This week’s post includes a simple variation from last week’s dress outfit, consisting of a black Club Monaco sweater dress with knee high boots. For this week, I matched a blue turtleneck sweater dress with a white belt to give the dress some definition and the outfit some color contrast.Throwing my hair up in a casual twist made for another small change. Mamas, always look for small ways to change and adapt your look. Although these changes are tiny, they help keep life different and fun. Even changing your earrings or your perfume can do the trick. It’s all in how you feel!My comfy Stuart Weitzman black over-the-knee suede boots completed the look. If you’re wondering how to style knee high boots, try tight-fitting leggings with a long loose blouse, shirt skirts or dresses like this one.Turning away from the fashion for just a bit, a blizzard hit New York today and the kids are home. Snow days can be L-O-N-G. I remember my mother packaging us up and tossing us outside for most of our snow days, asking us to move logs of wood from our barn to outside the door. Another “trick” she employed was claiming to bake a cheesecake which, she claimed, would crack should we kids open the door to re-enter. Smart, right? Well, since we live in an apartment, we can’t simply throw the kids outside. Snow days run long, and tempers can run thin.

One parenting expert I know recommends sitting down and drinking 10 glasses of water when you’re about to lose your temper. Getting to the 10th glass is unlikely, but by the third, you’re likely calmer and more adroit at handling the situation that confronts you.

Add to this tidbit of parenting advice the technique I tried right before writing this post. With one of my children in a full-on fit, I went into my bathroom, breathed deeply, and gave myself 10 minutes to get dressed, put on makeup, and do my hair. I emerged a new mama, refreshed and ready to resolve the strife.

Keep your cool. Take time to yourself. Splurge once in awhile. Life with kids is forever complicated — strive to be happy.

Thanks for reading,

Melissa