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7 best beauty tips for moms returning to work

Posted on by Posted in The Best You .

Since August is the month with the highest birth rate (I am an August baby – are all you mamas trying to stay warm in November?!?!?), it’s also the month for the most Canadian mommies going back to work after their one year maternity leave. Yes, we Canadians are lucky in that respect! But moms everywhere can use this advice, so we caught up with the woman behind the fashion label Peachymama, Merril Bainbridge for some top beauty tips to take you back to the bread-winning world.

Merril offers:

Gone are the days when you would spend hours fixing your hair and making yourself beautiful before going out, either for pleasure or work. You now have a baby to attend to! You will surely have less time for your beauty routines.

However, this should not prevent you from looking your best, most especially when you have already decided to go back to work. There are easy shortcuts that new moms like you can try to achieve glowing skin, shiny hair, and well-applied makeup.

How new moms can look fresh and rejuvenated

1. Shower before bedtime

When your baby is down for the night, you will definitely have more time to shampoo your hair and soak in the tub. The warm water will also help you feel relaxed and prepare you for several hours of uninterrupted sleep (fingers crossed!).

2. Cut your makeup routine

The sheer glow you have throughout your pregnancy often vanishes right after giving birth. Get that sheer glow back by using a high quality concealer or a cream-to-powder formula foundation. If you want to add some color, keep it simple by opting for a cream blush, which can also serve as an eye and lip tint. Allot another 10 seconds for curling your eyelashes as this can help make those sleepy eyes appear brighter and bigger.

3. Keep your nails short and neat

Right after giving birth, you may not have enough time for a manicure; still, you need to keep your nails short and smoothly filed. Aside from making your hands pretty, having short and clean nails will also prevent you from scratching your baby’s tender skin, most especially when changing diapers.

4. Use functional yet fashionable clothing

From leggings to tees to shoes, consider wearing black because this color can slim you down in minutes. Most importantly, it can take care of all those body issues you are currently dealing with.

Aside from that, choose fantastic clothing that will make your legs look longer. These include garments with vertical stripes, maxi skirts, high-waist jeans, and straight-cut pants.

As for your shoes, block heels can be the best option for you. Apart from giving you height, these are also all about comfort.

5. Accessorize

With the expenses associated with having a new baby, you probably cannot afford an entirely new wardrobe. Still, you can show off the latest trends as well as give your wardrobe a lift by picking up handbags and other accessories you own. You can make use of a diaper bag that can also transform into a laptop bag. Also, headbands or beanies are some great choices for hair accessories if you do not feel like styling your hair.

6. Make your hair shiny and beautiful

If you do not have time to wash those locks, consider using a dry shampoo. On the greasy spots, apply baby powder and brush them out. Don’t forget to apply a shine spray to make sure that whenever your hair falls, it won’t look all frizzy out in public.

If you’re feeling down, opt for a new hair color because this will surely lift your spirits. This will also introduce some welcome changes to your style for several months.

7. Nourish your skin

Keep your skin free of dirt, sweat and oil to prevent a dull appearance and clogged pores. Always wash your face every morning and night and after activities like cleaning the house, exercising or any physical activity. But if you do not have time to wash your face, use an astringent instead.

Each time you go out, do not forget to protect your skin by applying sunscreen. And after sun exposure, soothe your skin with fragrance-free cream to prevent skin irritations.

Keeping your skin moisturized is also very important. Apply hypoallergenic moisturizer after every cleansing. Be aware of the skincare products to avoid while breastfeeding.

If possible, pamper your skin at least once a week to make it feel and look fantastic. For five minutes, you can actually give yourself a home spa treatment. Gently cleanse your face, and then steam it over a bowl of hot water with rose or lavender leaves. After that, splash with cold water. Lastly, apply some moisturizer. By doing so, the pores will be deep-down clean. And most importantly, you will feel and look relaxed.

Most of all, try to embrace the return to work – it’s a big change, but you’ve got this!

About Merril:

At 16, Merril Bainbridge began her career in the Australian fashion industry. In her early 20’s she left to launch a successful Pop Music career which saw her at the top of the US Music Charts. Retiring to start a family, she found a new purpose helping breastfeeding women with her fashion label, Peachymama.

 

Win a Live Clean Prize Pack

Posted on by Posted in Sponsored Post .

As you may already know, we absolutely love Live Clean products.  You can check out some of our favorites here. As we near the end of our 30 days of wellness, we thought what better way than to end with an awesome contest!  Our friends at Live Clean have put together an amazing prize pack consisting of:

Vanilla Oatmeal Soothing Body Wash and Liquid Hand Soap

Vitamin Multi Boost Shampoo and Conditioner

 

Fresh Face Refreshing Facial Wipes, Foaming Daily Cleanser and Soothing Daily Moisturizer

Live Clean Baby Gentle Moisture Tearless Shampoo & Wash

+ Calming Bedtime Bubble Bath and Wash

 

 

Here is what you need to do to enter:

Like this post on our blog. Leave a comment in the blog post about how you and your family live well.  Like and comment on our social media for more chances to win.

Why Choose Live Clean?

Every day more of us are concerned about what we’re applying to our skin – and our children’s! – and what the products we use are doing to the environment. At Live Clean we strive to have as little environmental impact as we possibly can.  We use only plant and natural sourced or non-petrolatum ingredients that are renewable and sustainable. We don’t use anything that will deplete our natural resources.  We’ve formulated all our beauty and personal care products without the still commonly used chemical ingredients – like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Diethanolamine (DEA) and silicones. And our products are free of parabens and other harsh preservatives.

That’s not all: Live Clean is completely vegan/vegetarian, plant and natural based, with no animal products or animal by-products used in the formulations.  Live Clean is also cruelty-free; none of the products or their ingredients have been tested on animals. In its sensitivity to the environment, Live Clean is also free of phosphates, known contributors to water pollution.  And our packaging, of course, is eco-friendly.

Just as important to you, we know, our products have to work! Our eco-friendly formulations haven’t sacrificed product efficacy and pleasure of use.  We believe every Live Clean product is exceptional in every way.

 

Contest Rules and Regulations:

One Live Clean Prize Pack will be awarded to one winner.
Contest is open to residents of Canada only.
Contest opens January 30, 2017 at 12PM EST and closes February 6, 2017 at 12PM EST.
One winner will be selected by random draw on February 7, 2017.
Winners will be contacted via social media.
Prize has no cash value and must be accepted as awarded.
Urban Suburban Mommy is not liable for any loss or damages associated with this contest.
This contest may be ended or discontinued at the sole discretion of Urban Suburban Mommy.
All decisions are final.
All rights reserved.

The most badass stroller ever made

Posted on by Posted in Mommy Approved .

I fondly remember the years I lived like a rockstar, and have happily put them behind me. But then a stroller like this comes along and I. Just. Can’t. Help. Myself. The limited edition Bugaboo by Diesel Rock collection.
Limited edition Bugaboo by Diesel Rock Collection - tattoo laser-etched Only The Brave

Limited edition Bugaboo by Diesel Rock Collection – tattoo laser-etched Only The Brave

Now there are a few types of strollers in this world:

1) Umbrella strollers that are light, cheap and kill your back if you’re actually taller than 5’4″

2) Sensible and moderately priced strollers that come in all sorts of baby patterns like pink giraffes and blue teddy bears

3) SUV strollers that can ram through anything – from sand dunes to snowbanks

I’m number 3. I’m the original Bugaboo mama who was so excited to take her stroller for a test drive that my poor cat had to ride around in that bright red Bugaboo Frog for 5 weeks.

Poor cat. But my boy sure loved it, and we went everywhere with that stroller. Living in the city you get to do a lot of walking through the neighbourhood, and the Bugaboo was the perfect ride.

My boy, snug as a Bugaboo in the classic red Bugaboo Frog. I loved this stroller.

My boy, snug as a Bugaboo in the classic red Bugaboo Frog. I loved this stroller.

But that was back in 2008. If I were doing it now, it would have to be this bad boy:

It has studs.

STUDS!

It has a few elements that appeal to that girl that once lived like a rockstar: The backrest has a laser-cut emblem, ever-so-tattoo-like, with Diesel’s slogan “Only The Brave” emblazoned in the black-on-black surface. If that’s not the slogan of parenthood, then I just don’t know what is. The wax-coated fabric gives that wet, leather look (but with all the comfort baby needs on the soft interior!). There’s no simple chrome, the anodized metal chassis is sleek, jet black. The silver buttons pop like the metal on that guy’s biker jacket he tossed so effortlessly into the DJ booth.

It’s the stroller you’d take to the night club – except the night club is in your home, and it’s a party of two, maybe three. It’s more of a feeding time than a closing time. But awesome.

This limited edition is part of the Limited edition Bugaboo by Diesel Rock Collection which hit the market on April 1, with all of the matching accessories like footmuff, bassinet and canopy.

 

10 Questions with a Nanny Agency

Posted on by Posted in 10 Questions With .

As working parents, finding the right childcare is one of the hardest things to do.  I myself struggled with the thought of hiring a nanny for my children. I just didn’t feel comfortable handing off my kids to a complete stranger.

But, as mompreneur with no mat leave, I had little choice. I absolutely wouldn’t leave my 2 week old at a daycare centre. In fact, I think most daycares will not take care of a child, unless he or she is at least 6 to 8 weeks old.  Hiring a nanny was the best thing that I could have done for my family…in fact, now she is part of the family.

Urban Suburban Mommy spoke to Rebecca Barlow, founder of Bella Bambino Nannies to ask the questions you know you want to know considering a nanny for hire.

 

1. What is the first thing you say to a family who is overwhelmed by trying to find a nanny?

The first thing I always do when speaking with a new client is to let them know that I totally understand what they are going through. I am a mother of 4 children myself ages 13 (twins) 5 and 3.  I have had to hire several nannies in the past, and still employ a full time nanny.

I live in the same world as my clientele – I am a busy working mom who struggles to balance career and family. I know how hard it is to find and hire a nanny that resonates with you, and who you feel totally comfortable with!  Most of the time I wind up being friends with my clients because we totally bond over our similarities. I also relate to my clients who are single moms as I was widowed only 8 weeks after my 3rd son’s birth and was a single mom of 3 for awhile.  That experience gave me a whole new appreciation for single parents. My clients with special needs children also feel very comfortable working with me as my 5 year old son is autistic, so I have that experience in my life as well.

2. Why should families consider using an agency vs. trying to find a nanny on their own?

Using Craigslist or an online nanny finding service is dangerous and super difficult! Its literally like searching for a needle in a haystack. The background checks are not thorough and you have no idea who you are meeting. It is so scary to me, I cannot stress enough how important it is to pay a fee to a reputable service to screen and background check candidates for you. These are your children, they are the most important things in your life and this is not the time to try to save a few dollars. When you use a reputable service, you know every nanny has been rigorously screened, background checked and referenced before you even speak to them.

3. How do you match families with the right nanny?

Having been in this industry for 15 years I have great intuition when matching families and nannies. I really get to know my clients before contacting nannies for them. Normally, after an initial conversation with a client, I will think of 2 or 3 candidates who I think will be a great fit. My staff and I then put together a comprehensive job description which we share with select candidates. Once a candidate has expressed interest, we forward their resume and highlights to the family. We arrange all interviews between the candidate and family as well as coordinate trial days and work contracts.  By the time you hire a nanny from us, you’ve trialed with the candidate and you are 100% sure this is a great fit.  (We are so confident in our matchmaking abilities, we even guarantee the placement for an entire year!)

4. What are the benefits of a nanny vs. a babysitter or daycare?

Hiring an in home nanny is far superior to daycare as it almost totally eliminates the risk of baby coming home with the “illness du jour” from daycare. It is also so much more convenient to have someone who not only loves and adores your child, but who also can help with managing your household and running errands, organizing, etc.

nanny reading

5. Nannies can be costly. Why are they worth the spend?

100%!  When you find the right nanny, life is so much more manageable! You can focus your attention on work or other pursuits knowing your child/children are in amazing hands.  Its the best feeling, like gaining a new family member.

6. How do you screen nannies?

Our screening process is highly stringent.  We meet each candidate in person for 1 to 2 hours and ask a plethora of questions pertaining to the candidate’s childcare knowledge.  No one comes in to fill out an application, they complete their paper work prior to meeting us so our face to face is all about getting to know the nanny on a deeper level.

We check and verify all references as well as run a full criminal background check in every state of residence for 10+ years.  California candidates are also enrolled in Trustline, which is a fingerprint registry with the state of CA. We also verify social security number and run driving records.

7. What are the most important questions to ask a nanny?

Ask the nanny what they like about being a nanny.
Ask them how they would structure an entire day with your child.
Ask what types of age-appropriate activities they would plan for your child or children.
Ask about the Denny’s education level and whether they are CPR trained.
Ask about their last position and why they left.
Ask if you can contact their last employer for a reference.

A lot of these things will have been already asked to the candidate if you’re utilizing a good agency, but it’s always a great idea for the parents to ask these questions as well, so that you can gauge the nanny candidate’s response.

Another great thing to do is interview the nanny with your children present and see if she pays any attention to them. When I started my company I often had my newborn twins with me when I was interviewing potential nanny candidate for my clients. Any nanny who ignored my infants was immediately put in the do not call again file. Good nannies will pay attention to the children and you will see how much they love children by the way they interact with your child.

nanny

8. How do you advise negotiating salaries with a nanny?

If you’re working with a great agency you will already know what the going rate is in your area and what you should be offering, salarywise. You never want to pay below market because your nanny will always be looking out for the next best thing. The best advice would be to ask the agency you’re working with what the going rate is in your area and stick within that range. This will ensure you find and keep the best nanny possible. You will also want to be consistent with the number of hours you offer each week, as professional nannies always need their pay to be consistent.

9. Are there red flags that a family should be aware of with a potential nanny?

Trust your intuition. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t right. If the nanny is not making eye contact or seems extremely nervous, she may be hiding something. If the nanny does not pay attention to your children during the interview there’s a good chance they are simply looking for a job and not someone who is truly in this for the love of children.  Talk to your nanny agency if you have any concerns regarding the candidate. Ask for the agencies advice on how to approach things that may make you feel uncomfortable.

10. What are the benefits of a live-in vs. live-out nanny?

A live out nanny will work a set schedule for example Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM. A live-in will be a bit more flexible, but still will require time off. The benefits of a live in nanny are obviously you have a little more flexibility with the hours and having someone in your home more often to help you should things come up.  Live in nannies will typically work for about $2 less per hour than what a live out nanny would work for, so there is a little bit of a financial benefit as well.

nanny article pic2

Bella Bambino Nannies bellabambinonannies.com founder Rebecca Barlow

Bella Bambino Nannies was founded in 2002 by Rebecca Barlow. As a former nanny and working mother of 4, Rebecca understands the challenges parents face when seeking in home childcare for precious little ones. 

Worry, worry, worry

Posted on by Posted in The Struggle is Real .

Did you know at 36 weeks that an ultrasound can tell a lot about your baby?

I didn’t!

Big belly kidney issuesOf course, with your first baby everything seems to be a “big deal,” so when the doctor told me that they would be monitoring our baby’s kidney function shortly after he was born, it wasn’t what I’d expected to hear.

While I wasn’t overly concerned, when you’re told at your 36 week ultrasound that your baby may have a significant issue and that you’re waiting to see if everything will be okay, it adds a layer of stress. With him still on the inside and not being able to control the issue, it was a worry, an intangible concern…

When Tyson was around 4 months old we made the trek down to Orillia’s hospital for “the test.” After a long drive on a snowy day, we arrived at Soldier’s Memorial.

We were off to a rocky start with a mean lady working where we had to check in. After going through the basics, they advised me that my son would need a catheter inserted before I headed upstairs for the next portion of the test.

Let me tell you, just when you think you’ve heard a blood-curdling cry before, think again…. I was asked not to be in the room when they inserted it, and it was clear why within seconds. It took 2 nurses to hold him down while the third nurse inserted it. I held back tears while his screams echoed through the hallway, but another nice mother let me know that his screams were normal.

What seemed like an eternity later, my son was brought out to me by a nurse, and they told me to bring him back downstairs for the test (on his kidneys). I had no idea what to expect, but I brought him down.

Thankfully, the technician let me know what to look for (we wanted to see Tyson pee) in the renal ultrasound picture (and have things operate the way that they are suppose to). The technician ran water (which apparently gets babies to pee) and within seconds the technician let me know that Tyson’s kidney functions were perfect!

kidney issues - familyJust like that things were good with our son’s kidneys. I’ve had a few friends that have had to do this test with their young son or daughter and they all say that the catheter was torture.

To any parents out there, keep that in mind. It’s a tough experience, but I bet your little one will not remember it.

Krista HolmsKrista Holmes, KH Mgmt, became a mother in the summer of 2014. She works behind-the-scenes in the Canadian music industry, designs several social media campaigns and manages special events. Her love for motherhood & music can be found on her blog, mommylovesmusic.wordpress.com.

twitter@KHmgmt

10 questions with a surrogate mother

Posted on by Posted in 10 Questions With .

They want a baby but need someone to do the gestating. A surrogate is able to do that. But it’s a strange scenario, lending out your womb, perhaps donating your eggs, too. We caught up with mother of two and two-time surrogate, Samantha, from York, Pennsylvania, to ask the questions you know you want to know about being a surrogate.

1. What were your reasons for becoming a surrogate?

I had wanted to be a surrogate since nursing school (2001), however I wanted to be sure my family was complete before I looked into doing it. The absolute joy my children give is something I have been honored to give to someone else.

2. How many surro-babies have you had?

I’ve completed a surrogacy with 1 child and I’m currently pregnant with my second surrogacy – possibly twins! It’s still early on, but well on the way.

3. How can you go about finding a family to hire you?

Some surrogates go “indy” – independent – where they have found a couple outside of an agency. I was indy my first time and used an agency this time.

4. Do you have to go through a lot of screening?

Yes, LOTS!  You must have a recent full check up, screened for STDS and have a psych evaluation completed before beginning the process.

5. What is the financial compensation – is it just money or are there other benefits? Are you paid for each implantation or only for a viable pregnancy? 

Most intended parents do send other gifts like gift baskets, some will have their surrogate go for massages, mani/pedis. There is a payment for the embryo transfer which can vary and is agreed upon during the contract phase. The next payment is after a positive blood pregnancy test and monthly payments start after that.

6. Do you donate your eggs or just rent out your uterus? Is the compensation a lot higher if they use your eggs? Can they ask you to carry multiples or is it a singleton every time (and does the rate go up if twins happen?)

I personally cannot use my eggs due to genetic reasons, but I can carry.

There are 2 types of surrogates. Traditional Surrogates (TS) and Gestational Surrogates (GS) or Gestational Carriers (GC). TS is where they use the surrogate’s egg and GS or GC are carriers with no genetic relation to the baby.

During the matching phase they will include in your profile whether you are willing to carry twins or only a singleton. The intended parents can choose you if they are looking for someone to carry twins. That rate is normally only a couple thousand more – it’s not double, like a lot of people assume it is.

According to Circle Surrogacy, the rate a surrogate GS can expect is around $25,000 to $30,000 base fee plus up to $25,000 in additional compensation. It depends on state, whether the surrogate is a first-timer, as experienced surrogates are paid more. Surrogacy America places the fees slightly higher, at $40,000 to $50,000 plus expenses, though Samantha explains that this fee may only be for somewhere like California, where rates are at a premium.

There are other variables besides multiples that affect the cost – C-section, egg donation, lost wages, travel expenses, clothing allowance, life insurance and other elements can be part of the payment and included in the expenses paid by the intended parents. These are defined in the contract between surrogate and intended parents.

In Canada, surrogacy is priced out differently and the breakdown gives a range of $18,000 to $45,000+ through Surrogacy in Canada.

7. Are there a lot of limitations on your lifestyle when you surro? Sex? Activities? Foods? Can they ask you to do yoga or take pre-natals or do you have to take other meds? 

Some intended parents want things very strict, it is stipulated in the contract. My first time, the parents asked that I limit fast food – not a big deal for me. If you are in a relationship there are timeframes where you are not allowed to have sex because of the risk of you getting pregnant. Otherwise it’s ok, unless your OBGYN has reasons to medically limit sex.  Pre-natals are a must do, and there are a good bit of other meds. They take over your cycle by meds. There are injections and other meds that start before the transfer then continue until around 10 weeks of the pregnancy. These are to help ensure that the body is ready and that the pregnancy takes hold after the transfer.

8. Does the surro-family want to be involved with your pregnancy throughout for the experience? Be there for the delivery? Is the baby with you for any length of time after delivery? Breast feeding?

Some are more involved then others – distance can be a big factor so it means lots of phone interaction. Most parents will come into the area towards the end of the pregnancy. My intended parents were in the room for delivery and the intended parents are planning on it for this time.  Typically, once born, the baby is with the parents, but they do allow the surrogate – and sometimes family – in to hold and visit.  Breastfeeding is very uncommon because of the bonding and possible problems that can happen.  Some surros will pump for the baby.

9. How do your other kids handle the situation of mommy carrying a baby but them not getting a brother or sister out of it?

I explained to my kids in as simple terms as I could what was going on, and that it was not my baby.  This time they understand a little more being 9 and 7.

10. Do you want to have any connection with the baby/family after? Or is it like a closed adoption? Is it hard to give up or can you stay unattached because you know you’re doing the pregnancy, not having your own child?

This depends on distance as well. I asked for my family to be closer this time for that reason – and that, because my labor could go quickly, so in case I deliver early, they would hopefully make it in time. I get to see pictures of my first surro-baby, but they are 8 hours away, so it makes it hard to just stop by. There is some detachment knowing its not my child, but I do happily go back to sleeping all night after delivery 🙂