Tatyanna Wright's Haute Mama

Happy Valentines Day

Ah Valentines Day - Like every “holiday” it only comes around once a year, which is why we like to make such a fuss of it. But in house we have two small children, so its cuddles and loving all year round. And I like that way.

Of course as adults we need more than cuddles and hugs, we crave romance and a little indulgence now and again never hurt anyone. So this Valentines Day in the midst of this cold winter warm up to the radiant glow of these fabulous sexy new candles by pleasure enthusiasts LELO.

LELO's Massage Candles are made from all natural soy wax, shea butter and apricot kernel oil. The lightly scented wax melts into an exquisite pool of luxurious massage oil. The silky formula is specially designed to nourish and moisturize your skin with natural vitamin E, while the subtle fragrance excites your senses for the pleasures that lie ahead.

Their enticing collection consists of blends like BLACK PEPPER & POMEGRANATE, SNOW PEAR & CEDARWOOD, and VANILLA & CRÈME DE CACAO. Each candle burns up to 36 hours and retails for $29. 

If you’re seeking a last minute Valentines gift, this sensual candle might just do more for you than a few tricks. If you're in NYC, you can buy the candles at Babeland in Soho or the LES, or online at Lelo. Whatever you do, have a Happy Valentines Day.

New York International Children's Film Festival

Tickets are on sale now for this amazing event. If you don't know about the festival, its time you do...

Founded in 1997 to promote intelligent, passionate, provocative cinematic works for ages 3-18 and to help define a more compelling film for kids. Since its launch, the event has grown to become the largest festival for children and teens in North America, with a paid audience of over 20,000 attending the most recent event. Since 2000, all screenings have sold out in advance.

Each year the festival presents 100 animated, live action and experimental shorts and features from around the world plus gala premieres, retrospectives, filmmaker Q&As, workshops, audience voting, and the NYICFF Awards Ceremony. But the festival has become much more than just an annual event; NYICFF now offers year-round film programming, a touring festival, an online festival, and film production workshops for children ages 6-16.

This year features some of the most celebrated names in cinema as jury members - Susan Sarandon, Uma Thurman and Gus Van Sant to name a few. Plus opportunities to expose a budding film maker to techniques like claymation, stop-motion, and more with the incredible workshops offering one-week filmmaking intensives available for ages ranging from tots to teens. 

Visit gkids.com for more information on the festival, tickets and workshops. 

 

Plum Organics

I love cooking for my children, its something I truly enjoy. But for those moments when I’m on the go with my baby, traveling with my children or didn’t manage to make a meal from scratch my go to food is Plum Organics. What I specifically love is the fact that all of their items are made using 100% organic ingredients. Plum Organics baby food contains only one or two items like pear and pea – there are no preservatives, no additives just pure fruit and veg. And it comes in a fabulous pouch I can easily carry with me or save for the next day. The portions are perfect for babies and meant to be consumed in a day or two.

Here, Plum Organics founder Gigi Lee Change shares her story with Haute Mama:

Q: Why did you decide to launch your own line of baby food?
A: When my son was about 9 months, I started noticing that his interest in food was very different from other babies.  In my conversations with other new mothers, I found that many had intended to make their own baby food, but often lacked the time or confidence to do so.  This sparked a curiosity about the influence these early choices have on a child’s relationship with food. 

In my research, I discovered that research shows a baby’s taste preferences are formed by the age 2. This really got me thinking – if you consider the proliferation and expansion of food diversity for adults (ie – you can find a sushi joint in almost any town in America now) – why hasn’t baby food changed in over 50 years?  As a result, I started Plum Organics to provide moms and families with products that would better reflect the food interests of today’s contemporary family.  This includes nutritional value as well as diversity of flavors.  The mission of Plum has always been to provide products that parents can feel better about giving their babies and children.

Q: Did you start with baby food and progress onto other stages and snacks?

A: Yes, I started with baby food and then moved on to toddler snacks with more products to come.  The goal was always to provide foods that will grow with the babies and families.

Q: What age groups do you cater to?

A: Plum is for babies and toddlers - which is from 6 months to about 3 years.  Although, my son who is almost 6 loves the snack items just as much

Q: Who are Plum Organics and Revolution Foods?

A: Revolution Foods is the sister company of Plum Organics.  Both brands have very similar missions whereby it is about healthy and nutritious foods for children.  Plum Organics is focused on the infant and toddler years and Revolution Foods is focused on slightly older kids.  All of our products are 100% organic and strive to be a healthier “better” alternative to the traditional options that are available to parents. Q: Can you fly with the unopened pouches – more specifically go through airport security with them?  A: Yes, I have done so myself so long as you are traveling with your child.

Q: Do you use only natural and organic ingredients?

A: All of our products are 100% organic.

Q: What are your son’s favourites?

A: My son’s favorites are the Mish Mash and Fiddlesticks. I think he loves the fun factor the pouch provides. With the Fiddlesticks, his favorite is the Apple Carrot which is a great fruit/veggie combo that is also gluten-free.

Q: Your packing is unique? How/why did you come up with a pouch?

A: I don’t recall seeing pouches five years ago when my son was a baby. Is this a fresher storage system than a glass jar?   The pouch format has been popular in Europe for several years now.  In my travels, I had come upon this unique and convenient package and thought it was great and wanted to introduce it here in the U.S. The package itself is a blend of BPA-free plastic and a foil that provides the right conditions to sustain nutritious ingredients so the foods don’t’ have to be overcooked in order to extend their shelf life.  Overall, the product is very flexible in that the re-sealable cap allows for easier portioning while also eliminates the need for double dipping and concerns of cross contamination.  Additionally, because of its lightweight, the pouch is considered an eco-alternative because of its reduced supply chain impact.

Q: Please add anything else you think Haute Mama’s readers should know:

A: As part of our core mission to “Nourish Generation Organic, right from the start,” we have created a pledge that parents make for their babies and children to be part of “GenO”.  The pledge is something that parents can also share with their friends and family.  For those who have taken the pledge, they get a GenO badge that can be posted on Facebook or personal blog.  It’s a wonderful way for our plum parents and fans to share their commitment with their communities online and bring more attention to what is at the core of what we’re striving to do.

Here is the link to take the pledge – plumorganics.com I hope you will take the pledge and post the GenO badge on your site too ;)  Thank you! And of course I'll post the badge.

Haute Mama of the Week

Nine month pregnant bathing beauty patiently awaits her due date. I love that Mariangela is out and about enjoying last minute alone time rocking an itty bitty stripy bikini.

Pic taken on Bondi Beach, Sydney Australia.

Style File: Maternity Coats

Featured coat by Isabella Oliver

Maternity Denim Trends

Many woman love to follow fashion, but are afraid to invest in a great pair of maternity jeans, here Lori Solomon of Veronique Maternity explains how a little fashion investment can take you a long way, and what denim trends to be on the lookout for this Fall/Winter.
 
HM: Designer denim can be pricey, is this really a must have item?
LS: It is absolutely worth spending the money on designer denim. With all the changes happening to your body it is reassuring to know that you don't have to give up a wardrobe staple. Designer denim keeps you feeling hip, cool and stylish while providing you with comfort. And because they are the staple of just about everyone’s closet they are an excellent investment.  You might be wearing your jeans 5 days a week from months 4 to 9. Eventually the cost becomes amortized. Invest in a versatile pair that can go from day to evening, pick a darker wash, and make sure they fit you. Stay with a straight leg, it is less obvious then wearing the same Bell Bottom all week long. If you have the option to buy a second pair, buy a more casual pair (or maybe this is wear you buy the “trendy” pair.)

HM: Are there seasonal trends in maternity denim and what can we see this Fall/Winter?
LS: The biggest “trend” item is the exaggerated Bell Bottom (this fit is for a small population). Very popular and still very much on trend right now is the Skinny; but again, it is not for everyone. The Straight Leg is replacing the Boot Cut for the everywoman. Black denim, and various shades of denim are the washes of the moment but that will be changing as we go deeper into Fall and on into Spring. In the Spring there will be more changes, the Legging jean will be the biggest. It is much more a legging then the Skinny and its fit and denim weight will reflect that. You will see this and the Straight Leg in regular denim, white and charcoal grey, and medium blue denim.

For most women, the best style (or bang for your buck) would be the Straight Leg or a smaller width Boot Cut in a medium to dark wash. These two styles flatter most body types and the color can take you from day to night. If you a re a petite girl, more then likely a 20 inch Bell Bottom is not the best look; but that is a generalization because there is someone who can do it. If you know your body really well, you will know if you can rock one of the trends.

To shop this seasons denim trends, visit VeroniqueMaternity.com

 

Haute Mama Video

Introducing Haute Mama's new Maternity Lifestyle series. Click on the image to view the first episode featuring Green Depot, and find out about eco-baby bedding, toys and more...

Dear Johnnie...

Sounds like a salutation for a love letter? It could almost be - from the thankful new mothers satisfied with an ingeniously simple design called ‘dearjohnnies’.
In case you are wondering a johnny is a short collarless gown that ties in the back, worn by hospital patients or those being examined at the doctor's office. Johnnies are generally disliked by patients and described as ugly, ill-fitting garments that leave one’s backside exposed. And in British slang, a johnny is a condom! However described, it is clearly meant to cover something up!

By definition a gown is an elegant or formal dress for special occasions and as aforementioned, hospital gowns are far, far removed from anything that resembles a simple frock, let alone an elegant one. Enter dearjohnnies, taking the traditional hospital cloak and turning it into a graceful gown. Realistically speaking, and depending on the type of delivery you’ll have you’ll probably rip off whatever you’re wearing – to push “that baby out” with all your might. Shamefulness and modesty fly right out the window during vaginal delivery. If you do keep it on this is the one to go for.
Hospital gowns - aside from being unattractive - are dysfunctional to the wearer. A wonderful feature of dearjohnnies is the snap-down sleeves at the shoulder that allow you to unsnap and fold down the front of the gown for easy nursing access, or medical attention. The back of the gown has snaps as well as ties – this means no exposure to parts of your body you’d rather no one sees. Designed totally with comfort in mind - tailored, yet loose fitting, dearjohnnies can be worn during labor, in the days following your recovery and at home during the weeks to follow. Modern and tasteful, the gowns are executed from soft cotton print fabrics with grosgrain ribbon trim neckline and nice little bows you tie right down your back. You could even bring your gown to your next OBGYN visit.
So refreshing are the gowns they've been worn and loved by celebrities like Mariska Hargitay, Brooke Shields, and Tori Spelling as well as non-celeb mothers.

The philosophy behind dearjohnnies is fairly simple. The company embodies the idea that having a baby is an extraordinary experience and mothers deserve to wear something better than an ordinary hospital gown. Another fabulous mother innovation – and a Haute Mama favourite. For you fashionistas out there: Think Liberty (of London) for labour.

To purchase online and view the collection visit: http://www.dearjohnnies.com/

Breastfeeding Vixen!

Here’s what I love: sexy lingerie. Here’s what I don’t’: boring old granny bras. Do you really want your top ripped off to reveal something that says stay away from me I’m breastfeeding? Or would you prefer, come hither, and yes, I am nursing, but I still need some action!
Well, a question I am frequently asked is: Do you know where I can get a sexy (or cute), nursing bra? The answer is always YES!!! 
My personal favourite (and Gwen Stefani), is by Agent Provocateur – while they only offer one design, ‘Cupid’ in three colours, it offers ample support, goes up to a size 36G, looks very sexy, and by that I mean, once done with the babe, you can move right onto to your partner. Agent Provocateur’s bras are not tarty, they are constructed very well, the sex appeal is in the design, a 1950’s homage to an era when breasts were naturally more plump, and a voluptuous figure considered the perfect body as appose to super skinny pancake chest.
I’m not saying we should all sport a Betty page bosom or have sex right after breastfeeding – since each woman is different and realistically speaking, one is generally exhausted after a feed, not to mention starving! I’m simply stating it’s nice to know for your own self that you’re a Haute Mama, and should the feeling arise, you’re undergarments are ready.

The ‘Cupid’ collection also offers a sexy waist-cinching corset style brief. These underclothes feature a band of super elastic applying pressure to the lower ribcage without being constricting. The brief flatters the waistline plus you can attach stockings to the suspender straps for a night of pure passion.
You might be wondering what the point of wearing something that looks like it might suffocate you is? Simple – it will help you regain your figure quite literally. Waist-cinching undergarments are nothing new. What do you think Spanx are for? Many celebrities, like Gwyneth Paltrow and Nicole Richie swear by them, for regaining their post baby bellies, and in Singapore almost every new mother sports a ‘birth girdle’ to “help shrink their stomach back”. So why not wear a specifically designed item to pull your waist back into shape. Think of it as mummy tummy time!

Now, if Agent Provocateur is not quite your style, there are several other options available by different lingerie designers that I also like. Click on ‘Fabulous Nursing Bra’s’ on the left for more pictures and links to other nursing bra designers. 

To shop online at Agent Provocateur visit: http://www.agentprovocateur.com/maternity.php

Mammary Mavens

I love that maternity can be sexy, fun, and fashionable, but what happened to post birth beauty? More and more pregnant woman are seeking to improve their pregnancy personal style as their baby bump grows, so why not extend it into post partum and nursing?
You’re breasts go through some pretty heavy duty treatment in the first couple of weeks post birth, why not consider spoiling yourself – specifically your body and those milk producing mammaries!
Now you can. Last week, I received an innovative and enjoyable nightgown from a company called Larrivo at the Boom Boom Room gifting suit event (see earlier article). I was thrilled to discover Larrivo, a company celebrating motherhood, and enjoyed by celebrity mothers, Rachel Weisz, Halle Berry and Courteney Cox. Though not limiting their designs to strictly nursing. Larrivo garments can be worn during pregnancy, while nursing and beyond. They offer fresh and fabulous nursing nighties, pajamas, loungewear and accessorizing tie front shrugs all offering superior comfort and a very supportive fit.
Larrivo’s sumptuous fabric is made from a luxurious rayon blend with 4-way stretch. A patented built-in bra called the NurtureBra Support System, gives firm reinforcement without constriction. The snaps are strong, and nicely concealed, yet easy to unsnap for quick access. The high wasted empire line is delicately trimmed with ribbon, while a grosgrain scallop trim beautifies the neckline. Extra support is supplied from sleek fully adjustable double spaghetti straps. It all adds up to one of the most comfortable nursing designs I have tried, and it washes well, which is important to me as I throw everything in my machine!
The designs are practical, beautiful and most importantly, comfortable. Now you’ll have something to wear when your friends and family visit and its time to nurse the baby. You celebrate your new babies arrival so why not celebrate yours?

Visit: http://www.larrivo.com