The Best You – Page 4 – Urban Suburban Mommy

The low-down on how to manage your babe’s hair

Posted on March 7, 2016 by ericahwearing Posted in The Best You .

Our resident hair and beauty expert, Erica H. Wearing provides insightful tips and advice about managing your babe’s hair.

1. What age can you start cutting a baby or child’s hair? Is there an age?

I shaved my sons head when he was 4 months old . He had an adorable mini mullet, but the reason I shaved? His hair was all patchy and full of bald spots . Shaving it helps hair grow in evenly.

It was hard to say goodbye to the baby hair, so I would say this isn’t for everyone.

2. Are there special products you should be using on baby or children’s hair?

There is a great hair care line with all different types of great products called Hot Tot that is safe and effective for your little one’s hair.

3. Are there certain ingredients you should avoid in terms of hair care products for kids?

Always choose products with as little chemicals as possible, avoid any sulphates and anything containing parabens. Using a gentle tear free shampoo would be best .

4. At what age do children’s hair usually change – i.e. from straight to curly?

Hair can change colour and texture with age, usually due to hormones. My hair was straight when I was a kid but as I got older it got much curlier. So, for you moms out there that wish your little one had some curls, one day that could be true.

5. How often should you wash a little one’s hair?

Baby/toddler hair should be washed only once or twice a week. Their little scalps and skin are sensitive, and their hair really doesn’t get dirty unless they are rolling around in the mud – like my little guy.

6. Any tricks to managing cradle cap?

A great tip for moms trying to get rid of cradle cap:

apply coconut oil on dry scalp
let sit for a few minutes
exfoliate in circular motions gently with baby hair brush
wet hair and shampoo

This tip will help brush off loose skin and hydrate the scalp.

7. Should you use conditioner on a child’s hair?

I would use conditioner on children with curly or long, fine, tangly hair. This will help detangle the hair, which makes it much less painful brushing the hair out – and also will hydrate the strands. For all other hair types, the hair is so soft I don’t feel there really is a need for conditioner until they are older. If your child is in swimming lessons please use a shampoo /conditioner that is best to remove chlorine buildup that’s safe for younger children.

Erica H. Wearing has been a stylist for over 16 years and she absolutely loves what she does . “It’s a great feeling to help people feel and look their best when they leave my chair. I wouldn’t trade this for any other job in the world!”
Check out Erica at Ka!Boom Hair Salon 1129 West Pender Street, Vancouver B.C .
(604)681-6003

hairbyericaw

5 Secrets from a make-up artist to up your beauty routine

Posted on March 1, 2016 by urbansuburbanmommy Posted in The Best You .

We caught up with this Julia, an elite makeup artist, hair stylist and esthetician. She’s proof that beauty is more than skin deep, and she was happy to share some trade secrets with us. Here are five beauty tricks that you know you want to know:

What’s your “Can’t live without” item in your beauty routine?

A great moisturizer is an essential start to a perfect beauty routine. It’s important to use a product suitable for your skin, but If you’re unsure of your skin type, I recommend booking a consultation with your local beauty consultant. (A beauty store, or a good cosmetics counter at a department store are generally great places to have your skin analyzed ). For my skin type (normal to sensitive), I like to use Yves Rocher Youth Energy Day Care. It makes my skin feel hydrated without feeling heavy and greasy.

What do you think about BBs? (That’s beauty balm, we love the lingo!)

Everyone needs a great BB cream. It’s a great way to achieve even skin without feeling like there’s something thick caked on it. I really like the silky texture of the Biotherm Aqua Source BB Cream.

One of the biggest issues for moms – especially those with little ones – is sleep deprivation. How can you combat the bags and dark circles?

To cover up a sleepless night, there’s nothing better for a mom than a really good concealer. I love the creamy texture and portability of The Body Shop stick concealer. Before putting on your BB cream, apply the concealer stick under your eyes and dab it down with a damp “Beauty Blender”. This will make for a smooth and blended application. Goodbye dark circles!

Mascara, yes or no?

Yes! This beauty secret is my favourite. Mascara is a great way to make a mom’s tired eyes look bright and awake. My must-have mascara at the moment is the Diorshow Extase, but a great comparable one for the mom on a budget is the cult favourite Voluminous Mascara by L’Oreal.

Any other must-haves in the beauty routine?

My last beauty tip is to get a really good tinted lip-balm. The balm provides naturally juicy, plump lips for the mom on the go. A great one to try is Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balms. They are amazingly moisturizing with just a hint of luscious colour.

Julia is a Makeup artist and Hair stylist located in Toronto. She loves her craft, and is highly passionate about beauty. She also believes it’s important to involve the inner soul to achieve true beauty. You can find her on Instagram @V.I.B.E.withlove, or check out her website at www.lilfrenchfry555.weebly.com

And the Oscar for Best Hair goes to…

Posted on March 1, 2016 by ericahwearing Posted in Fame & Fam, The Best You .

And the winner for best hair goes to Rooney Mara. She looked absolutely stunning . I loved the trio of slicked sculpted buns that flowed down her neck paired with her stunning smokey eyes and a bold red lips 💋
A slick up do with punk rock makeup and Givenchy Haute Couture dress. She’s definitely won the Oscar in my eyes.

You may know Mara for her stellar performance in Carol, which was nominated for many awards, including Best Supporting Role for Mara. Two years ago she was nominated for Best Actress for playing Lisbeth in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. From slasher films like Urban Legends to Nightmare on Elm Street, Mara is a versatile actress with a formidable career – AND great hair!

You’ll also want to check out “Oscars Red Carpet Watch by Erica Wearing”

hairbyericaw

Alissia Marciano’s 5 fave looks this week for mamas

Posted on January 27, 2016 by venicealissia Posted in Fame & Fam, The Best You .

I’ve lived in Venice for a quite few years now and love the vibe and cool boutiques it has to offer.

And of course the proximity to the beach!!

I am always on the go, whether it’s going to art galleries with my boys, surf lessons, swimming lessons, preschool – and the list goes on.

Despite having a hectic schedule, it’s important to me to be well put together. One of my favorite shops in Venice is Guild. It’s an amazing clothing boutique found at 1335 Abbott Kinney Blvd. A definite destination when you’re in LA.

It’s no secret that I have always been a fan of my black leather jackets and rock’n’roll tees. I thought I would put together 5 looks from Guild that can take you from art gallery to romantic dinner incorporating my old standby favorites. Here are a few looks that I love incorporating my must have pieces for easy, effortless rock’n’roll style.

Look #1: Let’s spend the night together

This is a great look that can start any day of the week off, and also end the night off having a cocktail at the bar. The leather skinny black pants give it that perfect sexy rock’n’roll vibe, along with the vintage-inspired Rolling Stones Tee. Pair it like I did, with canvas Bensimon’s and a plaid shirt with a comfy black cardigan during the day. But when it’s cocktail hour, throw off your sneakers, tie the plaid shirt around your waist, take off your cardigan layer on some silver bangles and cuffs along with a high pair of heels, and you’re good to go!

Made Worn Rolling Stones T-shirt
Frame’ Skinny leather jeans
Organic by John Patrick black cardigan
Pharaoh plaid shirt
Bensimon runners (Alissia’s own)
All clothing found at Guild 1335 Abbott Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA

Look #2: Mystery woman

It’s always nice to have a little air of mystery. You never want to fully divulge everything:) Isn’t that a woman’s and mother’s secret to keeping the spark alive?! An oversized hat says that quite nicely as well as protects you from the outdoor elements – whether it’s the sun or chilly air. This is a great neutral look in army green tones, and by adding a red lip you will get a nice pop of color. For the day, add a pair of ridding boots and a tight white t-shirt to give it that equestrian-inspired feel, and by simply adding a pair of heels and cream camisole take it into the evening for date night.

Haider Ackermann Cropped Jacket
Pharaoh pants
Gladys Tamez Millinery Hat
All clothing found at Guild 1335 Abbott Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA

Look #3: Apres surf Baja hoodie

For all you active mamas out there – and I hope with my recent articles that I have inspired a few more of you to get outside and experience the great outdoors – this look is the perfect apres surf or outdoor activity pull over. If you live in a warmer climate like I do in Venice, CA, then you can throw it over your bathing suit and slip on a pair of vintage Levi’s denim shorts. Or pair it with a skinny pair of black jeans and canvas sneakers to complete this casual Baja California inspired look.

PS: Those knee bruises are the real deal, care of a day at the skate park!

KozaBaja Hoodie
Hoodie from Guild 1335 Abbott Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA

Giulian (Alissia’s son) wearing: all his own clothes

Harley Davidson leather jacket
Junk Food Grateful Dead vintage inspired t-shirt
JNBY jeans
Vans kitty runners

Look #4: ‘Jumpsuiting’ with the boys

This is the most comfortable and effortless look to throw on for whatever is thrown at you during your day. I am huge fan of all things denim – but maybe I’m a little partial to denim due to my Canadian roots and love of the ‘Canadian Tuxedo’. Instead of jeans, try a denim jumpsuit to refresh your wardrobe while staying on trend this season.

6397 Denim jumpsuit
Reinhard Plank Hat
All clothing found at Guild 1335 Abbott Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA

Look #5: It was just a kiss

It’s important to get dressed up at least once a week and be in touch with your feminine side. A sexy short cocktail dress will always do the trick. I love wearing shorter hemlines and showing off my legs even when – yes – I have evidence of a skateboarding accident on my knee. It keeps it real and reminds me that I am a mom on the go with two boys in tow:)

While I like dressing femininely I also like to add a little edge to my look. I often wear a black leather jacket to complete my looks, whether it’s pairing it with denim or a silky cocktail dress. A silver clutch and black pointy shoes with a unique heel completes the style I am going for.

Mason Cami wrap mini dress
BECKY Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Black Heels
Vere Verto Mini Mox silver bag
C/CHRIST Black leather Jacket
All clothing found at Guild 1335 Abbott Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA

Remember to infuse your own style into each look. Make it your own and you will always shine!

Photographer: Fawnda Denham

Alissia 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.

alissia marciano @alissiamarciano

Pregnancy hair vs. post-baby hair with stylist Erica Wearing

Posted on January 21, 2016 by urbansuburbanmommy Posted in The Best You .

We loved chatting with hair stylist Erica Wearing so much that we sat down with her again for a follow-up interview on the change a mama’s hair goes through before and after pregnancy.

1. Tell us how pregnancy hair is different from every day hair

Pregnancy hair is different from everyday hair because we produce extra estrogen which prolongs the growth stage resulting in very little shedding where normally we shed up to 100 hairs a day.

2. Is it true that pregnant women shouldn’t dye their hair?

After doing numerous studies on the effects of hair dye and pregnancies the results are inconclusive. I would suggest waiting until the second trimester and go for highlights or ombre. Foils are great because the colour doesn’t have direct contact with your scalp.

3. What happens to hair post pregnancy?

When hormone levels drop back to normal in post pregnancy, the extra hairs drop too. Between 4 to 6 months is usually when moms start shedding hair. This is normal and not true hair loss. What it is, is a condition called excessive hair shedding which is caused by falling estrogen levels. The great news is that this is only temporary.

4. Are there any products you would recommend to strengthen post-baby hair? or help with hair loss?

Some products I would recommend are:

Morroccanoil products

Moroccanoil-root boost – for full body and volume
Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse – instant volume and lift
Moroccanoil luminous hairspray- a workable hairspray that’s light weight but gives perfect hold and texture For best results on achieving the most volume all of these products work best with heat (blow dryer)

I would also recommend taking a few inches off and adding layers to get thicker more voluminous hair. Try a fringe (bangs). This helps blend breakage in the front where normally hair shedding occurs.

Adding highlights or colour is a great way to get volume and texture in your hair and brighten up your look.

hairbyericaw

2016 nurturing you – Getting yourself to shine, post-holiday

Posted on January 14, 2016 by urbansuburbanmommy Posted in The Best You .

Salvation Mountain – being given the opportunity to add a stroke

The holiday season was hectic. You’re feeling tired, over worked and in desperate need of a makeover. Instead of the usual beauty tip remedies we see come out every January 1st, I thought I’d share with you my secrets to getting glowing skin and a permanent grin from the inside out.

Being a mother means meeting the demands of many individuals, your children, your partner, you career and then – finally – you.

It can be challenging to find that balance where you feel personally fulfilled. January 2016 marks the beginning of a new year. I wanted to make a conscious decision to make intentions this year, rather than resolutions. It’s important for me to live a life of excitement, passion, love and adventure. I want to lead by example for my boys. I want to expose them to a multitude of activities, environments, cultures, languages and the list goes on… Maybe forever 🙂

Boarding with the boys around Santa Monica

Set intentions that will nurture your mind, body and soul. Start shinning from the inside out. That is where the true beauty lies and pure happiness stems from. Here are a few of my intentions for this year:

Surf with my partner once a week
Have an adventure day once a week- whether it’s going on a hike, checking out a new installation at an art gallery, snowboarding, skating or doing photography.
Teach my boys a new skill in the outdoors

Alissia Surfing

Experiencing something new or doing a physical activity with your partner or children results in expanding your mind and gets the endorphins flowing. Is there anything better than that?

So remember mums, take action to create the life you want to live with your children and partner. This is the year to put those intentions into action; by doing so, I promise that you’ll notice a positive mental and physical shift that will set the tone for years to come. What are you waiting for? There is no better time than the present to shine from the inside out!

Sharing a special moment in the desert

If you loved this article you’ll also love: Fashion stylist to the stars Alissia Marciano gets down and dirty on being a styling mommy

alissia marciano @alissiamarciano

Hair tips and products for the busy mom with leading stylist Erica Wearing

Posted on January 6, 2016 by urbansuburbanmommy Posted in The Best You .

Perfect hair or ponytail? Hair is so hard to manage – especially on busy mornings when you’re falling behind with lunches, sleepy stragglers and tell-tale roots. We caught up with leading hair stylist, Erica H. Wearing to ask for some amazing tips and products that will help out a busy mom. This pro, a mother too, came through with the perfect advice that will let you bypass the ponytail elastics with confidence!

What do you suggest for the ‘must-have’ hair care products for moms, and why?

My top go-to picks for hair products are:

Moroccanoil – a leave in treatment perfect to apply on wet or dry hair leaving the hair silky and shiny

Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream – it hydrates and tames frizzy hair perfect for wash and go hair or blowouts

Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair Dry Shampoo – this product is perfect for the days you don’t want to wash your hair and are in need of body and texture while also dry cleaning the hair and getting rid of oil and odour

2. How often should we be washing our hair?

I suggest washing your hair every two to three days, as shampooing daily causes hair to dry out and encourages your hair to create more oil. My favourite hair day is day two – by day three I throw it up in a top knot.

Top knot

3. Besides a ponytail, what other quick hair styles or tips can you recommend for busy moms?

A top knot, messy bun or half up top knot both look stylish and easy to do. Also braiding the hair is always a quick but pretty way to have the hair pulled softly away from your face.

hairbyericaw

Perfecting your holiday outfit – tips from celeb stylist Alissia Marciano

Posted on December 17, 2015 by venicealissia Posted in The Best You .

Something in the way you move, it’s that ‘je ne sais quoi’. It’s the way you look, how you feel and what you exude.

You’re effortlessly chic.

This is what we all want for the holiday season. Luckily for us Santa has come early. Here are some of my favorite tips and style choices when dressing for the season:
It may seems like you’re running around in circles when it comes to choosing that perfect cocktail dress. Of course you can play it safe and wear the LBD (little black dress), which still remains one of my staple pieces, but this season, go outside your comfort zone and try a little something different.
Why not experiment?
I am not talking about taking haute couture straight off the runway. I don’t expect you to wear it to your partner’s christmas party or next door neighbors shin dig, but let’s push the envelop a bit. I think it’s important to stand out at a cocktail party – of course for all the right reasons.
Here are a few tips to make shopping that much more enjoyable during this cocktail season. And yes, there are some LBD options for those of us that just can’t stray away from the dark side:)
Keep in mind fit, style and fabric.

Good tailoring/fit is essential when it comes to a cocktail dress. If the dress hugs the body then impeccable tailoring is a must. If it has a slight drape, then it must caress the body in all the right places. It’s key to know your correct dress size. If you find that you’re between sizes – or your baby body is still bouncing back, a tailor will be your best friend. A good tailor will nip and tuck the dress in all the right places.

The right silhouette is crucial in order to play up your best assets. Choose one, two or three of your favorite assets and play them up!! For me, it’s all about the the legs, so a shorter hemline always makes me feel sexier!
The festive season is all about sparkle, shine and color, so make sure to indulge in some of this season’s eye catching fabrics. Below I have chosen looks with different silhouettes, fabrics, embellishments, colors and hemlines – all while keeping in mind Fall/Winter 2015 trends. There should be something for every momma out there. Here are some of my favourites to make heads turn for all the right reasons this season!

A lace cocktail dress with a slight Victorian feel – Erdem red lace dress

Sparkle – choose the right silhouette when it comes to secquined embellished dresses.

A little sparkle – Rodart Dress

A bit of sparkle and colour – Mikhale Kale

LBD with sparkle – Valentino

LBD with a twist – Giambattista Valli

Consider a Slip dress – something lingerie inspired

Slip dress-lingerie inspired – Rodarte

LBD Slip dress – Boss

Try a softer pastel colour with red lips to make your grand entrance

Pastel dress with red lips – Chanel

Giambattista Valli – a little bit of leg

Another must read:

If you loved this article, you’ll love: Perfectly accessorized for holiday festivities – tips from celeb stylist Alissia Marciano

alissia marciano @alissiamarciano

Perfectly accessorized for holiday festivities – tips from celeb stylist Alissia Marciano

Posted on December 17, 2015 by venicealissia Posted in The Best You .

Upping your style factor this cocktail party season can be as simple as adding the perfect finishing touches. Shoes, accessories, your signature sent and a bit of sparkle can take your outfit from playroom to va-va-voom!

I’ve always liked to show leg, and the cocktail dress lends well to that. Bearing in mind that it does get quite cold at night, it doesn’t mean that you have to drop hemlines. Sheer black or opaque tights are your go to when it comes to winter cocktail dressing. Wolford has many great options to choose from. Here are a few of my favorites.

Wolfords cashmere silk tights

Cara Tights with a sparkle

A little cheeky with these stay up tights

Go luxe with Wolfords cashmere silk tights or glitz it up with Cara Tights, with a sparkle around the ankle and calf – or go a little ‘cheeky’ with these stay up tights

This isn’t the season to play it safe when it comes to heels. The higher the better when we want to ooze sex appeal. I can already hear the sighs. I have close stylish momma friends who simply refuse to wear heels due to the pain factor. The cocktail party, in my opinion, is the ONE exception. Trust me ladies, sometimes a little a pain goes a long way, especially here. To all the stylish mothers out there I challenge you to slip on a pair of high heels for at least one soiree (pack up the back-up flats ‘just in case’ if you must)

Check out these style that would make even SJP drool.

Christian Louboutin Glitter pump

Aquazzura Pon Pon sandal

Saint Laurent Metallic ‘fetish’ ankle boot

Christian Louboutin Black follies lace pump

‘Tis the season to glam it up. Three words Sparkle, Sparkle, Sparkle. I gravitate towards large sparkly button earrings and long rhinestone shoulder dusters. If the dress is simple a large neckpiece is the go to accessory or an over the top jeweled cuff.
Alexis Bittar has some eye catching jewels for this holiday season. I also like to go vintage when it comes to my glitzy jewels and Carole Tanenbaum is one of my favorites!

Cascading Fringe Hinge Collar Necklace

Jagged Marquis Cluster Post Tassel Earring

Molten Spike Split Lobe Clip

Alan Anderson Purple Earrings

Diamante & Blue Earrings

KJL Snake Earrings

The last touch is a splash of your favorite perfume. For evenings out i like to dab on the classic Coco Chanel or Comme des Garcon Carnation. I think it’s important for a woman to have her own scent.

What’s yours?

Another must read:

If you loved this article, you’ll love: Perfecting your holiday outfit – tips from celeb stylist Alissia Marciano

alissia marciano @alissiamarciano

What’s your outlet – Part 2

Posted on October 28, 2015 by urbansuburbanmommy Posted in The Best You .

My kids are older, the demands on my time are different. But working from an office across town, trying to minimize the amount of time my kids stay in daycare before and after school, my mommy guilt can get pretty thick. But I’ve also learned, we all need an outlet. We need time for ourselves. We need time where we shut off – we’re not child minding, cooking, cleaning, working, fretting, worrying, cheque-book balancing or soccer-momming.

Downtime.

For a long while I thought that my time was the time I spent in my car commuting. Heated seats and a killer sounds system were my respite from the demands of a fulltime job and fulltime motherhood.

Let me tell you, that’s crazy talk.

Traffic is stressful, no matter how kickin’ the stereo system. I was recently stuck, broken down on the side of the highway waiting on a tow truck and realized, for nearly 3 hours, I did blissful NOTHING! I read the news on my phone, I grabbed the emergency nail polish from the glove box and did three uninterrupted coats. I stared at the sky and daydreamed.

Waiting on a towtruck shouldn’t be that kind of bliss. It shouldn’t take a blown master cylinder to avail me of three hours of indulgence.

So what are my outlets?

I go for a manicure once every two weeks. That one day, the boys can be at daycare an extra hour while I lavish.

Daddy time. We alternate days on the weekend for sleep-ins. The other parent has to keep the boys occupied from wake-up till about 11am. It’s not that hard and it’s sooooooo good to catch up on a few zzzzz’s.

Mommy playdates. My boys are old enough that they can play independently. I’ve chosen wisely and become friends with some of my sons’ friends parents. It’s glorious to have playdates, especially with other parents who also appreciate the outlet.

The treadmill. There is a huge honkin’ treadmill in my enclosed porch. It would be a much nicer enclosed porch, but for the treadmill. I loved prenatal yoga, but I can’t get my butt downward dogging without the troops and groups that class participation provides. I am almost never without two boys so the gym and going out for a run are out of the question. Thanks goodness for the enclosed porch!

Punching bag. I have a secret pleasure. I like punching. Who knew? My husband got me into boxing. There’s a heavy bag and a speed bag in the garage, and late at night when the boys are asleep, I steal out to the garage to spar, swing, hit, punch, kick, jab, roundhouse, slam! BASH, CRASH AND SMASH… um, I work out in the garage with some boxing exercises.

We all need an outlet. It doesn’t make you a bad parent to need an outlet beyond your little precious.

It makes you human.

What’s your outlet

Posted on October 28, 2015 by urbansuburbanmommy Posted in The Best You .

If you want to survive parenting, then you definitely need an outlet or escape plan from time to time. Otherwise – I promise you – you will either burn out, have a nervous breakdown or get divorced (if you’re married or are still married). Yes, I am being extremely blunt. But it is the truth. When your offspring contribute to your sleep deprivation or max out your patience, how do you handle diffusing your internal bomb before it goes off?

Yes, you need your outlet. Everyone must have one – or find one in a hurry. Everyone is different; some people need exercise others turn to chocolate (OK – ignore that suggestion). Anyway, you know what I mean. Here are some of my suggested outlets or releases in order to survive parenthood:

1. Yoga (or any physical exercise)

Honestly, pre-natal yoga lead me through a healthy pregnancy and delivery with my second. I actually swear by it. I felt mentally and physically strong and in shape. You can do yoga anytime and anywhere – on your own or in a class. Yoga is all about practice so do it often even if it is only for 10 minutes right before bed. A good stretch and a sun salutation will keep you relaxed.

2. Take A Drive

Get into your car and drive… Just drive.

Focus on the road of course, but let yourself go by also enjoying the peace and quiet, and perhaps scenery around you. You do this on your own without the kids or else this won’t work.

3. Nap

Close your eyes for 15 minutes during the day. If you have the luxury of working from home or being on mat/pat leave, you can – and must – schedule 15 minutes of snooze time a day.

I really try and follow my own advice on this one. If you don’t have the luxury of being at home and at work at the same time, be creative. My husband is – he naps on the train to and from work. Sometimes he even rides the subway on his lunch hour with no set destination but just to take a nap! Make sure you have an iPod and ear buds for this one to be effective.

4. Treat Yourself

Take yourself out for a tea or a mani/pedi – give yourself at least an hour of alone/me time if you are able. You need to do this – don’t feel guilty about it either.

So what’s your outlet? I try to employ all or some of my suggestions every day – right now I am going to focus on #3 because I’ll be up at 4:30am and that will be the extent of my nap!

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