For the more sensitive man...

So, maybe your man is the stereotypical 'macho' man who fights your attempts to help him explore his more sensitive side...or maybe he has already explored his sensitive side and is completely comfortable with it!

Some (heterosexual) men actually enjoy "girlie" things more than we do! And that's great. I believe a man can still be a manly man even if he participates in so-called feminine activities like getting pedicures, shopping for clothes, baking or watching HGTV. It is the age of the 'metro sexual' male after all so we should be open to that!

We don't need to try to change our men into male versions of ourselves. It is not cool to force these things on him-- but if your man is naturally more sensitive or interested in getting involved with things that we like, we should encourage him to be comfortable with that.

Sweet can definitely be sexy.

Here are some... ahem, more feminine (note I did not say "girlie") things that may appeal to the softer side of your man:

For the man who likes organizing...and cuff links

Red Envelope cuff link display case; $129.99

For the man who loves entertaining in style (a.k.a. not using red plastic cups)

Cubist cocktail set from Red Envelope; $59.95

For the man who loves to accessorize

stainless steel and wood bracelet (left) from Red Envelope; $129.95



For the man who plans romantic excursions

picnic backpack from Red Envelope; $69.95

For the man who believes diaper duty is a shared responsibility

Diaper dude bag from Red Envelope; $59.95

For the groom who likes to groom

products from www.groominglounge.com

Dermalogica skin kit for men; $30.00

Dovo 5 piece nail set for men; $88.00

The 'Man-groomer' for back hair, etc.; $39.95

Jack Black jet set traveller kit; $32.00

For the man who is a proud dad with a fashion sense

Matching tees at www.boutiquetoyou.co.uk ; $60

For the man who desperately wants to understand you...

'Why Men Don't Have a Clue and Women Always Need More Shoes' book available at Amazon.com;$14.00

Man "Stuff" that a Woman Can Love too!

As much as all of us would love to girlie-fy our homes, it is import in giving our men space to breathe, relax, have fun & enjoy football seasons.

Some women let their men have 1 room in the house: the basement, the attic, the den, the garage or maybe the shed out back.

If this is not an option...if you must control the decor of every room in your home (like me), then here are a few items that your man will love & you might even (secretly) enjoy as well...

Check out this Bulldog Bottle Opener from Potterybarn.com. It is made of cast iron and is made to be mounted on the wall. It is only $12.00!

This is a fun game table that will have you smiling! The Ms. Pacman (and Galaga) Arcade Game from the 1980s can be found at Frontgate.com. Your husband's friends will think you are the Wife of the Year. Careful though, other wives might get jealous. :) The table costs just under $4,000, but hey, it will definitely be a family heirloom that your kids will be fighting over. (Plus, it is not the size or weight of a pool table!)  

If you get sick of looking at it...you could always cover it with a pretty table cloth and make it double as and end table.  Put a lamp, some books, a frame, etc...it becomes another place for you display all your pretty things!  

Another great item from Frontgate.com is their Three Piece Game Table Set made of hardwood & leather.  I think it could double as a Scrabble Table for you, your girlfriends & some Martinis!  

And what man isn't dying to have a recliner?  Here is one from Pottery Barn that you can deal with.  It is not your Grandpa's recliner!  Throw a cheetah blanket on the back & you might enjoy watching reruns of Sex in the City while reclining it.  Sshhh...don't tell "him" that you actually like "his" chair.  

These next three recliners are all options from Ballard Designs.  (One of my favorite stores!)  This recliner comes in about 100 different fabrics.  There are so many to choose from--solids, stripes, floral, animal print, etc.  The possibilities are endless.  Depending on the fabric, this recliner will run somewhere between $1,100 - $1,400.  

To be a true Glamorous Girl means to let your Man be a MAN!  Don't sissy-fy him.  Don't make him like chick-stuff or force him into doing girlie things...that is why you HAVE GIRLFRIENDS.  :)   Let him do his Fantasy Football thing.  It will give you an excuse to get out of the house & hang out with a girlfriend.  

SmartMom Jewelry

My brother, who is secretly dying to be a writer on this blog (hee hee), sent me a link with this jewelry.   

My 1 year old is always trying to chew on my jewelry.  I am constantly pulling it out of her mouth & giving her one of HER toys to play with.  She still keeps coming back to MY jewelry.  

Thanks to my brother, a solution has been found for my daughter & me!  

This jewelry line, Teething Bling™, is made of material that is non-toxic, latex-free, food–safe, even dishwasher-friendly! It is the same silicone used in many other popular teething products.

Even a percentage of the sales go to worthy causes:

http://www.curesearch.org

http://www.dressforsuccess.org

This donut shaped pendant is less than $20 and can be ordered in 9 different colors.  Go to www.smartmomjewelry.com to order one for yourself or someone special.  

Balancing act

Balance, it's such a challenge--and a necessity--to find it in life. We need rest, yet want to be productive; we want to spend time socializing with friends but we also need quiet moments alone; we want to be healthful and watch what we eat, but still enjoy the tasty treats at restaurants and parties...
I think balance is the key to a healthy, happy, fulfilling life. I believe in the motto everything (or almost everything) in moderation. And that also means moderation in moderation!

Sometimes you need to let yourself break free of all the restrictions and just be. And then there are others times we must be extremely disciplined and determined. Each season in our lives calls for us to practice and develop different characteristics. But finding balance can give us the peace and clarity of mind we need to be our best.

What helps me stay balanced? A little bit of everything of course.

Try to incorporate at least a little bit of the following into your balancing act-- and experiment with things that can help you maintain your level head.

Productivity and activity

Day planners...

Ecojot eco nature agenda made out of 100% recycled materials







Stylish wake up call...

Croc alarm clocks from Williams Sonoma Home



Rest and relaxation

Kiehl's products...























I especially love the Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish. They are a very natural company that is concerned about giving back and helping underdeveloped communities.
http://kiehls.com/





Zero 7 CD
U.K. soul music from London--kinda jazzy with an electronic vibe--
but sooo relaxing

Try their Simple Things album available at amazon.com

Family time Create traditions within your family for holidays and special events and make it a priority to do things together. Whether the activity is cooking a meal, baking cookies, carving pumpkins, or playing boardgames, make family time fun and everyone will look forward to being together. The best family memories are those created when you are doing something unique.

Try:
Family Game Night

Familyfun.go.com has some great suggestions for creative game and theme-night ideas including bowling pin derby, group storytelling and blackjack using jelly beans.

Friends

Spending time with friends is a key component in keeping my scales from tipping. I NEED girlfriends who can relate to my womanly perspective. Whatever stage in life they may be in, I love learning from their experiences, identifying with their frustrations, and encouraging each other with supporting words and wisdom. Plus, girlfriends are just FUN! They make me laugh at things and remind me not to take life or myself too seriously.

Host or schedule a regular Girls' Night (or Boys' Night if you are a male reader--but you'll have to come up with your own ideas:) and try themes such as:


Pedicures and dinner--I just recently went to a place called Pretty Nails and got an hour long pedicure with girlfriends for only $25! We went for sushi afterwards.


Book club-- I know not everyone loves to read but it's a good excuse to meet regularly and you may really enjoy the book selection!

Cocktails and Cupcakes party-- is there anything better?


The Sweetheart Cocktail
1 1/2 ounces Ketel One vodka 1/2 ounce Calvados1 ounce apple juice2 lemon wedges (about 1/3 lemon)1 teaspoon grenadine
Combine the first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Squeeze the lemon wedges into the shaker and discard the rinds. Add the grenadine and muddle vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass, and enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Highlands Bar and Grill, 205/939-1400, http://www.highlandsbarandgrill.com/.

But really, you don't need a reason or a theme to call a friend and spend a few hours together.

"Me time"... for a healthy mindset


Environmentally friendly journal made from 100% recycled materials and Bessence Candles, soy-based wax candles packages in recycled materials.
$40 for 4 votives





















Little indulgences
"Let them eat cake!!!"

Have I mentioned I love cake? Well I do. In fact, I just baked one for a dinner party I'm going to tomorrow night and it's taking all my willpower not to steal a piece. I cheated and used a mix: Pillsbury Low Sugar Yellow Cake mix. It's easy. It's fabulous. It's low sugar so it's not that bad...right?

Let "them" eat chocolate too!
These truffles come from Fran's Chocolates in Washington. The chocolates have been listed in all of the following magazines: Oprah, Gourmet, Food and Wine, and People. You can order from the website http://www.franschocolates.com/

Little indulgences should always be pretty...Crate and Barrel wine glasses; $2.50 each

Great Gifts for Nursing Moms

People are always asking me what my favorite baby products are.  This is the ULTIMATE PRODUCT:  Bebe au Lait's Hooter Hider.  

The Hooter Hider is a Nursing Cover for  a Chic Mom.

From the Bebe Au Lait website...
Established in 2004, Bebe au Lait is committed to being the most trusted and reliably stylish Nursing Cover on the market. With every Bebe au Lait or Hooter Hider Nursing Cover purchase, we know that more and more nursing moms are out and about enjoying life with baby without any restrictions.

A MONEY SAVING SECRET ~~~  To get the Hooter Hider for about $7 less than the Bebe Au Lait website, go to www.embellishedmom.com .  Embellished Mom ships for FREE!!!  

Another one of my must haves...the Glamourmom Nursing Tanks.  

"It's a bra, a tank, an undershirt!" 

The tanks are between $34-$39.  If you order 2 or more you receive 10% off your order.  

This month, the Apple Green tank is only $29!!

Here's how the tank works:  

Southern Accents

After recently moving from London, England to Louisville, Kentucky, I've quickly had to learn to appreciate a drastically different culture and way of life.

I'm basking in the charm of the South--the grand brick homes, winding roads and grassy hills, the hospitality and sincerity, the amazing independently-owned restaurants with good ole American home cookin'...There's a classic simplicity in Southern style that I think suits me.

Even before living in Kentucky, I enjoyed the magazine Southern Accents. It's traditional yet unexpected, fresh and fun. It's a subscription all ages can enjoy and relate to in some way--whether it be recipes for Southern inspired cuisine or tips on the cutest boutiques in Charlotte--you'll enjoy a little piece of the South!

Southern Accents
beautiful homes, gracious living, a sense of place

http://www.southernaccents.com/

The book Eat Feed Autumn Winter ($35) is by the editors of Southern Accents and offers fresh suggestions and 30 menus for the Autumn and Winter months. The book also gives new and interesting "excuses" to throw a party.

Summer movies

The summer sun is wonderful but some days nothing sounds better than laying on the couch in the air conditioning, watching movies and munching on Twizzlers and popcorn.

When you need a break from the heat and feel like being lazy, here are some suggestions for movies that will make you feel like you are still enjoying the best of summer from your living room:

*Now and Then

*Man in the Moon

*A League of their Own

*Dirty Dancing

(of course!)

*Indian Summer

*National Lampoon's Vacation

*Thelma & Louise

*My Girl

*How to make an American Quilt

*Stand by Me

*The Parent Trap (1961 version)

*Field of Dreams

*Summer Catch

*A Walk on the Moon

*Roman Holiday

Of course, no lazy movie-watching day is complete without something fun to eat. Try this recipe for a long-lasting snack from Hershey's:

Munchable, Crunchable KISSABLES Chocolate Candies Mix Ingredients:
8 cups popped popcorn
2 cups miniature pretzels
3/4 cup peanuts
1-1/3 cups (8-oz. pkg.) HEATH BITS 'O BRICKLE Toffee Bits
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup (8-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY'S KISSABLES Chocolate Candies
Directions:

1. Heat oven to 275°F. Grease large roasting pan (OR two 13x9x2-inch baking pans). Place popcorn, pretzels and peanuts in prepared pan.

2. Combine toffee bits and corn syrup in heavy medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until toffee is melted (about 12 minutes). Pour over popcorn mixture; stir until evenly coated.

3. Bake 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from oven; stir every 2 minutes or until slightly cooled. Cool completely. Stir in candies. Store in tightly covered container in cool, dry place. About 12 cups popcorn mix.

NOTE: For best results, do not double this recipe.

If you want to watch movies in a comfortable and private setting but feel like escaping the house, try one of America's drive-in movies. Nothing feels more like summer than watching a movie under the stars.

Find drive-ins near you at:

http://www.driveintheater.com/

Summer Fun

The summer days are getting shorter, fading away to gradually begin a new season, Fall. Before the leaves begin to change color and schedules become more rigid once again, make sure to soak up the remaining carefree days of summer.

Walk around barefoot as much as possible, picnic and BBQ and attend baseball games, turn the TV off and enjoy the evening sitting outside with candles and torches. Believe me, you'll be longing for these days in the dead of winter when we feel that summer will surely never come again.

The essence of summer...

the smell of hamburgers sizzling on the grill

Try this link for the "best ever" hamburger recipe
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Best-Hamburger-Ever/Detail.aspx

skinny-dipping in a lake under the stars

a day spent hiking, canoeing, and picnicking at a National or State Park

Go to www.stateparks.com/usa to find one in your state

the sound of late-night thunderstorms

ice cream

reading a good book at the pool or the beach while soaking up the sun

free summer concerts at State Fairs

Go to www.weekendevent.com/statefairs to find out more about your state fair and concerts

rosy cheeks and natural highlights

sidewalk sales

riding in a convertible with the top down

farmer's markets on Saturday morning

strawberry picking and homemade strawberry pie

outdoor cafes

getting fresh and clean and putting a cute sundress over sun-kissed skin after a long day in the sun

campfires and roasted marshmallows

baseball games

the smell of fresh cut grass and fresh flowers

long days and bright, full August moons

This Summer, here's what's HOT and what's NOT:

HOT:

squirting lemon juice in your hair in the sun

NOT:using Sun-In

HOT: going low-key with natural make-up or tinted moisturizer and lip gloss

NOT: caking on heavy foundation eye makeup that runs off in the sun

HOT: wearing SPF even on cloudy days to protect your skin and achieve a healthy glow

NOT: lathering on baby oil and baking in the sun, showcasing the leathery-skin look

HOT: getting exercise outside by walking, bike riding, swimming, hiking, etc.

NOT: driving your car everywhere with the air-conditioning on, guzzling gas

HOT: pretty, painted toes and soft feet

NOT: scraggly, untrimmed toenails and calluses

HOT: buying local produce or growing your own garden

NOT: buying over-processed, over-priced foods with gluten and preservatives

HOT: wearing cute, embellished flip-flops at a backyard BBQ or the beach

NOT: wearing sky high stilettos to a casual BBQ

HOT: opting for a "stay-cation" where you explore and support your local area and attractions, saving money and gas

NOT: dragging an unwilling family across country for hours each day in the car or taking a vacation you can't afford