Mutha Mulisha

A Modern Mom who is a Deadly Dame living the Retro Life!

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October is Here!!!!

I'm super excited that October is here! This is my favorite month as it ends with Halloween. I have way more decorations for Halloween than I do Christmas. It's the best holiday where you can dress up as crazy as you want and it's accepted and praised. Plus not to mention all the yummy candy you acquire and eat through out the year. 

Since I love this month and usually host my annual Halloween Spooktacular I am constantly on the look out for great costume ideas, recipes to gross out the kids and just creative spins on this yearly holiday.

My first item for the 2011 Halloween celebration is a great eco-friendly item I would include in the kiddos goddie bags who attend my Spooktacular. SMENCILS!!!!! There are smencils now that not only are Halloween themed but they are 100% recycled made from newspapers and plastic. Some of the smell names are goblin grape, slime lime, pumpkin panic, trick or treat and monster marsh. Fun facts is that 75,000 trees are saved by recycling a single run of the Sunday Times. The kids love these and will go crazy for them. Totally worth $2.50! www.smencils.com

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Show Dad How

Now, many of you know that my husband and I just had our first son this summer. Well, on top of that many of our close friends also had their first son's. It's like we created a mini club at the same time to meet and now talk about what our babies can do and what adorable thing they did that day.

I know from the role of a mother what my limitations are as a mother and what I can and can not do within a day. But have I really given my husband the opportunity to find his way to being a father? Probably not. I don't want my husband to fall into the statistic that married fathers spend an average of 6.5 hours per week caring for their kids.

If I keep shielding him from opportunities to hone in on his natural, innate skills being father he may become an "okay" father and be alright with that. I know too many fathers who think or are amazing at everything they try: golf, darts, sex, musical instruments but are fine with being "okay" as a father.

Therefore, today we decided to allow me some alone time at home (to vacuum, do laundry, fold clothes and lastly write this blog) and have my husband take him to work. Now, I'll be honest I'm still nervous but I know nothing bad will happen and this is the beginning towards grooming my son to be a tag-a-long with his dad and not always want to be a momma's boy.

But if you're not ready to let go them I suggest having dad read this book, "Show Dad How" by Shawn Bean a writer from Parenting magazine. It is a guidebook that has easy-to-follow instructions for any possible situation.

Remember, "anyone can be a father; but a dad requires a higher level of dedication, perseverance, and stain remover.

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Can your kids tell if you're lying?

I read in Parenting magazine that kids as young as 4 can tell if someone is lying. But on the other hand they have a harder time determining if information is biased or exaggerated (hence what they see on TV). I had an a-ha moment reading the tips. They are so simple and really make watching TV interactive and a family affair. First, they say watch TV commercials together and poke holes in their claims (pretty much find their faults and un-truths). Second, discuss the concept of reliability. Third, explain and define acquaintances and true peeps. Fourth, encourage and model for you kids to be polite to new people. Finally the fifth  is to always to be a sounding board, when they aren't sure of something to know they can come to you for answers.

I think that times have changed since I was a kid and we have moved away from playing the alphabet game, license plate game, punch buggy etc in the car. Now, we are texting, listening to our ipods, playing angry birds etc. No one is really communicating and modeling the expectations to be a respectful citizen in our society as well as questioning everything we deem to be to good to be true.

That's enough time on my soap box. Let me know if you like my stance and how you might incorporate some of these into your daily routine with your family. I really enjoy feedback!

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Skull-Tastic Apparel

While reading one of my many magazines themed for October I came across these super cute Skull themed items for not just boys but girls, too!

Rocker Belt  ($15;ladybugsandlullabies.ca)

Skull t-shirt and sweater ($25; old navy)

okutani hat ($10; psychobabyonline.com)

Boot Covers ($22; cuff-cakes.com)

Snugli Baby Carrier ($50; Wal-Mart)

Skull Hoodie ($13; Paul Frank)

Dog Hoodie ($12.99; ioffer.com)

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Rock Star Baby

I am always on the look out for really cool and edgy baby boy clothes. It's difficult to find boys clothing that isn't covered in safari animals. Not that lions and tigers aren't cute but I want my boy's clothes to be edgy and hardcore not soft and cuddly. On that note I found a great website for both boys and girls who like to wear rock star themed outfits. It is www.rockstarbabyshop.com this company was started by Tico Torres, the drummer from Bon Jovi.  When Tico found out he was having a son he hoped to find hip baby and toddler clothes, but he was disappointed with the lack of variety. Instead there was and still is plenty of pastels, but where were the hip grays, blacks and whites? They were non-existent! So Tico created the line for babies and toddlers of soft cotton, high quality and timeless cuts to begin his rockstarbaby collection by combining rock'n'roll and tradition.

This entire collection includes onesies, binkies, binky holders, bibs, socks, blanket, towels, more textiles, glasses, shoes, furniture and rugs.

These are my favs:

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Away with Summer budget and Hello Fall Budget

Now that Summer has come and gone, which seems like a blink of an eye it’s time to go back to my budget and re-analyze my spending limits to ensure I accomplish what I hope to for the rest of 2011.

Step 1: Restart my budget

Step 2: Claim control of my cash and amp up my savings plan

Step 3: Step up my retirement plans and life insurance policies

Step 4: Come up with a will (now that I am a mother)

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Sucker!

Well, my son is now 11 weeks and it's been an amazing roller coaster ride so far! I love each and every moment with him. He's beginning to recognize who is his mom and dad from all of our relatives and friends. He's even gone to the point of screaming uncontrollably until myself or my husband hold him.

So, case in point-- it's a Tuesday night and my mother is over to watch my son so I can go work out. Usually, before I go we both give him a bath so he will be calm and easily fall asleep for a bit while I'm gone. By the way, he LOVES bath time, he's a total water kiddo. Anyhow, I put him down to undress him and get him ready for bath time. He is screaming his head off, like I'm hurting him or something. I pick him up walk towards the bath tub and wouldn't you know it that little stinker immediately stops and has the biggest smile I've ever seen and giggles all at the same time.

                                    My son has just successfully played me and all at 9 weeks when he first did this! I  never thought I'd be duped by him so soon! It's all good though because he is just so darn cute!

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NO More Afro!

Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Serum:

Remarkable serum that doesn’t leave your hair/scalp oily. I used to always use mousse in my hair when I wanted it curly but since I was given this product by a friend of mine who is African American I will never go back to mousse. I like the feel of my hair smooth and not crunchy.

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My son is a California Baby!

My son has sensitive skin and eczema on his cheeks so there is no other brand that I trust more for his skin. The Shampoo and Body Wash is tear free and all organic. My son enjoys these bubble bath aromatherapy scents and even more since there is a bubble maker wand in each of them. I even used these for my husband when he was sick and took a bath.

www.californiababy.com

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Pin Up Girl Clothing #1 Place to Shop

When researching a name for my blog I can across this clothing website and again I fell in love. Actually more of an obsession! I am finding myself going to the website daily to look over their inventory and discovering new items they’ve added or items that are now on sale. I haven’t purchased anything yet from them but Pin Up Girl Clothing is the only site I’ve seen to have an authentic true to the core pin up, rockabilly style clothing. There is even a line that you can see be worn on the show Mad Men.

Here are few of my favs that I’m sure to soon purchase or maybe receive as a gift. Hint Hint! Wink Wink.

www.pinupgirlclothing.com

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Sprinkles Cupcakes!

I’ve always been interested in sprinkles cupcakes since I heard of them on The Girls Next Door. SO what better occasion than your child’s one month  celebration. I got a dozen of regular sized mixed flavors and a dozen of their salty caramel mini cupcakes with a skull and crossbones to celebrate my son being here with us the first 30 of his life and many more celebrations. I ordered them on line and scheduled a pick up date and time. It was so easy and I can’t wait for another reason(excuse) to order cupcakes.

Sprinklescupcakes.com

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Triple Paste

All I can say is that after my son had the most horrific diaper rash at two weeks old. I swear by Triple Paste for every diaper change!

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Wen Cleanser is a Wenner!

I’ve fallen into the trap of those damn info-mercials at 1am. I got sucked into watching the Wen Cleansing info-mercial by Chaz Dean. I know Chaz Dean from watching the Bravo show Flipping Out and was really interested in his new product. The more I saw this and the celebrities he had to promote this product I succumbed to them and ordered not only the Wen Cleansing  crème in Tea Tree oil scent(16oz $32) but I also got the sweet almond mint styling crème (6oz $24) and an extremely large bottle of another cleanser called Sixthirteen.

Now to be honest it’s true that these cleansers do not lather up and you have to use a lot more than you think you should. I have a lot of hair and it’s not only thick and coarse but also naturally curly so I can’t use a product that will strip it completely of moisture. From the first time I used the Wen cleanser I had to use 30 pumps to ensure all of my hair was saturated evenly. I didn’t put any product in my hair afterwards and let it air dry so I could get a true reading on what this product did to my hair. Was it really as smooth and tame as the info-mercial said it would be? Yes it was! I have never been able to just let my hair air dry, if I did I look like Diana Ross’ hair crossed with having the bad case of electro-static.

Two days later I tried Sixthirteen, this is much creamier and has a muted smell to it. I actually liked this much better and it did a remarkable job at detangling my hair, bringing the shine and smoothness back as well as the Wen cleasner not having to put product in my hair and letting it air dry.

I was skeptical like many of you are but I am your guinea pig and I recommend purchasing Sixthirteen cleasner  (32oz for $78) directly from the Chaz Dean salon. Go to http://chazdean.com

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My Lips are Numb

Just discovered this tube of black magic called Morphine Lips ($19.50).This lip balm contains the finest oils and a numbing agent Benzocaine to create a perfect kiss that will cause your partners lips to tingle and go numb.

Mango peach flavoring

Leaves lips numb

11 oils including Meadfoam and Blackcurrant seed oil

Soft consistency leaving lips smooth

Check out morphinelips.com I can't wait to get my tube in the mail and test it on Thiago(my husband)!

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Wanna be a Reader of the Month in INKed Mag?

I recently went to the Hell City Tattoo convention August 26th and picked up a copy of INKED magazine the August edition. Inside I noticed a reader of the month section and immediately thought hey why not submit a photo and see what happens. So I did and guess what! I received a response email from Todd Weinberger the creative director of the magazine stating he "likes my look" and wants to know if I am ever in the NYC area and when I am to schedule a go see. I'm not sure when I'm going to be in NYC again but it's nice to know that someone in the industry likes my look. So, to all those mothers who have some sweet ink I suggest you email Todd at [email protected] to possibly become the next reader of the month!

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Toddler Feedings

Ok, so I was about to go to sleep when I decided to decompress and read my US Weekly Magazine. I'm weird and I start from the back and get to the front. Don't ask me why. I just do it. Anyhow. So, you know the Trendy Tots section I found this one mOmma ROCKS! to be interesting since they include in their little blurb that if you LIKE them on FB you can receive a FREE sample of mOmma's engaging toddlers feeding products. 

So, here I am sharing with you, even if you don't have a toddler take this opportunity to get something free and gift it to someone who does have a toddler.

Check it, go to www.facebook.com/mOmmaUS.com and use the promo code USWEEKLY!

Enjoy!!!

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BACK TO SCHOOL/WORK SHOPPING

                                                        Usually this time of year I’m beginning the new school year with a new wardrobe for work. But now this year! I’m off on maternity leave but still found the need to go Back to School shopping. My excuse was that my body has changed after having Baby Octavian. In reality that’s not true. I was able to wear my regular clothes all through my pregnancy. Anyways, my first place I always have to hit is H&M! I am so thankful that they finally decided to branch out of just having stores in the east and west coast! I won’t say how much I spent but all I can say is that it was more than I intended going in, but hey I did buy some things for Thiago and Octavian. So, it wasn’t all my clothes.

It only took me an hour and no trying on my clothes as I have the trick of always buying a large in tops and for pants placing the waist around my neck to determine if they will fit. I know it sounds really odd. But, just try it in the comfort of your own home or even in your walk in closet and put a pair of pants (the waist band) around your neck. You will see that all your pants will fit around your neck comfortably.

So next, time you see the long ass line for the women’s fitting room(just like the bathroom) remember, “hey Kristin said to put the waist band around my neck loosely” this way you can afford to hit more stores in  the least amount of time!