But…

She was never meant to stay at home, and we all knew that was the case. So she started her own business, with her best friend Karen. And there you have it, the birth of ‘Curly Tops, Ltd.’

Karen and GiGi designed clothing for children, and sold it out of our little house on Hampton Road, in Great Neck, New York. I don’t think the business lasted long. My mother went on to adopt my little brother, and Karen had Adam, her second. But they made a go of it, and back in 1973? I like to think these two women were pretty forward-thinking.

And looking back, I think my mom was a pretty cool renegade of sorts during that era – for bucking tradition and doing her own thing. Sure, my father wanted her to be a proper corporate wife, but the rebel in me? Is so very proud of the rebel in her. I like to think that my own personal motto, “don’t tell me what to do!” originated with GiGi, back in that little house on Hampton Road.

And so now, here I am with my own children, and I am faced with consumerism every single day. If i’m not buying one thing, I’m buying another. Clothes, shoes, hair products, toys, books. The list is endless. But I do my very best to support small businesses, ‘mom shops,’ in particular. I have so much admiration for women who can churn out creative and beautiful products for my children that stand out from the norm, all while raising their own children.

When I checked out Buzzy Weez, I had an honest moment of nostalgia for my childhood, and my mom in our kitchen, designing tee-shirts for little ones. I’d long since forgotten about those days, and Josie’s adorable little kid tops and onesies really brought me back. I love clothing for little ones that’s not too cutesy, and these tops hit the nail on the head of adorableness just enough.

Coco has a new favorite top. It’s an adorable purple top with a really sweet goldfish in a bowl on it , and the word, “golden,” and it’s become her favorite item of clothing. The first week she had it, I must’ve washed it three times alone so that she could wear it continuously. And it’s a high-quality shirt because it held up to those washings like a champ.

These tops and onesies would make awesome gifts for little ones. They are adorable, well-made and affordable. And you’re supporting a small business run by a really creative mom in Nova Scotia who knows what she’s doing when it comes to clothing for our little ones that’s unique but reasonably priced, to boot. I promise your kids will love these shirts!

Both girls are exhausted from the big adjustments we’ve all faced this week. After an entire month of swimming every day and lounging around until they each fell asleep and were then transferred to their respective beds, the girls suddenly find themselves back on schedule, in a routine that leaves little room for error, particularly as we try to get out the door in the mornings in our uniforms, with our backpacks, last night’s homework, water bottles and lunch boxes, teeth brushed, hair combed.

I’m exhausted. And schooled in how I will handle the summer / fall transition next year: with a return to our nightly routine at least two weeks before school begins. Because this last-minute business does not sit well with me. I don’t enjoy chaos. Turns out the girls don’t, either.

But in the middle of said chaos, I received a lovely treat at my front door. A gorgeous pearl bracelet from Pure Pearls.   My new freshwater pearl bracelet is white and it’s very elegant; very me. I’ve been wearing it daily with my most causal outfits, layered with my watch and another bracelet, lending it a rather boho-chic look. But last night, my husband and I went out to my favorite restaurant in Sundance to celebrate our eighth anniversary, and it paired up nicely with my dressed-up look; a grey wrap dress and sandals. You know I love anything that multi-tasks, and a simple but elegant piece of jewelry that makes the jump from daytime mommy-on-the-go to night-out-with-partner is right up my alley.

These bracelets, in particular, would make a great gift, whether it’s yourself, your own mother, or even your daughter. (Trust me, I’ve snatched back that little black velvet box with the bracelet tucked away inside from Pea’s room on more than one occasion!) Pearls are timeless, they go with virtually everything and Pure Pearls clearly believes that every woman should have a beautiful piece of jewelry that makes her feel special, but should not cost as much as a mortgage payment. And I agree. Pearls stand the test of time. I have a strand that belonged to my Grandmother, I have one from my own mother and two that I received as gifts from my father to mark two very important occasions in my life. All are well on the path to becoming heirlooms, to be passed on to my own daughters. And now I’m adding my beautiful freshwater pearl bracelet to the list.

(And by the way, check out the black freshwater pearl bracelet. Chic!)

I found it on 6pm.com, which I was turned onto by a friend. What a find! You do have to pay for return shipping, but if you’re confident about your sizes, this on-line shop is a veritable goldmine.

Completely addicted to these sheerly-tinted lip balms with SPF from Nars. Pretty, neutral and pale shades, they also offer sun protection and feel like Chapstick on my parched spend-every-day-at-the-swimming-pool lips.

If your’e not familiar with Tracy, she’s the fitness guru responsible for Gwyneth Paltrow’s current body. It’s a lovely body. Who wouldn’t want Gwyneth’s physique? And while yes, I know I’m not suddenly going to get out of bed one morning having grown another six inches, I can do the workout that Gwyneth does to maintain her killer bod. And that’s enough for me…

Three of the editors from the now-defunct mag have published a cookbook designed to help take the guesswork out of family meals when children are involved. And as they once cleverly laid out their recipes within the pages of the magazine, they also do the same clever layouts in their new book “Time for Dinner.” They also have great ideas for a well-stocked fridge, freezer and pantry, which I also appreciate. It’s meant to take the “oh my gosh there’s no food what will I feed the kids?” anxiety out of meal prep.

I cannot put the book down. I’m updating my week’s grocery list and can’t wait to get started…

Warby-Parker will run you about $100. And that’s with the lenses. And they are the coolest frames around.

I’m particularly fond of the ‘Miles.’ In black, of course. (Black frames look incredible on any and every face imaginable.)

Coupled with my Shu Uemura eyelash curler, I’m looking like I got a full eight hours lately.

But…

There is something to be said for a short, classic red nail. Just so perfectly… French. My shade of choice? ‘Dragon,’ by Chanel.

Looks good on toes, too.