James Weiselman Schulman CHEF DADDY

I was recently told that I spend money on nothing but food. To me this was the ultimate compliment (though I don’t think that was the intent). We as a society are spending less and less on food than we ever have in the past. This is worrisome for several reasons.

How we spend our money is a direct reflection of who we are as people, what we value, and how we choose to allocate a limited resource. As food has gotten cheaper, typically food of poor nutritional value (junk food, fast food, packaged food, etc), it is easy for us to limit what we spend and reallocate the funds elsewhere. The problem is that as we spend less, we are also devaluing the food itself.

Think of the last time you bought yourself (or a loved one) something expensive, whether that was an article of designer clothing, jewelry, or a fancy dinner. We treasure the thing that much more because we have spent more on it. We place a special value on the price. Does more expensive wine really taste better? Subjectively, it sure does.

By spending more and considering quality, we also send the message to our children that we value the food and our bodies. We’ll be more apt to take care of what and how we eat and explain the value. We will be less likely to waste.

By spending more, we may buy less and therefore, eat less, and we will savor it more.

Got a question for Chef Daddy? Ask in the comment section below and he’ll answer in an upcoming post.

For more from James, check out his own blog at: www.jamesschulman.blogspot.com, follow him on twitter @jamesschulman, and find his other Chef Daddy posts at
www.BlackBerryMom.com

Alison Malkin Schwartz - PASSION FOR FASHION

I don’t know about you but in my world May and June seem to be the months that I find myself handing out an endless amount of gifts. From end of the year presents for teachers, communion and graduation gifts, weddings to baby showers, it’s hard to not keep handing out the same old thing each time.  Since I am a lover of fashion I try to apply some of my creative talent to the world of gift giving…

Three is my magic number. Instead of giving one big gift, I enjoy throwing together three smaller ones with a theme. Examples would be a pair of flip-flops, a gift receipt for a pedicure and a fun color of nail polish. How about a journal, night shirt and a pretty tea cup with a bag of chamomile tea inside or maybe an eye mask, ear plugs and bubble bath for a night when the kids are at a sleepover and there is some peace in the near future.  People appreciate a gift that is well thought out.

Another favorite gift of mine to give is personalized stationary. You can never have enough stationary and people love things that have their own names on them; it just feels very special and of course personal. Cater the design of the card to an interest of theirs like golf or decorative shoes/handbags for the fashion lover. This is a classic gift that never gets old.

Make your own gift. Try out one of the many ceramic stores that let you paint a variety of items like picture frames, piggy banks, plates and cups etc. This is a great gift for children to give to their family and friends because it’s their own artwork. This type of gift will be cherished for years. Add a favorite picture in the frame or serve up your favorite home baked brownies on top of your new cake plate and make someone very happy.

Packaging my gift is almost as important to me as the actual gift. I use a thicker wrapping paper in beautiful prints to wrap my gifts and I use an assortment of ribbons as ties. I also like to put my wrapped gift in a bag of cellophane and then add candy in and around the bag. Whether it’s rainbow lollypops or gumballs this adds a fun and yummy addition to the packaging…and hey who doesn’t like candy? Add a gift tag with the recipients name in script and the present will look so pretty it’s almost a shame to open it up!

Happy gift giving!

Read more about Alison’s Passion for Fashion at www.BlackBerryMom.com

MOMMY NETWORK by Susan Fishback

Kids of all ages make you a master at networking, but toddlers jump start the process.  How often have you said hello and introduced yourself to complete strangers because your child decided this other person or family seems really cool?  Each time they walk up to some other family or take a toy from some unknown child, you are forced out of your comfort zone.  You often give the sheepish smile and introduce yourself.  Sometimes that is the end of the conversation, other times you wind up discussing playgrounds, or some kid related activity.  These are important skills when it comes to networking.  The ability to smile and introduce yourself without worrying about perception is invaluable.  Think back to office functions or networking groups, it’s often a little awkward to approach a stranger and strike up a conversation; but your child has taken your choice out of the equation and made the decision for you.

These conversations continue with every age, the location and reason for talking may change, but you will still talk to new parents at your kids’ activities.  You can continue with small talk and also learn a little bit about the other parent.  It often comes in brief, interrupted conversation, but you can discover what the other parent did before having kids (or continues to do now) and share a little bit about your past and what you are doing now or hope to do in the future.  You never know when your paths may cross again.  Often in business, you don’t need someone who does what you do, but someone to compliment what you do.  Remember each person brings something different to the table.  Successful networkingis not all about you.  You may know someone who can help this person or vice versa.  The key is to have someone remember you when they need your skill set and you never know when you might need their skills.

The hope is to find comfort in the unknown and being at ease when talking about you.  The next time your child forces you to meet someone you might not normally talk to, remember to smile and introduce yourself.  You never know what opportunities could arise from being open to small talk.

Catch up on more posts by Mommy Network, Susan Fishback, at www.blackberrymom.com and read some of her other thoughts at www.simplymoderndance.com or follow her on twitter @susanfishback.

MAMASTE By Stefanie Lester Coslow

So I’ll admit something pretty embarrassing, I don’t watch or read the news very much.  In fact, often lately I’m first alerted to big news stories via Facebook, sad, but true.  Or maybe I’ll hear something on the radio in the car shuttling my kids back & forth to school, activities, playdates…..   It started when my kids were little, I’d put on Sesame Street rather than the news while getting ready in the morning, much happier images and far more pleasant things for them to hear about, for the most part.  And not that I’m trying to create a bubble for them, but I’d also like not to scare the crap out of them either, and yeah, I guess would like to keep them young and innocent for as long as possible.

One day, back in March, when my husband was out of town, and once my kids were finally in bed for the night, I was cleaning up the kitchen with the news on in the background.  I heard the story/saw the re-enactment of a US soldier, in Afghanistan, who savagely murdered 16 civilians, 9 of which were children.  I sat on my floor, watched the news, and sobbed.  How is this real?  How is this the world we live in? My heart broke for the people of Afghanistan, the innocent people, children, that lost their lives.  I cried for their family, their neighbors….  And my heart broke for Robert Bales, the soldier, same age as me, a father of two, and clearly, a broken person.  This was his fourth deployment, he had suffered injuries and seen many horrors.  I felt pain for his family.  We, humanity, created this.

I don’t claim to have the answers to world peace, I wish I did, but I don’t.  Nor am I naive enough to believe there’s a simple answer.  But I can say one thing, hate breeds hate, fear breeds fear.

We are all connected, we are all the same at our core.  Can’t we recognize that and stop hurting each other?  Stop killing each other?  Can’t we all just get along?

All I can do is urge us all to do our parts.  Pay it forward.  Smile at stranger, help someone out without being asked.  Be kind, be respectful, be mindful in your actions.  When it comes to our children, our future, let’s lead by example.

Namaste,

Stefanie

Take one of Stefanie’s classes at CorePower yoga studios throughout Chicago corepoweryoga.com (Stefanie C on the schedule) or at Yoga Loft Chicago http://yogaloftchicago.com. She also works with private clients in their homes so think of her for your next party or corporate event. Either write her a note on the blog, or call her directly at 646-642-3391. Catch up on Stefanie’s prior posts at www.BlackBerryMom.com

James Weiselman Schulman CHEF DADDY

I have become “that Dad”…well, at least according to my wife. In this case, “that Dad” is the one that doesn’t let his kids eat crap; the one that brings his own food to places, the one that has the kid that says that they won’t eat meat, the one that won’t let his kid eat freaky colored crap at the soccer game, the one that passes on juice, boxed or otherwise, because it is basically soda anyway.

How we choose to eat is a lifestyle choice and that extends well beyond our own home. Whether we choose to eat vegan or veggie or only meat, low-carb or low-fat, these are all choices that we make constantly. And this extends to our families as well. It is easier to eat whole real food at home, but the test of our resolve is when we leave the home. It is what we pack our kids for lunch, it’s the kinds of restaurants we choose to go to, and what we choose to eat when we are out.

For me, eating healthy real food isn’t something that’s confined to just the meals I prepare but everything I and my family eat. And sometimes, my convictions cause issues with other people (and my kids). Unfortunately, as a society we have decided that it’s ok to eat food that been made by some giant multi-national food manufacturer. Rather than simply being able to say “I don’t eat XYZ” there must be a whole discussion and it often doesn’t end well. The very notion that these foods are “safe” and “healthy” speaks to our willingness to give up the fight.

Sometimes the issue is with our kids, and this is more easily addressed with a little planning.

First, it starts with talking about food, a lot. What’s “good” and what’s “bad.”

Then, when going into a situation where there may be things I don’t want them eating, I can easily prepare them for potentially not getting something.

We have also taught our son to read labels. Ideally, we eat foods with no labels, but it does happen, and having him get used to reading the ingredient list and nutrition label is great practice. He brings us items and knows that he may not get the HFCS-laden cookies or fruit juice, but will ask for a special homemade treat instead.

So, yes I have become “that Dad,” but shouldn’t more of us?

Got a question for Chef Daddy? Ask in the comment section below and he’ll answer in an upcoming post.

For more from James, check out his own blog at: www.jamesschulman.blogspot.com, follow him on twitter @jamesschulman, and find his other Chef Daddy posts at
www.BlackBerryMom.com

Alison Malkin Schwartz - PASSION FOR FASHION

My husband just informed (after he spied our most recent credit card bill) that we are on a “Spending Freeze”!!!!!! Apparently after our washer and dryer broke and had to be replaced (ASAP) and our new shed arrived in our backyard and the flat tire that I got coming home from my sons soccer game set us back thousands of dollars, completely shattered my dreams for a new and improved Spring wardrobe.

With this being my new reality I’ve decided to get creative and start shopping in my friends closets, welcome to the world of swapping!

Last week I found a great Pucci like dress in Stephanie’s closet that I wore to multiple communion parties and she took my black tie Tahari gown to her cousins wedding and returned the Calvin Klein dress she bought earlier that week.

Days later I found a beautiful costume necklace in Janet’s closet that I wore with my black sheath dress to a 40^th birthday party and Janet borrowed my leopard print scarf for her date night with her husband.

I then made a pit stop at Carley’s house and swapped her new Tory Burch bag for a couple of my handbags that she likes.

I’ve decided that instead of planning a typical girls night out for dinner I’m going to Evite my friends to come to my house for our first official “swapping”’ party (and I don’t mean partners). I have already saved myself a good amount of money by avoiding the mall so now I need to keep the momentum going .  My husband is relived that I’m not spending money on clothing and I won’t be sweating when the next credit card bill arrives.

Check out the www.swapstyle.com where you can swap items like clothing, accessories and even makeup with others. Pay a small membership fee; start your own page and raid closets around the country.   Just be prepared to pay for postage. The web site explains step by step how it works.

Happy shopping and saving at once…who knew?

Read more about Alison’s Passion for Fashion at www.BlackBerryMom.com

MOMMY NETWORK by Susan Fishback

What skills to you use as a mom that you can apply to the workplace? A lot.

Every year around Mother’s Day, Salary.com compiles a list of mom duties and places a monetary value on these skills.  Why not use these same duties when applying for a job or looking for a promotion?  Some people place these skills on their resume or you can refer to them in the interview process.  Here are some mommy skills that translate directly to the workplace.

The ability to prioritize:No matter where you work or what field you are in, the ability to prioritize is important to all hiring managers.  They want to know that you can take everything you are given and handle it in an appropriate order.  As a mom, you are constantly prioritizing; you make sure there is food for dinner, clean clothes for different games or activities, paying bills, etc.

Multi-tasking: I am sure you have worked with someone who can’t multi-task.  They are completely overwhelmed when they are presented with more than one issue or task.  Many moms are refereeing kids, making dinner and helping with homework all the while, thinking nothing of it.  That is because we have to.  This is a great skill to present to employers and give them examples from home.  Similar to the ability to prioritize, it is often these skills that set potential employees apart.

Budget: If you are responsible for your family budget, this is a great skill to present.  Two years ago, I had to put our family on a tight budget and we went from a deficit (credit card debt) to a profit (savings account).  I brought this up recently in an interview and explained the process I put in place and how strictly I followed the program.  Budget is important to all businesses, big and small.  They want to see that you can handle a bottom line and make the choices necessary to keep them on budget.

Decision making: As a mom, you are constantly making decisions that affect an entire group (your family).  Dinner alone involves a variety of factors.  What time is everyone home, who eats what, are you going to make more than one meal, how much time do you have, did you get to the store?  All of these factors go into the making (or ordering) of one meal.  Sometimes everyone is happy with the decision and sometimes everyone has to compromise.  The same is true in the work place.  There are times everyone is happy with a manager’s decision and sometimes everyone has to compromise.

I am sure that you can think of many other skills you use as a mom that can translate into the workplace.  Don’t be afraid to explain what you do at home that would help make you a great employee.  It is often the intangibles that set people apart in the interview process.

Catch up on more posts by Mommy Network, Susan Fishback, at www.blackberrymom.com and read some of her other thoughts at www.simplymoderndance.com or follow her on twitter @susanfishback.

MAMASTE By Stefanie Lester Coslow

A few weeks ago I read a Forbes article that a friend posted on Facebook, the title struck me because it was about working moms versus stay-at-home “Lululemon Moms”, and well, I fall somewhere in between that.  And so, I find myself sitting here, on Mother’s day, when I spent the morning with my family, and then took a yoga class and taught two, and felt pretty guilty over not being with my family the entire day, reflecting on my own personal journey.

My first few years of motherhood I worked part time, 3 days a week, an office job for a company that I ended up working for for over 11 years.  I didn’t love my job, it was just work, and that was fine, but I loved still being part of that “adult world”, still having a bit of a routine, and still having a bit of my own identity.  Now this was all a bit shocking to me as all my life I knew that, once I had kids, I would stay home with them full time, no question in my mind.  Yeah, as many of us have now realized, you “know” a lot before you have kids, and then you realize that you actually knew, and know with certainty, very little, except that life is uncertain and things change.  So I found myself wanting exactly that which I thought I never would.  And boy did that produce huge feelings of anxiety, guilt…  But we found our groove and it really worked.  My job was super flexible, and my daughter was at a daycare that a friend of ours owned that had a wonderful family like feel. I worked, I was home, and I found a great balance and was a better mom for it.

Then I became pregnant again, and I knew, financially, it didn’t make sense for me to keep my job after having 2 kids.  But I was so reluctant to quit, I did not want to give up my routine, the world I knew, my work family, the day care that we loved…..people that I had seen a few times a week for years.  I actually was pretty close to changing my mind and deciding to go back to work anyway, even though it didn’t really make total sense.  And then, I was laid off and the decision was made for me, easy, right?  Wrong.  I was miserable.  My life completely changed at a time when I was super hormonal.  Awesome.  And had a cholicky son.  Even better.  And a toddler that decided to give up napping.  Okay, life could be way worse, I get that, but this was hard and I was having a rough time.

I spent a long time trying to find a routine, trying to figure this all out, trying to find anytime for me and to get anything done (short of staying up super late at night).  Eventually, I found yoga, which became a great “me” time place and it felt like a work out and therapy all rolled into one.  I never felt better.  So, one thing led to another, and now I teach yoga, and I absolutely love it.

But, in starting to work again, there’s been some struggle for sure.  Finding the balance has been challenging at times.  How much should I work?  When should I work?  How much is too much?!?  To what extent should I pay for child care, at what point am I not making enough to make it worth it?  But sometimes I want to do it anyway, so is breaking even sometimes okay?  I end up teaching a lot on weekends or evenings so that my husband is home, but then that puts a lot of pressure on him and leaves him with little downtime.  And I feel guilty and bad about that, and guilty and bad about missing some of the fun times with my kids, and them missing me.  I often hear “are you going to yoga again?”.  It’s sometimes hard to know at which point I’m doing the right thing, being true to myself, and in that case being a better person, making me in turn a better mom and wife, and at which point am I being selfish.  And, if I was making a ton of money and was the “breadwinner” or even close, would any of those things even be issues?!?

So, I wear multiple hats, as most of us do.  I’m a stay at home mom, and, I’m somewhat a working mom.  And, majority of the time, whether for work or when I’m being mommy, I wear Lululemon or other types of stretchy pants.

Namaste,

Stefanie

http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2012/04/15/a-working-mom-defends-the-lululemon-stay-at-home-mother/

Take one of Stefanie’s classes at CorePower yoga studios throughout Chicago corepoweryoga.com (Stefanie C on the schedule) or at Yoga Loft Chicago http://yogaloftchicago.com. She also works with private clients in their homes so think of her for your next party or corporate event. Either write her a note on the blog, or call her directly at 646-642-3391. Catch up on Stefanie’s prior posts at www.BlackBerryMom.com

Alison Malkin Schwartz - PASSION FOR FASHION

This Sunday is a big day – and I am here to help make it a very happy Mother’s Day!

Are you shopping for your mom, or looking for some hints for whomever is shopping for you?  Either way, this fashion forward mother’s day gift list is sure to please!

Flip Flops- Never out of style and fairly inexpensive, this is a great gift! There are so many fabulous styles to choose from in stores all over. Another option is a web site like switchflops.com where the flip flops start at $35 and the best part is that you can switch strap and pin designs that run from $12-$15 each. Add on a gift certificate for a pedicure if you want to.

Beach accessories – How about a new bag for the beach in a fun, bold print then stuff it with a sarong / tunic and some sunblock. Moms get ready to sunbathe!

Personalized jewelry – Necklaces with your children’s initials or birthdates is always a great way to make mom happy. You can find these types of gifts in a store like Henri Bendel or at a web site like love-and-victory.com where they offer beautiful silhouette charm necklaces and stackable name rings that will end up being a family heirloom.

Anything in mint green- Spring and summers  “it” color is a fun way to incorporate a new color into moms’ wardrobe. How about a new top or a pair of those fun denim jeans.  If you’re looking for a more subtle way to introduce the color how about a bottle of nail polish or a cute skinny belt.

Of course another great gift for mom would be a subscription to some fashion magazines like Vogue, Elle, Bazaar or In Style to name a few. A great gift to keep moms up to date on fashions all year round.

Happy Mother’s Day to all!

Read more about Alison’s Passion for Fashion at www.BlackBerryMom.com

MAMASTE By Stefanie Lester Coslow

Looking to melt body fat, lose inches, stretch, tone, feel like a million bucks, and have a ton of fun while doing so?  Short on time and would like to accomplish all of that in a one hour workout?  Have I got the class for you……… hellllloooo yoga sculpt!

It may go by other names in other studios and gyms across the country, but I’m sure it’s effects are the same regardless.  As I know it, yoga sculpt is a one hour power yoga class with typically pretty basic yoga postures combined with weight training and some cardio bursts/plyometrics done in a heated room.

Why do yoga sculpt?  Well, it’s simple, you get the benefits of weight training, you build lean muscle mass which burns more calories, sculpts your body, and strengthens your bones while you simultaneously get the stretching, flexibility and the calming, relaxation benefits of yoga.  Add in some quick cardio bursts or plyometrics to get your heart pumping fast to shock your body and help you burn more calories, and bam, it’s a recipe for success.

Anytime I’ve done it I’ve gotten a major a$$ kicking, have sweated said a$$ off, and have had a blast doing so.

It’s a fantastic addition to any current yoga practice you may have as it will build strength to help you in arm balances and other challenging postures, or it can be an incredible way to add in some strength & flexibility training if you are a big cardio person.  And, if you’re neither of the above and have never worked out or are just getting back into it, it’s perfect for you as well.  You can always modify or put your weights aside as needed.  That’s the great thing about us yogis, no pressure and no judgement.

I can recommend Corepower Yoga (if you live near or are visiting somewhere where there is one), and there are also dvds to purchase and yoga videos on demand that you can access on the Corepower Yoga website.  I have also done “The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga” Dvd which I highly recommend as well.  Other than that, I’m sure there are classes and dvds out there a plenty.  They may be called something else, but yoga sculpt by any other name….still kicks your butt just as much.

Have fun, and please, let me know if you have any questions!

Namaste,

Stefanie

Take one of Stefanie’s classes at CorePower yoga studios throughout Chicago corepoweryoga.com (Stefanie C on the schedule) or at Yoga Loft Chicago http://yogaloftchicago.com. She also works with private clients in their homes so think of her for your next party or corporate event. Either write her a note on the blog, or call her directly at 646-642-3391. Catch up on Stefanie’s prior posts at www.BlackBerryMom.com