Urban Suburban Mommy

Monthly Archives: May 2016

Soda bread

Posted on by Posted in Delicious Dishes .

SODA BREAD: I made this bread almost every day during my years as a royal chef. It is very quick and simple to make and I don't think you will find a more delicious loaf than this. It is best eaten freshly baked, but makes really good toast on day two. If it comes out of the oven just before you go on your picnic you can wrap it in baking parchment and a tea-towel to keep it warm!

SODA BREAD:
I made this bread almost every day during my years as a royal chef. It is very quick and simple to make and I don’t think you will find a more delicious loaf than this. It is best eaten freshly baked, but makes really good toast on day two. If it comes out of the oven just before you go on your picnic you can wrap it in baking parchment and a tea-towel to keep it warm!

Of all the breads in this chapter, this is my favourite. It is simple, wholesome and quick to make. Be careful not to over-mix the dough. Unlike other breads, which require kneading to make them lighter, this dough requires as little handling as possible for a light texture. Don’t be alarmed if, a few hours after baking, you notice that any of the pine nuts or sunflower seeds in the bread have turned bright green. This is caused by a reaction between the anti-oxidants in the seeds and the bicarbonate of soda and it is nothing to worry about.

 

What you need:

– One flat baking sheet, at least 23cm (9 inches) wide
– 225g / 8oz plain flour * (2 cups)
– 10ml / 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda *
– 5ml / 1 tsp salt
– 225g / 8oz malted granary or whole wheat flour * (2 cups)
– 30g / 1oz soft butter (2 Tbsp) and a little extra butter for greasing the baking sheet
– 375ml / 1½ cups milk
– 125ml / ½ cup plain yoghurt
– 30ml / 2 Tbsp barley malt extract *
– 15ml / 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
– 15ml / 1 Tbsp linseed *

What you do: 

Makes 1 round loaf, approximately 23cm (9 inches) in diameter

Preheat the oven to 200ºC / 400ºF.

Rub a little butter onto the baking sheet.

Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt into the largest mixing bowl that you have, tip in any whole grains that don’t go through the sieve.

Rub the butter into the dry ingredients, using your fingertips.

Whisk together the milk, yoghurt and malt extract. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in most of the milk mixture; reserving a little to add in later if needed.

Working as quickly and lightly as possible with a round-bladed knife, mix the dough and then bring it together into one ball with your hands; it will be soft and still slightly sticky. Tip it onto a lightly floured surface and, without kneading it, shape it into a round of about 20cm (8 inches) in diameter and about 3 – 4cm (1¼ – 1½ inches) thick. The less the dough is handled, the lighter the bread will be.

Lift the bread onto the baking sheet, re-shaping if necessary. Cut a deep cross in the top and sprinkle with seeds.

Bake for 30 – 40 minutes until the bread is golden. To check if it is cooked, tap it on the bottom – it will sound hollow when ready. Cool on a wire rack.

For a crisp crust, leave the bread uncovered. For a soft crust, rub a little butter onto the crust as soon as the bread comes out of the oven then wrap the bread in some baking parchment paper and then in a slightly damp tea-towel.

This is best served very fresh from the oven, while it is still warm. Traditionally, it is broken into quarters and then sliced. It also makes very good toast on day two!

Variations

Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs of your choice: parsley, chives, thyme, rosemary and sage all work well.

For a sweet bread, add a handful of chopped plump dried figs or dates and a few pecans. Sprinkle the top with a little cinnamon sugar instead of seeds.

Enjoy the picnic! If you’re craving more royal recipes, there are 100 more delicious dishes created by Robb, in her new cookbook: The Royal Touch: Simply Stunning Home Cooking From A Royal Chef. And if you’d like your very own copy, ACC Art Books is offering Urban Suburban Mommy’s readers a 35% discount, just use promo code: ROYAL to save on your order!

7/5/15 Carolyn Robb and daughters Mandy (youngest and ..... pics David Poole mobile 00447530348498

Carolyn Robb was Personal Chef to TRH Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Prince Harry for ten years. 

Asparagus, Swiss chard & goat’s cheese tart

Posted on by Posted in Delicious Dishes .

ASPARAGUS, SWISS CHARD & GOATS CHEESE TART: This tart is a must for a picnic; accompanied by a simple salad and minted new potatoes. The filling can be varied according to taste and what ingredients you have available. You can make one large tart or individual ones with different fillings, to satisfy all tastes!

ASPARAGUS, SWISS CHARD & GOATS CHEESE TART:
This tart is a must for a picnic; accompanied by a simple salad and minted new potatoes. The filling can be varied according to taste and what ingredients you have available. You can make one large tart or individual ones with different fillings, to satisfy all tastes!

The crust of this tart does more than just hold the filling in place – it is delicious in its own right. I use half malted granary flour, some of my favourite seeds and fresh thyme and chives in the pastry, which give it plenty of texture, colour and flavour. If you are in a hurry you can use pre-prepared pastry, but nothing can surpass home-made pastry.

What you need:

One 23cm (9 inch) metal flan ring or fluted loose bottomed flan tin, ceramic baking beans. *

FOR THE PASTRY:

– 115g / 4oz cold butter (1 stick)
– 85g / 3oz plain flour * (⅔ cup)
– 85g / 3oz malted granary flour * (⅔ cup)
– 5ml / 1 tsp linseed *
– 5ml / 1 tsp poppy seeds
– 5ml / 1 tsp pumpkin seeds
– 1 free-range egg yolk (UK medium / USA large) *
– 20ml / 4 tsp cold water
– Pinch of salt
– 1 tsp finely chopped chives
– ½ tsp fresh thyme leaves

FOR THE FILLING:

– 20 spears of asparagus, (approx 500g / 1lb 2oz)
– 150g / 5oz Swiss chard
– 2 large shallots
– 55g / 2oz finely grated parmesan (½ cup)
– 125g / 4oz goats’ cheese log with a bloomy rind
– 200ml / ¾ cup double cream *
– 200ml / ¾ cup crème fraîche
– 3 free-range eggs (UK medium / USA large) *
– Salt, pepper and nutmeg
– Paprika and a handful of pine nuts *

What you do: 

For the pastry: Put all the ingredients into a food processor. Using the ‘pulse’ button, process until the mixture resembles chunky breadcrumbs. (To make by hand: Mix the flour, seeds, salt and herbs. Rub in the butter, then mix in the egg and water). Tip the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and bring it together with the hands to form a smooth ball, working as lightly as possible.

On a lightly floured board, roll out the pastry into a circle of approximately 36cm (14 inches) diameter and to a thickness of 5mm (¼ inch). Line the flan ring with the pastry, leaving the pastry standing at least 1cm (½ inch) above the top of the tin, to allow for shrinkage when it cooks. If you use scissors to trim the top it is less likely to shrink down. Chill for at least 20 minutes before baking.

Preheat the oven to 200ºC / 400ºF.

Line the flan with baking parchment or foil and fill it with ceramic baking beans. Bake for 15 minutes then remove the beans and bake for a further 5 – 10 minutes to crisp up the base.

For the filling: Prepare the asparagus by snapping off the woody end sections of the stems and discarding them, then cut off the tips and keep to one side. Cut the remainder of the stems into 5cm (2 inch) lengths. Cook the tips lightly in boiling salted water, then remove and cook the stems, which will take a little longer. Chill in cold water when cooked, drain and keep on one side.

Wash the Swiss chard. Remove the coarse stems. Blanch the leaves in boiling, salted water for just a few seconds, or longer if the leaves are large and coarse. Drain well.

Chop the shallots very finely and place them in the base of the tart. Sprinkle with half of the parmesan, then lay the asparagus and chard on top, finish with the remaining parmesan.

Slice the goats’ cheese log into 9 rounds and arrange them on the top of the asparagus and chard.

Whisk together the cream, crème fraîche and eggs. Season with a pinch of salt and nutmeg and a few twists of black pepper and pour over the tart. Sprinkle with pine nuts and dust with paprika.

Bake at 190ºC / 375ºF for 30 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is golden in colour. Serve warm.

Enjoy the picnic! If you’re craving more royal recipes, there are 100 more delicious dishes created by Robb, in her new cookbook: The Royal Touch: Simply Stunning Home Cooking From A Royal Chef. And if you’d like your very own copy, ACC Art Books is offering Urban Suburban Mommy’s readers a 35% discount, just use promo code: ROYAL to save on your order!

7/5/15 Carolyn Robb and daughters Mandy (youngest and ..... pics David Poole mobile 00447530348498

Carolyn Robb was Personal Chef to TRH Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Prince Harry for ten years. 

 

Curried chicken salad with mango and cashews

Posted on by Posted in Delicious Dishes .

CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD WITH FRESH MANGO & TOASTED CASHEWS: 'Coronation chicken' was originally created to celebrate HM The Queen's coronation in 1953. This recipe is my interpretation of the dish and what better recipe to use for a picnic in her Majesty's 90th birthday year!

CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD WITH FRESH MANGO & TOASTED CASHEWS:
‘Coronation chicken’ was originally created to celebrate HM The Queen’s coronation in 1953. This recipe is my interpretation of the dish and what better recipe to use for a picnic in her Majesty’s 90th birthday year!

This is my interpretation of Coronation chicken, a dish that was created especially for Her Majesty The Queen’s Coronation celebrations in June 1953. When I make this, it always brings back fond memories of the many buffet lunches that I prepared aboard HMY Britannia (the Royal Yacht). It was a favourite to put on the menu when we had a large number of guests to feed, particularly when we were in a hot climate. My most memorable lunch was one when the Britannia was at anchor right next to Tower Bridge in London on a beautiful summer’s day. Wherever in the world we were, when we were on board the royal yacht it felt as if we had brought a tiny corner of Britain with us. It had a wonderful feel to it and it always looked very spectacular, with each last tiny piece of brass detail glistening, the paintwork totally immaculate, every corner of wooden deck scrubbed until it was pristine and a fantastically colourful array of flags and ensigns flapping in the breeze.

What you need:

FOR THE SAUCE:

– 45ml / 3 Tbsp curry powder
– 30ml / 2 Tbsp honey
– 45ml / 3 Tbsp white wine
– 60ml / 4 Tbsp mango chutney
– 225ml / 1 cup mayonnaise
– 100ml / ½ cup double cream *
– 4 cooked chicken breasts (approximately 650g / 1lb 7oz)

FOR THE MIXED GRAIN SALAD:

– 225g / 8oz mixed bulgur wheat and red and white quinoa (1½ cups)
– ½ sweet red pepper
– ½ orange pepper
– ½ yellow pepper
– 60g / 2oz sweet corn (½ cup)
– 60g / 2oz peas (½ cup)
– ½ courgette *

DRESSING:

– 30ml / 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
– 90ml / 6 Tbsp olive oil
– 5ml / 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
– 5ml / 1 tsp honey
– 15ml / 1 Tbsp finely chopped parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste

FOR THE GARNISH:

– 55g / 2oz raw cashews (½ cup)
– 1 perfectly ripe mango
– 1 small avocado
– 10ml / 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
– A handful of cress or micro-greens
– A handful of edible flowers, such as nasturtiums

What you do:

  1. Make the sauce: Simmer the curry powder and honey together in a small heavy-based saucepan for a few minutes, watching it closely as it catches and burns very easily.
  1. Add the wine and chutney and cook for a further 3 minutes, then leave to cool.
  1. When completely cold, stir the curry mixture into the mayonnaise. Whip the cream and then fold it into the curried mayonnaise.
  1. Dice the chicken into 1cm (½ inch) cubes and mix it into the sauce. (If possible, leave the chicken overnight before serving.
  1. Make the mixed grain salad: Cook the grains according to the instructions. Drain and leave to cool.
  1. Dice the peppers, cook the peas and sweet corn and grate the courgette. Toss all the vegetables into mixed grains.
  1. Make the dressing by shaking all the ingredients together in a jar. Season to taste. Add the dressing to the mixed grain salad and mix well.
  1. Lightly toast the cashews. Dice the mango. Slice the avocado and sprinkle with lemon juice.
  1. Pile the chicken in the centre of a plate or dish and surround it with the mixed grain salad. Decorate with mango, avocado, cashews, cress and edible flowers.

Enjoy the picnic! If you’re craving more royal recipes, there are 100 more delicious dishes created by Robb, in her new cookbook: The Royal Touch: Simply Stunning Home Cooking From A Royal Chef. And if you’d like your very own copy, ACC Art Books is offering Urban Suburban Mommy’s readers a 35% discount, just use promo code: ROYAL to save on your order!

7/5/15 Carolyn Robb and daughters Mandy (youngest and ..... pics David Poole mobile 00447530348498

Carolyn Robb was Personal Chef to TRH Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Prince Harry for ten years. 

Salad of prosscuitto-wrapped peaches with figs & buffalo mozzarella

Posted on by Posted in Delicious Dishes .

SALAD OF PROSCUITTO-WRAPPED PEACHES WITH FIGS & BUFFALO MOZZARELLA: This is a wonderful way to begin a picnic and the salad can be presented in a salad bowl or in a box for ease of packing and transporting it.

SALAD OF PROSCUITTO-WRAPPED PEACHES WITH FIGS & BUFFALO MOZZARELLA:
This is a wonderful way to begin a picnic and the salad can be presented in a salad bowl or in a box for ease of packing and transporting it.

 

What you need:It is always good to have a recipe up your sleeve that can be put together in a matter of minutes. This salad is extremely quick to prepare. However it is definitely a summer dish, to be made when juicy peaches are at their sweet and succulent best. When peaches are not in season, try combining pears with crispy proscuitto and crumbled Rocquefort cheese. An aged Balsamic vinegar and a fruity olive oil complement the stronger flavours of this salad perfectly.

 

– 50g / 2oz pecan halves (½ cup)
– 30ml / 2 Tbsp light olive oil
– Salt, pepper, brown sugar & chilli powder
– 2 large, perfectly ripe yellow peaches
– 12 slices of prosciutto
– 4 ripe figs
– 2 balls of buffalo mozzarella (250g / 9oz)
– A handful of washed wild rocket *
– 120ml / 8 Tbsp walnut oil
– 60ml / 4 Tbsp raspberry vinegar
– Freshly ground black pepper
– Freshly milled sea salt

What you do:

 

  1. To prepare the spiced pecans, place them on a baking tray, drizzle the oil over them and sprinkle with salt, pepper, sugar and chilli powder. Shake the tray to distribute the seasoning evenly. Bake at 170ºC / 325ºF for 12 – 15 minutes. Leave to cool.
  1. Cut each peach into 6 segments. I leave the skin on, but you can peel them for those who don’t like the ‘furry-ness’ of peach skin.
  1. Wrap one piece of prosciutto around each segment of peach.
  1. Cut each fig into 3 segments.
  1. Tear each mozzarella ball into 6 pieces.
  1. Arrange 3 pieces each of peach, fig and mozzarella alternately around each plate in a circle.
  1. Place a little bundle of rocket leaves in the centre.
  1. Sprinkle on a few spiced pecans.
  1. Spoon a little walnut oil and then the raspberry vinegar over the salad.
  1. Finish with a twist of black pepper and a twist of salt. Serve immediately.

Enjoy the picnic! If you’re craving more royal recipes, there are 100 more delicious dishes created by Robb, in her new cookbook: The Royal Touch: Simply Stunning Home Cooking From A Royal Chef. And if you’d like your very own copy, ACC Art Books is offering Urban Suburban Mommy’s readers a 35% discount, just use promo code: ROYAL to save on your order!

7/5/15 Carolyn Robb and daughters Mandy (youngest and ..... pics David Poole mobile 00447530348498

Carolyn Robb was Personal Chef to TRH Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Prince Harry for ten years. 

Happy Friday the 13th!

Posted on by Posted in The Struggle is Real .

friday the 13

Paraskevidekatriaphobia. Sounds like something my kid coughed up, but it’s actually the technical name for fear of Friday the 13th.

Irrational. Completely.

I know people love their superstitions, but I was born on a Friday the 13th (August, mark it on your calendar, folks) and I’ve grown up knowing the stigma attached to the day – in fact, experiencing it first hand. I’m not even kidding. If I had a dollar for every time someone said “Oh, well that explains a lot” or “Geez, you must be so unlucky” or “Wow, creepy” well, I’d have enough money to buy myself a few nice bottles of birthday champagne every year, anyways!

My mom never failed to tell me that I was born under a lucky star and that Friday the 13th was the luckiest day in the world for her because it was the day she became a mom, and truthfully, it never made me feel bad about myself – but it did totally dumbfound me that people could say things like that to a kid!

Whatever. I love my birthday – ask anyone that knows me. I celebrate it like it’s a national holiday and expect everyone else around me to, too. In fact I celebrate my half birthday in February – take that Paraskevidekatriaphobia-ites!

It’s probably because of my start to life on Friday the 13th that I grew up not having any superstitions. Why should I be afraid of black cats? I don’t walk under ladders because it’s not safe for the person standing on them, but I can spill salt and not throw it everywhere, and there’s no way I’m going to carry around a rabbit’s foot – who thought of that barbaric totem to divine luck. That foot certainly didn’t bring the rabbit who grew it any good ends! Plus, I’ve broken enough mirrors to keep me in bad luck for this life and the next!

The lucky star my mother said I was born under is a nice thought, but my mom always told me to make my own luck. She was one to find a penny and pick it up for all day long she’d have good luck – but she’d also have an extra penny.

Do people teach these superstitions to their kids any more? I keep the penny one going because it always reminds me of my mom, but otherwise? I don’t want my kids growing up with irrational fears, thinking if they cross their fingers they’ll up their chances of making something good happen or having the urge to knock on wood any time they mentions something they want to happen.

It makes me laugh when I see people doing these things out of habbit. Have you ever been speaking with someone when they actually do three knocks on their own head while saying “Knock on wood” for luck, like some oral talisman that will protect them from befalling the wrath of whatever bad may come of daring to speak their hopes and dreams aloud!

While the Friday the 13th stigma will likely stick around – and let’s face it, that namesake slasher flick series didn’t help the cause – embrace the day and make your own luck, it will always be the more successful way to enjoy good things happening to you.

Mommy approved: Netflix

Posted on by Posted in Mommy Approved .

Before anyone even gets started, I want to say that yes, I limit screen time.

Well, I try.

Hell, some days I let the TV babysit. It’s not often, but a mama’s gotta do what a mama’s gotta do, so don’t judge. It’s survival parenting.

We gave up cable a few years ago. It was over $100 a month, and I’m not a big TV watcher. My husband works late and we don’t put the TV on until after kids are asleep – if at all – and we would watch the shows we’d PVR’d. It was Hell’s Kitchen or Survivor, but rarely live TV.

So we cut the cable, bought an antenna and signed up for Netflix. Best decision ever.

netflix

The antenna gives us a number of local channels so we get news and local public broadcasting as well as some sports events and current programming, but it’s Netflix that we go to most.

The best part about Netflix is NO COMMERCIALS. I’m not opposed to commercials in general, but kids aren’t equipped to consume commercials.

With cable TV kids start asking for every piece of advertising thrown at them – and I can’t control what they consume with commercials cropping up for any and everything being hawked these days.

The worst was when my son told me he had the solution for me wanting to lose weight, he’d seen this lady, Jenny Craig, who promised results.

Not cool. So very not cool.

They wanted sugar cereal and crazy toys and didn’t understand why everyone didn’t get a new car every day. Cable TV most definitely has some flaws in the advertising to kids…

With Netflix, no commercials. I control what they watch. I can save endings for later, pause, rewind and rewatch. They can watch an entire series – and do. I can tell them how many shows they’re allowed in a day and in a week. They can budget their TV watching. They can watch on a tablet, a TV, an iPhone or a computer, so in a pinch I can throw on a show anywhere we are and they can continue watching it.

There is some comfort in the TV doing a bit of babysitting for me because with Netflix, at least I’m in control and can customize what they watch – and what they don’t.

Before I had kids I thought I’d be the last one to let them watch TV. But I do. And I’m okay with that.

#Survival Parenting for the win!

Dressing boys can be fun – with celeb stylist Alissia Marciano

Posted on by Posted in Mommy Approved, The Best You .

Who says boys are no fun to dress?!
bow tie

Les Gamins G&R bow tie

Being a woman and a mom, I’ve always incorporated boyish elements into my code of dress.  So when I became a mother to two boys, it was a thrill for me to be able to create cool boy looks and drape them on my lovable, little monkeys.

It can be challenging to find stylish duds for little men. I do find that there is a lack of good options when i walk into independent kids clothing boutiques.

For high street stores like Zara Kids, they do have quite a good array of options when it comes to basics – ie: your skinny black jean, lowered crotch jeans and nice thin cotton t-shirts.   But when it comes to unique pieces to layer, it can seem like you have to search high and low before finding that perfect piece.  Here are a few designers and pointers that will make your fashion hunt a lot easier.

  1.  Remember not to shy away from fun patterns when dressing boys.  Mix and match and have a blast – after all you’re only a kid once. (I think…)
  2.  Kids can wear boy ties too!  A nice way to dress up a boys look for a special occasion or dinner out is by choosing a bow tie with a playful pattern. I really like skulls on little boys.  Check out the bow ties below.  My favorite label is Les Gamins G&R.  They are available online…get yours while they last!
  3.  Just like for women shoes are also a hot accessories for boys. They add personality to any little ensemble. Vans are definitely my go-to, but check out AKID as well for some great styles.
  4.  HAVE FUN – these petit munchkins won’t always let you style them so take advantage while you can!

 

 

 

Kids’ TV: Decoded

Posted on by Posted in The Struggle is Real .

Every once in a while, I let my kids watch TV. Not too much, mind you, just long enough to let me have (at least) one glass of wine, run a load of laundry and take an uninterrupted phone call. I usually turn it off once they glaze over. To help guide you through the plethora of kids’ programming, I’ve included some of our house favorites, broken down into basic plot structure.
Bob the Builder

Bob the Builder

Bob the Builder: As I understand it, his team is assigned a task, they bungle it up, then rally together and fix it as a team. I know the takeaway is supposed to be working together to solve problems, but I can’t help but feel that they’re costing that fictitious city a fortune (the resounding answer to “Can we fix it?” should be “We don’t know!”) It should also be noted that no one is surprised by talking construction machines.

In the Night Garden

In the Night Garden

In The Night Garden: Every night, strange creatures straight outta Pink Floyd’s The Wall whisk you away to a “garden in the night.” Activities include, but are not restricted to: riding in a pinky-ponk, zipping along in a ninky-nonk, and dancing to weird, character-driven incantations. And people wonder why kids resist bedtime.

PJ Masks

PJ Masks

PJ Masks: In keeping with the nighttime theme, three kids dress up in pyjama costumes at night, become endowed with super powers and fight crime (or their pyjamas become costumes? I’m a bit fuzzy on details.) I get it – working together as a team, blah blah blah. It sets the bar pretty high for my kid, whose current superpowers include surviving on air and picking his nose until it bleeds. Thematically, the parent in me is concerned that three small children roam the streets at night looking for trouble. But that’s me.

Curious George

Curious George

Curious George: I never liked this story: A baby monkey, whose only crime is curiosity, is kidnapped from his jungle home and made to live in a Manhattan apartment with his monochromatic captor, known only as the Man in the Yellow Hat. Mayhem ensues, because it turns out that little George, who by now has Stockholm Syndrome, is less “curious” and more ”monkey on a rampage”. Further implausible is the fact that no one in the community has checked city by-laws to see if the man can actually keep an exotic pet, even if it’s clearly a surrogate child-figure.

Handy Manny

Handy Manny

Handy Manny: This show is no longer on the air, but it’s a cult fave in our house. Manny, who lives in Sheetrock Hills, fixes the town and solves problems with his anthropomorphized tools, all while never taking so much as a penny in salary. I’ve learned more Spanish watching this show than in all my years watching Sesame Street. Unlike Bob the Bozo, Manny can actually fix things right the first time. I’ve always surmised that Manny was unstable and that the tools couldn’t talk at all, but everyone pretended otherwise to keep poor Manny from going over the edge. My husband says I’ve lost my inner child.

 

Mama’s still got it! And celeb stylist Alissia Marciano tells you how to wear it for Mother’s Day

Posted on by Posted in The Best You .

As mothers and women we should never want to sacrifice style for comfort. But I do understand, being a mother myself, that wearing 6 inch heels is not always conducive to running around after our kids.

I’ve found that it is possible to look chic and feel comfortable at the same time amidst our motherly challenges;)  The trick is to look like a lady but be able to play with the boys. It really is no fun it we can’t get a little dirty…..

Here are a few tips and options for stylish and effortless ensembles to wear on Mother’s Day.

1. A great option instead of wearing a long dress (which may get in the way, or tripped upon) is a jumpsuit.  It’s effortlessly chic. You may even find yourself falling asleep in them:)  Add your own personal touch by choosing your favorite color and texture in a belt.

navy jumper - mommy looks

Jumpsuit by Electric Feathers

mommy looks - cream Crane jumpsuit $235

Jumpsuit by Black Crane

2.  Some of us are so comfortable in our jeans.  Even though I’m a HUGE advocate to dressing up there are a few exceptions to my style rules.  If you wear black or dark blue skinny denim and pair it with a luxurious silk Kimono jacket then the entire casual denim look can be transformed into an exotic Mother’s Day outfit.

Printed Kimono Court by Cher Michel Klein

Printed Kimono Court by Cher Michel Klein

3.  I’m always on the hunt for a unique stripe.  This cocktail dress is perfect for a Mother’s Day brunch.  This style and silhouette are extremely flattering on every body type.

Dali Stripe Claire dress by Samantha Sung

Dali Stripe Claire dress by Samantha Sung

4. A Bohemian-inspired skirt look.  Feel like channeling your inner hippie child? Or simply cannot get enough of embroidery when the hotter months are upon us?  Well, Isabel Marant is the queen of this vibe.  Pair this look with a pair of K Jacques and the South of France for Mother’s Day awaits you:)

 Etoile Vince Top by Isabel Marant, Etoile White Vittoria Skirt by Isabel Marant, Sandals by K Jacques

Etoile Vince Top by Isabel Marant, Etoile White Vittoria Skirt by Isabel Marant, Sandals by K Jacques

5.Dare to wear:  For those of us who like to be a little more daring – this pant look is the perfect ensemble to make a lasting impression.

Top and Pants by Electric Feathers

Top and Pants by Electric Feathers

AlissiaAlissia Marciano is an international fashion and wardrobe stylist, as well as, an on-air celebrity fashion host. Currently based in Los Angeles, she has worked and forged her talent around the world in such cities as Paris, New York, Vancouver, and Toronto. From guest appearances on Rachael Ray, to the countdown to the Oscars on the red carpet with E!, and co-hosting Look A Like and Sexy Girl,  Alissia is a prominent figure in the fashion industry and her success has earned her the reputation of a highly sought after international fashion and celebrity stylist. Beyond fashion and music, Alissia’s portfolio includes an extensive list of advertising clients including Diesel, ESPN, Nike, Acura, Orbit, and CAT. Her eclectic mix of femininity and rock n’ roll has graced the pages of such publications as L’Uomo Vogue, Neo 2 (Spain), Entertainment Weekly, New York Moves, Wonderland (Japan), The National (UAE) and Filler to name a few. In addition to her work in the industry, Alissia has two beautiful boys with whom she shares many wonderful adventures and creates lasting memories with, surfing and skateboarding being two of their favorite activities.

The Perfect Mother’s Day Present – Sunshine Blogger Award

Posted on by Posted in Urban Suburban Mommy .

We are so excited – we just received the perfect Mother’s Day present: We were nominated for a Sunshine Blogger Award from fellow and fabulous blogger Taylor Rongholt from Peas Romaine Calm.

sunshine blogger award

We absolutely love the genius and catchy name of your blog Taylor!

We definitely recommend checking it out – there are lots of great food recipes and travel-inspired posts. We are particularly excited to try the fried pickles recipe! (Anything pickles, yum!)

So thank you for the nomination – we appreciate the pat on the back and it excites us that in only 5 short months, we have come a long way. We love doing it and will continue to shoot for the stars! We of course want to thank all of our fantastic contributors including Alissia Marciano, Erica Wearing, Kasia Waloszczyk, Krista Holmes and Alexis Nicols (as well as all of our fabulous interview subjects).

Lots of Love,

Elisa & Michelle

xo

The Rules:

  • Thank & link the person who nominated you.

  • Answer the questions asked by them.

  • Nominate 11 bloggers.

  • Give your nominees 11 new questions to answer.

Taylor’s questions to Urban Suburban Mommy: 

1. What is your “reach for the stars” goal as a blogger?

E: I love writing and sharing. My “reach for the stars” goal is to continue developing our interactive space where we can share great parenting advice and have lots of fun with lots of contributors.

M: I love “reaching for the stars” and I believe if you put it in writing you are so much closer to achieving your dreams and goals. So here goes – I hope to grow Urban Suburban Mommy into the go-to destination for parents, expectant parents and anyone who likes great content.  We hope to be as big and respected as such well-known and deserving sites as Yummy Mommy Club and Parenting.

2. What makes you smile?

E: My boys’ senses of humour. Definitely. They’re both such characters. And Michelle’s answer to this question – 3 boys – that definitely made me smile!

M: My 3 boys – my two children and my hubby.  Definitely their laughter.

3. Describe something you have done recently to save money?

E: This is going to seem completely insane and not just a little cheap, but I got tired of replacing the kids’ plastic IKEA cutlery all the time. My son is constantly throwing the forks and spoons away with his lunch remnants, so instead of buying more, I grab an extra fork and spoon (or 2 or 3…) every time I see disposable take-away cutlery.

I know, that’s bad, right?

M: I got rid of my home phone. I am saving money monthly and no more solicitor calls – yippee!

4. What is your favorite home cooked meal?

E: I absolutely love my husband’s chicken schnitzel. He worked at a Hungarian restaurant as a teen and learned from the best. It’s time-consuming so he doesn’t make it often, but when he does, it’s the best. Easily as good as my old Hungarian Nana Sophie used to make. (Sorry Nana!)

M: Anything that I don’t have to cook 🙂

5. Do you have pets? And if so, what kind and why do you love them so much?

E: We have 2 cats. An enormous brown tabby named Merv and a fuzzy little snowshoe named Captain Coconut. I love how Merv rules the neighbourhood and keeps the wildlife population in check (though I hate finding the occasional dead snake or bird that he leaves as a gift). Captain Coconut is a lovey dovey snuggler who won’t leave your side. He’s a doll. We don’t have a dog and we’re not getting one, despite what my children and husband may say about the matter.

M: I don’t have pets. Having 2 small children is more than I can handle right now. Lol.

6. Do you prefer to eat meat or vegetables?

E: We are meat-atarians.

M: I prefer vegetables for sure.

7. Where is your hometown?

E: Toronto, Ontario.

M: My hometown is Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada.

8. What would you ask Santa for (purely and selfishly!) yourself?

E: I want a Porsche. A silver Porsche 911. I figure if I keep asking, someone will break down and give me one, right?

M: I would love for Santa to babysit – I would steal 8 solid hours of sleep.  Mama would be so happy!

9. What does your blog mean to you?

E: My blog means an outlet where I can connect and express and explore. It’s truly a passion project and I’m so grateful to have found the perfect partner to team up with. I feel like we complement each other in so many ways and just enjoy working and planning and creating with Michelle so much.

M: It means the world to me.  It is super cathartic. I love the collaborative process and am grateful for it.

10. Who is your favorite TV character?

E: I’m having a really hard time deciding whether it’s Edina or Patsy, though I’m also crushing on Abbi and Ilana after a marathon sesh of Broad City.

Actually, I’m going to go with Sophia Petrillo. Final answer.

M: What an awesome question. I have to think on this one. I have 2 – diametrically opposed – I love Fred Flintstone.  He fully reminds me of my dad.  I of course love Carrie Bradshaw.

11. What superpower would you like to have?

E: I’d like to have super speed, I could see that being kind of fun and productive.

M: I would like to be able to wrinkle my nose like Samantha from Bewitched and have any household task complete itself.

Our nominees:

Stop, Stop, Come Here!

Mommy Loving Music Lover

Casie Stewart: This is My Life

Do The Daniel

Sylvanus Urban

Kathleen’s Babble Blog

The Creek Line House

Skinnytaste

The Wilde Files

Rick Shetty Daddy Blogger

Abbey’s Kitchen

Your Questions:

  1. You are trapped on a desert island – you can bring one celebrity (alive or dead). Who and why?

  2. Who is your biggest role model in life?

  3. One thing that scares you?

  4. Vanilla or chocolate?

  5. Why do you love blogging?

  6. Favorite piece of clothing in your closet right now?

  7. No sleep or no food for 24 hours?

  8. What is your biggest pet peeve?

  9. What is your life’s motto?

  10. Favorite book and favorite film?

  11. They turn your life story into a movie – who plays you?

Mother’s Day is bittersweet, and that’s okay

Posted on by Posted in The Struggle is Real .

Every year around Mother’s Day, I get a bit weepy. My husband goes to great lengths to remind me that we need to celebrate me, because I’m a mom, but Mother’s Day really hurts.


mom

I lost my mom in 2001. We were very close, she was an awesome mom. Every Mother’s Day is a stark reminder that I’ve gone a whole other year without her.

Inconceivable.

I miss her tons. But I try to get inspired by my husband’s enthusiasm so that my boys can make a fuss and celebrate Mother’s Day and do all of those things I once did for my mom. I like when my Mother-in-Law comes down on Mother’s Day, it makes it all a bit more normal for me, but she’s not able to make it this year so I get Mother’s Day all to myself.

But what I’ve come to learn in these 15 motherless Mother’s Days is that it’s okay to miss my mom. I’m damned lucky to have had a mom worth missing. It’s another year of teaching my boys about her crazy ways and hysterical sense of humor and her unwavering love and affection, and it makes me appreciate how well she prepared me to love my boys with all that I’ve got.

The one thing that makes me sad is that my mom was uncomfortable in front of the camera. So many life events are missing shots of her, and there are so few from our day-to-day, that I don’t have as many mementoes as I’d like. If there were one thing I could change it would be that – so take a lesson here – get in front of the camera. No makeup, overweight, underweight, messy, dirty, in jammies, unbrushed hair – the only thing your kids will ever notice, is the love you always have in your eyes for them. So leave them plenty.