Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Mom Musings: Truth about Draining Breastfeeding Madness, Don't Judge Moms

Who just ate yummy milk?
The background was me moving in all my office essentials from the
city to the home office. This was another item on the to-do list. 
I confess … breastfeeding is the pits!

As I anxiously anticipate the arrival of my son, this summer, I shiver at the thought of sacrificing my sleep and sanity in order to feed him breast milk. I say “breast milk” because it’s been made VERY clear to me that I did not “breast feed” my daughter, last year.

Apparently, pumping, which provides the same exact nutritional value as does putting a baby to a breast, is not actual breastfeeding. Um, go F*^% yourself. My daughter received the same good stuff and I still had to work very, VERY hard to manage to survive the five months of +Medela madness.  
Sorry all you judgmental peeps, including the nurses at the hospital that nudged me to at least try to breastfeed because “skin to skin is so important for your connection to the baby”. My boobs belong to my husband! I’m in for making the milk, but the sucking part is coming from a glass bottle. We used Lifefactory, in case anyone is wondering.

But, I digress.

Breast feeding, round two. Yah or Nah?

Yes, breastfeeding / pumping is the pits. It was mentally and physically exhausting the first go around. I didn't help the matter by jumping back into work (albeit from home, most of the time). I even did a store appearance ten days after giving birth. (PS It was the grand opening of NessaLee Baby in Livingston, NJ. The store and the owners are amazing.) Oh, and I refused to get a nanny because I was flush with energy, initially, despite being up every three hours to first pump and then feed Ilana Rose.
L to R: Trying to look normal with +NessaLee Baby owners Jordan and Vanessa;
with EXTRA Wardrobe Stylist Julie Kozak;
with +Project Nursery  co-founder +Melisa Fluhr 
Of course, in keeping with my Always Be Your Best You philosophy, I did not walk around the house looking like a hot mess. Before the 6am feeding, makeup was applied, along with my post-partum, body-preservation creams.

Ilana Rose was doing great. I was calm, so she was calm. We go into a great schedule and in about 5 weeks or so she began to have wider gaps of “feed me” moments, at night. I, however, was still up pumping out the goods.

My brain was spinning. My body was flipping out. I felt like I was on drugs, and I've never taken drugs so really this was just what I assumed it felt like to be drugged out. I remember telling my sister and husband that I felt like someone was pumping helium into my brain because I felt foggy. Nothing seemed clear. Then, one day, the sh&t hit the fan.
I used to watch her sleep a lot. I should have listened to my mom
and mother-in-law and slept, as well! 
While feeding my daughter, I attempted to sing her some songs. But, who turned off the play list? I couldn't remember the words to anything! It was like a part of my brain was gone. Over the next few days, I noticed that I couldn't articulate my thoughts properly to anyone. And, then, the emotional madness hit. I couldn't control the tears. It was ridiculous.

Turns out, I was seriously sleep deprived. I skipped a few pumps at night, but then felt guilty because if you don’t do it you lose it! I tried to go on more walks. I pulled back on work (although, not nearly as much as I should have!). Then, my family stepped in and we got a nanny. The nanny cared for the baby, while my mother cared for me. Ya, that’s how bad it got.

I eventually decided to pump through the summer, use stored milk after that and slowly transition into formula.

Yes, breastfeeding is the pits. I had NO IDEA WHAT I WAS GETTING MYSELF INTO! It’s impossible to breast feed, take care of a baby, manage your family and work the way I choose to work without proper help. Even then, the physical demands of being a milk factory are beyond comprehension to anyone who hasn't done it.

So, here comes number two.

For those who are wondering, yes, I plan to breastfeed my son. Oh, sorry, pump J. This time, I’m older (this past year basically equals ten years!) and wiser. I’m taking off July and August. My only work will be to be mommy. If the spirit moves me, I will blog. That’s it! I plan to go for about four or five months, but I’ll take it week by week.
My little peanut.
There is no denying that giving a baby breast milk is the best option. But, it’s very personal. Given everything that I've shared, you can imagine that it’s not something I can recommend. In fact, all I will say is this:
Do what works for your body and your family. If skin-to-skin is your game, great. If you want to pump into a machine and feed from a bottle, bottoms up. If you want to cabbage up your boobs (I’ll talk about that in a future post) and just do formula, fabulous. We shouldn't judge each other, because motherhood is a crazy job that we need to figure out and navigate as we see fit. And, of course, we need to do it with confidence, style and a little rough ;-).  You knew I would say that, right? 

Monday, April 21, 2014

P2 Lifestyle: HandbagDesigner101 8th Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards, Are you the Next Great Bag Designer?

Calling all handbag designers !!!

There’s one week left to enter for the chance to be nominated for HandbagDesigner101's 8th Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards. This is the only handbag competition of its kind in the world, and I’m thrilled, once again, to be part of the preliminary judging panel.

This coming Sunday, I’m taking some time off from mommy duties to sift through what I’m sure will be tomorrow’s great accessory stars. You could be one of them!
Back in 2012, when I wasn't pregnant ...
the last time I was able to attend the awards!
I tried to find a picture from the 1st Independent Handbag Designer Awards, but it's saved on an old computer. I'll have to fish for it! This was me attending back in 2012, and I've been pregnant ever since :). 

P2 Fashion: Malachite Jewelry and Home Decor Accents

Gold and malachite watches from Piaget. Simply stunning craftsmanship!
Malachite is one of my favorite stones due to its luxurious and vibrant green hue; and, thanks to my Russian heritage, I’ve been heavily exposed to this jem in jewelry and home décor. Until recent times, large quantities of malachite were mined in the Urals, Russia. In fact, there is an entire MalachiteRoom in the Hermitage, which I hope to see some day.
The Malachite Room at the Hermitage is classic, Russian opulence. 
Malachite has been on my mind ever since I was gifted a gorgeous, Isharya pyramid malachite ring after hosting the Accessories Council’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide event. As many of you know from Instagram, the ring has been on my finger nearly every day for two weeks.

Here’s a roundup of some of my other favorite malachite items for spring/summer fashion and home décor.


I'm mad for malachite!
1. Stephanie Kantis, Malachite Button Ring, $475
2. Christian Dior China, Guadron -Malachite Green napkin rings circa 1990s, $49 
3. Isharya, Green Malachite Goddess Honeycomb Earrings, $218
4. Istdibs.comValerie Egee - Bronze Cuff Bracelet with Malachite and Rodocrosytis, Price Upon Request
5. Isharya, Green Malachite Goddess  Pyramid Ring, $78
6. L'objet, Malachite Espresso Cup & Saucer Gift box, $580
7. RubyLane.com19th Century French Figural Ormolu Bronze and Malachite Candlesticks, $3980

Gold with malachite is a lux way to dress up a dining table or office. If you’ve never shopped L’objet, I highly recommend the brand. As summer soirées roll in, this brand makes excellent hostess gifts. The packaging alone will wow your friends. 
L'objet malachite and gold dinnerware and hostess gifts.
L'objet malachite dinnerware

Monday, April 14, 2014

P2 Family: Gifts for Your Wife from Bachelor Party

Gifts for your wife, from a bachelor party?
Bringing home presents for your wife from a bachelor party? I love my husband!

The shoes – Valentino Rockstud Patent Leather & Leather Ballet Flats, a flawless, classic!
These will never go out of style. I'm obsessed!
Realizing that this pregnancy is much harder on my back, I desperately need more fabulous flats. Always Be Your Best You, even in flats. I love my heals, but I need ground-level options. So, I hinted to the hubby that I wouldn’t mind these. He selected the color.

BONUS, The scarves – Hermes Faune LettreeSilk Twill Scarf from the Summer 2014 Collection and Hermes Faune Lettree SilkTwill Pocket Square
Matching mommy and me scarves? Yes, excessive. I think I'll keep both!
Two days ago, while resting my poor feet and back, I perused the new Hermes scarf catalog that just arrived. The cover showcased an ABC scarf, aka Faune Lettree, and I instagramed an image. The accompanying text, written as a joke, read Best way to teach #baby ABCs ! Thanks +Hermès for new scarf catalog in the mail on sunny Saturday. The only person that my husband follows on Instagram and Twitter is me. He found this statement to be funny, and an inspiration for two more gifts. The big scarf is for me – baby blue, because we are expecting a boy. The little scarf is for Ilana – she’ll appreciate it someday. For now, I’ll likely frame and hang it in her room.
Careful what you Instagram
My husband is amazing, not because he purchased these lavish gifts, but because he wanted to surprise me knowing that, like a little child, I live for surprises. He gets a kick from my happiness, a mutual feeling in our marriage. Gifting was following by dinner, a little TV time and chatting, other stuff ;), and a massage for Mr. Wonderful from Mrs. Madly in Love. 

Dear husbands of the world,
Your woman does a lot for you and your family and she deserves to be pampered. There are millions of ways to show your gratitude - cooking a meal, giving her a massage, gifting flowers, planning a romantic day in the park without the kids ... 

Ladies, 
Your men deserve you to Always Be Your Best You. Take care of your style & beauty routine and not only will you feel more confident (even if you're in bed due to sciatic nerve pain!) but your man will appreciate the effort. Don't let yourselves go. Never Surrender your sexy side! 

I'm wishing you a wonderful, sexy and sane week. BIG hugs. 

Friday, April 11, 2014

P2 Giveaway: Win Amazing Accessories featured during Accessories Council Mother's Day Gift Guide Event

I'm giving away amazing accessories featured during the Accessories Council Mother's Day Gift Guide event, which I co-hosting, this week. Two lucky readers (US only) will enjoy bags, jewelry, and small leather goods. The contest has been extended through Tuesday, April 15, 2014. Good luck! 

RULES for Giveaway
  1. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
  2. Tweet a link to your favorite item from the event. All links are on my “AccessoriesCouncil Mother’s Day Gift Guide” Pinterest board. Include #ACTOPPICKS #P2Giveaway and @PamelaPekerman.
  3. Instagram an image of your favorite item from the event. All images are on my “AccessoriesCouncil Mother’s Day Gift Guide” Pinterest board. Include #ACTOPPICKS #P2Giveaway and @PamelaPekerman
  4. One winner will be selected via Instagram and one via Twitter. Limit to three tweets and three Instagram posts per day. Contest ends Friday, April 15, 2014 at 11pm EST. Winners will be announced shortly after.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

P2 Fashion: Hosting Accessories Council's Mother's Day Gift Guide, plus Giveaways

Image courtesy of GlitterBuzzStyle.com
Hosting a soirée, be it my daughter’s 1st Birthday Party or last night’s Accessories Council Mother’s Day Gift Guide, is invigorating. I love engaging an audience, making them laugh and sharing my stories. When I see people smiling and reacting to my words, it reinforces my belief that I’m following my calling and living with passion.
I went with the Matthew Williamson dress from +Rent the Runway.
Image courtesy of 
GlitterBuzzStyle.com
Guests, including +PEOPLE, +secondcitystyle,  and LookOnline.com gathered at +BLT Fish to learn about the latest accessory must-haves for mom.
Scarves, jewelry, bags and so much more were featured, from great brands like +Hayden Harnett, Adrienne Landau and +ISHARYA Jewelry. Guests left with plenty of stylish tips and swag galore. Below are some of my favorite items of the night. More images are posted on my Pinterest page.
The hint of blue, makes this classic black/white tote more interesting.
Since mom is a walking pharmacy, she'll appreciate all the compartments.
Isaac Mizahi, $298 
Hearts are such a boring, typical choice for Mother's Day.
But, this laser cut style is cool, fresh and on trend.
Pico Designs, $65

A good vs a great scarf is all in the details, like hand rolled hem, finest
Italian silk twill & meticulously designed print. These scarves have it all.
Vasi, $360
Since I hate to be a tease, I’ve secured a special giveaway for two lucky readers.

RULES for Giveaway
  1. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.
  2. Tweet a link to your favorite item from the event. All links are on my “AccessoriesCouncil Mother’s Day Gift Guide” Pinterest board. Include #ACTOPPICKS #P2Giveaway and @PamelaPekerman.
  3. Instagram an image of your favorite item from the event. All images are on my “AccessoriesCouncil Mother’s Day Gift Guide” Pinterest board. Include #ACTOPPICKS #P2Giveaway and @PamelaPekerman
  4. One winner will be selected via Instagram and one via Twitter. Limit to three tweets and three Instagram posts per day. Contest ends Friday, April 11, 2014 at 10pm EST. Winners will be announced shortly after.
More than a wallet, this can double as mom's grab-and-go clutch
while running errands or enjoying a date night with dad.
olivia + joy, $58
Modern and lightweight, this isn't your grandmother's bead company.
For the young, minimalist mom, this is the jewelry brand to buy.
X by Trollbeads, $234
It's no surprise jewelry is the top gift item for Mother's Day.Surprise
mom with these lightweight earring to bring out her inner goddess.
Isharya, $118
Thank you to my long-time friend, mentor and president of the Accessories Council, Karen Giberson for asking me to be her co-host. I’ve known this amazing woman for nearly a decade and it’s a privilege to count her in my inner circle of diva, power women. 

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

P2 Fashion: Rent the Runway Helps Busy Moms Stay Stylish, Plus What Should I Wear?

Owning is better than borrowing. However, when your closet is overflowing, your job demands constant style freshness and your family obligations have drastically cut into your shopping schedule, it’s time to call the specialists - Rent the Runway.

+Rent the Runway always has an amazing selection of dresses to suite all my personal and professional needs, plus their “bump friendly” assortment is much appreciated. It's a handy resource that, once again, proves there are no obstacles that can't be solved and help you maintain your style routine and Always Be Your Best You.

Tonight, I’m co-hosting the Accessories Council’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide event with council president Karen Giberson. Here are three looks I’m debating between for tonight. Thoughts? 
Matthew Williamson dress via Rent The Runway
Option 1 Matthew Williamson, Knit It In Neon -- I love the color combinations and the strategically placed color blocking that instantly slims my figure.
Pink Tartan dress via Rent the Runway
Option 2 Pink Tartan, Lucy - Once again, it's all about the voodoo color blocking. Plus, this dress has a hint of color, but the central panel is black allowing my accessories to shine. 
Tracy Reese dress via Rent the Runway
Option 3 Tracy Reese, Rouge Trumpet - The vibrant redish coral is eye catching, which is what you want when you're hosting an event. I'm also mad for the trumpet bottom.