by Christine Chagaris
| What is a Divalysscious Mom? A definition that immediately springs to mind is a mom (or mom-to-be) that is plugged in to the best New York City has to offer. And, offering all that is top-notch is the aim of Divalysscious Moms’ founder, Lyss Stern. Lyss, a Manhattan resident and soon-to-be mom of two, (her son is three and a half, and she is due to give birth soon) relishes her role in bringing together moms, (and, of course, their infants and tots) to enjoy a variety of events that they may otherwise find hard to do given the various demands that parenting brings. All of the events are designed for mom and child.These events run the gamut, from advance showings of Off-Broadway plays, (such as the comedy, “Mother Lode”) book signings, discounted shopping excursions at retail hotspots such as Henri Bendel and FAO Schwartz, charity benefits, beauty and nutrition-themed events, holiday cookie decorating extravaganzas to, of course, information-packed breakfast and lunch lectures on topics relevant to raising kids that are sure to enrich every mom. |  | Lectures have included topics such as “Sibling Rivalry”, “Healthy Toddlers” and, most recently, “Potty Training”. I am not a mom myself, however, I did take away a wealth of new and very useful information on this topic after attending this event.
The gathering was held upstairs at the quaint tearoom, Alice’s Teacup Chapter II on East 64th Street. Approximately 35 moms, their little ones and a fair amount of moms-to-be gathered in the whimsically decorated, butterfly-themed room. Lyss and a fellow “Fabulous Divalysscious Employee”, (the term coined by Lyss herself) Odellia, (herself a mom-to-be) enthusiastically greeted their guests and little ones as they arrived. Everyone enjoyed a breakfast of tea and scones as Jaqueline Pomo, CSW and early childhood development expert, shared her vast knowledge of that important childhood rite of passage, potty training, with the very attentive crowd. She fielded an array of questions from moms and moms-to-be alike, ranging from the appropriate age to potty train (it depends largely on the child’s temperament, she stressed) to dealing with an obstinate child during the process (it’s okay for a child to protest, she says, as long as the parent can show some understanding and positive communication). Jaqueline emphasized that this process can indeed be stressful for parents; therefore, it’s particularly important they take time for themselves and get ample rest during this time. The crowd was a mix of repeat Divalysscious event attendees and moms new to the group ... and all mixed and mingled happily amongst themselves and the smaller set. All the moms left with a goodie bag, and each tot got a toy, ranging from cooking and tea sets to monkey bobble head dolls.
 A recent holiday party at FAO Schwartz
Stern started Divalysscious Moms three years ago. “I really felt, after my son was born, that there was a lack of fabulous, fun events for moms and kids throughout the city,” she says. Plans for the group include branching out into the Hamptons this summer. The group does its share of giving back to the community in the form of fundraisers. “We work with the Children’s Aid Society and Baby Buggy, among other charities,” Stern says. Baby Buggy, for example, works to provide strollers for underprivileged children, and for its fundraiser with Divalysscious Moms, over 35 stores on Madison Avenue hosted an array of activities from entertainment to breakfast, with prizes included. A portion of the proceeds was given to Baby Buggy in return.
Moms give the “dish” on Divalysscious Moms. “Lyss and Odellia have really gone out of their way to pick interesting events that all of the moms can enjoy and relate to,” says Alice Cohen, a Potty Training event attendee and mom to a little girl. “I have met many moms and their kids through Divalysscious Moms, which is great.” Deborah Metrick, mom to a three and a half year-old boy, echoes Alice’s thoughts. “The speaker today was excellent, and all of the topics presented by Divalysscious Moms really address things that moms in New York City can relate to. And, of course it’s a great way to meet other moms.” Lorin Gordon, another mom, waxes enthusiastic about the group: “I’ve been a member for more than two years, and heard about them through my friends. Lyss is really an inspiration to all of the moms in the group as she never misses an event.” Stephanie Kaster says, “I love that Lyss puts together events that take into account my needs as a woman and a mother, creating exciting venues to cater to both sides of my life.”
For more information, visit www.divalyssciousmoms.com. |
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