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A FIEW OF MOTHER’S SPELLS FAVORITE THINGS

There is a little store quite close to where I live which is super dangerous for me to go in, as I love every single thing they sell. It is owned by an American woman and she imports all the best baby brands – from toys, decorations, plates to clothes. Plus, she is a mother herself so she understands quite well what is good to have for our kids.

I know all these brands from New York. I have seen them in stores all over the city and they are all very popular especially since most are famous for the high-quality materials that these products are made of. Also, they are so beautiful and set a romantic atmosphere in my boys’ room. Since I have received many requests from mothers asking me what I like for my boys, I chose some of my favorite items and must – haves and would love to share them with you.

My first must-have is a swaddle. I used one quite a bit with both my boys from when they were infants. There are so many different uses ; as a light blanket, a burping cloth and sheet cover. A swaddle is very handy to bring while travelling. I always had two clean swaddles with me everywhere I went, they are just so practical.

These are the most beautiful tethers I have seen and are all natural as they are made out of wood. They each have a unique beautiful shape so you can choose your favorite. They also make a smaller stuffed animal and a tether that come as a set, you can hang it on your stroller or car seat to prevent it from getting dirty. All babies, for some odd reason,  love throwing their stuff on the ground and most times it will land only in a very dirty area!

A tiny friend to have in the crib, stroller or in the car. Organic farm buddies are also security blankets for my boys. They each have one that they adore cuddling.

These have become so popular at least in Scandinavia, you can choose either your own favorite animal or that of your child’s. I think they are cute and make the walls in their rooms a lot more fun and adventurous. My boys have their two favorites and love to point to and imitate the animal sounds.

Then the little stickers you see on the wall in some of my photos are made with fabrics that are easy to apply and to take off. It is also a fun thing to do with the kids. I allow my boys to help me put them on the wall and for a long time after that they decided to tell everyone who visited that they had done it all by themselves! The boys were so impressed and much fun decorating.

There is a beautiful selection of books that I love reading for my boys before bedtime. Nothing quite like a good story that stimulates their imagination. Parents have been reading to their children for centuries and I feel that it’s a beautiful tradition that must be kept going.

love, JM

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A WISE WOMAN TOLD ME THIS ONCE AND IT CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER

johanna1As beautiful as life can be, it can also be mean, disappointing, difficult, unfair and painful at times. After some experiences life threw my way I used to think that I would never be happy nor find a way to love and respect myself. One day I was so tired of my complaining and came to the conclusion that I still had a life and what I required from it would be entirely up to me. I made a choice then and there that I would not let my past experiences bring me down anymore, I would use them as lessons. I was going to try and use the wisdom I had gained to help others. I wanted more happiness in my days and while I was trying to practice positivity it just wasn’t happening. So I started to do some ME work – meditating and yoga to try and calm the inner storm brewing within. One thing led to another and I found myself in Puerto Rico at a raw food school where they teach you how to heal your body through food, inner peace and the most important one of all – SELF LOVE. I was too skinny for my body type and height and also suffered from bad skin; plain and simple I was NOT happy nor healthy. My emotions and self-esteem were weighing me down. I went there to learn and be better at being me. I wanted to heal, eat well and nourish my body and soul.

Once there I met a woman whom was teaching and she was so inspiring to me. I don’t believe she knows just how much she changed my life. I would like to share what I learned from her with you in the hopes that it might help. Anyone out there who feels a bit lost or maybe even just needs a little encouragement can follow this.

After a conversation with her about my health, feelings and thoughts she told me, “Johanna, now relax and release your johanna2thoughts toward your heart. Imagine that you have a little daughter, the love you have for her, things you will and want to do for her. The words you use to speak to her. Imagine hugging her and showing her how much you care. The protection she gets from you. Keep her safe from all the bad words people use against one another. The food you will make for her will include all the best ingredients you can find. The most healthy food possible so she can grow strong and stay healthy all her life. Now imagine that little girl is YOU. Why don’t you provide yourself with all these things? Why are we not so generous with ourselves?”Now that is a very good question, isn’t it?

Well this was a turning point for me and I hope this little story can help you as well. Put yourself in the same position. I am sure there will be quite a long list of things to change right away. For an example, how we choose to speak to ourselves. It’s hard to be happy when someone is mean to you all the time. As our days get busy and we have so many things to do, a family to take care of, dinner to make and the list goes on and on.. we tend to forget the most important thing – US. To keep our children and partner happy and relaxed we must also be the same way. Taking good care of ourselves benefits the people we live with and care for. Love and beauty really come from within; this is a fact. A happy mom breeds happy kids which results in a bigger heart, more patience, warmer hugs and tender kisses. At the end of the day these things are really the most important and many times they are the most forgotten.

I am still on this journey. I keep making mistakes. But I think that it’s okay and quite normal because this is how life is. It makes me feel less guilty if I continuously make an effort to learn from my mistakes. And in the mean time just give every day your best.

 

love, JM

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ARE YOU FEELING TIRED ?

postjanauryWhen I have had my many sleepless nights and busy days with my lovely children I, like so many of us, feel the urge to reach for some tasty chocolate or will have a huge craving for carbs in all their many glorious versions.  Searching for an energy boost so I won’t fall asleep while I  color with my boys or build a few houses out of blocks. Even after 1 to 3 days of bad food choices, too much sugar and too little sleep I can feel my body  out of it’s natural balance and I am left depleted of energy. Needless to say, my body is far from happy.

The mistake I seem to make from time to time,  as do many  mothers, fathers, women and men, is that we look in the wrong direction for a quick energy boost. If we have a bit of time we would be better off taking a nap instead of grabbing for the sugar ( bad craving). Then when  lunch and dinner arrives we can make those meals count. Those will give you sustaining energy not just a quick fix.  Even if that is not exactly  what you are craving, I swear you will feel a 1000x better all by cutting out beloved but addicting sugar , bad carbs and gluten containing foods.

Sugar is like a drug. It plays with our bodies in a very negative way, creates an addiction to it and interrupts our nervous system,  emotions and steals our energy and health. Feeds Cancer cells, causes headaches, obesity, eczema (especially in children) and this is only naming a few of it’s hazardous side effects! We have become addicted to sugar and our bodies keep craving more.  The  list of how badly sugar treats us is so long and shocking. The other bad news is that it’s hidden EVERYWHERE. If you start reading labels on products you buy, even from the health food store you will be amazed at how sugar is hidden in almost everything.

One day I was at a health food store reading labels on organic baby food and it made me so sad and furious  because in food for 6 month old babies their was tons of sugar added. I  don’t understand why? There is no way that any mother blending food for her little baby at home  would decide to put sugar in so why should we buy these products ?

Take a few days to look close at your daily intake of sugar and even your child’s . See what can be better and give it a try. While you are going through the changes it can be difficult and you will crave your sugar more than ever. A few helpful hints during this detox that worked for me are: Make a cup of tea or drink a BIG glass of water instead , wait a little and the craving will go away. It is good to exercise and up your water intake to help the body  get rid of  toxins that sugar created.  A steam session in a sauna works very well too!  After just a few days you will feel full of energy, sleep 10x better, it will be easier to wake up in the morning, make you a calmer more pleasant  mother and partner but most importantly you will be better to you.

There is a page I read when I need answers to my questions called:
http://www.drmercola.com he is an Osteopathic physician and he writes so many useful article about healthcare for you, your family and  pets .  He has written many useful articles about sugar if you are interested in finding out more information.

 

love, JM

 

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WHEN YOU ARE MAKING A NEST

View More: http://federicasimonifoto.pass.us/manuelaIf there is a time to be as healthy as you can and to take steps towards good care of yourself it is when you are pregnant or trying to conceive. We are talking about food, stress, emotions, love and exercise.

  I am sorry to break the news but you are not eating for two. You will slowly need to add  more calories into your diet of course, but good calories that provide you with energy and nutrition to build a healthy pregnancy and strong baby. The ideal foods are vegetables, fruit, nuts,seeds and lean protein.  You might experience some cravings , although not all women do,  but they might misguide you towards thinking all you need to eat is sugar and bad carbs but it’s just your body’s way of  telling you that it is starved of proper nutrients and you will need to eat a more balanced diet that will keep your blood sugar steady. This will ensure that you are getting all you need to be ready to go through the most healthy pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding possible. This will include clean eating, buying fresh ingredients from your local health food store (when possible organic is always preferable). Prepare your own food on most days, you can always make plenty and freeze it for a later date if you are short on timetapeto. My favorite go to meal is soup! Super easy and you can just load up on all the healthy things you need , make sure they are all seasonal though. Follow your instinct, eat sensibly and take good care of your body, mind and soul. You are creating a baby. You are a Goddess. If there is ever a moment to treat yourself well and feel the best way possible it is NOW. 

Practice yoga, pilates, swim and walk. Keep moving and glowing. I understand it can be overwhelming and exhausting at times but you deserve only the very best. If you are expecting your first child please enjoy every single moment and take it as it is. You will never be pregnant with your first child again, this is truly a new experience. Relax and explore your feminine powers they are incredible

love, JM

 

 

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MADE TO MOVE

Our bodies are designed to move. We all need to keep moving in order to grow strong, healthy and remain that way. The way we exercise our mind by reading, learning and working so it can stay strong and clever, we also need to exercise our body.  “Mens sana in corpore sano”  translation – a healthy mind can be better supported in a healthy body. We need to implement movement especially as we age. Always planting a seed for the future even when we are already adults. Planting seeds and watering our gardens at all different levels of life.

 When many people think of exercise they think of losing weight and being skinny.Well yes, there are people that really do need to lose weight but being skinny does not equal “healthy”.  As you see in our society and allover social media there is a huge misunderstanding of this concept.  A strong, healthy and well-balanced body is what we should be looking for instead of constantly comparing ourselves to others. We should all strive to grow a stronger, happier and much more well-balanced version of our best selves.  No-one is the same and not all bodies function in the same way. Some may require more food and others less. Some feel good when they eat certain foods and others do not. Some love running and weightlifting and others prefer Yoga, Pilates or swimming. The good thing is that we can all find a place where we fit and just do it to improve ourselves and no-one else. Once you get moving you will see how quickly your mood changes for the better. You will smile often and feel lighter. You might have cravings for healthier, fresher food and drink more water. Sleep will improve, it will be easier for you to relax and give you a deeper more comfortable sleep; your body will thank you in so many positive ways. 

With the new year coming up it might be the perfect excuse to set new goals for yourself,  just do it and get your motivation going. Don’t be afraid to try out new sports,  it may surprise you just how much great and social it can be. Get your best friend or even your partner to join you for something new and have fun!

love JM

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WATER

There are many natural ways to prevent illness and restore good health. One of them and probably the most important is to DRINK WATER. I constantly repeat this simple tip to my family, friends, and clients because it is THAT important. You are not just what you eat, you are also what you drink. If you are not a big water drinker, please give it a chance. Test this out to see just how you will feel and look after 10 days by drinking at least 2 liters of water daily. I promise you will notice and feel a huge difference.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, consuming enough water really does improve your health and mood. I have had clients who are breastfeeding but still have constipated babies. The solution could simply be that the mother needs to up her intake of water. It is important that the body is hydrated in order to supply milk and in many cases the quality of milk also improves. I have witnessed this countless times and can also speak from my own personal experience.If you are feeling tired, dizzy or hungry but you just ate, try drinking a big glass of water and see how you feel. It might be a signal that you are thirsty. Your body is made up of 75% water and that water needs to flow through easily so that it can purify your system, so it makes sense to keep on drinking. Start your day with a very big glass of water (at body temperature or a bit warmer) and eat a good meal about 20-30 minutes later.

Water is also very therapeutic. There is nothing quite like a hot bath at the end of a busy day, a swim in the sea on a hot summer day or after a good work out or sauna. A good long shower is also super rejuvenating that sometimes I close my eyes and just listen to the sound of the running water. I notice my kids loving their bath time as they splash around, play and relax; I always have to drag them out. Our children also need to drink water, just how much will depend on their age. I always try to keep a water bottle on hand everywhere we go and I frequently remind them to take a sip, especially when travelling. Sometimes my boys are cranky, irritable, and complaining about this and that, but most times they are just thirsty. They also like me to add some fruit (kiwi, lime, blueberries, strawberries, mint or cucumber) into their glass. This helps keep the body even more hydrated.

If you are still curious about water there is a wonderful book called, “The Water Cure” written by Dr. Batmanghelidj. I recommend reading it as it is full of wonderful information on how water can heal and prevent illness.

Stay very happy, hydrated and don’t forget to drink your water ��

Love, JM

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MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE

My favorite breakfast smoothie

I soak one tablespoon of chia seeds in a glass of water over night. (Just make sure to stir the seeds with the water for a bit)

Papaya handful chopped down.

One apple.

Handful of baby spinach.

Blue berry (fresh or frozen)

One table spoon of hempseed.

Dash of cinnamon .

One table spoon of raw cacao powder.

A big teaspoon of Maca powder(optional)

Blend well and enjoy

Love JM

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THE JOURNEY

I believe that our Mother Earth is filled with magic, wonders, powers, and spells that help to create a long ,happy and healthy life for us all.

Mother nature had it all figured out way before we did. In every woman lives something extremely unique : wisdom and pure power. Some of us choose to create human beings inside our bodies. Then feed them from our breasts with milk that gives a new born the best nutrition they could possibly have –   to me this is pure magic. We are a big part of a plan that nature had for us. In the modern world many of these natural ways of healthy, clean-balanced living have been forgotten. With my site  I would like to share some simple ideas and recipes about how to get back to a clean and simpler lifestyle. I am no genius and myself still learning by getting inspired from some amazing leaders and teachers out there. I will gather great things that have been very helpful to me, my family and my clients. I will share advice and experience from all the beautiful people I have and will soon meet.

Also, please try to remember –  no one body is the same. What works for you might not work for the next person. No one diet is a good fit for everyone. I have tried many different diets and many or most of them just don’t work. I feel you only live once and I don’t like rules and restrictions. I try to provide myself with the best and recommend that you do the same. It was around 13 years ago that I started taking control of my own path towards better health and greater living. Progress takes time and I have enjoyed every stage. As I learn more about myself during this process, I do see where my weaknesses and strengths lie as a person and body. I am now learning the art of finding a good balance between the two.

You can try it out see what you like. Feel free to get in touch with me if you have something interesting to share. I find that people tend to get angry when you tell them what to eat so just to be clear my blog is not about that. Let’s just have fun on this journey towards better care of ourselves and our families. The best thing that could happen is you find a deeper level of happiness.

Love, JM

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A DAY WITH ALESSIA, BIANCA E ARMANDO

On a very rainy thursday morning in the fall i met Alessia Baldi in her home town of reggio emillia in northern Italy. A mother of two children, Bianca almost 3 years and a brand new  baby Armando just 3 weeks old. Alessia has the glow of a new mother, she seems so calm and so happy. You can tell she is in love. As devoted as a loving mother she is dedicates her life to make other women happy by making wedding dresses for a living. She runs her own company Alessia Baldi Atelier where she designs beautiful, simple and elegant dresses that so many women dream of. Everything about her is somehow so lovely and romantic as she was telling us about the ups and downs of motherhood. Let’s hear some of her story.

Now that you have two, how do you feel? How do you feel you are managing?

Life changes a little bit, Bianca wants to play and get her attention. But she is doing very well, when there are just the three of us at home she likes to help me and she is very sweet to him and me. Then it’s all 4 of us at home, or more people around, she acts up a bit wants the limelight. The first week after I came home from the hospital with Armando I wasn’t coping too well. I was feeling sad because I wanted to give more to her and to him, I mean she is not used to sharing my attention with someone else. Then I saw that she was happy around her brother so I was ok and I realised we would make it. I am not used to having two and I used to wonder how it would be and if I would be able to manage well but it happens so quick that you get used to it. It is just all so natural.

Is it difficult to divide yourself between the two of them?

Before Armando arrived I could not imagine having two of them. How I would do all this. Then he came and I just feel “wow I love them both so much”. Somehow it all came naturally. We are a family of four. How exiting! 

But as an example, one afternoon Bianca had just arrived home from school and was not having a good day so she was crying a lot. Armando was hungry and tired so he was also crying and I was very very tired and I just looked at them and thought oh my god what do I do, so I brought both of them to my bed and I just started reading a book and then I started feeding Armando. After a little while he fell asleep and then Bianca and then me. But in the beginning I was about to cry to.

But at the same time do you sometimes feel a bit frustrated?

Well he is only 3 weeks old so I don’t think I am there yet. But I am sure I will get there. 

So obviously you are not working now?

No, I am not making any dresses and I will take a few months off. I will slowly make a few appointments maybe in December. Now I am focusing on Armando and since I am breastfeeding him and he feeds so often in the first months it is important to me and him to stay close to each other.

But your idea of being a mom and then the reality. What is the main difference?

You have other priorities. When I was pregnant with Bianca for an example I did not realize how much time she needed after she would be born. I had thought I would give birth in December and then in couple of months I can start to work again. But it was not at all like that. I really needed to spend time with her. Take care of her, be there for her and give her love and security. Also when I had to switch from only breastfeeding to introducing food I did not know how careful I had to be. The first food is very important for our children’s health and I really wanted to do my best, so in the beginning I was very confused because there is a lot of different information of what to do and not do. I wanted to make all the food myself so in the beginning it was a bit time consuming but then you get the hang of it. I am sure it will be easier with Armando. I could not imagine all this when I was not a mom. I have changed completely.

Do you sometimes feel like your needs and your time almost does not meter anymore? 

Yes. Well they are small so I will get more me time again later on when they go to school and such.

Do you find it difficult to balance work and motherhood?

Yes in the beginning. It broke my heart to go to the studio, I really wanted to stay with Bianca.

The idea of working out of the house 7 hours a day? Could you do it?

No, and that is also why I opened the Atelier. Before I had kids I was working for max mara and Jucca and I was there from 8-8 without lunch and no time. I knew that was not what I wanted. I wanted family, kids and time to take care of my kids. I want to raise them and be their mom. Be here for them. At the Atelier I can choose how much I work and when. There are times I have to work a lot and times where I can stay with the children a lot. I can manage my own time and come home for lunch, and Bianca has been also coming with me to work as she loves to play at the studio. 

I have to say I really admire women who take their time to be mothers. It is a time that never comes back and it is important to get to know your child. Because it can be very difficult to be a mother. Go to work can feel like you are on a holiday. Right?

Yes, and you have to think about so many things after you become a mother. Sometimes when I go to work it feels like a relief in the first few minutes in a silent car. While I am at the studio my focus goes in one direction, while my focus is all over the place when I am at home, and I am running behind the whole day. After just few minutes at the studio I miss them so much. I would like to be everywhere.

Now you have one of each boy and a girl. Are there more babies in the picture?

My boyfriend Cesare gave me this ring after the birth of Armando and said this is for you the kids and the kids to come and I said wait I just gave birth (she said and laughed)

Bianca seems to know your studio quite well. Do you bring her here when you are sewing the dresses?

Well I bring her here often with me but I don’t sew anymore. I just design the dresses and I have a woman who does the sewing for me because that takes so much time and I have so much to do. She loves it here. So many things to play with.

Cesare works a lot right? He has a job where he has to travel quite a bit. How is that going? You are sometimes like a single mother?

We’ll he has a business partner and they take turns to traveling and he is at home now for some months so that is good. And he is very helpful with Bianca and Armando. He also makes dinner a lot. He is doing a great job with us so I can’t complain.

Is there one thing you secretly tell yourself that makes you a good mom? Something you are proud of?

I am always there, I give them lots of hugs and strokes. I think this is very important. Especially if Bianca is being angry, acting up, or crying.  I take her, give her a big hug and that really calms her down. Everybody has their moments sometimes. I think big hugs are the best and just to show them you care and you are always there. Bianca talks a lot she is like a little radio.

For how long have you been making dresses? 

For 5 years.

Don’t you ever get a bit lonely when you are home alone with the kids for a long time? 

Yes that happens. Also when I came home from the hospital it was a bit weird but at the same time I was so happy and curious for what was coming next. But I am lucky I have my mom around. She lives above the studio and I see her a lot. I really love my job and I am always so happy to come here to the studio to see my clients and help them with their dream dress.

If something is wrong with your kids or they have an off day do you always blame yourself? 

Oh yes all the time, you worry about what you did wrong and you are not good enough

What triggers that feeling for you? Can you give me an example?

Yes like the last time I felt bad, like really bad it was just the first week I was home as a mother of two. He was crying a lot and did not want to be left alone so of course I just had to hold him and keep him close as you do in the first weeks or months. So I was not with Bianca so much and she went to Cesare and asked him can you please give me a hug and come with me to bed and play? That was always our thing to do to gather. She was a real mommy’s girl, she still is. But I think the first few weeks were the hardest as we were all figuring out a new routine that would meet everyone’s needs. Plus the doctor has told me to be careful lifting up Bianca after the birth. I had always picked her up even at the end of my pregnancy, so she was crying and I could not pick her up. That felt very bad because I was missing it and so was she, the first week was very hard for this reason. 

I can see Armando is very comfortable in the baby wrap. Do you like using it? 

Yes I think it is so good to keep them close to you in the first weeks, and it calms him down to hear my heart beat and he sleeps so well and it helps also when he is feeling gassy. I can use both hands so can multi task and I can play a lot more with Bianca.

A secret moment when you feel like you are a bad mom?

Like now I have less time to go the market to buy good food and cook for Bianca. That makes me feel bad. I have been more into grabbing an easy dinner these days.

Do you ever yell and lose your temper?

Sometimes I call Bianca by her name like a 100 times and she never answers then I yell her name and she answers right away. Or when she is doing something she can’t and I tell her to stop a 100 times, then I yell and she stops. But then of course I feel guilty right away. I also think they need some discipline sometimes. Cesare is very good with this and he helps me a lot with teaching Bianca good manners. Like for an example the other day we were trying to teach her to say thank you and please, all these little things that are important. I had asked her if she would like more to eat and she just said no! So we said say no thank you, you must be kind. She refused so Cesare made her sit on the couch until she would say no thank you. It took forever but then at the end she whispered no thank you. But she listens well to Cesare. They are good together.

How long have you guys been together?

9 years now.

What inspired you to start to make wedding dresses

Well I love everything about weddings. Working with a girl who is just about to get married is so lovely as she is so happy looking for her dress. I like making the dresses for them it is something so special. 

So you breastfeed both?

Yes Bianca for two years and I plan to do the same with Armando. But I was a bit worried about Bianca’s reaction in the beginning because it is not that long ago she was doing it. So when I see her little face watching me and Armando I offer her to try and she says yes and pretends to drink from the other breast.

Does Bianca sleep in her room and bed?

No she sleeps with us in the middle so now there are 4 of us in the same room. Armando’s crib is stuck to ours so he has his little nest next to me. There is something so cozy and nice to be all together in one room. Actually Armando slept on my chest the first two weeks. I told Cesare to buy king size bed so we could all sleep comfortably.

Who was Alessia before she had kids?

I was working full-time also at night at the Atelier. I was sewing and designing dresses also late at night. My friends came knocking at the window hey Alessia come outside have a drink with us.

Beside working I was also going out much more.  Life of a single girl.

Did your relationship change a lot after you guys had kids?

Yes it changed, especially at first with Bianca as we had to find a new balance. I think that was the most difficult part to find that new balance. Be serene and relaxed. There are so many things you have to think about when you have a kid. Things I never realized until after I had her. Also things to choose like vaccinations, diet, sleep routines and we didn’t always agree. They are too small to choose for themselves so we have to choose everything and we felt a big responsibility. We like every parent want to make the best life for our kids.

Do you guys also get along well as parents? 

Well obviously we have ups and downs but we don’t argue that much or fight. We stay calm and talk. More like we get annoyed with each other but I think that is normal. We are on the same team and so far we try to be supportive of each other.

What about the diet? Do you make all the food at home?

Yes we make it all at home. We kept Bianca vegan for a while. When she was about 14 months we started with eggs and fish. I mean we never buy meat but sometimes when we go out for dinner or at grandma’s house we all have it. But we never buy it for the home. We also never have dairy products.

What is a typical family dinner like in your house?

It depends who is cooking me or Cesare. Cesare is a very good chef, for example he is very good with pasta and / or fish. I do more vegetables and some grains. I also do soups with vegetables and Bianca loves that. I think that might be her favourite food.

Is Bianca often sick?

No hardly ever. Sometimes a runny nose when the seasons change but that is a normal, and she gets that from school.

Do you think that is related to her good diet?

Oh yes. I think that to skip dairy and meat makes a big difference. I also try to keep her away from sugar. Like candy and Coca-Cola never ever.

Do you feel judged by people around you? Do they make a comment when you don’t allow some food or candy?

Yes but I really don’t care. People love judging, criticizing and making comments. I did my research and I know she is doing well. When she went to her first birthday party I was a bit nervous because I knew they offer so many things I don’t want her to eat. Thank god she did not show any interest in any of that so it was easy. Like the other day we took her to gymnastics and they played and exercised and had fun, then at the end of the class the teacher gave all the kids candy. I had no idea what to say and my jaw just dropped. It just does not match sports and candy plus they were all such small kids they would have been just as happy with a piece of fruit. But I was so happy she did not want to eat it she just played with it.

Where do you like buy clothes for the kids?

It depends usually Zara, Gap or H&M. For boys I love Polarn O Pyret.

What about you? how would you describe your style?

I love to buy second hand especially when I lived in NYC and still do love to search and mix it with max mara (all its brands) or Cos for example or H&M basics. I don’t have an absolute favourite designer because it depends on the season. But if I had to pick one it would be Luisa Beccaria.

I truly wish Alessia and her family all the best and I want to thank her so much for meeting me for a chat and sharing her experience of motherhood. I always learn something new when I meet new mothers so I hope some of you will learn something or be inspired in some way. If you are interested in seeing some of Alessia’s dresses check out her instagram Alessia Baldi Atelier or her website www.alessiabaldi.it.

love, JM

©Photo, www.mamafedona.com

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WHY ARE MY KIDS SCREAMING AT ME ?

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Dinnertime craziness – sound familiar to anyone? To me wayyyyy too familiar. I always imagined dinnertime to be the most peaceful time with my family. In my fantasy I’d cook the most delicious meal and extremely healthy of course 😉  We would have such a lovely time taking our seats at a table lit with candles. Well let’s say this is still my goal and I do know that it will happen soon enough but for the moment it’s only a once a week kind of thing …..okay, how about a month!

Kids love to test limits and push boundaries. They always try figuring out just how much they can get away with. They have some off days just as we adults do. I try to remember the difference is that we are able to express ourselves and take steps to ensure we feel better. Unfortunately, they lack the ability to do that yet so they go a wee bit crazy instead. Although believe me, I would love  to behave like them. Scream and chuck my spoon across the table or throw food at my boyfriend’s face. It would actually be funny and quite refreshing from time to time. Evenings are a busy time in a families’ home. What I have found useful in creating a more relaxing moment during family time is having the television turned off. I know for many people this is challenging but have found and later read studies on the topic that prove my point. There might be some drama the moment they realize the TV is off limits but I find my boys less irritated and cranky when the TV is not on at night. It’s also much easier for them to fall asleep. I light candles (obviously where they cannot reach them) and believe they set a relaxing atmosphere along with some soft music. I also think hugs are the most powerful. In the long-run loads of hugs throughout the day and strokes across their back or chin relaxes them a lot. Laugh with them, tell silly jokes and stories. Bend down to reach their level when you are speaking with them, give them your time and put your cell phone away. I know this advice is all quite obvious and most parents do practice these things. But for myself, I found that when life takes you on a busy ride we are tempted to forget the very simple things. I felt the need to share little routines that really worked when my older son was exploring his power towards me and his dad. I also believe that good manners are essential to learn at a young age. I will keep on trying to teach them that dinnertime is an important moment for us to sit down together and enjoy a good meal.

love, JM