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Top 5 things I swore I’d never do as a parent (And did immediately after becoming one)

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in The Struggle is Real .

I’ll admit it – before kids I took a hard line on things I knew nothing about. I read a lot of books, I watched a lot of movies, I had everything figured out. I used words like “never” and “always” as though I had a finger on the pulse of something that other parents, throughout centuries of child-rearing, knew nothing about.

I was going to nail this parenting thing because I was an expert.

At being a complete jackhole.

As you read, know that you will never judge me as hard as I’ve judged myself. If I could go back in time and punch myself in the neck, believe me, I would. Here’s a list of the “nevers and always’” that just didn’t pan out for me.

photo: David Salafia

I will never let my child meltdown in public

I used to glare at parents who “let” their kids act up in a grocery store or throw tantrums in a restaurant. I’d look with derision and think “Pfft, my kids will never do that.”

I invite you to insert laughter here.

I get it now. Those parents aren’t ignoring their kids, they’ve actually gone dead inside. There’s a point where the non-stop needing, wanting, asking, begging, yelling, maddening repetitionrepetitionrepetitionrepetition causes the psyche to collapse in on itself like a dying star. It happened to me once, at a birthday party with both kids and no help. I couldn’t do anything but drive erratically and ugly cry the whole way home.

I know now that you can’t control a child’s behaviour any more than you can control the weather. All you can do is control how you respond. At almost four years old, Nate is pretty awesome to hang out with. He would never have learned how to behave in public unless we actually took him outside. These days he rarely acts out, and when does reach critical mass, we leave. Period. I’ve left movies, live theatre, concerts, family functions, play dates, you name it, we’ve bailed on it. Restaurants work if we can keep him seated for longer than 10 minutes, which leads us to…

I will never let my child watch too much TV/play with my iPhone/Tablet/Technology

Oh those poor, disengaged children. It’s so sad to see the breakdown of the family unit. See how that child just gazes at that tiny screen while his parents ignore him and eat hot food while enjoying adult conversation for five whole minutes without interruption or having to placate him with a duffel bag full of toys, books, crayons, crafts and a diorama of The Last Supper featuring characters from Sesame Street and a glow-in-the-dark Big Bird Jesus, all while engaging the restaurant in a rousing rendition of “Old MacDonald Had A Farm” (E-I-E-I-Oh-my-god-kill-me!) Evil technology! It’s not our first go-to, but I keep an arsenal of PJ Masks and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episodes on my phone at all times.

I will always feed my child healthy food

When Nate was ready to start solids, I bought organic produce and grain-fed poultry. I steamed, chopped, pureed and roasted the healthiest combinations you could imagine. He ate almost none of it, because no one told him that effort = appreciation.

His tastes have ebbed and flowed over the years, loving one food, then hating it in the time it takes me to buy a lot of it. His younger brother has a broader palate, and will gladly try anything you serve him, as long as it’s out of the garbage can after I’ve wiped it off the floor. As long as they’re putting on weight and not suffering from scurvy, I don’t give it a second thought.

I will never bribe my children

Yes you will. Often.

I’m all for parenting to achieve long-term goals, but once in a while, there is nothing wrong with immediate compliance, even if compliance looks like ice cream or a trip to Jungle Land.

My children will never sleep in our bed

Replace “never” with “every night” and you would have our current sleeping arrangement. The first night I brought Nathan home, I put him in the co-sleeper beside the bed. We watched him scream himself purple for two and a half excruciating minutes before I picked him up and announced to my husband that I was never doing that again. Sleep training doesn’t work for us. It is an unholy nightmare and I’m done with it. My boys like sleeping with their mama. How much longer can I say that? How many nights did I lie awake, sobbing into my pillow while they wailed in their cribs? Who wins?

So there you have it. A crash course in how not to be a know-it-all super jerk. A lesson in empathy towards parents, those superheroes charged with caring for tiny, adorable despots. An elegy for a retired Judgey McJudgeyPants who learned never to say “never”.

How to tackle those stubborn greys or embrace them with Erica Wearing

Posted on May 19, 2016 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in The Best You .

There are some lucky ladies like myself who have to deal with stubborn grey hair.

Going to the salon every 3 weeks to get your roots done can be costly . To get you threw those next rough couple of weeks there are some great products that will mask those greys

Bumble & Bumble Dry Hair Powder

This dry shampoo comes in four different shades.
There are also all different types of hair filler powders: hair chalk, hair sticks, hair mascara wands. All of these options could be found at drugstores or beauty supply stores

Some styling tips for masking the grey roots besides the cover ups

Try an off centre deep side sweep part or if your feeling like trying a new look ask your stylist to cut a fringe . These two styling tips are great because you don’t have one solid part line that screams “Hi! Look at these grey hairs popping out the top of my head!” 😉

Now if there are mommies out there that want to keep the grey and grow out there natural hair colour, there are ways to do it without having to look like Pepé Le Pew . Please go to your hairstylist and have them work their magic by stripping out the colour, getting you to the lightest shade of blonde. Hey why not try platinum blonde – maybe you will want to be a blonde bombshell for a while 💁. This will help the whole process; just blend way better then grey roots with dark brown ends.

As for the Daddies out there, there’s nothing more sexy to me ten salt and pepper hair on a man. I know, I know, it’s not fair that men look distinguished and sexy with salt and pepper hair and when us ladies have shades of grey poking out our heads it’s frowned upon. If you dads want a bit of color brought back into your hair please see a professional. I have seen way too many men walking the streets with glowing auburn hot roots with dark brown ends 😝 . That’s a big no no!

My handsome husband rocking the salt and pepper 😍

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

Latin Meat Stew (Biste)

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in Delicious Dishes, Domestic Goodness, Urban Suburban Mommy .

Who doesn’t love a great stew? Even better when it is super easy, quick and delicious to make. My sister-in-law taught me how to make Latin meat stew (otherwise known as Biste in Spanish) and of course when I make it, I score big points with the hubs.

If you feel like getting adventurous with your cooking by visiting a different culture in the kitchen – give this recipe you a try! I promise you’ll love it.

What you need:

4 large ripe tomatoes (Hot House are a good option), sliced and diced
1 large onion, sliced and diced
1 green pepper, sliced
A splash of olive oil
Salt, pepper and oregano to taste
Sazon Goya (Goya Seasoning) – you can find in Latin America grocery stores or in the international section of some supermarkets (I have made it without – so no stress if you can’t find it)
3-4 packages of thin fry steak (the beauty of this dish is you can substitute the beef for sliced chicken breast or thigh if you like). The fry steak should be cut into small strips

What you do:

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large stock pot. Add the onions and let them sweat for a couple of minutes. Turn up the heat to medium. Now add the tomatoes and green peppers. Stir them around with a wooden spoon. Add the cover to the pot and let the vegetables cook for about 5 minutes. Remove the lid and stir periodically. Reduce heat. The tomatoes, onions and green peppers should cook down into liquid/sauce. As this is happening, add your fry steak. Mix around with a spoon so that the meat browns. Add your salt, pepper, oregano and stir. The add 2 packets of Sazon Goya and stir through. The stew will turn a bright red. Return the lid and let the stew simmer for about 10 minutes.

Serve the stew over our Foolproof Rice. It is so tasty. Feel free to add a little hot sauce to take the dish to a whole other level. Of course, set some stew aside without hot sauce added so the kids can enjoy too!

The economics of kids – Break the bank

Posted on May 16, 2016 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in The Struggle is Real .

Why is it that no one tells you how expensive child rearing is? I think the cold hard truth is purposely kept from the public so that we continue to have a kid – even more than one – without really thinking about the financial repercussions.

Wait for it – I am going to burst that bubble as a favor to all expectant, new parents or parents who forgot the first time (like me), how bloody expensive it is to “have” and “raise” children.

Here goes: You are not a young parent. You may have been able to have your child without any medical intervention, but the fact is, a lot of us ‘late maternal agers’ had to turn to fertility treatment and even IVF to conceive. $15,000 a go… I know it is common for couples to try at least 3 to 4 times or more. So let’s say before this kid is even on this earth you are already upwards of $15,000 to $60,000 in the hole (of course it is worth it, that’s just the price it costs).

Again before this kid makes an appearance on earth – there are so many things you need to invest in – like the latest and greatest car seats and strollers, bouncy chair, swings and clothes.

I definitely smartened up with the birth of my second. Be wise about what you spend your money on. Buy baby gear on Kijiji or second hand shops. Kids grow so quickly, and fancy expensive outfits don’t get the wear they’re worth from a baby – even from 2 or 3. Unless there was a major diaper explosion, most of the clothing from the first year looks new even after they’ve worn it. And the fancy stroller – some can push you into the thousands. Really. I’m going to say that maybe you got lucky with a fruitful baby shower but I promise, you probably will drop a thousand to several.

Now the kid has arrived. You buy a Breast pump – the good ones ain’t cheap. If breastfeeding isn’t working for you, you will have to buy formula. Formula ranges from $20 on the very low end (sometimes you catch a sale) to well over $40 per can of powder. Depending on your kid’s appetite, you will need to buy a can every 3 days to a week. So let’s say add another $150 to your monthly grocery bill for formula. If you choose the premix formula, triple that.

Of course there are diapers and wipes. Again diapers range but on average you are looking at about $40 for a jumbo pack of diapers. Newborns go through diapers a lot quicker than infants and toddlers, but as they get larger, there are less in a box so it all costs a fortune. Add another $40-$100 a month to your bill. Double that if you’re going organic. If you’re going cloth, the initial investment is a few hundred – but that spike in your hydro bill from the hot water sterilizations keeps the price tags pretty equivalent.

Let’s do some incidentals now: creams, shampoos, pacifiers, a fancy shmancy video monitor so that you can watch your little precious sleep. Your baby bill keeps rising.

Once your baby starts solids you’ll need to buy cereals, bibs, spoons, freezable containers, baby food (if you are not making your own – which can also add up).

But then there is my favorite instant road to bankruptcy: daycare.

Whether you choose to employ a nanny which can run you anywhere between $1,500-$2,500 a month or daycare $1,000-$1,800 a month, you may be working for nothing.

I remember the first year I received a tax slip from my son’s daycare it was $22,000. I kept thinking to myself I could have sent my son to Harvard.

The good news is, after the first couple years, your monthly spend on your children lessens. But the cost of diapers and formula are replaced with after-school sports, weekend outings, birthday parties and the latest and greatest toys they absolutely cannot live without.

I am seeing a dim light at the end of the tunnel as my youngest son is about to turn one. For example, rather than paying $30 a can for formula, I can pay $4 for 3 bags of homo milk. That equates to big savings.

I promise you, the purpose of this post is not to be Negative Nelly, but in turn to empower parents to plan before they have kids. Put away a cushion. You can easily go bankrupt without properly planning. I have been there done it. Twice. I am afraid.

Of course, my two little blessings are worth the stress of debt. But as my lesson and advice to you, you will be a happier parent with a little savings tucked away for child rearing.

Budget. Buy second hand. Save as much as you can. (time for me to listen to my own advice…). If you don’t have a mat leave with at least a small monthly cheque – like me – you will have to save even more, because trying to work at full capacity to bring home the bacon, and still have time to raise a wee one is nearly impossible. Raising two? That’s a full time job in itself.

Not only is parenting hard, it’s bloody expensive! But there’s no doubt about it, it’s absolutely a blessing and rewarding, and the only thing I’d change if I did it again would be to save a little more before.

Dressing boys can be fun – with celeb stylist Alissia Marciano

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in Mommy Approved, The Best You .

Who says boys are no fun to dress?!

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.

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…)
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!
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.
HAVE FUN – these petit munchkins won’t always let you style them so take advantage while you can!

Skull Skates

Move over sneakers, there’s some serious kid kickass shoes coming atcha!

NUNUNU biker overalls

Bacabuche striped tee

Joah Love Neal triangle shorts

NUNUNU lowered cross pants – half and half pant

Ezzerkezzer has some really cool lightning bolt tees and graphic pants

Vans, every boy should own a pair. Or two. Or three…

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

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Urban Suburban Mommy 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.

Jumpsuit by Electric Feathers

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

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

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

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

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

The Perfect Mother’s Day Present – Sunshine Blogger Award

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Urban Suburban Mommy 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.

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:

You are trapped on a desert island – you can bring one celebrity (alive or dead). Who and why?
Who is your biggest role model in life?
One thing that scares you?
Vanilla or chocolate?
Why do you love blogging?
Favorite piece of clothing in your closet right now?
No sleep or no food for 24 hours?
What is your biggest pet peeve?
What is your life’s motto?
Favorite book and favorite film?
They turn your life story into a movie – who plays you?

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

Posted on May 5, 2016 by Urban Suburban Mommy 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.

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.

5 awesome things to do this Mother’s Day

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in Urban Suburban Mommy .

What does Mother’s day mean to you?

It means something different to me now, compared to when I was a child. In the past it was a day to honor my mother and shower her with flowers and a gift – which i still do even though now we live thousands of miles apart.

I’m sure she loved the thoughtful gestures that my brother and I did every year, but the truth is we really had NO idea how fortunate we were to have such an amazing woman raise us. Looking back, she made everything look so effortless. I have an enormous amount of love and gratitude for my mother and really reflect upon motherhood each Mother’s Day.

Reflecting on motherhood isn’t something I did prior to having children. Being a mom is hard work. There is no rule or guide book that works magic on every child. You make things up as you go along, with the guidance of family and loved ones, but it’s your inner gut that navigates you through this wonderful journey called life/motherhood. As a mother what makes me feel fulfilled and happy is seeing my boys wild, happy and of course, well behaved;). The three of us are happiest when we’re on an adventure in nature. The boys are able to roam around freely and explore, thus keeping us grounded and thankful for the beauty that surrounds us.

Here is a list of 5 activities and some recommendation destinations that will take your Mother’s Day to the next level. Hold onto to your adventure hat…it might get a little bumpy!

photo: Christopher Michel

1. Camping: Canada: Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver Island; Tobermory, Ontario.
USA: The Joshua Tree National Park

2. Surfing: Canada: Tofino, B.C.
USA: areas close to LA – Topanga, Venice, Sunset or Malibu

3. Nature walk: Canada: The National Trail; Niagara on the Lake Waterfront Trail. I
USA: Solstice Canyon and Sycamore Canyon near LA

4. Waterfall hunting: Canada: Shannon falls Provincial Park, BC.
USA: Havasupai Falls, Arizona

5. Star gazing with your boys: Set up a little viewing deck area outside with cozy blankets and pillows, prepare some hot chocolate with marshmallows and sit back and relax while the stars shine above!

alissia marciano @alissiamarciano

What mama secretly wants for Mother’s Day

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Urban Suburban Mommy Posted in Urban Suburban Mommy .

Mother’s Day. Because one day a year we need to be forced to stop doing all of the looking after and let them dote on us without feeling guilty that we’re not doing all of the work. I love the cards, and kisses, and hand-made crafts and attempts at breakfast in bed.

Happy Mother’s Day

But along with those lovely keepsakes there may or may not be a significant other that buys a thoughtful gift, plans a brunch, permits a sleep-in, coordinates a house-cleaning or does some other pleasantly surprising thing to help us celebrate Mother’s Day. Urban Suburban Mommy asked contributors what tops their list this Mother’s Day – A want, a need and a dream.

Fashion & Lifestyle Expert
Alissia Marciano

A Want: I want to provide my boys with the most adventurous and unique life possible by traveling up and down the coast of California in an airstream.

photo: Heather Cowper

A Need: I need to have an adventure in nature on a regular basis. Whether its camping, surfing, hiking or getting lost in the desert or forest it keeps me grounded, happy and inspired.

A Dream: To travel to Morocco, drive to the coast and surf with my partner and then one day with my boys.

Hair & Beauty Expert
Erica Wearing

Willow Stream Spa

A Want: Being on my feet all day long at the salon and on the run with my little guy can leave my body achey and my feet tired

What Momma wants is a good foot rub

A Need: What Momma needs is a mani pedi 💅🏻

A Dream: And what my dream would be is to have a day at the spa indulging in a full body massage and any other treatment that will leave me feeling like I’m floating on a cloud

(Hint hint Daddy)

Now that’s a Mother’s Day 😊😉

Lifestyle & Mom Experience
Alexis Nicols

A Want: Bradley Cooper cleaning my bathroom while I sip a chocolate-tini.

Bradley Cooper

A Need: Paying someone to clean my house while I sip vodka mixed with a blue Mister Freezie because we ran out of mix. I call my new drink “Anti-Freeze”

A Dream: Honestly, my dream was to become a parent. As far as I’m concerned, every day is Mother’s Day because every day I get to be a mother.

Lifestyle Contributor
Krista Holmes

A Want: A day to myself! Seems simple, yet likely unachievable now that the busy season of work and fishing tournaments is here. Give me a day at the spa, a good book and a dinner at one of my favourite restaurants with my husband.

A Need: A housekeeper. I would LOVE to not have to clean or cook. Even just for a week or two. This is a close “wish” to my dream (and it’s definitely second in line for a dream – especially if it happened on a regular basis).

photo: Kris Arnold

A Dream: A holiday. If my husband couldn’t get the time off, I would be more than happy to go on my own! (As he’s been on 3 “holidays” without me, either while pregnant, or since giving birth). The thought of having a couple of days to myself is enough of a reason to dream about a vacation, but ideally not having to cook for anybody, or do any housework makes it that much more of a dream. Top if off with a delicious tropical bevvy and my dream is complete. (Ok, sunshine and some time at a pool would really help, but who are we kidding – I could easily vacation just about anywhere, anytime as long as I don’t have to cook or clean!)

Cofounder/Editor
Elisa Keay

A Want: A car detailing. The kids make such a mess of my car. I admit, part of it is my fault, I let them bring their breakfast into the car when I’m running late or have a drink or a treat on a long drive, and it ends up mashed into the seat and floor. The leather seats need a treatment. The smell that has developed needs to be banished. The toys and schoolwork needs to be managed… HEY, wait – this shouldn’t count as a Mother’s Day gift or even a want. They OWE me a car cleaning since it’s THEIR mess! (Before kids, my car was always impeccable… is that too much to ask?)

A Need: I need a new bike. I hate my bike plus it has a wonky pedal. The kids are now at the age that we can start riding places as a family. My stupid bike is fine for popping out to the store or to meet friends for a drink, but it’s not comfortable if we’re going to head out for the day.

The new Porsche 911 Turbo. Because what else does one do with an extra $180,000

A Dream: A Porsche. I want a Porsche. A silver Porsche. Then I could drive over to Alexis’ house and help her watch Bradley Cooper do the cleaning.

(Wait. Why am I the only one not interested in alone time and a house cleaning? My house is a mess and I’m never alone – even when I pee. Nope. I want a Porsche.)

And I judge teachers by the crafts they think of for the class to make mom. The cards and gifts that last, that include a picture or a handprint in clay get bonus points. The ones that create big bobble jewelry for me to wear for the day also get points. The ones that make things too delicate for a 5 year old to manage getting home so that the day starts with tears and a hot glue gun, however, are the ones that inspire me to feed said 5 year a cappuccino and two bowls of high-sugar cereal before sending them off to school for the rest of the school year.

Cofounder/Editor
Michelle Daides

A Want: I want 8 hours of uninterrupted blissful sleep. I may have to file this one under my dream category considering my current situation with my two little monkeys! But all I really want is a night (maybe at a hotel alone with a cozy down comforter) where I can drift off to sleep and actually dream.

A Need: I need Octopus arms so I can juggle the many tasks I tackle everyday as a working mom. Way too many!

photo: YXO

A Dream: An extended vacation in a very exotic place like Fiji or Greece. A place where I could sleep for 8 hours uninterrupted. Use only 2 hands to practice yoga. Eat healthy food cooked by someone else. Breathe in the salty ocean air. Walk down the beach before sunset barefoot with the sand tickling my toes…my children and husband greet me with a big hug and kiss. Not sure I want to wake up from this one…

Nationwide Nurse-in Event! April 29, 2016

Posted on April 29, 2016 by urbansuburbanmommy Posted in Urban Suburban Mommy .

Today’s in Nationwide Nurse-in Event! We posted our original article back in January but we are sharing the article again with you today in support of this awesome initiative! Way to go mamas!

Have you ever heard of Nationwide Nurse-In? You will see more about it as Nationwide Nurse-In Day approaches: April 29, 2016. They’ve just released a new calendar to promote the event. This advocacy group works to support a parent and child’s rights to nurse wherever and whenever. Without shame. Without neglect. Without discrimination.

(We love that this group offers the disclaimer: Pro-breastfeeding does not mean anti formula. Nationwide Nurse-In supports all parents who feed their children.)

Urban Suburban Mommy caught up with Aimee O’Connell of Redding, California. Aimee is featured on the cover of the 2016 calendar, breastfeeding her son, 4 month old Kyson.

Are you a breast feeding advocate?

I advocate for breastfeeding one hundred percent. I want to help change the outlook of society. Feeding your child isn’t something that is weird, sexual or indecent, yet we still see that mindset in today’s society when people notice a nursing mother.

I would love to see a day where people aren’t afraid to look a woman in the eye while she feeds her child – uncovered. Women should be able to breastfeed anywhere, any time without fear of backlash, being shamed or humiliated. I nurse in public and refuse to let anyone make me feel as if it’s something that isn’t natural. Breastfeeding needs to be normalized!

Why did you choose to be involved with Nationwide Nurse-In and this calendar?

I happened to see a post on Facebook by Nationwide Nurse-In Events, requesting mothers who breastfeed or pump or fathers who bottle-feed breast milk to submit their favorite breastfeeding moments, and I instantly knew that I wanted to be a part of this. Breastfeeding is something that I have become very passionate about. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for women to be shamed for feeding their babies with their bodies. It’s something that is completely natural and beautiful. I figure, even if it is just one picture, I could do my part in helping to normalize breastfeeding.

How long have you breastfed, how long do you plan to?

My son Kyson is four and a half months old and we are really just playing it by ear right now, but I am hoping that we can reach the two year mark. He is not my first, but he is my first child that I have had to return to work with, so I was worried about having to pump. At first, I nursed on demand at home and pumped on my breaks at work so that we could maintain our breastfeeding relationship. Now, I am fortunate enough that his new daycare is very close to where I work, so I am able to go and nurse him throughout the day. I don’t see any end in sight any time soon.

Have you had issues breastfeeding in public?

I am fortunate enough to have avoided any negative experiences so far. A few inquiring eyes, but nothing that has made me feel uncomfortable. Unfortunately, several friends of mine haven’t had the same experience. They have had women come up to them and tell them to put their breasts away; tell them that they should go to a strip club where they would actually profit off of what they were doing. I have also had friends who have been asked to cover up or leave businesses altogether.

What should women ultimately know about breastfeeding?

Do what you feel is best. Don’t let anyone get in the way of that.

[polldaddy poll=9244338]

Purchase your own Nationwide Nurse-in Events calendar at nationwidenursein.com. it will be used to promote and fund awareness of the April 29 event, and check out the site for some great breastfeeding support plus info on state laws and regulations for breastfeeding. Check out the event on Facebook too.

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