Maui Wowi!

Friday, January 30, 2009

In 6 weeks I am officially no longer a mother. I take that back, I am a mother, but for 8 glorious days The Husband and I get to pretend like we are two baby free kids on our honeymoon. Sounds too good to be true? Yep, it almost is.

The Husband has a conference in Maui at the nicest resort on the island for a week in March. When I say nicest, this is a serious understatement. This place is like heaven on earth, and will by far be the fanciest place that Yum ever stayed. The best part is that this conference is designed for families and it is the only one of the year where wives are encouraged to come. Not that I need a lot of encouragement for a free trip to Maui (Yep, I said free.)

Initially we were going to take the little man, but after the trip from hell that I took with him back in October we decided that an 11 hour flight was not something that he was up to, and it was definitely not something that I was up for. After hearing this my saintly mother-in-law offered to fly over and watch him while we jet off for the week. Can you Hell Yes????

Certainly I am anxious about leaving the little man for such a long time given that we have never spent more than a night apart. However,  the thought of lying on the beach or sunning myself by the pool sans rambunctious toddler for 7 full days and nights far outweighs any fears I might have about missing him. Far, far outweighs.

Now that the trip is only a few weeks a way I find myself bubbling with excitment. Almost 2 years now we have been traveling with a kid who hates to fly. I can't imagine what it will be like to fly alone again. I have 11 hours to read books, magazines, SLEEP, watch movies; the flight alone sounds like heaven. I know, I'm crazy to be so psyched about a flight but any of you out there will kids know exactly what I am taking about!!!

The thing that I am most excited about today is the outfitting of myself for the trip! Given my non-pregnancy status I am looking to buy some pieces that I would be able to wear in the summer if my shape does happen to expand (please, please.)

Here are a few things I am lusting after.



Melissa Obadash Gauze Dress (This looks amazing on, and with a belt it is a must have!)


DVF "Andy Warhol" Dot Bikini (surprisingly this does provide a good amount of coverage)



Clearly I have tried all of these items on, and clearly it is just a matter of time before they are mine. I think that coupled with the items from Gilt, and my new vest and gladiator sandals I am going to have quite the yummy resort wardrobe. 

We obviously have much more to discuss before the trip, but for now I'm just going to sit here looking at 20 degree freezing weather outside my window and dream of a place that is warm enough for me to wear these pieces.


A Real Foodie?

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Recently the husband and I have been referring to ourselves as "Foodies."  The reason for this is twofold. 1) We love watching Top Chef on bravo, and 2) we have been exploring some amazing new restaurants on our Saturday date nights

Now when I say that we refer to ourselves this way, that is a solid we, as there is no way that we would ever qualify in the true sense of the word. 

My new found foodieism (new word) has inspired me to try to mix things up a bit from our same old dinner routine. Last night I was craving some sort of spicy lentil dish (no I'm still not pregnant.) After some quick online searching I came up with this super easy and super delicious lentil Dahl. 

Seriously, this whole dinner took about 40 minutes from start to finish and for 30 of it, it was just bubbling away in the pot. Even The Husband declared that I was a bona fide foodie!

Here are the delicious lentils cooking in my amazing new saucepan.



Another gratuitous shot of the pots (yes, I still love them as much as the day they arrived.)


I threw in some salad.


And a pre-made Naan (this one from Whole Foods was delish!)


Viola! Our new favorite dinner!


I'll be posting the recipe over in the "Yummy Mummy Recipe of the Week section." 

Bon Appetit! 

Tag I'm It!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Never one to step away from a good game, the Yummy Mummy is officially playing her first game of photo tag!.

My long lost "sister" from across the pond That Girl sent me the following rules:

  1. Go to the 4th folder in my computer where you store your pictures.
  2. Pick the 4th picture in that folder. 
  3. Explain the picture.
  4. Tag 4 people to do the same.
Considering that my computer is not that old, most of my pictures are fairly recent. I was very excited to see that this was my 4th picture in the 4th album titled "Christmas"!
                                                           


We took this picture of the Little Man on his first Christmas morning. At the time he was about 4 months old and we were amazed at how much drool the little guy could produce. We had just gotten back from a trip from Costa Rica and had only put up the Christmas tree the night before. This was the first time that my "man" saw the tree in all its glory. 

To say he was excited would be an understatement.

And now........Legally Brunette, The Misses, Julie Q, and Boston Bride TAG you're it!


Shoeless.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

So I'm not going to get the shoes. They just aren't that practical and although my shoe wardrobe could definitely use some spicing up, that money could be put to much better use. 

I still want something special for my 30th, and for our 5 year anniversary, and for well just being me. Since I don't do jewelry as was discussed here, this limits me to shoes and bags. 

Enter my future favorite baby.

The Bottega Veneta "Veneta Hobo" with matching wallet.  

Seriously, this bag could not be more "me" if it was actually made for me. It is a great size. The chocolate could be worn in every season. It's timeless and I love that only those in the "know" will actually know who it is by. 

I  have been going around and around in my head between this and a classic Channel baguette. However, once I went to Barneys and saw this baby up close, today I knew I was making the right decision. This bag completely suits my lifestyle and I can see myself carrying it everyday. 

Btw you all agree with me on the shoe front. Or at least 52% of you do. They are a work of art but for a mummy with little or no social life they would just be wasted. Those shoes belong on a girl like Carrie Bradshaw (yes, in my mind she is real) who could actually let them see the light of day and not just the inside of her closet.

Thanks for all your help, and please let me know what you think of the bag vs all the others out there. May is still a long way away.......
 

Mere Mortals.

Monday, January 26, 2009


It has been said that Supermodels are nothing more than genetic mutants. Really, how else could someone end up that tall and that thin with such perfect hair and skin?
 I have my own theory. They are really just aliens from another planet sent here to force us all to try to attain some unattainable standard of beauty. 

Take Giselle for example. She's been quoted as saying that she doesn't have to wear foundation or even brush her hair. Guess what she gets for all that "effort"? Yea, to look like this.


And then there is Allesandra Ambrisio who looks like this 5 months after having a baby. I put in the "before" picture because I too do not believe it.


Hedi, yeah well she's had three kids prior to this photo being taken. 
Bitch.


The reason that I am mentioning this is that the word on the street is that Giselle has joined my gym. Now that she is supposedly engaged to Tom Brady (which of course she denies) I imagine she will be spending quite a bit of time there during football season.

OK, if I have to run on the treadmill next to this? Hmmm that's going to do wonders for a girl's self esteem. Really, shouldn't "these people" have their own gym. A gym for people with the same "abnormalities" as they have? 


I'm just saying, if I see her in my Yoga class I may just have to trip her.

Haircut Day!

Friday, January 23, 2009

Today was a much needed haircut day for the little man. After a few crocodile tears and 15 minutes my 17 month old looked more like a 4 year old!  Overall a vast improvement I would say.

Before


After


Gilt Free Shopping.


Yes Gilt free shopping does exist. Where? over at Gilt.com of course. If you are not a member of this site you are seriously missing out. 

Yesterday Gilt had one of their big blowout sales and Yummy Mummy cleaned up. Here is a copy of my receipt.


No you are not crazy and yes I really did get Marc Jacobs and Adam shorts for 28 dollars marked down from 275 each (yes 275 each!). A Walter dress for less than 50 dollars? Only at Gilt. In total YM raked in about 1600 worth of goods for about 180 dollars. If that isn't Gilt free shopping I don't know what is.

Gilt is by invitation only, so if you want an invite just post your email in the comments and I will send one your way. After all what are friends for?


Is This Med School or Nursery School?

Thursday, January 22, 2009


Harvard for a 2 year old? I wish it was that easy.

Yummy Mummy is unfortunately in the middle of the dreaded nursery school application process. If you happen to live outside of a major city you will have no idea what I am talking about. If you happen to live in one, you like me are about to claw your eyes out (very very slowly). Yep, it's that bad.

I think what is really bothering me is that unlike when I applied to undergrad, and law school, where I was the one who was being judged, now this judgment is now being passed onto my little man. My perfect and wonderful little man. My perfect and wonderful 2 year old. The idea that someone could give him a big denied or even worse put him on some sort of arbitrary wait list literally makes me want to cry. The worst part is that he will be denied based upon how "school worthy" we are. Are we accomplished enough, do we have the right connections, or live in the right neighborhood? Who knows what these decisions are based on. Do they want me to be a stay at home mom, or so they want me to work? Do they want a mother who volunteers or one who will be hands off and not meddle?

I know what you are thinking, who cares what these people think? Or, are you one of those crazy "private" school moms? No, no I am not. In fact, we moved to Cambridge with the idea that we will absolutely enroll our little man in public school for at least k through 6/8 or possibly all the way. My husband and I were both public school kids and we turned out quite all right ending up a doctor and a lawyer, respectively (not that that means anything). The problem is that there are not any nursery schools where we live that don't make you go through this crazy application/ interview process. I'm even more limited because I don't want the little man to go to "school" more that 2 half days a week which leaves me with only 3 real options. I just really want him to be out of the house in a safe school where he can learn how to socialize, 2 days a week. Is that too much to ask? Apparently it is.

 I decided early on that I couldn't stand being rejected from all three schools, so I would pick my favorite and basically put all my eggs in that one basket. This of course has made me somewhat of a basket case. Our first interview is on Feb 5 and I am already planning my wardrobe. Trying to study all I can about the school, and talk to anyone and everyone who has gotten a golden acceptance letter in the past. The Husband on the other hand has agreed to show up. Period, end. He views this whole thing as a sham, and sometimes I have to agree. Basically there will be about 80+ families applying for 5 or so spots. A five day a week program will run you about 17,000 a year (can you say not happening???) and a 2 day program is 7,500 which is not much more than a babysitter is for the same hours so that is much more doable, and rational, he will only be two for Christ's sake. 

Now you see why I wish we were applying for Harvard. At least then the price would be justified and the odds of him getting in there are about the same as getting into "x" nursery school. 
 

Gladiator Sandals + Vest = Ready For Summer.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

I just confirmed with UPS that my two new purchases will be arriving today. While they are not what you would call "big ticket" items, I am extremely excited nonetheless. Why? Because these are things that can only be worn in Summer. Since I currently have the New England blues any thought of Summer puts a smile on my face. I plan on putting these front and center in my closet to remind me that yes, one day it will be warm enough for me to wear them (a day very very very far away I know).

Here is the Sam Edelman "Gilda" Sandal. I think this will look so cute with skinny jeans or denim cutoff shorts. Did I mention they were only 65 dollars? 

This is the White "Mason Vest" by Michelle Mason.


Yes, you have seen this vest before. I have been stalking  it ever since I got that email from my girl Gwyneth back in October's Goop Newsletter. 


I think this will look awesome over a white tank with jeans. the best part when I originally went to get it it was over 300 dollars and I was able to wait to get the last one for around 100. Of course the only one left was in my size. Yep, meant to be.

I am becoming quite the Recessionista I would say. Miracles can happen! 

Now if I could somehow make it 85 degrees out......

Obama Madness.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009



I know it's hard to see but the little man's shirt says OBAMA. 

Yep, we are pretty damn excited!


A Shoe Dilemma.


I am so torn. I just can't decide if I should get the Pink Petal Louboutins. I clearly want them. I just can't decide if I actually need them (I use that term extremely loosely here). I thought if I actually looked at my shoe collection as a whole then maybe I could make up my mind, but alas I am still at a loss. 

Now I have never been one to think it important or necessary to amass a large shoe collection. Like the rest of my wardrobe I try to buy "pieces" that can be worn a number of different ways and I try to buy high enough quality items that I will continue to love them for their every wear. 

Here is my current "collection."*

  1. White converse sneakers (my everyday shoes)
  2. Hunter wellies (an absolute necessity for this New England winter)
  3. Brown Coach riding boots (my favorite purchase from last fall)
  4. Bronze haviana flip flops.
  5. Mystique turquoise sandals.
  6. Michael Kors gladiator heels.
  7. Marc by Marc Jacobs black patent leather platform heels.
  8. My Christian Louboutins (oh I still love them)
  9. Black Tory Burch flats.
  10. Steve Madden leopard print flats (I never wear them but they are too cute to toss). 
  11. Not pictured (by accident) a silver pair of Jimmy Choos on loan from my sister in law. 
So that's it. Looking at these now I can see that I clearly need a pair of black leather flat boots. I also definitely need those gladiator sandals that are somewhere in Kansas right now, but do I need the Louies? 

I can't make up my mind. So I need some swaying. I'm going to put up a poll so you can let me know what you think. 

Yes, I don't need them (again I use that term loosely) but I still really really want them. Help me!

* Missing are the new Sam Edelson black/white snakeskin gladiator flats which are still in route, and my gym and tennis (for actual tennis) shoes which were not worthy of being in the same photograph as the former Louboutins

Argh.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Things that are keeping me from blogging today and things that need to be discussed in detail very soon.
  1.  Little man is officially down to one nap. One two hour nap. Hmmmm now I have to rework my entire life.
  2. I have been nauseous for 48 straight hours. Is it the stomach flu or a I am finally preggars? Too soon to tell.
  3.  I have some sort of sleeping sickness which is forcing me to nap through little man's entire nap leaving me no time to do ANYTHING. Again, this may be pregnancy or flu related. TBD.
  4.  I bought the best pair of gladiator sandals. I wasn't sure at first, but now I love love love them  and can't wait for them to arrive in the mail. The best part? They were 65 dollars. I know, I can hardly believe it myself.
  5. I just got an amazing Mason vest that I have been stalking since October for 250 less that the original price. I am officially a recessionista!
  6. Now that I got the go ahead to get the petal Louboutins I can't decide if I should get them. 
  7. I can't believe we get a new president tomorrow! Yeah!!!
The little man is already whining from downstairs so we will call this a teaser for the week ahead. 

If It Ain't Broke Why Fix It?

Friday, January 16, 2009

If you are an avid reader of my blog you will know that I am completely and madly in love with the corporate coffee monster called Starbucks. In short, I heart Starbucks. 

Why do I love Starbucks so much? I love Starbucks because when you go to a Starbucks you always know what to expect. This applies to all Starbucks (except the one's at Barnes and Noble; they suck) no mater what city or country you are in. Whether you are in an airport, a hotel, a mall, or even a rest stop along the highway (yep, they are popping up everywhere) they are all the same. 

I live for the Grande soy latte. Live for. I am one of those unfortunate people who cannot tolerate milk so the soy is a must have. Over the years I have grown to love the soy. Love the warm vanilla taste. Love the thick constancy. Love the warm soy foam. Love it. Need it. Can't live without it. 

You see where this is going don't you?

Last week I noticed that my drink tasted a little but off. I thought that maybe they mixed up the milk and that is why the flavor tasted a bit like dish water. The next day I ordered the same and this time I watched them to make sure they were in fact using the soy. They did, and when I left I was a bit taken aback when I tasted the same watery drink when I got home. I started thinking (as I always do) maybe I am pregnant and so maybe my taste buds are off. 

When I went back the next day I asked my favorite barrista if they started using a different soy milk and yes, of course they did. I was completely horrified to find that this was going to be a permanent change. As in forever. As in no more Starbucks for me? Gasp.

I refused to be beaten. I asked for sugar free vanilla in my drink in the hopes that it would bring back that warm vanilla flavor of lattes past. Nope, still tasted like shit. Today I added mocha. Better, but now just tasted like warm chocolate shit. Shit with more calories and sugar. Not exactly what I was looking for. 

I know what you are all thinking. Just make the damn thing at home. Yes, I could have coffee at home, but it will never be the same. It's the experience that I love. The little man and I no matter what the weather take our 15 minute stroll the the Central Square store. I love ordering my favorite drink in my personal cup. I love that first sip as I exit the store. In the summer I love stopping at the park while my little man runs around and I drink that soy deliciousness. 

So now what? At this point I don't really know. I have heard from the store that everyone is complaining but the problem with giant greedy corporate monsters is that they don't care. Apparently they had a focus group who said they didn't notice a difference (my ass) so this is unlikely to change. There is an organic coffee shop just down the street from my beloved Starbucks and I may have to give them a chance. 

It's just all so sad. Not in anyway to be compared with the horrors that exist in the world, and I am not in anyway trying to present this in that way.

I really just want to know if it wasn't broke why did you have to go and fix it?

Egg Update.

Thursday, January 15, 2009


So the eggs weren't spoiled after all. The delivery was just massively delayed. 

See this previous post if you have no idea what I am talking about.

I finally got the egg on day 26. Day 26? That's what I said. I feel like I owe a massive apology to Clearblue Easy for ever doubting them. Had I not been using the monitor we would have definitely given up by the time day 26 rolled around. 

So there you have it. I'm back on baby watch and I'm hoping to start testing again next week. One of our fellow bloggers turned me onto this site www.early-pregnancy-tests.com. It has tests that will pick up the pregnancy hormone days before the drugstore ones and the best part is that they are only 2 dollars a piece. With free shipping!

I am going to try to stay out of my own head and not get too crazy this month (remember the tape worm from last month?)

Thanks to Clearblue Easy at least I feel like we got a fair shot (no pun intended.)


Vegetarian(or not) Easy Italian Wedding Meatball Soup.

Back by popular demand (if one person can make things popular :))
The Yummy Mummy recipe of the week.

By accidentally deleting this part of the blog Yum almost left Sarah G. without dinner tonight. Gasp!

Here you go. It's so easy and please tell me what you think!

Ingredients
1/4 Bag Elbow Noodles
2 Containers Vegetable Broth
1/2 Bag Spinach roughly chopped
1 can Diced Tomatoes with basil/oregano mixed in  drained
1 Container Vegan Whole Kitchen Meatballs (in green box in the freezer section of Whole Foods)/ OR any Frozen Meatball.

Bring Broth to a Boil.
Add Meatballs and Pasta and Simmer for 10 mins.
Add Tomatoes and Spinach and Simmer for ten more mins.

That's it. I make it with a salad and garlic bread.

 Super easy and perfect for a freezing cold day like we are having in today in Boston. 


Just One of Those Days.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Today I'm just having one of those days. You know the days where you are feeling a bit blue? I have no reason to be down and I certainly am not complaining. I'm just feeling like more of a Slummy Mummy than a Yummy Mummy. 

It started when I woke up this morning. I just knew it was going to be "one of those days." 
  • The little man, who usually wakes up with a big smile at 8:30am was screaming from his bed at 8am,  and these were not happy screams.
  • I went in and saw the "day after" injuries. It's unimaginable that it could look any worse, but it does. I can only describe it as if a dog chewed on his left cheek. I have so much guilt that I wasn't right there watching him when it happened and I think this is the main reason I am so down in the dumps. (This is not to say that I didn't totally appreciate all of your kind comments yesterday and they made me feel 10 times better to know I am not the only "Bad Mommy.")
  • The temperature started out at 22 and will be falling to the single digits by nightfall. Did I mention that I hate winter? It's supposed to stay this way all weekend with more snow. More? How much can a California girl take?
  • I took a much needed shower while the little man was talking his first nap. Given the deep freeze outside I thought I should blow dry my hair. As I was plugging in the blow dryer I was electrocuted. Like for real.  Like drop the blow dryer, my fingers still feel burnt (4 hours later), and my arm is shaky. I have NO idea what happened and it worked fine after, but it still scared the shit out of me.
  • The little man then woke up from his nap screaming and still in a bad mood. More Guilt. 
  • I went to the gym, tried to leave the man in kids club. Usually he blows me kisses. Today he screamed bloody murder. More Guilt.
  • At the gym I had to face the barrage of "oh my god what happened to his face?" To which I replied "he fell." To which everyone asked "how?" My answer, "I don't exactly know" which never goes over too well.
  • I went to Yoga only to find my usual instructor was again out and there was the same sub. The same sub who I knew would be there but I totally forgotten. The same sub who I didn't like at all on Monday.
  • The little man and I then left the gym and went for a walk through the Prudential Center. You should of seen the looks that people were giving me when they looked at his sweet little bruised face. Lots of guilt. Guilt followed by concern that DSS was going to come up to me at any minute and demand an explanation. 
  • Finally at 3:30 we arrived home. I put the little man down and now am curled up with my computer. Still feeling shitty. Hormonal almost (not going to get my baby hopes up this month so lets not go there.)
Like I said. There is certainly nothing wrong, and I'm sure tomorrow will be a better day. Today was just one of those days.

Bad Mommy?

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Baby proof clearly does not equal little man proof. 

There I was standing in the kitchen making the little man's breakfast while he was playing ever so nicely with his step stool, a basket, and a metal toy truck.

Then came the scream. Then I saw the blood. Gasp. This is what I was left with.



When I say that these pictures don't even do justice to how bad this looks, that would be the understatement of the year.

The worst part is the looks that people gave me as we walked for our morning cup of joe. I can't even imagine what The Husband is going to say when he gets home. 

I know, I know, "shit happens" as my Mother in Law said after seeing him on Skype this morning, and yes "boys will be boys" as my other friend said. But I still can't help feeling like I did something wrong, and now I have this constant reminder on that sweet little face that is breaking my heart.

The Little Man is quite resilient and has gone about his day not realizing what kind of horror show is on the left side of his face. Thank God I have the sitter today so he can stay home and "hide out." 

Tomorrow I'm expecting some bruises and there is a 90% chance of a black eye. 

Oh today I am feeling like quite the Bad Mommy.