauty and fashion pave the road for our youth as they follow these two worlds very closely. They copy the fashion runway's clothing and make up looks and make them their own. Though a name on a beauty product may seem a non-issue, one of the reasons females buy products IS because of the name and its association! In high school, I bought Benefit "bad gal lash" because it was cool and I thought I was a "bad gal,"but looking back....who was I kidding? I went to a religious all girls school, I never had a boyfriend and I did not do any drugs. Seriously I should have been buying "good gal" products if there were such a thing. I digress... We do buy products because of the names. My sister just got her nails done in a beautiful maroon color because she liked the name of the polish "Rock Star Skinny" by Essie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfE2yilN6ivgjrE-zJ1V6A82CU8tQ_pT-ZG_n8jsWsCTjynmCRFnBx8U28tgPelY0qCRCs-9IxqAaH1yg_jFLrYpWcygRNd2JSntbJXV5c1dKbSaPl5Yxnfw3qbX1_tzxRIUdEzgT4kFX/s1600/imgres-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfE2yilN6ivgjrE-zJ1V6A82CU8tQ_pT-ZG_n8jsWsCTjynmCRFnBx8U28tgPelY0qCRCs-9IxqAaH1yg_jFLrYpWcygRNd2JSntbJXV5c1dKbSaPl5Yxnfw3qbX1_tzxRIUdEzgT4kFX/s1600/imgres-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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As you can see from the ages of 16 (my "bad gal" lash stage age) to 40, my sister's age, names of products still matter when purchasing. And beauty brands know the power that they hold. With all this knowledge, how awesome would it be if beauty and fashion companies would set out to <i>inspire</i> and motivate the youth and the adults of this generation?! How about they name their products things like "Unique + Chic" for a nail polish or, "Spirit Seeker" as an eyeshadow palette or "Loyal Love" for a blush palette....just to name a few. Beauty brands, those names are on the house...go ahead, I have not put a copyright on them...yet.<br />
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I know that not all brands seek to grab our attention by having a racy title. Some products go for our basic pleasures like Too Faced "Chocolate Bar" eyeshadow palette. I mean, if we are being honest, put the word 'chocolate,' 'wine,' or 'coffee' on <i>any</i> beauty product and watch the items fly off the shelves!<br />
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The beauty brands out there are so powerful, that for many, they control the way in which we look at ourselves and how we feel as girls, then as women, and then as mothers. It may be easy to use phrases that empower us sexually since that is all about our looks, but I would love to see them use their strength and start empowering our essence. I think instead of women thinking about the guy they were with the night before, they might feel better thinking about their inner radiance when applying their blush and how it can affect their day ahead. Oooh thats a good one too "Rad Radiance" blush palette. I may have to start my own make up line! Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-75545051002692688562014-02-18T19:52:00.000-08:002014-02-20T14:24:29.309-08:00To Love is to ServeEvery year Valentines day passes with a flourish of pinks, whites and reds. The world around us starts raining roses and chocolates and cards with little hearts and teddy bears holding little hearts and balloons with little hearts as well. We are assaulted in grocery stores, in book stores, in pharmacies, by many and more products silently yelling at us to hold me, buy me, love me. Whether we believe in this Hallmark-iday oops, I mean Holiday or not, the colors, cards and sweets start seeping into our psyche and we think 'yes, yes, someone shout to me that you love me with cards, flowers, sweets, more sweets, more balloons, more, more, more.' <br />
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Although the above paragraph might give you the impression that I am a hater of Valentines day and that I do not believe in the hallmark holidays, I would like to make it quite clear that this in fact is not the truth. I am a great lover of flowers, chocolates and sweet hand-written-notes. I just believe that all those wonderful things should come at many different intervals during the year. And for me great love is not hidden in flowers, cards etc.. For me the greatest display of love is hidden in the everyday. </div>
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Dov waking up with my son every...you heard correctly, EVERY morning at 6am because he knows how hard that ungodly hour is for me. Dov doing all of the dishes that filled the sink without me mentioning anything to him. When I'm sitting at the computer working and I'm surprised with an-eyes closed-Trader Joe's licorice popped in my mouth (have you tried the TJ licorice? I am obsessed!)</div>
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When I was younger in previous relationships, I often felt like those cards, flowers and teddy bears. I would be standing in front of my date, boyfriend or prospective date/boyfriend and be silently screaming 'love me, see me, love me.' Most of the time in some of those relationships my silent screams never ceased because their showering of gifts never completed my need of what I really wanted, which was to not have to question where I am and who I am in my relationship with another.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDq1Fms4urzGtTgA5PuFIAWWDU8pdY7WJQpsjGdSlBFLUFG2hP2TRkIUpp9MV-DO1N4BrWEXlzAYOwH1-wDpRPEkm9nR8mVrJLifZdvST0JPSfYgNRTin3Vr1Hlum35QuHkMFejv0fq9L8/s1600/dov_love+tee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDq1Fms4urzGtTgA5PuFIAWWDU8pdY7WJQpsjGdSlBFLUFG2hP2TRkIUpp9MV-DO1N4BrWEXlzAYOwH1-wDpRPEkm9nR8mVrJLifZdvST0JPSfYgNRTin3Vr1Hlum35QuHkMFejv0fq9L8/s1600/dov_love+tee.jpg" height="320" width="125" /></a></div>
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A couple of years back, on our road trip to California from NYC, Dov bought a t-shirt that had "to love is to serve" written across the front of it. We both understood the meaning of the shirt and loved it because we felt its truth. Words are beautiful and abundant and we can use them to express love if we so choose. But the true test of love is not in our words but in our actions....<br />
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I would truly like to write more on this subject but at this moment I simply cannot. Dov just walked in with a glass of wine, chocolates and a beautiful card. He came to wish me Happy Valentines day. He had no idea I was even writing this blog. The timing is perfect and the card is sweet and has Dov's signature of writing little comments on the card's picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeqV4Mvw7p2PxjfmWm47cmkXzDMUYd_2fJQe3sF4GtcKwbJTnpKYLUf1hoi95qqNxRLJfgt0TO2Av9cTQRPwzqh-KLvWyWQjwiqX-gVtWsTGnAJlhklt3Lunbklm0fCf4R5g1GsrtKrFX/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeqV4Mvw7p2PxjfmWm47cmkXzDMUYd_2fJQe3sF4GtcKwbJTnpKYLUf1hoi95qqNxRLJfgt0TO2Av9cTQRPwzqh-KLvWyWQjwiqX-gVtWsTGnAJlhklt3Lunbklm0fCf4R5g1GsrtKrFX/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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'To love is to serve' can be interpreted in so many ways. To me it is knowing your partner. </div>
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While I am (almost) not in need of Valentines day, Dov is not in like of it though he still surprised me with all these goodies tonight because he knows my love of chocolates, wine and sweet-handwritten-notes. Because I know that his love for me is not solely based on his needs. It is also balanced with what I need in terms of love and affection.</div>
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'To love is to serve' is found in the everyday mundane activities and the not so every day little unexpected surprises. 'To love is to serve' is unique to us all as individuals and our particular needs bring new meaning to the overall interpretation of love. Though poets and novelists through the centuries may beg to differ...to love truly, to love wholly, to love unselfishly is hard work and if "serving" my love, serves our greater love, I will gladly be the first in line to work for it.<br />
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And on that note I am going to hang out and watch some much awaited episodes of House of Cards with my very patient husband (I have been working for a while this evening).<br />
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*Even though we did not go out on Valentines day, I squeezed in some time between the Spa and dinner to do a Valentine's day date night look inspired by Naeem Khan's Fall 2014 show...oh, did i mention I went to the spa on Friday? I went during Kol's nap time with Dov's blessings, because that's what <i>I</i> needed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6F1c-CrCGXV3Z7YSUfWj6R12q4RUGeVVc3M0FWqfblDTueZp6c08ua_r_j6Recqjz3jmw1_-1Lj60gioJr9istXAL3hfKilJDgqHRx20kJVxeCbyogFGN39Eyb2lTHItjaKup_9Ztvb9/s1600/photo+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6F1c-CrCGXV3Z7YSUfWj6R12q4RUGeVVc3M0FWqfblDTueZp6c08ua_r_j6Recqjz3jmw1_-1Lj60gioJr9istXAL3hfKilJDgqHRx20kJVxeCbyogFGN39Eyb2lTHItjaKup_9Ztvb9/s1600/photo+(15).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Eyebrows:</div>
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Mac Eye Pencil in <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/151/326/Products/Eyes/Liner/Eye-Pencil/index.tmpl" target="_blank">coffee</a></div>
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Mascara wand!</div>
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Eyes:</div>
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Stila shimmer powder (discontinued)</div>
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Use Stila Eye Shadow Trio in <a href="http://www.stilacosmetics.com/product/eye-shadow-trio---gold-glow.do?sortby=ourPicks&page=2" target="_blank">gold glow</a></div>
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Mascara CoverGirl LashBlast 24 Hr. in <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/eye-makeup/mascara/lashblast-24-hour-mascara" target="_blank">very black</a></div>
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Lips:</div>
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Nars Semi Matte Lipstick in <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/lips/lipstick/semi-matte-lipstick/fire-down-below" target="_blank">fire down below</a></div>
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Nars Lip Liner Pencil in <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/lips/lip-pencils/lip-liner-pencil/amazon" target="_blank">amazon</a></div>
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Mac Eye Pencil in coffee (link is above)</div>
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Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-17507384653209460452014-02-07T00:05:00.003-08:002014-02-09T00:57:10.263-08:00My week as a Grammy artist.The Grammy's are one of the most exciting award shows of award season. The Grammy ceremony is heavily sprinkled with some of the top musical acts in the business. It makes for a very entertaining evening. It also means that there are many people watching this televised event. Many women who are watching, observing, taking notes and generally judging how the artists are looking in their Grammy get-ups. We "oohh" and "ahhh" at the clothes and shoes knowing that most of the items being worn are completely out of our league. Or, even if the gowns, dresses and footwear are in our financial league, honestly, when on earth will we ever have an opportunity to wear any of them?!<br />
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But the make up...the make up is something that not only can we afford, we can most definitely find an opportunity to wear! We can always find an occasion to try the beauty looks influenced by the ladies parading down the red carpet.<br />
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As I watched Lorde perform her hit "Royals," I was saddened that her beauty team had made her look so mature. After all, part of the thrill of her success is that she is only 17 years old and her music is so exemplary for such a young artist. I understand their need for not wanting her to look too 'pop,' but there should have been a balance, in my opinion, to her intense dark lipstick look with heavy foundation. So the next day, I decided to do a lighter version of Lorde's look, or what I called a "night-to-day look." I tried to portray how you could wear a heavy deep burgundy lip in a fresher fashion; a bit of peach/pink blush on the apples of the cheeks and a lighter foundation did the trick. I had so much fun experimenting with the "night-to-day look" make-under that I decided to try a new artist each day for the rest of the week.<br />
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Using the amazing app <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pic-stitch/id454768104?mt=8" target="_blank">Picstitch</a> - I know, last to the party - I was able to capture the Grammy artist inspired look along with my own before and afters, <i>and</i> a pic of the products used...all in 1 framed pic!<br />
[In tears...] All of your likes on Facebook have truly kept me going and have made my dream a reality! ...and that's me working on my acceptance speech...<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RCF3KyTm6e5SHIl7H3YunpdvicZkkZwpW5_hmVxaO4_-a1Bkv7f1tj0aaOZw8AESfrHD_NAveu_NCAM5oM2g3CNqpfHoJs6n3HpOJaIuwi9JPh99c82gwsLoEJ9CJ06VIWcSBHZZfZsG/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></div>
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Skin:</div>
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Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in <a href="http://www.lauramercier.com/store/shop/Step%202:%20Apply%20Foundation_Tinted%20Moisturizer%20SPF%2020_prod210061#ColorSampleLink_sku110075" target="_blank">nude</a></div>
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Eyes:</div>
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Revlon Cream Shadow in <a href="http://www.revlon.com/Revlon-Home/Products/Eyes/Eye-Shadow/Revlon-Illuminance-Cr%C3%A8me-Shadow.aspx" target="_blank">not just nude</a></div>
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Nars Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/eyes/eyeliners/soft-touch-shadow-pencil/aigle-noir" target="_blank">aigle-noir</a></div>
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Cover Girl LashBlast <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/eye-makeup/mascara/lashblast-24-hour-mascara" target="_blank">24 hour mascara</a> in very black</div>
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Cheeks:</div>
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Nars Blush in <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/cheeks/blush/~/orgasm-blush" target="_blank">orgasm</a></div>
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Lips:</div>
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Burts Bees <a href="http://www.burtsbees.com/Beeswax-Lip-Balm/11099-00-1,default,pd.html?cgid=lipbalm&start=3&q=#start=3" target="_blank">Beeswax Lip Balm</a></div>
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Cover Girl Lip Perfection in <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/lip-makeup/lipstick/lip-perfection-lip-color" target="_blank">euphoria</a></div>
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(Unknown color in container received from Gucci Westman at one of the fashion shows)</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp-LP746r4fLaVWM58uX92TPqA44ti3wazp68jhxo0wXeZXVB201aZUGLAgq-U7YVabqEIjB70XaR-fM_X33mHDSH8gn-lo7UHbm09aHnGbX8ASEU64eO1tkP0kgnA4TYvAHSd75RK8UO/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></div>
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Skin:</div>
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Cover Girl Concealer truBlend Fixstick in <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/face-makeup/concealer/truBLEND-FIXSTICK-Concealer" target="_blank">light</a></div>
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Cover Girl truBlend Liquid Make Up in <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/face-makeup/foundation-makeup/liquid-foundation" target="_blank">classic ivory</a></div>
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Eyes:</div>
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Stila Eye Shimmer (discontinued..sniff sniff)</div>
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Cover Girl Bombshell Intensity Liner in <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/eye-makeup/eyeliner/felt-tip-eyeliner" target="_blank">pitch black</a></div>
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Cover Girl Bombshell-Volume-Mascara in <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/eye-makeup/mascara/bombshell-volume-mascara" target="_blank">black</a></div>
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Cheeks:</div>
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Cover Girl truBlend Mineral Bronzer in <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/face-makeup/bronzer/trublend-mineral-bronzer" target="_blank">golden sunrise</a></div>
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Lips:</div>
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Mally Beauty Melted Lipstick Duo in <a href="http://www.mallybeauty.com/melted-lipstick-duo" target="_blank">punch/mauve</a> (I only used punch)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWuMSoJw5dxvAtgkwsS5wGzAwpHCH76In-nXV5RoValPfLUIUiVwfABiUjcvz9JaNxjciaoP5osCiyEVrSwTjZFLnYFLCYu5-wvjdPzWH5Bb2r2RW9IoYzZ4GP3NrMFlC4QLIBikI2dFz/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWuMSoJw5dxvAtgkwsS5wGzAwpHCH76In-nXV5RoValPfLUIUiVwfABiUjcvz9JaNxjciaoP5osCiyEVrSwTjZFLnYFLCYu5-wvjdPzWH5Bb2r2RW9IoYzZ4GP3NrMFlC4QLIBikI2dFz/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Skin:</div>
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Chantecaille New Stick in <a href="http://chantecaille.com/product_makeup_detail.cfm?cat=4&pid=77" target="_blank">ivory</a></div>
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Cover Girl truBlend Liquid Foundation in classic ivory</div>
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Eyes:</div>
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Lancome Color Design in <a href="http://www.lancome-usa.com/Color-Design/100519,default,pd.html?dwvar_100519_color=503%20Mint%20Jolie&cgid=makeup-eyeshadow#start=2" target="_blank">gris fatale</a></div>
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Mally Beauty EveryColor-Shadow-Stick in <a href="http://www.mallybeauty.com/homepage-featured/evercolor-shadow-stick" target="_blank">gun metal</a></div>
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Cover Girl Liquiline Blast Eye Liner in <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/eye-makeup/eyeliner/waterproof-eyeliner-pencil-liquidline-blast" target="_blank">black fire</a></div>
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Cover Girl LashBlast <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/eye-makeup/mascara/lashblast-24-hour-mascara" target="_blank">24 hour mascara</a> in very black</div>
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Cheeks:</div>
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Nars the Multiple in <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/cheeks/multi-use/~/the-multiple" target="_blank">laguna</a></div>
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Lips:</div>
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Burts Bees <a href="http://www.burtsbees.com/Beeswax-Lip-Balm/11099-00-1,default,pd.html?cgid=lipbalm&start=3&q=#start=3" target="_blank">Beeswax Lip Balm</a></div>
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Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/lips/lip-pencils/velvet-matte-lip-pencil/cruella" target="_blank">cruella</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIO869OQTap5Kj0q4KQRCXoOLdaE9D8D0bRw602XFwnMCEpVDUQLjDjgfWCSuJ_OMyvl8mcX3-sZL5shfKCgAQnl3KJpAH9qnRQZLDTFEXzESgV77lVs2GP2AkRIMNHWxd-9OI1UNF-s7/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIO869OQTap5Kj0q4KQRCXoOLdaE9D8D0bRw602XFwnMCEpVDUQLjDjgfWCSuJ_OMyvl8mcX3-sZL5shfKCgAQnl3KJpAH9qnRQZLDTFEXzESgV77lVs2GP2AkRIMNHWxd-9OI1UNF-s7/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Skin:</div>
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Chantecaille New Stick in <a href="http://chantecaille.com/product_makeup_detail.cfm?cat=4&pid=77" target="_blank">ivory</a></div>
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Cover Girl truBlend Liquid Foundation in classic ivory</div>
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Eyes:</div>
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Revlon Cream Shadow in <a href="http://www.revlon.com/Revlon-Home/Products/Eyes/Eye-Shadow/Revlon-Illuminance-Cr%C3%A8me-Shadow.aspx" target="_blank">not just nude</a></div>
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Lancome Color Design in <a href="http://www.lancome-usa.com/Color-Design/100519,default,pd.html?dwvar_100519_color=503%20Mint%20Jolie&cgid=makeup-eyeshadow#start=2" target="_blank">gris fatale</a> (only the black shade)</div>
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Nars Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/eyes/eyeliners/soft-touch-shadow-pencil/aigle-noir" target="_blank">aigle-noir</a></div>
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Cover Girl Bombshell-Volume-Mascara in <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/eye-makeup/mascara/bombshell-volume-mascara" target="_blank">black</a></div>
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Cheeks:</div>
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Cover Girl Clean Glow Blush in <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/face-makeup/blush/clean-glow-blush" target="_blank">peaches</a></div>
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Cover Girl truBlend Mineral Bronzer in <a href="http://www.covergirl.com/face-makeup/bronzer/trublend-mineral-bronzer" target="_blank">golden sunrise</a></div>
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Lips:</div>
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Nars Lipstick in Promiscuous (discontinued)</div>
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Substitute: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/lips/lipstick/velvet-matte-lip-pencil/belle-de-jour" target="_blank">belle de jour</a></div>
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<br />Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-18367950787076928962014-02-03T21:44:00.001-08:002014-03-02T14:31:52.630-08:00Carrying The Weight of a MiscarriageAs posted in <a href="http://hellogiggles.com/carrying-weight-miscarriage" target="_blank">Hello Giggles</a> on 2/19/2014<br />
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I started the lucky #9 blog many moons ago because I felt there was not enough word on the street about the difficulties - and often muted truths - of parenting, specifically mommying. Everyone spoke about the <u>joys</u> of being a new mom, but the exhaustion, stress, loneliness, post-partum, (and did i mention <u>exhaustion?</u>) was rarely talked about. And so I did what I've been doing since I was a little girl... I started spreading the word. This word was not a warning to unsuspecting soon-to-be moms to stop in their tracks and run far away from children. It was simply a warning from an educational point of view. Just a "heads up soon to be parents you may have some really shitty days but don't worry we have all been there or are still there and we feel you." I sincerely hope that my blogs accomplish this goal.<br />
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So in true lucky #9 form I want to broach another subject that is not really talked about...miscarriages. <br />
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Having just had one quite recently the pain and sadness of it was difficult for me. I was early, yet my excitement at growing my family was huge. My husband and I were so joyful to be adding another soul into our family, a sibling for our son Kol. I was bursting with happiness and couldn't control myself so I told some family members and shared the happy news with our parents. After all, I felt that if anything bad were to happen I would probably tell them anyway, of course thinking in my head that is just something you say because nothing is really going to happen. I already have one beautiful, healthy boy with no complications so I believed that of course this go around will just follow suit. But it didn't. <br />
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I went for an ultrasound and there was just no heartbeat, no movement on screen, the emptiness of the picture on the monitor stared back at me. I went into crisis mode. I didn't cry, I simply asked the doctor what this meant, what should I do, how do i move forward. He gave me all the right medical answers, we made schedules and booked procedures and moved forward.<br />
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Finally I got home and could hear my thoughts. All my thoughts, my visions of pregnancy, labor, early motherhood, siblings, it all seemed to empty out like the picture on the monitor. And left behind was nothing but an ache, a sadness for what could have been, a sense of loss for this soul inside of me that was no more. <br />
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What do you do with this kind of loss. It is understandably private for most people. Most women I have talked to have had one or more miscarriages. Only several weeks pregnant, one might not have even shared the news yet. But people were telling me I was glowing, my skin, my hair was sparkling. And now, I have broken out, my hair is shedding as it did after I gave birth to Kol, and once again I am reminded about loss. Move Forward. Move Forward.<br />
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This is what I hear in my head. Move Forward. Take the time the doctor says to take and then try again. Move Forward.<br />
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I believe strongly in the mantra "dust yourself off and try again" but I have never just moved forward. I have always taken time to acknowledge where I am emotionally and how I feel internally. I dissect things until i am comfortable with them. So I thought about my loss, the week I found out about it, I bought myself a couple of bouquets of my favorite flowers in honor of the soul that was not to be ours, in honor of the soul that I was lucky to house for a couple of weeks, in honor of the soul that brought a glow to my skin and a sparkle to my hair. I set the flowers around the house in every room and as I passed them over the next couple of days I smiled and greatly enjoyed the scent of them. After the week was done and my blood finally started flowing, I placed the flowers in the bin.<br />
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I am starting on a vitamin regimen my doctors are suggesting for me. I have learned that a good way to go about taking care of yourself after a miscarriage is to make sure you are sufficient in your vitamins. You need plenty of Iron since you lose a lot of blood (recommended is 2 to 3 25mg of Iron capsules) Take a pre-natal vitamin so you make sure to get all the good stuff that comes in that little bottle (speak to your doctor to find out which brand is good for you). Eat healthy food, exercise when you are ready and the best advice I received so far was from none other than my mother, who suggested to do something nice for myself. I am thinking a day at the Spa is in order. I will do all the things I am supposed to while I wait a couple of months for my body to heal. And then, I plan to move forward.Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-16919335950598039632013-10-30T19:15:00.001-07:002013-10-30T19:15:35.444-07:00Back to bed yelled Fred!Lately, I have been doing what most moms should never do. Veteran moms know not to do this. But new moms like moi...wellllll, we forget sometimes. What is this "thing" that I <strike>am</strike> was doing? I was congratulating myself on how well my son Kol sleeps at night. You see, a veteran mom knows that the moment you start bragging about how great your son's sleeping habits are, said son stops sleeping so greatly! Somehow the sleep angel hears your bragging words spilling out of your mouth and she flutters on over to your child and whispers "your Mama is bragging about your sleep, child, go ahead! It's time to show her what's what!" And then, your peaceful night turns into not so peaceful anymore. Last night we were up from 3:00am to 6:00am with Kol. He woke up at 3am and I thought it was a fluke so I did a 'check-in' and told him that he's safe and we're here and love him and he should go back to sleep. As his cries grew louder and did not quiet down as they usually do after a check-in at that hour, Dov went in for a another check-in. And still the cries for Mama and Daddy just intensified. So I proceeded to do it all, checked his diaper, checked the temperature in the room, made sure he was not in any pain from a possible teething situation or from a fever. Everything was fine. So honestly what the hell was going on??? After about an hour of check-ins, I did what I had promised myself I would never do, I gave him a bottle of milk in his crib, but honestly after an hour of screaming at 4am you are truly not to be held accountable for your actions! And anyway the bottle held him over for no more than 10 minutes.<br />
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The cries only subsided when Kol was brought into our bed but, sleep still evaded him. Every couple of minutes, which is when I assume that damn sleep angel would prod him to speak up, I would hear Kol's mind moving through his mouth. I heard him discussing with himself "fortress..ga-prise" which when decoded, means he wants to go under the blanket and make a fortress and then shout out SURPRISE to the "unsuspecting" parent above the blanket. He also kept repeating in the same intonation as the voice on the app "<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/peekaboo-barn/id300590611" target="_blank">peek-a-boo barn</a>" an Ipad app that Kol loves to play (it is a fabulous app where kids learn the animal names and sounds they make.) After every adorable sentence Kol spoke -- he truly has the cutest voice (warning I may be biased) -- I told him if he does not go back to sleep I will put him back in his crib. That kept him quiet for a good 5 minutes each time! Thankfully at around 6:15 am he fell asleep til 8.<br />
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As you can imagine, we were both exhausted all day! Even though we were both good sports about it, I stopped being angry about my night after my second cup of coffee. (Thank you coffee bean at The Grove for that!) and Kol played nicely with the bubbles lady at The Grove (God bless her- she stands there for hours entertaining all of LA's children) and he truly enjoyed the swings this afternoon at the park. He even calmed down enough to eat some dinner after a serious melt down at around 5 pm. It is 6:45pm now, Kol is sleeping and I plan on going to bed really early tonight. I pray we all have a quiet, restful night but I will say, if we do, I wont be telling any of you about it! <br />
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Good Night, Sleep Tight!<br />
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<br />Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-54746046454545157932013-10-28T20:24:00.004-07:002013-10-28T20:26:04.334-07:00Gal Friday (Recipes included)<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
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For most people, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_446613333" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> is the beginning of the weekend. It is a day of excitement and the beginning of relaxation. For those of us who keep the Sabbath, Shabbat, Shabbos or whatever you choose to call it, it is, hectic! There is a huge dinner to prepare for the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_446613334" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> night Shabbos meal and prep needed to be done for the Shabbos day meal, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_446613335" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> lunch. Included in prepping a huge meal, which is often reminiscent of a Thanksgiving feast, is also managing everything else going on in your life. Your family, your work, your sanity. The ladies (or men) who prep for Shabbos do not usually get a day off <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_446613336" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Friday</span></span> to leisurely shop in 5 stores and prepare the big evening meal with family standing near by help chop all those little Brussel sprouts off the Brussel sprout stalks (you can find those awesome things in Trader Joes f.y.i.). Unlike the prep for Thanksgiving, we are usually <i>not</i> drinking glasses of wine while we stir our delectable soup and slowly grab another cinnamon stick to throw in the bubbling pot. In the actual Shabbat-prep world, for most of us, there are no other family members helping to chop and stir. There are children to take care of and work to be done and the world slowly does not exist. In the real world of preparing for Shabbos every <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_446613337" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span>, there is one word that is tried and true; RUSH!</div>
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Every <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_446613338" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> I rush and rush and rush. You would think by now in my life, 6 years married and almost 2 years with a child, I would have organized my week better. I would shop <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_446613339" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Wednesday</span></span> and start cooking <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_446613340" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Thursday</span></span>. But no, what would be the fun if life ran smoothly? And besides, I love bumping into all of my <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_446613341" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> friends at the local kosher markets in the morning. We get to discuss what each one is making for dinner or lunch the next day and I always am inspired to make something new. </div>
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Thankfully Kol is easily entertained and I can run back and forth between the kitchen and the living room switching records so he can dance on his own. The sunglasses are new and a must wear for my accessory man and he loves putting them on and taking them off. Notice the vacuum, yoga mat, and drum in the background. All great activities that last 3 minutes, enough time to open the oven door and place my chicken/brussel sprouts/cake inside before Kol comes rushing back into the kitchen saying "mama play!"</div>
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Through the rush I am aware of all that needs to get done before Sundown. At sundown we light the Shabbat candles and no matter how busy or crazy my house was a minute before, peace begins to reign and it is truly magical!</div>
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I think this is why we happily go back to our <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_446613343" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> craziness. There is nothing like that moment when Shabbos comes in and your world becomes calm. There is no other time during the week that you are forced to become focused, to revel in your home and your family and to not allow any other distraction (work or play) disturb that tranquility that we bring into our home. It is something so beautiful, real, and needed!</div>
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Everyone finds their own way to cope with the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_446613344" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> rush. Mine has been creating a menu <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_446613345" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday</span></span> night so that when I shop <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_446613346" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Friday</span></span>, I know exactly what I need and then when I am home I know exactly what I need to do. Since I can't be in the kitchen there with you, I wanted to share 3 really quick and delightfully tasty dishes that may help enhance your Shabbat dinner and make your <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_446613347" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span> run a bit smoother!</div>
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Sweet and Spicy Brussel Sprouts:<br />
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A bag of brussel sprouts, 3 Tablespoon e.v.o.o , 3 Tablespoon maple syrup, 1/2 Teaspoon kosher salt , 1/4 Teaspoon black pepper, a dash (or two if you like spicy) crushed red pepper flakes. Bake on 350 degrees for 20 (make sure to toss the brussel sprouts during the cooking time) minutes or until the brussel sprouts are browned.<br />
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Fluffy Brown Rice:</div>
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2 cups Brown Rice (make rice according to the package) , 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon basil, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon garlic. Add spices, fluff rice with fork and serve.</div>
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Mid cooking selfie:</div>
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Taken to share what real women look like when they are cooking a big meal and doing 1,000 other things at the same time. I love you foodie blogger world but please start posting what you look like when you spend all day in your kitchen. Thank you- Management.</div>
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Basil Chicken: </div>
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Recipe given to me by my sister Hindel. There is no pretty plated picture on this one, I did not get a chance to plate it before sundown. That being said, this is one of the most delicious chicken recipes I have ever tasted. It is a classic in my home and will probably stay that way for a long time!</div>
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1 Chicken, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoon fresh garlic, 2 tablespoon dried basil, 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and then pour over the chicken. Cook chicken covered for 1 1/2 hours on 350 degrees. (uncover for the last 1/2 hour).</div>
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This is what my kitchen looks like about 30 minutes before Shabbos starts every week.</div>
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And this was the best part of the day!</div>
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<br />Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-73197436993531515412013-10-02T20:14:00.004-07:002013-10-02T20:15:29.404-07:00iHeart "Gifted"<br />
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Some people are queen B's of gifts. I use a capitol B since you all know what it stands for and I believe these incredible gift givers are major B*****. OK, most of them are not, in actuality they are some of the kindest, generous friends we all have, I am truly just jealous. But the difference between a great gift giver and a mediocre to poor gift giver is, well, that they are poor. The previous sentence is incorrect but up until recently I actually thought that to be true. I have always thought myself as a terrible gift giver, and even though I would not categorize myself as poor I have always had these elaborate ideas of what gifts I would love to bestow on family and friends for such momentous occasions as one's birthday. I would graciously like to buy my sister a pair of Christian Louboutin's shoes, Or for a graduation present...I envision trekking around the villas of Tuscany with my two, 2013 high school graduate nieces (you go Shulas!! Yes they have the same name). Since my lofty ideas of extravagant presents have not yet come to fruition I am always disappointed and seem to get gifts last minute because honestly what could possibly trump Tuscany in the summer or Louboutin's any time of year.<br />
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Yesterday on our Whats App, my sister Rik sent us photos of a beautiful leather bag a friend of hers bought her as a gift after a recent trip to...you guessed it...Italy. As we all drooled over the deep moss color and how soft the leather looked and I imagined felt, I complained how I never buy anyone great gifts. My other sister Hindel went on a bit of a rampage, most people find rampaging sisters too intense but I was honored by what she had to say and honestly doesn't intensity just mean passion!?! Hindel reminded me (passionately) that I was always getting her stuff, lipsticks, nail polishes, magazines, books, Ziploc bags (yes you heard right, ?iplocks, she lives out of the country and this is a HUGE gift) and her list went on. She is right! To be honest I get very excited when Dov comes home with a $1 Slurpee from seven eleven. It really is not the amount you spend on a gift that matters but the thought, and the excitement of not expecting a gift. OK and maybe it should matter an eensy weensy bit that the gift represents the receiver in some way. A friend told me once that a gift is always a little bit of the giver and a little bit of the receiver. That line completely resonates with me, as I'm sure it does with you, when you look back on the gifts you have been given!<br />
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Tomorrow I have a birthday dinner to go to. And though I can not afford the Chanel bag that I know the birthday girl is coveting, I will be picking out a luxurious Chanel lipstick and a matching nail color for her. Because we all know the next best thing to your shoes matching your bag, is a matching lip and nail color!<br />
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Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Somptueuse<br />
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Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in DragonAurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-51814109382142561132013-09-10T22:36:00.002-07:002013-09-10T22:36:56.303-07:00Happy Foodie New Year<br />
Wednesday night started the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashana. This is the new year for the Jews, the time of rebirth, the time of making new and old resolutions of renewing our faith and... blah blah blah. OK let's be honest: This is really a time for showing off our gourmet culinary skills! As the foodie movement hits all corners of the world and then some, the orthodox Jewish women have jumped on the #instayum train with much gusto. The three days leading up to the Jewish new year had my instagram, facebook, and twitter feeds flooded with round challah's and exquisite pomegranate salads, marinades, and fuzzy beverages. The fresh recipes, delicious-looking food, and creative presentation were astounding; not only in the abundance of posts but in their frequency (all-day, all-night!)<br />
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I looked at every picture and then circled back to check out almost everyone's blogs and websites. I had to see the food from all sides and read what the recipes entailed. And let's face it, I was a little bit jealous I was not posting <i>my</i> gourmet High Holiday meals. But alas, a practical problem got in the way... The 2 meals I was hosting were going to be on the last two days of the holiday, which meant I was going to be doing most of my cooking on the day I was actually serving my food. And as an orthodox Jew I do not use my cell phone on Rosh Hashana which means no instagram, no facebook and no twitter pages to show off my tasty delights. I did make a couple of things before the holiday, but, my round challahs, although incredibly yummy, looked more like 2 curvy boobs from every angle. I kid you not, this is the truth. [Sorry readers, no pictures here.]<br />
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So I looked and I drooled and thoroughly enjoyed myself, living vicariously through every friend and blogger posting dish, after plate, after dish - including my creatively talented sister-in-law Esther who ALWAYS has the best place cards. See exhibit A below. (Mini apples, drizzled with chocolate, and names written on paper leaves.)<br />
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Then the holiday came in and miraculously everything stopped. The computers shut down, phones shut off, Ipads hidden behind the couch (from tiny little fingers who love Elmo). My obsession with the internet food display slowly dissipated as I lit the holiday candles and thought about our new year to come. I focused on myself, my family, my friends, and our life. And I realized it's nice to be in the moment sometimes, even more than being in - or seeing - or taking the picture.</div>
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Later that night, we hosted a "half-meal" in which we invited a handful of friends to come over after services for just soup, challah, chummus, and wine. Luckily I grew up in a home with 12 kids (hence blog name, Lucky #9) and about 60 people filtering through our home every Friday night for Shabbat dinner so when I make a pot of soup it is always a LARGE pot of soup. I say 'luckily' because in true "Schwartz"style (my maiden name), my youngest brother showed up with 6 extra people, turning our 'handful' into a total of 16!!! No sweat. We took the party outside to the backyard, set up some more tables and chairs and brought a few extra bottles of wine to celebrate. I have no pictures of the hot summery evening with our backyard lights brightening the night sky. No pictures of the tasty mushroom barley soup served in plastic bowls or the guests gathered around my holiday table, helping themselves to the very last drop. And no pictures of the emotions of happiness and comfort that were palpable amongst our family and friends on that first Rosh Hashana night. But what I do have are permanent memories, a warm recharged feeling that is still present and...and...an idea for a great Rosh Hashana Mushroom Barley picture blog.</div>
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Happy Foodie New Year!</div>
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P.s. Here are some pictures I snuck in right before lighting the Holiday candles.</div>
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<br />Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-35678088897055703942013-06-10T23:07:00.000-07:002013-06-11T23:04:26.594-07:00Forced OutletI tried to force a blog yesterday. It was about balancing life and
work and family. I was forcing it because I have not written a blog in
about 5 months and I really wanted to put something out there. I had
originally told myself I would write one blog per month and if I had
extra time or the writing bug hit me I would write more. So after 5
months of being a complete slacker when it came to writing and then constantly seeing all these
half written and half ass blog ideas on the notes pages of my iphone I
decided to put something to <strike>paper </strike>computer and get it out there.<br />
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So
I forced it. I took a paragraph from one blog idea and mashed it with a
paragraph from another. I took random pictures that had nothing to do
with my words and shmushed them in between the paragraphs so my friends
and family would not be as bored as I was reading the damn thing. I
added some new ideas but most of it was a confused work of writing from
thoughts I had 3, 4, 5 months ago and the feelings were not the same
anymore. How was I even trying to write about going to work for the
first time after having a baby and my world being turned upside down and
dealing with that. I dealt with that! I have been there, I have done
that. I figured out how to make the wheels of my home/life spin again
even if I am not there every minute of every day. That's not where I am
at and yet I was trying to recreate the feelings for the sake of writing
something...anything.<br />
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The real question is why am I
feeling the need to force writing?!?! Writing is my extra curricular
activity. It is pure pleasure for me! I get no monetary reward I get no
publishing credits, it is supposed to be a fun outlet. And then I
figured it out...well it was not all that fast...it is more like a- and
then 5 months later I figured it out. I have forgotten to give myself
an outlet. I have figured out my work life into my home life. I have
figured out how to stay on top of my work schedule I get paid for and
how to stay on top of my other work projects I will hopefully one day
get paid for. I have figured out how to go from working for quite a few
hours and coming straight home to Kol, doing dinner, bath, bed all with
a great attitude and a lot of love (most nights - lets be realistic I
am human here!) And I have figured out how to, somehow between all the
work and mothering, get a healthy homemade dinner ready for my husband
and I to sit down and enjoy together on most nights (once again - human
here.) <br />
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But, then I realized I forgot to schedule
in some me "outlet" time. I have not gotten my nails done in months, I
have not had a girls night out in a while and though I have been usually
good about doing some cardio bar in the mornings a couple days a week I
have skipped it all this week and half of last. So instead of those
'luxurious' activities, I decided to try to force a blog. And though it
wasn't great, aside from the title - "The ultimate balancing act"- it
was good for me to see what I am missing in my <strike>perfectly </strike>almost-perfectly-still-human
run household. And so I will be heading out in 20 minutes to drinks
with my girlfriends. I already feel my shoulders relaxing. Namaste!<br />
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Drinks on the town wearing m.r.s<br />Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-26215944213758068592012-12-17T22:10:00.000-08:002012-12-17T22:10:26.514-08:00Butternut Squash--2 waysToday, my friend Nina and I were discussing how much we love Butternut squash. She was commenting on a dish she planned on making this evening for dinner and I was telling her about my favorite fall soup recipe. She excitedly informed me that she now gets the squash pre-cut which saves her because she has a fear of cutting the squash. Turns out she has a fear of using big knives and since Butternut squash is a large vegetable and has a pretty tough exterior, the best - and probably only - way to cut into it is with a big 8 inch chef knife. The irony is that Nina happens to run a very successful recipe website called <a href="http://kosherinthekitch.com/">Kosherinthekitch.com</a> and is constantly trying new recipes to post to her fans. So in her honor I decided to post my soup recipe and try her vegi/quinoa recipe. I am hoping this will inspire her to cut her own Butternut Squash, especially since you can get a 3 lb. squash at Trader Joes for $1.63 and I cannot even imagine how many $3 bags of cut squash you would need to make this fall soup (have you seen the bags? They are tiny!)<br />
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This recipe has become a family and friend favorite. I found it one Thanksgiving on Epicurious.com and used it for my annual NYC Thanksgiving meal. Even though we moved to LA and our Fall and Winter seasons are not that cold, we still love this soup during the holiday season. I paired the soup this evening with a cheese and kale quesadilla, the quesadilla was buttery and crispy and turned out to be a wonderful addition for dipping into the soup.<br />
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Butternut Squash Soup with Ginger:<br />
Serving 6<br />
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2 Butternut Squash (about 4 lbs. total)<br />
2 Tablespoon vegetable oil<br />
2 Cups thinly sliced onion<br />
1 Tablespoon brown sugar<br />
2 Teaspoons minced fresh ginger<br />
2 garlic cloves coarsely chopped<br />
1/2 cinnamon stick<br />
5 Cups chicken or vegetable broth Or half broth and half water<br />
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Directions:<br />
Preheat oven to 375, cut squash in half and discard of seeds. Place squash cut side down on baking sheet for 50 minutes until it's soft. Let cool so it is comfortable to the touch and discard of peel. Cut squash into pieces. Heat oil over medium/low heat, add onions, brown sugar, ginger, garlic and cinnamon. Cover and cook for 15 minutes till onions are tender. Add squash and broth bring to a boil, then let simmer for at least an hour. Take out cinnamon stick and Puree.<br />
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I love using the same ingredients for two back-to-back dinners. Since I am already peeling and chopping, I tend to take some of my ingredients and put them aside for the next night and then half of my dinner is already done. I wanted to try the recipe Nina was talking about so I took some of the cooked butternut squash, chopped onions and ginger, put it in a tupperware and tucked it in the fridge to be used the next day for my Vegi/quinoa dinner.<br />
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Cooked butternut squash, chopped onion and ginger all ready for my vegi quinoa dinner.<br />
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Vegetable quinoa with Butternut Squash, Cauliflower and Garbanzo beans.<br />
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Here is the <a href="http://www.kosherinthekitch.com/chic-pea-cauliflower-stew/" target="_blank">recipe</a> Nina sent me. I tweaked the recipe a bit. I added the butternut squash and used fresh ginger instead of powder. I also skipped the coconut milk -- I would suggest using it because my dish was too thick for my liking.<br />
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Sorry there is no picture of the finished dish. I was so hungry that I ate my dinner before I could get my camera out of my purse.<br />
<br />Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-20063453299547016132012-11-01T09:27:00.001-07:002012-11-01T19:07:44.406-07:00iHeartBeing in the beauty world has many perks. Some of them are working backstage at Fashion Week, meeting celebrities, and going to parties, to name a few. But my all time favorite perk of being in this world is that I get beauty products for free! Being a self proclaimed product junkie this brings an abundance of happiness to my life and skin. I have a make-up closet that friends and sisters alike come to delve into every once in awhile (I can already hear the phantom knocking on my front door of all my friends, acquaintances and neighbors who did not know this closet heaven exists). I get lucky enough to test, at no charge, many different products to see which ones I want to use on my clients. The importance of this system is that I and many other make-up artists can recommend to their clients what really works as far as anti-aging moisturizers, glowy foundations, and lipsticks that last all day. I know many beauty product junkies who would benefit from and love this system. <br />
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If only there were a way that everyone who buys beauty essentials could have the ability to try the products first, before they decide what to spend their hard earned money on. Imagine if all the women of the world could see if the eye make up remover they are purchasing burns their sensitive eyes or not. If the body moisturizer the sales lady convinces you to purchase really absorbs into your skin right away so you do not have to wait an extra half hour before you lay down on on your sheets! If only the real clientele out there had something close to the perks that beauty experts have. And then it happened! As if the beauty gods heard the collective plea, the New Beauty Test Tube appeared. Well not so much appeared, as... I just found out about it!<br />
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Those lucky ladies who live in LA can go to the Fred Segal Santa Monica store and head to the New Beauty section and find a wall with all the test tube goodies displayed (see exhibit A below). For $30 you can go and pick out which products you would like to try. The best part is that most of these "sample" products are full size so you can really try them for a while and see if you like them enough to purchase.<br />
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For those of you who love living elsewhere, you too can get the perk of trying out these beauty "samples" for $30. The only difference is that the New Beauty, beauty experts will pick which products you will receive in your Test Tube. This amazing offer is available every 3 months and it comes with a magazine (see exhibit B below) that has an enourmous amount of information from the world of skin, weight-loss, hair, nails, and more. It is a huge magazine and could possibly take you 3 months to finish it...it is most definitely taking me that long (having a 9 month old boy may be the cause of that).<br />
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For more information you can visit <a href="https://testtube.newbeauty.com/" target="_blank">https://testtube.<wbr></wbr>newbeauty.com</a>/<br />
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I am very excited about the SuperSmile whitening toothpaste and I am using the sunscreen daily. See exhibit C below for my picks...what will yours be?!<br />
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Exhibit A<br />
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Exhibit B<br />
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Exhibit C<br />
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--It's hard to see the picture clearly so here are my picks<br />
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-Supersmile whitening toothpaste<br />
-Klorane eyemake-up remover with cornflower water<br />
-Ahava intensive nourishing body cream<br />
-YonKa anti-age intense moisture time release mask<br />
-Pur-lisse spf 30 essential daily moisturizer<br />
-Moroccanoil treatment <br />
-Dr. Ci:Labo Aqua-collagen-Gel Super moisture Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-9269595179223728082012-10-15T20:16:00.001-07:002012-10-15T22:28:49.113-07:00Sleep F***ing Training This blog is named <b>sleep f-ing training</b> because I don't believe the words "sleep training" adequately express this process. I have been meaning to write this blog for 3 months now and I keep telling myself as soon as I am finished with the "training" I will write. But then the day wanes and a new moon comes and alas the sleep "training" is never done. There is nap training, (which I am rather lax on) and then the teething comes and messes it all up. But because Kol has officially been going to sleep beautifully (most of the time) and sleeping through the night (again, most of the time) for 3 months now I wanted to write this before it gets away from me.<br />
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I am not sure which is worse, having to let your child <i>cry it out</i> during sleep "training" or having to listen to negative remarks from peers, friends and even other moms. Although I am sure they all mean well, I hear "you are doing it all wrong", "he's too young" and my personal favorite "you are torturing my grandson" (yes, that was my mother's remark, granted she is a hippie and all of her kids slept with her till age 12, fine age 2 but <i>really</i>!!!)<br />
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For me, the crying that happens when you teach your child how to sleep is 10 times worse, but the negative feelings that surround this part of parenthood is something we could all do without. In every other aspect of motherhood everyone loves to give their advice, and still somehow all moms come together to support one another. It is this unspoken pact you make when your child comes into this world, this unspoken feeling of supporting your fellow sisters in child rearing, that no matter your thoughts and feeling at the end of the day, at the end of expressing your opinion, at the end of your sentence you will always say...but whatever works for you. Except, somewhere along the line someone decided to break the damn pact, and decided it was alright to not be supportive when it comes to Sleep Training and many of the moms followed suit.<br />
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Trust me I understand the fear and heart ache that goes along with letting your child cry themselves to sleep. Hearing your baby - your blood and soul, your ultimate creation - cry as hard and as long as he can for you, and knowing if you just went in and picked him up, if you just held him close to your body, if you just...if you just...he would calm in your arms and probably even fall asleep. All you have to do is go into his room lift him up and hold him close to your heart where he belongs; where his journey began and where he would be happy all the time. He would be so happy against your heart every day and every night and every moment of every day. And there in lies the rub. If I could function on no sleep, and function with having no time with my husband or myself, then I would never sleep train. But, at 5 months old Kol was still waking up every 2 hours to nurse. I was a full time mom with outside help only 5 hours a week and even though Dov was ever so helpful, he was working full time and needed his sleep at night to function. It was up to me to be a good mom but I wanted to be a great mom and to do that I needed sleep! I needed to have some evenings where my dinner or conversation were not interrupted by unnecessary nursing. On top of all that my active fun child was getting more tired and cranky during the day. And so I did it. I read 3 books and found the method of sleep training that worked best for me. I am sorry to tell you all but whichever method you choose there is always a measure of crying involved. Some kids take fewer days to work out their sleep habits and some take more but in the end most of them get it and when they do there is a sense of relief in the home.<br />
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After all the nights of crying - on your end, sometimes more than your child's. After all the negative remarks you hear from other women how they could never let <i>their</i> babies cry ( I have a couple of choice words for those ladies that I will leave out of this sentence). After all of that, you emerge 2 weeks later having barely
survived and then there is the light...if you are lucky. The quiet after
the storm. Your child sweetly lays his head down to sleep at <i>your</i> designated time, you leave the room and there is no crying. You sneak back to peak in because surely there is something wrong, after all the nights of praying for some peace and quiet, it is too quiet! So you hesitantly peak your head in and true bliss hits you in the face; your baby's eyes are closed and his breathing is soft and rhythmic. The feeling of pride that creeps over you is like no other. You are fiercely proud of your child and even more proud of yourself for sticking to it and being able to enjoy this huge step forward for you, your child and your family. With that pride comes a whole lot of fun. You have your nights back to do as you will. Catch up with your girlfriends that you have not seen in months! Get a babysitter and go out with your husband. Or my all time favorite, just hanging out with your significant other in your home, enjoying each others company with no interruptions. <br />
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Even though my big 8 month old has been sleeping well since 5 months
there are still bumps in the road. You have to sleep train and retrain
your baby sometimes. As if he can hear the words that I type Kol a.k.a.
Murphy (as in Murphy's law) is crying out from the other room right
now. Sometimes he cries out in a bad dream and my heart leaps and my
mind goes back to all my original fears of what ifs -- what if he's
cold, or what if he's hungry. Sometimes it's longer and I have to go
back to doing check ins, where I let him know we are here, we love him
and he is not alone. We will be here every step of the way guiding him
in his sleep habits, in his life habits through the hard times and
good. Even if sometimes in life we will not be able to sooth him our
hearts will leap with him in his pain and joy and we will be right
beside him cheering him on step by step until he learns how to do
whatever he set out to do all on his own.<br />
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So let the naysayers say and let the people talk as they will, but know that once again, <i>you</i> always know whats best for you and yours and do not let anyone convince you otherwise.<br />
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These two books below really helped me understand how and why I should Sleep Train. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345486455/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0345486455&linkCode=as2&tag=luckynumberni-20%22%3EHealthy%20Sleep%20Habits,%20Happy%20Child%3C/a%3E%3Cimg" target="_blank">Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child</a> By: Dr. Marc Weissbluth<br />
This book really educated me on the importance of good sleep habits for your baby, toddler and child.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0757305601/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0757305601&linkCode=as2&tag=luckynumberni-20%22%3EThe%20Sleepeasy%20Solution:%20The%20Exhausted%20Parent%27s%20Guide%20to%20Getting%20Your%20Child%20to%20Sleep%20from%20Birth%20to%20Age%205%3C/a%3E%3Cimg" target="_blank">The Sleepeasy Solution</a>: The Exhausted Parent's Guide to Getting your Child to Sleep from Birth to Age 5 By: Jennifer Waldburger and Jill Spivack<br />
I followed this book exactly when I was sleep training. It is a very easy book to understand, especially when you are running on no sleep!<br />
<br />Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-51900328020966299522012-10-14T22:03:00.001-07:002012-10-14T22:03:04.494-07:00Live From Hollywood!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-86769701911556362902012-09-04T20:00:00.002-07:002012-09-04T20:00:45.036-07:00Mommy Hair<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.6656044998082211" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The
phrase “mommy hair” brings unparalleled horror to fashionistas
worldwide. But, even “mommy hair” is better than the alternative of
being a “mommy mess”. Until recently, very recently that is, I was one
of those moms. I finally seemed to get my clothing situation under
control and managed to grab enough time in the morning to brush my teeth
AND put on earrings, which is a feat not to be taken lightly with a
seven-month-old underfoot. I mean literally underfoot, Kol is crawling,
sitting and taking his baby escape artist skills to a whole new level.
(More about that on another blog.) So here I am trying to keep my love
for fashion and style alive but I was having a major set back - my hair.
Since about age three months, Kol has been grabbing at everything and
anything in his immediate grasp, and the hair grabbing came into the
picture at about five months old. Up until now I have actually used it
to my advantage, I dangled my long hair in front of my baby’s face while
changing his diaper and magically he stayed on his back letting me put on
a new diaper and put his clothes back on all in a seven second time
span. Anyone who has a baby that moves as much as mine knows how
accomplished I feel every time this happens. </span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Then
it happened. The hair trick stopped working. Whoever said women with
long hair always stop boys in their tracks, need to extend their
research to include seven-month-old baby boys. So my hair turned into a
blob in the back of my head. Day in, day out, it got tied in a little
bun low at the base of my neck. Even that much out of reach, Kol Monster
(yes another nickname) managed to constantly pull my hair out. My
little low bun that started out chic in the morning, slowly but surely
turned into a straggly blob of hair by midday. That is when I realized
I didn’t have a choice but to cut it all off! I believe it is at this
moment in time when many moms give in and get the short "mommy haircut". </span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So
I smartly asked a very cool friend of mine to cut my hair and I got a
really fabulous short cut. I am feeling like a 1920’s flapper girl
meets french chic meets 80’s power woman; Not a bad combo at all. My two
favorite things about this haircut are; 1) it takes me three minutes to
wash my hair, and 2) I do not have to unravel my long hairs from around
baby Kol’s little fingers. </span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">To all you fashionistas worldwide, name it what you will, but I feel fresh and sexy and fun!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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chic hair = mommy hair </div>
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we <3 hats<br />
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always on the go<br />
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smiles </div>
Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-38036199361916486832012-08-12T17:59:00.004-07:002012-08-12T17:59:29.239-07:00Listening Love<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.3774116084952386" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“The
most wonderful thing about Tiggers are... Tiggers are wonderful
things.” I love that line! It’s the song that the Tiger sings from
Winnie the Poo. What is so great about that line is that just being
Tigger makes him wonderful. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">That’s how I feel about my husband Dov. Just being Dov makes him wonderful! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Last
night I suggested we do some date night-ins. I read about these on some
website. It’s a night, once a week or whatever your schedules allows,
and you make a plan with your significant other to be at home. You can
have a nice dinner, hang out and listen to records or watch a movie.
The idea is to separate time so you and your loved one can have some
time alone without the little ones interrupting. I love this because
between the two of us being freelancers, and having a new baby, I am
feeling like we are not getting enough time to talk. You may not know
this but I’m a big talker. I love conversation and discussions and
hearing about each other’s days. I like to talk about our ideas,
thoughts and goals. And I love how Dov listens even when said ideas,
thoughts, and goals, are disproportionate to where I am in life right
now. I always used to say “we need to catch up” whenever we were apart
for half a day, but it’s true, we did. Now we </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">really </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">need to catch up!! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Because
raising a 5 month old saps all your energy and is very time consuming, I
brought up the idea of a date-in last night. Today our wonderful
housekeeper came; she is warm and lovely and makes our house shine, and
as a side note, we thank her on google translate because we can not
speak Spanish, but we appreciate her very very much and like to let her
know. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Well today, Dov suggested we leave Kol with our lovely
housekeeper and sneak away for an impromptu lunch date. It was perfect!
We ate a great lunch, drank some coffee and got to “catch up”. There
was no baby crying, phone ringing, or computers distracting us from our
discussion. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Amongst
all the hubbub of our life right now, it is still so great to know that
when you speak, someone is listening. Thanks for listening love.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOhEKaI-eiYc_SoEL3d8eAjnaxZNz9hkO5yBkDx6DQJq9CFmcDJ-Psf3i4pk9anc3LrWE3v5CVYzIY3yyodK-pHa78rqpep9HvmWpsi_JGZ4J8d6NA3Wzgd1AFefB0_NKi5pntFn4JRtj/s1600/ClickHandler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOhEKaI-eiYc_SoEL3d8eAjnaxZNz9hkO5yBkDx6DQJq9CFmcDJ-Psf3i4pk9anc3LrWE3v5CVYzIY3yyodK-pHa78rqpep9HvmWpsi_JGZ4J8d6NA3Wzgd1AFefB0_NKi5pntFn4JRtj/s320/ClickHandler.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Loved this photo I found on the internet.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>written during week 23 </i></span></div>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-46844619717250685872012-07-23T14:14:00.001-07:002012-07-23T14:14:13.930-07:00Forgiveness<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.7434573595180825" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">His
face is bright red. I try to ignore the sounds of his cry as he throws
his head from side to side. I am trying to move as fast as I can, but
he is strong and his nostrils are so tiny. I hold his head in my hands
and he is mad. I stick the blue thing in his nostril and he gets
angrier, there is a change in his cries and in the strength in which he
throws himself around. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I
am just trying to help,” that thought bounces around my brain as I
wonder how many mothers before me have used those exact words with their
babies, toddlers, teens and adult children. And then I am done, he can
breathe easily again. The crying ceases immediately. His skin goes from
cherry red to silky white. He looks up at me and within seconds he is
smiling at me, his coos are loud and solid. He keeps going till I smile
back and then as we have a conversation of what just happened, he
forgives me and moves on to his toes, the toy of the moment. I’m amazed
it has taken him less than 10 seconds from crazy intense emotion to
happiness. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> crying baby Kol</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnxK9RMzqn92jVCTdhdt_3PCCMrUQJl488K2d0l5YkIeaAi0ExAa_by_pexC8wIrsVj5t0caG7UTtVpi1eJjHBO0TlUm-5QmZo1RW6ND9EPAagBpdaQ1LHvdBM9rMeOsCoypJ8HPjFDvJ/s1600/IMG_3381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnxK9RMzqn92jVCTdhdt_3PCCMrUQJl488K2d0l5YkIeaAi0ExAa_by_pexC8wIrsVj5t0caG7UTtVpi1eJjHBO0TlUm-5QmZo1RW6ND9EPAagBpdaQ1LHvdBM9rMeOsCoypJ8HPjFDvJ/s320/IMG_3381.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> laughing baby Kol</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> If
only I can bottle that up. Save it for him so when he is older I can show
him how easy it used to be to forgive. What a wonder to have someone do
something you do not like and then be over it so fast that it leaves no
mark on your memory, no mark on your heart. As we grow in life it
seems to take us longer and longer to forgive. I see my sister’s
children get upset, they hold onto the feeling longer than my baby but
after awhile they are easily distracted and they move on. And then we
are teenagers, we can harbor pain and resentment for weeks/months/years.
I believe that our hormones and changes in our bodies all contribute
to the way we prolong forgiveness for what seems like an
eternity--especially to our mothers. By the time we start to come into
our true selves, by the time we start to figure out who we really are,
we have forgotten how to forgive easily. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Imagine
if we moved on like our babies move on, if we could somehow remember
what it feels like to forgive easily. To know it’s ok to make your
feelings heard but then to smile just as quickly. To let your spouse,
parents, and friends know within minutes of being angry with them that
everything will be ok, that you will not be holding a grudge, and that
you still love them. Imagine how freeing that would be!</span></div>Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3622880870976125471.post-84091420056409362492012-07-09T18:47:00.005-07:002012-07-09T18:53:37.166-07:00In Flight <span id="internal-source-marker_0.2913476093961742" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Most
people I know have a ritual when it comes to flying. I used to have
one. I always wore very comfortable clothes just in case I wanted to
stretch or sleep. I always brought my ipod, a magazine and a good book
(for options of course!), and without fail there was my bag of treats.
At 10,000 feet above ground my sweet tooth always seemed to activate so I
usually brought an abundance of goodies. All those lovely accessories
fit beautifully in my perfectly-sized-stylish-travel-bag.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Then
life changes, the magazine gets replaced by "Goodnight Moon", the book
becomes a sleep training book, and who has room for a bag of candy when there
are diapers, wipes, and changes of clothing that need space in your
diaper bag? Oh, did I forget to mention there is no more
perfectly-sized-stylish-travel-bag, just nicely designed diaper bags
(Thank you Jonathan Adler--he made a line for skip hop.) </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Recently, we</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">took
our first trip on an airplane with our baby. The idea of flying with a
child was so nerve racking I called all of my friends to discuss their
experiences of flying with their children of all ages. I got mostly
decent reviews and all liked to add "but don't worry, Kol is at a great
age to travel, you can always just feed him if he's crying". Little do
they know how active my darling five month old is, if there is action in
any form Kol's head is whipping around back and forth to see what is
going on.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> There
is a TV show called "Up All Night". It is one of my favorite shows of
the moment and is about a couple dealing with life after having their
first child. In one of the episodes, they experience the challenges of flying with said baby. While
watching the show I was laughing so hard tears came to my eyes.
Needless to say I watched this show before I found out we had to fly
with Kol, otherwise the tears might have been from crying. In the
episode, the mother decides the only way to make it through the craziness
of flying with a baby is if they follow the plan she creates for them.
At all costs she must stick to the plan and then their flight will go
smoothly. Of course nothing works out as planned! The show inspired me
to have a plan before we started our trip, and then I figured if it
would all go to hell, if things did not work as I planned, i.e. crazy
lines at security, baby crying a lot, I would not be so stressed out.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> I
over thought everything and so the stress built up. Then the deadline
came and we got ready to leave on our trip. At the airport everything
went smoothly until...we boarded the plane, took our seats, settled in
and waited, and waited, and waited. And there it was, our flight was
delayed. My perfect feeding time was about to become a problem. We were
delayed an hour, I couldn't starve my child but Kol does not just eat
cuz the food's there. I decided to feed him on one side so he calmed
down and then I waited until we took off to feed him on the other
side. All the scary flying-with-a-baby thoughts and anxiety were for
nothing. My baby boy Moshe Kol was the most well behaved child on that
flight! He did not cry once! He cooed and played and laughed with me,
with his father, with the one year old across the aisle. He sat in his
chair and played so we could get some reading in (yes I snuck my novel
into the diaper bag at the last moment). Kol slept for a 2 1/2 hour
nap, I think the sound of the engine were very calming, and you can be
sure there is a sound machine in my Amazon cart as I type this. After
all the days of being nervous and planning, and all the anxiety, Kol
was an angel! We could not have asked for a better, more relaxed
flight!</span><br />
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Making faces with Daddy.<br />
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chilling while I read<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> I
flew back to LA last night; it's been 2 1/2 weeks since we got to NYC.
It is amazing how much a child can grow in such a short amount of time.
Since we left Los Angeles, Kol has started scooching forward. He can get
to a toy across the room. He gets up on all fours and lunges himself
forward happily banging his head against the floor in his determination
to get to whatever object catches his fancy in that moment. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> I
flew home with my baby brother Cobe as Dov had to go home early, and I
was thankful to get on Cobe's flight. The idea of flying alone with Kol
was too frightful. I was not lucky enough to get an extra seat the
second time around and Virgin America's leg room seemed to have shrunk
since the last time I flew on that airline. Cobe sat at the window, I
sat next to him in the middle, and a sweet 14 year old girl with the
biggest lady bug Pillow Pet sat next to me in the aisle seat. The lady
bug print was bright red with black polka dots. The first hour of the
flight Kol squealed as loud as he could and kept twisting his body to
grab the pillow. After the first 3 attempts at holding him back I let
him grab the furry pillow and try to pull it as much as he wanted. The
girl was kind and let him play with it until he fell asleep. And then by
the grace of g-d Kol slept for the rest of the flight. He slept on me
for 4 hours straight and halfway through I could not feel anything from
the waist down, but it was quiet, and peaceful. I got to doze on and off
and watch a little TV, a simple pleasure I can't seem to find time for
these days. I tried to force Kol to eat while we were landing but in his
sleep he insisted on throwing his head back and continued to sleep with
his ever-hopeful expression. His eyes opened as we landed and he looked
curiously about, observing the people and the airport happenings. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHbqjuyGxerzmE_XlEf97Kof9P5-bm-AUAKuHPsGdnVki4DE_FvJqq_bZiLbiaWghmcXqphT-48Kw7hMPwmo6vx-i54aKUGMjmaP4aX_s77CWc_MGVPiO7ULHT03Wlv1LSMh7L_Rttvlo/s1600/IMG_2656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHbqjuyGxerzmE_XlEf97Kof9P5-bm-AUAKuHPsGdnVki4DE_FvJqq_bZiLbiaWghmcXqphT-48Kw7hMPwmo6vx-i54aKUGMjmaP4aX_s77CWc_MGVPiO7ULHT03Wlv1LSMh7L_Rttvlo/s320/IMG_2656.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Cobe giving me a much needed break<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Finally,
after a happy reunion with his dad, our little seasoned Jet-setter settled in his crib and I went out to have a much needed Jacuzzi dip for
my aching limbs, a definite addition to my Flying Ritual list. </span><br />
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<br />Aurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13753701189243438959noreply@blogger.com0