Chelsea Kaplan’s Musings About Life... After Birth

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, six months after having my second child, weight-wise, I’m still nowhere near where I’d like to be . Sigh. That’s why this afternoon (Wednesday) at 2:00 PM EST, I’ll be joining Broads Molly and Christine of XM Radio’s “Broadminded” (tune in on XM Channel 155!) to try Hello! SkinnyJeans, your good ‘ol classic denim staples made with a high nylon/elastane content that sucks in your gut, butt and thighs. The credit for this find goes to Momtourage member Alison, who read about them in a magazine and said we needed to get some ASAP.

We’ve tried other slimming jeans before, so the Broads and I are looking forward to comparing these bad boys to other varieties. Catherine Hart, the founder of Hello! SkinnyJeans claims her jeans are the best because they’ve got “scooped out” thighs, which drastically separate and slim your thighs and push out your tush, and inseams that are drawn forward on the leg, making it appear that there is less real estate on your drumsticks.

Wanna check them out for yourself? Visit skinnyjeans.com. They come in a variety of colors and lengths, and are $178 each. 

Need to drop a few pounds? I do - like, a “few” times seven or so. In the meantime, it’s all about Spanx, the miraculous shapewear from Atlanta girl (woo hoo!) Sara Blakely. I hate to admit that all of those “Have you lost weight?” comments I’ve been getting recently can’t honestly be answered with “Why yes, and thank you, you wonderfully observant person!”. My seemingly svelte figure is completely the result of my wearing Spanx’s Hide & Sleek Girl Shorts and Slim Cognito Body Shaping Cami. Sara, you deserve a Nobel Prize.

This afternoon (Tuesday) at 1:00 PM EST, I’ll be joining Broads Molly and Christine of XM Radio’s “Broadminded” (tune in on XM Channel 155!) to discuss the newest offerings from Spanx: the Bra-llelujah! Full Coverage Front Closure Bra and the latest additions to Spanx’s hosiery line, the Patterned Tight-End Tights and Under the Heel Tight-End Tights.

I was on Little Rock’s B98.5 this morning discussing my “A Guide to Loving Southern Men” article and had a blast. Wanna listen? Click here (and enjoy my seriously souped-up southern accent - it always happens when I talk to southern folks...and have a few drinks). 

Tune in to Baltimore’s WBAL-AM tomorrow at 11 a.m. EST and 8 p.m. EST to hear my suggestions for some super cool Mother’s Day gifts. To listen in live, click here and the click on the red “listen live” box in the top left-hand area of the page.

Heres‘ what I’m recommending you consider getting your favorite mom:

1) If she’s a gardening mama....

Year of Seeds

This kit includes 12 months worth of easy-to-grow seeds (specifically, petunias, marigolds, pansies, lobelia, alyssum, zinnias, impatiens, baby’s breath, dianthus, cosmos, poppies and sweet peas), organic soil and 12 cute little clay pots with trays.
$75, redenvelope.com

2) If she’s a music-loving mama...

Juno CD
What’s just as charming as last year’s indie hit “Juno”? Its sweet, indie soundtrack. With tracks from The Moldy Peaches, The Kinks and SonicYouth, it’s sure to get plenty of airtime in Mom’s car or on her ipod.
$11.96, bn.com.

3) If she’s a centered Earth mother...

Recycled Yoga Bag
For the Zen mama, there’s no gift like this recycled Yoga bag made in Cambodia from recycled rice and feed bags. Originally, this material was used to carry commodities in Southeast Asia, but it has been dyed and refashioned into a colorful, durable bag by disadvantaged Cambodian workers. The proceeds from each handmade, certified fair trade bag will help provide for these workers. Cute and charitable.

$35, uncommongoods.com
4) If she’s a cookie bakin‘ mama...

Personalized Silicone Spatulas
What do you get for the baker who has everything? A set of her own personalized (along the lines of “Sherry’s Kitchen") pink silicone spatulas! Ideal for mixing, stirring, scraping and folding, these three handy kitchen essentials are molded from flexible silicone that won’t chip or crack. Able to withstand heat up to 800°F, the heads are removable for cleaning in a dishwasher, and they feature round maple handles, which provide a more comfortable handhold. Don’t forget that this just may be the gift that keeps on giving (read: more cookies for you!).
$27.50, williams-sonoma.com

6) If she’s the queen bee of the house...

Helen Ficalora Crown Necklace
For the mom who truly rules both house and home, treat her like the royalty she is with this gold and diamond necklace. If she’s more of a no-frills queen, opt for the (slightly less expensive) version without diamonds.
$260 and $185, helenficalora.com

Tune into XM Channel 155 tomorrow from 12-3 PM EST! I’ll be co-hosting “Broadminded” with with my pal (and Momtourage member) Christine Eads.

There will be all sorts of cool guests on the show including some of the ladies from Mamapalooza, a community of musicians, authors, comics, dancers, filmmakers, designers, craftswomen, educators, and community leaders coming together in a collaborative effort to “highlight the challenges of motherhood in an ever-evolving personal, social, cultural, sexual and political landscape”.

Freaked out by the plastic baby bottle scare? Me too. Recently, an article in Parents Magazine (thank you, Momtourage member Alison) quoted a noted pediatrician as advising parents to be concerned about the potentially harmful effects of Bisphenol A (BPA), the building block of hard, polycarbonate plastic that are found in the baby bottles and kids’ drinking cups made by major manufacturers. Though scientific research has shown that small amounts of BPA can cause abnormalities in the mammary and prostate glands as well as in the female eggs of laboratory animals, the FDA is claming that bottles and drinking containers made with BPAs are safe (more on that later). Regardless, many parents (like yours truly) are starting to think it’s better to be safe than sorry when choosing what types of drinking containers to purchase for their kids. As a result, the demand for glass or BPA-free bottles and drinking cups like those made by manufacturer Born Free have dramatically increased.

This afternoon (Thursday) at 1:20 PM EST, I’ll be joining Broads Molly and Christine of XM Radio’s “Broadminded” (tune in on XM Channel 155!) to discuss BPAs and the potential dangers of many hard plastic baby bottles and kids’ drinking cups. I’ll be bringing listeners the latest report on the subject from the FDA (they say not to worry, but beware - they get loooooots of pressure from the deep-pocketed plastics lobby to say that stuff....) and also from Ron Vigdor, founder of Born Free, makers of BPA-free baby bottles and drinking cups (Born Free’s products, which are produced in Israel, are made of Polyamide PA, a form of nylon, instead of polycarbonate-containing plastic).  I’ll also be bringing in all sorts of Born Free products to give away to listeners.

Missed the broadcast but still want to win some Born Free bottles or drinking cups? Born Free has generously donated a bunch of their products for me to give away, so send me an email at chelsea@themomtourage.com and include your name, address, and kids’ ages and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win! Additionally, you can purchase Born Free products at newbornfree.com, cvs.com, diapers.com, babiesrus.com and at Whole Foods stores nationwide.

Scaly, rough winter hands and feet? If you needsome serious skin rX, catch me on XM Radio’s “Broadminded” Thursday afternoon at 12:20 PM EST on XM Channel 155. I’ll be joining Broads Molly and Christine to share my favorite solution to ultra-dry hands and feet: Bliss Spa’s Glamour Gloves, Softening Socks and Lemon & Sage Body Butter.

Here’s how it all works: lube up your hands and feet with the lotion, then slip on the grapeseed-and-ceramide-gel-lined moisture gloves and socks and go about your business. In 20 minutes, the dehydrated skin on your hands and feet does a disappearing act. Trust me - they’re brilliant! All products are available at blissworld.com and sephora.com.

Labels: beauty, radio appearances

Does your home need some sprucing up for spring? If so, you have to catch me on XM Radio’s “Broadminded” Thursday afternoon at 12:20 PM EST (and replayed at 6:20 PM EST) on XM Channel 155. I’ll be joining Broads Molly and Christine to share my favorite home goods websites and stores, give some great suggestions with how to simply – and inexpensively - make your home over to include this spring’s hottest decorating trends, and give them the goods on my most recent home make over projects: transitioning my son’s room from nursery to big boy room and setting up the new baby’s nursery.

Here are some of my favorite stores and websites for great home design products:

For all-around decorating ideas: Pottery Barn

Sure, Pottery Barn may be a bit ubiquitous, but for the quality, value and selection, you just can’t beat it. This spring, Pottery Barn is completely on-trend, offering loads of items in eye-popping, bright (yet completely livable) color. Including everything from furniture to bedding in vibrant hues of greens, yellows, blues and pinks, you’re sure to find something cool and reasonably-priced to inject a spring-y dose of fun into your home this season. Want to slowly ease into the color trend? Try adding a bright lamp like the Stella Bedside Lamp to your room ($229).

Feeling bolder? Why not switch your bedding for the hothouse floral Nora Duvet Cover and Shams ($29-99) or add a bright chair like the Emery Wingback ($799) to an otherwise neutral room.

If you’re ready to dive in head-first, consider repainting with a bright color. Whether you’re into redoing a bathroom or an even larger room, Pottery Barn offers a wide selection of signature colors – all of which go with their furniture, of course - that they created in conjunction with Benjamin Moore. You can check them out in stores, in the catalog and online at potterybarn.com.

For great modern furniture: West Elm

If traditional not your thing, but you’re also not into the ultra-stark contempo-look, chances are West Elm has exactly what you’re looking for. Check out their retail stores, catalog and web site for great clean-lined, modern-inspired furniture, accessories and bedding. It’s incredibly reasonably priced, not to mention excellently made. Some of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />my favorite pieces include the Scoop-Back Chairs ($99 each) and Slipper Chair ($499).

For more information on their merchandise, visit their stores, leaf through their catalog and visit westelm.com.

For great accessories and upholstery: Ballard Designs

If you love the traditional yet eclectic look, you must check out Atlanta- based Ballard Designs. The catalog and website (no retail stores yet) offer a ton of great furniture and accessories (I especially love these whimsical terracotta pears, $42.95). Their best value may be their super-cheap yet incredibly gorgeous upholstered pieces - simply pick out what you’d like to order (a sofa, chair, chaise lounge, etc.) and choose one of their designer fabrics, and they’ll make it for you in no time flat. Visit their site at ballarddesigns.com.

For great seating: Clubfurniture

If you love what you see in all the pricey catalogs but just can’t spend that kind of money quite yet, check out clubfurniture.com. With styles nearly identical to the mass-market retailers (probably because they all come from the same North Carolina manufacturer), you’ll be able to score a sofa for a fraction of what the mall stores will charge you. I especially like their custom sectional offerings - the Brooke collection is a dead-ringer for a sectional offered at Crate & Barrel. Visit clubfurniture.com for more information.

For great kids furniture: Pottery Barn Kids

Unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of websites that offer a wide range of classic, well-made kids’ and nursery furniture that doesn’t scream “juvenile”. When it comes to quality and value, Pottery Barn is my go-to source to outfit kids’ rooms. Their children’s outpost, Pottery Barn Kids, which offers products in retail stores, online and also through their catalog, offers pint-sized versions of classic favorites, all of which are cool enough for your kid enjoy for years and grow into gracefully. For her son’s new big-boy room, I chose items from PBK’s Rustic Thomas collection and sports-y bedding from the Junior Varsity collection.

One of the coolest things PBK has begun recently offering: free grid templates and proportionately-exact stickers of all of their furniture pieces and rugs. With them, you can lay out your room in a number of ways, making sure everything you choose will fits in your kids’ room, play space or nursery.

For great nursery decorating: Serena and Lily

There are countless nursery linen options out there, but if you want to create a truly sophisticated yet sweet nursery, I say you must check out Serena and Lily (in fact, I chose bedding, paint and a rug from its “Zeke” collection to decorate the new baby’s room).

Founded by Serena Dugan, a textile designer and artist, and Lily Kanter, a baby boutique owner, the line features sumptuous crib and big-kid linens, as well as coordinating furniture, rugs, accessories ad low-PVC paints. Want a free catalog of their products? Click here!

In their new book, “Serena and Lily’s Nursery Style”, Serena and Lily offer tips on how to find your personal style and create your dream nursery.

Visit serenaandlily.com or firefliesandfairytales.com to check out Serena and Lily’s offerings. Want to win a copy of their new book? Enter to win by emailing me at chelsea@themomtourage.com, and sending me your name and address.

Catch me at 7:30 PM EST tonight on WBAL Baltimore’s “Sportsline with Steve Davis: Show. To listen in, go here and then click on the “listen live” button on the top left-hand corner of the page.

I’ll be discussing last-minute Valentine’s Day Gifts for guys who’ve waited until the 11th hour to buy something for their Valentines (come on guys....you know who you are). My tip: think outside the (chocolate-filled) box with these new twists on old favorites:

Chocolates: Instead of giving your sweetie a heart-shaped Whitman’s Sampler box (because eww...those aren’t even good), why not consider signing him or her up for Zingerman’s, an unreal good bakery/gourmet food emporium in Ann Arbor, MI, brownie-of-the-month club? Varieties include the insanely addictive magic brownies, orange almond brownies, pecan blondies and genuinely ginger brownies, just to name a few. Prices start at $84 for a 3-month subscription, and vary depending on the subscription length and/or number of brownies you desire. Visit Zingermans.com to order.

Flowers: Sending a dozen red roses is so cliche - not to mention expensive. Why not think outside the (green, tissue paper-lined) box and instead send a bouquet of red tulips? For a mere $40, you can get 20 stems from marthastewartflowers.com. She’ll love your originality. And because they’re from Martha, you know they’re gonna be beautiful…

A love note: Want to express your love in an unconventional way? For an irreverent take on the traditional love note, simply pen your thoughts and then send them to sendamessage.nl and pay 30 Euros (roughly $44), and they’ll spray paint your message on the West-Bank Barrier in Palestine. You and your recipient each get three digital photos of your message emailed to you. Not so into graffiti? Why not get her a personalized set of note cards from my new favorite stationery designer, Erin Condren ($38 for a set of 20 personalized notes, envelopes and address labels, erincondren.com).

....and because we’re talking to sports fans:

If your Valentine loves sports, why not get her (or him - ladies, we know we sometimes wait until the last minute sometimes too!) her own little piece of sports history? Uncommongoods.com offers cuff links and pendants fashioned out of stadium seats salvaged from famous ballparks like Baltimore Memorial/Busch Stadium, Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, RFK Stadium, etc. $150-230, uncommongoods.com.

With these ideas, you really have no excuse to forgo gift giving this Valentine’s Day…

Catch me on XM Radio’s “Broadminded” Thursday afternoon at 12:20 PM EST (and replayed at 6:20 PM EST) on XM Channel 155. I’ll be joining Broads Molly and Christine to discuss the awesome makeover my kitchen recently got, thanks to some super-cool stainless steel Frigidaire Professional Series appliances, and also to test out some groovy kitchen gadgets.

If you’re unable to catch the show, here’s the lowdown:

If you can’t stand the heat, do like I did and get a new kitchen! I was ready to ditch the old, white, energy-guzzling appliances that came with my house, so I searched high and low for the latest and greatest energy efficient, stainless steel kitchen equipment, which I found in Frigidaire’s Professional Series. Though I was concerned about installing a kitchen full of fingerprint-revealing stainless steel appliances within the easy reach of my son (the dishwasher, his favorite, especially), the line’s EasyCare stainless steel finishes resists smudges and fingerprints and do not require special cleaning, which eased my fears.

Here’s what I selected:

Range and Microwave After seeing “An Inconvenient Truth”, I vowed to make all sorts of “green” changes to my life. After I learned that electric ranges use up to three times (!) as much energy as gas ones, I knew I needed to ditch my dinosaur of an electric stove for the the far more energy-efficient (and chef-friendly) Frigidaire Gas Range with Self-Clean Oven.

While I love that the stove will cut down on my energy usage, earning Al Gore’s (and Leonardo DiCaprio’s) approval, I can’t help but adore its super-cool features too. On the top of my list: the XtraZone Burner, an oval-shaped burner placed in the center of the cooktop, which features a removable griddle surface, allowing for more effective cooking of items like quesadillas and pancakes, her my son’s favorites. Equally cool are the Precision Set Surface Controls, which enable precise temperature control by way of digital feedback, and the Favorite & Keep Warm Settings, which offer the ability to program in time and temperature for a digital recall of frequently-used baking settings as well as a “Keep Warm” setting, which holds the oven temperature at 170 degrees, making it possible to keep food warm until guests arrive.

Because everything’s gotta match (and there were all sorts of gross tomato sauce stains inside my old microwave), I had the stainless steel Over-Range Microwave Oven installed above her new stove. The new model offers one-touch cooking and a super-defrost feature that gets the job done 50% faster.

Range and microwave before

The range and microwave retail for $1599 and 449, respectively. Visit frigidare.com for retail locations near you or lowes.com to purchase directly.

Refrigerator

My old fridge awkwardly stuck out way past my counters, so I replaced it with the Side-by-Side Counter Depth refrigerator. Though I was worried about losing storage space, I found the new model to be exceptionally roomy – in fact, it boasts glass shelves big enough to accommodate an 18-inch round party platter ready for guests. I’m loving its in-door water dispenser and ice maker, as well as its PureAir Filter, which uses naturally occurring minerals neutralize odors in the refrigerator…so breakfast doesn’t taste like last night’s dinner.

Old Fridge....

New Fridge (red fridge, blue fridge....)!

The fridge retails for $2399. Visit frigidare.com for retail locations near you or lowes.com to purchase directly.

Dishwasher

What’s worse than a washer that’s not only loud, but takes forever to do its thing? My old dishwasher was guilty of both, so I upgraded to the SpeedClean Dishwasher with SaharaDry, which alleviated both problem issues.

The dishwasher retails for $749, visit frigidare.com for retail locations near you or lowes.com to purchase directly.

The final result:

Heres’ the “old” kitchen (or one wall of it).

Here’s that wall, all redone. Pretty snazzy, huh?

Want the chance to win a full Frigidaire kitchen suite from Lowe’s? Visit newkingofthekitchen.com (and check out some great recipes and entertaining tips from Food Network cutie Dave Lieberman while you’’re there!).